MONTPELIER - Parents whose children have passed on will have the opportunity to gather with others as the holiday season approaches. For the fourth year, Carley Stevens-McLaughlin, formerly of Montpelier, whose son Taylor was killed in a car accident at age 20, has organized an event in the Central Vermont area for families who are affected by the loss of a child. These children, according to Stevens-McLaughlin, range of infants to adults... A child is your child, regardless of how old the child or parent is.

Central Vermont's participation in Compassionate Friends’ 17th Worldwide Candle Lighting will be held on Sunday, December 8, beginning at 6:45pm. This nondenominational service is for families whose children have passed or anyone affected by this type of situation. At 7pm, individual candles will be lit for one hour, to coincide with the candle lightings around the world. In addition, the service will include special readings, musical performances, and the opportunity for families to say the name of their child. Families are also encouraged to bring a photograph of their child.

This year's event will be held at Christ Church’s Taplin Room (2nd floor, no elevator), 64 State Street, Montpelier. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. The event is free and open to the public; donations will be accepted to defray cost of room rental and candles. Contact Carley Stevens-McLaughlin or Patricia Tedesco PTe1218@aol.com or call or text 802-793-4276 about this event or www.CompassionateFriends.org for supporting families after a child dies.

Feb 7, 2025, 5:30 to 9 PM

Feb 9, 2025, 9 to 11 AM

Feb 9, 2025, 1 to 3 PM