RFPL starts new social gaming group for adults
BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Free Public Library is starting up a new social gaming group for adults, the Rockingham Library RPG League, which will meet on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 9 p.m., through April 22. This free gaming program is open to adult gamers of all levels – whether you haven't played for years, are currently gaming, or just want to try something new.
RPG stands for Role-Playing Game and is best described as interactive storytelling games. Each player takes on a character and, under the guidance of a Game Master who narrates the story, takes on telling their part of the story through the game's process of decision making. One of the most famous games is Dungeons & Dragons, which was first published in 1974.
Currently, the RPG League is seeking players to join an AD&D Ravenloft game and a Pathfinder game. However, more games will be added as numbers and interest allow. In addition to the RPG League, the Teen RPG Night, a Library program that has existed for over ten years, continues to meet Friday evenings from 5:30-9pm.
For more information and to sign up, call the library at 802-463-4270, email sam@rockinghamlibrary.org or go online to rockinghamlibrary.org.
WBA hosts District 1 pre-Town Meeting
WEST BRATTLEBORO - On Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m., in the Hayes Court Community Room on Garfield Drive, the West Brattleboro Association will host a Q&A session with District 1 Town Meeting members. All residents, most especially District 1 residents, are invited. The hour-plus meeting will be facilitated by Orion Barber.
Immediately preceding the Q&A, at 6 p.m., in the same community room, the WBA will be holding its regular monthly meeting. The primary topic will be the pursuit of both Vermont and federal non-profit-hood. If time permits, there will also be discussion of safety issues related to Marlboro Road traffic and recent break-ins.
Also coming up and sponsored or co-sponsored by the WBA are a streetscape charrette planned for early April and Green-Up Day in early May. More news about those events will be published in coming weeks.
Rabies clinic in East Dover
EAST DOVER - The East Dover Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a pet vaccination clinic at the firehouse in East Dover on Saturday, March ​14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dr. Miles A. Powers of East Dover will be vaccinating both cats and dogs. This clinic is open to anyone.
Fees will be $10 for rabies and $15 for a distemper-complex vaccine for either a dog or cat - or $20 for both vaccinations. Dogs should be on a leash and cats in a carrier. For further information, call 802-348-7918.
Emergency Winter Shelter to hold training for new, current volunteers
BRATTLEBORO - On Saturday, March 14, the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center will host a training for volunteers who help manage and maintain the Emergency Winter Shelter. This training will begin at 1:30 p.m. at downtown Brattleboro's First Baptist Church, 190 Main St.
This training will be attended by both new and current volunteers. The agenda includes a meet and greet, an overview of volunteer responsibilities, and time for current volunteers to share best practices with all the participants in the training. Complimentary snacks and coffee will be provided to the volunteers who attend the training.
The shelter provides a safe, warm place to stay as well as a dinner meal for the individuals and families in our region who face situations of homelessness. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join the team of Emergency Winter Shelter Volunteers. Two shifts of volunteers operate the shelter each night, one from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., and another from 1 to 7 a.m.
If you wish to be involved with the shelter as a volunteer, contact the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center by phone at 802-257-5415 or by email at overflow.bratt@gmail.com.
Women's Chorus seeks new members
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Women's Chorus is still accepting registrations for the spring session, even though chorus officially began the first week in March. Rehearsal options are Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., or Thursday mornings from 10 to noon, and both are held at Centre Congregational Church on Main Street.
Founder-director Becky Graber will lead the chorus in songs of travel in preparation for two concerts in May. Participation in the concerts is optional. All women and girls ages 10 and above are welcome to join without audition or previous musical experience. Financial aid is available.
For more information or a registration form, visit www.BrattleboroWomensChorus.org or email bwchorus@gmail.com or call 802-254-8994.
BFUHS parents invited to see guest speaker
BELLOWS FALLS - Parents of Bellows Falls Union High School students are invited to attend a special performance by guest speaker Matt Bellace.
This event will take place on Wednesday, March 18, at 8 a.m. at the BFUHS Auditorium. Dr. Matt Bellace's presentation to both students and parents will focus on natural highs and making healthy choices.
For almost 20 years, Bellace has been traveling the country as a professional speaker and stand-up comedian. Bellace has a PhD in clinical neuropsychology, which is the study of the brain and behavior. He is the author of the book, “A Better High,” co-author of the National Geographic Series, “This or That,” and was a regular on truTV's, “World's Dumbest.”
This event is sponsored by School-Based Substance Abuse Services (SBSAS) and Windham County Partnership for Success (PFS) Grants from the Vermont Department of Health in collaboration with Greater Falls Connections and Windham Northeast Supervisory Union.
Guilford Sugar-on-Snow Supper set for March 21
GUILFORD - The Sugar-on-Snow Supper at Guilford Community Church will be held on Saturday, March 21.
There are three seatings to choose from, at 4:30, 5:45, and 7 p.m. Prices are $11 adults, $5 children age 11 and under, and $3 for preschoolers. For reservations, call 802-254-9562 or email guilfordchurchsupper@gmail.com.
The menu features ham, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, coleslaw, freshly baked rolls, sugar on snow, homemade donuts, pickles, and coffee, tea or milk. A half-gallon of maple syrup will be raffled off during each seating.
From Interstate 91 Exit 1 in Brattleboro, go south on Route 5 just past Guilford Country Store, left on Bee Barn Road, then left again to 38 Church Drive. Visit www.guilfordchurch.org for more information.
Sixties Dance to benefit Our Place
BELLOWS FALLS – Tie-dye and bell bottoms are being dug out of attics as preparations begin for the Flower Power dance Saturday, March 21, to benefit Our Place Drop-in Center.
The dancing begins at 7 p.m. at the Walpole, N.H., town hall, with Rob Fletcher and his Ballroom Blitz band playing tunes appropriate for the 1960s and 1970s.
For those who want to sharpen their dancing skills, Richard and Pamela Clough from Keene Fusion Studios will be on hand at 6 p.m. for an hour of lessons.
Cost for the dance is $15, with an extra $5 for the dance lessons. Tickets are on sale at Village Square Booksellers, Real to Reel in Walpole or at the door.
The dance is BYOB, with some bar snacks provided. Although groovy attire is not required, those who show up dressed for the era will have an opportunity to win prizes.
The dance will support the food programs of Our Place, a daytime shelter and food pantry located on Island Street in Bellows Falls. Further information is available by calling OP at 802-463-2217 or on Facebook.
Brattleboro Area Hospice volunteer training offered in Bellows Falls
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Area Hospice will offer its spring volunteer training in Bellows Falls this year. Applications are due by Friday, March 20. The training will run from Thursday, April 2 through May 28, 4 to 7 p.m. First spots in the training will be held for Bellows Falls area residents. Space limited to 10 people.
Throughout Windham County, hospice volunteers aid neighbors and their families who are living with life-threatening illnesses. Help may range from errands to gardening to emotional and physical support. Volunteers report the work is challenging and very rewarding.
Training topics include hospice philosophy, nuts and bolts of volunteering, ethical issues, personal attitudes toward death and dying, and grief issues among others. Presenters include professionals from the community, as well as Hospice staff and volunteers.
Call Brattleboro Area Hospice for more information or an application at 802-257-0775. There is a $40 contribution requested (but not required for placement in the training) to help cover the cost of materials.
Spring Hunter Education program offered in BF
BELLOWS FALLS - The Vermont Agency of Fish and Wildlife and the Polish American Club #1 will offer a spring Hunter Education and Safety program, to be held at the Polish American Club #1, 37 Rockingham St.
Mandatory registration will be held Saturday, March 21, at noon sharp. Students must be present to enroll. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as a half-day Saturday firing range/field day on April 11 and 18.
The classtoom has limited seating, so it is first come, first served. This is a free program and certification is recognized internationally as well as nationally. For further information, contact Vinnie Cherico at 802-463-9314, or cnmtprn1@sover.net.
Employers sought for 2015 Spring Employment Fair
SPRINGFIELD - The River Valley Workforce Investment Board is seeking employers to exhibit in the 4th annual River Valley Employment Fair which will be held on Wednesday, May 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Riverside Middle School gymnasium.
Employers with anticipated job openings are encouraged to sign up early to secure a spot. The fair is a joint effort between the River Valley Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the Vermont Department of Labor, Creative Workforce Solutions, Springfield Regional Development Corporation and the River Valley Technical Center (RVTC).
The event is aimed at connecting local job seekers with seasonal and permanent jobs in the area and to showcase resources and training programs that will help job seekers attain employment. Fair organizers are actively are looking for local employers with job opportunities, especially those who gear up in the spring and summer.
Information is available on the River Valley Workforce Investment Board Facebook event page. Employers may also contact Suzanne Groenewold, WIB Employment Fair director, at 802-885-8310 or sgroenewold@rvtc.org.