'Diaper Dump' hits Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS - The Time For a Change Diaper Bank of Greater Falls, a partnership between Building Bright Futures, Parks Place Community Resource Center, the Springfield Area Parent Child Center, the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union and Youth Services of Windham County, is set to host its third annual Diaper Dump on Friday, April 12.
It kicks off at noon at Dari Joy, 140 Rockingham St., and runs through 6 p.m. Community members will be encouraged to drop off diapers and wipes in all sizes and all brands to support the program and participants will receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Dari Joy.
The diaper bank, the first of its kind in the state of Vermont, serves nearly 400 families annually in the Greater Falls community with diapers and wipes during times of hardship or crisis. It has branched out to the Springfield Area Parent Child Center this year, where another diaper assistance program is now offered.
According to a Feeding America study, “In Short Supply,” 32 percent of low-income families reported using disposable diapers, while 48 percent reported delaying changing a diaper to make their supply last longer.
This year, the Diaper Bank is specifically requesting larger-sized diapers and pull ups to address the high need for them in the community - sizes 5 and 6 and training pants in 3/4T or 5/6T are the most requested assistance the Diaper Bank currently handles. For more information, call Megan Applegate at 802-463-9927.
Rec. Dept. hosts Super Bike & Fun Day
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department will host a Super Bike & Fun Day at Living Memorial Park's Multi-Purpose Area on Saturday, April 13, in cooperation with the Brattleboro Kiwanis Club, the Brattleboro Police Department, and Rescue Inc.
This program will run from 10 a.m. to noon (rain location is at the Nelson Withington Skating Facility) with several exciting activities including bike registration, fun stations, and bagels.
Children are encouraged to bring their bikes and ride through the obstacle course as well as have basic repairs and adjustments done. The Brattleboro Kiwanis will be selling new helmets at a significantly reduced price: $5 for youth under the age of 16 and $10 for those older than 16.
The Rec. Dept. is also sponsoring several fun-filled Spring Vacation activities for all ages. For more information, visit www.brattleboro.org, “Like” them on Facebook, or call 802-254-5808.
BF Community Bike Project hosts fundraiser
BELLOWS FALLS - The BF Community Bike Project, 33 Bridge St., hosts its annual silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will be many items to bid on, including local art and artisan wares, gift certificates, and gift baskets. Enjoy live music by two hometown favorites, the Milkhouse Heaters and the Little Big Band, a cash bar by Athens Pizza, and try your luck at the 50/50 Cash Raffle,
A $5 entry fee at the door includes light fare and three chances to win. To preview list of auction items, go to bfbike.org.
Local AARP chapter previews new film, 'Caregivers'
BRATTLEBORO - On Tuesday, April 16, at 1:30 p.m., at the Brattleboro Senior Center, filmmaker Jesse Kreitzer will speak about the making of his film, Caregivers, and share significant portions (10-20 minutes) of the film at a program meeting of the Brattleboro AARP chapter.
Kreitzer will talk about when and where the completed film will be screened and its application to the concerns of aging seniors and their families. Everyone is welcome to attend and join the discussion. Refreshments included.
County conservation boards to hold joint meeting
GUILFORD - What are the hot topics and issues facing Conservation Commissions and advocacy groups today? How are local organizations charged with stewarding our natural resources responding to climate change, policy directives, and the shifting political winds?
The public is invited to answer these questions at the spring joint regional meeting of Windham area Conservation Commissions and groups, hosted by the Guilford Conservation Commission, at the Broad Brook Community Center, 1490 Guilford Center Rd, on Wednesday, April 17.
The evening starts at 5:30 p.m., with a pot luck dinner. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
Also on the agenda is a presentation on planning for Emerald Ash Borer infestations by members of the Guilford Conservation Commission, and brief reports from each Conservation Commission on current initiatives and possible collaborations.
Who's your person, and what's your plan?
TOWNSHEND - If you were hit by a bus tomorrow and were in the hospital on life support, who would make medical decisions on your behalf?
If you died, who would speak at your funeral, and where would you be laid to rest?
While these are not things most people want to think about, it is best to make your wishes known in an “Advance Directive.”
April 14-19 is Vermont Advance Directive Week. In recognition, Grace Cottage is offering a free Advance Directive informational meeting and a Q&A on Wednesday, April 17, from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., led by Community Health Team Care Coordinator Claire Bemis, RN.
According to the Vermont Ethics Network, 82 percent of people say it is important to put their end-of-life wishes in writing, but only 23 percent have actually done so. If you are one of the 77 percent of people who hasn't recorded your wishes, come to this meeting and work toward getting this done for an overview of the process and to have questions answered.
At any time, you may schedule a free appointment with Bemis to help you complete the process and register your information at no cost. To learn more about Advance Care Planning, and to download Advance Directive forms, visit www.takingstepsvt.org. A planning booklet and forms can also be picked up at the Grace Cottage Family Health clinic and at the meeting.
The April 17 meeting will be held in the Bill Berry Room (next to cafeteria) at Grace Cottage Hospital. No registration is required. For more information, contact Bemis at 802-365-3763.
Leaf collection schedule announced
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro's curbside Spring Leaf Collection will take place on Friday, April 19, and Friday, May 3.
All leaves and clippings must be in brown paper leaf bags and at the curb by 7 a.m. on scheduled leaf collection days. Acceptable waste includes leaves, grass, clippings, garden waste, twigs, and branches no larger than 1 inch in diameter and 2 feet long. No other household trash is to be included.
No plastic bags or other containers will be accepted, as the materials collected will be used for compost. Brown paper leaf bags are available for purchase at local businesses. These will be the only days scheduled for curbside leaf pick up. There will be no Saturday pickup.
Book donations sought for Putney Library book sale
PUTNEY - While it might still be a little early to weed your garden, it's the perfect time to weed your books. The Putney Public Library is welcoming donations of items for its annual book sale, set for Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Books of all kinds are welcome, with the exception of encyclopedia sets, magazines, textbooks, Reader's Digest condensed books, and anything that is musty or moldy. DVDs and CD audiobooks are also welcome donations for the book sale.
Donations should be made during library hours, Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 802-387-4407.