The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents Rising Star of Mexican Electronic Folk, Pahua, on Saturday, July 20

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents the rising star of Mexican electronic folk, Pahua, on Saturday, July 20 at 6:00 pm at Cooper Field, 41 Sand Hill Rd, in Putney.

Pahua is the project of Mexican singer, composer, producer and DJ Paulina Sotomayor; a blend of electronica and folklore that represents a very deep part of its creator: femininity, nature, inner strength and self-discovery.

“Electronic beats mix with Mexican soul in Pahua. Her artistry bridges many divides and presents a danceable, global sound that will make everyone dance,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “Pahua is for anyone interested in how music marches forward with electronics, ethnic flavor, and mastery.”


French-Italian Four-hands Piano Duet Duo Ondine to Perform at Next Stage on Friday, July 19

Next Stage Arts presents French-Italian four-hands piano duet Duo Ondine at Next Stage on Friday, July 19 at 7:30 pm.

“Watching four hands cover the piano ranging from classical to contemporary pieces, the Duo Ondine is a must-see for anyone interested in witnessing piano virtuosity,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “The duo is visiting from Europe, in residency at MIddlebury College, and we benefit from their connection to Vermont by having the pleasure of presenting them.”

Duo Ondine is a French-Italian four-hands piano duet born in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2014. Ten years later, it keeps delighting the international stage with refined, virtuoso and profound programs and a precise and highly sensitive playing.


Selectboard Meeting Notes – Parking Rates Hiked, Free Sunday Parking To End, and Solid Waste Collection Questions

selectboard june 18 2024

A Juneteenth eve Selectboard meeting stated late and went long. The board raised parking rates – 44% by one member of the public’s estimates – and voted to end free downtown parking on Sundays. They also voted to make it easier and quicker to raise rates in the future.

Winston-Prouty campus housing was discussed as was public feedback on trash, recycling and compost.


Early Brattleboro Curbside Trash/Compost and Recycling Pick Up

Due to the heat advisory issued for this week, Casella Waste Systems will begin picking up trash, compost and recycling earlier than normal.  Please attempt to have your items curbside by 5:00am.  If your items are missed, please call Belinda at Brattleboro Public Works, 802 254-4255 or email blashway@brattleboro.gov.


Brattleboro Juneteenth Closings

In observance of Juneteenth, all Brattleboro Town offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. All other violations will be enforced.

Brooks Memorial Library will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.


WSESD Social Justice Committee Meeting Agenda

Mission: Foster learning environments in which all members of the school community are safe, feel valued, and are appreciated, as well as promote policies and procedures that value equity and diversity in our schools.

I. Call to Order / Introductions / Recognition of Visitors

II. Updates


Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) Policy and Amendment Committee Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024

II. Updates
● The following policies were presented for a first reading on 5/28/24:
o E14 Environmental Awareness and Responsibility
o F4 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
o F5 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
o F41 Policy on Section 504 and ADA Grievance Protocol for Students & Staff
o G13 Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and the Internet


Heat Advisory Starting June 18

Hot temperatures combined with high humidity are forecasted to occur Tuesday through Thursday, with the most oppressive conditions on Wednesday and Thursday. There is a great potential for this heat wave to continue into Friday and Saturday. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in the upper 90s and a heat index over 100. Please stay safe, and check on your family, the elderly, and neighbors.

The following locations in town can be utilized for cooling sites:


Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting – Agenda and Notes – June 18, 2024

The Brattleboro Selectboard will raise your parking fees at their next regular meeting. How much they go up will be the primary discussion.

They’ll also hear about some projects that received grants, get an update on Winston-Prouty housing, and begin wading into the solid waste discussion of what to do about trash, recycling, and compost. Specifically, they will be discussing the results of their public feedback.   You can also bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.


Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

The Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 8:00am in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom.

The Brattleboro Charter Revision Commission will meet on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom.


The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Villalobos Brothers, on Saturday, July 13

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents Contemporary Mexican ensemble Villalobos Brothers, on Saturday, July 13 at 6:00 pm at the field behind the Putney Inn, 57 Putney Landing Road, in Putney.

The Villalobos Brothers are a Grammy Award-winning family band, recognized as one of the foremost Contemporary Mexican ensembles in the world. With their unique fusion of Mexican folk, jazz, and classical music, they have captivated audiences across the United States, Mexico, India, Russia, and Canada.

“Virtuosic violinists from Mexico showcasing how traditional music can get reborn into modern culture, these brothers are making an indelible mark on modern American music,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “The Villalobos Brothers are a family band worthy of attention, praise, and adulation.”


Superintendent’s Update WSESU Connection June 2024

Dear WSESU Community,

As we approach the end of another academic year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together and express my gratitude to each member of our community.

This past school year has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. Every school year there are successes and challenges. I hope in your own reflection you are able to identify and appreciate the many people who have been so integral in the development and growth of our students.

I am incredibly proud of our students who have shown remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in their extracurricular pursuits, they have continued to inspire us with their creativity, passion, and determination.


Windham Southeast School District Board Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024

Summary
● The Board voted to rotate the location of the Board meetings among the schools again this year
● The Norms of the Board were discussed
● The Portrait of a Graduate work is actively being embarked upon by the district
● Four hires and one resignation were approved for the 2024-25 school year
● As it is hiring season, and the need to approve new hires in a timely manner, the Board voted to give the Personnel Committee authority to approve hires throughout the summer with the caveat that the Board still receive resumes and the committee keep the Board informed of their work
● The Board voted to authorize the Finance Committee to approve the warrants, payroll and to implement Capital Plan projects throughout the summer
● The Consent Agenda was passed


The Other Sports Page

Some people call it the Jewish Sports Page. Others call it the Irish Sports Page. I’m sure there are a lot of other names for what most people recognize as a newspaper’s obituary section. Nowadays that section may be online, but it usually amounts to the same thing. A picture and a description of a life.

I don’t know when it started for me, but one of the first things I do in the morning is to scan the local obituaries. It has reached the level of a compulsion and I have been trying to figure out why it has become such an integral part of my life.

During the week my news and “sports page” reading is usually online. On Sunday I like to have the newsprint in my hand and I spend a considerable amount of time reading about the lives of people I have never known.