Today on iBrattleboro

To the editor,

I'm pleased that legislators have agreed to decriminalize possession of marijuana, but the conversation shouldn't end here. Marijuana is a much safer substance than alcohol or hard drugs, and that's one reason legislators should move swiftly to begin regulating-and taxing-this market similarly to the way we regulate alcohol.

As Attorney General William Sorrell explained at public hearings on the decriminalization bill, it would be better if users had a legal way to obtain marijuana rather than continuing to buy it from the illicit market. Sorrell suggested decriminalizing possession of a small number of plants, which would make a lot of sense, but ultimately the best solution is to allow regulated cultivation and sale of marijuana to adults who wish to use it.

Guilford, Vt. - On Sunday, May 26, Friends of Music at Guilford presents "The Four Bs: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms & The Barn," its 5th Annual Spring Recital at the Organ Barn in rural Guilford. The 3:00 p.m. concert will feature the "Dynamic Two-O" of organist Kenneth Olsson and soprano Julie Johnson Olsson, with an assist by the Guilford Chamber Players.

Ghostmaker: A Myth for Voices is a new play by GennaRose Nethercott, told in a combination of performance poetry, shadow puppetry, live music, and dialogue. The piece is inspired by Scottish and New England folklore and the myth theories of Joseph Campbell.

When Hero, a seamstress, loses her patchwork memory quilt in a fire, she journeys into the otherworld on a search to bring it back, and with it, save her own endangered memories.

Strand Avenue will be closed to through traffic tentatively until August 6th, 2013 while BUR Construction performs drainage and retaining wall construction. Crosby Street will also be closed to through traffic from the intersection of Crosby and Strand to 65 Crosby Street tentatively until August 6th, 2013.

How Well Is Medicare Plan D Working For You? How well is Medicare Plan D working for U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Congressman Peter Welch? (all over age 65)

I received this letter from my current Medicare Plan D today, simply dated, "May 2013"  so  I have no idea what day of the month they actually sent it.

5:45 Live: 5/21/13 in High Def

5:45 Live: 5/21/13 in Standard Def

Here's a 5:45 Live packed to the gills with local footage, including Bernie at BMAC talking Danish healthcare, a VY systems tour from plant operations manager Derek Jones as the CPG heats up over a new backup generator, the big break down on Vermont's freshly inked End of Life legislation, the details on Dummerston newly state-approved Gravel Pit, and much more.

Which link is right for you? Find out by clicking here to test your internet speed. 

Higher than 3 mbps (3000 kbps)- High Def Link

Lower than 3 mbps (3000 kbps)- Standard Def Link

Does anyone know if there is someplace local to rent a bike with a kid's seat and helmet? Need it for June 1st through the 4th.

Or do any ibrattleboro folks have one they would rent out/loan? Thanks!

It's been a rough week with horrific events in the news.

The full moon Friday night May 25, 2013  through  Saturday will be in Sagittarius, the Gambler, in opposition to Sun, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter all in Gemini - the planet of wind and change.

Be prepared for the Gambler to risk everything when it comes to home security (Sun), love (Venus),  political and religious views (Mercury) and the larger picture of life in the long run (Jupiter).

In observance of Memorial Day, all Brattleboro town offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2013, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27, 2013. All other violations, including extended parking, will be enforced.

WASHINGTON, May 22 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today proposed an amendment to the farm bill that would let Vermont and other states require clear labels on any food or beverage containing ingredients that have been genetically modified.

“All over this country, people are becoming more conscious about the foods they are eating and the foods they are serving to their kids and this is certainly true for genetically engineered foods,” Sanders said. “I believe that when a mother goes to the store and purchases food for her child, she has the right to know what she is feeding her child.”

Tune into VPR today, Wed 5/22/13 Noon& 7 pm The number patients seeking treatment for heroin and prescription opiates in Vermont has risen significantly over the last few years. And the spin-off effects, like burglary, have also been in evidence in the state.

United States Attorney Tristram Coffin explains the depth of the heroin and opiate abuse problem. We also hear from Skip Gates, whose son overdosed on heroin, and about the documentary (“The Opiate Effect”) that his death inspired.

On Exhibit at the Library: Barbara Johansen Newman    

2nd Floor Children's Illustrator Book Cases May/June  2013    

Johansen Newman has illustrated many children's books with her colorful, whimsical illustrations, including the first book she also authored, Tex and Sugar: A Big City Kitty Ditty, and her newest, Glamorous Glasses. Check out her website HERE. 

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital named Denny Rivers, MLT, its 2013 Employee of the Year during an employee appreciation event held May 16.

A member of the Laboratory Services secretarial staff since 1995, Rivers was nominated for the award in recognition of her problem-solving abilities, among other qualities. She holds a Medical Laboratory Technician certification from University of Vermont, which her peers say makes her a fast worker and thinker while guiding patients.

The Brattleboro Selectboard heard sobering news about rental housing for low income citizens at Tuesday’s meeting. Section 8 funds are threatened, said the Brattleboro Housing Authority, which could impact residents and landlords alike.

The board also heard about the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect expected to start eating our ash trees in the near future if action isn’t taken soon. The board discussed bonding, budgets, project architects, and whether it was a good idea to serve liquor outdoors in Harmony Lot.

Expand your family’s horizons this summer by welcoming a student from Spain into your home. These boys and girls, who range in age from 14 to 17, will arrive on June 26 and spend 3 1/2 weeks in New England. 

The students are all from the Basque region of Spain and have studied English for several years.  Host families provide a warm and safe home environment for the student, as well as meals and transportation to a meeting
spot for field trips (to Boston and  Six Flags--host families are invited too). It’s fine for a student to share a room with a host sibling, and students have their own spending money and medical insurance.