Come to Our December Silent Auction

December 3rd, 5:30PM - 8:00PM | Main Street Museum,WRJ

Mark your calendars: the Hartford Area Chamber’s annual Silent Auction returns at the Main Street Museum. Registration is now open for attendees looking to bid on local treasures and support community programs, from tourism initiatives to scholarships for local kids.

Next week we’ll start unveiling the standout offerings you won’t want to miss. If you’re interested in donating items or experiences, sponsors receive special recognition in the Chamber newsletter and across social media.

RSVP

A Letter from a New Member

Our Business After Hours at Harry’s was a smash hit — we hope you came, and had a good time. One especially kind moment followed the event: a heartfelt letter from our caterer, Varvara of Dumplings With Love, who stepped in at the last minute and wowed everyone with her dishes. We don’t have room to share the full letter here, but you can read it on our website. Thank you, Varvara, for bringing warmth, story, and incredible food to the evening.

Snips and Surveys from the Department of Labor

The Vermont Department of Labor has two new items of note for employers inclined toward civic virtue. First, a Business Interest Survey on Youth Engagement invites companies to imagine what connecting with young people outside of school hours might look like — from afterschool programs to summer placements.

Meanwhile, the state’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance program, operated by The Hartford, has entered its final expansion phase. All Vermont businesses and individuals can now purchase coverage, providing a financial buffer when life (and mortal biology) inevitably intervene. Read more

Art and Nature (and Cheese and Crackers)

November 12th, 5:00-7:00PM | Hanover, NH

Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty hosts an evening reception with nature-inspired artist Kathryn Downs on Wednesday, November 12, from 5 to 7 PM, at 17½ Lebanon Street. Downs, whose work is featured at AVA Gallery, brings her layered, luminous reflections on the natural world to this informal gathering of art lovers and neighbors. Expect light refreshments and conversation in a relaxed gallery setting.

RSVP by November 10 to Gaige Pequeno at gaige.pequeno@fourseasonssir.com or 603-348-1143.

Harbor Views & Homer Hues

Osher at Dartmouth hosts a day trip to the Museum of Fine Arts on Wednesday, November 19, centered on Of Light and Air: Winslow Homer in Watercolor, a sweeping exhibition of the artist’s coastal and atmospheric works. Travelers will have ample time to roam the MFA’s galleries—from Egyptian sculpture to Dutch masters—before or after their scheduled entry to the Homer exhibit around midday.

Lunch is on your own at the museum’s cafés, ranging from the New American Café’s à la carte menu to the Garden Cafeteria and Taste. The trip includes round-trip bus transportation from Lebanon.

Register

Silent Bids and Brushes

November 7th | White River Junction, VT

Two Rivers Printmaking Studio wraps up its annual fundraising auction tomorrow, coinciding with First Friday festivities. The studio, a longtime anchor of the Upper Valley arts scene, offers bidders a range of works spanning woodcuts, photography, and Japanese-inspired prints, alongside cards, supplies, and other artful odds and ends — with opening bids starting at just ten dollars.

The proceeds support Two Rivers’ mission to make printmaking accessible through open studio space, equipment, and workshops led by visiting artists. It's also a convient way to duck some of the holiday gift fatigue.

Bid Online or In Person

Tallywacker: the Movie (The Band) (Tonight)

White River Junction – The indie rock duo Tallywacker hits the big screen — and the stage — in Brendan Boogie’s new film of the same name, a rock-and-roll buddy comedy about ambition, friendship, and the perils of almost-making-it. When Allister (Jeremy Dubs), a musician with brittle bone disease, lands a touring gig with a major rock star, he must choose between fame on the road and loyalty to his Boston bandmate Emmett (Chris Goodwin) and his overprotective mother.

The film, which has already played to audiences at Dances With Films in New York, IFF Boston, and Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, screens locally with a live set from the real-life two-piece band that inspired it.

RSVP

Volunteer Elves Wanted, Experience Not Requried

Norwich, VT | December 12 & 13


Santa is calling: volunteers are needed to help bring the magic to this year’s Polar Express event on Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14. Multiple shifts are available, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Elf duties include spreading cheer, entertaining young passengers, and maintaining the highest standards of Christmas joy. Volunteers should come dressed warmly in red or green — hats, tunics, and booties provided.

Ideal elves are friendly, confident, and ready to sing, smile, and make spirits bright. Sign-ups are open now; your holiday magic is requested.

Register

The Peggy Project: To Japan and Back

A new exhibition at the Zollikofer Gallery in White River Junction traces the remarkable journey of Peggy Adams, from her birth in 1944 to teaching English in Osaka, Japan, and the decades-long storage of her belongings after returning to Vermont. Highlights include a Samurai doll from 1945, a Japanese wedding kimono, fans, and other artifacts preserved for over 30 years. The exhibit opens Friday, November 7, 5:00 PM, with a reception, and continues Sunday, November 9, 3:00–6:00 PM. Public invited; refreshments, music, and commentary provided.

Learn More

Hiring: Putnam's Vine/Yard



Putnam’s Vine/Yard is hiring a full-time Sommelier & Wine Program Assistant to help shape its acclaimed wine experience. The role involves curating wines, hosting tastings, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Pay averages $34/hour with benefits and paid certifications.

Apply