VERMONT HAPPENIN'S - September 2010

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS
INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED.  OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER
WRITERS  I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER,  I DO
RESPECT THEM.  THANK YOU

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Program Description
Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur offers health care insurance for eligible Vermont children, teenagers up to 18, and pregnant women.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Vermont, under 19 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an
annual household income before taxes of less than $46,800 if two people live in the household; $57,600 if three people live in the
household; $68,400 if four people live in the household; $80,400 if five people live in the household; $91,200 if six people live in the
household; $103,200 if seven people live in the household; $111,400 if eight people live in the household; and $122,400 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $11,000 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your
income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The application for this program can be found at the following website:
http://www.greenmountaincare.org/sites/gmc/files/pdf/GMC_Application_8_Pages.pdf

Program Contact Information
To learn more about Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program, please visit:
http://www.greenmountaincare.org/vermont-health-insurance-plans/dr-dynasaur...

Or please call toll-free to get more information about Dr. Dynasaur:
1-800-250-8427

You can also contact your local Department of Prevention, Assistance, Teens under 18, and Pregnant Women (PATH) district
office. District offices can be found at:
http://www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact_us/district_offices


Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
Medicaid is a government health insurance program for Vermonters. It's for eligible seniors 65 or older, people who are blind or
disabled, children, pregnant women and parents. Medicaid covers most medical care and services, such as doctor visits, hospital
care, prescriptions, vision and dental care, long-term care in a nursing home or at home, physical therapy and more.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Vermont, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent
resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low
income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age
19, blind, have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To learn more about Vermont Medicaid, please visit:
http://www.greenmountaincare.org/vermont-health-insurance-plans/medicaid

You can call the Prevention, Assistance, Transition, and Health Access (PATH) hotline toll-free at:
1-800-250-8427

If you have a hearing disability, please call the TTY number:
1-888-834-7898

Or you can contact your local PATH office:
http://www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact_us/district_offices


Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance can provide any eligible person physically present in a living unit in Vermont with fuel
assistance by paying their heat directly to a fuel supplier, or by giving assistance to people whose rent includes the cost of heat,
$50.00 for people who rent a room in someone else's home, or $5.00 for people whose rent includes the cost of heat AND who live
in public, subsidized, or Section 8 housing.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Vermont, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $21,672 if one person lives in the
household; $29,136 if two people live in the household; $36,624 if three people live in the household; $44,112 if four people live in
the household; $51,576 if five people live in the household; $59,064 if six people live in the household; $66,552 if seven people live
in the household; and $74,232 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,476 for each additional person in
the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The application (pdf) for Vermont Fuel Assistance can also be found at the following location:
http://dcf.vermont.gov/sites/dcf/files/pdf/esd/fuel/Fuel_Assistance_Application.pdf

Program Contact Information
You can receive an application by calling the Fuel Office at:
800-479-6151

or
802-241-1165


Applications (pdf) for Vermont Fuel Assistance can also be found online at:
http://www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/fuel_assistance/fuel_application_kit


Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
Food stamps are benefits you use when you shop for food. You use a Vermont Express electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to
spend your food stamps. You can use a Vermont Express card at most stores that sell food. You use food stamp benefits -- in
addition to other food money-- to buy more and better food.

If you are 65 or older or have a disability, you may be able to get your benefits deposited directly into your bank account. If you do
not have a bank account, you can use food stamp benefits on a Vermont Express card like cash.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings
and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with
a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less
than $13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
In Vermont you get food stamps through the Department of Prevention, Assistance, Transition, and Health Access (PATH). To find
out if you are eligible, a PATH worker will review your situation and your resources and income. The worker will also tell you what
documents you may need to provide to verify this information.

You may also visit the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger website to get more information:
http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com

The only way to find out if you are eligible for food stamps is to apply. Call, write, or visit the PATH office nearest you. Don't know
which PATH district office serves your town? Click here to find out:
http://www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact_us/district_offices

or call:
800-287-0589


Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children
by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious
school lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established
nutrition standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the
household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the
household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found here:
http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/directories/su_sd_A_C.html

Program Contact Information
For additional information on the programs, please visit the Vermont School Nutrition Programs web site at:
http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_nutrition/school_nutrition.html

For more information on who to contact within the Vermont Child Nutrition Program office if you have questions:
http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/directories/general_numbers.html

You can also contact your child's school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school
meals.


Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
Welcome to Vermont WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Our goal is to improve
health by informing families about good health practices and by providing nutritious foods to eligible Vermonters. Every year,
thousands of women, infants and children receive health screenings, nutrition assessments and health education from the
Vermont WIC program. The WIC program in Vermont is administered by the Vermont Department of Health.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at
nutrition risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or
has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://healthvermont.gov/local/district/district_office.aspx#find

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on the WIC program of Vermont, visit their website at:
http://healthvermont.gov/family/wic/wic_vt.aspx

You can also call the Vermont Department of Health toll-free from within Vermont at:
800-464-4343

or locally at:
802-863-7333


Managing Agency
Department of Health (VT)
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have
access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk
to low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont, your
household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live
in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people
live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight
people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it
participates in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.
http://www.education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_nutrition.html

Program Contact Information
You can also contact your local school district to learn how to receive Vermont SMP benefits.

If you have questions regarding the Special Milk Program, please call the Vermont Department of Education-Child Nutrition
Programs office at:
802-828-2447



Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote
school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social
services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in
administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment.
Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and
seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont, you must be a parent or primary
caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income before taxes must not
exceed $10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the household; $18,310 if three people live in the
household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live in the
household; $33,270 if seven people live in the household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial
status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy,
less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications
may apply.


Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the
following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can call the Vermont Head Start Collaboration
Office at (802) 241-2705 or visit:
http://www.vhsa.net/stateco.html#


Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The mission of the Weatherization Program of Vermont is to reduce the energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the
elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes while ensuring their
health and safety. The program is administered by the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont and your household's annual income
before taxes must not exceed $21,179 if one person lives in the household; $27,696 if two people live in the household; $34,213 if
three people live in the household; $40,730 if four people live in the household; $47,246 if five people live in the household; $53,763
if six people live in the household; $54,985 if seven people live in the household; and $56,207 if more than seven people live in the
household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:
http://dcf.vermont.gov/oeo/weatherization_offices

Program Contact Information
To learn more about Vermont's Weatherization Assistance Program, please visit our website:
http://www.dcf.state.vt.us/oeo/weatherization


Managing Agency
Vermont
http://www.vermont.gov

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Calendar of Events Vermont

If you are looking to be surrounded by some of Vermont's highest and most beautiful peaks,
we'd like to introduce you to the Russell Young Farm Bed and Breakfast, an ideal vacation
spot, located in the quiet and scenic village of Jerusalem, in the heart of the Green Mountains.  Our home is a 1860 farm house
which has been completely renovated.  All our guest rooms offer queen size beds and private baths.  Additional amenities can be
found at:

http://russellyoungfarm.com/amenities.html

There are many things to do when you stay with us.

"Activities on the Farm"  include hiking and walking trails, swimming pond, snowshoeing, and back country skiing

"Just Minutes Away"  include The Long Trail, antiquing, swimming holes and local artists

"30 Minutes or less"  include golf courses, Middlebury College, downhill  skiing, and kayaking

"45 minutes or less" include Shelburne Museum, Ben and Jerry's, Lake Champlain, and Burlington

A complete list of activities can be found at:

http://russellyoungfarm.com/activities.html

We do pride ourselves on being a relaxing getaway, away from the sounds of busy paved roads. Please contact us if you have any
questions.

We know you'll enjoy your stay with us.

Carol & Dennis Hysko
Russell Young Farm B & B
Jerusalem, Vermont
Toll Free - 1-877-896-7026
dennis@russellyoungfarm.com
www.russellyoungfarm.com

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As you are looking forward to visiting Vermont this year, we would like to take minute and
invite you to stay with us at Cozy Cottages. We are located in central Vermont, in a beautiful
town of Brandon. We are halfway between Middlebury and Rutland, less than an hour south from Burlington. We have 20 vintage
cottages that were built in 1930's by Ethan Allan Furniture Company. Our cabins feature both nostalgic furnishings and
contemporary conveniences. Each cabin has a private bath, TV and a coffee maker. Many have fireplaces and air conditioning.

To find out more, please visit our website www.cozycottagesvermont.com or call us (802) 247- 6644.

We are looking forward to hearing back from you!

Stephen and Ursula Zahn

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REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY OR STATE SEND US YOUR UPCOMING EVENT
INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR STATE'S PAGE!

BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:

MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!

PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL: homelesstoindependence@yahoo.com