My Favorite Things About Central Vermont

When we first stayed in Montpelier for a visit in 2003 to decide if Central Vermont was the place for us to settle, we looked in the local newspaper to see what events were happening in town during the middle of Winter. We were interested to see what was going on around here and searched for something my wife, myself, and our six-month-old daughter could do to get a sense of this community that evening. Aside from a specific activity that particular evening, we were looking for the place to raise a family as well as a community accepting and seeking what I could share in the way of Chinese Medicine.

There was a kids’ activity at the Kellogg Hubbard library where a person from the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District was teaching how to recycle and reuse paper. Our little one enjoyed tearing up paper into pieces, soaking them in water, and then sort of putting them back together to dry into another reusable sheet. I don’t quite remember all the technical details, but I remember how cool it seemed that the local library was coordinating with the local waste management district to teach kids about recycling. I’ve been impressed by the various events and activities that Montpelier, and central Vermont in general, offers year-round. It’s like finding little gems and reliving their experience each year. Trying to list those gems here seems a little overwhelming. From sugar on snow at Morse or Bragg Farms, to the valentine bandit hanging the red hearts around town, the Ice on Fire winter festival, the Town Meeting day experience, to PoemCity in April, All Species Day in May, Green Up Vermont, Barre Heritage Festival; so many I could list and would be afraid of leaving something out so I better stop there.

Central Vermont Community

I have seen community defined as “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common”. Also, “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals”. Of course, everyone can’t share the same attitudes and interests, but there can be large groups. And I bet if you live in central Vermont and read that short list I just rattled off, you may have a feeling of fellowship, joy, and maybe pride in this community. As our oldest child is soon to be headed off to college, we’ve been reflecting on her childhood experience since learning how to recycle at age six months. And we are so grateful to this community for the values we share with it.

My wife now works for the Kellogg Hubbard library coordinating the adult programs. She’s preparing for PoemCity 2021 as I write, which is a celebration of poetry that happens across the country. There are events throughout the month of April to attend as well as posters of poetry hung in the windows of most of the stores in downtown Montpelier. These poems are contributed by anyone who feels inspired to share. It is inspiring to me for a library to encourage any one of us community members to write a poem for others to experience. There are even elementary-age children and teenagers who get involved. To share our humanity and personal experiences, especially this year during a pandemic, is part of what makes a healthy community.

Favorite Things

So I would say my favorite things about central Vermont happen to be the various events, activities, and programs that promote a sense of well-being. Since moving here in 2003 to now, I have felt that strong sense of community both in East Montpelier where we reside, and in Montpelier where we work. To those East Montpelier people, how did it feel to be at Rally Day? Even though we live in our separate homes or work in our separate offices, there is the strong value of community in central Vermont. When I walk around during the evening of July 3rd, after the parade has finished, after I’ve had my bloomin’ onion, hearing the live music in the background, waiting for the fireworks, I see many people I know or recognize. They may be family friends or patients. We may interact as we pass or not. But the feeling of just being there amongst everyone is one of comfort, security, familiarity, love, joy, and community.