Around the Towns

DPW to trim bushes, overhanging branches

BRATTLEBORO - Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 5, the Department of Public Works's Highway Division will be cutting bushes and overhanging limbs along the sidewalk tractor route and along several other snowplow routes throughout town.

This work is being done in an effort to reduce costs of maintenance required by damage from bushes and overhanging limbs to the lights, antennas, mirrors, and windshields on town equipment.

Those with any questions or concerns may contact the Department of Public Works at 802-254-4255.

Sunrise Rotary raffle benefits Project Feed

BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Club is now selling tickets for its annual dinner raffle to raise funds for Project Feed the Thousands and other Rotary projects.

This year's first prize is five $100 gift certificates to Duo, Whetstone Station, Panda North, Echo, and The Marina.

Second place prize is a $50 gift certificate to the Vermont Country Deli.

The raffle drawing will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Tickets can be purchased for $5 each or a package of five for $20. They are available through any Brattleboro Sunrise Rotarian or by contacting either Jason Posternak (802-380-0848) or Toni Ciampaglione (802-254-0047).

Wilmington presents Bright Lights Craft Fair

WILMINGTON - The annual Bright Lights Craft Fair at Memorial Hall takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The craft fair will feature unique, handcrafted items made by area artists and crafters, including pottery, paintings, candles, forged iron, hand-decorated items, wreaths, centerpieces, photography, jewelry, hand-knitted items, stationery, soaps, woodwork, and pressed flower art.

A list of downtown businesses offering specials to craft fair attendees will be posted in Memorial Hall that day.

Proceeds from vendors' booth fees will benefit the Old School Community Center.

Holiday craft fair in Dover

EAST DOVER - The Dover Holiday Craft Fair takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Dover Town Hall, 190 Taft Brook Rd.

Local artists and crafters will feature hooked rugs, jewelry, photography, knit and fabric arts, decorative woodcrafts, birdseed wreaths, and handcrafted chocolates, honey, soaps, and lotions.

Fairgoers will find opportunities to benefit the Dover School sixth grade and local charities through a bake sale, lunch items, and a quilt raffle.

Admission is free. For more information, contact Jeannette Eckert at 802-348-7910 or Linda Sherman at 802-348-6361.

Advent service at St. Michael's Episcopal

BRATTLEBORO - St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., will offer its annual Advent tradition of the Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m.

The service “tells the story of Christ's coming among us, interspersed with carols and hymns sung by the choir in the greens-filled church,” church organizers write.

Although this service now seems like an ancient Anglican tradition, it was formalized for a service on Christmas Eve in 1880.

“It has been in continual use throughout the world ever since, and St. Michael's rejoices in celebration of this most anticipated magical service,” according to a news release.

The church is fully accessible, with parking for those with mobility impairments available on Bradley Avenue and in the church's parking lot off Putney Road.

Call the church office at 802-254-6048 with any questions.

Senior lunch in Putney

PUTNEY - The next Putney Community Cares Luncheon for Seniors is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11, from noon to 1 p.m., at the Laura Heller Community Barn, 54 Kimball Hill.

The menu will include turkey with gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, and green salad, with tea and coffee and chocolate cake for dessert.

The suggested donation is $3.50. Reservations are required and may be made with a phone call to 802-387-5593 or email to [email protected] by Monday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.

Volunteer help is also needed to provide rides and to clean up.

BMC plans special seasonal celebration with 'Singing Strong'

BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Music Center invites all comers to join director Susan Dedell and participants of its Singing Strong program in a special holiday session of the singing program.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., participants will explore a selection of seasonal songs from a variety of traditions and eras.

Singing Strong, led by Susan Dedell, is a program “for those who love to sing, but not necessarily perform,” according to a news release.

The program “focuses on enjoyment, with singing tips offered around the edges.”

For more information about this special session or the Singing Strong program, contact the Brattleboro Music Center at 802-257-4523 or stop by at 72 Blanche Moyse Way.

BF Woman's Club to meet

BELLOWS FALLS - Members of the Bellows Falls Woman's Club will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at the United Church of Bellows Falls on School Street, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Dianne Potter will lead the group in a holiday craft project.

December activities for the Club include attendance at one of the Kurn Hattin holiday luncheons and concerts (Dec. 13 or 21).

Club members will also assist with Central School's annual “Shopping Day” on Dec. 19 by helping the children wrap gifts for their family members. Items that will appeal to children to buy may be taken to the school at any time or brought to the club meeting to be taken to the school.

Area women interested in joining the club and helping with its many community outreach projects may contact Wendy O'Dette at [email protected].

Holiday dinner with Bernie

BRATTLEBORO - Staff members from the office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., invite seniors to a free holiday dinner on Thursday, Dec. 20 at noon, at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main St.

The meal will provide an opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a holiday meal, and hear holiday music performed by local students.

A brief “town meeting” will update attendees on senior issues.

Those intending to come are asked to respond by Friday Dec. 14 to the Brattleboro Senior Center at 802-257-7570 or Brattleboro Senior Meals at 802-257-1236.

Limited dietary accommodations and transportation will be available.

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