All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
To the editor: Whiting’s Summer Reading Program a fun-time success
The 2015 Summer Reading Program (“Every Hero Has A Story!”) has come to an end and the Whiting Library couldn’t be more pleased with its success. We had 81 kids sign up for the program and we hope all the kids had as much fun reading, doing crafts, earning prizes and attending parties as we […]

Commentary: Vermont has done much, can do more to stem climate change
By Deb Markowitz When Vermonters see a problem, we work to fix it. That is why earlier this year Vermont signed onto two historic climate agreements that will strengthen our state’s resolve to combat carbon pollution and transition to a new clean energy economy. In April, Gov. Peter Shumlin joined leaders from around the world […]
To the editor: GMUHS principal thanks community for graduation participation
I am writing to publicly thank our communities for their continued support of Green Mountain Union High School. The graduation ceremony held on June 19, 2015 was very well-attended with hundreds of community members present to honor and congratulate the Class of 2015. The graduation was held outside and in beautiful weather. Our campus was […]
To the editor: GMUHS thanks families, organizations for scholarships
The Green Mountain Union High School Senior Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, June 12. This program celebrates the achievements of our senior class both in the classroom and in our community. We would like to thank the following families and organizations for supporting the class of 2015. Approximately $400,000 is awarded between Senior Awards […]
To the editor: CAFC shop and food shelf need volunteers
The Chester-Andover Family Center is looking for volunteers for both the Thrift Shop and Food Shelf. The Food Shelf needs folks to help with gleaning and processing produce during the summer and fall. Times and places to be determined. You are welcome to help once or several times. For more information, please leave a message […]

Commentary: Sen. Campbell’s legislative epiphany on ethics
By Bill Schubart I just searched Sen. John Campbell’s official state website and typed in “ethics.” The site yielded “no results” and urged me to check my spelling. Campbell (D-Windsor District) has been an outspoken opponent of establishing ethical oversight for the legislature until his recent epiphany inspired by the arrest of Sen. Norm McAllister […]
To the editor: Take care of your skin while out in the sun
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and Springfield Medical Care Systems would like to remind the public about the prevalence of skin cancer and the importance of prevention. The American Cancer Society reports skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and The Skin Cancer Foundation reports “one in five Americans will develop skin […]
To the editor: Chester-Andover Family Center ready for spring
Have you been to the Chester-Andover Family Center Thrift Shop lately? Despite the flurries falling from the sky, March’s lion is on its way out. So come on in and check out the beautiful array of spring and summer clothing, shoes, and accessories for the entire family. Whether preparing for a new member of the family […]
To the editor: Report from CAES Food & Nutritional Services
The Chester-Andover Elementary School Food and Nutritional Services have been working very hard all yearlong to enhance our breakfast service and we are pleased with the progress. We have yet to offer it in the classroom, but I am patient. Good things take time. We offer breakfast daily from 7 to 8 a.m., so feel […]
To the editor: Thanks to fire departments for help at March 6 fires
I’d like to take this time to thank all of the fire departments that came to the aid for the fires on Elm Street in Chester, on March 6, especially the Springfield Fire Department that, during all of the chaos, was quick to come to my aid. Because of its professionalism and speed, damage to […]

To the editor: BRGNS thanks Okemo staff, skiers, ambassadors for successful food drive
The volunteers, employees and clients of Black River Good Neighbor Services in Ludlow extend their sincere thanks to the staff and skiers at Okemo for their generosity at the annual Cares and Shares spring food drive. Special thanks go to the Okemo Mountain Ambassadors who skipped skiing on a beautiful Sunday morning to help collect […]
To the editor: Huge thanks to all who helped with successful 2015 Heath Gordon fundraiser
It was a fantastic night, and the Heath Gordon Scholarship Fund has a ton of people to thank. We were able to raise $5,100 at our 2nd annual fundraiser on Saturday night. All proceeds will go to a deserving Green Mountain Union High School senior or GM alumni pursuing a college degree in either art […]
To the editor: Save Vermont Interactive Technologies
I am a nursing student at Vermont Technical College. Our college, as well as many other colleges, companies and people in Vermont, use Vermont Interactive Technologies for educational and training programs. Gov. Peter Shumlin has decided to cut funding for VIT to $0 in FY16. This means that VIT will cease to exist by July […]
To the editor: GM principal thanks voters for backing school budget
I want to thank all of you who voted for and approved our operating budget for the coming school year. For those who did not vote for the budget, I promise to do all I can so that our school earns your trust and confidence. Besides their rigorous academics and participation in sports, theater and […]
To the editor: Chase thanks voters for their support
Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve Chester as a member of the Board of Selectmen. I am humbled by the support and encouragement that I have received from so many fellow citizens. Over the course of the next three years I am looking forward to listening to your ideas and concerns. I […]
To the editor: Chase will represent Chester well on the Select Board
We are writing to support the candidacy of Heather Chase for a seat on the Chester Board of Selectmen. Over the 14 years that the Chase family has been our neighbors and friends, we have had a chance to see Heather close up, in both good times and trying times. And we really like what […]
To the editor: Not the time to legalize marijuana
I have kept a keen eye on the marijuana legalization issue over the months. Vermonters should not be fooled into thinking this is a Vermont thing. The Marijuana Policy Project, a Washington, D.C., organization, has sent Matt Simon to our lovely state to lobby for marijuana to be legal in our state. Mr. Simon lives […]
To the editor: Chase a fresh voice for Chester Select Board
We are pleased to write in support of Heather Chase for the three-year seat on the Chester Board of Selectmen. We have known and admired Heather and her family ever since she moved to our wonderful town in search of a quality of life. As long-time active Chester residents, creators of a successful doll business […]
To the editor: Expect education tax rate to drop
Several factors go into our education tax rates – education spending and the number of students, for example. But no aspect of the formula has as significant an effect on whether we pay more or less in taxes than the Common Level of Appraisal. Last year, a swing in the CLA was largely responsible for […]
To the editor: Vote for Green Mountain, Chester-Andover & River Valley school budgets
The Green Mountain Union High School Board respectfully requests your support of the FY 2015-16 proposed budget. The budget to be voted on Town Meeting Day represents an increase in budgeted expenditures of 1.43 percent, largely based on personnel costs that are offset by savings in transportation. Our estimated education spending per pupil continues to […]