Northeast Kingdom - page 5

NEWPORT — Recently family, friends and colleagues gathered by North Country Hospital’s wood chip facility to remember Scott Perkins and the many contributions he made during his tenure.

Perkins began working at the hospital when he was 16-years-old and worked his way up the ladder to become second in command in the facilities department over the course of 28 years, until his untimely death last year at the age of 44.

Claudio Fort, President & CEO, spoke about how Perkins was so widely respected, not just for his knowledge and abilities, but for how approachable, insightful and always helpful he was.

“Scott was a compelling example of a servant-leader, even leading from home or his hospital bed on his laptop when his failing health didn’t allow him to physically be at work,” Fort said.

His colleagues in the Facilities Department felt there should be a way to remember him for his longstanding contributions to North Country Hospital.

They designed a plaque and felt the new wood-chip facility would be a fitting place to locate it, as Scott was very involved in the history of the site.

The biomass facility project was championed by former VP Larry Labor, who worked for several years to convince the Board of Trustees to make this investment.

One of his last major projects during his tenure at North Country Hospital was to help design and oversee the construction of the new bin.

Perkins and his contributions to North Country Hospital will long be remembered.

NEWPORT — Lisa Daigle-Farney recently joined the Board of Directors for the Orleans County Restorative Justice Center.

Daigle-Farney is no stranger to helping her community or to the idea of restorative justice in general.

“I believe my past experience, which is 37 years in the fields of education and human services, has given me the tools I need to serve on the Orleans County Restorative Justice Center Board,” she said. 

Daigle-Farney is a Newport native who has worked with children and families for many years to help them seek the support they need to lead a more successful life. She has taught parenting classes, communication classes, and has served in a number of volunteer capacities.

“My attraction to serving on this board is that I firmly believe in the philosophy of Restorative Justice. I have the utmost respect for the staff that do this work,” she said.

Daigle-Farney has also served on many boards over the years. She has volunteered for Special Olympics, was a volunteer with Citizen’s advocacy for eight years as a mentor for a person with disabilities, and served on the committee for March of Dimes for six years. She has even served on the National Ski Patrol for 25 years.

“Restorative Justice focuses on accountability, responsibility, and reestablishing trust,” Daigle-Farney said. “Educating those who have committed a crime and helping them to restore the damage they have done and to encourage them to mend damaged relationships, is something I am deeply devoted to. I look forward to my new role on the board and to make any contributions that will be an asset to the Restorative process and our community.”

To learn more about OCRJC services, visit their website at www.kingdomjustice.org or call 802-487-9327.

NEWPORT — The 6th annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk took place on Saturday through downtown Newport, hosted by the Vermont chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Starting at Gardner Memorial Park at 10 a.m., this year 200 walkers raised around $17,000 for AFSP’s local and national education and advocacy programs.

The event in Newport continues to grow, this year attracting around 31 more participants and raising $1,200 more than last year.

The walk on Saturday was just one of more than 450 walks held nationwide this year.

Each year 44,193 Americans die by suicide. In 2015, 494,169 people visited a hospital for injuries due to self-harm. Many suicide attempts, however, go unreported or untreated.

Surveys suggest that at least one million people in the U.S. each year engage in intentionally inflicted self-harm.

“We walk to raise awareness about this important health issue,” said Linda Livendale, AFSP Vermont chapter board chair. “Suicide touches one in five American families. We hope that by walking we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.”

The group’s goal is to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.

NEWPORT — Two members of the Newport Police Department were recognized for their roles assisting with the arrest of more than two dozen individuals in Orleans County on drug charges earlier this year.

Chief Seth DiSanto and Sgt. Travis Bingham were recognized by the New England Narcotic Officers Association last week for their contributions to a Vermont Drug Task Force operation that included 79 controlled drug purchases and 87 charges—including the sale of heroin, the sale of crack cocaine and aiding in the commission of a felony—against 32 individuals throughout Orleans County.

Of those arrested, 25 were Newport residents.

The arrests, which all came on Feb. 14, were the result of a months-long investigation that would not have been possible without the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Newport Police Department and Vermont Drug Task Force.

Chief DiSanto and Sgt. Bingham, along with Orleans County State’s Attorney Jennifer Barrett, were recognized late last month with the Henry “Hank” Haverkoch Memorial Award, which is named in honor of the late Bennington Police Department officer who is remembered for his unwavering commitment to keeping the youth of his community drug free.

“I am proud of everyone who was involved in this operation, which stands as a great example of what is possible when law enforcement agencies collaborate and work together,” Chief DiSanto said. “These deadly drugs pose a serious threat to our community and we will remain committed to holding dealers accountable for their actions.”

ST. JOHNSBURY — The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning for Orleans County starting Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.

According to a statement issued by the National Weather Service, wind chills in the area could reach as low as 35 below zero. These temperatures have the potential to pose a danger to health and property.

The Coldest wind chill values are expected to occur between 10 p.m. Thursday evening and 8 a.m. Friday morning.

Hypothermia, frostbite, and other hazards are a concern in these conditions and precautions are advised to ensure the safety of individuals and property.

Please note the following actions and take any steps necessary to keep yourself and your family safe.

Limit time outdoors:

Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and very young. Also, consider your pets and limit their time outdoors.

Dress warmly and stay dry:

Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Wear a hat, mittens, and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities. Keep babies and older adults dry and in warm rooms.

Eat and drink healthy:

Well balanced meals help you stay warmer. Drink warm fluids to maintain a healthy temperature. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages cause you to lose heat more rapidly.

Avoid hypothermia and frostbite:

Symptoms of frostbite include a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. Hypothermia signs include shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech and in infants, bright red, cold skin. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately and get to a warm place. Slowly warm the affected areas as you await medical assistance.

Have sufficient heating “fuel” for your home:

Check your heating supply, whether it’s oil, propane, wood, wood chips, etc. If you need information on heating assistance you can dial 2-1-1.

Heat safely:

If you lose your primary heat source, use only safe alternate sources like a fireplace, wood stove or space heater and ensure they are ventilating properly.

Ventilate to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

If you use a generator, ensure it is used outside, away from open windows, doors or air intakes. Exhaust from a generator or a heating source can cause a buildup of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the home. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. CO poisoning can mimic flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.

Higher levels of exposure result in disorientation, drowsiness, unconsciousness and death. If you experience these symptoms leave the home and contact help. Test smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors.

Be a good neighbor:

Check on older or disabled relatives, friends and neighbors to make sure they are keeping warm safely.

Be prepared:

Have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.

Make sure your car is properly winterized:

Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a Winter Emergency Car Kit in the trunk including blankets, extra clothing, flashlight with spare batteries, a can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, non-perishable foods, windshields scraper, shovel, sand, towrope and jumper cables.