Blasting scheduled for I-91 bridge project
BRATTLEORO - Blasting operations on the north side of the new Interstate 91 bridge will begin the week of Aug. 3.
Roughly 15 separate 10-minute blasts will be needed to complete the work. The blasting will be conducted on weekdays for approximately three weeks; the target time for the blasts is between 1:30 to 2 p.m.
The contractor will need 5 minutes to verify clear lanes of travel. To ensure travelers' safety, rolling roadblocks will be implemented on I-91 in each direction. Sound impacts associated with the blasting will be minimal.
A new text alert system for this project makes it possible to receive text notifications of I-91 r a.m.p closings, closings of I-91, closings of Route 30, and any other situations regarding time-sensitive, project-related traffic issues. People can sign up for this service by texting 313131 with the keyword “I91Brat,” or by using the signup widget on the project website www.i91brattleborobridge.com.
Transition Dummerston hosts monthly potluck, program
DUMMERSTON - Transition Dummerston will hold its monthly Potluck and Program on Friday, July 31, from 6-8:30 p.m., at the Dummerston Community Center on West Street in West Dummerston.
The program will be an open conversation around the question, “How are we responding to climate change?” Many indications and impacts of climate change, can now be seen and there are many different ways to respond: changes in our daily habits of food and energy use, political activism, and others. What are people doing to respond to this, on personal and household levels, to better support each other to adapt, be resilient and curb the impacts of climate change?
The potluck supper will begin at 6 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m. Transition Dummerston is part of the international Transition Town movement building local resilience and well-being in the face of climate, energy and economic challenges. For more information, contact Susal at 802-275-7449.
Relive the Indian Wars at Grafton Historical Society
GRAFTON - Just what went on in the Connecticut River Valley region before our farms and villages were ever settled? Find out at the Grafton Historical Society's Aug. 4 special presentation “Indian Wars of New England” at 7 p.m. in the historic White Church on Main Street.
Noted author Michael J. Tougias will provide a visual journey through the conflicts between New England's native Americans and colonists. He will take the audience on a historic journey from the Pilgrims' first arrival to the closing days of the French and Indian War as both fought for control of this area.
Although a charter for colonization of the Vermont-New Hampshire segment of the Connecticut River Valley was first given in 1754 by King George, the break out of wars with the Indians forestalled any settlements. A charter was reissued after the wars in 1763, but many of the settlements were not established until the 1780s. So what was happening along these rivers and in these woods during 20 plus years of little development?
Using slides of maps, battle sites, roadside history, and period drawings, Tougias will take the audience on a journey though the Pequot, King Philip's, and French and Indian Wars and describes how our local rivers were used as “highways” to the battle.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council and supported by the Grafton Historical Society. For more information, contact the Grafton Historical Society at grafthis@vermontel.net or call 802-843-2584.
Boys & Girls Club present annual Duck Derby
BRATTLEBORO - The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro and the Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department presents the 22nd annual Duck Derby on Wednesday Aug. 5 at Living Memorial Park.
All events start at 4 p.m. There will be face painting, cardboard boat building and race, free swimming, music, and dinner provided by the 99 Restaurant.
The Duck Pluck starts just before 6 p.m. You can “adopt” your ducks at Brattleboro Savings & Loan, River Valley Credit Union and The Boys & Girls Club on Flat Street. You can also “adopt” that afternoon at the park. Ducks are $5 each, or 5 ducks for $20 or 50 ducks for $100. For more information, contact The Boys & a.m.p; Girls Club at 254-5990, ext. 4.
Newfane Garden Club to visit Bridge of Flowers
NEWFANE - The Newfane Garden club will travel to Shelburne Falls, Mass., on Thursday, Aug. 6, to spend some time admiring the plantings on the famous Bridge of Flowers.
Members should bring their own bag lunch or enjoy lunch at one of the small cafes and restaurants in town. Members will meet at the Newfane Congregational Church to carpool at 9:30 a.m. Guests are always welcome.
Pinnacle trail guides now available
SAXTONS RIVER - Have guests coming and want something special to do? The Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association has self-guiding nature brochures for two of its many trails. These guides present information about their specific territory that will enhance any hike.
The Pinnacle hiking system features 20 miles of trails running from Putney Mountain to Grafton. The Holden Trail, leading to the magnificent Pinnacle outlook (and a great spot for a picnic), offers “A Walk through Time.” The Martin Sanctuary has long and short versions of the nature guide for its Dunn Nature Trail.
Feel free to borrow the guides and then return them to their protected box at the appropriate trailhead when through. Find maps and directions to all trailheads at www.windmillhillpinnacle.org under “Trails & Maps.”
Certificate in Nonprofit Management now offered in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - The Marlboro College Center for New Leadership has announced a fall 2015 cohort of the highly regarded Certificate in Nonprofit Management to take place in Brattleboro.
This 80-hour series helps nonprofit leaders develop the essential skills needed to strengthen their organizations and achieve their missions.
Classes meet for 10 consecutive Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Marlboro Graduate Center, 28 Vernon Street, beginning Sept. 25. Various sources of financial aid are available to support nonprofit participation in this program. To find out more about the Certificate in Nonprofit Management, contact program coordinator Kim Lier at klier@gradschool.marlboro.edu, or 802-251-7690.
Registration is open at nonprofit.marlboro.edu.