SVHC Appoint Director For Former Southern Vermont College Campus

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BENNINGTON, Vt. — Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) has hired Brian C. Lent to direct the health system's project to repurpose the former Southern Vermont College (SVC) campus.
 
"Brian was selected for his long experience managing complex projects," said Thomas A. Dee, FACHE, SVHC's president and CEO. "We feel he has the skills and background necessary to drive our efforts with this large and exciting effort and to fulfill our aim to restore the campus as a valuable community asset."  
 
SVHC was awarded the former college campus through a bankruptcy auction in December. The leadership of the health system, through the direction of its Board of Directors, has expressed its commitment to developing a long-range plan to maximize the use of the campus, including considerations as to how the property could enhance community and health-related services for the southern Vermont region.
 
Lent has 34 years of management experience. Most recently, he worked as vice president and general manager of Dailey Precast, LLC/Peckham Industries, Inc. in Shaftsbury, Vt. Within this role, he was responsible for all plant and field operations, sales, estimating, engineering, quality, procurement, safety, and human resources.
 
"Brian is a long-time member of the community and already has connections with many of the people he will be cooperating with," said Dee. "These relationships and his familiarity with the regulatory environment give him a head start on this important work."
 
Notably, Lent earned his bachelor's of science in Business Management and an associate's degree in accounting from Southern Vermont College. He also graduated from the General Motors Assembly Division Supervisor Training Program.
 
"This is an exciting opportunity for me," Lent said. "The work will require me to use my management experience in an entirely new way. Of course, from a personal perspective as a long-time member of the community, I am eager to see the campus put to good use."
 
Lent will begin working with local stakeholders, including the Town of Bennington, to explore opportunities and develop strategies for the former college campus and associated assets.

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Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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