Creating Hope and Community in 2025

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

No doubt about it. The year 2025 has had its share of difficulties, and too many Vermonters are struggling economically or emotionally. Together, we have got to do all that we can to make 2026 a better year.

But, in the midst of the significant challenges that we have faced, I did want to mention some positive and joyful moments that we experienced. As a Senator from Vermont my job goes well beyond the work that I do in Washington. Over the last year my staff and I have worked hard to bring Vermonters together to enhance our sense of community, to learn from each other and to enjoy each other’s company. These events have taken place in every part of the state — from St. Albans to Brattleboro, from Newport to Bennington — and a lot of towns in between.

For our young people we have organized a chess tournament, a State of the Union essay contest and a choral concert. For seniors, we have held numerous town meetings and lunches. For the general public, we have held dances, hikes and holiday parties. I am delighted that many thousands of Vermonters have joined us for these events.

As we enter the new year, we must continue to come together, strengthen our communities and work to make Vermont, our country and the world a better place.

Below are some moments from this past year that bring me hope.

Happy New Year,

Celebrating Music & the Arts

 In April, more than 135 Vermont students, ages 8 to 23, came together from around the state to participate in our annual Youth Choral Concert at Vermont State University Castleton. Students and teachers interested in participating in next year’s concert can contact my office at (802) 862-0697 or 1-800-339-9834.

Our Third Annual Youth Chess Day

 Also in April, more than 160 young Vermonters in grades 1 to 12 came out for our third annual Youth Chess Day at VSU Randolph. Playing chess is a great way to improve concentration, problem solving skills and person-to-person connection. It was great to watch these young people in action — they can really play!

A Night of Music and Dancing

This February, I hosted a Valentine’s Day dance in Colchester with the venerable Vermont DJ Joel Najman, who played music from the 60s through today. It was a lot of fun to see Vermonters of all ages gather, create connections and dance. We did a similar event in Hardwick in May. Now more than ever, it’s important we put our phones down, and foster genuine human connections. 

Hiking the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

 Our beautiful state is home to some amazing parks and trails for us to enjoy. One great example is the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which is a 93-mile path built on the tracks of a former railroad and open all four seasons for activities like cycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. In June, more than 600 Vermonters joined me for a scenic hike on the trail. Not only was it a lot of fun, we got some exercise.

Summer Programs

In July, I had a great time visiting wonderful summer programs in Richford and Sheldon. Across Vermont, from our smallest towns to our biggest city, municipal recreation departments play an important role in offering people of all ages affordable, high-quality recreational opportunities close to home.

Summer Celebrations with Older Vermonters

 This summer, nearly 1,200 Vermonters joined our celebrations for older Vermonters in Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Newport, Bennington, Barre, Brattleboro and Castleton.These events are more than food and music. They’re about hearing from neighbors. Vermonters are concerned about threats to Social Security, our broken health care system, cuts to Medicaid, barriers to veterans’ benefits, division in our communities and the world we are leaving to our children and grandchildren. The good news is: They told me they are not giving up hope.

Hearing from Vermonters

 This year, 66,509 Vermont households joined me for telephone town meetings, including one with Senator Peter Welch and Congresswoman Becca Balint. At each of these events, Vermonters raised critically important issues, like access to health care for seniors, veterans' benefits, the rising cost of health care, how to fight back against oligarchy, the president’s move towards authoritarianism and protecting Social Security.

Speaking with Young People

 Each year, one of my favorite things to do is visit Vermont schools to talk with our young people and hear what’s on their minds. Everywhere I go, I see young people who are eager to make their voices heard and be part of solving some of the many challenges facing our rural communities. I encourage all Vermonters — whatever your age — to get to know the young people in your town and invite them to be a part of our communities.

Celebrating the Holiday Season

 This holiday season, more than 1,400  Vermonters in Burlington, St. Albans, Bennington, Montpelier and Rutland joined me at our second annual “Cookies and Carols” holiday events. These gatherings brought people of all ages together to enjoy each other’s company, share some sweet treats and spread a little old-fashioned holiday cheer.

We Are Here to Help — In Good Times and Bad

 Since first coming to Congress in 1990, I have always prioritized hearing from Vermonters and helping with any issues they are having with the federal government. Over the years, we have worked with tens of thousands of Vermonters to help address problems they’re having with various agencies and programs — and this year was no different.

I am proud that, in 2025, we answered 67,430 phone calls, responded to 104,565 mail messages from Vermonters, and assisted 3,281 Vermonters with individual issues, from veterans’ benefits to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, student debt relief, immigration, passports and the IRS. In good times and bad, my office will do whatever we can to help Vermonters navigate the all-too-complicated federal bureaucracy and help find solutions. If you think my office can help, please do not hesitate to call us at (802) 862-0697, toll-free at 1-800-339-9834, or click here.