If Marijuana Sales Start at Stores in Vermont 2022 Then Vermonters Need to Know If That Is Legal Under Federal Laws!

May 28, 2021 U.S. Congressman, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) to remove marijuana from the list of prohibited substances on the federal Controlled Substances Act.

The bill includes an excise tax on sales of marijuana and would allow companies to conduct interstate trade and use banking services.

Ballot measures or bills to legalize marijuana have passed in 18 states, each with different regulations and taxes.


Bridge Transformation Forum

There is a community forum on Wednesday December 2nd at 6:30 to discuss the transformation of the Hinsdale-Brattleboro Bridge into a pedestrian-recreational area. ( Once the new bridge is built) Plans are being developed and community input is welcome. At this forum there will be: Preliminary Concept discussion, Summary of public feedback and time for questions and answers.


Governor Scott Did What He Should Have. Is That Exceptional?

It’s true that, given the limited extent of impact and damage in Vermont from the virus, Scott has done a proper job. However he only did what any of us would do. If you recall, one of his earliest public statements was that he was in completely uncharted territory with the pandemic. He didn’t know anything more about it than any of us in the state. So he called the state’s medical team together, got a bit of an education and followed their advice. I’d like to think that all of our governors would have done the same. He was very lucky in this particular crisis to have had the federal government step in fairly quickly with a huge cash infusion that gave us all time to understand and assess the situation and choose our actions under less stressed conditions.


Bear or Bull Market? Your Vote for State Treasurer May Keep Vermont In Debt with Unfunded Liabilites!

Do we need to vote for a new Treasurer for the State of Vermont? Is the current State Treasurer actually admitting she’s having a hard time? Is ten years of her control over our taxpayer dollars enough?

If you always vote with your political party line, if they have you like a fish, hook-line-and sinker, then don’t cry when the sinker
takes you down.

Here are the candidates running for the office of State Treasurer on the statewide ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. Voting has begun.


Pay Attention! There Is A Huge Difference Between Lieutenant Governor Candidates!

Let’s pick apart a few huge differences between Lieutenant Governor candidates!

Cris Ericson, Molly Gray, Scott Milne and two other candidates are on the ballot for Lieutenant Governor. Mr Billado and Mr. Corbo do not have websites, but you can call or email them.

It is actually important to know something about the people we are voting for or against.


Racism is a Tool for Oppression

The other day David Schoales included, in the context of a discussion group, a link to a June 2 statement issued by the Vermont Agency of Education director Daniel French. Following are the first two paragraphs of that statement:

“In light of the killing of George Floyd, another instance of police violence against a person of
color, we write to reaffirm the Agency of Education’s commitment to social justice and equity
literacy statewide. We firmly believe in our collective responsibility to create an anti-racist
education system and commit to supporting districts and schools in Vermont in their own
efforts to confront racism and create learning environments that are just, inclusive and
equitable.


Vermont Free Food Distribution May 27 at BUHS

On Wednesday, May 27, the State of Vermont will be distributing a large amount of free food in the student parking lot at Brattleboro Union High School from 10a – 2p.  Everyone is welcome,  you will be asked only the community you are from (this is for Brattleboro and the region around us) and how many people are in your household.  You will not be asked names or your financial information.  


VT Department of Financial Regulation Announces Auto Premium Refunds and Reductions

Montpelier, VT – Governor Phil Scott and Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) Commissioner Michael Pieciak today announced that more than forty additional auto insurance companies have filed plans to return premiums or reduce their rates for Vermont policyholders. DFR has moved quickly to approve these plans which amount to over $14.6 million in savings for Vermonters to date.

All Vermont-based auto insurance companies, along with most major out-of-state insurers, have developed refund plans for Vermonters, which combined, represent approximately 90% of all personal auto policies in Vermont. Each of these insurers has seen a reduction in claims as Vermonters do their part to stay home to comply with the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe directive. 


Vermont Jazz Center Presents: Emerging Artist Joel Ross “Good Vibes”

The Vermont Jazz Center presents Downbeat Rising Star Award-winning vibraphonist Ross in concert on Saturday, March 14th.  Ross, a 24 year-old Blue Note recording artist, is making the “vibes” a more familiar and accessible sound to audience members of his generation. For listeners familiar with the impact of the vibes in bebop and swing, Ross’ dynamic sound and virtuosity brings back memories of its judicious use by jazz legends Red Norvo, Lionel Hampton, Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson and Gary Burton. Ross’ approach is both modern and steeped in the tradition. JazzTimes Magazine claims “Not since Stefon Harris’ arrival 20 years ago has the jazz world heard a young vibraphonist intent on exploring so many dimensions.”

Ross will be performing selections from his highly acclaimed Blue Note album, KingMaker, a musical tribute to his family. Joining him at the Jazz Center will be other mid-20s artists  including Immanuel Wilkens on saxophone, Jeremy Corren on piano, Kanoa Mendelhall on bass, and Jeremy Dutton on the drums. All except Mendelhall can be heard on Ross’ recent release. Downbeat Magazine gave KingMaker a 4 star review, noting that “Ross’ playing erupts through the layers of lush arrangements like consistent currents of electricity, high-powered and full of luminous energy. These bright bursts of solos and melodic lines surprise, excite and stretch…”


Governor Scott’s State of the State Address

Mr. President, Madam Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, members of the General Assembly, honored guests and fellow Vermonters:

Today, I welcome the opening of the legislative session with the same optimism I had as a freshman senator from Washington County nearly two decades ago. 

I come before you to report on the state of the state, to reflect on the work we’ve done and to share a vision and priorities for our future. 


For the Love of the Game: Emma Rueter Portraits at CX Silver Gallery

C.X. Silver Gallery is pleased to announce a new exhibition of extraordinary black and white portraits by Emma Rueter, recent B.U.H.S. graduate, formerly also of Hilltop Montessori, and aspiring artist and photographer. The images of high school athletes, part of a series entitled ‘For the Love of the Game’, have a definite archetypal quality. All are welcome to a reception for the artist and this exhibition on Wednesday June 13, 5-7pm. The exhibition runs June 12-July 11.