I was in high school when my father decided we needed a second car. Three of us—Mom, Dad and I—were juggling turns taking the Chevy where we needed to go. One afternoon Dad drove home a yellow VW Beetle. He taught me to work the clutch and shift gears, and I was allowed to drive…

When we moved to the small town of Lincoln, Vermont, I was introduced to the town’s beautiful new library. There was an opening on the board of trustees, and I was elected, my chief role fundraising to keep the library operating. I organized a dinner dance and silent auction with items and services up for…