Security Questions: A Sense of Place

As part of account verification, the site asks for evidence of actual awareness of a physical aspect of Brattleboro. It’s a unique way to prove not only that a would-be contributor is not a robot, but there is in fact some identification with the town that is the locus of the site. 

[What can you tell us about Brattleboro? (required) ~~ Can you tell us something that only someone with a genuine connection to our area would know?]


What’s Next

Americans with guns are becoming more creative in their pursuit of killing and maiming people. It is an inevitable progression that will only get worse because lawmakers will never enact legislation to put limits on gun ownership. In fact, we may see this country go in the opposite direction as long as minority rule by right wing Republicans rules the day in the courts and in congress.

This year, to date, there have been 160 incidents where four or more people were killed or injured. Last year that number was 647. These numbers have no effect on the people who have the power to change this horrific situation because of the way that our political system works. If you give politicians a lot of money they will do what you want. That is why the gun lobby is so powerful.


Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

The Brattleboro Trustees of Public Funds will meet on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 4:30pm in the Hana Cosman Meeting Room at the Municipal Center (230 Main Street).

The Brattleboro Arts Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 5:00pm in the Brooks Memorial Library Community Meeting Room.

The Brattleboro RTM Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 6:00pm in the Brooks Memorial Library Meeting Room.


Underground System to Open Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series at Cooper Field in Putney on Friday, May 19

Next Stage Arts is pleased to announce that the Bandwagon Summer Series will kick off on Friday, May 19 at 6pm with a performance by the Brooklyn-based Afrobeat band, Underground System. The concert will take place at Cooper Field in Putney, and will be co-presented with the Stone Church.

“We’re thrilled to have Underground System kick off the Bandwagon Summer Series,” said Next Stage Arts Executive Director Keith Marks. “They’re an incredible band that’s known for their infectious grooves and high-energy performances, and we’re confident that they’ll get the crowd moving and set the tone for what promises to be an amazing series of concerts.”

Underground System is a Brooklyn-based band that draws on a diverse array of influences, including afrobeat, funk, and dance music. Known for their high-energy performances and infectious grooves, the band has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, earning a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts on the scene.


Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge

The contractor has completed covering the retaining wall on the west side of VT 142. On the east side of VT 142, work on the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall is ongoing with the placement of leveling pads. Panels and panel straps may begin to be placed later in the week. Excavation for the gravel wetland has also begun.

Pile driving operations will continue at Pier 2 next week with intermittent pounding of the diesel pile hammer anticipated from 7 AM – 7 PM.


WSESU Policy and Amendment Committee Meeting Agenda

AGENDA – 4/24/2023

The following is a suggested agenda pending approval of the reorganized Committee.

I. Approval of Minutes from 4/3/23
Confirm date for next meeting

II. WSESD Board Update
F35 – School Animal Policy (re-adoption delayed until 4/25/23)
D17 – Policy on Nondiscriminatory Mascots and School Branding (adoption 4/11/23)


Selectboard Meeting Notes – Brattleboro Bike and Pedestrian Plan Adopted

The Brattleboro Selectboard approved bike and pedestrian plan that, when implemented, will create a network of sidewalks and bike lanes throughout the town. 

The board debated possible changes to budget meeting times, considering a return to the days when budgets would be held on off-days at odd times rather than regular Tuesday evenings. They also approved a one year extension for Golden Cross ambulance service.


BCTV Schedules – Week of April 17, 2023

BCTV Channel 1078 Weekly Listing for 4/17/23

Monday, April 17, 2023

4:00 am Windham County Genealogy Interest Group – Finding Your Ancestors in Immigration Records

6:00 am Next Stage Arts – Walter Parks and Rob Curto 3/13/23

6:05 am Climate Emergency Book Series – Andrew Boyd: I Want a Better Catastrophe

7:40 am VT Master Anglers – Deep Water Yellow Perch


WSESD March 28 Meeting Minutes

I. CALL TO ORDER

Because this is the annual reorganization meeting, it is customary for the Superintendent to act as Chair until the Board elects their own Chair. Superintendent Mark Speno called the meeting to order at 6:04pm.

Mr. Speno congratulated EN, RMA, and KP on their elections to the WSESD Board.


WSESD Board Minutes April 11, 2023

I. CALL TO ORDER

KY called the meeting to order at 6:04pm.

KY amended the agenda to include an executive session to take place at the beginning of the meeting.

DS amended the agenda to add a motion later in the meeting and announced that the consideration of Policy F35 is on hold until April 25.


Walnut Street Repairs Scheduled

Next week, crews will be finalizing the work on Walnut Street near the intersection with Terrace Street.  Repairs will be made on Tuesday, April 18, beginning at 7:00 am and continuing through the afternoon on Friday, April 21.  The road will be closed from 71 Walnut Street through the intersection with Terrace Street.  Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes.  


Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting Agenda and Notes – April 18, 2023

The Brattleboro Selectboard will approve a one year extension with Golden Cross for ambulance services at their next regular meeting, putting in place a new contract that extends well beyond the EMS service decision the board plans to make in less than six months.

They’ll approve rules of conduct, plan a board retreat, adopt new parking rules, endorse a bike and walking plan, and consider changing the way the budget is prepared. They will also most certainly crow about winning a major award.


Brattleboro Wins Title of Strongest Town in North America

After four rounds in a March Madness-style tournament against 15 other North American cities, Brattleboro, VT won the title Strongest Town in North America. The results of the contest will be officially published later today (Friday, April 14). It was a very close race against the other finalist town, Saranac Lake, NY.

A representative from the community will receive an award on behalf of the city at the Strong Towns National Gathering, a conference of city-builders focused on improving transportation safety, municipal budgeting, housing opportunity, and more, at the end of May. Brattleboro will also be the subject of a professionally produced documentary video about building community prosperity from the bottom-up, to be released later this spring.


Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee Meeting Agenda

1. Minutes – March 16, 2023
2. Public Participation
3. Monthly Report on Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Traffic Incidents– For March
4. Monthly Report on Traffic Data Collection – For March
5. Safety Action Requests
(a) Speed Concerns along Guilford Street – Kim Effron