The most comprehensive community resource list is on Bennington County Regional Commission’s website: http://www.bcrcvt.org/covid-19-resources.html

BCRC is frequently updating this page with information from organizations in the community and from state agencies. If you have information that should be listed here, please email Allison Strohl at astrohl@bcrcvt.org

Health guidelines and resources:

Vermont Department of Health: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center COVID-19 Hotline: https://svhealthcare.org/COVID-19/Hotline/

Food Resources:

Bennington County food pantries, SVSU school meal deliveries, food pick-ups and deliveries:

https://sites.google.com/view/benningtonfoodconnections/home

Food Assistance Programs: http://www.bcrcvt.org/uploads/1/1/1/8/111899771/covid-19-handout_updated.pdf

Economic Resources:

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Guidance for Vermont Businesses:

https://accd.vermont.gov/about-us/disaster-planning/covid-19-guidance-vermont-businesses

Southwestern Vermont Chamber COVID-19 Resource Guide for Businesses:

https://www.bennington.com/corona-virus-covid-19-resource-guide

Vermont Department of Labor online application for unemployment insurance benefits: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/vt/dol/unemploymentinsuranceclaim

Vermont Small Business Development Center Disaster Recovery Guide:

http://vtsbdc.org.customers.tigertech.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/VtSBDC-cover-and-pages-clientdisasterguide.pdf

Small Business Administration Federal Disaster Loans:

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/EIDLLoans

Ways you can help:

Bennington County Mutual Aid- organization connecting volunteers with those in need

http://www.bcrcvt.org/uploads/1/1/1/8/111899771/bcma_final.pdf

Donate non-perishable food to your local food pantries-contact GBICS Kitchen Cupboard 802-447-3700 or HIS Pantry at 802-442-3141.

Deliver meals to Seniors- call Meals on Wheels at 802-442-8012.

Call a Senior Citizen through The Phone Tree Project for Elderly Community Members- contact CAROL ADINOLFI CAROLADINOLFI1@GMAIL.COM

Grow an Extra Row of produce in your garden to donate to the local food pantries-will be coordinated later in the spring with the help of the food pantries and Bennington College.

Support local restaurants by buying gift certificates and ordering take-out meals:

https://www.bennington.com/restaurantweek

Preorder boxes of food from the Bennington Farmers Market or from local farmers:

https://mailchi.mp/461ff58bce34/bennington-farmers-market-pre-order-drive-through-market?e=66380811cc

Donate blood to the American Red Cross (this is a critical need right now):

The American Red Cross Blood drive scheduled 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2020 at SVMC has been moved to the First Baptist Church on Main Street in Bennington. There is critical need, so please consider donating. To make an appointment to donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text bloodapp to 90999 to download the app to your smartphone. As always, walk-ins will be accommodated as well. Those who are unfamiliar with the SVMC campus may stop at the information desk in the main lobby for directions to the drive. Contact Susan Gallina at 802-447-5345.

Sew masks for to support the production and distribution of reusable cloth masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

http://www.averywoodmd.net/green-mountain-mask-makers.html

Southwest VT Supervisory Union – breakfast and lunch available for all students

under 18 via school bus delivery or in person at MAUMS. Visit “Meals for Students” at

www.svsu.org under the Covid response tab for routes and delivery times.

Kitchen Cupboard (GBICS) – Groceries pre-bagged, pick- up outside – 121 Depot

Street, Bennington; 802-379-0149

Every Tuesday 5:30-7:00 PM

Every Thursday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Every Saturday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Veggie VanGo – Follow parking attendant and remain in your car. Food is packaged

and delivered in-car

March 25 12:30-2:00 PM; 2nd Congregational Church, 115 Hillside Street

April 1 8:30-10:00 AM; Mount Anthony Union High School, 301 Park Street

HIS Pantry (Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church) – Grocery pick up is

‘farmers market’ style and outside – 238 Main Street , Bennington; 802-442-3141

Every Wednesday 12:45 PM-4:00 PM

Every Friday 9:45 AM-12:00 PM

Shires Housing/SASH

April 1; 11:30 AM; Brookside Apartments; serving residents first then community via car line

April 11; 12:00-2:00 PM AND 5:00-7:00 PM; Applegate Apartments; open to community

April 15; 11:30 AM; Walloomsac Apartments; residents first then community via car line

BROC Food Shelf (Bennington) is currently closed

* List updated regularly. Contact Andrea Malinowski with additions/edits

andrea.malinowski@svhealthcare.org ~ 802.379.5468

There is nothing I can say that will make the next few months much better for you. By now, we all know the magnitude of the Corona Virus problem and the dire measures we will have to take to avoid the worst of possible outcomes. Like most of you, I fear for my children, my elderly parents, my job and my ability to pay my bills, and I worry for the people, families, and businesses that are the fabric of our community. And yet still I am painfully aware that many in town have a lot more to worry about than me.

As Select Board Chair, I have an eye on the inner workings of our community. Even with things changing on an hourly basis, let me offer reassurance that critical community partners, town staff, and town government are fully engaged. The task is huge but everybody is communicating, preparing, making difficult, fact-based decisions, and trying to take care of our people.

• The hospital saw this coming and SVMC began preparing long before the crisis hit. People can use the information hotline at (802) 440-8844 or contact your primary care physician for updates.
• The Department of Health maintains an up-to-date website with recommendations and breaking news at https://healthvermont.gov/COVID-19. As of Wednesday, the updated recommendation for people with community contact that have symptoms consistent with Covid-19 (fever, shortness of breath, cough) should stay home. Healthcare workers with symptoms should contact their employers and the Department of Health for expedited testing, to prevent depleting our healthcare system.
• The Department of Labor is working extremely hard to adapt to what the crisis is doing to employees and employers. Those affected should call the main number for intake at (802) 442-6376 or go to https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19
• The Town is making every effort to protect essential services. Water, sewer, highway, and police departments have prepared emergency plans and are making preparations to protect government’s ability to function. Although the Town offices are closed to foot traffic, you may call (802) 442-1037 for town offices and (802) 442-1043 for the Town Clerk. Email addresses are available on the town website. The police Department remains open with limited access.
• Our legislative delegates are working hard to push through legislation that will help people and businesses access emergency capital and better survive Covid-19. More to come on this soon.

This we now know: if we cannot slow the rate of contagion, our medical system may become overwhelmed by mid-April and things will get much worse. Although we all hate having town facilities and schools closed, nearly everybody recognizes the immediate necessity of this crisis. This will challenge us to be our better selves in the face of great adversity, so please find creative ways to support each other while still following state and federal guidelines limiting personal contact and practicing “social distancing.”

The Bennington Select Board recognizes the health threat posed by public meetings. In fact, the federal recommendation is to not meet in groups of ten or more. Nevertheless, Vermont Public Meeting Law requires that we provide a physical location at which citizens may participate in our regular meetings. On Monday, March 23^rd, the board will hold its first-ever video conference meeting. Technology willing, the meeting will be aired, live-streamed, and available afterward as usual by CAT-TV. We have purposely striped the agenda of all but essential items, so that focus can be on reports from the hospital and Department of Health. We strongly encourage residents not to attend, for health sake, but if you do attend in person you will find only the Chair (me), one staff member, and a computer in the room. The other board members will be joining by video conference. This move is to protect town governance from going down all at once. If the Chair gets hospitalized, the Vice Chair will take over; if the Vice Chair gets sick, the board will select another leader, and so on. We expect to have technology hiccups while we adopt this new technology and implore citizens to be patient with us while we get better at it. Old dogs, new tricks, and all that. Thank you in advance for your patience.

We will get through this but as soon as we have neutralized the immediate health threat, we must quickly pivot our focus to helping our community, our families, and our businesses heal. Let’s all get ready to help.

BENNINGTON RECREATION CENTER CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 6TH In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Scott has directed all Vermont schools to close until April 6th. Given this directive and the increased number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Vermont, the Town of Bennington Recreation Center will be closed, starting Monday, March 16th, until April 6th.  In the coming weeks, the Town and YMCA will evaluate whether a longer closure is appropriate.

As recommended by the Governor’s office and the Council On Aging, the Bennington Senior Center (upstairs) WILL REMAIN TEMPORARILY CLOSED in an effort to increase community prevention of  COVID-19 infection.  Updates will be posted on the Town of Bennington website (www.benningtonvt.org) and on the outgoing message of the Senior Center phone at (802)442-1052.

The Bennington County Meals On Wheels congregate meal site (downstairs), a.k.a. the Bennington Café, is also temporarily closed.  However, you can pick up a hot / cold meal to take home from 11:30 – 1:00, M-F.  If you would like to have your meals delivered to your home, please call the Bennington County Meals On Wheels office at (802)442-8012, ext. 4.

In the meantime, decrease your risk of infection by following these steps:

1.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time.
2. If you are not near soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
3. Stay away from large gatherings of people and avoid “close contact” (defined as within 6 feet)
4. Skip handshakes, and do not feel bad about explaining why.

For Immediate Release

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Launches COVID-19 Hotline
Screening at Entry and Digital Information Session Aim to Increase Information and Awareness

BENNINGTON, VT—March 12, 2020—Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), is continuously working to minimize the spread of COVID-19, while providing safe care for all patients. The most recent actions include the launch of a COVID-19 hotline and a respiratory etiquette check-in at the main entrance. 

“Proactive monitoring and protection efforts have made SVMC safe for those with appointments and procedures scheduled,” said Tom Dee, SVHC’s president and CEO. “We want our patients to feel confident that SVMC is open and ready to provide the care they need.”

Hotline

A COVID-19 information hotline is now available at 802-440-8844. The most commonly requested information is delivered via a recorded message, after which a representative answers between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays.

SVMC recommends primary care providers as the best source for individual guidance and information. The hotline offers support for primary care providers and ensures those who do not have a provider get the information and services they need.

“Everyone’s situation is a little bit different,” said Paula Johnson, director of Quality, Safety and Value at SVMC. “The aim of the hotline is to deliver the information that patients need in a customized and timely way. We hope this will empower community members to take actions that will help ensure their safety and limit the spread of the illness.”

Front Entrance Check-In

Patients and visitors to the hospital will now notice signage that directs them to the touch-free automatic door at the main entrance. Patients have the option to go immediately to the Emergency Department for care or stop at a respiratory etiquette check-in, where they will be greeted and asked whether they have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath. Those with symptoms are given a mask, and all are given a sticker with the date and which department or unit they are visiting. These efforts will allow clinical professionals to take the appropriate measures to ensure safety for all patients, visitors, and staff.

“If someone in the building has a cough or a fever, we need to know about it,” said Trey Dobson, MD, chief medical officer for SVMC. “These new screening measures ensure that we treat that person appropriately and minimize exposure to others.”

Visitors

The respiratory check-in is also provides an opportunity to reinforce the flu-season visitor policy, which recommends that those with symptoms of infectious disease (respiratory or gastrointestinal) wait until they are well to visit in person. In addition, visits are limited to those who are over the age of 18 and to no more than two per patient at a time. 

In addition, for the safety of patients and residents, the visitor policies at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, on SVMC’s Bennington Campus, and The Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls have been updated to exclude all except medical visits.

“We know it is difficult to forego in-person visits with loved ones in our care,” said Suzanne Anair, who administrates both facilities. “But we trust that the families of our patients and residents will understand our desire to protect them from exposure to this potentially devastating illness.”

Digital Information Session

The hospital is partnering with the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Catamount Access Television (CAT-TV) to present an online lunch and learn session for area business members at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16. The session will feature SVHC’s President and CEO Tom Dee and SVMC’s Chief Medical Officer Trey Dobson, MD. Participants will be able to ask questions related to COVID-19. Chamber members and members of the public can access the session at www.facebook.com/CATTVbennington/.  It will air on CAT-TV and be posted to www.SouthwesternVermontChamber.com/lunchandlearn.

“We lean on the strength of our award-winning health care system to keep us informed and safe.  We appreciate all the hard work Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and our other healthcare members are doing during this crisis,” said Matt Harrington, executive director, Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “We hope this Lunch and Learn provides a regional perspective and good information to the many communities we serve.”

Drive-Up Testing

SVMC nurses conduct a drive-up test for COVID-19.

For patients who have a referral for COVID-19 testing from their primary care provider, SVMC offers drive-up testing. The service allows patients to remain in their cars. The process was initiated over the weekend to minimize potential viral exposure to other patients and staff for patients who do not need emergency care or monitoring. Clinical staff wear personal protective equipment (PPE), swab patients in their cars, and remind patients to practice self-isolation until results are known. Samples are sent to the Vermont lab for results, which typically arrive to the primary care provider within 96 hours. The State of Vermont is not charging for the test.

Dee continued, “We have an extraordinary team of professionals and dedicated community leaders all committed to ensuring, as best as we can, that this virus has as little impact as possible on the health of our communities. The situation is changing rapidly. We aim to keep everyone informed, so we can all work together in this important effort.” 

If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call your state’s department of health. Telephone numbers and other COVID-19 information, including frequently asked questions and helpful resources, are available at svhealthcare.org. The site is updated continuously.

About SVHC:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices. For more information, visit svhealthcare.org.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

Media Contact:

Ray Smith
Director of Marketing and Communications | Public Information Officer

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

(802) 447-50003

ray.smith@svhealthcare.org

M E E T I N G   N O T I C E

TOWN OF BENNINGTON
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
Friday, July 21, 2017

Bennington Town Office – Conference Room
205 South Street
Bennington, VT 05201

A G E N D A

12:00 NOON

1. Introductions & Organization of Committee
2. Determine Method of Public Communication
3. Establish Meeting Dates & Times
   Including Possible Forums & Hearings
4. Information the Committee May Want to Gather
5. Resources Available to Committee
6. Other Business

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS

AGREEABLY TO THE PROVISIONS OF TITLE 32, SECTION 4111 VERMONT STATUTES ANNOTATED, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE UNDERSIGNED LISTERS WITHIN AND FOR THE TOWN OF BENNINGTON HAVE THIS DAY COMPLETED THE ABSTRACT OF THE INDIVIDUAL LISTS OF PERSONS, CO-PARTNERSHIPS, ASSOCIATIONS AND CORPORATIONS OWNING TAXABLE PROPERTY IN SAID TOWN OF THE FIRST DAY OF APRIL, 2017, THAT THEY HAVE THIS DAY LODGED THE SAME IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF SAID TOWN FOR THE INSPECTION OF TAXPAYERS; THAT SAID LISTERS WILL MEET, BY APPOINTMENT, FROM JUNE 1, 2017     , UNTIL ALL ARE HEARD, AT THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE, 205 SOUTH STREET, IN SAID TOWN TO HEAR THE GRIEVANCES OF PERSONS, CO-PARTNERSHIPS, ASSOCIATIONS, OR CORPORATIONS AGGRIEVED BY ANY OF THEIR APPRAISALS OR BY ANY OF THEIR ACTS AS SUCH LISTERS, WHOSE OBJECTIONS THERETO IN WRITING SHALL HAVE BEEN FILED WITH THEM BY JUNE 1, 2017 , AS PRESCRIBED BY STATUTE, AND TO MAKE SUCH CORRECTIONS IN SAID ABSTRACT AS SHALL UPON HEARING OR OTHERWISE BE DETERMINED BY THEM; AND THAT UNLESS CAUSE TO THE CONTRARY BE SHOWN, THE CONTENTS OF SAID ABSTRACT WILL, FOR THE YEAR 2017 BECOME THE GRAND LIST OF SAID TOWN AND OF EACH PERSON, CO-PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION OR CORPORATION THEREIN NAMED.

GIVEN UNDER OUR HANDS AT BENNINGTON, IN THE COUNTY OF BENNINGTON, THIS     19    of May 2017   .

_______________________                              

Carol Holm                                  LISTERS OF THE

                                          TOWN OF BENNINGTON

Robert Ebert

_______________________                                

Bennington and North Bennington

PFOA COMMUNITY MEETING

Thursday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Tishman Lecture Hall
Bennington College Campus
1 College Drive, Bennington, VT 05201

Questions?
Call the Vermont Department of Environmental
Conservation at (802) 828-1138

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