Current News

Vermont Works for Women It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Jen Oldham’s departure as Executive Director of Vermont Works for Women (VWW), at the end of 2019. For the past two years, Jen has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, and we will miss her and her inspiring leadership. Thanks to her dedication and accomplishments, VWW is on solid ground for the future.

City of Burlington, Department of Public Works, July 2, 2019 Due to an unplanned depressurization of a significant section of the Burlington distribution system as the result of a broken valve and other system valve closures there is a possibility that your drinking water supply may become contaminated on the way to the tap. This situation may present a health risk to City of Burlington water users in parts of the South End of Burlington (on Shelburne Road south of Clymer and cross streets south that intersection and users on Flynn Ave and all parts of the system south of Flynn Ave). Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Burlington is issuing a Boil Water Notice for those affected users, effective immediately.

Vermont Business Magazine The Prouty – named in memory of patient Audrey Prouty – is the biggest charity challenge north of Boston. This long-standing event takes place in Hanover, New Hampshire, and raises money for groundbreaking cancer research and important patient supportive services at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC). Over its life of 37 years, the event has raised more than $36 million for this NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the few serving a rural population. Serving, this year, as honorary co-chairs are Greg Tsongalis, PhD, and Carin Reynolds, JD.

by Amy Fela, Director of Operations at United Counseling Service, Bennington As a Designated Agency for the State of Vermont and a Certified Center of Excellence, UCS strives to attain the value of Easy Access, which is simply defined as providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place with the right provider. Access to mental health care services is a priority focus area of UCS’ strategic planning. Individuals who are seeking mental health treatment are often waiting six to eight weeks for an intake appointment, followed by an extended wait time for clinical services.

Emergency Departments across the State of Vermont have seen an increase in utilization rates by people experiencing a mental health crisis, both children and adults, including our very own Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC). Often patients who are seen in the Emergency Department are discharged back into the community to receive community-based supports. 

by John McClaughry On June 21 the US Supreme Court issued its opinion on a case with enormous consequences for landowners facing takings of their property by government. In doing so the conservative majority overrode both the liberal Justices and the Trump Administration. Rose Mary Knick’s Pennsylvania property included a small private cemetery, allegedly the last resting place of generations of her ancestors. Scott Township adopted an ordinance to enforce a state law that cemeteries on private land shall be open to the public during reasonable hours. Rose Mary objected that by creating a public thoroughfare to her family property, the township and state had taken her property rights.

The position of the township and the State, backed by the Trump Justice Department, was that an actual “taking” of her property did not occur until after the plaintiff had litigated or settled the required payment of compensation in a process under state law.

Vermont Business Magazine The Cancer Center Community Crusaders, known as the 4Cs, hosted their 6th Annual Day of Celebration in coordination with Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s National Cancer Survivors Day on Saturday, June 1 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Campus in Bennington.  Eight crews and more than 400 attendees at the event helped the group raise a total of $54,158 for the year. This amount contributes to nearly $300,000 in support the group has raised for local cancer patients in its 6-year existence.

Vermont Business Magazine Following months of tile art creation by local students, glazing, kiln firing, and installation, Ottauquechee Health Center (OHC) in Woodstock has unveiled a large mosaic mural on the wall facing Pleasant Street. The unveiling took place at a brief public ceremony on May 20 held outside of OHC, which is part of Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC).

UVM President Suresh Garimella I write on this my first day on the job with a great sense of honor and gratitude to be joining you at this storied university. Since the day I was announced as president, I have heard from so many colleagues at Purdue and elsewhere about their UVM connections. About having attended UVM, or taught here, or spent sabbatical terms here. And without exception, their recollections were fond and nostalgic. Many seemed to wish (did I detect an undertone of envy?) that they could still be here in Burlington.

Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University was recently awarded a J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation grant to support the development of its new undergraduate Early Childhood and Special Education program. The University is one of nine Vermont educational institutions and organizations to receive a competitive grant from the McClure Foundation for the 2019-2020 year.

Vermont Business Magazine Most small businesses, which are too small to have a Chief Financial Officer on staff, could benefit tremendously from the expertise a CFO provides. Medium sized businesses, which have accounting or financial staff, may also find a great advantage in seeking an outside CFO’s perspective. The Lamoille Economic Development Corp is beginning a new, free of charge, program called, “CFO for Rent.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Community College of Vermont (CCV) has been approved by the State Apprenticeship Council as a new apprenticeship sponsor. The College will offer registered apprenticeships in Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, and Manufacturing Production Technician beginning in fall 2019.

The new programs are supported by an Apprenticeship Expansion Grant, which seeks to increase the number of apprenticeships statewide into industries and positions not traditionally seen as occupations for apprenticeship. All three offerings will include credit-bearing courses, along with a connection to industry-recognized credentials. Most significantly, apprenticeships at CCV will give Vermonters the opportunity to earn while they learn.

by Matt Cota While few people are thinking about heating fuel on July 1, today marks an important change in the Vermont tax code. Since 1990, the Vermont Low Income Weatherization Program has been funded by a tax on heating oil, kerosene, dyed diesel, propane, natural gas and electricity. In 2016, the portion of the tax paid by heating oil, kerosene, dyed diesel, and propane providers was converted from a tax based on gross sales to a tax based on gallons. The rate was set at 2-cents per gallon. This change also allowed the itemization of the Fuel Tax, much like the efficiency charge on Vermonter’s electric bill.