Embracing Collaboration and Exciting Plans for Middlebury in 2025
The BMP team is invigorated by the fresh collaborations and the promising initiatives taking shape for the upcoming seasons in Middlebury. The recent meetings with key town figures and cultural institutions have paved the way for a vibrant and enriching 2025!
Engaging with New Leadership
Our numerous meetings with Scott Bourne ( Parks and Rec) and Dave DiBiase, the new head of Middlebury’s Public Works Department, have been particularly inspiring. We had breakfast with the team earlier this month, and came away envigorated. Scott and Dave bring a wealth of experience and a proactive approach to enhancing our town’s infrastructure and aesthetics. Their insights and collaborative spirit bodes well for 2025 and beyond, and have been instrumental in shaping our plans for the year ahead.
Additionally, our discussions with Mark Pruhenski, and David Sophrin, our new Middlebury Town Manager and deputy, have further solidified our commitment to collaborative growth. Mark’s vision for the town aligns very well with our objectives, and The town’s support of our work is invaluable for our planning for our happenings and events for 2025. We are stronger together! Working as a team has always been a place of inspiration for me. As the African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together.”
Strengthening Cultural Partnerships
We are thrilled about our renewed collaborations with Middlebury’s esteemed cultural institutions:
• Town Hall Theater: The new THT wing ( The Doug and Debbie Anderson wing) is looking FABULOUS, and Kelly and I have already had many opportuniites to enjoy this magnificent space–if you haven’t seen this unique view of Middlebury yet, do yourself a favor and take a visit! The views are fabulous. We look forward to the courtyard plaza being open later this spring, which will lend many opportunities for community gathering! The new Center for Learning and Engagement (@cleattht) is offering some amazing adult and children’s programming!
• Henry Sheldon Museum: We are excited for the changes and expansion taking place at the Sheldon this season. The museum re-opens its doors at the end of May, and in the meantime, we have plans to work closely with Coco and her team this summer to help effect some of the changes they are aiming for. it’s a very exciting time to be in Middlebury! Watch this space.
• Ilsley Public Library: Our new ( temporary) Mini Ilsley Library location has already become a vibrant community hub, offering a plethora of resources and programs that cater to all age groups. Check it out! The doors are open daily, other than Sunday.
Welcoming the Signs of Spring
The recent bout of sunshine has ushered in a sense of renewal and anticipation. As the days grow warmer, the town is beginning to buzz with activities that signal the onset of spring. This seasonal shift not only lifts our spirits but also sets the stage for the exciting projects we have in store.
Upcoming Enhancements to Public Spaces
Our focus for 2025 includes enhancements to key public spaces:
• Cannon Park: Plans are underway to introduce new plantings, lighting, and seating areas, creating a more inviting environment for relaxation and community gatherings.
• Town Plaza: Together with the assistance of Parks and Rec and Kori our town gardener, we aim to soften this space with strategic landscaping, including beautiful beds, pots and additional greenery, lighting and seating to complement the existing rocking chairs. We want the plaza to be a place to gather, drink morning coffee, have lunch,meet a friend, visit with your neighbor.
• New Parking Plans: Middlebury is embracing a thoughtful beautification effort to bring warmth and vibrancy to the town during a period of disruption. Temporary fencing around the library construction site will offer a chance for the community to decorate and celebrate the changes taking place. During the library build, parking behind the town offices will be affected, so any opportunity we have to bring some beauty and a sense of playfulness to the town is welcome. It won’t be long before we have our beloved Ilsley back, newly improved, and in the meantime, we want to ensure the construction is as unobtrusive as possible. We are working with the town to create easy ways for townspeople and visitors to navigate the changes, and see some newness and fun moments along the way…These improvements are designed to foster community engagement and enhance the aesthetic appeal of our town.
Laying the Groundwork for a Vibrant 2025
We invite all community members to join us in these exciting times, participate in upcoming events, and experience the positive transformations taking place in our beloved town. Together, we are crafting a future that honors our rich heritage while embracing new possibilities.