Golden Jubilee

Hello, Friends! I’ve arrived at an important milestone in my life. This Sunday, December 7, is my birthday. I’ll be 50 years old.

FIFTY! (*leg kick*)

If you don’t know that reference, take a couple of minutes to look up “Molly Shannon as Sally O’Malley.” You will find a treasure trove of pictures and videos of the hilarious comedienne in the iconic red and white outfit on Saturday Night Live, kicking her leg up (higher than I can) in resounding joy as she announces that she is “Fifty! Fifty years old!” (*kick, stretch, kick*)

Like Sally, I’ve never been ashamed to tell people my age. After all, growing old is part of life for all living creatures. It’s something we all have in common, so why not embrace it? I just got my first personalized piece of mail from AARP, so let’s get together and talk about our retirement funds and our ailments. I’m ready!

Ella and the first issue of The Guide, January 2025 

The 50th anniversary of anything is often referred to as a “Golden Jubilee.” I don’t know how golden I feel, but I will say that I acknowledge the importance of this marker in my life’s journey. Every birthday can be a time to look back at what we’ve achieved since the last go around the sun, and this one is no different for me. While I haven’t quite reached “enlightenment,” I can say that my priorities have come into sharper focus. My colleague, Jen Hathaway, talked about acts of kindness in her article, “Knit the Rainbow,” which appeared in the November 5 issue of The Guide. She shared that, in being kind to others, you have a positive impact on your own well-being. It’s a beautiful thing.

I spent a good part of my weekend doing one of my favorite things- volunteering with The Dorset Players, founders and stewards of The Dorset Playhouse. Being a member of this non profit arts organization has significantly improved my life and I will always be grateful. Volunteering for them doesn’t feel like an act of kindness because it’s so incredibly, personally rewarding. But, I know that it is. It’s exactly what Jen was writing about.

 The cast of Meteor Shower, April 2025

As I approach Sunday, I can’t help but reflect on highlights of 2025, like my interview withTHE Katherine Paterson in Vermont Magazine Holiday/Winter 2025. But I’m also looking forward to my 50th year and the beginning of 2026! 

In my 49th year, since December 7, 2024:

I performed in Elf: The Musical with both my husband and son

I became the Editor of Manchester Life Magazine and The Guide

I directed Meteor Shower, a play by one of my favorite performing artists, Steve Martin

I performed in Company, my first Sondheim play

I celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary in Sicily, Italy with my husband and son

  Marta in Company, May 2025 / 20th Anniversary, Palermo, Sicily, June 26, 2025

I lost 35 pounds

I performed a concert with my husband and son at the Bennington Museum

I interviewed the great children’s author, Katherine Paterson (see Vermont Magazine Holiday/Winter 2025)

I interviewed another favorite author, Gregory Maguire. Look for that interview in the next issue of Vermont Magazine this summer!

I had a hysterectomy (thank you to Dr. Sampson and the team at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center!)

I participated in my first tractor parade ever with The Dorset Players

I’m producing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr. for The Dorset Players

Elliott and his Favorite Young Actor Award

In my 50th year, I’m looking forward to:

Celebrating my son’s 13th birthday on December 19, 2025!

Personal career growth

Volunteering more with The Dorset Players

Devoting more time to animal rescue and shelter support

Writing more stories about people, organizations, and businesses in my local community and in Vermont

A beach vacation?

Spending more time with my cat, Ella

Continuing the Season of Kindness, all year long