The next orientation for Hour for Our Community Time Exchange is Saturday, April 12 at the Bennington Free Library from 10:30 to noon.

For those who are don't know, Hour for Our Community Time Exchange is a membership organization that facilitates the exchange of services and talents among its members. An hour of service to any member entitles you to any an hour of service from any other member. Below is a letter to the editor I recently submitted to the Bennington Banner describing the benefits that I personally have received from my membership.

Better than Bartering

The Hour for Our Community Time Exchange (H4O) is better than bartering. I know this because in the past few months I have had a roof put on my garden shed; on three different occasions, I had a house sitter come stay at our home and take care of our three cats and a dog (once for nine days); and had lined wool pants hemmed and living room curtains repaired. But that is not all. I had a bonsai student repot and trim the roots on an ornamental potted tree, transforming it into a work of art; had a relaxing massage, had a voice lesson and had delivered to me two quarts of delicious homemade soup. In exchange I have provided other members with computer assistance, helped with transportation to appointments, grocery shopped and participated in a fun leaf-raking work party. Every hour of service I contribute to any member entitles me to receive an hour of service from any other member.

As good as all these exchanges are, the best thing is the wonderful people I am meeting, most of whom I would not have met otherwise. This community building is at the heart of the Hour for Our Community Time Exchange, which currently has 73 members.

If you want to be part of the time exchange, come to the Bennington Free Library the second Saturday of any month from 10:30 to noon. Or call me at 802-379-5951.