What I still Want to Accomplish

Jun 2

This is the second in a series about what we still want to accomplish. Here’s a link to the first. Write to us at writingaboutourgeneration@gmail.com about what you still want to do.

This past month I reached my 75th birthday. I have no idea how I got here so quickly.

As we grow older our memories return to when we were young. I can clearly see myself learning to ride my bike, passing my driving test, burying my mother and father, meeting the love of my life, and having children—all in vivid color and down to the most minute detail. My career recollections, my political protests, are bright and colorful.

The sad experiences have faded. They do not hold a central place in my psyche, but are instead filed deep in the cabinet of my mind under despair, “do not open.” How fortunate am I that the joys of life dance in my memories and the sadnesses are mostly forgotten?

With what I believe might be the last few years of my life, it’s up to me to figure out what I hope to accomplish with what time is remaining. What are my priorities, goals, dreams, aspirations, focus and must dos?

At the top of my list is the need to ensure I am never a burden to my family. Beneath that there are the little things: keeping the hummingbirds well-nourished throughout the summer; planting milkweed for the monarch butterflies; keeping the bluebird boxes clean and ready for nesting; piling rich compost on all my shrubs, plants and trees; protecting the family home for future generations; and fighting for a country that resembles the one I love because liberty and justice is the American Way.

I will strive to make new friends, nurture the old ones, and provide wisdom while placing my shoulder to the wheel whenever needed. I believe one of the most important desires I hold dear for the remainder of my life is to bring happiness, hope, compassion and understanding to all those who need it.

In my small sphere of existence, that is not a lot of people. But if I can just lift up one life, garner a joyful smile, inspire valuable conversation, take away another’s sadness and feel the warmth of a contented soul, then the days ahead will possess everything my “still beating” heart desires.

Melinda Moulton

In May of 2022, Melinda Moulton joined her husband Rick Moulton as Executive Producer of the documentary film company they both founded in 1972. Rick Moulton Productions. She was involved in environmental and socially conscious redevelopment since 1983. Melinda provided the leadership to produce a 40-year incremental redevelopment project for the Burlington Vermont Waterfront, and spearheaded 250,000 square feet and thirty million dollars of built environment on Burlington’s Waterfront. Melinda Chaired the Boards of the Burlington Parking & Transportation Council, Burlington Business Association, Vermont Retail Association, and The Intervale Center. She served on the Boards of the YMCA, Lund Family Center, Chittenden East School District, Opportunities Credit Union, Vermont Public Interest Research Group, The Orton Family Foundation, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, Main Street Alliance, Vermont Health Care for All, College Steps, The Folklife Center, Audubon Vermont, and the Vermont Arts Council. She was a member of the Vermont Business Roundtable. .
She presently serves on the Boards of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England's Action Fund, ACLU-Vermont, and the Williston Restorative Justice Center's Executive Council. Governor Peter Shumlin appointed Melinda to the Vermont Pathways From Poverty and The Vermont Commission on Women. Melinda served on the Advisory Councils of the Vermont Green Building Network, University of Vermont’s 2020 “Leading By Design” Sustainability Task Force, the Childhood Hunger Council of Chittenden County, and Patient Choices Vermont. She participated on the development and ultimate steering committee for the Burlington Legacy Project. She serves as a Trustee of the Community Sailing Center.
Melinda was honored by the Burlington Business Association with the Nathan Harris Award in recognition of her contribution to the economic vitality of downtown Burlington. She was also honored with the Vermont Business for Social Responsibilities Terry Ehrich Award. Melinda hosts her TV Interview Show "Moments with Melinda" on Channel 17, CCTV which is syndicated across the State of Vermont. Episodes can be seen on her web site www.melindamoulton.com.

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