In Issue #13: Fall 2023

By Marcia Lissak | Last Updated October 08, 2023
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WE ARE VERMONT STRONG

In 1972, my home and our family businesses were wiped out by Hurricane Agnes. It was devastating and we rebuilt. But the details of my story are for another time.

I could not let the stories of the Vermont communities hit by the July 10 flood, the early heat and late freeze in spring, and the ongoing summer rains go untold. My friend, my partner, and my hero—Maria Buteux Reade—zigged and zagged across the state, to places nearly unreachable to tell your stories.

I am in awe of what she accomplished and proud to be a Vermonter and do what I do to be able to document your stories of loss, perseverance, compassion, strength, and community. Unfortunately, we could not print every one of the stories told and for that we are sorry.

Advertising partners, thank you for your support, understanding, and assistance in getting this issue together. Because of that, Edible Vermont is able donate a portion of its revenue to flood-relief efforts.

Readers, please give with your pocketbook to the organizations mentioned and patronize local businesses. Remember—without complaint—these are the farmers, grocers, restaurants, and producers who worked tirelessly during the pandemic to sustain us. Please give back to them now.

We are open for business and with open arms. We are Vermont strong.

Marcia Lissak


PHOTO: KYLE SEYMOUR

From the Managing Editor: Stories of the Flood

The Power of Water, The Power of Community

F*#! the Flood

This time the flavor had to be just Vermont with a fierce undercurrent of compassion and community.

Flooded Out in South Londonderry

You don’t just get over it in a few days

The Hub, Weston

When you’ve lost everything, it’s hard to process.

Vermont Emergency Eats

Knowing two meals a day are covered feeds people’s bodies as well as their souls.

The Vermont Butcher Shop, Londonderry

It was horrible to sit back and watch everything you own and care deeply about get lost to the flood. There was nothing we could do.

Mike & Tammy’s Main Street Market and Deli and Maple Leaf Diner, Londonderry

We’re going to reopen because it’s who I am. This place is my life and my family’s livelihood. I have all local people working for me....

Scott Whittier

Too much rain is not friendly to farmers.

Heather Darby, PhD

Flood events and longterm saturation make the soil inhospitable for plants to thrive.

Annie Harlow: Reflections on Supply-Chain Logistics

It is because of our statewide sense of community and connections that we will continue to support each other

Rabble-Rouser Chocolate & Craft Co., Montpelier

It’s not just us; it’s the whole town.

Three Penny Taproom, Montpelier

I didn’t want to open another restaurant from the ground up, but here we are.

Chantecleer Restaurant, East Dorset: Michel Baumann, Chef-Owner

We may not be waterproof, but we are resilient.

Foote Brook Farm, Johnson: Joie Lehouillier, Co-Owner

We knew we would have substantial flooding but didn’t think it was going to be disastrous.

Woodstock Farmers Market, Woodstock: Patrick Crowl, Founder

You just do what it takes to get through a calamity.

Barre Community Relief Fund, Barre

The community’s unity can become a powerful force for change.

Pearl Street Pizza, Barre 

If we hadn’t done a GoFundMe, we wouldn’t have been able to reopen.

Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen, Barre

I don’t know how I would have handled this one if it weren’t for lessons learned during the pandemic.

Planting Seeds of Recovery and Resilience for Vermont Farms

It’s one thing to know it’s all gone. It’s another thing to walk the land you know as well as the back of your hand and witness the destruction.

Organic Farming, Education, and Research for the Community

CAE is building a healthy, regenerative food system by promoting local foods and the people who produce them.

The Best Technology in Troubled Times

[Social trust] is our greatest asset by far, and the one we should guard most closely.