Fortune Telling For Children

Moved by the rapid loss of species, extinction prospects, an affinity with nature, I made this oracle that draws its messages and counsel from the animal kingdom. It somehow felt more universal, less judgmental than other models. First responses from the test team were very positive. People found it inspiring, thought provoking. All well and good until it got into the hands of a six year old. He was baffled by ‘the game’. “How do you win?” he demanded to know. I wrestled with an answer for him, in the end decided on something resembling the truth.

“It’s not a game, it’s a device for advice. The way it works is that there’s a number of possible animals that can turn up when you throw the dice, but when you do throw down, there’ll be just two. Two of twenty-four. Why those two? Nobody can say. And nobody can predict. File it under synchronicity. Mysteries of the universe. The hand of a random phantom turning up something just for you.” “But how does it work?” he insisted. If he couldn’t get the manual, he at least wanted the point. “I really can’t say why this works as it does, but it does work, and a big part of how it does is up to you.”


Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles were first used commercially in 1947. They quickly became popular with both manufacturers and customers due to their lightweight nature and relatively low production and transportation costs compared with glass bottles. However, the biggest advantage plastic bottles have over glass, is their superior resistance to breakage, in both production and transportation. Except for wine and beer, the food industry has almost completely replaced glass with plastic bottles. (Wikipedia)


PACE and Heat Saver Loan Forum June 16

Two great low or no-interest financing options are now available to help Vermonters make energy improvements in their homes: PACE financing and the Heat Saver Loan.

A public informational forum on these energy financing options will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 pm at the Marlboro College Graduate School, 28 Vernon Street in downtown Brattleboro. Pizza and beverages will be provided. Space is limited – to register, contact Paul Cameron at 251-8135 or pcameron@brattleboro.org.


Amy’s Closing

I just found out that Amy’s Bakery and Cafe will be closing their doors in early June. This will be a huge blow to Main Street and one less reason to visit downtown. Amy’s has been kind of a linchpin for Main Street. How many of us have made plans to ” meet at Amy’s”?  I wonder how much longer the rest of the long time businesses will be able to survive in an environment that is not kind to small businesses. I wonder if we will even be able to recognize Main Street in 5 or 6 years. This is a shame and this wonderful little cafe will be greatly missed.


Guiding Good Choices Parenting Series in Bellows Falls

Guiding Good Choices Parenting Series

for parents/caregivers of children ages 9-19  offered in Bellows Falls

Bellows Falls- Are you a parent or caregiver of an older youth or teen? You are invited to upcoming parenting classes – Guiding Good Choices (4th to 8th grade) for parents and caregivers FREE of cost. 


Brattleboro Area Hospice Invites All to Annual Memorial Planting Service

On Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 4:00 pm, Brattleboro Area Hospice will host its 18th Annual Memorial Planting Service. The event will take place at the Hospice Memorial Garden located at Living Memorial Park on Guilford Street in Brattleboro. The public is encouraged to attend.

The community is invited to join together to honor and remember loved ones who have died by planting flowers, painting memorial messages on stones to be placed in the garden, and by listening to the music of the Hallowell singers.


Bear Spotted in the Retreat Woods, 5/17, Evening

FYI, be aware that a bear was sighted this evening, 5/17, between around 7 and 7:30 pm in the Retreat Woods. It was a full-grown adult, and ran away from my dog and me when we surprised it. Location: between the “Just for Fun” trail and the highway, relatively close to Greenhill Parkway and Western Avenue. No cubs were seen.

Ralph Meima


Howling Dog

Large dog Enzo is all alone down in his apartment and has been howling and barking since 9 AM. His owner, our tenant, hung up on me when I called her at work. The neighbor who lives upstairs from Enzo is on a work related phone conference call until 1pm and the noise makes it very difficult for him to do his work. The dog warden doesn’t work today.

Suggestions?


My Wife Is Bicycling From The Top Of The State, All The Way Back Home

As part of a fundraiser for Neighborhood School house, my wife is going up to the Canadian border and riding all the way back home. The fundraiser iwill help raise money to provide scholarships to the Neighborhod School House, based on financial need.

 Anything helps. We mean, anything helps. It’s about 200 miles. At a penny a mile, that would only be $2.00. Go for a nickel a mile, and that’s $10. 


Notes From April 30th Community Forum Addressing Homelessness

Greetings! Below are the notes from the April 30th community conversation addressing homelessness. Thank you all for attending and continuing your efforts to address homelessness in our community.

For more information, contact:  info@morningsideshelter.org

Please share these notes with others as you see fit. Hard copies will also be left at the  by Monday, May 11.

Cheers!

Chad


What’s Going On At The Old Spic & Span?

There’s been a lot of activity at this building (Across from the Firehouse). Last week saw a huge delivery of building materials. Last fall, they put on a new roof. Today they seem to be taking it off again. Are they planning a second floor?  The guys there say it’s going to be an arts center of some sort.


Mother’s Day Brunch in Guilford

Broad Brook Grange will present its 19th annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Grange hall in Guilford Center.  The proceeds from the event will allow for continued renovations of the historic building.

The all-you-can-eat brunch features eggs and omelets, any style, made to order.  Also on the menu are  pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon and home fries, with Guilford maple syrup.  Other treats include home-baked coffee cakes and other baked goods, fresh fruit salad, and bread for toasting.  A selection of juices  will be available, along with coffee, teas and milk.


Missing Dog!! West Brattleboro

We came home to an open front door and a missing dog. Black female, older so lots of gray. Lab mix about 40lbs. Her name is daisy. beige collar with daisies. Call me 251.7468. 🙁


To Serve One’s Greatest Purpose in Life

Rising early one recent morning in May, I stepped out onto the front grassy lawn to catch a little air. Standing still, leaning on my cane facing the wooded lot across the road, I looked about and noticed five feet from my right a red breasted robin standing still on the grass staring in the same direction. We stood there for a minute or so, her glancing at me, me glancing at her, neither alarmed by sudden moves. It was a warm, blue sky day. The air was still, peaceful and quiet.

With a sudden move the robin started pecking at the grass. At first, her beak came up empty, but suddenly she picked up a long, squirming worm I hadn’t seen and dropped it.