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While many area residents and visitors sadly noted the end of the ski season, others are rejoicing that summer is finally here. We’re the ones who counted the days until we could enjoy Vermont’s picturesque scenery, quaint downtowns, and abundant arts offerings – in comfortable sandals and sundresses. There are older adults reading this, however,…

As most adults know, even a small contingent of cantankerous kiddoes stuck at home can wreak havoc: turning lamps into projectiles, beds into trampolines, and all species of house pets into scaredy-cats. For that kind of mayhem, grownups need to muster up some major magic. They need a solid action plan, one that keeps even…

One evening last week, I received a phone call from one of our region’s most thoughtful volunteer fundraisers, a soft-spoken community leader I admire tremendously. After we discussed the purpose of her call — to secure hosts for an event to benefit a vital housing nonprofit — we proceeded to other topics. When she signaled…

A week that included the Herald editorial “Good for all,” about Vermont’s progress toward diversity, equity and inclusion, and Gov. Scott’s bills to protect medication abortion and gender-affirming rights, was almost marred by the bad and the ugly. The dehumanizing comment by smug House Rep. Art Peterson, R-Clarendon, against the drag performer Justin Marsh, and…

It doesn’t require a deep dive into current Vermont economic data to see why VSU’s administration has made workforce development a key focus of its mission — a human-centered one, despite various academics’ objections. As the daughter of immigrants, both of whom worked labor-intensive jobs when my siblings and I were young, I was taught…

Director of Rutland Regional Planning Commission lives his passion for Rutland, shares his vision with others By Liz DiMarco Weinmann It was in March of last year that Devon Neary first contacted me, with a thank-you note on Facebook, in response to an op-ed I had written about the accomplishments of the region’s emerging leaders.…

By Liz DiMarco Weinmann Editor’s note: Liz DiMarco Weinmann, MBA, is principal and owner of Liz DiMarco Weinmann Consulting, L3C, based in Rutland, serving charitable and educational institutions: lizdimarcoweinmann.com.  Pop quiz:  The story behind the Vermont State University administration’s decision to eliminate all but a few select print materials from its libraries, in favor of…

By Liz DiMarco Weinmann What most people notice when they meet Ted Brady, especially on Zoom, are his open-hearted smile and generous laugh, plus his unwavering focus on listening intently before he comments or asks any questions. Brady, 45, is coming up on two years as executive director of Vermont League of Cities and Towns…

By Liz DiMarco Weinmann Long before recently launched Vermont nonprofits began promising to help disengaged youths “feel valued and experience belonging,” there was Mentor Connector. Working with families, educators, caretakers, business leaders, and other nonprofits, Mentor Connector offers a broad variety of programs led by trusted experts who have been helping youths feel valued, nurtured…

Seniors are in a hovel when people don’t shovel. It’s an extraordinary public service that Arwen Turner and Come Alive Outside’s many spirited allies are providing in encouraging seniors to become more active outside in winter, per a recent Herald article. Anyone who has met Arwen Turner knows this exuberant leader could convince even the…