Getting Married in Brattleboro. Recommendations for Justice of the Peace or Other Officiants?

We have recently relocated to Brattleboro and are getting married! Being new to town, we are overwelmed by the choices of JPs and other officiants in the area. We have no history or familiarity with any of them. I was unable to find much online for most of the JPs in town, although for a few I did uncover some town involvement and newspaper quotes over the years.

I’d expect we aren’t alone in wondering who to call first; Brattleboro is a destination town, and  I’d imagine people visit here to get married, and have the same questions as us.


Deceased Cat Found Without ID

 Sadly a large whiteish cat was discovered last night (around 6:30 pm) hit and killed in the road, most likely by a car in front of 64 Western Ave. He or She was a large white cat with tabby type markings. The cat has been stored in a box if you are possibly the owner and care to examine please reply, but will be turned over to the town animal control officer by early tomorrow morning.Sorry for your loss if this is you. Please respond to this post for more information if you think was your cat.


Meal Train for Elliot St. Fire Victims – Help With Food Needed, Starting Today!

From Bethany Thies:

http://www.mealtrain.com/train/invite/1.aspx?id=R7TKvTbHB6I%3d

“The meal train link benefiting the displaced families of the Elliot Street Fire is linked below. Please share, add people via e-mail on the link and also share of your time. We are still looking for donations of food for today, Saturday 10/19 and tomorrow, Sunday 10/20. Help how you can! if you can not make a
meal, we also need beverages (milk, juice and water), fresh sliced fruits and veggies and dessert items. Please give of your hands and heart.


The Root Social Justice Center Hosts Opening Celebration on November 1

The Root Social Justice Center is hosting an opening celebration on Friday, November 1 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. during Gallery Walk. Located on the ground floor of the beautiful Whetstone Studio for the Arts building at 28 Williams Street in Brattleboro, The Root Social Justice Center provides a physically and financially accessible space to support and bring together communities working for social justice. The Root is a co-work office collective by day and a community space on evenings and weekends.


Type II Diabetes: Can It Be Prevented or Managed? October 21

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is offering a free seminar entitled, “Type II Diabetes: Can it be Prevented or Managed?” on Monday, October 21 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the BMH Brew Barry Conference Center.

Diabetes is a continuum of diseases and slowing the progression of insulin resistance is essential to long-term health and well-being. Dr. Ferry, an endocrinologist, will discuss lifestyle and treatment options that can help prevent the disease or allow it to be successfully managed. Additionally, the talk will include a review of the early symptoms of diabetes and what diabetes can mean for your health.

Advance registration is available by calling 802-257-8877.


Lyme Disease in Vermont

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will present a free talk about Lyme disease by Vermont Department of Health Epidemiologist Erica Berl on Monday, October 21 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the BMH Brew Barry Conference Center.

This presentation will give an overview of Lyme disease in Vermont, examining the organism that causes the disease, as well as the emergence and prevalence of the disease in the state of Vermont. The life cycle of the deer tick will be discussed and, most importantly, strategies to prevent tick bites will be presented.


Blofson Named Medical Director of BMH Physician Group

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital announced Tony Blofson, MD has been hired as Medical Director of , the hospital’s network of primary care providers and medical specialists.

In this role, Blofson will be responsible for leading BMH Physician Group practices and providers through quality initiatives including improved patient access and patient satisfaction, as well as transitions brought on by healthcare reform.

“Our practices have experienced many changes as a group as they have grown over the past few years. Dr. Blofson’s experience and enthusiasm will serve us well as we continue to evolve,” says Bonnie McKellar, Vice President of Physician Services and Business Development at BMH.


The Beards Are Back

BMH Launches 2nd Annual “BEARDS for BMH” Campaign To Raise Awareness of Men’s Health Issues

Throughout the month of November Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) will once again be sponsoring “BEARDS for BMH” to raise awareness of men’s health issues. The campaign is designed to spark conversation about issues such as prostate cancer screening, erectile dysfunction, testicular cancer and other men’s health concerns.


Wednesday Farmers’ Market Still Open!

The local farmers are bringing great fall produce to the Wednesday Farmers’ Market–open through the end of October– downtown by the Brattleboro Food Coop from 10-2. Apples and cider, pears, winter squash, garlic and onions, greens and tomatoes, peppers and potatoes, maple syrup and preserves, flower bouquets, humanely-raised pork, and lots more is all downtown on Wednesdays, fresh from our dedicated local growers.

Don’t forget Anon’s Thai Cuisine for lunch and that the market accepts EBT and debit cards! 802-254-8885. See you at the market! Spread the word!


Free Scrabble Mentor

Club and Tournament Scrabble is more than just a pastime.  Like chess and bridge, it is played as a competitive sport all over the English-speaking world.  Brattleboro is fast becoming a hotbed of Scrabble players, with a weekly club session and a developing group of friends who take the game seriously (while alllowing room for laughter and orientation of newbies.  

Like any competitive game, there are fundamentals and preparation involved with becoming a top player.  I am committed to promoting the game and to helping folks who wish to dive more deeply into the fascinating world of club and tournament play to improve their skills and become a part of this vibrant community. 


Apple Brunch Sunday in Guilford

Broad Brook Grange will present its 17th annual Columbus Day Weekend Apple Brunch on Sunday, October 13, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Grange hall in Guilford Center.  The proceeds from the event will allow for continued renovations of the historic building and support of its community programs.

The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and omelets, any style, made to order.  Also on the menu are apple and regular pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon and home fries, with Guilford maple syrup.  Other treats include home-baked apple coffee cakes and other goodies, homemade applesauce, and bread for toasting.  A selection of juices — including cider — will be available, along with coffee, teas and milk.


Clean Air Cities

To all with eyes to see, it’s clear that climate change is here now and already having a profound effect on the places we live, the natural resources we depend on and the species that provide rich biodiversity around the planet.

Nature knows. The Maple Sugar industry is concerned that our forests are migrating northward. The timber industry is worried about dying trees and increased risk of forest fires. Populations of small animals are changing. Cottontails are seen with increasing frequency. Turkey Vultures are staying for the winter. Canada Geese can be seen at Christmas time. Southern species of fish are seen further north than ever.We need to take significant steps now to curb greenhouse gas pollution and avoid the worst effects of runaway global climate change.


The Dragon of Fear

A long time ago, before I was born, a world leader named Roosevelt said: “The only thing to fear is fear itself.”  And, of course, he was right.  We live in a world where there are millions of things to fear, millions of things that might potentially get us.  More and more, the simple occasions of daily life are occasions for fear, from going to the doctor to using the Internet.  If you really thought about it, you would be paralyzed!

For most people who have fears (I feel I can say this, being a person with fears), it’s not the present moment that’s the problem.  It’s what the realities that the present moment might lead to.  Yes, we want to fix the problems of the present but it’s the problems of the future that really bother us.  So many bad things could potentially happen.  Even if you think you’re not a fearful person, think of how many times you say “I didn’t do such and such because I was afraid such and so might happen.”  Fear and worry are future oriented but the future hasn’t happened yet so none of those fears are “real”.  They are imaginings, usually fairly dark imaginings at that.


Single Payer in Vermont?

Can anyone explain how the “Single Payer Medical Insurance” for Vermont will affect me. I’m so confused. Will it interfere with “Affordable Care Act”? I have MVP through my employer. Will I be able to pick my own Insurance? Someone told me that paying for my insurance will not come out of my paycheck and that it will come out of my taxes? Any truth to that?

Thanks.


Scrabble Anyone?

A Scrabble Club meets every Thursday night beginning at 6:00 PM at the Marlboro College Grad Center on Vernon Street.  We are an eclectic group of word nerds who play the game as it is played in a tournament setting, yet value and support newcomers in their exploration of Scrabble beyond the dining room table or cell phone.  

If I’ve piqued your curiosity and you don’t mind finding out how much you DON’T know about Scrabble, we invite you to bring that curiosity along with your sense of humor to our club.