Jeremy Ellis, senior at Champlain College and mentor with The Birchwood Community has been selected as one of this year's recipients of the Vermont Campus Compact Madeline M. Kunin Public Service Award. Vermont Campus Compact stated that "This award distinguishes one remarkable student from a VCC member institution for their outstanding public service and leadership, demonstrated through a spectrum of efforts. Through their sustained involvement, the recipient establishes a linkage of their service to a larger social context and a commitment to community impact. The recipient of this award models deeply ingrained civic responsibility and leadership, evidenced by initiative, innovative approaches to community issues, and effective community building."

Ellis' accomplishments will be honored with statewide recognition at the Vermont Campus Compact's Gala: A Celebration of Service, Service-Learning and Civic Engagement to be held at the Dudley H. Davis Center at the University of Vermont on Tuesday, March 18 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The audience at the Gala will be comprised of legislators, college presidents, businesses, faculty, staff, students and community members.

Congratulations, Jeremy, on your excellent work! DREAM is so proud!

On December 30th, 2007 a fire broke out at the Amory Square apartments, often referred to as “The Block” which comprise of 72 apartments on Union Street in Windsor, Vermont. While luckily no serious injuries were reported, the fire caused the displacement of seven different families from the apartment complex. Numerous organizations (Salvation Army, Red Cross, RACLT, Trinity Church, Windsor Connection Resource Center) are assisting in housing, clothing, bedding, etc.

If you would like to help or make a donation, please contact RACLT, The NeighborWorks Home Ownership Center of Southeastern, VT at (802) 885-3220.