FairPoint expands broadband service in Guilford
GUILFORD - FairPoint Communications has expanded broadband Internet service to more than 130 homes and businesses in the Guilford area.
According to FairPoint, the expansion will provide residential speed options up to 15 megabytes per second.
FairPoint's broadband Internet service will be available to customers along all or portions of the following roads: Briggs, Carpenter Hill, Clark, Country, Deer Park, Green River, Hale, Harris, Hinesburg, Josh, Lee, Metcalf, Sugar House Hill and Thomas.
Methane burner re-ignited at wastewater plant
BRATTLEBORO - The Department of Public Works recently re-ignited the Wastewater Treatment Plant Methane Burner after a dormant two years.
According to Public Works Director Steve Barrett, the burner “burns off excess gas that can't be used by the boilers [of the town's] electrical co-generation system.”
The burner's flame, located on the Digester Building's roof, is visible from Route 142, which in the past has prompted calls to the Fire Department, Barrett said.
Healing walk at Manitou on July 12
WILLIAMSVILLE - The Manitou Project will continue its summer series of healing walks on Friday, July 12, from 4 to 6 p.m.
The healing walks were begun by Manitou founder Pam Mayer, as an opportunity to experience the magic of the Manitou land in a quiet contemplative spirit. This meditative walk on Manitou's Sanctuary Trail will be guided by Fred Taylor, including poems or other readings, and chances to share about the experience.
Healing walks will be held every second and fourth Friday until the middle of October. Meet at the parking lot at 4 p.m. For information or directions, contact Taylor at 802-387-2681.
Third annual Putney Mountain Hike-a-thon planned
PUTNEY - On Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to mid-afternoon (rain date: Sunday, July 14), members of the Putney Mountain Association Board and friends will hold their 2013 Fundraising Hike-a-thon.
Money raised by the event helps to cover the organization's annual operating costs, including taxes, insurance, upkeep and programs.
All are welcome to sponsor a board member or to come themselves and enjoy the beauty of some of PMA's trails on Windmill Ridge. Fresh water and cookies will be provided to all participants.
This year there are two hiking options, both starting at the Putney Mountain Trailhead on Putney Mountain Road. The Family Loop (1.2 miles) takes the Ridgeline Trail to the summit (splendid panoramic view) and returns on the West Cliff Trail; the Hiker Loop takes the wilder West Cliff Trail to Five Corners and returns via Banning Trail and Road (3.3 miles).
Shuttle service will be available for the Banning Road return portion. Participants may register at the Putney Mountain Trailhead between 10 a.m. and noon for a map, instructions and refreshments.
For information about how to sponsor a hiker, to participate, or to learn of a weather cancellation, go to putneymountain.org or call 802-387-5787.
Pool party at Living Memorial Park
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department will present a family pool party on Wednesday, July 17, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., at the Living Memorial Park Pool. This event is for all ages. The cost is $5 per person for Brattleboro residents.
Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, salads, watermelon and drinks will be served. A volleyball net will be set up and fun water games and races will be enjoyed. There will be a DJ, clown and more. Prizes will be awarded. This year's theme is “Summer Luau,” and all are invited to dress for the occasion.
For more information, call the Brattleboro Recreation & Parks office at 802-254-5808.
Summer reading camp at Jamaica Memorial Library
JAMACIA - Jamaica Memorial Library is hosting a summer reading camp from July 22 through 26 at 1-4 p.m. Each day, participants will explore the theme “Dig Into Reading” through a variety of media. There will be art projects, games, snacks and, of course, stories.
Guests include Alison and Garrison Buxton from Ad Hoc Art, fiber artists David Lima and James Seavor, music with Laura Molinelli and live animal visitors from Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. Campers will also spend an afternoon on-site at Jamaica State Park with a host from the natural history museum.
The Summer Reading Camp is free, but a $25 donation is appreciated to help with the cost of the program. Children should bring a t-shirt to silkscreen. Camp is open to children entering grades K-6 in the fall. Registration is limited to 24 children. For more information or to request a registration form, contact Jamaica Memorial Library at 802-874-4901 or email jamaicapl@vals.state.vt.us.
Antique appraisal day in Wilmington
WILMINGTON - Ever wonder about the monetary value of your treasured collectible? Curious about whether you got a good deal on an antique? The Historical Society of Wilmington presents an antiques appraisal day on Saturday, July 20, at Memorial Hall in downtown Wilmington from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Bring one item or several for appraisal by Tom Tomaszek, an antiques dealer, collector and appraiser.
Tomaszek has been active in the antiques business since the early 1970s. He has owned and operated a number of antique shops and is a recognized expert in the fields of numismatics, philately, militaria, ephemera, antiquities, and antique and vintage jewelry. The Historical Society will charge $3 per item or four items for $10 for the appraisal.
Outside on the Crafts Inn lawn, Wilmington Works and the WilmingtonFundVT will sponsor an antiques flea market. Set up shop on the Crafts Inn lawn and sell your antiques and collectibles. To reserve lawn space, contact the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce at 802-464-8092, or just show up on July 20. Lawn space is free, and you may bring a pop-up tent or take an open-air spot on the lawn.
This portion of the day is weather-dependent, but the appraisals will go on in Memorial Hall rain or shine. For more information on the antiques road show, contact Julie Moore at The Historical Society of Wilmington at 802-464-0200 or 802-464-3004.
Windham hosts chicken barbecue on July 20
WINDHAM - A summer tradition for more than 30 years, Windham's chicken barbecue will be served up on Saturday, July 20 at 5 p.m. at the Windham Meeting House.
There will be music, raffles and plenty of homemade food. The menu includes their famous BBQ Chicken, potato salad, baked beans, garden salad, sweet breads, iced tea and lemonade, and strawberry shortcake topped with real whipped cream for dessert.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $25 for families (two adults with two or more children). There will also be homemade craft and 50/50 raffles. This event is sponsored by the Windham Community Organization to promote community and raise funds to assist those who have fallen on hard times.
Blueberry Festival seeks crafters
BRATTLEBORO - The First United Methodist Church will hold its annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., rain or shine. Interested crafters are invited to be a part of this festival by calling the church office at 802-254-4218, or by e-mail at fumc@sover.net.
The crafter's table fee will be $25, paid in advance. Checks must be made payable to First United Methodist Church with the notation “Table fee.”
Some of the other festivities planned for the day will be a blueberry breakfast, lunch, blueberries to purchase, along with baked blueberry items, and a silent auction. The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive, off Putney Road. The entryway is handicapped accessible.