Brattleboro Historical Society opens new downtown History Center
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Historical Society has opened its new downtown History Center.
The new center on the first floor of the Masonic building at 196 Main St. (with a separate south-side entrance and rear-door wheelchair ramp) features the first of a series of changing exhibits - starting with a look at local agricultural history, farm life and the former Valley Fair.
It will be open for regular hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 to 3 p.m. The society's research room - housing a two-century collection of records, photographs and bound newspapers on the third floor of the town Municipal Center at 230 Main St. - will continue to be open Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and by appointment.
Since its founding in 1982, the Brattleboro Historical Society has worked to shelter and share locally significant facts and artifacts so present and future generations can learn from the past. They hope its new History Center will give residents and organizations the opportunity to explore their local heritage and add to the variety and vitality of downtown by collaborating on permanent and changing exhibits and ongoing public talks, workshops and other programs.
For more information, contact the society at 802-258-4957 or histsoc@sover.net.
West Brattleboro Association to meet
WEST BRATTLEBORO - On Thursday, June 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) will hold its monthly meeting at The New England House, 254 Marlboro Road.
The Association will review the treasury, traffic safety especially as it regards the stretch of Route 9 from Academy School to Greenleaf Street, the “Neighborhoods Project,” and any news regarding Glen Park and Mountain Home Park.
In addition, Association members will review the work plan for the remainder of the year starting with Village Day on Saturday, June 22, held on the West Brattleboro common in front of the firehouse. The group will discuss items to be displayed in the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce window promoting the event.
Also slated for the agenda is an update on the status of West Brattleboro signage, a review of public projects including the West B Fire Station upgrade and Brattleboro Housing Authority project, and a review of what's happening in the arts in West B.
WCCA holds benefit at Margarita's in Keene
BRATTLEBORO - Windham Child Care Association will be the featured organization at Margarita Restaurant's next Noche Mexicana Fundraiser on Sunday, June 16, from 4 p.m. to close.
As a private, non-profit organization, Windham Child Care Association has been working to ensure access to high-quality child care for all children and families in Windham County since 1981. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 77-81 Main St. in Keene, will donate 15 percent of pre-taxed food and beverage sales from participating customers.
Guests can choose items from any of Margarita's menus, takeout orders included. Guests must either present a voucher, which can be printed from www.windhamchildcare.org, or simply let the host know they are there in support of the fundraiser.
Public invited to daylong retreat at Insight Meditation Center
BRATTLEBORO - A daylong retreat on “The Wisdom of Insecurity: Finding Balance in an Uncertain World” is set for Sunday, June 16, at the Vermont Insight Meditation Center.
Retreat leader Manny Mansbach, trained as a mindfulness-based psychotherapist, will explore how people can respond to instability with Buddhist practices that encourage equanimity. The retreat, open to beginners and experienced students, will include instructions and practice of sitting and walking meditation (chairs and cushions provided) and talks and discussion.
The retreat will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Solar Hill Neighbors' Hall on 229 Western Ave. in Brattleboro. The registration fee is $15 with an additional donation suggested to thank the teacher. Participants should bring their own lunch, with tea provided.
For more information, visit the website www.vermontinsight.org. To register, contact the center at 802-254-7077 or information@vermontinsight.org.
Father's Day Brunch at Broad Brook Grange
GUILFORD - Broad Brook Grange will present its 17th annual Father's Day Brunch on Sunday, June 16, from 7 a.m to 1 p.m., at the Grange hall in Guilford Center.
The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and omelets, 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 muffins, coffee cakes, pies, fresh fruit salad, 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 $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for ages 2-12. Kids under two are free.
The proceeds from the event will allow for continued renovations of the historic building. This year the building has had five of its windows, including all those in the dining room, rebuilt by Hawk and Brush of Brattleboro, keeping their historic character.
This event is the third brunch of 2013, and the last until Columbus Weekend in October. Broad Brook Grange is at 3940 Guilford Center Road, 4 miles west of the Guilford Country Store. For more information, call 802-257-1961.
Guilford Church's old-fashioned Strawberry Supper set for June 22
GUILFORD - A summer tradition for the whole family, the Strawberry Supper at Guilford Community Church will be held on Saturday, June 22. There will be two seatings to choose from, at 5 and 6:30 p.m.
The menu features ham, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, coleslaw, fresh baked rolls, strawberries, shortcake and whipped cream, coffee, iced tea, and milk.
The price is $10 adults, $5 children 11 and under, and $3 preschoolers. For reservations, call 802-254-9019 or email guilfordchurchsupper@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit the church, which supports over 20 local programs and organizations that serve the community.
Fron Exit 1 of Interstate 91 in Brattleboro, go south on Route 5 just past the Guilford Country Store, turn left on Bee Barn Road, then left again on Church Drive.
Karaoke night benefits cancer, kidney dialysis patients
CHESTER - Connecticut River Transit is teaming up with American Legion Post 67 to present a karaoke fundraiser on Saturday, June 22, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Legion home.
Admission is $5 per person. Besides karaoke, there will a raffle with prizes, a 50-50 drawing, and refreshments.
Proceeds go to help pay transportation expenses for cancer and kidney dialysis patients who need rides to area hospitals to get the life-saving treatment they need. For more information, call 802-460-7433.
AARP Driver Safety Program to be presented around county
BRATTLEBORO - The AARP Driver Safety Program, a classroom driver refresher course, will be offered at different locations in Windham County from late June through late August.
The course explains changes that occur in vision, hearing, and reaction time as we age and provides useful driving safety tip for handling these changes. The course also reviews the impact of changes in vehicles and roadways that impact driving safety.
Several 4-hour classes are scheduled for Brattleboro (June 28, July 15, Aug. 26), Townshend (July 1, Aug. 1 and 24). and Jacksonville (July 6 and 31).
Some major auto insurance carriers in Vermont offer discounts to participants in the program. For example, AARP's auto insurance, underwritten by The Hartford, provides a 10 percent discount for a period of three years after taking the course. Interested persons should contact their carrier to see if such a discount is available.
Participants may also wish to register for AARP Carfit, an educational program that offers the opportunity to see how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. A proper fit greatly increases the safety of the driver and others. In a Carfit check, a trained technician will complete a 12-point checklist, and offer community-specific resources to enhance safety and mobility.
Persons interested in taking the course, participating in Carfit, or have questions regarding the AARP Driver Safety Program should contact Elliott Greenblott at 802-254-4489 or egreenblott@gmail.com.
FairPoint expands broadband coverage in Marlboro area
MARLBORO – FairPoint Communications has expanded broadband Internet coverage to more than 60 homes and businesses in and around Marlboro.
FairPoint's new fiber-based, high-capacity network offers residential speed options up to 15Mbps (megabytes per second) and will reach customers along all or portions of the following roads: Ames Hill, Cowpath 40, Hale, Hall, Hosea Fisher, Lower Houghton, Lucier and Thomas Hill.
For additional information, residential consumers can call 866-984-2001 or visit www.FairPoint.com.