World Singing Day at Brooks Library
BRATTLEBORO - On Friday, Oct. 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., everyone is invited to join in on a community sing along for World Singing Day.
There will be a song list of over 100 well-known songs from many traditions (folk, golden oldies, gospel, Beatles, old pop and rock, show tunes, etc.) and the group will take turns choosing what to sing. Lyrics will also be projected on a screen for all to see. There will be guitar accompaniment and a song leader to help guide the music.
This event is free and accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, contact Rich Grumbine at richgrumbine1@gmail.com.
Free dental clinic in Brattleboro on Oct. 26
BRATTLEBORO - Open to all local community members, a free pop-up dental clinic will be held at VFW Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd., on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free services offered at the clinic will include fluoride varnish application, treatment of dental decay with silver diamine fluoride (SDF), treatment with glass ionomer (GIC) filling material, toothbrush cleanings, denture checks, and referrals for further treatment.
Appointments run approximately 30 minutes, but they appreciate visitors' flexibility and patience with any delays that might come up. Walk-ins are welcome at the clinic, but they urge participants to arrive earlier in the day to ensure that slots will still be available. For questions or concerns, contact Shyla Foss at the Vermont Department of Health's Brattleboro District Office at 802-251-2108.
DinoMan comes to Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Free Public Library invites the community to see "DinoMan!" on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. This special event with giant dinosaurs on display will take place next door to the library at the Masonic Temple.
"With magic, merry mayhem, and magnificent props, families will be taken on a trip throughout the Mesozoic era," organizers said in a news release. "How do we know dinosaurs were here? What is a fossil? How are they made? The fun, informative and interactive performance for all ages will start as DinoMan (Bob Lisaius) follows tracks to the stage, and will end with the discovery of a number of life-sized dinosaurs.
A dino-themed lunch will follow DinoMan's performance. The lunch is free for families; registration is requested at rockinghamlibrary.org. For more information, contact the library at 802-463-4270 or youthservices@rockinghamlibrary.org.
Grange serves turkey dinner
DUMMERSTON - Yearning for an early turkey dinner? Evening Star Grange in Dummerston will hold their last public supper of the 2024 season on Saturday, October 26, with seatings between 4:30 and 6 p.m. Diners may come and eat in or take it out, their choice. The menu consists of roast turkey, mashed potato and gravy, winter squash, green bean casserole, with cranberry sauce and pumpkin upside-down pie for dessert.
Call the Grange hall at 802-254-1138 to reserve meals. Cost is $15 for an adult meal and $7 for children between 6 and 12 years of age. Proceeds from this meal go toward the Grange's heat fund.
Vernon Historians examine "History Along the River"
VERNON - On Sunday, October 27, the Vernon Historians present a wide-ranging program by local teacher and historian, Joe Rivers, about life along this stretch of the Connecticut River. This historical odyssey includes subjects such as Indigenous trade routes, Fort Dummer, early commerce on the river, Island Park, prohibition and the island, and the hydroelectric dam. The descriptions of life on the river will be illustrated by photographs shared by the Brattleboro Historical Society.
The program begins at about 2:00 p.m. at the Governor Hunt House Community Center, 322 Governor Hunt Rd. It immediately follows a very brief 1:45 p.m. annual meeting of the Vernon Historians membership. It is free and accessible to those with disabilities. Refreshments will be served. There is limited parking or drop off at the community center for those with mobility issues, and additional parking is available across the street at the Vernon Elementary School parking lot.
Tin ware in Saxtons River is topic of slide lecture
SAXTONS RIVER - Before plastic became king, there was tin ware. Early tin ware manufacture in Saxtons River is the topic of a talk Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m., at 24 Main Street community center.
Tinsmith Richard Eckert will give a slide lecture on the tin makers who operated in the village, beginning with the Perry brothers in 1831 and continuing up to about 1900.
Eckert was the tinsmith at Old Sturbridge Village for 10 years, having studied with some of the master tinsmiths. He will explain the process of dipping sheet iron in molten tin to create tinplate that could then be shaped into useful items for home and farm, such as cups, plates, graters, cooking pans, scoops, lunch pails, milk pans, milking pails, and maple sap pans.
A group of about 30 peddlers would carry these wares in horse-drawn carts around the countryside to meet the needs of residents. In exchange, they would receive money or recycled goods. The latter were often more valuable since there was a need for rags for papermaking, feathers for mattresses, and tallow for candles and soap. Even hair was on the list of items that could be bartered.
The talk is sponsored by the Saxtons River Historical Society, with funding from the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and support from 24 Main Street. Entrance is through the rear level.
Learn how to avoid scams, fraud at RFPL workshop
BELLOWS FALLS - On Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., the Rockingham Free Public Library presents AARP representative Alan Baker. He will show three ways to prevent scams and fraud, and how to counter the techniques that scammers use when they contact folks using phone calls, text messages, and websites.
Learn how to avoid identity theft and financial loss. Learn best practices for creating, storing, and entering online credentials safely in this free program. For more information, email annedempsey464@rockinghamlibrary.org, call 802-463-4270, or stop by the library at 65 Westminster St.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.