Around the Towns

Workshop offers tips on watching backyard wildlife

GUILFORD - On Thursday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Broad Brook Community Center (BBCC), 3940 Guilford Center Road, presents a free program on how to use trail cameras to observe the movements and behaviors of the wild animals that live in the fields and forests around town.

Guilford Conservation Commission member Steve Soszynski and environmental educator Jimmy Karlan will be the presenters. They have more than 12 years of combined experience using trail cameras to observe wildlife on their properties in two different parts of Guilford. They will share some of their favorite photos and videos of animals on their land and offer tips about setting up and working with trail cameras.

RFPL offers writing workshop with Elayne Clift

BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Free Public Library presents award-winning writer Elayne Clift, who will lead a writing workshop on life experiences as a framework for crafting memoir pieces, essays, and poetry, on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

She will offer humorous devices like satire, irony, and hyperbole in order to remember, ruminate, and write, inspired by the styles and words of accomplished writers who knew how to use humor to humanize a story or poke fun at people, politics and society as Ralph Waldo Emerson said in a poem, “To laugh often and much [...] and to leave the world a bit better [...] this is to succeed” (as a writer).

The invitation is for people to come prepared to hone their skills and have a bit of fun doing it. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected], call the library at 802-463-4270, or stop by the library at 65 Westminster Street.

Market Food Boost program returns to Brattleboro Winter Farmers' Market

BRATTLEBORO - Thanks to a generous grant from the Vermont Foodbank, the Winter Farmers' Market's Food Boost program is funded for a third year. These funds will enable SNAP/EBT customers to receive a $10 match for buying any food items (other than hot food) at the farmers market this season.

This is in addition to the Crop Cash program running statewide through NOFA-VT, which matches $10 SNAP with an additional $20 for fresh fruits and vegetables. Combined, this enables SNAP customers to turn $10 into $40 each week for locally produced food to feed their families.

According to the market, customers love the extra buying power this gives them, as well as the fact that they are supporting local farmers and producers with their purchases. And recognizing that the current economic reality has hit many in our community who are not receiving SNAP benefits, a portion of the funds are allocated to work with community partners to reach others experiencing food insecurity.

The Brattleboro Winter Farmers' Market is now located in the gymnasium on the Winston Prouty Campus at 60 Austine Drive. The market is open every Saturday through March from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact them at [email protected] or 802-275-2835.

Guilford Community Park celebrates plan for pavilion and labyrinth

GUILFORD - On Saturday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public is invited to stop in at the celebration by the Guilford Park Committee showcasing the plans for the newest community park in Guilford. This will take place on Bee Barn Road in the center of Algiers Village, south of the Guilford Community Church.

There will be a pub-sing around the campfire led by local musicians Peter Amidon and Andy Davis while young ones join in or enjoy the nearby playground facilities. Popcorn and cider will be provided and the Guilford Church pie sale will be taking place next door.

According to organizers, the vision for this park is one in which community members of all ages can socialize and enjoy the pavilion and the green space. It will include a walking labyrinth, a basketball half-court and net, a children's play area with a slide and swings, and a fire pit.

The pavilion will be available for rainy day picnics, meetings, family reunions, ceremonies, and musical events, making use of the amphitheater seating. The Pavilion will be installed over the winter months. For more information, email [email protected] or call 802)-579-4572.

Christmas Bazaar in Westminster

WESTMINSTER - The First Congregational Church of Westminster Women's Fellowship will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the church on 3470 Route 5.

Holiday shoppers can choose from locally made holiday crafts, handmade gifts, homemade treats, and useful White Elephant items. People can enter the Gas Card Raffle or check out the church's latest quilt and purchase a raffle ticket to win it.

By popular demand, the Christmas Café will be open all day with coffee and muffins for breakfast and soup, sandwiches, and chips for lunch. Also available will be baked goods for sale, including pies.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Santa will be on hand for pictures. Holiday cards can be created with plenty of time for mailing. Children are invited to try their hand at the craft table and bazaar staff say they will keep kids and grandkids busy while their folks shop or order lunch.

Guilford Church hosts homemade pie sale

GUILFORD - A homemade pie sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, inside the Guilford Community Church's Zeller Hall, just in time to save some preparations before Thanksgiving. No pre-orders are being taken this year.

According to organizers, church volunteers will bake apple, cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, pecan, pumpkin and specialty pies, including combinations of fruit and gluten-free.

Pies will cost $20 for all flavors. Proceeds benefit the church, which actively supports over 15 local programs that serve the community including Groundworks and The Root Social Justice Center. For information, contact the church office at 802-257-0994 or email [email protected].

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly updates