The Selectboard continue to support universal internet coverage within Stockbridge, such as the East Central Vermont Fiber Project. The town should create and maintain a municipal web site to: improve communication; enhance emergency preparedness; provide residents with access to municipal data; and educate visitors and residents to local events and opportunities. The Town should make meeting the requirements of state solid waste regulations a priority, focusing on cost-effective methods of compliance. Health and Emergency Services Health Care Facilities Health care facilities are essential in the prevention, treatment, and management of illness, and in the preservation of mental and physical well-being. Rural locations such as Stockbridge are served by small facilities that can assist residents with general health care needs but are not equipped to provide complex acute care services that require specialized services and equipment. The lower population density of Vermont's rural countryside and the larger the area over which the population is distributed can make providing adequate health care more difficult, particularly for the elderly who may not be able to drive themselves to major health care facilities. Likewise in rural areas, emergency care for severe trauma or major acute illnesses such as stroke and heart attack may take longer to arrive than in more populated locations, risking potential loss of life. Although there are no town-based health care services in Stockbridge, local and regional health care services are available throughout the region, including: Gifford Medical Center and smaller health centers in Randolph, VT; large-scale community hospitals in Rutland and Berlin, VT; and a tertiary care facility in Lebanon, NH. Fire Protection Services Stockbridge is serviced by the Stockbridge Volunteer Fire Department. Funding of the department is provided by the Town and by department fund raising activities. Stockbridge has a mutual aid agreement with the towns of Pittsfield and Bethel whereby assistance is provided in the event of a serious fire. The Stockbridge Fire Department is operated exclusively by volunteers. There is always a need for additional volunteers to serve as firefighters, to help raise money, and to help care for the equipment. Because a vast majority of Stockbridge's residents work outside of the community, and because of the added challenge of the many State and Federal requirements for training, it can be challenging to find volunteers and maintain their training credentials. In particular, day coverage is spotty because many residents work out of town.
The Selectboard continue to support universal internet coverage within Stockbridge, such as the East Central Vermont Fiber Project. The town should create and maintain a municipal web site to: improve communication; enhance emergency preparedness; provide residents with access to municipal data; and educate visitors and residents to local events and opportunities. The Town should make meeting the requirements of state solid waste regulations a priority, focusing on cost-effective methods of compliance. Health and Emergency Services Health Care Facilities Health care facilities are essential in the prevention, treatment, and management of illness, and in the preservation of mental and physical well-being. Rural locations such as Stockbridge are served by small facilities that can assist residents with general health care needs but are not equipped to provide complex acute care services that require specialized services and equipment. The lower population density of Vermont's rural countryside and the larger the area over which the population is distributed can make providing adequate health care more difficult, particularly for the elderly who may not be able to drive themselves to major health care facilities. Likewise in rural areas, emergency care for severe trauma or major acute illnesses such as stroke and heart attack may take longer to arrive than in more populated locations, risking potential loss of life. Although there are no town-based health care services in Stockbridge, local and regional health care services are available throughout the region, including: Gifford Medical Center and smaller health centers in Randolph, VT; large-scale community hospitals in Rutland and Berlin, VT; and a tertiary care facility in Lebanon, NH. Fire Protection Services Stockbridge is serviced by the Stockbridge Volunteer Fire Department. Funding of the department is provided by the Town and by department fund raising activities. Stockbridge has a mutual aid agreement with the towns of Pittsfield and Bethel whereby assistance is provided in the event of a serious fire. The Stockbridge Fire Department is operated exclusively by volunteers. There is always a need for additional volunteers to serve as firefighters, to help raise money, and to help care for the equipment. Because a vast majority of Stockbridge's residents work outside of the community, and because of the added challenge of the many State and Federal requirements for training, it can be challenging to find volunteers and maintain their training credentials. In particular, day coverage is spotty because many residents work out of town.
Town-Plan-Draft-with-Holly-edits-8-20-14.docx