In order to recover stronger from COVID-19, we need to listen to Vermonters. I did that as part of a statewide Recover Stronger Tour.
Over the last five months, I brought together Vermonters from all 14 counties for community conversations on the future of Vermont. I visited more than 29 communities, meeting with hundreds of Vermonters from more than 60 different organizations, businesses and nonprofits serving our communities. While every Vermonter’s COVID-19 experience was unique, there were several common areas of concern and needed investment that came up in nearly every conversation: extreme workforce shortages, a housing crisis, a child care and caregiving system spread thin, unmet mental health and support service needs, as well as proliferating inequity in access to high-speed internet and cellular service.
I’ve released findings and recommendations on how to address some of these challenges.
My full findings, A Recover Stronger Agenda For Vermont can be accessed here.
We can’t let these lessons pass us by.
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As part of the statewide Recover Stronger Tour, Lt. Governor Molly Gray held the following events to hear directly from Vermonters on their experiences and concerns coming out of COVID-19 and ideas for investment and a stronger recovery from COVID-19:
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS - Zoom Roundtable
Friday, November 5, 1:15-2:00 pm
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray via Zoom from 1:15 to 2:00pm for a conversation with young professionals on the future of Vermont.
Register for the Zoom meeting: here.
BENNINGTON:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
The Loose Cannon Cafe
Wednesday, September 29th, 1:00-2:00
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at The Loose Cannon Cade from 1:00 to 2:00 for a family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
WINDHAM:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
The Works Café, 118 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Tuesday, September 28nd, 10:30-11:30
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at The Works Café from 10:30 to 11:30 for a family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
CHITTENDEN:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Westford Country Store, 26 Common Road, Westford, VT 05494
Wednesday, September 22nd, 8:30-9:30
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Westford Country Store from 8:30 to 9:30 for a family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
ORANGE:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Chef's Market, 2 Salisbury Rd. Randolph, VT 05060
Friday, September 17th, 9:00-9:45
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Chef's Market from 9:00 to 9:45 for a family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
WASHINGTON:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Village Grocery 4348 Main St. Waitsfield, Vt 05673
Tuesday, September 14th, 12:00-3:00
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Village Grocery from 2:00 to 3:00 for a family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
ESSEX-ORLEANS:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Pomerleau Park, 70 Main Street, Newport, VT 05855
Friday, September 10th, 10:45-11:45
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Pomerleau Park from 10:45-11:45 for a family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
CALEDONIA:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Hastings Store, 2748 US-2, West Danville, VT 05873
Thursday, August 12th, 9:00-10:00
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Hastings Store from 9:00-10:00 for a coffee, and family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
WINDSOR:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Teago General Store, 2035 Pomfret Rd, South Pomfret, VT 05067
Thursday, August 5th, 2:30-3:30
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Teago General Store from 2:30 to 3:30 for an ice cream and family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
LAMOILLE:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
The Elmore Store, 1208 Vermont Rte 12, Elmore, VT 05680
Wednesday, July 28th, 9:00-10:00
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at The Elmore Store from 9:00-10:00 for a coffee, strudel, and family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
ADDISON:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Burnham Maple Market, 1557 US-7, Middlebury, VT 05753
Wednesday, July 21st, 2:30-3:30
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Burnham Maple Market from 2:30 to 3:30 for an ice cream and family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
GRAND ISLE:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Seb's Snack Bar, 5295 US-2, South Hero, VT 05486
Thursday, July 15th, 2:30-3:30
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at Seb's Snack Bar from 2:30 to 3:30 for an ice cream and family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
FRANKLIN:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Bay Store, 585 Lake St, St. Albans City, VT 05478
Wednesday, June 30th, 2:30-3:30
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray at the Bay Store from 2:30 to 3:30 for an ice cream and family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.
RUTLAND:
“Recover Stronger” Conversation with Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Village Snack Bar, 389 West St, Rutland, VT 05701
Wednesday, June 16th, 2:30-3:30
All are welcome to join Lt. Governor Gray as well as Rutland Senator Cheryl Hooker at the Village Snack Bar from 2:30 to 3:30 for ice cream and family-friendly conversation on the future of Vermont.