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by spinoza | Town Plan

I’ve been trying to follow recent threads on town politics and process, (amendments, charter revision, RTM v Selectboard v Open Meeting, committees, juristictions, budgets) it’s pretty exasperating to not be able to pin-point what is what, or when or why. And who is driving the train, and where do ordinary citizens fit in?

To the best of my discernment here’s how it works here.  There’s no straight line between any two points, and no item, article or initiative, will be judged based on its own merit. By affixing and conflating two and sometimes more disparate issues or events, a crucible for divining the true will of the people is prepared.

New Beginners Tai Chi Chuan Class Starting in Putney

by Not Signed In | Health

Tai Chi Chuan (Taiji Quan) otherwise known as Supreme Ultimate Boxing, is an ancient form of martial art that has been practiced for both health and self defense. It can be practiced for recreation, and to increase strength, flexibility, balance well into old age. Tai Chi Chuan is not performed in the same manner as most western calisthenics or sports. It requires a tremendous amount of mental and physical concentration and control. Tai Chi Chuan is often described as a moving meditation. After practice, one feels invigorated, clear-minded, and peaceful.
 

Selectboard Meeting Notes: Budgets, Democracy, And Future At Risk – And A New Town Manager!

by cgrotke | Town News

Brattleboro’s new town manager, Peter Elwell, was front and center for his first official meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. He was quiet for most of the meeting, but had a few strong words about dipping into the Unassigned Fund Balance for non-emergencies.

The future of the Committee of the Future was called into question by the director of Planning Services, a first public hearing was held on a series of proposed changes to the Town Charter, the skatepark committee has a new location to study for feasibility, and a wide array of budget matters were deferred for action at a special meeting of the Selectboard scheduled for January 29th at 5:15 pm.

Vermont Asylum Ready For Patients As 1837 Begins

by cgrotke | History

On January 20, 1837 the Vermont Phoenix published the following announcement regarding the opening of a new establishment in town. Read on to see how the Brattleboro Retreat was first presented to the public.

VT. Asylum For The Insane, Open

The Trustees of the Vermont Asylum for the Insane would announce that this institution is now ready for the reception of patients. The building is finished in a manner adapted to the classification and convenience of its inmates. The two wings are so constructed as to afford pleasant and commodious rooms, and that the sexes may be entirely separated. Rooms are prepared for the sick, removed from all annoyance, where the immediate relatives and friends of the patients can if they desire, bestow their kind attentions and sympathy. Experienced nurses and attendants are procured, and none will be retained except this who are kind and faithful to their trust. – No harsh treatment will ever be for a moment allowed.

Stroll presents Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival at River Garden, Feb. 13

by MartinLangeveld | Food

Strolling of the Heifers will present a mid-winter Beer, Cider and Cheese Festival on Friday, Feb. 13, from 5 p.m to 8 p.m at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden, Main Street, Brattleboro. 

The event is a fund-raiser for Strolling of the Heifers, and takes place in conjunction with the Harris Hill Ski Jump. It features eight craft brewers and 16 cheesemakers and specialty food producers from throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

Four Weeks And Counting: 93rd Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition To Be Held February 14 and 15 In Brattleboro, Vermont

by Not Signed In | Recreation & Sports

Brattleboro, Vt. (January 19, 2015) – The only International Skiing Federation (FIS)-approved ski jump in New England will soon be fully active as the 93rd Harris Hill Ski Jump sets to take off February 14 and 15 in Brattleboro, Vt. The world-class competition will feature more than 40 of the world’s top male and female jumpers from the US, Europe and Canada who will compete on a 90-meter Olympic sized jump.

Brattleboro Time Trade – Week of January 18

by Brattleboro Time Trade | Other

Brattleboro Time Trade:

Exchanging services, creating connections, strengthening communities, one hour at a time.

See below for exciting Upcoming Events and learn what Time Trade is all about!

This week’s fabulous listings, brought to you from the land of sickness:

OFFERS:

Help Learning New Software
Resume Help
Class: Connecting with the Psychic Self
Class: Creating Money, Abundance, & Prosperity
Class: Inner Child Connection & Healing

BCTV Channel 8 & 10 Schedules for the Week of 1/19/15

by BCTVProg | Media

BCTV Ch.8 schedule for the week of 1/19/15

Monday, January 19, 2015

12:00 am UVM Comm Med School: Knee and Hip Replacement

1:45 am Nonie Darwish Speaks to Jewish Group about Islam 1/29/13

3:00 am Energy Week Extra: The Top 20 Stories of 2014

4:00 am History Where It Happened: Bennington Battle Monument

4:35 am Conversations VT: Homelessness

Sanders Announces Winners of State of the Union Essay Contest – Brattleboro’s Taggard Takes Second Place

by Not Signed In | Politics

BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 19 – With President Barack Obama set to deliver his State of the Union address tomorrow, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today announced the winner and top finalists in his annual State of the Union essay contest for Vermont high school students.

Leo Lehrer-Small, a sophomore at Mount Mansfield Union High School, was named the winner of the contest, which was judged by a panel of four Vermont teachers. Sanders called to congratulate Lehrer-Small on Friday.

Ryan Taggard of Brattleboro Union High School finished in second place. Two students – Craig Pelsor of Milton High School and Hadley Menk of Champlain Valley Union High School – tied for third place. (The full list of finalists is below.)

Pirates of the Mediterranean

by tomaidh | Politics

I read an interesting article in an older NY Times about ancient terrorism.

The author, Robert Harris is talking about the year 68 BC. He begins: “the world’s only military superpower was dealt a profound psychological blow by a daring terrorist attack on its very heart. Rome’s port at Ostia was set on fire, the consular war fleet destroyed, and two prominent senators, together with their bodyguards and staff, kidnapped.”

He continues: “ in the panicky aftermath of the attack, the Roman people made decisions that set them on the path to the destruction of their Constitution, their democracy and their liberty.”

Going To Bed Hungry – The Window To Health

by Vidda | Health

In my early twenties during the 1970’s I made a conscious decision to go to bed hungry most nights. My cutoff evening eating time was by 6 pm, not later than 7 pm. And, most nights I did indeed experience the growling of an empty stomach. Before long, I anticipated the feeling of being (really) hungry which I associated with a healthy outlook.My deliberate nightly hunger strike was based on my instinct that it was good for me.

Each morning I woke up looking forward to a hardy breakfast and good eats throughout the day…until 6 pm. Throughout my adulthood, it is a practice I continue to this day.

Planning-in-Reverse

by ChrisPratt | Town Plan

If you want to see how a developer (ZB Properties) can clear cut their land located at 382 Western Ave, create a public eye sore,  devalue adjacent property values and then AFTER-THE-FACT apply for a site plan, come.

Come, this Wed – Jan 21,  to the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Municiple Center at 7PM. Watch ZB Properties apply for a “Retroactive Site Plan” and observe how the town’s Developmental Review Board conducts planning-in-reverse.

Marshall Islands Republic Sues U.S. Government To Stop Nuclear Proliferation

by CrisEricson2016 | Op/Ed

And you thought that ended in 1970?

JANUARY 2015 FEDERAL COURT NEWS: The Marshall Islands Republic sues  to try to stop the U.S. Government from continuing nuclear proliferation in violation of the  1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

President Barack Obama (Democrat) claims to be opposed to nuclear proliferation while in reality, he supports it 100% as Commander in Chief of the United States Military.   F-35 strike fighter jets are designed to be dual capable to carry nuclear weapons.

Mount Bratt Is Open!

by tomaidh | Recreation & Sports

One of the best kept secrets in Brattleboro is the nifty little ski resort tucked into the side of Living Memorial Park. Just like the big guys, it features a lift, snowmaking and grooming…and it’s open for night skiing too.

It may not be as challenging as some, but it IS fun, and all for the measly sum of FIVE BUCKS!

Historical note: In the early days of skiing, people from New York City used to come by train just to ski here.

Weekend Comedy Series – Ellen DeGeneres – 1992

by cgrotke | Entertainment

Almost everyone certainly knows of Ellen from her current talk show superstardom. It’s not a bad gig, but she also had a period when she was paying her dues and working her way up. That’s where we head this week.

She was breaking ground in comedy with a unique style. She’d deliver a line, then digress, and digress again. Her humor comes in waves, and she has kid-like, almost-innocent revelations about topics. Audiences get layers of jokes piled on thickly.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – January 20, 2015

by cgrotke | Town News

Five different vendors of alcohol will ask for special event permits for a single night of samples, at the next regular Tuesday meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard.

The board will consider a contract and loan to finish off the Black Mountain Gravity Sewer line, consider more items for inclusion on the Representative Town Meeting warning, will hear of revisions to plans for locating the skatepark, and will again offer time for the public to speak to issues of the FY16 budget before it is approved by the board.

Brattleboro’s new Town Manager may also make an appearance, being the first day on the job.