Family Events:

Bebop Playgroup
Adults indulge in coffee and bagels while kids up to age 3 meet their peers. Saturdays through Dec 13, 10AM at Bebop Baby Shop in Essex Junction, Free

ECHO Storytime - Young explorers discover the wonders of the natural world through books and imaginative play. Tuesdays through Dec 30, 11AM at ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington $7-9.50

'Kids' Knight Out' - Ages 5-10 enjoy an evening of movies, crafts, swimming, food and more. Friday, November 7, 5:30–9PM at Ross Sports Center, St. Michael's College in Colchester. $10-15

Monday Music - Local musician Mia Adams tells stories and sings kid-friendly faves. In the J.C. Penney seating area. Mondays, through Dec 8, 10, 10:30AM at University Mall in South Burlington. Free.

Tae Kwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Family Classes,
Children ages 4-6 and their parents from 3:45-4:30 p.m. and children ages 7-adult from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tae Kwon Do lessons for the whole family starting with children as young as 4 through adults. Learn punching and kicking techniques along with self-defense. Increase physical strength, flexibility and confidence. Quarterly promotional testing and participation in state-wide tournaments for interested students 877-1022
Family Night Open Jam at the Metronome is every Sunday at 9pm. It’s free to all and family friendly so bring your kids out to the jam.

Family Autism Support 2nd Sunday of every month, 3 - 5 pmMontpelierAdmission: free for more information: 249-7961

Live Animal Feedings
Sunday, November 2: 10:30AM, 12:30PM, 3PM;
Monday, November 3–Thursday, January 1: 10:30AM, 12:30PM, 3PM
at ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington. $7-9.50For more information: 1-877-ECHOFUN ext. 100
http://www.echovermont.org/

EcoKid's Craft Lab 11 am-1 pm
The Bobbin Sew Bar and Craft Lounge Burlington, Vermont
Kids crafts using recycled materials

Community and Events:

Interested in our Transportation Future?
The Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) will be holding a series of hands-on workshops to guide the future of transportation in Chittenden County:
Champlain Valley Union High School 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg Wednesday, October 29 - 6-8:30PM Directions: http://www.cvuhs.org/access/directions.html
Burlington Unitarian Church 152 Pearl Street, Burlington Wednesday, November 12 - 6-8:30PM Directions: http://www.uusociety.org/
Champlain Valley Expo 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction Saturday, November 22 - 10AM-Noon Directions: http://cvexpo.org/directions.aspx
The three workshops will cover the same material - attend whichever session is most convenient for you! More information is available at: www.ccmpo.org/MTP.
For more information, contact Diane Meyerhoff, Third Sector Associates, 802.865.1794. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served. Meeting locations are fully accessible. Individuals who require special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact Diane Meyerhoff at least 72 hours in advance (802.865.1794 or 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services).

'Microsoft Word'
Intermediate computer users explore a common type of word-processing software to create newsletters and resumes. Saturday, November 1, 15, 8, 10–11:30AM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington $3, call to register

Day of the Dead
Mourners bring photos and candles to a healing ceremony for departed ancestors. Sunday, November 2, 5:30–7PM at 130 Church Street in Burlington. Free, bring vegetarian food and drink to share.

NOVEMBER 4TH- VOTE!!! 2008

For more information about voting locations and times for your town call the Secretary of State Office (802) 828-2464 email: kdewolfe@sec.state.vt.us web: http://www.sec.state.vt.us/.

'The Meaning of Yesterday's Election'
Barrie Dunsmore, a now-retired ABC News correspondent who traveled with seven U.S. heads of state, considers the local, national and global implications of the 2008 presidential race. Wednesday, November 5, 7PM at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free.

'Cabaret'
Based on Christopher Isherwood's "Berlin Stories," this musical set during Hitler's rise has been a smash in both its Broadway incarnations. Wednesday, November 5, 7:30PM at Royall Tyler Theatre, UVM in Burlington. $9-19

Vermont's 14th Annual West African Dance and Drum Festival
November 6-16 2008 Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater Presents several days of W. African Dance and Drum classes and performances at Memorial and Contois Auditoriums on Main Street in Burlington. Phone: 802-859-180 Website: http://www.jehkulu.org/ Email Address: jehkulu@yahoo.com

First Friday Art Walk-November 7th, 2008, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Over forty galleries and art venues stay open late to welcome walkers and share Burlington’s incredible art scene. Take a guided tour or make your own. Pick up your copy of Art Map Burlington, First Friday Art Walk’s official publication, and your guide to art in Burlington or check out www.artmapburlington.com to see a list of participating venues. First Friday Art Walk and Art Map Burlington is sponsored by Art’s Alive, Burlington City Arts, Kasini House, Robert Hull Fleming Museum, and the South End Arts and Business Association. (802) 264-4839, info@artmapburlington.com , http://www.artmapburlington.com/

Clothes for a Cause November 8, 2008
A Clothing Swap to benefit the Women's Rape Crisis Center will be held on November 8 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, at Avenue Bistro, 1127 North Avenue, Burlington, VT. Suggested $5 entry donation. Join us for a day shopping, desserts, and giving! Clothing & Accessories $1 - $20 and Raffle Prizes! The Avenue Bistro is hosting a Clothing Swap at their restaurant to benefit the Women's Rape Crisis Center and the work they do. You can support the Women's Rape Crisis Center through donating clothes, buying clothes, donating money, and buying raffle tickets.
* Please bring your clean, gently-used women's clothing to the Avenue Bistro by November 1. *
For more info, contact Catherine Slocum, WRCC, Catherine@stoprapevermont.org, 864-0555 x25 or Susan Rogers, Avenue Bistro, at 652-9999.

Greek Pastry Sale & Dinner
Break out the baklava and pass the dolmades! Home-baked treats crown this day-long, sit-down-or-take-out meal. Sale 10 a.m., dinner 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 10AM–7PM at Greek Orthodox Church Community Center in Burlington. $7

WOKO Flea Market
Bargain-hunters lose themselves in the state’s largest indoor tag and collectibles sale. Sunday, November 9, 8:30AM–2PM at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. $2

Italian Conversation Group
Parla Italiano? A native speaker leads a language practice for all ages and abilities. Wednesday, November 12, 7–9PM at St. Edmund's Hall, St. Michael's College room 101 in Colchester. Free.

The ‘Hip” Side of Cuba
Friday, November 14th, 7:00-8:30pm, Hauke Lounge 375 Maple Street. Join us for a night of music, history and fun with Toni Basanta, educator, music critic and Cuban broadcaster since 1989. Toni will bring some of his favorite recordings and clips to share with our community in honor or Latino Heritage. Be ready to dance and feel the heat with worldly infectious music in the voices of Yerba Buena, Celia Cruz, Yusa, Telmary, Sexto Sentido, El Cigala and Orishas. Also learn a few steps for your next party with members of the UVM Salsa and Swing Society.

Uncommon Alliance Transitional Leadership Meeting Nomination and Election
The purpose of Uncommon Alliance is to break down the barriers that exist between the affected community and the law enforcement community and to dismantle racial profiling through work that results in verifiable change. In order to realize this vision, the Uncommon Alliance Transitional Leadership will organize a meeting to gather interested people so that the group can collectively nominate and elect by majority vote the new Executive Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) of Uncommon Alliance. You are invited to participate in this nomination and election process. The meeting will be held on Saturday November 15th 10AM - 12PM at the Caribbean Buffet Restaurant located at 12 North Winooski Avenue. Light refreshments will be provided.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE MARKO THE MAGICIAN AND HYPNOTISTSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008, 6:30 - 8:45 pm
A benefit performance for Autism Daily, Ticket Prices $20 General Admission
S. Burlington High School Auditorium S. Burlington, VT

Sodexho Cultural Night (Native American): Wednesday, November 18th, 5:00PM,
Tower Room All students are invited to meet the ODI staff in front of the Cafeteria at 5PM and join them for a traditional Native American dinner and discussion.

Nikki Giovanni Vermont based photographer and author of American Photo Booth will be at Fletcher Free Library on Thursday Nov 20 2008 at noon. Nikki Giovanni will speak about the history of the photo booth at Booked for Lunch a popular lunch time lecture series at Fletcher free Library in Burlington. Come take part of this event that is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served and donations would be appreciated. For more information call (802)862-5153

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES: Thursday, November 20th, 12:30-1:30pm, Tower Room (SLC, Dining Hall) COTS SPEAKER: Come and learn about the COTS Initiative over lunch. What are the myths and realities of homelessness today, and what can be done to prevent it? These are two of the questions we’ll explore with a representative from the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS). COTS is Vermont’s largest provider of shelter, services and housing for homeless individuals and families in the state. You can purchase your meal in the cafeteria or bring your own!

November 27-

French-English Conversation Group - Speakers of Anglais swap syllables with native French speakers in a parlez session. Sundays, November 2 through January 4, 4–5:30PM;
at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Free

Buddha in Paradise: Tibetan Art from the Rubin Museum
exhibition of richly colored tangka paintings and exquisite sculpture from the Rubin Museum examines these different “Pure Lands” and the underlying philosophical beliefs. Through Dec, 19 Fleming Museum 61 Colchester Ave. Burlington, VT 05405 Phone: 656-2090
PRICE: $5 adults, $10 family, $3 students and seniors. Free to Museum members; UVM, Burlington College, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, and St. Michaels College faculty, staff, and students; and children 6 and under.

International Club: Mondays, 3:30-5:00pm, Hauke Boardroom.

STAND: Student Anti-Genocide Coalition: Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15pm, Center for Service & Civic Engagement.

INCLUDE: LGBTQA ALLIANCE: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm, Hauke 203.

Burlington Peace Vigil
Monday through Friday, 5 – 5:30PM
Activists stand together in opposition to the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

Salsalina Practice. Work on your sensuous nightclub routines at this weekly Latin dance session. Every Wednesday at 6pm at Salsalina Studios in Burlington For more information call (802) 598-1077

Poet’s Jam with Trevien Stenger at Parima Acoustic Lounge in Burlington
Every Monday night at 9:30pm

Jazz Jam at Radio Bean in Burlington FREE every Thursday at 6pm

Reggae Night with Double J & Doobie, Wednesdays, 10pm at JP’s Pub Burlington Free

Top Hat Entertainment Dance Party, Wednesdays, 10pm at Rasputin’s, Burlington. Free

Déjà Vu Ladies Night, Saturdays, 9pm at Second Floor in Burlington. Free

All Night Dance Party with DJ Toxic, Saturdays, 5pm at Tabu Café and night club, Plattsburg. Free

Monthly Old North End Community Dinner
All are welcome to the Old North End Community Dinners held the second Thursday of every month, 5:30 pm at the McClure Multi-Generational Center, 241 N. Winooski Avenue (next to the old Dairy Queen). FREE!
For more information call Charlie Giannoni at 660-9870. To donate food or help serve dinner, call Janet Hicks at 863-3860.

A Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA) is held every month for each of Burlington’s wards. If you want to be more involved with and have a say in what is going on in your community, attend a Community Ward NPA. For more information, please go to http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/npa/npas1.htm

Community Advisory Group (CAG) is a group that needs the community members to have a part in determining the HIV/AIDS related services that are provided to the residents of Vermont. This group is important in promoting effective HIV/AIDS related care and prevention programs in the state of Vermont. To do this Vermont acts as an advisory group to the Vermont Department of Health HIV/AIDS/STD/HEP C programs on the issues of HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Help make these important decisions and get paid for your time! This membership calls for your involvement and attendance to bi-monthly meetings for which you will also be reimbursed for travel cost i.e. gas money.
Call Michelle Force HIV Prevention Supervisor at (802)863-766

Financial:

The program NeWheels Loans through Opportunities gets you new reliable cars at discounted prices and Budget/Credit Builder programs are available।
Call Yvonne at 802-865-8328 x122

Free Financial Education Classes for Opportunities Credit Union members:

Control Your Money: Budget & Savings
This is a workshop where you can learn budgeting and banking skills to help realize you financial goals.

To Your Credit Workshop
This workshop is for financially curious folks to learn how to read and improve their credit score. For more information call (802) 865-3404, x127

Homebuying Seminar
For would-be house hunters to consider the various steps in seeking a suitable space and obtaining a mortgage. Call Jane 802-865-3404 x127 to register.

CVOEO’s Growing Money Project has two classes that can help you build your financial stability.

Financial Self-Protection teaches about financial goal-setting, money and credit management, dealing with credit cards, managing spending and more.

Creating a Financial Future helps you to learn how to save and build net worth, and shows the first steps towards creating long term investments.

Think You Can’t Afford to Buy a Home?The Williston Interfaith Affordable Housing Task Force invites you to come and find out more about entry-level homeownership opportunities! Together with the Champlain Housing Trust, the Williston Interfaith Affordable Housing Task Force will provide information and resources about the home-buying process.
For more information, please contact: Coleen McBournie at the Williston Interfaith Affordable Housing Task Force - 800-445-6298 x25 - or - Liz Curry - 802-862-6244 Champlain Housing Trust

Homebuyers' Workshop - Before getting into debt, potential house hunters gather info about real estate valuation and mortgage financing methods. Saturday, August 16, 9AM–5PM at Central Vermont Community Land Trust in Barre. $60 per household

Employment:

Champlain Housing Trust has two positions
Loan Officer: Responsible for processing all loans from intake through final closing, including correspondence and eligibility determination with loan applicants, loans underwriting and analysis of credit and debt, providing disclosure, ordering appraisal, and title opinions, creating loan and closing documents, and performing closings.
Loan Fund Stewardship Specialist: Develops and maintains all post- closing loan portfolio systems and records for tracking and reporting, addresses all post-closing borrower issues including delinquencies, and keeps the loan fund in compliance with all policies and regulations.
To apply send a cover letter and resume to: Human Resources Champlain Housing Trust, PO Box 523 Burlington, VT 05402 or email: HR@champlainhousing.org

Other job openings:
· Burlington Police Office- full time-$40,392.35/yr
· City Arts Curator- full time- $17.64/hr
· Parks and Recreations City Kids- Seasonal part time- $8.50/hr
· Parks and Recreation Landscape workers- $9.00-$10.00/hr
· Burlington Electric Dept- Full time- Engineering Technician-$16.71-$27.40/hr
· Burlington Electric Dept- Full time- Supervisor of Customer Services- $35.25/hr
· Clerk/Treasurer’s Office- Full time- Program Analyst & Database Administrator- $927.64/wk
· Library Dept- Full time- Library Assistant- $14.92/hr
For more information on these positions visit: www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us/joblist.html

Health and Beauty:

Know your status and take control of your life and health। Get FREE HIV screening and counseling at SISTA United Alliance। Call for an appointment। (802)660-4875

LET’S GET IN SHAPE!!!!

VT Cares hosts yoga classes every Thursday from 2pm-3pm at 113 Church St Burl
VT Cares Walk-in HIV testing on Mondays from 4pm-7pm

Zumba Fitness (Fitness Options)
Step-by-steppers try out Latin dance inspired exercises mixed with high energy, international rhythms at Fitness Options in South Burlington. $10 (first time free)
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm through January 2009
At Olympiad Health and Racquet Club in South Burlington $10
For more information call (802) 310-6686 (802) 734-3479

Burlington Women's Adventure Boot Camp,
5:30-6:30 a.m. South Burlington High School through Nov. 14.
This is an early morning outdoor fitness class for women of all ages and fitness levels.
Website: http://www.BurlingtonBootCamp.com 764-5848.
Free Memory Screening: For adults 55 +, offered by UVM College of Medicine & Fletcher Allen Health Care on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month. Call Sally Ross Nolan for more information at 802-847-9488.
Beauticontrol Certified Beauty Consultant Diana Peters
Beauty and Spa products and Parties
To order or schedule a party contact:
Diana Peters
(802)598-4974 or e-mail pijamita@hotmail.com
Visit website: www.beautipage.com/dmp722

It’s hard to find a hair salon for us। So if you know anyone or any place that can do beautiful hair styling for ethnic women let us at SISTA Voices know.

Licensed Hair styling Specialist

Pauline Anderson (802)999-9022

Hair Braiding by Tonya Mitchell
Email: mailto:tonya%20goodgrace@yahoo.com

Other announcements:

The SISTA Project has changed Organizations! You knew us before as Woman of Color Alliance, but WOCA has now closed. We have started a new Organization under which to run SISTA. SISTA United Alliance is not just our organization, it’s YOUR organization. Help grow your community by participating, volunteering, donating or whatever you can do to contribute. We are branching out and have many new programs for you to take advantage of but we need you.

To anyone who can provide childcare, we at SISTA are always in need of a provider. Contact Kinda Sharp-Garrett at our new number 660-4875.

Be a SISTA volunteer! It is a great experience and a chance to meet new people and do a great service to the community.

Here is your chance! If you haven’t yet been a part of our SISTA sessions, BE A PART OF SISTA! It is a growing program and we need more participants. This is a program for women of color that discusses relationships, dating and safe sex. Sisters connect with sisters on building self-esteem skills, developing life experiences with coping skills and developing safer sex methods. We provide good food, exciting games/activities, door prizes and valuable information plus child care and transportation if needed but you must call ahead. This is a place where you can have fun, watch a movie, play games, win gifts, connect with other women of color, talk, learn new things and just relax.
We are Supporting, Inspiring, Sharing, Teaching and Advocating.
Call Kinda Sharp-Garrett at 660-4875 or email sistaunited@yahoo.com to set up an interview and become a SISTA!

SISTA session dates:
Session 1: Ethnic & Gender Pride- November 15, 3-7pm
Session 2: HIV/AIDS Education- Nov. 22, 3-7pm
Session 3: Assertiveness Skills Training-Nov 29, 3-7pm
Session 4: Behavior Self-Management-December 6, 3-7pm
Session 5: Coping Skills- December 13, 3pm-7pm

You can add to the SISTA experience. If you have either African art or art made by Black women, such as yourself, that you may want to donate to SISTA let us know. We could always use more supplies and volunteers to join us.

If you have any news or information on events contact us to let us know. We can all do our part to inform each other.
If you have family photos or any poems that you want to share, email them to us and we will include them in an issue of SISTA UNITED VOICES.

Feedback:

Write us at sistaunited@yahoo.com with your feedback and let us know what you think. We will include your comments in our next issue.

SISTA LOVE IS STRONG! SISTA LOVE IS SAFE! SISTA LOVE IS SURVIVING!