Nancy Clingan

Politics hits close to home, when home is Mexico

Politics hits close to home, when home is Mexico

A Vermonter strives to transcend differences of economics, nationality, and politics in the aftermath of the U.S. election

My plans had already been made to spend the winter in Oaxaca, Mexico when Donald J. Trump - hereafter, “45” - won the election.

I was embarrassed that 45 had become president. I wasn't sure if I should stick with my plan or if I could be more effective politically here in the United States. Like most people I knew, I was deeply concerned about what would happen next in this country.

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Family of origin

I am gratefui for the pain and joy of that growth, that humble honesty, and that personal responsibility that has let me return home

I am ready to simply spend time with Mom today. She is fragile and vulnerable, in the beginning stages of dementia since her health problems in the last year. On Christmas day, I am in charge of the traditional turkey dinner for six of us, Mom and siblings. After...

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MMI benefit play was a success

I'd like to thank Kali Quinn for her exceptional performance in Overture to a Thursday Morning, a one-act original play she created. Kali chose to donate the profits of one performance at the Sandglass Theater in Putney to our small, grassroots organization, Making the Most of I (MMI). The...

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Blaming the victim

Recently in Texas, an 11-year-old girl was gang raped by 18 to 20 boys and men. Imagining the horror this child experienced is, in itself, just sickening. Any compassionate being would feel nauseous with the images it brings up. As abhorrent as this act is, the response of members of her community, as reported by The New York Times, was shocking. According to the March 8 account in the newspaper, “They said she dressed older than her age, wearing makeup...

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In support of Partridge, Obuchowski

I'm writing to support Carolyn Partridge and Michael Obuchowski as our Vermont state representatives. Obie and Carolyn have been doing a great job for a long time and I plan to continue to vote for them.  I encourage others to do the same. I run a small nonprofit organization, Making the Most of I, which serves low-income women in transition. We provide a free 14-week course that addresses self-esteem, stress reduction, communication skills, conflict resolution and many other topics that...

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Making the Most of I benefit concert was a success

The Aug. 21 benefit concert for Making the Most of I at the Immanuel Episcopal Stone Church in Bellows Falls was a total success. The audience was thrilled and on its feet, giving standing ovations many times throughout the evening, celebrating the musical genius of Samirah Evans, Charles Neville, Moonlight Davis, Rebecca Holtz, Morning Star Chenven, Greg Flower, Mirò Sprague, Jason Ennis, Jon Fisher, and Alec Darien. We thank everyone, including the audience, who so generously supported our program, which...

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In memory of Claire Oglesby

I had my own experience and impression of Claire Oglesby, who taught my son, Gaetano, for first and second grade in 1976 and 1977 in the Westminster West two-room schoolhouse. When she passed away on Aug. 5 from cancer at age 77, I knew I'd be attending the memorial services to honor her. I knew they'd be crowded, too. And at her recent memorial service, I found out why others felt she was so special. Claire Oglesby made a deep...

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