Outrage Over Vandalism of stewardMRV Facilities
Volunteers are at the heart of stewardMRV. Dozens of volunteers work to monitor and maintain 25 sites around the MRV. Charlie Hosford literally setting the foundation of our efforts epitomizes what stewardMRV is all about.
Here in the Mad River Valley, we pride ourselves on fostering a community that values and respects our shared spaces. It is with great frustration and disappointment that we address the recent vandalism targeting portalets at Mad River Park and Lareau Swain Hole. These are essential facilities provided by the stewardMRV program, a collaborative effort founded by the MRV Chamber of Commerce. These incidents are more than a mere act of vandalism; it is an affront to the collective efforts of our community to maintain and enhance the Valley’s recreational access points. If the perpetrator could only imagine the number of volunteer hours dedicated to these facilities.
The damage inflicted upon these portalets and their enclosures are not insignificant. This senseless destruction has not only created an immediate inconvenience but has also undermined the spirit of stewardship that the stewardMRV program embodies. This unique public/private partnership, fueled by the dedication and contributions of local businesses, residents, and the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, is pivotal in ensuring that our recreational areas remain accessible and well-maintained. The program oversees 30 volunteer stewards who monitor and clean-up 25 sites around our community.
The stewardMRV program stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision. It funds essential amenities like the vandalized portalets as well as trash and recycling pickups at key public places. These much-needed facilities are essential to residents and visitors alike who utilize our network of outdoor places. The recent incident has highlighted how crucial these amenities are and how vulnerable they can be to acts of disrespect and irresponsibility.
As we grapple with the aftermath of this vandalism, it is essential to recognize the broader implications. The stewardMRV program does not operate in a vacuum; it relies on the continued support and generosity of our community. The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the program’s founding organization, has played a vital role in rallying resources and fostering a culture of stewardship and responsibility. The program is funded by the towns of Fayston, Waitsfield and Warren and the businesses of the Mad River Valley Chamber along with support of individual donors.
These shelters are provided to the MRV via the Chamber’s stewardMRV program.It also pays for trash/recycling and our wicked cool collaboration with Wasted for our portalet service.
This act of vandalism is not just a setback but a call to action. We must reinforce our commitment to the principles that stewardMRV represents. We urge our community to come together, not only to repair the immediate damage but to strengthen the foundation of our stewardship efforts. Increased awareness and support are paramount. Donations, volunteer efforts, and simply talking about it around town are crucial to ensuring that such incidents do not deter our mission.
To those who have contributed to the stewardMRV program, your support has been invaluable, and we implore you to continue standing with us. For those who are just learning about the program, now is the time to get involved. Learn more at www.madrivervally.com/stewardMRV.
In the face of adversity, our community’s strength lies in our ability to unite and rise above challenges. Let us turn this frustrating and disheartening event into an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to stewardMRV. Together, we can ensure that our recreational spaces remain pristine, welcoming, and accessible for all.
Sincerely,
Eric Friedman – Executive Director
Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce
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