Many people in Amherst remember Kitty Axelson-Berry as an intrepid investigative reporter and editor of the Valley Advocate, and as a weekly commentator on WAMC. She excelled at careful listening, thorough analysis and clear communications of the findings.
Intrigued by the lives of people she interviewed and wanting to take complete responsibility for her work life, in 1994 Kitty founded Modern Memoirs Publishing, a writing, editing, and private publishing service, and the Association of Personal Historians, an international trade association for the then-new profession.
She has been singled out by the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and other media for her outstanding work. She has successfully managed a business, raised three children here, and served on numerous international, national, and local boards. She is also certified in Conflict Transformation Across Cultures.
Understanding the stories behind stories, helping people access information, and finding common ground have been her entire career.
Kitty is just the person we need as a Jones trustee, responsible for the wise use of library resources. (Her letter of interest in being appointed an interim trustee is available online.) She has researched current use of space, analyzed the proposed demolition/reconstruction and concluded that the Jones’ classic beauty and coziness can remain the heart of our downtown with a more modest, inventive and cost-effective approach.
Since the trustees’ plan might be defeated at Town Meeting, let’s elect Kitty so we can move forward with a variety of viewpoints represented.
Christina Platt
Amherst
