Paving work delayed until Aug. 23
BRATTLEBORO - Mitchell Sand & Gravel will be paving several streets in Brattleboro. The paving was tentatively scheduled to begin Aug. 20. The projects have been delayed and are now scheduled to begin on Thursday, Aug. 23. They are expected to take approximately a week to complete.
The streets that will be affected are Jenny Lane, Glen Street, lower Green Meadow, part of Hinesburg Road, and part of Maple Street. Motorists should plan to use alternate routes during the construction period. Signage will be in place to remind motorists of the road closure.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Department of Public Works at 802-254-4255.
'Tai Chi for Fall Prevention' series begins at Grace Cottage
TOWNSHEND - Starting Aug. 22, Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital will host a new, free beginner level Tai Chi class in its Community Wellness Center. The series runs for six weeks, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m., in the Community Wellness Room in the Heins Building at 133 Grafton Rd.
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 type of exercise has been proven to help participants avoid debilitating falls. The movements can be performed standing, or sitting if necessary.
This class is offered by certified instructors Ruth Fleming, PT, and Pam Coburn, PTA. The series is free. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. While it is understandable if you cannot attend every class, regular attendance is encouraged. To register, or for more information, call 802-365-3649.
Healing Walk at Manitou
WILLIAMSVILLE - The Manitou Project, 300 Sunset Lake Rd.,will hold a Healing Walk, rain or shine, on Friday, Aug. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m.
This meditative walk on Manitou's Sanctuary Trail will be led by Mike Mayer and will include poems or other readings and chances to share about the experience. For more information, contact Mayer at 802-258-8598.
Historical Society hosts a storytelling evening
NEWFANE - All are welcome to an evening of great food and great stories at the Historical Society of Windham County's event on Friday, Aug. 24, at the NewBrook Fire Station on Route 30.
Following the Society's brief annual meeting (beginning at 5:30 p.m.) will be a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. (Bring a dish to share; drinks will be provided).
Beginning at 7 p.m., local stories will be shared by: Bill Toomey of Grafton, whose stories have enraptured audiences at this event for the past two years; Sheriff Keith Clark, whose stories at South Newfane's “Moth Radio Hour” brought him much acclaim; and Roger Albee, whose family came to settle in Newfane and Brookline five generations ago.
Admission is free. For more information, call 802-348-7891 or e-mail info@historicalsocietyofwindhamcounty.org.
Take a wildflower hike on Hogback
MARLBORO - On Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon (rain date, Sept. 1), wildflower and medicinal plant expert Allison Turner will lead a hike through the Hogback Mountain Conservation Area in Marlboro to discover the late summer/early fall flowers.
Expect to see some interesting items, like a reddish-violet Bottle Gentian, and an uncommon polygala, as well as the more common, but still glorious, late summer flowers. This will be a leisurely walk with some elevation gain and loss but nothing tricky.
Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot on the south side of Route 9 west of the gift shop, near the white distillery building. Hosted by the Hogback Mountain Conservation Association, this hike is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact hmca@hogbackvt.org.
Tenth Amendment to be discussed at Putney Library
PUTNEY - The Debating Our Rights series continues at the Putney Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m., with a focus on states' rights. Meg Mott, professor of politics at Marlboro College, will lead a discussion that considers the tension between the powers of the federal government and the states.
The 10th Amendment reserves any power not delegated to the federal government to the states. Traditionally, those powers included all matters pertaining to public health, policing, and education.
With the rise of the federal administrative state, some of those decisions are now handled by federal agencies. What are the disadvantages when power is more centralized? What are the advantages?
Created after the 2016 election, the Debating Our Rights series provides opportunities for neighbors with diverse political viewpoints to explore such questions and debate constitutional issues. Dissent and disagreement is encouraged. Putney Public Library is located at 55 Main St. This event is free and open to the public.
Rec. Dept. offers chess class
BRATTLEBORO - Intermediate chess class begins Friday, Sept. 6. This class will be held on Fridays at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main Street, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. The cost of the eight-week program is $35 for residents and $50 for nonresidents.
Chess helps children develop problem-solving skills and increase their attention spans. The improved ability to concentrate gained from playing chess often transfers to academics.
Instruction will introduce basic principles of chess to participants, along with simple strategies and tactics, and provide a venue for them to play practice games. Eric Strickland will be the class instructor.
Intermediate-level is for players who know the basic checkmates and at least a few tactics and strategies. A new session for beginners and advanced players will begin Nov. 1. Contact the Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department at 802-254-5808.
Bright Lights Craft Fair seeks exhibitors
WILMINGTON - Applications are being accepted for the seventh annual Bright Lights Craft Fair on Dec. 8 at historic Memorial Hall. Handcrafted work in all mediums will be welcome.
The $35 booth fee will benefit OSEC - the Old School Community Center at the former Twin Valley High School building in Wilmington.
Applications are due Oct. 1. To receive an application, contact Ellie Roden at rodenora@gmail.com or 802-464-5265.
Sunrise Rotary welcomes new president
BRATTLEBORO - At its July 11 breakfast meeting, the Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary Club officially welcomed incoming club President Dr. Marcy Caulkins.
Caulkins becomes the 22nd President to preside over the club since it was chartered in 1995. Caulkins previously served as club secretary. She is looking forward to another successful year of community service.
“What I am most excited about this year, however, is that we will be hosting our first-ever exchange student, Luci from Croatia,” Caulkins said in a news release. “The Rotary Exchange Student program is a wonderful opportunity, not only for our inbound student, but also for our club and community. It may seem like a small thing, but these kinds of programs help foster the kinds of global perspectives and understandings upon which peace is built.”
Caulkins previously was a member of the Bellows Falls Rotary Club, having served as president during 2006-2007, and she will serve as the Sunrise Rotary Club's president through next June. Caulkins owns Vermont Chiropractic Healthcare.
The Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:15 at American Legion Post 5 on Linden St. The public is always welcome.