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ArtsFest Explosion Takes Over the City • Pages 12–13

M ay 22 – J une 11, 2019

Home Improvement & Gardening


IN THIS ISSUE: Wayfinding Signs Coming to Montpelier
Pg. 4 Historic District Rule By Mike Dunphy
Changes Underway
While travel publications may invite visitors to “get lost in one “Gateway” sign at the corner of Memorial Drive—essentially
Vermont,” Montpelier does not actually want that to happen a 21-foot pylon—32 vehicle directional signs, seven pedestrian
Pg. 7 Home Renovation in a literal sense. In fact, it’s ensuring just the opposite with the signs, five parking signs, and three information “kiosks.”
Experts Share Tips installation this year of new “wayfinding” signage, a project
years in the making. Not only does the signage hope to provide
Most of the signage is directed to motorists, with the aim of
directing them to parking and alleviating the long-term problem
visitors to the city with clear navigational information, but also and reputation the city has for it. At the very least, it should
Pg. 10 Companion more effective branding. reduce the endless circling by people in pursuit of a space.
Gardening Pairs Plants That the project can finally be manifested later this year
is thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded to the city in May
Once visitors are out of the car, there will be pedestrian-focused
signs, clustered primarily on State and Main streets, to specific
by the Vermont Downtown Development Board, which will sights in the city, including Hubbard Park, the State House, the
complete the $200,000-plus total cost when combined with a Vermont Historical Society Museum, Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
U.S. Postage PAID

Permit NO. 123


Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD

$9,000 grant awarded last year by Main Street Grants program, the visitors center, Stone Cutters Way, and more.
ECRWSS

additional money from the Capital Improvement Program fund, The pedestrian- and vehicular-directed signs, however, cannot
and savings from Montpelier Alive’s own coffers. mention any private, for-profit business, only “transportation
“It’s a big project, and we’re really excited that the state saw the centers, geographic districts, historic monuments, and significant
impact it will have and chose to support it with the maximum or unique educational, recreational, or cultural landmarks,
grant amount available,” says Dan Groberg, executive director including farmers’ markets that are members of the Vermont
of Montpelier Alive. “It’s a very comprehensive package that Farmers’ Market Association selling Vermont agricultural
includes vehicular signs, pedestrian signs, informational kiosks, products,” according to 10 V.S.A. § 494. So there won’t be, for
and a sign at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Main example, any signs pointing to Caledonia Spirits’ new facility off
Street.” Barre Street, but only the “Barre St District.”
All told, the project will bring 48 signs to the downtown area, Individual businesses, however, can be plugged in the three
stretching between Bailey Avenue on the west end, Spring Street 6-foot 10-inch information “kiosks” (signs, really)—one in
on the north, and Berlin Street on the east. This breaks down to front of the State House, one at
Continued on Page 18
Montpelier, VT 05601
P.O. Box 1143
The Bridge
PAGE 2 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

Corrections
In our May 8 issue, the article
“Resiliency Sundays brings
a Psychologist Out into the
Community” contained two
errors:

Dustin Dippen is not a


psychologist, but a psychiatrist.

Peggy Laro’s surname is no


longer Laro, but Dippen, so
Peggy Dippen.

The Bridge offers its sincere


apologies for these errors.

OOPS!
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 3

HEARD ON THE STREET


Yes, They’re Adorable, but Try to Ignore Ivy-eating Goats Photo by Tom Brown.
The city is bringing back goats to help eradicate poison ivy along the bike bath near
Montpelier High School. However, the goat owners said the animals received a little
too much love (and attention from dogs) to do their work last season. Pedestrians and
dog walkers are urged to walk by quickly and avoid interaction.
Pocket Park Moves to Senior Center
The pocket park in the alley across from the fire station is moving to Barre Street
this summer after no deal could be reached on a lease for the Main Street site. “We are
delighted that the park has found a new home at the senior center and would like to
sincerely thank Ward Joyce, Vermont Technical College, and National Life Group for
their hard work and tireless support of the Pocket Park experiment,” property owner
Jesse Jacobs said.
Discussion on the Effects of Climate Change on Vermont
Are winters becoming snowier? Are springs becoming wetter? Are summers becoming
drier? Will rain come in more extreme events causing increased flooding? Will drought
restrict our water usage in the summer? How will these extremes affect the City’s water
supply, sewage treatment plant/storm water system, as well as agriculture in our
region? Meteorologist Roger Hill will lead the discussion from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Thursday, May 30, at the Unitarian Church.
Co-op Sets Member Forums on Bylaw Changes
Hunger Mountain Co-op is hosting a series of member forums to share and discuss
draft revisions to the Co-op’s bylaws. The Co-op’s bylaws have not been updated in
many years, and a committee made up of council members and member-owners has
been working on possible changes since last summer. The forums are scheduled for
6–7 pm June 4; Noon–1 pm June 8; Noon–1 pm June 12, all at the Co-op. Email
info@hungermountain.coop or call (802) 262-3202 for details.
Montpelier Charter Changes Held Up

Fundraising Campaign
With the 2019 legislative session about to close, it appears unlikely that any of
Montpelier’s three proposed city charter changes will be approved. The three voter-
approved changes submitted this session were to allow the city council to ban plastic
bags and similar materials, allow non U.S. citizens to vote in municipal elections, and
to allow the council to regulate energy efficiency in all buildings. All will likely have to

Nature Watch
wait until the second half of the biennium, which begins in January 2020.

Ten months into our $50,000 Bridge to the Future campaign, we are
almost 3/4 of the way to our goal. Thanks to all those who have already
Artwork and Words by Nona Estrin. given.

Please send your potentially tax-deductible donation to:


Friends of The Bridge, P.O. Box 1641, Montpelier, VT 05601.

You can also donate online at www.montpelierbridge.com/make-a-donation/

Bridge Community Media, Inc.


P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 • Ph: 802-223-5112
Editor in Chief: Mike Dunphy
Managing Editor: Tom Brown
Publisher Emeritus: Nat Frothingham
Copy Editor: Larry Floersch
Calendar Editor: Marichel Vaught
Layout: Sarah Davin, Marichel Vaught

B
lack flies starting, birds returning, many passing through, maples still Sales Representatives: Rick McMahan
Distribution: Sarah Davin, Lora Stridsberg, Carl Etnier
flowering and joined by wild plum, apples, and ornamentals. Spotted Board Members: Phil Dodd, Donny Osman, Jake Brown, Josh Fitzhugh, Larry Floersch, Greg Gerdel, Irene
and Jefferson salamander eggs growing in the semi-permanant pond. I Racz, Ivan Shadis, Mason Singer
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14 • mdunphy@montpelierbridge.com
scramble to keep up with the scantest notes and sketches. Adelaide Tyrol and I Location: The Bridge office is located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Stone Science Hall.
will be co-leading a two-day workshop at Montpelier’s North Branch Nature 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.
Center on nature journaling and illustration, June 8 and 9. A few places remain montpelierbridge.com • facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
open. Call Sean or Emily at the Center. Twitter: @montpbridge • Instagram: @montpelierbridge
PAGE 4 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

New Historic Design Rules Take Shape Preservation


By Tom Brown

W
hile Montpelier’s City Council a permit application and design next
makes the final adjustments to month. It will be a two-story building
its exhaustive zoning rewrite, with retail and office space, Lauzon said.
officials and advisory groups are turning He said uncertainty over construction of
to a similar update of design standards the parking garage delayed submission
that will apply specifically to buildings in of the design and led to his decision to
the downtown historic district. reduce the project from three stories to
Given the enormous challenge of the two.
recent top-to-bottom zoning overhaul, “It would have been a lot easier and a lot
which took more than two years, the less expensive if this were resolved three
city elected to put off reconsideration of months ago, but there’s no hard feelings,”
regulations within its historic preservation he said of the delay. “I know it’s going to
district until the zoning work was done. be a great project for Montpelier, and
As part of its overall Unified we’re looking forward to it. With it being
Development Regulations the city hopes a very prominent location we are going to
to integrate its design review standards, do a project that everybody in Montpelier
which apply only to buildings within Map courtesy of HPC. can be proud of in the historic district.”
the Downtown Historic District, into its Meanwhile, the planning commission
planning guidelines. The idea in both written by the volunteer Historic historic preservation or are we doing a will evaluate the new design review
sets of regulations is to provide clarity Preservation Commission (HPC). The little bit of both.” proposal, take public comment, and
for developers and homeowners before draft proposes detailed standards for eventually forward recommendations to
Speaking of New Development
they start the permit process, Planning alterations of existing historic structures the city council.
Director Michael Miller said. within the district as well as new With the voter-approved city parking “We are trying to create a working
“In the zoning process we did hear from buildings. Miller said the process will garage and related hotel construction tied plan,” said Eric Gilbertson, acting chair
people who said that we should be making serve to instruct the city’s permitting staff up on appeal in state court and likely of the HPC. “It’s not going to happen
some of these changes,” he said. “That, in what role historic preservation is to play delayed until next construction season real fast.”
and from a legal standpoint, we need to in the downtown district. at the earliest, the first building to go up Miller said the HPC will formally
have these guidelines. We can’t just have “As administrators, we see these as utilizing the city’s new Tax Increment present the draft proposal to the planning
a one-line guideline (for design review). policy decisions,” he said. “We want Financing (TIF) district could be an office commission on June 24. Residents may
We need to make that clearer, and if we clarity from the council and the public and retail project on the site of the former ask questions then, and if the commission
are going to be clearer, we need to have a of which one are we doing because we Gulf station on State Street. That project schedules hearings, public comments can
public process.” can administer in either direction. The will likely not be subject to the proposed also be made at that time. The city council
That process has begun as the planning new rules, we hope, will help answer new rules, which are at least a year away. will likely do the same once it receives the
commission has just received a 17-page more of those questions of are we just Former Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon planning commission’s recommendations.
draft of proposed design review standards doing development or are we doing owns the lot and said he expects to submit
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 5

Library Tries New Leadership Approach Education


By Irene Racz

T
he Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s new New directors Carolyn Brennan (left) relevance for future generations and
directors, having been appointed and Jessie Lynn. bringing in multiple generations,” said
by a board of trustees willing to Lynn.
try an alternative management model, Brennan concurred: “We want to
are hoping to carry that commitment to reduce barriers to access, and make it …
innovation forward when they assume the welcoming and useful. It was designed as
leadership in July. a repository for books, but people want to
Traditionally, the library has been come in and just exist or use the computer,
overseen by a single executive director. sit quietly and be warm, geek out over
But after outgoing leader Tom McKone whatever their passion is. We get tons of
steps down on June 30, he will be replaced kids (after school hours), and we need to
by a team of two with a combined 13 years consider what their needs are and what we
working at the library: Carolyn Brennan, can do to meet the evolving needs of the
who has run library services, and Jessie community and their expectations for the
Lynn, who has managed finance and space.”
operations. Like libraries nationwide, Kellogg-
“When Tom announced in January that Hubbard faces demands posed by an
he was leaving, we thought of the co- increasingly multicultural society and by
Photo courtesy of Tom McKone.
director idea,” said Brennan. “Jessie and clientele exhibiting challenging behaviors,
I were looking at the moving pieces we’re said. “There’s always a drive to innovate.” but Lynn and Brennan are confident in
already involved with, and we thought Brennan and Lynn said they will their ability to respond.
a sustainable and sensible way would be collaborate on certain things as co- “We have challenging behaviors, adults
the co-director model.” After considering directors but will also have clear lines with mental health issues, homeless people
other candidates and the pair’s proposal, of authority that mostly line up with who don’t know how to access the library
the board ultimately agreed. their current responsibilities. Their in a constructive way,” said Brennan. “We
The Kellogg-Hubbard is among the collegial relationship is evident when they have conversations first, but we have also
state’s many public libraries. Whereas practically finish each other’s sentences had to call Washington County Mental
some are funded and managed by a single while talking about their hopes for the Health or the police for support. We’ve
municipality, Kellogg-Hubbard is an library. never had a bad experience. The beauty is
independent nonprofit serving Montpelier “On my end, as the nuts-and-bolts that you never really know what situation
and the five communities that make up person, I will be looking at fundraising you’re going to walk into. There’s every
the U-32 school district. … and sustainability for the long-haul,” age and every walk of life you can imagine.
“Not everyone is aware [of our said Lynn. “We have an 1894 building Ninety percent of the time it’s amazing,
independent status],” said Lynn. “We and an addition that is 20 years old, but there’s always management.”
don’t have municipal support for some [encompassing] 18,000 square feet. The Like many nonprofits, the library also
things and have to do them in-house. For cost of that is a challenge, and I want to has to contend with making sure there are
a small staff, it’s a challenge to manage get us to a very solid place.” enough resources to cover programming,
both [library services and finances], which Added Brennan: “As the library services staff, and upkeep. Both women said they
is where the duality of our roles comes in.” person, I need to look at collection are pleased with the level of support
Brennan noted that Kellogg-Hubbard development, digital offerings, and how provided by member towns and are
has one of the highest utilization rates in we can expand and offer things in all of looking forward to building on that.
the state, serving up to 700 patrons a day our member towns. I’ll look at what kinds “We’re in transition, eager to meet a lot
and lending out nearly 300,000 items a of programs are useful and relevant to all of people,” said Lynn. “Our goal is to get
year, either physically or through digital of our patrons and how we can expand out into the communities and make sure
downloads. “It’s a very busy and active digital offerings so people can access the we meet as many patrons and make as
organization, and maximizing the services library when it isn’t open.” many connections as possible.”
we can offer is a continual challenge,” she “We’re both looking at the library’s
PAGE 6 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

A Message From City Hall


This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

Spring Forward
by William Fraser, Montpelier City Manager

J ust like the community at large, city government


activity picks up the pace as the weather improves.
Many important projects and initiatives are underway.
Farmers Market – We have received a lot of positive
Paving – Stone Cutters Way, Barre Street, Clarendon
Avenue (reconstruction), Dewey Street. Dwinell Street,
Redstone Avenue. Greenfield Terrace, Deerfield Drive,
Gallison Hill Road, Walker Terrace, and Taylor Street
reaction from the new Farmers Market layout. This idea (reconstruction).
was developed during discussions about the new parking Bridges – Cummings Street and Grout Road
garage as a way to expand the market, make downtown Sidewalks and Shared Use Paths – Clarendon Avenue,
even more lively on Saturdays, while having the garage to Elm Street, East State Street, spot repairs around town
meet the parking needs.
Water – Towne Hill water services, Jordan Road water
Rec Center – The City conducted a survey of residents services, Clarendon Avenue new main, Sibley Avenue
about recreational needs and preferences. Survey main, Quesnel repairs.
results are posted on the city’s website montpelier-vt.
org/DocumentCenter/View/5929/REPORT---2018- Sewer – Clarendon Avenue new main, spot repairs, and
line cleaning May 20, 2019. Twelve of the appellants made a public
Montpelier-Communit y-Sur vey-Fina l-Findings-
records request seeking information about the use of TIF
Jan-24-2019. Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) – Sunnyside
funding for the garage and information provided to the
The City Council has given preliminary indication that Terrace, Dewey Street, Redstone Avenue, new flow meters,
public.
renovation of 55 Barre Street is their preferred option. raise weir.
What are the legal issues? The DRB appeals related
There will, however, be additional public discussion about Parking Garage/Hotel – I am asked, almost daily, what
to zoning, primarily whether the garage should have
the comparative merits of renovation or a new modern is going on with the parking garage and hotel project.
been required to obtain a Conditional Use permit and
facility. Here’s a brief synopsis in timeline form.
secondarily whether there is proper legal access to the
Shared Use Path – Construction is actively underway November 6, 2018. Voters approved the $10.5 million newly formed subdivision. At Act 250, issues were raised
for the Shared Use Path running from Granite Street to bond for a 348-space parking garage, which will enable the about truck traffic, general traffic issues, bicycle safety, and
Gallison Hall Road. In combination with existing paths, Capitol Plaza Corporation to proceed with a new 81-room impacts on the river.
this project will create a great biking and walking option Hampton Inn.
What does this mean for the project? The City remains
through the center of the city. December 13, 2018. The Development Review Board confident that all proper steps were completed and
One Taylor Street – The Transit Center and Housing issued Site Plan and Subdivision permits for the garage and regulations followed. The appellants, apparently, feel
units are nearing completion, the new Shared Use Path an amended Site Plan permit for the hotel. equally confident that they will prevail and the City will
bridge over the North Branch has been installed and the January 2, 2019. Representatives of the interested party be found to have erred.
outlines of the new path are becoming visible. This project group appeared before the City Council and announced From my perspective, this is the most interesting facet
is estimated to be done in August. that they were initiating a citizen petition for the March of this litigation. Zoning appeals are heard “de novo” or as
Barre St./Main St. Study & Downtown Master ballot to address their concerns with the project. No new. The judge hears the application as though it is newly
Plan – We urge residents to participate in two separate but mention was made of a possible appeal. presented. That means the applicant (the City) has the
related planning processes. The Barre St./Main St. study January 8, 2019. The Interested Party group filed appeals opportunity to revise their application. If the appellants are
has provided concepts for three intersection improvements. of the garage site plan and subdivision DRB approvals to correct, the City can simply address any shortcomings and
It lays out a possible Shared Use Path connection from the Environmental Court. They did not file appeals related still be issued a permit. If the court requires Conditional
Main Street to the Rec Center, which would eliminate to the hotel. Use, we are confident that we meet that criteria. Therefore,
approximately 14 parking spaces along Barre St. (likely the result of this litigation is likely that the City will be
the south side) and replace them with a full Shared Use January 16, 2019. Act 250 District Commission held granted a permit for this project regardless of whether the
path. Finally the study considers creating new bicycle a hearing on the project. Two members of the appellant appellants are correct on zoning issues.
lanes through downtown on Main Street. This could group and one additional person sought party status on
a variety of issues before the Commission. Only one was What are the cost implications? To date, $36,131.14 has
eliminate as many as 60 parking spaces to create room for
granted limited status. been spent on appeals. We have not yet paid any expenses
these lanes. The detail of the study is available on the city’s
for the Act 250 appeal filed. Several bills for appeal-related
website at montpelier-vt.org/999/Main-and-Barre-Street- January 31, 2019. The three individuals—through work have not come in yet.
Corridors their attorney—requested reconsideration of their party
status by the District Commission. Perhaps more importantly, the City has spent $416,352.40
The Downtown Master Plan will consider changes
to date on development of the garage project. This is an
to be made when the Rialto Bridge (State Street) needs March 7, March 21, April 11, 2019. Representatives of expected amount for a project of this size at this stage.
replacement in the next five years or so. While that will City and Capitol Plaza met with representatives of the However, as with all projects like this, these costs were to
be incredibly disruptive, it will provide an opportunity to appellant group to discuss possible resolution of the appeal. be repaid to the City’s general fund from the project bond
make other streetscape improvements. The Plan will also These discussions were subject to signed confidentiality proceeds. If, for some reason, the project does not move
look at needs on Main Street for both public infrastructure agreements. From the City’s perspective, all subject matters forward and the bond is not issued, we will need to fund
and private investment. The City Council has adopted a discussed would be appropriate to share with the public. this amount somehow, probably through taxes.
Think Big approach for this planning process and will look April 25, 2019. The appellant group informed the city Projected increased costs due to delay in starting
to fund the plan as aggressively as possible. that the parties would not reach agreement. between now and next year are 2–4 percent. Three percent
Caledonia Spirits – Although not a city project, the May 2, 2019. The District Commission issued a decision would be approximately $270,000. This would need to be
Caledonia Spirits distillery, tasting room, and visitor center approving the garage and hotel which included conditions accommodated through either changes in project quality
is progressing toward a June opening. As many know, the made by several state agencies including Environmental or additional funding.
City entered into a development agreement with Caledonia Conservation, Historic Preservation, Transportation, and Please feel free to contact me or your elected officials
Spirits to help make this private investment possible. others. The District Commission also upheld its earlier with questions or comments about the City Government.
Maintenance Work –The City has maintained its level party status determination. I can be reached at wfraser@montpelier-vt.org or 802-
of infrastructure funding and will be working on several May 12, 2019. The three individuals filed an appeal 223-9502. Other city officials’ email addresses and phone
city streets through the upcoming months. The following with the Environmental Court challenging the party numbers are available on the web.
are just highlights of work being done by DPW this year. status decision of the District Commission.
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 7

Let’s Renovate—Local Experts Provide Tips Home Improvement


By Larry Floersch

L
et’s say you can no longer stand from nasty and expensive surprises. renovations. “Always try to step back extra in small details and things that look
the pink toilet, sink, and tub and If you decide you don’t need an and look at the big picture,” says Gray. and feel good, such as lock sets, door
the aqua-colored tile in the only architect, and unless you are a handy do- “Putting new R-11 windows in an existing hardware, and towel bars. “These things
bathroom for your family of five. Now it-yourselfer, you’ll need to at least select R-19 wall is probably not a good idea.” do not add that much to the overall costs,
what? If you’re like most homeowners, a contractor to do the work. Ask friends “With most projects, I like to ask but they can have a great impact on the
you’ll consider renovation. Keep in mind and neighbors for recommendations on the client ‘What’s important to you?’ overall results,” he said.
that “renovation” is a word for the 5,000- contractors, and don’t settle for the first rather than having them focus on what’s “Most importantly, try to think of
plus decisions you will have to make to one who comes through the door. Ask trending,” says Gray. “For example, if you styles and finishes that are enduring. Stay
get rid of those pink fixtures and add a for references. “I think it’s important to want to renovate a kitchen, what are the away from colors or styles that you’re
second bathroom. call references to see what it was like for three to five things that mean the most going to get tired of in 20 years. You
One of the first decisions you will need those people to work with a contractor,” to you in that new kitchen? And what can paint a wall with an accent color in
to make, according to Maryellen LaPerle, says Malcolm Gray of Montpelier are the three to five things that mean the an afternoon, but replacing fixtures or
vice president of mortgage banking with Construction. “Were there any problems, least? That helps me shape the project so cabinets or countertops is a much larger,
Northfield Savings Bank, is how much and if there were problems, how were the client will be satisfied.” longer, and expensive project,” says Gray.
money you want or can afford to spend. those problems resolved?” Gray also feels the renovation should Always keep in mind it was someone’s
“I would say first and foremost people Gray also pointed out that when dealing fit the flow of the house. “It’s an either/ bad decisions 40 years ago that resulted
should have a budget in mind. They in your needing to replace that “trendy”

“ofAyour
home equity loan uses the ‘as-is’ value
should do their research and get some pink toilet and aqua tile today.
estimates from contractors so they know Is renovation worth it? “As a rule
what the cost will be,” she said. home. You do not want the house to of thumb, you can expect to get back
be under construction when the appraiser

Second, she recommends if they are about 60 percent to 80 percent of your
going to need financing, they should comes. renovation investment in terms of the
come to the bank sooner rather than overall value of the house, especially if
later. “Home equity loans are usually with people in the trades, pick ones who or situation,” says Gray, “For example, an you are renovating a kitchen or bath,
what people use to do renovations, and a can appreciate your situation and be addition should fit the house so it looks since a 40-year-old kitchen or bathroom
home equity loan may need an appraisal flexible. In most cases you will still be seamless, or it should be entirely different. may have dragged the overall value of the
before it can be completed. Depending living in the house while it is undergoing You don’t want it to look as if you tried house downward,” said Gray.
on the season and market activity, it can renovation. “Will the sounds of circular and missed in terms of siding details,
often take a few weeks or more to get an saws and nail guns at 7 am bother you? windows, overhangs, cornices, and such.”
appraisal,” said LaPerle. Some contractors may be more willing to Gray also recommends investing a little
Third, she cautions not to start work with you to minimize disruptions
construction prior to approval of your and intrusions—such as when you’re
financing. “A home equity loan uses the trying to get the kids off to school.
‘as-is’ value of your home. You do not Make no mistake about it,” says Gray,
want the house to be under construction “renovation can be disruptive.”
when the appraiser comes,” she said. It’s also important to get the perspectives
Last, LaPerle points out home equity of several different contractors on how
financing is typically a lower cost option, they will solve your renovation needs.
so it tends to be the perfect tool for a For example, if you want to replace
renovation, but if there is not sufficient and expand a dormer, how would each
equity in the property prior to the contractor approach the work. And keep
renovation project, you may need a in mind the least expensive approach may
construction loan, which is a costlier and not be the safest structurally.
somewhat more complex process. Once you’ve settled on a contractor and
Once you know where the money is your project begins, the pace of decision
coming from, it’s time to decide who it making will pick up. Styles, textures,
will go to. If the project is going to be colors, flooring, lighting fixtures, the
extensive, complicated, and has structural placement of wall switches and outlets—
aspects, or if you do not feel terribly you will be asked to make decisions on
creative, you may want to look into hiring all of it.
an architect. Such a move may cost you Work with your contractor and be as
more up front, but it could also save you comprehensive as possible when planning
PAGE 8 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

Rebates Raise Your Home’s Efficiency Home Improvement


Compiled by Mike Dunphy

C
reating a happier home means as a fuel source. Advances since the mid- traditional electric resistance water heaters pool’s filtering system. –Up to $500 cash
improving its energy efficiency and 2000s have led to more efficient and clean and save over $1,400 over the lifetime of back.
saving money. In 2019, Efficiency wood heating appliances, including pellet the unit. Not only do they heat water, heat Refrigerators
Vermont is helping to make it possible stoves and boilers that achieve efficiency pump water heaters also air condition and Energy star-certified refrigerators use
with a new round of rebates, including the ratings of more than 80 percent. –$6,000 dehumidify the space around them. –Up to less than half the electricity of standard
following: cash back. $600 off at time of purchase. models manufactured before 1993 thanks
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Clothes Dryers Smart Thermostats to high-efficiency compressors, improved
Hydronic or water-based heat distribution Clothes dryers are one of the largest Energy Star-certified smart thermostats insulation, and more precise temperature
systems can integrate with air-to-water heat energy-using appliances. Whether you do allow you to create automatic and and defrost mechanisms. Qualifying
pumps, which heat water that’s circulated laundry once a week or once a day, an programmable temperature setbacks to models can save you $150 or more over the
around the building through pipes and Energy Star-certified dryer can save you reduce energy use based on daily schedules, life of the appliance. –Up to $75 cash back.
emitters. These systems can also chill water a significant amount of money over the weather conditions, and heating and Dehumidifiers
for air conditioning and have the potential lifetime of the appliance. Save at least $30 cooling needs. –Up to $100 cash back.
to heat domestic hot water as well. –$500 a year in energy costs while using at least Reducing excessive moisture can help
Window Air Conditioners combat unpleasant musty smells and
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T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 9

New Garden Model Strengthens Community Gardening


By Carl Etnier

M Photo courtesy of The Garden at 485 Elm.


any gardeners know the ready, stay all year long,” Bernier said.
pattern: excited planning and In 2014, Sheryl Rapée-Adams and
work for a great growing year Chris Adams started a similar model
in late winter and into spring, followed in Montpelier. In 2013, Rapée-Adams
by difficulty keeping the energy going explained, the couple purchased the home
in the hot months of July and August, with space for their massage business. It
when fast-growing weeds gain the upper came on two acres backing on the North
hand. Or, as Libby Weiland put it in a Branch of the Winooski. They looked
phone interview, “When summer comes, at all the lawn that came with their
life interrupts.” Weiland coordinates new property, and “mowing that seemed
the statewide network for the Vermont crazy, for all the reasons mowing is a
Community Gardening Network. She problem for the planet,” she said.
said consistent, season-long participation Now over a quarter-acre of the lawn
not only afflicts home gardeners; it is is converted to garden space, with 22
also one of the most difficult challenges households sharing the work and the
for people who coordinate community harvest. For $60 a year, and two hours of
gardens. work per week, the gardening households
Some Vermonters have taken a different can stop by and pick enough food for Caitlin Roseen harvests lettuce leaves for
approach to community gardening— a meal, whenever they wish. Only a donation to the Montpelier Food Pantry.
and they’re finding it helps keep people handful of popular crops—garlic, onions,
While there’s no room this year for Rapée-Adams said, “I would encourage
engaged throughout the growing winter squash, and Brussels sprouts—are
more gardeners at The Garden at 485 people who are considering [converting
season. In the traditional community formally rationed, with each household
Elm, Rapée-Adams points out there’s their lawn to a community garden] to try
garden, individuals or households each getting a share of the harvest. The place
a lot of lawn space in Montpelier that it, because it’s just been hugely positive.”
have a small plot. With the exception is called, simply enough, The Garden at
could be converted to gardens. All three
of some communal tasks such as fence 485 Elm.
Fresh Spot sites are on former lawns, too.
installation and maintenance, or annual Gardeners are welcome to come by
rototilling, gardeners work their own and do their work at any time. “We have
plots and harvest the fruits of their found,” Rapée-Adams said, “the happiest
individual labor—or suffer the losses of gardeners come more than once a week,
neglect. and work less each time and harvest
Eight years ago, Fresh Start some.”
Community Farm in Newport opened, Both the Newport and the Montpelier
with the land divided into individual gardens have been funded in part by
plots. Forty-five people started gardening outside organizations. The city of
in 2011, and only five plots were tended Newport provided initial land to Fresh
by the end of the season, according to Start, and the New England Grassroots
current coordinator Jennifer Bernier. “A Environment Fund provided grants to
lot of the food went to waste,” she said both gardens to build infrastructure such
in a phone interview “because you can’t as the deer fence in Montpelier. And
really touch other people’s plots.” both gardens give back. Bernier said
Starting in 2012, Fresh Start took, Fresh Start has grown enough surplus
well, a fresh start. Since then it’s been food to donate a total of 28,000 pounds
managed as one big garden, spread over of food to hunger organizations. The
several sites, and the gardeners share both Garden at 485 Elm has donated over
the work and the total harvest. “Most the years to the Montpelier Food Pantry
of the people who start enthusiastically and to churches that host community
with the hard labor, getting everything lunches.
PAGE 10 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

Companion Gardening Pairs Plants Gardening


By Sarah Davin

W Monarch Caterpillar.
hen we adopt a plant, we together. “In planning your gardens,
tend to think of ourselves look for combinations that share soil
as its only provider, but in space such as a root crop with a plant
our local forests and meadows, plants with roots that live in the upper inches
grow together with others and form of the soil,” Darling elaborated, “Think
symbiotic bonds that help them all, in about how they can complement each
short—all for one and one for all. other and share resources rather than
That same relationship can be compete. In our apothecary garden at
established in our own gardens with VCIH, I collect dandelions just before
“companion planting,” which mimics they flower. Their deep taproots pull
the way plants grow in the wild, with up nutrients and break soil compaction.
trees, shrubs, and ferns forming close I plant self heal (an herbaceous plant)
bonds with each other to form a under the tall plants for shade and
community. weed suppression. Think “mutually
Joann Darling, apothecary garden benefiting!”
manager and adjunct faculty member While some styles of gardening focus
at the Vermont Center for Integrative on keeping bad bugs out, companion
Herbalism (VCIH) in Montpelier gardening puts the emphasis on Photo courtesy of Joann Darling.
indicated that drawing from nature has inviting helpful insects in. In addition,
last a long time. that may not only help fill our stomachs
its benefits in the garden. “We only need encouraging good bugs also cuts down
By cultivating a welcoming habitat for but also align with our emotional needs
to venture into our mature forest to the need for harmful or dangerous
helpful pollinators and predators, the and sensibilities. “I see a big move
see how plant communities successfully pesticides. Charlotte Albers, owner
garden will be less likely to be overrun toward gardening in general. People
relate to each other. A mixed deciduous of Paintbox Garden, a landscape
by other destructive species. “The best are finding gardening offers a form
forest offers the perfect place for spring consulting and design business in
way to keep ahead of insect pests is to of therapy and satisfaction. To me,
flowers such as bloodroot and trillium Shelburne, explained, “We always want
offer our beneficial insects plenty of companion planting means biodiversity,
to bloom, nourished by the sun and insects, especially pollinators, so it’s
food and shelter. Look to your meadows a word that is now part of our everyday
pollinated before trees leaf out. This important to avoid chemicals and garden
for help, our open meadows offer ideal conversations.”
rich loamy soil provides a medium that organically. Some plants are especially
protection for our beneficial insects To learn more about companion
supports ferns and fungi, which in turn attractive to bees in particular—borage,
such as the hoverfly. One of my favorite gardening, attend the class, “Companion
nourish the trees,” she said. catnip, and agastache (hyssop) to name
plants is tansy. It provides lots of nectar, Planting: Medicinals in the Vegetable
Incorporating some companion a few.” If you want to attract butterflies,
has a large flat-topped head, and is Garden,” at the Vermont Center for
gardening into your garden can be easy add gayfeather to your garden, Albers
very aromatic, making it a wonderful Integrative Herbalism on June 8, 1–4
and a good way to increase the yield of instructs. It’s a North American native
nursery plant for their young.” pm. Led by Juliette Abigail Carr, the class
a limited amount of space by pairing plant that grows well in Vermont,
Overall, Darling sees a rise in interest costs $30 for members and $35 dollars for
combinations of plants that work well producing purple or white spikes that
when it comes to gardening, a pastime non-members.
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 11

Forest Heroes Recognized Gardening

S Photo by Elise Schadler.


everal champions of Vermont’s leadership role as a founder of Branch
urban and community forests were Out Burlington.
recognized by Vermont Urban and Volunteer Group Award: Fairlee Town
Community Forestry Program (VT Forest Board, Fairlee. The recipient of
UCF) at the annual Vermont Arbor Day this award is a team or community

Rocque Long
Conference, held May 2 in Montpelier. group that has demonstrated a
Danielle Fitzko was the recipient of the strong commitment to an urban and

Painting
prestigious Vermont Arbor Day Award. community forestry project. In 2016 the
Fitzko, the recently appointed director of board created a demonstration planting
the forests for the Vermont Department Montpelier Tree Board accepting project site of American chestnut
of Forests, Parks and Recreation, served the 2018 Tree City USA award. seedlings in the town forest to introduce • Insured
as VT UCF program manager for 15 Leader Award: Lynn Wild, chestnut blight-resistant chestnut trees. • 30+ years professional
years. During her tenure, she helped Montpelier. This award goes to an The project, in collaboration with the experience
grow the program, encouraging and individual who has demonstrated strong American Chestnut Foundation and • local references.
802-223-0389
supporting tree professionals, municipal leadership in an urban or community Redstart, Inc., has involved Rivendell
officials, community groups, and other forestry project. As a member of the Academy students since its inception
volunteers to become good stewards of Montpelier Tree Board, Wild helped and is now part of the school’s science
their urban and community forests. create a neighborhood street planting curriculum.
Other award winners were: program and developed a tree stewards Earning 2018 Tree City USA
program at one of the city’s elementary recognition were Burlington, Essex
Hamilton Award: Geoff Beyer, Junction, Hartford, Middlebury,
schools to encourage kids to plant and
Montpelier. This award, which honors
care for newly planted neighborhood Montpelier, Rutland, Shelburne and South
the late Dr. Larry Hamilton, a Charlotte Burlington. Tree Campus USA recognized
trees.
tree warden, is presented annually to
Unsung Hero Award: Karla Ferrelli, Landmark College, Putney; Middlebury
a tree warden who has advanced the
Burlington. This award is presented College, Middlebury; and the University
goals of urban and community forestry
to an individual or organization for of Vermont (UVM), Burlington. The
through public education and sustainable
continually going above and beyond Vermont Electric Power Company
forestry practices. As Montpelier’s tree
to make a difference in a community’s received Tree Line USA recognition for
warden and head of the Montpelier Parks
urban and community forest projects. the twelfth consecutive year.
Department, Beyer oversees multiple This text was supplied by The Vermont
Ferrelli was recognized for her tireless
projects involving the city’s many parks Urban and Community Forestry Program
promotion of Burlington’s urban forest
and street tree plantings. and partially edited.
for nearly 40 years, including her
PAGE 12 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

ArtsFest Explosion Takes Over the City June Arts


By Cat Cutillo
creative economy and economic application to host CCX and
development. immediately enlisted a 20-person-plus
“It’s about the symbiotic relationship creative committee to help galvanize
between a healthy arts and creative an ArtsFest surrounding the conference
sector and a healthy community,” says and open to the public.
New England Foundation for the Arts “We saw an opportunity while the
communications director Ann Wicks. conference was here to really showcase
“Ultimately, we really want arts and the tremendous creative energy in this
culture to be more integrated into area,” says Groberg. “We decided that
community plans and to give important the best way to do that would be to
voice to artists because they have creative have an arts festival in the midst of this
solutions,” says Wicks. conference.”
Wicks says Montpelier distinguished “[Art] is one of the larger industries
itself as Vermont’s host city this year in Vermont, even more so than some
because it exemplifies a city that has industries in Vermont that people
fused arts and culture as an intentional traditionally think of such as farming
economic strategy in addition to or timber products. So many people
“Coworkers,” watercolor. By and courtesy of Christina Lesperance. meeting logistical criteria like being able in Vermont are engaged in creative

M
to accommodate the 250 conference- enterprises,” says Groberg.
ontpelier will take a deep dive The New England Foundation goers with meeting space and hotels. Additionally, the Downtown and
into its creative identity next for the Arts selected Montpelier by “It is important that we’re in a Historic Preservation Conference;
month as the city hosts two competitive process to host this year’s community that the participants of CCX dedicated to keeping Vermont downtowns
separate conferences and a concurrent Creative Community Exchange (CCX), can see this kind of arts in community a vibrant place to work, live, and play;
two-day ArtsFest that will explore art a two-day New England-wide biennial development in action,” says Wicks. decided to piggy-back its rotating annual
at the intersection of community and conference on June 6 and June 7. “We really want the arts sector, the conference the day before CCX on June
economy. A collective 550 conference- This is the first time the event has creative sector around New England, 5 to maximize the Montpelier experience
goers will infiltrate Montpelier over been held in Vermont and will bring to be not only included, but also really for its additional 300 participants and
the three-day extravaganza to enjoy in 250 conference-goers from across seen as an important community asset celebrate the 20th anniversary of the
and investigate arts, community, and New England. The conference looks that can help a community reach a Downtown Program at its birthplace: the
economy. at the interplay between a community’s lot of its goals, whether its downtown state capital.
development, dealing with empty space, “If we’re going to invade Montpelier,
or helping a community come together let’s pull out all the stops and make this
around a particular issue,” says Wicks. a really big splash for the community,”
Montpelier Alive Executive Director says Gary Holloway, the Downtown
Dan Groberg submitted Montpelier’s Program Manager with the Department
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 13

Continued from previous page


Arts
of Housing and Community Development. ArtsFest activities are many on June 6,
“It really does exemplify the Vermonty- and will include an extra Art Walk from
ness of people participating. There’s a 4 to 9 pm. Big Heavy World will exhibit
strong priority to people showing up and at the Vermont History Museum from
helping each other,” says Wicks. 4 to 6 pm. Modern Times Theater will
“This is the first time something like perform at City Hall Plaza from 5 to 6
this is happening in Montpelier,” says pm. The Vermont International Museum
artist Alex Forbes. She will have her mobile of Contemporary Art + Design Mobile
woodworking studio on the lawn of the Museum, a miniature art museum housed
Center for Arts and Learning (CAL) on inside a camper, will be parked in front of
June 6. “I’m interested in the personal City Hall from 4 to 7 pm.
and community value of art,” says Forbes, Montpelier High School will host a
who is also a licensed psychotherapist special event integrating visual art, music,
and has studied the empowering qualities poetry, and interviews from 5 to 6 pm.
of woodworking for children. “Self There will be a meet-and-greet with
empowerment leads people to make renowned author and illustrator David
different choices in their lives.” Macaulay at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library Bella and the Notables. Photo
ArtsFest will be in full swing on June from 5 to 7 pm. Joey Truman, author of courtesy of Montpelier Alive.
5 and 6, with an emphasis on evening Cooking Cockroach: A Guide to Modern
events. On June 5, there will be a Creativity Poverty, will give a cooking demonstration of the contemporary conversation because for everyone at ArtsFest and is excited to
Thrives Downtown Reception on Langdon at The Garage Cultural Center from 5 to 7 we don’t really have a gallery system for show off Montpelier’s assets.
Street with musical performances by Bella pm to benefit the Montpelier Food Pantry. supporting artists professionally.” “Montpelier only has 8,000 people.
and The Notables, Chaque Fois, Dana Bread and Puppet will perform at City Hall Artist Linda Hogan agrees. People have a particular vision of what
and Susan Robinson, and Two Cents in Plaza from 6:30 to 7 pm. “Everything has to be done grassroots that looks like. We’re anything but a sleepy
the Till; food and drink by the Langdon Many hope the three-day mass-influx of here,” says Hogan, who is president of the community. I think arts are at the center of
Street Tavern; and a mural project for conference-goers and local art-lovers will Art Resource Association and the curator that,” says Groberg.
people to make art together. Groberg says have a lasting impact on Montpelier’s future at Capitol Grounds. Visit montpelieralive.org/389/ArtsFest
the block party on June 5 begins at 5 pm in the arts. “There is so much work being “I think it’s going to jazz people up a for ArtsFest schedule A limited amount
and will be both a closing reception for made here. There are not as many places to whole lot. Who knows? Maybe we’ll end of complimentary tickets are available
the Downtown and Historic Preservation show it,” says CAL executive director, Alice up getting an art center someday,” says for youths to attend the Downtown and
Conference and an opening reception for Dodge, who is also an exhibiting artist at Hogan. Historic Preservation Conference. Contact
the CCX conference. The Front gallery on Barre Street. Groberg says there will be something Gary.Holloway@vermont.gov
“It’s an opportunity to bring people from “My hope is that people start to think
both conferences together because they this is something we need to support on
have a lot of overlap,” says Groberg who a more regular basis and we need to find
says the block party will also be open to more spaces where we can see work,” says
the public. Dodge. “Vermont art is only at the edges
PAGE 14 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

Montpelier Looks at Ways to Ease Pothole Plague Public Works


By Phil Dodd

A Photo by Phil Dodd.


s Montpelier’s streets slowly time and money we have to spend on $20,000 to $30,000 or more—is “not out
recover from a major outbreak cold patch,” he said. For example, he of reach.” But unless money can be freed
of potholes, city officials are said, last year there were a lot of potholes up from the city’s equipment budget,
considering new methods they could try on College Street, but after repaving last McArdle said he will probably have to
in future years to make better and longer- summer, “there were no potholes this wait to make a request for a hot box in
lasting patches, including one technique year.” the budget that will be put together next
already being used in larger Chittenden Paving roads is expensive, however, so fall and voted on in March 2020. If that
County municipalities, in Waterbury, and unless and until the city’s repaving budget happens, the hot box would not be in use
soon, Stowe. is raised, McArdle is also looking at better until the winter and spring of 2021.
This 2019 pothole season in Montpelier patching techniques. “One thing we will Waterbury has had a propane-fueled
was one of the worst in years, if not the try in the future is to use our Vactor to hot box on a trailer for a couple of years
worst. Streets and roads in other towns suck water and foreign material out of that the town uses primarily to heat up
in Vermont also suffered. For example, potholes before patching,” he said. cold patch. “Heated cold patch lasts a
Charlie Woodruff, Waterbury’s public The Vactor is essentially a big vacuum little better,” said Woodruff. “You can get
works director, said it was “a terrible year that is normally used to clear storm drains it into cracks and crannies better, and it
for potholes and frost heaves.” and sewers. McArdle called it “the most lasts longer, although it is still a temporary
Currently, Montpelier uses looser versatile piece of equipment we have in solution. But there are no temperature
“cold patch” asphalt in the winter and sometimes lasting several years. our inventory.” Sucking water out of the restrictions like with hot mix, you just
early spring to fill potholes temporarily, Montpelier Public Works director, Tom potholes would allow for quicker patching have to get the water out of the potholes.”
but that material is difficult to work McArdle, said pothole repair has been and perhaps a better seal, even with cold Another benefit of using the heated
with in cold weather and can only be slowed this spring by the rainy and cool patch. cold patch is that it easier to shovel out
put in place when the potholes are not weather. The rain leaves potholes full of The other technique the city is looking from the back of a trailer compared with
filled with water or ice. Moreover, cold water, which prevents filling, and hot at would involve buying a portable “hot the bed of a truck, he said. Waterbury also
patch only lasts a few weeks at best, mix can only be applied at 40 degrees or box,” fueled by propane or oil, that can uses the hot box on cool days in the spring
requiring some potholes to be filled above. “You have to have good conditions be used during cold weather to heat up and fall when it gets hot mix from the
repeatedly during pothole season. for a lasting patch,” he noted. cold patch—making it easier to work plant and wants to keep it warm longer.
Once warm weather arrives and the McArdle said he would like to reduce with—or to create hot mix by recycling Stowe has been using its own jury-rigged
local asphalt plant opens, Montpelier the amount of cold-patching the city does old asphalt. The hot boxes, sometimes call system to heat up cold patch, but is trying
mostly shifts over to using “hot mix” and that the easiest way to accomplish hot patchers, can be put on a trailer or on to fit the purchase of a manufactured hot
from the asphalt plant. Hot mix that is to repave more streets. “The more the back of a truck. box into its current budget, according
creates a much longer-lasting patch, we can spend on rehab projects, the less McArdle said the price of such units— to Town Manager, Charles Safford. “We
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 15

Continued from previous page Public Works

hope to have one by next winter,” he said. be used either to heat up cold patch or
“We believe we’ll get better adhesion with create hot mix. “You can mix some virgin
heated cold patch when filling potholes.” asphalt and chunks of recycled asphalt
One company that sells the hot box and then have a timer to start melting the
systems is Viking-Cives of Vermont, asphalt in the night so it is ready to go in
based in Williston. Company salesman the morning.”
Mike Murray said the problem with using McArdle said Montpelier has quite a
cold patch that has not been heated is that bit of recycled asphalt at the stump dump
“it only lasts a week and then you have to which it could use in a hot box to make
go fill it again.” hot mix when the asphalt plant is closed.
He said he used to sell the hot box That plant does not open until mid-
systems in the Midwest, where they are April because that is the earliest that
more common. “Burlington was one of temperatures allow road paving to occur
the first places in Vermont that bought in Vermont.
one. Then the units were purchased by A hot box—in addition to the use
nearby towns such as South Burlington of the Vactor—would hopefully improve
and Colchester, and now the concept the pothole situation in Montpelier, but
is spreading to places like Waterbury,” unless something changes, it looks like it
Murray said. could be some time before the city might
He noted Colchester bought a hot box purchase a hot box.
trailer in part because of personnel issues. Meanwhile, city workers are continuing
Their workers were getting sore shoulders to patch the many potholes that opened
from shoveling unheated cold patch out up this past winter and early spring.
of a chest-high truck, he said. McArdle said progress is being made, but
Murray said that the hot boxes can added “we’ll be at it for a while.”
PAGE 16 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

Extempo Proves Everyone Has a Story Arts


By Carl Etnier

F
ormer logger and published having become dominated by actors and “Some stories move you to tears. Some
storyteller Bill Torrey was telling other professionals. The first years of stories are hysterically funny. All good
of a prank he played when he Extempo were held in Montpelier, before stories, told well, give you a feeling of
was a teenager, tricking his buddy into Lovejoy began venturing out to Barre connection to the storyteller. There’s a
making all sorts of moves the auctioneer and Calais. Now the locations include feeling of common humanity and shared
interpreted as bids. “This auctioneer Waterbury and Brookfield, too. experience when you’re in a room with
had the ability to spot the subtle signals Heidi Lauren Duke owns the Highland other listeners.”
these crusty old hay shakers and stump Lodge and has told stories at Extempo. While a rotating cast of veteran
jumpers would make to place their bids. She has a background as a professional storytellers ascends the Extempo stage,
It could be just a scratch of the chin or a Nancy Schultz. Image courtesy of performer in music and drama but said there’s almost always some at each event
nod of the head. It was this characteristic, Onion River Community Access. it was a completely different experience who are telling a story for the first time.
along with my help, that almost got my to tell an Extempo story. “There was At Highland Lodge, one newcomer was
buddy, Kirk Perkins, owning a silage are not impromptu. The name derives just a mic in front of me, and the stuff Susan Loynd. She told a white-knuckle
wagon when he was 15.” from the definition of “extemporaneous,” in my head, that was it.” She realized tale of seeing one of a jet’s two engines
The stage for the tale was as simple as a which is “carefully prepared but delivered that it takes a certain self-deprecation catch fire while she was on a commercial
soap box: a four-foot square plywood box, without notes or text.” Extempo is for to tell a story well: “The story has to be flight. The story mixed ponderings of
less than a foot high, and painted gray. ordinary folk to tell true stories from more important than the person.” On mortality that passengers engaged in
The crowd shoehorned into the dining their own lives, in five to seven-and-a-half the other hand, she says, “You have to with critique of the pilot’s messaging of
room and bar at the Highland Lodge in minutes. get up the courage; you have to believe their plight. (She didn’t think he needed
Greensboro ate up Torrey’s broad humor When she started Extempo in 2010, in yourself enough to tell the story, so it’s to reveal his only training for flying with
and engaging performance as part of the force behind this series went by really hard.” one working engine was in a simulator.)
the Extempo storytelling series, held at the name Jen Dole; now she goes by Nancy Schulz of Montpelier has Undoubtedly, the harrowing tale
various venues in Central Vermont and the single moniker Lovejoy. She has attended Extempo and told stories proves Lovejoy’s frequent enjoinder to
the Northeast Kingdom, and now in its explained that she started Extempo to since the beginning of the series; she’s new storytellers—“Everyone has a story.”
10th year. provide a more homespun alternative to frequently been deemed a top storyteller To learn more about the Extempo
Despite what associations the name The Moth, a popular New York City by the three-person jury that has ranked Storytelling series, visit extempovt.com.
“Extempo” might conjure up, the stories group dedicated to the art and craft of the best stories of the evening in the Carl Etnier plays an Extempo story each
storytelling, which she characterizes as first nine years of Extempo. At the week on his radio show “Relocalizing
Greensboro event, Schulz commented Vermont” on WGDR. Join Extempo July
on why she keeps going to Extempo. 12, 8 pm, at Mingle in Barre.
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 17

Looking Back and Forward with the Public Works


Montpelier Development Corporation
by Laura Gebhart, former director of the MDC

A
bout a year ago, I aspired to shift Apartments and the Stonecliff Veterinary long-term implications for the community, MDC to be most effective, there needs
my work in economic development Surgical Center and The Garage Cultural with many willing partners wanting to to be a level of commitment from the
from a regional level to a local Center, and the start or continuation of envision and implement projects for the community that enables the organization
one. I joined the Montpelier Development projects such as Caledonia Spirits’ new benefit of the city. to pursue the long-term goals identified in
Corporation (MDC) early in its existence distillery, the Taylor Street Transit Center, Economic development is a long arc that the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
and jumped into the opportunity to work the shared-use path extension, concepts requires years of slow progress, investment, I’ve retained my passion for working
closely with stakeholders and implement for Confluence Park, Shippee Family and dedication. My departure from the with people and trying to effect positive
the city’s long-term economic development Eye Care’s expansion, and—despite the position offers a unique opportunity change, but as a collegiate field hockey
goals. ongoing appeal—a downtown hotel and to reflect on the work the Montpelier coach I’ll be doing so in an environment
Over the past year, I worked with public parking garage. Development Corporation has been able that responds more quickly to my efforts.
businesses, property owners, the City of In that time, I encouraged inclusive to achieve in a short time, and consider the While economic development operates on a
Montpelier, Montpelier Alive, and other conversations that resulted in the pursuit many remaining opportunities that exist timeline of five to 20 years, coaching elicits
organizations to bring projects to fruition of a downtown master plan and worked to ensure Montpelier’s long-term viability. feedback within a season or a couple years.
and set the stage for future economic closely with the city to re-envision its The City of Montpelier was forward- Maybe that’s my age showing. Regardless,
development in the city. In that time, business revolving loan fund and consider thinking when it created the Montpelier I’m encouraged by what I experienced in
Montpelier saw more businesses open revisions to its tax stabilization policy. Development Corporation. Very few small Montpelier and the opportunities that
than close, a few significant projects came I partnered with Montpelier Alive on a cities have the resources and capacity remain for my successor.
to completion, and even more were put number of fronts, including hosting free to form a locally dedicated economic I leave Montpelier encouraged by
underway. workshops that provided resources and development organization. Agency at the the opportunities that remain and the
Notably, those projects include expert advice to local businesses. There was local level can be incredibly effective, yet impassioned individuals who continue to
the completion of the French Block considerable activity that had short- and it can easily be mired in local politics. For advocate for the importance of this work.
PAGE 18 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

Wayfinding Continued from page 1


Public Works
City Center, and one at City Hall. While
the final design is still under development,
current renderings of the kiosks show
a full map of the city with shopping,
museums, restaurants, and parks tagged
and categorized below. “The information
kiosks are a rendering at this point,”
Groberg emphasizes. “We are likely to
include a map and a brochure holder for
our tourism brochure (which includes
business listings), as that will be easier and
more affordable to update.”
The wayfinding project also aims to
enhance Montpelier’s brand, according to
Groberg. “Part of it is that it will make it
easier for people to find available parking
and to navigate to different attractions and
districts,” he explains, “but another part of Images courtesy of
it is making sure we have a really attractive Montpelier Alive.
downtown, and this signage is part of that,
creating a place unique to Montpelier, Bridge arranged an interview with Seeley, signs will make finding the way easier for
which is aesthetically attractive. It’s about but he never followed through. visitors, and it makes people feel welcomed
place-making and demonstrating the The project has been a long time coming, in my experience. It’s like saying, ‘We’re
dynamism and creativity of Montpelier.” as the city and Montpelier Alive sought glad you’re here. Let us show you around
Playing a major role in this branding both funds and approvals on the state and our town.’ If we get the new hotel and
is John Seeley of SurfaceMatter Design, local level. “The project has changed to parking garage, and therefore have an
based in Providence, Rhode Island. It was accommodate some of the requirements as increase in visitors, wayfinding signs will
his firm that was hired to design the signs, we’ve learned about them,” notes Groberg, be especially helpful.”
after what Groberg calls a “comprehensive” be it the size of the lettering, how many The project is expected to be completed
selection process, albeit, he notes, before directionals can be on a sign, line of sight, by the end of the year and possibly by
he came into office. Nor is this the first and so on. mid-fall.
project of its kind for SurfaceMatter, “Creating an attractive signage package
which is also creating a similar wayfinding while still meeting the required surface
project in Worcester, Massachusetts. The area and letter height requirements was
challenging,” notes Corey Line, project
management director of the Montpelier
Department of Public Works, who assisted
in the project, “but I think the consultant
did a great job of overcoming it. Also
Montpelier has a lot to see and do, and
there are limitations on the number of
destinations that you can place on a sign,
but I think the hierarchy of the different
types of signs being used will be effective
in directing people to their destinations.”
Downtown shop owners, such as Yvonne
Baab of Global Gifts, are looking forward
to the project and hope it will increase
business. “I think it is a great idea. The

Design & Build


Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Additions • Timber Frames
Weatherization • Remodeling
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Flooring
Tiling • Cabinetry • Fine Woodwork
Calendar of Events
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 19

Performing
birders. 7–8:30 am. Location TBD. Call 229-
6206. Free for members; $10 non-members. THEATER, DANCE,
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Community
northbranchnaturecenter.org
Arts
All Things Maple. May 24 and 25. Sugar on
Snow, donut, pickle, hardboiled egg. Bake sale,
May 23: Fractured. Revel in the nuances of
acrobatic theater that is at once otherworldly and

Events sundaes, and shakes. Tag sale. 9 am–4 pm.


Waterbury Center Community Church, Rt. 100
(next to Cold Hollow Cider Mill), Waterbury
accessibly human as you forget what is possible and immerse yourself in the joy of the human spirit in
motion. 7 pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. Tickets start at $10.
May 23: Earth Mirth: A Comedy Showcase for the Environment. Featuring Tina Friml, Tim
Center. 244-8089. Bridge, and Smork Bolson. Adult content. 8:30 pm; doors open 8:15 pm. Sweet Melissa’s, Langdon St.,
Events happening Montpelier. $10 donation supporting 350Vermont
SATURDAY, MAY 25
May 8–May 22 May 24: Kathleen Kanz Comedy Hour. A wide range of talented standup comics from here and
away working longer sets. 8:30 pm.Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free; by donation. 479-
Coffee with a Cop with Montpelier Police
Dept. Police and community members come 0896. espressobueno.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
together in an informal, neutral space to May 30–June 16. Lost Nation Theater presents The Complete History of Comedy-Abridged! Three
discuss community issues, build relationships, unsuspecting actors wind up spanning time and place to save the world through comedy. Together
Compost Basics Workshop with CVSWMD. and drink coffee. 9 am. Capital City Farmers’ they explore what makes people laugh from ancient times to now. Thurs.–Sat., 7:30 pm; Sun., 2 pm.
Learn about: managing food scraps, why they Market, State St., Montpelier. facebook.com/ City Hall Arts Center, Main St., Montpelier. $10–30. Lostnationtheater.org
break down and how-to use food scraps as MontpelierPoliceVermont June 1–2: Moving Light Dance presents Alice in Wonderland. An original interpretation of the
a resource in your own yard. Everyone goes classic Lewis Carroll coming-of-age story of adventure and courage in the face of wildly uncontrollable
All Things Maple. See event description under circumstances and changes. Sat., 7 pm; Sun., 2 pm. Barre Opera House. 6 N. Main St., Barre. $15–20.
home with a starter kit. 5:45–7:15 pm. Rumney May 24.
Elementary School, Middlesex. Register: barreoperahouse.org
cvswmd.org SUNDAY, MAY 26 June 5: U-32’s Dance 32 “The Art of Movement.” Don’t miss this evening of creative, beautiful, and
inspirational student choreography. 7 pm. U-32 Auditorium, 930 Gallison Hill Rd., Montpelier. Free.
The Bridge Inaugural Gala. A Celebration of Tiny Twilight Café. Opportunity for
Local Independent Journalism. Music by Bella parents and caregivers of children 0–3 to June 7–8: Hazen Union Drama Club Presents Newsies. Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a
and the Notables, sumptuous hors d’oeuvres charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” Fri., 7:30 pm; Sat., 2 pm and 7:30 pm.
connect. 4:30 pm. Downstreet Community Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. $12; students $8. highlandartsvt.org
by Cafe Anna, silent auction including works Space, 22 Keith Ave., Barre. Free.
by local artists, cash bar. Keynote speaker is goodbeginningscentralvt.org June 8: Summer Comedy Series at the Worcester Community Market. Stand up comedy on the
Garrett Graff, distinguished journalist and bandstand at the Worcester Community Market. With Kathleen Kanz, Mule (Vinnie Mulac), Cori
historian. He has written for a number of MONDAY, MAY 27 Marnellos, and Corey Flynn. Adult content. 8 pm. 66 Elmore Rd., Worcester. Free.
national publications, and he is author of The June 13: The Bolshoi Ballet in HD: Carmen Suite/Petrushka. The double-bill event for cinemas
Groton/Peacham History and Wildflower
Threat Matrix: Inside Robert Mueller’s FBI and encapsulates and showcases the soul of Russian Ballet. 1 pm. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
Hike with Green Mountain Club. Moderate.
the War on Global Terror. Featured guests: Anne Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $17, AARP members $13.60; ages 12 and under $10. Pre-film discussion held at
About 5-6 miles. Groton State Forest. See noon. 760-4634
Galloway, founder and editor of VTDigger; Paula what’s in bloom and learn about the Civilian
Routly, co-founder, publisher, and co-editor of Conservation Corps (CCC). Bring lunch
Seven Days; Kent Jones, Emmy-award winning and water. Park entrance fee. Contact George Montpelier Water Filtration Facility, at There will be a discussion after the program to
writer and performer on The Rachel Maddow Longenecker or Cynthia Martin, 229-9787 for 1480 Paine Turnpike, N. Berlin, will host imagine what we can do as a community to
Show, The Daily Show, and other programs. meeting time and place. tours at 9 am, 10:45 am, and 1:15 pm. For respond to the changes in our weather patterns.
6–9 pm. Vermont College of Fine Arts, 36
more information, contact Geoff Wilson, chief 6:30–8 pm. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
College St., Montpelier. $55 or $100 for two. TUESDAY, MAY 28 operator, 229-1404, bwtf@montpelier-vt.org Montpelier.
Montpelierbridge.org
Bike Williamstown Gulf with Green Barre Water Filtration Facility, at 164
Mid-Week Movie: Widows. 6–8 pm. Mountain Club. Moderate/difficult. About 24 Reservoir Road, in Orange, will hold its open FRIDAY, MAY 31
Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick miles. Williamstown Gulf to East Randolph house from 8 am to 2 pm For more information, Friday Morning Spring Bird Walks. Weekly
St., Greensboro. $5 suggested donation. with a stop at the Floating Bridge. Return on contact Steve Micheli, Department of Public trips to birding hot spots around Montpelier
highlandartsvt.org Rt. 14. Bring lunch. Contact: George Plumb, Works’ assistant director, at 476-0250 or searching for spring migrants like warblers,
Showing Up for Racial Justice: Living Room 883-2313 or plumb.george@gmail.com for smicheli@barrecity.org vireos, thrushes, and waterfowl. Led by
Conversations About Racism. “Ending meeting time and place. Food Book Club. Join us for our first monthly North Branch Nature Center’s expert birders.
White Supremacy in our Hearts, Minds, and 7–8:30 pm. North Branch Nature Center, 713
Community” Finishing out the series, this WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 book club where we will read books about all
things food-related. This month, we will be Elm St., Montpelier. Free for members; $10 non-
conversation will expand our understanding of TreeCity: Be Your Own Lorax. Calling reading The Best American Food Writing 2018, the members. northbranchnaturecenter.org
whiteness, and offer reflection on unlearning Montpelier’s young tree stewards to come speak first book of food writing to be published as part Friends of the Cutler Memorial Library
the lies of white supremacy. 6:30–8:30 pm. for the trees! Help members of the Tree Board of The Best American Series. 6–7 pm. Hunger Plant and Book Sale. May 30 and June 1. Lots
Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield. plan upcoming events to plant, care for, and Mountain Co-op community room, Montpelier. of perennials, vegetable starts, and annuals.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org teach about trees. Drop in after school for tree RSVP: info@hungermountain.coop Hundreds of books on all subjects. Door prizes.
Five Essential Strategies for Tackling cookies, apple cider, and tree talk: it’s elementary! 9 am–5 pm. Cutler Memorial Library, Rt. 2,
Autoimmune Disease Naturally. Review how 3:30–5:30 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, How will climate change affect us here in Plainfield.
Functional medicine can help you optimize 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. Central Vermont? Roger Hill, meteorologist
and creator of the blog Weathering Heights has Empowerment Vermont Festival. An outdoor
your immune function naturally, using a holistic Mid-Week Movie: Mary Poppins Returns. night of fun for everyone. Food, games, and
approach to nutrition and lifestyle changes at been studying Climate Change. He has much to
6–8 pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 live music. Interactive activities will be set up to
its core. 6:30–7:30 pm. Hunger Mountain tell us about what we can expect here in Central
Hardwick St., Greensboro. $5 suggested inspire the participants. The goal of the festival is
Co-op community room, Montpelier. Register: Vermont.
donation. highlandartsvt.org to unify and empower our Vermont community.
info@hungermountain.coop
Front Porch Forum Documentary. Front
Film—Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Porch Forum is the focus of a new independent
Maathai and discussion with Shawn documentary from Canadian filmmaker, Peter
White, Project Manager at Friends of the Strauss. “The Story of Vermont’s Quiet Digital
Winooski River. Join Shawn White for a Revolution” follows the stories of several FPF
viewing of the film, followed by a discussion members, each from different walks of life.
about how planting trees in Montpelier can Following the film, there will be a question and
improve our rivers, soil quality and climate. answer period with Lynn Espey from Front
6:30–8 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Porch Forum and people who appeared in the
Main St., Montpelier film. 6:30 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
THURSDAY, MAY 23
Get to Know Your Co-op: Buying Policies. THURSDAY, MAY 30
Join Olivia Dunton, Lead Grocery Buyer, for Montpelier and Barre Water Filtration Plants
a look into the Co-op’s buying policies and Open Houses. The water filtration plants in
how they determine what you see on their Montpelier and Barre will join 17 other facilities
shelves. 5:30–6:30 pm. Hunger Mountain statewide to host open houses and public tours.
Co-op community room, Montpelier. RSVP: Attendance is free and Vermonters of all ages
info@hungermountain.coop. are invited to a first-hand glimpse of the science,
high-tech, and human dedication that protect
FRIDAY, MAY 24 the public health and keep Vermont’s rivers and
Friday Morning Spring Bird Walks. Led lakes clean.
by North Branch Nature Center’s expert
PAGE 20 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

Calendar of Events
Visual Arts banners and paintings, special event procession
performance, live music, bread and aïoli, Cheap
Art. Fri.–Sun., 10 am–4 pm.GreenTARA
Fault Lines: Artists explore the current
political climate and the resulting fractures in
our world that threaten discontinuity at many
Through Oct. 25: The War of Ideas:
Propaganda Posters from the Vermont
Historical Society Collections. Visitors can
EXHIBITS Gallery, 3275 US Rt. 2 (right in the village), levels and potential explosive energy. examine how posters have been an important
N. Hero. 355-2150; greentaraspace@gmail.com; Tectonic Plates and Topographic Tiles: part of the wartime effort, for everything from
Through May 25: Matt Larson, Terroir. greentaraspace.org Artist Deborah Goodwin creates sculptural recruitment to support on the homefront.
Abstract paintings and collage. Terroir is a stoneware for walls or tabletop, inspired Vermont History Center, 60 Washington St.,
French word that means, in its most basic sense, Through June 15: All You See is Glory; Big
Stars and Maritime Moments. Photographs by geologic forces and infused with fabric Barre. 479-8500. vermonthistory.org
“earth” or “soil.” Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop, details.
5 Stowe St., Waterbury. AxelsGallery.com by Peter Cunningham. White River Gallery Through Dec. 21: 200 Years—200
@ BALE, 35 S. Windsor St., South Royalton. Present Continuous—Commentary Objects. An exhibition celebrating Norwich
Through May 26: The Dialects of Line, 498-8438. and Form: Works by Diane Sophrin. University’s bicentennial. Curated to include
Color, and Texture. A visual discussion with Combining rapidly written morsels of poetry objects from the museum collection, as well
artists Elizabeth Billings, Frank Woods, and Through June 16. Show 32. The Front with form and color, Sophrin draws and
celebrates the opening of SHOW 32 and our 4th as documents and images from Archives and
Elizabeth Fram. Highland Center for the Arts, paints her writings on stitched, layered papers Special Collections, that reflect and retell
2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. Birthday! Features recent work of the gallery’s to create an ongoing series of hanging scrolls
membership of Vermont-based contemporary the university’s 200-year history. Norwich
recently shown in Budapest. University Sullivan Museum and History
Through May 31: T.W. Wood Member artists. Reception: June 6, 4–8 pm. The Front,
Exhibit. Among the exhibiting artists include 6 Barre St., Montpelier. June 4–30: Michael T Jermyn, Viva l’Italia. Center, Northfield. norwich.edu
Robert Waldo Brunelle jr, Becky Cook, Patricia Photographs of Tuscany, Rome, and more.
Knoerl Johnson, Margaret Lampe Kannenstine, Through June 21: Deeper Than Blue. Hand-
pulled woodblock prints by Janet Cathey and
ArtWalk with live music from Michael SPECIAL EVENTS
Kenneth Saxe, Jayne Shoup, and Bonny Willett. T Jermyn and the Aristocratic Peasants: May 25–26: Open Studio Weekend at
The exhibit will include paintings, photography cyanotypes by Linda Bryan. The Gallery at June 6, 6 pm. Salaam Boutique, 50 State St., Blue Roof Designs. Visit the studio where
and fiber art. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. Central Vermont Medical Center, 130 Fisher Montpelier. the artist hand-binds books using traditional
twwoodgallery.org Rd., Berlin.
Through July 10: Sunshine and Shadow. An bookbinding techniques. 10 am–5 pm.
Through May 31: Maike Garland. Through June 28: Awakenings: Current exhibit of paintings by Ann Young. Reception: 846 Gallison Hill Rd., Montpelier.
Woodcarver. The Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St., Work by Kate Longmaid and Tom Merwin. May 23, 5–7 pm. River Arts Center, 74 blueroofdesigns.com
Montpelier. cheshirecatclothing.com Longmaid explores what is revealed in Pleasant St., Morrisville. riverartsvt.org May 25–26: Annie Tiberio Photography.
the intimate moments of seeing through a
Through May 31: Amalia Elena Veralli. Through July 14: Cumulus. Highlights cloud- Tiberio’s last Open Studio. 10 am–5 pm.
contemporary approach to portraiture and
Photographs. The Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St., centric works in a wide range of media. Miller’s Vermont Crafts Council Open Studio #125,
still life. Merwin’s painting process expresses a
Montpelier. cheshirecatclothing.com Thumb Gallery, 14 Breezy Ave., Greensboro. 110 Ledgewood Terr., Montpelier. 999-7661.
layering of symbol and spirituality, using nature
as a doorway to the expression of existential 533-2045. June 5–6. ArtsFest. A two-night celebration of
Through June 1: Student Art Show.
Featuring artwork from Stowe Elementary, concerns. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre St., June 8–July 21: Gaal Shepherd, Hallowed creativity. ArtsFest is designed to exhibit the vast
Middle School, and High School, Mountain Montpelier. twwoodgallery.org Ground Art Exhibit. Pays tribute to the and diverse artistic talent in Central Vermont
River School, and Rumney Memorial School. devotion of the faithful and its continuity from and a chance for seasoned and emerging
Through June 28: Vanishment. Mixed media
Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. the Neolithic Erin to contemporary Ireland artists to showcase their talents. Downtown
work by Janet Van Fleet Vanishment Explores
helenday.com with a series of paintings, pastels, photographs, Montpelier.
the fraught relationship between humans and
the natural world, using, in part, materials that sculpture, and accompanying Irish poetry. June 6: Montpelier ArtWalk. Upwards of 20
Through June 1: Thomas Waterman Wood:
The Master Copies. A selection of Wood’s Van Fleet has repurposed from previous bodies of Opening reception: June 14, 5 pm. Highland art openings on one night in Montpelier! Start
work. 111 State St., Montpelier. Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., at any venue and stop by as many participating
master copies from the T.W. Wood Art Gallery
Greensboro. highlandartsvt.org venues as you like. 4–7 pm. Downtown
collection. While Wood was in Europe he fell in Through June 28: Kate Burnim & Daryl
love with the paintings of the European Masters, Burtnett, Almost Forgotten. Through paintings June 22–Aug. 24: West Gallery: Composing Montpelier. montpelieralive.org
including Rembrandt and Turner.Following and works on paper, Burnim and Burtnett Form. This group exhibition of contemporary June 1: Opening of “The Pivot and the Blade
current fashion, Wood copied paintings to learn uncover the spaces and moments that are sculptors working in ceramics highlights (an intimate look at scissors).” New exhibition
techniques from the masters. T.W. Wood Gallery, woven into the everyday landscape and human both figurative and abstract work that is both at the Museum of Everyday Life that digs deep
Montpelier. 262-6035. twwoodgallery.org experience. Reception: June 6, 4–7 pm. The poetic and humorous, referencing human into the long human relationship to scissors.
Through June 9: Peter Schumann, Post Spotlight Gallery at Vermont Arts Council office, history, intervention and experience. Opening Opening celebration features live music and
136 St., Montpelier. vermontartscouncil.org reception: June 22, 5–7 pm. Helen Day Art performances, and snacks and beverages will be
Apocalyptic Dawn of Possibilitarians.
Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. helenday.com served. 3–7 pm. 3482 Dry Pond Rd. (Rt. 16),
Schumann is an artist and director of the Bread Through June 29: Exhibits at Studio Place
& Puppet Theater. With Alexis Smith, Emily Glover. By donation. museumofeverydaylife.org
Arts. 201 N. Main St., Barre. studioplacearts.
Anderson, Dante Letzelte, Brian Merrill, Maria com.
Schumann, Elka Schumann. Giant woodcut

All ages are welcome. 6 pm. Montpelier Friends of the Cutler Memorial Library Plant Compost Basics Workshop – CVSWMD. the “best” really means. Come for thoughtful
High School Courtyard, 5 High School Dr., and Book Sale. See event description under Learn about: managing food scraps, why they conversation with Dr. Bruner about end-of-life
Montpelier. $5. 661-8706. May 31. 9 am–3 pm. break down and how-to use food scraps as a care for pets, covering practical information as well
resource in your own yard. Everyone goes home as philosophical questions. 6:30 pm. Kellogg-
SATURDAY, JUNE 1 Adamant Blackfly Festival. Come celebrate
with a starter kit. 10 am–noon. Montpelier Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
the bug we love to hate in the idyllic hamlet of
Central Chapter UVM Extension Master Adamant! Blackfly Pie Contest at 12:30 pm, Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
Gardener Annual Plant Sale. Mix of Register: cvswmd.org/program-registration
perrenials, herbs, houseplants, and more. 9
Parade and Fashion Show at 2 pm, Writers’ Slam TUESDAY, JUNE 4
with Geof Hewitt at 2:30 pm. Live music, great Montpelier Contra Dance. Montpelier Contra
am–1 pm. North Branch Nature Center, food, and family fun all day long. All activities are Dance with calling by Will Mentor and driving Bike Tunbridge Covered Bridges with Green
713 Elm St., Montpelier. cash or checks only. free and open to all ages. Rain or shine. Adamant tunes of Stomp Rocket (Dave Langford, Glen Mountain Club. Easy to moderately difficult.
wenalger@gmail.com Co-op, 1313 Haggett Rd., Adamant. 223-5760. Loper & Bethany Waickman). No experience About 20 miles. We will stop at three covered
and no partner needed. All dances are taught bridges and discuss their history. Helmet required.
plus an introductory session at 7:45 pm. Dance Contact George Plumb, 883-2313 or plumb.
starts at 8 pm. Capital City Grange Hall, 6612 george@gmail.com, for meeting time and place.
Rt. 12, Berlin. Adults $10; kids and low income Tuesday 5% Benefit Program at Three Penny
$5; dance supporters $15. capitalcitygrange.org Taproom. Three Penny Taproom will donate
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
a portion of the day’s proceeds to the Kellogg-
Hubbard Library (KHL). KHL is a public
Parenting Through a Jewish Lens Series. Free library that serves Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier,
discussion based classes using ancient and modern Middlesex, Montpelier, and Worcester, provides
sources for all parents raising Jewish children. free access to information, and promotes literacy
Free childcare on premises. 10:30 am–noon. Beth and life-long learning. Join us for a beverage or bite
Jacob Synagogue, 10 Harrison Ave., Montpelier. to eat, all while supporting a great cause at Three
RSVP: rebtobie@jcvt.org Penny Taproom, Montpelier.

MONDAY, JUNE 3 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5


Comfort Care at the End of Life for Pets With The Psychology of the “Body.” The ways we
Dr. Erica Bruner, DVM. We love our pets and move and breathe and speak and stand and are
want only the best for them. But as they age and structured all shape our experience of being in
develop chronic problems or terminal conditions, the world. If we come to our lives informed by
it becomes more of a challenge to know what these dynamics we can cultivate more ease and
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 21

Calendar of Events
Charlie O’s World Famous. 70 Main St. The Carrot Cart. 6–8 pm. Fresh Tracks Farm June 7: Rhythm of the Heart: Benefit

Live Music Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.


Every Tues.: Karaoke, 7:30 pm
Vineyard & Winery, 4373 Rt. 12 Berlin.
freshtracksfarm.com
concert for Pitz Quattrone. With Chad
Hollister, Dave Keller, Chris Robertson
Shrimp, Amy Torchia, Tony Vacca Pitz & The
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. May 25 and June 8: Earth Songs. Music
VENUES 479-0896. espressobueno.com. of, by, and for the Earth. Come join pianist Freelancers, MC: JD Green. Benefit to help
pay for medical bills from Pitz’s unexpected,
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. 229-9212. May 24: Michael Stridsberg (rock & folk) composer Cheryl Conner and fellow
7:30 pm Vermonters celebrating and connecting to the life-saving open heart surgery to replace a
Bagitos.com faulty aortic valve. 7 pm. Doors open 6 pm.
May 23: Bartholomew Everyman and Gusto’s. 28 Prospect St., Barre. Music of Mother Earth. Music alternating
with meditation, and dialogue. 2–3:30 pm. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $15.
Emoore Saylavee, 6 pm gustosbarvt.com barreoperahouse.org
May 24: Rust Bucket, 6 pm May 24: Chris Powers, 5 pm/Stone Temple Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
May 25: Irish Session, 2 pm; Bernie Benefit, Posers (STP Tribute), 9 pm. $5, 21+ $15 recommended donation. June 8: Aristocratic Peasants. 6–8 pm. Sweet
6 pm May 25–26: Onion River Chorus Spring Melissa’s, Langdon St., Montpelier
Whammy Bar. 31 W. County Rd., Calais.
May 26: Southern Old Time Music Jam, 10 Concerts. Montpelier’s Onion River Chorus, June 9: Katie Trautz CD Release Concert.
whammybar1.com
am under the leadership of guest conductor Celebrate the release of Katie Trautz’s new
Every Thurs.: Open Mic, 7 pm
May 30: Italian Session Richard Riley, presents “The French album Passage with the coming of spring!
May 24: Kava Express, 7:30 pm
May 31: Latin Dance Party, 7 pm Connection.” 7:30 pm. Unitarian Church, Katie will be accompanied by Julia Wayne
May 25: Artie’s Birthday bash w/ Liz Beatty
June 1: Irish Session, 2pm 130 Main St., Montpelier. $20; students and on harmonies, and Mike Roberts on electric
and The Lab Rats, 7:30 pm
June 2: Eric Friedman Folk Ballads, 11 am seniors $17. onionriverchorus.org guitar. Potluck and BYOB. 7 pm, doors open
May 31: Mary Go Round, 7:30 pm
June 6: Colin McCaffrey and friends, 6 pm 6:15 pm. Willey Memorial Hall, 3084 Main
SPECIAL EVENTS
May 30: Michael T Jermyn and the
June 8:Irish Session, 2 pm; Joy on Fire, 6 pm St., Cabot. $16 advance; $20 at door. 793-3016
Aristocratic Peasants. 6–7:30 pm. North
June 9: Southern Old Time Music Jam, 10 May 24: Friday Night Fire: Papa’s Porch. A Branch Café, 41 State St., Montpelier.
am foot-stomping good time is not to be missed.
June 13: Old Time Music Session, 6 pm With local food from Woodbelly Pizza and

skill and comfort within our own skin and in Trinity Community Thrift Store Summer Sale. Send your event listing to
the world. 6–7:30 pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op See event description under June 6.
community room, Montpelier. RSVP: info@ calendar@montpelierbridge.com
hungermountain.coop. MONDAY, JUNE 10 or submit listing at montpelierbridge.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
“War Is A Racket”: The History Of U.S. Deadline for print in the next issue is May 17.
Foreign Policy In Latin America, With Bruce
Trinity Community Thrift Store Summer Pandya. Join us for this U32 Branching Out
Sale. June 6–8. 10th Annual Summer Sale. presentation and discussion on the long history
10 am–4 pm. 137 Main St., Montpelier. 229- of the U.S’s foreign policy in Latin American
9155. nations, from the 19th century until today.
Be it Remembered: Using Vermont Court 6:30 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main
Records for Research. Archivist Mariessa St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
Dobrick discusses how court records TUESDAY, JUNE 11
document the lives, personalities, and values
of past Vermonters. Noon–1 pm. The Pavilion Bike Ride with Green Mountain Club.
Auditorium, 109 State St., Montpelier. 828-2308 Montpelier to Northfield Falls to Moretown to
Middlesex to Montpelier. About 35 miles. Very
Meet Author Joey Truman. Author of Cooking difficult. Lunch in Moretown. Contact George
Cockroach: A Guide to Modern Poverty. Join us Plumb, 883-2313 or plumb.george@gmail.com,
at one or all three venues where Joey wastes not for meeting time and place.
a dime nor a morsel while charming the masses
with his one-of-a-kind kitchen skills. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
11 am–1 pm: Hunger Mountain Co-op.
Cooking demo/book sale/Round Up @ the Fatherhood: Postpartum Mood & Anxiety
Register. Disorders. We understand that partners are
2–4 pm. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main St., deeply affected by the challenge of supporting a
Montpelier. Cooking demo/book sale partner who is struggling or being one of the 1
5–7 pm: The Garage Cultural Center, 58 State in 10 dads who has Postpartum Depression or
St., Montpelier. Cooking demo/book sale/ Anxiety. Come explore you and your family’s
wine and appetizers. transition into parenthood. 5:30–7 pm. Hunger
Mountain Co-op community room, Montpelier.
Artwalk “Meet and Greet” with Author & RSVP: info@hungermountain.coop
Illustrator David Macaulay. David Macaulay is
an award-winning author and illustrator whose THURSDAY, JUNE 13
books have sold millions of copies in the United Volunteer Meeting at Central VT Adult
States alone, and his work has been translated Basic Education. Discover CVABE’s volunteer
into a dozen languages. 7 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard opportunities. New volunteers welcome. Current
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. volunteers from all CVABE’s Learning Centers
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 are welcome to share their experiences and
inspire others. Central Vermont Adult Basic
Trinity Community Thrift Store Summer Sale. Education (CVABE), Waterbury Learning
See event description under June 6 Center, 31 N. Main St., Waterbury. RSVP:
Exploring a Healthy Menstrual Cycle. Gain grome@cvabe.org
a deeper understanding of the menstrual cycle
while learning how to better interpret our bodies’
signals every day of the month. Fertility Awareness
Method will be clarified as well as natural
treatments for hormones and better periods. 6–7
pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op community room,
Montpelier. RSVP: info@hungermountain.coop.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Tunbridge Household Hazardous Waste
Collection. It’s time to clean out your basement
and garage – Set aside your hazardous waste and
bring to a nearby HHW collection. 9 am–1 pm.
64 Recreation Field Rd., Tunbridge. $20 per
carload for in-district residents, $100 per carload
out-of-district. Shared loads ok. cvswmd.org
PAGE 2 2 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

We Need Libraries More Than Ever Opinion


By Tom McKone

T
he flow of patrons checking books out at come to work hard without interruptions or to veg out
the adult circulation desk comes in waves. in an old leather chair.
While the desk is sometimes deserted, more Libraries are among the most democratic places in
often there’s a line. One day I tried to weave my America—free, open, and welcoming to everyone.
way through while there was quite a crowd waiting. They are nonjudgmental. Librarians don’t care who
A man with a handful of books and DVDs stopped you voted for or where you stand on any of the hot
me, and with a big smile on his face, said, “This is issues that divide us; they’re here just to help you find
a sign of an excellent, vibrant library.” His initial a book, do a web search, or whatever else you need. In
comment—coming from someone waiting in line— the library, there are no walls.
was unexpected, but such thank-yous are frequent. Those who say we need libraries less because of the
We have a great library; people know it, and people internet and technology just don’t understand libraries
appreciate it. and apparently haven’t visited one lately. Libraries
Like many devoted readers, I became a fan of Kellogg-Hubbard Library. are alive and bring people together every day, all day
libraries as a child, and in every stage of my life, I Photo courtesy of Tom Mckone. long, and in hundreds of small and large ways work to
have grown to appreciate them in new ways. Working break down barriers and to help people to appreciate
at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library for the past five years meet with their poetry writing group, or chat with each other.
has given me an even deeper appreciation of these friends. They come in to stay warm and dry, or they We don’t need libraries less because of technology:
wonderful institutions. sit on the lawn to enjoy the sun. We need them more. In a world that is increasingly
We attract all kinds of people with a wide range They are all ages, complexions, and sizes. Some are impersonal, we crave the personal, and that’s what
of backgrounds, interests, passions, needs, and world very smart, some are not. Some have a lot of money, libraries are all about. Libraries are among our 21st
views. They come to borrow good, old-fashioned some don’t. Some treat every book with TLC, while century primary needs, along with schools, roads, and
books that you can hold in your hands and stuff in others—OMG—don’t. They all come together at the police and fire protection. Libraries warm our bodies
your backpack—still the most popular service we Kellogg-Hubbard Library—in the stacks, the reading and our souls. If there is a heaven, we won’t need a fire
offer—but also to borrow DVDs, use our public room, various cozy reading nooks; at the morning story department or a police department, but we will surely
computers, do research and email, apply for a job, pick times and evening adult programs; for An Evening want libraries.
up a family pass to a museum, or attend a preschool at the Library event or PoemCity, our month-long Tom McKone has been the executive director of the
story time or an evening presentation by a UVM celebration of poetry. They come for the monthly art Kellogg-Hubbard Library since 2014. He is retiring in
professor. They come to practice Spanish at lunch, exhibits or dozens of magazines we subscribe to. They June.
T HE BRID GE M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 • PAGE 23

Top Scholastic Bands March in Parade


Photos by Tom Brown
A strong crowd turned out May 8 to watch as top scholastic bands
marched through Montpelier in celebration of the 92nd annual All-State
Music Festival. The festival, which featured 400 of the state’s best middle
and high school musicians, was co-hosted by Montpelier High School
and U-32. Rehearsals and public concerts were held at U-32.

Classifieds
CLAIMING AGENCY FOR OUR OWN
AWAKENING.
A 2-DAY SEMINAR AT PEMA OSEL, IN VERSHIRE, VT .
What does it mean to be a student of Buddhism? How can a student have
a healthy and realistic relationship with a qualified teacher, sangha, and
the teachings themselves? Attend in person or through /video streaming.
Teacher: Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, foremost student of Dzigar Kongtrul
Rinpoche. Information and registration:
http://www.mangalashribhuti.org/events/mahayana-essentials-0

Advertise in the NEXT ISSUE:

Dads, Grads, and Jobs


In Circulation June 12–June 25
ALL AD MATERIALS AND AD SPACE RESERVATIONS DUE FRIDAY, June 7.
For more information about advertising deadlines, rates, and the design of your ad, contact
Rick McMahan
802-249-8666
rick@montpelierbridge.com
PAGE 24 • M AY 2 2—JUNE 11, 2019 T HE BRID GE

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