THURSDAY, MARCH 11

BOATING CLASS

The Winooski Valley Sail and Power Squadron will offer the United States Power Squadron Basic Boating Course. The course consists of six two-hour classes, taught at the Williston Fire Department, beginning March 11 for seven Thursdays. Suitable for boaters age 12 and up. $30 for textbook, $5 for each additional family member. 399-2567 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CLIMATE CHANGE SERIES

Alan Betts, environmentalist, writer, atmospheric researcher and president of the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering, will speak 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The First Congregational Church in Burlington. Soup and salad served at 6 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 862-5010.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

RADIO WORKSHOP

Learn from history at the Family Fun Workshop on “The Radio Show,” 10 a.m. to noon at Vermont’s History Museum in Montpelier (next to the Statehouse). www.vermonthistory.org/calendar or 828-2180.

‘FEAST AGAINST FAMINE’

The St. Patrick’s Day “Feast Against Famine,” a dinner fund-raiser for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, will be held 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in South Burlington with host Tim Kavanagh. www.feedingchittenden.org.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 12-13

SQUARE DANCE

Lake Champlain Squares presents “Maple Sugar Square and Round Dance Festival” at South Burlington Middle School. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Western Style Square and Round Dancing for all levels. 985-2012 or www.maplesugardance.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

COLLEGE PLANNING

The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation will hold its annual College Pathways program, a free day of college planning workshops for high school sophomores and juniors and their parents. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Michael’s College in Colchester. Early registration encouraged. www.vsac.org.

DOWSING

Dowsing workshop at Shelburne Town Office, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free for members, $5 at the door or for non-members or bring a dish to share at the potluck after the meeting. 238-7908 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

MAPLE HAM DINNER

Ascension Church of Georgia will hold its annual Maple Ham Dinner at Georgia Elementary School on Route 7 in Georgia. Seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children, free for children under 5. $30 maximum per family. 524-3330.

DINNER & CONVERSATION

Conversation On Race Now, also known as C.O.R.N., invites the community for an afternoon of entertainment, conversation and a dessert tasting potluck. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Imani Health Institute in Burlington. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

MONDAY, MARCH 15

PREVENTING OBESITY

As part of the Fit to Win Childhood Obesity Prevention Program, The RehabGYM in Colchester will hold a community lecture with the University of Vermont Nutrition Graduate Program, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 861-0111.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16

TEACHER APPRENTICE

An informational session for the Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Teacher Apprenticeship Program will be held 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Essex High School Library. The program is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking Vermont teacher licensure through an abbreviated alternate route program. 238-9637, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.ccsuvt.org/tap.

OUTDOOR RECREATION FUNDING

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation will hold an educational workshop for the Land & Water Conservation Fund. Municipalities learn how to secure grant funds for outdoor recreation to their communities, 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce in Berlin. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.vtfpr.org/reclwcf/index.cfm.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18

CLIMATE CHANGE SERIES

Rev. Nancy Wright, pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, will speak from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The First Congregational Church in Burlington. Soup and salad served at 6 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 862-5010.

MOVIE ABOUT GARBAGE

“Garbage” the movie will be shown from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Charlotte Senior Center on Ferry Road, next to the Fire Station. This is a free, family-friendly, trash-free evening with a movie, popcorn and cider. Remember to bring your own reusable cup and bowl. 872-8111. www.garbagerevolution.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

MARKO THE MAGICIAN

Williston Central School’s Full House presents “Marko The Magician Magic & Hypnosis Show” at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Tickets $8. 879-5834 to reserve tickets.

EXPLORING LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Cathy Frank will give a visual and descriptive account of her and Margy Holden’s exploration of the shores of Lake Champlain in “Lake Champlain, Seen from the Water.” 7 p.m. at St. Michael’s College. Tickets at the door, $5 for Green Mountain Club members, $8 nonmembers, free for kids under 12. 862-4629.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20

CRAFT SHOW

Support local Vermont businesses and charities by attending the “beCAUSE craft show” at the Ross Sports Center at St. Michael’s College, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $2 admission will be donated directly to the Heavenly Pantry Food Shelf. Free for children under 12. www.becausecraftshow.com.

ONGOING

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Children who live in Williston or St. George and will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2010 can register for kindergarten at the Williston Central School dining room. Registration on April 6-8 at Williston Central School dining room. Make an appointment online at the school’s Web site, wsdvt.org/teams/kindergarten/kindergarten registration, or by calling 879-5806.

CONVERSION CLASS

Rabbi James Scott Glazier, spiritual leader of Temple Sinai Reform Congregation in South Burlington, will offer a 12-week Conversion Class for those seeking to be a part of the religious community. Course begins March 14 and runs through June 20 (three Sundays a month). Open to those who exclusively seeking conversion. 862-5125.

SOLAR HOT WATER WORKSHOPS

Building for Social Responsibility will host day-long Solar Hot Water Workshops throughout 2010. The first set begins March 20 in Burlington and April 3 in Montpelier. Fee is $450 for both days, $285 for one; discounts available. Credits apply toward Renewable Energy Vermont Partnership. Reserve your space today. www.bsr-vt.org or 318-3163.

MINISTRY PROGRAMS

Ripple Youth Group Programs will meet the first and third Tuesdays every month, 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at RIPPLE in South Burlington, for youth in grades six through 12. 881-3768.

FISH & CHIP DINNERS

On Fridays through March 26, fish and chip dinners will be served at St. Jude Church in Hinesburg, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The dinners are a fund-raiser to help Justin Boutin raise money for his trip with People to People Student Ambassador Program to Europe. 879-2896.

TREE SALE

The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation presents its annual Tree Sale to promote the planting of native trees and shrubs throughout Vermont's landscape. A wide variety is available, including native conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs, as well as several new edible species. Orders must be placed by March 26, and must be picked up on Saturday, May 1 at NRC offices in Williston or Berlin. 865-7895.

ORDER YOUR TREES

Branch Out Burlington offers bare-root trees that are 5 to 6 feet and branched. Place your order now. Trees must be picked up at the University of Vermont Horticultural Farm during the Annual Burlington Community Tree Nursery Planting, which takes place on May 1 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Orders must be received by April 20. www.branchoutburlington.org or 863-0134.

MUSIC DAY CAMPS

The Vermont Youth Orchestra Association is accepting applications for Music Day Camp, held June 28 – July 2. Camp sessions held daily from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael’s College. www.vyo.org.

LACROSSE REGISTRATION

Williston Recreation Lacrosse League registration is open to girls and boys in grades five through eight. Space is limited. Volunteer coaches needed. Register at the Williston Town Clerk Recreation Office. 878-1239.

BUSINESS GRANTS AVAILABLE

Business Grants from USDA Rural Development are available for energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Businesses interested in learning more about the program can contact USDA Rural Development in Montpelier, 828-6031.

‘PEACE FOR VETERANS’

“Peace for Veterans” is a program in Chittenden County that provides free therapeutic massage to returning soldiers. Massage therapists in the area have teamed up to offer 30-minute treatments twice a month. Veterans receiving the treatments have the option of purchasing a longer session, and the first half hour will be free. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION

Williston Little League Tee Ball/Baseball/Softball/Babe Ruth registration is available online at www.eteamz.active.com/wllbaseball or in person on Feb. 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Williston Central School Library. Registration deadline March 1. Coaches, umpires, board members and volunteers required to attend the registration night to complete mandatory background checks. Mark Gagne 879-3281.

SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS

American Sign Language Level 1 class will be held at Burlington Police Department, Thursday evenings starting April 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., for 13 weeks. $175 plus a book. Register by March 26. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 661-4240.

ADULT LEARNING

Vermont Adult Learning offers GED preparation, reading, writing and math instruction, classes for English language learners and GED testing for 16-year-olds and older if eligible. 846-7245 x100 or www.vtadultlearning.org.

WEEKLY CLASS OFFERINGS

Essex Parks and Recreation has a variety weekly programs open to the public. Contact essexparksandrec.org or 878-1342 for subjects and times of classes.

DRIVERS NEEDED FOR CANCER PATIENTS

The American Cancer Society seeks volunteers to drive cancer patients to their treatment appointments. Volunteer drivers receive simple training and are asked to volunteer at least one hour, or one day, per month. 872-6308 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

BEEKEEPING CLASSES

If you keep bees or are thinking about starting in this rewarding and sweet pursuit, instruction is being offered in Waitsfield, Hinesburg, Lincoln, Manchester, Bennington and Hartland. www.vtbeekeepers.org.

COMPUTER CLASS

The Champlain Senior Center in Burlington will host a Basic Computer Course, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Feb. 8, 22. Learn new skills or brush up on old ones by receiving a one-on-one, 30-minute lesson with a computer instructor. Suggested donation $3. 658-3585.

BECOME A MENTOR

Mobius, the Mentoring Movement, is a local non-profit that acts as an umbrella organization for 16 mentoring programs in Chittenden County. Mobius will work with volunteers to find a mentoring program that fits their schedule and interests. 658-1888 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

DAFFODIL DAYS

The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers, from schoolchildren to corporate CEOs, to assist in taking requests for, packing and delivering daffodils during February and March at work, in neighborhoods, in schools and around town. For more information, to place an order or to volunteer, visit www.cancer.org/daffodils or contact Kathy Johnson, American Cancer Society staff partner, 872-6321 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

TREE STEWARDS COURSE

Register for the eight-week, 2010 Soul Tree Stewards Course, which helps citizens become Tree Stewards. Courses on Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Feb. 11 – April 8. Pre-registration required, $100. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or223-2389 x25.

KNITTERS NEEDED

Volunteers needed to knit or crochet scarves for Special Olympics Vermont 2010 Winter Games athletes. The color should be royal blue. Pattern and needle size of your choice. Special Olympics needs 350 scarves by March 1. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 288-9619.

WILLISTON PARENTS ON TRACK

Use the new “Parenting on Track” multimedia program at Williston Central School to learn how to enhance the relationship with your child while helping him or her become capable, cooperative, responsible and respectful. Tuesdays, Feb. 9, 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $10 per family. Free childcare available. 879-5855 or www.parentingontrack.com/williston-central-school.

GENEALOGICAL LIBRARY OPEN

The Vermont French Canadian Genealogical Library will be open on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays (until May) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dupont Building at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester. www.vt-fcgs.org.

CRAFT SHOW

The fifth Annual beCAUSE Craft Show will take place March 20 at St. Michael’s Ross Sports Center. Booth space still available. All vendors required to represent and promote a charity of their choice to which they will donate a minimum of 50 percent of their day’s profits. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CALLING JR. IRON CHEFS

Burlington School Food Project and Vermont FEED will host the third annual Jr. Iron Chef on March 27 at Champlain Valley Expo. Are you a middle school or high school student looking to show your skills in the kitchen? Applications being accepted. Team slots are limited and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. www.jrironchefvt.org.

4-H PROGRAMS

4-H is a youth program that focuses on life skills via experiential learning. Green Mountain 4-H of Williston accepts boys and girls age 6 and older and will have three project groups this year: Archery, Leisure Arts and Sewing. Groups meet on Saturday mornings during the school year. Judy Roy 879-6212.

CONVERSATION GROUPS

The Fletcher Free Library in Burlington presents conversation groups in French, Spanish, Russian, German and English. Join members of the community for fun and conversation. Fluency not required. 865-7211 for days and times. ESL classes for English language learners meet Wednesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

FRESH AIR HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

Become a Fresh Air host family to inner city children for up to two weeks during summer 2010. 951-5928, 800-367-0003 or www.freshair.org.

FISH CLUB

The Tropical Fish Club of Burlington hosts monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month. 7 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Burlington. 372-8716 or www.tfcb.org.

FREQUENT FLIER DONATIONS

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont is asking all frequent fliers to consider donating their miles to help grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. www.vermont.wish.org.

SCHOOL IN RICHMOND

If you believe Richmond Elementary School is not aware that your family lives in town, the school would like to hear from you. The school is updating its yearly census report and this will ensure you get timely information regarding preschool and kindergarten registration. Jeanne Adams or Deb Salant at 434-2461, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

COMICS CLUB

“So You Think You Can Draw Comics Club” is for fifth through eighth graders. Have your comics posted on the group's Web site. The club meets 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday that school is in session, at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston. Bring a drawing utensil. Free. Space is limited, sign up in advance. 846-7517 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

REPARATIVE BOARD

Are you willing to help keep Williston safe and healthy? Are you willing to help the Williston Reparative Board address minor anti-social behavior before it becomes a habit? Consider serving on the volunteer Williston Reparative Board, twice monthly meetings. Ruth Skiff 878-2381 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SINGLE AGAIN MINISTRY

Essex Alliance Church presents a variety of events for divorced, widowed and single adults. Events run through December. 878-8213.

LECTURE SERIES

Vermont Humanities Council presents the First Wednesdays monthly lecture series at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington, 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. All lectures are free. 865-7211.

STORY HOUR

Temple Sinai in South Burlington holds morning story time for children on various Tuesdays and Sundays and also Friday night dinners once a month. For a schedule, call 862-5125.

VSAC WORKSHOPS

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Resource Center in Winooski offers monthly workshops for high school juniors and seniors. Walk-ins welcome, pre-registration preferred. 800-642-3177 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

’BOOKED FOR LUNCH’ SERIES

The Friends of the Fletcher Library in Burlington offer “Booked for Lunch” series with speakers on a wide variety of topics. Noon to 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. 862-5153.

BABY TIME PLAYGROUP

Building Bright Futures presents “Baby Time” at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon, except for the first Wednesday of each month. Pre-walkers all welcome with a caregiver. 876-7147.

GED TESTING

Vermont Adult Learning offers GED testing three times a month, including Saturdays. Pre-register: 846-7245.

SCALE MODELERS

An informal gathering of scale model enthusiasts will meet on the third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Brownell Library in Essex Junction. 879-0765.

LIBRARY TEENS

Teen Advisory Council meets the first Thursday of every month at Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston. Pizza, books, movies and discussion for teens. New members welcome. 878-4918.

STAMP CLUB

Chittenden County Stamp Club meets the first Wednesday of every month, at 6:15 p.m., at the old IDX building, now called GE Healthcare in Burlington. Lainey 660-4817.

BECOME A MENTOR

Make a difference in a child’s life through the Howard Center’s Community Friends Mentoring program. Discover ways to play while enriching a child’s life and building a friendship to last a lifetime. Join Community Friend’s legacy by contacting Kristen Hayden-West 488-6650 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT SUPPORT

Special Education Parent support group meets the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at a different home each month. For information, questions or to sign up for an e-mail list of monthly directions and reminder, call Marla McQuiston 872-2744.

ALS SUPPORT GROUP

ALS Support Group meets every second Thursday of every month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at “Jim’s House” in Williston. 864-5896 or 878-2854. www.jimshouse.org.

WILLISTON ROTARY

The Williston Rotary meets Thursday mornings at the Federated Church on North Williston Road from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and an informative speaker presentation. All potential members interested in local community outreach and being part of a service organization are welcome. 872-5968.

GRIEFSHARE

A support group for people experiencing grief and loss will meet every other Tuesday at Maranatha Christian Church, 1037 South Brownell Road, Williston. Donna 878-0498.

LEGION MEETING

American Legion Post 45 of Williston holds its monthly meeting every second Monday at Whitney Hill Senior Housing in Williston at 6:30 p.m. Walt 879-2664.

FIRE MEETING

The Williston Fire District #1 holds its monthly meeting every second Monday at the well house at 7 p.m. Members welcome.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The Champlain Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group meets every second Tuesday at the Fanny Allen Hospital, Route 15, in the boardroom, lower level, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees include men who have received treatment as well as recently diagnosed men. 878-8451.

CHESS CLUB

The Vermont Chess Club meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington. Open to everyone. 879-0198.