Seminar offers legal help for veterans
NEWFANE - Katelyn B. Atwood, lead attorney for the Vermont Veterans Legal Assistance Project (VVLAP), will be conducting a seminar for veterans and those who advocate for veterans, describing the process in bringing successful disability claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The seminar will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, at 4 p.m., at the Newfane Courthouse on Route 30.
Atwood is a Vermont attorney who co-ordinates the VVLAP in representing Vermont veterans in civil law matters and veterans law issues statewide. In addition, Atwood trains Vermont lawyers on veterans law representation, and confers with veterans organizations and advocates on statewide policy projects.
The seminar is sponsored by the Windham County Bar Association. The Vermont Veterans Legal Assistance Project is funded by the Vermont Bar Foundation through its Access to Justice Campaign.
BAJC hosts Community Chanukah Party
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community's annual Chanukah party and latke feast will take place on Friday, Dec. 11, the sixth night of Chanukah, which is also the time to welcome Shabbat.
The event will start at 6 p.m,, with lighting of Shabbat and Chanukah candles. Bring your chanukiah (menorah) and candles to help create a beautiful light while singing the blessings and enjoying a variety of latkes. They will supply applesauce and sour cream, but they ask folks to bring cooked latkes to share that can be microwaved or warmed in our oven.
At 7 p.m., everyone will hear Chanukah stories and join in singing favorite Chanukah melodies, accompanied by the Friday-night band. There will be dancing and dreidel-spinning also. BAJC is located at 151 Greenleaf St., in West Brattleboro. Visit us at www.BAJCvermont.org for more information or call 802-257-1959.
Putney School students host Oxfam hunger banquet benefit
PUTNEY - Students at The Putney School and volunteers at the Putney Foodshelf have organized an Oxfam Hunger Banquet at Putney Central School on Westminster West Road on Friday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.
Mary Starkey, program support coordinator for Oxfam America in Boston, will be the keynote speaker and master of ceremonies.
At this interactive event, the place where you sit, and the meal that you eat, are determined by the luck of the draw - just as, in real life, some of us are born into relative prosperity and others into poverty.
The Hunger Banquet can be an effective way to simulate the imbalanced distribution of food in our world. Participants represent various countries around the globe and receive a meal that corresponds to that country's economic status. The Hunger Banquet is an opportunity for your community to actively express solidarity with the poor around the world.
The banquet is a fundraising event for Oxfam America and the Putney Foodshelf. Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations working in approximately 94 countries worldwide to find solutions to poverty and injustice. The Putney Foodshelf provides supplemental healthy food for area people in need.
Suggested donations are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and/or food donations for the Putney Foodshelf. Reserve your place by emailing alumni@putneyschool.org.
Vigil honors victims of gun violence
BRATTLEBORO - On Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon at Pliny Park, the public is invited to join a vigil to commemorate victims of gun violence in the United States since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012.
The vigil, one of many in Vermont and across the country, is sponsored by GunSenseVermont in cooperation with Newtown Action.
Holly Jolly craft time at Brooks
BRATTLEBORO - Don't miss this year's Holly Jolly Gingerbread Craft Time on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Brooks Memorial Library.
Make edible houses out of graham crackers, icing, and candy. Younger kids can make edible Christmas trees from ice cream cones, frosting, and candy. This year there will be two sessions: session one runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and session two runs from 1 to 3 p.m.
To ensure there are enough goodies for everyone, registration is strongly recommended, contact the Children's Room at 802-254-5290, ext. 110. This event is free and donations of nonperishable food items for Project Feed the Thousands are appreciated. Children under 7 must have a responsible person with them.
Volunteers sought for Community Water Portrait
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro community members are invited to stop by the Atrium of the Brooks House at 132 Main St. on Saturday, Dec. 12, any time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to be photographed as part of the From the River, To the River public art project in Brattleboro.
Project artists Elizabeth Billings, Andrea Wasserman, and Evie Lovett will be present to photograph and meet community members. The photographs will be transformed into silhouettes and combined with water imagery to create a Community Water Portrait which will be exhibited on the Archery Building on the banks of the Connecticut River, starting in June 2016.
From the River, To the River, the recipient of the Town of Brattleboro's National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, is a series of events and art installations reconnecting our Brattleboro community with the Connecticut River. The community is encouraged to visit the Archery Building green to see the results of the first event, a community view-clearing effort, held on Nov. 21.
Holiday events at the Whitingham library
JACKSONVILLE - The Whitingham Free Public Library in the Municipal Center on Route 100 continues a longtime holiday tradition on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m., when it will be showing a family favorite film, A Muppets Christmas Carol. Children 8 years and under must be supervised by an adult. Popcorn, treats, and beverages will be served.
On Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m., the library will be hosting its annual reading of A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. Join Susan Shepherd and friends for this heartfelt holiday tradition which has been celebrated for more than 10years. Holiday refreshments will be served. All are invited to bring a treat to share.
Messiah sing presented in BF
BELLOWS FALLS - The United Church of Bellows Falls, 8 School St,, will host a Messiah Sing on Sunday, Dec. 13, beginning at 3 p.m.
Accompanist on the church organ will be Bill McKim. Director will be Candace Montesi. There will be four well-known local soloists: James Anderson, tenor; Cailin Marcel Manson, baritone; Elizabeth Wohl, soprano; and Evelyn MacLane, alto.
Come and participate or come and listen to the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel's timeless masterpiece. Some scores will be available. A free will offering will be received and a time of fellowship and light refreshments will follow.
Vernon Artisan Market debuts Dec. 13
VERNON - The first-ever Vernon Artisan Market takes place on Sunday, Dec. 13, from noon to 4 p.m.
The Market will have five locations: the lobby of the Vernon Town Office Building at 56 Governor Hunt Rd., Vermont Wood Studios at 538 Huckle Hill Rd., Nancy Renaud's Barn Door Wreaths shop at 3867 Ft. Bridgman Rd., Donna Scully's painting studio and shop at 2887 Ft. Bridgman Rd., and Bronna Zlochiver's Pacem Pottery studio at 69 Newton Hill Rd.
Sandy Harris (basket maker), Jean Carr (quilter), and Margaret Shipman (jeweler, painter, and graphic designer) will have their work for sale in the lobby of the Town Office Building that afternoon as well.
The Vernon Historians will be selling holiday cards, posters of Pine Top Ski Area by Barbara Emery Moseley, a variety of books and a DVD about Vernon, and coffee and sweets made by Carol Hammond.
Maps will be available in the Vernon Free Library, the Town Clerk's office, and on-site on the day of the sale.
After the Artisan Market, come gather at the Town Office Memorial at 6 p.m. for the second annual Vernon Tree Lighting. There will be caroling and hot chocolate. Contact Josh Unruh at 802-380-2875 or Emily Vergobbe at 802-451-6269 for more information.
Methodists present reenactment of the Road to Bethlehem
BRATTLEBORO - On Sunday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to the First United Methodist Church to witness again the reenactment of the events that took place on the Road to Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.
As those attending drive through the live nativity at First United Methodist Church and travel back in time, every effort has been made to detract them from the modern world so that they may concentrate on what happened at the time Christ was born.
There will be hundreds of luminaries and people stationed along the way for guidance through the nativity. A spotlight at each scene enhances and luminates the reflection of the actors against the night sky.
Visitors will have an opportunity to donate a canned good or cash to representatives of the Groundworks Drop In Center. All are welcome. The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road.
WBA holiday party is Dec. 14
WEST BRATTLEBORO - On Monday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) will host its annual Holiday Party at The New England House, 254 Marlboro Rd.
This is a time for people and businesses in West Brattleboro to get together socially and to celebrate the Association's numerous accomplishments in this past year. The evening will feature a cash bar with hors d'oeuvres prepared by the restaurant. The WBA suggests a voluntary donation of $5 toward the food, although no one will be turned away.
There will be a couple of short presentations. WBA board president Michael Bosworth will give a brief “state of the Association” report, after which the group will present the West Brattleboro Community Leader of the Year to a deserving person or entity.
Local AARP chapter hosts holiday dinner
BRATTLEBORO - AARP Chapter 763 presents its annual holiday dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at noon, at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street. All members, guests, and interested people are invited.
A turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be served, with a vegetarian alternative meal also available. The St. Michael's School Choir will provide some seasonal music to go with dinner.
Tickets are $8. To reserve a spot, call Edna Fletcher at 802-254-2583.
Cookie swap at the Senior Center
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Senior Center would like to invite everyone to their annual Cookie Swap at the Gibson Aiken Center, 207 Main St., on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m.
To participate, bring in a couple dozen of the same kind of home-made cookie, and take home a plate of someone else's scrumptious treats. Each person participating will leave with the same number of cookies they came with. Call the Senior Center with questions at 802-257-7570.
Legion Band performs Christmas concert
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro American Legion Concert Band's 26th annual Christmas Concert will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., at the Post 5 home on Linden Street. This is a free concert open to the general public.
This year's performance features well-known Christmas music presented in a wide range of musical styles. And as always, the audience will be called upon to join in an old-fashioned Christmas sing-a-long.
Town seeks to fill committee vacancies
BRATTLEBORO - The Town of Brattleboro is looking for citizens to serve on the following committees and boards: Agricultural Advisory Board, ADA Advisory Committee, Arts Committee , Citizens Police Communications Committee (CPCC), Conservation Commission, Development Review Board Alternate, Energy Committee, Fence Viewers (by statute, must be legal voters of the Town), Honor Roll Committee, Regional Economic Hub Study Group, Senior Solutions Advisory Council, and the SEVCA Board.
Applications and more information about various committees and boards can be found on the Brattleboro website, www.brattleboro.org, or by calling the Town Manager's office (802-251-8151).
If you are interested in serving on a Brattleboro committee or board, submit your application on-line, or send an e-mail to the Town Manager's office – tmsecretary@brattleboro.org, or mail or deliver the application to: Brattleboro Town Manager's Office, Attn: Committee Vacancy, 230 Main St., Suite 208, Brattleboro, VT 05301. The Selectboard will make appointments at upcoming regularly scheduled meetings.
Meals on Wheels drivers needed in West River Valley
TOWNSHEND - Meals on Wheels is a service designed to help seniors meet their nutritional needs. Caring volunteers are needed who can commit to one or two hours per week or per month. Also needed are volunteers who can be substitute drivers, or on-call for occasional shifts.
Volunteers pick up meals at Valley Cares in Townshend around 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Delivering the meals to seniors at home, along with a friendly smile, usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Meals on Wheels are provided in partnership with Senior Solutions to qualifying seniors who are having trouble shopping or preparing food due to illness or advancing age. The service provides vital nutrition, and also a safety check for isolated elders.
To volunteer or find out more, contact Amanda Hescock at 802-365-7190.
Marlboro Historical Society calendars available
MARLBORO - The Historical Society's annual calendar is a great gift for Marlboro lovers everywhere.
The 2016 calendar, created by photographer and local historian Forrest Holzapfel, highlights many portraits from the society's extensive photography collection as well as an assortment of photographs depicting various time periods in Marlboro's history, past and present.
Calendars are $15 each, and are available at the Marlboro Town Office, Whetstone Inn, at Vermont Artisans in Brattleboro, or by mail. Contact Forrest at 802-258-2568 or forrest810@gmail.com for more information.