VTC Turned Out
To Help in Crisis

Our property, "Rowen Brook," suffered devastating damage as a result of the "micro blast" of storm that hit our area on July 11. With sudden gusts of wind and water surge, eight old trees that bordered Adams Brook were unearthed, exposed root systems decrying the power of the storm that hit them.

The wooden footbridge was battered by a carnage of trees, limbs and beams juxtaposed in all directions, with structural support left compromised. Two old field stone benches that had been standing in their original places near the brook since 1946, were swept away by this storm.

Mike Van Dyke, dean of the college at VTC, learned of our circumstance and with his son Brian and chain-saw, came over to help. Mike shared our situation with Dana Storer, VTC community service coordinator, who then emailed the student body.

Jenni Gile, VP of the American Institute of Architects Student Chapter (AIAS), responded: "…AIAS had its first meeting today with a great turnout and a large amount of interest in helping clean up that yard in town as a community service project!"

Sept. 8 found these caring and generous folks from the VTC community, at our "hurting" property: Mike Van Dyke, Dana Storer, Jenni Gile, Jeremy Pettengill, Samantha Davis, Chris Tardy, Phil Baldyga, Jason Dawson, Clint French, Patrick Deyette, Craig Fullerton and Matt Morse.

Together they worked … Mike sawing, they lifting, towing, clearing, cleaning, piling, raking, shoveling, etc. until all was clear of wreckage. At the footbridge, these future architects with ingenuity and "esprit de corps" tethered ropes to pickup trucks and successfully evacuated even "water logged" trees. Were these r-e-a-l-l-y "college kids"? Incredible! They carried off four truck loads of limbs, tree trunks and woody pulp. And they rebuilt our field stone bench!

For five hours on a Saturday, these good people gave to us. What an experience it is to have total strangers reach out to help, when help is what you need.

I would like President Handy to know that these 12 individuals symbolize the true spirit of being a "good neighbor." They represent what we love about Vermont. They represented Vermont Technical College with excellence, generosity of spirit and human good will. Their efforts should make you proud. Their kindness left an "imprint" forever, on our land and in our grateful hearts.

Anna Gerac

Mary Lewis Webb

Randolph