Speaker Resources
We love learning and collaborating with others in the area, which is why the Waterbury Rotary Club brings in several speakers a month to our meetings! Speakers and their topics range from local or international non-profit organizations to neighbors sharing an interesting topic or experience.
Below, we've compiled resources from some of these past speakers, including how to get more information on each topic. For a list of upcoming speakers, check the calendar.
Zachariah Watson, Executive Director of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity & Harold Blake, ReStore Manager
May 7, 2024
In addition to sharing about the great work that Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity does to help with affordable housing in the area, Zach and Harold shared about the new ReStore coming to Waterbury in June of 2024. ReStore will be accepting furniture, building materials, home good, and other donations that can be re-sold and all proceeds from the store will fund CVHfH projects. We are excited to support this work and hope you will join us for the Grand Opening on June 7, 2024. More information, including ways you can get involved, can be found here.
Kathy Mai, Program Manager of Mad River Mentoring Organization
April 23, 2024
Mentors can be a powerful force for good in a young person's life! Mad River Mentoring is a community-based program that matches local youth, ages 8-18, with adults who want to support and engage in activities together out in the community, like hiking, games, art, cooking, and more. Want to become a mentor? Visit their website to see how you can get involved.
Karen Tronsgard-Scott, Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
April 16, 2024
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and we brought in two speakers to help educate on this important topic. Karen joined us to share about the Vermont Network, which works to uproot the causes of violence and build a world free of oppression. They engage in public policy advocacy, offer training and leadership development programs, and support direct service organizations. More information about their efforts can be found here.
Dr. Rowly Brucken, Board Chair, and Dianne Kinney, Co-Director of Circle (formerly Washington County Battered Womens Service)
April 2, 2024
In line with the April theme, as our local direct service organization, Circle serves anyone in the Washington County area experiencing intimate partner violence. That work includes a toll-free 24/7 hotline (1-877-543-9498) to provide crisis services as well as resources, safe shelter for women and children, court assistance for abuse cases, support groups, school programs, and much more. A wealth of resources, including how to access those programs and services, are available on their website.
Stephanie Busch, Vermont Department of Health Injury Prevention Manager - Naloxone Training
March 5, 2024
Naloxone, sometimes known under the brand name of Narcan, is an easy but powerful way to help an individual experiencing an opioid overdose. Stephanie shared a wealth of information on how to spot the signs of an overdose and how to administer Naloxone, as well as providing Naloxone and other supplies in Harm Reduction Kits. This information, including training videos and a list of where to get Naloxone locally, can all be found here.
Laurie Emerson, Vermont Executive Director of National Alliance of Mental Illness
February 20, 2024
One of Rotary International's main areas of focus for the year is mental health, and Laurie was one of the speakers brought in throughout the year to present on this topic. As the Vermont chapter of the broader NAMI organization, their work includes support programs and groups for individuals struggling with their mental health, as well as their family members, caregivers, and others who may be affected by mental illness. More details on these programs and how to access them can be found here.
Indy Ewald, Founder, and Bryan Shay, Operations Manager of Vermont Beer Shepherd
January 30, 2024
Waterbury loves its craft beer, but how does the beer get here, or how does beer from here get out there? Vermont Beer Shepherd does all that and more! They're a family-owned and operated distribution company that focuses on independent producers. They help craft beverage makers of beer, wine, cider, kombucha, non-alcoholic beverages, and more get their products from the makers to the drinkers! Check out their story and their offerings here.
Pegeen Mulhern and Doug Greason, Mont Blanc Trekkers
December 5, 2023
Some of our speakers join us to share about a fun experience and that was the case with Waterbury residents Pegeen and Doug! They took a family vacation to trek around Mont Blanc, which was over 100 miles by foot through France, Italy, and Switzerland and involved lots of planning done by their son Nate, who happens to be a travel planner! If the travel bug is biting you too, you can learn more about the services he offers here.
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