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An Elusive Treatment Plan

Should a municipality use its taxing ability to help bale out a local non-profit hospital?

That is a question that voters in Brattleboro may face if the selectboard’s plans go forward. At a recent selectboard meeting there was a unanimous vote to look into holding a special town meeting to vote on creating a one-time tax, of an undetermined amount, to help the financially troubled Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

The selectboard’s intentions are good. The hospital board recently announced a plan to close its birthing center in the next six to 12 months. Town government and other organizations quickly rallied to work on a strategy to save the birthing center as it is projected to cause a $4.8 million deficit next year.


Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting July 28, 2026 – Birthing Center – Agenda and Notes

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.” Closed captioning will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members. The backup materials for this meeting will be available on the town website by the end of the day.

Jessica Sticklor (she/her/hers)
Executive Assistant
Town of Brattleboro


Brattleboro and Brattleboro-Putney Paving Construction Update 07/24/2026

Overnight work on U.S. Route 5 and Vermont Route 9 is planned for 7 p.m. tonight Friday, July 24 to 6 a.m. Saturday morning, July 25.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

Interstate 91, Exit 3: Brattleboro (Night Work)

Short-duration closures of Exit 3 are planned for next week. Daily, from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. July 28-July 31, the on- and off- ramps will be closed in both directions for Interstate 91 Exit 3. Confirmation of the schedule for these closures will be distributed on Monday, July 27.


Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

The Brattleboro Advisory Budget Committee will meet on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00pm at the Brooks Memorial Library Room B.

The Brattleboro Arts Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 5:00pm in the Brooks Memorial Library Community Room.


Brooks Memorial Library Enters Next Phase of Construction

The next phase of Brooks Memorial Library’s renovation project will begin on Monday, July 27, 2026. This phase includes the closure of the sidewalk in front of the library’s Main Street entrance, as well as the accessible ramp connecting the Municipal Center parking lot to the library’s rear entrance. Crews will remove and replace the sidewalk in front of the library and Municipal Center, as well as the connecting accessible walkway.

Although the sidewalk directly in front of the library will be closed, patrons will still be able to access the Main Street entrance by approaching from the south side of the building through a fenced area. The upper entrance will remain closed during this phase. The stairway leading from the front of the Municipal Center to Main Street will also be closed. Parking will not be available in front of the library during this phase. An accessible parking space and a 15-minute parking space will be available just south of the library. Library patrons can also park in the Municipal Center parking lot, on Grove Street, or in the Harris Lot.


Church Street Retaining Wall Project Begins July 28

The Town of Brattleboro would like to notify residents, businesses, and motorists that construction to replace the retaining wall on Church Street will begin Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The project will be completed by a private contractor and is expected to continue for several weeks.


Town of Brattleboro Welcomes SerahRose Bissell as Finance Director

The Town of Brattleboro has named SerahRose Bissell as its new Finance Director. Bissell brings extensive experience in financial management, accounting, and organizational operations through her work as the founder of Aerialist Accounting, a Massachusetts- based consulting firm that supports nonprofits of all sizes.

Bissell, who earned a Master of Science in Accounting, has helped organizations build sustainable accounting practices and improve internal processes to ensure compliance. Among her more recent work, Bissell has developed protocols for a nonprofit that will enable the company to manage its own accounting independently rather than relying on a third-party vendor.


The Stockwell Brothers Close Out Twilight on the Tavern Lawn Summer Series Aug. 23

PUTNEY, VT — Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts present The Stockwell Brothers on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6:00 p.m. for the final concert of the 23rd season of Twilight on the Tavern Lawn. The free concert takes place on the lawn of the Putney Tavern, 133 Main Street, in downtown Putney. Audience members are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. In the event of rain, the performance will move indoors to Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill.

Brothers Bruce, Barry, and Alan Stockwell have been making music together for decades, creating a distinctive blend of traditional and progressive acoustic music. Their performances combine original singer-songwriter material with inventive banjo work, alternative rhythms, and soaring three-part harmonies.


Patio Concert July 25, 2026

Patio Concert July 25, 2026

Rich Grumbine and Bill Conley will present a backyard patio concert on Saturday, July 25 at 7 pm at 63 Cedar Street in Brattleboro. The duo plays an eclectic mix of covers from country, Americana, folk, pop/rock, and jazz traditions. Bill plays lead acoustic guitar, dobro, and sings. Rich sings and plays rhythm guitar.


Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting July 21, 2026 – Agenda and Notes

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom. Prior to the regular meeting, the Board will convene at 5:30pm and is expected to move directly into executive session to discuss contracts. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.” Closed captioning will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members. The backup materials for this meeting will be available on the town website by the end of the day.


Singer-Songwriter Showcase Brings Joy Clark, Luke Concannon, Midnight Betty, and Lizzy Mandell to Next Stage

PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of acclaimed singer-songwriters on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

The showcase will open with an intimate in-the-round performance featuring Luke Concannon, Midnight Betty, and Lizzy Mandell, before Joy Clark and her quartet take the stage for the evening’s featured set.

Louisiana-born singer-songwriter Joy Clark has earned national recognition for her warm, honest vocals, intricate guitar work, and songs exploring themes of freedom, love, and self-acceptance. Blending orchestral-style fingerpicking with blues-infused lead guitar, Clark creates a sound that is both intimate and expansive.


Deidre Scherer on “Here We Are”

Many of you have seen DEIDRE SCHERER’s unique art and exquisite layered fabric and thread creations. Her work evokes connectivity by revealing individuality, spirit and soul. Tune in for wonderful stories of one artist’s journey toward understanding by exploring new perspectives and expressions. Deidre is a member of the Rock River Artists in the Williamsville-Newfane area – Their 2026 Open Studio Tour is July 18 & 19.