'Politics of compassion' is subject of World Affairs Council talk
BRATTLEBORO - The Windham World Affairs Council announced that Tom Redden, Ph.D. professor of history and politics at Southern Vermont College will be presenting on Friday, June 19, at 7:45 p.m., at the School for International Training.
Redden is a political scientist and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest who will frame the evening's talk by presenting “a Buddhist view of politics,” which he calls the “Politics of Compassion.” He poses the simple political question for policy makers: “How to minimize suffering?” as part of a reflection of American politics at home and abroad.
He draws upon a 37-year daily meditation practice and travels around the world to reflect upon an alternative vision of American politics: one that replaces the endless pursuit of power with “a politics of compassion.”
This event is part of Windham World Affairs Council Annual Meeting, and is free and open to the public. For more information, contact windhamworldaffairscouncil@gmail.com.
Future of Stratton Area Citizens Committee to be discussed
WEST TOWNSHEND - The Stratton Area Citizens Committee (SACC) will meet on Saturday, June 20, at 4 p.m., at the West Townshend Country Store to determine its future mission and purpose.
SACC has been a force in protecting the waters of the West River watershed from changing land use and development, particularly in the North Branch of Ball Mountain Brook. Reorganizing is an attempt to be more inclusive of all the tributaries of the West River. Residents are invited to share ideas for protecting these crucially important waters. For more information, contact darlenepalola@gmavt.net.
Old-fashioned strawberry supper served in Guilford
GUILFORD - A summer tradition for the whole family, the Strawberry Supper at Guilford Community Church will be held on Saturday, June 20. There will be two seatings, at 5 and 6:30 p.m. The price is $11 for adults, $5 for children 11 and under, and $3 for preschoolers. For reservations, call 802-254-9019 or email guilfordchurchsupper@gmail.com.
The menu features ham, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, coleslaw, fresh baked rolls, strawberries, shortcake and whipped cream, coffee, iced tea, and milk. All proceeds benefit the church, which supports more than 20 local programs and organizations that serve the community.
From Interstate 91 Exit 1 in Brattleboro, go south on Route 5 just past the Guilford Country Store, turn left on Bee Barn Road, then left again on Church Drive.
Father's Day brunch served in Guilford
GUILFORD - Broad Brook Grange will present its 19th annual Father's Day Brunch on Sunday, June 21, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange hall in Guilford Center. The proceeds from the event will allow for continued renovations of the historic building.
The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and omelets, any style, made to order. Also on the menu are pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon and home fries, with Guilford maple syrup. Other treats include home-baked coffee cakes and other baked goods, fresh fruit salad, and bread for toasting. A selection of juices will be available, along with coffee, teas and milk.
No reservations are necessary for the meal, which is priced at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for ages 2-12. Kids under two are free.
This event is the last brunch for 2015. Broad Brook Grange is at 3940 Guilford Center Road, 4 miles west of the Guilford Country Store. For more information, call 802-257-1961.
Summer Solstice festival planned in Marlboro
MARLBORO - A new Summer Solstice celebration is happening in Marlboro, on Sunday, June 21, easily accessible off South Road.
Starting with a Solstice Ceremony at noon, scheduled activities include Sound Healing with David Kuhn and others, directional dance with Elise Gunzberg, yoga, chanting, and art activities.
Music will be provided by local musicians including Aura Shards with Jed Blume and Anders Burrows on tabla and handpan; Shakti PoPs with Sara West, Lisa Newell, and Makote DeGuevara; and Heirloom Seeds Roots Reggae band. A potluck dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with music and dance to follow.
The event is a collaboration among artists, musicians, healers, and organizations that support self-awareness and connection to nature, including Nourish the People, Shining Sun Earth Renewal Center, and the Manitou Project. Crafters and artists are welcome to set up with general admission price, $10: no registration required. Children are welcome and get in free.
Take South Road to Lucier Road, just before Marlboro College, and follow the signs to Judd Road, first left. For more information, call 203-671-6142.
Grafton Historical Society to hold fundraising dinner
GRAFTON - The Grafton Historical Society will hold a special fund raising dinner on Wednesday, June 24, at 6 p.m. at the White Chapel in Grafton, which will feature a presentation on the Connecticut River water power projects proposed for 2018.
The event will raise money to help operate its museum and restore the town's brick meeting house. It will also host the teachers from the Flow of History Summer Institute that will be held in Grafton the week of June 22. This will include about 20 teachers from around the state.
The dinner event will be open to the public. The dinner is $12 per person. Reservations are required as the seating space is limited to 60 people. Make your reservations by June 19 by contacting Maureen Fletcher at the Grafton Historical Society at 802-843 2584 or grafthist@vermontel.net.
Free Medicare Boot Camp in Townshend
TOWNSHEND - Senior Solutions staff will be at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend on Wednesday, June 24, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., to provide an unbiased overview of the Medicare system. Space is limited, so please call ahead to register.
Medicare Boot Camp is appropriate for anyone currently enrolled in Medicare, as well as those who will sign up in the near future. Family members who help elders may also find this class useful.
Medicare has strict enrollment periods, and this session will help participants make timely decisions about drug plans and supplemental plans as well as many other issues.
There is no fee, but donations are appreciated. For registration, directions or other details, call the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119. A separate class for human services professionals will be offered in August; for details, see www.seniorsolutionsvt.org or call the HelpLine.
Summer reading kick off party at Putney Public Library
PUTNEY - On Wednesday June 24, at 11 a.m., the Putney Public Library will kick off its youth summer reading program with a musical program by former librarian Stephen Coronella.
This year's summer reading theme is “Every Hero Has A Story,” and includes a performance of “The Hero's Journey,” a musical presentation for the whole family, which brings to life the likes of King Arthur, Johnny Appleseed, Robin Hood, and many other heroes.
Kids ages 4 to 14 can also sign up for the Putney Library Summer Reading Program, a self-paced non-competitive reading program that includes tracking how many books participants read (or had read to them) over the summer - kids can record their books at the library and add a raffle ticket for each library visit they make.
Prizes and summer reading certificates will be awarded at the Wrap-Up Ice Cream Social on Aug. 5. The summer reading program will also include weekly special story times with local heroes from the community, including firefighters, the county sheriff, and animal rescue personnel.
The library is located at 55 Main St. All events are free and open to the public.
Grafton community forum addresses alcohol, drug abuse in Vermont
GRAFTON - A community forum will take place on Thursday, June 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Grafton Elementary School to discuss alcohol and other drug abuse in Vermont.
Topics will include state and local trends and responses, the potential impacts of marijuana legalization, as well as resources to help friends and family members.
Panelists from prevention, recovery, law enforcement, and the medical community will share perspectives with a discussion and dialogue to follow. All members of the community are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Sam Battaglino at 802-843-1117 or greenmountainsam@vermontel.net.
Space still available for Newfane tag sale
NEWFANE - There are still spaces available for the Community Tag Sale, sponsored by The Friends of the Moore Free Library, to take place on the Newfane Common on Saturday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spaces cost $20 each. Sellers must provide their own tables. The sale will be held rain or shine, with no refunds given.
To reserve a space, contact Julie at 802-365-7278 or julielav@sover.net or pick up a reservation form at the library, 23 West St. The library is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
When the library is closed, those interested may pick up a form from the envelope tacked to the bulletin board on the front porch.