What can we do to help VT recover?

[polski]

Not to pick on drjeff but I'd add ...

Let the crews get in and get driveable access now. When the time is right, say maybe in a week or 2 (or longer in some cases i'm sure), then actual physical presence help would be appreciated i'm sure.

Sure this is true for spots where roads/bridges are still being fixed but my impression is there's clear access (and more of it by the day) to many areas where as many "boots on the ground" as possible would be appreciated asap. I've been following events in the MRV closely as I'm planning to go up there Saturday and think it would not be impeding progress to get there via I-89 to Waterbury to 100 south. (No access via 100B through Moretown. Apparently there's now also access via Roxbury Gap but only via back roads that may be in tough shape, so I'll avoid those and take the longer way around.)

As noted above, lots of useful info at https://www.facebook.com/MRVpostIrene. If you simply want to drop some coin at local businesses, there was a post there that said most will be open by the weekend - maybe even American Flatbread, which got devastated by flooding but helped by hordes of volunteers.

But there seems to be critical need - now, not in a couple weeks - for some basic supplies (gasoline, propane, batteries, water, baby formula/diapers, pet food, paper towels, etc etc etc) in places like Granville and Rochester that have been all but cut off until the first emergency drops got in there yesterday or today. (Hell, yesterday they put out a call for people with HORSES to try to bring stuff in.) An aid convoy is being organized tomorrow from a staging area at the East Warren General Store and there's bound to be similar situations in other parts of the state, where as long as you can get to the staging area to drop off supplies, you're doing a world of good.

My own plan is to help with this:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=268644696496766

As the organizer just said when asked what's needed most: "Everything "

The page hasn't been updated yet to say so but from the MRVpostIrene page I know there will be a similar dropoff Saturday, so that's what I'm doing - filling my pickup with kids' clothes, toys, books, etc etc etc., then hopefully helping distribute what they collect Friday.

Also, and again this is MRV-specific (I'm an MRG shareholder so that's where I'm oriented) but I second the recommendation of the Mad River Valley Community Relief Fund http://mrvcommunityfund.org/ . Sounds like they operate with extremely low overhead and all the money goes to MRV people in need. I've seen Win Smith speak highly of it, and back up his words with a $100k donation from Sugarbush.

 

[threecy]

Vermont is getting the press right now, but parts of Western Massachusetts are just as bad with numerous bridges washed out, buildings floating away, an entire town cut off from civilization, and the National Guard on scene.

 

[Nick]

Vermont is getting the press right now, but parts of Western Massachusetts are just as bad with numerous bridges washed out, buildings floating away, an entire town cut off from civilization, and the National Guard on scene.

Yeah haven't heard anything about that

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[noski]

I've been following events in the MRV closely as I'm planning to go up there Saturday and think it would not be impeding progress to get there via I-89 to Waterbury to 100 south. (No access via 100B through Moretown. Apparently there's now also access via Roxbury Gap but only via back roads that may be in tough shape, so I'll avoid those and take the longer way around.)

Thanks, Polski- I would only suggest that you take exit 9, and then right on Rt 2 West toward Waterbury for about 4 miles, then left at Rt 100South (by the Snowfire Subaru).

Waterbury was hit very hard. I went thru last night and it made me teary. Every single house from on the entire Main Street stretch has piles and piles of ruined homegoods, sheetrock, insulation, etc. The dust is extreme at this point. By NOT taking exit 10 and traveling that entire devastated stretch, you will help keep traffic down.

I fear nearby communities like Waterbury are not as "connected" as the MRV and will not recover as quickly as we have.

 

[WJenness]

Vermont is getting the press right now, but parts of Western Massachusetts are just as bad with numerous bridges washed out, buildings floating away, an entire town cut off from civilization, and the National Guard on scene.

Haven't heard this either.

Which town is isolated?

-w

 

[threecy]

Western Franklin County, MA Devastation

Haven't heard this either.

Which town is isolated?

-w

Hawley (much of Berkshire East Ski Resort is in that town). I believe they've been able to reach most of the residents, but I believe many are still stuck.

Charlemont was also heavily damaged, as were Colrain, Heath, and Shelburne Falls.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/08/recovery_begins_in_the_wake_of.html

Facing a more difficult situation is Hawley where more than 10 inches of rain fell, most if it in six hours. Water overwhelmed culverts and ripped out large chunks of pavement in nearly every town road, said Gregory Cox, the volunteer fire chief and emergency management director.

“At 9 p.m. Sunday, three-quarters of the town could go nowhere. They could only go 100 feet before they reached road damage,” he said.

Much of the town lost phone and power lines so there was no way to reach people. The residents didn’t have water either because the pumps for the private wells weren’t operating without electricity.

Volunteer firefighters, communicating with radios did their best to contact everyone. The town could not begin to make major road repairs because the Department of Public Works Garage, located near the Chicopee River, was damaged, he said.

You can watch the quilt studio in Shelburne Falls literally float away in this video:

 

[vcunning]

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/fashion/stylephile/2011/08/help_for_northe.html?camp=fb

Just placed my order

 

[WJenness]

Just placed my order

Did that yesterday.

-w

 

[billski]

From MRG

[FONT=&quot]MRG had this in their newsletter. Their web does not have this much info.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]- B
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Greetings MRG Community,

Well it has been a very trying week here in the Mad River Valley. I am [/FONT]

The Munn Bridge north of Moretown is washed away by Hurricane Irene.​

[FONT=&quot]sure you are already well aware "The Valley", neighboring towns and Vermont generally have been devastated by the effects of Hurricane Irene. First off let me tell you that General Stark Mountain itself weathered the storm with very little impact outside of many downed trees. For that we are thankful, but our neighbors down at lower elevations were not nearly so fortunate. We here at the mountain are doing all that we can to help with the relief effort and we encourage you to help in any way that you can. [/FONT]

Route 100B Moretown​

[FONT=&quot]
Check out the [FONT=&quot]Mad River Valley Hurricane Irene Facebook Page [/FONT]for all the latest information. We strongly encourage you to help in the relief effort in any way that you can. Volunteer opportunities abound and will for some time. Financial aid is also critical at this time and [FONT=&quot]donations are being accepted by the Mad River Valley Community Fund[/FONT]. Thanks to everyone in the Mad River Glen community for rallying to the cause of our neighbors. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Eric[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Please Donate to the MRV Community Fund[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]

German Flats Road by the Fayston School took a major beating.​

[FONT=&quot]Many folks in the Mad River Glen community have asked how they can help in the relief effort. If you are not in the area the best way to help is to donate to the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mad River Valley Community Fund[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. This local non-profit organization was established in 1989 to specifically respond to the needs of Mad River Valley residents. They have set up a special Flood Relief Fund. This is the best way to get much needed aid to local folks who really need it. Volunteer representative of the Community Fund hit the ground running and are already out distributing funds to folks in need. You can rest assured that by giving to this amazing organization 100% of your donations will be used here in the Mad River Valley[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Want to Volunteer on the Ground?[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]There is certainly no shortage of volunteer opportunities to help out folks [/FONT]

Shareholder Dot Helling takes a well deserved lunch break during the cleanup effort in Moretown. Many in the MRG community have banded together to help out flood victims.​

[FONT=&quot]in need. The best way to find out where your services can best be utilized is to look for a relief "event" posted on the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mad River Valley Hurricane Irene Facebook Page.[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Simply click on the "Event" link on the left hand side of teh page and you'll get particulars on when and where specific projects will be taking place. This really is an amazing tool that has enabled volunteers and folks in the most need to connect with one another. Please be aware that these kinds of volunteer opportunities will be going on for some time to come so whenever you have the time or the inclination you'll find someone in need of your help.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Follow the Relief Effort [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]

Route 100 just south of Route 17 junction. Shareholders Dave Dion and John Jamieson's businesses are off to the left of this photo.​

[FONT=&quot]The best way to keep abreast of what is happening in terms of the relief effort is to visit the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mad River Valley Hurricane Irene Facebook Page. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Here you will find the latest news and updates to the situation, pics and videos and pretty much anything you'd need to know abou the monumental relief effort currently going on. It is also the best way for potential volunteers to learn were their efforts can best be used. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Second Homes Needed for Flood Victims[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Are you or someone you know displaced by the flood? Or do you have a [/FONT]

The Schultz's, along-time MRG family, house in Moretown was hammered by the flood caused by Hurricane Irene.​

[FONT=&quot]vacant house or condo in the area? We are looking to link people displaced by the flood with those who have vacant second homes or condominiums in the area. Please contact Betsy Jondro at 793 8976 or via email at [/FONT][FONT=&quot]jondro@madriver.com or Sarah Dillard at 496 9538 or via email at sarah@sarahdillard.com [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Mad River Valley Flood Drive[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Drop items at Waitsfield Elementary School[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]9/2 Friday - 8:30 am to 7 PM [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]9/3 Saturday - 8:30 am to 7 PM [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]
Please donate any clothes (that are in decent condition), that you [/FONT]

Damaged building on Bridge Street.​

[FONT=&quot]or your children no longer wear, ALL sized are needed, where people of many ages suffered great losses, due to Hurricane Irene. Please do not forget about you old infant clothes, where many families that have been affected have infants. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Toys (and books) are welcome too, there are a great deal of children who are at a loss as well, and would be forever grateful to whomever was kind enough to donate, to have a toy or two to play with. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]For food, we are looking for non- perishable food items...as nutritional as possible, but I am certain snacks would be enjoyed also. Please remember, there are many people still without power, when you are deciding what non-perishable food to donate.[/FONT]

Solar panels by American Flatbread/Larue Farm. in Waitsfield.​

[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]After Friday, we will be distributing the clothes, toys, books and food to Moretown, Waitsfield & Waterbury, the items you donated will then be distributed amongst the towns, to families in need. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]If you happen to be interested in donating your time as well, I would be greatly appreciative, please send me an email at [/FONT][FONT=&quot]bcochran1434@aim.com and I will get back to you with further details. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]UPDATE : The Mad River Drive has become so large that the National Guard will take our items (including by air) to other Vermont communities in need too. People are coming from as far away as Boston, NY, and Maryland to help transport things.[/FONT]

The Kingsbury Bridge in Warren during the storm. ​

[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

 

[drjeff]

Just placed my order

I liked the "call to order" for this on the Mount Snow Passholders site! :lol:

All I'll say is that in the reference to this on the passholders site, one of Vcunning's, Glenn's and my good friends left a certain key letter out of the word "shirts" :lol:

 

[WJenness]

Man...

VT can't catch a break:

Matt Noyes: Broadcast Meteorologist
Unbelievable. New Flash Flood WARNING now for Killington, Mendon, Pittsfield Vermont - same areas with utter Irene devastation. Horrible. NECN crew in Mendon. I have to admit - very surprised by these heavy downpours in VT. Knew there'd be showers, didn't think they'd sit and pour.

-w

 

[Nick]

Sounds like Killington is providing some temp lodging, which is very cool:

http://news.alpinezone.com/100615/

Vermont's Killington Resort is offering temporary housing at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel for local residents in Killington, Pittsfield, Bridgewater and Mendon (Wheelerville Road and East) who either lost their home, or their home is deemed uninhabitable due to damage from tropical storm Irene for up to one week.

 

[polski]

Thanks, Polski- I would only suggest that you take exit 9, and then right on Rt 2 West toward Waterbury for about 4 miles, then left at Rt 100South (by the Snowfire Subaru).

Waterbury was hit very hard. I went thru last night and it made me teary. Every single house from on the entire Main Street stretch has piles and piles of ruined homegoods, sheetrock, insulation, etc. The dust is extreme at this point. By NOT taking exit 10 and traveling that entire devastated stretch, you will help keep traffic down.

I fear nearby communities like Waterbury are not as "connected" as the MRV and will not recover as quickly as we have.

Thanks, will take your suggested route - I did spot this on the MRVpostIrene page after I'd posted here but neglected to update my note.

I also should say that drjeff's original point, while not true as a blanket statement, certainly does seem to be accurate in certain areas, on certain roads. I was just looking at photos a friend in West Dover posted of severe washouts in her area, as well as a FB page for Deerfield Valley relief efforts, and the message from there is a very clear "stay away for now, unless you live here." (There's even a debate over whether it's appropriate for people with second homes in the area to come in.)

Know the local situation before you go. But there definitely are places that are safely accessible and need the help - and/or are staging areas for "official" relief convoys. (For example, the MRV Flood Drive expanding so that dropped-off goods will be brought, even airlifted, to other communities)

 

[polski]

I've gotta say I'm bummed by the weather forecast of as much as 2" of rain in VT Sat into Mon

 

[polski]

Quick update to say this is apparently a rapidly evolving situation - response has been so overwhelming that some drop-offs (in the MRV for instance) are no longer accepting clothing or other supplies for the time being. Personally I'm reassessing how and when I best can help. Again the situation may well vary by locality.

It's heartening that there might actually be TOO MUCH help, for some areas at least.


for instance, this just in

Mad-River-Valley-Hurricane-Irene
The Salvation Army in Barre has let us know that they should be contacted before heading over there with your clothes. The situation is constantly changing.

 

[polski]

Mad-River-Valley-Hurricane-Irene
Thank you so much for your outpouring of support at the Waitsfield School Drive today but we have so much stuff at this point we are not looking for more personal items. We are just looking for volunteers to sort and if you really wish to help bring boots, gloves, masks, shovels, tarps, dehumidifiers or fans. We don't need any other items at this time or please donate to the Valley Community Fund!

1

 

[steamboat1]

Phish show raises more than $1.2M for Vt. recovery

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. (AP) -- Phish's benefit concert raised more than $1.2 million for the Vermont victims of flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.

The Burlington-bred jam band, which formed in the early 1980s, offered to play the benefit after the Aug. 28 storm wrecked hundreds of roads, bridges and homes across Vermont and temporarily cut off entire towns.

The sold-out concert before about 12,000 fans on Wednesday at the Champlain Valley Exposition fairgrounds in Essex Junction was the band's first Vermont show since 2004.

Phish said on its website that all the proceeds from benefit concert will be directed to The WaterWheel Foundation and the Vermont Community Foundation to help in the state's flood recovery.

 

[Ski Diva]

Grace Potter is doing two fundraisers for Vermont. One will be October 9 at the Flynn in Burlington, and the other, a solo acoustic performance on October 10, at Sugarbush.

More info here.

 

[nortannoel]

Really very good community.I am very happy to join this community.The thread is very good..And also the replies are very good and informative.Thank you for your informative article and discussion. I have been looking for information on access equipment and in particular a scissor lift .

 

[Nick]

really very good community.i am very happy to join this community.the thread is very good..and also the replies are very good and informative.thank you for your informative article and discussion. I have been looking for information on access equipment and in particular a scissor lift .

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