It’s that time of year when seniors are assaulted with all kinds of media ads for Medicare Advantage enrollment.
It is also the open enrollment period for Medicare, from October 15-December 7, when Medicare enrollees can change plans. Choosing a plan is always complicated but, if you gather good information, you can make an informed decision.
Less than half of seniors are enrolled in traditional Medicare. This plan has predictable costs and when coupled with a Medicare Supplemental policy will provide 100% coverage for hospital and outpatient care. Medicare coverage is comprehensive and traditional Medicare allows you to go to any health care provider in the country who is a Medicare provider. Almost all providers accept Medicare.
Next Stage Arts presents dynamic eight-piece band Hazmat Modine, on Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, in Putney.
Hazmat Modine is “a uniquely intercontinental sonic collage encompassing a tremendous range of instrumental, vocal, and conceptual originality–all with a lot of soul and groove.” This dynamic eight-piece band has toured and performed original songs for 25+ years with genre-defying music that is quintessentially New York–vibrant international cultures meets American Roots. Diverse backgrounds in Gypsy Jazz, Downtown Avant Guard loft music, Blues, Soul, Country, Rock n’ Roll, and Roots is written and performed by musicians whose ages span every decade from their 20s to 70s.
Next Stage Arts presents Portland-based string ensemble Palaver Strings, on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, in Putney.
“Last time they performed at Next Stage, they opened a new world of musical compositions I’ve never heard – the ensemble is bringing light to the careers of composers living and dead, from around the world,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “For sure, any classical music-loving audience member is going to fall in love. What was also apparent was that even for those adventurous music lovers, this is music that is relevant and heartfelt.”
The ensemble’s current program, Ready or Not Revisited, celebrates the groundbreaking visions of women, queer, trans, and nonbinary composers from the medieval period to the present day. This program builds on the concept of Palaver’s 2022 album Ready or Not, which “blew the tent flap open to embrace new contemporary classical fans” (Midwest Record) and left BBC Music Magazine “wanting more.” Repertoire includes wide-ranging selections by Jessie Montgomery, Hildegard von Bingen, inti figgis-vizueta, Tanner Porter, Sato Matsui, Leilehua Lanzilotti, Pétalo Seslar and Lili Boulanger. Ready or Not Revisited disrupts our expectations, challenges our narratives, and uplifts a multitude of voices who have always been here, whether the concert hall was ready or not.
The Hinsdale Bridge, Bridge Street, and Route 119, which were temporarily closed to traffic during the morning of October 16, 2024, have since reopened.
The Hinsdale, NH bridge on Route 119 is currently closed due to an emergency incident. The traffic lights on lower Main Street are on flash and access to NH Route 119 is closed at the Bridge and Main Street intersection. Motorists should seek alternate routes.
Please be advised that Hinsdale Bridge and Bridge Street are temporarily closed to traffic as of 10:30 a.m. on October 16, 2024.
The Town will notify the public once the temporary closure has been lifted. Visit Brattleboro.gov for updates.
Next Stage Arts and Potash Hill present a public performance by world-renowned JACK Quartet, on Friday, November 8 at 7:00 pm at Ragle Hall, in Marlboro.
This fall, the world-renowned JACK Quartet and its cadre of musical collaborators will descend upon Potash Hill to workshop and develop new musical work. Three resident artists of the quartet’s JACK Studio program will work closely with the ensemble on new material and receive mentorship from current JACK Studio commissioned composer, Anthony Cheung, who will also work with JACK on a new work for its premiere on November 10 at the 92NY.
It is the second Selectboard meeting of October, and more potential tax increases were considered. The cost of trash, recycling and compost will be going up substantially to cover the costs of the new automated robot arm collection system. The Town says it isn’t that the new system is expensive, it is that the old system was way too cheap. Hints that the costs will skyrocket more after signing on were given.
The board discussed a million dollar plus plan to put a police substation, four public bathrooms, a community room, and new parking system offices at the Transportation Center. They also heard from members of the public saying these costs were too much.
The board’s “Review of Debt Management Guidelines” was postponed to another meeting.
Summary
● English Language Learners Program: A new program was proposed by student rep to support TOFEL practice and cultural immersion, which could also benefit introverted students.
● Safety Concerns: The Board discussed traffic safety issues on Atwood Dr., near the high school
● Budget and Finance: The Finance Committee reviewed the first quarter of FY25 and the board explored alternative ways to engage with the budgetary process and communication.
● Cell Phone Usage: Concerns were raised about the impact of cell phones in schools, particularly at BUHS, with discussions about limiting usage and teaching responsible technology use.
● Approval of Funds: The Board approved the carryover of $223,577.49 in excess Head Start funds, with considerations for environmentally friendly spending on items like playground materials and hybrid vehicles.
● Policy FI, Student Conduct and Discipline was approved by the Board.
New Business – The Chair read the following statement regarding the Superintendent’s contract.
“On February 16, 2024, I negotiated and signed a new three year contract with our Superintendent, Mark Speno, at the direction of the WSESU Board. The Board voted unanimously to authorize me to do this at a regularly scheduled and duly warned meeting on February 14, 2024.
The contract began on July 1, 2024 and expires on June 30.2027. It contains provision for an annual raise for each of those years. This is a usual and customary contract in the state of Vermont. Annual raises are a standard component of educational contracts, which protect school personnel from the prevailing winds of politics.
1. Introduction of members. Members introduced themselves and their backgrounds.
2. Election of chair and secretary.
Maggie nominated Kristina for Chair, motion was seconded by Ellie. The vote was unanimous. On a motion by Ellie seconded Kristina, Maggie was unanimously elected secretary.
3. Training -committee discussed Training with Frank on the chart of accounts. The IBRC committee will plan a funding formula training in the upcoming weeks.
The Brattleboro Traffic Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 8:00am in the Selectboard Meeting Room and over Zoom. The agenda has been amended to accommodate an additional request.
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