Vermont Magazine | Page 8

From the Desk of Joshua Sherman, M.D. In every issue of Vermont Magazine, we showcase a charity in the section entitled, “Giving Back.” In this issue, we feature Community Heart & Soul, which asks citizens to self-reflect and determine what matters most to their town. We chose to feature this charity in our holiday issue, because the holidays are similarly a natural period for self-reflection. We remember good times and bad. We think about the choices we’ve made. We reminisce about the loved ones who are no longer with us. But those same self-reflections can also serve as imperative motivation as we enter the new year. Motivation to be a better person. Motivation to create goals and pursue dreams. Motivation to live a better life. Motivation to repair fractured relationships. So as 2020 approaches, we at Old Mill Road Media not only wish you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling new year, we also encourage you to connect with one another—even that “old acquaintance” who may “be forgot.” Happy Holidays! Joshua A Special Holiday Treat! In our last issue of Vermont Magazine, we asked our readers to send in their favorite holiday memories. Vermonter Don Trachte, Jr. was kind enough to send in a slew of images from his childhood. “It was a remarkable time. My father (Vermont artist Don Trachte) would make these Christmas cards using his own printing press. He would carve and print them—usually with two colors. He would exchange cards with fellow illustrators and cartoonists. He did that from 1934-2000.” Don Trachte was part of the Arlington Artist Colony of the mid-20th Century that included Norman Rockwell. Rockwell used his friends and neighbors as his models. In the Rockwell Christmas image from 1952 (opposite bottom right), a five-year-old Don Trachte, Jr. modeled in his pajamas. The girl next to him? Melinda Pelham, daughter of another Arlington illustrator and photographer, Gene Pelham. Don Trachte, Jr. shared: “I was not a very good model. I was quite shy— and did not feel comfortable in my P.J.’s—and did not want to hold hands with Melinda. It was the last time I was invited to model for Norman!” Dea r Sa nta, I’v is m e b e e y li n go s t: od My this Two yea Fro A Co r a nt T nd rnco e et so b P A Nin h her ip e e ten do A Re 6 4 !! !! a d s to compa Ryd er ck ss BB in the Gun A with Ve Subsc Ma rmont riptio n to gaz az in e 6 VERMONT MAGAZINE