FROM THE C . E . O . / PUBLISHER
FROM THE C . E . O . / PUBLISHER
My “ Letters ” often focus on the change of season or on the articles showcased in that particular issue .
In this issue , I will only single out one key article : our “ Giving Back ” feature on the Stratton Community Foundation ’ s Flood Relief Fund ( Page 78 ).
As you most likely know , catastrophic flooding occurred across much of Vermont in early July 2023 . You also likely know that the Stratton Community Foundation ( SCF ) immediately responded to the disaster , creating the Flood Relief Fund .
What you may not know is that the Foundation ’ s remarkable efforts held particular meaning to me . My wife , Carolyn Blitz , passed away on May 21 , 2023 , just six weeks before the Flood .
Carolyn joined the SCF ’ s Board of Directors in 2005 and served as its President starting in 2014 ( prior to current President , Steve Kerstein ). Among Carolyn ’ s proudest accomplishments was the SCF ’ s response to Hurricane Irene .
As Tammy Mosher , the Executive Director of SCF , said so eloquently : “ Carolyn carried us through Hurricane Irene in 2011 , establishing the successful Hurricane Relief Fund that raised and distributed over $ 450,000 to help those who suffered during the disaster that struck Southern Vermont .”
Carolyn talked about that moment in time often . She was so moved by the generosity of both locals and second homeowners alike who supported their neighbors in need .
Thank you to everyone who gave then — and to those who have given this summer . The Flood Relief efforts continue , of course . Natural disasters — like mourning the loss of a loved one — are not recovered from in a day . If Carolyn was here , I am certain she would want me to share two comments :
1 ) Please continue to support the SCF ’ s Flood Relief Fund . and
2 ) Please support local businesses . Fall tourism and holiday shopping are critical to the economy of Southern Vermont .
Shop local . Dine local . Stay local .
-Joshua
CRAFTPRODUCERS RETURNS TO SOUTHERN VERMONT WITH ART , CRAFT , & SPECIALTY FOOD EXHIBITORS , LIVE MUSIC , CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS , AND MORE ! ONE WEEKEND ONLY IN MANCHESTER , VERMONT !
Southern Vermont
Art & Craft Festival
Riley Rink Events Field
410 Hunter Park Rd , Manchester Center , VT September 8 - 10 , 2023
Fri . & Sat . 10am-5pm / Sun . 10am-4pm PARKING IS FREE !
Adult single day admission $ 10 at the gate or $ 9 in advance Weekend pass $ 12 at the gate or $ 11 in advance Children 14 and under FREE
The Show is outdoors on grass / Rain or shine PLEASE NO PETS !
SOUTHERNVTARTCRAFTFEST . COM
8 STRATTON MAGAZINE | STRATTONMAGAZINE . COM STRATTON MAGAZINE | STRATTONMAGAZINE . COM