Honor i ng A nd rew K l i ne Page 14
October 19November 1, 2017
Stowing Stuff! The Proliferation of Storage Units
in Washington County by Michael Bielawski
S
o stuff is important, wrote the late comedian George
Carlin (Brain Droppings, Hyperion, 1997). You gotta
have a place for your stuff. Everybodys gotta have a place
for their stuff. Thats what life is all about, tryin to find a place for
IN THIS ISSUE: your stuff! Thats all your house is: a place to keep your stuff. . . . A
house is just a pile of stuff with a cover on it.
Around Vermont, as around the nation, the self-storage industry
Pg. 4 John O'Hanlon is growing fast as people look for more space in which to put their
stuff. But who are all these Vermonters with too much stuff? And
why is there so much stuff?
Pg. 11 Jump and Splash According to an article in Slate magazine (2005, www.slate.
com/articles/arts/culturebox/2005/07/selfstorage_nation.html),
the popularity of self storage clearly has something to do with
Pg. 20 LNT's Sense and American consumerism. But it also has something to do with
American mobility. According to Slate, the average American will
Sensibility change residences eleven times in his or her lifetime, and many
people use self storage during a move.
Another factor is the size of houses. Early on, self storage flourished
in Sun-belt states (the rate of use per capita is much higher in
Florida, Texas, and California), where houses tend to lack attics
and cellars, or in urban areas, such as New York City, where tiny
CAR-RT SORT
Permit NO. 123
Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD
apartments are the standard. But thats not necessarily true here in
U.S. Postage
PAID
Vermont, where houses often have attics and cellars.
So why do so many Vermonters need to store so much stuff? It is a
question that even baffles those in the industry.
Its a good question, said Russel Richardson, owner of PerrRfect
Self Storage in Berlin. Sentimental value, perhaps? People just like
what they have and dont want to get rid of it?
He agreed the industry is still growing. Were full. And Ive
noticed there are three or four other locations in the Barre area that
seem full. Im still turning down a couple of people per week
youd think wed be capped out by now.
Richardson said his family uses a 20-by-20-foot unit for personal
storage. We have a lot of our kids stuff, he said. When they
settle down and buy a home they can take it. Right now, we dont
want to get rid of any of that stuff.
Montpelier, VT 05601
Richardson said a lot of people use storage units while they look
for a new home, for maybe just two or three months. Or they are
P.O. Box 1143
moving out and need storage while they find a new place.
The Bridge
Its a little of everything, he said. But why Vermont? Why is it
We're online! montpelierbridge.com or vtbridge.com
expanding so much all the time? Theres got to be a deeper answer
to that, he added.
Another facility is Linbrooke Storage in Barre. Its property manager
is Kasey Clark. Clark manages 195 units. According to Clark, the
occupancy rate is usually around 96 percent.
Mobility is certainly a factor here in Vermont. According to Clark,
Weve got people who are heading out of state and need to store
their belongings until they find a place. There are people who
are moving to Vermont and need to store their stuff until they
find a place. Theres short-term and long-term storage. There are
businesses naturally. And weve got people who are storing their
parents stuff.
Clark said theres not really a specific trend that accounts for the
rise in demand. Its the same combination that it has always been,
he said. Its just been to a greater degree.
Another person in the business is Steve Pratt, who owns Central
Vermont Storage with 15 units on River Street in Montpelier
and another 38 units on Route 2 in East Montpelier. He said the
reasons for why people use self storage often involve moving or
getting ready to move. Selling a home is a big reason. They want
to clear a bunch of stuff out to make their house look bigger. Thats
been a popular reason, he said.
He said another common reason people turn to storage is when
parents pass away. But he also agrees that people are likely
accumulating more items in general. They are realizing that they
need space and they have filled up every space they can and now
they are trying to clean out something to make more room, he
said.
Another local operator is Jim Barrett, a Montpelier native from the
Montpelier High School Class of 1954. He runs Pioneer Storage on
Liberty Street. Barrett said people on the move is a big part of his
business. He has seen the population of Montpelier contract from
10,500 in 1950 to just around 7,500 today.
He said hes got a client moving from Montana to Montpelier;
he will get their stuff before they even find a place to live. Were
building 18 [new units] and four are rented already, he said. Just
as soon as we get them opened, well get them rented.
Barrett also thinks the increase in the use of self storage is because
of the tiny house movement. People are moving into smaller
houses, so they need extra storage. Depending on the size of the
Continued on Page 12
PAG E 2 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 3
HEARD ON THE STREET
Children's Integrated Services Advocacy Builds for 2018
Advocates made substantial progress during the 2018 legislative session on increasing
awareness about the importance of the prevention and early intervention services of
Childrens Integrated Services (CIS), as well as highlighting CIS in the discussion about
program funding within the Agency of Human Services. While the Fiscal Year 2018
budget did not include increased funding for CIS, both the House Human Services
Committee and the Senate Health and Welfare Committee supported increased funding
to CIS in their budget memos to their respective appropriations committees..
The Vermont Family Network and the Parent Child Center Network organizations
working on the issue convened stakeholders in an advocacy call in July to work on
crafting a compelling story for CIS investment and to make plans for advocacy in 2018.
For more information or to get involved, contact Pam McCarthy at pam.mccarthy@vtfn.
org.
Emergency Housing Funding Allocated
In July, the Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) and the Department for Children
and Families (DCF) announced that they would be able to fully fund the states General
Assistance Emergency Housing Program. This comes after the Agency issued a warning
to community agencies in late June that only three months of funding were possible. The
earlier warning was driven by concern over $1 million in overspending for the last fiscal
year.
For Fiscal Year 2018 (FY '18), AHS now anticipates spending more than what the
legislature appropriated during the 2017 legislative session. Although DCF had requested
$3.3 million, the legislature cut the amount by $150,000 and appropriated a one-time sum
of $600,000 to set up seasonal homeless shelters in Rutland and the Barre/Montpelier
area.
Governor Scott's administration approved the budget overage in order to fully fund the
community-based investments in emergency housing that serve as better alternatives
to motel vouchers. For more information, contact Erhard Mahnke at erhardm@
vtaffordablehousing.org.
Preliminary Vote in Congress Cuts Afterschool Funding
The House Appropriations Committee of the U.S. Congress recently voted to approve a
federal spending bill for Fiscal Year 2018 that includes a $191 million cut to 21st Century
Community Learning Centers afterschool funding. If ultimately approved, the cut would
bring funding for local afterschool and summer learning programs below the current
authorized level to the lowest level of federal afterschool funding since 2007. It means
approximately 939 Vermont children and youths could lose access to quality afterschool
and summer learning programs next year.
Although this bill has a long way to go, Vermont Afterschool is asking advocates to contact
Vermont's members of Congress to thank them for their support of afterschool and summer
learning programs. For more information, contact Holly Morehouse at hollymorehouse@
vermontafterschool.org or Cassie Willner at cassiewillner@vermontafterschool.org.
Vermont Early Learning Challenge Extended
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of
Education have approved Vermonts Early Learning Challenge application, extending the
use of funds awarded in 2014 for a four-year cycle into a fifth year. The extension allows
for current projects to continue supporting the early childhood system until December 31,
2018. For more information, contact Julie Cadwaller Staub at Julie.CadwalladerStaub@
vermont.gov.
Vermont Opioid Deaths Rose 41% Last Year
An Oct. 7 New York Times article described the difficulties New Hampshires medical
examiners are having conducting autopsies fast enough to keep up with the exploding
number of opioid deaths in the Granite State. New Hampshire has more deaths per capita
from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl than any other state, the Times reported.
Nature
October Sun
W
aves of song
sparrows,
Watch
w h i t e -
throated sparrows, and
ruby-crowned kinglets
by Nona Estrin
still passing through,
and here and there, amid
the bare trees, a solitary
splash of bright red maple.
What remains of gold is
still coming on in spots ...
a few poplars, birch, black
cherry, maples, and soon,
tamaracks. But what
a strange foliage year!
I'm not really looking
at leaves, as there are so
few, but at the light! That
Watercolor by Nona Estrin
October sun is giving us
quite a bathing.
How is Vermont faring compared with its neighbor to the east? Perhaps a bit better,
but the news is not good here either. In 2016, Vermont experienced 106 accidental or
unknown opioid deaths, up 41% from 2015, according to the Vermont Department of
Health.
In Vermont there were 51 deaths involving fentanyl in 2016, up from five in 2010, and
51 deaths involving heroin, up from zero in 2010. Prescription opioid deaths, at 38,
were at the same level as in 2010 (the total numbers add up to more than 106 because
some deaths involve more than one drug). The average age of those who die in Vermont
from an accidental or undetermined opioid-related cause is 40, according to the Health
Department. Men account for two-thirds of the deaths.
Some opioid-related deaths may not even be counted in the statistics. According to
the Times article, drug users in their 20s and 30s are increasingly dying of heart-valve
infections, known as endocarditis, that result from dirty needles. The chief New
Hampshire medical examiner told the Times that his state has seen more endocarditis in
the last two years than we have in the previous 15 combined.
Vermont is making a push to improve treatment and recovery for opioid addicts in the
state, of which there were an estimated 8,250 in 2015. State officials recently announced
that after a coordinated effort by state, local, and community partners the wait list
for opioid treatment services in Chittenden County has been eliminated and that faster
treatment in other counties is now available.
For information about opioid substance abuse programs in Washington County, contact
Central Vermont Addiction Medicine at 802-223-4156 (emergency off-hours line: 802-
229-0591).
Local Downsizing Group To Meet Oct. 28
The Montpelier Downsizing Group, an informal group of local residents interested in
downsizing their living situations, will meet Saturday, Oct. 28, to hear from several
speakers about new projects and ideas in the Montpelier area, including co-housing.
Speakers will include Liz Genge of Downstreet, Roni Coleman of Homeshare, and Larry
and Barbara Floersch, who are planning to build a small, one-story, energy-efficient
home. The results of a recent survey of local residents interested in downsizing will also
be discussed.
The meeting will he held Oct. 28 from 10:30 am to noon in the Hayes Room
of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier. The event is free, and the public is
welcome to attend. For more information or to get on the groups e-mail list, contact
MontpelierDownsizingGroup@gmail.com.
Vermont Alliance for Retired Americans
The Vermont Alliance for Retired Americans (VARA) invites the public to attend
the groups annual conference on Saturday, October 28, at the Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, on Barre Street. The meeting will begin at 8:30 am with registration,
followed by welcoming remarks from VARA President Jane Osgatharp, and an update
on the Medicare for All national health insurance program legislation before congress.
Legislation introduced in the Vermont House and Senate will be explained by Deborah
Richter, MD. She will be followed by additional speakers and a discussion panel. The
VARA annual business meeting will bring the day to a close at 3 pm.
Registration for the conference, including morning coffee and VARA membership, is $15
($20 for two). Lunch is $10. To make a reservation to attend or for more information,
contact Jane Osgatharp, President, Vermont Alliance for Retired Americans, 10 Nelson
Street, Montpelier, VT 05602; annajaneo@aol.com; Tel. 802-229-0850.
Vermont Health Connect Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for health insurance through Vermont Health Connect runs from
November 1, 2017 through December 15, 2017. For more information call 855-899-9600,
or visit the Vermont Health Connect website: https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/
VTHBELand/welcome.action
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 PAG E 4 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Vermont Farm to Childcare

Equipment Grant Process
Opened Oct. 2 by Glennis Drew

I
n June of 2017, Governor Scott signed the Farm to School bill into law (Act 63). This
legislation allows both registered and licensed child care providers to participate in the
Vermont's Farm to School grant program.
The law and an increased state appropriation resulted in the Vermont Agency of Agriculture,
Food & Markets expanding the state's Farm to School Program grants to include Vermont
Farm to School & Farm to Childcare Equipment grants.
The Request for Applications period for the Farm to School & Farm to Childcare Equipment
grants opened on October 2. The deadline for submitting applications is November 14. The
grant awards will be announced on December 13. The grant awards of $1,000 are intended
to provide Vermont schools and childcare providers with financial resources to purchase
equipment that would improve their ability to meet the following food/nutrition goals:
Encourage Vermont residents in developing healthy and lifelong habits of eating nutritious
local foods.
Maximize use by Vermont schools and childcare providers of fresh and locally grown,
produced or processed food.
Work with partners to establish a food, farm and nutrition education program that
educates Vermont children regarding healthy eating habits through the use of educational
materials, classes, and hands-on techniques that inform children of the connections
between farming and the foods that children consume.
Increase the size and stability of direct sales markets available to Vermont producers.
Increase participation of Vermont children in child nutrition programs by increasing the
selection of available foods.
Expand and improve child nutrition programs in schools and early childcare.
For more information, contact Cynthia Greene, Vermont FEED - Early Care and
Education, at cgreene@shelburnefarms.org.

CORRECTION
As part of our cover story about Creative Carpentry in the October 5, 2017 issue of The Bridge, we mistakenly
reported that the one-foot walls of the demonstration houses on Shady Hill Road contain eight inches of
cellulose insulation. Thats a mistake. The one-foot walls contain 12 inches of insulation.
In another part of the story, The Bridge reported, You can heat the entire house with less than three cords of
wood. Thats also a mistake. Actually, you can heat the entire house for a full heating season with less than three-
quarters of a cord of wood.

n
e
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 5
A Conversation with James OHanlon
T
he Bridge recently spoke with James OHanlon,
the owner of the Savoy Theatre on Main Street in
Montpelier.
The Bridge: Its been a year since you took the helm at the
Savoy. What were you hoping to achieve? Whats that first year
been like? What have been the high points? What have you
learned? Any surprises?
OHanlon: It has definitely been an eventful year. I have
learned a lot, and I feel that I still have a lot more to learn. My
main objectives remain the same. I want to find ways to make
the theater sustainable and maybe even profitable someday. I
want to create a positive environment for the people who work
here and a welcoming and comfortable environment for the
people who come here as patrons. I want people to remember
the films they see here, and I want to be able to provide diverse
content for our very diverse clientele. I also want to create a
unique destination for people coming from out of town and also
for the people who live here in Central Vermont.
The high point came last winter. We had a run of excellent
films, and the crowds were there to back it up. It was very
satisfying to feel that the films we were playing were resonating
with the audiences here. It was also fun having the theater so
full. It was good to know that this place can be successful.
The summer was unexpectedly slow and I had also started
working with a new film booker, so it was a surprise to see the
audience numbers shrinking. The unseasonably warm weather
we had this past month was like a continuation of an already
dreadful summer. Last year we were seeing good crowds from
August through mid-October, so this has been concerning.
I learned that showing more serious films in the summer is not
a good strategy. I have also learned that showing only serious,
somber, and dark films is not the best approach. People here
like serious films, but they also come here for entertainment, so
I need to find a balance and provide both.
The Bridge: Was the March festival a success?
OHanlon: I thought the festival was a success from our
perspective. We had very few technical issues, the staff was on
top of it and kept up with the crowds. The festival organizers
have their own ways of measuring success, but I felt like we did
our job better than I anticipated.
The Bridge: Over the past year what have been the hit
films? Whats coming up that people will want to know about?
Special events? Preparations for the next Green Mountain Film
Festival?
OHanlon: I am excited about a few upcoming films, but
in particular Ladybird, 3 Billboards, and The Shape of
Water look really good. So does The Florida Project, which
Jay Cravens new film, Peter
and John to play Savoy
opens here at the end of the month. We are rebuilding our
relationship with local auteur Jay Craven and that is exciting.
The festival has a new curator, Karen Dillon, and I think we
Jay Cravens new seaside film drama, Peter and John,
are all excited to see what she will bring to the festival next year.
will play the Savoy Theater in Montpelier, starting Friday,
Karen played a minor role in the festival this year, and she is
October 27. Nightly showtimes are 6 pm, except for Friday,
keen to try out new things. I am a big fan of that, because I like
October 27, when showtime will be 6:30 pm. The Friday
to try new things here too.
showing will include an introduction and question-and-
The Bridge: What about the upstairs and downstairs answer session with director Craven.
configuration at the Savoy? Hows that going?
Peter and John marks Cravens eighth narrative film
OHanlon: I am working on using the downstairs space to host based in New England and it was nominated for a 2016
more special events. We have a few scheduled in the coming New England Emmy. The directors previous pictures
weeks, including an interactive event around the film California include five collaborations with Vermont writer Howard
Typewriter. We are also working with local comedian Maggie Frank Mosher, among them Northern Borders, with
Lenz to run a monthly comedy show featuring B-movies. Its a Bruce Dern and Genevieve Bujold, Disappearances, with
lot of fun and brings in new people. Kris Kristofferson, and Where the Rivers Flow North
The Bridge: Who is working for you at the Savoy, out front and with Rip Torn, Tantoo Cardinal, and Michael J. Fox.
running the films? Peter and John is based on the 19th century novel Pierre
OHanlon: I am on-site a lot and I do a fair amount of the et Jean by Guy de Maupassant and it is set in 1872
projecting here these days. I like being around so that I know Nantucket, during the islands ghost period after the
what is going on. I love my staff and they are all very invested decline of whaling, before the rise of tourism, and in the
New England shadow of the Civil War. The film tells the
in the success of the theater. I feel very blessed to be surrounded
by the good people who work here and also those who continue story of two brothers whose relationship strains when the
to support our mission in other ways. younger one receives news of an unexpected inheritance
and both brothers become attracted to the same young
The Bridge: Are you seeing innovation and exciting woman who arrives on their island.
development in the filmmaking world? Can you talk about
this? Weve heard that 21 X NY is a unique film, for example. A film trailer can be seen at: https://vimeo.com/116906319
OHanlon: Film is so accessible to so many people that it is Peter and John stars 2014 Golden Globe winner Jacqueline
reflected in what we are now seeing. Pretty much anyone can Bisset (Bullitt, Truffauts Day for Night); Christian
make a decent film with minimal equipment now, so those who Coulson (The Hours, Harry Potter: Chamber of
have a creative vision are much more free to express it and even Secrets, Nashville); Shane Patrick Kearns (Blue Collar
find an audience. This didnt really exist so much until the last Boys); Diane Guerrero (Orange is the New Black, Jane
decade or so. I am always excited when I see something new the Virgin); and Emmy-winner Gordon Clapp (NYPD
like 21 x NY. It is always a risk picking up a film like that. Blue, Matewan, Eight Men Out, Glengarry Glen
We are the first theater in the U.S. to show this film, so there Ross).
are no reviews and very little information to draw from to help Tickets are available at the door or by going online to
promote it. The trailer hooked me though, so I decided to see if savoytheater.com. For more information go to www.
we could play it. The turnout has been low as one would expect KingdomCounty.org. Or contact Jay Craven (jcraven@
in this area, but the people who have watched it have really liked marlboro.edu).
it. Not all films are for all audiences though, so I put a film like
this in my downstairs space and at a later time slot.
The Bridge: What else should the readers of The Bridge know
about the Savoy? Got a news tip?
OHanlon: I am 100 percent committed to keeping this theater We want to know!
alive and vital. There is no way I could do it without the support Send it to us at: editorial@montpe-
of the community here. This local treasure is the sum of its
parts and that includes the people who work here as well as the lierbridge.com
people who come here. All of us are what make it special.
PAG E 6 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
A Message From City Hall
This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.
What is TIF?
By William Fraser, City Manager
I
f youve been following City Council discussions recently youve seen or
heard reference to TIF. Its on our list of annual goals and funding was
recently approved to prepare data for a possible application for a TIF district.
So what is a TIF? The acronym stands for Tax Increment Financing. It sounds
a little wonky. It takes new tax increments from new private development and
applies that revenue to pay for public improvements which benefit all but which
also allow the private development to occur.
TIF is NOT tax breaks or direct subsidies to private developers. Developers
pay the same property taxes but the new increment (including 70% of the
education taxes) goes into a TIF fund to pay for related public investment. For
instance, a private developer needs a new road and water/sewer lines to build a
project. The additional annual taxes on this new project are enough to pay for
financing the public road and utility lines. This might be a good candidate for
a TIF District.
Opportunities in Montpelier currently being considered and studied include but
arent limited to:
A downtown TIF district which might finance parking, intersection
improvements, burying power lines or streetscape improvements and allow
more new private construction and more upper floor development.
A Sabins pasture district which might finance roads and utilities and allow
new housing development.
An expanded Barre St. district which includes Sabin's which might improve
intersections and allow for re-development of old granite sheds.
An Elm Street district which extends water/sewer lines to allow more
commercial and residential development.
The following explanation of TIF is excerpted from the Vermont Economic
Development Council (VEPC) primer on the subject.
General TIF District Description
Tax Increment Financing is a tool to finance public infrastructure improvements
required to ensure the development of an area defined by a municipality.
TIFs are considered a public-private partnership because they rely on public
action to stimulate private investment.
TIF finances projects through the repayment of municipal debt incurred to
build/improve public infrastructure associated with the redevelopment of an
identified area.
A municipality identifies an area requiring re-development, draws the TIF
District around the area, and freezes the base tax of the District. All of the
taxes on the frozen base value continue to go to the taxing authorities.
A portion of new development tax increment is captured and set aside to help
retire the debt that funded the infrastructure improvements, for a specified
length of time. Once all TIF District debt is retired, the tax increment reverts
to the original taxing authorities.
Pros and Cons
Taxpayers benefit from added value to the grand list once the debt is retired
and may receive more wage and other tax revenue because of the development
project. However, taxing authorities have to wait until the debt is retired to
pay for any increased service needs within the district. Also, municipalities
have to cover any shortfall if debt is incurred and projected tax increment and
other anticipated revenue fails to materialize or does not fully cover the cost
of the debt.
Taxpayers benefit from the improvements to blighted areas and infrastructure
improvements and they may see lower taxes in the long run because of
the project. On the other hand,
taxpayers are underwriting
public portions of a development
which may otherwise be deemed
too risky by private investors.
What are the Requirements
of a TIF District?
Statute specifically requires:
Infrastructure improvements must serve the TIF District and stimulate
private sector stimulate development or re-development;
Development must provide employment opportunities;
Development must improve and broaden the tax base; and
Development must enhance economic vitality of the municipality, region or
state.
How is a TIF District Created?
Municipality undergoes local planning and study of proposals and needs, with
public input.
Municipality develops TIF District Plan and Finance Plan.
City Council creates District and approves TIF District Plan:
Hold one or more properly warned public hearings on TIF District Plan
At a properly warned public meeting, the City Council:
Adopts a Finding of Purpose
Votes to adopt TIF District Plan
Votes to create TIF District
Pledges minimum of 85% of municipal incremental property tax
revenue to TIF District debt
How is a TIF District Approved by a State?
City submits Letter of Intent and, subsequently, Application
TIF District Plan/Application and Financing Plan considered by VEPC
before municipality seeks public vote on debt
Process Criteria (must meet all):
Public hearings held and correct process of creation of District by City
Council.
Complete TIF District Plan and Finance Plan developed.
Pledge of at least 85% of incremental municipal property tax revenues.
Compatibility with local and regional plan and clear local and regional
significance for employment, housing and transportation improvements.
Location Criteria (must meet two of three):
Development will be compact and high density or located in or near
existing industrial area;
TIF District is within State-designated Growth Center, Downtown,
Village, New Town Center, or Neighborhood Development Area;
Development will occur in an economically distressed area.
Project Criteria (must met three of five)
Need: Requires substantial public investment over and above normal
municipal operating or bonded debt.
Affordable Housing: Private development includes new or rehabilitated
affordable housing as defined by 24 VSA 4303.
Brownfields: Infrastructure improvements or private development will
result in brownfield remediation/redevelopment.
At least one entirely new business or a business expansion.
The development will enhance transportation.
This is a complicated concept but one with great potential for Montpelier. The
City staff is working diligently with a consultant to calculate the benefits within
possible TIF Districts. Please stay tuned if you are interested in this topic.
As always , thank you for your interest in Montpelier city government and for
reading this page. Please contact me at 802-223-9502 or wfraser@montpelier-vt.
org with any questions or comments.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 7

From Tasting a Creemee to

Wanting to Ski by Nat Frothingham

D ial a number, or go online in a world of almost instantaneous communications it

seems as if all of us are closer together than ever before.
But the high tech that connects us doesnt necessarily mean that we understand each other
or that we can work together constructively. Because of such barriers as language, history,
culture, wealth, poverty, ethnicity just being connected, just being able to board a plane
and fly to a distant place, simply means were together online or together physically. We still
may be dangerously apart in other ways.
Rotary clubs in this country and across the world are doing something powerful in helping
us to address gaps in understanding by sponsoring youth exchange programs.
Lets say that a Montpelier High School student spends an academic year in Japan. Or lets
say that an Egyptian student spends a year in Montpelier. The impacts from these youth
exchanges can be almost transformational.
Mathias Masi, 18 years old and nicknamed Mati, is this years Montpelier Rotary Club
Youth Exchange student from Argentina. Specifically, Masi hails from Pilar, a city of about
300,000 people some 30 miles west of Buenos Aires.
Masis journey to America started off on August 20 from Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires, and
the photo from the airport send-off shows a jubilantly impressive crowd of family and friends.
Impressive? you may ask.
During a recent visit to The Bridge offices, Masi went on to list his family as follows: My
dad, my mom, my sisters, five uncles and five aunts and nine cousins.
Masis plane to the United States took off from Buenos Aires, flying west across the Andes
Mountains for a stop in Santiago, Chile then on to JFK airport in New York City, a 12-
hour journey. After a four- to-five-hour layover in New York, Masi had a one-hour flight to
Burlington.
At Burlington Airport, Masi was met by two Montpelier Rotarians, Eddie Rousse and Rob
Lehmert. They had been told in advance to Look for the guy who is 6 feet 3 inches tall.
When the passengers came off the plane, Masi was easy to spot.
Rousse and Lehmert went to work immediately to get Masi set up for his Vermont stay: First,
they got him his own cell phone and then they got him some T-shirts and shorts.
In the whirlwind of his first few days in Vermont, Rousse and Lehmert took Masi to see a
number of local attractions (in no particular order): Smugglers Notch, Shelburne Museum,
Rock of Ages quarry, the Vermont State House, Wrightsville Dam, Montpeliers popular
creemee stand out past cemetery curve, and a visit to Thunder Road.
Masi was amazed by the crowd at Thunder Road. Every time that people crash, people go
crazy. That was very funny, he said.
At Montpelier High School, Masi is taking a class called Dystopian fiction. Hes also
studying the French-and-Indian War. After that, he said, we will study the Civil War,
then World War II. That will be more interesting to me. Argentina was neutral. That will
be interesting.
Masi likes sports. Im on the cross country team, he said. My favorite sport is basketball.
But I like sports in general.
I like the food, but I like sports, too, he said. Some of his favorite American foods are pizza
and hot dogs. All the food here is amazing, he said.
When skiing was mentioned, Masi said, I want to ski, yes. I really want to ski.
A Rotary Exchange is very much of a two-way street. A Rotary Exchange student comes here
and learns about Vermont and the United States. But inevitably, people here ask the student
about his or her home country. In the process, many of us realize we know next to nothing
about a place such as Argentina.
Argentina is below Brazil and Paraguay and hugs the Atlantic coast all the way down to
Tierra del Fuego, the Straits of Magellan, and Cape Horn. Its a big country, a solid one-third
as large as the contiguous United States, with a population of 43 million.
Masi is well-travelled in Argentina. Hes visited Patagonia four times and has travelled as far
south as Tierra del Fuego, twice by plane, twice by car.
In Argentina, students typically stay in the same classroom and teachers move from class
to class. At MHS, the teachers stay in their classrooms and the students move from class to
class. If youre from Argentina, that can be confusing. Said Masi, I knew which class I had.
But I didnt know where the room was. I asked the people and they helped me. They know
Im an exchange student.

Mathias Masi (Mati)

PAG E 8 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Dot's Montpelier Wish List by Dot Helling

T
his snowbird is about to fly her Vermont coop for the snowy, sunny Rockies. opportunities to prepare now for this changed world we live in, that we give everyone a
Saying farewell to my home state, even for a few months, always tears at my voice in this new reality, and that we grow our sense of community.
heart strings. In anticipating my 2018 return home, I've put together my I love this small city. I invite every resident to do her or his part to keep making Montpelier
Montpelier Wish List. This list is by no means exclusive or fully inclusive. better, and I will continue to endeavor to do my part while away. See you in the spring!
First and foremost, I wish for The Bridge to find a strong managing editor to carry on the
amazing work of Carla Occaso, and for broad community support to continue to keep
The Bridge economically viable.
For the city and the Jump and Splash task force, I wish great strides forward with plans
for a new recreation center. I wish for financial kickstarters to step up and support the
creation of an enhanced recreational and aquatics facility that will serve the health and
wellness of our residents, while providing needed learn-to-swim and rehab programs at
affordable prices.
Regarding municipal projects, I wish for the successful completion of the Montpelier
Makeover, a reduction in the use of salt, the start of construction on the transit center
at One Taylor Street (the Carr lot), fewer and safer crosswalks, and no more potholes.
Most importantly, I wish for our developers and politicians to focus on creating affordable
housing and making our city more accessible to moderate-income families with children.
With respect to issues of controversial debate, I wish an end to the bickering over the four-
way stop signs at the intersection of Spring and Elm and over dog and owner behavior in
Hubbard Park. And let's bury the discussion about discriminating dog parks for aggressive
versus gentle dogs and instead train their humans.
I wish for increased consideration and law abidance by motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists
in negotiating our downtown streets and intersections, and particularly wish all would
learn the proper use of rotaries and follow the rules of the road. I wish for smaller cars,
fewer SUVs, and the banning of Tundras so we all have more room to park and increased
visibility for pulling out and passing.
I want more commuter rail connections in Montpelier to destinations like Boston,
Montreal, Washington D.C., and New York City. I believe that by the time I return in the
spring, the USPO, UPS, and FedEx will deliver to the correct addresses and leave packages
in secure places, not just deposited on a street-side front step.
As to downtown amenities, I wish for an affordable bacon, eggs, and good coffee
breakfast spot and hang-out that opens at 6 am, for all of our storefronts to be filled with
bustling businesses, and for more pizza (just kidding on that one). I want a full house at all
Lost Nation Theatre performances and better public notice, e.g., A Montpelier Universal
Calendar, of all municipal and private public events.
I wish this winter to pass with no more trees being whacked by snowplows or pushed over
by snowplow piles, and for no more trees to be weed-whacked or volcano mulched during
any season. I want our residents and visitors to take notice of our beautiful trees and bring
attention to those that are damaged or diseased.
Last summer's preventable loss on State Street from a snowplow hit. This beautiful tree was
We have community leaders who understand that environmental change is coming planted by the Montpelier Tree Board. It has been replaced, but it will take years for the new tree to
radically and rapidly. As articulated by other residents, I wish for a community grow to the size of this damaged one.
conversation to change the way Montpelier approaches projects, so that we recognize the

Colleen Twomey to Receive 2017 Visionary Voice Award for

Excellence in Work to End Sexual Violence
E
ach year, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center offers the Visionary
Voice Awards to recognize the creativity and hard work of individuals around the
country who have demonstrated outstanding work to end sexual violence. Sexual
violence coalitions across the country are invited to nominate an outstanding individual
to receive the award in their state. The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual
Violence is happy to announce the Vermont state coalition nominee and recipient of the
2017 Visionary Voice Award: Colleen Twomey.
Colleen Twomey is the coordinator of the Legal Advocacy program with the Clarina
Howard Nichols Center in Morrisville which serves victims and survivors of domestic
violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Twomey is an engaging and effective collaborator.
Colleen is truly gifted at building relationships with everyone she works with survivors
of domestic and sexual violence, law enforcement, and community partners. At Clarina,
she quickly establishes trust with survivors through her calm demeanor, attention to
detail, and genuine care for their well-being. says Becky Gonyea, Executive Director of
the Clarina Howard Nichols Center.
Twomey is a self-proclaimed truth-seeker and dreamer of a violence-free future. Through
her work, Twomey supports survivors of domestic, sexual, and stalking violence as they
navigate the complexities of the justice system. She is currently empowering students
at Johnson State College to create a violence-free campus culture. She is interested in
collective freedom for all people and the planet and is inspired by a vision of healing. Says
Twomey, I am called to my work to build supportive relationships with survivors in our
community while enhancing and bridging system services for survivors. I work each day
to create a culture of well-being and healing for survivors through deep empathy, human
connection, and authentic relationship.
The Vermont Network will be presenting the award to Twomey at the Clarina Howard
Nichols Centers annual meeting in Morrisville on the evening of October 18th.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 9
Who Wouldnt Want to Help an Abused Puppy?
by Nat Frothingham
A
bout three weeks ago I found a message on my photo by Michael Jermyn
answering machine from my longtime friend Edith
Zfass, who wanted to tell me the touching story of
a little Pomeranian puppy that had been badly abused, then
saved.
The story really begins with Jay Kinnett, an East Barre
man, a dog lover, who spent most of his adult working life
driving a granite truck for Pouilot Trucking Company out of
Williamstown. Im just 80, said Kinnett, who is now retired
and in a wheelchair, when he met with The Bridge a few days
ago at his mobile home in East Barre.
During some of those years when Kinnett was driving a
granite truck, he had a little Pomeranian dog, and the man
and dog were close. When Kinnett was driving his own
pick-up truck, he brought the little dog along with him for
company. Then about a year ago, the dog he prized so much
died. I had a Pomeranian for 17 years. She lived to be 17
years old. Thats why I didnt want another one, he said.
This past summer, Kinnett was approached by a nearby
dog breeder who initially tried to interest Kinnett in buying
another Pomeranian. The breeder wanted $900 for it. I
thought about it, said Kinnett, but he was reluctant about
getting another dog.
A little while later, the breeder returned and said, The dog
needs to have shots. If you want him to have shots, Ill give
you the dog for $600.
Then two or three weeks after that, the breeder came to the
house and said, You can have him. Do you want him?
The dog sat on my lap and put his head under my shirt. He fell in love with me, said
Kinnett who ended up feeling, I guess Ive got to keep him.
I kept watching him, said Kinnett. He hopped around on his hind legs. Kinnett
was concerned and phoned Carol Weyland, a local veterinarian who makes house calls.
Weyland remembered the phone call, saying that Kinnett told her, The dog has no use
of its front legs and walks upright like a kangaroo.
When Weyland made the house call to Kinnetts home and examined the puppy, she
discovered, and these are her words, Both of the poor pups front legs had been broken
some time ago. She also added, The breeder is claiming
ignorance in the matter.
At the same time Weyland observed that Kinnett was already
attached to this little puppy. She also determined that apart
from the puppys two broken front legs, the animal was
otherwise healthy, and she said she thought Kinnett would
give the puppy a very loving home. What to do?
Weyland believed the puppy needed surgery to repair its
broken front legs. She was also convinced that the surgery
should take place pretty quickly. Furthermore, she had
contacted a veterinarian surgeon at VCA Animal Hospital in
South Burlington, who estimated that the surgery could be
done for about $3,000. Kinnett was willing to help pay for the
surgery. But he didnt have $3,000.
Then something very good happened. One of Waylands
veterinarian clients, computer expert Mich Kabay, heard
the story about the little puppy. He volunteered to set up a
GoFundMe (internet fundraising) campaign to tell the world
at large the story of the little puppys plight and seek financial
help.
So Kabay established a GoFundMe website with a
compellingly written appeal along with an endearing photo
of the Pomeranian puppy, that Kinnett had named Rascal.
Hes a chewer, said Kinnett about the little puppy. He
chews everything. What do I do about that? I buy more toys,
said Kinnett smiling.
As the GoFundMe campaign progressed over the course of 30
days, 69 people contributed $3,020 to pay for Rascals surgery.
Now, for the happy ending. Rascal underwent surgery at the end of August by veterinarian
Kurt Kenny at the ACA Animal Hospital. Rascal is back with Kinnett, and according to
Weyland, His front legs healed well and hes running on them now. Whats more, the
surgery has had additional good effects. Said Weyland about Rascal, Hes very happy.
Hes eating better. Hes putting on some weight.
A few weeks ago when Edith Zfass first phoned to share the story of the little puppy who
had been abused, she said, There are bad people in the world. But there are good people
as well Good people, she said, who try to fix up what bad people do.
PAG E 10 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Grand Opening Celebration

for North Branch Nature Center on October 15
A
t a grand opening celebration on Sunday afternoon,
October 15, a crowd of more than 300 people
friends, supporters, staff members, the Centers
board of directors, the projects architect, and some of its
construction crew marked the official opening of a new
addition to the North Branch Nature Center
The North Branch Nature Center first opened its doors in
2006 on Elm Street on a 28-acre nature preserve located
within walking distance of downtown Montpelier.
The new addition will provide much-needed space so that
the Center can extend its educational and outreach offerings.
The program began with remarks from the Centers Director
Chip Darmstadt, who led off by thanking everyone who had
made the new North Branch expansion possible.
I cant describe how grateful I feel at this moment, said
Darmstadt as he began speaking. He likened the excitement
of the moment to the experience of suddenly seeing something
in nature he wasnt expecting: an unusual bird, or a rare plant
that kind of thrill.
Reporting on the current status of the Centers capital
campaign, which made the new construction (what Darmstadt
called Phase Two) possible, he said that $1.1 million has
already been raised out of an overall goal of $1.6 million.
He then went on to acknowledge and thank an impressive
number of people and organizations, whose help and
generosity had made possible the construction of the new
addition. (Please see sidebar.)
The prevailing sentiment at the Centers grand opening was
celebratory joy. But there was an almost tender moment when
Amy Butler, the Centers Director of Education, described
her work with young children as part of the Forest Preschool
program.
They are learning everything thats wonderful about the
forest, Butler explained. When she asked the children what
was wonderful about the forest, their answers were short but
also charming and memorable.
Leaves, trees, sticks, the children said.
When asked how they felt when they were in the forest, they Did you know that nature changes our brains? she asked.
said, I feel calm. I feel happy. When children draw the When kids are out in nature it changes their brains.
forest, Butler said, They start out with a rectangle with a Weve lost 90 percent of our bats to White Nose disease, she
circle on top. Thats a tree. told her audience. What ever happened to our pollinators?
What about the forest from a mouses perspective? Or a birds Where are the monarch butterflies? she asked.
perspective, Butler asked the children. Then Markowitz turned to a delightful story about her oldest
All of this led easily into a talk from featured speaker, Deb daughter, who as a child said she wanted a birthday party
Markowitz, former Vermont Secretary of State (12 years) and with her invited friends to be a climb up Camels Hump on a
more recently Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural trail where they would get lost. That way they could use their
Resources (six years). formidable survival skills, use a compass, and make a fire with
In a friendly talk delivered without notes, Markowitz made a magic sticks.
number of telling points. That party idea eventually gave way to a canoe trip. But
Discussing the Centers impacts on children, she said, Markowitz was making a solid point. Children and young
Imagine the future of Vermont. Imagine the future of adults want to be, and need to be, touched in a very personal
America. Imagine the future of the world. These kids will be way with nature.
our next leaders. She also reported on a recent phone call from an adult son
Markowitz was talking to an already committed audience that who is living in Philadelphia and who said via phone, You
didnt need to be reminded of wildfires, hurricanes, threats to know, Mom, I cant stay here. I need to be near the woods, the
wildlife, and the planets ecosystem. We only save the things forests, the mountains, and the rivers.
we know. You get to know nature by going out in nature, she Markowitz closed her talk with a friendly North Branch
admonished. invitation, Come and participate, she said. Be part of this
Our young people arent getting outside, she said, noting community.
that an average high-school student in Vermont spends three Treats and drinks at the Grand Opening were provided by
hours a day on his screen. And thats not counting his event sponsor Down Home Kitchen, with music by Colin
phone, she added. McCaffrey and Doug Reid. There were also guided tours
and a scavenger hunt for all ages.
North Branch Nature Center Thanks
As part of his talk, North Branch executive director Chip Darmstadt thanked and acknowledged the following:
Individuals who had made contributions large and small
The Larsen Fund
Montpelier voters who approved a ballot item to contribute $75,000 of taxpayer money to the Centers expansion
The Vermont Community Loan Fund for a bridge loan that allowed construction to continue as fundraising continued
The Vermont Community Foundation
The North Branch Nature Center staff, board of directors, and the Centers facilities committee
Central Vermont Master Gardeners for critical plantings
Black River Design (architects) and Kingdom Construction (builders)
Paul Cate for slabs of butternut wood that made part of the new addition

Opinion Shooting Down From Very High Places

by Jules Rabin

T
he shock of the Las Vegas shootings has dominated our attention for days.
Anonymous terror from out of the sky, resulting in 58 deaths and an additional
489 wounded.
How HOW? could such a thing occur? What under heaven could have motivated
the perpetrator, the man with the fanatical passion for guns (to the number of 40 or more)
who carried out that mass killing with machine-gun dispatch from his invisible perch 32
stories above his massed victims?
And the culmination of the slaughter of complete strangers was for him to take his own
life as police gathered in the corridor to break into his luxury suite, thereby sealing up
in his cadaver the reasons behind his unfathomable action. The rest of us are left to
speculate .
Like millions of others I was affected for days afterward by the drama that had played
out. Like others, I queried myself and Google about other mass killings that have
stunned the country.
For a start, I ascertained the frequency of "mass shootings" in contemporary America.
"Mass shootings," that very specific kind of mayhem, are defined officially as occasions
when four or more persons are shot or killed in a single episode.
The frequency of mass shootings in this unique country of ours, I learned, is greater than
anywhere else in the world, numbering so far this year (from January 1 to October 2),
over 270, an average of one a day. From 1966 to 2012, nearly a third (31%) of all mass
shootings in the world took place here in the United States.
With five percent of the world's population, the U.S. experiences an incidence of mass
shootings that is six times greater than the world average. If we are "A City On A Hill,"
as the most nationalist of our politicians like to boast, that multiple of "six" is a fact that
we are enjoined not to hide ("A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid," Matthew 5: 14).
As a sobering reciprocal of the shock we felt last week over Las Vegas, I think that our
common humanity compels us to look at other places where death, at American hands,
came out of the sky unexpectedly, on people massed together in celebration of a joyous
event. Have we a place in our minds to think how comparable events feel to people in
other parts of the world? The question becomes urgent if it is our country that turns out
to be the shooter from the sky at massed celebrants, wherever they may be.
In the last 15 years, as the United States has busied itself in Iraq and Afghanistan, there
have been recurrent news stories of wedding parties being mistaken for gatherings of
militants and hostile "others." I've selected here a summary account of wedding parties
in those countries that have been mistakenly identified as "hostile forces" and have been
bombed and rocketed by U.S. aircraft. The common thread in the component accounts
is (1) a gathering of wedding celebrants (2) who suddenly find themselves targeted on
the basis of the mistaken reading of evidence by aerial sleuths, or of tendentious charges
by third parties bearing a grudge. My source here is "Tomgram," December 20, 2013:
(https://www.thenation.com/article/us-has-bombed-least-eight-wedding-parties-2001/
The relevant text is:
TomDispatch has attempted over the years to record and point out the cumulative
nature of these incidents. Check out, for instance, The Wedding Crashers, or a 2012
piece, It Couldnt Happen Here, It Does Happen There. What follows, gathered by
TomDispatchs Erika Eichelberger, are links to the other seven wedding massacres with
brief descriptions of what is known: December 29, 2001, Paktia Province, Afghanistan
(more than 100 revelers die in a village in Eastern Afghanistan after an attack by B-52
and B-1B bombers); May 17, 2002, Khost Province, Afghanistan (at least ten Afghans
in a wedding celebration die when U.S. helicopters and planes attack a village); July 1,
2002, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan (at least thirty, and possibly forty, celebrants die
when attacked by a B-52 bomber and an AC-130 gunship); May 20, 2004, Mukaradeeb,
Iraq (at least forty-two dead, including 27 members of the [family hosting the wedding
ceremony], their wedding guests, and even the band of musicians hired to play at the
ceremony in an attack by American jets); July 6, 2008, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
(at least forty-seven dead, thirty-nine of them women and children, including the bride,
among a party escorting that bride to the grooms housefrom a missile attack by jet
aircraft); August 2008, Laghman Province, Afghanistan (sixteen killed, including twelve
members of the family hosting the wedding, in an attack by American bombers); June
8, 2012, Logar Province, Afghanistan (eighteen killed, half of them children, when
Taliban fighters take shelter amid a wedding party. (This was perhaps the only case
among the eight wedding incidents in which the United States offered an apology).]
https://www.thenation.com/article/us-has-bombed-least-eight-wedding-parties-2001/ )
The totals: Seven weddings and 263 deaths.
Believe the allegations/evidence in these reports, or not. If you give credence to any of
them, whether one or three or all seven, I suggest that, with the massacre in Las Vegas
as a base of comparison, you try to conceive the feelings of people associated with any
of those wedding parties, when they learn of their kinsmen killed by that eyeless death
rocketing down from their native sky. And second, their conception of our country, the
United States, that follows for them in consequence.
Robert Burns "Ode to a Louse," 1786, suits the case:
O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 11

Opinion CORRECTION

Questions About Jump-and- The Bridge regretfully mislabeled columns in the Real Estate Transactions printed in
the October 5 issue. Buyers should have been listed as Sellers, and Sellers should have

Splash RFP
been listed as Buyers. We apologize for this error and for any confusion caused by it.
by Richard Sheir

L
ast week the Montpelier City Council voted to spend $30,000 to study the feasibility
of constructing a clone of Claremont, New Hampshires Claremont Savings Bank
Community Center. The Council should have saved the $30,000 and instead judge
whether constructing a $10 million dollar public health club in a town of 7,500 is at all
responsible. It doesnt take $30,000 to judge using that standard. It would take perhaps
thirty minutes of council time max when the facts are out on the table. These are the facts:
The Market for Such a Facility
Claremont, NH population- 13,355 Montpelier population- 7,847 (70% more residents)
Claremont, NH- Community Center has the only pool/fitness equipment in the area. A
small weightlifters gym is also in the area as competition
Montpelier- First In Fitness has a pool and fitness equipment and is 2.4 miles away,
Planet Fitness will have 15,000 square feet of fitness equipment in the Berlin Mall and
is 2.8 miles away. Montpelier already maintains an outdoor pay-for-use pool during the
summer. All three represent direct competition not present in Claremont.
The Public Cost of Constructing the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center
The Claremont Savings Bank Community Center replaced a recreation center with a pool
that the community determined was no longer suiting their needs.
The replaced center had an annual budget allocation of $500,000 a year that was
transferred to the operation of their new facility.
Montpeliers recreation budget appropriation is $529,000. Out of that, $130,000 is used
for the outdoor pool and $366,000 for summer camps. Only $62,000 could be transferred
from the Recreation Center on Barre Street to a public health club unless the summer
camps were ended and the outdoor pool paved over, which would free up far more for
operating a health club. More than a few in the community would object.
The Claremont Savings Bank Community Center is a $10 million dollar facility.
The city of Claremont issued a $5,300,000 bond for the project.
Montpelier currently is paying off $7,480,000 in general revenue bonds. Total capital
indebtedness would increase by 71% if Montpelier were to choose to bond an additional
$5,000,000. Maxing out the towns bonding capacity would tie the towns hands for
well over a decade from significantly reacting to our seriously aging and crumbling
infrastructure
$5,300,000 in additional bonds to construct an elaborate health club with a pool would
raise the property taxes for the average household by $111 each year for twenty years for a
facility they might or might not choose to ever join.
The Claremont Savings Bank Community Center is not free to residents. Like
every other health club, memberships are required. For Claremont residents,
family memberships are presently $350 for a family and $250 for a single adult.
Seniors are charged too. http://www.claremontnh.com/uploads/Parks%20&%20
Rec/CSBCC%20Membership%20App%20Final.pdf
The city of Claremont allocated an additional $1,000,000 to the project for consultants
to work on planning, fund raising, and engineering studies
$1,000,000 in Montpelier would represent approximately 11% of the present
municipal budget and would raise property tax rates accordingly for a period of
one year.
The city of Claremont is on the hook for any operational deficits their center incurs.
On its annual $500,000 operating subsidy, Claremonts Community Center is presently
holding its own. Were there to be operational deficits at their center, Claremont police,
fire, or public works services would have to be scaled back to cover the debt. Center
services would likely be curtailed as well, which would precipitate a downward revenue
spiral as fewer residents would join were there fewer services offered.
A Publically Financed Health Club Offering a Second Montpelier Pool Isnt Even a
Serious Proposal
Achieving a Town Meeting plurality for a publically financed health club isnt in any
way feasible. In a town with visibly aging infrastructure, asking residents to put off much
needed street and under street repairs to finance a municipal health club that replaces
a local health club that went out of business for lack of paying customers would be an
extraordinarily tough sell to residents who havent relocated to Montpelier from tony
out-of-state suburbs. And that is most of us. Two and a half miles is not at all far for the
Montpelier families that want to swim and exercise to do so in nearby Berlin. Many are
already doing that. For those without cars, there presently is a bus to the Berlin Mall. The
bus route could be easily and cheaply extended to the health club pool literally one mile
away from the Mall.
The Council and the City Manager should be tending to municipal priorities that have
consensus concern. They should have never caved in to a small, persistent group with loud
voices. Everyone hates our street conditions, even out-of-towners. Sadly, Montpeliers
numerous temporary patches are one of the first things out-of-towners notice when
visiting friends in Montpelier neighborhoods. $30,000 could have financed a lot of
neighborhood street work.

Angelenos Closing
After thirty-five years serving up pizza in Montpelier, Angelenos, on Barre Street across from
St. Augustines church, is closing its doors for good this Saturday night (October 21). The
owners hope folks will stop by for one last slice and to reminisce. They also urge everyone to
support locally owned Montpelier restaurants.
PAG E 12 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Stowing Stuff
continued from page 1
unit, it can run from $40 to $179 dollars a month to rent extra
space.
And speaking of the tiny house movement, there has been a trend
around the country for people to attempt to live in self-storage
units. Kasey Clark at Linbrooke Storage said its happened at
his facility. Weve experienced it. Its not an acceptable thing,
he said. We dont allow it. If we find thats the case, we make
arrangements for them to leave.
Will the growth trend in the self-storage industry continue?
New storage around the nation is still on the rise. According to
Sparefoot.com, construction of new storage units in 2017 is close
to double what it was in 2016, from around $120-140 million to
between $220 and $300 million in new construction. According
to the New York Times (April 13, 2017), some city governments
around the country are alarmed by this and are beginning to
discuss curtailing the development of self-storage facilities because
they take up valuable real estate that could be put to other uses.
Discussion of curtailment is not the case here in Vermont. Still,
local operators are keeping a wary eye on the trend. Kasey Clark
at Linbrooke Storage said while business is going well, for now,
hes not taking it for granted. To be honest, there is a saturation
point, he said. And Im not sure when we will get there. Theres a
point thats going to come when theres going to be a lot of empty
units.
Steve Pratt at Central Vermont Storage sees the industry growing
around him, but he too is not sure this will last. I see my business
as flat. Im receiving fewer calls than I did five to ten years ago.
Obviously, when there are more units out there its going to be
spread around, he said. So, as far as growing, I think thats
interesting because I do see them [more facilities] going up. Im just
not seeing the market for them all.
But if you think the trend will vanish soon, keep in mind the
words of George Carlin: So when you get right down to it, your
house is nothing more than a place to keep your stuff while you
go out and get more stuff. Cause thats what this country is all
about. Tryin to get more stuff.
Storage For
Staging
A storage unit can be a useful tool for
people trying to sell a house, according
to Sarah Harrington of KW Vermont
realty. Storage units can be used for the
temporary removal of furniture and
personal items from a home in the process
called staging. Staging is an important
part of preparing a house for sale,
according to Harrington. By putting
some of your furniture and things like
family photographs, knick-knacks, and
sports equipment into temporary storage
and artistically rearranging what is left,
you allow potential buyers to subliminally
picture themselves and their possessions
in the house, said Harrington. And the
house will look less cluttered and more
open in the photos we take and post
online with the listing. And that can be
critical, because a cluttered house is a
turn-off to many buyers. As part of our
services in preparing for a sale, we send an
interior decorator to the owners home to
help them determine what goes and what
stays and how it should be arranged,
Harrington said. She added, Studies have
shown that on average staging can result
in a home selling 50 percent faster and at
a 17-percent higher price.
Tell them you
saw it in
The Bridge!
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 13

Rubber Bubbles by Glennis Drew

D
ebbie Hemmings, owner of Rubber Bubbles on the Barre-Montpelier Road in
Berlin, is bent over a hot computer checking back orders and pushing through
special requests as her hard-working crew happily glide through the massive
stock of costumes, wigs, masks, hats, makeup and accessories for the perfect outfit for
goblins and ghouls of all ages.
Do you want a black cape with a purple lining or a purple cape? Liesel asks a customer
as she searches the extensive inventory for exactly what the customer is looking for.
And dont forget to look up! More masks and accessories are everywhere!
The business, established in 1978 as a balloon company, evolved 10 years later into
the costume and ephemera company it is today. Hemmings moved the store to the
Barre-Montpelier Road in 1990. This year (as last year), the most popular costume is
Harlequin. Next come the super heroes, then Harry Potter, then clowns and zombies as
the younger set embrace their scary side.

L-R, Nate Cone, Liesel Manchester, Lady in Red, Cerina Federico, and Cassidy
Renfrew are ready to help you find the perfect Halloween costume or decoration.

Not content with munching on your summer garden, this guy Everything you need to craft the perfect disguise.
wants to hop into the wrong holiday.
PAG E 14 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 15
PAG E 16 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Ellies Farm Market Ready for the Season

Ellies Farm Market-Gift Shop has pumpkins lined up and ready for your Halloween decorating. For over 30 years, Ellie
made the herculean effort to fill their hillside with hand-carved masterpieces made of Vermonts favorite gourd. The flickering
ghostly shapes on the hillside drew crowds that crept down Darling Road in Northfield for many hours on the nights leading
up to Halloween.
Ellies retired that practice six years ago, and now offer pumpkins of all sizes shapes and colors for your own creative efforts.

RecyclE In addition to the pumpkins, they stock some pumpkin-carving paraphernalia, other squashes and gourds, a few monster
zucchinis, hand-crocheted catnip toys, and dish scrubbers, along with many varieties of apples, donuts, and cider they press

This Paper! themselves. Ellies is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 17

Thank you for reading The Bridge!

PAG E 18 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
C a l e n d a r o f E ve n t s
Community Events
Events happening
October 19November 4
THURSDAY, OCT. 19
Johnson State College Career and Internship
Fair. More than 40 employers and graduate
school representatives will participate from sectors
that include health care and social services,
nonprofits, state and federal government, law
enforcement, tourism and hospitality and more.
11 a.m.3 p.m. Johnson State College, The
SHAPE Center, Johnson. http://www.jsc.edu/
academics/career-development/information-for-
employers/career-fair-information-for-employers.
Art History: American Artists and the
Civil War. Art historian Debby Tait examines
American artists and the Civil War. Artists
expressed anxiety at the gathering storm of war
(Martin Johnson Heade, Eastman Johnson). They
served as reporters for the war (Winslow Homer),
and the photographers gave the public an eye
witness view (Brady, OSullivan). Above all,
they interpreted the issues and wars aftermath
(Johnson, Homer). 1:303 p.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-2518.
Kids Cartooning Club. A six week program for
kids ages 8 to 12. Each session will start with
a mini-lesson or drawing challenge and then
kids will free draw and create their own comics.
Supplies and snacks provided. 34:30 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield.
426-3581
Moonlight Madness Sale. Downtown
Montpelier shops extend hours and offer
discounts. 59 p.m. montpelieralive.org
Reiki: A Tool for Self-Transformation. Explore
the Reiki principles and how they enhance our
mind/body connection encouraging optimal
health. 67 p.m. Hunger Mountain Co-op,
Montpelier. Free. RSVP: info@hungermountain.
coop
How to Master Your Time Management.
With Lisa Danforth, Business Coach. Practice
simple fundamentals to improve focus, gain
traction, and achieve success. 68 p.m. Capstone
Community Action, 20 Gable Pl., Barre. Free.
Register: 477-5214, mferguson@capstonevt.org.
Guidance on Filling Out FAFSA. FAFSA is Free
Application for Federal Student Aid. Offered by
Vermont Student Assistance Corp. Students and
parents also can ask questions and learn about
the college financial aid process, including how to
apply for scholarships. Takes place at Montpelier
High School and U-32 at 6:30 p.m. Students and
parents should sign up for a FSA ID at https://
www.fsaid.ed.gov prior to the workshop.
Author Reading & Book Signing: Water
Ways by William ODaly and JS Graustein.
Water Ways is a collection of poems by William
ODaly, essays, photographs by JS Graustein. 7
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338
Not a Slam. MadMan 3 Composer Fred
Wilber joins VT Slam Champ Geof Hewitt for
an intimate evening of collaboration. 7 p.m.
Whammy Bar, Maple Corners, Calais. Free;
donations accepted.
FRIDAY, OCT. 20
Johnson State Colleges first fall open house
for prospective students. Includes a campus
tour, student panel, lunch and the opportunity
to talk with faculty, coaches and financial aid
and admissions representatives. 10 a.m.2 p.m.
Johnson State College, Johnson. Pre-register:
http://northernvermont.edu/open-house-nvu-
johnson.
Drop for the Annual Fall Clothing Drop
N Swap. Separate clothing from rags, label
appropriately (womens, mens, etc.), No boxes or
hangers, also accepted: shoes, bags, costumes and
coats. Noon6 p.m. Norwich University, Plumley
Armory, Northfield. Swap will be on Oct. 22.
Thrown-A-Thon Ceramics Fundraiser. Create
ceramic items to sell. Proceeds from the sale will
benefit the Vermont Foodbank and Operation
Smile. Noonmidnight. Johnson State College,
Visual Arts Center, room 117, Johnson. $5.
Vampire Movie Nights. Celebrate Halloween
with a few vampire movies. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public
Library, School St., Marshfield. Call library for
film title: 426-3581. www.jaquithpubliclibrary.
org
SATURDAY, OCT. 21
Duxbury Green Mountain Club Work Hike.
Rain date: Oct. 22. All abilities are welcomed.
Various distances. From the new Winooski River
footbridge, work on LT south to Bamforth Ridge
Shelter. Bring lunch and water. Wear Sturdy
boots, work clothes and gloves. Tools supplied.
Meet at Montpelier High School at 8 a.m.
Contact Andrew Nuquist, 223-3550 or trails@
gmcmontpelier.org.
Training Camp for New Dads. This class helps
men give voice to their concerns about becoming
a dad, gain support and start the process of
making decisions. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Aldrich Public
Library, 6 Washington St., Barre. Register: http://
www.goodbeginningscentralvt.org/what-we-do/
the-birthing-year/
Parenting Workshop. Kimberly Hackett-
founder of Parenting You is leading a 3-hour
workshop focusing on parent leadership and
personal growth. 9 a.m.noon. deMenas, 44
Main St., 3rd fl., Montpelier. $25. Sign up at
KimberlyHackett.com
Ski & Skate Sale. 9 a.m.2 p.m. Montpelier
High School, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier.
montpelierrec.org/skiskate. Bring items to sell on
Oct. 20, 9 a.m.7 p.m.
GED Testing: Barre. 11 a.m.4 p.m. Barre
Learning Center, 46 Washington St., Barre.
476-4588
Impeach Trump Rally. Peaceful protest.
Noon5 p.m. State House lawn, Montpelier.
Info. at https://www.facebook.com/
groups/763364217177796/
Net Zero Home Tour. Visit homes around
Montpelier to see how your neighbors are
taking action to reduce their energy use and use
renewable energy. 2 p.m. Starr/FirzGerald Home,
762 North St., Montpelier. netzeromontpelier.org
Harvest Dinner. Soups, stews, stuffed peppers,
spiced cabbage, sides, salads, several vegetarian
options and kids-friendly mac and cheese. 6
p.m. Old Brookfield Town Hall, 32 Stone Rd,
Brookfield. $15; children under 12 by donation.
Reservations and more info.: bhale0723@gmail.
Performing Arts THEATER, DANCE,
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Oct. 20: Pilobolus. The internationally-acclaimed troupe, known for its creative ways of using the
human body, was named one of the Dance Heritage Coalitions Irreplaceable Dance Treasures. 8
p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $2849. 476-8188. Barreoperahouse.org
Oct. 20: Magician Peter Boie. A self-proclaimed magician for non-believers. 8 p.m. Johnson State
College, Stearns Performance Space, Johnson. Free. http://peterboie.com/.
Oct. 2021: Steel Magnolias. A student-directed production set in a Louisiana hair salon in the
1980s. 7 p.m. Johnson State College, Dibden Center for the Arts, Johnson. Free. Reserve tickets: 635-
1476 or jscboxoffice@jsc.edu
Through Oct 22: Lost Nation Theater presents Sense & Sensibility. Jane Austens classic novel
comes to life onstage in an exuberant, surprising, hilarious and deeply affecting adaptation by Kate
Hamill. Thurs.Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. City Hall Arts Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. $2530.
Discounts for students and seniors. 229-0492. Lostnationtheater.org
Oct. 27: Bueno Comedy Showcase. A wide range of talented standup comics, from here and away,
working longer sets. 8:30 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free/by donation. 479-0896.
events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com..
Nov. 24, 911: The Idiots Tale. An aging actor living in a nursing home deludes himself into
thinking he is performing on stage before an audience. A play by Vermont playwright Tom Blachly.
7:30 p.m. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, Rt. 2, Plainfield. $12; students and seniors $10. 229-
5290. blachly@together.net.
Nov. 4: Kathleen Kanz Comedy Hour. Lineup: Kathleen Kanz, Jared Hall, Sarah Summerlin,
Lindsay Haddad, Richard Bowen. Adult content. 8 p.m. DeMenas, 44 Main St., Montpelier. $5.
AUDITIONS
Nov. 4: Open Auditions for Macbeth. The production will be directed by Tom Blachly. You may
prepare a short audition piece. You may also be called on to read a monologue or scene(s) from the
play. 15 p.m. Plainfield Community Center (above the Plainfield Co-op), 153 Main St., Plainfield.
229-5290. Play to be performed March 1518, 2225.
For more event listings and event details visit montpelierbridge.com
com, 276-3488 Moderately difficult. 17 miles. Rte. 12 to Shady
Hill Rd. to Molly Supple Hill Rd. to Upper
Saw-whet Owl Banding. exciting opportunity
to view these common, yet seldom-seen, birds. Terrace St. to Portal Rd. to Rte. 12 and return.
Follow signs from North Branch Nature Center Helmet required. Leave from the Montpelier
parking lot to the banding station and be sure to Recreation area on Elm St. at 10 a.m. Bring lunch
dress warmly. 7 p.m. 713 Elm St., Montpelier. and water. Contact George Plumb: 883-2313 or
Donations welcome. plumb.george@gmail.com.
Rural Vermont Annual Meeting & Celebration.
Join friends and neighbors for a potluck supper,
SUNDAY, OCT. 22 board elections, raffles featuring goodies from
Annual Fall Clothing Drop N Swap. Noon4 Johnnys Seeds and area farmers and brewers, plus
p.m. Norwich University, Plumley Armory, Digging In: Whats Next for Rural Vermont.
Northfield. Drop on Oct. 20. 69 p.m. Tunbridge Town Hall, 227 VT Rte.
Free Contra Dance. A caller will teach moves to 110, Tunbridge. 223-7222. ruralvermont.org
live music. Partners arent needed. 3 p.m. Johnson Siegfried Must Die! C.G. Jung and the Shadow.
State College, SHAPE gym, Johnson. Free. 635- An exposition of Jungs relationship with his
1474. Jennifer.Stefanski@jsc.edu. patient, colleague and Anima, Sabina Spielrein.
Peter Burmeister examines Siegfried myth in light
of Jung/Spielrein drama. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-
MONDAY, OCT. 23 Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Flu Vaccine Clinic. With Central Vermont Home Register: 223-3338.
Health and Hospice (CVHHH). First come- Being Mortal Film Screening. Join health
first served. No appointment needed. Medicare, care providers and fellow community members as
BlueCross, and MVP accepted. CVHHH will
we gather to screen a PBS Frontline production
bill your insurance carrier directly. 11:30 a.m. inspired by Dr. Atul Gawandes book of the same
1:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
title. 6:308 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity
58 Barre St., Montpelier. $15 if no insurance. Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
224-2299
Katherine Paterson Book Launch: My
Working with Sitting Practice. With Robert Brigadista Year. Beloved Vermont childrens
Kest, Ph.D. A class to cultivate a deepening
author Katherine Paterson celebrates her new
of meditation practice. 67:30 p.m. Hunger book with a reading and signing. 7 p.m. Bear
Mountain Co-op, Montpelier. Free. RSVP:
Pond Books, 77 Main St., Montpelier. 229-0774.
info@hungermountain.coop bearpondbooks.com
Screening of 13th. Director Ava DuVernays
2016 documentary about the impact of race on
the U.S. criminal justice system. 6 p.m. Johnson WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25
State College, Bentley Hall 207, Johnson. Free. Grief and Bereavement Support Group. Open
to anyone who has experienced the death of a
loved one. 1011:30 a.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger
TUESDAY, OCT. 24 Rd., Barre. Free. 223-1878.
Bike Middlesex with Green Mountain Club. Johnson State Community Meal for the Public.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 19
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Oct. 20: Melissa Fairgrieve, Coastal
Excavation. Large, multiple-piece works in oil and
graphite on paper by Johnson State College Master
of Fine Arts student. Johnson State College, Julien
Scott Memorial Gallery at Dibden Center for the
Arts, Johnson. jsc.edu/Dibden. 635-1469.
Through Oct. 21: Exposed. Curated by Rachel
Moore. Exposed is in its 26th year, with outdoor
sculptures sited throughout the village and on the
recreation path. Exhibit is throughout the village
of Stowe. Web link: http://www.helenday.com/
exposed2017
Through Oct. 27: Paletteers of Vermont/
Sketches in Perfection by Thomas Waterman
Wood. Two new shows. The T. W. Wood Gallery,
46 Barre St., Montpelier. 262-6035. www.
twwoodgallery.org
Through Oct. 31: Megan Murphy, In The Garden. Waterbury. 244-7801.
Paintings in watercolor and mixed media. Chelsea
Public Library, 296 VT-110, Chelsea. 685-2188
Through Oct. 31: The Whimsical Work of Yvonne
Straus. Folk paintings in acrylic or watercolor. The Montpelier. www.thefrontvt.com. info@thefrontvt. 109 State St., 5th Floor, Montpelier. Photo ID is
Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St., Montpelier. 223-1981.
Hot lunch served by Johnson students, faculty and
staff. 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. United Church of
Johnson, 100 Main St., Johnson.
The Granite Cutters Story: A History of
Vermonts 200 Year Old Granite Industry. The
director of the Vt. Granite Museum will outline
a tale of hope and loss; of the eager immigrants
whose dreams shaped our nations cemeteries,
parks, and public architecture. An Osher Lifelong
Learner Institute program. 1:30 p.m. Aldrich
Pubic Library, 6 Washington St., Barre. www.
learn.uvm.edu/osher
Fall Science Speaker Series Set at Johnson
State: Joe Veldon. Joe Veldon with Seven Leaf
Organics in Morrisville, trends in medical uses
of cannabis. 45:15 p.m. Johnson State College,
Bentley Hall, room 207, Johnson. http://jsc.edu/
EHSseminars.
Introduction to Chi Running. For beginner
and experienced walkers or runners who want to
improve their technique so they can practice for a
lifetime. 67:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Co-op,
Montpelier. Free. RSVP: info@hungermountain.
coop
The Healthcare Movie Public Screening
and Discussion. Marvin Malek, MD will lead
the discussion. 6 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, 6
Washington St., Barre.
Guidance on Filling Out FAFSA. Takes place at
Northfield High School, 6:30 p.m. See event
description under Oct. 19.
Writer Joseph Citro. Award winning writer Citro
will share weird Vermont lore and New England
oddities. Presented by the Waterbury Historical
Society. 7 p.m. St. Leo Hall, Main St., Waterbury.
Free.
THURSDAY, OCT. 26
Johnson State College Blood Drive. Through
the American Red Cross. Noon5 p.m. Johnson
State College, SHAPE gym, Johnson. For an
appt.: http://www.redcrossblood.org/give/drive/
driveSearch.jsp
Westview Meadows/Gary Residence Job Fair.
Both provide a high quality work environment
and benefits to employees. 26 p.m. The Gary
Residence, 149 Main St., Montpelier.
Kids Cartooning Club. See description under Oct.
19.
Accepting Credit Cards As Form of Payment.
With Bruce Blokland, Pay Data and Amy
Chamberlin, Merchant Services representative.
Part of the Business Building Blocks Networking
Workshops. 68 p.m. Capstone Community
Action, 20 Gable Pl., Barre. Free. Register: 477-
5214. mferguson@capstonevt.org.
Getting Older? Want to Talk? An introductory
meeting for a series of community conversations
on Aging Successfully in Central Vermont.
6:307:45 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, East
Montpelier Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Questions? Email John Ryan, jryan@devcycles.
com or Polly Nichol, pnicholvt@gmail.com
Growing a Poem from Idea to Literary Art
with Rick Agran. Grow an idea, story, or feeling
into a poem; second in three-part series. 6:30
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier.
Calendar of Events
www.cheshirecatclothing.com
Through Nov. 4: Studio Place Arts presents.
SPA, 201 N. Main St., Barre. 479-7069.
studioplacearts.com
Main floor: Rock Solid XVII. Stone sculptures
and assemblages by area artists.
Second floor: Amended. Stitched collages by
Athena Petra Tasiopoulos.
Third floor: Were All Fine Here.
Contemporary papercut artwork by Molly
Bosley.
Through Nov. 11: Michael Rocco Ruglio-Misurell,
Enough to Divide a Room. Sculptures and prints.
Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. tp://
www.helenday.com/exhibitions/upcoming/145-
2017-michael-rocco-ruglio-misurell
Through Nov. 11: Art of the Selfie. Photo-based
work by established, well-known and emerging
artists. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe.
Through Nov. 11: Michelle Saffran, Anonymity of
In-Between: body, place and time. Photographic Through Dec. 29: Nick Neddo, Primeval
art. Axels Gallery and Frame Shop, 5 Stowe St., Pigments. Original artwork created from
wildcrafted media. Neddo makes every part of his
Through Nov. 18: Show 21 at The Front. creations utilizing fibers, furs, berries, beeswax,
Contemporary Vermont artists, including guest mud, sticks and stones to create the tools of his
artist Alisa Dworsky. The Front, 6 Barre St., creative process paintbrushes, ink, charcoal,
paint, papers and pens. Pavilion Office Building,
com. 552-0877
required for admission.
Lost Nation Theater presents the gleefully
ghoulish Poe Spooktacular Oct. 28 at the
Montpelier City Hall Arts Center.
FRIDAY, OCT. 27
Performing Arts Festival for Prospective
Students. High school students are invited, and
schools may bring classes to the event, which will
be held at several buildings on campus. At the
free event, students will tour the campus, attend
a rehearsal, watch a showcase by NVU-Johnson
performing arts students, learn about performing
arts majors, and talk with faculty, students and
admissions representatives. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Johnson
State College. Pre-register by Oct. 25: http://
northernvermont.edu/performing-arts-festival.
UCM Fall / Winter Rummage Sale. Annual sale
features warm clothes and household goods.
Get ready for the cold. 9 a.m.6 p.m. Unitarian
Church of Montpelier, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
Bag Sale: Oct. 28, 9 a.m.1 p.m. 433-1706.
Norwich University School of Architecture +
Art Presents Designer and Artist Johnny Swing.
4 p.m. Norwich University, Chaplin Hall Gallery,
Northfield. Free. http://profschools.norwich.edu/
architectureart/
Peter and John Q&A with director Jay
Craven. Film starring Jacqueline Bissett and
Gordon Clapp. 6:30 p.m. Savoy Theater, Main St.,
Montpelier. kingdoncounty.org
Vampire Movie Nights. See description under
Oct. 20.
A Delightfully Ghostly Evening with Will
Alexander. National Book Award Winning
author Will Alexander brings us a delightfully
ghostly story to get us in the mood for Halloween!
Book signing to follow. Halloween treats served.
7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. http://www.bearpondbooks.com/
event/delightfully-ghostly-evening-will-alexander
Touring Kenya: A Slide Lecture by Annie Tiberio
Cameron. Join Annie for a slide-illustrated talk
about the land and people of Kenya, its history,
geography, and wildlife, from the coastal city of
Malindi to Masaai Mara National Preserve, part of
the Greater Mara Ecosystem. 7 p.m. North Branch
Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier.
SATURDAY, OCT. 28
From Expensive to Affordable Vermonts
Health Care Future. An interactive Conference
with Dr. Deborah Richter and Paul Cillo, as
Through Nov. 15: Nikki Eddy, The HiVE FALL Through Dec. 29: Craig Mooney, Green
PORTAL Show. Vermont artist works from her Mountain State of Mind. Landscape paintings
original photographs to paint bold abstract that provide the viewer with a welcome escape to
expressionistic works of art capturing sweeping far-off environments. Vermont Supreme Court
movement using minimal color palettes. The HiVE Gallery, 111 State St., Montpelier
(next to the Red Hen Baking Co.), 961 Route 2,
Oct. 26Dec. 29: Cindy Griffith, Magic in
Middlesex. 595-4866. www.thehivevt.com
the Landscape. Inspired by nature, Griffiths
Oct. 27Nov. 17: One Hundred Somethings. An work is characterized by amplified colors and
exhibit of art by first-year students at Lyndon State textures creating a magical-realism effect in her
College. Opening reception: Nov. 9, 46 p.m. representational art. Opening reception: Oct. 26,
Julian Scott Memorial Gallery at Johnson State 57 p.m. The Common Space Gallery at River
College. jsc.edu/Dibden. 635-1481. Arts, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. riverartsvt.org
Through Dec. 15: Stephen Sharon, Color Oct. 31Dec. 30: August Burns & Heidi Broner.
Communication. Large abstract color paintings. New American realism. Opening reception: Nov.
Artist reception: Oct. 21, 13 p.m. Pratt Gallery 2, 57 p.m. Art Talk Friday: Dec. 1, 6 p.m. T.W.
at Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Rd., Plainfield. Wood Art Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
322-1604. artcommittee@goddard.edu Through Dec. 30: Vermont Landscapes. 38
Through Dec. 15: Ren Schall, New England paintings by 18 artists, all of whom paint in
Stone Portraits. Paintings. Morse Block Deli, 260 Vermont, can be seen in the public spaces of the
N. Main St., Barre Lamoille County Courthouse on the first and
second floors. 154 Main St., Hyde Park. http://
www.bryangallery.org/exhibitdetail.php?gallery=50
Through Dec. 31: John F. Parker, Assemblage
Art. Sculptural wall pieces. Opening reception:
Oct. 21, 47 p.m. White River Gallery, 35 S.
Windsor St., S. Royalton.
Ongoing: Michael Jermyn. Photographs. Positive
Pie, N. Main St., Barre.
beat of 21-Piece Big Band, LC Jazz; enjoy devilish
delectables; and a ridiculously fun costume
contest! Doors open 8 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. Poe show; 9
p.m. dancing. Montpelier City Hall Arts Center,
39 Main St., Montpelier. $20 advance; $25 day of.
229-0492. lostnationtheater.org
SUNDAY, OCT. 29
Autumn Onion 5k. Join the fun on Halloween
weekend and race through downtown Montpelier
in your best costume all ages and abilities
welcome! Categories for adults, kids, and runners
with strollers, plus prizes for age group winners
and best costume! 9 a.m. Onion River Sports, 20
Langdon St., Montpelier. Pre-registration: $10
adults; $5 kids; $15 adults with strollers. Add $5
day-of event. http://www.onionriver.com/2016-
autumn-onion-5k/
Dance, Sing, and Jump Around! a Halloween
dance! A family dance for all ages. Circle and line
primary speakers. What you can do to achieve dances and singing games, all taught and called.
Universal Primary Care for all Vermonters. The Live traditional music. 34:30 p.m. Plainfield
Town Hall Opera House, Rt. 2, Plainfield. $5
Legislature is currently considering a bill (S 53 &
H 248)-Universal Publicly Financed Primary Care suggested donation per adult. No one is turned
away. Wear a costume you will be comfortable
For All Vermonters. Well discuss the bill and how
to accomplish our Own universal primary care. 9 dancing in. http://dancesingandjumparound.
weebly.com
a.m.2:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. $15 for one; $20 for two.
annajaneo@aol.com or 229-0850. MONDAY, OCT. 30
Montpelier Downsizing Group. An informal Morse Farm Customer Appreciation Day. Our
group of local residents interested in downsizing way of saying thanks to our customers! Free
their living situations will meet to hear from
creemees, 26 p.m. 1168 County Rd., Montpelier.
several speakers about new projects and ideas morsefarm.com.
in the Montpelier area. The results from a
recent survey of those interested in downsizing
will also be discussed. The public is welcome
to attend what will be the fifth meeting of the
group. 10:30 a.m.noon. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, Hayes Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
MontpelierDownsizingGroup@gmail.com
One Stop Country Pet Supply Halloween
Party. Bring your pets along for trick or treating
fun. Noon3 p.m. 1284 US Rte. 302, Berlin.
onsestopcountrypet.com.
Families Halloween Party and Potluck Supper.
Goblins, superheroes, princesses, and wild animals
convene to share supper, play pumpkin-themed
games, parade in their costumes, and enjoy a
not-too-spooky Halloween story, followed by
the classic film Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie
Brown. 5 p.m. Brookfield Old Town Hall, 32
Stone Rd., Brookfield
Anything Goes Slam. 5 minutes max., poems,
prose, music, magic, rants, all welcome. Group
performances okay. Covers okay. 6 p.m. free pizza;
6:30 p.m. brief quickwrite; 6:45 p.m. Slam begins!
Audience and performers welcome. Aldrich Public
Library, 6 Washington St., Barre. Free.
Getting Older? Want to Talk? See event
description under Oct. 26.
The Poe Spooktacular! Mystical Magic is the
theme as Montpelier City Hall Arts Center is
transformed into hauntingly hip atmospheric
chamber to become the perfect Halloween party
spot. Fan favorite performers create a frighteningly
fun fundraiser for the company and perfect
party for the people! Theres the (petrifying)
Poe Performance featuring The Raven and
The Black Cat with Kim Allen Bent, Mark
Roberts and Maggie York. Then dance to the
PAG E 2 0 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Calendar of Events
(progressive EDM) 9 p.m.1 a.m. $5. 21+ Oct. 21: Sli Alnighter Benefit. Featuring 15 Hall, College St., Montpelier. Free. steinway.com/

Live Music Oct. 21: 80s Dance Party w/ DJ Amanda Rock

VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Other shows
T.B.A. bagitos.com.
Every Wed.: Open Mic
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St.
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Tues.: Karaoke, 9 p.m1 a.m.
Oct. 20: John Smyth (folk/country) 6 p.m.
Oct. 21: Ruckzuck/Acid Roach (psych rock) 9 p.m
Oct. 22: Obsidian Tongue/Aerial Ruin/Foret
Endormie/Dwell In Moonblood (dark folk/black
metal) 9 p.m.
Oct. 26: Miss Jubilees Curious Bingo Night
(benefit) 9 p.m.
Oct. 27: Chicky Stoltz Album Release (blues) 6
p.m.;Screwtape Letters (rock) 9 p.m.
Oct. 28: Parakeets/Pistol Fist (alt rock) 9 p.m.
Oct. 31: The Tsunamibots/Atomic Whirl/DJ
Honeycut (surf dance) 9 p.m.
Gustos. 28 Prospect St., Barre. 476-7919.
Sept. 22: Full Circle Band (rock covers) 9 p.m.
Oct. 20: Madman 3 w/ Special Guests
(80s dance music) 9 p.m.1 a.m. $3. 21+
Oct. 27: Elizabeth Renaud (acoustic) 57 p.m.
No cover; 21+; The Complaints & Halloween
Costume Contest, 9 p.m.1 a.m. $5. 21+
Oct. 28: Harvest Lobster Festival (fundraiser) 5
p.m. For tickert and more info,: 479-7919.
Oct. 28: Dance Party with DJ Guy Miller, 9
p.m1 a.m. $3. 21
Positive Pie. 10 p.m. 22 State St., Montpelier. 229-
0453. positivepie.com.
Oct. 27: The House Band Halloween (rock & roll)
10 p.m. $5
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31
County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com.
Every Wed.: Open Mic
Oct. 19: Geof Hewitt Poetry Slam
Oct. 20: Kelly Ravin and Halle Toulis
Oct. 21: Bob Hannan and Friends
Oct. 26: Kava Express (dance/funk)
Oct. 27: VT Bluegrass Pioneers (Dan Lindner,
Willy Lindner, Danny Coane)
Oct. 28: Claire Bern and Ted Looby
SPECIAL EVENTS
local bands in a showcase. All ages. 6 p.m. Barre
Elks Lodge, 10 Jefferson St., Barre. $25. Proceeds
benefit the Steve Ibey Musical Foundation for
Chelsea Schools.
Oct. 21: Joe Davidian Trio. Vermont native
Joe Davidian returns home for a rare local
performance with his trio to celebrate their 15-year
anniversary. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts
Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $20 advance;
$25 day of show. 760-4634.
Oct. 22: Alison Bruce Cerutti solo concert. The
program will include works by Bach, Ginastera
and Chopin; in addition the Moonlight Sonata
by Beethoven and a world premiere of Fleeting
Moments, a set of piano pieces by Brookfield
composer Erik Nielsen. 3 p.m. United Church
of Northfield, 58 S. Main St., Northfield. $20
suggested donation benefits the United Church of
Northfields Mission Fund. 485-6924.
Nov. 1: Steinway Technical Demonstration by
Craftsman Rich Fell. 66:30 p.m. VCFA College
Hall, College St., Montpelier. Free. RSVP:
steinway.com/vermont
Nov. 2: Student and Teacher Performance
Showcase. 46 p.m. and 79 p.m. VCFA College
vermont
Nov. 34: Factory-Direct Piano Sale Event. By
appointment 10 a.m.6 p.m. VCFA College Hall,
College St., Montpelier. 347-306-9642.
Nov. 3: Songs & Tales. Join the Center for Arts
and Learning for an evening of folk music and
storytelling featuring beloved local musicians
Patti Casey and Colin McCaffrey, and renowned
storyteller Willem Lange. A fundraising event to
support CAL and its member organizations. 79
p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
$20; under 12 $10; under 5 free. 595-5252. info@
cal-vt.org. www.cal-vt.org
Nov. 4: Michael T Jermyn CD Release Party. For
the album Aristocratic Peasants Unite. Singer-
songwriter Michael T Jermyn with guitarist Ethan
Ryea and special guests. 68 p.m. Sweet Melissas,
4 Langdon St., Montpelier. No cover.
Send your event listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the next
issue is October 27

Grief and Bereavement Support Group. Open

to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 67:30 p.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd.,
THURSDAY, NOV. 2
The Trinity Community Thrift Store
Lost Nation Theater Does It
Barre. Free. 223-1878.

TUESDAY, OCT. 31
Green Mountain Club Mystery Bike Ride.
Location to be determined. Probably well do one
of the earlier trips that were rained out. Open to
group suggestions. Contact George Plumb at 883-
2312 or plumb.george@gmail.com.
Saw-whet Owl Banding. See event description
under Oct. 21
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1
The Trinity Community Thrift Store Christmas
in November Sale. Nov. 14. 10 a.m.4 p.m.
137 Main St., Montpelier. 229-9155.
Shakespeare in Prison. Professor and Literary
Critic Dr. Ilan Stavans discusses teaching
Shakespeares Hamlet in correctional facilities
and shares insights on revenge, freedom and
redemption that his classes have explored in the
play. An Osher Lifelong Learner Institute program.
1:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. www.learn.uvm.edu/osher
Fall Science Speaker Series Set at Johnson State:
Andrea Villanti. Associate professor, University
of Vermont psychiatry department, tobacco use
in the U.S. 45:15 p.m. Johnson State College,
Bentley Hall, Room 207. Johnson. http://jsc.edu/
EHSseminars.
Christmas in November Sale. Nov. 14. 10
a.m.4 p.m. 137 Main St., Montpelier. 229-
9155.
Kids Cartooning Club. See event description
under Oct. 19.
Telling Your Business Story Marketing on
a Shoe String. How to get the word out about
your business. Part of the Business Building
Blocks Networking Workshops. 68 p.m.
Capstone Community Action, 20 Gable Pl.,
Barre. Free. Register: 477-5214. mferguson@
capstonevt.org.
FRIDAY, NOV. 3
The Trinity Community Thrift Store
Christmas in November Sale. Nov. 14. 10
a.m.4 p.m. 137 Main St., Montpelier. 229-
9155.
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
The Trinity Community Thrift Store
Christmas in November Sale. Nov. 14. 10
a.m.4 p.m. 137 Main St., Montpelier. 229-
9155.
Net Zero Home Tour. Visit homes around
Montpelier to see how your neighbors are
taking action to reduce their energy use and use
renewable energy. 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Snell Home,
15 First Ave., Montpelier. netzeromontpelier.org
Again Jane Bishop
W
hat do you say about a theater experience
that makes you laugh out loud and quietly
weep, that renews your sense of wonder,
Review
jolts your idea of traditional storytelling, and leaves you
rejoicing in being alive, here in this place, and among these people, right now.
You say, "Thank you!"
Vermont's Lost Nation Theater (LNT) is now offering Kate Hamill's brilliant stage adaptation of
the classic English novel "Sense and Sensibility." What? You haven't been yet? Run, don't walk.
Performances continue through Sunday. See it while you have the chance.
Having previewed Sense & Sensibility with producing artistic director Kathleen Keenan , I was
intrigued, even excited but also skeptical. Kathleen, herself a consummate actor, musician,
and producer, could sell ice to Eskimos. So this former English teacher, theater buff, and Jane-ite,
bought a ticket and went to see for myself.
All expectations were exceeded. Just this once, the voluble Ms. Keenan may have understated.
More likely the director knew then what all who have seen the play know now: You had to be
there.
Only by being there could you grasp that Hamill's fresh interpretation of Miss Austen's famous
book (first published in 1811, mind you) is not a modernistic abridgement. On the contrary, this
is a lively distillation to the essence of the timeless love story. It is, as the LNT playbill notes, "a
showcase for the magic of theater and the art of the actor."
The success of the experience is an alchemist's ideal mix: a flawlessly orchestrated production,
delivered by versatile actors who are encouraged by the appreciation of a rapt audience. The
audience was, in fact, a sweet surprise. This ensemble of cast and crew almost instantly engaged
the audience in a camaraderie not always seen in these parts. Soon we were elbowing each other,
exchanging looks, slapping knees then worrying and even needing tissues right up to the joyful
denouement.
In this fast-paced, complex presentation, only two of the twelve actors play just one role. These
two become for us the sisters Elinor and Marianne, whose fates are at the heart of the drama.
Bearing the timeless beauty of a cameo, Annie Evans of Reno, Nevada, makes her Vermont debut
as unselfish Elinor, the older sister with the "sense," i.e., practical habits and a clear head and,
as we learn, an achingly vulnerable heart.
D.C.-based Katelyn Manfre returns to LNT as pretty, ebullient Marianne, whose "sensibility"
casts her in contrast to, but not in conflict with, her beloved older sister. The complementing
artists suit not only the story but also each other. They seem to share DNA. As stage sisters, their
mutual devotion never fails, although their mutual understanding may.
Early deprived of their father's fortune, the poor girls endure a constant chorus of gossipy
neighbors. Luckily, these Gossips constitute a virtual Greek chorus, moving the action along while
keeping the audience and each other entertained. For these Gossips are key members of the
cast, all taking one or more distinct and demanding parts.
For example, lovely Laura Michelle Erle, also making her debut here, IS both Fanny, the avaricious
sister-in-law, AND Lucy, the shameless hussy. When Fanny and Lucy engage in a raucous cat
fight right in front of us, Erle convincingly and hilariously fights herself. (You had to be there.)
Eve Passeltiner is back at LNT and must be lauded for her representation of the irrepressibly loud
and lovable Mrs. Jennings. Her partner in mischief and match-making, Lord Middleton, is the
marvelous Brooklynite Leon Axt. This stage veteran evoked laughter just by showing his face in
any of his many roles.
Other proud stand-outs: Sebastian Ryder playing first a sad widow and then a silly young social
climber. Amanda Menard, she of Bear Pond Books, was a child and then a stately dame. (You
had to be there.)
Erin Galligan-Baldwin (in real life the director of Stage 32 at U-32 High School) served as a
Gossip, as Lady Middleton, and as the resident Dramaturge. Vermont's own Taryn Noelle was
choreographer; Tim Tavcar returned to design the music that underscored each mood.
Sam Balsac, Mariana Considine, Michael Dewar, Brett Lawler: THANK YOU. With your faces,
voices, and bodies and with a few lovely costumes or suggestions of costume every member
of the cast as well as the indefatigable crew made this theatrical experience special.
Good Job! You made an A. THANK YOU.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 21
Weekly
ARTS & CRAFTS
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.
Tuesday Night Knitters. Every week except
for the 1st Tuesday of each month. All levels
encouraged! A small but dedicated group
of knitters invite you to share your projects,
questions and enthusiasm for the fiber arts! At the
Cutler Memorial Library, 151 High Street (US
Route 2), Plainfield. 454-8504, www.cutlerlibrary.
org.
Drop-in River Arts Elder Art Group. Work on
art, share techniques and get creative with others.
Bring your own art supplies. For elders 60+. Every
Fri., 10 a.m.noon. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant
St., Morrisville. Free. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
The Craftees. Crafts social group led by Nancy
Moran every Fri. Bring craft and potluck. 10
a.m.2 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S.
Main St., #4, Barre. $3. Register: 479-9512
BICYCLING
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run
community bike shop: bike donations and
repairs. Wed., 46 p.m.; other nights. Freeride
Montpelier, 89 Barre St., Montpelier. 552-3521.
freeridemontpelier.org.
BOOKS & WORDS
Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring
lunch and practice your language skills with
neighbors. Noon1 p.m. Mon., American Sign
Language; Tues., Italian; Wed., Spanish; Thurs.,
French. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading
and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
100 State St. 223-3403.
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
One-on-One Technology Help Sessions. Free
assistance to patrons needing help with their
computers and other personal electronic devices.
30 min. one-on-one sessions every Tues., 10 a.m.
noon. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St.,
Waterbury. Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
FOOD & DRINK
Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.
Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
4:305:30 p.m.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds
benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
suggested donation; under 60 $7. Reservations:
262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
Capital City Farmers Market. Every Sat.
through Oct. 28. Shop from 50 local farmers and
Send your event listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the next
issue is October 26
Calendar of Events
producers each week in downtown Montpelier.
CCFM is a producer-only market meaning
everything being sold is grown or made by each
vendor. Featuring regular live music, vendor
demonstrations, and local chef run cooking
demos. 9 a.m.1 p.m. 60 State St., Montpelier.
www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Bone Building Exercises. Open to all ages. Every
Mon., Wed. and Fri. 7:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.
Advanced class: every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.
Beginners class: Tues. and Thurs. 1011 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 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.
Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Program.
Education and support to help adults at high risk
of developing type 2 diabetes adopt healthier
eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight
loss and reduced risk. Every Tues., 10:3011:30
a.m. Kingwood Health Center Conference
Room (lower level), 1422 Rt. 66, Randolph. Free.
Register: 728-7714.
Tai Chi for Falls Prevention. With Diane Des
Bois. Beginners and mixed levels welcome. 2:15
p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S., Main St.,
#4, Barre. Free. Register: 479-9512.
Tai Chi Classes for All Ages. Every Tues. and
Thurs., 1011 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free.
223-3322. twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Wed., 25 p.m. 29 State St., Ste. 14 (above
Rite Aid), Montpelier. Free and anonymous. 371-
6224. vtcares.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
Story Time and Playgroup. With Sylvia Smith for
story time and Cassie Bickford for playgroup. For
ages birth6 and their grown-ups. We follow the
Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold
the program the days Twinfield is closed. Wed., 10
11:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St.,
Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.
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.
Dads & Kids Playgroup. Playtime and free dinner.
Every Thurs., 57 p.m. For Dads and their children
ages birth5. Family Center of Washington
County, 383 Sherwood Dr., Montpelier. fcwcvt.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.
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. Capital City Grange, Rt. 12, Berlin.
BarretonesVT.com. 552-3489.
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.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
information.
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St. 223-2518.
Barre Rock City Chorus. We sing songs from
the 60s80s and beyond. All songs are taught by
rote using word sheets, so ability to read music is
not required. All ages welcome; children under
13 should come with a parent. Every Thurs.,
6:308:30 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 39
Washington St., Barre.
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt Center,
Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.light@
jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables
Collection Center accepts scores of hard-to-recycle
items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.; Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North Main St., Barre.
$5 per carload. 229-9383 x106. For list of accepted
items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.
RESOURCES
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. More
than 100 tools both power and manual. Onion
River Exchange is located at 46 Barre Street in
Montpelier. Hours are Wed. and Thurs., 10 a.m.2
p.m. For more info. or to donate tools: 661-8959 or
info@orexchange.com.
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Rainbow Umbrella of Central VT. Adult LGBTQ
group, meets the third Tuesday evening of the
month at 5:45 p.m. for a casual dinner at a local
restaurant. The gathering place is 58 Barre St. in
Montpelier. Info: RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.
org
Friday Night Group. Social gathering of LGBTQ
youth, ages 13 22. 2nd and 4th Fridays of the
month, 6:30 8:00 pm. Free pizza and soft drinks.
Supervised by LGBT adults trained by Outright
Vermont. Unitarian Church, Montpelier. For more
info, email Nancy: SaddleShoes2@gmail.com
Bowling. Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont,
an adult LGBTQ group, bowls at Twin City Lanes
on Sunday afternoons twice a month. For dates and
times, write to RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.
org
SUPPORT
Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
67:30 p.m.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
Al-Anon. Help for friends and families of
Alcoholics.
Sun.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier (back door) 6:157:30 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m.
Wed.: Bethany Church,115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) 78 p.m.
Thurs.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m
Sat.: Turning Point, N. Main St., Barre, 5 p.m.
(child friendly meeting)
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. Sat., 8:309:30 a.m. at
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 39
Washington St., Barre. 249-3970.
Mooditude Support Group. A professional and
peer-led support group, not a therapy group.
For people with depression, bipolar disorder,
seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia etc.). Every
Wed., 45 p.m. Bethany Church,115 Main St.,
Montpelier. (downstairs at end of hallway). Free.
223-4111 or 522-0775.
Weight Loss Support Group. Get help and
support on your weight loss journey every Wed.,
67 p.m. Giffords Conference Center, 44 S. Main
St., Randolph. Free. No registration required.
Open to all regardless of where you are in your
weight loss.
Wits End. Support group for parents, siblings,
children, spouses and/or relationship partners of
someone suffering with addiction whether it is
to alcohol, opiates, cocaine, heroin, marijuana or
something else. Every Wed., 68 p.m. Turning
Point Center, 489 N. Main St., Barre. Louise:
279-6378.
NAMI Vermont Connection Recovery Support
Group. For individuals living with mental illness.
Every Fri., 34 p.m. Another Way, 125 Barre St.,
Montpelier. 876-7949. info@namivt.org
SPIRITUALITY
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we have for
your spiritual growth. You can borrow, purchase or
simply enjoy material in a quiet study room. Hours:
Wed.Sat., 11 a.m.2 p.m.; Wed., 57:15 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.
Prayer Meeting. Ecumenical and charismatic
prayer meeting. Every 1st and 3rd Thurs., 6:308
p.m. 8 Daniel Dr., Barre. 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.
Montpelier Shambhala Meditation. Group
meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Wed.,
67 p.m; learn to meditate free instruction
the 1st Wed. of the month. New location:
5 State Street, 2nd floor, Montpelier. info@
montpeliershambhala.org, www.montpelier.
shambhala.org
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.
PAG E 2 2 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Nat Frothingham to Readers

and Friends of The Bridge
Dear Friend of The Bridge:
Please read what longtime friend of The Bridge, David Kelley has written here. In a compelling letter,
David does two things. First, he kicks off our annual fall fundraising drive. And second, he describes
changes to the media landscape that make a paper like The Bridge if anything indispensable to
our lives and our future.
I wont pull from Davids letter, but I will add this information. Kelley has had a 30-year friendship with
the justly renowned singer-songwriter David Mallett. And Kelley is bringing Mallett to Montpelier to
give a concert to benefit The Bridge on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 pm at the Unitarian Church of
Montpelier.
As part of our fall fundraising campaign, The Bridge will give two tickets to the David Mallett
(December 9) concert to anyone who makes a contribution to The Bridge of $100 or more.
The David Mallett concert is a celebration. It celebrates the nations First Amendment, the right to free
speech and expression. And at the beginning of December it celebrates the holiday season.
It also celebrates The Bridge, and in December, The Bridge marks its 24th anniversary.
Please make a contribution to The Bridge either by using a return envelope in this paper or by sending a
contribution made payable to The Bridge at this address: The Bridge, P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT
05601. You can also make a contribution electronically through our website: www.montpelierbridge.
com
And if you want a ticket or tickets to the David Mallett concert please go online to www.montpelierbridge.
com or dial this number: 802-249-8262.
On behalf of The Bridge let me thank David Kelley and David Mallett and by extension let me thank
the many people whose contributions have kept The Bridge afloat for almost 24 years our advertisers,
our reader and friends, and now our not-for-profit board members, and, of course, the Vermont College
of Fine Arts, where we have our offices.
Yours sincerely,
Nat Frothingham

David Kelley Kicks Off Fall 2017

Fundraising Campaign
A Bridge Over Troubled Times
Thomas Jefferson famously wrote ...were it left to me to decide whether we should have a
government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a
moment to prefer the latter. He added a less-often quoted caveat: But I should mean that
every man should receive those papers & be capable of reading them. Jefferson would no
doubt be saddened by the condition of the Fourth Estate in the digital age. It does not bode
well for government or our reading skills that countless newspapers all over the country are
on life support.
The digital revolution is tearing through economic and political institutions like a hurricane.
In a few short years Airbnb has added more than 3 million rooms to its inventory without
buying a single brick. It is worth more than every hotel company in the world except Marriott.
Without buying a single taxi cab, Uber has become the major cab service in 633 cities. Since
Uber was started, the value of a taxi medallion in New York City has dropped from $1.3
million to $240 thousand. Shopping malls that once threatened Main Street are now being
laid to waste by Amazon.
The implications of this storm are even more profound for the framework of a free society.
Edward Snowden's revelations a few years ago showed us that new digital technologies in the
hands of government have left our right to be free from unreasonable searches anything but
secure. Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel doesn't know who is listening to her phone
calls. And perhaps most troubling of all, these gale force winds of the digital revolution are
wreaking havoc with the fabric of the First Amendment.
The hit-and-run gibberish of Twitter (perhaps the most aptly named company of the digital
agea twit being a silly, annoying person; a fool) has become a go-to source for up-to- about how we hope to shape the future of our community and our state. The Bridge is one
the-minute news. Major dailies such as the Rocky Mountain News and the Seattle Post-
Intelligencer are being shuttered, and countless other dailies have gone into bankruptcy. To
survive the storm, newspapers are frantically searching for a new business model. As the cycle
accelerates and as blogs and social media become more ascendant, respected journalists such as
Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite are, more and more, relics of another age.
In the midst of this turmoil The Bridge has carried on. It has been a forum for sharing our
ideas and thrashing out our issues. It has been the embodiment of what James Madison
envisioned when he wrote the First Amendment. With intelligence and civility, it has shed
light on our schools, our young people, our finances, the environment, local leadership, our
arts and culture, our food, our farms, our jobs, our economy, and our businesses. It has kept
us informed and involved. While our national dialogue is flooded with twits and tweets, our
local dialogue continues to make Montpelier, Barre and all of central Vermont a better, wiser
place.
Despite putting almost every fact known to mankind at our fingertips, the digital storm has
helped reduce the national dialogue to an embarrassing sandbox spat between Tweedle-dee
and Tweedle-dum. On the Right, the Twitterer in Chief proclaims that the First Amendment
shouldn't apply to football players. On the Left, youthful college censors insist that campuses
be safe spaces where any idea deemed repugnant must be suppressed. As the national
dialogue spirals into fatuous infotainment, and alternative facts, our local dialogue, even
when heated, has remained essentially respectful, constructive, and meaningful. The Bridge
has given all of us a platform to talk, to disagree, to share ideas and concerns, and to find a
collective path forward.
I lived in Montana for awhile. Out there people like to call Montana the last, best place.
Having lived there and in Vermont, I know they are wrong. Montana is a good place. But it
isn't the last, best place. There is still one place better. It isn't perfect. But it is very, very good.
It is good because we can still speak to each other thoughtfully about controversial issues and
of the big reasons we can do that. And I think Jefferson would appreciate the fact that we all
receive The Bridge and that most of us are still capable of reading it.
Let's keep it going.
David Kelley
Montpelier
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 2 3

Classifieds
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P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601
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Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
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All mediums are welcome. Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
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on the main level of Stone Science Hall.
Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by
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FOR RENT January-April 2018. Lovely furnished 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
farmhouse in Middlesex on 15 acres of land. montpelierbridge.com
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PAG E 24 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Opinion Dont Blame Local School Boards for Health

Insurance Increases by Martha Allen

F
acts matter. As a 30-year school teacher, I could spot a
mile away the students who didnt do their homework
despite the availability of resources they could have used
to prove their points.
Sadly, I can now spot politicians and others who obviously
didnt do their homework when they assert that proposed
increases in the costs of health insurance for our states
educators are somehow the fault of local school boards and
local teachers.
Earlier this month, the Vermont Education Health Initiative
the administrator of the health insurance plans offered to
all public school employees announced that it was seeking
an increase in next years premiums (about 10 percent for
the plan most educators will choose). Almost like clockwork,
certain politicians and the Vermont School Boards Association
blamed the increase on the cost-sharing agreements local
boards and their local educators are making.
Quite simply thats in a word I was never afraid to use with
unprepared students hogwash.
The cost of health insurance is driven not by how local boards
and local educators divvy up their shares of premiums and
out-of-pocket costs; rather, the real causes of ever-escalating
health insurance costs are medical inflation and the gross
inefficiencies in our current national approach to health care.
The women and men who teach Vermonts children as well
as local school boards are easy targets for austerity-minded
politicians and, sadly, the VSBA. Cries of if only we took
away the right of local boards to negotiate health insurance
cost-sharing with their employees we could have saved
millions play well. But that doesnt make them accurate.
VEHIs rate increase, in context, is right in the middle of
previous increases sought over the decades. (For context,
three years ago the state employees health plans experienced
an increase of nearly 17 percent; just a few months ago, Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Vermont sought an almost 13 percent
increase for its Health Connect plans.) In other words, whats
so remarkable about VEHIs rate request is that it is not
remarkable.
Health insurance costs are out of control in the United States.
Prescription drug prices and hospital costs soar, year after
year. Add up state and federal mandates, assessments, and
fees, and youll see that the system itself virtually guarantees
annual spikes in the cost of insurance.
To be sure, part of VEHIs rate increase request stems from
changes in assumptions that were made last year that, as
contracts around the state settle, are proving to be wrong. But
what isnt driving rate increases is the way boards and local
educators are splitting their respective share of the cost of
health insurance.
I know the school boards association wanted to use the states
educators in their skin-in-the-game petri dish, arguing that
only if teachers were forced to use more of their own money,
theyd use less health care. The facts, however, show that
in any given year, most Vermont school employees use very
little health care. In 2016, for example, ranking active school
employees and their dependents by health care expenditures,
the bottom 50 percent averaged just under $624 worth of
medical care. Eight percent, on average, didnt incur a claim
at all. Not surprisingly, the biggest users of health insurance
were those with the most medical need: 1 percent of school
employees accounted for 31 percent of health expenditures
last year. In other words, Vermonts teachers and support staff
are already prudent when it comes to health care.
We do have a health care expense problem in Vermont and
throughout America. My fellow educators and I and our
local school boards are not the reason for that. Its time
to have a national conversation about joining the rest of the
developed world in our approach to health care.
Martha Allen, a K-12 librarian who serves as the president of
Vermont-NEA, lives in Canaan.

Letters
Transportation from the Junction Would be Helpful
Editor,
First, keep up the great work publishing such a quality publication for
Montpelier.
Reading your article on the pocket structure on the foot/bicycle path
reminds me that over 10 years ago I informed Public Works that the three or four lighting
units built into the bridge had all been smashed (this despite the use of heavy-gauge wire
protection ). Sadly nothing was done and even I, a senior male, am uncomfortable and feel
at risk cycling across the bridge after dusk.
While on the subject, some years ago, when able, I would cycle down to the station to
meet the train (I am a train buff), it being about as long a cycle ride as my arthritic knees
would comfortably allow.
One night as the year drew on and dusk fell, prior to the arrival of the return train from
New York City, a university student from Washington approached me asking Wheres
Montpelier? Where indeed! How passengers arriving from parts afar, where transportation
facilities are more conducive to convenience and safety, cope with the mile long, unmarked
walk in the dark is a mystery, especially in inclement weather.
I dismounted and accompanied this traveler along the unlit road and only partially lit
riverside pathway into town, eventually putting him up for the night, recalling many
travels I had made in the United Kingdom and North America.
I dread the thought that my daughter or son and their partners and baby should find
themselves in this same situation. Surely we could, at a minimum, arrange for GMTA to
meet the train and deliver passengers to City Hall before some unfortunate accident or
attack occurs.
James Dylan Rivis, Montpelier
What Do You Think?
Read something that you would like to respond to? We
welcome your letters and opinion pieces. Letters must be
fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not exceed 600
words. The Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut pieces.
Send your piece to: editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is October 27
The Semantics of Political Correctness:
How Senior Citizens Diminishes our Humanity
Editor,
I was born in 1949 - in other words, Im pushing seventy. And I
cherish my age. I relish it.
Because I have lived a full and various life, not successful by the standards of our time,
yet full of culture, adventure, art, and experience; because I have suffered enormous losses
and delighted in innumerable moments of grace; because I have come to forgive myself
and my enemies; because I have been open and curious and predisposed to love, my life
now is extraordinarily rich in a kind of humble human wisdom that I can draw on to help
others younger than myself.
This is not a paean to myself. It is a quality shared by many older people I know. It is the
gift of age, when life has been fully lived. I think of Jules and Helen Rabin. I think of my
own mother, Jamie Cope, who at 96 has inspired more people to originality of thought
and creativity than anyone I know.
This gift we come to in life is an offering to others who walk on the path of time behind
us. In all indigenous cultures it has been honored and used.
In this culture, we are marginalized, neither honored nor used. The wisdom gained
through experience is not consulted, although this era has dire need of it.
The term used to marginalize us, while pretending to political correctness, is senior
citizens. Like junior leaguers! What?
I am not a senior citizen. I am a human being, a woman becoming old.
I am an Elder.
How beautifully that word rolls off the tongue! What honor it does to our years!
Elder is the word long used to describe those of us who have attained maturity, and it is
a title of honor.
We do not call children junior citizens. We call them what they are. I propose that the
same honesty and dignity be extended to us. We are your Elders. We are here for you if
you can see us for who we are.
Tami Calliope
More letters on pages 26

Did You Know?

The issue The Bridge publishes on the third Thursday
of each month is mailed to every 05602 residence.
Perfect for promoting your business,
event, store sale and more!
Advertise in The Bridge:
249-8666 or rick@montpelierbridge.com
223-5112 ext. 11 or michael@montpelierbridge.com
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 2 5
Andrew Yeatman Kline
19462017
O n the two center pages of this issue of The Bridge we remember and honor Andrew
Kline, who died on October 5.
Many people in Montpelier and beyond knew Kline as a friend and admired Kline as a
gifted, often brilliant, photographer.
Mason Singer, a longtime friend and Klines former business partner in the graphic design
firm The Laughing Bear Associates, has created the centerfold spread for this issue with
a number of Klines photographs along with three personal tributes from friends who
knew him well.
In the 1970s, when I first came to live in Montpelier, the capital city I remember was
a different place than it is today. Certainly it was more conservative politically. We had
a shoe store on State Street, a mens clothing store on Main Street, a few pretty modest
restaurants, Charlie Os, of course, Edsons Pharmacy, the Lobster Pot Restaurant. Even
the State House was modest by todays standards, with a very small cafeteria and with
a genuine feeling that you could walk inside and sit down and get to know what was
A
ndrew Yeatman Kline -- photographer, astronomer, teacher, local
radio show host, master handyman, and darkroom film-developer
extraordinaire -- died October 5, 2017 at the UVM Medical Center in
Burlington, Vermont. He was 71 and a long-time resident of East Montpelier,
Vermont.
Born in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, to Charles Carter and Gheretein Yeatman
Kline on May 28, 1946, Andy (as he was then called) grew up a child of the
60s playing Bob Dylan and The Beatles really loud in his attic bedroom,
rebelling against the cultural norms of the 1950s. After graduation from
Nether Providence High School, he attended the University of Miami in
Florida; then followed a girlfriend north to Vermont in 1969 after his draft
board certified him as a conscientious objector.
Kline found his true niche in Vermont where his talents and values fit. He
taught classes at Goddard College and started his own businesses: Laughing
Bear Associates, with friend Mason Singer, in the early 1970s, and After
Image Photography in the late 1980s in downtown Montpelier. He also
expertly rebuilt a former pottery studio into the house in which his family
lived for decades, was the projectionist at the Savoy Movie Theater, and
immersed himself in local politics.
The 20th-century photographer Edward Westons work deeply influenced
Klines artistry in his black-and-white photographs of the Vermont landscape
and portraits. In the introduction to Klines book of photographs, Geometry
of Light, Howard Norman writes, given the quality of Andrew Klines
photographsoften superlatives can only be understatements.so many of
BE SEEN! BE HEARD!
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Michael: 223-5112 ext. 11
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michael@montpelierbridge.com
happening pretty quickly. A lot of legislative old timers and lobbyists hung out at the
Thrush Tavern or across the street at the very busy Tavern Motor Inn.
But things were stirring. There was a sense of possibility in the air, and things were
changing. Over on Langdon Street was the new vegetarian restaurant, The Horn of the
Moon Caf. A new food co-op opened up on Barre Street. There was a growing arts,
writing, music, and theater scene. And, in 1981, a politician whose name was Bernie
Sanders won election as Mayor of Burlington by the razor-thin margin of 10 votes.
Andrew Kline, at The Laughing Bear Associates and then with After Image Photo Lab,
was very much of the changing times. His photographs, often experimental, iconic, and
unforgettable showed off the rooftops of the capital city from the clock tower at City Hall
or captured a crane in a busy scrap yard sorting out metal.
Like many others, I mourn Andrew's death. But there is some consolation in knowing
that his way of seeing the world and his photographic images continue to be with us still.
by Nat Frothingham
Klines photographs offer us not only the vivid immediacy of the physical
world, but organize our emotions, as well.
Kline, just like Weston, received a diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease, the slow
progression of which inhibited his ability to work. In addition, the emergence
of the digital age in photography caused his business to decline. He closed
his studio in 2010. He spent his last few years working on select photography
projects, overseeing the printing and organizing of his lifes work, mentoring
fine arts students in studies ranging from high school to graduate programs,
and in the continued pursuit of his many interests, including politics,
astronomy, rocketry, model trains, playing bocce ball, and entertaining
friends with his extensive knowledge of many subjects and dry wit.
In Klines second published book of photographs, he wrote in the afterword:
Life is a mystery to which there are no easy answers. We grapple in the dark
and then fade from the scene as ignorant as when we came into this life. I
hope that even in a small way my work has contributed to our understanding
of the world around us.
Kline is survived by his daughter, Lilian Fishman Kline; his former wife;
Nadell Fishman, his two older sisters and two younger brothers, several nieces
and nephews, and many loyal Vermont friends. His ashes will be buried at the
Doty Cemetery in East Montpelier, Vermont.
A memorial gathering, open to the public, in remembrance of Andrew Klines
life will be held on October 29, 2017 in the downstairs vestry of the Unitarian
Church of Montpelier, 130 Main Street, from 2 to 5 pm.
PAG E 26 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Letters
Hunger Mountain Bylaws
Editor,
On November 2, the Hunger Mountain Co-op will hold its annual
member-owner meeting. The Co-ops deli is catering a free dinner.
This will be followed by reports on the stores triple bottom line and a
presentation on reducing food waste in central Vermont. This meeting
is an occasion to strengthen our collective commitment to the Co-ops environmental,
social, and healthy-eating objectives and to remind us of the financial benefits of cooperative
ownership.
This years meeting will also include a discussion and floor vote on two suggested changes
to the bylaws unanimously recommended by the Co-op Council. First, we propose changing
the word member to owner throughout the bylaws. Membership implies a club with no
ownership stake, but ownership conveys the true meaning of joining Hunger Mountain:
making an investment, having responsibility for the stores governance, and participating in
its profits.
The second proposed change wont alter the meaning of the bylaws, but it will make one
section easier to read and use. We suggest reformatting the bylaw describing member voting
as a table to clarify the existing rules. Its necessary because cumulative additions have made
it tough to follow how votes are conducted on a variety of topics.
The change in formatting preserves the bylaws meaning exactly as is, with one exception.
We propose to delete a sentence that has become outdated about voting by mailed ballots,
a procedure we dont use now. The bylaws dont provide similar details for any other voting
methods, but they do give the Co-op Council responsibility for determining how voting
is conducted in each election, so we suggest taking out this one instance of overly specific
language.
At the annual meeting, members will discuss these bylaw proposals face to face and vote to
accept or reject the suggested changes. One of the Councils roles is reviewing the bylaws to
make sure they continue to serve the Co-op and to nominate the best ideas we pick up from
other cooperatives nationwide. Its our job to look for potential improvements and to explain
our recommendations. Then its up to Co-op members (maybe soon to be called owners) to
make a decision. Dialog at the annual meeting forges trust to keep our Co-op strong.
If youre a Co-op member, we hope youll add your comments to the conversation. Join us
for dinner starting at 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 2, at Montpeliers City Hall. Visit
hungermountain.coop, email info@hungermountain.coop, or call 802.223.8000 to make a
reservation. Come hungry and come ready to meet and talk with your fellow member-owners.
Alex Brown, president, Hunger Mountain Co-op Council
Thank Your for Reading The Bridge!
LGBTQ
Editor,
It is truly disturbing and repulsive that Donald Trump would joke
about Vice President Mike Pence wanting to hang them all in reference
to LGBTQ people. Hate-motivated violence is tragically still a reality of
life for LGBTQ people across our country. It is being encouraged and
sanctioned by statements such as this and affirmatively advanced by the most recent policy
stances taken by the current administration. This most recent remark demonstrates the depth
of the open contempt and hostility toward LGBTQ people by this federal administration,
and their belief that LGBTQ people be treated as second-class citizens in our own country
by stripping away the same rights afforded to all. It is not amusing. It is dangerous. It is un-
American.
However, the federal administrations hostility toward LGBTQ people does not exist in a
vacuum. In January of 2017, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released a post-election
survey of more than 50,000 young people ages 13-18. This survey reveals the deeply damaging
fallout from the November 2016 election has had on Americas youths.
The online survey reports that 70 percent of respondents had witnessed bullying, hate
messages, or harassment since the election. Racial bias was the most common motive cited.
More than a quarter of LGBTQ youths said they had been personally bullied or harassed
since election day; transgender youths were most frequently targeted. Only 14 percent of non-
LGBTQ youths reported having personally experiencing bullying or harassment.
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence has reported that as of August 2017, more LGBT
people have been killed in what has been categorized as hate-violence-related homicides so
far in 2017 than in all of 2016. The NCAV reports there have already been 33 hate-violence-
related homicides of LGBT people. In 2016, there were 28; that number excludes the 49 people
killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando.
These numbers translate to roughly one hate-violence-related death every 13 days in 2016. So
far in 2017, the pace of those deaths is at about one every six days.
Fifteen of those who have been killed in 2017 were transgender women of color, and at least
12 were cisgender gay men. The reports cited came from all over the U.S., from Texas to New
York to Wisconsin.
The LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont holds that these actions have seen support, and in fact
have been given legitimacy, by not only this recent comment by Trump, but clearly by the
actions taken by the current federal administration. These actions include:
The appointment of the most virulent anti-LGBTQ cabinet in U.S. history.
The Executive Order prohibiting transgender personnel to serve in the U.S. military.
Support for the roll back of Title IX guidelines for the investigation of sexual assault on
campuses.
The executive order directing the U.S. Attorney General to support the use of religious liberty
protections in federal laws that would support the denial of services and discriminatory
actions
Support for the amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court withdrawing previous support of
sexual orientation and gender identity being included under the definition of sex in Title VII
of the Civil Rights Enforcement Act of 1964
Support for the withdrawal of opinion by the Secretary of Education for transgender
students in the use of public bathrooms
These actions have created a climate that has allowed this dramatic increase in hate motivated
violence, a climate in which intolerance has found fertile ground to spread, and has obtained a
never-before-seen support and legitimacy from the highest part of our government.
It should be noted that some of the recent anti-LGBTQ federal directives were initiated on,
or about, October 12th; the 19th anniversary of the hate-motivated beating and murder
of Matthew Shepard, whose death sparked a proactive discussion of how violence affects
LGBTQIA people. Can we truly accept this as mere coincidence.
Keith E. Goslant, Montpelier
What Do You Think?
Read something that you would like to respond to? We welcome your letters and
opinion pieces. Letters must be fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not
exceed 600 words. The Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut pieces.
Send your piece to: editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is October 27
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 PAG E 27

A new book of black-and-white photos with accompanying explanatory text and interviews
by Vermont photographer Peter Miller will be in bookstores soon. This oblong paperback
Bookmark:
montpelierbridge.com
of 168 pages includes 91 photographs by this award-winning photographer.
"Vanishing Vermonters: Loss of a Rural Culture" includes interviews with people as far
ranging as Stub Earle, Fred Tuttle, and former Vermont Governor Howard Dean.

POETRY
Fall
by Asher Canty,
7th grader at u32

Fall, different colors, brisk

air, dont care! Got a rake
that I can take, so I can make
a pile, in style, as i soar through
the air, I let go of all my worries
and cares, yet when i compare,
when I share this word, people
say im absurd! therefore this
wisdom always lures, but
never is endures privilege of
words.

Leaf Peepers
by Geof Hewitt

New Mercedes van

with Jersey plates,
stuffed with tourists
scowling at a conifer:

"Damn.
We got here too early!"
PAG E 2 8 O C TO B E R 19 N OV E M B E R 1, 2 017 THE BRIDGE