Deadlines loom for early voting, registration for primaries
MONTPELIER - The Vermont Secretary of State's office reminds new voters that the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 9 Statewide Primary is Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m.
Vermont has one of the most generous early voting periods in the nation, allowing people to vote in person at your town clerk's office or by mail 45 days before an election. If you aren't registered, the Secretary of State's new elections management system makes it easier than ever to register to vote.
Through your own personalized “MVP” or “My Voter Page” you can easily locate your polling place, view the ballots you will see on Election Day, and request an early ballot. Visit www.mvp.sec.state.vt.us for details.
Vermonters are also welcome to register in person at the town clerk's office where they reside or by mail. An application is available at www.sec.state.vt.us/media/33935/VTVoterApp.pdf, or you can register online at www.olvr.sec.state.vt.us.
Absentee ballots must be requested by Aug. 8 and returned to your town clerk by 7 p.m. on Aug. 9.
Floral workshops offered in Vernon
VERNON - The Vernon Free Library is planning two floral arranging workshops: July 28 at 11 a.m., and Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.
Learn the basics of floral design with these hands-on workshops. On July 28, the focus will be on using a basic bud vase, and on Aug. 4, participants will learn how to make a formal table arrangement.
Flowers and supplies will be provided, with donations to the library accepted and appreciated. Sign up for one or both. Participation is limited to six per class, and is open to all. Sign up today by calling the library at 802-257- 0150.
Celebrate National Moth Week at BEEC
WEST BRATTLEBORO - July 23-31 is National Moth Week, and all are invited to celebrate on Friday, July 29, at the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.
Meet on the summit of BEEC's Heifer Hill at 7:30 p.m. for a twilight stroll along the ridge with naturalists JoAnne Russo and Laura Gaudette. At 8:30 p.m., Russo and Gaudette will provide an introduction to moth ecology and identification. Blacklights will be used to attract moths and admire their many unusual adaptations.
For information, visit www.beec.org or call 802-257-5785.
School Board plans Act 46 forum
VERNON - The Vernon Elementary School Board will host an Act 46 forum on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. at the school.
The forum will provide information regarding the Aug. 9 vote on whether Vernon should remain a member of the BUHS # 6 School District.
Brown to discuss internet security
BRATTLEBORO - Patrick Brown, founder of Brown Computer Solutions, will give a talk on internet security as part of the Strolling of the Heifers' Brown Bag Series on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at noon, at the River Garden.
Brown will talk about the growing threats of scareware, adware, malware, ransomware, tech support scams, and other ways computers can be invaded, and how to guard against these risks. At the end of the talk, there will be time for questions. There is no need to reserve a space.
Newfane Garden Club to meet
NEWFANE - The August meeting of the Newfane Garden club will take place on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 2 p.m., at the Newfane Congregational Church.
The program will consist of a presentation by Dot Lenhart. A Master Gardener, Lenhart will explain how to force bulbs and discuss the care and maintenance of grasses. Hostesses will be Elaine Gilman and Helen Prescott. Guests are always welcome.
China travel program at Grafton Public Library
GRAFTON - China studies major and University of Vermont graduate Mary Carta will give a presentation at the Grafton Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Carta spent a semester studying and traveling in China last year (she lived in Kunming) and will soon depart for a teaching position in Qingdao.
In her presentation, she will discuss her interest in China and the Chinese language - especially the writing and its history. She will share both her experiences and slides of such places as The Great Wall, Tienanmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven, as well as anecdotes about living and traveling in China. As she spent time in both Taiwan and mainland China, she will also discuss similarities and differences between the areas.
The Library invites anyone with an interest in travel, languages, other cultures, or opportunities abroad to attend. This program is appropriate for ages middle school to adult, is free of charge and accessible.