Dave Reville

Rep. Sibilia led the effort in the statehouse to expand internet access across VT

Have you considered an ADU ("Mother in law apartment")?

At Greater Northshire Access Television’s (GNAT) annual Volunteer Appreciation event, the 2018 “GNATTY” Award for exceptional service was awarded to Elliott Greenblott. Elliott, the Vermont Fraud Watch Network state coordinator for AARP Vermont is a natural host for his regular series Mr. Scammer. GNAT-TV and Elliott have produced 15 shows and 17 special scam alerts, which provide specific information about the latest financial and identity scams. Viewers hear from experts on a variety of topics such as, identity theft, investment fraud and internet fraud.

Following is a list of community presentations scheduled for May and June around Vermont. These sessions are conducted by trained expert and are designed to give attendees the information and resources to protect themselves and their families from scams and fraud. They are free and open to the public.

The FCC on Friday warned consumers of a surge in robocalls known as the

Elliott Greenblott, state coordinator of AARP's Fraud Watch Network, conducted a TV interview with one of Vermont's top fraud investigators last week. Bill Carrigan is deputy commissioner of the State's Division of Financial Regulation. He shares his perspectives on a range of securities frauds, real estate scams, Ponzi schemes and other crimes that put Vermonters at risk. The "Mr. Scammer" program is produced at Greater Northshire Access Television (GNAT-TV) in Southern VT and airs on cable access stations across the state. It is hosted by Elliott Greenblott. View it here: https://youtu.be/MV-UeBf-cm0

For more than 70 years, the annual Town Officer Education Conferences have provided an opportunity for municipal officials and citizen volunteers to receive updates on tax laws; learn about new technology, procedures and programs; and discuss other job-related matters. The conferences, sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension in collaboration with several partner organizations, will be held on April 4, 2019 at Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee, and on April 11, 2019 at the Holiday Inn, Rutland.

A recent AARP placemaking workshop in White River Jct. attracted some 80 town and city planners, community organizers, grassroots groups and local citizens to learn more about creating public spaces that are vibrant, welcoming, safe and accessible for everyone. These projects employ temporary changes with the goal of leading to permanent change that supports healthy active lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities. The workshop featured a number of presentations on actual projects that have been launched in VT towns as well as a some exciting hands-on workshop sessions. A highlight for attendees was the announcement by AARP Vermont that up to three mini-grants of $3,000 each will be made to eligible organizations, local towns and cities embarking on such initiatives.

Linda Bowden of Burlington has been has been appointed State President of AARP Vermont, a volunteer position working closely with both staff and volunteers throughout the state to help AARP achieve its mission in Vermont. Her responsibilities include serving as a volunteer spokesperson, chairing the AARP Vermont Advisory Council, building networks and community partnerships, and recruiting volunteers.

AARP Vermont held a Placemaking workshop in White River Junction on March 13. In addition to several excellent presentations, and announcement was made about funding opportunities for local projects around the state. (See links to presentations below.)