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Hayley Reardon, Sam Robbins, and Emily Margaret at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present a triple bill of contemporary folk singer/songwriters – Hayley Reardon, Sam Robbins, and Emily Margaret – on Friday, November 29 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage.

Hayley Reardon is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and a storyteller in the truest sense of the word. Her songs serve as postcards from an artist brave enough to take the road less traveled. Hayley dove head first into music at the young age of 15, and has spent much of the past decade writing, recording, and performing music around the world. With more than 85 original songs released to date, Reardon’s music has been featured on multiple Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists, boasting more than 7 million streams on Apple Music alone.

Raised in a coastal Massachusetts town north of Boston, Hayley spent three years based in Nashville followed by six years carrying her songs and stories all over the globe. She has played nearly 300 shows across Europe, and was awarded a six-month artist-in-residency program in Dachau, Germany. She has shared the stage with renowned artists including Lori McKenna, Rodney Crowell, Dar Williams, and Anaïs Mitchell, and was nominated as 2023 Vocalist of the Year by the Boston Music Awards.

Renee Woliver on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Education

SENIOR SOLUTIONS has so many !  And RENEE WOLIVER tells us what’s readily available for local folks over 60. Renee also talks about her life-long work in communication, non-profits….. and women’s hockey!

Next Stage Arts presents Multidisciplinary Flamenco Artist Laura Sánchez

by hahrenholz | Arts

Next Stage Arts presents multidisciplinary flamenco artist Laura Sánchez, with her work Welcome to Holland!? on Sunday, November 24 at 7:00 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, in Putney.

Step into a world of resilience and inspiration with Welcome to Holland!?—a breathtaking multidisciplinary flamenco performance that will touch your heart and ignite your spirit.

Join us for a transformative 75-minute journey that beautifully intertwines flamenco, poetry, humor, and film, celebrating the incredible strength of caregivers. Experience the story of an immigrant mother as she navigates her unique “Holland!?”—a landscape reshaped by trauma. Watch as everyday objects transform into powerful symbols of hope, guiding her through challenges and illuminating the path to belonging. This transformative journey challenges stereotypes about motherhood and disability, shedding light on the diverse experiences of caregivers and fostering empathy towards non-traditional families.

NXT Gallery Presents “Water: Shape and Time,” Photographs by Nick Ellison

by hahrenholz | Arts

The NXT Gallery is pleased to present “Water: Shape and Time,” an exhibition of palladiotypes by photographer Nick Ellison. The exhibit runs November 16 through February 9, with an opening reception on Sunday, November 17 from 3 to 5 pm.

Nick Ellison reminds us that time is a critical element of photography. From exposure to development to printing, each step in the process is defined by time. At each step time is taken to allow the chemical and physical processes to create the final image. Ellison has chosen to have an element of water in each photograph in this series as a way to depict the passing of time to draw attention to change that is often overlooked. He is trying to narrow the gaze, to focus in on these particulars, on how time changes our view of the environment, because it’s happening incrementally, and we often don’t have the time to notice. But if you pause, as a photograph asks you to do, you can see that the force and power of the water, just like time, offers change.

Windham Southeast Supervisory Union School Board Meeting Minutes – October 21, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

There was no public comment.

Mark gave an overview of the new HR Clerical position at the Central office being proposed.

Given the new programs and responsibilities including Grow Our Own, Title 9 and HHB oversight, workforce recruitment, onboarding and exit interviews, etc, the central office is in need of additional support. In the current budget, we will use unutilized funds. Next budget year, the plan would be to add this to the office budget. This is a part-time position with benefits.

Next Stage Arts Presents Dynamic Eight-piece Band Hazmat Modine on 11/16

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents dynamic eight-piece band Hazmat Modine, on Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, in Putney.

Hazmat Modine is “a uniquely intercontinental sonic collage encompassing a tremendous range of instrumental, vocal, and conceptual originality–all with a lot of soul and groove.” This dynamic eight-piece band has toured and performed original songs for 25+ years with genre-defying music that is quintessentially New York–vibrant international cultures meets American Roots. Diverse backgrounds in Gypsy Jazz, Downtown Avant Guard loft music, Blues, Soul, Country, Rock n’ Roll, and Roots is written and performed by musicians whose ages span every decade from their 20s to 70s.

Next Stage Arts Presents Portland-based String Ensemble Palaver String on 11/15

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents Portland-based string ensemble Palaver Strings, on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, in Putney.

“Last time they performed at Next Stage, they opened a new world of musical compositions I’ve never heard – the ensemble is bringing light to the careers of composers living and dead, from around the world,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “For sure, any classical music-loving audience member is going to fall in love. What was also apparent was that even for those adventurous music lovers, this is music that is relevant and heartfelt.”

The ensemble’s current program, Ready or Not Revisited, celebrates the groundbreaking visions of women, queer, trans, and nonbinary composers from the medieval period to the present day. This program builds on the concept of Palaver’s 2022 album Ready or Not, which “blew the tent flap open to embrace new contemporary classical fans” (Midwest Record) and left BBC Music Magazine “wanting more.” Repertoire includes wide-ranging selections by Jessie Montgomery, Hildegard von Bingen, inti figgis-vizueta, Tanner Porter, Sato Matsui, Leilehua Lanzilotti, Pétalo Seslar and Lili Boulanger. Ready or Not Revisited disrupts our expectations, challenges our narratives, and uplifts a multitude of voices who have always been here, whether the concert hall was ready or not.

Next Stage Arts and Potash Hill Present a Concert by World-renowned JACK Quartet

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts and Potash Hill present a public performance by world-renowned JACK Quartet, on Friday, November 8 at 7:00 pm at Ragle Hall, in Marlboro.

This fall, the world-renowned JACK Quartet and its cadre of musical collaborators will descend upon Potash Hill to workshop and develop new musical work. Three resident artists of the quartet’s JACK Studio program will work closely with the ensemble on new material and receive mentorship from current JACK Studio commissioned composer, Anthony Cheung, who will also work with JACK on a new work for its premiere on November 10 at the 92NY.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes October 8, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● English Language Learners Program: A new program was proposed by student rep to support TOFEL practice and cultural immersion, which could also benefit introverted students.
● Safety Concerns: The Board discussed traffic safety issues on Atwood Dr., near the high school
● Budget and Finance: The Finance Committee reviewed the first quarter of FY25 and the board explored alternative ways to engage with the budgetary process and communication.
● Cell Phone Usage: Concerns were raised about the impact of cell phones in schools, particularly at BUHS, with discussions about limiting usage and teaching responsible technology use.
● Approval of Funds: The Board approved the carryover of $223,577.49 in excess Head Start funds, with considerations for environmentally friendly spending on items like playground materials and hybrid vehicles.
● Policy FI, Student Conduct and Discipline was approved by the Board.

Windham Southeast Supervisory Union School Board Meeting Minutes October, 9, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

New Business – The Chair read the following statement regarding the Superintendent’s contract.

“On February 16, 2024, I negotiated and signed a new three year contract with our Superintendent, Mark Speno, at the direction of the WSESU Board. The Board voted unanimously to authorize me to do this at a regularly scheduled and duly warned meeting on February 14, 2024.

The contract began on July 1, 2024 and expires on June 30.2027. It contains provision for an annual raise for each of those years. This is a usual and customary contract in the state of Vermont. Annual raises are a standard component of educational contracts, which protect school personnel from the prevailing winds of politics.

WSESD Independent Budget Review Committee Oct 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes

by Not Signed In | Education

1. Introduction of members. Members introduced themselves and their backgrounds.

2. Election of chair and secretary.

Maggie nominated Kristina for Chair, motion was seconded by Ellie. The vote was unanimous. On a motion by Ellie seconded Kristina, Maggie was unanimously elected secretary.

3. Training -committee discussed Training with Frank on the chart of accounts. The IBRC committee will plan a funding formula training in the upcoming weeks.

Charlie Light on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Entertainment

“FAR OUT: Life On and After the Commune” is winning awards and acclaim – CHARLIE LIGHT’s new documentary is a celebration and a tribute to the power of late-60’s activism and creativity. And the film is a blast to watch! Tune in for some great back stories of those exciting years.