A celebration of housing

Housing First of the Upper Valley is a collaboration of human services, housing and health care providers, faith-based groups, municipal leaders, legislators and concerned citizens.

We want to inform residents about a special event taking place on the summer solstice to celebrate individuals and families who have secured housing after experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to honor those facing housing insecurity, and will emphasize hope, resilience and the power of community support. Held at 5 p.m. on June 20 at White River Junction’s Lyman Point Park, “Homes and Hope: A Summer Solstice Celebration” welcomes everyone, including people who are currently housed, unhoused and those who have navigated the challenges of securing stable housing. Light refreshments will be provided, and a table of small housewarming gifts will be available along with several activities.

In addition to fostering reflection and connection, we invite attendees to share their personal experiences with housing struggles. Through these conversations, we aim to uplift voices and spread awareness of the barriers many face in obtaining secure housing. Information on vital resources and support systems will be accessible to anyone seeking guidance. This event is open to all, and we encourage families with children to attend. Together, we can strengthen our community, celebrate resilience and inspire hope for those working toward housing stability.

Angela Zhang

Lebanon

This letter also was signed by Breanna Prime and Rebecca Desilets.

Vermont’s changing climate

At this moment, sitting at my desk in New York City at the beginning of my summer semester at Columbia, I can’t believe how much I miss Vermont. I miss the scenery. I miss the seclusion. And I miss my family.

When I was 6 months old, my parents bought a cabin on a 10-acre property in the center of the state. I was supposed to grow up there, but my dad’s career required that the whole family move to Japan, about as far away from Vermont as you can get. I ended up living all over the world — Tokyo, London, New York City, Hong Kong — so I spent short vacations in Vermont. But those moments created the most idyllic memories for me.

Last summer, though, I got to spend four glorious months there. Each day, I sat on the porch overlooking the garden with the sun on my face, watching the dogs run through the birch grove. Every week, I drove to my grandparents’ house, where we would sit on their patio and reminisce. For days on end, I didn’t feel bored. I didn’t worry about my grades. I didn’t fear failure. My life was free from trouble.

Vermont feels like a well-kept secret, and I’m tempted to tell Vermonters not to share it. I’m so afraid of losing this precious thing that Vermont has to offer.

According to the Vermont Department of Health, the number of days each year with temperatures above 87F is expected to rise from six to more than 20. The state’s website says that 92 bird species are projected to vanish within the next 25 years. Our ski season will become shorter, and our apple trees might not survive.

As I sit here in Manhattan, I can’t help but wonder: will we continue to have snow on the trees in winter and maple syrup in the spring? I know that it’s selfish for me to think this way, but I’m really afraid of what the future holds. Will the Vermont we know and love continue to be there for any of us?

Lucas Paul Scibetta

New York, N.Y. and Norwich

A leader’s cruelty

Are you awake yet America, or are you still in sleepy denial? Donald Trump told us what he was going to do, and it’s happening. The greed and cruelty and corruption were always there, but the buffoon has become a monster.

The recent “Kim Jung Un” Cabinet meeting (as one writer described it) would have been a piece of surreal theater if it weren’t so terrifying. Trump’s sycophants spouting scripted praise of the Dear Leader while he sat with a self-satisfied smirk. On the table for all attendees a party favor — their very own “Gulf of America” hat.

By the time Trump is escorted out of the White House, he will have been personally responsible for the deaths from disease and starvation of millions of innocent children. These kids have — in Trump’s own words — been “ripping us off for years,” and because everything for Trump is transactional, they will die because they have nothing he needs.

Hopefully, enough of the useless cowards in Congress will realize that their political careers will be over and our Republic will be in jeopardy if they don’t find a spine and do the right thing.

Curt Albee

South Strafford