Spring is here, and many Vermonters feel more than ready to emerge from a long winter and months of isolation. The Vermont Department of Health (DOH) is now reporting 44% of Addison County residents have had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, which on Monday will be available to all Vermonters age 30 and older, and on April 19 to everyone 16 and up. But as much as we all want the pandemic to be over, we’re not there yet. As work proceeds to vaccinate as many Vermonters as quickly as possible, we’re seeing spikes in cases and variants of the virus that make it spread more easily. You can help get the state to the finish line quicker by keeping up prevention efforts, including wearing a mask, keeping at least six feet away from anyone you don’t live with, avoiding crowds, and getting tested if you’ve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or have had any symptoms. For more information go to healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Speaking of coronavirus recovery, you can win $500 with your story about what getting vaccinated means to you. It’s a contest that’s being offered by the Vermont DOH. Submit your original videos, photos or written thoughts on what being vaccinated means to you — whether you’ve already been vaccinated or not. Select submissions will be featured in a new TV ad campaign and one lucky submitter will be picked at random to receive a $500 cash card. Learn more or submit content at healthvermont.gov/VaccineContest.
Two Addison County families are struggling in wake of the sudden deaths of loved ones, and could use a financial boost. Bristol’s Gary Clodgo passed away suddenly on March 10, leaving his wife (Ann) and three boys (Daniel, Joseph and Anthony). Ann has been a longtime, dedicated employee at Bristol Beverage, and has always been willing to help others. Now she needs a little help dealing with some expenses from Gary’s passing. A GoFundMe page has been established on her behalf, at gofund.me/d77c7ae7. Also, donations are being collected to help the family of Cornwall’s Tim Bushey, who died recently. Contributions will go toward gas and grocery cards and other living expenses for a family that includes a young child. Please bring donations to the Cornwall school or contact Laura Basili at 802-989-8976 or [email protected].
Consider joining the Counseling Service of Addison County (CSAC) board of directors. CSAC, the county’s designated mental health and developmental services agency, is currently looking for four new board members. Applications are welcomed from anyone in the community who is passionate about CSAC’s mission and shares in its values of empathy, dignity, and collaboration. Because CSAC is committed to dismantling institutionalized racism and seeking justice for historically disadvantaged groups, board members are also asked to be willing to deepen their understanding of these issues and assist with re-evaluating practices accordingly. In particular, the agency is seeking community members who have personal, professional and/or volunteer experience in one of these areas: medical; legal; human services; public/private K-12 education; diversity, equity, and inclusion; executive leadership; entrepreneurship; community organizing; compliance and risk; and change management. Even if you do not have experience in these areas, you are encouraged to consider applying with any experience you feel would complement CSAC’s mission. Those interested should visit the CSAC website at csac-vt.org.
The March 26 Middlebury tornado is a reminder that Vermont has a warning system: VT-Alert, for dangerous weather and other emergencies. While in the recent case, the tornado was not itself identified by the National Weather Service, warnings were issued by VT-Alert in the late morning and shortly after 1 p.m. advising of severe thunderstorms in Addison County with the potential for strong winds. Subscribing to VT-Alert is free. Go to Vermont.Gov/vtalert, and you can choose which devices you want to receive alerts over, when and what type of warnings you want to receive and how you want to receive them — text, email, or voice or any combination thereof. There’s no contract and no commitment. Your account can be changed or unsubscribed online at any time.
Gov. Phil Scott recently announced 168 Vermonters have been appointed to various state boards and commissions, including several Addison County residents. Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters many opportunities to serve their state and communities. Locals who received appointments included Kristin Holsman-Francoeur of Leicester to the Act 264 Advisory Board; Bill Hanf of Lincoln to the Aviation Advisory Council; Al Karnatz of New Haven, Connie Houston of Ferrisburgh, Warren Van Wyck of Ferrisburgh, Pennie Beach of Whiting, Brian Carpenter of Middlebury and Fred Baser of Bristol to the District No. 9 Environmental Commission; Ellen Kahler of Starksboro to the Future of Vermont Agriculture Commission; Paul Wyncoop of Orwell to the Historic Preservation Council; Mary Stephens of Goshen to the Parole Board; Tom Hughes of Middlebury and Susan McClure of Vergennes to the Vermont 250th Commission; and Wendy Knight of Panton to the Vermont Commission on Women.