A coalition of Vermont nonprofits reports that demand for small block party grants far outstripped supply this year. The “Streets as Places” program, launched by the Preservation Trust of Vermont and Local Motion, drew 210 applicants competing for just 21 awards ranging from $200 to $500. AARP Vermont and Front Porch Forum also supported the grants.
“Vermonters are hungry for connection,” said Richard Amore, program director at Local Motion. He noted that even communities that did not receive funding have decided to proceed with their own parties, saying, “We had a little bit of money to spark it, but just the program in and of itself is sparking neighborhood-led connections.”
The funded parties range from Burlington to tiny Peacham. In Randolph, organizer Jon Kaplan said the party on June 27 aims to reconnect neighbors who lost touch during the COVID-19 pandemic. In White River Junction, a recent amphibian-themed party celebrated the work of the Hartford Salamander Team. Organizer Janet Potter said 30 people attended, adding, “It was lovely and we hope to make it a yearly event.”
In flood-prone Montpelier, Sally Leahey is planning an August 29 party on Loomis Street, tying it to a new neighborhood network for sharing resources. “It’d be nice to have a way to be in touch with people to make sure they’re OK,” she said.
Marcie Gallagher of Local Motion said block parties can be done on a low budget by borrowing tables and using a potluck format. The organization has published a guide to hosting neighborhood gatherings.
NEK will be looking into whether other Northeast Kingdom communities applied for or received grants through this program.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: Robin Jonathan Deutsch via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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