Reader Bulletins: May 26-June 1, 2023

Arts Day

POULTNEY — Poultney Arts Day 2023 comes to town from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 26, on Main Street. The event includes artists demonstrating blacksmithing, glassblowing, slate and stone carving, welding, woodworking, raku, mural painting and cooking. There will also be artist talks, a youth art show, hands-on activities and more. This free event for the community culminates with evening dance and music performances from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tag sale

BRANDON — Brandon United Methodist Church will hold a Fundraising Tag Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 27, rain or shine, at 1 Franklin St.

Festival news

DORSET — Dorset Theatre Festival board of trustees announced Will Rucker as the company's executive artistic director and Ryan Koss as managing creative director in advance of the upcoming 46th summer season. They have been on the leadership team for the past five seasons, and worked as seasonal managers prior to their full-time appointments in 2018. The festival also announced two of the largest gifts in the organization's history, coming from The James H. and Irene M. Hunter Charitable Trust and Mary-Anne and Bob Van Degna. Totaling $1 million, the gifts have been dedicated to an endowment fund for the Dorset Theatre Festival.

Top spots

The Captive Insurance Division of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation Deputy Commissioner of Captive Insurance Sandy Bigglestone, and Regional Managing Director–Americas for Aon Captive & Insurance Management Nancy Gray, were voted to top spots by their peers in Captive Review's Power 50 Awards earlier this year. Gray is #1 on the Power 50 list; Bigglestone is #3 on the list. Captive insurance, a regulated form of self-insurance, is used for corporate lines of insurance such as property, general liability, products liability, or professional liability.

Division leaders

Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Kevin Gaffney announced the recent appointments of Amanda Smith and Aaron Ferenc as deputy commissioners of the securities and banking divisions within the Department of Financial Regulation.

In November 2022, then-Director of Examinations Ferenc was appointed interim-deputy commissioner of banking. Earlier last year, Smith, who was then supervising the administration and registration unit in the securities division, became interim-deputy commissioner of securities. Gaffney said their contributions during the past year were instrumental in maintaining continual, effective operations.

New hire

Erica Dixon has joined Copper Leaf Financial as a client service associate/paraplanner. She brings 16 years' experience, including operational roles in construction, retail, government, nonprofit and consulting services. Most recently, and within the past five years, Dixon has worked in the wealth management industry. Copper Leaf Financial LLC, is a fee-only, fiduciary registered investment advisor, serving clients nationwide from offices in Williston and Rutland.

New director

The Vermont Department of Labor announced Jay Ramsey has been appointed to serve as the director of workforce development. He has worked in state government for more than 10 years and served as the state director for technical education and assistant director of student pathways with the Agency of Education. He joined the Department of Labor as director of apprenticeship and has since served as interim director of the Workforce Development Division following the departure of the previous director.

Safety awards

KILLINGTON — Killington Resort announced receipt of the 2023 NSAA Award for Best Collision Avoidance Program. Killington President and General Manager Mike Solimano was also honored with the 2023 Sammy Leadership Award. The awards were distributed as part of NSAA's 2023 National Convention & Tradeshow May 10 in Savannah, Georgia.

Pie-eating benefit

RUTLAND — GE Aviation's Pie-Eating Contest fundraiser to benefit Imagination Library at Rutland Free Library was a messy but sweet success. The GE Employees Community Concerns fund donated $2,100 to support this literacy-based nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton, which gives free books to children under age 5 who reside in Rutland City, Rutland Town, Mendon, Ira and Tinmouth. GE employees donated money towards nominating an employee to participate in the pie-eating competition, with participants from Plant 1 and 2. The winner from Plant 2 was Daniel Corey.

Nurses honored

RUTLAND — Rutland Regional Medical Center celebrated the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) award going to four nurses and one nurse team, at a ceremony in the hospital gardens with nurse leaders, nursing staff, patients and their families. Throughout the year, nurses are nominated by patients, families and colleagues.

DAISY Individual Award Honorees, elected and recognized for the extraordinary compassionate care they provide to patients in their practice environment, went to Naomi Chamberlain, RN, Ambulatory Care Unit; Erin Flood, BSN, RN, Intensive Care Unit; Angela Murphy, MSN, RN, Progressive Care Unit; Suzanne Boothby, RN, Psychiatric Services Inpatient Unit.

DAISY Team Award went to members of the Medical Oncology Unit. The award is provided annually in recognition of a care team, led by a nurse, that has gone above and beyond to provide extraordinary patient care. The award recognizes that collaboration and teamwork are key to providing patients with high-quality care and a positive experience. Many members of the MOU team were mentioned, including Sam Roberts, RN, RN-BC; Ashley Bergendahl, RN, RN-BC; Linda Crisafulli, RN; Jennifer Kavanaugh, RN; Crystal Bennick, BSN, RN, CRNI; Eva Zivitz, MSN, RN, CHPN; Julia Gero, LNA; Tammy Mills, LNA; Mariah McCully, LNA; and Patricia Church, LNA.

Half-marathon

SALISBURY — Wilson Moore, 24, of Freeport, Maine, was the overall winner in the Vermont Sun Fitness Half Marathon at Branbury State Park on May 14 in a time of 1:16:09. South Burlington's Katie Dolbec, 40, claimed the women's crown in 1:30:35. Willa Yonkman, of Burlington, won the women's 10k in 53:30. Noe Vyizigiro, of Middlebury, was the men's winner in 44:57. Starksboro's Newly Jennings won the women's 5k in 23:08 while Landgrove's Greg Eckhard was the men's winner in 37:30. Complete results and photos can be found at vermontsun.com online.

Do you have an item you would like to see in Community News? A milestone? A public announcement? A short news release about something entertaining going on in your town? Simply email the information to us at [email protected]. Be sure to put For Community News in the subject line. (Note: We reserve the right to edit for length.)

New board members

MONTPELIER — Chief Transformation Officer of McCormick & Co. Marcos Gabriel was elected to serve on the National Life Group board of directors at its annual meeting. With 25-plus years in multinational companies, including McCormick, Avon, Unilever and Eli Lilly, Gabriel brings experience in all areas of finance, strategy development, business transformation, M&A, risk management and private equity to National Life. He was awarded two outstanding Global CEO Awards by both Unilever and Avon CEOs for his business contributions. An American Brazilian, Gabriel is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

RANDOLPH — DuBois & King, employee-owned ESOP company, announced the election of Melissa Stephen and Guy Rouelle to serve on its board of directors. Stephen is the firm's director of Marketing and Business Development and holds a senior management role in the firm's administration. Rouelle is the director of D&K's Aviation Division, where he oversees planning and engineering operations for aviation projects from Maine to California. DuBois & King provides multidisciplinary consulting planning and engineering services for clients country-wide. Apprentices graduate

RANDOLPH — On May 12, the Vermont Department of Labor's Workforce Development Division participated in a graduation ceremony held by Vermont Technical College, honoring the 164 individuals graduating from the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The graduates came from all areas of Vermont, with every county represented, ranging from age 20 to nearly 60. Registered Apprentices are paid while they learn and take coursework as a part of their program. The program is an industry-driven, high-quality career path wherein employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain work experience, classroom instruction and the portable, nationally-recognized credential received by graduates.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit apprenticeship.gov online.

Fishing access

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is accepting public comments on a new Accessibility Transition Plan that addresses the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act standards for recreational boating facilities on its more than 200 Fishing Access Area properties. The new plan summarizes ADA standards for recreational boating facilities, evaluates the current status of accessible facilities at fishing access areas, and identifies opportunities for improvement. Public comments can be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line "fishing access area plan." The comment period is from now 15 to June 30.

Leave fawns alone

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says deer fawns are being born this time of year and asks that people avoid disturbing or picking them up.

Most deer fawns are born in late May and the first and second weeks of June, according to Vermont deer biologist Nick Fortin. Fortin says it is best to keep your distance because the fawn's mother is almost always nearby. When people see a small fawn alone, they often mistakenly assume it is helpless, lost or needing to be rescued. For the safety of all wildlife, taking a wild animal into captivity is illegal in Vermont.

RCHS events

PITTSFORD — In the fall, the annual Duck Derby will be held at the Pittsford Recreation Area. "Adopted" plastic ducks will be launched into the stream in a race to the finish to raise money for homeless animals. You can adopt a single duck for $3, a Quack 4-pack (four ducks) for $10 or a Quack 6-pack (six ducks) for $15. To adopt a duck, stop by the RCHS shelter in Pittsford or visit rchsvt.org online.

Arts funding

The Vermont Community Foundation has new funding available for projects and events in the visual, performing, musical and literary arts that create opportunities for positive social interaction, engagement and collaboration. Letters of Interest from nonprofits, schools, libraries, museums, and other community and cultural organizations will be accepted from now to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 13. Organizations will be notified regarding LOI status by June 20. For more information, visit vermontcf.org/art-social-cohesion online.

Outdoor survival

Vermont Outdoor Guide Association and Doe Camp Nation announced the return of MasterClass Wilderness Survival Instructor Jessie Krebs, who will teach women's outdoor survival skills for two June weekends in Monkton. The June 17 class is a Survival Basics Class "crash course" in basic outdoor survival principles. Sheltercraft Class on June 18 teaches that shelters are a primary survival tool, with a wide variety of styles and building techniques. The June 24-25 Two-Day Navigation Course is designed for beginner to intermediate-skilled students as a refresher. For more information, visit www.voga.org/survival-doe-camp.html online.

Grant applications

RUTLAND — Nonprofit organizations considering or developing a new program addressing the well-being of Rutland County residents are encouraged to consider applying for a Bowse Health Trust Grant. Successful letters and projects should address the priority areas identified in the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment, including housing, child care and parenting, supporting the aging community, and mental health. Organizations are required to center diversity, equity, inclusion in their work.

The Bowse Health Trust will start its 2023 grant cycle with Letters of Intent due on June 15, full proposals to be submitted by Sept. 15. Grant awards are announced by Dec. 15, and grant funding will start on Jan. 1, 2024. For details, visit rrmc.org/about/bowse-trust or email Bowse Health Trust at [email protected].

Lake rules

The 2023 annual Vermont Lake Seminar, co-sponsored by the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds and Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 2 as a free and open to the public virtual event. Titled "Compliance and Enforcement of Vermont Lake Rules: Who you Gonna Call? Lake Busters," this seminar will investigate how the balance is maintained between protection and use of Vermont's lakes and ponds. For agenda and registration information, visit vermontlakes.org/event/2023-fovlap-lake-seminar online.

SARE host

The U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently announced UVM Extension will continue to serve as the host institution for the Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, SARE program, for the next 10 years. The program, established by Congress in 1985, supports farmers and the people who work with them in four regions (Northeast, South, North Central and West) by offering grants for applied research and education programs. Northeast SARE includes the New England states, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Book awards

Three student-choice book award winners have been announced by the Vermont Department of Libraries.

"I Eat Poop. A Dung Beetle Story" by Mark Pett wins the 2022-2023 Red Clover Book Award, chosen by children in K-4. "Alone" by Megan E. Freeman wins the 2022-2023 Vermont Golden Dome Book Award, selected by Grades 4-8 students. In a three-way tie, "The Mary Shelley Club" by Goldy Moldavsky, "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir, and "Iron Widow" by Xiran Jay Zhao won the 2022-2023 Green Mountain Book Award chosen by Vermont students in Grades 9-12.

Book award

NORTHFIELD — Norwich announced it has selected author Charles E. Stanley Jr. as recipient for its 2023 William E. Colby Military Writers' Award, given annually to a first solo work of fiction or nonfiction that has made a major contribution to the understanding of military history, intelligence operations or international affairs. Stanley was selected for his book, "Lost Airmen: The Epic Rescue of WWII U.S. Bomber Crews Stranded Behind Enemy Lines."

Foster care

Foster and kinship families are the important cornerstone of child protection. They provide a safe, temporary home while parents address the concerns that brought them to the attention of Family Services. There are currently (April 2023) 1,060 children who have been placed in state custody by a judge.

Family Services is always recruiting for foster/kinship homes to meet the needs of the children it serves. Taking into consideration their school, interest, needs, how they identify, culture and other factors, different types of caregiving families are needed. The greatest need for foster homes is for teens and children who express their trauma with behaviors.

To become involved, call 802-241-0896 or email [email protected]

Regional president

BURLINGTON — M&T Bank announced the appointment of Heidi Stumpff as the new regional president for Vermont. With 24 years in the banking industry, including the last decade at People's United Bank, she will oversee the bank's operations in Vermont, including strategic planning, business development, commercial banking, community markets and community engagement. Stumpff's also served as vice president of commercial lending at TD Bank and Wells Fargo, as well as on nonprofit boards.

Food bank support

Price Chopper/Market 32 launched its two-month-long "Fill A Glass with Hope/Fill a Plate with Promise" campaign in partnership with Northeast American Dairy Association, Garelick Farms and local food banks. From now to June 30, customers may round up their totals at the register to help provide local food banks with the means to purchase milk and other nutritious foods for the families they serve.

Trout stocking

GOSHEN — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department announced trout stocking will resume this spring at Sugar Hill Reservoir, also known as Goshen Dam, in Goshen, following the completion of safety enhancements made to the dam over the last two years.

The reservoir will be restocked in early May with 1,350 yearling brook trout averaging 9 inches and 450 2-year old "Trophy Brook Trout" averaging 13 inches in length.

The Goshen Dam Road is still closed to the public due to soft road conditions, but public access will return to normal this spring once conditions allow.

Food prep

RUTLAND — Companions In Wholeness at Rutland United Methodist Church, 60 Strongs Ave., is looking for three volunteers who like to prep food from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday to assist in breakfast and lunch one day or all four days, whatever works for you. Currently, about 200 breakfasts and about 150 lunches are given to those who are homeless or live with food insecurity. If interested, call 802-236-3136.

Better Places

RUTLAND — Rutland residents will soon be able to enjoy "Reimagine Depot Park" thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development's Better Places program and led by Come Alive Outside. If the campaign reaches its $10,000 goal by the June 3 deadline, "Reimagine Depot Park" will receive a matching grant of $20,000 from DHCD's Better Places program. For project details and to donate, visit www.patronicity.com/project/reimagine_depot_park online.

Backyard burning

With spring cleaning underway in some parts of the state, the Department of Environmental Conservation wants to remind Vermonters to follow a few guidelines for on-premise or backyard open burning.

On-premise or backyard burning of brush, deadwood or tree cuttings collected from normal property maintenance is allowed under the Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations, as long as no public or private nuisance, such as excessive smoke, is created. Use these guidelines:

— Allow green materials to dry before burning.

— Consider the wind speed and direction before burning.

— Ensure the fire burns hot.

— Check the Fire Danger Forecast from Forests, Parks and Recreation and postpone burning during periods of elevated fire danger.

— Check the Air Quality Forecast and postpone burning if atmospheric conditions are not favorable to disperse the smoke.

— Obtain a local burn permit from your town fire warden.

Do you have an item you would like to see in Community News? A milestone? A public announcement? A short news release about something entertaining going on in your town? Simply email the information to us at [email protected]. Be sure to put For Community News in the subject line. (Note: We do reserve the right to edit for length.