Halifax hosts annual Fireman's Auction
WEST HALIFAX - Saturday, July 2, is the date for the annual Halifax Fireman's Auction at 10 a.m. at the fire station on Branch Road.
Many items large and small will be auctioned.
Coffee and doughnuts, hot dogs, and beverages will be on sale. For more information, call Wayne Courser at 802-368-7733.
Historic law office, museum reopen for season
WESTMINSTER - The William Czar Bradley Law Office and the Westminster Historical Museum will both open for the summer on Sunday, July 3, from 2 to 4 p.m., and will be open Sundays until Sept. 4.
The museum is located on the second floor of the Town Hall on Route 5, and the law office is two doors south of the town hall. The featured exhibit, “The Churches of Westminster,” includes the oil portrait of Rev. Sylvester Sage, who was ordained in 1790 and served for 35 years. The law office is a two-room structure appearing much as William Czar Bradley left it in 1858.
Admission is free. For more information, call 802-387-5778.
Douglass July 4 speech is remembered
BRATTLEBORO - In 1852, Frederick Douglass, one of our nation's greatest orators and abolitionists, was asked to speak at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In his speech, Douglass said, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today?”
The Vermont Humanities Council has invited groups and communities statewide to organize public participatory readings of his compelling speech on or close to July 4 each year.
In an event organized by the Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity, the speech will be read on Wednesday, July 6, at 7 p.m., at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St.
Community members are invited to witness and/or join in the reading. Copies of the speech will be provided.
Hospice offers Death and Dying for Beginners class
BRATTLEBORO - On four consecutive Tuesdays, July 12 through Aug. 2, from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m., Brattleboro Area Hospice offers its Death and Dying for Beginners class at the office at 191 Canal St.
In a relaxed, comfortable environment, the class will provide opportunities to reflect on personal attitudes and feelings about death and dying, as well as learning how to offer assistance to a friend or neighbor during a time of loss. This four-week course, facilitated by Bettina Berg, is for those interested in exploring end-of-life issues through readings, discussions, and introspective exercises.
The course is free, but registration and a precourse telephone conversation with Berg is required. Visit www.brattleborohospice.org, or contact Brattleboro Area Hospice at 802-257-0775 or bettinahospice@gmail.com.
Grow your own food with 3SquaresVT
WESTMINSTER - One in five Vermont children experiences hunger or food hardship. Lack of affordable housing, low wages, high unemployment, a decrease in the number of local, affordable grocery stores, and lack of public transportation all contribute to hunger and food insecurity in Vermont, according to a news release.
One in eight Vermonters gets 3SquaresVT benefits; a family of four earning up to $3,739 a month might be eligible, and households can have a savings account or an asset like a car or home and still qualify.
Food benefits from 3SquaresVT can also be used to buy seeds and plants to grow your own fruits and vegetables. Seedlings can be purchased wherever EBT cards are accepted. More than 40 farmers' markets across the state now accept 3SquaresVT for starter plants as well as fresh produce.
Children in households receiving 3SquaresVT also automatically qualify for free school meals.
Once the school year ends, however, summer can be a difficult time for many families to meet their nutritional needs. Fortunately, free summer meal programs for children are offered in many communities. Visit www.hungerfreevt.org/summer-meals-sites to find a summer meals program, or call Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) for help locating a program.
SEVCA's Family Services staff assist households to apply for 3SquaresVT. To schedule an appointment, call 800-464-9951. For a list of participating stores and markets, or to apply online, visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com.
New ukulele class for beginners
BRATTLEBORO - Singer/songwriter and music instructor Lisa McCormick is offering a new music class, Ukulele for Beginners, in Brattleboro.
A world-renowned guitar instructor, McCormick specializes in teaching adult beginners through intermediate level students. The class will run for six weeks in Brattleboro at a wheelchair-accessible site.
Tuition is on a sliding scale between $140-$160. All are welcome; no experience necessary. Visit www.bit.ly/UkeClass for scheduling and more information.