Sanders Welcomes Pope Francis Statement on Poverty

WASHINGTON, May 16 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today applauded Pope Francis for condemning a “cult of money” in the world that he said was oppressing the poor.

In a major speech at the Vatican on Thursday, Francis said the global financial system has worsened poverty while benefiting the wealthy few. “While the income of the minority is increasing exponentially, that of the majority of the majority is crumbling,” Francis said.


Cabinet at Barnaby’s Music Hall – Brattleboro, VT – 5/18/13

When it comes to the music of Cabinet, the essential bywords are soul, simplicity, and serious musicianship. In concert, the combination of these qualities invariably yields an experience that is so celebratory and moving that the very word Cabinet takes on a new, vivid meaning for anyone in the audience.

An inclusive and engaging energy is the uniting through-line as Cabinet weaves bluegrass, country and folk influences to powerful effect. Tight dynamics punctuate gorgeous, soaring harmonies as down-to-earth rhythm and lyrics give way to dreamy jams that are the musical equivalent of the back road scenic route.


Fishtank Ensemble at Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery Saturday, May 18

Twilight Music presents California-based, world music quartet Fishtank Ensemble at Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery on Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 pm. The dynamic, virtuosic and fiery band plays a high-energy mix of Romanian, Gypsy jazz, flamenco, Balkan, Turkish, Greek and tango influenced music.

Fishtank Ensemble includes two explosive violins, the world’s best slap bass player, musical saw, flamenco and gypsy jazz guitar, trombone, opera, jazz and gypsy vocals, accordion and one little banjolele. Formed in 2005 and playing everywhere from the hippest LA clubs to festivals, cultural centers, museums, parades and even on the street, the band tackles everything from French hot jazz to wild Serbian and Transylvanian gypsy anthems, flamenco and oddball originals.


Sanders: As Deficit Declines Don’t Forget Working Families

WASHINGTON, May 15 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today issued the following statement on a Congressional Budget Office report that the federal deficit is expected to total $642 billion in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30:

“It is very good news for our country that we are making progress on deficit reduction. President Obama inherited a $1.4 trillion deficit when President Bush left office more than four years ago. This year, the deficit is on track to be cut by more than half from what it was in January of 2009.”


Brattleboro Board and Committee Vacancies

Terms of many Brattleboro committees and boards expire on June 30 of each year. The Town is looking for volunteers to serve on the following committees and boards:

Agricultural Advisory Board – 6 vacancies, 3-year term
Arts Committee – 4 vacancies, 3-year term
BASIC (Brattleboro Area Skatepark is Coming) – 2 vacancies
Brattleboro Housing Authority Representative – 1 vacancy, 5-year term
CPCC (Citizen Police Communications Committee) – 3 vacancies, 2-year term
Conservation Commission – 1 vacancy, 4-year term
Development Review Board – 2 vacancies, 3-year term
Development Review Board Alternate – 3 vacancies, 1-year term
Energy Committee – 2 vacancies for 3-year terms; 2 vacancies for 2-year terms
Energy Coordinator – 1 vacancy, 1-year term


Vermont Humanities Council Seeks Nominations for Eleventh Annual Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Award

Seeking Excellent Teacher for Annual Award with $1,000 Prize

Montpelier, Vt. — Do you know a Vermont teacher who has inspired you and who deserves statewide recognition? Since 2003, the Vermont Humanities Council has honored such teachers with the Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Award, which recognizes a Vermont educator in grades 6 through 12 who exemplifies excellence in the teaching of the humanities. VHC seeks nominations for the 2013 award. Nominating letters are due July 1.
 


Volunteers Create New Gardens at Brattleboro Exit 1

In an effort organized by the Exit 1 Gateway Project and Green Up Vermont, a visiting Americorps team and local volunteers expanded the Exit 1 gardens on May 4, Green Up Day, and May 9, 2013. They Greened Up the Exit 1 end of Canal Street.

They turned over fresh ground to prepare more garden space. They planted a bank of daylilies, as well as brightly colored pansies and other annuals that are blooming now.


Brattleboro Taxes and Utilities Due

The fourth installment of the 2012 Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes will be due on May 15, 2013Payments made after May 15, 2013 will have an additional 1% interest, as well as an 8% penalty added to the unpaid balance. 

The utility billing is also due on May 15, 2013. Payments made after May 15, 2013 will have an additional 1% interest, as well as an 8% penalty added to the unpaid balance. 


African Supper at Guilford Church Raises Funds for Tree Planting in Kenya

Guilford Community Church is hosting an African Supper on Saturday, May 18 from 5:30-7 p.m. as a fundraiser for re-forestation efforts in Kenya.

The price of the meal for adults is $10; children ages 11 and under are $5; ages 5 and under free. The maximum charge per family will be $25. The menu includes traditional meat and vegetarian dishes such as fried plantain, African roasted vegetable soup, Samosas, Chicken Tikka, beef stew, vegetable curry, spiced red beans in coconut milk and cornbread, with Maandazi, a sweet donut, served for dessert with ginger tea.


Kids’ Day at the Brattleboro Farmers Market on May 18th!

Saturday, May 18th, the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market hosts Kids’ Day, and new-to-market talent Xopo from 11-1. Kids can be vendors, too! Please bring handmade items and your own table, no cookies from mixes or craft kits, please!

Xopo plays traditional tunes of the Balkans on a variety of instruments including accordion, trombone, clarinet, drums and an array of stringed instruments. Haunting love songs, lively dance tunes and surprising rhythms create a diverse and entrancing musical experience.


Farmers’ Market Open Rain or Shine

This Saturday, May 11th, the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market hosts music by Animaterra, Keene’s women’s chorus, from 11 to 1.

Thinking of Mom? Celebrate Mother’s Day with gifts from our local artisans: at the market, you’ll find beautiful pottery, beaded and metal-smithed jewelry, wooden crafts, fabric scarves, soap and body care items, and lots more. Farmers, bakers, and chefs offer treats galore for your Mother’s Day brunch and beyond.

Now is gardening time! There’s no better place to buy seedlings for your garden than from farmers at the market. You’ll find hardy, healthy plants of all kinds to grow bodacious vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennials.


Putney Vaudeville!

Putney, VT – Next Stage Arts Project, in collaboration with Strong Coffee Stage, is pleased to present PUTNEY VAUDEVILLE on Friday, May 24, 2013, at 7:30pm at Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT. General Admission tickets are $12 / $6 for children under 12, and are available at www.nextstagearts.org and Offerings in Putney. For more information, contact Next Stage Arts at (802) 387-0102 or nextstagearts@gmail.com.

PUTNEY VAUDEVILLE is the creation of Rebecca Waxman, Bronwyn Sims, Patrick Donnelly and Peter Siegel who hope to launch an ongoing showcase for old time entertainment and community talent. The night will include a stellar professional act, a rousing live band, assorted friends and neighbors displaying skills you may never have seen, beer and wine service and good-natured audience engagement.


Service: When Women Come Marching Home

NEXT STAGE TO SHOW ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY ON WOMEN VETS

Putney, VT — Marking Armed Forces Day, the highly acclaimed film “SERVICE: When Women Come Marching Home” (http://servicethefilm.com/) will be shown on Saturday, May 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hill, in Putney, Vt.

The film portrays the courage of several women veterans as they transition from active duty to civilian life, following them as they overcome psychological trauma, severe physical injury, military sexual assault and the challenge of receiving care and benefits.


Annual Way To Go! Commuter Challenge Set To Take Off With Big Prizes and Big Fun

The seventh annual Way to Go! Commuter Challenge kicks off on May 13th, and it’s generating a lot of excitement. So far, 130 businesses have signed up to participate, and more than 1,500 commuters are pledged to take part. In addition, Governor Shumlin has officially proclaimed May 13th-17th as “Way to Go! Week” in Vermont to voice his support for the effort, which saves money while reducing air pollution and congestion on the state’s roads.

The challenge is designed to raise awareness of transportation options among commuters by encouraging them to travel in ways other than driving alone. Participants pledge to take the bus, bike, walk, carpool, car share, or telecommute during the week of the challenge, and become eligible to win a variety of prizes, including gym memberships, ski passes, hotel stays, transit passes, and much more.