UCS AT 50

UCS is celebrating 50 years of serving Bennington County in 2008.

See it on video: UCS at 50.

See the timeline: 50 Years of UCS in the Community. button
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Learn how the Bennington County community has been a champion for mental health care and developmental services — for 50 years!

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Download the Timeline in Adobe Reader (pdf) format.




Here are events to mark the occasion:

September 19, 2008 - Official "UCS Day" as declared by resolution of the Vermont State House, recognizing UCS for its service and partnership with the community.

September 19, 2008 - UCS 50th Birthday Party

Tentative Schedule
1:00 — 50th Birthday Salute — MAU Marching Band!

1:30 Tours of UCS Facilities

  • Art and Accomplishments: On-site presentations, art exhibits, and client-led tours showcase the 50-year legacy.
  • Historical time lines tracing the development of services and the growth of a community. Main Office.
  • Video: UCS at 50. At the Main Office.
  • Presentation of the 50 Cakes. Turn in your ticket. At Main Office.
  • Swing jazz with Nathan Knowles and Fred Lantz. At the Main Office.
3:00 Dedication — Thinking Back, Looking Forward
  • Planting the memorial tree to mark the legacy of 50 years working in the community.
  • Burying the UCS time capsule to be opened in 2058.
3:30 Convocation, Honors, and Cake
  • UCS Board President Gerrit Kouwenhoven.
  • UCS Executive Director Ralph Provenza.
  • Resolution of Vermont State Government honoring UCS on its 50th birthday, including remarks from Bennington County legislators.
  • Governor Douglas.
  • Lighting the birthday candle with Head Start pre-schoolers singing happy birthday.
  • Cutting the 50th Birthday Cake.

4:00 Golden Anniversary Choral Presentation

  • Choral program by the Bennington Children's Chorus.

7:00 — Flame, The Band
A rock concert for all ages featuring a band you'll never forget. Tickets are $7, available at:

  • United Counseling Service
  • Bennington Bookshop
  • Bennington Chamber
  • Northshire Bookstore
  • Manchester Chamber

Experience the phenomenon.

Hear Flame at Mount Anthony Union High School before their headline appearance in New York City's Central Park at the National Buddy Walk.

Find out more about this exciting and inspiring band at their official web site, Flame.

Flame band members have each overcome challenges to perform, such as disabilities, autism, Down's syndrome, and blindness.

Flame inspires audiences to see people with disabilities in a new way, changing the world through music.