Rental assistance program accepting applications
BRATTLEBORO - Help is available for renters experiencing hardships due to the COVID-19 crisis.
If you need help paying your current or past-due rent and you have a very low income, call 211. Otherwise, contact your landlord and apply together for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA).
The program pays landlords directly to bring the tenant's rent account current, up to the VSHA payment standards, with the balance waived.
Landlords must promise to drop any eviction, not to start a new proceeding for the same number of months (up to six months) as the money pays for, not to raise the rent before Jan. 1, 2021 or the end of the tenant's lease term - whichever is later - and to make sure the unit is up to code in 30 days.
VSHA will need applications from both the landlord and the tenant. Tenants and landlords should agree on the amount they owe and make sure that amount is consistent on both applications.
The program is accepting applications on a rolling basis through Dec. 20, with a 10-business day response. The state is making available $25 million in rental assistance for both tenants and landlords through this program.
More information and an application are available at vsha.org/rental-housing-stabilization-program.
If you need help with your landlord, an eviction, or applying for the rent help, contact Vermont Legal Aid at vtlawhelp.org.
Osher institute plans virtual open house
BRATTLEBORO - The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will hold a free online fall open house showcasing its fall 2020 classes and instructors on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m.
The open house will take place via Zoom. To register and receive the Zoom link, visit berkshireolli.org/event-3953076.
Fall classes - all online via Zoom - will run from Sept. 21 through Nov. 12, with no tests and no grades - just learning for the love of learning.
Bard Owl hosts free concert in Williamsville
WILLIAMSVILLE - Bard Owl - T. Breeze Verdant and Annie Landenberger, with Jason Sperling sitting in (at a safe distance!) - offer Making It Together, a free concert on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Julian's Field, across from the Williamsville Hall.
The duo has been performing together for nearly four years honing sweet harmonies and driving rhythms on old tunes and new. Verdant is on vocals, guitar, and stomp box; Landenberger is on vocals and percussion.
Clusters are welcome to picnic on the grounds during the concert (without alcohol). Guidance regarding placement will be offered on site. Bring chairs and blankets.
Masks are required and names of attendees will be collected. For more information, email verbatimvt@gmail.com or text 802-451-6283.
Plant sale in Westminster
WESTMINSTER - The Women's Fellowship of the First Congregational Church in Westminster, 3470 U.S. Route 5, will hold a plant sale which organizers are calling the “second half” of the group's annual plant sale with perennials from several gardens.
The sale, which consists of mostly perennials, bushes, and house plants, takes place on the church lawn on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
The Fellowship will also sell raffle tickets to the “Tube Top” Twin Quilt started by Regina Cote, finished by Ann Ashcroft, and quilted by Julie Patrick, in January.
Masks will be required and will be provided for those who need one.
“Come and find just the right plant for your garden as you ready your gardens for the fall and winter season,” organizers wrote in a news release.