Drop In Center, Morningside Shelter need tents, sleeping bags
BRATTLEBORO – The Brattleboro Area Drop In Center and Morningside Shelter are conducting a tent and sleeping bag drive in response to the closing of the winter Overflow Shelter at the First Baptist Church.
The Overflow Shelter closed for the season on the morning of May 1 after its longest season yet – the shelter opened on Nov. 1, nearly one month earlier than in years past.
With Morningside Shelter operating at capacity year-round with a long waiting list regardless of the season, the community safety net for emergency housing is stretched beyond capacity.
Those with tents and sleeping bags to contribute may drop them off at the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center, 60 South Main St. (802-257-5415), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cash donations for the purchase of tents and sleeping bags are also greatly appreciated.
Guests to share regional economic development ideas at next WBA meeting
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The next monthly meeting of the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) will be held at the New England House on Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m. The guests are Pat Moulton and Laura Sibilia of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corp. Their discussion will likely focus on the recently published regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) plan.
Also at this monthly meeting, the group will discuss the recent Green-Up Day on May 3, the treasurer's report, and several ongoing projects included in the WBA's 2014 internal planning document. A main focus will be on the upcoming semi-annual Chicken Barbecue sponsored by WBA on May 24, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. It will be held once again in front of the West Brattleboro Congregational Church.
The WBA is still planning to have signs made for entry to West Brattleboro, both from the east and west. Ways to raise the remaining money will be discussed. Another topic getting some attention from the WBA is the town budget and, in particular, its impact on plans for the West Brattleboro Fire Station.
F.E.E.T. Neighbors plan clean-up session
BRATTLEBORO - On Thursday, May 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the F.E.E.T. (Frost, Elm, Elliot) Neighbors will host a meeting at the Elliot Street Cafe to discuss ways to beautify the neighborhood with gardens.
If you live or work in or near this area, they would love any support in gardening throughout the neighborhood. Everyone is welcome.
Caregiver information session offered in Whitingham
WHITINGHAM - Many of the people who help an elder with daily necessities (such as meals, transportation, or scheduling care) fall in the category of family caregiver. Representatives from Senior Solutions will lead a free information session for caregivers at the Whitingham Free Public Library on Saturday, May 10, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Caregivers are often unaware of all the help available to them and their aging relative or friend. This meeting will describe the resources, services and grants available to help plan for future care needs, and to address current challenges such as elder depression, loneliness, caregiver stress, and more.
The meeting is also an opportunity for caregivers to let Senior Solutions know what kinds of assistance and information they most need. This advice will guide future offerings, so caregivers who cannot attend are urged to give input via a short survey at www.SeniorSolutionsVT.org. Caregivers who need help getting respite care for their loved one to allow attendance at the meeting should call the Senior HelpLine as soon as possible at 800-642-5119.
BOC hosts annual canoe, kayak consignment sale
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Outing Club (BOC) will hold its annual spring canoe and kayak consignment sale and swap on Saturday, May 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Outlet Center, 580 Canal St.
This is a fundraising event. Owners set their own selling price, and BOC will retain 10 percent of the sale price to fund its summer paddling program. Boat swaps are encouraged, and donations of unwanted boats and/or gear to the BOC are accepted. Sale/swap is limited to all types of canoes, kayaks, stand-up-paddleboards, rowboats, rowing shells, small sailboats, and watersport gear (no motorboats or motors accepted).
Boats may be dropped off on Friday, May 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.; or on Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Swap time is from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Sale time is from noon to 2 p.m. Arrive early, for the best boats and gear go fast. Unsold boats and gear must be picked up immediately following the sale, up to 3 p.m., or by prior arrangement.
For more information, or to arrange a more convenient time for drop-off, contact Larry McIntosh at 802-254-3666; or visit the BOC website at www.brattleborooutingclub.org.
River Gallery School to hold benefit auction
DUMMERSTON - The River Gallery School will host its annual Benefit Auction on Saturday, May 10, at the Scott Farm on Kipling Road.
This year marks the 24th auction event and this spring evening will be filled with lively music, appetizers from Terri Ziter of A Vermont Table, and beautiful items for bid.
The live auction features trips and adventures, including one week in Tuscany, a South African safari, and a weekend in Los Angeles.
Local businesses and artists have filled both the silent and live auctions with a first-rate assortment of items, including passes to the Yellow Barn, Mount Snow, and the Montshire Museum, and gift certificates to local restaurants and inns, including Peter Havens, Chesterfield Inn, and Three Stones.
As always, the auction features unique and original art from a talented group of local painters, sculptors and potters, including Walter Slowinski, Petria Mitchell, Mallory Lake, Tim Allen, and many more.
The Silent Auction begins at 5 p.m. and the Live Auction begins at 7. Admission to this event is $25 and includes a paddle number, appetizers, coffee and dessert, live music, and a great time. Pre-buy tickets are available on the RGS website and tickets are also for sale at the door. All proceeds insure the lasting vitality of the school. For more information, visit rivergalleryschool.org or call the school at 802-257-1577.
Mother's Day brunch at Broad Brook Grange
GUILFORD - Broad Brook Grange will present its 18th annual Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange hall in Guilford Center. The proceeds from the event will allow for continued renovations of the historic building.
The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and omelets, any style, made to order. Also on the menu are pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon and home fries, with Guilford maple syrup. Other treats include home-baked coffee cakes and other baked goods, fresh fruit salad, and bread for toasting. A selection of juices will be available, along with coffee, teas and milk.
No reservations are necessary for the meal, which is priced at $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, and $5 for ages 2-12. Kids under two are free. Broad Brook Grange is at 3940 Guilford Center Road, 4 miles west of the Guilford Country Store. For more information, call 802-257-1961.
Pinnacle presents birding walk with expert Richard Foye
WESTMINSTER - On Mother's Day, May 11, at 7 a.m,, Richard Foye, birder extraordinaire, will lead an early morning birding walk for the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association.
He'll help participants fine-tune their birding-by-ear skills on a walk from Holden Trail to the Latham Trail kiosk, where hikers will be shuttled back to the start. To meet at the Holden Trail kiosk in Westminster, check www.windmillhillpinnacle.org under Trails & Maps, Access to Trailheads, for directions. Check under Current Events for other upcoming free Pinnacle programs.
Contact Sarah Waldo at 802-387-6036 or [email protected] for registration and further information.
Osher lectures conclude
DUMMERSTON-The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) spring lecture series winds up on Monday, May 12. In the morning session, William Edelglass examines the extension of our ideas of happiness to politics. In the afternoon program, Donlin Foreman will consider how dancing passes through successive generations.
Morning lectures run from 10 a.m. to noon; afternoon lectures, from 1 to 3 p.m. Both will be held at the Southeastern Vermont Learning Collaborative, 471 Vermont Route 5, Dummerston. Parking and handicapped access are available, and light refreshments will be served at the lectures.
For further information, call 802-257-8600 or 866-889-0042; go to www.learningcollaborative.org; or call the OLLI organizers at 802-387-5387 or 802-257-7623.
Shade gardening is topic at next Garden Club meeting
BRATTLEBORO - Garden consultant Dot Lenhart will speak about Shade Gardening on Monday, May 12, at 6 p.m., Topics include soil, light, moisture and plant selection. This meeting of the Brattleboro Floral Arts and Garden Club will take place at the Green Mountain Chapel on Western Avenue.
Lenhart has worked at a number of local nurseries and done private consulting for the past 20 years. She currently has a private design and consultation business and works at Achille Agway in Brattleboro. Her passion is perennials, but she incorporates trees, shrubs and bulbs in her designs.
The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Ann Newsmith at 802-257-4710 or [email protected].
Work session takes up West Brattleboro Bicycle Pedestrian Scoping Study
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro will sponsor another public work session on improving walking and bicycling conditions in West Brattleboro on Tuesday, May 13, at 6 p.m., at the Selectboard Meeting Room in the Municipal Center.
Come hear what options are under consideration and let the planning team know which ones are best. To view the project report presenting the alternatives under consideration, visit the Broadreach Planning & Design website at www.broadreachpd.com and go to Projects/Current and then West Brattleboro.
To leave comments about the project, email [email protected].
Royal genealogy program presented at RFPL
BELLOW FALLS - Are you descended from royalty? Whatever your background, a link to royalty might be lurking somewhere in your family's past. Join Genealogist, Wes Nies, at the Rockingham Free Public Library on Wednesday, May 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for an exciting presentation on finding royalty in your family tree.
Nies will demonstrate a variety of research tools and show proven pathways for locating royal ancestors. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at 802-463-4270 or [email protected].
AARP driver safety class offered at Brattleboro Senior Center, Grace Cottage Hospital
BRATTLEBORO - The AARP Smart Driver Program, a classroom driver refresher course, will be offered at the Grace Cottage Hospital Wellness Center on May 14, at 5 p.m., and the Brattleboro Senior Center on Monday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m.
Each session involves approximately four hours of class time. Grace Cottage participants are urged to bring their own evening meal. A lunch break will be taken in Brattleboro and participants may purchase a meal at the Senior Center or may bring their own food. The fee for this program is $20 for the general public and $15 for AARP members.
Program content addresses the changes that occur in vision, hearing, and reaction time as we age and provides useful driving safety tips for handling these changes. The course also reviews how changes in vehicles and roadways affect driving safety, and features new research-based content and information regarding Vermont motor vehicle laws.
Persons interested in taking the course should contact Elliott Greenblott at 802-254-4489 or [email protected].
CCV in Brattleboro to host VSAC workshop
BRATTLEBORO - Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) counselors and college aid professionals will be available on Thursday, May 15, at the Community College of Vermont's Brattleboro center, 70 Landmark Hill, to help with filing online FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Financial Aid) and Vermont grant applications. Walk-ins are welcome from 4 to 6 p.m.
Students and parents should each bring the following (students born before Jan. 1, 1991, do not need to bring parent information): Social Security number, most recent federal tax return, most recent W-2 or year-end pay stub, untaxed income records, bank statement(s), business and investment records, home equity and farm equity information, and an alien registration card (if not a U.S. citizen).
All information is confidential and used only for the purpose of filling out forms. For priority registration, call 800-642-3177 (ask for outreach).
Workshop on invasive plants offered in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON - The Guilford and Dummerston Conservation Commissions will hold a workshop, “Working with Contractors on Invasive Plant Management,” on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center.
This workshop is for landowners looking for ways to control invasive plants or who are interested in learning more about the spread of these plants. This event is free and open to the public.
Bill Guenther, Windham County Forester, and Andrew Morrison, Antioch Grad Student, will present informative talks at the Grange starting at 9 a.m.
Then contractors Chris Polatin and Dan Healey will discuss their work as invasive plant managers using a variety of control measures (including judicious use of chemicals) on a visit to two private properties with invasive plant infestations. They will address planning, mapping, prioritization, funding, and monitoring of various control activities, along with restoration planning for native plant communities.
Rerouted lower section of West River Trail now open
DUMMERSTON - The lower section of the West River Trail starting at the Marina Trailhead in Brattleboro has been rerouted due to ongoing work on the Interstate 91 bridge project.
The Friends of the West River Trail have developed an alternate trail route that provides recreational use of the trail near the construction access road. Signage has been installed providing clear direction to recreational users of the trail.
There are intersections between construction access and the trail; users are strongly encouraged to exercise extreme caution at these intersections. As an additional safety precaution, users of the West River Trail are reminded to keep pets on a leash when using the trail in this area and clean up after them.
Senior Solutions seeks Advisory Council Representatives
SPRINGFIELD - May is Older Americans Month, and Senior Solutions is taking this opportunity to recruit new representatives to its Advisory Council.
Volunteers are needed to represent Londonderry, Stratton, and Westminster. Advisory Council representatives are local people who care about issues affecting seniors and family caregivers of elders. The role of an AC member can vary depending on the individual. Some members are not able to attend all of the meetings, but they keep in contact and receive all of the minutes and agendas.
The monthly meetings feature educational presentations, updates on legislative issues and agency services, plus opportunities for representatives to network about relevant events and activities coming up in their towns. Senior Solutions is the non-profit Area Agency on Aging that serves Windham and Windsor Counties, plus Searsburg, Readsboro, Winhall, and Thetford.
To learn more about joining the Advisory Council and helping with Senior Solutions' mission, contact Joyce Lemire at 802-885-2655 or visit www.SeniorSolutionsVT.org.