Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Your
R ight
to
Vote?
page
12
SCHOOL
COMMISSIONER
Nolan Langweil
Carolyn Grodinsky
Bridget Asay
Tina Muncy
PARK
COMMISSIONER
Steve Hingtgen
Bill Johnson
Charlie Phillips
T O W N M E E T I N G D AY
Tom Golonka
COUNCIL
PERSON
Bridget Houston
DIS T RIC T 2
The Bridge
P.O. Box 1143
Montpelier, VT 05601
PRSRT STD
CAR-RT SORT
U.S. Postage
PAID
Montpelier, VT
Permit NO. 123
Thomas Gram
Ben Eastwood
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER This years annual
meeting looks to be a lively one for candidates seeking to serve city government.
Two open seats on the school board have
five candidates incumbents Jennifer
Cahill Bean on the ballot and write-in
candidate Charlie Phillips, and three challengers, including educator Tina Muncy,
vintage trailer supply company owner
Steve Hingtgen and attorney Bridget Asay.
The stakes are high on the school board
race because the outcome of who is on
the school board affects property taxes,
enrichment programs, student-to-teacher
ratios and the attractiveness of Montpelier schools to incoming foreign students
who administrators hope will put tens of
thousands of tuition dollars into the school
coffers. The school board is not organized
by district, any resident of Montpelier
regardless of what district they reside
in may run for any open seat. On the
other hand, the city council is divided into
districts and those running for a particular
district must reside in the district they
hope to represent. This years council race
the council?
Golonka: After this term ends at the end
of the month, I will have been on the city
council for 10 years.
The Bridge: What are your priorities?
Golonka: (1) To continue the regional
effort of Montpelier and local neighboring communities through the Central Vermont Public Safety Authority, (2) increasing the grand list through more housing
development, (3) completion of the rezoning efforts and the Taylor Street projects.
The Bridge: Would you support putting
wind turbines on the hills of the city limits
of Montpelier to achieve net zero as stated
in council's initiative?
Golonka: I would not support putting
wind turbines on the hills of the city limits of Montpelier. I support the net zero
initiative and would instead focus on solar
projects as well as conservation efforts as a
first step in the project.
The Bridge: Anything you'd like to add?
Continued on Page 4
Political Advertisement
THE BRIDGE
T H E B R I D G E
The
Bridge
Support
Committee
Wavell Cowan, Chair
Colyn Case
Phil Dodd
Larry Floersch
Nat Frothingham
Ben Huffman
Donny Osman
group of us recently responded to Nat Frothinghams request for help as he grappled with finding the money to continue publishing The Bridge. We
quickly came to appreciate the dedication of Nat and an overworked staff. As the mayor of Montpelier, John Hollar, has stated, The Bridge has been
an important institution in Montpelier for a long time. It is a true community newspaper.
The Bridge is currently a for-profit, LLC corporation that has rarely made a profit in its 20-year publishing history. The past few years have required Nat to not
only function as an unpaid editor-in-chief and publisher, but also to finance growing deficits with personally guaranteed bank loans.
Our initial gathering considered two questions that need to be addressed in order to move forward. Is The Bridge worth saving? Is there a realistic way to accomplish this? By the end of the meeting we conceived an approach that will answer the first question and realistically test out the second.
We decided to prove that The Bridge is indeed the valued community newspaper many, many people believe it to be, and to devise a proper business plan to
explain persuasively a way to transform The Bridge and guarantee a sustainable future for the paper. If we can do this, then we believe the community will support this plan with the annual contributions needed.
Before we left the meeting we had taken the first steps to reorganize The Bridge as a Vermont nonprofit corporation, helping to mark it as a genuine communityowned institution.
Transforming The Bridge
Subsequent meetings reviewed and critiqued the business side of The Bridge operation, and brainstormed just what a genuine community newspaper could
offer, above and beyond what The Bridge has successfully done in the past. It was fun. It was highly productive. And we think it will prove to be a successful
strategy, certainly worth pursuing.
Here is the Essence of Our Plan
Annual ad revenues attainable by The Bridge in the current digital marketplace appear to be of the order of $165,000. Once The Bridge becomes a Vermont
nonprofit, it will need to acquire 501(c)3 status from the IRS so that community contributions will become federal income tax deductible. We believe that in
order to qualify for this status we will be required to receive 25 to 30 percent of The Bridge's revenues from community contributions. This means that now
and into the future the community that The Bridge serves will need to contribute annually at least $55,000. Such an amount will, for the 2015 season, also keep
The Bridge solvent.
Looking Ahead
In the next few issues we will unveil many new initiatives concerning content, a corp of volunteers, a business plan, etc. These are initiatives that will transform
The Bridge into what we have come to see as its true role as a community resource, and establish a much-needed efficient business organization.
We believe that these initiatives will produce the convincing evidence needed to earn your ongoing financial support.
What We Need to Do Now
We are initiating The Bridges first
Community Budget Support Request, seen on the bottom corner of
this page. We understand that this will
be premature for some without yet
being able to report on the changes
and new initiatives that will provide
the evidence that this request is truly
deserved. But we've only been at this
for less than a month.
Imagine what we can do as we move
forward.
Wavell Cowan
Chair, The Bridge Support Committee
Community Budget
Support Request
$50
$200 $250
$100 $150
Other $________
Thank
You!
THE BRIDGE
Jessica Edgerly
Walsh
City Council Person
District 3
City Council District 2
Challenger Ben Eastwood
The Bridge: What do you do for a living?
Eastwood: I'm a dad to five great kids,
serve on the Montpelier Conservation
Commission and am creating a community
maker space on Barre Street.
The Bridge: Why do you want to be on the
council, and what would your priorities be?
Eastwood: I have a lifetime commitment
to serving my community; from Ground
Zero cleanup in NYC, to becoming a volunteer EMT, to my role on the conservation commission.
The Bridge: Would you support putting
wind turbines on the hills of the city limits
of Montpelier to achieve net zero as stated
in council's initiative?
Eastwood: Since our wind profile essentially precludes turbines, we need to look
at every alternative.
The Bridge: Anything else to add?
Eastwood: We need to return to our core
values by putting an end to this reckless
austerity, so we can build a community
that is accessible to all people, not just an
entitled few.
Incumbent Anne Watson
John Odum
Linda Berger
Douglas Hoyt
City Clerk
In America today, we have very few institutions that bring whole towns together to
struggle and succeed as one. Montpelier
schools do that.
T H E B R I D G E
Phillips: There is unfinished business.
The Montpelier school system is very
strong. We have a strong group of good
leaders and I want to see that we sustain
that momentum. The school system tries
to meet kids where they are at in terms of
what they need.
Political Advertisement
Political Advertisement
THE BRIDGE
lective bargaining agreements and personnel policies. For this budget that
represents a 1.5% to 2.5% contracted
adjustment for Public Works union employees. A 1.5% or lower adjustment for
all other employees is budgeted. Neither
Fire nor Police union contracts are in
place for FY15 yet. Overall wage costs
are up by 1.8% in this budget.
The budget continues the high deductible health insurance plan which was
implemented three years ago. Overall
benefit costs are up by 6.6% in this
budget.
Other Funds:
The Water and Wastewater budgets have
both been balanced. The Wastewater
fund is now in a small surplus position
and the water fund is steadily reducing
its deficit. The budget assumes no Water
rate change, a 2.5% Sewer rate increase
and no Sewer or CSO benefit charge
changes. The rate structure for these
funds is under review now. Funding
from the CSO benefit charge is being
used to address new stormwater requirements.
The Parking fund is balanced while including a 5% set aside for alternate transportation funding.
The District Heat Fund budget will
cover the second full year of complete
operation. The General Fund is realizing approximately $65,000 in benefit
from District Heat, $20,000 to pay the
2009 bond and $45,000 for DPW costs
to maintain and operate the system.
Community Services:
Funding for the Housing Trust Fund has
been reduced from $41,000 to $21,000.
The Montpelier Community & Arts
Fund is funded at $110,175 which is
reduced by $8,000 from FY15 funding.
The Parks and Public Works budgets
contain $4,563 for operation of dog
waste stations. The budget assumes a
$12 increase per dog license to fund
these waste stations.
The budget includes $40,000 funding
for the GMTA circulator bus route.
Direct Services:
Police: The Police budget includes a new
contractual relationship with Capital
Fire Mutual Aid System for dispatching
services. This provides additional revenue and improved services for Montpe-
T H E B R I D G E
Raymond Plagge, owner Vermont Stove Works, sells pellet stoves and pellets. His pellet
supply has been coming in and quickly depleting in recent weeks. Every year more and
more pellet stoves are brought into the market place. Every time you add a pellet stove
into the marketplace, you add six ton (of pellets) into the marketplace, Plagge said. He
said there was a spike in pellet stove purchases when the price of oil went up to the $3.50
to $4.50 per gallon range, but now it might make just as much sense to burn oil, with
the price of oil lower.
In addition, Plagge said his Canadian supplier sells a lot of pellets overseas rather than
in the U.S. I read in a trade magazine the little country of Italy burns more pellets
than the whole United States. It is not just Italy. They are going all over Europe. Europe
doesnt have any trees. The Germans arent cutting down that beautiful forest to make
wood pellets. They might be making cuckoo clocks, but they arent making pellets. ...
Ive had a contract with one of my pellet suppliers and they cut me back by four to three
truck loads, which is huge for me. They oversold in the summer, he said. Plagge said if
a customer came to purchase a pellet stove today, in light of the pellet supply situation,
he would attach a contract for them to buy a ton of pellets as well.
Tractor Supply sells the stoves and the pellets as well. Store manager Adam Lane said he
just got a shipment and he is rationing the amount he sells. Lane said keeping warm is
a full time job. In Vermont, we have the heating season and we have the getting-readyfor-heating season, he said. Lane said that when he sells a stove, he also warns customers
to purchase a full season of pellets with it.
Every year at this time there is almost always a shortage, said David Ide, owner of
Agway which has sold out of pellets months ago. Weve been telling people that it is
going to be difficult. Suppliers have been telling me they cant keep up with it. They
dont store well, so the vendors cant make extra. Ide said many factors contribute to
the shortage in central Vermont, including a lack of incentive for truckers to haul pellets
from Maine, Canada or New Hampshire if there is nothing to return with. In summer,
truckers can go up to Derby hauling cedar mulch, for example. But in winter, Vermont
doesnt have much for truckers to haul on the return trip. In addition, there are simply
fewer truckers around.
Forest Neill, manager at Guy's Farm and Yard, is out of pellets. Everyone was so nervous
about last years shortage that they pre-bought, Neill said. Even Wal-Mart cant keep
them in stock. It has been cold and demand is high, said assistant manager Ferdinand
Royer. The last supply he got has sold out.
Cliff Dodge, owner of the Dairy Creme, got into the pellet selling business due to a
shortage just like this one years ago. He could only find dealers who would sell him
hundreds of tons, not just a few tons, so he bought them in bulk and sold the rest. This
year the shortage has hit early. I ran out last November, he said. In addition, There
are just not enough manufacturing plants to supply us. A lot of us have to tell the supplier how much we want in advance. I ordered 300 ton. I got 300 ton and couldnt get
more, Dodge said. I used to burn cord wood, but it is so much work. Im an old geezer
now and pellets are easier."
by Nat Frothingham
entral Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) now formally a part of the University of Vermont Health Network has made and is making a significant investment in safe patient handling and mobility.
CVMCs heightened commitment to these issues called MAPS (Moving All Patients
Safely) got its start in October 2014 with the acquisition of new patient handling and
moving equipment and staff training throughout the hospital involving more than 400
staff members in such departments as transport, radiology, rehab therapy and nursing.
The heightened commitment to safe patient handling will benefit both patients and
health care staff and addresses a number of current concerns.
According to a CVMC news release, Out-patient services have expanded and patients in
hospitals are those who are too sick to go through an out-patient department. Another
issue facing hospitals today is sicker patients and larger patients. In the words of the
CVMC press release, Obesity is a problem throughout the United States and is reflected
in larger people in our patient population.
Because hospital patients today are sicker and larger this is having impacts on the
health care professionals who lift, turn, boost and move patients. Similar programs such
as MAPS in some 800 hospital facilities have led to an average 84 percent reduction in
the number of patient handling injuries to health care staff.
According to Robert Patterson, CVMCs vice president of rehabilitation therapy and
human resources, the already-started MAPS program will be rolled out over three years
and will pay for new equipment and clinical support at an approximate cost of $500,000.
CVMC estimates a return on that investment in approximately 18 months with better
mobility outcomes for patients and sharp reductions in the number of patient handling
related injuries to health care staff.
According to the CVMC release the average nurse lifts about 1 and tons during a
working shift. Thats about the weight of a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle
Political Advertisement
THE BRIDGE
Opinion
City____________________________________ State_____
Zip____________
I have enclosed a check, payable to The Bridge, for:
$40 for a one-year subscription
Advertise in
THE NEXT ISSUE:
Summer Camps,
Town Meeting
Results
March 518, 2015
ALL AD
MATERIALS AND AD
SPACE
RESERVATIONS DUE
FRIDAY, FEB. 27.
For more information about advertising deadlines, rates and the
design of your ad call 223-5112
ext. 11 or email our ad sales representatives at
michael@montpelierbridge.com
or rick@montpelierbridge.com
Political Advertisement
T H E B R I D G E
MONTPELIER The Montpelier Elks Country Club, a local recreation staple since 1902,
has been in the hands of the Elks Club since the 1950s. Lately, though, with a huge decline in
interest in golf and with higher operating costs, the Elks can no longer afford to run the golf
course and facilities up on the hill across from Agway out on Route 2.
Scott Cameron, chairman of the Elks Club Golf Committee, and Tim Hutchins, exalted ruler
of the Elks Club, came to The Bridges office recently to explain their situation. The heyday
of social clubs where people went outside and did things together in groups has long passed,
according to Cameron. Membership in the Elks was at its highest around 1,600 members
at a time before the Internet, and social clubs and service clubs were popular. Membership
in the Elks Club has dwindled to 458 members today, Cameron said, adding, It is a trend
that people are not as eager to join organizations. In addition to golf, the Elks organize youth
programs, including a dictionary program for younger students where they distribute dictionaries to local schools. And the Elks Club offers scholarships to seniors in high school. They
also offer a drug awareness program, a basketball hoop shoot, a soccer shoot, a golf clinic, and
they help for local churches.
Cameron and Hutchins went on to discuss the history, function, and future of the Montpelier
Elks Country Club:
Hutchins: We offer a lot for local families who are in stress. We donate a lot. We have two great
dining facilities, and we have a large room at the club that can fit 300 people.
years, over 1,000 golf courses have closed. There are 4 million fewer people playing golf. We
are kind of fanatics about it. We are trying our best to build it back up.
Occaso: You guys love golf. What is so great about golf?
Cameron: Well, the best thing is that you are outside. Unlike other sports, at the end of the
day it is not whether the other guy is bigger or stronger or faster than you, it is a matter of
whether you can control your own emotions and everything else and play the golf course. It
is your swing. Your putt.
Hutchins: It is you against your own mind.
Hutchins: So a lot of times we donate that room. We set up food and help families out that
are in need.
Cameron: It is more of a psychological game, in many ways, than a physical game. Once
youve gotten down the physical components, you have to conquer the mental. It is a wonderful social game, too. You play with your friends. When you are out on the golf course, you
dont think of the little worries that bother you. You see fox, deer, pileated woodpeckers. It is
a calming place to be.
Cameron: Some have been Elks and their families, other are not. A year or two ago there was
a family from a nearby community, the kid had cancer. His mother had no automobile very
distressed. We did a fundraiser. People donated all kinds of things. We did a silent auction.
We raised over $15,000 for the family. The Humane Society also has been using our facilities
once a year for their big fundraiser.
We make enough money to cover our operational costs the superintendent, grounds crew,
pro shop and such, but we are unable to meet all our expenses, such as the property taxes.
Weve been trying to sell the whole facility. We are hoping we will be able to retain some space
there for the Elks Club and keep running the golf course, or build a smaller facility for the Elks
Club up there, but there is a lot of uncertainty right now.
Occaso: Does the country club have anything like ski trails or hiking trails, or is it all golf?
We are hoping people join us as members and come up and play the greens because that is the
only way that well be able to keep the course there. Weve been stewards of that golf course for
the last 50 or 60 years. Weve kept it alive for the people in the city of Montpelier and central
Vermont. The message wed like to get out to the folks who read The Bridge is that if this is
something that is important to you, we need your support. We need you to join. We need you
to come up and play golf.
Cameron: In the winter we have activities that are non-golf up on the golf course. Maybe
youve seen those bikes with the fat tires? We put snowmobile trails up for them and, they
would have some competitions. I am sure people go cross country skiing up there as well.
Occaso: Is it open to the public, or do just Elks go there?
Cameron: It is a private club, but it is open to the public. The public can lease the facilities
for parties, weddings, and fundraising activities. We run the golf course, which is one of the
nicest 9-hole golf courses in Vermont. You dont have to be an Elk to use the golf course.
Anyone, whether they are an Elk or not, is free to use the golf course, including the bar and
the dining room.
Occaso: So it is like a clubhouse where you can play golf and have lunch?
Cameron: Yes. The Elks Club is nondiscriminatory. Men and women are equally involved.
Hutchins: Women do a ton for us up at the lodge. They are very important to our membership.
Cameron: At our golf course we have statewide and internal tournaments, we have a mens
golf league on Tuesdays, and a womens golf league on Wednesdays. It is very popular with
the women who golf up there. Golf has the reputation of being an exclusive sport, but I would
say ours is a working-mans golf course. Weve got a blue collar tinge to it. The country club
is very well taken care of, but it is a very relaxed and friendly place, and a great place to come
and learn golf.
We hosted the Montpelier High School boys and girls teams until last year, when their coach
made a decision to take them to Barre. We were disappointed. U-32 didnt have a golf team last
year, so U-32 players folded into Montpelier. They play matches there. We open our courses
to them.
Interest in golf in this country has dwindled quite a bit since 2008, and Vermont is no exception. Since the recession, people have to make decisions about how they are going to spend
limited funds. So, golf is a tough thing for two reasons: Money and time. Nationally, in recent
Political Advertisement
THE BRIDGE
Of the extra money, Superintendent Brian Ricca said, We have no specific plans for the
revenue that is a result of the students for this semester. He also has not budgeted any
revenue for next year because the continuation of the program is not definite. Spiral International is working with other schools in Vermont, but Montpelier has the most students
so far. Burlington High School has one Chinese student.
If the pilot program is deemed successful and Spiral International continues to partner
with Montpelier High School, as many as 10 foreign students could be attending Montpelier High School next year and living with host families. But an even greater expansion
is being talked about.
Montpelier High School science and math teacher Anne Watson recently received a
$100,000 Rowland Foundation Fellowship that will allow her to work part time next
academic year while she explores the legal and logistic issues that would be needed to
recruit 20 or more foreign students to the high school and house them in dorms at the
Vermont College of Fine Arts, beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. The fellowship
money will allow Montpelier High School to hire substitutes to cover the courses Watson
will not be teaching next year.
Watson noted that Vermont private schools bring in international students, including
many students from China. If Lyndon Institute and St. Johnsbury Academy can have
tuition-paying foreign students, why not Montpelier High School? Watson said.
By the year after next, Montpelier High School could have many as 20 foreign students
the minimum needed to run a boarding program at Vermont College with dorm parents,
Watson said, with perhaps others staying with host families.
She estimated students would pay about $15,000 for tuition, and another $15,000 for
room and board in the dorms, including three meals a day at the New England Culinary
Institute cafeteria. Additional funds would be needed for covering dorm parents and
other costs, so students could end up paying $40,000 a year to stay in the dorms. That
price is still below what boarding students pay to attend St. Johnsbury Academy and
Lyndon Institute, she said.
If everything goes well, a boarding program at the college could potentially be ramped up
to bring in 40 to 60 students, Watson said, which could net the school district as much
as half a million dollars and take pressure off property taxpayers in the city. Currently,
there is room for more students at the high school, she noted. Watson, also a member of
the city council, is in her 11th year teaching at Montpelier High School.
Watson has heard that some Chinese parents prefer that their children stay in dorms with
other Chinese students, although Spiral International President Dr. Emily Guo thinks
parents prefer that their sons and daughters stay in homes where they can learn more English and be immersed in American culture. She also said that living with and sharing with
other children in a home can be a good learning experience, since most Chinese students
come from one-child families. She said Spiral International believes that the number of
students at a high school should be limited to 10 or so, because a larger number might
create a sort of Chinese school within the school.
MHS principal Adam Bunting said the school will wait until after this semester ends in
June to decide the future of the current program. He added that he could imagine students from other parts of this country or in-state might also want to come to Montpelier
to attend the high school, creating a sort of Montpelier Academy. Bunting said he was
somewhat surprised that the first students to come live in town to attend high school
were from China.
Both Guo and Watson agree that there is a strong demand in China among parents to
have their children learn in an English-speaking environment. Guo noted that Vermont
students get the advantage of learning about another culture and perhaps considering
going abroad themselves.
Students can only come for one year in total because of federal restrictions on foreign
students in public schools (there are no restrictions for private schools). Guo said the
students currently in Montpelier are gradually adjusting to life in Vermont, including the
new foods, speaking English all the time, and experiencing colder temperatures than they
are used to. She said most of the ninth-graders are expected to return here for another
semester later in their high school careers.
By then, Montpelier educators and residents will have had a chance to consider if such
programs make sense, and if they do, how many foreign students are desirable and
whether it is better to house them in dorms or with parents, or to offer both options.
The Giraffe
T H E B R I D G E
HEARD ON
THE STREET
U-32 Update, Collaboration with MHS Discussed
EAST MONTPELIER The U-32 school board adopted learning outcomes at its meeting Feb. 4. The administration will use these to develop assessments and learning opportunities for students. Once this is done, the board will work to align all learning outcomes
in the supervisory union.
There was also a short discussion about the Montpelier school boards discussion of further
collaboration or merger with U-32. The U-32 board and the Washington Central Supervisory Union full board would like to hold off on discussions with Montpelier until later
this year after the boards have had time to analyze the recommendations from an efficiency
study done in late fall.
The board also discussed community use of the U-32 facility. There is a fee schedule used
to determine the cost for organizations depending on whether they are educational or civic,
local or non-local, non-profit, or for-profit organizations. These fees are used so that U-32
breaks even when the building is used for non-school functions. Groups that wish to use
U-32 need to fill in a building use form from the office.
Posted by Kari Bradley, U-32 school board member, to East Montpeliers Front Porch Forum.
Reprinted here, edited for length, with permission.
Political Advertisement
everal days ago, I had an absorbing conversation with Catherine Rader and
Sue Rachenelli from the Vermont League of Womens Voters.
We talked principally about voting why some people vote almost as a matter
of personal conviction, why some people dont vote at all and why others vote
intermittently or once in a great while.
As part of our conversation, I asked Rader and Rachenelli if the League of
Womens Voters would make a financial contribution to The Bridge so that one
of our reporters, Ivan Shadis, could explore with voters why they vote, why they
dont vote or why they seldom vote.
In a recent phone conversation with Montpeliers City Clerk John Odum, he
reported that about three out of 10 registered voters in Montpelier vote in local
elections. That means, of course, that seven out of 10 people dont participate.
I am troubled by these voting statistics. Odum, I think, was less troubled. I
would describe our democracy as vigorous, vital. There are a lot of reasons people stay home: Sometimes its apathy, sometimes (not voting) is their vote not
to participate. My sense is that we certainly have a stable democracy. Whether
its functional enough to keep running, or whether its vibrant people will
have different opinions on this.
Thanks to the support of the League and thanks to the reporting of Ivan
Shadis, here is what half a dozen of our fellow citizens said about voting, not
voting or voting occasionally.
THE BRIDGE
Gaelan Brown, 38
The Bridge: Do you vote?
Gaelan Brown: I never vote for party politicians or incumbents, who are always impossibly corrupt by their power. I sometimes
vote for people who have a chance at beating
an incumbent. But really, voting is worse
than pointless because government is never
the best solution to any problem; the only
real solutions are people taking responsibility to do something positive personally,
collaborating and exchanging with others
for mutual benefit without being blocked by
cronyism inherent in all government structures (a.k.a. truly free markets). Innovation
and environmental sustainability will only
come from freedom, so governments only
valid role is to protect freedom. Therefore,
the only government Ill gladly vote for is
none.
Ruth Pope, 65
Ian Weinstein, 25
Ruth Pope of Middlesex is an artist.
The Bridge: Do you think that voting works?
Ruth Pope: Ive always thought that but Im beginning to wonder. I feel like the people in
office are being bought by companies. The Koch brothers and the Walton family and all the
people that are in the corporate world are just buying the politicians. ... Well, they won't buy
Bernie Sanders or Leahy, I know that.
The Bridge: You have doubts, but you still vote?
Pope: I guess its my only hope here in little Vermont. What else am I going to do? Thats
the only way I can have any sense of power I do feel pretty powerless. But I dont feel like
theres any other alternative. Maybe I just dont completely understand it. It feels like were
being rendered powerless by the big corporations. Ill keep voting, what else? What else can
we do?
Zachary Rossi, 26
The Bridge: Do you vote?
Zachary Rossi: No. I have never voted in my
life.
The Bridge: Are you registered?
Rossi: No.
The Bridge: Why dont you vote?
Rossi: Simply put because I dont think the
system works for most people. Its become so
glaringly apparent that our government essentially caters to the 1 percent and the model
of making a ton of money and hoarding it
which doesnt really help out any but a select
few. ... I know a lot of people who dont vote
and say its because yeah, local government
Zachary Rossi of Montpelier
makes a difference but Im never going to vote
for president because it doesnt matter. I essentially take that even more thoroughly than most
people. I dont think voting even for my city council, even for my state representative is
really going to improve the quality of life for most of the people in Vermont. ... I find it really
gross. Theres a bunch of people who are doing just fine in Montpelier that see none of the
problems here, including people in almost all facets of government where theyre completely
separated from the problems. People in suits. Very rich and wealthy. Talking about stuff they
really have no idea about. ... I dont think the person from the bottom can ever, or at least at
this point can not, actively effect a large change. Were kind of stuck under the thumb of the
rich. We live under a government that is essentially run by businessmen and their politicians.
They come from money, have money. They dont come from a place of non-influence. They
are always the influencer. I refuse to take part in something that as a whole I see as evil, corrupt and power hungry. Instead Ill just choose not to, and therefore its not it becomes a
part of my world that Im not actively involved in which you could call either a stand or
willful ignorance.
T H E B R I D G E
Brett Campbell, 55
Elizabeth Parker, 58
THE BRIDGE
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
Brain Injury Support Group. Open to all survivors, caregivers and adult family members. Third
Thurs., 1:302:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850.
Diabetes Discussion Group. Focus on selfmanagement. Open to anyone with diabetes
and their families. Third Thurs., 1:30 p.m. The
Health Center, Plainfield. Free. Don 322-6600 or
dgrabowski@the-health-center.org.
Low to No Cost Marketing Techniques for Small
Businesses. Learn proven methods of marketing
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Child care provided.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier. 476-1480.
A New Beginning: The Holistic Concept of
Throughput. What in the world is throughput
anyway? Come and find out. A Transition Town
program. 6 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
CVCOA Chats. Have questions about health insurance/senior services? Sarah Willhoit, information
and assistance specialist with Central Vermont
Council on Aging, is available by appointment.
9 a.m.noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; open to all seniors.
Call to set up appointment: 479-4400.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
Center. The groomed trail traverses beautiful (challenging) hills and woods. We will shuttle from
Craftsbury Outdoor Center to Highland Lodge.
Bring snacks, lunch and water. Wear layered clothing. Participants must have appropriate gear and
cross-country ski experience. Limited to six people.
For more information contact Phyllis: 223-0020.
phyllis@phyllisrubensteinlaw.comcastbiz.net.
Additional Recyclables Collection Center. Accepting scores of hard-to-recycle items. Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. 540 N. Main St. (old Times-Argus
building), Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arccadditional-recyclables-collection-center.html.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22
MONDAY, FEB. 23
Performing Arts
THEATER,
STORYTELLING & COMEDY
AUDITIONS
T H E B R I D G E
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Feb. 21: 3 New Shows at SPA. Studio
Place Arts, 201 N. Main St., Barre. 479-7069.
studioplacearts.com. facebook.com/studioplacearts.
Main floor: Amore. More than 20 local artists
explore love and passion through their paintings, sculptures, prints and assemblages.
Second floor: Cecilia Kane, How Am I Feeling
Today? Portraits on vintage hankies.
Third floor: Ann Young, Autumn Pond Abstract. Paintings.
Through Feb. 22: David Powell and Peter
Thomashow Exhibition. Two-person exhibition
of sculpture (Peter Thomashow) and collage (W.
David Powell). The work is playful, scientific,
historical and a mix of imagined and real.
Gallery hours: Wed.Sun., noon5 p.m. Helen
Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Donations.
253-8358. mail@helenday.com. helenday.com/
exhibitions/east-gallery-upcoming
Through Feb. 22: Arthur Zorn, Line Dance
Exhibit. Abstract impressionist paintings. Gallery hours: Tues.Fri., 8:30 a.m.4 p.m. White
Meeting House, 8 N. Main St., Waterbury. Free.
244-8581. torreycsmith@yahoo.com. artzorn.
com.
Through Feb. 24: Paul Rau. Oil and watercolor
paintings. Gifford Medical Center Gallery, 44 S.
Main St., Randolph. Free. 728-7000.
Through Feb. 28: Jackie Smith, Heart-Shaped
World. Viewing the world through a heartshaped lens, both literally and figuratively; Jackie
Smith finds love in unexpected places in her
fanciful photographs. Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St.,
Montpelier. 223-1981. cheshirecatclothing.com.
Through Feb. 28: Art Resource Association
Group Show. First group show of 2015 to celebrate the ARA 40th anniversary. City Center,
89 Main St., Montpelier. artresourceassociation.
com.
Vermont Medical Center, room 3, Berlin. 800-6396480 or namivt.org.
TUESDAY, FEB. 24
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
FRIDAY, FEB. 27
ICE SHIP: The Epic Voyages of the Polar Adventurer Fram. Author and former state naturalist, Charles Johnson, with a presentation based
off his latest book. Part of Naturalist Journeys
2015 Slide Show and Lecture Series. 78:30 p.m.
Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. $5
donation. 229-6206. info@northbranchnaturecenter.org. northbranchnaturecenter.org.
Friday Night Group. For youth age 1322 who
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or
questioning. Pizza, soft drinks and conversation.
Cofacilitated by two trained, adult volunteers
from Outright VT. Second and fourth Fri.,
6:308 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. 223-7035. Micah@OutrightVT.
org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 28
Cross-country Ski Peacham with Green Mountain Club. Moderate. About 6.5 miles. Groton
State Forest. Ski from the Nature Center to
Peacham Bog and maybe even to Martin's Pond.
Call leader Steve for meeting place and time:
479-2304.
Susan Picking Finish Line Party. Concert and
party to celebrate Susan's new CD of children's
songs. 57 p.m. North Branch Caf, 41 State St.,
Montpelier. Free. 552-8105. thenorth-branch.com
552-8105.
Armchair Travel. Bill Doelger and Linda
Normandeau cruised to the Antarctic Peninsula
via the Falkland Islands and returned along the
Patagonia coast of Chile, witnessing raw natural
beauty along the way. Come view photos from
their trip. 6:308 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity
Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; open to the
public. 223-2518.
Cabin Fever Spelling Bee. Two teams: Writers
and Readers. Team Writers consists of local authors. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main
St., Montpelier. Tickets: $10 advance; $12 at door.
To be a contestant, enter at library or email vista@
kellogghubbard.org. 223-3338.
THE BRIDGE
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
MONDAY, MARCH 2
infants, identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, find and interview for babysitting jobs, and
more. Receive materials to help you be prepared
and professional. For ages 1115. 9 a.m.3 p.m.
Cutler Memorial Library, 151 High St., Plainfield.
Free. Must pre-register: 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.
org.
Womens Circle. Women and mothers discuss
motherhood, family life and womens health.
Hosted by midwives Chelsea Hastings and
Hannah Allen. First Tues., 68 p.m. Emerge
Midwifery and Family Health, 174 River St.,
Montpelier.
Library Book Delivery Service. First and third
Tues., 1 p.m. See sign-up sheet near office for
more info. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
Classic Book Club. New members always welcome. Most first Mon., 68 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151 High St. (Rte. 2), Plainfield. Free.
454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org/resources/bookclub.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
T H E B R I D G E
Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 2299212. bagitos.com.
Feb.19: Tim Berry and Chanon Bernstein
(blues/swing) 68 p.m.
Feb.20: Eric Fernald (Americana) 68 p.m.
Feb. 21: Irish session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; Small Axe
(acoustic) 68 p.m.
Feb. 22: Eric Friedman and Gretchen Doilon
(folk ballads) 11 a.m.1 p.m.
Feb. 24: The Peoples' Caf, 68 p.m.
Feb. 26: Autumn Chamberlain, 68 p.m.
Feb. 27: Erin Powers (indie folk) 68 p.m.
Feb. 28: Irish session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-6820. Additional performances
T.B.A.
Feb. 19: Brave The Vertigo/ DJ Crucible (metal)
9 p.m.
Feb. 20: Abby Jenne (rock) 7 p.m.; Green
Mountain Playboys (Cajun) 10 p.m.
Feb. 21: Vicious Gift, Law Abiders (punk) 10
p.m.
Feb. 26: Vaporizer, Tribulation (metal) 10 p.m.
Feb. 27: Abby Jenne (rock) 7 p.m.; The Dead
L.A (rock) 10 p.m.
Feb. 28: Sara Grace (soul) 7 p.m.; The Grape
and the Grain (rock) 10 p.m.
477-5176, lsudhoff@capstonevt.org. Margaret:
477-5214, mferguson@capstonevt.org.
Cancer Support Group. First Wed., 6 p.m.
Potluck. For location, call Carole Mac-Intyre
229-5931.
U-32 School Board Meeting. Open to the public
and community members are always welcome to
attend. 6 p.m. U-32, Rm. 131, 930 Gallison Hill
Rd., Montpelier. 229-0321.
Dealing with Foreign Terrorism. Former CIA
Chief of Counterterrorism Haviland Smith
examines the history of foreign terrorism. 7 p.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. vista@kellogghubbard.org.
Montpelier School Board Meeting. 7 p.m.
Montpelier High School library, 5 High School
Dr., Montpelier. 225-8000.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Tell them
you saw it in
The Bridge!
Weekly Events
Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
a.m.1 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
a.m.1 p.m.
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
BICYCLING
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community
bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Tues., 68
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
Computer and Online Help. One-on-one computer help. Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.1 p.m. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury.
Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
Lunch & Learn. Various topics. Feb 24.: Increase
Your Productivity by Managing Your Attention
with Jill Davies. Every Tues., noon1 p.m. North
Branch Caf, 41 State St., Montpelier. Free.
Limited seating. Reservations: 552-8105. Detailed
info. on each topic: thenorth-branch.com/upcoming-events/
Personal Financial Management Workshops.
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building and
repair, budgeting and identity theft, insurance,
investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m. Central
Vermont Medical Center, Conference Room 3.
Registration: 371-4191.
THE BRIDGE
vtcares.org.
Sexuality Class. Explore how sexuality shapes
every aspect of who we are as human beings. Part
of the Adults Our Whole Lives curriculum. Topics include: developing relationships, committed
relationships, diversity, family, aging and health.
For adults ages 35+. Every Thurs. Feb. 12Mar.
26. 79 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. Limited class size. Call to register: ucm.dre@gmail.com.
Growing Older Group. Informal drop-in group
to share experiences, thoughts and fears about
aging. Every Fri., 10:3011:30 a.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
223-2518.
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables
Collection Center accepts scores of hard-torecycle items. Tues. and Thurs., 12:30 p.m.5:30
p.m. ARCC, 540 North Main St., Barre. $1 per
carload. 229-9383 x106. For list of accepted items,
go to cvswmd.org/arcc-additional-recyclablescollection-center.html.
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Womens Group. Women age 40 and older explore important issues and challenges in their lives
in a warm and supportive environment. Facilitated
by Amy Emler-Shaffer and Julia W. Gresser. Wed.
evenings. 41 Elm St., Montpelier. 262-6110.
229-9151.
SPIRITUALITY
Story Time and Playgroup. Story time with Sylvia Smith and playgroup with Melissa Seifert. For
ages birth6 and their grown-ups. We follow the
Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold
programs when Twinfield is closed. Every Wed.
through June 3. 1011:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
Read to Coco. Share a story with Coco, the resident licensed reading therapy dog, who loves to
hear kids practice reading aloud. Wed., 3:304:30
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665 or at the
Early Bird Bone Builders Class. With Cort
Richardson, Osteoporosis exercise and prevention childrens desk. kellogghubbard.org.
program. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy
Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and
shoes. Light weights provided or bring your own.
share quality time with the pre-schooler in your
All ages. Every Mon. and Wed., 78 a.m. Twin
life. Each week well read stories and spend time
Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2, Blueberry Comtogether. A great way to introduce your premons, E. Montpelier. Free. Cort: 223-3174 or
schooler to your local library. For ages 25. Every
238-0789.
Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151
High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.
Bone Building Exercises. All seniors welcome.
Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 10:4511:45 a.m. Twin
Read with Arlo. Meet reading therapy dog Arlo
Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montand his owner Brenda. Sign up for a 20-minute
pelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
block. Thurs., 45 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-4665. kellogghubTai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.
Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m. Twin Valley Senior bard.org.
Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free.
Preschool Story Time. Every Fri., 10 a.m. Water223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
bury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury.
Free. 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.
Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative exMon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
ploratory arts program with artist/instructor Kelly
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon. River Arts
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261.
montpelier-vt.org.
RiverArtsVT.org.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m. BethaTeen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
ny Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-3483.
books, use the gym, make art, play games and if
you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step proJaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshgram for physically, emotionally and spiritually
field. 426-3581.
overcoming overeating. Two meeting days and
locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and second
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Sat., 8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
Good Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249location and information.
3970. Every Fri., noon1 p.m. at Bethany Church,
115 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079.
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Thurs., 25 p.m. 58 East State St., Ste. 3
(entrance at back), Montpelier. Free. 371-6222.
T H E B R I D G E
JOB OPPORTUNITY:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - PART TIME
OUR House is a local non-profit child advocacy center and special investigations unit
providing services to children, their non-offending families and victims of sexual violence.
Executive Director is responsible for management of the organization, grant writing, funding development, human resources, finance
communications and advancing the mission
of the organization. Duties include oversight
of program operations and development, fund
development, a primary liaison between the
organization, government agencies, collaborative partners, the community and the public.
Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in Public
Administration, Management, or a Human
Services related field. Minimum two years of
supervisory and grant writing experience.
Forward a cover letter and resume by Feb. 25
2015 to:
Kerrie Greig
OUR House of Central Vermont
38 Summer St.
Barre, VT 05641
WORKSHOPS:
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS AT VERMONT
CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE HERBALISM
252 Main St., Montpelier.
pre-registration required; for details and
registration, visit vtherbcenter.org
Tree Medicine for the Earth
with Fearn Lickfield
March 4; 68 p.m.; $12
Best Medicinal Garden Plants
with Heather Irvine
March 11; 68 p.m.; $15
Techniques and Tips for Successful Plant
Propagation with Joann Darling
April 1; 68 p.m.; $12
Recycle
802-479-2733
gpdpainting@aol.com
For more details and to applyfor the position, please complete our online application at:
http://ecsconsultjobs.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-658049.html
224.1360
New Construction
Renovations
Woodworking
General Contracting
Tell them
you saw it in
The Bridge!
802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
This Paper!
JOB OPPORTUNITY:
GREGS
PAINTING
Rocque Long
Painting
Insured
30+ years professional
experience
local references.
802-223-0389
223-3447
clarconstruction.com
Since 1972
Repairs New floors and walls
Crane work Decorative concrete
Consulting ICF foundations
114 Three Mile Bridge Rd., Middlesex, VT (802) 229-0480
gendronbuilding@aol.com gendronconcrete.com
Letters
John P. Riley
Georgiana O. Miranda
Glenn C. Howland
THE BRIDGE
to serve Montpelier in her city council seat.
Tim Shea
Chair of Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee
Support Asay
Editor:
I'm writing in support of Bridget Asay's candidacy for the Montpelier School Board. She
appreciates the importance of education to
the future of our children and our community. Bridget will work diligently to maintain
the quality of our schools by engaging with
parents, teachers, fellow board members, and
the community to further that goal.
Bridget has a son currently at Union Elementary School and has been actively engaged in
his education. Her professional background
as a dedicated attorney in public service, with
nearly 20 years' experience, well prepares her
to take on the complex issues facing our
school board. She understands the importance of community input and a respectful
exchange of ideas.
Bridget will bring the perspective of an active
school parent and a strong skill set to the
board at a crucial time for our schools. As
a good listener and effective communicator,
she will be our vote on the school board. I
encourage you to vote for Bridget Asay.
Jennifer Gordon
Montpelier
T H E B R I D G E
Letters
Christopher J. Curtis
Montpelier
montpelierbridge.com
facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
Editor:
Montpelier is fortunate to have several strong
candidates running for school board this year,
but Tina Muncy stands out. She has shown
a commitment to students through her years
as teacher at Main Street Middle School and
as a principal. She has worked to improve
the quality of education throughout the state
while working at the Vermont Agency of Education and by training and coaching princi-
Letters
Strong Support for
Charlie Phillips
Editor:
I am writing in extremely strong support of
Charles (Charlie) Phillips in his pursuit for
election to the Montpelier School Board of
Commissioners on Town Meeting Day. At
that time, you will be able to vote for Charlie
as a "write in" candidate on your ballot.
In the 20-plus years that I have lived in
Montpelier, I don't know anyone who has
given more time and energy to the Montpelier public school system than Charlie. In
his long serving tenure as a professional at
Montpelier High School he has been an English teacher, cross-country running coach,
athletic director, and principal. In addition,
he is currently a member of the school board,
a position he has held for many years, and
hopes to continue to do so.
For over 50 years, Charlie has played a pivotal role in the development of the youth.
First and foremost, Charlie cares about kids
and realizes the investment that must put
into their development both academically
and socially. Charlie has been a role model
and mentor to several teachers and coaches
over the years and has provided tremendous
support to anyone looking to improve professionally in the field of education.
If you are looking for somebody who will
make the best decisions for kids, residents,
and our schools, then I encourage you to
write his name in on your ballot at the upcoming election.
George Cook
Montpelier
THE BRIDGE
Or how about someone who has grandchildren in the Montpelier school system?
Follow The
Bridge on
Facebook
facebook.com/
thebridgenewspapervt
T H E B R I D G E
THE BRIDGE
Recycle
This Paper!
Political Advertisement