BEEC hosts 'Grateful Forest' event
WEST BRATTLEBORO - Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC),1223 Bonnyvale Road, offers an alternative to the consumerism of Black Friday, Nov. 25, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Amanda Kenyon of Landkind Guide will lead a forest immersion experience focusing on gratitude.
Kenyon will invite participants to slow down and connect with nature in a meaningful and memorable way. With a unique and relaxing approach rooted in shinrin-yoku (translated literally as “forest bathing”), this experience taps into all senses, as well as intuition, imagination, and more.
Participants will be offered prompts to guide their experience and can expect a combination of sitting, walking, and meandering over short distances. The suggested contribution is $5 to $45.
Registration is required and space is limited. The recommended minimum age is 16 years old. For more information or to register, visit beec.org. If you have additional questions, email Patti Smith at [email protected] or Kenyon at [email protected], or text/call 802-289-0108.
BFDDA presents 'Shop Local' promotions
BELLOWS FALLS - The Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance (BFDDA) presents the 2022 Shop Local Holiday card program, now through Saturday, Dec. 31, in which shoppers collect stamps from area businesses to enter a prize drawing.
Thanksgiving Weekend includes Plaid Friday, Nov. 25, and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, featuring caroling and the tree lighting ceremony in the Brown Fuller Memorial Park at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 27, it's Sunday Fun Day and Artist Sunday, with a brunch and open studios, followed by Cider Monday (Nov. 28) and Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29).
On Thursday, Dec. 1, participants can Sip, Dine, Shop & Enjoy their way from Allen Brothers, with local wine from Vermont Vines, to Leslie's for dinner and everything in between, including 7 Balls Brewing samples from 4 to 8 p.m. at 33 Bridge Street. At 7:30 p.m., Bellows Falls Rotary and Wild Goose Players present the Holly Jolly Bellows Follies.
December events also include Ladies' Night Friday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m.; the Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.; the Bellows Falls Rotary-sponsored movie at the Opera House on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.; and “not just for” Men's Night and BF3F on Friday, Dec. 16, as part of the monthly Bellows Falls Third Friday Canal Street events, open studios, Meet the Artist Live, and music.
For more information, visit bellowsfallsvt.org.
Craft fair at the Legion on Nov. 26
BRATTLEBORO - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 5 will hold a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden Street.
All proceeds are used to support programs for veterans and their families. For more information or to inquire about being a vendor, call Lori Nelson at 802-380-6179.
Grafton Public Library hosts Gingerbread House Extravaganza
GRAFTON - The Gingerbread House Extravaganza returns to the Grafton Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 3, as part of Christmas in Grafton, a village-wide event. A gingerbread house display will be on view at the library during the week preceding as the gingerbread house village grows.
All gingerbread makers are invited to participate, both experts and beginners. Whether the houses are constructed as fun family projects or as ways to show off culinary skill, the library says it will be delighted to display all creations.
Gingerbread houses may be loaned to the library, or donated for a Silent Auction to be held during the Extravaganza. Proceeds benefit the Grafton Public Library.
Confectionery creations will be displayed during library hours from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 3. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.
For more information about submitting a gingerbread house, visit graftonpubliclibrary.org, email [email protected], or stop by the library at 204 Main St. Submission forms are kindly requested by Nov. 26, so they know how many houses to expect.
All Souls Church hosts Holiday Bazaar
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The annual All Souls Unitarian Universalist Holiday Bazaar will return as an indoor event on Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Village Meeting House, 29 South Street.
The bazaar will feature handmade, decorated artisan wreaths and ornaments, as well as traditional holiday fare including baked goods, jams, jellies, and baking mixes. Also planned are a raffle of a handmade quilt and a gift emporium, featuring handcrafted items, gift baskets, and gift certificates to local businesses.
All Souls invites everyone to shop for unique, locally made gift items, all reasonably priced. The bazaar can be accessed on the newly paved driveway to the West Village Meeting House. For more information, call 802-254-9377.
Christmas tree sale benefits Grafton Fire/Rescue Auxiliary
GRAFTON - The Grafton Fire/Rescue Auxiliary will be selling trees for the holiday season to benefit its annual Scholarship Fund. These are fresh-cut Vermont grown trees and will only be available for two days, Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4. Trees will be on display by the Phelps Barn at the Grafton Inn in the center of the village from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
As part of the event on Saturday, at 11:30 a.m., special guest Santa Claus will be touring the village escorted by a fire engine and stopping to greet children as he goes along. Santa will be visiting regardless of the weather.
Shop for the holidays at SEVCA's Good Buy Stores
WESTMINSTER - The holidays are approaching and Southeastern Vermont Community Action's (SEVCA) Good Buy Stores have a variety of gifts, furniture, artwork and clothing to fit all your gifting and decorating needs.
“Need stocking stuffers? Looking for holiday decorations or lights? Need a turkey platter or glassware, table cloth, or napkins? We have something for everyone this holiday season,” organizers said in a news release, adding that all holiday items will be 50% off beginning Dec. 1.
SEVCA has two Good Buy Stores located on 23–25 Main Street in downtown Springfield and on Canal Street in Bellows Falls. Both stores are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through December. They offer a senior discount on Tuesdays and a discount for veterans every day.
Proceeds from the stores help SEVCA offer programs for communities such as weatherization, Head Start, family services, the Crisis Fuel Assistance fund, and microbusiness training. More information is available at sevca.org, facebook.com/SEVCAorg, or by calling 800-464-9951.