Podcasts about Town meeting

Send us a textIn the face of unprecedented legislative attacks, how does Texas's LGBTQ community forge ahead? This episode of Queer Voices delivers a masterclass in resilience, featuring Brad Pritchett, the Interim Executive Director of Equality Texas, who reveals the brutal realities of the recent legislative session where over 200 anti-LBGTQIA+ bills were filed—the highest number in state history. Deborah Moncrief Bell is the interviewer. "We managed to stop more than 95% of those bills from actually passing into law," Pritchett explains, highlighting the power of community organizing even in hostile political environments. He takes us behind the curtain of Texas politics, exposing how some lawmakers waste precious legislative time on bills based on fabricated scenarios (like the ridiculous "furries bill") rather than addressing genuine concerns affecting all Texans. We then journey from legislation to theater as Houston-native actor Austin Colburn shares his experience returning home from New York to star in "The Last Five Years" at Queensbury Theatre, which runs from July 23rd through the 27th. Austin reflects with Brett Cullum on his evolution from a dancer who "couldn't sing a single pitch" to a professional actor tackling one of musical theater's most challenging scores. His journey from local stages to New York callbacks offers a heartening counterpoint to the political struggles—a reminder that queer joy and artistic expression persist.The episode concludes with Melelani Petersen's powerful reflection on "Town Meeting 1978 to 2028," an art exhibition commemorating a pivotal 1978 gathering of 4,000 LGBTQ Houstonians that birthed vital community institutions. Ready to join this vibrant community conversation? Subscribe, share your thoughts, and become part of the ongoing story of LGBTQ resilience in Texas and beyond.Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ andhttps://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

TM21 - Town Meeting preview show 4/30/25

TM22 - Town Meeting 5/5/25

TM23 - Town Meeting 5/6/25

TM24 - Town Meeting preview 6/10/25

We hear from citizen activist, Diana Kastenbaum, who organized a town meeting in her congressional district in Western New York State filled with both Democrats and Republicans airing their concerns. How did the district's representative respond? We'll hear the whole story. Then, Ralph welcomes back Washington Post tech reporter, Geoffrey Fowler, to discuss his latest report about how Meta promised parents it would automatically shield teens from harmful content. Find out what happened when Mr. Fowler and a group of Gen Z users put that promise to the test. Plus, we hear from RootsAction.org director Norman Solomon about the petition his group and Progressive Democrats of America sent to the DNC for an emergency meeting challenging how the party elites are responding to the authoritarian creep of the Trump Administration. Finally, Ralph calls for listeners to flood the White House switchboard to exhort the Administration to end the indiscriminate slaughter in Gaza.Diana Kastenbaum lives in Batavia, New York, where she has been an owner in her family business, Pinnacle Manufacturing Company, Inc. for over 45 years. In 2014, she became the CEO of the company making her one of only a handful of women CEOs in the manufacturing field of tool and die casting in all of North America. In addition, she owned her own tech consulting company for 25 years. She has devoted herself to numerous national political endeavors and in 2016 ran for Congress in NY-27.It wasn't until January 20th when those executive orders started to come out, I started to get really, really nervous. And it woke me up from my hibernation here in Western New York. So I actually had many sleepless nights, and I reached out to some friends. They weren't sleeping too. They were worried. And so we decided to do something about it.Diana Kastenbaum on her summoning her congressperson for a town meetingIt (the town meeting) was just for people to ask their questions and tell their stories. And I think that's sort of where we are now in town halls is trying to get our friends and our neighbors and our local communities to hear what will happen, what is happening to the people in their communities. There were Republicans there, and they didn't yell or shout or anything like that. There was no disruption, but everybody stayed until the last moment, and everybody listened to these people share their stories.Diana KastenbaumGeoffrey Fowler is The Washington Post's technology columnist. Before joining the Post he spent sixteen years with the Wall Street Journal writing about consumer technology, Silicon Valley, national affairs and China.I performed an experiment on Instagram where I set up one of those accounts for a teenager that Instagram had promised us would be given special protections. And frankly, it took as little as ten minutes for me to swipe through and see what kinds of stuff Instagram was going to show this kid. And, oh boy, it really went off the rails quickly.Geoffrey FowlerIt's like there's a dark commercial villain inside this company (Meta) that does whatever makes the most money for them.Geoffrey FowlerNorman Solomon is co-founder of RootsAction.org and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy. He is the author of War Made Easy, Made Love, Got War, and his newest book, War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine.So we're hearing some mea culpas now about, "Oh, we should have told Biden not to run for re-election." But in point of fact, the same mentality, the same risk culture is still in place. And that's where I think the only change is going to come from the bottom up. It's going to come from us folks at the grassroots.Norman SolomonThe Israelis bombed a home where they killed nine children out of ten children of parents who were both physicians with one American-made missile. That's just one of the tragedies that occurs every day, weaponized by the U.S. government – now Donald Trump – and funded by the U.S. taxpayers who are never asked their opinion on such foreign relation policies.Ralph NaderWhite House Switchboard : 202-456-1414"Fast for Gaza" organized by Veterans for Peace Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

In this episode, we sit down with Select Board Chair Mark Mathison and Vice Chair Kevin Galligan to unpack the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. We talk about key articles that passed — including the fire-rescue station design, housing initiatives, the cannabis courier bylaw, and waterfront and infrastructure improvements — as well as moments that sparked big discussion (and even a dramatic re-vote). Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what these decisions mean for Orleans, how the meeting process played out, and what's ahead for the community.

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil to break down what's in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Learn about how the warrant is developed, which articles might need a closer look, and how residents can stay informed and get involved. We also talk about efforts to make the process more transparent and accessible for the Orleans community.Annual Town Meeting – May 12 at Nauset Regional Middle School at 6pmFor more info, visit the Town Meeting Central page https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/894/Town-Meeting-InformationTo sign up for childcare at the Town Meeting, visit https://orleansma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30177For further background on warrant articles, listen to OBS Episode 32 on the annual budget and Episode 33 on the Fire-Rescue Station

In Episode 46 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss the upcoming May 2025 Annual Town Meeting. Join us as we break down the key items that will be discussed and voted on by your Town's legislative body. From budget proposals to important local initiatives, we'll give you the overview to get ready for Town Meeting!

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we dive into one of the most important topics in town government—the annual budget. Hosts Mia and Amanda are joined by Town Manager Kim Newman and Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil to explain how the budget comes together, what the Town is prioritizing this year, and what residents can expect at the upcoming Town Meeting.We cover: How the budget process works, key investments and priorities for FY26, the challenges Orleans is facing this year, including inflation, staffing, and long-term capital needs, what the Capital Improvement Plan is and how it guides big projects, and how residents can learn more and get involved.Whether you're a longtime Town Meeting voter or new to local government, this episode is your guide to understanding how Orleans makes financial decisions that shape our community's future.Resources & Links: FY26 Budget Overview https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/8483/FY26-Orleans-Budget-31225https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/237/Finance-Town-Accountant

Hull City return to action on Saturday when they host fellow relegation rivals Luton Town at the MKM Stadium, and in the latest episode of the 1904 Club, Baz, Kathryn and Burnsy, as well as Daisy the puppy, discuss that game and the latest goings on at the MKM Stadium including Gustavo Puerta, Joe Gelhardt, Oscar Zambrano and Tan Kesler's new role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 2025 town meeting night one TM19 - Town Meeting 2/24/25

feb 2025 town meeting night two TM20 - Town Meeting 2/25/25

Town Meeting Preview show feb 2025

It was an evening of celebration for many volunteers that go over and above for the local community. Amongst the award winners was the Hometown Festival team and the Petersfield Lions. Cllr Lesley Farrow awarded one of her Mayor’s awards to Ben Errey and Steve Jacobs. Then surprised Abi Errey and Jo Jacobs with another award for always being there supporting behind the scenes. One of the two chosen Mayor charities this year saw Lions President Mary Putnam and current District Governor, Sandra Manktelow also being presented with the Town Mayors awards. The Petersfield Lions provides a much loved and valued service for the community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiny Town is thawing out and spring is around the corner!  Town Voting and Town Meeting are quickly coming up next week and creating community conversations. Listen in to this episode for the latest news from town, book recommendations from Amy, and our interview with college student and Wizarding Week professor Nick Brown. Happy (almost) Spring!! Amy's Book Recommendations Books I Read Recently That I Enjoyed: Playground by Richard Powers The Heart of Winter by Johnathan Evison The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali City of Thieves by David Benioff Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey   New Books I'm Looking Forward to Reading The Queen of Fives by Alex Hay 1/21 Dream State by Eric Puchner 2/18 Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld 2/25   Upcoming Books I Want to Read Heartwood by Amity Gaige 4/1 Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry 4/22 The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner 4/29 (The Lost Apothecary)  

Town Meeting Day is a method of direct civic engagement and and a longstanding community building tradition. It's a time when Vermont's 247 municipalities each decide how they'll spend their local budgets. We begin by hearing about some significant votes taking place around the state. Vermont Public's Nina Keck talks about the Rutland mayoral race, and reporter Lexi Krupp explains Lyndon's vote to keep Town Meeting an in-person affair, rather than switch to Australian ballot.Then, we dig into the history of town meetings in Vermont with Middlesex town moderator Susan Clark. She is the co-author of many books about democracy in Vermont, including All Those in Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community. She discusses the times when Vermont towns voted on national and international issues that extended far beyond the purview of local budgets. Then, we share a 1982 NPR story by Leslie Breeding about a town meeting in Strafford. Broadcast live on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

In this Christmas Day drop, we're talking about Coolidge Corner, the neighborhood in Brookline with the most urban juice. Guest Rebeckah Orsatti talks me through Town Meeting, JFK, and the municipality's wild parking restrictions. A soft pretzel tray livens up any party. And turns out there is a Philly Pretzel Factory location in Revere! Brookline's turkey art. Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.

12/4/24 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-depetro-show/support

In which we discuss Eric's parents returning, how we can't fix cars, our kids Halloween costumes, capes, Luchadores, Jeremy participating in a Town Meeting for work, Jeremy's balls, and more. Contact us at; adventuresinirrationality.com adventuresinirrationality@gmail.com   Music by U.S. Army Blues, licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 license.  

In Episode 40 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss the 2024 Fall Special Town Meeting warrant and the articles that will be voted on by the Town's legislative body, Town Meeting.

America's Town Meeting of the Air was a public affairs discussion program which began on NBC radio's Blue Network in 1935 and ran for 21 years. It was one of radio's first talk shows, and NBC did not expect it to become a success, but it did, and eventually picked up a sponsor. Each week moderator George Denny Jr presided over an examination of a controversial issue with a large audience present and participating in the discussion. We're going to hear America's Town Meeting of the Air on November 16, 1939. The topic is, Should We ignore Racial Differences? More at KRobCollection.com

On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, the Mia and Mike recap the highlights from the recent Special Town Meeting with a special guest, Kevin Galligan, Vice Chair of the Select Board. Together they explore the history of Town Meeting as the “truest form of democracy” and discuss memorable moments, key decisions, and the importance of civic participation in Orleans.  Revisit the October 25 episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes where Assistant Town Manager, Mark Reil previewed the Special Town Meeting  For Special Town Meeting results and information, visit: Town Meeting Information | Orleans, MA

On this week's episode of ⁠⁠Orleans: Behind the Scenes⁠⁠, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Town of Orleans' Assistant Town Manager, Mark Reil to discuss the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 28 at 6:00 pm at the Nauset Regional Middle School, located at 70 South Orleans Road. More details are found here. The Town Meeting Warrant is available: town.orleans.ma.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/418  Welcome to Orleans! Are you a longtime visitor, lifetime resident, or new explorer? Mia and Mike are here for you with the scoop on happenings on the beautiful Lower Cape. Want to know what's driving the initiatives and innovations coming out of Town Hall? Get a glimpse behind the scenes as Mia and Mike introduce you to the fresh faces and dynamic projects around town. Mia and Mike will keep you up to date and informed about all the ways local government works.For a weekly dose of local news delivered with a different perspective, subscribe and listen to Orleans: Behind the Scenes⁠.⁠⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------- Visit town.orleans.ma.us/894 for more information. Contact Mark: town.orleans.ma.us/formcenter/Town-Manager-24  Town Meeting Central: town.orleans.ma.us/894 Free Cash Policy Presentation  -----------------------------------------------------------Connect with the Town of Orleans on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Contact us at: ⁠⁠orleansbts@town.orleans.ma.us⁠

ATTENTION GUIDIES: We are going to be doing a mini LIVE SHOW on October 25th at Pino's in Highland Park, NJ. Be there around 7pm! And that dastardly Apple is going to make our Patreon cost more if you sign up in the iPhone/iPad app starting in November. DON'T BE TRICKED! S.U.B.T.U.A! (Sign up in browser, THEN use app) ...As you were. Get this episode AD-FREE on Patreon, along with our exclusive podcast The Netherworld Dispatch! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and ...X? For more, cruise through our LINKS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was it the embattled farmers and Sons of Liberty, or the indebted planters shouting "Give me Liberty or give me Death!" that brought on the Revolution? Who held the first Provincial Convention or Congress? Who was first to resist the Crown's troops?  Join us for a debate between Robert A. Gross, author of The Minutemen and their World, and Woody Holton, author of Forced Founders, and hear what lead these two very different places to revolution.  Moderated by the ever-impartial Robert Allison.Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

Join us live for a special edition of The Mormon Newscast on Tuesday August 6th, 2024 for an important town meeting in Fairview, Texas, where the LDS Church will be pushing their plans for a new temple that significantly exceeds the local zoning height regulations. Our coverage begins at 5pm Mountain Time, one hour before… Read More »The LDS Church vs Fairview Texas – McKinney Temple Town Meeting [The Mormon Newscast Special Edition ] The post The LDS Church vs Fairview Texas – McKinney Temple Town Meeting [The Mormon Newscast Special Edition ] appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Brendan Daniel is a singer/songwriter based in Massachusetts. He's one of the former lead singers of Town Meeting. He's also a rock wall builder and climber. In this conversation with Brendan we discuss:His upbringing in an Irish Christian houseHow early experiences with organized religion shaped his lifeJoining Town Meeting and living on the roadThe impact COVID had on the band"The Hills We Die On""There Goes The Weather""Organized Crime"...and more!You can learn more about Brendan and support his work on his website and on his Patreon. Support Terrain Theory on Patreon! Our recently-launched member platform gives you access to a ton of free & exclusive content. Check it out: https://www.patreon.com/TerrainTheoryTerrain Theory episodes are not to be taken as medical advice. You are your own primary healthcare provider.If you have a Terrain Transformation story you would like to share, email us at ben@terraintheory.net.Learn more at www.terraintheory.netMusic by Chris Merenda

Annual Town Meeting 2024 night 2

2024 Annual Town Meeting third and final night

May 2024 Town Meeting Night one 5/6/24

Town Meeting Preview Show 4/25/24

THIS WEEK IN THE MONADNOCK REGION... We're back—not because we have to be, but because you want us to be. Join Chris and Zoë as they navigate a world that insists on excellence. Chris promises to delay his sharper critiques; he'll hold off, but only until we've covered what truly matters. Tonight, we delve into: * The vital importance of your voice in the 'Choice Awards,' casting your vote for diVINE on Main. It's not just a choice—it's a statement. * Charlie Chronopoulos, crafting the hits you love and collaborating with legends like Chris Stapleton—because to aim high is to hit high. * Chris issues a rare, genuine apology to Del Rossi's Trattoria, recognizing a classic when he sees it. * Children OF THE ARTS Day, a celebration of the unsung heroes of our skies—the birds. Join us, because sometimes the smallest voices make the loudest echo. * A nostalgic trip to our 90s-Themed Night Market. Submit your stories, reignite the past. * The announcement of William Mullen's novel 'Anywhere But Here'—because the right words can take you anywhere. * A prelude to our Town Meeting debate on May 1. Be there—because decisions are made by those who show up. * And, as promised, Chris will unleash his famed tirades. After all, every show needs a grand finale. Tune in to Episode 64 of 'GoMo Tonight.' We're not just making noise; we're making history." Bill Mullen's debut novel ANYWHERE BUT HERE will be released from Monadnock Underground Press on May 10. PREORDER HERE to save 20%:https://www.gomonadnock.com/bookstore/p/anywherebuthere Vote for diVINE on Main, Del Rossis, Beepas, and other local favorites in the "choice awards" here: https://www.sentinelsource.com/choice_awards/choice_awards_2024/#// Send us your 90s writing: submit@monadnockunderground.com

After years of allegations and suspicion, those accused of so-called un-American political beliefs are driven from the movie industry. Mitzi Trumbo recalls visiting her father Dalton in prison. Host Oona Chaplin speaks to some of those whose careers were ruined and friendships fractured, as anti-communist fervour pushed witnesses to expose the names of alleged communists. Norma Barzman describes this as a period of political exile. Charlie Chaplin faces the FBI.Archive: Limelight, Charlie Chaplin, United Artists, 1952 Johnny Guitar, directed by Nicholas Ray for Republic Pictures, 1954 Senator Joseph McCarthy speaking on America's Town Meeting of the Air, ABC Radio, 3 April 1947 Attorney General James McGranery press conference 1952, John E. Allen Archive

March 8, 2024: Meg Mott, Putney town moderator and proponent of a "good clash," shares her thoughts on this year's Annual Town Meeting. What civic muscles are we missing that can help us build a better town meeting and stronger communities?The book Meg mentioned: All those in Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community, by Susan Clark and Frank Bryan. Find it here: https://vtinstituteforgovt.weebly.com/all-those-in-favor.htmlTheme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net

In 1961 Brattleboro switched to Representative Town Meeting. 177 candidates filed petitions to become one of the 105 Representative Town Meeting members. There was a robust vote and the Representatives were chosen. The meeting took place in the high school gym. In this episode reasons for the 1961 government switch are offered. This year there are 35 candidates running for the 62 open Representative Town Meeting seats.

Ray Gagnon is here as we talk about Town Meeting day in New Hampshire, Ray hanging with his college friends, his grand children, Trump Vs Biden, thoughts on Nikki Haley, and more.

Don't miss the chance to meet up with your favorite librarians on the latest episode of the Tiny Town Library Podcast. We filled the library calendar this month with meetings, meet ups, and "Meet & Greets" before Town Meeting in March to help open lines of communication.  Listen in for up to date town news, book recommendations and an interview with Christine Hamilton from the Library Building Committee.  Thanks for listening! Amy's Book Recommendations: Books I've read recently that I've enjoyed: The Women by Kristin Hannah North Woods by Daniel Mason Horse by Geraldine Brooks Prophet Song by Paul Lynch The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden New Releases I'm looking forward to reading: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon December 3 Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar January 23 Family Family by Laurie Frankel January 23 The Wolves of Winter by Dan Jones January 30th Upcoming Releases: Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange February 27th After Annie by Anna Quindlen February 27th - event Sunday March 3 11 am at Lenox Hotel in Boston, tickets still available: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-croissants-with-author-anna-quindlen-tickets-78678096203 7 The Hunter by Tana French March 5 - stand along novel The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian March 19th Library Building Committee Website: www.mvlibrarybuildingcommittee.com

The Vermont secretary of state is guiding local clerks through potential last-minute ballot changes.

How can I get involved with my local or state government? Can I make a difference? The answer to both questions is, “YES!” Joining us today to discuss advocacy at a local and state level is Megan Nolan, Director of Nursing and Patient Care Operations @ Boston Children's Hospital. In today's interview we'll discover Megan's motivation for advocacy, how she used that motivation to become involved with her local Town Meeting, and she'll share great advice for overcoming fear and stepping out into the world of advocacy. Don't miss it! Love our show? Download our First Case mobile app on:

TM13 - Town Meeting 12/11/23

Town Meeting 12/4/23

December Town Meeting preview show

This podcast previews the upcoming debate between Governor Ron DeSantis (R - Florida) and Governor Gavin Newsom (D - California) which is taking place on FoxNews on Thursday, November 30, from 9 PM to 10:30 PM. I discuss the high stakes in the debate for Governor DeSantis, the Republican candidates in the Presidential race, Governor Newsom, President Biden, Vice-President Harris, and both the Republican and Democrat parties. REFERENCES Video of the "Town Meeting of the World" featuring Governor Ronald Reagan (R - California) and Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D - New York) - May 15, 1967 Video of Governor Gavin Newsom on "Hannity" - June 12, 2023 Video of Governor Gavin Newsom on "Hannity" - September 27, 2022 Article by Michael Abramson - Get Rid of the Debate Moderators, The Daily Caller, November 3, 2015 LISTENER QUESTIONS Listeners can submit questions, and they will be answered in the next episode. Listeners can ask questions via two methods: voice or print. Each method has two ways to submit questions. The directions are below. NOTE: If listeners choose this method, their voice will be played in the podcast in which the question is addressed. (1) Voice: (A) Click on "Send voice message" on the podcast's Spotify ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Record your question and submit. (B) Email an audio file to michael@michaelbabramson.com (2) Text: (A) Enter the text of your question on the podcast's Spotify ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠. (B) Email the question to michael@michaelbabramson.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-abramson/message

Canton Special Town Meeting Police Audit Victory with random Canton citizens who were there. Support thecanton9.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theyoungjurks/support

1. Call to order 2 Administrative Items: *Approval of Minutes *Discussion of next meeting dates *Director of Planning and Community Development Update 3. Citizens Speak 4. Public Hearing: * 7:05: 111 Highland St. Special Permit (Cont.' from 10/19) * 7:10: 7-9 Pleasant St. Site Plan Modification (Cont.' from 10/12) 5. New Business: * Review of Wolcott Woods special permit and discussion of site visit 6. Old Business: * MBTA Communities - Deliberation on report to Town Meeting on Select Board article - Discussion of retaining outside counsel 7. Adjourn

In October 1944, in conjunction with the Jewish Theological Seminary, NBC began one of the longest-running religious programs in radio history. It was called The Eternal Light. Then in its thirteenth year, The Eternal Light dramatized stories from ancient Judaea, along with contemporary works like The Diary of Anne Frank. It was produced by Milton Krents. Many top New York radio actors appeared. NBC donated the air time and the Seminary paid for the show's production. On Sunday October 13th, 1957 at 12:30PM eastern time over NBC's WRCA in New York, The Eternal Light took to the air with a story on the Glastonbury Cows. In Glastonbury, Connecticut in 1869, tax collectors asked two elderly sisters, Abby and Julia Smith, to pay their road taxes early. They did, but were surprised to find the town accidentally billed them a second time later in the year. The Smiths were wealthy. Their father left his daughters a large land holding, investments and a farm. Their mother left them a sizable inheritance, as well. When the sisters asked the town to correct the matter, the tax collector refused. When they tried to enter a Town Meeting to raise the issue, they were turned away because they were women. The frustrated sisters paid the tax a second time, but their lack of political power infuriated them. They began attending women's suffrage rallies. And as their frustration grew, so did their taxes. In 1874, they were told they could not delay their taxes in exchange for a twelve percent interest charge – a courtesy afforded other taxpayers. They became convinced that modern women needed a vote, and decided to stop paying taxes until they could. The tax collector seized seven cows to pay off back taxes. The sisters used a straw buyer to retrieve most of them, sparking much written debate. Critics who compared them to children only made their supporters more united. The cows became celebrities. Knickknacks woven out of their hair sold like hotcakes at fundraising bazaars that promoted women's suffrage. Julia published a popular book, Abby Smith and Her Cows. This seizing continued through 1878. Eventually the sisters testified before Congress. In 1878, at the age of 81, Abby died in July. The next year, Julia, age 87, decided to marry for the first time. Her husband began paying the taxes on her property, and she repaid him in a compromise of love. Although many radio programs were being canceled, The Eternal Light would air on radio and then television until 1989.

Jess stops by for a quick, ramble-y update! Your Town Meeting ladies have a lot going on behind the scenes, but they're not going anywhere. Stay tuned for more updates, and watch for new episodes soon! As always, follow us on Instagram (@townmeetingpod) for the easiest way to stay up to date on all things Town Meeting. Some license stuff: Intro: Chord Guitar 002 by Sascha Ende® Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/557-chord-guitar-002 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Outro: Chord Guitar 001 by Sascha Ende® Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/556-chord-guitar-001 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/townmeetingpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/townmeetingpod/support

It's town meeting day here in Vermont.In most of New England, town citizens become legislators for one day a year. They get together in school gyms and town halls and vote in person, and in public. This centuries long practice of towns doing the slow and hard work of disagreeing and arguing and compromising on how to govern themselves—this has a profound impact on a place, and what it means to be from a place.Sometimes it's contentious. Sometimes it's boring. But it's always the most interesting and authentic and civilized social event of the year. Always.  

Every year in the spring, small towns throughout New England host their annual town meeting. Town meetings take place in high school gyms or town halls, and anyone can come. In fact, in Vermont, Town Meeting Day is a public holiday. Everyone gets the day off work to make sure they have the chance to participate. It's a moment when everyone who lives there can come together to talk out the issues facing the town and decide how they want to spend their money.Radio producer Erica Heilman lives in Vermont and is the host of a  jewel of a podcast called Rumble Strip. It's ostensibly all about life in Vermont, but it may just also be about life in general.