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Tuesday July 19, 2011 Edition
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Friends Of Jerusalem School Receives Grant To Renovate South Starksboro Schoolhouse As Community Center


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Tuesday July 19, 2011

A Starksboro organization with plans to upgrade a historic one-room schoolhouse has received assistance toward its goal from a Co-operative Insurance Companies Community Grant.

    In early May, Co-operative Insurance Companies, Gaines Insurance Agency, Laberge Insurance Agency, and Co-op board member Joseph Devall made a joint $1500 gift to Friends of Jerusalem School.

    Representatives Greg Orvis and Kathy Bushey indicated that with this grant, the group has now raised about one-fifth of the $150,000 needed to restore and upgrade the building so that it can be used for limited community events. The schoolhouse, which was built in 1874 and is listed in the state registry of historic places, served as a school until 1968. Orvis and Bushey both attended the school through eighth grade.

    The building requires upgrades to its septic, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, foundation and roof replacement, and some changes to allow for accessibility.

    "We hope that once the renovations are complete," said Orvis, "this building will serve the town for another century or more. Even though it's no longer used as a school, it stands as an important reminder of Starksboro's commitment to the basic educational needs of its children. It's important to preserve that."

    The Friends of Jerusalem School restoration project is one of seven to receive a Co-op Community Grant this year. The grant program, established in 2004, partners Co-op with its agents and its board of directors to provide joint gifts to community projects across Vermont and New Hampshire.

    "Projects like this restoration meet needs in the communities that Co-op serves," said Brad Fortier, senior vice-president of marketing and underwriting for Co-op. "We think it's important to do our part as neighbors to help them out."

    Laberge Insurance Agency was established in Middlebury in 1955; brothers Bill and Jim Laberge joined the agency in 1974 and 1981 respectively. Gaines Insurance Agency is another family business; the 50-year-old Vergennes agency is run by brothers Scott and Gary Gaines.

    Co-operative Insurance Companies has been meeting property and casualty insurance needs since 1915, offering farm, home, auto, business, and other insurance to people in Vermont and New Hampshire. It is owned by its members and committed to protecting them with fast and fair claims service, loss prevention expertise, and local operations. The company has headquarters in Middlebury, Vermont, with regional claims offices and more than 60 agency locations across Vermont and New Hampshire.

 


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