The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents “Psychedelic Chanson” Ensemble Combo Daguerre on June 15

by hahrenholz | Music

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents “psychedelic chanson” ensemble Combo Daguerre, on Saturday, June 15 at 6:00 pm at field behind the Putney Inn, 57 Putney Landing Road, in Putney.

Combo Daguerre, based in Brooklyn, performs original psychedelic chanson with a mostly Latin crew and a hybrid style informed by boleros, cumbia, 60’s rock, French chanson, Gainsbourg, and 1930s surrealism. It is music filled with joy and darkness, deep grooves and dirges, nostalgia and futurism.

With Olivier Conan (Chicha Libre) – cuatro, vocals; Adele Fournet – keyboards and Felipe Wurst – guitar (Banda Chuska/Tipa Tipo); Andres Fonseca – drums; Neil Ochoa (Los Crema Paraiso, Chicha Libre) – percussion and Dan Martinez – bass.

Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge – May 23, 2024

by Not Signed In | Hinsdale

Crews continue to install deck panels, forms for drainage scuppers within the deck, and brackets and forms for overhangs as they progress westerly to reach the Vermont abutment. Welding the shear studs to the beams will also advance into Vermont next week. Tensioning of the bolts on the recently erected structural steel will be substantially complete this week. Cleaning and removal of the components of the water treatment system used at Pier 1 is on hold.

Brattleboro Memorial Day Closings

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of Memorial Day, all Brattleboro Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27, 2024. All other violations will be enforced.

Brooks Memorial Library will be closed on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27, 2024.

The Killing Continues

by RDavis | Activism

Despite the fact the world opinion is increasingly hostile to the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the killing continues.

Despite the fact that Spain, Norway and Ireland have recognized a Palestinian state, the killing continues. Despite the fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is requesting arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, the killing continues.

There are many international organizations making statements about the continuing atrocities being committed by Israel and Hamas and worldwide college protests only reinforced the polarization that has been created over the war in Gaza.

What good are all of these efforts if they only produce talk and more talk while the leaders of countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Israel and a host of other smaller countries waging wars, as well as terrorists groups such as Hamas, do not stop fighting?

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Vacant Building Permits and Municipal Housing

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard had a first reading of a new ordinance regarding vacant buildings around town. If a building is vacant for 180 days, it must get a permit, and the cost of the permit doubles each year. Will it finally put some pressure on the empty Home Depot building? Not as written. It will be exempt.

In a discussion about possible municipally-owned properties that could be candidates for new housing developments, Liz McLoughlin mentioned a confidential plan that might include both the Municipal Center and the High Grove parking lot. She didn’t explain further.

And, your water rates will go up 5% rather than 1% this October.

Windham Southeast School District Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – FY25 Legislative Update School Funding

by Not Signed In | Education

Frank reviewed the memorandum from the VT Agency of Education that summarized funding statistics in the Bill The result was favorable (Yield @ $9,893), being close to what was presented at the Annual Meeting ($9,899). This will result in our projected CLA adjusted tax rate to be very accurate unless the Governor vetoes the bill. The Income Yield of $10,110 is a bit lower than the estimate from 3/19/24 (we used 10,300). This adjusts the various calculations that go with Income Sensitivity. The Non-Homestead Rate (business properties and non-residents second homes, etc.) is set at $1.39 prior to the CLA adjustment for each town.

Help Zawadi Long

by cgrotke | Family

Hi everyone. Some absolutely awful news about a dear member of our community – Zawadi Long. You may know her from around town or school, and perhaps have heard her – she’s a longtime voice on WVEW in a psa for her dad’s show Buttahmilk. I’ve known her since she was little, and she even helped me and Lise move a few years back.

She was in an accident in Jamaica.  Family has set up a Go Fun Me account:  https://gofund.me/7b93e38a

Here’s what her family says on that page:

Brattleboro Committee Vacancies May 2024

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro is looking for citizens to serve on the following committees and boards:

ADA Committee
Arts Committee
Brattleboro Housing Partnerships
Cemetery Committee
Citizen Police Communications Committee (CPCC)
Conservation Commission

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting – Agenda and Notes – May 21, 2024

by cgrotke | Town News

At their next regular meeting, the Brattleboro Selectboard will consider a number of ordinance changes, and in one case an “ordnance ” change. Water and sewer rates, liquor licenses, and vacant buildings are the topics.

They will also hear about the suitability (or “suitablity”) of municipal properties for potential housing, and list the various committee vacancies that are awaiting members of the public to apply and serve. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge May 16, 2024

by Not Signed In | Hinsdale

No traffic impacts are anticipated on Vermont Route 142 next week, however the work zone remains active and motorists should watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work site.

Due to current work on New Hampshire Route 119 associated with the project, vehicles traveling eastbound into New Hampshire from Vermont should expect a newly line-striped lane shift on NH 119 shortly after traveling over the twin bridges. Signs and barrels are in place to assist motorists through the work zone.

The Legacy of Brattleboro’s Jacob Estey Featured on Local Podcast “That’s One for the History Books”

by cohnpr | History

In episode 47 of their podcast “That’s One for the History Books”, Springfield VT resident Marty Cohn and his colleague Hugh Ryan of Westerly, RI featured the remarkable life and legacy of Jacob Estey, a Brattleboro pioneer in the world of musical instruments.

Jacob Estey, born in 1814, was a visionary entrepreneur and inventor who revolutionized the music industry. Although his name may not be widely recognized today, his contributions are undeniable. Estey began his working life as a plumber’s apprentice at the age of 17 and, before the age of 35, was a partner in plumbing, lumber, slate, and marble businesses. Sensing a business opportunity, Estey took over a share of a small melodeon business in 1852 in Brattleboro, Vermont. A melodeon is a type of 19th-century reed organ.

A Good Place To Live

by RDavis | Living

I have only been a selectman in the town of Brattleboro, Vermont for a very short time and I still have more questions than answers about how our little New England town of 12,000 operates. I suspect that most people pay their taxes and hope they get good service from the town. There are a large number of committed citizens who serve on committees. Many represent the people at town meeting and they all gain insight into the details of town government.

As a selectboard member I have received a short overview of the town departments and I had no idea how much work is involved in keeping a town working efficiently. I am also amazed at the dedication and competency of all of the people who work for the town, whether as a department head or as a member of the road crew.