Around the Chamber - May 2024

AROUND THE CHAMBER May, 2024

In This Issue 3 - State Chamber News 5 - Member Profile ACHHH 14 - Chamber Briefs Eclipse & Visitor Center 23 - Behind the Scenes Kathryn Torres 29 - Focus on Non-Profits CSAC

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Around the Chamber

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ACCOC publishes Around the Chamber monthly and it reaches thousands of business, non profit leaders and their employees in Addison County and beyond. Around the Chamber boasts an average 52% open rate with an average read time of 8:32 Members are encouraged to supply their announcements and events by emailing phil@addisioncounty.com. For ad availability and rate card email phil@addisoncounty.com.

Addison County Chamber of Commerce. 2024, All Rights Reserved

MEMBER PROFILE

We are pleased to participate with the Addison County Chamber of Commerce in this publication. As the local, independent non-profit Visiting Nurse Association in the area, Addison County Home Health and Hospice has been providing homecare and hospice services to our community members in Addison County, right in their own homes, since 1968. As we provide homecare and therapy services after illness, surgery, injury, end-of-life care when difficult decisions need to be made and support in all stages of life, it is a rare Addison County family who has not received our services at some point. All that we do is intended to assist our friends and neighbors in remaining in their homes where they are typically most comfortable and where healing often best occurs, as long as they are safe.

Deborah Wesley

In the following pages we would like to let you know about some services we provide that you may not be familiar with. If you have questions or require assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 802-388-7259 or via e-mail at dwesley@achhh.org. I am humbled to be a part of this wonderful team of professionals who use their talents and skills every day to provide the outstanding care you expect and deserve.

Deborah Wesley, RN, BN, MSN, MHA CEO, ACHHH

MEMBER PROFILE

DID YOU KNOW THAT ACHHH SERVES CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES? Meet Barb Beatty, PT and Megan Smits, RN, BSN, CTC, two professionals who work strictly with pediatric patients in the Maternal Child Health program at ACHHH. Megan has recently joined ACHHH and Barb has been with us for 11 years.

As a registered nurse, Megan Smits assesses children, coordinates their care and provides support for families. She consults and collaborates with other professionals within the agency, other local partners as well as health care providers.

She sets up plans of care for each patient and aims to improve health care outcomes.

Megan Smits

Photo credit Caleb Kenna

As a certified lactation consultant, she works with moms ante and post birth to assist with breastfeeding and provides collaborative visits that can support moms throughout the entire time when they are breastfeeding.

Megan reminds us that early intervention equals better outcomes and she encourages parents to get in touch with their physician if they have any questions or concerns.

ACHHH’s care begins with a physician referral.

“Working with families from the start and seeing growth and improvement in a few weeks is amazing….I know that I have used my skills to help parents actually learn to parent. I love to watch new parents become more confident and independent and knowing that I was a part of it is very gratifying. When you are a first time parent there is a lot that you don’t know…..until you do!”

MEMBER PROFILE Barb Beatty has worked as a physical therapist at ACHHH for eleven years. She provides care in patients’ homes or other care settings. She focused on increasing flexibility and strength and helping children maximize their functional mobility and quality of life.

Her patients included children with the diagnoses of torticollis, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and other muscular skeletal challenges. An important part of her job is providing education to parents and she is delighted when parents become more empowered as a result of their work with her.

Barb also collaborates with other professionals in the agency and in other community agencies.

Children are referred to her when they are not meeting developmental milestones, frequently identified by their doctors.

Barb Beatty

Photo credit Caleb Kenna

“I feel like most children, even those with significant challenges, progress over time and it is exciting to see kids get stronger and moving more easily. I love the collaboration with different agencies for the benefit of the children under my care. We work together for their benefit and provide each child and family with wrap-around support. If you need that BIG HUG, we’re there! I feel privileged to work in Addison County, where we all deeply care for children and want to do the right thing for them.”

DID YOU KNOW THAT ACHHH OWNS THE MEDICINE CHEST, A DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT STORE? Addison County Home Health and Hospice acquired the Medicine Chest on October 7, 2020. This durable medical equipment store was scheduled to close with very little notice, potentially leaving Addison County residents without a local convenient source for medical equipment including hospital beds, crutches, patient lifts, walkers and wheelchairs.

Additionally, the sixty patients in the county who use oxygen on a regular basis were in jeopardy of not being to purchase the life-saving product they need. Many of these patients are homebound and require that oxygen be delivered to their home. Without it, they could not continue to live in their homes.

MEMBER PROFILE

ACHHH staff came to Deb Wesley, CEO and suggested that the agency purchase the store.

It was a whirlwind of a five-week period from the time we heard of the opportunity until closing, however once we announced that we were considering this acquisition, we never looked back. The outpouring of support from so many Addison County residents assured us that we had made the right decision. We received phone calls, visits and generous donations from community members from all walks of life.

We heard from patients’ families who had received quick deliveries of hospital beds for their loved ones during the hospital discharge process at the end-of-life. This allowed their loved ones to enjoy their brief remaining time at home with friends, pets and family members in the place where they are most comfortable.

And the clinicians who serve our patients with such skill and kindness feel a gigantic sense of relief. When the Medicine Chest was in jeopardy they were extremely concerned about whether their patients would be able to obtain the products and services they need to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Is it typical for a non-profit to purchase a business? Probably not, but this was the only way we could think of to save this business which is such a part of the fabric of Addison County.

We like to think of ourselves as resourceful, and we stop at nothing to assist our patients.

The Medicine Chest moved to its bright new location at 1197 Exchange Street in Middlebury early in 2024. The store is open Monday-Friday 9-5 with emergency service available after hours. Free delivery is often available and the store offers curbside pickup.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff members will work with your physician’s office and hospital discharge planner to ensure that you have the equipment you need to stay in your home safely. We appreciate you shopping locally! 802-388-9801 medicinechestvt.com

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2024 COMMUNITY EVENT SPONSORSHIPSle Thank you to the organizations below that have already secured their sponsor positions for 2024!

Vergennes Day Vermont Gas Systems Gaines Insurance Porter Medical Center Kennedy Brothers Bristol Harvest Festival Mountain Community Health Vermont Gas Systems Bristol Financial Waitsfield Telecom Porter Medical Center Middlebury Car Show & Fall Festival Stone Motors IPJ Real Estate Silver Maple Construction Vermont Gas Systems Cambio Roasters Porter Medical Center National Bank of Middlebury

Promote your organization and support our community events in 2024! Sponsorships are still available but moving fast. Click on the icon above to learn more!

CHAMBER BRIEFS ADDISON COUNTY VISITOR CENTER WELCOMES ITS’ 3,000TH VISITOR & HOSTS HUNDREDS ON ECLIPSE DAY The Addison County Visitor Center opened its doors on April 24th, 2023 and in less than 12 months has welcomed its 3,000th visitor.

Conveniently located in the historic Ferrisburgh/Vergennes Train Depot at the intersection of Routes 7 and 22A the Visitor Center is a convenient respite for travelers coming from north and south.

Members receive free brochure distribution and discounted advertising rates in the Visitor Center.

To place an ad, go to the following page for details.

Eclipse Day, April 8th saw large crowds stop at the Visitor Center viewing displays and taking advantage of free wi-fi as they awaited the big event. Lawn chairs, roofs of cars and tailgates filled the lawns and parking lot. What a day!

Join the Addison County organizations below and advertise in 2024 at the Addison County Visitor Center For complete information visit us HERE

s e n e c S e h t Behind with rres Kathryn To

Each month, "Behind the Scenes" features an interview with a leader in our community designed to provide readers a glimpse into his/her interests and passions inside and outside of the workplace This month, "Behind the Scenes" sat down with Kathryn Torres, Co Executive Director of the Better Middlebury Partnership What is your hometown?

I was born in Cambridge, England, and grew up in a small borough called Godmanchester, about 50 miles from London.

Where did you go to school?

I attended the local village school until I was 11, and then went on to Hinchingbrooke, a nearby high school. I attended college as a mature student and earned my undergraduate and masters’ degrees in education and early years in the late 90’s and early 2000’s at Roehampton University in London, England.

First ever job?

I was talking to BMP board the other day, and reminiscing about the three years I spent working every Saturday at the Huntingdon Farmers’ Market between 14 and 17 years of age. My father was a sceptic about me lasting, so I stuck it out, probably to prove him wrong! I moved up over the years from the root vegetable section to the fine fruit, which was certainly a little easier than hauling 50lbs of potatoes around! It was never as cold as it gets in Vermont, but it RAINED a lot…!

It taught me the discipline of hard work, punctuality, perseverance, as well as the value of earning and saving towards things I wanted. Our family didn’t Photo by:Caleb Kenna have abundant Kathryn Torres resources when we were growing up and being financially independent was truly significant, as I was finally able to finance the things I appreciated. I have always loved theatre and the arts, and much of my money went to train travel and matinee shows!

Who was your greatest inspiration growing up?

My maternal Grandmother. She was born in Lancashire England in 1911. She was steely, beautiful, stylish, funny and a force to be reckoned with, and I ADORED her, and she me. I was the middle child in my family, with an older brother and a little sister, and whenever I could, I would spend time with my grandmother. My Grandfather was a civil engineer, and they had lived in the Middle East and South East Asia. They eventually settled in a nearby village to us, and their home was a sanctuary.

It was full of books, had a pantry full of deliciousness and the garden was magical. Full of hiding places and special nooks to get lost in. I can still remember the smell of apples in the summer house, where she taught me the art of taking afternoon tea, a habit I have to this day!

s e n e c S e h t Behind with

rres Kathryn To Favorite Vacation Spot?

That’s easy. Our camp on the lake in North Ferrisburgh-it’s a small slice of heaven. And close second is Cape Town South Africa, where we lived for 14 years.

Favorite movie, TV Show?

I have very varied tastes, but the only thing I can’t watch is horror, science fiction, or fantasy fiction, which makes family viewing a challenge, as my husband has instilled a love of all three genres in our children! Although my husband is American, we only moved to the States in 2019, just before the pandemic, so we had time to watch The West Wing from beginning to end. It felt like a character study on the American way of being, and a love letter to democracy, which was very soothing at a difficult time. I LOVE documentaries of any description, and historical biography. The latest movie I laughed out loud to was Saltburn, which is very funny and macabre, in a typically British way.

We are currently watching The Bear, which feels realistic and believable, and the character development over the series is incredible. When The Bear gets too stressful, we watch Julia, about the glorious Julia Child. It’s funny, quaint and adorable and provides a model of what a healthy and positive relationship to food and love looks like past the age of 50. It’s comforting and inspirational.

Who do you most admire?

Working mothers everywhere. They deserve a medal… the emotional labor of parenthood can sometimes go unnoticed and unrewarded, so they get my vote every time. The juggling required to hold home, children and family together takes enormous energy, and I salute every woman doing their best. Hero’s, every one.

Typical work week?

There is no typical day, which I enjoy. I have recently become co-director of The Better Middlebury Partnership (BMP) and our mission is to ensure that Middlebury is a wonderful place to live, work and play. The brief makes me so happy; it’s what attracted me to the role in the first place.

We have a very supportive board, which makes the job a joy. We are currently working on getting the farmers’ market downtown to Triangle Park two days a week from June 2024, and this is currently taking up some of our time. We are also spending time getting to know our Middlebury town partners and listening to how we can assist them going forward. It’s been great getting to know a little more about how a successful town operates, and some of my favorite meetings have taken place on Main Street in Middlebury, counting lampposts and looking at opportunities for flags and bunting. In fact, I’ve talked so much about flags recently that Kelly my partner at the BMP dubbed me the queen of flags! I have so enjoyed getting to know the retailers and townspeople in Middlebury-it is early days, but I already feel immersed and very much part of the daily fabric of our beautiful shire town. As summer approaches, we’re looking forward to open doors and collaboration; helping to promote business in interesting and creative ways in whatever way we can.

s e n e c S e h t Behind with

rres Kathryn To Favorite type of music?

I am a product of my time, and I love female singersongwriters. Anything by Carol King, Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading. More recently, I listen to a lot of Anais Mitchell.

We live in New Haven during the winter, and I often find myself at the Watershed listening to her on repeat…her voice is both ethereal and grounded, and her voice just makes me so very happy. I love dancing and we’re lucky to have a great group of friends who love parties, so whether it’s The Grift, Earth Wind and Fire, or any sounds from the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s, you’ll find me in the middle of the dance floor. It’s a time to get truly lost and lean fully into my more playful side.

Biggest Career Challenge?

I have had a varied career over the decades: I trained for my city and guilds in hairdressing in the late 70’s.

By the early 80’s I was working as a window dresser in a large chain of fashion stores, and graduated to a fashion buyer for a large chain of stores by the mid 80’s. The biggest career challenge I’ve had was when I decided to go back to school as an adult. My husband was incredibly supportive and helped me balance my studies with taking care of our young family, and although it was a lot of hard work, it was worth it. As an adult, I LOVED studying, and I soon realized that hard work and determination makes up for any gaps in knowledge. I’m a naturally curious person, and my world opened in a way I could not have imagined as a younger person. This career pivot meant that I could make a meaningful change to the world of non-profit, and I spent 14 happy years co-directing a literacy project in South Africa.

What's the greatest career risk you have taken?

Others may look at this decision as a risk, but for us, it was an adventure. In 2005, we left our jobs, rented our home, travelled for a year and homeschooled our children. This change was seminal to where we ended up for the next 14 years, and the decision we made has enriched our life beyond the realms of what I could have imagined as a small child. This choice ultimately led us back to Addison County, our chosen home.

What's the one thing you would like to see change in your business/industry?

I feel that each part of my varied life has collided in this role with the Better Middlebury Partnership. It’s a bit of a dream, really. The Japanese have the word “ikigai” which I believe roughly translates to ‘a motivating force, something that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living.’ This might sound odd, but my new role asks for a very varied skill set-I have been a retailer, have a deep love of the arts and culture, have been an educator and have co-run a small non-profit organization. My heart, soul and the desire for connection, belonging and purpose is all fed through this role. How lucky am I?

Next month, “Behind the Scenes” will sit down with BMP’s other Co-Executive Director, Kelly Flynn

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FOCUS ON NON-PROFITS Counseling Service of Addison County (CSAC) Message from Rachel Lee Cummings, Executive Director

I’m delighted to share the work of CSAC in the Chamber’s May newsletter, as May is Mental Health Awareness month. This year also marks CSAC’s 65th anniversary.

Allow me to share some upcoming events and initiatives with you.

By offering comprehensive services and supports for social and emotional well-being, CSAC helps nurture communities where individuals and families thrive.

Meet us at the Mixer May 16 CSAC is hosting the May 16th Chamber Mixer, and we’d love to see you under the tent at 109 Catamount Park! In anticipation of our fall Bocce tournament, a court will be set up with learning opportunities from some seasoned players. Please come by for a quick bite and some Bocce tips!

I hope you will join us on Saturday, September 14th for the return of CSAC’s beloved annual Bocce tournament! I also invite you to learn more about CSAC at www.csac-vt.org and sign up for our newsletter, Reaching You.

We envision a compassionate and resilient community that honors everyone’s full potential.

CSAC offers a variety of services including emergency and crisis, substance use services, adult mental health, developmental services, case management, youth and family services, and employment services. We are excited to announce the launch of CSAC’s mobile crisis services, a statewide enhancement to crisis response services across the state.

Spotlight on Mobile Crisis

Our new Mobile Crisis service, part of a statewide implementation, offers a 24/7 face-to-face response in community settings for individuals experiencing mental health crises. This innovative model provides a two-person community response team, ensuring tailored support based on safety assessments, acuity, and clinical need.

At CSAC, we've always been committed to providing immediate, compassionate support in crisis situations, whether you’re at home, your workplace, or another community setting. Our mobile response team is composed of highly skilled providers offering a blend of expertise and caring support.

Mobile Crisis services are offered when the client desires the service, staff safety can be assured, and resources are available, ensuring that staff member can provide the best care with the resources available.

FOCUS ON NON-PROFITS We encourage anyone in crisis to reach out to us for support. Mobile Crisis services can be accessed by calling/texting the statewide hotline 988 or by calling CSAC’s Emergency Line at 802-388-7641.

Join us for Bocce: September 14th—Middlebury Recreation Field CSAC’s annual Bocce tournament returns Saturday, September 14th!

Businesses, community members, CSAC families, friends, and supporters come together for a fun day of camaraderie, competition, and goodwill. Help us celebrate 65 years of service to our community – we’d love to see you there.

Join as a sponsor, send a team, or both! Your tax-deductible sponsorship is a great way to gain visibility for your company or organization, reward your staff, or have a great day with friends. And it’s a great way of personally making a difference by supporting CSAC’s work to promote community wellness by helping people live emotionally healthy and satisfying lives.

Contact Beth Tarallo at btarallo@csac-vt.org or 802-388-0302 x 413 to learn about the many sponsorship opportunities (sponsor a team, a court or more). Stay tuned for registration details on our website, www.csac-vt.org.

CSAC's 2023 Bocce Tournament: players and volunteers join for a group photo

Know someone looking for a great place to work?

CSAC is a place where your compassion gives comfort, your talent drives innovation, and your care makes a difference! www.csac-vt.org/careers.

Join CSAC’s Board of Directors Be a part of something big! Consider joining CSAC’s Board of Directors. We are currently looking for four new Board members. We welcome applications from anyone in our community who is passionate about CSAC’s mission and shares our values of empathy, dignity, and collaboration. Find out more here: https://www.csac-vt.org/who_we_are/join-the-board.html, or call Jenn Staats: 802 388-0302 x 442.

Counseling Service of Addison County (CSAC) www.csac-vt.org |802 388 6751 24 Hour Emergency and Crisis Services: 802 388 7641

Addison County

CHAMBER

of Commerce

After NETWORKING MIXERS Hours Attention Members!

Sign up to host a 2024 Networking Mixer Dates will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

For details and to register go HERE

HERE

HERE

Officers Robert Feuerstein, Kennedy Brothers (Chair) Megan Mandigo, Marble Trail Financial (Treasurer) Nancy Foster, Champlain Valley Properties (Secretary) Phil Summers, ACCOC (Executive Director) Directors Dickie Austin, Black Sheep Bistro Amy Carlin: Middlebury College Doug Dewitt, Bristol Financial Services Meaghan McLaughlin, National Bank of Middlebury Ned Horton, Otter Creek Bakery and Deli Marty Kulczyk, Robert Frost Mountain Cabins Ben Fuller, The Richards Group Dr. Nicole MacTavish, Hannaford Technical School District Article IV, Section D Designate Directors Kathryn Torres, Better Middlebury Partnership Renny Perry, Addison County Economic Development Corp.

Renny Perry, Vergennes Partnership Bill Sayre, Addison County Regional Planning Commission Open - Bristol Core