Kindergarten sign-ups begin in Windham Southeast
BRATTLEBORO - If you live in Brattleboro, it's time to register your child for kindergarten. The three elementary schools in Brattleboro have begun kindergarten registration for children who turn five on or before Sept. 1, 2025. You can find information and links to all forms at wsesu.org (click on the enrollment tab).
Families who would like to request paper copies can contact Kerri Beebe at 802-579-1013 or [email protected]. If your child attends a private early education program that partners with the school district, packets will be available at your child's program. Registration paperwork should be returned by Friday, Feb. 14, to WSESU Central Office, Attn.: Kerri Beebe, 53 Green St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
There will be a virtual kindergarten registration drop-in Q&A session on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. Contact [email protected] for the link. The Brattleboro town kindergarten Information Night will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Green Street School. Pizza and child care available. RSVP not required but appreciated to [email protected] or 802-579-1013.
Families who reside in outlying town schools in Windham Southeast should call their school directly to register: Dummerston (802-254-2733), Putney (802-387-5521), Guilford (802-254-2271), and Vernon (802-254-5373).
Brattleboro Sings Together at Brooks Library
BRATTLEBORO - All ages and voices are invited to fill their hearts with joy and the library with song on Friday, Jan. 17, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Main Reading Room of Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St.
The community sing-along will feature a songbook of well-known songs from many traditions (folk, golden oldies, gospel, Beatles, old pop and rock, show tunes, etc.) Participants will take turns choosing what to sing and the lyrics will be projected on a screen for all to see. There will be live guitar accompaniment by Rich Grumbine.
All voices and ages are welcome at this joyful communal experience for musicians and nonmusicians alike, from shower singers to professionals. Bring your friends and family members. Raise your voice, your spirits, and the roof, while reveling in the warmth of community, despite the frigid temperatures. Dancing is also encouraged.
The event is free, open to the public, and accessible to people in wheelchairs. For more information, contact Brooks Memorial Library at 802-254-5290 or visit brookslibraryvt.org.
Jazz nights at Retreat Farm
BRATTLEBORO - Join the Retreat Farm for live jazz and dinner in the North Barn. During the "Jazz Nights at the Farm" series, organizers say they "will dive into the rich history of jazz as world-class artists from across the region weave together a rich tapestry of sounds, styles, and cultures."
Wanda Houston and the Convergence Project will be performing on Friday, Jan. 17, from 6 to 8 30 p.m. Vocalist Wanda Houston will be joined by Eugene Uman on piano, Michael Zoldos on saxophone, David Picchi on electric bass, and Jon Fisher on drums.
Dinner will be available for purchase. The Thirsty Goat Bar will be open for guests to purchase Vermont craft beer, artisan cocktails, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages during the performance.
This free series is presented in collaboration with the Vermont Jazz Center and is partially funded by the Vermont Arts Council. Donations are appreciated. For more information, go to retreatfarm.org/jazznights.
RFPL hosts legislative meet-up
BELLOWS FALLS - On Saturday, Jan, 18, at 10:30 a.m., come to the top floor meeting room of the Rockingham Free Public Library to meet with Windham-3 (Brookline, Rockingham and Westminster) state Reps. Michelle Bos-Lun and Leslie Goldman, along with state Sens. Wendy Harrison and Nader Hashim.
This session will provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions about issues that will be addressed in the 2025–26 legislative session. Legislators will give updates about expected Legislative priorities and pending bills and take your concerns to Montpelier. Contact Goldman with your questions via email at [email protected] or call802-380-4285.
Poetry reading and musical performance with Toussaint St. Negritude
BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Free Public Library, in collaboration with Flat Iron Coffee House and Village Square Booksellers, welcomes Vermont poet and musician Toussaint St. Negritude for a reading to celebrate the launch of his debut collection of poems, Mountain Spells on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 3–5 p.m.
St. Negritude will read selections from Mountain Spells, tell stories, play the bass clarinet, and sign books at the Flat Iron Cooperative Coffee House at 51 The Square. This library-produced event is free.
At the event, representatives from Village Square Booksellers will have copies of Mountain Spells for sale, and Flat Iron will sell refreshments. For more information about the event, contact the library at 802-463-4270 or [email protected]. For more information about the author, visit toussaintstnegritude.com.
Encore showing of 'Bills Lumber' on Jan. 18
WILLIAMSVILLE - An encore screening of Bills Lumber will take place at Williamsville Hall, 35 Dover Rd., on Saturday, Jan, 18, at 7 p.m. The movie is 45 minutes long.
After the movie, Everett and Alan Bills will have a 15-minute question and answer session. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted and will be be split 50-50 between the town of Newfane, which heats the hall, and Brattleboro Community Television (BCTV), the sponsoring nonprofit organization. Snow date is Sunday, Jan. 19, at 3 p.m. Williamsville Hall is handicapped accessible.
'Spaghetti Dinnetti' in Marlboro
MARLBORO - On Friday, Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., the Junior High class at Marlboro Elementary School will hold its third annual Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser, also known as the "Spaghetti Dinnetti." On the menu is spaghetti with sauce, garlic bread, and salad, plus homemade desserts.
Seatings will be at 5:30 and 7 p.m. at the Marlboro Community Center on South Road. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children. All funds raised benefit the class trip fund. For more information, or to purchase advance tickets, email [email protected].
Food drop in Putney
PUTNEY - The Vermont Foodbank and the Putney Foodshelf co-sponsor a monthly food drop of free produce and some nonperishables on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Alice Holway Drive (in front of Putney Meadows).
All are welcome. This is a drive-up service. Bags provided. The next monthly food drop is Thursday, Jan. 23.
Brooks Memorial Library seeks trustee
BRATTLEBORO - Join the team that helps to steer the direction of Brooks Memorial Library.
The board of Library Trustees of Brooks Memorial Library seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated library user to fill a one-year position on the board. Candidates should have an interest in maintaining a strong and visionary library in town. Trustees must be residents of Brattleboro.
The board of nine trustees meets at the library at 4:45 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Members are asked to chair or serve on two or more committees that convene as needed. For more information on the library, visit brookslibraryvt.org, and click on "About Brooks," where library history, the most recent strategic plan, Trustee agendas, minutes and committees are available.
Applicants should send a letter or email and resume describing their interest in serving on the Library board no later than Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. Email [email protected] or write to Trustee Position, Board of Trustees, Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.