On Thursday, December 11, at 6:00 pm, the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) will host its annual Holiday Party at The New England House, 254 Marlboro Road. This is a time for people and businesses in West Brattleboro to get together socially and to celebrate the Association’s numerous accomplishments in this past year. The evening will feature a cash bar with hors d’oeuvres prepared by the restaurant. The WBA suggests a voluntary donation of $5 toward the food, although no one will be turned away.
In addition to this being a time to enjoy each other at this festive season, there will be a couple of short presentations. The Association’s board president Michael Bosworth will give a brief “state of the Association” report after which the group will present the West Brattleboro Community Leader of the Year to a deserving person or entity. Come to our party to help us celebrate this worthy recipient! Previous winners have been Ahmad and Kat Rashed of Rashed’s Garden Center, the staff and board of the Brattleboro Housing Authority, and Todd Darrah of the Chelsea Royal Diner, each for their many contributions to our community.
The West Brattleboro Association exists “to promote the thoughtful and effective evolution of the community of West Brattleboro as a place that is safe, healthy, attractive, and prosperous.” Our vision includes: a village that is safe and walk-able and that provides products, services, and social opportunities needed daily by its residents; a Marlboro Road that takes full advantage of being a “Gateway to Southern Vermont”, marketing the best in local products and goods and services for the Vermont Lifestyle; and an environment where small businesses and other organizations of all kinds can sprout and put down roots.
Early in the past year the WBA joined with others in a successful push for funding to have Western Avenue repaved. It hosted an informal Q&A session with Town Meeting Members in March, put on a very successful chicken barbeque in May and an evening business/community mixer in July. WBA members were active in pedestrian and bike safety issues as well as helping to lead Green Up day. The Thompson-Trust sponsored Neighborhoods project has resulted in beautification activities as well as improved community and senior meals. The Welcome Sign effort finished raising enough money for 2 signs. In addition, the WBA has been following the efforts regarding the West B fire station and for replacement use of Melrose Terrace housing. Importantly, it also voted to become a non-profit by early 2015. Last but not least, it worked with the Windham Regional Commission and Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation to create a plan for revitalization of West Brattleboro.
The regular meetings (which are generally held on the second Thursday of the month at this time and venue) are open to all those interested in West Brattleboro, with the next monthly meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2015. Come celebrate with us at our holiday party and plan to come to a regular meeting to see what we’re up to!
An award
This organization should get an award. Really good, consistent work over a long period of time that continues to pay off.
Very impressive. I wish our Tree Streets/Forest Square area had the same devotion. : )