After-school Writer's Clubhouse starts at Putney Library
PUTNEY - The Putney Public Library, 55 Main St., opens the doors to the “Writer's Clubhouse,” a free, after-school writing hour for elementary and middle-school storytellers, starting Sept. 7.
The Writer's Clubhouse meets at the library each Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. and is led by Deb Ayer. This program is free and all materials are provided. The goal of this program is to inspire and foster youth writing, to publish student work, and to have fun.
The September/October theme is “things odd and unexpected.” Check the library calendar for theme details and activities at putneylibrary.org.
Car club presents drive-in cruise-in double feature
NORTHFIELD - The Now and Then Vehicles Club and Northfield Drive-In will present a classic-car double feature of “American Graffiti” and “Bullitt” on Friday, Sept. 9 (rain date is Sept. 10).
All antique and classic cars welcome, or come in your modern car. Admission is $9 per person or $20 per carload. Shows start at dusk. Find the club on Facebook for more info. If questionable weather, verify at 603-239-4054.
Healing walk, writing workshop at Manitou
WILLIAMSVILLE - The Manitou Project will hold a healing walk on Friday, Sept. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. This meditative walk on Manitou's Sanctuary Trail will be led by Mary Stowe, and will include poems or other readings, and chances to share about the experience. Meet at the parking lot at 4 p.m. For information, contact Stowe at 802-246-1152.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 4:30 p.m., wander the woods of Manitou with experienced nature-writing group leader Fred Taylor. Explore the outer landscape of Manitou, and see how it resonates with your inner landscape.
There will be time for quiet meditation and writing, as well as group sharing. Taylor will guide the afternoon with a series of poems, readings, and writing prompts to help you free up your imagination and discover your writing voice. All levels of writing experience welcome. Bring a journal and pen, water, and a bag lunch or snack for the trail.
The suggested donation for the afternoon is $20. Contact Taylor at 802-387-2681 or [email protected] for pre-registration and directions. Meet at the parking lot at noon.
The Manitou Project is at 300 Sunset Lake Rd. Directions: go 1.4 miles up Sunset Lake Road from Williamsville Village, and look for the sign on the right. Or approximately 5 miles over the top on Sunset Lake Road from Route 9.
Thrift shop holds bag sale
WEST TOWNSHEND - On Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11, the Thrift Shop at the West Townshend Country Store will hold a special end-of-summer sale.
Customers can fill up bags for $5 per bag with items including clothing and shoes for men, women, and children, and household items. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit West River Community Project.
The Thrift Shop is located on the second floor of the West Townshend Country Store at the intersection of Route 30 and Windham Hill Road in West Townshend.
Beekeeping workshop in Alstead
ALSTEAD, N.H. - Charles Andros, former New Hampshire/Vermont Apiary Inspector, will hold a beekeeping workshop from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.
Topics will include treatment of nosema and mites (including using oxalic acid), winter preparations, protein and carbohydrate supplements, and making beeswax hand creams.
Look for the “BEE” sign on the south side of Walpole Valley Road (at 18 MacLean Road, Alstead, NH 03602). Participants will be opening some colonies, so bring a veil if you wish. Water and sunscreen are also a plus. The workshop will be inside if it rains. Registration required at [email protected] or 603-756-9056.
Indoor yard sale at the BF Moose
BELLOWS FALLS - An indoor yard sale will be held at the Moose Lodge, 59 Westminster St., on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals, vendors, and crafters are welcome, as are nonprofits conducting fundraisers.
The cost per 8-foot table is $20, and chairs will be provided. Prepared goods such as jams, pickles, and honey may be sold, but perishable foods aren't allowed. Set up must be done by vendors and will occur on Friday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. Doors will open at 9 a.m.
Food including desserts will be available to purchase throughout the day, prepared by Moose Lodge members, and the bar will be open. For more information and to reserve a table, contact Jeanie Levesque at [email protected] or 603-445-7037.
POW/MIA Dinner at VFW Post 1034
BRATTLEBORO - The annual POW/MIA Dinner will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, at VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd.
Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6 p.m. On the menu is roasted pork with gravy, roasted red potatoes, vegetables, applesauce, and a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar for dessert.
After dinner, dance to the music of the Early Times Band. The public is welcome. Tickets are $10 per person for dinner and dancing, $5 per person for dancing only after the meal is over. For reservations, call 802-257-0438.
Yoked Parish returns to Methodist Church
WARDSBORO - The Wardsboro Yoked Parish has moved to the Methodist Church on Main Street in downtown Wardsboro.
Sunday services begin at 10 a.m. and will continue at that hour until February 2017. All are welcome.
Children's open house at St. Michael's Episcopal
BRATTLEBORO - On Sunday, Sept. 11, St. Michael's Episcopal Church begins the program year with a Sunday School Open House from 9:15 to 10 a.m. for kids, parents, and all who are interested. Come check out St. Michael's great opportunities for kids: Godly Play, Workshop Rotation, Youth Forum, Choir School, and more.
There will be food, play, a bouncy house, and balloons. All are invited to learn more about St. Michael's programs for children. St. Michael's Episcopal Church is at the corner of Putney Road and Bradley Avenue in Brattleboro. For more information: 802-254-6048 or www.stmichaelsvermont.org.
Windham County Retired Teachers to meet Sept. 12
BRATTLEBORO - There will be a meeting and program for the Windham County Retired Teachers on Monday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. at the River Garden on Main Street.
The program speaker will be Patrick Brown, owner of Brown Computer Solutions. He will discuss some of the latest scams targeting consumers, including malware, adward, scareware, ransomware, cryptolocker, phishing, and more.
Call Mary Laitres at 802-257-0753 for further information.
BF Woman's Club begins new year
BELLOWS FALLS - The Bellows Falls Woman's Club's first meeting of the new club year will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the United Church on School Street, at 1:30 p.m.
The club's Executive Board met over the summer and put together meeting programs, committees, fund raising ideas, and a proposed budget. Upon payment of annual dues, members will receive the program booklet. During the business meeting, the budget will be discussed and voted on.
The meeting program will be presented by Archer Mayor of Newfane. He will speak on what has inspired him to become a medical examiner, a police officer, and renowned author of mysteries.
Fund raising plans include a yard sale Sept. 24 at the Masonic Temple on Westminster Street. Details are forthcoming. Contact Dianne Potter (802-376-3211) or Betty Haggerty (802-463-4159) for information or to make a donation. The club presented its high school scholarship to Emily Stoddard of Westminster, who is pursuing nursing.
The club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at the United Church. Women interested in joining and helping with projects may contact Barbara Comtois at 802-344-0025.
Dummerston Conservation Commission hosts panel on invasive plant removal
DUMMERSTON - The Dummerston Conservation Commission will host a community panel on invasive plant removal at the Learning Collaborative on Route 5 on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.
Town residents and friends will describe their invasive-plant removal efforts and respond to your questions. Information on specific invasive plants and removal contractors will be available.
Astronomy group offers photography class
CHESTER - By popular demand, the Southern Vermont Astronomy Group (SoVerA.org) will continue the Basics of its Celestial Photography Workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m., at the Whiting Library, 117 Main St.
This second session will commence with a review of the previous meeting's content, followed by short talks on equipment, setting up different types of photography, and using software that eases taking beautiful night sky images.
The session will feature a hands-on presentation on getting started in simple celestial photography as well as how to move beyond the basics. Participants will learn more about basic camera settings, using a tripod, and composing images. If the skies cooperate, some observing and photography methods may be demonstrated outside.
Nothing is required, but attendees are welcome to bring their cameras, tripods (if they have them), cell phones (yes, for once), and something to take notes with. This class is free and open to the public.
Medicare Boot Camp in Putney
PUTNEY - Senior Solutions staff provides unbiased information about the Medicare system at Medicare Boot Camp. This free class is for Vermonters new to Medicare. Medicare Boot Camp will be held in Putney on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Medicare has strict enrollment periods, and Medicare Boot Camp prepares participants to make timely decisions about drug plans and supplemental plans as well as many other issues. Family members who help new beneficiaries may also attend.
Space is limited, so please call in advance to the Senior HelpLine for registration and detailed location information at 800-642-5119. More classes are listed at www.seniorsolutionsvt.org.
Next WBA Meeting set for Sept. 15
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The next monthly meeting of the West Brattleboro Association will be held Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m., in the Community Room at Hayes Court on Garfield Drive.
After a review of the treasury report, there will be an update on several agenda items and information on the upcoming BizUp event to be held on Sept. 27 at the 'new' New England Country Deli Market out on Marlboro Road.
A final decision will be made on whether to hold a Chicken BBQ over the Columbus Day weekend. The event is usually held on a Saturday morning - running until the chicken and fixings are gone (usually in the early afternoon). It is held in front of the First Congregational Church on Western Avenue.
Another item on the agenda is the effort to attract commercial tenants for West B vacant buildings and spaces. The group will also further discuss next steps in relation to its letter regarding notification of hearings to abutters when the abutting property is owned by a co-operative or collective.
Hospital offers free WRAP wellness workshop series
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Memorial Hospital offers a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) workshop series on Sept. 23 (3 to 8 p.m.), 24 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and 25 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in Brew Barry Conference Room 2.
This free workshop, conducted in three sessions, provides participants with tools to deal with life's complications and to plan for the inevitable bumps along the way.
WRAP was developed in 1997 by people searching for ways to overcome their own mental-health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals. It is now used extensively by people in all kinds of circumstances and by health care and mental-health systems all over the world.
The workshop series is also relevant for those supporting people struggling with physical, mental, or life issues, and also for healthcare providers interested in becoming WRAP facilitators. Space is limited, so registration is required. Call 802-257-8867 for more information or to register.
Funding available for Brattleboro-area projects
Funding is available for Brattleboro-area projects and organizations through the Crosby-Gannett Fund and the Dunham-Mason Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation.
The purpose of both funds is to support endeavors that contribute to the betterment and vitality of the Brattleboro area. The funds' local advisors are interested in supporting projects that rely mainly on local financial support. Eligible projects and organizations will focus on innovation, capital improvements, and historical renovation/preservation.
Crosby-Gannett Fund grants range from $250 to $1,000; Dunham-Mason Fund grants range from $250 to $500. The second round of deadlines for the funds is 5 p.m. on Oct. 13. Eligible applicants may apply to both of the funds at the same time. Visit www.vermontcf.org/availablegrants to learn more.
Nominations sought for Vermont Mother of Year
BELLOWS FALLS - American Mothers Inc. seeks nominations for Vermont Mother of the Year.
The organization champions women by honoring, educating, and serving mothers at home, at work, and in the world. Each year, states are encouraged to nominate a mother who is exemplary in and revered for dedication to her family, her community, and her faith. Individuals and organizations are invited to submit a nomination.
For more information, visit www.americanmothers.org or contact Betty Haggerty, 2013 Vermont Mother of the Year, at 802-463-4159 or [email protected].