Valley Cares Update

As those who have driven 1500 feet north of Grace Cottage on Route 35 have undoubtedly noticed, construction is well under way on the West River Valley Senior Housing Project. A partnership between Valley Cares and Housing Vermont, this project has been in the works for over four years, and it’s very exciting to see that construction has been in full swing since the ground was broken on October 24th (at least the mild winter in Vermont has been beneficial for something!).

Built on property made available through the generosity of Warren Kronemeyer, the West River Valley Senior Housing Project will consist of three buildings: the Kronemeyer House, the Assisted Living building to the south, which includes 28 one- and two-bedroom units, and the Independent Living building on the north side of the property, to include 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The total cost of the project is $9.65 million, of which $9.3 million has been raised.

Common areas in the Assisted Living building include a two-story living room with gas fireplaces, a sunroom/ library, exterior porches, an audio room on each floor, a common dining room and a commercial kitchen. Services in the Assisted Living facility will include individualized care plans, medication management, a full meal plan, and transportation. The Independent Living facility is designed for elders who may need supportive services, such as help with cleaning, laundry, or meal preparation, but wish to maintain an affordable, independent lifestyle.

The Valley Cares Board consists of Jean Allbee of Brookline, Effie Chamberlin, Shana Jones, Charlie Marchant, and Kit Martin of Townshend, John Nopper of Putney, Neil Pelsue and Stacey Rheaume of Newfane, Edith Serke of Windham, and Albin Zak of Grafton. Call 802-365-4115 for more information.