Next Stage Arts Presents Vermont Premier of Works From Grammy-Nominated Album by Tasha Warren & Dave Eggar

Next Stage Arts presents the Vermont premier of works from Tasha Warren & Dave Eggar’s Grammy-Nominated album “Ourself, Behind Ourself Concealed,” on Sunday, March 17th, at 7:00 pm. The performance will be held at Next Stage Arts, located at 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT. Tickets are $20 in advance / $25 at the door / $10 livestream. Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar. Advance tickets are available at nextstagearts.org. For information, call 802-387-0102 or visit nextstagearts.org.

Introducing to the Vermont area, for the very first time, the music from their Grammy-nominated record “Ourself, Behind Ourself Concealed,” classical virtuosos Tasha Warren (clarinet and bass clarinet) and Dave Eggar (cello) invite the audience on a captivating musical odyssey through the realms of classical, jazz, tango, and beyond. Joining forces with the duo is the exceptional Martha Redbone, who brings her distinctive blend of folk, gospel, and blues, accompanied by the masterful guitar virtuoso Phil Faconti. Together, they create an unforgettable evening, weaving an immersive tapestry of musical storytelling that promises to be a unique and enriching experience.


Brattleboro Presidential Primary, Town Meeting Day and WSESD Early and Absentee Ballots Available

Early and absentee ballots for the Presidential Primary, Brattleboro Annual Town Meeting and Windham Southeast School District School Board vote to be held March 5 are now available by request. Absentee ballots for this election must be requested.

Anyone wishing to vote early and in-person may now do so at the Brattleboro Town Clerk’s Office. This option is available through March 4, 5:00pm.


Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge Update – February 22, 2024

Pier 1’s footing concrete was placed successfully this past Tuesday – all 220+ cubic yards of it. The contractor is waiting for the concrete to cure and achieve strength sufficient to begin work on the stem which could be as early as tomorrow and will progress into next week and the week after. In the meantime, care is being taken to keep the concrete hydrated and at an optimal temperature.


Selectboard Meeting Notes – Brattleboro Ambulance Rides To Be $1400

selectboard feb 20 2024

The Brattleboro Selectboard set EMS rates and policies, settling on a $1400 cost for a ride in their new ambulance service. Your insurance will pay for most of it, and if you get a bill you can ignore it completely or enter into a payment plan or pay it all at once. It is compassionate, they agreed.

The Town will embark on a search for a new waste management partner, someone who will listen and be responsive, and perhaps take long walks or watch movies together.


Windham Southeast School District Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – Feb 13, 2024

2. VT Legislative developments affecting FY25 Budget; Review State Funding Formula updates

Shaun Murphy started off saying that in this time of uncertainty, his suggestion is that this committee is “Steady at the helm through these rocky waters”. The budget development started on 10/6/23. The work done by Frank Rucker and his team along with the Finance Committee has been thoughtfully and carefully developed, been through a process of presenting to the Board three times as well as to the finance committee an additional three times. This FY25 budget proposal has increased by 3%, which is in alignment with previous budget increases. Frank Rucker spoke about the lack of information from the legislature that would be needed to make assumptions on how this budget could be adjusted to affect the CLA equalized tax rate.


Soaring: An Evening of Circus and Song Takes Center Stage at Next Stage Arts

Next Stage Arts is thrilled to present “Soaring: An Evening of Circus and Song” featuring soprano-aerialist Elizabeth Wohl, pianist Ivan Tan, and special guest artists on Saturday, March 16th at 4:00 and 7:30 pm. The performances will be held at Next Stage Arts, located at 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT.

Prepare to be enchanted as Elizabeth Wohl, a professional classically-trained opera singer, combines her vocal prowess with breathtaking aerial acrobatics. Wohl, known for her innovative interpretations of classical music, will perform a repertoire that includes works by Mozart, Gounod, Bizet, and Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker, accompanied by the skilled pianist Ivan Tan.


iBrattleboro is 21 Years Old

iBrattleboro.com has turned 21. That means the site can now drink in most states.

Brattleboro’s experiment in citizen journalism continues, and from my perspective there has been a bit of an uptick in use of the site over the last year.  Many seemed distracted by social media for a while, but people are returning and we’re seeing a bit more writing again. It’s heartening. Thanks!

A few reminders of iBrattleboro’s history, for those new to the area. 


BCTV Schedules – Week of February 19, 2024

Monday, February 19, 2024

6:00 am Brattleboro Reformer Presents – Windham County’s Got Talent 1/25/24

7:55 am Video Announcement – Winter Driving

8:00 am Democracy Now! – Democracy Now! Daily Broadcast

9:00 am Energy Week with George Harvey – Energy Week #559 – 2/8/2024

10:00 am At BMAC – Artist Conversation: Fawn Krieger, David B. Smith with Wendy Vogel


The Most Qualified Person Running for Selectboard This Year

Talk about laboring in obscurity!

Last week, I found myself discussing a $3.4 million gift that Brattleboro had received. When should we spend it? What should we spend it on? And who should decide?

That’s when we got hung up for a good 20 minutes on the finer points of jurisdiction within Town government. Also the finer points of pickleball.


Evie Kiehle on “Here We Are”

“Where Are the Women?” is a new book just published by EVIE KIEHLE, a BUHS senior. She looks at the lack of women in American Politics and has written a guide to the ways we can change this. Evie also talks about growing up in Brattleboro, and the people and activities that influence her.


Harris Hill Ski Jump February 18, 2024: Sunday Results and Highlights – Fred Harris Memorial Tournament

Brattleboro, Vermont (February 18, 2024) – The 102nd Harris Hill Ski Jumping competition came to a close this afternoon, with the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament, in Brattleboro, Vermont.

The jumper who wins the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament three times retires the famed Winged Trophy, unique to Harris Hill Ski Jumping. Today’s winner in the Men’s Open class was Uhr Rosar (SLO) with a jump of 98 meters. On the women’s side, the Open class was won by Nejka Zupancic (SLO). Additional winners of the day include Max Fey(USA) for Men’s U16, Jack Kroll (USA) for Men’s U20 and Ole Henning Holt (NOR) for the Masters division. 


Safe Neighborhoods Wants To Hear From You!

Safe Neighborhoods is a Brattleboro area group organized to address the problem of drug-selling houses in our town. This group is growing and we invite anyone affected and/or concerned by this issue to contact us (we safeguard your identity), learn more and join in. We coordinate with the police department plus town and state officials.  Please email us at


Harris Hill Ski Jump February 17, 2024: Saturday Results and Highlights

Brattleboro, Vermont (February 17, 2024) – The first day competition of the 2024 Harris Hill Ski Jump successfully concluded after a roaring crowd came to support 33 male and female ski jumpers from around the world. With temperatures in the low 30s and skies that displayed typical New England weather including puffy clouds, snow squalls and sun, organizers estimated approximately 3,000 fans were in attendance at today’s competition. The weekend officially kicked off last night with Harris Hill’s first ever night Target Jump competition under the lights. This is the 102nd year of ski jumping at Harris Hill.


Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – February 20, 2024

The big item for the Brattleboro Selectboard at their next regular meeting will be setting the billing and collection policies for the Town’s new EMS service. The board is setting the rates to be charged and what to do if someone doesn’t pay, among other things.

Also, the Water Treatment Plant’s engineering costs are over-budget and will cost an additional $303k.  ARPA funds will be used to cover staff salaries, bids will be accepted for trash collection in town, motions will be assigned for reading at Representative Town Meeting, and you can bring up other items not on the agenda, perhaps, during public participation.


Oscar Heller for Selectboard

I have served on the Representative Town Meeting Finance Committee with Oscar Heller for three years, during one of which he served as chair, and I can enthusiastically recommend his candidacy for a three-year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

Heller is a flatlander who came to Vermont as a camper and then counselor at Camp W in West Brattleboro. Those summer experiences made him commit to Brattleboro as a place where he wanted to make his life and his work (which is in web design and marketing).

Brattleboro’s budget provides for the services residents receive, is the foundation for addressing problems facing the community, and determines the taxes we pay. Because of Heller’s dedicated work on the Finance Committee, Oscar has deep knowledge of the budget, and he can work the numbers.


WSESD Special Board Meeting Agenda

AGENDA
I. Call to Order [5:00 to 5:05]
II. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items [5:05 to 5:15]
III. Board Retreat for the Purpose of Training in Order to Effectively Plan for the Upcoming Year [5:15 to 8:45]
IV. Public Discussion [8:45 to 9:00]