Vermont seeking comment about Hud Programs: Each year the State of Vermont - Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Agency of Human Services and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board receives funding for HUD programs through the Consolidated Plan or Annual Plan update process which identifies priorities based on needs from the housing needs assessment, market analysis, citizen and stakeholder input.  At the end of the program year the state is required to report on the performance outcomes outlined from those plans in their Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).  They have completed the FY22 Program Year DRAFT CAPER which includes the outcomes for the following programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG); and Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) Emergency Solutions Grant Program CARES Act (ESG-CV).   As a representative for a unit of general local government, please share the attached notice with your local residents including minorities,The state is seeking comments by September 27, 2023.

TEST TW WEATHER

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Vernon artist: Margaret Shipman

Image: “September” by Margaret Shipman, oil on canvas, 20″ x 20″

About Margaret: I moved to Vermont in 2004 when I fell in love with the community of earth and art loving people living here and making their voices heard. I live in an old farmhouse on Fort Bridgman Road with my husband and son where I paint herbs, flowers, weeds, leaves, and rocks when I’m not working as a graphic designer. I’m the co-creator of the Wayfarer Tarot deck and exhibit my paintings at DaVallia Gallery in Chester, VT. I think that the key to happiness is being outside in every season as much as possible.

Artist Statement: The Earth is heartbreakingly generous. I like to walk around outside in the warm months with my Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide and try my hand at identifying what I find. When I return home with a list of names of wildflowers to Google, each and every one of the plants I research has multiple uses for treating ailments from insomnia to repelling insects to treating heart disease. 

Why is this the case? Why is the treatment for an ailment found near the problem – as with Poison Ivy and (its treatment) Jewel Weed often growing right beside it? In my view it is because this wonderful biosphere that birthed us cares for us too. The things we need to thrive are all around us, if only we know how to see and use them. It is my exploration of this truth that I want to communicate with my artwork.

We invite Vernon-based artists, craftspeople, farmers and small businesses to introduce themselves to their neighbors via this website and the Vernon Community News email newsletter. Send text and photos anytime.