Sharon Energy Committee tours Strafford Red Barn lending program

On Feb. 1, 2026 the Sharon Energy Committee visited the Strafford Red Barn at 233 VT Rte 132 to review the town-run equipment-lending operation. Chair Ryan Haac called the special site-visit to order at 1:05 PM; attendees included committee member Dee Gish and Leslie Berger of the Strafford Recreation Committee.

Berger led the tour and explained that the Town owns the building and the Recreation Committee manages lending. She identified the program's primary items as downhill skis and boots, cross-country skis and boots, ice skates/hockey gear, and medical equipment including walkers, commodes, and knee scooters. "They do not have inventory and are very lackadaisical about Strafford (only) folks browsing around and taking what they want and bringing it back when they are done with it, if applicable," Berger said during the tour.

Committee members observed that the Red Barn supports multiple town uses: the Rec Committee fields seasonal lending for winter sports, and other committees and the Strafford schools use the space for storage. Photos attached to the meeting record show medical equipment to the left of the entrance and winter sports gear stacked inside.

The special meeting was adjourned at 1:45 PM. Minutes for the visit were filed by T. Ryan Haac on Feb. 4, 2026.