Thursday, November 9th – TALES FROM THE DINER WITH CHARLIE JARRAS: In just over six months, reviving, restoring and rejuvenating the Miss Bellows Falls Diner, built 80 years ago and shuttered since the pandemic, has gone from a mere idea to a fast-moving project. Now the project organizers want to invite interested citizens to join the conversation.

In early 2023, community organization Rockingham For Progress (RFP) reached out to the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Windham Regional Commission and the Brattleboro Area Development Corp. These groups helped RFP develop a plan for a community supported enterprise, whereby a nonprofit purchases the building, oversees renovations, and then leases it to a qualified operator. The business stays on the tax rolls, the new operator is provided a viable operation unencumbered by debt, and Bellows Falls keeps its diner.

Charlie Jarras, host of “Travels With Charlie” on FACT-TV, owned the Miss Bellows Falls Diner from 1990-2003. Charlie brings us an evening of stories and anecdotes from employees and customers alike. Come to hear – and share – a story!

The Rockingham Free Public Library, the Historic Preservation Office of the Town of Rockingham and RFP join together in a series of conversations about the diner’s past and its future with three free events at 7:00 pm at the Library, at 65 Westminster Street.