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BFC Shareholders Want Transparency

by solidarity05301 | Activism

by Several Members of the Shareholder Forum

Recently The Commons printed an article and letters regarding the Putney Coop, changes to their by-laws and involvement with CDS Consulting. As members, we mean – shareholders, of the Brattleboro Food Coop, the assumption is that the Putney Coop is going to become like our coop in Brattleboro.  Perhaps not the size, but the management structure, profits and corporate feel.

In August a few disheartened shareholders started the Brattleboro Food Coop Shareholder Forum – for shareholders, by shareholders.  We meet on the third Sunday of the month from 5:00-7:00pm in the Coop Community Room. All are welcome.

French President Promised Justice but Terrorists Seek Real Justice for Muslim Millions Slaughtered

by jay janson | Op/Ed

DESCRIPTION:
Meaningful justice, would be Europeans recognizing their legal responsibility to compensate the survivors of Muslim and non-Muslim millions slaughtered, maimed, impoverished, enslaved and exploited on three continents over the centuries of Europe’s rise via the plunder of three continents, including Muslim and other cultures and civilizations older, more advanced and wealthier than those of Europeans at that time. Patience!

Presidential Hopefuls – Stage Left or Right

by Vidda | Politics

No one on the political horizon can stir my voting allegiance. And, no one ever has. My vote like so many other voters goes to the lesser evil. Too often the greatest pull is to not vote at all.Now that 2016 presidential hopefuls are at stage left or right, no one captures my undivided interest.

Take Bernie Sanders, Vermont’s Senator who is dancing on the edge of the presidential hat ring. At first glance, his recent 12-point national economic program enumerates what many in our state would expect from him: job creation, wages, unions, in-sourcing, climate and fossil fuel concerns, trade policies, equal pay, break up big banks, wealth disparity, Medicare-for-all, Social Security and tax reform – all quintessential Bernie.

Addressing Racial Bias in Vermont Law Enforcement

by Not Signed In | Op/Ed

By Curtiss Reed, Jr., Executive Director, Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity

Brattleboro. We believe Robert Appel’s Commentary “Racial bias plagues Vermont, too” (Rutland Herald & Times Argus, December 28, 2014) does a disservice to the Vermont State Police by casting the agency in the very narrow, negative lens of deficient data analysis. More so than any other state agency, Vermont State Police (VSP) has demonstrated conspicuously courageous leadership in the areas of bias reduction and cultural competency. This commentary offers a brief retrospective on how VSP leadership has been shaping a more responsive, culturally competent agency.

Brattleboro Dog and Wolf Hybrid Licenses Available

by Not Signed In | Pets

Brattleboro dog and wolf-hybrid licenses are available for the 2015 licensing period. Vermont dogs and wolf-hybrids 6 months of age and older must be licensed on or before April 1.

Renewal licenses may be obtained in person at the Town Clerk’s office, through the mail or online at www.brattleboro.org. Dogs being licensed in Brattleboro for the first time may be licensed in person or through the mail by printing the license form from the website listed above.

Vaccination against rabies is required by Vermont Statutes before licensing. A current vaccination means:

Dustbowl Revival w/ Laura Molinelli and Ben Campbell at Next Stage on Saturday, January 24

by Not Signed In | Music

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present Dustbowl Revival, a Venice, California-based roots collective that merges old school bluegrass, gospel, jug-band, swamp blues and the hot swing of the 1930’s, plus the Vermont-based Americana duo Laura Molinelli and Ben Campbell at Next Stage on Saturday, January 24 at 7:30 pm.

Known for their inspired live sets, the Dustbowl Revival boldly brings together many styles of traditional American music. Some call it string band-brass band mash up. Imagine Old Crow Medicine Show teaming up with Louis Armstrong’s Hot Fives and Sevens, or Bob Dylan and The Band jamming with Benny Goodman and his orchestra in 1938. It’s infectious, joyous music – a youthful take on time-worn American traditions by the “Best Live Band in LA” – LA Weekly.

It’s Fundraising Week At WVEW, 107.7fm

by Stevil | Media

Hello Everyone. It’s pledge week at WVEW, 107.7fm. Those who are familiar with us may not know that our station is run and managed entirely by volunteers. Our operating funds come from memberships in our non-profit, fundraisers, underwriting, and donations from our listeners.

For only the second time since we started broadcasting on September the 1st, 2006, we are having an on-air fundraiser. If you listen to our station, if you believe in Community Radio, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small.

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by spinoza | Town Plan

I’ve been trying to follow recent threads on town politics and process, (amendments, charter revision, RTM v Selectboard v Open Meeting, committees, juristictions, budgets) it’s pretty exasperating to not be able to pin-point what is what, or when or why. And who is driving the train, and where do ordinary citizens fit in?

To the best of my discernment here’s how it works here.  There’s no straight line between any two points, and no item, article or initiative, will be judged based on its own merit. By affixing and conflating two and sometimes more disparate issues or events, a crucible for divining the true will of the people is prepared.

New Beginners Tai Chi Chuan Class Starting in Putney

by Not Signed In | Health

Tai Chi Chuan (Taiji Quan) otherwise known as Supreme Ultimate Boxing, is an ancient form of martial art that has been practiced for both health and self defense. It can be practiced for recreation, and to increase strength, flexibility, balance well into old age. Tai Chi Chuan is not performed in the same manner as most western calisthenics or sports. It requires a tremendous amount of mental and physical concentration and control. Tai Chi Chuan is often described as a moving meditation. After practice, one feels invigorated, clear-minded, and peaceful.
 

Selectboard Meeting Notes: Budgets, Democracy, And Future At Risk – And A New Town Manager!

by cgrotke | Town News

Brattleboro’s new town manager, Peter Elwell, was front and center for his first official meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. He was quiet for most of the meeting, but had a few strong words about dipping into the Unassigned Fund Balance for non-emergencies.

The future of the Committee of the Future was called into question by the director of Planning Services, a first public hearing was held on a series of proposed changes to the Town Charter, the skatepark committee has a new location to study for feasibility, and a wide array of budget matters were deferred for action at a special meeting of the Selectboard scheduled for January 29th at 5:15 pm.

Vermont Asylum Ready For Patients As 1837 Begins

by cgrotke | History

On January 20, 1837 the Vermont Phoenix published the following announcement regarding the opening of a new establishment in town. Read on to see how the Brattleboro Retreat was first presented to the public.

VT. Asylum For The Insane, Open

The Trustees of the Vermont Asylum for the Insane would announce that this institution is now ready for the reception of patients. The building is finished in a manner adapted to the classification and convenience of its inmates. The two wings are so constructed as to afford pleasant and commodious rooms, and that the sexes may be entirely separated. Rooms are prepared for the sick, removed from all annoyance, where the immediate relatives and friends of the patients can if they desire, bestow their kind attentions and sympathy. Experienced nurses and attendants are procured, and none will be retained except this who are kind and faithful to their trust. – No harsh treatment will ever be for a moment allowed.

Stroll presents Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival at River Garden, Feb. 13

by MartinLangeveld | Food

Strolling of the Heifers will present a mid-winter Beer, Cider and Cheese Festival on Friday, Feb. 13, from 5 p.m to 8 p.m at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden, Main Street, Brattleboro. 

The event is a fund-raiser for Strolling of the Heifers, and takes place in conjunction with the Harris Hill Ski Jump. It features eight craft brewers and 16 cheesemakers and specialty food producers from throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

Four Weeks And Counting: 93rd Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition To Be Held February 14 and 15 In Brattleboro, Vermont

by Not Signed In | Recreation & Sports

Brattleboro, Vt. (January 19, 2015) – The only International Skiing Federation (FIS)-approved ski jump in New England will soon be fully active as the 93rd Harris Hill Ski Jump sets to take off February 14 and 15 in Brattleboro, Vt. The world-class competition will feature more than 40 of the world’s top male and female jumpers from the US, Europe and Canada who will compete on a 90-meter Olympic sized jump.

Brattleboro Time Trade – Week of January 18

by Brattleboro Time Trade | Other

Brattleboro Time Trade:

Exchanging services, creating connections, strengthening communities, one hour at a time.

See below for exciting Upcoming Events and learn what Time Trade is all about!

This week’s fabulous listings, brought to you from the land of sickness:

OFFERS:

Help Learning New Software
Resume Help
Class: Connecting with the Psychic Self
Class: Creating Money, Abundance, & Prosperity
Class: Inner Child Connection & Healing

BCTV Channel 8 & 10 Schedules for the Week of 1/19/15

by BCTVProg | Media

BCTV Ch.8 schedule for the week of 1/19/15

Monday, January 19, 2015

12:00 am UVM Comm Med School: Knee and Hip Replacement

1:45 am Nonie Darwish Speaks to Jewish Group about Islam 1/29/13

3:00 am Energy Week Extra: The Top 20 Stories of 2014

4:00 am History Where It Happened: Bennington Battle Monument

4:35 am Conversations VT: Homelessness

Sanders Announces Winners of State of the Union Essay Contest – Brattleboro’s Taggard Takes Second Place

by Not Signed In | Politics

BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 19 – With President Barack Obama set to deliver his State of the Union address tomorrow, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today announced the winner and top finalists in his annual State of the Union essay contest for Vermont high school students.

Leo Lehrer-Small, a sophomore at Mount Mansfield Union High School, was named the winner of the contest, which was judged by a panel of four Vermont teachers. Sanders called to congratulate Lehrer-Small on Friday.

Ryan Taggard of Brattleboro Union High School finished in second place. Two students – Craig Pelsor of Milton High School and Hadley Menk of Champlain Valley Union High School – tied for third place. (The full list of finalists is below.)

Pirates of the Mediterranean

by tomaidh | Politics

I read an interesting article in an older NY Times about ancient terrorism.

The author, Robert Harris is talking about the year 68 BC. He begins: “the world’s only military superpower was dealt a profound psychological blow by a daring terrorist attack on its very heart. Rome’s port at Ostia was set on fire, the consular war fleet destroyed, and two prominent senators, together with their bodyguards and staff, kidnapped.”

He continues: “ in the panicky aftermath of the attack, the Roman people made decisions that set them on the path to the destruction of their Constitution, their democracy and their liberty.”