Toast of the Town Honorees

Honoring distinguished individuals whose contributions elevate our community and inspire excellence.

Each year, we gather to recognize exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and service have made a lasting impact. These honorees embody the values we strive to uphold—excellence, integrity, and a commitment to community. “Toast of the Town” is our tribute to those who lead not for recognition, but for the greater good.

Meet The Honorees

John Gannon 'The ERfC Award of Honors'

Attorney John Gannon is a Partner, with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. John defends employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination claims, as well as actions arising under the Family Medical Leave Act and wage & hour law. John frequently assists employers in litigation avoidance strategies and regularly counsels employers on compliance with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act. John is also a frequent speaker on employment-related legal topics for a wide variety of associations, and was selected as a Super Lawyer in every year since 2023. Super Lawyers is an exclusive list recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in Massachusetts.

Scott Kaupin 'The ERfC Trailblazer Award'

Scott Kaupin served on the Enfield Town Council for twenty-four years and also served as Mayor for the final ten years from 2007 to 2017. Scott served as a board member of both Educational Resources for Children and Enfield Loaves & Fishes. Scott continues to serve on the Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration Committee and is a member of the Rotary Club of Enfield.

Bill Vayda 'The ERfC Trailblazer Award'

Bill Vayda joined the ERfC Board of Directors in 2018 after retiring from UnitedHealth Group, Inc., where he was an IT Manager. Married to Trisha and moved to Enfield in 1976, where we raised 2 children, Betsy and Katie. Professionally, Bill served in the US Army from 1971 until 1974, and after moving to Connecticut, he started working on his education. He graduated from Western New England College in 1982 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He continued his education and in 1986, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Master’s of Computer Science degree. Bill was also elected to the Enfield Town Council as Councilman for District #1 in 1995, and in 2001-2002, he served as Mayor. Bill has been a member of the Enfield Lions Club since 1992 and is currently serving as the Club President.

Karen Suleski 'The ERfC Academic Partner Award'

My name is Karen Suleski. I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree is Elementary Education. I absolutely love teaching! I have been teaching fourth grade for ten years. I have been working with ERFC since July 2017. I have done various roles such as running a science after school club at Eli Whitney, I was a science activity leader during the summer. I am currently doing literacy during the summer. I love to incorporate reading and writing skills into our themed weeks to make learning fun. My role during the school year is to assist students at Hazardville Memorial and Henry Barnard with their homework and help staff with activities.

Carole Schloss 'The ERfC Catalyst Award'

Educating children has been a lifelong passion for me from teaching regular and special education youngsters, to a Curriculum Specialist, principal, adjunct professor and an Educational Consultant. After retiring, ERfC has fulfilled my need to continue focusing on children. As an ERFC board member for the past 11 years, our organization has provided educational programs for children, for families and the Enfield community. I’m proud to be a part of this nonprofit organization.

Alex Young

Customer Support Lead