By JEFF EPSTEIN
[email protected]
CHESTER, Vt. — Gassetts Grange on Rt. 103, which was hit by an icy flood that damaged the structure on Jan. 24, is still closed and still looking for help.
The basement and foundation were inundated with ice and water, causing authorities to seal off the building. Nobody, including insurance adjusters and potential contactors, may enter the building because of the seal.
“We’ve been waiting for estimates from the contractor,” said Donna King, one of the grange leaders. But nothing can happen until the winter freeze is over and the ground thaws. “We’re playing a waiting game.”
A rough plan does exist for shoring up the structure with I-beams and concrete blocks, a plan to be coordinated by an outfit called National Recovery Center.
Unfortunately, the grange did not have national flood insurance and its claim under building insurance was denied. The grange is looking at $50,000 out of pocket, which it cannot afford, according to King and the other grange leader, Doug Green.
In the meantime, the Burtonsville grange has loaned its facilities to Gassetts as needed, and Gassetts has started holding its dances at the Chester Town Hall. Dances are scheduled for the first Saturday through June at 7 p.m. (However, this month’s dance was postponed due to the snowstorm. The next Gassetts Grange Jamboree, with music by the Green Mountain Express band, is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, from 1-4 p.m.)
In addition, Sunday Jams are scheduled for April 14, May 12, and June 9 at 1 p.m.
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