Workshop looks at off-the-grid ideas for dealing with power outages
PUTNEY - What do you do when the power goes out? Even if you have a Solar PV system, if it is grid tied, there isn't much you can do but wait it out.
A presentation on May 24 at the Putney Community Center will offer two innovative solutions for water and power needs during a power outage. From 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., Dan Foster will talk about how to access well water during power outages using a frost-free hand pump. From 6:20 to 7:30 p.m., Helen Bruno of Green Mountain Power will talk about GMP's new Tesla Powerwall, which offers seamless backup power.
For more information on both talks, contact Daniel Hovis at daniel@putney.net.
Wildflower extravaganza with John Anderson in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON - The Dummerston Conservation Commission will present a free photographic talk, “Wildflower Extravaganza,” on Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m., at the Dummerston Congregational Church (intersection of East-West and Middle roads).
John Anderson will show slides and speak about the wildflowers he has discovered and photographed in and around Dummerston. Anderson has catalogued more than 700 wildflowers and plants. Light refreshments will be served.
Healing Walk at Manitou
WILLIAMSVILLE - The Manitou Project will hold a Healing Walk on Friday, May 25, from 4 to p.m. The meditative walk on Manitou's Sanctuary Trail will be led by Fred Taylor, and will include poems or other readings, and chances to share about the experience. Rain or Shine. Healing walks will be held every second and fourth Friday of each month until October.
The Manitou Project seeks to foster community with nature on its 235 acre land preserve in Williamsville, located at 300 Sunset Lake Rd. Directions: go 1.4 miles up Sunset Lake Road from Williamsville Village, sign on right. Or approximately 5 miles over the top on Sunset Lake Road from Route 9. Meet at the parking lot at 4 p.m. For information, contact Taylor at 802-387-2681.
Scholarships are available for Marlboro youths
MARLBORO - The Marlboro Alliance reminds Marlboro residents of the May 25 deadline for applications for their annual scholarships.
Residents of Marlboro who have school-aged children (K-12) attending educational enrichment programs this summer or moving up to college/vocational school in the fall may apply for small scholarships provided by the Marlboro Alliance. Details at marlboroalliance.org.
Newfane Garden Club to hold plant sale
NEWFANE - On Saturday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Newfane Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on the Newfane Common.
There will be a wide assortment of perennials to choose from. Proceeds from the plant sale help fund the club's scholarship program. Homemade snacks will also be available.
Westminster hosts community plant sale
WESTMINSTER WEST - On Saturday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Westminster Community Plant Sale will be held at the Westminster West Schoolhouse. The event continues to offer a broad selection of traditional and exotic perennials, annuals, herbs, trees, and flowering shrubs.
A wide variety of bloomers and edibles will be available at very favorable prices. Proceeds support numerous programs for area children. In addition to plants, there will be the traditional bake sale with its renowned hot maple chai.
Those interested in supporting this long-time benefit may drop potted and labeled plants on the left side of the porch of the Westminster West School, any time before the sale. Baked-goods deliveries will be gratefully accepted on the morning of the event, after 8 a.m.
In case of heavy rain, the sale will take place on Sunday at the same time. Stop by to explore all the offerings or to discuss the exciting new “Studio Y” program, promoting alternative learning for all Westminster Center School students.
Homemade pies for sale in Guilford
GUILFORD - A spring tradition, the Memorial Day Weekend Pie Sale of the Guilford Community Church will be held on Saturday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the corner of Route 5 and Guilford Center Road.
In addition to homemade apple, strawberry rhubarb, pecan, pumpkin, and specialty pies, the church's famous baked beans and potato salad will be sold.
All proceeds benefit the church, which actively supports over 15 local programs that serve the community including Hospice and Meals on Wheels.
From Interstate 91's Exit 1 in Brattleboro, head south on Route 5, just before the Guilford Country Store to Richmond Auto Repair.
Volunteers needed for cemetery clean-up
BRATTLEBORO - The newly created Friends of Brattleboro Cemeteries would love to have some volunteer help on Sunday, May 27, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Prospect Hill Cemetery on South Main Street. Meet at the corner of Thomas and South Main streets.
Volunteers will be doing general maintenance work trimming overgrowth. Bring gardening shears, gloves, etc. There is no need for rakes or shovels at this time. The town does the mowing.
In a note to The Commons, Mary H. White reported that a small group including two high school students worked at Prospect Hill for the first time on May 19 and that there wasn't any vandalism in the small area they worked on.
She wrote that there are a fair number of tipping or tipped gravestones, but it appears this is more from old age and settling ground than people tipping them. “As we progress along with this project, we hope to receive training on how to fix these gravestones, but that might be a ways down the road,” she wrote.
Vendors sought for Fourth of July
SAXTONS RIVER - The Saxtons River Fourth of July committee is seeking vendors for its celebration.
For-profit and nonprofit groups are invited to set up booths on Main Street for the event, which draws about 1,000 parade-goers. Applications are available by contacting Krystal Hernandez at kmhernand@gmail.com or (802) 376-4361.
The day's events include a 5K road race, parade, after-parade bandstand entertainment, food and game booths, a firefighters' water polo game, hula hoop, egg toss, and pie contests and a giant musical-chairs contest.
Further information will be available on the Saxtons River Fourth of July Facebook page closer to the date.