Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Amy Leventhal,
Zenith Studios
wellness
y C a rl a O c c a s o
health
tos b
Pho
Scott Barker,
Tennis instructor
IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg. 4 Sewage Overflow
Issues
Pg. 7 AroMed
Aromatherapy
Pg. 10 Hands-On
Gardener
PRSRT STD
CAR-RT SORT
U.S. Postage
PAID
Montpelier, VT
Permit NO. 123
The Bridge
P.O. Box 1143
Montpelier, VT 05601
Maybe it is the gym. Maybe you look for- Next I went to First in Fitness up in Berlin. I
ward to getting into your workout clothes am enticed by the hot tub and sauna or at
by Carla Occaso
Neal Rodar
94 Main St., Montpelier
802-223-0690 (O) / 802-999-5880 (C)
nrodar@champlain.edu
StateandMainMediation.com
because they are easier on the joints and contain programs to emulate where the user can
set the angle to increase or decrease difficulty.
Continued on Page 6
The Law Office of Amy K. Butler,
Esquire, PLLC
Bankruptcy Family Law
Estate Planning
64 Main St., Ste. 26, Montpelier
802-371-0077
akbutler@amykbutlerlaw.com
w w w.montpelierbridge.com
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THE BRIDGE
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T H E B R I D G E
HEARD ON
THE STRE ET
T.W. Art Gallery Upcoming Classes, Vacation and
Summer Art Camps
MONTPELIER Spring Art Classes, April Vacation Art Camp and Summer Art Camps
are being offered at the T. W. Wood Gallery. Spring art class sessions include a four-week
introduction to acrylics lead by Jack Sabon, a six-week childrens afters-chool art class lead
by Barbara Saxe and a daylong workshop introduction to pastels lead by Marcia Hill and
Cynthia Griffith.
The gallery is holding a Birds of a Feather, childrens April school vacation art camp that
includes three fun days of puppet making using papier- mah, games, storytelling, songs
and art. The camp includes learning about feathered friends that live and migrate to Vermont. Children will make their own bird puppet and write a poem to match!
Campers are invited to the All Species Day Parade on Sunday, May 1 in Summer Art Camp
for children ages seven to 14 will be held the weeks of July 11 to 15 and July 18 to 22 at the
Vermont College of Fine Arts and a new Artrageous Camp for kids 8 to 12 will be held at
the T.W. Wood Gallery at 46 Barre St. in Montpelier. Campers will have time to explore
different forms of art, play games and have fun. Camp will include field trips to view the
work of local artists around the capital city. For more information contact the T.W. Wood
Gallery: 262-6035, twwoodgallery@gmail.com, www.twwoodgallery.org.
Nature Watch
by Nona Estrin
Goodman most recently served in executive positions at The American Express Company,
including president of American Express Global Business Travel, president of Merchant
Services for Americas and executive vice president of Merchant Services for North America.
Previously, she held senior positions at Dell Inc. in areas such as software and peripherals,
marketing and transactional sales and business development. Prior to that, she was a partner
at Bain & Company.
Were excited to have someone with Kims breadth of experience join our board, said
Thomas MacLeay, chairman of National Lifes board. Shes a delightful person who shares
our values and we look forward to her contributions to our board.
Im honored to join a company with a 167-year history of keeping its promises to middle
America, Goodman said. I was attracted to National Life because of the culture it has built
over the years. The company has a cause and it shows in every relationship it builds.
Goodman also serves on the board of the Brocade networking solutions company and previously served as a director of Alcatel-Lucent SA and AutoNation Inc.
She earned a bachelor of arts in political science and a master of science in industrial engineering from Stanford University and a master of business administration from Harvard Business
School.
Goodman replaces E. Miles Prentice, who retired earlier this month after 25 years on the
National Life board.
PoemCity, Spring
In circulation April 7 to April 20
ALL AD MATERIALS AND AD SPACE RESERVATIONS
DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 1.
For more information about advertising deadlines, rates and the design
of your ad call 223-5112 ext. 11 or email our ad salesrepresentatives at
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Thank
You!
PAG E 4 M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016
THE BRIDGE
by Carla Occaso
City Council has scheduled the next council meeting on March 23 to take up 2016
2017 goal setting and priorities. The city
is hosting a public forum concerning the
sewer system on March 24 from 3 to 5 p.m.
at The Pavilion. Written public comments
on the rules will be taken through the end
of the day (4:30 p.m.) March 31, states a
report by William Fraser, city manager.
Municipalities will also be required to increase public notification and create a map
of the watershed path where the overflow
is flowing.
M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016 PAG E 5
T H E B R I D G E
Opinion
It was comforting to know that not every visit would be for difficult and sometimes painful treatment. Acupuncture, reiki and massage were extremely relaxing and enjoyable. They
helped me greatly in dealing with the stress of cancer and treatment. Amy Littlefield, ND,
MSOM, FABNO, of Vermont Wellness Medicine and Integrative Oncology in Middlebury
will be a featured keynote speaker for the event. Littlefield brings a unique perspective to
the field as one of only four oncology-certified naturopathic physicians in New England.
She works with patients and oncology teams to bridge the gap between high-quality conventional medical care and naturopathic medicine. The day will also offer a variety of
workshops and hands-on demonstrations provided by physicians, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, yoga practitioners, aromatherapists, reiki practitioners, body workers and
more. A resource fair with exhibitors will be open throughout the day. Registration will
begin at 8:30 a.m. and parking is free. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunches
or to dine in one of Montpeliers many restaurants. The Vermont Cancer Survivor Network
is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization founded by cancer survivors to improve the quality
of life for anyone living with, through or beyond cancer and their caregiver.
Among the programs it operates is Kindred Connections, which provides one-to-one peer
support for newly diagnosed cancer patients. For more information about the event, or
to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expanding-cancercare-exploring-choices-incomplementary-integrative-medicine-tickets-20501715182.
eing healthy is such a relative term that it doesn't even seem to have a meaning.
A definition on Medical News Today, an online resource, states, "Health is a state
of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity."
But what exactly is the barometer for physical well-being? Humans, in our love for simplifying things, have developed a questionable way of measuring this: how someone looks.
Thanks to pretty much every type of media imaginable, being small is seen as a good
thing physically attractive by our standards and it has become entangled in this
hazy idea of 'health.' Because many people do not truly know what 'health' is, they do
not exercise out of a fear of being unhealthy. No, the real motivation for their workouts
is the fear of being unattractive. There are too many people poking and squeezing and
sucking in before the mirror, thinking that it's all their fault. But to those same people,
contracting a cold is nothing shameful. After all, a cold is an internal thing, a state that
can't be measured by a bathroom scale.
The adage goes, Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear. In other words,
the eyes are very unreliable. If a skinny person has arthritis while a bigger person has the
most flexible fingers imaginable, who is healthier? Health is always more of a feeling.
When you're slumped on the couch after a massive potato-chip binge, isnt the unpleasantness you feel more than just thinking that you're 'fat?' Isn't it this sort of sick feeling
in your stomach, an overload? It's a feeling.
Health is how you feel. Do we measure mental health in how a person looks? You can't
even see mental health. Physical health should be considered in the same way. You should
be working out because it makes you feel strong, because you like the feeling of your heart
pounding and your body working at its maximum capacity. Exercise is hard for some
people because it's seen as a chore, its this thing that you have to do or else you'll be seen
as lazy and unattractive. People who are serious about sports say they play for the thrill of
the game, not to get skinny. Exercise should be the same way; something fun.
When you're focused on the feeling and not just how you look, there are all sorts of possibilities for that heart-pounding, rapid-breathing, exciting feeling of a physical workout
that don't involve the clank of machines at a pricey gym. When I ride my bike, it's for
the exhilaration of speed and movement. People take yoga classes for the sense of peace
and balance they feel. Kickboxing gets out aggression. Exercise is an activity, something
personal that results in a good feeling. We should not be slaves bound to appearance.
Hannah Eschelbach (ESH-shel-bok) is tired of no one being able to pronounce her surname.
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Meditating in Montpelier
THE BRIDGE
by Garrett Heaney
MONTPELIER Meditation means different things to different people. There are three
groups practicing meditation in Montpelier, and each comes from its own tradition: the
Shambhala Center, Mountains and Rivers Order (the Zen Affiliate of Vermont) and a new
community meditation space opening above Tulsi Tea Room on Elm Street. I wanted to
reach out to all three to see how they differed, what they offered and what their ultimate
goals were in meditating. I hosted a roundtable interview and garnered the following:
The Bridge: How long have you been with your particular meditation center and what is
your relationship with it?
Sarah Lipton (Shambhala Center): I have been a member of the Shambhala community
since 2000. I started out in Boulder where I went to Naropa University. I have been involved
here in the Montpelier center since we moved here a couple of years ago, after having lived
at Karme Choling (a Shambhala retreat center in Barnet). I do not have any formal leadership role currently because I just stepped down from running the international news
magazine for Shambhala called The Shambhala Times, and needed a little break
from a leadership role.
Slayton: Our Montpelier meetings, which are held every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to
7:30 p.m., offer two 25-minute periods of zazen, separated by one five-minute period of kinhin
(walking meditation) At the conclusion we chant the four Bodhisattva Vows, which are pretty
universal Buddhist vows. The rest of the meeting is silent. We are a pretty quiet bunch!
The Bridge: What sets your center apart from the others?
Lipton: The key aspect about Shambhala is that we are a society of practitioners who gather
together to work with our own minds so that we can then get up off the cushion and engage in
the larger society. We understand that all beings possess basic goodness and we work to create
a good human society. Engaging in conversation and community activities allows us to bring
our meditation practice to fruition. We are not interested in just meditating for the sake of
meditation, but rather to let it extend out and be of benefit to the world around us.
Canfield: We are unique to the other meditation centers in the
area because we are not associated with any lineage or teacher.
Meditation is such a personal journey and my hope is that
by leaving the door open people can just discover what
works best for them.
Jennifer Canfield (Community Meditation Center): The idea for a Community meditation center has been on my mind for a long time. I'm part
of a community group that meets regularly for chanting. We do short
meditation together a few times a month and I love the feeling generated by group meditation. I have my own meditation practice but I
find when I sit with others it's different. It's stronger. But there isn't
any place to go in Montpelier to meditate during the workday. It's
really simple I just wanted to provide a space for even one day a week
where anyone can go and sit in meditation.
Tom Slayton (Mountains and Rivers Order): I have been practicing
with Zen Affiliate of Vermont and attending retreats at Zen Mountain
Monastery in Mt. Tremper, New York, for something like 24 or 25 years
... more than 20 anyway. I am simply a member of the local group, and a
formal student with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Sensei, who is abbot of Zen
Mountain Monastery and head of the Mountains and Rivers Order. I have
taken lay Buddhist vows (Jukai) and so when asked, I identify myself as a Buddhist and a Mountains and Rivers Order student.
The Bridge: What is a typical meditation group session like?
Lipton: At the regular Wednesday evening sit, there is a person greeting new arrivals, and
there is a meditation instructor available to offer instruction to newcomers. We usually
start with some simple opening chants that pay homage to the lineage and then we practice
sitting meditation followed by some walking meditation. At the Open House, the evening
begins with sitting meditation and is followed by a talk and conversation. We also like to
finish up with tea and snacks to engage in further conversation with one another.
Canfield: The guidelines for how the space is to be used are very simple. Bring your own
cushion and sit quietly with no talking. We may offer some guided meditations but to
begin with it will just be a space where people can meditate in whatever silent form works
best for them. I am not affiliated with any group or lineage. I have worked with many
meditation teachers myself and would be happy to offer resources for folks to discover
which type of meditation works best for them. As long as children can sit quietly they
are welcome as well.
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T H E B R I D G E
Lauren Andrews
Photo by Michael Jermyn
MONTPELIER Registered Nurse Lauren Andrews is the founder and clinical aromatherapist at AroMed Aromatherapy in Montpelier.
Andrews is also an experienced psychiatric nurse who graduated from Norwich University Nursing School and her training includes 500 hours in clinical aromatherapy. She has also worked at
Vermont State Hospital and at Central Vermont Medical Center.
In a recent face-to-face interview with The Bridge, Andrews said, I truly believe we have an innate ability to heal ourselves and aromatherapy can support that.
Well, what exactly is aromatherapy?
Andrews describes it this way. Aromatherapy is a form of plant medicine, closely aligned to
herbalism and chemistry. It is the therapeutic use of naturally extracted plant oils designed
to assist the bodys natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself.
Then Andrews provided the following spe- cific example of how chemical constituents in
the extracted plant oils support certain body systems. For example, she said, the plant
chemical 1.8 cineole found in eucalyptus is very effective at supporting the respiratory system.
Andrews went on to discuss the use of essential oils. We are seeing aromatherapy strategies
being used in a various clinical settings in psychiatric settings, nursing homes, emergency
departments and oncology units and practices.
Patient reactions to the use of essential plant oils has been positive. Said Andrews, Patient satisfaction rates are typically high. Lavender can effectively help those suffering from agitation,
anxiety or insomnia. Citrus oils can increase appetite in nursing home settings and ginger
can help those dealing with chemo-induced nausea in oncology settings with no negative
side effects.
It was during her time at the psych unit at Central Vermont Medical Center that
Andrews discovered the efficacy of essential oils. At the time, she was doing psycho-social
work with a range of patients. These patients were contending with problems of substance
abuse and anger management. In her work with these patients, she discovered that the use
of essential oils could have beneficial results when targeted to certain systems in the body
such as the respiratory system, the digestive system, or nervous system. Andrews has seen
beneficial impacts from using essential oils to deal with respiratory illness, skin afflications,
mild depression, anxiety and insomnia.
I asked Andrews about what appears to be the increasing incidence of cancer and depression.
"Our lives can be hectic, she replied. And when we experience ongoing stress, we see an
increase in stress hormones in the body, which makes it more challenging for our immune
systems to work optimally. The best thing we can do to support our well-being is to find ways
to relax. She mentioned meditation, yoga, a walk in the woods. Many are discovering that essential oils work beautifully in this capacity, she said.
Then Andrews went on to talk about the chemicals we are putting into and on our bodies. With
body care products, she said, If theres an ingredient on the bottle that I dont recognize, I dont
use it and I don't sell it. About 10 percent of what we apply to our skin makes it into our bloodstream and has to be metabolized. We humans co-evolved with plants. Doesn't it make sense that
we would turn to plants to address our emotional and physical concerns?"
Andrews had this warning about synthetics. Synthetics can cause respiratory problems. Synthetics can also aggravate skin sensitization responses and hormone dysregulation in some people.
Andrews said that her customers and students are aware of the synthetic chemicals found in
body care and cleaning products. She is convinced that these chemicals are at the core of some
of the medical issues that we face. At AroMed, she said, everything we make and sell is 100
percent natural. We have blends that address pain, sleep, skin problems and anxiety. We also have
remedies that improve childrens health and womens health.
Andrews has over 75 organic and ethically, wild-harvested essential plant oils that she buys from
suppliers and distillers across the world. Ive got oils from Guatamala, France, South Africa,
India, Somaliland and more. I was uncomfortable buying from middlemen. I was concerned
about adulteration, misleading marketing slogans and overpricing. I made the decision to buy
directly from small organic growers and distillers. I want the suppliers in those communities to
benefit from my companys purchases.
Not unsurprisingly, Andrews reports that February and March can be difficult months for many
people. At this time of year, she said, people are coming in because they have low energy.
Theyre having difficulty with motivation. Essential oils can be very effective in uplifting ones
mood, increasing energy and focus.
Lauren has upcoming, full-day workshop on Saturday, April 9 titled Sunrise to Sunset: Everyday Aromatherapy.
For further information, visit AroMeds online store at www.aromedofvt.com. The AroMed storefront
is located directly behind the fire station on Main Street in Montpelier. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Tuesday through Saturday.
mps
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THE BRIDGE
personalization
community
sustainability
personalized
learning
community
engagement
shared vision
transferable
skills
Community Forum
Montpelier H.S. Library
March 23rd, 2016 (6:00-8:00pm)
Pizza Served: 5:30pm
T H E B R I D G E
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C ol u m n
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Hands-on
Gardener
THE BRIDGE
h, the glories of mud season. As tem- sors to trim off the seed bearing tip as soon as
peratures roller coaster up and down, they come up. Trimming helps the seedlings
the snow drops are blooming, onions, stay upright and promotes stocky roots and
leeks, shallots, celery and snapdragons are stems. Keep the seedlings snipped to 4 or 5
growing under lights in the basement. A inches until theyre ready to go in the ground.
tray of spinach, arugula and lettuce is seeded This year were going to plant our onion crop
and will
soonverb.
be ready
to transplant
into that
/sprj/
A brewing
technique
extracts
themats from a local Central
in some
garden
the greenhouse.
is grains
almost by
time
to start theVermont
sugar fromItthe
exposing
grains company,
to water. Garden Mats in Worcesgreenhouse bound tomatoes, eggplant and ter, Vermont. Their Garden Mats are conpeppers along with zinnias, cleome, nemesia structed of polypropylene, a material that
and columbines to set out in the garden at the blocks sun but is permeable to air and water.
end of May.
They are strong enough to walk on and re-
Sparge:
Easter Servic es
by Miriam Hansen
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T H E B R I D G E
by Ashley Witzenberger
You wont want to miss this years 48-Hour Film
Slam March 20, a favorite happening. The Film
Slam is an event where teams of filmmakers come
together to write, edit, produce and premiere a
7-minute short movie over the course of a weekend. The talent is amazing, and the films feature
scenes throughout picturesque Montpelier.
in Montpelier
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THE BRIDGE
our candidates seeking to become the next governor met individually with The Bridge over the past few
months. We talked about who they are, what their goals are and where they stand on pressing political issues.
Two are Democrats and two are Republicans. Other candidates may throw their hat in the ring in the future.
The profiles are in alphabetical order and edited to be roughly the same length.
Matt Dunne
att Dunne, a Democrat from Hartland, announced his run for governor on
September 3, 2015. Dunne told The Bridge his father was a civil rights activist and a lawyer in Vermont. His mother was the first woman to get tenure
track as a professor at Dartmouth. When Dunne was 13 years old, his father passed
away. This, Dunne said, taught him about the importance of community, as neighbors
brought over food, offered rides and made sure the Dunnes were taken care of.
Dunne served in the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1998, served as the director of AmeriCorps VISTA until 2002 and then served as a state senator from 2002 to
2006. He has most recently worked for Google, but he quit this year in order to run
for governor unencumbered.
Budget and the Economy:
Dunne told The Bridge sparking creative incentives to fund start-ups would be a strategy to build on our strengths. Vermonts strengths include the quality of life, good
school systems and close proximity to metropolitan centers. Dunne asserts capital for
infrastructure to support entrepreneurial enterprises would not have to come from the
state budget. We could become the telecommuting capital of the world. This is the
place where people can come and work for companies anywhere, Dunne told The
Bridge. Good broadband and rail and flight service makes it possible to get to places
you need to go.
And Dunne knows about this first hand. For the past eight and a half years he has
worked as an executive for Google, but his job took him all over the world.
Dunne also said he believes government can work its way out of a budget gap not
by cutting services to the most vulnerable citizens but by energizing and augmenting the tech community.
Education:
Vermont has a proportionately high number of high-school graduates who do not go
on to attend college, Dunne stated. The state college system gets infinitesimal parts
of the budget, Dunne said, which can make it hard for students to afford college.
However, one program Dunne supports to improve this is to allow any student who
completes two years of military service to go to the University of Vermont debt free.
Elementary education could be improved using technology, according to his website
mattdunne.com. This could allow more distance learning and a reduction in redundancy, which would presumably lower costs.
Healthcare:
Dunne states our poor execution of the health care exchange website has eroded public
confidence in governments ability to offer health care. The still improperly functioning site needs to be replaced. We need to first fix the exchange to build back public
trust and then move quickly to change our reimbursement system, Dunne states on
his website. The state needs to pay for health rather than procedures, Dunne states,
adding that he supports moving toward universal coverage.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization:
Dunne talked of legalization of marijuana
for recreational use as an inevitability that
Vermont must prepare for. It (legalization) is coming one way or another. I
believe we need to get out ahead of it,
Dunne said. Dunne believes it is important to teach prevention for people under
age 21. We need to be very, very diligent
in preventing problems, he said.
Gubernator
Bruce Lisman
ruce Lisman, a Republican originally from Burlington, lives in Shelburne after a long
stint on New York Citys Wall Street. Lisman worked as co-head of global equities for
Bear, Stearns & Co. Before that he worked for J.P. Morgan and Lehman Brothers.
M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016 PAG E 13
T H E B R I D G E
Sue Minter
ue Minter, a Democrat from Waterbury, moved to Vermont 25 years ago. She is best
known to Vermonters for her highly visible position as deputy secretary of the Vermont
Agency of Transportation during the recovery of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. Her job
required her to rapidly re-deploy 700 employees to three incident command centers. Our state
was in an incredible state of crisis. Thirteen communities were cut off, Minter told The Bridge
a few weeks ago.
I was at the helm in Montpelier. Her main job was to re-establish access to communities,
which she said she did in concert with many other entities from volunteers to the National
Guard, fire and rescue departments (from Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire) and many
others. She also dealt with the aftermath and rebuilding that followed. We lost bridges, we
lost homes and we lost people.
Minter was elected four times as a representative in the Vermont Legislature, from 2004 to
2010.
Budget and the Economy:
by Carla Occaso
Phil Scott
ieutenant Governor Phil Scott, a Republican from Barre, is well known in and out of the
State House as much for his political service, his construction company (Dubois Construction) and his racecar driving at Thunder Road. He was first elected senator in 2000. He
became Lieutenant in 2011.
Scott helped remove the remains of devastated mobile homes in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene
without charging homeowners or the taxpayers, according to ltgov.vermont.gov. In addition, he
launched a program in which he works a few hours in regular jobs throughout the state from
manufacturing to ski area snowmaking.
Budget and the Economy:
Scott said state government needs to be more responsive to business owners.
There are many good and well intentioned people, but they havent had to make a payroll. They
havent had to endure sleepless nights wondering how they are going to pay their employees.
That detachment from reality creates somewhat of an arrogance of how fragile business really
is, Scott said.
Minter said she would focus on training workers to revitalize the economy. I am going to
work with our technical centers. We need to fire their passion for technical jobs because they
are needed in the workforce, Minter told The Bridge. We have to get more young people to
come to Vermont to stay in Vermont for livable wages and that is going to be my mission. That
is what our businesses need and that is what the future of Vermont depends on.
From a budget standpoint, the legislature has been overly optimistic, in Scotts opinion. At current levels, it is unsustainable. In a Phil Scott administration, I would not build a budget that
grew faster than the economy. If (the economy and wages) grew at 1 percent, my budget wouldnt
grow any more than 1 percent.
Many workers need to work two jobs to make ends meet, so Minter said she wants to help foster
higher paying jobs. Part of the problem is finding trained workers. Minter talked about how
some successful businesses are ready to grow, but have trouble finding workforce.
One third of the state budget is dedicated to education funding. The total budget for FY 16 is
$5,625,556,419.00 while the amount allotted to K12 education is $1,868,994,305.00.
We have so many assets, she said. Minter said she has experience in economic revitalization
for the cities of Montpelier and Waterbury.
Education:
Minter said Act 46 causes people to have the critical discussion about declining enrollment
and school costs. For example, in her school system there are seven different school boards and
seven budgets where they could become one region, which would be more efficient. And, tiny
schools could be repurposed to become senior centers or for early childhood education.
Healthcare:
As for healthcare, Minter expressed concern about the current system, Vermont Health Connect. She said that she did not have problems signing up after she quit her job, but she has heard
of people having difficulty when they have a change of circumstance. I want a top to bottom
review, she said. I am not ready to say we are going to to go to the federal exchange. She said,
we would only do something that extreme if it were found necessary. Minter said Vermont
Health Connect has more subsidies and that 96 percent of Vermonters are now insured.
The current system rewards doctors and hospitals for more visits, pills and procedures, which
Minter would like to see changed in favor of supporting healthy living.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization:
Minter supports legalization and regulation of
recreational marijuana. She said this would lead
to greater safety. We know Vermont youth are
among the highest (pot) users in the country,
she said. However, she believes the state should
move slowly and begin selling weed on the retail
market starting with medical marijuana dispensaries.
As a Mom. I want to know we will be having a
very robust education and prevention program.
We have an enormous substance abuse problem
that is ruining lives and families, she said.
Education:
Scott states that Vermont has to focus on creating a sustainable and affordable system. In order
to do this, structural reform has to happen. For the last 20 years, weve been losing about 1,000
kids per year from our public school system. At the same time, fixed costs have been rising. That
means structural reform is necessary to get property taxes under control and, at the same time,
continue to invest in kids and classrooms. Its a difficult discussion, but we have to have it. If we
dont, well have to continue to accept rising taxes or compromises in the quality of our childrens
education. And Im not willing to settle for either, he states.
It is necessary to use flexible learning plans, technology and to pool resources in order to improve the
situation. Act 46, an act approved by the legislature last year that encourages school districts to merge,
must be improved in order to let communities keep what they save from mergers and return savings
to local taxpayers or local schools instead of sending it to the state coffers, Scott states.
Health Care
There are public anxieties about the rising cost of healthcare, Scott told The Bridge. When Obamacare was enacted, we were placed under the umbrella of coming up with an exchange, Scott said. But
the Shumlin administration decided to build a custom made IT structure that cost around $200
million and still doesnt work. By contrast, New Hampshire spent around 8 to 10 million for their
exchange to cover twice the people. And, since Vermont is the only state with this system, taxpayers
will be responsible financially for upkeep and upgrades. If Vermont had joined in with another state,
those costs could be shared.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization:
I dont think legalization of marijuana should be
about money. It is far too early. I am not saying
never. It may be inevitable. But we have the opportunity to watch four or five other states that
have legalized. We have the population to see
what has happened as they move forward with
their programs. We dont have to be one of the
first on this. I am quite content making sure when
and if we do this we have it right. Is this really the
most pressing matter before us today? I say no,
Scott said.
PAG E 14 M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016
THE BRIDGE
Brain Injury Support Group. Open to all survivors, caregivers and adult family members. Third
Thurs., 1:302:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850.
Diabetes Discussion Group. Focus on selfmanagement. Open to anyone with diabetes
and their families. Third Thurs., 1:30 p.m. The
Health Center, Plainfield. Free. Don 322-6600 or
dgrabowski@the-health-center.org.
St Patrick's Day Dinner with 50/50 Raffle.
Corned beef cabbage dinner with apple crisp
dessert provided by the Abbey Group. Eat-in or
take-out. Benefits Meals on Wheels Program
at TVSC. 47 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
Blueberry Commons, 4583 Rt. 2, E. Montpelier.
By donation. 223-3322.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. Monthly
group for people affected by a suicide death. Third
Thurs., 67:30 p.m. Central Vermont Medical
Center, conference rm. 1, Fisher Rd., Berlin. 2230924. calakel@comcast.com.afsp.org.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Child care provided.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier. 476-1480.
River Arts Photo Co-op. Gather, promote and
share your experience and knowledge of photography with other photography enthusiasts in an
Performing
Arts
THEATER, STORYTELLING,
COMEDY
March 18: Sir Arthur Conan Doyles The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Legendary sleuth
Sherlock Holmes takes the stage in this witty,
fast paced production by the acclaimed Aquila
Theatre. 7:30 p.m. St. Johnsbury Academy, Fuller
Hall, Main St., St. Johnsbury. $1529. Students
18 and under free. 748-2600. KCPpresents.org
Mar. 18: Stroke Yer Joke. Sign up in advance to
try five minutes of your best open-mic stand-up
comedy before a live audience. 8 p.m. Espresso
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
Tea House Clinic. Get herbal nutritional suppleBueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896.
events@espressobueno.com.espressobueno.com.
March 1820: The Importance of Being
Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.
Cabot Community Theater presents the comedy
by Oscar Wilde. March 18, 7 p.m.; March 19,
2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; March 20, 2:30 p.m. Cabot
School Performing Arts Center, 25 Common
Rd., Cabot. $5 or three items for the Onion River
Food Shelf. 793-5617. Karen@praxisworks.com
Mar. 25: Bueno Comedy Showcase. All male
revue: Caleb Teske, Eric Dreiblatt, Kevin McTaggart, Paul Church, & Richard Bowen. 8:30
p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre.
$6. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com.
espressobueno.com.
March 26: The Monster Who Ate My Peas.
ArtsPower's musical tells the funny and poignant
story of a young boy who doesn't want to eat his
peas. 10 a.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main
St., Randolph. $6. 431-0204. outreach@chandlerarts.org
March 26: Mini Mud. This annual performance
celebrates young talent from across the region.
7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St.,
Randolph. Adults $15; students $5. 728-6464.
chandler-arts.org
March 28April 1: The Pirates of Penzance.
Students at the Initiative Waldorf High School
tour the state with a final performanceand gala in
Plainfield. Fundraiser that supports the Initiatives accessible-to-all social finance model. March
2831 shows are all ages. Sitter recommended for
mentation through the form of teas and/or tinctures. Herbal tea sharing with other professional
services available. Every third Sat., 9 a.m.noon.
Tea House Exchange at Another Way Community
Center, 125 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; donations
welcome. Rosalene: 793-9371. manywordsherbs1.
weebly.com
Additional Recyclables Collection Center. Accepting scores of hard-to-recycle items. Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. 540 N. Main St. (old Times-Argus
building), Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org.
Cabot Maple Fest. Vendors, crafters, bouncy
house and slide, silent auction at Cabot School
gym and CSPAC, 9 a.m.3 p.m. Pancake breakfast
9 a.m.2 p.m. and Taste of Cabot noon3 p.m. at
Cabot School dining hall. Cabot Village, Rt. 215.
cabotvermont.org
Vermont State Science and Mathematics Fair.
Showcasing work of private and homeschooled
children in grades 512 who have local science
and math fair competitions. 9 a.m.4 p.m.; awards
ceremony 2 p.m. Norwich University, Bartoletto
Hall and Dole Auditorium, 158 Harmon Dr.,
Northfield. 881-3226. pinkhamc@norwich.edu
Berries for the Backyard. presented by David
Merchant of River Berry Farm. 10 a.m.noon.
North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to the public. Sponsored by
UVM Extension Master Gardeners of Central VT.
April 89: Willy Wonka, Jr! Join Rumney
Memorial School students for a rollicking show
featuring chocolate, Charlie and, of course,
Oompa-Loompas! April 8, 7 p.m.; April 9, 2 p.m.
and 7 p.m. Rumney Memorial School, Middlesex.
Adults $6; children $4. rumney.org
SPECIAL EVENTS
AUDITIONS
T H E B R I D G E
Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 2299212. Open mic every Wed. bagitos.com.
March 17: Dave & Corey Loughran (acoustic
classic rock) 68 p.m.
March 18: Stovepipe Mountain Band (Americana) 68 p.m.
March 19: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.
March 24: Turnip Truck, 68 p.m.
March 25: Squirrels Crackers (blues/country/
bluegrass) 68 p.m.
March 26: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; Small Axe,
68 p.m.
March 27: Bleecker & MacDougal (folk ballads)
11 a.m.1 p.m.
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Mon.: Comedy Caf Open Mic, 8:30 p.m.
Every Tues.: Godfather Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
March 18: Julia Kate Davis (folk) 6 p.m., Discolicious (70s) 9 p.m.
March 25: Leper Messiah (Metallica tribute) 9 p.m.
Calendar of Events
March 26: Chalice/Hessian/Zex (metal) 9 p.m.
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 4790896. Free/by donation. events@espressobueno.
com. espressobueno.com.
March 19: Duffy Gardner (singer-songwriter)
7 p.m.
March 25: The AccaFella (crooner) 7:30 p.m.
March 26: Dan Weintraub (singer-songwriter)
7 p.m.
La Puerta Negra. 44 Main St., Montpelier. 6133172.
March 24: Chickweed (folk with jazz, blues and
Latin influences) 8 p.m. Sliding scale $510.
Positive Pie. 22 State St., Montpelier. $5. 2290453. positivepie.com.
March 25: Gang of Thieves, 10:30 p.m.
April 1: Michelle Sarah Band (soul/funk) 10:30 p.m
April 8: Soule Monde (instrumental funk) 10 p.m.
Sweet Melissa's. 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. Free
unless otherwise noted. Other shows T.B.A. 2256012. facebook.com/sweetmelissasvt.
March 26: New Nile Orchestra (Afro-beat
dance) 9:30 p.m. $5
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31
County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com.
Every Wed.: Open mic
March 17: St. Patricks Day Party: Susannah
Blachley, Kristina Stukos, Michael Fullerton,
Paul Aiken
March 18: Chad Hollister (rock/pop)
M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016 PAG E 15
SPECIAL EVENTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
The Community Seed Library at Kellogg-Hubbard. Slideshow presentation about the threats
to seed diversity, the importance of preserving
heirloom seeds, and how you can contribute/
participate in this new community resource. With
Tom Sabo (Montpelier High School, Center for
Sustainable Systems) and Leroy Dill-Hall (MHS
Student). 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,135
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
SciFi Plus Book Club. Ken Liu's The Grace of
Kings. 78 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main St.,
Montpelier. 229-0774. bearpondbooks.com
TUESDAY, MARCH 22
MONDAY, MARCH 21
Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont. Rainbow Umbrella brings LGBTQ individuals from
Central Vermont together to plan and hold events
April 3: From Byrd to Bach: Music for Harpsichord and Recorder. Diane Huling, harpsichord
and Sara Lisniansky, recorder. The program spans
the entire Baroque era and includes a wide range of
styles. 3 p.m. United Church of Christ, Greensboro. $20 suggested donation. hulingperformances@gmail.com or sara.lisniansky@gmail.com
April 7: The SKY Family. Celtic Revival! High
energy Celtic/pop-rock music, dance and gospel
production. 7 p.m. Trinity Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier. 229-9158. barry.bolio@comcast.net
April 3: The New Black Eagle Jazz Band. Traditional New Orleans-style jazz. 2 p.m. Chandler
Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. Adults
$20; students $5 with an adult. 728-6464.
chandler-arts.org
Families of Color. Open to all. Play, eat and discuss issues of adoption, race and multiculturalism.
Bring snacks and games to share; dress for the
weather. Third Sun., 35 p.m. Unitarian Church,
130 Main St., Montpelier. Alyson 439-6096 or
alyson@suncatchervt.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
PAG E 16 M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
THURSDAY, MARCH 24
THE BRIDGE
Calendar of Events
SPECIAL EVENTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 27
FRIDAY, MARCH 25
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
MONDAY, MARCH 28
TUESDAY, MARCH 29
T H E B R I D G E
the climate crisis to transform our economic system. Followed by discussion. 79 p.m. Goddard
College, Haybarn Theatre, Plainfield. Free.
Explore The Our Future In Space. With Allen
M. Steel and James L. Cambias. 7 p.m. Bear
Pond Books, 77 Main St., Montpelier. 229-0774.
bearpondbooks.com
National MS Society Webinar & Telelearning
Series. Topic: Home Based Employment: What
Employers Want. 8 p.m. Free. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/LibraryEducation-Programs/Telelearning-Program
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30
Small Farm Action Day. With a focus on "OnFarm Slaughter: Preserving a Vermont Tradition,"
and other issues affecting Vermont's small-scale
farmers. The day will include an advocacy training, opportunities to meet with lawmakers and
farmer-to-farmer networking. Vermont State
House, Montpelier. Farmer stipend applications
and RSVP: ruralvermont.org or 223-7222
CVHHH Public Foot Care Clinic. Individuals
should bring clippers, basin, towel, foot-soak powder and lotion. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Twin Valley Senior
Center, Blueberry Commons, Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. $15. 223-1878. www.cvhhh.org/footcare
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 1011:30 a.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
The Hubble Project: Disaster & Success. With
astronomer William Jefferys. An Oshler Lifelong
Learning Institute program. Doors open 12:30
p.m. for those wishing to bring a brown bag
lunch; program starts 1:30 p.m. Aldrich Public
Library, 6 Washington St., Barrre. By donation.
pdaggett@myfairpoint.net
Essential Oils with Annie Limoge. Learn about
essential oils for emotional and physical well-being as well as for cooking and cleaning. 67 p.m.
Another Way (upstairs in the back of building),
125 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959. orexchange.org
Central VT Trans* Group. Monthly peer support
group for folks who self-identify along the trans
and gender nonconforming (GNC) spectrum.
Meets the last Wed. of the month, 79 p.m. in
Montpelier. Contact centralvttrans@gmail.com
for more information.
THURSDAY, MARCH 31
FRIDAY, APRIL 1
SATURDAY, APRIL 2
Calendar of Events
Exploring Choices in Complementary Integrative Medicine. Day-long event focused on community education in cancer care and survivorship.
A variety of workshops and hands-on demonstrations provided by physicians, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, yoga practitioners,
aromatherapists, Reiki practitioners, body workers
and more. A resource fair with exhibitors will be
open throughout the day. Registration begins
8:30 a.m. Vermont College of Fine Arts, College St., Montpelier. Free; open to the public.
More information and to register: https://www.
eventbrite.com/e/expanding-cancercare-exploringchoices-in-complementary-integrative-medicinetickets-20501715182
Turkey Hunting Seminar. A-Z hunting information, including safe hunting practices, specialized
equipment, calls, site setup and other strategies for
harvesting turkeys. Hosted by the Vermont Fish
& Wildlife Department. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Barre Fish
and Game Club, Gun Club Rd., Barre. 272-2909.
Free. Sign-up: http://tinyurl.com/gr9csxh
Capital City Indoor Farmers Market. Find
unique, local, farm foods you wont find in your local
store, while getting to know your farmer and learning the best ways to prepare them. 10 a.m.2 p.m.
Montpelier High School cafeteria, 5 High School
Dr., Montpelier. montpelierfarmersmarket.com
2nd annual Spring Shopping Extravaganza and
Benefit Silent Auction. Benefit for Drew Bernier.
25 vendors and crafts people, concessions, raffle.
10 a.m.3 p.m. Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite St.,
Barre. loganmum2772@charter.net. https://www.
facebook.com/events/1709244689359580/
Osteoporosis Education and Support
Group. For those who have been diagnosed
with osteoporosis or osteopenia, have a family member who has been diagnosed or want to
learn about osteoporosis. Learn from a variety of
guest speakers and medical specialists. First Sat.,
13 p.m. Community National Bank, Community Room, Crawford Rd., Derby. 535-2011.
mary@betterbonesnek.org. betterbonesnek.org.
River Rock School Mud Season Auction. Viewing and silent auction begins, 1 p.m.; live auctioneer David Rowell, 1:30 p.m. Bid on online auction
items now. Benefits River Rock School Scholarship Program. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-4700. riverrockschool@comcast.
net. View auction items at riverrockschool.org
Dreaming into the Earth: A Free Dream
Workshop. This experiential approach to your
dreams offers each person a portal to the deeper
self. Dream yourself awake to your soul and Gaia
in an afternoon of ritual, conversation and dream
theatre. 47 p.m. Yoga Mountain River Room,
Montpelier. Bring your dreams or send them
ahead to ghosthero1@gmail.com. Questions: 207400-7268 or 522-6889.
SUNDAY, APRIL 3
Morse Farm Maple Open House. Pancake breakfast, 811 a.m.; hot dogs boiled in sap, noon3
p.m.; sugar-on-snow, noon4 p.m. Morse Farm
Maple Sugarworks, 1168 County Rd., Montpelier. 223-2740. morsefarm.com
Dance, Sing and Jump Around! A family dance
for all ages. Circle and line dances and singing
games, all called and taught. Live traditional
music by Kenric Kite and friends. Caller is Liz
Benjamin. Last dance of the season! 34:30
p.m. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, Rt. 2,
Plainfield. Suggested donation: $5; $10 family.
No one is turned away. merrykays@yahoo.com.
lizbenjamin64@gmail.com
MONDAY, APRIL 4
M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016 PAG E 17
TUESDAY, APRIL 5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
THURSDAY, APRIL 7
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
PAG E 18 M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016
Weekly Events
ART & CRAFT
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Calendar of Events
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.
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
Computer and Online Help. One-on-one computer help. Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.1 p.m. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury.
Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
Personal Financial Management Workshops.
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building and repair, budgeting and identity theft,
insurance, investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m.
Central Vermont Medical Center, Conference
Room 3. Registration: 371-4191.
CRC Pro Health and Human Services. This
course will help participants build professional
and career skills in preparation for a variety of
entry-level positions in direct health care professions. Every Wed. and Thurs., March 23May
18, 5:308 p.m. Capstone Community Action,
20 Gable Pl., Barre. Free. The enrollment code
for this course is WFE-0603-VM40.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-3483.
Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Program.
Education and support to help adults at high risk
of developing type 2 diabetes adopt healthier
eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight
loss and reduced risk. Every Tues., 10:3011:30
a.m. Kingwood Health Center Conference Room
(lower level), 1422 Rt. 66, Randolph. Free. Register: 728-7714.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step
program for physically, emotionally and spiritually
overcoming overeating. Note meeting days and
locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and Sat.,
8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Good
Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249-3970.
Every Mon., 56 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079. Starting April
4, the Montpelier meetings will be on Mondays, 5:306:30 p.m.
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
THE BRIDGE
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.
light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables Collection Center accepts scores of hardto-recycle items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.;
Third Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North
Main St., Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.
RESOURCES
Efficiency Vermont Customer Support Office
Hours. Specialists will be on hand to provide
one-on-one energy consultations and answer
your energy questions. Every Tues., 11:30 a.m.2
p.m. and every Thurs., 46 p.m. through March.
Efficiency Vermont Barre Office, 322 N. Main
St., Barre. Free. 888-921-5990. info@efficiencyvermont.com
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. 80 tools
both power and manual. Wed., 46 p.m.; Sat.,
911 a.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959.
info@orexchange.com.
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Womens Group. Women age 40 and older
explore important issues and challenges in their
lives in a warm and supportive environment. Facilitated by psychotherapist Kathleen Zura. Every
Mon., 5:307:30 p.m. 41 Elm St., Montpelier.
223-6564. Insurances accepted.
SPIRITUALITY
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
room. Hours: Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.
Sat., 11 a.m.1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier.
223-2477.
A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. 279-1495.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only:
479-0302.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those
interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St.,
Barre. Register: 479-3253.
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish
spirituality. Sun., 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning
for Learning Center, Montpelier. 223-0583.
info@yearning4learning.org.
M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016 PAG E 19
T H E B R I D G E
Classifieds
Text-only class listings and
classifieds are 50 words for $25.
Call 223-5112 ext. 11
802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
CLASSES
Rocque Long
Painting
Insured
30+ years professional
experience
local references.
802-223-0389
FRENCH CLASSES:
Eleven-week French classes for adults starting
on March 14 in Montpelier both at U32 and
Montpelier High School. We also offer classes
in Burlington and Colchester.
Please go to www.aflcr.org for more
information or contact Micheline Tremblay at
michelineatremblay@gmail.com
SERVICES
INTERIOR PAINTING
Booking now for spring and summer.
Quality work, attention to detail.
Lots of local references. Free estimates.
Contact Carolyn Morton at 802.229.0681
New Construction
Renovations
Woodworking
General Contracting
223-3447
clarconstruction.com
Since 1972
Repairs New floors and walls
Crane work Decorative concrete
Consulting ICF foundations
114 Three Mile Bridge Rd., Middlesex, VT (802) 229-0480
gendronbuilding@aol.com gendronconcrete.com
GREGS
PAINTING
802-479-2733
gpdpainting@aol.com
PAG E 2 0 M A RC H 17 A P R I L 6 , 2 016
Opinion
THE BRIDGE
raftsbury Schools is a PK-12 system serving the town of Craftsbury and tuition students from several neighboring communities. We are very proud that our Academy
is the oldest and smallest high school in the state of Vermont, but that moniker
does not keep us from looking forward. Over the last five years we have enjoyed increasing
enrollment, stable budgets and an expanded curriculum. Of our 79 high school students
we have 30-35 students taking advanced placement classes, many students in more than
one class, for a total of 63 enrollments in nine subject areas. Yet even those numbers dont
tell the whole story. We successfully serve a very diverse student population, coming from
very different backgrounds choosing to go in many different directions after our job at the
academy is finished.
Our schools greatest pride is our dedication to not just the kind of student we are encouraging in the classroom, but more importantly, the kind of person we are encouraging period.
I would invite everyone to visit our website and look at what the portrait of a Craftsbury
graduate looks like. You will see that our small schools, and one could argue many other
small schools around the state with close ties to the greater community, offer more than
just a curriculum and that is the essential component that Act 46 is carelessly discarding.
Under Act 46 we are being asked to voluntarily give up control over the quality product we
have built for over 150 years, for a model which may or not save money, may or may not
expand educational opportunities, may or may not keep our schools open and which may
or may not deliver greater equality throughout the state, five to 10 years down the line. A
"one size fits all" set of measures does not fit Craftsbury in any way.
Craftsbury is not afraid of change. Even though Craftsbury Academy is the oldest and
smallest high school in the state, I could write a whole dissertation outlining all of the
many instances in the last 150 years our community has come together to explore creative,
forward thinking initiatives that will ensure the delivery of a quality education while keeping a realistic and watchful eye on the financial implications of that very education. The
latest was a three-year commitment to voluntarily explore merger options under Act 153
and 156. Due to the unique makeup of our supervisory union, the merger options were
deemed impracticable.
Opinion
The legislature is now asking us to turn away from what we have been building, successfully
I might add, and change course to fix something that isnt broken. We at Craftsbury feel
we have so much to lose and nothing concrete to gain. Craftsbury would be moving from
voting on a 3.5 million dollar budget to a 25.5 million dollar district budget. Can anyone
really say that taxpayers will not feel less of a personal connection, less of an investment?
We will be giving our buildings, buildings with 187 years of history to a district that will
manage them along with all of the other school buildings across six towns. What was once
center to our towns becomes satellite to our district all in the name "of expanding educational opportunities and possible cost containment.
The loss of local control is frequently cited as a reason for pushing back at district mergers.
That is too simple and doesnt even begin to capture the travesty that Act 46 represents.
What people are lamenting is not the loss of local control but the loss of community investment in the school for nothing quantifiable or guaranteed in return. We dont argue with
the Board of Education that a district board will act in the best interest of the student. We
all, whether it is state, district or local, try to act in the best interest of the student. What
we are trying to get the Board of Education and the legislators to understand is that by removing our current governance structure, you are alienating the very people that make our
education system in Vermont one of the best in the country. The students, parents, staff,
board members and administrators of Craftsbury schools are motivated to work harder
because of the energy generated by the community. The community is investing in them
monetarily AND emotionally and students are accountable to that investment. Craftsbury
will not readily abandon that relationship.
We can cite so many examples of community involvement, energy and dedication to our
school. In the last five years we have built a gym, invested in sustainable energy, boasted the
highest NECAP scores in the state, expanded our curriculum and built a local preschool at
the insistence of our tax payers. Families are moving into our isolated, rural town to be a
part of what we are building. There is so much more at stake than the future of our small
schools. We are hoping that the State Board of Education and the legislators in favor of Act
46 will take the potentially crippling ramifications into consideration.
ast issue's editorial about cannabis regulation Slow Down, Answer the Questions
It's about Children and Youth lacked balance and research. The author, having had
conversations with three school-related associations and taking selective quotes from
the Health Department's Health Impact Assessment can hardly be described as extensive
or balanced.
The health report was seriously flawed, an assessment that is shared by many other knowledgeable professionals. It confounded association with causation (does cannabis use lead to
poor school performance OR are those who are performing badly more likely to use?), it
data mines (using old studies from distant locales while ignoring more contemporary, local
studies that are contrary to the conclusions drawn) and fails to enumerate health benefits
of cannabis regulation.
The notion of slowing down what is described as a fast track process ignores history. In
1971 the Nixon-appointed Shafer Commission recommended that personal use of cannabis
should be legalized. In the intervening years, millions of lives have been ruined by the ineffective War on Drugs policies promoted by politicians (including those who did not inhale).
One (unnamed) person is quoted how can we ignore brain research? Aside from the fact
that any school that sponsors football is ignoring very sound research on brain trauma,
stands the fact that this rush to using brain imaging as explanations for behavior is reductionist and fails to account for social and economic factors. Similarly, pseudo-science
was used in the early 20th Century to prove that non-white races were incapable of high
level intellectual thinking, a belief that, in Vermont, led to the sterilization of hundreds of
people, targeting French-Canadians, Native Americans and other racial minorities. Led
by the University of Vermont professor of zoology Henry Perkins, the work gained wide
credibility and was finally deposited in the trash bin of history when the Nazis used the
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s part of City Meeting on Tuesday, March 1 citizens in Montpelier voted overwhelmingly (2,791 to 455) to support a proposed
city charter change that would give the City of Montpelier authority to regulate and protect the citys drinking water source at Berlin
Pond.
Editorial
These are the exact words of the ballot item that calls for this charter change: The City
shall have the authority to regulate its public water supply and public water sources in order
to protect the water supply and sources from corruption. The Citys water supply sources
include Berlin Pond in the town of Berlin.
Both repeatedly and strenuously over the past two or three years at The Bridge we have
argued that it is the City of Montpelier that ought logically to be the prime responsible party in regulating and protecting its drinking water source and supply at Berlin Pond.
In sum, the logic of our thinking is this:
First, Berlin Pond is the citys only drinking water source.
Second, in 1884, the Vermont Legislature gave Montpelier the right to use Berlin Pond as
its drinking water source. It also gave the State Health Department control over the pond
and the Health Department, in turn, passed that control and management over to the City
of Montpelier.
Third, when compared with other larger water sources, Berlin Pond is a small body of
water some 256 acres. Its very smallness intensifies the importance of its protection as a
drinking water supply.
Fourth, over time the City of Montpelier has purchased almost all the land that borders the
Pond. This, among other considerations, makes the city a major stakeholder in the future
of the pond and its protection.
Fifth, in 1998 the City of Montpelier built a water treatment plant to treat incoming water
from Berlin Pond. That treatment plant cost $12 million and payments on the bond will
continue until 2028.
At its construction, the plant was designed for a pond without recreational use. In 2012, the
Agency of Natural Resources threw open the pond to a range of uses. Montpeliers Public
Works Director Tom McArdle said that the City of Montpelier is studying the facility to
determine what additional testing protocols it should follow. He said he saw the Citys
fundamental responsibility as delivering pure water to the tap to the thousands of people
who depend on the pond for their drinking water. McArdle acknowledged that gasoline
engines and gasoline use are prohibited on the pond. Yet he allowed that someone might
violate the gasoline prohibitions. Gasoline and a number of other pollutants are contaminants that the treatment plant cant address, he said. Depending on what happens, theres
Seventh, there appears to be a strong Vermont precedent for granting municipalities the
authority to manage, regulate and protect their water supplies even if the water source is
located outside of the municipalitys geographical boundaries. The City of Barre draws its
water from a reservoir in the Town of Orange and the Barre City charter gives it control of
that water source. The same situation applies to the Village of Bellows Fall. Its charter allows
it to forbid people from going onto its water source in the Town of Rockingham. The Town
of St. Johnsbury has its water source in the Town of Waterford and the St. Johnsbury town
charter gives it control of that water source.
In its 2012 ruling, the Vermont Supreme Court essentially said that it was the state legislature that could delegate powers to municipalities. If more powers are needed, more must
be asked for, wrote the Supreme Court in its decision. That asking for at the Vermont
legislature is what the City of Montpeliers proposed charter change is all about.
The logic comes down to this. Montpelier depends upon Berlin Pond for its water. Montpelier has a major investment in its water treatment facility. Montpelier taxpayers pay for the
water and pay for the treatment facility. It therefore stands to reason that Montpelier should
manage, regulate and protect that water resource.
Logic is one thing but politics is often quite another thing.
At the moment, the proposed city charter change that would give authority to the City of
Montpelier to manage, regulate and protect Berlin Pond is about to be handed over in the
form a bill to the Vermont House Government Operations Committee. That committee is
free to do the following: take up the bill or not take up the bill. Take a vote of the committee to support the bill or defeat it. If supported, the bill conceivably could be sent to another
committee or it could go to the House floor for consideration and action. If approved by
the House, the bill could go over to the Vermont Senate for committee consideration and
possible action by the full Senate. That could lead to no action, or Senate adoption or defeat. And even if the charter change was to pass both houses, it would then go to Gov. Peter
Shumlin for his review and action either to sign it into law or veto it.
Given whats at stake in protecting Berlin Pond and protecting the citys water supply and its
sizeable outlay of public money and public investments and given the time available until
the legislative session ends in a matter now of only weeks surely this proposed charter
change is a matter that ought to command not just public support, but the sort of public
advocacy that could lead to favorable legislative and executive action.
The Bridge publishes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month,
except in July when we publish only on the 3rd Thursday.
Our next issue comes out April 7.
Letters
Remember how long it took us to find out how dangerous Pat McDonald, Berlin
smoking was from the tobacco companies? Its the same thing
with marijuana particularly since this marijuana is much stronWhat Do You Think?
ger than the product available back in the day. In the 60s,
Read something that you would like to respond to? We
the average content of THC was 1 percent. In 2012 it was 12
welcome your letters and opinion pieces. Letters must
percent. I think we can agree that a certain percentage of people
be fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not
will become addicted to smoking marijuana just like tobacco
exceed 600 words. The Bridge reserves the right to edit
and alcohol and other drugs. Not only should we be concerned
and cut pieces. Send your piece to:
about these folks but we should be concerned about the related
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
costs of their addiction to us. If you dont think legislators are
Deadline for the next issue is April 1.
worried, just look at the bill. The bill talks about youth sub-
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