Homelessness Awareness/Action Day is Jan. 22
BRATTLEBORO — Vermont’s annual Homelessness Awareness/Action Day takes place statewide Thursday, Jan. 22, when the community is invited to attend a vigil at 4 p.m. at Pliny Park in downtown Brattleboro to honor the lives affected by homelessness, to stand together for change, and to celebrate compassion and connection.
The event will include a ceremony of remembrance of those who have died unhoused, a call to action, singing, and shared reflections. After the vigil, participants are invited to join a candlelight procession followed by refreshments at 69a at 134 Elliot St.
Organized by the Community Homelessness Strategy Team of the Housing Coalition of Southeast Vermont in collaboration with the Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, this vigil will bring together homeless and formerly homeless Vermonters, service providers, homelessness and housing advocates, faith communities, and other concerned citizens from Windham County.
There will also be a display of flags on the lawn of the Brattleboro Municipal Center, representing the number of individuals in Southern Windham County who were unhoused during 2025. The flags will be put in place on the morning of Jan. 22 and remain for a week.
Zara Bode’s Little Big Band hosts free concert at Retreat Farm
BRATTLEBORO — Zara Bode’s Little Big Band performs classic American swing “to delight the ears, eyes, and feet” in a free concert Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Retreat Farm’s North Barn.
Inspired by the American radio hits of the ’30s and ’40s, the Little Big Band features Zara Bode (of Signature Sounds artists The Sweetback Sisters) and a horn section led by clarinetist and arranger Anna Patton. Over the years, organizers said in a news release, the Little Big Band has become a local favorite. There will be food by Jamaican Jewelz and drinks available from the Thirsty Goat Bar.
For more information, visit retreatfarm.org/zara-bodes-little-big-band. This show is a part of the Retreat Farm Winter Jazz Series in collaboration with and curated by the Vermont Jazz Center.
Brooks Library hosts healthcare, food assistance info session
BRATTLEBORO — The Vermont Workers’ Center is hosting drop-in hours at the Brooks Memorial Library upstairs community meeting room, 224 Main St., Monday, Jan. 23, and Friday, Feb. 6, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. to help people understand and navigate changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare.
They will share information about changes, including the SNAP work requirements and exemptions, and on the rights of individuals currently on or applying for these programs. Workers’ Center members can get assistance to submit applications and other paperwork. For more information, email windham@workerscenter.org or call 802-257-4436.
Learn about HomeShare Vermont at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS — Stop by the Rockingham Free Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10:30 a.m. to learn about the shared living program available in the area.
For over 40 years, HomeShare Vermont has been matching people who have room in their homes with those seeking an affordable place to live. They conduct background and reference checks and then help create compatible matches. Their service is available in Windham County through a partnership with the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust.
HomeShare hosts can ask for rent and/or help with household tasks, such as cooking, yard work, housekeeping, snow removal, pet care, or running errands. For guests, this is an affordable alternative to renting. The session will be led by HomeShare Vermont’s Ric Cengeri. Refreshments will be provided. The event is free. To learn more, visit homesharevermont.org.
Center for Solace offers green burial information session
BRATTLEBORO — On Monday, Jan. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Brooks Memorial Library upstairs community meeting room, Center for Solace (formerly Brattleboro Area Hospice) will present information and answer questions about after-death care and currently available green burial options in the Brattleboro area.
Learn about safe and legal options for caring for a loved one after their death, and local, accessible ways to access green burial. Center for Solace volunteers will be on hand to welcome the public and discuss their work.
This event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 802-257-0775 or email info@cfsolace.org.
Senior meal in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON — Evening Star Grange and Senior Solutions will present their second luncheon of January on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Grange Hall in Dummerston Center. Take-outs will be available from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., with in-house seating at noon. The menu includes pulled pork on a bun, vegetarian tortellini and spinach bake, cole slaw, and winter squash, with banana cake for dessert.
Reservations are highly recommended to aid them in making enough food. Call the Grange at 802-254-1138 and leave name, telephone number, number of meals desired, and whether they are for eating in or taking home. For those 60 and above, a donation of $4 is suggested. For those 59 and younger and all take-outs, a $5 donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away while there is food.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.