Christmas Eve service canceled in Wardsboro
WARDSBORO - The 2021 Christmas Eve service at the Methodist Church, 122 Main St., has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
For more information, call 802-874-4175.
Local churches prepare for safe Christmas worship
Celebrating Christmas in uncertain pandemic times is a challenge at best.
Thus, St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro and Newfane Congregational Church offer services this week that can be enjoyed in person and, in the case of St. Michael's, online as well.
On Christmas Eve, a Christmas Pageant and Holy Eucharist will be held at St. Michael's at 4 p.m. At 8 p.m., the church will hold its annual Festival Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with Holy Eucharist.
On Christmas Day, a simple service with Eucharist will be offered in-person only at 10 a.m., and on Dec. 26, Christmas Lessons and Carols (no Eucharist) is offered in-person and online at 10:15 a.m.
Links to both Christmas Eve services and the Dec. 26 service can be found at stmichaels-vt.org.
All over 3 years old who attend in-person services are required to wear masks and practice physical distancing. In-person attendance will be limited to 80 people (half capacity). Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, visit stmichaels-vt.org.
In Newfane, the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols at Newfane Congregational Church will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 24. The Church is asking that everyone who is of age be vaccinated before attending.
Masks, properly worn, will be required.
For information, visit newfanechurch.com.
Holiday closings announced in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - In observance of the Christmas holiday, town offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24.
Brooks Memorial Library will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25.
Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Dec. 24 and 25. All other violations will be enforced.
Trash, recycling, and composting will not be affected by the holiday. Collections will be picked up on the regular schedule.
All town offices will be open for normal business hours on New Year's Eve on Friday, Dec. 31.
Brooks Memorial Library is closed on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2021. All other violations will be enforced.
Trash, recycling, and composting will not be affected by the holiday. Collections will be picked up on the regular schedule.
Rec. Dept. offers youth historical fencing
BRATTLEBORO - The Recreation and Parks Department will offer a second session of youth historical fencing, led by Reily Mumpton at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main St.
In this class, participants ages 7 to 12 years old will get an introduction to Western martial arts and the forms of combat pursued and developed within medieval Europe. Students will learn the basics of combat, self-defense, and a history of swordplay within medieval society.
Bring comfortable, clean-soled shoes, and prepare to lunge into action. Please note that masks are required within the Gibson-Aiken Center.
Classes will be held on Thursdays - Jan. 13, 20, and 27 and Feb. 3, 10, 17 - from 4:45 to 6 p.m. in the third floor Red Room.
The fee for this six-class session, which will be limited to six students, is $90 for Brattleboro residents and $105 for non-residents.
For more information, call the Rec. Dept. at 802-254-5808.
SEVCA seeks income tax assistance volunteers
WESTMINSTER - Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) is recruiting volunteers to provide tax preparation services for the 2021 tax filing season through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
This program assists families in claiming the tax credits and refunds due to them.
Don't know that much about taxes? Don't worry - you'll receive training from an instructor, plus IRS online courses.
SEVCA is looking for volunteers to commit at least three hours per week through April 15, 2022. Although prior tax preparation experience is not required, a desire to assist neighbors in need is essential. Various volunteer roles will be available to suit different skills and interests.
For more information, contact Leslie Wood, SEVCA's VITA program coordinator, at lwood@sevca.org or 800-464-9951.