Foodworks to start deliveries to clients
BRATTLEBORO — BRATTLEBORO - Groundworks Collaborative has moved its Foodworks food shelf to a delivery model. Households needing food will need to call 802-490-2412 or email ccolascione@groundworksvt.org to arrange delivery.
Groundworks is actively preparing a list of volunteers willing to make deliveries and reports it is “in urgent need of volunteer support for this effort,” Groundworks' Executive Director Josh Davis said in a news release. “We have set up protocols to keep staff, volunteers, and clients as safe as possible.”
Groundworks asks that interested volunteers email volunteer@GroundworksVT.org if you are able to help.
Davis said Groundworks doesn't have any clients with confirmed or unconfirmed cases of the virus, and the organization is working closely with its state partners to ensure a strong local response.
Staff in all of Groundworks' shelter programs - the year-round Groundworks Shelter, the Seasonal Overflow Shelter, and the community's Day Shelter - are engaging in additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols, and have limited access to restrict any external guests.
Restriction of guests includes SOS volunteer Meal Teams-who provide meals each night at the winter shelter. Volunteers are being asked to drop off food to staff on site, rather than serving meals and cleaning up as they would normally do. Anyone interested in providing meals for available dates for the SOS is encouraged to contact Groundworks at meals@GroundworksVT.org.
Foodworks is experiencing an increased need for food donations as grocery shelves are becoming increasingly bare. Donations of food dropped off to Foodworks will be gratefully accepted. The agency asks that anyone interested in dropping off a food donation contact Foodworks in advance to arrange a time.
The Windham Region Hunger Action Council has been coordinating plans around food access. School and town officials, as well as food access agencies, are meeting in preparation for implementing these plans.
In the meantime, the Hunger Action Council offered these updates on local food site availability:
• Agape Church on Canal Street in Brattleboro has canceled its Sunday meals until further notice. The church is having an ongoing discussion as to creating pre-packaged boxes of food, but says it is worried about having enough volunteers.
• Brigid's Kitchen on Walnut Street in Brattleboro started take-out meals on Monday, March 16, and will try to supply additional food for those who can cook at home or those who need to self-quarantine. They will continue to offer hot meals and fruit/nuts on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
• Townshend Community Food Shelf plans to have normal operations.
• Guilford Cares Food Pantry will be open on Thursdays, as usual, from 5 to 6 p.m.
• Deerfield Valley Food Pantry plans food distribution on Thursday, March 19, from 1 to 3 p.m., and Saturday, March 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. Delivery will be made directly to vehicles. For more information, call the Food Pantry and leave a message at 802-464-0148. Food donations may be dropped at Shaw's supermarket, the West Dover and Jacksonville post offices, and at People's United Bank.
• Putney Foodshelf will maintain its usual hours - 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays - but food delivery will be made directly to vehicles. Volunteers will greet each car, determine what is needed, and prepare a bag for each household.
• Chester-Andover Family Center has closed its thrift shop, but its food shelf remains open. Until further notice, recipients may pick up a pre-packed box of food in the parking lot, during regular food shelf hours; Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are asking recipients to come to the door and read the posted instructions regarding how to retrieve their food box.
For additional queries about food shelves around Vermont, call 2-1-1 or visit vermont211.org.
Temporary free parking ordered in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - As a precautionary measure, the town of Brattleboro will immediately suspend the collection of all parking fees and cease issuing parking fines until further notice. All meters and parking kiosks will message “Free Parking.” No further permits will be sold until paid parking is resumed.
All previously-issued citations must be paid by mail or online at www.brattleboro.org. The Parking Enforcement Office at 77 Flat St. is also closed until further notice.
This measure is intended to be temporary and will be reviewed as COVID-19 conditions change. Once a decision to reinstate parking fines and fees is made, the public will be notified well in advance of the renewed enforcement activities.
All other parking restrictions will remain in effect during this period. For example, while meters and kiosks won't require payment, parking in front of a fire hydrant or in a crosswalk won't be permitted.
Parking in the Reserved Section of the Brattleboro Transportation Center will still be limited to holders of BTC Reserve Permits only, and Brattleboro Police Department will continue to patrol the streets and parking lots of Brattleboro and will address such infractions. Direct questions or concerns to Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland at 802-251-8101.
WSSD board postpones annual meeting
BRATTLEBORO - The Windham Southeast School District board voted to postpone its annual meeting due to the serious public health risk posed by Coronavirus.
No other business was transacted. A make-up date for the annual meeting hasn't yet been determined.
Windham Southwest offers meal service for students
WILMINGTON - The Windham Southwest food service program will continue to serve the children in the school district's towns with a daily delivery of breakfast and lunch beginning Thursday, March 19. Each delivery will include that day's lunch and the next day's breakfast.
These meals will be provided through the Summer Food Service Program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is a free program for anyone 18 years old or younger in a household. School staff say they hope many will take advantage of this opportunity to have meals provided for all of our children.
In most towns, buses will be running their regular route (around four hours later) daily, delivering meals to bus stops. Some towns will run normal bus routes with modified schedules to complete two routes as one.
Lastly, there will be some community pick-up sites to reach those children who are not accessible via bus routes. Deliveries will be made to the following four sites where people can pick up the meals for children: Twin Valley Elementary, noon to 12:30 p.m.; Twin Valley Middle High School, 11:30 a.m. to noon; Readsboro School noon to 12:30 p.m.; Searsburg Town offices, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
When deliveries are made by a vehicle other than a bus there will be signage on windows. Thursday and Friday this week will be a pilot and times may be adjusted next week based on what staff learns.
While not necessary to access the meals, in order to help us plan for the correct number of meals, contact the school your kids go to to confirm your request to have meals delivered to your children. This is only to get rough meal counts for routes and pick up locations.
Again, this is a free program. They will always have some extra meals on hand, and will keep adjusting the meals they carry according to requests. For more information, contact Windham Southwest at 802-464-1300.
Sheriff's Dept. adopts new policies in wake of COVID-19
NEWFANE- In response to the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic, Windham County Sheriff Mark Anderson said his department is taking a variety of steps to ensure necessary public safety services it provides continue, while taking steps and precautions necessary to minimize the spread of the virus.
“First, we are encouraging elderly, shut-ins, self-quarantined, injured, or ill community members to subscribe to the 'Are You Okay?' program which provides a regular, scheduled call to check their welfare,” Anderson wrote in a news release. “This free program allows us to continue our community caretaking role from a distance and can dispatch emergency services to a subscriber when necessary.”
Anderson said deputies will continue to physically respond to emergencies where life, limb, or property are in jeopardy, but will also handle non-emergency calls via electronic communication when possible.
“To minimize exposure to surfaces, we may request people meet us outside of their homes or businesses,” he wrote. “Deputies may be wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves or masks as a precaution.”
The Sheriff's Department has suspended all fingerprinting for civilian licensing/background checks until after April 15. Additionally, the lobby is now closed, so people coming to the Newfane office should use the call box by the door.
“Our office is monitoring the health of all of our employees,” Anderson wrote. “Disinfecting and cleaning protocols for our office, vehicles, and equipment are occurring regularly. We have been in contact with all local law enforcement agencies in Windham County as part of our emergency management procedure to confirm mutual-aid agreements and resource-sharing agreements to ensure continuity of policing services, dispatching services, and the safety of our community.”
The Root announces programming changes
BRATTLEBORO - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Root Social Justice Center on Williams Street has decided to take the following actions:
• All in-person Root programs will be suspended and moved onto an on-line and call-in platform, Zoom, at their regularly scheduled times, until April 15. This date will be considered flexible as the situation evolves. Program coordinators will contact program participants with detailed information.
• No new events are being scheduled at the Root until after the tentative reopen date of April 15. Additional cleaning and disinfecting protocols are being put into place; and a week of cleaning and disinfection of the space is planned before they reopen.
• While their website is down for revisions, they will be making concerted efforts to communicate through their Facebook page and program groups. Contact The Root at 802-451-0509 or therootsjc@gmail.com for more information.
Guilford Free Library closed to public
GUILFORD - The Guilford Free Library is closed to the public, effective until April 6 or until additional information and guidance is available from the State and Public Health officials.
Library Director Cathi Wilken said in a March 17 letter that “there will be no Storytime, Talk About Books, Knitting Circle, Homeschool Group, or Meetup for Parents and Little Ones until further notice.”
She said library staff “will continue to provide materials for patrons requesting them. They will be placed in the white return box outside the front door. We will also try to provide home delivery service for patrons unable to get to the library.”
Contact the library at staff@guilfordfreelibraryvt.org or 802-257-4603, or place a hold in the catalog on their web page, guilfordfreelibraryvt.org/catalog.
Resources available at the library's website include digital books and ebooks, Universal Class (more than 500 online continuing education courses), the Vermont On-Line Library, and education tools and research, in addition to their catalog - all accessible with a Guilford Free Library library card. Any resident may call or email the library to get one.
Wilken said the library's wi-fi is available 24/7 for use in the parking lot, and patrons can check out the Little Free Library at the Guilford Country Store, where anyone can borrow books without checking them out.
Dummerston Town Offices closed to public
DUMMERSTON - Due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the Town Office is closed to the public.
“I'm sorry to have to make this choice but believe it's in everyone's best interest health-wise. I will be here during normal business hours and will do my best to help you by phone, email, or regular mail,” wrote Town Clerk Laurie Frechette.
For zoning questions, contact Roger Jasaitis at zoning@dummerston.org. Town Treasurer Charlotte Annis can be reached at treasurer@dummerston.org or 802-258-1462. The Listers may be reached at listers@dummerston.org.
Although dog licenses are normally due by April 1, Frechette said she will ask the Selectboard for permission to extend this deadline to May 1. “In the meantime, please send the paperwork and payment by mail or drop it through the mail slot by the front door of the Town Office,” she wrote.
Humane society open by appointment only
BRATTLEBORO - Due to coronavirus, the Windham County Humane Society is open to the public by appointment only.
To make an appointment to get a rabies vaccine for your pet (waiving income requirements), make a Pet Care Assistance appointment with their vet or get pet food (income requirements in place, apply online), meet their adoptable animals, surrender an animal, or bring in a stray animal, call 802-254-2232 or email info@windhamcountyhumane.org.
Hospice, Experienced Goods closed to public
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Area Hospice's office, at 191 Canal St., is closed to the public until further notice as a safeguard for all visitors, clients, and volunteers.
This closure includes their Medical Supply Loan Closet. Staff are continuing to work at the office.
Anyone in need of end-of-life or bereavement support, or needing help completing an Advance Directive, should contact their care coordinators at 802-257-0775 to discuss the support services they can offer during this temporary closure.
Experienced Goods on Flat Street will be closed until further notice and will not be accepting donations. Donors are asked to not leave bags and boxes outside the store while it is closed.
Windham & Windsor Housing Trust curtails operations
BRATTLEBORO - Windham and Windsor Housing Trust says it is taking the following proactive measures to do its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Beginning March 16, the office will be closed to the public and all communications with residents, homeowners, applicants, and the general public will be conducted via phone and email. There will be limited staff in the main office in order to maintain the social distancing recommended by health officials.
• Residents will still be able to drop off their rent via the locked drop box at the main office on Birge Street or pay their rent via the U.S. Postal Service. More detailed information about how WWHT will respond to maintenance requests and other resident concerns will be sent to residents via USPS.
• All group classes and activities will be suspended until further notice. This includes activities at their SASH site and Great River Terrace as well as in-person Homebuyer Education classes. Registrants for homebuyer education classes will be encouraged to sign up for the online education option.
Although the office will be closed, the staff says it will continue to support the WWHT community and programs. As the situation evolves, they will post updates on their website, homemattershere.com, their Facebook page, and via email. Around-the-clock emergency maintenance service is always available to tenants through the emergency maintenance line at 800-942-3599.
BCTV closes offices to public
BRATTLEBORO - On March 17, Brattleboro Community Television has closed its facilities and restrict activities to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The closure will be re-evaluated on Monday, March 30.
During this period, the office, edit suites, and studio will be closed to members and the public. Staff will continue to cover municipal meetings for viewing on cable and online and will accept videos submitted remotely.
“We do not take lightly the disappointment and inconvenience this decision will cause to our dedicated producers and viewers,” BCTV Executive Director Cor Trowbridge told The Commons . “It is out of concern for the health of our members and staff, their families, and everyone who comes into contact with BCTV that we have chosen this path. Meanwhile, please visit brattleborotv.org and our Facebook page @brattleborotv for updates and local videos.”
For more information, or if you have a video or PSA to submit, email info@brattleborotv.org.
Brooks Memorial Library closed
BRATTLEBORO - Brooks Memorial Library Director Starr Latronica announced Sunday that the library will be closed to the public until further notice, following the advice of public health officials to limit large gatherings.
“The library is a critical resource and we will continue to serve the community while supporting the advice of public health experts and the efforts of school officials to encourage social distancing,” she said. “Staff will meet to consider the best way to continue service in this challenging time.”
Patrons can renew materials online by logging into their account at brookslibraryvt.org. Information requests or reference questions may be emailed via the Ask a Librarian link, brookslibraryvt.org/search/ask-a-librarian.
Latronica also encouraged patrons “to make the most of your library from home” and said it was the perfect time to delve into the “multitude of digital resources available for entertainment and education” on the Brooks website.
Rockingham Library closed starting March 17
BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Free Public Library is temporarily closing to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17, and all upcoming programs and events are cancelled or postponed.
In a letter to patrons, reference librarian Virgil Fuller said that the RFPL “made this decision to support the overall health and wellness of our community and for the safety of our patrons and staff.”
Fuller wrote that “it was a difficult decision, as we care deeply about serving the public, but it is the responsible thing to do - and the best way to serve our patrons right now - to help minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, especially as our patrons include many seniors and others at high risk.”
The RFPL plans to also keep patrons updated through the website and by email. If there are any questions about one's account, overdue items, or to learn how to access digital resources, learn more at rockinghamlibrary.org.
Whitingham Free Public Library to offer outside pick-up, home delivery
JACKSONVILLE - The Trustees of the Whitingham Free Public Library voted unanimously Monday to close the library to the public and cancel all programs. The Board of Trustees will reassess re-opening to the public during a regular meeting on April 1.
Services will still be available through home delivery or outside pick-up. Books, DVDs, magazines, and audio-books will be available to order on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call or email the library with your requests at 802-368-7506 or whitinghamvtlibrary@hotmail.com.
Online services will continue to be available, such as, downloadable e-books and audiobooks and VT-online library at whitinghamvt.org. Wi-fi will still be available outside the building around the clock.
Moore Free Library, Crowell Art Gallery are closed
NEWFANE - The Moore Free Library and Crowell Art Gallery are closed and all events are cancelled until further notice, due to the coronavirus.
Online access to e-books and audiobooks is available through GMLC/Overdrive and RB Digital and they can be accessed through the library's web site. Both of these services allow users to either stream or download audiobooks and ebooks and are free to library patrons.
There are also digital resources available from the library, such as Internet Archive (which has old movies and other videos) and VTOnline Library. You can find links to all of these at moorefreelibrary.org/online-resources.
Patrons who need help setting up an online account, remembering their library card number, or working through the use of any of these systems, are asked to contact the library at 802-365-7948 or moorefreelibrary@gmail.com. Newfane or Brookline residents who would like to set up a free library account for the first time can also do so by phone or email.
The library has free, powerful wi-fi available which reaches outside. Patrons can park in front of the library, sit on the porch, or bring their own chair to the front lawn and use the wi-fi.
Lydia Taft Pratt Library to close
DUMMERSTON - Lydia Taft Pratt Library will be closed, beginning March 18, due to the coronavirus.
The library will be offering home delivery and curbside pickup services. Call or email the librarian at 802-258-9878 to request library materials while the library is closed.
Strolling of the Heifers closes River Garden until April 6
BRATTLEBORO - Strolling of the Heifers announced Monday that the River Garden will be closed to the public until April 6.
At that time, Stroll staff will use the latest information from the Vermont Department of Health to determine if its regular operating hours of Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., should resume.
“This period of closure will allow us to do a deep clean of all surfaces, including our public restrooms and meeting spaces, coordinate with our neighbors and local nonprofits to determine how we can help in this crisis, and explore the creation of virtual opportunities for our community while we practice social distancing,” the organization said in a news release.
The Stroll cancelled its upcoming vendor expo on March 21 and suspended its Brown Bag Lunch series until further notice.
Other upcoming events, including the Strolling of the Heifers in June, “will be evaluated based on the information that comes out of the Department of Health and the state of Vermont in the coming weeks.”
Latchis Theatre suspends operations, Comics on a Mission event postponed
BRATTLEBORO -Latchis Art executive director Jon Potter announced Monday that the Latchis Theatre will be closed immediately, and remain closed until at least April 6.
“In times like these, the strength of our community ties will see us through,” Potter wrote in a letter to The Commons. “We strive, always, to be a place where our community gathers to renew, revitalize and be entertained. But the greater good right now calls us to close our doors temporarily in support of the community's health and welfare.
As a result of the decision to close, The Hatch announced on Monday that it will postpone Comics on a Mission, scheduled for April 4 at the Latchis, until May 9.
Given the rapid spread of the virus and our concern to protect the health of our community, this was the only choice,” Hatch founder Tom Bodett said in a news release. “We are all looking forward to an awesome show full of laughter and joy and, no doubt, virus snark.
“Even as we wash our hands non-stop, we have not washed our hands of this event. As they say, laughter is the best medicine, but we also know that prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Hooker-Dunham Theater cancels all events
BRATTLEBORO - The Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery, 139 Main St., is suspending until further notice all shows and events, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Visit hookerdunham.org, for updates.
Vernon Town Offices closed to public
VERNON - The Town Offices closed to the public on March 17 because of the coronavirus.
Town Clerk Tim Arsenault said his staff “will be happy to help you via mail, email, and phone for tax purposes and the like. The only exception will be for sale of pay-as-you-throw trash bags. Please call ahead, and we'll meet you at the outside door for the transaction.”
In-Sight Photography postpones classes, closes until April 20
BRATTLEBORO - The In-Sight Photography Project announced March 16 that “after much deliberation, we are making the difficult decision to postpone our remaining classes and close our facility for the health and safety of our participants, staff, and community.”
In an email to The Commons, Executive Director Victoria Heisler wrote that the current plan is to reopen on April 20, and that staff will work remotely in the meantime.
“We know this choice will be disappointing for many, as it is for us. Although we have been implementing increased sanitation practices, limiting meetings, and increasing physical distance; we now realize that we can best serve our In-Sight family by helping to flatten the curve in order to protect those who are most vulnerable,” Heisler wrote.
Heisler wrote that the hope “is to be able to pick up spring classes where we left off and offer the best programming possible this summer. Our staff is busy figuring out ways to continue engaging youth with virtual learning opportunities and remote photo assignments. Students will be able to continue using their cameras for the duration of this closure. Our program director, A Hanus, will be reaching out directly to participants and parents/guardians soon.”
In-Sight's office staff will work from home through April 19, Heisler wrote, and can be reached by emailing info@insight-photography.org. Further updates will be posted on social media as well as at insight-photography.org.
Vermont Center for Photography closed until April 2
BRATTLEBORO - The Vermont Center for Photography has temporarily suspended its normal business hours to keep the coronavirus spread as low as possible.
Executive Director Joshua Farr said VCP will “only be open by appointment on a limited basis going forward” and hopes to reopen for normal hours on April 2. Email info@vcphoto.org to make appointments and visit vcphoto.org for more information.
Next Stage suspends public programming, cancels upcoming events
PUTNEY - Next Stage Arts Project announced March 14 that the board and staff “decided to temporarily pause all Next Stage public programming, effective immediately.”
The following events have been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns: the screening of the film Re-Learning Hope on Thursday, March 19; a concert by the Vermont Jazz Center Sextet on Friday, March 20; a concert by Jonatha Brooke on Sunday, March 22; and a “Baking with Beans” cooking class on Monday, March 23.
Next State Executive Director Keith Marks noted in an email that “we understand, especially in times as these, it is through our community that we remain strong, buoyant, and supported. While Next Stage strives to be a place of congregation, we also needed to weigh the potential negative side effects of calling our community together for communal gatherings. In an abundance of caution, everyone agreed that the best course of action is this course of action.”
Marks wrote that tickets sold for shows that will be affected will be refunded, and to “stay tuned for more information as we attempt to reschedule all possible shows.”
Osher spring lecture series canceled
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Branch of UVM's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces that the Spring 2020 program scheduled to start on April 6, with Jim Levinson (Helping Poor People in Poor Countries), has been canceled due to coronavirus precautions.
Soup Fest and Silent Auction canceled
NEWFANE - The Historical Society of Windham County's annual Soup Fest and Silent Auction, scheduled for Sunday, March 29, is canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
At this time, the society's board of directors hopes to reschedule the auction as part of an event during the summer season. Visit historicalsocietyofwindhamcounty.org for the latest news and updated schedule of events.
Rescue Inc. takes precautions against COVID-19
BRATTLEBORO - Rescue Inc. says it “has developed policies and procedures based on guidelines established by the CDC in order to maintain our response as safe and appropriate for our patients” during the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
In a letter to The Commons, Director of Administration Ellen Walsh said that Rescue Inc.'s staff of EMTs and Paramedics “are following recommendations on personal protection equipment; they have been trained regarding their proper use and indications - this may include gloves, gowns, googles, masks or other respiratory equipment. Don't be alarmed if you see our providers in full protective equipment, this is for their safety and yours.”
Walsh added that “decontamination, sterilization of all vehicles, surfaces and equipment is performed to the strictest guidelines and with approved and effective sanitizing products.”
She said Rescue Inc. stations have been closed to outside visitors “to keep our station as clean and sterile as possible. We can be reached by phone at 802-257-7679 or by email at office@rescueinc.org. She also stresses that if anyone is experiencing a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips or face, call 911.
BMC announces closure due to coronavirus precautions
BRATTLEBORO - In the wake of concerns related to the coronavirus, the Brattleboro Music Center announced on March 13 that it is closing temporarily “in order to do its part to help reduce any health risks to the community.”
All lessons and classes, including after school string programs, are suspended. According to a news release, staff will reassess the Music School's closure on Friday, March 27, and make another announcement at that time.
Concerts and related rehearsals are postponed. These events include the Windham Orchestra's “Magic Flute” performances March 19 and 21, and March 27 and 29; the Blanche Moyse Chorale's performances of Brahms' German Requiem April 3 and 5; the Chamber Series' Musicians from Marlboro concert on April 4; the Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy CD release concert on April 11; and the Brattleboro Concert Choir's April 25-26 performances of The Birds Will Still Sing .
Updates will be made available on the BMC website, at bmcvt.org or call 802-257-4523.
NEYT suspends all classes, performances
BRATTLEBORO - New England Youth Theatre has decided to suspend all its programming, events, and performances.
In a letter to The Commons, NEYT said that “programs that students are currently enrolled in will be rescheduled -they are not cancelled! The show must go on! Stay tuned on the rescheduling of these programs. One way or another - we look forward to opening our doors and gathering our NEYT community together once again.”
In the interim, NEYT staff say they “have been brainstorming different ways that students can keep NEYT in their life in the days ahead,” with ideas such as an online playwriting group or weekly performance video challenges.
“If you have ideas of ways to bring us together online, please let us know,” they said.
They also said ticket holders for their upcoming production of The Hundred Dresses who have paid via credit card, will receive refunds in the form of a credit to their accounts.
Those who paid in cash or by check should contact Michelle in the NEYT office, at 802-246-6398, ext. 101, or neytoperations@gmail.com. Patrons will also have the option of donating part or all of their ticket purchase to help support NEYT.
Cancelation news from Vernon
VERNON - From vernonvermont.org, here is what is still open, and not open, in the towns of Vernon (and its neighboring towns) as of March 13:
• Mountain View Seventh-Day Adventist Church: All services are canceled until further notice. The concert scheduled for Saturday evening has also been cancelled as well as the Bags of Love quilting group on Sunday morning.
• Guilford Community Church: Services are cancelled until further notice.
• Vernon Recreation Department: Daytime activities will be continuing. Vernon Rec will not be holding any programs during evening hours where individuals who would not otherwise be in the building participate.
This includes Open Gym, Gym Rentals, Fitness Class, Volleyball, and the Drama Club evening show scheduled for March 27. Preschool, After School Program, and After School Drama Club will continue to operate. This is effective through the month of March.
• The United Church of Bernardston, Mass., cancelled its monthly Roast Beef Supper for Saturday, March 14.
• Vernon Elementary Schools is still open, but “large gatherings that bring in people from outside the school” are cancelled.
Landmark College extends spring break
PUTNEY - Landmark College has decided to extend the duration of its previously scheduled week-long spring break to two weeks, until Sunday, March 29.
In a letter from the college sent to The Commons on March 12, the college said its Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) “has been monitoring rapidly-evolving Coronavirus developments and meeting to determine the best course of action,” but as March 12, “there are no known cases of the Coronavirus on campus and no one is being monitored.”
The college said all students who travel away from campus during Spring Break will not be allowed to return to campus until they register and complete a health screening immediately on their arrival to campus. For more information, visit www.landmark.edu/student-life/health-counseling-wellness/covid-19 or email PublicHealth@landmark.edu.
Women's Film Festival postponed until September
BRATTLEBORO - Due to concerns around the spread of coronavirus, organizers of this year's Women's Film Festival, originally slated for March 20 to 29, have rescheduled the event to Sept. 18 to 20.
They advise that five-movie passes and gala tickets already purchased will still be valid in September. Anyone unable to attend the event in September who would like a refund should contact them at admin@womensfreedomcenter.net.
For more information, visit womensfilmfestival.org.