House marks Nowruz with devotional; member urges 'cash mob' to support flood-hit businesses

Shabnam Nolan, executive director of the King Street Center in Burlington, led the House in a devotional recognizing Nowruz, the Persian New Year, describing its history and cultural meaning and reading a poem that emphasized shared humanity. Nolan said she is a "first generation Iranian American" and explained that Nowruz marks the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one; she closed by saying, "To all who celebrate today and to those of you who just now might, I wish you a happy new year."

Later in announcements, the Member from Westford urged colleagues to support local small businesses recovering from recent flooding by participating in a planned "cash mob." The member said, "We're gonna have a cash mob," and asked legislators to commit at least $25 a week to patronize participating downtown businesses; she named Faux Tie Express (lunch), Penzo Pizza (dinner) and Bent Nails Bistro (drinks) as that week's participants. The Member from Essex also welcomed Nolan to the chamber and highlighted Nolan's work serving immigrant and refugee families at King Street Center.

Other floor announcements included recognition of scouts from Troop 007 of the Green Mountain Council and a notice that the Older Vermonters Caucus will meet tomorrow at noon in Room 270. The presiding officer recessed the House for caucus lunch and said the chamber would return at approximately 12:30 p.m.