Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel meets Nov. 12
VERNON - The next meeting of the Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the cafetorium at the Vernon Elementary School on Governor Hunt Road.
At the meeting, the panel will receive decommissioning updates from the state of Vermont and Entergy, including a status report from Entergy on the Vernont Yankee Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund and the Spent Fuel Management Plan.
The panel seeks written comment from the public on the advisory opinions that will be discussed and voted on at the Nov. 12 meeting. Written comments may be emailed to the panel at PSD.NDCAP@vermont.gov.
For the meeting agenda and advisory opinions, visit publicservice.vermont.gov/topics/electric/nuclear#NDCAP.
Special meals at the Senior Center
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Senior Center and Brattleboro Senior Meals are pleased to announce the November Birthday Luncheon Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 11:30 a.m. at the Gibson Aiken Center, 207 Main St.
Join them for a meal of appetizers, punch, baked ham, scalloped potatoes, and turnips and carrots, with cake and ice cream for dessert. Those with November birthdays are invited to celebrate the occasion by sitting at the birthday table and waiving their donation for the day. They may invite one guest to sit with them, and that guest is encouraged to make the regular donation.
The suggested donation for seniors 60 and older is $4. All others $6. Entertainment is provided.
The annual Thanksgiving Luncheon is served on Thursday, Nov. 19. The menu includes appetizers, roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, assorted bread, and assorted pies. Appetizers are served at 11:30 a.m.
Suggested donation for seniors over 60 is $4. All others $6.50.
Reserve your space for both meals at 802-257-1236 or 802-257-7570.
Next WBA Meeting is Nov. 12
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The next monthly meeting of the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) is preceded by a potluck supper held at the home of Tom and Cecile French, 123 Juniper Ridge Road, on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 PM.
Members of the WBA and guests, including West B residents and business owners, are invited to bring something to share with their neighbors and join in the meeting afterward.
After a review of the treasury report and updates on the status of welcome signs and the outdoor cinema initiative, the WBA will take up having its annual Holiday Party in December.
Initiating a West B welcome letter is also on the agenda, as is discussion about whether (and if so, how) to seek new money to support the Neighborhoods Fund.
There will be an update on the WBA's project submission for the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) along with discussion on planning for an economic development forum.
If you are interested in attending the November meeting and would like directions to the French home, call Michael at 802-258-6475.
Hunters' Breakfast served at NewBrook firehouse
NEWFANE - The NewBrook Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary hosts its annual Hunters' Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 10 a.m. at NewBrook Fire House on Route 30. On the menu: scrambled eggs, pancakes, smoked bacon, sausage, home fries, homemade donuts, coffee, and orange juice.
The auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for a Thanksgiving basket to be raffled off at the Nov. 21 bingo game at NewBrook Firehouse. You need not be present to win.
Noted Buddhist Stephen Batchelor to speak in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - Stephen Batchelor, an internationally known meditation teacher and best-selling author, is set to speak in Brattleboro on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Centre Congregational Church on Main Street.
Batchelor, a former monk in the Tibetan and Zen traditions, is a contributing editor of Tricycle and has authored nearly a dozen books including such provocative titles as Buddhism without Beliefs, The Faith to Doubt, and the soon-to-be-released After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age.
Batchelor, who lives in France and lectures and conducts meditation retreats worldwide, will speak at a special Vermont Insight Meditation Center program open to all. To register, visit www.vermontinsight.org or call 802-254-7077.
Christmas bazaar in Saxtons River
SAXTONS RIVER - The 59th annual Christmas Stocking Bazaar will be held at Christ's Church on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be delicious baked goods and preserves in the Food Pantry, with homemade apple pies that can be purchased frozen and ready to bake for your holiday dessert.
Vintage jewelry and linens will be for sale, along with a variety of handmade creations including knitted items (sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves), fabric items (bags, pot holders, aprons), and Christmas ornaments.
Tickets for raffles of 150 gallons of fuel oil from Cota & Cota and surprise items can be purchased at the Bazaar at $3 each or 6 for $15 with the raffle drawing at 1p.m.
A silent auction of selected items will also be held. Arts & crafts fun will be available for children. Purchase a gift of time and talent, such as a meal prepared, yard work done, or computer assistance rendered.
Stop by the Tea Room for a snack or lunch accompanied by Christmas carols from Eric Robinson on piano. The church is wheelchair accessible through the back door on River Street.
Hunters' Supper served in Stratton
STRATTON - Wardsboro Fire & Rescue will host a Hunters' Supper at the Stratton Town Hall, 9 West Jamaica Road, on Saturday, Nov. 14, starting at 5 p.m.
The menu includes roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, squash, creamed onions, cole slaw, homemade rolls, and homemade pies. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 13. Take-out meals will be available. All proceeds benefit the Wardsboro Fire and Rescue.
Asian Cultural Center of Vermont presents Diwali festival
BRATTLEBORO - Asian Cultural Center of Vermont (ACCVT) presents Diwali New Year Festival of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka downtown at the art space at 118 Elliott St. on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
All ages are welcome to this family-friendly, free event (donations are welcome). Join in the community dance to learn, express, or just watch. No prior experience is needed. There will be henna decoration and potluck refreshments. For more information, contact Adam Silver at 802-257-7898 or allAsia@accvt.org.
Historical Society celebrates downtown
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Historical Society celebrates the many ages and stages of downtown with a slide show at its annual meeting on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. at its History Center on 196 Main St.
Four years ago, newspapers statewide reported a seemingly insurmountable fire at the Brooks House. This fall, Vermont Life trumpets the building's resurrection with a “Miracle on Main Street” cover story. The Historical Society program will illustrate how that Main Street change is just one of many over the past years, decades, and centuries.
Since its founding in 1982, the Historical Society has worked to shelter and share locally significant facts and artifacts so that present and future generations can learn from the past.
The all-volunteer group maintains a History Center at downtown's Masonic building (open Thursday and Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.), a Municipal Center research/resource room (open Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon) and the Jeremiah Beal House in West Brattleboro.
For more information, call 802-258-4957, write histsoc@sover.net, or visit brattleborohistoricalsociety.org.
Advance-care planning workshop offered
BRATTLEBORO - On Monday Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., Brattleboro Area Hospice and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will co-sponsor a free public workshop on Advance Care Planning as part of the Wellness in Windham educational series. It will be held in the Brew Barry conference room.
Many know about the need to complete advance directives. If a serious illness or accident leaves you unable to communicate, an advance directive becomes your voice. It tells those you love and your healthcare providers what you would want them to do for you. An advance directive is a gift to your loved ones - preventing them from the heart-rending burden of having to second-guess your wishes.
In this workshop, participants will get familiar with the range of terms and their consequences, gain clarity about the many health care choices that are possible so you can align them with your values and wishes, and learn how to ensure that your directive will be followed.
The workshop is facilitated by Joanna Rueter, LICSW, and Suzanne Baxtresser, RN. For more information, visit www.brattleborohospice.org or call Rueter at 257-0775, ext. 101.
Senior lunch in West Dummerston
WEST DUMMERSTON - Dummerston Cares hosts a senior luncheon and program on Monday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St.
After a free, light lunch at 11 a.m., the program begins at 11:30. Priscilla Svec, Dummerston resident and a physical therapist, will speak on exercises for seniors that can be done at home during the winter months. Janice Duke will talk about the current Bone Builders program held in the Dummerston Congregational Church, twice a week, Monday and Thursday morning from 9:30 to 10:30.
All seniors are welcome. Organizers appreciate guests calling ahead so they can get a headcount for the lunch. Call Jean 802-254-9212 or Shirley at 802-254-2249.
Forum examines modern wood heating systems
BRATTLEBORO - Windham Wood Heat Initiative (WWHI) will hold a free information forum on modern wood heating systems on Monday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Marlboro College Graduate Center, 28 Vernon St.
Modern wood heating systems are low-emission, high-efficiency systems that provide much of the convenience of conventional fossil fuel boilers - without the fossil fuels. Heating with locally sourced, sustainably harvested, and renewable wood pellets provides numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits.
The WWHI is a program funded through the Public Service Department's Clean Energy Development Fund. The program is led by a consortium of local and regional partners that formed to assist municipal and school buildings convert to heating with local, sustainable wood while addressing those buildings' energy efficiency and durability needs.
This work is part of a greater vision to build local economic capacity and turn Windham County into a hub of modern wood heat. This comprehensive approach to economic development of wood heat includes integration of a robust supply chain infrastructure and expanded local markets, all of which is supported by highly trained professionals.
For more information about WWHI or to register for the public forum, contact Guy Payne at 802-376-9262 or guy@seon.info.
DPS plans public hearing in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - The Vermont Department of Public Service (DPS) was asked by the Legislature to provide a report by Dec. 15, analyzing the structure of its Public Advocacy Division and whether alternate structures could result in improved benefits for utility ratepayers.
DPS will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Brattleboro Union High School Multipurpose Room, 131 Fairground Road, to solicit input.
DPS also welcomes written comments from any Vermont residents. Comments should be received by Nov. 30.
The purpose of the report is to examine the structure of the public advocacy function of the department, rather than any specific positions that DPS has taken. Comments directly addressing the structure of the public advocate's office will be most relevant and helpful.
E-mail comments to Wayne.Jortner@vermont.gov or send them to Vermont Department of Public Service, 112 State St., Montpelier, VT 05620.
Timson Hill Preschool to hold open house
WILLIAMSVILLE - Timson Hill Preschool, 13 Timson Hill, invites everyone to their Family Fun and Literacy Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Come enjoy a free spaghetti dinner and free books.
Librarian Louise Sirois from the Moore Free Library will give a short talk at 5:30 p.m. about literacy, the importance of reading, pre-reading activity ideas, and what to read. She will give away books, then settle down in a corner and read stories to children while families enjoy the spaghetti dinner.
Parents and teachers will be on hand to speak with prospective families about what they feel makes Timson Hill a distinctive preschool experience. Timson Hill, a family cooperative, is a small, private, nonprofit, fully licensed and accredited preschool located in an historic schoolhouse overlooking the village of Williamsville.
The light-filled schoolroom and scenic grounds, including trails, fields, and even a frog pond, provide a cheerful setting for learning through cooperative and independent play and exploration.
Timson Hill is accepting new enrollment for 2015-2016. Children aged 3-5 are welcome to enroll for two-, three-, four-, and five-day morning and afternoon programs, including before and aftercare.
The preschool also offers 10 free hours per week, a result of Act 166 state funding. It is offered to students residing in the towns of Brookine, Jamaica, Marlboro, Newfane, Stratton, Townshend, and Wardsboro in the district of Windham Central.
For more information, contact Kathie Gatto-Gurney at 802-348-6319 or timsonhill@myfairpoint.net.
RSVP seeks new senior volunteers
BRATTLEBORO - Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) is a nationwide organization of more than 400,000 senior volunteers 55 and older helping to fill unmet needs in their communities, especially the elderly and disadvantaged.
They are an active community of seniors helping fellow seniors stay healthy, independent, and able to enjoy life longer at home. A wide variety of volunteer positions are available with local non-profits, schools, senior centers, hospitals, and food pantries.
Your help is needed to provide rides to medical appointments, deliver food and meals, literacy work in schools, food shelf support, AARP-sponsored tax help, and Red Cross blood drives.
If you can give just two hours each week, this can make a huge difference in people's lives. Transportation is one of the organization's biggest challenges, and RSVP offers supplemental insurance to drivers while in service. Call or come meet with the RSVP volunteer coordinator and learn about opportunities around Windham County.
The local RSVP office is at 974 Western Ave. in the historic Jeremiah Beal House in West Brattleboro. To arrange an appointment to meet, register, and get started, aall 802-254-7515.