Spotlight on Addison County Volunteers

Spotlight

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 14, 2016 — PAGE 11A

on Addison County

Volunteers

What is Volunteer Week?

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging volunteerism in our communities. Its purpose is to demonstrate how working together in service allows communities to meet their challenges, address critical needs and accomplish valuable goals. National Volunteer Week has expanded its reach each year.

RSVP and the Volunteer Center of the United Way are excited to be

a part of National Volunteer Week.

We have collaborated with our partner agencies in Addison County to share some of the stories and contributions of our local volunteers. We have also compiled a list of more than 1,500 volunteers who offer their time, energy and skills to support our agencies and our community. It is an impressive list, and yet only a sampling of the volunteer s who serve this county. Prepare to be inspired!

These are the organizations that complete the volunteer network

The United Way of Addison County and RSVP each have their own mission, support a number of community initiatives and lead some of their own. These programs are always in need of volunteer support.

UNITED WAY OF ADDISON COUNTY The mission of the United Way of Addison County is to improve individual lives and strengthen our community for positive change by focusing on health, education and financial stability. They identify countywide community needs, develop strategies to meet those needs, raise funds to support or implement those strategies and measure the results of those investments. They have served the Addison County community for more than four decades.

Most people know the United Way for their annual community fundraising campaign. The resources gained during the campaign support local health and human services programs and initiatives in Addison County, funding over 30 programs every year.

FAST TAX/AARP Tax Preparation The Volunteer Center and RSVP also collaborate to offer a free tax program for community members.

They partner with myfreetaxes.com, a self preparation website that allows filers who made less than $62,000 to file online anytime, anywhere for free. Around 70 percent of U.S. tax filers are eligible to file their state and federal taxes for free through this program.

MyFreeTaxes is the most cost efficient way for community members to maximize returns and ensure that they receive all of the tax credits they are eligible for without a paying a tax preparer. Filers needing extra assistance may also make an appointment with a trained volunteers at the United Way of Addison County in Middlebury. This year, they have seven trained volunteers and will help at least 100 community members file through My Free Taxes.

They also partner with AARP to schedule and prepare tax returns at sites in Vergennes, Bristol and Middlebury. This program is in conjunction with the IRS initiative known as Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Special attention is given to seniors, the disabled, and any low to moderate income filer who cannot take advantage of our My Free Taxes program. This program also has seven volunteer tax aides and expects to complete over 400 returns.

Everybody Wins!

The United Way of Addison County partners with Everybody Wins! Vermont to provide reading mentors to read with primary school students. The mission of Everybody Wins! is to create mentoring relationships that foster a love of reading and language.

Through the Power Breakfast and Power Lunch programs, adult volunteers are paired with students at local elementary schools to promote reading for pleasure, to build the children’s self-confidence and enhance their self-esteem, and to serve as caring role models. The pairs meet weekly to share books and develop lasting relationships.

Since opening the first two sites in Barre and Rutland in October of 2000, Everybody Wins! Vermont has grown to become Vermont’s largest mentoring organization. In 2013-2014, almost 700 children

read with mentors at 25 school sites in Vermont.

Community Impact Funding Committee The Community Impact Funding (CIF) Process is a community-based grant program where members evaluate financial sustainability, governance, program design and outcomes of non-profit agencies seeking United Way funding.

Non-profit agencies doing work in the county in the areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability are invited to apply for funding. The review process includes looking at and evaluating financial sustainability, governance, program design and outcomes.

The Community Impact Funding committee is comprised of 30-50 community representatives who review and meet with agencies, review the applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. The committee is divided into three impact teams: Healthy & Independent Living, Education, and Financial Stability.

Each team is assigned specific agencies or programs to review.

Ultimately, the CIF committee determines how the funds United Way raises will be distributed throughout the community.

RSVP In addition to serving as a volunteer management program for individuals who are 55 or older, RSVP also coordinates several programs that allow individuals to stay healthy, engaged, and financially stable. These include the Green Mountain Foster Grandparent Program, Bone Builders Classes and the aforementioned Tax Assistance Program. The programs strengthen the community through service and and allow Addison County residents to successfully age in place.

RSVP’s Green Mountain Foster Grandparent Program 2016 marks the 50th year of the Green Mountain Foster Grandparent Program in Vermont!

Funded through the Corporation for National & Community Service, Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children and youth in the community.

The program provides a way for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active, earn supplemental income and provide social, emotional and academic support to many children in our community. Participants receive a tax-free stipend for serving between 15 and 40 hours per week.

Foster Grandparents are a vital addition to schools, day care centers and after-school programs throughout Vermont. The volunteers are greatly appreciated by students, teachers and administrators alike, and develop a strong feeling of fulfillment. The Green Mountain Foster Grandparent Program has consistently earned high marks, and continues to grow in our county.

The Bone Builders Program Bone Builders is free osteoporosis prevention exercise program taught by RSVP trained and certified volunteer instructors.

Currently, more than 70 instructors work together to lead two classes per week at 24 donated sites in Addison County. Their newest location is the newly completed Middlebury Recreation Center on Creek Road, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

Last year over 250 men and women attended the classes in Addison (See Bone Builders, Page 17A)

ROBBIE MILLER, LEFT, Ruth Penfield and Dorothy Douglas volunteer as servers during a recent community lunch at the Charter House in Middlebury. The Charter House Coalition is seeking more volunteers to spearhead its food and housing programs in the Middlebury area.

Independent photo/Trent Campbelll

The Charter House needs more volunteers

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — The Charter House Coalition could use a few more cogs to power its formidable engine that delivers food, clothing and shelter to Middlebury-area folks in need of a boost.

Established in 2005, the coalition is a nonprofit association of local religious groups and individuals who each year donate hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars to make sure the less fortunate in our midst have access to the basic necessities.

Inspired by the Charter House Coalition’s tireless provision of shelter, free meals and other services, more than 950 people last year pitched in at least once to make sure all of the programs keep rolling. Included on that roster are many Middlebury College students who supply invaluable energy and commitment to the tasks at hand. Unfortunately, we are approaching that time of year when the college breaks for the summer, temporarily scattering the approximately 2,500 students to all corners of the globe. So the coalition needs to compensate for that loss with some new recruits, noted Doug Sinclair, executive director of the organization.

“Middlebury College students make up around 30 percent of our help for the warming shelter,” Sinclair explained.

The emergency warming shelter is based in the Congregational Church of Middlebury’s Charter House at 27 North Pleasant St. It provides a warm place for the homeless to stay overnight between Oct. 16 and April 15. The Charter House can accommodate around 15 individuals and up to four families during the cold season, Sinclair explained.

While this past winter has been described as one of the mildest ever, demand for the warming shelter has remained consistently strong this year, according to Sinclair.

“We have been over capacity every night since mid-January,” Sinclair said in mid-March, noting demand reached 28 on one particular evening.

And the term “mild” is quite subjective when one has nowhere to stay, Sinclair added.

“If it’s a wet night and 35 degrees, it’s not much fun to be outside,” he said.

Once the warming center has taken in a total of 24, it must send any additional folks elsewhere — including to the John Graham Emergency Shelter in Vergennes. The state of Vermont provides motel vouchers to homeless people during the coldest nights, if those folks have no other housing options.

Each volunteer at the warming shelter, which was due to stay open until April 15, is typically asked to serve a three-hour shift at the shelter, which is staffed 24/7.

As the warming shelter winds down, Charter House Coalition is looking for volunteers with green thumbs.

The coalition manages two produce asked to spend a couple of hours each gardens that yield vegetables to week at one or both gardens. help feed the homeless and fill out Members of the Middlebury Rotary the plates at the hundreds of free Club are scheduled to help at the community lunches and suppers the Porter garden on April 16. Middlebury organization sponsors each year in College students have also been great Middlebury. The gardens are located about helping, Sinclair and Wideman at the Nash Farm off said. Last spring, the the River Road in “Last summer, college’s rugby team New Haven, and at spent upward of four the Porter Medical we had fewer hours spreading Center campus in community manure at the Porter Middlebury. Those volunteers than garden on a Sunday gardens yield more afternoon. But the than 25 different in past years. rugby team will crops, including We are hoping to soon be on summer potatoes, squash, break, so Sinclair is encourage more carrots, lettuce, hoping other folks members of this beans and beets. step in to fill in the “We have a big important group ranks. summer ahead,” said College students community garden to join us in the have also helped coordinator Vicky gardens this perpetuate a new Wideman, through summer.” tradition at the an email. “Last Charter House: — Vicky Wideman, Sunday afternoon summer, we had community garden cookouts from midfewer community coordinator May through midvolunteers than in past years. We are September, featurhoping to encourage more members ing grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. of this important group to join us in Prep starts at noon, with the meal the gardens this summer.” served between 2 and 3 p.m. As with Wideman and her helpers will soon all of the Charter House Coalition begin tilling the soil in both gardens. meals, the food is free and available Volunteers are needed to put up deer to everyone, regardless of income. and rodent fences, spread fertilizer, The coalition, college students and plant seeds, weed and then harvest and other folks have pitched in to buy the process the crops as they come in. food for cookouts, which have been “If we had 30 volunteers (for drawing 45 to 50 people, according to the gardens), that would be great,” Sinclair.

Sinclair said, adding volunteers are “If we had a core group of around

20 volunteers (for the Sunday cookouts) that could do rotations, that would be great,” Sinclair said.

And additional hands are always welcome to help the Charter House Coalition’s community lunch and supper programs.

The free lunch program provides meals to about 55 people every Monday through Thursday, according to the Charter House website.

Volunteers prepare and serve the lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. From September through May, community lunches are served at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Mondays, and at Charter House Tuesday through Thursday. During the summer, community lunches are served Monday through Thursday at Charter House. As always, the lunches are open to everyone, and provide a comfortable setting for people from many different parts of the community to get to know one another.

Also offered through the Charter House Coalition: Friday night community suppers at the Congregational Church of Middlebury, served between 5 and 6:15 p.m.; and Saturday community breakfasts served from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. at the Charter House.

Anyone available to help with the aforementioned events should contact Doug Sinclair at jdsinclair@riptoncoop.net. Those particularly interested in helping with the gardens can also contact Vicky Wideman at (802) 425-7706, beginning in May. Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@ addisonindependent.com.

MEMBERS OF THE Middlebury College Rugby Club spread manure at the community garden behind Porter Medical Center last May. Middlebury students contribute tens of thousands of hours of volunteer labor to the community every year.

College students add to our community

Middlebury College students are deeply engaged our community.

They contribute time, energy and special skills to enrich and strengthen the lives of our community members.

Here are some of the ways the college and students offer support:

• Each year approximately 1,500 students do 65,000 hours of service, including 23,000 hours of service through community-connected courses.

• 22 student leaders guide 9 MiddView Community Engagement

trips to introduce 100 first-year students to more than 40 community partners before classes begin.

• Community Engagement awards over $100,000 for community service initiatives (in Addison County and globally).

PAGE 12A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 14, 2016

A Josie Abbott, Lorraine Abramson, Devan Accurso, Louise Acker, Claire Adams, Lee Adkins, Gretchen Adsit, Pierre Akpo-Sani, Rob Alberts, Oliver Alden, Ashley Aldrich, Elizabeth Aldrich, Courtney Allenson, Betsy Almeter, Kathleen Altobell, Conrad Ambrette, Kim Ammons, David Anderson, Declan Anderson, James Anderson, Meredith Anderson, Pat Anderson, Barbara Andres, Rubi Andres, David Andrews, Jean Andrews, Jeanine Angier, Chuck Arel, Jackie Arel, Jeannette Armell, Susan Arnold, Maria Arranz Fernan, Sarah Ashe, Ginny Ashenfelter, Carrie Askren, Carleen Atkins, Shanon Atkins, David Aubin, Leon Aubin, Michelle Aubin, Nelson Audet, Jen Ayer.

B Mustafa Babak, Leslie Badore, Eli Bagley, Ike Bagley, Gretchen Bailey, Charlie Bain, Dinah Bain, Mary Baker, Priscilla Baker, Suzannah Baker, Anne Baldwin, John Ball, Christopher Bapp, Phoebe Barash, Ellen Barbera, Ruth Barenbaum, Simon Barenbaum, Mary Bargiel, Jan Bark, Margaret Barnes, Drew Barnicle, Kathleen “Kathy” Barrett, Bethany Barry, John Barstow, Tom Baskett, Julie Basol, Mark Basol, Patricia Bass, Sandi Bauer, Katherine Baughman, Jessica Baussmann, Akram Bavil, Elisa Beatty, Alyse Beauchemin, Jasmine Beayon, Hogan Beazley, Riley Becher, Susan Bechhoefer, Dorie Bechtel, Jane Beck, Melissa Beckwith, Sara Beckwith, Monique Bedard, Laura Begnoche, Eloise Beil, Margy Bekoff, Cindy Belanger, Afshin Belar, Margaret Bell, Monica Benjamin, David Bennett, Alex Benton, Kristin Benton, Liza Benton, Marlene Benway, Abigail Benz, Hannah Benz, Arthur Berenbaum, Celeste Berenbaum, Melody Berenbaum, Pam Berenbaum, Mark Berger, Lance Bergmans, Luke Bergmans, Sue Bergmans, Tyler Bergmans, Sue Berkenbush, Bowie Berloso, Lisa Bernardin, Alice Berninghausen, John Berninghausen, Marjorie Bernoudy, Libby Berry, Ellen Berstein, John Betz, Dorothea Beyer, Mindy Bickford, Sara Bicknell, Beverly Biello, Ed Biello, Lesley Bienvenue, Diana Bigelow, Pam Biggs, John Billard, Nathan Billings, Anita Bilodeau, Gertrude Bingham, Joan Bingham, Robert Bingham, Bill Bishop, Margaret Bishop, Catherine Bissonette, Leila Black, Hannah Blackburn, Brenda Blacklock, Crawford Blagden, Cathy Blaise, Judith Blake, Beverly Blakeney, Christine Blakeney, William Blanchard, Gail Blasius, Victoria Blewer, Barbara Blodgett, Kyler Blodgett, Pat Blodgett, Leslie Blow, Abigail Blum, Andrea Boe, Kathy Boe, Paulette Bogan, Janet Bogdan, Cassandra Boise, Renee Bolduc , Elizabeth Bolduc, Kristin Bolton, Tre Bonavita, Gramercy Bonilla, Joy Bora, Niles Bora, Dan Borden, Lindi Bortney, Lauren Bougioukas, Brenda Boule, Susan Bourdon-Laframboise, Clement Bourgon, Sarah Bourne, Phyllis Bowdish, Mary Boyer, Suzanne Boyle, Susan Brace, Richard Brach, Chris Bradford, Joe Bradley, Linda Braginton, Gayl Braisted, Megan O. Brakeley, Tor Brakeley, Angela Brande, David Breen, Carolyn Brewer, JoAnn Brewer, Larry Brewer, Mary Louise Bright, Betty Brileyea, Emily Brinkman, Lilly Brinkman, Cheryl Bristol Steady, Betty Bristol, Ian Brons, Isabelle Bronson, Thad Bronson, Catherine Brooks, Josh Brooks, Barbara Brosnan, Ann Brousseau, Diane Brown, Linda Brown, Mallory Brown, Melissa Brown, Steve Brown, Guinevere Brownell, Constance Bumbeck, Stan Bunal, Tricia Bunal, Frank Buonincontro, Susan Buonincontro, Leigah Burbo, Mary Burchard, Greg Burdick, Susan Burdick, Carly Burger, Tenley Burlingame, Cindy Burnett, Richard Burnett, Susan Burns, Sally Burrell, Juliet Burroughs, Joan Burt, Ralph Burt, Sally Bushey, Kay Bussiere, Barbara Butler, Crispin Butler, Payton Buxton, Bruce Byers, Sue Byers, Yasmeen Byrnes.

C Jean Cadoret, Peg Calder, Aurora Cao, Lise Capiarella, Sas Carey, Oliver Carling, Louise Carlotto, Shirley Carlson, Margaret Carothers, Nan Carpenter, Caitlin Carroll, Cymbre Casavant, Lea Cassidy, Mary Ann Castimore, Hailey Cauchon, Carol Causton, Nick Causton, Dan Celik, Daria Cenedella, Mathew Chabot, Summer Chabot, Mary Jo Champlin, Judy Charlebois, Maureen Charron, Charlotte Chase, Malcolm Chase, Patricia Chase, Bob Chatfield, Carol Chatfield, Karen Cheevers, Jean Cherouny, Christine Chesnutis, Donna Chicoine, Marilyn Chicoine, Sandy Chicoine, Peter Chiles, Ronnie Chirnoff, Teresa Churchill, Veronica Ciambra, Steve Ciampa, Derek Cimler, Maura Clancy, Ben Clark, Christine Clark, Ed Clark, Judith Clark, Ina Jo Clawson, Karen Clayman, Barbara “Shulamith Eagle” Clearbridge, Bo Cleveland, Liz Cleveland, Silas Cleveland, Janine Clookey, Fern Cloutier, Lionel Cloutier, Pauline Cloutier, Kathy Coakley, Lealoni Coathup, Tammy Coburn, Rachel Codding, Eleanor Coeby, Lynn Coeby, Bob Coffey, Roberta Coffin, Sylvia Coffin, Derek Cohen, Hal Cohen, Linda Cohen, Rachel Cohen, Chelsea Colby, Judy Cole, Ann Collier, James Collier, Anne Collins, Mary Lew Collins, Karen Colvin, Mary Conlon, Peter Conlon, Maureen Conrad, Ross Conrad, Robin Conway, Moira Cook, Rebecca M. Cooke, Alexis Coolidge, Elaine Coon, Mary Corbett, Tracy Corbett, Donna Corcoran, Charles “Charlie” Correll, J.P. & Katie Coseno, Diane Cota, Diana Cotter, Cooper Couch, Steve Coulman, Patricia Coursey, Joann Cousineau, Peggy Cox, Sarah Cox, Courtney Crane, Carolyn Craven, Mary Ruth Crawford, Mary-Ruth Crawford, Ashley Cray, Mary-Claire Crogan, Meg Crosby, Sandra Crossman, Nancy Crowell, Jon Crystal, Elizabeth Curran, Rose Curran, Tom Currell, Dan Currier, Nina Curtis, Karan Cutler.

D Linda Dague, Lorenc Dahri, Claudette Dale, Dan Dale, John Dale, Dawn Daly, Kim Daniel, Brennyn Daniels, Barbara Darling, Drew Darrow, Lisa Daudon, Martha Davis, Linda Daybell, Richard Daybell, Elana Dean, Audrey DeBaise, Ronald DeBaise, Xander DeBlois, Charlotte Deering, Leola Deering, Lyn DeGraf, Tae DeGray, Caroline DeLisle, Corie DeMatties, Sam DeMatties, Jane Demers, Hannah Demming, Ed DeMott, Cindy Denis, Irene Denis, Glenna M. Densman, Leslie Deppman, Ceci Desautels, Maylee Desautels, Shannon Desautels, Susan DeSimone, Pat Desjadon, Joe Devall, Mary Ann Deverell, Walt Deverell, Karlene Devine, Skyeler Devlin, Angelique Devost, Cody DeVries, Ian DeVries, Marty Dewees, Beth Diamond, DeBonis Dick, Deborah Dickerson, Manya Dickinson, Kyra Diehl, Martha Dier, Brittany Dion, Marie Dion, Sylvia Dixon, Jenny Do, David Dodge, Magna Dodge, Mary Dodge, Jackson Donahue, Lynn Donnelly, Michael Donnelly, Bob Donnis, Molly Dora, Connor Dorsey, Rachel Dorsey, Bucky Douglas, Dorothy Douglas, Mara Dowd, J. Douglas Dows, Eugenie Doyle, Jillian Dragon, Lydia Dragon, Melissa Dragon, Nora Draper, Sandy Driscoll, Naomi Drummond, Jay Dubberly, Anita Duclos, Kathleen Duclos, Cindi Duff, John Dugan, Sue Dula, Jim Dumont, Selena Dumont, Lyn DuMoulin, Aoife Duna, Dot Dunham, Anthony Duprey, Zora Duquette-Hoffman.

E Ciara Eagan, Jim Eagan, Margaret Eagan, Tom Eastman, Timothy Eaton, Marianne Eaton, Anne Eberlee, Alice Eckles, Ann Eddy, Jane Eddy, Marshall Eddy, Julie Ehrlich, Barbara Ekedahl, Rita Elder, Elaine Eldridge, Gebarowski-Shafer Ellie, Cecilia Elwert, Deb Emerson, Michael Emilio, Julia Emilo, Muriel Emmons, Tina Endicott, Judy English, Michelle Eriksen, Sydney Ericksen, Brook Escobedo, Betsy Etchells, Dwight Everest, Nancy Ewen.

F Alta Fageley, Lou Faivre, John Fallon, Jonathon Farnsworth, Carol Farnsworth, Pam Farnsworth, Adam Fasoli, Ellen Fenn, Samantha Fenner, Laura Ferguson, Yasmine Fernald, Miguel Fernandez, Joe Ferris, Maxine Fidler, Linda Field, Linda Fiess, Jean Fifield, Molly Fisher, Sylvia Fisk, Barbara Fitzpatrick, Barbara Fleming, Arthur Flemings, Sr., Gerald Flint, Elwyn Flynn, Stephanie Foley, Annie Folger, Michele Forman, Rhoda Forrest, Jonas Foster, Cecil Foster, Meredith Foster, Lee Francis, Linda Francis, Martin Frankie, Tom Frankovic, Hannah Freedner-Matesi, Beverley Freeguard, John Freidin, Pam Freilich, Marie Frietze, Andrew Fritz, Jeff Fritz.

G Michele Gadhue, Scott Gaines, Diego Galan Donlo, Anne Galante, Wyatt Galipeau, Holly Gamache, Kathy Gammon, Henry Ganey, Debra Gardner, Christopher Garner, Braisted Gayl, Nancy Geoghegan, Jane Marie Germain, Suzanne Germain, Ema Gernander, Kelly Giard, Denise Gibeault, Kate Gieges, Julia Gilbert, Ruth Gilbert, Rachel Gill, Ayla Gill, Florence Gill, Cindi Gillen, Shannon Gillett, Karl Ginalski, Susan Gingras, Adam Ginsburg, Tyler Giorgio, Louise Giovanella, Jodi Girard, Adin Girardi, Ariel Gizzi, Jeff Glassberg, Donald Glauber, Karen Glauber, Abby Gleason, Andrew Gleason, Rita Glidden, Kim Glynn, Tammi Goddard, Lorraine Goddette, Audrey Goettl, Emily Goins, Peg Goldman, Toby Goldsmith, Santiago Gomez, Silvia Gonzalez, Glenn Goodwin, Wendy Goodwin, Mary Gordon, Maureen Gour, Madeline Goyette, Bess Gramling, Ian Gramling, Hazel Grant, Peter Grant, Alice Grau, Ann Gray, Michael Gray, Steven Gray, Betsy Graziealei, Harvey Green, Stuart Green, Susan Greenberg, Barbara Greenewalt, Vickie Greenhouse, Fred Greenman, Janet Greenman, Barbara Greenwood, Mike Greenwood, Howard Greer, Dora Greven, Kate Gridley, Chelsea Griggs, Bruce Grove, Andie Guran , Burt Guran , Sue Guran, Martha Gurney, Jessica Gutierrez.

H Helen Haerle, Jake Haigh, Jacob Haigh, Cecelia Halavonich, Betty Hall, Blair Hall, Howard Hall, Matt Hall, David Hallam, Patty Hallam, Ron Hallman, Clarence

Hallock, Wilma Hallock, Jane Halpin, Ali Hamedani, Rosie Hamel, Mary Beth Hamilton, Kate Hamilton, Owen Hammel, Elaine Hanley, Ann Hanson, Marcelo Hanta-Davis, Anna Hardway, Linda Harmon, Kathleen Harriman, Sarah Harrison Lynn, Marlene Harrison, Ian Hart, Kathy Hart, Lindsay Hart, Deb Hartenstein, Lisa Hartman, Daryl Hatch, Audrey Hathaway, Doug Hawley, Kevin Hayes, Sue Hayes, Tai Hazard, Jessica Hazen, RosaLea Hearthstone, Joyce Heath, W. Thomas Heeter, Ginny Heidke, Lissy Heminway, David Henderson, Mary/Renee Hendricks, Sam Hermann, Marvel Herriman, Barbara Herrington, Karen Hescock, Calley Hewes, Lynn Hier, Paula Higbee, Lois Higbee, Suzy Higbee, Christian Higgins, Jody Higgs, Susan Highley, Bruce Hiland, Leslie Hills, Nancy R. Hilton, Lily Hinrichsen, Ginger Hiscock, Richard Hiscock, Barney Hodges, Dee Hodges, Kitty Hodgetts, Brian Hodnett, Mandy Hodson, Emily Hoff, Marsha Hoffman, Paul Hoffman, Janet Holden, Tim Hollander, Judy Holler, Jane Holmes, Lewis Holmes, Nick Holmes, Traceylynn Hommel, Samantha Horn, Arthur Howard, Brad Howe, Joan Hoxie, Sue Hoxie, Stan Huber, Martha Huber, Jennifer Hubert, Rebecca Huestis, Sheila Huestis, Brenda Hughes, Sophia Hughes, Arlene Hunt, Suzie Hunt, Gale Hurd, Carol Hysko.

I Jake Ingenthron, Amelia Ingersoll, Karri Ingerson, James Inglis, Maude Irwin, Gail Isenberg, Rich Isenberg, Elizabeth Isham, Jonathan Isham, Libby Isham, Nancy Iwanicki.

J Carolyn Jackson, Janice Jackson, Patty Jackson, Marie Jacobs, Agnes James, Karen James, Willie Jansen, Lin Jean, Peter Jensen, Matt Jerrehian, Bill Jesdale, Judy Jessup, Tom Jessup, Gail Jette, Jesse Jimenez, Kris Johannesson, Jessica Johnson, Julia Johnson, Kate Johnson, Kira Johnson, Lydia Johnson, Alan Jones, Hayley Jones, Lillianna Jones.

K Ron Kampner, Maureen Kane, Alexander Kao, Kate Kaster, Betty Kaszuba, Michael Katz, Marge Kayhart, Shane Kean, Patty Keane, Bonnie Keeler, Joanne Keesler, Peggy Keith, Rob Keith, Erin Keller, Ray Keller, Deb Kelley, Pat Kellogg, Howard Kelton, Linda Kelton, Cayce Kemp, Rosie Kemp, Connie Kenna, Hugh Kennedy, Josh Kennett, Lyndsie Kennett, Alice Kenney, Brynn Kent, Robert Keren, Zoe Keskey, Melanie Kessler, Judith Kessler, Christine Ketcham, Sheila Khalladeh, Charles Kilbourne, Kristi Kilpratrick, Josh Kimball, Maxine Kimball, Peggy Kimball, Wallace Kimball, Jane Kimble, Rachael King, Carol King, David King, Xaeph King, Betty Kipp, Deborah Kirby, Janet Kirby, Marie Kireker, Valerie Kittredge, Suzie Klemmer, Barbara Kling, Gary Kling, Barbara Knapp, Bryson Knight, Meredith Knight, Porter Knight, Walt Koenig, Sarah Koesigsberg, Sam Kollmorgen, Emily Kolodka, Ann Kowalski, Jakub Kraus, Lois Kraus, Max Kraus, Carol Kress, Kim Kurak, Gioia Kuss.

Thank You

Volunteers!

The names and organizations printed here were provided by the Volunteer Center and RSVP. They represent almost 1600 people who volunteer their time and energy to organizations thoughout our county. We know there are hundreds more who volunteer at non-profits not represented in this list.

That’s an impressive number of people giving of themselves to enrich lives in our community. Thank you, volunteers, for making Addison County a better place in which to live and work!

For more information about volunteering in Addison County, contact Lynn at RSVP, 388-7044, rsvpvcadd@aol.com or the Volunteer Center at United Way of Addison County, 388-7189, volunteer@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org.

You can also check the United Way website; www.

UnitedWayAddisonCounty.org or United Way of Addison County on Facebook for volunteer opportunities.

L JoAnne LaBerge, Shirley LaBerge, Michelle Labombard, Norma Lacobucci, Mark Ladieu, Heather LaDuke, Ann Lafiandra, Mary Lafountain, Lois LaFountain, Elizabeth LaFoy, Barbara LaFramboise, Deborah Laframboise, Maurice Laframboise, Sarah Lake, Katia LaManna, Sami Lamont, George Lampe, Reinhold Lange, Judy Langeway, Ed Langlois, Joann Langrock, Meg Langworthy, Ally Larocque, Linda Larocque, Christine LaRose, Donna LaRose, Journey LaRose, Mary LaRose, Reginald LaRose, Linn Larson, Lise Lathrop, Marlene Latourelle, Norene Lattrell, Robert Lattrell, Megan Lausted, Ashley Laux, Dianne Lawson, Algy Layden, Connie Leach, Donna Leary, Ashley LeBlanc, Loretta Lee, Alice Leeds, Wendy Leeds, Marilyn Lefevre, Karen Lefkoe, Linda Legault, Jeanne Lemner, Beverly Lenk, Susan Leonard, Kaitlyn LeRoux, Marcia Lertola, James Lesley, Betsy Levesque, Betty Lewis, Patty Lewis, Sherri Lichtenfels, Jean Lin, Steven Lindemann, Katharine Linder, Anne Lindert, Karl Lindholm, Kathy Lindsey, Marcia Liotard, John Lisenby, Robin Little-Lebeau, Bart Litvin, Signi Livingstone-Peters, Joelle Logan, Marjorie London, Rachel Longaway, Mary Longey, Yuliana Lopez, Mary Lord, Peggy Ann Lorello, Melissa Loretan, Melissa Lourie, Abigail Loven, Wanda Loven, Deb Lowd, Erma Lowd, Margaret Lowe, Stephen Lowe, Faith Lowell, Daryl Lowry, Elizabeth Lowry, Liz Lowry, Grace Lozano, Nancy Luke, Lianne Lussier, Canary Ly, Nicole Lyford, JoAnn Lyles, Barbara Lynch.

M Theresa MacDougal, Hartley MacFadden, Ellyn Mack, Neil Mackey, Sue Mackey, Hannah Magoun, Valerie Maheu, Lejla Mahmuljin, Lee Mahony, Susan Mahony, Fiona Maloney-McCrystle, Sofia Maluf, Kathy Malzac, Dorothy Mammen, Tad Manila, Alexa Manley, Adam Mansfield, Amy Mansfield, David Manshel, May Mantell, Robert Many, Yvonne Many, Carol Mapel, Laura Marcelle, Robert Marchand, Liz Markowski, Peter Markowski, Ruby Markowski, John Marlin, Barbara Marlow, Hugh Marlow, Barbara Marquis, Nichole Marschke, Cindy Marshall, Joyce Marshall, Katie Marshall, Gail Martin, Judy M. Martin, Julien Martindale, Richard Martineit, Ammy Martinez, Francia Martinez, Tammie Mashteare, Amy Mason, Brian Mason, Sophie Mason, Alice Maurer, Nancy Maxwell, Tom & Nancy Maxwell, Chip Mayer, Erin and Irie Mazur, Shirley Mc Clay, Amy McAninch, Stuart McAninch, Caitlin McCarrick, James McClay, Shirley McClay, Patty McCormack, Jim McDaniel, Barbie McDonald, Barry McDonald, Emma McDonald, James McEvilla, Cheryl McEwan, Emily McFadden, Caitlin McFarland, Gillian McGarvey, Nancy McGill, Finn McGowan, Myles McGowan, Kate McGowan, Faye McGrory-Klyza, Sheila McGrory-Klyza, Michele McHugh, Alberta McIntyre, Bert McIntyre, Dain McKee, Lucy McKeon, Myrdith McKinley, Janet McKinnon, Sheila Mclaughlin Shaw, John McLaughlin, Marilyn Mclaughlin, Mhairi McMurray, Barry Meader, Paulette Meader, Bev Megyesi, Lou Megyesi, Ximena Mejia, Emily Mellen, Hillary Mendieta, Andrew Merluzzi, Nancy Merolle, Katie Merrick, Jim + Pat Merrigan, Christopher Merrill, Richard Merrill, Jr., Barbara Merz, Cindy Messenger, Christine Metcalf, Jessie Meyers Moore, Paola Meza, Daniela Michaels, Elsa Michaels, Sam Michaels, Wayne Michaud, Basha Miles, Stephanie Miller, Zoe Miller, Erin Miller, Jane Miller, Joe Miller, Ariana Mills, Craig Miner, Joy Minns, Charlie Mitchell, Cheryl Mitchell, Judy Mitchell, Cathy Mlcuch, Jeremy Molette, Jace Molinari, Cathy Molloy, Patrick Monette, Susan “Q” Montgomery, Jeanne Montross, Nancy Mooney, Paula Moore, Chip Morgan, Joyce Morgan, Nancy Morgan, Sherry Morin, Keith Morrill, Carol Morris, Sarah Morris, Terry Morris, Jessica Morrison, Judy Morrison, Lisa Morrison, Scott Morrison, Patricia Morrow, Thomas Morrow, Jim Morse, Lenore Morse, Eric & Roma Mortensen, Emmet Moseley, Tom Moser, Virginia Moser, Travis Moses, Renee Mosier, Margaret Mousseau, Pamela Mraz, Peter Mulgrew, Bradley Mullen, Lorrie Muller, Valerie Mullin, Melody Mundorf, Alice Munson, Christine Murphy, Kitty Murphy, Pamela Murphy, Kitty Muzzy, Peg Myhre, Duffy Mykenzie, Scott Myrick.

N Anita Nadeau, Ella Nagy-Benson, Hadley Evans Nash, Ann Naumann, Terrence Naumann, Karen Nawn-Fahey, Marilyn Needham, Scott Needham, Giulia Negretto, Mark Nelson, Barbara Nelson, Dottie Nelson, Fran Nelson, Geoffrey Nelson, Susan Nelson, Price Niles, Bob Nixon, Tom Noble, Paul Nocca, Irene Norian, Alyson Norris, Elaine North, Dona Norton, Tiffany Nourse, Ralph Noyes, Jennifer Nuceder, John Nuceder.

O Laura O’Brien, Pedie (Ramona ) O’Brien, Carroll O’Connor, Hunter O’Connor, Jean O’Connor, Walter O’Donoghue, Elizabeth Oettinger, Ruby Olinksy-Paul, Cathy Oliver, Jeffrey Olson, Joan Olson, June Olson, Margaret Olson, Tanis Olson, Michele O’Neill, K.O. Onufry, Pat O’Rourke, Patricia-Ann O’Rourke, Nancy Orvis, Breann Oswald, Betsy Ouellette, Kathleen Ouimet, Betsyte Oullette, Kitty Oxholm.

P Mary Pacifici, Rae (Marian R.) Paine, Joan Palin, Cathy Palmer, Kelly Palmer, Jean Panicucci, Lynn Paquette, Trent Paquette, Mike Paretti, Shirley Parfitt, Anna Park, Alison Parker, Faith Parkins, Julia Parkinson, Jaime Parmelee, Jennifer Parmelee, Georgia Peach Parmelee-Varkartas, Jana Parsons, Beatrice Parwatikar, Cheryl Patten, Brie Patterson, Marjorie Patterson, Lisa Patton, Mellissa Pawul, Stephen Payne, Jim Peabody, Emily Pearl, Caitlynn Pecor, Julie Peddie, Morgan Peer, Robert Peisch, Adrianne Pelton, Barbara Pelton, Jake Peluso, Sarah Peluso, Ruth Penfield, Dorothy Perkett, Michelle Perlee, Sydney Perlee, Donna Perrin, Lynne Perry, Renny Perry, Jeanne Peters, Jeanne E. Peters, Doreen Peterson, Jen Peterson, Pam Pezzulo, Bas Phair, Peggy Phelps, Priscilla Pierce, Paige PiersonFlagg, Stephen Pilcher, Marion Pilon, Tom Pinsonneault, Myrrh Pitkin, Kirsten Pitts, Michael Pixley, Ed Place, Angela Pohlen, Angela Polacsek, Delsie Polgar, Will Porter, Jeanne Posner, Richard Potter, Marti Powers-Keyes, Henry Prange, Barbara Pratt, Eleanor Pratt, Kimberly Pratt, David Preble, Brenda Preston, Bob Prigo, Marilyn (Mike) Prior, Sarah Pschernig, Jim Pugh, Dorothy Punderson, Ellen Punderson, Frank Punderson, Harlow Punderson, Linda Punderson, Will Pyle.

Q Sophie Quay-Delayvallee, Roxanne Quesnel, David Quesnel, Margey Quinn.

R Becca Raffel, George Ramsayer, Lawrence Randall, Lois Randall, Nanci Anne Randall, Ginna Rasmussen, Sue Rasmussen, Robin Rast, Sally Ratcliffe Foster, Ann Reames, Charles Reed, Lelah Reed, Jeffrey Rehbach, Meredith Rehbach, Jackie Reiss, Millie Renaud, Linda Revell, Rebecca Rey, Al Reynolds, Alice Reynolds, Anna Reynolds, Lisa Reynolds, Peter Reynolds, Sheila Rheaume, Judy Rice, Randy Rice, Sue Rice, Keith Rickerby, Irene Riddle, Warren Rinehart, Eileen Rinker, Sarah Rittgers, Joanie Roberge, Alice Roberts, Joseph Roberts, Aaron Robertson, Gary Rodes, Alicia Rodriguez, Laurene Rogers, Maureen Rogers, Mona Rogers, Amanda Romond, Josh Romond, Patrick Rooney, Gazena Roorda, Suzy Roorda, Elena Rosen, Isabel Rosenberg, Jean Rosenberg, Gabi Rosenfeld, Kim Ross, Cliff Ross, Emily Rossier, Kathy Rossier, Tyler Rossier, Persis Rowe, Nathan Rowell, Shari Rowinski, Rene Rubbins, Bob Ruggiero, Shirley (Ainaka Luna) Ruiz-Perez, Diana Rule, Laura Rumbough, Jim Runcie, Jerrod Rushton, Alex Russell, Amey Ryan, Lizbeth Ryan, Nancy Ryan, Rachel Ryan, Tim Ryan, Vera Ryersbach.

S Gisele Sabourin, Sandra Salgado, Monica Sanchez Webb, James Sanchez, Meilena Sanchez, Monica Sanchez, Douglas Sandler, Pat Santner, Santo Santoriello, Joyce Sargent, Rochelle Sargent, Sharon Saronson, Joanna Satterwhite, Barb Saunders, Tom Saunders, Bryan Sawyer, Suzanne Sawyer, Zoe Sawyer, Eliana Schaefer, Jared Schauer, Peter Schenck, Peter Schenk, Robin Scheu, Linda Schiffer, Marita Schine, Kathryn Schloff, Katie Schmidt, Len Schmidt, Julian Schmitt, Pat Schmitter, Bill Schneider, Devin Schrock, Mary Kay Schueneman, Lucy Schumer, Ann Schwab, Bonnie Scott, Lauren Scott, Paula Scott, Katharine Scribner, Janet Seaburg, Saundria Sears, Sonnie Sears, Jonathan Seeley, Simone Setta, Ann Sevee, Judy Severy, Kayvon Sharif, Cheryl Shea, Regina Shea, Jerome Shedd, Jerry Shedd, Mercedes Sheldrick, Nathan Shepard, Eldon Sherwin, Jeanette Sherwin, Doug Shivers, Carol Short, Lewis Short, Marie Shortsleeve, Molly Shutt, Sofia Silverglass, Larry Simino, Kristina Simmons, Jean Simmons, Melvin Simmons, Barb Simoes, Simone Skerritt, Nancy Skidmore, Lois Ann Skillings, Ron Slabaugh, Sue Small, Susan Smiley, April Smith , Justine Smith, Liz Smith, Megan Smith, Beth Smith, Dutton Smith, Earlene Smith, Gerry Smith, Jennifer Smith, Kathleen Smith, Kelsey Smith, Lisa Smith, Marley Smith, Rita Smith, Scott Smith, Spencer Smith, Tom Smith, Vicki Smith, Judy Smith-Jaubert, Trisha Smtih, David Snow, Susie Snow, Joyce Sohotra, J. Paul Sokal, Paul Sokal, Bonnie Solomon, Linda Sommers, Cindy Sonnenberg, Cathy Sontum, Anthony Spadaccini, Ginny Spadaccini, Tori Spear, Thomas Spencer, Judy Sperry, Lorrie Sperry, Marie Sperry, Reginald Spooner, Evelyn Sprague, Mollie Sprague, Holly Stabler, Gerald Stagg, Jennifer Stanley, Mary Stanley, Siena Stanley, Beth Stanway, Jim Stapleton, Kathleen Starr, Penelope Stattel, Robyn Stattel, Deanna Steadman, Elizabeth Steadman, Carol Steady, Jane Steele, Joyce Stephens, Rachel Steponaitis, “Cookie” Roberta Steponaitis, Bonnie Stevens, Kate Stewart, Sarah Stewart, Allen Stillman, Alicia Stone, Francis, Stone, Susan Stone, Sara Stowell, Becky Stratton, Don Stratton, Val Strong, Jim Stuart, Gina Styles, Ed Sullivan, Jon Sullivan, Mona Sullivan, Rachel Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Jennifer Sumner, Samantha Sumner, Anna Sun, Richard Suprenant, Alison Surdoval, Riley Swain, Bonnie Swan, Ellie Sweatt, Chris Sylvestri, Steph-Marie Szenasi.

T Robert Taft, T Tall, Teja Tanner, Darcy Tarte, Charlotte Tate, Joanna Tatro, Mikaela Taylor, Anne Taylor, Karen Taylor, Sally Taylor, Sandra Tebbetts, Nancy Tellier, Kenneth Terrien, Stephanie Terry, Dawn Thibault, Martha Thilbourg-Chaplin, Laura Thomas, Jenna Thompson , Carolyn Thompson, Lisa Thompson, Lois Thompson, Kaela Thurber, Mary Beth Tichacek, MaryBeth Tichacek, Val Tilford, Gina Tindal, Gene Tougas, J. Silas Towler, Alex Traxler, Julia Trencher, Rena Trepanier, Gay Truax, Cathy Trudel, Jean Tufts, Sarah Tulley, Meredith Tulloch, Sarah Tully, Ashley Turner, Jessica Turner, Helen Turner, Jennifer Turner, Lauren Turner, Molly Turro, Tom Turro, Jeff Tweedy.

U-V Paul Urband, Vesta Urband, Cherie Vachon, Pat Vallaincourt, Zelia Van den Berg, Diana Van Develde, Marsdin Van Order, Camila VanOrder Gonzalez, Tom VanOrder, Marie Vasitas, Nancy Vaughn, Roberto Véguez, Susan Véguez, Julie Vest, Jill Vickers, Brett Viens, Paul Viko, Hector Vila, Jane Vincent, Tim Vincent, Meredith Visco, Louise Vojtisek, Peter Voorhees, Helen Vrooman.

W Kali Waag, David Waag, Ed Wageman, Connie Wagner, Conrad Waite, Dayton Wakefield, Linda Wakefield, Sarah Wakefield, Liz Walker, Sharon Walker, Anne Wallace, Forrest Wallace, Kate Wallace, Nancy Wallace, Kathleen Walls, Bill Walsh, Cathy Walsh, Drey Ward, Mali Ward, Donna Wark, Eugene Warner, Frances Warren, Frances Washington, Jennifer Wasiura, Joseph Watson, Christopher Watters, Sophia Webb, Stephen Webb, Joanne Weber, Ann Webster, Tom Weiner, Kathy Weiss, Peter Welch, Susan Werle, Judy Werner, Marion Werner, Margaret Wesley, Bernice Weston, Doris Wheelock, Rod Wheelock, Barbara White, Wendy White, Janice Whitman, Robert Whitman, Barbara Whitney, Michelle Whitney, Tegan Whitney, Janice Whittemore, Arlinda Wickland, Robbie Wiggington, Robby Wigginton, Cari Wilch, Beatrice Williams, David Williams, Kai Williams, Kassie Williams, Ken Williams, Maureen Williams, Ron Williamson, Heidi Willis, Martha Winant, Cedar Winslow, Debbie Wisell, Elizabeth Wisell, Shirley Wisell, William Wisell, Klaudia Wojciechowska, Virginia Wolf, Matt Wollam-Berens, Nancy Wollum, Rachel Wollum, Marnie Wood, Cap Woodruff, Spofford Cap Woodruff, Anthony Woods, Rebecca Woods, JacLynne R. Wootten, Helen Wright, Katarina Wright, Lauren Wright, Molly Wright, Pat Wright, Rosalie Wright-Lapin, Vijaya Wunnava, Anja Wurm, Isis Wyatt, Kathryn Wyckoff.

Y Michael Yang, Deborah Young, Helen Young, Jordan Young, Margy Young, Alex Yurista.

Z Helene “Renee” Zalubski, Nikki Zammuto, Helen Zamojski, Elizabeth Zhou, Terry Zimmer, Rob Zimmerman, Maja Zimmermann, Gwen Zwickel,

Spotlight

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 14, 2016 — PAGE 13A

on Addison County

Volunteers

Claire Adams Claire Adams, of Middlebury, has

been volunteering with Addison County Readers (ACR) for over 7 years and is currently serving as the Co-President.

Addison County Readers sponsors Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. The program provides books to preschoolers, encouraging early literacy while promoting it’s positive long-term effects on children.

The group is entirely volunteer run! One of Claire’s big projects is managing the Books at Birth program, which gives a free board book to every baby born at Porter Birthing Center in Middlebury. She also designs the t-shirts and bags that are sold at summer festivals raising money for ACR. Claire’s

Sheila Huestis Sheila Huestis, of Bridport, is a

tremendous volunteer for Addison County.

She has been dedicated to helping our community for the past 6 years on a variety of fronts. First, Sheila serves as a Guardian Ad Litem and Educational Surrogate.

Guardians Ad Litem are trained, courtappointed volunteers who advocate for children who have been taken into State Custody. A Guardian Ad Litem’s responsibilities include compiling information from sources close to the child, advocating for co-volunteers at ACR say she is creative, services, communicating with the Departdedicated, and a lot of fun to work with! ment of Children and Families and the She also volunteers at St. Mary’s Church child’s attorney, and ensuring directly or and as a soccer coach. Thank you, Claire! through the child’s attorney, that the court is informed of all relevant information.

Sheila also volunteers for Red Cross Blood Drives. Sheila organizes and purchases the

Stephanie Foley

Stephanie Foley, of New Haven, has been a Guardian Ad Litem for the past 7 years. Her responsibilities include protecting the best interests of children in juvenile and domestic court cases. She also has participated in the Vermont Educational Surrogate Parent Program as an Educational Surrogate, volunteers as an Acting Judge in Small Claims Court in Addison County, and is an instructor for the Pro Se Education Course. Stephanie also serves as an officer on the board of the Lake Dunmore Fern Lake Association. She was a co-chair of the committee created to the lakes. Thank you for all of the time you raise funds for combatting the milfoil on give, Stephanie!

Reinhold Lange Reinhold Lange, of Bristol, has

The leadership of MREMS would like to express their sincere appreciation for the selfless service of all their volunteers, past and present.

food with donations from local businesses.

Additionally, Sheila volunteers with the Everybody Wins! Reading program. Sheila enjoys volunteering because, “It allows me to meet some wonderful people and gives me a purpose.” We appreciate all of your work, Sheila!

We value the time and effort that it takes in order to provide quality emergency care to the ten towns we serve.

Forty-six Years of Cheers and Thank Yous!

Patrick Rooney Patrick Rooney, of Monkton, is a new board member at Homeward Bound.

He has been instrumental in finding innovative solutions to aid in improving animal welfare. Michelle Shubert, of Homeward Bound, says they are extremely happy to have him “on board” and appreciate his passion for humane education. Patrick enjoys volunteering because of the incredible results he sees when the groups work together. He loves helping the animals become happy and healthy, and ultimately providing them with good homes. Jessica Danyow, of Homeward Bound, says, “Pat- lot to offer our organization.” Thank you for rick is an engaged board member with a your excellent work, Patrick!

Jay Dubberly

been a fantastic volunteer with Homeward Bound since 1999. Reinhold is the Senior Director and leads Business Intelligence.

When Jay Dubberly first came to the He works to maintain a web presence and Bixby Library over a year ago he asked, plans their digital infrastructure for the “How can I help the library?” He’s been organization. Reinhold is passionate and volunteering ever since, and continues dedicated to supporting the animals. He to generously offer his time, experience, has adopted five dogs in total, three from knowledge, and passion to enrich the liHomeward Bound! He is a prime example brary’s programming and enliven the comof a dedicated volunteer. Reinhold has also munity. He has offered writing workshops volunteered for two other shelters, one in (and animals!) of Addison County thank and classes, nurturing and inspiring the Vermont and one out of state. The people you for all of the work you do! growth of the local writing community, organized a series of table-reads, led movie discussions, guided the library’s Movie Club, and is currently developing working with the librarian to develop a literary magazine for and by the residents of Addison County. Jay exemplifies the ideal library volunteer: an individual who is passionate, generous, and curious. He came to The Bixby Memorial Library would like to highlight two fabulous teen volunteers. Four years of symmetry and poetry; Guinnie Brownell and best friend Hannah Freedner-Matesi have been volunteering at Bixby. Their smiles outshine the sun. They hatch plans to atShirley Parfitt joined the Bixby Metack the tasks for the way with grins and morial Library “family” of volunteers in laughter. They are both smart and witty, a 2011. She brings strong computer, adrare combination. Both are avid readers ministrative, and interpersonal skills from with complementary palettes. Their superan extensive career with the U.S. Citizenvisor, Sara Howe, has enjoyed listening to ship and Immigration Services. She puts their reviews and cherished scouting out ers and great role models for the tween all her skills to work at the Bixby Memothe hottest Young Adult books at Barnes volunteers at Bixby. Thank you for the rial Library, doing data entry for the new and Noble with them. They are quiet lead- many ways you give, Guinnie and Hannah! automated system and at the circulation desk. She has become the “go-to” training person for all of the new circulation desk volunteers and continues to be willing to fill in for volunteers when they are unable to come in for planned shifts. Shirley is an avid reader and always has a good book Carol Mapel has been a mainstay suggestion for someone who is looking for volunteer in the Bixby Library Museum an interesting, enlightening, or entertainRoom cataloging project, carefully meaing read. She also volunteers for Hospice suring, weighing and documenting Native American artifacts. She says she has learned a lot about different types of stone and how seemingly similar artifacts can actually be worlds and centuries apart.

Carol possesses strong attention to detail, Ashley Aldrich, of Monkton, has which is necessary for this project. She been volunteering at Homeward Bound also volunteers regularly at the circulasince last summer. Her responsibilities tion desk. What you’ll probably remember include walking dogs and socializing with about her, though, is how pleasant it is to interact with her and how your day is Club. She lives in Vergennes near her fam- the cats. Her favorite part of volunteering brightened by doing so! Carol also vol- ily, substitute teaches at local schools and is getting to know the dogs. Jessica Danunteers at the Vergennes Congregational is an active, committed grandmother. The yow, of Homeward Bound says, “Ashley is a Church, where she is a deacon, and serves Bixby Library is incredibly grateful for her cheerful and kind girl who is generous with her time.” Thank you for all of your hard as the secretary of the Vergennes Lions volunteer efforts. Thank you, Carol! work, Ashley!

Guinnie Brownell & Hannah Freedner-Matesi

The Volunteer Center

the library hoping to share his passion and knowledge of writing and movies. His gifts have improved the library and community in ways that deserve recognition. All of us can aspire to follow Jay’s example of sharing one’s talents.

Shirley Parfitt

Carol Mapel

TA M V O LU N T E E R S M A K E I T H A P P E N !

Volunteer Services and for the North Ferrisburgh Methodist Church. Shirley is an outstanding, self-motivated volunteer and the Bixby Memorial Library feels lucky to have her.

Ashley Aldrich

Peter Chiles Peter Chiles, of Orwell and Addi-

son, has been volunteering at Homeward Bound for the past few months. Between being a student at the Aurora school and studying Tae Kwon Do, Peter serves as a dog walker and cat socializer. Peter enjoys playing with the animals and his enthusiasm is contagious. He loves getting to know the animals and develops a great connection with them. While he is passionate about caring for the animals at the shelter, he also has a lizard, a fish, and a to more community involvement. Peter is dog at home. Homeward Bound is his first a great example of the impressive work a volunteer experience and he looks forward young volunteer can do! Thank you, Peter!

The Middlebury Area Land Trust thanks their many volunteers!

To find out more about MALT’s volunteer opportunities, call 802-388-1007 or visit www.maltvt.org

Penelope Stattel Penelope Stattel, of Middlebury,

is one of Addison County’s youngest volunteers. She has been volunteering at Homeward Bound for the past six months.

Penelope started volunteering as soon as she was allowed, at the ripe old age of 5. Penelope’s favorite part about volunteering at Homeward Bound is “loving and playing with the kitties.” Penelope and her family are incredibly grateful that Homeward Bound opened up volunteering to younger children! Homeward Bound is welcomes more volunteers like her. Many so impressed with Penelope’s drive and thanks, Penelope!

Recognizing and thanking every volunteer • Repairs, renovations and new construction • Heating systems installed, cleaned and serviced • Water heaters and filtration systems installed & serviced • Kitchen, bath fixtures and faucets installed

John Fuller, Master Plumber • 388-2019 Serving Addison County since 1989

PAGE 14A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 14, 2016

Spotlight

on Addison County

Volunteers

Thank You Volunteers!

We

our volunteers, donors & shoppers for making it possible!

Looking for more volunteers to love!

Call for more information.

Because of YOU we have been able to generously donate to Hospice Volunteer Service & Women of Wisdom (a charitable local giving circle)

AN INTERESTING RESALE SHOP

Proceeds help support Hospice Volunteer Services and Women of Wisdom

141A Main Street, Vergennes • 877-6200 Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5:00pm www.sweetcharityvt.com •info@sweetcharityvt.com

Bryson Knight Bryson Knight, of Bristol, has been

volunteering with Homeward Bound since he was 9 years old. Now, a sophomore at Mt. Abraham Union High School, Bryson volunteers once a week as a dog walker.

In addition to walking the dogs, he also teaches them basic obedience skills. He says, “I love animals, especially dogs.

Even our dog is from the shelter! Walking dogs is fun and it makes me happy when a shy dog gains confidence. Also, obedience makes the dogs more adoptable and I love helping them find new homes!” Bryson has also been volunteering at the Have a Heart Food Shelf in Bristol since he was 6 years old. Bryson recommends volunteering

Sue Hoxie, of Brandon, has been

volunteering at Homeward Bound for the past five years and currently serves as the secretary of the board. As a member of the board she helps guide strategy and governance of the organization. One of her favorite parts about volunteering with Homeward Bound is gaining a better understanding of how the shelter benefits both the animals and the Addison County community. “Sue has volunteered with Homeward Bound for years and we are deto other people his age because it’s fun, lighted to have her talent on our board,” feels good, helps you meet new people, says Jessica Danyow, of Homeward Bound. ter Hospital Auxiliary Board. Thank you for and learn new skills! Bryson is clearly an Sue is also a dedicated member of the Por- your work, Sue! incredible volunteer! Thank you, Bryson!

Camila Van Order Gonzalez Camila Van Order Gonzalez, of Middlebury, is a volunteer at Homeward Bound. For the past eight months, Camila has regularly walked the dogs and helped prepare the cats to play with visitors. Camila’s favorite part about volunteering at the humane society is introducing the cats to families visiting the shelter. She loves seeing the absolute happiness of both the families and the animals when an adoption occurs. In her free time Camila buys felt and makes animal beds and toys for the animals at the shelter. Camila, we animals and your community. Keep up the appreciate your eagerness to help the good work!

Bristol Rescue Board of Officers wish to send out our

“Special Thanks”

to all of our members for their long hours and their dedication!

THANK YOU!

WomenSafe would like to thank our dedicated volunteers who support WomenSafe by donating countless hours to: • staff the 24-hour hotline • assist people at court • provide childcare • monitor visits between children and their non-residential parents • assist with tabling and outreach efforts • perform in-office tasks • serve on our board Every day, WomenSafe depends on our amazing volunteers to provide the vital services to respond to domestic, dating, and sexual violence in our community. WomenSafe thanks volunteers for their outstanding service. We are so appreciative of their hard work.

Thank You Volunteers!

Elderly Services thanks all of our wonderful volunteers for a job well done – we love you!

Ariana Mills Ariana Mills, a student at Middlebury College and aspiring doctor, is a volunteer at Porter Medical Center. Her duties range greatly, demonstrating her aptitude for wearing many hats effectively. On any given day, Ariana is greeting patients and families, stocking rooms with supplies, and serving as a smiling face for postoperative patients. Ariana has found that while she volunteers with the goal of improving the lives of others, the patients and staff continually make her days brighter as well. Her supervisor says, “Ariana has an incredible gift of bringing compassion and positivity when she enters a room. The staff adores her and appreciates the wonderful help she provides. She is a gem!”

Project Independence Adult Day Center s . o rg 112 Exchange Street, Middlebury rvice rlyse e 388-3983 • Open Mon.- Sat. d l e . ww w

Jim Stuart, of Hinesburg, has been

volunteering at Homeward Bound for the past 20 years! He serves as the President of the Board of Directors and helps with technology support. Jim enjoys his volunteering immensely at the animal shelter and he appreciates making a positive difference for a worthwhile cause. His longstanding commitment is a testament to his enthusiasm. Jim encourages others to volunteer saying, “Volunteering is good for you and for others! What could be bet- He is widely respected in the Homeward ter? Make a difference!” We cannot speak Bound community and we commend him highly enough of Jim’s volunteer work. for his tremendous dedication.

Bob and Janice Whitman

Middlebury, are two of Porter Hospital’s wonderful volunteers. Bob and Janice serve as mail sorters and couriers, distributing mail throughout the hospital.

Their supervisor, Karen says, “It is great to watch Bob and Janice work as a team.

They both bring wonderful, positive and enthusiastic energy to their role at Porter.”

Thank you so much for your contributions Ariana also is a MiddSafe advocate at and congratulations on your 67th wedding the college, helping run a 24/7 confiden- anniversary! tial hotline for anyone impacted by sexual violence. Ariana, we applaud your work to make the world around you a better place.

Kim Ammons

Sharon Saronson, of Middlebury,

has been volunteering for Porter Hospital for the past 12 years. She works at the registration desk, where she answers questions, gives directions, and makes sure patients are seen in a timely fashion.

In addition, Sharon sings in Maiden Vermont and is in multiple quilt groups and is starting to volunteer at the Charter House.

Porter Hospital appreciates Sharon’s dependability and is extremely happy to have her on their volunteer team. Thanks for everything you do Sharon!

Pat Blodgett Pat Blodgett, of Middlebury, is now

a volunteer at Porter Hospital after working in the Radiology Department for 40 years. Her responsibilities include greeting patients and triaging them to the admitting clerks. She loves being able to see her former co-workers and they appreciate her wealth of knowledge about the hospital.

Her rapport with the patients and the staff is an invaluable asset. In addition to volunteering at Porter Hospital, Pat also volunteers at Mary Hogan School as a reading mentor with the Everybody Wins! Program. better place, Pat! Thank you for making our community a

Lindsay Hart & Agnes James

Elderly Services, Inc.

Jim Stuart

Bob and Janice Whitman, of

Sharon Saronson

If you stop by Round Robin, you’ll be warmly greeted by volunteers Lindsay Hart and Agnes James. Lindsay has been volunteering at Round Robin for the past five years. She runs the store, pricing and arranging merchandise, helping customers and taking care of day to day needs. She says her volunteer work has been meaningful in many ways: “Round Robin is a rewarding a fun place to work. I came to Middlebury five years ago, knowing no one. Now I feel like a part of the community and have met so many wonderful people!” Agnes volunteers weekly at Round Robin. She also helps out with pricing and arranging merchandise and assisting customers. She enjoys many aspects of her volunteer work, from meeting new people, to spending time with the other staff. “It is a great and fun place to work. It’s very satisfying to help

Sue Hoxie

Kim Ammons, of East Middlebury, is

a volunteer for Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society. She helps greatly with administrative tasks and data entry but also “can’t help spending time with the cats too!” On volunteering at Homeward Bound Kim says, “There’s almost always a kitty keeping me company while I’m working, and it’s the best feeling in the world! Also, I can’t get over how warm and welcoming the staff are.” Administrative Assistant at Homeward Bound, Michelle Shubert says “Kim is amazing! She is dedicated, focused, and diligent. Thanks might not get to otherwise. I can always to her help with administrative tasks I am count on her to be here when I need her!” able to focus my energies on tasks that I Kim, thank you for all of your help!

Scott Smith Scott Smith MD, of Middlebury, has been volunteering at the Open Door Clinic for the past 9 years. He has been a core volunteer for the organization, providing patient care, acting as the Medical Director, and serving on the Board of Directors for many years. The Clinic staff speaks highly of Scott saying, “He has always been very supportive of our efforts at the Open Door Clinic and we appreciate the time and energy he has given our patients for many years. Without physicians like Scott, volunteering his time so generously, grateful for your invaluable dedication to the Open Door Clinic would not be able to the Open Door Clinic. Thank you! offer the services we do.” Scott, we are

Eleanor Coeby Eleanor Coeby, of Ripton, is one of

people find what they need at low prices.”

“These are amazing ladies!” says Director Robin Huestis. “Lindsay is a gifted seamstress and is always willing to do any needed repairs or alterations. Agnes makes the atmosphere at Round Robin so inviting. She has been a volunteer for over 35 years. Now that’s dedication!” Thank you Lindsay and Agnes!

the welcoming faces of Porter Hospital.

She has volunteered at the registration desk for the past six years. Eleanor warmly greets and directs patients and visitors, logs in patients and offers assistance. She truly enjoys helping people and providing support to the hospital. Karen Herrman, Director of Volunteers at Porter enthuses: “Eleanor shows great compassion to our patients and visitors. She has a wonderful, calm presence and kind demeanor.

She is a great organizer, and assists us with coordinating the use and availability of wheelchairs for our patients.” Eleanor also contributes time by sewing hot/cold

packs for community members. Over the past several months, Eleanor has sewn over 100 hot packs for RSVP and Addison County Home Health and Hospice. Many thanks, Eleanor!

Spotlight

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 14, 2016 — PAGE 15A

on Addison County

Volunteers

Susan Stone Susan Stone, of Brandon, has been

volunteering as a Medical Interpreter with the Open Door Clinic since 2013. Each week she dedicates many hours to interpret for the LEP (Limited English Proficient) patients at locations throughout Middlebury.

Currently, 60% of the ODC’s patients are LEP, so Susan serves as the language barrier broker for them and their health care providers. What she most enjoys about volunteering is having the great opportunity to keep up with her Spanish language skills now that she is retired: “I worked for 20 years with campesinos (farmers) in Honduras, so I thought it made sense to continue working with them here in Vermont.” The clinic staff greatly appreciate what Susan brings to the organization saying, “Susan is very friendly, flexible,

professional and has amazing language skills. Because she worked for so long in a rural village in Honduras, she is deeply knowledgeable of culture differences as well. She is a great asset to the Open Door Clinic!” Many thanks, Susan!

Roberto Veguez Roberto Veguez, of Cornwall, has

been a Medical Interpreter for the Open Door Clinic since 2001. Besides interpreting for LEP (Limited English Proficient) patients, he has greeted patients, helped at the office with special projects and given rides. He also assesses potential volunteer medical interpreters’ Spanish language skills and proof-reads translations to insure that the Open Door Clinic and other partner health care providers have the most accurate and well translated materials. The Open Door Clinic is grateful to Roberto for his support: “He has helped the ODC in so many capacities. Roberto is a retired Spanish Professor from Middlebury College and has been a wonderful volun-

Steve Brown, of Bristol, has been a Volunteer Registered Nurse with the Open Door Clinic for the past 7 years. Steve’s work helps to further the mission of the clinic, which provides access to quality healthcare services, free of charge, to those who are uninsured or under-insured and who meet financial eligibility guidelines. Steve provides care at the daytime and evening clinics, helps to administer hundreds of flu vaccines in the fall, and assists with ongoing patient outreach. The staff greatly values his work expressing, “Steve is one of the most knowledgeable RN’s we’ve met. He provides our patients with exemplary nursing care, supporting and advocating for patients during their

Vergennes Area Rescue medical visits. These qualities, coupled with his dedication, help us to maintain a consistently high level of care for our patients.” Thank you, Steve.

Mallory Brown has volunteered

ter and will always value the relationships I’ve developed with both the residents and the incredible staff members at John Graham.” Thank you Mallory for your time and commitment!

Erin Miller

Cindy Marshall, of Middlebury, has

Greer Howard

Emma McDonald Emma McDonald, a senior at

Middlebury College, has worked with Language in Motion for two years. Language in Motion is a program that connects Middlebury College students with international, intercultural, and upper-level language experience with secondary school students in Vermont. Emma and other Middlebury students do presentations and activities in school classrooms on language, culture, and travel in order to promote global awareness, cultural understanding, and language acquisition. Emma has held study abroad fairs and coordinated secondary school student and teacher visits to the College. She values the opportunity to engage in the wider community and learn more about the surrounding area saying: “Middlebury College has so many opportu-

A big THANK

YOU to all the

volunteers who contribute so much to the quality of our lives.

Rt. 7 South • Middlebury • 388-6297

Greer Howard is a senior at Middle-

bury College and has been a mentor and program coordinator with the Community Friends program for all four years of her time in Middlebury. This is her first year as the Lead Student Coordinator. Her responsibilities now include recruiting new mentors and mentees, keeping track of our existing matches and following up with any issues or students that need help, planning program wide events and trainings, running coordinator meetings, and putting together the matches. This is Greer’s fourth year with her mentee, and over the past few years they have explored Middlebury, read My Fathers Dragon and Warriors, raced fiercely in the natatorium and on the fields around campus, created half-edible dining hall creations, and spent hours drawing and painting in the various craft spaces. “I have watched her grow (now taller than me) and develop into a thriving middle school student, and she has provided me with an escape from schoolwork and a reminder of childhood. I

love seeing other matches around campus,” says Greer. She believes mentees encourage Middlebury students to break out of their college bubbles, and mentors serve as additional adult role models.

One notable aspect of Community Friends is its history with Addison County. The program celebrated its 55th anniversary this year, and it is amazing to hear stories both from members of the community and Middlebury alumni about their experiences with the program- even years later!

Thank you, Greer!

Forrest Wallace

and energy, we were able to grow into an enthusiastic group with ambitious goals, expanding from a one-event team raising $3,000 to a multi-event student organization hitting the $18,000 fundraising mark this year.” Erin has also volunteered with Special Olympics, the Helen Porter Rehabilitation Center as well as summer camps for kids with special needs. Thank you for all you do, Erin!

Your commitment and support are the heartbeat of the organization!

Cindy Marshall

Erin Miller, of Nashville TN, is a Se-

nior Feb at Middlebury College. For the past three years, she has served as the President of For The Kids, a student organization that raises funds for the UVM Children’s Hospital and spreads awareness about childhood illness. Throughout the year, For The Kids hosts community events at the college as well as the hospital. Some of the largest annual events include the Fall Family Carnival and the Miracle Network Dance Marathon. This year, Dance Marathon raised over $18,500, a 50% increase in fundraising relative to last year. All the funds raised go directly to impacting the lives of patients and their families by providing advanced equipment, the best child-life care, and toys to make the children’s experiences as positive as possible.

Erin most enjoys seeing the great positive impact a group of determined college students can make: “In giving of our time

Wishes to thank our Volunteers for many hours of dedicated service to our communities of Vergennes, Ferrisburgh, Addison, Panton, Waltham, New Haven & Monkton.

Thank You!

been a wonderfully dedicated volunteer with the Open Door Clinic. She served as a long term Board of Directors member for over 17 years and as a Volunteer Physical Therapist for 20 years. As a physical therapist, Cindy volunteers 2-3 times per month to see patients. She has been a gift to the organization says the ODC staff: “Cindy is one of our most dedicated and cheerful volunteers! She has been supporting the Open Door Clinic since moving to Vermont, generously sharing her treatment to our patients if it had not been knowledge and skills. We would not have for Cindy giving her time and expertise.” teer for almost 15 years! The Open Door been able to offer regular physical therapy Thank you for your generosity, Cindy!

Clinic staff and patients are very lucky to have him!” Thank you for your expertise and dedication, Roberto.

Mallory Brown with John Graham Housing & Services in Vergennes for almost three years. As a senior at Middlebury College, Mallory is the co-President of the student organization, Friends of John Graham. The program leads weekly trips to the shelter to cook dinner and spend time with the residents.

Mallory is also responsible for organizing a Thanksgiving Meal and a Spring Lunch for the residents of the shelter, which are both held at the college. Mallory enjoys the opportunities to step out of the college “bubble” and give back to the Addison County community. She believes it adds an important element of balance to her Middlebury experience. Mallory says, “I have learned so much from my work at the Shel-

Steve Brown

Forrest Wallace is a junior at Middlebury College and has been volunteering at the Charter House Coalition for about five months. At the Charter House, Forrest prepares and serves a meal every Sunday afternoon with his fellow Men’s Rugby team players. This fall, the team initiated the Sunday afternoon grilled lunch and have continued to serve it ever since.

Community members rave about the meal!

Forrest’s responsibilities include organizing volunteers, preparing food and visiting with guests. Forrest really enjoys interacting with community members, working important to give back to the community alongside other volunteers, and getting to in order to strengthen it, and so enjoys doknow Middlebury better. He believes it is ing what he can. Thank you, Forrest!

Homeward Bound

Addison County’s Humane Society Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society, wants all our volunteers – our board members, our dedicated dog walkers and cat socializers, our dynamic special events committee, our tireless foster care families, our clerical and customer service folks, and everyone in the community who steps up when asked for help – to know how very grateful we are for your support and commitment!

Please visit our website www.homewardboundanimals.org for information on our volunteer program.

Submit an application and join our team!

236 Boardman St. • Middlebury • 388-1100

Lissy Heminway Lissy Heminway and Wiley, of

nities to expand, grow, and challenge one’s world view. I have really enjoyed being able to share what I’ve learned at Middlebury and abroad with students and teachers in the community, and in turn learn a lot from them as well!” Thanks for your awesome service, Emma!

Shoreham, have been a Pet Therapy Team with Helen Porter Health Care & Rehabilitation for the past year. Lissy and her certified therapy dog, Wiley, love to visit folks throughout Helen Porter who enjoy animals, often staying to chat for a while.

What Lissy most enjoys about volunteering is connecting with the patients and seeing how they respond to Wiley: “I love listening to people’s stories, especially those of their own pets, while they pet Wiley. I have found this to be the most wonderful community. I feel truly blessed to be a part of it!” Activities Director Nancy Durham so appreciates the ‘team’: “Lissy is a very easy going individual who readily connects with others, drawing them out. Wiley is a

The Better Middlebury Partnership thanks all of the volunteers who contribute their time every year to helping make Middlebury a better place to live, work and play. Our community is what it is because of you...

Thank you! brand new therapy dog and it has been a pleasure to watch him blossom. Wiley brings a smile to all, like only someone with four legs and a tail can!” Thank you, Lissy and Wiley!

www.experiencemiddlebury.com

PAGE 16A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 14, 2016

Spotlight

on Addison County

Volunteers Sarah Koenigsberg

Thank you to all our volunteers who share their time and hearts with us every day.

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Peer Addiction Recovery Support Call (802) 388-4249 • www.turningpointaddisonvt.org

Sarah Koenigsberg, a student at Middlebury College, recently completed a winter term internship and now serves as a volunteer at the Charter House. As a Warming Shelter Volunteer, her responsibilities include helping cook, serve, and coordinate meals as well as staff the shelter at all hours of the day. She has also worked to expand Charter House’s volunteer base by promoting the organization on the Middlebury College Campus and leading volunteer trainings for students. Staff member Samantha Kachmar is thankful for Sarah help, “She is always excited to share her skill of creating wonderful meals with her fellow volunteers as well as our guests!” What Sarah most enjoys about her experience is her immersion in the community. She describes: “It’s really

nice to get off of the Middlebury College Campus and into the community. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people of all ages and backgrounds, guests and volunteers alike, who have engaged me in fun, interesting, and thought-evoking conversation.” Thank you so much, Sarah!

Jeff Rehbach Thank you volunteers for keeping our community running.

Let us help you drive safe. Stop in today!

33 Seymour Street • Middlebury • 388-7620

Jeff Rehbach, of Middlebury, has been volunteering with the Charter House since 2010. Initially, Jeff helped staff the winter housing shelter once a week, providing a supportive home to many individual and families in transition. Presently, he helps coordinate the community lunches which serve approximately 275 meals each week. “Volunteering with the Charter House has given me the opportunity to meet a cross-section of our community and enjoy serving and sharing meals together,” says Jeff. Charter House Volunteer and Programs Director, Samantha Kachmar greatly appreciates Jeff’s support and his culinary creativity: “Jeff is able to create a delicious meal out of any ingredients that we have available!” This

past January, Jeff also raised funds for the Charter House by organizing a Carpenters Tribute Concert featuring Sally Olson & Tim Guiles at CVUUS. Thank you for all your hard work, Jeff!

Hayley Jones Hayley Jones, a student at Middlebury College, has been a winter intern and a volunteer with the Charter House shelter in Middlebury. As a winter term intern, she helped to inventory frozen vegetables, created a Facebook page, compiled recipes for the Charter House cookbook, and cooked supper for the student volunteer community. During January, Hayley and her fellow interns improvised a chili recipe for fifty people using frozen zucchini and cabbage (more fun than it sounds). Last week, she worked with the college organization, EatReal, and had the opportunity to cook a community supper, making pizza, roasted root vegetables, and zucchini bread! Haley finds that she is always awed by the power that food has to bring people together: “I’ve met so many wonderful individuals and heard so many powerful stories, all

Community-Minded…

It’s just our way!

EastView residents, staff, board members & family are continually involved in making meaningful contributions as volunteers.

We also extend thanks to those warm-hearted and wonderful volunteers who come to EastView and enrich our community.

100 Eastview Terrace, Middlebury, Vermont 802-989-7501 • EastViewMiddlebury.com

T HEATER

OWN HALL

Merchants Row Middlebury, VT Tickets: 802-382-9222 www.townhalltheater.org

Town HALL THEATER Middlebury, Vermont seeks a

Technical director/ 225 facilities Volunteers Make manager

1 Amazing Theater! could notyear do it without you.

Applicants We for this full-time, round position should have the ability to maintain and operate all theatrical systems (lighting, sound, projection), and have experience with set construction. Other responsibilities include: facilitate load-ins, runs,

With Sincere Gratitude, The Staff at Town Hall Theater.

feel that whatever bit I contribute adds to the overall betterment of this community. I believe we are all responsible for the welfare of each other in a community as far as we are able.” Thank you for strengthening our community, Maureen.

Holly Stabler Holly Stabler, of Middlebury, has been coordinating the weekly community lunches at the Charter House Coalition for the past eight years. Her responsibilities include organizing and participating in preparation of weekly Monday community lunches, providing 48 bag lunches weekly to HOPE and CVOEO, as well as assisting with weekly processing sessions in August-September of fresh vegetables from Charter House community gardens.

What Holly most enjoys about volunteering is working with others to respond to

those in need of help in our community.

The Charter House staff greatly appreciates Holly’s energy, diligence and knowhow. “Holly is very knowledgeable in vegetable processing and her willingness to share this knowledge has allowed Charter to preserve an amazing amount of food for use during the winter months.” Holly also shares her time and companionship with the residents at Eastview retirement community; she is been an active volunteer with them for the past four years.

Thank you, Holly!

Bob Ruggiero Bob Ruggiero, of Middlebury, has been a volunteer with St. Stephen’s Church under the auspices of the Charter House for the past 6 years. His weekly volunteer responsibilities include both food preparation and delivery. “I participate in preparation of Monday community lunches and bag lunches for HOPE and CVOEO. I also deliver bag lunches to HOPE and CVOEO and at times, deliver soup prepared by Hannaford Career Center to Charter House for commu-

nity lunch. I really enjoy responding to people in need in our community,” says Bob. Everyone at the Charter House appreciates Bob’s willingness to help out: “His reliability of delivering sandwiches to HOPE and CVOEO on a regular basis ensures that members of our community have access to a lunch even when they are unable to come to Charter House or St Stephen’s during the lunch.” Thank you for supporting the needs of the community, Bob!

Charlie Mitchell, a sophomore at because we eat dinner as a community.”

Charter House Volunteer and Programs Director, Samantha Kachmar says Haley has made many special contributions to the organization: “She is very positive and creates a feeling of acceptance with her presence.” Thank you for your commitment to the community, Hayley!

Middlebury College, has been serving as the Co-Coordinator for Middlebury Foods for the past one and a half years. He also volunteers with Migrant Justice, a community organizing group for human rights and food justice. As Co-Coordinator of Middlebury Foods, Charlie is responsible for managing the development and daily operations of the organization. He leads a team of 15-20 volunteers in coordinating community outreach and ordering and distributing thousands of pounds of fresh, often local produce and meat at discount prices. Charlie enjoys the chance to make friends and acquaintances with so many people in Addison County that he never would have met otherwise: “Our communi-

ty is full of kind, creative and hardworking people whose company I truly enjoy—not to mention our amazing team of students who exhaust themselves month in and in month out supporting this organization.”

Thank you for your dedicated service, Charlie!

AnnaClare Smith AnnaClare Smith has volunteered

a Program Leader alongside three other students at Shoreham Elementary School.

Elizabeth has also volunteered with Mary Johnson Children’s Center and Bridport Elementary School. Thank you for your time and commitment, Elizabeth!

Deborah Young Deborah Young, of New Haven, has been a volunteer with the Charter House Winter Shelter for Families and Individuals for the past four years. Each week, she visits with the residents, keeps the house running smoothly and helps with any unexpected challenges that may arise. Deborah finds the work to be very meaningful: “I feel like I am helping someone else and hopefully making the world a better place.

I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people - clients or co-volunteers - and really feel that I am a part of the community.” Charter House staff member Samantha Kashmar greatly appreciates Deborah’s warmth and support: “Deborah genuinely enjoys meeting our volunteers and residents and that comes across in all her interactions at Charter House.” Deborah has also served

Maureen Williams, of East Middlebury, has been a volunteer with the Charter House Coalition for the past three years. The Charter House Coalition is a volunteerbased organization dedicated to providing basic food and housing in and around Middlebury. As a CH volunteer, she provides consistent support to the families and individuals at the shelter, offering assistance as needed. She possesses a calm and welcoming presence and is always willing to share her life experiences with volunteers and residents alike. Maureen has also served as a Living Strong Leader with the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging for thirteen years. “I enjoy both situations for the opportunities to become acquainted with more local people. More importantly, I

Charlie Mitchell

Elizabeth Zhou Elizabeth Zhou, a sophomore at Middlebury College, is the Volunteer Program Coordinator of the Page 1 Literacy Project. Elizabeth enjoys spreading a love of reading describing, “Children’s book stories, as simplistic as they may seem, help us to understand and appreciate the world from new perspectives. I find the enthusiasm of the students I work with is contagious. Each one-hour reading session leaves me feeling nostalgic and inspired!” Elizabeth coordinates 10-12 reading programs per semester between college volunteers and local elementary schools. Along with the rest of the Page 1 Literacy Project board, she creates program themes, organizes volunteer trainings, and designs and implements itineraries. In addition, she volunteers as

Maureen Williams

with John Graham Housing & Services for the past three years. Each Thursday, AnnaClare and other Middlebury students travel to Vergennes to cook dinner for residents, building relationship with the residents during their stay. AnnaClare also helps plan several additional events throughout the year with the extended Addison County community. She helps to provide a Thanksgiving Dinner and Easter Brunch for current and past residents. AnnaClare most enjoys the relationships she has built with residents, particularly as they develop over the years. She describes: “There have been several residents we

have seen in many different settings, and we have been able to grow deeper and more meaningful relationships.” Thank you for your many contributions, AnnaClare!

Susie Snow & Cecelia Halavonich Susie Snow and Cecelia Halavonich, a mother-daughter

on the board of the Shard Villa for the past two years. She describes, “I enjoy thinking creatively and working with the Director and other Board Members to make sure it is the best elder care facility possible.”

Thank you for your valuable contributions, Deborah!

pair from Fayston, volunteer together at Homeward Bound. They take pleasure in walking and playing with the dogs, but also love “snuggling with the cats!” The pairs’ bright smiles and enthusiasm are appreciated by the staff and the animals alike. Cecelia is a fifth grade homeschooler who took the initiative of incorporating volunteering into her curriculum this year.

As a result, the duo has also volunteered at Robinson Elementary School and the Lawrence Memorial Children’s Library.

When asked what their favorite part of volunteering was, they collectively stated,

“We like the sense of pride we feel when we are helping people and communities.

We also enjoy meeting new people.” Thank you for all your work, Susie and Cecelia!

Spotlight

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 14, 2016 — PAGE 17A

on Addison County

Volunteers

What’s it take to be a volunteer?

The Volunteer Center of the United Way and RSVP work in partnership to connect community members of all different ages, backgrounds, interests and skill sets with local non-profit organizations. This effort increases the capacity of the community to effectively meet local needs. Using channels such as local newspapers, volunteer websites, social media, printed materials and outreach, The Volunteer Center & RSVP invite community members to learn about these local needs and become involved. Together, they manage hundreds of different types of opportunities and continuously provide new offerings.

Community members connect with the Volunteer Center & RSVP in many ways. They inquire via host websites, email, calls, one-on-one appointments and drop-in visits. Sometimes individuals and groups are responding to a particular request, such as helping prepare food for a community meal, or becoming a reading mentor for a student, and they are eager to get started.

Other times, they are looking to learn about and explore different options, in hopes of finding just the right fit.

Once placed, volunteers play a vital role. The time, effort, skills and expertise they bring to an organization (cooking,

THE UNITED WAY Volunteer Center and RSVP are located at 48 Court St. in Middlebury.

teaching, bookkeeping, writing, painting, etc.), helps increase the capacity of an organization to achieve their mission. Volunteers benefit in numerous ways, including providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment, building relationships, learning new skills, staying active, reducing stress-related

On the go

MIDDLEBURY UNION HIGH School student Hadley Evans-Nash packages up to-go dinners during Community Supper service at the Congregational Church of Middlebury on a recent Friday night.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Thank you volunteers for all that you do to enrich our communties.

Telecommunications Sales & Service Data Cabling & Fiber Optics John and Jim Fitzgerald • 802-388-8999

illness, and just plain having fun!

Depending on their goals, people may be looking for a short-term or long-term volunteer opportunity. For those looking for an inspiring, shortterm experience, the Volunteer Center and RSVP encourages participation in the Days of Caring. Days of Caring, is a two-day volunteer event every September that mobilizes hundreds of students, sports teams, service groups, community members, non-profit and business groups to complete projects at organizations throughout the county.

If you’re interested in joining our team and volunteering for any type of opportunity, follow the steps below.

Steps to becoming a volunteer: 1. Call 388-7189, email volunteer@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org or rsvpvcadd@aol.com or visit our office at 48 Court St. in Middlebury to have a conversation with a volunteer coordinator about your interests, skills, and availability.

2. Visit unitedwayaddisoncounty. galaxydigital.com or www.volunteermatch.com to browse volunteer opportunities and brainstorm about what you might like to do.

3. Be matched with a volunteer opportunity.

4. Try it out!

BOYS AND GIRLS Club of Greater Vergennes youth Patrick and Alexis hold up a sign to thank the Addison County Board of Realtors (ACBOR) for its recent donation of $750. Also pictured are, from left to right, Courtney Houston, president of ACBOR; Kira, the club’s Youth of the Year; Jessica Francese, the club’s new program director; and Jeff Fritz, the club’s chairman of the board.

Artist fundraiser boosts Boys & Girls Club VERGENNES — The winter blues didn’t get the Addison County Board of Realtors down in March. Instead, a group of these real estate professionals came together at Lincoln Peak Vineyard in New Haven and enjoyed a fun afternoon with a purpose: They

hosted a “Paint ’n Sip” fundraiser with local artist Bethany Farrell. The whimsical paint session raised over $750 for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes.

National Association of Realtors CEO Dale A. Stinton is a product of

his local Boys and Girls Club; therefore, this local chapter of Realtors (ACBOR) was inspired by his success to give their annual contribution to a local nonprofit that invests in future leaders who find the Boys and Girls Club a home away from home today.

Bone Builders (Continued from Page 11A) County.

The Bone Builders Program was developed 15 years ago by the RSVP Program in Rutland. Since that time, the program has become a model throughout the United States. It was designed to help improve strength, balance and flexibility and prevent and reverse osteoporosis, reducing the incidence of bone fractures.

In Vermont, health care costs for osteoporosis related hip fractures are estimated at $90,000 per fracture, not to mention lack of independence and fatality rate that often accompanies these fractures. Vermont has a growing number of men and women over the age of 50 who are retired or nearing retirement and living on a fixed income.

By Participating in the free Bone

Builders classes twice weekly, participants gain bone density, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, energy, and wellbeing. Participants also greatly enjoy the companionship, support, social connection (and fun!) that comes with attending class regularly. The program continues to grow with new participants, volunteer leaders and classes starting all the time!