Winter solstice celebration at Manitou
WILLIAMSVILLE - The Manitou Project holds its annual celebration of the Winter Solstice on Friday, Dec. 21, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
This is an occasion for marking the darkest day of the year, and celebrating the movement toward the return of the light. Participants will gather in the Hogan in the warmth of the wood-stove with songs, readings and reflections, hot mulled cider, and sharing about the significance of this season.
Two favorite Manitou traditions will highlight the evening: a “fire eating ceremony” with flaming raisins, and a procession through the dark carrying a burning ember to light an outdoor fire. They will also build on the spirit of Manitou's recent Mayan fire ceremony, marking this day of transition in the Mayan calendar into the new era with a special candle offering based on our gratitudes for the year.
This is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome. It's free and open to the public, and a great way for new people to be introduced to the spirit of Manitou.
Meet at the parking lot by 4:30 to walk to the Hogan - dress appropriately for a short walk through the woods and the snow. Bring a candle and flashlight, and feel free to also bring a favorite poem, reading, or song to share in the spirit of solstice. For information, contact Fred Taylor at 802-387-2681, or rtaylor@antioch.edu.
Senior meal served in Halifax
HALIFAX - The monthly Halifax Senior Meal will be served at noon on Friday, Dec. 21, at the Halifax Community Hall at the crossroads of Branch and Brook roads in West Halifax.
On the menu: baked chicken legs, mashed potatoes, peas, rolls, and a brownie sundae with peppermint ice cream. Reservations are requested. Call Joan at 802-368-7733.
BF Farmers' Market plans special holiday edition
BELLOWS FALLS - On Friday, Dec. 21, the Bellows Falls Farmers' Market presents a holiday market on the winter solstice. The market is held at the train station from 4 to 7 p.m.
Join them for last-minute holiday shopping, dinner, and caroling by the Bellows Falls Middle School Chorus.
Also, mark your calendars for winter markets scheduled for Jan. 18, Feb. 15, and March 15, 2013. For more information about the Bellows Falls Farmers' Market, contact market manager Rachel Ware at bellowsfallsmarket@gmail.com or 802-463-2018.
College, work, and life after high school are topics of panel discussion
GUILFORD - A panel discussion among high school graduates will share insights into college, work, and life in a free presentation on Sunday, Dec. 23, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Guilford Community Church.
According to organizers, the event, open to the public, is titled “What I Wish I Had Known in High School!” and is relevant for all current high school students and their parents.
Alumni from area public and private schools have been recruited to serve as panelists to share some of their missteps, discoveries, lessons learned, and other observations of import to high school students making critical decisions about their future. Topics range from continued education, gap year, which college to apply to, the job market, finances, relationships, location, housing and more.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Nanci Leitch at 802-258-8348 or write ysdev@sover.net.
BMH offers two versions of Fresh Start tobacco cessation workshop in January
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is offering two separate installments of the four-week “Fresh Start” tobacco cessation workshop in January 2013.
A morning version will meet 10-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Jan. 8 through Jan. 29, in BMH Conference Room B. The second track will meet 5-6:30 p.m. every Thursday, Jan. 10 through Jan. 31, in BMH Conference Room 3.
The Fresh Start tobacco cessation workshop is a free program open to anyone interested in becoming tobacco-free. Terri Kneipp, a facilitator trained by the Vermont Department of Health Access leads the program. Free nicotine replacement therapy is available for Vermont residents.
To register, or for more information, call 802-251-8456.
Free RFPL class demystifies eBooks Jan. 9
BELLOWS FALLS - For people new to the world of eBooks and downloadable audio, the Rockingham Free Public Library will hold a hands-on program on free, downloadable content available through the library. Bring your questions - and any new e-gadgets received over the holidays - to the library on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, from 6-7 p.m.
You'll learn about the thousands of titles available for download through the library's website and online catalog. Participants also will learn how to configure their devices, operating systems, file formats, apps, and free software needed to download eBooks or audiobooks to a mobile device or eBook reader.
This program is open to all. Registration is encouraged by calling 802-463-4270. The Rockingham Library is at 65 Westminster St. in Bellows Falls, and online at www.rockinghamlibrary.org.
The Gathering Place to hold annual meeting
BRATTLEBORO - The Gathering Place, Brattleboro's adult day center, located at 30 Terrace St., will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, from 4 to 5 p.m. Snow date is Wednesday, Jan. 23.
To be discussed at the meeting: plans to explore USDA funding options for future physical plant improvements. The event is open to the public.
Toastmasters public speaking workshops resume Jan. 10 at Grad Center
BRATTLEBORO - If overcoming your fear and shyness around public speaking is holding you back, or is holding someone in your organization back, personally or professionally, then Toastmasters is the answer.
BrattleMasters, the Brattleboro-based chapter of the organization, meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Marlboro College Graduate Center, room 2E, 28 Vernon St. Guests are welcome and refreshments are provided.
The Dec. 27 meeting is cancelled, due to the holiday break, so the next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013. All are welcome. There is no cost.
Some four million people worldwide since 1924 have dramatically improved their confidence, technique, and effectiveness in public speaking through membership in Toastmasters International. The heart of the program is effective evaluation, taught and practiced by members in a series of prepared and off the cuff speaking opportunities.
There is never any pressure to speak, and all members are working at their own pace and with assigned mentors to help them meet their goals. For more information, visit brattleboro.toastmastersclubs.org.
Brattleboro Rotary makes donation to Feed the Thousands
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Rotary Club recently held its annual fundraiser, in which members donated $800 to this year's Project Feed the Thousands.
According to Brattleboro Rotary Club President Martin Cohn, each week the Brattleboro Rotary holds its luncheon meeting at VFW Hall on Black Mountain Road.
“Once a year, members donate their luncheon fee to the Project Feed the Thousands Campaign,” Cohn said. “The club served just tomato soup and crackers as a visible way to remind us of the less advantaged folks living in the Brattleboro area.”
To learn more about Rotary, and to see the meeting schedule, visit www.brattlebororotaryclub.org.
Putney Community Center starts fundraising campaign
PUTNEY - The Putney Community Center has launched a fundraiser to benefit its building preservation fund.
For sale are a variety of items, ranging from coffee mugs to a selection of beautiful glass stemware and large heavy glass beer (or root beer) mugs, to bright green aluminum water bottles, each etched with the Putney town logo with “Putney” above it and “Vermont” below it.
Prices range from $10 to $18, or $9 to $17 in quantities of four or more per item. To order, visit www.putneycommunitycenter.org.
Car seat recycling program begins
BRATTLEBORO - Windham County Safe Kids has partnered with the Vermont Be Seat-Smart Child Passenger Safety Program to collect and recycle used car seats.
Any old, expired, or damaged child restraints can be recycled. You can drop off your seats at the Windham County Safe Kids fitting station at Rescue Headquarters on Canal Street in Brattleboro on Mondays from 3-6 p.m. For more information, contact Windham County Safe Kids at 802-257-7679, ext. 104.
Southern Vermont Scrabble Club seeks players
BRATTLBORO - The Southern Vermont Scrabble Club meets Thursdays from 6-10 p.m. in room 2NE of Marlboro College Graduate Center, 28 Vernon St.
A $3 fee covers room rental, with any additional income going to an equipment fund. School-age players pay $1, and first-timers play free. The club meets weekly for four games. All levels are welcome. You are not required to attend for the entire evening, but call ahead if you'll arrive after 7:30.
No experience necessary, and all equipment is provided. Just bring a pen and an openness to a new experience. We offer a welcoming environment focused on fun, camaraderie, and improvement. Young players are welcome, provided they can focus in an adult environment. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks permitted.
For more information, contact director Ed Liebfried at ed.liebfried@gmail.com or 971-344-8730.