BRATTLEBORO-Vermont Independent Media (VIM), publisher of The Commons, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., at the Retreat Farm's North Barn to honor and thank the community that has been integral to its success.
VIM was founded in 2004 by citizens who wanted to create a mission-driven organization to understand and educate people in creating their own media - news media in particular - and, eventually, to publish a community newspaper that would embody that understanding. That led to the creation of its Media Mentoring Project - free public workshops on all aspects of writing, editing, and publishing - and, eventually, publication of The Commons two years later.
The Commons was among the first nonprofit newspapers in the country. 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 and The Commons are going strong.
The party promises to be a joyous occasion filled with music, community spirit, and a few surprises, said Board President Lynn Barrett.
For the first time, VIM will present two awards - the Community Partner Award, which honors successful collaboration that brings a community closer together, and the Diana Bingham Community Service Award, named for Bingham, whose longtime history of supporting local nonprofits and special projects have made a lasting difference here.
The party will feature light refreshments, performances by local musicians Bard Owl and Peter Siegel, an anniversary cake, raffle prizes, and more.
Partygoers will also enjoy historical displays and copies of the earliest issues of The Commons, historical images, articles, awards, VIM's original vision statement, past advertisers, writers, and contributors in the first edition, old and new logos, and fun facts.
Admission is free. For more information and to let organizers know you'll be coming, contact Michelle Kantor at [email protected].
This News item was submitted to The Commons.