Connecting Montpelier and nearby communities since 1993 | August 1August 21, 2013

In this issuE

Minds Unstuck Alternative Education Options

7
Crie s for Help The Bullying Project

9
Shouldering the Debt College without finance is a nuisance

sustainable?
[suh-stey-nuh-buhl]

21
Eye in the Sky Kelley on the NSA

23

adjective Able to be maintained or kept going, as an action or process.

The question is when is enough, enough? Will the whole thing tip over?
John Hollar, Mayor and former School Board Chair

PRSRT STD CAR-RT SORT U.S. Postage PAID Montpelier, VT Permit NO. 123

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

Everyone that I talk to says... do not cut this program, do not lose another teacher, do not shave away programs and options for our kids, they do not want that.
Sue Aldrich, School Board Chair

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The Bridge

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STREET
T
Barre Continues to Look Forward
he Barre Partnership advertises a community meeting on Monday, August 5, at 5 p.m. at the Barre Elks Lodge: Meet with the Vermont Downtown Action Team consisting of experts in architecture, businesses and economic development, marketing and branding and organization. Share with them your thoughts on downtown Barre and its future. Your input is essential to help the team understand the issues that face Barres downtown and assist them in developing appropriate solutions. Dont miss out on this rare opportunity to have your voice heard and make a difference. A follow-up discussion of the results of the initial community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7, at 10 a.m., again at the Barre Elks Lodge. For more information: director@thebarrepartnership.com or 477-2967.

Heard On The

Nature Watch
wrist wraps

ooking around for signs of August, and there are many, in spite of the bizarre summer of rain. The alternate-leaved dogwoods are covered with berries, still green, but ripening in time for migrating thrushes of all sorts. In the rich woods, wild onions, or leeks, which didnt bloom at all last summer in the drought, have bloomed and are setting seed. In fact, everything is going to seed, as it should (and didnt last year, again, because of the pervasive drought). The phoebes second brood has flown, the woodchucks are dispersing, apples and berries are shaping up for a fine year. Ive almost forgotten last summer, but some of the trees, are still reeling from the one year dry/wet cycle. We hope our shadbush trees, which have dropped nearly all their leaves, make a comeback next year. Heres to rainfall in moderation! Nona Estrin

Vermont Adopts Next Generation Science Standards

Whats In

he Vermont State Board of Education (SBE) voted unanimously (90) to adopt the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at their June 25 board meeting. Vermont joins four other states (Rhode Island, Kansas, Kentucky and Maryland) in adopting these standards. Vermont was one of 26 states that partnered in developing the new standards. NGSS are voluntary, internationally benchmarked and based on the National Research Councils A Framework for K12 Science Education. Governor Shumlin said, I believe strongly that we should strengthen our standards to ensure that our education system delivers for our children. I hear often from Vermont businesses struggling to fill positions due to the lack of applicants skilled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Next Generation Science Standards help address these gaps and keep Vermonts schools on the leading edge nationwide.

Hospital Rate Hearings Coming Up

efore announcing final budget decisions in September, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) will review in detail the submissions of all 14 Vermont hospitals and hold public hearings for each hospital August 2729. GMCBs initial, high-level review of hospital budget submissions showed individual hospital rate change requests ranging from a decrease of 11.5 percent to an increase of 6.2 percent in fiscal year 2014 (FY14), but the average of the requests came in at GMCBs requested limit of 3 percent per year over the next three years. The hearings will be held at the Montpelier Room at the Capitol Plaza, 100 State Street, Montpelier. There will be time for public comment after each hospitals hearing and after the last hearing While arms are bared, Montpelierites are winding long strands of leather and beads, and someof each day. times metals, round and round their wrists; or alternatively, choosing the simplicity of one simple, silver band. Photos by Amy Brooks Thornton.

T C

Charitable Donation from Citizens Bank

he Citizens Bank Foundation contributed $5,000 to support Food Works at Two Rivers Centers Gardens for Learning program. This program helps to alleviate childhood hunger during summer months when free and reduced-price lunches are unavailable. It provides access to fresh, nutritious food to underserved communities in Vermont.

Subscribe to The Bridge!

For a one-year subscription, send this form and a check to The Bridge, P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601. Name___________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State_____Zip____________ I have enclosed a check, payable to The Bridge, for: $50 for a one-year subscription An extra $____ to support The Bridge. (Contributions are not tax-deductible.)

Redirecting Food Waste

assandra Brush, zero waste coordinator for the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD), said that, working with Montpelier Alive, CVSWMD diverted over 1,400 pounds of food waste from landfills to composting during Montpeliers July 3 celebration, which was attended by as many as 20,000 people. According to CVSWMD, over half of the waste from the celebration was recycled, reducing the garbage by two-thirds.

ermonts Secretary of State, Jim Condos, has designated Vermont Health Connect as a voter registration agency. Secretary Condos plans to work with the Department of Vermont Health Access to ensure full compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) to designate any office in the state that provides public assistance as a voter registration agency.

Another Venue for Voter Registration

Gleaning Money

alvation Farms, a federally recognized not-for-profit organization involved in agricultural surplus management, recently received a $7,000 contribution from an anonymous source. The organization, located in Morrisville, will use the money to increase staff, with an eye to strengthening the Vermont Gleaning Collective, a collaborative statewide network of autonomous, community-based gleaning initiatives. Items compiled or submitted by Bob Nuner, Ken Russell and Richard Sheir.

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 Phone: 802-223-5112 | Fax: 802-223-7852 montpelierbridge.com; facebook.com/montpelierbridge Published every first and third Thursday
Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham General Manager: Bob Nuner Strategic Planner: Amy Brooks Thornton Production & Calendar Editor: Kate Mueller Sales Representatives: Carolyn Grodinsky, Rick McMahan, Ivan Shadis

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Graphic Design & Layout: Cynthia Ryan Bookkeeper: Kathryn Leith Distribution: Kevin Fair, Diana Koliander-Hart, Daniel Renfro, Anna Sarquiz Website Manager: Cynthia Ryan Advertising: For information about advertising deadlines and rates, contact: 223-5112, ext. 11, carolyn@montpelierbridge.com or rick@montpelierbridge.com Editorial: Contact Bob, 223-5112, ext. 14, or editorial@montpelierbridge.com. Location: The Bridge office is located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, on the lower level of Schulmaier Hall. Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by mail for $50 a year. Make out your check to The Bridge, and mail to The Bridge, PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
Copyright 2013 by The Montpelier Bridge

Our next issue, which comes out Thursday, August 22, is our

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Advertising deadline: Friday, August 16. Call 223-5112 for Carolyn (x11) or Ivan (x12) or Rick at 479-0970.

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The Bridge

Looking at the Numbers

Vermont School Statistics Vermonts per pupil school spending has increased by 90 percent in the last 10 years, while student enrollment has declined. Our statewide per pupil spending of $18,571 is 71 percent higher than the national average and by far the highest in New England. We spend 5.9 percent of personal income on education in Vermont, again far above the national average and far more than any other New England state. We have 199 students per school administrator in Vermont, again far below the national average of 300, and the lowest in New England. Our student teacher ratio of 11.6 is more than 25 percent below the national average, and again far below the other New England states. Twenty percent of our students are in districts of fewer than 300 kids. The other New England states are at 0.5 percent, 3.7 percent, 0.6 percent, 2.9 percent and 0.3 percent. Source: Vermont School Boards Association. Montpelier Education Finance Statistics Median home value in Montpelier, including condominiums, is $213,200. That median home pays $3,058 in school taxes, before factoring in income, up from $2,795 last year. The total Grand List for Montpelier is $843,834,299. This excludes a number of nonprofit institutions and state government properties that dont pay property tax to the city. The total Montpelier tax revenue due to schools, in 2014, is $11,723,087, a one year rise of $835,421. Homeowners tax rate for schools is rising 9.4 percent for the current budget year. Source: City Assessors Office.

Hollar and Aldrich Debate School Spending

by Ken Russell

ontpelier schools are on an unsustainable spending path, and no one is making the tough choices needed, according to former school board chair and current mayor John Hollar. In March, city voters approved a 9.4 percent increase in property tax contributions to school budgets. Hollar believes that this is only the beginning: If you look at this financial wave that is coming at us, and you think, all right, we can keep doing business as usual, but its going to come at a price. Were already among the highest spending states in the country, and in Montpelier, our combined tax rate (school plus municipal) is already one of the highest in the state. We are looking at very significant increases in the education tax that are going to continue into the future. That says to me that we have a crisis. We need to address it. I think we are experiencing impacts of that now, and its going to get worse. People are going to find that Montpelier is an unaffordable place to live because of the property tax bills that we get. Were willing to pay good money for what they see as good investments in schools, but the question is when is enough, enough? Will the whole thing tip over? Can we afford to have three schools, three principals and all of the administrative costs that are associated with operating those three facilities? Its teachers that offer education to students, but because we have those three separate schools, there are attendant costs that go with that that are driving up much of our costs. Change is very difficult, and education would be the poster child of the institution that is difficult to change. We have this education spending problem that is statewide, and you see the legislature struggling with it every year and have difficulty taking it on. The fact that its hard doesnt mean we shouldnt take it on. We have, in my opinion, far too many school districts, too many boards and administrative overhead for the number of students that we have. The rate of growth, statewide, has continued to climb, even as the number of students has declined.

If you look at whats happening over the last five to 10 years, its pretty alarming. Our students do well, but theyre not doing well because of the rate of growth in spending; theyre doing well in some cases, in spite of it. The spending is preserving the status quo. Most of the people voting on the budget arent paying the full cost of those spending increases and have created a misalignment of incentives and impacts. It creates a very significant political challenge. This is a very vibrant community, but you cant take that for granted, and one of the threats to that, I think, is our tax rate, that causes people who dont have income sensitized taxes to choose to live elsewhere. Current school board chair Sue Aldrich acknowledges budget challenges but puts her focus on the value of the education: We were recently named the number one public high school in Vermont [by U.S. News & World Report] amid stiff competition within Vermont. Our test scores are consistently above the statewide average and recently we had the highest scores in the states. Parents love the schools. Every year we have kids go to Harvard, Yale, Stanford and the list goes on. For those for whom college is not a priority, we have developed cutting-edge programs which best serve their needs. Its just an incredible school system. Its really a huge success story. Aldrich describes Hollar as a close friend, but one with a different perspective. His focus has tended to be on making budget decisions based on a number or a percentage increase that he feels will be acceptable to voters. My focus is on creatingand paying forthe most effective learning environment for our kids. Everyone that I talk to, everyone who votes for me, says do not cut this program, do not lose another teacher, do not shave away programs and options for our kids; they do not want that. As for next year, Aldrich stated that the board will aim for a single vote school budget (we always do that) but that more money struggles are likely: The superintendent told me to expect some painful cuts, and when we get to that point, well see. I wont necessarily be in favor of them.

Weve managed not to decimate programs, and it has come at some cost; there is no question. But we have also tightened up. Weve lost one whole administrative position in the last year. Aldrich also points to the backdrop of tighter school spending during the past decade (when John Hollar was board chair): This past year, there was a pretty dramatic increase, after 10 to 12 years of 2.5 percent (on average) increases. Weve had to play catch up on quite a few things that were deferred for too long, you know. Asked whether we are in danger of becoming a more exclusive community, Aldrich answered, A little bit. It depends on your perspective: Im a realtor. People call me every day and ask me, I really want to find a way to get into the Montpelier school district. In central Vermont, Montpelier is one of the strongest real estate markets around, and thats why I have a problem with some of the critics of the school budget, because they want to have their cake and eat it too. They want their house to have high value, but they dont want to pay high taxes. John always talks about youve got to have a plan. Of course we have a plan. It doesnt always have the same end goal that John wants to have, but we do have a plan. Simply reducing costs, no matter what, is not a really great plan, if you ask me. You have to look carefully at the whole system, every year. As the paper neared production, Superintendent Brian Ricca came in with the following soft projections on school spendingnot necessarily equivalent to tax increasesof 3 to 4 percent He cautioned that there are many factors, due to state education financing formulas and contract negotiations, that make more precise numbers difficult. According to the city clerk, John Odum, in the March 2013 city election, 37.6 percent of voters participated. He noted that, due to bloated voter rolls, the real proportion might be as high as 45 percent. On the school budget vote, part A, 1,426 voted yes, 891, no; on part B, 1,209 voted yes, 1,062 against. On the school bond, the vote was 1,401 to 875, in favor.

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The Bridge

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Voices on School Spending

by Nat Frothingham and Ken Russewll
Peter Nielsen on Spring 2013 Teacher Contract Negotiations Those negotiating the contract have sold the whole town down the Winooski for years and years to come. The money that will be added to that contract will come directly from the students instead of paying for teachers. Instead of being academic rigorous, this will be a cut in what was once a really solid school system. A chance for a fair and equitable contract was totally missed. All of that has been lost because of this one contract, and the cost increases it represents. It was a huge moment. The balance that John Hollar created, and maintained a decade, is now gone. That contract changed the Montpelier school system for a long time. It has all the big problems of trying to expect a small number of private property owners to fund a regional hub. We need an aggressive campaign with other towns to spread this around; thats the only way to get out of this mess of 2,000 homeowners paying the bills for central Vermont. David Dobbs on Fiscal Hawks and Public Spending Theres a certain amount of wealth in this town; theres a certain amount of income. As a populace, the message has been absolutely consistent to say, We dont mind spending money on valuable services. This is a consistent message that we value good public expenditures. We are not averse to spending money that is of value to the entire community. Right now, I feel like there is a significant sector of our council that refuses to read the memo. Because of this hesitance to spend, we are not even entertaining ideas that could really transform this town. Tim Heney, Realtor and Former School Board Member Education is key, and education is expensive. We really have to manage the biggest chunk of tax dollars, which are schools. Its over 60 cents on every tax dollar. Right now, thats the sector that seems to be increasing. The question is how can this continue? At some point, something will happen. Its a tragedy, because somebodys got to exercise some leadership and make the right choices to get this thing right sized and in line. The overhead is the same overhead we had when we had a lot more students in the school district. [Becoming a more exclusive community is] part of what may happen. I mean: Do you want this to happen? That may be the decision, maybe subconsciously, that is happening at this point, which I think would be a tragedy. Erica Metzger Hare, Chief Financial Officer, Vermont College of Fine Arts Erica Metzger Hare keeps her daughters in Waldorf schools. She believes that its important for a child to remain a child as long as possible, and that, that is lost in public schools. She says, look, theyre sitting at desks, this deprives them of the really important things about being a child. Alan Weiss, Montpelier City Councilor Weiss believes in holding students and teachers to higher standards and more rigor. He points to a high degree of absenteeism, and class time missed for athletics and field trips. He poses some provocative ideas such as allowing junior high students to take a year off to focus on developmental needs, or forcing teachers to scrap and then reinvent curriculum every several years, as a way of encouraging innovation. Montpelier Resident Jean Olson Discusses the 9.4 percent Tax Increase Montpelier resident Jean Olson talked via phone to The Bridge and spoke for both herself and her husband, George. Olson said that she and her husband moved to Montpelier in 1969 and have lived here for 33 of the last 44 years. About school budgets, she said, Weve always voted to pass the school budget. And I think overall that Montpelier as a community wants to support public education. But given the current school budget tax increase, theres some public concern that the budget might increase again in March 2014. Olson noted some rather large changes about what public education aims to do. I notice an increasingly large emphasis in our schools on workforce development. Ive noted the more recent emphasis on STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics]. But whats happening to the humanities, to the liberal arts? I would argue that humanities education is a good platform for critical thinking and for life. But some of the changes in educational thinking Olson feels good about. An upside to this is valuing the trades . . . Now we see our craftspeople, mechanics, plumbers, electricianswe see these men and women differently. In times past, students would sometimes shy away from practical jobs in the trades, such as plumbing, mechanics and construction. But now, Olson observed, students are saying to themselves, If I am clever enough to work as a tradesperson, I can make a good living. Olson noted a decline in Montpeliers population and a decline in school enrollment numbers. She wondered out loud about the resulting small classes in our public school system, and she asked, Is the Montpelier School Board having conversations with other schools, educationally and financially? All told, she feels that Montpelier citizens and taxpayers need to think critically about our municipal and school budgets. Jean Olson is active with VAM (Vibrant and Affordable Montpelier), a local group that has raised questions about Montpeliers property tax burden. VAM will be sponsoring a public meeting featuring Mayor John Hollar and School Board Chair Sue Aldrich to look at the big picture city and school issues. That meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. (7 p.m. meet and greet) on Tuesday evening, September 17, at Noble Hall on the Vermont College of Fine Arts campus. Jake Brown on Paying Twice Montpelier resident Jake Brown and his wife, Milly Archer, have chosen to send their son, Nelson, who is 14 years old, to the Orchard Valley Waldorf School, an independent K8 school in East Montpelier. In a phone conversation with The Bridge, Brown said the decision to send Nelson to Orchard Valley was about choosing a strong education for his son. At Orchard Valley, class sizes are small, and the breadth of the curriculum is very wide. We have a strong sense that Orchard Valley is preparing our son for the future that will be full of change, probably rapid change, said Brown. At Orchard Valley, hes gaining a wide variety of skillsacademic, practical and creative skills. The choice to send their son to an independent school means paying for tuition at Orchard Valley and at the same time paying Montpelier school taxes. About tuition, Brown said, We believe Orchard Valley offers an excellent value. Its not inexpensive, and there are periodic tuition increases, but we believe money is carefully spent. Its not easy paying tuition to Orchard Valley and Montpeliers very hefty education property taxes. And while we understand that property owners have a social responsibility to help fund the education of the communitys young people, this year Montpeliers school taxes increased by almost 10 percent, said Brown. That is not sustainable.

Elements of School Bond Approved March 2013

Cost of new bleachers for Montpelier High School athletic field: $100,000. Cost of Union Elementary hook-up to District Heat System: $910,076. Source: Montpelier School District.

Enrollment Figures
Photo by Amy Brooks Thornton. Change in Enrollment from 2003 to 2012 Montpelier High School: minus 23 percent Main Street Middle School: minus 28 percent Union Elementary: plus 32 percent Student Enrollment Numbers 20032004 20122013 Montpelier High School 410 313 Main Street Middle School 273 196 Union Elementary 383 506 Source: Vermont Department of Education.

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Breaking Down the Walls: New Pathways at our Public High Schools
by Amy Brooks Thornton

he applause does not stop. The audience, packed onto the U-32 high school stage, stands for the performance theyve just witnessed. Growing Up: The Modern American Horror weaves original music, a live band, fantastical masks, singers and dancers into a politically savvy, witty and highly intelligent script. It is the brainchild of Camille Johnson, director, producer, writer, set designer, prop-maker and Pilot student. The performance wouldnt have been possible without the existence of The Pilot, U-32s full-time, unconventional, educational pathway. Johnson, at one point disenfranchised from public school, says, I found a sense of purpose through an education that encouraged me to take risks, make mistakes, be highly creativethree things that I did not find in the traditional classroom. Creating and producing the immense undertaking, Johnson says, instilled in me a confidence that I am absolutely heading in the right direction in my life. Unlike the many existing, flexible pathways for students to earn credits and gain knowledge outside of the conventional classroom, U-32s The Pilot and Montpelier High Schools (MHS) brand-new Soar program are in-house options in which students can earn all of their academic credits outside the conventional classroom but under the guidance of and funded by the high school. Highly successful and growing in popularity, The Pilot, now in its third year, had 19 students apply for five open spots. The Pilot has room for 10 students at once. At MHS 7 of the 10 Soar openings have been filled. MHS principal, Adam Bunting, believes that all 10 spots will be filled by fall. U-32 principal Keith Gerritt says The Pilot exists to serve students who are disengaged, or those who are at risk of dropping out cutting class, staying home, calling in sick a lot. It is powerful learning for a certain type of kid, Gerritt says. Johnson exemplified disengagement. When you are stuck at your desk, your mind is stuck there too. I never saw how my work applied to the real world because I was not out in the real world, she says. Nor did she find her interests and passions in her textbooks. With the disconnect between the classroom, and its accompanying, backbreaking texts, and real-world work, she found an absence of a sense of purpose . . . The Pilot program existed for me to restore that sense of purpose. Bunting doesnt want to narrow the applicant pool. Instead, he says, Were targeting all of the students. Everybody,not just the students who are struggling but also the students who do well in the conventional

classroom and may want to try a different approach to their education. Creating a New Way for Students to Learn Public high schools throughout Vermont are seeking and creating new ways to provide an education for all their students under their, not the states, supervision. Brian G. Ricca, Montpelier superintendent of schools, referring to the MHS infrastructure, emphasizes that he wants all MHS students to shine in this building and get the support they need within the schools walls. Bunting reflects that, when its a school-sponsored activity, unlike the statefunded and supervised Act 176 program or homeschooling, it gives people permission to try something that would be considered more of a risk. Its scary to go against the system. These well-intentioned programs are also financially incentivized. Under Act 176, high school students, ages 16 and above, who have unenrolled from school but want their diploma, are supervised by employees of Vermont Adult Education, a state-run organization. They support the student in creating and implementing individualized learning and graduation plans. In this case, the per-pupil funds stay with the state. The students high school, which often spends time and money working with the student, does not get a cent. Those students who are considering unenrolling from MHS or U-32 now have Soar and The Pilot as options. The schools will receive the associated state funds, essentially saving them money. Students still have the option of working with Vermont Adult Education and Act 176. The phenomenon of full-time alternative educational pathways within public high schools is exciting and spreading. U-32, inspired by a visit to Mount Abraham High Schools Pathways program in Bristol, Vermont, created The Pilot. In turn, Chris Blackburn, U-32s The Pilot advisor and English teacher, helped MHS design Soar. Competitors usually, Soars advisor Julie Morton says that U-32 was a wonderful resource for us in our planning and that it was invaluable to have a model so close by to draw on. The programs share much. Both aim to reengage students, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and develop academic knowledge and skills by exploring a variety of interests, as the U-32 Program of Studies guide states. Both The Pilot and Soars highly individualized project- and internship-based study are driven by student interest, aim to be rigorous and are overseen by one central teacher, Blackburn at U-32 and Morton at MHS. Other teachers in various disciplines, guidance counsel-

ors and community mentors also support and evaluate student work. Students in both programs create frequent multimedia presentations and portfolios in lieu of tests and papers. And the teachers in both use rigorous standards to measure student work. The Pilot and Soar allow students to take conventional academic classes, as well, and encourage participation in sports, theater, after-school clubs and the school community in general. Finally, both programs have dedicated classrooms in the heart of the school. But there are differences. At U-32, a team of seven supports, assesses, and grades the work of each Pilot student. Blackburn who doubles as advisor and English teacher, five other teachers in math, science, social studies, business and fine arts plus a guidance counselor make up a 1.1 full-time equivalent. The 10 Pilot students comprise about one-sixth of the total high school body. Soar, on the other hand, relies on a team of three. Morton, the Soar advisor, and only two teachers, but more allotted time per teacher than The Pilot, will oversee potentially 10 Soar students, about one-third of the MHS enrollment this coming year. The English teacher who will oversee all of the humanities and the science teacher who will cover the STEM subject areasscience, technology, engineering and mathmake a 0.9 full-time equivalent. The Soar teachers will not grade but rather write narratives of the student work. The Future of Grading Students Bunting warns against falling into the nether world between conventional and progressive education, putting grades on things where grading doesnt make sense, thinking about seat time versus learning. Although Bunting is proud of how MHS serves students, the effects of traditional grades and credits on true learning discourage him. We need to accept that the conventional system is broken, he says. He wants to create strength rather than a deficit-based model: Were leading kids to believe that theyre not powerful learners and contributors because of what we measure. To break away from the traditional credit game, as Bunting puts it, and in lieu of grades, Soar students will have to demonstrate proficiencies in the seven schoolwide learning expectations: writing, reading, communicating, problem solving, habits of learning, citizenship and creativity. Soar teachers will rigorously and appropriately evaluate their presentations and portfolio in which they document their work. Buntings dream is to see all of MHS adopt this multidimensional, value-based work and assessment process. At U-32, Gerritt and Blackburn also underline skill development and rigor. Blackburn emphasizes the crucial importance of

skill development in areas of perseverance, resilience, critical thinking and decisionmaking over grades. Gerritt stresses that rigor runs throughout The Pilot program. The demanding application and screening process for The Pilot, Gerritt says, requires student applicants to show how they believe the opportunity to assume independent study will help them not only learn but be fully engaged in their study. Examples of engagement in The Pilot abound. One student studied firefighting and interned with the Montpelier department. She also applied for and received a grant to fund and take an EMT course. Another studied ornithology through a course at Cornell and led outdoor programs for younger kids and banded birds at the North Branch Nature Center. Sometimes students work together, such as the group of four women who developed and pursued a womens studies courseone of whom organized a fundraising 5k run for Congo women as a direct outgrowth of her research into issues affecting women in developing countries. Blackburn describes one of The Pilots high points. MHS invited The Pilot students to help MHS design the fledgling Soar program. There I was at 7:30 a.m., Blackburn relates, with five or six kids speaking fluently and convincingly about the power of this model of education in their lives. They didnt have to come in early to do that, and their poise and evident conviction showed me that this is incredibly worthwhile. I hope that the success of our students, their testimony about engagement, happiness and pride in learning coupled with the portfolios of high level work that they produce will help the administration stay supportive, says Blackburn. Championing the success of The Pilot, Gerritt hopes to increase its budget and enrollment for next year. However, he is troubled that anything that is not being tested on the national test is at risk. Bunting knows that for the Soar program to be successful, he will have to share the students successes with the community. That will most likely not pose a problem. Buntings passion about Soars foundational idea, to honor and encourage the strengths of each student by creating student centered, meaningful and rich learning experiences, will fill the hallways. Learning transcends the classroom walls, Bunting says. Everyone is a learner in all contexts of their life and we need to think of how we honor that as educators. He adds, with a wide grin, Just because my mother taught me to write does that make it less valid than what I got from a classroom teacher? Id be in trouble without my mother.

Rehearsal for U-32 Pilot Student Camille Johnsons performance art piece, Growing Up the Modern American Horror. Photo courtesy of Camille Johnson.

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Morristown Wolcott

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100

Elmore

Sampler of Central Vermont K12 Alternate Education Options

Compiled by Bob Nuner

Hardwick

Stowe
14

8
Worcester

Woodbury

Cab
12

These educational options are tuition-based. Please contact the organizations for more information on associated costs, available discounts and scholarships. This information derived from websites and admissions directors.

1 Central Vermont Academy

Our school provides a safe, Christ-centered setting, which gives every child the opportunity to develop spiritually, mentally, socially and physically. We provide academic excellence that challenges each student to be all they can be. We carry out the commission of service to our church and community through work, fellowship and the sharing of individual talents. Each student is unique and has immeasurable worth. We pray they will learn to be anchored to Christ while waiting for His coming. centralvermontacademy.org Intiative Our program will offer rigorous academics, a full palate of artistic activities and engaging outdoor and service learning opportunities. Central Vermont High School Initiatives mission is to create, nurture, and maintain a healthy, thriving and affordable secondary education program out of an anthroposophically based picture of the threefold human being (body, soul and spirit), that will serve high school students in the Central Vermont area. centralvthighschool. wordpress.com Vermont High School 2 Central 

have come to MMWA for our highly individualized winter program in Stowe. Working with the very successful Mt. Mansfield Ski & Snowboard Club (MMSC), MMWA faculty and staff coordinate with MMSC coaches to combine academic excellence with outstanding results on snow. MMWA students grow to be independent, responsible, respectful and confident of accomplishing future goals in academics, winter sports and other pursuits. mmwa.org School Orchard Valley Waldorf School (OVWS) is an independent school founded in 2004 when the Montpelier Childs Garden and Three Rivers School merged. Built upon the commitment to expand Waldorf education in central Vermont, our developing school has grown to serve pre-K to grade 8. More than 180 students are served by 30 full-time and part-time faculty and staff at two campuses. OVWS delivers proven educational programs, guiding each student along a path that allows the child to grow into young adulthood with inner confidence and a love for learning and with the dynamic thinking required to promote social renewal. We seek to awaken and educate the whole child by equally engaging the mind, enlivening the imagination and strengthening the will, in harmony with the natural stages of child development. ovsw.org

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Waterbury Duxbury Middlesex
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Calais Marsheld Roxbury

East Montpelier

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MONTPELIER Moretown

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11 Pacem School 
Pacem School is an intellectually inspiring, joyful learning community in Montpelier. We are a state-recognized, full-time independent 712 grade school, and in addition, we offer coursework and extracurricular support to homeschoolers ages 1018. Pacem is dedicated to self-discovery, student-directed learning, academic and creative mastery, peaceful conflict resolution, environmental awareness and the development of individuals capable of pursuing their dreams while being active and informed citizens. pacemschool.org
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3  EarthWalk
EarthWalks mission is to inspire and empower children, families and communities to reconnect with and care for one another and the earth through long-term community and nature-based mentoring. EarthWalk offers year-round programs, including: EarthWalk Village School, Teen Land Project and EarthGirls and EarthScouts after-school programs. earthwalkvermont.org School Through the unique sport of ski racing, and through education in the liberal arts tradition, it is our mission to develop the whole person with a lifelong love of learning, sport and adventure. Our goal is to create an environment in which our students can become well-rounded scholars, athletes and citizens who value discipline, responsibility, respect, independent initiative, total commitment and effort. gmvs.org Vermont The mission of the Montessori School of Central Vermont is to help children of ages 3 through 12 realize the fullness of their developmental potential during these formative years. Our schools provide carefully prepared environments and specially trained adult guides, who illuminate the organizing principles of this work to the childrens parents. The schools are guided in their mission by the discoveries and lifelong work of Dr. Maria Montessori. mscvt.org School of Central 5 Montessori 

Randolph

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8 Rice Memorial High School 

Nearly 400 students from 43 towns across Vermont and 12 different countries are enrolled at Rice. The school boasts a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and offers an aggressive college preparatory curriculum. Over 90 percent of graduating seniors are accepted and attend four-year colleges and universities. Founded in 1959, Rice Memorial High Schools mission is to guide its students to discover their God-given potential by learning how to recognize and develop their gifts, love learning, serve others and seek God. rmhsvt.org

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12 River Rock School

River Rock School is a small, independent, progressive primary and middle school founded in 2004 in Montpelier. We create a learning environment where students are supported in their natural love of learning within a community of respect that honors the individual voice of each person. Social, emotional and intellectual development are valued equally. Critical thinking, communication skills, intellectual curiosity, self-discovery and acceptance are supported by a rich curriculum, which includes daily activity times, small group and whole group instruction in academic areas, outdoor time and all-school council meetings. We support whats known as emergent curriculum: the curriculum emerges from the thoughts, interests and needs of the students. The methods are founded upon practices developed by other progressive institutions such as the

k-12: 1,3,9,13

K-8: 4,12

Prospect School and Bank Street School. riverrockschool.org

13 Roots School
Roots School educates people of all ages in wilderness survival, long-term primitive living skills and tracking and nature awareness. We focus on building strong connections to our landscapes. All students can expect small class sizes, experience-based practical learning and highly skilled instructors with a wide breadth and depth of education. rootsvt.com and Technology at VTC A day school for students with a special in-

terest and aptitude in the areas of math and science completing both requirements for high school graduation and the first year of a degree program in engineering technology at Vermont Technical College. vtc.edu/vast

9  Vermont Commons School

Vermont Commons School students experience a unique blend of academics and global immersion, master fundamental academic disciplines, grasp the profound interdependence of the natural and human systems they inhabit, and graduate with the values, knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary to become ethical and engaged ecological citizens. vermontcommons.org

7  Mount Mansfield Winter

Academy Mount Mansfield Winter Academy (MMWA) is an independent winter sports academy that provides a quality academic program for alpine and snowboard studentathletes in grades 7 through 12. Since 1993, students from New England and beyond

10  Vermont Academy of Science

pag e 8 Au g u s t 121, 2 013

The Bridge

To the Montpelier Community:

in the capital city of Vermont. The Bridge has graciously given me an opportunity to share some of the wonderful things that are happening in Montpelier public schools.
New this year to Montpelier High School (MHS) is the Soar Program. Soar recognizes that students come to high school with unique backgrounds, knowledge and skills and that when students leave high school they will need unique background knowledge and skills to contribute to their lives, postsecondary education and training or professions. Soar provides students the flexibility to define and explore their interests and skills while demonstrating growth in, and understanding of, the core learning expectations of the Montpelier High School community. Soar students are engaged in mentored projects and academic work to achieve credits toward graduation from MHS. We are very excited about the first year of this program and hope to see it grow in the years to come. Main Street Middle Schools Team Summit has been chosen to join in the VEEP Whole School Energy Challenge for next year. This program will help MSMS record and map energy use (both heating and electrical) for the upcoming school year and make changes throughout the year to reduce our energy use. This is a great extension of what Team Summit accomplished last year with the Locker Clean Out events and classroom composting. In addition, Team Summit will be beginning

ith August comes the eve of another school year

a water bottle initiative when school resumes. Chris Hennessey has joined the Montpelier Public Schools as the new principal at Union Elementary School. Chris has been an educator since 1990 and an administrator for the past seven years at Spaulding High School in Barre. During his teaching career, Chris has worked with diverse populations of students in Vermont, as well as in Massachusetts and New Mexico. Two of Chriss greatest strengths are ensuring students success and that all stakeholders in the educational process feel heard and listened to. Chris is known as a reflective administrator, who makes decisions based almost exclusively on what is in the best interest of students. Chris lives in Montpelier with his wife, Susan, and twin daughters, Catherine and Olivia. I recognize that the Montpelier citizens made a substantial commitment to our schools during the past two budget seasons. However, from 2000 to 2012, the average increase over the past 12 years in school budgets has been 2.5 percent. That is a tremendous commitment to the children who come into our buildings and the men and women who staff the Montpelier Public Schools. We have demonstrated improvement and growth, especially when you consider the following: In reading, across grades 3, 4 and 5, students demonstrated increased proficiency every year since 2007, and currently we have the lowest level of students below proficiency in eight years. Our eighth-graders in science earned the highest proficiency in five years and earned an 11 percent increase over scores in 2011. Further, in writing this same group of students increased proficiency 10 percent from the previous years scores. Our juniors at Montpelier High School earned increased proficiency in three of the four subjects they test in: science (24 percent increase since 2010), writing (25 percent increase

since 2010) and math (28 percent increase since 2009 and top proficiency in the state of Vermont). Thank you for your commitment to the work that we do. Your yes votes on Town Meeting Day give us the resources that we need to educate the children of this city. It is not something that we take for granted: it is something that we are very grateful for. We work daily to ensure that the mission of the Montpelier Public Schools is a reality for every student. We are proud of what we do, and we recognize that there is always room for improvement. These highlights are but a brief window into the world of the Montpelier Public Schools. I invite you to participate more thoughtfully this year at our school board meetings. It is important to hear from the community

throughout the year, not just when the budget conversations are happening. Come see one of our theater productions or listen to our wonderful musicians in concert throughout the year. Stop by and cheer on our athletic teams as they compete, or feel welcome to attend one of the open houses at our schoolseven if you dont have children in that particular school! I am always available to listen to feedback, suggestions or recommendations about our schools. It is a professional privilege to serve this community, and I look forward to another tremendous year together in service to our students. Gratefully,  r. Brian G. Ricca, D Superintendent of Schools 223-9796, brian@mpsvt.org

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The Bridge

Au g u s t 121, 2 013 , pag e 9

The Bully Project

For the last two months, a group of teens, with the support of the Basement Teen Center and Folk Life Center, have been interviewing and photographing people of all ages around downtown Montpelier to record the publics thoughts on bullying. Interviewees were photographed and asked questions such as: What does bullying mean to you? Why do you think it happens? What would you say to a bully? This project aims to put a familiar face on how we, as a community, approach the issue of bullying. The creators of this project hope that it will encourage the community to have conversations about bullying and consider the impact of how we treat each other. The Bully Project Team

edited and compiled by Amy Brooks Thornton

Below are excerpts from audio clips that can be heard via cell phone and accompany the portraits appearing on a wall downtown (top right photo) and on a defunct train car behind Guys Farm & Yard (bottom right photo). The Bully Projects team was comprised of visionary producer Tomas Rogel, coproducers Nathan Burton and Julia Hancock-Song and all Montpelier High School students. They were assisted by Nick Connor, director of prevention programs at Washington County Youth Services Bureau, and Sarah August, Teen Basement AmeriCorps volunteer. Ned Castle mentored the team in photography. The project was funded by the Basement Teen Center. Tomas Rogel, 16 - Visionary and Creator Bullying is an important issue because it affects people mentally and physically and I dont believe that people should have to suffer through that. People bully when they feel insecure about themselves or have had something happen in their lives that makes such insecure feelings they turn it into anger against other people. Julia Hancock-Song, 16 - Co-producer Its really hard to see the line between joking around, people pushing each other around for fun, for laughs, and when it actually becomes actual bullying and not a game. If youre feeling harassed or depressed because of it, then its a serious issue. If you see people being bullied, step up and say like, this doesnt look very nice. Jen Zimberg, 26 Bullying is very often subtle. It definitely takes the form of physical violence. More often its emotional and psychological. That matters because its really hard to point out that someone is doing something to you. Its really easy for a bully to say, No I wasnt doing anything to you, or Im just kidding. Thats a big one. Im just joking. Cant you take a joke? In high school, the last thing you want do is admit that youre vulnerable and sensitive and your feelings can get hurt. Sometimes even your closest friends are not always that kind. I wonder if they know the effect of their actions? Ashley Portman, 29 For me bullying is like a cry for help. Its a cry for attention. The perpetrator is looking for someone to bully, but in a lot of ways I see the perpetrator as someone who is looking for love. I was bullied a lot in school. I was pretty shy. I grew up outside of NYC. There were times when I would skip school for a week. I would go and hide in the bathroom. It was really, really scary. It affected me not only socially but academically because I didnt want to go to school.

It can feel really scary to want to reach out and ask for help from other people because theres this sense of embarrassment. Search and seek out a community. Dont be afraid to use your voice Andrea Cohen, 49 Everybody has the right to be respected and move through life in a way where their talents and their skills are appreciated. Seek out those who respect you and love you. And respect and love yourself. Because the people who are doing the bullying are a bunch of fools. You just need to ignore them and seek out the support and love from people who get you for how beautiful and amazing you are. Miles Rappaport, 14 Ill see people getting picked on at school. I dont really like it. More often than not I dont do something and I probably should. I know that is just as bad. I dont like seeing people upset because it makes me upset too. I might ask them Why are you doing that to someone? Because finding out why theyre upset could also be the reason theyre doing it, and that could help them realize that its bad. Bob Watson, 59 People who bully are probably insecure in some way. They want to feel good about themselves. The only way they can feel good about themselves is by being above somebody else and intimidating. If I saw somebody bullying someone else, I would say, Hey, knock it off. I dont like seeing somebody intimidated. Theres no reason for it. Ian Quinlan, 40 I pretty much spent my entire high school being bullied. I was 98 pounds until my senior year. I was an easy target. I was bullied by pretty much everyone. So, of course instead of picking on the toughest kids in school, the bullies pick on the smallest kid in school to prove theyre tough. Theres a lot of pressure on kids to be popular. They want to feel accepted in a group or a crowd so they do things they might have not otherwise done. Just telling someones parents Oh, your kids bullying someone isnt always going to be effective because the parents are part of the reason the kid is a bully. There needs to be outside intervention. You cant just say stop bullying. We need to explain why. They have to understand not only what happens with them for being a bully, but that the self-confidence they are trying to build is a fake self-confidence, and its not going to do them any good in the real world. Nathan Burton, 15 Co-producer Tell someone about it, your parents or friends, or an official adult, or all of them. Theres no reason for them to continue. Bullies are taking their pain and kind of spreading it.

Tomas Rogel, Bully Project visionary and creator and Julia Hancock-Song co-producer, stand in front of Bully Project photos posted downtown.

Julia Hancock-Song and Tomas Rogel conduct interviews downtown.

Bully Project members paste a photo on the defunct train car on Stone Cutters Way. Above photos courtesy of the Bully Project.

pag e 10 Au g u s t 121, 2 013

The Bridge

A Message from City Hall

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

New Kitchen and Meals Program Launched at Montpelier Senior Activity Center
for all. Looking forward to many, many great meals to come. Come taste what we are doing. Turcotte and MSAC director Janna Clar are anticipating expanding kitchen activity to include cooking classes, on-site catering for MSAC events and facility rentals and other possibilities as a result of the new partnership. The Three-Way Partnership and Funding That Makes Meals Happen Turcotte, chef and owner of Good Taste Catering (GTC), has a contract with the citys nonprofit JBI (a 501(c)3 organization that also administers the Montpelier Food Pantry at 137 Main Street) to produce the necessary volume of meals for seniors, and GTC is paid a set cost per meal. Turcotte is self-employed and not a paid staff member of JBI or MSAC. MSAC, a city department, with approval by City Council in March, has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with JBI to contribute a portion of the expenses for the meals through its operating budget. Central Vermont Council on Aging has a contract with JBI as the administrator of the federal Older Americans Act funding, which supports senior nutrition programs like this around the country. Fees charged and donations received for meals bring in additional revenue. Finally, fundraising activities and additional donations will cover the rest of the cost of the meals programs. All donations are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to Just Basics, 137 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 (write senior meals on the check memo line). An additional partner of the meals program is Dog River Farm of Berlin, which has also supported JBIs Food Pantry in recent years. Since early July, the farm has donated 405 pounds of vegetables to the senior meal program. Some was gleaned by program volunteers and some was donated directly by owner George Gross. The donated vegetables included kale, romaine, summer squash and assorted greens. The first day the kitchen opened for production on July 8, a truckload of over 100 pounds of kale arrived and was soon processed by kitchen staff and volunteers. Some was incorporated into the next days home-delivered meals, and the rest was stored to be used in future meals. We can be sure that Montpelier seniors will be following the motto of longstanding volunteer delivery driver, Bo Muller-Moore, when they eat more kale this summer! Volunteers Are Busy, and More Are Needed The program wouldnt be possible without the participation of dedicated volunteers, who have already logged over 100 hours. JBI and MSAC are still recruiting volunteers for various shifts and teams in and outside the kitchen. Training is available, so no experience is necessary. Help is especially needed for table setup and cleanup on Tuesdays and Fridays. There are also opportunities involving food preparation, food rescue and education. Commitments of any length are helpful, and regular commitments over at least three months are ideal. If interested in contributing time as a team member or leader, call Kimberley 595-9145, or look for a sign-up form in the MSAC lobby or on the website at montpelier-vt.org/upload/groups/373/files/ summer_2013_meals_volunteer_sign-up_form.pdf. The Kitchen The new commercial kitchen at 58 Barre Street includes a range, dishwasher and pot sink salvaged from the 2009 fire, as well as essential new equipment, including a large walkin cooler and freezer, blast chiller, pressure steamer, firesuppression hood, work tables, ice maker, vegetable and hand sinks and shelving. Eric Seidel, formerly of New England Culinary Institute, designed the kitchen before retirement and volunteered countless hours as project manager during the estimating and installation phases. In addition, nearly 100 members of the senior activity center have donated over $6,500 in the past two months to help procure the necessary small wares to get the kitchen fully operational. These items include new pots, pans, small tools and knives, a coffee maker, storage containers, tablecloths and more. All the partners (MSAC, JBI and GTC), staff and volunteers at 58 Barre Street look forward to welcoming members of the community to enjoy the delicious meals and socialization opportunities now available as a result of this new partnership and kitchen. For more information, contact MSAC director Janna Clar at 262-6283 or jclar@montpelier-vt.org or JBI executive director Kimberley Lashua at 595-9145 or gretchen@pshift.com.

Indian beef take-out. Photo by Kimberley Lashua. After years of planning and months of renovation, the kitchen project at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center (MSAC) at 58 Barre Street is complete and licensed. MSAC, in partnership with Just Basics, Inc. (JBI), has launched a meal program to promote the independence, nutrition and socialization of area seniors, and dozens are enjoying freshly prepared on-site and home-delivered meals each week. In addition, a weekly take-out caf, open to the public on Thursdays, serves as a fundraiser to support the entire partnership. The meals program has several components: Tuesday and Friday On-Site Lunches, 121 p.m. Tuesdays, come early to dance to MSACs own Swingin Over Sixty Band playing tunes from the 1930s to 1960s, starting at 10:30 a.m. No charge for seniors 60 and over; suggested donation of $5. Guests and others under 60: $6. Thursday Take-out Caf Meals, 11 a.m.1 p.m. Open to everyone regardless of age or affiliation. Meals cost $5 to $8.50, including Vermont meals tax. All proceeds benefit the senior meal partnership between MSAC and JBI, which provide home-delivered and on-site meals, so buying lunch on Thursday supports seniors in the community. MondayFriday, Home-Delivered Meals Continuation of a crucial program that has already been managed by JBI for years, now produced at 58 Barre Street. Designed specifically to meet nutritional requirements. Volunteers deliver up to seven meals weekly (residents of Montpelier and most of Berlin). Combination of hot and frozen meals available. For seniors 60 and over, suggested donation of $5. Reservations for on-site meals and caf meals may be made by calling 262-6288. Inquiries for home-delivered meals can be made by calling 595-9145. Menus for August: Feast Your Eyes Meal menus meet federal dietary requirements and incorporate fresh seasonal produce and change with the seasons. Menus are subject to change, and many surprise treats, such as seasonal delights donated from area farms and fresh herbs, await. All meals include milk option and fresh fruit. Thursday, August 1: Roast chicken or black bean burgers, new potato salad, summer couscous salad, brownie Friday, August 2: meatballs, red sauce, spaghetti, pudding Tues August 6: roast pork loin with gravy or tofu with tomato, spinach and shallots, penne pasta, apple crisp Thursday, August 8: baked haddock, stuffed corn bread, potatoes, pudding Friday, August 9: shrimp or tofu stir-fry, mixed veggies, brown rice Tuesday, August 13: chicken and mushroom marsala, linguine, vegetable, dessert Thursday, August 15: BBQ flank steak or arugula and pesto flatbread sandwich with roasted red peppers, new potatoes, pinto beans, pastry Friday, August 16: chicken caesar salad (alternative TBD), mango and melon salad, dessert Tuesday, August 20: chicken or tempeh enchiladas, rice and beans, spinach, pudding Thursday, August 22: Indian beef or curried peas, wheat berry salad, mangos, salad greens, pumpkin muffin Friday, August 23: seared salmon with salsa, zucchini pancakes, wild rice pilaf Tuesday, August 27: pork with rosemary, sweet and russett potatoes Thursday, August 29: roast chicken or black bean burgers, new potato salad, summer couscous salad, brownie Friday, August 30: meatballs, red sauce, spaghetti, pudding Whos Cooking All This Delicious Food? Food preparation is led by Chef Justin Turcotte of Good Taste Catering. Talking recently about the newly outfitted commercial kitchen at MSAC, Turcotte said, This is a beautiful new space and a lot of people have been working really hard to make it what it is today. . . Adding delicious home cooked meals to this already thriving community center will just make it better. Turcotte has 23 years of food experience. After graduating from U-32, he went on to earn a degree in culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After culinary school, he started at a dude ranch in Wyoming and then worked with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. It was here that he made a strong connection with the importance of using high-quality ingredients and a deep respect for food. He spent several years as a free agent and consultant in the catering and restaurant development field in San Francisco and Palo Alto before returning to Vermont as general manager for All Fired Up Billiards and Bistro in Barre. Turcotte also worked as an instructor at the New England Culinary Institute for several years, and he was most recently executive chef for Central Vermont Medical Center. There he learned more about the role of food in diet-related health. Said Turcotte earlier this week, Thanks to everyone who has helped to make MSAC a vibrant and welcoming place

The Bridge

Au g u s t 121, 2 013 , pag e 11

Claire Watt Chooses Unpaid South Africa AIDS Awareness Soccer Program over Masters in Nursing
by Nat Frothingham

n Sunday, August 4, after five days of orientation in Hanover, New Hampshire, Claire Watt, a 2005 graduate of Montpelier High School, will fly to Johannesburg along with 22 other interns for a year-long stint with Grassroot Soccer, an international, nonprofit organization that harnesses the attraction of soccer to raise youth and teen awareness of the AIDS epidemic. I began playing soccer when I was 4 and continued all through high school, said Watt, who continued playing even after graduating from UVM with a BS in food science and nutrition in 2009. After UVM, Watt headed for Boston, intent on landing a job in the health field. But, she said, You need a million different degrees to get an entry-level job, echoing todays situation facing college grads seeking work in their chosen fields. Instead of abandoning her career focus, Watt volunteered at Massachusetts General Hospitals same-day surgery unit. I brought patients their food and drink and wheeled them out to their car when their surgery was over. It was just one day a week, she remarked. But, needing a paycheck, she took a nanny job with a wife and husband who had just had their first child. The wife worked in investments and the husband was a venture capitalist. Both worked long hours, but when they came home to their child, Watt said, They were the most wonderful parents. I clearly formed a bond with them. I feel like I raised these kids, Watt said. She ended up working as the familys nanny

for close to four years, working 55 hours a week, shopping, doing laundry, bathing the children and putting out three meals a day. When the couple had another baby two years ago, her work intensified, taking care of two children and taking the older boy to Montessori School. Starting out as a nanny shed thought, Im going to work for a year until I get my medical job. . . . Four years is a long time, Watt said. When she finally left last week, departure was a wrench: It was the hardest thing Ive ever done. Toward the end of her time as a nanny, Watt applied for and got accepted into a two-year masters of nursing program at the University of New Hampshire at Durham. But increasingly, she worried about taking out what she called a massive student loan for close to $70,000. Tuition alone for two years was close to $60,000, and to make a go of it, she figured she needed a $70,000 loan. Just as she was debating the pros and cons of the nursing program, she heard about the Grassroot Soccer program, a life-experience opportunity that, Watt said, hit on everything that I care aboutpublic health, working with youth, and soccer. I think they [Grassroot Soccer] had 150 applicants, and they narrowed it down to 23 of us. When they arrive in Johannesburg, the 23 will fan out to various locations in South Africa, Watt flying to Port Elizabeth, where shell work with another intern named Paul. Together, theyll share a small apartment in a gated community, working in township soccer camps and clinics every day, doing whatever the professional coaches tell her about soccerbut adding AIDS awareness information and changing the stigma associ-

Claire Watt is heading to South Africs to participate in a year-long AIDS awareness internship program. Photo by Nat Frothingham. ated with AIDS and AIDS testing. The interns lodging is provided by the program, but they receive no funds for air travel, food or health insurance. Grassroot Soccer advises interns to raise or save at least $10,000 for the service year. Ive raised $8,000, Watt said. Since my plane ticket has been purchased, and I have health insurance, they are saying OK. But I will be living very frugally for a year. Watt, 27, sees the year as a positive, but her friend, mentor and former employer said to her, So let me get this straight. Youre going there for a year. Youll be unpaid. This is not furthering your education. And when you come back, youll be broke and living at home? Watt said she responded with, Yup, thats about right. Thats what Im doing. Explaining, she said, Life experience is the most valuable of all pursuits. I know I will never regret this. But I might regret going to graduate school if its not for something I ultimately want to do. For more information about Grassroot Soccer visit grassrootsoccer.org. Tax-deductible donations for Claire Watt may be made to Grassroot Soccer and sent to P.O. Box 712, Norwich, VT 05055. Enter Claire Watts internship on the memo line. Or contribute to Claire Watt directly (not tax deductible) atgofundme.com/ GRS-internship.

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pag e 12 Au g u s t 121, 2 013

The Bridge

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The Bridge

Au g u s t 121, 2 013 , pag e 13

VIEWPOINT
Student Loan: First Do No Harm!
by Scott Giles

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thru August

he interest rate on federally subsidized student loans increased from 3.4 to 6.8 percent on July 1. Even before this increase took effect, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the government earned a $50-billion profit on federal student and parent loans last year. Lost in the hype is the fact that this increase applies only to a loan type that fewer than 40 percent of all undergraduates are eligible to receive. Most college students already pay the 6.8 percent rate, and graduate students and parents pay an even higher rate of 7.9 percent. At a time when interest rates are near historic lows, the government profits by charging students and parents above-market rates. And despite the heated rhetoric and partisan finger pointing, Washington doesnt seem to see a problem. The proposals that have been consideredwith one exceptiondo not reduce the government profit on education loans. Instead, under the guise of letting the market set rates, they temporarily reduce rates for some borrowers while increasing rates on others. The House-passed Republican proposal converts student and parent loans from fixed-to variable-rate loans that reset each year. Using CBO interest rate projections, the subsidized student loan would convert from todays 3.4 percent fixed rate (stays the same for the life of the loan) to a 5 percent variable rate (changes each year). By 2017, however, this rate is projected to rise to 7.4 percent. The same is true for PLUS loans (used by parents and graduate students)the interest rate drops briefly but by 2016 climbs to nearly 9 percent. President Obama has offered a similar proposal. Subsidized student loan rates would be set each year (unlike the House proposal, remaining the same for the life of the loan). Using the same CBO projections, the rate would remain low the first year and rise to 6.13 percent by 2018. To pay for this, in 2016 the federal student loan taken by the majority of students would rise from todays 6.8 percent to above 7 percent and keep rising in successive years, with no established maximum. In addition, graduate students and parents who borrow PLUS loans would pay higher rates beginning in 2016. The same is true of the bipartisan Senate proposal: Todays student borrowers would receive slightly lower rates that would be paid for by charging higher rates to future borrowers. All of this is further subsidized by increasing the rates paid by graduate students and parents in 2016 and beyond. The Vermont Congressional delegation has worked hard to bring these issues to the public attention. We at Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), and state agencies across the country, are working to combat these inequities by offering statebased student loan rates that reflect the market. VSACs fixed-rate loans are as low as 5.6 percent. There is no reason that the federal government cannot do the same. One of the guiding principles of good policy is first do no harm. Unfortunately, most of the solutions do not meet this test. Many borrowers, particularly middle income borrowers, are actually better off under current laweven with the interest rate hikethan they would be under the new proposals. Congress should buy time with a simple one- or two-year extension of the lower rate and take the time to listen to Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch who have led the fight for a fair student loan policy for the past two years. This would allow Congress time to arrive at a fair solution without further burdening students and their families. Scott Giles is president and CEO of VSAC.

Design & Build Custom Energy-Efficient Homes Additions Timber Frames Weatherization Remodeling Kitchens Bathrooms Flooring Tiling Cabinetry Fine Woodwork

New Construction Renovations Woodworking General Contracting

clarconstruction.com

223-3447

pag e 14 Au g u s t 121, 2 013

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Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

music festival
Free Public Events
August 5-10, 2013
Monday Film Music Festival 8 pm Noble Lounge Tuesday Electronic Music Showcase 8 pm VCFA Gallery Wednesday VCFA New Music Ensemble 8 pm College Hall Chapel Thursday VCFA New Music Ensemble 8 pm College Hall Chapel Friday VCFA Jazz Tentet 5 pm Chapel Songwriters Showcase 8 pm Gary Library Saturday VCFA Jazz Tentet 8 pm College Hall Chapel

MFA in

music composition

36 College Street Montpelier, vt 05602

VCFA.EDU/MUSIC-COMP

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Au g u s t 121, 2 013 , pag e 15

Aug. 1

Make Your Own Book. 35 p.m. Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main St., Waitsfield. 496-4205. Millstone Mountain Bike Race Series. Weekly mountain bike training race series. 1, 2, 3 and 4 lap options. Come race and bring something to grill afterward. Registration 5 p.m. Race 6 p.m. Millstone Trails, Little John Road, Barre. $10. 229-9409. events@onionriver.com.

Aug. 2

Regional Agriculture and Food Tour. The Center for an Agricultural Economy. 140 Junction Rd., Hardwick. For more information, see hardwickagriculture.org. Reiki Clinic. With Lynne Ihlstrom, reiki master. One-half hour sessions; hour sessions available. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $15. For appointment, 522-0045. Dinosaur Invasion. Stories and crafts. Age 8 and under. 2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Main St., Montpelier. Nick of Time. Performance by No Strings Marionette Company. 7 p.m. Brookfield Old Town Hall. Free. brookfieldvt.org/townhall.php.

Aug. 3
Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio. Photo by Joe Shelley.

Photoshop Lab. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. $80. Sign up: 253-8358. Information at helenday.com. continued on page 16

Music
For Adamant Music School schedule and notes, see page 23.

VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. 229-9212. bagitos.com. Aug. 1: Colin McCaffrey (blues/swing/ country/folk) 68 p.m. Aug. 2: Ryan Dubois & Jim Gilmour (folk music with commentary & satire) 68 p.m. Aug. 3: Irish session with Sarah Blair, Hillary Farrington Koehler, Katrina VanTyne and others 25 p.m. Aug. 4: Jazz brunch with Peter Farber & Lindsay Wade 11 a.m.1 p.m. Aug. 9: Colin Craig (blues/folk rock) 68 p.m. Aug. 8: Liptak/Evans duo (gypsy jazz) 68 p.m. Aug. 10: Irish session with Sarah Blair, Hillary Farrington Koehler, Katrina VanTyne and others 25 p.m. Aug. 11: Brunch with Annalise Emerick (contemporary folk) 11 a.m.1 p.m. Aug. 13: Open mic. 6:308 p.m. Aug. 15: Larry Dougher Blues Trio 68 p.m. Morrisville Wednesday Night Live. Wed. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oxbow Park, Morrisville. Free. morristownvt.org. Aug. 7: Joe Speers and Patrick Murphy Aug. 14: Girls Night Out: MoCo Free Corn Roast Aug. 21: Soundmind Nutty Stephs Chocolaterie. Rte. 2, Middlesex. 6 p.m.midnight. 229-2090. nuttysteph.com. Aug. 1: Lauren Hooker (jazz) Aug. 8: Mary Goround & Friends (original piano and accordion) Aug. 15: Andric Severence (ragtime/blues/jazz) Red Hen Baking. Middlesex Aug. 10: Liptak/Evans duo (gypsy jazz) 1 p.m. The Skinny Pancake. 89 Main St., Montpelier. 6 p.m. 262-2253. skinnypancake.com. Aug. 4: Mountain Ride (bluegrass) Aug. 7: Jay Ekis and extremely special guests (Americana) Aug. 11: Caleb Caudle and Haley Dreis (alt. country) Aug. 14: Jay Ekis and extremely special guests (Americana)

Sweet Melissas. 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. 225-6012. facebook.com/sweetmelissasvt. Aug. 1: Dave Keller Aug. 2: Abby Jenne & The Enablers, Honky Tonk Happy Hour with Mark LeGrand 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3: Jason Wedlock Band Aug. 6: Open Mic Night Aug. 7: Wiley Shipman Aug. 8: Rudy Dauth Aug. 9: The Woedoggies, Honky Tonk Happy Hour with Mark LeGrand 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10: Dead Sessions Summer Tour Night #3 Aug. 13: Open Mic Night Aug. 14: Alan Greenleaf & The Doctor Aug. 15: Eames Brothers Band

Aug. 115: Craftsbury Chamber Players Summer Music Festival. Concerts held Wed. at UVM Recital Hall, Burlington; Thurs. at Historic Hardwick Town House. 8 p.m. $25 adults; $10 students; children 12 and under free. 800-639-3443. craftsburychamberplayers.org. Aug. 1: Mozart, Prokofiev, Ravel Aug. 78: Debussy, Hindemith, Beethoven Aug. 1415: Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak Aug. 613: Summer Music from Greensboro. All concerts 8 p.m. United Church of Christ, Greensboro. $20; under 18 free. summermusicfromgreensboro@gmail.com. summermusicfromgreensboro.net. Aug. 6: Ravel, Handel and More. Jaime Laredo violin, Sharon Robinson cello, Karen Kevra flute Aug. 13: Borromeo String Quartet. With Karen Kevra Aug. 714: Middlesex Bandstand Summer Concert Series. 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic. Martha Pellerin & Andy Shapiro Memorial Bandstand (next to Rumney School), Shady Rill Rd., Middlesex. Free. 229-0881. 223-7525. middlesexbandstand.com. Aug. 7: Afinque (salsa) Aug. 14: Barika (afro-funk fusion)

Aug. 1011: Vermont Philharmonic Summer Pops Concert. Music director Lou Kosma conducts the ensemble in selections from West Side Story, Duke Ellington, Rodgers & Hammerstein and others. $15 adults; $12 seniors; $5 students. 476-8188. vermontphilharmonic.org. Aug. 10: Barre Opera House, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11: Moose Meadow Lodge, Duxbury, 4 p.m. Aug. 11: The Bethany Baritones. Featuring the voices of Stuart Williams, Skip Potter and Arthur Zorn. Diane Huling, pianist. 3 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. Aug. 1215: New England Chamber Music Festival. Hosted by Monteverdi Music School. Unitarian Church, Main St., Montpelier. Aug. 12: Andrew Beer concert. 7 p.m. $10 Aug. 14: NECMF faculty concert. 7 p.m. $10 Aug. 15: Soovin Kim master class. 10 a.m. Donations

Artists & Special Events

Capital City Band. Performing every Wed., 7 p.m. State House lawn beside the Pavilion Office Building, Montpelier.Free. 223-7069. Aug. 2: Dan Boomhower. Pianist performs jazz and standards. Arvads Grill & Pub, 3 S. Main St., Waterbury. 24-8973. Aug. 3: Counterpoint. Choral group performs My Spirit Sang All Day Long. 7:30 p.m. United Church of Christ, 4335 Main St., Waitsfield. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $5 students. 540-1784. Counterpointchorus.org. Aug. 3: Student Gala Concert. Lyra Summer Music Workshop Concerts. 1 p.m. Handler Music Hall, 7173 Main St., Randolph. Admission by suggested donation. 728-6464. lyrasummermusic.com. cvcmf.org. Aug. 5: Scrag Mountain Music. An innovative performance by world class musicians featuring baroque violinist Julie Leven and harpsichordist Lynette Combs. Phantom Theater, Edgcomb Barn, Warren. 496-5997. phantomtheater.com. Aug. 115: Jaquith Library Summer Concert Series. All shows 6:30 p.m. Old Schoolhouse Common, 122 School St., Marshfield. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com. marshfield.lib.vt.us. Aug. 1: Ira Friedman Quartet (funk/jazz) Aug. 8: Michele Fay Band (folk/swing/ bluegrass) Aug. 15: Bramblewood with Colin McCaffrey, Carol Hausner, Danny Coane

Submit Your Event!

Send listings to calendar@montpelierbridge.com.

The deadline for our next issue, August 22, is Friday, August 16.

Borromeo Quartet. Photo by Eli Akerstein.

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10 a.m.5 p.m. Sat. noon4 p.m. 479-7069. studioplace arts.com. Through Aug.: Seth Collins, Series of Robot Portraits. Pencil, pen and ink on mat board. Reception Aug. 2, 48 p.m. Green Bean Visual Art Gallery, Capitol Grounds, State St., Montpelier. curator@capitolgrounds.com. Through Aug.: Donna Ellery. Funky 3-D mixed-media art, using salvaged and recycled materials. Reception Aug. 2, 48 p.m. The Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St., Montpelier. 2231981. cheshirecatclothing.com. Through Aug.: Lori Hinrichsen. Photographs, prints and stitching. First floor reading room and second floor. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. Through Aug.: Almuth Palinkas. Art textiles and paintings. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Westview Meadows, 171 Westview Meadows Rd., Montpelier. Through Aug.: Plowing Old Ground: Vermonts Organic Farming Pioneers. Photographs and interviews. Vermont History Museum, 109 State Street, Montpelier. Hours: TuesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. 828-2291. vermonthistory.org. Through Sept. 1: Lark Upson, Structural Integrity: Portraits in Oil. Blinking Light Gallery and Co-op, 16 Main St., Plainfield. Hours: Thurs. 26 p.m., Fri.Sun. 10 a.m.6 p.m. 454-0141. blinkinglightgallery.com. Through Sept. 2: Alysa Bennett, Horse Drawn. Large-scale charcoal drawings. Hours: Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.2 p.m. Gallery at River Arts, 2F, River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org. Through Sept. 2: Gabriel Tempesta, The Bumblee Bee Series. Charcoal paintings. Copley Common Space Gallery, River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Hours: Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.2 p.m. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org. Through Sept. 8: Best of the Northeast Master of Fine Arts 2013 Exhibition. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Through Sept. 30: Laura Hamilton. Photographs. Reception Aug. 2, 48 p.m., during Art Walk. Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Elm St., Montpelier. Through Oct. 5: Folk Vision: Folk Art from New England and Beyond. Selected artists including Gayleen Aiken, Merrill Densmore, Howard Finster, HJ Laurent, Theodore Ludwiczak. Reception Aug. 18, 3 p.m. Hours: Plainfield. Free. 322-4408, info.cvhsi@gmail. com or centralvthighschool.wordpress.com. Understanding Cancer: Chinese Medicine and Western Herbs. With Brendan Kelly, Jade Mountain Wellness. 69 p.m. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 252 Main St., Montpelier. $15 members; $17 nonmembers. Preregistration required: 224-7100 or info@ vtherbcenter.org. vtherbcenter.org. Two Sides of the Same Coin. Scott Nearing: The Subsistence Organic Horticulturalist and the Cosmological Traveling Sociologist-Socialist. Featuring speakers Elliot Coleman and Greg Joly. 7:30 p.m. Paper Mache Cathedral, Bread & Puppet Farm, Rte. 122, Glover. Free.

Wed.Fri. 10 a.m.5 p.m., Sat. noon5 p.m. Big Town Gallery, 99 North Main St., Rochester. 767-9670. info@bigtowngallery.com. bigtowngallery.com. Through Oct. 15: Exposed 2013. Group exhibit of sculpture. Hours: Wed.Sun. noon5 p.m. and by appointment. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. 253-8358. Through Oct. 31: Bread & Puppet Museum. One of the largest collections of some of the biggest puppets in the world. Bread & Puppet Farm, Rte. 122, Glover. Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. 6 p.m. 525-3031. breadandpuppet.org. Through Dec. 20: Round. An exhibition of objects of circular shape, from the Sullivan Museum collection. Sullivan Museum and History Center, Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield. 485-2183. Norwich. edu/museum. Through Dec. 20: These Honored Dead: Private and National Commemoration. Stories of Norwich alumni from both sides of the Civil War conflict in 1863. Sullivan Museum & History Center, Norwich University, Northfield. 485-2183. norwich.edu/ museum.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Call to Artists. A graffiti tag contest. Winner receives urban art supplies from The Drawing Board. Multiple submissions OK. Deadline Aug. 17. Winner picked Aug. 31. Mail or drop off submissions at The Drawing Board, 22 Main St., Montpelier. For more information, 2232902 or drawingboardvt.com. Aug. 2: Meet Stone Sculptor Ryan Mays. 48 p.m., during Art Walk. Artisans Hand, 89 Main St., Montpelier. artisanshand.com. Aug. 4: Art Festival Picnic. Celebrate arts and community. Fireworks. Live music by The Grift and Haywire. Lareau Farm Inn, Waitsfield. Aug. 8: Art in the Garden Tour. Tour three gardens designed by Broadleaf Landscape Architecture and observe three artists paint plein air. 9 a.m.noon. Tour begins and ends on Bridge St., Waitsfield. Aug. 1011: Gallery Weekend and Open Studios. Mad River Artists invite you to step into their studios. Pick up list of participants at Festival Gallery, 5031 Main St., Waitsfield. Aug. 1315: Contemporary Art Lectures. 10:30 a.m.noon. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. $20. Sign up: 253-8358. Information at helenday.com.

Ogrejund by Seth Collins. Green Bean Visual Art Gallery, Capitol Grounds, Montpelier.

Visual Arts
Ongoing: Glen Coburn Hutcheson, Talking Portraits and Two-Part Inventions. An evolving show of experimental drawings, paintings and the occasional sculpture. Storefront Studio Gallery, 6 Barre St., Montpelier. Hours: Tues.Fri. 810 a.m., Sat. 10 a.m.3 p.m., or by appointment. 839-5349. gchfineart.com. Through Aug. 25: Camille Johnson, The Rawing. A poetic and photographic exhibit by recent U32 graduate. Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio, 18 Langdon St., Montpelier.

229-4676. cdandfs.com. Through Aug.: American Dream. Artists explore the driving forces for the American Dream today. Main floor gallery, Studio Place Arts, 201 N. Main. St., Barre. Hours: Wed.Fri. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sat. noon4 p.m. 479-7069. studioplace arts.com. Through Aug.: The Aviary by Beth Robinson. Discover what happens to birds that become comfortable living outside of their natural habitats. Second floor gallery, Studio Place Arts, 201 N. Main. St., Barre. Hours: Wed.Fri. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sat. noon4 p.m. 479-7069. studioplace arts.com. Through Aug.: ART-Artifact. Fascinating stories unfold via transformed chards and remnants. Third floor gallery, Studio Place Arts, 201 N. Main. St., Barre. Hours: Wed.Fri.

EXHIBITS

continued from page 15 Cookbook Author Tracy Medeiros. Features new book Vermont Farm Table. 10 a.m.noon. Capital City Farmers Market, Montpelier. 2232958. Bear Pond Books 40th Birthday Party. Prizes, discounts, cake. Win a bag of books. 10 a.m.closing. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main St., Montpelier. 229-0774.

Taste of the Valley. This event highlights local restaurants and food purveyors and producers, offering samples of their culinary creations. Music by Phineas Gage and silent auction. 58 p.m. Sugarbush Resort, Waitsfield.

Aug. 9

Aug. 6

Foot Clinic. Nurses from Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice clip toe nails, clean nail beds, file nails and lotion feet. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St, Montpelier. To reserve: 223-2518. Lemonade Lounge-Around. Books, blankets and lemonade spread under a big tree. All ages. 2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Main St., Montpelier. Advance Directive Assistance. Sponsored by the Funeral Consumers Alliance of VT, these appointments include information on funeral planning; forms available. 24 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St, Montpelier. Free, donations appreciated. 223-8140. Plant Walk at Two Rivers With Iris Gage. Join us for an hour of joyful investigation. 5:306:30 p.m. Two Rivers Center, 5 Home Farm Way, Montpelier. For car pooling, meet outside Hunger Mountain Coop at 5:15 p.m. Free. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 223-8000 x202 or info@ hungermountain.coop. Adamant Co-op Friday Night Cookout. Wonderful conversation, great food: sausages, jumbo hotdogs, marinated portabellas, salmon cakes, salads, desserts.5:307:30 p.m., rain or shine. Full meal $10. Adamant Co-op, 1313 Haggett Rd. Call 223-5760 for menu items.

Aug. 4

Annual Dog Party and BBQ. Contests for dogs, music, free food, craft tables and a bouncy house for kids. Ponds for dogs to swim in, an agility course and hiking trails. All dogs and their people welcome. Noon4 p.m. Dog Mountain, Stephen Huneck Gallery, 143 Parks Rd., St. Johnsbury. 748-2700. dogmt.com.

In Pursuit of the Elusive Dusky Salamander With John Jose. Learn the ecology and identification of common reptiles and amphibians. Walk in Hubbard Park; dress accordingly. Families welcome. 57 p.m. Community room, Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. $10 membersowners; $12 nonmembers. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 223-8000 x202 or info@hungermountain.coop. Adamant Co-op Friday Night Cookout. Wonderful conversation, great food: sausages, jumbo hotdogs, marinated portabellas, salmon cakes, salads, desserts.5:307:30 p.m., rain or shine. Full meal $10. Adamant Co-op, 1313 Haggett Rd. Call 223-5760 for menu items. Peace Walk: Remembering Hiroshima. Peaceful walk from the State House lawn to the high school. Share words, poems, songs andlaunch boats into the river. 6:45 p.m. 2231879.

Aug. 8

Community Mobile. 35 p.m. Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main St., Waitsfield. 496-4205. Millstone Mountain Bike Race Series. Weekly mountain bike training race series. 1, 2, 3 and 4 lap options. Come race and bring something to grill afterward. Registration 5 p.m. Race 6 p.m. Millstone Trails, Little John Road, Barre. $10. 229-9409. events@onionriver.com. Digestive System and Your Overall Health. With Akshata Nayak. Learn how to create a better diet that works with your body. 5:306:30 p.m. Community room, Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. Free. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 223-8000 x202 or info@ hungermountain.coop.

Aug. 5

Who Are Horse and Cow? Meet a fine and funny pair,pals in the spirit of Frog and Toad. Original stories by local author Jean Dickinson. Age 37. 11 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. 223-4655. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle. With Chelsea Hasting and Hannah Allen. Explore in depth the menstrual cycle. Part one of two parts. 57 p.m. Community room, Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. $10 members-owners; $12 nonmembers. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 2238000 x202 or info@hungermountain.coop.

Aug. 7

Central Vermont High School Initiative Open House. Visit our new home and learn about our plans to grow a high school in central Vermont. 46 p.m. Stokes Building, Goddard College,

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Aug. 10

Living the Path. One-day retreat with Ven. Amy Miller and Andrea Thibaudeau. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga. All levels. Wear loose clothing; bring a yoga mat and strap. 9 a.m.4 p.m. Milarepa Center, 1344 Rte. 5, Barnet. $25 suggested donation, includes lunch and yoga session. 633-1436. milarepa@milarepacenter.org. milarepacenter.org. The Champlain Glassworks (18271850). Gallery talk with L. Diane Carlisle about glass making in mid-1800s and sample of glass works. Talk 2 p.m. Exhibit 14 p.m. Vermont History Center, 60 Washington St., Barre. 479-8519. Film: In A Better World . Compassionate drama about the interplay between two loving and dysfunctional families. In Danish, with subtitles. 6:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $3. 224-1001.

Aug. 2: A Thing Done in a Seeing Place. 7:30 p.m. Paper Mache Cathedral. Aug. 4: The Total This & That Circus and Pageant in Two Parts. Followed by guest performers Erik Ruin and Maryann Collela performing their toy theater show, One Touch Of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin. 2:30 p.m. The Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency. 156 Breezy Ave., Greensboro. All shows 7:30 p.m. 533-7487. info@greensboroartsalliance. com. greensboroartalliance.com. Aug. 1, 4: Our Town. Lost Nation Theater. Montpelier City Hall, 39 Main St. $25 Thurs.,$30 Fri.Sun. (seniors and students $5 off); $10 children under 12. 229-0492. kathleen@lostnationtheater.org. Schedule at lostnationtheater.org. Aug. 111: My Buddy Bill. Dogs, politics and stand-up comedy by Rick Cleveland. Phantom Theater. All shows 8 p.m. Edgcomb Barn, Warren. 496-5997. phantomtheater.info. Aug. 13: Pure Gold: A Phantom Reunion. Ten alumni gather for an evening of off-thegrid, handcrafted theater for the head, heart and funny bone. 8 p.m. Aug. 9: A Moth in the Barn. Stories for a summer evening. Hosted by Bobby Stoddard. 8 p.m. Aug. 12: Poetry in the Barn. Alan Shapiro, Ellen Bryant Voigt and Joan Hutton Landis read. 7 p.m. Unadilla Theatre. 501 Blachly Rd., Marshfield. Shows at both the Unadilla Theatre and the new nearby Festival Theatre. All shows 7:30 p.m. $20 adults; $10 children 12 and under. 456-8968. unadilla@pshift.com. Schedule at unadilla.org. Aug. 730: The Abduction of Seraglio. Aug. 830: Present Laughter. Aug. 831: The Birthday Party. Valley Players. Valley Players Theatre, 4254 Main St., Waitsfield. $10 adults; $8 seniors and students. 485-5636. vtplaywrightscircle@ gmail.com Aug. 1518: TenFest. A festival of 10-minute plays by Vermont playwrights. 8 p.m. 2 p.m. on Aug. 18. Waterbury Festival Players. Waterbury Festival Playhouse, 2933 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center. All shows 7:30 p.m. $25 advance (must be purchased by 5 p.m.); $27 door. Tickets: WaterburyFestivalPlayhouse. com or 498-3755. Schedule at website. Through Aug. 10: The School for Lies.

Aug. 11

Film Screening: Northern Borders. Special guests Jay Craven and Howard Frank Mosher. 7:30 p.m. Haybarn Theater, Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Rd., Plainfield. $10 advanced tickets; $12 door. goddard.edu/craven.

Aug. 12

My Buddy Bill, Lost Nation Theater, opening August 2. Photo courtesy of Stefan Hard, the Times Argus.

Fertility Awareness. With Chelsea Hasting and Hannah Allen. Second part of two part series on the menstrual cycle. Gain awareness of fertility to achieve or avoid pregnancy. 57 p.m. Community room, Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. $10 membersowners; $12 nonmembers. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 223-8000 x202 or info@hungermountain.coop. Classic Films of the 1950s. With Rick Winston. Clips from several films from that era with discussion. 6:308 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.

Performing Arts
DANCE
Aug. 1: The Dance Walk. Montpelier Movement Collective Performance Event. Part of Helen Day Arts Centers Exposed summer sculpture exhibit, featuring Hanna Satterlee, Willow Wonder, Avi Waring, Chelsea Palin and Natalie Wheeler. 6 p.m. Reception follows. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe. Donations. Aug. 5: Polly Motley Open Rehearsal. Public is invited to watch the final rehearsal for a work to be performed for the Helen Day Art Centers Exposed sculpture show. 57 p.m. Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio, 18 Langdon St., 3F, Montpelier. $90 student; $60 professional. 229-4676. cdandfs.com.

Aug. 11: The Feast of Saint Clare. A dance performance by The Poor Sister Clares Traveling Dancing Monk Show. 7 p.m. Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio, 18 Langdon St., 3F, Montpelier. $10 suggested donation. 229-4676. cdandfs.com. Aug. 1218: Dancer/ChoreographerPatrick Ferreri. Artist-in-residence at Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio, 18 Langdon St., 3F, Montpelier. 229-4676. cdandfs.com. Aug. 13, 14, 16: Workshops. Open level, drop-in friendly. Call for times and information. Aug. 16: Performance. 7 p.m., Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio. Aug. 17, 18: Performance. 7 p.m., Phantom Theater, Warren.

Aug. 13

Pooch Powered Special Storytime. Join beloved therapy dog Coco for stories read by Hannah. All ages. 11 a.m. Age 37. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier. 223-4655. Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance. Learn to save money from Amy Mattinat of Auto Craftsmen. Refreshments provided. 2 p.m. Central Vermont Council on Aging, 59 N. Main. St., ste. 200, Barre. 4798578. continued on page 18

THEATER

For QuarryWorks Theater schedule and notes, see page 23.

Aug. 8: Polly Motley Dance Performance. 6 Bread & Puppet Theater. Bread & Puppet p.m. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Farm, Rte. 122, Glover. Free, donations 253-8358. appreciated. 525-3031. breadandpuppet.org.

Support Groups
Bereavement
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. For anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. Every other Mon., 68 p.m. Every other Wed., 1011:30 a.m. Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH), 600 Granger Rd., Berlin. Ginny or Jean 223-1878. Bereaved Parents Support Group. Facilitated by CVHHH. Second Wed., 68 p.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd., Berlin. Jeneane Lunn 793-2376.

Disaster
Hurricane Irene Support Group for Recovery Workers. Get peer support and help processing emotions, strengthen relationships and learn coping skills. Every other Mon., 3:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. 279-4670. Hurricane Irene Support Group. Share your story, listen to others, learn coping skills, build community and support your neighbors. Refreshments provided. Wed., 5:30 p.m. Berlin Elementary School. 279-8246.

Celiac and Food Allergy Support Group. With Lisa Mas of Harmonized Cookery. Second Wed., 4:306 p.m. Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical Center. lisamase@gmail.com. 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. Diabetes Support Group. First Thurs., 78 p.m. Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical Center. 371-4152.

Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place for individuals and their families in or seeking recovery. Open 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.

Solidarity/Identity
Womens Group. Women age 40 and older explore important issues and challenges in their lives in a warm and supportive environment. Faciliatated by Amy Emler-Shaffer and Julia W. Gresser. Wed. evenings. 41 Elm St., Montpelier. Call Julia, 262-6110, for more information. Mens Group. Men discuss challenges of and insights about being male. Wed., 6:158:15 p.m. 174 Elm St., Montpelier. Interview required: contact Neil 223-3753. National Federation of the Blind, Montpelier Chapter. First Sat. Lane Shops community room, 1 Mechanic St., Montpelier. 229-0093. 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.

Health
Brain Injury Support Groups. Open to all survivors, caregivers and adult family members. Evening group facilitated by Marsha Bancroft; day group facilitated by Kathy Grange and Jane Hulstrunk. Evening group meets first Mon., 5:307:30 p.m. Disability Rights of Vermont, 141 Main St., Suite 7, Montpelier, 800-8347890, x 106. Day group meets first and third Thurs., 1:302:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850. NAMI Vermont Family Support Group. Support group for families and friends of individuals living with mental illness. Fourth Mon., 7 p.m. Central Vermont Medical Center, room 3, Berlin. 800-639-6480 or namivt.org.

Kids
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. First Wed., 10 a.m.noon. Barre Presbyterian Church, Summer St. Second Tues., 68 p.m. Wesley Methodist Church, Main St., Waterbury. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St. Child care provided in Montpelier and Waterbury. Evelyn 476-1480.

Cancer
Living with Advanced or Metastatic Cancer. Lunch provided. Cancer Center resource room, Central Vermont Medical Center. Call for meeting times: 225-5449. Cancer Support Group. First Wed., 6 p.m. Potluck. For location, call Carole Mac-Intyre 229-5931. Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group. Third Wed., 68 p.m. Conference room 2, Central Vermont Medical Center. 872-6308 or 866-466-0626 (press 3).

Recovery
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program for physically, emotionally and spiritually overcoming overeating. Fri., noon1 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079. Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. Call 552-3483 for more information or to leave a confidential message.

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The Bridge

Weekly Events
Bicycling
Cycling 101. Train for a summer of riding with Linda Freeman and Onion River Sports. Build confidence, strength, endurance, roadriding skills and a sense of community with relaxed rides on local paved roads. For all abilities. Tues., 5:30 p.m., Montpelier High School. Call ahead. 229-9409 or onionriver. com. Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Tues., 68 p.m.; Wed., 57 p.m. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre St., Montpelier. By donation. 5523521 or freeridemontpelier.org.

Noon Cafe. Soup, fresh bread, good company and lively conversation. Wed., noon. Old Meeting House, East Montpelier. By donation. oldmeetinghouse.org. Senior Meals. For people 60 and over. Delicious meals prepared by Chef Justin and volunteers. Tues. and Fri. Noon1 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free. Under 60: $6. Reservations and information: 262-2688. Takeout and Caf Meals. Proceeds benefit MSAC. Thurs., 11 a.m.1 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $4$8. Reservations appreciated: 262-6288.

Christian Science. Gods love meeting human needs. Reading room: Tues.Sat., 11 a.m.1 p.m.; Tues., 58 p.m.; and Wed., 57:15 p.m. Testimony meeting: Wed., 7:308:30 p.m., nursery available. Worship service: Sun., 10:3011:30 a.m., Sunday school and nursery available. 145 State St., Montpelier. 223-2477. Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish spirituality. Sundays, 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center, Montpelier. Rabbi Tobie Weisman, 223-0583 or info@yearning4learning.org. Noon Hike and Walking Meditation. Join Alicia Feltus, integral yoga Instructor, for a walk from Tulsi Tea Room to Hubbard Park for guided walking meditation. Meet at Tulsi Tea Room. Wed.,1212:40. 917-4012 or aliciafeltus@gmail.com. Shambhala Buddhist Meditation. Group meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Tues., 78 p.m.; Wed., 67 p.m. Shambhala Meditation Center, 64 Main St., 3F, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137. montpeliershambala.org. Zen Meditation. Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier. Free. Call Tom for orientation, 229-0164. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.

Health & Wellness

Affordable Acupuncture. Full acupuncture sessions with Chris Hollis and Trish Mitchell. Mon. and Wed., 27 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.2 p.m. 79 Main St., suite 8 (above Coffee Corner), Montpelier. $15$40 sliding scale. Walk in or schedule an appointment at montpeliercommunityacupuncture.com. Herbal Clinics. Student clinic: Mon., 15 p.m. and Tues., 48 p.m. $0$10. Professional clinic: Tues.Fri. $0$100. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 252 Main St., Montpelier. Consultations by appointment only: 224-7100 or info@vtherbcenter.org. vtherbcenter.org. HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral testing. Thurs., 25 p.m. 58 East State St., suite 3 (entrance at the back), Montpelier. Free. 3716222. vtcares.org.

Books & Words

The staff at Bear Pond Books, Montpelier, celebrating 40 years in business. Photo courtesy of Bear Pond Books.
continued from page 17 Re-localizing the Food System. Workshop. 5:308:30 p.m. Center for Integrative Herbalism, 250 Main St., Montpelier. $30 members; $35 nonmembers. Cost includes a shared meal and materials. Preregistration: 224-7100 or info@vtherbcenter.org. Visit vtherbcenter.org for workshop description. Going Solar Without Going Broke. With Jessica Edgerly Walsh. Learn about the financing options available, purchasing and leasing and the state and federal incentives. This workshop will focus on solar electric systems. 67 p.m. Community room, Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. Free. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 2238000 x202 or info@hungermountain.coop. 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. Sarah 223-3403. Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and practice your language skills with neighbors. Noon1 p.m. Mon. Hebrew, Tues. Italian, Wed. Spanish, Thurs. French. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. 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.

Sports & Games

Apollo Duplicate Bridge Club. All welcome. Partners sometimes available. Fri., 6:45 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. $3. 485-8990 or 223-3922. 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. Standup Paddleboard Demos. Come try a new and exciting sport on the water. Wed. 57 p.m. June: Blueberry Lake, Warren. June and July: Wrightsville, Middlesex, dates TBD. Clearwater Sports 496-2708.

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.

Kids & Teens

The Basement Teen Center. Cable TV, PlayStation 3, pool table, free eats and fun events for teenagers. Mon.Thurs., 36 p.m.; Fri., 311 p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. 229-9151. Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m. Meets at various area churches. Call Ben, 4974516, for location and information.

Aug. 1315

Circus Smirkus, Oz Incorporated. Grab your ruby slippers and click your heels together, as Circus Smirkus goes Somewhere over the Rainbow with a new spin on The Wizard of Oz. 2 and 7 p.m. Montpelier High School. smirkus. org.

Dance
Ecstatic Dance. Dance your heart awake. No experience necessary. Sun., 5:307:30 p.m., Christ Church, State St., Montpelier. First and third Wed., 79 p.m., Worcester Town Hall, corner of Elmore and Calais roads. Second and fourth Wed., 79 p.m., Plainfield Community Center (above the co-op). $10. Fearn, 505-8011. fearnessence@gmail.com. Dance or Play with the Swinging over 60 Band. Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the 1960s. Recruiting musicians. Tues., 5:307:30 p.m., Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St. 223-2518.

Music
Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal. Find your voice with 50 other women. Mon., 7 p.m. Alumni Hall, Barre. 2232039. BarretonesVT.com. Community Drum Circle. Open drumming. All welcome. Fri., 79 p.m. Parish House, Unitarian Universalist Church, Main and Church streets, Barre. 503-724-7301. Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal. New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m. Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more information.

Yoga
Yoga with Lydia. Build strength and flexibility as you learn safe alignment in a nourishing, supportive and inspiring environment. Dropins welcome. Mon. 5:30 p.m., River House Yoga, Plainfield (sliding scale). Wed., 4:30 p.m., Green Mountain Girls Farm, Northfield (sliding scale). Tues. and Fri., noon, Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier. Rates and directions at 229-6300 or saprema-yoga.com. Parent/Kid Yoga. With Lori Flower and Aura Zee. Wed. 1:452:30 p.m. The Confluence, 654 Granger Rd., Barre. $13 drop in. karmiconnection.com. Yoga and Wine Thursday. With Lori Flower. All levels welcome; bring your own mat. Wine bar open after class. Thurs., 5:156:30 p.m. Fresh Tracks Farm, 4373 Rte. 12, Montpelier. $8. 223-1161 or freshtracksfarm.com. Acro Yoga Summer Series. Thurs. 78:30 p.m. Sliding scale. Call Lori Flower for information and location. 324-1737. karmiconnection.com. Community Yoga. All levels welcome to this community-focused practice. Fri. 56 p.m. Yoga Mountain Center, 7 Main St., 2F, Montpelier. By donation. 223-5302 or yogamountaincenter.com.

Aug. 14

Enjoy the Wonders of Fungi. With Eric Swanson. Learn how to culture and grow your Mycelium into fungi. Everyone will bring home their own oyster mushroom spawn. 57 p.m. Community room, Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. $10 membersowners; $12 nonmembers. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 223-8000 x202 or info@hungermountain.coop. Quilting Group. Working meeting of the Dog River Quilters. 5:30 p.m. Community room, Brown Public Library, Northfield. 585-5078. jeanjolley@myfairpoint.net. Andrea Chesman. Presents her latest cookbooks The Pickled Pantry and The New Vegetarian Grill. 6 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. 476-7550.

Food

Barre Farmers Market. Local produce, meats, Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68 poultry , eggs, honey, crafts, baked goods and p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 more. Wed., 36:30 p.m. City Hall Park, Barre. Barre St. 223-2518. Capital City Farmers Market. 50-plus farmers, food producers and craftspeople, plus live music and cooking demos. Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m., through October. 60 State St., Montpelier. Carolyn, 223-2958 or manager@ montpelierfarmersmarket.com. Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome. Free. Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11 a.m.1 p.m. Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115 Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue), 4:305:30 p.m.

Recycling
Additional Recyclables Collection Center (ARCC). Bring in odd and sundry items for reuse, upcycling and recycling, including toothbrushes, bottle caps, cassette tapes, books, textiles, batteries and more. Mon. and Fri., 12:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. ARCC, 3 Williams Ln., Barre. $1 per car load. Complete list of accepted items at 229-9383, x 106 or cvswmd.org. Free Food Scrap Collection. Compost your food waste along with your regular trash and recycling. Wed., 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Sat. 6 a.m.1 p.m. DJs Convenience Store, 56 River St., Montpelier. cvswmd.org.

Aug. 15

Tie-Dye. 35 p.m. Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main St., Waitsfield. 496-4205. Storing the Harvest with a Food Dehydrator. With Peter Burke. Learn how to make your own soup mixes, herb teas, fruit roll-ups, etc. with a food dehydrator. Samples and take-home recipes. 67 p.m. Community room, Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. $10 members-owners; $12 nonmembers. Preregister: sign up on co-op workshop bulletin board, 2238000 x202 or info@hungermountain.coop.

Spirituality
Christian Meditation Group. People of all faiths welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ Church, Montpelier. Regis 223-6043.

Submit Your Event!

Send listings to calendar@montpelierbridge.com. Submit Your Event! The deadline for our next issue, Send listings calendar@montpelier August 22, is to Friday, August 16. bridge.com. The deadline for our next issue, July 18, is Friday, July 12.

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Class listings and classifieds are 50 words for $25; discounts available. To place an ad, call Carolyn, 223-5112, ext. 11.

Classifieds
Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

services

Help Wanted
Driver needed to work with a visually impaired employee in our Montpelier office traveling to Caledonia, Orange and Orleans county areas four days per week. Must have reliable vehicle, clean driving record and flexible schedule. Hourly rate plus mileage. Please call Cathie Peller at 802-828-5997 for an application or email resume to cpeller@vabvi.org. EOE.

ARTIST, MUSICIAN STUDIOS Solo or to share starting at $150 monthly. Larger spaces of various sizes available full-time or time-shared. Join us as we transform a historic convent and school at 46 Barre Street, Montpelier, into a unique center for the arts, music and learning. Call Paul for a tour at 802-223-2120 or 802-461-6222. House Painter Since 1986. Small interior jobs ideal. Neat, prompt, friendly. Local references. Pitz Quattrone, 229-4952.

. . . integrated handsomely from field or quarried stone

call Padma 456.7474 ~ earthwiseharmonies.com

Stone Work: rock walls, stone steps, patios, paths

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE FALL CLASSES BEGIN SEPT 17. Try a free class! with certified teacher Katie Back. Tuesdays @ Noon. Thursdays @ 5:30; 64 Main St. Montpelier. Learn to move with awareness and ease. Improve posture, breathing, flexibility. Relieve chronic pain. $245/8 week series/small group with 1:1 lessons. Early Bird discount. www. balanceofbeing.com. katie@balanceofbeing.com or 802-223-7230.

CLasses

quality, one house at a time

Free estimates References

FD Professional Painting
Interior & Exterior

The Bridge is seeking an experienced marketing and sales professional to serve as Advertising Sales Manager and join the papers leadership team. Will negotiate compensation based applicants track record and experience. Please send letter of application with notes on qualifications by e-mail to: Nat@montpelierbridge.com.

Advertising Sales Manager

Help Wanted:

desalvo12tree@yahoo.com

802-752-9470

Frank DeSalvo

recycle this paper

The Center for Leadership Skills

Business & Leadership DevelopmenT

Lindel James coaching & consulting

Taking You from Frustration to Enthusiasm 802 778 0626 lindel@lindeljames.com lindeljames.com

quality remodeling & building

Conscientious contracting Int./ext. makeovers & paint Healthy whole-home solutions Deep energy retrofits Kitchens, baths, additions Doors, windows, roofs
ph: 229-8646

Acupuncture Helps Relieve Pain

Back Pain Neck Pain Joint Pain
In affiliation with Central Vermont Medical Center

Integrative Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

Kerry Jenni, L.Ac. and Joshua Singer, L.Ac At Montpelier
Integrative Family Health 156 Main St. | 223-0954 246 Granger Road, Berlin www.integrativeaom.com

David Diamantis

fax: 454-8646

We are CIGNA providers, please check with your plan for coverage information

Certified Green Professional EMP/RRP EcoStar Roof Applicator

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Ferdinand, the Dog Who Smells the Flowers

by Bronwyn Fryer

Ferdinand! Are you ready to go to work?

Sonja Grahn calls the 19-month-old English golden retriever over to her and taps her palm on the cashier side of the counter. Ferdie trots to her side, rears himself up on his strong hind legs and lands his saucer-sized paws on the counter. As he tilts his head toward her, Sonja gives him a kiss on his massive blond head and offers him a tasty treat. Thus rewarded, Ferdinand drops back to four paws and comes around the other side of the counter to say hello to the customer, his pampas-grass tail wagging. Just another day in the life of a customer service dog. Ferdinand spends most of his weekday afternoons working at Botanica Florals, the flower store on State Street in downtown Montpelier. Like the bull who loved to smell the flowers in the classic 1938 childrens story (The Story of Ferdinand), he is practically a Gandhi among caninesa particularly rare phenomenon, given his callow youth. If a little terrier with a Napoleon complex yaps at himas little dogs are wont to dohe sits very still, holds his head up high and blinks at them as if to say, in a high-born English accent, My deahfell-ah, please, please, I beeg you. Do not distuhb yahself so. Hev you evah considahed taking up meditation? Montpelier is a spiffing town for welltrained dogs of all stripes, but there is something about Ferdinands big, goofy, hypersocial, prancing golden-retriever-ness that makes him a particular people magnet. He is happily welcomed as a regular at the Montpelier Pharmacy, Guitar Sam, the Vermont State Employees Credit Union and many

other (non-food-based) establishmentson leash, of course. (The folks at the Vermont Community Loan Fund have bestowed a nickname on him: The Mayor. He loves to greet his public, says Maria Lamberti, loan coordinator.) Botanica hired the 85-pound dog about a year ago when I brought him into the shop. Sonja, Sarah and their mother, Marlene, had previously fallen in love with our classic-looking puppywho looked like hed walked off a bag of puppy foodwhen they ran into him outside Manghis bakery one cold winter morning, as his dad and I were buying bread. Please bring him by the shop! they begged. Wed love to see more of him! Nine months and many training sessions later, Ferdinand became my official office dog. I loved having my son with me, but (as any working mom with a human or canine toddler knows) working and puppy sitting were not really a copacetic combination. Im my own boss and stare at a computer all day; all he wanted to do was play. Nothing could be more boring for him (or distracting for me, with those guilt-tripping brown eyes of his) than lying on the rug. I was anxious to find something more exciting for him to do during the day, but I wasnt willing to fork out big bucks for doggie day care. So when Sarah and Sonja offered him a position, all of usincluding Ferdinandjumped at the chance. As a working dog, Ferdinand now fulfills several duties. His primary responsibility, of course, is to welcome visitors to the store. Visitors enjoy interacting with the big, friendly animal: little kids pet his velvet ears while adults comment on his big head and paws. Teens enjoy playing tug-of-war with

him. Older people like to sit quietly in a chair with his head in their laps. Ferdinand is an ideal comfort dog, an excellent feature for a shop that sees its share of depressed customers. He has a very fine emotional intelligence, Sonja observes. He can tell what kind of mood a customer is in. Sometimes a person will come in with a dark cloud hanging over their headsthey may have lost a loved one or suffered another kind of setbackand Ferdinand will go over to them and nuzzle their hand with his nose. Sometimes they will sit with him for a very long time. Other times, moms will come in with their kids, adds Sarah, and the children will recognize his name from the storybook. Its terribly exciting for them to meet the dog who loves to smell the flowers. During prom season, Ferdinand plays towel tug-of-war with embarrassed teenage boys who come in with their dates to choose boutonnires. In May, he helps brides to be pick out their floral bouquet arrangements while they browse a book of samples in the front-window chair. Its a win-win for everyone: Ferdinands adoptive aunties are delighted to have the company, the additional help and the reputational draw. My son gets constant attentionindeed, he has become something of a draw for visitors who come to take his picture while he stands up at the counter. He gets paid, usually in the form of my favorite flowera fragrant stargazer-lily stemevery couple of weeks. And I have great peace of mind, knowing that my big, smart dog is happy, useful and well taken care of, as I work my oh-so-veddy boring computer. Bronwyn Fryer is a writer in Montpelier.

A treehouse on the Yestermorrow campus. Photo courtesy of Yestermorrow.

Yestermorrow Design/Build School

by Susan Davidson
estermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield teaches over 120 hands-on classes in sustainable design, construction arts, natural building, architectural craft, furniture making and permaculture and regenerative design. Yestermorrow students are design/build professionals and DIYers, women and men, undergraduates and lifelong learners, hobbyists and those seeking a career change. Classes run two days to three weeks in length and are taught by top designers, architects, builders, artisans and permaculture practitioners from around the country. 7865 Main Street, Warren 888-496-5541, yestermorrow.org Enrollment Director: Luke Cady, luke@ yestermorrow.org

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Borrowing My Education
by Zachary Beechler
am 29 years old, and I am deeply in debt to the U.S. federal government in the form of outstanding student loanseven after having received a few scholarships, which werent enough (they rarely are). Last year, outstanding student loan debt in the United States reached $1,000,000,000,000, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Thats a lot of zeroes. Its a lot of weight on your shoulders, a lot of monkeys on Emergency Services Program at Barre Techni- your back. For myself, at bare minimum, my cal Center (BTC). Photo courtesy of BTC. monthly payments are the same as my rent. By the time I am finished, the accrued interest will equal roughly a third of the principal. Luckily, I was granted a deferment. Thank you, Uncle Sam! Unlike the mafia, the government seems to care if you are poor and cant pay. Really,

Hands On at Barre Tech

by Bob Nuner

I should be grateful I didnt borrow from a private lender, like a bank. The department of education appears to understand that my advanced credential was an investment that hasnt quite paid off yet. Eventually, though . . . A college degree does in fact increase an individuals income potential. There are statistics to back this up. But even with my masters, I am having trouble finding adequate employment in this economy. Partly because my resume is too thin, partly because Im relatively new to the area, partly because of bad luck. But also because I am too in debt to take a low-paying, entry-level position or wash dishes. I also want to be a teacher. However, Im not a victim. I made my bed. But I am a drag on the U.S. economy, since my student loans impede my ability to take on other forms of consumer debt. For example, like I said, I rentand in 2011, the number

of first-time home buyers (median age of 31) fell to its smallest percentage of total home purchases since 2006. Since the Bush years, the good old days. Can you believe it? I dont expect the president to forgive my loans, like he did Detroit. But there is something rotten here; the exponentially exorbitant cost of college is a national epidemic. Personally, I dont have an answer, beyond fully subsidized public universities. But higher education is too much big business in this country to ever let that happen. I only hope my four-year-old wont be saddled with debt like her father. You know, the American dream. Thankfully, shes half Canadian. Up there, she can go to school for free. Zachary Beechler is a student and freelance writer living in Montpelier.

arre Technical Center (BTC), located at Spaulding High School, was founded in 1969. Among the 13 programs that the school offers are building trades, digital media arts, cosmetology, plumbing and heating, human services, medical services and business and leadership. One of the attractions of the school is that students leave it with fundamental skills that put them on their way to earning a living, although many will augment or continue their education in the fields theyve chosen. For example, students may continue their studies in diesel school or in additional courses they need to become medical service personnel. The schools mission statement says, The Barre Technical Center will provide a supportive learning environment that encourages everyone to value themselves and others, to attain their highest level of achievement, and to recognize and prepare themselves to meet future opportunities. This year enrollment of high school students increased from 187 to 220 students, so demand for the program is strong. BTC also serves about 150 adult learners per semester. Its a competitive process to get into BTC, and guidance counselor Amy Lester noted that the school has a waiting list. According to Penny Chamberlin, BTC Director, Day program students apply through their sending school guidance counselor; then enter BTCs admissions process. Evening program adult applicants can download the adult tech ed application and send that directly to BTCs Adult Tech Ed Coordinator [Scott Griggs]. Tuition for high school age students is publicly supported. For adults, Charmberlin pegs adult tuition fee at $3,000 per year. This is the same as the Adult Degree Grant through VSAC. By state regulation we could charge up to 45 percent of our announced tuition, which would be around $5,400, but we want to ensure that adults have access to our programs and are not under any hardship to make that happen. BTCs various programs offer certificates and, in some cases, college credits (including, for example, up to 10 credits at CCV in human services and up to 15 credits at Lyndon State in digital media arts). BTCs pre-technical exploratory program offers students who are interested in, for example, the trades but are not ready for a technical education the foundational skills to prepare them to be successful in a technical program. The program follows a Standardsbased curriculum that emphasizes the development of critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. Each Pre-Technical Program has suggested embedded credits of Math, English, Social Studies, Science and two electives. Each student has the opportunity to earn an OSHA Certification and exploration of dual enrollment within technical programs. For more information on BTCs high school programs, contact Amy Lester, guidance counselor, at alestbtc@u61net.

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Ride On, Alan

by Mindy Jackson

Letters
Keep the Montpelier Farmers Market Downtown The Capital City Farmers Market in Montpelier has been considering a move to the Vermont College green for a couple years. While I appreciate the work and good intentions of those who want to make this move, I am opposed to the move and believe the market should stay in a downtown location. Many people come to Montpelier on Saturday morning to enjoy the market and to walk through downtown visiting stores and eateries. Currently you can park once and enjoy all of downtown and the market via walking. While Vermont College is not terribly far from downtown, the reality is that most people will drive between market and downtown, requiring parking their car twice. I think this will discourage a percentage of potential customers from visiting both the market and downtown and will reduce business in both locations. During May 4, opening day for the market, several downtown business owners stopped by and expressed that they did not want the market to move to the college and that they think there is great synergy between the market and downtown. Recently the market board voted in executive session to use $5,000 of our market dues to research moving to the college. My sense from talking to vendors is that support for moving to the college is soft at best, and that the meeting in which members voted to make this move was not well attended so might not have reflected the views of the majority of vendors. Im concerned that with a move to the college market business could drop by a healthy percentage, causing the market to become unprofitable for some of our current vendors, not to mention potential future vendors. Lets dream big and find a downtown location that will allow our local producers and farmers market to grow and thrive for decades to come. The Montpelier City Council, mayor and Montpelier Alive have expressed support for keeping the market downtown. The city is in process of purchasing the Carr lot (parking lot along the river near our current location), and preliminary plans include a permanent space for the market. Lets consider all options for keeping the market downtown and work together to create a better and more vibrant market. Pete Johnson, Montpelier farmers market vendor, Craftsbury animals (including humans). These other animals are incidental dead-end hosts, meaning they are unimportant to the natural cycle of West Nile Virus. Cats and dogs rarely contract West Nile Virus, and only a handful of deaths have been associated with it: in most of the cases the pet was older or immounocompromised in some way. Horses are more commonly affected, and around 10 percent of those will show signs, which include muscle twitching, changes in behavior (from nonresponsiveness to overt aggression), weakness, stumbling and recumbancy. Any age, gender and breed can be affected. Seventy to 75 percent of affected horses will live, but only 65 percent of unvaccinated horses will live through an infection with the virus. Controlling the mosquito population is important for prevention. Clean water troughs weekly to eliminate mosquito larvae, and stable horses at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active and screen stables, where possible. There is a vaccine for West Nile virus in horses: your veterinarian will help you to decide which vaccine is best for your horse and how often the horse should be vaccinated. Kathy Finnie, Executive Director, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association Wind Energy Instability To the Editor: Denmark used to produce about 20 percent of its total production as wind energy. With much more offshore capacity built during the past 10 years and little onshore capacity addition during these years, because of public opposition, Denmark is now producing about 35 percent of its total production. Denmark is part of the Norpool grid, which connects to Sweden (35 percent hydro) and Norway (98 percent hydro) and uses these plants for balancing its variable wind energy. The Danish power system is not sufficiently flexible to ramp up and down to do its own balancing. New England has no such option, unless Hydro-Quebec is contracted for that purpose. New England will have to use mostly gas turbines to balance its variable wind energy as the annual wind energy percent increases on the New England grid. If Denmark generates too much wind energy, which frequently happens, especially with stronger winds, some of it needs to be exported. As stronger winds usually happen at night, when Danish demand is low, much excess wind energy is produced and energy is exported at low prices. Denmark often imports energy from Sweden and Norway during daytime at higher prices, especially during periods of weaker winds. As a result, Denmark ends up conuming about 10 percent, exports about 25 percent, for a total of about 35 percent wind energy production. More is explained in this article: theenergycollective.com/willempost/169521/wind-turbine-energy-capacityless-estimated Willem Post, Woodstock

lan Jefferys, 67, of Brookfield, was in a fatal, single-vehicle, motorcycle accident on Saturday afternoon, July 13, 2013, in the Brookfield-Williamstown Gulf. Short of sleep and tired after a long, satisfying day of teaching a motorcycle safety class for the state of Vermont, he appears to have nodded off on a straightaway four miles from home. Born in Madras, India, on January 2, 1946, to an American father and a mother who was a child of the Raj, Alans first decade of life was split between living with Alan Jeffreys. Photo courtesy of Mindy Jackson. his family in Bombay and being sent abroad to a series of Dickensian boarding schools Hyannis Porsche-Audi, eventually opening in England. When he was 12, the family his own Volvo repair shop in Hyannis, Masmoved to Colombo, Ceylon (now called Sri sachusetts, specializing in older Volvos. In 1984 in a bar in Hyannis, he met the Lanka), during which time he attended a girl he would marry, Mindy. Their marboarding school in Switzerland long enough riage took place in Tokyo, Japan, while to become fluent in French. While at home visiting Mindys parents, who were living in Ceylon, he could usually be found in or there teaching English. After a month of around the ocean, often swimming a mile traveling in Japan, the couple returned to out to sea to spear-fish in the reefs. He and the Cape, and within two years bought his friends would sell the fish to restaurants land and started building a house in Brookfor pocket money to buy fishing equipment, field, Vermont. movie tickets, Winklepicker boots and other At the end of 14 years as a machinist for 50s teen necessities. HEB manufacturing in Chelsea, Alan left At 15, legal school-quitting age in Engto start his own business. When he wasnt land, he walked out of his last boarding helping with craft shows and promoting his school and enrolled in a correspondence wifes art business, he lived and breathed school so that he could live at home with his motorcycles, particularly British bikes, family. While back in Ceylon, he was offered and eventually specialized in Yamahas. He a travel opportunity as a French interpreter road-raced vintage bikes at racetracks in and experienced diver with an underwater New Hampshire and Nova Scotia. Becomfilm project funded by a Halliburton family ing a motorcycle instructor for the state member. He spent several months living on of Vermont was one of his proudest actheir decommissioned mine sweeper, outfitcomplishments. His soft-spoken, easygoing ted as a private yacht, traveling through the Indian and Arabian seas to the Seychelles, ways and his desire to share any knowledge Maldives and Madagascar. A telegram even- he had made him a natural teacher. He was known as an avid talker, a tually caught up with him, calling him schmoozer and a storyteller, who often home. The only boat available for the trip dropped in unannounced. Hour-long phone back was a boat overloaded with Indian refucalls were common. He loved to talk bikes gees fleeing ethnic cleansing in Kenya under and share knowledge. Driven by empathy Jomo Kenyatta. He often recalled this trip, and a great desire to make a connection where whole families shared a narrow bunk with others, he was referred to by friends and dozens used a single bucket for waste. as a people collector. From his boyhood He also told of cautious conversations on friends in Ceylon, to the bank manager at deck with beautiful members of an Indian his old bank in Berlin, once you were in dance troupe guarded by a eunuch. His father, who worked for for Caltech, his sphere, he was loath to let you go. Alan was transferred to the United States due to had an insatiable spirit that left an indelible unrest in Ceylon. Alan caught up with his mark on countless numbers of people. Charles Alan Jefferys is survived by his mother and sisters in Switzerland. His sister wife, Mindy Jackson-Jefferys of BrookVikki stayed in Switzerland to finish school, field; his mother, Patricia Cornwell Jefwhile Alan, his mother and youngest sister, ferys; sister, Vikki Jefferys Bailey, and Gayle, drove their car to England. There brother-in-law, James Bailey, all of San West Nile Virus and Horses they, with car, boarded an ocean liner for Diego; sister, Gayle Jefferys Weatherly, and To the Editor: New York where the family was reunited. brother-in-law, Harold Weatherly, of TucWith the recent discovery of West Nile virus Once settled in Pelham, New York, Alan set about acquiring the courses he needed to son; nieces, Katherine Weatherly and Kim in mosquitoes collected in Addison County, attend college. He graduated from Pelham Bailey; nephews, Tim and JJ Bailey and many people are concerned about their aniHigh School in the class of 1965, all the Scott Weatherly; and mother-in-law, Cyn- mals. West Nile virus is found worldwide and while making new friends and breaking thia Hills Jackson of Randolph. He was first appeared in the United States in Septemhearts with his English accent, gentle ways predeceased by his father, Charles Norman ber 1999 when three birds at the Bronx Zoo and James Dean looks. One semester at Jefferys of Williamstown, Massachusetts, died from it. Birds are the natural host, with Boston University segued into a series of and father-in-law, John Harvey Jackson of feeding mosquitoes picking up the virus from them and transmitting it to a wide variety of occupations from taxi driver, encyclopedia Randolph. The Alan Jefferys Memorial Bon Voyage salesman, cookware and magazine salesman, potato chip truck driver, time-share sales is planned for Saturday, August 31, Labor and a brief stint as a successful headhunter Day weekend, starting in the afternoon, in Boston. Alan worked at motorcycle shops somewhere in central Vermont. The perfect in Vermont, California and Cape Cod. On location is still being sought. From all those who loved you, respected Cape Cod, he worked as shift manager at you or were just annoyed by your persistence: Packaging Industries and as a mechanic at Ride on, Alan Jefferys!

Advertisers and Readers: Please note that The Bridge will delay our Energy Issue by one week.

Correction
In the July 18 issue article on the Goddard Summer Theatre Ensemble, the first name of theater director Grotowski should have read Jerzy, not Jerry. Also, the correct name of the Goddard arts program is the Goddard Arts Initiative, GAI.

The issue originally scheduled to come out on 8/15 will now publish on the FOURTH Thursday of this month, August 22. Our first September issue will come out the first Thursday, as usual, September 5.

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Editorial
Changes at Christ Church

Taking a Gigabyte Out of the Constitution

by David Kelley

n the changes now taking place at Christ Episcopal Church (part of an ambitious three-year project) we see the powerful example of a well-timed gift. Back when Montpelier decided to pursue its District Heat project, Christ Church was seriously interested. The Church, located on State Street, is on the route of the pipe that will carry district heat from the states new wood chip boiler plant to City Hall and beyond. A Church planning subcommittee understood they could drastically cut their oil use and reduce their carbon footprint by hooking into district heat. However, their final recommendation was, We dont have the money and we just cant do it. At this pivotal moment, two anonymous Christ Church parishioners made a $40,000 gift targeted to the District Heat project. Talking about this extraordinary gift, church minister, Rev. Paul M. Habersang, said, Its an upfront investment. In the scheme of things we looked at this as a great, green opportunity for making a difference. It was that initial donation that started things off. The generous contribution means the Church can now begin these projects: Installation of a District Heat pipe. This installation will connect District Heat to the Church heating system. But it will also tear up the courtyard. Reconstruction of the courtyard. Because the courtyard will be torn up, this is the logical moment to pursue a long-delayed, total reconstruction that will include new benches, landscaping, and new stonework and pavers for the courtyard floor. Completion of long-deferred maintenance projects. These projects include new bathrooms, rebuilding the bell tower and dealing with water damage to the main church building. According to Rev. Habersang the approximate total cost for the several projects is $350,000. Already Christ Church has successfully asked and received support from the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont. Yes, money has been and will be needed, but it isnt everything. Positive energy produces positive energy. George Estes, a local contractor, has provided huge help for redoing the courtyard benches. Bill de Vos of TreeWorks has effectively removed the old courtyard trees and planted new ones. Montpeliers Tim Heney, who owns property adjacent to Christ Church that is currently hosts the Farmers Market during the summer phoned Christ Church to say: Im willing to partner with you to make the property between us beautiful. Heney also offered to help renovate the courtyard. As a minister in partnership with his parish and this community, Habersang describes the Christ Church dream in these words. I feel the courtyard is an oasis in the city. Its the only green space thats available at the center of downtown other than the State House lawn. We are struggling to be creative and to bring the courtyard back to its original splendor. Many of us who love Montpelier and treasure the courtyard and the sacred building that is the church itself (a Gothic monument built in 1868 that has provided sanctuary and inspiration for more than 140 years) will want to contribute something large or small, to help realize the Christ Church dream. What a tremendous civic project and the ball is now in motion.

n the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. Transparency, openness and vigorous debate are not political luxuries. They are political necessities. They are also, sometimes, inconvenient, inefficient and risky. It is simpler for people in power to assume they know whats best for everyone else. But history is littered with the sad consequences of those peoples arrogance. Section 215 of the Patriot Act has become a product of that kind of arrogance. When key personnel from our intelligence community have to lie to Congress about what they are doing, it is clear they dont have the consent of the governed. The most glaring example came at a public hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee on March 12, 2013, prior to Edward Snowdens disclosures, when Senator Ron Wyden asked Director of National Intelligence James Clapper: Does the NSA collect any type of data at all on millions or hundreds of millions of Americans? Director Clapper responded, No, sir. Senator Wyden pressed him, It does not? Director Clapper responded, Not wittingly. There are cases where they could, inadvertently perhaps, collect, but not wittingly. We now know Clapper was lying. Even before Clappers deception, justice department attorneys repeatedly told different senators that the powers being exercised under Section 215 were no different than a grand jury subpoena. The notion that a grand jury could subpoena all the telephone and Internet records of millions of Americans is ludicrous. In 2005, the U.S. Congress was concerned enough about the potential abuse of Section 215 of the Patriot Act to create the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. And in eight years, the board met once, in private. It did not hold a public hearing until after Snowdens disclosures. Neither President Bush nor President Obama ever met with them. Thanks to Snowden, we now know that the FBI and NSA go to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to get orders for the collection of data regarding domestic phone calls and the Internet activity of Americans on Google, Facebook, Aol, Yahoo and any number of other social websites and Internet companies. The fact that we call the law that gives rise to this power the Patriot Act is an homage to Orwellian double-speak. Section 215 has come to mock some of the most fundamental principles for which genuine patriots fought. I worked in the Soviet Union for two years. I saw what happens to free speech when people think their communications may be

monitored by the government. Widespread government monitoring cripples the free expression of political dissent. People develop a filter between their thoughts and their speech. People talk about soccer scores but they become timid about criticizing public policy. When the government monitors peoples associations with other people, especially those who would be political activists, they become more cautious about their associations. Metadata can be used algorithmically to identify all kinds of groupsOccupy Wall Street groups, gun owners, undocumented immigrantsnot just al Qaeda. Phone records can identify not only the numbers called and the length of the call but the location of the call. The NSA says it doesnt do that. Former NSA employee Thomas Drake says it does. The directors of national intelligence, the FBI and NSA, when asked repeatedly by journalists what they believe the extent of their authority is under Section 215, have answered only with a deafening silence. We now know it extends to all of the records of Verizon, Google, Facebook, Yahoo and presumably AT&T and every other phone company and Internet provider. It may well extend to Bank of America, Chase Credit Card Services and United Mileage Plus. Comprehensive analysis of this metadata can be far more invasive than rummaging through someones dresser drawers. With enough metadata, we can glimpse into peoples hearts and minds. The Fourth and Fifth Amendments were intended to protect us against governmental invasions of the sanctity of a mans home and the privacies of life. The Supreme Court has repeatedly said that those amendments create a right to privacy, no less important than any other right carefully and particularly reserved to the people. That right is sacrificed only when people dont have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Who sends e-mails or searches the Internet with the expectation that the government will have access to all his or her records? Ben Franklin said people who are willing to trade freedom for security will have neither. The so-called Patriot Act is a good example of what he was talking about. It is chilling to think of how the Boundless Informant or Prism program, left unchecked, could be used in the wrong hands. We have already had one president who was willing to break into the other partys headquarters and who kept his own enemies list. We have had an FBI director who kept dossiers on anybody he disliked and who wiretapped almost anyone he distrusted. Government has a right to collect intelligence and to keep information secret. It does not have the right to keep the scope of its power to collect that information secret. We have a right to know what our government can collect and what it can do with it. I have friends in Pakistan (largely as a result of U.S. State Departmentsponsored exchange pro-

David Kelley. Bridge photo. grams). We talk on Skype, we send e-mails back and forth and we are friends on Facebook. But none of that is the governments business unless there is probable cause to believe Im breaking the law. My understanding is that Senator Sanders has introduced legislation to require disclosure of significant FISC interpretations of Section 215 and to guard against Section 215 orders that require disclosure of tangible things not yet in existence when the order is served. Senator Leahy has a proposal that would tweak the rules for how the government can access business or phone records under the Patriot Act. Among other changes, as I understand it, the goal is to strengthen the relevancy standard the government must meet before collecting data from communications companies. His bill would require the government to show how the records they want are relevant to an investigation and are linked to a foreign power or agent. Those proposals would be steps in the right direction. But Congress should also insist on a comprehensive report on what is being collected, how this enormous data collection is used and what actual results it has produced. I suspect all of the resources being devoted to collecting big data might well be put to better use following up on genuine evidence of wrongdoing. Field agents tried to alert the FBI to the 9/11 bombers without result. Russian intelligence agencies tried to alert us to the dangers of the Boston Marathon bombers and nothing was done. We were busy collecting metadata. So what about Edward Snowden? He walked away from a $150,000 a year job and a comfortable life in Hawaii and put his life and freedom in jeopardy in order to tell the truth about what our government was up to. As I write this, he sits in limbo in the transit hotel at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow. His greatest concern, he says, is that his disclosures may not make a difference. He has incurred the wrath of the entire U.S. intelligence community, pretty much ensuring that the rest of his life will be a living hell. Meanwhile, James Clapper will go home to a nice comfortable house in the Washington suburbs. Hell retire on a cushy government pension, and hell get lots of awards for his public service. I wonder who Tom Jefferson would say the real patriot is.

An Apology to QuarryWorks Theater and the Adamant Music School

by Nat Frothingham

n behalf of The Bridge, I acknowledge omissions to our calendar listings and story coverage. I regret in our recent calendar listings no mention was made of the QuarryWorks summer season. Nor did The Bridge cover QuarryWorks with a story. Nor did the calendar listing for the Adamant Music School summer events provide a comprehensive enough description of the Schools Traditional Session of participant piano concerts. About QuarryWorks Theatersince 1996, the Adamant Community Cultural Foundation has offered free summer theater perfor-

mances at its QuarryWorks Theater near the Adamant Music School. By now, the season is already well-advanced and QuarryWorks has presented Two By Two, a Broadway musical on a Noahs Ark theme with music by Richard Rodgers of Rodgers and Hammerstein fame. Missingfrom our calendar was the July 26 benefit by Marko the Magician. The following shows are underway or remain to be presented: AladdinChildrens Show on August 3 and 4 (Saturday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m.). Also at QuarryWorks are Three One Act Plays (The Zoo Story, Open Me Last, and The Italian Lesson)

on August 811 and August 1518 (ThursdaysSaturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.; Sunday matinee, 2 p.m). Reservations are necessary to attend a QuarryWorks show as seating is limited to 50 people. Please call 229-6978 two weeks in advance. For more information about QuarryWorks please go online to quarryworks.org For further information about Adamant Music School events with attention to the Master Classes with Menahem Pressler from August 11-15 and the Master Class Concerts on August 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. please phone 223-3347 or go online to: adamant.org/events.htm

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The Bridge

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