Big Al and Some Guys Band play at Springs Farm
GUILFORD - The Big Al and Some Guys Band returns to the Springs Farm, 49 Carpenter Hill Rd., for another night of outdoor danceable rock music from the 1960s forward. Join them on Thursday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic, starting at 5:30 p.m., for an evening under the maple trees.
Many locals and schoolchildren know lead singer Alex Lacy, the compost coordinator at the Windham Solid Waste Management District and member of the Guilford Conservation Commission. "Most of the time, she's talking trash," Springs Farm resident Mary Collins said in a news release. "But when she's with the band, she cleans up nice and has fine singing pipes."
Parking is available at the library and the playscape, and, for those who need closer access, at the farm. In case of rain, the event will be at the Broad Brook Community Center, 3940 Guilford Center Rd. The suggested donation is $15 and no one will be turned away.
Former Poets Laureate read at Village Square Booksellers
BELLOWS FALLS - Former Poets Laureate Alice Fogel of New Hampshire and Chard deNiord of Vermont will read from their most recent poetry books at Village Square Booksellers on Friday, July 25, at 5:30.
Alice Fogel is the New Hampshire Poet Laureate emerita (2013–2019) and author of eight books. She will read from her newest book, Falsework, as well as from her other collections.
Chard deNiord, Vermont Poet Laureate emeritus (2015–2019), is the author of 10 books. He will read from his books Westminster West (2025) and One As Other (2024) as well as from a few of his other titles.
Marlboro presents annual Summer Rummage Sale
MARLBORO - The Marlboro Alliance presents the 66th annual Summer Rummage Sale on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27, at the Marlboro Elementary School on Route 9. All proceeds benefit the Marlboro Alliance General Fund.
Donations for the sale may be dropped off Friday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale begins on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and continues on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All remaining items will be free on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., although organizers will continue to appreciate financial contributions.
This event will be held rain or shine. A bake sale, household goods, and other treasures will be outdoors under the big white tents. Clothing and accessories will be in the School's Outback (a.k.a. the gym). For more information, visit bit.ly/824-MarlboroSale.
Liz Hawkes deNiord artist talk at Moore Library
NEWFANE - This month, the Crowell Art Gallery at Moore Free Library, 23 West St., is hosting Liz Hawkes deNiord's exhibit of large abstract paintings. Titled "Koans," the exhibit features Hawkes-deNiord's work, which rarely offers a direct explanation of meaning but rather allows the viewer to interact and respond without direction. "Enigmatic, the vivid and thickly layered paintings invite an intuitive response," wrote organizers in a news release.
Hawkes-deNiord's says her formal studies in studio art, art history, and Asian studies were instrumental in her artistic vision. Her art has been influenced by her travels to the Yucatan and Japan. She is a lifelong painter and ceramicist, teaching art in Brattleboro for 22 years, at The Putney School and Landmark College, and before that, classes in Connecticut, Iowa, and Virginia. She has been married to Chard deNiord, the former Vermont Poet Laureate, for 54 years.
"Koans" runs through July 29. An artist talk is scheduled for noon on Saturday, July 26. The gallery is free and open to all.
Experience 'Colors of the Wild' with live animals at RFPL
BELLOWS FALLS - The Rockingham Free Public Library welcomes the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum for an all ages presentation of "Colors of the Wild" on Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m.
The event will feature live animals and offer a close look at the role color plays in the wild: how animals use camouflage, warning colors, and vibrant displays to survive and thrive in their natural habitats; to explore some of the differences in animals' visual experiences; and to learn how plants and animals make use of sight and color.
The program includes a slideshow, live animals, and activities. This interactive program brings a variety of wildlife right into the library.
Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Budding naturalists as well as those who are simply curious about creatures should not miss this wild afternoon at the library. For more information, call 802-463-4270, email youthservices@rockinghamlibrary.org, or stop by the library at 65 Westminster St.
The Nature Museum hosts tree expert W. John Kress
GRAFTON - The Nature Museum is hosting scientist and curator emeritus at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History W. John Kress, who earned a doctorate from Duke University studying tropical biology, plant systematics, pollination ecology, and ethnobotany, on Sunday, July 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Grafton Inn on Main Street.
Author of Smithsonian Trees of North America, Kress will share his work and his vision to help us regain a relationship and respect for nature through our connection to trees. His current research is focused on plant evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. He has published more than 300 scientific papers and written several books.
Tickets are available at nature-museum.org on a sliding scale, including a free option, or call 802-843-2111 or email nikolas@nature-museum.org for more information.
Westminster hosts Town Forest public input forum
WESTMINSTER - The Westminster Town Forest consists of more than 240 acres of rugged, mixed forest land. It contains some of the few examples of black gum trees in the state and has been owned by the town for more than 30 years.
The Westminster Conservation Commission will lead a public forum on Thursday, July 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Butterfield Institute, 3534 US Route 5. Come learn more about this resource and provide input on the future of the forest.
"Do we want to manage the forest with a look toward future timber and firewood harvest? Do we want to steward the land for wildlife habitat? Do we want to design and install trails through the property? Tell us about your experiences on the Town Forest and what your suggestions would be for the future," organizers wrote in a news release.
Light refreshments will be served. For information, contact westminstervtconservation@gmail.com.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.