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In appreciation for a very generous gift given in thanks for the care that their family has received over decades, Grace Cottage’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services proudly bears the names of John & Susan Eastwood of Townshend. “John and I are so happy to be able to help out,” said Susan Eastwood. “Grace Cottage has done so much for our family for so many years.” Click here for the Brattleboro Reformer’s story, photos, and videos of the event.

Patient Dick Desrochers of Grafton went out of his way to tell us: “I was so impressed when I saw the new facility in the Heins building. This was a great move for Outpatient Rehab – you did the right thing. There’s so much more privacy, space, and comfort for patients!”

The Outpatient Rehab Department’s volume has increased at a rapid pace, more than doubling in the last few years. This improved space will allow the physical and occupational therapists to help care for more patients than ever before. Our 17 licensed therapists offer a variety of treatments, including Pelvic Health Therapy, Lymphedema Therapy, Musculoskeletal, Soft-Tissue, or Hand Rehabilitation after injury, Post-surgical Rehabilitation, Pediatric Physical Therapy, Balance Therapy, and more. For more information, go to gracecottage.org.

I am humbled and honored that Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak has asked me to be a member of the “Treasurer’s Task Force on the Federal Transition,” and I have accepted this volunteer short-term appointment. Composed of policy experts, business and community leaders, and individuals with a deep understanding of Vermont’s economy, the Task Force will assess the economic impact of President Trump’s administration’s anticipated policy changes, and will provide recommendations to the Treasurer.

The Task Force includes the following members:

• Mike Pieciak, co-chair, Vermont State Treasurer
• Sue Minter, co-chair, immediate past Executive Director, Capstone Community Action, and former VTrans Secretary, State Representative, and State Director of Recovery after Tropical Storm Irene
• David Marvin, Founder, Butternut Mountain Farm
• Jill Martin Diaz, Executive Director, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project
• Shabnam Nolan, Executive Director, King Street Center
• Olivia Sweetnam, CEO, Grace Cottage Hospital
• Peter Gregory, Executive Director, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
• Brian Lowe, Principal, Assembly Theory

At the first Task Force meeting on January 15, 2025, Treasurer Pieciak outlined the group’s purpose and the discussion focused on clarifying the Task Force’s goals, timeline, and advisory role. The Task Force will meet monthly for up to six months, with the next meeting scheduled for January 22. Public notice of each meeting will be posted in advance on the Treasurer’s website, along with an agenda.

Every year, the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and the Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC) select projects that align with the goals of the Southern Vermont Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a federally-approved five-year action plan for regional growth. We reported in last month’s Message to the Community that Grace Cottage’s clinic project is on this southern Vermont Vital Project list, but we have just learned that it has also been ranked #1 in the BDCC’s Windham Regional Priority Project list, submitted to the State Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

Fundraising for the project continues, and thanks to many generous pledges and donations, we have raised $12,568,830.32 to date for the $21M project. Every penny is counted and makes a difference. For more information about the clinic project and our Campaign for the Future, click here.

Grace Cottage’s annual Cabin Fever Auction offers more than 150 items donated by generous individuals and businesses, with all proceeds benefiting Grace Cottage. From 8:00 a.m. on February 14 until 8:00 p.m. on February 24, you can browse and bid on items for every taste and budget, including treasures not available anywhere else. Auction items range in value from $20 to priceless, from the practical to the sublime.

Bid to win a stay in a luxurious Caribbean resort or take a South African safarai adventure, get an oil change for your car, stay overnight in a local inn, eat at an area restaurant, buy some beautiful artwork or craft items. No matter what you bid on, your win will help Grace Cottage care for our patients.

Items are being added daily. Check out the growing selection at www.32auctions.com/GraceCottage2025 and register to bid so that you can hit the ground running on Valentine’s Day!

We hope you’ll join us from 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, March 1 at the Stratton Nordic Center for our second annual Make Tracks for Health. Snowshoe or cross-country ski on the beautiful trails at the Nordic Center, all while raising money for a great cause. Rental equipment is available for the event, through advance reservation. We thank Stratton, Solstice at Stratton, M&T Bank, and Rawsonville Market for their sponsorship of the event. Find out more and register here.