150 Years Ago (1864 6/5)

by BusyMom | History

Washington, June 5, 1864.

Dearest wife,

Here I am yet. This morning received two letters from you. They come double. Was very sorry to hear that Edmond Goodwin was killed. I am going to the Columbia Hospital and Carver this afternoon. Was in to Mr. Baxter’s room this morning. Told Mrs. Baxter where I was going. Gave me a dollar and told me to buy some Strawberries for some of the boys at the Carver. She gave me their names and Wards. She spends all her time for the soldiers, goes to all the hospitals and finds the wants of the boys, If she does not have a supply, impresses some one into the service and sends them next day. She had a list of the articles that they wanted where she was going today, some Lemon pies, some Rhubarb, some dried apple turn over, some oranges and some lemons. These things she pays for with her own money.

Strolling of the Heifers Book Sale

by Brooks Memorial Library | Books

The 13th edition of the Friends of Library Strolling of the Heifers Booksale will take place in the Main Room of the Library on Friday, June 6, 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, June 7, 8 AM to 2 PM. The Giant June book sale is the Friends’ biggest sale of the year. There will be approximately 5,000 items for sale including hardback, paperback and coffee-table books.

Book prices will range from 25 cents to $3.00 with some special interest and coffee-table books priced higher. Titles cover a wide range of subject areas as well as a good selection of fiction. All books have been donated to the Library by community members. The books are screened for good quality and sorted by subject area by Library volunteers.

Creating the Cat Alphabet

by cgrotke | Creative

Recently, I spent some time combining two things I enjoy – pets and typography.  I know people like learning how things are made, so I thought I’d walk you through the process of creating a Cat Alphabet. Maybe you can help me profit from it. : )

The project started without much thought. I like drawing and having been using my cats as models for some time now. They are willing and able, and the bone structure of humans and other animals match up quite nicely. We all have ankles, knees, elbows, etc. You just have to get the proportions right for the animal you are drawing.

I decided to see how cats would fit into the various letters of the alphabet. I’ve been a fan of the alphabet since an early age, and started my life in graphic arts with hand-lettered posters in college.

Welch Statement on Sanders-McCain Agreement on VA Reforms

by Not Signed In | Politics

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Peter Welch made the following statement after Senators Sanders and McCain announced a bipartisan agreement for reforms at the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“The cost of any war must include the cost of caring for warriors when they return home. That solemn commitment has been shaken by recent events.

Brattleboro ADA Advisory Committee Meeting

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro ADA Advisory Committee will meet on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 10:00am at Marlboro College Graduate Center in the VCIL conference room.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100

Sanders, McCain Reach Agreement on Veterans Bill

by Not Signed In | Politics

WASHINGTON, June 5 – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) today reached a bipartisan agreement to improve veterans’ access to health care and address serious problems facing the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“While this is not the bill that I would have written, we have taken a significant step forward with this agreement,” said Sanders.

At a time when VA medical facilities in parts of the country have waiting lists that are too long, this legislation would give veterans access to private doctors, community health centers, Department of Defense medical facilities and facilities funded by the Indian Health Service.

Reset The Net

by cgrotke | Sci-Tech

I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you of today’s efforts to increase privacy and security on the internet.

It’s an interesting campaign, with many ways to participate. The basic goal is to plug up holes that have been exploited by the NSA and nefarious types to illegally access your personal information.

So, check out. You’ll see ways to spread the word, but also be given tools and instructions (a “privacy pack”) for increasing your personal privacy and security. There are freebies to encrypt email, chats, and browsing. They have hints for encrypting your personal computer. They have tips for professionals and suggestions of where to lend coding skills.

Did You Hear About This?

by Kurt Daims | Activism

In April the people REJECTED the budget in a referendum. The selectboard and town reps met and REAPPROVED THE SAME BUDGET on Monday.   Well, it was AROUND $16 million: now it’s ALMOST $16 million, and

                                           DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS ? 

At the meeting it was announced that anyone discussing the Police-Fire project  would be declared OUT OF ORDER. !!

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Scheduled – Personnel

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 5:30pm in the Hanna Cosman meeting room at the Municipal Center. It is anticipated that the Board will enter into executive session at 5:30pm to discuss a personnel matter.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100

Brooks House Plans Open House for Strolling of the Heifers Weekend

by Not Signed In | Town News

BRATTLEBORO, VT—With the countdown on for opening in early August, the Brooks House Development Team will host an Open House on Strolling of the Heifers weekend to allow folks a peek at progress.

A Brooks House representative will be available in the space that will be occupied by Duo Restaurant (at the corner of Main and High Streets) to provide updates on the construction, answer questions and provide information on spaces still to be leased. The Open House will be free and open to the public during Gallery Walk on Friday night and during the Strolling of the Heifers parade on Saturday.

A Few Good People Needed

by spoon | Town Plan

Representative Town Meeting gave almost unanimous (one nay) support to the idea of establishing a body that will study the most difficult issues we face in Brattleboro.  Now people are needed who can set up this body.  Give it specific purpose, rules, and whatever else it needs to get started.  There are a lot of questions about how such an endeavor should be approached.  One of the qualities one should bring is the ability to be affirmative and positive in a culture where helplessness and hopelessness is creeping into its bones.   It is a good place for those ready to fight the good fight.

I’ve submitted my name to prime the pump. 

BMH Physician Group Launches New Online Patient Portal for Easier Access to Health Information

by BMH | Health

With the launch of a new patient portal this month, called “MyHealthPortal”, now offers patients the option to access select portions of their health records online.

MyHealthPortal, featured on the home page will launch June 2014, giving patients fast, easy access to their personal health information. MyHealthPortal is a personalized, safe, secure and completely confidential communication link between the patient and the providers.

How Much Do Walmart Heirs Donate?

by cgrotke | Economics

A group battling Walmart has done some research into the chaitable giving of the Walton family.

“Key Findings:

  • Rob Walton, chairman of Walmart’s board of directors, has not made a single contribution to the Foundation.
  • Alice Walton, has not given a single dollar to the Foundation.
  • Jim Walton made one personal contribution of $3 million to the Walton Family Foundation, more than 15 years ago.

Host Families Needed For Spanish Teens This Summer

by Not Signed In | Education

Host a Spanish boy this summer…for just three weeks, starting June 25! Hosting an exchange student is such a great way to expand your family’s horizons, share some summer experiences with a teen who’s eager to learn, and to make a lifelong friend from another country.

We have homes for 23 of these Spanish teens, but are still looking for families who could host these three boys: Aitor, 17 – “friendly, shy, funny.” Likes soccer, basketball & tennis. Has a 14-year old brother who is coming also. Ignacio, 17 – “Friendly and generous,” likes soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and animals and has a 14-year old brother. Eneko, 16 (m) – plays rugby, likes music and computer games. “Shy at first but also funny and happy.”

Claremont Shuts Out Sunapee In Latest CRVBL Action

by CRVBL | Recreation & Sports

In the only game on last weekend’s Connecticut River Valley Baseball League schedule, the Claremont Cardinals shut out the Sunapee Old Lakers, 9 – 0. All eight teams in the region’s adult baseball league return to action this weekend.

Jon Nicholas picked up the complete game win for the Cardinals, giving up four hits while striking out eight. Nicholas was also the team’s offensive star, going four for four, driving in a run and scoring twice.