Editor:

Dear Central Vermont community, thank you for your support of our December Community of Abundance Fund Raiser by the Onion River Exchange (ORE) time bank. We hosted a silent auction with goods and services donated from our members and served up a localvore dinner with chefs Susan Reid and Mary Roehm at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. ORE member Michael Arnowitt inspired us with his music. Our intention was to: show the abundance of ORE, raise funds, and to raise awareness of our time bank. Success all around!

Your support of the Onion River Exchange means the world to so many people in Central Vermont. I was thinking about how the time bank makes a difference and I thought of recent exchanges by our members and how important it is to be able to connect with a community member for help when needed. Some recent exchanges: snow shoveling, pet sitting, respite, one time cleaning to get things together, alterations, help with finances, a reader, and rides to the airport. Simple activities that contribute to our well-being that are not always readily available nor financially feasible.

For many members, the Onion River Exchange is the only way to live within means and/or to have an enriched life by connecting – giving and receiving – with others. Your donations support our network (ORE) which enables the community to utilize its resources on a personal level.

Thank you for your support.

Heather Kralik

Onion River Exchange