About VPT ~ Management
Welcome Nancy, Stella and Carissa!
Nancy Kwasnik joined VPT as the temporary caretaker for 2011, along with her daughters, Stella and Carissa, and Sydney the dog, in January.
Their commitment to the mission of VPT is evident as they practice radical hospitality welcoming visitors and guests with open arms, lovingly caring for the facility, and sharing their passion for sustainability in the organic gardens and the rest of the property.
To help realize the VPT's use as an educational center, Nancy brings her love for and knowledge of the environment by teaching kids of all ages some of the different uses for the flora that graces the property.
Stop by any time for a tour and a cuppa!
Past Managers & Caretakers
Michelle and Robert Rothbard
Painting the Farmhouse 7/10
Michelle and Robert managed the farm from October 19, 2009 until Christmas 2010.
Robert and Michelle had extensive experience in building maintenance and construction. Michelle, in addition, had experience in marketing, and Robert was an inventor as well as an artist.
Together, they greatly improved the property and left a much stronger infrastructure behind. They left us in late December to be closer to family in NY, and the whole family will be greatly missed.
Robert and Michelle had extensive experience in building maintenance and construction. Michelle, in addition, had experience in marketing, and Robert was an inventor as well as an artist.
Together, they greatly improved the property and left a much stronger infrastructure behind. They left us in late December to be closer to family in NY, and the whole family will be greatly missed.
Jack Palin
Captain Jack joined the partners at VPT in 2008 following his retirement, and remained over a year as a volunteer to manage the property.
Thank you Captain Jack! When the partners left our organization, you stepped in to fill the gap with grace, courage, and deep commitment. From the first frost, you caulked every leaky window, beam, and cellar crack, making sure the inside of the farmhouse was toasty and welcoming. You kept the kettle on the hob, the garden fence patched, the perpetually emergent grass mowed (and mowed and mowed!).
You graciously welcomed visitors from near and far-flung places, whether fox families, deer, or inner-city youth. You kept the calendar, answered the phone, and made sure the property was ship-shape. We'll never forget your amazing sea tales and the way you shared Carol’s delicious fudge with all who crossed the threshold.
You’ve given VPT more than a year of your life. There are no words to express our deep gratitude. But we’ll share the words of Rod MacDonald’s Sailor’s Prayer, of which you’ve proven to be the finest example:
And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore
Thank you Captain Jack! When the partners left our organization, you stepped in to fill the gap with grace, courage, and deep commitment. From the first frost, you caulked every leaky window, beam, and cellar crack, making sure the inside of the farmhouse was toasty and welcoming. You kept the kettle on the hob, the garden fence patched, the perpetually emergent grass mowed (and mowed and mowed!).
You graciously welcomed visitors from near and far-flung places, whether fox families, deer, or inner-city youth. You kept the calendar, answered the phone, and made sure the property was ship-shape. We'll never forget your amazing sea tales and the way you shared Carol’s delicious fudge with all who crossed the threshold.
You’ve given VPT more than a year of your life. There are no words to express our deep gratitude. But we’ll share the words of Rod MacDonald’s Sailor’s Prayer, of which you’ve proven to be the finest example:
And I will not lie me down
This rain a-ragin'
I will not lie me down
In such a storm
And if this night be unblessed
I shall not take my rest
Till I reach another shore
The Partners
We are also deeply grateful to our original partners for their many contributions, which will inform the future of the Voluntown Peace Trust in ways we will be learning for years to come.
Mary Novak, Harold Burns, Patty Adams, Steve Borla, and Kate Foran (and for the first two years, Danny Malec) have left a permanent and beautiful mark on the Voluntown Peace Trust. From the rooms of the Farmhouse, and indeed the entire property, they found the things that needed doing and did them with grace, gentleness and care.
Their living out of the VPT mission brought spirit and built community, both locally and throughout the peace network.
The Board respects the integrity of their decision to part ways. It is with deepest gratitude that we wish them well in their future endeavors.
Mary Novak, Harold Burns, Patty Adams, Steve Borla, and Kate Foran (and for the first two years, Danny Malec) have left a permanent and beautiful mark on the Voluntown Peace Trust. From the rooms of the Farmhouse, and indeed the entire property, they found the things that needed doing and did them with grace, gentleness and care.
Their living out of the VPT mission brought spirit and built community, both locally and throughout the peace network.
The Board respects the integrity of their decision to part ways. It is with deepest gratitude that we wish them well in their future endeavors.