Brooks Memorial Library seeks trustee
BRATTLEBORO — The board of library trustees of Brooks Memorial Library seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated library user to fill a three-year position on the board. Candidates must be residents of Brattleboro and should have an interest in maintaining a strong and visionary library in town.
The board, which numbers nine trustees, meets at the library at 4:45 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Members are asked to chair or serve on two or more committees that convene as needed.
For more information on the library, visit brookslibraryvt.org, and click on “About Brooks,” where library history, the most recent strategic plan, Trustee agendas and minutes, and committee minutes are available. Applicants should send a letter or email and resume describing their interest in serving on the library board no later than Monday, Dec. 22, at 9 p.m. at either trustees@brookslibraryvt.org or Trustee Position, Board of Trustees, Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
Senior meal in Halifax
WEST HALIFAX — On Friday, Dec. 19, volunteers will serve the monthly Senior Meal at the Halifax Community Hall, 20 Brook Rd. The menu will feature carrot soup, ham with applesauce, scalloped potatoes, roasted mixed vegetables, bread, and dessert.
Socializing begins at 11:30 a.m. with an appetizer. The main meal will begin around noon. A suggested $4 donation ($5 for those younger than 60 years old) will help to support the Halifax Senior Meal. Community Hall is wheelchair-accessible, including an accessible bathroom. For more information, or if a large group plans to attend, call Bettye at 802-368-7797.
Holiday caroling with a pro-democracy twist
BRATTLEBORO — Holiday carols will be sung in downtown Brattleboro on Saturday, Dec, 20. Interested carolers should meet at noon outside of Market on Main (formerly Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters) at 74 Main St., to stroll along Main Street up to Pliny Park. All are welcome to find the carolers along the way and join in. “We will sing till we’ve had enough fun,” said organizers in a news release. “Bring your voice, enthusiasm, and warm holiday attire.”
Musicians are welcome to join in. Organizers will provide copies of traditional carols, plus some with a pro-democracy twist to the lyrics. This is a family-friendly event sponsored by Indivisible Brattleboro. For more information, email indivisiblebratt@gmail.com.
‘Solstice Puzzlepalooza’ at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS — On Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the Rockingham Free Public Library (RFPL) for a Solstice Puzzlepalooza event. All are welcome on the (almost) shortest day of the year to do jigsaw puzzles about winter and light surrounded by sparkles and community.
Refreshments and “puzzle positivity” provided, said organizers in a news release. Puzzlers may bring their own or borrow one of the library’s.
The Solstice Puzzlepalooza event is part of RFPL’s Rockingham “Gathers” program, made possible by a 2025 AARP Vermont Winter Placemaking grant. Rockingham Gathers is a series of programs and activities RFPL is organizing this winter to support “creative, inclusive programming that fosters community connection and combats social isolation among older adults during the coldest months of the year.”
RFPL is one of eight organizations from across Vermont to receive this grant. For more information about this and other programs, call 802-463-4270, visit rockinghamlibrary.org or stop by the library at 65 Westminster St.
Yuletide caroling at Rockingham Meeting House
ROCKINGHAM — The Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission invites everyone to gather for Yuletide caroling at the historic Rockingham Meeting House on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, said organizers, “as the Meeting House is unheated — aside from the warmth of shared voices, good cheer, and perhaps a wool sweater or blanket.” Song lyric sheets will be provided, and cider and donuts will be served following the caroling. For more information, call 802-463-3964, ext. 1112.
Winter lights event debuts Dec. 21 in Guilford
GUILFORD — The Guilford Recreation Commission invites participants for their “Winter Lights” event, marking the Winter Solstice Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4:30 p.m.
They’ll greet the shortest day of the year with lanterns and illuminated wooden sculptures made of scrap wood and reclaimed materials along Guilford Center Road from the Broad Brook Community Center (BBCC) to the Guilford Free Library. All are welcome to bring lanterns and illuminated outfits.
The event will begin with warm drinks, snacks, and face painting. Around 5 p.m., there will be a guided procession from the BBCC to the library and back to the BBCC. Shared performances and group singing follow at around 5:30 p.m., with a Bal Folk Dance with Eloise & Co. (upstairs) at 6:30 p.m.
Those interested in donating materials or volunteering in any way may contact Uriel Najera at townclerk@guilfordvt.gov with the subject “Winter Lights,” or call 802-254-6857, ext. 107.
Rec. Dept. offers Open Gym and Game Room, public skating during holidays
BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department will be offering additional Open Gym & Game Room hours at the Gibson-Aiken Center on Main Street Dec. 26, 29, and 30, and Jan. 2, from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for grades K–12.
Open Gym & Game Room is a free program for children of all ages. It is a supervised program with a choice of activities. Along with basketball, there is foosball, air hockey, pool, arts and crafts, Legos, and more. Feel free to check them in with the Recreation & Parks Staff or stay and play along with them.
In addition, the Recreation & Parks Department will be offering additional public skating on Dec. 26, 29, and 30, and Jan. 2, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. There will be free public skating from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 31. Skate rentals are available for $3. Note that the Gibson-Aiken Center will be closed at noon on Christmas Eve, closed all day on Christmas Day, and closed all day on New Year’s Day. The Nelson Withington Skating Facility will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25.
Dummerston Historical Society 2026 calendars available
DUMMERSTON — The Dummerston Historical Society’s 2026 calendars feature 13 color images from Dummerston photographers. Calendars may be picked up at the Dummerston Town Office during the Society’s open hours on Sundays and by visiting dummerstonhistorical society.org.
The cost is $15. Proceeds help support programs, exhibits, and the upkeep of the Society’s schoolhouse in Dummerston Center. Also available are T-shirts ($20) and hats ($25) that feature the West Dummerston Covered Bridge. For information, email gailsvt@gmail.com.
Sign up for VTAlert to receive emergency info
WATERBURY — Vermont residents can receive emergency and other notifications specific to their town with VT-Alert. Vermont Emergency Management administers VT-Alert, and the state of Vermont uses VT-Alert for several purposes.
Individuals can register for a free account at vtalert.gov. The user decides what alerts they want, how they want them delivered, and for what area. Towns use the system for road closures, boil water notices, burn bans, town-specific disaster resources, and other issues that arise. The service is free. For more information, go to vem.vermont.gov/vtalert.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.