Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

"My students have shown me so many times that it's not always about being the perfect person in the perfect position - it's about showing up when you're needed." 
-Frist Lady Dr. Jill Biden

     This week's calendar packed with events, meetings, book clubs, conversations, and celebrations, dear readers. We urge you to take a moment and pencil one of the events listed below into your busy schedule. We promise that your presence is more than welcome---it is necessary!

• Please be aware that the WeCAN team will be taking a brief break over the Christmastime holiday. There will NOT be a Weekly Email Update on December 26th, 2022. In addition, we may adjust the day we send out the Weekly Email Update the following week, due to the New Year holiday. Thank you and Happy Holidays! 
• NOTE: A reminder to our WeCAN Group Leaders and Admins: Please continue to send in your events to [email protected] on a rolling basis, in addition to posting them in the Facebook group. We are now accepting and encouraging events through Spring 2023. Thank you! Have a great week!

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From Lean Left VT: 

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
MONDAY DECEMBER 12th, 2022-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18th, 2022

Our Future Putney
Monday, December 12th, 2022 at Putney Central School (182 Westminster Road, Putney, VT). 6:30pm-9pm.
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 at utney Central School (182 Westminster Road, Putney, VT). 6:30pm-9pm.
Free dinner with live music at the Putney Central School from 6pm-7pm!
Can’t join in person? At 7pm, there will be a separate online Zoom forum to discuss the future of Putney. Use this LINK to learn more!
Childcare provided. Are are welcome! Masks will be optional, but encouraged for this event.
For more information, contact Hannah at the Vermont Council on Rural Development at [email protected] or at 802-223-6091.
You’re Invited! Do you have ideas for the future of the community - about community events, housing, land-use, business, infrastructure, and more? Come together for a community event to discuss opportunities, challenges, and ideas for the future of Putney! Join us for a community dinner with live music, forums for discussion, and connections with neighbors.
Our Future Putney is a 3-month process (started in November) to engage everyone in town in brainstorming ideas and identifying important priorities for the future.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development, a neutral facilitator invited to the community by the Putney Selectboard, will facilitate the process to hear your ideas and then help connect to resources and technical assistance that can help move them forward.
Attend the sessions most important to you:
4:30pm - 6pm: Youth, Families, and Aging or Housing
7pm-8:30pm: Community Connection or Economic Development & Business Vitality

HAPPENING OUTSIDE WINDHAM COUNTY: Montpelier, VT
Certification of the Reproductive Liberty Amendment by Phil Scott
hosted by Reproductive Liberty VT
Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 on the Vermont Statehouse Steps (115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633). 10:30am.
You helped us make history! Now it’s time to make it official.  
The final step for this amendment will take place at 10:30am on December 13th when Governor Phil Scott certifies the Amendment. We hope that you can join us in person at the statehouse steps or virtually by tuning into the live stream on the Governor’s official Facebook page. 
We want to extend another thank you to all of you that made this moment possible. Our strong result in Vermont made it clear that personal reproductive autonomy is supported by a wide majority of people – regardless of political party. Once again, Vermont has shown the rest of the country what is possible and that is all thanks to our donors, volunteers, and the 212,000+ Vermonters who voted YES on November 8th.

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A Year of Moons with Joe Bruchac
presented in partnership with Abenaki Arts & Education Center, Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, and Fulcrum Publishing
Tuesday, December 13th, 2022, Online. 4:30pm-5:30pm.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../tZwucumsrDgjGtBIY1JmxCcBlU8Mc...
Admission is free and donations are welcome to help us continue our crucial work.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Join the Abenaki Arts & Education Center as we welcome author Joe Bruchac in a discussion about his new book “A Year of Moons: Stories from the Adirondack Foothills, a collection of essays that reflect on the rhythms of the land, the lunar cycles of the year, the plants and animals that surround us, and the connections that link humans, animals and the land. With one foot rooted firmly in the inheritance of nature essays, and another rooted firmly in Bruchac's Abenaki heritage, the collection is an artifact of a beautiful landscape and the changes it encounters throughout the year. In his thoughtful and perceptive way, Bruchac contemplates the changing of the seasons, his relationship with the creatures and plant life that share his home, and a vision of stewardship. Bruchac's curiosity and reverence for the earth shines through on every page as he looks at the place he calls home with new eyes, reflected by the changing of each season's moon.
For over forty years Joseph Bruchac has been creating literature and music that reflect his indigenous heritage and traditions. He is a proud Nulhegan Abenaki citizen and respected elder among his people. He is the author of more than 120 books for children and adults. His best selling Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children series, with its remarkable integration of science and folklore, continue to receive critical acclaim and to be used in classrooms throughout the country.

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Monthly Book Group: Parenting 4 Justice
hosted by Brooks Memorial Library and Parenting for Social Justice; facilitated by Abby Mnookin
Monthly, on Second Wednesdays, at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm-8pm:
Wednesday, December 14th, 2022
Wednesday, January 11th, 2023
Wednesday, February 8th, 2023
Wednesday, March 8th, 2023
Wednesday, April 12th, 2023
Wednesday, May 10th, 2023
Free. Some copies of books are available for loan from the library or they can be purchased at Everyone’s Books or online. To sign up or if you have questions, please email Abby at [email protected].
Dive deep into the topics of Social Justice, Parenting for Social Justice, Parenting for Racial Justice, Parenting for Economic Justice, Parenting for Disability Justice, Parenting for Gender Justice, and Parenting for Collective Liberation. Snacks will be provided and we also hope to offer childcare.

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Conversation on Homelessness
hosted by Youth Services
Wednesday, December 14th, 2022 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm.
Refreshments will be served. For more information, email [email protected].
The public is invited to attend a community conversation and Candyland game simulation on Windham County homelessness on Wednesday, December 14 from 6-8 p.m., at the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro, Vermont.
One part of the event will involve a life-size Candyland game, designed by A4U, for the audience to play and engage with, as a visualization of the obstacles they face as individuals without a permanent address and roof over their head.
A4U stands for ‘Advocation 4 the Unfortunate,’ a name created by this Brattleboro homeless self-advocacy group, many of whom alternate between sleeping in campgrounds, hotel rooms, shelters and the street. With barriers to fulltime employment they can’t afford housing.
The group has been employed by Youth Services’ workforce development arm twice a week since September to collect data, address homeless issues directly with local organizations and increase dialogue and public awareness of homelessness.
A4U members all share in common past participation in Youth Services’ successful low-barrier day labor pilot program, Work Today, which ended last year due to lack of funding.
According to the A4U organizers, their intention with their interactive and life-size Candyland game is to highlight the obstacles they face, and help the audience learn through play and connection. Ultimately, they hope to change the culture of homelessness in our communities.

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Guilford Cares Food Pantry
Thursday, December 15th, 2022 at the Guilford Fairgrounds (163 Fairground Rd, Guilford, VT 05301). 3pm-4pm. 
If you have questions, concerns or would like to donate groceries or monetary gifts please contact Pat Haine 802-257-0626. For additional questions or more information call 802 579 1350 or email [email protected]. 
Guilford Cares Food Pantry has moved! The Pantry has moved to the First Aid building at the Guilford Fairgrounds. We will be fully stocked with all our usual grocery items.
The Fairgrounds are on Fairground Road, just off Weatherhead Hollow Road. From Guilford Center Road turn onto Weatherhead Hollow Road. Travel 1.7 miles down the road. The Fairgrounds are on the left and there will be a sign directing you up the hill for about .2 miles. The red building is on the left with a sign out in front. Please remain in your car; we’ll greet you,  and give you a shopping list as we have been doing for the past year.
If the Pantry will be closed for any unexpected reason, the closure will be announced on WKVT, WTSA, and Front Porch Forum.
If you cannot come to the Pantry due to illness or high risk, you can call also call Pat to arrange for food delivery by a volunteer.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy.
Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

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Yoga Locally
Thursday, December 15th, 2022 with Laura Tabachnick 
Thursday, December 22nd, 2022 with Sarah Dandelions
Thursday, December 29th, 2022 with Laura Tabachnick
at 118 Elliot, Brattleboro, VT, 05301. 5:15pm-6:45pm.
November and December donations benefit Community Asylum Seekers Project!
Yoga Locally is a donation based yoga class that meets every Thursday.
*Mats and props provided
*Not a beginner class, but accessible to every body 
*Suggested $5-$20 donation; cash, check, Venmo accepted
December’s schedule is subject to change:)

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Brattleboro Winter Farmers’ Market
a project of Post Oil Solutions
Saturday, December 17th, 2022 at the Winston Prouty Campus (60 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-2pm.
Saturdays, November through March.
For more info email [email protected], call 802-275-2835, or visit us at www.brattleborowinterfarmersmarket.org. 
Weekly indoor farmers market, creating community and boosting food security every week.  All local - farm produce, meats, syrup, honey, fresh baked goods, fruits, cider, preserves, plus handmade soaps, gifts and more. 
Accepting credit, debit and SNAP/EBT.  
Crop Cash + Food Boost turns $10 SNAP into $40 every week! 

ONGOING EVENTS

Rural Queer Creative Space
hosted by Out in the Open
Tuesdays, Online. 6pm-7pm.
Bring your knitting, your drawing, your collaging, your sewing, your writing, your painting! Bring your crafts and craft along with other rural queer folks!
Open-drop in space to share your creative side!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87116115742... 

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Recovery Families
hosted by Turning Point
Fridays at Turning Point of Windham County Recovery Center (39 Elm Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-11am. 
Young children welcome!
Join other caregivers for connection and support of your own recovery journey or that of someone you love. 

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Taking Steps Brattleboro, a program of Brattleboro Area Hospice is offering Advance Care Planning Weekly Zoom Information Sessions on Wednesdays from 10am-11am.
If you are interested in attending the Zoom info session, or want more information about Advance Care Planning, please contact Ruth Nangeroni, Advance Care Planning Program Coordinator at 802-257-0775 ext 101 or [email protected].
Advance care planning ensures that your loved ones and health professionals know what you  want in a medical emergency when you are unable to speak for yourself. It’s a process of creating a written health care plan(advance directive) that tells others what you would want if you couldn’t tell them yourself.
Advance Care Planning includes discussing choices about end-of-life (EOL) care with your medical provider, family and others. It involves choosing and educating your Health Care Agent and making informed decisions to complete an Advance Directive. Join us and learn more. Find out if adding a COVID-19 or Dementia provision would be beneficial to include or add to a previously completed Advance Directive.
Brattleboro Area Hospice (BAH) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides non-medical support to dying and grieving community members and volunteer-staffed assistance with Advance Care Planning. BAH is 100% locally funded, and provides services free of charge. Services are available to anyone living in southeastern Vermont or bordering New Hampshire towns.
Advance Care Planning: It’s how people care for one another.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES

The Village Closet
on the Wintson Prouty Campus (60 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), in Croker Hall.
Open Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-12pm, or
by appointment. For more information, please email [email protected].
Your source for free baby, children, and pregnancy clothing/items. Donations of gently used items accepted. We are collecting new and "like new" children's coats and winter gear for our Kids in Coats partnership with United Way of Windham County.  If you have items to donate, please stop by today if you are able!
On Wednesdays, Everyone Eats will be distributing free dinners on campus from 3:30pm-4:30pm.

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FREE HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD IN WINDHAM COUNTY

Brigid’s Kitchen, St. Michael’s Church, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro 802-254-6800 or 802-558-6072 
Grab-and-go lunches and fruit/nuts on Mon, Weds, Thus, and Sat, 11:30am-12:20pm.

Loaves and Fishes, Centre Congregational Church 193 Main Street, Brattleboro (802) 254-4730
Grab-and-go lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm.

VT Foodbank and Veggie Van Go will be at Brattleboro Union High School (Fairground Ave, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), in the parking lot, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 10am-11am. Drive up, touchless pickup. Walkers welcome, too. Call VT 211 for more information. 

Foodworks, the food shelf program of the Groundworks Collaborative https://groundworksvt.org (802) 490-2412, [email protected] 
Foodworks has open hours for curbside pickup on Mondays 11am-4pm, Wednesdays 1pm-6pm, Fridays 12pm-4pm, last Saturday of each month from 9am-12pm. Deliveries are available onTuesdays across Windham county. Please email [email protected] or call 802-490-2412 with any questions!
Households in need of food are asked to call or email to coordinate delivery. There is an urgent need for volunteers, and Foodworks has set up protocols to keep staff, volunteers, and clients as safe as possible. Please email us at [email protected] if you are able to help.

Marlboro Community Food Share
hosted by the Marlboro Community Center
Wednesday 10am-2pm; Thursday 10am-5pm; Friday 10am-12pm; Saturday 10am-12pm at the Marlboro Community Center (524 South Road, Marlboro, VT, 05344). 
The Marlboro Community Center invites you to fill a bag with non-perishable grocery items. Food is set up in the main space and is available during our open hours. Eggs and produce on Thursdays as available. No registration or eligibility required. Deliveries can be made through Marlboro Cares for those needing assistance. Please call Marlboro Cares at 258-3030 in advance to arrange a delivery.
To donate food:
Leave non-perishable food in the donation box at the Marlboro Post Office. It will be collected on a weekly-basis. (Please note that this box previously supplied the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, which is now distributing food exclusively from VT Food Pantry) 
Gardeners and farmers are welcome to donate produce. Wear masks and wash hands when harvesting and handling food. Fresh produce can be dropped off at the Community Center on Thursday between 1pm and 4pm. (Any leftover produce will be taken to FoodWorks the following morning)

Guilford Food Pantry 
Every Thursday at the Guilford Fairgrounds. 5pm-6pm.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy. Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

Putney Foodshelf Weekly Open Hours 
Fridays at Christian Square, Putney, VT, 05346. 1:30pm-3:30pm.
Saturdays at Christian Square, Putney, VT, 05346. 9am-10:30am. (NEW HOURS!)
We also have a food drop at the Putney Meadows parking lot every 4th Thursday, from 9am-9:45am.
Message us on our FB page HERE, call 802.387.8551, or email [email protected] with questions. www.putneyfoodshelf.org
Curbside Open Hours. All are welcome - we just ask you to provide your town of residence and number in household for our data tracking purposes.
Stay in your car, please. Volunteers will take your order and bring out boxes of food, including nonperishable items, fresh produce, paper goods, meat, and dairy products.

Everyone Eats continues, including grab-and-go meals.

• Please see the website for the most up-to-date information. Thank you!

Folks receiving services through Foodworks, Loaves and Fishes, and the Brattleboro Community Justice Center can obtain free meals through those organizations.

Our Place Drop-In Center at 4 Island Street, Bellows Falls, VT, 05101. Call us at 802-463-2217 for assistance. Email at [email protected]. Please wear a mask to keep our employees and yourself safe.
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-1pm
Friday: 8:30am-4pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Our Place Drop-In Center operates a food pantry and meal site where they serve breakfast with to-go meals that are ready for pickup by 9am. Lunch is ready by 11:30am. 
Everyone is welcome to stop by to get a meal. At this time we are allowing only employees in the building.

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ADDITIONAL COVID 19 RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT THEIR PERMANENT HOME ON OUR WEBSITE, HERE: https://www.wecantogether.net/covid19_resources

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RESOURCE FOR WeCAN

Rapid Response Text Alert System

When WeCAN began, Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.

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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING 

Indigo Radio
Sundays at 1pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FM. To stream live, visit: www.wvew.org 
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections! IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353. 

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A final reminder to get those Winter and Spring events in ASAP to [email protected] need your events in order to create rich and varied Weekly Email Updates--we look forward to seeing your event in our inbox soon!

With many thanks,

Your Friendly WeCAN Editor,

Joanna