August 05 update

* The New England Center for Circus Arts

Winter session begins January 7. Classes for teens. Information: 802-254-9780. www.necenterforcircusarts.org.

* Grafton Ponds Recreation Center

Mountain Biking and Hiking --open daily, 9am -4pm

Includes trails suitable for families. Cost $1; bike rentals and tours available for additional costs.

January 5, Winter Trails Day; January 12, Coed Classic Ski Clinic/Tour; January 19, Grafton's Nature Museum's "Bats" & Ice Skating Party; January 27, Snowshoe Clinic Tour. Information: (802) 843-2400 or www.graftonponds.com

* Astronomy Day, Norwich

January 26, 11am-3pm. Celerbrate the long winter nights with a full day of celestial activities. Learn how to identify winter constellations, make a sundial or a star chart to take home, and find out more about our closest star-the Sun. Also, meet local astronaut Jay Buckey. COST: free with museum admission. Montshire Museum of Science. Information or registration: 8002-649-2200 or www.montshire.org.

* Creating with Clay Pottery Studio

Winter classes begin January 7. After school classes (age 6 +), 3:30-5pm. Home school, Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30pm; Saturday afternoon workshops for students age 10+ will meet in January and March. Information or a complete schedule of classes: Bonnie Stearns, 802-254-8355 or bstearns@sover.net.

* Christmas at the Billings Farm, Woodstock

Saturdays/Sundays, through January 1, 10am-4pm. Tours of the authentically decorated farmhouse, visits to the dairy farm for interactive programs, holiday activities, plus the Academy Award nominee film "A Place in the Land." Billings Farm & Museum. Information: 802-457-2355 or www.Billingsfarm.org.

This event happens on the last Saturday of the month, 7:15pm-11:30pm. There is a children's dance from 7:15pm to 8:00pm. Regular DJ set from 8-11:30pm. Cost $1-$7. The Church, Main and Grove Streets. Information: (802) 258-6475 or (802) 380-4221.

Children's Multicultural Performance Ensemble (ages 7+), Thursdays through Nov 15, 3:45-5:15. This ensemble explores music and songs from a variety of earth-centered peoples. Children will attune to the natural world through practices of listening and playful, creative movement exercises, done both indoors and out. Cost: $100.

Individual Lessons Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm. Individual music lessons, for students of all ages and abilities, are available in 15 different instruments and voice taught by the Brattleboro Music Center Music School's 30+ talented and dedicated faculty members.

Celtic Music Session Wednesdays Youth 12+ in age, 4pm. Learn traditional jigs and reels, and other dance music of Scotland, Ireland and New England. All music will be taught by ear, making this class an excellent opportunity to develop students' ear training abilities as well as introducing them to this exciting musical tradition. Cost: $100.

Job Requirements: Driver's License, 20+ years old, High school diploma, College Degree

Job Description: This Online Admin Specialist. must also have experience working with payroll. This Online Admin Specialist must have experience with Microsoft Excel, data entry numeric and data entry alpha.And All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be authorized to work in the United States. If you are interested in this temporary to full time opportunity please contact us via email walbeverage@aol.com

Company: Home Depot, Brattleboro Job: Customer Service Positions (Cashiers/returns desk, head cashiers, lot attendant, inventory management, loss prevention associates, special service associates)

Job Requirements: In order to meet the minimum qualifications for these positions, you must be at least 18 years of age, pass a drug test, pass a background check and pass the Home Depot employment test.

Company: Friendly's, Brattleboro Job: Wait staff, Cook, Dessert Specialist, Bus Person/Prep Cook, Host Hostess

Job Requirements: Some experience helpful, but not necessary, Ability to work in a fast paced environment, Meet peak time challenges, Ability to prioritize tasks, Must be a team player, Must be 16 + or 18+ years of age.

Job Requirements: Must have reliable transportation to job locations and pass a motor vehicle background check. Must have an email address and access to retrieve job schedule. Must have High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be 18+ years of age.

Job Description: Must be able to read and understand planograms / schematics; to understand basic retail terminology; to learn and use client specific terminology; ability to move across a variety of surfaces such as tiles, concrete, asphalt, carpets, etc., and climb stairs or ladders as necessary; ability to continuously reach and lift or shift merchandise of varying weights and sizes. Must have customer friendly attitude.

Job Requirements: Excellent verbal skills. Personal computer and printing capabilities with internet access. Computer literate. Organized and detail oriented. Able to set up event table and display. Reliable transportation. Customer service skills. Must be 16+ years of age.

Job Description: You will be responsible for promoting brands by distributing samples/brochures and/or demonstrating products to consumers, driving sales and creating brand awareness by educating consumers on the features and benefits of our clients' products, and timely reporting of store visit activities via a telephone reporting system. Each event earns the Event Personnel and selected school a point. For every 25 points you earn, you will receive a $25 retailer gift card. Once you reach 50 points, you are eligible to receive a letter of recommendation. For every 100 points the school of your choice earns, they will receive a $100 donation! Points do not expire and are awarded at the end of each quarter.

The Great River Arts Institute is creating a radio project and needs your help!. The radio program would air on WOOL FM in Bellows Falls. Learn how to put a radio show together and share your stories.

Paid and unpaid internships are available through the Great River Arts Institute for students interested in art and working with younger children and their peers. For more information call 802-463-3330 or email greatriverjack@yahoo.com or visit www.greatriverarts.org

Are you a young person between the ages of 15 and 25 who has a disability and would like to be a part of an exciting, fun and educational program? Join the Youth Leadership Program through Vermont Center for Independent Living and learn your rights as a person with a disability, how to speak up for yourself, howto live on your own, set goals, make decisions and become a mentor. For more information or to apply call 802-229-6413 or 7-800-639-1522 (voice and TTY) or email dvora@vcil.org

What to be a more confident babysitter? Learn basic life saving and safety techniquesthat will help you feel more comfortable taking care of someone else's children. This class is for youth ages 11 to 13 and will be held at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Call 802-251-8425 for dates of upcoming classes.

Visit this interactive web site to share your writing and learn how to improve your writing. Weekly writing prompts are provided and you could have your work published in the local newspaper! Check it out @ www.youngwritersproject.org

“This I Believe” essays, The Global Youth Fund (GYF) -- a youth-driven initiative tocreate the world's first democratic fund -- is compiling the collective wisdom of youth (ages 15-25). Focused on personal philosophies, core values and beliefs that serve as a day-to-day guide, these essays reflect what young people have to say about our world's most critical challenges, and the solutions they have to offer. Sample “I believe in” titles: The Active Soul, Borderless World, It All Starts with Yourself, Liberating your mind. Read on to hear the voices of tomorrow.
Check it out @ www.globalyouthfund.org

The Brattleboro Reformer is seeking teens to write editorials for the paper. What areyouth talking about? What is important to you? What do you think about local issues, politics and world wide issues? This is not a social studies paper - this is your voice being heard. For more information or to submit at editorial contact Sabina Haskell, Editor, at 254-2311 ext.106 or shaskell@reformer.com.

Youth ages 13 to 18 can hang out at the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro from 7 to 11pm on Friday nights. Come hear local bands, DJ's, or watch skate jams and movies. or more information call 254-5990.

The Brattleboro Area Habitat for Humanity Chapter is working on houses and welcomes volunteers to come help build! Work is usually done on Saturdays at their workshop on Putney Rd/Rt. 5. For more information contact Dean at 802-254-5222 or judean@together.net.

77 Flat Street in Brattleboro. Please stop by the Shop or call us at (802) 254-5200, to learn more. Ask for Victoria.

Maple Ridge Stable is offering an 8-week Youth Horsemanship Class for ages 8 & up. The class will be held on Thursdays, beginning January 10th, from 3:45-5:15. Through games and activities children will learn about different horse breeds, horse care, safety, anatomy, training and equine behavior. Each class includes classroom and barn time. For more information or to register please visit our website www.mapleridgestable.com or contact Heidi Potter at 802-380-3268 . Class size is limited so please register early.

Teen club focusing on Japanese anime and manga. COST: free. Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls. Mondays, 5 pm. Information: (802) 463-4270, bfyouth@sover.net or www.youseemore.com/rockingham

Fall offerings include youth and kindergarten soccer leagues, youth field hockey and gymnastics classes. For more information call 802- 245-5808. Downloadable program at www.brattleboro.org

Inspiring/enabling all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to be productive, responsible and caring citizens. 17 Flat Street. Information: (802) 254-5990

This is an afterschool enrichment program. Open Monday-Friday, 3-6pm and full days on vacations, holidays and teacher in-service days. Fees based on days/week and pick-up time. Financial assistance available. Child Care Subsidy accepted. For more information: Brattleboro (802) 246-1036, Bellows Falls (802) 463-4769 or check out their website at www.meetingwatersymca.org, info@meetingwatersymca.org

Providing the opportunity to learn and enjoy many aspects of the game of soccer in a competitive enviroment from a current professional player. This program is open to youth ages 5-18 and has scholarships available. For more information go to www.vermontvoltage.com or call 802-999-6303.

Kroka Expeditions offers a variety of outdoor experiences including logging weekends, winter wilderness weekends, family camps, and white water rafting. Check out Vermont-Ecuador Semester. Check out all the details on www.kroka.org

Learn how to support your children in school and at home; meet other parents and share what works and what doesn't!

Living Life on Life's Terms: Integrating Spiritually into the Therapeutic Process with Addicted Adults
Presenter: Patricia A. Burke, MSW, LCSW
Date & Time: Starts December 3, 2007 and runs for 4 weeks (completion earns 8 contact hours)
Location: Online http://www.neias.org/SATAdcal.html
Registration Fee: $40 payable to AdCare

The Greenwood School is a boarding school in Southern Vermont dedicated to taking bright and talented boys with learning differences and learning disabilities (LD) such as dyslexia, attentional difficulties (ADD / ADHD), or executive functioning deficits and empowering them with the skills and strategies necessary to bridge the gap between their outstanding promise and present abilities.

A comprehensive 3-year pre-preparatory middle school academic program, including science, history, art, literature, music, and athletics, assures our students are intellectually challenged, creatively inspired, and factually informed.

The Greenwood School is looking for organizations to partner with in our Community Service Learning (CSL) Program.
Goal of the CSL Program:
Expand confidence, increase empathy, foster trust and tolerance, and improve the socialization skills of the students at the Greenwood School.
Purpose:
Impact the Greenwood students by introducing them to service work – thereby starting the process of witnessing the inherent value of “giving back” to one’s community. Build mutually advantageous partnerships with local and distant communities.
Some of Greenwood's existing partnership organizations:
The Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation
Windham County Humane Society

If you are interested in helping us build a more interconnected community, please contact:
Adam Jones
The Greenwood School
14 Greenwood Lane
Putney, VT 05346
Community Service Learning Director
802.999.0066
ca_jones@mac.com

Log onto www.healthandlearning.org/ for details on all trainings and workshops including strategies on suicide prevention, improving health education, research based curricula and more.

These trainings are designed to assist professionals in getting the skills, knowledge, support, and confidence to address the sensitive topic of sexuality. Check out the calendar of trainings for 2006-2007 @ www.ppnne.org

Eugene, OR- HealthComm Interactive, Inc. announces release of two multimedia CD-ROM programs, Walk Smart and Bike Smart. Both programs are designed for children in grades K-3 and were produced, with support from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, by the Oregon Center for Applied Science. Using animations and video demonstrations, these self-paced programs are fun and engaging. They teach children the basic skills and knowledge they need to be safe as pedestrians and on their bicycles.

Concerned parents, educators and safety officials were directly involved in the design and evaluation of Walk Smart and Bike Smart. Pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death from trauma for children 5-9 years old. These accidents most often occur while the child is walking along, playing in, or crossing the street. Non-fatal bicycle accidents represent one of the most common causes of serious brain injury in children--with more than 138,000 children under the age of 14 sustaining bicycle-related head injuries each year.

"What differentiates the Walk Smart and Bike Smart programs from traditional safety curricula are their emphasis on breaking down complex skills such as street crossing into component parts: responding to signals, discriminating dangerous vehicles, and understanding traffic distance", noted Ann Glang Ph.D., Principal Investigator. "The program then teaches each of these skills to mastery before integrating them into the more complex task of walking safely across a busy street. Pre-teaching the component skills involved in a complex response is a critical feature of effective instructional programs".

Both programs were thoroughly evaluated in studies involving several hundred children. The studies demonstrated that after children used the program, most did a significantly better job of identifying hazardous situations than they had prior to using the program. The studies also demonstrated that even children with no computer or reading skills were able to use the programs.

Detailed information, including research evaluation reports and program sample clips are available at http://childsafety.hcimarketplace.com . Each program costs $19.95. They are available directly from HealthComm Interactive through the website or by calling 866 846 4880 Toll-free.

Good-Touch/Bad-Touch provides a 3.5 day, 21-hour Facilitator Training to certify adults to facilitate the Good-Touch/Bad-Touch Curriculum with PreK - 6th grade students. The Curriculum is research-based, comprehensive violence prevention education, with information about preventing abuse, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, internet safety rules, stranger-danger rules and character development. It is educationally and developmentally appropriate, and is in its 11th revised edition, with by-stander discussions now included in the 5th and 6th grade curriculum.
For more information visit www.goodtouchbadtouch.com

Presents: Twelfth Night Dates: January 11-13, 2008
Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3 pm.
All the roles in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night performed by only TWO actors? This marvelously merry commentary on the madness of love, adapted and directed by NEYT favorite, Peter Gould, is the next New England Youth Theatre attempt to surprise and delight the audience. Twelfth Night is presented for only one weekend, so make plans to see it now.

Libana's is a women's world music ensemble that illuminates the the creativity, vision, and spirit of the world's womenthrough the performance of traditional and contemporary music and dance.

The Community Chorus, under the direction of Susan Dedell, will present David Fanshawe's African Sanctus. This highly charged piece, scored for percussion, ethnic drums, electric and bass guitar, piano, soprano soloists and chorus, also incorporates field recordings made by composer David Fanshawe of African music. The Community Chorus is a program of the Brattleboro Music Center, for tickets contact the BMC at 802-257-4523 or purchase them on-line at www.brattleborotix.com.

Come learn the sport of Nordic skiing at Grafton Ponds! This sport is a lot of fun and is a fantastic form of exercise. Our trail system has 30K of terrain for all abilities, with grooming and snowmaking.

Presents: Nature Museum's "Bats" and Ice Skating Party Dates: January 19, 2008

The Grafton Nature Museum and Grafton Ponds unite to present an evening of fun education for all ages. Start the evening with a session about the life of Bats. Then finish up outside with an ice skating party! Meet in the Grafton Ponds lodge.

Presents: Snowshoe Clinic & Tour at Grafton Ponds Dates: January 27, 2008
Sunday, 10am to 12pm, $10 adults, $5 children

Tour the beautiful Grafton Ponds trails. What a perfect way to start the day! Snowshoe rentals available.

Vermont Action for Healthy Kids wants to encourage after school programs to give students opportunities to acquire skills in a physical activity they can enjoy throughout their lives. To support this, we are offering $200 grants to 5 schools to offer students four dance classes (in a single dance genre) in after school programs. The grant application is due January 21, 2008 and funds will be available in early February, 2008.

Contact: Nicole Lukas, 802-288-8305 Download grant application: Schoolapplication.

BAPC mini-grants provide funding to projects that support the prevention and reduction of youth alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in the Windham Southeast area. Grant amounts range from $250-$1,500. Download the request for proposals.

Hamburger Helper's MYHOMETOWNHELPER.COM will provide support to initiatives that help hometowns across America. Awards will be based on the merit of the project, including its impact and support within the community. Examples of fundable projects include the purchase of playground equipment, community clean-ups, and training volunteer firefighters. All requests for funding must be sponsored by a municipal agency, civic organization, or public school. Applicants can request a one-time award for a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $15,000. Multiple awards may be given out each month depending upon the number of applicants and the amount of money requested by each applicant. There will be two application phases: Phase 1 August 1, 2007-September 30, 2007 and Phase 2 February 1, 2008 - March 31, 2008. Applications from Phase 1 will not carry over to Phase 2, but can be submitted again. Applications will be collected only via online submission. Visit the website listed below for more information. www.myhometownhelper.com/

If you have not already heard, some changes are occurring regarding the Youth Initiative of Windham County. In accordance with our original mission, the Youth Initiative projects will no longer be coordinated from the United Way office, but are being integrated into the life of existing organizations around Windham County .

In this time of transition, the Board of Directors of United Way of Windham County continues to be committed to the vision and goals that the Youth Initiative has put forth. Julia Hampton has worked tirelessly to assure that the core values of the Youth Initiative are kept in focus and her hard work has resulted in the successful implementation of the following ongoing programs:

Julia Hampton's vision and leadership has led to many of these successes. Although the Youth Initiative's Coordinator position is coming to an end, it is our firm belief that due to Julia's dedicated efforts these programs will continue. We are also delighted that Julia has agreed to assist with further Youth Initiative transitions as a contract consultant to United Way .

Indeed, the community is a better place due to the Youth Initiative; we plan to continue to meet with the many stakeholders over the coming weeks and months to ensure that the goals and priorities are kept in focus.

On May 10, the Windham County Youth Council hosted it's fourth Youth Summit after a year of learning and creating through meetings, fundraising, and advertising in surrounding schools and communities. The council consists of around twenty 7-12th graders from throughout Windham county. The Youth Summit was from 9:00-2:30 at the Grand Summit Hotel at Mt. Snow .

It was a hard process this year, having run short on funds and scrambling with a few last minute changes, but it was well worth it. An overwhelming response of 240 youth from 15 surrounding schools attended the event, including 25 BUHS students. Workshops, from which the participants could choose two out of nine, were in wide variety. One, Got Diversity? , helped the participant identify stereotypes and stop discrimination against others. Another titled Darfur: Our Nation's Genocide , was led by Katherine Nolan from BUHS and offered information about the situation in Darfur and what students can do to help.

Other activities of the day included information booths from local organizations with cool handouts, and a raffle. There were also great performances from The Jump off Unit, The Marlboro Kings, and Coalition of the Mighty. Overall, it seems as though participants responded to the theme of the day: Ready to Change? Open your eyes, open your mind, see the world, change the world!

In addition to the fun of the day, 93% of the youth who came felt that they had a better understanding of the topics discussed in workshops, and half of the students wanted to do something new or different based on what they learned in the workshops they attended. As for the youth council, we plan to continue work next year and students interested in joining the Windham County Youth Council are encouraged to apply. For more information email wcyouthcouncil@gmail.com.

January 2008 Update