Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

"Success is not the absence of failure; it is the persistence through failure."
-Aisha Tyler (b.1970)
American actress, comedian, director, talk show host, and LGBTQIA2S+ advocate

     Unfortunately, this intro will have to be quick as we are having significant issues with our emailing platform NationBuilder: namely, saving our work in real time. If there are any mistakes or typos in this week's email, please send us a note at [email protected] and we will attempt to fix it for next week's newsletter. Thank you for your patience while we ask the NationBuilder tech team to create us a repair ticket, yet again. Cross your fingers their "fix" works this time! 

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HAPPENING TODAY,
SUNDAY, APRIL 2nd, 2023

Milk with Dignity Organizing Tour
Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 4pm.
Immigrant dairy workers are traveling across the northeast this spring to connect with supporters and take action for Milk with Dignity! Farmworker organization Migrant Justice is calling on grocery chain Hannaford supermarkets to source its store-brand milk from farms where workers' human rights are independently monitored and protected, and the long-term interests of farm owners are supported. Join us to learn more about the rampant abuses that workers face on dairy farms and the powerful organizing they are doing to improve conditions and protect their rights. During this organizing meeting, you will hear directly from farmworkers, learn about the Milk with Dignity Program, take collective action, and gain the tools you need to join this inspiring struggle for human rights.
-Lost River Racial Justice

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
MONDAY, APRIL 3rd, 2023-SUNDAY, APRIL 9th , 2023 

Vermont Food Bank’s Veggie Van Go Upcoming Schedule: 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, April 3rd, 2023
Monday, April 17th, 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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VT Poor People’s Campaign Moral Assembly & Community Meal
Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at the VT State House (115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633) 12pm-2pm.
Assembly: State House, Montpelier, 12pm-1pm.
Community Meal: Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St, Montpelier, 1pm-2pm.
Carpools from Windham County: [email protected] or (802) 257-4436
The Moral Assembly is a gathering to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on the anniversary of his assassination, including his creation of the original Poor People’s Campaign, and to lift up the interconnected problems of poverty, systemic racism, environmental degradation and the war economy. It is bringing together people and organizations in VT working to value people and human needs over profit and to bring an end to the unjust economic and social systems that harm us all.
The Assembly will be followed by a community meal. To-go meals will be available for people observing Ramadan and breaking fast in the evening, as well as anyone who is unable to stay and eat.

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Loving Kindness Silent Vigil Resumes Every Tuesday
Beginning Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at Wells Fountain (298-250 VT-30, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 4pm-5pm.
For further information, or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Tim Stevenson, [email protected]
The Silent Loving Kindness Vigil will return for its fourth season.
Under a banner that reads, “Holding a space of Loving Kindness for all Living Beings,” we will gather every Tuesday (weather permitting), from 4:00pm-5:00pm at Wells Fountain, downtown Brattleboro (across from the library) to extend silent thoughts of loving kindness to family, friends, and the good folks passing by (as well as our non-human fellow beings!).
All are welcome to join us, whether for a few minutes, or for the entire hour. People may bring their own cushions or chairs, make use of the benches at the Fountain, or stand as they prefer.

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Medicaid & Health Resource Drop-in Hours
hosted by the Vermont Workers’ Center
Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room.2pm-4pm.
This space is handicapped accessible. For more information, or if you can’t make those times, contact [email protected] or (802) 257-4436.
Stop in for information about the upcoming Medicaid redeterminations, who will be affected, what your rights are in this process, and how to be sure that you aren’t cut off for bureaucratic reasons. People who are not on Medicaid and have questions about health care access are also welcome, as there will be other health care resources available. Hosted by Vermont Workers’ Center. 

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Revolution in Our Time
hosted by Vermont Humanities, Brooks Memorial Library, and the Town Of Brattleboro
Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm.
In this free in-person presentation, National Book Award finalist Kekla Magoon discusses her award-winning nonfiction book, "Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People." The Vermont author also considers the importance of reading as a tool for social change, and our individual and collective power to transform our communities.

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Guilford Cares Food Pantry (NEW LOCATION)
Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at the Broad Brook Community Center (3940 Guilford Center Road, 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]. For more information, please go to https://www.guilfordcares.com/pantry.
Guilford Cares Food Pantry has moved! We are now back at the newly renovated Broad Brook Community Center and no longer at the Guilford Fairgrounds. 
Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.  Our pantry, with the help of state agencies, local businesses, and individual donations, provides a wide variety of fresh, frozen, canned and packaged food items. Guilford Cares also makes extra food available to students at the Guilford Central School.
Guilford Cares started with a health-based mission. The founders of the organization wanted to make sure that their neighbors did not "fall through the cracks" in our healthcare system. It did not take long to recognize that our community had other needs, perhaps as crucial. "Food Insecurity" constitutes a constant challenge across Vermont and at our doorstep as well. Pat Haine leading a dedicated squad of enthusiastic volunteers, operates The Guilford Cares Food Pantry. They feed a significant number of families who experience difficulties putting enough food on the table despite working multiple jobs. The citizens of our community generously donate to allow Guilford Cares to help out. The State of Vermont provides support. Hannaford Supermarket supports the Pantry consistently.
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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UPCOMING EVENTS

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, 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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Love’s Gonna Carry Us: A Singalong Concert to Benefit CASP
Friday, April 14th, 2022 at All Soul’s Church (29 South St, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 7pm.
Tickets are $20, but attendees may pay whatever they can afford. Refugees and folks under 18 are free. More information and ticket purchasing is available at www.ascvt.org/concert.
Songs of joy, resilience, and justice will be the focus on April 14, at All Souls Church in a benefit concert for the Community Asylum Seekers Project.
The concert with  with Annie Patterson and Peter Blood is to help support people fleeing violence and repression to find a new life in southeastern Vermont. It was originally planned for St. Patrick’s Day, but postponed due to storm damage.
Annie Patterson and Peter Blood developed and edited Rise Up Singing, the group singing songbook, published in 1988 and their sequel second songbook Rise Again, published in 2015. They have led hundreds of singalong concerts and workshops across North America, New Zealand, and the UK. They are among the country’s best-known and loved musician activists and songleaders of all ages. Pete Seeger said that their work has “made a qualitative difference in music in this country.”
CASP cultivates a supportive community for those seeking asylum in the U.S., while offering basic needs and accompanying them on their journey towards building a life in this country. The organization continues to sponsor and support many asylum seekers in the Windham County area.
Describing the concert, Blood wrote, "We are facing tremendous challenges as a nation and world. We hope these concerts will provide new strength, hope, and healing—for families, for communities, and for those working to address these great challenges. It will be a blend of old favorites and a bunch of terrific new songs you may be unfamiliar with."
And in an unusual move, Blood provided a link to their draft setlist for the concert which can be seen here: Ascvt.org/setlist
Patterson is an accomplished folk performer, recording artist, and jazz vocalist. She was the art director of both songbooks and was producer and primary vocalist for the Rise Up Singing Teaching Discs. She accompanies herself on banjo, guitar, and cajon. Patterson sings with the bands Big Yellow Taxi, Dear Ella, and Girls from Mars.
Blood edited Pete Seeger’s autobiography, Where Have All the Flowers Gone: A Singalong Memoir. Seeger was actively involved in working both on Rise Up Singing and Rise Again. He accompanies Patterson on fiddle and guitar.
This is a rare opportunity to hear the Patterson and Blood together performing, songleading, and telling stories about creating their books and working closely with Pete Seeger.

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Medicaid & Health Resource Drop-in Hours
hosted by the Vermont Workers’ Center
Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room.2pm-4pm.
This space is handicapped accessible. For more information, or if you can’t make those times, contact [email protected] or (802) 257-4436.
Stop in for information about the upcoming Medicaid redeterminations, who will be affected, what your rights are in this process, and how to be sure that you aren’t cut off for bureaucratic reasons. People who are not on Medicaid and have questions about health care access are also welcome, as there will be other health care resources available. Hosted by Vermont Workers’ Center. 

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Brattleboro Queer Dance Party 

Friday, April 28th, 2023 at The Stone Church (210 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 9pm-1am.
Ages 18 and up. $5-$15. Actual fire is prohibited, if that isn't clear. Beats by HAUTE SAUCE https://on.soundcloud.com/CSW3A & DJ Wooly Mar.
The dress up inspiration is Beltane pageantry. The venue is wheelchair accessible. For more info, please go to stonechurchvt.com.
You are the stars of the night. The Vermont wilds are teaming with life and it's time to turn your winter embers into a bonfire. Call in the peeps, the lads, and ladybros: the dance floor beckons!

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We Are All Fast Food Workers Now
hosted by Vermont Humanities, Brooks Memorial Library, and the Town of Brattleboro
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm.
In this free in-person presentation, labor historian Annelise Orleck provides a close look at globalization and its costs from the perspective of low-wage workers themselves—berry pickers, fast food servers, garment workers, cashiers, hotel housekeepers, home health care aides, and even adjunct professors—who are fighting for respect, safety, and a living wage.

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Storytelling Roundtable
Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at Brattleboro Museum and Art Center (10 Vernon Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm.
This is an in-person event.
Free, registration optional, walk-ins welcome.
In collaboration with Vermont Folklife, multi-media artist Juan Hinojosa will lead an evening of storytelling on the theme of newcomers and immigration. After a short tour of the exhibition Juan Hinojosa: Paradise City, visitors will be invited to share their family histories and make mini collages on the theme of “home.”
Hinojosa, the child of immigrants, makes complex collage-drawings constructed from found objects that intimately challenge greed, obsessive consumption, and the social stratification of American culture. In his art and in this event, he explores what it means to be a Vermonter and what it means to be “from” a place. Through community engagement and storytelling, Hinojosa aims to reveal the many shared experiences we all have as Americans.

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ONGOING EVENTS

Coffey with Coffey Hours: 2nd Saturday and Sunday of Each Month

During the legislative session State Rep. Sara Coffey will host her “Coffee with Coffey” hours on the second weekend each month.  This is a way for Sara to share updates and hear from her Guilford and Vernon constituents 
Sara is hosting in-person coffee hours on the second Saturdays of each month from 10am-11am, and for those who who cannot attend in-person join her via Zoom (use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89043648911?pwd=VTI3SDJoMTFGcWFIblUwK1dscWcyQT09) on Sunday afternoons from 3pm-4pm.

In-person Coffee with Coffey schedule on Saturdays from 10am-11am: 
Sat. May 13 Vernon Library
Sat. June 10 Broad Brook Community Center in Guilford

Zoom Coffee with Coffey on Sundays from 3pm-4pm:
Sun. April 9
Sun. May 14
Sun. June 11

These are great opportunity to connect with neighbors and to share your ideas and priorities. Everyone is welcome!

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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)

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.

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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Thank you for sharing this space with us once again, WeCAN friends. Until next time...

With many thanks,

Your Friendly WeCAN Editor,

Joanna