By Barrie Dunsmore This will be my last column of 2017. Traditionally, this has been an opportunity for reflection on important events of the past year, usually with a look ahead – and if possible – a positive spin that the glass is half full rather than half empty. As human beings I believe most…

By Chad Storlie I was speaking to a group of small business owners a few days ago about the benefits of military service and hiring military veterans for their businesses.  As I received their still very special, “Thank you for your service,” compliments following my talk, I realized that the public displays of gratitude for…

Dear Editor, For decades, homeowners of Great Hawk Homeowners Assn. have routinely ventured into the neighboring Pine Gap Loop Trail area in the Bingo Basin for the tranquility that it offers. Our membership enjoys non-motorized sports such as walking, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and skiing. It offers them peace of mind, great exercise, and a nearby…

Dear Editor, Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to meet a number of residents in the towns of Bridgewater and Killington at meet & greet sessions at the town transfer stations and a Bridgewater Grange meeting. Additional events are planned for Chittenden, Nov. 11, and Mendon Nov.18. In addition to many…

Dear Editor, Another amazing Trunk or Treat for Pittsford! We had around 150 kids go through the trunks. Thank you to Pittsford Fire Department, Pittsford First Response, Pittsford Police Department, Vermont Police Academy cadets, Furnace Brook Wesleyan Church andPittsford Recreation Department for hosting. Thank you to all the families that decorated trunks! And thank you…

By RJ Matson

Dear Editor, When the Ludlow and Cavendish transfer stations recently increased their fees, our donation shed saw a steep increase in unusable donations we cannot resell – especially those made at night and on weekends when the store is closed. As a result, our trash disposal cost has skyrocketed. Black River Good Neighbor Services has…

By Daryle Thomas Once you know where you are, it’s easy to get to where you want to be. And that, dear reader, is why you need to test your garden soil. A bit of a leap? Not really. Garden soil is not just dirt. You have sand, silt, a little bit of clay, and…

By Carl Diethelm, a.k.a. Compost Carl As a tenant not owning his own home and living in town, I understand how difficult it can seem to be to compost food scraps instead of putting them in the trash. There might not be space to compost outside (if the landlord would allow it), or it could…

By Julie Moore Despite the Scott administration’s commitment to restoring Vermont’s waterways and funding clean water initiatives, recent news stories have contained inaccurate information and given the false impression that we’re decelerating our efforts. This is simply not the case. The Agency of Natural Resources, and all the partners engaged in this work – including…

Dear Editor, Recently, Ethan Allen Institute President Rob Roper posted an op-ed with the inflammatory, sensational title, “So Second Home Owners Can Vote in Vermont?” Perhaps as intended, Mr. Roper’s attention seeking commentary caused significant confusion and concern about Vermont’s residency law for voting purposes. As Vermont’s chief elections official, let me set the record…

By Lee Hamilton A dozen years ago, the preface to a report on federal election reform began with these words: “Polls indicate that many Americans lack confidence in the electoral system, but the political parties are so divided that serious electoral reform is unlikely without a strong bipartisan voice.” I can find no part of…

By Sue Skaskiw Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society was able to fill a 34-foot RV owned by volunteer Barry Newton with cat, dog, horse, bird and rabbit food  (32 banana boxes full!); Vari-kennels, (pet carriers enabling abandoned animals to find their way to safety); medical supplies including flea, tick, ear mite medicine, antibiotics and…

By Carl Diethelm, a.k.a “Compost Carl” Most people remember visiting “the dump” as a kid and being awestruck by the sight of piles and piles of stuff. There were big machines building mountains with the materials, and if you were lucky, there might be an old bike to ride down the hill! It sure wasn’t…

Dear Editor, Pittsford Community Connects held our Ice Cream Social on Sept. 10 at The Village Farm on 42 Elm St. in Pittsford. We hosted over 100 people on the property, looking around, asking questions, and thinking about the future. We would like to thank the many people and agencies who helped to make this…