Mill Mall saved by quick response to fire

The Killington Fire Department’s ladder truck at the scene of the Bridgewater Mill Mall fire on Friday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A fire at the Bridgewater Mill Mall was quickly brought under control on Friday evening, with multiple area fire departments responding. There were no injuries, and the fire’s cause is still to be determined.

In an interview at the scene, Josh Maxham, second assistant chief for the Bridgewater Fire Department, said that when they arrived at about 5:45 p.m., there was heavy smoke coming out of the third floor on the Route 4 side of the building. They were eventually able to gain entry to the building, locate the fire, and Maxham said it took about 15 minutes to extinguish it.

“The sprinklers helped keep the fire in check,” Maxham added.

It so happens that a brand new sprinkler and alarm system was very recently installed, as Leo Werner, who owns 75 percent of the building, noted on Friday evening at the scene. “We had just completed that work,” he said. “It probably saved the mill.”

Maxham said there was minimal damage in the building, though there was smoke and water damage throughout. Most of the damage is in the third floor of the ShackletonThomas part of the building, and no one was there when the fire started. Maxham said they sent a lot of people in to tarp the furniture and the pottery owned by ShackletonThomas. The business’s owners, Charlie Shackleton and Miranda Thomas, expressed their gratitude for the firefighters.

“They were very resourceful,” Shackleton said. “Most of the furniture is fine.”

“We’re blessed that nobody was hurt,” Thomas said. “It’s really the smoke and water damage that we’re concerned about.”

Among the fire departments responding were Woodstock, South Woodstock, Pomfret-Teago, Barnard, Killington, Hartford and Plymouth. Other departments from the region assisted with coverage at local fire stations.

— Gareth Henderson

Watch omnireporter.com and Omni Reporter’s Facebook page for further updates on this story.

Poetry festival to debut in Woodstock

Sundog Poetry, a prominent association of poets in Vermont, and the North Chapel of Woodstock recently announced the launch of the first Woodstock Poetry Festival. The Festival will take place in Woodstock, Vermont, on June 21–22.

The Woodstock Poetry Festival has assumed the annual poetry gathering which had taken place under Bookstock since 2009.

The festival will be held in a beautiful 1835 church which, with other rooms in the Town, has hosted over 75 poets who participated in Bookstock between 2009 and 2023. These poets included winners of the most major awards for poetry, including the Nobel Prize.

All poetry readings are free and open to all. It will be the largest concentration of poetry readings and poetry-related events in Vermont in 2024.

Chard deNiord, poet laureate of Vermont (2015-2019), is program director of the festival. He said, “The fact that there are more poets per capita in Vermont than any other state, as well as a poetic tradition that began with Robert Frost almost a hundred years ago and then quickly became the home of such internationally renowned poets as Galway Kinnell, Louise Gluck, Ellen Bryant Voigt, Hayden Carruth, Ruth Stone, and Grace Paley, it is only appropriate and natural for Vermont to host a poetry festival that celebrates its august poetic tradition with a group reading of some of America’s most eminent poets.”

Participating poets include:

Robert Pinsky (three-time Poet Laureate of the United States)

Ellen Bryant Voigt (MacArthur Fellow)

Martin Espada (National Book Award winner)

Andrea Cohen (Guggenheim Fellow)

Alexandria Hall (National Poetry Series winner)

Jeffrey Harrison (Guggenheim Fellow)

Cate Marvin (Guggenheim Fellow)

Todd Hearon (PEN/New England “Discovery” Award)

Matt Miller (Vassar Miller Poetry Prize)

Maggie Dietz (Grolier Poetry Prize)

Sara London (Sheila Margaret Motton Book Prize)

Elizabeth Powell (Anhinga-Robert Dana Prize for Poetry).  

In addition to the poetry readings by the poets listed above, poetry writing workshops, a musical/poetry performance and a reception for the poets and attendees will also occur. The poets’ books will be available for sale at the North Chapel. Details will be posted on the Festival website.

— Press Release Provided

Vermont’s first federally funded EV fast chargers now operational

Governor Phil Scott, Vermont’s congressional delegation, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT), top officials from the Federal Highway Administration and Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, and cabinet members, recently announced the opening of the state’s first federally funded public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station in Bradford. Vermont is the sixth state in the country to install fast chargers under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

The four super-fast NEVI charging stations can simultaneously charge 180 kilowatts per hour and are located in a municipal parking lot known as Denny Park at 6 South Main Street in downtown Bradford.

“My team has prioritized EV public chargers for years and put Vermont on the map as a national leader, with the most public charging ports per capita,” said Governor Scott on Tuesday. “Coordinated deployment of these federal funds will help close the remaining gaps in Vermont’s charging network and bring every EV driver closer to the power they need to get to their destination efficiently and conveniently.”

“Vermont has long been a leader in the clean energy transition that is absolutely essential if we are to address the urgent threat of climate change,” said Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Congresswoman Becca Balint. “That includes leading the charge in the effective deployment of public electric vehicle charging stations. Today, Vermont has more public charging ports per capita than any other state in the country and, with this new station in Bradford, will become just the sixth state in the country to install these federally funded fast chargers. We were proud to help secure this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will continue to advance policy that delivers affordable green energy to Vermont and drives us closer to a clean energy future.”

“Charging your electric vehicle should be as easy and convenient as filling up a gas tank, and federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help do that by making our EV charging network more accessible for all – here in Vermont and across the country,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “Together with states and local agencies, we’re building a bigger and better EV charging network to bring more EV charging stations to communities and along America’s highways.”

The new fast chargers in Bradford complement two existing 50-kilowatt DC fast chargers and a single AC Level 2 charger installed at the site by Norwich Technologies under a grant agreement with the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. Through an interagency memorandum of agreement and a sole source contract with AOT, Norwich Technologies modified design plans for the site to meet NEVI’s rigorous specifications and will manage operations and maintenance for at least the next five years to ensure the chargers are functional and reliable for EV drivers. 

“Interagency coordination has been a distinct feature of Vermont's progress in the transition to clean transportation to date, and the Bradford project is another great example of this,” Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn said. “This is just the beginning. Bradford is the first of 15 locations in this phase of NEVI funding that we’re working to have under contract by the end of the year.” 

Vermont will receive $21.2 million from the NEVI program during a five-year period. The first phase focuses on installing fast chargers every 50 miles along the nation’s highway corridors, within one mile of highway exits. NEVI was established through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, often referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The goal of the program is to create a convenient national network of fast EV charging stations to support the use of more electric vehicles and increase equitable access to infrastructure and economic opportunity.

"Vermont's first NEVI station builds upon the Green Mountain State's existing leadership in advancing clean transportation," said Rachael Nealer, deputy director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office). "The Joint Office is proud to be working collaboratively with Vermont AOT and FHWA to facilitate the deployment of our national charging network that will connect more than 80,000 miles of America’s roads and highways with convenient, reliable fast charging every 50 miles."

The NEVI program provides federal funding for the deployment of charging stations with the balance (a minimum match requirement of 20%) to be met with private dollars by third-party contractors engaged through the State’s procurement process. Private contractors are encouraged to avail themselves of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, a recently reauthorized federal tax credit for EV charging, to help stretch Vermont’s share of federal dollars further.

Through May 22, AOT is accepting statements of qualifications from interested parties to develop a short list of vendors qualified to design, build, own, operate, and maintain NEVI-compliant charging. Vendors selected through the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be invited to bid on the remaining 14 priority sites.

For additional information about Vermont’s NEVI plan and the RFQ opportunity, visit the AOT website.

– Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Voters turn down $99M Woodstock school bond

Voters in the Mountain Views School District rejected a $99 million bond for a new Woodstock Union Middle and High School building at the polls on Tuesday. 

The school bond proposal was defeated 1,910-1,570, according to unofficial results. The district includes the towns of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock.

— Gareth Henderson

Local option tax passes; Powell wins select board race

Woodstock voters on Tuesday approved a 1% local option tax proposed by the Select Board, by a tally of 997-308.

The tax was explained as a way to help pay for town infrastructure costs -- which may include future renovations to Town Hall and the purchase and improvement of the water system.  The state will get 30% from the local option tax, and the town will receive the balance.

In the Woodstock Select Board race, Laura Powell defeated Scott Smith, 761-449.

Select Board incumbents Susan Ford and Greg Fullerton were unopposed in their bids for a two-year seat and a three-year seat, respectively.

— Gareth Henderson

NOTE: The results for the $99 million school bond are reportedly being counted this morning. Omni Reporter will post this result later today on this website and on Facebook.

A solid foundation

Sun illuminates the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As I took a drive recently for some photos, I also took home a lesson about foundation. The soil, rock, and other elements under the surface are what we walk on, but it’s the sun – shining whether clouds cover it or not – that is foundational to life. Even when just one sunbeam breaks through a gray sky, that light touches everything around us.

Love operates in much the same way. Like the sun, it is always active – but its light can be hard to come by. In a moment, we can feel beset by swirling clouds of unrest, whether it be a local controversy or a national political issue that’s always on the news. It can all feel like a mountain of conflict that’s being built higher and higher, and entirely out of our control.

But there is something we can do. Instead of looking away, we always have the opportunity to look beyond the current conflict and our opinion of it – and look directly into that foundation of love that’s at the core of our very being. It’s a foundation made with the bedrock of compassion and goodness. There, we also find dependable strength and integrity that doesn’t wane when times are tough, that isn’t shaken by the winds of controversy, however daunting they seem.

This foundation of unfaltering love is tied to our innate goodness that propels us to do good to others, in deeds small and large. It enables us to love our neighbor, regardless of whether their opinions match up with ours. That’s because this love, this goodness, is already there. It’s already built within each of us, and it’s there for us to stand on and to use. Its fundamental role is to connect us with that same love and goodness within others. And it means we all have a foundation of good, the ever-present ability to be loving and to thereby connect with our fellow human beings for the betterment of all. Any conflict occurring in our lives is temporary, but goodness and love – those are permanent. And as such, we can make the choice today to step into those qualities and express them more freely. With that, we’ll be adding a little more peace into the world, each day.

— Gareth Henderson

Woodstock to vote on school bond, local option tax; 2 vie for select board seat

A proposed $99 million new high school and a 1% local option tax are two of the major items to be voted on during Town Meeting Day in Woodstock. The local town and school budgets will also be on the March ballot.

Voting will be on Tuesday, March 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Woodstock Town Hall.

To discuss town items on the ballot, there will be an informational meeting this Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at the Pentangle Theater in Woodstock Town Hall  (see Zoom connection information at this link). The proposed $8,020,315 town budget — with $6,603,975 to be raised by taxes — will be discussed at Saturday’s meeting.

Regarding the school project, on March 5 all towns in the Mountain Views School District will vote on the $99 million bond for the new Woodstock Union Middle and High School building — they include Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock (see project information at mtnviews.org, where a tax impact calculator is also available). 

The school project will be one of the items discussed at an informational public hearing for the school district, to be held on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the WUHS library (see Zoom connection information by going to page 79 at this link). Also at the Feb. 29 meeting, the district’s proposed $29,756,674 school budget will be discussed. 

1% local option tax proposed

As for the 1% local option tax, the Select Board unanimously agreed to ask the voters to approve a local option tax which would add an additional 1% to goods to pay for infrastructure costs in Woodstock. Those infrastructure costs may include future renovations to Town Hall and the purchase and improvement of the water system. The local option tax will allow tourist dollars to share in maintaining the quality of Woodstock for everyone to enjoy, according to information from the Select Board. 

In 2022, the tax department estimated that the town would have received $200,000 from a 1% local option tax. This was at a time when retail sales were still affected by Covid. Since 2022, several new retail operations have opened in Woodstock, so town officials are optimistic that it will be more than the 2022 amount.

The state would get 30% from the local option tax, and the town would receive the balance.

Voters to decide select board race

Two candidates are in the running for a 1-year seat on the Woodstock Select Board: Laura Powell and Scott Smith. 

Powell was appointed to the board last year and is a consultant for small businesses. Originally from Scituate, Massachusetts, she and her husband, John – who grew up in Pomfret and is a Woodstock Union High School graduate – moved to Woodstock in 2021, to be closer to John’s family while raising their two children. 

“I care deeply about finding ways for Woodstock to continue to be a wonderful place to live and work,” she said. “And the decisions being made today will impact how livable Woodstock will be in one year, in five years, in 30 years.”

As for the major issues coming up, she noted, “We will be working on a bond for the wastewater treatment plant upgrades as well as the potential purchase of the Aqueduct Company.”

Powell, a member of the Town Hall working group, looks forward to the group eventually presenting several options for this project to the board and residents. She’ll also continue working with the Planning Commission on land use policy, specifically on increasing housing opportunities. 

Powell has bachelor’s and master's degrees in criminal justice and sociology from Villanova University.

A longtime business owner in Woodstock, Smith decided to run for Select Board to offer his expertise to help with major issues the town faces. Smith and his wife, Kim, own and operate the Woodstock businesses 37 Central Clothiers, Red Wagon Toy Co. and Woodstock Scoops. Scott grew up in Killington, went to Woodstock Union High School and has lived in Woodstock since 2001. 

“I really want to be involved; there are a lot of challenging things going on, and I thought my expertise would be valuable on the board,” he said. Smith also has an MBA in finance from the University of New Hampshire. “That, combined with my experience in town running multiple businesses, being here since 2001 and growing up in the area, gives me a really good perspective on the needs of Woodstock.”  

Smith said the work needed on the water system, the sewer and the Town Hall are chief among issues the board will be tackling.

“Those are the main issues, and everything seems to have a big price tag, and how do we best navigate that and keep it affordable for people to live here?” Smith said.

In other local election news, Woodstock Select Board incumbents Susan Ford and Greg Fullerton are each running unopposed for a two-year seat and a three-year seat, respectively. For the Mountain Views School Board, Woodstock residents Ernie Fernandez and Keri Bristow are running for three-year terms.

— Gareth Henderson

Grant program looks to protect state’s waterways

The 2024 Vermont Watershed Grants Program is now accepting applications for projects that protect, restore and enhance the state's lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds, including Vermonters’ ability to understand and enjoy these treasures. Applications are due no later than Wednesday February 7, 2024.

Program grants are available to municipalities, local and regional government agencies, sporting clubs, nonprofit organizations, and water-related citizen groups. Projects that seek to directly protect or restore fish and aquatic wildlife habitat are strongly encouraged. Examples of past funded projects include streamside vegetation restoration, the removal of old dams and replacement of culverts to improve fish passage.

For 2024, $70,000 is available to fund three categories of projects. The three categories and the maximum amount for each project type are: education and outreach ($5,000), planning, assessment, inventory, monitoring ($3,500) and on-the-ground implementation ($10,000).

Vermont Watershed Grants Program is a joint project of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the Department of Environmental Conservation. It was established by the Legislature and funded by sales of the Vermont Conservation License Plate.

"When Vermonters purchase a Conservation License Plate, they are helping to protect healthy streams and lakes as well as conserving wildlife and important habitats for future generations," said Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick. “Proceeds from the sale of Conservation License Plates fund the Watershed Grants program and help support the Fish and Wildlife Department's Nongame Wildlife Fund."

The Watershed Grants application guide and application forms are available online at: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/get-involved/apply-for-a-grant/watershed-grant - Please note that the application location has changed from past years.

Information to obtain the Vermont Conservation License Plate is available on the Department of Motor Vehicles website: https://dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/license-plates/specialty-plates#conservation

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Vermont faces statewide flooding; officials urge caution

Local and state officials in Vermont are responding to flooding caused by heavy rains statewide, following catastrophic floods in July that brought severe damage. Most parts of the state are under a flood watch until Tuesday morning.

In a press conference late Monday afternoon, Gov. Phil Scott acknowledged the hardship Monday's conditions have brought to Vermonters. Scott said the state is "working around the clock" with its local and federal partners to help Vermont through this latest flooding.

"Although there will be damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses, we do not expect this to be the same scale as July," Scott said. "That being said, some of the places that were impacted in July are currently experiencing flooding once again. So for them, this is July, and it's a real gut-punch. So no doubt, there will be significant challenges for some, which we're responding to." 

Late afternoon Monday, Route 4 in Woodstock remained open, but other roads were under water, including Fletcher Hill Road by the Lincoln Covered Bridge and also Old River Road near the Taftsville Bridge. 

State and local officials are warning people to avoid flooded roads. 

"If a road is flooded, don't assume there's a road underneath," Scott said Monday. "So if you encounter one, turn around." 

The governor said numerous flooded roadways and mud slides have been reported around Vermont. The combination of rain and ongoing snow melt due to high temperatures made rivers rise very quickly, and they're continuing to do so. The state expects rivers to crest within the next 12 hours or so, Scott added. Vermont officials will be assessing damage during the day Tuesday.

Anyone in immediate danger is advised to call 9-1-1. To sign up for Vermont emergency alerts, go to: vem.vermont.gov/vtalert

Click here for the list of current road closures in Vermont.

Those needing assistance due to flood damage can contact The HUB, which serves residents of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock.

— Gareth Henderson

Some local roads washing out in Woodstock

The Ottauquechee River by Elm Street in Woodstock on Monday morning (Photo Provided)

Update 12/18, 5:50 pm: Woodstock Police has received reports that Old River Road by the Taftsville Bridge is flooded. That part of the road is in Hartford and the Town of Hartford has been notified.

Route 4 in Woodstock remains open as of 5 p.m.

—

Though Route 4 remained open in Woodstock late Monday morning, some back roads are starting to wash out amid today's heavy rain, according to Woodstock Police. Those include Fletcher Hill Road near the Lincoln Bridge and Stimets Road, among others. The area is currently under a flood watch.

"We're monitoring the situation, but the rain is expected to continue and so the water level will continue to rise," said Woodstock Police Chief Joe Swanson. He added that officers on duty are prepared to respond to any flood-related emergency.

While rainfall may vary throughout the area, people are advised to use caution. Police are warning motorists to never drive through flood waters.

The flood watch is continuing until 7 a.m. Tuesday, according to weather.gov.

— Gareth Henderson

This information will be updated first on Omni Reporter’s Facebook page.

Giving: The best gift of all

Holiday decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Amid the rapid activity of the holidays, thinking beyond the needs of the present moment can be tough. There always seems to be some other task around the corner. 

But we have something else in common, that’s much more powerful than the anxiety of any given moment: It’s natural for us to give. Within us, we have a profound and ever-present ability to give some of the goodness we have in our hearts — whether it’s a small or a larger act of kindness; whether it’s some volunteering we’ve planned to do, or spontaneously helping someone carry an item they’re struggling with, for example. Just like the next sunrise, that spirit is always there and ready to be seen and experienced. And it fills us up with love. 

In spite of the conflicts and struggles happening in the world, this holiday season gives us a wonderful reminder of how we can use goodness and love to push back against their opposites. By expressing goodwill, we are truly giving and also contributing to peace in the world. That’s the true Christmas spirit, which makes a difference in each and every heart it touches.

In every season, we have the opportunity to reflect a bit more on the good we know, and what might come from it. Indeed, there is always a great deal of goodness and love being shared – the key is to keep our eyes more open to these qualities, and know we have them to freely give to others. In every moment, they are there to touch our lives and remind us how innately good we are.

Anything that would turn us inward, that would try to separate us from each other, is very much like the clouds hiding the sun. The light can’t be stopped from being light; there’s something about our very being that looks out from self, and is ready to help others. That’s the true spirit of the holidays. It never stops giving. Good is continuous, and it really is the best gift of all.

— Gareth Henderson

Precious moments of gratitude

A farm in Illinois during our recent travels. (Chris Henderson Photo)

They come about when you least expect them, but, so very often, they’re right around the corner: moments of gratitude. Sometimes they’re for major positive changes in life; other times you’re compelled to reflect on the smaller things that, even in a slight way, shed light on the goodness all around us. For either instance, the serene beauty of nature can be a powerful example.

Recently when my wife and I were driving back to Vermont, after a visit to the Midwest, I awoke to an inspired scene just outside our hotel window in eastern Ohio. The dawning sun illuminated a small marshland with a river and woods just beyond it. The light danced on the tops of cattails in the wetland and on the trees in the distance. A group of birds flew overhead, just above this pleasant scene, and its expression of light dawning on shadow, and making it bright.

It was a brief moment, but I was grateful for the beauty it brought forward — showing that something so simple, can be so profound. It points to this time of year, in which the light of gratitude comes out in a more pronounced way, and it shows that gratitude is always possible, because goodness is really all around us, with its varied expressions. That goodness cares for us and reminds us of its constancy, even its ever-presence amid the shadows of life. In this holiday season, people are stepping up to help each other, to lift their communities up and be there for those in need. Good is still being realized and acted on. The true light of love is still shining. And no matter what the situation may be, something to be grateful for is always about to show up, many times just around the corner. This truth guides us and reassures us that we are all part of a natural, beautiful network of goodness. It is radiant and ready to touch every heart, with an abundance of precious moments.

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont fall fishing season heats up as waters cool

Shawn Good, a fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife, poses with a beautiful late-fall Northern Pike caught on Lake Champlain. (VTF&W Photo)

The dropping temperatures and shorter days of fall bring some of the year’s hottest fishing action on Vermont’s lakes, ponds and streams, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. 

“As water temperatures cool off, many different fish species begin to feed heavily,” said Shawn Good, a fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “From warm water species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch, and walleye, to cold water species like trout and salmon, fish feeding activity really picks up and creates exceptional fishing conditions for anglers.”  

While the hot temperatures of summer can sometimes make fishing slow, the autumn months represent a transition time when fish become more active and easier to catch. This increase in feeding activity can be attributed to fish boosting their reserves of essential nutrients in order to sustain themselves during winter when their metabolism slows and they feed less. 

Fishing pressure on Vermont waters also decreases significantly as the seasons change, so there is less competition from other anglers.

“Fall is one of the absolute best times to be on the water in Vermont – regardless of what species you want to target or where you want to fish,” Good said. “Some of the best days I’ve had on the water have come late in the fall when many other anglers have already put their rods away for the winter. It’s an amazing time of year to be on the water, and you’ll likely have your favorite fishing holes all to yourself.”

One enhanced fall angling opportunity is bass fishing, whether it be on world-renowned Lake Champlain, the diverse Connecticut River or one of Vermont’s many smaller lakes and ponds. 

"Fall makes the great bass fisheries of Vermont even greater,” Good said. “Cooler air temperatures bring comfortable fishing weather and less boat traffic, and the bass also know to take advantage of cooling water temperatures by feeding more in shallow water. More bass in shallow water means more exciting bass opportunities for anglers.”

“Vermont has near equally abundant smallmouth and largemouth populations,” Good said. “You can try different fishing strategies for the two bass species during other seasons, but I've found largemouth and smallmouth bass mix together more in the fall when temperatures cool. This makes fall bass fishing even more fun."

“For bass and pike, fishing locations and lure selection are pretty straight forward at this time of year when these species are feeding aggressively. In any lake or pond, focus on fishing around the outside edges of dying weedbeds and shorelines that change from shallow to deep water. If you can find 6 to 8 feet of water along the edge of a thinning weedbed, that’s a great place to start. As the weeds thin out and break down in the colder water, baitfish are left without dense cover to hide in, and predators like bass and pike take advantage of that.”

“Casting large brightly colored lures that have a lot of vibrating and flash will elicit vicious strikes.  White or chartreuse spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or wide-wobbling crankbaits are great choices.”

Other hot fall fishing action includes northern pike and walleye fishing on the Connecticut River and trout, salmon and northern pike fishing on Lake Champlain. 

One of the great things about late fall fishing is that there’s no need to get an early start.  Being on the water in the early morning isn’t necessary.

“Sleep in and wait until the sun is well up and the surface water temperature has inched upwards a few degrees,” Good said. “With water temperatures hovering in the 40s and low 50s, fish like bass and pike need a couple of extra hours to warm up and begin to feed. You can be on the water by 10 a.m. and off by 3 p.m. These are short days, but possibly some of the most productive of the year.”

To purchase a Vermont fishing license or to find out more about fishing opportunities in Vermont, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

— Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Swanson honored to lead police dept. in hometown of Woodstock

Joe Swanson first joined the Woodstock Police Department in his college days — and now, he leads it as its chief. Also a Woodstock Union High School grad (1999), he’s honored to do this work for his hometown. 

“It's been really special to be able to lead the department I came up in, for the community I grew up in,” he said in a recent interview. “Being familiar with the community has certainly been a big help to me, in fitting into my new role.” 

After an extensive national search, Swanson was hired on July 14, which was announced by Municipal Manager Eric Duffy and the Woodstock Village Trustees. Robbie Blish, who had been Woodstock’s chief since 2011, retired in July. 

After becoming chief, Swanson gave up his Select Board seat, and Greg Fullerton was later appointed to that post. 

Swanson, whose late father, Phil Swanson, was municipal manager for 34 years, started out with Woodstock PD as a part-time officer in 2000 while attending the University of Southern Maine. At USM he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and he went full-time with the Woodstock Police in 2007, later working up to the rank of corporal, and then sergeant. Also, Swanson served in the Vermont Army National Guard from 2005 to 2012, and he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Franklin Pierce University.

In July, Swanson’s first day as chief was a unique one: On July 14, Woodstock and many other Vermont towns were dealing with the impact of catastrophic flooding. At the time, he recalled, the main focus was on getting water and supplies to the residents that needed them, while coordinating with local leaders and organizations.  

From Swanson’s first day as a police officer years ago, to the present day, keeping the community in mind has been key to his work – and he notes that the same is true for the department overall, including being visible in the community.

“Community policing has been and remains a major tenet of our mission,” Swanson said. “As a police force we can only be successful by working with the community.” 

He added, “In a daily workload practical sense, we balance enforcement efforts, investigative time, and community engagement to meet our mission.”

When asked about tasks that are new to him in this role, Swanson noted managing the department’s budget and also policy decisions. 

Referring to the latter, he said, “I haven’t had to make many yet, but that's part of what's included in the role as chief.”

Swanson, 42, said that being flexible and ready to help is at the core of the work. 

“You have to be flexible and willing and able to adapt to the wants and needs of the community, and the wants and needs of the department.”

— Gareth Henderson

TEDx Hartland Hill returns with ‘Art of Living’ theme

For many, the losses and changes amid the world-wide pandemic led to a profound search for meaning in life, and a closer look at what we value and how we can rise from challenges to find inspiration. In Woodstock, Vermont, later this month, the TEDx Hartland Hill series returns to bring that into focus with its new theme, “The Art of Living”. 

In a recent interview, Deborah Greene, the executive director of TEDx Hartland Hill, pointed out that so many people experienced loss in many ways during the global pandemic. 

“How do we give it meaning in a different kind of way?,” she said of that experience. “Life has always been precious, but it feels more sensitive. There’s a gentleness in its harshness.” 

Now in its second year, TEDx Hartland Hill dives into this topic with a full day of speakers on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Billings Farm & Museum (see the schedule here). But, among the new features: The weekend begins with an opening event at Artistree in Pomfret on Friday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m.; and there will be a performance at East End Park in Woodstock at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, to wrap up the weekend.  

Early on, after putting out a call for speakers around its 2023 theme, Greene and a local advisory board received 120 submissions, and they sought local participants as well, before deciding on the final slate of speakers. Greene was also joined in the organizational efforts by Ali Madeira, director of operations for TEDx Hartland Hill – a newly added position. 

Looking forward to the 2023 speakers, Greene is excited about the depth of the stories being offered, and she cherished the opportunity to be involved with that process. 

“I got a chance to work with each individual speaker and help them shape their stories,” she said. “I’m honored that I get to do that, and I’m really touched by the stories being told. There are some cool, outside-the-box approaches being shared.”

Some of the focus is about confronting key issues in the world today, Greene added. 

“It’s not just about our experience and touching moments, but the world is changing rapidly and we’re going to have a lot of things we’re not used to, like climate, like AI, like what’s in space,” she said. 

Kicking things off for the weekend, the Friday night speaker is Avi Loeb, Head of Astronomy at Harvard University, covering the topic, “What’s Really In Space?”

A range of speakers are on tap for Saturday, including several Vermonters: poet and author Shanta Lee; artist Adrian Tans, creator of the Woodstock Town Smiler; Rocket, a food enthusiast from Hartford; and Jen Ellis, maker of the famous mittens worn by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. 

During her recent interview, Greene pointed out the only two-person speaking event of the weekend, with Rachael Siddoway and Rachel’s mother Sonja Wasden, award-winning authors and mental health advocates who’ve made a number of public appearances. They will present the moving story of their family’s journey through Sonja’s struggles with mental illness, including how she eventually got help. 

“We created this piece, where it is just a back-and-forth story of their story, which is learning how to thrive with mental illness in their family structure,” Greene said. 

On the Saturday events in general, Greene added, “I think we’ve included a lot from the breadth of the experience of life in one day.” 

On Sunday, Snow Raven-Suor, from Siberia – who is also one of the speakers from Saturday – will have the performance at East End Park. A participant of America’s Got Talent 2020, she is a musician and will offer some speaking and singing in this event – including the different, unique sounds of the forest. Greene said the park performance is a “pay what you can” event (suggested $24 donation), and is part of a growing focus on getting more people involved with TEDx Hartland Hill. 

As part of Saturday, Greene said audience members will have some time in between events, where they can interact with the speakers. For another addition this year: There will be ticketed seating in the barn at Billings Farm, to watch remotely – and that’s also the location where speakers will talk with audience members after their events. 

Also this year, people will notice a lot of involvement from local businesses. For example, The Village Butcher and Splendid Bakes are in charge of the food for the Garden Party at 6 pm on Saturday. There will also be a lounge created by 121 Home, with additional artwork from Focus Gallery (which is opening its Collectors Gallery on Sept. 29).

— Gareth Henderson

For ticket information, and more details about speakers and events, visit www.tedxhartlandhill.org. 

TEDx Hartland Hill 2023 is sponsored by the Woodstock Economic Development Commission, Billings Farm & Museum, Artistree and The Rauch Foundation; with additional support from The Shire Woodstock, The Village Inn, Dartmouth Health-Mt. Ascutney, KW RodenGroup, The Woodstock Inn and Sleep Woodstock Motel.

The HUB: Connecting people to resources in times of crisis

As Woodstock and surrounding towns are continuing the recovery process after recent historic flooding, a new local group is playing an important role in helping those who are impacted. 

The HUB, a project of the Woodstock Community Trust, connects people with assistance and key resources in times of crisis, whether on the individual or community level. It serves the towns of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock. 

The HUB can assist with bills directly, but can also direct the applicant to resources and assistance for a variety of needs. A number of local volunteers work with The HUB, led by the leadership team of Jill Davies, Marian Koetsier, Denise Lyons and Meg Seely. Those in need can simply reach out to The HUB directly, and volunteers are ready to coordinate assistance. 

Seely said part of the value of The HUB is that it communicates with other organizations that can help.

“We streamline things for the applicant, so they don’t have to tell their story over and over and over again,” she said. 

For health-related needs, for example, The HUB can connect applicants with the Ottauquechee Health Foundation. Oftentimes, people may not know which organization to reach out to. 

“I think it’s crucial,” Seely said about the work of The HUB, “and it’s not so much about the grant making we’re doing, it’s just that a lot of residents don’t have a lot of the personal connections.” 

Though The HUB had its official start within the past year, the concept grew out of prior efforts. Woodstock volunteers created a local relief fund in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, and they did so again during the recent pandemic with the Woodstock Area Relief Fund (WARF). The experience during the pandemic gave more impetus to the idea for The HUB. 

“We came out of it thinking, ‘We should create a permanent organization. We should be ready for the next disaster,’” Davies said, adding that The HUB also helps people experiencing an individual crisis. 

It so happened that, seven months after The HUB was officially formed, extreme rains brought catastrophic flooding to Vermont on July 10 and 11. There was significant damage in Woodstock and surrounding towns, and some lost their homes and businesses. During it all, The HUB set about its work and was ready to help the community. Now, The HUB is assisting over 70 applicants. 

In one example, Davies said, there was a couple in Plymouth that needed to rebuild their driveway after the flooding, and The HUB was able to pay for that. The couple is working with FEMA and other organizations as well, since there are a lot of home repairs needed, too. Aside from coordinating funding, The HUB is also able to help people with their FEMA paperwork, Davies added. 

In another example, an individual had lost his wages after the flood and couldn’t afford a fee to return to nursing school. 

“We paid the school deposit and a few of his bills, so he could stay on track,” Davies said. 

The HUB is comprised entirely of volunteers, except for one part-time strategist and one part-time administrator. Every dollar that comes in as a donation goes right back out in the form of a grant to help an applicant, Seely noted.

Seely, who spent 10 years with the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) and has chaired its board, said her friends at VCF describe The HUB as unique in the state, and they want to stay informed of its progress. Seely said a key feature of The HUB is that the applicant is at the center of the work. Many times, she said, volunteers end up being “a listening ear” at a time when people need that most, while also being a connector to resources.

“It’s not a top-down model,” Seely said. “I think that’s what motivates us as volunteers. We’re looking at things differently, listening to people instead of telling them what to do.”

— Gareth Henderson

Go to WoodstockCommunityTrust.org, scroll down slightly, and click on “Apply for Assistance” to apply to The HUB, or click on “Give Today” to donate to the effort.

Emergency funds announced for businesses impacted by flooding

Gov. Phil Scott, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), and State Treasurer Michael Pieciak announced multiple initiatives on Friday to provide financial support to businesses and municipalities impacted by the severe flooding.

"Hundreds of Vermont businesses have been impacted by severe flooding, and for many, loans will not be enough,” Scott said. “That’s why I’ve instructed my team to get creative about how the State can provide direct financial assistance, quickly, to help employers get back on their feet. Although this $20 million commitment is significant, we know it will not meet the need. My team will continue to work to find additional resources, and we’ll continue to work with our congressional delegation to get more federal assistance for Vermonters in need.”

The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program will be administered by the Department of Economic Development and provide $20 million directly to impacted businesses and not-for-profits who suffered physical damage due to the severe flooding in the form of grants. The program is still under development and program specifics will be released next week. Business owners can expect grants to support demonstrated losses to their physical space and replacements of inventory, machinery, equipment, and supplies.

“This program is intended to provide emergency gap funding to businesses so they can return to being the economic engines of their local communities,” said ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. “We understand the urgent and pressing need for financial support, and while this funding will not make them whole, we hope it will make a substantial impact in helping them bringing back their employees and opening their doors. The dedicated team tasked with swiftly implementing this program is working tirelessly on the details and we are committed to making this process as efficient and transparent as possible in the days ahead.”

ACCD will update businesses on program specifics, eligibility, and grant application opening date next week. At this time businesses are encouraged to collect, document, and prepare photographs of damage, insurance adjuster damage assessments, estimates for repairs to physical structures, equipment, inventory, or supplies purchases, and/or actual paid expenses.

For the latest updates on this developing program, as well as federal SBA updates, and other resources for businesses please subscribe to the ACCD Flood Newsletter and visit the ACCD Flood Recovery Resource page.

In addition, the Treasurer’s Office will be accelerating $11 million in State payments to 40 Vermont towns most impacted by last week’s flooding. Originally scheduled for disbursement later in the fiscal year, these funds will now be fast-tracked to towns to ensure they have a steady cash flow to support ongoing recovery efforts. This will ensure municipalities have access to immediate funds while awaiting FEMA reimbursement. It may also help prevent municipalities from taking on borrowing costs while waiting for FEMA reimbursements.

The early payment initiative replicates a program implemented in 2011 to assist towns’ recovery from Tropical Storm Irene, and again in 2013 after a period of unprecedented rainfall. “These advanced payments are a quick and easy way to get cash in the hands of hard-hit municipalities so they can continue the cleanup and recovery efforts,” said Mike Pieciak, the state’s treasurer. “I appreciate the leadership of the governor and his team during this challenging time, and we stand ready to assist efforts to recover and build back stronger.”

The Treasurer’s Office announced a pause on its $85 million local investment program for economic development. The Office will work with the Administration to determine if these funds may be better employed to support flood response. The Treasurer’s Office is also working closely with the Vermont banking sector, the Vermont Economic Development Authority, and the Vermont Municipal Bond Bank. All are ready to fill any gaps that may emerge in the flood recovery effort. 

“This recovery process will take time, but right now, we need to help municipalities with access to funding and get our small businesses back open who are the backbone of our communities,” Scott said. 

There are additional federally funded recovery resources available through FEMA for municipalities and individuals in counties that have been approved through President Joe Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration (for more information visit www.vermont.gov/Flood). The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program is being designed to provide emergency grants for small businesses because they are not eligible for the FEMA Individual Assistance program.

— Office of Vermont Gov. Phil Scott

Aqueduct: Woodstock water now safe to drink

Statement from Woodstock Aqueduct — Thursday, June 20

The Aqueduct has officially announced that the water is back on, and it's safe to drink! 
We know how inconvenient it's been during the water outage, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. Even though the water supply is restored, you will need to conserve water for the time being.
Let's do our part and be considerate of one another.
If you have any questions or concerns about the water supply, feel free to reach out to the Woodstock Aqueduct at the following emails: tessmalloy@gmail.com or fhgstoreoffice@gmail.com.

Aqueduct Update 7/19/23

From Woodstock Aqueduct — Wednesday, July 19:

The new line has just been connected and we said goodbye to the firehoses, which are no longer in use. This is terrific progress!

The water sampling comes next. We can take the bacteria sample over today, while we wait for the chlorine levels to rise. The State is requiring our chlorine levels to be much higher than usual for the Do Not Drink to be lifted. You may be able to smell it in the water, and when the Do Not Drink is lifted, you may be able to taste it. This is temporary and we will be able to bring it down soon. It’s just a precaution to ensure that no bacteria is present.

Additionally, we have arranged for the East End river crossing (from the Billings Farm field to the Sewer Plant field) to be replaced via directional drilling. The rig for this has now arrived and work should begin shortly. Using directional drilling will allow the line to be buried much deeper, and makes it nearly impossible for the line to ever break again. We are also lengthening the line so that the valves are much further from the edge of the river. The drilling process may take up to a week.

When we do resume normal operation, please continue to conserve water. We used to have 16” of line running across the river between the 2 river crossings, but with the breaks and temporary pipe, we now only have 4”. That is why the tank levels have remained low. This should improve when the new line is in place, but until then, please be thoughtful about your water usage. If water usage picks up, the tank will return to a critically low point.

Things that are okay to do:
- Flush toilets
- Short showers (<15 minutes)
- Laundry (2 loads max per week, on express wash)

Things that are not okay to do:
- Water your garden
- Fill pools
- Pressure wash or hose wash anything
- Any other things that aren’t critical and use lots of water

Note that the Woodstock Inn has irrigation that comes from their own well. If you see their sprinklers running, it is not using Aqueduct water.

If you see anyone pressure washing, please ask them to stop, and reach out to us and let us know.

Woodstock Aqueduct Company emails: tessmalloy@gmail.com or fhgstoreoffice@gmail.com.

Check Omni Reporter’s Facebook page for updates.

Aqueduct Update 7/18/23

Woodstock Aqueduct Update - Tuesday, July 18:

There was a transportation mix-up yesterday and all the pipe pieces had to be cut in half. This means that connecting the pipes will take twice as long as originally estimated (because there are double the number of pieces to connect).

Our best estimate is that by the end of Wednesday, the pipe will be completely put together. As soon as that happens, the firehoses will be removed. The samples will most likely be brought to the lab on Thursday morning. We are hopeful that we will have the bacteria and chlorine test results on Friday. If the tests come back clear, we will be able to lift all the notices, meaning the water will be considered potable (no boiling required).

Note that the State is not requiring us to test for PFAS, as we were able to prove that none of the firehoses had ever had PFAS run through them. Nevertheless, we are testing for it out of an abundance of caution. The PFAS test can take up to three weeks to come back. However, as it is not required by the State, we do not have to wait for the results of that test to be able to lift the notices. We will share the results when they come back.

For more information, please contact the Woodstock Aqueduct Company at tessmalloy@gmail.com or fhgstoreoffice@gmail.com.

Check Omni Reporter’s Facebook page for updates.