“… We are dedicated to excellence in our work to improve the health and quality of life for all.”
- Delores Barbeau, M.D.
A couple or so weeks ago, I stayed with a group of friends in Vermont. Three of us knew each other since we were seventeen years old; the other two women, who I now consider friends, live in Weston, Vermont. Also visiting was Tony (a writer with an interesting background – see below).
Where we stayed
Monks’ Chapel
Rosie, Mary and I drove up to Vermont from Connecticut. For me, the beauty surrounding us was close to overwhelming. We were grateful and fortunate enough to have the use of a guest house on the grounds of The Benedictine Monks of Weston Priory.
As I took my walk each morning at the crack of dawn, I noticed something missing. I stopped and listened and heard no birds. I had forgotten birds travel south when the cold weather comes. The stillness each morning is indescribable — the tallness of the trees, blocked the full sunrise — the glimmer through the branches was enough for me.
Morning Sun
My time spent here has left a lasting mark in me and my deep thanks to each person. I could write much, but prefer to offer some connecting links. Mary is from Washington DC and among other things belongs to the Truth Speakers Program of TASSC. The mission of this organization is to speak out against all forms of torture worldwide and to empower survivors, their families and communities. Mary has her own personal story of torture and survival during the Banzer regime in Bolivia in the 1970s. I asked Mary what she would like to say to readers of my blog. Her immediate response was: The atmosphere in the 60s and 70s was Americans being shocked with anyone in the world being tortured and today’s atmosphere in the USA is one of discussion with pros and cons. I am paraphrasing as I did not write down her exact words but I do know the words are her thoughts – rightly so.
My view: we are allowing ourselves to become so divided in America, putting our values aside for the sake of appearing right and taking sides. As I have said before in the blog, all of us better be careful before we lose what made us great.
Rosie is from Windsor Connecticut and in her earlier years has served the people in Nepal and has worked many years for the human rights of farm workers in California. Rosie has been teaching yoga for now in Windsor – the people there are lucky as no one could have a better yoga teacher.
Delores and Carol have created, with others, a nonprofit organization called: ‘Neighborhood Connections, VT’. Both Delores and Carol, in earlier times, have worked with the people in Bolivia in the medical field for years – their personal stories, survival and experiences in Bolivia are also very compelling. Their service now in Vermont is not only of great value and hugely needed in these critical economic times but for the long term needs of people in the area. From their website: “We are a nonprofit organization offering preventive health care, health education and social services. We proudly serve the communities of Londonderry, South Londonderry, Weston, Chester, Andover, Windham, Winhall, Jamaica, Landgrove, and Peru.” Check their ‘wish list’.
Communities Nesting in the Mountains
What I like about ‘Neighborhood Connections, VT’ — it is exactly what a major part of the assistance is: connecting, partnering, and PREVENTION. This is the key to meeting needs now and before the need happens. Below are some links to learn more about Vermont:
Information
Vermont has an overall ranking of 10. This is excellent as long as endeavors grow in proportion to the ever increasing numbers of homeless families in Vermont as expressed by HUD. These numbers have increased in the last two years.
Through my friends I met Tony Equale — my observations and conversations found Tony to be extremely intelligent and equally a good person. Tony’s request to my blog readers is to take a look at his books and if you find interesting “please buy”. I am happy to send this message on:
Beauty along the Way
On our drive to Vermont, Rosie stopped for a woman who was ‘hitchhiking’ – something you can do in this friendly town. She was returning home from visiting her brother. In talking with her, Lois was born and raised in Weston and other nearby towns. Schools were not the greatest in those days and her education only went to fourth grade. At this time in her life, she is able to continue from that grade onward. A teacher visits her once a week. Division is her hardest subject. We all encouraged her to memorize ‘those’ times tables as that will make division easier. Well, her enthusiasm and hard work made my day and I will think of Lois often as she pursues her studies.
Lois
I had a great time in Vermont – a real learning experience mixed with much fun and laughter from four strong women who I am honored to know! Carol and Delores have that wonderful gift of making everyone welcome including the people in Weston and surrounding towns.
Stay Connected!
