HomeShare Vermont Inc. was named a 2008 Older Americans Month Program Champion by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging.

The award highlights programs that demonstrate the principles of the Administration's efforts to modernize community-based long-term care and provide greater assurance that older people will maintain their independence longer.

New England Resident Service Coordinators (NERSC) President Lynn Lippitt (left) presented VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter (right) an award for VHFA's 10 years of support of NERSC.

She made the presentation at NERSC's 10th anniversary conference held at the North Conway Grand Hotel in North Conway, N.H., May 6-9.

VHFA Director of Multifamily Programs Sam Falzone serves on the NERSC Board of Directors.

The next annual NERSC conference comes to the Hilton on Burlington's waterfront April 29-May 1, 2009.

While we can't take time out of the day to draw your attention to each and every nifty gadget the Internet offers, we thought this one might be of interest:

The Vermont Banking Division of the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration is now offering Vermonters free, confidential mortgage assistance on its new toll-free number: (888) 568-4547.

The number, part of the new Mortgage Assistance Program, is intended to help Vermonters facing foreclosure explore refinancing and counseling options.

The program is part of Gov. Jim Douglas's economic stimulus package, which he announced last month.