Starting Over Strong Vermont (SOS VT) continues to deploy teams of

crisis support workers throughout communities most impacted by Tropical Storm Irene to

conduct community and home-based outreach and psycho-educational services. The field

work of the crisis counselors continues to be creative, supportive, and extremely effective

in reaching those who were impacted in the flooding last August. As the anniversary of

Tropical Storm Irene approaches, SOS VT teams have been preparing for what often can

be a difficult time for individuals who have gone through a disaster. There are new events

being planned, educational community

outreach on disaster preparedness workshops

being developed, and continued door-to-door

outreach to provide individual support.

After a disaster it is easier to see the physical

damage to the landscape, homes, and roads, in

comparison to the emotional consequences

flood survivors can be dealing with. It is these

emotional reactions of survivors that SOS VT

assists in healing. Crisis counselors also offer

stress coping techniques and connect

individuals with services that help them get

back on their feet and on the road to recovery,

recognizing their resiliency along the way. Examples of this support could include; helping

individual survivors access the funding needed to repair a home, teaching survivors

coping strategies to help them to be able to sit by a river again, and meeting with

communities to educate them about the importance of being prepared for another

disaster. Another way that SOS VT supports the community is, by reaching out to groups

of people, for instance farmers and business owners, who may still be struggling

financially and are still recovering emotionally from the loss they endured when Tropical

Storm Irene swept through and destroyed so much of what they worked their whole lives

to create. Although it has been ten months since the Tropical Storm hit Vermont, people

are still in need of help, and SOS VT is still here providing that assistance.

The work of SOS VT teams, whether it is listening to someone’s story, working with a Long Term Recovery Committee, or planning an event, are all in service of helping people move forward in the recovery process. SOS VT helps build resilience and supports recovery.

SOS VT staff setting up for an event Woodford, VT

Photo By, Elaine DeMasi

SOS VT BY THE NUMBERS 2

SOS VT IN THE NEWS 2

STORMING SUPER HEROES 3

EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY 4

PLANT GIVE –AWAY 4

SOS VT EVENTS 5

GRATEFULNESS FROM COMMUNITY 5

THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY 6

Inside this issue:

June 2012 Volume 4

Who Are We and What Are We Doing?

Here are some links of recent press coverage of SOS VT:

PEG TV— Team Lead Elaine DeMasi and Crisis Counselor Gioia Kuss interview:

http://www.pegtv.com/ipegvideo.php

Burlington Free Press— Vermont Irene Story Group to Meet in Rutland:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/viewart/20120611/NEWS02/120611006/Vermont-Irene-story-group-meet-

Rutland-

Green Mountain Outlook— Bowling and Mini Golf Helps to Heal Irene Scars:

http://www.gmoutlook.com/news/?page=2

NECN TV— Crisis Counselors Jennette DiFazio and Christina Ducharme interview:

http://www.necn.com/05/16/12/Vt-Irene-survivors-report-post-traumatic/landing_weather.html?blockID=709186&feedID=4211

Brattleboro Reformer— Crisis Counselor Robin White interview:

http://www.reformer.com/ci_20659677/south-newfane-irene-victims-can-tell-their-stories?source=most_viewed

WCAX— Crisis Counselor Jennette DiFazio interview:

http://www.wcax.com/story/18571492/flower-giveaway-for-tropical-storm-irene-survivors

SOS VT’s newest PSA sent to 29 radio stations around the state:

SOS VT Service Contacts By The Numbers: September 2011—May 2012

Starting Over Strong Vermont: In the News

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Children’s Program Certificate Ludlow, VT

Photo by, Laurie Marechaux

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Storming Super Hero Children’s Program, by Laurie Marechaux

Storming Super Heroes Ludlow, VT

Photo by, Laurie Marechaux

We talked about fears and feelings we may have about a storm. Some other questions asked included: “Where wil l we all meet if we have to evacuate our home or school?”, “What foods can we take with us or have on hand in case the power goes out?”

In order to reach out the children in my area, I decided to go to the local

library in Ludlow and work in conjunction with the local After School

Program. This was a six-week series that was already in place for me to do

some disaster related education for children. I prepared a workbook for the

program outline, which included the design and creation of each child’s

Storming Super Hero.

At the first session, we discussed types of storms that can take place in VT,

what we would have to do to prepare for a storm, and how to pack an

Emergency Preparedness Kit. We talked about fears and feelings we may

have about a storm. Some other questions asked included: Who do we talk

to in case we get separated from our family or friends?, Where will we all

meet if we have to evacuate our home or school?, What foods can we take

with us or have on hand in case the power goes out?. I asked the children to

give me a big YES (thumbs up) or NO (thumbs down) when I named items

that they should have for such emergencies. Some really cute and funny

answers came back… “Do we need to pack a couch?” One child responded,

“Yes if you are tired you can take a nap.” “ Do we need a lawn mower?”

“NO, SILLY!” When asked, “What would you eat?”, responses included,

“Carrots, broccoli, raisins, PIZZA, ice cream, macaroni and cheese!”

We then took huge sheets of white paper and had each child lay down to

trace around their body in a Super Hero position. They began to draw in the

clothing and an emblem on the chest depicting their Super Hero name.

Some Super Hero names included, “Multi Storming Super Hero”, “Snowey”

and “Hurricania”. The children then colored their Heroes in with paint and

added in specific shapes using glitter, which included, cows, trees, flowers,

butterflies, leaves, etc.

The children ages ranged from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. The children had a

lot of fun designing their Super Heroes and were fully engaged the entire

hour as they stayed focused on their projects. By the end of our workshops,

we had also designed Storming Super Pets. Each Super Hero needed a side-

kick that helps them do their work. These were created at warp speed and

finished in one session.

At my last session with the children, I decided at the last minute to make

some capes and masks for the kids. I grabbed a red table cloth and a pair of

pants that was headed to recycling. I arrived at the Library and had Michael

(my teammate) and Miss Denise (from the After School Program) help me

make masks and capes for the kids, without them knowing what we were

up to. We held a Graduation Ceremony complete with masks, capes, pomp

and circumstance and certificates. Oh what a great time we all had!

I would like to extend my thanks to Lindsay Grattan, Children’s Librarian in

Ludlow, Denise Dean from the After School Program at Ludlow Elementary

School, and Jason Marechaux from East Coast Collision and Restoration for

the donation of the biggest and widest roll of paper I have ever seen!

May and June have been busy months for Team 2. Together we have held two very successful

Story Circles, one in South Newfane at a historic school house dedicated to the group of flood

survivors along Augur Hole Road and Dover Road who were cut off for a number of weeks after

the disaster. The other Story Circle was for Grafton residents who have faced this disaster with

a zest for community and connection.

We have also had success with our Stress Busters support group where community members

come “bowl” their stress away. One participant reported, “I'm surprised and happy about how

an hour of bowling really helps me keep my stress down. It's time for just me”.

In Brattleboro, we held an art sequencing class, which was a wonderful way for survivors to

de-stress in a creative way. On Saturday, June 9th we hosted our first Gratitude Celebration for

a business that had newly reopened with tons of community support. The owners wanted to

take the time to thank the community members in a meaningful way.

Lastly, Yoga was a big hit in Wilmington where we had a mother/daughter, as well as husband/

wife, along with others affected by the Storm, come out for an hour and half of relaxing Yoga.

Everyone stayed for another hour after the class, chatting and supporting each other. The Yoga

teacher was so impressed with the attendees that she offered another free class that we will be

held in South Newfane, (see upcoming events page) another local town hit hard by the flooding.

It seems to me that every event and connection just naturally flows to another person or event

to be planned, and we look forward to the next month of events being just as successful and

meaningful to the participants as in the past two.

Events in the Community, by Robin White

Page 4

SOS VT staff at Art Sequencing event Grafton, VT, Photo by, Robin White

Stress Buster Bowling Support Group

Wilmington, VT, Photo by, Robin White

Plant Give-Away: Meeting the Needs of Survivors

After the hurricane ravaged so much of the

Vermont landscape last August, many flood

survivors were left overwhelmed by their yards

and gardens being destroyed. Knowing how

healing and stress reducing gardening can be for

people, Team 1 decided to organize a plant give-

away in response to the need in the community.

Thousands of plants were donated from local

businesses and community members

Mature trees, shrubs, perennials, fruit,

vegetable and house plants, fruit trees, bulbs,

seeds, compost, and perennial mix were

offered to flood survivors

There were more than 18 community partners

who donated time and donations

Plant Give Away served over 200 survivors

70 flood survivors signed up to receive more

information about SOS VT’s services

Bennington County Events: Story Sharing Circle for First and Second Responders of Tropical Storm Irene

July 14th, 1:00-3:00pm Vermont National Guard Armory

100 Franklin Lane, Bennington, VT This event is to remember the local response of people who helped the community during and following Tropical Storm Irene, spe-cifically first and second responders. SOS VT is providing an opportunity for rescue workers, such as police officers, National Guard troops, and fire rescue to share their stories. Join this event to see the recovery and resilience of the community. This event is in

partnership with Commander Zac Fike and the National Guard Unit of Bennington, and the Vermont Folk Life Center. Refreshments and kids’ activities will be provided. Call: 802-379-3929.

Washington County Events: Hurricane Irene Support Group for Recovery Workers

July 9th, 3:30pm

(ongoing every other Monday) Unitarian Church of Montpelier 130 Main Street, Montpelier, VT

Peer support, processing emotions, strengthening relationships, learn coping skills. Call: 802-279-4670.

Hurricane Irene Support Group July 18th, 5:30pm

(ongoing August 1st) For Berlin Area Residents

Berlin Elementary School, Berlin, VT Come share your story, listen to others, learn coping skills, build community,

and support your neighbors. Refreshments will be provided. Call: 802-279-8246.

Windham County Events: Wilmington Story Circle July 22nd, 3:00-5:00pm

Memorial Hall Main Street, Wilmington, VT

Story Circles are where anyone can join in to share their experience of Tropical Storm Irene. Your story will become part of the

town’s historical archives, and part of the oral history collection at the Vermont Folklife Center. This event is dedicated to all

those affected by the flooding in downtown Wilmington. This is an invitation to all the local businesses to come together and

share their stories and their hopes at this point of the rebuilding process. Refreshments will be served. Call: 802-249-3628.

Upcoming Events

Page 5

“We are so grateful for all the great tools and information that you gave us to really take care of ourselves during this

incredibly stressful time. I “hear” your words when I get overwhelmed and it helps so much. Thank you so much for

your time and support.”

“We want to thank you for helping us participate in volunteering for your organization!”

“I just want to let you know that our sessions have been truly valuable. My head has been fuzzy since the flood, but

you seem to have a gift for putting things in perspective. You listened to my words and my worries, and you summed

them up for me, and gave them back to me in a concise statement I could understand. You helped me look at the

facts and the tasks more simply. I look forward to meeting with you again.”

“Huge thanks to you and all the companies and folks that donated plants and compost at today’s plant giveaway.

The flood acted as a giant eraser on our property– as well as established trees, shrubs and perennial gardens were

wiped clean. Today’s event felt so good—got my hands in the soil again and had fun envisioning a fuller landscape.

This event was very thoughtful and generous. Thank you!”

Gratefulness From The Communities SOS VT Serves

Thank you for supporting SOS VT Behavioral Health Network Waterbury St. Leo's Hall Dunkin Donut’s

U32 Tropical Storm Irene Benefit

Concert

Montpelier Community

Acupuncture

United Way, Manchester

Upper Valley Home Show Berlin Elementary School Price Copper, Bennington

Eric Mingorance and Nancy Nigro Dana Woodruff Grafton Art Guild Room

Price Chopper, Bennington Sandra Lory, Mandala Botanicals Hannaford, Barre

G. Housen and Company Joann Darling Killington Sherburne Library

Hunger Mountain Co-op Suki Crazy Russian Girl Bakery

Montpelier Unitarian Church Hannaford, Brattleboro Vermont Folk Life Center

Lydia Russell, yoga instructor Yoga Mountain Fern Litchfield

Thank you to Richard Ducharme of Hillcrest Adirondack Furniture for delivering donated

compost, and to Will Ameden of Under Orion Farm for donating a truck to pick up plants!

B and B Nursery,

Morrisville

Elmore Roots Nursery

"If it grows in Elmore,

it will grow where you are"

Thank you to all of the generous businesses, individuals and

families that donated to the SOS VT Plant Give-Away.

Plainfield Hardware

East Montpelier Vermont Flower Farm

Sorry if we missed anyone. We will be including more thank-you’s in future newsletters.

Visit our website at www.startingoverstrongvermont.org, email us at contact@startingoverstrongvermont.org, or call our toll-free number at 1-855-767-8800. Please join SOS VT on Facebook and Twitter. We will be updating these pages regularly with news about SOS VT and calendar events being planned in different regions around the state by SOS VT teams. Share this with family and friends too!

For Face Book: Go to: www.facebook.com/SOSVermont. Then click the "like button" on the bottom left hand side of the page. When you do this any new posted information from SOS Vermont will show up on your wall.

For Twitter: Search SOS Vermont at www.twitter.com. Then click follow SOS Vermont and you will then receive any Tweets SOS Vermont posts.

SOS VT Staff:

Cathy Aikman, Project Director Cath Burns, Clinical and Evaluation Support Amy Noyes, Media Liaison

Contact Us:

Providing free short-term support for those impacted by Tropical Storm Irene

S T A R T I N G O V E R S T R O N G V E R M O N T

Team 3 Elaine DeMasi-Lead Shannon Behan David Flight Gioia Kuss

Team 2 Terry Bascom-Lead Laurie Marechaux Petra Tuccino-Polukord Michael Walden Robin White

Team 1 Ellia Cohen-Lead Jennette DiFazio Christina Ducharme Amy Noyes Valerie Russell

Associations:

FEMA

Department of Mental

Health

Washington County

Mental Health Services

Clara Martin Center

Counseling Service of

Addison County

Health Care &

Rehabilitation Services

of Southeastern VT

Howard Center

Lamoille Community

Connections

Northeast Kingdom

Human Services, Inc.

Northeastern Family

Institute

Northwestern

Counseling & Support

Services, Inc.

Rutland Mental Health

Services

United Counseling

Service of Bennington

County

Vermont Strong

Long Term Recovery

Committees

Members of Team 2 before an SOS VT event Brattleboro, VT

Photo by, Robin White