Police urge extra alertness on roads as students return
BRATTLEBORO - The police department reminds motorists that the 2014-15 school year has begun, bringing with it increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic around the schools in the mornings and afternoons. Drivers are reminded to stay alert to school buses and to children boarding and exiting.
The police say they are going to be a greater presence around school zones in town to enforce traffic laws and assure a safe commute for schoolchildren and their families.
New name, logo for Building a Better Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - The Board of Trustees of Building a Better Brattleboro (BaBB) recently voted to change the organization's name to “Downtown Alliance.”
According to Downtown Coordinator Jacob Alan Roberts in a news release, the name change best expresses the expertise, value, and uniqueness of the services the organization puts forward.
Roberts said a new logo and brand will be unveiled at the organization's annual meeting, Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the River Garden on Main Street. All are welcome.
Athens Community Supper returns with 'Share the Harvest' table
ATHENS - September sees the return of the popular Community Suppers. At 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, from September through June, join friends and neighbors in the basement of the Athens Community Church for a delicious meal - including treats from the dessert buffet.
September and October bring a “Share the Harvest” table: Community members can bring the excess from their home gardens to share with neighbors who lack gardens. Attendees are invited to bring local garden bounty for the family table. No overgrown, overripe, or spoiled items, please.
Leftover produce will be taken to the Athens Food Shelf for distribution the following Sunday. The Athens Community Supper is sponsored by Grafton Cares. For more information, call Dennis and Karen at 802-869-2674.
Also during the September and October suppers, Town Office volunteers will display at Town Office a great selection of raffle prizes, and will make tickets available. Drawings take place at Town Office following the October dinner. For more information, call Mae Hopkins at 802-869-3390.
Saxtons River Rec to hold flea market
SAXTONS RIVER – The Saxtons River Recreation Area holds a flea market on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its site on Pleasant Valley Road.
Vendors can rent a space for $10. The rec will providing signage and advertising. Also planned: a bake sale and food concession. Anyone who wants a space or is willing to volunteer should call Sam Fletcher at 802-869-1407 before 9 p.m.
Senior Windham Walkers start new season
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Senior Center announces the continuation of Senior Windham Walkers, a series of hiking/walking adventures.
On Monday, Sept. 8, participants will tackle Little Black Mountain in Dummerston. Enjoy scenic views of the West River Valley and Mount Monadnock and find peace and quiet in the woods. Meet at the Senior Center, 207 Main St., at 10:30 a.m. and carpool to each location.
This is a moderately difficult hike. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and dress appropriately. Layers are recommended. Bring a non-breakable, easy-to-carry water bottle. For more information, and to check on concerns about inclement weather, call Jessy Cudworth at 802-257-7570.
ACCVT presents mid-Autumn Moon Festival
BRATTLEBORO - Asian Cultural Center of Vermont (ACCVT) presents the 15th annual mid-Autumn Moon Festival (Zhongqiu Jie), which is celebrated in China, Korea, Vietnam, and other locales worldwide.
Celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival with crafts, stories, songs, food, t'ai chi, paper lanterns, Chinese exercises, the Korean rope tug, and more. Then watch the harvest moon rise. The celebration starts with a potluck, so bring a dish to share. The Moon Festival is Monday, Sept. 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kiwanis Shelter at Living Memorial Park.
This free, all-ages event runs rain or shine. For more information, call 802-579-9088 or visit accvt.org.
BF Woman's Club starts new season
BELLOWS FALLS - The opening meeting of the new club year for the Bellows Falls Woman's Club is Tuesday, Sept. 9, at United Church of Bellows Falls on School Street, from 1:30 p.m.
The program is presented by a staffer from Greater Falls Connections, the local agency working with youth and families to encourage sound decision-making for healthy living. Dues will be collected. The club yearbook will be available upon payment. Plans for fundraising and programming will be discussed. The budget, as proposed by the club's executive board, will be discussed and voted on.
Hospice, River Gallery School offer art workshops
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Area Hospice, in partnership with River Gallery School, present three “Word and Image” workshops for fall.
Jodi Paloni and Helen Schmidt, both working writers and artists, will lead the workshops, which run Sept. 9, 18, and 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Collage, painting, and drawing, among other media, will be used to create images that spring from words. Each workshop is independent of the others.
Workshops are free and space is limited. Registration is required by calling Joyce at 802-257-0775 ext. 105 or writing info@brattleborohospice.org.
Senior Meals celebrates September birthdays
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Senior Meals Program holds its September Birthday Luncheon Celebration at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main St., on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 11:30 a.m.
Join in for a meal of appetizers, punch, Polynesian pork with pineapple and melon, roasted red skin potatoes, roasted pepper salad, cake, and ice cream. Those with September birthdays are invited to celebrate the occasion by sitting at the birthday table. Their donations are waived for the day and they may invite one guest to sit with them. (That guest is encouraged to make the regular donation.)
The suggested donation for seniors 60 and older is $4; all others are asked to donate $6. Entertainment is included.
Reservations are requested at 802-257-1236 or 802-257-7570. State whether you're celebrating a birthday and how many seats you wish to reserve at the birthday table.
Hospice grief-support group forms
BRATTLEBORO - A new six-week grief support group for adults starts on Thursday, Sept. 11, and meets Thursdays through Oct. 16 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. There is no cost, and all in the community grieving the death loss of a loved one, no matter their place on the journey of grief, is welcome.
Grief support groups offer a safe, mutually supportive environment for sharing experiences, insight, and encouragement through discussion, handouts, and suggestions for moving through grief.
This group, sponsored by Brattleboro Area Hospice (BAH), meets at the BAH office at 191 Canal St. No prior connection with BAH is required in order to participate. Connie Baxter, BAH bereavement care coordinator, facilitates. Limited to eight participants. For a pre-group appointment, call Baxter at 802-257-0775 ext. 104 by Sept. 4.
Free school meals available for 3Squares Vermont recipients
WESTMINSTER - 3SquaresVT (formerly known as food stamps) is more than just food. All families receiving benefits qualify for free school meals for all school-age children and need not complete the school meal application form.
Once your family starts receiving a 3SquaresVT benefit, you may enroll your child for free school meals any time during the school year simply by asking the food service director at your child's school.
For more information, visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com or call Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) at 802-722-4575 and ask for Family Services.
Quality donations sought for Hospice auction
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Area Hospice is sponsoring its third annual Cherished Goods Auction on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the VFW. Such items as fine antiques and other quality furnishings have been offered in previous auctions. This fun fundraiser is your chance to help BAH in return for the many ways it helps our community.
Hospice particularly asks for pieces of good furniture or antiques to be auctioned off by Kit Martin to make this a successful fundraiser. Scour your attic, basement, garage, and chests of drawers for high-quality jewelry, paintings, china, glassware, and decorative items, all in excellent condition. Quality furnishings are particularly needed, organizers say.
To arrange for someone to collect your donations, call 802-254-8174. Drop off smaller items at BAH's office, 191 Canal St. Do not drop items at the Hospice Experienced Goods Thrift Shop on Flat Street.
There will be both silent and live auctions. Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar and can mingle with their many friends and neighbors also are coming out for this special evening.
All proceeds directly support Brattleboro Area Hospice care and bereavement services. BAH offers these vital services in our community free of charge.