Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Irene Recovery & Other News
To the email I sent out I attached information regarding the emotional response to storms and flooding and techniques for managing stress and anxiety - if you'd like a copy of it, please let me know.
If you're a facebook user go to the Berlin, Vermont page for updates made on an almost daily basis. https://www.facebook.com/groups/167886926626970/#!/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224
~~~
Check Becky's Blog for information: http://gmunitedway.wordpress.com/
~~~
If you, or anybody you know in Berlin, had flood damage to their home or property, the town would like to know!!! Please be in touch.
Monday, Oct 3rd Select Board - folks who experienced damage from Tropical Storm Irene (outside of Weston MHP) are being specifically invited to this meeting. Agenda will be posted on the town website http://www.berlinvt.org .
Select Board meetings are now streamed live at this website or you can watch it at your convenience: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Berlin-school-news
The town stump dump can be used on a very limited basis by contacting Jeff Schulz if you have trees and stumps from the Irene storm that you need to dispose of.
A select board position will be opening up at the end of October. If you're interested, and would like to be considered, please send a letter of interest to Jeff Schulz. A person will be appointed to fill the position until the elections in March. Deadline for letters to be announced.
~~~
Do you need some assistance with your pets?
I was at a meeting with Anne from the Central Vermont Humane Society and she asked us to please spread the word - the animal shelter is able to help your cats, dogs, or other small domestic companion animals receive the food, litter, basic supplies, and/or financial support they need to begin to recover from the impact of flooding caused by Irene. Support levels will be determined by CVHS. Please apply online or in person at our Adoption Center which is on Rte 14 in East Montpelier. http://cvhumane.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CC-Final-8.11.pdf Check out their Sept. newsletter which is on Animals in Disasters.
~~~
If you missed out on the Carhartt Clothing given away on Saturday, if you were affected by flooding, we'd still like to get you connected up, please let us know if you're interested by reply email or contacting our town clerk, Rosemary Morse.
Carhartt Clothing for those who were flooded in May and/or August
Lenny’s has received a shipment of Carhartt clothing to be given to people who were flooded during the May flooding as well as Irene flooding. This distribution will be for Berlin and Barre residents ONLY. There will be more distributions in the different towns on future days. You will need a voucher for this distribution of clothing which will be on Saturday, September 24th, at the Berlin Elementary School from 9am to 1pm Each person in the household will be eligible for clothing but they only have Men’s and Women’s sizes.
To the best of our knowledge each man will receive 2 pairs of pants, a jacket and 2 pairs of gloves. Each woman will receive 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts and 1 pair of gloves. If there are teenagers who may fit into adult size clothing, they are welcome to get a voucher also.
The vouchers, which should be picked up by 3pm on Thursday, are at the Berlin Town Office with Rosemary and also at the Flood Center at 126 N. Main Street in Barre (next to Wobby Jewelers) which will be open noon to 4pm on Wednesday & Thursday.
If you absolutely can’t get to where the vouchers are by 3pm Thursday please call the Flood Center at 479-4526 by that time to register.
~~~
http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=3015
September 27, 2011
Vermont Housing Task Force Seeks Those in Need of Housing and Available Housing Units
Hundreds of Vermonters are still without a permanent place to live after their homes were destroyed by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene at the end of August. Many of these individuals are currently in temporary housing – staying with friends and family, or in hotels with help from FEMA or the Red Cross. These are only short term solutions and each of these Vermonters need a more permanent place to live.
Governor Shumlin has activated an Irene Housing Task Force to work with FEMA to develop a short and long term housing recovery plan. The group is charged with first identifying everyone who needs housing, and matching them with available rental housing, or other long-term solutions. The goal is to find everyone in need a safe, warm place to live this winter and until each can find new permanent housing or repair a damaged home.
In order to reach this goal, The Irene Housing Task Force urges anyone displaced from their home and needing help finding housing now, or may in the weeks and months to come, to register with FEMA. The number is 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-FEMA) or visit www.disasterassistance.gov In addition to providing information about possible grants and other assistance, a FEMA representative will help individuals find housing. The Irene Housing Task Force is working with FEMA on identifying every available unit in the state. All individuals impacted by the storm should take the time to register, even if they are unsure that they qualify, for grant or loan assistance. Registering with FEMA will also allow Vermonters to access possible resources in the event that their living situation changes at any time before they find permanent housing.
“We’re unaware of anyone who is still without shelter, but we are sure we haven’t heard about everyone in need, so it’s important to register with FEMA,” Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lawrence Miller said. “We know that while most people are okay right now, not everyone wants to stay in a hotel or even with family for months at a time. They want a place to call their own and that’s what the task force is looking for – a place for these displaced people to call home, even if it’s only temporary.”
The Housing Task Force is working to keep families within or close to their communities to help maintain as much normalcy as possible. Making sure children are able to stay in their school and keeping people close to their place of work are top priorities.
The IHTF is asking everyone who has rental housing available to contact FEMA at 866-330-5286 so they and FEMA can match people with available units. FEMA also has a Rental Rehabilitation program that provides funding for owners of multi-family properties that are interested in making rentals available to individuals displaced by Tropical Storm Irene. If you have such a property, contact FEMA at Christian.Oakes@dhs.gov. Information can also be faxed to 540-686-4467
“We believe there is sufficient housing in Vermont to find everyone a place to stay,” Vermont Emergency Management Director Mike O’Neil said. “We just need to connect those who have housing to offer with those who need long-term or permanent housing.”
In the event a sufficient number of existing housing options cannot be found, a limited number of temporary mobile housing units are being staged in Vermont to ensure everyone has a safe, sanitary, and warm place to stay until permanent solutions can be found. These units would be winterized with heat, water, and sewer.
For more information media can contact Lawrence Miller, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development at (802) 371-9075.
Source: Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Last Updated at: September 27, 2011 07:55:41
~~~
Pick Your Own Apples
Vermont Technical College (VTC), Randolph Center, McIntosh, Cortlands & Liberty. Orchard hours Monday and Friday 3pm – 5pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm weather permitting. Orchard opened Sept 24th.
Liberty Orchard, West Street, Brookfield. Short, easy-to-pick trees. Monday – Thurs. 1pm m- 5pm, Friday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. 802-276-3161 http://www.libertyorchardvt.com Orchard opened Sept 23rd.
~~~
Berlin Elementary School http://www.berlinschool.org
October 10th – 6:15 p.m. , School Board Meeting
October 11th – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Open House
October 13th – 6:30 p.m., Berlin Elementary School Parent, Teacher, Neighbor Assoc (PTNA) Meeting
~~~
Montpelier Ski & Skate Swap at Montpelier High School Saturday, October 22, 9AM - 2PM Bring items to sell: Thurs, Oct 20th from 4 – 7 PM and Friday, Oct 21st from 9AM-7PM The Mplr Rec Dept reserves the right to refuse any equipment. Pick-up for items not sold will be from 4:30-6PM after the sale. Volunteers will be needed for this event.
If you're a facebook user go to the Berlin, Vermont page for updates made on an almost daily basis. https://www.facebook.com/groups/167886926626970/#!/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224
~~~
Check Becky's Blog for information: http://gmunitedway.wordpress.com/
~~~
If you, or anybody you know in Berlin, had flood damage to their home or property, the town would like to know!!! Please be in touch.
Monday, Oct 3rd Select Board - folks who experienced damage from Tropical Storm Irene (outside of Weston MHP) are being specifically invited to this meeting. Agenda will be posted on the town website http://www.berlinvt.org .
Select Board meetings are now streamed live at this website or you can watch it at your convenience: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Berlin-school-news
The town stump dump can be used on a very limited basis by contacting Jeff Schulz if you have trees and stumps from the Irene storm that you need to dispose of.
A select board position will be opening up at the end of October. If you're interested, and would like to be considered, please send a letter of interest to Jeff Schulz. A person will be appointed to fill the position until the elections in March. Deadline for letters to be announced.
~~~
Do you need some assistance with your pets?
I was at a meeting with Anne from the Central Vermont Humane Society and she asked us to please spread the word - the animal shelter is able to help your cats, dogs, or other small domestic companion animals receive the food, litter, basic supplies, and/or financial support they need to begin to recover from the impact of flooding caused by Irene. Support levels will be determined by CVHS. Please apply online or in person at our Adoption Center which is on Rte 14 in East Montpelier. http://cvhumane.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CC-Final-8.11.pdf Check out their Sept. newsletter which is on Animals in Disasters.
~~~
If you missed out on the Carhartt Clothing given away on Saturday, if you were affected by flooding, we'd still like to get you connected up, please let us know if you're interested by reply email or contacting our town clerk, Rosemary Morse.
Carhartt Clothing for those who were flooded in May and/or August
Lenny’s has received a shipment of Carhartt clothing to be given to people who were flooded during the May flooding as well as Irene flooding. This distribution will be for Berlin and Barre residents ONLY. There will be more distributions in the different towns on future days. You will need a voucher for this distribution of clothing which will be on Saturday, September 24th, at the Berlin Elementary School from 9am to 1pm Each person in the household will be eligible for clothing but they only have Men’s and Women’s sizes.
To the best of our knowledge each man will receive 2 pairs of pants, a jacket and 2 pairs of gloves. Each woman will receive 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts and 1 pair of gloves. If there are teenagers who may fit into adult size clothing, they are welcome to get a voucher also.
The vouchers, which should be picked up by 3pm on Thursday, are at the Berlin Town Office with Rosemary and also at the Flood Center at 126 N. Main Street in Barre (next to Wobby Jewelers) which will be open noon to 4pm on Wednesday & Thursday.
If you absolutely can’t get to where the vouchers are by 3pm Thursday please call the Flood Center at 479-4526 by that time to register.
~~~
http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=3015
September 27, 2011
Vermont Housing Task Force Seeks Those in Need of Housing and Available Housing Units
Hundreds of Vermonters are still without a permanent place to live after their homes were destroyed by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene at the end of August. Many of these individuals are currently in temporary housing – staying with friends and family, or in hotels with help from FEMA or the Red Cross. These are only short term solutions and each of these Vermonters need a more permanent place to live.
Governor Shumlin has activated an Irene Housing Task Force to work with FEMA to develop a short and long term housing recovery plan. The group is charged with first identifying everyone who needs housing, and matching them with available rental housing, or other long-term solutions. The goal is to find everyone in need a safe, warm place to live this winter and until each can find new permanent housing or repair a damaged home.
In order to reach this goal, The Irene Housing Task Force urges anyone displaced from their home and needing help finding housing now, or may in the weeks and months to come, to register with FEMA. The number is 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-FEMA) or visit www.disasterassistance.gov In addition to providing information about possible grants and other assistance, a FEMA representative will help individuals find housing. The Irene Housing Task Force is working with FEMA on identifying every available unit in the state. All individuals impacted by the storm should take the time to register, even if they are unsure that they qualify, for grant or loan assistance. Registering with FEMA will also allow Vermonters to access possible resources in the event that their living situation changes at any time before they find permanent housing.
“We’re unaware of anyone who is still without shelter, but we are sure we haven’t heard about everyone in need, so it’s important to register with FEMA,” Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lawrence Miller said. “We know that while most people are okay right now, not everyone wants to stay in a hotel or even with family for months at a time. They want a place to call their own and that’s what the task force is looking for – a place for these displaced people to call home, even if it’s only temporary.”
The Housing Task Force is working to keep families within or close to their communities to help maintain as much normalcy as possible. Making sure children are able to stay in their school and keeping people close to their place of work are top priorities.
The IHTF is asking everyone who has rental housing available to contact FEMA at 866-330-5286 so they and FEMA can match people with available units. FEMA also has a Rental Rehabilitation program that provides funding for owners of multi-family properties that are interested in making rentals available to individuals displaced by Tropical Storm Irene. If you have such a property, contact FEMA at Christian.Oakes@dhs.gov. Information can also be faxed to 540-686-4467
“We believe there is sufficient housing in Vermont to find everyone a place to stay,” Vermont Emergency Management Director Mike O’Neil said. “We just need to connect those who have housing to offer with those who need long-term or permanent housing.”
In the event a sufficient number of existing housing options cannot be found, a limited number of temporary mobile housing units are being staged in Vermont to ensure everyone has a safe, sanitary, and warm place to stay until permanent solutions can be found. These units would be winterized with heat, water, and sewer.
For more information media can contact Lawrence Miller, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development at (802) 371-9075.
Source: Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Last Updated at: September 27, 2011 07:55:41
~~~
Pick Your Own Apples
Vermont Technical College (VTC), Randolph Center, McIntosh, Cortlands & Liberty. Orchard hours Monday and Friday 3pm – 5pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm weather permitting. Orchard opened Sept 24th.
Liberty Orchard, West Street, Brookfield. Short, easy-to-pick trees. Monday – Thurs. 1pm m- 5pm, Friday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. 802-276-3161 http://www.libertyorchardvt.com Orchard opened Sept 23rd.
~~~
Berlin Elementary School http://www.berlinschool.org
October 10th – 6:15 p.m. , School Board Meeting
October 11th – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Open House
October 13th – 6:30 p.m., Berlin Elementary School Parent, Teacher, Neighbor Assoc (PTNA) Meeting
~~~
Montpelier Ski & Skate Swap at Montpelier High School Saturday, October 22, 9AM - 2PM Bring items to sell: Thurs, Oct 20th from 4 – 7 PM and Friday, Oct 21st from 9AM-7PM The Mplr Rec Dept reserves the right to refuse any equipment. Pick-up for items not sold will be from 4:30-6PM after the sale. Volunteers will be needed for this event.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
News to Know follow-up
**** PLEASE NOTE **** (how closely do you read these emails?!)
There is some concern that since I made mention of a meeting on Friday, folks may have the wrong idea. Just to clarify the intent of the 5pm meeting is to have a small group of folks get together regarding fund raising and to develop a plan of action to assist the local folks affected by the flooding. If you think you have something to contribute toward this effort - your help would be appreciated. This is NOT meant to be a large public forum. Also of note: I'm told the town is sending out a letter to the folks in the Route 12 corridor to better understand damages and needs. If you live (or somebody you know) lives in another part of town and sustained damages, please let the town know.
While I have your attention: if you were paying close attention to my last email, the place that I am hoping to see LOTS of folks is the Chappelle potato field on Sept 25th!
and of course there is more news to share... seems like I just hit send and several more things come to my attention
**** **** **** ****
In additional to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at the Barre Aud. there is also one located at the Northfield Library (Community Room), 93 South Main Street, Northfield, VT 05663. Folks are welcome to visit the one more convenient to them.
The recovery centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs. The FEMA’s individual assistance program covers expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. Applicants who would like to speak to disaster specialists face-to-face can visit a center between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. FEMA 800-621-3362
~~~
Flood Photos Online: Helicopter operator Mansfield Heiliflight of Milton, Vt has posted an online gallery documenting flooding across Vermont http://www.mansfieldheliflight.com (link at top of page) Many aerial photos.
~~~
Health & Safety
VT Public Health Dept website has lots of information. Topics include: drinking water safety and free test kits, food safety and flood affected crops, safety during clean-up, detailed guide for home clean-up, N95 masks and gloves at district offices and good general information http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/flood.aspx
Check the Vermont Department of Health’s facebook page for the most recent health alerts. http://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont
Keep your kids away from flood damaged areas / kids should not be part of clean up efforts
Dr. Lewis First from Vermont Children's Hospital on Channel 5 http://www.wptz.com/firstwithkids/29163235/detail.html 4 minutes long with lots of great tips
Adults wear proper safety equipment including: respirator masks, safety goggles, long sleeves, long shirts, work gloves, work boots, shoe covers and take them all off before you go into your home. Be sure to shower off and wash your hands!
~~~
If you're in need of housing or have housing available: http://www.housingdata.org/resources/
~~~
The Donation "Store" is Open on Rt. 100 in Waterbury Center!
The Distribution Center for donated items collected by Clyde Whittemore Little League volunteers is open MONDAY and WEDNESDAYS, 9am-noon and 5:30pm-7:30pm, SATURDAYS 9am-noon. Come browse the amzing collection of clothing, shoes, outerwear for men, women and children. Also, toys, linens, bedding, dishes, electronics and more. ALL items are free to anyone affected by the floods in Vermont. All are welcome to "shop" to replace the things they have lost. Bring a list so volunteers can help find what you need. They also can deliver.
location: 2802 Waterbury-Stowe Road (formerly Hillside Florist), the red building across from the Sunoco Station on Rt. 100.
Want to help? Each shift needs 3-5 volunteers for the coming weeks. Contact Lara Lonon, 244-8708 or laralonon@gmail.com . PLEASE NOTE: No further donations can be accepted at this time.
~~~
Free Legal Help: The VT Bar Association, VT Legal Aid, Legal Services Law Line of VT and the VT Volunteer Lawyers Project have volunteer lawyers willing to help those affected by Tropical Storm Irene. If you have a legal question or problems call 10800-889-2047. Through this intake number, a client may be connected with a Legal Aid attorney; receive legal advice from a Law Line attorney by phone; or be assigned an attorney through the Volunteer Lawyer Project. Also, visit Vermont Legal Aid's webpage with answers to frequently asked questions for flooding victims at http://www.vtlawhelp.org/disaster_Irene
~~~
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (HHW) with dates and locations
Efforts are in place to remove flood waste from your home.
Residents that have been impacted by flooding caused by hurricane Irene need to separate their household hazardous waste (HHW). Improper disposal of HHW can pose a threat to human health and/or the environment. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be HHW.
Some HHW that cannot be disposed of in normal rubbish containers:
· Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.
· Car batteries & Rechargeable Batteries
· Hazardous Waste
· Mercury products – fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers
· Oil, Brake Cleaner, other toxic car products
· Oil Based Pain, Stain, Varnish, Paint Thinner/Stripper
· Propane cylinders, other gas cylinders
· Tires
Local transfer stations near you are working in coordination with EPA to collect HHW.
Central Vermont Solid Waste District is holding an HHW collection event this Saturday 9/17 for district members (Berlin is in the district). They should contact Central VT SWMD at 229-9383 or visit their web site.
September 24 / 9am- 1pm Hazardous Waste Collection / Montpelier Dept of Labor Lot
Northfield is part of the Mad River Alliance, which is hold a HHW collection event soon, I think on Oct 1. They should contact John Malter at 244-7373.
There is some concern that since I made mention of a meeting on Friday, folks may have the wrong idea. Just to clarify the intent of the 5pm meeting is to have a small group of folks get together regarding fund raising and to develop a plan of action to assist the local folks affected by the flooding. If you think you have something to contribute toward this effort - your help would be appreciated. This is NOT meant to be a large public forum. Also of note: I'm told the town is sending out a letter to the folks in the Route 12 corridor to better understand damages and needs. If you live (or somebody you know) lives in another part of town and sustained damages, please let the town know.
While I have your attention: if you were paying close attention to my last email, the place that I am hoping to see LOTS of folks is the Chappelle potato field on Sept 25th!
and of course there is more news to share... seems like I just hit send and several more things come to my attention
**** **** **** ****
In additional to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at the Barre Aud. there is also one located at the Northfield Library (Community Room), 93 South Main Street, Northfield, VT 05663. Folks are welcome to visit the one more convenient to them.
The recovery centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs. The FEMA’s individual assistance program covers expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. Applicants who would like to speak to disaster specialists face-to-face can visit a center between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. FEMA 800-621-3362
~~~
Flood Photos Online: Helicopter operator Mansfield Heiliflight of Milton, Vt has posted an online gallery documenting flooding across Vermont http://www.mansfieldheliflight.com (link at top of page) Many aerial photos.
~~~
Health & Safety
VT Public Health Dept website has lots of information. Topics include: drinking water safety and free test kits, food safety and flood affected crops, safety during clean-up, detailed guide for home clean-up, N95 masks and gloves at district offices and good general information http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/flood.aspx
Check the Vermont Department of Health’s facebook page for the most recent health alerts. http://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont
Keep your kids away from flood damaged areas / kids should not be part of clean up efforts
Dr. Lewis First from Vermont Children's Hospital on Channel 5 http://www.wptz.com/firstwithkids/29163235/detail.html 4 minutes long with lots of great tips
Adults wear proper safety equipment including: respirator masks, safety goggles, long sleeves, long shirts, work gloves, work boots, shoe covers and take them all off before you go into your home. Be sure to shower off and wash your hands!
~~~
If you're in need of housing or have housing available: http://www.housingdata.org/resources/
~~~
The Donation "Store" is Open on Rt. 100 in Waterbury Center!
The Distribution Center for donated items collected by Clyde Whittemore Little League volunteers is open MONDAY and WEDNESDAYS, 9am-noon and 5:30pm-7:30pm, SATURDAYS 9am-noon. Come browse the amzing collection of clothing, shoes, outerwear for men, women and children. Also, toys, linens, bedding, dishes, electronics and more. ALL items are free to anyone affected by the floods in Vermont. All are welcome to "shop" to replace the things they have lost. Bring a list so volunteers can help find what you need. They also can deliver.
location: 2802 Waterbury-Stowe Road (formerly Hillside Florist), the red building across from the Sunoco Station on Rt. 100.
Want to help? Each shift needs 3-5 volunteers for the coming weeks. Contact Lara Lonon, 244-8708 or laralonon@gmail.com . PLEASE NOTE: No further donations can be accepted at this time.
~~~
Free Legal Help: The VT Bar Association, VT Legal Aid, Legal Services Law Line of VT and the VT Volunteer Lawyers Project have volunteer lawyers willing to help those affected by Tropical Storm Irene. If you have a legal question or problems call 10800-889-2047. Through this intake number, a client may be connected with a Legal Aid attorney; receive legal advice from a Law Line attorney by phone; or be assigned an attorney through the Volunteer Lawyer Project. Also, visit Vermont Legal Aid's webpage with answers to frequently asked questions for flooding victims at http://www.vtlawhelp.org/disaster_Irene
~~~
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (HHW) with dates and locations
Efforts are in place to remove flood waste from your home.
Residents that have been impacted by flooding caused by hurricane Irene need to separate their household hazardous waste (HHW). Improper disposal of HHW can pose a threat to human health and/or the environment. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be HHW.
Some HHW that cannot be disposed of in normal rubbish containers:
· Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.
· Car batteries & Rechargeable Batteries
· Hazardous Waste
· Mercury products – fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers
· Oil, Brake Cleaner, other toxic car products
· Oil Based Pain, Stain, Varnish, Paint Thinner/Stripper
· Propane cylinders, other gas cylinders
· Tires
Local transfer stations near you are working in coordination with EPA to collect HHW.
Central Vermont Solid Waste District is holding an HHW collection event this Saturday 9/17 for district members (Berlin is in the district). They should contact Central VT SWMD at 229-9383 or visit their web site.
September 24 / 9am- 1pm Hazardous Waste Collection / Montpelier Dept of Labor Lot
Northfield is part of the Mad River Alliance, which is hold a HHW collection event soon, I think on Oct 1. They should contact John Malter at 244-7373.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
News to Know
When I transferred from one email account to another I seemed to have inadvertently dropped some folks - don't assume your friends and neighbors are on my list - please share!
~
If you're receiving this email as a forward from a friend, please contact me at corinnestridsberg@gmail.com to be on my direct email send list.
~
Also be sure to check out the following local websites: http://www.berlinvt.org and http://www.berlinschool.org and also consider joining the "Berlin Community" facebook page (a newspaper is the profile picture)
~
The Berlin Emergency Management Team has an email group to better keep you informed on emergency situations and dangers facing the town. To join this list click on http://groups.google.com/group/berlin-emergency-management/ and click on “Join this group” in the right hand column. This link is also on the town website down in the right corner. I have the information come to me both in email and I have it sent as a text to my phone... the message in the text is usually cut off but gives me enough to know something is going on.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Thursday, September 15th 7pm - Community Response & Recovery Meeting Thursday night to make sure that all the families at Weston Mobile Home Park in Berlin get the help and information needed to rebuild their lives after the floods of Irene. Thursday, 7 - 9 p.m. at the Old Labor Hall, Granite Street, Barre.
~~~
Friday, September 16th 5pm - meeting to discuss possible local fund raising / collection efforts for Berlin residents impacted by flooding. If you're interested in helping in these efforts, please join us.
~~~
Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Make a Kit with Central VT Humane Society
Saturday, September 17th, 11am-3pm
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Are your pets prepared for disasters? - Being ready for disaster means being prepared in advance. To help you get started without getting overwhelmed, we’ve devoted a day to helping you with disaster preparedness. Join us at the Adoption Center to get your free rescue alert sticker, pet emergency information form, resources on local pet-friendly boarding, and discounts on emergency supplies. Bring your pet! There will be a photographer on hand to take current photos for your kit. We’ll also be offering low-cost microchips, pet first aid/CPR demonstrations, and much more! Join us and be prepared before the emergency strikes!
~~~
3 Squares Program - Vermont's Department of Children and Families says households that received food benefits in August and then lost food during Tropical Storm Irene are eligible for extra benefits. Renee Richardson is director of Vermont's food and nutrition programs. She says people in the ‘3SquaresVT' program will be reimbursed for the value of their food loss up to the amount they were eligible to receive in the month of August. "This is really important, because some folks stockpile their food. And so, even though the storm hit us about 3 days before the beginning of the next month for some folks who had stockpiled their food or who lost their entire homes or whatever, they will be able to get their full August benefit replaced, if that's the value of their food."
Contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families to request a replacement benefit.
Call 1-800-479-6151. Deadline for replacement benefits is September 17th.
Also anyone who needs N95 masks or gloves for flood cleanup can get them at the Berlin Town Clerks Office or Barre district office of VDH (479-4200)
~~~
Kellogg-Hubbard Book Sale started on September 12th, continues through October 15th. The library is located at 135 Main Street in Montpelier and is our community library. Many, many wonderful resources available to you - check them out in person or on-line at http://www.kellogghubbard.org . They also have a facebook page. All Berlin residents may get a library card at Kellogg-Hubbard at no charge since at the last Town Meeting we chose to help fund the library.
~~~
Montpelier Contra Dance at the Capital City Grange in Berlin http://capitalcitygrange.org/contradances Contra dances are the 1st , 3rd and 5th Saturdays at 8pm. Rt 12 just 1/2 mile south of Montpelier. Admission $8, $5 for dancers 15 and under. Help preserve the dance floor by bringing a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes and change into them downstairs before joining the dance on the main floor.
~~~
Kellogg-Hubbard Library and Bear Pond Books are co-hosting New Yorker cartoonist and local author/illustrator HARRY BLISS on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th at 11 am at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Harry's new picture book is both written and illustrated by him, and centers on a day in the life of one fun-loving dog named BAILEY at school. Bliss is the illustrator of many beloved books including Diary of a Worm, Diary of a Spider and Diary of a Fly, Kate DiCamillo's Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken, and A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee. Join us at the beautiful children's library for some picture-booking fun!
~~~
Hi-Water Ho-Down Flood Relief Jam Session at Berlin Elementary on Friday, September 23rd. 6pm – 9pm – Help raise funds to benefit Berlin families who have damages from Tropical Storm Irene. Details to date: allotting about 30 minutes or so per performance with about 10 minutes in between each act. A PA system and equipment available, each act will have 30 minutes. Several musical groups have signed up but they are looking for more! Contact Jessica Heinz at jheinz@u32.org223-2796 if you're interested in participating. Donations of the following items will also be accepted: housewares, non-perishable food items, linens, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. The money and any donated items collected, are for Berlin residents who were affected by the flood. It is not specific to just families with school kids. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and desserts & refreshments available.. More details to come.
~~~
Pick-your-own potatoes behind the digger at the Chappelle farm fields in Williamstown
Sunday, September 25th 9am - 5pm. ONE DAY ONLY!
Bring some 5 gallon buckets (or milk crates or other type of containers) to put your potatoes in. You get to pick whatever size or quantity you want. It's good to have some grain (or coffee bean) bags to put your potatoes into (they try to have some on hand). It will be "Reba" round white potatoes and the cost will be around 30 or 35 cents per pound! Drive to Williamstown and head south of town where you'll find signs pointing you to the field they'll be using. If you want more details, please ask - the Stridsberg family has been going to the Chappelles for potatoes for over 20 years! If you can't make it on the pick-your-own day and you want some of these fresh potatoes we can bring back extra... it will just cost you more than the pick-your-own price - send us an email and we can work out the details.
It's also possible to purchase pre picked 50 lb bags of potatoes either on the pick-your-own day or at the Chappelle warehouse throughout the season. Cost varies depending on what class of potatoes you choose.
~~~
Tuesday, September 27th 7pm Berlin Historical Society - program - Dave Perrin will talk about the Perrin family in Berlin. Looking ahead to October the program will be Manny Garcia on Transportation in Central Vermont which will ilnclude information on the portion of Berlin that was annexed by Montpelier in 1899. Date for October to be announced. Programs will be held at the Berlin Town Hall.
~~~
Where do you get your local sports news? Have you checked out Central Sports Net? Berlin resident Carl Parton brings a great variety of sports news, including racing at Thunder Road! http://www.cvtsport.net/home?task=videodirectlink&id=615
~~~
For the racing fans out there look at http://www.victorylaneforum.com/forums/content.php Blogtalkradio - at 30 minutes into the Program from Monday, Sept 5th they interview Michael Stridsberg regarding how he and Aaron Maynard became announcers at Thunder Road and some stories of note coming out of TRoad this year.
~~~
Scholastic Chess - annual fall chess tournament on Saturday, November 12th at Berlin Elem. School and open to students grades kindergarten through 12th grade from throughout the area. Details will be posted to http://vtchess.info
http://www.vnews.com/09102011/8027237.htm Article about young teenage girl from Norwich who attended the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls Invitational chess tournament... Mike is mentioned/quoted
~~~
Dairy Creme on lower State Street will be open through October 31 this year. Note they have now reduced their hours to noon - 8pm http://www.dairycreme.com
~~~
ReSource (formerly ReStore in Barre and Recycle North in Burlington) does a fantastic job with a variety of services along with getting goods into the hands of who needs it. After the May flooding they offered vouchers to those affected by the flooding and I believe are doing this again for the Irene flooding. Are you signed up for their weekly email newsletters? http://restorevt.org/restore/services
~~~
Fund makes $5,000 grants available to businesses hurt by Irene. This is through the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund and the Central VT Community Action Council is providing free administrative services. http://networkedblogs.com/mZ9GN
~~~
Fund for Farmers who sustained damages from Irene - Farm Disaster Relief Fund now has grants of up to $10,000 available . This will be to help replace infrastructure, seed, feed, livestock, supplies, and equiipment lost in the storm that are not covered by insurance or other sources of income. http://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2011/irene_help.html Consider making a donation if you're not one of the ones in need!
~~~
Becky's Blog of Irene Recovery News and Resources http://gmunitedway.wordpress.com/
~~~
Both Central Vermont Community Action Council http://www.cvcac.org and the Council on Aging http://www.cvcoa.org have received funding to hand out WalMart gift cards and gas cards.
~~~
Vermont Community Foundation http://www.vermontcf.org/ has some good information on Responding to Irene
~~~
Questions and answers on Sanders website: http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=159ac3bc-40f9-4d03-b26b-c7e345321d33#1
~~~
Berlin Special Select Board Meeting Regarding Irene Flooding held on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Focus on Weston Mobile Home Park Rt 12
WCAX coverage http://www.wcax.com/story/15423871/berlin-residents-frustrated-with-lack-of-answers-from-fema
WPTZ coverage http://www.wptz.com/news/29126485/detail.html
Meeting in full: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17147089 88 minutes
Berlin Maps http://www.berlinvt.org/maps.htm
~~~
Internet Played a Big Role in Flood Response http://www.addisonindependent.com/201109internet-played-big-role-flood-response
~~~
For those who haven't had time to watch the news regarding Irene or perhaps didn't have power... news on CBS just after Irene came to town: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/30/eveningnews/main20099512.shtml
~~~
Lots of Irene in Vermont footage on YouTube
~~~
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (HHW)
Efforts are in place to remove flood waste from your home.
Residents that have been impacted by flooding caused by hurricane Irene need to separate their household hazardous waste (HHW). Improper disposal of HHW can pose a threat to human health and/or the environment. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be HHW.
Some HHW that cannot be disposed of in normal rubbish containers:
· Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.
· Car batteries & Rechargeable Batteries
· Hazardous Waste
· Mercury products – fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers
· Oil, Brake Cleaner, other toxic car products
· Oil Based Pain, Stain, Varnish, Paint Thinner/Stripper
· Propane cylinders, other gas cylinders
· Tires
Local transfer stations near you are working in coordination with EPA to collect HHW.
~
If you're receiving this email as a forward from a friend, please contact me at corinnestridsberg@gmail.com to be on my direct email send list.
~
Also be sure to check out the following local websites: http://www.berlinvt.org and http://www.berlinschool.org and also consider joining the "Berlin Community" facebook page (a newspaper is the profile picture)
~
The Berlin Emergency Management Team has an email group to better keep you informed on emergency situations and dangers facing the town. To join this list click on http://groups.google.com/group/berlin-emergency-management/ and click on “Join this group” in the right hand column. This link is also on the town website down in the right corner. I have the information come to me both in email and I have it sent as a text to my phone... the message in the text is usually cut off but gives me enough to know something is going on.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Thursday, September 15th 7pm - Community Response & Recovery Meeting Thursday night to make sure that all the families at Weston Mobile Home Park in Berlin get the help and information needed to rebuild their lives after the floods of Irene. Thursday, 7 - 9 p.m. at the Old Labor Hall, Granite Street, Barre.
~~~
Friday, September 16th 5pm - meeting to discuss possible local fund raising / collection efforts for Berlin residents impacted by flooding. If you're interested in helping in these efforts, please join us.
~~~
Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Make a Kit with Central VT Humane Society
Saturday, September 17th, 11am-3pm
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Are your pets prepared for disasters? - Being ready for disaster means being prepared in advance. To help you get started without getting overwhelmed, we’ve devoted a day to helping you with disaster preparedness. Join us at the Adoption Center to get your free rescue alert sticker, pet emergency information form, resources on local pet-friendly boarding, and discounts on emergency supplies. Bring your pet! There will be a photographer on hand to take current photos for your kit. We’ll also be offering low-cost microchips, pet first aid/CPR demonstrations, and much more! Join us and be prepared before the emergency strikes!
~~~
3 Squares Program - Vermont's Department of Children and Families says households that received food benefits in August and then lost food during Tropical Storm Irene are eligible for extra benefits. Renee Richardson is director of Vermont's food and nutrition programs. She says people in the ‘3SquaresVT' program will be reimbursed for the value of their food loss up to the amount they were eligible to receive in the month of August. "This is really important, because some folks stockpile their food. And so, even though the storm hit us about 3 days before the beginning of the next month for some folks who had stockpiled their food or who lost their entire homes or whatever, they will be able to get their full August benefit replaced, if that's the value of their food."
Contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families to request a replacement benefit.
Call 1-800-479-6151. Deadline for replacement benefits is September 17th.
Also anyone who needs N95 masks or gloves for flood cleanup can get them at the Berlin Town Clerks Office or Barre district office of VDH (479-4200)
~~~
Kellogg-Hubbard Book Sale started on September 12th, continues through October 15th. The library is located at 135 Main Street in Montpelier and is our community library. Many, many wonderful resources available to you - check them out in person or on-line at http://www.kellogghubbard.org . They also have a facebook page. All Berlin residents may get a library card at Kellogg-Hubbard at no charge since at the last Town Meeting we chose to help fund the library.
~~~
Montpelier Contra Dance at the Capital City Grange in Berlin http://capitalcitygrange.org/contradances Contra dances are the 1st , 3rd and 5th Saturdays at 8pm. Rt 12 just 1/2 mile south of Montpelier. Admission $8, $5 for dancers 15 and under. Help preserve the dance floor by bringing a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes and change into them downstairs before joining the dance on the main floor.
~~~
Kellogg-Hubbard Library and Bear Pond Books are co-hosting New Yorker cartoonist and local author/illustrator HARRY BLISS on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th at 11 am at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Harry's new picture book is both written and illustrated by him, and centers on a day in the life of one fun-loving dog named BAILEY at school. Bliss is the illustrator of many beloved books including Diary of a Worm, Diary of a Spider and Diary of a Fly, Kate DiCamillo's Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken, and A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee. Join us at the beautiful children's library for some picture-booking fun!
~~~
Hi-Water Ho-Down Flood Relief Jam Session at Berlin Elementary on Friday, September 23rd. 6pm – 9pm – Help raise funds to benefit Berlin families who have damages from Tropical Storm Irene. Details to date: allotting about 30 minutes or so per performance with about 10 minutes in between each act. A PA system and equipment available, each act will have 30 minutes. Several musical groups have signed up but they are looking for more! Contact Jessica Heinz at jheinz@u32.org223-2796 if you're interested in participating. Donations of the following items will also be accepted: housewares, non-perishable food items, linens, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. The money and any donated items collected, are for Berlin residents who were affected by the flood. It is not specific to just families with school kids. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and desserts & refreshments available.. More details to come.
~~~
Pick-your-own potatoes behind the digger at the Chappelle farm fields in Williamstown
Sunday, September 25th 9am - 5pm. ONE DAY ONLY!
Bring some 5 gallon buckets (or milk crates or other type of containers) to put your potatoes in. You get to pick whatever size or quantity you want. It's good to have some grain (or coffee bean) bags to put your potatoes into (they try to have some on hand). It will be "Reba" round white potatoes and the cost will be around 30 or 35 cents per pound! Drive to Williamstown and head south of town where you'll find signs pointing you to the field they'll be using. If you want more details, please ask - the Stridsberg family has been going to the Chappelles for potatoes for over 20 years! If you can't make it on the pick-your-own day and you want some of these fresh potatoes we can bring back extra... it will just cost you more than the pick-your-own price - send us an email and we can work out the details.
It's also possible to purchase pre picked 50 lb bags of potatoes either on the pick-your-own day or at the Chappelle warehouse throughout the season. Cost varies depending on what class of potatoes you choose.
~~~
Tuesday, September 27th 7pm Berlin Historical Society - program - Dave Perrin will talk about the Perrin family in Berlin. Looking ahead to October the program will be Manny Garcia on Transportation in Central Vermont which will ilnclude information on the portion of Berlin that was annexed by Montpelier in 1899. Date for October to be announced. Programs will be held at the Berlin Town Hall.
~~~
Where do you get your local sports news? Have you checked out Central Sports Net? Berlin resident Carl Parton brings a great variety of sports news, including racing at Thunder Road! http://www.cvtsport.net/home?task=videodirectlink&id=615
~~~
For the racing fans out there look at http://www.victorylaneforum.com/forums/content.php Blogtalkradio - at 30 minutes into the Program from Monday, Sept 5th they interview Michael Stridsberg regarding how he and Aaron Maynard became announcers at Thunder Road and some stories of note coming out of TRoad this year.
~~~
Scholastic Chess - annual fall chess tournament on Saturday, November 12th at Berlin Elem. School and open to students grades kindergarten through 12th grade from throughout the area. Details will be posted to http://vtchess.info
http://www.vnews.com/09102011/8027237.htm Article about young teenage girl from Norwich who attended the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls Invitational chess tournament... Mike is mentioned/quoted
~~~
Dairy Creme on lower State Street will be open through October 31 this year. Note they have now reduced their hours to noon - 8pm http://www.dairycreme.com
~~~
ReSource (formerly ReStore in Barre and Recycle North in Burlington) does a fantastic job with a variety of services along with getting goods into the hands of who needs it. After the May flooding they offered vouchers to those affected by the flooding and I believe are doing this again for the Irene flooding. Are you signed up for their weekly email newsletters? http://restorevt.org/restore/services
~~~
Fund makes $5,000 grants available to businesses hurt by Irene. This is through the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund and the Central VT Community Action Council is providing free administrative services. http://networkedblogs.com/mZ9GN
~~~
Fund for Farmers who sustained damages from Irene - Farm Disaster Relief Fund now has grants of up to $10,000 available . This will be to help replace infrastructure, seed, feed, livestock, supplies, and equiipment lost in the storm that are not covered by insurance or other sources of income. http://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2011/irene_help.html Consider making a donation if you're not one of the ones in need!
~~~
Becky's Blog of Irene Recovery News and Resources http://gmunitedway.wordpress.com/
~~~
Both Central Vermont Community Action Council http://www.cvcac.org and the Council on Aging http://www.cvcoa.org have received funding to hand out WalMart gift cards and gas cards.
~~~
Vermont Community Foundation http://www.vermontcf.org/ has some good information on Responding to Irene
~~~
Questions and answers on Sanders website: http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=159ac3bc-40f9-4d03-b26b-c7e345321d33#1
~~~
Berlin Special Select Board Meeting Regarding Irene Flooding held on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Focus on Weston Mobile Home Park Rt 12
WCAX coverage http://www.wcax.com/story/15423871/berlin-residents-frustrated-with-lack-of-answers-from-fema
WPTZ coverage http://www.wptz.com/news/29126485/detail.html
Meeting in full: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17147089 88 minutes
Berlin Maps http://www.berlinvt.org/maps.htm
~~~
Internet Played a Big Role in Flood Response http://www.addisonindependent.com/201109internet-played-big-role-flood-response
~~~
For those who haven't had time to watch the news regarding Irene or perhaps didn't have power... news on CBS just after Irene came to town: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/30/eveningnews/main20099512.shtml
~~~
Lots of Irene in Vermont footage on YouTube
~~~
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (HHW)
Efforts are in place to remove flood waste from your home.
Residents that have been impacted by flooding caused by hurricane Irene need to separate their household hazardous waste (HHW). Improper disposal of HHW can pose a threat to human health and/or the environment. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be HHW.
Some HHW that cannot be disposed of in normal rubbish containers:
· Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.
· Car batteries & Rechargeable Batteries
· Hazardous Waste
· Mercury products – fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers
· Oil, Brake Cleaner, other toxic car products
· Oil Based Pain, Stain, Varnish, Paint Thinner/Stripper
· Propane cylinders, other gas cylinders
· Tires
Local transfer stations near you are working in coordination with EPA to collect HHW.
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Irene Recovery Resources
Berlin Friends & Neighbors -
There is SO MUCH information to share regarding recovery from Tropical Storm Irene. I anticipate sending out more information in the next few days when I have more time... I've been working more than 12 hours a day with VT Emergency Mgmt which has been open 24x7 since Irene hit on the Augusut 28th and just now we're starting to cut back the hours. I've thrown together some information (see below) and hope you will share with those who need it. If you have information to share, please send it along to me. If this email is forwarded to somebody not on my email list, please let me know if you'd like to join the send list. It's always nice to know who is getting the information. There is also a Berlin, VT Community facebook page (newspaper as the profile picture) - if we can grow the number of folks on that page I would like to use that to help get out information.
Grab hold of your calendar!
Berlin Elementary School to Offer FEMA Registration Kiosk
Families requesting flood assistance from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, must first register online or by telephone and receive a confirmation “case” number. Recognizing that many members of the Berlin community may have lost their access to telephone and internet services in the recent flood, the Berlin Elementary School will establish a FEMA registration kiosk at the school beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011. The area will include a telephone and computer with internet access. Staff at the school will be available to support residents in the use of the technology and in navigating the FEMA registration process. This service is provided free of charge and will be available during school hours through September 30, 2011. For more information, contact Chris Dodge, Principal, at 802-223-2796 ext. 120
~~~~
Berlin Select Board Meeting with Residents 9/8 at 6pm at school
On Thursday, September 8th at 6 pm, the Berlin Select Board will meet at the Berlin Elementary School with residents impacted by the recent flooding. The purpose of this meeting is to update residents on the recent flood damage. In addition, representatives from FEMA and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program will be in attendance to discuss floodplain concerns. Specifically, FEMA and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program will discuss the issue of homes in the flood hazard zone and what type of flood hazard mitigation may be required prior to the replacement of homes or performing substantial improvements to the homes. All residents are encouraged to attend and to get the word out to others about the meeting. Contact Jeff Schulz at 223-4405 with any questions.
This Special Berlin Select Board meeting regarding flooding will be able to be viewed LIVE!! What a great option on your computer if you're not able to be there in person! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/berlin-school-news Thursday night 9/8 at 5:55 PM. Thanks to Sonia and Carl Parton for doing this and getting the word out!
09/07/2011
Berlin residents with flood damaged homes urged to attend meeting
BERLIN – Town residents whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed in recent flooding are encouraged to attend a Thursday night meeting with flood hazard experts at Berlin Elementary School .
Arranged by the Select Board the meeting will provide residents displaced in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene to quiz federal and state officials about the rules for repairing or replacing substantially damaged homes that are located in the designated floodway.
Representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program are expected to attend the 6 p.m. session to answer questions that largely – if not exclusively – pertain to dozens of residents of Weston’s Mobile Home Park on Route 12.
Flooding caused by the downgraded hurricane wiped out the majority of the park – prompting town officials to issue an emergency health order restricting access to 70 of the park’s 83 lots until further notice.
When issuing the health order last week, town officials conceded they couldn’t’ say precisely how much of the park is actually located in the floodway, though they guessed as much as 80 percent of the property could be subject to strict federal regulations, state law and Berlin’s own bylaws.
Among other things, those bylaws state: “… Replacement of manufactured homes located in the designated floodway shall not be permitted unless a registered professional engineer certifies that the replacement home has been designed to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement due to flood flow velocities.”
In handling late-May flooding that wiped out the lower portion of River Run Mobile Home Park on the Barre-Montpelier Road, town officials concluded that standard would likely require elevating mobile homes on concrete “stilts” and anchoring them to the ground.
Another portion of the town’s bylaws state: “… New manufactured homes shall be elevated on properly compacted fill such that the top of the fill (the pad) under the entire manufactured home is above the base flood elevation.”
Ignoring those regulations could jeopardize the town’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, while enforcing them creates an expense that would have to be borne by the mobile home owners, the park owner, or both.
That problem resolved itself at River Run where affected mobile homes were abandoned by their owners and the company appointed by the court to operate the park indicated it had no intention of upgrading the 12 lots that were located in the floodway.
Given the size of the park and the number of lots potentially affected, the stakes are much higher at Weston’s where owner Ellery Packard has been working to repair damaged infrastructure – including the park’s drinking water supply – while his tenants have cleaning up their damaged mobile homes.
Most of those mobile homes are believed to have suffered “substantial damage” in the latest flood and, if they are located in the floodway, would have to be flood-proofed in accordance with the zoning bylaws and other applicable regulations.
“Substantial damage” is defined as damage that exceeds 50 percent of the fair market value of a home – a figure that is relatively easy to hit when dealing with relatively inexpensive mobile homes.
By David Delcore / Staff Writer
~~~~
Register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621- FEMA (3362)
Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the disaster. Even those with insurance may be eligible for help from FEMA if their insurance policy does not cover all their needs.
It is helpful to have the following information handy:
Current telephone number;
Address at the time of the disaster and current address;
Social Security number, if available;
A general list of damage and losses;
If insured, the name of insurance company, agent and policy number;
Bank routing number for any direct deposit.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center:
DRC #2 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
Hours of operation: 8am – 6pm seven days a week
~~~~
If you had damages from Tropical Storm Irene and you have not already registered with 2-1-1 please still give them a call. By calling 2-1-1 that let’s the state know you have damages and can potentially access help from agencies such as Red Cross, VOAD, etc. They are basically collecting your name, contact information and what type of damages there were.
Register with FEMA & 2-1-1 even if you’re not if you qualify for any assistance.
~~~~
Flood Center reopens in Barre – In response to the increased need for help and information, RSVP, the Green Mountain United Way and the City of Barre will reopen the Barre Flood Help Center on Main Street in Barre for at least a two week period. “We are committed to helping our community recover from this disaster” says JoEllen Calderara of RSVP, “we know this will be a very long process and we want to help get accurate information to people as quickly as we can.” The Flood Center will be open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays starting Tuesday, September 6th. 479-4526 126 N. Main Street next to Wobby Jewelers http://www.cvfloodhelp.org/
~~~~
Weston Trailer Park – supplies available on Saturday / Donations needed Friday!
On Saturday, 9/10/11 from 10 am to 12 pm, a capital candy box truck will be available on 2nd street in Weston with clothes, food, water and cleaning supplies for disaster victims. The clothes will be broken down by sizes and everything is free for disaster victims in central Vermont. If individuals have a request for clothing sizes, please email Jon at vt4floodrelief@yahoo.com
From Jon: “We have a Stuff A truck event at Rent A center Friday 8am to 8pm. We really need food, water, cleaning supplies...more than clothes now...we GOT ALOT (of clothes) already....here is the information for the stuff a truck: Rent A Center, 347 North Main Street, Barre, Vermont 05641”
~~~~
Road Closure Info: 511 or http://www.511vt.com/
~~~~
Agency of Transportation http://www.aot.state.vt.us “Google Map of Irene Related Transportation Issues in Vermont”
~~~~
VTDigger Guide to Flood Relief Help
http://vtdigger.org/2011/09/02/vermontaid-a-guide-to-flood-relief-help-for-vermonters/
~~~~
Central VT Community Action Council http://www.cvcac.org/
~~~~
VT Irene Flood Relief Fund - Helping Vermont's small businesses hit by Irene http://www.vtirenefund.org/
~~~~
News from the Governor’s Office: http://governor.vermont.gov/
~~~~
Vermont Emergency Management updates via Facebook and their website: http://vem.vermont.gov/
~~~~
Images and stories of the damage and recovery efforts: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com
~~~~
List of places that need resources and assistance: http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/
~~~~
Flood Cleanup Guide http://nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/FloodCleanupGuide_screen_.pdf
~~~~
Red Cross: http://www.redcrossvtnhuv.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=44W8UXGL8L
~~~~
PHISH – A Benefit for Vermont Flood Recovery on September 14th at Champlain Valley Expo. Tickets on sale this Saturday 10am for $75 each, in-person, cash. Locations of ticket sales will be announced on their website on Friday. http://phish.com/#/news/2011/06/phish-a-benefit-for-vermont-flood-recovery-september-14th
~~~~
Vermont depends on tourists: Roads to leaf-peeper season sidetracked by Irene http://networkedblogs.com/mCNAp and http://www.vermontvacation.com
~~~~
Voices for Vermont: A Special Flood Relief Benefit Concert
Saturday, September 10 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Vermont State House Lawn, State Street, Montpelier, VT
The line-up:
Banjo Dan & The Mid-nite Plow Boys
Jon Gailmor
Pete Sutherland & Friends
Rik Palieri & Rebecca Padula
Nationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, Counterpoint (founded by VSO Chorus Conductor, Robert DeCormier)
Young singers from communities around the state including the VT Youth Orchestra Chorus
Vermont-based, international Soprano Shyla Nelson
(more artists to be announced)
100% of funds raised will be donated to the United Ways of Vermont and the Red Cross of VT&NH. Volunteers will be onsite collecting cash or check donations during the concert.
Gov. Peter Shumlin will kick-off the concert to recognize what our State has endured these past several days and to honor those lives lost in this tragedy. He will join with Vermont’s finest artists to celebrate our resolve and commitment to helping our neighbors and communities rebuild.
Check for updates at the Good Earth Singers Blog http://www.goodearthsingers.org/blog.html
~~~~
National Life $120,000 donation to support the relief and rebuilding efforts in Vermont from Tropical Storm Irene. They will also match donations from employees to flood relief organizations.
Northfield Savings Bank $100,000 donation to the Green Mountain United Way for immediate disaster relief. Funds will be distributed to community-based organizations in central Vermont that are providing immediate assistance to those in need. The intention is to help community organizations facilitate the delivery of basic human needs; food, clothing and shelter. Individuals in need of assistance should call VT 2-1-1 in order to be directed to the appropriate community organizations.
~~~~
High-water Ho-Down Flood Relief Jam Session to benefit the Berlin Community affected by recent flooding. Friday, September 23rd 6pm-9pm at the Berlin Elementary School. Come listen to great music from local bands and musicians and help out your community by donating much needed food and supplies. High demand items include: Housewares, non-perishable food items, clothing, linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies. For more information email Jessica Heinz at jheinz@u32.org or call her at the school 223-2796. This event will include a 50/50 raffle. Desserts and refreshments will be sold.
~~~~
Restaurants Reach-Out Post Irene
http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/09/restaurants-post-irene-how-you-can-help.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social%2Bmedia&utm_campaign=blurt
~~~~
ReSOURCE Flood ReLIEF
ReSOURCE has established a flood relief fund to provide essential services free of charge to low income Vermonters who lack insurance and the necessary support needed to recover from the devastating flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. ReSOURCE reached out in response to the widespread flooding in May in order to provide critical support to low income families and received overwhelming feedback confirming the need of essential goods and services. We expect even more demand in the wake of the recent flooding due to the scope of destruction and are committed to providing help in the following ways:
1. Rebuilding help through our YouthBuild construction crews. We are a BPI certified contractor and do both home construction, weatherization and solar thermal hot water installs (if folks need to replace their hot water heater, perhaps they should consider going solar).
2. Deconstruction Service: one way to increase the amount of materials available for rebuilding is to deconstruct buildings that must be removed rather than demolish and put in landfill.
3. Essential Goods: we will offer vouchers through our ReLIEF program for our used major appliances, furniture, housewares, and building materials. Also, if folks have insurance money or government aid, but have a fixed budget/cap, then they could obtain replacement goods much more cheaply through our Barre and Burlington ReSTOREs.
To meet this need, ReSOURCE is committed to providing the services above and with your help will be able to provide more ReLIEF Essential Goods and Building Materials, and help to ReUSE and ReBUILD.
ReSOURCE seeks to raise $50,000 the form of donated goods (used furniture, building materials, home goods) and cash donations.
Please donate: http://resourcevt.org/contribute Thank you.
~~~~
From the Office of Senator Patrick Leahy:
http://leahy.senate.gov/issues_and_legislation/issues/issue/?id=9bc8549f-c174-41e2-b67f-fffbaa364439
Flood Resource Guide: http://leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/090611%20Updated%20VT%20Flood%20Resource%20Guide.pdf
~~~~
GMTA BUS
The GMTA Berlin offices sustained substantial damage during the recent Irene-related flood. This damage has required GMTA to temporarily move administrative functions to another location. Due to our temporary relocation, you may experience phone and service delays. However, we are operating and appreciate your patience.
If you have any questions about GMTA services, please continue to contact us at (802) 223-7287 between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
~~~~
Vermont Foodbank
During this time of natural disaster in so many areas across the state, the Vermont Foodbank is working to provide additional supplies of shelf stable foods to you as soon as possible. We are partnering with Feeding America, along with federal and state emergency management programs to help you keep needed items in stock. This week we have sent our trucks out to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and across Vermont to bring donations back to our distribution centers in Barre and Brattleboro. We will also be receiving donations from C & S, Hannaford and Hormel in the next week or so, along with supplies from our sister food banks and additional generous donors. We will be bringing in truckloads of water, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, bleach, ice, and other applicable products specifically for those agencies that have been hit hard by the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene.
We realize that many of your locations have been flooded. It is critical to dispose of any food that has been compromised by flood waters or food that has been out of the temperature safety zone for too long (due to loss of electricity). If you are disposing of TEFAP food, please be sure to take an inventory of what is being disposed and report that back to us. The general food safety guidelines say that you may be able to salvage canned goods that have only been touched by flood waters, not submerged, by sanitizing the cans in a bleach and water solution. But remember; when in doubt throw it out.
All of us at the Vermont Foodbank wish you the best. Chris
Christine Meehan, Chief of Programs and Network Services
802-477-4130 http://www.vtfoodbank.org/
~~~~
Facebook page: Vermont Hurricane Irene Lost & Found https://www.facebook.com/search.php?q=irene+vermont&init=quick&tas=0.33030073275218874&ref=ts#!/pages/Vermont-Hurricane-Irene-Lost-Found/171093546298027
~~~~
How You Can Help Farmers
Offer your service to help farmers clean their fields and barns (if not one in Berlin, there are others nearby).
Buy whatever the farms have available for sale. Pay them more than what they are asking.
The money that you give farmers now is likely the money that they will have to live on until they have salable crops in the future. Many farms have not only lost crops this year, but they have also lost valuable land and soil that will make it difficult for them recover fully next year or possibly even in the next several years.
If you are a CSA member, don't expect to receive any more food for this year. Don't ask for a refund from your CSA farmer. The idea of a CSA is that shareholders share in both the bounty and losses with the farmer.
Do a fundraiser for a farmer / make a financial donation.
Call congressional representatives and ask for grant money (not low interest loans) to help out the farmers.
There is SO MUCH information to share regarding recovery from Tropical Storm Irene. I anticipate sending out more information in the next few days when I have more time... I've been working more than 12 hours a day with VT Emergency Mgmt which has been open 24x7 since Irene hit on the Augusut 28th and just now we're starting to cut back the hours. I've thrown together some information (see below) and hope you will share with those who need it. If you have information to share, please send it along to me. If this email is forwarded to somebody not on my email list, please let me know if you'd like to join the send list. It's always nice to know who is getting the information. There is also a Berlin, VT Community facebook page (newspaper as the profile picture) - if we can grow the number of folks on that page I would like to use that to help get out information.
Grab hold of your calendar!
Berlin Elementary School to Offer FEMA Registration Kiosk
Families requesting flood assistance from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, must first register online or by telephone and receive a confirmation “case” number. Recognizing that many members of the Berlin community may have lost their access to telephone and internet services in the recent flood, the Berlin Elementary School will establish a FEMA registration kiosk at the school beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011. The area will include a telephone and computer with internet access. Staff at the school will be available to support residents in the use of the technology and in navigating the FEMA registration process. This service is provided free of charge and will be available during school hours through September 30, 2011. For more information, contact Chris Dodge, Principal, at 802-223-2796 ext. 120
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Berlin Select Board Meeting with Residents 9/8 at 6pm at school
On Thursday, September 8th at 6 pm, the Berlin Select Board will meet at the Berlin Elementary School with residents impacted by the recent flooding. The purpose of this meeting is to update residents on the recent flood damage. In addition, representatives from FEMA and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program will be in attendance to discuss floodplain concerns. Specifically, FEMA and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program will discuss the issue of homes in the flood hazard zone and what type of flood hazard mitigation may be required prior to the replacement of homes or performing substantial improvements to the homes. All residents are encouraged to attend and to get the word out to others about the meeting. Contact Jeff Schulz at 223-4405 with any questions.
This Special Berlin Select Board meeting regarding flooding will be able to be viewed LIVE!! What a great option on your computer if you're not able to be there in person! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/berlin-school-news Thursday night 9/8 at 5:55 PM. Thanks to Sonia and Carl Parton for doing this and getting the word out!
09/07/2011
Berlin residents with flood damaged homes urged to attend meeting
BERLIN – Town residents whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed in recent flooding are encouraged to attend a Thursday night meeting with flood hazard experts at Berlin Elementary School .
Arranged by the Select Board the meeting will provide residents displaced in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene to quiz federal and state officials about the rules for repairing or replacing substantially damaged homes that are located in the designated floodway.
Representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program are expected to attend the 6 p.m. session to answer questions that largely – if not exclusively – pertain to dozens of residents of Weston’s Mobile Home Park on Route 12.
Flooding caused by the downgraded hurricane wiped out the majority of the park – prompting town officials to issue an emergency health order restricting access to 70 of the park’s 83 lots until further notice.
When issuing the health order last week, town officials conceded they couldn’t’ say precisely how much of the park is actually located in the floodway, though they guessed as much as 80 percent of the property could be subject to strict federal regulations, state law and Berlin’s own bylaws.
Among other things, those bylaws state: “… Replacement of manufactured homes located in the designated floodway shall not be permitted unless a registered professional engineer certifies that the replacement home has been designed to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement due to flood flow velocities.”
In handling late-May flooding that wiped out the lower portion of River Run Mobile Home Park on the Barre-Montpelier Road, town officials concluded that standard would likely require elevating mobile homes on concrete “stilts” and anchoring them to the ground.
Another portion of the town’s bylaws state: “… New manufactured homes shall be elevated on properly compacted fill such that the top of the fill (the pad) under the entire manufactured home is above the base flood elevation.”
Ignoring those regulations could jeopardize the town’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, while enforcing them creates an expense that would have to be borne by the mobile home owners, the park owner, or both.
That problem resolved itself at River Run where affected mobile homes were abandoned by their owners and the company appointed by the court to operate the park indicated it had no intention of upgrading the 12 lots that were located in the floodway.
Given the size of the park and the number of lots potentially affected, the stakes are much higher at Weston’s where owner Ellery Packard has been working to repair damaged infrastructure – including the park’s drinking water supply – while his tenants have cleaning up their damaged mobile homes.
Most of those mobile homes are believed to have suffered “substantial damage” in the latest flood and, if they are located in the floodway, would have to be flood-proofed in accordance with the zoning bylaws and other applicable regulations.
“Substantial damage” is defined as damage that exceeds 50 percent of the fair market value of a home – a figure that is relatively easy to hit when dealing with relatively inexpensive mobile homes.
By David Delcore / Staff Writer
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Register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621- FEMA (3362)
Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the disaster. Even those with insurance may be eligible for help from FEMA if their insurance policy does not cover all their needs.
It is helpful to have the following information handy:
Current telephone number;
Address at the time of the disaster and current address;
Social Security number, if available;
A general list of damage and losses;
If insured, the name of insurance company, agent and policy number;
Bank routing number for any direct deposit.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center:
DRC #2 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
Hours of operation: 8am – 6pm seven days a week
~~~~
If you had damages from Tropical Storm Irene and you have not already registered with 2-1-1 please still give them a call. By calling 2-1-1 that let’s the state know you have damages and can potentially access help from agencies such as Red Cross, VOAD, etc. They are basically collecting your name, contact information and what type of damages there were.
Register with FEMA & 2-1-1 even if you’re not if you qualify for any assistance.
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Flood Center reopens in Barre – In response to the increased need for help and information, RSVP, the Green Mountain United Way and the City of Barre will reopen the Barre Flood Help Center on Main Street in Barre for at least a two week period. “We are committed to helping our community recover from this disaster” says JoEllen Calderara of RSVP, “we know this will be a very long process and we want to help get accurate information to people as quickly as we can.” The Flood Center will be open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays starting Tuesday, September 6th. 479-4526 126 N. Main Street next to Wobby Jewelers http://www.cvfloodhelp.org/
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Weston Trailer Park – supplies available on Saturday / Donations needed Friday!
On Saturday, 9/10/11 from 10 am to 12 pm, a capital candy box truck will be available on 2nd street in Weston with clothes, food, water and cleaning supplies for disaster victims. The clothes will be broken down by sizes and everything is free for disaster victims in central Vermont. If individuals have a request for clothing sizes, please email Jon at vt4floodrelief@yahoo.com
From Jon: “We have a Stuff A truck event at Rent A center Friday 8am to 8pm. We really need food, water, cleaning supplies...more than clothes now...we GOT ALOT (of clothes) already....here is the information for the stuff a truck: Rent A Center, 347 North Main Street, Barre, Vermont 05641”
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Road Closure Info: 511 or http://www.511vt.com/
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Agency of Transportation http://www.aot.state.vt.us “Google Map of Irene Related Transportation Issues in Vermont”
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VTDigger Guide to Flood Relief Help
http://vtdigger.org/2011/09/02/vermontaid-a-guide-to-flood-relief-help-for-vermonters/
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Central VT Community Action Council http://www.cvcac.org/
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VT Irene Flood Relief Fund - Helping Vermont's small businesses hit by Irene http://www.vtirenefund.org/
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News from the Governor’s Office: http://governor.vermont.gov/
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Vermont Emergency Management updates via Facebook and their website: http://vem.vermont.gov/
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Images and stories of the damage and recovery efforts: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com
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List of places that need resources and assistance: http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/
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Flood Cleanup Guide http://nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/FloodCleanupGuide_screen_.pdf
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Red Cross: http://www.redcrossvtnhuv.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=44W8UXGL8L
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PHISH – A Benefit for Vermont Flood Recovery on September 14th at Champlain Valley Expo. Tickets on sale this Saturday 10am for $75 each, in-person, cash. Locations of ticket sales will be announced on their website on Friday. http://phish.com/#/news/2011/06/phish-a-benefit-for-vermont-flood-recovery-september-14th
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Vermont depends on tourists: Roads to leaf-peeper season sidetracked by Irene http://networkedblogs.com/mCNAp and http://www.vermontvacation.com
~~~~
Voices for Vermont: A Special Flood Relief Benefit Concert
Saturday, September 10 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Vermont State House Lawn, State Street, Montpelier, VT
The line-up:
Banjo Dan & The Mid-nite Plow Boys
Jon Gailmor
Pete Sutherland & Friends
Rik Palieri & Rebecca Padula
Nationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, Counterpoint (founded by VSO Chorus Conductor, Robert DeCormier)
Young singers from communities around the state including the VT Youth Orchestra Chorus
Vermont-based, international Soprano Shyla Nelson
(more artists to be announced)
100% of funds raised will be donated to the United Ways of Vermont and the Red Cross of VT&NH. Volunteers will be onsite collecting cash or check donations during the concert.
Gov. Peter Shumlin will kick-off the concert to recognize what our State has endured these past several days and to honor those lives lost in this tragedy. He will join with Vermont’s finest artists to celebrate our resolve and commitment to helping our neighbors and communities rebuild.
Check for updates at the Good Earth Singers Blog http://www.goodearthsingers.org/blog.html
~~~~
National Life $120,000 donation to support the relief and rebuilding efforts in Vermont from Tropical Storm Irene. They will also match donations from employees to flood relief organizations.
Northfield Savings Bank $100,000 donation to the Green Mountain United Way for immediate disaster relief. Funds will be distributed to community-based organizations in central Vermont that are providing immediate assistance to those in need. The intention is to help community organizations facilitate the delivery of basic human needs; food, clothing and shelter. Individuals in need of assistance should call VT 2-1-1 in order to be directed to the appropriate community organizations.
~~~~
High-water Ho-Down Flood Relief Jam Session to benefit the Berlin Community affected by recent flooding. Friday, September 23rd 6pm-9pm at the Berlin Elementary School. Come listen to great music from local bands and musicians and help out your community by donating much needed food and supplies. High demand items include: Housewares, non-perishable food items, clothing, linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies. For more information email Jessica Heinz at jheinz@u32.org or call her at the school 223-2796. This event will include a 50/50 raffle. Desserts and refreshments will be sold.
~~~~
Restaurants Reach-Out Post Irene
http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/09/restaurants-post-irene-how-you-can-help.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social%2Bmedia&utm_campaign=blurt
~~~~
ReSOURCE Flood ReLIEF
ReSOURCE has established a flood relief fund to provide essential services free of charge to low income Vermonters who lack insurance and the necessary support needed to recover from the devastating flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. ReSOURCE reached out in response to the widespread flooding in May in order to provide critical support to low income families and received overwhelming feedback confirming the need of essential goods and services. We expect even more demand in the wake of the recent flooding due to the scope of destruction and are committed to providing help in the following ways:
1. Rebuilding help through our YouthBuild construction crews. We are a BPI certified contractor and do both home construction, weatherization and solar thermal hot water installs (if folks need to replace their hot water heater, perhaps they should consider going solar).
2. Deconstruction Service: one way to increase the amount of materials available for rebuilding is to deconstruct buildings that must be removed rather than demolish and put in landfill.
3. Essential Goods: we will offer vouchers through our ReLIEF program for our used major appliances, furniture, housewares, and building materials. Also, if folks have insurance money or government aid, but have a fixed budget/cap, then they could obtain replacement goods much more cheaply through our Barre and Burlington ReSTOREs.
To meet this need, ReSOURCE is committed to providing the services above and with your help will be able to provide more ReLIEF Essential Goods and Building Materials, and help to ReUSE and ReBUILD.
ReSOURCE seeks to raise $50,000 the form of donated goods (used furniture, building materials, home goods) and cash donations.
Please donate: http://resourcevt.org/contribute Thank you.
~~~~
From the Office of Senator Patrick Leahy:
http://leahy.senate.gov/issues_and_legislation/issues/issue/?id=9bc8549f-c174-41e2-b67f-fffbaa364439
Flood Resource Guide: http://leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/090611%20Updated%20VT%20Flood%20Resource%20Guide.pdf
~~~~
GMTA BUS
The GMTA Berlin offices sustained substantial damage during the recent Irene-related flood. This damage has required GMTA to temporarily move administrative functions to another location. Due to our temporary relocation, you may experience phone and service delays. However, we are operating and appreciate your patience.
If you have any questions about GMTA services, please continue to contact us at (802) 223-7287 between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
~~~~
Vermont Foodbank
During this time of natural disaster in so many areas across the state, the Vermont Foodbank is working to provide additional supplies of shelf stable foods to you as soon as possible. We are partnering with Feeding America, along with federal and state emergency management programs to help you keep needed items in stock. This week we have sent our trucks out to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and across Vermont to bring donations back to our distribution centers in Barre and Brattleboro. We will also be receiving donations from C & S, Hannaford and Hormel in the next week or so, along with supplies from our sister food banks and additional generous donors. We will be bringing in truckloads of water, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, bleach, ice, and other applicable products specifically for those agencies that have been hit hard by the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene.
We realize that many of your locations have been flooded. It is critical to dispose of any food that has been compromised by flood waters or food that has been out of the temperature safety zone for too long (due to loss of electricity). If you are disposing of TEFAP food, please be sure to take an inventory of what is being disposed and report that back to us. The general food safety guidelines say that you may be able to salvage canned goods that have only been touched by flood waters, not submerged, by sanitizing the cans in a bleach and water solution. But remember; when in doubt throw it out.
All of us at the Vermont Foodbank wish you the best. Chris
Christine Meehan, Chief of Programs and Network Services
802-477-4130 http://www.vtfoodbank.org/
~~~~
Facebook page: Vermont Hurricane Irene Lost & Found https://www.facebook.com/search.php?q=irene+vermont&init=quick&tas=0.33030073275218874&ref=ts#!/pages/Vermont-Hurricane-Irene-Lost-Found/171093546298027
~~~~
How You Can Help Farmers
Offer your service to help farmers clean their fields and barns (if not one in Berlin, there are others nearby).
Buy whatever the farms have available for sale. Pay them more than what they are asking.
The money that you give farmers now is likely the money that they will have to live on until they have salable crops in the future. Many farms have not only lost crops this year, but they have also lost valuable land and soil that will make it difficult for them recover fully next year or possibly even in the next several years.
If you are a CSA member, don't expect to receive any more food for this year. Don't ask for a refund from your CSA farmer. The idea of a CSA is that shareholders share in both the bounty and losses with the farmer.
Do a fundraiser for a farmer / make a financial donation.
Call congressional representatives and ask for grant money (not low interest loans) to help out the farmers.
