Flood News Update: from the trenches
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Welcome to the Final publication of your Vermont flood news update. We’ve been glad to hear that the information provided here has been informative, utilized to motivate folks to get out there and help our neighboring communities, and gather charitable donations for people still suffering in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene.
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There is a link on this list-serv(http://vtresponse.wordpress.com) to Gov. Shumlin’s website which has a rundown of various disaster assistance programs available. There are low interest loans thru the US Small Business Administration to homeowners, renters, small businesses and private non profit organizations. Also, any family denied by FEMA should appeal right away. Sometimes the reason for the initial denial may be an incomplete application. Also call the Vermont Bar Association’s free legal hotline for legal help concerning legal issues connected with Tropical Storm Irene. The number is 1-800-889-2047. The hotline coordinator is Angele Court.
- Update: FEMA Deadline Posted on October 18, 2011 by Reality VC
Deadlines Extended for FEMA Assistance
OCTOBER 18 – MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved an extension to the deadline for individuals and municipalities to apply for federal disaster assistance.
The deadline for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance is now November 15, 2011.
To register for Individual Assistance disaster assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly, or 800-621-3362, if using 711 or Video Relay Service. Registration can also be done online anytime at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through web-enabled mobile phone devices or smartphones at m.fema.gov.
Communities that suffered damage in the floods should submit their application for Public Assistance to the Vermont Agency of Transportation. FEMA will provide at least 74 percent reimbursement for storm response and recovery costs for municipalities. Regional planning commissions, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and PA specialists from FEMA can help with the application process.
Applications for BOTH Individual and Public Assistance MUST be completed by November 15, 2011.
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You will need a pickup truck, box truck or large SUV and a couple of strong hands to help load the boxes.
Email vtresponse@yahoo.com if you can help with delivery with the subject line “Carhartt Delivery”
- Resource List from VCF (10/20) Posted on October 20, 2011 by Reality VC
Thanks to Vermont Community Foundation for sharing the link to this PDF, which contains a plethora of information about where to give and how to get help. If you are looking for places to donate or for assistance, this is a great county by county place to start.
http://www.vermontcf.org/storage/pubs/Flood-Resources-Compiled-by-the-VCF%20.pdf
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Bethel
- Help Needed (10/23): Bethel Area Posted on October 21, 2011 by Reality VC
The Irene Recovery and Renew Center in the Bethel area is excited to be back on track. We are finally moving into our new building! We need lots of volunteers this weekend to help us move in, some cleaning, moving, organizing. We need lots of helping hands.We also need donations of work gloves.
Our new email and the best way for volunteers to contact me is irenerenew@yahoo.com .
Our location is the old Richardson Country store.(‘Richardson Country Store’ is painted on the side of the building), Main Street, Bethel. Directions from Interstate 89: Exit 3. Right towards Bethel. Aprox 3.5 miles. Pass a Shell gas station on Left. We are the white building on right.
Brattleboro
Information:
Free informational workshop for folks as they rebuild after flooding – learn the best steps to take to rebuild for moisture management, better energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and health & safety. Get your questions answered and find out about the resources available to you. We want to help!
Offered by Central VT Community Action Council in partnership with Efficiency Vermont http://www.buttonupvermont.org
Pittsfield 10/26
Pittsfield Town Hall
7:00 PM
Brattleboro 10/29
Brattleboro Union High School
9:00 AM
Gaysville
- Volunteer Opportunities
Please contact Nancy Theriault at nancyt@coverhomerepair.org or (802) 296-7241 ext 103 Thank you!
- Subject: [Norwich] from the trenches: Hartford’s Flood Supply Inventory
located at the Hartford Municipal Building, for flood victims and volunteers
to access and utilize in clean-up.These supplies are for those located in Hartford, West Hartford, Quechee,
Windsor and White River Junction.
If you are looking for a way to help this week, or are planning to volunteer
this upcoming weekend, these supplies could be loaded and delivered to the
affected locations or be picked up prior to the day’s volunteer work.
Please call them at (802)295-5036 if you have volunteer efforts set up prior
to the weekend and know that you will need. Thank you to all of those
helping with flood relief efforts!
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Flood Supply Inventory: Quantity:
Tarps 2
Hand Sanitizer Wipes 1 Box
Surgical Masks (20 ct) 5 Boxes
Face Masks (300 ct) 5 Boxes
Gloves (Med) 3 Boxes
Gloves (Large) 4 Boxes
Bleach 1 Gallon
Comet (25oz) 3 cans
Husky Heavy Duty Garbage Bags 2 Boxes
Sun Cleaner w/ Bleach (1.5lb) 8 Boxes
Garbage Bags (30in x 37in) 22 Boxes
Barbage Bags (16 x 14 x 33) 17 Boxes
Buckets 45
Bar Soap (500 ct) 7 Boxes
Clamp Lights 5
Clario Skin Care (6 – 550m) Pumps 32 Boxes
Rakes 4
Bottled Water 45 Cases (Roughly)
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*Hartford Municipal Building, 171 Bridge St., Room 109, White River
Junction, Vermont.*
Telephone (802)295-5036
Open Daily, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*”Actions and words are the windows through which the heart is seen.”*
@VTVolunteerism
- Subject: [Hartford Discussion] HURRICANE IRENE RELIEF FUNDS
The town of Hartford has officially opened Hurricane Irene Relief Accounts.
The Town of Hartford is now able to accept donations for specific
categories:
. Village of Quechee Residential Fund
. Quechee Covered Bridge Restoration Fund
. Village of West Hartford Residential Fund
. West Hartford Library Fund
. Village of White River Junction Residential Fund
*Please note, all donations are non-refundable and shall be expended at the
same rate for restoration, repair, and/or replacement of related structures.
If there are any residual funds, they will be retained for future
residential housing and related expenses.
- West Hartford Village Store fund relief donations can be sent to:
‘West Hartford Village Store’ and mail them to:
West Hartford Village Store, PO Box 48, West Hartford, VT 05084
Thank you!
- Re: Press Release- Hartford Village Bridge Repairs Begin September 19, 2011
For immediate release:
The Hartford Public Works Department and Daniels Construction will be conducting repairs to the Hartford Village Bridge #7 from September 19 to November 21, 2011. Work will include repairs at two of the bridge piers, replacement of the bridge deck expansion joints and removal of flood debris. The bridge will be subject to one lane traffic during daytime hours of 7AM to 6PM but will re-open for evenings and weekends. Complete bridge closure is anticipated from October 25 November 15, 2011 to complete repairs to the expansion joints. Motor vehicles should seek alternate routes and expect delays during the day. Pedestrians should avoid the bridge if possible as the sidewalk will generally be closed.
Questions may be directed to the Department of Public Works at 802-295-3622 or jponzoni@hartford-vt.org.
If you are able to volunteer, please contact Neighborhood Connections at 802-824-4343 with the day or days that you are available.
If you are able to volunteer, please contact Neighborhood Connections at 802-824-4343 with the day or days that you are available.
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Northfield
- Help Needed (10/23): Northfield Posted on October 19, 2011 by Reality VC
Items from the house need to be moved to storage, need help with the heavy items, beds, mattresses, furniture, heavy boxes etc. Need pick-up trucks for transport to storage. Work will begin at 9 am. 398 Water St. Northfield. 802-498-4839.
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Norwich
Donations Information:
- We have two brand new (but not great quality) single box springs and 2 single mattresses (nothing to write home about but adequate) if you know of anyone in need – outfitting temporary living space, etc. Happy to donate – just let me know. E-mail me at vermontvolunteerism@gmail.com
- Norwich residents wishing to volunteer/drop off donations in West Woodstock, please note that the clothing relief center, located in the Grange Hill building, is closing on October 31st. After October 31st, those effected by Irene can obtain vouchers for free clothing at the Woodstock Food Shelf. Until then, please continue to come to The Grange Hill building . New Hours :Mondays 4pm-6pm, Wednesdays 12noon-3pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm, Sundays 2pm-4pm, closed Tues, Thurs & Fri. Volunteers needed for clothes sorting and sizing and assisting those who come for no-cost clothing. Items provided to all people effected by Hurricane Irene.Located on Route 4 West, on right hand side when going towards Bridgewater, across from Woodstock Union High School soccer field. Look for “Clothing Relief” sign located at driveway entrance, park in back. Any questions please call organizers: Stephanie at (802) 457-2644 or (603) 646-3977 or Missy at (802)-299-2348 .The only donations needed and accepted at this time: Winter clothing for boys and male teens;winter boots for men,women & children; winter coats for women & children; new underwear for men & women; warm winter blankets; new pillows; personal care items. Many Thanks.
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Pittsfield
Information:
Free informational workshop for folks as they rebuild after flooding – learn the best steps to take to rebuild for moisture management, better energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and health & safety. Get your questions answered and find out about the resources available to you. We want to help!
Offered by Central VT Community Action Council in partnership with Efficiency Vermont
http://www.buttonupvermont.org
Pittsfield 10/26
Pittsfield Town Hall
7:00 PM
Brattleboro 10/29
Brattleboro Union High School
9:00 AM
Quechee
- Help Needed (10/18 to 10/23): Quechee Posted on October 18, 2011 by Reality VC
Help is needed in Quechee this week to finish carrying out all furniture, rugs, and debris from the main floor of the building out to the dumpster, then to clean out debris in the lower level.
Work will begin at 10 am. Please bring masks (N95) and tarps if you have them. 1732 Main Street, Quechee. Phone Number is 802-291-0515.
Rochester
- Information: Rochester Bridge Closing Posted on October 21, 2011 by Reality VC Via Vermont Today:
The Vermont Agency of Transportation will close a section of Route 73 in Rochester Wednesday, Oct. 26, for about a week.
The road section will be closed so that a one-lane temporary bridge installed shortly after Tropical Storm Irene can be removed and be replaced with a two-lane culvert.
Route 73 has been closed to through traffic since Irene struck on August 28, but VTrans has kept the road passable for local residents and emergency vehicles.
This closure, however, will prevent even local and emergency vehicles from being able to pass. The closure is expected to last at least one week.
The Route 73 one-lane temporary bridge was put in place so that VTrans could get equipment, parts and material to Route 73’s intersection with Route 100 where a major bridge linking the two roads was destroyed by Irene. A two-lane temporary bridge at the intersection was opened Oct. 15, and will remain open so that Rochester residents living along Route 73 can access Route 100.
The one-lane temporary bridge that is being removed on Oct. 26 is located several miles west of Route 73’s intersection with Route 100, and it sits along the steep hill leading to the top of Brandon Gap.
Closing Route 73 in this location will not prevent most Rochester residents from reaching Route 100, but the closure will prevent Rochester residents from using Route 73 to reach Brandon and its surrounding area.
Traffic headed to Brandon will have to detour using either Route 125 to the north, or Route 4 to the south.
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Sharon
- You are invited to a Vermont Clean-Up Day event in the White River watershed:
Sharon river cleanup, Saturday, October 22, 1-4pm, Sharon Town Office (69 VT Rte 132): Help the WRP and the Town of Sharon remove post-flood debris from the banks of the White River in Sharon. Meet in the town office parking lot at 1:00pm to sign a waiver form and hear the safety talk. Please dress in long pants, long sleeves, and close-toed shoes or boots; we will provide gloves, trash bags, and masks.
The cleanup is co-sponsored by the Connecticut River Watershed Council’s Source to Sea event. This fall the WRP has helped coordinate 5 Source to Sea river cleanups to remove debris left behind by Irene flood waters. Since September 17, 120 volunteers have removed over 3 tons of trash from the White River in Hartford, Pittsfield, Rochester, and South Royalton, but more debris remains. Volunteers are invited to continue this year’s river cleanup effort inSharon in order to help the White River and landowners along the river recover from Tropical Storm Irene.
For more information about Saturday’s event, visit http://www.whiteriverpartnership.org/index.php/news/upcoming-events.
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Stockbridge
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Thetford
- Subject: [Norwich] FW: The Union Village bridge has been repaired and is open to all traffic.[Thetford] Union Village bridge
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Wilmington
- Help Needed (ongoing): Wilmington Posted on October 13, 2011 by Reality VC
North Star Bowl is still in cleanup mode and would welcome any assistance they can get. Please contact them at (802) 464-5148 to see how you can help them.
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Woodstock
- Corn and Hay Needed: Woodstock Posted on October 20, 2011 by Reality VC
Irene wiped out my corn and hay fields. Need hay to survive winter, if anyone has extra hog grain I could use some of that too. John MacDonald 802-738-8443
Donations Information:
- Norwich residents wishing to volunteer/drop off donations in West Woodstock, please note that the clothing relief center, located in the Grange Hill building, is closing on October 31st. After October 31st, those effected by Irene can obtain vouchers for free clothing at the Woodstock Food Shelf. Until then, please continue to come to The Grange Hill building . New Hours :Mondays 4pm-6pm, Wednesdays 12noon-3pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm, Sundays 2pm-4pm, closed Tues, Thurs & Fri. Volunteers needed for clothes sorting and sizing and assisting those who come for no-cost clothing. Items provided to all people effected by Hurricane Irene.Located on Route 4 West, on right hand side when going towards Bridgewater, across from Woodstock Union High School soccer field. Look for “Clothing Relief” sign located at driveway entrance, park in back. Any questions please call organizers: Stephanie at (802) 457-2644 or (603) 646-3977 or Missy at (802)-299-2348 .The only donations needed and accepted at this time: Winter clothing for boys and male teens;winter boots for men,women & children; winter coats for women & children; new underwear for men & women; warm winter blankets; new pillows; personal care items. Many Thanks.
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Events & Fundraisers
- Golf Benefit for Flood Relief
802Relief will be hosting The 2011 802Relief Golf Classic on Sunday, October 23, 2011. The 18-hole team handicapped scramble will take place at Green Mountain National Golf Course. Funds are to benefit ongoing flood relief projects in Vermont. Cost is $100 per person/$400 per foursome and includes golf, cart and full dinner afterward. Registration forms can be downloaded at 802Relief.com or can be emailed to you by sending an email to 802Relief@gmail.com with the subject heading ‘Golf Registration’.
- Subject: [Norwich] 10/23 Benefit for flooded W Hartford Lib in Norwich
The Norwich Bookstore & The Countryman Press are proud to host The SOUL OF VERMONT Benefit To Rebuild the West Hartford Public Library
Sunday, October 23rd, 2 – 4 pm
at The Norwich Bookstore, 291 Main Street, Norwich, VT
**Richard Brown will be signing books!**
Nearly two months have passed since the floods of Irene devastated the
building and collection of the public library in West Hartford. Now more
than ever the library relies on the monetary generosity of citizens in order
to reopen and remain the vital resource center and meeting place it has
always been for the community.
Come to the Norwich Bookstore and help save the Library!
• The Bookstore will donate 10% of storewide sales that day to the library.
• The Countryman Press is donating copies of renowned photographer Richard
Brown’s book The Soul of Vermont, the consummate collection of
quintessential Vermont images. Richard Brown will be on hand to autograph
the books, for sale at a “special charity rate” of $50 each—ALL proceeds of
which go to support the library.
You can contribute creatively, too!
• What is your image of the Soul of Vermont? We invite submissions ahead of
time of your own photographs depicting the Soul of Vermont, and all images
we receive will be presented in a slide show during the event. Image files
may be emailed to soulofvt@gmail.com.
• We also want your words! We want to hear the stories and poems that sing
the Soul of Vermont. Submit your words to soulofvt@gmail.com and let us know
if you wish share yours, open-mic-style, at the gathering.
Please help spread the word about this benefit for the West Hartford
Library! Your generous support is much appreciated!
– Liza & Penny
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While the offer of book donations is certainly appreciated, the building
needs more work than originally thought and we are NOT able to accept books
at this time. Eventually, we will help the library restock their shelves
with donated and purchased books, but unfortunately neither the library or
the bookstore has the space to store books.
____________
If you are unable to attend the SOUL OF VERMONT event, you can still support
the library in a variety of ways.
Donations to the building fund should be sent to
Friends of the West Hartford Library
P.O. Box 3
West Hartford, VT 05084
Donations for the book fund to replace the damaged books can be processed
through the bookstore’s website as a Norwich Bookstore Gift Card. Simply
designate the West Hartford Library as the recipient.
Checks may be sent to the Friends address above or to
The Norwich Bookstore
P O Box 307
291 Main Street
Norwich, VT 05055
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Please feel free to call or email for more information. The Soul of Vermont Benefit to Rebuild the West Hartford Library Facebook page has been created for up to the minute news.
Countryman Press
Tom Haushalter
thaushalter@wwnorton.com
Norwich Bookstore
Liza Bernard
802 649 1114
info@norwichbookstore.com
norwichbookstore.com
- Spaghetti Dinner (10/24): Barre Posted on October 20, 2011 by Reality VC
There’s a all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner in Barre on 10/24 at 5:30 to benefit Irene Recovery. It’s at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 39 Washington Street in Barre and is by donation.
- Subject: [Hanover Discussion] Flood Fundraiser for The Hart Family RebuildingFund
Fundraiser for The Hart Family Rebuilding Fund
Help the Hart’s, long-time ‘Trail Angels’ for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers,
affected by Tropical Storm Irene in the Vermont Flood.
When: Friday, October 28 · 6:00pm – 11:30pm
Where: VFW White River Jct., VT
We’ll have a 6:00 p.m. cocktail hour, 7:00 dinner, silent auction 7:00 p.m.
on, music starting at 9:00 til ?. All welcome to attend. Tickets $20 per
person. For tickets contact Pat (Dow) Hackett, c/o The Hart Family, PO Box
40, W. Hartford, VT 05084. or Facebook or e-mail pthcktt@yahoo.com. or call
207-571-9169
To view and RSVP on facebook, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196190717120347
- Upper Valley News: Sisters Turn Hobby Into Help
Buy a pendant and help these girls raise funds for Irene here!
Read the Article (PDF):
- The Giving Tree
802Relief, a Rutland-based nonprofit created after Irene, is establishing ‘The Giving Tree.’ ‘The Giving Tree(s)’ will be located in various storefronts in Rutland and the surrounding communities. Vermonters who were affected by flooding can anonymously request the donation of specific items they need. The ‘Tree’ will be given ‘leaves’ that patrons to the store can ‘pick’ and will go purchase the item. The item will be brought to 802Relief’s offices, where it will then be brought to the person or persons in need. Requests should be made to: 802Relief@gmail.com with the subject heading of ‘Giving Tree’ The message should include the needed item and the name, address and contact information (which will NOT be on the leaf, but is needed so we can get the item to the person) For further detail, contact Scott Tommola at (802)236-1381.
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Donations:
- Hartford Municipal Building Flood Relief Clean-up Donation:
we still have in our Municipal basement. If you need any items or know of anyone person/group that wants the items – please have them contact me, Tad Nunez, Cell: 802.356.4176
- We have two brand new (but not great quality) single box springs and 2 single mattresses (nothing to write home about but adequate) if you know of anyone in need – outfitting temporary living space, etc. Happy to donate – just let me know.
- The Winter Warmth Project Posted on October 21, 2011 by Reality VC
The Winter Warmth Project has a new handmade quilt for every person who lost home and/or belongings due to the flooding from Irene. This is an ongoing opportunity. There is no deadline. To receive your quilt, please e-mail winterwarmthproject@yahoo.comwith contact info, and your color and size preference.
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Other Volunteer Opportunities
- Subject: [Norwich] Critical need for blood donors this month!Currently, the community blood supply for types O positive and A
positive are at an emergency level and O negative, A negative are at a
critical level for New England’s blood supply. There continue to be
lingering effects of the September flooding, which has had a prolonged
negative impact on the number of blood donations received by the
American Red Cross and our local hospitals. Here are three upcoming
area blood drives at which you could donate:Friday 10/21/11: American Red Cross Blood Drive in Lebanon: Noon to
5:30 p.m., 180 Heater Rd, Lebanon, NH
Wednesday 10/26/11: American Red Cross Blood Drive in White River
Junction: Noon to 5:30 p.m., American Legion, 215 North Main St, White
River Junction, VT
Monday 10/31/11: American Red Cross Blood Drive in Canaan: 1:00 to
6:00 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish, Rt. 4, Canaan, NHDonating blood takes 45 minutes of your day and can save up to three
lives. You can give blood once every eight weeks. Please visit
http://www.redcrossblood.com for more information and to schedule your next
(or first!) donation! As if one needed more incentive than free
cookies and the chance to save someone’s life, all donors in the month
of October will be automatically entered in a raffle for the chance to
win a Bermuda cruise for two; visit
http://www.redcrossblood.org/NNEcruise for details. Hope to see you
at one of the upcoming blood drives!
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Appreciation
“Thank you for helping all your hard work and generosity in helping with the post-Irene clean-up! Your volunteerism and donations have made it possible for those affected by the flood to get ready for the winter ahead. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Tomorrow is the final showing of Northern Stage’s Romeo and Juliet:
- A Thank You for Volunteers Posted on October 17, 2011 by Reality VC
An incredibly generous offer to thank those who volunteered after Irene.
We here at Northern Stage would like to thank Irene clean-up volunteers for their service by giving each of them up to two free tickets to see our live production of “Romeo and Juliet” this week (subject to availability). The performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 5:00 at the Briggs Opera House in downtown White River Junction. This is a professional production featuring New York actors.
I’d love it if you have a way to get the word out about this. No proof of service needed; we’re working on the honor system.
If anyone wants to get a taste of the show, they can see it here:
http://blip.tv/northern-stage-presents/live-from-northern-stage-s-romeo-and-juliet-5641259
Folks can call the Box Office at 802-296-7000 to claim their free tickets.
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Email us at: vermontvolunteerism@gmail.com
(The information listed here is compiled from town websites, blogs and e-mails)
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Related articles
- FEMA Meeting (gerritsenbeach.net)
Heroin Treatment Centers 11:08 am on March 23, 2013 Permalink |
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely
enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
nicholehastings 11:16 am on March 23, 2013 Permalink |
Good day to you too! Please feel free to follow me in twitter at @nicholehastings or you may follow my blog and have postings sent to your email inbox.
What is your twitter ID? I would like to learn more about you as well. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my blog and appreciate you reaching out to me. Thank you. It’s these human connections which I find so precious in living life in this world.
nicholehastings 11:42 am on March 23, 2013 Permalink |
I just realized I made an error in which twitter ID I gave you. I will give you the Vermont volunteerism twitter ID but it hasn’t been used in a while. I have to look it up so i’ll get back to you with that.
This blog was started to contain all the information for flood relief efforts for Tropical Storm Irene in the fall of 2011. I t has basically been inactive now for a year and a half. The idea was it would eventually change over to a resource in sourcing volunteer opportunities in Vermont but hadn’t quite gotten there.