iBrattleboro Contributor and Local AFL-CIO President David Van Deusen In Hot Water For November General Strike Vote

by Lise | Activism, State News

As a sometime reader of Counterpunch, I occasionally run across items of local interest. This time, it’s an article highlighting a voice iBrattleboro readers know well — Vermont-chapter AFL-CIO President David Van Deusen. Van Deusen has been posting articles on iBrattleboro about local labor issues, and I’ve always been surprised by how refreshingly “left” this union rep sounds — why he’s almost a firebrand! Which is why I was unsurprised to learn that not everyone finds his labor radicalism so appealing.

The article, entitled “Why is AFL-CIO So Worried About Its Vermont Affiliate?” details recent friction between Vermont’s local chapter of the AFL-CIO and the national leadership of the parent organization. It all stems from a local resolution to call for a general strike if there was any protracted attempt on the part of the Right to keep Trump in office illegally.

Brattleboro COVID-19 Update -April 23, 2021

by Not Signed In | Town News

IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT PLANNING FOR REOPENING 

Governor Scott’s “Vermont Forward Plan” anticipates a phased reduction in restrictions for both indoor and outdoor activities between now and a projected return to near-normal by July 4. It is important to note that the Governor and other State officials have stated that this schedule is subject to change. It is based on certain assumptions regarding increased vaccination numbers and decreased new case numbers. If those targets are not met, the schedule will be adjusted. We in Brattleboro town government will continue to closely monitor the available data and public health experts’ advice. We intend to be cautious in reopening Town facilities to ensure that we do not move too quickly and endanger Town employees or the public we serve. Based on local conditions and expert advice, we may decide to move more slowly than indicated in the Governor’s plan. Please read these weekly COVID updates from the Town and other information released by Town departments to stay up to date on Town decisions and actions as COVID-related restrictions are eased. 

Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Finance Committee, CPCC Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Town News

The RTM Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 6:00pm using zoom (with no physical location due to the ongoing social distancing requirements of COVID-19). The Citizens Police Communications Committee (CPCC) will meet on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 5:30pm using zoom (with no physical location due to the ongoing social distancing requirements of COVID-19). The attached agendas contain information on how to access the meetings remotely, including the required “passcodes.” 

VFW $12 Lasagna Meal To-Go or Dine in Sat. May 15th. Public Welcome

by LisaL | Food

Our next Brattleboro VFW Saturday meal will be offered May 15th. For $12, you will get lasagna, garlic bread, salad and chocolate cream pie. To-go or dine in (Dine in is allowed as of this moment, but keep in mind COVID can change everything at the last minute.) When calling in for reservations, please let us know if you are dining in or getting a to-go, time for your meal, type of salad dressing, and amount of meals needed. (Just tell us everything!) Open to the public. Pick up times between 4pm-6pm.

Brattleboro Preferred Siting Subcommittee Agenda: April 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

by planning | Town Plan

AGENDA

A. Call to order (6:00 p.m.)
1. Agenda review
2. Announcements

B. Approve minutes of March 22, 2021 (6:05 p.m.)

C. Possible discussion with guest (6:10 p.m.)

D. Discuss main takeaways from independent studies/summaries)) (6:30 pm)

F. Present / Consider our Final Products (6:50 pm)
1. roughly drafted siting spectrum
2. siting criteria checklist/points concept

Ramsey Clark Described His Government As Humanity’s Ever More Threatening and Treacherous Enemy

by jay janson | Op/Ed

DESCRIPTION: During this time in which many of us are still mourning the recent passing of former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark it seems appropriate to reflect on Ramsey’s many warnings to humanity like, ‘The government of Americans will lie, deceive, kill, do whatever it must to dominate – investors in war who control it insanely insensitive to the beauty of life and planet.’

WSESD Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes

by Not Signed In | Education

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 p.m. – David Schoales, Board Chair

II. CONSENT AGENDA

• CLERK’S REPORT – Approval of Minutes – April 6, 2021

III. Public Comment on Non-agenda Items (10 minutes)

IV. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

• Hiring

Selectboard Meeting Notes – The Gods & Goddesses Say No

by cgrotke | Town News

I was all set to do the usual insane typing of what is said at the Brattleboro Selectboard but at 6 pm our power went out.  It’s now 8:30 and things have just come back on here at HQ.

The Gods and Goddesses of Typing Up Selectboard Meetings have spoken, and I will obey their wishes. I will also go make an offering of some sort. (Any suggestions?)

We’ll see if they let me cover the next meeting.

BCTV Schedules – Week of April 19, 2021

by BCTVProg | Media

BCTV Channel 1075 schedule for the week of 4/19/21

Monday, April 19, 2021

4:10 am Ethan Allen Homestead Enrichment Program – Historical Treasures in the Vermont State Archives 3/21/21
5:00 am Brattleboro Rallies – Fukushima Nuclear Disaster 10th Anniversary 3/11/21
5:15 am VHC Digital 1st Wednesdays – Charity And Sylvia – A Same-Sex Couple In Early Vermont
6:30 am Community Senior Center – Canal Boat Trip 12/17/20
7:30 am The World Fusion Show – EP 99 – Milford Graves – A Celebration Part 1

Donations Needed for Star Spangled Babies Shower w/ VT National Guard at the VFW

by LisaL | Other

Brattleboro VFW Post #1034 is proud to be a drop off point for Operation Homefront’s Star Spangled Babies Shower. Operation Homefront is a nonprofit that assists low-income military families. The Vermont National Guard is facing its biggest deployment in 15 years, where service members are leaving behind their families for a year or longer. A lot of the family members left behind are new mothers and some are first-time mothers.

The poster below lists the items they are looking to collect and hand out to local families that need assistance. Please come into the VFW and leave your items in the large box that is inside. Deadline for items being accepted in May 30th. If you have any questions, please send a message on Facebook to the VFW Post 1034 Carl Dessaint page, or contact the Post Quartermaster Lisa Lofting at 257-0438

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting Agenda and Notes – April 20, 2021

by cgrotke | Town News

A new “Fossil Fuel Free Facilities Fund” will be up for discussion at the next regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. The 5F is intended to set aside money each year to help cover costs to the Town of switching away from fossil fuels. The latest revision, by Sustainability Coordinator Stephen Dotson, sets out the purpose and operation of the new fund.

Planning Services Director Sue Fillion will join the meeting to provide an update on the Tri-Park Master Plan, the updated Local Emergency Management Plan will be adopted, the board will continue to discuss their goals for the new year, some financial matters will be dealth with, and more. You can always bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Gun Violence – The Other Epidemic

by RDavis | Op/Ed

Imagine what the state of gun violence in this country would be like if we put as much effort into establishing sensible restrictions on the sale and ownership of guns as we have put into the COVID pandemic. Although that kind of effort will never happen on a national level it is possible that individual states could do more to make it harder to own a gun.

The debates have raged for years. Those who hide behind the second amendment are nothing more than a bunch of selfish crybabies who have always lived in a world where they think everything revolves round their needs and wishes. Whenever we hear their cries for their brand of freedom we need to counter with some facts about gun violence.

Brattleboro Spring 2021 Water Main Flushing Schedule

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

Utilities Division crews will start Spring Flushing of the Town water mains on Thursday April 22, 2021 at 10:00 p.m. and continue through Saturday May 8, 2021

NOTE: Some daytime flushing will continue throughout the weeks of May 10th and 17th 

Customers are asked to check the flushing schedule closely as flushing causes water discoloration, low water pressure and in some areas, intervals of no water.

Please note that water main flushing will occur at night and during the day.