Zoning in Montpelier Page 4
April 6April 19, 2017
GETTING DEEP WITH
POET REUBEN JACKSON
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER The Bridge has been
IN THIS ISSUE: publishing the poetry of Reuben Jackson
for about two years, now. Why? Let's
just say I met Jackson on the airwaves
Pg. 7 Beer Sales at he, the host of Friday Night Jazz on
Mountaineers Games Vermont Public Radio and I, a humble
listener. I became curious about who he
is as a person. I always found his show
Pg. 7 1 Taylor Street so soothing and relaxing, though Im not
Update sure why. Maybe its his friendly tone of
voice, or his deep love of music and its rich
history.
Pg. 8 City Councilor
One day during his show I sent Jackson
Tom Golonka a friend request on Facebook; to my
surprise he accepted. Then, in the course
Pg. 9 Have Lawnspace? of following his (sometimes educational,
sometimes humorous and often nostalgic)
Garden! Facebook posts, his occasional poem
caught my attention.
Slow-witted as I am, it took me a few
poems before I said to myself, Hey, I
CAR-RT SORT
Permit NO. 123
could publish these and share them with
Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
others. First I asked The Bridges publisher,
PAID
Nat Frothingham, if he would allow it. He
said yes. Then, I asked Jackson if I could
scoop poems out of his Facebook feeds
and publish them. He gave me permission.
From then on, The Bridge ran a Reuben
Jackson poem in most issues.
So, during this month in Montpelier
when we embrace poetry with the great
PoemCity celebration coordinated by
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, we decided
to do an interview to learn more about
this shy, yet very public poet Reuben
Jackson.
I began by asking how he first got interested
Montpelier, VT 05601
in poetry. Jackson traced it back to long
car rides with his parents. They would
have long discussions on these trips and
P.O. Box 1143
young Jackson would pay close attention.
The Bridge
I would take their words and say them
over and over, Jackson said. I like the
We're online! montpelierbridge.com or vtbridge.com
sound of words.
Being a poet was never an overt aspiration,
however, until one of his schoolteachers
nudged him in that direction. Bridge
readers can thank Miss Milbury of
Western High School in Washington D.C.
for saying one Friday long ago, We need
a poem for the next edition. I want you
to write it. Milbury was the teacher in
charge of the school newspaper. Jackson
says he had never expressed interest in
poetry, so he spent the weekend trying to
write the worst poem he could muster to
get his desired result of rejection.
It was about a young woman whose afro
was flawless. Jackson said he wrote about
her hair and how beautiful it was. It was
like a halo. Then, when he got to school,
he turned it in thinking if he made it
mawkish enough she would never ask him
for another poem but the opposite
happened. (Miss Milbury) said, Oh this
is great. You are our staff poet. We need
one every month.
Then Jackson began to like poetry, then
immersed himself in it by reading the
greats: Ginsberg; Yeats; Dylan Thomas;
St. Vincent Millay.
How she knew Ill never know, Jackson
said. That is really how it started.
Then came time for college. In our family
it was not an if, it was a where, he go that well, Jackson recalls of one early
recalled. Another accidental moment of
fate happened at a D.C. party a moment
that landed Jackson in Central Vermont.
I went to use the facilities and there was
a magazine with a blurb about Goddard
College. It talked about their writing
program, Jackson said. Now that he had
a desire to write, Jackson, then 16, thought
Goddard might be the place for him. He
laid it on his parents soon after.
My father said, There is no way in HELL
you are doing this, Jackson recalled. His
mother, though a teacher and language
arts specialist promised to work on
her husband, who worried Jackson would
be unable to support himself as a writer.
Jacksons mother eventually won out. One
wintry day in February 1975, Jackson
found himself riding the old Montrealer
train from D.C. to Montpelier, then taking
a cab to the campus of Goddard College.
Race was an underlying issue affecting
his experience in Vermont. People were
generally nice, but he felt out of place.
D.C. was 70 percent black people; Central
Vermont was (and remains) mostly white.
He felt anxious at times, like when he
would enter the Coffee Corner at State
and Main and people would stare. Back
then it was more pronounced in some
respects, Jackson said. He described the
Goddard campus as a kind of sanctuary,
even though there were not many black
students. Another thing about Goddard?
The writing program was not some laid-
back hippie basket weaving class. It was
tough.
Jackson described how his poetry teacher,
Paul Nelson, brought better work out of
him.
We met on Tuesday morning. It didnt
class. Then later after lunch, Jackson
was leaving the cafeteria as Nelson was
coming toward him. Jackson said he hung
his head. Nelson said, Reuben, if I was
writing the shit youre writing, I would put
my head down, too. This made Jackson
want to do better to prove himself. He also
took advantage of his time at Goddard to
fall further in love with literature.
Continued on Page 10
PAG E 2 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 3

HEARD ON THE STREET

Econolodge/Former Brown Derby Update Some agents are being contacted by callers claiming to represent Department of Financial
Regulation's Banking Division with a survey on banking questions. These calls appear to
MONTPELIER City officials have made addressing the run-down Brown Derby building on
originate from 802-235-5834.
Northfield Street a top priority, after it has been falling to ruin for years.
The callers, both male and female, sound as though they are being made from a call center and are
The Mayor and I met with City Attorney Paul Giuliani to discuss legal options for dealing
not well-versed in insurance or banking matters.
with vacant and dilapidated buildings. Giuliani is drafting a public nuisance ordinance based on
Rutland and Brattleboro among others, wrote City Manager William Fraser in his March 31 City Commissioner Michael S. Pieciak wants to stress Department of Financial Regulation is not
Managers Report. involved in these surveys.
The situation was also discussed at the city council meeting on March 22. Council member Justin Montpelier Development Chief Started
Turcotte said the property owner had been unwilling to discuss options. Turcotte also said that
staff reported problems that extend beyond the buildings. Id like to see a draft ordinance we can MONTPELIER Joe Evans of Chester
Joe Evans started as the new executive director for
at least consider. We wouldnt want to create a law for just one situation, but is there a way you can
put a sunset on this and put it up for renewal? Turcotte said. Fraser noted the council can rescind Montpelier Development Corporation.
an ordinance at any time. He started April 4.

They also talked about how to define the property: Vacant? Blighted? Abandoned? Uninhabitable? The Bridge ran into him at a Montpelier
Dilapidated? All of the above? Business Association meeting April 5
his introduction to downtown business
Planning Director Mike Miller pointed to Barre, where vacant properties abounded a few years ago owners. Evans has a background in
due to the economic downturn. Barre responded by issuing fines for unmown lawns for example, software, and pioneered software systems
but adding violation fees to destitute property owners did not generate good feelings, he admitted. in the commodity trading space. He also
Everyone agreed on the need to amp up addressing this situation. consults with multi-national organizations
in corporate and tech strategy, according
We are talking about a multi-hotel conglomerate organization with thousands of dollars a day,
to biographic information he provided.
Turcotte noted.
He lists his skills as including tech savvy,
Montpelier-Roxbury School Merger Facing Headwinds marketing, planning, social media and writing.
The Montpelier-Roxbury school merger committee has decided against pushing for state approval His new job is to manage the implementation of the economic development strategic plan for the
of an Act 46 merger plan that could have led to a May vote by residents of the two towns. The City of Montpelier. I will be working to attract businesses and new residents to Montpelier, Evans
earliest a vote could now be held is June, but even that timetable is in doubt after a straw vote held told The Bridge by email. I will work closely with the Montpelier Development Corporation
at the end of the committees March 30 meeting. Board, city manager, business leaders and the City Council to create positive transformation in
the city's business environment.
At the meeting, three of the four Montpelier members who were present (one was absent) expressed
reservations about the merger, and the other Montpelier member predicted Montpelier voters Come To Coffee With A Cop
would not approve it if it was put on the ballot this spring. The two Roxbury committee members
remain fervent supporters of a merger. MONTPELIER The Montpelier Police Department will be holding our next Coffee with a
Cop event on Friday, April 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Cafe Anna at Vermont College of Fine Arts (36
Meanwhile, petitions have been circulating in Montpelier asking the school boards of Montpelier College St.).
and U-32/Washington Central Supervisory Union to explore a possible Act 46 merger between
those two school systems, arguing it is a natural fit. What is Coffee with a Cop, you ask?

The next meeting of the Montpelier-Roxbury merger committee will take place at 6 p.m. on April
13 at the Montpelier High School. The minutes of the March 30 meeting indicate the committee
may choose among three options on April 13: 1. decide to move forward immediately toward a
public vote by June; 2. decide to move forward on a slower timetable, to be determined; or 3. decide
not to proceed and to disband the committee.
Financial Regulation Department Warns Of Fake Survey Phone Scam
MONTPELIER The Department of Financial Regulation has received several reports of callers
claiming to be conducting surveys on behalf of the department's Insurance and Banking Divisions.
Department of Financial Regulation is not conducting any surveys at this time.
Callers have targeted insurance agencies around the state requesting agents opinions in an
eight-question survey regarding the insurance industry. So far we do not believe personal client
information has been requested. Caller ID shows the phone number as 802-321-8055.
The concept is simple. Police and community members meet in an informal, neutral space to
discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.
In thousands of cities and towns in all 50 states, and now many other countries, Coffee with a
Cop has done wonders for community trust, police legitimacy and partnership building.
Community members attend local Coffee with a Cop events for a variety of reasons, but no
matter why, theyre likely to leave with a more positive impression of their local police department.
One of the keys to the events success is the removal of physical barriers and/or crisis situations,
both of which routinely define interactions between law enforcement officials and community
members. Instead, Coffee with a Cop allows for relaxed, informal one-on-one communication
in a friendly atmosphere. This informal contact increases trust in police officers as individuals,
which is critical for building partnerships and community problem solving.
All are welcome. Contact Corporal Michael Philbrick at 223-3445 or mphilbrick@
montpelier-vt.org for more information.

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Food & Farming For more information about advertising deadlines,

rates and the design of your ad, contact one of our
representatives:
In Circulation April 20 to May 3 Rick McMahan: 249-8666 rick@montpelierbridge.com
Discounts Available Michael Jermyn: 223-5112 ext.11 michael@montpelierbridge.com

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h, the brilliant, musical notes of the fox sparrow! That settles it! Spring
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PAG E 4 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
A Call To Gathering
MONTPELIER Listening Circle to share stories, poems, songs, and
images of radical change, finding a new home, a new identity, flight from
discrimination, ethnic cleansing, poverty, war and climate change, or to listen
to others share their stories. Saturday, April 15, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Unitarian
Church of Montpelier.
New Zoning Laws in City
Councils Hands by Michael Bielawski
MONTPELIER The ability to rebuild and make additions to neighborhoods was a common
theme through the presentation of new unified development bylaws to the City Council March
22. The unified development bylaws are also popularly called zoning.
We just fixed the rules in order to match whats on the ground, said Director of Planning and
Community Development Michael Miller, in reference to neighborhood zoning. I think its
mostly common sense things.
Miller gave the presentation on the 200-page zoning revisions document, which the Planning
Commission voted to send to the council on March 13. Millers department worked for years
with the Planning Commission, Development Review Board, Design Review Board and zoning
administrators on the revision.
So, congratulations, the zoning is now yours, Miller said, which drew some laughter. He said
his goal for the evening was to give the council a 50,000-feet view of the broad plan.
Miller made sure to note that there will be no side-by-side comparison of this document with
its previous edition.
The only thing that has changed is everything. This is a new document, he said.
Bullet-point goals include: increasing housing, having more mixed-use zones, reviewing historic
site boundaries, adding shoreline restrictions, storm-water planning and more.
One change involved the zoning map, in which the zoning boundaries are better lined up with
property boundaries. Another change is six residential zoning districts, instead of the existing
three.
One of the primary goals is to make 90 percent of the properties conforming for a district.
Miller said that properties around city buildings are about 50 to 60 percent nonconforming with
current zoning. For example, of the Town Hill regions 157 parcels, 100 dont conform.
So most of the developed land on Town Hill could not be developed today under todays
zoning, he said. So really what we are trying to do is identify rules that would actually allow
these neighborhoods to be built today.
This iteration of the zoning would have stronger conservation standards, like river corridor
setbacks, wetlands and vernal pool protection and erosion control.
In terms of parking, there are currently 1.5 parking units per standard dwelling. Under the new
rules that would be reduced to one unit. Parking in the downtown area, however, will have some
less restrictions.
Another change would be allowing for minor site plans to forego some processes, such as public
hearings deemed more appropriate for larger projects. Major site plans are also going to have new
architectural and energy efficiency requirements.
A couple of zoning items were punted down the road, probably for the summer. The historic
design review rules and boundaries are put on hold, largely due to push-back from the public.
Some stormwater management policies are on hold until more data is available regarding
impervious surfaces in town. Discussion around trail and park development is also being
postponed.
Planning commission chair Leslie Welts gave high marks for Millers work:
Were certainly proud of this product. We know its not perfect but we think its going to go a
long way towards rebuilding Montpelier if something terrible happened, she said. Whereas the
zoning we have right now doesnt really allow that to happen.
City Councilor Jean Olson hopes the public will continue to engage in the zoning process.
Getting the deepest content, and the deepest questions, might move us along, she said.
There were some public comments at this meeting. Resident Carol Dorfline said there needs to
be some way for people to compare the new and old policies.
We need some tools, she said. While I understand that a full side-by-side comparison of the
old and the new is not possible, surely you can do for each neighborhood a one-page sheet saying
these are the major changes from the last plan to the current proposal. This will help people
focus, and it will improve the discussion as well.
Miller responded by saying thats possible, but that with so many changes and so many
neighborhoods, it would be a challenge.
The council is going to break several sections of the new zoning bylaws over at least their next
five meetings. The zoning portion of their meetings should start at 6:30 pm, on the second and
fourth Wednesdays of each month.
Trinity Community Thrift Store to Open Soon
Volunteers Needed
The Trinity Community Thrift Store housed at the Trinity United Methodist
Church on 137 Main St. in Montpelier will be opening soon. Volunteers are
needed to assist store set-up. If interested, please call Brian at 279-0412.
Did You Know?
The issue The Bridge publishes on the third Thursday
of each month is mailed to every 05602 residence.
Perfect for promoting your business,
event, store sale and more!
Advertise in The Bridge:
249-8666 or rick@montpelierbridge.com
223-5112 ext. 11 or michael@montpelierbridge.com
T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 5

New Zoning Explained

by Barbara Conrey

A
fter three years of work, multiple public meetings and hundreds of
comments from residents, the Montpelier Planning Commission has
passed the proposed zoning ordinance to City Council for approval.
City Council will be reviewing sections of the draft document during the
next four Council meetings: April 12 and 26, and May 10 and 24.
Goals of the Proposed Zoning:
A llow us to welcome new residents and businesses to Montpelier while
carefully preserving the character of our neighborhoods
Follow the goals of the city Master Plan, adopted in 2010 and extended
to 2017
Incorporate new planning principles, such as Traditional Neighborhood
design, to insure that the zoning reinforces the elements that make
Montpelier an appealing place to live and work
Whats New in the Proposed Zoning:
Actual Lot Densities were used, adjusted to match what exists now in
90% of the lots in each neighborhood.
Neighborhood Protection to maintain neighborhood character with any
new construction:
- Existing neighborhoods are described, and new development must
preserve each neighborhoods distinct character and quality.
- Buildable footprint is restricted for new construction.
- Steep slopes cannot be developed, and reduce a lots buildable area.
- Architectural Standards define building elements that must be included,
consistent with the neighborhood.
- New buildings must meet the street, matching the existing building
fronts.
Invisible Infill by making 90% of our homes comply with their existing
zone, homeowners could create a duplex apartment or condominium,
without changing the exterior of their building, and thus keeping their
neighborhood character intact.
Limiting Development Montpelier is a city with many narrow lots. To
add infill buildings or subdivide, lot frontage must be twice the required
width for the district; very few of our city lots meet this requirement. The
greatest limit on development in Montpelier is not density, its the overall
layout of our city.
Understanding the Proposed Zoning: What does it mean for your
home? Barbara Conrey, a Montpelier resident, is a
Zoning Ordinances are complex documents, with many interdependent member of the planning commission
sections. For people who are currently in a residential district (low, medium,
or high), below is a comparison chart of pertinent requirements:
Step 1: Find your property on the new Zoning District Map. Go to the
citys website: www.montpelier-vt.org to find the proposed district map.
Viewing it online will allow you to zoom in and identify your individual
property. Got a news tip?
Step 2: You will see that your neighborhood has a name and a number We want to know!
attached to it. The first two digits of the number define your proposed
district (i.e. 12--). Each new residential district is listed next to the
Send it to us at: editorial@
corresponding existing district: montpelierbridge.com
PAG E 6 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

End of Life Care and Death with Dignity Law Discussion Planned
BERLIN Linda Waite-Simpson, statewide director of Compassion and Choices, the not-for-
profit organization that supports access to and greater public understanding of Vermonts
Death with Dignity law, will lead a conversation about End of Life Care Services and
Vermonts Death with Dignity Law on Tuesday evening, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Central
Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Rd. in Berlin.
In addition to her role as statewide director of Compassion and Choices, Waite-Simpson played
an active role as a three-term member of the Vermont House who sat on the House Judiciary
Committee in winning passage of Act 39, better known as the Death with Dignity law. In
a press release announcing the April 11 public presentation, Waite-Simpson was described as
the House Judiciary Committees voice on the floor, as the Aid in Dying bill was working
through the legislative process. That bill was passed by the Vermont General Assembly in May
2013 and signed into law by then Gov. Peter Shumlin.
In a recent phone conversation with The Bridge, Waite-Simpson took great pains to describe
what Vermonts Death with Dignity (Patient Choice and Control at End of Life) law both is
and is not.
The bar is high, she said. We dont want people to feel they are coerced. This is a process
that happens in a doctors office. Its a conversation with a doctor about how life should end.
Whats more it is the patient who does the asking. It has to be a voluntary request, she said.
The patient must have the mental capacity to make such decisions. Waite-Simpson also said
that patients have to be able to self-administer the drugs. Its different from euthanasia. It is
entirely in the patients control.
She went on to emphasize the careful process. Theres a lot more, she said. A physician has to
have another physician confirm the diagnosis. A patient must be an adult resident of the State
of Vermont who has been determined to be within six months of what a physician believes will
be a terminal death.
Waite-Simpson talked about Vermonters who are sometimes alone, isolated and with few if any
supports in their lives. They would likely not be good candidates for this law, she said.
While she agreed that some seniors are marginalized and neglected, Act 39 is for people facing
a terminal illness who ask on their own, and ask not once but twice. If someone says they are
afraid of physical suffering, we ask how we can help them, Waite-Simpson said. On the other
hand, she agreed that, Some diseases at the end are truly horrendous.
As part of her presentation on April 11, sponsored by the Central Vermont Cancer Survivor
Potluck Group (which includes people living with cancer and their caregivers), Waite-Simpson
will discuss the recent death of Monique Van de Ven, who died peacefully in Vermont on Jan.
27 after taking the aid-in-dying prescription obtained through the Act 39 process.
While Van de Ven was ultimately able to get a physician to write the prescription for her death,
finding that doctor was not easy. In fact, it was stressful and difficult.
The Death with Dignity law and the situation that faced Monique Van de Ven are to be
discussed at the April 11 public presentation at Central Vermont Health and Hospice.

Police Offer Cash For Info On Murder Suspect

WATERBURY Vermont State Police announced March 29 a reward of up to $5,000 would
be offered to anyone who gives information leading to the apprehension of alleged murder
suspect Jayveon Caballero, age 29, of Barre. Caballero is being sought in connection with the
January 22 shooting death of Markus Austin, 33, of Montpelier. Police encourage anyone with
information to contact their nearest Vermont State Police barracks or call 229-9191, or the
Montpelier Police Department at 223-3445.
Early investigation indicated that Caballero knew the shooting victim and that both were
involved in a multi-person fight that occurred earlier in the morning outside Gusto's bar in Barre
around closing time (2 a.m.). The brawl also involved other people, some of whom have been
interviewed. Detectives learned that Austin allegedly assaulted Caballeros girlfriend, Desiree
Cary, 22, during the melee.
Investigation revealed that at about 4:30 a.m., Caballero confronted Austin outside Austins
home at 191 Barre Street in Montpelier. Detectives believe that Caballero shot Austin once in
the torso in the parking lot at this location, then made a quick getaway. A witness called police
about hearing the gunshot; when police arrived, they found Austin deceased by his car.
On Jan. 23 police issued an arrest warrant for Caballero on charges of second degree murder.
Caballero fled the area Jan. 22 with the help of Reginald Jones, 36, of Barre. Jones was charged
with accessory after the fact on Jan. 25 as a result of driving Caballero to the bus station in
White River Junction and purchasing a ticket for him. Caballeros current whereabouts remain
unknown, but according to his Facebook page, he has close ties to Orlando, Florida. He is from
Red Hook, New York.
Austin was known in the community as a former Frost Heaves basketball player, and for
working with children at local schools as well as with patients at the Vermont Psychiatric
Care Hospital. Austin left behind his young son and his girlfriend, Caryn Pelzer, who lost her
mother the same day Austin was shot. Austins co-worker, Melissa Jean Anderson, launched a
fundraising campaign to help Pelzer and their son: www.gofundme.com/3a01lqg.
(From a combination of police and staff reports)

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601

Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
Bridge Community Media, Inc.
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T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 7
Council Approves Beer Sales at Mountaineer Games
by Nat Frothingham
MONTPELIER At its March 22
meeting, City Council voted unanimously
to allow beer sales beginning this summer
under carefully managed conditions at
Vermont Mountaineers baseball games at the
Montpelier Recreation Field on Elm Street.
Community sentiment appears to strongly
favor beer sales at the Mountaineers games.
But some people are raising questions and
others disapprove.
Brian Gallagher, Mountaineers president
and general manager, with additional
Mountaineers board members in attendance,
made the beer sales proposal to the city
council. Gallagher noted that this summer
will mark the 15th season of Mountaineers
games.
Gallagher described precautions the
Mountaineers organization taking to
clearly separate beer sales to adults from the
grandstand crowd of families, children and
adults watching the play-by-play action on the field.
The centerpiece of Gallaghers beer sales precautions involves building an enclosed beer garden
far away from the grandstand and home plate down the left-field line. The beer garden will be
enclosed with a four-foot high (70 by 30-foot) chain-link fence. And the Mountaineers have
secured the services of Scott Kerner, owner of Montpeliers Three Penny Taproom. Kerner, along
with State Liquor Control personnel, will be at the gate checking IDs, admitting people and
making sure that beer drinking is confined to the beer garden. Gallagher said the drinks on sale
will be exclusively Vermont beers and Vermont hard cider.
You cant bring beer outside the beer garden. You cant take beer back to the grandstand, he
said in a phone call with The Bridge. He told the Council that no beer would be sold after the
seventh inning and that no beer advertising will be allowed at the Rec Field. A couple of other
precautions will include a public address system announcement toward the end of the game
about safe driving and the posting of a taxi service phone number so that anyone attending the
game that wants to call a cab, can call a cab.
The big factor pushing the Mountaineers Board to vote for beer sales was not money, Gallagher
said. Weve put $600,000 into (the Rec Field) facility, Gallagher said about financial
contributions made by the Mountaineers since they started out at the Rec Field in May 2003.
Gallagher estimated about $5,000 for the cost of putting in the beer garden to pay for fencing, a
stay-mat floor surface, gates, tables, chairs and the like. And all the beer is to be packed up and
taken off the site at the end of each game.
Creating the beer garden is only one of the improvements set to be put in place this year. Other
improvements include: new netting and a new sound system. We have money in a rainy day
fund, said Gallagher about the money management of the Mountaineers organization.
I think its going to be a very positive experience, he said about the beer garden. Youre
talking 350 feet away from the grandstand. And it will be run by Three Penny. Gallagher noted
that the majority of teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League 13 teams in all
including the Mountaineers are now selling beer.
Everything will be the same the grandstand, whats happening in the field.
Its true there was a unanimous vote at the March 22 City Council meeting to approve beer sales,
yet there were signs of caution as well.
1 Taylor Street Update: Back To The Drawing Board?
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER City council members have learned that the lead developer on the 1 Taylor
Street multi-modal transit system project has expressed concerns about a recent uptick in
construction costs. These cost hikes could make the long anticipated transportation hub/housing
project unprofitable for Redstone Development, a company that was going to build apartments
atop a transit center in downtown Montpelier.
During their March 22 meeting, City Manager William Fraser told council members that, while
Redstone Development has not backed out, they are indicating the real estate process doesnt
pencil for them in terms of costs vs. revenue ... it is looking much more difficult to make it work.
Mayor John Hollar agreed, saying, Construction costs have gone up and they are facing a gap that
makes them think the project wont be viable.
Fraser said the company will stay in as long as possible, but they, along with us, are looking for
alternatives.
What would alternatives look like? Perhaps DEW Construction could take over, it was said. The
company was already serving as the construction manager for the project and have participated
in the proposal process. We did reach out to them (DEW) and they are very positive. They
are thinking within the month they will be able to tell us if they can do it, Fraser said. Other
organizations may be approached as well, regarding subsidized housing or condominiums. One
selling point to a private developer would be not having to deal with acquisition costs, Fraser
pointed out.
Perhaps construction could be done in phases for example, build the transit hub, bike path and
bridge first, then build housing, Fraser suggested. Fraser sounded optimistic about being able to
do enough work on the projects public portion of the project to keep it afloat while they figure
out the housing aspect.
Newly elected City Councilor Ashley Hill,
who is deputy states attorney in Addison
County and an adjunct professor in criminal
justice at Community College of Vermont
was somewhat cautious about the beer sales
proposal in her initial reaction to the idea.
She said, Im a prosecutor by day. Then she
said, DUI is a big concern.
Ann Gilbert, director of Central Vermont
New Directions Coalition in Barre, an
organization that works with youth and
young adults to make healthy choices and
avoid substance abuse, said that she was late
in getting informed about the Mountaineers
beer sales proposal.
We found out about it and it was a surprise.
As soon as I heard about it, I jumped on it,
she said.
Photo courtesy of Brian Gallagher On March 22, the day of the Mountaineers
proposal to the Council, Gilbert wrote to
city councilor Dona Bate on behalf of the
New Directions Coalition. She was representing some concerned parents in the community
people who were considering healthy community design goals.
We really want to find a way to promote local business but restrict alcohol sales at family-
friendly events. She noted past problems at the Heritage Festival in Barre and a Fourth of July
Parade in Warren. Gilbert said her question was this, Do we need to have alcohol visible and
normalized in settings that involve a lot of our youth?
At the same time, she noted that under the approved proposal beer sales would only take place
in a restricted area away from the grandstand. She also noted affirmatively that beer sales would
be carefully supervised by trained volunteers who would not serve to minors.
I will say this, she said. I have been in contact with Brian Gallagher and the Central Vermont
Coalition values its relationship with the Mountaineers. Hes shared the plans. It sounds like
safety measures have been built (into the plan) to make this successful. And so I see it as a trial
run.
Then she offered a question and a concern. This was her question, Is this going to help
Montpelier by increasing attendance at the ball games? Then this concern, There are a lot of
parents who feel this is a safe place for kids to go to be there with their friends. I worry about
intoxication.
We have a concern about underage drinking and binge drinking. She said that drinking
establishments say they will not over-serve because they have a reputation to protect. Then she
added, The more it is visible, the more it is normalized, the more youth thinks it is safe and
acceptable.
Of all the people who talked about the Mountaineers beer sales proposal, it was Eddie
Walbridge, first president of the Mountaineers board, who disapproved the most vehemently.
Why put it in front of kids? Walbridge asked. Its right in their face.
Walbridge said that this was not the first time that beer sales at the games had been proposed.
Its been proposed three or four times. Its about making money, he said flatly.
Walbridge drew a distinction between his point of view and simple opposition. I dont oppose,
he said. I think its morally wrong. Its morally wrong because we are trying to save our children
to keep our kids away from alcohol. If they put that in there in five years, it wont be a
kid place. The alcohol will get bigger.
Mayor John Hollar questioned that suggestion, saying, Is that really feasible?
This turn of events brought out a strong reaction from some on the Council.
I am very disappointed, said council member Jean Olson. This is our transformational project.
This is the Montpeliers open for business. She also said housing is a problem in town and pointed
to the new development corporation director, who is having trouble finding housing for his family.
We have our first major project in a long time and Im hearing it is at risk.
Another risk factor is the federal grant money. An end-of-year 2017 deadline is approaching and a
significant amount of work has to start or the dollars could disappear.
But for now, permitting is underway and a river wall has been reconstructed. Rights of way are
still in an entanglement, however. Fraser said he is waiting for appraisals from the State of Vermont
before he can finalize an agreement with Mowatt Trust (M&M Beverage).
A brief description of the project from the citys website, Montpelier-vt.org, is as follows:
1 Taylor Street is the site formerly known as the Carr Lot property. It is located on the east side
of Taylor Street in the city of Montpelier at the confluence of the North Branch and Winooski
Rivers. It is approximately one acre in size. It was purchased by the city of Montpelier in January
2014 and is currently leased by the State of Vermont for state employee parking. It is centrally
located in the downtown business district and adjacent to the State's Capitol Complex. The City
of Montpelier hopes to transform what was once a scrap yard and train depot into a state-of-the-art
transportation and commercial center and public park. This project is funded through the Federal
Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and the City of Montpelier.
Most of the information for this story was obtained by watching the ORCA video recording of the
March 22 Montpelier City Council meeting, and from the City of Montpelier website.
PAG E 8 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Tom Golonka: Reflecting on 12 Years of Service on the
Montpelier City Council by Nat Frothingham
The Bridge: Youve served 12 years on the Council, right?
Tom Golonka: Its hard to remember a time when I wasnt a
City Council member. I started when I was 38; Im close to 50
now. Ive raised five kids. My youngest child, Kenzie, was born
when I was a City Council member. Shes 11 and a half and a
sixth grader at Main Street Middle School. My oldest daughter,
Chloe, is soon to be a junior in college.
Just for the record: Jim Sheridan and Nancy Sherman each
gave 12 years on the Council, as well. I think of it as an
accomplishment. Life sometimes gets in the way. Spending
those Wednesday nights away from home and after work, when
you have a full-time job can be difficult. I understand why its
difficult to serve more than a couple of terms.
The Bridge: Can you remember your first Council meeting?
Golonka: Nancy Wasserman and I were both sworn in at that
meeting. Nancy Sherman, Jim Sheridan, Harold Garabedian
and Riley Allen, along with Mayor Mary Hooper, made up
the remaining members. All told, I have served with about 17
different council members over the past 12 years. Every one of
them had a common commitment to the City of Montpelier. It
takes a special kind of person to make that kind of commitment. I have tremendous respect for
people who run for City Council. It takes a lot of time away from family and business. Theres
a token stipend. But thats not why people do it.
The Bridge: Were you facing the same problems then as now?
Golonka: Early on we were faced with the Scott construction issue. As you recall, we were faced
with the city losing roughly $300,000 by an inadvertent mistake. That was one of our initial
issues. We also had the rock slide on Elm Street. Later on, we had floods and the flood threat
with tropical storm Irene. We were talking about District Heat and the Taylor Street project
back then, as well.
The Bridge: What did you want to achieve when you started out?
Golonka: Id come from a financial background. I think thats helped me evaluate projects
and proposals over the years. My focus has consistently been on fiscal responsibility and
sustainability in the short and long run as it affects taxpayers. Whether its been the Taylor Street
project, District Heat, debt service or infrastructure investment, I want to see the impacts on
taxes and the city budget.
The Bridge: Is the city more efficient today than it was 12 years ago?
Golonka: Yes, its significantly more efficient. I think some residents take for granted the
tremendous capabilities of city staff from the finance department, public works, fire and police
to planning and the city managers office. They all seem to work well together to have a city
thats both transparent and extremely well thought of, both here and outside Montpelier.
I think thats a credit to Bill (Fraser). The staff works well together. The municipal budget passes
traditionally by a 75-percent vote. In this day and age, and in this state particularly, with our
high tax rates, thats extremely positive.
The Bridge: Back to my earlier question: Are the problems today the same or different?
Golonka: Taxes, housing, parking and economic development. Theyre the four issues that are
always brought up in Montpelier. Weve made significant progress on each but I doubt they
will ever be completely solved to everyones satisfaction. We have a limited amount of space and
only a certain amount of dollars flowing into our community. But weve made some progress.
The Taylor Street project, though delayed, can be a transformational development project.
Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge
On Over 20 Years of Business!
In contrast to the District Heat project, everyone will notice
the Taylor Street project. It will be a gateway to the city. Im
excited about this. I understand the financial realities that have
bogged us down at the moment but the effort will significantly
transform downtown for generations to come. Thats why weve
spent so much time on it. A toxic waste site turned into a core
downtown asset.
The Bridge: As we move forward today, where do you see the
opportunities?
Golonka: Over the last few years on the council, Ive concentrated
on regionalization efforts. Our opportunities in the future
are going to depend on partnerships and regional projects. Its
difficult for a city the size of Montpelier to do everything we
have done. We have 8,000 people, limited grand list growth and
limited space. My focus over the past few years has been to help
forge these regional relationships. Im excited by the regional
public safety effort currently underway. I think the Regional
Public Safety Authority has the potential of professionalizing
public safety to a level only seen in bigger cities.
The Bridge: How can the city increase its tax base or control its
municipal spending?
Golonka: I think its vigilance. Maybe its one or two businesses here and there. Maybe its
working with National Life or other regional partners on a housing project. Possibly its investing
in infrastructure projects in parts of the city that are underserved. We can proactively run
a water and sewer line into undeveloped areas to encourage expansion in locations we deem
appropriate.
The Bridge: Is the city on the right or wrong track with its priorities?
Golonka: I think were on the right track. We have countless numbers of volunteers. Our
volunteer city boards get a tremendous response in the community. Of course theres always
room for improvement.
The Bridge: I hear that the city has trouble getting things done. How can we change this?
Golonka: I do struggle with that question and, at times, think we take too long to implement
projects. Sometimes we take too long with committees and discussions without actually
implementing change. But the committees usually bring more people into the dialogue and
strengthen the ultimate project.
The Bridge: Do you think the city could be run more efficiently?
Golonka: Anyone can be more efficient. As Ive said, regionalize. Work with local partners
whether its the schools, other municipalities or non-profits. We do our best work when we do
partner. Id expand on that outreach.
The Bridge: Now that youre off the council, you must be facing a lot of free time.
Golonka: I do my best when Im involved. Im currently focusing on things that integrate my
business career in financial planning and investments with my volunteer work. Im actively
involved as chair of the Vermont State Pension Board, Chair of the Central Vermont Public
Safety Authority and trustee of Central Vermont Medical Center. In addition, my wife and I
are active supporters of our children in sports and other activities, which more than fills in
the time gained.
Thank you for
reading The Bridge!
T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 9

Got A Lawn? Start A Garden! by Carla Occaso

MONTPELIER What could you do if you have a big lawn besides mowing it? Start a garden.
Several downtown homeowners and organizations are doing just that.
In many cases, gardens got started with someone looking at an expanse of lawn and thinking,
I could put a garden there.
The Garden at Another Way
Another Way, on 125 Barre St., had a fairly big bit of land behind the building. This space
has become a prolific volunteer-tended community garden thanks to a frugally-minded staff
member. Since coming aboard as an employee, Amiee Powers started the garden and now
manages it along with her more typical office duties. Her title? Office and garden manager.
The Garden at 485 Elm
You dont have to be a nonprofit organization to start a garden on your lawn. If you drive along
Elm Street toward the municipal pool, you will notice a large garden has cropped up on what
used to be a spacious grass lawn.
Sheryl Rapee-Adams and her husband, Chris Adams, moved up to Montpelier from Rutland in
Oct. 2013. Rapee said she looked out on that lawn, which we were not into, and realized she
would love to have fresh vegetables. She posted a note on Front Porch Forum to see if anyone
else was interested in growing food in exchange for vegetables to get better use for the space. By
April 2014 a garden appeared.

I started working on the gardens when I started The people who responded were interested in
working at Another Way about six years ago. growing together, so a community garden was
Community Garden at Another Way born, Rapee-Adams said. In other words, people
Back then we had four beds. I was hired as the
food manager and I was trying to offer more fresh dont each have their own individual plots to
veggies and fruits and not take so much money tend, they, as a group, tend one big garden. They
away from the grant. She said she looked behind share the tools, the seeds and the tasks to plant,
the building and noticed a big patch of land. maintain and harvest a garden. About 25 to 30
people are core participants who do the work for
Another Way is an nonprofit community center around 25 households.
that offers a safe place for psychiatric survivors
to hang out during the day, participate in activities The growing teams are gearing up to plant
and find support. Two meals a week are offered peas in the coming days, which were harvested
free to community members: Friday dinners and throughout the summer last year, Rapee said.
Wednesday breakfasts. She noted each year is a learning experience. This
years focus is on the soil to create the healthiest
Tending the garden is one of many activities plants imaginable.
people can do there. A core group of about five to
12 Another Way community members tend the The garden, named The Garden at 485 Elm,
garden from seedlings through harvest, Powers is also a site for Certified Master Gardeners
said. Several years into the project, the garden and Master Composters to volunteer to either
has grown from four to 20 beds of vegetables and qualify or requalify for certification through the
flowers. University of Vermont.

This year a focus will be reaching out to the greater community to include Barre, Montpelier and
Northfield. Powers is hoping to attract volunteers to water, harvest and weed if they want. She
also wants to work on the banks to put in flowers in order to attract more bees for pollination.
Edible plants include carrots, zucchini, cherry squash, cucumbers and sunflowers to use for
snacks. She also plants thyme, basil, cilantro and lavender. Powers wants those who come to the
center to be able to take home fresh food each day, if possible.
All the folks who come into our center have experienced financial hardship. They are either
homeless or in the mental health system. They don't have much for money, so when it comes to
food, theyre hungry.
Powers is also heading up a fundraiser by having volunteers build and sell wooden garden beds
by the first week in May. She started that last year and it went very well. Call 595-2177 to reserve
an early spring bed by April 14. Another wave of production will be held later, in May. Email
amiee@anotherwayvt.org.
Members divvy up the harvest equally, and then they donate the excess food.
As for Rapee-Adams favorite food to grow? I am a ground cherry or husk cherry addict. It is
delicious, sweet and tart. It is so calming. I just sit on the ground, pick up a branch and eat.
At $50 per season, gardeners commit to approximately four to six hours of work per week during
growing season.
Other Gardens
Other community gardens known to exist in the 05602 are at Montpelier High School, The
National Life Groups property and one property owned by the North Branch Nature Center.

RecyclE This Paper!

PAG E 10 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Getting Deep With Poet Reuben Jackson

Continued from Page 1

It was the right place for me at that time.

Jackson also studied education and did his student 15 Barre Street
teaching internship at U-32 Junior-Senior High School
in 197778 (when I was in eighth grade there). He then
went back to D.C. and got a degree in Library Science.
Meanwhile, he kept writing poetry. Jackson kept writing
and soon fell in with a group of other poets in D.C. He
got some poems published in journals and magazines,
and started reading in public. Then, one day after a Poems are on dis
reading in Potomac, Maryland, a book publisher stopped
Jackson and asked if he could publish a collection of
during the m
Jacksons poetry.
Fingering the Keys was released in the fall of 1991; it
won the Columbia Book Award in May 1992. Joseph
Brodsky, then The United States Poet Laureate, chose
the winner and presented the award at a packed gala at
the Folger Shakespeare Library.
I wore a suit and tie, Jackson recalled. I thought,
Oh my God this guy is internationally famous, and he
picked this geeky kid.
One of the most memorable parts of the experience from
Jackson aside from meeting a Nobel Prize winner and
poet laureate was seeing his parents, who were seated Riffing on the W.H. Auden poem In Memory of W. B.
in the front row. They were both so happy. Jackson was Yeats, I asked Jackson if it is true that poetry makes
especially glad that his father was able to see his son in a nothing happen in his opinion, to which he replied:
world he could not have imagined for him: up onstage, I go back and forth about whether it has any ultimate
winning one of the nations highest poetry honors. effect. But I would say it can and does make things
My father was an electrical engineer, Jackson said. happen. For me it helps rethink the world and the way
He was a real Mr. Fix-It Guy, with this kid who was in which you or I do some things ... those things in
thinking of iambic pentameter ... not really what he and of themselves are not things you take lightly. It is
envisioned, I am sure. another thing I like about working with writers: they
After that, Jackson put poetry on the back burner in can see a new way of thinking about something. Even
favor of focusing on work and other interests. Still, he an apple on the table is part and parcel of being human
never stopped writing altogether, which is why Central and being alive. In that sense, it may not be something
Vermont readers now get to read his work regularly in happening in the kind of TV tabloid world we are in
The Bridge. now, but I would rather disagree that nothing happens.

(Roger's Blues)
Join Poetry Workshop With Reuben Jackson
My wings cannot breathe. At The Bridge
When your passions are prob- You, the reader, can participate in a poetry workshop Reuben Jackson
lems will be leading at The Bridge on April 26 at 6 p.m. It is sponsored
by PoemCity based in the Kellogg Hubbard Library. Please register
sail your boat elsewhere.
ahead of time by emailing carla@montpelierbridge.com. All ages and
Reuben Jackson abilities welcome.

For more details on each event and a listing of all

locations where poems are displayed, visit poem-city.org

Portents of Spring
its marvelous chemotherapy is here, there and everywhere
The delicate emerald glow of a tree standing alone on the hillside
The sound of running water from dying snow
The resurrection of smell in the forest
Crocuses caught in the morning glide
The return of the robins, their songs penetrating to the furthest reaches of the house
Tender shoots of kissed air graze against our faces
The suns sparkling welcome to the budding seasons unfettered labors
The expectation of sweet green passions to come
And springtide mornings, fresh and warm like new bread
Wash over the pleasured land and its inhabitants
By Robert Lincoln
Yvonnes
April 1978 Riverside
Marshfield Salon
37 Elm Street
136 State Street
 T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 11

34 Elm Street

splay at these Montpelier businesses and locations

month of April in celebration of PoemCity 2017.

65 Main Street

30 State Street

The Drawing Board

22 Main Street

9 Langdon Street

Lucid Path Wellness

97 State Street

1
School
Street 116 Main Street
89 Main Street

PAG E 12 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Community Events
Events happening
April 6 to April 19
THURSDAY, APRIL 6
Blood Donation Opportunity: Montpelier.
The American Red Cross encourages eligible
donors to give blood during National Volunteer
Month. 11 a.m. 5 p.m., Stone Environmental,
535 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. 1800-RED-
CROSS. redcrossblood.org
Tai Chi. Led by Denise Ricker. Open to all
ages, geared to an older population. 1:303:30
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. Pre-registration required: pdricker@
comcast.net.
Todd Davis. Norwich Universitys 2016-17
Writers Series will bring award-winning author
Todd Davis to campus. 4 p.m. Norwich
University, Kreitzberg Library Multipurpose
Room, Northfield. Free.
The Use of CBD Hemp Oil & Essential Oils for
Pain Relief. Learn about CBD and analgesic
essential oils, like black pepper, plai, spike
lavender and rosemary that address chronic
pain. Make and take home your own massage
oil! 67:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop
community room, Montpelier. $5 Member-
Owners; $7 Non-Members.
PoemCity: Writing Poems about People: a
Generative Workshop. Poet Baron Wormser
leads workshop. Limited to 12 participants; call
library to register (223-3338). 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-
Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Free.
"1816-The Year Without A Summer."
Weatherman Roger Hill talks about when
1816 became the year without a summer for
millions of people in parts of North America
and Europe, leading to failed crops and near-
famine conditions. 78 p.m. 90 Pond St., Stowe.
253-6145
FRIDAY, APRIL 7
Huge Rummage Sale. Tons of great items for
sale, ranging from clothes to books to toys and
household items. All proceeds benefit the Senior
Activity Center. 10 a.m.5 p.m.; noon2 p.m.
fill a bag for $3 and get half-off our boutique!
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
Street, Montpelier, 223-2518
Death Cafe at Twin Valley Senior Center.
Discussions of events past, present and
future. All are welcome and discussions are
confidential. 11:45 a.m.1 p.m. TVSC, Rt. 2,
East Montpelier. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors@
myfairpoint.net
PoemCity: Celebrating the Poetry and
Photography of George Lisi (1952 - 2014).
Poetry reading and slide presentation of
photography. Bring your favorite Lisi poem to
read. 1:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338
Coffee with a Cop. Montpelier police and
community members come together in an
informal, neutral space to discuss community
issues, build relationships and drink coffee. 56
p.m. Caf Anna at Vermont College of Fine
Arts, College Hall, 36 College St., Montpelier.
The Hollywood Blacklist. With Rick Winston.
Presentation illustrated with film clips, including
On the Waterfront and High Noon. 7 p.m.
Calendar of Events
Maple Corner Community Center, County Rd.
Calais. Free. 454-7103.
PoemCity: Poetry of Popular Culture and
Superheroes with George Longenecker.
Longenecker reads poetry of superheroes and
popular culture.Reception to follow; Venue not
accessible. 78 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46
Barre St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
Boreal Birds at Moose Bog. Enjoy a pre-
blackfly season outing in search of the boreal
grand slam and other northern species. Carpool
from Montpelier. 7 a.m.3:30 p.m. Call North
Branch Nature Center for more info.: 229-6206
30th Annual Vermont State Scholastic Chess
Championships. All Vermont students from
Kindergarten through Grade 12 are eligible
to compete for State Championships in nine
divisions. Registration 8:309:30 a.m.; games
begin 10 a.m. Berlin Elementary School, 372
Paine Turnpike N, Berlin. Complete rules and
registration: http://vtchess.info
Worcester Clothing Swap. Get some new-
to-you clothing and accessories. $1 per bag
(BYO)suggested, Benefits the Worcester Food
Shelf. 9 a.m.3 p.m. Worcester Town Hall,
Rt. 12, Worcester. Clothing drop offs: April 6
and 7, noon5 p.m. Drop off your gently, used
clothing/accessories, free from stains and tears.
552-7494
Tree Pruning Workshop. Learn about the
basics of tree pruning. All skill levels welcome.
Bring questions and any basic tools youd like to
practice with. We will go outside for the second
half of this workshop, regardless of weather, so
please dress accordingly. 10 a.m.noon. Hunger
Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier.
Free.
Huge Rummage Sale. Tons of great items for
sale, ranging from clothes to books to toys and
household items. All proceeds benefit the Senior
Activity Center. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Street,
Montpelier, 223-2518
Permaculture with Keith Morris. Morris
will discuss creating natural landscapes
incorporating perennial edible plants while
sustaining and supporting the land. 11 a.m.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St. Rm. 2,
Marshfield. 426-3581
Girl Rising Film Viewing & Book Discussion.
Educating girls changes how nations behave.
Film viewing and talk led by author Tanya
Lee Stone. A Bear Pond Books Educator Series
event. Special pricing for parents/caregivers and
the girls in their lives. Recommended for ages 12
and up. Noon. The Savoy Theater, 26 Main St.,
Montpelier. Ticket prices include one book. $25
for one movie ticket and one book; $30 for two
movie tickets and one book. Purchase tickets at
Bear Pond Books, 77 Main St., Montpelier.
Bark Basket Workshop. Learn how harvest
pine bark and sew it with together with
spruce root to make a small basket. 14 p.m.
Goddard College Campus. Plainfield. $25;
$10 accompanied child ages 6-12. Discounts
available for groups and AmeriCorps
members. Pre-registration required: info@
earthwlkvermont.org. 802-454-8500.
earthwalkvermont.org.
PoemCity: Nature Poems, Favorite Poems
with Dede Cummings & Diana Whitney.
Cummings and Whitney discuss some of
their favorite nature poetry. Bring yours! 2
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Performing Arts
THEATER, DANCE,
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
April 6: Extempo. Locals tell short-format, first-person, true stories live on stage without any notes or
reading. Food & drink by Stowe Street Cafe. 810 p.m. Bridgeside Books, 29 Stowe St., Waterbury.
$5. 244-1441. storytelling@extempovt.com. extempovt.com.
April 68: As You Like It. Norwich Universitys Pegasus Players will perform Shakespeares As You
Like It. 8 p.m.; doors open 7:30 p.m. Norwich University, Dole Auditorium, Northfield. Free.
April 78: Rumney School Presents "Wizard of Oz." Join Rumney students for a trip down the
Yellow Brick Road featuring dancing, singing and colorful munchkins. April 7, 7 p.m.; April 8, 2 p.m.
and 7 p.m. Rumney Memorial School, Middlesex. Adults $6; children $4; families $15.
April 79: Stage 32 presents "Cry Baby." Stage 32 presents their spring musical Cry Baby (from
the writers of Hairspray)! Based on the 1990 John Waters film, this satirical musical is set in 1954 in
Baltimore, Maryland. April 7, 7 p.m.; April 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; April 9, 2 p.m. U-32, 930 Gallison
Hill Rd., Montpelier. Adults $12; seniors and students $10. 229-0321 ext. 5903.
April 89: Student Choreography Showcase. Enjoy the fruits of a year-long class in choreography.
April 8, 7 p.m.; April 9, 2 p.m. Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio, 18 Langdon St., Montpelier.
Donation: adults $10; kids $15. 229-4676.
April 14: Anything Goes Poetry Slam with Geof Hewitt. Features a 5-minute time limit for writers
and performers, with music encouraged; even group performances are eligible for the fabulous prizes!
Audience members, chosen at random, will score the performances. 7 p.m. Lost Nation Theater, 39
Main St., Montpelier. Free. 229-0492. info@lostnationtheater.org. lostnationtheater.org
April 20May 7: David Budbills Judevine. A tribute to and portrait of back roads Vermont, by one
of her best poets, and a 10th Anniversary production of one of Lost Nation Theaters signature shows.
Thurs.Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main St., Montpelier. $1530.
229-0492. lostnationtheater.org
Montpelier. 223-3338 Multilevel Metropolis. 6:157 p.m. Vermont
College of Fine Arts. Noble Lounge, College St.,
Horse Drawn Yogurt: Stories from Total
Montpelier.
Loss Farm. Reading and book signing with
author Peter Gould. Part of the Vermont PoemCity: Los Lorcas Trio Poetry in
Historical Societys ongoing programming Concert. Poets Partridge Boswell and Peter
exploring counterculture in the 1970s. 2 p.m. Money, along with guitarist Whit Van Meter,
Vermont History Center, 60 Washington St., fuse poetry and music in a dynamic interplay,
Barre. Free. 479-8500. vermonthistory.org. blurring boundaries between spoken word and
PoemCity: Reading with Poets April Ossmann song. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
& Cynthia Huntington. Poetry reading and Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338
book signing. 6 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338 TUESDAY, APRIL 11
Contra Exchange Challenging Dance. First half Northeast Storytellers Host Remembering
regular contras; second half challenging contras. Robert Frost. Dedicated to the memory,
Live music. Friendly, welcoming atmosphere. poetic works, and legacy of the longtime
811 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Rt. Vermont resident and poet laureate. 23:30 p.m.
12, Berlin. Sliding scale admission, $6-12. Good Living Senior Center, 1207 Main St., St.
contraexchange.org Johnsbury. 751-5432.
Meet Up with The League of Women Voters
SUNDAY, APRIL 9 of Central Vermont. For those interested in
learning about The League, the organization
More Than Matzoh! Make charoset, play games
and its positions. 3 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
and sing songs for Passover. 24 p.m. Hunger
Library, East Montpelier Room, 135 Main St.,
Mountain Coop, Montpelier. Free. RSVP and
Montpelier. RSVP: lwvofvt@gmail.com
bring your own jar for charoset. Jennifer: 472-
5414, jenflieg@gmail.com Gentle Cleanse with Food As Medicine. With
Lisa Mas. 57 p.m. VCIH, 252 Main St.,
Dance, Sing, and Jump Around! A family dance
Montpelier. $17 members; $20 non-members.
for all ages, circle and line dances and singing
Register: 224-7100
games, all taught and called, live traditional
music, all dances taught. Soup and bread supper Montpelier Historic Preservation
after dance. 34:30 p.m. Plainfield Town Hall Commission Public Meeting. To discuss the
Opera House, Rt. 2, Plainfield. Suggested amended boundary to the Montpelier Historic
donation: adults $5; free for children. No one is District, as listed on the National Register of
turned away! http://dancesingandjumparound. Historic Places. 6 p.m. City Hall, City Council
weebly.com Chambers, 39 Main St., Montpelier. 223-9506.
Reiki as a Spiritual Practice. Explore the
MONDAY, APRIL 10 principles of Reiki and how they can help you
begin a spiritual practice or help deepen your
Tai Chi. Led by Denise Ricker. Open to all
current one. 67 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop,
ages, geared to an older population. 1:303:30
Montpelier. Free.
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. Pre-registration required: pdricker@ End of Life Care Services. Come meet
comcast.net. Linda Waite-Simpson, VT state director
VCFA Graphic Design Public Lecture: Designer of Compassion and Choices. Learn about
as Author, Editor, and Curator. Talk with End-of-Life Care Services and receive current
information about Act 39, Vermonts Death
Andrew Blauvelt will focus on recent projects
with Dignity Law. 6:308:30 p.m. CVHHH,
involving aspects of all of these varied and
600 Granger Rd., Barre. 272-2736. sherry@
overlapping roles, including the exhibitions
and publications, Hippie Modernism: The sherryrhynard.com
Struggle for Utopia,Graphic Design: Now in
Production, and the book Parallel Cities: The
 Calendar of Events
T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 13

Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Open mic every
Wed. Other shows T.B.A. bagitos.com.
April 6: Colin McCaffrey & Friends, 68 p.m.
April 7: Jazz Duo, Art Herttua & Ray Carroll, 68
p.m.
April 8: Irish Session, 25 p.m.
April 9: Southern Old Time Music Jam, 10 a.m.1
p.m.
April 11: Moulton & Whipple, The Frozen Finger
Boys, 68 p.m.
April 13: Red Clay with George Voland (MHS
Jazz Band) 68 p.m.
April 14: Stephanie Capizzi (folk/country/blues)
68 p.m.
April 15: Irish Session, 25 p.m.; The
Honeycreepers(indie folk) 68 p.m.
April 16: Bleecker & MacDougal, 11 a.m.1 p.m.
April 18: Old Time Music Session, 68 p.m.
April 19: Papa Graybeard Blues Keith Williams
(blues/folk) 68 p.m.
April 20: John Lackard Blues, 68 p.m.
April 21: Dave Loughran (acoustic classic rock)
68 p.m.
April 22: Irish Session, 25 p.m.
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St.
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Tues.: Karaoke, 9 p.m1 a.m.
April 7: Get Stood Up: Comedy Open Mic, 6
p.m.; Fantastic Partnerz (dance pop) 9 p.m.
April 8: Wes Hamilton (folk) 6 p.m.; Stuart Ross
& the Temp Agency (jazz Americana) 9 p.m.
April 14: Scott Graves (acoustic rock) 6 p.m.;
Community Center (chamber rock) 9 p.m.
April 15: Customer Appreciation Brunch w/ Blue
Fox (blues) noon; The Suspects (blues) 9 p.m.
April 16: Zex/Gorcrow (punk metal) 9 p.m.
April 19: Stephanie Nilles (jazz punk piano) 9
p.m.
April 21: Johnny Drop (folk) 6 p.m.; Woodshed
Rats (Americana) 9 p.m.
April 22: The Cop-Outs (Celtic punk) 9 p.m.
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 479-0896.
Free/by donation unless otherwise noted. events@
espressobueno.com.
April 8: Jason Mallery (alt folk), 7:30 p.m.; Alex
Smith (trad folk) 8:30 p.m.
April 21: Jennings & McComber (indie folk), 7
p.m.; AliT (indie pop) 9 p.m.
Positive Pie. 10 p.m. 22 State St., Montpelier. $5.
229-0453. positivepie.com.
April 14: Dr. No (rock/funk)
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31
County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com.
Every Wed.: Open Mic
April 7: Kelly Ravin
April 8: Cookie's Hot Club
April 12: Myra Flynn and Paul Boffa
April 14: Danny Coane and Colin McCaffrey
April 15: VT Bluegrass Pioneers (Danny Coane,
Willy Lindner, Dan Lindner)
April 19: Myra Flynn and Paul Boffa
April 21: Chad Hollister
April 22: Fiasco
SPECIAL EVENTS
April 6: Noontime Concerts at Christ Church:
Pergolesis Stabat Mater (1736). Marjorie
Drysdale, soprano; Linda Radtke, alto; Lynnette
Combs, organ. Coffee, tea and cookies are provided.
Feel free to bring brown bag lunch. Noon-12:45 p.m.
Christ Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. 223-3631.
christchurchvt.org
April 8: Anima and Fyre and Lightning.
Anima Womens vocal ensemble offers Medieval,
Renaissance, and traditional music for the coming
of spring. The Fyre and Lightning Consort presents
music of the 14th and 15th centuries plus music of
the Sephardic Jews and some traditional Celtic tunes.
7:30 p.m. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, Rt.
2, Plainfield. General $15; seniors $10; students $5.
Special rate $5 available. catamountarts.org.
April 8: Jazzyaoke. Celebrate Jazz Appreciation
Month when you sing the standards to a live six-
piece jazz band! All lyrics provided. Food & drink
by Stowe Street Cafe. 7:3010:30 p.m. Bridgeside
Books, 29 Stowe St., Waterbury. $5. 244-1441.
info@wooo.tv. wooo.tv
April 9: Music for an April Afternoon. Monteverdi
Music School faculty and friends in concert, with a
special guest performance by Counterpoint. 3 p.m.
Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Adult, $20; senior/student under 18, $15;
Family of 3 or more, $30. www.monteverdimusic.
org/tickets
April 10: Pattern Behavior. Raab Codec and
Elizabeth Virosa make up this electronic duo. 7 p.m.
Johnson State College, Dibden Center for the Arts,
Johnson. Free. jsc.edu/dibden.
April 13: Noontime Concerts at Christ Church:
Cries of Despair; Words of Hope. Choral Works
for Lent. Coffee, tea and cookies are provided. Feel
free to bring brown bag lunch. Noon-12:45 p.m.
Christ Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. 223-3631.
christchurchvt.org
April 20: Noontime Concerts at Christ Church:
Now the Green Blade Riseth. Medieval, renaissance
and traditional music for the coming of spring. With
Anima Womens Vocal Ensemble. Coffee, tea and
cookies are provided. Feel free to bring brown bag
lunch. Noon-12:45 p.m. Christ Church, 64 State St.,
Montpelier. 223-3631. christchurchvt.org
April 21: Rights and Democracy Benefit Concert.
Benefit concert for Rights and Democracy and the
Unitarian Church soup kitchen. 7 p.m. Unitarian
Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. $12 donation at
the door. Refreshments provided.
April 22: Capital City Concerts presents Poem
Music. Pianist Jeffrey Chappell is joined by soprano
Mary Bonhag, bassist Evan Premo, and flutist Karen
Kevra in works by Handel, Liszt, Debussy, Faur,
and the world-premiere of Songs From a Mountain
Recluse, a song cycle by composer Evan Premo
on poems by Vermont poet David Budbill. 7:30
p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
$1525. capitalcityconcerts.org. Tickets may also
be purchased (cash or check only) in person at Bear
Pond Books, Montpelier, and at the door.
April 2223: Burlington Choral Society. Richard
Riley, artistic director, will lead the chorus, soloists
and two pianists (Claire Black and Diane Huling)
in Johannes Brahms Requiem. Adults $25; students
and seniors $20.
April 22: 7:30 p.m. Elley-Long Music Center,
Colchester. flynntix.org.
April 23: 4 p.m., Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main
St., Barre. 476-8188. barreoperahouse.org
Send your event listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the next issue is
April 13.

Delight, and Change. Designer Oliver Klimpel

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12
Walk-Through Wednesdays at Orchard
Valley. Introductory visit to the OVWS grades
school (8:309:30 a.m.), and our mixed-
age kindergarten and Farm & Forest classes
(9:3010:30 a.m.). Campus tour and Q&A time.
2290 VT Rt. 14N, East Montpelier. Registration
is required by noon the day prior to the walk-
through.
Paint & Sip Pallette Party. Enjoy a glass of wine
or a draft beer or two while creating a beautiful
painting with Liz Lawson guiding you through
the process. 68 p.m. Bagitos, 28 Main St.,
Montpelier
Guest Speaker Russell Bennett. Based on years
of experience designing, creating and managing
the Visual Design components of some of the
countrys largest and most successful festivals,
Bennett will give an overview of the role of art
and design in creating successful music and art
festivals. 6:30 p.m. Joslin Memorial Library, 4391
Main St., Waitsfield
Song Circle and Circle-songs with Heidi
Wilson. Explore some circle singing lifting
our voices in spontaneous harmony-rich songs.
6:458:15 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122
School St., Rm. 2, Marshfield. 426-3581.
Indigenous Alaskan Artist Discusses
Traditional Techniques. Ricky Tabagan will
discuss his traditional weaving. 7 p.m. Johnson
State College, Bentley Hall, Rm. 207, Johnson.
Free.
PoemCity: A Walk Across Spain A slide talk
by Susan Abbott. Join Abbott for a presentation
about her walk on the historic Camino Frances.
7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338
THURSDAY, APRIL 13
Blood Donation Opportunity: Moretown.
The American Red Cross encourages eligible
donors to give blood during National Volunteer
Month. Noon 5 p.m., Moretown Elementary
School, 940 Route 100B, Moretown. 1800-RED-
CROSS. redcrossblood.org
Poetry Reading. The Poets of MSAC will
read for you in celebration of PoemCity month.
Creative poems about everything from the
Wayside to Washington DC. Bring a friend!
Refreshments provided. 1:303 p.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
223-2518.
Culture, Power & Difference in the Middle
Grades. Johnson State College associate professor
of education Kathleen Brinegar will discuss her
research on cultural responsiveness in the middle
school years. 45 p.m. Johnson State College,
Stearns Performance Space, Johnson. http://www.
jsc.edu/news-events/events/faculty-lecture-series.
Guided Partner Thai Yoga Bodywork. Learn
therapeutic stretching, deep tissue compression
& alignment principles. Well work on the
floor, wearing loose comfortable clothing. 56
p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $8
members; $10 non-members.
VCFA Graphic Design Public Lecture: Doubt,
will share his thoughts and insights on how his
approach in design has developed starting
from traditional design projects to current
interventions and inquiries, for instance, into
design as a means of institutional critique and a
highlighter of cultural ambivalences. 6:307:30
p.m. Vermont College of Fine Arts, Noble
Lounge, College St., Montpelier.
Screening of National Bird. Film about
the three whistleblowers who broke the silence
around one of the most controversial current
affairs issues of our time: the secret U.S. drone
war. 6:30 p.m. The Art House Gallery, Studio &
School, 67 S. Craftsbury Rd., Craftsbury. Free.
Activist and Educator Robyn Ochs. Talk by
Ochs who is editor of the Boston-based Bi
Women quarterly and the anthologies Getting
Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World and
RECOGNIZE: The Voices of Bisexual Men. 7
p.m. Johnson State College, Bentley Hall, Rm.
207, Johnson. robynochs.com.
PoemCity: Shake Your Windows and Rattle
Your Walls: the Protest Poetry of Bob Dylan.
my Herrick will discuss some of Bob Dylans
protest songs and analyze his literary style. 7
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338
FRIDAY, APRIL 14
PoemCity: Adventures in Poetry with Rick
Agran from WDGR. Have your poetry recorded
by Rick Agran for his radio show. Drop in
noon2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338
MFA in Graphic Design Spring 2017 Thesis
Exhibit: Convergence. Please join us to celebrate
the graduating work of our Spring 2017 MFA in
Graphic Design class. 78 p.m. Vermont College
of Fine Arts, College Hall Gallery, College St.,
Montpelier.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Natures Paint & Paintbrush. Join Nick Neddo,
artist, author, naturalist, primitive skills educator
and craftsman, for a hands-on workshop on the
ancient process of crafting local materials into
paint and paintbrushes. 9 a.m.2 p.m. North
Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier.
Sliding scale fee. northbranchnaturecenter.org
Easter RiSING! Songs of resistance & social
change: singing workshop with choral activist
Kirsty Martin from England. 10 a.m.5 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main
Street, Montpelier.$50 in advance ($40 if you
have a financial hardship), or $60 at the door.
For more info or to register: 802-778-0881.
johnmarkharrison@gmail.com
Blood Donation Opportunity: Berlin. The
American Red Cross encourages eligible donors
to give blood during National Volunteer Month.
11:30 a.m.4:30 p.m., Berlin Mall, 282 Berlin
Mall Rd. 1800-RED-CROSS. redcrossblood.org
Lost Nation Theater 2nd Annual Spring Indoor
Egg Hunt. LNTs lobby is specially decorated
for a great egg hunt! Kids, age 11 & under,
accompanied by adult, scavenge for eggs full
PAG E 14 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through April 8: Pria Cambio, And
Somewhere Else Theres a Beach. Vibrant
beachscape paintings and drawings. Morse Block
Deli, 260 N. Main St. in Barre. 100% sales benefit
Studio Place Arts programs.
Through April 8: Natalie Jeremijenko. Artist,
inventor and engineer will activate the galleries
with past work and new initiatives focused on
environmental issues. Helen Day Art Center, 90
Pond St., Stowe. By donation. helenday.com
Through April 8: The Book as Art. Nine women
artists explore the limitless possibilities of the Book
as Art. Each work challenges our ideas of what a
book can be with innovative structures, content,
materials and creativity. Axels Art Gallery, 5
Stowe St., Waterbury. axelsgallery.com
Through April 12: Dr. Ken Borie. The 15 pieces
in this exhibit offer glimpses of life outside of the
medical office: portraits of friends and family,
nature scenes and captured moments of his
children with their pets. Gifford Gallery at Gifford
Medical Center, 44 S. Main St., Randolph. 728-
7000.
Calendar of Events
Through April 15: Studio Place Arts Presents.
SPA, 201 N. Main St., Barre. 479-7069.
studioplacearts.com.
Main floor gallery: Under Construction. This
show is about the joining of 2 or more dissimilar
media to create a finished artwork. Assembled by
Sue Higby and guest curator Mark Waskow.
Second floor gallery: #nomophobia, by James
Secor. It is about our phones, our lives, and our
memories.
Third floor gallery: Station to Station. Artwork
by Art2D2 Industries and Babelon Williams.
Paintings that use apophenia (perceiving patterns
or connections in meaningless data) and more.
Through April 20: Elliot Burg, Sunset Park,
Brooklyn. Black and white photographs. Kellogg-
Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
April 1025: Johnson State College Senior
Thesis Exhibit. Mixed-media pieces, mandalas,
photography and other art by Bachelor of Fine Arts
students. Reception and artist talks: April 11, 3
p.m. JSCs Dibden Center for the Arts. jsc.edu/
Dibden. 635-1469.
Through April 28: Northern Vermont Art
Association Exhibition. The NVAA currently has
over 100 members and is open to any visual artist
working in any medium, principally those living in
the northern half of Vermont. T.W. Wood Gallery,
46 Barre St., Montpelier. For more information
contact the Gallerys Director Ginny Callan at
802-262-6035 twwoodgallery@gmail.com or go
to www.twwoodgallery.org
Through April 28: Following the Rules,
Breaking the Rules. Includes 25 works of
20 artists in pastel, acrylics, oils, photography
and three dimensional pieces. The T.W. Wood
Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 262-6035
twwoodgallery@gmail.com. twwoodgallery.org
Through April 29: SHOW 16 at The Front. The
collective gallerys latest show. Part of Vermont
Arts 2017, a project of the Vermont Arts Council.
Gallery hours: Fri, 58 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.8
p.m. The Front, 6 Barre St., Montpelier. www.
thefrontvt.com. info@thefrontvt.com
Through April 30: Susan Wilkie, Inspired by Sky
or Water. Watercolors. Chelsea Public Library,
296, VT-110, Chelsea. 685-2188.
Through April 30: April Art Exhibits at Kellogg-
Hubbard Library. Photographs, Elliot Burg
(through April 20); Poetry Banner, T. Namaya; art
& poems, Berlin Elementary School. 135 Main
St., Montpelier. 223-3338
Through May 9: Ted Zilius, Jazz and Sad. Mixed
media paintings. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant
St., Morrisville. www.RiverArtsVT.org
Through May 9: Carolyn Mecklosky, Women,
Beasts and Dreams. Acrylic painting. River
Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. www.
RiverArtsVT.org
April 8May 26: Paletteers Spring Art Show.
Opening: April 11, 5:307 p.m. Aldrich Library,
Milne Room, 6 Washington St., Barre.
Through June 30: From Nature to Abstract:
Works by Maria Anghelache. Anghelache
blends abstract objects and form directly from
her observation of the natural world. Reception:
April 13, 47 p.m. The Vermont Supreme Court
Gallery, State St., Montpelier.
Through June 30: Jo MacKenzie, Moments.
Watercolor paintings on paper bring the bright,
airy, fresh light of spring and summer. Opening
reception: April 13, 35 p.m./Art Walk
reception: May 5, 47 p.m. The Governors
Gallery, Pavilion Building, 109 State St., 5th fl.,
Montpelier. Photo ID required for admission.
SPECIAL EVENTS
April 8: The Legacy Workshop. With Mickey
Myers and Mary Fillmore. The workshop offers
strategies for helping artists and their heirs in
dealing with the bodies of artwork an artist can
amass during their careers and lifetime. 10 a.m.1
p.m. Bryan Memorial Gallery, 180 Main St.,
Jeffersonville. Free. Register: 644-5100.

of chocolate, and maybe find the golden eggs
stuffed with special prizes. Noon. 39 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. 229-0492. lostnationtheater.
org.
Passage and Sanctuary. Share stories, poems,
songs and images of radical change, finding
a new home, a new identity, flight from
discrimination, ethnic cleansing, poverty, war,
climate change or to listen to others share their
stories. 35 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main
St., Montpelier.
MONDAY, APRIL 17
Basic Conflict Resolution Skills. With Ginny
Sassaman. 5:307:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain
Coop, Montpelier. $8 members; $10 non-
members.
TUESDAY, APRIL 18
Spring Cleanse with Food as Medicine. Learn
which foods gently detoxify our organ systems.
Understand how to simplify the diet with whole
grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds. 56
p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $3
members; $5 non-members.
PoemCity: Reading and Discussion of Brown
Girl Dreaming. For parents and kids. Read
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
and discuss the book with librarian Nicole
Westbom. 6 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338
Screening of National Bird. Film about
the three whistleblowers who broke the silence
around one of the most controversial current
affairs issues of our time: the secret U.S. drone
war. 7 p.m. Johnson State College, Johnson. Free.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19
PoemCity: Carol Johnson Collins Reads. Carol
will read some of her own favorite poems. You
will write and read too. 2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338
Childrens Film Night at Jaquith Library. For
kids of all ages and their grown-ups. Come enjoy
a short, 30 minute film before community supper
is served. 5:306 p.m. Jaquith Public Library,
122 School St., Rm. 2, Marshfield. 426-3581.
Film Screening: "Being Mortal." Documentary
that explores the hopes of patients and families
with terminal illnesses and the choices they
face. Discussion follows. 68 p.m.; light snacks
5:306 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 US
Rt. 2, East Montpelier. www.cvmc.org/being-
mortal
Family Movie Night: "Pete's Dragon." Join the
Vermont Historical Society for a free showing of
the 1977 movie Petes Dragon. 6:30 p.m. 60
Washington St., Barre. http://vermonthistory.org.
info@vermonthistory.org. 479-8500
Moving Pictures: Films about Immigration at
Jaquith Library. Hosted by Anne Miller. 7 p.m.
122 School St., Rm. 2, Marshfield. 426-3581.
Woodcock Watch. We will listen and watch for
the dramatic courtship flight of the American
Woodcock, a sandpiper which nests along the
North Branch. 7:30 p.m. North Branch Nature
Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. $5 members;
$10 non-members. northbranchnaturecenter.org
THURSDAY, APRIL 20
Paul Sample's Vermont. Steve Perkins discusses
artist Paul Samples vision of Vermont as told
through his mural Salute to Vermont. Noon1
p.m. Vermont History Museum , 109 State St.,
Montpelier Free. http://vermonthistory.org info@
vermonthistory.org. 479-8500
Blood Donation Opportunity: Northfield.
The American Red Cross encourages eligible
donors to give blood during National Volunteer
Month. Noon 5 p.m., Northfield High School,
37 Cross St., Northfield. 1800-RED-CROSS.
redcrossblood.org
Real Estate Transactions: Small Bites with
Jeanne Felmly. This workshop is designed to
educate the lay person in the basics of the real
estate transaction. What do I have to do to
prepare my home for sale? How do you determine
a price? How do I qualify myself as a buyer? And
more. 1:303 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity
Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free. 223-2518
PoemCity: Introduction to Poetry Slams for
Kids. Join KHL Librarian Nicole Westbom to
learn about slams and write your own slam poem!
2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338.
Film Screening: "Being Mortal." Documentary
that explores the hopes of patients and families
with terminal illnesses and the choices they
face. Discussion follows. 68 p.m.; light snacks
5:306 p.m. Stowe Community Church, 137
Main St., Stowe. www.cvmc.org/being-mortal
Increasing the Resilience of Vermont
Agriculture to Climate Change. Presented by
Joshua Faulkner of UVM Extensions Center for
Sustainable Agriculture 6 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338
What is Justice? Building a More
Compassionate Justice System. A forum on the
dysfunction in the prison system and ideas for
a more compassionate system. 6:308:30 p.m.
Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Admission by donation. 249-5905,
nmbe1022@gmail.com
Rare Plants with Vermont State Botanist Bob
Popp. A Natural Marshfield Program. 7 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Rm. 2,
Marshfield. 426-3581.
SATURDAY, APRIL 22
Charcoal Artist Sticks. Join Nick Neddo, artist,
author, naturalist, primitive skills educator
and craftsman, for a hands-on workshop on
the ancient process of crafting local materials
into charcoal artist sticks. 9 a.m.2 p.m. North
Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier.
Sliding scale fee. northbranchnaturecenter.org
Landscaping with Native Plants to Support
Wildlife, Pollinators, & People. With natural
plant communities as our inspiration, we will
learn how to identify, assemble and maintain
beautiful and useful native plants in our gardens
and landscaping. 1011 a.m. Hunger Mountain
Coop, Montpelier. Free.
Blood Donation Opportunity: Barre. The
American Red Cross encourages eligible donors
to give blood during National Volunteer Month.
10 a.m.3 p.m., Price Chopper Barre, 168 Ames
Dr., Barre. 1800-RED-CROSS. redcrossblood.
org
PoemCity: Earth Day Kids & Poetry. Join
Librarian Nicole Westborn to write poems, listen
to stories and partake in hands-on activities.
10 a.m.4 p.m. Hunger Mountain Co-op, 623
Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. Free.
Berry Growing with Jeff Swift. Swift will teach
about choosing a planting site, where to get
plants, how to handle bare-root plants, dividing/
cuttings/propagation, pruning, fertilizer and
mulch, and will share his knowledge, experience
and enthusiasm for berries. 11 a.m. Bramble &
Berry Farm, New Hambuger Rd., Plainfield.
Hosted by Jaquith Public Library. For info., call
426-3581.
How to Plant a Tree Successfully. Learn the
basics of successfully planting trees. All skill
levels welcome. Bring questions. We will go
outside for the second half of this workshop
to plant a tree or two, regardless of weather, so
please dress accordingly. Noon2 p.m. Meet
in Hunger Mountain Coop community room,
Montpelier. Free.
Walk Berlin with the Green Mountain Club.
Easy. 5 miles. Walk around Berlin Pond. Meet at
Berlin Pond parking at 1 p.m. Leaders: Mary G.,
622-0585 and Mary S., 505-0603.
PoemCity: The MaUPsh presents Seasonal
Variations. Combines the music and lyrics of
singer/songwriter Bob Hannan with the poetry of
Geof Hewitt 57 p.m. Hunger Mountain Co-op,
623 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. Free.
Send your event listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the next issue
is April 13.
For more event listings
and event details visit
montpelierbridge.com
 Calendar of Events
T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 15

Weekly
ARTS & CRAFTS
Beaders Group. All levels of beading
experience welcome. Free instruction available.
Come with a project for creativity and
community. Sat., 11 a.m.2 p.m. The Bead
Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Drop-in River Arts Elder Art Group. Work
on art, share techniques and get creative with
others. Bring your own art supplies. For elders
60+. Every Fri., 10 a.m.noon. River Arts
Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free. 888-
1261. riverartsvt.org.
The Craftees. Crafts social group led by Nancy
Moran every Fri. Bring craft and potluck. 10
a.m.2 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S.
Main St., #4, Barre. $3. Register: 479-9512
Art Classes. Fridays Jan. 27March 3, 35
p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte 2, East
Montpelier. To sign up or for more information
call Susan Crampton at 223-6954 or email
cramptonsr@hotmail.com.
Arts & Crafts. Every third Fri. With Sandi
Kirkland. 10 a.m.noon. Barre Area Senior
Center, 131 S. Main St., #4, Barre. $3. Register:
479-9512
BICYCLING
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community
bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Wed.,
46 p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier,
89 Barre St., Montpelier. 552-3521.
freeridemontpelier.org.
BOOKS & WORDS
Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and
practice your language skills with neighbors.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., American Sign Language;
Tues., Italian; Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338.
English Conversation Practice Group. For
students learning English for the first time.
Tues., 45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic
Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100
State St. 223-3403.
for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North
Main St., Barre. 479-7373.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
67:30 p.m.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6
p.m.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
Al-Anon. Help for friends and families of
Alcoholics.
Sun.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier (back door) 6:157:30 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m.
Wed.: Bethany Church,115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) 78 p.m.
Thurs.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m
cutlerlibrary.org.
Sat.: Turning Point, N. Main St., Barre, 5
p.m. (child friendly meeting)
Bone Building Exercises. Open to all ages.
Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 7:30 a.m. and
9:15 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583
U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.
Advanced class: every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.
Beginners class: Tues. and Thurs. 1011 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.
Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
montpelier-vt.org.
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
Read to Clara. Sign up for a 20-minute slot
and choose your books beforehand to read
to this special canine pal. Kellogg-Hubbard
RESOURCES
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. More
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Sign up
than 100 tools both power and manual. Onion
ahead: 223-4665 or at the childrens desk.
River Exchange is located at 46 Barre Street
kellogghubbard.org.
in Montpelier. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday
Story Time and Playgroup. With Sylvia and Thursday from 9-4. For more information
Smith for story time and Cassie Bickford or to donate tools call 802.661.8959. info@
for playgroup. For ages birth6 and their orexchange.com.
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
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont.
School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
An adult LGBTQ group, meets every third
jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
Tues., 5:307 p.m. All LGBT adults and
Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors allies are welcome to attend for socializing,
and share quality time with the pre-schooler community building and advocating for
in your life. Each week well read stories and LGBT issues. MSAC, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
spend time together. A great way to introduce RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.org
your pre-schooler to your local library. For ages
Bowling. Rainbow Umbrella of Central
25. Every Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial
Vermont, an adult LGBTQ group, bowls
Library, 151 High St., Plainfield. 454-8504.
at Twin City Lanes on Sunday afternoons
twice a month. For dates and times, write to
Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.org
create and play. All ages. Thurs., 34:30 p.m.
SPIRITUALITY
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.
org. Christian Science Reading Room. You're
invited to visit the Reading Room and see what
Dads & Kids Playgroup. Playtime and free
we have for your spiritual growth. You can
dinner. Every Thurs., 57 p.m. For Dads and
borrow, purchase or simply enjoy material in a
their children ages birth5. Family Center
quiet study room. Hours: Hours: Wed.Sat., 11
of Washington County, 383 Sherwood Dr.,
Montpelier. fcwcvt.org
a.m.2 p.m.; Wed., 57:15 p.m. 145 State St.,
Montpelier. 223-2477.
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative
A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual
exploratory arts program with artist/instructor
transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78
Kelly Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon.
p.m. Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St.,
River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville.
Montpelier. 279-1495.
888-1261. RiverArtsVT.org.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only:
books, use the gym, make art, play games and
479-0302.
if you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35
p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Prayer Meeting. Ecumenical and charismatic
Marshfield. 426-3581. prayer meeting. Every 1st and 3rd Thurs.,
6:308 p.m. 8 Daniels Dr., Barre. 479-0302
Musical Story Time. Join us for a melodious
good time. Ages birth6. Sat., 10:30 a.m. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., those interested in learning about the Catholic
Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org. faith, or current Catholics who want to learn
more. Wed., 7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Summer St., Barre. Register: 479-3253.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516
for location and information. Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging
text study and discussion on Jewish spirituality.

MUSIC & DANCE

Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your
reading and share some good books. Books
chosen by group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central
Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier
Learning Center, 100 State St. 223-3403.
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
One-on-One Technology Help Sessions.
Free assistance to patrons needing help with
their computers and other personal electronic
devices. 30 min. one-on-one sessions every
Tues., 10 a.m.noon. Waterbury Public Library,
28 N. Main St., Waterbury. Free. Registration
required: 244-7036.
FOOD & DRINK
Community Meals in Montpelier. All
welcome.Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
a.m.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.
Rt. 66, Randolph. Free. Register: 728-7714.
Tai Chi for Falls Prevention. With Diane Des
Bois. Beginners and mixed levels welcome. 2:15
p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S., Main
St., #4, Barre. Free. Register: 479-9512.
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.
279-0385. Every Mon., 5:306:30 p.m. at
Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier.
223-3079. www.oavermont.org
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
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
Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open
rehearsal. Find your voice with 50 other
women. Mon., 7 p.m. Capital City Grange, Rt.
12, Berlin. BarretonesVT.com. 552-3489.
Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60
Band. Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the
1960s. Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30
a.m.noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and
more information.
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St. 223-2518.
Barre Rock City Chorus. We sing songs
from the 60s80s and beyond. All songs are
taught by rote using word sheets, so ability to
read music is not required. All ages welcome;
children under 13 should come with a parent.
Every Thurs., 6:308:30 p.m. Church of the
Good Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre.
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt
Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498.
steven.light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
Sun., 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning
Center, Montpelier. 223-0583. info@
yearning4learning.org.
SPORTS & GAMES
Bingo. Every Tuesday. Doors open 5 p.m.;
games start 6 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-
3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
Roller Derby Open Recruitment and
Recreational Practice. Central Vermonts
Wrecking Doll Society invites quad skaters age
18 and up. No experience necessary. Equipment
provided: first come, first served. Sat., 56:30
p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre St.
First skate free. centralvermontrollerderby.com.
YOGA & MEDITATION
Christian Meditation Group. People of all
faiths welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ
Church, Montpelier. 223-6043.
Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of
Vermont. Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St.,
Montpelier. Free. Call for orientation: 229-
0164.
Montpelier Shambhala Meditation. Group
meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Wed.,
67 p.m; learn to meditate free instruction

Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
4:305:30 p.m.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds
benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues.
and Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues.,
10:3011:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity
Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+
free with $7 suggested donation; under 60 $7.
Reservations: 262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.
com.
RECYCLING
or something else. Every Wed., 68 p.m. the 1st Wed. of the month. New location:
5 State Street, 2nd floor, Montpelier. info@
Turning Point Center, 489 N. Main St., Barre.
Louise: 279-6378. Additional Recycling. The Additional montpeliershambhala.org, www.montpelier.
Recyclables Collection Center accepts scores shambhala.org
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast of hard-to-recycle items. Mon., Wed., Fri.,
oral testing. Wed., 25 p.m. 29 State St., Ste. Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
noon6 p.m.; Third Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
14 (above Rite Aid), Montpelier. Free and 540 North Main St., Barre. $1 per carload.
anonymous. 371-6224. vtcares.org. St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.
229-9383 x106. For list of accepted items, go to
NAMI Vermont Connection Recovery cvswmd.org/arcc.
Support Group. For individuals 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

HEALTH & WELLNESS p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St.,

Montpelier. BasementTeenCenter.org
Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
PAG E 16 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Its Time for Green Burials in Vermont
by Claudia Ines Pringles, attorney, Montpelier
D
Opinion
id you know that Tony Soprano has a better chance at a green burial
than we do here in Vermont? Its time for Vermont to catch up to
New Jersey on the issue of environmentally conscience burials, and,
as has been evident with recent legislation, Vermont proponents of eco-
friendly burials have been working hard to do just that.
In 2015, the Natural Burial Ground Act became law and laid out much of
the groundwork for ecological burials by allowing the creation of natural burial grounds. Even
before The Natural Burial Act, most of the elements of green burials had already been permitted
by Vermont law bodies could be interred without embalming, without a vault, and without
a steel coffin. In practice, however, individuals who would have liked to exercise this option at
their demise would hit a dead end as there was no designated place to accept their bodies in this
manner. Although state regulations already allowed backyard burials, burials on private land
were limited to property owners and their immediate family members only.
With the first legal barrier laid to rest, proponents of Green Burials wanted to dig deeper into
the subject by advocating for a change in the law to reduce the minimum required burial depth.
Currently, only three states have a minimum burial depth requirement: New Jersey (4 ft. top to
surface), Vermont (5 ft. bottom to surface), and New Mexico (6 ft. bottom to surface). House
bill H.3 would reduce Vermonts minimum required burial depth from 5 feet to 3.5 feet. At this
depth, bodies would still be protected from scavengers, but it would allow those who choose to
be buried in a manner consistent with a true green burial. Proponents in favor of this change
argue that at this active level of soil there would be enough heat, oxygen, root structure and
well, tiny critters to help process the body and thus create a more natural and expedient
decomposing process.
Girl Rising Film and Book Discussion
MONTPELIER Bear Pond Books is pleased to present award-winning author Tanya
Lee Stone, who will lead a screening and discussion of the film Girl Rising, presented in
conjunction with her companion book, Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a
Time. The film screening and discussion will take place at The Savoy Theater (26 Main
St.) in Montpelier on Saturday, April 8 at noon.
The single most powerful tool we have to make the world a healthier, more functional,
more peaceful place is educating girls, said Stone.
Girl Rising follows the stories of nine girls in developing countries, and shows how the
power of education can break the cycle of poverty while also changing the future for girls,
families, communities and entire nations.
H.3 has passed the House almost unanimously and is now in the
Senate.
If the bill is successful and gets signed into law, more advocacy would need
to take place for Vermonters to have meaningful access to green burials. By
Vermont law, cemeteries must be managed by municipalities, nonprofits or
religious organizations. Although cemetery administrators must comply with
state laws, neither of the new laws would require that existing or new cemeteries set aside green
burial plots or change their own rules regarding burials in general. For example, most cemeteries
require the use of a cement vault over a coffin for the purpose of ground stabilization and to
support heavy lawn maintenance equipment. From a green burial perspective, a cement vault
would prohibit the natural decomposition of the body and would not be consistent with the
intent of a green burial. This is where community members would need to reach out to their
cemetery commissioners and find common ground.
With the passage of the Death with Dignity Law and increasing public acceptance of greener
burials, we are clearly moving towards extending greater personal choice over ones end-of-
life and post-life options. These are choices available for those who are interested, while not
removing or interfering with other options that others may have grown accustomed to. Whether
a person chooses cremation, a traditional burial or a green burial, the appropriate legal document
where this choice should be memorialized is in an Advance Health Care Directive, which gives
the named agent of disposition the legal authority to honor the wishes of the individual.
The author is a Montpelier based attorney with a primary practice area in estate planning, wills,
trusts and probate.
We are thrilled to bring this educational resource as part of our Bear Pond Books
Educator Series to the Central Vermont area to build awareness around a global issue that
affects not only girls, but entire communities around the world, says Bear Pond Books
owner Claire Benedict. We hope teachers, parents, teens and tweens watch this film, read
the book and then become inspired to help find solutions to end gender discrimination
in education.
The film and book are recommended for ages 12 and up. Ticket prices include a copy
of the book: $25 for one movie ticket and one book; $30 for two movie tickets and one
book; $45 for a family pack of four tickets with one book. To purchase tickets or for more
information, visit the Bear Pond Books store at 77 Main St., or online at bearpondbooks.
com.
T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 17

Letters
Langdon Street Alive Funds
Should Go Toward The Buildings
downtown area. It badly needs paint,
but the property appears to have serious
structural issues as well.
I understand that maintaining buildings
takes money. The downtown area has what I
think is called the Downtown Development
District, intended to generate monies to
support the area. Might some of those
the people who need it far more than a
consulting firm in Ohio: Vermonts artists.
In addition to my financial concerns, the
process proposed for the development of
the plan reeks of the kind of bogus rhetoric
that gives consulting a bad name. For their
$50K fee, the ironically-named Designing
Local will define for Montpelier what the
person of goodwill understands that to live
in a decent society we need to cultivate the
common good, the common welfare. To that
end, every community in Vermont and in
the U.S. is encouraged to organize locally in
libraries and other venues such as churches,
synagogues, mosques, town halls, health
centers.

Editor:
First, let me state that I appreciate the goals
of the Langdon Street Alive project, which
seeks to enliven the historic streetscape with
art installations and plantings.
Having said that, I have long shared the
(arguable) opinion that architecture is
the most public of the arts. Therefore,
it seems to me that the primary artistic
elements which are already on the street
the historic buildings themselves
are being overlooked. Overall, there is an
appearance of shabbiness that no amount of
art installations or parklets can overcome.
What is needed is simple: new paint on
the larger brick buildings on either side
of the street new paint on the wooden
storefronts, new paint on the window
frames and sashes and new paint on the
decorative cornices.
The oldest structure on the street, the
wood framed former Huntmans building
that now houses Sweet Melissas, is perhaps
in the worst shape of any building in the
funds be directed to enhance these historic
examples of public art?
Bill Perreault, Montpelier
Money For Local Arts Should Go
To Local People
Editor:
I was excited to learn that an National
Endowment for the Arts grant and matching
funds would mean $164,000 will be spent
on local arts funding. I was considerably
$164.00. I come along and politely explain
less thrilled to find out that nearly one
third of that money will be spent upfront
on a performance art piece titled The
Giant Sucking Sound of $50,000 Being
Channeled to an Out-of-State Consulting
Firm in Columbus, Ohio.
In a state in which we are constantly striving
to support local businesses, the idea that we
would hire an Ohio firm to advise us on
how to develop public art in Montpelier
is offensive. Any number of well-qualified
professionals in Vermont could get the job
done, and likely for less than $50K. Any
money saved could be directed toward
idea of place has meant and means today.
And if you can say that one with a straight
face, try this one, from Designing Locals
Amanda Golden: We are asking people to
tell us who they are, who they have been,
and who they hope to be.
Really? At a time when arts funding
nationwide is under a major threat, its time
to reconsider, and to do some practical math.
Lets say youre an ordinary Montpelier
citizen. Youve just come into a windfall of
that for a mere $50, I will tell you how to
spend the remaining $114.00. I am guessing
that you wouldnt make that mistake for
yourself. Why should we make it for our
city?
Gary Miller, Montpelier
Improved Medicare for All or
Single-Payer Healthcare
Editor:
Libraries throughout Vermont are hosting
educational events on Improved Medicare
for All or Single-Payer Healthcare and every
The following resources/contacts are
provided to facilitate this drive to true
universal healthcare:
What is Single-Payer Healthcare or Improved
Medicare for All?
http://www.pnhp.org/facts/what-is-single-
payer
https://w w w.healthcare-now.org/docs/
orange%20booklet-2014-final-pages.pdf
How to Finance Single-Payer:
ht tps://w w w.hea lt hc a re-now.org /w p -
content/uploads/2008/09/0312friedman.pdf
The Healthcare Movie that should be
viewed everywhere, watch a trailer:
http://thehealthcaremovie.net/home/
For expert physician speakers:
http://www.pnhp.org/states/vermont
Together we can and will make truly
universal healthcare available to all, a plan to
place the patient front and center and not the
for profit health care industry.
Giovanna Lepore, Jericho

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 April 14.

National Life Grants Gallery $8K

April Vacation & Summer Art Camp Offered
MONTPELIER The T. W. Wood Gallery
located at 46 Barre St. (in the Center for Arts
and Learning building) is pleased to announce
an $8,000 grant awarded by the National Life
Group Charitable Foundation. Funds will be
used for renovations and improvements to the
contemporary art exhibit room at the gallery,
which will highlight works of Vermont artists.
Ginny Callan, the art gallerys executive
director, said the project is being fueled
by volunteer labor and will improve and
professionalize the contemporary art exhibit
space. Callan continued that exhibits of
contemporary Vermont artists work is planned
to be shown in the renovated room beginning
in early March with a Juried Show themed
Following the Rules, Breaking the Rules. An
opening reception was held March 9.
The gallery will be holding childrens
April school vacation art camp, along with
Summer Art Camps. They also have a new
After School Arts program for children, a
spring listing of art classes and opening art
receptions. In addition, the gallery has poetry
readings and art film showings planned for
2017. For more information visit the gallerys
website twwoodgallery.org. Gallery hours are
TuesdaySaturday from noon to 4 p.m., and
by appointment.
The T.W. Wood Gallery was established in
1895, and houses a large permanent collection
of works of Montpelier artist Thomas Water
man Wood and his artistic colleagues. The
gallery also exhibits works from the Works
Progress Administration of the Federal Art
Collection. The gallerys mission is to preserve
our artistic heritage and to bring the best of
today's art to Central Vermont.
For more information contact the Gallerys
Director Ginny Callan at 262-6035 or email
twwoodgallery@gmail.com.

New Construction
Renovations
Woodworking
General Contracting
Since 1972
Repairs New floors and walls
Crane work Decorative concrete
Consulting ICF foundations
223-3447 114 Three Mile Bridge Rd., Middlesex, VT (802) 229-0480
clarconstruction.com gendronbuilding@aol.com gendronconcrete.com
PAG E 18 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Do What You Do Best. Conserve Upper Sabins Pasture

by Carolyn Grodinsky, member of the Parks Commission and former member of the Planning Commission.
Leigh Seddon, former chairman of the Parks Commission.

M
Opinion
ontpelier City Council is reviewing and
Bookkeeping Payroll Consulting taking public comments about the zoning
updates. The first hearing will be on April
12. While there are many changes, the concern we
802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com would like to address here is the impact on open
spaces specifically Sabins Pasture.
Since the early 2000s, Sabin's Pasture has been the top conservation
priority of the Parks Commission and the Conservation Commission.
Tell them In 2004, the Parks Commission sent its first request to the Planning
Commission to consider conserving the upper pasture portion of
you saw it in the property. At that time, the upper pasture ranked as the highest
conservation priority of the Parks Commission, based on the 2002
The Bridge! Open Space Plan completed by the Conservation Commission
and Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. The Parks
Commission also supported the development of housing on the lower
hillside along Barre Street.
In 2008, after a year of discussion, the Sabins Pasture Working
Group published their report recommending development on the
lower portions of the property, and preservation of the upper pasture
as a new park to be acquired with suitable compensation to the
landowners. These recommendations were reflected in Montpelier's
master plan process. In the 2015 updated plan, the upper pasture was
called out as a future potential park, and the land off Barre Street was
designated as a five-year growth area priority.
The planning commission in rewriting zoning
regulations and specifically, in changing the zoning
of Sabin's Pasture to a higher density Residential
6000 designation has ignored the adopted
master plan and the recommendations that the Parks Commission,
Conservation Commission and Sabin's Pasture Working Group has
provided over the last decade.
Without a consensus plan to protect and develop Sabin's Pasture for
both open space and affordable housing, development proposals will
not materialize. Residents in the eastern neighborhoods of Montpelier
will also lack walkable access to a public park. It is important for
zoning to reflect the recommendations that have come from many
years of community discussion and consensus building. Having
zoning that includes this consensus only strengthens development. It
will guide a developer to build with community support.
As Montpelier tries to develop new housing options, bring in new
businesses and achieve Net Zero by 2030, there is a fundamental
need to protect our existing open spaces and natural resources. The
proposed new zoning does not do this and could undo years of
effort to achieve a balanced approach to development. We urge all
Montpelier residents to review the new zonings regulations and voice
their opinions to City Council.

Release Tax Returns:

For God and Country ... and Clarity's Sake
Rocque Long

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by Steve May, Richmond
B
ob Dole, Mitt Romney, George H.
W. Bush, hell ... even Nixon and
Goldwater did it. They all released a
financial disclosure of one kind or another
when they ran for President. That's not to
say that all of the disclosures were the same,
because frankly they weren't. But that's
not the point. The point is that they each
had enough respect for the public to make
some version of a disclosure public.
President Donald Trump argues that
his finances by comparison are "SO
COMPLEX" that mere mortals would
shudder when presented with Trumps
financial empire. Trump has come to believe
that his personal finances are a trade secret,
which must be guarded from the unwashed
masses.
Every nominated presidential candidate of
the modern political era starting with 1952
(Eisenhower v. Stevenson) has disclosed
some version of their finances. When
necessary, politicians of both parties have
placed their finances under the control of
somebody else; like a financial advisor, or
used a blind trust to avoid the appearance of
unethical behavior while in service. This is
an ordinary exercise for people of financial
means who wish to serve. People who wish
to serve in public life understand that this is
a requirement of their service.
Financial disclosure is about as routine in
public life as one can imagine. It has long
been an expectation for people seeking
Opinion
appointments. We do this because we want to
be sure that appointees are not compromised
in one way or another. Disclosure has been
an essential part of the toolkit used in vetting
Democrats and Republicans alike.
It isn't unreasonable to expect that any
potential relationships should be considered
in the crucible of electoral politics. Trump
is a zillionaire. He comes to the presidency
as a very wealthy man. He will leave the
White House even wealthier. As a result
of events occurring while he serves, he will
likely increase his wealth. It is very difficult
to believe that his financial dealings in real
estate were somehow more difficult to address
than say the Bush Family's involvement in
oil and energy with Halliburton, or with the
government of Saudi Arabia.
The general public has a right to know basic
Note: Edited for length
information about the finances of candidates
who run Statewide. This should apply both
to State and Federal candidates. There is
no Constitutional right to unconditional
and unfettered ballot access. The individual
states reserve the right to conduct elections
in whatever manner they deem fit, so long
as the rule is applied equally and not in an
arbitrary fashion. New Hampshire requires
that candidates for President pay a deposit
to gain ballot access. The constitutionality
of the deposit in New Hampshire has been
upheld multiple times.
In short, the general public has the right
to review the finances of candidates if for
no other reason than because it permits
them to consider with whom a candidate
associates and does business. It speaks to
the judgment and temperament of political
candidates seeking high elected office. That's
not unreasonable, considering the stakes.
For those reasons I asked my neighbors to
support a non-binding resolution on Town
Meeting Day to instruct members of the
legislature and Secretary of State to include
provisions to require some form of financial
disclosure from all candidates for President
of the United States beginning with the
2020 cycle.
NOTE: Steve May, Richmond selectboard,
requested this non-binding resolution as an
individual and not in his role as an elected
member of the Selectboard. Resolution
passed in Richmond and eight other
Vermont towns.
We want to hear
what's on your mind.
Email us at
editorial@montpelierbridge.com
T H E B R I D G E A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 PAG E 19

Poetry
Editorial Surging
by Nat Frothingham

B
eginning on April 1 and continuing throughout the month is PoemCity 2017 a
celebration of reading, writing, language, and the dazzling, often humbling, power of
poetry and song made possible by Kellogg-Hubbard Library and its many partners.
The April 1 PoemCity kick-off took place at Lost Nation Theater and as the month goes forward
PoemCity is sponsoring 24 quite different events that include workshops, readings, slams, theater
rehearsals, and star appearances.
One of those star appearances is a Painting with Words workshop in partnership with The
Bridge with poet and Vermont Public Radio jazz host Reuben Jackson on Wednesday, April 26.
Then there are events inspired by poets, that remember poets in the theme and spirit of
PoemCity, though not on the official PoemCity calendar.
In 2016, we lost these poets Sherry Olson from Marshfield, Northeast Kingdom Poet Leland
Kinsey who lived in Barton, Scottish poet Leonard Irving who lived in Plainfield and David
Budbill who lived in Wolcott.
Sometimes death is described as final but as long as poetry is written and the written word
survives do poets ever die?
As part of the Vermont poetry that is spread across Montpelier as part of PoemCity two poems
in the window of Bear Pond Books remember Sherry Olson and Leland Kinsey.
The poem for Olson You Left too soon, Sherry by Andrea Gould begins
Before the lightly tufted loons
Finished flight training
Before the last hummingbird, belly full
Vibrated outside the window
Before the trees let go,
raining leaves
The poem that honors Leland Kinsey is titled Missing Leland Kinsey by Veda Lyon and
begins
When I recall of Leland Kinsey:
A poetry reading, Bear Pond on some
Warmish early evening, fall leaves lazy
On their slowspun dance to earth
And a line or two from a poem written by Leonard Irving himself tells us what happened after
Leonard suddenly imagined finding his father in a crowded street.
After our eyes meet
we will hurry towards each other
to hug and love. And,
after regaining our composure
we will attempt to greet each other
for the first time.
David Budbill, since his death this past November, has been widely remembered both in
Vermont and beyond, and his play, Judevine, first performed by Lost Nation Theater 10 years
ago, will be revived as a tribute to him with a series of performances from April 20 through May
7. Many actors who performed in the original production 10 years ago are returning to perform
again this April and May.
A special opening night event on Friday, April 21 will include Susan Reid (violin) and Leeds
Brewer (guitar) with remarks from Ellen Lovell and Rusty De Wees. Ellen Lovell will remember
Budbill from her years as executive director of the Vermont Council on the Arts when Budbill
participated in the Artists in the Schools program. De Wees starred as the Logger in the 2007
Lost Nation production of Judevine and went on to embrace the Logger as part of his solo
acting career.
On the very next night, Saturday, April 22, Capitol City Concerts will present a concert called
Poem Music. As the final program offering Capitol City Concerts will perform the world
premiere of a song cycle by Evan Premo Songs of a Mountain Recluse -- set to the poetry of
David Budbill.
Not last year, but just as spring was approaching in 2015 I found myself struggling with a line
from a 1939 poem written by W.H. Auden, In Memory of W.B. Yeats.
The line I stumbled on was part of the stanza that follows.
You were silly like us, your gift survived it all:
The parish of rich women, physical decay,
Yourself. Mad Ireland hurt you into poetry
Now Ireland has her madness and her weather still
For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives
In the valley of its making where executives
Would never want to tamper, flows on south
From ranches of isolation and the busy griefs,
Raw towns that we believe and die in; it survives
A way of happening, a mouth.
The line I stumbled on asserted: For poetry makes nothing happen.
It wont fix your car, revive a stalled economy or stop a forest fire. But long after the car is fixed,
the economy is moving again and the fire has been put out, poetry is still there stirring us,
shaking us awake, consoling us, allowing us to hear the heavy seas pounding on the rocks and
feeling the sweetness of morning light.

From City Manager William Fraser's March 31 Report:

Regarding Jed Guertin
I wish to publicly acknowledge the loss of Jed Guertin and send our condolences
to Page and their family. Jed (and Page) went above and beyond on behalf of
protecting Berlin Pond. His diligence and passion will be sorely missed.
PAG E 2 0 A P R I L 6 A P R I L 19, 2 017 THE BRIDGE

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