Brattleboro releases water quality report
BRATTLEBORO - The Water Department's annual Consumer Confidence Report/Water Quality Report for 2020 is now available at brattleboro.org/ccreport.
Printed copies are available at the Department of Public Works, the Tri-Park Co-op Office, and the Guilford Country Store.
Questions about this report can be addressed to the Department of Public Works at 802-254-4255.
Silent vigil planned at Wells Fountain
BRATTLEBORO - Under a banner that reads, “Holding a Space of Loving Kindness for All Living Beings,” a silent vigil will be held downtown on Thursday, May 6, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the Wells Fountain.
Organizers say the purpose of the vigil is “to serve as a living reminder of the inherent goodness of each one of us, as well as our inextricable connection with one another.”
“For a few minutes or the entire hour, all are welcome to join us in extending sentiments of loving kindness to all living beings: to family and friends, neighbors and strangers, kindred spirits and adversaries, human and non-human beings, alike. And to ourselves, as well.”
People may choose to stand, kneel, or sit in a chair they bring. Participants are asked to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.
For further information and to join the mailing list for future vigils, contact Tim Stevenson at bereal@vermontel.net.
Saxtons River fishing derby returns
SAXTONS RIVER - After a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the Saxtons River Recreation Area is back with its annual fishing derby Saturday, May 8, at the ponds on Pleasant Valley Road.
Three age groups will compete in three shifts to help ensure that more children can participate with their families and abide by mandated safety and social-distancing protocols.
• Children ages 4 to 6 will register at 8 a.m., with fishing beginning at 8:30 a.m.
• Those ages 7 to 10 will register at 9:15 a.m., with fishing starting at 9:45 a.m.
• Those ages 11 through 14 will register at 10:30 a.m., with fishing beginning at 11 a.m.
Children not showing up at their designated time will not be able to participate. Families with children in multiple age groups will be allowed to have only the appropriate-aged child registered and fishing during their given time. Siblings can be present but not fish.
Face masks will be required; individuals not willing to comply will not be permitted on the grounds. Adults are responsible for providing their children with all gear, bait, and assistance.
Participants and families will be required to leave the derby once their age group's session has ended unless a sibling will participate in the next age group.
Registration before 5 p.m. on Friday, May 7, is encouraged and helpful in collecting required contact tracing information. The registration form can be found at bit.ly/611-fishing.
Participation is free, but donations towards expenses will be accepted at the derby.
Moore library hosts 'conversation club'
NEWFANE - Would you like to know how other people think? Want to change someone's mind? Maybe change your own? The Moore Free Library's Conversation Club will have its first in-person meeting on Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the library, 23 West St.
The topic this month will be school choice in Vermont. Participants will have the chance to read several articles about a recent court case in Vermont on school vouchers. At the meeting, facilitator Meg Mott will give the legal background on school vouchers in Vermont and then people will pair up to discuss the news articles and the pros and cons of school choice, as they see it.
This group uses elements from the Braver Angels debate organization, as well as its own ground rules for a conversation where disagreements are respectful and civil and everyone's opinion is welcomed.
For more information, contact the library at 802-365-7948.
Takeout senior lunch in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON - Senior Solutions and Evening Star Grange will offer their Second Wednesday Take-Out Only Senior Lunch on May 12, with pickup at the Grange Hall in Dummerston Center between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
On the menu is roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, cabbage casserole, and corn pudding, with apple spice cake. The vegetarian option is macaroni and cheese with spinach and tomato.
A $3 donation is suggested for those 60 and older, and $4 for younger folk.
Reservations requested by 4:30 p.m. by Tuesday, May 11 at 802-254-1138; leave your name, the number of meals you would like, and your phone number.
Recreation & Parks Department begins summer registration
BRATTLEBORO - The Recreation and Parks Department is accepting registrations for the more than 20 camps and programs this summer.
For all programs, events, facility information, online fillable registration form and more, visit the department's page at bit.ly/611-recparks.
In-person registration takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, May 12 and 13, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Gibson-Aiken Senior Center at 207 Main St.
Payment for camps must be received in full by Tuesday, June 1, unless other arrangements have been made with the Recreation and Parks director.
For more information, call 802-254-5808 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
HCRS unveils new patient portal
SPRINGFIELD - Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), southeastern Vermont's nonprofit community mental-health agency, has implemented a new patient portal.
According to a news release, the online portal “provides the individuals they support with access to enter and obtain their own health information, communicate with their HCRS provider, schedule appointments, and ultimately better manage their health.”
The system, which complies with federal privacy law, can be accessed day or night through a secure website.
The portal allows the agency to improve patient access to their own health information.
Those receiving services from the agency may contact their HCRS provider, call 802-886-4500, or visit hcrs.org/blog/new-patient-portal for more information.