Talk outlines 'Transition Town' planning
DUMMERSTON - An introduction to Transition Towns, with presenter Paul LeVasseur from Transition Putney, will be held Friday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Dummerston Congregational Church in Dummerston Center.
Thousands of communities around the world are exploring the Transition Towns concept, and are using this positive, solutions-focused approach to concerns about peak oil, rising energy costs, climate disruption, and the changes that lie ahead.
In Vermont, eight towns have started Transition Initiatives to increase local resilience and economic vitality, as well as 24 in Western Massachusetts and one in New Hampshire. People are coming together in their neighborhoods and towns to talk, innovate and answer this question: How might we support each other in making the transition from a society dependent on expensive, health-damaging, climate-changing energy to a safer, economically stronger future?
Come meet others who share your concerns and to talk about how to strengthen Dummerston for changing times. For more information, e-mail Susanna Griefen, or call 802-257-0544.
Vermont Wildlife Festival presented Sept. 17
MARLBORO - Join the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, TransCanada and the Hogback Mountain Conservation Association as they present the 2011 Vermont Wildlife Festival.
This year's event will be held atop Hogback Mountain on Route 9, just 15 miles west of Brattleboro and 5 miles west of Wilmington. There will be food and fun for the whole family, with special live animal presentations, guided walks, and demonstrations. With more than 25 organizations expected to attend, there will be something for every outdoor enthusiast all day.
For a schedule of speakers or for more information, contact the museum at 802-464-0048 or visit www.vermontmuseum.org.
Hospital Auxiliary to host afternoon garden tea
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites everyone to join them in the utterly civilized pleasure of a traditional English Tea in lush Victorian gardens. Sip your tea from fine china as you listen to live classical music, performed by the Procter-Hale Duo. Indulge in savories and sweets created by local chefs and pastry pros while you enjoy “flowers and frills” presented by Taylor for Flowers & Gowns.
It all takes place on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 2-4 p.m., at 1868 Crosby House Gardens, 175 Western Ave. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit the renovation of BMH's Emergency Room. For more information, contact Lynn Kuralt-Gavoni at 802-257-7145 or lynn@crosbyhouse.com.
Farm potluck dinner on Sept. 18
GUILFORD - The town of Guilford's yearlong 250th anniversary celebration continues with a Farm Potluck supper on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., in West Guilford. The event will be held at Deer Ridge Farm, 4057 Hinesburg Road.
There is a strong history of farming in Guilford. Even though the number of dairy farms, once plentiful, has declined, the town also boasts several CSA's and other produce farming operations. The 250th organizers felt it important to include as celebration of Guilford agriculture on its lineup for the year.
Those planning to attend should bring a dish which contains at least some ingredients produced in Guilford. Beverages and utensils will be provided. Space will also be made available for those who wish to bring photos and other items from their farms or gardens, including historical photos of old Guilford farms, and any current farm products they wish to display.
RSVP's are helpful in planning, and those who wish to attend should contact Lisa Holderness or Jerry Smith at 254-3540 or deerridgefarm@comcast.net. Deer Ridge Farm is located on Hinesburg Road, just north of Sugar House Hill Rd, and a short distance south of the Brattleboro/Guilford town line. It is site number 32 on the Guilford 250 town map which is included in the 250 program book.
Bald eagle program presented at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS - On Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., come to the Rockingham Free Public Library and join wildlife biologist Chris Martin for the latest local update on America's majestic national bird, the bald eagle.
Martin will discuss the population status, monitoring process, and management of bald eagles, including recovery successes and failures in New Hampshire and Vermont, with emphasis on the Connecticut River watershed. Both states now have about six breeding pairs in this area.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at 802-463-4270 or visit www.rockingham.lib.vt.us.
Master Gardeners offer workshop on autumn chores
BRATTLEBORO - The end of summer presents both challenge and opportunity in the vegetable garden. Frost is coming, and whether you are growing tomatoes or turnips, carrots or kale, you'll need to know what to do as the weather gets colder.
The Windham County chapter of the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardeners will host a presentation, “Fall in the Vegetable Garden.” Chapter member Steve Squires will discuss what a skilled gardener can do as first frost leads to killing frost, then frozen ground and snow. He will include tips on mulching the beds for winter, fall planting, plus weed and insect control.
This program is free and open to the public. It will be at the Marlboro College Tech Center, 28 Vernon St., on Thursday, September 22nd, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Free community training by Prevent Child Abuse Vermont
SPRINGFIELD - Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) is hosting a free training for parents and community members presented by Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCAV). The training will focus on age-inappropriate sexual behaviors in children and adolescents.
The training will be held on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 1-4 p.m. at HCRS headquarters, located at 390 River St., in Springfield.
This training, developed by Gail Ryan at the Kempe Children's Center in Denver, Colorado, describes sexual behaviors in children and adolescents that are beyond what is considered age-appropriate and healthy. Responses to these behaviors that discourage habituation and further victimization of other children will be taught. This training is appropriate for parents, child care providers, as well as for those who advise families dealing with children with sexual behavior problems.
Registration is required as seating is limited. To register, contact Charmion Lea Handy, HCRS Children's Coordinator for Developmental Services at 802-463-3532, ext. 1243 or chandy@hcrs.org.
Presentation on Smart Grid
DUMMERSTON - The Dummerston Energy Committee will host a presentation and community discussion on the smart grid on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. The public is invited to attend this free event, which will include time for questions and discussions.
Representatives from Green Mountain Power and Central Vermont Public Service will talk about upgrades that are bringing greater reliability and operational efficiencies to the electric grid. They will also describe the timeline for installing smart meters on local homes and businesses, which will lead to new opportunities for customers to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on electricity.
“Smart grid” refers to the installation of digital control devices and communication technology throughout the electric grid, which will continuously relay information to utilities about equipment performance, potential or existing outages, electric demand, and usage. This will allow utilities to use power more efficiently and address problems quickly. The result will be an electric system that is more reliable, makes better use of existing equipment, and will more easily be able to integrate small scale renewable energy projects.
Counseling Center welcomes new therapist
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Pastoral Counseling Center has welcomed Kristin Reifenrath to their practice.
She is a licensed independent clinical social worker who has more than 10 years of experience working with children and families within inpatient and residential settings. In 2007, she earned a Masters in Social Work degree from Springfield College School of Social Work. Since that time, she has been working as a clinician at Stetson School, a residential school for boys in Barre, Mass.
Her areas of clinical interest include working with children, adolescents, and families. She is currently accepting new clients. Her office hours will be Monday and Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons.
The Brattleboro Pastoral Counseling Center provides high-quality, non-sectarian pastoral counseling, psychotherapy, couples and family therapy at moderate cost. No one is turned away for the inability to pay a private fee or co-pay. To make an appointment, call 802-254-9071.