Bernie Buzz

On July 4th, while Americans should have been celebrating 249 years of our democracy, President Trump signed into law the most dangerous piece of legislation in modern U.S. history. Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” — passed by just one vote in the Senate — is a massive transfer of wealth from the working class to the top 1% and a death sentence for tens of thousands of low-income Americans. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, this bill gives $1 trillion in tax breaks to the very rich paid for by slashing health care, nutrition and education for the working class.

As a high school basketball player and track athlete – and even more as a parent and grandparent – I know how meaningful it can be to have a good coach and role model. Andrew Tripp of U-32 High School in East Montpelier has just wrapped up his 37th year of coaching earlier this month. Andrew has worked with hundreds of cross-country runners, Nordic skiers, and track athletes to become better, stronger, and faster. But he has also coached them to become people who know how to work together. The Bernie Buzz sat down with Andrew to hear how he got involved in coaching, his love for working with our young Vermonters and why he keeps coming back, season after season.

To my mind, it is extremely important that we not only remember the agricultural history and values that have shaped Vermont and made this state special, but that we also help our communities — especially the next generation — stay connected to farming. Despite many changes in the industry and the decline of family farms over the years, one thing has remained the same: opportunities through 4-H.

The EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and paramedics who work and volunteer with these agencies are highly trained medical professionals. They are also our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. Simply put, they are the first responders to some of people’s most difficult moments, and often the difference between life and death.

If you are ready for some fun, community and exercise, please join me on Saturday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Oxbow Park trailhead in Morrisville. After bagels, coffee, and conversation, we’ll set off on an out-and-back, 3-mile hike to the Park Street road-crossing in Morrisville.

On Monday, Vermonters and Americans nationwide honored those who lost their lives in service to our nation, the Gold Star families who loved them and kept their memories alive, as well as all those who served alongside them. One way to honor their sacrifice is to learn more about Vermont’s history of military service, directly from those who served.