2022 Annual Meeting: Thanks Members for a Great Night!
For the first time since 2019, Rural Vermont members gathered in person together in Bethel for the Annual Meeting Celebration! The night was dedicated to Carl Russell- farmer, horselogger, poet, Rural Vermont Board Member Emeritus, co-owner of Earthwise Farm & Forest, and beloved friend, family, and community member who passed this spring. Memories, laughs, tears, and photos were shared commemorating Carl’s life. Thanks to a generous donation of mutton from New Grass Farmstead and the hard work of our caterer Willy Walker, we enjoyed shepherd’s pie and an assortment of salads, bread, and more. Drinks were enjoyed, compliments of Babe’s Bar, and beautiful music was played throughout the night by Spencer Lewis. Members enjoyed block printing cards and posters designed by Erok Gillard, including a new design inspired by Carl. There was an incredible silent auction with many incredible items and experiences, including longhorn earrings, overnight stays on farms, handmade knit hats, an original Bread & Puppet banner, an icelandic sheepskin, and more. After a wonderful dinner, members voted to elect new and returning board members. We are excited to welcome new members Amanda Andrews, Earl Hatley, and Stephen Leslie, and returning members John Cleary and Silene DeCiucies to the Rural Vermont Board of Directors! Our policy staff shared Rural Vermont’s current work on an agroecology school, our Quarterly Member Forum series, raw dairy and slaughter workshops, and much more. Thank you to everyone who contributed to and attended our 2022 Annual Meeting. Your support and presence made this a night to remember!