Our Contributors
Susan J. Coons was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her family moved to the San Fernando Valley, California when she was eight years old. As an adult she has lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, California, New York, and has traveled across the country by plane, bus, train and auto, many times.Having been a graphic artist, illustrator and Art Director for most of her career (with time out teaching elementary school for two years in Hollywood, California), she is now editor of the Vermont News Guide and TriState Pennysaver News. She is also the producer of “From my Corner in the Shires”, which is viewed on CAT-TV and GNAT-TV. She is active in the community and lives in Hoosick...
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Lisa Laberge has been decorating homes in the Manchester and surrounding areas for almost a decade. Her design studio is located on Route 30 in Dorset. Her philosophy is rooted in the classic steps of interior design. Start with an inspirational piece – an elegant rug, luxurious drapery fabric or favorite painting; study the space to select furnishings that combine function and style; coordinate fabric with an eye toward the harmonious balance of patterns; then, add the finishing touches – trims, custom details, and artful accessories. These are the elements of a fabulous room! Lisa writes an advice blog called “Simple Pleasures” that can be found at...
I was born and raised on a working farm in northern New Hampshire.From the age of three, I shared my maternal grandmother’s interest in birds. From that early beginning, I expanded my interests to include many aspects of nature.
I went to school, became an RN, and worked at the Children’s Hospital in Boston.
Our family moved several times during the next few years as Dick completed his internship and residencies in Internal Medicine. We settled in Bennington in 1974, where at last I could garden and put up birdhouses and feeders. In 1977, we enrolled our children at Pine Cobble School in Williamstown, MA where subsequently I became the school librarian. About ten years...
Cindy Butler is a former flatlander, born and raised in Illinois. Various employment-related moves led her to the Bennington area, which she now considers home. Cindy is the Assistant Innkeeper at Meadowood Farm B&B in rural Shaftsbury and enjoys writing during her free time.Previously published in Irish America magazine was an article about her Scots-Irish grandmother. An article about her son's near death while serving in Afghanistan was the first of two published in the Army Times newspaper. The second was an interview with country singer Craig Morgan, an Army veteran who still supports our troops via concerts and personal appearances.
You may contact Cindy...
Owner of Ceil Petrucelli Interiors in Bennington, Ceil Petrucelli is an interior designer and decorator with over 12 years experience. Also known as "The House Therapist," she offers home and office organizing, home staging, 1-3 day room makeovers, color consultations, shopping services, and renovation coaching to her clients. She also offers plans for people who are right-sizing or merging households. She specializes in family, pet and eco-friendly design solutions. Whether buying or building a new home or making changes to your present space, Ceil can assist you with the process and deliver a customized and personal plan to suit your style, taste, lifestyle, and budget. For more...
Sarah Hammond is a Native to Lenox Massachusetts. She came to Manchester Vermont to establish residency after earning her degree in Florida and a few years if traveling around.Born outside of New York City and spending only a few years of her youth there she moved to Berkshire County to attend secondary and high school. She was heavily involved in theater and the arts. All of which was readily available in the Berkshires in which she was a heavy participant. She moved to Florida for a change in atmosphere and new experiences.
She moved back to the Northeast to be closer to her parents and three siblings one of which just welcomed a new child into the family.
She currently...
