Harmony Parking Lot closed for repairs
BRATTLEBORO - As part of this month's renovations to the Harmony Parking Lot, the public can expect to see the entire lot, both the east and the west sides, closed to all vehicular traffic beginning Wednesday, Sept. 13, and continuing through Friday, Sept. 15.
The contractor's hours of operation are permitted as follows: Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
These dates are subject to change by weather and other factors. Direct questions or concerns to Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland at 802-251-8101.
Town committees have vacancies
BRATTLEBORO - The town is looking for citizens to serve on committees and boards: Agricultural Advisory Board ADA Advisory Committee, Citizen Police Communications Committee, Design Review Committee (Alternate), Development Review Board, Development Review Board (Alternate), Fence Viewer (by statute, must be legal voters of the Town), Honor Roll, Inspector of Lumber, Shingles & Wood, Planning Commission, Recreation & Parks Board, Senior Solutions Advisory Council, SEVCA Board (recommendation only).
Applications and more information can be found at www.brattleboro.org, or by calling the town manager's office (802-251-8151). If you are interested in serving on a committee or board, submit your application online, send an email to the town manager's office at [email protected], or mail or deliver the application to: Brattleboro Town Manager's Office, Attn: Committee Vacancy, 230 Main St., Suite 208, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
The Selectboard will make appointments Oct. 3. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28.
Halifax senior meal is Sept. 15
HALIFAX - The monthly senior meal is Friday, Sept. 15, at noon at the Halifax Community Hall at 20 Brook Road in West Halifax.
All seniors are welcome. On the menu is roast pork, potatoes and gravy, vegetables, applesauce, rolls, and dessert. Reservations are appreciated; call Joan at 802-368-7733.
The meal is sponsored by Senior Solutions.
Kids Fair on Saturday
BRATTLEBORO - The 2017 River Valley Kids Fair is Saturday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the Town Common. Along with a free BBQ, free popcorn, and cotton candy and free admission, there will be several demonstrations.
Wildlife Encounters will be at the Kids Fair with live animals in a program at 11 a.m.
Other stage acts include Professor Ossom's Wonder Show, On Her Majesty's Secret Circus, and, at 2 p.m., former Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown Manager Troy Wunderle.
River Valley's Kid's Fair is free and presented to the community by the School Savings Program at River Valley Credit Union.
If you represent a nonprofit organization, call Michelle Hoard at 802-254-4800 to reserve a free space.
Pinnacle Association hosts Accessibility Day
WESTMINSTER WEST - Some might think Accessibility Day is a strange name for a Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association program, but it's to the point.
The event, on Saturday Sept. 16, from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., is an opportunity for those who cannot hike long distances over uneven ground to get to a rural site that always offers an awesome view. Once a year, the association provides transportation for those who need it to do so.
This year's destination is a new one for the program. A friend of the association has given permission for the public to visit his private property, which sits atop the Windmill Ridgeline between the Pinnacle and Paul's Ledges, totally surrounded by Pinnacle Association lands, with a spectacular view of the ski mountains of Mount Snow, Stratton, Bromley, Okemo, and beyond.
For adults who have difficulty walking, this is the chance to visit - perhaps with a grandchild or friend - a spot that would have been otherwise impossible.
The free program's popularity and need for four-wheel-drive or other appropriate vehicles make advance registration a must for riders. Hikers don't need to pre-register.
Bring water, a bag lunch, and sweater for chilly weather. Meet at Westminster West Church at 10:45 a.m. to carpool. Register with Bev Major at 802-387-5737 or Elaine Gordon at 802-869-6103. Held in sunny or cloudy weather, the event will be canceled in the case of rain or bad weather.
For information about this and other Pinnacle programs, visit www.windmillhillpinnacle.org.
Dummerston Cares to hold annual meeting
DUMMERSTON - Dummerston Cares, Inc., will hold its annual meeting for friends, clients, volunteers, donors, and the general public on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Dummerston Congregational Church in Dummerston Center.
The agenda includes a reorganization report, financial report, reports from each continuing and new Cares service, recognition of donors and volunteers, general discussion about new directions for the coming year, and a social hour. Call 802-257-1020 for more information, or leave a message at the Dummerston Cares helpline, 802-257-5800.
Post 5 hosts public viewing of Ken Burns's Vietnam documentary
BRATTLEBORO - American Legion Post 5 will host a public viewing of Ken Burns' 10-part documentary series on the Vietnam War.
All veterans, and the public, are invited to come together to watch and to consider the portrayal of this divisive conflict. They will show one 90-minute episode each night at 8 p.m. from Sept. 17 through 21 and Sept. 24 through 28, at the Legion Hall at 32 Linden St.
Join them for one episode or for all of them. For further information, contact Post Commander John Hagen at 802-251-0777.
Illustrated talk discusses mapping historical sites
WESTMINSTER - Dr. Christopher Berman, archeologist, and Robert Haas will give an illustrated talk on mapping historical sites on Monday, Sept. 18, at the Westminster Fire House on Grout Avenue.
They will discuss the importance of these sites to the town's future, how they locate them and the types of things they are looking to document. These include old roads, cellar holes, dams, and mills. The first settlers didn't necessarily use or live on the roads we see today. There will be maps created from this research available for your viewing.
The annual Westminster Historical Society meeting will precede this program at 7 p.m., to elect trustees and any other brief business necessary. Come a bit earlier to pay your annual dues. Light refreshments will be served after the program with time to greet your neighbors. This program is free and open to everyone.
Monthly New Moon Circles continue at Putney Library
PUTNEY - Professional astrologer Pam Ciampi will talk about the earthy sign of Virgo at the New Moon on Monday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m., as part of the ongoing New Moon Circles at the Putney Public Library, 55 Main St.
The group will hear everything there is to know about Virgo's gifts and flaws, learn which area of your life Virgo affects most strongly, find out how to best use this practical and organized New Moon, and review last month's intention and make a new one for the next 30 days. This program is free and open to the public.
CHL hosts family engagement conference
BRATTLEBORO - The Center for Health and Learning invites educators, community service and health care providers, families, and community leaders to participate in a conference on family engagement in Windham County on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Brattleboro Retreat.
The goals of the conference are to provide an overview of effective family engagement principles and practices; establish an understanding of equity and how it is enhanced through family engagement; stimulate a conversation among educators, community, and health care providers across organizations and systems about working together; and encourage a comprehensive approach that is integrated into organizational action plans.
Keynote speaker will be Hal Colson, director of the Partnership for Change. He will share his experiences as a living case study of family engagement as the Partnership worked to remodel the high schools of Winooski and Burlington into student-centered, proficiency-based learning communities. Partnership for Change is funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
The conference is offered free to those living and working in Windham County through a grant from United Way of Windham County and The Thompson Trust. The event includes breakfast, lunch, and all materials. Registrants outside of Windham County are welcome to attend for $95.
To learn more or to register, visit www.healthandlearning.org/events.
West River Radio Club to host training, testing sessions
BRATTLEBORO - The West River Radio Club will provide a free presentation on ham radios, including how to obtain operating licenses, at the Brooks Memorial Library on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m.
The Brattleboro presentation will serve as an introduction to amateur radio and as a warm-up for a testing session the club will have later in the month at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend.
Classes will be held at the Heins Building on Route 35. A book review will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. A flash card review will be done on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A final review and testing takes place Sunday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Students who successfully pass the test will be qualified to receive a Technician-level license to operate ham radios, required by the FCC through the American Radio Relay League.
The cost for the three sessions at Grace Cottage is $50, which includes the text and test fee. To learn more about the West River Radio Club, ham radio, or community service opportunities, contact Mary Peterson at [email protected] or phone 802-258-3921.
The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Heins Building at Grace Cottage.
Nominations sought for Vermont Mother-of-the-Year
BELLOWS FALLS - American Mothers, Inc. is seeking 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. Vermont has selected a Mother-of-the-Year since 1942. Individuals and organizations are invited to submit a nomination. Nominees will be interviewed by past Vermont Mothers-of-the-Year.
Information about American Mothers and the nomination process can be found at www.americanmothers.org. For more information from the Vermont chapter of American Mothers, contact Betty Haggerty at [email protected] or Carol Willey at [email protected].