Dear Editor, Things are getting better. Dec 11 is the time when the sun starts to set later. A second of time a day at the start and by noon March 20 (the equinox, when the Sun crosses the equator and day and night are equally long at the equinox) when we gain 4 minutes…

Dear Editor, On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Pittsford Recreation Department sponsored the annual holiday craft sale in the Lothrop Gym and downstairs in the cafeteria. The Recreation Department would like to recognize Kelly Connaughton, the craft fair coordinator. Thank you very much for all your hard work you put into the Craft Fair events the…

By Melissa Martin Santa Claus (a.k.a, St. Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa) is a Christmas figure celebrated for flying around the globe on Dec. 25 to give gifts to children. And the holly-jolly guy carries around a list of names with two columns: one labeled “good” and one labeled “bad.” “Santa Claus…

By Angelo Lynn Vermont’s congressional delegation lined up in support of a compromise $867 billion Farm Bill passed overwhelmingly by the U.S. House and Senate earlier this week. The House approved the bill 386-47; the Senate approved it 87-13. The strong bipartisan support, analysts said, was spurred in part by pressure from farmers battered by…

By Euphemia Anderson Vermont is known for its picturesque pastures, endless seas of white pines, and its historically tight-knit communities. Being the sixth smallest state in the country geographically, with the second smallest population, it has maintained its open spaces without infringement for most of its existence. But there is something that is slowly killing…

By Erin Forbes The holiday season has arrived and brings not only celebrations, presents, and decorations but also concerns for pet safety. There are many dangers to be aware of as you begin to celebrate this year. These includes specific types of plants, certain foods, and even decorations. Chocolate is in great abundance during many…

By The Valley News It is profoundly discouraging to witness adults failing in their obligations to the young people in their charge. Examples abound, from the thoughtless to the tawdry to the traumatic, and in each case they represent a betrayal. But what a glorious thing it is when young people, with right on their…

By Angelo Lynn In Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri, legislators led by Republicans are using this lame-duck session (that time between the Nov. 6 General Election and the start of the new administration in January) to pass a slew of state laws that would either reduce power of the incoming Democratic governors or attorney generals,…

Climate change calamity confronts a world struggling to cut emissions By Angelo Lynn This  Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the 24th annual U.N. climate conference held in Poland, scientists around the world agreed on one sobering finding: global emissions of carbon dioxide have reached the highest levels on record – despite world-wide efforts, pacts and promises…

Dear Editor, Let’s put statistics aside for a while. Much has been said about Vermont schools in comparison to other states, both good and not so good. I’ve had the opportunity to work in many different schools and states as teacher and administrator over a number of decades. So, maybe our students don’t all go…

Dear Editor, The Citizen Committee for development of a new public safety facility in Killington has been meeting regularly since the positive land vote by the town at last year’s Town Meeting. We first discussed the general direction for development of the facility. Then we decided to hire a construction manager. This person works directly…

Dear Editor, Magicians and con men count on distraction to survive. One current national example: our president and his political friends keep you focused on migrants and refugees, so you won’t notice things like the fact that the U.S. healthcare “system” is a far greater danger to your long-term well being than any caravan from…

By Angelo Lynn This Christmas season make saying hello to your local businesses a personal goal. Not every single business in town, but the ones you most frequent and the ones you occasionally shop in to get that needed item or two. Think it’s a short list; that there aren’t that many local businesses to…

Dear Editor, In her commentary, “Earning and Learning,” Patricia Moulton, president of Vermont Technical College lays out her plans to improve education outcomes and help students. A very noble undertaking. However, she begins her commentary with the same fundamental flaw, the same misconception the same falsehoods that the secretary of education, the deputy secretary of…

Dear Editor, The fall and winter can be a busy time full of fun activities and travel, but the same activities that bring joy can also negatively impact patients in need of lifesaving transfusions. In fact, right now, the American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and has issued an urgent call for…