Local to Global Animal Protection Efforts

To the Editor of the Patriot Ledger,

I attended the demonstration at Dedham Superior Court yesterday (). We stood on the street in front of the courthouse in the cold rain for two hours before entering a courtroom to bear witness to a man and woman capable of a heinous act against a completely innocent living creature.  I felt very sad sitting there, and a bit sick to my stomach.


Trust Company of Vermont Helps BMH Open “The New Doorway to Exceptional Care”

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital officials announced that The Trust Company of Vermont has made a pledge in the amount of $25,000 to “The Doorway to Exceptional Care” capital campaign.

With almost three out of every four patients admitted to the hospital first coming through the Emergency Department, BMH is seeking a total of $3.5 million to expand and renovate the 31-year old facility. The additional 2,500 square feet of space will increase the number of treatment rooms and enable the medical staff to provide care with greater efficiency and privacy.


BMH Emergency Department Campaign – Join Us. Give Now

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital employees dance and sing their way through the Emergency Department encouraging the community to “Join Us. Give Now.” Make a secure gift at http://tiny.cc/y1r23w. Learn more about the ED project at http://bmhed.org/.

Or you can mail a check to BMH Office of Development, 17 Belmont Avenue, Brattleboro, VT, 05301. For more information call the Office of Development at 802-257-8314.


Post-Thanksgiving Low Cost Massage & Acupuncture in Putney

Come RELAX and Heal at Medicine for the People after the hustle & bustle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

We are now taking appointments for our Post-Thanksgiving low cost community clinic on Saturday November 30th 2-5pm. Deirdre Kelley will provide acupuncture and Collin Leech and Julie Fender will offer massage. All 30 minutes treatments are sliding scale $25-$50.


New Vermont Department of Health Page

The local.

We are currently running a contest for healthy holiday vegetables. Like us now and tell us the name of your favorite recipe and enter to win a gift certificate to the Brattleboro Food Co-op.

Get updates on local health and wellness events, health insurance, WIC, nutrition and other helpful information.

For more information, contact your local Department of Health at (802) 257-2880


BMH Annual Meeting Features Special Guests and Key Topics

The Annual Meeting of the Southern Vermont Health Services Corporation and its subsidiary, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) held on November 8, 2013 featured special guests, key topics, and various recognitions.

Keynote speaker Dr. Kathleen McGraw, the Chief Medical Officer at BMH since January 2013, discussed the many ways that BMH has been focusing on and enhancing safety systems throughout the hospital. McGraw, who most recently worked at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, has earned recognition and awards during her career for improving health safety systems and leading team-based approaches to health care.


Chile: Human Rights Arts Project at Villa Grimaldi – Week1

We are in Santiago,Chile for our human rights art project MEMORIA HABLAR DIGNIDAD which is also at our Facebook site by the same name. Last year we were at Villa Grimaldi the Peace Park where thousands of
people were tortured, and two hundred thirty six people were killed by Pinochet’s soldiers. The history of this horrific period is well documented at .

We schlepped the tower about 25 kilos with the 100 Flowers of peace poems down with us. Our friend Roger did a beautiful job in making the portable tower.  We who normally travel with less than 15 kilos of luggage anywhere, were a bit overwhelmed, and then the airlines charged extra for my guitar.  But we arrived in a nice flat in the downtown.


Biologic Integrative Healthcare Welcomes New Practitioners

BRATTLEBORO, VT – Founder and Medical Director of Biologic Integrative Healthcare (BIH), Dr. Samantha K. Eagle, is pleased to announce the addition of clinician, Dr. Steven M. Moore and Lifestyle Medicine Coordinator, Deborah M. Dittner, RN, to the practice. BIH is a multidisciplinary group of naturopathic and medical doctors, and other practitioners, providing family care with a comprehensive approach to restoring and maintaining health.


Holstein Association Helps BMH Open “The New Doorway to Exceptional Care”

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital officials announced today that Holstein Association USA, Inc. has made a significant pledge to “The Doorway to Exceptional Care” capital campaign.

The world’s largest dairy cattle breed organization joins a growing number of area businesses helping BMH raise $3.5 million in public donations for the renovation and expansion of its Emergency Department. CEO John M. Meyer states, “BMH is one of Brattleboro’s most treasured assets. On behalf of our wonderful employees, we are pleased to contribute to The Doorway to Exceptional Care Campaign to ensure that BMH remains a strong, vibrant hospital well into the future.” More than $3.2 million has been contributed by businesses and individuals in the community thus far, including area physicians and hospital employees.


Scriptural Assistance

Anybody know the source of this quote?

“Behold! the angel said: O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a word from Him: his name will be Christ, Jesus, son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of [the company of] those nearest to God.”


Project Feed the Thousands 19th Annual Fundraising Kick-Off November 15, 2013

Brattleboro, Vermont – On Friday morning November 15th, Project Feed the Thousands will kick off its 19th annual food drive. The launch will take place at the Price Chopper Supermarket on Canal Street in Brattleboro, with a live broadcast hosted by long time media supporter, WTSA 96.7 FM.

The community goal this year is to raise $100,000 in cash and to collect enough provisions for 200,000 meals. The Project Feed the Thousands Team will collect non-perishable food, personal care items and cash donations on behalf of the thousands of people who face hunger each and every day throughout southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire.


Smoke-Free Zone: BUHS Students Clear the Air in Downtown Brattleboro

Have you seen the blue and orange Smoke-Free Zone stencils on the streets of downtown Brattleboro? Are you wondering how they got there? Check out this video and find out more:  

During the November Gallery Walk, BUHS students used non-toxic spray chalk to create Smoke-Free Zone stencils on the sidewalks in front of supporting Brattleboro businesses.

Downtown Brattleboro businesses who supported the project and allowed Smoke-Free Zone stencils in front of their business include Amy’s Bakery, Boys and Girls Club of Brattleboro, Brattleboro Bike Shop, Brooks Memorial Library, Burrows Specialized Sports, Candle In the Night, Everyone’s Books, Experienced Goods, Gallery in the Woods, Hotel Pharmacy, In the Moment Records, Insight Photography, Latchis Hotel & Theatre, Life’s Little Luxuries, Mystery on Main, Peter Havens, Renaissance Fine Jewelry, The River Garden, Silver Moon Adornments, Taylor for Flowers, Vermont Artisans Gallery and Windham Flowers.


Open House at GMCFit 11/9 9am-noon Free Classes! Come See What We’re All About!

OPEN HOUSE! Saturday, November 9 from 9am-12pm! We will start the party at 9am with a community photograph of past, present, and future clients courtesy of David Shaw to show that fitness is for everyone regardless of age, gender,or present state of health and fitness.

20 minute free trainings will be offered all morning so that anyone can sample everything we offer…9:30 Boot Camp w/Lacy, 10am MMA Style Kickboxing w/Joe, 10:30am P90X w/Trisha, 11am Zumba w/Ami. Amanda Upton will be offering yoga from 11:30 to 12:00 to get the weekend started off right.


Fox Screams Heard on Chestnut St. Last Night

We were woken a little after midnight by a hoarse barking sound under our window. It went on at intervals of maybe 2 or 3 seconds between each bark. There was an answering bark in the middle distance as well.

The barking moved from yard to yard pretty quickly, but seemed to come back to our yard several times before moving off for good.


BMH Invites Public to Forum about VT Health Connect Exchange

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) is inviting the public to a community forum about the on November 12, 2013.

Join the conversation to learn more about the state’s new health insurance marketplace, which is designed to help you, your family or your small business find, compare and enroll in health insurance coverage.

According to the State’s Health Care Reform website at , “The Exchange is an online marketplace for health insurance products that requires all vendors (insurance carriers and state health programs) to play by the same rules. In 2011, the Vermont legislature passed Act 48 — a law that created the Vermont Health Benefit Exchange. Vermonters will be able to start shopping for health plans on October 1, 2013 and the Exchange plans will kick in on January 1, 2014. The Exchange will be the only place where individuals and businesses with 50 or fewer employees can get health insurance.”


Hungry Heart Film Conversation

As a follow up to the showing of the Hungry Heart Film in Windham County, there will be a community conversation  on Wednesday, November 13, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. This event will take place at the Brattleboro Retreat Conference Center and light snacks will be served.

The Hungry Heart film explored the world of prescription drug addiction through the intimate world of Vermont Pediatrician Fred Holmes who works with patients struggling with this disease. The film provided an intimate look at the often hidden world of addiction and recovery and revealed the many challenges Dr. Holmes and his patients face in confronting a relentless and difficult disease.