The Future of Democracy: Brattleboro Democracy Forum With Nick Biddle, Tim Kipp and Friends

by Woody Bernhard | Activism

Nick says: A recent study of 75 nations with democratic governments in 1994 found that only 15 remain democratic. The rest (60) have turned into autocracies. Does democracy have a future?

A quadrennial report released last month by the National Intelligence Council, an advisory group to the eighteen intelligence agencies of the federal government (e.g. CIA, DEA, NSA, etc), is not optimistic. Using the report, titled “Global Trends, 2020-2040,” as a springboard, this session of the Democracy Forum will explore a prognosis for democracy’s future. Nick Biddle will open with a short presentation to which Tim Kipp will respond. General discussion will follow.

The meeting will be recorded and aired on BCTV and WVEW 107.7 FM.

Brattleboro VFW Breakfast/Lunches Open to the Public 257-0438

by LisaL | Food

The Brattleboro VFW serves breakfast to the public every Wednesday and Saturday from 6 am – 10 am. Breakfast special’s are offered on Wednesday’s, and the special for May 19th will be a three egg meat lover’s omelette with toast for $7.50. Breakfast is served from 6am-10am. Public welcome, as are to-go’s. We will also be offering breakfast Monday Memorial Day May 31st from 6am-10am.
Per town mandate, masks are still required at this time.

We are also serving $7 lunch specials Thursday’s and Friday’s, open to the public, along with hand made burgers fries, wings, etc.
Dessert for the 20th will be chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting for $2.50 a slab while supplies last.
Thur. May 20th is a steak, baked potato and veg.
Fri. May 21st is garlic parmesan pork, mashed potato & veg.

Close Your Mouth And Take A Deep Breath

by RDavis | Health

Breathing is something most of us don’t think about very much. It just happens and we take breathing for granted because we haven’t been educated enough about how breathing affects the functioning of our body, except when we are not breathing.

I recently read a book titled Breath by James Nestor and it has caused me to make some small changes in my life and to be more thoughtful about how I breath. In the introduction to his book Nestor says, “This book is a scientific adventure into the lost art and science of breathing. It explores the transformation that occurs inside our bodies every 3.3 seconds, the time it takes the average person to inhale and exhale. It explains how the billions and billions of molecules you bring in with each breath have built your bones, sheaths of muscle, blood, brains, and organs, and the emerging science of how these microscopic bits will influence your health and happiness tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and decades from now.”

Town of Brattleboro Mask Order Still In Effect

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Town Manager’s COVID-19 update today says the following:

“WEARING FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED 

At its meetings on May 19 and May 26, 2020, the Selectboard adopted the following resolution. The resolution was reviewed and reaffirmed at the Selectboard meeting on June 16. On May 13, 2021, the United States Government issued new guidance that says fully vaccinated people can safely choose not to wear face coverings indoors or outdoors. Today, Governor Scott reiterated that guidance to Vermonters. The updated guidance states that “fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” The Town of Brattleboro’s face covering order remains in effect at this time. Moreover, it is important to remember that many people are not yet fully vaccinated so individual businesses may choose to continue to require face coverings on their premises even after government-issued face covering orders have been rescinded. “

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting Agenda and Notes – May 18, 2021

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will continue to review FY22 proposed budgets for the Parking and Utilities Funds at their next regular meeting. Either or both may be adopted.

The board will also buy two new dump trucks, discuss placement of a ski jumper sculpture on Main Street during winter months, figure out details of dependent care reimbursement for themselves, and consider buying a summer sidewalk tractor.  You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

When Should I Stop Updating COVID Regional Dashboards?

by cgrotke | Health

Are the daily summaries still useful to you? The numbers are going down in general, but they aren’t at zero and new variants are making their way through the system. When should I stop summarizing the data?

I was thinking that perhaps if we hit zero cases in Vermont for 5 days in a row, that could be a signal to call it quits. But NH still has a pretty high transmission rate (around 3%), and MA isn’t at zero yet, either though their numbers have impressively declined.

What say ye? Let me know what you’d like…

Three Week Closing of Parking Garage First Floor

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

The first floor (lower level) of the Brattleboro Transportation Center (parking garage) will be closed for three weeks from Sunday, May 16 through Saturday, June 5, 2021, in order to make repairs to that floor of the structure. The Flat Street entrance/exit to the Transportation Center will be closed to all traffic. Vehicles will be allowed to enter and exit through the Elliot Street entrance only. All vehicles must be removed from the first floor of the BTC by 9:00pm on Saturday, May 15, 2021. 

Seeking Recommendation: Jetta with Electrical Problem

by Tego | Questions & Answers

Hi, all. Has anyone else had a VW Jetta with electrical problems? ie, the headlights come on by themselves, or the daytime running lights, or the plate light, or the seat belt warning comes on when you are buckled in. How did you resolve it, where did you take the car for repair? What did you pay? Were you satisfied with the repair work? Thanks.

Brattleboro Taxes and Utilities due May 17, 2021

by Not Signed In | Home & Garden

The fourth installment of the 2020 Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes will be due on May 17, 2021 by 5:00 PM.  Payments made after May 17, 2020 will have an additional 1% interest, as well as an 8% penalty added to the unpaid balance.

The Town of Brattleboro utility bills are also due on May 17, 2021. Payments made after May 17, 2021 will have an additional 1% interest, as well as an 8% penalty, added to the unpaid balance.

BCTV Schedules – Week of May 10, 2021

by BCTVProg | Media

BCTV Channel 1075 schedule for the week of 5/10/21

Monday, May 10, 2021

4:35 am The Feed – GorMatt StrangePeak – Great Art Undone
5:00 am Vermont Racial Justice Alliance – Abolish Slavery Vermont Learning Session 4/7/21
6:22 am Red Newt Productions – Spring Moon 2021
6:30 am Leland and Gray Players Present – Much Ado About Nothing
8:00 am Democracy Now! – Democracy Now! Daily Broadcast