Applications for Human Services funding due by Nov. 8
BRATTLEBORO - The Representative Town Meeting Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications for fiscal year 2025 Human Services Funding. The application, as well as instructions and guidelines, are posted at brattleboro.org. The deadline to submit applications to the Town Manager's Office via email is Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. All applications should be sent to Jessica Sticklor at jsticklor@brattleboro.org. She may also be called for more information about the process at 802-251-8115.
An information session regarding Human Services Funding is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 4:30 p.m., at the Municipal Center, 230 Main St., in the Selectboard Meeting Room and by an online platform to be determined and later posted on brattleboro.org. Applicants are encouraged to attend.
Brigid's Kitchen plans Welcome Center fundraiser
GUILFORD - St. Brigid's Kitchen and Food Pantry will be at the Vermont Welcome Center on Interstate 91 on Friday, Oct. 13, for one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.
The participants are seeking donations of fresh fruit, cookies, brownies, and other baked goods to sell at their booth. Those who would like to volunteer any of these items or make a monetary donation, call 802-451-6833 or email stbrigidskitchenvt@gmail.com.
Donations may be dropped off at St. Brigid's Kitchen and Pantry at 38 Walnut St. in Brattleboro on Thursday, Oct. 12, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monetary donations may also be made through stbrigidskitchenandpantry.org. All proceeds go toward continuing its mission to feed the hungry.
Mushroom walk at Manitou
WILLIAMSVILLE - By all accounts, this has been a phenomenal year for mushrooms, so it's the perfect time to join mushroom enthusiast Justin Garner on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. for an exploration of the mushroom species found at The Manitou Project, 300 Sunset Lake Rd.
The edible and medicinal properties of mushrooms will be discussed, along with their interconnections to the tree and plant communities. The day will finish with cooking and tasting the edibles collected. No prior mushroom identification knowledge is required. In case of rain, the event will be held on Oct. 15.
Garner says he has been a lifelong student of the natural world, beginning with the study of wild edible plants. He pursued training in herbal medicine at Bastyr University and the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. The study and identification of mushrooms has been one of his longstanding passions. He recently led a series of mushroom workshops at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.
Space is limited and advance registration is required. Contact Fred Taylor at rtaylor@antioch.edu to register or for more information.
RFPL offers 'Hospice 101' session on Oct. 18
BELLOWS FALLS - On Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the Rockingham Free Public Library, Anthony Knox of Visiting Nurse and Hospice for VT and NH presents "Hospice 101: Why Hospice Doesn't Need to Sound Scary."
"The word 'Hospice' has a lot of negative reactions when brought up in conversation, but it really shouldn't," Knox said in a news release. "Hospice is a service provided to individuals during the final stages of an incurable disease, but the service is so much more than that. Our Hospice team will walk you through understanding all aspects of the care received during hospice.
"In addition to learning about the physical, emotional and spiritual support provided to the individual on Hospice, you will learn about how the same VNH team also supports the family and friends around the individual. There can be a lot of fear about the idea of Hospice, but the VNH will show you that it doesn't have to be as scary as you think!"
VNH is active in more than 100 towns across Vermont and New Hampshire. This event is free. For more information, visit rockinghamlibrary.org, email programming@rockinghamlibrary.org, call the library at 802-463-4270, or stop by at 65 Westminster St.
Breakfast served at Williamsville Hall
WILLIAMSVILLE - On Thursday, Oct. 19, from 8 to 10:30 a.m., a complimentary monthly breakfast will be offered at Williamsville Hall, 35 Dover Rd.
Open to everyone, the event provides homemade pastries, tea, coffee, and orange juice. If the weather is amenable, seating will be outside; if not, seating will be inside. Donations for the Hall, which is ADA compliant, are appreciated. For more information, email williamsvillehall@gmail.com, or visit williamsvillehall.org.
After hours event celebrates World Singing Day at Brooks Memorial Library
BRATTLEBORO - All ages and voices are invited to fill their hearts with joy and the library with song on Friday, October 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Main Reading Room of Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St.
The community singalong will feature a songbook of many traditions (folk, golden oldies, gospel, Beatles, old pop and rock, show tunes, etc.). Participants will take turns choosing what to sing and the lyrics will be projected on a screen for all to see. Rich Grumbine accompanies on guitar.
World Singing Day promotes a global singalong held annually in October. "As a catalyst for positive human connection, this one day each year serves as an opportunity to celebrate our global family through the international language of music. It is a joyful community experience for musicians and non-musicians alike, from shower singers to professionals, as they gather in their communities and sing together," say organizers.
All are invited to attend and bring friends and family members. The event is accessible to people in wheelchairs. For more information, contact the library at 802-254-5290 or visit brookslibraryvt.org.
Heath Gordon Scholarship fundraiser is Oct. 21
CHESTER - The annual Heath Gordon Scholarship fundraiser will take place at American Legion Post 67, 635 VT Route 103 South, on Saturday, Oct. 21, featuring both a live and silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and live music by MV19, which features former members of Vehicle and Mistress, who will be playing classic rock covers.
Admission is $10 and all proceeds support a Green Mountain Union High School scholarship fund for students seeking a college degree in music or art. This year's fundraiser is dedicated to Wendy Gordon. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will go until everyone feels that they have sufficiently rocked and rolled. For more information, visit facebook.com/HeathGordonScholarshipFund.
Dummerston Historical Society hosts talk on Dr. Grace Burnett
DUMMERSTON - Dr. Robert Tortolani will speak about the life and medical practice of Dr. Grace Burnett at Dummerston Historical Society's quarterly meeting on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m., at the Society's schoolhouse in Dummerston Center.
Burnett was born and raised in Dummerston and became Brattleboro's first woman physician, which was a real feat in the early 1900s. She graduated from medical school 1912 and established her Brattleboro practice in 1914. The Historical Society has approximately 30 of her medical books.
Through his personal and medical experience and love of history, Tortolani will share his insight into the life of Dr. Burnett in the early and mid-1900s. He continues to be very active in numerous pursuits in Brattleboro, Windham County, and the greater Vermont community since leaving active practice in 2017, including leading a weekly veterans group, running a free clinic, teaching medical students, and speaking to various historical society groups.
All are invited, free of charge, and the Historical Society is accessible. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact gailsvt@gmail.com or call 802-254-9311.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.