Mike Tkaczyk of the Guilford Pitstoppers snowmobile club appeared at the Jan. 11 Selectboard meeting to request access to town highways.
According to Title 23, Chapter 29 of the Vermont statutes, “A snowmobile shall not be operated ... on a public highway, unless the highway has been opened to snowmobile travel by the selectmen [sic] or trustees or local governing body and is so posted by the municipality."
Tkaczyk told board officials a closure in the state's trail system interferes with inter-trail connectivity, and it is common for towns to open portions of their roads to snowmobilers.
His request was for access to a 792-foot segment of Stage Road, between numbers 228-422. Additionally, the club wants to use a 0.2-mile part of Sweet Pond Road, near number 2336, leading to Abijah Prince Road, then a 0.7-mile segment of that road.
Excellent article on a difficult-to-understand principle. Renewable-energy credits might be better than nothing, since they have helped some with the proliferation of wind and solar. But a pollution tax on fossil fuel is far better in so many ways. First, our goal is not “to install solar.” The goal...
Dan Ingold, of GLC Powersmith Solar, recently announced the end of big solar projects in Guilford, at least for the foreseeable future. “Not gonna happen,” he told the Selectboard at their Jan. 11 meeting. “I'll tell you right now, for these larger [solar] projects, that'll probably be it. The...
Clark adds comment segment; Wilde-Clark uses it GUILFORD - At the Jan. 11 meeting, Selectboard member Dick Clark proposed the board add a “public comments” section to the regular agenda. Clark noted the Vermont League of Cities and Towns suggests it. Later on in the meeting, during the new “Public Comments” segment, resident Kathy Wilde-Clark expressed her displeasure to the board about their process for hiring the Town Administrator. Board members told Wilde-Clark it was not legal for them to...
The Southern Vermont Nature Museum's annual President's Day Open House on Feb. 15 will focus on the art of nature. Residents may join them for a free afternoon of live animals and local artists. The event will feature an exhibit of local photographers, painters, and craftspeople, as well as an opportunity to have a photoshoot or drawing session with some of the museum's education animals. Kids' crafts and activities will include a scavenger hunt and activity table from the Pettee...
Guilford Center Stage continues into its second year with spring and fall productions of plays with strong connections to Guilford, continuing its mission to present place-based theater on the stage at Broad Brook Grange. The new theater project debuted last fall with a production of the comedy, Tourists Accommodated, by Vermont author Dorothy Canfield Fisher, who often visited Guilford. A pair of one-acts by Guilford playwright Michael Nethercott opens the 2016 season in early June. At the other end of...
Don't fall victim to check fraud, an industry that hijacks $190 billion each year, according to Forbes.com. Here's a true story of what can happen. While I was visiting my mother recently in Albuquerque, N.M., Mom's landline rang early one morning. The voice on the line introduced himself as Michael from the Albuquerque Journal. In response to my “Hello,” he proceeded to ask when the newspaper could expect a payment for my mother's overdue Journal subscription. At 92, Mom continues...
The Windham County Sheriff's Office recently announced the recipients of numerous awards, given on Jan. 16 by Sheriff Keith Clark at the department's third annual Awards Ceremony, to recognize the actions of his staff. The Life Saving Award was presented to Deputy First Class Michael Roj, who was directly responsible for life saving actions of a resident in 2014 after educating her on the important use of her seatbelt. The resident was later in an a motor vehicle crash and...
FY15 audit now complete PUTNEY - John Mudgett, of the accounting firm Mudgett Jennett & Krough-Wisner PC, appeared at the Jan. 13 Selectboard meeting to review the draft findings of Putney's Fiscal Year 2015 audit. Of the town's administrative staff, Mudgett said, “You guys are doing a good job” tracking money “that's coming and going, and you're getting things recorded, for the most part, quite well.” Some of the procedures Mudgett said needed improvement are the reporting of information to...
Katie Buckley and Connie Snow from the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust (WWHT) appeared before the Selectboard on Jan. 13 for the final public hearing on the Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP) grant to fund an affordable housing complex in Putney. Buckley and Snow reported on the renovation of the Plantz House on Old Depot Road, which was completed in August. The town sponsored the Housing Trust's application to the VCDP, which delivered the project a $300,000 grant. This project...
WKVT, BCTV sponsor candidates forum BRATTLEBORO - WKVT and Brattleboro Community Television will co-produce a candidate's forum on Thursday, Feb. 11, for voters to learn more about the three candidates vying for two seats on the Brattleboro Selectboard. Current Chair David Gartenstein, former chair Richard DeGray, and businessman Avery Schwenk are all seeking election to one-year terms when Brattleboro residents go to the polls on Tuesday, March 1. No other elected position in the town has more than one candidate.
College news • The following local students were honored for academic achievement in the fall 2015 semester at Castleton University: McKenzie Bover of Brattleboro, Ryan Haselton of South Londonderry, Colby Hescock of Brattleboro, Soren Pelz-Walsh of Brattleboro, and Kayla Wood of Dummerston were all named to the President's List; Keira Capponcelli of Brookline, Kamelia Crawford of Saxtons River, Alex Derosia of Brattleboro, Matthieu Fortier of South Londonderry, Patrick Gilligan of Vernon, Callie Ginter of Townshend, Eric Ginter of Townshend, Casey...
As students get into high gear during their second semester, Youth Services Workforce Development staff are busy seeking referrals of youth, ages 13-17, in need of extra support and career mentoring in Brattleboro and Bellows Falls. Now in its fifth year, Youth Services' Ready-to-Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) meets once a week after school to connect high school students with professionals for career-focused mentoring and to encourage them to remain in school. Adult mentors join students on site tours to businesses...
What have Putney artists seen and recorded, inspired by the Connecticut River? The Putney Public Library will have an answer to that question in a new show to be up during the months of February and March. Twelve artists are contributing paintings, photographs, and etchings to a collective exhibit that expresses their response to the stately Connecticut ("Long River” in Abenaki) in various seasons. It is a river that Putney borders but doesn't directly experience without an intentional visit, as...
On Wednesday, March 2, when most Vermonters are recovering from Tuesday's Town Meeting Day, the attendance of Vernon residents is expected in the elementary school cafeteria for another evening of direct democracy in action. Typically, Vernon holds its town meeting over the course of two nights: Monday and Tuesday. But, because this year's proceedings would demand an impossible change to the laws of physics - a person cannot be in two places at one time - the Selectboard made a...
Four nonprofit organizations in Windham County received a total of $9,500 in Small and Inspiring grants from the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) for local projects last fall. One of a number of competitive grant rounds at the VCF, the Small and Inspiring grants program funds work that helps connect people to their neighbors, their land, and their history in ways that strengthen community. Nonprofits interested in applying for a Small and Inspiring grant are encouraged to visit www.vermontcf.org/SmallandInspiring for more...
Stand-up comic Kendall Farrell says he believes that Bernie Sanders has a solid lock on the comedian vote. “Comedians respond to Sanders' authenticity and straightforwardness,” says Farrell.“Of course, you might say the same about Donald Trump, but Bernie is not a terrible person.” Farrell is bringing comedy to Brattleboro in support of Sanders on Sunday, Feb. 14, at the River Garden, in a benefit show, “Stand Up for Bernie.” He says it will be “a night of love, laughter, live...
Painter Judy Hawkins, whose studio is a stop on the annual Putney Craft Tour in November, is showing recent work in gallery spaces at All Souls Church Unitarian Universalist in West Brattleboro through the end of March. An artist's reception is set for 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13. In addition to her familiar luminous landscapes, Hawkins says that her recent paintings “explore water in varied dimensions, from the pond bottom through layers of water, to surface tension...
The same agency that says GMOs are safe also thinks that organic, raw-milk Vermont cheddar is not. No, no political bargaining here. I am glad our congressional delegation is on top of this issue, but it will take more than that, I'm afraid.
Voters of the BUHS District #6 five member towns unanimously passed the $27.9 million school budget in a voice vote on Tuesday night. This budget includes funding for the Brattleboro Union High School, Brattleboro Area Middle School, and Windham Regional Career Center. The fiscal year 2017 budget increased 0.3 percent - $74,885 - compared to the previous year's budget. School board chair Robert “Woody” Woodworth said this budget cycle marked the ninth year that the board has asked staff to...
I am writing regarding the proposed closure of the Community High School of Vermont campuses across the state, and more specifically, the possible closure of its Brattleboro campus. I have seen, time and again, the effectiveness of the local CHS's program and staff in helping to graduate the students who had previously dropped out or who were kicked out of high school and who have not had success in gaining a high-school equivalent through other school options. The CHS in...
March will keep Town Meeting Members busy. The Selectboard announced dates for two informational meetings (March 2 and 9), a Special Representative Town Meeting (March 12), and Annual Representative Town Meeting (March 19). Why so many meetings? The municipality traditionally holds an informational meeting 10 days prior to a vote by the meeting members. The first informational meeting is March 2 at the Academy School. Doors open at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., districts will hold their caucuses. Residents can...
Pet owners take note. The police department has presented changes to the ordinance governing dogs and other animals in town. Brattleboro Police Captain Mark Carignan and Town Clerk Annette Cappy presented the changes to the Selectboard at its Feb. 2 meeting. The ordinance, known officially as “Chapter 3 - Animals and Fowl ” - chair David Gartenstein chuckled each time he read the title aloud - required updates to bring it in line with state law, said Carignan. Some of...
Greater-than-anticipated amounts of groundwater-a total of 90,000 gallons so far-are encroaching into a key building at Vermont Yankee, and plant administrators are weighing options to deal with the contaminated liquid. Those options include shipping the water to an out-of-state storage facility. There also has been preliminary talk of releasing water that is within “allowable” pollution limits to the Connecticut River, though state officials say they've not yet received any such permitting requests from plant owner Entergy. The federal Nuclear Regulatory...
Federal regulators have given their blessing to Vermont Yankee's decommissioning plans. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Feb. 4 announced that the Vernon plant's Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report is consistent with federal guidelines. The report includes plant owner Entergy's decommissioning cost estimate and the company's schedule for Vermont Yankee's radiological cleanup. Before making any changes to its plans - including those that would “significantly” boost decommissioning costs - Entergy must notify the NRC in writing, officials wrote in a Jan.
Voters on Feb. 3 overwhelmingly approved the 2016-17 budget for Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School. The total vote was 208 in favor of and 78 against the $7.12 million spending plan, and each of the union district's five towns approved the budget. District Clerk Gloria Cristelli reported the results as follows: Brookline, 30 yes and 15 no; Jamaica, 40 yes and nine no; Newfane, 69 yes and 22 no; Townshend, 41 yes and 28 no; and Windham,
A lot could be done to reuse and repurpose part of Experienced Goods' mountain of fabric. It would take many volunteers and donated space (say, on weekends), and it could be an educational, community project that could possibly be considered a part of permaculture. I'd be glad to brainstorm, but we need some young, energetic people.
When Dartmouth College bandleader Don Glasgo was looking for an appropriate guest artist for his Barbary Coast Big Band, he came across an online video for the Gregorio Uribe Big Band. Though Uribe's Afro-Cuban funk ensemble was smaller than Glasgo's band, Glasgo found the Columbian band leader's music “unique, energetic, and inspiring” - and he couldn't stop thinking about him. After looking far and wide, Glasgo settled on Gregorio Uribe and, now that he's worked with the Latin American musician...
When six Republicans met in South Carolina recently to discuss combating poverty, their focus was predictable. Marco Rubio talked about broken families, dangerous neighborhoods, substandard housing, failing schools, and drug dealers, all while rejecting the idea of raising the federal minimum wage. He argued that welfare should be turned over to states, especially those that have recipient work requirements. Jeb Bush, who agrees with Rubio on states taking over welfare, blathered about giving Americans the “right to rise.” Ben Carson...
In spite of news reports that the Vilas Bridge could be reopened for pedestrians, New Hampshire officials say that is not going to happen until more assessments are done - or anytime soon. Stuck in limbo in a nationwide infrastructure funding crisis, the Vilas Bridge is not a priority for either Vermont or New Hampshire transportation officials. Indeed, since testimony before the Public Works and Highways Committee in the New Hampshire House of Representatives on Jan. 23, 2014, by Development...
Bartleby's Books will host its annual Nicki Steel photography exhibit, “Hearts in Nature” through March 1. In addition to her interest in the Vermont landscape, animals, and gardens, Steel is often inspired to pursue a specific photographic theme. Several years ago she discovered patterns created by lichen on stone, inspiring a heart-shaped image entitled, “I'm Lichen You.” Next, a heart-shaped tree trunk gouge lead to the creation of her photograph, “Wood You Love Me?” Steel's collection, “Hearts in Nature” is...
Margaret Shipman is the featured artist at Amy's Bakery Arts Café, which is displaying her paintings through the end of March. On her professional Facebook page (facebook.com/MargaretShipmanArt), Shipman writes that she is “inspired by the vibrant craziness of the natural world, dual nature of humanity, and magic in everyday life.” The show also includes Shipman's recent series of flower paintings, some of which include sewn fabric. Also on display: a number of her original oil-on-canvas illustrations from the Wayfarer Tarot,
Shoot the Moon theater company launches its inaugural season with performances of the dark and sexy comedy Venus in Fur by David Ives. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13 and Feb. 19-20 at the Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery, 139 Main St. Director Joshua Moyse says Shoot the Moon chose this audience favorite because it is a fun and provocative night out, particularly around Valentine's Day. At first glance, Ives' laugh-out-loud play is about the theater...
The Brattleboro Colonels' girls basketball team has struggled through the season. But last Friday night, against the Mount Anthony Patriots at the BUHS gym, the Colonels pulled off an improbable comeback with 59-48 win over the Patriots. The win qualified 5-11 Brattleboro for the Division I playoffs. “This group has the character and the heart,” said Colonels coach Paul Freed. “They just never quit.” Brattleboro fell behind early, got close, fell behind again, and trailed by 12 at the half.
Honor roll student Christol Long may not be one to act up, “but I've always wanted to be in a musical.” So imagine the 17-year-old junior's reaction upon winning a lead role in this week's Brattleboro Union High School production of the Broadway hit Rent. “Rent?” she recalls thinking. “What's Rent?” The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock opera, Long would learn, chronicles the lives of young artists fighting the initial 1980s outbreak of AIDS with such untested and toxic...
Vernon's response to Act 148, Vermont's “pay-as-you-throw” (PAYT) trash and recycling bill, offers a prime example of what happens when a plan is too good. In July 2014, the town switched its regular municipal rubbish pick-up to a PAYT system - a full year ahead of the date the Legislature demanded. Residents participating in the town's curbside service had to put their garbage in special bags purchased from the town; recyclables and compost would also be picked up, but did...
The issue of poverty and hunger hits home - literally, in my guts. Throughout most of my 20s, I was poverty stricken, and hunger was my unwanted companion way too often. The worst stretch was my junior year of college during a bone-achingly frigid winter with seemingly endless blizzards. I had worked my usual two jobs during the previous summer and had carefully planned out a budget. My downfall was not anticipating the high heating costs of that long winter...
Town residents have spent months debating the pros and cons of hosting a natural gas-fired power plant, but the lack of a specific site has been a sticking point for many. At a public forum Feb. 3, a potential answer for that important question came not from the front of the room - where Vernon Planning Commission members sat - but instead from the back, where resident Art Miller announced that part of his family's dairy farm along Route 142...
Job-seekers who visit the Brattleboro Retreat's website are greeted by an announcement - in large font, highlighted in green - of a $4,000 hiring bonus for inpatient registered nurses willing to work evening and night shifts. Nevertheless, there are 19 nursing positions advertised on the site. “We have had a very difficult time hiring as many RNs as we need,” said Jeff Corrigan, the Retreat's human resources vice president. The Retreat is not alone among area health-care providers. That's why...