Around the Towns

Brattleboro Rotary paints exterior of Turning Point

BRATTLEBORO - Members of the Brattleboro Rotary Club recently donated paint and volunteer time to spruce up the exterior of Turning Point of Windham County.

“Most of the refurbished building is covered in vinyl siding, but the rest was given a perfunctory coat of paint at the end of the restoration two years ago and is in dire need of a proper paint job,” Suzie Walker, executive director of Turning Point, said in a news release. “We are grateful for the help in keeping our building in good repair.”

Turning Point of Windham County, located at 39 Elm St., across from New England Youth Theatre on Flat Street, is one of 12 recovery centers funded by the state.

It is a safe and welcoming place with activities, resources, and recovery coaching for people in recovery from all kinds of substance use and other associated disorders and their friends, families, and other loved ones.

Stroll presents Women's Expo at River Garden

BRATTLEBORO - On Thursday, May 3, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Strolling of the Heifers presents a Women's Expo at the River Garden.

Strolling of the Heifers celebrates women at this fun and casual event, which is free and open to the public.

Vendors and exhibitors will be on hand with health and wellness products and services, home goods, clothing and accessories, and more. Local women's vocal group Singcrony will perform their a cappella harmonies and syncopated rhythms throughout the evening.

Strolling of the Heifers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the food and agriculture economy by investing in the communities, businesses, farmers, and food producers that support it. For more information, visit www.strollingoftheheifers.com.

Edible Brattleboro plans clean-up day

BRATTLEBORO - Now in its fourth year, nonprofit Edible Brattleboro has scheduled a clean-up day and planting of early seeds at one of its primary “help-yourself” sites.

All who are interested in growing fresh, organic vegetables and fruit in and around town, and want to help both the community and the environment are welcome to join.

A session is scheduled for Sunday, May 6, at Turning Point, 39 Elm St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants may come any time and stay as long as they wish.

Tasks to be done include cleaning up and piling debris/trash for hauling, renewing compost and soil layer on the sheet-mulched beds, setting up pea fencing and plant peas, planting other suitable early seeds, creating and fill several container gardens, putting up new signs, handing out brochures, and signing up new volunteers.

There will be fresh veggie snacks for all, plus a seed planting activity for children. For more information or to sign up, contact Marilyn Chiarello at ediblebrattleboro@gmail.com.

Windmill Hill hosts spring wildflower walk

WESTMINSTER WEST - On Sunday, May 6, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Libby Mills and Sarah Waldo will lead a favorite program for the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association: the annual off-trail forest stroll to discover ephemeral spring wildflowers.

These seemingly delicate flowers are hardier than one might think and emerge, bloom, and set seed before larger overhead trees have fully leafed out. Every year, Pinnacle's knowledgeable hike leaders scout potential properties to locate the most evident varieties on display on the chosen program weekend.

Wildflower enthusiasts are urged to wear waterproof shoes and bring along a camera and water, and perhaps even a hand lens and wildflower book to aid in identification. Participants should meet at Westminster West Church, 44 Church St., to carpool to the mystery site. Registration is required by contacting Waldo at 802-387-6036 or sarah_waldo@hotmail.com.

South Newfane Cemetery Association to hold annual meeting

SOUTH NEWFANE - The annual meeting of the South Newfane Cemetery Association will be held Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m., at the South Newfane Church Vestry at 380 Dover Rd.

All interested parties are invited to attend.

SEON presents weatherization tips

BELLOWS FALLS - On Wednesday, May 9, the Sustainable Energy Outreach Network in partnership with the Rockingham Energy Committee will sponsor a public forum titled, “All about Weatherization: How to have a cozy home and save money along the way.”

The Forum takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Rockingham Free Public Library, 65 Westminster St. A $5 donation is encouraged.

Experts from the HEAT Squad - Melanie Paskevich, program director, and Corey Trimmer, certified energy auditor - will walk participants through the steps from beginning to end. The average HEAT Squad customer saves $900 a year. Insulation and air sealing can make homes more comfortable in every season.

To help SEON plan for this event, register by sending an email to admin@seon.info or calling 802- 376-9262. For more details, go to www.seon.info/public-forums.

Mother's Day brunch served in Guilford

GUILFORD - Broad Brook Grange will present its 22nd annual Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Broad Brook Community Center in Guilford.

The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and omelettes, 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.

Broad Brook Community Center is now the owner of the 1896 building, with the Broad Brook Grange organization as a partner.

In addition to events such as this brunch during the year, the Grange continues to sponsor the Guilford Center Stage theater productions, and also provides an annual scholarship to a college-bound Guilford student, and a dictionary to every third-grader at Guilford Central School.

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 only brunch at the Community Center for 2018, due to building renovations beginning in June. Broad Brook Community Center is at 3940 Guilford Center Road, 4 miles west of the Guilford Country Store. For more information, call 802-257-1961.

Docents needed at Rockingham Meetinghouse

ROCKINGHAM - As the Rockingham Meetinghouse prepares to open for the 2018 season, the town is looking for one or more persons willing to work as docents at this National Historic Landmark.

The meetinghouse, constructed between 1787 and 1801, is the oldest public building in Vermont that still exists in a condition close to its original state. It served as both a place of worship and the town hall until 1869 and was then abandoned for several decades before its restoration in 1906.

The meetinghouse today is owned by the Town of Rockingham and is open to the public daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. The role of the docents is to guide visitors and offer additional information about the architecture and history of the building.

Those applying must be available to work one or two days per week, including Saturdays, throughout the season. An interest in local history and the ability to interact with visitors are required. Training will be offered. Those interested should contact Gary Fox, Rockingham Development Director, at 802-376-5425 or development@rockbf.org.

Book donations needed for Geranium Festival & Book Sale

DUMMERSTON - The Lydia Taft Pratt Library is accepting donations of hardcover and paperback books, CDs, and DVDs, for the annual Geranium Festival & Book Sale on May 19.

All donations should be in good, saleable condition. No textbooks. Bring all books, CDs, and DVDs to the library, located in the Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St., West Dummerston, during library hours: Tuesdays, 2:30 to 7 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the library at 802-258-9878.

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