Okemo Valley TV awarded grant to help complete facility

LUDLOW — Okemo Valley TV, a community television station and media education center, has been awarded a $25,000 “Building Communities” grant from the state of Vermont. Administered through the Department of Buildings and General Services, the grant will help complete the third and final phase of renovations in Okemo Valley TV’s facility. The annual Building Communities grants are awarded to “help preserve important historic buildings and enhance community facilities”; the program is funded by the state legislature.

Okemo Valley TV embarked on a multi-year, multi-phase renovation of its facility in the Ludlow Community Center complex, in the former National Guard Armory “tank barn” in 2011, after moving next door from its former space in the Ludlow Elementary School. The first two phases included the initial fit-up, studio, and performance space.

“Given the scope of the project and our limited budget, it was necessary to break it out into more manageable pieces. We are now gearing up for the final phase,” said Executive Director Patrick Cody.

The work involves enclosing the remaining rooms, which include a classroom (to function as a digital media lab), editing suites, a lobby, and control room.

The renovations will allow Okemo Valley TV to expand the media classes and workshops that it provides, while also creating more accommodating and efficient workspaces. The project, estimated to cost $175,000, will also add needed energy efficiency improvements. With the addition of the grant, $65,000 has now been raised towards the final phase of the build-out. Fundraising will continue until the goal is met and work can begin.

Joining Cody at the recent award ceremony at the State House were Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, State Reps. Annmarie Christensen (Cavendish-Weathersfield) and Dennis Devereux (Ludlow-Mt. Holly-Shrewsbury) and Sen. Alison Clarkson (Windsor County).

“We are honored to have the support of our local legislators and the State of Vermont,” said Cody. “This award gives a big boost and builds momentum needed to get this project finished. It shows that having community-based media and media education are valued.”