150 Years Ago (1864 7/5)

July 5th. Still in camp. Alvin Stokes came over to see me last evening. Had quite a visit from him. Shall try and see Zopher today if I can find the third, but the different divisions and brigades are moving to get good places for shade and water. Should like to see David Morse and Zopher before I finish this, but it will make it too late to get the letter off today. You asked me if I had a rubber blanket. I bought a light one in Washington and some other things. Have no woolen blanket. Could not carry it if I had. Want to keep as light a knapsack as possible. Have to keep four days rations on hand all the time, and that is no small load. Some throw the rations away and get short, but had rather sweat some more and have enough to eat.


Globalization

For the brave few who listen to me I have been ensconced behind my computer developing a new website based on the principles of Free Speech. In doing so I came across the best video I have ever seen that describes Predatory Capitalism and does so in just over 2 minutes!

Don’t get me wrong I am not opposed to capitalism; I founded and ran my own software company for years. I am huge believer in SMALL business. What I am opposed to are the MEGA CORPORATIONS – you know the ones that pay Congress to write laws that Media never questions – the laws that makes them richer and the poor, poorer – those corporate giants that cashed in their morality for profits a long time ago.


The Beatles: Band of the Sixties

The Friends of the Library will present a free lecture, The Beatles: Band of the Sixties by scholar, Aaron Krerowicz on Friday, July 18 at 7PM in the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro. This 60-minute presentation includes a film and audio clips plus excerpts of interviews with the band members.

The lecture starts with the band’s seminal visits to Hamburg from 1960-62; continuing through Beatlemania in 1963-65. Krerowicz will also review the Beatles psychedelic experimentation, their trip to India to study Transcendental Meditation and the subsequent White Album in 1968. He will conclude his presentation with Let It Be and Abbey Road in 1969.


Tanabata+Obon, Japan’s Double Summer Festivals, in Pliny Park

Asian Cultural Center of Vermont (ACCVT) presents Brattleboro’s Tanabata-Obon Festival, 2012, downtown, in Pliny Park Park, corner of Main and High Streets.

This festival celebrates a Japanese tradition: the double festivals of summer in a single evening observance, downtown, during the July Gallery Walk.

Obon is a celebration of ancestors and remembrance of loved ones and the departed. Tanabata is a star festival for communities to make wishes for the future (happening each year when the paths of two of the brightest stars, Vega and Altair, meet in the sky).


150 years Ago (1864 7/2-4)

Down in the Woods near the Railroad,

July 2, 1864.

Dearest wife, 

Here I am on Picket again, near a good spring. Some of the boys have shot a fat heifer and are engaged in
frying, drying and boiling the meat, but I draw more than I can eat, though my appetite is pretty good, I assure you.


Independence Day in Brattleboro, 1858

A report on plans for Independence Day celebration in Brattleboro of July 3, 1858, written in The Phoenix. (It was celebrated on the 3rd of July back then…)

“INDEPENDENCE – The celebration on the 3rd by the fire department of Brattleboro and the several companies from abroad will be one of more than ordinary magnificence. The number of firemen who will be present, the reputation of the companies into which they are organized, and the arrangements for the occasion all give evidence of an unusual and unprecedented display. Information has been received by the committee of arrangements of the attendance on Saturday of Companies from Claremont, Keene, and Hinsdale in New Hampshire, from Greenfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield, South Royalston and Baldwinville, in Massachusetts. These with our own excellent companies will make a special pageant.


Laugh Out Loud! Screwball Comedy Film Series at the Brooks Library

Beginning Wednesday, July 9th and continuing through November 12th, the Brattleboro Film Festival and Brooks Memorial Library will present free afternoon screenings of nine Hollywood classic screwball comedies from Tinseltown’s Golden Era.

A film by renowned Director Preston Sturges whose comedies mix the sensibilities of “a lowbrow aristocrat” with a that of a “melancholy wiseguy” will kick-off the five month-long series on July 9th at 2 p.m. in the library’s Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor. Eight other comedies will screen on select Wednesdays through mid-November. 


Spark a Reaction! 2014 Teen Summer Reading Program at Brooks Memorial Library

Want to read this summer? Want to win a prize? Start reading now until August 9, and track your reading online. Share what you are reading with your fellow teens at .

Check out books, magazine, or audiobooks from the Brooks Memorial Library’s Teen Collection on the Main Floor. We also have a display of graphic novels and audiobooks. Those count too!


Ramshackle Glory Play Brattleboro

I remember a friend telling me, a long time ago, that I should go hear this band called Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains who were playing in a parking lot on Elliot Street that afternoon. I had doubts about the venue and didn’t go. My loss. Last night, Johnny Hobo was back, or at least, his inventor, Pat “the Bunny” Schneeweis, with a new band, Ramshackle Glory. As it turned out, their homecoming show at the Church Saturday night turned out to be the highlight of my weekend if not the whole month of June.


DJ Flashcube on WVEW!

Its time for another experience that you won’t soon forget… join DJ Pockets, this tuesday the 1st of July, as he welcomes internationally known and unknown, musician, poet, songwriter, producer, etc.. DJ Flashcube.

tune in 6pm-8pm on Brattleboro Community Radio
107.7fm and www.wvew.org


BCTV Channel 8 & 10 Schedules for the Week of 6/30/14

BCTV Ch.8 Schedule for the week of 6-30-14

                   Monday June 30    

12:00 am      Energy Week Extra: Steve Reucroft, CERN – 6/12/14

1:00 am       2014 Burlington Discover Jazz Fest. – Meet the Artist: Linda Oh

1:45 am       Nicaragua Pueblo Project: Nicaragua Pueblo Project

2:00 am       FSTV Overnight

4:00 am       Marita’s France Travelogue: D-Day Part 2


150 Years Ago (1864 6/30)

On the Petersburgh & Weldon Railroad

10 miles from Petersburgh, June 30, 1864.

Dear wife,

I came in here last night. The whole 6th Corps is here. We have been at work all the morning
intrenching. Our regiment has just finished. I can tell you just how we lie. The Station is called Ream’s or [indecipherable]. The 6th Regiment is about ten rods south of the station, see backside. I am well. Have seen Zopher this morning for the first time. He is now in the tent here. The tenth Vermont lies up on the right of the line. This paper is dirtier than some I have, but I must keep it for better occasion. I just write this to let you know where I am. I am well. Lie right in the dirt. Have washed up my face and hands this morning, but water is scarcer than dirt.


Twilight on the Tavern Lawn presents The Chris Kleeman Band Sunday, June 29

Twilight Music continues its 12th annual Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of folk, world beat, rock, jazz, zydeco, Celtic, swing, blues and bluegrass summer concerts on Sunday, June 29 with an evening of hard driving, house rocking, in your face blues by The Chris Kleeman Band. The seven concert series continues every other Sunday through August 24. All concerts begin at 6:00 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by the Town of Putney, Soundview Paper Company, Next Stage Arts Project, The Stockwell Brothers and many other Putney businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available.


Weekend Concert Series: Neil Diamond 1971

Here is Neil Diamond performing live at the BBC in 1971, not long after he reached the top of the charts with songs such as Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, and Song Sung Blue.

Some interesting things you may or may not know about Mr. Diamond. It’s his real name. He’s from Brooklyn. Sweet Caroline is about Caroline Kennedy. He once opened for the Who. Rick Rubin produced a 2005 album. He just signed (2014) a new deal with Capitol Music Group.


Brattleboro Union High School Board Meeting Agenda

BRATTLEBORO UNION HIGH SCHOOL BOARD
53 Green Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
www.wssu.k12.vt.us

NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The BUHS District #6 Finance Committee will meet at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30 in the WSESU James E. Kane Conference Room, 53 Green Street.

NOTICE OF MEETING

The BUHS #6 Board of Directors will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7 in the WRCC Cusick Conference Room.


Six UFOs over Brattleboro Vermont Airspace

Shortly after taking off from Brattleboro-West International Airport ( BWI) these ufos ripped by our window. Faster than you could say, “Soyuz Spacelab!”, they were gone.

Experts at the University who have examined the photograph have assured us that this photo was taken while our aircraft was still in Vermont airspace. The same experts have authenticated the photo as genuine.


Brattleboro’s Wildest Arts and Music Organization, The Future Collective, Launches Online Fundraiser

The Future Collective launched their online fundraiser on June 25, 2014 through the website INDIEGOGO.

The Future Collective is a non-profit, volunteer-run group of Brattleboro young people founded in January 2012. They have hosted many events ranging from all-ages music shows, community art openings, a weekly radio show, dance parties, ice cream giveaways, outdoor cabarets, child art and music making, outdoor adventures, peer-supported mental health workshops, community art nights, collaboration with other local organizations, and our annual 3-day music and arts festival, Future Fest.


150 Years Ago (1864 6/26)

Sunday June 26th. I had to pick up in a hurry yesterday, as the enemy were reported advancing in heavy force on our left and we went out and were posted on the extreme left, and here I am this morning. There have no rebels made their appearance yet. I guess there were a few down on the rail road, though, there was quite a piece torn up yesterday by the cavalry by the sound. The enemy have enough to do on the right. The firing last night was very heavy. Our picket post is near a small house with a fine well of water. The women folks are at home. It is a real snug place, with a large apple orchard, the apples just about large enough to stew and they have to take it.


Movie Monday at Brattleboro Senior Center

Brattleboro Senior Center offers Free Monday Morning Movies.  The June 30th movie will be “Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner”.  The movie starts at 10 am.  Come and enjoy a movie with snacks and please stay after the movie for lunch at Brattleboro Senior Meals all are welcome.  For information please contact Jessy at 802-257-7570.


150 Years Ago (1864 6/25)

On the left flank of the army of the Potomac.

June 25, 1864.

Dear wife,

My last letter was dated near the railroad; while I was writing there were some skirmishers thrown out on the road, and the pioneers were tearing up the rails. Among them were companies F, L, K, and one other of the 11th Vt. and the 4th Vt. 4 Companies of the 11th and a part of the 4th were taken prisoners. There are a few left from each company. I saw what is left of Company F, Willard Morse, Elbridge Varnum, Charlie Brooks have gone to Richmond. I found but two left that I knew, David Morse and Henry Dawson. Saw Charles Dolloff. He was drawing rations at the time; they were taken pretty slick. We were but a little ways from them. Them that got away talk about firing several vollies, but they did not make much noise. I do not believe they fired a shot. I heard a few scattering shots, but no more than I had been hearing all the time.