Chittenden County

From Skywatch:

Skywatch hosts Jimmy Leas and Danaka Katovich interview guest Medea Benjamin, who is Co-founder of CODEPINK, Women for Peace.

Opposition to the escalating war with Russia in Ukraine is growing: A CNN poll shows that 55% of Americans are opposed to any more funding for the war. Skywatch guest, Media Benjamin will talk about the campaign Code Pink is launching in Washington DC in October calling on Congress to do just that: stop the funding now. After decades of pointless wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and now Ukraine, it's time to build a new antiwar movement to take on the military-industrial complex, the endless wars, the F-35, and all such weapons spending.

From Gary De Carolis:

Five words that describe Emily: Engaging, Resourceful, Deep, Creative, Friendly 

Emily Anderson is a multi-faceted artist, performer, educator, and fairy maker! She’s the creative force behind Bluebird Fairies, where her artwork take shape as oracle decks, a digital app, and expressive workshops. Using her non-dominant hand, Emily’s single-line fairies carry heartfelt messages, supporting people’s positivity and hope.
Beyond her artistic realm, Emily’s passion lies in empowering others. As Coordinator of the Bridging program, she skillfully forges partnerships with arts organizations, artists, and community allies, creating meaningful opportunities for students.

An advocate at heart, Emily co-facilitates Champlain Voices, elevating voices under the Green Mountain Self Advocates umbrella.

Emily lives nestled on the edge of Vermont’s natural beauty. When not drawing fairies and other beings, she weaves blanket on her grandmother’s loom, spends time connecting with nature, and enjoys moments with loved ones.

For more information on the Chittenden Solid Waste District and current procedures and meeting dates, please visit cswd.net/about-cswd/cswd-board-of-commissioners.

From Gary De Carolis:

Five words that describe Rod: Compassionate, optimistic, lucky, accepting, futuristic

Copeland was born in Garnett, Kansas, a small town of 3,000 people. He was the youngest of 3 children. His brother was three years older and his sister 10 years older. Copeland's parents were devoted Southern Baptists, so he was raised in that vein. He experienced a very normal childhood and adolescense, doing well in school, having many friends, and participating in sports and school activities. He went one year to a small Baptist College in Kansas before joining the Peace Corps to serve as a volunteer in Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. His Peace Corps experience dramatically changed his life. After the Peace Corps, Copeland attended a State Teacher’s College in Kansas. While there, he met his wife to be Glenna. They met working as paraprofessionals in a school for children with significant developmental disabilities. They both received degrees in special education, and Copeland went on to get a Masters Degree in School Psychology. Shortly after they were married they moved to Kansas City where the couple lived and worked in predominantly black neighborhoods. While there, Copeland entered graduate school and received his PhD in Developmental Psychology. During that period he ran research and training grants in the inner city.

Copeland left the University of Kansas for a position as an associate professor of psychology at Southwest Missouri State University. A year and a half later he was fortunate to get a position with the State of Vermont as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Later he took a job with the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, holding various leadership positions culminating with a five year stint as the Commissioner of the Department of Developmental and Mental Health Services. Prior to his retirement in 2007 Copeland served as the Director of the HIV Aides program in the Vermont Department of Health.

For the past enjoyable 16 years of retirement Glenna and Rod have enjoyed traveling and now spend their winters in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and their Summers in Vermont.