by Diane Grenkow
HARDWICK — Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor (HANN) volunteers helped with recovery after July’s rains. The supply and support center on High Street was open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for 11 days. Fifteen volunteers covered 46 three-hour shifts and served almost 80 people. Sump pumps, shop vacs, fans and dehumidifiers were loaned to those whose homes had been flooded. The volunteers dispensed cleaning kits, buckets, contractor bags, gloves and information about where the dumpsters were located. Many donations of equipment and supplies were made by community members for use by residents.
Following the flood of 2023, as part of HANN, a group of volunteers have been working with the town to complete Hardwick’s Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP), including developing communication strategies, stocking emergency supplies and mobilizing needed volunteers. The Neighbors also agreed to take primary responsibility for the supply and support center in all subsequent emergencies, ensuring town officials could focus on other matters.
Throughout the year, volunteers pick up groceries, supplies or prescriptions, drive for errands or medical appointments and do yard work or home chores.
This past winter, Neighbor to Neighbor hosted three community meals at the American Legion hall and provided time to talk with neighbors about town flood response.
HANN will host a town-wide gathering with town officials at Hazen Union on Monday, September 16, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A panel will address participant questions and provide neighborhoods time to discuss ways to support one another. For more information, email [email protected].
