Latest news with #Montpelier
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Greenway Institute – Making Transformative Engineering Education Affordable
Aerial View of the Greeway Institute Campus in Montpelier, Vermont The Greenway Institute - a new university in Vermont - is making engineering education more affordable. Several other new engineering and STEM-focused institutions have recently been founded across the US, but without the same focus on revolutionizing the business model of higher education. Olin College of Engineering, founded in 1997 with gifts of $460 million from the F. W. Olin Foundation, was one of the first of these new institutions and developed a new curriculum centered on project-based learning and user-centered design. The Roux Institute at Northeastern University launched in Portland, Maine in 2020, backed by tech entrepreneur David Roux and by the Harold Alfond Foundation, who each contributed $100-million gifts. The Roux Institute focuses on graduate education infused with AI, and in 2024 opened its new campus at the former B&M Beans Factory to be a base for co-op work-study projects that can help transform the local economy. The newest addition is a STEM-focused higher education institution planned for Bentonville, Arkansas, announced at the 2025 Heartland Summit by members of the Walton family, and will offer an education that integrates STEM and business for its planned 500 students in its first undergraduate class, with tuition fully covered in the initial years. Building a University Economically Another new entrant in this space is The Greenway Institute. In contrast with Olin, Roux, and Walton, Greenway was founded without a large endowment or major gift and provides a case study of how engineering education can more efficiently and economically serve students and society. The initial seed funding for investigating the concept of Greenway came from corporate sponsors and a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation in collaboration with Elizabethtown College to develop and launch the Greenway Center for Equity and Sustainability (GCES) in Engineering in Vermont. The NSF grant enabled Elizabethtown and Greenway to pilot new educational approaches within an ABET-accredited engineering program and have set the stage for the opening of a standalone engineering college in Vermont. Greenway Founders and their Vision Greenway's founders include Troy McBride, Rebecca Holcombe and Mark Somerville. Troy McBride, a Greentech entrepreneur and former engineering professor at Elizabethtown College, began thinking about Greenway College over a decade ago. Rebecca Holcombe, a former Secretary of Education of Vermont, brought extensive experience in educational policy and a commitment to better serve historically marginalized students. In 2024, Mark Somerville, former Provost of Olin College of Engineering, was appointed as the founding president and co-founder. As a former founding faculty member, dean of faculty, and provost at Olin College, he brings 23 years of experience in transforming undergraduate engineering education. Somerville also brings a deep knowledge of engineering with a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from MIT, and from studying physics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. The Greenway Model Greenway's approach addresses three key problems in engineering education: affordability, engagement, and connection to real-world engineering work. Two years of Greenway education are centered on hands-on engineering projects that target learning objectives across multiple courses simultaneously, acquiring math, science, and engineering skills while discovering real-world applications. Mark Somerville, in an interview, pointed out that 'learning engineering by practicing engineering is both much more effective and a whole lot more fun.' Greenway's model also includes two years of 'work-integrated learning' in which students work in engineering jobs, while simultaneously receiving high-touch mentoring and support from Greenway faculty. Somerville observed that 'instead of just sitting on a campus, students are actually out working and doing real things that matter to real people – and if you couple that with intentional reflection, you get incredibly powerful learning.' This structure also makes the Greenway education 'radically affordable,' both because it drives down cost and simultaneously enables student earnings. At the same time, it ensures alignment between Greenway's curriculum and current work in industry. Building Maturity and Professionalism in Students Greenway's approach is intended to help students develop interpersonal and workplace skills usually only found after graduating from college. Somerville notes that 'while there's enormous growth that happens in the first two years of residential education, we do our students a disservice when we cloister them for four years.' Drawing on and expanding the idea of 'co-op' internships pioneered at the University of Waterloo, Northeastern University, and the new Iron Range Engineering program in Minnesota, Greenway's model has students living in the world and working for two years during their education, while simultaneously getting support from mentors from Greenway. This is more of an intentional transition to the 'real world', and it produces 'the kinds of outcomes that only come from an authentic work environment with coaching and mentoring,' according to Somerville. The common 'drink from a fire hose' form of engineering education is not only 'a sadistic metaphor,' says Somerville, but also 'assumes that the most important outcome of an engineering degree is to acquire a whole bunch of specific technical content knowledge. That doesn't make sense in a post-AI world.' Greenway's approach posits that 'content knowledge acquisition may not be nearly as important as learning to learn, habits of mind, and the processes and ways of approaching things that engineers employ.' A Vermont Prototype Greenway plans to admit its first class in the Fall of 2027, on the former Vermont College of Fine Arts campus in Montpelier, Vermont. According to Somerville, 'Vermont's a great place to prototype - there's the necessary infrastructure, a growing Greentech sector that's hungry for employees, and a real need to create more attractive educational options.' Somerville notes, though, this is just the start: he frames the Vermont campus as 'a first full prototype.' Greenway's intent is to scale to multiple locations across the US, once the model is proven. A More Sustainable Business Model for Higher Education The rising cost of higher education, the student debt crisis, and the increasing numbers of colleges closing were all important factors in developing the Greenway model. According to Somerville, 'The key move with Greenway is asking the question, how might you design the education to be synergistic with the business model?' Greenway's new business model 'really changes your value proposition and your cost structure.' 'Between making the education 50% out in the real world, and questioning the idea of the amenities arms race, the institution is simply a lot cheaper to run.' Somerville says that at the same time, the model helps students' bottom lines as well: since they are working for two full years while at college, 'instead of students waiting four years before any real earnings, they'll be making good money for half of their program – about a hundred thousand dollars on average,' according to Somerville. The result is 'something that both is unlike anything that is out there and that at the same time builds out of a set of ideas and components that are actually proven in the world,' says Somerville, who says Greenway asks the question, 'how can we maintain the humanity of education, but do so in a way that actually is affordable?' With the arrival of the Greenway Institute and other new engineering institutions, we will see how these questions are answered in the coming years.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After 39 years, architectural firm Frazier Associates closes in Staunton
Frazier Associates, a nationally recognized architecture and planning firm, announced in a press release it closed in June 2025 after 39 years of practice. Since its inception, the firm operated out of the historic Trotter Tavern on North Augusta Street — a ca. 1802 log structure it restored in 1988 and expanded in 2003. Frazier Associates completed approximately 3,500 projects across more than 100 Virginia communities and in over 20 states. The firm played a critical role in advancing historic preservation through its leadership in downtown revitalization, the development of design guidelines for historic districts, and the use of tax credits to rehabilitate historic structures. 'Throughout the office's long history, we have had an amazing mix of talented individuals working with us, and without them none of our accomplishments would have been possible,' said Kathy Frazier about her years at the firm. 'It has been an honor for all of us at Frazier Associates to have been a small part of the movement to strengthen and grow the preservation ethic state-and-nationwide from the last quarter of the twentieth and first quarter of the twenty-first centuries,' said Bill Frazier. Founded in 1986 by Kathy Frazier, FAIA, and Bill Frazier, FAICP, a historic architect and an architectural historian andplanner respectively, Frazier Associates offered services ranging from residential design to large-scale complexadaptive-use projects of historic structures. The firm served as the official architectural partner for the Virginia Main Street Program, providing façade design services to fifty communities across the state, along with streetscape plans and public space designs. The firm also became a national leader in community-wide wayfinding sign systems, with projects spanning the southeastern United States to the west coast. In the early 2000s, Frazier Associates introduced photogrammetry services, a pioneering digital method fordocumenting historic buildings. Major projects included the U.S. Supreme Court, the Virginia State Capital, the University of Virginia's Rotunda, Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, and James Madison's Montpelier. Staunton and Shenandoah Valley initiatives In Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley, the firm completed numerous projects that contributed to the preservation and revitalization of the region's architectural character. Most recently, this included the adaptive reuse of the Staunton Innovation Hub, a coworking space recognized with a Historic Staunton Foundation Commercial Rehabilitation Award. Other local projects include the award-winning New Street Parking Garage; the restoration and adaptive use of R. R. Smith Center for History & Art, the Old Y Lofts and the American Hotel project. The firm also donated services to a range of community initiatives — creating historic design guidelines, a downtown streetscape plan, visitor maps and interpretative signage throughout the city. It developed a historic architecture exhibit at the Smith Center and the design of the new Field House at the Staunton High School football field. Frazier Associates also led the creation of a downtown service district that provides funding for the Staunton Downtown Development Association, and the principals initiated a campaign to halt the demolition of nine downtown historic properties for a new courthouse building. More: Augusta County Fair is a Valley tradition. Here's the schedule to make the most of your fun Dedicated volunteers to the Staunton community and beyond Other volunteer activities of the Frazier's included both principals being Presidents of Historic Staunton Foundation as well as receiving lifetime achievement awards from that organization. Bill Frazier also served on the Staunton Planning Commission, on various City of Staunton committees studying the future of downtown, and on the boards of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, the Staunton Augusta Art Center, the Downtown Staunton Development Association and the Staunton Creative Community Fund. He also founded the Staunton Augusta Farmers Market, was chair of the Friends of the Sears Hill Bridge Committeeto save that historic structure and was co-chair of the Gypsy Hill Park Gateway Enhancement Committee. He also was on the boards of Preservation Action in Washington D.C. and the Virginia Downtown Development Association and was appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to the Preservation Advisory Committee for Fort Monroe. Kathy Frazier' volunteer activities included being on the Design Committee of the Staunton Downtown Development Association and on the boards of the historic Thornrose Cemetery, The Augusta Garden Club, and Hunter McGuire School. She was also a member of the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church and an advisory board member of Mary Baldwin University. At the state level, she was on the board of the Virginia Downtown Development Association, the Preservation Alliance of Virginia and the Restoration Committee of the Garden Club of Virginia. Archives to be preserved by Virginia Department of Historic Resource Though Frazier Associates has formally closed, a significant portion of the firm's archive will be preserved by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in Richmond, where it will remain accessible to the public, researchers and preservation professionals. The firm's influence continues in preserved buildings, revitalized main streets and the enduring design values it brought to Virginia and communities across the country. Frazier Associates' awards and recognition Over the years, Frazier Associates received more than 100 design and preservation awards, including the 2017 T. David Fitz-Gibbon Architecture Firm Award, the American Institute of Architects highest honor in Virginia. Other notable awards include a National Palladio Award, Outstanding Contributions for Historic Preservation ThroughoutVirginia by the Garden Club of America, the Mary Mason Williams Award for Contributions to Historic Preservation in Virginia by APVA Preservation Virginia, and a Presidential Citation for Achievements in Downtown Staunton by the Preservation Alliance of Virginia and a letter of appreciation from the City Council of Staunton. Its work was widely featured in publications such as Traditional Building, Southern Living, Virginia Living, Urban Land, Architectural Record and Preservation Magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. More: Augusta school board candidate charged with misdemeanor assault More: Children's theater at Blackfriars, live concert at Wayne, wildlife, grants and more: THE DIGEST Monique Calello is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas always welcome. Connect with her at mcalello@ Support local journalism and subscribe to us at This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Architectural firm Frazier Associates closes in Staunton, Virginia Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Rolling Hills And Charming Inns Are The Calling Cards Of This Quaint Virginia Town
Orange is a small town with so much personality. There's a lot of history behind the town of Orange, Virginia, which celebrated its 150th birthday in 2022. Nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as part of Virginia's Piedmont region, Orange is a quiet hamlet of around 5,000 folks that's within easy driving distance of more populated locales like Charlottesville (20 miles), Richmond (60 miles), and Washington, D.C. (70 miles). If you take a trip to this lesser-known destination, expect small town charm from shops and restaurants in its Main Street district, hospitable hosts at local bed and breakfasts, and a lesson in history thanks to the town's proximity to U.S. president and Founding Father James Madison's Montpelier. Here are the 10 best things to do in Orange, Virginia. What To Do In Orange, Virginia Learn The Town History There are several spots around town where you can get a glimpse into what Orange was like during its early days. The historic Orange County Courthouse, built in 1859 at the center of downtown, is a good place to start. A short walk away, you can learn all about the town's history at the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage. Finally, stop into the Historic Orange Train Station, which was built in 1909 and now hosts the county's visitor's center, to get more general information about the town and its railroad past. 129 Caroline Street, Orange, VA 22960; 540-672-1776 Visit James Madison's Montpelier The big attraction near Orange is the historic plantation and lifelong home of James Madison known as Montpelier. Visitors to the national landmark have an opportunity to not only see the place that one of our Founding Fathers called home, but to learn about his impact—both good and bad—on the country. The site serves as a memorial to both James Madison and enslaved people. It's also a museum of American history and a place to learn about the Constitution. Exhibits and galleries like 'Color Through A Child's Eyes', 'The Mere Distinction of Colour,' and 'Mysteries of Montpelier' aim to tell a more complete story of the historic site and the time in which it was built. Visit the site on the first weekend in November to attend the Montpelier Hunt Races, a steeplechase horse race that's taken place here for almost 90 years. 1350 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, VA 22957; 540-672-2728 Get Inspired At The Arts Center For more than three decades, The Arts Center has been a hub for Orange's creative community and appreciators of the arts. Visitors can check out two gallery spaces: the storefront Morrin Gallery, which features 6 to 8 curated exhibitions annually, and the Community Gallery, which hosts artist-led projects, residencies, and other community programming. The center also offers regular ceramic studio time, classes, workshops, camps, and more. 129 E. Main Street, Orange, VA 22960; 540-672-7311 Go Skydiving If you want to take a walk—or should we say jump—on the wild side, book a session with Skydive Orange, which has been taking folks high into the sky since 1977. As one of the most established skydiving centers in the country, this is a great place to finally check off that bucket list item. You'll free fall from a height of 13,500 feet in the air, leaving plenty of time to soak in the surrounding sights of rolling hills, dramatic mountains, and all-around stunning scenery. 11269 Hangar Road, Orange, VA 22960; 703-SKY-DIVE Shop Downtown Strolling and shopping along Orange's Main Street is the perfect afternoon activity. Restaurants, boutiques, and locally owned specialty stores line the cheery streets, so there's plenty to pique everyone's interest. A couple of extra-special spots include Grelen Downtown and Objects on Main. Grelen Downtown is a well-curated gift shop and sister store to The Market at Grelen, a European-style garden shop and café located on a 1,000-acre nursery just down the road from Orange. If you love Grelen's downtown outpost, take the quick drive to its flagship, where you'll also find six miles of hiking trails and u-pick fruit in certain seasons. Objects on Main is your go-to shop for eclectic home décor, art, furniture, apparel, and more. Where To Eat & Drink In Orange, Virginia Try The Quail Lewis At Spoon & Spindle Celebrated chef Edna Lewis, who's often referred to as the Mother of Soul Food or the Grand Dame of Southern Cooking, was born and raised in Orange County. Her style of cooking contributed greatly to the world's understanding of Southern cuisine. At Spoon & Spindle, Chef Lewis is honored with a dish called Quail Lewis (quail stuffed with wild rice and white grapes). Open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Sunday, Spoon & Spindle offers an elevated Southern fusion menu where dishes like Boudin Spring Rolls, Bourbon Glazed Pork Loin, and Po'Mi (a po'boy-banh mi mashup) all share space on the same menu. 323 North Madison Road, Suite H, Orange, VA 2290; 540-360-3004 Enjoy A Farm To Table Dinner At Forked on Main As a 'farm to fork' restaurant, this downtown eatery is committed to creating tantalizing dishes using locally sourced meats, produce, and ingredients whenever possible. The dinner menu offers a little of everything, from Shrimp Scampi Risotto to Grilled Chicken Skewers to Steak & Frites. Come early to catch happy hour (Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). For dinner and a show, make a Thursday reservation; there's live music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 124 West Main Street Orange, VA 22960; 540-308-7660 Get A Classic Meal At Main Street Tavern If you've got a hankering for a traditional meal, whether that be a hamburger with fries or meatloaf and mashed potatoes, Main Street Tavern is the place to satisfy your cravings. Snag a seat on its charming alley patio, or in the cozy dining room, order a craft cocktail or beer, and get ready to be impressed. 110 E Main St., Orange, VA 22960; 540-661-0004 Grab A Pint And Slice At Iron Pipe Alewerks The father-son duo behind Iron Pipe Alewerks started their business in their family garage. Over a decade later, they've upgraded their operation to a brewpub inside the 1929 American Silk Mill Factory building downtown. Several of Iron Pipe's brews have won awards, like their OC Light, which won the 2023 gold medal in the U.S. Beer Open, and the Gandalf the Haze, which won bronze in the same competition. Since nothing goes with beer like pizza, Iron Pipe also makes an awesome brick-oven pizza. 323 N Madison Road Orange, VA 22960; 540-522-0673 Where To Stay In Orange, Virginia Choose a Charming Inn Hotels and home rentals are both great depending on the vacation vibes you're hoping to achieve, but in Orange, the undisputed best place to stay is an inn. Though the town is small, its selection of inviting inns is large. The Inn at Willow Grove is the ultimate in elegance and luxury with a 3,000-square-foot spa, full-service restaurant, and spacious suites. For a touch of romance, check into the 1895 restored plantation home known as the Mayhurst Inn. Its rooms feature period décor, Italian marble fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. The Holladay House's six guest rooms are situated conveniently in the heart of downtown. For an extra- special experience, make a reservation for high tea complete with porcelain teapots, finger sandwiches, and pretty pastries. Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vermont village to move in bid to avoid more flood devastation
A charming village in Vermont plans to move to a new location in a bid to avoid more devastation after it was ravaged by a pair of forceful floods two years in a row. Plainfield - about 15 minutes outside of Montpelier - was rocked by an intense flood on July 10, 2023, and exactly one year later, another hit the area. More than $1 billion worth of damage was left behind and hundreds were left homeless as a result of the intense floods. Organizers hope to pay for the new $5 million plan, dubbed the East Village Expansion Project, with federal disaster recovery funds. It would connect the town's sewer, water and wastewater systems to the new spot. Locals would then purchase the parcels and build 400-square-foot cottages on them, with some of them getting assistance from affordable housing agencies to do so. So far, 50 people have expressed interest in buying and building on the 30-60 potential lots, organizers told The Boston Globe. Arion Thiboumery, a local who owns Plainfield's iconic Heartbreak Hotel (pictured) that was also destroyed in the floods, is helping run the initiative. 'This felt like something we could actually do to be more in control of our own destiny, rather than be a flood victim with no agency,' Thiboumery, one of the co-chair's, told the outlet. In 2023, Heartbreak Hotel - a 140-year-old building known for housing deserted lovers and millworkers in affordable apartments - was left with a flooded basement. Meanwhile, the three to nine inches of rainfall soaked the state, leaving several houses in Plainfield damaged. Just a year later, Hurricane Beryl brought up to seven inches of rain, causing immense destruction to the area and the building. A slew of debris soon piled up and formed a logjam, or blockage from logs, at the bridge located just upstream from Heartbreak Hotel. A side of the bridge soon collapsed, leaving a massive wall of water to tear through a majority of the structure. At the time, twelve people were living in the property, but managed to escape. Unfortunately, the five cats that also dwelled there did not survive. 'It was really a cinematic event,' Michael Billingsley, Plainfield's volunteer emergency management director, told the outlet. Hope Metcalf, a resident who was living in the building that dreadful day with her two children, recalled the dramatic scenes. After hearing a 'big crack,' the three of them made a run for their car to escape, she said. To this day, she said her children, now 11 and eight years old, are fearful when storms roll around. 'Every time there's a thunderstorm or heavy rain, they get worried,' Metcalf said. She and her family are currently living in a rental home upstream, but that property was also hit by flood water last July. It is currently on the list of structures the state hopes to buy with federal funding and eventually demolish due to its massive flood risk. Following last year's flood, 42 residents in Plainfield lost housing, Billingsley said. In 2023 and 2024, 28 homes were destroyed and currently sit on Vermont's buyout list. 'People who love Plainfield want to see it thrive,' Lauren Geiger, a local, said. 'Having this rise up out of the flood and from local residents is just a beautiful thing.' While many are excited for what the future holds in Plainfield, some are a bit weary just how far this volunteer project could go. 'The joke is we're gonna just not have July 10 this year,' Patricia Moulton, the state's flood recovery officer, joked. Still, Moulton worries just how long volunteers could keep this plan alive. 'I think it's exciting what they're doing. Is it sustainable in the long term to have volunteers do all this work? I'm not sure,' she stated. For instance, Biilingsley, a 79-year-old full-time volunteer, told the outlet he is not sure how much longer he can be in the role. 'It's past the point of being reasonable. It's just how much can I put up with,' he admitted. Riley Carson, a former select board chair, echoed these concerns and is worried about what issues might arise with the new plan. 'My real concern is that they haven't shown that they understand the complexity and pitfalls that come with it,' Carson said. 'There's just so much rush and so much pressure to get this done.' Metcalf has a backup plan in case the project doesn't work in her family's favor and their current rental gets bought. 'I'm not gonna wait around for that. I need to find a place to live now. Right now,' she said.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Quaint Vermont village will move to new location in bid to avoid more flood devastation
A charming village in Vermont plans to move to a new location in a bid to avoid more devastation after it was ravaged by a pair of forceful floods two years in a row. Plainfield - about 15 minutes outside of Montpelier - was rocked by an intense flood on July 10, 2023, and exactly one year later, another hit the area. More than $1 billion worth of damage was left behind and hundreds were left homeless as a result of the intense floods. Now, on the anniversary of the tragic disasters that left at least four people dead, residents of Plainfield - a town of approximately 1,200 people - have come up with a daring plan to move the entire village to higher ground to prevent further devastation from horrid floods. Locals and community organizations are currently moving toward purchasing 24 acres of nearby land that was offered by Bram Towbin, Plainfield's town clerk, and his wife Erica Costa. The land, which is just a short walk to the lower village, would be divided into about 30 lots for those who lost their homes and had their lives uprooted by the floods. Organizers hope to pay for the new $5 million plan, dubbed the East Village Expansion Project, with federal disaster recovery funds. It would connect the town's sewer, water and wastewater systems to the new spot. Locals would then purchase the parcels and build 400-square-foot cottages on them, with some of them getting assistance from affordable housing agencies to do so. So far, 50 people have expressed interest in buying and building on the 30-60 potential lots, organizers told The Boston Globe. Arion Thiboumery, a local who owns Plainfield's iconic Heartbreak Hotel that was also destroyed in the floods, is helping run the initiative. 'This felt like something we could actually do to be more in control of our own destiny, rather than be a flood victim with no agency,' Thiboumery, one of the co-chair's, told the outlet. In 2023, Heartbreak Hotel - a 140-year-old building known for housing deserted lovers and millworkers in affordable apartments - was left with a flooded basement. Meanwhile, the three to nine inches of rainfall soaked the state, leaving several houses in Plainfield damaged. Just a year later, Hurricane Beryl brought up to seven inches of rain, causing immense destruction to the area and the building. A slew of debris soon piled up and formed a logjam, or blockage from logs, at the bridge located just upstream from Heartbreak Hotel. A side of the bridge soon collapsed, leaving a massive wall of water to tear through a majority of the structure. At the time, twelve people were living in the property, but managed to escape. Unfortunately, the five cats that also dwelled there did not survive. 'It was really a cinematic event,' Michael Billingsley, Plainfield's volunteer emergency management director, told the outlet. Hope Metcalf, a resident who was living in the building that dreadful day with her two children, recalled the dramatic scenes. After hearing a 'big crack,' the three of them made a run for their car to escape, she said. To this day, she said her children, now 11 and eight-years-old, are fearful when storms roll around. 'Every time there's a thunderstorm or heavy rain, they get worried,' Metcalf said. She and her family are currently living in a rental home upstream, but that property was also hit by flood water last July. It is currently on the list of structures the state hopes to buy with federal funding and eventually demolish due to its massive flood risk. Following last year's flood, 42 residents in Plainfield lost housing, Billingsley said. In 2023 and 2024, 28 homes were destroyed and currently sit on Vermont's buyout list. 'People who love Plainfield want to see it thrive,' Lauren Geiger, a local, said. 'Having this rise up out of the flood and from local residents is just a beautiful thing.' While many are excited for what the future holds in Plainfield, some are a bit weary just how far this volunteer project could go. 'The joke is we're gonna just not have July 10 this year,' Patricia Moulton, the state's flood recovery officer, joked. Still, Moulton worries just how long volunteers could keep this plan alive. 'I think it's exciting what they're doing. Is it sustainable in the long term to have volunteers do all this work? I'm not sure,' she stated. For instance, Biilingsley, a 79-year-old full-time volunteer, told the outlet he is not sure how much longer he can be in the role. 'It's past the point of being reasonable. It's just how much can I put up with,' he admitted. Riley Carson, a former select board chair, echoed these concerns and is worried about what issues might arise with the new plan. 'My real concern is that they haven't shown that they understand the complexity and pitfalls that come with it,' Carson said. 'There's just so much rush and so much pressure to get this done.' Metcalf has a backup plan in case the project doesn't work in her family's favor and their current rental gets bought. 'I'm not gonna wait around for that. I need to find a place to live now. Right now,' she said.
