• Hunter Mitchell Ausby, 3, of Brattleboro. Died July 14, 2024, the result of an accident at his home. He died peacefully while in the arms of his parents and grandmother at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Hunter was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on July 15, 2020, the son of Darmar Bruce Ausby and Emily Elizabeth Solomon. Hunter was full of energy and, at the time of his death, was attending the Vernon Summer Camp Program and Vernon Library Program. Besides his loving mom and dad, he leaves two siblings at home, Kamar Ausby and Axl Solomon; his maternal grandmother, Michelle Cassidy (Louis Knight) of Vernon; maternal grandfather, Robert Solomon of Hinsdale; paternal grandparents, Eleanor Goldbold and Rodney Emory of New Jersey; aunts, Raven and Adara Solomon; uncle, Robert Solomon, Jr.; and a host of close family and friends. Hunter's life will be forever cherished by his family, especially for the warmth and love he shared with everyone. Memorial information: Funeral services for Hunter were conducted July 19 at Center Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Donations to Early Education Services, 130 Birge Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Helen P. Carroll, 96, of Saxtons River. Died peacefully at her home on July 8, 2024 ,following a brief illness. She had been the town's oldest living resident. Helen Jean Porter was born on April 1, 1928, in Penn Yan, New York, the third daughter and ninth child of D. Eugene Porter, Sr. and Susan Rebecca Hoover Porter. She attended local schools and graduated from Penn Yan Academy with the Class of 1945, shortly after her 17th birthday. Following graduation, Helen took a job as the sole overnight operator for the Penn Yan Telephone Company; she rode her bicycle to work. She...
Work underway on Western Avenue sidewalk project BRATTLEBORO - DMI Excavation, a contractor hired by the town, has begun replacing the southern section of sidewalk on Western Avenue between Edward Heights and Greenleaf Street. This project is expected to take several weeks. Crews will be working Monday through Friday...
BRATTLEBORO-The Brattleboro Rotary Club recently awarded $14,500 in scholarships to five local high school students who will be attending college this fall. The scholarships are funded by The Gateway Foundation, an affiliate of the Brattleboro Rotary Club. This year's recipients include Julia M. Hammond of Hinsdale, who will attend...
Elayne Clift (elayne-clift.com) has written this column about women, politics, and social issues from the earliest days of this newspaper. BRATTLEBORO-Let's get right to it: The shocking decision about presidential immunity by the Supreme Court has us non-Trumpers in a place of deep anxiety and overt fear. We know that our lives and our kids' futures will be forever changed by a court that has become so outrageously biased and openly political that it is not hyperbolic to charge them...
PUTNEY-Yellow Barn enters the second half of its summer festival this week with performances on Thursday through Saturday (July 25–27), and a Saturday morning masterclass with Laurence Lesser (July 27). Returning to the Big Barn stage this summer are violinist Anthony Marwood, clarinetist Alan Kay, cellist John Myerscough, and violist Krzysztof Chorzelski, plus newcomers cellist Luise Buchberger and violist Pauline Sachse. Thursday's free performance is the second in Yellow Barn's new side-by-side concerts. At Yellow Barn, musicians have their own...
GUILFORD-Zon Eastes, a multi-term Democrat serving Guilford in many capacities over the decades, including as chair of the Guilford Selectboard, has made his stand clearly known on issues affecting residents of Guilford and Vernon, without misleading contradiction. He has worked tirelessly on such critical issues as food security, housing affordability, and fair taxation, ensuring quality of life for seniors and homebound individuals, land conservation, and traffic safety, all the while promoting cordiality, respect, and positivity in all areas of his...
GUILFORD-As an illustration of the deep mistrust and divisiveness happening in Guilford right now, a special meeting of the Selectboard had to be held on July 3 because the town office has two vaults, and the holders of the combinations to the vaults no longer seem to trust one another. One of Guilford's vaults is the town clerk's vault. By statute, every town in Vermont has one, and it holds the town's land records. It is open to the public...
PUTNEY-Landmark College's Board of Trustees has appointed James Dlugos as interim president of the College, effective July 13. "Jim has had an esteemed career in higher education, most recently as president of St. Joseph's College in Maine," Barbara Epifanio, chair of the Landmark College Board of Trustees, said in a news release. Epifanio led an interim search process conducted through AGB Search. "Jim's leadership at St. Joseph's included the development of academic programs for neurodivergent learners, which is at the...
BRATTLEBORO-p>Award winning trapeze dancers Serenity Smith Forchion, an internationally known circus aerialist, and Mark Przekurat, an arborist intent on educating the world about the future of our forests, are offering their workshop in two levels on Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday features an introduction to Tree Dancing, while Sunday's session features a more advanced class. "Students can work at their own pace and own level," Forchion explained in a news release.
BRATTLEBORO-Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) has been cited as Vermont's most socially responsible acute care hospital by the Lown Institute, a Massachusetts-based nonpartisan health care think tank. According to a news release, the distinction is based on an evaluation of more than 3,500 U.S. hospitals using more than 50 metrics in categories such as health equity, value of care, and patient outcomes. Results are based on data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Internal Revenue Service, and...
PUTNEY-Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present country swing sextet The Sweetback Sisters at Next Stage on Friday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Centered around the harmonies of Emily Miller and Zara Bode, The Sweetback Sisters mix originals and interpretations of country classics. Hints of jazz and ragtime flesh out the Sisters' brand of classic country, as Miller, Bode, and their band "conjure up a singular blend of heart, humor, and virtuosic musicianship," say organizers in a news release. "Their...
PUTNEY-The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents five-piece band Bombay Rickey, on Saturday, July 27, at 6 p.m. at New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), 10 Town Crier Drive. "[Bombay Rickey is] easily one of the most adventurous and daring artists we've worked with - how many ensembles are fronted by an opera singer and can count cumbia, spaghetti-Western, and Bollywood as influences?" Keith Marks, executive director of Next Stage Arts, said in a news release. "I saw them...
Maciel (a current WSESD School Board director), Schoales (a former director), and Davis (a former director) all live in Brattleboro. Nolan, a former Brattleboro Town School Board member, lives in Dummerston. The four collectively add that their views here "are entirely our own and do not reflect any official opinion of the Windham Southeast [School] District School Board. School board affiliations are noted for identification purposes only." As past and current school board members, we have all shared a commitment...
VERNON-Zon Eastes' dedication to Vernon and Guilford is unparalleled, spanning over 40 years of service. His commitment to environmental stewardship is commendable. He champions initiatives that promote a sustainable future for our towns. Zon's dedication to our schools is unwavering. He understands the importance of quality education having worked much of his career as an educator. His leadership as chair of the Guilford Selectboard has been instrumental. His skillful oversight ensured the successful allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds.
-The Brattleboro Little League 10-U All-Stars are just one win away from a state championship after sweeping through the opening weekend of tournament play at South Main Street Field. Things were set up perfectly for Brattleboro, the District 2 champs. As the host of the state tournament, they have no long rides on the highway, and their two top pitchers, Teddy McKay and Simon Potter, were rested and ready. The result was a 18-2 romp over Connecticut Valley in four...
BRATTLEBORO-I was going to write a different letter of support for Emilie Kornheiser, as she runs for Windham-7 (West Brattleboro) state representative. Then, however, my thoughts coalesced around one word: courage. The courage to push for the right things, even if she receives backlash for her positions: This capability is one our district needs, our state needs. Given the political reality that has been in effect in Vermont for several years - with a popular Republican governor who chooses not...
To watch the debate, visit bit.ly/774-debate. BRATTLEBORO-Our lone public candidate forum so far in this election season has come and gone. It was standard issue. The topics, as always, were drawn from the perennial list. The agenda, too, followed the typical template: Each candidate opened with a couple minutes about themself after which Moderator Olga Peters commenced questions. The event on July 8 was organized by the Democratic Party, its topics drawn from the standard menu of state issues, with...
BRATTLEBORO-The upcoming Democratic primary between Emilie Kornheiser and Amanda Ellis-Thurber is a political travesty. Praised by her colleagues in the House and Senate as "a tremendous leader" (Rep. Tristan Toleno) who "looks at tax policy in a different way that has eyes strictly on Vermonters and Vermonters' needs" (Rep. Emily Long), Kornheiser chairs the House Ways and Means Committee. She rose to that position of prominence in six short years. In last year's session she became the voice of a...
BRATTLEBORO-I thank Rep. Tristan Toleno for his many years of service in the Vermont Legislature and for endorsing Ian Goodnow to continue the dedicated representation that Windham County needs. I have known Ian for the past three years and have been incredibly impressed with his facilitation as the chair of the Brattleboro Selectboard, his deep listening skills, and his commitment to making our community work for us all. We need Ian's youthful energy and passion for the people in the...
BRATTLEBORO-I recently ran into a statement that hit home: "The opposite of chaos is community." This is relevant to the Democratic primary in the Windham-1 Guilford-Vernon district, where there is a race for the House seat being vacated by Sara Coffey. Running as a real Democrat is Zon Eastes, a true community builder. I've worked with Zon in many capacities for 40 years. During that time, I've watched Zon build community as executive director of the Brattleboro Music Center, as...
The writer, a former Brattleboro area resident, is president emeritus of the Vermont AFL-CIO. MORETOWN-It is without hesitation that I personally endorse Emilie Kornheiser for state representative for Brattleboro. As the recent past president of the Vermont AFL-CIO, I rarely back Democrats or Republicans. Too often, politicians from these parties fail to fight for the interests of working-class people. However, Emilie, time and again, has shown herself to be different. Kornheiser has made the collective interests of working families her...
NORTHAMPTON, MASS.-I'm a flatlander now, and when I drive into town without my old green license plates, I am sometimes treated as such. But I still love my hometown and so many of the people in it. Seeing the hardships the area has faced during the past few years has been painful. That's why I am alarmed that one of your most progressive legislative champions, State Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, who has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, is being...
DUMMERSTON-I feel strongly that our Vermont Legislature needs a lot of changes, all over the state this year. At present, legislators don't appear to listen to the public, especially those of us who live in southern Vermont. They seem to feel that they know what is best for all of us. Their agenda seems to always be top down, not bottom up. We aren't all cities like Burlington. We need well-rounded, moderate people in Montpelier to really listen to their...
GUILFORD-Guilford and Vernon voters must decide who will replace Rep. Sara Coffey on the Democratic ticket for the Windham-1 state representative seat in November. Sara supports Zon Eastes' campaign. Zon's opponent is the guy who's brought frivolous lawsuits against the town of Guilford, which have been dismissed by the Vermont Supreme Court but have cost Guilford residents nearly $50,000 in legal fees. The same opponent relentlessly criticizes our elected officials for paying for this defense, while supporting the MAGA Republican...
The writer has served on the Brattleboro Selectboard since 2019. BRATTLEBORO-Democratic voters in Windham-9 have the choice of two good candidates to replace Rep. Tristan Toleno in the State House. I was lucky enough to work closely with one of these candidates, Ian Goodnow, during our time together on the Brattleboro Selectboard. Ian is serious, thoughtful, energetic, and hard-working. He cares deeply about all facets of our community. From our time together on the board, I know that Ian is...
GUILFORD-Those of us who live in Guilford and Vernon are quite fortunate to have many citizens willing to volunteer their time and talent to benefit all who live here. Sara Coffey, our state representative, is certainly a tough act to follow, but two people have stepped forward to replace her: Zon Eastes and Jason Herron. Although I give both people credit for their willingness to take on this very demanding role, from my perspective, Zon is by far the stronger...
GUILFORD-As the voters of Guilford and Vernon are aware, in preparation for the upcoming Democratic primary for the Vermont Legislature, candidate Jason Herron has published several large ads and has posted a Facebook page devoted to his candidacy. These ads contain the standard, expected set of assertions about issues of interest and concern to all citizens of Vermont, while at the same time offering few specific proposals to address these issue. But perhaps it would also be useful to explore...
GUILFORD-The current chair of the Selectboard and the person who has been suing him and his fellow board members for the past two years are facing off in the Tuesday, Aug. 13 Democratic primary in the Windham-1 district. Selectboard chair Zon Eastes, 70, is running against Jason Herron, 48. In the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election, the winner will face Nancy Gassett, who is unopposed as the Republican nominee for the seat. The incumbent, Guilford Democrat Rep. Sara Coffey, who...
BRATTLEBORO-When Emilie Kornheiser first ran for state representative six years ago, I was so excited for the chance to have someone with her background representing Brattleboro. She has many years of experience working with local youth and families and has a deep understanding of what people need to thrive in Vermont. During her time in office, I have been so pleased and impressed with the way she has advocated for Brattleboro. One of the biggest challenges our town is facing...
Leah McGrath Goodman brings two decades of investigative journalism experience covering politics and money to a new newsletter, Column C, where she explores "cultures of corruption, climate change, crypto and other calamities." BRATTLEBORO-There is a formula for corruption. It is Klitgaard's rule of "corruption equals monopoly, plus discretion, minus accountability," also known as C = M + D - A. That seems so satisfyingly pat, doesn't it? Its author, Robert Klitgaard, one of the towering figures of anticorruption research, has...
BRATTLEBORO-Why Amanda Ellis-Thurber? "My candidacy for District 7 did not start with me," Amanda Ellis-Thurber said as she introduced herself at the Democratic candidate forum. "It came from my neighbors, looking for a candidate that would represent them." Just what could be so compelling? Why would an organic farmer take time to run for district representation when she's in the middle of her business's busiest season? There is a story here. I'm one of those neighbors who urged her to...
BRATTLEBORO-I have known David Gartenstein for over 40 years, since he hired me to cook at the Common Ground Restaurant in 1984. David has an unmatched record of public service in this community over the past 30 years, spanning years on the Development Review Board, the School Board, and six years on the Selectboard, including as chair. Now he's town moderator. Public service seems to be in his DNA! His professional work in the Windham County State's Attorney office has...
BRATTLEBORO-In 1968, Tim O'Connor ran for the Legislature, for the seat I was later elected to in 1996. Tim was 32 years old, a lawyer in town. A more humane, dedicated, and skilled public servant has never again served us. It is with the spirit of Tim in my mind that I endorse the candidacy of Ian Goodnow for the Legislature. Ian is also 32, and a lawyer who works in town at 51 Putney Rd., as did Tim. Ian...
BRATTLEBORO-Unless immediate decisive action is taken to transform Vermont's health care system, it will be financially unsustainable by 2030. This is the conclusion of a hired consultant's 10-month review of health care in Vermont. More than 60 people attended a community meeting organized by the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) at Brooks Memorial Library on July 17, where the report's findings were presented and discussed. The presentation was one of several being held around the state in July. It was...
BRATTLEBORO-I watched BCTV's Democratic Candidate Forum, featuring five candidates for the Vermont House of Representatives, then later I had an opportunity to question David Gartenstein, a candidate for District 9, where I live) about his experience and answers at the forum. Together, both helped me to understand why I think he is the better candidate. David has prepared himself thoroughly by serving in a range of local government roles over a 20-year period. He stands out for his depth of...
BRATTLEBORO-At a time of high turnover at the Legislature, including three retirements in Windham County, Emilie Kornheiser 's experience and seniority are important to us locally and to the state as a whole. However, she is facing a challenge in the Democratic primary. In the most recent biennium, Emilie served as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, which works on tax policy. She displayed bold progressive vision focused on solving some of Vermont's most intractable problems. During the...
The writer represents the Windsor-Windham district (Athens, Chester, Grafton, and Windham) in the Vermont House of Representatives. For details about the payroll tax, visit bit.ly/774-payroll. CHESTER-As I am out and about in the community, talking with constituents, many have asked about the new payroll tax to fund Act 76, the Child Care Bill. In the 2023 legislative session, the Legislature passed this act, which already is helping to ease the child care crisis that Vermont is facing. I voted for...
BRATTLEBORO-As a property owner in Windham County who stays abreast of local and statewide politics, I have paid close attention to the upcoming Windham-9 race, as it is a pivotal one for Windham County and the State of Vermont and for the direction we wish to see our state move in. I, along with many others I know, am struggling with impending tax increases and the general hyper-progressive direction our current reps have voted to bring our state in. It...
BRATTLEBORO-By fighting for programs for the most marginalized, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser ensures a better quality of life for every Vermonter. My own family has benefited from such programs. When my husband was out of work with a medical disability for two years and my sole income running the Community Justice Center in Bellows Falls supported our family, the USDA Rural Development Fund homeownership program, Dr. Dynasaur, and Green Mountain Care kept us afloat. These programs were a life raft for...
BRATTLEBORO-Rep. Emilie Kornheiser has the knowledge, the experience, and the relationships to do the job and do it well. Until I read an interview with Rep. Emily Long (D-Newfane), the House majority leader, I did not realize just how important it is for a state representative to have experience and relationships and how long it can take to get that. Emily Long said she thought she was familiar with the State House, but she said, "in retrospect, I knew nothing"
MARLBORO-Covid showed us how to combat global warming and climate change. Remember the photos of clear skies over India and clean water in Venice after the shutdown? It was like a miracle. But it was drastic human action that did it. We can do it again and save ourselves and the planet. It will take careful planning and reordering our lives. Can we live without global trade? I hope we can find a way. Woody Bernhard Marlboro This letter to...
PUTNEY-Well, thank goodness that Joe Biden withdrew from the race for president (although no one wanted Kamala Harris when she previously ran for the office). But one way to avoid another race like this again is to mandate a retirement age for politicians. That's a very easy way to avoid what most of us didn't want to see. I suggest a retirement age of, at most, 75. Jacqueline Brook Putney This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.
BRATTLEBORO-If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That has been a handy phrase for a long time, often used by conservatives to attack progressive ideas. But the reverse is true today in the Brattleboro District 7 House race where Amanda Ellis-Thurber is trying to unseat Rep. Emilie Kornheiser. A liberal Democrat, Kornheiser has been on the cutting edge of tax reform, most recently with H.829, a bill to tax those earning over $500,000 a year in order to raise an...
Erica Walch is part of a group of local citizens concerned about the cost of living in Vermont. "We have invited Rob Roper, formerly of the Ethan Allen Institute, to speak about Act 18 and what it may mean for Vermont households," she says. The public is welcome to Roper's free talk on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m., at the NewBrook Firehouse in Newfane on Route 30. "We are unaffiliated with any other group and have not received any...