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Vermonters on the Dakota Pipeline Pg.

12

November 17November 30, 2016

So ring the bells that still can ring


Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
Thats how the light gets in.

~ Leonard Cohen
Photo by Michael Jermyn

IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg. 5 Zoning in Montpelier
Pg. 7 Possible School
Mergers
Pg. 8 City Clerk Requests
Investigation

The Bridge
P.O. Box 1143
Montpelier, VT 05601

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Montpelier, VT
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Pg. 11 Column: A State of


Mind

Essay

Food and Family

Navigating New Holiday Traditions

rom the time I began eating solid food,


my parents stressed its importance.
My mom sentimental and with few
cooking skills loved the way food brought
people together. My dad a foodie with a fast
metabolism loved to eat. Every Sunday my
mom would grocery shop. Later, my parents
would cook and my sister, Cheryl, and I would
taste test. And at six oclock each evening, we
would eat as a family. Food and family, in my
mind, were bound to one another.
When my parents first divorced there was a
brief period of take-out and cereal for dinner.
But as time passed, the food in my two new
households diverged.
Now, each household has its own special way
to bond around a meal. My mother has her
style, and my father, his. But before we get
to the part about the meal, we have to go
shopping ...
My mom usually buys too much at the grocery
store. Our full cart and unnecessary purchases
are the result of many complicating factors,
one being my nine-year-old sisters enthusiasm
for food. She traipses down the cereal aisle
arm extended, hitting boxes upon boxes that
fall into our cart like dominoes. My mother
highly distractible does not notice the
growing pile of Honey Nut Cheerios, and we
are left with a years supply of cereal. Usually,
my mom forgets her shopping list in the car,
but decides she doesnt need it and goes by
memory.
I think we put bagels on the list, she says,
tossing in a bag.
Bagels are rarely on our list, yet after every
shopping trip we find ourselves with a package
of plain and a package of everything. At my
moms, we always buy ingredients for cookies.

Just in case you and Sally want to make


some this weekend, she says. Our stash of
Ghirardelli chocolate chips would withstand
the apocalypse. Before my mother swipes her
card at the checkout counter she looks at me,
brow furrowed, and head tilted to the side.
Did we just buy $300 worth of groceries?
At my fathers, we never buy ingredients for
cookies. Our trips to the grocery store are
dictated by a list carefully crafted by my
stepmom. Her lists are like no other. They
state the specific brand of almond milk we
should look for, whether we should buy goat or
cheddar cheese. When I go to the grocery store
with my father, we are focused and fast. My
dad highly methodical believes strategy
is essential to grocery shopping. Okay, you go
get tomatoes, Ill get sausage. Meet me back at
the register.
The two of us divide and conquer the Hunger
Mountain Coop. Though productive in the
moment, our hurried trips rarely last us. Beth,
my stepmother, believes in meal-by-meal
purchases. After shopping, we have enough
food for a decadent dinner, but are scrounging
for breakfast the next day.
On Christmas morning, my mothers kitchen
is flooded with the smell of cinnamon. Though
my mom has never had the patience for
cooking, on December 25 she is in the kitchen
at dawn, rolling dough and dusting it with
sugar. Her cinnamon rolls are her pride and
joy, and our Christmas morning is structured
around their consumption. We must walk past
the precarious tower of presents under the tree
and head first toward the dining room, where
she and that familiar smell are waiting.
When I spend Christmas with my father, we
have brunch. After cappuccinos, stockings and
presents, we head to our holiday feast at about

by Holly Day

11. Beth takes Christmas as an opportunity


to sharpen her cooking skills. Each year, she
attempts a recipe more complex, with ingredients
more expensive and techniques more refined.
Each year, the smell is unfamiliar. Last, it
was baked brie. A creamy wheel of cheese
delicately wrapped in filo dough and adorned
with raspberries. The flaky filo is much thinner
than the dense bread of cinnamon buns.
Preparing meals at my mothers house is
both a happy-making and haphazard task.
Whenever we cook, our counters fill unusually
quickly with dirty mixing bowls and a slew
of ingredients. Our mom rarely asks us for
dinner help, but we always volunteer. Sally
and I experiment with spices while Cheryl
plays her curated baking playlist. A list
dominated by classic sing-along rock. It is
remarkable how often we spill in the kitchen.
Po, our chihuahua, is called upon to clean the
terracotta floor when we dance to Queens
Somebody to Love, forgetting about the cup
of flour in our hands. Before dinner is served,
we set the table with our favorite rooster
plates and a mismatched set of water glasses.
Silverware clinks and chatter rises and falls
until dinner is over and my mother sighs. Her
least favorite task awaits: cleaning the kitchen.
The kitchen smells like lavender both before
and after dinner at my fathers house. As
long as I have lived with Beth, she has
bought the same counter top cleaner: Mrs.
Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner.
My dad appreciates its multi-surface claim:
I mean you can clean the counters AND
the stove with just one cleaner! Thats a
money saver! He raves. Their deep love of
Mrs. Meyers product has inspired overuse.

Continued on Page 23

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THE BRIDGE

N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 3

THE BRIDGE

News about our Current


Fundraising Campaign
Dear Friends of The Bridge,
I would like to start out by thanking everyone who has contributed to
our annual campaign so far. Each year I am amazed by the generosity
and genuine support for The Bridge. It means so much to everyone here.
To date we have received $9,165. We would like to take the time here to
acknowledge those of you who both donated and gave us permission to
publish your name.

RecyclE This Paper!

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Call 249-8666 or 223-5112 ext. 11

Ted Allen
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R. David Ellerson M.D. &
Darragh Ellerson
Grutchfield Family
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Mill Design
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Eric & Claire Gilbertson
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Kathie Hickman
Judith Hinds
Cynthia Jackson
Joan Javier-Duval
Fred & Nancy Jordan
Susan Kruthers
Renee Lagala
Barbara Leber

Jaye Lindner
Nancy Lynn
Tom & Charlotte MacLeay
Jean Olson
Bob O'Donnell
Eleanor Ott
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Janet & Baron Wormser
Marjorie Zunder

* If you feel we missed acknowledging you or misspelled your name, please let us know.
While it is great news about the donations we've received so far, we are
still left at under 50 percent of our campaign goal of at least $25,000. We
need your financial support now as part of this spirited effort to allow The
Bridge to keep moving forward so we can get the news to you and keep
you informed about your community.
We truly believe in doing this work, but we need your financial support
to help sustain us in what is a difficult time for the printed press. Each
year across the country there are fewer and fewer newspapers. But we at
The Bridge are committed and want to be here for you. With your help
we can do that.
If you like and read The Bridge, if you discuss articles and if you support
your community, we invite you to please help get us to our campaign
goal. You can use the enclosed envelope. Or you can go to our website,
montpelierbridge.com, and click on Make a Donation! Or you can stop
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We need you! We really cant do this work without your support. Again,
thanks for reading this letter and to all of you for supporting us and your
community.
Gratefully,
Nat Frothingham

Nature Watch

by Nona Estrin

Supermoon Brings Comfort

o many unknowns for so many people! Not right after the


election, but by last night, it began to be a comfort to see the
heavy supermoon, rising as predicted over our mountians to the
east, and today, right on schedual, the vibrant fall flowering of
the witch hazel bushes west of North Branch Nature Center and on
the south side of the New England Culinary Institute dining room at
Vermont College. The air today was crisp and light and tonight we will
enjoy another soaking rain. All this a small appreciated break in the
new order. Unpredictable. Unsteady.

Support The Bridge


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Thank
You!

PAG E 4 N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

HEARD ON THE STREET


As-Needed Winter Parking Ban
Starts Nov. 15
MONTPELIER The City will continue use of the asneeded and event-based parking bans for the winter of 2016
2017. Parking is allowed overnight on many streets except
when the city manager calls for a winter parking ban due to
inclement weather or snow removal activities (City ordinance
Sec. 10-713). When a Winter Parking Ban is in effect, onstreet parking will be prohibited between the hours of 1 and
7 a.m. on all city streets.
A winter parking ban may be declared when a predicted
weather event or planned snow removal activities require
public works crews to have clear access to the streets and
sidewalks as determined by the street supervisor and city
manager. Every effort will be made to notify residents of a
winter parking ban by 6 p.m.
When a parking ban is in effect, cars parked on city streets
will be ticketed and towed to allow Public Works staff to
plow the streets, apply de-icing agents or remove accumulated
snow banks. Failure to remove a vehicle from a city street
may result in a $15 ticket and a towing charge. Vehicles
may be parked in designated areas on Stone Cutters Way,
in the Pitkin Court parking lot or in the Blanchard Court
lot behind City Hall during declared on-street parking ban
events. A map of these locations can be found at www.
montpelier-vt.org/807/Winter-Parking-Ban.
The city encourages residents to sign up for VT Alerts to
receive phone calls, emails or text messages when a winter
parking ban is declared. Please visit www.vtalert.gov to sign
up and choose your preferred notification method. Step-bystep instructions on signing up for VT Alerts are available
athttp://www.montpelier-vt.org/807/Winter-Parking-Ban.
Additionally, residents will be notified of Parking Bans via
Front Porch Forum, the Citys website and Facebook. A
recorded message will also be available by calling 262-6200.
Due to the narrowness of these streets or the operational
requirements of Public Works, overnight winter parking is
always prohibited on:
Those portions of Memorial Drive, Northfield Street and
Berlin Street lying within the radius of one hundred feet
from the point of intersection of said streets
Cedar Street for its entire length
Chapman Road for its entire length
Charles Street for its entire length
Cherry Avenue for its entire length
Cliff Street for its entire length
Court Street between its intersection with Elm Street and
the intersection with Governor Aiken Avenue
Downing Street for its entire length
East State Street on its northerly side from Main Street to
Cedar Street and on its southerly side from 89 East State
Street to West Street
Elm Street on both sides from State Street to Spring Street
Langdon Street on both sides for its entire length
Liberty Street from Main Street to Hubbard Street

Nelson Street for its entire length


Pleasantview Street for its entire length
Prospect Street for its entire length (note: revision pending)
School Street on both sides between Elm Street and Main
Street
School Street from the intersection of School and Main
Streets easterly to the intersection with Loomis Street
Spring Street on both sides from its intersection with Elm
Street easterly to its intersection with Keck Circle
Taylor Street on both sides from State Street to Taylor
Street Bridge

Old NECI Office Building Uses


Under Zoning Review
MONTPELIER The Development Review Board is
expected to issue a decision shortly on a request to allow
general offices at 56 College St. The yellow building at the
corner of East State Street and College Street recently housed
the headquarters of the New England Culinary Institute
and was called Harris Hall when Vermont College owned
it. One of the owners, Jeff Nick, told the board Oct. 17 that
New England Culinary Institute had asked to be let out of
its long-term lease, which the owners agreed to, and now the
owners want to be able to lease out or sell the building as an
office space. The 11,500 square feet building comes with
28 parking spaces across the street and is for sale for $1.55
million.
Under existing zoning, the building is located in the High
Density Residential district, which does not allow offices,
according to City Zoning Administrator Sarah McShane.
The building was used for offices by the Institute for
Sustainable Communities and then New England Culinary
Institute, but there was an academic tie-in in both cases that
allowed for offices, even though the use was nonconforming.
The owners are asking that one nonconforming use (general
office) be substituted for the nonconforming use of academic
office. The only neighbor to testify at the hearing supported
the request, but some DRB members raised questions about
the shift at the hearing. As it turns out, proposed new city
zoning for the site would permit personal or professional
offices by right, or general offices as a conditional use, but
that zoning may not take effect until late winter or spring.
Meanwhile, perhaps as a back-up plan, the owners filed
a second zoning request Oct. 20 seeking conditional use
approval to use the building as a residential care facility or
group home for nine or more individuals who have a handicap
or disability, defined by the state to include drug and alcohol
rehab. McShane said that plans to hold a Development
Review Board hearing on the second request on Dec. 5 are
now in doubt because Nick cannot attend, so the hearing on
the residential care/group home request might be held either
Dec. 19 or in January.

Middlesex To Have A Blast


MIDDLESEX Blasting will begin the week of Nov. 28 at
the U.S. Interstate 89 overpass bridge replacement project in

Middlesex. Rolling road blocks will take place on I-89 during


blasting times. The contractor will have message boards set
up. The Vermont Agency of Transportation will update the
public when more information on time and dates become
available.

NECI Seeks A Buyer Talks Continuing


MONTPELIER The New England Culinary Institute is
for sale. This is hardly news at all since an announcement to
this effect was part of a press release dated Feb. 4.
For 35 years, NECI has been a fixture in the Montpelier
community and is a culinary school with an international
reputation.
According to New England Culinary Institutes Chief
Financial Officer Greg Bower, the school is still owned by
founder Fran Voigt and his wife Ellen Voigt who are looking
to transition the School to new ownership to ensure a stable
future for the institution, our students and employees.
Bower added, We are continuing to work with several
interested parties and at this time have nothing to announce.

Council On Aging Prepares


For Holiday Meals
CENTRAL VERMONT On Christmas Day, Central
Vermont Council on Aging partners with dozens of
community volunteers and local businesses to prepare and
deliver hot holiday meals and shoebox gifts to seniors.
Many of these seniors live alone, without family or friends
to share in the holiday. For many isolated elders, having a
visitor bring them a holiday meal and gift is the highlight
of their day.
Community members are asked to help with the shoebox
gifts. We need folks to fill a shoebox with small gift items
such as slippers, socks, warm hats and gloves; pretty soaps,
lotions and grooming items; note pads, pens and stamps;
nonperishable food items and small candies; grocery or
drug store gift cards; flashlights and batteries; pot holders,
kitchen towels and mugs. You may deliver your shoebox gift
to Central Vermont Council on Aging offices, located at 59
N. Main St., 2nd Floor, Barre, VT 05641, from 8:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m., by Dec. 22. We will gift wrap your donated
shoeboxes, but if you choose to wrap yourself, please mark it
Male or Female on the gift wrapping.
Pickup can be arranged for groups with multiple boxes.
If you are unable to fill a box but would like to donate
individual items, we would be happy to accept individual
items to add to boxes we assemble.
Central Vermont Council on Aging also welcomes financial
donations designated for this holiday project, or for our
many services for seniors. Contributions can be mailed to
the above address, or made online at www.cvcoa.org/donate.
For further information or to arrange a pick-up of multiple
gift boxes, please contact us at 479-0531. To volunteer, go to
www.cvcoa.org/volunteer.

Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge


On Over 20 Years of Business!

THE BRIDGE

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Four Things To Know About Proposed Montpelier Zoning


by Phil Dodd
MONTPELIER The planning commission has wrapped up work on the latest draft
of its zoning proposal, but because the final wording is still unfinished, a public hearing
originally planned for Dec. 12 was postponed and a new hearing date of Jan. 9 has been set
by the commission. The final draft and a proposed new zoning map should be posted on
the city website by the end of November at the latest, according to Planning Director Mike
Miller. The prior draft, currently on the website, is dated March 24, but several revisions
have been made since then.
After the Jan. 9 public hearing, the planning commission expects to consider additional
changes, then plans to ship the zoning draft off to the city council, which is required to
hold two public hearings on the zoning draft and is allowed to make its own changes before
voting on whether to adopt new zoning. Miller said the council could decide to hold public
meetings about the zoning before scheduling the two official public hearings.
The draft zoning, which runs to almost 200 pages, is a complete overhaul of existing
zoning. It is a complex document that is based on the citys 2010 Master Plan and has been
under development by the planning commission for several years.
This article attempts to touch on four major aspects of the proposed zoning. The Bridge
plans to cover other details of the zoning proposal in a future issue.
Design review boundaries would remain the same as in current zoning at least for
now. An earlier draft would have expanded the area where homeowners are required to get
permission from the citys design review committee to make certain changes to their homes,
such as putting on siding or replacing windows. At a hearing on the topic earlier this year,
many homeowners expressed concerns about being added to the district, and members
of the Cliff Street neighborhood, who are currently subject to design review, asked to be
removed from it. This draft leaves the design control boundaries where they are currently,
covering downtown, nearby neighborhoods, Vermont College, National Life and Stone
Cutters Way. But the planning commission has indicated it will consider again next year
whether to propose amending the new zoning, after it is in place, to alter or enlarge the
boundaries, Miller said. He also said the Commission has also asked the citys Historic
Preservation Commission to make recommendations for further changes to design review
standards, so additional changes to those standards could be made after the public hearing
but before the proposed zoning is sent to the Council.
Housing density would increase significantly throughout the city. Lot sizes would be
smaller and housing density increased in most areas of the city, if the proposed zoning is
adopted. In many parts of the current Low Density district, for example, density would
change from one unit per 43,560 square feet (an acre) to one unit per 9,000 square feet. In
current High Density areas, minimum lot size would drop from 8,700 square feet to 3,000

Capstone Head Start


Director Steps Down
BARRE Marianne Miller announced Nov. 9 that after almost 29 years of service to
low-income children and their families throughout Lamoille, Orange and Washington
Counties, she is stepping down from her job as Head Start director later this month.
During her tenure, Miller increased Head Start enrollment and expanded services to
include both infant/toddler and preschool full-day, full-year programming, licensed
preschool centers, Head Start public school/pre-K partnerships, and private child care
provider partnerships in addition to prenatal, infant/toddler and preschool home-based
services. Miller led the rehabilitation of Capstones Head Start center at the Brook
Street School in Barre. Under her direction, Capstone also initiated statewide oral
health and healthy relationship projects.
Under Millers leadership, the Capstone Head Start program was recognized as one of
the top 40 programs in the United States for innovation in family service programming.
The program has won numerous awards for excellence from the Office of Head Start
and been commended for its in-service training program and use of technology.
Miller said, It has been my honor to work with talented and committed staff who give
both their heart and skill to the families we serve. Our accomplishments reflect their
dedication and tremendous effort in partnership with the families love and hopes for
their children and their engagement with our program. I know I leave the program in
very capable hands of the Head Start team at Capstone.
Dan Hoxworth, Capstones executive director, has appointed Christy SwensonRobertson to serve as the interim Head Start director while the search for a successor
is underway. He said, Capstone deeply appreciates Mariannes dedication and
leadership. Over almost three decades Head Start has served more than 10,000
children and their families. Head Starts success is why so many now view high quality
early education as essential to every childs development.
Capstone Community Action was founded in 1965 and works to alleviate the suffering
caused by poverty and to create economic opportunity for people and communities.
Capstones programs include emergency food assistance (with the third largest food
shelf in the state), emergency heat and utility assistance, housing counseling including
homelessness intervention, transportation assistance, workforce development, home
weatherization and child and family development programs in Early Head Start/Head
Start. Capstone serves over 18,000 people through these programs each year.
To learn more about Capstone Community Action and its Head Start program,
contact Christy Swenson-Robertson at 479-1053 or visit the Capstone Community
Action website at www.capstonevt.org.

square feet, though density would remain the same or decrease somewhat. Many minimum
setback distances are also being reduced. In parts of the old High Density district, for
example, the rear setback would drop from 30 feet to 10 feet. Also adding to potential
density is a group of mostly optional Planned Unit Developments that would allow base
district density to increase by 25 to 50 percent if goals such as energy efficiency and
affordability are met. Under the proposed zoning, any conforming single-family house in
the city could be converted to a duplex. The density changes reduce overall nonconformity
and satisfy the Master Plan goal of boosting housing. But Commission chairman Kim
Cheney has pointed out that the Plans goal of increasing housing does conflict in some
ways with other Master Plan goals, such as preserving traditional residential neighborhoods
and conserving open land.
There would be many more zoning districts, most with new names. The number of
different zoning districts in the city would increase significantly, and most traditional
names for districts would be eliminated. Under current zoning, for example, there are three
generally residential-only districts: Low Density, Medium Density and High Density. The
new zoning proposes six different residential districts, plus a new Mixed Use Residential
district, with new names linked to their maximum density. The Residential 6000 district,
for example, will be an area where there can be one unit per 6,000 square feet. Much of
this district is now called Medium Density (at 10,000 square feet, it is less dense now than
is being proposed). The new generally residential-only districts would include Residential
1,500, Residential 3,000, Residential 6,000, Residential 9000, Residential 17,000, and
Rural. Other districts would include Urban Center 1, Urban Center 2, Riverfront, Eastern
Gateway, Western Gateway and Mixed Use Residential.
The size of the Mixed Use district has been scaled back since an earlier draft. Mixed
Use is a new type of district, where both residential and some limited commercial uses are
allowed. The minimum lot size is 3,000 square feet, and maximum density is two units
per 1,500 sq. ft. An earlier draft map showed this district extending into several residential
areas, which sparked objections from residents of St. Paul and other neighboring streets.
At the City Councils urging, the Planning Commission scaled back the district mostly
to busier arterial streets such as East State Street (including Vermont College), Northfield
Street at the downtown end, the western end of State Street beyond Bailey Ave., and
a portion of Elm Street. The permitted commercial uses in this district include stores,
markets and professional offices. Conditional uses include restaurants and general offices.

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THE BRIDGE

Montpelier Now Offering Preschool at UES

A Message From City Hall

MONTPELIER Partly in response to a state law requiring that school districts pay for
10 hours of preschool per child per week, a classroom at Union Elementary School has been
converted into a preschool classroom serving about 28 children in two shifts a day. The
preschool, which opened at the start of the school year, has been a huge success for the school,
according to Union School Principal Chris Hennessey. The parents are loving it.

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

Progress Made on Many Fronts

There had been concern that the Union preschool would be oversubscribed, so the school
was prepared to hold a lottery last summer to fill its preschool slots, but that did not prove
necessary, Hennessey said. We still have a couple of openings, he noted. As an alternative to
going to the Union preschool, parents can choose to receive a rebate for the expense of sending
their children to a private, state-qualified preschool such as Turtle Island or the Family Center.
Parents this year are receiving $3,092 per child for about 45 Montpelier children aged three
to five to attend such private preschools this year, he said. We do have preschool choice in
Montpelier, and it is working really well, Hennessey said.

by William Fraser, City Manager

s the temperatures start to dip and we move closer


to snow plowing season, many city initiatives and
projects are moving forward.

One Taylor Street


Many people have noticed that construction has begun
on the Taylor Street lot. This is the first stage of work for
the overall Transit Center/Housing/Transportation Path
redevelopment project. This work consists of removing
contaminated soils and reconstructing the failing retaining
wall along the Winooski River. This work, primarily
funded through $850,000 in Community Development
Block Grant Ecosystem Restoration Program funds, (ERP)
is essential for the remainder of the project to proceed.
The next work that the public will see is the reconstruction
of Taylor Street in the spring. While this is technically
a separate project with regard to funding sources, it is
designed and intended as a complement to the entire
redevelopment of this important downtown center.
The city is in the process of finalizing all rights of way and
property acquisitions needed for the project. Once that
work is completed, final designs and permitting will begin.
We hope to begin construction on the transportation path,
transit center and housing portions of the project by fall of
2017 with completion near the end of 2018.
This project schedule is behind earlier projections. A major
delay in schedule was caused by the understanding that
costs were going to exceed available funds after a detailed
cost estimate was completed. This information was shared
with the public in July of 2015. Given that reality, priorities
shifted to closing the funding gap. The city was cautious
about committing other funds for the project until we were
able to proceed financially.
Over the ensuing months, City staff worked diligently to
generate $1.22 Million in funding to close the gap and allow
project work to continue. We increased the citys matching
funds by a needed $600,000 without raising taxes. In
addition, we generated $250,000 for the accompanying
Taylor Street renovation work.
The entire One Taylor Project has taken a long time.
This goes back to fighting through EPA for three years
on environmental issues, through FEMA for two years
on floodway restrictions and through Federal Highway
Administration & Federal Transit Authority for two years
for Environmental Assessment and Categorical Exclusion
(NEPA permit terms) approval.

One Taylor Easements


A concern has been raised by some that easement (real
estate rights of way) acquisition and related appraisal
processes were delayed unnecessarily resulting in project
delays and significant additional expense. The suggestion
has been made that easements could have been acquired a
year or more ago. A review of project documentation shows
that this is not the case.
The State (acting on behalf of FHWA) must approve
engineering designs, specific right of way boundaries,
easement deeds and an appraisal values before any offers
can be made. Any change in any one of those items triggers
new state review.
The citys engineer submitted final right of way plans and
easement boundaries for VTrans review on January 25,
2015. These plans were approved in March of 2015.
VTrans officially determined in February 2015 that full
appraisals needed to be completed on Capitol Plaza and
Heney properties and that final right of way plans needed
to be approved on all three parcels (including the Jacobs
parcel which required a simpler appraisal process) before
anything could progress. In April of 2015, VTrans advised
us of an additional requirement for plans showing the
parking lots before and after the path was constructed.
VTrans approved this parking analysis in August of 2015
which impacted the appraisers work. As late as October
1, 2015, VTrans was still seeking more plan revisions and

details all of which effected the appraisal timetable.


VTrans approved the appraisals and authorized negotiations
on December 14, 2015. Formal offers to the Heney family
and Capitol Plaza were made that same day.
An engineering change required new plans for the Jacobs
easement. These plans were submitted in January of 2016
with revised easement documents and a revised appraisal
amount. VTrans provided comments and made requests
for additional changes on March 8th. The city submitted
those on March 16th. On March 17th, VTrans advised that
all deeds and plans were approved. A formal offer was made
to the Jacobs family that day.
The earliest the city could have finalized with the Heneys
and Capitol Plaza was December 14, 2015. The earliest
the city could have finalized with the Jacobs was March
17, 2016. We have been negotiating with the parties since
those dates. We have closed on the Jacobs easement and
expect to close this week with the Heneys and, possibly,
Capitol Plaza.
The remaining parcel to acquire is the Montpelier
Beverage site owned by the Mowatt Trust. The city has
an agreement in principle with Mowatt and a partner to
construct a new three story building adjacent to the current
location. This will facilitate the transportation path, an
improved alignment with Barre Street and new economic
development in downtown.

Local Development Corporation/Economic


Development
The City has taken the very exciting step of creating
an independent non-profit local development corporation
which will be called the Montpelier Development
Corporation or MDC.
Articles of incorporation have been completed, corporate
bylaws drafted and a board of directors appointed by the
City Council and Montpelier Alive.
The MDC was a key recommendation of the Economic
Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) which was vetted
throughout the community over the past year. The plan calls
for an annual city appropriation of $100,000 to the MDC
to support its operations including an Executive Director.
The Plan also calls for a $50,000 annual appropriation into
the Housing Trust Fund, recognizing that housing is a key
element to economic growth in Montpelier.
MDC will function as its own entity to promote economic
development projects within the city. Some priorities are
laid out in the EDSP, others will present themselves and
others will be generated by this group. The citys role will be
to work with MDC on permitting and infrastructure issues
to allow for successful projects.
Even before the creation of the MDC, the city has been
working actively on the Mowatt project and another
potential significant commercial development opportunity.

Housing
Creation of new housing has been a priority for the City.
The key policy effort for housing will be the new zoning
proposal. The Planning Commission is wrapping up their
work. The full zoning proposal is now expected to be taken
up by the City Council in February after the budget is
completed.
A new housing development strategy has been drafted, is
being reviewed by the Housing Task Force and will be
submitted to Council for approval as part of the Master
Plan revision.

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The Union preschool is only available for 2 to 3 hours a day, and some parents need longer
coverage. Parents using a qualified private preschool can pay for a longer day and use the
$3,092 rebate to cover part of their bill. The rebate is not available for daycares or preschools
that are not approved by the state. Union was able to dedicate a room for preschool because
the fifth grade moved over to the Main Street Middle School a couple of years ago, Hennessey
said. Even with that move, the school is space-challenged because the school continues to
see larger classes of 85 to 95 students entering kindergarten each year, he said. Including the
28 children in the preschool, there are now about 440 students at Union Elementary School.

The city has also been directly involved in housing projects.


One Taylor Street is a prime example with forty market
rate units planned. The French Block (or Dickie Block) is
another example of how the city can partner with housing
experts successfully. Downstreet, Inc. is about to embark
on a project to bring 18 housing units to the long vacant
space above Aubuchon Hardware. The city has supported
this effort through grant applications and direct funding.
City government is always looking to promote
opportunities, support efforts and offer partnership with
housing developers. In addition to the above mentioned
active projects, the city is in preliminary discussions about
two other possible downtown housing developments.

Environmental
The City has been very active in addressing environmental
issues and new regulatory demands.
Stormwater: A new stormwater master plan has been
prepared and approved. Projects and maintenance
requirements to meet the plan will be included in the
upcoming and future budgets. The City needs to begin
creation of an independently funded stormwater utility.
CSO: Much discussion about the Combined Sewer
Overflow issue occurred over the summer including a
fairly lengthy analysis in this Bridge page. The city is taking
active steps to reduce overflows and improve monitoring.
The next big step is to consider the best way to address the
many private roof drains which remain connected to the
citysewer pipes. Should the city enact punitive regulations,
create financial incentives or provide funding? Or some
combination?
Berlin Pond: The State of Vermont has begun permitting
for a boat launch on Berlin Pond. The City is filing as a
party on all permit applications. In the meantime, the city
is updating its source protection plan to reflect new risks
potentially created by recreational use.
Net Zero: The city is planning several projects to continue
reduction of city energy use. Many of these will be included
in the upcoming budget. The biggest challenge for the Net
Zero initiative is sustaining this effort for work with private
property owners throughout the community.

Budget
The annual budget preparation process is underway. We
expect the budget to be presented to the City Council
on December 21st. Based on Council comments, the
budget will likely show different funding options related to
different tax potential tax rates.

Personal
As I write this article, my status as City Manager is up in
the air. I thank the many people who have offered words
of support and encouragement. Although this is a difficult
situation, I will keep my commitment to provide the most
professional management that I can until there is a final
resolution.
Thank you for reading this article and for your interest
in Montpelier city government. Please feel free to contact
me or your elected officials with questions or comments
about the City Government. I can be reached at wfraser@
montpelier-vt.org or 802-223-9502. Other city officials
email addresses and phone numbers are available on the
web.

Thats more than we had six years ago when the fifth graders were here, Hennessey observed.
Union School is one of the largest elementary schools in the state, he added. Act 166 was passed
by the Legislature in 2014 and signed into law by Governor Peter Shumlin. It provides universal
publicly funded pre-kindergarten education for a minimum of 10 hours per week for 35 weeks
annually for all three, four and five year old children who are not enrolled in kindergarten.
The Legislature did not provide any new funding for the program, so the money for Act 166
comes from the existing state Education Fund, which is funded primarily by state and local

by Phil Dodd

property taxes. It is one of those dreaded unfunded mandates, Hennessey said. But the
principal thinks preschool education is important for young children and is a strong supporter
of preschool. He said Union was fortunate to find and hire four high-quality educators
including two preschool teachers, a special educator and an educational assistant when
it started its program earlier this year. The morning and afternoon sessions at the Union
preschool have 16 available slots each. In the morning session, 10 slots are reserved for children
who qualify for Head Start, which has income restrictions. Head Start, a federal program,
provides funding for half of a teachers salary, Hennessey said. However, the total cost of the
Union preschool per student is still higher than the $3,092 per child rebate amount, he said.
We think this program gives us a lot of bang for the buck, Hennessey said. We are getting
more kids in earlier, creating a better bridge to kindergarten and requiring less intervention
later.
Looking farther into the future, Hennessey speculated parents may start to wonder if the
Union preschool could expand to cover more hours and/or more children. But he noted a full
day preschool would have only 16 children in a classroom, compared to the 32 that can be
handled in two shifts, so there would be extra staff costs. Expansion would require community
discussion, Hennessey said. The fourth grade cant be moved to the Main Street Middle
School, so room to expand would probably have to be found somewhere other than the existing
Union School, he added. Expansion of hours would also create competition for the private
preschools in the Montpelier area that offer full day preschool. Right now, the Union preschool
is serving a niche market of parents who only want or need two hours per day of preschool,
Hennessey said. Sign-up for next years preschool will be held in the spring, when the school
will use various means to reach out to parents.
There will be fewer openings at Union next year, perhaps requiring a lottery, because as many
has half of the children currently enrolled in the Union preschool could continue there next year.
To qualify for preschool next year (or for a rebate to cover private preschool), a child will have to
turn three years old by Sept. 1, 2017. Hennessey said that beginning in March, parents of young
children can watch for information about next years preschool sign-up on the Union School
website at mpsvt.org/ues. If parents have questions, he invited them to call him at 225-8200.

Montpelier, Roxbury Study Merger


Northfield in Talks with Williamstown, Eyes Montpelier
by Phil Dodd
MONTPELIER On Dec. 7, the Montpelier School Board
will appoint three school board members and two community
members to a study committee with two representatives from
Roxbury to determine whether it makes sense for the two
school districts to merge.
If the study committee recommends a merger, it would only
take place if approved by voters in both towns, which a recent
vote shows is not guaranteed. On election day, voters in Barre
Town rejected a proposed merger with Barre. The five towns
that feed students to U-32 high school have also been having
a contentious discussion about merging their school districts
into one. In the past, some have suggested that Montpelier
and U-32 should merge, but that possibility is not on the
table at the moment.
Meanwhile, Northfield and Williamstown have formed
a merger study committee that is said to be nearing a
conclusion. But now some Northfield residents think the
idea of a merger with Montpelier should also be considered,
at least on an informal basis.
The school merger discussions in the area have been prompted
by Act 46, a state law designed to encourage small school
districts to join forces. The law also gives the state the right,

at some point in the future, to require mergers.


Under the law, Montpelier is large enough that is not required
to merge with anyone. But Roxbury, a very small district
located south of Northfield, asked to talk with Montpelier.
Both towns school boards voted in October to form an Act
46 study committee, according to Montpelier School Board
Chair Michele Braun. If a decision to merge is recommended,
Braun said a vote will not take place on Town Meeting Day,
but could take place before June 30, when Act 46 property
tax incentives for mergers end.
The Northfield-Williamstown merger is tentatively scheduled
to go to the voters in those towns on Town Meeting Day, but
some Northfield residents are now urging Northfield to also
talk to Montpelier about a merger.
Montpelier Superintendent Brian Ricca said that Northfield
cannot legally take part in two merger studies at once, but it
could be allowed to get involved in the Montpelier-Roxbury
talks on an informal basis. A decision on whether Northfield
would be allowed to participate in some way will be up to
the soon-to-be-formed study committee, not the two schools
boards, Ricca noted. The study committee could also reject
any overture that comes from Northfield.

Ricca, who will attend study committee meetings, said he is


focused on the implications of the possible Roxbury merger
and will not examine the Northfield option unless the study
committee invites them to join as informal participants.
The three school districts vary widely in size. Montpeliers
current enrollment is 1,042, Ricca said, not including
preschool. The Roxbury and Northfield enrollments,
including preschool, are 51 and 581 respectively, he said.
The three towns also have different political views. In the
recent gubernatorial race, Montpelier voted for Minter over
Scott by 3,169 to 1,515. Scott prevailed in Northfield by
1,463 to 718, and in Roxbury by 219 to 149.
Braun said that the Montpelier School Board is soliciting two
members of the Montpelier community to join three school
board members on the Roxbury study committee. Those
interested should send a letter explaining their interest in the
topic to the school board by Nov. 28, she said. The address is
5 School Drive, Unit 1, in Montpelier.

Bookmark:
montpelierbridge.com

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N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 9

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Residents Concerned Over Managers Contract Discussions

On The Road

by Carla Occaso

with Brent Curtis

MONTPELIER During a regular city council meeting Nov. 9 at City Hall, roughly 20
residents took turns speaking out following reports in numerous news outlets concerning City
Manager William Fraser's contract nonrenewal.

Officially, there has still been no decision. The council has not met and voted in a publicly
warned meeting on the matter, Hollar said. However, repeated questions from the public have
led City Clerk John Odum to request an investigation from the Attorney Generals office.

Most citizens who spoke praised Fraser and criticized a process whereby a majority of the
city council, led by Mayor John Hollar, informed City Manager Bill Fraser on Oct. 26 in an
executive session that they did not intend to support the renewal of his contract in March.
That meeting followed a private meeting between Hollar and Fraser on Oct. 24 in which
Hollar informed Fraser that he believed a majority of councilors would not support the
continuation of his contract.

I have no objection to someone from the Attorney Generals office looking at this and making
a determination, Hollar said.

At the core of the controversy is the fact that the majority of members knew about Hollars
discussion with Fraser, while three did not. Hollar is the seventh member of the seven-member
council. The three who were not in the loop claim they did not know about Hollars discussion
with Fraser until they were informed in the executive session. Hollar served as a tie breaker,
siding with the three councilors who do not want to renew Frasers contract against three who
do want to renew Frasers contract.
Called into question by the public has been whether this creation of an unofficial decision by
four members of the council and informing the city manager of said unofficial decision
outside a regularly warned council meeting breaks Vermonts Open Meeting Law.
Hollar spoke by telephone with The Bridge Nov. 11.
There was never a meeting of the majority of the council prior to this discussion with Bill.
Three councilors came to me at separate times and told me that they did not support the
renewal of his contract. I told Bill that there had been no final decision because the council
had not yet met, but I felt it was important to give him a heads up about what was certain to
be a difficult discussion, Hollar explained. He also said, I did not make a concerted effort to
make this decision prior to my meeting with Bill on Oct. 24.

As for whether this incident may lead to a pricey legal issue, Hollar says, No.
If we go forward with this, we would have to have a hearing and we would have to state
our reasons ... that poses a challenge in terms of the general practice of not having public
discussions about personnel matters, and my desire not to have a public debate about the
managers performance, Hollar said. Hollar hopes to stave off such a situation. We will have
ongoing discussions with Bill and his attorney and hopefully will reach a mutual resolution.
The Bridge also reached out to the Secretary of State's office inquiring about whether the
open meeting law had been violated. Jenny Prosser, general counsel and director of municipal
assistance, said simply that the council had wandered into a grey area. Regarding the question
of talking about an issue outside a duly warned meeting, Prosser said the law only applies if you
have a quorum (in this case four members) discussing an issue. The mayor is a member of the
council. The law would only apply if you have four members in a quorum, she explained. The
Bridge asked about the legality of a decision arrived at by a quorum of a public body following
a series of conversations (either in person, by telephone, social media or email) outside a warned
meeting.
A series of conversations that lead to a decision has not yet been put before the court,
Prosser said. We get lots of calls on board transparency issues. We let them know it is a grey
area. We have gotten calls from citizens with concerns about boards (having a) ... string of
communication. The context has been emails. Sometimes phone calls. It is not uncommon.
Anyone has a right to challenge the board in court, she said.

City Clerk Files for Investigation into City Manager Case


by Nat Frothingham
as secretary), and there are literally dozens of
concerns and complaints and rumors I've heard
every day from my constituents. I shared that
experience with attorneys at the Secretary of State
and I was directed to the Attorney General's as
being the proper authority to ask to intervene and
provide clarity so we can all move on from this.
Its simply a matter of following proper procedure.

Frothingham: You have written a letter to the State of Vermont Attorney General calling for
an investigation into whether or not Mayor John Hollar, by actions he took in advance of the
Wednesday, Nov. 9 City Council meeting, may have violated Vermonts open meeting law. What
evidence do you have to call for such an investigation? If you dont have evidence to back up your
call, why are you calling for an investigation?

Frothingham: Based on what you have witnessed,


do you feel there has been a possible violation of
Vermonts open meeting law or a violation of the
spirit of that law?

I have concerns, Ive heard the concerns of some of the city councilors (for whom I act

Around the State


U.S. Route 2 and Vermont State Route 14 in East Montpelier get more drainage and retaining
wall work. This part of the project should be completed in November. Motorists should expect
nighttime work from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. This will cause alternating one-lane traffic and delays.
U.S. Route 2 in Middlesex continues to get bridge work that will affect traffic this week.
Alternating one-lane traffic will cause delays.
Vermont Highway 12A from Roxbury to Northfield has multiple construction operations
within the project this week. The work includes ledge removal, drainage, culvert replacement
and ditching this week. Alternating one-lane traffic will slow traffic this week. Expect delays in
this work zone.
Vermont Route 100 in Duxbury will be reduced to alternating one-lane traffic for ledge scaling.
This should last for about two weeks. Traffic could be stopped to protect motorists during the
operation, so expect delays.
Brent Curtis is the Public Outreach Coordinator for the Agency of Transportation. Brent.curtis@
vermont.gov

HEARD ON THE STREET


Extra! Extra!
New LGBT Television Show On ORCA

MONTPELIER City Clerk John Odum has requested an investigation by the Attorney
Generals office into the nonrenewal of City Manager William Frasers contract as made public
recently. It seems that what has been called into question is the procedure by which the decision
was reached and the manner in which Fraser was informed. Mayor John Hollar informed Fraser
on Oct. 24 that a majority of the board did not support renewing his contract. The full board
did not meet until Oct. 26, and at that time, three of the seven board members said they did not
know a decision had been reached. The Bridges publisher Nat Frothingham spoke with Odum
recently in a question and answer session.

Odum: Your question misses the whole point. I am neither equipped nor qualified to collect
evidence. If I were, I wouldn't have written the letter, Id just investigate it myself.

his summer I bought an old toboggan at an auction. It needed some work but the price
was right and it brought back memories of winters gone by. Recently I was reminded
of my purchase by some friends who were talking about getting out their sleds and
toboggans for the upcoming winter. Not everybody likes to hit the slopes in the winter, but
getting some form of exercise is important. It could be a walk in the country, a sleigh ride or even
strapping on a pair of snowshoes for a walk in a meadow. My point is we have options in the
winter. Whatever you do, be smart. Dress for the conditions, dont overdo it, and if you end up
on a back road, make sure you are mindful of traffic and road conditions as you walk on the road.

And I may be a paperpusher, but Im an


elected paper-pusher;
those people voicing
concerns are my
constituents, and I
am honor bound to
take those concerns
seriously. John Odum

Odum: Two parts to that answer. First, my


personal gut feeling is that there probably wasn't
a violation by a single call or meeting with all four
present. The conference call I've heard about probably had only three participants. There's an
amazing amount of mistrust out there, though, so I didn't think my gut feeling was going to be
enough to placate a lot of folks. Nor should it be, necessarily I'm just one guy. One reason to
ask for an investigation is to get the ironclad clarity that we clearly need after that last Council
meeting. That was a tough meeting. And I may be a paper-pusher, but Im an elected paperpusher; those people voicing concerns are my constituents, and I am honor bound to take those
concerns seriously. If Im not willing or able to do that, I should get a new job.
The second part is more important though. I don't think there's any serious question that the
spirit of the law was violated. Obviously it was. An attorney I spoke with at the Secretary of States
office says that a strict reading of the law would make the series of communications between the
council majority to come to a decision a violation as well. That same attorney also added that,
despite that reading, a judge may or may not see it that way if the issue were in a court of law. But
the Secretary of State does feel strongly enough on the matter that they advise public bodies not
to make decisions this way, because of the potential of a violation.
So we're squarely in a place where the Secretary of State advises a violation may have taken place
under a strict reading ... but maybe not. That's hardly reassuring to folks with concerns both
on and off the Council. So logically, the only way we're going to get any closure is through the
Attorney General's office. And if they choose not to investigate and give us that clarity, I think
this is a wound that isn't likely to heal.
It doesnt help that there just doesnt seem to be a lot of interest in understanding the parameters
of the law from the mayor and majority. The mayor had to be told again very recently that he
couldnt simply call a council meeting with an attorney this week without warning that meeting
publicly at least 24 hours in advance. Youd think, in the midst of this controversy, he would have
familiarized himself with the legal procedures for holding a public meeting. That sort of oversight
does not inspire confidence under the circumstances.
Frothingham: What is motivating you to seek the involvement of Vermonts Attorney Generals
office for an investigation of the publics current concerns about possible violations of Vermonts
Open Meeting law?
Odum: My conscience and the oath of office I took.

Got a news tip? We want to know!


Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com

MONTPELIER Linda Quinlan has announced that she, Anne Charles and Keith
Koslant have started a new show. The show, called LGBTQ (All Things Lesbian Gay
Bisexual Transgender Questioning), is in its third week. It airs Saturday night at 8, and
can be downloaded from their site. The show is aired on ORCA, a local television station
located at the corner of Main and East State streets in Montpelier.

A Reflection

Thinking About Hillary in


the Shower
by Garrett Heaney

Trump.

e all feel dirty right now, dont we America? We could all use a good shower. We feel
dirty for so many reasons, and weve been feeling this way long before the so-called
election process imploded into the dumpster fire that is a President-elect Donald

Frankly, Bernie Sanders would have provided the type of cleansing, and refreshment, warmth
and comfort that I desperately need. But that water was shut off at my house, and redirected,
for many in my neighborhood into a much colder utility that, while providing water that was
tolerable for bathing, didnt provide the quality of shower that most of my neighbors preferred
lukewarm at best, but often cooler than body temperature, enough to make you uncomfortable,
but still feel mostly clean (on the outside).
A few days ago, this water too was shut off for almost everyone else in the neighborhood and all
that is left is frigid, shockingly uncomfortable water that you have to jump in and out of each day
without ever feeling especially clean, and things like actual hygiene and cleanliness have become
a mystery for most. I wish I could say its not my water, but then, I wouldnt have any water at
all. And that condition hasnt hit my neighborhood, yet.
Garrett Heaney is the proofreader of The Bridge and a local artist. His work can be seen at ahny.us.

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THE BRIDGE

Local's Unique Vocations and


Avocations

Trash Talkin from Brownsville, Texas

by Dot Helling

like to write about the uniqueness of Montpeculiar and


its downtown and area residents. Many of our residents
work at unique vocations and avocations.
In this anti-smoking age which she likens to Prohibition,
Carole Burns of Montpelier makes her living as a tobacconist
dealing in tobaccos and fine briar pipes. In 1980 Carole
and her ex-partner started Pipeworks in New York City. In
1983 they bought and merged with Wilke Tobacco which
was founded and established in 1872. The couple operated
Pipeworks & Wilke on Madison Avenue until 1995 when
Burns moved to Vermont. Since then she has operated the
business from outbuildings at her various Vermont homes.
Pipeworks & Wilke is renowned and award winning,
offering 30 different tobacco blends to discriminating
smokers around the world. Burns' loyal customers include
old school pipe smokers for whom she provides special
blends of tobaccos, handmade pipes and services such as
pipe refurbishment. Carole hand mixes the tobaccos; her special blends are trademarked.
For a decade Daniel Wetmore of Dan Wetmore Carpentry, Shelf and Furniture Design worked
from his cabin in Adamant as a puzzlemaker, regionally known as Dan the Puzzle Man. His
handmade wooden puzzles are novel, educational and beautiful, a Vermont grown hands-on
experience for kids and adults. Wetmore moved to Montpelier in 1996. He tutored and taught
math in area schools, from pre-algebra to Advanced Placement calculus, in order to spend
more time with his family, while always yearning to
do more design. Today, in addition to teaching at the
Pacem School, Wetmore specializes in individualized
carpentry and has created a line of unique design
furnishings, particularly shelving. He takes on custom
projects like kitchens and cabinetry, wooden
stencil designs, and even an abstract mirror
for discriminating customers. Wetmore admits
to being design heavy. His future dreams
include a line of block and repeat pattern toys.
He is also a fiddle and banjo player and can be
found performing Southern old tyme music
Furniture by Dan Wetmore
on Sunday mornings at Bagito's or at weekly
Wednesday night jam sessions.

Tom Mulholland is a certified Master plumber whose avocation is


artistry, sculpture and poetry. He drives a 1994 Ford Ranger truck currently
painted cobalt blue and uses the bed for exhibits. Tom is known for his roving bulletin
boards a.k.a. Bulletin Board Art. He gained notoriety from his roving exhibit called Bulletins
from Neptune, so named because, astrologically, Neptune governs the arts. In 2009 Tom
transformed an unoccupied Montpelier Main Street storefront into a gallery. He once shipped
his truck to France and did roving exhibits around Paris with backdrops like the Eiffel Tower
and Arc de Triomphe. There he exhibited a woven copper chair which was so unusual you
could not give it a style. This fall Tom's roving exhibit is an assemblage of a dozen logs of
different native Vermont tree species mounted vertically to create a primeval grove. He does

Photo courtesy of
Carole Burns

these things to be playful. Tom originates from New York


City, lived many years in France and calls Central Vermont
his home. Tom and his art are distinctly unique. As Tom says,
To be a radical, to go to the root, is not sufficient. I am a
germinal. I am going to the seed.

Charis Churchill of Middlesex is a bartender and the event


manager at La Puerta Negra. Charis (pronounced as Karis)
has served drinks to Montpelier residents for 25 years at
downtown venues including Positive Pie, Julio's, Conoscenti's
and Charlie O's. Her avocation and passion is as a costume
designer. Her interest in costumes began as a young girl
when her mother had a cellar full of fantastic costumes and
was always organizing themed parties with Charis's help.
For some time Charis operated a costume shop on Langdon
Street called Wicked Wardrobe. Her first performance
jobs were designing costumes for the Montpelier Theatre
Guild's Oliver, Moving Light Dance Company's Alice in
Wonderland, and for Union School performances. She spent six years as the resident designer
for Quarryworks Theatre in Adamant and often works for Lost Nation Theatre. Charis
especially likes the challenge of quick changes such as tear-away pants, gender changes and
building characters. Two of her favorite shows were the Hounds of Baskerville and Treasure
Island. In The 39 Steps she had to define about 35 supporting characters (amongst a cast of
only four) with instantly recognizable traits engineered through quick changes, all depicting
the 1935 period.
Montpelier's Beckie Sheloske is a bartender and the event manager at Charlie O's, and owns a
perfume business. Rebel Intuitive is a line of synthetic-free all natural perfumes currently sold
only online and at Salaam Boutique on State Street. Sylvia Maratova worked at local food coops
for over 20 years and once exhibited a piece of her handwoven basketry made of colorful original
telephone wires at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Ron Koss of East Montpelier, and
his twin brother Arnold, invented the first organic baby food, Earth's Best, and now have
co-founded Brio! ice cream, the first nutritious, probiotic, non-genetically modified ice cream
that tastes good. August Burns of Middlesex, Carole Burns's sister, worked as a midwife in
Vermont's first family friendly birthing center in Randolph under Dr. Thurmond Knight.
Burns went on to become a Physician's
Assistant and is now an acclaimed artist
recently commissioned to do Governor
Shumlin's portrait for the State House.
Knight left the practice of medicine to
hand make and repair violins, first in
Montpelier, now at his business called
Northern Knights Violins in Glover.
We are a region full of alternative
occupations, including naturopaths,
rolfers, chocolatiers and telecommuters,
and plenty of traditional professionals,
e.g. attorneys and bankers. It's
refreshing and fun to recognize those
in our community who are unique,
unusual and out of the ordinary.
Tom Mulholland's truck as it
is today with the log exhibit.

by Larry Floersch

he highest point in Brownsville, Texas, is the landfill.


I know this because Gina, an employee of the City
of Brownsville, took me there for a tour. The landfill
is so popular they even have a spacious visitors center,
complete with videos and explanatory brochures. Gina
is a supervisor for the crews that tend to the landfill
and also the green spaces in Brownsville, which at
this time of the year, and after extended drought,
are hard to locate.

Brownsville is not Montpelier. For one thing, Brownsville has a number of very wide
boulevards, up to six or eight lanes in some places. And it has an abundance of
parking spaces. I know you wont believe this, but you can even find parking spaces in
DOWNTOWN Brownsville.

Gina is very enthusiastic about the landfill. One reason is the extensive compost processing
facility they have built there. Gina told me with pride that they could process an elephant
and in one week there would be nothing left not even bones. A bit of hyperbole I
thought, but when questioned, she assured me that THEY HAD IN FACT processed an
elephant in one week. The carcass had come from the Brownsville Zoo.

The second deterrent is the stoplights themselves. Apparently Brownsville established a


policy of making the stop light cycles extremely long. One day I was at a red light and
noticed in the car next to me a girl who looked to be about four. When the light turned
green again, I looked back and the toddler was celebrating her Quinceaera.

The other reason Gina loves the landfill is the view. The mound that covers Brownsvilles
trash is now at about one hundred feet and, like landfills everywhere, is a popular place
for birds in this case seagulls, vultures and caracaras. And because it attracts the
rare Tamaulipas crow, it is a place that birdwatchers cherish. Once you scare away the
birds from the top of the landfill, you have a commanding view of you guessed it
BIRDWATCHERS, who must dodge the huge trash-compacting bulldozers in their efforts
to put a checkmark next to Tamaulipas crow in their list of bird sightings and to avoid
becoming extinct themselves. Beyond the birdwatchers you can see the city of Brownsville,
South Padre Island in the Gulf of Mexico, the massive oil rigs in dry dock in Port Isabel,
and, across the Rio Grande Mexico.
One of the candidates in our recent national election made an issue of, and I quote,
hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants literally pouring ... pouring over the border
from Mexico. I thought what better place to witness this phenomenon than from the
top of the landfill. I had images in my mind of large masses of people in sombreros and
huaraches moving north like army ants. To my dismay, I could not detect any masses of
illegal immigrants from top of the landfill.
Gina was also kind enough to take me to another favorite birdwatching spot, the Sabal Palm
Sanctuary, which is on the banks of the Rio Grande. You literally pass through The Wall
(yes, they already have one here, although it has numerous gaps in it) and enter a no-mans
land crisscrossed by Border Patrol roads to get to the sanctuary. I excitedly took one hiking
trail to an overlook on the banks of the Rio Grande itself, hoping to spot masses of illegal
immigrants. I saw a lot of great-tailed grackles, green jays, mosquitoes and mesquite trees,
but no illegal immigrants.
The Rio is not so Grande at this point in its course. It is pea green and about as wide as the
North Branch of the Winooski. You can easily huck a rock across it into Mexico.
The fact is, I dont think I saw any illegal immigrants while in Brownsville. I was told
they exist, but unless they were in all those Range Rovers and Mercedes with license plates
from the Mexican states of Tamaulipas or Campeche in the parking lots of the H.E.B.
supermarket and the Walmart, I couldnt point to one. And if the people in those cars were
illegal immigrants, they blended in quite well.

Thank you for reading The Bridge!

To discourage people from other states such as Vermont from coming here just to
drive around and park willy-nilly, Brownsville has two deterrents. One is Texas drivers, all
of whom took their training from NASCAR. The average speed on those wide boulevards
seems to be about 60, with lots of unsignaled lane changing and tailgating. The drivers here
also tend to herd like Texas longhorns at stoplights, lane markers being mere suggestions.

Brownsville has representatives of every restaurant chain in the country, including


and I was shocked by this a Taco Bell. Now I know what youre thinking, But Lare,
Brownsville is on the Mexican border. It should have a Taco Bell. Well, maybe it should
have a fast-food restaurant that serves Mexican-INSPIRED food, but unlike the Taco Bell
that once existed and died on the Barre-Montpelier Road, the Taco Bell in Brownsville is
surrounded by about 26,000 other taquerias, and those are just the ones on the same block.
Although I have not yet completed a thorough analysis, many of those taquerias have food
that is vastly superior and more authentic. You can even get tamales! And probably the
turistas!
Many businesses in Brownsville draw upon the western heritage of Texas and choose their
names accordingly. There is a dental clinic down the street from my hotel named Rodeo
Dental. I can only imagine the care provided at a place with that name: you are thrown
into a dentists chair and two rodeo clowns emerge from their barrels and immediately begin
drilling on you without novocaine. The goal is to stay in the chair for eight seconds.
This being Texas, a business enterprise exists that I dont think I have seen anywhere else.
Brownsville has academies devoted to CHEERLEADING. One even claimed to offer
elite cheerleader training. No doubt these academies are feeder schools to Kilgore College
and the Dallas Cowboys.
One final treat provided by my guide Gina actually surpassed the trip to the landfill. That
was a snow cone, which down here is called a raspa. Now, snow cones are not unusual,
but in Brownsville you wont find the same flavors as at the Champlain Valley Fair. Ginas
was topped with a chile powder concoction. Mine was tamarindo and chamoyada. So even
though I did not see any masses of illegal immigrants, the trip to Brownsville was worth it.

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THE BRIDGE

Vermonters On the North Dakota Pipeline

THE BRIDGE

Photos by Arthur Hynes

by Ivan Shadis

ORTH DAKOTA Two people from Central Vermont, Katrina


Coravos and Ki Walker, recently joined an encampment of tribes
and pipeline resisters gathered on Sioux land in North Dakota. They
shared their stories with The Bridge.
The North Dakota Access Pipeline, owned by Texas oil company Energy
Transfer Partners, would complete a $3.7 billion, 1,172 mile line from the
Bakken region of North Dakota to the south of Illinois and carry crude oil
within a half mile of Sioux treaty land.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe say that construction of the North Dakota
Access Pipeline could destroy sites of historic and cultural significance. In a
suit seeking an injunction against approval of the pipeline, the tribe has said
that the risk of a spill where the pipeline would cross the Missouri River, the
tribes sole source of drinking and irrigation water, could pose an existential
threat to the Tribe. They say construction of the pipeline violates Article 2 of
the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty which guarantees that the Standing Rock Sioux
Tribe shall enjoy the undisturbed use and occupation of their permanent
homeland, the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
Tribal resistance, which began in early spring and is now in its seventh month,
has attracted participants from across the Americas. In the intervening months,
thousands of individuals representing hundreds of tribes have encamped on
the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near the proposed construction site.
The site has gained worldwide attention as stories of growing numbers and
clashes with police and private security guards continue to emerge.
Following a call to action by the Standing Rock Sioux, indigenous and nonindigenous supporters rapidly populated camps along the Cannonball River,
within a short distance of the pipeline construction. Since then more than
130 arrests have been made by law enforcement. Private security personnel
working for the pipeline company have loosed attack dogs on demonstrators,
and police (accompanied by armored vehicles) have been documented raising
weapons against unarmed demonstrators gathered in prayer and song.
In late August Katrina Coravos of Calais first heard of the need for
support among the tribes and pipeline resisters. She halted production at her
Montpelier-based chocolate company, Liberty Chocolates, and headed to
North Dakota. Events there were a clarion call for her group, Sacred Feminine
4 Revolution, which seeks to foster revolutionary action through ceremony,
prayer and social support. She and four other members of Sacred Feminine
packed donations and equipment into a red Toyota pickup and a SUV and

made the 1,800 mile trip from here to the Sioux prairie. I learned of it from
a friend and then three days later I was on the road with a caravan and we
went across the country and got there.
They worked in the camps for three weeks, first building a kitchen, then
helping distribute goods and hold ceremony. Using material that was donated
to Coravos in Vermont, the group was able to set up a camp specifically
designed for women and from which they helped organize a daily women's
prayer at the river. In the Lakota tradition, women are the keepers of the
water and the men are the keepers of the fire and so it was asked that the
women pray at the river. In a message home posted to Facebook in early
September Coravos wrote, Every morning we go to the kitchens to collect
the prayers of all the women who cook and serve the people to carry with
us. Every morning we travel down to the waters together, in song, and place
our feet in the sacred mud. In their camp they brewed herbal teas and put
up traditional structures for women. We built a moon lodge so that theres a
specific place for women.
Coravos published frequent updates to her Facebook page giving reports on the
camps and rallying support. In a post written a week after arriving, Coravos
talks about a growing sense of solidarity as people continue to assemble and
demonstrate against the pipeline. [They] hope that people will just go home
and the drilling continue. Instead, today we marched to the drill site, seven
Nations with four riders each. She wrote, We are calling in herbal remedies,
medicines, organic farm fresh food. Among the responses one commentator
was quick to ask, What can I do to support the movement from VT?
Coravos saw a distinction between action on the front lines, where violence
has erupted, and in the camps, which she described as sites of peaceful
cooperation. Of the give-and-take between prayer and direct action against
the pipeline she said Some of the Lakota people dont want the actions to be
taking place and others are grateful and believe the answers to those prayers
is that type of action. Throughout our conversation Coravos's emphatic
expression remained: that those gathering at the camps were unified by the
call to protect water.
Ki Walker of Royalton is another Vermonter who went to work in the camps.
He stayed two weeks working in the kitchens there. Walker, who spoke during
a report held at the Plainfield Community Center on Sept. 17, said that his
work consisted of waking up at 6 a.m. each day, then making breakfast, lunch,
dinner and food drops for those mobilizing in action.

Walker said that while there was a lot of ceremony and prayer related to
people spiritual practice and for water, to him it was very clear that people
are there to stop the pipeline, not just assemble in prayer, with desire in the
camps to resist the pipeline as early as April and manifest in the direct action
interventions which have continued in the months since.
Walker said that as far as he knew no one in the camps is interested in
people holding signs in solidarity. Walker suggested that people doing direct
interventions to stop construction of fossil fuel infrastructure in their own
communities would create a more meaningful feeling of solidarity.
Walker stressed that the complexity in distributing needed goods among
the camps was exacerbated by the intense threat of violence faced by
demonstrators and the onset of winter, and urged supporters from afar to
self-organize around obtaining and transporting specific items with actual
supplies better than money.
Both Walker and Coravos identified winter supplies, particularly insulated
tents, as the crucial need facing the camps. The pipeline company thinks
people are just going to leave once the weather gets cold. It gets cold there.
Colder than here. Its rugged. Most of the people are saying were not going
to budge and part of what I feel like our mission there is to make sure that
people are able to stay through the winter, said Coravos.
Wool socks, winter boots, insulated winter sleeping bags, and insulated tents
capable of withstanding freezing winter prairie winds are the most needed
supplies.
On Oct. 9, a day before the federally observed Columbus Day, a federal
appeals court rejected the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes request to permanently
stop construction on a section of the NDAPL. Standing Rock Sioux
Chairman David Archambault II vowed to continue fighting the pipeline.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is not backing down from this fight We
will not rest until our lands, people, waters and sacred places are permanently
protected from this destructive pipeline.
With construction workers and equipment active on the site seven days a
week, the pipeline company has stated it will complete the pipeline by the end
of 2016. On Oct. 15 over one hundred militarized police wearing body armor
and carrying batons and rifles were deployed against resistors gathered at the
construction site.
Coravos left Vermont again in mid-October to continue work in North
Dakota, but is back in town for the moment.

N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 13

PAG E 14 N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

Calendar of Events

Community Events
Events happening
Nov. 17 Dec. 3

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Natural Immunity. Discuss immune-boosting


herbs and foods, how to identify stressors that compromise your immune system and solutions to get
rid of those unwanted bugs. 67:30 p.m. Hunger
Mountain Coop, Montpelier.
"Crostic" talk and Community Puzzle Construction with Rick Winston. Winston will talk
about the history of these puzzles and how they are
constructed, with tips on how to solve them; then
the group will all construct one from scratch, to
be published in the Times-Argus in Dec. 7 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, Schoolhouse Common,
Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary@
gmail.com. www.jaquithpubliclibrary.org

Friday,
November 25
Wear your
flannel and
get great
deals in
downtown
Montpelier
stores.
Montpelier's cozy
version of
Black Friday

N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 15

THE BRIDGE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Greensboro Annual Holiday Craft Fair. Several


local crafters and artists will be showing their creations including jewelry, beeswax candles, knitted
goods, paintings, cards, Christmas wreaths, baked
goods and food items and other specialties. 9 a.m.2
p.m.; lunch available 11 a.m.1 p.m. UCC Church,
Fellowship Hall, Greensboro. 533-2223. greensborochurch@gmail.com.
The 3 Secrets: Unlocking Each Phase of the
Writing Process with Author Doug Wilhelm. An
interactive live stream program, geared for youth,
open to all. 10 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
Hayes Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Orchard Valley's Second Annual Holiday Market.
Beautiful crafts, body care products, books, local
products and so much more. Soups and snacks in
the caf, too! 10:303:30 p.m. Vermont College of
Fine Arts, 36 College St., Montpelier. 456-7400,
www.ovws.org
The World is Round: Celebrating the Poetry of
Sherry Olson. A reading of the works of Sherry
Olson by her friends. Reception and refreshments to
follow. 12:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier.

Annual Brookfield School Club Auction. Food


for sale, free childcare for young kids, and live
auction featuring a huge diversity of items, gift
certificates, and handmade goods. Proceeds fund
enrichment activities for Brookfield students. 5:30
p.m. Brookfield School, 1478 Ridge Rd., Brookfield. girard745@yahoo.com. 275-3535.
Harlem Ambassadors Comedy Basketball.
Hoops and hijinks come to Northfield when
local challengers, the Rotary Ringers, take on
the Harlem Ambassadors in a comedy basketball
show the whole family will enjoy. 7 p.m. Norwich
University, Andrews Hall, Northfield. Event proceeds benefit the Northfield Rotary and Norwich
Rotaract. Tickets are on sale at the Northfield
Pharmacy, the Falls General Store, Convenience
Plus, and from any NMHS Interact student,
Norwich Rotaract Student, or Northfield Rotary
member, or online at Brown Paper tickets (www.
rotaryringer.brownpapertickets.com). 485-6431.

Dinner/Dance Fundraiser for Rise Up Bakery.


Eat Woodbelly Pizza, 68 p.m. Hear stories about
the bakery and Barre, 7 p.m. Dance to Green
Mountain Swing, 810 p.m. Old Labor Hall, 46
Granite St., Barre. $25 dinner/dance; $10 children
under 12; $15 dance only. 479-5600. info@
oldlaborhall.org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Flapjack Fundraiser. Support Central Vermont


Council on Aging and their Shoeboxes for Seniors.
Bring any item for the Shoebox project and receive
15% off your entire purchase at Morse Farm! (excludes already discounted items) Shoebox items include lotions, candy, personal hygiene items, socks,
slippers, etc. 810 a.m. Morse Farm, County Rd.,
Montpelier. $8.
Barre Antiques Market. Benefits The Vermont
Center for Independent Living. 9 a.m.2 p.m. The
Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite St., Barre. $5 early
buyers; $2 general admission. 622-0919.
Bread & Puppet Theater: Emergency Insurrection Mass with Funeral March for a Rotten
Idea. In response to recent presidential election.
The mass ends with communal bread and aioli. 3
p.m. Bread & Puppet Farm, 753 Heights Rd., Rt.
122, Glover.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

The Mountainclature League of Poets. In an effort to directly address our nations recent flood of
hate and bigotry, this open gathering of poets from
throughout the area will be an opportunity to
meet, hear each others works, and discuss the ways
we as poets might directly bring our collective
voices to the forefront of public conversations here
and beyond. 57 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
East Montpelier Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Grief & Bereavement Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 67:30 p.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd.,
Barre. 223-1878.
Becoming A Father. In this fatherhood class, men
will gain perspective from discussing the road that
lies ahead. This class helps men give voice to their
concerns about becoming a dad, gain support and
start the process of making decisions. 68 p.m.
Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St., Barre.
http://www.goodbeginningscentralvt.org/thebirthing-year.html. 595-7953. info@goodbeginningscentralvt.org

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

The Lived Body. A talk exploring the psychology of the body, mindfulness and being with
Robert Kest, Ph.D. 67:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. For more info,.
contact 229-6989 or Ryokan@juno.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

44th Annual Free Community Thanksgiving


Dinner. Hosted by The Washington County
Youth Service Bureau/Boys & Girls Club, with
support from Central Vermont individuals,
churches, organizations and businesses. The meal
will be served from 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. All are welcome, with delivery service available for those who
are home bound. Deliveries can be scheduled for
Thanksgiving Day by calling 229-9151. Bethany
Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Waterbury Holiday Artisan Boutique + Small


Business Saturday. Talented artisans will be
popping up in Waterbury. 9:30 a.m.6 p.m. Waterbury. 244-1441. http://www.bridgesidebooks.
com/events.php

For more event listings and event details visit montpelierbridge.com

Performing Arts

THEATER, STORYTELLING,
COMEDY
Nov. 17: LNT Aid. An all-star concert to benefit
Lost Nation Theater will feature actor and
writer Rusty DeWees, singer-songwriter Jon
Gailmor, bluesman Dave Keller, stand-up comic
Maggie Lenz, physical comedian Tom Murphy
and singing raconteur George Woodard in
concert. 7:30 p.m. Montpelier City Hall Arts
Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. $25. 2290492. Lostnationtheater.org.
Nov. 18: Stroke Yer Joke. Try five minutes of
your best open-mic stand-up comedy before
a live audience. 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248
N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Nov. 25: Bueno Comedy Showcase. A wide
range of talented standup comedians, from here
& away, working longer sets. 8:30 p.m. Espresso
Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. $6. 479-0896.
events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com

Friday,
November 25

PAG E 16 N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016

Live Music

Calendar of Events

VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Open mic every Wed. Other shows T.B.A. bagitos.com.
Nov. 17: Art Herttua & Ray Carroll Jazz Duo, 68 p.m.
Nov. 18: Dave & Rory Loughran (acoustic classic rock/folk) 68 p.m.
Nov. 19: Nov. 5: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne, Bob
Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; Troy Milette & Dylan Gombas, 68 p.m.
Nov. 20: Bleecker & MacDougal (folk) 11 a.m.1 p.m.
Nov. 24: Italian Session, 68 p.m.
Nov. 25: Squirrels Crackers (country/bluegrass/Cajun) 68 p.m.
Nov. 26: Nov. 5: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne, Bob
Ryan and others, 25 p.m.
Nov. 27: Southern Old Time Jam, 10 a.m.1 p.m.
Nov. 30: Paint n Sip with Liz Lawson, 68 p.m.
Dec. 1: Grammy award winning musician Jim Rooney joins Colin McCaffrey, 68 p.m.
Dec. 2: Art Herttua & Ray Caroll Jazz Duo, 68 p.m.
Dec. 3: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne, Bob Ryan
and others, 25 p.m.
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Mon.: Comedy Caf Open Mic, 8:30 p.m.
Every Tues.: Godfather Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
Nov. 18: Blue Fox (blues) 6 p.m.; Eric Nassau feat. Alanna Grace Flynn (folk) / Abby Jenne and the Hard
Livers (soul rock) 9 p.m.
Nov. 25: Sara Grace (acoustic soul) 6 p.m.; Talking Doctor (rock) 9 p.m.
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31 County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com.
Nov. 17: Jenn and John (John Smythe)
Nov. 18: Chad Hollister
Nov. 19: Cookie's Hot Club
Nov. 23: Open Mic
Nov. 25: Kelly Ravin
Nov. 26: Bird Full of Trees
Nov. 30: Open Mic
Dec. 1: The Flatlanders
Dec. 2: Penny Arcade
Dec. 3: Sid Morse Blues Jam

For more event listings and event


details visit montpelierbridge.com

THE BRIDGE

SPECIAL EVENTS
Nov. 17: Summit School Sampler. During the day, enjoy an instrument petting zoo, workshops, jam
sessions, teacher and student showcases, shape note singing, senior center ukulele orchestra and the Trad
Camp All Stars. In the evening enjoy dinner/raffle, dance and cash bar. 111 p.m. City Hall, Main St.,
Montpelier. $25 all inclusive ticket. 793-3016. director@summet-school.org.
Nov. 19: Tenores de Atere. The only ensemble outside of Sardinia that is dedicated to singing cantu a tenore
music. 7 p.m. Christ Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. Suggested donation $1015.
Nov. 19: WORST.SONG.EVER. Musicians, hobbyists, & hacks sign up in advance to cover their least favorite
pop music from any era. Semiannual special event with audience voting & trophies! 8 p.m.Espresso Bueno,
248 N. Main St., Barre. $5. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com
Nov. 20: Capital City Concerts presents A Feast of Suites. Lou Kosma conducts a professional orchestra n
three orchestral suites: Gustav Holsts Green Brook Suite, Telemanns Suite in A minor featuring flutist Karen
Kevra ,and Schoenbergs Suite in the Old Style, a distinctly tonal homage to J.S. Bach. 3 p.m. Montpelier
High School Smilie Auditorium, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier. $1525. www.capitalcityconcerts.org.
Tickets may also be purchased (cash or check only) in person at Bear Pond Books, Montpelier, and at the
door.
Nov. 21: Stardust: Great Lyrics & Songs, 1911 1927. An evening of music with Jim Hogue (ukulele &
vocals) and Catherine Domareki (vocals). 78:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Nov. 22: Electric Hot Tuna. American roots and blues. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $5565. 760-4634. SprucePeakArts.org.
Nov. 26: John Lackard Blues Band. 9 p.m. Sweet Melissas, 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. No cover.
Dec. 2, 4: The Vermont Philharmonic presents Handels Messiah. Performances will present the entire
first part of Messiah and concludes with three numbers from Part II, including the beloved Hallelujah
chorus, and four numbers from Part III. Adults $15; seniors $12; students $5. vermontphilharmonic.org
Dec. 2: 7:30 p.m., St. Augustine Church, 16 Barre St., Montpelier
Dec. 4: 2 p.m., Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. 476-8188.
Dec. 3: 15th annual Festival of Choirs. Join us in singing Handels Hallelujah chorus. 6 p.m. Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 73 Essex Way, Essex Junction.
Dec. 34: The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra. Under the direction of David Kaynor, the orchestra will perform
New England, Quebecois, Shetland Isles and Appalachian tunes and more. vtfiddleorchestra.org
Dec. 3: 7 p.m., Vermont College of Fine Arts, College Hall Chapel, 36 College St., Montpelier. Adults
$15; seniors and students $12; kids under 12 free.
Dec. 4: 2 p.m., Hyde Park Opera House, Hyde Park. All proceeds will benefit the 2nd Congregational
Church Save the Steeple Fund

N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 17

THE BRIDGE

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28

MSAC Holiday Open House. Enjoy entertainment


and refreshments while learning more about the
programs offered by the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. 57 p.m. 58 Barre St., Montpelier Free.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Strengths-Based Happiness. Learn how and


why using your own unique strengths and virtues
can help you be more successful and happier in all
you do. 5:307:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop,
Montpelier. $8 members;$10 nonmembers.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Grief & Bereavement Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 1011:30 a.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd.,
Barre. 223-1878.

Films with Rick Winston. During this series,


Rick Winston will examine three films that
captured everyday life in Northern Ireland
during the violence-filled period known as The
Troubles. Nov. 30: The Boxer This 1997
film stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Emily Watson.
An Osher Lifelong Learning Program. 12:302:30
p.m. Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier. By
donation.
Using Sugar Substitutes for Favorite Holiday
Recipes. Did you ever wonder how to use Stevia
or Licorice Root, Dates and more to create more
nutrient rich desserts? Join Marie Frolich to test
the taste of these and more. Take home recipes
for the holidays. 67:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain
Coop, Montpelier. $10 members; $12 nonmembers.
Song Circle and Circle-songs with Heidi Wilson.
Sing-along song circle using Rise Up Singing,

Visual Arts

Calendar of Events

the great collection of folk songs. 6:458:15 p.m.


Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Film screening: VAXXED. Film explores


whether or not vaccinations from the mumps,
measles and rubella vaccine (MMR) is connected
to the increasing incidence of autism in children.
7 p.m. Merrills Roxy, 222 College St., Burlington. Tickets: http://gathr.us/screening/18221.
864-4742.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Vermont Author Willem Lange. Lange reads


from his childrens classic, Favor Johnson, a heart
warming holiday tale that has been a Vermont
Public Radio favorite for twenty five years. 4 p.m.
Stowe Free Library, Community Room, 90 Pond
St., Stowe.
Designing Perennial Polycultures. Learn
guidelines for creating successful combinations of
plants. Animals in polycultures will be touched
on. 67:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier. Free.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Calais Holiday Craft Fair. This festive craft fair


offers our best local artisans crafts and art. Delicious food available for a most enjoyable shop.
9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Maple Corner Community
Center, County Rd., Calais.

Send your event listing to


calendar@montpelierbridge.com
or visit montpelierbridge.com

EXHIBITS

Through Nov. 20: Sabrina Leonard, Awaken. A collaborative


installation about race in America. Gallery hours: Tues.Fri., 10 a.m.-6
p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.4 p.m. Julian Scott Memorial Gallery at Johnson
State College. www.jsc.edu/Dibden. 635-1469

Through Nov. 30: A Fishing Tale. A photography exhibit of the fishing adventures of Linda Hogan and
Rachel Senechal. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Kitzmiller Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Through Nov. 30: The Art of Lynn Spencer. This exhibition is a part of Celebrating Berlin. KelloggHubbard Library, Non-Fiction Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Nov. 28Dec. 9: Johnson State College Student Artwork. Featuring Kyle Selmers abstract expressionist
paintings in various media and Cecil Gerrys puppet theater and painting installation. Reception: Dec. 1,
35 p.m. Johnson State College, Julian Scott Memorial Gallery. jsc.edu/Dibden. 635-1469.
Through Dec. 9: Paletteers of Vermont Fall Art Show. Aldrich Public Library, Milne Room, 6
Washington St., Barre.
Through Dec. 30: Shedding Light On The Working Forest. Paintings and poetry by visual artist Kathleen
Kolb and poet Verandah Porche. Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, Montpelier.
Through Dec. 30: Mary Admasian, Shadowlands. Paintings, assemblages and sculptures, mixed-media
paintings are created on birch panels. Her application technique of spray-paint, acrylic paint, graphite, cold
wax, colored pencil, and watercolor pencil materials creates a surface that layers the visual space and imagery
of each painting. Pavilion Building, 109 State St., Montpelier. http://MaryAdmasianART.com
Through Dec. 30: Studio Place Arts presents Celebrate! An annual local arts celebration featuring a wide
variety of art and crafts created by SPA member artists. Reception: Nov. 19, 46 p.m. Studio Place Arts,
201 N. Main St., Barre. 479-7069. studioplacearts.com.
Through Jan. 7: Annual Holiday Group Exhibition. Illustration, mixed media, photography, pastel and
oil painting. Reception: Nov. 18, 68 p.m. Axels Gallery and Frame Shop, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury.
axelsgallery.com
Through Jan. 13: Michael Strauss, Making Thought Visible. Strausss paintings are a form of visual
reasoning in brightly colored compositions, mainly in pastel and ink. Opening reception and talk: Dec.
2, 68 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 262-6035. twwoodgallery@gmail.com. www.
twwoodgallery.org

HEARD ON THE STREET


Extra! Extra!
'Different Shades of Blue'
Author Malcolm M. Mayo announces the release of his new book entitled "Different Shades
of Blue." Mayo's book draws on his own career in police work and law enforcement as a former
Baltimore City police officer, US Border Patrol inspector and US Federal Bureau of Narcotics
undercover agent. Here in Vermont, Mayo's career includes chief of police in Barre Town and
elected Washington County sheriff.
"Different Shades of Blue" is available after Dec. 1 from Malcolm Mayor by phoning 4853688 or through Amazon.com.

MCO Will Play Beethoven One More Time in Free Public Pop Up Concert
MONTPELIER The Montpelier Chamber Orchestra will perform Ludwig Van Beethovens
"Symphony No. 8 in F major" at a pop-up concert on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The performance
begins at 6 p.m. at the former One More Time storefront on Main Street in Montpelier. The
concert is free and open to the public. A potluck reception will follow.
As many music lovers in the area now know, our Nov. 6 fall concert at the Vermont
College of Fine Arts was abruptly interrupted by a rogue fire alarm and we were never
able to finish, explained MCO Music Director Anne Decker. We cannot recapture
that moment, but we are hoping that this free public performance will compensate the
community in a small way for that which was lost.

PAG E 18 N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

For more event listings and event details visit montpelierbridge.com

Weekly Events
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.
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.

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., Hebrew; Tues., Italian;
Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.

244-7036.
Personal Financial Management Workshops.
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building
and repair, budgeting and identity theft, insurance, investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m.
Central Vermont Medical Center, Conference
Room 3. Registration: 371-4191.

FOOD & DRINK

Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.


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

Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds


English Conversation Practice Group. For
students learning English for the first time. Tues., benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Educa11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
tion, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St.
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
223-3403.
suggested donation; under 60 $9. Reservations:
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading 262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
100 State St. 223-3403.
for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
St., Barre. 479-7373.

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:

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.
Bone Building Exercises. Open to all ages. Every
Mon. and Wed.. 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:40
a.m. Every Fri.. 7:30 a.m. and 10:40 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.
Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.; 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.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-3483.
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.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program for physically, emotionally and spiritually
overcoming overeating. Two meeting days and
locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and Sat.,
8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Good
Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249-3970.
Every Mon., 5:306:30 p.m. at Bethany Church,
115 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079.
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
The Rockinghorse Circle of Support. Opportunity for young women and children to meet
once a week for friendship, good conversation and
fun. Facilitated by a licensed alcohol and drug
counselor and another person with child and family background. Topics reflects on how substance
abuse, whether it's ours or someone else's, affects
our decisions and lives. Child care provided. Every
Wed. through June 8. 9:3011:30 a.m. Hedding
United Methodist Church, 40 Washington St.,
Barre. 479-1086 or 476-4328.
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.
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.
NAMI Vermont Connection Recovery Support Group. For ondividuals living with mental
illness. Every Fri., 34 p.m. Another Way, 125
Barre St., Montpelier. 876-7949. info@namivt.
org

KIDS & TEENS

The Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in space


to hang out, make music, play pool, ping-pong
and board games and eat free food. All activities
are free. Mon.Thurs., 26 p.m., Fridays 3-10
p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. BasementTeenCenter.org
Read to Clara. Sign up for a 20-minute slot and
choose your books beforehand to read to this
special canine pal. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665
or at the childrens desk. kellogghubbard.org.
Story Time and Playgroup. With Sylvia Smith
for story time and Cassie Bickford for playgroup.
For ages birth6 and their grown-ups. We follow
the Twinfield Union School calendar and do not
hold the program the days Twinfield is closed.
Wed., 1011:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library,
122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and
share quality time with the pre-schooler in your
life. Each week well read stories and spend time
together. A great way to introduce your preschooler to your local library. For ages 25. Every
Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151
High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.
Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to
create and play. All ages. Thurs., 34:30 p.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative
exploratory arts program with artist/instructor
Kelly Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon.
River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville.
888-1261. RiverArtsVT.org.
Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
books, use the gym, make art, play games and if
you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. 426-3581.
Musical Story Time. Join us for a melodious
good time. Ages birth6. Sat., 10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.

MUSIC & DANCE

Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal.


Find your voice with 50 other women. Mon., 7
p.m. 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.

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 hardto-recycle items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.;
Third Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North
Main St., Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.

RESOURCES

Onion River Exchange Tool Library. 80 tools


both power and manual. Wed., 46 p.m.; Sat.,
911 a.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959.
info@orexchange.com.

SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY

Womens Group. Women explore important


issues and challenges in their lives in a warm and
supportive environment. Facilitated by psychotherapist Kathleen Zura. Two different group
meetings: every Mon., 5:307:30 p.m. and every
Wed., 34:30 p.m. 138 Main St., Montpelier.
324-4611. Insurances accepted.
Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont, an
adult LGBTQ group, meets every other Tuesday,
5:30 to 7:00 pm, at the Montpelier Senior
Center. For specifics, write toRUCVTAdmin@
PrideCenterVT.org
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
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
room. Hours: Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.
Sat., 11 a.m.1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier.
223-2477.
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: 4790302.
Prayer Meeting. Ecumenical and charismatic
prayer meeting. Every 1st and 3rd Thurs., 6:308
p.m. 8 Daniels 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

Piano Workshop. Informal time to play,


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

Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont. Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St.,
Montpelier. Free. Call for orientation: 2290164.

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

Classifieds
OFFICE SPACE
EXCELLENT OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
149 State Street, Montpelier, VT 700sq ft
$695/month
Perfect location-three minute walk
to Capitol. Beautiful Greek Revival
building, renovated in and out. Two
offices, storage room, waiting area and
restroom.
Includes onsite parking, heat, hot water,
electricity, utilities, office cleaning, trash
and recycle, snow removal, landscaping
and full maintenance..
Phone: 508-259-7941. Ask for Joe

SERVICES
SNOW PLOWING & SANDING
Residential and commercial snow plowing
and sanding. Removal of snow or pushback snow banks. Fully insured. Serving
Central Vermont area.
Reasonable rates, call 802-279-2417.
Watershed Construction and Restoration

Text-only class listings and


classifieds are 50 words for $25.
Call 249-8666 or
223-5112 ext. 11

HELP WANTED
IMMEDIATE SECURITY OFFICER
POSITION AVAILABLE
Part Time 33 hrs/weekly in Barre, VT.
Strong customer service skills required,
experience preferred. Please contact 603363-8200 for further information.

LEGAL NOTICE OF
RETIREMENT
CAROL A. VASSAR, M.D.
150 Main St
Montpelier, VT 05602
tel: (802) 223-1766
fax: (802) 223-1767
Dr. Vassar will be retiring on December
19, 2017. Patients should call Central
Vermont Medical Center, Physician
Access Line, 802-371-5972, for the names
of medical practices currently taking
patients. Gifford Hospital also has a
primary care practice in Berlin taking
patients, 802-224-3200. Please obtain,
sign and date a request for medical records
for your primary care and send to Dr.
Vassar at the address above. Thank you.

SPIRITUALITY

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.

N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 19

THE BRIDGE

Christian Meditation Group. People of all


faiths welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ
Church, Montpelier. 223-6043.

Shambhala Buddhist Meditation. Group meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Tues., 78


p.m.; Wed., 67 p.m. New location: Center for
Culture and Learning, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137. montpeliershambala.org.
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.

Send your event listing to calendar@montpelierbridge.com.


Deadline for print in the next issue is November 25.

Tell them you saw it in


The Bridge!

PAG E 2 0 N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016

Coast Guard Culinary


Students Set to Graduate

THE BRIDGE

A CCC String Orchestra


Concert at Montpelier High
School on November 20
by Nat Frothingham

N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 21

THE BRIDGE

Editorial

An Appeal for Solidarity


by Nat Frothingham

was in the audience at a well-attended Montpelier City Council


meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

As the meeting began at least 20 Montpelier citizens walked up


to the microphone and voiced their personal support for City
Manager Bill Fraser.
Many of those who spoke also wondered aloud about open
meeting issues.
Some suggested that Vermonts open meeting law had perhaps
been violated. Others simply felt that the spirit of Vermonts open
meeting law had not been respected.
What was clear on Nov. 9 and whats clear now a week later is
this:
First, the City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council.
The Council hires a manager, evaluates that manager and can
continue the managers service or dispense with it.
Second, the Montpelier City Council is split right down the
middle three in favor and three opposed on the question of
whether the managers contract should be renewed.

From left to right: Nichole Billow, Charles Gasaway, Ivana Ford, Dana Humphrey, Master
Chef Justin Reed, Derek Wenzer, Austin Wolley, Aaron Reyes, Breanna Todd, Kate
Bofferbrot, Joe Graves. Photo by Michael Jermyn
MONTPELIER The women and men pictured above are just some of the 24 Coast
Guard Food Service Specialists now completing a special three-week culinary course at
the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier.
The 24 Coast Guard students will celebrate the completion of their studies with a
Commencement Dinner on Nov. 17 and a Commencement Ceremony at the Pavilion
Auditorium beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18.
Nichole Billow, one of the standout Coast Guard students who will complete the NECI
course on Nov. 18 hails from Las Vegas. As a young woman she worked for her parents
who were in the food business in Las Vegas. Then she attended college at the University
of Nevada, with a concentration in marketing.
And in July 2010, almost on an impulse, she joined the Coast Guard. After her initial
training, she qualified as a First Class Culinary Specialist and soon enough found herself
on one of six cutters in the waters off Bahrain cooking for a crew of 22. She was good
at what she did shopping for food while the cutter was in port, then going out to sea
and serving up food.
I love being on the water, she said. Youre in a boat. Youre on a living platform.
Billow was so good at shopping, cooking and serving up meals at sea that she was name
FS of the Year which translates into Best Cook in the Coast Guard.
For more information about becoming a food specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard, contact
Food Service Chief Master Chief Justin Reed at 757-582-0381 or email culinarycareers@
uscg.mil

n a wide-ranging phone conversation with musician and conductor Lou Kosma he spoke
with genuine anticipation about a Capital City Concerts string orchestra concert to be
performed on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. at Montpelier High Schools Smilie Auditorium.

This is an unusual program, said Kosma, who played for 36 years in the bass section of the
Metropolitan Opera and has conducted widely in his home state of New Jersey as well as with
the Vermont Philharmonic.
Its unusual, Kosma explained, because all the offerings are called suites and the theme of
the concert is A Feast of Suites.
The first offering is the Green Brook Suite by English composer Gustav Holst described in
a CCC press release as an inviting and picturesque work from the composer best known for
his gigantic suite, The Planets.
The second offering is Telemanns Suite in A minor for flute and orchestra. CCCs Artistic
Director Karen Kevra calls this composition the greatest flute suite of the Baroque period. I
adore this piece because it is so inventive, she wrote. It has dazzling virtuoso movements, an
overtly expressive and gorgeous Italian style aria, swashbuckling dances for the strings, plus it
opens with a grand overture in the French Baroque style.

But thats not all when the Council is split as it is today the
Mayor in this case, Mayor John Hollar can break the tie
and Mayor Hollar has gone on record not to renew the managers
contract.
There has been a great deal of hush-hush talk about wanting
to confine discussions about the City Managers performance to
executive sessions. There may or may not be wisdom in that.
Certainly the 20 Montpelier citizens who addressed the Council
on Nov. 9 were there because they wanted to be there and were
there to support Bill Fraser and to worry out loud about open
meeting issues.
There is some irony in Vermonts open meeting law. It celebrates
transparency and accountability. On the other hand, it specifically
provides for closed, private council meetings for employmentrelated discussions.
We published the first issue of The Bridge in December 1993 and
in all the 20-plus years of the papers existence, Bill Fraser has
been Montpeliers City Manager.
Nobodys perfect. Nobody walks on water.

After the intermission, the string orchestra will perform Arnold Schoenbergs Suite in the Old
Style, described as a distinctly tonal homage to J.S. Bach.

But from my personal perspective, Bill Fraser has been an


outstanding City Manager.

Talking with great enthusiasm about the Schoenberg piece, Kosma said, Dont be frightened
off. You see the name Schoenberg and dont come to the concert.

He is friendly and responsive. He is also intelligent, professional


and articulate and he commands the loyalty and respect of

Dont react that way, he said, noting that the Nov. 20 string orchestra concert will offer two
traditional pieces at the beginning. Then follows the Schoenberg composition. You get to a
piece you will really ponder. Its a very, very difficult piece, an imaginative piece. The last thing
you hear is very accessible. None of it is crazy. What I really hope is that people stretch a little.
Come and listen and enjoy, he concluded.

the people who work at City Hall. In short, weve been lucky to
have Bill Fraser as City Manager in what is, by any measure, a
difficult job.
Everyone will have his or her own take on this but, as I see it,
Montpelier is contending with a number of intractable problems
that wont get fixed easily.
Property taxes are high too high.
Water fees are high too high.
Rents are high, and we have an affordable housing crisis.
For far too many people, its hard to find work that pays the bills.
Our downtown is the envy of other cities and towns across
the country because we can walk through it, enjoy it and its a
constant source of visual, social and historic delight. But lets be
candid. Parts of downtown are thriving. Parts of downtown are
just holding their own. And parts of downtown are struggling.
Montpelier used to have a population of about 9,000 people.
Slowly, weve lost people. Now, the City has about 7,800 people.
And everyone here thats left is supporting a city thats also a state
capital and is daily the magnet for thousands more people than
the people who live here and pay the taxes.
Although I dont think this has clearly come into public view,
increasingly, I am seeing the impacts of the growing trade and use
and consequences of drugs and addiction.

Email us at
editorial@montpelierbridge.com

On the other side, there is immense civic goodwill here. People


want this city that we love so much to flourish and succeed.
And the hardest part of whats been happening with Bill Fraser,
that now seems like an almost non-stop process of talking,
speculating, evaluating, discussing the contract, the renewal or
not is the pain being visited on the city. This has not been an
exemplary process.
Well, what if the Council votes not to renew Bill Frasers contract?
Wheres the gain? I ask myself about the impacts that flow from
this.
In losing Bill Fraser, we lose his experience, his talent, his history
and intelligence in the job.
And we lose something else or risk losing something else:
the solidarity throughout the community and at City Hall, a
solidarity that in many ways explains the remarkable civic life
here, that accounts for the spirit and energy of this notable, and
at times, gloriously beautiful community.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For more information about the November 20 CCC concert please go to capitalcityconcerts.org.
Tickets are available at Bear Pond Books, Montpelier, and at the door.

We want to hear
what's on your mind.

From Your Friends at The Bridge

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601


Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
Managing Editor: Carla Occaso
Design & Layout, Calendar Editor:
Marichel Vaught
Copy Editing Consultant:
Larry Floersch
Proofreaders: Garrett Heaney,
Brianna Stallings
Sales Representatives: Michael Jermyn,
Rick McMahan
Distribution: Tim Johnson, Kevin Fair,
Daniel Renfro
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Location: The Bridge office is located at the
Vermont College of Fine Arts,
on the main level of Stone Science Hall.
Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge
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check to The Bridge, and mail to The Bridge,
PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
montpelierbridge.com
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Twitter: @montpbridge
Copyright 2016 by The Bridge

Thank you to all of the performers and supporters of

We'Ve GOT Talent!


Youth variety show
held on Nov. 12 at The Bethany Church, Montpelier

Master of Ceremonies
Russell Clar

Meredith Kerin

Susha and Evan Benoit

Special thanks to the Bethany Church and RSM Distributors

Stay tuned for more events


presented by The Bridge!

The Sapphire Singers


Amber Pagani

Lila Stratton

Help support The Breeze, a publication for youth and by youth, by making a
donation. For past issues of The Breeze, please visit montpelierbridge.com.

PAG E 2 2 N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

Letters

What Do You Think?


Read something that you would like to respond to? We welcome your letters and
opinion pieces. Letters must be fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not
exceed 600 words. The Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut pieces. Send your
piece to: editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is November 25.

Do What You Do Best.

Editor:

In Search of Color's Epicenter


by Michael Jermyn

To Dot Helling Vermonters Follow River Directions

In response to Dot Helling's inquiry as to why Montpelier folk go "down" to Burlington, I say it is
because it is down the Winooski River and towards a large body of water, Lake Champlain. Why
do we say "going down to Maine?"
As a child growing up in North Waitsfield along the Mad River, we always said we went "up
street" when going to Waitsfield Village, and "down street" when we went to Moretown Village,
obviously a reference to the fact that the Mad River flows north and meets the Winooski in
Moretown. We also said we went down to Burlington, down river, obviously, and "over (Duxbury
Hills) to Waterbury." This may be a Native American trait left over from the days when waterways
were much more the way people got around the state than by either horse and buggy or mechanical
vehicles. I am often asked this question by folks from "down country", yet another curious
Vermont aphorism adopted well before the 1960 hippie influx.
Mary Alice Bisbee

Bookkeeping Payroll Consulting

Trump is anti-Semitic
Editor:

802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com

For anyone familiar with the ugly catchphrases of anti-Semitism throughout history, Donald
Trumps campaign was an alarming one. He talked of an international banking conspiracy and
ran an ad in the closing days of the campaign linking Hillary Clinton to three Jewish individuals
in the world of finance: philanthropist George Soros, Goldman Sachs chairman Lloyd Blankfein
and Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen.
So it is especially distressing to learn that Trumps campaign chief Stephen Bannon, the likely
source of this strategy, is, as of this writing, in line to become the White House chief strategist
and senior counselor. Bannons Breitbart News has been a constant source of slurs not only against
Jews, but against the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans community, Muslims and African-Americans.
What clearer message can there be that such voices of intolerance will have an influential platform
in the administration to come?
Rick Winston and Andrea Serota, Adamant

Why Is the Checklist Bloated?


Editor:
In your article Breaking Early Voting Records in Montpelier (Nov. 3Nov. 16 issue), you quote
City Clerk John Odum as saying Our checklist is bloated right now. Registered voters are now at
6,300 people. Its high. We need to do some work on that.

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N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016 PAG E 23

THE BRIDGE

My alarm bells went off when I read this. I wonder what is going on in the Clerks office. What
does Mr. Odum mean by that statement? What kind of work is he suggesting? Please clarify.
Cynthia Liepmann, Randolph Center
Response from City Clerk John Odum by email to The Bridge:
It means when election season is over, the Board of Civil Authority needs to go through the list
and identify people they believe have moved, so they can be sent a challenge letter asking them to
confirm that they are still residents, or that they have in fact moved elsewhere.

verybody knows that New England has the most


spectacular fall colors in the world. Every October here
in Vermont we are treated to one of natures' most
dazzling displays, and each year I set out with my Nikon in
search of the very epicenter of color. Some years we wait for the
transformation, but the leaves don't seem to peak, then they
just dry up and fall off. Sometimes I get lucky, and find myself
seemingly in the middle of a rapturous landscape painting by
Jasper Cropsey, or the great American impressionist George
Inness. This year was one of the great years. The colors were late
in blooming. Blame it on global warming, or the summer-long
drought, but when the peak hit, on Friday, Oct. 21, 3:37 p.m.,
even in the rain, it was nothing short of a miracle. I came home
with a pocket full of rainbows.

Food and Family

Continued from Page 1

Before we make dinner, Beth requests that her space be clean, claiming a clean kitchen is
essential to high-level cooking. We spritz and wipe, wash dishes in the sink and put them on the
drying rack. Then, and only then, do we begin dinner preparations. I always chop the vegetables
and Beth always supervises. She makes sure I am using the right knife, and cutting the veggies to
the proper size. Do you remember how I taught you to slice those onions? she asks.

you this stuff so you can go out anywhere in the world and be successful. As soon as our plates
are cleared, we rise to our feet. Clean up, Beth says smiling. Many hands make light work.

Ummm ... I think so. I always reply

Little bit of mayonnaise?

You think, or you know? Beth grabs the knife and demonstrates again and again until there
are no more onions for me to cut.
My dad likes to listen to National Public Radio as we cook. He asks if we are talking about the
upcoming election at school and if we arent, he assures we talk about it then. This election is
like no other!
When it comes time to set the table, Beth takes out her green, artisan plates and the round glass
napkin rings. She joins me at the table and shows me that in the place I have just set, the sharp
end of the knife should point in towards the fork instead of out. I hope you know Im teaching

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Yes, I say.
The usual then? she laughs.
Yes, I confirm.
Divorce has forced me to navigate two different worlds. When I travel from one house to the
other, I must rework myself to accommodate each lifestyle. My food experience is no exception to
this rule. The disparity between my mother and fathers taste in food has brought inconsistency
to my diet. In a whirlwind of baked brie and cinnamon buns, my wrap is stabilizing. Each day,
it stands as a reminder that I still know what I like to eat.

Thank You for Reading The Bridge

Metal Roof Painting


802-479-2733

At the school cafeteria, I buy the same sandwich every day: a garlic and herb wrap with a little
bit of mayonnaise, turkey, cheddar, tomatoes, banana peppers, and spinach. The lunch lady has
memorized my order.

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clarconstruction.com

PAG E 24 N OV E M B E R 17 N OV E M B E R 3 0 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

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History
Holiday Sales

In Circulation December 114


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