Stratton Magazine WINTER 2020 | Page 14

FROM THE PUBLISHER HUBERT SCHRIEBL I never know what I’m going to write here. I shouldn’t say, “never.” Sometimes, I do. But—more often than not—it is the actual stories of our community that inspire me. They provide me with a lesson…a message that is worth sharing. As I flipped through the pages of this issue, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the strength and courage on display by so many. Mac Forehand, featured on page 16, not only demonstrates physical strength and stamina in his training as an elite athlete (while still in high school!), but also the courage and strength of character necessary to work through his injuries, which are sadly sidelining him this season. On page 24, we celebrate WinterWonderWomen— a group of incredibly talented women who are making waves in the world of Bluegrass & Roots (a traditionally male-dominated music genre). In our GIVING BACK section, we recognize the Tri-State Superheroes, a group of individuals who throw their own 12 STRATTON MAGAZINE | STRATTON MAGAZINE.COM egos aside to dress up in spandex and entertain children with illness. On page 46, we pay tribute to the late Jake Burton Carpenter, who revolutionized the sport of snowboarding. Although his company became a leader in the industry, he started out in the late 1970’s working as a bartender, while he created makeshift snowboard prototypes in a rented barn. His determination and persistence would have impressed even Calvin Coolidge (another famous Vermonter) who stated, “Determination and persistence alone are omnipotent.” Similarly, on page 84, we profile some of the young entrepreneurs of Vermont today. It takes genuine courage to build a business. And, of this I am certain: It takes strength and persistence to follow a dream. On New Year’s I told a friend of mine: “2020—it’s going to be our year.” He replied, “2020-2030—it’s going to be our decade.” May we all start this new decade with the strength, courage, determination, persistence, and HEART it takes to follow our dreams! - Joshua Sherman, M.D.