Notebook

The Mediterranean Diet
Westminster Cares will present a Healthy Foods Workshop to promote healthy aging and eating for all, to be held on Wednesday, May 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Westminster on Route 5.  Deborah Krasner, will present the Mediterranean diet and lead a cooking demonstration.  Lunch will follow which will include Risotto, Pollo alla Francese, Swiss Chard with garlic and olive oil and Biscotti di Regina.  A $5 donation is suggested.  Please sign up early, space is limited, please call Westminster Cares at 722-3607 or email: wecares@sover.net.

Solar Applications
On Thursday, May 15, John Kondos, founder of the Solar Source & Home-Efficiency Resources, LLC of Spofford, N.H. will be the guest speaker at the weekly Brattleboro Rotary Club luncheon meeting at 12:15 p.m. at the Red Roof Inn on Putney Road in North Brattleboro.
Kondos will be discussing solar applications for residential use. The luncheon costs $11 and the public is invited.
For more information about the Brattleboro Rotary Club, please contact President June Howe at (802) 251-0004 or jhowepfs@sover.net.

Stamp

Out Hunger
Help us  Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday, May 10 by leaving food by your mailbox. Our carriers will collect donations,and all food will be dispersed to local agencies for their growing summer needs.
Donationa are  also being collected in the Post Office Lobbies throughout the area.

Letterpress Workshop
 Great River Arts is teaming up with Brattleboro-based book designer Dede Cummings to offer a six-week letterpress workshop beginning on May 15 and running through June 19. This workshop will introduce and explain the art of letterpress through discussions and histories of typography, design and techniques. Dede will assist in all aspects of design using Great River's Vandercook letterpress.
The workshop hours are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the cost of the workshop is $150. For more information, group rates, and to register, contact Alexis at 802-463-3330 or alexis@greatriverarts.org.

Birth Announcements
In Lebanon, N.H., (Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital), April 5, 2008, a daughter, Ainsley Morey Smith, to Megan (McKeen) and Dominic Smith of Bradford; granddaughter to Ken and Molli McKeen of Westminster, Marge Smith of Bradford and the late Lewis Smith.
In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), April 5, 2008, a son, Alex Daniel Gauthier, to Megan (Borichevsky) and Jacob Gauthier of Putney; grandson to John and Suzanne Borichevsky of Guilford, Louis Gauthier of Brattleboro and Pamela Lysitt of Putney.

Dr. Bebop to Perform
Dr. Bebop's is putting together a band with some of New York's most swinging musicians and presenting a cocnert to his home-town audience at the Vermont Jazz Center.  To celebrate Howard Brofsky's 83rd birthday will perform at the jazz center that will feature his colleague at Queens College, Antonio Hart.  The concert will take place on May 10 at 8 p.m. at the VJC's Cotton Mill Hill space.
Tickets are $18, general admission, $12 for students.  Tickets may be purchased by calling (802) 254 9088,  at www.vtjazz.org or at "In the Moment" record shop on 143 Main Street in Brattleboro, Vermont (802) 257 8171.
The Vermont Jazz Center would like to thank the Vermont Council of the Art for a generous grant. Handicap accessible, please call (802) 254 9088, extension 2.

Poetry Group
The West River Poetry Group will meet on Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. at 1115 Middle Road in Dummerston.  The group meets monthly to share poems, exchange ideas, and explore the writer's vocation. 
For more information contact Michael Travisano at 802-257-0474 or Martha Nelson at 802-251-0908.

Spaghetti Supper
The Woman's Fellowship of The First Congregational Church of Westminster will be holding a Spaghetti Supper Saturday, May 10. 
Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m.  Tickets will be available at the door $6 adults, $3 children ages 5 - 8.  The menu includes spaghetti, meatballs, tossed salad, garlic bread, beverages. Dessert will feature ice-cream sundaes  Take out will be available.  A special gas card raffle will be taking place during dinner as well.
Tickets will be $1 each or 6 for $5 available the night of the dinner.  You do not have to be present to win.

Annual Sale and Swap
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 10. The Brattleboro Outing Club announces its annual Spring Canoe, Kayak and Sailboat Sale/Swap from noon to 2 p.m. at 698 Putney Rd., in Brattleboro, former home of Turbo Signs and the School of Budo (next to the Kipling Cinema, and across from the Vermont Vet Clinic and Howard Printing). This is a fundraiser event, and proceeds are used to underwrite the summer paddling program, which is free and open to the general public.
Sale/swap items will be limited to all types of canoes, kayaks, rowboats and small sailboats, no motorboats or motors.
Boats may be dropped off on Friday, May 9 from 5 to 7 p.m., or on the day of the sale from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (or by appointment). Sale/swap will be from noon to 2 p.m. on May 10.
For more information, or to arrange a drop-off at a more convenient time, call Larry McIntosh at (802) 254-3666; or visit the BOC website at: www.brattleborooutingclub.org.

Stories That Heal
On Friday May 9 from 4 to 6 p.m., the Vermont Healing Tools Project (VHTP) will begin a series of "healing walks" on the Manitou land, (directions below.)   Stories That Heal, originally was inspired by a book called "Kitchen Table Wisdom" whose sub-title was "Stories That Heal," by Rachel Naomi Remen.  We are bringing this journey of healing to the natural sanctuary of Manitou.  Members of the walk will be invited to share their stories or be silent witness to others.  Come dressed for a hike in the woods. 
The Vermont Healing Tools Project will be bringing different themes to the Manitou Walks every second Friday of each month until the fall. Those who are unable to take the walk, are invited to meditate on the land and join in after the walk is over, for the second hour.  An accessible area is being created near parking.
The group will meet in the parking area at 300 Sunset Lake Rd., Williamsville at 4 p.m.  Any questions call Margaret at 579-4608.

Free Wills for Young Families
Ward & Webb, PC, Estate Planning Attorneys, presents its monthly community service program, Free Wills for Young Families, at its 129 West Street, Keene, NH office on the last Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m.  This is a free program for parents with young children who cannot afford comprehensive estate planning.  It is an opportunity to make a simple New Hampshire or Vermont Will with provisions to name guardians and protect minor children. 
Requirements to participate:  Call to register in advance; couples must attend together; do not bring children.  Call (603) 352-7310 or (802) 254-0022.

Grace Cottage Hospital's Community Health Fair
Come to the first annual "Spring Into Health" Community Health Fair in Townshend on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 
Over 50 non-profit area health- and safety-related organizations and agencies will present information about their services at this fun and informative free event, to be held at Leland & Gray High School and on the Townshend Common.
Blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol checks, or have your eyes tested for glaucoma, learn about poison prevention, nutrition, losing weight, Vermont health insurance access, tobacco cessation, safe driving, and staying flexible and strong. Kids activities, the DHART helicopter, the state's Fire Safety House, fire and rescue trucks from many area towns, and so much more.
In conjunction with the Community Health Fair, the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive, and personnel from the Rutland Regional Medical Center's Marrow Donor Program will register potential bone marrow donors.
Door prizes will be given out - including a Nilfisk HEPA vacuum. Healthy snacks will be available, and Leland & Gray's Project Graduation group will sell lunches. All people are welcome, but please, no dogs.
For more information, call 802-365-9109 or visit www.gracecottage.org. 

BMH Employee of the Year is Their Pharmacist
Barry Beeman, CEO/President of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, surprised the director of its pharmacy, Ken Van Cott, when he called him forward as the 2008 Employee of the Year at the recent annual Employee Recognition Dinner. Van Cott was in attendance to mark the milestone of his 15 years at the hospital, and also to recognize members of his pharmacy staff who were celebrating various milestones. Van Cott was nominated by members of his staff in the BMH Pharmacy, including Steve Kapral, Terry Sells, Dee Auger, Kathy Coulombe, and per diem Peggy Porter who emphasized that their choice was a no-brainer because of Van Cott's true and honorable service to all.
According to Beeman, "Ken is a very knowledgeable pharmacist whose dedication and competence help make BMH a safer hospital for our patients with his interest in medication safety. In addition, he has implemented new procedures to make sure nurses and doctors have the necessary tools for the safe use of medicines."
Van Cott came to BMH in 1992, after having been Director of Pharmacy at two Boston hospitals simultaneously. He was well known for cycling between the hospitals of Choate-Symmes Health Services. His wife Christy and their son Christopher were on hand at the event to celebrate his being named BMH 2008 Employee of the Year.

Brooks Library Events
Brooks Memorial Library's Presidential Biography reading/discussion series continues on May 14 at 7 p.m. with a discussion of David McCullough's award winning, Truman.
A monumental biography of an extraordinary president, Harry Truman--the man who brought the country solidly into the 20th century. Drawing from archival materials and extensive interviews, McCullough chronicles Truman's life, but it is Truman's emergence as a decisive and confident president that forms the heart of this book.
Alicia Ostriker, a major American poet and critic, will read at Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro, Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Ostriker's most recent book of poems is No Heaven, described as powerful delicately balanced" in The Southern Review, and "deeply compelling" by Maxine Kumin.
For more information please contact the Library at 254-5290, ext. 0, or send an email to: brattlib@brooks.lib.vt.us with your questions.

Race for a Reason
On May 10, New England residents and the international community have the opportunity to support survivors of the cyclone that devastated Bangladesh at the 6th annual Race for a Reason. Organizers at the School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, VT have set a goal of $10,000 for the 5k/10k event, which is designed for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. This year's race will be held at the SIT campus, winding around the scenic landscape as runners raise money for the people of Bangladesh.
Registration costs $25 for adults and children under 10 can run/walk free or pay $10 to enter and receive a t-shirt. Walk-ins are accepted, and the race fee includes a t-shirt, post-race food, and plenty of SIT graduate students and community members to cheer you on at the finish line! Race day extras include Jazzberry band, a silent auction, reiki relaxation & massage, and prizes.
For more information regarding Race for a Reason 2008 or SIT's Net Impact Chapter, please contact: Laara Manler, Tel: (561) 278-6198, email: mailto:laara.manler@mail.sit.edu.  For more information about BRAC USA, please visit: www.brac.net/usa.

SEVCA Benefit
After the long, frigid, hardship-inducing winter Vermonters have just gone through, with fuel prices going through the roof, Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) welcomes the coming of spring with its Annual Celebration on Monday, May 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Chester Post #67 in Chester. The event is part of National Community Action Month, celebrated each May, and will spotlight the agency's efforts to help residents of Windham and Windsor counties overcome and lift themselves out of poverty.
This commemoration recognizes the significant impact Community Action Agencies such as SEVCA make everyday fighting poverty in local communities. Despite the constant threat of budget cuts and an increased demand for services, SEVCA continues to turn hardship into hope for the region's low-income residents. In honor of National Community Action Month, the agency is holding this celebration to highlight its successes, showcase its services, and recognize the amazing accomplishments of the volunteers, staff members, and community activists who make the successes possible.
For more information, call 800-464-9951 or email lbrooks@sevca.org.

Guilford Recognition
Broad Brook Grange and Guilford Central School will present their 17th annual Community Recognition Evening on Tuesday, May 13, at the Grange hall in Guilford Center at 7 p.m.  The public is welcome to attend this free event. 
The evening begins with a musical prelude by accordionist Bob Tucker and presentation of colors by Scout Troop 403.  During the evening, Guilford Central School instrumentalists will also perform, directed by Mary Harvey-Bandish. 
The evening concludes with refreshments, including a special cake for the Citizen of the Year. Broad Brook Grange is on Guilford Center Road, 4 miles west of the Guilford Country Store.  Info: (802) 257-1961.

Buddhist Monk to Speak
"Transforming the Heart: The Buddhist Way to Joy and Courage" with Jampa Tegchok, Rinpoche, will take place on Friday, May 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sanctuary in Westminster West. Other events will take place on Saturday, May 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at Thosum Gephelling Institute in Williamsville.
For information on Friday night's talk and directions to Sanctuary, call 802-387-5779, visit www.sanctuaryvermont.com or e-mail info@sanctuaryvermont.com. For information on Saturday and Sunday's teachings, and directions to Thosum Gephelling Institute (TGI) call 802-348-7160 or visit http://www.thosumgephelling.com/.

Giant Tag Sale
A gigantic tag sale will be held at the First United Methodist church on Saturday, May 10th, from 8 a.m. to noon. 
Featured items will include, books, TV monitor, printer, white-elephant items, puzzles, furniture, and many more treasures.  Proceeds will benefit missions of the church.  Rain or shine. 
The church is located at 18 Town Crier Drive, off Putney Rd., across from the Shell Station.  Info:  (802) 254-4218 or: fumc@sover.net.

Mother's Day Brunch
The Brattleboro Knights of Columbus will be having its 2nd Annual Mother's Day Breakfast on Mother's Day May 11 at St. Michael's Catholic School. The Knights will be serving a modified version of our regular monthly breakfasts with the inclusion of special items just for Mother's Day. Breakfast will be served from 9am to noon. Mother's will be presented with a flower and their meal will be a Mother's Day gift from the Knights of Columbus Leo Council #917 of Brattleboro. A donation of $8 is suggested for all others.

Take a Hike
The Windham County Community Advisory Board of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont will hold the 8th Annual Mountain Day on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Wantastiquet (rain date is May 17). The event, which is free and open to all ages, will include a hike up Mount Wantastiquet and a less strenuous riverside walk option. There will be free T-shirts, raffle prizes, healthy sandwiches, and water for participants. Parking is available in the south side of the Wal-Mart parking lot. Hikers and walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable layered clothing and sturdy footwear. The hike up Mount Wantastiquet is about 3.5 miles round trip so bring extra water and food if needed. In order to keep the trails comfortable and safe for everyone, leave bikes and dogs at home. This is one of several projects led by community members to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles in the Brattleboro area. 

Mother Brunch in Guilford
On May 11, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broad Brook Range, Guilford, enjoy an all-you-can-eat eggs & omelets made to order; pancakes; French toast; new Guilford syrup; fruit salad; homemade muffins, cakes, pies & more.  $8 adults; $7 seniors; $4 age 2-12 & under; free for under age 2.  No reservations necessary.  Broad Brook Grange, Guilford Ctr., 4 mi. west of Country Store. Info at 802-257-1961.

Dean's List
Sarah Weatherhead, of Guilford, was named to the Dean's List at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Co. Sarah is pursuing an associate degree in Advertising/Communication.
Michael Tevolini, of Vernon, was named to the Dean's List at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. Michael is pursuing an associate degree in Management.
Carrie Downes, of Guilford, was named to the Dean's List at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., Carrie is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Management.
Caolina Ross Sopper, of Dummerston, was recently named to the Drew University Dean's List for the Fall 2007 semester.

Talking Corporate
The Marlboro College Graduate Center will host a public lecture by former senior director of Ben & Jerry's, Elizabeth Bankowski, on Friday, May 9 at 5 p.m.
The Marlboro College Graduate Center is located at 28 Vernon Street in Brattleboro, Vermont. For more information, contact the Marlboro College Public Relations department at 802-251-7644 or: pr@marlboro.edu.

Retain Summer Skills
The Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition (BAPC) is pleased to partner with Guilford Central School to offer the course Supporting School Success for parents and guardians of students in grades K-3 on Thursdays, May 8 - June 5, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Guilford. This course can assist parents in ensuring that skills learned this year aren't unlearned over the summer and that the next academic year starts off on the right foot.
Participants who complete the course will receive a $65 stipend. Free child care, light dinner, and parent resources are provided.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Sue at the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition at 257-2175 or: bapcprogram@yahoo.com to register.

NEYT Cabaret
It's that time again, so mark your calendars!  The New England Youth Theatre is holding a Cabaret on Friday, May 9. Hosted by members of NEYT's Mentor Program, it will be a fantastic evening bursting with hilarious skits, beautiful music, wonderful dancing, free goodies  and much, much more!  You don't want to miss out, so come on down!  The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $10.

Marlboro Artists
Marlboro College seniors Hannah Kozik and Greg Meyers will present their art exhibits, which will be on display from Sunday, May 11 through Friday, May 16 in Marlboro's Drury  Gallery.
For more information, contact the Marlboro College Public Relations Department at 802-251-7644 or email: pr@marlboro.edu

Women's Chorus
The Brattleboro Women's Chorus invites the community to come listen and sing along at  their annual Mother's Day concert on Sunday, May 11. The concert will be held at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church on Main Street in Brattleboro. Chorus members have been rehearsing through the winter to present a group of songs about parents, children, mothers and grandmothers.

Circus Show
On May 16 - 18, the New England Center for Circus Arts presents the end of year performances by members of the school's Professional Track Training Program.
The Really Big Circus Show will perform on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children under 12, under 2 are free.  Advance tickets are available at Verde Store for Home & Garden in downtown Brattleboro.  Cash or check only.
The performances will be held at the NECCA studio located at #300 in the Cotton Mill Building just off South Main Street in Brattleboro, VT.  For directions, visit www.necenterforcircusarts.org.  For reservations telephone (802) 254-9780.  The Cotton Mill is wheelchair accessible  -- please call in advance to make arrangements.

Student Photos
The In-Sight Photography Project's Annual Student Show will be on display through the month of May at the Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery. The show will display the most singular and accomplished work made by In-Sight students in the last year.
Please go to the following link for more information: www.insight-photography.org/1/student_show_08.shtml.

School of Dance
Dancing from ballet to ballroom, dancers younger and older, serious dances and humorous dances, all in an inspiring spring show entitled "In Our Element," presented by the Brattleboro School of Dance, on May 16-18 and 23-25 at the New England Youth Theatre in Brattleboro. Performances by dozens of talented student and pre-professional dancers from throughout the area will be featured. Tickets, at $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors, will be available at the door and in advance at Maple Leaf Music, 23 Elliot St., Brattleboro. All proceeds will benefit the Brattleboro School of Dance (BSD) Scholarship Fund, which enables many young people to study at the school each year.
Seating for the spring show will be open with no reserved seats available. Show times are 7:30 p.m. For more information about the show or about BSD classes, call the school at 802-254-6884.

Dance Express
Spring is here!   Celebrate the warmth and increased light. Dance Express is happening on May 10 to help get you movin' and shakin'! Located in The Church on Main Street in Brattleboro,  Dance Express offers the opportunity to enjoy oneself in a multi-generational, drug & alcohol-free environment. The Church offers a convenient location, a wooden dance floor, excellent acoustics, and a state of the art sound system.
May's dance begins at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday night the 10th with DJ Dena at the controls playing music appropriate for children of all ages. DJ Cool Mama Blue joins the fun from 8 until 11:30 p.m., spinning dance tunes chosen to kick the energy up a notch.
Dance Express is a volunteer run dance. The Church is located at 120 Main Street (next to the Post Office) in Brattleboro. Admission is a sliding scale from $5-7. For children under 12 it is $1. The format of the dance is unstructured and dancing is to a great variety of inspired recorded music.  Call 802-258-6475 or 802-380-4221 for more information.

Walpole Plant Sale
The Friends of the Walpole Town Library plant sale, scheduled each year on the Saturday before Mother's Day, will be held on the lawn of the Bridge Memorial Library, Main Street, Walpole on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 9 a.m.  This popular event will go on until everything is sold, usually well before Noon.
The sale features healthy perennials, small shrubs, groundcovers, and other plants donated by area residents.