Speakers

This is the year where Dave Johnson passes the "Golf Committee Torch" to Chris Kasper.  We are sure Dave will be involved as Chris works to organize the best ever tournament.  

General (Ret.) Michael Dubie will share background and updates on the Dattilio Medical Mission, a Vermont-based non-profit founded by Mike, his brother and former Vermont Lt.Governor Brian Dubie and Jonathan Farnham to honor the life and work of Mickey Dattilio.  The non-profit focuses on delivering medical supplies to hospitals in areas with significant need.

Recently DMM has delivered medical equipment valued at over $550,000 to a hospital in Macedonia.  To make this possible, DMM secured donation of equipment of area hospitals, raised money for shipping costs, and arranged transportation.  General Dubie will update us on past projects and address future plans. 

 

 

 

 

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Sarah Fair George was re-elected Chittenden County State's Attorney in November 2022.  She oversees an office of 8 administrators, 4 Victim Advocates, and 14 Deputy State's Attorneys.  Sarah will talk about issues associated with prosecuting crime in the county as well as her Team's connection to elements of the justice system here in Essex including Essex Police Department and the Essex Community Justice Center. 

The Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs describes the prosecutors mission as: 

The Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs seeks justice in the prosecution of criminal offenses, child abuse and neglect cases, juvenile delinquencies, mental health proceedings and some other civil matters. 

Each State's Attorney's Office works collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, victims and members of the public to seek justice in the cases that are investigated and prosecuted within each county.  Protecting and promoting public safety is a core function of the Department.  Seeking justice is our paramount goal.  The Department also ensures that every region of the state is served by a Special Investigation Unit.

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Brian Searles is working for VTRANS and the Scott Administration to negotiate the transition of the Amtrak Vermonter back to the Montrealer - where the daily train service from Washington DC and New York City to St. Albans, Vermont returns to its former route that ends in Montreal.  

The situation is complicated, involving alterations to the in Montreal to allow for customs "pre-clearance," which means passengers heading south to the United States will pass though customs in Montreal before boarding the train.  Other issues involve securing daily access to very busy tracks for Amtrak leading into and out of Montreal and labor issues.  This complex conversation has been going on for years, led by Senator Leahy and his staff. 

Brian is a perfect person to represent Vermont.  First he grew up in Essex Junction, a community with deep train roots.  Moreover, he served as Secretary of Transportation.  Both elements of his background make him the right person for the job!! 

The Rotary Club of Essex has many active committees that drive the Clubs efforts to serve our communities.  

    Issue Committees and Chairs Persons

·      District Grants – Edith Klimosk

·      Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Pat Murray

·      Environment – Steve Schmida

·      Food Insecurity – Tim Gendron

·      PR / Communications – Greg Morgan

·      Scholarships – Patrick Hutton

·      Shelter – Max Seaton

·      Youth Services – Amy Jackman

Fund Raising Committees and Chairs Persons

·      Golf Tournament - Chris Kasper

·      All-Star Senior Hockey Games -  Jason Ruwet 

·      Corn Booth at Champlain Valley Fair - Ray Allaire & Mike Dimitroff

 

Annually, Essex Rotary presents scholarships to students at Essex High School, Mount Mainsfield Union High School and the Center for Technology - Essex.  The Club commits $12,000 to recognize the academic achievement and community service of 6 students at $2,000 each.  The awardees and their families are invited to join us for lunch and to share their plans as the move past their high school years.  

The scholarship awards are promoted and made by VSAC based on recommendations of a committee led by Essex Rotary member, Patrick Hutton.  

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Mike McGovern serves on the Board of Directors of the Rotary International Foundation.  In that capacity he has traveled the globe making sure the Foundation's funds are invested wisely.  He has stories - many stories - to share about his work and the value of the Foundation that so many of us donate to regularly.