White River Junction
But from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Friday — Winter Solstice — outside Listen in White River Junction, a vigil will be held to remember the homeless people in the Twin States who died in the last year. Candles will be provided and refreshments will be served at Listen after the vigil. Additionally, donations of money or clothing, personal hygiene items and camping items will be accepted on behalf of Silent Warriors, a community nonprofit organization that helps homeless citizens of the Upper Valley.
“This issue touches all of us,” said Lynne Goodwin, Lebanon’s human services director and one of the organizers of the event.
While in past years, the Upper Valley Haven and Tri-County CAP have held separate events, this will be the first year nonprofit organizations from both states join together for a single Upper Valley vigil.
“Service providers for both states have been working on the issue of homelessness for years,” Goodwin said. “Because (Friday is) the longest night of the year and the time to truly reflect on what it would mean to not have a home.”
The names of the New Hampshire residents will be read out loud on the New Hampshire side of the Lyman Bridge in West Lebanon before the group crosses the bridge, where the names of Vermont residents will be read out loud.
“We thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase that we are all part of the Upper Valley and how easily people go across the community,” Goodwin said. “There are countless individuals experiencing it that on a daily basis are amongst us as we travel around the Upper Valley doing our daily business, and how folks blend in and sometimes you have no idea that when night falls they may be returning to their vehicle to sleep or to a tent out in the woods or under the bridge.”
In addition to memorializing those who died, the vigil will bring attention to the need for additional resources to aid those who are homeless.
“Certainly what we’re seeing is that the numbers of homeless here in our community have remained steady, and due to a lack of affordable housing in this area, it’s hard for people to secure housing so they’re no longer homeless,” Goodwin said.
While the Haven has done a great job of providing housing, “they’re often full, which shows the need still exists for more shelter and affordable housing,” Goodwin said. “There are unknown numbers of folks who are doubling up with other families, sleeping on people’s couches, and we’re striving as a community to get a better understanding of those numbers as we move forward.”
For more information about the vigil, call Goodwin at 603-448-2944.
Winter Solstice Lantern Walk in Orford
Friday, 5 p.m.
Rivendell Academy, 2972 Route 25A.
Celebrate the return to the light on the shortest day of the year with a quarter-mile lantern-lit walk in the woods, followed by stories and hot chocolate by the fire. Dress warmly and bring a mug. Free. 603-353-2170.
Winter Solstice Full Moon Yoga Gathering in Fairlee
Friday, 6-8 p.m.
Milldale Farm Center for Wellness, 1478 Blood Brook Road.
Journaling, meditation and a slow flow yoga practice to welcome the return of the sun. Bring a journal, a blanket, a water bottle and any meaningful items. $20 donation suggested. 802-299-1467.
Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk in White River Junction
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Open Door Integrative Wellness, 18 N. Main St.
A pause for contemplation on the shortest day of the year. A brief opening ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m., then the labyrinth will be open for walking, sitting meditation or creative exploration. A closing ritual begins at 7:30. Email elisabethcadle@gmail.com for more information. Free. 904-626-5284.
Solstice Celebration in Hartland
Friday, 7 p.m.
First Universalist Society of Hartland, 8 Brownsville Road.
A celebration of Yule and the Earth-centered New Year. A brief service will be followed by a bonfire and fellowship. Bring a dozen holiday cookies to share. Free. 802-436-2592.
Candlelight Solstice Celebration and High Tea in Springfield, Vt.
Sunday, 5-7 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse, 21 Fairground Road.
Led by the Rev. Mellen Kennedy, this solstice observance includes song, stories and s ilen ce and features the Springfield Community Chorus. A high tea follows. Bring a favorite finger food, savory or sweet, to share. Free. 802-885-3327.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
Correction
The Homeless Vigil taking place in White River Junction Friday night will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. An earlier version of this column included a wrong end time for the event.