BRADFORD, Vt. — Like many nonprofit organizations, the Space on Main has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coworking and community space in downtown Bradford has struggled to stay afloat, said Monique Priestley, founder and executive director of the organization. Expenses are around $3,300 and they are only bringing in around $1,100 in donations per month. The organization doesn’t qualify for funds through the Paycheck Protection Plan through the national CARES Act because it does not have paid employees.
“We’re hanging in there, but basically running off donations,” Priestley said. “So far people have been donating here and there and it’s been super helpful, but I know we have months to go.”
With that in mind, Priestley has put together a virtual paddle fundraiser, which begins Saturday (Aug. 15) and runs through Sept. 7.
“You can do any kind of vessel and anywhere you want, you don’t have to time yourself,” she said. Social distancing is pretty much a given as well. “People can do it safely in their own time and their own space.”
There are three options: a 5K, 10K and a 5 and 10K. It costs $30 to register for the 5K or 10K and $50 for the combined 5K and 10K. Participants are also encouraged to set fundraising goals and ask people for sponsorships.
Priestley was inspired to start the fundraiser after participating in a virtual paddle for the World Wildlife Foundation.
“There aren’t many events like this. I haven’t seen a virtual paddle in our area before,” she said. “I thought it might be a fun way to get people out on the local lakes and rivers and stuff, too.”
During the pandemic, Priestley has been spending more time out on the water.
“Any of my outside of work time during COVID has been paddling. I’ve been hitting three, four lakes each weekend,” she said. “It’s been a great way to spend time with friends, but we often don’t get closer than 10 feet.”
For more information or to register visit, thespaceonmain.org/race.
ENFIELD — The Upper Valley Humane Society will hold a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for dogs on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Registration is required by calling 603-448-6888, ext. 108. It costs $250 for dogs 80 pounds and under, with an additional $20 for dogs that weigh more. Financial assistance is available and forms can be found at uvhs.org.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, UVHS will host a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. It costs $15 per shot. Microchipping will also be available for $15 per pet. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by calling 603-448-6888.
The humane society is located at 300 Old Route 10 in Enfield.
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Health Care and Rehabilitation Services exceeded its campaign to obtain 1,000 handmade cloth face masks for staff and clients in late July.
The nonprofit mental health organization asked community members to make homemade masks for staff and clients, according to a news release. More than 40 staff and community members donated more than 2,000 masks, which should get the organization through the next six months.
Among those who donated were Rose Aremburg, Laura Bilodeau, Karen Bruyn, Karen Chandler, Sandra Dadik, Joyce Dicianna, Carol Eastman, Joan Egbert, Joan Elliott, Louise Gabehart, Pat Graves, Ginny Haines, Carol Hanson, Sonja Hurley, Norma Ippolito, Alanna Parker, The Richards Group, Pat Riese, Nancy Robinson, Amy Steinberg and Hilary Strasburger.
“We’re humbled by the outpouring of support,” HCRS CEO George Karabakakis said in the release.
LEBANON — The Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission is asking members of the public for their input on a draft of the N.H. Route 120 North corridor plan chapter.
The plan can be viewed online at uvlsrpc.org/corridorplan and comments should be submitted by Aug. 31.
The planning commission is working to develop a Regional Corridor Transportation Plan, which will identify regional transportation needs including driving, walking, bicycling, transit and accessibility, according to a Listserv post from the organization.
It also suggests strategies and projects for improving transportation safety and access for residents. Route 120 is one of eight major corridors that the plan will address.
For more information or questions, email Alex Belensz at abelensz@uvlsrpc.org.
BRADFORD, Vt. – The Hub, a teen center in Bradford, is looking for volunteers to work with kids in grades 7-12.
Youth from Bradford, Newbury, Corinth, Waits River, and Topsham can come to the Hub to socialize, do school work with assistance from volunteers and play board games, video games, air hockey, pool, pingpong and foosball tables and well as use laptops, play piano and do arts and crafts.
It is located on the corner of Main and Barton streets in downtown Bradford and is open Wednesday and Thursdays from 3-6 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m. and Saturday 2-9 p.m.
For more information or to volunteer, email Patrick Peters at director.thehub@gmail.com.
Editor’s note: Email community news items to calendar@vnews.com. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
