Mike Block Trio: A Fusion of American Roots, Classical, and Contemporary Music at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Music

The Mike Block Trio will perform live at Next Stage Arts on Saturday, April 5, at 7:30 pm, bringing their unique blend of American roots music and contemporary international influences to the stage. The trio, led by the pioneering cello player, singer, and composer Mike Block, will feature the virtuosic talents of Joe K. Walsh on mandolin/vocals and Zachariah Hickman on bass/vocals. The performance will take place at 15 Kimball Hill in Putney, with tickets available in advance for $20, $25 at the door, or $10 for the livestream.

Nani Brings Her Powerful Ladino Music to Putney for a One-Night-Only Performance

by hahrenholz | Music

Nani, the world’s first millennial Ladino songwriter, will bring her distinctive fusion of Flamenco drama, world music, and the endangered Ladino language to Putney for an unforgettable concert at Next Stage Arts on Friday, March 28 at 7:30 pm.

With a ship’s-horn powerful voice and an irresistible stage presence, Nani defends and revitalizes Ladino, the ancient language of the Sephardic Jews, which she learned from her Moroccan grandmother in hiding. Her music, which blends the sounds of the marketplace with socially poignant lyrics, celebrates migration, gender, and female empowerment. Nani’s unique soundscape captures the essence of the Mediterranean through raw, flamenco-like vocals, mariachi guitar, choral trombone, and a rich combination of piano and percussion.

Ines Zeller Bass on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

“I am constantly creating, that’s what keeps me alive and happy”, says Ines Zeller Bass. Tune in to hear stories of how her artistic imagination and talents help manifest the special magic that makes SANDGLASS THEATER so well-known and well-loved.

Federal Election Commission Ruling March 3, 2025 Allows Vermont Bullies To Exclude Some Candidates From Debates and Forums!

by Cris Ericson | Politics

We do not have free and fair elections in Vermont because some candidates, even though their names are on the official election ballot and even though they fulfilled the legal requirements and submitted just as many petition signatures as all of the other candidates, are excluded from candidate debates and forums.

The public is deceived, we do not have free and fair elections when voices are suppressed and political issues of importance to voters are not heard.

Selectboard Candidate Interview – Tim Wessel

by cgrotke | Politics
tim wessel 2025

Tim Wessel is running (again) for a one year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

….

You again?  (just kidding)

I’m baaaack lol.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you and why are you running for a one year seat?

The people of Brattleboro have elected me to the Brattleboro Selectboard 4 times. I served on the board for a total of six years, from 2017 until March of 2023. During those years I worked hard to be a voice of moderation, of fiscally conservative values, and I became a well-known supporter of both our Fire and Police departments. I’ve lived and worked at my own video production business in Brattleboro since 2007. I live downtown with my wife and young son, and my older son has returned to Brattleboro as well. I am deeply invested in my community. I love Brattleboro.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes Feb 25, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● The Board debriefed two important Summits held in the past two weeks, 2/12/25 with the three School Boards and 2/24/25 with local legislators.
● The Board accepted, with regret, the resignation of Christopher Brewer, Dean of Students at BUHS.
● Three policies (D1, F16, F28) were presented to the Board for a first reading.
● The Board entered Executive Session under 1VSA §313 (a)(1)(A) Contracts.

Selectboard Candidate Interview – Cristina ShayOnye

by cgrotke | Politics
Cristina ShayOnye

Cristina ShayOnye is running for a one year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

……

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you and why are you running for a one year seat?

I live right outside of Downtown Brattleboro with my two young children and Partner.  We both work and struggle to make ends meet but are dedicated to providing affordable essential services to our community.  My partner is an auto mechanic and I provide childcare, work as an assistant slate roof repairman, and mason’s helper.  I also co-run The Vermont Village School which is a multi-generational village of families and individuals that come together to meet one another’s needs and learn together.  On March 17th we will be starting a Civics Class at Brooks Memorial Library every Monday morning from 10-11am for the Spring season.  All ages are welcome to come and learn how to “citizen”.  

Most importantly, I am a Town Government nerd.  I see how important the decisions made by our Selectboard are to all those who live, work, or visit Brattleboro.  I was raised in a big city and am inspired by how accessible our local government is here in this small town.  I chose to run for a 1 year seat because I support Oscar Heller and did not run against him.. AND because I do not feel represented by the two incumbents running to extend their term on the board.  

The Zelensky- Trump Setup

by RDavis | Activism

If you think that the shouting match that unfolded between Zelensky and Trump in the White House was some sort of spontaneous, unexpected event then I have some oceanfront property in Nebraska I can sell you for a very low price.

Trump never intended to make a deal with Ukraine’s leader so he used his usual grifter/bully tactics to stage an event that would allow him to withdraw U.S. support from Ukraine. At least in his twisted, devious mind he would now be able to throw all support behind Russia.

The entire scene in the White House was bizarre from the start. It was billed as a deal-making event where Ukraine would agree to sell rare earth minerals to the U.S. in exchange for concessions in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Song for Homeless People in Vermont

by Cris Ericson | Music

(Town Meeting Day is March 4th, will homeless people attend?)

Song for Homeless People in Vermont, by Cris Ericson (C)(P) 2025

I never believed you would be sleeping
on a park bench at night
but you lost your job and couldn’t pay rent
and shelter beds were full that night.

February 2025 Precipitation Report

by local | Nature

February was a wet, mostly snowy month.  Total moisture recorded for the month was 4.74″ compared to the NOAA average of 3.11″.  For the calendar year 6.31″ compared to the normal of 6.50″.

Snow for the month measured 26.3″ compared to my average since 1993 of 16.5″.  The most I have recorded in February is 40.0″ in 2014-15 and the least is 0.0″ in 2012-13.  For the season, snow total stands at 50.4″, about a foot below the season average of 62.5″ with March and April to go.  My snow stake out in the yard is at 14″ this morning and will vary greatly upon how much sun you receive along with how much snow has fallen.

Selectboard Candidate Interview – Oscar Heller

by cgrotke | Politics
Oscar Heller and dog

Oscar Heller is running for a three year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

….

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you and why are you running for a three year seat?

Hi there! My name is Oscar Heller. I live on Elliot Street in an apartment I used to rent and now own. I’ve started two small businesses, 10F Design and Winterland Marketing, and we work out of the Hooker Dunham building downtown.

I’ve been involved with Brattleboro’s town politics for eight years. I think local government is now more important than ever, and I’ve always felt a pull to be involved and contribute what I can. I started on the Energy Committee, am currently a Town Meeting representative for District 9, and have served on the Finance Committee for the last six years, including this year as chair.

The Games of Boris Spassky – Part I

by IM Holland Mills | Recreation & Sports

This game, from the 1960 USSR Championship played in Leningrad, Spassky’s birthplace, was famous in its own right at the time and served as inspiration for the chess game featured in the James Bond film From Russia With Love.

While Spassky’s 15th move was later found to be technically inaccurate, Bronstein had used two hours of time at that juncture, leaving a mere half-hour for his next 26 moves.   Under time pressure even the elite stumble in the face of complexity, and  so Black’s consequent misstep allowed Spassky to finish the game with unerring precision.

A Vocabulary of Fascism

by Lise | Op/Ed, Politics

Sometimes we have a lot of useful words but have trouble putting them together.  In the current case, however, they speak loud and clear.  Let’s review the vocabulary and its implications:

Extremely anti-social views and behavior, coupled with a lack of conscience, are evidence that a person is suffering from sociopathy. It’s hard to tell if someone actually lacks a conscience, but anti-social behavior is easy to spot. People who habitually flout the laws and mores of their society, and who are, in fact, against those laws and mores, are behaving anti-socially. This may even be accompanied by misanthropy, which is the hatred of other people.

But just because you hate other people doesn’t mean you can’t love yourself. Narcissism is just that — excessive vanity and admiration of self. And of course, egotism follows, for surely such a fabulous person as oneself will be completely selfish and self-absorbed. It’s the mindset of the spoiled rich kid — I want it, give it to me now!

Vote Isaac Evans-Frantz, Selectboard 1 Year Seat

by MD | Politics

There are a number of qualities I look for in an elected official, whether local or on the larger stage.

I think it’s important that those who represent me research to learn the history and contributing factors for each issue they’ll deal with. They must talk to the people involved and affected and listen well to each. They need to relay comprehensive information to others clearly, in a concise, respectful way.

Brattleboro Selectboard Mar 3 Special Meeting, Plus Agenda and Notes March 6, 2025

by cgrotke | Town News

At a special meeting on Monday, the Brattleboro Selectboard will meet with NH counterparts to discuss the island and now un-used bridges over the Connecticut River.

Their other meeting, moved to Thursday to avoid Town Meeting Day conflicts, will feature issues such as Living Memorial Park’s need for an additional $80,000, the vacant building ordinance, a decision to approve the plans for the eventual bridge repair on Western Ave, a new mural for Harmony Lot, and a discussion of Health Care and Rehabilitation. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Warnings

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:15pm in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room.

The Brattleboro Tree Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 4:15 in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room.

Brattleboro Town Clerk Office Closure

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Town Clerk’s office will be closed Tuesday, March 4th (for the election) and Wednesday, March 5th. We will resume normal business hours of 8:30am to 12:00pm and 1pm to 5pm beginning on Thursday, March 6th.