If there were a book about The Norwich Bookstore and its founders and co-owners Liza Bernard and Penny McConnel, it would impart lasting lessons of business and community (each time you read it). The dust jacket and inside pages would be lined with praise from organizational leaders highlighting how, for instance, Penny and Liza are “cornerstones of the New England bookselling community.” There would be heartfelt local testimonials about each woman’s abiding effort to address community needs beyond their own.”
Since they opened their bookstore on August 1, 1994, they’ve been purveyors of knowledge. As partners and solo actors, they’ve enlightened us at readings with celebrated authors. For 25 years they’ve been tireless in reviewing, offering, recommending, and special-ordering essential books beyond our counting. And they pushed back when Amazon came stomping across the retail front-yards of small booksellers everywhere. Independent bookstores are thriving again. ( )()( )()( ) ()
Beyond literary pursuits, each woman is also known for civic passions… As one longtime local told me, Liza and Penny are the type of people who are vital to any town, city or village; they are the ones who step up to direct resources, attention and their time to important matters. They are (also) {he said} “the ringleaders who instigate culture and a more informed community,” {unquote}.
One served as community advisor to Vermont Public Radio, the other chaired Local First Alliance at a critical juncture. Each makes time to assist libraries, youth, the arts and humanities, senior housing and conservation. …oh, and they raised children along the way. ( )()( )()( )()
The story of Penny McConnel and Liza Bernard is set in the Norwich Bookstore, yet its chapters of impact stretch well beyond our region.
IN closing, I think it appropriate to honor their contributions with a short reading. I’ve chosen The Art of Living by Wilfred Peterson, Simon and Schuster, ©1961.
It’s a collection of essays on the essential arts of living, which he wrote for This Week magazine. Now, my only quibble with his otherwise excellent writing is that the male pronoun is used almost exclusively. So, I have made the appropriate adjustment to these excerpts – with no apology to the author because I think Mr. Peterson would enthusiastically approve.
Here is part of his essay on The Art of Leadership:
The leader is a self-starter… [She] creates plans and sets them in motion. [She] is both a [woman] of thought and a [woman] of action – both dreamer and doer.
“The leader uses [her] heart as well as [her] head… After [she] has looked at the facts with [her] head, [she] lets [her] heart take a look, too.
The leader keeps her eyes on high goals… She strives to make the efforts of her [colleagues] and herself contribute to the enrichment of personality, the achievement of more abundant living for all, and the improvement of civilization.
Liza and Penny <-> We honor you – as individuals – and together as founders and co-owners. You are leaders…and yes, ring-leaders…instigators for things that are good in our communities. For all you’ve done within and outside of the Norwich Bookstore……..
we thank you.