Over the years, people have come to the Mad River Valley for myriad reasons. The 60’s and 70’s saw a large influx of young people. Some were labeled ski bums, while others called themselves hippies. Barbara Christie-Garvin, from Waltham, Massachusetts, places herself in the latter group. After two years on scholarship at her hometown campus, Brandeis University, she left in search of what else might be out there. She was not a fan of the wealth that pervaded campus and knew there was something lurking more akin to a life she envisioned.
Together with like-minded friends, including Jack Garvin, to whom she was introduced by a friend, they sampled summer life in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. They found Snow House on Route 100 in 1976 and rented it for summers while she worked in the Massachusetts state offices. Barbara was also a singer in a band that played weddings and she and Jack did gigs in his band called ‘Who Wants Pie.” She and Jack eloped in 1977 and, two years later, moved to Waitsfield. The lure of the rivers and running on the back roads sealed the deal for her new life.
They both hustled with hospitality jobs to pay rent and remain in The Valley. She worked in daycare, and Jack went into the Warren Store for a cup of coffee, where, she laughed, he stayed for 40 years. She remembers that period as an exciting time with the Olympics in Lake Placid and joyful vibes, especially from the famous hockey match known as the “Miracle on Ice” when the United States defeated the Soviets.
HAPPIEST EVENT
That year, Barbara became an adult learner, part-time, at Johnson State, and finished her degree in human services. The degree led to her career working with youth— initially through the state. She became a grant writer and was presented with opportunities for positions in The Valley. She and Jack welcomed their daughter, Alyssa, in 1982, the happiest event.
Barbara spent eight years as the Waitsfield Children’s Center director, where Alyssa attended pre-school. She later worked for another eight years with students and staff at Harwood Union High School as the director of the Harwood Community Network, focusing on programming to address drug and alcohol prevention and linking the school and the community.
She was facilitating a retreat for Hannah’s House when the door opened for the organization to bring her in as director. She had three goals focusing on access, information and education about the mental health services available through the local organization. She praised the trained therapists and all she witnessed happening during her seven years there. She retired in 2020. She continues to derive satisfaction and joy from the growth of Hannah’s House and all the services it offers individuals and families.
NEXT CHAPTER
It was an easy transition into the next chapter of her life. Writing has always been part of Barbara’s history, but now, instead of reports and grants, she has the luxury of time to write for pleasure. She is a regular at “Lover of Words,” which meets weekly at the Joslin Memorial Library and the monthly meeting of the “Bridge Street Poetry Group” she began with Chris Korman. Both gatherings are open to all.
Susan Bauchner, a regular at both, recalls her reaction to Barbara’s poem, stating she had become a student of life during the pandemic and was able to pause her constant planning and acknowledge things she had once taken for granted. Susan connected to her style and beautiful words. Others love to hear Barbara’s voice read poetry.
Barbara is very pleased that “Lovers of Words” has brought a writing project to the Mad River Valley Senior Center, allowing fellow seniors to know the magic of putting pen to paper. An extra bonus is getting to know new people through their writing as they get to know more about themselves. She wants to expand the project to others, including teens and, in all likelihood, she will find the vehicle.
BARBIE CAMPER
In summer, when Jack and Barbara head to what she calls their “Barbie” camper in Maine, she is glad she has a writing group there as well. The new freedom of summers off makes her feel like a teenager.
“After 40 years, just being able to sit down and have lunch with Jack is a real bonus”, she remarked. She loves gardening and being available for family and friends—many who are constants from Waltham. She is happy, on a short-term basis, to use her planning skills helping professionals facilitate a project.
Winters, considered way too long by Barbara, finds them traveling to visit Alyssa and her husband on their farm in Iowa and spending time in Nevada, where she has become a Golden Knights fan. She marvels at the spectacular mountains near Las Vegas and thrives on the agreeable weather. She recognizes many similarities with The Valley, where people look out for one another and there is a sense of community.
Much like the ski bums and others in search of a more agreeable life who settled in The Valley, Barbara is proof positive that when in doubt, follow your dreams. She is among those making significant contributions to the quality of life here. She considers it a treat to be part of the community she knows so well and to watch it grow. She is thankful that the core values that drew them, feel the same. She acknowledges being very blessed that she and Jack can age here and use their time as they choose and feel nothing but grateful.
Maybe, in that attitude, there is a bit of the old hippy alive and well!
