Weekly Update 7.15.19
“All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming.”
Helen Keller (b.1880-d.1968)
American author, political activist, and the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree
There are a few new additions to this week's calendar, Friends, including an evening with famed journalist Rolland Smith and a concert to benefit reproductive rights. Take a moment to scroll through this week's calendar, find a listing that suits your interests, and make plans to attend. We look forward to seeing to seeing you at an event this week!
HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, JULY 14th, 2019
Share the Harvest
hosted by Edible Brattleboro
Sundays through October 27th, 2019 at the Edible Garden at Turning Point (corner of Elm Street and Frost Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm. For information please email [email protected]. Please bring your own bags.
Edible Brattleboro’s "Share the Harvest" stand is open every Sunday from 11am-1pm, in their help-yourself garden at Turning Point, corner of Elm and Frost Street (diagonally across from NYET). All produce is free.
Thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners, Edible Brattleboro distributed approximately 2500 pounds of free produce last summer. Feel free to drop off produce from your garden during the Sunday hours. You may also visit either of Edible Brattleboro's two public help-yourself gardens to harvest whatever is ready. Simply look for the green flags and instructions on how to harvest. The two public gardens are located at the Co-op (rear parking lot) and Turning Point. Edible Brattleboro is fully volunteer run. If you would like to help out or would like more info, contact Marilyn at [email protected] or visit www.EdibleBrattleboro.org.
______
HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, JULY 15th, 2019-SUNDAY, JULY 21st, 2019
Guest Speaker: Meagan Gallagher, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
hosted by The Women’s Action Team and Reproductive Health Advocates
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 at Saxton's River Distillery (155 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 5:30pm-7:30pm. Donations at the door to benefit Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. For more information join Reproductive Health Advocates Facebook Group.
PPNNE President and CEO Meagan Gallagher take questions and hear local perspectives on Title X and access to reproductive health care. She will be joined by VT Representative Emilie Kornheiser for updates on recent and future legislative action in Vermont. Meagan will provide a complete update on the state of reproductive health access nationally and statewide. Q&A following presentation.
______
Health Insurance Rate Hike Hearings
Vermont Workers’ Center Preparation Meeting:
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 at the Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 050301). First Floor. 7pm-8pm. Meeting starts at 6pm, prep starts at 7pm. If you can’t make it to the public hearing in person, you can submit a comment electronically at: https://www.workerscenter.org/calendar/2019/07/23/public-forum-to-stop-health-insurance-rate-hikes. Alternately, you can contact [email protected] to connect with a member who can help with the testimony and/or to sign up for a carpool.
Health insurance premiums for Blue Cross plans on Vermont Health Connect have risen 40 percent in just five years. Now, Blue Cross and MVP are asking for 15.6 and 8.5 percent average increases for next year’s premiums for plans purchased through VT Health Connect. On July 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) will be taking public comment. This public forum will take place at Montpelier City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier. The Vermont Workers’ Center is organizing carpools to this public forum. It is particularly important that the GMCB hear from people who will be directly impacted by these increases and by high deductibles, either because they have one of the affected plans or because they can’t afford one and are uninsured or underinsured.
If you would like help preparing a testimony, come to the VWC’s Organizing Committee meeting from on 7/16 from 7-8 p.m. at The Root Social Justice Center, 28 Williams St., Brattleboro. The meeting itself starts at 6, and we’ll be devoting the last hour to preparing for the hearings. Please see the July 23rd listing for Hearing details.
______
Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, July 19th, 2019 (and every Friday) at TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT). In front of the building. 12pm-1pm. Signs will be provided
TD is a major investor in Tar Sands. TD helps to fund the Dakota Access Pipeline. What You Can Do (besides attending the vigils): If you’re a TD depositor, change banks! Founded in 2005, Post Oil Solutions is a 501c3 community organizing project in Southeastern Vermont whose mission is to help empower the people of the Central Connecticut River Valley bioregion in this era of global warming and climate change to develop sustainable, resilient , collaborative, and socially just communities leading to a self- and community-sufficient post petroleum society.
______
Meetings with Remarkable Humans: An Evening with Rolland Smith
hosted by the Living Earth Action Group
Friday, July 19th, 2019 at the Congregational Church (44 Church Street, Westminster West, VT). 5pm. Dinner is available for purchase between 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Join acclaimed television anchor and investigative journalist, Rolland Smith, as he shares stories and poetry at 5pm on Friday, July 19, at the Congregational Church in Westminster West. “Meetings with Remarkable Humans” will include insights from his interviews with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Chief Oren Lyons and Al Gore, to name a few.
Local Chef and Vermont Legislator Tristan Toleno will be providing a barbecue dinner at the Church that night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Those attending the gathering with Rolland Smith will also be able to purchase and enjoy fresh barbecue and side dishes with local farm-fresh produce. All proceeds from the evening will go to the Church.
Rolland Smith has over 50 years of broadcast and television production experience. He is former news anchor for WCBS-TV and superstation WWOR-TV in New York. Smith calls himself a storyteller, and is a consummate broadcast journalist. His skills as an anchorman, commentator, reporter, writer and producer have earned him numerous honors. He is the recipient of eleven Emmy awards. He also writes a blog on topics of interest from poetry to politics at rollandgsmith.com. Among his many notable accomplishments, he anchored the international broadcast of the 1985 “Live Aid” concert for over 11 hours to an audience in excess of two billion viewers in 107 countries.
About the Living Earth Action Group
Founded in February 2017 by Caitlin Adair, the Group meets weekly in a congenial and caring circle of neighbors, friends and guests to discover, investigate and discuss all matters related to the health of our living Earth, including all beings who live on her, and then to take action when possible to promote the well-being of all. The Group meets most Fridays from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Congregational Church of Westminster West, and invites anyone interested to participate.
About the Congregational Church of Westminster West, United Church of Christ
The church is lively, progressive, thoughtful and inclusive. Interested community members are always welcomed. Pastor Susie Webster-Toleno officiates with support of an engaged congregation, inspired choir and musical accompaniment. Regular services are Sunday mornings at 10:00am, 44 Church Street, Westminster West.
______
Body Autonomy/Equality: A Benefit Concert for Reproductive Rights and Liberty
a benefit for The Yellowhammer Fund
Saturday, July 20th, 2019 at Stone Church (210 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm-9pm.
The Yellowhammer Fund provides funding for anyone seeking care at one of Alabama's three abortion clinics and will help with other barriers to access (travel, lodging, etc.) as well as able. As a member of the National Network of Abortion Funds, the Yellowhammer Fund is also committed to collaborations, advocacy, and programming that further the goals of reproductive justice.
Featured Bands: If Not I Than Who Then, I Love You!, Lahnah, Tough Guy, The Sad Joys, Faye Patrick and the Good Death Reverence Ride
______
UPCOMING EVENTS
Health Insurance Rate Hike Hearings
Green Mountain Care Board Rate Hike Hearing:
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019 at Montpelier City Hall (39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT). 4:30pm-6:30pm. If you can’t make it to the public hearing in person, you can submit a comment electronically at: https://www.workerscenter.org/calendar/2019/07/23/public-forum-to-stop-health-insurance-rate-hikes. Alternately, you can contact [email protected] to connect with a member who can help with the testimony and/or to sign up for a carpool.
Health insurance premiums for Blue Cross plans on Vermont Health Connect have risen 40 percent in just five years. Now, Blue Cross and MVP are asking for 15.6 and 8.5 percent average increases for next year’s premiums for plans purchased through VT Health Connect. On July 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) will be taking public comment. This public forum will take place at Montpelier City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier. The Vermont Workers’ Center is organizing carpools to this public forum. It is particularly important that the GMCB hear from people who will be directly impacted by these increases and by high deductibles, either because they have one of the affected plans or because they can’t afford one and are uninsured or underinsured.
______
Public Film Screening: "Within the Eye of the Storm”
hosted by Jerusalem Peacebuilders and the Windham World Affairs Council
Thursday, July 25th, 2019 at 118 Gallery (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-8pm.
Please join us for a special program focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Jerusalem Peacebuilders will present the powerful Israeli film, “Within the Eye of the Storm,” followed by small group discussions led by pairs of Israelis and Palestinians from the Jerusalem Peacebuilders’ Vermont Leadership Institute. This is a rare opportunity to meet Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders and to learn more about one of the most challenging conflicts of our time.
“Within the Eye of the Storm” is the story of Bassam and Rami, a Palestinian and an Israeli who were once dedicated fighters willing to kill and be killed by one another for their nations. When faced with the tragic loss of their daughters in the conflict, they chose to do the unexpected, and, instead of seeking revenge, they turned from enemies into brothers.
Jerusalem Peacebuilders’ Vermont Leadership Institute brings together American, Israeli, and Palestinian young adults with the focus of creating a new generation of Peacebuilders and leaders. The program challenges participants to consider different perspectives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In addition, it encourages participants to deepen their understanding of faith traditions and develop strategies for taking action to promote peace.
______
Alley Lane Cleanup
hosted by Ask the River, Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, VT Center for Photography, Town of Brattleboro, Brattleboro Area Hospice, Brattleboro Prevention Coalition, with artists Evie Lovett, Andrea Wasserman, and Elizabeth Billings
Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4th, 2019 in the Transportation Center Alleyway off of Flat Street (77 Flat Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), between the VT Center for Photography and Experienced Goods. 4pm-6pm. Public metered parking is available directly across from the Alleyway.
Together we can do this! We invite you to help reimagine the transportation center alleyway off of Flat St. between Vermont Center for Photography & Experienced Goods. There will be three project days to clean up the area, mulch, garden and brainstorm. The date: July 3rd, July 31st, and September 4th from 4-6 PM.
This effort is part of a larger placemaking effort to transform the area into an inviting and inclusive area for community use and engagement. The effort will culminate with a pop-event during the September Gallery Walk on Sept. 6th.
Who is making this happen? Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, VT Center for Photography, Town of Brattleboro, Brattleboro Area Hospice, Brattleboro Prevention Coalition, a team of regional artists– Evie Lovett, Andrea Wasserman, Elizabeth Billings and all of you!
______
Solutions Where Do We Go From Here? A Community Conversation
hosted by The Commons & 118 Elliot, evening moderated by Mac and Shanta Lee Gander
Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 at 118 Elliot Gallery (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm-7:30pm.
This conversation is an opportunity to invite everyone throughout the community to discuss some of the ways they are addressing some of the various topics that The Commons has covered in previous Special Focus sections—especially the most recent piece, Flying Signs.
This is not about individuals from a seat of power or position helping individuals who aren’t in those positions of power. Instead, this is focused on asking the question what role do we all play as individuals who live and work in Brattleboro? How can we all see ourselves as a part of the solution and what does that look like for our community? Please join us as we explore what’s possible.
______
Democratic Debate Watch Party, Round Two
hosted by Windham County Vermont Democrats and The Stone Church
Wenesday, July 31st, 2019 at The Stone Church (210 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 8:30pm-11pm.
Come out to the Stone Church to watch the second night of the Democratic Presidential Primary Debates, Round Two on the big screen. Join your fellow Democrats to participate in the conversation about our next president. The WCDC will be providing good food, the Stone Church will be offering an excellent drink selection, and we guarantee engaging conversation.
______
Windham County Democratic Committee Meeting
Monday, August 5th, 2019 at the Winston Prouty Center (20 Winston Prouty Way (formerly Austine Drive), Brattleboro, VT, 05031). 6:30pm-8pm.
This committee meeting is open to the public. The formal meeting convenes at 6:30pm but come early at 6pm for fellowship and snacks. Be part of the process that puts Democrats back in the State House and the White House!
______
August Meeting with Extinction Rebellion
hosted by The Putney Huddle
Sunday, August 11th, 2019 at the Putney Public Library (55 Main Street, Putney, VT, 05346). 1:30pm-3:30pm.
Extinction Rebellion Vermont representatives Maria Ogden and Ward Ogden will share a presentation on the work that their group is actively engaged in. More details to come! All are invited!
______
RePeopling Vermont: The Paradox of Development in the Twentieth Century (part of the Community Conversations Series)
Hosted by the Vermont Historical Society, Brooks Memorial Library, and the VT Dept of Libraries. A joint project of VHS and the Vermont Department of Libraries. Support provided by the Vermont Humanities Council and Northern Vermont University
Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6:30pm-8pm. Free and open to everyone. For more information please go to www.vermonthistory.org/community-conversations.
Join fellow Vermonters in your community to learn about how the state has handled questions of development and progress in the past and how we might use those lessons to discuss a path forward to the future. The programs will open with Northern Vermont University professor Paul Searls, who will review themes and events featured in his newly-published book "Repeopling Vermont: The Paradox of Development in the Twentieth Century". In the book, he highlights the stories of different communities and their responses to difficult questions as part of his inquiry into how Vermont balanced competing visions for the state in the last century.
Following Searls’s presentation, attendees will be invited to share their own perspectives on their communities. How can we use the lessons of history to frame our planning going forward? What is important to preserve, and when is it important to move forward? How can we balance different interests and create a Vermont that works for everyone?
______
LAST CALL FOR SUMMER CAMPS
Farm to Ballet Performance Camp for Kids at Retreat Farm
presented by Ballet Vermont and Retreat Farm
Monday, July 15th, 2019-Friday, July 19th, 2019 at Retreat Farm (45 Farmhouse Square, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 9am-3:30*pm. *Paid aftercare option of 3:30pm-4:30pm for an additional $50. Please go to www.balletvermont.org for performance tickets.
Your camper can dance on the big stage with Farm to Ballet! Campers who participate in this camp will perform the choreography they learn at camp as the pre-show to Farm to Ballet's Retreat Farm show. Camp week will include daily ballet class, farm and garden exploration, activities, and craft. Dancers will work on choreography and craft costumes in addition to other activities to prepare for the big Farm to Ballet performance.
______
UPRISE Youth Activism Camp (Ages 13-19)
Sunday, July 28th, 2019-Sunday, August 4th, 2019 in Marshfield, VT. For more information please go here: https://www.uprisecampvt.org.
We're inviting youth ages 13-19 to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont for one amazing week of teen empowerment, creativity, action, and friendship -- all while strategizing for our collective future. As mentors with a broad spectrum of skills, we are passionate about empowering teens as organizers, change makers, and allies in our rapidly changing world.
The cost of the camp is $450 for the week, but please feel more than welcome to ask us about scholarships. Bring your hopes and fears for the future, your unique style and skills, your passion and ideas -- but most of all, bring yourself, just as you are -- and join us!
Youth interested in attending Uprise! are asked to go through a short application form process. The application will give us an idea of who’s interested in the camp and help our team make this camp accessible and awesome for everyone. There are financial aid questions at the end of the application. You can find information on the application process here.
______
RESOURCE FOR WeCAN: Rapid Response Text Alert System
When WeCAN began, Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response We were reminded of the Rapid Response text alerts system as President Trump moves towards firing Mueller. In the event Mueller is fired, MoveOn is planning a nation-wide simultaneous protest. The trick will be to get the word out fast if/when the time comes. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.
______
STANDING REGULAR MEETINGS
Women Veterans Weekly Coffee and Tea Social
Thursday Mornings at Brattleboro Legion Post 5 Inc. (32 Linden Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 9am-10am.
All female veterans are invited to join in the Women Veterans group coffee held at the American Legion. All women veterans are welcome. You do not need to be a Legion member.
______
Lost River Racial Justice, Black Lives Matter-South, and People Of Color Caucus Regular Meeting
Reoccurring racial justice organizing meetings every 2nd Monday at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio of the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) on the First Floor. 6pm-8pm. Childcare provided. Fragrance & nut free space.
______
Youth 4 Change
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 5:30pm-8pm.
For more information please contact Youth 4 Change at [email protected].
Agenda:
5:30pm: Drop in homework time and art making
6:00pm: Food
6:30pm: Meeting and Organizing
Youth 4 Change is for local-area youth 12-22 interested in political organizing around local/state/national social justice issues that are important to them. Brattleboro area advocates and educators are holding a space, and assisting youth in building a strong personal tool kit to organize for change. Using a variety of creative methods, we aim to enable youth with tools for resilience, courage and compassion, while fostering their ability to speak up about issues that matter to them, and to take action in the name of love and liberation for all people. Come explore issues of racial, economic and gender justice through art, movement, first-hand accounts and contemplative practices. Connect with area youth around the issues that matter to you and strengthen your tool kit for action!
______
Windham County NAACP Regular Meetings
Monthly community meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month at The Root Center for Social Justice (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) on the First Floor from 6pm-7pm. Upcoming Meetings: 3/21/19; 4/18/19; 5/16/19. For more information please email [email protected]. All are welcome.
The meetings are open to anyone interested in racial justice. The Mission of the NAACP is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.
______
ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Indigo Radio
Sundays at 12pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FMTo stream live: Visit www.wvew.org
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections! IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353.
______
Thank you, friends, for showing up for your community day in and day out. Your efforts are far reaching and we appreciate every moment you dedicate to justice. Thank you!
Joanna and Leslie
Showing 1 reaction