Town taking requests for human services funding
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications for fiscal year 2018 Human Services Funding.
The application, as well as instructions and guidelines, is posted on the Brattleboro website, www.brattleboro.org. The deadline to submit applications to the Brattleboro Town Manager's Office is Wednesday, Oct. 12 at noon.
The information session regarding human services funding is scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., in the Hanna Cosman meeting room at the Municipal Center. Applicants are encouraged to attend. For more information regarding the application process, contact Jan Anderson in the Brattleboro Town Manager's office at 802-251-8151.
Transition Dummerston hosts potluck, film
DUMMERSRTON - Transition Dummerston's monthly potluck will be on Friday, Sept. 30, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Southeast Vermont Learning Collaborative, 471 Route 5.
The program will be a showing of the award-winning film, “Planetary,” followed by a discussion. The film is an inspiring documentary about the shift in worldview to which the current planetary crisis calls us.
The potluck will begin at 6 p.m. (local food encouraged), and the film will begin at 7 PM, with discussion following. The program is free and open to the public, and people from surrounding towns are encouraged to come and join in the conversation. For more information, contact Fred at 802-387-2681.
Moore Free Library prepares for book sale
NEWFANE - The Friends of the Moore Free Library will hold its annual Book Sale on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Union Hall, just off the Common in Newfane.
Categories are fiction (including classics and a large selection of mysteries), history, biography and memoir, essays, nature, travel, art and music, how-to, health, young adult, philosophy and religion, cooking, gardening, humor, Vermont and New England, children's literature, DVDs, and more. All proceeds go toward helping the library to carry out its services to the community.
The Moore Free Library is a private institution that functions as a public library but receives no local, state, or federal funding. For more information, call 802-365-7948.
Children and nature advocate Martin LeBlanc to give free talk on Oct. 1
BRATTLEBORO - Martin LeBlanc, a leading voice in the movement to reconnect children and nature, will speak on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1:30 p.m., in the Brooks House Atrium in downtown Brattleboro. His talk will focus on the importance of teaching our youth to become “natural leaders” and stewards of the earth.
This free event is hosted by Oak Meadow Independent Learning, following their annual open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New Scott Farm exhibit opens at Historical Society
DUMMERSTON - An opening reception of Michael Poster's photographic exhibit of Scott Farm, “Ashmead's Kernel” will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Dummerston Historical Society in Dummerston Center.
The exhibit will also be open during the Apple Pie Festival on Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and additional viewing times will be scheduled.
“Ashmead's Kernel” refers to an old English russet apple which originated from seed planted around 1700 by a Dr. Thomas Ashmead in Gloucester. It is medium-sized with golden-brown skin and a crisp nutty snap.
Poster, a resident of Dummerston, works on long term photographic projects about people who interest him. All of the pictures in “Ashmead's Kernel” were made at Scott Farm in Dummerston over the course of a year. Commentary on the photos is provided by writer Melissa Whalen Haertch.
All programs are free of charge and handicapped accessible. For more information, call 802-254-9311.
ClearChoiceMD offers free flu shots
BRATTLEBORO - As flu season quickly approaches, ClearChoiceMD will offer free flu vaccinations to the public.
The urgent care center, located at 1154 Putney Rd., will host a free flu clinic for ages 6 months and older from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 1 and 2 - no appointments needed.
Good health habits, combined with a flu vaccination, is the best way to avoid contracting or spreading the flu. Such habits include washing your hands frequently, disinfecting surfaces, covering your mouth and nose, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, and staying home if you are sick.
All flu vaccinations on Oct. 1 and 2 will be free of charge and insurance will not be billed. Patients are asked to bring a photo ID, and encouraged to bring friends and family.
Grafton Cornet Band plans fall concert
GRAFTON - The Grafton Cornet Band will present a fall foliage concert on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 2:30 p.m., on the Library lawn, 204 Main St. (Route 121).
The concert will be an informal, hour-long mix of familiar and upbeat music for the whole family in beautiful surroundings. Free, but donations welcome. Bring chairs or a blanket and maybe a picnic. In case of rain, the concert will be at the White Church. More information: www.graftonband.org.
Octoberfest dinner at Trinity Lutheran
BRATTLEBORO - Trinity Lutheran Church on Western Avenue will hold an Octoberfest dinner on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The menu includes bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, red potatoes, green beans, bread, and dessert. There will be two seatings, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Make your reservations by calling the church office at 802-254-4220.
Townshend Library seeks donations for book sale
TOWNSHEND - On Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Hall, the Townshend Public Library presents its annual Book & Bake Sale.
The library is currently looking for donations of gently used books and media (no VHS tapes). These can be dropped off at the“Parsonage on 46 Common Road (between Townshend Elementary School and the Townshend Congregational Church) on the porch.
They are also looking for volunteers to help with set-up on Friday, Oct. 7, manning the sales tables and taking them down on Saturday, and baking goodies for the sale (drop them off at the Town Hall Friday night or Saturday morning).
Blue Door Soup Suppers begin on Oct. 5
SAXTONS RIVER - Crisp fall air means it's time for the folks at Christ's Church to bring out their soup pots and shine up their ladles for another season of Blue Door soup suppers.
This year's suppers begin Wednesday, Oct. 5 and continue through April. Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. the neighborhood is invited for a free soup supper in the church's dining room, which is wheelchair accessible.
Friends and members make three soups each week, with at least one vegetarian and one gluten-free option, which are served with bread and butter. The meal is free, but donations are appreciated, with all donations going to Our Place Drop-in Center in Bellows Falls.
Organizer Wanda Salter is looking for volunteers to host, make soups and wash dishes. She can be reached at 802-869-2582.
Early voting for general election begins in Vermont
MONTPELIER - Early voting for the Nov. 8 general election in Vermont began on Sept. 23, and early ballots will be available from town clerks through Nov. 7. Completed ballots must be returned by the time polls close on Nov. 8.
Any registered voter may request a ballot from their town clerk by phone, mail, or online. Vermonters who would like to request a ballot to vote early can contact their local town clerk or visit the Secretary of State's website at www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/voters/absentee-voting.aspx.
Only registered voters can request a ballot. For voters who are not yet registered, they can go online to complete their registration at www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/voters/registration.aspx. Voters must register by Wednesday, Nov. 2 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 primary.
Kids in Coats Fund update
BRATTLEBORO - The Kids in Coats Fund has replaced the Reformer Christmas Stocking and will help provide winter gear for kids in Windham County.
The number of children served this year will be determined by the funds raised. So far, more than 230 donors have contributed more than $21,800. To make a donation text “snowy” to 41444 or visit unitedwaywindham.org.
Application information has gone out to more than 60 referral sources in Windham County. If you are a family in need of assistance, contact a human service agency or school to apply.
Windham Regional Career Center offers fall training programs
BRATTLEBORO - The Windham Regional Career Center at Brattleboro Union High School is offering 12 community education and training programs for this fall to meet the needs of area employers and their employees as well as provide personal and professional enrichment opportunities for all community members.
Courses offered this fall include: American Red Cross Nursing Assistant Training Program; Basic Sign Language; Introduction to Computer Basics for Beginners; Introduction to Microsoft Excel; ServSafe Certification: Creating and Using Google Questionnaires; Beginning Spanish; Beginning Quilting; Beginning Chair Hand Caning; Learn the Safe Use of Woodworking Machines and Tools; The Power of Touch; Introduction to Basic Welding; Financial Workshop: Your Source for Financial Education; Maximize Your Electronic Phones and Tablets; and Digital Photography.
The Career Center also offers over 300 on-line courses and certificate training programs available throughout the year. For more information visit www.wrccvt.com and click on Adult Learners or call Betsy Gentile at 802-451-3965 to receive detailed information on all the courses and a registration form. Class sizes are limited, so early registration is suggested.