BRATTLEBORO — Someone recently described Brattleboro as a paradox, and I think it's safe to say this is true for all of Vermont and, possibly, the entire planet.
In these times of devastating loss and challenges, we all need to find those things that help keep us connected and grounded to hope.
One way I do this is by coordinating and promoting Green Up Day locally. As many of you know, Green Up Day is a 53-year-old tradition that brings people together physically, socially, and environmentally by getting outside to clean up miles of Vermont roads throughout the state. Green bags are provided in advance and on the day, which this year is Saturday, May 6.
As I was delivering Green Up Bags to the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce this past week, I had the fortune of overhearing two young people talking to Greg Lesch, the executive director.
The couple had just moved to the area with their young children and were excited to be able to live and raise their family here. I told them about Green Up Day and some of the Month of the Young Child events happening in April. It was an exciting conversation and one that filled me with hope for the future.
Maybe, just maybe, some of these community traditions might ease some of our pain and remind us of the good in the world.
Green Up Day tables will be set up on Saturday, May 6 at the Turning Point of Windham County (Flat and Elm streets), M&T Bank on Canal Street, Brattleboro Subaru on Putney Road, and the West Brattleboro Fire Department lawn from 8 a.m. to noon.
Folks in Brattleboro can also pick up bags in advance at Brown and Roberts and the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Brooks Memorial Library, and the Brattleboro Food Co-op.
If you or an organization you work with are interested in helping to coordinate next year's Green Up Day, please contact me at 802-275-7232.