Brooks Memorial Library seeks trustees
BRATTLEBORO - The Board of Library Trustees of Brooks Memorial Library seeks enthusiastic and dedicated library lovers to fill three upcoming vacancies on the board. One candidate will be elected at the March 2014 representative town meeting to complete one year of an unexpired term. Two others will be elected at town meeting to fill three-year terms.
Candidates for this position should have an interest in maintaining a strong and visionary library. Trustees must be Brattleboro residents.
For more information, visit brookslibraryvt.org, and click on “About Brooks,” where a library history, the most recent strategic plan, and Trustee agendas and minutes are available.
Applicants should send a resume or CV and a letter, or email, describing their interest in serving on the Library Board no later than Nov. 15 at 5 p.m.
Worn Again Thrift Shop serious about toy sale
SAXTONS RIVER - Worn Again Thrift Shop on Main Street is having a Christmas Toy Sale from Nov. 13 to 16.
On Wednesday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the thrift shop will a quantity of new toys along with used toys in excellent condition.
Look for a variety of stuffed toy animals, board games, boxed games, and an assortment of everyday popular children's toys and will continue through November. This is a good time to shop for children's toys with the Christmas season on the horizon. In addition to the toy sale, you'll find the usual clothing, shoes, boots, books, kitchen items, and usual thrift shop items available.
For those wishing to donate items, the shop is in need of infants' and children's clothing, queen- and king-sized sheets, and jeans for men and women. The thrift shop accepts donations of clothing, shoes, boots, kitchen utensils, small appliances, blankets and sheets, towels, and knickknacks. Donations may be dropped off during store hours.
Worn Again Thrift Shop is run by volunteers and is sponsored by the West River Missions with local catholic churches: Our Lady of Mercy in Putney, Our Lady of the Valley in Townshend, and Chapel of the Snows on Stratton Mountain.
Chris Hart to speak at West Brattleboro Association meeting
WEST BRATTLEBORO - On Thursday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) will hold its monthly meeting at The New England House, 254 Marlboro Rd. The association will have a final wrap-up on the success of their Columbus Day Weekend Chicken Barbecue held Oct. 12, in addition to a report of their treasury given by new association treasurer Tim Cuthbertson.
The group will also have a quick review of the various projects undertaken by the WBA, including traffic safety, bulb plantings, signage, police/fire facilities, and the status of the Neighborhoods Project.
Special guest at this month's meeting: Brattleboro Housing Authority Executive Director Chris Hart, who will discuss the plans of her department, especially as they relate to the BHA's housing in West Brattleboro.
The meeting continues with proposing ideas for an annual holiday meeting in December along with an update on the vision for a regional arts center. As time permits, the group might also discuss whether to look toward Front Porch Forum or iBrattleboro for a free online community-building service.
Toastmasters panel discussion to test a moderator: 'The Role of Religion in Your Life'
BRATTLEBORO - Join BrattleMasters on Thursday, Nov. 14, as one of our members, Carolyn Handy, moderates a panel discussion, “The Role of Religion in Your Life,” featuring three fellow Toastmasters representing a diverse range of views. Questions and answers follow.
Group discussions are common, and the manual Carolyn is working from on this project provides instruction in facilitating the most common types of discussions. Learn about moderating a panel discussion, facilitating a brainstorming meeting, leading a problem-solving discussion, handling challenging people during discussions, and helping a problem-solving group achieve a consensus.
BrattleMasters, the Brattleboro-based chapter of Toastmasters International, meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the second floor of Marlboro College Graduate Center, 28 Vernon St.
Guests are welcome, and refreshments are provided. There is no pressure to speak, and members are working at their own pace and with assigned mentors to help them meet their speaking and leadership goals. For more information, visit brattleboro.toastmastersclubs.org.
Join BAJC for special Shabbat weekend
WEST BRATTLEBORO - On Friday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m.-noon; and Sunday, Nov. 17, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., learn, play, explore, eat, and shmooze with the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community.
Start the weekend Friday night at a community dinner. The temple supplies the food, blessings, and songs, all you have to do is show up and enjoy. Then, join them for their regular Saturday morning Torah service, where the themes will be mindfulness, rest, and joy.
Then, come on Sunday to share your stories and ask your questions. Learn new ways to have a fun-filled, meaningful, and restful Shabbat. Choose from workshops on Abraham Joshua Heschel's teachings, what Shabbat can mean in an Interfaith family, how Shabbat can keep the love alive in your partnership, challah baking, Shabbat-oriented crafts, and more.
RSVP for Friday and Sunday is encouraged, but not required. Contact Kate@BAJCvermont.org or 802-380-1677. Donations encouraged.
AIDS Project hosts sixth annual Wine Tasting, Silent Auction
BRATTLEBORO - For the past five years, the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont's annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction has sold out to local wine-lovers who particularly enjoy a tasting that does double-duty as a benefit for a good cause.
This year's event is Saturday, Nov. 16. Windham Wines, West River Family Dental and Green Mountain Crossroads are this year's sponsors.
Silent auction items this year include overnight stays at the historic Schoolhouse #10 in Guilford, A Stone Wall Inn in Windham, and The Inn at Mount Snow; certificates to local restaurants; architectural and spring cleanup services; and beautiful items donated by area artists and businesses. More information on this year's silent auction is available on the AIDS Project's website: aidsprojectsouthernvermont.org.
To reserve seats for the annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, interested parties can contact Karen at 802-254-4444 or apsv@sover.net (be sure to specify either the 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. session). Tickets, at $35/person, are also available at Windham Wines, and at the AIDS Project's office at 15 Grove Street during business hours.
Turkey supper to benefit the Halifax School
HALIFAX - There will be a turkey dinner served on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Halifax Community Hall in West Halifax.
On the menu: turkey and stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls, and a variety of pies for dessert.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-12: $6, and free for preschoolers. Proceeds benefit the Halifax School.
A religious response to climate change is subject of talk at Centre Church
BRATTLEBORO - Do communities of faith have a role to play regarding climate change? On Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m., the Rev. Jim Antal will emphatically say yes when he speaks at Centre Congregational Church on Main Street on “The Vocation of the Church and Climate Change: Leading the Next Moral Revolution.”
Rev. Antal's talk will make clear the need for a re-purposed church and how it can shape the moral revolution needed to address the environmental challenges that loom ahead. This program, sponsored by the Windham-Union Association of the United Church of Christ, will also feature a chance for questions and answers, and a brief period of worship including choral music led by Peter Amidon.
The program will be followed by a reception in the church parlor.
Rev. Antal is the Conference Minister and President of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. Most recently, he authored the resolution to divest the UCC's investments in fossil fuel companies adopted at the UCC's General Synod in July. He leads by example: engaging in the spiritual discipline of civil disobedience, most recently at the White House to stop the Keystone XL pipeline, accompanied by Bill McKibben and Wendell Berry.
This program is free of charge, and anyone with an interest in environmental issues and spiritual perspectives is encouraged to attend. For information, call Rev. Carra McFadden at Centre Church, 802-254-4370, or Fred Taylor at 802-387-2681.
Program examines dairy nutrition for seniors
WEST DUMMERSTON - On Monday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dummerston Cares presents “Dairy Nutrition” with nutritionist Amy Fletcher.
The free program and light luncheon for seniors will be held at the Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St., West Dummerston Village. Fletcher will give a short presentation on nutritious dairy products, followed by general participation on the theme of “Thanksgiving Memories.”
The Community Center is handicapped accessible. For information, call Shirley at 802-254-2249 or Jean at 802-254-9212.
ACWC annual meeting Nov. 19
BRATTLEBORO - The Arts Council of Windham County (ACWC) will hold its annual meeting Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Artrageus 1 Gallery, 57 Elliot St.
The meeting will include the presentation of the 2013 Friend of the Arts award, election of trustees, reports on ACWC accomplishments and plans, and ample opportunities for networking and informal conversations. All are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
The mission of ACWC is “to strengthen the environment for artists and arts organizations in Windham County.” Highlights of the reports will be updates on CoreArts, progress on effective communications within the arts sector of Windham County, and support for arts start-ups.
The ACWC annual report is available at www.ACWC.us. For more information contact Doug Cox at dcox@sover.net or 802-257-1024.
AARP chapter meets Nov. 19
BRATTLEBORO - On Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. the local AARP organization presents a program by “thespians” from the Coalition of Vermont Elders (COVE) at the Brattleboro Senior Center.
Skits depicting common scams by unethical housekeepers, health care workers, and telemarketers will be presented humorously, but deliver a serious message. An important part of the message is what to do about such a situation, how to report abuse, and how to keep it from happening.
The public is always welcome to AARP programs throughout the year. In December, there will be a Christmas luncheon at the American Legion, with a concert by the St. Michael's School concert choir, for $10 per person. Tickets will be on sale on Nov. 19.
Anyone who is a member of the national AARP is cordially invited to join the local group for $4 annually. This can be done at any meeting. Membership includes a quarterly newsletter and reminders of programs usually held on the third Tuesday of every month except for January and July, when they take a break. For more information, call Mal Herbert at 802-387-4060.
Local farm film to screen at Putney library
PUTNEY - Truck Farm (2010), winner of several awards, and featuring chef Dan Barber, nutritionist Marion Nestle, explorer Henry Hudson, and a very lonely seagull will be shown on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., at the Putney Public Library.
This 48-minute program is the third in Transition Putney's fall film series. It tells the story of Ian Cheney, who, having moved to New York City after making the film King Corn, wanted to grow something a little differently. Taking a good long look at the 1986 Dodge his grandfather had given him upon college graduation, he decides to give truck farming a whirl.
With musical narration by The Fisherman Three, this film is fun and uplifting, and greatly illustrates the rising creativity and ingenuity growing up today, as folks everywhere awaken more and more to the importance of knowing one's food.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers needed in Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS - For the past six years, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers in Bellows Falls and the surrounding communities have helped residents prepare their federal and state tax returns. To continue this free service, they are actively recruiting new volunteers for the coming tax season. They are especially looking for people to work in Bellows Falls at the BF Senior Center or Rockingham Free Public Library.
If you have four hours per week between Feb. 1 and April 15, 2014, AARP can provide you with the training and support necessary to assist people with their taxes and the opportunity to give back to your community - especially important these days, as so many people are stressed about money.
For more information about becoming an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, write Jean Cornish at jeancornish@svcable.net or call 802-365-7222.