New Rockingham Residents Receive a Warm Welcome at Meet and Greet Event
The room was practically glowing with all the love for Bellows Falls that was shared in a recent Rockingham Newcomers Meet and Greet. The event was hosted by the Rockingham Incremental Development Working Group and Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s GROW SoVermont program.
About 25 local “hosts” and about 20 newcomers (including children!) came by the Rockingham Free Public Library on Saturday, April 13, for Allen Bros donuts, coffee, and connection. Many newcomers were looking for ways to get involved in the community, and the longtime locals were happy to share the abundant array of opportunities that they’re connected to.
Newcomers who moved from as far away as Boise, Idaho, and as near as Thetford, Vermont, shared what brought them to Rockingham. Several are employed in the Upper Valley but prefer the vibe of Bellows Falls; several had family in the area; and several more just happened upon the village and thought, “This is where I want to be.”
Longtime locals shared what they love about Rockingham and volunteer opportunities they’re aware of, such as helping with summer downtown events and joining town committees.
One newcomer was particularly excited to connect with Ginger Driscoll, of Greater Falls Connections, to be able to continue doing restorative justice work, which was an important part of her life in her previous community. Another newcomer is looking for ways to partner on events for children and families. Others were just interested to hear what kind of opportunities are available.
This newcomers meet and greet is part of a series of events put on by local organizations in partnership with BDCC’s GROW SoVermont program to welcome new and returning Vermonters. Check out sovermont.com/grow to find out about other upcoming newcomers events throughout Windham County.
We are so excited to welcome all of these folks to our region!
About GROW
BDCC is a regional partner in a statewide network helping to grow Vermont by welcoming new and returning residents. The GROW network is a program of Think Vermont and is funded in part by Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development.
