By Lani Duke
Library tales
CASTLETON — Castleton Free Library patrons can now download free e-books as well as free audio books through the internet. The library is also able to add content unique to the Castleton library through the state organization. Currently being scanned in is “The Mount Independence-Hubbardton 1776 Military Road” by Joseph L. and Mabel A. Wheeler. Vermont-on-line enables library card holders to access databases of full-text periodicals, free foreign language classes, heritage resources, and Chilton repair guides, both in the library or on a home computer. Universal Class provides more than 500 online courses that are free with a library card.
Castleton Free Library begins a six-week discussion series called Menu for the Future. The library has borrowable books for each participant. They cover food systems and their impacts on culture, society, and ecological systems; agricultural practices promoting personal and ecological well-being; and our roles in creating or supporting sustainable food systems. Register by calling 468-5574; spaces are limited.
Town vs. gown, again
CASTLETON — Castleton residents seem to be growing increasingly irritated with some of the students who have recently come to the college campus for fall semester. To be more precise, the irritation arises when those students step off the campus into the town.
Weekend nights have been seemingly more noisy than usual, as students gathered in larger groups. Recently, residents reported that the youths made a bon fire of free books that the town library had left out for passersby to take.
The select board has decided to review town ordinances regarding open-container beverages and maximum occupancy and plans to schedule visitations at residences to evaluate whether changes in these regulations may damp down the student eruptions.
On the college’s part, the administration has indicated disappointment with the most recent events while recognizing that those causing disruptions are a small segment of the student body; positive interactions between townspeople and students are far more common, the college says. During fall orientation, the students gave back to the community with a garbage clean-up; many students mentor local younger students as well. That said, the college administration assures the surrounding community that it will not tolerate or condone overly disruptive undergraduate behavior.
Rocky rollout for public wifi
FAIR HAVEN — Fair Haven residents report having a few problems with the recently installed public wifi. Improvements are underway.
Seeking efficiency, town turns lights off
PAWLET — Pawlet is studying its streetlights to develop greater efficiency. As many as 24 streetlights in Pawlet and West Pawlet could be turned off. After Sept. 15, specific lights will be shut off for a three-month trial during the darkest months, to see if they are really necessary. The town will decide which lights to eliminate after the trial is over.
Congratulations
to Mercy Hill Farm of Benson, recently recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as an official NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site. The recognition celebrates the farm’s efforts to improve habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young – elements needed by all wildlife.
Fishers sighted
TINMOUTH — Fishers have been sighted at Tinmouth. These beautiful predators are part of Vermont’s wonderful wildlife but often mean death to pet animals who have been left out at night. Make sure your critters are in when your lights are out.
Lani’s weekly picks
Friday, Sept. 19 – Adina Gordon calls for contra dance at Tinmouth with music by Pete’s Posse. You don’t need a partner nor to know contra dance. Beginners come at 8 p.m. 143 Channel Rd.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21 – Castleton College holds Homecoming & Family Weekend.
Saturday, Sept. 20 — Book discussion at Poultney Public Library for “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks, 9 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 21 – Historical researcher/writer John L. Wilson is guest speaker at the 26th annual autumn Gathering of the Clans in Poultney. 2 to 4 p.m., On the Green.
Wednesday, Sept. 24 – Stone Valley Arts holds annual meeting at Café Pazienza studio space, 153 Main St. Poultney. 5:30 p.m.
