From left, Marnie Owen, Ahren Hervey, Chris Cuccio, John Nininger, and Craig Hervey, raise part of a kiosk at Tucker Mountain Town Forest in Newbury, Vt. This fall, 20 volunteers from the R&R Family Foundation spent four days at the town-owned mountain as their annual community service project, according to a news release. The group cut saplings to improve the view from the top of the mountain, created a new trail, cleared out invasive honeysuckle, freed old stone walls from vegetation and helped erect two cedar log kiosks, which were designed and framed by Nininger, a master log builder who is a member of the Newbury Town Management Forest Management Committee. (Tom Kidder photograph)
From left, Marnie Owen, Ahren Hervey, Chris Cuccio, John Nininger, and Craig Hervey, raise part of a kiosk at Tucker Mountain Town Forest in Newbury, Vt. This fall, 20 volunteers from the R&R Family Foundation spent four days at the town-owned mountain as their annual community service project, according to a news release. The group cut saplings to improve the view from the top of the mountain, created a new trail, cleared out invasive honeysuckle, freed old stone walls from vegetation and helped erect two cedar log kiosks, which were designed and framed by Nininger, a master log builder who is a member of the Newbury Town Management Forest Management Committee. (Tom Kidder photograph) Credit: Tom Kidder photograph

Wells River hosts forum on substance misuse

WELLS RIVER — The 302 Cares Coalition and the Wells River Action Program will host a community forum from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday titled “Substance Misuse: Where are we today” at the Wells River Congregational Church.

The forum includes a presentation by Michael Brandli, assistant director of behavioral health at Little Rivers Health Care, titled “Resiliency: A Discussion About Adverse Life Experiences, Addiction and Hope.”

A panel discussion featuring Brandli, Cheryl Chandler, of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital Prevention Services, Dr. John Barone, co-principal of Blue Mountain Union School grades 9-12, Kelsey Root Winchester, a parent and local business owner, and and a student or students from Blue Mountain Union School.

The free event include refreshments and door prizes. Childcare is available upon request by contacting Cheryl Chandler at c.chandler@nvrh.org.

AVA’s ‘Mudroom’ looking for storytellers

LEBANON — AVA Gallery and Art Center is looking for community members of all ages to tell stories that follow the theme “family ties” for an upcoming session of its storytelling series “The Mudroom,” which will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Stories are limited to no more than 10 minutes, must be true and autobiographical. The must also be told live, and not read. The submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 22.

Email story submissions and any questions to mudroom@avagallery.org.

Upper Valley Haven to benefit from Newbury, Vt., solar project

NEWBURY, Vt. — A 150-kilowatt solar project that is nearing completion in Newbury, Vt., will benefit the Upper Valley Haven, Newbury Elementary School and the Town of Newbury through net metering credits.

The solar array is located on the site of a former gravel pit on Scotch Hollow Road. By entering a net metering agreement, the Haven will reduce their annual electric costs by nearly 30% and save approximately $172,000 over 25 years, according to a news release from Norwich Solar Technologies, which developed the project.

“That’s a large amount of money we can put into services — as well as changing the overall structure of how power we use is generated, so we’re really excited,” Michael Redmond, executive director of the Haven, said in a news release. “It is also supporting efforts to create renewable energy resources, limiting carbon emissions.”

4-H volunteers recognized

TUNBRIDGE — Adult volunteers who work with the 4-H program in Orange and Washington counties were recognized for their service at the annual 4-H Leaders’ Banquet, Oct. 26, at the Tunbridge Central School.

Special recognition was given to Arlene Conant, of Randolph Center, who is retiring after a lifetime of involvement with 4-H as a member, leader and foundation board member, according to a news release from the organization. She most recently served for 14 years both on the Orange County 4-H Foundation board and as a leader of the Middle Branch 4-H Club in Randolph Center.

Volunteers who received service pins were:

■ One year: David Pratt, Bradford, Vt. (Topsham Pony Pals 4-H Club, Bradford, Vt.)

■Five years: John Fogarty, Bradford, Vt. (Upper Valley Bullseye 4-H Club, Bradford)

■10 years: Molly McFaun, Barre (Trailblazers 4-H Club, Plainfield); Carl and Holly Senecal, Bradford, Vt. (Rambling Rivers 4-H Club, Newbury); Nancy Vaughan, East Thetford (Rambling Rivers 4-H Club, Newbury)

■20 years: Terri Conant, Randolph Center (Middle Branch 4-H Club, Randolph Center)

Listen seeks holiday basket sponsors

LEBANON — Listen Community Services is looking for people to sponsor children and senior citizens for its holiday basket program.

Community members can sponsor one or multiple senior citizens. The cost is approximately $100-125 per child or senior citizen, according to a sponsor application on the nonprofit’s website. Sponsors are also asked to purchase one $50 food certificate per family as the gift for the adults in the home. Gifts are due during the first two weeks in December.

For more information, visit listencs.org/holiday-baskets or call 603-448-4553.