A way for towns to engage and bring together their residents, set common goals and directions in a neutral and facilitated structure, and access resources that will help them take action on those goals.
BY ZOË NEWMARCO, as seen in the Randolph Herald: https://www.ourherald.com/articles/newvistas-towns-to-host-vermont-council-on-rural-development/ On February 21, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting rural communities, will host the first of four forums for residents in the towns of Royalton, Sharon, Strafford, and Tunbridge. The first meeting will be held at the White River…
VCRD held a Craftsbury Community Visit process in 2015. The article below shows how Sterling College built on the opportunities identified during that process into the idea of a community Wellness Center. ——————– Craftsbury Common, VT – Sterling College has received a challenge grant from the Peter Alfond Foundation to make possible $1.34 million to…
Paul Costello, VCRD Executive Director, was interviewed by this Georgia newspaper about what is working in Vermont as Georgia looks to set policy that improves opportunity in rural Georgia. Scroll to the end! ———————- By Maggie Lee, as seen in the SaportaReport: https://saportareport.com/georgia-and-other-states-have-rural-prosperity-on-their-minds-now-how-to-get-it-done/ The tale of town versus country is an old one. In metro…
By DAVID CORRIVEAU as seen in the Valley News: https://www.vnews.com/Seeking-Common-Ground-After-New-Vistas-Fight-23172366 SOUTH ROYALTON — By day, Rob McShinsky oversees information-technology systems at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. By night and by weekend, the 45-year-old engineer rides herd on his four children’s many extracurricular activities in and around his, and their, native White River valley. And somehow, he hopes…
By HOWARD WEISS-TISMAN as seen on Vermont Public Radio: http://digital.vpr.net/post/rural-towns-fixing-historic-buildings-strengthen-community-ties#stream/0 Much has been written about what Vermont’s small rural towns need if they hope to survive. Officials talk about bringing in broadband internet and cell phone coverage, and encouraging young families to move in. But as they try to avoid population decline and other problems, some…
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Montgomery. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Improve Village and Center Traffic Flow and Pedestrian Safety Develop Community Wastewater Infrastructure Improve Cell and Broadband Infrastructure Read the Report and Action Plan. Montgomery Selectboard chair, Charlie Hancock, shares his reflections on the process:
By Bob Audette, as seen in the Brattleboro Reformer: https://www.reformer.com/stories/grange-hall-to-reclaim-role-in-guilford-activities,559930 GUILFORD — In 2013, the Vermont Council on Rural Development visited Guilford to facilitate a community discussion. During that process, the renovation of the building belonging to the Broad Brook Grange was identified as a top priority. “The Guilford Grange building is an irreplaceable community…
VCRD awarded Hank and Molly Lambert its “Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award” in September 2018. Together, they are a force for good in their community and in Vermont. Thanks to Hank and Molly for all they do! —————- By TOM BENTON, as seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/the-lamberts-building-on-good-things/ SWANTON — The Vermont Council on…
In early 2019, VCRD is bringing its Community Visit process to the 4 town region of Tunbridge, Strafford, Royalton and Sharon at the invitation of the 4 towns. The process brings people together to set direction for the future. Learn more about Community Visit here: https://www.vtrural.org/programs/Community-Visits. ————— By Katie Jickling @katiej7D, as seen in Seven…
By Mike Frett, as seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/montgomery-builds-its-bones-initiative-hones-in-on-infrastructure-needs/ MONTGOMERY – A community initiative dubbed Montgomery Thrives entered a new phase this Thursday as residents organized into specialized committees and drafted the first steps of their plans that, if realized, could lead to substantial developments for the small mountain town. In a series…