Care Package: 1. A parcel of food, money, or luxury items sent to a loved one who is away. 2. A digital gathering of cultural touchstones on ethandezotelle.com, put together to brighten your day a bit.

Floodwaters are receding across Vermont this morning, which is a welcome relief. However, that recession brings revelation with it, and only now will we begin to see the massive scope of devastation left in the wake of historic flooding. 

It’s important to remember, though, that there are silver linings in this dark storm. So far, no major injuries or deaths have been reported. In this time of great need, helped arrived from all corners. And the question I’ve heard and seen being asked again and again is simple and crucial to recovery: “How can I help?”

Vermont is not the state that it was three days ago. Which is sad and scary. But standing at this crossroad, Vermont can and will become something better. I believe that with all my heart.

ROAD CLOSURES: https://newengland511.org/region/Vermont

EMERGENCY SHELTERS: Call 211

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: Call or text 988

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Call 211

POWER OUTAGES: https://vtoutages.org/

VERMONT FLOOD READY ATLAS: https://floodready.vermont.gov/assessment/vt_floodready_atlas

POEM: Tankas for what Comes Together by Tamiko Beyer
At the seashore, wind
almost lifts our spindrift bodies,
sand scrapes our skin.
(Read more)

QUOTE: “What gives me hope in these tenuous times is the knowledge that there is precedent for change and there’s precedent for hope. Hope has bred change again and again.” — Ava Duvernay

SONG: I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty