Appearing on the January poster for the New Lebanon READ poster campaign is Town Supervisor Meg Robertson, reading her favorite book, The Shaker Spiritual by Daniel W. Patterson.
Said Ms. Robertson about her book selection, “The reason for my choice is very simple actually, and very much in keeping with the Shaker philosophy of life and the geographical area we call home.
The Shakers lived their days as if they were already in heaven and displayed that belief also through their daily worshipping and singing. So many of their songs were adapted lyrically from tunes novitiates brought with them, and those melodious tunes reflect our area where there are many English, Scottish and Irish descendants. Knowing our non-Shaker folk tunes are part of the Shaker faith makes the hymnal very unique. In the 1980s and 1990s, I had the opportunity to work at Hancock and Mt. Lebanon Shaker Villages where I sang many of those Shaker songs for visitors as part of my interpretation of a lifestyle I believe left the world a better place.”
Ms. Robertson’s family has lived in New Lebanon for over 55 years. Elected to the Town Board in 2000, she was elected Town Supervisor for the 2008-10 term and re-elected to a second term this past November.
When not busy with the various projects and daily responsibilities of managing the Town, Ms. Robertson works as a Teacher Assistant at Berkshire Farm and Services to Youth. She has taught in schools throughout Columbia and Berkshire counties. Active in theater from 1983 – 1995, either performing or doing backstage work, she hosted a local cable TV interview program called Backstage with Meg from 1994-95 where invited guests discussed their positions in theater – from directors and actors to theater critics and orchestra conductors.
Reflecting on “the tremendous efforts of many dedicated people” that help make the Town run, she is reminded of the Shaker philosophy, “Many hands make light work.”
Inspired by the American Library Association READ program, NL READ promotes reading and the use of library services through posters that feature local citizens reading their favorite book. Award wining photojournalist Jane Feldman photographed the subjects for the poster campaign.