Heartwarming story about Good Ol' Broads

WCAX-TV ^ | 10/03/03 | Kristin Carlson

[JimVT]

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There are several groups dedicated to helping the environment. But Kristin Carlson found one group that stands out - thanks to their name. They're called the Great Old Broads for Wilderness... Women who try to bring fun and humor to the outdoors. 24

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((nat)) On a crisp fall day - you'd expect to see hikers.... ((nat)) ....But you would probably never expect to come across a scene like this in the woods. ((tc 26:26 When older women set their minds to a task they get it done.)) ((tc 9:07)) These women all have something in common... something that makes them want to move this rusty and very heavy culvert. ((tc 13:44 We'll get this culvert out of here.)) They're all part of a group with an unusual name. ((tc 28:20 Rose: The name Great Old Broads of Wilderness - either people laugh or if they are offended then they are not meant to be Great Old Broads of Wilderness.)) ((tc30:47 Roni: We don't take ourselves too seriously but we do take our passion for wilderness terribly seriously.))

These self proclaimed Old Broads - are women ... And a few men - who care about nature. Their goal is to create more wilderness space in the country. They travel to bring attention to nature. This group is at Texas Falls to get support for a plan to expand wilderness areas in Vermont.

((tc 36:44 Jan Waterman: This project is about ordinary people - old broads being able to help reclaim the land that has been abused and neglected.)) The group started 25 years ago....they now have 22-hundred members in 50 states .... Including 26 old Vermont broads. ((tc 39:55 Ellen: I thought this has to be joke but then I thought no this is serious it must be invented just for me.)) With their gray hair and aches and pains - they say comes wisdom - their approach to change is compromise and conversation.

Something they hope to pass on to the next generation. ((tc 17:50? I'm an old broad in training.)) ((tc 43:49 Ellen: We inspire each other and we will go home refreshed and reactivated to fight for the wilderness areas in our own districts.)) A group of old broads - crossing the bridge to their next challenge - now that the culvert is in hand. ((tc 43:55 We hope we're inspiring others by our hard work.)) Kristin Carlson - Channel 3 news Hancock. 25} OLDBROADS_TAG

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Despite the name - anyone can join the Great Old Broads for Wilderness. Membership is about 30 dollars a year.

[JimVT]

There is Barbra and there is Arianna and there is Madonna..and Rosie...and Ellen...and then there is most of American women as evidenced in this local TV story.

It's tough to get the feel of it without the film but it really was a heart-warming story about some BELLs (Beautiful Elderly Lovely Ladies)who are doing something worthwhile!!!!!

God Bless 'em, every one!!!!!

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[Chuckster]

Uh huh. Of course I could be totally wrong, but it looks to me like this is another bunch of useful idiot tree huggers working to promote government ownership and protection of all undeveloped land. As a Vermont land owner, I am always leery of these types. I am especially leery of an organization whos officers have extensive background in government service.

"Here. Have a cookie. I promise, by the time you're done eating it, everything will seem just fine."