AIDS Project invites public to 30th Walk for Life
BRATTLEBORO - The AIDS Project of Southern Vermont is inviting the public to help raise money and awareness May 20 at its 30th annual Walk for Life.
The event, set for 10 a.m. to noon at the River Garden on Main Street, will spotlight community efforts not only to support local people living with HIV/AIDS but also to reduce the risk of transmission to others.
The Walk for Life will feature speakers, music by local singers Samirah Evans and Cyndi Cain, a brief period of remembrance, and a light lunch.
The AIDS Project, established in 1988, is encouraging individuals, businesses, churches, schools and community groups to form teams to seek contributions for its work with clients in Windham, Bennington, and southern Windsor counties.
This year's walk is sponsored by West River Family Dental, Caracal Consulting, Re-Pete Property Maintenance Service, and Brown Computer Solutions - which is donating an iPad for a $5-a-ticket raffle at the event.
For more information, contact Karen Peterson at 802-254-4444 or apsv@sover.net or visit www.firstgiving.com/AIDSProject.
Transition Dummerston plans vegetable garden program
WEST DUMMERSTON - Transition Dummerston will hold its monthly potluck and program on Friday, May 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Dummerston Community Center on West Street.
It's time for spring gardening, so the theme of the evening will be “Vegetable Gardens: Swapping Seeds, Plants and Stories.” Bring seeds and plants for a “swap,” and come with stories, questions, and curiosity about vegetable gardens.
The program for the evening will be informal, with time for socializing and swapping gardening tips and stories. Whether an experienced gardener or not, you'll find inspiration and ideas for time-tested strategies and new ideas. The program is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact TransitionDummerston@icloud.com.
Plant & Bake Sale in Guilford
GUILFORD - The Guilford Historical Society will hold a Plant & Bake Sale on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Richmond's Garage at the corner of Route 5 and Guilford Center Road across from the Guilford Country Store.
The sale will feature plants - all reasonably priced and locally raised - and a variety of baked goods from some of the best cooks in the area. Pies, cookies, and other delicacies will be offered.
The sale will benefit the society's work in maintaining the 1822 Guilford Historical Museum, the 1837 Guilford Center Meeting House, and the 1797 Brick One Room School House. The society also offers programs to the public on issues related to the town's history.
Geranium fest, book sale benefits Pratt Library
WEST DUMMERSTON - The annual Geranium Festival & Book Sale to benefit the Lydia Taft Pratt Library will be held on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St. in West Dummerston Village.
The event includes a silent auction and a Food Tent. The Windham Morris Dancers will perform at 11 a.m. For more information, call the library at 802-258-9878.
Vigil remembers loved ones lost to addiction
BRATTLEBORO - Turning Point invites the community to a candlelight vigil to remember the lives lost to addiction and share a message of hope for families who still struggle. The vigil will be held at the Brattleboro Common on Saturday, May 20, at 7 p.m., rain or shine.
The ceremony will be inclusive, involving individuals and families who have lost loved ones, people in personal recovery from addiction, community partners and colleagues in the addiction recovery field, and the community at large.
Speakers and musicians will share as part of the ceremony. People will be invited to step up to the podium to say the name of their loved one, and a bell will be rung in their honor.
Knowing that not everyone will be comfortable expressing themselves in this way, Turning Point welcomes people to bring photos, poems, or notes to represent loved ones. These will be showcased on a Memory Wall that will be assembled at the event and installed at Turning Point afterward.
After the ceremony, guests may attend an open house at Turning Point, 39 Elm St., where grief counselors and recovery coaches will guide people as they share their memories. For more information, contact Turning Point at 802-257-5600; ask for Jill or Heather.
Putney Library to hold book sale
PUTNEY - Putney Public Library, 55 Main St., will hold its annual Book Sale on Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sunday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The organizers say: “Come browse an eclectic assemblage of pre-loved books!”
All funds raised will benefit the library's programs. The library will not be open for regular library functions during this special event.
Meet Vermont's Champion White Ash
WESTMINSTER - By popular request, there will be a springtime hike to the largest White Ash in Vermont on Saturday, May 20, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The rain date is Sunday May 21, at 10 a.m.
The tree is located on Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association property off Headwaters Trail in Westminster. Since the tree is not easy to find - unless one has been there before - longtime Pinnacle Association volunteers Arthur and Carol Westing will lead hikers to it.
During this free program Arthur Westing, a forester, will discuss the characteristics of a Vermont forest and the factors that affect the health of this truly remarkable specimen, which should be on display in all its leafy glory.
Re-verified at the beginning of 2014 by Windham County Forester Bill Guenther of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, the tree grew in the ten years since its last measurement and charted a circumference of 205.2 inches and a height of 113 feet, thereby beating out two other Westminster giants for the honor of being the largest White Ash in Vermont.
Participants should wear hiking shoes, bring water, and meet at the Westminster West Church to carpool to the trailhead. Visit www.windmillhillpinnacle.org for information about other upcoming Pinnacle programs and look under Resources on the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association website for directions to the church.
Annual Newfane-Williamsville Talent Show is May 20
WILLIAMSVILLE - The annual Newfane-Williamsville Talent Show will be Saturday, May 20, at 7 p.m., in the Williamsville Hall on Dover Road.
A decades-old tradition, the show features a range of area performers, young and older. Among the acts this year will be Timson Hill Pre-schoolers; Bruce Rosow on classical guitar; David Roberts and Rob Hamm, vocalists; the Coynes, vocalists; Arik Clark, juggler; Chris Gray; vocalist; Ray and Lucinda Warren, dancers; Fred Lawrence, poet; Debbi Reed-Savory, actress; and Fred Bacon, poet.
Also, Deb Feiner and Fred Homer, duo; Bahman Mahdavi and Gary Keiser, guitar and vocals; Johanna Gardner and Dan Dewalt, vocals and piano; Danny Brooks, song and story; Jason and Siena Sperling and students, vocals and instrumental; Breeze Verdant, foot drum, vocals, acoustic guitar; Annie Landenberger, vocalist; and Ned Phoenix and Marvin Bentley, The Barnstormers.
Sound is by Breeze Verdant; lighting courtesy of the Rock River Players. A few slots remain open: to sign up, contact Johanna Gardner, Johannagardner@gmail.com.
Planned Parenthood offers volunteer training
BRATTLEBORO - Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and the Planned Parenthood Defenders Group of Southern Vermont will hold a training session on Sunday, May 21, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in conference room 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Planned Parenthood volunteers organize efforts to influence public policy regarding reproductive health care and increase community and patient awareness of PP services. For more information, contact Lisa@cozyvtcabin.com.
Emergency preparedness specialist to speak at Inclusion Center
BRATTLEBORO - Pamela Corbett, emergency preparedness specialist at the Vermont Department of Health, will be the guest speaker at The Inclusion Center on Monday, May 22, at 2 p.m., at The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St.
Corbett will discuss emergency preparedness for people with disabilities and address any health concerns participants may have.
The Inclusion Center is a no-fee program for all people who have disabilities whether mental or physical as well as those dealing with anxiety or depression. For more information, contact Julie Tamler at 802-387-5285.
Climate Change Café presents 'The Climate Challenge Deepens' with Dr. Alan Betts
BRATTLEBORO - The Climate Change Café will present, “The Climate Challenge Deepens,” with Dr. Alan Betts, on Tuesday, May 23, at 6 p.m., at Brooks Memorial Library on Main Street. As always, the Café is free. Light refreshments will be available.
Climate change is accelerating much more rapidly than scientists had predicted just a short time ago, and a recent study found that the northeast U.S. is the fastest-warming region in the contiguous 48 states.
Are we prepared for the more extreme weather that is forecast for northern latitudes and New England, in particular that includes the greater frequency and intensity of 500- and 1,000-year-storms? Does our emergency preparedness deal with the “long emergency ” of heat waves and flooding, health threats, food shortages, infrastructure destruction, and the influx of climate refugees from coastal cities? Are we on track towards an energy efficient, resilient future?
This discussion will address both the practical issues and the change of mindset needed. Betts, of Atmospheric Research in Pittsford, is Vermont's leading climate scientist. He is a frequent speaker on climate change issues around the state, and has worked on climate change adaptation planning for Vermont.
Betts is a “Weekly Planet” columnist for the weekend edition of the Rutland Herald and Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus, and has been a commentator for Vermont Public Radio. In 2016, he received the first Bert Bolin Award from the American Geophysical Union Global Environmental Change group.
The Climate Café is a project of Post Oil Solutions that convenes the fourth Tuesday of most months. For further information, contact Tim Stevenson, bereal@vermontel.net or 802-869-2141.
Friends of Brooks Memorial Library plans book sale
BRATTLEBORO - Brooks Memorial Library is accepting donations until May 22 for the book sale to be held on June 1–3. Books in good condition will be reviewed by staff for quality and suitability for the sale.
Accepted will be hardcover, soft cover, and mass market paperbacks in both fiction and nonfiction. Also: audio books on CD, music CD's, DVD's and puzzles. Children's and young adult books will also be happily accepted
Please contact the Brooks Memorial Library at 802-254-5290 for more information or with any questions about acceptable donations.
Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk at the Library during normal working hours.
SEVCA plans forum on protecting key public programs
BRATTLEBORO - Southeastern Vermont Community Action invites the public to participate in “Community in Action,” an event focused on how to protect key publicly-funded programs and reaffirm this nation's commitment to human rights, opportunity, and democracy.
This free event takes place Thursday, May 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 54 Chickering Drive. Participants can connect with more than a dozen organizations to learn about and be empowered to take action on issues such as health care, housing, hunger, fuel assistance, youth issues, fair wages, and others.
To find out more about Community in Action and to register, visit www.sevca.org or call Becky at (802) 722-4575.
Salsa party supports Jr. Iron Chefs
WILMINGTON - Calling all local salsa makers: It's time to start planning recipes for this year's South Main St. block party and salsa competition.
Whether you are a professional chef or just love to cook, the salsa competition is a great way to show off skills, win prizes, and support the Twin Valley Jr. Iron Chef program.
As the salsa competition enters its fourth year, come try to beat the reigning champion. The block party will take place on South Main Street on the evening of Sunday, May 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., with salsa music from Marka Music, dancing, activities for kids, and craft and food vendors.
Spicy, tangy, traditional, creative: Salsa comes in many varieties and all are welcome. A team may consist of one or two members. The competition is judged by the public, who for $5 will get a bowl of chips and judging tickets.
Prizes are: first place, $250; second place, $100; most creative, $50; best traditional, $50; and best display, $50. Entrants must provide at least two gallons of salsa for sampling. Proceeds go to Twin Valley Jr. Iron Chef and Wilmington Works.
Wilmington Works is also seeking vendors for the block party, including food vendors and crafters. To register as a vendor or salsa contestant and for complete details and rules visit www.wilmingtonworksvt.com.
Timson Hill plans open house
WILLIAMSVILLE - Timson Hill Preschool will host its annual Spring Festival And Open House on Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
This popular, family-friendly event includes fun activities for everyone, including a petting zoo, pony rides, a bounce house, a fire engine, a variety of arts and crafts and indoor activities, an outdoor playground, and hamburgers, hotdogs, and baked goods. Plus, the Vermont Natural History Museum will give a special presentation of live raptors.
Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family, and all proceeds go to celebrating and fostering continued success of this preschool program.
Timson Hill Preschool is a small, private, nonprofit, fully licensed and accredited preschool located in a historic one-room schoolhouse overlooking the village of Williamsville. The light-filled schoolroom and scenic grounds provide a cheerful setting for learning through cooperative and independent play as well as exploration. The school accepts children ages 3-5 years old for morning and afternoon programs.
For more information, contact Kathie at 802-348-6319 or timsonhill@myfairpoint.net, or visit www.timsonhillpreschool.org.