FROM THE EDITOR
Time has a strange way of sneaking up on you. A year ago, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer were in short supply. Groceries flew off the shelves. Businesses were shuttered; schools transitioned to remote learning; museums and theaters were closed. Masks became mandatory and the phrases “social distancing,” “essential workers” and “new normal” entered our vocabularies. In the last year, we have read many books; watched movies from our living rooms; learned to sew, crochet, knit, bake, cook and garden. Many of us discovered or rediscovered hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and our love for our own backyards. We have virtually visited museums, historic sites, listened to musicians and watched baby zoo animals discover the world. In the last year, we have lost so much. We have lost over 562,000 Americans (over 2.9 million worldwide) to COVID-19 (as of April). We have seen restaurants and businesses close their doors for good. We have mourned and grieved together. We have helped each other in times of need. In the coming year, may we honor all that has been lost by embracing all we have gained: new skills, new passions, new friends and loved ones. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you soon, as we adjust to a new “new normal.” Jennifer Huberdeau, Editor jhuberdeau@berkshireeagle.com
Publisher Fredric D. Rutberg
frutberg@berkshireeagle.com
Vice President Jordan Brechenser
jbrechenser@berkshireeagle.com
Executive Editor Kevin Moran
kmoran@berkshireeagle.com
Editor Jennifer L. Huberdeau
jhuberdeau@berkshireeagle.com
Proofreaders Margaret Button Lindsey Hollenbaugh Tim Jamiolkowski Art Director Kimberly Kirchner
kkirchner@berkshireeagle.com
Regional Advertising Managers Berkshire County, Mass.: Kate Teutsch kteutsch@berkshireeagle.com
Bennington County, Vt.: Susan Plaisance
splaisance@manchesterjournal.com
Windham County, Vt.: Lylah Wright lwright@reformer.com
UpCountry Magazine is a publication of New England Newspapers Inc.
On the Cover: A woman relaxes on the edge of Lake Shaftsbury in Shaftsbury, Vt. Photo by Caroline Bonnivier Snyder
4 | UPCOUNTRY MAGAZINE | May/June 2021
