Publisher's Message:
Whooping It Up at Vermont Woman!

Sue Gillis, Publisher

If you happen to be passing by the Vermont Woman Newspaper office and hear yelps of glee… that would be our staff. You see, there is one heck of a lot going on here this month.

Valerie Plame Wilson Event - October 28

She's the most famous spy in America - but not by choice. Valerie Plame Wilson, the CIA agent whose covert status was exposed by members of the Bush administration, will be the keynote speaker for our 4th annual lecture series. This will be one of her first public speaking engagements in the country following her appearance on 60 Minutes and the release of her highly anticipated memoir, Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House. If you have not yet reserved your ticket for this event, I strongly suggest you hop to it!

The Vermont Woman Lecture Series is our biggest event of the year. Past speakers have been the late great former Texas Governor Ann Richards; political columnist Eleanor Clift of the McLaughlin Report; the indomitable Chief White House Correspondent, Helen Thomas; and next, Valerie Plame Wilson.

This is your chance to be part of an amazing afternoon of historic importance. Reserve your seat today. Don't delay! Tickets are $28.00 and on sale now; online at www.vermontwoman.com or by calling 802-861-6200.

Vermont Woman Wins (More) Awards

The Vermont Press Association (VPA) awarded Vermont Woman Newspaper third prize for General Excellence, in the non-daily category. We were competing among 48 other newspaper statewide. First place was awarded to the twelve-year old weekly Seven Days of Burlington, and second place went to the veteran community weekly, The Stowe Reporter.

And if that was not thrilling enough, Assistant Editor Mary Fratini took the gold for first prize in Featuring Writing. Mary won for her October 2006 cover story of Fletcher Allen's Dr. David Krag and his groundbreaking breast cancer research and its support by underwriting sponsor, philanthropist Kim and Scott Ireland of the S.D. Ireland Foundation. And more! Margaret Michniewicz, Editor, won first prize for Headline Writing and third prize for General News Photography.

One of the signature features of Vermont Woman is its distinctive design, as we are committed to providing an attractive package that enhances our editorial work. Although to date the VPA contest does not include a specific design category, being recognized for General Excellence is unquestionably a result of Creative Director Jan Doerler's talented artistic vision, and so I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize her outstanding contributions to this publication.

Editor Margaret Michniewicz wishes to publicly thank and recognize our stalwart team of contributing writers for their efforts in bringing this award-winning publication to you, our readers.

These awards are particularly meaningful to us because the contest judges are chosen from among the top-rated newspapers from the rest of New England, and were based on our work during the year 2006, when Vermont Woman was just three years old. Comments by the judges included the following points: "Unabashed point of view journalism. Good writing… Dynamic covers. Smart, articulate political endorsements. Good photography and layout. Interesting around-the-world and around-Vermont briefs…All sorts of columns… And Helen Thomas for the third annual lecture series is a homerun."

But Wait, There's More: Vermont Woman Turns Four

With this issue, Vermont Woman Newspaper turns four years old. We like our readers to know about these annual milestones, mostly because the effort to keep independently owned newspapers alive and viable is no small achievement these days. And it is also a tribute to the Vermont community: readers, founders, supporters and advertisers who understand that it is these newspapers and other independent media that provide a public forum for our voices, and reflect who we are as a Vermont community. So Bravo to you all.

Announcing: New Staff

I am pleased to announce the addition of Ellen Biddle and Hannah Boucher to the Vermont Woman advertising sales department.

Ellen Biddle, Senior Account Executive covering Chittenden County

Ellen is the former Marketing Director for the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce; former Advertising Director for Seven Days; and most recently an Account Executive with Hall Communications Group (WIZN and BUZZ radio). Ellen is Vice President of the Board and Chair of Marketing and PR Committee for the Burlington Boys and Girls Club; and has been a 10 year volunteer for Burlington Meals on Wheels program. Ellen is also the mother of 4 year old daughter Marisa.

Ellen says she is very excited about Vermont Woman and loves being part of our success and continued growth

Hannah Boucher, Account Executive covering Chittenden County

Hannah is a 2005 graduate of Arizona State University and a fourth generation Vermonter.

While attending college and for the past two years, Hannah has been working in the arena of inside product sales, promotion and marketing. She has lived abroad in Germany, London, Tokyo and Okinawa. Recently married, Hannah is delighted to be back in Vermont after a five year absence, and says she is passionate about working for Vermont Woman Newspaper.