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.
# posted by Corinne's blog of Berlin and area happenings @ 7:41 PM 
