This past Saturday, the Community Hope & Action group put on its second community supper and concert of this year’s community concert series. The event was held at the Townshend Town Hall and many folks came out to enjoy dinner, music and good company. This month’s dinner was a Chili cook-off and contestants came early to deliver their steaming pots of chili as well as cornbread, corn casserole, and desserts. There were ten official contestants in the cook-off. After dinner, while enjoying coffee and treats, everyone took the time to place his or her vote. The winner was a scrumptious Turkey and Four Bean Chili prepared by Claudia Holmes of Windham (pictured below with Community Hope & Action member, Kirstone Palmerism). Thanks to all her hard work, Claudia and her grandson, Jake, will be enjoying a free pizza at the West Townshend Store in the near future! Dinner was followed by a concert and dance put on by Ten Gallon Swing, a collective of seasoned players from southern Vermont and New Hampshire. Some folks sat and enjoyed the music while others danced the night away. These community dinners have provided a fun and easy way for folks to get to know one another over a meal. Last year, the Community Hope and Action group organized and hosted five free dinners that featured concerts of local musicians from January through May as well as a Valentine Day Celebration. This year, the group was fortunate to receive a grant from the Vermont Arts Council, which has provided a stipend for our local performers each month. Traditionally, dinners have been funded through donations. This month’s concert was funded by Ted and Nan Danforth of Townshend. In December, the group looks forward to having a performance by The Bondville Boys as well as a silent auction to benefit the Campaign for Kids, a partnership between L’AFTER (Learning Afterschool) and West River Valley Thrives. All are welcome!
