Brooks Library conducts tech survey
BRATTLEBORO - The Technology Committee at Brooks Memorial Library is conducting a survey to assess community technology needs. The committee says they "are hoping to learn more about how patrons currently use - and would like to use - the library's technology services."
"Technology services" are broadly being defined as the resources and support designed to enhance public access to digital tools, information, and learning opportunities (e.g., computers, Wi-Fi, printing, technology assistance, loanable technology, and more).
This survey is currently found on the library's website homepage under the Community News section at bit.ly/793-library. Flyers with a QR code to access the survey are circulating, and paper copies are available at the circulation desk.
Festival of Trees returns to Vernon this weekend
VERNON - The Festival of Trees returns to the Governor Hunt House & Community Center Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6–8. This three-day festival offers community members a chance to win tree decorations and prizes donated by area businesses.
The trees will feature themed decorations as well as merchandise and gift certificates from the sponsor businesses. The decorations and prizes will be raffled off and proceeds will support the Governor Hunt House & Community Center.
Over the weekend, the historic home will be opened up for the community to walk through and admire the festive decorations while also participating in holiday-themed activities and crafts. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Holiday cookie swap at Next Stage
PUTNEY - Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, invites the community to embrace the spirit of giving and sharing at its Holiday Cookie Swap on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to whip up their favorite cookie recipes and drop them off at Next Stage between 11 a.m. and noon on Saturday. The event offers two options for participation: the "Little Elf" choice involves bringing two dozen cookies, while the "Big Elf" option calls for four dozen cookies. From 1 to 2 p.m., participants return to pick up a thoughtfully curated assortment of cookies, creating a sweet surprise for each contributor.
In the event of inclement weather, Sunday is the planned snow day, with the same drop-off and pick-up times. Any extra cookies will be donated to support a dinner for the families of volunteers of Putney Fire & Rescue. To participate, sign up at nextstagearts.org.
Young people sell their creations at Kids Craft Market
BRATTLEBORO-The second Very Vermonty Kids Craft Market, featuring arts, crafts, jewelry, festive treats, and more all created by local students, will take place at the Academy School gym on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The young entrepreneurs can sell their wares with no vendor fees, says Bethany Carpenter Rahnquist, who has coordinated the market over the past two years as a community labor of love.
"I really just organize it because I love making an opportunity for kids to shine!" she says.
Admission is $1 per family, or one canned good to support Project Feed the Thousands.
The school is at 860 Western Ave.
For more information, contact Rahnquist at [email protected].
BF Senior Center hosts holiday bazaar
BELLOWS FALLS - The Bellows Falls Area Senior Center, 18 Tuttle St., hosts its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The bazaar features handmade knitted gifts, holiday home decor, and a pie sale. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. and includes corn chowder, sandwiches, hot dogs, and homemade pie by the slice. They will also have a cash raffle with more than $500 in prizes. Tickets are $10 each, with only 100 tickets sold. Local artist Wendy O'Dette has crafted a beautiful dollhouse to be raffled off as well. Tickets are $2 each, or six for $10.
Community Messiah Sing is Dec. 7
BRATTLEBORO - On Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., Friends of Music at Guilford hosts the annual Community Messiah Sing at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St.
Participants can join organist David Neiweem; conductor Tom Baehr; soloists Elizabeth Wohl, Lesley Cotter, Jim Anderson, and Gary Clay; and sing with a chorus of tri-state residents or come to simply listen. Singers can bring a score, or borrow one at the door. Bottled water will be available.
Donations are welcome and will be passed along to Groundworks Collaborative for shelter and food programs. Groundworks will also be collecting nonperishable food and clean winter outerwear. For more information: 802-254-3600, [email protected], or facebook.com/FriendsOfMusicAtGuilford.
Townshend gears up for Holiday Festival
TOWNSHEND - On Sunday, Dec. 8, in Townshend's village center, all are invited to gather to celebrate the season. As Karen LaRue, the Townshend librarian and one of the event organizers says, "this is an event to bring the community together. We use artificial Christmas trees as a vehicle to decorate, but we are not decorating them [expressly] for Christmas."
The goal, she said, is "to provide a fun event for everyone in the community, with the creatively decorated trees offering moments for silliness and contemplation. Last year's themes included a Grinch, a wandering old woman complete with a walker, 1,000 paper cranes, gingerbread, medical miracles, healing hands, a junior firefighter, and a disco celebration."
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, a Craft Fair will be open downstairs in the Town Hall. From noon to 4, there will be a Festival of Trees in the upstairs of the Town Hall, presented by Townshend Public Library, from noon to 4 p.m. with a forest of artificial trees decorated by community groups and members in fun, nontraditional themes.
In the same space, from noon to 2 p.m., music will be offered by Scandi - Laurie Indenbaum, Mary Cay Brass, and Mary Lea performing a mix of music on fiddle and accordion.
At 1 p.m., festival goers can watch a parade of horses from Townshend and neighboring towns. Festively attired horses and riders will begin parading at Leland & Gray Union Middle/High School and travel up to Valley Village before returning to the school (Foul weather date is Dec. 15).
Santa Claus visits the Town Hall at 2 p.m., "so children are urged to think ahead about what they'll ask for. There will be cookies and cider for everyone to enjoy," organizers say.
The event will end with a gathering on the front lawn of Town Hall at 3 p.m. for the annual tree lighting and songs of the season. The public is welcome to this free event.
RFPL Cookbook Club presents a cookie exchange
BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Free Public Library invites cooking and baking enthusiasts to the December Cookbook Club: Cookie Exchange.
On Monday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m., participants are asked to bring at least a dozen cookies from their favorite cookie recipe(s) and a container to bring home cookies. Participants will sample and share favorite cookies and recipes, and everyone will leave with an assortment of cookies to enjoy at home.
The club meets every other month and is free to join. Cooks of all skill levels and ages are welcome. For more information, email [email protected], call 802-463-4270, visit the library online at rockinghamlibrary.org, or in person at 65 Westminster St.
Luskin hosts Writing to the Light Writing Circle
NEWFANE - On Sunday, Dec. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Moore Free Library, writer and educator Deborah Lee Luskin will lead the eighth annual Writing to the Light Writing Circle.
At this annual end-of-year fundraiser for Moore Free Library, writers of all kinds and all levels of experience are invited to reflect on the light in their life in a supportive writing circle. Participants will write to illuminate their inner light, honor their inner voice, and tell whatever stories arise to be told. Prompts and guidance for automatic writing will be provided, with a safe space for those who wish to read their new words.
The workshop is free. Donations to the Moore Free Library will be gratefully accepted; they can be sent electronically at moorefreelibrary.org or by mail to 23 West St., Newfane, VT 05345.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.