State police to increase presence for holiday
WESTMINSTER - Vermont State Police from the Westminster barracks, in conjunction with local and county law enforcement agencies, will be conducting a sobriety and safety enforcement campaign during the Thanksgiving holiday week.
In addition to checkpoints around Windham and Windsor counties, troopers will be aggressively patrolling and enforcing motor vehicle laws with specific regard to impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving, speeding, and seat belt usage in high crash areas.
Cleanup of Hogback ski trails planned
MARLBORO - If you enjoy skiing on Hogback, come out on Friday, Nov. 25, as volunteers patrol all the skiable lines on the mountain, taking out blowdowns, trimming away face-slappers, and cutting back brambles.
Meet at 1 p.m. in the parking lot near the white A-frame building just west of the gift shop on Route 9. Bring your own favorite tool or borrow one of ours. Questions? Email hmca@hogbackvt.org.
Development Alliance celebrates Small Business Saturday
BELLOWS FALLS - The Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance is participating in the seventh annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 to support independent businesses in Bellows Falls.
The Alliance will celebrate with an Open House Weekend from “Plaid Friday” on Nov. 25 to “Cyber Monday” on Nov. 29. Check their Facebook page for details.
This year's Shop Local program was launched Oct. 29 during the Bellows Falls Harvest Festival. With more than 50 businesses participating, there is plenty of opportunity for area residents to get their cards stamped with their purchases. Completed cards ($100) should be turned in by Dec. 31 to take part in a drawing for raffle prizes.
Hospice hosts holiday support gathering
BRATTLEBORO - Join Brattleboro Area Hospice at their office on 191 Canal St. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., for an opportunity to gather with others who are grieving to talk about the challenges of the holiday season and strategies for coping. Cicely Carroll will facilitate the conversation.
Everyone is welcome at this free event. Light refreshments will be served. For more information about this gathering or other bereavement services, call 802-257-0775 or visit www.brattleborohospice.org.
Living Strong classes at Guilford Community Church
GUILFORD - Living Strong classes are for adults over 40 who wish to enhance strength, improve balance, and maintain flexibility as they age.
Suggested attendance is twice a week for an hour, with 48 hours between classes. Both the Monday/Wednesday evening and the Tuesday/Thursday morning classes have openings for new participants.
Evening classes are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with Lucy Spahr-Blazej and Ellen Snyder as the leaders, while morning classes are from 11 a.m. to noon with Sherry Stimmel and Dale Morse as leaders.
For more information contact Stimmel (802-254-8470 or sherrys@iglide.net), Morse (802-254-2833 or dalemorse1@gmail.com), Spahr-Blazej (lucysb1@gmail.com), or Snyder (mtherpearl@gmail.com).
Grace Cottage adds ER safe room
TOWNSHEND - For the safety of patients, hospital staff, and the comfort of other hospital patients and visitors, Grace Cottage has constructed a designated ER Safe Room.
Unlike the two existing, fully-equipped emergency rooms, this new room will be devoid of anything that a patient might use as a weapon against themselves or others. It also has features like shatterproof glass windows and electrical outlets that can be disabled.
The new room will allow nurses to separate spouses/partners when there is a domestic altercation and can provide complete privacy for patients who need an extra level of security and comfort.
While the maintenance team completes final details, Grace Cottage is asking the community to contribute to this project by making a donation towards the purchase of a versatile hospital bed - the one piece of equipment that is essential for the space. The price of the bed is $5,750.
On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, donations will be accepted by phone at 802-365-9109 and online at www.gracecottage.org. Any money raised on that day beyond the cost of the bed will go toward the Patient Care Fund. More information is available on the hospital website.
Peace & Goodwill Dinner at NewBrook Fire Dept.
NEWFANE - The NewBrook Fire & Rescue Department will host its annual Peace & Goodwill Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, Dec. 3, at its firehouse on Route 30. Dinner sponsorship (cash donations) and items for the silent auction are being solicited by the committee. Auction donations can be in the form of handcrafted items, art/craft works, holiday items, gift baskets, antiques and gift certificates for goods and services. Gently used items must be in like-new condition and in good working order. Pick-up of donations is available.
The NewBrook Fire & Rescue Department is an all-volunteer, self-supporting department that serves the towns of Newfane and Brookline and provides mutual aid to area towns such as Townshend, Brattleboro, Dummerston, and Putney. This annual fund raiser helps NewBrook meet its financial goals for the purchase/maintenance of equipment, the training of volunteer members, and the maintenance of the firehouse.
For more information, contact Polly Casanova at PollyCas@myfairpoint.net or 802-365-7149; Cina Friend at CinaPhoto@mac.com or 802-365-4228; or Lauri Miner at ldm@svcable.net or 802-365-4194.
Ham radio tests offered
TOWNSHEND - The West River Radio Club will offer an opportunity to test for Ham Radio licensing on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Grace Cottage Hospital at 9:30 a.m. Interested parties should pre-register with Mary Peterson, KB1YCD, vtdoves@gmail.com, or call 802-258-3921.
The Club's meeting room has changed to the Heins Building, which is the southern-most building of the hospital complex. Directions: If you know the entrance to the emergency room/hospital, look left as you go up this entry (south/next door). Parking is in the back of the building and so is the entrance.
Women's Freedom Center needs board members
BRATTLEBORO - The Women's Freedom Center is looking for a few passionate board members to help end men's violence against women.
If you can contribute your time and leadership one evening a month, are excited about helping with our important fundraisers to make a real difference in the lives of women and children, and are interested in exploring this opportunity, contact Vickie Sterling at 802-257-7364 or advocates@womensfreedomcenter.net.
Immanuel Church seeks musicians
BELLOWS FALLS - Immanuel Episcopal Church (www.immanuelepiscopal.org) is seeking vocalists/instrumental musicians to play and lead congregational singing for Sunday services at 10 a.m.
The church seeks two or three musicians who can each play one or two Sundays per month. Individuals need not play on regular Sunday(s) each month, but Sundays are planned in advance. A rotation will be organized.
Those interested may call 802-463-3100 for information or apply by sending their resume with references and a cover letter to immanuel@sover.net or P.O. Box 64, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.