HARDWICK – Twenty-five residents from Hardwick and surrounding towns met Monday, Jan. 19, at the Jeudevine Library to further organize the regions ability to respond to emergency situations and day-to-day needs of residents.
After a supper of homemade soups, rolls and desserts, Helen Beattie opened the meeting by asking attendees to name what they most treasured about the area. Comments ranged from the richness of community, the ever-present sharing of food and the readiness of neighborly assistance to the perception of Hardwick as a vital regional hub.
Beattie identified areas to be addressed during the meeting, including the day-to-day operation of the Helpline, the organization of neighborhood gatherings and improving outreach.
Beattie highlighted the effort that a volunteer committee, in partnership with the town, has made in the time since the floods of 2023 and 2024. From that work has emerged a plan for the coordination of various services that can be activated quickly in response to a disaster. That plan has been adopted by the Hardwick Select Board as an addendum to the Local Emergency Management Plan.
Attendees were offered the opportunity to learn more about, and volunteer for, the Emergency Supply and Support Center (ESSC), the Emergency Communication Center or disaster-related clean up.
Attendees formed groups to consider subject areas, headed by a person who is involved in addressing that topic. Those new to the process were invited to sign on as volunteers in whichever area they felt best equipped to be of service.
