Beacons of positivity in Vermont
Summer in Vermont sparks contrasting desires: for some, bingeing beach books and streaming thrillers and comedies in air-conditioned living rooms are optimal choices. Others opt for self-improvement via thought-provoking content. Though beach reads and streamers are as essential for summer survival as sunscreen and shorts, this piece leans more towards the thought-provoking camp.
The new bestseller, “How To Know A Person,” by New York Times columnist David Brooks, won’t take longer than a summer afternoon to read, but it’s well worth the investment. Vermonters rightly pride themselves on their multi-generational histories, but with those come assumptions and perceptions — about certain towns, certain neighborhoods, “types” of people and the like. But, how to know a person as an individual — that’s a different story.
Brooks writes that there are two types of people, those he describes as “diminishers,“ and those he terms “illuminators.” He describes diminishers as people “…who make others feel small and unimportant. They may dominate conversations, interrupt, or dismiss others’ perspectives.”
Illuminators, Brooks writes, are those “…who make others feel seen, valued, and understood. They are genuinely curious about others, ask insightful questions, and listen attentively. They help people feel their thoughts and experiences matter.”
Illuminators, Brooks writes, are those “…who make others feel seen, valued, and understood…”
Those who are fortunate to call Vermont home, or who have visited Vermont often enough to consider it home, know that the state is a study in contrasts, of illuminators vs. diminishers, of assets vs. challenges — whether referring to places, organizations, or people. Because Vermont’s pride of place and places of pride are impossible without illuminators — those authentic advocates and ambassadors who shine a bright light on positive possibilities — Vermont is very fortunate.
Nowhere was this more evident than in Rutland earlier this week, when Governor Phil Scott, a Republican considered the most popular governor in the country, and an “illuminator” for certain, delivered eloquent remarks to about 150 diverse people gathered at Southside Steakhouse. The occasion was the semi-annual legislative breakfast sponsored by CEDRR (Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region).
Despite the 7:30 a.m. start time on a cloudy Monday, the packed room held corporate executives, private businessowners, and nonprofit leaders; Rutland Country’s senators and representatives; Rutland’s Mayor Michael Doenges; several of Rutland City’s aldermen, and several members of Rutland City’s police force, including Chief Brian A. Kilcullen.
Everyone in attendance was supremely polite when Governor Scott was introduced, but the response to his remarks went beyond politeness. This is notable because the Governor addressed some of the most difficult decisions he has made over the past few months, about the most difficult issues facing Vermonters.
It’s even more notable because Scott addressed those issues — housing, Act 250, education, taxes and healthcare — with palpable respect, integrity and concern for the people of Vermont. He also showed genuine restraint in his comments about his detractors, emphasizing data-driven arguments with tact as well as confidence.
To be sure, at events such as this and others that celebrate the greater good of Vermont, it’s disconcerting to spot the occasional diminisher. At Monday’s event, a guest seated at a crowded table in the front of the room pushed his chair back so far and so abruptly that he hit the chair of the woman directly behind him — shoving it into her back. Though the woman’s flinch was obvious to all who saw it, the man did not acknowledge it nor did he turn around, let alone apologize.
All the more reason to focus on the positives, on those at the event who, in addition to Scott, were illuminators as well. Among them:
Rep. Paul Clifford, R-Rutland, waiting patiently in line to speak with Governor Scott after the event, was nothing short of gallant when another guest inadvertently inserted herself between Clifford and the governor. Rep. Clifford assured her that he “…speaks with the Governor all the time, so please go ahead…” The woman and Scott had an animated and positive conversation, and she went on her way.
Rutland City Alderman Bill Gillam, Jr. was also bubbling over with enthusiasm, about a project he is facilitating to boost the intersection of Center Street and Merchants Row as a vibrant focal point. Since that area is the first thing most people see when they arrive in Rutland via Amtrak, the project could be a significant economic spark for Rutland’s downtown. Yet Gillam was both modest and beaming, so to speak, as he acknowledged his “broad shoulders” in taking on that and other high-profile projects.
Lastly, no article about illuminators would be complete without acknowledging the CEDRR staff that have been organizing such events for more years than most people can recall. Though usually behind the scenes, they are dynamic catalysts for commerce and indisputable illuminators in their own right. Among them: Chrispin White, CEDRR’s member services and events manager, who greeted a guest with his usual empathy and cheer — especially when she expressed an unusual craving for a steak at 7:15 in the morning; Communications and Marketing Manager Olivia C. Lyons, who has high-wattage energy and an uncanny prescience for anticipating requests — in addition to her exceptional marketing and communications talents; and Lori Pinkowski, CEDRR’s office manager, whose patience and consideration for all who interact with CEDRR rival that of any politician.
Although David Brooks’ “How To Know A Person” contains several chapters about illuminators, perhaps Brooks should do a follow-up book on pride of place and places of pride where illuminators far outshine diminishers. He could spotlight those who are such essential beacons of positivity that their states, cities, towns and neighborhoods would not survive, let alone thrive, without them. He could start right here in Vermont, right here in the Rutland region.
Liz DiMarco Weinmann, MBA, is principal and owner of Liz DiMarco Weinmann Consulting, L3C, based in Rutland, serving charitable and educational institutions. lizdimarcoweinmann.com.
