100 years later, etiquette is still in style

Two people shaking hands over a table

As we navigate the return to in-person work, stricter dress codes, business travel and meals with clients, I’m hoping that the importance of being respectful to colleagues hasn’t disappeared entirely. But, considering the past few years of social isolation, it’s reasonable to expect that we all could benefit from a refresher on business etiquette.

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Cold Hard Facts: Our Local Newspapers Are Dying

As I was making my way through a colossal cappuccino and the Rutland Herald before dawn last weekend, the “Goings and comings” headline topping a column by Rutland Herald Executive Editor Steven Pappas, stopped me cold. In fact, it bolted my eyes wide open. The accompanying photo spread, of Maine student newspapers, caught my eye…

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Food, shelter, safety: For Vermonters and our visitors

Three people are hugging each other in a line.

About a year ago, Polly Mikula, editor and publisher of Mountain Times, graciously agreed to meet with me about work I was doing for several nonprofits. She was warm and enthusiastic, especially as she shared poignant stories about leading a thriving media enterprise during the struggles of Covid. I took a leap and pitched her…

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Aim to age gracefully

A woman holding hands with an older man.

My recent Mountain Times feature, “For Your Own Good, Have a Plan,†prompted a bemused request from friends over 70 who are socially active, engaged in community causes, and grateful to be traveling again: “So, what’s your advice for us? As a boomer who just celebrated a milestone birthday, I too am reflecting more on…

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For the Greater Good: Habitat for Humanity

Two men are standing on a roof of a house.

When Hurricane Irene ravaged large swaths of our region more than 10 years ago, national and local media alike praised Vermonters’ courage, hardiness, and community spirit. Even the New York Times ran a justifiably joyful feature, about a group of parents who discovered a half-mile-long path through the forest and ultimately guided 33 elementary and…

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