THE GUIDE MAKES ITS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED DEBUT, WITH TALENTED EDITOR MEGAN DEMAREST AT THE HELM
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK BURCHARD
In January 2025, THE GUIDE made its debut as the new, weekly digital e-blast of Manchester Life Magazine. Formerly known as the Vermont News Guide, this publication has undergone an exciting digital transformation, reflecting the changing needs of Southern Vermont today. Originally launched in 1954 as The Shopping Guide, the publication has long been a cornerstone for community updates and cultural highlights. Now reimagined as a modern, weekly eNewsletter emailed to almost 17,000 opt-in subscribers every Wednesday, THE GUIDE features a curated selection of events happening each week, alongside engaging stories about the local arts and music scene. Its content is also showcased on the Manchester Life Magazine website, providing an accessible and vibrant platform for both locals and visitors alike.
THE GUIDE delivers a fresh, engaging perspective that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. We can all thank Editor Extraordinaire Megan Demarest for that.
For Megan, the opportunity to curate THE GUIDE represents the culmination of a richly varied career that has taken her from bustling cityscapes to the tranquil beauty of Southern Vermont’s Green Mountains. A Schenectady, New York native, Demarest describes herself as a lifelong lover of the arts, language, and storytelling—passions that have driven her at every stage of her life. “I’ve always been able to lose myself in the arts,” she shares. “Whether it’s acting, singing, writing, or editing, I’ve always felt at home when I’m performing or sharing stories. I feel like it’s where I belong.”
A Journey Through the Arts
Megan Demarest’s love affair with the arts began in her childhood, shaped by her fascination with storytelling, music, and performance. Encouraged by two influential high school teachers who recognized her potential, she overcame her shyness to step into the spotlight. Those early experiences on stage sparked a lifelong passion for creative expression and gave her the confidence to pursue a future in the arts.
Her artistic journey took a significant turn when she enrolled at Hofstra University. While there, she embraced every opportunity to perform, including appearing in a production of Mother Courage and Her Children alongside the legendary Lainie Kazan. Despite her artistic success, the pressures of college life became overwhelming, and she made the difficult decision to leave after three semesters. “Walking away wasn’t easy. It didn’t feel very brave to me at the time, but it taught me that sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is pause and recalibrate,” Demarest reflects. “I needed a reset, and I needed to take care of myself. After taking that time, I realized that I was capable of reaching my goals, and that I wanted to put the work in to make it happen.”
That rediscovery came through a period of teaching and social work, where she found fulfillment in helping others. But the pull of the stage and the desire to complete her education never left her. Returning to college at Salem State University in Massachusetts marked a pivotal chapter in her life. There, she earned her BFA in Performance, becoming an integral part of the Student Theatre Ensemble as an actor, director, and producer. “When I went back to school, I was ready,” she shares. “It was the right time for me to immerse myself in a theatrical environment.”
This renewed focus on the arts solidified her identity as a creator and collaborator, paving the way for her move to New York City, where she pursued her passion on a larger stage. From working at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to founding a nonprofit theater company that nurtured emerging playwrights, Demarest’s indomitable spirit and commitment to the arts shone through every endeavor.
The Vermont Chapter
In 2014, the call of a quieter, more grounded life drew Demarest and her family to Bennington, Vermont. It was here, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Green Mountains, that they found a harmonious balance of community and creative opportunity. While her husband, Matthew Steckler, took on a teaching role, Demarest immersed herself in the local arts scene and higher education administration, working at Bennington College and performing with regional theater companies such as Hubbard Hall and the Dorset Players. “Moving to Vermont felt right,” says Demarest. “I knew that it would be a great place to raise my son. I was closer to my family, and it felt like the possibilities were endless.”
The family’s Vermont idyll was briefly interrupted in 2017 by a move to Manitoba, Canada, where Matthew found work as a college professor. There, Demarest pursued a master’s degree in library and information science while continuing to nurture her artistic spirit. Still, her heart remained tied to Vermont, and when they returned in 2020, she embraced the opportunity to rebuild their life in Arlington, a place that felt like home from the start. Demarest adds: “Coming back to Vermont, I was able to continue to build on what I had already started.”
Her connection to Old Mill Road Media, which operates just steps from the home where she now resides in East Arlington, began serendipitously. While auditioning for a music project at Old Mill Road Recording, her talents caught the attention of the production team. What started as a singing opportunity soon evolved into a larger collaboration, leading to her current role as Editor of THE GUIDE. For Demarest, this position represents the perfect fusion of her artistic passions and deep love for Vermont. “The work I do with THE GUIDE allows me to get to know my community better,” says Demarest. “I’m excited to tell the stories that make Southern Vermont so incredible. The fact that I personally know many of the people that we’re writing about makes it even more special.”
The Vision for THE GUIDE
Demarest is brimming with ambitious ideas for the relaunch of THE GUIDE, blending its rich legacy with a fresh, modern approach. While staying true to its tradition of highlighting the week’s top events, she envisions the e-blast as a vibrant cultural nexus, offering more than just a list of happenings. Her goal is to create a platform that captures the heartbeat of Southern Vermont, spotlighting must-see performances, art gallery exhibitions, and community-driven initiatives. Each edition of THE GUIDE will weave together stories, recommendations, and insights, serving as a trusted companion for both residents and visitors. “I want THE GUIDE to feel like a friend who always knows the best places to go and the best events happening in town,” Demarest explains. “It’s about creating something that feels accessible and fun.”
Demarest also aims to incorporate interactive elements, inviting readers to share their own experiences and recommendations. By fostering a sense of community and dialogue, she hopes to make THE GUIDE not just a resource but a shared space that celebrates the region’s unique spirit. “My goal is to become a trusted voice through the e-blast; a friend people look forward to hearing from every week,” says Demarest.
Life in Harmony
For Demarest, life and art remain deeply intertwined. Outside of her editorial work, she remains an active force in the local arts community, particularly through her involvement with the Dorset Players. This spring, she will direct Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower, bringing her signature creativity and passion to the production. But her artistry doesn’t stop there. Family plays an integral role in everything she does, with her husband Matthew and son Elliott often joining her in theatrical and musical pursuits. The trio has been known to light up the stage together, blending their talents into fun and moving performances.
“We’re always having fun through creative expression. Matt and Elliott are always making music together. There are instruments EVERYWHERE in our home, and when I’m putting THE GUIDE together, their music motivates and inspires me. Having the space together to ‘create’ means everything to me.” Their most recent family project saw all three take part in Elf: The Musical with the Dorset Players, with Megan producing and acting, Matthew as music director, and Elliott taking the stage alongside them.
Megan is more energized than ever to connect with readers and spotlight the unique vibrancy of Southern Vermont. She sees this role as an extension of her lifelong commitment to storytelling and community building. With her vision, passion, and knack for weaving together the threads of creativity and community, Demarest is setting the stage for THE GUIDE to continue as a cornerstone of Southern Vermont life. “This is my way of synthesizing all of the beautiful experiences that I have here on a daily basis and sharing them with the community,” she reflects. “I’m looking forward to playing a central role in helping THE GUIDE move forward in its new chapter. It’s really exciting for me to see it come together. I’m proud to be a part of something that can reach even more people and show everything that’s going on here in Southern Vermont!”
To sign up for THE GUIDE, go to: