Local lawmakers host Town Hall meeting at Brooks Library
BRATTLEBORO - With the 2023–24 legislative session set to start in Montpelier on Wednesday, Jan. 4, legislators from Brattleboro and Windham County will be holding a Town Hall meeting at Brooks Memorial Library on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m.
State Reps. Tristan Toleno (D-Windham 2–3), Emily Kornheiser (D-Windham 2–1), and Mollie Burke (P/D-Windham 2–2) of Brattleboro, along with Windham County Senators-elect Wendy Harrison and Nader Hashim, invite citizens to meet at the library to discuss the upcoming legislative session and contribute their thoughts, ideas, and questions to the legislative process.
Rescue Inc. hosts 'Load the Ambulance' for Project Feed
BRATTLEBRO - Rescue Inc. staff say they are excited to join the effort to reach this year's goal for Project Feed the Thousands, an annual food drive in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire. For the past 28 years, Project Feed been helping thousands of local people in need.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon to 4 p.m., at Rescue, Inc.'s Brattleboro station at 531 Canal Street, members of the public can help them “Load the Ambulance” with donations of nonperishable food. Participants can meet the staff and have their blood pressure checked at the same time.
Additionally, Rescue Inc. is a general collection site for Project Feed at their three locations throughout Windham County - their Brattleboro and West Townshend Stations and their new training facility in Newfane.
Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Michael's Episcopal Church
BRATTLEBORO - O Magnum Mysterium: A Service of Lessons and Carols will be offered Sunday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church.
The St. Michael's Singers, directed by Susan Dedell, offer what many call “one of the most cherished events of the year.”
“In the waning light of a Sunday afternoon,” Dedell explained in a news release, “amidst candles and greens, one can hear in words and music the timeless story of the Nativity.”
This year, the program is especially noteworthy, marking Dedell's last time leading Lessons and Carols, as she retires from her position as music director in mid-January. Dedell has selected music by both traditional carol composers and “exciting new work by contemporary composers.”
Interspersed with the readings and anthems are Advent hymns, which all are invited to sing. All are welcome to join in this free event; the church is ADA compliant. For more information, call 802-254-6048.
'Our Future Putney' meetings continue
PUTNEY - “Our Future Putney” is a three-month process that started in November to engage everyone in town in brainstorming ideas and identifying priorities for the future.
The next two forums will take place on Monday, Dec. 12, and Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Putney Central School, 182 Westminster Road. There will be a free dinner with live music from 6 to 7 p.m. before the forums begin at 7 p.m.
All are invited to share ideas for the future of the community - about community events, housing, land use, business, infrastructure, and more. The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), a neutral facilitator invited to the community by the Putney Selectboard, will facilitate the process to hear people's ideas and then help connect to resources and technical assistance that can help move them forward.
Childcare will be provided. Masks will be optional, but encouraged for this event. For more information, contact Hannah Carpino at the VCRD at hannah@vtrural.org or at 802-223-6091.
Climate action and advocacy tour comes to RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS - On Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., join State Senator-elect Rebecca White (D-Windsor), Keep Vermont Cool Campaign Manager Jordan Heiden, and State Rep. Michelle Boslun (D-Westminster) at the Rockingham Free Public Librart for a discussion on climate action and advocacy.
Organizers say this will be an interactive evening of climate action, including a brief presentation, advocacy training, legislator meet and greets, food, music, and giveaways. This event is free and open to the public. Email Jane Stromberg (jstromberg@vpirg.org) with any questions.
Grange serves holiday meal for seniors served
DUMMERSTON - Senior Solutions and Evening Star Grange will hold their annual Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 14, with an in-house meal served at noon and take-outs available from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The menu will feature roast pork with gravy (with a vegetarian option), scalloped potatoes, corn casserole, and beets with gingerbread and whipped cream for dessert.
Reservations strongly suggested. Call the Grange Hall by Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 802-254-1138 to reserve meal(s), and leave a message with name, phone number and the number of meals desired so they can cook enough. Everyone is welcome, and a donation to help offset expenses of $3 for those 60 and older and $4 for the younger folks is suggested.
This will be the only senior meal served at the Grange this month; they will be back to their regular schedule in January.
Nominations sought for Putney Community Service Award
PUTNEY - Many Putney citizens contribute time, skills, ideas, and energy to make Putney a great community. The Selectboard would like to recognize an outstanding citizen for the 2022 Community Service Award.
Residents are asked to consider whether their neighbor, a business owner, a volunteer assisting an agency or organization is a person they would nominate for an award. Letters of nomination may be sent along with a brief statement as to why this person should be considered for the award.
The Selectboard will receive nominations in sealed envelopes addressed to: Town of Putney Selectboard, Community Service Award Nomination, P.O. Box 233 Putney, VT 05346, or drop off your nomination in the secure lockbox at Town Hall. Nominations must be received no later than 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 23. All nominations are confidential. The honoree(s) will be awarded at the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Brattleboro Fire Department hosts blood drive
BRATTLEBORO - The Fire Department and the Town will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, Dec. 22 at Central Fire Station, 103 Elliot Street, from 1 to 5:30 .pm.
Space is limited, so participants should reserve a spot now at bit.ly/693-blood.