When East Calais lost its c. 1850 historic general store in 2019, residents were without a food store and gathering place within a reasonable driving distance. Devoted community members formed the East Calais Community Trust to address the problem, and raised funds to purchase the building. The group has been awarded $100,000 for renovations to the store. “In order to preserve the Vermont landscape we love, there has to be a there there in village centers,” says Marc Mihaly, president of the East Calais Community Trust. “A store with a café and wifi is an important piece of that. With this funding, the East Calais store can continue to provide food to the community, employ locals, offer housing, and most importantly, be a viable and thriving gathering place for residents and visitors of all ages.”

Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Awarded: $100,000