Sheriff's Department plans sobriety checkpoints this month
NEWFANE - During the month of December, the Windham County Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies will conduct multiple sobriety checkpoints within Windham County.
The Sheriff's Department says an aggressive effort will be made to identify impaired drivers. Police officers will also enforce seat belt and child-restraint violations, as well as other motor vehicle laws during the checks.
Friends of Brooks Memorial Library presents annual holiday sale
BRATTLEBORO - The Friends of the Brooks Memorial Library will hold its annual holiday “like new” book, CD, and DVD sale at the library on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Remainders will be on sale until Jan. 6.
Most books in this sale are $3, with some special and coffee table books priced higher.
Along with the book sale, the Friends will also hold a raffle for gift baskets donated by patrons and friends, usually themed around a book.
The prices for raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The drawing will be held Dec. 21. Tickets can be purchased at the book sale and, afterward, at the main desk of the library until Dec. 20.
Proceeds from these sales support the Library's events and programs such as First Wednesdays lectures, Children's Room events, digital media, and equipment needs and services.
Clinical mental health counselor to lead discussion at Inclusion Center
BRATTLEBORO - Jennifir Bailes Hart, a licensed Clinical Mental Health counselor, will be the guest speaker at the Inclusion Center on Friday, Dec. 13, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Her discussion will include how to find a therapist who is a good match, what therapy can look like, and the many styles of therapy.
Bailes Hart graduated from Antioch University New England in 1999 with a degree in dance/movement therapy and counseling psychology.
She has been in practice for more than 20 years, has been in Brattleboro since 2000, and started her own independent practice in 2008. She has worked with children and families through the Infant Child Guidance Program at Early Education Services and now focuses on working with adults.
The Inclusion Center invites the community to attend this informational discussion at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave. For more information, contact Julie Tamler at 802-380-5484.
Keene hosts Messiah Sing
KEENE, N.H. - The United Church of Christ in Keene on Central Square will host its annual Messiah Sing on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., with soloists and chamber orchestra.
The public is welcome to participate in the chorus or the audience. Singers who need scores may borrow them from the church for the evening. The church is handicapped-accessible through the rear entrance off Vernon Street. A reception for all follows the concert.
The concert is free, but a $10 donation is suggested to help with expenses. For more details, visit ucckeene.org or call the church office at 603-352-4136.
Comedian Bob Alper comes to Next Stage
PUTNEY - Next Stage will celebrate the holidays with Bob Alper, the stand-up comic who is also an ordained rabbi with a doctorate from the Princeton Theological Seminary.
Alper is doing a special benefit performance for Next Stage Arts Project.
He has “delighted national and international audiences with his infectious brand of comedy,” according to a news release, and played to a standing-room-only crowd at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival, to a standing ovation before 2,700 people at New York's famed Chautauqua Institution, and at legendary clubs such as Hollywood Improv and The Comedy Store.
Alper's career has spanned more than 30 years, with material that is 100 percent clean.
General admission tickets are $25 and available at www.nextstagearts.org.
Mountain View SDA Church presents annual Live Nativity
VERNON - Mountain View SDA Church, 1002 Fort Bridgman Rd., will hold its third annual Live Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 6:15 p.m. The public is invited to attend this reenactment of the Christmas story.
The Live Nativity will feature costumed Bible characters, live animals, and narration. Immediately following the Live Nativity, the church will have a Christmas party, with refreshments, games, and puzzles. This event is free and all are welcome.
Email [email protected] or visit www.mvsdachurch.com for more details.
Rec. Dept. to host winter mini camp
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department will offer a mini camp for 5- to 11-year-olds (maximum 25 participants).
The camp will be held on Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30, and 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Gibson Aiken Center. Children may stay for Open Gym at 1:30 p.m., which is also a supervised program.
The cost of the camp is $75 for Brattleboro residents and $90 for non-residents. Per day, the fee is $15 for Brattleboro residents and $18 for non-residents. A morning snack will be provided, but participants should pack a noon lunch and a drink.
Many activities are planned, including arts and crafts, new games, sports, and more. On Friday, Dec. 27, campers will meet at the skating rink for skating and other activities. Participants should bring skates if they have them, as well as warm clothes.
Pre-registration is requested, to allow for appropriate staffing. To register or learn more, stop by the Recreation & Parks office, visit www.brattleboro.org, or call 802-254-5808.