Technology Announcements
Current Announcements
09/28/11:
Go to http://irene.vermontlaw.edu for the latest Irene updates.
09/05/11:
Update on Donations in Hoff Lounge
Hoff Lounge will be open at 9:00 on Tuesday and at 7:30 on Tuesday for those who need clothing and bedding. Jenny Thomas and her helpers will continue to accept donations at Hoff through Tuesday. It’s very helpful if you can sort your clean items at home and place them in plastic bags clearly labeled "women's blouses, size---" for example. NEW socks and underwear are in constant demand at shelters in "normal times" and will be used!
The response has been so terrific that we don’t have enough space to keep everything at the school. The Haven will pick up sorted items for distribution later today. They are also accepting gift cards in any denomination, which are easier to store! Cards to Walmart, Walgreens, RiteAid can be handed out so folks can buy a variety of needed items.
Vtresponse.wordpress.com
VPR says the most used Internet site after Irene has been http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/. For the story, go to http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/91855/.
Community Dinner in Sharon Tonight
There will be a community dinner on Monday at 6:00 at the Sharon Elementary School to thank those who have volunteered in Sharon. An informational meeting for residents will be held at 7:00.
Volunteering Info Bethel Disaster Relief
Volunteers can go to the town hall between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily to get updates on volunteer needs, drop off clothing donations, or let the town know about their needs for help. Bethel’s Town Hall is on Route 12, on the right, at the north end of the merchant row. For more information, call the Bethel Disaster Clearinghouse at 802-234-6359.
Hartford and White River Recovery
To volunteer in flood cleanup, contact the Hartford Rec Department at 295-5036. We appreciate the help! We need volunteers with trucks to transport debris to the landfill for the residents of West Hartford.
The Town of Sharon Is Looking for Volunteers for Tuesday & Wednesday
To volunteer on Tuesday or Wednesday, check with the town clerk's office, 802-763-8268. (Volunteers are getting the day off on Monday.) An informational meeting for residents will be held at Sharon Elementary School at 7:00 p.m. on Monday after the community dinner at 6:00.
09/04/11:
To submit weekend updates to this website, please email cwestberg@vermontlaw.edu.
FEMA Support from the Land Use Clinic
The Land Use Clinic is assisting community members with FEMA forms, insurance claims, and other property damage-related Irene help. For more information, call 802-831-1028 or go to the law school library between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, or between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Matching Volunteers with Needs in Strafford
If you can offer help with relief efforts in Strafford, contact the Town Clerk at townclerk@straffordvt.org. We are working on matching volunteers with those in need. At this time, we are reaching out to those who may need assistance. Thank you.
The Town of Sharon Is Looking for Volunteers
Tovolunteer on Sunday, check in at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. at the Sharon Elementary School, which is behind the town offices on route 132, at exit 2 off Interstate 89. Questions, call Megan at the town offices, 291-3947.
Clothing and Bedding Donations in Hoff Lounge
Hoff Lounge will be open at 9:00 on Sunday and Monday and at 7:30 on Tuesday for those who need clothing and bedding. Although Hoff Lounge has no more space for donations at the moment, please take your donations—clean and in good repair—to the Red Door Church or the thrift store until further notice.
Governor Shumlin Visiting Royalton and Bethel
After Governor Shumlin’s visit to Royalton at 12:30 on Sunday, September 4, he will travel to the Bethel Town Hall's Disaster Clearinghouse for a 45-minute "People's Forum" beginning at 2 pm. The Governor wants to hear directly from the citizens of Bethel. Please come with your stories and help spread the word. If you are a Bethel citizen with a story but are unable to attend, please feel free to email your message for the Governor to jclarke@vermontlaw.eduand Jennie Clarke will pass it along.
09/03/11:
To submit weekend updates to this website, please email cwestberg@vermontlaw.edu.
Damage Information Needed
On Sunday Governor Shumlin is visiting Royalton to hear about our damage. If you, or your neighbor, suffered damage from the storm, please contact Sarah Buxton at sbuxton@gmail.com so she can make sure those who are affected have an opportunity to speak with him. Everyone is invited to attend! TIME: 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. LOCATION: South Royalton Firehouse, Safford Street
VLS Relief Fund
The law school has established the VLS Relief Fund to help its displaced faculty, students, and staff get back on their feet, repair damage to our infrastructure, and assist others in need. You can make a gift, either through our secure website or by calling 802-831-1312.
Counseling Services for the VLS Community
Counseling sessions by appointment or walk-in are held in South Royalton at 79 S. Windsor in the South Royalton Health Center located across from the green. Both counselors also hold appointments at their main offices in Norwich and in Hanover.
Hill Anderson in South Royalton on Mondays and Wednesdays: 1PM-4PM
For an appointments call 802-649-2617 or email hillanderson@gmail.com
Eleanor Lowenthal: Tuesdays: 9AM -4PM
For an appointments call 802-333-0340 or email Eleanor.lowenthal@gmail.com
The Hartford's Ability Assist Employee Assistance Program #800-96-HELPS (800-964-3577) Co. ID #HLF902 (or just tell them you're from Vermont Law School)
You may also want to consider using the services of the Clara Martin Center in Randolph. Their number is #800-639-6360 and they are available 365/24/7. You are not alone.
The Town of Sharon Is Looking for Volunteers
To volunteer on Saturday, meet at the town offices at 10 a.m. 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. The offices are next to the old school house, on route 132, at exit 2 off Interstate 89. Questions, call Megan at the town offices, 291-3947. The town's preferred starting time on Saturday is 10 o'clock.
Volunteers Needed at VTC Shelter
Please contact Janssen Willhoit 2L to volunteer at the VTC shelter: jwillhoit@vermontlaw.edu, 431-5118. They need volunteers to assist disabled people and to do other tasks.
Bethel Disaster Relief
Volunteers can now go to the town hall between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily to get updates on volunteer needs, drop off clothing donations, or let the town know about their needs for help. Bethel’s Town Hall is on Route 12, on the right, at the north end of the merchant row. For more information, call the Bethel Disaster Clearinghouse at 802-234-6359. The Bethel Food Shelf is in operation at the White Church on Church Street from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For information about the food shelf, please call Paula at 234-6359.
Hartford and White River Recovery
To volunteer in flood cleanup, contact the Hartford Rec Department at 295-5036. We appreciate the help! We need volunteers with trucks to transport debris to the landfill for the residents of West Hartford.
The Upper Valley Haven is A DROP OFF LOCATION for flood victims, offering free food and clothing for flood victims. Please drop off clothing, towels, bedding, paper towels, laundry detergent, diapers, dish soap, personal hygiene products to the UPPER VALLEY HAVEN on Tafts Flat WRJ VT and Please Help Our Community by donating and passing this on.
Those wishing to make a tax-deductable contribution to the Hartford Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund, please mail your check, made payable to THE WHITE RIVER ROTARY CHARITABLE FUND, P.O. Box 4003, White River Junction, Vermont 05001. Attention: Treasurer; please memo your check Irene Recover Fund. You may also drop your contribution off at any Mascoma Bank location during banking hours, or 24 hours a day at the Hotel Coolidge, South Main Street, White River Junction, Vermont.
Operation Revive Royalton
If you would like to volunteer this weekend, please call Operation Revive Royalton at 802-763-7740 for information before you go.
09/02/11: VLS Relief Fund
Vermont Law School has established the VLS Relief Fund to accept financial contributions to aid VLS students, staff and faculty who have been affected by Tropical Storm Irene. The top priority are those who need assistance with housing, food, clothing and other basic needs as well as books and other study materials for students. Second priority will be repairs to VLS buildings and grounds that sustained damage from the storm. Checks should be made out to the VLS Relief Fund and sent to Ashley Patton in OIA.
09/02/11: Damage Information Needed
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
I received a call today from local officials who are trying to get enough information in the next few days to allow the state to officially qualify for federal assistance. This will clear the way for claims to be submitted to FEMA. In order to do this, they need information from anyone who suffered any property losses as a result of Hurricane Irene. The losses can be anything from your entire home to articles of clothing or items from a shed or your garage. You can be a renter or home owner and it doesn't matter if the losses can be covered by insurance or not - it's all needed Please send the following information to Sarah Buxton at sbuxton@gmail.com in the next 4 days:
Your Name
Your Address (i.e. the address where the loss occurred, not where you are now)
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
List of property damage and/or loss and estimated value if you know it
If you don't have email or would prefer to hand in a piece of paper, I will set up a box in Chase Breezeway by tomorrow noon where you can submit your information. Sarah will be in over the long weekend to check her email and the contents of the box in Chase.
Best regards,
Diane H.
09/02/11: More Volunteers Needed
Matching Needs With Available Goods and Services
VLS has set up an email (contributions@vermontlaw.edu) for students, staff and faculty to match volunteer needs and services for necessities such as physical and non-physical labor, help filling out FEMA forms and insurance claims, housing, household goods, furniture, food, bottled water, transportation, fans, dehumidifiers, face masks, shovels, plastic bags, boxes and pick up and delivery of items. If you have goods and services to offer or need help, please let us know.
Operation Revive Royalton
If you would like to volunteer, please call Operation Revive Royalton at 802-763-7740 X506. To help out on 9/2, go to the South Royalton High School parking lot at 9:00, 1:00, or 4:00. Wear work clothes and boots and bring water. There are opportunities other than cleanup that involve helping with food or paperwork. Operation Revive Royalton will be feeding volunteers at the Red Door Church at noon and 6:00. Staff who want to volunteer can leave work early and go to the high school at 4:00.
Bethel Disaster Relief Cleanup Weekend #1
If you can, please come help us recover from the extensive damage to Bethel from Hurricane Irene. A lot of help is needed ranging from delivering food and supplies and cleaning up debris. Both harder labor and light work is needed.
Friday from 12 pm - 6 pm and Sat/Sun/Mon from 8 am - 6 pm there will be a person in the parking lot of the Whitcomb High School/ Bethel Elementary parking lot (Pleasant Street) to coordinate work parties to identified needy neighbors. We would love any and all help. Dress to get dirty. Bring shovels, chainsaws, power washers, and other tools. Please bring muck boots and waterproof work gloves. For more information, call 802-234-9670 or email Kirk White at laurelin@sover.net.
The Town of Sharon Is Looking for Volunteers
Meet at 10 a.m. on Friday at the town offices, next to the old school house, on route 132, at exit 2 of Interstate 89. If you have gloves and shovels and crowbars, it would be good to bring them. Crews will be demolishing the inside of a house and picking up debris. Questions, call Megan at the town offices, 291-3947. Other volunteer opportunities will be set up for the weekend.
Volunteers Still Needed in Woodstock
Please go to the Woodstock Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Bring gloves, boots, and be ready to get dirty. The Woodstock coordinator for the volunteer effort is Jackie Fisher—her cell phone number is 304-261-5890.
For Help with FEMA Paperwork
If you need help with FEMA paperwork or if you can volunteer to help others with these forms, check into the South Royalton High School or call Operation Revive Royalton at 802-763-7740 x506. Sarah Buxton will be available to help at the high school.
How You Can Donate
The VLS Relief Clothing Drive will take place Friday, September 2 through Wednesday, September 7. Please bring good, clean clothing and bedding you would like to donate to those in need to the Hoff Lounge on Friday, September 2 between 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Goods will be available through the weekend. Items will also be received on Tuesday, September 6, between 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Students, Staff, and Faculty are encouraged to visit the Hoff Lounge over the weekend and on Tuesday and Wednesday for goods that they need or someone else needs.
Many have asked how to make cash donations to the relief effort in South Royalton. Please make out checks to Operation Revive Royalton and give them to Peg Trombly in the town office or Suzanne Todd on the first floor of Debevoise Hall. For questions or to volunteer your time, call 802-763-7740 x506.
Food Supplies
The Vermont Foodbank can help students, staff, and community members who may have lost all their food supplies. If you feel the need is major please don’t hesitate to contact them with questions or for assistance at 802-476-3341 or 800-585-2265.
For More Information About Irene in Vermont
Vtresponse.wordpress.com
http://www.onearth.org/blog/vermont-irene-damage
If you want information on road conditions, call 511:
“511” provides Vermonters and visitors to the state with information on state road closures. The Agency of Transportation is working 24/7 to update the information as fast as possible. AOT is working on a system to report local roads as well. Go to http://www.511vt.com for additional information.
If you are an individual and need immediate help, call 211:
“211” is the resource to help individuals access services now and to register information on individual property damage. (For more information, go to: http://www.vermont211.org/).
09/01/11: Post-Irene Updates
Assistance for VLS Students, Staff, and Faculty
Students who need help with storm damage, housing, or travel should contact Shirley Jefferson (802-831-1333) or Clara Gimenez (802-831-1323). Staff should contact Diane Hayes (802-831-1308) or Clarke Collins (802-831-1229). Faculty should contact Gil Kujovich (802-831-1297).
Boil Water Order for South Royalton
The "boil water" order is still in effect. Do not drink South Royalton water that has not been boiled.
Transportation
Google has set up a map of road closures, bridge closures, isolated towns, etc., for those looking for more information than is currently available on some of the state websites. The link is http:://crisislanding.appspot.com/?crisis=2011_flooding_vermont
Volunteers Needed in South Royalton
VLS is organizing assistance for the town of Royalton. If you would like to volunteer, please call Operation Revive Royalton at 802-763-7740 X506. To help out on 9/1 or 9/2, go to the South Royalton High School parking lot at 9:00, 1:00, or 4:00. Wear work clothes and boots and bring water. There are opportunities other than cleanup that involve helping with food or paperwork. Operation Revive Royalton will be feeding volunteers at the Red Door Church at noon and 6:00 on both days. Staff who want to volunteer on either day can leave work early and go to the high school at 4:00.
There is an immediate need for boxes. Please drop them off at the Journey Church beyond the South Royalton High school tonight.
Volunteers Needed in Bethel, and Woodstock
For students and others who can volunteer on Thursday, 9/1, there are opportunities in Bethel and Woodstock. For Bethel, call 802-728-9421. For Woodstock, 30-40 students are needed--go to the Woodstock Elementary School at 9:30. Bring gloves, boots, and be ready to get dirty. The Woodstock coordinator for the Thursday a.m. volunteer effort is Jackie Fisher--her cell phone number is 304-261-5890.
08/30/11: Classes Start on Wednesday
Vermont Law School will be open on Wednesday, 08/31/11.
Transportation
Update 08/31/11: We just got word that Route 14 North off of Exit 2 is closed again. If you get off Exit 2 in Sharon, you'll need to get make a left onto Back River Road, by Mid-Way Station. Go over the bridge and take the Back River Road into South Royalton.
08/30/11: The best route to VLS is via Exit 2 from I-89, northbound or southbound. Do not use Exit 3, as the road from that exit to VLS is currently closed (Route 14). After exiting I-89 at Exit 2, there are two routes to VLS: 1) VT Route 132 to VT Route 14 North to South Royalton, and 2) VT Route 132 to VT Route 14 North, then take a left at Tracy’s Midway Station and cross the bridge over the White River to River Road. After crossing the bridge, follow River Road into South Royalton. Route 110 from Chelsea and Tunbridge is currently open. Please note that Route 14 North is reduced to one-lane in three locations, none of which is not staffed with flag persons. Drive with caution. For updates, please check the website for VT Agency of Transportation: http://www.511vt.com/
08/30/11: Boil Water Order for South Royalton
South Royalton is under a "boil water" order. Do not drink South Royalton water that has not been boiled.
Housing for Students
VLS will make every possible effort to coordinate housing for students who will not be able to commute in the next few days or weeks. If you are in need of housing or if you have a room to offer, please contact dean for students Shirley Jefferson at 802-831-1333. You can also contact student ambassadors Andrea Cone 407-461-7012 or Chris Foy at 360-223-2933.
Class and Event Cancelations
Administrative Law, Monday/Wednesday, August 29, 31, 2:10-3:25
Environmental Dispute Resolution, Tuesday, August 30, 5:25-8:10 p.m.
The Dean’s Scholars Barbecue on 8/31 has been canceled.
The 2L and 3L welcomes have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
The SoRo Café will be open for lunch on 8/31 with a salad bar and deli, but breakfast will not be served.
Volunteering and Community Resources
The Red Door Church on South Windsor has snacks and is holding a community dinner on 8/30 at 6:00. They still need help with volunteers for pickups or to bring boxes, rope, and drinking water.
If you know of someone who needs help, please call 802-831-1134.
Call Representative Sarah Buxton at 802-233-0274 for community assistance or to volunteer. The shelter for South Royalton is located at the Hartford High School Gym.
The National Guard is handling temporary housing at VTC for families; to volunteer call 802-431-5118.
08/26/11: Storm Preparations and Cancelation Information
School Closing Information Resources
Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,
As you know, the northeast is bracing for what could be a major storm -- Hurricane Irene. In anticipation of this, VLS is taking steps to prepare for the unlikely event that we will cancel school/work on Monday.
If Vermont Law School is closed or has a delayed opening, we will post a message on:
VLS main phone line: 802-831-1000
VLS website home page: http://www.vermontlaw.edu/
VLS e-mail to all faculty, students, and staff
Local TV stations and radio stations
These messages may be posted as early as Sunday evening, depending on weather conditions, but at the latest, they will be communicated by 7:00 AM on the date(s) of closure. If VLS closes, the library will also be closed.
Generally, if the governor declares a state of emergency and asks that all but essential vehicles stay off the road, we plan to close the school. Also, if there is no power on campus and no clear prospect of an early restoration of power, you can expect that the school will not be open.
Although it is possible that power loss will restrict communication about a closure decision, we will do our best to keep you updated. Please make your own contingency plan to ensure you are able to receive the information - e.g. make sure you have a battery powered radio with fresh batteries, fuel up your generator today or tomorrow, and/or arrange to stay with friends or family who have both land and cell phone capabilities.
If school is open on Monday but you are concerned about weather or road conditions where you live, as always, we expect students and employees to use their own good judgment in deciding whether you should report to school/work. You may want to check the state’s website on road conditions to assist you with your decision: http://www.511vt.com/splash.htm
Gil Kujovich
IT Preparations - Network Shutdown
Dear Faculty and Staff:
In preparation for the possibility of power outages, water and wind over the weekend, the IT department will be taking steps to prevent damage to our delicate electronic systems.
We would appreciate your help and understanding in the following ways: Please unplug your power strip this weekend. If you cannot reach the plug for your power strip plug at the wall, please unplug your computer, monitor and printer (if you have one) at the power strip.
Please unplug your phone by removing the thinner wire (closer to the wall) from the tan box.
If you know of people in your building who are not present this afternoon, please take a moment and unplug their machines and phones as stated above.
Beginning at 4:30pm today, the IT department will begin unplugging the AV equipment (podia) in the classrooms. AV services will be unavailable until the morning classes resume.
Beginning at 7pm on Saturday evening, internet and network service to all buildings except the Library will end until the morning classes resume. We are taking this opportunity to unplug our network closets in each building.
Also at 7pm on Saturday evening we will unplug all lab computers and kiosks.
Finally, at 7pm on Saturday we will pause all network services (email, login, etc...) for three hours to assure the best back-ups possible prior to Hurricane Irene's arrival. The IT department will begin rounds at 4:30 pm this afternoon to verify that all computers, monitors and printers are unplugged.
Library Closed on Sunday
Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,
In light of the current weather report, which predicts Hurricane Irene's trajectory through New England, and to insure the safety of our staff and students, I have decided to close the library this Sunday, August 28.
In order to prevent server failure, JULIEN, the on-line catalog, will be shut down Saturday at Library closing.
Access to Library databases from off campus, will be available however, unless there is a power outage.
We invite you to come to the library on Saturday when we will be open from 9AM-5PM. Please note that should power fail, we close the library as the emergency lighting lasts for a limited time.
The library will reopen on Monday,or whenever the law school reopens.
Thanks for your understanding,
Carl Yirka
Professor, Library Director
Archives
08/03/11: Brief Service Interruption at Midnight Tonight
Dear VLS Community:
At midnight tonight the J and K drives will be unavailable for 10 minutes as we restart the systems to apply changes.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your support!
07/12/11: Novell Email Update
As part of an ongoing Novell/Identity Manager systems update, email passwords have been synchronized. This means that, if you have been using one password for network login, and another for email, going forward you will have a single password (the network version) for both your email and network logins.
If you find that you cannot log in to your Groupwise email, try your network password! If that doesn't work, give IT a call.
The VLS IT department will be conducting regular planned projects and maintenance that will require dedicated IT staff time and some systems unavailability on July 5th and 6th. As always, the IT department has worked to minimize the time during which systems may be unavailable.
Maintenance with potential community impacts:
July 5th, 7am to noon:
During this maintenance window systems may experience some instability. The most likely unexpected impact would be a forced log-off of your workstation or email. While we expect no interruptions during this time, we encourage frequent file saving during this period to prevent any work loss.
July 5th, 4pm to 6pm:
During this maintenance window the K-drive will be unavailable. Please have all of your files saved to the K-drive by 4pm on July 5th so maintenance may take place. No files will be lost during this period.
All other maintenance will be without community impact during this period.
As always, we thank you for your cooperation and support during this critical IT maintenance period!
Thank you all,
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