Brooks Memorial Library hosts work by artists in incarceration
BRATTLEBORO - Brooks Memorial Library is the site for "Finding Hope Within," an exhibit featuring art that has emerged through the carceral system in Vermont.
The exhibition includes drawing, mixed media, needlework, and poetry and narrative writing by incarcerated artists at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington.
In her book, Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration, Nicole Fleetwood writes, "Prison art is part of the long history of captive people envisioning freedom - creating art, imagining worlds, and finding ways to resist and survive."
This exhibition posits art-making as a transformative, healing, and cathartic practice and highlights the intensely human instinct to create as a way to transform one's relationship to community, to the environment, and to the self. "A spark of hope for the future emerges through the art of creation," note organizers.
Co-curators of the exhibition are Heather Newcomb of Vermont Works for Women and Ashley Messier of Vermont Women's Justice and Freedom Initiative. The work can be viewed on the first and second floors of the library through July 27.
BF forum addresses pedestrian safety in The Square
BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Walk-Bike Committee will hold a public forum on pedestrian safety in The Square on Thursday, June 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Rockingham Free Public Library. A short presentation on a range of engineering and design ideas to improve safety in towns like Bellows Falls will precede a moderated discussion among attendees.
There have already been two car/pedestrian accidents in the Square this year, one resulting in death, one in hospitalization. The forum will bring together folks from local businesses, shoppers, strollers, and residents to share personal experiences and look at the data. Representatives of the Bellows Falls Police Department and the Rockingham Selectboard will be present to answer questions and listen to your ideas.
Father's Day brunch in Guilford
GUILFORD - Broad Brook Grange will present its 24th annual Father's Day Brunch on Sunday, June 16, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Broad Brook Community Center, 3940 Guilford Center Rd.
The Community Center is now fully ADA-compliant, with handicapped parking spaces and ramp access to the dining room, with accessible restrooms.
The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and the signature item: omelettes, any style, made to order. Also on the menu are pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, and home fries, with Guilford maple syrup. Other treats include home-baked coffee cakes and other baked goods, quiche, fresh fruit salad - made early the same morning - and bread for toasting. A selection of juices will be available, along with coffee, teas, and milk.
No reservations are necessary for the meal, which is priced at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $5 for ages 2–12. Kids under two are admitted at no charge. Accepted forms of payment are cash or check payable to Broad Brook Grange, also Venmo and PayPal are all accepted. For more information, call 802-257-1961.
Vernon Community Market open for the season
VERNON - The Vernon Community Market, a program of the Vernon Recreation Department, has begun its second summer season. It will be held the first and third Thursdays of each month through Sept. 19. It will be closed July 4 for the holiday. The market's hours will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Vernon Recreation Area, 607 Pond Rd.
The market features J & B's Curbside Café, handmade crafts, farm produce, baked goods, music, and more. For more information, contact the Vernon Recreation Department ([email protected] or 802-254-9251) or email the Market at [email protected].
Swimming lessons offered in Putney
PUTNEY - Swimming lesson registration is open for the Putney Pool. Lessons run for eight weeks starting the week of June 17 (see registration form for dates) from Parent & Me up to level 6. Cost of the lessons are $40 per week for Putney residents and $50 per week for non-Putney residents. Visit bit.ly/2024PutneySwimLesson for the details.
Vernon museum open
VERNON - The Vernon Historical Museum, at 4201 Fort Bridgman Rd., will be open on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. through Sept. 15. It will be closed on July 7 and Sept. 1. The museum is open to all, free of charge.
The main building was formerly a schoolhouse. Built in 1825 with locally made bricks, the schoolhouse has interesting architectural features and an original slate roof. Inside, the museum houses a large archival collection waiting to be explored.
The collection includes period posters; tools including woodworking, maple sugaring, and farming; and a display of different materials used for water pipes. Also included are clothing, photographs, school items, a farm kitchen, and even a bathtub from a local inn.
The Annex building houses larger items, horse-drawn carriages and farm equipment, a 1780s vintage loom, a period washing machine, the old Vernon Post Office, farming and ice-cutting equipment, and more. For information, email [email protected].
Donations needed for Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day
TOWNSHEND - The Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day tradition continues this year on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Townshend Common.
This free, all-day, family-friendly event, now in its 74th year, will be held rain or shine. It offers a variety of fun and fanfare. The all-day auction begins at 9:30 a.m., and the Birthday Parade is at 10 a.m.
Booths will offer homemade pies, jewelry, T-shirts, White Elephant items, fried dough and popcorn, ice cream, books, lunch foods, bingo, kids' games. There will also be pony rides, live music, and more.
Grace Cottage is now accepting donations of furniture and other auction-worthy items, jewelry, books, and White Elephant items to be sold at this important fundraising event. Email [email protected] to arrange for a donation.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.