Unrestrained Aggression

by RDavis | Activism

It’s not the first time in the history of the world that a power-hungry deranged head of state is trying to take as much of the world as he can grab. It is the first time this type of leader is from the United States. It makes me sick, and it is not only causing Americans to be fearful in their own country, but it is also causing the rest of the world to worry if their country will be his next target.

Fear is the weapon of dictators and autocrats, and Trump is using it here to make people feel unsafe in their own country. If we really had a functional system of checks and balances the legislative branch would have the ability to be guided by a moral and ethical compass. Instead, Washington republicans are following a severely mentally ill leader in lockstep for fear of personal retribution. The lock on domestic power is almost complete.

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music Present a Singer-Songwriter Showcase

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts, in partnership with Twilight Music, welcomes an evening of intimate storytelling and rich musical textures on Friday, January 30, with doors at 6:45 PM and the show starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at nextstagearts.org: $20 advance, $25 at the door, or $10 for the livestream.

The evening features Southern Vermont’s own Jason Scaggs, Emily Margaret, and Michael Roberts, opening with an intimate in-the-round set. Jason Scaggs blends Appalachian roots with Southern Vermont’s adventurous spirit, fusing bluegrass traditions with improvisation and groove-forward rhythms. Emily Margaret, an 18-year-old from Guilford, VT, captivates with a voice that moves effortlessly from subtle intimacy to full-bodied power, blending influences of R&B and jazz into deeply personal songs. Michael Roberts, described by Seven Days Vermont as “a Vermont treasure,” brings his wide-ranging experience—from indie folk to ambient soundscapes—creating a textured, soulful performance.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting – January 13, 2026

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom.  The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.”  Closed captioning will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members. The backup materials for this meeting will be available on the town website by the end of the day.

Town of Brattleboro Petition for a Charter Amendment Second Public Hearing

by Not Signed In | Politics

The Town of Brattleboro has received two petitions signed by 5% of the legal voters of the Town of Brattleboro to amend the Town Charter as follows:

Petition #1:
Article 1: Shall Brattleboro discontinue the representative form of annual meeting?

Article 2: In the event that the vote on Article 1 is in the affirmative, shall Brattleboro vote by Australian ballot at any annual or special Town meeting on the following:

Leda’s Kitchen Menu for January 15

by LedaS | Food

At Leda’s Kitchen, I draw on my adventures as a private chef, cookbook author, and co-owner of Dosa Kitchen Food Truck to offer weekly heat-and-eat meals designed to awaken your senses and fit seamlessly into your schedule. My menus feature curries, stews, nourishing soups and stews inspired by diverse food traditions. I cook with high-quality ingredients including free-range meats and focus on local and organic sourcing. You decide when to eat, as all dishes are designed to reheat beautifully, maintaining or even increasing their original deliciousness. On the menu for the coming week (order by January 13/pick up January 15):

Maeve Bald on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Education

Always enlightening to hear from our local BUHS students! Maeve has thrived in our local public schools and is a strong voice and presence in many leadership roles, youth activism and sports. She talks about her experiences and influences and looks forward to following a career in Early Childhood education.

Akley Road Fire in Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

At approximately 6:58 PM, the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in a residence. Engine 1 was the first unit on the scene and confirmed that the structure was fully involved in fire, upgrading the incident to a second alarm.

The occupants were not home at the time of the fire, and no injuries occurred during the incident. A family cat initially believed to be inside the home was later found safe outside the residence.

South Main Street Closed Tuesday 1/6/2026

by Not Signed In | Town News

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, South Main Street will be closed between Oak Grove Avenue and Pine Street between the hours of 7:30am and 4:00pm.  The closure is to complete repairs to a sewer main break that occurred on Monday.  

Motorists should plan alternative routes during this time.

Brattleboro 2026 Dog and Wolf-hybrid Licenses Available

by Not Signed In | Pets

Annual Brattleboro dog and wolf-hybrid licenses are available for the 2026 licensing period. Dog owners who applied through the online portal or who provided us with an email address will receive an email from the Town of Brattleboro that the license is due for renewal. Anyone for whom we do not have an email address will receive a reminder notice by mail with instructions for renewing by mail or for claiming the record in the online portal through the Brattleboro.gov website.

Guilford Center Stage Announces 2026 Season

by DonInGuilford | Arts

Guilford Center Stage enters its second decade with the traditional spring and fall productions at Broad Brook Community Center.

The 2026 season opens the first weekend in May with “Shorts,” a program of small plays. Stage manager is Sue Kelly. Several works by regional playwrights are already in the lineup, and the group still welcomes script submissions by a January 23 deadline. Plays of about 8-10 pages are ideal, and a maximum of 12 minutes running time is suggested. Authors may submit pdf or word documents to producer Don McLean at don.inscape@gmail. com (or use the address to arrange to deliver a hard copy.)

Open auditions for actors for “Shorts” will be held in two sessions: Thursday, February 5 , from 5 to 7 pm, and Saturday, February 7, from 11 until 1:00 pm. No appointment is needed. Auditioners may come unprepared, or have a short monologue ready, and scenes from the short plays will be available for an impromptu reading. Auditions take place in the fully accessible upstairs theater room of the Broad Brook Community Center at 3940 Guilford Center Road, about 4 miles west of the Country Store.

Navalny and the Message For The U.S.

by RDavis | Activism

I have been reading Russian dissident Alexei Navalny’s memoir and the similarities between Russian and American politics are frightening. It’s no surprise to anyone in this country that we are living under a repressive regime that disrespects free speech and the rule of law. That is the case in many countries around the world today, but I believe most Americans never thought it could get this bad here.

As Navalny outlines political events during his short life, it becomes clear that Putin and Trump have a lot in common. They both are intolerant of any viewpoint not supporting them and they both will do anything to hold on to and increase the power and wealth they have.

When egomaniacal oligarchs assume power they are not satisfied simply bending their own people to their will. Their disease compels them to move to the next level. That means trying to take over countries beyond their borders and starting wars for no other reason than to give them more personal power.

Beat the Winter Blues with Cereal & K-Pop at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Entertainment

If winter cabin fever has your household climbing the walls, Next Stage Arts has the perfect cure. On Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10:00 AM, families are invited to a lively, low-pressure morning event in Putney: Cereal & K-Pop: Cabin Fever Cure!

Held in the Next Stage Arts Community Room (15 Kimball Hill, Putney), this family-friendly gathering is designed to get kids—and adults—out of the house and having fun together. The morning kicks off with a build-your-own cereal bar, followed by about 30 minutes of classic indoor fun: board games, card games, and even Twister to shake off those winter cobwebs.

Leda’s Kitchen 1 Year Anniversary! Take $5 off your order this week.

by LedaS | Food

Dear Food Lovers,

Thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown me as Leda’s Kitchen celebrates its first anniversary. Since launching the business a year ago and working ten out of the twelve months, I’ve completed nearly a thousand orders, serving close to three thousand dishes! I’ve met lots of new people on Front Porch Forum!

To celebrate, take $5 off your order next week with the code iBratt5. Railways Chicken Curry, Paneer Butter Masala, and Pork Chili Colorado are on the menu.