Voices

Eastes: dedication to both the arts and the broader community

PUTNEY-As an arts and nonprofit leader in Windham County, I have had the privilege of working alongside Zon Eastes in numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening our community and the creative sector.

Zon's leadership has been instrumental in fostering collaboration across towns and sectors, and I've seen firsthand how he brings people together to create meaningful change.

His ability to blend strategic thinking with an empathetic, community-centered approach is precisely what we need in the Vermont Legislature. His deep commitment to Vernon and Guilford, where he has lived for over 40 years, is matched by his dedication to improving the lives of those around him.

I've witnessed Zon spearhead a state grant to develop a regional Cultural Plan, where his pragmatic leadership is helping align the goals of three towns and the Windham Regional Commission. This kind of collaboration speaks to his unique ability to find common ground and elevate local voices.

Zon is also a tireless advocate for the creative sector. Through the Vermont Creative Network, which he helped establish during his time at the Vermont Arts Council, Zon has consistently worked to erase silo thinking and integrate the arts into business and civic life.

His leadership during the pandemic, including commissioning award-winning projects with regional composers for Juno Orchestra, highlights his dedication to both the arts and the broader community.

Zon's integrity, experience, and vision make him an ideal representative for Vernon and Guilford.


Keith Marks

Putney


This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.

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