SEVCA offers free tax preparation
WESTMINSTER - Income-eligible Windsor and Windham county residents can now schedule an appointment for free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, offered by Southeastern Vermont Community Action in collaboration with Granite United Way.
SEVCA has experienced, IRS-certified volunteers trained and ready to help area residents with household income up to $54,000 file their tax returns.
Appointments are available every Tuesday, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the SEVCA Office at 91 Buck Drive in Westminster through the second week in April. To make an appointment, call 800-464-9951.
Transition Dummerston goes to the movies
DUMMERSTON - Transition Dummerston will hold its monthly potluck and program on Friday, Feb. 23, from 6-9 p.m., at the Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St., off Route 30 in West Dummerston.
This month's program will be a showing of the film, Lars and the Real Girl - “a timeless comedy, one of 2007's 10 best films.” It's a chance to share food and laugh with friends, and also get a view of how some people do community (the film is rated PG-13 for some sex-related content.)
Putney to hold public informational hearing
PUTNEY - The Selectboard will present a public informational hearing to registered Putney voters on Feb. 28, at 5 p.m., at the Putney Central School.
At the hearing, the Selectboard will discuss two items petitioned for Australian Ballot on Town Meeting Day: to authorize the legislative body to appoint a municipal clerk, and a treasurer, as provided by Title 17 of the Vermont Statutes.
Because these items will appear on Australian Ballot, voters cannot discuss them from the floor on Town Meeting Day.
Corned beef dinner served in BF
BELLOWS FALLS - The United Church of Bellows Falls, School Street, will host a New England boiled dinner on Saturday, March 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The menu includes corned beef, cabbage, potato, carrots, pickled beets, rolls, cake, and beverages. The cost is $12 for adults, $6 for ages 5-12, under 5 free. Takeout is available. For advance reservations, call Janice Manning at 802-463-3485. The church hall is accessible to all, just enter from the back of the building.
Community appreciation dinner in BF
BELLOWS FALLS - The Wright Family of 75 Westminster Street, and their business, Green Mountain Traffic Control, will host a community appreciation spaghetti dinner on Sunday, March 4, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Masonic Temple Lodge, 61 Westminster St.
After a devastating fire on Dec. 10, 2017, both the family and the company were displaced.
In a news release, the family said that the building is under reconstruction, “but only because of the valiant efforts of our local fire and police. The outpouring of help and assistance from the community was immediate and supportive, it only seemed right to show appreciation in some way.”
The dinner is open to all.
Women's Clubs offer scholarships
BELLOWS FALLS - The General Federation of Women's Clubs of Vermont announces the availability of scholarships for Vermont women seeking to further their education, training, or to upgrade their skills in order to advance in the workplace.
Applicants must submit a specific plan for education or training. Applications are due to Betty Haggerty, 16 Taylor St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101 by March 15.
The scholarships range from $500 to $1500. GFWC-VT has been awarding this financial aid, which is funded through contributions from the state federated clubs and from individuals, for many years.
Applications may be obtained from Betty Haggerty at [email protected] or 802-463-4159. They are also available at CCV sites around the state and through woman's clubs in several Vermont towns. Locally, applications can be found at Parks Place Resource Center (Bellows Falls), SEVCA, and the Rockingham Free Public Library. Awards will be made at the GFWC-VT annual meeting in early May.
Prom wear needed in Chester
CHESTER - The Chester-Andover Family Center is collecting prom wear for a special public-service event to be held on April 4, prior to local high school proms. Every teen deserves to attend his or her prom dressed in beautiful, affordable prom wear.
At their second annual Prom Shopping event last April, teens from Chester and surrounding communities converged on the CAFC to shop for the perfect “Prom” outfit. The shop was filled with the sounds and sights of teens trying on prom wear and finding accessories to complete their outfits. For $20, a complete new or nearly new outfit including dress or suit, shirts, shoes and accessories could be purchased.
Now we need to replenish our prom wear inventory: dresses, tuxedos, dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes for girls and guys. Our goal is to be fully stocked with Prom Wear by March 1. Please call your friends, search your closets and help us provide a unique shopping experience for Chester area teens.
Last year, students from GMUHS in Chester, Springfield HS, Bellows Falls HS, Black River HS in Ludlow and Kurn Hattin found the perfect prom outfit at the Family Center. Help us make our Third Annual Prom Shopping Event bigger and better.
The Thrift Shop, located in Chester at 908 Route 103S, is open to receive Prom Wear donations during regular business hours, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friends of Brooks Library seeks new members
BRATTLEBORO - For a strong community, a good library is essential. The Friends of Brooks Memorial Library are passionate about the town's library.
Being a member of the board, they say, “is like having a backstage pass to it. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together. You'll get to meet - and be thanked by! - the wonderful people who staff the library.”
Members raise money to fund the extras that make the library so important to the community, such as the Foundation Center, which helps nonprofits find grants; the First Wednesdays series, which draws about 100 people to free lectures every month; free museum passes; and a host of other things.
The Friends are looking for two new board members. Send an informal email of interest to library director Starr LaTronica at [email protected], or to board president Joyce Marcel at [email protected].
Volunteers needed for Putney Cares
PUTNEY - Putney Cares seeks volunteers to drive those unable to drive themselves to medical appointments in and around the Putney area.
For more information, call 802-387-5593, visit www.putneycares.org, or email [email protected].