Around the Towns

Joan Rater presents 'Transforming My Family' at Next Stage

PUTNEY - Next Stage Arts Project, 15 Kimball Hill, presents speaker Joan Rater on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation ($10 suggested) at the door.

“Transforming My Family” is the television writer's frank and humorous talk about having a transgender son and her family's journey to “understanding, acceptance and, ultimately, a kind of grace that made them all closer and stronger,” organizers write.

A writer and show runner on “Grey's Anatomy” with husband Tony Phelan, Rater hopes to educate people on transgender identity as well as discuss her struggles for more transgender visibility on TV.

Senior meal served in Halifax

HALIFAX - The monthly senior meal is Halifax will be served at noon on June 8 at the community hall at 20 Brook Rd., West Halifax.

On the menu: fruit with cottage cheese, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, and dessert. All seniors are welcome. Sponsored by Senior Solutions.

Spring vintage camper rally this weekend

EAST DUMMERSTON - The Brattleboro North KOA Campground, 1238 US Route 5, is hosting its 13th Vintage Camper Rally on the weekend of June 8-10.

A free open house on Saturday, June 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., will let visitors explore approximately 45 fully restored and outfitted campers, including Airstreams, Scottys, Shastas, and teardrops. Their proud owners look forward to sharing their search and restoration stories. Some will have vintage items and crafts for sale.

Cameras are welcome. People-friendly and pet-friendly, leashed canines are welcome. For further information, call 802-254-5908.

Safe Place Child Advocacy Center to host youth fishing derby

GUILFORD - Safe Place Child Advocacy Center will host its second annual youth fishing derby on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Sportsmen, Inc. at 2081 Creamery Rd. in Guilford, Vermont.

In addition to catching some from Sportsmen's pond, kids will also have the chance to win prizes from local businesses. Food and drinks will be available as well. The first 50 kids to show up will receive a coupon for a McDonald's sundae.

Kids age 3 and older are invited to attend. The cost is $10 per child. Questions may be directed to Mike Shaughnessy at 802-380-0443 or mshags@sover.net.

'Noonlight in Vermont' celebrates United Way's 60th

DUMMERSTON - To celebrate six decades of caring and community, United Way of Windham County cordially invites everyone to a “Noonlight in Vermont” brunch at rustic Scott Farm on Kipling Road on Sunday, June 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Music will be provided by Brattleboro Music Center, with food from Sharon Myers Catering and libations by Hazel.

At this event, United Way of Windham County will reflect on the past 60 years, reaffirm its commitment to the community, and speak about “what we love and what we wish for in our Windham County,” event organizers write.

Tickets are $60 per person. Limited seating is available. Tickets may obtained at www.unitedwaywindham.org.

Woodland conservation is topic of Putney talk

PUTNEY - “Before It's Too Late: Conserving New England's Forests and Farmlands,” a free talk by conservationist Dr. Spencer Meyer, will take place on Sunday, June 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hill.

In 2017, researchers from across New England - led by scientists at the Harvard Forest and the Highstead Foundation - released a milestone report documenting the need to triple the pace of conservation and dramatically expand collaboration among conservationists and willing landowners to permanently protect forest and farmland throughout New England.

Meyer is a senior conservationist at the Highstead Foundation and one of the authors of the report. He is a scientist with expertise in landscape ecology, forest management, and conservation finance. He will talk about what was discovered and how communities can move forward to save land, and he will take questions. There will be a reception afterward.

The talk is sponsored by Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, Putney Mountain Association, Windham Regional Commission, and the Vermont Land Trust. Questions? Contact Joan Weir at jweir@vlt.org or 802-246-1501.

Senior Center plans annual Jamboree fundraiser

BELLOWS FALLS - The Bellows Falls Area Senior Center will hold its annual Jamboree fundraiser at the Moose Family Center, 59 Westminster St., on Sunday, June 10, from noon to 5 p.m.

Bring your friends and family and dance to “Playin Possum,” eat, and win some great prizes donated by local businesses and individuals, all while supporting the Senior Center.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, the Jamboree Cash Raffle (only 100 tickets sold and you need not be present to win, with $1,000 in cash prizes), and the Great Prize Raffle, with more than 200 prizes to be raffled off.

Doors open at 11 a.m., with an entrance fee of $5. All are welcome. To purchase cash raffle tickets, or for additional information, call the Center at 802-463-3907.

Senior lunch in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD, N.H. - The Chesterfield Senior Lunch will be held on Wednesday, June 13, at 12:30 p.m., at the Chesterfield Town Hall. A salad plate will be served.

The HVS nurse is available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to take blood pressures.

Please make your reservation by calling Joanne at 603-363-8348. A $5 donation is suggested. All Chesterfield seniors are welcome.

New 'Tai Chi for fall prevention' series begins June 13

TOWNSHEND - Starting June 13, Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital will host a new beginner level Tai Chi class. The free series runs for eight weeks, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 to 10 a.m.

The soft, flowing movements of this ancient Chinese practice are widely acclaimed as one of the most effective overall exercises for physical and mental health. Tai Chi is especially beneficial for flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, and breathing. This kind of exercise has been proven to help participants avoid debilitating falls. The movements can be performed standing, or sitting if necessary.

The class is offered through the Rehabilitation Services Department at Grace Cottage by certified instructors Ruth Fleming and Pam Coburn.

Classes are held in the Community Wellness Room in the Heins Building at 133 Grafton Rd.

Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Regular attendance is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 802-365-3649.

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