Winter Farmers’ Market Returns to the River Garden

The Winter Farmers’ Market returns to the River Garden for the eighth season of the longest running diverse indoor farmers’ market in southern Vermont. With the upcoming transfer of the River Garden property from BABB to Strolling of the Heifers, the Winter Farmers’ Market keeps it wonderful home on Main St. Fans of the famous outdoor summer farmer’s market in West Brattleboro, can simply follow many of their favorite vendors indoors starting Saturday, November 2 from 10 – 2.


Heat Pump Workshop Offered

Are you paying too much to heat your home, business, or rental property, or looking to cut your use of fossil fuels? A new generation of super-efficient electric heat pumps, suitable for northern climates, may be the answer for you. These devices provide heat and domestic hot water using 25-50% less energy than conventional systems. They are environmentally-friendly as well – 87% free of carbon emissions in Green Mountain Power territory. Heat pumps can also be combined with solar electric panels to provide 100% renewable energy.


Brattleboro Jelly Company?

This morning I was at Dental Health on Western Avenue and while I was there I saw some really interesting product labels from the Brattleboro Jelly Company. Dr. Neumeister had them mated and framed and they looked like they were probably from the early 1900’s. I looked online and I found other vintage Brattleboro Jelly Company labels for sale. Amazon.com even sells a canvas reproduction of the company’s maple syrup label. But I couldn’t find any information on the company itself.

Where was it located? Who owned it? When was the company in business? I have a feeling that there’s an interesting story behind those labels and I’m hoping that someone on ibrattleboro knows it and is willing to share.

Ken Brace


People’s United Bank Helps BMH Open “The Doorway to Exceptional Care”

Hospital officials announced today has once again stepped up in support of the greater Brattleboro community with a $75,000 pledge to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s “The Doorway to Exceptional Care” capital campaign.

“We are proud to support Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s capital campaign for the renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department. The improved facility is vital to our community and to People’s United Bank’s 160 employees working in Brattleboro,” says Arne Hammarlund, Community Services Manager.


Paddlng In The Retreat Meadows

In an effort to get me to stop talking about the beach, Chris bought us a canoe this summer, well used but sturdy and appropriately green.  I’m not an expert paddler but I love to float around in boats, so I was appeased by this gesture.  Even so, it was almost September before we had mastered our knots (for tying it to the car) and assembled our gear.  But all the preparation turned out to be worthwhile once we pushed off into the Retreat Meadows.


Local Food-Wine Event – Sunday Oct 27 11-3 – Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole

Hello –

Some of you may know that I started a specialty food business last year. Part of Vermont Quince’s social mission is to reintroduce the ancient fruit to palates throughout the U.S. Toward that end, we are teaming up with our primary source of quince on “Honoring the Heirloom: A Culinary Celebration of Quince & Apples,” a food event happening this Sunday afternoon at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH. 


G.S. Precision Helps BMH Open “The New Doorway to Exceptional Care”

is the latest business to join Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s “The Doorway to Exceptional Care” capital campaign. Hospital officials announced the Brattleboro-based company has made a $100,000 pledge to help renovate and expand the Emergency Department.

“G.S. Precision’s slogan is, ‘Quality, Efficiency and Reliability,’ and that is exactly what they are supporting with their gift to BMH,” says Steven R. Gordon, the hospital’s president and CEO. “The number of patients coming to the Emergency Department each year has more than doubled since it was built in 1982. The additional 2,500 square feet of space will enable us maintain a high standard of care while also improving speed, comfort and privacy for patients and families.”


BMH Receives Komen Grant to Purchase Specialized Mammochair

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) has received a grant from the to support access to early detection and treatment programs for disabled patients.

With the Komen grant, BMH has purchased a specialized “Mammochair” to enhance the patient experience and enable BMH technologists to maximize patient positioning and ensure better images for diagnosis. The mammography chair is maneuverable, allowing the technologist to manipulate positions without constant readjustment of the patient.


Vermont Jazz Center’s Howard Brofsky

The Vermont Jazz Center is deeply saddened to announce that our beloved president emeritus, Howard Brofsky passed away on Thursday, October 17th, 2013 at 8:08 PM. He led a life filled with passion for music of all kinds, and always made time for the people he cared for. We at the Vermont Jazz Center are grateful for his enduring support and mentorship. He has been the pillar of our legacy, gracefully upholding the tradition of our founder, Attila Zoller while providing his own insight, unerring swing and sophistication. Dr. Bebop died as he lived, with grace and humor and warmth, surrounded by people he loved. He will be dearly missed.


Brattleboro Ford Test Drive Event to Benefit BMH Emergency Department Campaign

announced it is sponsoring a “Drive 4 UR Community” event to benefit the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Emergency Department renovation and expansion project on Sunday, October 27.

From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM this Sunday, anyone with a valid driver’s license can test drive any Ford vehicle on a track set up in the BMH parking lot, located at 17 Belmont Avenue in Brattleboro, and Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to “The Doorway to Exceptional Care” capital campaign. Free coffee and donuts will be provided in the morning and complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers will be served from 12:00noon to 2:00 PM. An inflatable bouncy house and face-painters will also be on the premises to entertain children during the entire event.


Dispose of Expired/Unwanted Medications During National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day This Saturday 10/26/13

Dispose of expired and excess medications at Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, October 26, 2013  10am – 2pm


Safely dispose of unwanted and expired prescription medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26th from 10am-2pm at one of five locations in Windham County, Vermont. All types of medications will be collected including sharps, liquids, pills and patches. Safe disposal of medications during Take Back Day prevents contamination of waterways and reduces the opportunity for medications to be misused by others. 

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Locations:  


Getting Married in Brattleboro. Recommendations for Justice of the Peace or Other Officiants?

We have recently relocated to Brattleboro and are getting married! Being new to town, we are overwelmed by the choices of JPs and other officiants in the area. We have no history or familiarity with any of them. I was unable to find much online for most of the JPs in town, although for a few I did uncover some town involvement and newspaper quotes over the years.

I’d expect we aren’t alone in wondering who to call first; Brattleboro is a destination town, and  I’d imagine people visit here to get married, and have the same questions as us.


Deceased Cat Found Without ID

 Sadly a large whiteish cat was discovered last night (around 6:30 pm) hit and killed in the road, most likely by a car in front of 64 Western Ave. He or She was a large white cat with tabby type markings. The cat has been stored in a box if you are possibly the owner and care to examine please reply, but will be turned over to the town animal control officer by early tomorrow morning.Sorry for your loss if this is you. Please respond to this post for more information if you think was your cat.


Meal Train for Elliot St. Fire Victims – Help With Food Needed, Starting Today!

From Bethany Thies:

http://www.mealtrain.com/train/invite/1.aspx?id=R7TKvTbHB6I%3d

“The meal train link benefiting the displaced families of the Elliot Street Fire is linked below. Please share, add people via e-mail on the link and also share of your time. We are still looking for donations of food for today, Saturday 10/19 and tomorrow, Sunday 10/20. Help how you can! if you can not make a
meal, we also need beverages (milk, juice and water), fresh sliced fruits and veggies and dessert items. Please give of your hands and heart.


The Root Social Justice Center Hosts Opening Celebration on November 1

The Root Social Justice Center is hosting an opening celebration on Friday, November 1 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. during Gallery Walk. Located on the ground floor of the beautiful Whetstone Studio for the Arts building at 28 Williams Street in Brattleboro, The Root Social Justice Center provides a physically and financially accessible space to support and bring together communities working for social justice. The Root is a co-work office collective by day and a community space on evenings and weekends.


Type II Diabetes: Can It Be Prevented or Managed? October 21

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is offering a free seminar entitled, “Type II Diabetes: Can it be Prevented or Managed?” on Monday, October 21 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the BMH Brew Barry Conference Center.

Diabetes is a continuum of diseases and slowing the progression of insulin resistance is essential to long-term health and well-being. Dr. Ferry, an endocrinologist, will discuss lifestyle and treatment options that can help prevent the disease or allow it to be successfully managed. Additionally, the talk will include a review of the early symptoms of diabetes and what diabetes can mean for your health.

Advance registration is available by calling 802-257-8877.


Lyme Disease in Vermont

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will present a free talk about Lyme disease by Vermont Department of Health Epidemiologist Erica Berl on Monday, October 21 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the BMH Brew Barry Conference Center.

This presentation will give an overview of Lyme disease in Vermont, examining the organism that causes the disease, as well as the emergence and prevalence of the disease in the state of Vermont. The life cycle of the deer tick will be discussed and, most importantly, strategies to prevent tick bites will be presented.


Blofson Named Medical Director of BMH Physician Group

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital announced Tony Blofson, MD has been hired as Medical Director of , the hospital’s network of primary care providers and medical specialists.

In this role, Blofson will be responsible for leading BMH Physician Group practices and providers through quality initiatives including improved patient access and patient satisfaction, as well as transitions brought on by healthcare reform.

“Our practices have experienced many changes as a group as they have grown over the past few years. Dr. Blofson’s experience and enthusiasm will serve us well as we continue to evolve,” says Bonnie McKellar, Vice President of Physician Services and Business Development at BMH.


The Beards Are Back

BMH Launches 2nd Annual “BEARDS for BMH” Campaign To Raise Awareness of Men’s Health Issues

Throughout the month of November Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) will once again be sponsoring “BEARDS for BMH” to raise awareness of men’s health issues. The campaign is designed to spark conversation about issues such as prostate cancer screening, erectile dysfunction, testicular cancer and other men’s health concerns.