Volunteers needed for Farmers to Families food box distribution
BRATTLEBORO - The Vermont Foodbank's Farmers to Families Food Box Program will launch its third phase of distribution this month.
The federally funded program is part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds distributors from around the country to source, pack, and distribute boxes full of fresh foods, including produce, dairy, and meat products.
Unlike in previous distributions, the Foodbank won't have the support of the Vermont National Guard, so the nonprofit is seeking volunteers who can consistently lift 32 pounds.
Volunteers are needed in Brattleboro on Monday, Oct. 12 and Friday, Oct. 30; in Springfield on Thursday, Oct. 15; and in Bennington on Friday, Oct. 23.
Prospective volunteers should visit vtfoodbank.volunteerhub.com to apply. Once approved, visit the Foodbank's event calendar at vtfoodbank.org to view and register for Farmers to Families food distribution events.
If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Kate Steward, volunteer services coordinator, at [email protected] or at 802-498-8323.
Free flu shots available
BRATTLEBORO - ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, at 1154 Putney Rd., is offering flu shots at no cost to the patient through October.
According to a news release from the health-care facility, it's important to get your flu vaccination before winter begins so your body has enough time to develop the antibodies that protect against influenza.
Vaccinations are available for ages 4 years and older, while supplies last.
For those with health insurance, the urgent care center will bill the carrier and cover any remaining out-of-pocket cost. For those without insurance, ClearChoiceMD will cover the complete cost.
The urgent care center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. No appointments are needed, but patients are encouraged to register online. Patients are asked to bring a photo ID and insurance card (if available).
For more information, visit ccmdcenters.com/locations/brattleboro-vt.
Design-A-Plate workshop at Brooks Library goes home
BRATTLEBORO - Brooks Memorial Library's annual Design-A-Plate workshop, where participants design their own melamine plates or bowls, at has a new take-home format.
This year, participants will stop by the library to pick up a packet, create their drawings at home, then return them to the library by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Options include an 8-inch plate, a 10-inch plate, and a 5-inch-diameter bowl, each for $6.
Payment is due when completed packet is returned to library. Plates and bowls will be ready for pickup in December.
For more information, call the children's room at 802-254-5290, ext. 1210, or visit brookslibraryvt.org/kids.
Westminster church holds bake, soup sale
WESTMINSTER - On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Women's Fellowship of the the First Congregational Church of Westminster will host a bake sale and soup-to-go sale on the front lawn of the church, 3470 U.S. Route 5, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
This fundraiser will feature homemade treats like pies, cookies, breads, and rolls wrapped to go, as well as tomato cheddar and fall squash soups ready to reheat at home.
The event will offer one last chance to buy raffle tickets for the blue-and-green twin-sized quilt, and the drawing will happen around 11 a.m. Please wear your masks and practice social distancing while at the sale.
The congregation still is not using the building because of the pandemic, but churchgoers meet every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Zoom. If you are interested in joining them, send an email to [email protected].
VeggieVanGo visits Townshend
TOWNSHEND - On Thursday, Oct. 22, from noon to 1 p.m., the Vermont Foodbank's VeggieVanGo free food distribution program will visit the lower parking lot at Leland & Gray Middle and High School on Route 30.
Grace Cottage Hospital hosts VeggieVanGo visits at least once a month to help people obtain fresh fruits and vegetables to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
All are welcome, and no proof of eligibility is required.
The hospital says that sometimes a second food distribution in a month is organized with little advance notice, so check gracecottage.org or call 802-365-9109 for more information.
Leaf collection schedule announced
BRATTLEBORO - Curbside fall leaf collection will take place on Friday, Oct. 23, and Friday, Nov. 6.
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.
All materials must be contained only in brown-paper leaf bags available for purchase at local businesses. No other bags or containers will be accepted, as the materials collected will be used for compost.
The bags must be left at the curb by 7 a.m. on scheduled collection days.
Leaves, brush, and yard debris are also accepted year-round at the Windham Solid Waste Management District on Old Ferry Road. The transfer station is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Leaf and yard debris is collected via the curbside program twice in the spring and twice in the fall.
For more information, call the town offices at 802-251-8103.