Happy, almost, New Year! I hope you’ve had some time to relax and enjoy the holiday season with family and/or friends. I was happy to have all of my kids home for the holidays, enjoying meals, hikes, games, and music together. It’s been a difficult year for many people, so finding time for joy with people you love is especially important.
As the year comes to a close, I’m grateful for so many people and places in our community. In a year when many Vermonters have struggled to afford good food, I’d like to give a special shout-out to everyone who helps feed Vermonters. Here’s to all the farmers, food service workers, cooks, grocery clerks, waitstaff, food truck drivers, community volunteers, and everyone who works for a food access organization. Thank you for feeding us all!
A couple weeks ago, I stopped in to see the new CVOEO Addison Food Hub. Alicia and Emmet (see photo!) gave me a tour of the beautiful new space that’s shared with the ACORN Food Hub. It’s a great partnership and helps bring good food to more members of our community. If you need help getting food or are looking to make a last-minute, year-end donation, check out these food assistance organizations: CVOEO Addison Food Hub, HOPE Food Shelf, Vermont Food Bank, and Hunger Free Vermont.
The 2026 legislative session starts a week from today! I am eager to get to work on your behalf and will again try to provide you with regular updates about legislative work and priorities. Please reach out if you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, and I will do my best to get back to you. I get a huge volume of emails and calls, so being patient, persistent, and polite is always appreciated!
In case you missed it, earlier this month, the entire Addison County Legislative Delegation signed on to a letter calling on Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos to resign. We also called on the Professional Responsibility Board to act without further delay on the complaints that have been filed against Ms. Vekos. The people of Addison County deserve a state’s attorney they can trust. We must restore compassion, competence and civility in our local justice system.
I will be in touch again once the legislative session is underway. If you’re looking for some fun, inexpensive ways to start the new year, consider signing up for a Vermont State Parks First Day Hike, taking New Years Day Yoga, or enjoying the birds at your feeders (including the “finch irruption”!) by taking part in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which lasts through January 5th. Whatever you do, I hope you have a joyous, peaceful, and safe New Year’s Celebration! Take Care.
Header Photo: A beautiful and talented, full house at the Middlebury Congregational Church during this year’s annual Community Messiah Sing.
Ruth for Vermont 