VERGENNES — The last event on a busy Vergennes Holiday Stroll day at the Bixby is the closing of the silent auction of gift baskets. Friends of the Bixby gathered this past Sunday to assemble the baskets and display gift certificates that will be on view and up for auction from now until Saturday, Dec. 7. 
Bidding closes after the 1 to 1:30 p.m. free performance by Maiden Vermont that day at the Bixby. 
Be sure to come early enough to put your bid on Silent Auction gift baskets. The Silent Auction winners will be announced at 2 p.m. There is something for everyone and every pet. 
“Every year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who contribute to supporting the Bixby Library in this way,” said Friends President Karlene DeVine. “All funds raised by the Friends go to special projects that are needed but not included in the Library Trustees’ operating budget. Each year, we provide support to children and adult programs and activities. Our contributions for 2018 equaled $8,200.” 
Friends of the Bixby pride themselves in a selection of very local offerings — gift certificates from many local businesses including Comfort Hill Kennel, Provisionary, Hollyhocks and Good Day Cafe. There are carefully chosen items given by Main Street businesses Malabar, Marble Works Pharmacy, Linda’s Apparel and Gifts, and People’s United Bank. 
Chocolate, you say? Daily Chocolate and Lake Champlain Chocolates came to the rescue. Supportive Vermont businesses stepped up too, including Middlebury Agway, Seedsheet (of Middlebury), WOW Toyz, Big Barn Home Center and Cabot Hosiery. From the Vergennes shopping plaza: Aubuchon, Shaw’s, Subway and Kinney’s Pharmacy all had something to contribute. 
Local craft persons and artists have donated quilted potholders, holiday beaded bracelets and earrings, hand-designed greeting cards, knitted items and hand-crafted purses and neck warmers.