I'm beginning to hear from more friends and family about how Hurricane Irene impacted them. Joe's Ponders, Liz and John Randall on Long Island, fared very well, losing only some fruit trees, but no damage to their lovely old home. Our nephew and family who visited us only few weeks ago, have had to leave their home in Guilford, CT - no telling when they'll get back or what they'll find there when they do.

We are very fortunate here at Joe's Pond. We had high water and a few trees knocked down, but the damage has been minimal. Here is a link to a video shown on WCAX that shows what some of the rest of Vermont has suffered:
Irene Hits Vermont

This is the final update from Washington Electric to its members:

WEC MEMBERS: FINAL TROPICAL STORM IRENE UPDATE

Information on How to Get Help and Offer Help

Wednesday, August 31, 8:00 AM

On Tuesday morning August 30, over 100 WEC members were still without power at several locations throughout our service territory. By mid-afternoon on Tuesday, power had been restored to everyone. If you were one of the many WEC members who were without power at some point during this event, we appreciate your patience and your understanding!

Thanks to all the Co-op’s employees who did what needed to be done, out on the lines, answering the phones, dispatching, keeping our vehicles and equipment running and other tasks too numerous to mention. Thanks also to our tree trimming contract crews and to crews from Hardwick Electric Department and Morrisville Water and Light, who all helped us get the lights back on.

Many Vermonters in other parts of the state are still without power, because utility crews are still unable to reach some locations, or must rebuild lines that were completely destroyed. WEC was not affected that severely in this storm. However, we know that there has been great damage in many of our communities, to roads and bridges, and to homes and businesses.

If you need help, or if you can help by donating money or volunteering your time, there is contact information available at Governor Shumlin’s website as well as at the following location: http://governor.vermont.gov/

To reach Washington Electric: www.washingtonelectric.coop

Nights, Weekends, Holidays, Outages, & Overdue Bills

802-223-5245 800-932-5245

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM- 4:00 PM

24 Hour Automated Account Access

223-4958 888-343-9402

This notice came from Rev. Carol Borland this morning:

Greetings,

I send this to invite you to attend our HeBrews Coffeehouse this Friday, September 2nd from 7-9:00 p.m. at the West Danville United Methodist Church. Our headliners for the evening are Paul and Elsbeth Elisha. There will also be time for hymn-singing, open mic, good fellowship and goodies. Come join the fun! Bring some goodies to share, too, if you would. There will be a free-will offering basket (as usual) to help with travel assistance for our headliners.

HeBrews Coffeeshouse is one "wicked good" experience! Come join in!

Hope to see you there!
Carol

The 4th, Sunday, is our Continental Breakfast at 9 a.m. and Sunday School registration, followed by worship at 9:30 a.m. with a blessing of Backpacks and Other Assorted Bags!

*****

I expect you are watching the news posts Fred puts on the home page of our website every morning, but if not, go to www.joespondvermont.com He surfs for news items and other interesting stuff to keep us up to date on all sorts of things.