COLLEGE NEWS
NU visitors
NORTHFIELD — Former Vt. Sen. Patrick Leahy and his wife, Marcelle, visited the campus of Norwich University and the Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing on Nov. 16. During their visit, Leahy met with students and faculty members to learn about Norwich’s interdisciplinary efforts toward meeting the nation’s demand for cyber leaders in private industry, government, law enforcement, the military, health services and academia. Leahy has supported cyber education at Norwich for over 25 years by helping birth Norwich University Applied Research Institutes and land the university over $70M in cybersecurity-related research and development grants and contracts. In 2022, Norwich University named its cybersecurity school after Senator Leahy in recognition of his leadership and support.
Earlier this month, Norwich University welcomed a four-star general to campus. Gen. Paul Nakasone is the commander of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), director of the National Security Agency and chief of Central Security Service. During his visit, the general spoke with students, toured the university’s facilities that support its cyber programs, and discussed the roles CYBERCOM and the NSA play in national security, potential future developments students should prepare for, what effective knowledge officers will need to conquer cyber and international warfare, and leadership advice for our future national security leaders.
YOUTH NEWS
Essay contest
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has begun his 14th annual State of the Union Essay Contest for Vermont students.
Each year, the President of the United States delivers the “State of the Union” address, which outlines priorities for the coming year. The contest is an opportunity for Vermont high school students to describe a major issue facing our country and propose what they would do to solve it. The 250-500 word essays can be on any issue of national importance. Deadline for essay submission is Jan. 9, 2024. Visit www.sanders.senate.gov/stateoftheunion for more information, or call 800-339-9834.
AROUND TOWN
Storm safety tips
Green Mountain Power urges customers to stay safe and be alert to changing weather conditions during this winter season. To prepare:
— Keep your cellphone charged.
— Download the GMP app (greenmountainpower.com/apps-skills/mobile-app/), which can help you report an outage and track restoration times. Report outages also through the Outage Center on GMP’s website or call GMP at 888-835-4672.
— Have some bottled water and non-perishable food on hand.
— Place your flashlights where you can easily find them.
— Have fresh batteries on hand.
— Make a plan for where you can go if your power is out for an extended time.
If a storm hits:
— Pay attention to the weather forecast and changing conditions.
— Stay far away from any downed lines.
— Always assume downed lines and trees are energized, you cannot tell by looking at them.
— Call GMP to report downed lines.
— Call 911 for medical emergencies.
— Call Vermont 211 for help with emergency housing and more.
Heating help
The Department for Children and Families announced the release of $12 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding for households that heat with fuel oil, propane, kerosene, coal, electricity and natural gas.
The benefit was sent directly to certified fuel dealers on behalf of approximately 13,000 households, and the average benefit was $933 per household. Individual notices of benefit amounts are being mailed to program participants. Earlier this year, 1,897 households that heat with wood and pellets were issued benefits.
This year’s fuel price is expected to average about $4.25 per gallon, a 56-cent per gallon reduction over last year’s average price. The LIHEAP benefit is used to help supplement heating budgets, and the department encourages any Vermonter who believes they may be eligible for the benefit to apply. Households are encouraged to visit the Fuel Assistance page on the DCF website or contact the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 to apply.
Eligibility: Households may be eligible for Seasonal Fuel Assistance if their gross household incomes are equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a family of four with a gross monthly income of up to $4,625 may qualify for the benefit.
Households may be eligible for Crisis Fuel Assistance if their gross household incomes are equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level and they are experiencing a heating crisis (e.g., out of fuel and have no money to buy more). For example, a family of four with a gross monthly income of up to $5,000 may qualify for the benefit.
Public input
MONTPELIER — Public input is needed to help shape the future of Montpelier Senior Activity Center to better serve the needs and desires of its members by completing the MSAC Program Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/6JN8QDT online.
If you have any questions, or experience difficulty completing this survey, email eprim@montpelier-vt.org. To complete a paper version of the survey, email mwilson@montpelier-vt.org, or stop by the Montpelier Senior Activity Center at 58 Barre St. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or the City Manager’s Office in City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit montpelier-vt.civilspace.io/en for more information.
AROUND VT
Board appointment
Former Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce has been appointed to the Financial Accounting Foundation’s board of trustees. The FAF provides oversight of the financial standards-setting boards for U.S. companies and governments. Pearce currently serves as chair of the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council, providing guidance into government accounting standards to council members. Appointed by the FAF in 2022, Pearce assumed the position after serving for over a decade as Vermont state treasurer. Treasurer Pearce’s term on the FAF board of trustees will begin Jan. 1, and conclude Dec. 31, 2028.
As Vermont state treasurer, Pearce supported clean water initiatives, affordable housing, the VermontABLE program, local investments, pension reform, and safeguarding the defined benefit system for Vermont’s teachers, state and municipal employees.
BUSINESS
Employers honored
All Brains Belong VT announced the fall 2023 winners of our Neuroinclusive Employment Brightspotting Program. Nominated by their employees, these Vermont businesses are being recognized for creating inclusive workspaces where employees who think, learn and/or communicate differently can thrive. The award winners are Darn Tough Vermont, Encore Renewable Energy, Eternity Marketing, Oak Maple Finance, VSECU, division of New England Federal Credit Union.
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