The Bridge, September 3, 2015

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Photos by Michael Jermyn
IN THIS ISSUE:
Relive Your Youth in a Classic Car
5: To Leash or Not to
Leash?
by Nat Frothingham
9: Thunder Road
Standings
10: Meet the Musical
Duo Patchtax
11: Montpelier's Social
Recreation Groups
Very little in life is fair. Thats true.

Lets admit then that few of us can afford
or much less own or drive or be seen
to be driving anything as wicked-cool as
a show-off, caramel-colored, road-hugging
classic car like the 1939 Ford coast-to-coast
hot rod thats parked out in front of Just
Escorts garage on the River Road in Middlesex.
Back in the 1950s, there was comparatively

little cash in the local economy. People
pretty much fed their families from what
they produced on small farms a few cows,
a few beef cattle, tons of chickens. There
was always a big garden with lots of food
canning during summer and
PRSRT STD
CAR-RT SORT
U.S. Postage
PAID
Montpelier, VT
Permit NO. 123
That Ford hot rod is just one of the classic

cars thats been stopping traffic on the River
Road this summer.
Then theres also the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere thats still parked in front of Just
Escorts. Its a honey. But sorry, that Belvedere has already been spoken for and
is no longer for sale. But more on that
Belvedere later.
Lets go back in time.
The Bridge
P.O. Box 1143
Montpelier, VT 05601
To begin with, there was the Barrows family,

consisting of Vernon Barrows, his wife, Virginia and their four sons Mike, Mitchell,
Dan and David.
Ford roadst er
fall. In addition, Virginia

Barrows raised rabbits 500 in all that
she sold as pets. She kept track of each rabbit
by taking a green ballpoint pen and writing
Vernon Barrows who is still warmly re- an identifying number inside an ear of each
membered locally ran Barrows Aluminum, rabbit.
a storm window company that served a Talking recently about his brothers, Dan
pretty large sales territory from White River said, There were four of us and every one of
Junction all the way to Burlington and us was car crazy. Growing up, the boys had
beyond. Here in central Vermont, Barrows the farm to run. We had two Jersey cows,
Aluminum had such clients as the now- Dan said. And the four brothers had their
defunct Brown Derby Restaurant and he
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had contracts to install storm windows with
clients in the commercial blocks up and
Advertise in this space by
down Main and State streets in Montpelier.
calling The Bridge's
Further afield, he was the storm window
advertising department at
provider for such clients as St. Michaels
223-5112 ext. 11
College in Colchester.
own stall in the barn where they worked on

racing and classic cars.
My mother had her hands full with four
boys, Dan said to begin with. Im next to
the last of the four brothers. Dans older
brother was only 16 and you had to be 18
to race cars at Thunder Road. He tricked
my mother into signing the papers that
allowed him to race at Thunder Road,
Dan continued. He drove but all of
us did the work, said Dan. We raced
for eight years and in the last year, we
were top contenders, losing by only three
points.
The car obsession has never stopped, even
today. All four brothers still live within a
few miles of each other. They dont always agree, said Dan. But they all turn
wrenches and every one of us has a classic
car.
Mike, the oldest, tinkers on cars at home.
Mitchell, who is next in line, has his own
garage on the hill. And Dan, who is owner,
and his younger brother, Dave, work on cars
at Just Escorts.
For a number of years, Just Escorts specialized in Ford Escort repairs and service, and
Dan and Dave still do repair Escorts. But
Ford stopped making the Escort in 2002
Continued on Page 13
The Law Office of Amy K. Butler,
Esquire, PLLC
Affordable, Personal and Professional
Legal Services in the Heart of Vermont
64 Main St., Ste. 26, Montpelier
802-371-0077
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PAG E 2 S E P T E M B E R 3 S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2 015
THE BRIDGE
Nature Watch
by Nona Estrin
Watercolor by
Nona Estrin
Betwixt and Between
he dreamy sounds of crickets, the bumble bees noisily visiting a tangle of Japanese
anemones, put me into a bit of a trance. Until, whoosh, a merlin cuts through the
air, doves scatter, then silence, before the crickets start up again. Hawks are on the
move! It's that in-between season, defying label, but alternating from hot to cool, from
summer to fall and back.
Advertise in the NEXT ISSUE:
RESTAURANTS, FOOD

ALL AD MATERIALS AND AD
SPACE RESERVATIONS DUE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11.
Follow The Bridge on Twitter:
@montpbridge
For more information about advertising

deadlines, rates and the design of your
ad call 223-5112 ext. 11 or email our ad
sales representatives at
michael@montpelierbridge.com or
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S E P T E M B E R 3 S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2 015 PAG E 3
T H E B R I D G E
HEARD ON THE STREET

Help Wanted on City Boards and Commissions
MONTPELIER The City of Montpelier is seeking individuals interested in filling a

handful of empty seats. The design review committee is seeking someone to fulfill a threeyear term, which expires in October 2018, as well as a one-year alternate term, which expires
in October 2016. The planning commission seeks two persons for two-year seats, which
will expire in September 2017. The Montpelier Housing Authority seeks someone to serve
a five-year term, which will expire in October, 2020. And, finally, the historic preservation
commission seeks two members, one to fill a two-year term ending in September 2017, and
one to fill a three-year term ending in September 2016.
Those interested are asked to submit a letter of interest with a brief resume by noon on
Wednesday, September 16, to the City Managers Office, City Hall 39 Main Street,
Montpelier, Vermont 05602, or via e-mail to spitonyak@montpelier-vt.org. City Council
will make this appointment at their September 23rd meeting; applicants will be notified and
encouraged to attend. All municipal meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and
are held in accordance with the public meeting and public records laws.
City Replacing Terrace Street Culverts

MONTPELIER Starting this week, work will begin to replace the existing metal arch
culvert at the intersection of Terrace Street and Walker Terrace. The project will include the
removal and replacement of the existing culvert that runs across Walker Terrace, then turns
and runs across Terrace Street.
Walker Terrace will be closed for one day while the culvert is being installed across the
roadway. Residents on the street will be provided 24 hours notice prior to this closure and
provided parking along Dairy Lane if requested during the closure.
Terrace Street will have one-way traffic maintained throughout the project with a temporary
detour around the edge of the construction limits during the street crossing. There may be
some delays for motorists, so please plan accordingly.
A tentative schedule from the contractor performing this work is available on the citys
website http://www.montpelier-vt.org/ but is subject to change if inclement weather or
material delivery delays are encountered.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Department of Public Works at 802223-9508.
Hunter Ed Courses Available Now, Not Later

MONTPELIER If you havent completed a Vermont hunter education course but want
to before hunting seasons, this is the time to act according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife
Department.
Vermonts volunteer instructors of hunter education courses are scheduling their courses
now on Vermont Fish and Wildlifes website, said Nicole Meier, hunter education specialist. The courses have started and will continue for a few weeks, and fewer courses will be
available by October because many instructors will be hunting.
Anyone who wants to obtain their first Vermont hunting license must first pass the statesanctioned course. Upcoming courses are listed on Vermont Fish & Wildlifes website (www.
vtfishandwildlife.com).
Trees Limbs Weighed Down by Fruit

The weather this summer has produced an unusually heavy fruiting year, according to
Lincoln Earle-Centers of Sylvan Tree Care to The Bridge. What hes seeing is apple trees,
crabapple trees, any fruit bearing trees heavily laden with fruit which is leading broken
limbs and tops. The danger is that trees are becoming heavily damaged and the tearing
he says will produce such problems as rot and disease. The fruit is weighing down the
trees and when the limbs break off they leave wounds and tears that make the tree vulnerable to rot and disease.
Earle-Centers recommends that any branches that are too heavily weighed down need to
be shaken to make the fruit fall to the ground. He added, Anything thats in reach, you
can just grab and shake. If its not within reach, he said, take a pole to shake the limb.
If you dont have a pole find someone to make you a long enough pole with a fork in it so
you can shake the limbs. The message, he said, is Get the fruit off the trees before the
limbs break. The heavy fruit is causing tree damage. Every apple tree Im seeing is damaged or about to be damaged ... The apples arent even at full weight yet.
Copies of The Meadow Daily
Youth Start Micro Newspaper in The Meadow

MONTPELIER Winter Street resident Sarah McGinnis recently told The Bridge that
a new daily newspaper has been showing up at her house. The Meadow Daily, with bylines
from Fraya Hubbard and Sarah Greene, tackles topics such as saving endangered species,
rescuing animals (such as cats and dogs in high-kill shelters) and eating local. McGinnis
said she knows the girls and their parents and that she looks forward to getting each issue.
Home Sales Up This Year

MONTPELIER Sales volume increased to 138 sales for the April 1, 2014 to March 31,
2015 period, up 6 percent compared to the 2014 Study. The number of sales in the 2014
Study showed a 9 percent increase over the number of sales in the 2013 Study.
Sales from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015 continue to demonstrate an increasing real
estate market in Montpelier.
There were a total of 82 residential sales, up from 76 in last years study. Thirty-four sales
were between $60,000 and $199,000; 26 sales were between $200,000 and $299,000;
16 sales were between $300,000 and $399,000; four sales were between $400,000 and
$499,000 and two sales were over $500,000. The volume of sales up to $400,000 was up
slightly compared to last years study period, while residential sales over $400,000 declined
from 11 last year to six in this years study.
From the 2015 Annual Sales Study prepared by the City of Montpelier. The study is the basis for
calculating the common level of appraisal for the upcoming year.
The C-Span Campaign Bus Stops at Montpelier High School

MONTPELIER C-SPANs award-winning, 45-foot customized bus visited Montpelier
High School September 2. It was scheduled to visit three other Vermont high schools as well.
The bus travels the country to promote C-SPANs Road to the White House program by
visiting universities, schools and political events. Additionally, the bus will feature a customized 2016 campaign app allowing visitors to explore potential presidential candidates, events
and footage during the campaign trail.
This fall, as the supreme court convenes for its 2015 session, C-SPAN will debut a new
12-part history series produced in cooperation with the National Constitution Center,
exploring the issues, people and places involved in some of the most significant Supreme
Court cases in our nations history. During the series the C-SPAN Bus will select law schools
throughout the country to inform students of its new series.
Students and residents will step aboard the bus to learn about the public affairs networks
programs and resources, including its in-depth coverage of the U.S. Congress, White House,
federal courts and the American political process. Through interactive exhibits, students and
educators will also learn about C-SPANs campaign 2016 coverage and its new history series,
Supreme Court Landmark cases.
Civic and government educators will learn about C-SPANs free comprehensive online educational resources including C-SPAN.org, C-SPAN Classroom and C-SPANs nationwide
documentary contest, StudentCam, open to students in grades six through 12.
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THE BRIDGE
Geothermal Exchange Units Can Warm You Up or Cool

You Down
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Douglas Becker heats

and acquires electricity for his home without using fossil fuel. Instead, he uses wood,
sun and water. Water?
a drought about 10 or 15 years ago. That

well allowed Becker to avoid the additional
and considerable expense of drilling a deep
well just to support the geothermal system.
No, he doesnt have a hydroelectric dam

or a water wheel. Instead he has installed
a geothermal exchange system. The system
uses water pumped through a loop of plastic pipe and a heat exchanger in the geoexchange unit, according to information
put out by the Geothermal Heat Pump
Consortium, to either warm up or cool
down depending on the season the
air inside the house. The unit absorbs heat
from inside the house in the summer and
carries it to the ground, returning cool air
to the home. In winter, it takes heat from
the earth and transfers the heat into the
cold house.
Becker was also well poised to install a

geothermal heat pump because, in addition
to having the deep well, he had two solar
panels on his roof that produce more than
enough electricity to power the unit. And
he used wood as his primary source of heat.
One of the things that I really like is that

not only does it heat my house, it heats my
hot water. Whether I am heating or cooling. I can switch a switch from heating to
cooling it is nice to have that option
(and) even if it is cooling (the air), it is
still heating my hot water, Becker told The
Bridge by phone July 8.
Installing a geothermal unit requires plenty
of water. Becker had an advantage there,
because he had dug a 200-foot well during
I wanted a bare bones central heating

system. I never had that because I always
heated with wood. I cut my own wood, but
as I get older I am not going to be doing
that, said Becker, age 59. He landed on
the geothermal idea while talking to the
HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) specialist at his place of work.
Becker works as a culinary arts teacher
at Green Mountain Technical and Career
Center in Hyde Park.
However, Becker said he wouldnt have
made the move to install one until, two
winters ago, he called for his usual supply
of kerosene that he had used as back up
heat and the supplier said they could not
deliver it if the tank was in an enclosed
space due to a new company regulation.
So, rather than go to the trouble of moving the tank, Becker looked into getting a
geothermal exchange system.

He quickly discovered geothermal heating
unit installers are few and far between in
Vermont. After requesting bids from the
few who do exist, Becker found Jim Ashley
of West Danville. At a price of around
$30,000, Becker said he went for it. Ashley
had a background that fed into developing
this kind of alternative energy business.
I used to work for the state (doing) well
driller licensing and records and environmental conservation, Ashley told The
Bridge during a face-to-face interview July
8. Ashley said he retired from his job working for the State of Vermont in 1996 during
a staff reduction. His father and extended
family had long been in the air conditioning business, and he, a hydrologist with
an interest in environmental conservation,
started to develop his geothermal business.
He started up Green Mountain Geothermal about 12 years ago.
He describes the geothermal process this
way, It is something that takes heat or
cold, enhances it or moves it to another
location. We are taking heat out of 50
degree groundwater. We take 6 degrees
out through the refrigeration process. We
capture that heat, upgrade it through a
compressor, then are able to discharge heat
from the hot refrigerant to heat our homes

and businesses.
Sounds simple, but it requires quite a bit of
digging and specialized expertise. In fact,
the cost is prohibitive to many potential
customers, Ashley said, which has led to
trouble increasing his small customer base.
Because banks treat the kind of loan people
need to purchase a heating unit more like a
mortgage than a car loan, the process can
be lengthy if the customer doesnt have the
money on hand in savings, Ashley said.
But here in Montpelier, Becker sounds like
a happy customer. Since he and his wife
put in the solar panels, they have excess
power and have enough left over, even
after providing electricity to the geothermal exchange unit, to sell back to Green
Mountain Power.
Becker describes this past winter: On the
coldest day we used maybe 20 kilowatts,
but we were producing 25 kilowatts in a
day. We have always made more kilowatts
in electricity than the system could use.
Still, the system is unfamiliar to many
people locally, Becker said. Here in Vermont it has not been embraced as much as
other sources of heat, Becker added.
Police Beat
Excerpts from Montpelier Police Department Media Report
August 2430
Police located three individuals who were found to be consuming alcohol in Blanchard
Park.
Brunilda James, 62, of Montpelier, was charged with Driving Under the Influence #4
after a complaint was made about the operation of her vehicle and contact was made
with her. James was processed at the Montpelier Police Department and then lodged
at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility for detox and lack of $1,000.00 bail.
Concerned citizen reported observing an individual in Montpelier that they believed to
be wanted. No outstanding warrants were located for the individual.
Police brought a subject to the Lighthouse for detoxification after the person was reported for public intoxication on Main Street.
A male was reported to be yelling obscenities in the Carr Lot.
A person reported being followed by another person on Main Street.
Two people were on top of a train car.
Someone reported graffiti vandalism at Saint Augustines Church on Barre Street.
A man reportedly went to the bathroom on the library's lawn on Main Street.
Someone reported a suspicious person on Charles and Foster Streets. It was a woman
bowed down on the sidewalk; she claimed to be praying to her higher power.
A male subject was causing a disturbance and urinating in an alley on Main Street.
Michael Neale, 64, of Montpelier was issued a citation to appear in the Washington
County Superior Court, Criminal Division on September 24 to answer to the offense of
Public Urination in the City of Montpelier, a violation of Montpelier's city ordinance.
Transients were moved along from under bridges.
A bicycle rider came into the police station to make a complaint about a motorist that
was refusing to share the road on State Street.
A dog bit a woman jogging through Hubbard Park.

Police checked under bridges for homeless camps on Bailey Avenue.
Montpelier Police Dept. reported a hit and run accident that occurred earlier in the day
in the parking lot located at 133 State Street. No suspects identified.
The Mobil station on Berlin Street requested that a homeless male be trespassed from
their store because he is frightening employees and customers by his disruptive behavior.
A Greyhound bus driver contacted police reporting that he refused a customer from
coming onto the bus because she was intoxicated and that she was now blocking the
bus from leaving on Main Street.
Police assisted Montpelier Rescue with an intoxicated male that fell down on Greenwood Terrace.
Police assisted Montpelier Rescue at a residence for a female that may have overdosed
on her medication.
The manager of Sarducci's (contacted police) reporting that homeless people have been
sleeping/living underneath the restaurant in a crawl space.
Retail Theft was reported at a business on Stone Cutters Way.
Police received a report of a male sleeping behind the parking garage on East State
Street.
Two suspicious individuals were reported walking around the Montpelier High School
very early in the morning.
Police responded to a mental health issue concerning a homeless male in the downtown
Montpelier area.
T H E B R I D G E
Dog Bite Unleashes Hubbard Park Policy Debate

by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Police were notified on August 25 that a woman jogging in Hubbard

Park was bitten by a dog, according to police media logs. Tom Andrews, the husband of
the woman bitten in Hubbard Park, posted a question on Front Porch Forum asking
if the owner of the dog could please contact him to advise if the dog was up to date on
rabies shots. Since that posting, controversy has erupted on the social networking website
regarding the practice of allowing dogs to roam off leash in Hubbard Park.
It's clear that I've landed, unknowingly, in a huge and ongoing controversy. We were
just trying to find out if the dog that bit my wife had rabies vaccinations up to date,
Andrews wrote in a recent posting. The fact is that my wife was run down from behind
while jogging in Hubbard park by a dog that was not under control, leashed or otherwise,
of the owner. The dog didn't bark, growl nothing. It never made a sound. She was
bitten badly on the arm. The skin was broken, she was bleeding and days later she is still
bruised.
The official stance from the parks commission is that dogs are welcome in Hubbard Park
and may be off leash as long as they are under voice control. In addition, dog owners
must always keep their dog in sight, carry a leash for the dog if needed, pick up after the
dogs and have a current rabies vaccination, according to the code of conduct posted on
the city of Montpeliers website. However, several people have said an unpredictable cadre
of free roaming dogs keeps them away from the park for fear of larger or out of control
dogs particular concern was expressed for the elderly and those with small children.
Since Andrews original posting, numerous people posted either in support of allowing
unleashed dogs in the park or against the practice. Below are some sample public postings
on the Front Porch Forum website.
One of the more impassioned postings for keeping dogs on a leash:
As a dog lover and advocate I can see the ideal of having dogs off leash (in Hubbard
Park). However, as a runner and pedestrian in Hubbard Park I feel like I shouldn't have to
succumb to your lack of discipline and control of your animal off leash. I have no problem
kicking your dog in front of you if you cannot control it (in) the assigned areas (you know
who you are and you know who I am). I drove (through) the park the other day at a very
slow crawl and had four dogs off leash cross over me at the very last minute where I would
have run them over while owners were watching and doing NOTHING. While running,
a dog rolled up on me while an owner stood by and did NOTHING except say "oh, she's
friendly." How does any pedestrian know that? Get your shit together dog "owners" or
stay out of Hubbard Park. - Jerry Zeankowski.
And a post in favor of allowing them to go off leash:
I am currently not a dog owner, but I have been in the past, and will be again in the
future. Although the news of a dog biting a runner in Hubbard is distressing, I LOVE
the fact that I can go to my local park and be greeted by excited, friendly, unleashed dogs
while walking. I have never encountered an unfriendly dog in Hubbard Park. I am not
belittling the seriousness of the dog bite and do hope the owner is able to provide what is
needed, but in all honesty, I went today to Hubbard to get my dog fix, and was greeted,
as usual, by happy, well-natured, fun furry friends. I feel all these great dogs need to be
recognized along with the one incident that brought this issue to Front Porch Forum. Emma Joyce
And finally, many people advocated for installing a fenced-in dog park area, as in this
posting:
A dog park makes good sense in most communities and should do well in ours too. I've
been running and skiing the trails at Hubbard for more than 15 years. In my experience,
the majority of dogs off leash do meet the "under control" requirement. They stick near
to their owners and respond quickly to voice commands. A significant minority are nice
friendly dogs who are poorly trained and not "under control." I've been chased down
by dogs like this, most often when they are running in small packs. One walker really
cannot manage three, four or more exuberant canines off leash. A very small number of
untrained, unpredictable and potentially vicious dogs with irresponsible owners cause real
problems. It's a rare occurrence, but I've been cornered against a tree by a snarling dog
with its back up and its teeth bared. If I'd twitched a muscle, I would have been bitten.
The owner was unresponsive and unapologetic. She didn't even have a leash with her.
I found a parks crew, told them what happened, and they said there was nothing they
could do, so that dog and that owner remained in the park, presenting a danger to others.
It would be helpful if the park commission would develop and post specific guidelines.
These should reiterate the "off leash but under control" policy (making clear what "under
control" means), place a limit on the number of dogs per walker in this category, and give
concrete information on how and where to report incidents aimed at reducing the likelihood of their recurrence, whether that means outreach to owners so that they can bring
their behavior in compliance with the posted guidelines or whether it means a temporary
ban on park use while the specifics of reported incidents are given further consideration
in a fair process. - Carol Doerflein
A committee who helped advise the park commission on the dog ordinance proposed
that the Parks Commission promote the idea of a fenced in off leash dog park to the City
Council. There are a few potential areas that could be fenced in and designated as dog
parks on existing City Parks or Recreation land. A fenced in dog park would become an
additional option for dog owners who want to socialize their dogs and could relieve some
of the pressure on Hubbard Park.
Disclaimer reprinted from Frontporchforum.com Even though a message will only be posted
in the relevant Neighborhood Forum(s), members should consider that anything published
online can find its way out to the broader world and Internet.
The next meeting of the Montpelier Parks Commission will be September 8 at 7 p.m. at
the Montpelier Police Department conference room. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Granite City Groove
THE BRIDGE
Young Entrepreneurs Bringing New

Businesses to Barre
by Joshua Jerome
ne of the exciting things about working in downtown Barre is that there has been
a steady flow of economic activity for the past several years. And a stroll through
downtown the other day indicated to me that it was not stopping any time soon.
On this particular day, I stopped at three different startup businesses on Main Street to
check in on their progress. The first business, The Office Block, is a co-working space
located above Espresso Bueno. Business partners Markus Browning and Reuben Stone are
in the middle of renovations and on this day had solicited the help from family members
to paint.
Splotches of various colors adorned the main wall with the winners identified with
smiley faces. The color palette was certainly warming and vibrant. Markus showed me
around and described the layout of their vision. He was enthusiastic about the project and
so were his mother and girlfriend who were painting trim. Reuben was away working at
the business partners other venture, Stone & Browning Property Management. The two
young Barresians have so much enthusiasm for downtown Barre and are looking forward
to finishing The Office Block space sometime in the middle to end of September.
I left Markus and his talented painters behind to catch up with Elysha Thurston at Ever
After Photography. Elysha and her husband, Matt, were painting also. Matt had grown
up in Barre and the two met at Norwich. After stops in Florida and Massachusetts,
their family of five settled in Barre. Elysha told me that after starting her photography
business three years prior, she was excited to be able to bring her passion and energy for
photography into downtown Barre. Weddings and portraits are Elyshas specialties and
she enjoys meeting clients in environments that make them feel comfortable. Their space
was nearly complete with some minor painting yet to be done and they hope to open by
the end of the week.
Across the street I headed to see Dustin Poitras, owner of Marias Bagels. As I walked
in, sure enough there was Dustin painting. Dustins entrepreneurial path started two
years ago when he saw a lack of quality bagels in the BarreMontpelier area. After going
through several iterations of recipes, Dustin finally was satisfied with a final product that
was unique in that much of the seasoning, traditionally on the outside of the bagel, would
be located inside the dough. I asked him how he came up with the name and he said my
daughters name is Maria and it sounded better than Dustins Bagels, but it would also be
a constant reminder to give it my all.
The move for Dustin was critical as his current production facility limited the number
of days he could utilize the equipment. The retail storefront will allow Dustin to expand
production from 70 dozen bagels a week to 600 and help to grow his wholesale business
while diversifying his model with retail offerings. Dustin hopes to open up in late September or early October and is looking forward to being on Main Street.
As I left Dustin and contemplated my visit with Elysha, Markus and Reuben, I was encouraged that four 20-somethings had so much energy and passion for their businesses,
but also for the direction of downtown Barre. It brought me great satisfaction that I was
able to capture these moments of four entrepreneurs on the same day doing the exact
thing, painting their hopes and dreams on the wall. And then I realized, I had not gotten
any paint on my hand, or my shirt or pants and I knew then that this was a special day.
The writer is executive director of The Barre Partnership
City Hall Plaza Fosters Two

New Businesses
by Ashley Witzenberger
MONTPELIER City Hall Plaza in downtown Montpelier has become an incubator

space for new businesses and a friendly place to stop for lunch or a quick snack this summer with not one, but two unique new food carts.
Be Juicy is the brainchild of local entrepreneur, Charlotte Root. Passionate about health
and wellness, she makes her juices from local organic ingredients. She believes that juicing
can change your life and is a way to incorporate healthy items into your diet in a fun
way. Root should know; she says juicing changed her life.
Her most popular drinks, Kale Aid, Melon Aid and Creamsicle, are a combination of
vegetables and fruit, and her recipes were developed in her personal kitchen, only adjusted
based on access to local and organic ingredients.
Roots talents are not limited to health and juicing. She designed and built her cart herself
and designed her creative and colorful logo. Her best sales rep is Miela, her dog, who has
become a favorite to everyone that stops by.
Whats next for Be Juicy? In October, Root will begin to take on clients as a health and
wellness coach. She is currently working on her masters at the Institute for Integrative
Health where her passion continues to grow.
Also using local ingredients and launching a new business in City Hall Plaza is Brandon
Darmstadt of Arnies Ice Cream. Darmstadts business idea for Arnies Ice Cream came to
him before he even had a drivers licenses, while he was a student at U-32 High School.
Production began just two months after graduating. Arnie's Ice Cream is made in small
batches and all ingredients are carefully selected, never using artificial flavors or colors.
The realization of Darmstadts dream of starting a business began during independent
study at U-32 and then moved on to an ice cream short course at Penn State. Much like
Be Juicy, his ice cream recipes started in Darmstadts family kitchen with a hand-crank
machine, and they were refined over time with taste tests conducted at school. He put a
tremendous amount of hours into a business plan, applied for a loan and secured space on
Gallison Hill where the ice cream is now made.
Do you want more Arnies Ice Cream? You can sign up to be a member. Members receive
four pints of ice cream every month. Flavors change each month and are seasonal. According to the Arnies Ice Cream website, newly developed flavors are made available to
members before the general public, and members can sign up for a three, six or twelvemonth membership.
Next on the horizon, Arnies Ice Cream will be available at local stores and restaurants,
with perhaps a scoop shop in the future. Darmstadt says he is working on another cart
that will travel and be available for catering and events. He will also consider adding additional frozen desserts to the menu in the future.
Although these food carts are very different in product, they have a lot in common. Both
businesses use local ingredients and are using these carts as a launching point for their
future. Most importantly, both food cart owners have terrific passion and are dedicated
to their crafts. We are keeping an eye on Brandon and Charlotte and expect big things
from these two young entrepreneurs!
Both of these yummy food options will be available in City Hall Plaza through Columbus
Day weekend and we hope you will stop by and show these locals your support.
The writer is executive director of Montpelier Alive.
T H E B R I D G E
A Fleeting Animal Revived

by Nat Frothingham
omething big is about to happen in the Vermont arts world.
This September, after a performance break of

15 years poet David Budbill and composer
Erik Nielsen are teaming up again with a full
professional company that includes a music and
stage director also a stage manager, tech director, costume designer, 16 opera singers and a
seven-piece orchestra in an opera production of
A Fleeting Animal.
A Fleeting Animal tells the story of what its
like for ordinary people to live in hardscrabble,
rural Vermont. But to the point. The opera fixes
our attention on a young veteran who returns
home to his small Vermont town after an 18month tour of duty in Vietnam. He has been
greatly changed and is deeply troubled by
what he experienced. But he falls in love with a
beleaguered single mother. The two find great
happiness for a short time. And he struggles, but
ultimately fails to escape his demons and dies by
suicide. She becomes distraught and loses her
grip on reality.
In a conversation with composer Erik Nielsen he
talked with an unmistakable intensity about A
Fleeting Animal an opera and a work of art
that would not let him go.
Nielsen said that his commitment to the opera
is coming from a deep and abiding attachment to the work an attachment he felt most
strongly during the nine months that he composed the music.
But mounting a second production of A Fleeting Animal given the harsh realities of
todays opera world has not been unlike pushing a huge stone uphill.
Getting an opera performed the first time was comparatively easy, he said. People want
to commission something. That gets it performed once. But getting it performed a second time is nearly impossible. If they cant commission it, they dont want to produce it
and this chokes off a second run of performances.
A Fleeting Animal was first performed in 2000. The years went by and over time
Nielsen made his peace with the opera world as it is today and put his dream of a second
production on hold.
Talking about this second run of shows, Nielsen

sounded like a man whose creative energies had
been re-engaged. Im back at it, he said. I did
some revisions. I never lost my love for it.
The story about the young veteran who returns home changed and troubled and
who struggles with what he has experienced
in Vietnam Nielsen called this, a story for
our time. And though Nielsen sees himself
as a composer, not as a clinician, hes deeply
aware that a lot of veterans come home and feel
that no-one understands what they have been
through.
In the opera that composer Erik Nielsen and
librettist David Budbill created, there is plenty
of darkness. But there are also shafts of light.
Said Nielsen: They're funny. They fall in love.
Like any of us, these rural people are dazzled
by the beauty of the seasons. They roller skate,
cut wood, play softball. In our short 90-daysummers they have cookouts, go skinny dipping, sit out under the stars.
Nielsen believes absolutely that opera can take
storytelling can take hearing and seeing and
experiencing a story to a higher level of understanding through music. Let the music take
you. Follow the story. Let the music take you
along, he said.
One local woman who saw the opera during its
first run in 2000 described her reaction in words
like this, A Fleeting Animal had knocked her
back because it was so powerful. But it astonished her as well because it was so funny.
The power of the opera is derived from the searing honesty of David Budbill's Judevine
and from Nielsen's often urgent, sometimes tender, music.
This stuff is the bedrock of our time, Nielsen said about the Vietnam veterans who
returned home and couldnt find understanding for what they had experienced.
Erik Nielsen is bringing back A Fleeting Animal for six performances over two weekends and in reaching out, he says: We want this seen by as many people as possible. We
think this is an important story told in a compelling way.
Then something unexpected happened.

A couple of years ago, Nielsen was leading a music appreciation class and two women in
the class asked him to talk about the opera. I played some music. I talked about the story.
People in the class that had seen the opera talked about it.
And said Nielsen, The response was so overwhelming, that I said: Its time.
It was time, he felt, to take on the formidable task of reaching out to volunteers, organizing a board, and seeking financial support to pay for a professional production and a
second run of performances.
That Nielsen and his board (with the timely help of the Monteverdi Music School that
has served as the projects fiscal agent) have nearly met the $70,000 goal speaks to the
opera itself and the spirited effort that is going forward in rehearsals to create a run of
performances that will do justice to the transformative power of the work.
A Fleeting Animal: Performance Schedule

Friday, September 11: Barre Opera House 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 12: Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 13: Hardwick Town House 4 p.m.
Friday, September 18: Woodstock Town Hall Theater 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: Vergennes Opera House 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 20: Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph 4 p.m.
Special Ticket Prices for Veterans and Students
For information about special ticket prices for veterans and students, please contact: jsmith4127@gmail.com Please put Vet Tickets in the subject line of your
e-mail message.
THE BRIDGE
Car Simple
by Larry Floersch
nlike my wife, who is practical and levelheaded in such matters, I have this incredible
ability to choose the wrong car. Whereas she
sees a car as just a means of getting from one place to
another and would be happy with any sturdy little
sedan, my tastes run toward the exotic. I probably got this trait from my family, who at one
point all owned Studebakers.
My first car was very small and made in
Italy. If I had been married back then, my
wife would have pointed out to me before I
bought it that something was not right about
the car, because the doors worked backward
the hinges were toward the rear of the car
and the door latches were at the front by the
windshield. The engine was in the rear, but
unlike another more famous rear-engined car
of that time period manufactured north of the Alps, mine was water cooled, so the radiator was in the rear too. And the car was so small that the Italian designers could only fit
a speedometer nothing else on the dashboard. Two days after I bought this tiny
car it stopped running. It spent a day in the shop, and when I picked it up, the mechanic
who did the diagnosis informed me that it would run much better if I put some gas in it.
How was I to know?
A TEST DRIVE
M A D E ME
STUPID.
That car was smashed one evening by a parked Chevy Chevelle SS Supersport (like most
American muscle cars of the time, the Chevelle had it in for things foreign and rolled
driverless out of its carport, down a small incline, across a street, and into my car). After
that, I got rid of the little Italian car and bought another tiny car. This was a used twoseater made in England.
Two days after I bought this sports car it stopped running. Now, given my history, I
know what youre thinking, Did you remember to put gas in it, Lare? Of course I put
gas in it! This car was small, but unlike the Italians, the English designers had included a
spiffy little gas gauge that was so accurate the needle actually wiggled as the gas sloshed
around in the tank. What the English designers also included was an electric fuel pump
from the largest and most incompetent automotive electrical component manufacturer
in England. Unlike the good old mechanical fuel pump you might find on a 55 Nash
or 62 Ford Falcon, some of which are still working to this day even though the cars are
completely rusted away, the life span of this British electrical component was about two
months tops, after which you would just push the car to the foreign car parts store and
buy a new fuel pump.
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The life span of the electric fuel pump was, however, longer than the life span of the master cylinder for the hydraulic clutch system, which seemed to be about two weeks. And it
is my belief the clutch master cylinder was component Number One around which the
car was built, because to replace it you had to disassemble the entire car.
I had many great experiences with that car. In addition to fuel pumps and master cylinders there were numerous failed batteries, a blown engine, a broken transmission, and
a broken crankshaft, not to mention that, when it rained, water poured in between the
edge of the convertible roof and the removable side curtains and into the aptly named
bucket seats. When it was sunny, the side curtains had to be stored in the boot, which
is an exotic term for trunk, because the transparent plastic used as windows had turned
an opaque brown. Also, the car was useless on dates to the drive-in movies because the
transmission and its gear shifter formed a mountain range between the drivers seat and
the passengers seat.
I liked that exotic car so much I went out and bought another one of the same make that
was two years newer, figuring that the engineers had enough time to work out the bugs
on the B model. They hadnt, but it did have glass roll-up windows and door locks!
My last bout with exotic machinery was a few decades ago but seems like only yesterday.
Although in my shopping I became fond of a basic and relatively inexpensive car from
a large German manufacturer, I thought its seats were as comfortable as the pews in a
Lutheran church, so I decided to cruise by the dealer for cars made farther west, beyond
the Maginot Line, in a land known for its fine wine and 246 varieties of cheese. This car
company was also known for its high-quality pepper mills, so what could go wrong? A
test drive made me stupid. The car was stylish, comfortable, handled very well, had been
Car of the Year in Europe, and had this really neat and exotic prancing lion emblem on
the grill, the steering wheel, and the floor mats.
Two days after I brought the car home it rained. The rear seat foot wells filled with water,
drowning two of the prancing lions. I called the dealer, who suggested I had left the sunroof open. I suggested back to him that the car didnt have a sunroof. It went downhill
from there, with a new problem every week or two. Over the few years I owned the car,
the mechanics at the dealership would smile when they saw me drive in, knowing that
there was overtime pay in the offing. They replaced the pin up calendars on the wall of
the shop with photos of my car.
When I pulled into the parking lot at work one bright and very cold February morning,
I noticed a wisp of smoke from under the hood. Then flames shot out of the eyes and
mouth of the prancing lion on the grill. The fire department managed to save the rear
seats and trunk, but the prancing lions on the steering wheel and front floor mats were
lost.
After the fire was out and the debris was cleared, I called my wife. You know how you
are always wishing the prancing lion car would just burn up? I said, Well, you got your
wish. She took the news more calmly that I thought she would, and then suggested that
before I went car shopping again I undergo counseling.
Got a news tip? We want to know!

Send it to us at:
editorial@montpelierbridge.com
T H E B R I D G E
ODonnell Wins a Fourth Championship at Thunder Road

by Michael Stridsberg
BARRE Derrick ODonnell of New
Hampshire put an exclamation point on
his bid for a third consecutive Thunder
Road championship by making a late
charge for his fourth win of the season
Thursday, August 27, on Cody Chevrolet
Cadillac Night.
7. Jason Woodard ( 68 ) Waterbury Ctr.,

VT
ODonnell broke out of traffic late in the

50-lap main event and sliced through the
front of the pack, passing cars low and
high before reaching leader Mike Beetle
Bailey. The two-time defending champion
then swung to the outside of Bailey and
grabbed the top spot with just three laps
remaining.
11. Shawn Fleury ( 31 ) Middlesex, VT
The car was really tight in the beginning, but I knew it would get better as we
burned off some fuel, and it did just that,
ODonnell said. It almost worked out
perfectly. As soon as the car got better, traffic opened up, and we had some running
room. I was a little surprised when we got
to Beetle; I thought wed be a lot closer on
laps than we were.
Dave Whitcomb (Essex Junction) who was
gunning for the Triple Crown, started on
the pole. South Barres Bailey drew alongside him for the races second and final
restart on lap seven and the two racers,
who were both looking to break long winless streaks, dueled for nearly 30 laps before
Bailey got the edge.
8. Christopher Pelkey ( 64 ) S. Barre, VT

9. Dylan Payea ( 7 ) Milton, VT
10. Stephen Donahue ( 26 ) Graniteville,
VT
12. Brian Delphia ( 27 ) Duxbury, VT
Derrick O'Donnell (#60VT) takes the lead from Mike Bailey (#00VT)
with three laps remaining in the Cody Chevrolet Cadillac Trophy Dash.
(Alan Ward/Big Al's Photos photo)
King of the Road will be crowned. The
Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen and Allen
Lumber Street Stocks will also crown their
champions. Post time is 1:30 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults and free for kids 12
and under.
For more information contact the Thunder
Road offices at 802.244.6963, media@acttour.com, or visitwww.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.
Cody Chevrolet Cadillac Night

Unofficial Results
Thunder Road Late Models
Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown
1. Derrick O'Donnell ( 60VT ) N.
Haverhill, NH
13. Brooks Clark ( 68VT ) Fayston, VT
13. Joe Steffen ( 00 ) Grand Isle, VT

14. David Finck ( 37 ) Barre, VT
15. Bert Gallison ( 30 ) Graniteville, VT
16. Adam Maynard ( 25 ) Milton, VT
14. Brett Gervais ( 11NH ) Island Pond,

VT
Allen Lumber Street Stocks
15. Phil Scott ( 14VT ) Middlesex, VT
16. Josh Demers ( 10VT ) Montpelier, VT
1. Kevin Streeter ( 67 ) Waitsfield, VT
17. Boomer Morris ( 13VT ) Barre, VT
2. Jennifer Getty ( 25 ) Cambridge, VT
18. Adam Pierson ( 18NY ) East Corinth,

VT
3. #Matthew Smith ( 04 ) Essex Jct., VT
19. #Darrell Morin ( 17VT ) Westford,

VT
20. Scott Coburn ( 72VT ) Barre, VT
21. Ricky Roberts ( 3VT ) E. Barre, VT
22. Tyler Cahoon ( 38VT ) St. Johnsbury,
VT
4. Jamie Davis ( 43 ) Wolcott, VT

5. Marcel J. Gravel ( 86 ) Wolcott, VT
6. Brandon Gray ( 00 ) E. Thetford, VT
7. Alan Maynard ( 10 ) Fairfax, VT
8. Tyler Austin ( 5 ) E. Calais, VT
9. #Chris LaForest ( 56 ) Barre, VT
10. Will Hennequin ( 47 ) Morrisville, VT
23. Arthur Heino Jr. ( 07ME ) Newport,

NH
11. Gary Mullen ( 29 ) Tunbridge, VT
24. Jason Allen ( 29VT ) Barre, VT
12. Kyle Streeter ( 37 ) Waitsfield, VT
25. Eric Chase ( 40VT ) Milton, VT
13. Jamon Perry ( 62 ) Hardwick, VT
26. Mark Norris ( 22ME ) Benson, VT
14. Kevin Dodge ( 8 ) Barre, VT
27. Chip Grenier ( 9VT ) Graniteville, VT
15. Thomas Merchant ( 38 ) Eden Mills,

VT
6. Jason Corliss ( 66VT ) Barre, VT
Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen
16. Justin Town ( 53 ) East Barre, VT
7. Scott Dragon ( 16VT ) Milton, VT
17. Bunker Hodgdon ( 83 ) Hardwick, VT
Bailey settled for second and Whitcomb

took third. Demers, Blake, Jason Corliss,
Scott Dragon, Nick Sweet, John Donahue,
and Kyle Pembroke rounded out the top10. Results are pending ongoing technical
inspection.
8. Nick Sweet ( 88VT ) Barre, VT
1. Mike Billado ( 8 ) Essex, VT
9. John Donahue ( 26VT ) Graniteville,

VT
2. Tommy Smith ( 50 ) Williamstown,

VT
19. Scott Weston ( 40 ) Berlin, VT
10. Kyle Pembroke ( 27VT ) Montpelier,

VT
3. Cameron Ouellette ( 90 ) Barre, VT
21. #Reilly Lanphear ( 21 ) Duxbury, VT
4. Doug Crowningshield ( 14 ) Barre, VT
22. Jaden Perry ( 92 ) Hardwick, VT
Essexs Mike Billado picked up his first win

of the season and seventh of his career in
the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsman feature.
Billado took the lead from rookie Tommy
Smith of Williamstown on lap eight of the
35-lap feature following the races only
restart and cruised to the victory.
11. Matt White ( 42VT ) Northfield, VT
5. Brendan Moodie ( 94 ) Wolcott, VT
23. Kelly Miller Jr. ( 0 ) Johnson, VT
12. Eric Badore ( 4VT ) Milton, VT
6. Mike Martin ( 01 ) Craftsbury, VT
Meanwhile, ODonnell had worked his

way up from the 12th starting position
to sixth, but found himself boxed behind
two-by-two traffic that also included
Trampas Demers and Cody Blake. Once
the pack sorted itself out, ODonnell made
his move and was in the second position by
lap 43. The two-time defending champion
caught Bailey a few laps later and got past
for his seventh career Thunder Road Late
Model victory.
Smith held off Cameron Ouellette for second. Doug Crowningshield finished fourth
followed by Brendan Moodie, who unofficially takes over the point lead. Mike Martin, Jason Woodard, Christopher Pelkey,
Dylan Payea, and Stephen Donahue finished sixth through 10th.
Waitsfields Kevin Streeter nabbed his first
career Allen Lumber Street Stock victory in
the 25-lap feature. Streeter came out on top
of a duel with Jennifer Getty just before the
halfway point and ran away for the win.
Getty held off a charge from rookie Matthew Smith for second. Jamie Davis finished fourth to unofficially take a sizeable
point lead after nemesis Jaden Perry was involved in an early crash. Marcel J. Gravel,
Brandon Gray, Alan Maynard, Tyler Austin, Chris LaForest, and Will Hennequin
completed the top-10.
The Thunder Road regular season concludes Sunday, September 6 with the 37th
Coca-Cola Labor Day Classic. The Thunder Road Late Models will run 200 greenflag laps, and at the conclusion the 2015
2. Mike Bailey ( 00VT ) S. Barre, VT

3. David Whitcomb ( 25VT ) Essex Jct.,
VT
4. Trampas Demers ( 85VT ) S. Burlington, VT
5. Cody Blake ( 99VT ) Barre, VT
18. Scott Maynard ( 59 ) Burlington, VT

20. Richard Gravel ( 68 ) Wolcott, VT
Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge

On Over 20 Years of Business!
THE BRIDGE
Boston Duo Plays Montpelier

by Joyce Kahn
MONTPELIER Music lovers attended a particularly memorable concert this summer.

It both inaugurated the new Main Street pocket park as a performing venue and featured
a combination of two instruments that are rarely paired: a saxophone and a classical
violin.
A perfect evening and a welcoming audience greeted Patchtax, a musical duo from Boston,
who initiated Montpeliers Main Street Pocket Park as a special outdoor concert venue.
The performance recently featured the Boston-based duo, made up of Montpeliers own,
violist Karen Eve Boltax, and saxophonist Mary Joy Patchett in collaboration with dancer
Elizabeth Epsen. Interpreting classical music with a modern flair, Patchtax performed
works by Georg Philipp Telemann, Luciano Berio and Bla Bartk, as well as new works
by contemporary composers Georges Aperghis and Kevin Laba.
Patchtax performs a wide variety of music that spans from the Renaissance period to
brand new works commissioned by the duo. Boltax and Patchett, musicians with graduate degrees in music, combined syllables of their surnames to arrive at their band name,
Patchtax. They live in Boston and have been playing together as a duo for three years.
Both teach privately and have freelance careers.
Mary Joy Patchett and Karen Eve Boltax are Patchtax
These performances are part of a summer tour, where the artists will be experimenting
with the shared physical space of music, dance, and audience. During the 10-day tour of
Vermont and Montreal, which just took place, and subsequent September dates in New
York City, the ensemble will be recording an album to be released in the fall. In Montreal,
they gave two public concerts, one in a park, to the delight of mothers and their infants.
food and urged the audience to pretend they were biting into a lemon as we listened. In
Berios Alfredo, dancer Epsen played with Boltaxs hair at a furious pace while the musicians played on. While pleasing to the audience, performing outdoors can be difficult
for the musicians because of weather, sound, and distractions. This is definitely not a
controlled environment, albeit one in which the performance appeared flawless.
During the pocket park performance, these talented musicians threw themselves into the
music as they engaged the audience. Patchtaxs inventiveness was evident in many ways.
Patchett explained to the audience that not a lot has been written for saxophone and viola.
In one of the Bartok pieces, originally written for two violins, they explained that they
transcribed the music for their instruments, as they must do for many other works that
they play. Part of the charm for the audience was in their moving around the park, situating themselves in a different place for each piece. This venue worked well in achieving
an unusual intimacy between musicians and audience.
The tour and recording project, funded by Indiegogo, involves filming and recording
on location utilizing the expertise of sound engineer Kevin Laba. This is the first of their
collaborative projects, and Boltax explained that collaboration is central to their process.
They have worked with many composers, dancers, percussionists, brass players, and an
electronic musician. They often view themselves as a trio with a rotating third member.
What does the future hold for these dynamic musicians? They hope to continue to develop their repertoire and push the boundaries of where classical music can be performed
and for whom.
Interesting musical choices also contributed to the appeal. In the Canonic Sonata by Telemann, the two musicians played the same series of phrases but began at different times.
The Aperghis piece entitled Rasch was quite modern and was described as a game of ping
pong. In another non-melodic and rather discordant piece, the duo paired music with
Patchtaxs parting words: Montpeliers a great audience!

For more information about the duo go to www.patchtax.com.
VCFA to Host The First Vermont Book Awards

by Ashley Witzenberger
MONTPELIER Mark your calendars for September 26 for the social event of the year,
the first Vermont Book Awards gala hosted by the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
If Only You People Could Follow Directions, Jessica Hendry Nelson from Winooski,
Creative Nonfiction: Memoir
In keeping with the colleges mission of promoting emerging and established artists,
the event will recognize outstanding poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and childrens
literature that takes place in Vermont, is published by a Vermont press, or is composed by
a Vermont writer. It will be a true celebration of local literary talent and is the brainchild
of college president Tom Greene. The idea came from a desire to celebrate Vermonts rich
literary heritage.
Like Water on Stone, Dana Walrath from Underhill, Childrens Literature: Young
Adult Novel in Verse
A special nominating committee, made up of the Independent Booksellers of Vermont,

was chaired by Bear Pond Books owner, Claire Benedict, who carefully selected six books.
To be eligible for a nomination, a book must have a publication date between January 1
and December 31, 2014 and must either be set in Vermont, published by a Vermont press,
or written by a Vermont writer.
Nominated books:
Winter Ready, Leland Kinsey from Barton, Poetry
Belzhar, Meg Wolitzer from New York, New York Childrens Literature: Young Adult
Novel
A panel of esteemed judges including writers, teachers and librarians will decide on one
winner that will be revealed at the Vermont Book Awards gala; the winner will receive a
$5,000 cash prize.
In addition to revealing the first winner of the Vermont Book Awards, the gala will be
the unveiling of the newly renovated Alumni Hall at Vermont College of Fine Arts. The
event will include music, a plated dinner, and readings by the nominees. Tickets to the
award ceremony and gala dinner are now available on the Vermont College of Fine Arts
website. An invitation is extended to not just those in the literary world but to the entire
Vermont community.
Landscape with Plywood Silhouettes, Kerrin McCadden from Plainfield, Poetry

Museum of the Americas, Gary Lee Miller from Montpelier, Fiction: Short Stories
Thank you for supporting The Bridge!
T H E B R I D G E
Members of the
Montpelier Chapter of
the Green Mountain
Club dig in North
Branch to remove
invasives.
Central Vermont Runners at the start of a Fun Run.
Montpelierites on the Move

by Dot Helling
ow that youve enjoyed your Montpelier sweets, its time to work off
some of those calories. Our city
has a wide variety of social recreational
groups that meet regularly to get fit, lose
weight, study the environment, or simply
enjoy the camaraderie and conversation
with others while being outdoors.
This spring, epicurean fiddler Susan Reid

started a walking group that meets in front
of City Center Monday, Wednesday and
Friday mornings at 7 a.m. and Tuesday,
Thursday and Sunday evenings at 6:30
p.m. The group walks about an hour down
the bike path, through Hubbard Park, or
around the city neighborhoods. Dogs are
welcome on leashes. The group is diverse
and out for a good walk and inspiring conversations not a race.
Montpelier Tree Board member John Snell
leads nature walks through the downtown
and Hubbard Park and identifies and provides history on our local trees. These
walks are part of a week of walks organized
by the Montpelier Pedestrian Committee
and are held in the fall and in the spring.
The North Branch Nature Center organizes bird walks. These tree and bird gatherings are publicized in the events sections
of our local papers. Discussions include
dangers to our local arboreal and avian cultures and how residents can assist in protection and maintenance. This fall's bird
walks will be held on Fridays beginning
September 4 through October 2 meeting
at 7:30 a.m. at the Nature Center. There is
a small fee for non-members.
The Montpelier Senior Activity Center
sponsors Walks with Harris (Webster)
on Thursdays at 12:45 p.m. These walks
depart from the senior center on Barre
Street and are for healthy exercise and conversation. The senior center also sponsors
some cycling events. For more information
contact them at msac@montpelier-vt.org.
Onion River Sports hosts many cycling
events, ranging from low-key pedestrian
rides to elite racing events. On Tuesday
nights, Onion River sponsors the Road
Spokes. They meet seasonally at the Montpelier High School at 5:15 p.m. Three different group levels ride until dark and are
supervised by Linda Freeman. On Wednesday nights ORS partners with the Stowe
Bike Club to hold time trials in various
locations throughout Central Vermont, including Middlesex, Waterbury, Worcester,
and Stowe. Onion River Sports also publicizes and sponsors organized road cycling,
mountain-bike and cross-bike races and

events. Their most famous event is the
Onion River Century which was held in
August for the benefit of the Kellogg Hubbard Library. For more information check
out www.onionriver.com.
A group of accomplished road cyclists
meets on good weather days at noon, either
in front of the State House or at the corner
of Spring and Elm streets for a 20-mile or
so lunch-hour spin. This group, affectionately called the nooners, was started by
Bill Reynolds and his cronies in the attorney generals office. The rides guarantee a
good workout, fun chatter, lots of teasing
and town line challenges. A favorite ride is
Route 12 to and from the Wool Shed east
of Worcester.
Central Vermont Runners is a longstanding
active running club. From May through
September, the club holds fun runs every
Tuesday evening at 5:30 on the bike path
near the Montpelier High School track.
Distances range from one mile to six miles
on a safe course including the bike path
and dirt roads. Central Vermont Runners
sponsors a full calendar of certified and
fun Central Vermont races. In Montpelier
they include the 41-year-old Paul Mailman Ten Miler, the 38-year-old Capitol
City Stampede, the Kids Track Meet and
the Fallen Leaves 5K Series. The club also
puts on the Berlin Pond Five Miler, the
Bear Swamp Run in Middlesex, the Leaf-
peepers Half Marathon in Waterbury and

others. The Leafpeepers has been ranked
one of the top half marathons in the country. The CVR schedule can be found at
www.cvrunners.org. Onion River Sports
sponsors most Central Vermont Runners
events, and, together with the Kiwanis
Club, holds the increasingly popular and
successful Montpelier Mile, which kicks
off Montpeliers Independence Day celebration each year on July 3.
Montpelier dog owners regularly gather in
Hubbard Park in the field at the parking
lot above the intersection of Parkway Street
and Corse Trail, above the Old Shelter, for
after-work romps for their canines. If you
want a workout goal with your pup, try the
annual Mutt Strut sponsored by Central
Vermont Runners at Little River State Park
in the spring. See www.cvrunners.org .
Last but not least, the Montpelier Chapter
of the Green Mountain Club has an active
schedule with 400 members from Montpelier and surrounding towns. In addition
to maintaining a section of and hiking the
Long Trail, Green Mountain Club volunteers lead trips year round. Depending
on the season, these trips may be hiking,
biking, paddling, cross-country skiing,
or snowshoe trips with varying published
degrees of difficulty, from easy to moderate to difficult. There is no charge for
such outings and you do not have to be a
member, although membership support is
encouraged. See www.gmcmontpelier.org.

Of course there are activities to keep you
fit at home, such as gardening and wood
stacking, although such activities may not
be as social. Stay tuned for my next column
on Montpeliers secret gardens, shortcuts
and hidden jewels. Dont worry. I wont
give away too many secrets.
Part of Susan Reid's walking group

in Hubbard Park.
THE BRIDGE
Multifarious Multimodalism: Different Ways of Getting

Around
by Carl Etnier
multimodal transportation center is key to the

development plans for One Taylor Street in Montpelier. When it's complete, people will be able to
walk, bicycle or drive there and get onto Greyhound or
Green Mountain Transit Agency busses. They'll be able
to transfer from regional busses to intercity busses or vice
versa. Perhaps some day, a passenger use will be found for
the rail track that runs past it, to Barre in one direction
and Montpelier Junction in the other...
However, there's no need to wait to take advantage of multimodal transportation opportunities abound. Regional
busses in our area, for example, almost universally have
bicycle racks. I regularly bike down the hill from my home
in East Montpelier to College Street, where I take the bike
with me on the Route 2 commuter bus to Goddard College. At the end of the day, I get off the bus at a higher
elevation than College Street the corner of Towne Hill
Road and upper Main Street and ride home. Or, if I
want to come home at a different time than the bus, or to
work out the kinks after a day at a desk, I bike the entire
ten miles home from work.
It's not just bikes that can be combined with the bus. I
sometimes drive to College Street and take the bus from
there it puts six or seven miles on my car instead of 20.
I find bikes and busses to be a potent combination for
other regional trips, too. Bus service between Montpelier
and Barre is infrequent in the middle of the day. If I have
a meeting in Barre, I can take the bus there and bike back
to Montpelier immediately afterward, rather than waiting
for the next bus. It's even more convenient if I have an appointment at the hospital the Hospital Hill bus takes
me there, and I return via the almost entirely downhill
Paine Turnpike/Berlin Street or see some lovely countryside in exchange for a bit of uphill by riding via Stewart
Road and Hill Street.
East Montpelier resident Paul Erlbaum says he and his
wife, Rachel Grossman, have used the bike racks on the
Route 2 Commuter bus to travel to St. Johnsbury and start
five-day bike trips in the White Mountains. "It's great," he
said. "We've done it three different years. The worst that's
Opinion
happened is that the 6:30 a.m. bus already had a bike on
it, so only one of us could fit. The second person just came
an hour later. And at the end of our bike trip, we took the
bus back home from St. J."
I've seen the bike racks on the roofs of CarShare Vermont's
cars in Montpelier which means members who live a
ways from their downtown locations could bike in to City
Hall or School Street, drive off with their bicycles, and
bicycle at their final destination.
The LINK busses to Burlington have bike racks, too; taking the bike on the LINK puts the entire Queen City in
easy reach of my two-wheeler. And there's been years of
pressure on Amtrak to accept bicycles on the Vermonter
which they have done on a test basis, but are no longer
doing, according the Amtrak agent I spoke with.
For planes and trains that don't allow bikes, and automobiles that don't have bike racks, a folding bike can make
them multimodal, too. When I lived in Norway, I once
moved from a cabin in the countryside to an apartment in
Oslo entirely by folding bike, bike trailer and commuter
train. It was a lot of trips, but I was commuting anyway.
I've heard of people who take a folding bike on intercity
buses or airplanes in a bag or box marked "Exercise Equipment." In Henry Kissinger's pet phrase, the label has the
added advantage of being true.
overly long layovers. But it's a little tricky. Greyhound

goes directly to the airport, but it doesn't reliably hold its
timetable. The LINK keeps pretty close to its timetable,
but it doesn't go near the airport and it takes two bus
transfers in Burlington to get from the LINK route to the
airport. I've taken the LINK to Burlington and ordered a
cab ahead of time to meet me at one of its stops it's considerably cheaper than parking for more than three days.
Technically, driving to the Greyhound stop at City Hall,
the Amtrak station at Montpelier Junction, or the Burlington airport constitutes multimodal transportation but
somehow it feels more adventurously multimodal if the
drive is a bit longer. For example, a drive to the Dartmouth
Coach in Lebanon can be the prelude to a relaxing and/or
productive bus trip to Boston or New York City while
avoiding traffic hassles and parking costs in the city. Since
Dartmouth's Boston bus goes both to South Station and
Logan, it's convenient to really put the "multi" in multimodal by transferring to a train or plane.
In a way, even the most car-bound among us generally
travel as multimodalists. Most drivers walk out the front
door to get to the car, after all, and walk to their final
destination. But with a little planning, determination and
sometimes a dose of creativity, it's possible to combine a
lot more modes of travel. When I've done so, I not only
feel good about reducing my carbon emissions, I feel invigorated after a brisk bike ride from the bus. Or socially
satisfied from a conversation with a new rideshare buddy
or seatmate on the bus or train. Or just refreshed from
being able to nap on my travels and leave the driving to
someone else.
I also find multimodal ways to travel without involving

bicycles at all. For example, I'll take the LINK bus to
some event in Burlington, getting email done via the bus's
wifi, and then connect at the event with someone for a
ride home. On some of these journeys, I've gotten to know
mere acquaintances considerably better.
How about a bus-plane combination? Some Burlington
flights can be reached by bus from Montpelier without
Opinion
Life is a Highway
by Michelle A.L. Singer
hen I was in high school, Tom Cochrans version of the song Life is a Highway hit the airwaves and attached itself directly to my nervous system. I had a
license, a good pair of sunglasses and a great car. My cooler-than-thou brother
had handed down to me a 66 Mustang with a souped-up engine and custom stereo with
a bass cannon in the trunk. I had Life is a Highway on a cassette single and when I
popped it in and pumped it up, I became a daredevil and, I suspected, a badass.
I had developed a series of racy vehicular maneuvers for different parts of the song
swerves at the doot doota doot doot YEAH! and at the screeching Whoooooo! part,
I floored it. This particular dance driving routine earned me more than one brush with
disaster but I had a Mustang with a 302 and it was painted black: I was immortal.
Two decades and three children later, I recently found myself driving into town in my
standard-issue silver Subaru. I was having a blessed moment to myself no kids in the
backseat complaining, just me and a summer afternoon when Life is a Highway
came on the radio. I smiled. My palms began to twitch on the steering wheel. At a stop
sign I looked carefully around. I waited for the right part of the song. Then, with a glint
in my eye, I punched the gas pedal to the floor for just a few seconds Whoooooo! before
I returned to the dictates of my sensible mother protocol. I am no longer immortal, but
its still my song. Im more careful, more tired, less daredevil and certainly less badass,
but life is still my highway. Doot doota doot doot YEAH!
Michelle A.L. Singer lives in East Montpelier and, amazingly, the Mustang is still in her life.
Its now painted dark burgundy and is just getting a new exhaust manifold. And no, its not
for sale.
T H E B R I D G E
Relive Your Youth in a Classic Car

and today there are fewer and fewer Escorts
on the road. In recent years people have
asked Dan, When the Escorts disappear,
what are you going to do?
Like a number of other classic cars that Dan

Barrows has worked on recently, the Belvedere was found locally. According to Dan,
The last eight cars I brought here were
Well, as early as the 1980s, Dan was dis- within 21 miles of me. Some of them were
covering a stronger and stronger market for in storage lockers. Some of them came out
classic cars. As the Escort business faded, of barns tucked under blankets.
Dan turned his attention to finding, then The Belvedere was an estate car meaning
rebuilding and not just rebuilding, but that its owner had died. It was a surviving
doing complete makeovers on classic cars.
family member who phoned Dan to ask,
Sometimes Dans work involves a complete Are you still buying classic cars?
restoration. Sometimes he builds a replica.
Pointing to a Ford hot rod out on the middle
of the grass, Dan said, Thats a replica car.
The top comes off and it turns into a convertible.
With a replica car, its not enough to produce

a car that looks exactly like the car it once
was. Youve got to take those cars and make
them all modern by adding disk brakes,
power steering, air conditioning. Dans Ford
hot rod includes a number of show-off
gadgets that open the door or the gas tank,
or that slowly lift the trunk. The high luster
shine isnt metal. Its fiberglass and it wont
rust, Dan said.
Talking about price, Dan said that Ford hot
rods like the one on his lot now average between $30,000 and $60,000. That orange
one is on eBay for $40,000, he said. I can
find you five on eBay for $40,000.
Continued from Page 1

Dan described his work on the Belvedere as
a minor restoration with a touch up on the
body work. You put on new tires, and the
car is ready to go.
That Belvedere does take your breath away
with the awesome sweep of its wrap-around
windshield, its classy grill and headlights
and its whitewall tires. The car is parked. Its
not moving. But like a crouching animal, its
ready to go. Its ready to fly.
Warming to his subject, Dan said, Those

high fins in back. You dont see those anymore.
Those dual antennas that was the
We went to Barre Street (in Montpelier),
look.
Dan said. When they opened the garage
door, the car was there but it was under a Dan and I talked about the almost irresistcloth cover. When Dan peeled back the ible pull of a classic car. He remembers what
cover, there in front of him was a 1957 it was like in the 1950s and 60s in MontpeBelvedere with 52,000 miles in near-mint lier when 30 to 40 guys with their muscle
cars would hang out there in front of the old
condition.
I was blown away, Dan said, to think that Chittenden Bank building on State Street
a car like this had been stored in a local ga- where Capitol Grounds is today.
Well, of course, he was.
rage less than 10 miles away from his shop

all these years and in near-mint condition.
They hooked up the battery and drove it out
of the garage.
Getting to the final deal was a comparatively straightforward task. I gave them a
price. They said, No. Then they came back
with another offer. I finally agreed on their
price.
Without disclosing the final price, Dan

The Plymouth Belvedere at Just Escorts has said, A car like this, as it is, would sell for
its own delicious story.
$30,000 to $45,000.
Said Dan, There are a lot of people walking

around who want to relive their youth, who
want to get in touch with their memories.
A classic car? You find that car. Its the key
that opens a door to his heart. For a man it
might be remembering the first car he ever
drove. For a man and a woman, it might
be the car they got married in. It might be
remembering what it felt to be young. Said
Dan, They know the car. They had that
car when they were young. The man might
say, I had that car when I was 16 or 17. My
wife wants it.
Dan Barrows of
Just Escorts with
the Belvedere, the
Ford Hot rod and an
antique Sky Chie f
gas pump.
T&T Truck for Hire
LIght movIng, L andfILL

runs, and odd jobs.
Weve got the truck.
Give us a call at:
224.1360
Recycle
This Paper!
The Capitol Steps bring hilarious political

satire to Chandler on Sept. 11
THE BRIDGE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
MBAC Meeting. Meeting of the Montpelier Bicycle

Advisory Committee. First Thurs., 8 a.m. Police
Station Community Room, 534 Washington St.,
Montpelier. 262-6273.
Diabetes Support Group. First Thurs., 78 p.m.
Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical
Center. 371-4152.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Lawn Fest and Craft Sale. Sept. 4, 5, 7. China,

kitchenware, linens, books, puzzles, games, toys,
sports equipment, small appliances, baskets,
jewelryand some wonderful collectibles. Snacks
and lunch. 9 a.m.4 p.m. Waterbury Center
Community Church, 3583 Waterbury Stowe Rd.,
Waterbury Center. 244-8089.
Death Caf. Group discussion about death with
no agenda, objectives or themes. First Fri., 11:45
a.m.1 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2,
Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Bring your
own lunch or eat at the center for $4. 223-3322.
Performing Arts
THEATER, STORYTELLING & COMEDY
Sept. 3: LPN Comedy Night. Please welcome and support the return of comedy to the former Black
Door in Montpelier. With Kathleen Kanz, Taylor Scribner, Joe Gingras and Bitsy Biron. Adult content. 8 p.m. La Puerta Negra, 44 Main St., Montpelier. $5.
Sept. 4: Laugh Local Vermont Open Mic Comedy Night. Montpelier's longest currently running
monthly comedy open mic. Please support local comedy by performing or watching those that do.
Sign-ups 7:30 p.m.; show starts 8 p.m. The American Legion Post #3, 21 Main St., Montpelier. Free;
donations welcome. Bob: 793-3884.
Sept. 11: A Fleeting Animal: An Opera on the Judevine. A creation of Brookfield composer Erik
Nielsen and Wolcott poet David Budbill. Timeless in its themes: the harm of individual isolation and
the possibility of community redemption. Like all great operas, it has passion, humor and tragedy.
Music inspired by French Canadian fiddle tunes, the blues, jazz and other contemporary styles.
7:30 p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $25. 476-8188. barreoperahouse.org
Sept. 11: The Capitol Steps. The famed and hilarious political satire group Capitol Steps perform
an evening of political merriment. The material is updated constantly. No matter who or what is in
the headlines, you can bet the Capitol Steps will tackle both sides of the political spectrum and all
things equally foolish. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. $36. 728-6464.
chandler-arts.org
Sept. 17Oct. 25: The Hound of The Baskervilles. Presented by Lost Nation Theater. Sir Arthur
Conan Doyles celebrated Sherlock Holmes story gets a gloriously funny makeover. Thurs., 7 p.m.;
Fri. and Sat, 8 p.m.; Sept. 19 and Sun., 2 p.m. Lost Nation Theater, City Hall Arts Center, Main St.,
Montpelier. $30 Fri. and Sat.,; $25 Thurs. and matinees; discounts for students and seniors. 2290492. lostnationtheater.org.
Sept. 18: Stroke Yer Joke. Sign up in advance on Facebook, or sign up at the door a half hour
before show time, and try five minutes of your best open-mic stand-up comedy before a live audience. 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com.
espressobueno.com.
Sept. 19: Ballets with a Twist: Mint Julep and Other Spirited Dances. Reinvents the glamour and
excitement of classic entertainment with an original mix of charismatic choreography, intoxicating
music and exquisite costume design. Program highlights include the spunky Shirley Temple and
Kentucky Derby-inspired Mint Julep. 7:30 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $2059. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org
Book Signing and Discussion: Chris Hadsel.

Chris Hadsel author of Suspended Worlds book
signing, discussion, Curtains without Borders to
preserve historic stage scenery. 56:30 p.m. T.W.
Wood Gallery, 46 Barre St, East Wing, 2F, Montpelier. Free. 262-6035. ginnycallan.woodartgallery@gmail.com. twwoodgallery.org
Coffeehouse. Enjoy live music and share your
own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages.
First Fri., 79 p.m. Trinity United Methodist
Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier (park and enter
at rear). Free. 244-5191, 472-8297 or rawilburjr@
comcast.net.
Art and Author Night: Interior Spaces. Art
opening of paintings by Diane Fitch, 6 p.m.
Reading with author Sherry Olson, 7 p.m. Jaquith
Public Library, Jaquith Public Library, 122 School
St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
Stories to Sweeten the Jewish New Year. Shabbat service with lively singing and storytelling with
Rabbis Tobie Weisman and Michal Woll, Maggid
Yitzhak Buxbaum and Carole Forman, 6 p.m.
Catered meal, 7:30 p.m. Yearning for Learning
Center, 32 Main St., Montpelier. $15-36 sliding
scale suggested donation for meal and session. No
fee for services. Register: 223-0583. yearning4learning.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
National Federation of the Blind, Montpelier

Chapter. First Sat. Lane Shops community room,
1 Mechanic St., Montpelier. 229-0093.
jewelry and some wonderful collectibles. 9 a.m.4
p.m. Waterbury Center Community Church,
3583 Waterbury Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center.
244-8089.
The Northeast Storytellers. Writers, readers
and appreciators of prose and verse meet regularly
the first Saturday of every month. The public is
welcome to attend and new members are always
encouraged to join. 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. Catamount
Arts, 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury. 751-5432.
brookequillen@yahoo.com.
Osteoporosis Education and Support Group.
For those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, have a family member who has
been diagnosed or want to learn about osteoporosis. Learn from a variety of guest speakers and
medical specialists. First Sat., 13 p.m. Community National Bank, Community Room, Crawford
Rd., Derby. 535-2011. mary@betterbonesnek.org.
betterbonesnek.org.
Fleeting Animal Benefit. An evening of entertainment, food, wine and discourse benefitting the
documentary film of Erik Nielsen and David
Budbills opera A Fleeting Animal: An Opera from
Judevine. The program includes poetry reading
by David Budbill, Rep. Chip Troiano speaking
about his experiences in Vietnam, music by Tom
MacKenzie and more. 79 p.m. Wood Art Gallery,
46 Barre St., Montpelier. $25 suggested donation.
Space is limited. Reservations: 223-5124 or info@
susanbettmann.com.
Espresso Brain-o. Mount your best small team,
and come eat, drink and think your way through
this dynamic live trivia game. 7 p.m. Espresso
Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. $5. 479-0896.
events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Spiritual Attunement for the Jewish New

Year. With Maggid Yitzhak and Carole Forman, 7:158:45 p.m. Selichot service with Rabbis
Michal Woll and Tobie Weisman, 99:30 p.m.
Yearning for Learning Center, 32 Main St., Montpelier. $1536 sliding scale suggested donation.
No fee for Selichot services. Register: 223-0583.
yearning4learning.org
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Storytelling and Apple Tasting for the Jewish

New Year. Apple tasting and storytelling for
families and children. With storytelling masters
Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum and Carole Forman.
10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Elmore Roots Nursery, 631
Symonds Mill Rd., Wolcott. $1520 suggested
donation per family. Reservations: 223-0583.
yearning4learning.org
Monarch Butterfly Tagging. Drop by any time
between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. to catch, tag and
release some migrating monarchs. Well look for
other butterflies and bugs as well! We have nets
to share, but bring a net if you have one. 3:305
p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St.,
Montpelier. Adults $5; children $3. 229-6206.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Hike Avery's Gore with Green Mountain Club.

Difficult. 8 miles round trip. Gore Mountain.
Hike to fire tower/summit. Contact Michael for
meeting time and place: 249-0520 or chernick5@
comcast.net
jewelry and some wonderful collectibles. 9 a.m.4
p.m. Waterbury Center Community Church,
3583 Waterbury Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center.
244-8089.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Medicare and You Workshop. New to Medicare?

Have questions? We have answers. Second and
fourth Tues., 34:30 p.m. 59 N. Main St., Ste.
200, Barre. Free, donations gratefully accepted.
479-0531. cvcoa@cvcoa.org. cvcoa.org.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens
Children. Second Tues., 68 p.m. Child care
provided. Wesley Methodist Church, Main St.,
Waterbury. 476-1480.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 1011:30 a.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
Pete Seeger, Musician. A focus on Seegers

music with musician Mark Greenberg. An Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute program. Doors open
12:30 p.m. for those wishing to bring a brown bag
lunch; programs starts 1:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $5
suggested donation to Osher. 454-1234. MSAC:
223-2518.
Celiac and Food Allergy Support Group. With
Lisa Mas of Harmonized Cookery. Second Wed.,
4:306 p.m. Conference room 3, Central Vermont
Medical Center. lisamase@gmail.com.
Spotlight: Great Play Discussion. As You Like
It by William Shakespeare. Discussion with
Joanne Greenberg and the cast of Lost Nation Theatre. Explore one of Shakespeares most influential
plays. 5:156:15 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org
Quilting Group. Working meeting of the Dog
River Quilters. Second Wed., 5:30 p.m. Community room, Brown Public Library, Northfield. Jean,
585-5078 or jeanjolley@myfairpoint.net.
Group Dream Embodiment. Come and see what
dreams can bring us. If possible, bring 23 dreams
to discover the unique message they have for you.
All dreamers welcome. 68 p.m. Nutty Stephs,
961 US-2, Middlesex. Donations accepted. 5226889.
Bereaved Parents Support Group. Second Wed.,
68 p.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd., Berlin.
Jeneane Lunn 793-2376.
Young Adult Book Discussion. Open to anyone,
any age, with an interest and passion for young
adult literature. The goal is to inspire a rich, lively
discussion from people who bring varied perspec-
T H E B R I D G E
Music
Calendar of Events
The Villalobos Brothers bring Mexican

folk music to the Barre Labor Hall on
Sept. 11
VENUES
Sept. 11: Free Music in the Alley. Hosted by

Axels Gallery and curated by TURNmusic. Featuring Parker Shper who grew up playing piano
by ear. Eclectic jazz roots. 69 p.m. The alleyway
between Axels Gallery and Cork Wine Bar, Stowe
St., Waterbury. Free. axelsgallery.com
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre.

479-0896. Free/by donation.
events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Sept. 4: Susan Picking, 7 p.m.; Dan Weintraub,
8 p.m.; Michelle Rodriguez with Paul Boffa,
9 p.m.
Sept. 11: Jazzyaoke, 7:30 p.m. $5.
Sept. 19: Open Mic & Talent Show, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11: The Villalobos Brothers. Brothers

Ernesto, Alberto and Luis bring their classical
violin training and Mexican folk roots together to
create contemporary high-octane Mexican fiddle
music. Their music carries a strong message of
love and brotherhood, as well as a commitment to
social justice. Part of Vermont Tour for Migrant
Justice and Milk with Dignity. 8 p.m. Barre Labor
Hall, 46 Granite St., Barre. Tickets start at $15.
http://migrantjustice.net/civicrm/contribute/
transact?reset=1&id=8
La Puerta Negra. 8 p.m. 44 Main St., Montpelier. $5. 613-3172.

Sept. 4: BOSSMAN (reggae)
Sept. 18: The Rough and Tumble (Americana)
Positive Pie. 10 p.m. 22 State St., Montpelier.
229-0453. positivepie.com.
Sept. 4: Afinque (salsa/Afro-Cuban) $8.
Sept. 11: The House Band, $5.
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m.
31 County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free.
whammybar1.com.
Sept. 3: Willa Mamet and Paul Miller
Sept. 4: Lefty Yunger (blues)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Sept. 4: Jo Dee Messina. Since breaking onto
the country music scene with the hit Heads
Carolina, Tails California, Messina has had
nine #1 songs and has won countless awards
including the Academy of Country Musics Top
tives to the books because of diversity in age, life

experience and reading tastes. The September
book is "The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian," by Sherman Alexie. Second Wed.,
6:308 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, East
Montpelier Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Montpelier City Council Meeting. Second and
fourth Wed., 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers,
Montpelier City Hall. 39 Main St., Montpelier.
montpelier-vt.org.
Therapy Dog Visit. MSAC member Martha
Chaiken and her therapy dog, Coco, visit to
provide companionship and play. Information
about Therapy Dogs of Vermont and how to get
involved. 11:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity
Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
Author Reading and Book Signing: Elayne
Clift. Author Elayne Clift reads excerpts from
her newest book Children of the Chalet.
7:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Hayes
Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Friday Night Group. For youth age 1322 who

are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or
questioning. Pizza, soft drinks and conversation.
Cofacilitated by two trained, adult volunteers
from Outright VT. Second and fourth Fri.,
6:308 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. 223-7035. Micah@OutrightVT.
org.
Winooski River Clean-up. Sponsored by Friends

of the Winooski River. Help improve the streams
and rivers for Vermont. Bagels and coffee, 8:309
a.m.; clean-up 9 a.m.noon. Meet in front of City
Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier. Volunteers will
head out to clean-up sites from there. 882-8276.
Advance sign-up appreciated: info@winooskiriver.
org. winooskiriver.org
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program
for physically, emotionally and spiritually overcoming overeating. Two meeting days and locations. Second Sat., 8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal
Church of the Good Shepherd, 39 Washington
St., Barre. 249-3970.
White River Clean-up. Sponsored by White River Partnership, Vermont Law School and Redstart
Forestry. Help improve the streams and rivers for
Vermont. 911 a.m. Vermont Law School parking lot downstream of South Royalton bridge.
763-7733. mary@whiteriverpartnership.org
Everything But the Baby! Sale. Kids clothes to
size 6X, maternity clothes, toys, carriers and baby
gear. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Quality donations appreci-
Troy McGillivray, The Fretless, Press Gang and

more. Ethnic foods, crafts and creative activities in the childrens tent. Main St., Randolph.
Adults $39; children under 12 free. 728-6464.
newworldfestival.com
Sept. 12: Carol Ann Jones Quartet. A freeflowing up-tempo evening of rock, country, pop,
jazz and blues. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing
Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $2035.
760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org
Female Artist of the Year and CMAs prestigious
Horizon Award. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall,
71-73 Main St., Randolph. $35-75. 728-6464.
chandler-arts.org.
Sept. 4: Benefit Concert for the Palestinian
Violin Project. Concert by pianist Michael Arnowitt and violinist Michael Dabroski to support
Palestinian children's music education. 7:309
p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. Free-will offering requested. 229-4011.
mhage56@yahoo.com
ated. Drop-off donations Sept. 11, between 8

a.m. and noon. Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier. 244-1254. babywearerscentralvt@
gmail.com
2015 Walk or Run for Children. With Prevent
Child Abuse Vermont. An opportunity to alert
Vermonters to the need for a community commitment to child abuse prevention. Special guest is
the amazing Spider-Man, who has a long history
of being a proponent of child abuse prevention.
Come and see Spidey, and for pledges of $100 or
more, get your picture taken with him. 10 a.m.;
check-in 8 a.m. The State House lawn, State St.,
Montpelier. Register: 1-800-CHILDREN or
pcavt.org
Touch-a-Truck. Presented by Barre Kiwanis
Club. A unique opportunity for children to
explore vehicles of all types public service,
emergency, utility, construction and more all
in one place. Supervised environment. 10 a.m.
2 p.m. Barre Town Recreation Area, behind Barre
Town Middle & Elementary School, Websterville
Rd., Barre. $6 per family benefits Barre Kiwanis
projects. 476-4029.
Memory Caf. A safe and accepting place for
people living with memory loss and their care
partners to meet and socialize. Special guests
Bill "Spaceman" Lee, retired legendary Red Sox
Pitcher, and Brian Gallagher, Vice-President and
General Manager of the Vermont Mountaineers.
Hot dogs, beverages and fixings. 10:30 a.m.
noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St., Montpelier. Free; open to the public. Liz:
229-9630.
Second Saturday: Mammoth Discoveries!
Archaeologist Brennan Gauthier will discuss
the discovery of a mammoth tooth and tusk in
1848 at Mount Holly. He will talk about theories
developed at the time to explain the bones, as well
as what we know now after 150 years of archaeological and scientific progress. 23 p.m. Vermont
History Center, 60 Washington St., Barre. Free
with museum admission (adults $5; seniors $3;
students/children/members free.) vermonthistory.
org
Sip n Spin. Vinyl geeks unite! Bring a selection
of your favorite LPs any genre and play
them for the crowd. Two turntables and a mixer
on site. 7 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St.,
Barre. $5. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com.
espressobueno.com.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Verve in Verse: Poetry Reading. Featuring Kerrin McCadden and Ryan Walsh. Reception and
book signings follow down the road at the Kent
exhibit. 34 p.m. Old West Church, 758 Old
West Church Rd., Calais. kentscorner.org
Rebel Intuitive Perfumerie at Salaam Boutique. Join Beckie Sheloske and Katy Knuth from
Rebel Intuitive and Sarah Lesser from Salaam for
Sept. 5: Dave Keller Band: Soul and Blues from

Montpelier to Memphis. Singer, guitarist and
songwriter performs. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe.
$2035. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org
Sept. 6: Chandlers New World Festival. The
11-hour festival celebrates the Celtic and French
Canadian musical traditions brought to northern
New England by English, Scottish, Irish and
French-Canadian immigrants. Featured are Ten
Strings and a Goat String, Andrea Beaton and
pairing of Rebel Intuitive scents with the latest

fall fashions. Enjoy complimentary refreshments
and an evening of fragrance, fashion and fun.
58 p.m. Salaam Boutique, 40 State St., Montpelier. rebelintuitive.com
Rosh Hoshanah Service. 6:30 p.m. Beth Jacob
Synagogue, 10 Harrison Ave., Montpelier. Complete schedule and donations: bethjacobsvt.org
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
High Holiday Services. Rosh Hoshanah, 9 a.m.;

Tashlich, afternoon time T.B.A.; Humanistic
service, 7 p.m. Beth Jacob Synagogue, 10 Harrison Ave., Montpelier. Complete schedule and
donations: bethjacobsvt.org
Baby & Toddler Story Time. 10 a.m. Waterbury
Public Library temporary location, 30 Foundry
St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Peace & Justice Center Book Discussion. Sept.
1415. "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle
Alexander. Discussion will focus on the War on
Drugs, how it became the booming industry it is
today and how communities of color have been
disproportionately affected by the industry. 68
p.m. Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St.,
Barre. program@pjcvt.org. pjcvt.org
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open
to anyone who has experienced the death of a
loved one. 6-7:30 p.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
Send your listing to

calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue
is August 27.
Send information for events
happening Sept. 3Sept. 19.
10+1 Prenatal Superfoods. With Tara Carpenter. Part of The Birthing Year: New Parent Preparation Series. Babes in arms welcome. Free onsite
childcare for elder siblings may be available.
68 p.m. Good Beginnings, 174 River St., Montpelier. Free. Register: 595-7953.
Italys Friuli Venezia Giulia Region: Beautiful,
Fascinating, and Affordable! Learn about the
Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the most northeast
region of Italy, bordered by Slovenia, Austria and
the Adriatic Sea, filled with exquisite food, history
and stunning sites. Mary Sue Lyons will lead a
slide show tour through the region, in what is sure
to be the least expensive (but still very enjoyable)
trip to Italy ever. Sponsored by the Vermont Italian club. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.
org.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Rosh Hoshanah Service. 9 a.m. Beth Jacob Synagogue, 10 Harrison Ave., Montpelier. Complete
schedule and donations: bethjacobsvt.org
Introduction to the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. Crossword enthusiast Renee
Epstein will share tips and tricks to help you
complete crossword puzzles more easily. 13 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to all seniors. Pre-registration welcomed but not required: 223-2518.
Peace & Justice Center Book Discussion. Sept.
1415. "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle
THE BRIDGE
Calendar of Events
October Berries by Robin LaHue (left) and La Grange Orange St. Octave by Frank Woods are currently on display through Sept 18 as
part of the Art Resource Association Group Members Show at the T.W. Wood Gallery in Montpelier.
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Sept. 6: Karla Van Vliet and Kathleen

A. McGuffin, Making Sacred Connections. Van
Vliet is a poet, painter and sculptor. McGuffin is
a modern painter. Part of the Vermont Festival
of the Arts. The Waitsfield United Church of
Christ, 4335 Main St., Rt. 100, Waitsfield. Free;
donations welcome. 496-3065.
Through Sept. 7: 26th annual Photo Show
in the Round Barn. Community-based photo
show. Part of Vermont Festival of the Arts in the
Mad River Valley. Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.5 p.m.;
Sat.Sun., 10 a.m.2:30 p.m. The Round Barn,
E. Warren Rd., Waitsfield. roundbarn.com. For
more information and entry forms: greenmountainculturalcenter.com.
Through Sept. 7: Generations. 87 paintings by
invited artists and teachers and their students.
Watercolors, oils, acrylics and pastels by artists
aged 685 years old over the past 75 years.
11 a.m.5 p.m. and by appointment. Bryan
Memorial Gallery, 180 Main St., Jeffersonville.
644-5100. bryangallery.org.
Through Sept. 18: Art Resource Association
Group Members Show. Celebrating 40 years.
An excellent opportunity to view many central
Vermont artists works. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46
Barre St., Montpelier. artresourceassociation.
com. twwoodgallery.org.
Through Sept. 23: Alan Jacobs. Abstract paintings by Jacobs, a retired psychiatrist and psychoanalyst and self-taught artist. Gifford Medical
Alexander. Discussion will focus on the War on
Drugs, how it became the booming industry it is
today and how communities of color have been
disproportionately affected by the industry.
68 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington
St., Barre. program@pjcvt.org. pjcvt.org
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Events and Trends in the Middle East. Presented
by retired CIA station chief Haviland Smith.
An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program.
Doors open 12:30 p.m. for those wishing to bring
a brown bag lunch; programs starts 1:30 p.m.
Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St., Barre.
454-1234.
Film and Panel Discussion: Growing up Trans.

The program focuses on young adults who
transitioned in childhood, how society and their
communities relate to them and documents the
struggles they face. A Frontline Program and part
of the LGBTQ series. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org.
Film at Jaquith Library. Birds eye view of bird
migration. A big screen movie. Stunning photography; a visual treat. For people of all ages. 7 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. Call library for film title: 426-3581.
Montpelier School Board Meeting. 7 p.m.
Montpelier High School library, 5 High School
Dr., Montpelier. 225-8000.
Center gallery, 44 S. Main St., Randolph. Free.

728-7000.
Through Sept. 26: Karla Van Vliet. Mixed
media works inspired by the artists own dreams.
Reception: Sept. 5, 68 p.m. Axels Gallery, 5
Stowe St., Waterbury. 244-7801. info@axelsgallery.com. axelsgallery.com.
Through Sept. 26: Paintings of Diane Fitch.
Opening: Sept. 4, 6 p.m. Jaquith Public Library,
122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
Through Sept. 30: Tom Leytham, The Other
Working Landscape. Watercolor prints. Gallery hours Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.5 p.m. Pavilion
Office Building, Governors Gallery, 109 State
St., Montpelier. tomleythamarchitectartist.com.
Through Sept. 30: Paintings by Marina
Epstein. 20 years of painting ranging from the
artists earliest influences of surrealism, abstract
expressionism and more. The Vermont State
Supreme Court, 111 State St., Montpelier. Free.
229-6297. hermitage-gallery.com.
Sept. 430: The Fantastical World of Liz
Le Serviget. Enter the fantastical world of Le
Servigets painted menagerie and delight in the
organic forms, swirls and vivid colors that soar
with her imagination. Opening reception: Sept.
4, 48 p.m. Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St., Montpelier. 223-1981. cheshirecatclothing.com.
Sat., noon4 p.m. 201 N. Main St., Barre. 4797069. studioplacearts.com

Main floor: Rock Solid for Fifteen Years. Annual exhibit showcases stone sculptures and
assemblages by area artists. In addition, take
the Art Stroll around downtown, historic
Barre and view a variety of sculptures created
from granite.
Second floor: Tarpentry. A visual narrative of
landscape and culture by Linda Bryan.
Third floor: Pattern & Signal. Paintings and
ceramics by Alex Constantino. Reception:
Sept. 17, 5:307:30 p.m.
fractured space through the lens of the narrative,

structure and optics and how those constructions
or deconstructions create new meaning, new
perceptions and new truths. Reception: Sept.
11, 6 p.m. Gallery hours: Wed.Sun., noon5
p.m. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe.
253-8358. mail@helenday.com
Through Nov. 2: Photographing the Flower.

Celebrates the work of local photographers who
participated in River Arts' Photographing the
Flower workshop taught by local photographer,
Kent Shaw. Images on display highlight the
artists' work, craft and unique vision. Morrisville Post Office, 16 Portland St., Morrisville.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org
Sept. 4: Opening Reception for Women of

Norwich: Trailblazers and Torchbearers.
Features many facets of the women who were
first first ladies of the Norwich presidents,
first women in the Corps of Cadets, and first
women in fields where they have not traditionally been employed or deployed. 35 p.m. Norwich University Sullivan Museum and History
Center, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield. Free; open
to the public. acedemics.norwich.edu/museum/
Sept. 10Nov. 2. Hal Mayforth, Two Trains

Running. Large abstract paintings on canvas
as well as smaller works on wood panel that are
cartoon and humorous in nature. Also included
in this exhibit is a sampling of pages from
Mayforths sketchbooks. Reception and artist
talk: Sept. 10, 57 p.m. Gallery hours: Mon.
Thurs., 9 a.m.4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.2 p.m. River
Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
Through Oct. 14: Exposed. Outdoor sculpture

exhibit. 18 monumental sculptures and installations. The art works are installed in Stowe along
Main Street, the recreation path and at Helen
Day Art Center at 90 Pond St., Stowe. helenday.
com/exposed2015.
Sept. 12Nov. 8: Sound and Fury. Thought

provoking exhibition explores themes centered
on the meaning of life and death. Various mediums. Opening reception: Sept. 12, 68 p.m.
Chandler Gallery, 71-73 Main St., Randolph.
Sept. 15Oct. 30: Exhibits at Studio Place

Arts. Gallery hours: Tues.Fri., 11 a.m.5 p.m.;
Sept. 11Nov. 22: Fractured: Works on Paper.

Group exhibition of works on paper looks at
raphy with other photography enthusiasts in an

atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. Adults/teens.
Third Thurs., 68 p.m. River Arts Center, 74
Pleasant St., Morrisville. $5 suggested donation.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
The Tunbridge Worlds Fair. Sept. 1720. Thurs.,

8 a.m.9 p.m.; Fri., 7 a.m.9 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m.10
p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.6 p.m. 1 Fairground Rd., Tunbridge. Thurs., Fri. and Sun., $10; seniors on Fri.,
$8; Sat., $15; season ticket $35. For full schedule:
tunbridgeworldsfair.com
Brain Injury Support Group. Open to all survivors, caregivers and adult family members. Third
Thurs., 1:302:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850.
Diabetes Discussion Group. Focus on selfmanagement. Open to anyone with diabetes
and their families. Third Thurs., 1:30 p.m. The
Health Center, Plainfield. Free. Don 322-6600 or
dgrabowski@the-health-center.org.
Credit Card Debt: What to Do if it Gets Out of
Control. With Robin Barone. Responsible handling of credit card debt, what to do if you have to
go to court and how to avoid unscrupulous credit
card debt collectors. 5 p.m. Central Vermont
Basic Educations Montpelier Learning Center,
100 State St., Montpelier. Register in advance:
476-4588 or 223-3403.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. Monthly
group for people affected by a suicide death. Third
Thurs., 67:30 p.m. Central Vermont Medical
Center, conference rm. 1, Fisher Rd., Berlin. 2230924. calakel@comcast.com.afsp.org.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens
Children. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Child care
provided. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137
River Arts Photo Co-op. Gather, promote and
share your experience and knowledge of photog-
Designing Abundance: Applying Permaculture

Principles to Regional Design. A Transition
Town program. Presenter Victor Guadagno, an
Emmy winning director and permaculture expert
discusses permaculture on all scales and how it
can lead to a better society. 6:307:45 p.m. :30
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Songwriters Meeting. Meeting of the Northern
VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Songwriters
Association International. Bring copies of your
work. Third Thurs., 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts,
St. Johnsbury. John, 633-2204.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Preschool Story Time. 10 a.m. Waterbury Public
Library temporary location, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.
com.
Hike Waitsfield with Green Mountain Club.
Difficult. About 5 miles. Scrag Mountain from
Waitsfield to Northfield. Near the summit is the
Through Nov. 30: Mark Lorah, Building

Blocks. Vibrant, blocky abstract artworks.
Morse Block Deli, 260 N. Main St., Barre.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Sept. 4: Montpelier Art Walk. Art receptions

in many downtown venues. Selected locations
will feature local cheese. 48 p.m. Downtown
Montpelier. Free. 223-9604. artwalk@montpelieralive.org. montpelieralive.org/artwalk
Sept 12: Opening Celebration of the Kent Museum. The Kent shows encourage visitors to experience contemporary images within the bones
of an historic structure, providing a unique tour
of mid-19th century architecture enhanced by
modern forms. 35 p.m. Kent Museum, 7 Old
West Church Rd., Calais. kentscorner.org
former fire tower site, and below summit is the

cabin used by the lookout. Car spot necessary.
Contact one of two co-leaders for meeting place
and time: Rudy at 433-1004 or Phyllis Rubenstein
at 223-0020 or Phyllis@PhyllisRubensteinLaw.
comcastbiz.net
Bethany Church Lawn Sale. Sept. 1920.
8 a.m.4 p.m. Everything you could desire in one
place at great prices! Donations accepted Sept. 14,
18 p.m.; Sept. 1517, 8 a.m.8 p.m. No donations accepted on Sept. 18. Bethany Church, 115
Main St., Montpelier. 223-2424. uccbethany@
comcast.com. bethanychurchvt.org
Additional Recyclables Collection Center. Accepting scores of hard-to-recycle items. Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. 540 N. Main St. (old Times-Argus
building), Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org.
Lamoille River Clean-up. Sponsored by Vermont
River Conservancy, Lamoille River Anglers
Association and Lamoille County Conservation
District. Help improve the streams and rivers
for Vermont. 9 a.m.2 p.m. 459 Durarmel Rd.,
Morristown. 888-9218 x. 113. Kimberly.komer@
vtnecdnet.net
Chicken Pie Supper. Two sittings, 5 p.m. and
6:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137
Main St., Montpelier. Adults $12; children 10
and under $5. Take-outs available. Reservations
required: 229-9158.
T H E B R I D G E
Vermont Italian Club Presents Travel Program of the Lesser

Known Northeast Region of Italy
MONTPELIER Mary Sue Lyons, member of the Vermont Italian Club, will present
Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia Region: Beautiful, Fascinating and Affordable! on September
14, 6:30 p.m. at Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Lyons will lead a slide show tour of her travels
of the most northeast region of Italy that is bordered by Slovenia, Austria and the Adriatic
Sea. The Friuli Venezia Giulia region spans a wide variety of climates and beautiful landscapes and is known for its developed economy and being a key link to greater Europe.
Its population is now a mix of Italian, Austrian and Slavic cultures.
The presentation is sponsored by the Vermont Italian Club, a non-profit organization
committed to discussing, learning, sharing and celebrating the cultural heritage of Italy
and Italian-Americans. The club began in 1983 and currently has a about 150 members,
primarily in Chittenden County. Lyons hopes this presentation will not only encourage
travel to Italy but also generate interest in membership for a greater club presence in
Washington County.
Laghi di Fusine. Photo courtesy of Mary Sue Lyons
According to club president Stephen Baietti, the club hosts an array of events centered on
Italian culture such as dances, dinners, operas and renaissance art lectures. All events are
free of charge. Baietti says that members plan on hosting more events in and around the
Montpelier area. The only requirement for membership is an interest in Italian culture.
For more information on the Vermont Italian Club, visit www.vermontitalianclub.org.
For more information on Mary Sue Lyons' travel presentation on Sept. 14, please call
Kellogg-Hubbard Library at 223-3338 or visit www.kellogghubbard.org.
Mary Sue Lyons
Weekly Events
ART & CRAFT
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Noontime Knitters. All abilities welcome. Basics
taught. Crocheting, needlepoint and tatting also
welcome. Tues., noon1 p.m. Waterbury Public
Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. 244-7036.
Women Knitting for Peace Group. Knit/crochet
items to be donated to those in need world-wide.
Bring yarn and needles. Thurs., 1011 a.m. and
67:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518. For basic
info. and patterns: knitting4peace.org.
BICYCLING
Calendar of Events
benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and

Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
suggested donation; under 60 $9. Reservations:
262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
Barre Farmers Market. May 16Oct. 17.
Every Wed., 37 p.m.; every Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m.
Vermont Granite Museum, 7 Jones Brothers Rd.,
Barre. barrefarmersmarketvt.com.
Capital City Farmers Market. 53 farmers, food
producers and craftspeople. Every Sat. through
Oct. 31. 9 a.m.1 p.m. 60 State St., Montpelier.
capitalcityfarmersmarket.com.
Community Night. Fresh pasta dinners in support of local non-profits and other community
causes. A portion of the evenings proceeds will
be donated to a selected local non-profit. Sept.
12 benefits Lost Nation Theater. Sept. 19 benefits
Washington County Youth Service Bureau.
Every Sat., 5:308:30 p.m. North Branch Caf,
41 State St., Montpelier. 552-8105. thenorthbranch.com/upcoming-events/
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community

Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Fri., 46
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre for individuals and their families in or seeking
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org. recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
67:30 p.m.
Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and
practice your language skills with neighbors.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., Hebrew; Tues., Italian;
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French. Kellogg-Hubbard
Early Bird Bone Builders Class. With Cort
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
Richardson. Osteoporosis exercise and prevention
English Conversation Practice Group. For
program. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy
students learning English for the first time. Tues., shoes. Light weights provided or bring your own.
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic EducaAll ages. Every Mon., Wed. and Fri., 7:308:30
tion, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St.
a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. 2, Blueberry
223-3403.
Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. Cort: 223-3174
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading or 238-0789.
and share some good books. Books chosen by
Bone Building Exercises. All seniors welcome.
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 10:4511:45 a.m.
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
100 State St. 223-3403.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.
BOOKS & WORDS
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
Computer and Online Help. One-on-one computer help. Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.1 p.m. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury.
Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
Personal Financial Management Workshops.
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building and repair, budgeting and identity theft,
insurance, investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m.
Central Vermont Medical Center, Conference
Room 3. Registration: 371-4191.
FOOD & DRINK

Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.
Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
11 a.m.1 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
11:30 a.m.1 p.m.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St.,
11 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St.,
11:30 a.m.1 p.m.
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St.,
11 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
4:305:30 p.m.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.

Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.; Mon. and Wed.,
5:306:30 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.
Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
montpelier-vt.org.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m.
Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier.
552-3483.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program for physically, emotionally and spiritually
overcoming overeating. Two meeting days and
locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and Sat.,
8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Good
Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249-3970.
Every Fri., noon1 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Thurs., 25 p.m. 58 East State St., Ste. 3
(entrance at back), Montpelier. Free. 371-6222.
vtcares.org.
Mooditude Support Group. Open to anyone
coping with a mood disorder such as major
depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective
disorder, postpartum depression or dysthymia.
Every Thurs., 45:15 p.m. Gifford Medical
Center, 44 S. Main St., Randolph. Free. No
registration required. 728-2608.
cgould@giffordmed.org.
KIDS & TEENS
The Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in space

to hang out, make music, play pool, ping-pong
and board games and eat free food. All activities
are free. Mon.Thurs., 26 p.m., Fridays 3-10
p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. BasementTeenCenter.org
Read to Clara. Sign up for a 20-minute slot and
choose your books beforehand to read to this
special canine pal. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665
or at the childrens desk. kellogghubbard.org.
Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and
share quality time with the pre-schooler in your
life. Each week well read stories and spend time
together. A great way to introduce your preschooler to your local library. For ages 25. Every
Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151
High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.
Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to
create and play. All ages. Thurs., 34:30 p.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative
exploratory arts program with artist/instructor
Kelly Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon.
River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville.
888-1261. RiverArtsVT.org.
Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
books, use the gym, make art, play games and if
you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. 426-3581.
Musical Story Time. Join us for a melodious
good time. Ages birth6. Sat., 10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.
MUSIC & DANCE

Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal. Find your voice with 50 other women.
Mon., 7 p.m. Alumni Hall, Barre. 223-2039.
BarretonesVT.com.
Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60
Band. Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the
1960s. Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.
noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
Ballroom Dance Classes. With Samir Elabd.
Sponsored by Montpelier Recreation Department. No experience necessary, singles welcome.
Tues., Sept. 8Oct. 6. Swing, 67 p.m.; waltz
and tango, 78 p.m. Register: 225-8699. Information: 223-2921, elabd@comcast.net
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
information.
Piano Workshop. Informal time to play,
refresh your skills and get feedback if desired
with other supportive musicians. Singers and
listeners welcome. Thurs., 45:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to the public. 223-2518.
msac@montpelier-vt.org.
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St. 223-2518.
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt
Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498.
steven.light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
OUTDOORS
Tuesday Morning Nature Walks. with Marianne Kotch and Suzy Klinefelter. Every Tues.
through Sept. 29. 9 a.m. Meet at Barre Town
Forest kiosk, 44 Brook St., Websterville. 4764185. mkotch731@gmail.com.
Fall Migration Bird Walks. Come for a morning
walk to search for migrating warblers, vireos,
THE BRIDGE
tanagers, thrushes and more. Binoculars available for loan. Every Fri. through Oct. 2, 7:309
a.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St.,
Montpelier. $10 non-members; free for members
and kids. 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.
org.
Summer Bird Walk Series. Nesting activity is
picking up. Observe the fascinating behaviors
of our breeding birds. Walks are at a variety of local hot spots. June 19: Berlin Pond.
Fri., 7 a.m.8:30 a.m. $10; free for members.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables Collection Center accepts scores of hardto-recycle items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.;
Third Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North
Main St., Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.
RESOURCES
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. 80 tools
both power and manual. Wed., 46 p.m.; Sat.,
911 a.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959.
info@orexchange.com.
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Womens Group. Women age 40 and older
explore important issues and challenges in their
lives in a warm and supportive environment. Facilitated by psychotherapist Kathleen Zura. Every
Mon., 5:307:30 p.m. 41 Elm St., Montpelier.
223-6564. Insurances accepted.
SPIRITUALITY
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
room. When we are closed, we have free literature out on the portico, over the bench, for you
to read or take with you. Hours: Tues., 11 a.m.5
p.m.; Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.Sat., 11
a.m.1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier. 223-2477.
A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. 279-1495.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only:
479-0302.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those
interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St.,
Barre. Register: 479-3253.
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish
spirituality. Sun., 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning
for Learning Center, Montpelier. 223-0583.
info@yearning4learning.org.
SPORTS & GAMES

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

Christian Meditation Group. People of all faiths
welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ Church,
Montpelier. 223-6043.
Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.
Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier.
Free. Call for orientation: 229-0164.
Shambhala Buddhist Meditation. Group meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Tues., 78
p.m.; Wed., 67 p.m. New location: Center for
Culture and Learning, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137. montpeliershambala.org.
Do What You Do Best.
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.

Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.
Bookkeeping Payroll Consulting
Submit your calendar listing by using our

online submission form at
montpelierbridge.com/
calendar-submissions
~OR~
send listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue is Sept. 10.
Send information for events
happening Sept. 17Oct. 3.
802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
T H E B R I D G E
Classifieds
CLASSES
MASSAGE:
Vermonts longest operating massage school,
The Universal Institute of Healing Arts directed
by Bob Onne, offers Wellness, Self-Care and
Massage Classes, Tuesdays 6:30-9 p.m., starting
Sept. 22 for 10 weeks. The school is located in
Middlesex, just outside of Montpelier.
Call 802-229-4844,
email classinfo@universal-institute.com or visit
www.Universal-Institute.com for class details.
CLASSES
MEDITATION IN EVERYDAY LIFE,
an introductory class, is being offered at the
Montpelier Shambhala Center on Sept. 10
from 6:00 - 8:30, Sept. 12th, 9:00 - 5:00 and
Sept.17th, 6:30 - 8:30. It will explore mindfulness, inherent wisdom and ways that meditation can improve the quality of our daily life.
Cost is $110. No one will be turned away from
lack of funds. For more information and to
register, go to www.montpelier.shambhala.org
CLASSES
TAI CHI CHUAN:
Beginners Class. Cheng Man-chings "simplified" Yang-style. Taught by Patrick Cavanaugh of Long River Tai Chi. Starts Tuesday,
September 8th from 7:15 to 8:15pm at Bethany
Church, 115 Main Street in Montpelier. For
more information, contact Patrick, 490-6405
or email patrick@longrivertaichi.org. Cost: $65
per month. Registration open until Tuesday,
September 29th.
CLASSES
T'AI CHI
Hwa Yu Tai Chi fall semester starts September
14, twelve weeks/$120.
Payment plans available. New students welcome. Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm, in the Taplin
Room, Christ Church, 64 State St, Montpelier.
Instructor Ellie Hayes has been teaching
Tai Chi since 1974. Pre-register by September
13: 456-1983/ info@elliehayes.net
Text-only class listings

and classifieds are
50 words for $25.
To place an ad, call Michael,
223-5112 ext. 11.
Rocque Long
Painting
Insured
30+ years professional
experience
local references.
CLASSES
ALLIANCE FRANAISE: FALL SESSION
Eleven-week French classes for adults at our
Colchester, Burlington and Montpelier locations. September 21- December 10.
Morning sessions available in Colchester. Our
classes serve the entire range of students from
true beginners to those already comfortable
conversing in French.
For more information,
visit www.aflcr.org or contact Micheline at
michelineatremblay@gmail.com / (802) 8818826
JOB OPPORTUNITY
VERMONT CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE
HERBALISM is seeking an Outreach and
Administrative Coordinator. This position is
perfect for a marketing professional interested
in part-time work in a unique environment.
20 hours/week, Tuesday through Friday9 am
to 2 pm. Application and more information at
vtherbcenter.org. Contact us at 224.7100 or
info@vtherbcenter.org.
SERVICES
802-223-0389
GREGS
PAINTING
Metal Roof Painting

Interior & Exterior
802-479-2733
gpdpainting@aol.com
FREE ESTIMATES INSURED SINCE 1990
Tell them
you saw it in
The Bridge!
ROOFING AND ROOF REPAIRS

AL SMITH LLC
New Construction
Renovations
Woodworking
General Contracting
Residential and Flat Roof Experts

Roofing since 1978
Shingles, rubber, slate, metal
Free estimates. Fully insured.
10% senior citizen discount.
Call 223-1116
alsmithroofing.com
SERVICES
VSEA MEMBERS take 10% off plumbing until
October 1st. Call Fred Blakely 272-3818
223-3447
clarconstruction.com
WORKSHOP
AMHERST WRITERS AND ARTISTS MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOP
An encouraging, supportive place to grow in
craft skills, take creative risks and enjoy rapport
with other writers.
Mondays: 10-Noon, Sept. 14 - Nov. 16, 2015,
$200
Held at Christ Church, 64 State St., Montpelier
Maggie Thompson, MFA.
Call to register, 454-4635
Design & Build

Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Additions Timber Frames
Weatherization Remodeling
Kitchens Bathrooms Flooring
Tiling Cabinetry Fine Woodwork
Since 1972
Repairs New floors and walls
Crane work Decorative concrete
Consulting ICF foundations
114 Three Mile Bridge Rd., Middlesex, VT (802) 229-0480
gendronbuilding@aol.com gendronconcrete.com
PAG E 2 0 S E P T E M B E R 3 S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2 015
THE BRIDGE
The Revolution in Our School House,

Part II: For Whom the Bill Tolls
by David Kelley
n her 1953 book, Vermont Tradition, Dorothy Canfield Fisher tells

the story of a town meeting in Arlington. The need for a new school
had been simmering for years, but floods and modern traffic made
it increasingly important to rebuild the town's bridges. Education was a
lofty goal, but the need for bridges was real and urgent.
Opinion
multiple treasurers; flexibility in faculty allocations; and fewer contract

negotiations. While those small steps may be helpful, they will not turn
back the demographic tide.
Vermont has experienced the second greatest percentage decrease in student population over the last 10 years (18.1 percent) of any state in the
The bridge advocates seemed to have the better argument until one of
entire country. Only North Dakota has had a greater decline. Vermont's
the town's grocers stood up and said, We are being told that our town
average school district size has dropped to 299 students making the
cannot afford to keep its bridges safe and also provide for its children a preparation for states school districts the smallest in the nation. If supervisory unions merge there could
life that will give them a fair chance alongside other American children. That's what we be more substantial savings in administrative overhead especially using new technoloare being told. Not one of us here believes it. We just can't think of what to say back. But gies for bookkeeping, budgeting and payroll.
suppose it were true then I say, if we have to choose, 'Let the bridges fall down.' What Act 46 does hold the potential for more than just the obvious minimal savings. Together
kind of a town would we rather have 50 years from now? A place where nitwits go back with Act 77, it provides a window of opportunity for school districts to reinvent themand forth over good bridges? Or a town with brainy, well educated people capable of hold- selves. To do so school boards will be challenged to demonstrate the creative and entreing their own in the modern way of life? You know which one of those is really wanted by preneurial skills legislators and the Agency of Education are hoping Act 77 will help teach
everyone of us here. I say, Let the bridges fall down.
our students.
Arlington built a new school and the tradition of Vermont's commitment to education.
The results are tangible. Vermonts scores on the National Assessment of Educational
Progress continually rank among the top 10. Our state has observed a steady increase in
high school graduation rates, to the point now where we have one of the highest graduation rates in the country (second or third highest). But anyone who was paying attention to
demographics 10 years ago could see a storm coming. Along with preparing our students
to adapt to the digital revolution and a global economy our schools are now faced with a
dramatically changing demographic.
According to L.O. Picus and Associates in research done for Joint Fiscal Office in 2012,
Vermont has maintained a continued commitment to education funding as measured
through both the states relative tax effort (as a percentage of income), which is the highest in the nation, and the percentage of state resources devoted to K-12 schools (the 6th
highest).
By creating bigger districts and more school choices through Act 46 and Act 77, creative
school districts will inevitably start to market themselves, particularly to tuition students.
Attracting students will be more competitive and ideas like theme schools and magnet
schools schools with an emphasis on the arts or sciences may finally begin to be considered. Schools could be focused on food and agriculture or environmental studies. They
could partner with schools in other countries. There could be schools with an emphasis
on being outdoors. The time to use our imaginations is now.
Vermont needs to do more. For one thing the financing formula needs to become simpler and more transparent so that the conversation on Town Meeting Day can focus on
numbers all voters can understand and discuss. We need to know what we are voting on.
We also need to begin a conversation about administrative overhead. And we need to

begin a conversation about ways to ensure that students with special needs can access adequate resources regardless of where they live in Vermont. One option that should be on
According to another report, conducted last year by Art Woolf and Dick Heaps of North- the table is a voucher system that applies to special needs students. Like our juniors and
ern Economic Consulting, Vermonts overall per pupil spending was 20 percent above the seniors that can now choose dual enrollment and the early college program, our students
national average 15 years ago; now it is between 50 and 70 percent above the average. The with special needs should have more opportunities and more choices.
two consultants compared education spending and health care expenditures to median
family income growth. While those two expenditures are going up dramatically, incomes The Agency of Education recommends minimum course sizes across grade levels for four
are actually going down. According the the U.S. Census Bureau in 2013, when inflation main learning categories: English, math, science and social studies. Up to eighth grade,
the smallest class sizes should be 10 students at schools of 150 children or more; at schools
was factored in, Vermonters are actually earning less than they did a decade earlier.
with fewer students, classes should consist of no less than five children, the report says.
Teachers here are paid below the national average (27th lowest in the country) but Vermonts low student to teacher ratio (9.4 students per teacher) is now the lowest in the Small schools and small classes have been a cornerstone of educational quality in Vermont.
country. The national average is 16 to 1. Vermont's student to administrator ratio is, Students at schools like Cabot and Craftsbury may not have a curriculum as comprehenlikewise, far below the national average. While the number of students in our schools has sive as schools like Essex and South Burlington but they have other advantages that are no
dropped dramatically the number of teachers and administrators in Vermont schools has less valuable. The individual attention, and everybody knowing everybody else, teachers
and students alike, has a wealth of rewards socially and academically. Craftsbury Acadactually been increasing.
emy, for example, by every known standard, is one of the best K-12 schools, not only in
The issue of appropriate levels of spending on education is a debate without any answers. Vermont, but in New England.
But the demographics are certain, and for the last 15 to 20 years they have been making
Vermont's stalwart devotion to education increasingly contentious. In Greensboro, where The forces of globalization, the digital revolution and Vermont's demographics are conspiring to revolutionize our schools. We have a unique window of opportunity and we
I live, residential property taxes for education are going up 13 percent this year alone.
should seize it. Act 77 and Act 46 were good steps in the right direction, but they are still
In the last session our legislators grappled with ways to constrain those costs. The result timid steps. Those laws have however given school boards an opportunity to take more
was Act 46. Act 46 may offer some hope for moving in a positive direction. It creates initiative and to create more choices and more opportunities for students. We should take
sticks and carrots to persuade small school districts to merge and there are some obvious, that initiative and we should resist the notion that a bigger school house is somehow better.
but minimal savings: a single audit instead of multiple audits; one treasurer instead of
Poetry
Back to School
Bumper crop of
Have something important to say? We want to hear it!

Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com
Chandler Seeks Submissions for This Years

Holiday Market
U Hauls on the adjoining streets

Seems like only yesterday
a Conestoga wagon dropped me off on
campus
After unpacking,
i tore into my care package:
Hardtack and collard greens
by Reuben Jackson,
host of Friday Night Jazz
on Vermont Public Radio
RANDOLPH Chandler Center for the Arts is accepting submissions of arts, fine crafts and high-quality specialty food items
for its 14th annual holiday market. Held in Chandlers elegant
gallery space, beautifully decorated for the season and located
at 71-73 Main St. in Randolph, the market will be open from
mid-November through December 23 with regular Wednesday
through Sunday hours.
The Gallerys aim is twofold to provide a showcase for artisans and specialty food producers, and to generate income to
support ongoing programming and exhibits at Chandler.
Artisans interested in submitting fine art and crafts or specialty
foods may find a submission form at www.chandler-arts.org. For
further information, please contact Emily Crosby, Chandlers
technical director and production assistant, at 431-0204 or

outreach@chandler-arts.org
Forms and images for prospective first-time exhibitors can be
submitted by email to outreach@chandler-arts.org. Entry forms
and work and product samples can also be delivered to Chandler
before the September 30 deadline. Artisans whose work has been
showcased in past markets are only required to submit a completed form indicating their interest.
The gallery committee will meet to review all submissions, and
participants in the jury process will be notified by mid-October
of the committees decisions. Available space after that time will
be filled at the gallerys discretion.
T H E B R I D G E
Editorial
B
Cars oh dear!
by Nat Frothingham
ack in my in my 20s I was a participant in the Teachers for East Africa Program
along with 150 or so other Americans. And, I had a little baby blue Morris
Minor (soft-top) convertible.
We were young and foolhardy. But I dont know which of those qualities was in the
ascendant. Was it youth or damned stupidity that predominated I cant say which.
We took that poor little Morris Minor all over East Africa.
On a lark, we pushed that little car as far as we could to the top of the Ngong Hills
that look out across the Rift Valley to what was then called the Masai Reserve. But we
never got the top of the hills. We got mired and covered in mud instead.
Emboldened by that adventure, we concocted a totally simpleton plan to drive that
car as far up as we could on a track that eventually led up, up, up, to the top of Mt.
Kilimanjaro.
Someone was driving. It started out easily enough. Then the trail narrowed. Then it
filled up with rocks. We pushed that car as far as we could until we punctured the
oil pan and the oil poured out and the car came to a stop. We got it turned around and
coasted back down. I hailed a ride on a sugar cane truck and went for help. Thats what
you do when youre young and foolish.
I did take the trip. It was July. The temperatures in the high 90s up to 100 degrees. I
did see David. And he was not only pretty sick, he was terribly sick, and was lying in
a bed listening to music. There was a fan stirring up the air. Once in a while he would
come to and say something.
I left in the afternoon and drove back toward Vermont on the New York Thruway.
By the next morning I was making my way past Wallingford, on a dual carriageway,
toward Rutland, when my car rolled to a stop. I knew exactly how much money I had
enough for a little gas to get me home. But not enough to get my car fixed.
I pulled my car off the travelled road. And I took a look around to assess the situation.
In the distance was an elite foreign car garage. The Rabbit wouldnt go forward. But
it would go in reverse. And I crossed the median strip and reversed it into the foreign
garage parking lot.
In the 40 or so years Ive lived in Vermont Ive had a succession of cars used cars.
I walked into the garage and talked to a mechanic who was working on another car
and said to him, My cars out there in the lot. It needs to be repaired. But I dont have
any money.
One of these used cars was a Volkswagen Rabbit. It was summer. The phone rang. My
friend David Brewster was on the line. I had been trying to get him to take a bus from
near Buffalo, New York and spend a few days with me here in Montpelier.
He looked me straight in the eye and said, Dont worry. Ill fix it. When you get
home, you write me the best letter of recommendation that you can. He fixed it. And
I wrote the letter.
Hed been sick for years cancer. But now he was too sick even to take a bus.
When I got home, the phone rang, David had died. So. There I was contending
with the death of my friend and sorting out an unexplained act of generosity from a
mechanic I saw once and never saw again.
I remember thinking, Ive got to see David. But I cant swing it financially. And then
thinking again, Im taking the trip anyway.
Opinion
A Day to Care for Creation

by Deb Markowitz
ast week I had an opportunity to spend some time with an older gentleman who
has lived in the hills of Vermont his whole life. As he showed me his land, he
shared his belief that more Vermonters are environmental stewards than folks
in other states because we are connected to the land. He went on to suppose that the
churches arent as full in Vermont as some of those other places because so many
Vermonters experience their own spirituality in the out-of-doors.
Perhaps he is right. When I am surrounded by the abundant life and beauty of the
natural world it feeds my spirit, and I often see how Vermonters personal ties to our
lakes, mountains, fields and forests lead them to fight to protect the land and water. It
is as though we ascribe to the Native American proverb: We do not inherit the earth
from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
It has long been debated by theologians whether there is a moral obligation to be stewards of the earth. For that reason, it is no small thing when a world religious leader
calls upon the faithful to be dedicated to environmental action. That is what Pope
Francis did when he declared September 1 a day for Care of Creation.
This follows his encyclical on climate change, in which he called for a new partnership
between science and religion to combat human caused climate change and listed specific actions we should all be taking to limit our consumption of the worlds resources
and to protect the planet for future generations. With 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide,
this call for an ecological conversion of the faithful can be a powerful catalyst for
meaningful social change.
The Pope is not the only religious leader to address the moral imperative to change the
way we live so that the earth can continue to nourish and provide a good life to all beings, present and future. The Dali Lama, the religious leader of the worlds nearly 500
million Buddhists has said, Among the thousands of species of mammals on earth,
we humans have the greatest capacity to alter nature. [It is our] responsibility to undo
the serious environmental degradation that is the result of incorrect human behavior
humanity must take the initiative to repair and protect the world.
Here, in Vermont we have an active faith community including Christians, Muslims,
Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and many others who experience spirituality outside of
churches and temples. Across all these faiths, we have long known that our lives and
livelihoods are so intertwined with nature that we cannot separate ourselves from it.
This knowledge comes with an imperative to act.
As a Jew, I am reminded every year of our obligation to take care of the planet. Rosh
Hashanah one of the Jewish religion's high holidays celebrates the anniversary
of creation. This is a time for Jewish people to reflect on our lives and on our relationships to one another, and to rededicate ourselves to Tikkun Olam healing the
world.
The popes call to action reminds each of us, whatever our faith, to explore a pressing
question: Does humanity have a moral obligation to respect and protect the earth and
all of its abundance for all living things and for generations not yet born, or does the
earth exist for our sustenance alone?
I was recently at a conference for people from across the U.S. who work on climate
change. During the opening session, a woman came to the microphone and spoke a
simple poem that expressed her own spiritual motivation to lighten her footprint on
the earth. There is an illusion that I cant make a difference. I am just one person,
said the collective billions. But I am not here to do everything, I am here to do something, she said.
And with each of us doing "something" we can change the world.
Deb Markowitz is the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
PAG E 2 2 S E P T E M B E R 3 S E P T E M B E R 16 , 2 015
Letters
THE BRIDGE
Where Is This?....
Open Your Eyes: Watch City Council on ORCA TV

Editor:
The recent letters to the editor criticizing Montpelier's city council have reminded me that
several council members will most likely be running for reelection when their terms expire
in March, 2016. I think most people vote for candidates on the basis of general impressions,
but especially considering all the growing discontent about taxes and other local issues maybe
everyone should take a little time to watch some videos of council meetings on ORCA TV.
Are your representatives representing your interests, delivering on campaign promises they may
have made, acting in ways that seemed informed, responsible, and professional? Viewing the
sessions themselves may be an eye opening way to see for real.
Ron Merkin
Montpelier
Nuclear Power Emits Zero Carbon

Editor:
Thank you for extending your news coverage to Barre, my hometown. The reflection on Lara
Sobel was both informative and heartfelt. And thank you for The Breeze, your youth publication. Chain-owned media may complain about aging readership, but it takes a hands-on
publisher who knows and loves his community to do something positive about it.
In your August 20 issue, solar power advocate Kyle Neyer writes: I grew up in Pennsylvania
and I could see the plumes coming from the nuclear power plant as they produced dirty fossil
fuels. In fact, nuclear power plants do not burn fossil fuels and therefore produce no carbon
emissions. What he probably saw was clean water steam, a benign outcome of the pipe cooling process. This is an important point because Mr. Neyer is not the first renewable power
advocate to misstate or downplay the essentially zero-carbon nature of nuclear power. The U.S.
Energy Information Administration confirms that the lifecycle (from mining the fuel to
decommissioning the closed plant, and every activity in between) carbon emissions of nuclear
power is so low as to be classified with wind, solar and hydro as a zero emitter. Of the four
it is by far the largest power source, in the U.S., producing about one-fifth of all electricity.
Email us at editorial@montpelierbridge.com if you think you know where this

location is. Those with the right answer will get a chance to win a Bridge bumper
sticker we have three to give away! The answer will be revealed in our next
issue that comes out on Sept. 3.
Featured Photo
Its fine to hope and plan that solar and wind power become Vermonts electricity future. But
they are not our electricity present that dubious honor now goes to fossil-fuel natural gas,
the carbon-emitting fuel on which we are increasingly dependent, now that Vermont Yankee
no longer operates. Fossil-fuel burning plants justify their smoke-stack emissions in part by
buying energy credits from Vermont renewable power. These credits are essentially a get out
of jail free card for the regions largest source of greenhouse gases.
Rather than falsely painting nuclear with the black brush of smoggy emissions, climate change
advocates should join James Hansen of National Aeronautics and Space Administration and
other leading climatologists by embracing nuclear power as, at the very least, a zero-carbon
transitional power source. In this case, the politically incorrect position is actually environmentally correct.
Guy Page
Barre
Communications Director, Vermont Energy Partnership, Montpelier
Blame Legislature for Easy Telecom Towers

and Alternative Energy Approval
Editor:
A number of articles and letters to the editor fault the Public Service Board for so easily approving communications tower and alternative energy projects. My review, as an experienced
land use attorney of many recent cases, indicates that much fault (or credit, if you support
such projects) belongs to the Vermont Legislature which has specified a review process for such
projects that is less rigorous than that required for other projects.
Photo by Daniel A. Neary, Jr.
Jon Anderson
Burak Anderson and Melloni, plc, Burlington
P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601
Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
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Photos by Michael Jermyn

Relive Your Youth in a Classic Car

Very little in life is fair. Thats true.

Back in the 1950s, there was comparatively

That Ford hot rod is just one of the classic

To begin with, there was the Barrows family,

fall. In addition, Virginia

own stall in the barn where they worked on

Betwixt and Between

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September 17 September 30, 2015

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HEARD ON THE STREET

MONTPELIER The City of Montpelier is seeking individuals interested in filling a

City Replacing Terrace Street Culverts

Hunter Ed Courses Available Now, Not Later

Trees Limbs Weighed Down by Fruit

Copies of The Meadow Daily

Youth Start Micro Newspaper in The Meadow

Home Sales Up This Year

The C-Span Campaign Bus Stops at Montpelier High School

Support The Bridge

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

Send this form and your check to:

Geothermal Exchange Units Can Warm You Up or Cool

MONTPELIER Douglas Becker heats

a drought about 10 or 15 years ago. That

No, he doesnt have a hydroelectric dam

Becker was also well poised to install a

One of the things that I really like is that

I wanted a bare bones central heating

geothermal exchange system.

from the hot refrigerant to heat our homes

A dog bit a woman jogging through Hubbard Park.

Dog Bite Unleashes Hubbard Park Policy Debate

MONTPELIER Police were notified on August 25 that a woman jogging in Hubbard

Granite City Groove

Young Entrepreneurs Bringing New

City Hall Plaza Fosters Two

MONTPELIER City Hall Plaza in downtown Montpelier has become an incubator

A Fleeting Animal Revived

omething big is about to happen in the Vermont arts world.

This September, after a performance break of

Talking about this second run of shows, Nielsen

Then something unexpected happened.

A Fleeting Animal: Performance Schedule

The Center for Leadership Skills

Lindel James coaching & consulting

Got a news tip? We want to know!

ODonnell Wins a Fourth Championship at Thunder Road

7. Jason Woodard ( 68 ) Waterbury Ctr.,

ODonnell broke out of traffic late in the

11. Shawn Fleury ( 31 ) Middlesex, VT

8. Christopher Pelkey ( 64 ) S. Barre, VT

Cody Chevrolet Cadillac Night

13. Brooks Clark ( 68VT ) Fayston, VT

13. Joe Steffen ( 00 ) Grand Isle, VT

14. Brett Gervais ( 11NH ) Island Pond,

Allen Lumber Street Stocks

15. Phil Scott ( 14VT ) Middlesex, VT

Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown