Next Stage Arts and Potash Hill Present a Concert by World-renowned JACK Quartet

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts and Potash Hill present a public performance by world-renowned JACK Quartet, on Friday, November 8 at 7:00 pm at Ragle Hall, in Marlboro.

This fall, the world-renowned JACK Quartet and its cadre of musical collaborators will descend upon Potash Hill to workshop and develop new musical work. Three resident artists of the quartet’s JACK Studio program will work closely with the ensemble on new material and receive mentorship from current JACK Studio commissioned composer, Anthony Cheung, who will also work with JACK on a new work for its premiere on November 10 at the 92NY.

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Solid Waste and Substations: A Million Here, A Million There

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard oct 15 2024

It is the second Selectboard meeting of October, and more potential tax increases were considered. The cost of trash, recycling and compost will be going up substantially to cover the costs of the new automated robot arm collection system.  The Town says it isn’t that the new system is expensive, it is that the old system was way too cheap. Hints that the costs will skyrocket more after signing on were given.

The board discussed a million dollar plus plan to put a police substation, four public bathrooms, a community room, and new parking system offices at the Transportation Center.  They also heard from members of the public saying these costs were too much.

The board’s “Review of Debt Management Guidelines” was postponed to another meeting.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes October 8, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● English Language Learners Program: A new program was proposed by student rep to support TOFEL practice and cultural immersion, which could also benefit introverted students.
● Safety Concerns: The Board discussed traffic safety issues on Atwood Dr., near the high school
● Budget and Finance: The Finance Committee reviewed the first quarter of FY25 and the board explored alternative ways to engage with the budgetary process and communication.
● Cell Phone Usage: Concerns were raised about the impact of cell phones in schools, particularly at BUHS, with discussions about limiting usage and teaching responsible technology use.
● Approval of Funds: The Board approved the carryover of $223,577.49 in excess Head Start funds, with considerations for environmentally friendly spending on items like playground materials and hybrid vehicles.
● Policy FI, Student Conduct and Discipline was approved by the Board.

Windham Southeast Supervisory Union School Board Meeting Minutes October, 9, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

New Business – The Chair read the following statement regarding the Superintendent’s contract.

“On February 16, 2024, I negotiated and signed a new three year contract with our Superintendent, Mark Speno, at the direction of the WSESU Board. The Board voted unanimously to authorize me to do this at a regularly scheduled and duly warned meeting on February 14, 2024.

The contract began on July 1, 2024 and expires on June 30.2027. It contains provision for an annual raise for each of those years. This is a usual and customary contract in the state of Vermont. Annual raises are a standard component of educational contracts, which protect school personnel from the prevailing winds of politics.

WSESD Independent Budget Review Committee Oct 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes

by Not Signed In | Education

1. Introduction of members. Members introduced themselves and their backgrounds.

2. Election of chair and secretary.

Maggie nominated Kristina for Chair, motion was seconded by Ellie. The vote was unanimous. On a motion by Ellie seconded Kristina, Maggie was unanimously elected secretary.

3. Training -committee discussed Training with Frank on the chart of accounts. The IBRC committee will plan a funding formula training in the upcoming weeks.

Food & Culture Tour of Oaxaca, Mexico, Scheduled for January

by roadnews | Travel

Long-time Brattleboro resident, Mimi Marchev, will lead a tour of Oaxaca to explore the region’s culture and its cuisine from January 15 to 23, 2025. The trip is coordinated by Travel Fever Tours of Putney.

Oaxaca has become a leading culinary destination, both for Mexicans and for visitors from the United States. Its reputation is well deserved, but it is based on much more than a collection of top restaurants. Oaxaca’s cuisine has sprung from the area’s strong indigenous roots; notably from the Zapotec and Mixtec people. Food is not merely sustenance in Oaxaca; it is an expression of heritage, identity, and community.

Brattleboro Public Works Open House

by Not Signed In | Town News

Join us for the Brattleboro Public Works Open House on October 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm! This exciting event is your chance to learn more about the essential services that keep our community running smoothly. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, we invite you to come out and engage with your local public works team.

What to Expect at the Open House

Meet the Team
This is a unique opportunity to meet the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Our public works team is eager to share their experiences, answer your questions, and provide insight into their daily tasks.

Many News Media In Vermont Are Reporting On the Homeless Crisis, Here Are My Ideas For Solutions

by CrisEricson2016 | Op/Ed

Many news sources in Vermont are reporting on the homeless crisis. People are being kicked out of hotels or motels they have stayed in because there is a new cut-off limit of 80 days.

I have added up how much money the state of Vermont spends, and in this video I offer alternative ideas to solve the problem that we are violating the United States Constitution, in my opinion, because twice in the U.S. Constitution it says the purpose is to promote the general welfare.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – October 15, 2024

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will decide on a plan for trash, compost, and recycling at their next meeting. Two options will be presented. They will also be discussing a new downtown police station, the quarterly fire department report, human services and more. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 8:00am in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom.

The Brattleboro Human Services Review Committee will meet in the Wantastiquet Meeting Room on October 17, 2024 at 5:30pm.

Jessica Sticklor (she/her/hers)

Executive Assistant

Town of Brattleboro

Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge -October 10, 2024

by Not Signed In | Hinsdale

Concrete for the last moment slab was placed last week. Concrete will still be needed for some sign bases and sidewalk work, so concrete trucks will still be using local routes to reach the construction site when needed, and from time to time their proximity to a traveled road may require alternating one lane traffic controlled by flaggers.

The bridge was paved this week. Work on the Vermont approach to the bridge is to be completed this week. Paving there is scheduled to resume Monday, October 14, and should take two days. Final striping of VT 142 and the bridge is set for Thursday, October 17th. The reconfiguration of VT/NH 119 will require some temporary pavement markings at a later date when the bridge is ready to be opened to traffic.

Brattleboro Indigenous Peoples’ Day Closings

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, all Town offices will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Sunday and Monday, October 13 and 14, 2024. All other violations will be enforced.

Brattleboro Paving of Sawdust Alley

by Not Signed In | Town News

Beginning Monday, October 14, DMI Paving (a contractor of the town) will be paving Sawdust Alley, (Holden Street, Baker Street and lower Birge Street.) This work is expected to take most of the week to complete, weather permitting. Crews will be working between 7:00am and 7:00pm.  There will be no on-street parking during this project and motorists should expect delays in the area and seek alternate routes.  

No End In Sight

by RDavis | Politics

It has been a year of continuous warfare in the Middle East. The spark that started the conflagration happened when Hamas killed 1200 Jews in a bold and ruthless attack. Many of the hostages they took a year ago have either died or not been heard from and families of the hostages are living in a constant state of frustration.

Israel responded to the attack predictably and over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed and much of Gaza has been destroyed. The Israeli bombing of Gaza continues and over 1.9 million people (90% of the population) have been displaced from homes that no longer exist. Famine and disease are daily reminders of just how hopeless the situation is for Palestinians.

Most of the leaders of the civilized world have been calling for a cease fire in Gaza but their pleas and diplomatic efforts are falling on deaf ears.

It has been impossible to craft a deal acceptable to Hamas and the Netanyahu government.

Charlie Light on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Entertainment

“FAR OUT: Life On and After the Commune” is winning awards and acclaim – CHARLIE LIGHT’s new documentary is a celebration and a tribute to the power of late-60’s activism and creativity. And the film is a blast to watch! Tune in for some great back stories of those exciting years.

Write-in Candidate, Cris Ericson for U.S. Senator, Discusses Medicare For All

by CrisEricson2016 | Politics

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has promoted a Medicare for All bill starting in 2017, re-introduced in May 2024, and it has not passed.

Write-in candidate, Cris Ericson for U.S. Senator, discusses Bernie’s bill and how she would amend it so it will pass.

The big hang up is money, honey. Where does money come from? It doesn’t come from the United States Senate, those fine folks just vote to spend it!

So, where does money really come from? Cris Ericson discusses the United States Treasury and how they manufacture money by the billions.