The BAJC “Pop-up” Gift Shop for Chanukah!

The BAJC “pop-up” gift shop will be open for several  days this week and next.  Chanukah candles are available, along with menorahs, dreidels, chocolate “gelt” and other Judaica and gift items. Although you can’t purchase anything on Shabbat,  you can select your candles and gifts next Saturday morning (12/13), and pay another day, when it’s not Shabbat. (You can send a check to BAJC.) 

The gift shop (in the BAJC office–the cottage behind the shul) will also be open on Monday 12/8 from 3:00 to 6:00on Wednesday the 10th from 1:30 to 5:30, on Thursday the 11th from 3:00 to 8:30, and on Friday the 19th from 4:00 on.


What Is A Quaker?

For my friends and acquaintances, who will frequently ask me “What’s a Quaker?” “Aren’t they something like the Amish?” and especially “Why do you always seem to speak out about things that concern you?”


Nice Snow Coming Down in Brattleboro

For the moment, the snow falling outside looks quite wonderful. It’s somewhat heavy looking, falling fast and straight with occasional gusts to blow it around.

I have yet to think too much about shovelling it, and can just appreciate this first covering over of autmn remnants.

Check the for the latest in forecasts, don’t drive unless you absolutely have to, and have a safe and warm Thanksgiving. 


Brattleboro Parking Ban Ticket?

When I moved in to the town of Brattleboro in April, I went to the parking enforcement office to find out about the parking rules on my street. Carol Coulombe in that office said don’t worry about unless there is snow and not mentioning the winter parking ban. Well apparently Officer Hamilton went on a ticketing spree last night and I woke to a parking ticket and not a flake of snow.


BMH Annual Meeting Features Special Guests and Key Topics

The Annual Meeting of the Southern Vermont Health Services Corporation and its subsidiary, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) held on November 14, 2014 featured special guests, key topics, and various recognitions.

Keynote speaker , Founding Member, Vermont Green Mountain Care Board and Adjunct Professor, Dept. Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, discussed the evolution of the US health care delivery system and the population health approach to improving the health of communities.


Entergy Push Poll

Yesterday, I was called by “VT Opinion Survey” with what was quite obviously a push poll from Entergy, owners of Vermont Yankee. I am a sucker for polls and had a fun time scoring Entergy on topics such as “trust worthy” and “transparency.” After about 20 minutes, the caller repeated the same initial questions and asked if, as a result of the call, I had changed my mind on any of the topics.

Anyone else out there get a call?


Pharmacy Search

I just got notice that, unfortunately Hotel Pharmacy will no longer be a part of my insurance prescription network. I’ve been a customer there for 8 years and now need to find a new pharmacy. Does anyone know if there are any other pharmacies in town that offer delivery service?


Paws for Prevention Photo Fundraiser

Come support Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition and Windham County Humane Society on Saturday by coming out with your two-legged and four-legged loved ones and enjoy the fun of having a professional photograph taken, by Liz LaVorgna of Core Photo, in a nostalgic winter holiday setting.

Photos will be provided in digital form to download  to a personal computer or smartphone. Prints may be ordered online and the images can be used to create unique holiday gifts such as mugs, calendars and more.


Vintage Game – Crossbows and Catapults

I know this is a very long shot but thought I’d give it a try. My son’s had a game in the 80s called “Crossbows and Catapults” which they loved. We were trying to find one of these for a reasonable price. EBay and Amazon have several ranging from $150 to $275 ….ridiculous.  

So, I’m wondering if somewhere in the diverse land of ibrattleboro someone might have one of these languishing in their attic? As I said, I realize the chances are slim but thought it was worth a try. I’m happy to pay a reasonable price for it. Thanks!


BMH Physician Group Adds Post-Acute Care Provider

BMH Physician Group announces the addition of Nancy J. Redfield, RN, MS, ARNP, BC to its Post-Acute Care Services.

Redfield will work with Eric Pofcher, MD to provide direct care for patients from the time of discharge from Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, or another acute care facility, to admission at a skilled nursing facility. Their duties include managing medical problems in post-acute medical episode recovery, stabilizing chronic conditions and supporting decisions for individualized end-of-life care.


Brattleboro Family Medicine Welcomes New Providers

BMH Physician Group announced that Amanda J. Hepler, MD and Jeff Meckling, PA-C, have joined and are accepting patients.

A graduate of Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Dr. Hepler served her family medicine residency at Latrobe Family Medicine in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.


Aphids On Your Medical Marijuana Plants? Get LadyBugs!

I found a little lady bug and didn’t have the heart to put it out in the cold, what with the weather going below freezing at night. So, I looked up ladybugs on the internet and found you can keep one as a pet.  I took in a green pumpkin that had never ripened and followed instructions to care for it.  Just a paper towel around the stem, a few drops of water a day on the paper towel so the lady bug can suck the water out, and a drop of honey a day for food.  I’ve had my pet lady bug for about 10 days now, she did leave for 2 days, then returned to her green pumpkin. 


First Barre Class in Southern Vermont

BarreWorks is a fitness class offered at HotWheelz Studio (www.hotwheelzcycle.com) in Putney (13 Kimball Hill) on Thursdays at 6 am.  Not a dance class, not a Pilates class, not a yoga class…but Barre specifically works on lengthening muscles, developing core strength, and improving flexibility and posture. 

A fast-paced 45-minute class encompasses all major muscle groups and is adaptable to all fitness levels. Barre is a natural complement to running, cycling and other cardio-intensive activities. The results are amazing; come check it out for yourself!


Project Feed the Thousands 20th Annual Fundraising Kick-Off November 7, 2014

Brattleboro, Vermont – On the morning of Friday November 7th, Project Feed the Thousands Campaign will kick off its 20th annual food drive. The launch will take place at Brattleboro’s Price Chopper Supermarket on Canal Street, in the morning with a live broadcast hosted by longtime media supporter, WTSA 96.7 FM followed up by and afternoon launch at Brattleboro Food Cooperative in downtown Brattleboro, hosted by another generous media supporter, WYRY 104.9 FM.

“The community goal this year is to raise $100,000 in cash, as well as to collect enough provisions for 200,000 meals.” Reports Jeff Morse, Project Co-Chair and President of River Valley Credit Union. Various businesses and individuals, in conjunction with Project Feed the Thousands, will be accepting non-perishable food, personal care items and cash donations. All campaign contributions will then be distributed to many area food shelves to help thousands of people who struggle with hunger throughout southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire.


RIP Tom Magliozzi

Tom, better known as Click, of Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers from the long running NPR automotive show “Car Talk” left us yesterday.

You will be missed.

(Tom is the guy on the left)


Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast notes – Oct. 24, 2014 – “Medicare Facts & Medicare Fraud”

Medicare Facts & Medicare Fraud

Presenter: Kelly McElheny,
Community of Vermont Elders – C.O.V.E./SMP
Southern VT Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

SMP (formerly “Senior Medicare Patrol”) is a program that exists in all 50 states and is funded by the  to empower seniors to protect themselves against Medicare errors, fraud or abuse. Since 2003, C.O.V.E. has been the sponsoring agency, administering the federal grant. Anita Hoy <> is the Director who also covers the territory north of Rte. 4 / White River Junction, while Kelly McElheny covers the southern part of the state.


BMH Offers Free Educational Program on High School Sports Injuries

On November 10, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will be offering a free educational program titled “High School Sports Injuries: Prevention, Treatment and Care,” featuring Physician Assistants Maureen Mahoney, PA-C, and Wayne Temmen, PA-C. They will be presenting information that parents, teachers, coaches and athletes should know about sports injuries, including recognition of an injury and proper treatment so students may recover safely and quickly.