Community apple pie making begins in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON - Pie making began this week for the Dummerston Congregational Church's annual Apple Pie Festival Sunday, Oct. 12. Everyone is welcome to help with apple-slicing and crust-making while meeting members of the community.
Two shifts, 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 9 p.m., take place Monday through Friday until Oct. 9 in the church's basement kitchen at 1535 Middle Rd. There is no need to stay for entire shift. Community service hours are available for high school students.
Manitou hosts Nature Therapy Clinic
WILLIAMSVILLE - The "Nature Therapy Clinic" series will offer experiences designed to help people slow down, breathe, and "let the forest work its quiet magic," organizers wrote in a news release. Sessions take place at The Manitou Project, a 223-acre woodland sanctuary on Sunset Lake Road.
Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Amanda Kenyon, each 90-minute drop-in session teaches simple, guided practices, such as seated meditation, sensory exploration, hands-on nature interaction, mindful movement, and breathwork.
Inspired by the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku ("forest bathing"), "these sessions go beyond relaxation," said Kenyon. The practices focus on strategies "proven to reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and boost overall emotional well-being," said organizers.
No experience is necessary and all are welcome. The suggested fee is $15–$45 for those who can pay.
Sessions are available every Monday and Friday through Oct. 20. For full details, session times, and weather updates, visit landkindguide.com/nature-therapy-clinic.
Fall foliage BBQ in Windham
WINDHAM - Boy Scout Troop 428 will hold a chicken barbecue Saturday, Oct. 4, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Windham Meeting House, 26 Harrington Rd. Meals will be available for pick up or eat in.
Each meal is $10 and includes chicken, baked beans, salad, cornbread, and a choice of dessert. Pre-order your meal at bit.ly/834-bbq.
Harvest Festival in Vernon
VERNON - The Governor Hunt House Community Center, 322 Governor Hunt Rd., invites you to a "Harvest Festival," Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Features include food trucks, a penny carnival, craft vendors, pumpkin carving and decorating, and an apple pie contest.
This is a fundraising and community event to benefit continued operation of the community center. For more information, visit their Facebook page, governorhunt.org, or email GovHuntCC@gmail.com.
Potato Fest in Windham
WINDHAM - The Windham Historical Society presents a potato festival, featuring games and a square dance, Sunday, Oct. 5, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the former Windham Elementary School.
Guests can savor Windham-grown potatoes, enjoy a hot dog or two, and join in some square dancing with a live band. Donations are welcome and will support the historical society.
Senior meal in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON - Evening Star Grange and Senior Solutions present their first Senior Lunch in October Wednesday, October 8, with in-house seating at noon and take-out available between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The menu will consist of baked chicken breasts, rice pilaf, vegetarian chicken strips, and broccoli and cauliflower au gratin with a dessert surprise. This will be any of several desserts, as the chef is cleaning out the freezers prior to starting to collect turkey for the November Thanksgiving spread.
Reservations are strongly suggested but not mandatory; it helps them to have an idea of how much food to make. Call the Grange at 802-254-1138 and leave your name, phone number, number of meals desired, and whether they are for eating in or taking out. Sugar-free and gluten-free options are available; indicate if one of these is needed. A donation of $4 for those 60 and older eating in-house, and $5 for those 59 and under and all take-outs is suggested.
Public safety meeting in Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS - On Wednesday, Oct. 8, from noon to 1 p.m., join the Bellows Falls Police Department, Greater Falls Community Justice Center, Greater Falls Connections, Turning Point Recovery Center, AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, Parks Place, the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union, and other town organizations and leadership for a discussion about community health and safety, at the Rockingham Free Public Library, 65 Westminster St.
This month, the focus will be keeping public playgrounds safe and inclusive, with a special emphasis on the Central Elementary playground.
"Recent conflict, violence, and threats, as well as inappropriate use of the space, have led to heightened concerns about emotional and physical safety for both kids and their families," organizers wrote in a news release. "Together, we will create an action plan for addressing these issues and supporting community members."
Community members are invited to bring their concerns, voice support, or just be part of this conversation. Email lauren@gfcjc.org with questions. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.