Issue #485
It takes a community to give thanks
“When people say 'it takes a village,' it takes a community to come together and give thanks,” said donation coordinator Anna LaPorte.
The committee behind the 45th annual Brattleboro Community Thanksgiving seeks volunteers to help with the meal. Brattleboro's annual community meal is free. There is no need to signup prior to the event.
Main Street Arts presents ‘Charles Henry's Final Curtain’
On the heels of its big splash productions of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Jesus Christ Superstar and its upcoming winter production of Chicago, Main Street Arts is mining creative resources closer to home to offer an original, brand-new production of Charles Henry's Final Curtain. The...
‘Those pants meant the world to me’
For the daughter of a veteran, Navy pants started as a fashion trend — and then they came to mean so much more
The year was 1976. I was a freshman at the University of Vermont, where I'd just gotten my first taste of collegiate fashion trends. “You should see this shop, Dad,” I said, wide-eyed and excited. “All it has is 13-button Navy pants!” His brow was knit. “Everybody is wearing...
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Free film series begins at Marlboro Community Center
The newly opened Marlboro Community Center will host a series of films shown weekly at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights without admission charge. They will be introduced by Geoffry Brown, retired professor of theater and film at Marlboro College. The initial 12-week series, entitled “Uncovering the Truth,” will focus on the currently pertinent theme of the efforts of those in high places to prevent their past misdeeds from coming to light. It will include such films as Erin Brockovich, the...
Shocked, yet unsurprised, by Pittsburgh shooting
We are shocked, and yet with eyes open cannot be surprised by the violence that has stricken the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. This hits every Jewish community close to home, and perhaps ours even closer: our former spiritual leader grew up in that same synagogue and had his bar mitzvah there at the age of 13. He knew someone killed in the shooting. While it's easy to assume that these sorts of horrors could not happen here, we have witnessed...
New season of ‘Exhibition on Screen’ explores art, life of Degas
Latchis Arts announces the return of its popular Exhibition on Screen series on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, at 4 p.m., with Degas: Passion for Perfection, at the Latchis Theatre, 50 Main St. A pioneering series of cinematic films about exhibitions, galleries, and artists, Exhibition on Screen opens its 2018-19 season by offering unique insight into Degas' personal and creative life, looking at his relationship with the Impressionist movement, his fascination with dance, and his struggle with his...
Works of award-winning pencil artist on display at Main Street Arts
The work of award-winning colored pencil artist Liz Guzynski will be on display at Main Street Arts from Nov. 15 through Dec. 28 in a show titled “Seeing It Through.” An opening reception will be held Thursday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A resident of Bellows Falls, Guzynski is a latecomer to the medium. “I began my art journey a bit late in life,” she said in a news release. “After finishing a Ph.D., I found that academic...
An altogether separate vision
It's no great revelation that school-district mergers under Act 46 have been a contentious subject for many Vermonters across the state. As new boards developed by mergers begin their planning processes, some unfortunate consequences of the law are being realized. The West River Modified Union Education District (WRMUED) came into existence when the towns of Brookline, Jamaica, Newfane, and Townshend passed a decision to merge relatively easily by a vote of 446–146. In deciding to vote for the merger, I...
From conspiracy to reality: When are we going to talk about this?
What's up with Harvard's David Keith? He's been exploring the idea of taking “chemtrails” from the realm of conspiracy theory to cloudy reality, using aircraft to pump sulfates into the upper atmosphere (solar radiation management) - effectively shutting off all our solar panels. This, in order to fight “global warming.” Is he working for the oil companies? Coal and oil companies are in the business of providing heat, for which I am extraordinarily grateful much of the year, living as...
Not the Vermont I know
Somehow, amidst all the national news on threats to our democracy, actions in Vermont to force mergers of school districts under the guise of Act 46 seem to be going under the radar. The legislative intent of the original Act 46 was clear - the bill offered incentives for districts to “voluntarily” merge and directed a process for districts to form study committees to look at options to more effectively meet goals of equity, transparency, and efficiency. The legislation clearly...
Canal Street Art Gallery offers first-year retrospective exhibit
The public is invited to attend the opening reception of “Anniversary!” on Friday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Canal Street Art Gallery, 23 Canal St. According to a news release, the show is a celebration of first-year achievements, friendships, and a collection of artwork from the area's most talented artists. Participating artists include Zoee Blossom, Jean Cannon, Sloane Dawson, Spaulding Dunbar Images, Karl Jacobson, Carol Keiser, Robert McBride, Lisa Mcnealus, Scott J. Morgan, Charles Norris-Brown, Bonnie...
Around the Towns
Greater Falls Connections looks at marijuana laws BELLOWS FALLS - Greater Falls Connections will be hosting its monthly coalition meeting on Friday, Nov. 16, from noon to 1 p.m., at Parks Place, 44 School St. The theme of the meeting is “Marijuana: How the Cannabis Conversation Has Changed.” Meetings are free and open to everyone. Lunch will be provided. The legalization of marijuana in Vermont that went into effect in July provides an opportunity to discuss the evolving trends related...
Stage 33 Live series features Sam Creigh
Local singer-songwriter Sam Creigh is the featured performer for the Nov. 15 edition of Stage 33 Live's series “Third Thursdays @ 33.” He'll be performing original music from his albums Green Mountain Flyer and Wanted Man, and will be offering free signed copies of both CDs to interested audience members. No cover charge. There will be a tip jar for Creigh, and donations to help Stage 33 Live keep going are gratefully accepted. Creigh grew up in the country. His...
Write Action thanks supporters, volunteers
We thank our volunteers who helped at our food table and info table at this year's Literary Festival. It's always a pleasure to be out there telling newcomers and travelers about us and our mission. The festival itself seems to have been a big success. Readings were mostly full, and attendees' feedback sheets were songs of praise. There were also some helpful - and always appreciated - suggestions as to how to make it even better. We are so happy,
Overflow shelter opens for season
Brattleboro's Seasonal Overflow Shelter opened for the season on Nov. 12. After a successful first season located at the upper dormitory on the Winston Prouty campus (formerly the Austine School for the Deaf) last year, Groundworks' staff and board say they are grateful for the opportunity to return to the space. According to a news release, the shelter will operate as it did last season: anyone seeking shelter will have to register for a bed through Groundworks Drop-In Center (at...
Village Dance Series to feature youthful band, ‘Flicker’
A community contra dance will take place at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Calling the dance will be Andy Davis of Brattleboro. He will be joined by the band Flicker, made up of three young musicians - Hilary Weitzner, Avery Witman, and Ellery Witman. The band will be joined by guest guitarist, Jesse Ball. Calling the dances will be Andy Davis and Louisa Engel. The Village Dance Series, now...
Carbon monoxide detector credited with saving lives
A carbon monoxide detector in the basement of a multi-family dwelling is being credited with saving the lives of 16 people, after a malfunctioning boiler tripped the alarm. According to a news release from Brattleboro Fire Chief Michael Bucossi, firefighters responded at midnight on Nov. 7 to a call from a tenant at 11 Pleasant St. that a carbon monoxide alarm was sounding. Upon arrival, firefighters entered the basement, and the gas meter that they were carrying with them registered...
Brattleboro Museum offers trip to Cuba for 2019 Havana Art Biennial
The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is offering a unique opportunity for art lovers to experience the vibrancy of Cuba's contemporary art scene on an eight-night trip to Cuba, April 15 to 23. The trip will coincide with the Havana Art Biennial, a major international festival of contemporary art from Cuba, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Leading the trip is author and National Geographic travel guide Tim Weed. In addition to the Biennial, the trip will include an...
Hike for the Homeless a success
On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of Groundworks Collaborative, I thank the many individuals and businesses who made our eighth annual Hike for the Homeless on Oct. 13 another successful fundraiser to support our neighbors in need. Thirty hearty participants turned out in the rain on that chilly morning to help Groundworks raise over $16,000 in support of our work to house our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Teams and individuals trekked to the summit of Mount Wantastiquet, and...
For homeless people, gifts of supplies and resources
Most people are overwhelmed when they read the statistics that show how many homeless persons live in tents or sewers or on the streets of cities like New York and Los Angeles. These facts - combined with the shootings in schools and public places, the incarceration of thousands of immigrant children who are indefinitely separated from their parents, and the rhetoric of prejudice, hatred, and violence - feel like too much to handle. No wonder the majority of Americans indulge...
Synagogue shooting was more than anti-Semitism — a crime against humanity
The media has properly condemned the recent mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh as an act of anti-Semitism. I have a good friend in Marlboro who grew up in the Squirrel Hill section, attended that synagogue, and had his bar mitzvah there. Indeed, his uncle was the architect, and one of the victims was the first cousin of his sister's husband. Although I am a Christian, through my friend I have...
Coffey looks forward to serving in Legislature
I am writing to express my gratitude to the voters, supporters, and volunteers who have shown their confidence in me and helped me win the election for the Windham-1 seat in the Vermont House of Representatives. I'm proud to have earned the support of local voters during my campaign, and I am incredibly honored to be able to represent and serve the towns of Guilford and Vernon. As a candidate, I have worked to run my race in a way...
Milestones
Obituaries • Katherine Apostoles, 92, of Clearwater, Fla., and formerly of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 2, 2018 at Belleair Health Care Center in Clearwater, following a brief illness. Born in Boston on May 22, 1926, the daughter of Peter and Maria (Benos) Carangias, she resided in Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Miami as a youth. She graduated from West Philadelphia (Pa.) High School, Class of 1944. In 1947 she married George Apostoles in Brattleboro. The majority of Katherine's employment years were spent...
Twin Valley falls to Stowe in boys’ soccer final
The Stowe dynasty rolls on. The Twin Valley boys' soccer team played fast and furious soccer but, as it always seems to happen, the second-seeded Stowe Raiders came out on top, winning their seventh straight Division III state championship with a 1-0 victory over the top-seeded Wildcats on Nov. 7 at Castleton University's David Wolk Stadium. This was a match worth the wait. It was to have been played on Nov. 3 at Randolph Union High School, but heavy rains...
Let’s make every day Veterans Day
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 100 years ago in 1918, World War I - “the war to end all wars” - ended. It is with honor that we as a nation stand together every year on Nov. 11 to recognize those who fought for freedom and for what they believe in: you and me. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 Armistice Day and, in a 1919 speech, he stated, “To us in America,
Love, compassion and sympathy to Tree of Life Congregation
The people of Newfane Congregational Church extend our love, compassion and sincerest sympathy to all our Jewish friends in southeastern Vermont, and to the families affected by the senseless murders at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Penn. We are deeply pained that violence inspired by racial and religious hatred continues in our time, and we pray for healing in our time.
Challenge Day: a tool that can help cultivate community
Our recent current events, our current White House administration, and our federal Republican congressional “civil servants” all point to the dismal fact that we, everyday citizens, have failed in the education of our young, especially our young men. At this time of heightened public energy and intention for a better future, I suggest we focus some of this momentum on improving how we nurture our young, that they might become whole, healthy human beings with compassionate regard for others. As...
Tom Neilson to perform a benefit show for GRACE Cares
Tom Neilson and Lynn Waldron will perform music for social change, with Namaya Art Rat for Peace opening, on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m., at Blue Heron Pond Studio, 773 Guilford St. Neilson is a storyteller who “weaves an autobiographical sketch of satire and social commentary from his dairy farm roots to the Vietnam War, civil rights, liberation struggles in Central America and East Africa, border crossings, pipelines, guns, breastfeeding, parenting, sexuality, reproduction, humanism, lost loves, and more,” according...
Brattleboro Words Trail created with help of schools, equipment donations
The National Endowment for the Humanities–backed Brattleboro Words Project has distributed state-of-the-art digital recording sets for several area schools and the Brooks Memorial Library. According to a news release, this is part of the project's first year of community research and audio-gathering for the Brattleboro Words Trail - self-guided digital and physical walking, biking, and driving audio tours of important sites in our area's storied past. Equipment donations were made possible by Brattleboro Words Project Sponsor Guilford Sound, whose founder...
Health needs of Windham County residents identified in recent Grace Cottage report
After an extensive, collaborative effort with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, the Brattleboro Retreat, and the Brattleboro office of the Vermont Department of Health, Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital has released the county-wide 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment. According to the Assessment: • 13 percent of Windham County adolescents have made a suicide plan in the past year. • 15 percent of Windham County teens have used tobacco in the past 30 days. • 25 percent of Windham County adults are...
Brattleboro girds for tax rise of 3 percent
The bottom line: Property taxes for 2020 could rise by 3 cents per $100 of assessed value, “a higher number than we intended or hoped for,” said Town Manager Peter B. Elwell. That's because of unanticipated insurance costs, offset in part by increasing revenues from rooms and meals tax. Budget season is underway, and at the Nov. 6 regular Selectboard meeting, Elwell presented the board with a fiscal year 2020 budget season preview, noting that “our work is ahead of...
Dummerston Selectboard member resigns
The Selectboard is down a member and will soon appoint someone to serve in Rachel Glickman's stead. At this year's Town Meeting, Glickman was elected to a two-year Board term. During a special Selectboard meeting on Oct. 10, Board Chair Zeke Goodband announced Glickman's resignation, effective Oct. 21. Goodband told The Commons that Glickman and her family moved to another town. State statute requires Selectboard members to be residents of the town, said Goodband, who noted, “I was sorry to...
Cold air arrives, with snow and freezing rain later this week
Good day to you, my neighbors to the north! It will feel and look more like early winter than the middle of autumn this week and into the weekend, of that I am certain. We've got a brutally cold Wednesday on tap with strong wind and the coldest air of the new cold season on the way. Thursday is cold and sunny as well, but clouds will be increasing late in the day. Then we have snow, sleet, and freezing...
Guilford Holiday Open Studio returns with new works from area artisans
The back roads of Windham County are filled with creative people who ply their trades quietly off the beaten path. Every year, a group of artisans gather at the weaving studio of Carol Schnabel on the Green River Road to showcase their products and connect with friends at the Guilford Holiday Open Studio. This event, which Schnabel helped launch, is both an opportunity for visitors to start their holiday shopping, and a chance to catch up with community members. Artists...
The new face of tyranny — in Vermont?
The Vermont State Board of Education, taking its lead from the Vermont Department of Education, has made clear its intention to eliminate local school boards and institute a forced merged structure. Throughout the state, citizens have voted upon this issue in duly conducted elections. In some districts, proposed mergers were supported by the voters. However, the results of those votes in ours and other districts around the state was a resounding and unequivocal rejection of a merged super-district. In addition,
Let the good times roll
Local music journalist Joe Milliken will co-host an author event and reception to celebrate the release of his first book, Let's Go! Benjamin Orr and The Cars, on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Village Square Booksellers on The Square. Just published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, the book tells the story of the late co-founder, co-lead singer, and bassist for the platinum-selling, Boston-based rock band The Cars. Often considered the band's heartthrob, Orr possessed an arresting voice, diverse musical talents,
Stone Church Arts presents music, songs, and stories with John Hughes
Kora player John Hughes will perform at Stone Church Arts at Immanuel Episcopal Church on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. According to Banning Eyre of Afropop Worldwide, “What is so impressive about Hughes' work is the way he has absorbed so much of the stylistic language of Mande kora music, and yet freed himself to compose within the idiom. It is confident, original, and above all, highly musical.” The kora is an ancient (nearly a thousand years old) West...
Retreat, union sign contract after months of tension
Management at the Brattleboro Retreat and union members have overwhelmingly ratified a bargaining contract that will raise wages for more than 500 employees at the psychiatric hospital. The contract raises nurses' pay to a level that hospital representatives say meets or exceeds wages in neighboring Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Mental-health workers (MHW) positions have a new starting wage of $15 per hour. Other union members will see a 3 percent increase. Over the course of 11 meetings, management and the...
Company completes $22 million expansion
U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, and local officials joined Paul Millman, president of employee-owned Chroma Technology Corp., on Nov. 8 to celebrate the completion of a $22 million expansion that will add or retain 133 jobs. According to a news release, the event concludes pre-development and construction at the Chroma facility at 10 Imtec Lane and included a tour of the newly expanded facility. In 2016, Chroma - an optical filter manufacturer that distributes its product...