***Please note the special date and time!***

Howard Dean - former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, presidential candidate, six-term Vermont governor, and physician - currently works as an independent consultant focusing on areas of health care, early childhood development, alternative energy, and the expansion of grassroots politics around the world. Dean works with Democracy for America to mobilize support of health care reform. In his new book, Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform: How We Can Achieve Affordable Medical Care for Every American and Make Our Jobs Safer, Dean argues that Americans must have the choice to either keep their existing coverage, or have the option to select a public plan. His new book outlines a practical proposal to provide every American with health care. This will be an exciting and popular event, and space upstairs is limited, so arrive early to be sure you have a seat.  Gov. Dean will read from, discuss, and sign copies of his book.

The author of The Woodchuck's Guide to Gardening and a VPR Farm and Garden commentator for the past 8 years, Ron Krupp returns to the Briggs Carriage Bookstore to introduce his new book, Lifting the Yoke: Local Solutions to America's Farm and Food Crisis. This book deals with many of the farm and food issues that are in the news on a daily basis, such as globalization, hunger, obesity, and local sustainable solutions. Ron has been involved with farm and food issues for the past 35 years - starting the Brattleboro Farmers' Market in the early 1970's, coordinating the Tommy Thompson Community Garden in the Burlington Intervale for 15 years, and publishing the Green Mountain Farmer in the early 1980's. Join Ron for his return appearance in Brandon and leave with a signed copy of this important new book.

An assistant Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer with the Burlington Fire Department and long-time volunteer firefighter and EMT, Thomas Middleton served as a combat medic in Iraq as part of Task Force Saber from 2004 to 2005 and as a member of the Vermont National Guard. Saber's Edge is Middleton's story of how he was called upon to be a soldier in one of the worst places on earth: Ramadi, Iraq. Middleton went from being a suburban dad in Essex, Vermont, to travelling between platoons, filling in for other medics and engaging in some of the fiercest and most crucial fighting of the war. Based on the author's first-hand experience and interviews with other soldiers, this is a riveting account of life with the Green Mountain Boys of Task Force Saber. The author will read from, discuss, and sign copies of his book.