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The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Villalobos Brothers, on Saturday, July 13

by hahrenholz | Music

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents Contemporary Mexican ensemble Villalobos Brothers, on Saturday, July 13 at 6:00 pm at the field behind the Putney Inn, 57 Putney Landing Road, in Putney.

The Villalobos Brothers are a Grammy Award-winning family band, recognized as one of the foremost Contemporary Mexican ensembles in the world. With their unique fusion of Mexican folk, jazz, and classical music, they have captivated audiences across the United States, Mexico, India, Russia, and Canada.

“Virtuosic violinists from Mexico showcasing how traditional music can get reborn into modern culture, these brothers are making an indelible mark on modern American music,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “The Villalobos Brothers are a family band worthy of attention, praise, and adulation.”

Superintendent’s Update WSESU Connection June 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Dear WSESU Community,

As we approach the end of another academic year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together and express my gratitude to each member of our community.

This past school year has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. Every school year there are successes and challenges. I hope in your own reflection you are able to identify and appreciate the many people who have been so integral in the development and growth of our students.

I am incredibly proud of our students who have shown remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in their extracurricular pursuits, they have continued to inspire us with their creativity, passion, and determination.

Windham Southeast School District Board Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● The Board voted to rotate the location of the Board meetings among the schools again this year
● The Norms of the Board were discussed
● The Portrait of a Graduate work is actively being embarked upon by the district
● Four hires and one resignation were approved for the 2024-25 school year
● As it is hiring season, and the need to approve new hires in a timely manner, the Board voted to give the Personnel Committee authority to approve hires throughout the summer with the caveat that the Board still receive resumes and the committee keep the Board informed of their work
● The Board voted to authorize the Finance Committee to approve the warrants, payroll and to implement Capital Plan projects throughout the summer
● The Consent Agenda was passed

Cycles, an Exhibit of Art by 25 Vermonters with Disabilities

by ann.newsmith | Arts

Join us for an artists reception on Saturday, June 22, for Cycles, an art exhibit of Vermont artists with disabilities at All Souls Church. The show is presented in partnership with Inclusive Arts Vermont, through August 31. The theme, CYCLES, emerged from community input, and the artwork expresses cycles of nature, of the body, mind, and spirit, as well as experiences of repetition, circular shapes, and more.

According to Heidi Swevens, IAV’s Director of Community Partnerships and Exhibition, the CYCLES exhibition “is more than art on the wall.” Accessibility is an integral part of the show. The venue is physically accessible, and the art and artists can be experienced remotely in the online tour. Each of the 27 pieces in CYCLES has verbal descriptions. Tactile representations and elements accompany selected works. Materials are available in multiple formats, including print, large print, Braille, audio tour, and digital formats.

Swevens adds, “Yes, the art is exciting and engaging. What I find equally compelling is the artists’ stories. The creative processes.” As CYCLES artist Leah Schulz shares: “For the last five years, I have been cycling, in and out, up and down, riding the waves of chronic illness… I have been socially, financially, and systematically removed from society… The only thing that tethered me to society is art. I leaned into a different side of my brain that I had never allowed myself to explore before and found I loved crochet, block printing, and painting. This is my first piece to be included in an art show. I am grateful to Inclusive Arts Vermont for giving me a way to exist in these places again.”

WSESD – Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes June 5, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

The chair reviewed the process of 1% funds with the committee.

On a motion by Kim Price the committee moved to accept 16 applications for 1% funds from Academy School in the amount of $12,279.96.

On a motion by Kim Price the committee moved to accept 11 applications for 1% funds from Green Street School in the amount of $8,091.

Susan Brearey on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

SUSAN BREAREY is an accomplished artist whose evocative, unique paintings have been exhibited world-wide. Tune in to hear more about their origins – and hers. Susan also shares some terrific stories of her adventures in music, museums and magic lanterns.

Jennie Reichman Concert June 21 on Cedar Street

by RDavis | Music

Local singer-songwriter Jennie Reichman will present an outdoor concert on the backyard patio at 63 Cedar Street in Brattleboro on Friday June 21 at 7:00 p.m. Reichman has a soft lilting voice reminiscent of a younger Joni Mithcell. She presents songs with a clear voice that easily communicates with the audience. She plays original as well as cover songs.

The concert is free and open to the public but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go to the musician. Refreshments will be available. Seating is limited so please bring a chair.

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents Maine-based Multicultural Collaboration Bondeko, on Saturday, July 6

by hahrenholz | Music

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents Maine-based multicultural collaboration Bondeko, on Saturday, July 6 at 6:00 pm at Cooper Field, 41 Sand Hill Rd, in Putney.

Bondeko is the unlikely collaboration of neighbors in Portland, Maine’s migrant community: an Albanian crooner, a Guinian drummer, a French singer-songwriter, a Latin musician from Texas…

The result is a mix of hypnotic Roma melodies, festive Cumbia rhythms, Malenke sing-alongs, and relentless Balkan tempos, peppered with heartwarming waltzes and maybe even a lullaby in Portunhol if the vibe is right.

WSESD Policy and Amendment Committee Meeting Agenda June 12, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

1st Reading
– E14 Environmental Awareness and Responsibility
– F4 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
– F5 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law
– Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
– F41 Policy on Section 504 and ADA Grievance Protocol for Students & Staff
– G13 Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and the Internet

Cantrip at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of Celtic music by high-energy bagpipes/fiddle/guitar quartet Cantrip at Next Stage on Friday, July 5 at 7:30 pm. 

From the strong base of its Celtic roots, Cantrip branches out into the music of other European cultures. With swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar, and three rich voices, Dan Houghton, Jon Bews, Eric McDonald, and Alasdair White take audiences on a cultural journey, putting their own spin on each musical style. Known for their innovative arrangements, high-energy songs and tunes, and dry wit, Cantrip has toured throughout Scotland and the US, expanding the boundaries of Celtic music along the way. 

Putney Central School Leadership Council Meeting May 9, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Teacher appreciation week- PTO keeping staff room stocked with food and drinks and snacks for staff
-PCS Principals Awards- Acts of kindness, positive influences on our community, Partnered with Coop to give selected students awards.
-Teachers nominate students monthly, announced at all school assemblies. Is there a way to publish this publicly for the community?

Windham Southeast School District Board Meeting Minutes – May 28, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● Recognized the Unifed Basketball Team for winning the State Championship
● Discussed the idea of holding special meetings during the hiring season to meet the need of approving hires in a timely manner
● The recipient of the Darrow Scholarship was selected during Executive Session, and approved via vote.
● Three resignations were accepted and four new hires were approved for the 2024-2025 school year.
● The Board approved amendments to the meeting notes from 5/14/24, and approved the consent agenda.
● Five policies were presented for a first reading.
● Policy F26 Participation of Home Study Students in School Programs and Activities was re-adopted by the board.

“Brattleboro Goes Fourth” Seek Independence Day Parade Entries

by BrattGoesFourth | Entertainment

“By the People: Brattleboro Goes Fourth” is seeking parade participants as it prepares to celebrate the town’s 51st Independence Day event on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

The all-volunteer citizens committee will begin the day at 10 a.m. with a parade from Flat Street to Main Street and the Common. The shorter route comes after requests from older marchers and challenges finding enough volunteers and public safety patrols to monitor a longer distance.

Peter Amidon on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Entertainment

Brattleboro’s Traditional Music maestro, Peter’s been singing, dancing, teaching, producing and performing music that reverberates through our town and beyond for over 40 years.   Listen in for some great stories: early days with Mary Alice, Bread & Puppet Theater, Pete Seeger, Hallowell singers, and his mega-musical family.

Keith Murphy and Band, Album Release Concert: Bright As Amber at Next Stage on 6/21

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an album release concert for Keith Murphy and Band’s “Bright As Amber”, at Next Stage on Friday, June 21 at 7:30 pm.

For many years, Keith Murphy has been forging a distinctive sound in the world of traditional song. He grew up surrounded by the rich tradition of his native Newfoundland and over the course of his later travels has incorporated elements of many other traditions including the repertoire of his adopted home in Vermont. He is a noted instrumentalist and well known for his playing with Nightingale, Childsplay, Boston Revels, Tony Barrand, Hanneke Cassel, Yann Falquet and his most enduring collaborator, his wife and fiddler, Becky Tracy. He is also the founder and artistic director of the Brattleboro Music Center’s Northern Roots Festival.

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series Presents “Psychedelic Chanson” Ensemble Combo Daguerre on June 15

by hahrenholz | Music

The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents “psychedelic chanson” ensemble Combo Daguerre, on Saturday, June 15 at 6:00 pm at field behind the Putney Inn, 57 Putney Landing Road, in Putney.

Combo Daguerre, based in Brooklyn, performs original psychedelic chanson with a mostly Latin crew and a hybrid style informed by boleros, cumbia, 60’s rock, French chanson, Gainsbourg, and 1930s surrealism. It is music filled with joy and darkness, deep grooves and dirges, nostalgia and futurism.

With Olivier Conan (Chicha Libre) – cuatro, vocals; Adele Fournet – keyboards and Felipe Wurst – guitar (Banda Chuska/Tipa Tipo); Andres Fonseca – drums; Neil Ochoa (Los Crema Paraiso, Chicha Libre) – percussion and Dan Martinez – bass.