Randolph VT Upcoming Community Events

Join us for a two-day Basic Welding training at VTSU-Randolph on December 14th-15th. Gain practical skills to weld with confidence! No experience necessary. Please see this link for the course details and registration: https://www.enrole.com/vsc/jsp/session.jsp?sessionId=24CY-CED-0838-VTSU-S10&courseId=CED-0838-VTSU&categoryId=7204F9C0#sessInfo The training costs $445 and covers MIG, STICK, and TIG welding techniques with hands-on instruction. You'll learn about different metals, proper tank setup, identifying quality welds, and recognizing defects. The course also includes training on using a plasma cutter for precise metal cutting. You will create a small project as part of this training, with the suggested completion of a rocket stove. All materials are provided. We have more Basic Welding trainings lined up for future months. These dates can be found here (scroll to "Available Sessions"): https://www.enrole.com/vsc/jsp/course.jsp?categoryId=7204F9C0&courseId=CED-0838-VTSU Reach out to taylor.paone@vermontstate.edu with any questions.

Instructor Penny Hewitt returns with her popular hands-on holiday workshop! Create beautiful woven birds and stars using sustainably harvested paper birch bark. Learn traditional Scandinavian and Russian basketry techniques while crafting your own ornaments to take home. To learn more and register visit: http://whiterivercraftcenter.org/adult-classes or email info@whiterivercraftcenter.org White River Craft Center 50 Randolph Ave, Randolph VT http://whiterivercraftcenter.org 802-728-8912

Tamara, Thank you for the prudent inquiry... The current time for the debate is 1 O'Clock on December 14th, but only one of the two candidates has indicated their agreeability to participate. The WRV Chamber of Commerce & Chandler remain unclear about the intent of incumbent Speaker Krowinski, last I checked (Friday before the close of business hours) but I remain hopeful that our current Speaker will embrace this privileged opportunity sooner than later, and ultimately decide to commit to the event. I figure only one of the two current candidates would be displaying sincere intent to deliver strong, receptive leadership for Vermont throughout the next two legislative sessions, if the challenger ends up debating an empty chair, or a vacant podium... I look forward to hearing each candidate make their respective pitches as to my vote and those of our 147 additional House Representatives, who will all vote for one or the other on January 8th (the first day of the session). My personal expectation is that they do so publicly, and well ahead of the first day, so that new members who have never met them, get a fair shot at casting a vote that actually reflects their preference, instead of being forced to vote "aye" or "nay" on a voice-vote, as we do most post-election sessions. That would be on behalf of the voters who just voted-in those Representatives-elect, for the first time... a novel concept, that I am seeking to establish before year's end, an idea that's been well received all over the state. As for myself, I have yet to be inspired to support either candidate for House Speaker. I thank our neighbors who have contributed to this conversation daily, as public interest grows by way of letters to the editor, emails to policymakers, Facebook posts, calls, & FPF posts like Jerry Ward's and many others. I am hearing from folks that their letters to certain news groups are going unpublished, but that's ok. Perhaps some media outlets are working on a larger story.... the good news is, that I have not met a single Vermonter out there, who disagrees with the idea of a public debate, as I work doggedly to bring highly political, competitive and exclusive internal dealings out of the State House and into the public eye. I can assure you my colleagues in Montpelier are not exactly welcoming public oversight, as it would force a robust process, as opposed to the same old power brokerage served to the politically-loyal. The only people who seem to object to the idea, are politicians who may have something to lose from failing to protect the status quo, or people who may have something to gain personally and directly, from the business-as-usual tradition of nominating pre-groomed lawmakers for leadership roles without any real democratic contest. I will say, though, that even they have a difficult time justifying any attempt to keep the process behind-closed-curtains..... One just cannot reasonably make the argument that such decisions are supposed to be made in smoked-filled-rooms. We have plenty of time between now and January to hear from the candidates in a public way, which is so exciting! People want to see how we do this, for the first time ever, I think, and it's because of an unusual challenge to the sitting Speaker. People have been constantly asking me how they can help, so I've been sharing with them the phone number 802-828-2228 for our esteemed Sergeant-at-Arms Agatha Kessler, who fields calls from constituents for any Representative or Senator, anytime. If your answer to the following two questions is "yes" then you should pick up the phone sooner than later to indicate such to Madam Sergeant-at-Arms Kessler.... 1. Do YOU believe DEBATE is foundational to DEMOCRACY? 2. Do YOU think YOUR current SPEAKER of the HOUSE should debate publicly well before YOUR Reps vote for YOUR next SPEAKER? When folks call, typically our local Sid McLam or whoever answers your phone call in the Sergeant-at-Arms office, will ask you your hometown, so as to direct your legislative memo to YOUR Rep(s) and Senator(s) depending on your district. Vermont voters in electoral districts across Vermont, have been indicating their wish for their district's Representative to both attend the Chandler debate, but also to ask the incumbent to agree to participate so that the 1pm start time you ask about Tamara, can simply be confirmed. I would encourage FPF users from these towns to make posts, if they answer yes to the two questions posed above. Simply mention that you agree with bringing politics to the people, and that you discourage obstruction of transparency when the opportunity favors government accountability expansions that will benefit all Vermont voters and lawmakers alike. Speaker of the House, is by far the most powerful and impactful role in Vermont state government, and I want us to all help pick the best person for the job, - 5-term Rep. Jay Hooper (of Randolph)

Poetry readings by Becky McMeekin and Marjorie Ryerson hosted by Artisans Holiday Market: meet our local talents, have your books signed, and enjoy a brunch served by Chander elves in the upstairs gallery.

Free community meal and discussion at Bethany Church in Randolph Sunday December 15, 5-7 PM Hosted by students from Randolph Union High School Do you want to learn about economic justice in your community? Students in the Economic Justice PBL at Randolph Union HS will be hosting a free meal and facilitating a discussion about poverty and economic inequality in our community. At this dinner, students will be presenting about the realities of economic injustice/poverty in our local communities and facilitating discussions about how we can better utilize our resources and prevent these economic injustices. We will be serving a free dinner with desserts and refreshments provided by the RU Food Systems PBL class, along with our community volunteers. This dinner will be held from 5-7 at the Bethany Church 32 N Main St, Randolph, VT. Please contact Tev Kelman at tkelman@orangesouthwest.org to RSVP.

This workshop is intended to act as a fun and approachable introduction to the art and science of cooking. Please wear closed toe shoes and be prepared to eat what we cook :) Enrollment Fee: $30 (Adults) $15 (Children)

Join Will Eberle at as he "explores how to surmount the effect of bias and stigma." This is a part of the Snapshot Series by the VT Humanities. This is a hybrid event and you can register for remote access at the link on the Kimball Library webpage.

The B.A.D. show will be having yet another show on December 20th at the White Church in Bethel! Join us for a night of Holiday-themed drag performances. Some others details: - This is an 18+ event. - Tickets are $15 per person. - Pop up bar by Babe's Bar. - Doors at 6, show starts at 7. Location: 129 Church St. Bethel, VT. Questions? Feel free to email me!

FREE Show: 5:00 All Ages BYOB (21+) Celebrate Make Music Winter with some incredible musicians and artists! Katie Dobbins: With a mastery of storytelling and the heart of a poet, NH-based songwriter Katie Dobbins captures elements of life and relationships in ways that lift the spirit and challenge the soul. Carolyn Kruse of Country 102.5 WKLB raved, "Sweet but bold, Katie's voice is reminiscent of one of her heroes, Jewel, but only deeper... a fearless spirit with a gentle touch." Her sophomore album, There Is Light, contains remarkably honest songs that hold onto the hope that light will always overpower darkness. Katie also runs the Songwriter RoundUp in Meredith, NH. Fez Silk: Fez Silk is a solo folk artist known for honest storytelling and lyrical depth. Originally from California, Fez now creates music in Vermont, crafting songs that resonate with heartfelt emotions and narratives. Kelly Ravin: Kelly Ravin plays gritty rock and roll, combining instrumental skill with remarkable songwriting. Raised in rural Maine and based in Vermont, Ravin gained fame with Waylon Speed, a band lauded as a cross between Metallica and the Lumineers. Now focusing on solo work, Ravin blends rock tradition with alt-country influences like Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson. He tours with The Welterweights, captivating audiences with their powerful performances. The Paper Prince: Known as The Paper Prince, Sean Jones is an alternative folk-rock musician from Troy, NY. His dynamic electric/acoustic sound is inspired by artists like Jason Molina and Jeff Buckley. Performing solo or as a guitar and violin duo, Sean offers a range of performances from intimate to electrifying. He has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and overseas. Dave Wrong: A full-time mental health worker and passionate songwriter, Dave crafts lyrically driven songs inspired by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. Originally from New Jersey, he began performing at Jersey Shore venues before moving to Vermont in 2016. Known for his introspective and witty acoustic songs, Dave explores themes of individualism and perseverance in a materialistic culture. Check him out on Spotify and Bandcamp. Mathe Svahn: Hailing from Enfield, NH, Mathe Svahn blends indie-groove rhythms, alt-rock, and grunge. A former member of Of Conscious Mind, Mathe's solo work reflects his journey of self-discovery. Influenced by his musical upbringing in Rutland, VT, Mathe channels his creativity into meaningful and infectious grooves. When not performing, he enjoys outdoor adventures and attending concerts. Patrick O'Meara: Patrick O'Meara is a dynamic solo artist known for his genre-blending performances that resonate with diverse audiences. His captivating stage presence makes him a standout in the local music scene.