Letter Regarding Human Service Organizations Funding

by feebee | Politics

As former members of the Brattleboro Human Services Committee, we are writing to encourage all members of the Brattleboro community to read the detailed, informative report to the town, from the current members of the Committee, which appeared in the February 12 issue of The Commons.

Article Vl, on this year’s Annual Town Meeting Ballot, asks Brattleboro voters to choose one of five town funding options for local Human Service organizations.

We think that voting to eliminate or drastically reduce the town’s share of funding of these organizations would be a short-sighted, major mistake, and would be detrimental to Brattleboro’s well-being.  During the time that we served on the committee, each one of us came to more deeply understand and appreciate what a critical role the nonprofit organizations, whose funding requests we carefully reviewed, play in the healthy functioning of our community. 

Interfaith Youth Group Sets Sights on Spring Service & Learning to Asheville, NC

by Nanci Leitch | Activism

A multicultural community of idealistic teenagers and young adults, the Brattleboro Area Interfaith Youth Group comes together monthly to develop friendships, to have fun and to provide service to others. Twenty-one members of their group, ranging in age from 13 to 22, are busy fundraising to make their dream of a service and learning trip to North Carolina a reality this spring.

Brian Remer, one of the adult leaders describes the group as being made up of young people who are interested in sharing their life experiences and cultures and providing each other support while doing community service that helps others. Nearly half of the group are young newcomers from Democratic Republic of Congo, refugees who were resettled in the area in the last several years.

“We first got the idea last fall when we heard about the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene on the area surrounding Asheville, North Carolina, as it was eerily reminiscent of the damages we experienced from Hurricane Irene in the Windham County area,” Remer said.

Please Be Aware That The “Benefits Trap” Also Is Part Of The Puzzle Of Solving The Homeless Crisis In Vermont

by CrisEricson2016 | Op/Ed

Many Vermonters are in the Benefits Trap. You can’t earn over a certain amount of money or you will lose your benefits, and the benefits have more financial value than the value of rent which could put you over the benefits limit by renting a room to someone.

In the Benefits Trap scheme of things, you are allowed to own one home (up to a certain value) and one car (up to a certain value). If you have an extra bedroom, and you rent it out, that is income, and poof! you could lose your benefits which have a value greater than the rent a person might pay.

Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) Policy and Amendment Committee Meeting Minutes Feb 12, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

The committee discussed the question of whether a policy in support of immigrant students should be developed, a topic that was also under discussion at the board meeting on 2/11/25. MS cautioned that Pietro has advised to stay away from a new policy, and instead to focus on law and procedure. A vision statement would be fine and would be a way to send a message to the community.

Julie Moir Messervy on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

Think Spring and Gardens!  JULIE MESSERVY is known world-wide as a stellar innovator in landscape design. She collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma for a public garden in Toronto. Julie also won the 2024 Vermont Woman-owned Business of the Year Award. Check out this show – her presence is dynamic and inspiring!

Brattleboro Area Events Canceled Due To Winter Storm in Forecast

by Not Signed In | Town News

Several events originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 16, in Brattleboro have been canceled due to the winter storm in the forecast.

The Harris Hill Ski Jump competition scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 16 has been canceled. For more information, visit harrishillskijump.com.

The Brattleboro Winter Carnival has canceled its annual pancake breakfast. For more updates about the Winter Carnival, visit Brattleborowintercarnival.org.

Selectboard Candidate Interview – Isaac Evans-Frantz

by cgrotke | Politics
Isaac Evans-Frantz

Isaac Evans-Frantz 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 was born and raised in Brattleboro, and I love this community. The gap between rich and poor, the opioid crisis, and the housing shortage are hurting us. We all want a community where we can earn a living wage, put food on the table, and let our kids play outside without fear of drugs or violence. We need a selectboard member who listens and helps us achieve a stronger Brattleboro. I will bring energy, hope and determination to the Brattleboro Selectboard.

Winter Storm Warning Starting Feb. 15, Icy Conditions Possible

by Not Signed In | Town News

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in the Brattleboro area starting on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 15, and lasting through the early hours of Monday, Feb. 17. Between 6 and 10 inches of snow are expected in Town, with greater accumulations in the higher terrain, before the storm changes over to sleet and freezing rain on Sunday morning. On Sunday night into Monday, winds could be strong, reaching gusts up to 50 mph.

As the snowfall changes to sleet and freezing rain, the conditions of the roadways could change drastically in a short period of time. Drivers should expect travel to be hazardous and slow with poor visibility.

Harris Hill – All Events on Saturday

by Not Signed In | Recreation & Sports

Brattleboro, VT. (February 15, 2025) —   This weekend’s Harris Hill Ski Jump competition schedule has changed due to pending winter weather that will be arriving late afternoon today.

Today’s event will be a full day of competition hosting both the Pepsi Challenge/US Cup competition AND the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament. There will be no competition tomorrow, Sunday. Below is the schedule of events.

David Levenbach, Candidate for Re-election to RTM

by fidel | Politics

Hello Neighbors,

I am running for re-election to a three-year term as a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member for District 9 (formerly known as District 3).

I am asking you, if you feel comfortable doing so, to vote for me and, more, to encourage your friends in District 9 to do so as well.

I have been a member of Representative Town Meeting since 2019. Beginning in 2019, I have been elected every year to its Finance Committee which scrutinizes the Town budget to provide a report each year to inform RTM (and the public generally) of issues before that body votes on the budget article; in three of those years, I was chosen to chair the committee.

A Bigger Prize

by RDavis | Activism

I told myself I was going to try to keep away from writing about the madman who is running this country. All of us have to figure out a way to preserve our sanity for the next four years and retreat has become an option for many. But the future that I see unfolding demands to be talked about because all of our lives may be transformed in ways we do not welcome.

I got a call from a woman in Florida who is married to a Puerto Rican man and they have two small children. They are living in a state of heightened fear every day and they are looking for a safer place to live. She knew nothing about Brattleboro but happened upon our little town in the cybersphere and wanted to talk to someone who lives here.

Harris Hill Ski Jumping Weekend

by Not Signed In | Recreation & Sports

WHAT: This weekend marks the 103rd year of the Harris Hill Ski Jumping competition, the only Olympic sized ski jump in New England, February 14-16, 2025 in Brattleboro, Vermont. The event has a festive atmosphere for the whole family with opening ceremonies, live event announcing, music, local food and drink, a jumbotron and souvenirs. The weekend will serve as a stop on the US Cup competition of the United States American Ski Jumping (USASJ) series.

On Friday, February 14 ♥️, Harris Hill Ski Jump will host a Friday night target jump competition featuring athletes from the weekend’s lineup of competitors. Jumpers aim to land as close as possible to a TSSD Services logo painted on the landing to win a cash prize. The event is FREE and a thank you for the greater Brattleboro community for its continued support of the annual ski jumping event. Live announcing and limited hot drinks will be available for sale for Friday.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – February 18, 2025

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hear about the FY24 audit findings at their next regular meeting. They will also learn that the Western Avenue bridge replacement (good ol’ 54) is back on track with the Town paying a 5% share instead of 10% of engineering and construction costs. Brooks Memorial Library will get a $200,000 rooftop solar system, the board will be told about a video, and will approve historic markers being placed on town properties.

You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation. Plus, you can ask questions or comment on any issue on the agenda. 

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Warnings

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday February 19, 2025 at 6:15 in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room (230 Main Street, Rm. 211).

The Brattleboro Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, February 20, 2025 in the Hanna Cosman Meeting Room (230 Main Street, Rm. 211).  

The Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 8:00am in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom(230 Main Street, Rm. 212).

Sol y Canto and The Soubrettes Set to Perform at Next Stage Arts on March 15th

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts is thrilled to present a special evening of live music on Saturday, March 15, 2025, featuring two dynamic and highly acclaimed musical groups: Sol y Canto and The Soubrettes. The concert will take place at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT, starting at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are available now:
$22 in advance / $25 at the door / $10 for livestream access.

Sol y Canto: A Celebration of Pan-Latin Sound

Sol y Canto is an award-winning, Pan-Latin ensemble led by Rosi Amador (Puerto Rican/Argentine singer and percussionist) and Brian Amador (New Mexican guitarist, singer, and composer). For over 30 years, this innovative duo has brought Latin rhythms, soulful vocals, and evocative lyrics to audiences across the country and beyond.

Putney Community Song-Along at Next Stage Arts – A Night of Music and Celebration

by hahrenholz | Music

Get ready to sing your heart out at the Putney Community Song-Along on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 7:15 PM at Next Stage Arts in Putney, VT. This fun-filled evening of music is part of the March Putney Community Supper and invites everyone to join in for a lively sing-along experience!

Led by local musician Rich Grumbine, the song circle will feature a wide variety of well-known tunes, ranging from folk and gospel to Beatles hits, golden oldies, classic pop and rock, children’s songs, and even show tunes. With over 100 songs in the digital songbook, audience members will take turns choosing their favorites, and the lyrics will be projected on a screen so everyone can sing along.