Meditative vigil of 'lovingkindness' set for Aug. 4
BRATTLEBORO - Under a banner that reads “May All Beings Be Free Of Pain And Suffering, May All Beings Know Peace And Happiness,” Post Oil Solutions is organizing a series of silent vigils to encourage progress toward what it calls “the loving, compassionate society we are seeking.”
It will be held on Friday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Pliny Park.
Although silent, the Vigil of Lovingkindness is intended to remind everyone that, as important as it is to resist the pain and suffering that human beings inflict on each other, it is equally important to create a caring alternative at the same time.
One may participate for as long as one chooses. Bring a chair, cushion, mat, or whatever you are comfortable with. For further information, or if you wish to be part of a contact list that will inform people of future Lovingkindness Vigils, forward your name, email address, and phone number to: [email protected] or call 802-869-2141.
'From Trash to Tunes' comes to Jamaica
JAMAICA - On Thursday, Aug. 10, at 1:30 p.m., Dennis G. Waring, Ph.D., of Waring Music will present a special family program “From Trash to Tunes” at Jamaica Town Hall.
Inspired by world music, Waring provides interesting sights, sounds, and stories to give audiences new insights into folklore, music, science, and world perspectives and demonstrates handmade musical instruments crafted from recycled materials. Making your own musical instruments is part of the fun. This program is sponsored by the Jamaica Memorial Library's “Build a Better World” summer reading program. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information, go to waringmusic.com or call the library 802-874-4901. Jamaica Memorial Library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m., Wednesdays, noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Local AARP chapter hosts picnic
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Area AARP Chapter 763 will launch a new program year with a potluck picnic on Friday, Aug. 15, at Living Memorial Park's Senior Picnic area, adjacent to the lower parking area.
Set to begin at noon, the picnic will feature music provided by Wayne Billard, and a visit with Greg Marchildon, Executive Director for Vermont-AARP as the chapter in this corner of Vermont strives to renew and rebuild into a relevant and active advocate for senior citizens.
AARP-Vermont will provide a picnic treat for all who attend the picnic. Hot and cold beverages will also be provided. Potluck dishes and desserts to be shared are always welcome. Remember to bring your own tableware and paper plates.
Hospice care volunteer training offered for Deerfield Valley
BRATTLEBORO - Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 5, Brattleboro Area Hospice will offer its hospice care volunteer training in Wilmington. This 33-hour volunteer training will run on Tuesday mornings from Sept. 5 to Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Throughout Windham County, hospice volunteers aid neighbors and their families who are living with life-threatening illnesses. Help may range from running errands to gardening to emotional and physical support. Hospice care volunteers describe the work as challenging yet very rewarding.
Training topics include hospice philosophy, nuts and bolts of volunteering, ethical issues, reflection on personal attitudes toward death and dying, and grief issues, among others. Presenters include professionals from the community as well as Hospice staff and volunteers.
Space is limited to 12 people. Contact Brattleboro Area Hospice for an application form or for additional information. Applications are due by Aug. 18. For more information, visit www.brattleborohospice.org or call 802-257-0775.
BEEC receives grants to improve trails
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center recently received grants for $1,500 from the Crosby-Gannett and the Dunham-Mason Funds at the Vermont Community Foundation. The two grants will allow the center to upgrade trails and signs and make it easier for visitors to enjoy the natural world.
Deb's Trail, constructed to honor the memory of BEEC educator Deb Smith, will be a focus of the work. This trail, which leads through a forest site that is unusually rich in ferns and wildflowers, will have stepping stones added to wet sections and will have steeper sections graded for easier walking and to prevent erosion.
The Crosby-Gannett and the Dunham-Mason Funds at the Vermont Community Foundation support endeavors that contribute to the betterment and vitality of the Brattleboro area.
The Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center has been offering programming on natural history and environmental issues for 26 years. Located on an old farm, the center's two miles of trails offer natural tranquility within easy reach of town. You can learn more about BEEC's work at www.beec.org, or by calling 802-257-5785. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this trail project, email [email protected].
BAJC school offers new programs
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The Hebrew School of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Congregation Shir Heharim - Song of the Mountains - is excited to announce that this year the school will be exploring a “one-room school house” model in their once-a-week religious school for children from age 6 up to 13 or older.
The Community is accepting registrations now for its vibrant, child-centered program with an excellent teacher-student ratio. Studies include Hebrew language, songs, stories, prayers, holiday observances, customs and traditions, history, current events, and all things Jewish.
In the new model, students will join together for many activities, sharing skills and support across grade levels, while breaking out into smaller groups or one-on-one study for Hebrew and some other topics.
It is strongly recommended that students start Hebrew school by the time they are 8, and students may begin school at age 6. The program isn't focused only on preparing children for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but it does offer the foundational learning for that important life cycle event. Anyone planning to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah must be enrolled for a minimum of two years prior to the date of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
Classes meet from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the synagogue on 151 Greenleaf St. for 31 Sunday afternoons during the regular school year. The first day of classes this fall will be Sept. 10. Tuition is $350, and scholarships are available in cases of financial need. BAJC invites those who register children in the Hebrew School to also join the synagogue.
For more information about the school, and for a link to a registration form, visit www.bajcvermont.org or leave a message at 802-257-1959.