The Bridge, November 5, 2015

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November 5 November 18, 2015
Affordable and market housing will be available in the upper floors of the French Block on Main Street. Photo by Michael Jermyn.
IN THIS ISSUE:
7: Vermont Dollars,
Vermont Sense
8: Defining Montpeculiar
12: Time is Valuable with
Onion River Exchange
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Option Signed to Develop Apartment

Units above Aubuchon Hardware
by Nat Frothingham
MONTPELIER Based on a signed option with Aubuchon Hardware, two nonprofit Vermont housing organizations are
laying plans to develop an 18- to 20-unit
apartment project with a mix of affordable
and market rents on the upper two floors
of a historic building at 40 State Street in
downtown Montpelier.
Housing and Conservation Board, or locally, necessarily require parking right outside the
the Montpelier Housing Trust Fund. Those front door. That parking could be located
are the three big ones, she said.
a block away. Were working on this detail
According to Friedkin, the upper floors of with the city, she said.
the French Block, a three-story brick building built in 1875 and listed as a contributing
structure in the Montpelier Historic District, once accommodated apartments. But
The two non-profit housing organizations the space has been unoccupied for at least
that signed the option with Aubuchon are 75 years.
the Barre-based Downstreet Housing & When she was asked, Why so long? Why do
Community Development (formerly Central you suppose? Friedkin answered candidly.
Vermont Community Land Trust) and the I have no idea. I just dont know. It must
Burlington-based Housing Vermont.
have had something to do with the owners.
Its clear that the 40 Main Street project

will include both affordable and market
rent apartments. One of the financial tasks
will be finding a balance between the two,
Friedkin said.
The second project step involves architectural design and, based on a now-completed
bidding process, the two housing organizations have selected the Montpelier-based
Black River Design as the architectural firm
that will put together the design for the
project.
tions. Downstreet just opened an apartment

complex called South Main Apartments in
Waterbury. That project offers 27 units.
Downstreet is now constructing an apartment project in Barre at the corner of Keith
and Summer Streets with 27 units. All of
which puts the proposed 40 Main Street
Montpelier development in context. Its a
project with 18 to 20 units.
As part of a recent phone interview with

The Bridge, Alison Friedkin, who is director
of real estate development for Downstreet
Housing, discussed the needed steps that
both Downstreet and Housing Vermont are
taking to push forward with the housing
project.
But of all the hurdles to clear, no hurdle

will be more difficult than assembling the
funding package to pay for the renovations
so that the mix of apartments can be offered
to the public.
At some point it might have been too much In a recent press release, City Manager Bill
of a burden.
Fraser said that the city council supports
Dealing with the complexities of an old the project. He said that the city council
building and a space that has fallen into has been committed to seeing this project
disuse in a downtown historic district could become a reality for over 20 years. He also
present some problems.
underscored the urgency of the project in
One possible problem is that 40 Main Montpelier which has a currently tight vaBecause there will be federal money in- Street, like most of downtown Montpelier, cancy rate of around 1 percent.
volved, the first step for the project will lies squarely in a floodplain. Friedkin said Developing a project like the one at 40
involve environmental review. Thats un- the she and others are working through Main Street is something that Downstreet
derway, said Friedkin.
this problem as part of the environmental has done in other central Vermont locareview. Then there are conceivable challenges around parking and the two housing
organizations are working with the City of
Montpelier on these issues.
Said Friedkin about parking, We understand that parking and housing go hand in
hand. But she pointed out that an apartThe third step is funding its never easy, ment project in a downtown location doesnt
Friedkin said.
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T H E B R I D G E
HEARD ON THE STREET

First Grade Teacher Sue Koch Named Teacher of the Year
MONTPELIER The Vermont Agency of Education has named Union Elementary

School Teacher Susan Koch 2016 Teacher of the Year. Koch has taught kindergarten and
first grade for the past eight years in Montpelier and for decades before that elsewhere.
Koch has also encouraged and developed the Educating Children Outdoors Program. This
outdoor program has now spread to all of the grades at Union Elementary. All students are
given the opportunity to learn in a natural setting throughout the entire school year.
I always knew I wanted to work with children and I wanted to help them learn. I am really
excited about new knowlege. This is the profession for people who like to build excitement
around learning, Koch told The Bridge October 28. Koch also said she is distressed with
the media when they report on low test scores and budget costs. She would rather the media
focus on the good things happening at school.
A lot of negative things are portrayed ... problems with funding and problems with test
scores. There are so many wonderful things happening in classrooms all the time. A lot of
times the negative things are highlighted so I think it would be nice to highlight the positive.
Koch said good teachers are the ones who strive to make connections to student learning,
even if it means doing things differently. It might mean going outdoors or incorporating
movement, Koch said. Collaboration is important, too. I am fortunate to collaborate on
a team that works well. Koch lives in Montpelier and her two children, who have gone to
Montpelier schools, are now in college.
Also recognized are alternate Anne Marie Mahar, a science and biology teacher for grades
11 and 12 at Rutland High School; and finalist Stephen Rand, an English teacher at Harwood Union Middle and High School for grades 9 through 12.
They will be honored at an event November 17.
Montpelier School Board To Study Unifying With Other Districts

MONTPELIER The question: Will Montpelier Public Schools participate in Act 46 (an
act urging the unification of existing disparate school governance structures)? The answer:
sort of.
During their meeting Oct. 7, the school board of commissioners voted unanimously against
pursuing the accelerated option under Act 46, according to meeting minutes. However,
they approved a fact finding study, which would involve meeting with Washington South
Supervisory Union, Washington Central Supervisory Union and Orange County Supervisory Union. The board agreed unanimously to form a study group under Act 46. The act
seeks to address a trend showing education costs rising even though student population is
falling. Complicating the issue is that students with severe emotional needs increased from
1.5 percent in 1997 to 2.3 percent in 2015, minutes state. Also, the proportion of students
from families in crisis due to loss of employment, opiate addiction, and other factors has also
increased during this time period, requiring the States public schools to fulfill an array of
human services functions.
Present at the meeting were board members Sue Aldrich, Michele Braun, Steve Hingtgen,
Ken Jones, Tina Muncy and Lowell VanDerlip. Also present were superintendent Brian
Ricca, students Brynn Bushey and Theresa Noonan; and, from the public, Roberto Abele,
Bridget Asay, Mike Baginski, Sophia Bennett, Jon Guiffre, Zachary Hughes, Kirby Keeton,
Sigrid Olson, Charlie Phillips, Nikki South, Heather Voison and others.
Applications Sought For 2016-2017 Community Fund Grants

MONTPELIER The Montpelier Community Fund Board is accepting applications for
the 2016 grant cycle. Local non-profit organizations and artists are encouraged to review the
grant guidelines in order to understand requirements and eligibility. Completed applications
must be received by the city manager's office no later than midnight, Sunday November
22, 2015. Application forms and guidelines can be found on the city's website at http://
www.montpeliervt.org/group/406/Montpelier-Community-Fund.html?id=8D42KQRq.
Questions may be directed to Office of the City Manager, by calling 223-9502 or emailing
spitonyak@montpelier-vt.org.
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Nature
Watch
by Nona Estrin
Time For A Bog Walk
Watercolor by Nona Estrin
beautiful week to catch our collective breath before snow flies. "Late
peak" is in full swing, with tamaracks, beeches and poplars brightening to
gold; oaks to deep sienna. Robins, song
and fox sparrows are passing through and
many types of "hunter moths" can be seen
night or day in the woods. Time for a walk
to Chickering Bog.
Another Top Ten List:

Montpelier named 6th Drunkest Town in VT
MONTPELIER Our capital city is once again on a top ten list, but this time it is hard to
say if is an honor or a dishonor. The website Roadsnacks.net has named Montpelier number
six on its list The Drunkest Places in Vermont.
The criteria?
Number of bars and pubs per capita
Number of wineries per capita
Number of liquor stores per capita
Each citys divorce rate
They also counted places within a citys border, as well as within a short driving distance.
Population: 7,848
Divorce rate: 19.4%
Bars per capita: 12th
Liquor stores per capita: 17th
After analyzing all cities with a decent amount of people in them, the websites editors came
up with this list as The Drunkest Places in Vermont:
Burlington
Stowe
Brattleboro
Shelburne
Rutland
Montpelier
Bellows Falls
Middlebury
Barre
Winooski
Savoy Theater Co-Founder to Lead Looking Closely at Movies

MONTPELIER Rick Winston, co-founder of Montpeliers Savoy Theater and the Green
Mountain Film Festival, will be leading three classes in film appreciation at both the Vermont College of Fine Arts and in Calais, starting in November.
Last years seminar dealt with an introduction to basic film vocabulary. The three sessions
this year will each explore a basic element of filmmaking, with excerpts from many films:
cinematography, editing and music.
These are the areas in which a film director collaborates closely, Winston said. In the
case of cinematography, before the film is in production, and with editing and music, afterwards.
Winston has been teaching film history at the Community College of Vermont and the
Montpelier senior center. He has also been staging film series in Randolph, Marshfield and
Calais.
The Vermont College of Fine Arts classes will take place on three Monday nights (November 9, 16 and 23) from 6:30 to 9 p.m., in Dewey Hall, while the Calais sessions will be on
three Saturday afternoons (November 14, December 12, and January 9) at the home of
Barbara Weedon.
Space is limited. For information on costs and registration, contact Rick at 454-7103
or by email, winsrick@sover.net. For more information on the seminar content, go to
www.rickwinston.org/seminars.
Council Awards Snow Plow Contract

MONTPELIER City Council unanimously awarded Cheney Trucking of Montpelier a
contract to plow city parking lot #1 this winter. This area includes the lot behind Rite Aid,
City Hall and the fire station. Cheney was the only bidder for the job and had also won the
contract for the previous two years. Cheney has not changed their per-event rate for the
upcoming two seasons, wrote Tom McArdle in a memo to City Manager William Fraser
on October 14.
Last winter taxpayers paid $18,447.00 for the service. This year, $20,000 has been budgeted.
When questioned during the council meeting on October 28 on the need for this service and
whether it is worth the expense, Fraser said, it is cheaper than maintaining the people to do
it. We do the big heavy stuff, but they do (the parking lot). Whenever there is snowfall, you
have to plow everybody out at the same place at the same time.
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THE BRIDGE
Montpelier Discount Beverage Supporters Speak Out

by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Why shut down a successful business and lose 10 jobs? Where
will locals redeem their cans and bottles?
What about people who depend on the
extra few dollars they make returning bottles and cans to survive? These were among
the questions posed to city council during
their meeting October 28 regarding the
councils move to condemn the Montpelier
Discount Beverage building located at 12
Main Street in order to make way for a bike
path as part of the proposed One Taylor
Street Transit Center.
A public hearing was held to allow public
input October 28 in city hall. Council
member Anne Watson presided over the
meeting since Mayor John Hollar was absent.
The mayor is out of the country, but he
had also recused himself from this proceeding due to what he believed was a
conflict of interest that he some of his
public statements would lead him to not be
neutral on this topic, said City Manager
William Fraser.
After some discussion on other matters,
such as moving agenda items around, the
council opened the floor to public comment regarding the plans for property
owned by the Mowatt Family Trust and
the retail business within, Montpelier Discount Beverage, which is popularly known
by a former name, M&M Beverage.
Below is a sampling
of comments (not
in order) made by
those who took the
time to attend the
meeting:
Mary Shepherd,
employee:
remove that building

has been going on
for a long time. And
the alternative to that
was to put a building beside it. When
the Tomasi Block was
next door to me, they
had a store downstairs, the bakery was
downstairs, but the
upstairs was pretty
much empty for the
longest time and it
was useless. When
that building went down, a lot of things
were done. The parking lot. The Tomasi
people next door to me made promises and
nothing happened. The city made promises and nothing happened. We beautified
that building and the city thought we did
a real beautiful job at the time, but things
have changed. Now you guys want to put
a bike path through there. This seems to
be the all important thing to happen. I feel
that business has run along all this time,
has employed a lot of people and has done a
service to this city for the longest time and
there is an alternative to the bike path here.
I didnt hear it when I was listening to your
discussion over there, but the alternative
is either to put the bike path around the
building, which could happen at a lot less
expense than it is going to cost you to tear
that building down, take it by eminent do-
Ten people
supporting 10
families will have
no place to work,
-Mary Shepherd,
employee
If you take our

store, 10 people supporting 10 families
will have no place
to work. Our employees cant make
it without employment. There are 10,000
cans that come through that store a day
that we recycle and take care of for the city
of Montpelier. That is a lot of recycling we
do for Montpelier and we do provide a service for the schools, for the senior centers
when we take bottles for them. If they go
to another city, Montpelier is going to lose
a lot of that benefit. We need to keep
the store open.
Gillis Moreau, former owner:
I owned that business at that location for 18

years and through those years we had between 500 and 750 employees go through
there, weve brought a lot of kids prominent kids through there and they have
grown up to be prominent citizens here
in Montpelier. I feel this discussion to
main and put the bike path right through

it, and also put a lot of people out of work
and put a lot of people in Montpelier looking for a place to bring their bottles, but
you have chosen to do that and I have not
yet heard a good reason why you cannot
give them an alternative of a variance to let
them put a one story building next door.
The two story building you are proposing is too expensive. They cannot afford
to build a two story building and make it
work. A one story building might work,
but a variance would be needed from the
city. I propose you make an alternative
around that building for the bike path.
There will be a lot more people using that
store than using the bike path. That is my
thought.
Mary Moody:
You have 10 families that are going to
lose their jobs and the State of Vermont is
going to have to pick that up and pay them
unemployement. Or, the State of Vermont
is going to have to pick them up and pay
welfare to help these families out.
Chris Mizinski:
As I understand it, eminent domain is for
the public good. Me, I dont mind a park, I
dont mind a bike path, but what is serving
the public good and how do we deal with
it effectively? A lot of people use M&M for
recycling. Is there going to be another, new
recycling center established before we tear
Got a news tip? We want to know!

Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com
T H E B R I D G E
down the old one? Number two, about 20

parking spaces are getting killed off of said
area. You guys know we have enough problems with parking as it stands. How do
we address that? And then point number
three: the traffic issues related to delivery
trucks. If we wipe out that entrance for,
say, Aubuchons, what are we going to do?
Have that delivery
truck out on Main
Street for a half
hour?
Elizabeth Chase:
Why cant the
bike path go in
between the tracks
and the building.
Why does it have
to go through the
building?
three states and our reputation out there

is terrible. And we need to bring in business, not get rid of it and we are having
difficulty as it is now. And all I can say is
if what is proposed is an 88 cent per gallon
fossil fuel tax coming up if the legislature
goes through, we are all going to be driving
bicycles anyways.
Gwen Hoffses:
I live in Montpelier, and me and my
husband take our
bottles to M&M.
And we wouldnt
know where else
to take our bottles.
And other people,
they go around
town and they pick
up bottles that a
whole bunch of
people have just left there and they take
them and they get a little money and it
helps them out. And when we take our bottles back and we dont have a lot of money
and when we bring our bottles, too, we put
our money in savings, so it helps us, too.
So, we dont know, if there was no redemption center, what we would do or what the
people who pick up bottles that everybody
leaves around, what they would do, either.
People who have

hardly any money
redeem cans
and bottles lying
around town,
-Gwen Hoffses
Chris Martineau:
I dont see why this cant be a win win.
I realize there will be an entirely different
cost if we were to try to build something
to try to keep the redemption center in
Montpelier. But zoning laws are made to
be changed and altered. There is no reason
we cant have a win-win and not lose a
good property tax payer. We are already
fighting to keep our property taxes where
they are, but thats not going to happened.
But here you are going to take away a very
vibrant business, and right now Montpeliers got the image out there that were not
business friendly. And it is getting worse.
I have a sales rep on the road and I cover
Remembering
Barbara
Snelling
March 22, 1928 to
November 2, 2015
Kevin OConnell:
Im a Montpelier resident also. Im almost
62 and I thought that you guys wanted
to save these old buildings. That building
has been around way longer than I have. I
MONTPELIER Former Vermont

First Lady, State Senator and Lieutenant
Governor Barbara Snelling passed away
November 2 at the age of 87. Her late
husband, Gov. Richard Snelling, died
in 1991 of heart failure after serving as
Vermonts 76th and 78th governor from
1977 to 1985 and from January 10 to
August 13, 1991.
Barbara Snelling became Vermonts 76th
lieutenant governor upon her election
in 1992 and she served two terms. The
republican was elected to the senate in
1998 and served until retiring in 2002.
She suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in
1996 while campaigning and a stroke in
2001, leading to her retirement.
Gov. Peter Shumlin said of Barbara,
Barbara Snelling served Vermont with
great distinction in roles big and small.
Whether in service to her state or community, Barbara will always be remembered for her compassion and dedication and for overcoming great personal
tragedy to continue to give back to the
state she loved. The Snelling family has
given and continues to give so much to
Vermont. My thoughts are with the entire
family and all those who knew Barbara.
Indigenous Wabanaki
Harvest School To Be Held
MONTPELIER The Center for Integrative Herbalism, in collaboration with the
Seeds of Renewal Project; will present on a full day of educational activities Nov. 7.
They include a virtual tour of ancient domesticated and wild crops used by the Abenakis
and their neighbors; drying and storing the harvest; heritage seeds and native-style seed
saving, native cuisine, including tips on how to create a Wabanaki-themed harvest feast
with commercially available foods.
The Harvest School combines illustrated lectures, hands-on lab experiences, music,
video and storytelling to bring the history and culture of Wabanaki food harvest to life.
The program begins at 9 a.m.
For more information on Seeds of Renewal content, contact: Fred Wiseman, wisem@
vtlink.net. To register, contact Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism at http://www.
vtherbcenter.org/community-classes/special-events/ or call 224-7100.
remember when it was a gas station, when

I was real tiny. And I dont see the point
... at least they are using an old building,
and it is something very constructive. And,
trying to put a bike path through that
intersection, I think, is insane. I mean, it
is hard enough to use the cross walk when
you walk. And thats all.
Danny Coane:
I am really concerned about eminent domain. Its got to be the last resort. I am
not totally sure where were at with this, I
mean theres been negotiations and theres
two sides on this thing, but I think it can
be worked out and I think if youve got to
move the building,
or if the buildings
got to go somethings got to work
in regard to that.
That is just a vacant
lot. Tomasi had a
two-story building
there. I know there
was some discussion about it being a
one-story building, and as I understood it,
zoning said (the building has to be two or
more stories tall). And I dont follow that.
I think that, really, this should be worked

out. Eminent domain is not the history of
this city. It just isnt. And to start bringing
this up is not good. These people are trying to run a business. They have a good
business there. But I think that another
building could be put next to it. I think
that they are just driving them out and this
is not right.
No witness spoke in favor of eminent domain.
Public input stopped at 7 p.m., whereupon
City Council turned the gavel over to
City Attorney Bernie Lambek to discuss
whether a bike path is legally considered
a necessity for the
public good. Council then proceeded
to hear testimony
from representatives for the city
and for the property owner. The
hearing continued
until 10:22 p.m.
and was adjourned
to be reconvened on November 11 at 6:30
p.m.
I think that they

are just driving
them out and doing
this is not right,
-Danny Coane
THE BRIDGE
A Message From City Hall

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.
Citizen Input Informs Upcoming Budget Process

by William Fraser, City Manager
Many thanks to Assistant City Manager Jessie Baker who prepared the bulk of this article.
The City Council will begin formal budget deliberations on December 9th.
Community Forum Overview
Top 3 values that are crucial to consider in building budgets for the future:
Montpelier will continue to face major budget challenges in the coming years. With
the Council approved steady state capital plan, the City needs to spend an additional
$500,000 per year to reach a sustainable rate of infrastructure funding. This is $1M more
than the City spent three years ago. The municipal tax rate, while remaining stable for
several years, remains relatively high compared to other communities in Vermont and
elsewhere. This creates a challenge for our residents, businesses, and for future development.
To engage the community in finding solutions to these challenges, Community Budget
Forums were held on September 24, 2015 and October 13, 2015. These forums were led
by Montpelier resident Paul Costello. At the first forum participants brainstormed ideas
on core community values to be considered during the budget process. At the second
forum, participants reviewed the ideas contributed and set key priorities for the City to
consider as they build future budgets. Additionally, in the interest of soliciting feedback
from those not able to attend evening meetings, two on-line surveys were available.
Key Findings
Respondents were asked to prioritize the core values to consider during the budget process. Four values were shared by a third or more of respondents.
Respondents were asked to prioritize the ideas for reducing spending or increasing revenue that should be implemented with future City budgets. One idea was shared by 42%
of the respondents and another seven where shared by a third to a fifth of the respondents.
Top 3 ideas for reducing spending or increasing revenue that should be implemented with
future budgets:
We also asked respondents what they loved about Montpelier.
Winter Parking Ban: Reminder that the city will continue the system of calling winter
parking bans as needed. Please sign up for notices through VT Alerts which can be found
on the Citys website.
Analysis Forum #2
Website: The City of Montpelier has launched a new website. Still found at www.
montpelier-vt.org, this site provides improved information to residents, businesses, and
visitors in Montpelier.
Participants and survey respondents were asked to prioritize their top 3 values and top 3
budget ideas from the full lists generated at the first forum. Additionally, at the forum, a
few other ideas were added (indicated by ADD below.) 26 people attended the Forum
(not counting staff or facilitators.) 134 individuals completed the survey. Of these, 116
were from Montpelier and didnt attend the second Forum.
To meet the City Council goal of consistently communicating information in a transparent manner, the City contracted with CivicPlus to update and modernize the Citys site.
Over the last six months, staff worked with CivicPlus on the design and site optimization,
data was migrated from the old site to the new site, and staff was trained on administering the new product.
The site provides many new amenities to users including improved search capabilities, the
ability to sign up for targeted notifications through the Notify Me section, and a clearer
organizational structure that allows users to better access information. Additionally,
through a partnership with Montpelier Alive, the two organizations sites are mutually
linked and searchable.
Thank you for your interest in Montpelier City government. Please feel free to contact
me at wfraser@montpelier-vt.org or 802-223-9502 with questions or comments.
T H E B R I D G E
Book
Review
our years ago, Michael Shuman

spoke at the State House on economic development based on small,
locally owned businesses. He asked the
audience members in the House chamber
to raise their hands if they shopped at the
farmers market. Of course, most people
raised their hands. Then he asked for a
show of hands from those who spent their
money at locally owned businesses. Again,
most raised their hands. Finally, he asked
who had their retirement savings in local
businesses. Almost no hands went up.
The problem, he explained, is that regulations and other structural barriers make it
very difficult to find ways to invest in the
local economy. He was speaking just ahead
of the publication of his book about what
local investing is possible in the current
legal system: "Local Dollars, Local Sense."
It turns out that many models of local
investing are also local, or at least statespecific. Some investment regulations vary
from state to state. And some local investment opportunities are easier to find in
certain states.
With that in mind, Montpelier-based sustainability champion Gwendolyn Hallsmith pitched to Shuman the idea of
adapting "Local Dollars, Local Sense" to
the state level, and starting with (where
else?) Vermont. The result is their "Vermont Dollars, Vermont Sense," a print
publication from the Post Carbon Institute; it is also available as a free, downloadable e-book.
The potential amount of money available for local investing is mind boggling.
According to the book, U.S. households
and non-profits hold $30 trillion in longterm securities investment vehicles
like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, pension funds and insurance funds. The book
claims, "If the U.S. capital markets were
functioning efficiently, at least half of this
sum, $15 trillion, would move from Wall
Street to Main Street." Even 10 percent
would have a huge effect on capital available to local businesses.
It's not just businesses that could benefit,
its families, too. One example in the book
is from a Vermont family who wished
to remain anonymous. The parents had
retirement savings, and the kids needed
financing for their homes. The parents
cashed in some of their stocks and lent
the money to their kids for their home
purchases. They could set the interest rate
lower than mortgages available through
banks, while giving the parents a return
that was secured against stock market gyrations. For the parents, the mortgage was
not as liquid as their stock portfolio, but
they figured that if they needed the liquidity in the future, the kids would then have
more equity in the homes and would easily
qualify for a conventional mortgage.
Not everyone has the luck to be born into
a family where the parents amass hundreds
of thousands of dollars they can afford to
tie up in financing the kids' mortgages. For
those with smaller amounts to invest, or
who just want basic financial services like
a checking account, Shuman and Hallsmith point to credit unions. They provide
personal financial services like checking and savings accounts, mortgages and
auto loans and are member-owned.
Members are, in effect, lending to each
other. Plus, there is a greater likelihood
Secrets to Investing in Vermont

Review of Vermont Dollars, Vermont Sense
by Carl Etnier
that money invested at a credit

union will stay
local. Shuman
and Hallsmith
don't
provide
figures specific
to credit unions,
but they say, "A
dollar deposited
in a local financial institution is
three times more
likely to provide commercial
credit to local
businesses than a
dollar deposited
in a nonlocal financial institution."
The section on
credit
unions
profiles Opportunities Credit Union in
Burlington, which was created to provide
banking opportunities to low-income Vermonters. It could also have mentioned
Vermont State Employees Credit Union,
which has over 57,000 members and has
about $500 million in loans outstanding.
The book examines investing from the
perspective of local businesses, too, showing Vermont models for attracting local
capital. For example, Vermont Community Foundation gives grants but they
also invest 5 percent of their portfolio in
Vermont businesses. Or customers can finance a businesses through pre-selling; the
community-supported agriculture model is
applicable to restaurants (like the former
Claire's in Hardwick, which sold meals
before they opened) or art house cinemas
(like Montpelier's Savoy Theater, which
pre-sold tickets to raise money for renovations after a flood).
Shuman and Hallsmith also describe what
laws could be changed or have recently been changed to make it easier
to invest locally. For example, Vermont's
2014 revision to
investment law
makes it easier
for small businesses to raise
up to $2 million
from up to 50
residents of the
state. They note
other
changes
being considered
and recommend
Vermont Businesses for Social
Responsibility as
the go-to organization for learning how to use
the new laws.
businesses through crowdfunding, in a

way that gives investors long-term equity
in the firms. (This is different from existing crowdfunding venues like Kickstarter.
They allow donations, sometimes in exchange for things like a CD or a homecooked dinner, but don't allow people to
purchase shares in the business.)
Federal
Securities and Exchange Commission regulations
have long stood in the way of local investing for everyone but millionaires. However, this section of the book is already
obsolete. Just last week, the Securities and
Exchange Commission announced new
rules for investors of modest means to
put thousands of dollars a year into local
"Vermont Dollars, Vermont Sense"

is available for a free download at
w w w.postcarbon.org/publications/vermont-dollars-vermont-sense
There are many more Vermont examples

that could have been included in the book,
and the local investment landscape is rapidly changing here. The project, the first of
a planned series of books for all the states,
could perhaps have been more robustly
designed as a wiki, where crowdsourcing
could provide daily updates and additions.
But at least the e-book edition is free and
easy to update, if the authors choose to
do so.
Since 2007, Carl Etnier has explored issues

related to food, energy, and the local economy
each week on his Goddard College Community Radio (WGDR 91. 1 FM /WGDH
91.7 FM) program "Relocalizing Vermont,"
Thursdays 9 to 10:30 a.m.
THE BRIDGE
What Makes Montpelier

Montpeculiar?
story and photo by Dot Helling
hat makes Montpelier Montpeculiar? Start by looking at

the which way sign in front
of the visitors center. In the 1960s and 70s
our community and its suburbs was a hub
for crunchy granola types and activists,
and to a great extent still is. Today however, I find Montpelier quirky rather than
crunchy, and definitely peculiar as far as
state capitals go.
expanded and moved into what is now

Positive Pie where he operated until he
closed the store in 2004.
One Montpelier resident says the city is
peculiar because of our diverse spectrum
of individuals, from conservative to funky,
average to downright weird, entitled to
needy, and a developing breed of political intellectuals. Our resident community
often hibernates but always comes out in
times of crisis and for celebrations. We
swell with the invasion of legislators, state
workers and tourists, then shrink back to
a small town atmosphere. We are a small,
quaint town with cute shops and pocket
parks. We remain the smallest state capital
in the United States. We have no McDonalds or Burger King. We are an island in
the midst of historic bridges. We have at
least six more traffic lights than in the
1960s but still only one in the downtown.
One long-time resident notes that we are
overly tolerant of pedestrians. We dont
want to hit them but it would be nice to
get through town a little quicker and safer.
Cindra Connison,
owner of the Quirky
Pet
Montpelier homes are quirky, many constructed and painted like picturesque hill
houses in San Francisco, in outrageous
multicolors with wild gardens, gazing
balls and crazy sculptures. For a time we
had a movement of art deco facades on
downtown buildings. Thanks to historic
preservationists those building covers were
removed. I vividly remember the peculiar
(Im being nice) facade on the Vogue Shop
at the corner of State and Main. Its the
beautiful brick building and storefront that
now houses Cool Jewels. The Vogue Shop
was covered in black and white metal and
plastic.
Montpelier still sports residents in tie-dye,

long skirts, body hair, clogs and Birkenstocks. Some hippie establishments like
Buch Spieler Records have been here for
decades. Bear Pond Books has a place
in Montpeculiar culture. Since opening its doors on the corner of Langdon
Street in 1973, this store has catered to
the reading habits of all Montpeliers citizens, and hired its share of hippie-type
staff. The Quirky Pet and its owner and
her canines are unique and peculiar along
with other downtown stores, such as The
Getup Vintage and Global Gifts on Langdon Street. If you include whimsicality
within the definition of quirkiness, there
is the Capital Kitchen on State Street and
its fun-filled window dressings, and of
Montpelier events can be peculiar. Take

the Dylan Wannabee contest that ran
successfully, standing room only, for five
years until its organizer Pat Mullikin left
the state. The annual river cleanup is unusual. The debris is turned into river art
and sculpture. A family on Franklin Street
holds an annual plant swap or, if you have
no plant to swap, its a giveaway. Our dogs
get to romp and swim in the municipal
pool at the Dog Days of Summer event in
August. Montpelier hosts the annual naked
bike ride, All Species Day, and events like
the Vintage Trailer Show and a showing of ET on the Statehouse lawn with
free Ben and Jerrys ice cream. We have
Sign in front of Visitors Center

In the 1960s Plainfields Goddard College
was a center of the east coast counter culture. Its activist hippie students spilled into
our town. Back then, central Vermont had
its share of alternative communal and cooperative living situations, including true
communes like Pie in the Sky in Marshfield, Quarry Hill in Rochester and New
Hamburger in Plainfield. Over the years
retail shops and eateries like Horn of the
Moon Cafe, Buch Spieler Records, Hunger
Mountain Coop and Riverwalk Records
have catered to the hippie culture. Hunger
Mountain Coop originated as the Plainfield Coop, changed its name and moved
to Montpelier in 1978. Before Hunger
Mountain, the Bean Bag Coop operated
by Harris and Ellie Tobias was located in
the spot now housing Wilaiwans Kitchen.
When Bean Bag closed, a small bulk co-op
named Alowan opened in what is now
the Julios space. Alowan was owned and
run by Mike Woodfield. Woodfield later
changed its name to State Street Market,
course, Woodbury Mountain Toys now

in its 23rd year of business here. But its
more than the businesses that create the
present-day quirkiness of our state capital.
The weekly farmers market brings in hard
working Vermonters from their hill and
farm homes to sell a myriad of homegrown
and homemade organic products, everything from tomatoes, kale and corn by the
bakers dozen to herbs, alcohol, cheeses,
soaps, massage oils, pottery and jewelry.
Residents have donned t-shirts that say
Montpeculiar, Eat More Kale, and now
Bernie 2016!
Our city is dotted with bicycle sculptures

thanks to SculptCycle 2008" which was
a collaboration between the Montpelier
Downtown Community Association (now
Montpelier Alive) and the Central Vermont
arts community. Some cycle sculptures
have been privately purchased and live in
resident yards or, in the case of Chris and
Jennifer Bean, on their roof. We also have
art growing in our rivers, some natural,
some of human construction. Note the
sprouting artwork hanging over the river
from the outside wall of The Shoe Horn.
And now we have the controversial VCFA
sign.
the Bicentennial Time Capsule located on

the Hubbard Park Library lawn, World
Famous Charlie Os, Historic Langdon
Street, and a plethora of talented and not
so talented sidewalk music. For years we
had a new years parade and fireworks that
drew crowds from all over, including one
of my brothers and a best friend from out
of state who came every year to walk in the
parade and dance the night away. Talented
regulars like Bread and Puppet made it
especially festive. Unfortunately we lost
that event, but luckily, our July 3 festivities, with Bread and Puppet, fill in some of
the void. We also lost the Christmas buying season kickoff, a fireworks display that
crackled brilliantly on frigid winter nights
lifting our spirits from the gloomy pall of
early December and the start of another
Vermont winter.
Montpeculiarites can be eccentric individuals but they know how to have fun
and how to support the community, from
citywide tag sales to kids events to organized fundraisers for great causes. From
the peculiar to the ordinary, Montpelier
appears to have it all. Coming to this
column in the future: The Five Senses
of Montpelier and The Metamorphosis
of Our Buildings, City Blocks and Businesses. Stay tuned.
Cycle sculpture at Montpelier

High School
T H E B R I D G E
Book
Review
From Red Flannel Hash to Bean Hole Beans:

New Cookbook Dishes Out Village Secrets
by Carla Occaso
From the Cookbook:
Andreas End of Summer Whatever-is-in-the-Garden Soup
2-3 tablespoons butter
Leeks and/or onions (as much as you want)
1 or 2 carrots
2 or 3 potatoes (depending on size)
1 quart or more chicken or vegetable stock, warmed
3 tablespoons flour
Fresh parsley and dill
And whatevers in the garden: corn, green beans, zucchini whatever you
think is fitting. Salt and pepper to taste.
Diced leftover chicken may be added.
Saute onions and leeks and carrots slowly in butter until soft and transparent.
Stir in the flour until thoroughly mixed, then add the warmed stock slowly,
whisking as you do. Bring it all to a simmer. Cover and let simmer until the
potatoes are close to done.
he Adamant Co-op Cookbook contains recipes, original art by Janet MacLeod and more from the oldest cooperative food store in Vermont and the
United States, according to its cover. This treasure trove of food, art and
essays was compiled by volunteers and staff of the Adamant Cooperative and serves as a
fundraiser. The co-op was founded in 1935 during the Great Depression as a means of
allowing local residents of this remote hamlet to pool resources.
Because of the rich and varied collection of MacLeods exquisite water color paintings,
the book is a feast for the eyes. The non-recipe content lends itself to the reader getting
to know Adamant more deeply by reading the poetry, observations and memories of
the writers. Many of the recipes are accompanied by stories as to their origins, such as
the Volhynian beet soup recipe from Richard Czaplinskis family, dubbed rotten apple
soup by Czaplinskis daughter though the recipe does not call for rotten apples. It is
an inside joke and you have to read about it to get it.
The book is dedicated to the founding members of the co-op and to Lois Toby (1926 to
2015), former post mistress who also provided the locally famous bean hole baked bean
recipe on page 98. The long-kept secret recipe includes the ingredients for enough baked
beans to feed a village and instructions on how to prepare the bean hole. The chicken
barbecue and bean hole bean dinner was the primary fundraiser for the Adamant Community Club for many years and I have eaten many a serving of the yummy beans,
which raise the bar on anyone elses recipe. Note: The beans have to go into the ground
hot and must stay in the ground for 8 hours or overnight!
The book is available in Adamant at the Co-op, Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Morse
Farm on the County Road in East Montpelier and Bragg Farm on Route 14 in East
Montpelier. For more information, call 223-5760.
Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!
Add the other vegetables and the herbs. Simmer until tender. Salt and pepper to
taste. Add chicken at the very end. This soup tastes best if you let it sit for an
hour or so, then gently reheat.
THE BRIDGE
Singing Along with Don McLean at the Barre Opera

House
by Nat Frothingham
BARRE Singer-songwriter Don McLean with his five-piece back-up band

thrilled a near-capacity audience at the Barre Opera House on October 23 by singing the
hit songs that have made him am American folk singing legend.
At points throughout the show McLean brought his audience to their feet some calling
out, many singing along or swaying to the music.
In a concert heavy with remembered songs these stood out: Crying, Castles in the
Air, Vincent a song that pays tribute to artist Vincent Van Goghs swirling, powerful painting, Starry Night.
These songs became a platform for the concerts dramatic close as McLean sang and led
his audience in singing American Pie, his blockbuster classic.
In the breaks between songs, McLean, now 70, lamented how human activity has come
to destroy the planet. He said he wasnt convinced wed have another planet to go to, after
weve wrecked this one. He called attention to the information explosion that is filling
the world with more junk than anyone can process. In his song, Headroom, he sang,
I need headroom, got to have headroom/Some place to rest my head/Thinkin is getting
smaller/Time is winnin out instead.
Much has been written about American Pie the song that McLean ended his concert
with.
Listeners and critics alike have tried to explain the songs mysterious hold on the nations
imagination and many people believe American Pie partly defines, and in some ways
haunts, that generation of Americans who grew up in the early days of rock and roll, who
lived through the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy, who witnessed the murder
of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and who were part of the angry, divisive years
during the War in Vietnam.
Leaving aside the meaning and significance of American Pie what we do know is that
in 2001 when the Recording Industry Association of America assembled its list of the top
25 songs from the century just passed (1900 to 2000), American Pie was voted number
five on the list. And as recently as April 7, McLeans original, handwritten manuscript of
American Pie sold at auction for $1.2 million.
Upcoming at the Barre Opera House
Two or three days after the Don McLean concert Dan Casey, executive director of
the Barre Opera House talked by phone to The Bridge about the new (2015 to 2016)
season, saying: We actually got off to a pretty fast start this year.
The McLean concert was the fifth show at the Barre Opera House since late September.
But in talking about the current season and the fast start, Casey whos in his 10th year
at the Opera House, said essentially that you can never completely predict what people
will turn out for.
Take the Alan Boyd Band and Casey said hed certainly consider bringing the Alan
Boyd Band back at another time but it only drew an audience of about 200 people. So
theres no certainty. You never really know about what attracts.
Casey went on to say that his programs have finished in the black for 10 years running.
What hes trying to do, he said, in choosing shows is to represent different genres, and
he said, I do my best to vet everything thats out there.
Reflecting on changes at the opera house, Casey said, After the recession of 2008-2009,
the Opera House Board noticed that rentals of the opera house to outside groups were
down. And he and the board decided theyd fill the void by bringing on more shows.
And theyre doing well, Casey said. And though every show is not a winner, he and the
board look at whats available and look at the season. And again, for the past 10 years the
Barre Opera House has been in the black.
Looking ahead, the Barre Opera House will be presenting a John Denver tribute on November 13, and after the holidays, on February 12 as part of the Celebration Series, The
Taj Mahal Trio, known for its contemporary blues.
Right now the Barre Opera House is mounting a big push for memberships. As Casey
explained, the cost of a ticket is a vote of support. It helps pay for the performing artist.
But the cost of a ticket doesnt pay for staff time. Nor does it pay to turn on the lights
and heat the building. Then there are those big improvements such as painting the hall,
renewing the seating, improving the mechanics of sound and light all these improvements will cost at least half a million dollars over the next several years.
Paying for the costs beyond the artists fee thats where membership support comes
in. And the benefits are impressive. Thousands of people coming through the doors and
enjoying the show each year. Out of town visitors staying overnight, eating meals and
generating over a million dollars a year of spending in central Vermont.
The impacts of the Barre Opera House are many. Thousands of people coming through
the door and enjoying the shows each year; out-of-town visitors from Mass., N.Y. and
Canada. Said Casey, Theyre staying overnight, eating meals and generating over of a
million dollars a year of spending in central Vermont.
American Pie (refrain)

Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
but the levee was dry
And them good ole boys were
drinking whiskey and rye
Singin' this' ll be the day that I die
This' ll be the day that I die
Singer-songwriter Don McLean

Photo by Keith Perry
T H E B R I D G E
Granite City Groove
Goodfellows Jewelry Stands

Test of Time
by Joshua Jerome
he Granite City certainly has a rich history shaped from the melting pot of immigrants who moved into Barre in the later part of the 19th century. And like
the granite quarried by these immigrants that remain the foundation blocks for
buildings and monuments around the world today, so are several businesses that have
stood the test of time, through floods, economic depressions and cultural changes. One
business, located right in downtown Barre is Goodfellows Jewelry.
Originally opened around 1885 by a real estate tycoon and named Nichols Jewelry, it
sold pocket watches and cigars. An interesting story appeared in the local paper in the
early 1890s that described the apparent thievery of no particular jewelry, but of one
freshly baked apple pie made by Mrs. Nichols. The business changed hands several times
before a local watchmaker named W.H. Goodfellow purchased the business and named
it Goodfellows Jewelry in 1920.
Jewelry styles have changed over the years, but a constant since 1961 has been the ownership of Goodfellows Jewelry by the Gentl family. Virgil Gentl worked in the Diamond
District in Manhattan and he and his wife began making excursions up into Vermont
in the 1950s. On one such trip, they found themselves in Barre strolling along Main
Street when they noticed a jewelry store for sale. They were enthralled with the rural
country feel and owning a mom and pop type business was appealing. Since Virgil was
already in the diamond and gem business, the transition into jewelry store owner seemed
a natural transition. So, the family of three moved up from New Haven, Connecticut to
Barre in 1961.
Virgil acquired a reputation for professionalism by giving every customer his full attention. He wore a suit and tie every day and according to his grandson, Eric Gentl,
brought Manhattan to Barre. Virgil kept customer service first and foremost. On one
occasion, a customer had called to inform Virgil that he had to stop by and pick up
an engagement ring. It was the middle of winter at the time and had been snowing for
some time. Rose went down to the deli and grabbed some wine, salami, cheese and some
antipasti and the couple had dinner in the jewelry store while waiting for the customer
to arrive. Finally, after several hours, the customer showed up to get his ring. However,
unaware of how hard it was actually snowing outside, many of the businesses had already
closed early and gone home. The Gentl's, seeing how much snow was on the road, knew
they couldnt make it up the hill and decided to spend the night in the store.
In 1980, Virgils son Raymond began helping out at the store. In 1984, Raymond redesigned the inside of the store to its present day appearance, adding a large chandelier in
the center room along with the short bay windows. Today, the store is managed by Eric
Gentl, Raymonds son who came on about ten years ago. The transition for Eric was natural as he was already in the antique business specializing in high-end Americana pieces.
In carrying the tradition of excellent customer service, Eric told me a story of a young
couple who had picked out their wedding rings, but had them on layaway. However, the
father of the bride was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so the wedding was moved up so
the proud father could be there for his daughter to get married.
The young women called Eric to explain the situation. Knowing full well that the rings
were not paid for and would not be for
several months, Eric asked if they needed a
ring bearer for their wedding. And indeed,
they did and invited Eric to be the ring
bearer who happily accepted.
P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601
The dedication of the Gentl family to its
customers is one of the reasons why Goodfellows Jewelry has stood the test of time
and weathered the mall being constructed
and the internet becoming ubiquitous. Its
another reason why I love downtown Barre
and support our locally owned businesses
as much as possible.
The writer is executive director of The Barre
Partnership
Tell them you

saw it in
The Bridge!
Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
Managing Editor: Carla Occaso
Calendar Editor, Design & Layout:
Marichel Vaught
Copy Editing Consultant:
Larry Floersch
Proofreader: Garrett Heaney
Sales Representatives: Michael Jermyn,
Rick McMahan
Distribution: Tim Johnson, Kevin Fair, Diana
Koliander-Hart, Daniel Renfro
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Location: The Bridge office is located at the
Vermont College of Fine Arts,
on the main level of Stone Science Hall.
Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge
by mail for $50 a year. Make out your
check to The Bridge, and mail to The Bridge,
PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
montpelierbridge.com
facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
Twitter: @montpbridge
Copyright 2015 by The Bridge
THE BRIDGE
Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

Heather Kralik, outreach coordinator for the Onion River Exchange,
stands in front of one of her favorite sayings, There is Enough.
Buy Your Holiday Gifts

With Time, Not Money
Holiday Event, November 7
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Thinking about holiday shopping for gifts, but dont have money?
No problem, if you are a member of the Onion River Exchange.
They dont take money at the upcoming Holiday Shopping Exchange November 7 at
46 Barre Street. Instead, they take time.
The Onion River Exchange is a time bank in which members exchange skills, talents
and services using time instead of money. The exchange has over 400 members from 28
towns in central Vermont. About 664 services are offered and requested, and over 39,000
hours have been exchanged since 2008.
It is a great way to do holiday shopping, Heather Kralik, Onion River Exchange outreach director told The Bridge October 29. I do painting, but I dont do crafts. I am
bringing items I like, like a yard sale. I am putting an amount of time on it. Something
might (cost) 2 hours. Something could (cost) a half an hour. You have to agree with it.
In other words, if you want to buy a beautiful painting someone is selling and it costs
two hours, you talk to the seller and find out what they need. Do they need a ride to
the airport? Two hours worth of snow shoveling? Two hours worth of dog sitting? You
work it out with the seller. The only thing is, you either have to be a member, or intend
on becoming a member in order to attend, said Marcy Young, member coordinator. It
costs $25 for an individual to join.
This concept follows up on what have become Kraliks mottos, There is enough and
We have enough. The idea is that people should pool resources (including talents and
skills) rather than duplicating things, such as tools.
But tools are important too, and Kralik also helps coordinate the tool bank, where people can sign up as members and take out tools as needed and then return them when
done, like a lending library.
There is enough, Kralik said. We can help each other with what we already have.
Whenever I run into a problem that is what I say to myself, There is enough.
Need a hammer or a
nail? You can borrow
these and more tools
from the Onion River
Exchange tool bank.
Heather Kralik, outreach
coordinator for the Onion
River Exchange, demonstrates a bulb removing
tool available at the tool
exchange on 46 Barre
Street.
T H E B R I D G E
Artists Use Networking, Communications and Technology

To Market Their Wares
by Garrett Heaney
MONTPELIER Marketing is one of

those make-or-break-you practices that
requires planning and graceful execution in
order to bring results in the business world.
You have a product. You want to sell it.
Who do you tell, and what do you tell them
and how? This is the gist of all marketing but when it comes to art, you have
an anomaly of sorts. Rarely do you find an
artist putting ads in print (niche magazines
being the exception) and it is unheard of for
artists other than Bob Ross (R.I.P.) to have
an ad on TV.
So in the modern world, with all this technology at our fingertips, how do artists
make themselves known, and how do they
go about selling their art? We talked with
three local artists to see if they could shed
some light on this practice. Jenn Jacques,
Kate Burnim and Kari Meyer all have
unique styles that have done well for them
here in Montpelier, and throughout the
state. Heres what they had to tell us:
Jenn Jacques
Kate Burnim
The Bridge: How long have you been

selling art? How and where did you get
started? Do you remember your first
sales, how did they come about?
Jenn Jacques: I have been selling art since I
was 16. My journey began when I was very
little with the guidance of my grandmother
Ruth Henson, who was an exceptional oil
painter. One of my first sales took place at
a local exhibition site, Capitol Grounds. It
was an unbelievable feeling, to sell a painting that I created. I will never forget that
feeling.
Kate Burnim: Ive been selling my art since
high school (the early 90s) but with intention, the last couple of years. I got started
a few years ago with a show at Local 64 in
Montpelier, and on the web through my
website (snapwhistlestudio.com) and more
recently, my Society 6 shop (https://society6.com/kateburnim). I feel like I am still
in the early stages of getting my work out
there. My first sales came about through
shows and word of mouth a personal
connection showing someone they knew a
photo of my work.
Kari Meyer: I have been professionally
showing and selling my art since 2004
when I graduated from the University of
Vermont with a bachelor's in studio art.
I started showing at The Fourth Annual
Firehouse Open at the Firehouse Gallery
in Burlington. I also hung my work in
restaurants, coffee shops and retail spaces.
I'm not sure exactly when my first sale was,
but sales really started happening at the Art
Hop coordinated by South End Arts and

Business Association in Burlington each
year, through Burlington City Arts who
coordinate shows in commercial spaces in
Burlington and through Craftproducers
Art Festivals in Stowe and Manchester.
Craftproducers Art Festivals and 10 percent

were online sales. After my daughter was
born in 2010, my production went down for
a few years. Spring of 2015 I finally felt like
my work returned to its previous state. I've
found that the market and economy have
really changed and because of this, my sales
The Bridge: What have been your best
venues have changed.
avenues for sales?
Jacques: The most successful tool is con- The Bridge: What have been the most
necting with the public. Talking face-to- valuable networking practices for you?
Any particular types of connections that
face inspires and captivates art lovers and
are more effective than others?
artists alike. I have had success selling as a
vendor locally and in Brooklyn, New York. Jacques: The most valuable networking
I also sell my art through local exhibitions practice for me is just talking with cusin stores and restaurants. The last two tomers who are artists or art lovers. Anexhibitions I've held this year were on the other valuable networking practice has been
walls of The Black Krim in Randolph and modeling for a group of local oil painters;
Espresso Bueno in Barre. Its a wonderful watching and learning and asking them
questions. Last but not least: Facebook is
way to support the local spirit!
so helpful and I have made dozens of sales
Burnim: So far, the best avenues for sales
by posting images there, protected with
have been word of mouth and shows, as
my watermark. I find Etsy to be fantastic
well as my website and shop. I am excited
for selling crafts and more just useable
to continue development of the website
for art.
and shop to further their reach. Recently, I
began getting my work on the Burlington Burnim: The most valuable networking
City Arts database and I am curious to see practices for me have been engaging diwhere that will lead, but cannot speak to it rectly with people at events I am a part of
or attend. In terms of which types of conyet, so you will have to check back!
nections are most effective, for me, I think
Meyer: From 2004 to 2010 Burlington
it goes back to understanding what my
City Arts probably handled 40 percent of
values are in relation to my work and where
my sales, another 50 percent were through
I would like it to go.
Kari Meyer
Meyer: I've found that being involved in

Craftproducers Art Festivals has been an
invaluable source of networking. Being able
to talk to other artists about their experiences with sales, the economy and marketing has helped me with my business a lot.
More recently, Facebook has become helpful as a way to network as well.
The Bridge: Do you ever think of marketing/sales during or before the creation
process?
Jacques: I typically don't really think of the
marketing or sales aspect of my work during
or before my creation process unless there is
a job at hand. The vision I have transforms
to my hands, then to my canvas or paper.
Burnim: The process of creating my art
is very separate for me than that of marketing or sales. It is important to me that
when I create a piece that it is authentic
and sincere. For me, this could get murky
if marketing and sales joined the party at
that stage.
Meyer: I used to paint a lot more abstract
work. I found that there isn't a real market for abstract art in Vermont. When I
switched to primarily landscape paintings
this was probably the only time I consciously thought of marketing or sales in
regards to my work. Beyond that, I really
just paint what inspires me.
THE BRIDGE
Covering events happening November 5 November 21

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
MBAC Meeting. Meeting of the Montpelier Bicycle

Advisory Committee. First Thurs., 8 a.m. Police
Station Community Room, 534 Washington St.,
Montpelier. 262-6273.
Blood Pressure Clinic. A nurse from Services and
Support at Home (SASH) will provide free blood
pressure screenings and consultations. First-come,
first-served. 9:4510:45 a.m. Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free;
open to the public. 223-2518
Recycling 101 Its Easy and Its the Law. Presentation by Cassandra Hemenway of the Central
Vermont Solid Waste Management District. Overview about how recycling works in Vermont, learn
what goes in and stays out of your recycling bin,
hear tips and ideas for making recycling simple
and easy in your own home. Questions answered
about home composting. 12:30 p.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.. Montpelier.
Free; open to the public. 223-2518
The Gary Home Open House. Nov. 56. 26
p.m. 149 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3881.
thegaryhome.com
Living with Vermonts Black Bears. Learn about
bear ecology, behavior and the challenges of living
with and managing Vermonts black bear population with wildlife biologist Forrest Hammond.
6:308 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713
Elm St., Montpelier. Register: 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org.
Center. 244-8089.
Peacham Corner Guild Annual Christmas Show.
Nov. 67. Unique handcrafted gifts, small antiques, specialty foods, ornaments, invited guests.
Lunchavailable. 10 a.m.7 p.m. Peacham Town
Hall, 79 Church St., Peacham.
Death Caf. Group discussion about death with
no agenda, objectives or themes. First Fri., 11:45
a.m.1 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2,
Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Bring your
own lunch or eat at the center for $4. 223-3322.
Cookies & Coloring for Adults. De-stress
before the holiday season arrives. Coloring is
engaging, relaxing, invites creativity and helps
combat stress. It has been compared to yoga and
meditation. For teens and adults only. Space is
limited. 6:30 p.m. Waterbury Public Library, 30
Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. Register: 244-7036.
waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Coffeehouse. Enjoy live music and share your
own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages.
First Fri., 79 p.m. Trinity United Methodist
Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier (park and enter
at rear). Free. 244-5191, 472-8297 or rawilburjr@
comcast.net.
Day Hikes in Utah's Red Rock Country: Zion,
Capitol Reef, and Cedar Breaks. Slideshow/
talk presented by longtime Green Mountain Club
leader George Longenecker. 79 p.m.T.W. Wood
Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. Free.
Diabetes Support Group. First Thurs., 78 p.m.

Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical
Center. 371-4152.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
North Barre Manor Tenants Assoc. Craft/Bake

Sale. Crafts, homemade baked goods, jams and
jellies, jewelry, candles and more. 9 a.m.2:30 p.m.
NBMTA, 455 N. Main St., Barre.
Santas Workshop Sale. Nov. 67. Holiday

crafts, handmade items, a craft shop, bakery shop,
Christmas shop, gift shop, plant shop and you
just never know what else. Satisfy your sweet tooth
with our famous Cookie in the Can. 9 a.m.6
p.m. Waterbury Center Community Church, Rt.
100 next to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury
National Federation of the Blind, Montpelier

Chapter. First Sat. Lane Shops community room,
1 Mechanic St., Montpelier. 229-0093.
Santas Workshop Sale. Nov. 67. Holiday

crafts, handmade items, a craft shop, bakery shop,
Christmas shop, gift shop, plant shop and you
just never know what else. Satisfy your sweet tooth
with our famous Cookie in the Can. 9 a.m.3

p.m. Waterbury Center Community Church, Rt.
100 next to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury
Center. 244-8089.
The Gary Home Open House. Nov. 56. 10
a.m.2 p.m. 149 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3881.
thegaryhome.com
Open Community Acupuncture Open House.
Free acupuncture. 10 a.m.2 p.m. 65 S. Main St.,
#2, Waterbury. opencommunityacupuncture.com
Onion River Exchange Holiday Shopping
Extravaganza. This event gives O.R.E. members
in good standing an opportunity to shop for gifts
using O.R.E. hours and to offer their goods and
services. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Christ Church, 64 State
St., Montpelier. For more info. about O.R.E.:
661-8959 or info@orexchange.org. To be a vendor:
angie@orexchange.org
Peacham Corner Guild Annual Christmas Show.
Nov. 67. Unique handcrafted gifts, small antiques, specialty foods, ornaments, invited guests.
Lunchavailable. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Peacham Town
Hall, 79 Church St., Peacham.
The Northeast Storytellers. Writers, readers
and appreciators of prose and verse meet regularly
the first Saturday of every month. The public is
welcome to attend and new members are always
encouraged to join. 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. Catamount
Arts, 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury. 751-5432.
brookequillen@yahoo.com.
Osteoporosis Education & Support Group.
Pharmacist Leona Fritsch presents on osteoporosis medications. 13 p.m. Community National
Bank, The Community Room, 4811 US rt. 5,
Derby. Free. Registration required: 535-2011.
BetterBonesNEK.org.
NEW Orchard Valley HOLIDAY MARKET! Treat
yourself to this fun holiday shopping event, featuring body care products, local honey and yummy
foods, pottery, children's clothing, danish woolens,
and art! Hosted by Orchard Valley Waldorf School
and sponsored by Fresh Tracks Winery and Vineyard. 24:30 p.m. Fresh Tracks, VT Rt.12, Berlin.
456-7400. ovws.org.
Espresso Brain-o. Muster your best small team,
and come eat, drink, and THINK your way
through this dynamic live trivia game. 7 p.m.
Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. $5. 4790896. events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.
com.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Walk Waitsfield with Green Mountain Club.

Easy. 4-mile loop walk following Joslin Hill, Brook
and Common roads with views of Mad River
Valley. Bring water and snack. Meet at Montpelier
High School, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier.
Contact Reidun or Andrew for afternoon meeting
time: 223-3550.
Performing
Arts
THEATER, STORYTELLING
& COMEDY
Nov 57: Spaulding High School Drama Club
Presents Neil Simons Fools. Come enjoy this
family-friendly comic fable of a Russian village
cursed with stupidity. 7:30 p.m. Spaulding
High School Auditorium, 155 Ayers St., Barre.
Adults $10; students, staff and seniors $7; children $5. sbrenshs@u61.net.
Nov. 7: FEMCOM. Comedy by women for
women (and enlightened men), featuring the
standup of Jade Marcotte, Maggie Lenz, Anya
Volz, Lori Goldman and Josie Leavitt. 9 p.m.
Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free.
479-0896. events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Nov. 19: LNT Aid! Vermont Stars Come Out
for Lost Nation Theater. A mega concert with
mega-talented and fun artists doing their
remarkable respective things to raise much
needed funds for Lost Nation Theater. Great
tunes, great laughs, great storytelling! With
Patti Casey, Jon Gailmor, Colin McCaffrey,
Tom Murphy and George Woodard with a
reappearance of Kathleen Keenan (with Dan
Boomhower and George Seymour) singing
Patsy Cline in concert. 7:30 p.m. Montpelier
City Hall Arts Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier.
$25. 229-0492. lostnationtheater.org
Nov. 20: Stroke Yer Joke. Sign up in advance
on Facebook or sign up at the door a half hour
before show time, and try five minutes of your
best open-mic stand-up comedy before a live
audience! 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main
St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com.espressobueno.com.
Force and Constitutional Amendment Study
Committee. 2:304 p.m. Montpelier City Hall,
Memorial Room, 39 Main St., Montpelier.
Free;open to the public. LWVofVT.org
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Clean Water Fund Board Public Meeting. The

agenda of the second meeting of the Clean Water
Fund Board will include a review of the final
proposals for program funding submitted by the
Agency of Transportation, Agency of Natural
Presentation: "Money In Politics: Whose
Resources and the Agency of Agriculture, Food,
Democracy Is It?" Presented by League of Women and Markets. 23:30 p.m. National Life Building,
Voters of Vermont. With Ann Luther, Treasurer
Dewey Complex, Rm. 206, Montpelier. Open to
& Advocacy Chair, LWV of Maine and member
the public. 490-6113. kari.dolan@vermont.gov
of the national leagues Campaign Finance Task
T H E B R I D G E
Live Music
VENUES
Charlie Os World Famous. Live music, 10 p.m.
unless otherwise noted. 70 Main St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-6820.
Every Mon.: Open Mic Comedy Caf, 8 p.m.
Every Tues.: Karaoke Night, 9:30 p.m.
Nov. 6: Blue Fox (delta blues) 6 p.m.; Lake
Milk, Red Admiral (indie) 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 13: Abby Jenne & Doug Perkins (rock) 6
p.m.; Bella's Bartok (Gypsy punk) 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 14: Chalice, Castle (metal) 10 p.m.
Nov. 20: Wes Hamilton & John Ryan (folk) 6
p.m.; Fantastic Partnerz (soul rock) 8:30 p.m.
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 4790896. Free/by donation. events@espressobueno.
com. espressobueno.com.
Nov. 6: Red Clover & the Hermit Thrush
(cowpunk) 7 p.m.; The Brevity Thing (modern
old-time) 8 p.m.
Nov. 21: Linda Young (singer-songwriter) 7
p.m.; Dave Richardson (singer-songwriter) 8
p.m.; Jason Mallery (singer-songwriter) 9 p.m.
Positive Pie. 10 p.m. 22 State St., Montpelier.
$5. 229-0453. positivepie.com.
Nov. 13: Coquette (rock & roll)
Nov. 14: Electrolads (electronic)
Sweet Melissas. 4 Langdon St., Montpelier.
Free unless otherwise noted. Other shows T.B.A.
225-6012.
Nov. 6: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; LO 8, 9 p.m.
$5.
Nov. 7: David Langevin, 5 p.m.; John Lackard
Blues Band, 9 p.m. $5.
Nov. 8: Live Band Rock & Roll Karaoke, 8 p.m.
Nov. 9: Lowell Thompson, 8 p.m.
Nov.10: Open Mic Night, 7 p.m.
Nov. 11: Cookie's Hot Club, 8 p.m.
Nov. 12: Dan Zura, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 13: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; Starline
Rhythm Boys, 9 p.m. $5.
Nov. 14: Penny Arcade, 5 pm.; Fun and Frolic,
9 p.m. $5.
Nov. 15: Live Band Rock & Roll Karaoke, 8
p.m.
Nov. 16: Kelly Ravin, 8 p.m.
Nov. 17: Tim Sullivan, 5 p.m.; Open Mic
Night, 7 p.m.
Nov. 18: Open Blues Jam hosted by Jason Jack,
8 p.m.
Nov. 19: Tim Brick, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 20: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; Kava Express,
9 p.m. $5.
Nov. 21: David Langevin, 5 p.m.; Dave Keller
Band, 9 p.m. $5.
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open
to anyone who has experienced the death of a
loved one. 6-7:30 p.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
Prenatal Fitness. Come learn how to take care
of yourself and your body for a fit pregnancy.
Offered by Britt Richardson. Part of The Birthing
Year: New Parent Preparation Series. For couples
or individuals. 68 p.m. Central Vermont Good
Beginnings, 174 River St., Montpelier. Free.
Register: 595-7953. gbvcinfo@gmail.com. https://
www.facebook.com/events/114318185589599/
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Special Remembrance Ceremony of Veterans

at Norwich University. With guest speaker
Brigadier General Gary W. Keefe 86, chief of staff
of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. 1 p.m.
Upper Parade Ground at Norwich University, 158
Harmon Dr., Northfield. Reception follows in the
foyer of Jackman Hall. norwich.edu
Medicare and You Workshop. New to Medicare?
Have questions? We have answers. Second and
fourth Tues., 34:30 p.m. 59 N. Main St., Ste.
200, Barre. Free, donations gratefully accepted.
479-0531. cvcoa@cvcoa.org. cvcoa.org.
Nutrition for Healthy Aging with Cooking
Demonstrations. Presented by Gifford dietitian
Stacy Pelletier and Chef Striebe. 45 p.m. Gifford
Conference Center, 44 S. Main St., Randolph.
Free. Limited seating. Register: 728-2787.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens
Children. Second Tues., 68 p.m. Child care
provided. Wesley Methodist Church, Main St.,
Waterbury. 476-1480.
Reading to End Racism. Information and
training session to educate young children in an
age-appropriate way to the issue of racism so
that they can be agents of change. 6:308:30 p.m.
Goddard College, Clockhouse, 123 Pitkin Rd.,
Plainfield. RSVP: sawilson234@gmail.com
Calendar of Events
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31

County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.
com.
Every Wed.: Open mic
Nov. 5: John Smyth (singer-songwriter)
Nov. 6: Danny Coane & Matt Schrag (bluegrass/country)
Nov. 7: Susannah Blachley & Patti Casey
Nov. 12: Dave Keller (blues/soul)
Nov. 13: Katie Trautz
Nov. 14: Chris Killian
Nov. 19: Brian Clark & Doug Perkins
Nov. 20: Big Hat No Cattle (Texas swing)
Nov. 21: Lewis Franco & the Brown Eyed Girls
SPECIAL EVENTS
Nov. 7: Allison Mann: Live Jazz. Jazz standards
with Tom Cleary, John Rivers, Geza Carr, Chris
Peterman and Colin McCaffrey. 7 p.m. Christ
Churh, 64 State St., Montpelier. $15. Reservations recommended. 223-4712. allisonjoymann@
comcast.net. allisonmannvt.com
Nov. 78: Eleva Chamber Players. Central
Vermonts only professional string chamber
orchestra, will celebrate its 10th season by featuring its own musicians as soloists in a delightful
program of Baroque and Romantic music. Music
by Mendelssohn, Bottesini and Vivaldi. $20; $10
seniors, students and members of the Vermont
Philharmonic or Montpelier Chamber Orchestra.
elevachamberplayers.org.
Nov. 7: 7:30 p.m. United Church of Christ/
Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 N. Main
St., Waterbury.
Nov. 8: 3 p.m. First Church Universalist, 19
Church St., Barre.
Nov. 11: Mavis Staples and Joan Osborne:
Solid Soul. KCP Presents Performing Arts Series
presents legendary gospel and soul icon Mavis
Staples and seven times Grammy-nominated pop
and soul singer Joan Osborne. 7 p.m. Lyndon
Institute Auditorium, 168 Institute Circle, Lyndon Center. $1564; students 18 and under free.
888-757-5559. KCPpresents.org
Nov. 13: Jazzyaoke. Sing the standards backed
by a live six-piece jazz band; all lyrics provided.
7:30 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St.,
Barre. $5. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com.
espressobueno.com
Nov.13: A Tribute to John Denver. With Chris
Collins and Boulder Canyon. Hailed as the number one Denver tribute, Collins and his six-piece
band perform Annies Song, Rocky Mountain
High, Country Roads and all the singers hits. 8
p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre.
$2530. 476-8188. barreoperahouse.org
Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops is the

"American Songster," pulling from traditions
of old-time folk music to create new sounds.
A multi-instrumentalist, Flemons plays banjo,
guitar, harmonica, fife, bones, bass drum, snare
drum and quills, in addition to singing. 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph.
Adults $20; students $5 with adult. 728-6464.
chandler-arts.org.
Nov. 14: WORST. SONG. EVER. Musicians,
hobbyists, and hacks sign up in advance to take
the stage and cover their least favorite pop music
from any era. Semiannual special event with audience voting and trophies! 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno,
248 N. Main St., Barre. $5. 479-0896. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com
Nov. 1415: Montpelier Chamber Orchestra:

Journeys. Fall concert program with guest
conductor Jeffery Demoto. Featuring Beethoven's
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Mendelssohn's musical fairy tale "The Fair Melusine," and Richard
Danielpour's euphonious portraits of New York,
Kyoto, Paris, New Orleans and Venice. Nov. 14,
7:30 p.m; Nov. 15, 4 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. Adults $15; seniors $12;
students $10. montpelierchamberorchestra.org
Nov. 15: The Stampede. American roots music
troubadours Donna the Buffalo and Peter Rowan
are teaming up with Ben Cohen, Co-founder
of Ben Jerrys, for The Stampede: A tour to raise
awareness to the inappropriate use of corporate
money in politics. 7 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing
Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $2035.
760-4643. sprucepeakarts.org
Nov. 21: Dwight & Nicole: On Top of the World.
Presented by Flying Stage Productions. Genregrazing mix of gospel, reggae, pop, blues, jazz and
rock. 7:30 p.m. The Flying Stage at ReSPACE,
30 Granite St., Barre. $15. 552-3481. Tickets: go
to eventbrite.com and enter Flying Stage in the
search field.
Nov. 2122: Capital City Concerts Presents
A Place on Earth. A chamber orchestra concert
under the direction of Lou Kosma. The program
celebrates music with a sense of place. Featured
are Vivaldi's Autumn from The Four Seasons,
Vaughan-Williams The Lark Ascending,
Marcello's Oboe Concerto in C minor and the
chamber orchestra version of Beethoven's Pastoral
Symphony. $1525. Tickets available at door
or for cash or check only at Bear Pond Books.
capitalcityconcerts.org
Nov. 21: 7:30 p.m. Elley-Long Music Center at
St. Michaels College, Colchester.
Nov. 22: 3 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main
St., Montpelier.
Nov.14: Grammy Winner Don Flemons.
The Jewish Community in Italy. The ItalianJewish Community, centered in Rome for over
2,000 years, is one of the oldest in the world. Dr.
William Tortolano, a long time student of this
distinctive community will present a PowerPoint
presentation, with music and commentary. 7 p.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Trinity Community Thrift Store: Christmas in
November Sale. Nov. 1114. 10 a.m.4 p.m. 137
Main St., Montpelier. 229-9155. tctsvt@yahoo.
com
Twin Valley Senior Center Veterans Luncheon. Open invitation to all veterans and their
guest. 11:30 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 US Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free for veterans; by donation for others. RSVP: 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors@fairpoint.net
Ice Ship. Three polar voyages by the ice ship

Fram. Presented by Author Charles Johnson.
An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program.
Doors open 12:30 p.m. for those wishing to bring
a brown bag lunch; program starts 1:30 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Celiac and Food Allergy Support Group. With
Lisa Mas of Harmonized Cookery. Second Wed.,
4:306 p.m. Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical Center. lisamase@gmail.com.
Bereaved Parents Support Group. Second
Wed., 68 p.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd.,
Berlin. Jeneane Lunn 793-2376.
Community-wide, All Ages Book Discussion.
Salman Rushdies Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Hosted by Waterbury Public Library. Books
available for loan at the library. 6:30 p.m. Crossett
Brook Middle School, 5672 VT-100, Waterbury.
244-7036.
Visual Arts
Calendar of Events
axelsgallery.com
Through Nov. 28: Paintings of Janet Wormser.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
EXHIBITS
Through Nov. 30: Mark Lorah, Building

Blocks. Vibrant, blocky abstract artworks.
Morse Block Deli, 260 N. Main St., Barre.
Through Nov. 13: Robert Brunelle and

Edward Kadunc. Joint exhibit of Brunelle and
Kaduncs artwork. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre
St., Montpelier. Free. 262-6035. ginnycallan.
woodartgallery@gmail.com. twwoodgallery.org.
Through Nov. 30: Rita Ioannidis. Bright,

cheerful artworks include sheep, flowers, forests
and local landmarks. A frequent traveler, the
artists subject matter includes scenes from Iran,
Baku, Turkey and Russia. Opening: Nov. 6,
55:30 p.m. With musician Colleen Mari.
Three Mountain Caf, 107 Mad River Green,
Waitsfield. Free. 496-5470
Through Nov. 8: Sound and Fury. Thought provoking exhibition explores themes centered on
the meaning of life and death. Various mediums.
Chandler Gallery, 71-73 Main St., Randolph.
Through Nov. 22: Fractured: Works on Paper.

Group exhibition of works on paper looks at
fractured space through the lens of the narrative,
structure and optics and how those constructions or deconstructions create new meaning,
new perceptions and new truths. Gallery hours:
Wed.Sun., noon5 p.m. Helen Day Art Center,
90 Pond St., Stowe. 253-8358. mail@helenday.
com
Through Nov. 25: More than Meets the Eye:
Portraits and Figures by August Burns. Axels
Gallery, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. 244-7801.

com
Rodan+Fields Launch. Find out why our
clinically-proven products have become the fourth
largest and fastest-growing premium skincare
brand in America. Giveaways, refreshments, information. 5:306 p.m. North Branch Caf, 41 State
St., Montpelier. laura.myrandf@gmail.com
Winooski Natural Resources Conservation
District Dinner and Annual Meeting. Celebrate
successes and partnerships within the district.
Presentations include WNRCD: A Year in Review
and VT Department of Environmental Conservation: Water Quality Regulations Related to Small
Farms. Special keynote speaker. 5:308 p.m. Old
Meeting House, East Montpelier. $16. Proceeds
benefit conservation projects within the district.
Limited seating. RSVP with dinner choice
(chicken or vegetarian): corrina@winooskinrcd.
org. winooskinrcd.org.
Film: Autism in Love by Matt Fuller. Four adults
at different places on the autism spectrum open
up their personal lives as they navigate dating and
romantic relationships. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 2233338. kellogghubbard.org.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Through Dec. 5: Monique Van de Ven, Gleaned

Near South Royalton. Ceramics. Royalton Memorial Library, 23 Alexander Pl., S. Royalton.
Free. 763-7094. librarian@royaltonlibrary.org
Through Dec. 15: Phyllis Chase, Life in Vermont. Oil paintings and framed limited edition
prints. Capitol Grounds, 27 State St., Montpelier. phyllischasefineart.com
Through Dec. 18: The Paletteers of Vermont
Fall Art Show. Open during regular library
hours. Aldrich Public Library, Milne Room, 6
Washington St., Barre.
Information on Home Share Now. Don't spend
another winter cold and lonely. A home share can
cure that with some company and extra income
to keep your home fires burning bright! To learn
more stop by our table at the Hunger Mountain
Coop, 623 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. For
more information: 479-8544. information@
homesharenow.org
com
Barre St. Apartments Ribbon Cutting & Open
House. Downstreet's newly renovated Barre
St. Apartments ribbon cutting. Open house to
follow; 10 a.m. 39 and 40 Barre St., Montpelier.
Free. downstreet.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.
The Art of Being Human. Nov. 1314. This Level
I training is a wonderful introduction to mindfulness and meditation in the Shambhala tradition.
See our ad in this issue. Nov. 13, 6:308:30
p.m.; Nov. 14, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Montpelier Shambhala Meditation Center, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
Through Dec. 31: Neysa Russo, Felt Tapestry Exhibit. The tapestries are created using a
combination of wet felting and needle felting
techniques using mostly local wool. Bagitos,
Main St., Montpelier. 249-4715. neysa.russo@
live.com. spinningstudio.com.
Through Dec. 31: Bob Aiken, Vermont Impressionist. Vermont landscapes depicting rural
fields, rivers, mountains and small villages.
Acrylic with palette knife. Mon.Fri., 11 a.m.3
p.m. Festival Gallery, #2 Village Square, Waitsfield. 496-6682. vermontartfest.com
Through Dec. 31: The Governors Gallery
Presents Interface. Works by Almuth Palinkas
and sculpture by Jeanne Cariati. The Pavilion
Building, 109 State St., 5F, Montpelier. david.
schutz@vermont.gov
Through Jan. 4: Larry Golden, Traditional
Painter. Landscape paintings on canvas. Gallery
hours: Mon.Thurs., 9 a.m.4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.
2 p.m. The Gallery at River Arts, 74 Pleasant St.,
Morrisville. Free. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Nov. 622: A Festival of Wreaths. Community

exhibit and silent auction. Nov. 6: Exhibit opens
to the public; bidding begins. Nov. 8: Artists
$110; scholarships and pay-what-you-can option
available. Register: montpelier. shambhala.org.
456-1256
Italian Traditional Village Dance. Learn traditional Italian village dances still being done today
in small mountain villages throughout Italy. 79
p.m. Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite St., Barre. Free;
donations to the Old Labor Hall accepted. 2291490. dance@italianvillagedance.com
All-You-Can-Eat Hunters Breakfast Buffet.

Eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, ham, home fries, pancakes with maple syrup, SOS on biscuit, orange
juice, hot chocolate, coffee. Home-made donuts
for sale. Open to all hunters and community
residents. 511 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 US Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Adults $8; children
10 and under $5.
5th annual Vermont Crafts Fair. Nov. 1415.
All Vermont hand-crafted pet coats and toys,
fabric and knit items, stained glass, soaps, jewelry,
wreaths, ornaments, jams, dried floral arrangements and more. 9 a.m.3 p.m. St. John Church,
206 Vine St, Northfield. 485-8313.
The Art of Being Human. Nov. 1314. This Level
I training is a wonderful introduction to mindfulness and meditation in the Shambhala tradition.
See our ad in this issue. Nov. 13, 6:308:30
p.m.; Nov. 14, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Montpelier Shambhala Meditation Center, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
$110; scholarships and pay-what-you-can option
available. Register: montpelier. shambhala.org.
456-1256
Memory Caf. Learn some yoga moves from Theo
Exploration, local massage therapist and practitioner of Bikram Yoga. Yoga demonstration, brief
lecture on yoga, Q&A, an opportunity to experi-
THE BRIDGE
roundtable, 1 p.m.; reception, 24 p.m. Nov.

22: High bidders announced. Gallery hours:
Thurs.Sun., 11 a.m.4 p.m. Bryan Memorial
Gallery, 180 Main St., Jeffersonville. 644-5100.
bryangallery.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Chandler Gallery in Randolph, Vermont seeks

submissions for Salvage, a show of works made
by found and arranged materials. From collage
to assemblage, surface to sculpture, how does
the reimagining of salvaged parts come together
in your work? Deadline: December 9th by
midnight EST. Salvage will open in January
and run through March 5th. Submissions can be
made to salvage.chandler@gmail.com
The Front, a cooperative gallery in Montpelier, is looking for new members. Membership
dues are $75/month and members are required
to staff the gallery for at least 3 hours/month
and to serve on a working committee. Interested artists should send a link to an online
portfolio(preferred) or 5 images under 1M to
applications@thefrontvt.com ASAP, or by Nov.
29. Please also include a paragraph about why
you think membership would be good for you
and for the gallery.
ence the yoga practice and prasad (blessed food)

based on yogic foods that are good for enhancing
memory. The Memory Caf is a social gathering where people experiencing memory loss and
their care partners come together to connect and
support one another in a relaxed, non-judgmental
atmosphere. 1011:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free.
223-2518
Orchard Valley Waldorf Schools Annual Fall
into Winter Fair. Hands-on crafts, wet felting
and candle dipping perfect for holiday giving!
Puppet Shows, storytelling, face painting and
musical cake game. Waldorf-inspired store with
local crafts and products, and books galore. Food,
live music, community merriment! 10 a.m.3
p.m. OVWS, 2290 VT Rt. 14N, E. Montpelier.
456-7400. ovws.org.
com
Success Though STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math). With Alayna Westcom,
Miss Vermont 2015. Westcom's Success Through
STEM is a dramatic rendering of a scientific
experiment, showing that science is relatable.
A highlight of her program is her "explosive"
demonstrations of how real-world chemical
reactions work. 10:3011:30 a.m. Royalton
Memorial Library, 23 Alexander Pl., S. Royalton.
Free; open to the public. 763-7094. librarian@
royaltonlibrary.org
Second Saturday Gallery Talk: Mountain
Brews! Author Tim Matson will speak about
his high-spirited guide to country-style brewing. Long before Heady Topper or Hill Farmstead, Vermont was already at the forefront of
the American beer revolution. 2 p.m. Vermont
History Center, 60 Washington St., Barre. Free
with admission to the Vermont History Center.
vermonthistory.org/calendar
Tapas & Talents: Gala at the T.W. Wood Gallery.
Music by Susan Reid (fiddle), Ron Sweet (guitar)
Linda Young. Opera by Jing Ji. African Dance
Party with DJ Paul Theo. 79 p.m. T.W. Wood
Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. $20 advanced;
$25 at door. Reservations: 661-8959. Tickets can
be purchased at 46 Barre St. on Tues, Wed., and
Thurs., 9 a.m.4 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Walk Stowe Bike Path with Green Mountain

Club. Moderate. 10 miles round trip. Paved.
Contact Michael for meeting time and place: 2490520 or chernick5@comcast.net
FIRST LEGO League. Inaugural Vermont State
Championship event. A national robotics competition for 914 year-olds. Come and see students
compete in this interactive robotics and innovation activity and visit other related points of interest on campus. Norwich campus visits available
all day. STEM-related exhibits begin after noon.
9 a.m.4 p.m. Norwich University, Shapiro Field
House, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield. Free. http://
profschools.norwich.edu/engineering/first-legoleague/
5th annual Vermont Crafts Fair. Nov. 1415.
All Vermont hand-crafted pet coats and toys,
fabric and knit items, stained glass, soaps, jewelry,
wreaths, ornaments, jams, dried floral arrangements and more. 10 a.m.2 p.m. St. John Church,
206 Vine St, Northfield. 485-8313.
T H E B R I D G E
Families of Color. Open to all. Play, eat and discuss issues of adoption, race and multiculturalism.
Bring snacks and games to share; dress for the
weather. Third Sun., 35 p.m. Unitarian Church,
130 Main St., Montpelier. Alyson 439-6096 or
alyson@suncatchervt.com.
Film: Mon Oncle. Chandler Film Society presents
Jacques Tatis vision of a too-quickly-modernizing
Paris and his fears of what it might become. 6:30
p.m. Chandlers Esther Mesh Room, 71-73 Main
St., Randolph. $9 at the door; $5 members and
students. outreach@chandler-arts.org
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Gen Silent Film. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender older people who fought the first battles
for equality now face so much fear of discrimination, bullying and abuse that many are hiding
their lives to survive. But a growing number of
people are fighting to keep LGBT aging from
meaning aging in silence. Part of the LGBTQ
program series. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Poetry Clinic. The first hour of the clinic will be

devoted to generative poetry writing exercises; the
second hour will be devoted to respectful critiques
of work you bring to or make in class. Every first
and third Tues., 68 p.m. River Arts Center, 74
Pleasant St., Morrisville. $5 suggested donation.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 1011:30 a.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
A Face in the Crowd. Elia Kazans 1957 drama

follows a country singer who becomes a television
idol. Part of the 1950s TV as Seen on Film Series
with Rick Winston and an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Program. 12:302:30 p.m. Savoy
Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier. 454-1234.
Central Vermont Career Center Open House.
5:307:30 p.m. 155 Ayers St., Barre. 476-6237
ext. 1135.
Calendar of Events
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.
Montpelier School Board Meeting. 7 p.m.
Montpelier High School library, 5 High School
Dr., Montpelier. 225-8000.
The Journey of Healing Wisdom from Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Literary Anthology by
Marjorie Ryerson. The final selections of poems,
essays and stories chosen for the book include
fiction as well as autobiographical pieces. Excerpts
from the book will be read by Gwen Roolf, Francette Cerulli, Griffin Payne, Mary Hooper, Samn
Stockwell and Jarrett Bowie. Discussion and
writing activity follow. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 2233338. kellogghubbard.org.
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.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. Monthly
group for people affected by a suicide death. Third
Thurs., 67:30 p.m.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens
Children. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Child care
provided. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137
River Arts Photo Co-op. Gather, promote and
share your experience and knowledge of photography with other photography enthusiasts in an
atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. Adults/teens.
Third Thurs., 68 p.m. River Arts Center, 74
Pleasant St., Morrisville. $5 suggested donation.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
Giving Thanks and Giving Back with the Mad
River Valley Community. Rice and Bean dinner
to benefit those struggling locally and globally
with food security. Dance to music by the Funk
Collection. All proceeds benefit the Mad River
Valley Interfaith Council Thanksgiving food
baskets and Amurtels refugee feeding programs

for Syrian and Haitian families. Bring a food item
for the baskets and get entered into a grand prize
drawing. 6 p.m. Sugarbush Gatehouse Lodge,
Warren. $20.
Songwriters Meeting. Meeting of the Northern
VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Songwriters
Association International. Bring copies of your
work. Third Thurs., 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts,
St. Johnsbury. John, 633-2204.
Bats, White-nose Syndrome, and Citizen Science. learn about Vermonts nine species of bats,
including fascinating facts about their biology and
behavior, with Alyssa Bennett of Vermont Fish &
Wildlife. 6:308 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. Register: 229-6206.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Information on Home Share Now. Wonder if

home sharing is right for you? Home Share Now
invites you to stop by their table at the Montpelier Senior Center. 10:30 a.m.noon. MSAC, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. 479-8544. information@
homesharenow.org
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.
Capital City Farmers Market Thanksgiving
Market. Farm-fresh ingredients and gifts from 50
farmers, food producers and craftspeople for your
Thanksgiving feast. Door prizes every half hour.
10 a.m.2 p.m. Montpelier High School, 5 High
School Dr., Montpelier. For preorders of turkey,
pies, roasts and other holiday fixings, contact our
vendors at http://www.montpelierfarmersmarket.
com/our-vendors/
13th annual Berlin Fall Scholastic Chess Tournament. Open to players of all abilities in grades
K-12 no membership required. Players grouped
by grade level. Trophies/medals to top finishers
in each group. 9 a.m. Berlin Elementary School,
372 Paine Turnpike N., Berlin. Register: http://
vtchess.info/Events/13th_Berlin_VT_Fall_Scholastic.htm
Information on Home Share Now. Learn more

about home sharing! 10 a.m.2 p.m. Visit Home
Share Now at the Montpelier Thanksgiving
Holiday Market, Montpelier High School, 5 High
School Dr., Montpelier. 479-8544. information@
homesharenow.org
Workshop: Lantern Making. In preparation for
Morrisville's Festival of Lights parade in December. Lanterns may take any shape and size, so
community members are encouraged to collaborate with friends and get creative. Children under
the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Not suitable for children under 4. 11 a.m.4
p.m. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free. Pre-registration required: 888-1261.
riverartsvt.org
Send your listing to

calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue is Nov. 12.
Send information for events
happening Nov. 19Dec. 5
Thank You for

Supporting
The Bridge
Poetry
November Cant Wait
November can't wait.
It's hanging stark pictures on
the late autumn sky.
by Reuben Jackson, host of
Friday Night Jazz on Vermont
Public Radio
Calendar of Events
ART & CRAFT

Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Noontime Knitters. All abilities welcome. Basics
taught. Crocheting, needlepoint and tatting also
welcome. Tues., noon1 p.m. Waterbury Public
Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. 244-7036.
Weekly Events
Drop-in River Arts Elder Art Group. Work

on art, share techniques and get creative with
others. Bring your own art supplies. For elders
60+. Every Fri., 10 a.m.noon. River Arts Center,
74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free. 888-1261.
riverartsvt.org.
port of local non-profits and other community

causes. A portion of the evenings proceeds will be
donated to a selected local non-profit. Every Sat.,
5:308:30 p.m. North Branch Caf, 41 State St.,
Montpelier. 552-8105. thenorth-branch.com/
upcoming-events/
BICYCLING
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community

bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Wed., 46
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.
BOOKS & WORDS

Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and
practice your language skills with neighbors.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., Hebrew; Tues., Italian;
Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place

for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
67:30 p.m.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
English Conversation Practice Group. For

students learning English for the first time. Tues.,
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St.
223-3403.
Early Bird Bone Builders Class. With Cort

Richardson. Osteoporosis exercise and prevention
program. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy
shoes. Light weights provided or bring your own.
All ages. Every Mon., Wed. and Fri., 7:308:30
a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. 2, Blueberry
Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. Cort: 223-3174
or 238-0789.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading

and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
100 State St. 223-3403.
Bone Building Exercises. All seniors welcome.

Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 10:4511:45 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.

Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.; Mon. and Wed.,
5:306:30 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
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.
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.
FOOD & DRINK

Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.
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 a.m.1 p.m.
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St.,
11 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
4:305:30 p.m.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds
benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
suggested donation; under 60 $9. Reservations:
262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.

Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
montpelier-vt.org.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m.
Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier.
552-3483.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program for physically, emotionally and spiritually
overcoming overeating. Note meeting days and
locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and Sat.,
8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Good
Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249-3970.
Every Mon., 56 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115
Tai Chi Classes for All Ages. Every Tues. and
Thurs., 1011 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier.
Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.
net
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.
vtcares.org.
Mooditude Support Group. Open to anyone
coping with a mood disorder such as major
depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective
disorder, postpartum depression or dysthymia.
Every Thurs., 45:15 p.m. Gifford Medical
Center, 44 S. Main St., Randolph. Free. No
registration required. 728-2608.
cgould@giffordmed.org.
KIDS & TEENS

Robins Nest Nature Playgroup. Offers parents,
caregivers and children ages birthfive an opportunity to play outside and discover the sights,
sounds and sensations of the forests and fields

at the NBNC. Every Mon. through Dec. 7, 9:30
11:30 a.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713
Elm St., Montpelier. Free; donations welcome.
229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org.
The Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in space
to hang out, make music, play pool, ping-pong
and board games and eat free food. All activities
are free. Mon.Thurs., 26 p.m., Fridays 3-10
p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. BasementTeenCenter.org
Baby & Toddler Story Time. Snuggle with your
baby or toddler as we sing, tickle and bounce our
way into a lifelong love of language. Get ready
for high-energy literacy with songs, active rhymes
and stories. For ages 036 months. Mon., 10
a.m. Waterbury Public Library, 30 Foundry St.,
Waterbury. Free. 244-7036.
waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Read to Clara. Sign up for a 20-minute slot and
choose your books beforehand to read to this
special canine pal. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665
or at the childrens desk. kellogghubbard.org.
Story Time and Playgroup. With Sylvia Smith
for story time and Cassie Bickford for playgroup.
For ages birth6 and their grown-ups. We follow
the Twinfield Union School calendar and do not
hold the program the days Twinfield is closed.
Wed., 1011:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122
School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables Collection Center accepts scores of hardto-recycle items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.;
Third Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North
Main St., Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.
RESOURCES
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. 80 tools
both power and manual. Wed., 46 p.m.; Sat.,
911 a.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959.
info@orexchange.com.
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 psychotherapist Kathleen Zura. Every
Mon., 5:307:30 p.m. 41 Elm St., Montpelier.
223-6564. Insurances accepted.
SPIRITUALITY
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
room. Hours: Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.
Sat., 11 a.m.1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier.
223-2477.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those

interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St.,
Barre. Register: 479-3253.
Preschool Story Time. Join us as we travel to

new places through books, puppets and felt
boards. Well shake our sillies out with movement-based rhymes. A craft may be provided. For
ages 36 years. Fri., 10 a.m. Waterbury Public
Library, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 2447036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative
exploratory arts program with artist/instructor
Kelly Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon.
River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville.
888-1261. RiverArtsVT.org.
Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
books, use the gym, make art, play games and if
you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. 426-3581.
Musical Story Time. Join us for a melodious
good time. Ages birth6. Sat., 10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.
MUSIC & DANCE

Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal. Find your voice with 50 other women.
Mon., 7 p.m. Alumni Hall, Barre. 223-2039.
BarretonesVT.com.
Lindel James coaching & consulting

802 778 0626
lindel@lindeljames.com
lindeljames.com
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.
light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to

create and play. All ages. Thurs., 34:30 p.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.

New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
information.
Taking You from Frustration to Enthusiasm
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68

p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St. 223-2518.
A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. 279-1495.
The Center for Leadership Skills

BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
msac@montpelier-vt.org.
Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and

share quality time with the pre-schooler in your
life. Each week well read stories and spend time
together. A great way to introduce your preschooler to your local library. For ages 25. Every
Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151
High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.
Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60

Band. Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the
1960s. Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.
noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
Community Night. Fresh pasta dinners in sup-
THE BRIDGE
Piano Workshop. Informal time to play,

refresh your skills and get feedback if desired
with other supportive musicians. Singers and
listeners welcome. Thurs., 45:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to the public. 223-2518.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel

Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only:
479-0302.
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish
spirituality. Sun., 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning
for Learning Center, Montpelier. 223-0583.
info@yearning4learning.org.
SPORTS & GAMES

Roller Derby Open Recruitment and Recreational Practice. Central Vermonts Wrecking
Doll Society invites quad skaters age 18 and up.
No experience necessary. Equipment provided:
first come, first served. Sat., 56:30 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre St. First skate
free. centralvermontrollerderby.com.
YOGA & MEDITATION

Christian Meditation Group. People of all faiths
welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ Church,
Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.
Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier.
Free. Call for orientation: 229-0164.
Shambhala Buddhist Meditation. Group meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Tues., 78
p.m.; Wed., 67 p.m. New location: Center for
Culture and Learning, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137. montpeliershambala.org.
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.
Submit your calendar listing by using
our online submission form at
montpelierbridge.com/
calendar-submissions
~OR~
send listing to
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T H E B R I D G E
Classifieds
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and classifieds are
50 words for $25.
To place an ad, call Michael,
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THE BRIDGE
Think Twice Before Cutting Medicaid

The 400 richest Americans now make as much money as the poorest 150 million
by Peter Sterling
To paraphrase Mark Twain, tales of Medicaids demise have been greatly
exaggerated.
Opinion
cant live without Medicaid, and to keep from exacerbating the cost shift
to private insurance. Heres an idea and one that had wide support in the
Vermont House last year. Pass a penny an ounce tax on sugary drinks.
Just one penny on sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks and sweetened
teas would raise upwards of $35 million a year. It would also have the
added benefit of curbing obesity, which is the number one driver of increased health care costs.
Recent news reports tell us that the state will have to find $38 million
to cover a deficit in Medicaid costs this year and another $58 million
next year. Not surprisingly, some suggested immediately that Medicaid
benefits should be cut to solve this deficit. This is an ill-advised course
of action which would have bitter and lasting consequences for tens of thousands of our
most vulnerable neighbors, family members and co-workers.
This is precisely the kind of proposal we should be exploring and debating, and there are
Medicaid has been one of the countrys most successful safety-net programs since it was others, Im sure, that would allow Vermont to continue to be the kind of place we can
created in the 1960s. As one of President Johnsons Great Society reforms, Medicaid pro- take pride in.
vides low- and no-cost health care to the poorest amongst us. In Vermont, that translates Helping poor people who are sick, disabled and elderly get health care when they need it
to a family of four living on less than $33,000 a year.
is not just the right thing to do, its a wise investment of public dollars.
And, a closer look at this years deficit shows that almost half is a result of one-time ex- Cutting benefits or raising out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid recipients will lead many to
penses plus ongoing fixed state liabilities for Medicare (which provides affordable health drop the program. Those that do will still get sick and have no choice, like the rest of us,
care to senior citizens) paid to the federal government out of Medicaids budget.
but to seek medical care. If they cant pay those bills, they can be burdened for years by
Only about $5.4 million of the deficit is actually attributable to more adults becoming medical debt. For those with private insurance, the uncompensated costs of treating foreligible for Medicaid under President Obamas Affordable Care Act, many of whom were mer Medicaid recipients who become uninsured will be shifted to our and our employers
previously uninsured because they couldnt afford private insurance. And lets be clear: a premium contributions. Nobody wins.
deficit of $38 million is a lot of money, but it represents just a little more than 2.5 percent The people who are the first to call for cuts to social programs like Medicaid are too often
of Medicaids total cost of $1.5 billion.
the people who dont need them, who have never been in a situation where they have to
These hardly seem like structural rea sons to hack away at a program that has been one of choose between feeding their families or paying for heat and going to the doctor. No one
should have to face that choice. Lets make sure no one in Vermont has to.
our nations most successful initiatives providing relief to the poorest among us.
There are fair and sustainable ways to raise revenue across the state to help people who Peter Sterling is from Montpelier and is a long time advocate for the creation of an affordable
and universal publicly funded health care system.
Hunger Mountain Bylaws Change Was Cobbled Together

by Carl Etnier
embers of Hunger Mountain Coop will vote at the November 15 annual meeting on changing the co-ops bylaws. It's
a proposal from a highly divided co-op council, which voted
5 to 4 for the proposal. Like the U.S. Supreme Court's 5 to 4 "Bush v.
Gore" decision, the council vote was the product of a hasty, deeply flawed
decision-making process, albeit in this case by well-meaning volunteers.
Opinion
could block any proposal they thought would not be good for the co-op.
And it conformed to the change the council had given the committee.
As soon as the bylaws committee submitted its recommendation to the
council for its August 31 meeting, the process began to break down.
Two members of the bylaws committee withdrew their support from the
consensus, before the council meeting. At the meeting, things got worse.
Unlike with "Bush v. Gore," there was no need for haste and yet the
Before even considering a motion on the committee's work, the five
council acted hastily anyway. I had an upfront seat as a non-council member of the coun- members of the council majority cobbled together, on the fly, the outlines of a new procil's bylaws committee.
posal and passed it. They didn't even vote on specific language merely a concept.
What's at stake is how the co-op membership votes to change the bylaws in the future. The language members will vote on was developed by the council president, who had not
Currently, all members who attend a legally warned member meeting have the opportu- worked with the bylaws committee. She attempted to use an unwarned, email meeting
nity to deliberate and vote. The same standard applies to the co-op council council of council members to garner approval of this language. When I pointed out there is no
members must attend a meeting to vote.
provision in the co-op bylaws for the council to meet or vote that way, she dropped the
The new proposal would strip member meetings of their power to decide on bylaw effort, and the council voted at its next regular meeting.
changes. Instead of face-to-face meetings where members visit and break bread with each I am baffled that the council abandoned its processes to jam through a proposal that was
other, bylaw changes would be voted on through mailed or electronic ballots.
made up on the spot. The council's own policy documents direct it to achieve consensus
The council failed to adequately warn a similar proposal last year. That proposal would whenever possible. And even proponents of change admit the current bylaws don't urhave put the co-op bylaws in conflict with both Vermont statute and the co-op's articles gently need changing.
of incorporation.
The bylaws committee's proposal had something both for those who want bylaws changes
The process of drafting this year's proposal began thoughtfully enough. The council
directed the bylaws committee to develop a proposal that met certain criteria. We, the
bylaws committee, began our work from very different initial positions. Through months
of listening to each other, research and consulting the council's directions, we came to
consensus on a process. The process empowered both member meetings and the membership at large to vote on bylaw changes. It also kept the council in the loop to ensure they
voted on at member meetings and for those who would like all members to vote on bylaw
changes. At the co-op's annual meeting in Montpelier City Hall on November 15, whether
you want the current system or a more thoughtfully constructed change to the co-op's
governing document, please vote No on the proposal from the divided council.
Carl Etnier has been a member of Hunger Mountain Coop since 2001 and is running for a
seat on its council.
Have something important to say? We want to hear it!

Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com
T H E B R I D G E
The City and Montpelier Discount Beverage:

Hammering Out a Needed Compromise
by Nat Frothingham
ere is my thinking about the proposed bike and walking path

and the City of Montpeliers just-begun action to exercise its
power of eminent domain and take the private property occupied right now by Montpelier Discount Beverage and owned by the
Mowatt Trust.
Editorial
First, yes I do see a public benefit in constructing a new bike and walking path to
connect the new transit center at One Taylor Street with downtown and Main Street and
then with the existing bike and walking path on Stonecutters Way.
We want to encourage walking and bicycles in a downtown thats often crowded with
traffic from cars, buses, trucks and the like, where parking is often hard to find. We keep
talking about lightening our carbon footprint. Walking and biking helps us do that.
Only a few months ago, the City of Montpelier signed an agreement

with the Mowatt Trust to move forward with a plan that could have
satisfied both the City and the Trust.
That plan called for the Mowatt Trust to turn over its property under
Montpelier Beverage in exchange for the use of the old Tomasi building site right next door to the Drawing Board as a new location for Montpelier Beverage.
As part of the agreement, the City and the Trust were to work together to get a needed
variance for a one-story building that Montpelier Beverage planned to build on the Tomasi site.
Second, I think that only as a last resort should the City of Montpelier and the city council exercise their power to take private property by eminent domain.
The City changed its mind about that idea. But its still a good idea. Its business-friendly.
It gets the City what it wants for a bike and walking right of way to Main Street. And it
supports the continued business activity of Montpelier Beverage in a location that will
continue to favor that business.
Third, the City of Montpelier is intensifying its effort to reach out in positive ways to
the business community. We want to support existing businesses. We want to do more
to encourage business development and an eminent domain proceeding sends a negative
business message.
At a time when the City of Montpelier is working hard to attract economic development,
lets re-open discussions with the Mowatt Trust that will give them the location they need
and give the City the property that will take the bike and walking path where it needs to
go if it is to cross Main Street safely.
In Memorium
Anthony Tony Parent
April 14, 1961 to August 11, 2015
amily, friends, fellow workers as

well patrons of the U.S. Post Office in
Montpelier are remembering longtime postal clerk Tony Parent who died on
August 11 from complications resulting from
colon cancer. He was 54.
Before he came to Montpelier, Tony started
out with the U.S. Postal Service at a mail
processing plant in Pennsylvania. He began
in Montpelier as a postal clerk in July 2002
and worked there until his recent death.
Tony was born to George W. Parent and the
late Rita (Rainville) Parent on April 14, 1961
in St. Albans. His family ran a dairy farm in
Enosburg Falls and he was one of the older
boys in a family that included 14 children.
He graduated from Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans in 1978 and served in the United
States Army for 20 years rising to the rank of master sergeant.
Randy Boucher, a fellow postal clerk at the Montpelier Post Office talked with The
Bridge by phone about Tony Parent. I started here in 2006, said Boucher. We knew
each other for about 10 years.
According to Boucher, Tony lived in Hyde Park (Vermont) but went to Catholic Church
in Stowe. About 10 to 12 postal employees attended his funeral service there.
According to Boucher, the priest said that on Sundays Tony would sit in the back row
and greet people and do the collections.
Boucher said that after church on Sundays, Tony would go up to the family farm in West
Enosburg and bring bags of candy and mow his parents lawn.
He loved gardening, Boucher said. He really enjoyed gardening. Thats what he
liked to do, to relax. He really enjoyed watching ice hockey and was a fan of the Boston
Bruins.
Commenting on Tony Parents work at the post office, Boucher described Tonys allaround work as a postal clerk, Youre on the counter or youre out back. Often there
was detail work such as forwarding mail and not everyone liked this detail work. He
would step up and do it, Boucher said.
With postal customers, said Boucher, He would go out of his way.
We had one older customer who lived on Elm Street who got a heavy box in the mail
and Tony brought it to him on his way home.
Another customer who knew Tony from the post office described the quality of Tonys
service in a phone call to The Bridge.
She described herself as a frequent flyer someone who likes sending out cards and
packages.
Tony always called me by name, she said. He remembered I often sent packages to
friends in Maryland. When a poorly-addressed package was returned from Maryland as
to Montpelier as undeliverable, Tony phoned her and asked if it might be a package that
she sent out. But it wasnt. That didnt matter. What she appreciated was Tonys attention to detail and his thoughtfulness in wanting to serve his postal customers.
Helping Young Adults

Learn Money Management
by Nat Frothingham
Editorial
elp appears to be on the way for schoolchildren, college students and young adults
struggling to manage their money.
During the last session of the Vermont Legislature a bill was passed in both House and Senate
and signed into law by Gov. Shumlin to establish
a Vermont Financial Literacy Commission.
Why yet another commission? one might ask.
Well, it appears that high school and college students and young adults are struggling
to manage their money at a time when intelligent money management could well be the
difference between life success or failure.
As part of an introduction to the bill that establishes the new commission, we learn the
following:
That according to a Schwab survey parents are nearly as uncomfortable talking to
their children about money as they are discussing sex
That only 10 percent of Vermont high schools have a financial literacy graduation
requirement
That many Vermont college students leave college for financial reasons
That 63 percent of Vermont four-year college students that graduated in 2012 had a
student loan debt that averaged $28,299
That Vermonters have an average credit card debt of $9,667
In short, when high school and college students graduate they are under- or ill-equipped
to take control of their financial lives. They dont know how credit works. They dont
know how to budget or how to save.
Little wonder that many of this generations young adults have higher unemployment
rates than their parents generation and owe more money. And they are seldom either
saving for a rainy day or saving for their retirement years.
Its easy to establish a commission. Its less easy to equip a generation with the skills of
careful and intelligent money management. And this at a time when college tuitions
have gone through the roof, when taxes and costs are high and when some politicians
are crying out against income inequality.
PAG E 2 2 N OV E M B E R 5 N OV E M B E R 18 , 2 015
Letters
Attend Member-Owner Meeting

Editor:
The council of the Hunger Mountain Cooperative would like to invite all member-owners to the co-op's annual meeting Sunday,
November 15. At this meeting, memberowners will vote on a proposed change to the
co-ops bylaws. By a 5 to 4 vote, the co-op
council recommends a change to bylaws that
will allow all member-owners, not just those
attending the annual meeting, to vote on
any future changes to the bylaws. Currently,
bylaws can only be changed by an in-person
vote at the annual meeting, and average attendance at the annual meeting has been
about 200 people, out of 7,000-plus member-owners. If the proposal passes, memberowners would vote online or by paper ballot
(their choice). The objective is to involve
more members in the decision-making process about changing future bylaws. Co-op
members are urged to learn more about the
proposal by reading the written materials
(mailed to each member and posted on the
co-ops website), and vote by attending the
annual meeting. The business meeting will
be held from 12 to 2 p.m. on November 15 at
City Hall in Montpelier; brunch and music
will begin at 11 a.m. Members are encouraged to preregister, but pre-registration is not
required. Visit www.hungermountain.coop
for details.
Sylvia Fagin, chair, communications committee, Hunger Mountain Coop Council
Should Have Kept Dispensary

Secret
Editor:
Bridge, I love your paper, but you really
flubbed up on this one! The dispensary kept
a low profile for very important reasons. To
keep the drug dealers and snoops in general away. They didn't want public attention,
which was glaringly obvious by displaying
no signs or advertisements, not to mention
the "no interview policy." You have now exposed its location to every druggie and snoop
in town with a big neon sign. Customers
can now also be watched and followed, and
possibly robbed of their medication. Their
anonymity is now broken. If there is a rash of
break-ins or jackings, it will be on your conscience. The "curious" woman who nagged
you into sleuthing out the dispensary should
THE BRIDGE
also burden some of the responsibility. She

ought to have known better.
The writer added this when I thanked her for
her letter and asked for her town of residence:
Hi Carla, I live in Montpelier and know
several people who use the dispensary. I
can't understand why you guys would snoop
around a locked building for an article ... or
should I say, advertisement? What was this
nosy woman wanting to know, exactly? And
why did you cave?
Abigail Lester
Montpelier
Editors note: The curious reader did not happen to be a woman.
No Cost of Living Adjustment

in 2016
Editor:
While the majority of Americans are seeing no COLA or wage increase to offset
rising out-of-pocket expenses, Wall Street
executives and Chief Executive Officers of
Americas largest firms are raking in record
incomes. Recent reports show that top CEOs
are making 300 times more than the typical
worker. Yet these very same CEOs and Wall
Street execs are the ones lobbying Congress
to cut our modest social security benefits.
Neville Berle
Montpelier
Electric Cars Would Reduce

Pollution
Editor:
Meeting our obligation to reduce fossil fuels
is a challenge especially when it comes
to transportation. One very real solution is
having electric vehicles (including hybrids)
make up 25 percent of the cars on the road
in Vermont by 2030. Imposing a carbon pollution tax on fossil fuels will kick start this
transformation we so desperately need.
A carbon pollution tax is not just a stick in
the form of increased fuel prices. The more
exciting part is the carrot that it creates. The
money raised will be invested directly into
transportation efficiency and reducing other
taxes. Finally, the tax will force fossil fuel
dealers to be responsible. It will provide the
money needed to reduce pollution. The tax
is the jumpstart Vermont and all Vermonters need.
Margaret Galka
Vermont Law School: JD candidate '18
South Royalton
Appreciated Lunch Story

Editor:
Although Elizabeth Parker's article regarding community lunches in Montpelier was
appreciated, it contains a few incorrect facts.
The Bethany Bowl, the luncheon on Tuesday at Bethany Church, is 16 years old, not
18 as written. I have been a part of it for 14
years and its coordinator for 10 years. We
have never conducted fund-raising efforts.
All monies received are by donation. We are
not a line item in the church budget, rather
we are listed as a designated fund.
We are blessed with incredible community
partners such as Manghi's Bread, New England Culinary Institute at National Life
which provides a fresh soup each week, La
Brioche which contributes day-old pastries,
The Red Hen Bakery and Just Basics, VT.
As one of our guests remarked, it is almost
impossible to go hungry in Montpelier if one
pays attention to the lunches sponsored by
five churches.
Phyllis A. Rowell
Coordinator: The Bethany Bowl
Montpelier
Meat and Cigarettes

Editor:
Thank you to the World Health Organization for having the courage to speak truth
to power: meat, like cigarettes and asbestos,
does cause cancer! No U.S. health agency
would ever say this for fear of losing Congressional funding.
The World Cancer Research Fund and a
number of other international health agencies have been advising for years that meat
consumption raises the risk of colon and
other forms of cancer, but the WHO panel
was actually able to determine a causal effect.
The 630-page report was drafted by a panel
of 22 experts from 10 countries who reviewed 800 studies of the link between meat
and cancer. These included animal experiments, studies of human diet and health and
research into cellular processes that cause
cancer.
The panels conclusions evoked strong responses, with obvious resistance from the
meat industry and calls for warning labels,
akin to those mandated for cigarettes, from
environmental groups.
Cancer of the colon is expected to kill nearly
50,000 Americans this year, mostly through
a self-inflicted diet. Fortunately, annual per
capita U.S. meat consumption has dropped
by 15 percent from a high of 121 pounds
Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge

On Over 20 Years of Business!
in 2002, as consumers switch to healthier,

more convenient and tastier plant-based alternatives.
Maxwell Branset
Montpelier
Meat Industry Is Scary

Editor:
I was never scared of all the witches, zombies
and assorted goblins wandering around on
Halloween Saturday night. What really used
to scare me was the meat industry.
This is the industry that mutilates, cages,
and butchers billions of cows, pigs, and other
feeling animals, that exposes thousands of
undocumented workers to crippling workplace injuries at slave wages, that exploits
farmers and ranchers by dictating wholesale
prices, then jails those who document its
abuses through unconstitutional "ag-gag."
Its the industry that generates more water
pollution than any other human activity and
more greenhouse gases than transportation,
then promotes world hunger by feeding nutritious corn and soybeans to animals.
It's the industry that threatens our public
health with increased risk of killer diseases,
that creates antibiotic-resistant pathogens by
feeding antibiotics to animals, then bullies
health authorities to remove anti-meat warnings from their public messages.
Now, thats really scary stuff. But, instead of
being scared, I decided to fight back by dropping animal products from my menu. I am
no longer scared of the meat industry and I
invite everyone to join me.
Moses Belinie
Montpelier
We Need To Address Climate

Change
Editor:
Climate change is drastically affecting the
world we live in, and its not just environmentalists who see it now. It is a proven fact
that sea levels are rising, glaciers are melting and global temperatures are changing.
Vermont saw tangible proof of this in 2011
when Hurricane Irene hit. I was a middle
school student watching the water levels rise
with my family. I remember streets filled
with mud and trash for weeks. But, more
than flooding everything we knew, Irene
showed us how climate change can threaten
our sense of security and normalcy. Bernie
Sanders spoke to this when he confidently
stated at the Democratic debate that climate
change is the number one threat to national
security and he wasnt the only one to note
its pertinancy. As Vermonters, we must continue to be role models on the path to sustainable energy. The next best step we can
take as a state is to support Energy Independent Vermont and pass a carbon pollution
tax that will provide the state with a budget
to invest in clean energy and energy efficiency solutions throughout the state. This
tax must be enacted so we can continue the
journey towards clean energy and meet our
energy goals by 2050.
Trinna Larsen
Middlesex
What Do You Think?

Read something that you would like to
respond to? We welcome your letters
and opinion pieces. Letters must be
fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces
should not exceed 600 words. The
Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut
pieces. Send your piece to:
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is
November 13.
N OV E M B E R 5 N OV E M B E R 18 , 2 015 PAG E 2 3
T H E B R I D G E
Authors on Writing: Andre Dubus III and Thomas

Christopher Greene take Center Stage
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER I would rather die than see a coward in the mirror, best-selling author Andre Dubus III told the audience at the chapel in College Hall at Vermont College
of Fine Arts this past summer. Dubus was recounting a decision he made during an episode
of his impoverished, gritty northern New England childhood. He was the featured guest of
a visiting writers series funded by the Vermont Humanities Council and Bear Pond Books.
During Dubus IIIs presentation, Thomas Christopher Greene, author and VCFA president, asked questions leading him to describe his influences and philosophy. Having introduced Dubus as our most famous dropout, the two engaged in a spirited conversation
that would likely be too edgy for primetime during a public conversation about writing
authentically and life as a writer.
Dubus IIIs famous writer father, Andre Dubus II, had left the family when the children
were young leaving his movie star gorgeous mother to raise the kids alone. But before
Dubus II left the family, Dubus III described how he kept the boat afloat when writing
did not bring in enough cash. My dad was selling blood and we were getting welfare
cheese. In relaying how his experiences became the basis for his memoir titled Townie,
Dubus III talked about how his family moved from one shitty mill town to another. He
characterized his school life as difficult as well, saying, By the time I got to high school I
had been to 14 schools and was beaten up every day (because) I was a little kid who wore
glasses and used adverbs.
Dubus III described the moment he went from eschewing to embracing violence, when,
as a teenager, a man came to his house to beat up his younger brother. Dubus III said he
froze rather than defending his brother, which filled him with shame. He decided to get
fit and learn how to box with the aim of taking on any bully who crossed his path. From
there, Dubus III talked about what it was like to become a writer with the benefit of having
a famous writing father but living hand to mouth. Dubus III and Greene took audience
questions and held a book signing following the discussion.
Dubus III has written The Cage Keeper and Other Stories, House of Sand and Fog,
The Garden Last Days, Townie and a new book, Dirty Love.
Greene has written Mirror Lake, Ill Never Be Long Gone, Envious Moon and The
Headmasters Wife. His fifth novel, The Fierce Intensity of Now, will be released in
2016.
Thomas Christopher Greene, left, president of Vermont College of Fine Arts,

discusses writing with best-selling author Andre Dubus III, August 14.
Photo by Carla Occaso
The Bridge publishes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month,
except in July when we publish only on the 3rd Thursday.
Our next issue comes out November 19.
Thomas Hirchak Co. THCAuction.com

800-634-7653 802-888-4662
Owner Says SELL - Cute Montpelier Bungalow
Wednesday, November 18 @ 11AM
228 Berlin Street, Montpelier, VT
2BR, 1BA home never

on the market. Longtime
tenant is moving out and
seller says, SELL! Great
corner lot, detached
garage, close to shopping,
restaurants, hospital.
4BR Home Sells To the Highest Bidder Over $30,000

Wednesday, November 18 @ 2PM
50 South Main Street, Barre, VT
Main Street location with commercial zoning for retail, offices, or residential. 4BR, 1BA
home sells absolute over $30,000!
Great Opportunity - Home w/Business & Income Potential

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3BR home with 700SF Office/Salon in front (salon business is open, not part of
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has a 2BR, 1BA home plus garage. Sold as an entirety.
Foreclosure: 1.5 Story Home, 3.4 Ac.

Walk-Out Basement Nice Private Location
167 McCullough Hill Road, Middlesex, VT
1993 Home was once a very nice 3BR/2BA w/finished basement & 2 car garage. House
was left vacant & has suffered water & freeze damage. Needs rehab, but worth the
work. Great opportunity to buy your next home & finish the interior the way you want.
Drilled well & septic in place.
Thomas Hirchak Company THCAuction.com 800-634-7653 802-888-4662
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November 5 November 18, 2015

13: Marketing Art with

Option Signed to Develop Apartment

Its clear that the 40 Main Street project

tions. Downstreet just opened an apartment

As part of a recent phone interview with

But of all the hurdles to clear, no hurdle

The Law Office of Amy K. Butler,

HEARD ON THE STREET

MONTPELIER The Vermont Agency of Education has named Union Elementary

Montpelier School Board To Study Unifying With Other Districts

Applications Sought For 2016-2017 Community Fund Grants

Like The Bridge on

Follow The Bridge

Time For A Bog Walk

Watercolor by Nona Estrin

Another Top Ten List:

Savoy Theater Co-Founder to Lead Looking Closely at Movies

Council Awards Snow Plow Contract

Support The Bridge

Friends of The Bridge will be periodically acknowledged in future issues of

Send this form and your check to:

Montpelier Discount Beverage Supporters Speak Out

remove that building

If you take our

I owned that business at that location for 18

main and put the bike path right through

Got a news tip? We want to know!

down the old one? Number two, about 20

three states and our reputation out there

People who have

MONTPELIER Former Vermont

remember when it was a gas station, when

I think that, really, this should be worked

I think that they

A Message From City Hall

Citizen Input Informs Upcoming Budget Process

Community Forum Overview

We also asked respondents what they loved about Montpelier.

our years ago, Michael Shuman

Secrets to Investing in Vermont

that money invested at a credit

businesses through crowdfunding, in a

"Vermont Dollars, Vermont Sense"

There are many more Vermont examples

Since 2007, Carl Etnier has explored issues

What Makes Montpelier

story and photo by Dot Helling

hat makes Montpelier Montpeculiar? Start by looking at

expanded and moved into what is now

Montpelier still sports residents in tie-dye,

Montpelier events can be peculiar. Take

Sign in front of Visitors Center

course, Woodbury Mountain Toys now

Our city is dotted with bicycle sculptures

the Bicentennial Time Capsule located on

Cycle sculpture at Montpelier

From Red Flannel Hash to Bean Hole Beans:

Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

Singing Along with Don McLean at the Barre Opera

BARRE Singer-songwriter Don McLean with his five-piece back-up band

American Pie (refrain)

Singer-songwriter Don McLean