To Wallow or Reinvent? – And, Vermont Woman Wins Big at Press Association Awards!
Sudden change or change by choice occurs over and over in one’s life. Either way, life-altering change challenges us to reinvent ourselves. And it’s rarely easy.
Change by divorce, accident, illness, death, or job loss always results in emotional chaos. For me, a profound setback in my young life was my 42-year-old mother’s illness and death from breast cancer. Gone were plans such as going to Woodstock, or intentions of marching with my friends to end the war in Vietnam and for racial equality and women’s rights, and gone was a planned trip to Greece and then a graduate degree. I was needed at home for the next six years. As my friends set out to fulfill all their dreams, I was obligated taking care of my mother and manage our household and younger siblings. Devastated, I had two choices: wallow in the abyss or reinvent. With age and maturity, I learned that sooner or later everyone has a similar story and they, too, ultimately come to the same choice.
The critical trick is recognizing that the shock of major change can be temporary; bad stuff happens and it’s one’s measure of character as to how you choose to deal with it (so said my grandmother). The process to achieving a fresh and successful new direction requires self-exploration (i.e., this event does not own me), and an openness for possibility.
Retirement is also considered a life-altering event whether by choice or not. An unplanned retirement can be as devastating as losing your job. Letting go of your job as defining who you are can be tough for many and the experts therefore encourage development of a post-retirement plan for the next phase of our lives.
Our cover tribute to Andrea Rogers hails her thirty years as the one and only Executive Director of the Flynn Theatre. Under her management and fundraising skills Andrea has guided her staff and community supporters in establishing the Flynn as an award-winning world class theater and the pride of Vermont. At the age of seventy, Andrea is preparing to retire at the top of her game. She leaves the Flynn with an excellent staff and in sound financial shape. While Andrea is leaving the Flynn somewhat reluctantly, she clearly is looking forward to enjoying more leisure time. However, she intends to stay very involved by taking classes, traveling and community volunteer work as her schedule allows. It will be fascinating to follow Andrea as she reinvents her life following her retirement.
Nothing to Wallow About Here – Vermont Woman Wins Top Press Awards!
Vermont Woman won five FIRST PLACE awards (in the biweekly/monthly) category – including the top award capping off the evening, for General Excellence – at the New England Newspaper and Press Association convention in Boston on February 6. First place awards went to writer Cindy Hill for General News Story; editor Margaret Michniewicz, Editorial Writing; and creative director Jan Doerler, advertising design (in two categories). In addition, contributing editor Rickey Gard Diamond placed third in the General News Story category. Judging was based on issues published between August 2008 and July 2009.
Cindy was recognized for her article about sex offender laws in the wake of the murder of Brooke Bennett, in our October 2008 issue (http://www.vermontwoman.com/articles/1008/sexoffender.shtml). About the story judges wrote: “Sex Offender Laws” was a well researched, well written account of a local tragedy and its relation to the state’s sex offender laws. Hill crafted an excellent story using multiple sources on both sides of this significant issue. Her writing style and use of seamless transitions from one thought to another made for a unified story.
Rickey’s article was about Marshfield resident Diana Levine and her lawsuit against the pharmaceutical giant Wyeth. The story appeared in our November 2008 issue (http://www.vermontwoman.com/articles/1108/ballad.shtml). According to judges: “The Ballad of Diana v. Goliath” was a thorough, well written story on a timely subject. The reporter was able to walk the fine line of reporting on a serious topic involving a close friend. She used professional sources effectively and included significant background information, which added depth to the story.
Margaret Michniewicz’s award for editorial writing was accompanied by these remarks from the judges: The opinions, written about sensitive and sometimes controversial issues, were presented professionally. They were easy to read and thought provoking. The subjects are, indeed, significant on a level that goes beyond local boundaries. Well done!
Jan Doerler’s first place awards in the ad design categories recognized overall great design quality and dynamic use of large photos, as well as excellent layout and copy.
And topping it off, the comments for General Excellence:
There is a very balanced mix between news stories and editorials. The local articles and events were interesting and relevant. Their regular columns, like “Ms. Behavior” and “Women World Wide” are fun and interesting. The layout of the paper is a good balance of color and black and white. Color is used throughout to emphasize specific articles and pictures very effectively. Overall, well laid out and a great combination of information on everything from motherhood to finance.
Congratulations to everyone in the Vermont media who also received awards – Addison County Independent, Barton Chronicle, Brandon-Pittsford Reporter, Bennington Banner, Seven Days, Stowe Reporter, and the Waterbury Record. Congratulations and a “you go girl!” to NENPA Rookie of the Year Kathryn Flagg of the Addison Independent.
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Vermont Woman is a forum for news, issues, features, arts and entertainment from the perspective, experience, and voices of Vermont women. Vermont Woman is a bi-monthly
newspaper published in South Hero, Vermont and is excerpted here on this site. All content © Copyright 2011, Vermont Woman Media.
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