Originally from the Berkshires, I have lived in many places, back and forth across the country from New England to San Francisco, Boston, Vermont, Rochester, NY, Tucson, and happily returned to Vermont six years ago. The mountains of the Berkshires and southern Vermont are a great comfort and beauty to me. Most of my family is here – my brother lives in Williamstown, and my sister Althea moved back just before I did and lives in Arlington.

I worked as a secretary for many years (easy to move around and get a job!) and decided in my mid-30s that I wanted to be a Social Worker. So, I went to Brockport State University College and then to Columbia University to get my MSW. For the second half of my working life, I was lucky to work in several long-term facilities in Rochester, NY, especially the Monroe County Hospital, which is a long-term care facility with over 400 residents of all ages. I met so many interesting people that I would never have otherwise. Young people with severe disabilities, older people with fascinating lives — all enriched my life more than they ever knew, and continue to as I think about them.

Reading with children as a volunteer in the Tucson elementary schools and—more recently–in Bennington at Molly Stark was something I really enjoyed for many years.
I volunteer occasionally at the Bennington Museum, giving children’s tours, or at children’s events. Currently I’m helping weed the gardens. I also belong to and volunteer with the Green Mountain Weavers and Spinners Guild, a small guild of people interested in various textiles.

I’ve long been interested in textiles of all kinds – knitting, embroidery, spinning, felting, weaving and more. Textiles in different parts of the world, especially Mexico, Central and South America, are endlessly fascinating and beautiful, as are textiles in different eras. I also love music of most kinds, especially classical, jazz, and American Roots.

I look forward to assisting Dawn with the newsletter and will be contacting you in the months ahead, asking you to consider submitting an article, a book review, a poem, or other type of column. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time (email: cactuscarrie10@gmail.com.)

–Carolyn