Wallace Stevens Essay, Commas, Connecticut, Rugged Independence and Good Will to All

This passage from a Wallace Stevens essay moved me, in part because I have been in the Connecticut visiting my mom, family and the land of my origin. It also strikes me that all of those writing instructors that I have had, who kept trying to remove almost every comma from my writing, were wrong. Notice how lovely the abundant use of commas make this piece, and how hard it would be to create as lovely an essay if it was attempted without them.

“I was not myself born in the state. There is nothing that gives the feel of Connecticut, like coming home to it. . .


Donna Macomber Joins Brattleboro Selectboard

Donna Macomber was unanimously selected to fill the vacancy on the Brattleboro Selectboard at a special meeting Thursday evening.

She and Michael Bosworth were nominated after being interviewed; Ian Kiehle and Steve Cormier were not nominated. Kate O’Connor thanked all who applied. “We were really lucky to have four really good people interested.”

During her interview Macomber said she hoped to bring energy and excitement to the board, as well as humility, emotional intelligence, a “beginner’s mind,” and an ability to make decisions.


Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Executive Sessions

It is anticipated that the Brattleboro Selectboard will enter into executive session at one or both of the special meetings scheduled on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at 5:00pm and 6:30pm, to discuss contractual and personnel matters.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100


Selectboard Meeting Notes: Town Manager Resigns, 8,000 Solar Panel Farm Planned Near I-91

The Brattleboro Selectboard bid farewell to Ken Schneck, whose resignation is effective this week, but in a surprise announcement it was learned that Town Manager Barb Sondag will be resigning as well.  Sondag said that she’ll be taking a position in Missouri to be closer to family, and so the board must find a replacement. 

The Brooks House’s complex funding may be in place by next week, with construction beginning in late July. Skating rink repairs have been put on ice until the board’s next meeting. And the public is invited to comment on a proposal to put 8,000 solar panels near the Holiday Inn, viewable from I-91.

And much, much more. Read on for the details.


Brattleboro Safe from Dangerous Grannies – For Now

Brattleboro police nabbed eight senior citizens last week, including one nonagenarian, charging each with a single count of disorderly conduct.

According to police, Ellen Graves, 72, of West Springfield, MA; Priscilla Lynch, 61, of Conway, MA; Linda Owen, 73, of Brattleboro; Patricia Wieland, 69, of Northampton, MA; Anneke Corbett, 70, of Florence, MA; Frances Crowe, 94, of Northampton, MA; Marcia Gagliardi, 65, of Athol, MA, and Susan Lantz, 72, of Northampton, MA, were arrested at about 7:35 am on Wednesday, June 12.


Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – June 18, 2013

Overpriced ice rink compressors will be a topic of conversation at the next regular Tuesday meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. The single bid received for fixing the ice rink came in more than $100,000 over what was anticipated to be a $364,000 project, and the Town can’t afford a $471,000 price tag, says the Finance Director.

The Town also plans to purchase a new dump truck and brush chipper, BaBB will give the board a status update, Brooks House owners Mesabi, Inc. will return to ask for an additional $50,000 in loans from the Town of Brattleboro, and much more. Tune in to watch on BCTV, attend in person at the Municipal Center, and read full coverage here the day after.


Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meetings – Interviews and Appointment

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold two special meetings on Thursday, June 20, 2013 in the Selectboard meeting room at the Municipal Center.  The first meeting will commence at 5:00pm.  The second meeting will commence at 6:30pm.  Agendas for both meetings are attached.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100


Brattleboro Selectboard Vacancy – Candidates

The deadline for candidates to submit letters of interest for the vacancy on the Brattleboro Selectboard was Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 5:00pm. Applications were timely received from the following individuals (in the order received):

Donna Macomber
Ian Kiehle
Michael Bosworth
Steve Cormier


Are We Trustworthy? Laptop Stolen

I have the sweetest daughter. Roia is my angel. She has a mild form of autism called aspergers. She loves her life, family, faith, pets and her music. Although not true, Roia will tell you she is nothing without her music. Music is her connect, her happy place that sets her soul free in these bittersweet times.

Roia is also one of the most ethical and moral people I know. In a heartbeat she would and has given a beloved treasure to a child in need.Sometimes we take away treasures more precious than things.


New Breakfast Spot In Town!

Brattleboro Cheese Shop & Café is now serving BREAKFAST! 

Come to 39 Main Street, across from the Latchis Theatre and Hotel, and have a real, homestyle breakfast!  

We now serve breakfast TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 7am til 11am.

Delicious egg sandwiches and egg platters available to enjoy in the store or take with you.  We feature Vermont’s indigenous cheese — Plymouth Artisan cheese — on our breakfast sandwiches.  It’s similar to Cheddar but is smoother and melts beautifully.  And it was invented by Calvin Coolidge’s father!


SVDF 2013 Has Intern Opportunities!

Southern Vermont Dance Festival is looking for interns! We have opportunities for interns at the undergrad and graduate level in dance, arts administration, non profit management or business looking for experience and an amazing resume item as well as the high school level, looking for an amazing opportunity that looks great on college applications! If you are interested please send an email with resume and letter of interest to brenda@flowyogadance.com . Acceptance is rolling, but limited spaces are available. Join us and get in at the ground floor of an huge and exciting brand new dance festival.

For more information on the Southern Vermont Dance Festival go to www.southernvermontdancefestival.com. 


Assistant Director Needed

The Southern Vermont Dance Festival is looking for an assistant director.  The response to the festival has been so fantastic that we are in need of more hands on deck.  The festival takes place in 6 weeks from Jully 18th to July 21st and qualified applicants must be available from now and through the event weekend.  This position is a volunteer position with potential to receive stipend as well as the potential to become a part time paid position in years to come.  To apply please contact brenda@flowyogadance.com or call 410 227 3173.  For more information about the festival please see our website www.southernvermontdancefestival.com . 


Brattleboro ADA Advisory Committee Meeting

The Brattleboro ADA Advisory Committee will meet on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 10:00am at the Marlboro College Graduate Center in the VCIL conference room.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100


West Brattleboro Association Monthly Meeting

On Thursday, June 13, 6:00-7:30 pm, the West Brattleboro Association (WBA) will hold its monthly meeting at The New England House, 254 Marlboro Road. The Association will review the treasury, traffic safety especially as it regards the stretch of Route 9 from Academy School to Greenleaf Street, the ‘Neighborhoods Project’, and any news regarding Glen Park and Mountain Home Park.

In addition, Association members will review the work plan for the remainder of the year starting with Village Day on Saturday, June 22, held on the West Brattleboro common in front of the firehouse. The group will discuss items to be displayed in the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce window promoting the event.