WHY WE LIVE IN CENTRAL VERMONT (cont.)

The town where we settled, although physically beautiful, was not wealthy, nor long on social cachet. Our sons soon became great skiers, but we noticed that many of the kids did not ski because their families could not afford the equipment, lessons or lift tickets. We established a volunteer ski program including donated skis and clothing and convinced the local ski area to provide free skiing one afternoon a week. I took the role of school bus driver, complete with appropriate license, and as a less-than-expert ski instructor. Many of our friends and neighbors were fine skiers and pitched in to make this program a great success that continues to this day.

In 1985, we settled in Rochester and into our new home just a few days before Christmas. Hearing a knock on the door, we opened it to find a total stranger who introduced himself, said “Welcome to Rochester,” and presented us with a beautiful balsam wreath that he had made himself. There have been many, many similar neighborly experiences over the years to follow, and this charming town continues to offer the values of a caring community.

There are many worthy organizations in Rochester and Central Vermont: The White River Valley Players, the Rochester Chamber Music Society, Pierce Hall Community Center and, happily, a large group of ardent supporters to make these worthy enterprises flourish.

With a population just under 1,200, Rochester offers a unique combination of concerned and committed citizens who prize and support good schools, preserving historic buildings and being good stewards of our fabled Green Mountains.

—Brooks