VLS to Host Workshop On Running for Office

South Royalton — People considering becoming involved with politics are invited to a free Vermont Law School workshop, “Energize Democracy: How to Run for Office,” set for Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The nonpartisan event will cover the basics of campaigning, drawing on the experiences of former politicians and political consultants.

“We encourage anyone interested in running for office, or in helping someone else run, to join us,” said visiting professor Kathleen Falk, who served with the Department of Health and Human Services in the Obama administration and is a former elected official. Falk will be facilitating the discussion.

“We have an impressive group lined up … to discuss motivation, message, money and mechanics, the basics of running whether you are considering a seat in the U.S. Senate or on a local school board. Our guest panelists will share their personal experiences and insights, making the workshop invaluable to future campaigners,” she said.

Panelists include former Vermont Gov. Madeleine Kunin, Vermont Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos, former Vermont State Auditor Randy Brock, former Windsor County State’s Attorney Robert Sand, Vermont Sens. Joe Benning and Alison Clarkson, former Rep. Sarah Buxton, St. Albans Mayor Elizabeth Gamache, Ruth Hardy of Emerge Vermont and political consultant Melissa Mulliken.

The workshop is part of the ongoing speaker series at Vermont Law School.

For more information, including registration and a full schedule, visit go.vermontlaw.edu/new-economy/session-three. The sessions will be streamed live at vermontlaw.edu/live.

Thetford Food Shelf Kicks off PB&J Challenge

Thetford — The Thetford Food Shelf has launched its annual “PB&J Challenge” to kick off the holiday season at the food pantry.

In addition to peanut butter and jelly, the food shelf is always in need of soups, canned meats, pasta sauces, pasta, cereals, canned fruit and vegetables, juices, shelf stable milks, baking goods, toiletries and cleaning products.

Donations of unexpired foods can be dropped off at the top of the Town Hall basement stairs Mondays from 6-8 p.m. or Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Donations also can be left at the town recycling center during the first three Saturdays in November. Monetary donations can be sent by check made out to Thetford Food Shelf and mailed to P.O. Box 126, Thetford Center, Vt. 05075.

UNH Cooperative Extension Hosts Wreath Workshop

North Haverhill — The public is invited to a free wreath making workshop on Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. until noon, at the Grafton County Complex, 3855 Dartmouth College Highway in North Haverhill.

The event will be led by Grafton County Extension forester Jim Frohn and local wreath maker Ron Fullerton. Frohn will lead participants on a walk, showing how to identify balsam fir and harvest boughs in a way that doesn’t harm the tree. Fullerton will then teach wreath making in the office. Participants will leave with a completed wreath. All materials are provided and children are welcome.

Pre-register by calling 603-787-6944 or e-mailing teresa.Locke@unh.edu. If you need special accommodations, call 603-787-6944 or email ce.grafton@unh.edu before the event. The workshop will have an outdoor portion no matter the weather, so dress appropriately.

Electoral College Reform Lecture at VLS

South Royalton — Professor Kinvin Wroth will discuss the history and future of the Electoral College during a lecture on Electoral College reform on Nov. 14, at 12:45 p.m., in Oakes Hall, Room 012, on the Vermont Law School campus in South Royalton.

Wroth will discuss the history and intended function of the Electoral College, identify problems related to its operation, and review options for reforming or replacing the system.

Wroth has been a  professor of law at Vermont Law School since 1996 and professor emeritus since 2017. He was dean of the school from 1996 to 2004.

The lecture is open to the public and guests are invited to brown-bag their lunch for the event. The presentation will also be streamed live at vermontlaw.edu/live. For more information, email mapelquist@vermontlaw.edu or call 802-831-1228.

N.H. Water Commission OKs $35 Million in Projects

Concord (ap) — A state advisory commission on drinking water and groundwater has approved $35 million in grants and loans for communities across New Hampshire.

One of the projects approved for funding was a statewide assessment of drinking and groundwater contamination. Others involve water main and meter replacements and pumping station projects.

The commission was created following a $236 million judgment awarded to New Hampshire against Exxon Mobil over MTBE, a petroleum-based gasoline additive that has been used since the 1970s to reduce smog-causing emissions. Money went into a trust fund to protect drinking water and groundwater.

Longtime Official Named to Green Mountain Care Board

Montpelier (ap) — Republican Gov. Phil Scott has appointed a longtime state government official and former lawmaker to Vermont’s health care regulating board.

Scott announced Friday that Tom Pelham will fill the seat on the Green Mountain Care Board vacated by Con Hogan in September.

Pelham served as deputy secretary of administration and tax commissioner under Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, and commissioner and deputy commissioner of finance and management under Democratic Gov. Howard Dean. He also served as commissioner and deputy commissioner of housing and community affairs under Govs. Madeleine Kunin, a Democrat, and Richard Snelling, a Republican.

— Staff and wire reports