St. Michael's Episcopal offers Christmas pageant
BRATTLEBORO - Toddlers, children, and teens offer a Christmas pageant, Vermont-style, at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve at St. Michael's Episcopal Church on Bradley Ave.
Several years ago youth of the parish expressed a desire to make the pageant more personal to them as Vermonters and so the church has seen different twists each year: from the entrance of a live goat to the delivery of apple pie and gilfeather turnips; from gifts of cheddar cheese and maple syrup to flocks of free-range angels. All gathered this year should enjoy a new surprise delivered by the Magi from the East.
The pageant boasts a host of favorite carols of the season and concludes with celebration of the Eucharist. St. Michael's doors are open to all. For more information, contact pageant director Annie Landenberger at verbatim@svcable.net or St. Michael's Episcopal at 802-254-6048.
Brattleboro Police plan DUI checkpoint
BRATTLEBORO - During the week of Dec. 29 and Jan. 2, Brattleboro Police will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint within the town of Brattleboro.
Police say an aggressive effort will be made to identify impaired drivers, and officers will also be enforcing seat belt, child restraint, and other motor vehicle laws during the checkpoint.
Halifax to honor retiring postmaster with party
HALIFAX - A retirement party and potluck for Rodney Crawford, the town postmaster for 20 years, is set for 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at the Halifax Community Hall, 20 Brook Rd., West Halifax.
Bring a dish to share. For more information or to help with the party, call Dorie at 802-368-2705.
Crafters to come together to knit for the homeless
WEST BRATTLEBORO - Come join the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (Congregation Shir Heharim), 151 Greenleaf St., on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, from 1 to 3 p.m. to craft items for the homeless population in the area.
Using traditional crafts, participants will make hats, scarves, blankets and sleeping mats from yarn and fleece fabric.
All you need is enthusiasm and interest. Techniques will be taught; projects will use basic techniques and simple patterns. This event is suitable for adults, teenagers, and kids old enough to sit still and participate. Kids younger than 12 need to have an adult in attendance with them. High school students can receive community service credit for participating.
If enough interest is generated, this craft group will meet regularly on the first Sunday afternoon of every month, from 1 to 3 p.m. Anyone with extra yarn (worsted weight), fleece fabric, knitting needles (sizes 8-10; straight, circular and double pointed), crochet hooks (sizes H-J), and sharp scissors is asked to bring them to share.
For more information, contact BAJC at 802-257-1959 or info@BAJCvermont.org.
January is Blood Donor Month
BRATTLEBORO - The American Red Cross asks eligible blood donors to make a resolution to give blood regularly in 2015, beginning with National Blood Donor Month in January.
The monthly blood donor day in Brattleboro is Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carl M Dessaint VFW Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd.
National Blood Donor Month recognizes the importance of giving blood and platelets while honoring those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It has been observed during January since 1970, and that's no coincidence. Winter is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patients' needs.
With a shelf life of 42 days, red blood cells must be replenished constantly to maintain an adequate supply.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O-negative, A-negative and B-negative. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Individuals who come out to give blood Jan. 1 through Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.
To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
New date for Athens Community Supper
ATHENS - The Athens Community Supper sponsored by Grafton Cares, will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m.
This monthly community supper in the basement of the Athens Community Church is usually held on the first Friday of the month, September through June. However, due to the New Year's holiday falling on Thursday, the organizers have moved it to Jan. 9 so holiday travel plans will not interfere with folks ability to attend the supper.
There is no charge, but donations are always welcomed. For more information, contact Dennis and Karen at 802-869-2674.
Clift hosts writing workshop at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS - On Jan. 10, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, the Rockingham Free Public Library presents a writer's workshop, “Life Stories: Memories of Love, Action and Thought.”
Through interesting prompts and facilitated exercises, award-winning author, Elayne Clift, will guide participants as they write and share stories. Come prepared to compose, share, laugh, and discover your inner writer. Brown bag lunches and laptops are welcome.
This program is free and open to the public, however space is limited, so early registration is recommended. For more information, and to register, contact the library at 802-463-4270, email anne@rockinghamlibrary.org, go to www.rockinghamlibrary.org, or stop by the library at 65 Westminster St. in Bellows Falls.
Jamaica Memorial Library awarded renovation grant
JAMAICA - The Jamaica Memorial Library is pleased to announce the receipt of an $1,000 from The Thrifty Attic of Londonderry.
With the grant, the library will extend electrical services as part of its renovations project. Local support throughout the year made up of donations, customers' purchases, and volunteers' time is responsible for the raised funds which Thrifty Attic is pleased to share.
In the past, The Thrifty Attic, which is operated by the Second Congregational Church of Londonderry, has provided Jamaica Memorial Library with funds to build a staircase in the new basement expansion as well as to provide quilted window shades in the Adult Reading Room.
Marlboro calendars now on sale
MARLBORO - The Marlboro Historical Society 2015 Calendars are now on sale. A great gift for Marlboro lovers everywhere, they are available at the Marlboro Town Office, the Whetstone Inn, and Vermont Artisans in Brattleboro.
The 2015 calendar highlights many portraits from the society's extensive photography collection and an assortment of photographs depicting various time periods in Marlboro's history, past and present.
Calendars are $15 each (or two for $25, only at the Town Office.) The calendar is created by photographer and local historian Forrest Holzapfel. Contact Holzaphel at 802-258-2568 or forrest810@gmail.com for more information.
Bradley House receives Crosby-Gannett grant
BRATTLEBORO - The Bradley House recently received a $1,000 grant from the Crosby-Gannett Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation.
The grant will help the Bradley House pay for needed renovations to the elder care residence.
The Crosby-Gannett Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation supports endeavors that contribute to the betterment and vitality of the Brattleboro area. Visit www.vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information.