Summer 2024 has begun with hot weather and big thunderstorms, and we start another seasonal post for you to add to at any time. If you hear something or see something interesting, make a note of it for history’s sake. No need to write any more than a sentence here, though readers like to have words to look at. : )
To start:
• NECCA has the red and white striped circus tent up at the entryway. A sure sign of summer.
• TOTH still closed. (Someone should do a summer pop-up shop at the former Top of the Hill Grill, selling popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, and cool drinks. Show circus act videos outdoors at night, like a mini drive-in, or let people watch some NECCA practice/shows.)
• There will be discussion of what to do about the Esteyville bandstand. (Related to that and the above, it is time to form a real circus band that can play real circus music. The talent is around here. Needs organizing and some structure.)
Broad Brook Community Center
Broad Brook Community Center in Guilford got a 2024 preservation award!
“Broad Brook Community Center, Guilford, VT
For extensive renovations of and bringing new vitality to the 19th century grange building, a 2024 Preservation Award goes to Broad Brook Community Center, Inc., Stevens & Associates, P.C., and Mathes Hulme Builders.”
Watch the video: https://ptvermont.org/broad-brook-community-center-guilford-vt-2024-preservation-award/
Losing hair
Salon Jacquie no longer downtown.
On High Street there is no beer, that's why we drink it... on Elliot.
The former downtown community space with public restrooms – the River Garden – is papered over and closed. (Remember when Brattleboro selectboard members praised the Whetstone Brewery folks for taking it over? They also gave a loan so they could have a food truck…. in Dummerston.)
Hermit Thrush is closed. (Remember when Brattleboro selectboard members praised Hermit Thrush, and the town almost elected one of the owners?)
West Dover establishment (by way of CT) “Snow Republic Brewing Company” has a sign in the window of the former bank at Elliot and Main saying they plan to open there. (Rinse, repeat.)
Harmony Underground going out of business
It’s been downtown since I’ve got here, always a tremendous attitude from the staff, will be sorry to see it go.
Perhaps the competition from the Void was too stiff.
Rabbit on Estey street 6.30am today
Hopping from one yard to the next, brown fur with a distinctive bright white tail. Cute thing, looked at me for quite a bit but was too quick for me to get a photo of it.
Cottontail Rabbits
Cottontails are making a comeback in the past few years. I see them on walks on a regular basis now. Especially in the Fuller Drive area. Not sure how they stay out the clutches of local foxes, except that foxes are almost all nocturnal in town and rabbits must be out mostly in daylight.
West B Wabbits
I, too, have seen the bunnies.
I spotted one in West B not too far from the Sleep With Us motel space. Very happy to see the little one hopping about.
Easy WVEW....
WVEW did a tiny upgrade of interest to some, I’m sure.
If you ask Alexa to “play WVEW” or “play Brattleboro Community Radio,” it will.
New mural
That new mural at Pliny Park is AMAZING…. not done yet, but wow. Nice job.
It’s a mosaic made of a collection of broken up pieces of glass, plates, toys, and other items and fills the wall against the flower shop.
Top of the Hill, etc.
1. Top of the Hill is going to become Gnaw Barbecue according to a posted sign. There is also a food truck sitting out in their parking lot.
(Not sure of that name… “Hey kids, want to go out for BBQ?” “Gnaw!” “Okay, we’ll stay in and have salad.” : ) )
2. The downtown bank that is becoming a brew pub at Elliot and Main streets has a new sign on the Main Street side.
3. The Margrave has added to his empire. Whetstone Brewery restaurant changing hands, to be renamed and owned by the same person that owns the Reformer, the mall at Exit 1, and a viking-themed conference development in Guilford.
Walk of the West Side
That West B sidewalk is looking good. I’ve seen lots of people using it, too.
Coloring up
It feels early to me. but the leaves are turning. Loving the cooler, drier air. It’s been a swamp all Summer out here in West B.