Dear Editor, A news story published by WCAX Nov. 21 said that Brattleboro police are warning Vermonters that “fentanyl-laced marijuana” has been found in our region, and that it caused one person to overdose Saturday. The next day, similar reports were published by the Brattleboro Reformer and MyNBC5. I felt an immediate need to address…

By Bob Stannard Editor’s note: Bob Stannard of Manchester is an author, musician and former state legislator and lobbyist.  Bang! Bang! Maxwell’s silver hammer Came down upon his head Clang! Clang! Maxwell’s silver hammer Made sure that he was dead — The Beatles And so happy Christmas for black and for whites, (War is over…

Dear Editor, Sen. Patrick Leahy’s recent announcement has caused me to reflect on his legacy and his many years of service to Vermont and the nation. Until recent events, I considered myself a lifelong Republican. Although I now consider myself an independent, I still firmly believe in limited government, self-reliance, public safety and free enterprise.…

By Julia Purdy A prominent thread woven into the fabric of present-day Vermont is the question of the “two Vermonts” — the old versus the new, the traditional versus the forward-looking, the rural versus the urban, the economically depressed versus the financially flush, and the assumptions and expectations on both sides. A particular issue has…

Dear editor, Scammers are getting even more imaginative in their attempts to separate you from your money. One technique they use – successfully – is to pretend they are a legitimate business or service soliciting information from you so you can get something you want or think you need... or give you false protection you…

By Nicholas Boke Editor's note: Nicholas Boke is a freelance writer and international education consultant who lives in Chester. In late December, Rutland Board of Aldermen member Matt Whitcomb asked the big question as he and his colleagues puzzled over the possibility of enacting mask mandates. Rutland Herald reporter Gordon Dritschilo explained in a Nov.…

Dear editor, We recently learned that the federal government has notified the state of Vermont that the enrollment targets for all-payer model (and thus the Accountable Care Organization, One-Care) are both “unattainable” and “unnecessary.” This is an entirely new way to set standards. Imagine if a professor or teacher tells her students they need to…

By Ken Fredette Editor's note: Ken Fredette resides in Wallingford. After watching public input and the ensuing conversation among board members at the Mill River School Board meeting Nov. 17, I find myself compelled to reach out to all of you with some thoughts. First and foremost: It is clear that members of the board…

Dear Editor, It sometimes feels like no one wants to agree on anything these days — from national politics to the most local of issues. So, I’m writing to offer your readers an antidote to some of the negativity, divisiveness, anger, and suspicion that may seem so pervasive: The opportunity to participate in the 2021…

By Dr. Marvin Malek Editor's note: Dr. Malek is an internal medicine specialist at Springfield Hospital. He is also on the executive committee of Vermont Physicians for a National Health Program. In 1938, the notorious bank robber Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks. His response: “That’s where the money is.” Were Willie Sutton…

Dear Editor, We recently found the March 6-12, 2019 article “Judge buries quarry squabble” by Julia Purdy and Lani Duke. This reported on a court case in a dispute between a group of Cavendish Tierney Road residents and the owners of land at the top of the road, Justin and Maureen Savage, who want to…

Dear Editor, I have been a solo, independent pediatrician for 32 years at Green Mountain Pediatrics, located in Bennington. I have always strived to use best practices with some healthy common sense in the care of my kids. I love being a part of these children’s growth and maturity, helping their families navigate parenthood. I…

By Julia Purdy Under a fuzzy gray sky that promises snow They stand like lone sentinels At the traffic lights Dark figures, straight-backed, lean, Once strong, capable bodies Muffled up in layers of old clothes, hoodies under jackets worn thin. Some are veterans. Small birds flock across the sky, strength-training for their journey. Where are…

Dear Editor, The Rutland region has been running an elevated number of Covid cases. It has never been more important that we all pull together to reduce spread and end this pandemic. It is essential for our health, well-being, and our economy. As we write this, the Legislature and governor are discussing plans to allow…

By Bill Schubart Robert Kennedy said in a 1968 speech at the University of Kansas: “Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages,…