Why the Town School Board Election on March 5 is NOT a Referendum on Act 46

by ADavis | Education

I am taking the time to clarify one thing about the choice voters face for the three-year seat on the Brattleboro Town School Board on Tuesday, March 5.

This vote is NOT a referendum on Act 46. The group that I have worked with – in Brattleboro,
across our county and the state – has consistently fought for provisions in the Act 46 law itself
known as “Section 9: Alternative Governance.” This section was put in the law because of
concerns in the legislature that there would be some form of off-ramp for communities that would
not be well served by the so-called “preferred merger” with a mega-board.

Debunking Objections to Youth Enfranchisement in Brattleboro and Beyond

by Mark J. Tully | Op/Ed

Hi. My name is Mark Tully, a resident of Brattleboro. I’ve been helping out the youth leadership of the Brattleboro Youth Vote campaign – which comes to a head in this Tuesday’s town elections with a ballot measure (Article II) that partially enfranchises youth aged 16 and 17. I’ve worked with youth leadership around the country in various political and artistic projects for over 25 years, and continue to do since moving here four years ago.

While monitoring opinions in the local press, and talking to residents during petitioning and community events, there are some common objections that arise.

Calling All Bakers!

by Not Signed In | Books

Calling All Bakers!

The Friends of Brooks Memorial Library are looking for tantalizing treats to tempt taste buds at the 2nd Annual Just Desserts Fundraising Friendraiser. Email the Friends, or stop by the library for more information 🙂

Selectboard Candidate Interview – Oscar Heller

by cgrotke | Politics
Oscar Heller

Another in our series of 2019 selectboard candidate interviews, this time with Oscar Heller who is running for a one-year seat.

Give us a brief biography – who are you? What do you do?

Hi! I’m Oscar.

I was born in New York, but when I was 14 my parents picked a summer camp at random off the internet. That camp was Camp Waubanong in Brattleboro. I spent most of the next dozen summers in Vermont. In 2014 I moved here for good. I live on Elliot Street, just before the park, with my girlfriend Jessie and our two cats.

Selectboard Candidate Interview – Tim Wessel

by cgrotke | Politics, Uncategorized
Wessel Family

We continue our series of interviews with candidates for Selectboard, this time with Tim Wessel, the only incumbent and a three-year seat candidate.

Give us a brief biography – who are you? What do you do?

Hi, I’m Tim! I’m a father to a 29 year old AND a 13 month old, which is crazy and strange and pretty darned wonderful too. I work for myself running Vermont Films, a video production company here in Brattleboro, and I spend my work life shooting and editing films for many different clients, both local and national. Many people saw my appearance on House Hunters on HGTV a few years back, and I also work in production for that show about once a month, usually traveling to do so. My wife and I just celebrated our second wedding anniversary, and the first birthday of our son.

Windham County Senator Becca Balint and Lt. Governor David Zuckerman Endorse The Brattleboro Youth Vote

by Mark J. Tully | Town News

On Tuesday, March 5th’s Brattleboro town ballot (on the back side) is a ballot measure – “Article II” – that will grant 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote on town issues and candidates, be elected to and serve on local school boards (up to 2 on each), and be elected as Town Representatives. The measure has received the endorsement of Brattleboro resident and Senator Becca Balint, and Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman.

Lt. Governor Zuckerman endorsed the measure last Summer, before it had even gotten on the ballot. Writing an endorsement for the campaign’s website, he said “Engaging youth in local decisions is a great way to instill a commitment to their community, bring in new ideas and energy, and to recognize the value they add to the region.”

Mar. 9: Early Music Benefit Concert by Night’s Black Bird

by JoyW-P | Music

West Brattleboro, Vt. — At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, tri-state fans of Early Music are invited to All Souls Church in West Brattleboro for “Love’s Harvest,” a benefit concert of airs, arias, madrigals, and tonos by the Night’s Black Bird trio from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Admission at the door is $15 per person and includes a gala reception; proceeds will help support ASC community-based programs and the Meeting House.

Par for the Cause Mini Golf Classic

by matkinson | Entertainment

The 5th Annual Par for the Cause – an indoor mini-golf classic to benefit the Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development – will be held the weekend of March 9th and 10th at the Winston Prouty Campus, 209 Austine Drive in Brattleboro.

The Saturday evening event from 6:00-9:00pm on March 9 will feature delicious food by Guilford Country Store, a cash bar by Hazel and a silent auction of fun experiences. Tickets are $25 per person.

Wetland Birds & Wildlife Photo Show Opens March 2

by JoyW-P | Arts

West Brattleboro — Images of birds and other wildlife taken by David Y. Parker, Jr. of Brookline, Vt., are showing in the foyer and other gallery spaces at All Souls Church through the end of April. The public is invited to an artist’s reception on Saturday, March 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., offering both sweet and savory treats. This gathering offers a convenient opportunity for visitors to ask the photographer about his artistic approach and camera techniques.

VFW $6 Lunch Specials Open to the Public 3-4 to 3-8

by Not Signed In | Food

The Brattleboro VFW located at 40 Black Mountain Road is open to the public for lunch. Lunch is served Mon-Fri from 11:30 – 1:30. Specials listed below are only $6 a plate. Hand made burger, fries, sweet potato fries, wings, onion rings, soups and sandwiches are also available. Take outs available by calling 257-0438

Birds and Brew featuring Dara Carleton, Wildlife Photographer

by Dara Carleton | Nature

If you’re in the area, stop by McNeill’s Brewery March 6th from 5-7 pm for Birds & Brews, a Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society meeting. Come out for a beer (or soda) and some friendly chatter with area birders and naturalists. Free and open to the public and all levels of birders (including new ones). Show up anytime between 5 and 7.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – March 5, 2019

by cgrotke | Town News

Water & Sewer issues will be the bulk of the Brattleboro Selectboard’s next meeting. They’ll talk about rates, repairs, reservoirs, energy use, odors, and improvements.

They’ll also approve liquor licenses, announce committee vacancies, apply for a grant and more. You can add other items during Public Participation.

Quest for Eagles Artist Talk and Q & A

by Dara Carleton | Arts

In conjunction with her solo exhibition, Quest for Eagles, Brooks Memorial Library is delighted to host an artist talk with Vermont wildlife photographer Dara Carleton on Tuesday, March 26 at 7 pm.
Topics will include information about local bald eagles: where to find them, how to identify them, how to photograph them, what equipment to use, and how to use it. Questions are welcome and encouraged.
A photography presentation will accompany the talk. Join us for a free, exciting, and informative discussion!

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Energy Committee will meet on Monday, March 4, 2019, at 5:00pm in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room at the Municipal Center.

The Brattleboro ADA Advisory Committee will meet on Friday, March 8, 2019, at 9:00am in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room at the Municipal Center.

Dummerston Community Center’s Annual Pampered Chef Fundraiser

by Dummerston Community Center | Dummerston

Dummerston Community Center’s Annual Pampered Chef event will be held Saturday, March2, from 12:55 to 2:55. Kim Martin will host the show with new Spring products, recipes, demonstrations of many cooking needs, also hands-on-cooking and tasting of spices, sauces and rubs. There will be a special drawing at 1:00 p.m. and drawings throughout the show.

Brattleboro Town School Board Candidates Unanimously Endorse the Youth Vote Charter Amendment

by Mark J. Tully | Town News

In a candidates forum on Monday, February 25th, the candidates for Brattleboro Town School Board were asked how they felt about students being elected to school boards and having an equal vote to theirs. Every one of the five candidates voiced their support for it, and each expressed a different benefit of the change.

The Brattleboro Youth Vote is a town charter amendment that will be voted on as part of the March 5 election ballot. It will give 16 and 17-year old Brattleboro citizens the right to vote on town issues and candidates, be elected and serve on school boards (up to 2 on each), and be elected as a Town Representatives.

Inclusion Center Helps Fight Isolation

by Judy Carnes | Health

Everyday living with a chronic disease, developmental disability or other medical issue presents unique challenges. Support from others can help, there is no need to go it alone.  The Inclusion Center, (a nonprofit organization located at lower level, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Avenue, Brattleboro, open Mondays from 10:00 Am to 2:00 PM and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.), is a drop-in center for adults run by and for people with disabilities. Friendship, learning and fun for all abound. Participants come and stay as long or as little as they like, there are no fees. There is no need to qualify for programs such as Medicaid.