Archaeological findings at Kikitta Ahki to be presented online Aug. 28
BRATTLEBORO - The town of Brattleboro is hosting a virtual presentation on the archaeological excavations at the recently completed floodplain restoration project at Kikitta Ahki, located at 250 Birge St.
This presentation will take place Thursday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. The presentation can be accessed at bit.ly/477BDti, or by finding a link on the events page at Brattleboro.gov.
Danielle Duguid, Hartgen Archaeological Associates' principal investigator and project manager, will present on the findings that focus on the Leahy Home at the Holden & Martin Mills, which existed on the site.
Cordage and chords at Putney Library
PUTNEY - On Thursday, Aug. 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Putney Public Library, there will be a free hands-on demonstration in cordage-making and book arts accompanied by a musical performance.
The August cohort of artists-in-residence from In Situ Polyculture Commons will lead the hands-on demonstrations, accompanied by songs written for acoustic guitar and voice. "It's a demonstration, a workshop, a salon - a chance to chat with fascinating and talented people all while keeping our hands busy," wrote organizers in a news release.
Visiting artists include Ro Adler, Grace Emmet, Hayley Ferber, Cindy Ellen Hill, and Naomi Harrison-Clay.
In Situ Polyculture Commons is an artist residency and eco-cultural catalyst in Westminster. A registered Vermont nonprofit, it supports cross-pollination between creative and research disciplines, re-skilling and material knowledge for artists, and the cultivation of rich creative practices in balance with rest through their residencies and programming. Learn more at insitupolyculture.org.
Free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing event in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO - On Friday, Aug. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m., the public is invited to a free HIV and Hepatitis C rapid testing event at Groundworks Collaborative, 54 South Main St.
Organized in partnership by the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont (APSVT) and Groundworks Collaborative, this event is designed to break down barriers to testing and help community members access essential health information. No appointment, insurance, or ID is required; just walk in.
Testing is confidential, quick, and performed by trained, certified staff. Results for both HIV and Hepatitis C are available in approximately 20 minutes. As a thank-you for participating, each individual will receive a $5 gift card.
"Identifying infections early not only protects your health, but also reduces the risk of unknowingly passing HIV or Hepatitis C to others," said organizers in a news release. "This community event supports early detection, reduces stigma, and helps connect people to care, resources, and treatment."
All are welcome. For questions or more information, contact the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont at 802-254-4444.
Science night at Lydia Taft Pratt Library
WEST DUMMERSTON - Lydia's Friends Inc., the friends-of-the-library organization that supports the Lydia Taft Pratt Library, hosts Community Science Moth Night on Friday, August 29, at 8 p.m. at the library located in the Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St.
All are invited to bring a camera and flashlight to a night of insect observation and community science and to observe the nocturnal insects that come to their light trap. Everyone is encouraged to use the iNaturalist app to document their observations and to contribute to a growing community of scientists.
The presenter, Louis Burns, has worked as an educator and naturalist for the New York City Parks Department. He has more than a decade of experience teaching students of all ages about the natural world. He spends much of his free time documenting the diversity of life everywhere he goes, whether he's paddling a canoe out into a salt march to find an endangered bird, or photographing a tiny insect crawling on his menu at a restaurant.
This event is funded by an Ecological Speaker's Series Grant from the American Library Association. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the library at 802-258-9878 or [email protected].
Labor Day rally in Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS - Indivisible Brattleboro will be joining with its neighbors in Bellows Falls on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to noon for a protest at Church and Westminster streets.
"The billionaires continue to wage a cruel war on working people," organizers said in a news release. "This Labor Day, we will continue to stand strong, fighting for public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, shared prosperity over corporate politics. We will stand in solidarity with all our communities under attack and fight for real wins for all our people. Thousands of communities around the country will take a stand on Labor Day. Together we will demand a world that works for all of us."
More details for this event can be found at bit.ly/829-labor. For carpooling to this event, contact Indivisible Brattleboro at [email protected].
Sketch and draw class at Main Street Arts
SAXTONS RIVER - Main Street Arts, 35 Main St., presents a sketch and draw class with Susan Rosano Wednesdays, from Sept. 3 through Oct. 10, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
"Discover the fundamentals of drawing in this relaxed and supportive class," wrote organizers in a news release. "You'll learn essential techniques like line work, shading, and composition while building confidence in your artistic expression. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills - no experience needed, just curiosity and a pencil."
Students should bring an 11 inch by 14 inch (or larger) drawing pad or sketch book, 2B and 4B drawing pencils, and a kneaded eraser. For more information, visit mainstreetarts.org/sketch--draw.html.
Guilford Library hosts family dance party
GUILFORD - The Guilford Free Library invites the community to its final family dance party of the season with local and internationally known musician Luke Concannon on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 4:30 p.m.
This free event will be outside if weather permits. All are welcome and invited to dance and move their bodies; bring a picnic and blanket or enjoy the picnic tables behind the library. Contact the library at 802-257-4603 or email [email protected] to register.
'Get on Board' program seeks to engage, train emerging local leaders
BRATTLEBORO - In a small town, even one additional informed, focused, and engaged community member can make a positive difference. But for new volunteers, getting involved with local projects and governing boards can often seem intimidating.
Get on Board, a program of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation's Southern Vermont Economy Project, aims to equip participants with practical skills to become more effective and active in local civic life. Participants learn tips that include big-picture knowledge and finding mentors, and techniques for navigating local government, fostering positive community dialogue, being an effective board member, making sure local government feels welcoming to all, and forming partnerships for action.
Four in-person sessions will take place on Saturdays, Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and 25, and Nov. 8, in towns across southern Vermont. Classes feature state and regional leaders from a variety of organizations, panelists with deep experience in local government, and scholars of government and community development.
Tuition for the program, which includes breakfast and lunch at each session, is $200. Scholarships and sponsored seats are available and can be requested as part of the application process. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis now through Sept. 12.
For more information, or to sponsor a participant, visit sovermontzone.com/get-on-board or contact Meg Staloff at [email protected] or 802-257-7731, ext. 222.
Have a healthy start to a new school year
MONTPELIER - It's back-to-school season, and the Vermont Department of Health says it's the perfect time to schedule a check-up to make sure your child is up to date on routine vaccinations and that their school has what they need to support your child, like health plans for asthma, allergies, and diabetes. Learn more about vaccine recommendations at HealthVermont.gov/VaccineInfo.
If you need help accessing health, dental, or eye care, your child may qualify for Dr. Dynasaur, Vermont's free or low-cost health insurance for kids under 19. See if you qualify for Dr. Dynasaur at bit.ly/829-dyno.
It's also a great time for caregivers to remind themselves and kids how to recognize the signs of mental health struggles. For those who may be struggling or want advice on how to support someone else, call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.