Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications
BRATTLEBORO - The Human Services Review Committee is seeking applications from organizations focused on meeting concerns facing the community. Applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Representative Town Meeting established a grant allocation of up to $499,426 for Fiscal Year 2027. Grants will be disbursed in July 2026. The committee looks forward to learning of and supporting the programs that address the pressing needs of our community.
The Human Services Committee will host a discussion for applicants Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Selectboard Meeting Room (and over Zoom). Anyone wishing to apply for Human Services funding this year is highly encouraged to attend. Contact Jessica Sticklor at jsticklor@brattleboro.gov if there are any questions.
Food drop in Putney
PUTNEY - The Vermont Food Bank and Putney Foodshelf co-sponsor a monthly food drop, offering a selection of produce and nonperishable foods. The drive-thru service is on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Free and open to all, the next food drop is Thursday, Sept. 25.
While construction is underway on Alice Holway Drive, Putney Food Drops will be located at 78 River Rd. (This is the parking lot of what used to be Five Maples). More details, including a map, can be found at putneyfoodshelf.org/food-drop.
Fairy House Festival at the Nature Museum
GRAFTON - The Nature Museum at Grafton, 186 Townshend Rd., presents its annual "Fairy House Festival" Saturday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors can follow a woodland path sprinkled with fairy houses "for a magical experience of the natural world," wrote organizers in a news release. "Walk the forested fairy house trail, make your own fairy houses, enjoy face painting, music, bubbles, crafts, food, local vendors, and more, all in celebration of the relationship between nature and creativity."
This event is The Nature Museum's annual fundraiser. More than 90 volunteers create a fairyland of small structures built out of natural materials, building an enchanted village through the woods.
There will be performers and activities scheduled each day. Advance tickets are $18 for adults, $20 at the game. Children's tickets are $5, under 3 are free. For details, visit nature-museum.org/fairyhousefestival.
Deerfield Valley Food Pantry holds Bingo fundraiser
WILMINGTON - An afternoon of Bingo in support of the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry will be held Sunday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wilmington Public Safety Facility, 40 Beaver St.
Refreshments will be available by donation. There will be a 50/50 raffle, and many outstanding prizes donated by local businesses and individuals will be up for grab, including a large gift basket raffle. For more information, visit deerfieldvalleyfoodpantry.org/other-events or call 802-464-8520.
Healing workshop at Manitou Project
WILLIAMSVILLE - On Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Manitou Project, 300 Sunset Lake Rd., will host a hands-on workshop that they say "creates the experience of three simple but powerful energy-healing practices that relieve stresses of the body, mind and spirit."
After a brief explanation of the common threads of all energy-body healing practices, practitioners and teachers Cydney and Keith Strand will guide participants through Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as Tapping; Makko Ho (self-shiatsu/meridian stretching), and qigong: five element practice.
"Simple enough to be enjoyed immediately, these practices have strong potential for healing on a physical, mental, and emotional level, suitable for people of all ages and abilities," organizers wrote in a news release. "The goal of the workshop is to assist people in finding a healing practice that piques their interest and resonates with their body's energy."
The workshop requires no previous experience and is open to all who feel called to explore the world of energy healing. There is a suggested contribution to The Manitou Project of $20. Go to manitouproject.org for more information or call 802-258-8598.
Fall photo foray on Hogback Mountain
MARLBORO - Tune up your photography skills during fall foliage season. Join local naturalist and photographer Cherrie Corey for an autumn morning photo foray along the trails of Hogback Mountain Conservation Area Sunday, Sept. 28, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Corey will focus on Hogback's unique historic artifacts, vistas, and wilder details, using cameras to tune in more closely to the marvels of autumn life, light, and color on the mountain. Participants will also learn some tips about lighting, composition, and perspective that help to highlight the unique visual features of the landscape.
Attendees should dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear and bring their favorite camera (digital or analog). Registration is required. Contact hmca@hogbackvt.org to register and get details of where to meet.
Rock Voices begins new season
BRATTLEBORO - Rock Voices, the choir that sings only rock songs, begins its Fall season in Brattleboro on Monday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. Rehearsals with the director, Bob Thies, are held at the Vermont Jazz Center in the Cotton Mill Building at 72 Cotton Mill Hill.
No auditions are required - anyone over 18 is welcome. Interested singers can try it out for three sessions before deciding to join. Songs planned for this season include compostions of the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Ozzy Osbourne, E.L.O., Prince, and Adele.
A concert with a full rock band will be held in January. For information and to register, go to rockvoices.com.
Marlboro Cares needs volunteer drivers
MARLBORO - Marlboro Cares is in need of volunteer drivers to bring people to medical and wellness appointments.
"As our town and our volunteers, themselves, are aging, we have an ongoing need for more volunteers willing and able to drive," organizers wrote in a news release. "Once you become a volunteer, you are always free to say that a specific ride or day or time is inconvenient for you."
To volunteer, call Marlboro Cares at its answer line at 802-258-3030. A response can be expected within 48 hours.
Newfane seeks input on its Town Plan
NEWFANE - For those who live or work in Newfane, there's a Town Plan survey at bit.ly/833-survey. It's also available at newfanevt.com/newfane-planning-commission.
Newfane will be adopting a new town plan in 2026. By filling out the survey, participants can help make sure the new plan reflects their experience and opinions.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.