Springfield, Ascutney, Valley Regional hospitals considering mergers
MONTPELIER , Vt. (AP) — Three hospitals serving Vermont and New Hampshire are considering merging their services.
One of the three, Springfield Hospital, is going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The other two are Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Care in Windsor, Vermont and Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, New Hampshire.
The Valley News reports that Mt. Ascutney CEO Joseph Perras told health care regulators Wednesday the goal is to care for patients in Claremont and southern Windsor County in a more efficient and cost-effective way.
Springfield Hospital Interim CEO Mike Halstead says he was concerned about his hospital’s future, but he feels encouraged by these recent discussions.
Green Mountain Care board member Robin Lunge says she is interested to see where these talks lead.
Information from: Lebanon Valley News, http://www.vnews.com
Bank to remove snowmaking equipment from Hermitage
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont bankruptcy judge is allowing a bank to remove snowmaking equipment purchased with money it loaned to a now shuttered ski resort.
The Bennington Banner reports that New Jersey-based Lakeland Bank was granted relief from the automatic stay in place for the Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain in Wilmington. Automatic stays are standard in bankruptcy proceedings and put litigation against the debtor on hold.
Lakeland Bank has been directed to remove the 46 snow guns and two tower-mounted TechnoAlpin fans within a reasonable period of time.
The state shut down the resort last year for missing tax payments.
Lakeland Bank says it’s owed more than $700,000 on a $900,000 loan to the resort in February 2016 for the equipment. The club last made a payment in December 2017.
Information from: Bennington Banner, http://www.benningtonbanner.com
Child sex abuser reaches new plea in porn case
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont man whose initial 60-day sentence for sexually abusing a child caused outcry has reached a deal in a separate case to plead guilty to possession of child pornography.
Mark Hulett, of Ferrisburgh, was charged in May. The plea deal filed Tuesday says the court may impose a 10- to 20-year sentence.
In the previous case, Hulett pleaded guilty to abusing a girl over a span of four years beginning when she was 6. He was sentenced in 2006 to 60 days.
Hulett wasn’t eligible for sex offender treatment in prison. Judge Edward Cashman said the best way to ensure public safety was to remove him so he could receive treatment.
After rules were changed so Hulett could receive in-prison treatment, Cashman resentenced him to at least three years.
Black River cleanup
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — The Black River Action Team welcomes volunteers of all ages to lend a hand for the 20th annual RiverSweep cleanup of the bed and banks of the Black River. Meet at the HQ table by the footbridge in the Springfield Shopping Plaza (2 Chester Road), sign in and pick a spot to clean. Grab trash bags and work gloves, fill your water bottle head out to see what you can find. Bring your junk back to HQ by 11 a.m. to sort and tally the “treasures,” clean up and play a little “Junk Jam” while enjoying lunch. Don’t forget to grab some chips donated by Deep River Snacks and your free BRAT tee shirt, as your “thank you” for your time and effort.
New for 2020: help support the many BRAT programs and projects such as RiverSweep by purchasing a raffle ticket ($1 each or six for $5) and enter to win one of several prizes (drawing held at noon).
Bags and gloves provided by CT River Conservancy; a full list of 2019 supporters is on the back of the bright turquoise T-shirts, imprinted by Clever Cow Designs. Footbridge of Springfield Shopping Plaza, 2 Chester Road, Springfield, VT. September 7, Saturday, 8-11 a.m.
For more information on RiverSweep and other projects, contact BRAT Director Kelly Ste ttner at (802) 738-0456 or [email protected].
— Submitted by Black River Action Team.
Bonsai workshop planned
SAXTONS RIVER, Vt. — Main Street Arts will host an Introduction to Bonsai workshop Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon.
MSA Artistic Director David Stern will teach the basics of tropical bonsai creation and maintenance in what he describes as a “fun, hands-on manner.”
The workshop fee of $45 includes a pot, plant, soil, plant food, wire, mesh and other materials needed to bring a new bonsai to life. Participants will learn how to assess the possibilities of a given plant, how to compose the artwork, root prune, wire and top dress for final finish.
Stern has been making bonsai for more than 20 years, with dozens of trees under his belt. He has led numerous workshops and continues to study under the tutelage of Michael Levine, a Bonsai Master based in Littleton, Massachusetts.
Preregistration is required by contacting MSA at (802) 869-2960 or [email protected].
Main Street Arts is a nonprofit community arts center with a mission to be a catalyst for arts and community, fostering creative expression through artistic experience accessible to all.
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