Kathryn Czaplinski
/ Categories: NEWS, 2024

'Sasquatch Search' comes to Bennington Oct. 12

For Immediate Release:

BENNINGTON, VT—September 17, 2024—The Bennington Sasquatch Search, a fun, free, (and furry) family event, is coming to Bennington on Saturday, Oct. 12, 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Stark Street Playground.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, has partnered with other community organizations and businesses to launch the Bennington Sasquatch Search. The event encourages kids and families to play outside and explore the mysteries of Sasquatch. Otherwise known as Bigfoot, Sasquatch is a mythical biped who holds a special place in Vermont folklore and pop culture.

The event will explore several questions about how Sasquatch eats, lives and stays clean. Guests can take a walk through Bennington’s wooded trails to look for Sasquatch clues, and learn about the plants and animals that are part of the Vermont outdoors.

Some of the businesses and organizations participating in the day include: Dion Snowshoes, Lake Paran, Children’s Integrative Services, Bennington Women Infants and Children, Head Start/Early Head Start. Sasquatch-themed snacks will be provided by Shire Cottage Bakery and Bennington Community Market.

Attendees can enter a free raffle to win an event t-shirt featuring the infamous Bennington Sasquatch strolling across Vermont State.

SVMC Director of Planning James Trimarchi explained that the event is one way SVMC is supporting the well-being of community families.

“Sasquatch has healthy habits we can learn from, like eating fruits and veggies and doing lots of walking,” said Trimarchi. “Sasquatch sets a good example and gives us an excuse to have fun outdoors.”

The event has been organized by Faye MacDonald, a Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) at SVMC. VISTA is an AmeriCorps program that provides needed resources to nonprofits through a year-long fellowship. Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match Grant is also supporting the launch of the event.

“Outdoor play is essential for kids’ health. Having families enjoy time together outside exploring is one of our goals,” said MacDonald. “We’re thrilled that local businesses and organizations are excited to be part of the Bennington Sasquatch Search.”

If your organization or business wants to participate, please email: vista.svhealthcare@gmail.com.

This free, family-friendly Bennington Sasquatch Search will have something for everyone. To follow event updates, please check facebook.com/svmedicalcenter.

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About SVMC:

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVMC includes the Dartmouth Cancer Center at SVMC, the SVHC Foundation, as well as 25 primary and specialty care practices. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It is the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Rural Hospital Leadership Award. In addition, SVMC is a five-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. SVMC provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

Contact: Kate Czaplinski with additional questions or media inquiries.

 

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Ways to Help

At this difficult time, leaders and staff at Southwestern Vermont Health Care appreciate support from our communities. There are three major ways for members of the community to help front-line staff in their efforts to save lives.


Donate Funds
If you are able, donating money to the Southwestern Vermont Health Care Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund is the most beneficial way to ensure staff have the vital equipment they need. The COVID-19 Relief Fund will be used to create additional negative pressure rooms; purchase life-saving supplies, such as ventilators, respirators, additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); implement a surge plan to expand patient care areas, including an off-site Respiratory Evaluation Center (REC); support of employees in distress; meet the need for assistance among patients and our communities. And now the CARES Act makes donating to non-profits more beneficial financially. Donations may be made online at svhealthcare.org/give-now.


Send Food to Staff
SVMC deployed an online tool to facilitate community members sending meals to front-line staff during the COVID-19 crisis. Community members can visit mealtrain.com/trains/v1w8yz and volunteer to purchase a meal for as few as two staff members or as many as 25. All recommended restaurants will make no-contact deliveries to SVMC in Bennington, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, and the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls, NY.

 

Donate Personal Protective Equipment
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is requesting the community to assist with donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The hospital currently needs the following PPE: N95 Masks, typically found in industrial businesses and home workshops; Nitrile gloves in all sizes; home-sewn cotton masks; and home-sewn cloth surgical caps, known also as scrub caps and skull caps. PPE donations are accepted through Catherine Hagadorn, program coordinator for the Quality, Safety, and Value Department, by e-mailing Catherine.Hagadorn@svhealthcare.org or calling 802-447-5600.

 

SVHC's medical team and essential staff are extremely grateful to the community for every contribution. Thank you! 

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