Upcoming events: Ash borer discussion at Rock Library; Boston Marathoner at Misty Valley; blood drive in Chester; BRGNS dedicates freezer; indoor triathlon at Edgar May

For more upcoming events, click here for The Chester Telegraph calendar. To be included in our Upcoming events briefs, email Susan Lampe-Wilson at calendar@www.chestertelegraph.org. Photos welcome. No PDFs, please.

March 29: Emerald ash borer talk & walk at Rock Library

The emerald ash borer is a small insect that can do a lot of damage.

Jim Esden, a forester from the Vermont State Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, will present a program on the emerald ash borer at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Rockingham Free Public Library, 65 Westminster St., Bellows Falls. An ash-tree identifying walk will take place after the program at 2 p.m. This event will lead to “Save Our Ashes,” an ash tree awareness week, from Sunday April 27 to Saturday, May 3.

The emerald ash borer is an Asian wood-boring insect that attacks and kills all native ash species and is responsible for widespread ash tree decline. Ash is one of the 10 most common trees in Vermont. Learn how the Vermont Division of Forestry is working to keep this insect from becoming established in Vermont and learn how you can help.

For more information, contact Alma Beals at almabeals@gmail.comor go online to rockinghamlibrary.org

Boston Marathon runner and author Nicholas San Marino will be at Misty Valley Books on Sunday, March 30.

March 30: Local marathon veteran pens book

Nicholas San Martino will present his new book, Conquering the Beast: Thirty Years with the Boston Marathon at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Misty Valley Books, on the Green in Chester.

San Martino, a physical therapist from Springfield, VT, has participated in 30 Boston Marathons. Conquering the Beast takes the reader to the heart of the Boston Marathon experience and defines what it means to both runners and the community. In the book, San Martino gives helpful strategies and discusses the unique and colorful history of this world-renowned competition, including last year’s bombings. He was there during the tragedy.

A book signing and reception will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call Misty Valley Books at 802- 875-3400 or visit www.mvbooks.com.

March 31: Noon blood drive at Newsbank

Newsbank Conference Center, 352 Main St.  in Chester, will host the American Red Cross from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, March 31 for a spring blood drive. You may just walk in for an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-Red Cross.

Donors will receive a coupon for $5 off at a Freihofer’s Bakery Outlet.  There are three outlets in Vermont: 336 Boyer Circle in Williston; 374 US Rt 302 in Barre; and 1188 Memorial Drive in St. Johnsbury. Outlets can also be found at 17 Bradco St. in Keene, NH, and 610 Maple Ave. in  Saratoga Springs, NY.

March 31: BRGNS to dedicate new freezer

Black River Good Neighbor Services invites the public to attend it dedication of a new walk-in freezer at 37B Main St. (Route 103), in Ludlow, at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31.

The freezer will be dedicated to the memory of Frank Dressler, who bequeathed money to the food shelf in 2013, and to the memory of Phyllis Agan, whose contested estate was settled this year in favor of many charities in Ludlow.

The dedication ceremony will be accompanied by a customer appreciation day during which all store merchandise will be 50 percent off for the day. The staff also will serve beverages and refreshments to customers. For more information, call Audrey Bridge at 802-228-3663.

May 17: Edgar May rec center to host indoor triathlon

The Edgar May Health and Recreation Center will be hosting its first ever “Are You Ready to TRI?” Indoor Triathlon event on Saturday, May 17 at the rec center, 140 Clinton St. in Springfield. This event is perfect as someone’s first triathlon due its safe and controlled environment, but it’s also a unique event for a seasoned triathlete.

Participants will swim for 15 minutes in the Edgar May lap pool, ride a spinning bike for 25 minutes, then run on a treadmill for 20 minutes. The race is open to individuals 14 and up. There will be a youth event for children ages 10 to 13 that will include a 7-minute swim, a 15-minute bike ride and a 10-minute run.

All participants will receive a free performance T-shirt. Food vendors will be on hand along with a group of local merchants providing information on cycling equipment, massage therapy, health and wellness.

The “Are You Ready to TRI?” event is sponsored by the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center along with Long Trail Multisport, which is owned by Springfield resident and USA Triathlon Coach, Joe Cerniglia.

For more information or to register for the Indoor Triathlon please visit www.myreccenter.org or call 802-885-2568. For more information on Long Trail Multisport please visit www.longtrailmultisport.com.