Community Roundup: July 27, 2023

 

 

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, Aug. 8. The meal will be available for pick up in the parking lot at St. Catherine’s at 72 Church Street from 11 a.m.-noon.

 

These nutritious and delicious meals are everyone 60 years or older. A $5 donation is suggested but not required.

 

The menu is chicken in gravy, red mashed potatoes, mixed beans, biscuit, pineapple and oranges, and milk

 

To order a meal, contact Kathleen by Aug. 2 or 802-503-1107.

 

Due to the proliferation of book challenges and bans around the country, this summer and fall, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman is travelling the state, hosting a series of book readings from banned books at local bookstores and libraries.

 

These events will feature special guests who will join the Lt. Governor to discuss with the audience the importance of free speech, inclusion, democracy and open dialogue. Students, teachers and curious minds should be able to access materials that spark critical thinking, cover difficult topics and appeal to diverse interests without fear of government interference.

 

In this vicinity, banned book readings will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 13, in Waterbury at Bridgeside Books and at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Phoenix Books in Essex Junction.

 

Thanks to a third year of state funding via H.484, Section 17, an act relating to enhancing workforce and economic development opportunities, the University of Vermont will be offering up to two free courses to eligible Vermont residents seeking education and skills for professional growth or employment, with new course additions in the healthcare field. From August 2023-June 2024, the Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program will offer free academic learning opportunities in business, education and social work, food and agriculture, healthcare, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) while funds last.

 

“Students from all of Vermont’s 14 counties participated in courses made accessible by Upskill over the last two years, learning new skills needed to meet the qualifications for desirable jobs,” said Jill Irvine, chief officer of professional and continuing education (PACE). “This year we are particularly excited to add course opportunities for Vermonters that will address the medical staffing shortage through accessible, on-demand certifications in behavior technician specialist, patient care technician, and medical laboratory assistant.”

 

Eligible Vermonters can choose one course per semester or in the summer which can result in college credit or a non-credit professional certificate. A sampling of non-credit certificates offered include project management practices, digital marketing fundamentals, emotional intelligence and leadership, integrative health and wellness coaching, and cannabis plant and biology professional program. Credit courses include opportunities such as introduction and advanced geographical information systems, computer software certification, post-baccalaureate pre-medical program, and resiliency-based and trauma-informed practices.