Introduction to hawkwatching offered in Putney
PUTNEY - On Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., longtime Putney Mountain hawkwatcher John Anderson will give an introduction to hawkwatching. Those interested can join Anderson in the Putney Mountain summit clearing for this event. While not absolutely necessary, binoculars are highly recommended. Participants should also bring food, water, and sunscreen.
After finding their way to the summit clearing, participants should introduce themselves to Anderson and wait patiently for what is hoped to be great broad-winged hawk flight. Historically, Sept. 16 has been the peak day for hawk sightings on Putney Mountain.
In case of rain, Anderson will also be on the mountain on Sunday, Sept. 17 to answer questions.
Chester Townscape hosts spring bulb sale
CHESTER - On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17, Chester Townscape volunteers will again be selling spring-flowering bulbs at Chester's Fall Festival at a location near the Hearse House and the Information Booth. All bulbs are top quality, hardy, easy care, shunned by deer and voles, and expected to return year after year when grown in full or part sun and in well-drained locations.
Shipped straight from Holland, the four varieties of narcissus offered this year include early and mid bloomers with a variety of colors and heights. Those labeled Landscape Size (LS) are a bit smaller and thus more economical, but should increase in size each year. The larger bulbs are dramatically two-toned.
Bulbs will be sold cash and carry from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 16 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 17. All sales help support Chester Townscape's seasonal floral displays, which will be changed later this fall to display pumpkins, flowering kale, and corn stalks at public locations around town.
Rock Voices begins a new season
BRATTLEBORO - For those looking for an amazing singing experience this fall, think about joining Rock Voices - the community choir that sings only rock music. There are no auditions, and singers don't need to know how to read music (although it helps if they can carry a tune).
This fall, the choir will be singing songs by Simon & Garfunkel, Yes, the Jonas Brothers, Level 42, Sinead O'Connor, Tina Turner, Chicago, and more. Final performances will be in early January 2024. Brattleboro rehearsals are held Monday nights, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Vermont Jazz Center in the Cotton Mill building. The first rehearsal is Monday, Sept. 18. Go to rockvoices.com for more information.
History of diners discussed at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS - Diner expert Richard Gutman discusses the history of the lunch cart, how it evolved into the diner, and how the Miss Bellows Falls Diner fits into that larger history on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m., at the Rockingham Free Public Library (RFPL). This program is free and accessible to those with disabilities.
"In just over five months, reviving, restoring, and rejuvenating the Miss Bellows Falls Diner, built 80 years ago and shuttered since the pandemic, has gone from a mere idea to a fast-moving project," say organizers. They now invite interested citizens to continue the conversation.
Over the last few years, moisture has penetrated the diner's steel and porcelain exterior; foundations have cracked, wood has buckled and rotted, and the limited seating and cramped quarters have daunted prospective operators. It is no secret that a 32-seat lunch car faces a challenging future in today's competitive food-service world. What will the future bring, and what should it look like for the Miss Bellows Falls?
By the beginning of 2024, restoration work should be underway, and by May of 2025, the diner's 81st anniversary of arriving in Bellows Falls, the hope is that the diner will reopen. The RFPL, the Historic Preservation Office of the Town of Rockingham, and Rockingham For Progress join together in a series of conversations about the diner's past and its future with free events at the library. Find out more at RockinghamForProgress.org.
VNH to hold information session in Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS - Visiting Nurse and Hospice (VNH) for Vermont & New Hampshire offers a variety of services, which they'll discuss at the Rockingham Free Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Anthony Kox of VNH states "our mission is to deliver outstanding home health and hospice services that enrich the lives of the people we serve. We will discuss our Home Health and Hospice programs, which are the most recognized services, but we will also talk about our long-term care service and our maternal and child health services. The VNH provides support for individuals from before a child is born until the end of life, and everything in between."
VNH is active in more than 100 towns across Vermont and New Hampshire. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact rockinghamlibrary.org, programming@rockinghamlibrary.org, 802-463-4270, or stop by the library at 65 Westminster St.
Breakfast served at Williamsville Hall
WILLIAMSVILLE - Another breakfast at the Williamsville Hall will be served on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. This monthly breakfast is complimentary (donations for the Hall are appreciated) and open to everyone.
Homemade pastries, tea, coffee, and orange juice will be provided. The event will be held outdoors, or, in case of rain, indoors. The Hall, which is ADA compliant, is located at 35 Dover Rd. For more information, email williamsvillehall@gmail.com, or visit williamsvillehall.org.
Free family law clinic to be held in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - Legal Services Vermont is hosting a free Family Law Clinic for low-income Vermonters on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Participants will meet by phone or video conference with a lawyer who can answer questions about divorce, parentage, custody, visitation, child support, and more.
Space is limited. Interested parties must call Legal Services Vermont at 800-889-2047 and leave a message with their name and contact number, mentioning the Family Law Clinic. An advocate will call back to screen for eligibility and schedule the appointment. Find our more at vtlawhelp.org/family.
Monthly produce distribution
PUTNEY - The Vermont Foodbank and the Putney Foodshelf co-sponsor a monthly food drop of free produce and some nonperishables on the fourth Thursday of every month from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Alice Holway Drive (in front of Putney Meadows, the white building across from the Putney Coop and Putney Fire Station).
All are welcome. This is a drive-up service. Bags provided. The next monthly food drop is Thursday, Sept. 28.
Putney Winter Farmers Market seeks vendors
PUTNEY - The Putney Winter Farmers Market, will run from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24 on Sundays at the Green Mountain Orchard farm store on West Hill Road. Vendors of produce, crafts, and prepared foods are invited to apply at putneyfarmersmarket.org, or by contacting the market manager at putneyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.