Women Making A Difference Luncheon
Thyme Restaurant, in downtown White River Junction, opened its door to a group of people for a Sunday luncheon honoring three women from the Upper Valley who have made substantial contributions to the community.
Susan Buckholz (pictured above), Sara Kobylenski and Kim Souza. The event was hosted by Becca White Vermont State Representative from Hartford.
White (above), introduced first honoree Kim Souza (pictured below) who owns "Revolution" a clothing store in downtown White River Junction and currently sits on the Hartford selectboard.
Souza spoke about being a business owner and local activist for racial equality and inclusion.
Susan Buckholtz (above), is an attorney focusing on children and family law. She spoke next about her career path to the law that started when she was young, defending her brother from a local bully. "I won't start a fight, she said "but you mess with mine and I just might."
Sara Kobylenski (pictured below) has spent the last 50 years in service to children and families, currently working through The Couch Family Foundation. She previously was the executive director of the Upper Valley Haven.
Kobylenski told the crowd of the eight life lessons she's learned:
1. show up, be there
2. always be humble
3. always be curious-assumption will derail you everytime
4. take risks-focus on a vision
5. "know when to hold them, know when to fold them ("my Kenny Rogers lesson" she said, I can't sing it but I can say it.")
6. leadership is a shared sport
7. learn the depth of meaning of gratitude and hope
8. and most of all family-your anchor is always in family.
The event, advertised as a non-political celebration honoring these women, was attended by many Windsor County Democrats including all three Windsor Country State Senators: Alison Clarkson, Dick McCormack and Alice Nitka.
Also in attendance was Vermont Democratic candidate for Governor, Rebecca Holcomb. Holcomb is a resident of Norwich, a former teacher, principal and Vermont Secretary of Education.
Women Making a Difference Luncheon Committee is made up of: Penny Benelli, Meg Brazill, Sarah Carter, Bill Kuch, Meg Matz, and Nikki Thran.
More information about the Windsor County Democrats can be obtained by contacting Bill Kuch wfk101@comcast.net.
More photos from the event: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Vermont-Politics/Windsor-County-Dems/Women-Making-A-Difference/