Rec. Dept. reopens softball fields, dog park
BRATTLEBORO - On June 15, the softball fields at Living Memorial Park and West River Park reopened for team practices. Use is limited to one team at a time and 25 people. No games or scrimmages will be allowed.
A list of other limitations on this use has been distributed by the Recreation & Parks Department to the organizers of local softball leagues.
The dog park at Living Memorial Park also reopened on June 15. Use of the dog park will be “at your own risk,” as this facility will not regularly be disinfected.
Users are asked to keep 6 feet apart and wear masks, to try to visit the dog park during off-peak hours, and sanitize hands before, during, and after visiting the dog park.
AARP program cancelled; online help available
BRATTLEBORO - The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will not reopen for this tax season.
In a news release, local organizers said that “the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and taxpayers is our top priority. The decision not to reopen was made with their protection in mind.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offering online options to assist taxpayers.
A self-prep option, providing taxpayers with free access to software so they can prepare taxes on their own, is available at signup.aarpfoundation.org/preparing-your-taxes-online.
If taxpayers would like help completing their own taxes, they can request the assistance of a volunteer to coach them through the process via phone or computer screen-sharing. Visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide, or call 888-227-7669 for information and updates. AARP membership is not required.
Moore Free Library reopens
NEWFANE - The Moore Free Library, 23 West St., is once again open to the public. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ten people are allowed in the building at one time, and patrons are asked to maintain a 6-foot distance from others, wear a mask, and limit indoor library visits to 30 minutes.
Ample seating and strong Wi-Fi is available outdoors.The public is encouraged to use the outdoor space for longer visits.
Library laptops are available to borrow for outdoor usage, and the library's catalog is browsable at moorefreelibrary.org.
For those who don't want to enter the library, curbside service is available during library hours by calling 802-365-7948.
Outdoor programming will take place in July and August, and the Crowell Art Gallery will reopen in July.
Free produce distribution in Putney
PUTNEY- All are welcome to come for free produce and some nonperishable items distributed by the Vermont Foodbank and the Putney Foodshelf on Thursday, June 25, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., at Putney Meadows, 17 Carol Brown Way (the white building across from the Putney Co-op and the fire station).
This food is available to anyone in the community.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, drive up to the location and stay in your car. Volunteers will put the bags in your trunk.
Putney Community Cares raising funds for summer camp
PUTNEY - Putney Community Cares, Inc. is launching an urgent fundraising campaign to send needy children from town to summer camp.
“For some Putney children who have been at home and isolated from their peers and their teachers for months, summer camp is especially important, and COVID-19 means extra financial hardship for many families,” Denise Barnett, vice chair of the Community Cares board of directors, said in a news release.
Barnett said that all contributions to the fund will go directly to helping children attend summer camp, “making a world of difference for them and providing opportunities to develop skills and make memories that can last a lifetime.”
Putney Community Cares welcomes donations by mail (P.O. Box 108, Putney, VT 05346) or online (putneycommunitycares.org) via PayPal.
BOC Paddling Program cancels annual sale and swap
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Outing Club (BOC) Paddling Program has cancelled its annual consignment sale and swap of canoes, kayaks, rowing shells, SUPs, and small sailboats.
According to a news release, it has become increasingly clear to the BOC that holding the event under COVID-19 restrictions “would put everyone at an unacceptable health risk.”
The event is a fundraiser for the Paddling Program, but any donations of money or gear help the BOC keep the program free and available to the public. Checks can be mailed to the BOC, P.O. Box 6294, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
For more information, contact Larry McIntosh at 802-254-3666 or Lmacyak@gmail.com.
United Way of Windham County cancels tax assistance
BRATTLEBORO - The United Way of Windham County has ceased all 2020 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services.
In spite of the newly relaxed restrictions on businesses and social distancing and the new tax filing deadline of July 15, the agency is unable to resume the program.
For alternative methods of preparing your 2019 income taxes, visit these online services: irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free or myfreetaxes.com.
Local service groups continue grocery delivery service
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro VFW Post 1034 and Brattleboro Elks #1499 banded together back in April to buy groceries and other essential items for those who cannot venture out.
Volunteers purchased items, bagged or boxed them, and delivered them to homes in Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, and Vernon.
They are still taking names of folks who need help. If you need groceries, call VFW Post 1034 Quartermaster Lisa Lofting at 802-257-0438.
More than $6,000 in donations have taken in over the past two months to fund this program. Cash donations are always welcome, with 100 percent of the proceeds to be used to purchase items.
Make checks payable to VFW Post 1034, and include a return address so a receipt can be mailed. Mail to VFW Post 1034, P.O. Box 8233, Brattleboro, VT 05304.
Putney Public Pool remains closed this summer
PUTNEY - Town Manager Karen Astley recently announced that the Putney Public Pool will not open this summer.
The Selectboard and Astley agreed at a June 3 board meeting that the current condition of the pool makes opening impossible.
The town will work “swiftly” to seek estimates, options, and means to finance repairs, Astley said in a news release.
“One hardship with repair at the start of a pool season is scheduling a company that would be able to start the repair,” she continued. “Most pool companies are extremely busy at the moment installing and opening pools.”
Another challenge, Astley said, is that the pool “will require major repairs that may not be financially feasible nor in the budget to meet a 2020 summer opening.”
Astley said that she and the Selectboard “will revisit the pool discussion once information is readily available. We are optimistic and realistic.”
Chester-Andover Family Center reopens June 19
CHESTER - The Chester-Andover Family Center (CADC), 908 VT Route 103 South, will areopen Friday, June 19.
The CAFC board recently adopted protocols to administer the organization's food shelf, financial assistance, and thrift shop programs. All new protocols are consistent with federal and state guidelines and are intended for the safety of customers, recipients, and volunteers.
The food shelf will continue to operate with a drive-up, take-out system. Recipients will continue to receive their food boxes outside.
Volunteers and recipients who might need to be in the CAFC are required to wear masks, use hand sanitizer when they enter, and respect social distancing.
Food shelf hours are Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Financial assistance requests must be made by calling the center at 802-875-3236 and leaving a message with your name, a phone number, and a description of your need. Messages are monitored daily and will be returned by a volunteer.
The thrift shop will be open Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Friday, June 19.
Thursdays will be reserved for cleaning and processing donations.
For more information, visit chester-andoverfamilycenter.org.