Readsboro Gets Connected to High-Speed Fiber Internet

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READSBORO, Vt. — Readsboro is now connected to high-speed Internet service for the first time with the help of DVFiber.
 
One Gig speeds are available now for 160 Readsboro households and businesses, and all remaining on-grid locations will be connected in the next few months. Customers interested in getting connected can check availability at www.dvfiber.net and begin the process of signing up. 
 
The Town of Readsboro, through its support of DVFiber, is offering a $50 discount on the first month of service to all Readsboro customers who sign up by Nov. 1.
 
"It's been very exciting to see the ongoing fiber construction this summer in Readsboro," said Omar Smith, a member of both the Readsboro Select Board and DVFiber Governing Board. "Finally, after many years of pushing on privately owned providers plus seeking support and direction from local, state, and federal sources, an actual high-speed network is being built and is available to the whole town, not just the more densely populated areas."
 
After months of planning and engineering, DVFiber began constructing its new, 21st-century fiber optic network in 2022, focusing first on Readsboro where most households and businesses have lacked adequate Internet service for a long time. A small group of customers was connected in December of 2022 to test the network and to assure that future customers could expect excellent service. This service will soon be available throughout Readsboro.
 
"Our Governing Board is very pleased to see our Readsboro neighbors getting connected to enjoy the benefits of world-class high- speed Internet services," said Steven John, Chair of the DVFiber Governing Board. "We look forward to doing the same for all remaining unserved or underserved locations in our district. Our universal service plan and mission is to ensure digital equity for all."
 
The Deerfield Valley Communications Union District (DVCUD, dba DVFiber) is a community-owned, professionally managed and operated special-purpose municipality for the purpose of providing affordable, reliable, and fast Internet service to all households and businesses in its 24 member towns. Historically, small rural communities were left behind by commercial providers as being too expensive to warrant investment of private capital. DVFiber and other communications union districts are Vermont's solution to this long-standing problem.
 
A celebratory event will be hosted in Readsboro in November.

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Southern Vermont College Moving Towards Five Star Status

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BENNINGTON, Vt.— Dartmouth Health's Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), announced next steps around the redevelopment of the former Southern Vermont College campus in Bennington.
 
In March of 2023, SVHC entered into a purchase and sale agreement of the campus with Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC (AWRE). Since then, AWRE has been working toward the development of a five-star destination resort.
 
"AWRE has made major progress in finding the right hospitality brand partner for this project," said SVHC CEO and president Thomas A. Dee. "While we can't speak on their behalf, we want our community to know that plans are advancing. We're supportive of their direction and we believe this project will have an immensely positive impact on Bennington and our entire region."
 
The proposed five-star resort would include both fine and casual dining, a beauty and health spa, a fitness/wellness center, special events venue and other amenities. The project also includes an extensive historic restoration of the Everett Mansion for use as luxury accommodations and fine dining.

According to AWRE's website, the 30,000 square foot Everett Mansion will be restored to a reception lounge, wine cellar, a fine dining restaurant, spa and guestrooms. Former residential buildings will be gutted and redeveloped into luxury suites. The former gymnasium will be converted into a 17,000 square foot event and activity space.
 
The hotel will offer tennis, snow shoeing, equestrian, bowling, movie screening room, ice skating, a summer resort pool, indoor pool, miles of blazed hiking trails, mountain biking, a sporting club and even a luxury dog kennel with K9 Spa.
 
Access to the Bennington Area Trail System (BATS), at the trail heads on and around the property, will remain open to the public and available, throughout the redevelopment. Following completion of the project there will be a new dedicated parking lot.
 
"Once AWRE finalizes its brand partner — in the near future— the necessary regulatory reviews and permitting processes will get underway," said Dee. "We're hopeful this project will break ground next summer."
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