COVID-19

Right Wing Attacks On Our Post Offices – Trump Bails Out Corporations – Seeks To Let Postal Service Fail

by David Van Deusen | Politics

COVID-19 has brought on an economic crisis not seen in the US since the Great Depression. And as with all historic financial disasters, it is far from inevitable that the working class-left will emerge from the chaos with a progressive agenda moving forward. Another competing force is the far right. Such reactionaries will use the crisis to seek to implement privatizations, cuts to social services, elimination of environmental regulations, and even more tax cuts for the rich. There will also be those on the extreme right who will use the crisis to argue for a neo-fascist re-ordering of society.

We, the Labor Movement, must recognize the opportunities and dangers the crisis presents. We must also be sober in our analysis that the future is unwritten, and the outcome undecided. And here, we shall only emerge as the victors and we shall only have the ability to move a progressive program forward if we are able to build the power required to overcome the other. And right now, the battle over the United States Postal Service is the front that has been opened by the Trump Administration, and therefore constitutes one of the major fights we must engage in.

Town of Brattleboro COVID-19 Response Status – April 16, 2020, 12:35pm 

by Not Signed In | Town News

WHAT IS NEW TODAY 

• Depending upon how the months ahead unfold regarding resumption of normal social interaction, the August primary election and November General election might rely more heavily on absentee ballot voting or other processes. In preparation for those elections, it is important for all voter rolls to be up to date. All voters are encouraged to visit their “My Voter Page” to confirm or update their voter registration address, including both their physical and mailing addresses. The My Voter Page is now found at https://mvp.vermont.gov. If you encounter problems logging into your My Voter Page, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 802-251-8157 for assistance. People who are not yet registered to vote can register online at https://olvr.vermont.gov. 

Putting Workers First: Organizing the Pandemic – The Working Class Must Fight For A Union Based New Deal

by David Van Deusen | Politics

On Wednesday, April 15th, 2020, Champlain Valley Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) hosted a Zoom panel discussion with organizers from several labor and social justice groups in Vermont and around the U.S. Panelists discussed the pandemic-related challenges they are facing in their communities and workplaces and, most importantly, how they are seeking to overcome these challenges and advance bold left demands for workers’ rights and economic and social justice [and a Union based Green New Deal].

Following the panel discussion, DSA opened up the floor to questions from participants. The goal of the call was to strategize ways to coordinate our work more closely, develop shared demands and provide concrete ways for people to tap into these current campaigns and actions.

Town of Brattleboro COVID-19 Response Status – April 14, 2020, 12:45pm 

by Not Signed In | Town News

• The semi-annual flushing of water mains will be completed April 23 through May 11. This is essential maintenance activity to ensure the continued safety of the Town’s drinking water. Toi view the complete street-by-street schedule for this Spring 2020 water main flushing, please see the “News” section on the right side of the homepage on the Town’s website. 

• The Police Department is waiving alarm fees until further notice. 

Town of Brattleboro COVID-19 Response Status – April 13, 2020, 12:20pm 

by Not Signed In | Town News

WHAT IS NEW TODAY 

• Census Reminder: If you have not completed your census form yet, now is a great time. You can complete it without leaving home or coming into contact with any other person. There are three simple ways to complete the Census form: 

1. Online: Go to www.2020census.gov. Can’t find your 12-digit code that you received in the mail? No problem. Just follow the instructions and you will still be able to complete the questionnaire on-line. 

Town of Brattleboro  COVID-19 Response Status – April 10, 2020, 12:10pm 

by Not Signed In | Town News

WHAT IS NEW TODAY 

• Governor Scott has extended his “Stay Home – Stay Safe” order through Friday, May 15. 

• In announcing this extension, Governor Scott and other senior State officials stressed that staying home and practicing social distancing is working in Vermont, these sacrifices are “flattening the curve” of COVID-19 infections, and that it is essential for everyone to continue to adhere to the restrictions on social contact to keep the curve flat enough so that Vermont hospitals will continue to have sufficient capacity to handle all of Vermont’s COVID-19 cases. 

• Brattleboro’s Fire Department and Police Department are conducting additional COVID-19 screenings of employees to protect the workplace as much as possible from exposure to the virus. 

Friday Night Videos – COVID-19 Edition

by cgrotke | Entertainment

Here are a few videos you might find useful. One is a good demonstration of washing hands. Paint is substituted for soap so you can watch how to best get it in all the right spots. Another is on exponential growth, which uses the virus as a jumping off point for a short math lesson. Our third video is a short visual explanation of how social distancing works to keep the number of cases down low enough so that hospitals don’t overflow. Our final video helps you determine the day of the week.

Release of the Southeastern Vermont COVID-19 Resources for Individuals Guide

by WRC | Town Plan

During this uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be very confusing to know where to go locally to learn about resources that can be useful. A new COVID-19 resource guide, aimed at individuals living in southeastern Vermont, is now available. This resource list is a compilation of currently known programs and activities relevant to people living in southeastern Vermont.  The resource can be found on the Windham Regional Commission’s website by visiting http://www.windhamregional.org/.  If you are in immediate need of assistance, call Vermont’s resource line by dialing 2-1-1 about help and resources.

Governor Scott Extends State of Emergency Through May 15

by Not Signed In | State News

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today extended Vermont’s State of Emergency through May 15, which also extends the expiration date of all corresponding orders and directives issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The original State of Emergency, issued on March 13, was set to expire on April 15, as were the subsequent mitigation measures. As a result of this extension, all measures, including the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order, are now in effect until midnight on May 15 (note, schools remain dismissed for in-person instruction through the end of the school year).

“These are incredibly difficult times, and I know this extension is disappointing news for many. But the fact is, Vermonters are literally saving hundreds of lives by staying home,” said Governor Scott. “We are making big sacrifices to save lives, but we cannot let our foot off the gas just yet. We will continue to watch the trends, and as soon as the data shows a downward trend, we can open the spigot, a quarter turn at a time, to get folks back to work in a way that’s responsible and safe. Please know, I will work every hour of every day, for as long as it takes, to see Vermont through this and to help rebuild stronger than we were before.”

Town of Brattleboro COVID-19 Response Status – April 9, 2020, 2:15pm 

by Not Signed In | Town News

WHAT IS NEW TODAY 

• Effective today, Morningside Cemetery has opened for the season. Anyone visiting the cemetery to honor a loved one or to get some fresh air and exercise should adhere to all the requirements of social distancing. 

• Tomorrow (Friday, April 10) a Utilities Division crew will complete emergency pipe repair work near 12 Estabrook Street. Estabrook Street will be closed to through traffic from 7am until 4:30pm while this work takes place. Vehicles parked in the driveways between 111 Clark Street and 12 Estabrook Street will need to be moved prior to 7am on Friday. Anyone with questions should contact Mike Earle at 802-254-4255 or by email at mearle@brattleboro.org. 

Town of Brattleboro COVID-19 Response Status – April 8, 2020, 7:30pm 

by Not Signed In | Town News

WHAT IS NEW TODAY 

• Many buildings are currently in a state of prolonged shutdown. The Town’s Water Department reminds all building owners that water lines within buildings should be flushed to keep the water supply safe. While the Town is continuing to deliver water to the meter that complies with all drinking water standards and has a trace of chlorine for disinfection, the water quality within the interior piping of a building will deteriorate if not used. 

• The annual Winter Parking Ban has been lifted. Beginning tonight, overnight on-street parking is allowed except where regulations prohibit parking anytime (e.g. on one side of some streets, near fire hydrants, etc.) and except on the following streets: Main Street, High Street, Elliot Street (east of School Street), Flat Street, Church Street, Elm Street, Harris Place, and Grove Street. 

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Representative Town Meeting On Hold, Staff Furloughs

by cgrotke | Town News
Brattleboro Selectboard april 7

The Brattleboro Selectboard met virtually to discuss updates regarding COVID-19, staff furloughs, putting Representative Town Meeting on further hold, and other matters. Board members urged landlords to pause rents and banks to pause mortgage payments. And licensed electricians may be required for most rental properties repairs.

It wasn’t the smoothest technological feat, and it took a while to get things working semi-smoothly, but it sufficed.

Town of Brattleboro COVID-19 Response Status – April 6, 2020, 1:20pm 

by Not Signed In | Town News

WHAT IS NEW TODAY 

There is no change in the deployment of Town resources today. However, we have 3 announcements today in the interests of public health and rumor control: 

➢ This evening (beginning at approximately 6pm at the Brattleboro Police Station on Black Mountain Road) there will be a procession of state and local law enforcement vehicles driving through town to salute the heroic work of healthcare workers. They will make stops (but will not leave their vehicles) at health care facilities along the route. The vehicles in the procession will be using their emergency lights. BPD is issuing a news release to alert the public so that people will not mistakenly believe there is a large-scale law enforcement emergency in Brattleboro. 

➢ The State of Vermont vehicles parked near the Connecticut River bridges and all other roadway points of entry into Vermont are noting the state of registration of vehicles entering and leaving Vermont. They are not collecting individual license plate data and are not restricting entry. 

➢ Some gatherings of people are still being noticed around town. Everyone is reminded that our collective health and well being depends upon people adhering to the social distancing advice of public health professionals in compliance with Governor Scott’s “Stay Home – Stay Safe” orders. People are encouraged to get outside for fresh air and exercise, including at Town parks, but no one should be within 6 feet of any other person, handling anything being handled by any other person, or touching any furniture or equipment at the Town’s parks or anywhere else outside of each person’s own home. 

What Should I Know If I’m Buying a House During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

by SK-B | Business

Will the home inspector be given access to the house? If there is a septic system, will a septic inspector be permitted to do the inspection?

Even if inspections are permitted, you might not be permitted to be present, which means that you will not have the benefit on asking questions and actually seeing the inspector point out items, which is much more informative than simply reading a formal, written report. In such a case, find out if the inspector can take a lot of photos, or better yet, live-stream the inspection.

Brattleboro Retreat Employee Presumed Positive for Coronavirus, Says VTDigger

by Lise | Town News

An employee at the Brattleboro Retreat is “presumed positive for COVID-19,” according to a story in the VTDigger.org today. The employee is in quarantine at home at this time. However, the same is not true of other Retreat workers who may have come in contact with that employee. They’ve been instructed by the Retreat’s HR Director that they should come to work or be terminated. However, if they “become symptomatic i.e. dry cough and/or fever,” they have been told to contact the HR Director.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – April 7, 2020

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 6:15pm.  In keeping with Governor Scott’s “Stay Home – Stay Safe” order, this meeting will be held with no physical location using GoToMeeting.  Copies of the agenda and administrative report are attached.  Both documents contain information about how to access the meeting remotely.   ASL interpreters will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.  We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.