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The Arlington Common is an initiative created by the Arlington Arts Enrichment Program, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our community through creative exploration of the arts and wellness. This organization has purchased a property in the heart of Arlington, Vermont which includes a Concert & Event Hall, Fitness Facility, Event Space, Pickleball Courts, Offices and more to come. This multi-generational center will be created by the people for the people in an effort to embrace the beauty of living in the shires of Vermont.
History of Arlington Arts Enrichment Program
The Arlington Arts and Enrichment Program (AAEP), a 501c3 non-profit organization that has successfully served the Arlington community for over sixteen years through its various programs including after school classes, artists-in-residencies, special art projects, fundraising events, summer camps and, most recently, its Green Mountain Squash pilot program (a free after school and summer program that has broadened horizons, improved physical health, fostered academic achievement, and promoted personal vision through academic enrichment, the sport of squash, community service, as well as academic and life-skills support for four years). In 2020, AAEP accepted an option on the St. Margaret Mary's Church Campus to develop a community hub for enrichment experiences for all ages. Additionally, AAEP received a planning grant from the Vermont Community Development Program to complete a feasibility study for the campus.
PAST PROGRAMS
2004-2011 Academic Enrichment
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Fisher Elementary After School Program: 30 classes serving over 250 students per year
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Artists-in-Residence programs
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Cafe Night
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Field trip support
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Support for The Eagles' Nest, Arlington Memorial High School’s newspaper
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Partner in the 21st Century Learning Grant
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Fundraising cohort with Arlington Memorial High School for the Mack Performing Arts Center
2014-2018 Green Mountain Squash Pilot Program
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A free three-week summer program and after school program for middle school students
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Focus on leadership, fitness, personal development, and community service
2016 Blooming Eagles Gardening and Cooking Program
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Free two-week summer gardening and cooking program
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Semester-long after school program
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Focused on gardening, healthy eating, and cooking
In response to the closing and subsequent sale of St. Margaret Mary's Church in the middle of Arlington's Historic District, the Arlington Arts and Enrichment Program, a non-profit organization in Arlington from 2004, in conversations with the Arlington Renewal Project, decided to apply for a planning grant from the development of the Church campus. In the Fall of 2019, AAEP received a $35,000 grant from the Vermont Community Development Program to conduct a market and feasibility study for the property and its potential use for the Arlington community. AAEP used the information from the Arlington Renewal Project as the focus for the initiative and will hope to include economic development, education, wellness. and history and culture.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carol Farley, President
Bebe Bullock, Vice President
Bill Bullock, Treasurer
Sue Boland-Harter, At Large
Ned Reade, At Large
Don Trachte, At Large
Joyce Kennedy, At Large
