FROM THE PUBLISHER
PETER HUNTOON PETERHUNTOON . COM
Growing up , Southern Vermont was my family ’ s special place . As a child , it always had a timeless quality to it . And by “ timeless ”, I mean … Remote . Removed . The world ’ s troubles seemed far away from here .
So , in 2009 , after completing my residency in Internal Medicine , it seemed very natural to me to move to Southern Vermont , where I started practicing as a hospitalist , often working the night shift .
After a long night , there was nothing more refreshing than walking outside into the clean , Vermont air . I didn ’ t need to go on vacation . I didn ’ t need to run away . I was already where I wanted to be .
Over a decade later , I still feel that way . That said , it would be thoughtless of me to not acknowledge the obvious : Times are tough .
That is why , in this issue , we are proud to throw a spotlight on a wide range of businesses . From jewelry to coffee , books to beverages , the outdoors to secondhand stores , there is something for everyone in this holiday issue .
And our “ Giving Back ” section on page 72 ( which normally features 1 or 2 non-profits ) instead showcases appeals and updates from 17 of our most important cultural institutions . We , at Stratton Magazine , hope you will support them now , so they can continue to inspire us in 2021 .
Recently , I was one of the judges for Berkshire Magazine ’ s annual photo competition . The theme of our sister publication ’ s contest this year was “ Moments of Happiness .” The vast majority of photos featured the outdoors or children – and often , children outdoors , enjoying freedom . The pictures all felt very familiar to me . While I am no longer a child , I very much related to the freedom , joy , and mountain air displayed in the photos .
The Holidays are often a time of reflection . As I reflect on 2020 , I can only state this : The clean , Vermont air is still my saving grace – and provides a sense of freedom and peace to all .
8 STRATTON MAGAZINE | STRATTONMAGAZINE . COM
-Joshua