Bridge Staff
Montpelier Featured in AARP Video Series
The city of Montpelier has been selected as the inaugural feature in AARP’s new “Great Places to Live” video series, highlighting the capital city’s exceptional livability, vibrant community, and distinctive character that make it an ideal place for people of all ages.
The video showcase, now available on AARP’s YouTube channel, explores what sets Montpelier apart as a community where residents can truly thrive. From its stunning natural surroundings and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities to its welcoming neighborhoods and engaged citizenry, the episode captures the essence of what makes Vermont’s capital city special.
Watch the episode at bit.ly/AARPMontpelier.
Adamant Community Club and Montpelier Alive Awarded Grants from AARP
Two local organizations were awarded Winter Placemaking Grants from AARP Vermont. In all, eight organizations across the state received awards to support creative, inclusive programming that fosters community connection and combats social isolation among older adults during the coldest months of the year.
In Washington County, the Adamant Community Club received $2,980 for hosting “Winter Sundays,” a series of eight gatherings featuring films, author readings, public affairs discussions, nature walks, and folk music concerts.
Also in Washington County, Montpelier Alive received $4,000 for organizing Winterfest with horse-drawn carriage rides and live ice carving to enliven downtown and engage older adults.
Other recipients include Broad Brook Community Center (Windham County), $3,150; Franklin Arts Department (Franklin County), $1,200; Middletown Springs Public Library (Rutland County), $4,000; Morristown Centennial Library (Lamoille County), $2,070; Rockingham Public Library (Windham County), $4,000; and the town of West Rutland (Rutland County), $2,500.
“These grants help communities across Vermont create welcoming spaces and meaningful experiences for older adults during the winter,” said Kelly Stoddard-Poor, associate state director of outreach at AARP Vermont. The Winter Placemaking Grant program is part of AARP Vermont’s broader effort to support age-friendly communities and ensure that public spaces are accessible, engaging, and inclusive for people of all ages.
Northfield Savings Bank Donates $25K to Downstreet
Downstreet Housing and Community Development has received a donation of $25,000 from Northfield Savings Bank in support of the Speranza Inn. This $25,000 gift comes as one of the bank’s year-end contributions aimed at addressing Vermont’s ongoing housing crisis.
Located in Barre, the Speranza Inn is a 41-room hotel and service hub that provides vital support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in central Vermont. Downstreet began an occupied rehabilitation of the building in April 2025 after purchasing the former Quality Inn property with support from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Since opening, the Speranza Inn has provided shelter to approximately 140 households and connects residents with critical wraparound services including case management, mental health supports, and housing navigation.
Donations like the one made by Northfield Savings Bank, which has been matched by an anonymous family foundation, will help finalize renovations to the Speranza Inn that have been ongoing since spring. Downstreet hopes to raise a final $15,000 for the Speranza Inn by year-end to meet its fundraising goals.
Northfield Savings Bank presented a check to Downstreet on Dec. 5 at the Speranza Inn, located at 173 South Main Street in Barre.
MFD Adopts New Safety Tech
In a major advancement for roadway safety, the Montpelier Fire Department has implemented HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud®, a public safety solution that delivers real-time digital alerts to motorists when emergency vehicles are approaching or working on the scene. This life-saving technology provides drivers with crucial extra warning time — proven to reduce collision risks by up to 90%.
While Vermont Move Over laws require drivers to slow down and change lanes for active emergency vehicles, flashing lights and sirens often don’t always provide enough warning to drivers, especially at high speeds or in poor visibility. Safety Cloud solves this by delivering safety alerts to drivers through multiple channels:
- Navigation apps: Automatic warnings appear in Waze and Apple Maps.
- Vehicle dashboards: Built-in alerts for 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, plus 2024 and newer Volkswagen vehicles.
“This technology bridges the gap between what the law requires and what actually happens on the road,” said Montpelier Fire Chief Derek Libby. “When our lights activate, Safety Cloud gives drivers critical extra time to anticipate us and safely react — protecting both our personnel and the public we serve.”
The system requires no action from drivers beyond using their regular navigation apps. The Montpelier Fire Department joins more than 4,000 agencies nationwide already using this protection system, with HAAS Alert actively expanding to additional vehicle platforms.
“Roadside line-of-duty deaths are preventable tragedies,” added Chief Libby. “By combining this technology with public awareness, we’re creating safer roads for everyone.” For more information about this life-saving technology, visit haasalert.com.
These stories were compiled from press releases by Bridge staff.
