Did you know that one-third of Addison County students feel like they don’t matter to their community? And that youth across the county are reporting having a hard time hanging in there when the going feels tough? That’s nothing to laugh about. The good news is that a great group of organizations, schools and community leaders have come together to launch a campaign for youth resiliency and there are lots of ways to get involved and do your part to raise resiliency in Addison County. Having a sense of humor and an ability to laugh at yourself is one way. You’re invited to the Vergennes Opera House on Thursday, Nov. 8, from 6:30-8 p.m. for an evening of humor and celebration (and light refreshments) to launch the resiliency program. Comedian Sue Schmidt and local teens will get personal about their sometimes humorous and sometimes serious stories of resiliency and how they’ve learned to handle the inevitable curve balls that life throws us all. The event is free and open to the public.
 
The Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury will host an artisan fair this Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature live holiday music, assorted foods and artisans selling scarves and shawls woven with luxury yarns and silk, pottery, jewelry of all kinds, honey, baskets, hand-knit colorful socks, holiday cards, baby quilts/blankets, colorful fabric bags, lotions and creams, and other items. The fair is free and open to the public.
 
Happiness knocks when you volunteer to deliver a meal! Meals on Wheels provides so much more than a nutritious meal. The moment you knock on that door, you make a connection. It might be a quick hello or a conversation, but the impact lasts a lifetime. Not just for those receiving the meal, but for you, too. The Meals on Wheels program needs drivers. Time commitment is based on your availability — it can vary from one day a week to two days a month (weekdays only). Delivery is typically from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are in particular need in Middlebury. For more information, please contact Erica Marks, director of Volunteer Services: [email protected] or 802-662-5249.
 
The 13th annual Bristol Best Night 2019 is coming up on Dec. 31, and volunteers are needed to help stage this fun series of events to usher in the new year. Organizers are looking for people willing to do small jobs, big jobs, medium jobs, jobs for before the big night, during the big night and, of course, clean up. Scheduled for 4 to 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Best Night will boast great venues, wonderful food options, mostly local music and talent — including stellar Mount Abraham Union High School performers, plus kids’ crafts and a fabulous magic show. For more information, log on to bestnight.org.
 
The soothing whirl of the reel-to-reel projector, smell of fresh popcorn, dust dancing in the beam of light from the projector’s lens, and the joy of meeting an old friend or making a new friend are all part of the experience of Reel Film Fridays at the Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol. It features classic 16-mm films shown old-style, every Friday at 7:30 p.m. through November, and again beginning in January. It’s free. Call 453-2366 for more information, or check out the library website for the name of the films to be shown.