At the top of the November Rutland BBF Council meeting Sue Densmore presented Liz King with the Vermont Early Childhood Conference Pay it Forward Award for her continued advocacy for young children. CONGRATULATIONS Liz!
Just Play, No Way: The Council decided to move the Annual event to Feb 8 at Rutland Regional Medical Center (pending space availability) with a weather date of Feb. 29. There was an idea to reach out to Come Alive Outside to include outdoor activities, and to include the smoothie bike! As always, we are looking for vendors and demonstrations for the day to ensure a fun, engaging event for all families.
Holiday Open House at Wonderfeet: The holiday Open House sponsored by the Council took place on Dec. 14 from 2-4 and 4-5 for special time with Santa for kids with special medical or sensory needs. There were snacks and Help Me Grow resources available to families. Nanci Gordon from Help Me Grow and VT 211 was on hand to assist families with any questions. There was a steady line of children throughout the evening waiting to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Thanks you to Danielle Monroe and her staff at Wonderfeet for all the help.
Legislative meeting: The council will create a letter to be sent legislators thanking them for their efforts on behalf of Vermont’s young children. The letter will also give them a snapshot of what it is like to find care in Rutland County and to work as an early educator in the county, letting them know that continued efforts are still needed.
Rutland County PSA: The Council will work with Nanci Gordon to create a radio PSA educating the community about the skills needed to be an early educator. Julia Andrews, BBF communications director will work with us to create the message. Also Melissa Reigel-Garrett of the Child Development Division also has some messaging that she will make available to us.
Vermont 211: Nanci Grodon of Help Me Grow and Vermont 211 informed the council that Vermont 211 will go back to being available 24 hours a day beginning on Dec. 6. If there are corrections or updates for the site please contact Beth Diamond at bethd@unitedwaysofvermont.org.
