BRATTLEBORO-Vermont Independent Media (VIM)/The Commons celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 6 at the Retreat Farm North Barn.
Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of two community awards - The Community Partner Award which was presented to Brattleboro Savings & Loan (BS&L) to honor and recognize their commitment and vital role in successful collaboration that brings a community closer together, and the initial Diana Bingham Award, awarded to Diana Bingham herself this year, and to a community member each year going forward.
"Brattleboro Savings & Loan has been supportive of VIM since the very beginning, even opening up space in their headquarters for our initial meetings in forming a new newspaper in Brattleboro," said Lynn Barrett, president of the board of Vermont Independent Media.
Barrett said BS&L "consistently stood by our side throughout these 20 years. In particular, at the onset of COVID, they supported a print run of 25,000 so that, on April 9, 2020, every household in Windham County received vital information about COVID that they could use."
BS&L currently supports VIM's Media Mentoring Program and Voices Live. Robert Davis, senior vice president, senior commercial banking officer, accepted the award which was a copy of the front page of the April 9, 2020, issue.
Bingham, a community member whose generosity in supporting nonprofits and special projects has made a lasting difference in Windham County, was also honored. Barrett said Bingham's commitment to Vermont Independent Media, "frankly saved The Commons from having to stop the presses."
Bingham provided not only financial and moral support, but also hands-on support by participating in a four-person downtown distribution team of volunteers who still deliver the paper hot off the presses. And, while at it, she not only lugged bundles around, but talked up the paper to whoever she met.
Party-goers enjoyed historical displays and copies of the earliest issues of The Commons, including historical images, articles, awards, original vision statement, past advertisers, writers, and contributors in the first edition, old and new logos, fun facts, and more.
Also featured were performances by local musicians Bard Owl and Peter Siegel, an anniversary cake, raffle prizes, light refreshments, and more.
VIM was incorporated in 2004 as one of the first nonprofit weekly newspapers in the country. It received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS the following year. The founders of VIM envisioned an organization that would promote local independent journalism, create a forum for participation, and encourage civic engagement by building media skills.
"Today, VIM is going strong and is widely known for its award-winning public programming offered through the Media Mentoring Project and Voices Live. VIM has become a trusted resource for the residents of Windham County and beyond," said Barrett.
This News item was submitted to The Commons.