News & Information

News and information sections, from near to far

Annual Way To Go! Commuter Challenge Set To Take Off With Big Prizes and Big Fun

by Not Signed In | State News

The seventh annual Way to Go! Commuter Challenge kicks off on May 13th, and it’s generating a lot of excitement. So far, 130 businesses have signed up to participate, and more than 1,500 commuters are pledged to take part. In addition, Governor Shumlin has officially proclaimed May 13th-17th as “Way to Go! Week” in Vermont to voice his support for the effort, which saves money while reducing air pollution and congestion on the state’s roads.

The challenge is designed to raise awareness of transportation options among commuters by encouraging them to travel in ways other than driving alone. Participants pledge to take the bus, bike, walk, carpool, car share, or telecommute during the week of the challenge, and become eligible to win a variety of prizes, including gym memberships, ski passes, hotel stays, transit passes, and much more.

Vermont Quit Partners Impact State’s Communities

by BAPC | Town News

Person–To-Person Contact Increases Success Rate For Smokers Who Want Help To Quit

Windham County — The Vermont Department of Health announced it is launching a campaign to introduce the to Vermont tobacco users. The statewide network includes 50 Quit Partners and 15 community health teams.

Green Mountain Camp – Remembering & Reconnecting Reunion

by betsg | Town News

On Saturday May 18th from 5 to 9 PM, Green Mountain Camp will be celebrating 96 years of memories at their reunion for friends and alumnae! Whether you are 9 or 90, there will be pictures, songs and stories to remind you of your magical time at Green Mountain Camp.

Come see what has changed at the camp and what has stayed the same. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as you enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner, s’mores, and singing around the campfire. During the evening there will be guest appearances by past GMC directors.

Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast – Invitation

by RobertOeser | Town News

Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast – Slow Living Summit – A Sneak Preview

The next “Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast” will take place on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Gibson Aiken Center, downstairs, hosted by Senior Meals. Doors open at 7:30am.

Martin Langeveld will give a sneak preview of the Slow Living Summit — a gathering of local, regional, and national leaders, experts and concerned citizens around topics in sustainable living, resilient communities and inner transformation happening in downtown Brattleboro June 5th through 7th.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – May 7, 2013

by cgrotke | Town News

Attend the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting Tuesday at the Municipal Center and learn about bonding options for the Poilice Fire facilities project, refinancing of the Honeywell energy project, options for compressor replacement at the skating rink, and grants to improve the intersection at Union Hill and Western Avenue.

The police will request a mobile data terminal to help catch terrorists, and to be used in conjunction with the license plate reader recently acquired via Homeland Security funding. The previously-postponed Paint the Pavement Pilot Project perhaps will get permission to proceed, we’ll learn more about the town’s solar energy plans, the West River Park will get lighting, and more.

Watch on BCTV, live or streaming, and tune in here Wednesday for a recap.

Strolling of the Heifers is named a Top 10 US Summer Festival

by MartinLangeveld | Town News

has been named one of the Top 10 Summer Festivals in the United States by , a national website that ranks quality of life and travel amenities of America’s small and mid-sized cities. 

In the announcement, Livability editor Matt Carmichael said, “The best summer festivals not only encourage tourism, but also engage and inspire residents. That community spirit drives the festival’s success and is often reflected in the festival’s character.”

Strolling of the Heifers has celebrated farmers and advocated for local foods since 2002 with its annual agriculturally-themed weekend festival, taking place in Brattleboro June 7-9 this year. The festival’s centerpiece is the Strolling of the Heifers Parade on Saturday, June 8 followed by the all-day Slow Living Expo featuring local food, fun, entertainment and educational exhibits.

Small Business Loans for Brattleboro Residents

by Not Signed In | Business

Community Capital of Vermont is a statewide small business and microenterprise lender serving low and moderate income entrepreneurs. Loans range in size from $1,000 to $100,000 and can be used for business start-up or growth and expansion. CCVT specializes in providing loans to business owners who lack the collateral or credit history to qualify for traditional bank loans.

Loan proceeds can be used for working capital, equipment or vehicle, inventory, or to refinance debt.

West Brattleboro Association Monthly Meeting

by Not Signed In | Town News

On Thursday, May 9, 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, the status of the town’s traffic safety study as it regards the stretch of Route 9 from Academy School to Greenleaf Street, and review its participation in Green Up Day. The group will also discuss the ‘Neighborhoods Project’ and any news regarding Glen Park and Mountain Home Park.

Police/Fire Project: Your Turn

by spoon | Police & Fire

What are the options for the Police/Fire project? On the one hand the project can, without further ado, go forward with its $14.1 million dollar budget. This item alone will add 9-10 cents onto the tax rate next year (beginning July 2014). On the other hand, well, anything is possible. For instance: only doing the fire station now with an extra story or two, moving the town offices there and simply making some renovations to the Municipal Bldg to get police department functions out of the basement. Postpone West Bratt for now. This would dramatically cut immediate costs.  However I put this one idea out only to open the door to brainstorming.  There are probably ten thousand other possibilities.

 

Windham Foundation Awards Grant to Vermont Partnership

by Not Signed In | Business

The Windham Foundation has awarded Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity a $5,000 grant to support its 2nd Annual Vermont Vision for a Multicultural Future Conference. The conference will be held November 7th – 8th, 2013 at the Grand Summit Hotel at the Mount Snow Resort in Dover, Vermont.

The Vermont Vision conference allows leaders from different sectors to generate actionable ideas in a participant-driven process. The conference’s unique format, facilitated by Adrian Segar, engages participants in deciding what is discussed and presented, by whom, when and how.

Ask-a-Cop: Faded License Plates

by BrattPoliceDept | Police & Fire

“As I drive around town, I’ve noticed that there seems to be a growing number of vehicles that have very faded Vermont license plates.  They are so faded that you can’t possibly read them.  They seem to be more recent plates.  The one I’ve had on my car for 15 years is still bright and readable.  Are these plates made of some material that fades rather quickly in the sun maybe?

I just wondered if this is a problem for the police, who I would think would have considerable difficulty reading the plates. And would these drivers be able to get a newer copy of the same plate somehow?”

Regarding license plates, Vermont law section 511 of Chapter 7, Title 23 requires that, among other things,  “The number plates shall be kept entirely unobscured, the numerals and the letters thereon shall be plainly legible at all times.”

Brattleboro Farmers Market Opens Saturday, May 4th – With the Maypole!

by Not Signed In | Business

The Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market opens for the season Saturday, May 4th! Join us in welcoming new and returning vendors, market friends and customers, and the many signs of spring– including the traditional Maypole Dancing, with Andy Davis and friends, from 11 to 1. Families are welcome!

The market is open outdoors on Rte 9 in West Brattleboro, rain or shine, every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. EBT and debit cards are welcome. Enjoy our picnic tables, children’s area and take advantage of our ample parking or Frequent Walker/Biker Program.

Brattleboro Curbside Compost Set to Start – Cart Distribution Schedule

by Mosski | Town News

Over 700 households have signed up for Brattleboro’s upcoming curbside compost program.

Distribution of curbside carts and kitchen containers will be held at the Nelson E. Withington Ice Rink at Memorial Park Saturday, May 4th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday May 11th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those who wish to participate, but have not signed up, are welcome. All participants must currently have their trash and recycling picked up by the town. Those living in buildings with 5 or more units cannot participate – they should speak with their landlord about recycling and composting options.

Brattleboro Spring Water Main Flushing Schedule

by Not Signed In | Town News

WATER  MAIN  FLUSHING  TO  START

Utilities Division crews will start Spring Flushing of the Town water mains on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 10:00 p.m. and continue through Saturday, May 11, 2013. 

NOTE!!  Some daytime flushing will continue throughout the week of May 13, 2013.

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

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.