Water Hero: Paul Sestito
Join us in saying farewell to Paul Sestito, who has left Vermont Rural Water because his family moved to Connecticut. Paul had worked here for over 10 years as a Water Systems Specialist, providing technical assistance to drinking water systems across Vermont. We will miss Paul’s expertise, friendship, and sense of humor!
Before he left, we interviewed Paul for our Water Hero series. Read the interview at https://vtruralwater.org/water-hero-paul-sestito/
Welcome Harry!
We are excited to share that Harry Dunn-Davenport has joined Vermont Rural Water as a Water Systems Specialist. Harry comes to us with nearly 10 years of experience as a water and wastewater operator with Simon Operation Services. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education from Johnson State University and has previously worked for the US Forest Service and other outdoor recreation organizations in Vermont, North Carolina, and Utah. Harry lives in Rutland with his wife and children.
Harry will be providing technical assistance to municipal water systems in southern Vermont. Aaron Perez will be shifting to work with municipal water systems in northern Vermont. If you are in need of assistance, you can find their contact information at https://vtruralwater.org/staff/
Submit Your Tony Torchia Award Nomination
The deadline is approaching to submit nominations for the 2025 Tony Torchia Special Recognition Award. This award is given to one individual each year in recognition of special contribution to the water/wastewater field in Vermont. The recipient will be chosen by our board of directors and announced at our Annual Conference on May 15.
Submit your nomination by Wednesday, February 26 using this form.
See previous Tony Torchia Award recipients here.
News from Across Vermont
Montpelier: The City of Montpelier competed in the Great American Water Taste Test on February 5. While they were not a finalist, we are proud to have them representing Vermont in the national contest. Read more here.
South Hero: Seven Days recently published an article about how flooding is affecting drinking water quality in water systems like South Hero Fire District #4. Read the article here.
Waterbury: The Waterbury Roundabout published an article about the Edward Farrar Utility District joining a new program called DEF CON Franklin to improve their water and wastewater system’s cybersecurity. Read the article here.
NEWEA: Congratulations to the following operators who received awards from the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA):
Tom Elwood – Town of Milton
Carrie LaFond – Town of Fair Haven
Bob Fischer – City of South Burlington
Meet-Up for Women in Trades
Vermont Works for Women is hosting a casual and fun meet-up to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive community in safe and inclusive space. Open to women, trans, and gender-expansive folks in construction and the trades.
This month’s meet-up will be on Wednesday, February 19 from 5 to 7 pm at Lewis Creek Builders and New Frameworks at 14 Morse Drive, Essex Junction. There will also be a virtual meet-up on Tuesday, March 18 at 5 pm.
2025 Conference & Trade Show
Thursday, May 15 • 8 am to 3 pm
Lake Morey Resort • Fairlee, VT
Registration is now open for our 2025 Conference! The event features a trade show, luncheon, and training classes (earn up to 3.5 TCH for water and/or wastewater) on Thursday, May 15 at Lake Morey Resort. Come early for a golf tournament on Wednesday, May 14. Click here for more information.
Register for the golf tournament here.
Vendors can sign up for a booth in the trade show here.
Sponsored by:
