Brattleboro winter parking ban is lifted
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Parking Department says the winter parking ban has ended for the season. Overnight parking will be allowed on all streets, except in the downtown area.
Overnight parking is never allowed on the following streets: Main, High, Elliot (from School to Main streets), Flat, Canal (from the Plaza to #63), Church, Elm, Grove, and Harris Place.
For further information, contact Parking Enforcement Coordinator Carol Coulombe at the Parking Office at 802-257-2305, ext. 178.
Philosophy, attributes of CSAs are topics of Dummerston talk
DUMMERSTON - Farmer Elizabeth Wood, who started New Leaf CSA in 2002, will speak at the Dummerston Historical Society quarterly meeting and program on Thursday, April 19, at the Society's Schoolhouse on Middle Road in Dummerston Center.
The business meeting will be at 7 p.m., followed by Wood's talk at 7:30 p.m. She will discuss the philosophy and attributes of Community Supported Agriculture in general and, in particular, the founding of her own farm, New Leaf CSA, on Dutton Farm Road, where she grows over 6 acres of vegetables, herbs, and flowers for 100 member families.
The farm relies on organic practices such as incorporating compost and biological pest controls. Wood never uses synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, or plants genetically modified crops.
Dummerston Historical Society welcomes all visitors, and the building is handicapped accessible. Refreshments will be served. Call 802-254-9311 for more information.
Chant workshop at St. Michael's Episcopal
BRATTLEBORO - All are invited to “Chanting the Daily Office: A Contemplative Practice Using The Book of Common Prayer,” a workshop to be held on Friday, April 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the sanctuary, and on Saturday, April 21, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in the meeting room of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave.
Participants will explore the rich history of chant, how to read musical notations in the Psalms and the different portions of the services, and how to find appropriate readings.
The workshop will be led by Valerie Abrahamsen, Th.D., a St. Michael's parishioner and choir member and longtime associate of the Society of St. Margaret in Duxbury, Mass. Attendees are encouraged to attend both sessions, although a short review of the Friday material will take place at the Saturday session. Participants don't need extensive musical background and the workshop is free and open to all.
Earth Day walk explores vernal pools
WESTMINSTER WEST - For Earth Day, Saturday, April 21, Becky Chalmers, Wetland Ecologist for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, will lead a guided walk to examine some vernal pools and the fascinating creatures that depend upon them for survival and reproduction. This family-oriented program will run from 10 a.m. to noon. Chalmers will discuss the different animals found in vernal pools and Vermont's rules to protect those special places and their inhabitants. Last year's discoveries included fingernail clams, fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, and wood frogs.
All ages are welcome, and participants should wear waterproof boots. Meet at Westminster West Church at 44 Church Street in Westminster to carpool to the mystery site. No bug repellent is allowed on your hands if you wish to handle any of the creatures.
Register at 802-869-1166 or at chalmersbecky@yahoo.com or wilsonupaul@gmail.com. Check www.windmillhillpinnacle.org closer to the event to make sure there is no change in the meeting location or to learn about other free programs offered by the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association.
National Geographic Explorer hosts documentary about lions at Latchis
BRATTLEBORO - In honor of Earth Day, CLAWS (Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably) Conservancy will present a free screening of Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the Namib in the Latchis Theatre on Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m.
The award-winning documentary by Will and Lianne Steenkamp follows five male lions in their journey from newborn cubs to adulthood. The unforgiving climate of the Namib desert, which stretches for more than 1,200 miles along the Atlantic coast of the African continent, has pushed these lions to the brink of extinction. The lessons learned by the “Five Musketeers” are key to the pride's survival.
Following the film, Dr. Andrew Stein will discuss efforts to protect lions in their natural habitat. Stein is a National Geographic Explorer and an assistant professor of natural science at Landmark College. He founded the CLAWS Conservancy to help promote coexistence between African communities and large predators.
To reserve a seat for this free event, send an email to info@clawsconservancy.org. Donations for use in the conservation of lions will be accepted. Some scenes in Vanishing Kings maybe be unsuitable for children under 13 years old. Viewer discretion is advised.
Restorative justice training offered in South Newfane
SOUTH NEWFANE - Restorative Community Justice of Southern Vermont will offer a free restorative-practice training on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Old Schoolhouse in South Newfane.
Restorative practice is a way to resolve conflicts and repair relationships by enabling the conflicted parties to fully express their thoughts and needs, while being able to fully listen to the thoughts and needs of the other party. This work is recognized as a valuable way to resolve conflicts, and is being used increasingly by Vermont schools and by the Vermont Department of Corrections.
This training will teach you about the practice, and how to facilitate a Restorative Conference. Once trained, participants can volunteer for RCJSV or simply enjoy the benefits of learning the methods involved in the practice. The training is free, but an RSVP to rcjsvt@gmail.com or a call to Dan DeWalt at 802-348-7701 is requested.
Thrift shop offers end-of-season sale
WEST TOWNSHEND - On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 20, 21, and 22, the Thrift Shop at the West Townshend Country Store will hold a special end-of-season sale. Customers can fill up bags with items of their choice for $2 per bag. Items include clothing and shoes for men, women, and children, as well as household items and baby equipment.
Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. All proceeds from Thrift Shop sales benefit the nonprofit West River Community Project. The Thrift Shop is located on the second floor of the West Townshend Country Store at the intersection of Route 30 and Windham Hill Road.
VTC nursing students host bone marrow drive
BRATTLEBORO - The Honor Society of Vermont Technical College's ADN Nursing Program in Brattleboro, in partnership with Rutland Regional Medical Center and Be the Match Registry, will host a Bone Marrow Drive in the Brooks House Atrium on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Donors need to be between the ages of 18 and 44 years old, and may register with just a bit of paperwork and a cheek swab.
According to bethematch.org, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia every four minutes in the U.S. The only hope for many individuals with blood cancers, like leukemia or other blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, is a marrow transplant. Bone marrow donations save lives.
For more information, contact Kerry Ellis at 802-747-8867 or kellis@rrmc.org, or Leslie Underwood at Leslie.Underwood@vtc.vsc.edu.
Dummerston Cares hosts Aging Well program
DUMMERSTON - Dummerston Cares will be doing a program on Aging Well on Sunday, April 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., downstairs at the Dummerston Congregational Church.
John Wilcox, Tom Zopf, and Mary Lou Schmidt will begin the discussion by sharing what aging well means to them, how they're aging in their own lives, and the keys to aging well that work for them.
Some of the keys that will be identified and discussed are: recognition of the benefits and rewards of growing old; staying physically active in ways that work for oneself; ongoing learning and being creative with one's aging brain; staying connected to others; doing for others in the sharing of one's gifts and wisdom; connecting with the natural world; facing illness and chronic health conditions in positive ways; dealing with end-of-life issues; enjoying life; and being grateful.
Refreshments will follow the discussion. All who are interested are invited to come and share their thoughts with others. For more information, contact Bill Schmidt at 802-257-0233 or elysian2@svcable.net.
Spring lectures on Rumi and the Quran continue
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Chapter of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces the fourth in its Spring series of lectures, to be held on Monday, April 23. The lectures' general subject is “Reading the Qur'an with Rumi.”
Jalaluddin Rumi, the thirteenth-century Muslim contemplative who is today one of the best-selling poets in America, considers the Quran a map of the self and the Quranic stories as containing wisdom that can lead to a life of happiness and flourishing.
In this Monday's lecture, Amer Latif, a professor of religious studies at Marlboro College, will examine the Quranic story of Moses and Pharaoh.
The Osher Lectures are held on six successive Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon at the New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat St., Brattleboro. Parking and handicapped access are available, and light refreshments are served at the lectures. For further information, contact Julie Lavorgna at 802-365-7278 or julielavorgna@gmail.com.
BMH Auxiliary to host annual spring event
BRATTLEBORO - At this year's Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Annual Spring event, writer, speaker, and educator, Deborah Luskin, Ph.D., will focus on “Living in the Middle Ages of the 21st Century” on Tuesday, April 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Brattleboro Country Club.
The Middle Ages typically refer to the historical period in Europe that began with the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire followed by the invasion of the barbarians. These Middle Ages are generally divided into three periods: Early, High, and Late.
Luskin will argue that human Middle Ages in the contemporary era progress in reverse, beginning with the departure of the barbarians, when the kids leave the nest. The High period takes place anywhere from the ages of 40 to 80, when those with good health and a little money can enjoy life as never before.
Unlike history, humans don't advance away from Antiquity, but head toward it. She will talk about the joys of accepting aging, enjoying it, and preparing for the end.
Tickets are $20 per person, and a reception of hearty appetizers will be served. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Barb Henry at 802-257-0688 or barb-dave.henry@comcast.net.
Climate Café will present talk by Rich Holschuh
BRATTLEBORO - The Climate Café will host Rich Holschuh, who will offer a perspective on how indigenous people view the climate crisis that is currently enfolding our planet.
The Café will take place on Tuesday, April 24, at 6 p.m., at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St. As always, the Café is free. Light refreshments will be available.
By way of exploring an indigenous perspective on today's environmental challenges, Holschuh will consider the original people of our immediate region, the Sokoki Abenaki, and their relationship with the land and water, as an exemplar. He will take a look at how colonization began, and continues, to effect change and for whom.
He will examine the cultural values of relationship and reciprocity, exemplified through connection and community, and how this differs from the mainstream dominant culture. Lastly, a parallel will be made between the larger, better-known actions for positive change, such as DAPL and Standing Rock, and similar situations and needs in our own area.
Holschuh is a Windham County resident of Mi'kmaq and European heritage and an indigenous cultural researcher. He serves on the Vermont Commission for Native American Affairs and as a public liaison for the Elnu Abenaki Tribe.
The Climate Café is a project of Post Oil Solutions that convenes the fourth Tuesday of most months. For further information, contact Tim Stevenson at bereal@vermontel.net or 802-869-2141.
Moore Free Library offers college scholarships
NEWFANE - Moore Free Library is offering a total of $12,000 in scholarships, generously funded by the family of the late Robert L. Crowell. These awards are open to graduating high school seniors residing in Brookline, Newfane, South Newfane, and Williamsville who will be entering their first year of college, community college, trade or vocational post-secondary education in the Fall of 2018.
The scholarship committee will consider academics, personal growth, and community contributions.
Applications should include the printed cover page, a brief autobiography (including plans for continued study and the name of the schools to which they have gained acceptance), high school transcript, and a minimum of two letters of reference.
Application packets are available at the Moore Free Library, 23 West St. Completed applications should be submitted by May 15, 2018, to: Board of Trustees, Moore Free Library, P.O. Box 208, Newfane, VT 05345.
The number of scholarships awarded and the award amounts will be determined by the applications received.