It's business license renewal time in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - Anyone providing goods and/or services in Brattleboro, including home businesses and non-profit organizations, needs to have a general business license.
For your convenience a form is now available to renew or obtain your 2015 general business license, which is valid until Dec. 31, 2015. You can also choose to be listed in the town's online business directory when you fill out the application.
Application can be accessed at www.Brattleboro.org. Once there, click on the “Doing Business Here” tab. You'll see a link for the 2015 business license application. You may pay by credit or debit card, though American Express isn't accepted. A processing fee applies for credit/debit card transactions.
Checks or cash are accepted at the assessor's office at 230 Main St., suite 109, or through the mail. The annual fee is $50. For more information call 802-251-8156.
Free compost available for Curbside Compost pilot participants
BRATTLEBORO - Those who participated in the Curbside Compost pilot program in 2012, which led to the townwide project starting in May 2013, were promised free compost.
That day has arrived. Swing by the Windham Solid Waste Management District headquarters at 327 Old Ferry Rd. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday, and up to one pickup truck load (about one cubic yard) of compost is yours - but only if you call ahead to 802-257-0272 to make arrangements. Ask for Roxanne, Phil, or Kristen.
The free compost is only for pilot program participants. The scalehouse operator will be checking identification.
Other folks can get compost as well but will be charged at $20 per cubic yard or $1 per five-gallon bucket or bag. Approximately 25 five-gallon buckets comprise one cubic yard. You must bring your own container(s) and shovel, and load the compost yourself.
This is a one-time only opportunity for free compost - if you come back for more at any time you'll be asked to pay the public rate.
Preparing for winter is subject of Transition Dummerston's monthly potluck
DUMMERSTON - Transition Dummerston's next monthly potluck on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. has the theme, “How We Prepare for Winter.”
This community conversation is an opportunity to explore how we prepare our homes and transportation, stay fit and active in cooler weather, gather with others indoors, preserve the harvest, and prepare gardens for rest and regeneration. All are invited to share and explore these and other themes and activities around the preparation for the winter season and bringing in of the light.
The program is at Dummerston Congregational Church, at the corner of Middle and East-West roads in Dummerston Center. For more information, contact Susal at 802-275-7449, or Fred at 802-387-2681.
NewBrook 5K Fit and Fun Race on Sept. 27
NEWFANE - Join runners and walkers on Saturday, Sept. 27, as they take to scenic River Road in Newfane for the sixth annual 5K Fit & Fun Race, sponsored by the NewBrook Elementary PTO.
This accurately timed, family-friendly 5K event, which encourages every level and caliber of runners and walkers, is the PTO's major fundraiser for important school enrichment programs at NewBrook Elementary School. Field trips, guest speakers, and the purchase of materials to enhance students' classroom experience are all funded by money raised from the race.
The race begins at 10 a.m. at NewBrook Elementary School on Route 30 in Newfane, and includes baseball caps for all participants, as well as medals for all children, complementary post-race massages, healthful refreshments, and free ice cream at the finish.
Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finisher in each age group. Registered runners are entered into a raffle for additional prizes. Children 5 and under can show their stuff in a half-mile Kids Fun Run starting at 9:45 a.m. Each participant in this Fun Run will receive a medal and small prize.
Pre-registration, which garners a $5 discount, can be completed by visiting the NewBrook Elementary School's website at www.newbrookschool.org and clicking on the Race Registration link. The fee for children 16 and under is $5; individuals 17 and older is $15, and a family registration costs $20. Racers can also register the day of the race between 8 and 9 a.m. ($5/$20/$25 respectively). Advance registration is highly recommended.
BEEC celebrates nature and literacy with Wild About Books event
WEST BRATTLEBORO - On Saturday, Sept. 27, Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC) hosts “Wild about Books,” a celebration aimed at bringing children and families together through the love of books and nature. This event is free and open to all.
BEEC, the recipient of a Children's Literacy Foundation Award, is celebrating by hosting a morning of storytelling and nature activities for children. Each child will take home two new books.
The morning begins at 9:30 with songs and music provided by Andy Davis, local music teacher and musician. At 10, author and illustrator Marv Klassen-Landis will present books to all children. The day ends with nature activities and games.
This celebration is held at BEEC on Bonnyvale Road from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Let organizers know you're coming so they can prepare enough books. To register, call 802-257-5785 or follow the event link at www.beec.org.
Michelman to speak at Historical Society of Windham County
NEWFANE - A special program at the Historical Society of Windham County Museum, on Route 30, is set for Sunday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. Richard Michelman will share his extensive knowledge on significant pieces of the Historical Society's collection as well as special items from his own collection.
Michelman, a Brattleboro native, taught social studies in the Brattleboro school system and has had a lifelong interest in history and antiques. All are welcome to learn more about the county's historical artifacts.
Putney Foodshelf wants to fill Next Stage with bags of food
PUTNEY - The Putney Foodshelf wants to fill the seats at Next Stage with bags of healthful, non-perishable foods.
Visit Next Stage on Kimball Hill on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers will meet your car at curbside to take your donation. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Preferred items include canned foods of all kinds (fish, fruits, meats, soups and chili, vegetables), cereals, pastas and pasta sauce, peanut butter, boxed meals (macaroni and cheese, Hamburger Helper), and rice.
Twice a week at its location in the Putney Community Center, the Putney Foodshelf provides healthy supplemental food to area families in need. Hunger is no stranger to this part of Vermont. About half of the students at Putney Central School qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program.
A year ago, the Putney Foodshelf began a Family Food Bag program through PCS. Every Friday, year-round, the Foodshelf sends home a bag of food, enough to feed a family for a weekend. Ten families receive the service at the moment.
Conservation commissions sponsor Lyme disease workshop
DUMMERSTON - A program on “The Public Health Risk for Lyme Disease in a Complex Forest Ecosystem” will be presented Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. at The Learning Collaborative, 471 Route 5.
Jeff Ward, chief scientist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, will discuss the public health issue of the connection between the trouble regenerating our forests, the destruction of wildflowers, Japanese barberry, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, Lyme disease, and deer. Possible solutions will be put forth.
At 6 p.m., Gerry Hawkes of Forest Savers LLC will explain his system for efficiently uprooting and shredding large infestations of invasive vegetation, and show the equipment he uses.
This event is sponsored by the conservation commissions of Dummerston, Putney, Guilford, Marlboro, and Brattleboro; the Woodland Owners Association; and the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center. To reach Ward, write jeffrey.ward@ct.gov, or call 203-974-8495. For more information, visit www.dummerstonconservation.com.
Guiding Good Choices parent workshop to be offered in Jamaica
JAMAICA - The Windham County Partnership for Success, a collaboration of the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition, West River Valley Thrives Partnership, Greater Falls Connections, Deerfield Valley Community Partnership, and the Vermont Department of Health, will offer the parent class, Guiding Good Choices, on five consecutive Wednesdays in October, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Jamaica Village School.
Guiding Good Choices is a free workshop for parents and other caring adults responsible for students in grades 4-8. Topics include how to set clear expectations and consequences for behavior, manage conflict, strengthen family bonds, and teach kids “refusal” skills to help them resist peer pressure and make sound choices.
The course is free and open to parents and caring adults throughout Windham County. Parent resources and snacks are provided. Child care is available. Space is limited to 14 participants; advance registration is required by contacting Jennifer at West River Valley Thrives at 802-365-4700 or WRVThrives@gmail.com.
Starting Now Program hosts alumni gathering
BRATTLEBORO - Alumni of the Brattleboro Retreat's Starting Now program are invited to a meal and celebration on Monday, Oct. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Brattleboro Retreat's Education Conference Center.
Family members and significant others are welcome. In addition to great food, this year organizers offer live music, a keynote address, alumni speakers, and door prizes.
The event is free. RSVP to Drew by Friday, Oct. 3, by calling 802-258-3746
Marine Corps League seeks new members
BRATTLEBORO - The Marine Corps League is composed of those who have served or are serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and their detachments (units) throughout the country. In Brattleboro, members of Detachment 798 meet monthly at the American Legion post off Linden Street on the third Wednesday at 1830 hours (6:30 p.m.)
Membership is open to men or women in the surrounding area who served honorably in the Corps. Main objectives of the local group include Toys for Kids, seeking new toys to offer to area youngsters during the Christmas season, scholarships to deserving high school seniors, assistance to Marines and their families, and involvement in local parades, memorial services, and military funerals.
Persons interested in learning more should contact Commandant Scott Larabee at 802-275-2415; Junior Vice Commandant Richard Hodgdon at 802-257-7549; Senior Vice Commandant Tony Previte at 603-446-7386; or Adjutant Doug Reed at 802-365-7732.
Paul Winter Consort to perform at Latchis on Oct. 25
BRATTLEBORO - A benefit concert by the Paul Winter Consort will be held at the Latchis Theatre on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
The performance, a fundraiser for the Guilford Community Church's green-up efforts, highlights soloists Paul Winter, Eugene Friesen, and Theresa Thomason, three Grammy Award-winning and internationally recognized performers. The Greater Brattleboro Choir of the Community will perform several selections written by folksinger Pete Seeger.
Tickets are $75 for front orchestra seats (includes a post-concert reception with the performers); $40 all other downstairs seats; $20 for balcony seats, and are available at Brattleborotix.com. For more information, call the Guilford Community Church at 802-257-0994.