Townscape plants 1,000+ daffodils in Chester; Medicare open enrollment; Winter farmers market held in Londonderry; Sign up for Holiday Food Baskets; and Autumn Moon Committee honored

Chester Townscape continued its fall tradition of planting daffodils at key public locations in Chester to increase the color that will emerge next spring.  This year’s planting was of the bright and perky Goblet.

This fall, 2,800 daffodil bulbs were sold, and more than 1,000 were donated back to Chester Townscape, whose volunteers were then able to plant bulbs at the Whiting Library, Edson Memorial and the Gazebo on the Village Green, the Chester Historical Society, Depot Gazebo and the Chester-Andover Family Center.  Two hundred bulbs were also given to Green Mountain Union High School for planting at several locations around the school.

Chester Townscape thanks all bulb purchasers, but especially those who paid for bulbs and donated them back to Chester Townscape.  Additional thanks go to John Donarum, school-to-work coordinator at Green Mountain Union High School, who directed four students from the Opportunities Program that dug trenches to speed up the planting process.

Chester Townscape is a committee of Chester Community Alliance, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.  For information on other Chester Townscape projects, contact Tory Spater at 875-2952, Suzy Forlie  at 875-3634, or Lillian Willis at 875-1340 or visit www.chestervt.gov/chester-townscape.

Medicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7

The open enrollment period, when everyone enrolled in Medicare is allowed to review and change their Medicare prescription plan (Part D) and advantage plan, runs through Monday, Dec. 7.

Beneficiaries are advised to compare their Medicare plan choices at this time and make sure their medications remain in the formulary of their current drug plan. Many people are able to save money or get better coverage by changing plans during open enrollment.

For unbiased information the best source is the Medicare and You 2016 handbook. This book contains the current drug and advantage plan choices and costs, and is mailed by the government to all beneficiaries every fall.

A digital version of the handbook is available at www.medicare.gov, as well as a personalized plan comparison tool that helps identify which plans are best for specific needs.

Vermonters and their caregivers who need more help understanding Medicare options may visitwww.SeniorSolutionsVT.org or call the Senior Help Line at 1-800-642-5119.

Winter farmers market in Londonderry

The West River Winter Farmers Market continues through Saturday, Jan. 2 at Flood Brook Union School, 91 VT Route 11 in Londonderry. It is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Vendors offer seasonal products, fresh produce and meats, milk, maple syrup, cheese, bread, artisan wares,  crafts, baked goods and  hot prepared foods. The market is preparing for the holidays and is happy to introduce some new vendors to the market’s array of local products. For more information visit  westriverfarmersmarket.com.

BRGNS accepting applications for Holiday Food Baskets

The staff of Black River Good Neighbor Services are accepting applications for the 2015 Holiday Food Basket Program. Completed applications should be submitted by Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Anyone living in Ludlow, Proctorsville, Cavendish, Mount Holly, Belmont or Plymouth who believes that they qualify can stop by Black River Good Neighbor’s Food Shelf and Thrift Store at 37B Main St. in Ludlow to pick up an application. Applicants can also download the application on-line from the BRGNS website, www.brgn.org.

Those people who are unable to get to the store may call Executive Director Aubrey Bridge at 228-3663 for assistance.

Committee honored for smoke-free festival

The Autumn Moon Committee in Windsor recently received a “Community Champion” award in recognition for their efforts in creating a healthy environment for youth in the community by incorporating a smoke-free initiative.

The award, given by the Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership, recognizes community champions throughout Windsor, West Windsor, Hartland and Weathersfield for actions that contribute to helping communities become healthier places for all to live.

The popular Autumn Moon festival, held every October in Windsor, caters to all ages and features a variety of music, food, vendors, rides, games, kid’s zone and fire dancers in a smoke-free environment. This year’s event expanded to offer activities from Vermont Institute of Natural Science and Montshire Museum of Science.

If you would like to nominate an individual or organization making a positive impact within the communities of Windsor, West Windsor, Hartland and Weathersfield or would like more information on establishing a tobacco or alcohol-free event, contact MAPP at cho@mahhc.org or 802-674-2900 x 25.

— Compiled by Leah M. Cunningham