Fair and impartial policing policies to be discussed in Putney
PUTNEY — The town of Putney Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will host a community conversation about Vermont’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policy, its effects on the community, and what it means for local law enforcement and immigration Wednesday, June 17, at Putney Center School.
A free dinner will be served from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the forum from 6 to 8 p.m. Guest speakers will include Windham County Sheriff Mark Anderson; Vermont State Police Lt. Todd Wilkins; Cliff Wood, chair of Sheriff’s Advisory Committee; and State Sen. Nader Hashim.
Kerry Amidon will be the moderator, and the forum will be recorded by BCTV. All are welcome to join the conversation. To RSVP, go to bit.ly/FairForum.
Vermont historian to give talk in Wilmington
WILMINGTON — On Thursday, June 18, at 7 p.m., historian and author Kevin Graffagnino will present “Zadock Thompson and the Story of Vermont” in the Old School Community Center, 1 School St.
Zadock Thompson (1796–1856) was a historian, naturalist, professor, and minister who played a significant role in how 19th-century Vermonters viewed their state’s heritage and appreciated its natural resources. Organizers said Thompson’s History of Vermont, Natural, Civil, and Statistical (1842) remains one of the best sources ever published on the Green Mountain State.
Graffagnino will review Thompson’s life and career, with particular emphasis on how his work shaped several generations of Vermont attitudes toward this state’s 18th-century beginnings. Also open for viewing will be one of Wilmington’s Vermont 250 displays. This event is sponsored by the Vermont 250 Town of Wilmington Committee.
Senior meal in Halifax
WEST HALIFAX — On Friday, June 19, volunteers will prepare and serve the monthly Senior Meal at the Halifax Community Hall, 20 Brook Rd. The menu for the annual indoor picnic will feature fresh fruit ambrosia; hamburgers, hotdogs, and sausage with rolls, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles; potato salad; Texas beans; and dessert.
Appetizers and socializing will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the main meal served around noon. A suggested $4 donation ($5 for those younger than 60 years old) will help to support the Halifax Senior Meal. If a large group plans to attend, call Bettye at 802-368-7797.
Medicinal plant walk at Hogback Mountain
MARLBORO — Allison Turner will lead a plant walk in the Hogback Mountain Conservation Area Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, identifying the lower-growing plants at the edges of the forest and in nearby fields.
Participants will see native and non-native plants, invasives, and possibly rare specimens. Turner will explain the medicinal uses for several local plants, according to both folklore and modern science. This will be an easy walk, as hikers will be stopping every few feet to look at a new plant. The event is free. Registration is required by email at [email protected].
Nature Fest at the Athens 1817 Meetinghouse
ATHENS — The first-ever Nature Fest on the 1817 Athens Brick Meetinghouse lawn will take place Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the Meetinghouse Committee in conjunction with the Athens Historic Preservation Society.
The event will feature “The Caterpillar Lab” from Dublin, New Hampshire. This group of naturalists offers an opportunity to observe many live native caterpillars and learn about their extraordinary life cycles, habits, and metamorphoses. The Nature Museum of Grafton and Athens’ own Bull Creek Common Lands will also be on hand.
Organizers say this will be a great day for kids and adults alike to learn something new about local lands and the many creatures we share it with. For more information, contact Sherry Maher at 802-869-2141 or follow Athens Meetinghouse on Facebook.
Community Pride Service at Centre Church
BRATTLEBORO — A Community Pride Service will be held at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., Saturday, June 20, at 2 p.m., to honor LGBTQ+ strength and resilience through music, readings, and reflection. Sponsored by the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Leadership Alliance (BAILA) in collaboration with Out in the Open, this service is open to all.
Out In the Open’s mission is to connect rural LGBTQ+ people to build community, visibility, knowledge, and power. They are a multiracial, majority working class, grassroots, movement and capacity-building organization based in Wabanaki territory throughout the states of Vermont and Maine. Find out more at weareoutintheopen.org.
The Brattleboro Area Interfaith Leadership Alliance is made up of leaders and members from a variety of faith traditions who are committed to finding unity and common ground, offering support and solidarity within the larger faith community of Southern Vermont.
BAILA faith communities include Quaker, UCC, Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, Buddhist, Ba’hai, Unitarian Universalist, and the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community. BAILA is open to anyone involved in a faith community as a leader or member.
Father’s Day Brunch in Guilford
GUILFORD — Broad Brook Grange will present its 26th annual Father’s Day Brunch Sunday, June 21, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broad Brook Community Center.
The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and the signature item: omelettes, any style, made to order. Also on the menu are pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, and roast potatoes, with Guilford maple syrup. Other treats include home-baked coffee cakes, cupcakes, quiche, muffins, gluten-free goodies, and other baked goods, fresh fruit salad, and bread for toasting. A selection of juices will be available, along with coffee, tea, and milk.
No reservations are necessary for the meal, which is priced at $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, and $5 for ages 2–12. Kids under two eat for free. Cash or check payable to Broad Brook Grange; also Venmo and PayPal are accepted with a small extra fee.
Local legislators host forum on 2026 legislative session
PUTNEY — With the adjournment of the 2025–26 session of the Vermont Legislature, state Sen. Nader Hashim and Rep. Mike Mrowicki will offer a look back and a look ahead at a public forum for constituents at the Putney Public Library Monday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m.
The public is invited to hear their local legislators report on the 2025–26 session and to offer their suggestions as lawmakers are looking ahead to a new legislative session in January. For more information, contact Mrowicki at [email protected].
Senior lunch in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON — Evening Star Grange and Senior Solutions will serve their next Senior Lunch Wednesday, June 24, at the Grange Hall in Dummerston Center, with take-outs available between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and an in-house meal served at noon.
The menu will be shepherd’s pie with mixed veggies, vegetarian shepherd’s pie with plant-based “hamburger” and mixed veggies, and fruit and veggie (cabbage, carrots, etc.) gelatin salad. Dessert is strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream.
Reservations are highly suggested and can be made by calling the hall at 802-254-1138. Leave name, phone number, number of meals desired, and whether eating in or taking out. Suggested donation is $4 for those age 60 and above eating inside. For those age 59 and under and for all take-outs, the suggested donation is $5.
Restorative justice volunteer training offered in Brattleboro
BRATTLEBORO — Interaction (formerly Youth Services) will hold restorative justice volunteer training on Thursday and Friday, June 25 and 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., at its second floor offices at 28 Vernon St.
This training is for anyone interested in helping people navigate conflict, repair harm, and strengthen community connections. Participants will learn about restorative justice practices, gain the skills needed to serve on their panels, and connect with others who believe in the power of dialogue, accountability, and healing.
Interaction has been providing restorative justice programs for more than 40 years. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome. No prior experience is required. People with lived justice system experience are welcome to attend this training. Accessible accommodations are available, including elevators and designated accessible parking. To reserve a spot, go to bit.ly/870-justice.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.