Transition Dummerston hosts potluck, program
DUMMERSTON - Transition Dummerston's monthly potluck and program will be on Friday, Nov. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St. The program will feature a showing of the film The Wisdom to Survive.
The film lays out the challenge of climate change and offers “pathways to creative solutions,” according to a news release. It features a number of Vermont voices. The potluck will go from 6 to 7 p.m., with the film at 7 p.m., with a discussion to follow. For more information, contact Fred at 802-387-2681 or Susal at 802-275-5098.
Methodist women host Christmas bazaar
BRATTLEBORO - The Women of the First United Methodist Church will hold their annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featured will be homemade crafts, tree ornaments, “Grandma's Attic,” a food table with fresh homemade donuts from the kitchen, applesauce, relish, frozen apple pies, and many other Christmas items. Coffee, tea, and doughnuts will be available.
Proceeds from the bazaar are donated to both local and church missions. The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive, off Putney Road, across from Cota & Cota and is accessible to those with disabilities. There is ample parking. For more information, email [email protected] or call 802-254-4218.
Walpole bustles with holiday shopping
WALPOLE, N.H. - On Saturday, Nov. 21, Walpole is the place to be for locavores, foodies, and all those looking for the perfect holiday gift. The community will have handmade items, locally produced foods, and gift items for sale at multiple locations.
The Walpole Farmers Market, First Congregational Church, and St. John's Church will be open around the Walpole Common from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For sale will be locally-grown ingredients; handmade gift items; and greens, trees, and wreaths.
The Orchard School will hold its 20th annual Crafts Fair at the Walpole Town Hall, and crafters will also being selling their wares at the Sugar Plumb Shoppe at the Walpole Village School, just down Westminister Street from the Town Hall. The Walpole Historical Society will open its gift shop.
It will sell local breads, cheese, maple syrup and maple products, grassfed beef and lamb, honey and wax products, jams, jellies, and other condiments. The French Club from the Grammar School in Putney will be fundraising for a trip to France and serving both sweet and savory crepes.
Shoppers that visit each venue will be able to sign up for a free raffle door prize at some locations.
International Games Day at Putney Library
PUTNEY - The Putney Public Library, 55 Main St., will join more than 1,000 libraries around the world on Saturday, Nov. 21, for the eighth annual celebration of gaming in libraries - International Games Day @ your library.
At the Putney Public Library, people of all ages can come by to enjoy one of the many board and card games the library has or bring a game of their own to share with others.
Everyone who comes by to play games will be entered into a drawing for a special prize provided by Monsters & Heros, Brattleboro's new comics and games store. Games will be available from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call the library at 802-387-4407 or see http://igd.ala.org/. This event is free and open to the public.
Community supper, concert in Townshend
TOWNSHEND - There will be a free supper and concert on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Townshend Town Hall.
This dinner, presented by the Community Hope and Action, will be a chili cook-off. Those interested in entering a crock of chili may contact Kate Venne at 802-365-4700.
Local band Ten Gallon Swing will be performing at this alcohol-free, family friendly event. Childcare will be provided.
Interfaith Thanksgiving service to be held
BRATTLEBORO - There will be an Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 190 Main St.
Leaders and members of various faith communities will be involved, sharing from their own traditions. There will be music provided.
An offering of non-perishables or monetary contributions will be accepted at the door to benefit the Brattleboro Drop-in Center and Overflow Shelter. This service is sponsored by the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Clergy Association.
Food distribution in Putney, Townshend
On Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 9 to 9:45 a.m., there will be a food distribution at Putney Meadows (white building across from the Co-op and Fire Station).
From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., food distribution will take place at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, in the ambulance garage behind the hospital.
The food distributions are open to anyone in the community; however, participants are asked to take only what is needed for their own household.
The Vermont Foodbank will bring a truck of fresh produce and other non-perishable items, such as squash, potatoes, carrots, kale, and other vegetables. Recipients are asked to bring shopping bags and/or cardboard boxes.
The December distribution date is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 22. Starting in January, the monthly food distribution will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Volunteers needed for AARP Tax-Aide program
BRATTLEBORO - AARP Foundation is looking to build its team of volunteer tax specialists. Tax-Aide is a free tax assistance and preparation program for taxpayers with low to moderate income, with a special emphasis on the elderly.
Tax-Aide volunteers will complete a tax preparation workshop from the Internal Revenue Service before working with taxpayers. There is also a need for on-site coordinators, greeters, and those who are skilled in technology.
Last year, 160 Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 9,218 people in Vermont file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at four sites in Windham County, including senior centers and libraries.
Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Volunteers do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service, or to serve as a volunteer. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call Jean at 802-365-7222.
Dementia respite grants available
BRATTLEBORO - Unpaid family caregivers of those diagnosed with dementia often find it difficult to meet their own needs while caring for their family member. For this reason, Senior Solutions (Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont) provides Dementia Respite Grants to help caregivers get a break.
These grants, funded by the State of Vermont, help family caregivers pay for respite opportunities.
Primary, unpaid caregivers in Windsor and Windham counties may qualify.
Eligibility is based on the elder's income. The limit is $2,917 per month for an individual or $3,932 per month for a couple.
For more information call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 and ask to speak to the Grant Manager. Additional resources are described at www.seniorsolutionsvt.org.