Sanders Tells Letter Carriers USPS ‘Not Going Broke’

PHILADELPHIA, July 25 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today addressed the annual convention of the National Association of Letter Carriers and drew standing ovations for opposing cuts in sevices and jobs at the U.S. Postal Service at a time of rising revenue.

Sanders is the chief sponsor of legislation to modernize the U.S. Postal Service, save Saturday mail and prevent other unnecessary cuts in services provided by one of the most popular and important institutions in America.


Pertussis in the Community

By Dr. Kathleen McGraw, CMO

Summer is here in full force, and with that comes more outdoor activities, scraped knees, and the occasional summer cold. However this past month we also had a more unwelcome guest in our community – Pertussis. The Vermont Department of Public Health has reported 11 cases of Pertussis in Windham County during the month of June, most of which were children ages 3-17. While none of these cases have been seen in at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, we do see the need to do all that we can to prevent its further spread.


BMH Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s Birthing Center, the Windham County Breastfeeding Coalition, and the BMH Ten-Step Committee to Empower Mothers and Nurture Babies are joining forces to celebrate the 2014 World Breastfeeding Week during the first week of August.

This year’s theme, as established by the (WABA), is “Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal – for Life!”


Consecrated Land

It has been reported elsewhere that the Selectboard will do prospective skatepark site visits on Monday Aug 4th, from 5:30 to 7. They’ll be going from Elm St to Crowell, then Living Memorial Park.  It was requested that skaters attend to provide input. I am unable to attend, so I’m providing my feedback here. I’ve been thinking about this—again—lately, confounded whether to shut up, or push through to the end, come what may.

It seems to me for a fully informed view, the Selectboard has the opportunity to see three skateparks, all within an hour, that show a working model of each of the current options on the table. Keene, Northampton, Fitchburg. Respectively: a steel and steely downtown park, a new concrete plaza in a green space adjacent to homes, and a varied terrain multi-featured skate facility within the town’s mixed-use recreation center, also set in a residential neighborhood. But I don’t expect these visits to happen. And besides they only provide a snapshot of what goes on in the moment. Skatepark energies and usage vary like New England weather.


Sanders Details VA Proposal

WASHINGTON, July 24 – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today detailed compromise legislation that he offered to House negotiators that would reform the VA and give it the tools to provide quality, timely health care to veterans.

The proposal () would address the need for short-term, emergency access to care while strengthening VA’s capacity to address veterans’ needs in the long term. It also includes a provision to allow for the removal of incompetent officials at the VA.


Can Anyone Help with a Projector?

Hi Neighbors,

Liz Johndrow of the Nicaragua Pueblo Project is giving a presentation at the Brattleboro Library on Tuesday and she is in need of a projector to show slides and a video from her computer. Do you have one, or do you know of a person or organization that might have one we can borrow for the evening?


Get Your Creative Juices Flowing – The Future of Melrose Terrace

Calling all area residents!! Get your creative thinking caps on. The future of Melrose Terrace needs some attention and it is starting with you.

As we all know, Melrose Terrace in West Brattleboro was severely impacted by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011. Right after the Storm, BHA’s Commissioners pledged to repair Melrose so its residents had a place to live while BHA worked on creating new housing so that these residents would no longer be in a floodway. Plans are under way to construct a new 55 unit facility to be ready in January 2016. Plans will also be developed to move the other 25 units, the Brattleboro Housing Authority offices and maintenance building by 2018 at the latest.


Some Like It Hot — Thoughts On Air Conditioning

After our long cold winter and equally long cool spring, I found myself really looking forward to sweltering heat.  As I shivered on my well-shaded back porch, blanket over knees in June, I dreamed of hot weather shimmering over my house, bringing warmth and comfort to my cave-like apartment.  I looked forward to finally being able to wear shorts, sleeveless tops, and even sundresses.  I rooted for the inside thermometer to finally reach 70.  And finally it came — summer— and I was happy and put on my sundress, while all around me (it seemed) everyone else put on their air conditioners!


Democratic State Senate Candidate Fora

The Windham County Democratic Committee is organizing meetings for the public to meet and hear the four Democratic candidates for State Senate.

The first forum will be held tomorrow, July 24, 2014, at 6:30 PM, at the Townshend Town Hall.


Salon Jacque Summer Vacation August 3rd-11th

SALON JACQUE will be closed August 3-11 for our annual week of summer vacation. We encourage our clients to book their appointments as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you after our week of vacation all refreshed and ready to go. To book your appointment with Jacqueline, Krystie, Re, Madison or Brianna please call 802-258-4411


I-91 Brattleboro Bridge Replacement Project Update: Week of July 27

I-91

Northbound I-91 traffic has been relocated onto the southbound bridge. Traffic will remain reduced to one lane in each direction on I-91 until completion of the new bridge.

Route 30

The speed limit on Route 30 near the work zone has been reduced to 40 mph. This reduction will remain in effect through the Spring of 2016. Project-related truck activity on Route 30 will continue. Route 30 will be reduced to a single lane intermittently both day and night, with flaggers regulating traffic within the work zone.


Just So Pediatrics Welcomes New Physician

Just So Pediatrics is pleased to welcome new pediatrician Dr. Heather Lesage-Horton to their group, as of July 15, 2014.

Dr. Lesage-Horton, who is board certified, most recently worked at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. A member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, she earned her medical doctorate and bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, and completed her pediatrics internship and residency at the University of Michigan Health System, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.


American Exceptionalism

Yeah, we’re exceptional, all right!

Since the end of World War II, the United States has:

  • more than 50 foreign governments, most of which were democratically-elected.
  • on the people of more than 30 countries.
  • Attempted
    to assassinate
    more than 50 foreign leaders.
  • Attempted to in 20 countries.
  • Grossly interfered in democratic elections in at least 30 countries.

Next Week: Add Music to Your Child’s Summer

THERE’S STILL TIME to add music to your child’s summer! 

The Brattleboro Music Center has openings in two of its summer programs starting next week: Beginning Guitar Camp for kdis ages 8-13, and Time

Traveling Through Music for 7-12 year olds.

Beginning Guitar Camp 

Beginning Guitar Camp runs from July 28 – August 1, 3:30 – 5:30 pm, for kids ages 8 to 13. 


Green Street Closures – Updated

A portion of Green Street will be closed on Monday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 23, 2014 for the demolition of a building located at 72 Green Street that was destroyed by fire last winter. The closure is as follows:

• Green Street from the intersections of Church Street to Bullock Street will be closed Monday, July 21 – Wednesday, July 23 from 6:30am – 4:30pm. No through traffic will be allowed.

• Traffic from High Street onto Bullock Street will be permitted to turn right onto Green Street. No left-hand turns will be allowed.

• The sidewalk on the north side of Green Street will remain open for pedestrian use.


The Stray Birds and Mike & Ruthy at Next Stage on Thursday, July 24

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present Pennsylvania-based, acoustic folk trio The Stray Birds and the indie roots music husband/wife team of Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar (formerly of the acoustic stringband The Mammals) at Next Stage on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 pm.

Drawing upon the richness of American folk music traditions, the signature power of The Stray Birds sound lies in outstanding songwriting spun with a stirring subtlety and grace. The Stray Birds were born of a compelling collaboration between two unique writers and vocalists – the pure, luxurious voice of Maya de Vitry and Oliver Craven’s richness of tone and depth of delivery. Grounding their sound is the unshakeable groove of bassist Charles Muench.


Ask-a-Cop: Why Are Cars Stopped?

“What are the top ten things people do while driving that gets them pulled over?”

1) Speeding
2) Uninspected vehicles
3) Running stop signs
4) Defective equipment (headlight or taillight out, loud exhaust)
5) Swerving around (suspicion of DUI)


BCTV Channel 8 & 10 Schedules for the Week of 7/21/14

BCTV Ch.8 schedule for the week of 7/21/14  

                  Monday July 21                  

12:00 am      The Mountain Song – Hiking the A/T in New England

1:00 am       Green Mtn. Vets for Peace: Drone Warfare Pt.2

2:00 am       FSTV Overnight

4:00 am       Summer Arts in the Park: Celebration Brass Concert 7/1/14

5:20 am       Extreme Beginner Cooking: Grains

6:00 am       Road to Recovery: Growing Up with Addiction


Carol Buckley of Elephant Aid International on WVEW

its time again for another experience that you won’t soon forget..this tuesday the 22nd of July features Carol Buckley, the founder of Elephant Aid International.

Elephant Aid International (EAI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established to create a paradigm shift that will foster change in beliefs and approaches to the care and management of elephants. With the combined efforts of international scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, elephant caregivers and elephant welfare supporters, EAI is helping to change how the public relates to elephants; how mahouts (elephant handlers) and elephant caregivers train elephants; and how captive elephants are cared for worldwide.