Dear Editor, With so many small businesses closing due to Covid hardships, and local markets and craft shows across the state forced to halt in-person operations, the businesses that do succeed are the ones that update their business model and get creative. The Vermont Farmers Market is no exception. Down to half capacity this summer…

Dear Editor, A walk through town reveals many signs, like our own, proclaiming that Black Lives Matter. Folks may be searching for other ways to promote racial equality, and to learn about and work to end systemic racism, other than posting signs. One option among many is to join the Rutland Area NAACP. Now the…

Dear Editor, First is my big thank you to the 1,471 Windsor County voters. Those voters saw the issues facing local democracy. I, Mason Wade, spoke strongly about our local democracy being homoginized by the two party system, as an independent candidate for the past two Windsor Senate races. Before I share an example, I…

Dear Editor, Regarding the death of a pedestrian crossing Route 7 by Day’s Inn in Rutland Town (“Pedestrian struck and killed in Rutland,” Nov. 11-17 edition) — I travel Route 7 South often and am always amazed that pedestrians have to take their lives in their hands to cross Route 7 at one of the…

To the Editor, I was pleased to learn an Israeli startup called SuperMeat is serving cultured-chicken sandwiches at a test kitchen in Tel Aviv. For those who don’t know, cultured meat is grown from cells, without slaughtering animals. The U.S. Congress should help fund development of this revolutionary protein. Though cultured meat is rapidly approaching…

Dear Editor, This week, President Trump will take a break from brooding over his election loss to pardon two turkeys. Every one of us has that same awesome power to pardon an innocent, sentient bird by choosing a plant-based roast for our Thanksgiving dinner. The 222 million turkeys killed in the U.S. this year are…

Dear Editor, The year 2020. What a year. The pandemic has forced all of us to look closely at our place in the world. Last year at this time, we only saw masks at the dentist or in the operating room. Today, a mask is part of our wardrobe. A year ago, we were shaking…

Dear Editor, A C-Span caller voiced her fear that Democrats would get rid of Medicare and Social Security.  An article about Black men who support Trump mentioned concerns that Biden would cut Medicare and Social Security.  I’ve heard the same in everyday conversations. That level of ignorance by people who care about these programs is…

Dear Editor, Thank you, people of the Windsor County Senate District, for re-electing us as your State Senators. Your trust is an honor, and a challenge to be worthy. We’re grateful to the many people who’ve worked to re-elect us, and we thank our various opponents for a civil contest in these uncivil times. We…

Dear Editor, I’m writing in awe of the incredible response to the GMP Food Challenge recently held on behalf of the Vermonters who rely on the Rutland Community Cupboard. With Covid-19 forcing this wonderful annual community event into a virtual one this year, we had no way to know how this might go — but…

Dear Editor, Thank you to all who took the time to vote in this year’s general election. As you know, it was a record turnout for Vermont with approximately 80% of registered voters participating. Hats off to our town clerks and their election teams for the job they did preparing for this year’s election with…

Dear Editor, From the bottom of my heart, I say thank the residents of Rutland County for electing me to be one of your next senators. I am beyond grateful for your trust in me. I am overwhelmed by the support of thousands, and I promise not to let you down. This campaign, and victory,…

Dear Editor, A huge thank you does not cover how grateful I am as a Pittsford community member.  On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Pittsford Community came together to create a safe, fun, amazing drive-through Trunk or Treat!  The amount of smiles (under their masks) and thank yous from the children and adults was wonderful. Without…

Dear Editor, Trader Don’s is closing down and moving itself, with his family companies lock, stock and barrel to a foreign destination within a fortnight after the Nov. 3 presidential election. Saving money, and the pursuit of law and justice, far from American courts, the Trader’s tumble has caused early trading on Wall Street to…

Dear Editor, Friends of Veterans would like to thank all our donors, sponsors and players who made our annual golf fundraiser at the Baker Hill Golf Club a tremendous success. This fundraiser along with the many grants we receive will allow us the opportunity to make this challenging year the fourth consecutive year of providing…