To the Editor:

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of our fifth heating season. With the price of fuel spiking the way it did last summer, followed by a deteriorating economic situation, we anticipated a disastrous winter. Fortunately, it did not turn out to be as bad as we had envisioned, and we were able to help every family who was brought to our attention. We are very grateful to all of you who helped us raise money, either through selling or buying raffle tickets and calendars, or through personal donations. The support we have gotten from the people in the valley and the local businesses has made it possible for us to keep our heads above water.

From September 13, 2008 through April 27, 2009, we spent $38,959.10 helping families in each of the towns within the Deerfield Valley. Beginning this year, we will send a report to the town clerks of each town, breaking down the amounts we gave to help the residents of their individual communities.

This spring we will hold a fuel raffle with two top prizes of $2,500 each. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. They are available from the Jacksonville General Store, Bartleby’s Books, River Valley Market, and the Snow Mountain Market.

The winning numbers will be drawn the night of the Fourth of July fireworks display in Wilmington, and each winner will have $2,500 paid to the fuel supplier of his/her choice. Any and all types of fuel are eligible, and if it turns out that the winner burns wood or pellets, and cannot store that much, we will pay for it in increments.

We are currently working on what will be our last calendar, and that will be released in late September. On September 13 we will host a sponsored walk on the Hoot, Toot and Whistle trail, beginning at the southern end by the dam and running north along the lake. We hope that our “Best Dam Walk in Vermont” will become an annual event. The brochure with an application blank will be available in late May.

Once again, we want to thank all of you for your help and support. Having a local organization to go to during times of trouble has made life easier for many of our neighbors.

Susan Spengler

On behalf of the Deerfield Valley Community Cares Fund

Wilmington