Christ the King School fifth-graders pose after their STARBASE rocket launch. |
Christ the King students explore flight, aviation
BURLINGTON—In October, Andrea Farrar’s fifth-grade class at Christ the King School participated in STARBASE, an educational program created and operated by the Vermont Air National Guard. STARBASE Vermont serves local youth and teachers from schools throughout the state with the goal of using experiential learning to inspire students in science, technology, engineering and math, and teaching vital personal-development skills including team building, goal setting and healthy choices. STARBASE classes took place at Vermont Air National Guard headquarters in South Burlington and the CKS campus. The weeklong study of flight and aviation culminated in a rocket launch at Callahan Park near CKS.
Nothing but Noodles fundraiser planned at St. Joseph School
SOUTH BURLINGTON—On Sunday, Dec. 13, St. Joseph School in Burlington will be doing a fundraiser with Nothing but Noodles. Between noon and 8 p.m., 15 percent of total sales will be offered to support St. Joseph school. Simply mention the school at checkout time and provide the cashier with your receipt. Nothing but Noodles is a "fast-casual" restaurant in the Blue Mall on Dorset Street in South Burlington. It is kid-friendly, fast and inexpensive. The restaurant offers dishes from breadsticks to large salads, and noodle dishes including Italian, American and Asian styles.
St. Francis Xavier students learn about money management
Christ the King School kindergarteners act out a reading during the special Mass for grandparents. |
WINOOSKI—The seventh-grade class at St. Francis Xavier School recently attended a class about managing money when three Merchants Bank employees conducted an FDIC Money Smart presentation at the school. The students learned about bank accounts and checking accounts and how to use them appropriately. The lessons included practice in filling out checks and recording their checks in a bank register.
Grandparents' Mass
BURLINGTON—Grandparents Day was celebrated recently at Christ the King School with a special community Mass and reception. Christ the King Church was filled to capacity, with many standing in the back, for the special Mass celebrated by Father Daniel Rupp, pastor, and organized by the kindergarten and first-grade classes with music by Paul and Tracie Cassarino. Grandparents traveled from as far away as Idaho, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey to attend. The many visitors were treated to a tour of the campus following the reception.
Alo
ESSEX JUNCTION—Alo, “the Catholic Mother’s Connection,” will host its monthly dinner and dessert Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. (6:45 registration) at Holy Family Parish Hall. All mothers and mothers-to-be are welcome. This month’s topic is “Love of the Arts.” Child care is provided. Call Christina Fischer for more information at (cell) 224-688-5716 or Lorei Dawson to preregister at 879-7313.
Stunt Nite
SOUTH BURLINGTON—Stunt Nite 2009, a tradition of Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington, is celebrating 80 years. Four unique musical comedies featuring the talents of Rice students will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main St., Burlington at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $12. For the 8 p.m. show, tickets are $12 and $15. They are available by calling the Flynn box office at 863-5966, or visiting www.flynntix.org or www.ricehs.org
Mater Christi School Science area
BURLINGTON—Mater Christi School students have a bright new science area. To thank the individuals and groups who brought this science initiative into being, an evening reception took place at the school on Oct. 27. The three rooms that make up the science area now have new flooring, new ceilings, shelving, work stations and Smart Boards. The Science Lab room received a new ventilation system, and the electrical and plumbing systems were completely upgraded. Architectural services for the project were donated by the firm of Richard Henry Behr Architect PC of Shelburne. The construction manager was DEW Corporation of Williston. Teachers and students of all grades are utilizing the area with guidance from Michelle Donlon, science teacher for grades six, seven and eight. Kelly Alper, grade five science teacher, is working toward a 3-year master of arts in science education. Nine MCS teachers are taking a graduate-level science course taught by Amy Demarest. These teacher-focused educational experiences and the renovations were made possible by a matching grant opportunity from the Richard E. and Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation, plus contributions from individuals and groups. A plaque with the names of all of the donors was to be presented and installed. Beverly Broomhall, principal, said it took “a leap of faith” to embark on a project of this magnitude, trusting that it would be ready in time for school.
Lucille Forgione attends Grandparents Day with granddaughters Michaela and Emma Forgione of South Burlington. |
Grandparents Day at Mater Christi School
BURLINGTON—Grandparents Day at Mater Christi School took place in early October, giving those grandparents that live outside Vermont an opportunity to see the colorful foliage of the state as well as to enjoy visiting their grandchildren at the school. More than 250 grandparents took advantage of the invitation to spend some time at MCS. The day began with a continental breakfast for the visitors, after which they were invited to write answers to questions that were posted on several easels in the auditorium. Questions included how they went to school, what songs they remember from grade-school days, and what their favorite books are. The responses were read during the assembly by some of the students, much to everyone's enjoyment. After a prayer assembly led by students, grandparents joined their youngsters in their classrooms, where everyone took part in a variety of activities.
SMC Chorale Christmas concert
COLCHESTER—The St. Michael's College Chorale holiday concert, “Christmastide in Poetry and Song,” will take place on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel on the college campus. The concert will consist of choral works for the Christmas season by composers associated with St. Michael's College: Richard Stoehr, William Tortolano, Nathaniel G. Lew and Dave Volpe, along with familiar congregational carols. The musical selections will be separated by Christmas poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Thomas Hardy, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Richard Wilbur, Emily Dickinson and others. The music will be performed by the St. Michael's College Chorale directed by Dr. Nathaniel G. Lew, associate professor of fine arts/music, and accompanied by Annemieke Spoelstra. Dr. William Tortolano, college organist emeritus, will provide the prelude and postlude and accompany the congregational singing.
Educational Alliance grant
WINOOSKI—St. Francis Xavier School has received a $750 grant from the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Program to support the school’s math and science programs. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Handy of Simon’s Five Corners Store in Essex Junction worked with school officials to secure the grant. The grant was made possible by funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation. Jeannine Handy, representing Simon’s Five Corners Store, made the check presentation. Jesse Gaudette expressed the gratitude of the entire St. Francis community for this major donation. “Simon’s Five Corners Store has been a supporter of St. Francis Xavier for several years. These grants enable us to improve our science and math programs and provide an excellent education for our students,” he said. The ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program is designed to provide Exxon and Mobil retailers with an opportunity to invest in the future of their communities through educational grants to neighborhood schools.
Pie Sale
MORRISVILLE—Holy Name Parish, 301 Brooklyn St., will host a pie sale on Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 1-6 p.m.
Country Breakfast
UNDERHILL CENTER—The Knights of Columbus Council #7810 of St. Thomas Church will have a country breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 8 a.m.- noon in the church hall. The menu will include eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, pancakes, fruit, juice and coffee. The cost is by donation. Proceeds from the breakfast will help support the church's food and fruit baskets given out at the holidays. For more information, call the church rectory at 899-4632.
Rice Memorial High School receives grant
SOUTH BURLINGTON—Rice Memorial High School has received a $750 grant from the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program to support the school's Annual Fund. Joseph and Jeannine Handyu, of Simon's St.George Store in St. George, worked with school officials to secure the grant, which is one of 2,400 available to schools across the country served by Exxon or Mobil stations. The grants were made possible by funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation. The Annual Fund at Rice is directed toward students who otherwise would not be able to afford a Rice education. "Our alumni, parents and wider community have been so generous to Rice over the years," commented Father Bernard Bourgeois, principal of Rice. "In the name of Rice, I thank the Handy family for securing this grant." The ExxonMobil Alliance program is designed to provide Exxon and Mobil retailers with an opportunity to invest in the future of their communities through educational grants to neighborhood schools. ExxonMobil believes that, as members of the community, local retailers are best qualified to work with local educators to help identify schools and programs most in need of support. The Handys met stringent eligibility criteria before applying for and being awarded this grant, including having a commitment to provide a superior buying experience for customers.
Prayer vigils at abortion clinic
On Sunday, Dec. 13, from 2-3 p.m. there will be Our Lady of Guadalupe prayer vigils—a Catholic prayer hour outside abortion clinics—in Burlington, Barre and Rutland. For more information, call Bob Garvey at 862-3427.
School receives Challenge grant
WINOOSKI—St. Francis Xavier School will be receiving a Challenge Grant in the amount of $10,000. For the second year in a row, Msgr. Richard Lavalley, pastor of St. Francis Xavier School and Parish, is providing a $10,000 Challenge Grant from retirement funds bequeathed to him by his late father, Harry A. Lavalley. Msgr. Lavalley is using those funds to meet each donation from now until the end of December, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. George and Jacqueline Bouffard are co-chairs of the St. Francis Xavier Annual Fund. Joining them is Msgr. Wendell Searles as honorary co-chair. The theme for this year’s Annual Fund is “Renew the Commitment.” Jacqueline Bouffard stated, “We are so grateful to Msgr. Lavalley in donating this Challenge Grant funding. This opportunity provides us with an important ‘jump start’ for our 2009-10 Annual Campaign.”
International night
WINOOSKI—More than 200 people attended the annual International Night at St. Francis Xavier School in October. Each class chose a country to research. Students in grades prekindergarten through eight made presentations about their country of choice, and attendees were delighted to sample savory dishes representing the cuisine of each country. The array of countries represented all areas of the globe: the United States, Ireland, Japan, Sweden, China, Jamaica, France, Afghanistan and countries in Central and South America. Teachers and parents joined with students to learn about the history and culture of each country.
CHRISTMAS BAZAARS
COLCHESTER—Holy Cross Parish in Colchester is having its annual Christmas craft bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will include crafters, a 50s-60s diner menu for lunch, bake sale and handmade raffle items.
FAIRFIELD—St. Patrick’s Christmas Bazaar will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Patrick Church. There will be baked goods, tree ornaments, fresh Christmas wreaths, crafts and raffle tickets. Children may visit with Santa from 11 a.m.-noon. A handmade pizza luncheon will be served at 11:30. Call 827-3203 or 524-3811 for more information.
GEORGIA—The Ascension holiday craft fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Georgia Elementary and Middle School on Route 7. More than 100 crafters will be on site. There also will be a bake sale, snack bar and a visit from Santa.
MILTON—St. Ann Church, 41 Main St., will have a Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It will feature decorated fresh balsam wreaths; a “tag(less) sale”; luncheon with homemade soups; a bake sale including homemade donuts, pies, baked beans and candies; crafts; a silent auction and a raffle. Call Celeste Lang for donations or more information at 893-4012.
RICHFORD—All Saints Church will host its annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Dorion Hall.
SOUTH HERO—St. Rose of Lima Parish will have its annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A luncheon will be served including soups and desserts. In addition, there will be a bake sale, including meat pies. More than a dozen vendors will present their craft items for holiday shopping.
STOWE—The third annual Christmas bazaar featuring crafts and collectibles will take place in the parish hall of Blessed Sacrament Church on the Mountain Road on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be gingerbread-house decorating for children offered at $5 each. Tables for vendors cost $30 if still available. Contact Susi at 253-7517, or e-mail clarksofstowe@yahoo.com for more information.
WINOOSKI—St. Francis Xavier School on St. Peter Street will host its craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The sale includes homemade crafts, a bake sale, raffle and white elephant section.
