AROUND TOWN
Moonlight Magic
MONTPELIER — Local shoppers can get started on holiday shopping, while supporting downtown Montpelier’s recovery, at Moonlight Magic from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. Participating businesses include Althea’s Attic Boutique, Artisan’s Hand Craft Gallery, Bailey Road, Capital Kitchen, Capitol Stationers, The Cheshire Cat, The Getup Vintage, Grian Herbs Apothecary, Notion Fabric & Craft, Splash Naturals and Zutano Outlet. Shidaa West African Dance and Drumming will perform from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Christ Church Courtyard, 64 State St., and Stickman will perform from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in front of City Hall, 39 Main St. Visit www.montpelieralive.com/moonlightmagic for more information.
Child sex abuse
MONTPELIER — To support dialogue and prevention efforts, Mosaic Vermont sponsors “Removing the Mask: Let’s Talk about Child Sexual Abuse,” now through Nov. 6, held at Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., and next door at TW Wood Art Gallery, 46 Barre St., as shown below. Mosaic Vermont is Washington County’s sexual violence response and prevention organization; call Mosaic’s 24/7 Helpline if support is needed at 802-479-5577.
— Thursday, Oct. 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m. TW Wood Art Gallery: Community Healing Art Workshop to explore pieces of your identity that have been invisible, staff guide you to create a mask representing how you want to be seen. Materials provided. No artistic experience necessary. Pre-register with mary@mosaic-vt.org.
— Monday, Oct. 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center: Preventing CSA Panel Discussion with Q&A: Professionals and a survivor discuss existing strategies, what bystanders can do, and options for getting involved. Refreshments and art browsing start at 5:30 p.m.
— Monday, Nov. 6, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center: Community Conversation, CSA in Our Community: Mosaic Vermont staff facilitate a conversation seeking community feedback and ideas for caring for children and youth impacted by sexual violence. Refreshments and art browsing start at 5:30 p.m.
Open house
MARSHFIELD — Rhythm of the Rein Therapeutic Riding and Driving Program is hosting an open house from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, rain or shine, at 388 Route 2 in Marshfield, formerly Water Tower Farm, now Three Fold Farm. There will be food, activities, bake sale, “tack and stuff” for sale, and more. Bring bottles for the bottle drive. Visit www.rhythmoftherein.org for more information, email rhythmoftherein1@gmail.com or call 802-426-3781.
Archives event
October is American Archives Month to highlight the importance of records with enduring value. Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and State Archivist Tanya Marshall announce this year’s focus is the value of motion picture films.
Home Movie Day in the NEK will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Albany Town Hall, 830 Main St. in Albany. Bring your old films and Mary Albee will help you review the content and assess the condition. After the film review, pizza and salad supper (from the Genny) runs until 6:45 p.m. At 7 p.m., some of the films discovered during the day will be shown. All are welcome to this free event.
AROUND VT
Beech leaf disease
VERNON — Beech leaf disease, caused by the invasive nematode or roundworm Litylenchus crenatae mccannii, has been confirmed for the first time in the state, in Vernon in Windham County. The invasive nematode that causes BLD is native to Japan, and it negatively affects all native and ornamental beech species by causing leaf deformation, dieback and mortality of infested hosts. At this time, it is unknown how BLD moves across the landscape or how this pest can be managed, and there is no known cure. Visit VTinvasives.org for more information or to report a sighting.
Executive director
The American Red Cross Northern New England Region welcomes Sarah Lemnah as its newest executive director for its Vermont Chapter, headquartered in Burlington. She has more than 20 years of experience in development, communications, volunteer management and leadership. Lemnah comes to the Red Cross from the Cancer Patient Support Foundation, where she served as executive director. She is a member of the UVM Cancer Center Advisory Board and co-chair of Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer, a coalition that works with the Vermont Department of Health and the CDC to address cancer in Vermont. Previously, she served as director of development and communications for Champlain Valley Agency on Aging and a communications and development associate for the American Cancer Society. Lemnah began her career in television news, serving in various roles with WVNY and WMUR-TV.
Cancer support
Dragonheart Vermont says a heartfelt thank-you to the community for all fundraising work as part of the Lake Champlain Dragonboat Festival Oct. 10. Dragonheart Vermont, a nonprofit service organization committed to cancer support through the sport of dragon boating, hosts a dragon boat festival to raise funds in support of its programs and that of its annual pledge partners. The top three fundraising community teams, Vermont Ribbon Rowers, Dreamweavers, and Pull Together, raised over $32,500.
This year, proceeds from the festival were shared with three cancer supporting organizations. The McClure Miller Respite House received a donation of $33,238 to continue its programs supporting families, free of charge, with compassionate end of life care for those in need. Mahana Magic received $2,500 to continue its programs providing activities and emotional support to children of families impacted by cancer. And the Vermont Cancer Support Network received $2,500 to continue its programs supporting transportation and lodging costs for those going through cancer treatment.
Also recognized are the presenting sponsor, Community Bank, along with other sponsors and supporters: Acabay, Vital Delivery Solutions, South Burlington Mazda, Union Bank, National Life, the Trust Company of Vermont, Premier Coach, Burlington Telecom, WCAX TV, WOKO, Kool 105 and graphic artist Jeff Ferland.
GMC fundraiser
After a months-long effort by hikers and trail users, the Green Mountain Club finished its annual “Long Trail Day” fundraiser with over $67,000 raised to maintain 500 miles of hiking trails. That amount will fund 11 weeks of professional trail crew, which GMC employs each summer to build shelters and privies, and repair muddy and eroded sections of the trail.
BUSINESS
Food access grant
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets announced the release of a request for applications for farmers, producers and organizations to apply for Local Food Purchase Assistance Plus funding. Approximately $400,000 will be awarded to farms and organizations that demonstrate an ability to purchase and distribute Vermont-sourced food from socially disadvantaged producers to underserved community members across Vermont. Applications will open on Oct. 30 and are due by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. For an informational webinar from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27, visit the LFPA website.
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