Poetry of Emily Dickinson at Putney Library
PUTNEY - Poet, writer, and teacher Michelle Blake will offer a free two-session program on the brilliance and challenges of the poetry of Emily Dickinson at Putney Public Library, 55 Main St., on Thursday, June 1 and 8, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to come to either session or both.
The first session on June 1 will be an informal lecture and discussion, exploring the poet's life and work, though the main focus will be on the poems themselves. Come ready to listen, read, and share your insights.
On June 8, in the second class, all are invited to bring a favorite Dickinson poem, and be ready to read and discuss them together in light of the information and discoveries made in the first class. You could also memorize one of your long-time favorites and recite it - good for the brain, good for the soul, good for the community. Books will be available for those who would like to pick one during the event.
Retreat Farm reopens June 2
BRATTLEBORO - The staff at Retreat Farm have been hard at work since the farm closed last April, working through the winter to renovate the new home for the animals (the Calf Barn), the offices in the historic farmhouse, and the Farmhouse Square.
Starting June 2, stop by and visit their goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, cows, and donkeys in the newly-renovated Calf Barn. You'll recognize old friends and meet some new ones.
The food trucks are also back. Dosa Kitchen and Ro's Petite Fete are back at Retreat Farm for the summer, and Tito's Taqueria will be joining them later in June.
Dosa is famous for their from-scratch South Indian food including the classic masala dosa and their signature “dosa dog.” Ro serves up fresh grilled sandwiches made with Grafton Village Cheese and Rock Hill Sourdough bread, her special rhubarb lemonade, hot dogs, and French fries.
The farm will be open June 2 through Labor Day, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Labor Day to Oct. 29, it will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farm is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except for Sept. 4 and Oct. 9.
Daily admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids 2-17, and free for kids under 2. Because they had to close early last year, holders of 2016 family passes will get a $25 discount on the annual family membership fee of $65. Members also receive 10 percent discounts at their farm shop and at the food trucks.
Brooks Library hosts book sale
BRATTLEBORO - The Friends of Brooks Memorial Library will hold its 15th annual Strolling of the Heifers Book Sale on Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2m, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale coincides with the Strolling of the Heifers weekend festivities.
Please note the early opening on Saturday. This allows for browsing and buying, as well as finding a great viewing spot for the parade in front of the Library. The parade usually makes its way to the front of the Library around 10:30 a.m.
Titles will cover a wide range of subjects, as well as a good selection of fiction. There will also be a selection of DVD's, CD's and audio books. All the books have been donated to the Library by community members. The books are sorted for good quality and by subject area by library volunteers. Prices will range from 50 cents to $2, with special interest and coffee table books priced higher.
Proceeds from the book sale help the Friends purchase materials, present programs and provide services which help the Library. The Friends mission is to support the Brooks Memorial Library through advocacy, public relations and fundraising.
Greater Falls Farmers' Market kicks off season
BELLOWS FALLS - The Greater Falls Farmers' Market opens for the season Friday, June 2, from 4-7 p.m., at Hetty Green Park.
Every Friday through Sept. 29, from 4-7 p.m., there will be music in the air, activities for children, and many food choices. There is a mix of vendors with fresh foods from local farms, as well as bread and baked goods, jams, jellies, salsa, hot sauce, relish, and more.
For more information, visit www.gffarmersmarket.com.
Arts, Antiques, and Artifacts sale in Saxtons River
SAXTONS RIVER - Main Street Arts will host an Arts, Antiques and Artifacts sale on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The fundraiser will feature attic treasures and unique finds from the homes of friends of the community arts center, everything from one-of-a-kind antiques to items in the one-man's-junk-is-another-man's-treasure category.
Rain date for the sale is June 4.
At the same time, the River Artisans will be holding a tag sale down the street, and other individuals and organizations are putting out tables to get in on the fun.
Donations for the sale can be left at Main Street Arts during regular business hours. Further information is available by contacting Main Street Arts at (802) 869-2960 or at mainstreetarts.org.
Hospice hosts memorial garden service
BRATTLEBORO - The 19th annual Memorial Planting Service, sponsored by Brattleboro Area Hospice will be Sunday June 4, at 4 p.m., at the Brattleboro Area Hospice Memorial Garden at Living Memorial Park on Guilford Street.
Join them to plant flowers, create memorial messages on stones to be placed in the garden, and listen to beautiful music, all to honor and remember loved ones who have died. Everyone is invited and light refreshments will be served. The garden is accessible via a gravel path. A few chairs will be available for those who need to sit.
The service will be held even if there's light rain. In the event of heavy rain, the service will be postponed until Tuesday, June 6, at 5 p.m. If in doubt about whether the service is taking place because of rain, call Hospice at 802-257-0775, ext. 104.
Volunteers needed for summer food program
BRATTLEBORO - Have a free hour one or two days a week this summer? Every summer, the Brooks Memorial Library becomes a daily lunch site for kids, and they rely on volunteers to help run that program.
Volunteers serve lunch once or twice a week to help the Brooks staff out, and make sure kids don't go hungry in the summer. This position could also serve as volunteer hours for high school students.
Interested? Email [email protected] or call 802-254-5290, ext. 111.