When our family moved to Rochester just over a year ago from Portland, Maine, (and before that from Jeffersonville, Vt.), we had some ideas for what to expect for ourselves, but not as clear an idea of what to expect for our now five-year-old daughter. Our hope was to be part of a welcoming community in the mountains and by the river, and to help our daughter foster a sense of wonder and peace in the natural world. We have been incredibly fortunate to have this all come to fruition.
Raising a child in a city provides myriad opportunities to be involved in coordinated activities that many parents now rely on. It can also mean spending less time with children. One thing we cherish about being here is just how much time parents spend with their kids and each other. We’re grateful to be rooting more deeply in our local community. At the same time, we’re learning more about our surrounding communities as well.
We make weekly trips to Middlebury for violin lessons, the grocery store, an Ilsley Library stop, the thrift store and often a meal out on the town. One bridge we haven’t crossed is building a more robust community in Middlebury as well. When you only visit a place, even if weekly, it can be difficult as a parent to make connections. Our community in Rochester is beautiful and we know the community of Middlebury is too. We’d like to bridge the gap (both for ourselves, and for our daughter) and bring our side of the mountain together with yours. Be in touch, let’s connect!
– Andrew Fersch is father to an amazing 5-year-old, husband to wonderful author Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder, and founder and educator at The Penn Program. He can be reached at [email protected].