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.

Correction: Please note that the correct time of the Misty Valley Book’s Nick Daniloff events (listed below) on Sunday, Aug. 2 and 9 is 7 p.m.

Children’s programs

July 30: Lindsay’s Puppet Pals and raffle at Rock Library

The Rockingham Free Public Library’s summer reading programs will come to a close at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30 with a performance from Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals in the children’s department at 65 Westminster St. in Bellows Falls.

Lindsay and her Puppet Pals entertain at the Rock Library

Lindsay brings her Puppet Pals—hand crafted, giant puppets and marionettes—filled with silliness, crowd participation and memorable characters and charming  short stories to delight the young and the young at heart.

After the program, certificates for participants of the library’s summer reading program will be handed out. And the SuperReader paintings on display around the library will be raffled off to summer readers.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, stop by, call 802-463-4270, email sam@rockinghamlibrary.org, or visit rockinghamlibrary.org.

Aug. 4: Kids Illustrator Camp at Weston library

The Wilder Memorial Library in Weston will be hosting a Kids’ Illustrator Camp, Aug. 4, 5 and 6, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., for children 7 and up as a part of its free “Every Hero Has A Story” summer children’s programming. This fun camp will be a mixed up bag of old fashioned drawing, cartoon and animation tricks. By setting their imaginations free, children will learn how to draw their own stories and comics, with local children’s illustrator Christine Mix. The camp is free but donations are accepted. Participants must be able to attend all three days. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.  Register by clicking here or by calling 802-824-4307.

To learn more about Christine Mix, her illustrations, books, programs and more, visit www.christinemixart.com.

Festival

Taste some new brews at Okemo’s Hops in the HIlls festival

Aug. 7: Hops in the Hills Beer & Wine Festival returns

Okemo Mountain Resort will host its annual Hops in the Hills Beer & Wine Festival Friday to Sunday, Aug. 7 to 9 at the courtyard at the Jackson Gore Inn. The event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday; noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Live concerts will accompany the tastings throughout the weekend and an on-site marketplace will feature food and craft vendors. A beer pairing dinner will be offered at Coleman Brook Tavern on Friday. Dinner is $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Dinner reservations are required and available by calling 802-228-1600.

The musical lineup includes East Coast Soul on Friday evening, Big Fez & The Surfmatics followed by Gang of Thieves, on Saturday, and Seeking Homer followed by CK3, on Sunday.

In addition to beer and wine sampling on Saturday, attendees may take part in determining this year’s winner of the Okemo Valley Chicken Wing Championship. The price is $5 for a pack of tickets, which allows guests to sample five chicken wings and cast a vote for their favorite wing.

Presented by Mary W. Davis Realtor and Associates Inc., admission to the festival is free and open to all ages. Soft drinks and barbecue items will be available for purchase. Beer and wine tasters must be 21 or older and present a valid ID.

To learn more about Hops in the Hills Beer and Wine Festival, call 02-228-1600 or visit okemo.com.

Film

Aug. 1: ‘Laura’  screened in Ludlow

Friends of the Ludlow Auditorium will screen the award winning film Laura at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, 37 Depot St. in Ludlow.

Dana Andrews plays a detective who falls in love with the dead Laura, played by Gene Tierney in ‘Laura.’

Laura is a 1944 American film noir produced and directed by Otto Preminger. It stars Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews and Clifton Webb along with Vincent Price and Judith Anderson.

The film begins when famous advertising executive Laura Hunt is found dead in her apartment. Detective Lt. Mark McPherson interviews the prime suspects and friends of Laura. While investigating Laura’s past through her diary and personal letters, McPherson falls in love with her.

The movie is free and open to everyone; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be provided by Berkshire Bank and water by FOLA. For additional information, call 802-228-7239 or www.fola.us.

Fundraisers

Food and drink, fresh air, family and friends come together at St. Luke’s August Supper

Aug. 1: St. Luke’s hosts 77th August Supper

On Saturday, Aug. 1, the 77th Annual August Supper will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 313 Main St. in Chester on the back lawn under two tents, rain or shine.

The banquet is continuous seating and eating from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost for adults is $15; children 6 to 10 $7.50; 5 and under free. A silent auction of art and services will be ongoing throughout the dinner. All proceeds benefit the church and its outreach to the greater community.

The menu features turkey, ham and roast beef, salad and sides, desserts, iced lemonade tea or hot coffee. Advance reservations are; call 802-875-4031. However, those without will be seated, as space is available.

More information is available on the website by clicking here.

Literary

Aug. 2 & 9: Edward Snowden: Hero or Traitor? Daniloff discusses privacy

Nick Daniloff, retired Northeastern University professor of journalism and resident of Andover, returns to Misty Valley Books, on the Green in Chester, on  Aug. 2 and 9, at 4 p.m. 7 p.m. to discuss Edward Snowden and the larger issue of privacy.

Nick Daniloff discusses the double-edged sword of privacy at MVB

The main focus of Daniloff’s talk will be Edward Snowden who stole over a million classified documents, exposing the overreach of the National Security Agency in monitoring phone calls of Americans and foreigners.

To add to the current discussion, Daniloff will show excerpts of Citizenfour, a feature-length documentary about Edward Snowden and his revelations of NSA activities.

The event is free and open to the public, although a free will offering will support the bookstore’s programs.

For more information, call Misty Valley Books at 802-875-3400 or visit www.mvbooks.com.

Music

July 30: Ida Mae Specker &  Honest Mistakes in Chester

The Chester Summer Concert Series continues its Thursday night concerts on July 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with Ida Mae Specker and her group, the Honest Mistakes, sponsored by the law offices of Dakin and Benelli.

IdaMae (center) with the Honest Mistakes will get your toes tapping at Proctorsville Green

Specker is a third generation fiddle player from Andover, who has been playing with her family for more than 10 years. She released her first solo album, “Single Girl,” in 2013.

Specker and her group fiddle, drum and sing in a whirlwind of passion and virtuosity.

Bring blankets and lawn chairs and sit back and listen to great music on a summer night on the lawn of the Academy Building in downtown Chester or have dinner at one of the restaurants on the Green while listening to the concert. In case of inclement weather, concerts will move to MacLaomainn’s Scottish Pub, 52 S. Main St., Chester. For information, call Lynne Reed at 802-875-3400.

July 31: Grounded4Life brings Dwelling to Chester

Coming to Grounded4LIFE on July 31 is Dwelling, a Christian band from upstate Vermont. Songwriter Alison McHugh leads the band as it presents a mixture of originals and current music.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and music will begin at 7 p.m. The coffee bar and refreshments will be ready when you arrive. Grounded4LIFE is located in the coffee house  down under  at the First Baptist Church at 162 Main St., Chester. The program is free.

Check out the Grounded4Life Facebook page or contact John Nunnikhoven at john4ns@fastmail.fm.

Eugene Friesen performs in his first solo concert at Immanuel Episcopal

July 31: Grammy winning cellist performs at Immanuel Episcopal

Cellist Eugene Friesen will perform a solo concert at 7:30 p.m.  Friday, July 31 at the Stone Church on the Hill at 20 Church St. in Bellows Falls. Eugene Friesen is a founder and the artistic director of Stone Church Arts, which began presenting concerts in Bellows Falls in 2004. Since then, Friesen has brought master musicians and talented students from all over the world to perform with him at the stone church, but this is his first solo concert.

Friesen’s newest CD is Colorful Transitions, a collection of jazz, Brazilian and originals with Lyle Lovett’s pianist Tim Ray.

Tickets are $13 to $17; $35 for Angel tickets.

Tickets are available at Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls, by phone at 802-460-0110, or online at www.stonechurcharts.org. For more information call 802-460-0110, email sca@sover.net, or visit the website, www.stonechurcharts.org.

Aug. 5: Singing cellist at the Proctorsville Green

The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association on behalf of the Town of Cavendish invites everyone to the Cavendish Music Series on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. when cello-playing songstress Sarah Clanton takes the stage on the Proctorsville Green. This will be the fifth in the series of concerts that are held on consecutive Wednesday evenings in July and August.

The concert is free and open to the public so join friends and neighbors in front of the gazebo on the green. Bring a blanket or a comfortable chair, have a picnic, or relax on the grass.

For more information call Robin at 802-226-7736. In the event of rain, postponement information will be reflected on the Cavendish Facebook page.

Theater

July 31: Odds-on favorite ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Weston Playhouse

Weston Playhouse presents the legendary Broadway blockbuster Guys and Dolls Friday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 22 on its MainStage at 12 Park St. in Weston.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with matinees at 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Based upon characters and stories by Damon Runyon, it features a requisite all-star cast and an iconic score that includes some of Broadway’s most memorable songs, such as “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”

Guys and Dolls runs two hours and 40 minutes, with intermission. Tickets to the performance begin at $30, and student tickets are half-price. Pre-show Piano and Cocktail Bar are available in the Cabaret lounge for one hour prior to curtain. Reservations can be made for dinner at West Town Eatery, or for post-show Cabaret by calling the box office. Purchase by phone 802-824-5288 or online at westonplayhouse.org.

Mariah Olmstead of Springfield plays Louise, a French maid in Noel Coward’s ‘Private Lives,’ the next production of the Springfield Community Players.

July 31: Noel Coward’s ‘Private Lives’ comes to Springfield

Join the Springfield Community Players at their Studio on South Street on July 31 and August 1, or August 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the comedy “Private Lives.

Private Lives is a three-act 1930 comedy of manners by Noel Coward focusing on a divorced couple’s discovery that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel during their honeymoons with their new spouses.

Tickets are $15 for general admission: $12 for seniors and students. For reservations call 802-885-4098.

Healthy living

Aug. 4: YMCA Diabetes program at Springfield Health Center

T he Springfield Health Center is partnering with the Vermont Blueprint for Health and the Greater Burlington YMCA to offer the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first session will be 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Springfield Health Center at 100 River St. in Springfield.

The program is offered free of charge to help adults at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. Trained lifestyle coaches will facilitate this yearlong program..

The goals of the program are to reduce and maintain individual weight loss by 5% to 7% and to increase moderate intensity physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week.

The program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating, and increasing their physical activity in order to reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The classroom-based sessions are delivered over a 12-month period. Participants meet weekly for 16 weeks. After 16 weeks, participants meet monthly and get support in maintaining their progress.

For more information, or to register, contact Sarah Doyle, Blueprint Regional self-management coordinator at 802-886-8946 or email sdoyle@springfieldmed.org.

— Compiled by Susan Lampe-Wilson