The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley
Successful Executives Serving the World
from Western Massachusetts, USA

Marge Cavanaugh:
I have been thinking about the Fall Conference and what I enjoyed the most. Can’t pinpoint one thing. Guess it was the whole Fall Conference. Hearing Jean Corbin Thomas from New Zealand talk about UNIFEM makes you realize how much good ZONTA does world wide. Mayor Larry Gilbert made us more aware of trafficking and what we can do about it. Each speaker motivated and informed. Of course, being directly across from the Maine Mall was a plus as well. I have been going to Fall Conference for a number of years and the best part has always been being with my sister Zontians. They are remarkable and that has not changed since my first Conference.

Deb Allen:
South Portland was my last fall conference as District 1 Treasurer. It has been a great experience getting to know and work with Zontians from other clubs and areas.
For me the highlight of this conference was meeting and talking to our International Rep Bonnie Schumacher. I was rejuvenated by her enthusiasm and passion. She had many fantastic ideas for membership
/recruitment. I plan to pick her brain some more by email!

Mary Knight:
“Zonta International condemns the practice of trafficking in persons, especially women and girls, for sexual or labor exploitation as a gross violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. “ When we think about this position statement, many of us don’t picture trafficking being prevalent in the United States. Laurent Gilbert, mayor for the City of Lewiston, Maine, made us realize that modern day slavery is in fact a thriving business even in Maine! He shared information from the US Department of Justice and local law enforcement agencies outlining strategies for protecting trafficking victims and prosecuting traffickers.