United Way of Addison County

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

LIVE UNITED A Special Publication of The Addison Independent October 23, 2014

Improve our quality of life Change will not happen without you

By UNITED WAY STAFF achieve their potential through programs that United Way of Addison County is kicking off focus on school readiness, early grade reading our fundraising campaign and we are calling for proficiency, life-long learning opportunities, and your support! after-school and alternative education programs.

Here at your local United Way we focus on You support our youth by volunteering, provideducation, financial stability and health — the ing after-school and mentoring programs for atbuilding blocks for a good qualrisk youth and much more. ity of life. United Way of Addison Every donation • In Financial Stability: You County works with the commupromote the financial stability increases nity to recruit people and orgaand independence of households nizations that bring the passion, support to through programs that provide expertise and resources needed to dozens of affordable housing, quality childget things done. We invite you to remarkable care, reliable transportation, cabe part of the change. reer mentoring, financial training, This year’s goal is $720,000. non-profits that and tax preparation assistance in Yes, another challenge year. Re- work in these addition to meeting basic needs quests over the past 10 years have priority areas. such as shelters and food. increased at 4 percent annually • In Health: You help people and the trend is expected to conin our community improve their tinue this year. Every gift counts as we all work health through programs that increase access to keep pace with the needs in our community. to health care and support for independent livWe truly feel that this community can and will ing. You work as part of a coalition to fight subrise to this challenge to help create opportunities stance abuse and its effects on individuals and for a better life for all in Addison County. our community, and to reduce child abuse and What are you supporting when you give to domestic violence.

United Way of Addison County?

Every donation increases support to dozens • In Education: You help children and youth (See Change, Page 6)

Here’s your chance to make a difference in Addison County

KARL LINDHOLM AND BRETT MILLIER UWAC 2014 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

Help us provide support to your friends and neighbors Greetings, friends: We are pleased and honored to be the CoChairs of this year’s United Way Campaign.

We have lived in Middlebury most of our adult lives — and are grateful indeed to live and raise our children in such a beautiful environment and such a rich and supportive community. For us, participating in the United Way Campaign is a gesture of our appreciation for our community.

The programs and agencies of the United

Way address the needs of those among us most in need of support — for some it’s help to get started or back on their feet, and for others it’s ongoing care in order to live a meaningful life. United Way partners provide health-care services, financial assistance, education, food, shelter, end-of-life care, child and elder-care, transportation — such important support — to people of all ages. In turn, these organizations ask for our assistance to help them continue (See Chairs, Page 4)

By ROBIN SCHEU UWAC Board President We are so fortunate to live in this place called Addison County. It is a diverse and beautiful community in which to live, work and play. In survey after survey, our citizens say they love it here for some of the following reasons: • It is a great place to raise a family.

• This is a small, accessible community.

• We wanted to live and raise our families in a safe, beautiful place.

• Everyone knows everyone.

• We take care of our own.

Clearly, it’s the people of Addison County and their commitment to this region that can and does make a difference in having a strong, healthy and vital community. A critical component to the success of the whole community is, I believe, support of the local United Way. The United Way of Addison County is one of the few organizations in the county that can see the big picture of what is needed for all of our citizens to succeed.

The United Way supports efforts to give people a hand up — not a hand out.

Whether a child in pre-school whose main

ROBIN SCHEU meal is the lunch they receive at school; a teenager who needs a place to just hang out and be safe; a single parent struggling to make ends meet; or a senior citizen who (See Robin Scheu, Page 4)

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JOIN US ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH ALL DAY

:

10:30am till 9pm

:

Dine in or Take out

30% of sales will be donated to: the United Way of Addison County

Call ahead to have your order ready â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dine in or take out.

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>-: 5-)4; ?144 *- 8:7>1,-, <7 .743; ?07 6--, <0-5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16+4 seniors who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easily leave their homes United Wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Impact Fund- request to award. ing process, or CIF, is the highlight of our Last year, based on dollars raised, they campaign year. It is also an excellent exam- were able to award 60% of grant requests ple of â&#x20AC;&#x153;keeping it local.â&#x20AC;? The process begins overall to 31 local programs from 27 organiwith local people contributing to the annual zations. The choices are not easy and seem fundraising campaign and ends with local to get harder each year as our requests for people deciding where those funds should funding have well outpaced our campaign be spent to make the most impact in Health, dollars raised for the last decade. Yet these Education and Financial Stability. teams with thoughtful deliberation and great Last year we had 33 volunteers work compassion arrive at funding decisions that from January through early April on three help meet the needs of our separate community impact fundcommunity, the health and ing committees. Our human service system of volunteers range from care and the individuals Middlebury College served. students to retirees.

Over the years, changes Our list of volunteers have been made to the includes folks with process including a more backgrounds in raisrigorous look at sustainability ing families, marketing, and program performance and Curiosity, a education, healthcare, finance, commitment moving to an on-line applismall business, non-profit mancation. Last year introduced to making agement and so on. the newest improvement to The team is made up of peo- things better the process: three-year grant ple who have lived here their in Addison awards. Starting with agenwhole lives and who moved County and cies applying for funding in here within the last year, 13the Education impact area, last year veterans of the process a love of their yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application and award and first timers, people who community. came with a commitment to rarely leave the state to people They join level fund for a three-year pewho have travelled the world, riod with simple updates to the a 45-year and people with lots of time application rather than submiton their hands and people that tradition with ting a full application. we wonder how they fit another UWAC â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by This year, applications in the thing in their calendars!

Financial Stability impact area our reckoning, What did all our volunteers will be for a three-year round have in common? Curiosity, a a list of and next year will add the commitment to making things volunteers that Health impact area. better in Addison County and a spans three In the mid-cycle years, orgalove of their community. They generations and nizations will update financial join a 45-year tradition with information and outcomes inUWAC â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by our reckoning, over 400 people formation and volunteer teams a list of volunteers that spans during that time will meet with them in summer three generations and over 400 frame! or fall to talk about program people during that time frame! results and trends. Our hope Our CIF volunteers receive is that this will save agencies training and support as they time and allow for greater staread through their assigned grants, con- bility in their budgeting process. We also vene in teams to plan visits to the agencies hope that this will allow our volunteers and ask questions that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t translate well more time for their review process as the in a written grant application, make their number of applications needing a thorough site visits to see programs in action and to review will be more manageable. meet the people doing amazing work, evaluWe are beginning the process of forming ate the application and program, and then our volunteer teams and encourage anyone reconvene to make the hard choices about interested in being part of the process to call which grants to fund and how much of the us to find out more!

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Mention the United Way and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take 10% off your order.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For 31 years we have been helping the United Way help our community. Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you help us help them?â&#x20AC;?

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United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014 — PAGE 3

New faces at United Way Welcome to Natasha Lawyer, our new administrative assistant I started volunteering here to fulfill a requirement to a program I was involved in.

While I was volunteering here I became very aware of the community around me, how much nonprofit agencies in Addison County need the help of their community. Seeing all this going on made me want to be a very real part of the solution and to be a big part of the community.

The most surprising thing I have learned about myself is that life is not all about what is going on in my own home or family, but the people around me and my family.

As a mom of two lovely children, I have learned to have a lot of patience, which is something I have found that is needed as an administrative assistant because the working never stops coming.

Welcome to Cicilia Robison, our new intern I am a first year student at Middlebury College from Kalispell, Mont. I wanted to gain experience in a nonprofit office environment, and help my new community while at the same time completing my work-study for college.

I have learned about the numerous ways one person can impact their community with just a small donation, consisting of anything from money, to time, to food and beyond.

I come from a small community in Montana that is similar to Addison County, but we lacked afterschool activities. For me, this meant lots of time spent studying, but for many of my classmates, it meant that they went looking for less healthy ways to entertain themselves. The fact that the United Way helps to provide afterschool activities and safe havens ensures that the upcoming generations are able to have a much healthier base from which to leap into adulthood.

Welcome to John Kromer, our financial stability initiatives manager I bring 25-plus years of experience in financial services and business, including consulting experience from the private sector. I have a long history of nonprofit volunteer work and a longstanding relationship with, and passion for, the United Way and its mission.

Welcome to Steve Williams, our accounting and data manager Initially, I came aboard as a seasonal coordinator for our free self-prepared income tax program called Fast Tax. At the time, I took the position to supplement my income while working my way through Champlain College as an adult learner. I have worked in the world of personal income tax preparation for another area business, and had some insights I could share with people who genuinely wanted to learn and file their own tax returns, thus saving money. When my current position became available in June, I was already familiar and had good rapport with the staff, and I viewed it as an excellent opportunity to put my accounting education to good use.

When processing my first batch of donation checks, the overwhelming generosity of other people left a profound impression on me. Having worked in retail over many years previously, assembling deposits was simply a practical function of the job. Here at the United Way, each donation check indicates the trust people are extending to the United Way and its partner agencies in the pursuit of improving the quality of life for everyone here in Addison County. It is a humbling responsibility.

One of my favorite creatures is the manatee, an endangered aquatic mammal found in warmer climates such as Florida. They have no natural predators, nor do they prey on any other animal. They generally live their lives as solitary creatures (except during the winter months), but they exhibit loyal and selfless qualities. They will adopt and take care of other orphaned calves.

They will attempt to rescue their own kind when they become entangled in rope or other underwater obstructions.

Even recently, one kept a dog company while it was trapped in water, awaiting rescue. To me, they are a great example from the animal kingdom of the nobler, natural instincts that we as people ought to emulate as we seek to help one another, one person at a time.

Dining On the Banks of The Otter Creek

10% of Lunch and Dinner Sales will be donated to United Way on November 4, 5 & 6 OPEN

Breakfast: Saturday & Sunday • Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday (Dinner Reservations Recommended)

3 Mill Street • Middlebury, VT • 388-1063 thestormcafe.com

Thank You United Way for Your Support!

55 School St., PO Box 356, Vergennes, VT 05491 www.bgcvergennes.org • (802)877-6344

PAGE 4 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014

Young people add to our community United Way of Addison County would like their service and commitment to community to foster community service in all community this year: members, but especially in our youth. Youth • Kyler Blodgett (Middlebury College) — awards come with a small grant Page 1 Literacy Project, UWAC to be given to the nonprofit orCommunity Impact Funding. ganization of the recipient’s Each nominee • Summer Chabot (Vergennes choice. Nominated youth were spoke to the Union Elementary School) — recognized for their contribution audience about 5th-Grade Kids Can Make A to our community at our Days of Difference Project! the work they Caring Celebration on Sept. 25.

• Derek Jackson (Mount For this award we look for did, why they Abraham Union High School) nominees who have shown ini- did it and what — The Hub Teen Center. tiative and creativity in working it meant to • Kira Johnson (Vergennes on a community service project, Union High School) — Boys & service that has resulted in a pos- them.

Girls Club of Greater Vergennes. itive impact in the community, • Isabelle “Izzy” Moody and personal learning on the part of the vol- (Mount Abraham Union High School) — unteer. Each nominee spoke to the audience Mount Abraham Union High School Food about the work they did, why they did it and Program. what it meant to them.

• Firas Nasr (Middlebury College) — MidWe congratulated the following students for dlebury College Services Organization.

Chairs

Caring and doing

MIDDLEBURY UNION HIGH School students spruce up a local property with some paint during the Sept. 25 Day of Caring. Volunteers did all sorts of jobs from clearing a trail to washing windows to writing thank you notes.

wise in need of help. The analogy is hardly (Continued from Page 1) precise, but the United Way, for us, is the clostheir crucial work.

We spent last year teaching in West Africa est thing we have to the kind of care and supwith our two teen-age children. Cameroon port we could provide in Cameroon. We know is a poor country. We found ourselves in a where our gift will go: it stays right here to help our friends and neighbors. position at times to be of dican hardly invest in a more rect help to some of our CamAddison County We efficient and effective charity. eroonian friends: Tomas, who Our United Way Campaign did the yardwork at the house is not West we rented, lost his three-week- Africa, but there is not able to meet all the requests that our partners make of old son and could not afford a are individuals us. Their work is so important. proper burial; Richard, who It would be wonderful if we drove us where we needed to and families go in the capitol of Yaounde, here likewise in could meet and exceed our goal of $720,000 this year. Please needed help when his wife was need of help. join us in the Campaign this fall admitted to the hospital. In both and continue to make Addison cases, we could come to their aid immediately, and could see the results of County the kind of community we all want to be a part of. our support Best wishes, Addison County is not West Africa, but Karl Lindholm and Brett Millier there are individuals and families here like-

Robin Scheu (Continued from Page 1) needs adult day care, the United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential.

When you give to the United Way, you too are supporting this work to provide opportunities for all of our citizens to achieve their potential and enjoy the advantages of living in this special place the way so many of us

do now.

Our citizens — you — have stated that “we take care of our own.” The United Way offers the chance for you to do just that. I hope you will join me in a commitment to the people of Addison County who benefit from a gift to the United Way. Please give as generously as you are able so that everyone in Addison County has the hope of success.

“Celebrating 30 years of helping children discover their love for learning”

“Thank you United Way for your support”!

Please call (802) 388-9688 for more information Middlebury, VT • www.ottercreekcc.org

United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014 — PAGE 5

Tax Program = $190,394 into Addison County Households!

Helping Hands Across Addison County

Thank You United Way

UWAC Results Based Accountability Performace Results

WEYBRIDGE, VERMONT • 545-2119

Proudly supporting the

VOLUNTEERS of

UNITED WAY 91 Main Street | Middlebury, VT

388-2811

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

and all the work they do for our community.

Monday–Friday 8am-5:30pm Thursday evenings until 8pm Saturday appointments available

www.middleburyeye.com

Financial education: Earn it, keep it, grow it

The Need for Financial Education at Work classes are offered during the work day.

As you know, life issues can get in the way The five financial workshops are one hour in of work. Problems like transportation, child- length and the topics include: care or housing typically have a relationship • Setting Financial Goals to understanding and implementing a family • Building Budgets and Spending Plans budget.

• Understanding Credit It’s not a surprise that workplace financial • Savings Plans education was identified as a priority in a • Asset Building and Investments 2009 Society of Human Resource ManageAll participants will rement (SHRM) survey in which employers ceive materials, including a reported: 26 percent increase in credit calculator and a savemployees having their ings calculator, and a free wages garnished by colcredit score. In addition, lection agencies; 39 perincentives will be offered cent increase in requests for completing the workfor 401(k) plans; and a 20 shop series and surveys.

In addition percent increase in requests Outcomes and Evaluation for pay advances.

We will ask participants to to teaching Description of the Program basic financial complete surveys that will asThis pilot program, titled Fi- concepts and sess basic financial literacy, nancial EKG – Earn It, Keep It, debt and savings levels, and Grow It, was designed to meet strategies, par- the impact financial stress has the needs of low- to moderate- ticipants will on their work lives in order income workers. Through this get informato measure the success of the program, 288 employees from tion on how to program. In addition, HR pro18 workplaces across the state leverage emfessionals and supervisors will will receive comprehensive fisurveyed to determine what ployer benefits be nancial education offered at their impact the workshops have on workplace. On completion of the and community employee absentee rates, job course, participants are able to resources. satisfaction, and requests for take advantage of one-on-one fipay advances or other kinds of nancial coaching. employee loan programs.

In addition to teaching basic financial For more information contact: John concepts and strategies, participants will get Kromer, Financial Stability Initiatives Maninformation on how to leverage employer ager at United Way of Addison County, by benefits and community resources. Employ- calling 802-388-7189 or emailing him at ees won’t encounter barriers to attending john@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org. More the workshops because of transportation, information is online at www.unitedwayadchildcare or multiple job responsibilities as disoncounty.org.

on of i t p i r c Des ram: g o r p the

We are proud to be a United Way supporter.

www.woodwarevt.com Route 7 South • Middlebury • 388-6297

PAGE 6 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014

Change (Continued from Page 1) of remarkable non-profits that work in these priority areas. Please read the list included in this supplement of our 2014 Community Impact Partners to fully appreciate the importance of our work. Each year UWAC trains community volunteers to review grant proposals, interview potential grantees, and make funding recommendations based on the quality and impact of each organizations programs.

One of UWAC’s top priorities is insuring individuals and families are financially stable. For UWAC, this means supporting programs that meet basic needs, create access to safe and affordable housing, reduce work absences due to unreliable transportation and child care, and increase the ability to build income, savings and assets. The “Earn It, Keep It, Grow It” program teaches basic financial literacy to low and moderate-wage employees in the workplace. Free tax Of course, none of this preparation ensures lowincome families access is possible tax benefits they deserve. without Funding our Community passionate Impact Partners enables reliable transportation, and childcare, housing and bacommitted sic needs to keep individuvolunteers als working. who, like UWAC’s approach inUWAC tegrates the three building believe each blocks of education, inof us have a come and health — and it’s role to play making a difference. In our partner program “Everyin creating body Wins!” 85 percent of a better participating students say Addison that their mentor helped them to read better, and 64 County. percent of parents noted improved or greatly improved reading abilities.

In a side benefit, 81 percent of students said that they felt that more adults care about them!

Of course, none of this is possible without passionate and committed volunteers who, like UWAC believe each of us have a role to play in creating a better Addison County.

You have an important role to play as a donor.

Every gift, no matter the size, determines the ability of UWAC’s partners and programs to make gains in health, education and financial stability.

You can learn more and even make a donation on the UWAC website, but please act now. Donate on-line or call us for a pledge form as soon as possible, and alongside us, take pride I how you are building a successful Addison County.

Change won’t happen without YOU. Be part of the change. You can Give. You can Advocate.

You can Volunteer.

THIS VIEW OF Holley Hall in Bristol and nearby homes on North Street was painted by professional artist Reed Prescott as a representation of the small towns that the United Way of Addison County serves. The image appears on notecards and prints for sale by the United Way.

Own a piece of art and help United Way United Way of Addison County has teamed up with Bristol artist Reed Prescott to create this beautiful painting, which will grace the cover of our thank you notes and other printed materials this year. It represents the small town communities that make up Addison County and how important community is to us. This painting is a view of Holley Hall in Bristol and the surrounding homes that make up a corner of downtown Bristol.

This project will invite local artists each

year to submit art depicting their vision of “community” and to have you — the members of our Addison County community — select the art that will cover our future printed materials. There will be more information about this project in upcoming months.

You can own a piece of this art!

Giclée prints, and Notecards are available for sale on our website and directly from the artist.

Order at www.unitedwayaddisoncounty.org,

by phone at 802-388-7189 or at Verde Mountain on Main Street in Bristol.

Notecards are a great way to show your support for United Way and for local art! Giclée prints will make a beautiful gift that supports your community The original painting is for sale and can be viewed at Verde Mountain in Bristol.

All proceeds will be split between UWAC and the artist.

Great things are happening thanks to our donors Community Volunteers make the decisions on where to spend your United Way gifts.

You, our donors and volunteers, set the stage for great things to happen in Addison County in 2014 through Community Impact Funding Grants. The goal this year was for: • 123 children to attend early education centers and develop skills essential to their well-being and success • 165 parents to enhance their parenting

skills, building stronger and safer families • 270 middle and high school youth to regularly attend after school programing and develop healthy habits and relationships.

• 198 individuals or families to experience empowerment and well-being as they transition back into permanent housing.

• Over 89,000 meals to be provided to folks who need them — including kids during summer vacation and seniors who can’t easily

leave their homes.

• 2,645 adults to receive timely, appropriate and affordable health care and experience better health.

• As many as 72,900 free medical rides to also help folks get the care they need.

• 282 folks to be supported in their efforts to recover from addictions through peer support, coaching and employment services.

People Helping People

Counseling Service of Addison County, Inc Serving the Community Since 1959 89 Main St, Middlebury, VT (802) 388-6751 • www.csac.vt.org For Emergency services call (802) 388-7641 24 hours a day/365 days a year

Member Agency • United Way

Five-town group working to end drug addiction

United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014 — PAGE 7

For the past three years, United Way of Ad- individuals on the waiting list will be moved to dison County has worked with many individu- the active patient list by year end as federal regals and organizations that make up the 5 Town ulations regarding case load and medical pracDrug and Safety Coalition. This group has tice growth rates are met. Until this year, Adworked to raise awareness about opiate and dison County was the only county in the state other addiction issues, support law enforcement without this critical treatment option. in their efforts to tend to drug related crimes and In addition, United Way has committed anfind ways to expand addiction treatment servic- other $20,000 for other recovery support in anes in the county. ticipation of the growing need for Earlier in the year, these efforts Initial reports local supports as more and more got a boost from Gov. Shumlin’s Addison County residents begin State of the State address, which indicate that to seek local support options. This highlighted the growing problem 35 people grant is comprised of $15,000 of addiction in the state and called are currently from our Funders’ Collaborative on all communities to come toand another $5,000 raised during receiving gether to think creatively about the summer by Nancy and Russ solutions to this growing concern. treatment and Luke and Kate McGowan on a As a result, there is a renewed that there is a 340-mile bike ride across Iowa county-wide effort to continue the waiting list of called RABRAI (The Register’s work that started three years ago Annual Bike Ride Across Iowa). around law enforcement and treat- approximately Grant awards are for the followment options and to add on a more 80 people ing organizations and services: collaborative and creative effort seeking a local $10,000 Counseling Service towards prevention, education and treatment of Addison County. Purpose: Emlong term supports for people in ployment Services to support peooption. recovery. ple in recovery with job readiness, United Way of Addison County job search and job retention. and Vermont Community Foundation, which $5,000 Turning Point Center. Purpose: are collaborating, are able to support these ef- Peer-to-peer recovery supports and overcoming forts financially through a $25,000 Funders’ barriers to meeting attendance.

Collaborative Grant to Porter Medical Center $4,000 Counseling Service of Addison to support the startup costs related to bringing County. Purpose: To provide financial aid for medically assisted treatment for opioid addic- other alternative recovery supports such as tions to Addison County and to collaborate mindfulness practice, acupuncture, yoga and/or closely with other recovery service providers. transportation costs for clients shared with PorInitial reports indicate that 35 people are cur- ter Medical Practice. rently receiving treatment and that there is a $1,000 5-Town Drug & Safety Coalition. waiting list of approximately 80 people seek- Purpose: Education and public awareness caming a local treatment option. The plan is that the paigns and materials.

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Thank you, United Way, for your work in our communities!

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She cares

PAM PEZZULO HELPS with thank you notes at the United Way office on Court Street in Middlebury.

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Member owned. Member committed.

PAGE 8 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014

Days of Caring Makes a Big Local Impact!

The numbers are in from this September’s Days of Caring

Who took part:

Volunteered:

With the support of:

807 individuals from Middlebury College, MUHS, the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, retirement communities, local middle schools, area businesses, teen centers, nonprofit agencies, and the community at large

3,418 hours on Sept. 25th and 27th

60 wonderfully generous business and nonprofit sponsors

Joining forces to complete:

95 projects at 46 local social service agencies, libraries, schools, museums, farms, shelters, nursing homes, churches and town offices

For a total value of:

MORE THAN 800 people gave their time and their sweat as volunteer helpers during the Sept. 25 and 27 Days of Caring. Above, two Middlebury College students with college Poverty Initiatives Coordinator Quanteshia Tennyson and Chaplain Laurie Jordan take a break from their gardening project. Below left, Phoebe Barash and Bob Donnis team up at Whiting Elementary School while, below, Dave Quesnel stuffs envelopes at the United Way office.

$73,726 in donated labor to our community!

All of this took place during two beautiful, sunny, uplifting days of community spirit!

Our volunteers eagerly traveled to all corners of Addison County to help their neighbors through the nonprofit agencies that serve us all. The weather was perfect and the breakfast rally at the Congregational Church of Middlebury got everyone into the spirit of the day, inspired by United Way’s moving message (and lots of delicious food donated by local businesses!).

Here’s a sampling of the good work that was accomplished: • Middlebury College sports teams cleaned out basements, dug a sandbox, organized a barn, prepared gardens for the winter, created a library’s Mystery section, varnished preschool furniture and toys, and harvested potatoes and cabbages for local food shelves.

• Middlebury Union High School students washed windows, dusted library stacks, weeded and mulched gardens, trimmed bushes, cleaned a hockey rink, painted picket fences, and baked delicious cookies for Community Meals.

(See Spirit, Page 10)

Support our Local Agencies.

Stay Involved. Stay Connected.

Contribute today to the United Way.

Telecommunications Sales & Service Data Cabling & Fiber Optics

John Fuller, Master Plumber • 388-2019

802-388-8999 John and Jim Fitzgerald

Serving Addison County since 1989

United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014 — PAGE 9

CYCLISTS INTENTLY FOCUS on a volunteer spinning instructor at Middlebury Fitness during the Spin United event last January. Participants worked their bodies in exchange for pledges to the United Way of Addison County.

Spin United

Independent file photo/Alex Munteanu

Make the 2nd annual event an even bigger success MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Fitness will again be sponsoring our exciting SPIN UNITED event on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Last year this event raised $8,000 in one day! These are funds that go directly back out into our community. We will follow the same format of six hours of non-stop action as spin cyclist teams and individuals pedal their way to a win for our community. Spinners can ride in one-hour segments or the whole six hours

— and yes, several people did spin for all six hours last year.

Anyone can join in the fun. You do not have to be a member of Middlebury Fitness. Spin as an individual or form a team to vie for prizes as the individual or team that can raise the most money! Every hour you will spin with a different and amazing local instructor who is donating their time to keep you going and keep you strong.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the

United Way of Addison County,” said Middlebury Fitness’s Jerrod Rushton. “Middlebury Fitness remains committed to the betterment of our community and we are honored to facilitate what has been shown to be a highly energetic and successful annual event through which all proceeds will go to benefit our neighbors, friends and family members who are proud to call Addison County their home.”

What a great way to show that our community’s health initiatives are important to you.

Let’s see if we can beat last year incredible total and aim for $10,000!

Water bottles and snacks will be provided to all participants and cheerleaders are welcome to come and cheer you on!

So, round up your team or yourself and log on to www.unitedwayaddisoncounty.org to sign up and reserve your bike(s).

For questions call UWAC at 388-7189 or Middlebury Fitness at 802-388-3744. Don’t wait to sign up, available bikes will go fast.

THE SPIN UNITED event at Middlebury Fitness in January 2014 proved to be a challenging and rewarding fundraiser for many of those who took part. More than 100 participants raised over $7,000 for the local United Way. Independent file photos/Alex Munteanu

PAGE 10 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014

Spirit

MARY-CLAIRE CROGAN SHARES her time and talents with United Way.

(Continued from Page 8) • Hannaford Career Center students painted barns, cleared trails, constructed a playground, finished a greenhouse, organized theater costumes, assisted with childcare, painted a school, rehabilitated an outdoor classroom, fixed fences, washed windows, dug a sandbox, spruced up a garden, and built picnic tables.

• Local businesses sent volunteer teams who made muffins for preschoolers, cleared trails, washed windows, cleaned out basements, spread mulch, painted the Senior Center, and prepared a delicious dinner at a transitional shelter.

• Middlebury College staff cleaned up yards, built shelves, spackled walls, loosened locks, planted bulbs, made lunch for preschoolers, and visited with elders.

• Retirement community residents made muffins and picked seven bushels of apples for HOPE (Middlebury), Have a Heart (Bristol), Vergennes, Starksboro and Whiting food shelves.

• Middle school students processed library books, moved furniture, washed walls, painted radiators and helped with childcare.

• Community volunteers built and painted picnic tables, spruced up gardens, helped an art gallery prepare for an auction, organized books, wrote thank you notes and took pictures of our Volunteers at Work!

Thank you to everyone who made 2014 Days of Caring a wonderful community event!

And, if you missed participating this year, don’t despair. There are dozens of nonprofits that would love to provide you with opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.

Please call 388-7044 to find out how you can help. Thank you.

STUDENTS FROM MIDDLEBURY Union High School offer their expertise in the kitchen on the Days of Caring.

DINE THE UNITED WAY

We extend thanks and admiration to those who enrich our communities with compassion and generosity of spirit.

United Way of Addison County P.O. Box 555 Middlebury, VT 05753

802.388.7189 www.UnitedWayAddisonCounty.org Join friends and family in celebrating and supporting United Way of Addison County by Dining the United Way. These generous Addison County Restaurants are teaming up with United Way to improve lives and our community. They will be donating a portion of their profits – on the dates listed – to the United Way.

NOVEMBER 2014

From Bill, Andrea and John

Nov. 4, 5, 6, lunch & dinner The Storm Café 3 Mill Street Middlebury • 388-1063

Nov. 11 – 18, dinner Fire & Ice 26 Seymour Street Middlebury • 388-7166

Nov. 10, all day - eat in/take out Green Peppers 10 Washington Street Middlebury • 388-3164

Nov. 19, dinner Bobcat Café 5 Main Street Bristol • 453-3311

Nov. 11 – 17, all day Carol’s Hungry Mind Café 24 Merchant’s Row Middlebury • 388-0101

Nov. 19, 20, 21, lunch & dinner Morgan’s Tavern (at the Middlebury Inn) 14 Court Square Middlebury • 388-4961

Friendly local service for your insurance and financial needs.

Competitive rates on home, auto, business.

453-6600

35 West St., Bristol VT Serving Vermonters for Over 100 Years

www.paigeandcampbell.com

Join us for some fun, great food, and support your local United Way. For more information, please visit www.UnitedWayAddisonCounty.org

United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014 — PAGE 11

Your contribution helped to make a difference!

Community Volunteers make the decisions on where to spend your United Way gifts. You, our donors and volunteers, set the stage for great things to happen in Addison County in 2014 through Community Impact Funding Grants. The goal this year was for: • 123 children to attend early education centers and develop skills essential to their well-being and success • 165 parents to enhance their parenting skills, building stronger and safer families • 270 middle and high school youth to regularly attend after school programing and develop healthy habits and relationships.

• 198 individuals or families to experience empowerment and well-being as they transition back into permanent housing.

• Over 89,000 meals to be provided to folks who need them — including kids during summer vacation and seniors who can’t easily leave their homes.

• 2,645 adults to receive timely, appropriate and affordable health care and experience better health.

• As many as 72,900 free medical rides to also help folks get the care they need.

• 282 folks to be supported in their efforts to recover from addictions through peer support, coaching and employment services.

U!

“The Way Addison

County Cares”

ison County

United Way of Add

5,000 community with a $72 United Way challenges

to a total hours which adds up thanks… our sincere and heartfelt

Bearor, Dave Blow, Lynn Liane Barrera, Eileen rnard, Megan Battey, Coulman, Mary-Claire Crogan, Laurie Cox, Goetz, Connie becca Cooke, Maggie Bruce Giddings, Brian Herriman, Kara Francis, Helen Freismuth, Patty Heather-Lea, MarvelMcDonough, Brian ynn Hommel, Fritz Langrock, Morrissey, Scott Morrison, Betsy Ouelette, , Paula Moore, David Murray, Martin Neese, uller, Alice Munson, TheaLucille Shiverette, Michelle Shubert, Betty n Saronson, Pat Sharpe, Audrey White, and Janice Whittemore. n van Vleck, Janice Warner,

rticipate:

Vermont

Drugs, Langrock, Sperry

& Wool, UTC Aerospace,

School, Northlands Job

Corps, Patricia Hannaford

Career Center,

Margaret Bertrand, Brenda Blaise, s, Colby Benjamin, Becky Mal Chase, Joanne Corbett, Earl Corey, Bob Hooker, Emily alkins, Fernanda Canales, Harrington, Marcia Hay, Manley, Susan Hackett, TraceyLevine, Shari Lutton, Drew Macan, Mary Pepe, endy Leeds, Danielle Paddock, Darlene Palmer, Patty Paul, MaryJane en Nawn-Fahey, Micki Darla Senecal, Doug Sinclair, Joe Smith, Yates. gent, Barbara Saunders, Carol Wood and Ashlie Welsh, Nancy Wilson,

County Fair and Housing, Addison Bridge - Armory Lane Senior Community Trust of Greater Vergennes, , Addison County Boys and Girls Club Center, School, Bixby Library, College Street Children’s , Bingham Memorial The Charter House, of Middlebury Community Club, Services, Friends on Dept., Case Street Eddy Farm, Elderly Museum, Homeward of Addison County, Center, Henry Sheldon Counseling Service Shelter, Junebug Mother Healthcare and Rehabilitation Library, John Graham manity, Helen Porter Services, Ilsley Public Mary Hogan Elementary Library, Living Well, HOPE, Hospice Volunteer Central School, Lincoln Area Land Trust, Middlebury morial Library, Leicester Care Coalition, Middlebury Care Center, Middlebury Community Otter Creek Child Children’s Center, Open Door Clinic, School, Players Costume Barn, Shoreham Elementary Library, Free ddlebury Community Salisbury Middlebury Community School, of Bridport, Town of hool, RSVP, Salisbury Conservancy, Town Folklife Charity, The Nature Care Home, Vermont t. Mary’s School, Sweet Vergennes Residential Way of Addison County, n of Ripton, United and Willowell Foundation.

Natural Resources,

8-7189

ddisoncounty.org

goal

the financial • UWAC is protecting families, which grant review e to stability of low-incom . proposals, interview increases the financial stability of the whole and • Systems This year’s goal is $725,000 lower potential It, Grow grantees, County is kicking . The “Earn It, Keep United Way of Addison services that promote Challenging, yes, but aiming funding community sic financial literacy campaign and we are financial stability needs are and make s It” program teaches ba in the workplace. off our fundraising is not an option because recommendation Here at your local is to low-wage employees • Involved citizens e calling for your support! our community getting smaller and UWACn of based on the quality Free tax preparation ensures low-incom with with a passion for the not United Way we work each We of foundatio needs. and impact priority tax benefits they deserve. investing in the very common good s families access to identify and tackle Partners ty. organization’ is your success. donation what makes a vital communi our Community Impact Funding Every believe that our success g, childcare, Challengin programs. to reliable transportation, This year’s goal is $725,000. increases support United Way can enables and basic needs to keep individuals is not an option

Every donation also means dozens of remarkable yes, but aiming lower fill housing getting smaller and in these priority areas. better identify roadblocks to success and working. nonprofits that work because needs are not working with the schools in the very foundation Please read the list included in this supplement these gaps. is investing UWAC is • t UWAC high-impac Impact Partners to community.

(See UWAC, Page 5) Some examples of low-cost, of our 2013 Community of what makes a vital of our work. outcomes appreciate the importance programs include: • Successful education health care costs fully year UWAC trains community volunteers • Services that reduce Each of life and improve quality

e

Together we can mak a difference

By ROBIN SCHEU UWAC Board President asked the Our United Way recently best things are the community, “What County?” The about living in Addison “the people of was resounding top answer spondents said that Addison County.” Re of community they have a strong sense “everyone knows and connectedness: ke everyone,” and “we ta care of our own.”

It’s It’s wonderful that wonderful so our citizens feel that our positive about living citizens feel here and about one so positive another. It’s a great ng for fulfilli living foundation about the vision we all share here and strong, ANN AND JOHN HANSON healthy, a for about one . and vital community another.

To that end, the United working to clarify Way Board has been on have ROBIN SCHEU we want to and focus the impact nited Way exists so the community. The U healthy lives. three different towns: and stages of life in lead what would that ever since, living in that people of all ages If we are successful, to and Bridport.

HANSON have the opportunity County Among other things: Middlebury, Cornwall

By ANN AND JOHN Addison kept drew us to, and , and healthy look like? are able to One of the things that 2013 Days of Caring live independent, productive • Individuals and families e small-town lifestyle consideration to assets. special area was th give We us in, this Campaign Co-Chairs lives. income, savings, and to Addison County so many wonderful ome citizens who build affordably, and When we moved at that also offered low- and moderate-inc assistance they • Everyone is safely, 5) As we raised our two work opportunities the programs and services.

(See Scheu, Page 25 years ago for may not otherwise get stable and we thought we would sons here and as our lives have progressed Middlebury College, need to become financially been blessed to and then move have years we aged, several for have and we live here 6) in love with Vermont (See Co-Chairs, Page on. However, we fell have been here ign. and campa County and Addison funds for the 2013

who enjoy the Hansons urge those lend a hand small-town lifestyle to

The advertisers in

this supplement helped

raise

The Addison Independent proudly supports the United Way of Addison County with: ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • www.AddisonIndependent.com

• Regular News Coverage & Calendar Listings • Marketing and Advertising Support • Employee Payroll Contributions • Weekly RSVP Volunteer Spotlights & Volunteer Opportunity Postings

Because we too, believe in the strength of United Communities.

PAGE 12 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 23, 2014

Thank You!

On September 25 and 27 during the 2014 United Way Days of Caring, 807 volunteers spent 3,418 hours on 95 local community service projects at 46 local agencies. Together they donated nearly $74,000 in labor to the local community and for that effort, the United Way of Addison County would like to extend a heart-felt thanks!

TO OUR DEVOTED 2014 DAYS OF CARING GROUP VOLUNTEERS: Addison Central Teens, Addison County Young Life, Aurora Middle School, Champlain Valley Christian School, Country Home Products, Eastview at Middlebury, Hannaford Career Center, Hannaford Food and Pharmacy, Holden Insurance, Kinney Drugs, Langrock, Sperry & Wool LLP, Middlebury College Alpine Ski Team, Middlebury College Carpenter/

Lock Department, Middlebury College Center for Careers and Internships, Middlebury College Community Engagement, Middlebury College Kappa Delta Rho, Middlebury College Language Schools, Middlebury College Religious Life Council, Middlebury College Women’s Ice Hockey Team, Middlebury College Men’s Lacrosse Team, Middlebury College Women’s

Lacrosse Team, Middlebury College Men’s Ice Hockey Team, Middlebury College Nutrition Outreach and Mentoring, Middlebury College Volunteer Service Organization, Middlebury Union High School, Rainbow Pediatrics, The Rees Family, UTC Aerospace Systems, United Way of Addison County, WomenSafe, Vermont Adult Learning

TO ALL OF THE AGENCIES THAT PARTICIPATED AS JOB SITES : AC Fair and Field Days, Addison County Home Health & Hospice, AC Parent Child Center, Art on Main, Bixby Memorial Library, Bridge School, Bristol Family Center, Bristol Recreation Department, Case Street Community Center, Champlain Valley Agency on Aging, Charter House Coalition, College Street Children’s Center, The Commons, Congregational Church, Cornwall School, Costume Barn, Counseling Service of Addison

County, Eddy Farm School for Horse and Rider, Elderly Services, Friends of Middlebury Hockey, Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Homeward Bound: Addison County’s Humane Society, Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects, Hospice Volunteer Services, Ilsley Public Library, John Graham Shelter, Lincoln Library, Living Well Residence, Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury Area Land Trust, Middlebury Community

House, Middlebury Community Meals, Middlebury Parks & Recreation, Otter Creek Child Center, Ripton Elementary School, Saint Mary’s School, Salisbury Community School, Salisbury Free Public Library, Spirit in Nature, United Way of Addison County, Vergennes Residential Care, VT Department of Forests Parks and Recreation, Vermont Folklife Center, Whiting Elementary School, Willowell Foundation

TO ALL THE 2014 DAYS OF CARING JOB SITE COORDINATORS: Judy Adams, Terri Arnold, Carolyn Ashby, Colleen Balch, Leonard Barrett, Rebecca Bertrand, Mary Birchard, Jessica Danyow, Kathy Bogdziewicz, Lynne Boie, Margaret Bojanowski, Fernanda Canales, Tracy Corbett, Gretchen Cotell, Eric Covey,

Suzanne Denis, Karlene Devine, Bill Ford, Debi Gray, Tracey Harrington, Phil Heitkamp, Bob Hooker, Judy Jessup, Ann Kensek, Anthony Kessler, Ryan Krushenick, Jeanne Montross, Jenne Morton, Diane Mott, Micki Paddock, Ruth Penfield,

Mary Pepe, Al Pockette, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Ready, Carl Robinson, Sarah Rougier, Chris Roy, Shirley Ryan, Darla Senecal, Abi Sessions, Doug Sinclair, Ron Slabaugh, Jane Spencer, Kevin Unrath, Lori Ann Weston, Michelle Whitney, Carol Wood

TO ALL THE WONDERFULLY ENTHUSIASTIC 2014 DAYS OF CARING INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS: Craig Allen, Teresa Aranguiz, Susan Arnold, Sarah Ashe, Jane Aubin, Laura Bachand, Phoebe Barash, Liane Barrera, Niki Barron, Megan Battey, Charlene Bryant, Tricia Chatary, Anne Collins, Mary-Claire Crogan, Tae DeGray, Robert Donnis, Ronald

Holmes, Shari Johnson, Jean Kelty, JoAnne Kenyon, Paul Kenyon, Rachel King, Max Kraus, Dean Leary, Lori Mackey, Josie Masterson-Glen, Michele McHugh, John Meakin, Alice Munson, Barbara Nelson, Mark Nelson, Jennifer Nuceder, Betsy Ouellette,

Pam Pezzulo, Meredith Rehbach, Jeffrey Rehbach, Paula Scott, Susan Smiley, Pamel Spatafora, Charlotte Tate, Janice Whittemore

AND TO OUR HARD-WORKING AND DEDICATED DAYS OF CARING GROUP COORDINATORS: Jan Beayon-Phelps, Colby Benjamin, Keith Collins, Abigail Copeland, Marilyn Daley, Erin DeBernardi, Todd Goodyear, Rachel Kinney, Linda Larocque, Ashley Laux, Danielle Levine,

Madeline Marsh, Ellen McKay, Patricia Merkel, Katrina Moore, David Murray, Firas Nasr, Karen Nawn-Fahey, Nui Nguyen, Tiffany Nourse-Sargent, George Ordway, Darlene Palmer, Taylor

Pirie, Michael Pixley, Joe Przyperhart, Poppy Rees, Katie Ritter, Carol Rule, Lisa Ryan, Quanteshia Tennyson, Pam Van De Weert, Nicole Veilleux, Heather Viens, Barbara Walter

Hannaford Food & Pharmacy, Happy Valley Orchard, Holden Insurance, IPJ Real Estate, Jackman Fuels, Inc., Jackmans, Inc., JD Fuller Plumbing & Heating, Junction Auto, JW & DE Ryan, Inc., Kennedy Bros. Inc., Lincoln Applied Geology, Maple Landmark, Marble Works Pharmacy, Martin’s Hardware & Bldg Supply, Middlebury Bagel Bakery & Deli, Middlebury Eye Associates, Monument Farms, Nathaniel Group, National Bank of Middlebury, Otter Creek Bakery, Porter Medical Center, Rainbow Pediatrics,

Re/Max Champlain Valley Properties, Shaw’s Middlebury, Shaw’s Vergennes, Stark Window, Vermont 2-1-1, Vermont Coffee Company, Vermont Family Forests, Vermont Folklife Center, Vermont Gas Systems, Vermont Natural Ag Products, Inc., Vermont Stained Glass Originals, Vermont Sun Fitness Center, Vermont Water, Inc., WD Benton Appraisers, WOKO, Woodware, WOW Toyz, 92.1 WVTK, 97.5 Eagle Country

SPONSORS: Addison Independent, Bourdon Insurance Agency, Bread Loaf Corp, Brian & Sons Tire, Bristol Bakery and Café, Bristol Financial, Cassella Waste Management, Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating, Community Investment Counselors, Conner & Buck Builders, Co-operative Insurance, Countryside Carpet and Paint, County Tire Center, Inc., Forth ‘N Goal, Foxcroft Farm Harvest Program, Gaines Insurance Company, Green Mountain Electromagnetics, Inc., Green Mountain Shoe & Apparel,

United Way of Addison County P.O. Box 555, 48 Court Street, Middlebury, VT

388.7189

unitedwayaddisoncounty.org