RFPL to close from Aug. 18 until Sept. 3 for construction
BELLOWS FALLS - Due to construction demands for the Library's renovation, the Rockingham Free Public Library will be temporarily closed for two weeks, beginning Saturday, Aug. 18, through Monday, Sept. 3.
The library will reopen on Sept. 4, with services provided on the main floor. Until then, patrons are encouraged to come in by Friday, Aug. 17, and borrow extra books and other materials to last through the two week closure. An exterior book drop will be available by the sidewalk to allow for easy return of materials while the library is closed.
Currently, handicap access to the main floor is available with a temporary lift that now sits in front of the main front door entrance. The old elevator has been removed to make way for the new stairwell and elevator which will enable access to all three floors.
Upon reopening on Sept. 4, construction on the ground floor and top floor will continue, with installation of updated electrical, sprinkler, plumbing and heating systems. Other work to be completed includes masonry repair, painting, insulation, and slate roof repair. For more information, call 802-463-4270 or visit www.rockinghamlibrary.org.
AARP Driver Safety class to be offered in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - The AARP Driver Safety Program, a classroom driver refresher course for mature drivers, will hold a class in Brattleboro at the Brattleboro Senior Center on Monday, Aug. 20. The course explains the changes that occur in vision, hearing, and reaction time as we age. Content includes coverage of changes in highways, vehicles, and Vermont state law that affect drivers.
There is a $14 fee for the program which is reduced to $12 for AARP members. A special Educator Promotion is in effect for classes taken during the months of July and August. All current and former school employees are eligible to take the class for $5.
AARP Volunteer Instructor Elliott Greenblott will offer the course using a combination lecture, discussion, and video presentation which will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at approximately 1 p.m. To register or for more information, contact Elliott Greenblott at 802-254--4489 or by email at egreenblott@comcast.net.
Rockingham Democrats to hold caucus on Aug. 22
ROCKINGHAM - The Rockingham Town Democratic Committee caucus will be held Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. at Village Square Booksellers in The Square in Bellows Falls for the purpose of nominating candidates for Justice of the Peace.
Information is available by contacting Town Chair Matthew Trieber at 802-463-3338 or matrieber@gmail.com.
Broadband expansion meeting set for Aug. 23 in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - Gov, Peter Shumlin's Connect VT initiative and the Vermont Telecommunications Authority will host a “Target Community Tour” meeting to share information about broadband availability to unserved locations with residents in the communities of Brattleboro, Guilford, and Vernon on Thursday, Aug. 23, at 5:30 p.m., at the Municipal Center, 230 Main St.
All members of the public are invited to attend, especially those without a high-speed broadband connection at DSL speed or greater.
A broadband Target Community is an area in the state with identified unserved and underserved locations for the availability of high speed broadband. An unserved location would have no option for broadband other than satellite service; an underserved location may have a mobile broadband option currently, but not a fixed option. Target Community solutions are currently being submitted as part of a current VTA Request for Proposals to telecommunications service providers.
The Target Community Tour is a series of meetings around the state, co-hosted by legislators, community libraries and town administrators, to share information with residents regarding the list of identified unserved and underserved locations, a means to identify any other remaining locations and the status of initiatives that will complete these connections by the end of 2013. Further information is posted at www.broadbandvt.org.
Transition Dummerston to host solar energy potluck, discussion
DUMMERSTON - Transition Dummerston will host a potluck and community discussion called “Something New Under the Sun: Exploring practical options for household and community solar power” at Dummerston Congregational Church in Dummerston Center, on Friday, Aug. 24, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Solar hot water and photovoltaic professionals will offer basic understandable information and perspectives about the most appropriate technologies, costs, and financial assistance available. There will be a question-and-answer session and a facilitated discussion about ways community members can work together to make solar energy systems a working reality for people in Dummerston and surrounding areas.
This event is part of a monthly series of potlucks, films, and discussions organized by Transition Dummerston, which is part of the international Transition Network, over 1800 communities working together to build local resilience to meet the interwoven challenges of climate change, peak oil, and economic disruption. While Transition Dummerston events are designed for Dummerston residents, all are welcome to join.
For more information, contact Susal Stebbins Collins at susalstebbins@hotmail.com or Alex Blakeson at blakesonalex@msn.com.