Community

Congratulations go out to Doug Masson of Cambridge who was recently recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Northeast region of the AARP Driver Safety Program. Doug is well deserving of the award and is an example of the kind of volunteer who routinely goes above and beyond -- for both his students and in supporting the statewide program. Dave Peters, former state coordinator for Vermont shared the following upon nominating Doug for this recognition:

Take a father, grandfather or grandchild out to the ballpark on Father's Day! AARP has made 100 free tickets available for the June 21 game against the Lowell Spinners! Tickets are available only after June 1. Call 802-655-6611 or stop by the box office at Centennial Field in Burlington -- after June 1.

Witho ut a doubt, the Vermont Gas pipeline project has stirred up plenty of controversy. There’s environmental impact challenges, troubling property rights issues and even the fracking debate, but little has been said about who is paying the freight on this monumental undertaking. Current ratepayers! Over the next 35 years, ratepayers will have to pony up over $270 million in additional rates to pay for what is now at least a $153 million endeavor. All of this is justified by a claim that the overall public good is being served. That rationale is questionable at best.

Free Shredding Day In South Burlington:

Nearly 700 residents of Orleans County, including over 300 from Newport, responded to a citywide survey of livability needs and issues spotlighting a number of key findings as the city works towards becoming more “age friendly”. The findings will help inform the work of the Newport Age Friendly Advisory Council as they formulate recommendations and develop an action plan moving forward. The areas of focus in the survey centered on the following:

Join us in Rutland, Morrisville, Bellows Falls or Manchester

Mr. Johnson, a former farmer, is not allowed outside for walks. You hear rumors that there is not enough staff at your local nursing home. Would you like to have a positive impact on situations like these, but don't know how?

Four small organizations with big plans have been selected to receive Community Action Grants from AARP Vermont supporting their efforts to make Newport a more “Age-Friendly” city. In partnering with AARP Vermont, Newport has committed to embrace the changing demographics of an aging population by focusing on safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services and community engagement opportunities for all ages. These Community Action Grants support that direction by funding small, grassroots organizations that are working to advance the Age Friendly movement.

Elliott Greenblott of Brattleboro, VT participated in the graduation ceremony for the AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute or VLI in Washington, DC in February. He was joined by 32 other exceptional volunteers from all across the country. Richard Harwood, founder and president of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, was a guest speaker.