The Pandemic Revealed and We Turned a Blind Eye

by RDavis | Activism

There seemed to finally be hope that the American health care non-system would finally be scrutinized in a new way. It became clear that as the pandemic unfolded our public health infrastructure was inadequate to meet even the most basic of needs. It also became clear that what we call health care in this country is really a reflection of the socioeconomic divide that is growing wider every day.

We learned that if you have money and live in a “good” neighborhood you have a better chance of staying healthy and avoiding the ravages of the pandemic. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has had their eyes open for the past few years.

BCTV Schedules Week of October 25, 2021

by BCTVProg | Media

Monday, October 25, 2021

4:00 am All Things LGBTQ – Interview Show 10/12/21
5:00 am Racism in America – What is Critical Race Theory 10/13/21
6:25 am Southern Vermont Live Music – The Amphion Baroque Trio “Gems of the High Baroque” Set 1
7:00 am Education and Enrichment for Everyone – The Need for Justice Reform 10/1/21
8:00 am Democracy Now! – Democracy Now! Daily Broadcast

WSESD Seeks Volunteers for Independent Budget Review Committee

by Not Signed In | Education

The Windham Southeast School District is seeking volunteers to serve on an Independent Budget
Review Committee. One volunteer from each of the district’s four member towns (Brattleboro,
Dummerston, Guilford, and Putney) will be appointed.

The four-member committee will prepare a report that will assist participants at the March 15,
2022 Annual District Meeting to engage in a meaningful discussion of the school budget and to
vote in an informed manner on the warned budget article.

Tax Retail Sales, Churches, Corporations to Reduce Consumer Carnage Holidays

by Vidda | Op/Ed

Holidays are lethal. The undue stress of celebrating holidays wrecks the health of our little golden biosphere. Holidays are also not necessary for our personal well-being, and, in some cases, they are stressful and unhealthful to too many people.

Since the turn of the 20th Century when southern soft drink brands started using Santa Claus as an advertising ploy to increase soda sales in the northern winter markets, the lethal nature of human holidays has been tearing earth’s resources asunder.

Oscar Wilde said, “Give me the luxuries, anyone can have the necessaries.” Even Oscar Wilde would agree today that consumer carnage holidays are a luxury we can no longer afford. The fact that too many of the holidays are religious-based means nothing in the context of people hell-bent on the self-destructive nature of continuing holidays.

Brattleboro Fall Paving Update

by Not Signed In | Town News

D.M.I. Paving (a contractor of the town) will be paving in various locations in the coming days. 

Wednesday, October 20th, paving will take place at Moore Court.

Thursday, October 21st, paving will take place at the intersection of Park Place and Linden Street Work is expected to happen between 10 am and 12 pm. Southbound traffic on VT Route 30 will be detoured to Cedar St. for the duration of the work. Please plan your trip accordingly. 

Crowdsourced Cinema VT’s Production of Jurassic Park

by cgrotke | Media
musearts team scene 6

I thought I’d share the scene we did for Crowdsourced Cinema VT’s production of Jurassic Park, now viewable on BCTV and other streaming places.

35 teams of Vermonters participated, and were each assigned scenes from the film randomly. Ours was the scene where they first arrive on the island and see their first dinosaurs. As you might expect, I chose to do animation. (Others used live action, puppets, animals…)

WSESD Special Board Meeting Agenda

by Not Signed In | Education

AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER – 5:00 p.m. – David Schoales, Board Chair

II. Executive Session – 1VSA §313(a)(1)(E) pending or probable civil litigation or a prosecution, to which the public body is or may be a party.

BCTV Schedules – Week of October 18, 2021

by BCTVProg | Media

Monday, October 18, 2021

4:45 am Media Mentoring Project – Media Strategy For Events 9/29/21
5:55 am Landmark College Presents – Andrew Stein – Cat in the Shadows 9/21/21
7:00 am All Things LGBTQ – 10/5/21
8:00 am Democracy Now! – Democracy Now! Daily Broadcast
9:00 am The World Fusion Show – Ep 112 – Mike Block
9:30 am Education and Enrichment for Everyone – The Need for Justice Reform 10/1/21

Privatizing Medicare A New Threat Beyond Medicare Advantage

by RDavis | Health

Seniors are being bombarded with advertising for Medicare Advantage plans because the open enrollment period for Medicare is from October 15 to December 7. Insurance companies make piles of money if people switch from traditional Medicare to an Advantage plan.

The Advantage plans were created to move Medicare into the private marketplace and provide a financial windfall for the insurance companies.

They are good plans if you never get sick because the initial premiums are low and you get a few extra benefits not available in traditional Medicare.

But if you try to use the insurance in an Advantage plan you are subject to network restrictions and out of pocket expenses. It is not uncommon for a plan to have you pay $6000 out of pocket if you need care.

Build a Gift Box

by HatchSpace | Creative

Come to HatchSpace’s new woodworking shop, get some tablesaw practice and leave with an elegant little box! In this workshop we will use the tablesaw to cut dados, rabbets, and some raised panels, and the router table for a little bit of detailing. You’ll learn how to accurately fit small pieces together, and work with some lovely local hardwoods to make a simple box for keepsakes, tea, tiny spice jars, or even recipe cards! Whether you’re brand new to the woodshop, or have experience and want some practice on the tablesaw, this workshop will guide you safely through some simple techniques for working with small parts accurately.    No woodworking experience required.

Brattleboro Firefighter’s Benefit Bingo at the Brattleboro VFW Nov. 6th

by LisaL | Entertainment

The Brattleboro VFW located at 40 Black Mountain Road will be hosting a bingo for the Brattleboro Firefighter’s Benefit Association Saturday Nov. 6th. Doors open at 11 am and the first game starts at 1 pm.

No outside food or drinks allowed, but they will be available for purchase inside, along with homemade goodies.

Pre buy packets are $35 at the door if you pre-register, or $40 for not registering. Register by simply calling the VFW at 802-257-0438 and giving the names of all players in your party now.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – October 19, 2021

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will be approving a range of new contracts for police officers, firefighters, and other unionized employees at their next regular meeting. 

Union Station will be handed over to the BMAC, the board will hear a sustainability update, they’ll review their goals, Selectboard meetings will be moved to Central Fire Station, and more. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participations.

Shopping Day at Swap Shop

by rbrem | Home & Garden

Another SHOPPING ONLY DAY at Swap Shop at WSWMD on Old Ferry Road, Brattleboro on Saturday, October 16, 8:30 am to noon. ALL ITEMS ARE FREE. Many new donated items were added last Saturday.  Photos of some available items are posted on Facebook’s Brattleboro, Vermont group page.  Many Christmas decorations!

SCHEDULE & HOURS:
Shopping Days- 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month
Donation Days- 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month