Voters Choose Declaration of Inclusion

by Catie G. Berg

Good news spread quickly after the votecounting on the evening of March 7. The Declaration of Inclusion (DOI), a resolution sponsored by Dummerston Cares, passed with 382 votes in favor and only 34 against.

The board of Dummerston Cares thanks all you supporters of equity and inclusion! We ride the state-wide wave that has brought over 60% of Vermont’s population, and over 100 towns, to publicly affirm values that promote equal access to opportunities in Vermont.

Besides the humanitarian benefits, declaring our support for inclusiveness has economic advantages. We’ve heard warnings that our aging population cannot sustain the labor force; that too many young people move out of state. Though, imagine how equity and inclusion can act as a beacon for diligent workers seeking opportunities offered in Vermont; imagine how the DOI can act as an anchor

Sponsors

Paul & Jody Normandeau

Cindy Wilcox

Michelle Cherrier & Philip Goepp

Eleanora Patterson & Gordon Faison for talented, yet marginalized, young residents who discover they can flourish as productive citizens in Vermont.

Governor Scott, who signed Vermont’s Proclamation of Inclusion in May of 2021, said, “The fact is if we want stronger, more economically secure communities, we need more people and more diversity in Vermont. I hope this effort sends a message to anyone who wants to live and work in a safe, healthy and welcoming state.”

What’s next? The Vermont League of Cities and Towns states its goals for a town’s adopting and implementing a DOI: “Adopt means formal approval by the municipality’s governing body. Implement means the enactment…of plans…that support…the intent and spirit of the Declaration.”

The voters have approved the DOI. Now, shall we urge the selectboard to adopt the DOI?

Outdoor Education Ranks High in School Priorities

continued from page 11 working playground committee consisting of staff and parents. Jessica Nelson and Gina Stafanelli, parents of Dummerston School students, served with head of facilities Dan Bailey and principal Julianne Eagan on an executive committee in 2020; they worked with other volunteers and with Adam Hubbard of Hubbard Land Design to lay out a two-year plan and budget.

Jessica explained the playground is designed to serve both students and the Dummerston community. Swings went in first, the interstellar climber is complete, and there is a hillbased slide on the way. Also coming is an ADA accessible “Sway Fun” that can be used by folks old and young of varying physical capabilities. The pavement around the school will be expanded, creating a ribbon that surrounds the school, enabling a bike route, delivery access, and even spaces where teachers can set up tables for easy-access to the outside during class. It will also connect to the Sway Fun for an easier approach and use by everyone.

Adam Hubbard emphasized how the committee prioritized equipment and design that encourages collaboration instead of hierarchy. When children come inside from physical exertion, they are more focused and ready to learn. When they have been working together, it increases their sense of community.

Calendar Photographs Needed

Do you have a photo of somewhere in Dummerston?

The Historical Society is seeking photos for the 2024 Scenes of Dummerston Calendar. All photos must be horizontal and have no identifiable people.

Please send photos to Jody Normandeau at: jodydvt@gmail.com. If your photo is selected, you will receive a free calendar.

In addition to the playground equipment, there are school and community features like the Knapp amphitheater, a pavilion for outdoor events, expanded disc golf features, and eventually a half-mile ribbon that goes around the field. There is on-going fundraising to lay Sure-Pak on the ribbon so people can move across a smooth surface. Jessica explained the committee wanted the playground renovation to serve Dummerston as a whole, in addition to the school.

Funds for the playground have come from expanded capital funding from the school district merger, grants, community fundraising, ESSR funds, and even a penny drive wherein the funds had to be wheeled into the bank with a wagon! Volunteers have given over 300 hours of labor so far and the need for community-based funds, and skill and effort needs are on-going. If you want to donate, you can either use this QR code or go to the playground website at: https://sites.google.com/ view/dummerstonplayground/home. If you would like to know about volunteer opportunities, please email: dummerstonplayground@ gmail.com to get on their mailing list.

Thank you to everyone who has already given, and for all those who will continue to step forward to grow these resources. The community investment in our children’s outdoor education has lifelong impacts. In the words of Molly Oglesby: “I believe in joy. I believe in children experiencing joy. I see that on their faces when they are out there playing. They have to have that joy in their heart to keep moving forward. Those skills stay with you forever.”

Sponsors

Bruce & Catie Berg

Gail & Lew Sorenson

David & Nina Hutchison

Kevin & Sara Ryan

John & Sheila Pinkney