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The Rutland Herald - Rutland Vermont
The Mountain Times - Killington Vermont
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The Mountain Times Newspaper 

Killington, Vermont  July 2010

We Have Found our Heart by Royal Barnard               

Since the 1950’s, the communities in this Vermont region have felt the loss of much of the trade, transportation, and jobs that were once fueled by the fire breathing and powerful Rutland Railroad. The Rutland Railroad was key to the identity of the valley region, and as buildings and equipment dissolved into the landscape, so did the pride and sense of purpose of the people around it. This blow to the heart had wounded Rutland almost forever. Residents became unsure of who they were, and settled first into lethargy; then shock as their Downtown was decimated; then fear as the mass marketers surrounded them and lured away Downtown retailers and destroyed family stores and neighborhood groceries; then into dismay as leaders failed to find ways to reinvent society and rediscover their heart. Despite the existence of dozens of well meaning organizations, and numerous paid surveys and studies, innate frustration has caused bickering, infighting, and other sour traits of humanity, that have often prevented good intentions from becoming positive actions. However, in recent times there have been noticeable signs of life. One sign has been the resurgence of “farm to market” commerce and sustainable agriculture. Another is Rutland’s Creative Economy group and spinoff committees working together on many important fronts. But, most recently there have been two singular events that indicate more than ever where the heart is, and how powerful it is if you think, act and perform from your heart.... and in the process you rediscover the power of giving, and the strength that returns to you for having given of whatever you have. The upcoming release of “The Blood in This Town” by New York movie producer, Art Jones, has been well reported, and is one example of exactly how powerful this concept works. There is yet another recent example that is of equal interest. Rutland native professional songwriter/entertainer, James Mee, had been accused by some around him of becoming “a grumpy old man.“ His busy schedule of studio work in Nashville, and gigs in the US and abroad and in local venues, found him becoming tired and cynical. With encouragement, he set out to “open my mind to what was going on in the lives of the people around me.” Earlier this year James was invited to Clarendon Elementary School to perform his well know children’s music. In the process he became aware of many kids who had parents or loved ones in the Vermont military unit just sent off to Afghanistan... and he heard the kids and teachers wishing to do something to help them. What ensued he describes as pure magic. From Grade 2 Teacher, Neva Pratico, he sensed a heartfelt desire to help kids and families connect with the troops in a positive way. Special Ed Teacher, Bonnie Pritchard joined with her energy and ideas. “Can you help us record a song for the troops and send it to them.” This sparked James to revive a piece he had written during the first Iraq war and adapting it to the present. He asked if it might be possible to entice some school kids to sing it with him.... he expected a few to respond and got a choir of over 50. With absolutely no budget he wondered how he could find a studio, sound technician, CD recording company and funds to mail the finished product to Afghanistan. Michael Mugrage produced the tracks, Christian Skleros lent her vocal abilities and Jim Gilmore of Southview Arts in Middletown Springs came forth with sound productions all for free. Rutland PEG TV provided a studio for free. Tom Rossbach of Nimbit Music Services of Framingham, MA and his team agreed to record 200 copies of the finished product for $300 instead of $1,000. “My brother and my brother-in-law are currently serving in Afghanistan” he said. The Clarendon School PTA found the balance of $300 in their hearts. Following the song production and recording, it was decided to send boxes candy to go along with the title song “Box of Kisses.” The Vermont Country Store stepped up with free candy and free shipping to get the gifts to Asia. Handmade boxes were folded and decorated by kids, teachers, parents, grandparents; and they were filled with the CD and candy..... and the boxes are now on their way to remote, lonely and dangerous war zones. The job was done. Affairs of the heart, however, don’t just end. This is the beauty of the story. This is the connection with “The Blood in the Town”. This is the connection with the revived and powerful Farmer’s Market; and the Paramount Theatre, and the Creative Economy, and dozens of less obvious but equally applaudable efforts. This is where the answers to our questions are found. Who are we? Where is our heart? What is our purpose as a community? My thought is “live to give.” James’ thought is that “giving is character in action,” as opposed to self serving chatter that goes nowhere. James, Neva, Michael, Christina, Bonnie, the kids and the community didn’t enter the “Box of Kisses” project for fame, glory or money.... when the packages went out he and his friends said “It’s done.“ And yet ... there is a groundswell of power emanating from our community that is radiating around the globe out of this package of love. The internet is alive with people sharing the song and the story. A Texas show host who feeds into the Armed Forces Radio Network will feature the song to listeners in 177 countries around the globe. The song is available on iTunes. Notables around the planet are forwarding it to their entire contact lists. James expects no extra financial gain from all this. He is, however, enriched in a much more powerful way.... as are his friends in the project... and as we should all be as we search for our heart... it’s here... you just have to open up and listen to it... and when you do, magic things happen. Rutland Vermont is living out a powerful revival. As James says “Real character is in the doing.” Thank you to all of those with good hearts doing the work. Rutland is rising.