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Camp Waubanong Makes Big Changes

by Not Signed In | Family

Camp Waubanong is undergoing significant changes, and as a result it will not be operating this summer. Camp Waubanong is currently working with the Vermont Wilderness School (VWS) to craft a newer and better administrative structure, ensuring that the camp will thrive for many years into the future. The plan is to transfer stewardship of the camp and its facilities to VWS by the end of 2016.

The Vermont Wilderness School (VWS), based in West Brattleboro, has been providing nature-based mentoring programs for children and adults for fifteen years.

VWS’s approach is a natural fit with Camp Waubanong’s mission, and they share a dedication to keeping the camp’s tuition affordable.

Hear Ye – May Day at the Statehouse

by spoon | Activism

     May Day at the Statehouse!   For a number of years now there has been an ever-growing public event celebrating May Day on the Statehouse lawn.  I went last year and was among 600 or so people having a very stimulating day. This year more than a thousand are expected.   Everyone is invited and urged to join in.  There is a big parade through the streets of Montpelier, speakers, a childrens tent, free lunch for all and a long line of organizations that are actively working and fighting for a just and sustainable future for Vermont.  It’s the largest annual gathering of activists in the state.  And its a lot of fun.  Activities run from noon to 4 PM.  Its a great place to meet people who are doing things.

Two Simple Questions

by carrottop | Questions & Answers

I understand that last night the DRB was to vote on opening the Harmony Lot tunnel to auto traffic again.  Does anybody know the result of that vote?

What were the final results of the “Safe and Secure” poll you did Chris? 

Thanks

Slow Medicine Discussion at the River Garden

by MartinLangeveld | Health

Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Robert H. Gibson River Garden, 157 Main Street, Brattleboro VT

Michael Finkelstein, MD, also known as the “Slow Medicine Doctor,” will present his approach to healthy living at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden in downtown Brattleboro on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m.

The session, entitled “Slow Living is Healthy Living,” is sponsored by Strolling of the Heifers. Finkelstein will be joined by Orly Munzing, founder and executive director of Strolling of the Heifers, and Linda McInerney, founder and artistic director of Old Deerfield Productions.

Finkelstein teaches that most health challenges are the result of an imbalance in our bodies and lives, and that most quick-fix solutions actually exacerbate these imbalances. 

PAYT Mailing

by KAlden | Questions & Answers

PAYT mailing came today with a colorful glossy insert. That can’t be cheap. The “instructions” say that each trash barrel can only weigh 40 lbs. or it won’t be picked up.How does one determine exactly what their trash barrel weighs? The bags come in 15 and 32 gallon bags but each tenant will be throwing out different things which will weigh different amounts.

So, do we all invest in “trash barrel scales” to make sure we are in compliance with yet another rule? Should each person have their very own trash barrel – perhaps color coordinated with the yellow and purple PAYT bags? Oh, wait..that might make it too difficult for the drivers to easily identify or perhaps would confuse those neighbors who are actively asserting peer pressure to make sure we’re all in line.

LGBTQ Community To Celebrate “Earth Gay” In Vermont

by Not Signed In | Living

Brattleboro, Vermont – On May 3rd, an expected 40 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) volunteers will get dirty and have fun planting organic potatoes at the first “Earth Gay” Vermont.

Earth Gay Vermont’s 2015 host is queer owned Circle Mountain Farm. The event is co-presented by Green Mountain Crossroads, a Brattleboro, Vermont based nonprofit supporting rural LGBTQ communities in becoming stronger, healthier, and more visible, and OUT for Sustainability, a Seattle, Washington based nonprofit mobilizing the LGBTQ community for social and environmental action.

April 3 Forum on Addressing Homelessness Notes & Next Steps

by csimmons | Activism

Greetings!

On April 3rd, a second in a series of community discussions regarding a community response to homelessness took place at the  in Brattleboro. Attached are the notes from the evening, including several themes and action steps. The notes are also available in hard copy at the . Please share widely.

The next community forum is scheduled for Thursday, April 30th from 5:30-7:30pm at the , 118 Main St. Brattleboro. All are welcome. Details to follow.

The Co-op: Two Realities

by spoon | Food

    There is a very lengthy and continuing thread about what constitutes a real co-op.  There is the modern Big Store (food) co-op and the Little Buying Club.  There would have to be a lot in between but we’ll leave it at that for now.

    The debate seems mostly to center around prices.  Big Store has high prices.  Little Buying Club would have cheaper prices (how much cheaper unknown).  Actually, Little Buying Club prices aren’t too much cheaper because they can’t get the volume discounts.  In fact the food itself is more expensive for that reason.  It can be sold cheaper because it has so much less overhead.  A private garage to receive and break down orders, all volunteer labor etc.  It can be cheaper still if it limits itself to bulk buying, avoids refrigerated and frozen foods and limits the selection to a couple hundred basic items and ordering just once a month.

Windham Regional Commission Releases Forest Stewardship Report

by Not Signed In | Nature

Do you know what threats, both global and local, face our forests and our forest economy? Are you concerned that climate change and invasive species could change the composition of our forests as we know them? Is Windham County really the “Timber Capital of Vermont?”

The Windham Regional Commission’s recently-released report, “Landscape Based Forest Stewardship,” provides insight into topics such as these, including what strategies exist to preserve the region’s forestlands. The report, available at www.windhamregional.org/forestry, is the result of several years of work by WRC, with support from a project steering committee made up of area natural resource and forestry professionals.

Morningside Shelter and Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center Host 
3rd Annual Camp for a Common Cause

by Not Signed In | Activism

BRATTLEBORO – On Friday, May 29 the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center and Morningside Shelter will host the third annual Camp for a Common Cause on the Brattleboro Common. The collaborative fund- and awareness-raising event has been a great success for the last two years, raising nearly $10,000 in 2013 and nearly $9,000 in 2014. All funds raised are evenly split between the two organizations, both of which work to alleviate homelessness in the greater Brattleboro area.

“We couldn’t believe the success of last year’s campout!” said Lucie Fortier, Executive Director of the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center; “people kept coming out in the rain to join us for the barbecue and live concert. Everyone had a great time despite the weather, which only made the campout all the more poignant.”

Are You Living With Osteoarthritis? Join BMH for a Free Talk on April 27

by BMH | Health

As part of the Wellness in Windham Spring 2015 calendar, BMH certified orthopaedic physician assistants Maureen Mahoney, PA-C, ATC and Wayne Temmen, PA-C, will present a program on Monday, April 27 at 6:00 PM in the Brew Barry Conference Center. Their topic of discussion will be living with osteoarthritis.

“Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is a chronic condition in which the material that cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down,” says Maureen Mahoney. “This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. About 27 million people in America have osteoarthritis.”

Looking For a New Primary Care Physician in Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Questions & Answers

I moved to Brattleboro in 2010 am am required by my health insurance to have a PCP (primary care physician). The first physician I found to be my PCP retired. The second just told me she is closing her practice. So for the 3rd time in 4 years I am looking for a PCP.

I have a challenging health condition that cannot go untreated. I am looking for suggestions for an MD or NP. I prefer a woman, and I will not go to Brattleboro Primary Care. Any ideas?

The Marina Restaurant’s Annual Plunge for Charity Celebrates 10th Anniversary

by Not Signed In | Activism

Brattleboro, VT—On Sunday, May 3, starting at 3 p.m., people will be jumping from a boat into the chilly water of the West River to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, doing their part for The Marina Restaurant‘s Plunge for Charity.

The inspiration for The Marina Plunge, now celebrating its 10th Anniversary, came in 2003 when several Marina employees jumped into the river to celebrate a birthday. The following year they decided to make it an annual event for charity.

That year, a handful of individuals were thrilled to raise $1,500 for The Gathering Place, an adult day care center. Since then, the event has seen steady growth, according to founder and organizer Deirdre “Dee” Baker of Brattleboro.

In Memory: Georg Steinmeyer

by cgrotke | Obituaries

Georg Steinmeyer passed away recently, just a few weeks after his wife, Hanne.

Georg was a very interesting person. He grew up in Germany as part of the Steinmeyer organ building family, and came to Brattleboro in the fall of 1955 to work as Director of the pipe organ division of the Estey Organ Company. He often told the story of getting a transatlantic phone call in Europe from the United States, a rare occurrence, asking him to take the job.

Unfortunately, Estey’s days were numbered. Georg helped to oversee the building and installation of the final pipe organs built by the company.

Brattleboro Senior Meals Menu

by KathrynT | Food

Brattleboro Senior Meals Menu

April 13      Chicken Stir Fry

                 Bulgur & Lentil Pilaf

                 Citrus Glazed Carrots

                 Cantaloupe

Volunteer Fair for Nonprofit Board Service

by Not Signed In | Activism

Get on Board Windham County will be hosting its first-ever Meet Your Match event, a community volunteer fair specifically geared towards matching potential board members with nonprofits.

Windham County nonprofits are invited to sign up to have a table at the event. The cost is $35, and registration for nonprofits will close on April 27. Nonprofits should register at http://bit.ly/Board-Match.

Many local nonprofits are seeking to expand and diversify their boards. This event will afford them the opportunity to pitch volunteer service on their board to dedicated and skilled community members. In attendance will be the 2015 cohort of Get on Board Windham County Board Fellows, a group of young professionals who have completed a 20-hour board training course.

Room For One More Team at Summer Soccer at SIT

by Not Signed In | Recreation & Sports

There is still room for a team to join summer soccer in Brattleboro this year, sponsored by the Putney Soccer Club and held on Wednesday evenings at SIT. Eleven teams are not in place and there is room for one more. The season starts on May 13 and runs to the end of August.

If you are interested in entering a team in the league and serving as captain, please email Edwin de Bruijn at labdeb@sover.net or call 802 254 6965.

Also, if you are an individual player looking to join a team, we may be able to help you find one. You can email us at putneysoccerclub@gmail.com. When you do, please tell us a little about yourself, age, skill level, and so on. Thanks.

Putney School Charitable Work Day

by Not Signed In | Activism

On May 9th, 2015, Putney School students will be hired out into the community to work for a charitable cause. We want you to help!

People from the greater Putney-Brattleboro community can hire students to do yard or housework for $8 an hour, for up to five hours, on Saturday, May 9th. The proceeds from our labor will then go to the Morningside Shelter .

The Morningside Shelter is a local organization dedicated to providing a safe space and ongoing support to families and individuals facing challenges of maintaining stable housing down in Brattleboro. As the only year-round homeless shelter in southeastern Vermont, the Morningside Shelter’s services are in high demand.