AROUND VT
New director
SOUTH BURLINGTON — United Way of Northwest Vermont announced the hiring of Martin Hahn as the new director of Common Good Vermont, a statewide program dedicated to uniting and strengthening Vermont’s nonprofit sector. He replaces CGVT’s longtime leader, Morgan Webster, who was instrumental in expanding the organization’s statewide impact and growing the investment in the capacity of Vermont’s nonprofits.
Previously, Hahn was executive director of Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness, Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier and Downstreet Housing & Community Development, as well as housing director at Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. He has served on numerous boards and is currently treasurer of Good Samaritan Haven in Barre.
Agencies join
VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region to begin providing home health services in Franklin County. Franklin County Home Health Agency and VNAHSR announced this decision was a result of months of collaboration between the two agencies. Like many home health agencies countrywide, FCHHA has been affected by numerous challenges, including the low reimbursement rates of Medicaid and Medicare programs and ongoing funding cuts. Enduring such marginal pressures is compounded by the challenges of providing home health services in a state as rural as Vermont. FCHHA and its board of directors recognized the need to consolidate operations and concluded that transferring operations to another Visiting Nurse Association would allow for the continuation of quality home health care services for Franklin County residents.
BIRTHS
CVMC
A daughter, Charlie Lennox Joyce, was born Dec. 6, 2023, to Lyndsay Galluzzo and Jonathan Joyce, of Tunbridge.
A son, Caleb Xavier Graham, was born Dec. 11, 2023, to Taryn Barwin and Isaac Graham, of Barre.
Copley Hospital
A son, Rockie Sol Hilfiker, was born Dec. 11, 2023, to Kathryn Nichols and Stephen Hilfiker, of Stowe.
YOUTH NEWS
Opportunity forum
NORTHFIELD — Community members throughout the central Vermont region are encouraged to attend the forthcoming Youth Opportunity Regional Forum from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 9, in the cafeteria of Northfield Middle and High School to discuss how to improve opportunities for youth in the communities. The forum will be co-facilitated by a local youth facilitator and Vermont Council on Rural Development. Free pizza and desserts will be served so that participants can join right after school or work.
These regional Youth Opportunity Forums are for people of all ages and experiences to share ideas on topics, including education, job training, community connection, youth well-being, mentoring and more.
Civics education
MONTPELIER — The League of Women Voters of Vermont, in partnership with Kellogg-Hubbard Library, presents the third in its 2023-24 Lecture Series on Election Issues and Democracy. This season’s focus is issues of structure and culture that affect voter attitudes and election results. The series returns to in-person presentations at the library, 135 Main St. in Montpelier. The programs will also be live-streamed by Onion River Community Access TV (orcamedia.net).
The third program, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, presents Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Martha Diess, global citizenship specialist with Vermont Agency of Education. They will discuss innovations in inspiring youth in democracy, state policy on civics education in our schools, and the secretary’s outreach program to encourage student engagement.
AROUND TOWN
VSC events
JOHNSON — Vermont Studio Center begins the 2024 Visiting Artists and Writers program with five January events. This program invites artists and writers worldwide to mentor residents, present readings, facilitate craft talks, and give lectures. All events are free, open to the public, and held at the center.
Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 8 to 9 p.m. in the Lowe Lecture Hall, Anne Thompson will give an artist talk.
Thursday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m. in the Red Mill Building, Miciah Bay Gault will give a featured reading.
Friday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. Gault will also give a writing craft talk.
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m.in the Red Mill Building, Tommye Blount will give a featured reading.
Thursday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. Blount will also give a writing craft talk.
Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 8 to 9 p.m. in the Red Mill, Rosemarie Fiore will give an artist talk.
BUSINESS
Lenny’s donation
WILLISTON — Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel donated more than $675 of pet food and supplies to the Humane Society of Chittenden County during its 11th annual donation drop off. This donation was made possible on behalf of Lenny’s customers through a coin-drop game. The money translated into 180 ounces of Timothy Hay, 120 cans of wet cat food, 120 garbage bags, 96 pounds of dry dog food, 84 cans of wet dog food, 80 pounds of cat litter, 72 dog treat pouches, 56 pounds of dry cat food, and 24 rolls of paper towels.
New attorney
BURLINGTON — Attorney Emily Samet has joined Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC law firm. Before coming to DRM, she worked for several small law firms in southern Vermont, gaining legal experience in residential real estate transactions, as well as estate planning and administration, family law and probate practices.
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