Celebrate the Season with “An Irish Christmas” at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music invite you to a magical evening of traditional Irish and original holiday music with John Doyle and Cathie Ryan on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 pm. “An Irish Christmas” brings the warmth and joy of the season to life through song, story, and memories of festive Irish traditions.

John Doyle and Cathie Ryan are longtime friends and collaborators, celebrated across the globe for their mastery of Irish music. While they have toured extensively throughout Europe, they rarely perform as a duo in the U.S. They are both members of the acclaimed ensemble The Irish Music Masters and were featured in the PBS special The Soul of Christmas. Together, they blend traditional tunes with original songs that continue to shape the Irish music tradition.

2:25 PM Bank Says My Senior Citizen Food Stamps Have Not Been Deposited

by CrisEricson2016 | Politics

I’m a below poverty level living senior citizen, age 73, and the bank says my food stamps SNAP program benefits have not been depoisited today as of 2:25 PM and the bank manager is aware that other people are calling and have not received the SNAP program food stamp benefits that they expected to be deposited into their accounts. Apparently there are senior citizens and disabled persons, like me,who do not use EBT cards. Benefits are deposited directly. I shop online and have groceries delivered. Potatoes are tasting better and better every day now, even without butter.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda Nov 12, 2025

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:15pm in the Brooks Memorial Library Main Room to hold a Budget Listening Session. Please note that there will be no Zoom component to this meeting. Directly after the conclusion of the Listening Session, the Board is expected to enter into executive session to discuss relations with employees, contracts, and public safety.

Brattleboro VTrans Paving Project Construction Update 11/07/2025

by Not Signed In | Town News

Nighttime single-lane closures controlled by flaggers will be present as needed from Monday night through Saturday morning, 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Work is finishing up on Vermont Route 9 (Western Avenue and High Street), U.S. Route 5 (Main and Canal Street), and Vermont Route 30 (Linden Street). Motorists should watch for wet paint.

A Deadly Game

by RDavis | Politics

October 1, 2025 may go down in history as the date that the United States form of government officially collapsed. As I write this, we are almost six weeks into the government shutdown. People are already beginning to suffer and things will only get worse if this does not end soon.

The Republicans (Trump) are saying that there is nothing to negotiate. House Speaker Mike Johnson has shut down the House and he shows no sign of being eager to do anything to help the American people. The Democrats are holding fast until the Republicans are willing to talk about health insurance and Medicaid cuts.

Brattleboro Veterans’ Day Closings

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of Veterans’ Day, all Brattleboro Town Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with the exception of emergency services.

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Tuesday, November 11. All other violations will be enforced.

Brooks Memorial Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Human Services Committee will meet on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room (230 Main Street, Room 212) and over Zoom.

The Brattleboro Finance Committee will meet on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room (230 Main Street, Room 211).

Town of Brattleboro’s Newsletters Inform!

by IsaacEF | Town News

Last week’s Brattleboro Town newsletter has updates on safety measures, the forthcoming budget listening session, parking info, tips for managing fall leaves, info about ski/skate/snowboard equipment sale coming up this weekend. And opportunities to join a board or committee. See such Town updates on the web: https://brattleboro.gov/blog

Selectboard Meeting Notes – FY27 Property Tax Guess 4.4%; PAYT Bag Costs Up

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard nov 3, 2025

It was a lot of numbers at the first regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard for November.  The first pass at a proposed FY27 budget gave us the number 4.4%, which is the amount property taxes might increase. It might go up more, though, warned the public.

There was a presentation about cost savings for the new solid waste plan. Those cost savings have a cost, however. PAYT bags are back and will be more expensive, plus the town will add  staff and equipment to the DPW to pick up compost.

The board heard a monthly finance report and got a quarterly update and EMS Policy Billing review by the fire department.

Also, Brattleboro has a new annual circus festival underway. Get in touch with NECCA for more info!

Williston Street Closure for Stormwater Structure Repair

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro Department of Public Works will be closing Williston Street on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to complete necessary repairs to a failed stormwater structure.

During this time, Williston Street will be closed to through traffic. Access for residents will be limited as follows:

Health Insurance and Our Hospital

by local | Health

I am a retired 68 year old with Medicare and BCBS plan G supplemental insurance.  Was on Medicare.gov yesterday checking out the supplemental plan and my Plan D prices. Ended up calling BCBS for the correct price and of course it came in the mail today.  Relatively good news, the plan only goes up about $22 per month which is better than expected.  $257 compared to this years $235 a month.

While on Medicare.gov looked at my profile and saw that I have paid less than half of the required deductible everyone who turned 65 after 2020 is required to pay.  Believe what has been paid is from an eye exam earlier this year.  I have been to a primary care provider twice and have had blood drawn twice.  Have not received a single bill from BMH this year and the first visit was in early June.  With the hospital running out of money wondering if many are not being billed.  My insurance combination is quite good, paying most costs, but I think the deductible should have been billed.   What is your experience?

Brattleboro FY27 Budget Listening Session

by fidel | Town News

Your Representative Town Meeting Finance Committee would like to alert you to the Selectboard’s second (and last planned) “listening session” to hear from the public as they begin the budget season for FY27. (The Town Manager’s budget message can be found, pp 42-60 in the packet for the Board’s 4 November meeting.)

The “listening session” at Brooks Memorial Library will begin at 6:15 pm on Wednesday 12 November.

SNAP Benefits, Astrology, and Politics

by CrisEricson2016 | Op/Ed

I am guessing the government shutdown will continue all day on Wednesday Nov. 5, 2025. The problem is that news sources say some people will not get food stamps SNAP program benefits until Nov. 7th, and they will only get half their usual amount.

Hmmm, that means some children will be whining and some babies will be crying and some adults will have reached their personal frustration limit. This is not a good time for a big ol’ full moon, but we have no control over our solar system.

Soup Supper to Support a New Brattleboro Winter Shelter

by RobertOeser | Activism

As winter approaches, a new community-led initiative aims to ensure that there are open doors to anyone who needs a warm and welcoming overnight shelter. You are invited to a free Soup Supper on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Beloved Community Church, 18 Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro.

The supper will offer a chance to hear from Steering Committee members about the project and what support is still needed from the community.

Initial setup costs for the shelter are funded by the State of Vermont’s Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Program (ECWSP). The ECWSP grant will also cover staffing and operating costs for 20 of the coldest nights this winter. However, the Beloved Shelter, named for its host site at Beloved Community Church, aims to remain open every night from December 1 to March 30. Additional funding and community support will be critical to meeting this goal.

Leda’s Kitchen Menu for November 6: Saag Paneer + more

by LedaS | Food

Hello food lovers,

This week’s menu features my most requested dish: saag paneer, along with a classic chicken curry and Mexican pork tinga. 10% off your first order with the code ibrat. Orders due Tuesday, November 4 at 7PM for pickup Thursday, November 6. Questions? Message me at ledaskitchen@gmail.com or 802-246-7592.

SAAG PANEER (GF, Vegetarian)
A saag that goes above and beyond: small-batch house-made paneer combined with organic spinach, lots of onions, ginger, and garlic, and  finished with a hint of cream to elevate the soft, earthy flavors of the dish.​
$28 for 24oz container (2-3 servings)