Vermont

‘You are welcome here’: World Refugee Day draws new Vermonters to celebrate with allies, volunteers – VTDigger

Published

9 months ago

June 23, 2025

‘You are welcome here’: World Refugee Day draws new Vermonters to celebrate with allies, volunteers – VTDigger

Glory Bigirimana, 8, of Burlington enjoys a quick ride atop a giant earth ball under the watchful eyes of volunteers at a World Refugee Day celebration at Leddy Park in Burlington on June 21, 2025. Photo by Auditi Guha/VTDigger

BURLINGTON – Shabir Ayoubi and his wife were approved to resettle in the United States more than a year ago, but navigating bureaucracy stalled the process for months and required expensive visits to U.S. embassies in Pakistan. They eventually arrived in Vermont one snowy evening two months ago.

One of the state’s newest residents, Ayoubi, who now lives in Burlington, was among the people celebrating World Refugee Day Saturday at Leddy Park.

“I came here by chance today,” said Ayoubi, 34. He heard about the event and got a ride from a case worker. He didn’t know it was a party and left his wife behind, he said. They don’t have a vehicle.

They are among the more than 600 Afghans resettled across Vermont after fleeing a country taken over by the Taliban, an extremist group, after what became the longest war in U.S. military history.

The U.S.-led invasion began in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack and ended in 2021 after U.S. troops withdrew and the Taliban took control of Kabul, the capital city.

Designated by the United Nations, World Refugee Day is celebrated worldwide on June 20 to honor the strength and resilience of people forced to flee their home countries and to shine a light on their rights and needs.

On a sunny summer afternoon, more than 100 refugees enjoyed food, games and camaraderie with their families, resettlement groups, volunteers and allies in a celebration organized by the local chapter of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, a nonprofit international organization that addresses and fights for the needs and rights of refugees and immigrants.

Since 1980, USCRI has helped resettle more than 8,500 refugees in Vermont, many of whom were forced to flee their homes because of war, genocide, torture and repressive regimes. These include survivors of the Rwandan massacre, Congolese fleeing war, Afghans persecuted by the Taliban and Ukrainians whose villages were destroyed, according to a Friday press release from USCRI.

Sonali Samarasinghe, field office director of USCRI in Colchester, said the annual picnic aims to celebrate the contributions of new residents in Vermont, many of who showed up Saturday in colorful clothes and traditional attire.

“You enrich us with your culture, your religion, your skills, your food and your commitment to hard work,” she said in a brief speech Saturday. “In this beautiful diversity that we see here today, we are all unified.”

Between games, chatter, plates of heaped food — donated by community partners such as People’s Kitchen, American Flatbread, Grand Buffet, Lake Champlain Chocolate and Hannaford — families enjoyed a picnic in the sun on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Children laughed while rolling off a large ball representing the earth, kicked around soccer balls, spun hula hoops around their bodies, ducked under a large parachute and lined up for fast-melting ice cream on a warm afternoon.

Under a tent, FaReid Munarsyah of The People’s Kitchen served up generous portions of barbecued meats.

“It’s good,” said Aline Kwizera, who came from Burundi and is a multilingual instructor in the Burlington schools. “I love that people can come, talk and share their experiences like this.”

Ellen Skapski, 76, hugged another woman and said she was her star pupil.

Relocated from Afghanistan in 2024, “best student” Hamida Panjshiri was among former members of the Afghan judiciary who were relocated to the U.S. She lives in Brattleboro, is learning to drive through the Afghan Alliance’s driving program and continues to take weekly English lessons.

“I’m good. I’m happy,” she said. “Because people in Vermont are very kind.”

A French and Spanish interpreter and English tutor with USCRI for more than two decades, Skapski said, “I just love seeing my students, their progress and how much they give to the community.”

While some of the refugees were reluctant to speak about the Trump administration’s roll back of refugee aid, travel and rights, some advocates did not hold back.

A boy in a blue Superman t-shirt crawls under an orange tarp on grass while holding a soccer ball. Another child is visible in the background.

Three women and a child sit at a picnic table with food and drinks, outdoors in a wooded area with other people and tables in the background.

“Refugees make Vermont great,” said Tracy Dolan, director of the state refugee office in a brief speech. “We need refugees in Vermont. We need immigrants in Vermont. And we are happy to share our home with you. And no matter what is happening outside of Vermont, no matter what is happening in the country or with the government, we can be together and we can focus on the positive. And we will keep fighting. We will keep fighting for you.”

State Treasurer Mike Pieciak said generations of refugees and immigrants have helped build a stronger nation, from the first Pilgrims fleeing religious persecution in England to his own ancestors to the new refugees who call Vermont home.

“As state treasurer, I spend a lot of time thinking about the future of the Vermont economy,” he said. “As I stand here today with you and enjoy the music, the food and the culture, I can tell you that it’s so clear that refugees do so much more than simply grow our economy. You strengthen our communities all across the state.”

“Refugees so often represent the best of what America means at its core,” he said, thanking the community for leaving behind their hardships and suffering and bringing their strength and resilience to build a life, find community, adjust to a new language and culture – and then having “the strength and the grace” to give back to Vermont with their labor, culture and presence.

Though he is happy to finally be here, to have housing and a job, Ayoubi acknowledged it has been a rough few years for his family, between fleeing Afghanistan and managing the paperwork and delays that stalled their relocation. “It was frustrating,” he said.

Before the Taliban takeover, Ayoubi said he worked in quality control and security for organizations that supported U.S. troops. Barely settled in, Ayoubi is eager to get back to work.

“I am happy to do anything,” he said.

Ayoubi resettled in Burlington in May as part of a partnership between the Vermont Afghan Alliance, USCRI, Central Vermont Refugee Action Network, and No One Left Behind to continue to welcome Afghans fleeing their homes. He has secured a job with a security services company in Burlington, the Alliance confirmed.

In the face of escalating Trump administration cuts to refugee programs and funding, the theme of this year’s celebration – solidarity with refugees – rings hollow for many refugees across the nation and in Vermont. It’s particularly egregious for the Afghans who served the U.S. but now “face significant challenges and unmet promises,” Molly Gray, executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, noted in a Friday press release.

“These Afghan allies risked their lives and the safety of their families to support U.S. missions. In return for their invaluable service, the U.S. Government promised them relocation to the United States and the opportunity to reunite with their families here in Vermont. Unfortunately, almost three years later, many of these promises remain unfulfilled,” the release stated.

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Vermont

Vermont National Guard holds change of command ceremony

Published

1 hour ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Vermont National Guard holds change of command ceremony

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont National Guard held a change of command ceremony Saturday, with a new adjutant general taking the helm.

The passing of the state’s colors marked the transfer of authority. The flag used was the Green Mountain Boys flag, which has flown around the world.

Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight stepped down after seven years leading the Vermont National Guard. Incoming Adjutant General Harder, who previously served as deputy adjutant general, has 36 years of service across multiple roles within the organization.

At the ceremony, Knight reflected on the periods when the National Guard was deployed, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 floods and current overseas deployments with soldiers in Iran.

“Our duty is to hand both the uniform and the mission forward in better condition than when we received it,” Knight said. “The mantle of leadership doesn’t belong to us. We borrow it for a time and our responsibility is to leave it stronger for the next person who wears it.”

Harder said the role carries significant personal meaning.

“Leading this organization is the honor of a lifetime,” Harder said.

Gov. Scott, a Republican, spoke to Harder’s qualifications during the ceremony.

“General Hank Harder’s service to our nation has proven him to be a distinguished leader with the right character and curiosity to continue the work of guiding the guard into the future,” Scott said.

Harder acknowledged Knight’s tenure during the ceremony.

“Your leadership has left the Vermont National Guard stronger, more capable and ready for the future,” Harder said.

160 Vermont soldiers are currently in Germany on a training mission with Ukraine. Several hundred more are deployed in the Middle East.

Harder addressed the deployed service members during the ceremony.

“We are so proud of what they do each and every day and we’re supporting them from afar and we know what it’s like and we look forward to them completing their mission and coming home,” Harder said.

Harder said the guard has no control over what happens once troops are overseas but is actively providing support to service members’ families in Vermont.

The ceremony was attended by Gov. Phil Scott, members of the military and family members.

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Vermont

9 Cost-Effective Towns In New England For Retirees

Published

15 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

9 Cost-Effective Towns In New England For Retirees

New England has long attracted tourists and seniors alike with its rocky Atlantic coastal views and its distinctive old-timey streets, from historic seaports to classic riverside mill towns. For seniors looking to settle down on the East Coast, the region is also home to several affordable towns that balance savings and classic charm. Mystic, Connecticut, delivers quintessential coastal living on the Mystic River, anchored by the Mystic Seaport Museum and waterfront dining. And Pittsfield, in Massachusetts, offers a cozy mountain vibe in the Berkshires, with easy access to Pittsfield State Forest and the Colonial Theatre.

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Located in the heart of the Berkshires, Pittsfield is one of western Massachusetts’ more cost-effective choices for retirees who want mountain scenery without Boston-area price tags. Day-to-day expenses can feel more manageable compared to many other New England communities, and Pittsfield’s typical home value hovers around $378,000, keeping homeownership within reach for more budgets.

The Berkshire Mountains provide some of Pittsfield’s most appealing views and outdoor recreation. Pittsfield State Forest features miles of trails, scenic picnic areas, and access to Berry Pond, the highest natural body of water in Massachusetts. Back in town, residents can keep things lively with cultural attractions like the Berkshire Museum and the Colonial Theatre, which hosts concerts, performances, and special events throughout the year.

For an easy way to stay active, the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a local favorite. This scenic path runs alongside lakes and wetlands, giving retirees a peaceful place to walk or bike while soaking in classic Berkshire views.

Berlin, New Hampshire

Named one of 2024’s “10 Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire” by NewHomeSource, Berlin is renowned for its affordability. The overall cost of living here is 21% lower than the US average and 26% below New Hampshire’s. But Berlin’s standout way to save is its housing costs—Zillow’s typical home value sits around $243,000, a figure that helps explain why Berlin remains a budget-friendly New England pick.

Along with classic small-town attractions like the North Country Bowling Center, Berlin’s natural surroundings anchor the community. Main Street runs parallel to the Androscoggin River, meaning after-dinner views are a regular delight at spots like Fagin’s Pub and River’s Edge Takeout. With the addition of Berlin’s new 3,200-foot Riverwalk, residents can stay active while enjoying the sights of this beautiful waterway.

A few miles from downtown Berlin will bring you to another outdoor haven. Jericho Mountain State Park is Berlin’s top attraction in every season, with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling. This rugged park also has tons of scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and a swimming beach to enjoy in the summertime.

North Adams, Massachusetts

North Adams, Massachusetts, is another budget-friendly town for seniors seeking affordable housing. North Adams also offers an overall cost of living 25% below the Massachusetts average, meaning there are plenty of ways to embrace an affordable lifestyle.

Affordability shows up most clearly in the local housing market, where the typical home value in the North Adams area is around $247,000—often far less than what you’ll find in many parts of the state. While some affordable small towns are labeled “boring” for their lack of attractions and activities, that could not be further from the truth in North Adams. This “Museum Town” made the top 10 list of “2024 Best Places to Retire in Berkshire County” by Niche, with users noting the town’s art scene and culture. Highlights include the Berkshire Art Museum and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

As the home of the Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts, students and retirees alike are equally enthralled by the area’s natural landscape. Places like Natural Bridge State Park take the spotlight, offering a chance to see the only natural white marble bridge in all of North America. North Adams also serves as a gateway to a wealth of other picturesque landscapes and recreational opportunities. Whether boating at Windsor Lake, hiking the Hoosac Range Reserve, or taking the Cascades Trail for views of a 40-foot waterfall, natural beauty is around every corner.

Greenfield, Massachusetts

Another cost-effective Massachusetts option is Greenfield, a welcoming Franklin County town with around 18,000 residents. Compared to many communities in eastern Massachusetts, housing here is generally more affordable, while the overall cost of living often lands below the state average. For retirees who want a relaxed pace of life with scenic surroundings, Greenfield is an appealing place to call home.

Greenfield sits near the meeting point of the Deerfield and Connecticut Rivers, giving the area easy access to water views and outdoor recreation. Energy Park, one of the community’s beloved green spaces, offers gardens, walking paths, and seasonal events. A short drive away, the Mohawk Trail—one of New England’s classic scenic routes—winds through mountain overlooks, forests, and charming small towns.

That mix of scenery and value is part of the draw, especially with Greenfield’s typical home value landing around $324,000—often a gentler entry point than many Massachusetts markets. Nature lovers will also appreciate nearby Poet’s Seat Tower, where a short hike leads to panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley. Combined with farmers markets, local arts, and quick access to western Massachusetts’ hills, Greenfield offers retirees a budget-friendly home base with plenty of scenery.

Mystic, Connecticut

For another highly-rated retirement town, we can look to the charming community of Mystic, Connecticut. Niche rated this historic seaport village the #1 “Best Place to Retire in Connecticut” in 2024, applauding its attractions and coastal beauty. While housing is a bit more expensive here, the cost of living helps balance this out a bit, at 5% lower than the Connecticut average. Plus, with crime rates significantly below the national average, many are willing to spend a little more for increased peace of mind.

Similar to North Adams, Mystic boasts a variety of galleries and museums, such as the Mystic Museum of Art and the Denison Homestead Museum. Its shining attraction, however, is the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the country. With its remarkable collection of artifacts and a recreated seaport village, visitors can truly envision what life was like for 19th-century coastal New Englanders. For seniors interested in learning new skills, the museum also offers “See Classes” like Adult Beginner Sailing, Open Hearth Cooking, and Coopering for Beginners.

There are also plenty of ways to get out on the Mystic River in this namesake community. Whether boarding a Mystic River Cruise or docking your vessel at the Mystic Downtown Marina, boating is like breathing in this river town. And while prices can vary by neighborhood, the broader Mystic-area typical home value is around $400,000, reflecting the premium many retirees pay for that waterfront lifestyle.

Torrington, Connecticut

Around two hours inland will bring us to Torrington, one of the most comfortable places to retire in Connecticut. Torrington offers a similar cost of living as Mystic, around 5% below the state average. With crime rates well below the state average, the similarities continue. However, the two towns differ in housing prices, with Torrington being the more affordable of the two. In fact, Torrington’s typical home value is about $287,000, making it an especially appealing option for retirees watching their budget.

In addition to historic and cultural attractions like the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum and Warner Theater, Torrington is famous for its state parks. Sunny Brook State Park is the more laid-back of the two, offering a blend of easy to moderate trails. The park’s senior-friendly paths take hikers through serene woodlands along the East Branch Naugatuck River. Similarly, Burr Pond State Park offers a tranquil escape with access to Burr Pond. The namesake centerpiece, an 85-acre manmade lake, is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Locals can also enjoy scenic strolls along the 2.5-mile Walcott Trail, which traces the pond’s borders.

Central Falls, Rhode Island

While the cost of living in Rhode Island is generally expensive compared to other states, you can still find affordable gems like Central Falls. Redfin (a real estate brokerage company) named this Rhode Island town the first of “10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Rhode Island in 2024.” A 3% lower cost of living compared to the Rhode Island average might not seem like much at first glance, but the savings add up.

Housing is where the difference really starts to show, and Central Falls’ typical home value sits around $371,000—often lower than many nearby Rhode Island markets while still keeping you close to Providence. As of 2024, NewHomeSource rated Central Falls #1 on their list of “The Best Places to Retire in Rhode Island.” Citing its “proximity to major cities” as a main perk, Central Falls residents have access to big-city attractions and healthcare facilities, like the Rhode Island Hospital in nearby Providence. For retirees looking to enjoy a gateway to urban centers without fully embracing life in the city, this Rhode Island town is the perfect in-between.

Along with Providence attractions like the Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Providence Performing Arts Center, Central Falls offers countless small-town attractions for the perfect mix of lifestyles. Jenks Park is a charming local park in the center of town, ideal for your everyday dose of fresh air and footsteps. For a water-based adventure, Explorer River Tours is another popular Central Falls attraction, allowing locals to explore the Blackstone River and its scenic tributaries.

Newport, Vermont

For retirees seeking a small-town atmosphere with friendly locals and simple luxuries, consider the top-rated town of Newport. Its setting on the eastern shore of Lake Memphremagog gives the town a more out-of-the-way feel, resulting in a close-knit community. For introverted retirees, this means local attractions like the Newport Bike Path, MAC Center for the Arts, and Tavern on the Hill can be enjoyed at a tranquil pace.

With a cost of living 13% lower than the Vermont average and 12% lower than the US average, this means more of your savings can go toward leisure at Newport’s breathtaking reservoir. At 27 miles long, Lake Memphremagog is a beloved swimming, sailing, and fishing destination in the warmer months. Memphremagog Trails, on the other hand, can be enjoyed year-round. In the winter, these walking trails transform to snowshoe paths, granting stunning views of the lake in every season.

Another reason Newport stays on the “cost-effective” list is its housing: the town’s typical home value is around $247,000, leaving more room in the budget for lake days and weekend getaways. Locals can also appreciate the waters aboard a Northern Star Lake Cruise, listed as the #1 Outdoor Activity in Newport by TripAdvisor in 2024. The cruise is considered an international experience since three-quarters of Lake Memphremagog is in Quebec, Canada. For retirees who love to travel, Newport is also just a few hours from Quebec’s top cities: Montreal and Quebec City.

Montpelier, Vermont

About an hour and a half south of Newport, Montpelier is a quintessential New England town beloved by seniors. As of the 2023 census, over 23% of its 7,991 locals are 65 and older, and it is easy to see why so many choose to retire here. With crime rates 7% lower than the national average, peace of mind is just one of the many reasons to call Montpelier home. In addition to homes being more affordable than the Vermont average, residents can enjoy the cost of living 6% lower than the national average and 7% lower than that of the rest of Vermont.

These affordable prices are even more remarkable when you consider Montepelier is the capital of Vermont. This means there is plenty to see and do here, from visiting the Vermont State House to touring the Vermont Historical Society Museum. Art and culture are also ingrained in the Montpelier lifestyle at places like the Lost Nation Theater and Artisans Hand Craft Gallery.

The town’s location in the Green Mountains along the Winooski River means outdoor recreation is equally popular. Green spaces like Hubbard Park take the spotlight, offering something to do in every season. With a scenic pond, countless picnic zones, and over 7 miles of hiking and skiing trails, this 200-acre park is the perfect daily escape—especially appealing for retirees who don’t mind that Montpelier’s typical home value is closer to $403,000 in exchange for capital-city amenities in a small-town setting.

Lewiston, Maine

Turning our attention to Maine, Lewiston stands out as one of the larger communities on this list, yet it still embraces that small-town atmosphere New England is famous for. Despite having just under 39,000 residents, the town remains close-knit by hosting a range of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Of these, the Liberty Festival, Great Falls Balloon Festival, BrewFest, Holiday at the Plaza, and Riverfest are the most popular.

Lewiston’s location on the beautiful Androscoggin River (one of the longest rivers in Maine) means gorgeous scenes are always within reach. Whether strolling the Lewiston-Auburn Greenway Trails or taking a short drive to Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, this powerful waterway is one of Lewiston’s best features.

Affordability, however, is perhaps the very best part of calling Lewiston home. Living here will save you around 9% compared to the US average and 6% compared to elsewhere in Maine, and Lewiston’s typical home value is around $286,000—often leaving more of your nest egg for travel, hobbies, and a packed local events calendar. Adding to the allure, Lewiston locals also have access to a great range of healthcare facilities, including the Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Bangor, Maine

Located about two hours from Lewiston, Bangor is a hospitable town with an eclectic range of attractions. Nights on the town can be spent enjoying Vegas-style slots and live entertainment at the Hollywood Casino, while art enthusiasts may prefer visiting the Penobscot Theatre Company and Zillman Art Museum. Bangor’s other local museums are equally enticing, including the Cole Land Transportation Museum and Maine Discovery Museum.

For nature lovers and retirees looking to stay in shape, Bangor offers a fantastic variety of outdoor recreation areas. The town’s proximity to the Penobscot River makes strolls on the Penobscot River Walkway a great way to get your steps in. For a change of pace, the Orono Bog Boardwalk and Bangor City Forest are beautiful alternatives.

Given its diverse range of attractions and local healthcare facilities like St. Joseph Hospital and Northern Light Emergency Care, some assume that living in this casino town would come with a hefty price tag. In reality, Bangor residents pay 14% less than the national cost of living and 12% less than Maine’s—and with a typical home value around $274,000, it’s easier to keep monthly costs predictable.

Why Retire In These New England Towns?

Whether you are currently retired or nearing your golden years, deciding where to buy your final forever home can feel overwhelming, especially if you are on a budget. But if you are someone who loves the quintessential charms of New England, there are plenty of affordable towns to consider. Whether choosing the region for its down-to-earth locals, safe communities, rich history, or breathtaking landscapes, these nine cost-effective towns have it all. From Mystic’s historic seaport to Lewiston’s fabulous festivals, retiring in New England may be peaceful, but it is never dull.

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Vermont

House committee requests Vermont Medicaid fraud data

Published

1 day ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

House committee requests Vermont Medicaid fraud data

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A Congressional committee has requested documentation from Vermont on possible fraud, waste, and abuse in the state’s Medicaid program. It comes as the Trump administration last week announced a “war on fraud” in the program that provides public health insurance for low-income people.

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce wants Vermont to provide documentation by March 17 showing the state has a plan in place to identify and address fraud.

Lawmakers cited recent fraud investigations and convictions in Vermont as concerning, and noted that Medicaid costs in the state are rising despite declining enrollment.

Jill Mazza Olson with the Vermont Agency of Human Services said the state intends to respond. “We take fraud, waste, and abuse really seriously. It sounds like Congress is taking it seriously. We know that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services take it seriously. And it is really a multi-pronged approach. So, oversight is part of what Congress does. And we are looking forward to responding to that,” she said.

Vermont is one of 10 states nationwide asked to provide data and information to the committee. Some targeted Democratic state officials have decried the Republican administration’s moves as politically motivated and potentially disastrous for the millions of people who rely on the program.

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