Brattleboro Town Report now available
BRATTLEBORO — The 2025–26 Brattleboro Town Report is currently on the town’s website, Brattleboro.gov.
It can also be found at bit.ly/857-report, as well as at Brooks Memorial Library.
Mott examines ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ at Putney Library
PUTNEY — Constitutional scholar Meg Mott delves into the meaning of “The Pursuit of Happiness” as it applies to our founding documents in a talk at Putney Public Library, 55 Main St., Thursday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. This talk is free.
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, a new nation was brought forth by a People who had the gall to think they could govern themselves,” wrote Mott in a news release. “As long as each citizen worked to improve their character, the nation as a whole would stay free. The term of art for this personal improvement was ‘the Pursuit of Happiness.’”
This talk will examine what that term originally meant, which civic virtues were promoted in Vermont, and how we might promote more happiness in today’s politics.
Learn about bluebirds in Vermont
LONDONDERRY — On Thursday, March 19, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at Flood Brook School, the Londonderry Conservation Commission will feature veterinarian Dr. Ron Svec presenting a family-friendly program entitled “It’s All About the Bluebird!” that will look at the history, life, and nesting of the eastern bluebird.
Svec, a veterinarian, Dummerston Conservation Commissioner, and member of the North American Bluebird Society, says their growing numbers in Vermont “is a story of success due in most part to citizen conservationists’ efforts to provide nest boxes to ensure their survival.”
Participants will learn about the preferred habitats of bluebirds as a way to understand what is needed to attract them to Vermont homes, as well as how to provide safe and successful nesting boxes.
Vernal Equinox Celebration at West Village Meetinghouse
WEST BRATTLEBORO — The musical duo Sharon & Daniel will lead a “Vernal Equinox Celebration” Friday, March 20, at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by All Souls Unitarian/Universalist Church and will be held at the West Village Meeting House, 29 South St.
Organizers wrote in a news release that “the highly participatory gathering will feature singing, dancing and merriment of all manner, including a percussion jam and Flower Parade.”
“The Equinox is when the length of the day and night are equal at 12 hours each.” Daniel Kasnitz said in the news release. “With this change and the turning towards the warm weather, spring ushers in new life and growth — a time of beginnings and renewal. We will be playing songs that honor the Vernal Equinox and the new opportunities it brings.”
For more information, contact Kasnitz at 802-380-1369. Admission is free of charge, or by donation, and family friendly. The celebration will be preceded by a potluck dinner starting at 5 p.m.
Rabies clinic in Wilmington
WILMINGTON —A rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats will take place Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wilmington Fire Department, 40 Beaver St. Park at the Old High School, and walk to the left side of the fire station to side door.
Dr. Miles Powers, DVM, will be present for rabies shots for $25 and distemper shots for $30, or $50 for both shots. Cash or check payment only. Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in a carrier.
The Wilmington Town Clerk will be present to register dogs for the town of Wilmington.
March-Aritaville at RFPL celebrates fiber crafting
BELLOWS FALLS — On Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the Rockingham Free Public Library, 65 Westminster St., for March-aritaville, a free celebration of warmth and fiber crafting.
“It’s March outside, but in the library, we will warm up with cozy crafts and summery vibes,” organizers said in a news release. “Join fiber enthusiasts who will teach needle felting, knitting, and crocheting for all ages.”
All materials are provided. They say participants should bring “your flip flops and your creative energy, and come visit for for crafting, snacks, and lemonade.”
For more information about this and other programs, call 802-463-4270, visit rockinghamlibrary.org, or stop by the library.
Vermont Crankie Fest comes to NEYT
BRATTLEBORO — On Saturday, March 21, New England Youth Theater, 100 Flat St., presents the seventh “Vermont Crankie Fest,” with a free family concert at 3 p.m. featuring Stefan Amidon, Brendan Taaffe, and Mary Alice Amidon and a 7:30 p.m. concert with Maisie O’Brien, Storm Welch, Maria Pugnetti joining Taaffe.
Crankies are illustrated scrolls that are cranked from one side to another in a wooden box. They have been growing steadily more popular over the past 15 years, with crankie fests popping up around the country.
Live ASL interpretation for both shows will be provided by Nicole Comtois. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $25 general admission ($35 generous) at tinyurl.com/vtcrankfest.
Community jam at Newfane’s Union Hall
NEWFANE — On Saturday, March 21, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Union Hall on Church Street, the Newfane Community Jam Project is kicking off the Union Hall music season with a show featuring an eclectic set of classic rock tunes, performed by Newfane friends and neighbors.
“We have been rehearsing all winter, and we are ready to rock,” wrote organizers in an news release. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. Donations are accepted and appreciated. For more information, visit musicatunionhall.com.
Guilford Church Sugar-on-Snow Supper is March 21
GUILFORD — The Sugar-on-Snow Supper at Guilford Community Church will be held Saturday, March 21. There are three seatings to choose from at 4, 5:30, and 7 p.m. Prices are $15 adults, $7 children age 11 and under, and $3 for preschoolers.
The menu features baked ham, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, cole slaw, freshly made baked rolls and doughnuts, sugar on snow, dill pickles, and coffee, ice tea, or milk.
A half-gallon of maple syrup will be raffled off during each seating. The money raised helps underwrite the many local charities the church supports with its outreach. For reservations or more information, call 802-254-9562 or email guilfordchurchsupper@gmail.com.
Interfaith Gathering for Peace in Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS — First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls will host an interfaith service for peace Saturday, March 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. They invite community members of all faith traditions to gather for an evening centered on peace, unity, hope, and compassion.
“All are welcome to attend,” organizers wrote in a news release. “We invite you to come as you are and bring friends and neighbors to share in an evening of reflection, connection, and shared commitment to peace.”
For more information, contact the church at 802-436-3220, fbcbellowsfalls@gmail.com or fbbfpastor@gmail.com, or visit the church at 9 Church St.
‘Blue Door’ soup supper in Saxtons River
SAXTONS RIVER — All are invited to the Community Building, 24 Main St., Sunday, March 22, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., to gather with friends and neighbors for a free soup supper. It will be followed by a conversation with Richard and Pete Stickney about “Farming: Then and Now.”
Visitors are asked to use the back (Blue Door) entrance off River Street. Donations to 24 Main Street Community Building are welcome.
‘What’s in a Name: Seeking Stories for Place-Based Art’ in Putney
PUTNEY — To honor and remember Eva Mondon, Alice Holway and Carol Brown, Windham & Windsor Housing Trust is seeking stories to shape artwork at the site of the new housing conplex at Alice Holway Drive at a story-gathering event at Yellow Barn on Main Street Tuesday, March 23, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Organizers invite anyone to share their stories about Holway, Brown, Mondon, or the Aiken Nursery, How has this land been shaped by river and human activity over time? This gathering encourages longtime residents, new neighbors, and friends of Putney to share stories (or to simply listen).
The product of this gathering will be a digital scrapbook that will provide the basis for artistic interpretation and rendering of a 7-by-11-foot mural at Alice Holway Drive.
If you’re unable to make it to the event, they will have a Zoom connection for hybrid participation. For more information, go to bit.ly/857-matriarchs.
District 7 informational meeting set for March 26
BRATTLEBORO — District 7 residents are invited to attend a community informational meeting Thursday, March 26, at 6 p.m. in the Music Room at Academy School on Western Avenue. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about key issues facing the town and to share their ideas and priorities for Brattleboro’s future.
The meeting will include discussion of several important topics, including the Fiscal Year 2027 Town Budget, an overview of the Finance Committee report, and Open Town Meeting articles that will be considered by voters. Additional discussion will focus on failing infrastructure in town and planning for both the next five years and the next 25 years in Brattleboro.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.