On July 5, 1852 (before the Civil War) Frederick Douglass, a former slave and leading abolitionist, stunned his hosts in Rochester, New York at an event commemorating Independence Day: "Fellow citizens, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today? What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?" Certainly not freedom in 1852.

Varnum Memorial Library and Cambridge Historical Society invite Lamoille Residents to read Frederick Douglass’ fiery speech together on July 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cambridge Historical Society in Jeffersonville. Community members are invited to read a paragraph in the communal reading.

Discussion will follow led by Bob Walsh, author of The Other America: the African American Experience; and Through White Eyes: Color and Racism in Vermont and Hal Colston, Vermont’s Man of the Year.

The community is helping the Varnum build a front porch!

Photos by Paschal'Simon MacMurray

March 26, 2015

What do you get when you mix mindfulness with Nursing
and cartooning? Come find out at the Varnum Memorial
Library in Jeffersonville Thursday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Marcie Vallette, M Ed., BFA, LPN presents an Introduction
to Mindfulness. She explains the anatomy and physiology of
stress, neuroplasticity--and how mindfulness helps you. This
interactive session lets you try meditation and go home with a
few techniques to get you started.

Vallette began her studies in 2011 after 17 years of
graphic design and marketing work. During her LPN licensing
education, Marcie began learning Mindfulness under the
guidance of Shinzen Young. “I first studied Mindfulness
because I was really stressed out from school and all the
changes in my life; I wanted to learn to meditate for relief. I
found that meditation adds a richness and dimension to my life I had not anticipated.”

Marcie took an online facilitator course to learn to teach
Young’s method, and audited classes at the Center for Mindful
Learning—which just moved nearby to Johnson, Vermont.
Marcie presents the Focus, Explore, Welcome technique
developed by Soryu Forall and Shinzen Young.
Vallette’s presentation will be illustrated with cartoons
inspired by a class she took from Vermont cartoonist Robert
Brunelle. “I created a few cartoon characters to help me
explain things,” Marcie says.

“Mindfulness meditation is all over the news; it is the
latest, greatest thing,” says Marcie. “Fad or not, Mindfulness
has great benefits for today’s fast-paced world.”

March 18, 2015

John and Nancy Hayden will enlighten gardeners and environmental enthusiasts about planting cold-hardy fruits and other plants in your gardens that nurture us and the bees. The Haydens have been practicing ecologically regenerative farming for 23 years. They established a pollinator sanctuary on The Farm Between, an organic nursery and fruit farm in Jeffersonville. Come learn about who the pollinators are, why they’re in trouble, and how to create habitat by planting edibles on your property.

Always a wonderful event whether sharing, playing, or simply enjoying!

February 28, 2015

Author and Educator Robert L. Walsh gave a talk about the origins of racism, how it impacts Vermont, and what all of us can do to eradicate it.

February 25, 2015

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to see birds of prey up close, now is your chance: Wednesday February 25th at 2:00 p.m., Varnum Library in Jeffersonville.
Raptor Encounters:Through the eyes of live owls, hawks, and falcons,you’ll learn about predator-prey relationships and the interdependence of life’s support systems. Come find out firsthand what makes a bird a raptor and their extraordinary adaptations as a predator on the wing. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials enhance this exceptional experience presented by Vermont Institute of Natural Science. All ages welcome and the event is free—perfect for kids on school vacation and bird enthusiasts. Call 644-2117 for information.

March 30, 2014

Michael Arnowitt and David Budbill engage an active and enthusiastic audience!

September 18, 2013

John Coppens and Culest Bynum showed us the Argentine Tango and shared photos from their 2012 dance trip to Argentina.

August 21, 2014

Rockin' Ron bringing some summer fun and song to the Varnum! A great time was had by all!

May 3, 2014

Awesome visit and talk featuring Bill Lee! Look for an autographed bat, ball, and bottle of wine to be among the raffle items at this year's Harvest Dinner on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Smuggler's Notch Resort!

Tons of fun with LN!

March 8, 2014

Cambridge community organizations host a volunteer fair at the Varnum! Let the recruitment begin!

Young writers sharing their poetry!

October 24, 2013

The event was highlighted by a fabulous presentation of Varnum Memorial Library history by Crescendo Club President April Tuck, as well as recognizing the first Marion Page Honorees!

Members of the Crescendo Club present The History of Cambridge, written by Roberta Marsh, to Cambridge Elementary students

August 13, 2013

Always an RRRRRRsome time when Rockin Ron Carter comes to entertain at the Varnum!

April 27, 2014

Unveiling of the Marion Page Leadership Award Plaque