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New Credit Union in Brattleboro Supports Wilmington

18 Apr

Nice Press Release from the Vermont State Employees Credit Union!-1
Yvonne Garand, VP Marketing & Business Development
Ygarand@vsecu.com / 802 371 5197

BRATTELBORO, Vt., April 23, 2013— VSECU, the only state-wide credit union for all Vermonters, has not only expanded its branch access to Southern, Vermont, but has expanded its gifting with a $10,000 contribution to help finish the final phase of a downtown Wilmington project.

The gift  from VSECU along with a $10,000 grant from The Wilmington Fund VT will be used to pay for lighting and other completion work in a newly constructed parking lot and green space in downtown Wilmington.  The Wilmington Fund VT also contributed an additional $5,000 in 2012 for the parking lot itself in addition to the $10,000 match. The project is part of Wilmington’s Long-Term Community Recovery Plan resulting from the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

VSECU may be new to Southern Vermont but has something in common with the area. It knows very well the challenges of rebuilding after Hurricane Irene. The credit union lost its branch in Waterbury, Vermont from Irene and had to rebuild an entire new branch facility and also helped that community focus on residential rebuilding.

“Our credit union was heartbroken to see how many of our members were personally affected by Mother Nature, whether it was the loss of a home, vehicle, business or job because their employer couldn’t remain in business after Irene,” said Kate Paine, board member and chair of the Community Contributions Committee at VSECU.

“It was important to us to reach out beyond the Central Vermont area to support other communities we reside in and serve that are working so hard to finish the rebuilding and revitalization efforts from the storm.”

According to Board Members John Gannon & Julie Lineberger, the Wilmington Fund VT has made a total of seven grants totaling $155,000 to support the economic revitalization of downtown Wilmington. “The purpose of the grants is to encourage existing businesses to reopen, help new businesses launch and create jobs in Wilmington’s historic village center,” said John Gannon. As a result of these grants five local businesses have opened or are in the process of re-opening, including the iconic Dot’s Restaurant. “This gift from VSECU will bring to closure the funding needed to complete the project most needed to give people safe and convenient access
for parking.”

The project is expected to be completed this summer.

VSECU is a not for profit banking alternative for all Vermonters. The Brattleboro branch is located in the Price Chopper Plaza. For more information about VSECU, call 802/800 371-5162 or visit http://www.vsecu.com.

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Vermont B/A: Wilmington Pulls Together to bring its Historic Downtown Back to Life

17 Mar

Although there is not a digital copy available, if you see the current issue of Vermont B/A (formerly Builder Architect), there is a very nice article on The Wilmington Fund VT with photos by Carolyn Bates & Barker Willard including the two below.

Irene at Work, photo by Barker Willard

Irene at Work, photo by Barker Willard

Wilmington One Year Later, photo by Carolyn Bates

Wilmington One Year Later, photo by Carolyn Bates

 

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Cracker Barrel Winter/Spring 2013 A part of Irene’s aftermath: The Wilmington Fund VT

9 Mar

One Part of Irene’s Economic Aftermath:  The Wilmington Fund VT

Two months ago Hurricane Sandy slammed through the Northeast.  Those of us in the Deerfield Valley had a true understanding of damage that can be left behind.  Our thoughts and prayers were with everyone harmed by the climactic event.

Nearly a year and a half ago (28 August 2011), Tropical Storm Irene ravaged many Vermont towns, including Wilmington.  By January, The Wilmington Fund VT was established and hard at work.

Founding:

Tamara and Dan Kilmurray, longtime Wimington second homeowners felt the losses and destruction of Wilmington’s village viscerally.  Throughout the clean up process in which they physically contributed, they discussed what could be done on a long term basis.  Dan communicated with Deborah Emmet Pike, another second home owner who had introduced him to the valley over three decades ago.  Deborah put Dan in touch with local business owner Julie Lineberger as someone who could assist him in gathering a group of people to create a long term difference.

By February 2012 the full Board was established including Dan as President, State House Representative Ann Manwaring as Vice President, financial planner Bruce Mullen as Treasurer and Julie as Secretary of the Board.  Rounding out the group were Tamara Kilmurray, Deborah Emmet Pike, attorney Robert Fisher, business owner John Gannon and innkeeper John Pilcher who, reluctantly, resigned from the Board in November.

Recently the Board created an Advisory Council to assist in with the mission through brainstorming fundraising ideas, acting as ambassadors to The Wilmington Fund VT.  This group includes Mount Snow Partner Dick Deutsch, West Dover second homeowner Bob Kaufman, Halifax second homeowner Walter Jones, local active volunteer Alice Greenspan, and Wilmington second homeowner Sophie Ackert who raised a significant amount of money for The Wilmington Fund VT through her Bat Mitzvah project.

Grant Process

The primary mission of The Wilmington Fund VT is to contribute to the the economic vitality in the area by encouraging established pre-Irene businesses to reopen, help new businesses launch and create jobs in Wilmington’s historic village center.  This includes shrinking the number of empty storefronts in the village.  Steadily, albeit slowly, we are advancing towards these goals.

In order to accomplish the above goals, The Wilmington Fund VT established parameters and protocols for grant applications and approval.  Each project is evaluated on its own particular set of circumstances by our general requirements that include submission of a complete business plan to establish, or reestablish, a business in the Village.  Part of the requirement is that any submission must include a substantial financial investment on the part of the applicant business owner.

Once a letter requesting funds accompanied by a completed business plan is submitted, a small group of our Board vets the project through interview and other due diligence measures.  When approved by the small group, the project is brought to the full Board of Directors for discussion.

So far, the Wilmington Fund VT invested $145,000 in the approval and distribution of  and distribution six grants.  The recipient business owners are on target to invest in excess of $1 million in their respective projects.  This multiplier effect is a key requirement for any grant application and approval of The Wilmington Fund VT.

Progress

The grants distributed include five businesses and an infrastructural project to support all village businesses.  The businesses that either opened, or are in the process of reopening, are well funded and have solid articulated business plans.  The Wilmington Fund VT is highly confident of their success and believe that a total of 30 local jobs will be created.

North Star Bowl – REOPENED. The center for local activity offering both bowling and informal food is owned by Steve Butler and Bev Lemaire.  Over 75% of this structure was destroyed in the storm.  Although not technically in Wilmington’s Village Center, we felt this business to be a significant contributor to the economic vitality of the area.

• Dot’s Restaurant – REOPENING SOON.  The iconic breakfast to dinner restaurant is owned by Patty and John Reagan.  http://www.rebuilddots.com

Note:  Funding and elbow grease from many individuals and many groups, most notably the Friends of the Valley, is what enabled both North Star and Dot’s to even think of reopening.  The Wilmington Fund VT was but one aspect of the reestablishment of these businesses.

Beyond Imagination – OPENED. A beautifully designed women’s clothing and household furnishings boutique is owned by Melinda and Bill Coombs.  http://www.beyondimagination.com

Chapman’s InTown Antiques – OPENED. Diane and Len Chapman have been running an antique business on their Medburyville property just outside of town for many years.  Along with neighbors JoAnn and David Manning, they decided to open a store in the village.  With assistance from The Wilmington Fund VT, the team of four renovated a storm ravaged building and are offering both antiques and local Vermont crafts.

Restaurant in the historic Parmelee & Howe Building – OPENING SOON. The Wilmington Fund VT purchased and began renovating this anchor building on the corner of Routes 9 & 100.  Mid-way through we were approached by a local individual with a vision and an interest in purchasing the property.  Acknowledging the ample investment and undertaking by the purchaser, as a demonstration of support the accepted negotiated price was less than our investment. The Wilmington Fund VT is pleased to have accomplished its goal with the sale of the Historic Parmelee & Howe building and look forward to its success.

• Village Walkway – PARTIALLY COMPLETED.  Led by the Long Term Recovery Parking and Green space Committee of Carolyn Palmer, Lilias Hart and Sue Spengler, the project links a new parking lot with Main Street with a soon to be lit walkway.

Future Challenges:

Because of these early successes, morale in the village is recovering and the ambiance greatly improved.  The robust Village Stroll Committee is working diligently to create various events to entice people downtown.  In addition, the increase in tourist traffic this fall was very encouraging.

However, there remain numerous damaged and empty buildings requiring a great deal of work.  The scope of these future projects is larger than our accomplishments to date, and 80 or so jobs still need to be restored.  The Board is exploring various options, including the establishment of a revolving loan fund, to stimulate economic growth in the village.

The Wilmington Fund VT has been prudent stewards of donated capital.  Close to 100% of fund donations go to economic vitality efforts with a minimal amount used for insurance and accounting fees.  All Board Members work voluntarily, truly a tireless effort by a talented group of individuals.

To continue our work, The Wilmington Fund VT is in a constant mode of fundraising.  We are also establishing two annual fundraisers.  The Summer Event of 2012 was extremely successful.  This included an art show curated by Mary Wright of Gallery Wright, a Pig Roast Dinner at the home of the Kilmurrays, and a Memorial Hall concert produced with great support of Dale Doucette.  Plans for the 13 July 2013 Summer Event are in currently in the works.

The Wilmington Fund VT is also in the midst of working with Mount Snow to create an annual Winter Event.

The long term success of our cause will ultimately be determined by continued strong governance, solid decision making and, of course, successful fundraising.  All are invited to keep on top of our progress through http://www.TheWilmingtonFundVT.org

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Donors for Dot’s!

28 Oct

Note:  This post was to be published in July, but was lost in cyberspace!  Apologies for the delay.

Thank you to all who supported the Concert to ReBuild Dot’s.  We raised over $20,000 for the effort!  Thank you to all who purchased tickets making it a very full house on a very hot night.  Thank yous also to:

Sponsors:

• Stephens & Associates – Brattleboro, VT

• Orvis – Manchester, VT

• The Haystack Club – Wilmington, VT

• SMR Contracting – Jacksonville, VT

• Mount Snow – West Dover, VT

Non Concert Going Donors:

• Linda & Stephen Purdy – Harrison, NY & Wilmington, VT
• Betty Emery – Enfield, CT & Wilmington, VT:  This is not for a concert ticket, but just a contribution to “Help Save Dot’s”.  We always loved Dot’s and look forward to it being reopened.  Thanks.
• MaryLou & Doug LaPlante – Wilmington, VT:  Looking forward to having yoiu all back.  God’s Blessings, Pastor Doug & MaryLou
• Lisa Coneeny & Leslie Fraser – Wilmington, VT: Enclosed please find a donation for the dinner and concert to rebuilt Dot’s.  We would have loved to attend the event but we are booked with other activities in the Valley this weekend (Tough Mudder & the Haystack Member Guest).          We hope it is a successful evening.
•Beth & Kenneth Motschwiller – Rockville Center, NY & Wilmington, VT:  Good Luck with the Fundraiser
• Martha & Gordon Watson – Naples, FL & Wilmington VT:  We are unable to come to the Fundraiser on July14th.  What a wonderful effort has gone into re-building our lovely town.  And what a wonderful effort that continues.  Please let us know if we can be of help.
Volunteers:
• LineSync Architecture Bar Tenders:  Leah Decker, Ryan Edwards, Sybil Idelkope, Will Su
• Salads & Serving:  CarolAnn Lobo Johnson, Peter Johnson, Deborah Emmet-Pike, Katy Little
• SMS Contracting Clean Up Crew

August – October Donor Thank Yous

26 Oct

• Mary Procter & Bill Matuszeski – Washington, DC & Whitingham, VT     We’re very grateful to this initiative to rebuild Wilmington and are happy to contribute this donation.          The project to rebuild Dot’s will delight locals & second homers & tourists.  I hope you can put the rebuilding of Ann Coleman’s Gallery next on your list.  She has made a real impact as an artist in the Deerfield Valley and encourages other artists.  And she is a poster child for the losses from Irene.          Sincerely, Mary Procter & Bill Matuszeski

Sophie Ackert delivers donations from her Charity Fashion Show to Benefit the People of the Deerfield Valley in Southern Vermont

 

• Sophie Ackert – Sandy Hook, CT

• Sandra Wavrick – Brooklyn, NY

• Patricia Frey-Gattinoni & Flavio Gattinoni – Newtown, CT

• Susan & Thomas Gomez – Oxford, CT

• Alan Linett – Sandy, UT

• Jacquelyn & Gregory Horkachuck – Sandy Hook, CT

 

 

 

 

• The Preservation Trust of Vermont:  Enclosed please find a $500 grant from our Robert Sincerbeaux Fund to assist you with the consultation you had with Debby Bergh Consulting.  I am glad that this worked out well for you.          Thank you for all The Wilmington Fund VT continues do do.  Sincerely, Paul Bruhn, Executive Director

• UBS Matching Gift Program: This is a grant of a restricted donation that arrived at our office.  It was a UBS matching gift for Amy Leff-Temple’s January contribution.         Thank you for all The Wilmington Fund VT continues to do.  Sincerely, Paul Bruhn, Executive Director

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New Stores Bring Hope To Town Hit By Flood And Recession – VPR Broadcast

28 Sep

Friday, 09/28/12 5:50pm

Nancy Eve Cohen

VPR/Nancy Eve Cohen
Beyond Imagination is one of two new businesses that just opened in downtown Wilmington.

When the flood hit Wilmington a year ago the local economy was already on its knees. But just this month, with the help of a local non-profit two new businesses are opening in the downtown and a once flood-damaged building was sold.

The wail of a skill saw is annoying in some places, but in Wilmington it’s like a beautiful aria. Dots, the iconic restaurant which Irene destroyed in the center of town, is getting rebuilt.

“You can see the foundation’s being poured. They’re starting to do the framing of it right now.” said Julie Lineberger from the Wilmington Fund VT.

The Fund has raised nearly $600,000 to invest in downtown businesses like Dots.

“You need the village to be economically vital and vibrant “in order to have people to come here and spend money here,” said Lineberger,

The Fund bought, fixed up and just sold a historic brick building that hugs the corner of Wilmington’s main intersection. The new owner plans to open a restaurant. The Fund also gave a grant to Beyond Imagination, a clothing boutique which is having its grand opening tonight.   Melinda Coombs is launching this store, despite the slow economy, for several reasons.

“To help the town as well as start a new business for myself, ” said Coombs. “But the main one is that I grew up in this town.”

So has her son and her granddaughter. But Coombs lost her job at another store a year ago after the downtown was nearly destroyed  by Irene.

“It’s like losing your home,” said Coombs tearing up. “The thought that you might have to go out of the area to live because the economy might not recover. The thought of that just isn’t an option for me. I love living here.”

Lenny Chapman is opening another new store in the village of Wilmington called Chapman’s In Town Antiques. He shows off a cake box from the early 1800s.

“They used to make cakes and put them in here and keep them so the mice wouldn’t get at them”

Chapman says he believes the economy is coming back. He has another antique business in a barn just down the road.

“We had a good summer out at the barn,” Chapman said. “That’s one of the reasons why we would try to open here.”

But some business owners who have been downtown a long time have a different view, such as Meg Streeter who has been a realtor here for nearly three decades. She’s also a member of Wilmington’s select-board.

“It’s really tough here, I feel.” said Streeter. “The recession has never ended here. It has never ended in the Mount Snow area.”

Eileen Ranslow, whose been selling carpet and tiling at the Wilmington Home Center for 42 years says she’s holding on, but just barely.

“The economy for the last 2 ½ years, 3 years has been non- existent” recalled Ranslow. “And then we had Irene pass through. That pretty well flattened us, We’re still doing business, but it has been very, very tough.”

The official numbers bear that out, but they also show a ray of light. Economist Richard Heaps of Northern Economic Consulting says before the flood the number of businesses in Wilmington fell by 16 percent. But he says in the past year there’s been a little shift in the right direction.

“Couple more businesses opened up, but the total employment fell and wages grew a little.  So there was a hint that Wilmington was beginning to see a turn.,” said Heaps. “And now, the recent news of a couple of businesses coming in is building on that. It’s not much, but it’s beginning to show that they’re turning the corner.”

Melinda Coombs is hoping for a domino effect as new businesses like hers attract more customers to the entire town.

“If word gets out that ‘Gosh, there are a lot of really nice shops in Wilmington. Maybe we’ll go there from Bennington or Brattleboro or other places,’ it’s just going to help everybody!”

No one here is predicting a quick turn around, but they’re planting seeds hoping a better economy will eventually take root.

www.beyondimaginationvt.com

Gratitude for Spring & Summer 2012 Donors

22 Sep

May & June & July 2012

• Vermont Community Foundation as recommended by Robert Kaufman

• Peter Yeskel: in honor of Beth and John Greene

• Petra & Mark Williams

• Gail & Craig Llewellyn

• Kristi Craig – Ionia, MO:  in honor of Bette Crawford

• Christopher Jewell – Riverside, CT

• IBM Employee Matching

• Barbara Ewert – Warwicki, NY

• Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School – Palo Alto, CA:  Dear John, I am really sorry that you were not able to attend our celebration of Tzedakah on May 23rd.  During the ceremony we allocated the funds we had collected and presented the checks to each organization.  This ceremony was very moving for us because we all knew that we were helping the world one step at a time in many different areas of need.  Currently, we are all very proud of ourselves and know that we have in fact made an impact on the world.          Enclosed please find the allocation from the Hausner Seventh Grade Avodah La’Olam Philanthropy fund to Wilmington Fund VT.  We look forward to hearing about the accomplishments this money has helped in the repairing of Wilmington.  Sincerely, Isabel Horowitz and the Housner Seventh Grade.

• Margaret & Richard Stewart – Trumbull, CT

• Martha & Gordon  Watson – Naples, FL

August & Early September 2012

• Mrs. Angelo J. Picone – East Hartford, CT:  We’ve been coming through the Town of Wilmington for fifty years.  We knew Ray up on Ray Hill, always stopped at Dot’s.  So glad to see you coming back!!  Good Luck, Josephine

• Turkeltaub Family

• Barbara Ewert: in memory of Anne O’Sullivan

• P.I.E. Facilities of NY Inc  (Adam Kriveloff) – New York, NY

• Peggy & Walter Jones – Halifax VT & Englewood, NJ:  Dear Julie, This donation is from Walter & Peggy Jones.  If you have a newsletter on the information updating the Fund’s activities, I would like to receive it.  Regards, Walter

• Kaumil Gajrawala – New York, NY

More Dot’s Supporters

• Judith K. Tredway:  Thanks for the chance to support Dot’s.  This year will be the first time in Wilmington without Black and White Milkshakes for breakfast.  Looking forward to seeing Patty and John in a spirit of hope and excitement.  Thanks again, Judy

• Beth S. & Kenneth W. Motschwiller – Rockville Center, NY:  Save Dot’s

Dot’s Rebuild Concert Donations
• Haystack Club Operating Company     (Concert Sponsorship)
• SMR Contracting   (Concert Sponsorship)
• Stevens & Associates   (Concert Sponsorship)
• Orvis    (Concert Sponsorship)
• Lisa Coneeny & Leslie Fraser
• Leona & Murray Brochin
• Beth & Kenneth Motschwiller
• Margaret & Richard Stewart
• Martha & Gordon Watson
• MaryLou & Doug LaPlante c/o Wilmington Baptist Church
• Betty Emery
• Linda & Stephen Purdy

Dot’s Silent Auction Donations
• Ann Manwaring – $15.00 winning bid by Crista Gannon for the Sling Back Camera Bag
• Barbara Holliday – $175.00 for winning bids by Kristin Mumford and Lisa Sullivan for the sets of Artist Proof Prints
• Beverly Perna – $200.00 winning bid by Carole Goodman of Saint Louis for the Dot’s Lithograph
• David Ganter – $225.00 winning bid by Alison Chaltas for the Wedding Cake Table
• Erik Barnes, Director of Golf, Mount Snow – $125 winning bid by Alison Chaltas for the Greens Fees at Mount Snow Country Club
• Jennifer Langden, Director of Lodging, Mount Snow – $90 winning bid by David Schneider for a weekend getaway at the Grand Summit

Village Walkway Donations
• Whitingham Halifax Lions
• Urshula & Ken Wood
• Alan Stewart
• Ann Ottaviano
• Bruce Phillips
• Susan Byron
• Barbara Suraci
• Mark Hanna
• Joan Wiener & Stanley Shapiro

Deerfield Valley News: Dot’s Benefit concert a success

14 Aug
by David Amato

WILMINGTON – Wilmington welcomed folk musicians Jon Pousette-Dart and the duo Aztec Two-Step to Memorial Hall on Saturday in an effort to raise money to rebuild Dot’s Restaurant. The event was sponsored by the Wilmington Fund Vermont, an organization founded in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene to help raise money for rebuilding areas of town severely damaged by flood water in August 2011.

Saturday’s Memorial Hall concert developed from a collaboration between Dale Doucette, organizer of the Green Mountain Songwriter Series and a seasoned lighting and set designer, and Dan Kilmurray, president of the Wilmington Fund Vermont.“I put it together with the Memorial Hall Board,” says Doucette, “and I was hoping to do another installation of the Green Mountain Series with Jon Pousette-Dart. Dan was also hoping to do an event with Pousette Dart, so we thought we should combine efforts.”

Each act played to a full house on Saturday, with the proceeds from ticket sales going directly toward rebuilding Dot’s, which suffered heavy damage during Tropical Storm Irene. Bruce Mullen, treasurer of the Wilmington Fund Vermont, estimates that 100 premium seating tickets were sold at $150 each and that another 170 to 180 general admission tickets were sold at $25 to $30 a piece, bringing the overall fundraising result up to about $20,000.

Those who were not able to attend Saturday’s concert can still make a donation to the fund by filling a check out to “The Wilmington Fund VT” and mailing it to 14 Castle Hill, Wilmington, VT 05363. Credit card donations can be processed through the Preservation Trust of Vermont at http://www.ptvermont.org or by calling Elise Seraus at (802) 658-6647. The Wilmington Fund Vermont is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Read more: Deerfield Valley News – Dot’s Benefit concert a success

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Silent Auction at Dinner Prior to Concert to Rebuild Dot’s

27 Jun

Among the small number of Silent Auction Items:  Prints by Artist Barbara Holliday, Green Fees at Mount Snow Country Club, a weekend getaway for 2 at The Grand Summit, Home Energy Audit from Thermal House, and this beautiful table!  Join the fun with a Premium Ticket that includes dinner with the artists prior to the Concert to Rebuild Dot’s 7.14.2012.

Wedding Cake Table donated by Artist David Ganter  (dganter@gwi.net) currently on Display at the Parmelee & Howe Building

Once upon a time, almost every home prepared their meals with a cast iron, wood-burning cook stove. In 1892, there were about 200 stove manufacturers in America. New England accounted for around 30 of them at the time. In Maine we had the Auburn Stove Foundry, the Portland Stove Foundry, Noyes & Nutter of Bangor, and Wood & Bishop of Bangor. These manufacturers created cook stoves and heating stoves that were truly works of art. The talents and creativity of their craftsmen produced beautiful castings. Sadly, most of these works of art have disappeared and modern replacements have taken their place. Many young people today look puzzled when you describe a wood-fired cook stove; many have never seen the beauty of one.

I search for cook stoves that have been discarded, broken, cracked, and burnt out that are no longer functional. I avoid those stoves that are restorable because in New England there are a handful of people bringing these beauties back to life! The base of these old pieces is the prize I seek to resurrect as a truly unique coffee table.

I disassemble, weld if necessary, sandblast each part to bare cast iron, prime, paint first coat (your color choice), reassemble with new hardware, and then paint with a second final coat. Finally, to the base I add a top built of a variety of hardwoods, slate, or polished granite slabs. The granite tops have become my favorite; showcasing beautiful granite pieces, some 500,000 plus years old that require no maintenance. Each finished table is a one of a kind piece that will last for generations!

 

Concert to Rebuild Dot’s

13 Jun

Concert to Rebuild Dots Letter

CONCERT TO REBUILD DOTS

Dear Friends,

For all of you who have eaten at Dots, shopped at Manyu’s Boutique, and strolled
through our galleries and stores, this is your chance to give back to Wilmington.

The Wilmington Fund VT committed up to $50,000 in matching funds to help Dots rebuild and reopen. On Saturday, July 14, Jon Pousette-Dart and Aztec Two-Step will give a special benefit performance at Memorial Hall in downtown Wilmington to help raise funds. So plan a summer weekend up here and enjoy dinner and a great concert. Dinner with the artists starts at 5:30pm at Tamara & Dan Kilmurray’s home on 72 Old Ark Road in Wilmington. Then make your way back to Memorial Hall for the 8pm concert.

The Wilmington Fund VT, a non-profit corporation, was established by second
homeowners, local citizens and business owners in response to the devastation from Tropical Storm Irene. It is the purpose of this project to support Wilmington by first raising funds to help repair damaged buildings and to then promote commerce and business activity through the use of grants and low interest loans. Initial donations of $500,000 enabled the recent purchase of the Parmelee and Howe building.

The loss of 40 businesses included Dot’s Restaurant, the Vermont House, Manyu’s, and the Ann Coleman Gallery, which was swept down the Deerfield River. While some business owners have reopened, others have not had the resources to repair their damaged buildings. We recognize the town’s impact on the local economy and we have pledged to help. This will require substantial investment in order to build a stronger and more economically vibrant downtown.

We are proud to say that!The Wilmington Fund VT is on its way to promoting the continuation of village life through supporting restaurants, shops and services. While its spirit remains strong, with your help we can restore this once beautiful downtown. Even if you can’t attend this event, please help make this vision become a reality with your generous, tax-deductible donation and invest in Wilmington. Visit our website for more information.

Thank you for your support,

Ann Manwaring
Vice President

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