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A Letter of Thanks
The Magical Tapestry of Talents Make this World a Better Place

Director's Note: Heather McKeown is many things to many people: Jetblue flight attendant, massage therapist, mediator, town librarian, teacher, writer, artist, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. To Rural Partnerships, Heather is also landlord, steering committee member, coalition member, and fundraiser. Earlier this month, Heather's annual Highbrow to Hoedown show at the Enosburg Opera House raised nearly $700 for RP, and for that we are eternally grateful. That money is going to go a long way in helping us create long-term sustainability, and it means a few tons to us that she thought of RP when it came time to spread the love around. Heather recently wrote a letter to the local media to thank the community and all involved for their support of the show. We thought we'd run that letter here and use it as an opportunity for us to say thanks to her. You rock Heather!

The dust has settled. The Highbrow to Hoedown show, held at the Enosburg Opera House on July 10th, is history. In this age of revisionist story telling, I don’t think anyone will have to add flowery description or change the actual facts about this year’s flight of fancy. No, it was all that it could be, no exaggerating-in-need-of-a-sexy-byline news reporter need rewrite anything about that night. For $10, everyone got their fair share of rock, bluegrass, soul, blues, opera, comedy, fiddling, vocals of every stripe, and gymnastic introductions. There was dancing in aisles. There were tears when nostalgia hit the boards. There was oh-so-much laughter!

With local performers mixing their amazing talents with the Jetblue folks who flew in to wow the large audience, there weren’t many emotions left untouched by the end of this extravaganza.

Montreal, Alabama, Florida, Jamaica, Washington, DC, Oregon, South Carolina, California and Long Island, New York musicians, comedians and one fabulous acrobat seamlessly melded into our Franklin County society.

Muslim, Jew, Christian, Pagan, black, white, gay, straight, young and old made up the wondrous kaleidoscope of individuals in a dance of mutual respect, admiration and unconditional love. On or back stage, there were no egos in play. There was, and I must repeat this, unadulterated, pure love. The audience felt it and responded in kind. Music, laughter and man’s natural tendency to be generous, make a magical glue that can serve to bind mankind together en masse. Extrapolate what is accomplished by a few stage-ready people to an audience of less than 200 and think of the universal possibilities. Not only was there Peace on Earth at the old Opera House; there was JOY. We must do all we can to keep the arts strong in our schools. No Child Left Behind be damned!

Max McNall wrote a great story for the St. Albans Messenger, and we’re sure this boosted interest and really did a lot to make the show a success. By golly, I’m so grateful to everyone; from performers, accompanist Diane Gates, The Enosburg Opera House people, ticket sellers, 50-50 rafflers, stage hands, Dave Stetson and Mr. Beauregard, our sound engineers and, of course, the warm audience!

The entire stage was decorated by the beautiful and talented, if I may understate, Sarah Jo Willey. Not only is she a gifted vocalist but she’s now the proud owner of Enosburg’s Creative Muse Floral Design. This young lady donated hours of her time and all of the trees, flowers, hay and antiques that made this year’s set the best in twenty-one years!

The show was underwritten by The Enosburg Lions Club and sponsored by Sherwood Real Estate, Blouin Bros. Fuels, The Crossing Restaurant, Jetblue Airways, Paquin Auto, the St. Albans Messenger, the County Courier, Kittell, Branagan and Sargeant Accountants, Merchant’s Bank, Sandi Murphy Real Estate, The MYO Clinic (Therapeutic Massage Therapy), Rock on Art Studio, The OPTIMIST Newspaper, MICROCOSM FILM CORP and Cable Access Channel 15, St. Albans.

Money raised was split among Future Farmers of America, The Benjamin J. Quattlebaum Fund, Missisquoi Valley Union High School Drama and Music departments, Bellows Free Academy Leadership class and Rural Partnerships (Bakersfield, Berkshire, Enosburgh, Montgomery, and Richford).

What a night! I’m the luckiest woman in the world to LIVE in Vermont and to know so very many generous, talented, amazing people. Blessed? Oh yes.

Heather McKeown
East Berkshire

July/August issue of Rural Roots wants you to read it

It's a hot summer day (or night), and you're looking for something to read. Well hot diggity! You're in luck my friend, because we've got the new issue of Rural Roots right here for ya. All you need to do to download the PDF version is click on this. Or this. Or even this. Wasn't that fun?

So what's in this issue?
Among other things you'll find:
• photos from the Richford Youth Carnival;
• a look at the sad state of bicycle helmet usage;
• an attempt to defuse the stigma of prevention;
• and much, much more! 

 7.15.10

 HEY, MOM & DAD!!! Don't forget to Parent Up this summer!

6.11.10

Shout out to The Class of 2010