As we gather around family and friends this Thanksgiving, let me direct your attention to two upcoming events that welcome your participation. 
The first is a public meeting in Bristol on Dec. 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Fire Department at 76 West Street to discuss work done by the legislative Climate Solutions Caucus. That discussion will focus on legislative solutions at the state level and will be led by area state representatives. With the scientific data on climate change ever more dire, it’s encouraging to see Vermont legislators have worked hard over the summer and fall to make progress in the next session. All are encouraged to attend, comment and take action. 
The second event is the annual winter camp-out at Middlebury’s Riverside Park, as part of an awareness campaign for those who are homeless. A heartwarming, and hopeful, story about Mary Chapman’s struggle with homelessness is profiled on Page 1A, and provides a tangible touchstone to this deeply personal issue. A candlelight vigil takes place on Middlebury’s town green on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., and moves to Riverside Park where participants will spend a winter’s night in the cold as a way to better understand the hardships homeless people face on a daily basis. 
The event is part of a fundraising effort to raise $40,000, of which $36,681 has been raised as of Monday.  
As many of us share our blessings of bounty this Thanksgiving, there is also joy found in giving back to others and to our larger community.
Angelo Lynn