Brattleboro’s Charter Revision Commission meets Feb. 9
BRATTLEBORO — Brattleboro’s Charter Revision Commission will meet on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. in the Selectboard Meeting Room in the Municipal Center, 230 Main Street.
The meeting agenda includes a discussion of how to structure the charter review and revision process and how to encourage, gather and review public input. All commission meetings are open to the public and are recorded and available on BCTV’s website, brattleborotv.org.
The seven-member commission was established by the Selectboard in December 2022. Article 4, Section 5(H) of the Brattleboro Charter requires, “At least as often as every 15 years, the Selectboard shall appoint from among the voters a charter revision commission to review the language of the charter and the rights, powers, duties, and responsibilities specified therein. The commission may propose amendments and may redraft the charter in whole or in part.”
Members of the commission are Hannah Clarisse, Peter Elwell, David Gartenstein, Denise Glover, Maya Hasegawa, Kate O’Connor, and Joy Tournoux. The charter is available for viewing at brattleboro.org.
Habitat hike on Hogback Mountain
MARLBORO — Ten years ago, Hogback Mountain Conservation Association (HMCA) started a multi-year Early Successional Habitat (ESH) program in the Hogback Mountain Conservation Area to try to generate a variety of wildlife niches on the mountain.
The HMCA picked several of the overgrown ski slopes, and more than 100 volunteers cut back the trees and shrubs, hoping to stimulate growth of ESH, also known as “young forest,” which can be very attractive to certain birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects.
Hikers can take a look at how things are regrowing and look for signs of use by wildlife during a hike planned for Saturday, Feb. 11, led by Diana Todd.
Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot on Route 9 in between the distillery and the gift shop. There’s plenty of parking available in the big lot on the north side of Route 9 across from the distillery. Bring snowshoes or cleats as appropriate for the snow conditions. Skis will not be appropriate for this hike, since hikers may end up bushwhacking through some dense growth. The goal is to return to the parking lot by noon. For more information, email [email protected].
Valentine-making workshop offered
GUILFORD — Start a new tradition and make Valentine’s cards for your family and friends to express love and appreciation on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive.
This Valentine-making workshop is for families, children, and teens and will be led by craftswoman Carole Crompton. This is a non-denominational activity open to all and sponsored by Guilford Community Church. Light snacks and materials are provided. The cost is a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family (all welcome regardless). Call 802-257-0994 to register, or contact Crompton at [email protected].
Library sponsors showing of ‘Top Hat’ at Opera House
BELLOWS FALLS — Celebrate Valentine’s Week at the Bellows Falls Opera House with one of the great 1930s dance musicals, Top Hat, featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., sponsored by the Friends of the Rockingham Library.
It’s love at first dance, until Ginger thinks Fred is her best friend’s husband. The film satirizes stuffy upper-class manners while providing sumptuous Hollywood representations of London and Venice. Songs by Irving Berlin including Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, Isn’t It a Lovely Day? and Cheek to Cheek. The Friends of the Library invite everyone to the fun at the Opera House. Tickets for the movie are $6.
A Friends of the Rockingham Library table will be set up before the movie to provide information on the Friends activities and invitations to join. The Hunter Art Studio is sharing the love by providing free “Triple Up” treats (popcorn, candy, and soda) for each new member of the Friends at $10 or higher level.
Rec. Dept. offers youth chess classes
BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department will offer another session of youth chess classes from Feb. 17 to April 28. Note there will be no class on Feb. 24. The fee is $55 for Brattleboro residents and $70 for non-residents.
Intermediate classes will take place on Fridays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. These players must know basic checkmate and a few tactics and strategies. Beginner classes will be on Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Eric Strickland is the instructor.
Register online at bit.ly/701-chess, or in person at the Gibson-Aiken Center located at 207 Main Street, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
GMP expands rebates for customers
COLCHESTER — Green Mountain Power has renewed savings opportunities for customers in 2023, to continue to switch away from fossil fuel for driving, heating, and more. These rebates are available to all customers to make the switch and help cut carbon and costs for customers.
GMP’s rebate for all-electric vehicles (AEVs) is increasing for 2023, to $2,200 for qualifying new vehicles, up from $1,500 last year. Income-eligible customers can still get an extra $1,000 rebate for up to $3,200 in savings. If you purchase or lease from a participating dealership, they can apply the rebate as a discount during the transaction for immediate savings.
This bigger AEV rebate is valid through June 2023, and it can be combined with up to $4,000 in state EV rebates and $7,500 in federal tax incentives for qualifying vehicles, adding up to big savings. GMP’s base rebate for used AEVs is also increasing — to $1,500, up from $750 last year.
GMP reports that with its customers, it has helped to offset 306,000 Metric tons of carbon emissions through GMP programs last year, which is the equivalent of taking about 66,000 fossil fuel vehicles off the road for a year.
More details on all of GMP’s rebates and programs for residential customers are online at bit.ly/701-gmp and include:
— Heat pumps, $400 rebate with up to $1,000 in savings for income-eligible customers.
— Motorcycles, $500 rebate.
— E-bikes, $200 instant rebate at participating shops.
— Induction stoves, $200 rebate.
— Lawn tractors and mowers, up to $100 rebate.