The state has posted two additional COVID-19 testing dates in Middlebury for September, Moira Cook tells us. She is at the Vermont Department of Health District Office in Middlebury. The National Guard will run COVID-19 testing clinics on Sept. 3 and 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at American Legion Post No. 27 (49 Wilson Road). National Guard clinics can accommodate 200 appointments per day, with additional capacity for walk-ins. The National Guard will likely continue to host Thursday clinics through September, local officials said. Meanwhile, the Health Department Office in Middlebury (156 South Village Green) will continue to host COVID-19 clinics every Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those clinics host up to 100 appointments per day. For more information about Health Department and National Guard COVID-19 testing clinics log onto tinyurl.com/y8z9ub8s.
The Middlebury selectboard has agreed to remove the crosswalk and lights located just beyond the north entrance to Mary Hogan Drive, in anticipation of the state’s planned repaving of Court Street next summer. The mid-block crosswalk and flashing beacon lights were installed in 1998 following a pedestrian fatality. But officials have been questioning their effectiveness given the many distractions that drivers turning from Cross Street or traveling on Court Street must deal with, including other vehicles turning into or exiting the roadway from local businesses as well as Mary Hogan Drive. The board has, however, asked that the paving contract reflect the potential restoration of the crosswalk at a later date, along with new on-demand rectangular rapid flashing beacons, should there be a community demand for it. In addition, the selectboard has requested signalization changes at the Court St./Cross St. intersection to freeze traffic completely during the pedestrian phase.
A recent question was posed: Are roads that cross the Middlebury College campus open for public use/accessibility now that the campus is closed for outside access because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Roads that are under the ownership and control of the college, such as Old Chapel Road, Bicentennial, Adirondack View, Porterfield Road, Service Road, Chateau Road and the like are all now closed to public access. The Golf Course Road remains open for those who plan on golfing at the Ralph Myhre course. Public highways such as College Street, South Main Street, Weybridge Street, Hillcrest Road, Shannon Street, Storrs Avenue and Franklin Street remain open for public use. The Catholic Cemetery on Hillcrest and the town cemetery off South Main Street remain accessible.
Bristol Rescue Squad recently received facemasks from Vermont Emergency Management for distribution to the public. The masks come in a pack of five, and are made by Hanes. Bristol Rescue members will be handing them out to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. at their station at 45 Monkton Road, Bristol. First come, first serve. Remember, squad members handing out masks will be on duty, and will need to leave if there is an emergency call. In the event that members are not at the station, masks will be placed outside the station for pick-up by the front door. And, as always, Bristol Rescue is actively looking for volunteers to join the squad. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to serve your community. EMT classes begin in November and continue through the spring. Please contact any Bristol member with your interest.
Effective immediately the Addison County Solid Waste Management District transfer station off Route 7 South in Middlebury will no longer accept clothing and textiles for special recycling. This change is due to increasing contamination in the program of wet, dirty, moldy and smelly clothing/textiles — conditions that make them difficult to market. Please note, residents and businesses can continue to keep clothing/textiles out of the trash by following guidelines set by local thrift stores. For locations and more information, visit tinyurl.com/y45djzvm. As a reminder, masks are now required in any public setting, including at the transfer station when it is not possible to keep a six-foot distance from staff and other patrons. During this time, the district office remains closed to the public. Call 388-2333 or email [email protected] or visit AddisonCountyRecycles.org for answers to waste management questions. 
If you’ve fallen behind on your utility bills, a new state grant program can help get you back on track. The Vermont Department of Public Service runs the Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program. If you have utility bills that are more than 60 days overdue, you can qualify for 100% coverage to get you paid up. The program is funded with money from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, and can help you pay balances for telephone, water, electric and natural gas service. The Vermont Legislature approved $8 million for the program, and the money is only available until Nov. 20. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. You can get started on your application by going to tinyurl.com/y5camv7p or by calling the Vermont Department of Public Service at 800-622-4496.
Here’s a reminder that Woofstock: Walk for the Animals is slated for Sept. 12. Whether through a physically distanced walk at the shelter or via in the comfort of your own neighborhood, please join the walk. Every dollar raised is used to care for the homeless animals of our region. Every step taken signifies your support for animals in need. For more information, please visit homewardboundanimals.org and click on the Woofstock banner. Questions? Contact Hannah Manley at [email protected] or call 802-388-1100 ext. 224.