Brattleboro sets dates for leaf pickup
BRATTLEBORO - Friday, Oct. 20, and Friday, Nov. 3, are curbside leaf pickup days. Leaves and clippings must be in brown paper leaf bags and waiting at the curb by 7 a.m.
Acceptable waste includes only leaves, grass, clippings, garden waste, and twigs (no household trash). No branches larger than 1 inch around and 2 feet long are allowed. Brown paper leaf bags are available for purchase at local businesses.
Workshop on downtown parking
BRATTLEBORO - To discuss parking downtown, the town will host a workshop featuring interactive roundtable stations for the public to offer reactions.
This event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at 118 Elliot.
All are welcome, and those who live, work, shop in or visit downtown are especially invited to attend. Parking consultant Andy Hill of Desman Design Management will present recommendations for the parking system and offer results from the community survey conducted over the summer.
“This workshop will give the public a chance to discuss recommendations on a range of topics including convenience features on the meters, permit systems, and safety and security improvements,” said Planner Sue Fillion in a news release. “The public feedback from this workshop will help inform the final report so we encourage the public to come and share their thoughts on potential solutions.”
For more information, contact Fillion at [email protected] or 802-251-8112.
Dummerston Historical Society meets
DUMMERSTON - Dummerston Historical Society's quarterly meeting and program will be held Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., at the Historical Society Schoolhouse next to the Town office in Dummerston Center.
The current exhibit, Dummerston Art Journals, is by Linda Rubinstein, who makes one of a kind and multiple handheld books, figurative fabric, sculpture word-and-image journals, and maps of places where she lives; Rubenstein will share her techniques, selection process, and how she decides what to convey in her journals.
A brief business meeting will discuss a recommended minor increase in membership dues. The public is invited, admission is free, and refreshments will be served; the Schoolhouse is accessible. Info: 802-254-9311.
WeCAN Café meets at 118 Elliot
BRATTLEBORO - The folks who gathered nearly 40 organizations and 400 people for Windham County's WeCAN Action Fair last spring are launching their first follow-up event, the “WeCAN Café,” on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 118 Elliott Street, from 7 to 9 p.m.
These events are designed to build community and help activists “recharge their spirits” through information sharing, celebration, and connection, which is the evening's theme.
All activists, including anyone wishing to learn about organizations and start participating in resistance efforts, are encouraged to attend the free event, which offers food, music, poetry, and a cash bar.
Guest speakers will be longtime local activist Julie Cunningham and Vermont poet laureate Chard deNiord. Participants will also hear updates from The Root Social Justice Center, Cross Class Dialogues, and The Women's Action Team.
There will be time to connect with representatives from different organizations, eat, mingle and enjoy music by local band, Gypsy Jazz. Learn more at www.facebook.com/events/1976763662608481.
Reggae Night with IYAH
JAMAICA - The Jamaica Community Arts Council will host local music at the Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. with IYAH.
According to a news release, the band is known for its “sweet reggae sounds” with Stu Ross on keys and melodic, and Jesse Howard on bass, drums and dubby, along with some special guests.
Tickets are available at the door for $10. The Town Hall is located at 3735 VT Route 30 in downtown Jamaica.
Senior meal in Halifax
HALIFAX - The next senior meal is on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Community Hall in West Halifax at 20 Brook Rd. at noon. The meal features meatloaf, baked potatoes, vegetables, dinner rolls, and dessert.
All seniors are welcome. A call to Joan Courser is appreciated at 802-368-7733.
Galbraith to speak on 'Axis of Evil revisited'
BRATTLEBORO - On Friday, Oct. 20, at the Marlboro Graduate Center, 28 Vernon St., the Windham World Affairs Council will have its annual members meeting, followed by a talk by former U.S. Ambassador and Vermont State Senator Peter Galbraith.
Following the 6 p.m. annual members meeting, Galbraith will speak at 7 p.m. on “The Axis of Evil Revisited: North Korea, Iran, Iraq (and Syria) Fifteen Years Later.”
As an author, academic, commentator, politician, policy advisor, and former U.S. diplomat, Galbraith will offer his insights on the ongoing Middle East crises. Since leaving the Vermont Senate in 2015, he has spent much time in Syria and Kurdistan.
If you are not a WWAC member, this event will offer a chance to sign up for membership and learn about how the organization functions. Annual membership dues are $35 for individuals, $50 per family. To find out more about WWAC - its goals, programs and speakers, visit www.windhamworldaffairscouncil.org.
Chili cook-off benefits rec area
SAXTONS RIVER - The Saxtons River Rec Area will hold its annual chili cook-off Saturday, Oct. 21, from noon to 2 p.m., on the lawn at Main Street Arts.
For $5, attendees can sample all the chili they want, have a piece of cornbread, and vote for a winner in the individual and professional categories.
Other refreshments for sale and live music will add to the festive air.
Pre-register by contacting Samantha Fletcher at 802-869-1407 by Wednesday, Oct. 18. The event is a fundraiser for the Saxtons River Rec and for its youth soccer program.
In case of rain, the event moves down the street to the basement of Christ's Church.
Free flu shots offered
BRATTLEBORO - ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, 1154 Putney Rd., will hold its annual Free Flu Shot Weekend on Oct. 21 and 22. All are welcome, and shots are available for anyone 4 years and older. No appointments are needed, just walk in from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on either day.
Their annual Free to You Flu Shot Weekend allows for free flu vaccines for all patients, regardless of insurance coverage. Bring a photo ID and insurance card (if available) with you.
Apple pie social in Guilford
GUILFORD - The Broad Brook Community Center will host an apple pie social on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 22, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Broad Brook Grange Hall, 3940 Guilford Center Rd.
“Enjoy apple pie and vanilla ice cream and share your ideas for programs and activities as we transform our beloved hall into a vibrant hub to serve everyone in Guilford,” organizers write.
Harvest potluck in Williamsville
WILLIAMSVILLE - The Williamsville Hall Committee will host a harvest potluck get-together Sunday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m., at the Williamsville Hall on Dover Road.
Bring a favorite dish. Instruments and voices are welcome for musical jamming, too, and the ping-pong table will be open.
Come catch up with villagers and village news. The WHC will give a brief update on hall news. All are welcome; call 802-348-7807 for more information.
New site for Osher lectures
BRATTLEBORO - In an important change of location, the Brattleboro Chapter of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will hold the fourth in its current series of morning and afternoon lectures at the New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat St. on Monday, Oct. 23.
In the morning, Seth Harter, a teacher of Asian studies and history at Marlboro College, will discuss Japanese architecture and carpentry. In the afternoon, Jan Maher, author of the new novel Earth As It Is, will explain her research and writing process.
The lectures are held on six successive Mondays. Morning lectures run from 10 a.m. to noon; afternoon lectures, from 1 to 3 p.m. This week's lecture, and others henceforth, will be held at NEYT. Parking and handicapped access are available, and light refreshments are served. For further information, contact Julie Lavorgna at 802-365-7278 or [email protected].
Climate Café hosts climate expert
BRATTLEBORO - Dr. Edward Cameron, an international climate expert and one of the architects of the Paris Climate Accord, will speak on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM, at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St.
Cameron will focus his presentation on his three particular areas of concern: individuals adopting low carbon lifestyles, communities building resilience in the face of the growing climate impacts, and states like Vermont creating economic opportunities.
Reservations for this free talk, one of Post Oil Solutions' Climate Café events, are strongly recommended. Contact Tim Stevenson at 802-869-2141 or [email protected]. Light refreshments will be available.
Talk examines funeral options
BRATTLEBORO - The public is invited to a free presentation Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m., at Brooks Memorial Library to learn about emerging eco-friendly funeral movements that are changing the way Americans think about death.
In a free, hour-long presentation, Lee Webster of New Hampshire Funeral Resources, Education & Advocacy, will introduce ways to plan for a more planet-friendly exit through eco-conscious home care practices and sustainable conservation burial options.
Brooks Memorial Library is at 224 Main St. and is accessible. To reserve a seat, contact Brattleboro Area Hospice at 802-257-0775 or [email protected].
Compass School hosts open house
WESTMINSTER - On Thursday, Oct. 26, The Compass School will host its annual Compass Day and invite parents, alumni, and prospective families to experience Compass in action.
Join the school community for lunch, observe classes, meet teachers, and get to know students. According to a news release, “Compass is a dynamic, supportive, and rigorous learning community for grades 7 -12 with a strong record of college acceptances and scholarship awards. They offer a curriculum and schedule that is balanced with experiential activities, community involvement, and personal reflection.”
Guests are welcome for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Get in touch or visit the school's website to learn more and to RSVP. Find out more at compass-school.org, or contact the school at [email protected] or 802-463-2525.