The Bernie Buzz

When I was a kid growing up in Brooklyn, like all of my friends, I obsessively followed the Brooklyn Dodgers. We knew the names of all the players, their batting averages, who they were playing, etc. As mayor of Burlington I was pleased, in 1984, to help bring minor league baseball back into the city. The team, the Vermont Reds, an AA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, turned out to be very successful. It won a number of league championships, had very strong fan support and produced some great major league players including Ken Griffey, Jr. and Barry Larkin.

Right now, many people are worried about feeding their families. The school year is ending. Food prices are rising. The country is dealing with a baby formula shortage. That’s why I want to make sure you know that help is available to all Vermonters. Below you will find some information about food assistance programs available across the state.

I must confess that I love diners. I have not eaten at every diner in Vermont, but I’ve been to most. I like diners because they are unpretentious, because the food is good, the prices are right and the staff are friendly. They are also often at the center of community activity. We had the opportunity to visit the Blue Benn and talk with John, workers, and customers to learn more about their story, their traditions, and – importantly – their menu!

I want to take this opportunity to inform you about some excellent benefits available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Recently, we went behind the scenes at Moose Mountain Maple in Underhill to learn more about their sugaring operation. Today, the farm is owned and operated by William Butler, the sixth generation in the Butler family to run the business. I hope you enjoy the video about their farm, their story, and their passion for Vermont sugaring – and meet the seventh generation of Butler sugarmakers.

At a time when many workers feel like cogs in a machine, we should be proud that Vermont is helping to lead the country in employee ownership, worker co-ops, and other alternatives to corporate ownership.