Communities share the relief effort
Volunteers take a break in Moretown. Photo by Phil Scott
Following tropical storm Irene's path through Vermont is frightening. This storm presented in the form of heavy rain and the results of these torrents of water is difficult to imagine. Some communities were left unscathed while others were ravaged, and Montpelier seemed to have only minor damage when compared with nearby towns.
Barre fell on the "unscathed" list this time, which is most fortunate as they are still recovering from flooding at the end of May. Communities that received extensive damage in this central part of Vermont are Northfield, Moretown, Duxbury and Waterbury. Each in its own way is experiencing the members of the community coming together to rebuild. Although the Labor Day festivities have been cancelled in Northfield, the word is out for people to come help clean up instead. Efforts there are being coordinated with the assistance of Norwich University.
In Moretown, one home that we have been representing for sale was especially hard-hit with water flowing through the main floor. The owner said that yesterday some 36 people arrived to help them attempt to save their home.
Waterbury's downtown and several neighborhoods are digging out of the mud and rubble, but a walk down their main street makes it clear that the help on the ground is working quickly to provide services to those in need in as many numbers as they can muster. Thatcher Brook Primary School is the volunteer coordination center for clean up activities for Saturday, September 3. There is a volunteer coordination meeting at 9:00 AM at the school if you wish to join tomorrow.
For more up-to-date information and more ideas about how you can help, please check the #VTresponse blog.