Lunchtime movement and mindfulness at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS — Rockingham Free Public Library’s Lunchtime Movement and Mindfulness classes will be Thursdays, March 26, and April 2 and 9, from noon to 1 p.m. Participants may drop by for one class or come to them all.
Randi Graham, a certified yoga teacher, will lead this restorative 1-hour midday break. The class blends yoga postures, guided meditation, and mindfulness practices to help recharge for the rest of the day. This class will take place at the library, 65 Westminster St.
A limited number of yoga mats are available at the library, or people are welcome to bring their own. These classes are free to all. For more information, call 802-463-4270 or visit rockinghamlibrary.org.
Music in the North Barn series features Convergence Quartet
BRATTLEBORO — Next up in Retreat Farm’s Music in the North Barn series is Eugene Uman’s Convergence Quartet, featuring vocalist Wanda Houston. They’re bringing a blend of swing, funk, and Colombian rhythms to the North Barn for a free show Thursday, March 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.
This performance will include Uman on piano, David Picchi on electric bass, and Jon Fisher on drums. “When Houston joins the group, the vibe and repertoire embraces her penchant for singing soul and gospel music, as well as classic jazz standards,” said organizers in a news release.
This show is a part of Retreat Farm’s Winter Jazz Series in collaboration with and curated by the Vermont Jazz Center. For more information, visit retreatfarm.org/convergence-quartet.
Free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing event in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO — Knowing your HIV and Hepatitis C status is an important step in taking charge of one’s health. On Friday, March 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., the public is invited to a free rapid testing event at Turning Point of Windham County, 14 Elm St.
This event is organized by the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont (APSVT) to increase access to confidential, stigma-free testing in the community. No appointment, insurance, or ID is required; participants may simply walk in.
Testing is confidential, fast, and conducted by trained, certified staff. Results for both HIV and Hepatitis C are available in approximately 20 minutes. As a thank-you for participating, individuals will receive a $5 gift card.
“Identifying infections early not only protects your health but also reduces the risk of unknowingly passing HIV or Hepatitis C to others,” organizers said in a news release. “All are welcome, come for the test, stay for the conversation, and take a meaningful step toward better health.” For more information, contact the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont at 802-254-4444.
Open Sew and Craft Workshop at Centre Church
BRATTLEBORO — Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., will hold their Open Sew and Craft Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in the church’s parlor.
Whether quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, or mending, stitchers will find support and hospitality. Donations welcome. Call 802-490-2075 for more information.
Sugar on Snow supper in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON — Evening Star Grange will present their annual Sugar on Snow Supper Saturday, March 28, with servings at 4:30 and 6 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Grange at 802-254-1138. Leave name, telephone number, number in the party, and which seating is wanted. There will be no take-outs for this meal.
The Grange be serving homemade baked beans, baked ham, potato salad, coleslaw, and deviled eggs. Dessert will be maple sugar on snow with a homemade doughnut and pickle to round out the meal. The cost is $15 for adults, $7 for children 5–11, and free for children 5 and under.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church offers selections from Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion on Palm Sunday
BRATTLEBORO — For a Lenten choral offering this year, the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Choir will sing selections from J.S. Bach’s “St. Matthew’s Passion” during the 10:15 a.m. service on Palm Sunday, March 29.
The choir will sing several chorales and the final chorus of the Passion, which is widely regarded as “one of the greatest of all sacred choral works.” In addition, solo arias will be offered by sopranos Jill Malin and Margery McCrumb interspersed between spoken readings of the Passion story according to St. Matthew.
The choir of more than 20 singers will sing in the original German, including a new arrangement of the final chorus for a single choir (as it is originally composed for double choir) created by Director of Music Keane Southard, who will also accompany the choir on piano. All are welcome at ADA-compliant St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave.
District 9 residents to meet March 31
BRATTLEBORO — Residents of District 9 will continue their discussion of town matters in advance of Town Meeting (which is now set for Saturday, April 11) in another of their periodic get-togethers.
The District 9 forum will occur Tuesday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Brooks Memorial Library (3rd floor). At the suggestion of one of the participants at the last forum, suggestions as to matters that should be scheduled for the agenda are sought. Send your preferred topics to convenors Robert Oeser (robt.oeser@gmail.com) or David Levenbach (fideladelphia@gmail.com; 413-559-1533).
Guilford Cares sponsors new beginner Tai Chi class
GUILFORD — On Wednesday mornings at 10:30, starting April 1, Guilford Cares will offer beginner Tai Chi classes at Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive, south of the Guilford Country Store. Donations are welcome; no registration required.
Organizers say the class is a great opportunity for total beginners, or those who would like to brush up on previous experience. Tai Chi is an exercise system combining disciplined, rhythmic sequential movements. The movements are slow, yet they contain great power, as particpamts practice coordinating hand and foot movements, breathing naturally, and moving together with slow continuous flow.
All are welcome to come and try the class. For more information, contact Guilford Cares at guilfordcaresvt@gmail.com or 802-579-1350.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.