Aqueduct: Don't drink Woodstock water; boiling won't make it safe

On Friday evening, the Woodstock Aqueduct Company announced the following:

Do not drink water from the Woodstock Aqueduct system until further notice. Boiling water will not make it safe to consume.
You CAN use the water to flush, bathe, wash hands and clean items that will not be used for the consumption of food or drink.
You CANNOT use the water to drink, cook, wash dishes or items that may go in a person's mouth such as a retainer or baby toys.
The Woodstock Aqueduct Company is working with the State of Vermont to fix the problem as soon as possible. The Town of Woodstock will list any updates on the Town of Woodstock homepage and on the town's Facebook page and Woodstock listserv. For more information from the water system, please contact: Woodstock Aqueduct Company at tessmalloy@gmail.com or fhgstoreoffice@gmail.com.

Vermont braces for heavy rain as flood response continues

Pallets of bottled water, delivered by the Vermont National Guard on Thursday, are shown at the Woodstock Emergency Services Building on Friday morning. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Amid the ongoing response to this week’s historic flooding, local and state officials are asking Vermonters to stay alert and prepared, with more rainy weather in the forecast for Friday afternoon and Sunday.

On Friday morning, Woodstock Fire Chief David Green said people should stay alert to weather conditions and have a plan to evacuate if needed.

Municipal Manager Eric Duffy confirmed that every road in Woodstock is open, though conditions vary. People are again urged: Never drive through floodwaters if further flooding occurs.

“If the weather gets bad, don’t go out unless you need to, and if you’re in a place where you think you’ll be flooded, either evacuate or reach out to dispatch and we’ll come out and help you,” Duffy said.

An outpouring of support

As local community relief efforts continue, some help has come in from outside: The Vermont National Guard dropped off four large pallets of bottled water at the Woodstock Emergency Services Building Thursday evening. The fire department put the word out and people were coming by to pick up the water Friday morning.

Jane Maxham, who lives at the Riverside Mobile Home Park in Woodstock, came by to get some water for some elderly neighbors. She was grateful to the first responders who helped evacuate her neighborhood on Monday, as well as the park’s manager Everett Chamberlin who helped coordinate the effort. Also, she added that a number of her neighbors stayed at the Shire Motel earlier in the week, which provided rooms for free. Many volunteers have come in to help at Riverside throughout the week.

“It’s an absolutely wonderful volunteer effort,” Maxham said. “As a community, we all work together.” She added, “We certainly fared here much better than we did in [Tropical Storm] Irene.”

That was also seen at the Woodstock Farmers’ Market, which was inundated with two feet of water on its property. Soon after, many volunteers came by to help with clean-up, and the business is already “way ahead of schedule” compared to the clean-up after Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, according to longtime owner Patrick Crowl. 

“When times get tough, we have community,” he said. Crowl said the Farmers’ Market could potentially reopen in 30-60 days, but they’re taking it “day by day.”

Coordinating volunteers and local aid

Seton McIlroy, Woodstock’s volunteer coordinator, said she’s heard from many local residents and former residents who want to help. She said this coordination effort is in the “organizing stage.” 

“We’re happy to get more volunteers. We’re also looking for people that need help,” McIlroy said. “A lot of people are just in the assessing phase. I think the needs (coming in) are slow right now but will pick up once people realize what they need. And as needs arise, we will send people out.” 

McIlroy is working with the Ottauquechee Health Foundation and the Hub, a coordinated group of local nonprofits ready to direct people to needed resources and aid. The Hub serves the towns of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Pomfret, Plymouth, Reading, and Woodstock. McIlroy is also in communication with Upper Valley Strong, in an effort to regionalize the volunteer coordination effort. 

Anyone who wants to volunteer or needs assistance can contact McIlroy at: seton.l.mcilroy@gmail.com

Here is some information regarding the Hub:

1. Online: Complete an application at: https://apply.thehubneighbors.org/form
2. Phone: 802-457-7214
3. Email: apply@thehubneighbors.org
4. Pick up an application: Outside the Ottauquechee Health Foundation office at Simmons House at 30 Pleasant Street, Woodstock.

For Woodstock, where a boil water notice remains in effect: Well testing kits are available from the state of Vermont by calling 802-338-4724. However, people are being asked to test their water only if their well flooded.

A statewide update

The state is also working to coordinate aid and is compiling a list of resources to help impacted Vermonters, according to Gov. Phil Scott, who spoke at a press conference on Friday. In a significant boost for this effort, Scott said the federal government has approved Vermont’s request for a major disaster declaration. 

“It will open up significant federal resources for communities, individuals, businesses and the state,” Scott said. 

The governor also said he’s been inspired by the constant stream of individuals and businesses wanting to help their neighbors around the state. 

“There’s a ton of work to do, and impacted Vermonters will need all the help we can provide,” Scott said. “I know Vermonters will continue to step up and meet the moment.”

— Gareth Henderson

Watch Omni Reporter’s Facebook page for the latest local updates.

Flood Alert with new weather moving across Vermont

Action Recommended

Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By

Burlington - VT, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

Essex and Clinton counties in New York. Portions of Vermont, including the following counties, Caledonia, Eastern Addison, Eastern Chittenden, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Rutland, Eastern Windsor, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Washington, Western Addison, Western Rutland and Western Windsor

Description

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. WHERE...Essex and Clinton counties in New York. Portions of Vermont, including the following counties, Caledonia, Eastern Addison, Eastern Chittenden, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Rutland, Eastern Windsor, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Washington, Western Addison, Western Rutland and Western Windsor. WHEN...From 2 PM EDT this afternoon through late tonight. IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Additional rainfall is expected this afternoon and evening as a line of strong thunderstorms moves through. Rivers and streams are already running high and any additional rainfall will go straight to run-off in areas that have recently flooded. Additional forecast rainfall amounts for this afternoon and evening are 1 to 1.5 inches, locally up to 2 inches in the heaviest storms. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remain vigilant, monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flash Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Have a plan in place now if your area is flooded. Make sure that you have a reliable source to get flood alerts from.

Information from weather.com

Work continues on Woodstock water issue

UPDATE 7/13, 10:03 AM: Woodstock Aqueduct is asking all customers to decrease water usage, as the system's "storage level is dangerously low." Extra conservation is crucial at this time.

—

UPDATE 7/12: The initial water line break was isolated and resolved. Water is being restored downtown, however Woodstock Aqueduct discovered another line break across the Elm Street Bridge which they are working to fix. They are asking people to only use water when absolutely necessary. The boil water notice is still in effect.

The following water resources are available in town:

- Free showers at the Woodstock Athletic Club

- Bottled water at the Woodstock Emergency Services Building

- Well water via hose at the West Woodstock Fire Station

—

All Woodstock residents on town water must continue to boil water until further notice, though some areas of town have running water again.

On Monday, Woodstock Aqueduct issued a boil water notice for all customers. Earlier on Tuesday, Woodstock officials reported that the issue is believed to be a river crossing leak which the Aqueduct company is trying to isolate. In the meantime, they will be attempting to pump water from the west station to as many customers as they can. They will be doing the same from the east station. After Aqueduct customers get water, it is recommended to continue to boil water for another 48 hours.

No time frame was given for the repair of the leak.

In related news, water is available at Station 2 in West Woodstock (463 West Woodstock Rd) through a garden hose. Bring your own spigot and container, and boiling the water is advised. The garden hose is outside and on the right side of the building.

As today’s flood response continues, and to mobilize resources for the most pressing needs, Woodstock town officials are asking residents to call 911 or Woodstock Emergency Dispatch at 802-457-1420 for emergencies only.

For non-emergency questions or concerns about roads, water, sewer, reporting damage or any other municipal issue, people are asked to email Municipal Manager Eric Duffy at eduffy@townofwoodstock.org.

— Gareth Henderson

Woodstock Aqueduct issues boil water notice

Woodstock Aqueduct has reported a major break in the town water system due to the flooding. In conjunction with the Fire Department, Woodstock Aqueduct is isolating river crossings to determine the location of the break.

In the meantime, due to the loss of pressure in the pipes, ALL CUSTOMERS MUST BOIL WATER FOR AT LEAST 60 SECONDS PRIOR TO ANY USE WHERE YOU MIGHT CONSUME IT. Uses include:

1. drinking, including using water for juices or formula

2. making ice

3. brushing teeth

4. washing and preparing food

5. washing dishes

Anyone with questions, comments, or concerns is asked to contact Woodstock Dispatch at 802-457-2337.

Watch for updates on this site and on Omni Reporter’s Facebook page.

Multiple Vt. roads closed as flooding continues

Multiple roads have been closed across Vermont due to widespread flooding amid severe rains that began on Sunday. 

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency on Sunday, and state and local officials are asking Vermonters to stay clear of any flooded roads. 

"If you can't physically see the pavement, don't drive or walk across it," Scott said in a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday. 

Earlier Monday morning, a state alert was sent out asking all residents in low-lying areas in Woodstock and Bridgewater to evacuate.(Go to www.vtalert.gov to sign up for these alerts.)

Route 4 is closed by the Lincoln Covered Bridge. (See other Vermont road closures in this list by MyNBC5.)

Woodstock Police sent out the following on Facebook: "Please evacuate low lying areas. Emergency Shelters are open at the Woodstock Elementary School 15 South St, the cafeteria at the Woodstock Union High School 100 Amsden Way, and at the Emergency Services Building 454 Woodstock Rd." 

In Bridgewater, the emergency shelter is the Bridgewater Grange Hall on Route 100A.

As of 11 a.m., rescue teams were in the process of rescuing some employees in one of the state parks in Plymouth, according to officials at the press conference. Londonderry Village and Weston remained totally inaccessible due to flooding. 

A total of 14 swiftwater rescue teams are operating in Vermont, which includes significant help from other states. Additional teams from Michigan and North Carolina are expected to join this effort later today. 

The National Weather Service reported: “Rounds of heavy rain will continue to impact the region through tonight, producing widespread 2-5 inches of rain, with localized amounts of 7+ inches. … Widespread area and river flooding will persist into Tuesday.”

For a complete forecast, visit the National Weather Service online:

www.weather.gov/aly (Bennington and Windham Counties)

www.weather.gov/btv (rest of Vermont)

Below, there are some further online resources. Updates will be added here and at Omni Reporter’s Facebook page throughout the day.

— Gareth Henderson

WEB RESOURCES

Vermont Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

VEM Twitter: @vemvt

Vermont Alert on Twitter (Road Closures and Weather Alerts): @VermontAlert

511 road closures on Twitter: @511VT

511 on the web: https://newengland511.org/

NWS Albany social media: https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlbany/ or https://twitter.com/NWSAlbany

NWS Burlington social media: https://www.facebook.com/NWSBurlington/ or https://twitter.com/NWSBurlington

Vermont river levels and forecast: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=btv

Vt. prepares for flood response; Gov. Scott declares state of emergency

The state of Vermont continues preparations for severe storms and significant flooding Sunday night into Monday. The National Weather Service says excessive runoff from powerful storms may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Areas that experienced heavy rain last week are especially vulnerable.

To enhance preparedness and expedite response, Governor Phil Scott has declared a State of Emergency ahead of the storm.  Among other tools, the emergency declaration allows state responders to request additional resources from other states, should they be needed.

The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated and the Department of Public Safety, Agency of Transportation, and other state agencies and departments will be working overnight and throughout Monday and beyond to assist cities and towns in their response.

Swiftwater rescue teams have been staged in strategic locations throughout the state, should they be necessary to help with evacuations and rescues from floodwaters. Additional crews from out of state may be added in the coming days to assist with further operations.

Vermonters should monitor weather reports closely and be mindful of water levels on rivers and streams. Get to high ground if floodwaters approach. Never drive or walk through floodwaters, unseen currents or washouts can sweep you and your car away.

An individual reporting a life-threatening situation should dial 9-1-1. An individual reporting a developing, non-life-threatening emergency situation should contact their town.

Vermont Alert delivers up to the minute weather, road, and other warnings to your phone or email. These alerts are personalized to notify you of problems in specific areas. The service is free; you can register at www.vtalert.gov.

For a complete forecast, visit the National Weather Service forecast site:

www.weather.gov/aly (Bennington and Windham Counties)

www.weather.gov/btv (rest of Vermont)

FLOOD SAFETY TIPS

If rising water is approaching, leave.

Evacuate over high ground and plan that route now for this weekend and any time there may be flooding.

Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Strong currents or unseen washouts can sweep you and your car away.

Turn off the circuit breaker in your home before you evacuate – if you can do so safely.

Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before you once again occupy your home if it has been flooded.

If you are in a flood-prone area, or if you believe your home will be flooded, it is advisable to move valuables from your basement in case water enters your home.

Check your insurance coverage now, and then contact your insurance company if you have damage.

WEB RESOURCES

Vermont Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

VEM Twitter: @vemvt

Vermont Alert on Twitter (Road Closures and Weather Alerts): @VermontAlert

511 road closures on Twitter: @511VT

511 on the web: https://newengland511.org/

NWS Albany social media: https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlbany/ or https://twitter.com/NWSAlbany

NWS Burlington social media: https://www.facebook.com/NWSBurlington/ or https://twitter.com/NWSBurlington

Vermont river levels and forecast: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=btv

– Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Officials to public: Help protect nesting loons

Loons nesting along lake shorelines are susceptible to human disturbance, and their nests can be flooded and destroyed by motorboat wakes, Vermont officials say. (VF&W Photo / Mitch Moraski)

Few birding experiences rival hearing the haunting call of the loon or seeing them glide by in protected coves on a lake.  However, for the birds’ protection, Vermont Fish and Wildlife is asking boaters and anglers to enjoy loons from a safe distance this summer.

“Loons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, but they face continued threats from human disturbance during the breeding season and ingestion of fishing gear,” said Rosalind Renfrew, wildlife biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife.

“Many areas where loons nest on Vermont’s lakes are surrounded by signs reminding people to give loons the space they need, but not all nesting areas are marked,” she added. “We’re asking people to enjoy loons from a distance rather than approaching them, whether you are in a boat or on shore.” 

Renfrew also reminds people to avoid using lead fishing tackle.  Every year Vermont loons die from lead poisoning after swallowing fishing tackle.  Lead sinkers weighing one-half ounce or less are prohibited in Vermont, but larger tackle­­­ still has the capacity to slough off lead into the environment over time.  Renfrew also recommends anglers to be careful to not attract loons to their bait and lures, and especially to not leave any fishing line behind as it can entangle and kill loons.

Eric Hanson, biologist with the Vermont Loon Conservation Project and Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), asks anglers to reel in for a few minutes if loons are diving nearby.  To give anglers a place to discard their lead tackle, VCE will be placing collection tubes for lead tackle and discarded fishing line at over 20 boat access areas beginning this summer.  VCE coordinates the loon project in partnership with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Hanson and his colleagues monitor Vermont’s loon population and have put out game cameras around loon nests to monitor the behavior of people around them.  Hanson says most people are respectful of nesting loons and give them space, but people sometimes inadvertently harm loons without meaning to.

“Loon chicks can be difficult to see, so we ask motorboaters to note where loon families are and to avoid those areas,” said Hanson.  “We also ask that motorboaters obey ‘no wake’ laws within 200 feet of shorelines because boat wakes can flood and destroy shoreline loon nests.” 

As Vermont’s loon population continues to increase and canoeing and kayaking continues to become more popular, there is greater potential for people to come into conflict with loons. Hanson reminds boaters to avoid pursuing loons in a canoe or kayak, especially loons with young. 

“Occasionally a loon will be curious and approach people, and if that happens, just enjoy it,” said Hanson.  “However, loons that are constantly swimming away from you are stressed and may abandon their young if they feel they are in danger.”

Hanson also urges shoreline property owners to maintain appropriate habitat for loons, including shrubby and forested areas along shorelines, where loons can nest.  Having shrubs and trees instead of lawns along shorelines also improves water quality which is essential for healthy lakes, aquatic insects, fish eggs, fish, and loons.

Volunteers interested in monitoring loons for the Loon Conservation Project should contact Hanson at loon@vtecostudies.org.  Volunteers can monitor lakes all summer long with a focus on lakes with loon pairs and nesting. 

Volunteers can also survey one or two lakes on Loonwatch Day, being held on July 15 this year, between 8 and 9 a.m.  The goal is to survey all lakes greater than 20 acres at the same time, which provides a population count and checks on small lakes that are surveyed less often during the rest of year.  

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

State: If you find turtles, leave them in the wild

Bringing home a native Vermont wild turtle to keep as a pet is illegal because it can be harmful for the individual animal and local turtle populations. Above is a painted turtle. (VTF&W Photo by Luke Groff)

With many people out and about enjoying springtime, the state Fish and Wildlife Department is asking everyone to leave the turtles where they are. In fact, keeping native turtles as pets is prohibited because it can harm them and pose threats to wild turtle populations, officials said.

“Capturing a wild turtle and keeping it as a pet, even if only for a short time, is detrimental to that individual turtle and also to Vermont’s turtle populations as a whole,” said Luke Groff, Vermont Fish and Wildlife herpetologist.  “Releasing captured turtles back into the wild comes with risks as well.”  Groff added that the risks include introducing diseases or disrupting the genetics of wild populations. 

“Adult turtles often have well-defined home ranges and know exactly where to find shelter, food and mates.  Turtles released in unfamiliar habitats are likely to be disoriented and stressed, and they may attempt to return home, potentially causing them to cross roads and be struck by vehicles.”

Groff said taking a turtle out of the wild means removing its reproductive contribution to the population.  “Turtles are slow to develop, especially those living at northern latitudes where the growing season is short.  Many of Vermont’s turtle species do not reproduce until they are at least 10 years of age.  Older, sexually mature females are critically important to the long-term persistence of some Vermont turtle populations.  The loss of even a couple mature females from some populations may have serious consequences.”

Some common species you are likely to see include the painted turtle and snapping turtle.  The wood turtle, spotted turtle and spiny softshell are rare in Vermont, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges you to report sightings of these species to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.

If you see some of Vermont’s native turtles, Groff said, “Feel free to take a photo home with you, but support Vermont’s turtles by leaving them in the wild.

For more information on Vermont’s native turtle species, visit Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website and search for Reptiles or contact Groff at Luke.Groff@vermont.gov.

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

The uplifting light of good

A brilliant sunset over Woodstock Village in Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Nature holds beauty for us every day. Just when we don’t expect it, another inspired scene unfolds and fills us with awe.

I felt that way recently, when going for a walk in Woodstock Village and seeing the setting sun, with a brilliant, orange blaze over the nearby ridge line.

What a sight to behold, and I only had a few seconds to see it. In less than a minute, the sun had retired, and the dark was rapidly setting in. But just as clear was the idea that the sun would return the following morning, regardless of whether clouds would accompany it, or not.

Watching that inspiring sunset reminded me of the goodness in the world. Its power touches the heart, and, like warm sunlight, it reaches each of us — in the form of people helping one another, or in other successes we may not always hear about. Clouds of negativity, fear, and despair may hide it sometimes. Commentaries about the impacts of political strife, hate, war, and fear may pervade consciousness. But right there where the world seems at its worst, there are people helping each other survive in difficult times, helping their neighbors in need, and stepping up when the community needs them. That constant expression of love is illuminating the light of goodness — the light that remains within us all.

With such expressions of love and compassion at the helm, the challenges in the world have not defeated good. That love is a real force in the world, here and now. There is a certain strength in the love people express and the good they cherish. When one person helps another, whether the task be small or large, it helps move us forward and see the brilliant, inspired hues of being, and it ushers clear skies into view. Let’s demonstrate that kindness today, in the moment, because we can’t take back yesterday’s moments, and we can’t borrow from tomorrow’s.

Even when times are difficult and we see clouds moving in, there’s always a glimmer of hope just around the corner. There is blue sky waiting to come through, to reassure us that good is here and remains a strong, uplifting force in this precious world we all share.

— Gareth Henderson

Some Vt. cliff areas closed to protect nesting peregrines

Hikers and climbers can help nesting peregrine falcons by avoiding several Vermont cliff areas this spring and early summer. (VTF&W Photo by Tom Rogers)

Hiking Vermont’s hillsides is a great way to enjoy a spring day, but the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Audubon Vermont recommend people check to see if the area they are planning to hike or climb is open.  In addition to the many trails that are currently closed to reduce impacts during mud season, several cliff areas are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

“Peregrine falcons are very sensitive to human presence during their breeding season, so we ask climbers and hikers to please maintain a respectful distance from their nests,” said Wildlife Diversity Program Manager Rosalind Renfrew with Fish and Wildlife.  “The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to cliff tops or overlooks.” 

Biologists and community scientists are just now identifying which cliffs are occupied by peregrines this year, and not all sites have been visited to-date.  Once closed, these sites will remain closed until Aug. 1 or until Fish and Wildlife determines the risk to nesting falcons has passed.  As sites are visited in April and if nesting falcons choose new sites, additional sites may be added to the closed list on Fish and Wildlife’s website:

• Bolton Notch (Bolton) – UUW cliff – cliff access and climbing closed

• Bone Mountain (Bolton) – portions closed to climbing

• Deer Leap (Bristol) – cliff-top and climbing closed

• Eagle Ledge (Vershire) – closed to hiking and climbing

• Fairlee Palisades (Fairlee) – cliff-top closed

• Marshfield Mt (Marshfield) – portions closed to climbing

• Mt Horrid (Rochester) – Great Cliff overlook closed

• Nichols Ledge (Woodbury) – cliff-top and climbing closed

• Prospect Rock (Johnson) – cliff-top overlook and climbing closed

• Red Rocks Park (S. Burlington) – southern cliff access closed

• Rattlesnake Point (Salisbury) – southern overlook closed

• Snake Mt (Addison) – entire western trail closed

Audubon Vermont conservation biologist Margaret Fowle works with volunteers and other conservation professionals to monitor the sites throughout the nesting season.  “Peregrine falcons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, and the population continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of our many volunteers and partners,” Fowle said.  “In many cases the lower portions of the trails remain open, and we encourage people to enjoy watching peregrine falcons from a distance that requires using binoculars or a spotting scope.” 

What you can do to help Vermont peregrines:

• Respect cliff closures, and retreat from any cliff where you see peregrines

• Report any disturbance of nesting peregrines to your local State Game Warden

• Report any sightings to Margaret Fowle at margaret.fowle@audubon.org

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Vt. announces funding awards for downtown projects

Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development recently announced over $860,000 in tax incentives for rehabilitation and revitalization projects throughout Vermont’s designated downtown and village centers.

These six project awards will help generate over $20 million in building improvements and around the state. In addition to these awards, a new round of funding for later this year will be announced in April, with tax credits available to projects in state-designated Downtowns, Village Centers, and Neighborhood Development Areas.

“These investments are impactful, supporting local businesses, creating new housing, and improving the economic vitality of our community centers,” Scott said. “This kind of targeted investment in our downtowns and village centers, along with the strategic use of federal relief dollars, shows what we can do to make Vermont an even better place to live and visit.”

“Thanks to the support of the Legislature, we are excited to be able to expand the reach of this program in the coming year,” said Josh Hanford, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development. “Our next round of funding will allow applicants of state-designated Neighborhood Development Areas to also participate in the program, supporting investments in rental housing around our existing commercial centers.”

Projects funded include:

• Bennington, 650 Main Street

• $200,000 for redevelopment of the former Bennington High School into a multi-purpose community center and 37 apartments, including both affordable and market-rate units.

• Brattleboro, 22-26 High Street

• $79,000 for façade improvements and code upgrades to a 5-story downtown block, providing space for a restaurant, maker’s market, offices, and studios.

• Enosburg, 366 Main Street

• $327,500 for conversion of vacant commercial space for mixed retail and office use at the historic Perley Block.

• Jeffersonville, 4968 VT Route 15

• $61,575 for the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the Jeffersonville Granary for a food hub supporting four local food businesses.

• Rutland, 56 Merchants Row

• $125,000 to support significant code upgrades to the Gryphon building’s upper floors, creating 10 new 1-2-bedroom apartments.

• White River Junction, 5 South Main Street

• $62,600 for completion of code-mandated improvements to the Briggs Opera House, a local landmark and cultural center in White River Junction.

Here is additional information on the projects, including local contact information. Visit the Department of Housing and Community Development website for information about how the tax credits help boost the vitality of Vermont’s communities.

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Woodstock votes to keep lister position

At the table, Charlie Degener (foreground, sitting), Carol Wood and Rick Fiske check voters in for the paper-ballot vote on the lister question at Saturday’s floor meeting. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Woodstock’s elected office of lister will remain as is, after voters on Saturday rejected a proposal to replace that position with hired assessors.

The vote was 46 to 32 against the proposal, in a paper-ballot vote that was required by state law. The lister question, which is Article 3 on Woodstock’s Town Meeting Warning, was decided along with articles 1-10 at Saturday’s floor meeting at Town Hall. Voters will decide articles 11-21 by Australian ballot on Tuesday, when polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The lister question stirred some debate in the community in recent weeks. Article 3 proposed to eliminate the office of town lister “with a professionally qualified assessor or assessors,” as the article states.

At Saturday’s meeting, Select Board Chair Joe Swanson said switching to having assessors, rather than an elected position, would add stability to the office for the town’s long-term future. They would be appointed by the Select Board, and he said the structure and functions of the office would be the same, as would the current people running it.

“This is not a change that would cost someone their job; I know that’s been a concern,” he said.

If the proposal passed, Swanson said, the existing listers would be appointed as the assessors. Municipal Manager Eric Duffy said the currently elected listers, Kathy Avellino and Tim McCarthy, are up to date on all training and fully qualified to be assessors. One of the three lister positions is open, but no one is running for it this year.

During a lengthy discussion from the floor, all comments but one were opposed to the change. Former Woodstock lister Carol Wood, who served in that position for 15 years, said Avellino and McCarthy are very qualified and have been planning for a town-wide reappraisal, to take place in 2025. With this in mind, she said Article 3 “would have a detrimental effect on the continuity of the office going forward.”

Jennifer Maxham, also a former lister, said this should remain an elected position, since it means you have Woodstock residents doing this work.

“I do think you want to have people who live in Woodstock assessing Woodstock,” she said.

Others questioned the point that this move would bring stability, noting that the town has benefited from having longtime listers in the past. Swanson reiterated that this proposal was meant to be helpful for Woodstock’s future over the long term.

After the lister question was decided by paper ballot, the floor meeting continued on to the other items and concluded shortly after 12 p.m. The proposed Woodstock Town Budget of $7,681,341 passed easily by a typical voice vote.

— Gareth Henderson

Woodstock Town Meeting details for Saturday, Tuesday

A proposal to eliminate the office of Town Lister will be decided by Woodstock voters on Saturday, during the floor meeting portion of Town Meeting. In total, Saturday’s floor meeting will include voting on articles 1-10 on Woodstock’s Town Meeting Warning. It will be on Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m. at Woodstock Town Hall in the Pentangle Theater.

Woodstock town voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, March 7, at Town Hall, where they will decide articles 11-21 by Australian ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday’s vote will include elected town offices, which are all uncontested. (On the school side, voters on Tuesday will decide the $25.83 million school budget proposed by the Windsor Central Unified Union School District.)

The Town Meeting articles to be voted on Saturday and Tuesday can be found at this link, and to read the full Town Report, click here.

If approved on Saturday, Article 3, the lister question, would replace the office of lister — an elected position — with assessors employed by the town. In accordance with state law, Article 3 will be voted by paper ballot, not the voice vote typical of the floor meeting.

The town budget will also be decided on Saturday in Article 6, which asks voters to appropriate the sum of $7,681,341, with $5,692,712 to be raised by taxes.

— Gareth Henderson

New program aims to help manufactured home communities

Gov. Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development recently announced the launch of the Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program (MHIR), offering financial assistance to manufactured home communities (commonly known as mobile home parks) as well as current and prospective manufactured home owners.

The program, funded by $4 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, will provide financial assistance for park improvements, home repair and foundation installation.

“The MHIR program is focused on revitalizing an important part of the State’s affordable housing stock,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This investment will ensure the long-term affordability and habitability of several mobile home parks and mobile homes throughout Vermont.”

MHIR is a three-part program that aims to financially assist park owners in preparing vacant or abandoned lots for new manufactured homes, aid existing mobile homeowners in improving the habitability of their homes, and support new and existing mobile home owners with installing new foundations.

The Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) will be processing applications for MHIR and the application portal will open today. The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) Mobile Home Program will provide application assistance to mobile home owners in need of home repairs. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 31, 2024, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.

“Manufactured home communities represent a unique and effective form of affordable housing, particularly for rural areas. Preservation efforts to maintain their affordability is an important policy issue as housing costs continue to rise,” said Kathleen Berk, VSHA’s executive director. “Vermont State Housing Authority, as the largest manager of mobile home parks in the state, is delighted to collaborate with the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity on this important initiative to preserve and maintain this housing resource.”

“For decades, mobile home communities have been facing a number of environmental and habitability challenges,” said Sandrine Kibuey, director of CVOEO’s Housing Advocacy Programs. “This program should significantly improve immediate areas of need such as the lack of availability and easy access to resources for home repair and maintenance and replacement or removal of old, outdated, and abandoned mobile homes.”

More information and application materials are available on the VSHA website. 

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Vermont prepares for extreme cold conditions

The National Weather Service is warning of extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills on Friday and Saturday (February 3-4). These temperatures have the potential to pose a danger to health and property.

A Wind Chill Watch is in effect from late Thursday night to Saturday evening. Wind chill values could reach as low as 30 to 45 degrees (F) below zero.

“Extreme cold weather is nothing new for most Vermonters, but it’s important to know the resources available to be prepared if needed,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “Several Vermont agencies and departments continue to work to ensure support is available for those in need, so please do not hesitate to reach out.”

The Vermont Agency of Human Services, community organizations and municipalities are working to expand daytime and overnight shelter options for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest hours this weekend. Vermonters in need of heating assistance or shelter can call 2-1-1.

A list of shelters will be updated at: https://vem.vermont.gov/news/shelters  

The Vermont State Police will also provide “freeze patrols” during which troopers will patrol the state’s two interstate highways during the overnight hours, when troopers typically are off duty. The purpose of the patrol is to look for and assist stranded motorists.

Vermonters can take additional steps to support their family, pets, and neighbors safe during cold weather, including:

• Be a good neighbor. Check with older Vermonters or others who may need assistance to ensure they have heat and are safe.

• Limit outdoor activities during the coldest hours. Also, consider your pets and limit their time outdoors.

• Ensure you have sufficient heating “fuel” (including wood). If you lose heat, use only safe alternate heating sources like a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater and take the necessary safety precautions. Test smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors and ensure heat sources are venting properly.

• Keep blankets in your vehicle in the event you are stranded by a breakdown or minor accident and must wait for help. Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and other fluids, good tire pressure, and the battery is in good condition.

• Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens, and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

• Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damaging to body tissue that is frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately. Slowly warm the affected areas as you await medical assistance.

• Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases. The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care. If medical assistance is not available, slowly warm up the person, body core first, wrapping them in a blanket or using your own body heat. Do not warm the extremities first, for this drives the cold blood towards the heart and can lead to heart failure. Do not give the person alcohol, coffee, tea, or any hot food or beverage. Warm liquids are best.

• If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.

For weather, road, or emergency updates sent directly to your e-mail or cell phone sign up for Vermont Alert at http://www.vtalert.gov.

Forecast information can be found at www.weather.gov/btv or www.weather.gov/aly.

Vermont Department of Health winter weather safety tips, including translated materials, are available at: healthvermont.gov/winter-weather

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Stillness: A door for peace

The Ottauquechee River in Taftsville, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In the open air of nature, there’s a particular freedom all around. I look up at the trees, with recently fallen snow still resting on their branches. A sense of calm pervades life in that moment. All is still, as each step unfolds new views of the surroundings, new footsteps on the way — onward. A gentle breeze glances by, accentuating the stillness, a true gift in the world. 

I recall many such moments from the evening walks my wife and I enjoy. And the gift of stillness is one we always notice. After a long day, it provides a time to settle the thought, gain some perspective, and simply give thanks. These are simple moments of realization — something that is so vital in this rapidly moving world, where moments and opportunities seem to race by. These can sometimes make us feel these calmer moments are far out of reach. But truly, we can gain stillness through just a few moments of quiet, where we welcome productive, calming moments of peace, a quality we each innately have. 

To see peace in action doesn’t take time, it only takes that genuine, open door of thought, where we allow quiet, calming moments to take root, and settle us. In that space, a light grows, and we’re so open to the goodness in our communities and in the world — and so able to see it grow. That provides a meaningful sense of freedom. And then, the fresh, nurturing sense of peace gained outdoors can be experienced within us, any time. It’s not a time, not a place. It’s a reassuring stillness that’s always within reach. 

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont Ice Fishing Festival coming to Barnard

To celebrate Free Ice Fishing Day, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will hold an Ice Fishing Festival for kids and others new to ice fishing at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard on Saturday, Jan. 28. (VTF&W Photo by Joshua Morse)

One of Vermont's favorite statewide events is coming back this month. The state’s Free Ice Fishing Day is Saturday, Jan. 28.

Free Ice Fishing Day is held annually on the last Saturday in January. The day is geared toward giving new ice anglers an opportunity to try ice fishing before purchasing equipment, but any angler may ice fish on any waterbody open to ice fishing statewide without a fishing license on Free Ice Fishing Day.

To celebrate, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is holding an Ice Fishing Festival at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard — its first since the start of the pandemic. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages as well as families with kids. 

“The Ice Fishing Festival typically draws between 500-700 participants for a day of fishing, skill-building, and community,” said Education Specialist Corey Hart. “Everyone at the department is excited to be bringing this favorite winter celebration back after a two-year hiatus.”

Vermont Fish and Wildlife staff, as well as instructors from Vermont’s Let’s Go Fishing Program, will be on-hand to teach ice fishing skills. These include knot tying, baiting and using an ice fishing rod, and most importantly, how to stay safe on the ice. They will also discuss fishing regulations and fish identification. 

Fish and Wildlife staff will operate a fish fry station to cook up participants’ catch, and there will be plenty of cocoa on hand. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, and ice cleats are strongly recommended.

“Ice fishing is one of the most accessible forms of fishing and can be a great way to introduce people to how much fun fishing can be,” said Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick. “This festival will demonstrate that ice fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It’s also a great way to spend some time outdoors with friends and family. You can skate, sled, make a snow fort, and have a cookout — all while waiting for the flags on your tip-ups to signal when you’ve caught a fish.”

Fishing equipment will be loaned for this fun day on the ice, or participants may bring their own.  For more information, visit the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website. Registration can be completed online in advance at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/189542

People may also register when they arrive, although registering in advance will enable participants to get on the ice faster.

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Ice fishing tip-ups being arranged. These are used to suspend bait at a set depth. (VTF&W Photo by Joshua Morse)

Starting with love

Sunrise over the mountains in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

What’s 2023 going to look like? A common question, and one that you really can’t answer – not today. But one thing is for certain: We’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to what we’ll do in the next 12 months. And while year-long goals are in the headlines today, the opening moments of each day deserve a lot of attention. 

Starting with the simplest and purest quality there is can be very powerful, and that is love. Many times, the early-morning moments have allowed me the opportunity to quietly focus more on qualities that stem from love, and to start my day in a positive light. It’s a way to let love naturally flow into your experience, like an outstretched sunray. Love provides a solid foundation that is as strong as rock, and it eliminates barriers, fear, and separation from good. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote so elegantly about this in his book, “Strength to Love” : "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Each day, there are opportunities to live the related qualities of love through acts of:  

Kindness

Compassion

Cooperation

Service

Thoughtfulness

Patience

Generosity

Strength 

Hope

Centering the day on such qualities of love, opens up ways to more fully express them in our daily lives and overcome fear or obstacles to progress. Seeing that bigger picture, it’s more natural to be a positive force for good, even in small examples, such as thanking the store clerk, waiter, a teacher, or offering to help a neighbor. In this way, we become active parts of the greater good. Small acts of kindness uplift our entire community, moment by moment, and they help build stronger communities. Steps away from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., is an organization started by Mack McCarter called Community Renewal International. The entire project is about building positive relationships with your neighbors one house at a time and working together for the betterment of the whole. Major crime has dropped an average of 55% in most of the neighborhoods that Community Renewal went into by establishing a foundation of love, compassion and getting to know your neighbors. 

By improving our daily moments with love, these positive qualities can only lead to a ripple effect, seeing more of the abundance of love in our lives. And this cultivates progress, builds stronger connections with others, and shows us how we can positively impact this world we all share. What better way to bring more love into the new year?

— Gareth Henderson

The radiant gift of goodness

Holiday decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Life has a way of reminding us there’s a greater power than us in the world. Even a simple thing, like the morning sun illuminating a snowy field, shows us a radiant, expansive beauty we couldn’t create on our own, but can always experience. It’s part of a goodness, a peace, that is often closer to us than we know. It’s innate to us, and we live in the midst of it. 

So often we feel that pull to rush into the holidays, swept up in a world that appears long on strife, but short on hope. But this time of year, we have the opportunity to reflect a bit more on the good we know, and what might come from it. Indeed, there is always a great deal of goodness and love being shared – the key is to keep our eyes more open to these qualities, and know we have them to freely give to others.

There was a heart-warming example recently, of 13 strangers stranded after a canceled flight in Orlando, Florida. Instead of despairing, they opted to rent a van and make the trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, together. As the CNN feature reported, they formed “an impromptu community”, and the results were moving. An aspiring college student, who thought she may miss the chance to visit her dream school in Knoxville, was able to do so. 

"I feel like this situation for me specifically kind of restored my trust and humanity a little bit," one passenger told CNN. "There's definitely hope for people — people, they can be good."

Also, here in the Upper Valley, another story touched our hearts. Following the many outages from last weekend’s storm, a Canadian line worker, who was far from home, went to the Wal-Mart in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, to pick up some things. When he was about to pay, he realized that they did not take Apple Pay and needed to go back to his truck to get his wallet. Well, he got back to the register to find that the people in line after him had paid for all his items, showing gratitude for his work in the field. 

We can take something meaningful from these stories: that spark of good is always at the ready, wherever our journey takes us. It’s there to touch our lives and remind us how innately good we are. Anything that would turn us inward, is very much like the cloud hiding the sun. The light can’t be stopped from being light; there’s something about our very being that looks out from self, and is ready to help others.

Whatever the situation, we are empowered to rise above any challenges and be a light for hope – even through a simple act of kindness. The more we focus on reflecting goodness and love in our lives, the more we’ll see them in action all around us, too. On days when those qualities seem in short supply, we can pause and know they are still around, still being expressed — and sometimes, they are just around the corner, waiting for us to embrace them. That’s the true spirit of the holidays. It never stops giving. Good is continuous, and it really is the best gift of all.

— Gareth Henderson