Top Stories for Tuesday December 30, 2008

2009 A Time For Conservative Perseverance
By Lydia Solini (www.AstrologyByLydia.com)
    Pluto makes a direct and long term ascent into conservative, structured Capricorn.  Many conservative values and laws will become a central theme in this country and around the world.  Since 1996 Pluto has been in Sagittarius which lessened the value of structure and accountability.  Our drive for years has been escaping through whatever means it took.      Now expect our government and the governments of other nations to take a more responsible role.  Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) will make many profound changes on outward and inner levels.  Our country a Cancer sun sign will also make many profound changes.  America will start to do business differently; by becoming shrewd.  Everyone will be searching to bring more stability into their lives including our government.  This is a period of conservative correction.  It will be powerful and last at least 10 years. 

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Return To Sender

“A must-read.”—Kirkus Reviews “Young people’s voices make for a fast read; the characters, including the adults, are drawn with real complexity; and the questions raised about  the meaning of patriotism will spark debate.”—Booklist  “A tender, well-constructed book.”—Publishers Weekly
 On Jan.  13, the Vermont Folklife Center (VFC) will present critically acclaimed, award-winning novelist Julia Alvarez, reading from her new novel, RETURN TO SENDER (Alfred A. Knopf, Books for Young Readers, available Jan. 13), at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater at 7 p.m.   [ more ]

Philosophy & Philanthrophy Come Together to Create Sweet Charity
By Cookie Steponaitis
    While Margaret Mead never met Liz Ryan, Liz Markowski, and Patty Paul, she must have had them in mind when she remarked, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” What began as a walk down the road by three friends expanded into a conversation, and then into community action. Spurred on by the realization that they were at a point in their lives where their children were leaving the nest, they wanted to give back to the community that had supported them. While each felt energized to “make a difference,” they decided that collectively they could make more impact.
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2008 In Pictures

Some select pictures from past 2008 editions of the Valley Voice.  [ more ]