Community Roundup: Dec. 12

Consider applying for open official town positions

The following boards have seats with terms ending this Saturday, Dec. 14:

  • Development review board (two seats; terms expiring on Dec. 14, 2026 & 2027)
  • Development review board alternate (two seats; terms expiring on Dec. 14, 2025)
  • The following positions have terms ending on Jan. 1, 2025:
  • Green-up Day co-coordinators (two seats; terms expire Jan. 1, 2026).

The following board seats, and positions, are currently vacant:

  • Energy Committee (two seats; terms that ended on April 30, 2024)
  • Trails Committee (one seat; term ending on April 30, 2025)
  • Canine Control Officer (one seat; term ending on April 30, 2025)
  • Emergency Management Coordinator (one seat; term ending on April 30, 2025)
  • Planning Commission (one seat; term ending on April 30, 2026)
  • If you are interested in serving the town in any of these capacities, send a short letter explaining your interest and relevant background information to Nate Bareham, Town Administrator.

Interested applicants will be interviewed, and possibly appointed, by the Charlotte Selectboard on Dec. 16. The deadline to submit was Dec. 11, so those received after will be considered on a rolling basis.

$180,000 specialty crop block grant funding available in 2025

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets announces the opening of the fiscal year 2025 funding cycle for the specialty crop block grant program, which aims to strengthen Vermont’s specialty crop industries and producer associations.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture crops (including honey, hops, maple syrup and mushrooms), and nursery crops (including Christmas trees and floriculture).

Approximately $180,000 is available in grant funds. Grant requests must range from $15,000 to $45,000. Interested applicants should apply by Jan. 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Grant funds will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by:

  • Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops,
  • Assisting producers with research and development,
  • Expanding availability and access to specialty crops, or
  • Addressing local, regional, and national challenges for producers. Any entity may apply, but projects must benefit more than one specialty crop business, individual, or organization.

To apply, download the request for applications and follow the pre-application process at agriculturegrants.vermont.gov.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets will conduct an information session webinar for all prospective applicants on Dec. 4 at 2-3 p.m. Register for the information session webinar.

Find volunteer opportunities with the United Way

Give the gift of time this holiday season – volunteer. Access the United Way’s Volunteer Connection website to connect with agencies and learn about volunteer opportunities. Here are some opportunities:

  • Turning Point of Chittenden County is looking for volunteers to help celebrate recovery, resilience and hope by serving a Christmas dinner and helping to spread holiday cheer. Volunteers are also needed for other upcoming events. For information and to volunteer.
  • SCORE mentors advise individuals and small businesses attain their goals by providing free business advice and education to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Help clients solve problems, manage employees and projects, make their businesses more efficient, and develop long-term business plans. An ideal opportunity for those with marketing, finance, accounting, management, and technology skills. Contact 802-764-5899 or email.
  • National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Vermont invites volunteers, age 18 to 35, in recovery from a mental health condition, to make a difference for Vermont youth as an Ending the Silence presenter. Work in a team to educate middle and high school students, their parents and school staff about the warning signs of mental health conditions and where to turn for help. Presentations are about 50 minutes long and include one young adult sharing a recovery experience. Register for NAMI Vermont’s next training session.
  • Vermont Kin as Parents is looking for volunteers to help tell the compelling personal stories of kinship caregivers and children who have been raised in kin care. Volunteers should be good listeners with the ability to write up stories for Vermont Kin as Parents’ newsletter and to share with legislators and journalists. Contact Jeana Lavallee at 802-391-8849 or email.