Maybe there are no more heroes left in the world, but there’s no question that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one.  Few have done more to create positive change in this country, during any era.

There’s also no question that racism and bigotry remain embedded in these United States.  It may not be nearly as overt as it was a half-century prior, but megalomaniacs like Newt Gingrich are intelligent enough to couch their brand of racism in code.  That’s the true legacy of how they have spun political correctness:  Coded, shaded communication that hides the true agenda of those whose fear of change manifests itself in the most despicable ways possible.

BUT…there are a few hard-working angels out there and Julie Hansen, the Head of School at The Stevens School in Lyndon Center (on the Lyndon Institute campus) is one of them.  A true First Amendment School, in past years, their annual candlelight vigil to honour Dr. King was held an hour south, at Dartmouth College.  But this year, they decided to host their own, partly in response to the tremendous LACK of response to anti-Semitic graffiti discovered nearly a year ago.  Swastikas and the words “Die Jew” appeared on a building at a public park in early Spring and stayed there through the summer.  A young lady (the daughter of a dear friend) brought it our attention, we brought it to the attention of Amy Ash Nixon, a writer for the Caledonian Record (and another angel.)  There was a written response from several evangelical Christian pastors, not a peep from those who are resp0nsible for the running of the park, blather from the municipal administrator and grumbling from a chief of police who apparently had better things to do than investigate what even he acknowledged was a hate crime. Shame on all of them.

But kudos to the 100+ people, young and old, who showed up on a chilly January night to watch Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, share their thoughts and sing.

Yes, we’ve made great strides.  But there’s still…so much…to accomplish.  Don’t. Ever. Stop.

You might have missed the news, because everybody was talking about the lack of snow throughout most of the country.  That was not the case here in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, where we had a White Christmas, decent (but not great) skiing and we prepare for 2012 with anticipation and views like this…softly, as in a morning sunrise.

Happy last night of Chanukah.  It’s Better Here.

The early morning sky suggests some weather is on the way.  This far north, we expect it to snow around Halloween and when we take the kids Trick-or-Treating, more often than not their costumes include boots and down jackets.

But like you, we’re watching this rare Autumn snowstorm (CNN’s words) that has already started assaulting the New York metropolitan area.  Apparently the last measurable October snowstorm in Manhattan happened around the same time as the Civil War.  And up to a foot of snow in Connecticut…in October??  Hmmmm…..

We’ll maybe get 4″ here and life will go on and we’ll head to Burke Mountain tonight for their Benefit Halloween Party for the Lyndon Area Food Shelf.  Bring some non-perishable food items, we’ll see you there…

In the beginning, they came in horse-drawn wagons.  This year they arrived in the usual procession of pickups and Subarus (the official vehicle of Vermont) but for the 107th time, the crowds came to see the St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltoppers faced off against the Lyndon Institute Vikings, this time at LI’s Robert K. Lewis Field in Lyndon Center. That’s the longest running rivalry in high school sports, regardless of what some very annoying academics from Massachusetts think.

The Rivalry (the Official name) is intense, and the weeks beforehand are filled with predictions and parades and bonfires and spirit rallies and all the good things that don’t happen as often as they used to.  But more often than not, when the teams gather, it’s a pretty lopsided ho-hum affair.  Not so this year.  With no time left in the fourth quarter, St. Johnsbury scored a touchdown, and with :00 showing on the clock, it was LI 14, STJ 13.  Was overtime in the offing?  NO!!  The extra point was BLOCKED, hundreds of hometown supporters stormed the field and for the next 364 days, Lyndon has bragging rights.

You’ll be able to relive the game (and the terrific Rivalry Show) at Northeast Sports Net.  Just go to the archives and click on the buttons to watch.  Our friend Eric Berry and his partner Johnny Allen do a terrific job on both the show and the game play-by-play.  You’ll get a real slice of Autumn in New England when you watch.

It’s better here.  And for a year, it’s even better in Lyndon.

Sally Oldfield Night Of The Hunter\’s Moon

In less than a week, we’ve gone from a few glimpses to about 35% coverage.  It’s still warm, mid ’70′sF, but the days get shorter and shorter…

That’s the new wind tower on Burke Mountain.  It should provide about 20% of the electricity needs for the mountain, including the new high-speed quad to to the top.  We’re starting to Think Snow.

The trees in the backyard.

It’s better here.

\”Summer\’s Here\” by James Taylor

Summer’s here, I’m for that. Got my rubber sandals, got my straw hat.
Got my cold beer, I’m just glad that it’s here.

Summer’s here, that suits me fine. It may rain today but I don’t mind.
It’s my favorite time of the year and I’m glad that it’s here.

Old man wintertime, he goes so slow. It’s ten degrees below, you know.
You can take your ice and snow, but let my balmy breezes blow.

Yeah, the water’s cold but I’ve been in. Baby, lose the laundry and jump on in.
I mean all God’s children got skin and it’s summer again.

Old man wintertime, he goes so slow. It’s ten degrees below, you know.
You can take your ice and snow, but let my balmy breezes blow.

Summer’s here, I’m for that. Got my rubber sandals, got my straw hat.
Drinking cold beer, man I’m glad that it’s here.
It’s my favorite time of the year and I’m glad that it’s here, yeah.

WATERBURY – The National Weather Service is expecting more thunderstorms late this afternoon and evening, and has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Flash Flood Watch for most of the areas that were hit by heavy rain Thursday night.

NWS says the already saturated ground will not be able to absorb any more water and further flooding is a strong possibility in areas where storms hit.

Vermont Emergency Management and NWS strongly urge Vermonters to keep a close eye on rivers and streams and evacuate immediately if floodwaters threaten your home.  It is also very important that motorists DO NOT DRIVE OVER FLOODED ROADS.  The flash flooding of the past 24-hours washed out many roads, and those washouts cannot be seen when there is water over the road.  It takes water less than 2 feet deep to cause vehicles to float, and Flash floods also contain a strong current that can easily sweep you or your car away.

211:

Those homeowners who have suffered damage in the most recent floods are asked to call 2-1-1 to report that damage.

Current Road closures:

Route 302 in Berlin (Barre-Montpelier Road) – flooding

Route 2 St. Johnsbury to Lunenburg – flooding

Route 2 in Cabot – vicinity of Goodrich Maple Farm – culvert damage.  This will be closed for some time as it appears that this culvert has dropped and needs replacement.

Route 2 in E. Montpelier – vicinity Mekkelsen RV – flooding

Route 2B in St. Johnsbury – flooding.

Route 232 in Groton – flooding

Route 14 in Barre Town – vicinity Gillies Marine – flooding:  Will be closed for a while.

Route 14 in Williamstown – flooding

Route 5 in Passumpsic – flooding: Will be closed for a while.

Route 2 Montpelier to Middlesex – flooding

Route 62 in Barre City from Main Street to Berlin Street

Route 14 in Williamstown Gulf – closed for repairs.

Several other local roads are closed; please respect all road closures.

Motorists are reminded to never drive across flooded roads.  Floodwaters can create unseen washouts and in flash flooding the current can be extremely strong; strong enough to wash away you and your car.  Most flooding deaths occur when motorists drive through floodwaters.

If you do evacuate your home, turn off your circuit breaker before you leave and have your home’s electrical system inspected by a professional before you return.

For road closures dial 511 or go to www.511vt.com.