PUTNEY — Putney's Brighter Summer - a project of the town of Putney, Putney Public Library, Putney Pool, Putney Community Cares, and Food4Kids (Putney Foodshelf) - was recently selected to receive $29,488 in funding from the Summer Matters for All grant program.
According to Gov. Phil Scott, programs in 13 counties will collectively receive up to $3.85 million with the goal of expanding access to summer enrichment opportunities for youth of all ages this summer.
Scott has put an emphasis on helping Vermont kids recover from the pandemic and the isolation it caused, including creating opportunities for them to safely reconnect with their peers and their communities.
In Putney, the money will be used to expand and subsidize a variety of summer programs for children and families.
According to a news release, these programs include:
• more free programs for the Putney Public Library's Summer Reading Program;
• free programs hosted by Putney Community Cares;
• free access to the Putney Town Pool for all families;
• free training for Putney Town Pool lifeguards;
• free swimming lessons (registration required);
• free daily snacks supplied by Food4Kids,
• a free weekly Food4Kids Pop-up Market.
Emily Zervas, director of the Putney Public Library, said the funding will provide “an extra special summer reading program full of great story times, entertainers, special guests, and free books and crafts every week.”
She described it as “a low-stress drop-in program” and hopes that it will help families “get back into the community again in a fun and social way.”
Putney Town Manager Karen Astley said the programs “will allow children to enjoy recreation, food, socialization, inclusiveness and, most important, to be amongst their peers in environments where they truly can be kids. We are very excited for what the summer will bring.”
“What an amazing opportunity for Putney kids and families,” said Ruby McAdoo, coordinator for Putney Community Cares. “A whole summer of free programs and opportunities for kids - it's totally awesome!”