Community discussion focuses on revitalizing West Brattleboro
WEST BRATTLEBORO - A community discussion on ways to revitalize West Brattleboro will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.
This will be facilitated by the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) and will be held in the Community Room of Hayes Court on Garfield Drive (just west of the West Brattleboro Post Office).
The group invites any and all to come learn about and discuss the report “Revitalizing Southern Vermont's Villages – West Brattleboro.” This report has been made available by the Windham Regional Commission and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.
Particular items planned for discussion are the four key strategies listed in the report, which was put together with input from the WBA and the West Brattleboro Master Plan. Those strategies are: Support Community Development; Enhance the Streetscape; Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity; and Support Economic Development.
The WBA has been an advocate of bettering each of the above strategies, including the recent repaving of Route 9 and the (still-to-happen) safer bike lanes and pedestrian crosswalks.
WBA President Michael Bosworth is particularly interested in discussing the “Actions, Responsibilities, and Timeframes” section of the report, which lays out potential activities for the short-term, mid-term and long-term.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Learn to research your family history online at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS - Are you interested in learning more about your family history? If your answer is yes, then the Rockingham Free Public Library has a course for you.
Wayne Blanchard will be offering a course on utilizing the Library's free online databases to conduct genealogy research.
Blanchard has pursued his fascination with family history by attending seminars at the New England Historic and Genealogy Society in Boston, and researching, writing and publishing, “From the Great Migration to the Greatest Generation,” which follows the genetic link in the paternal ancestry of George Blanchard and the maternal ancestry of Norma Ordway.
Classes will meet for four consecutive Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the library's top floor Meeting Room. The first session on Oct. 23, will cover the organizational basics for genealogy. Topics will include tracking families with a family group sheet and multi-generational charts. How to keep a research log and planning for future research will also be covered.
On Oct. 30, participants will learn how to search the U.S. Census and Vital Records using the website Ancestry.com. On Nov. 6, the vast resources available on the website AmericanAncestors.org will be introduced, while focusing on The New England Historical and Genealogical Register.
The last class, on Nov. 13 will teach how you can search the Heritage Quest database, which can be searched from home for free if you are a library patron. Come for one class or attend all four.
During the first portion of each class, Blanchard will model effective genealogy search strategies for a specific resource. Then the fun begins, as he will guide you through a search of your own. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop or tablet. Pen and paper notetakers are welcome as well.
Because of the popularity of these courses, registration is required for this free program. To register, or for more information, contact the RFPL by phone at 802-463-4270, email rockref@sover.net, or stop by the library at 65 Westminster St.
Democrats to hold Davenport Day dinner
BRATTLEBORO – Gov. Peter Shumlin will be the featured speaker at the Davenport Day Dinner, sponsored by the Windham County Democratic Committee Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. at the American Legion.
Other guests include Senator Bernie Sanders, Treasurer Beth Pearce, Attorney General Bill Sorrell, Secretary of State Jim Condos as well as local luminaries, elected officials, and candidates.
The event remembers Charles N. Davenport, a prominent lawyer and supporter of the Democratic Party who founded the Windham County Reformer – now the Brattleboro Reformer -in 1876 in part due to dissatisfaction with what he saw as a Republican bias in the coverage by the Vermont Phoenix, the main political paper in the state.
Tickets for the dinner are $30, and reservations can be made by calling James Valente at 802-275-8860. Tristan Toleno is in charge of the kitchen. The evening will feature the presentation of the Ron Squires Award by Gov. Shumlin to a local Democratic figure.
Musical healing walk at Manitou
WILLIAMSVILLE - The Manitou Project will hold its final Healing Walk of the season on Friday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. This meditative walk on Manitou's Sanctuary Trail will have a special focus on singing.
In this season of honoring the ancestors, we celebrate those who have gone before us, with a capella harmonies along a beautiful woodland path. Come to sing, to listen, to meditate, to be one with nature and the beloved ones we hold in our hearts.
Meet at the parking lot at 4 p.m. For information, contact Mike Mayer at 802-258-8598.
Solarize Dummerston project to be discussed at potluck
DUMMERSTON - Transition Dummerston presents its monthly potluck and program on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Southeast Vermont Learning Collaborative on Route 5.
The program features “Solarize Dummerston,” explaining progress since the initial meeting in June. Learn about plans to make community and individual solar energy systems more accessible and affordable for Dummerston residents. Supper is at 6 p.m. The program runs from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, contact Susal, at 802-275-7449.
'Rocky Horror Picture Show' benefits Latchis Arts
BRATTLEBORO _ Let's do the Time Warp again!
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” returns to the Latchis Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24, at 10 p.m. Creatures of the night are called to come to the Latchis at 9 p.m. that night for pre-show entertainment that includes the bands Sparkle Unicorn and Lobotomobile.
Admission is $10, and costumes are encouraged. Proceeds benefit Latchis Arts. For more information, call 802-254-1109, ext. 3, or visit www.latchisarts.org.
Haunted Halloween party offered at Pierce's Hall
EAST PUTNEY - Celebrate Halloween in Haunted Pierce's Hall on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Annie Frelich kicks off the annual Halloween party for kids at 4:30 p.m. with songs and a costume parade. A scavenger hunt in the hall, treats and games follow.
The potluck for all ages begins about 6 p.m. After the potluck, there will be more fun for kids as Amy Cann leads family friendly dances merging into the traditional Pierce's Hall costume contra dance. The All Comers Band will provide the music.
Pierce's Hall is on 121 East Putney Falls Road, across from Gassett Road.
Saxtons River Rec hosts chili contest
SAXTONS RIVER - The hearty smells of chili will waft through the air Saturday, Oct. 25, as the Saxtons River Rec hosts its annual chili contest from noon to 2 p.m. on Main Street.
For a $5 fee, participants are entitled to endless samples of the entries, cornbread to cleanse their palates, and a ballot to choose their favorites in the individual and business categories. Proceeds benefit the Rec and its youth soccer program.
Businesses and individuals may register to participate in the contest by contacting Samantha Fletcher at 802-869-1407 (before 9 p.m.)
The event features live music, a bake sale and other fundraising activities. Note that the contest is a week later than originally announced because of a conflict with the Rec's soccer tournament.
Osher lectures continue
DUMMERSTON - The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will hold the fourth in its series of autumn morning and afternoon lectures on Oct. 27 with programs on the nature of comedy and the meaning of economic well-being.
In the morning series of six lectures, Stephen Stearns will look at movie and sketch comedy. In the afternoon lectures, Jim Tober will consider income, wealth, and happiness.
Morning lectures run from 10 a.m. to noon; afternoon lectures, from 1 to 3 p.m. All lectures will be held at the Southeastern Vermont Learning Collaborative, 471 Vermont Route 5. Parking and handicapped access are available, and light refreshments will be served at the lectures.
For further information, call 802-257-8600 or 866-889-0042.
Lion conservation is subject of Landmark lecture
PUTNEY - On Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., Dr. Andrew Stein will give a talk at Landmark College titled “The King of Beasts in the 21st Century: Conserving the African Lion in Botswana.”
An assistant professor of natural sciences at Landmark College, Stein will discuss a research project on human-lion conflict in Botswana that he arranged on a 2014 trip there. He will also talk about the current status of lions and the efforts to save them throughout their range.
This talk is part of Landmark College's annual Academic Speaker Series. It will take place in the Brooks M. O'Brien Auditorium in the East Academic Building at Landmark College, located at 19 River Road South. The event is free and open to the public.
More information is available at www.landmark.edu or by contacting Geoff Burgess at 802-387-6768.
Workshop looks at digital tools for learning
BRATTLEBORO - Marlboro College presents its next workshop in the Hands On Tech (HOT) series on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m., in the Marlboro College Graduate Center.
“Digital Tools for Learning” will be led by Marlboro faculty member Jane Wilde and introduce a wide range of free digital tools that support successful learning and will explore why you might use them.
The methods explored in this workshop are useful whether you teach in a K-12 classroom, teach online at a college, offer training for business, or are a learner interested in improving your skills. Wilde says, “It is not about the tools, it is about how learning can be facilitated.”
Bring both your laptop and mobile device, as some of the tools are useful on one or the other, or even both.
Greater Falls Warming Shelter to hold training
BELLOWS FALLS – The Greater Falls Warming Shelter will hold a training session for volunteers on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m., at the shelter at 23 Church St. in North Walpole, N.H.
Volunteers are needed to staff the shelter seven days a week in two shifts from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and 1 to 7 a.m. Two volunteers staff each shift and are expected to remain awake during their shift. Other volunteers bring in prepared meals.
The shelter recently opened at its location just over the bridge from Bellows Falls and can accommodate 10 guests per night. An open house for the public is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. The shelter will open for guests in mid-November.
The shelter maintains a Facebook page at Greater Falls Warming Shelter and can be reached at bfwarmingshelter@yahoo.com.
Horribles Parade is Oct. 31
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce the annual Horribles Parade, which will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m.
All “ghosts, goblins, witches, scarecrows, and what-have-yous” should meet down in the Brattleboro Food Co-op Parking lot by 6 p.m. The parade will begin at 6 sharp and go up Main Street to the Gibson-Aiken Center for costume judging, prizes, goodie bags, and more.
This event is co-sponsored by the Brattleboro Police Department and Brattleboro Recreation and Parks. For more information regarding this event, or if special accomodations are required, call the Recreation and Parks Department at 802-254-5808.
Westminster Cares to hold annual Celebration of Aging
WESTMINSTER - Westminster Cares will again celebrate the lives of residents who are 90 years of age and older at its annual meeting and Celebration of Aging on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Westminster Fire Station on Grout Avenue.
There will be a short business meeting followed by a celebration. Refreshments will be served. If you are 90 or older, or know someone who is 90 or older, call 802-722-3607.
Westminster Cares is a nonprofit organization, formed in 1988, that works with seniors and disabled adults in Westminster, Vermont, to help them remain healthy and independent in the community. Visit westminstercares.org for more information.
'The Power of Discovery' after-school program offered at TGS
PUTNEY - The Grammar School is offering “The Power of Discovery,” a new after-school program modeled on the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) initiative.
TGS invites all students in grades 2 through 8 to join innovative, project-based after-school clubs held on campus and led by experienced mentors.
The Power of Discovery program will feature two sessions of after school activities. The first six-week session begins Nov. 4. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 p.m.. The second session will begin the week of Jan. 5 and run through February.
The after school clubs will focus on developing children's skills and interest in STEAM subjects as well as helping them apply creative approaches to problem solving. These programs will enable young people to apply concepts learned in school and encourage them to solve problems through trial and error in a collaborative team setting.
Class descriptions and registration forms are available online at thegrammarschool.org/afterschoolclubs.