Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

“If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces."
from Blueprint for a Breakthrough (2013) by Shane Koyczan
a Canadian poet writer known for writing about issues like bullying, cancer, death, and eating disorders

     We at WeCAN were devastated to hear of the heartbreaking fire at McNeil's Pub in Brattleboro that happened on Friday and the demolition that occurred on Saturday. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to all that are affected by this tragedy and loss. Beyond existing as just "a pub", McNeil's was a place where ideas and conversation flowed and our community gathered in good times and bad. Such places truly feel alive themselves, and the absence of this former firehouse will surely be felt for a long time by so many of our friends and neighbors. We will be sure to pass on any updates or donation requests we receive. 
     If you or someone you know is struggling due to this loss (or for any other reason), please know that you can text VT to 741741 to be put in touch with a crisis counselor immediately. 

• 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: 

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Georgia! That means tens of thousands of volunteers will be calling, texting, and canvassing voters. Be strategic about where you put your money and your time. Join Lean Left as we reach out to specific populations of voters with two proven and well-run organizations.

Over the next 15 days, Georgia needs tens of thousands of volunteers to call, text, and canvass voters. Be strategic about where you put your money and your time. Join Lean Left as we reach out to specific populations of voters with two proven and well-run organizations.

Make calls with the Environmental Voter Project to turn out environmental voters. EVP estimates that over 8 million environmentalists did not vote in the 2020 presidential election, and over 12 million skipped the 2018 midterms. Here is more information about why EVP is a good strategic choice. 

Make calls with NextGen Organizing to turn out young voters! Exit polls on Tuesday showed voters in the 18-29 age bracket making up about 12-13% of the vote and preferring Democrats. This age group will be critical in Georgia. NextGen is calling young Georgia voters **daily** to help them cast their ballot for this crucial runoff election! 

• Text with NexGen Organizing  and reach out to young people to help them make a plan to vote for the December 6 Runoff Election! We know that building the power of the youth vote is crucial to our democracy, and that starts by getting youth to the polls during elections.

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
MONDAY DECEMBER 5th, 2022-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 2022

Vermont Food Bank’s Veggie Van Go Upcoming Schedule: PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE RESCHEDULED DATES IN JANUARY THAT ARE NOT MONDAYS
The First and Third Mondays of Every Month in the parking lot across the street from the main entrance to Brattleboro Union High School (131 Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-11am. 
Please, no early birds. 
Questions? Call 1-800-585-2265 or email [email protected] 
Veggie Van Go is a program through the Vermont Foodbank that gives out free produce and local food for people to take home.
ATTENTION: The VT Foodbank asks that participants arrive at the Brattleboro Union High School no earlier than 9:45am. Cars that arrive early will be turned away until the start of the event. 
Monday, December 5th, 2022
Monday, December 9th, 2022
Wednesday, January 4th, 2023
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023
Monday, February 6th, 2023
Monday, February 20th, 2023

Important information:

• Drive through model- please stay in your vehicles
• If you are walking there: see a Vermont Foodbank associate but please make sure to stay 6 feet back.
• There are no income requirements, registration or paperwork to participate
• You do not need to be present to get food: you may ask someone to pick up on your family's behalf.

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Pandemic Architecture: Two Centuries of Disease and Design
hosted by Vermont Humanities, Brooks Memorial Library, and the Town of Brattleboro
Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm.
Public health crises have prompted many changes to the buildings, skylines, and streetscapes of our cities. In this free in-person presentation, Champlain College professor David Mills explores two centuries’ worth of alterations to the built environment made in pursuit of health and wellbeing, from modern to postmodern and beyond. 

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Guilford Cares Food Pantry
Thursday, December 8th, 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 8th, 2022 with Sarah Dandelions
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 10th, 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! 

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Project Feed: Load the Ambulance
hosted by Rescue, Inc.
Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at Rescue, Inc. (541 Canal Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12pm-4pm.
Project Feed the Thousands is the largest annual food drive in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire. For the past 28 years, they have been helping thousands of local people in need. This year's campaign is well underway and we at Rescue Inc are excited to join the effort to reach this year's goal!
Join us on Saturday December 10th at our Brattleboro Station on Canal Street to help us "Load the Ambulance" with non-perishable food. While you're there you can meet the staff and have your blood pressure checked!
Please help support Project Feed and "Load the Ambulance" - Additionally we are a general collection site at our three locations throughout Windham County - our Brattleboro and Townshend Stations and our training facility VEMSA in Newfane.
Together we can make a real difference!


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CASP Potluck and Presentation
Sunday, December 11th, 2022 at the Putney Friends Meeting House (17 Bellows Falls Rd, Putney, VT 05346). 3pm-6pm.
This event is free to the public, and registration is strongly suggested. Please register for the event HERE or by emailing [email protected].
A federal judge recently blocked Title 42, a policy upheld by the Biden Administration, which CASP members say has had devastating effects for people trying to legally claim asylum in the United States. Now that it’s currently blocked, attendees “will learn about what lies ahead in our fight to support families fleeing violence and poverty,” according to a news release. CASP will also be sharing an update on the No Mas Polimigra campaign in Windham County and the fight to close harmful loopholes in the Fair and Impartial Policing Policy.
All attendees will also be entered into the raffle, and several items will be for sale with 100% of proceeds going toward the mission of CASP to cultivate a supportive community for those seeking asylum in the U.S., offering basic needs and accompanying them on their journey toward building a life in this country.
After the presentation, attendees will be invited to celebrate this small win by sharing in a potluck of foods culturally significant to each person.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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

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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.

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

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