Or gan ic s to Ener g y at Wa st ewater Faci l it y Page 10

August 17September 6, 2017

All Aboard For Energy Efficiency by Carla Occaso

IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg. 4 Land Behind Former
NECI Hub Eyed for
Housing Site
Pg. 8 Tami Calliope,
Wildlife Activist
Pg. 14 How Contests Shape
Montpelier
CAR-RT SORT
MONTPELIER A passenger train rolled through Montpelier
Aug. 15 at a little past 9:30 a.m. starting from the old train station
(now Sarduccis on one side and Minuteman Press/Citizens Bank).
Under a sunny blue sky the train came to life and started to
chug along the tracks. On board was a smiling, impeccably
dressed Mayor Thom Lauzon, heading back to his native Barre
after meeting with Montpelier Mayor John Hollar to give the
train their blessing. Also on board was David Blittersdorf, who
purchased the trains to bring public transportation back to
Central Vermont as part of an overall scheme toward energy
efficiency.
It was exciting to see us take a big step towards passenger train
service in Montpelier with the delivery of these new trains.
David Blittersdorf deserves a great deal of credit for making an
enormous personal investment in a cleaner transportation system
for central Vermont, Hollar told The Bridge by email.
Blittersdorf, president and chief executive officer of all Earth
Renewables, bought a fleet of 12 cars that are now in Vermont,
he told The Bridge by email. The cars that went on the rails Aug.
15 came from Dallas, Texas. He has two other cars that came
Debra Sachs, executive director of Net Zero Vermont, attended
the event and explained how the project dovetails with attaining
energy efficiency. Commuter transit, as an alternative to single-
occupancy vehicles within the Capitol Corridor, is a major
component of Team Bridges winning design for the Sustainable
Montpelier 2030 Design Competition. The arrival of the Budd
rail cars is the first step toward expanding commuter rail service
in Vermont. Net Zero Vermont is a nonprofit organization
that hosted a design competition for architects, and city and
land planners to come up with a way to make Montpelier attain
net zero by 2030. The winning group, Team Bridges, won the
$10,000 prize.
Part of the design incorporates a train as part of a public multi-
modal transportation plan according to Jay Ancel, one of the
architects on Team Bridges and a partner with Montpelier-based
Black River Designs.
As for how these trains fit into the winning design? Related to
energy, a core idea of our Team Bridges solution was to reduce
dependency on the car with rail oriented development and in the
core areas along the rail and river. People living in the corridor
could likely get rid of one car and meet their needs as walkable

Permit NO. 123

Montpelier, VT

from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada and are currently in St.

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage

or by rail say from Barre through Montpelier, and perhaps on to

PAID

Albans. The cars, called Budd cars dating back to 1950, can run
individually, independent of each other, on their own propulsion. Waterbury, Ancel told The Bridge.

When asked the cost of the cars, Blittersdorf responded, I have
formed a new company, AllEarth Rail, LLC, that I wholly own
to advance efficient, cost effective passenger transit in Vermont.
I have invested over $5 million to date. We are doing rail The
Vermont Way! Not over priced or gold plated.
Before the cars will be open to the public, Blittersdorf says,
they need to be readied for self-powered use. Also, he needs to
connect the drive shafts, re-certify them and test all the systems
in preparation for a test run. He expects the will be ready for test
runs and VIP tours starting before winter.
As for what fare the general public would pay once they are up and
running? Don't know. We are in the early stages of working with
all the transportation stakeholders to put together a passenger
Montpelier, VT 05601
Having a train connected to a robust public transit, and bikes,
walking paths, access to the river and to downtown ... hopefully
the plans will come to life when the city moves forward. It
looks as though the cities of Barre, Montpelier, Waterbury and
Burlington are interested in passenger rail service coming back,
Sachs said as the train started to pull out. She said the train could
make stops along the way at restaurants and local brew pubs as
well as bringing people to work.
Note: Net Zero Vermont, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization
established to help Vermont communities advance a shared vision
for a sustainable future that provides economically vibrant, people-
centered downtowns and transforms our transportation and
energy systems to low carbon alternatives. For more information

about Net Zero Vermont, community design competitions and

rail success plan, Blittersdorf wrote. He emphasized that riding other resources, visit www.netzerovt.org, and follow us on Twitter
a train would be a lot lower cost than owning and driving a car. at twitter.com/netzerovt.
P.O. Box 1143

The system also needs to integrate with buses, bikes, walking

and other last mile connection methods.
The Bridge

See page 13 for Team Bridges' Winning Design

This occasion was sponsored by Net Zero Vermont to highlight for Sustainable Montpelier 2030 Net Zero Design
and advance shared goals and objectives for a sustainable future. Competition.

We're online! montpelierbridge.com or vtbridge.com

PAG E 2 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge

On Over 20 Years of Business!

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T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 3

HEARD ON THE STREET

U.S. Department of Ed Seeks Input on Every
Student Succeeds Plan
BARRE The U.S. Department of Education sent the
Vermont Agency of Education Aug. 9 a request for revisions
and clarifications to sections of the Every Student Succeeds Act
Vermont state plan.
The agency now has 15 calendar days to respond to the federal
feedback and submit a revised state plan no later than August
22. Written feedback is available online for the public to view.
The Agency of Education developed the accountability plan
during the past two years with the help of more than 2,000
stakeholders from every county. With this plan, Vermont will
use federal dollars to help communities better understand
their schools success and needs in serving their children. The
plan will provide communities with the tools and feedback to
improve educational practices and student outcomes.
In addition, the federal plan will provide a little extra support
for communities where children because of poverty, bias or
disability need a little more support and effort on our part
in order to thrive.
This plan replaces No Child Left Behind, which rewarded
schools that got high scores on high stakes tests. Connect with
the Vermont Agency of Education on Twitter, Facebook and
YouTube.
Flaming Car Causes I89 Traffic Snarl
MIDDLESEX A Newfane man was not injured after his
car went ablaze on Interstate 89. The vehicle, however, a 2004
Toyota Sienna, was totaled according to a police report. The car
was owned and driven by Peter Solley, 68.
On Aug. 11 around noon, troopers from the Vermont State
Police in Middlesex were notified of a vehicle fire on Interstate
89, in the vicinity of mile marker 56 northbound. Upon
arrival, troopers found Solleys Toyota Sienna fully engulfed
in flames. Firefighters from Montpelier Fire Department and
Middlesex Fire Department battled the flames, and traffic
was at a standstill for approximately 30 minutes until the fire
was extinguished. No one was injured and the cause of the
fire is believed to be mechanical. Traffic was backed up on
the interstate for approximately 1.5 hours until the situation
returned to normal.
Planet Fitness to Open at Berlin Mall
BERLIN Berlin Mall, LLC, the owner of Berlin Mall,
is excited to announce a lease signing for 15,000-square-feet
of space immediately beyond the malls main entrance, with
Planet Fitness.
Weve been searching for years to find the right tenant for
this high-profile space, and in addition to providing Central
Vermont residents with a meaningful service at great value,
Planet Fitness provides good jobs for the areas workforce, said
Ken Simon, vice president of Heidenberg Properties Group,
owners of Berlin Mall, LLC.
The Hampton, New Hampshire-based company has
revolutionized the fitness industry with extremely low
prices and offers a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free
environment called the Judgement Free Zone, brand name
cardio and strength equipment, fully-equipped locker rooms
and unlimited small group fitness instruction by certified
trainers. There are three Planet Fitness franchises in Vermont
(Essex Junction, South Burlington and St. Albans).
Police: Teen and Tween Burglarize Positive Pie
PLAINFIELD Vermont State Troopers arrested two
young people on charges of burglarizing Positive Pie located
in Plainfield Village.
According to the police report, on Aug. 12, troopers from the
Middlesex barracks received information that the Positive Pie
Pizza restaurant in Plainfield had been burglarized overnight.
The subsequent investigation lead to the arrest of two juveniles,
age 12 and 13. Both were issued juvenile citations to appear in
Washington County Court.
Bragg Farm Pumpkins Getting Ready to Roll
EAST MONTPELIER For those thinking ahead to fall,
Doug Bragg of Bragg Farm on Route 14 is preparing to roll
out the pumpkins in coming weeks. This is in keeping with
the family farm stand business dating back to the 1970s.
Braggs will most likely have pie pumpkins and jack-o'-lantern
pumpkins on display in their annual festive presentation at
the farm stand by early September. Also, in keeping with the
season, apples will be abundantly available from Champlain
Orchards.
Police: Woman Lied About Assault
MIDDLESEX Police report that a woman falsely reported
an assault she said occurred on July 30. Mary Nichols, 32,
Middlesex, called to report she had been assaulted, but
police obtained information that she had been lying. She
was subsequently issued a citation for false report to law
enforcement authorities. Nichols is scheduled to appear in
Washington County Superior Court, Criminal Division on
October 12.

Mississippi Soul and Blues Man

To Perform with The Dave Keller Band
MORRISVILLE/MONTPELIER Award-
winning Mississippi soul and blues man
Johnny Rawls will perform
at Oxbow Park in
Morrisville on
Saturday, Aug.
26 at 6 p.m. He will
also play a special early show
at Sweet Melissa's in Montpelier
Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. Backing
Rawls will be The Dave Keller Band,
that will also perform songs from their
recent album, Right Back Atcha.
A superb soul singer and guitarist, Rawls is
widely considered one of the finest old school
soul musicians touring today. His album
Johnny Ace of Spades won best soul recording
Rawls at the 2011 Blues Music Awards, and his
previous album Red Cadillac reached #1
on the Living Blues radio charts. He is a veteran of some of the finest soul bands of all
time, including those of Joe Tex, Little Johnny Taylor, The Sweet Inspirations and the
legendary O.V. Wright.
Originally from Purvis, Mississippi, Johnny began performing professionally while still in
high school, backing up touring soul and blues artists on the chitlin circuit throughout
the deep South. In the late 1970s he led the band of soul singer O.V. Wright, who many
critics consider one of the genres absolute finest. (Robert Cray is always quick to cite
Wright as a major influence.) Johnny has led his own band since 1985, and has released
over a dozen CDs for labels including JSP, Rooster, Catfood, and his own imprint, Deep
Soul. In addition to being a charismatic live performer, Rawls has earned numerous
accolades and awards for his work as a producer and songwriter for other artists.
Dave Keller, based in Montpelier, has steadily built a national reputation as a top notch
deep soul singer, guitarist and songwriter. His album Soul Changes earned a coveted
Blues Music Award nomination for Best Soul/Blues CD of Year in 2014. His current
album, Right Back Atcha, is nominated for Best Soul/Blues CD of the Year by the
Blues Blast Music Magazine Awards, and is a nominee for Best Blues Album of the Year
by Downbeat Magazine Readers Awards.
The Oxbow Park concert is free and open to all ages. The Sweet Melissa's show is $10 at
the door, and is open to ages 21 and older. Sweet Melissa's is located at 4 Langdon St. For
more info visit www.johnnyrawlsblues.com and www.davekeller.com.

Nature Watch by Nona Estrin

Fleeting Stillness Of
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N
ow just as summer seems to
take a big breath in before
turning toward fall, just at
the moment when there is a stillness
over the land, we humans at these
high latitudes speed up. There is
first applesauce, fruit and vegetable
preservation, visitors pouring into
Vermont, old friends, family coming,
weddings and school looms into view!!!
Oh, my! How to hold it all! I will make
space, in all this rush, to do nothing,
somewhere outdoors, the brook, the
porch, a nearby lake...Ahh! The last
stolen moments of summer!
Photo by Aron Vaught
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PAG E 4 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Land Around Former NECI Hub Eyed For Housing

by Carla Occaso

MONTPELIER A new housing development Proposed 250 Main St. housing site buildings, Nick said that the architect is well
planned for an area behind what locals know as known and would do a good job. I think Black
the former New England Culinary Institute River Designs, you know their work, do a very
headquarters the big grey building at 250 fine job designing properties such as this so it
Main St. has generated high interest. will look very nice.
A preliminary sketch plan presentation was Cheney, an attorney, also said he is representing
held June 19 before the Development Review David Putter, who is also an attorney and
Board, and lively feedback prompted project abutting landowner.
planners to go back to the drawing board On June 8, Putter and Cheney submitted the
pending soil testing by an engineer. following filing: Mr. Putter owns title to the
According to the zoning permit application property abutting the property which is the
filed May 29, the project will have a new subject of this application. He can demonstrate
planned unit development with 24 housing a physical and environmental impact on his
units contained in two single, and 11 duplex property under the conditional use and other
housing structures. Areas to be improved criteria to be reviewed. He alleges that if the
include new roads and bioretention areas to application is confirmed, it will not be in accord
address drainage issues. with the policies, purposes and/or terms of the
Some forested areas behind the existing plan and the bylaw of the City of Montpelier.
buildings would be removed to allow for a proposed road, bioretention areas and new According to Nick, the hearing gave him good insight and he will gather the information
structures. Historic buildings on the site will remain. Roberta Harrold, who lives near the necessary to begin to figure out how many units are appropriate for the site. It is too early
site, said the existing building went up in 1920 to serve as a home for friendless children to determine what the cost would be to a consumer, since plans have not been finalized, but
an orphanage. the site, with the views we have, commands a more upscale project, he said. His customer
The neighborhood is zoned medium density residential and is not in the design control would likely be someone who is downsizing perhaps empty nesters. Units would be
district. owner-occupied units, such as a condominium-type project with single stand-alone cottages,
duplexes and perhaps even a fourplex, Nick said.
Several neighbors attended the Development Review Boards sketch plan hearing to air
concerns. Many comments ranged from skepticism to distress over the idea but one The developers have been meeting with a local downsizing group for input on what features
neighbor sang its praises. Cal McCollum said he applauded 250 Main St. owner Jeff Nicks these units would have, such as how many garages and general design.
efforts to build the much needed housing. The overarching lament was losing a wooded According to Black River Designs Architect Jay Ancel, in a brief in person interview
area to be replaced by housing units and the possible impact on wildlife habitat as well as with The Bridge Aug. 15, the whole concept is in keeping with the Montpelier Planning
character of the neighborhood. Also of concern was increased traffic, stormwater runoff and Commission and City Councils mission to create more housing in Montpelier. This project
vegetation removal. would be in keeping with creating greater density within city bounds, a strategy known as
The basic tenor of the hearing was civil and displayed a willingness for all sides to listen to infill development. This way people who live in Montpelier can walk or bike to work and
one another, but a couple of issues flared up. contribute to the goal of attaining net zero energy by 2030.

Your regs (regulations) require the applicants tell us what the building is going to look like,
the materials and the basic design, said Kim Cheney, an abutting landowner and also vice
chair of the Montpelier Planning Commission. All I see is a bunch of boxes on a flat piece
of paper and that is not what the regs require as far as I can tell. It is very hard to comment
on this.
As of that hearing, building footprints, driveways and bioretention walls had been drawn up,
but the buildings themselves had not been visually rendered into three dimensional drawings.
Cheney also said he believed there could be as many as 250 people moving into the proposed
units causing a spike in the neighborhoods population. But property owner Jeff Nick shot
down that notion right away.
If I may clear up some questions that were raised. I can assure everybody in the neighborhood
that none of these units will have 10 people, Nick said. I mean, two and three bedroom
units and 1,200 up to 1,700 square feet, at the most. And as for the look and design of the
Montpelier hosted a big Net Zero design competition and Ancel is one of the winning
architects from Team Bridges.
Ancel said he and Nick are taking a pause for geotechnical soil testing. Further, he and Nick
plan to put their heads together to respond to soil testing results and to comments from
abutting property owners who attended the June 19 sketch plan hearing.
CORRECTION:
Carl Etnier's article concerning the state of recreational marijuana use in Colorado said,
THC is fat soluble, so it tends to leave the blood very quickly and lodge in places like the
brain, where it can impair the user at the same time that blood alcohol levels are low.
It should have said, "THC is fat soluble, so it tends to leave the blood very quickly and
lodge in places like the brain, where it can impair the user at the same time that blood
THC levels are low.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 5
Police Charge Gebo With 1st Degree Murder Cause of
Cooks Death: Strangulation
MIDDLESEX After the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Cindy Cook
had been strangled to death, police issued an arrest warrant for her boyfriend, Randal Gebo,
61, of Barre.
According to a police report issued July 15, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has
finalized the cause of Cook's death to be neck compressions and the manner to be homicide.
The body of Cook, 59, of Barre, was found over a bank in Middlesex July 12 by a woman
walking her dog on Brook Road.
When police responded, they found Cook's body without identification and in a state of
decomposition. But soon investigators identified her and discovered her car, a cream-colored
Mini Cooper, had gone missing along with her boyfriend, Randal Gebo, 61. The Vermont
State Police Major Crime Unit, along with Barre City police and law enforcement across the
country went into full-blown search/investigation mode.
Gebo was arrested July 19 in Downers Grove, Illinois following a traffic stop. Before his
arrest, Gebo had been caught on surveillance camera driving her car and then located in
several other states, including Arkansas and Wyoming, after using her stolen credit cards. He
was detained and lodged in Illinois based on charges of aggravated vehicle operation without
On The Road by Brent Curtis
A
ugust 20 through the 26 is Vermont Clean Water Week. This statewide celebration
is brought to you by the Department of Environmental Conservation. There
will be a rain garden workshop in Castleton, Natural Shoreline Erosion Control
Workshop, a Life Underwater public boat trip in Burlington and a green stormwater
bicycle tour in Rutland City. Its All In for Clean Water. For registration and a schedule
of events go to http://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/cwi/clean-water-week. I remember the
words of Samuel T. Coleridge: Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.
Interstate
I-89 In Middlesex, drivers should expect more northbound and southbound lane closures
and slower speed limits near the U.S. 2 overpass.
Around the Area
Montpelier: Milling on Elm Street/ VT 12 begin on Aug. 14 all the way to the
Middlesex Town line. Spring Street could get some night work this week depending on
weather. Day work will continue on Northfield Street with alternating one-lane traffic
causing delays. Motorists are asked to use the detour around the work zone.
U.S. 2 in Middlesex has a bridge replacement project affecting traffic. Alternating one-
lane traffic this week. Expect delays.
Got a news tip? We want to know!
Send it to us at:
editorial@montpelierbridge.com
by Carla Occaso
owner's consent and fraudulent use and possession of a credit card issued to another.
In conjunction with the Washington County State's Attorney's Office, on Aug. 15,
detectives filed for and were granted an arrest warrant for 1st degree murder against Gebo
by the Honorable Superior Court Judge John Pacht. Bail was set at $2,000,000. At this time,
Gebo is still awaiting extradition to the state of Vermont from Illinois and it is anticipated
that he will be returned via the United States Marshal's Service within the next couple
weeks, date to be determined.
Vermont State Police wish to thank multiple members of police agencies in Pennsylvania,
Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana and specifically the Illinois
State Police, Barre City Police Department, Vermont U.S. Marshal's Service, Vermont/
Illinois US Attorney's Office and the Washington County State's Attorney's office for their
invaluable assistance with this investigation.
Investigators continue to encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact
Vermont State Police detectives at 802-229-9191.
Based primarily on a police report by Captain J.P. Sinclair, Chief Criminal Investigator with
the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit
U.S. 2 in East Montpelier will see excavation near the VT 14 bridge. This work will be
done during off-peak traffic hours. Motorists will encounter night work between 7 p.m.
and 7 a.m. Expect delays during work hours.
North Main Street, Washington Street and Maple Avenue in Barre City have paving
projects. Day work will have minimal impact on traffic. Night work will include final
paving and line striping on U.S. 302.
VT 100B in Moretown has that long-term bridge project with traffic signals and one
lane.
VT 63 in Berlin and Barre Town has a resurfacing project with lane closures. Expect
delays.
VT 64 from Northfield to Williamstown has roadwork causing lane closures. Delays
likely.
VT 12A from Granville town line to Northfield has a road improvement project. Look
for multiple work zones with alternating one-lane traffic in this project area. Expect
delays.
Safe Travels!
Brent Curtis is the Public Outreach Coordinator for the Agency of Transportation. Brent.
curtis@vermont.gov.
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PAG E 6 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

A Message From City Hall

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

Council Sets Goals and Priorities by William Fraser, City Manager

I hope that everyone has been enjoying the spectacular summer weather. Many people,
including city volunteers, officials and employees take time off during this wonderful
Vermont season. That does not mean, however, that the city is not active.
The major paving project is essentially completed in the downtown area. The next phase will
be to pave Elm Street from School Street to the Middlesex line. The final phase this year will
be a preliminary paving of Northfield Street over the area which has been reconstructed. The
Northfield Street project will be completed in 2018 and will extend to the Berlin town line.
The City Council took a thoughtful and extended look at their goals and priorities this year.
They identified key areas for attention, considered policies and strategies to address those areas
and named some specific action items for the upcoming 9-12 months. The final document,
including a work plan calendar, was approved on July 27th.

initiatives

As always, thank you for reading this article and for your interest
in Montpelier city government. Please feel free to contact me at
wfraser@montpelier-vt.org or 802-223-9502.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 7
GSTV!
S
ince the time it
was invented,
some folks have
complained about how television is
ruining human civilization. It was over 50 years ago that
Newton Minow called TV a vast wasteland. OF COURSE
it looked like a vast wasteland to Minow! He was a fish.
And he was probably angry because Sea Hunt
with Lloyd Bridges had been cancelled.
Look how far TV has come over the decades. I
now have over two hundred channels on my TV
and some evenings I get to flip through every one
of them looking for something to watch. And TV
has gone beyond the living room. Its in sports bars and restaurants, where perfectly positioned
TV screens can help you avoid those awkward interactions with your friends or spouse. I can
even watch TV at the gas pump. Yep, thats right, the gas pump. That immense void of waiting
for the gas pump can only be filled with culture by a truly great civilization.
Im sure some of you remember the bad old days. You would pull up to a gas pump at a service
station, and an actual young human guy in a uniform sporting the logo of the brand of
gasoline offered by the station would come to your car window and ask you what you needed.
He might even have his name embroidered over the pocket on his uniform, something like
Sluggo. And because Sluggo had been back in the garage in the middle of replacing the stock
intake manifold in his 55 Chevy with an Edelbrock performance manifold and had to drop
everything except the large and lethal-looking wrench he had in his greased stained fist and
was not in a good mood, the correct reply to his question was Fill er up! And if you were
really feeling flush and wanted to impress Sluggo and show him that you too were into cars,
you might add the command, Ethyl! Since we are talking about TV, this Ethyl should not
be mistaken for Ethel Mertz, the Ricardos neighbor on I Love Lucy. The ethyl here is short
for tetraethyl lead, which was an additive that boosted the octane of gasoline to give your car
more power. No guy who was really into cars would use regular gas. Only ethyl would do. And
if you were lucky and it was the right day of the week, you might be rewarded for filling your
tank with a free Davy Crockett glass for your kids so they could collect and trade them with
their friends and occasionally drop them and end up sobbing in the middle of the kitchen. It
was therefore critical, before making your choice about which gas to buy, to look for service
stations with a lot of flags and balloons flying over them and maybe even surplus World War
See what's happening We want to hear
around town in the what's on your mind.
calendar on pages 1518.
More detailed event
listings are on Email us at
montpelierbridge.com editorial@montpelierbridge.com
Follow The Bridge
on Twitter:
@montpbridge
by Larry Floersch
II carbon-arc searchlights blazing away into the night sky. Otherwise you might not get your
glass and end up with a back seat full of whining kids. And when you were done, you would
give the actual young human guy actual real money, which, back then, might amount to a
total of something like $5.25 for a tank of gas, but youd better have that cash in your pocket
because there were no ATMs.
Television has fortunately removed all this dramatic human interaction at the gas pump. A few
weeks ago I stopped at a local minimart to fill up. There was no actual real human attendant.
That was probably because there was no garage in which to replace intake manifolds. After I
inserted my debit card into the slot on the pump and, following the instructions on the pump,
contorted my body like Quasimodo seeking sanctuary to hide the entry of my PIN, I inserted
the gas nozzle into my car and squeezed the handle. The pump suddenly began talking to
me. And a video screen in the middle of the pump began displaying images. This was, I was
informed by a perky womans voice from the pump, Gas Station TV, and it encouraged me
to Enjoy a new and exciting experience every time you pump! Gas Station TV then began a
news program that gave me ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL information, not about depressing
things like North Korean missile tests or the nations unemployment rate, which obviously was
not looking good for actual young human guys in uniforms sporting the logo of the brand of
gasoline I was purchasing, but about the love lives of some young starlets in Hollywood whose
names were not familiar to me. This news was interspersed, during the three minutes it took
to fill my car, with advertisements for Mountain Dew, Starbucks coffee products and Red Bull
energy drinks, all of which were readily available inside the minimart. My only complaint was
that just as I was about to learn what Ms. Looks-Absolutely-Stunning-in-a-Tiny-Bikini and
her handsome and tanned boyfriend named Speedo did while skinny-dipping at the beach on
the island of Bora-Bora, the pump kicked off . . . and so did Gas Station TV. And I got all this
news, entertainment and, sadly, frustration for a mere $43.70.
On a more recent occasion, Gas Station TV, after the obligatory Enjoy a new and exciting
experience every time you pump! thrilled me with another essential story. This one was about
the cancellation of Justin Biebers tour of China. The video showed Bieber cavorting about
just being his amusing and lovable Bieber self. This was interspersed with shots of adoring
fans and, of course, ads for Mountain Dew, Starbucks coffee and Red Bull Energy drinks. I
waited for more new and exciting experiences, but the pump kicked off before they came on.
So dont tell me civilization is going down the tubes because of TV. Im enjoying a new and
exciting experience every time I pump. Still, I must admit, I kind of miss those Davy
Crockett glasses.
RecyclE This Paper!
PAG E 8 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Tami Calliope: Speaking for the Wild

by Nat Frothingham and Tami Calliope; photos courtesy of Tami Calliope

O
ne of the worlds foremost scientists,
Edward O. Wilson, who has twice won
the Pulitzer Prize for his work, explains
in his newest book that because the planet has
lost so much of its necessary biodiversity, half
the world should be set aside for wilderness and
wildlife.
David Brower (19122000) the great American
conservationist and thinker, noted in a 1992
speech that the Earth, by that point, had used
four times as many resources in the 80 years since
his birth than in all previous history. In closing,
he asked his audience if they would be willing
to volunteer one year out of 10 of their lives to
restore and heal the Earth.
And the poet Goethe wrote, Whatever you can
do, or dream you can, do it; boldness has genius,
power, and magic in it.
Tami Calliope, a Montpelier wildlife activist and writer (also named Mama Tembo, or Mother
Elephant by a close friend and Maasai ranger) expends her energy, intelligence and a large part
of her heart for hours each day helping to save the deeply endangered African elephants, rhinos
and lions.
Roots of a Vocation
We saved a tiny beaver, whom I fed with a baby
dolls bottle. Although Calliope didnt work
with them, she was surrounded by hawks, eagles
and owls in the Raptor Center. It is the highest
feeling I know, she said of her work saving
animals, Nothing comes close to it.
Africa
Although the plight of marine mammals and
the swiftly vanishing wildlife of the North
American continent what Calliope calls, the
merciless war being waged on our most beautiful,
intelligent and ecologically necessary species such
as the wolf and the grizzly grieves and enrages
her and although Calliope has felt compelled
to write letter after letter and sign petition after
petition demanding their protection, her deepest
Tami Calliope with Senator Bernie Sanders at the Climate Change March engagement is with the endangered elephants,
rhinos and lions of Africa all of whom
along with the giraffe and the pangolin (the most trafficked mammal in the world) now face
extinction during our lifetimes unless we act.
It is not easy to speak about the situation facing the wild animals of Africa, Calliope says,
because there are so many sticky, interwoven strands of complication, so many conflicting
forces and influences, that are destroying Africa and her wildlife.

In a series of intense conversations with The Bridge over the past several days and weeks, Tami Elephants
discussed the frightening crisis facing Africas threatened animals: Extinction within our The story of the elephant staggers the imagination. In the early 19th century there were at least
lifetimes. 27 million elephants roaming across most of the continent. Now only a few African countries
Even as a child, Calliope preferred stuffed animals to dolls and was most engaged by books like have elephants at all, and their estimated current population is about 352,000. This year The
The Wind in the Willows, Babar the Elephant and C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia in Great Elephant Census was conducted by aerial survey, and the scientists and biologists involved
whose realm of talking animals, God is portrayed as the Lion Aslan who sings creation into were shocked to find 144,000 lost to poaching and habitat destruction in less than a decade.
being. Thats 27,000 Elephants slaughtered every year.
At 18, living on a boat with 10 cats, a rabbit and several tame mice, she raised an orphaned In fact, an elephant is murdered for its tusks every 15 minutes, night and day.
raccoon (Merlin) from the age of two weeks to almost four years when she re-introduced him This is tragic not only in itself, said Calliope,
gradually to the wild. with tears in her eyes. But please understand,
During her mid-30s, she lived off the grid on the Oregon coast with her husband Victor. At Free elephants live in matriarchal societies. At the
Flight, a raptor and seal rehab center, they worked night and day with other volunteers to rescue, head of the herd stands the matriarch, the
feed and care for orphaned and injured harbor seals and elephant seals. wise leader, the decision-maker, the holder of
memories, the passer-on of knowledge, the great
Most of these infants were orphaned by malice. Already the large corporate fisheries had radically
mother of all. When a matriarch is killed, the
reduced the catch for small fisherman who, disenfranchised and angry, routinely shot pregnant
family panics and scatters, loses coherence and
and nursing seals or fed them fish stuffed with dynamite. Most of our harbor seals were born many babies die, which is why even one death
prematurely. can be ruinous to the herd.
Many succumbed and died in her arms yet most survived, grew fat, were tagged and released Since females gestate for almost two years (22
to the seas.The euphoria and sense of reward on release is indescribable, said Calliope. Overall months), give birth to one offspring every three
it was a time of great joy and great love. to nine years, and since young elephants nurse
Eventually, said Calliope, the Fish and Wildlife Service started bringing us all kinds of for two to three years and are, in human terms,
creatures. We raised twin fawns and a fledgling turkey vulture what a loving, amazing being! little children bonded to their mother until the
age of 14 to 20, dependent all their lives on
the comforting presence of other familial and
friendly elephants, the death of one affects them
all profoundly.
Males leave the warm and lovely circle of
women at age 14 to 17, explained Calliope.
They wander about in confusion until they
find a father figure, a bull in his breeding prime
and wisest age, from 50 to 75. These are known
as The Great Tuskers, and their DNA is unique.
Because each of their tusks generally weighs Mama Tusker with a newborn
over 100 pounds, these indispensable fathers
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 9

are a poachers dream. There are 100 of them left in all of Africa, 20 in Kenya. Without their dribs and drabs for a long, long time. But the elephants, water buffalo, zebras, giraffes, antelope,
guidance, young males run wild with hormones that spark too early and lead to rampages. But baboons and ostriches stayed alive.
once in a great tuskers herd, they become calm and learn the ancient lore of behavior, migration Then one day the vastly popular Internet show DODO showed a video documenting
routes and the like from their elders. Mwaluas water work. It went viral and money poured in from across the globe. Mwalua now has
Calliope went on to explain the two kinds of poachers: organized, heavily armed thugs who work his own Water Is Life truck, hes excavated 10 waterholes, and lined about five with concrete,
for terrorist groups across the world, trading ivory for arms; and poverty-stricken young African and saved forever the Wildlife of Tsavo West.
men who are desperate to make money. Last but far from least are the orphan rehab keepers who rescue infant elephants and rhinos
These young men are rather to be pitied than hated, Calliope said. The real villains of the and spend years raising them before they are reintroduced to the wild.
piece, who no one seems to think about, are the buyers the buyers and their middlemen According to Calliope, anyone can be a foster parent to an orphaned baby elephant at the David
whose money makes poaching attractive to African youth. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for $50 a year.
Yet heroes rise everywhere, and they hold hope in their hands. I myself have three foster babies: Jotto, Mbegu and Tamiyoi. These babies are the hope of the
Heroes future.
I am honored to know many Elephant heroes, said Calliope. There are groups right here An Invitation
and all over the globe that you can join on Facebook and that do important work, not only for I asked Calliope how much time she devotes to her saving work for threatened African wildlife.
elephants, but for lions, rhinos, giraffes and pangolins. Perhaps the most powerful global activist Four to 14 hours a day, she said.
group today is Global March for Elephants and Rhinos (and now Lions, as well.)
She suggested I watch a TED talk, now online, by Ian McCallum, a psychiatrist, author,
But I am also honored to know many African heroes, who fall into four distinct groups: rangers, wilderness guide and co-founder of the Wilderness Leadership School in the Western Cape,
conservationists, mediators and orphan rehab workers South Africa.
Rangers put their lives on the line everyday to protect the wild ones. Across Africa, at least 30 As part of his talk, McCallum explained the meaning of keystone species species whose
rangers are murdered by poachers almost every month, leaving widows and children behind. disappearance would threaten the integrity of critical earth ecosystems. Elephants are keystone
Rangers need money more than anything else, and you can help immensely with a monthly species, so are beetles, so are termites, said McCallum. But humans are not.
gift to The Thin Green Line, United for Wildlife or whichever of the many ranger groups you
choose. Google them. Donate. Write thank-you letters. If you and I were to disappear today, McCallum asserted, nothing would miss us nothing.
Mediators work to reduce human/elephant conflict. Because many villagers are subsistence Pursuing this theme, McCallum proposed the idea of keystone individuals.
farmers whose small plots are right in the Do you have it in you, he asked, to be a
middle of ancient migration routes, and keystone individual, to dream big, to make
because the long drought has left elephants a difference to the lives of others, to the
hungry they raid the farmers crops. Mediators Earth and to the animals, to be willing to
work to discourage people from killing the be disturbed, to find your voice and to raise
great invaders with poisoned arrows and it so that others may raise theirs, for the
spears. Instead the mediators encourage voiceless and the silenced to stand firm in
beehive fences, spotlights and other non-lethal the knowledge that there are some things that
warning devices. are not for sale?
I have a wonderful friend in Kenya whose In conclusion, Calliope said, This is the
name is Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua. He is a concept that most inspires me. Let us be
conservationist with an inspiring story. For keystone individuals reaching out to other
years he has been a pea farmer living in keystone individuals. If we all raise our voices,
Tsavo West National Park and his work with we can save the world.
elephants is supported only by a GoFundMe
Then Calliope added a P.S. Thank you
campaign run by my friend Cher Calloway
so much, Nat, for giving me this wonderful
and me.
opportunity to speak out. I had meant to
By means of this help, Mwalua hired a broken- speak about the lions and rhinos as well. But
down old truck with water tanks and drove an elephant wrapped her trunk around me and
many miles a day during the current drought insisted I tell her story.
to bring water to two existing waterholes in
What can I say? she said. This is an elephant
Tsavo West. Money came from donors in John Kamara, ranger and rehabilitator. Photo by Ami Vitale tale.
PAG E 10 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Organics to Energy Project at the

Water Resource Recovery Facility by Anne Watson; photos by Carla Occaso

MONTPELIER Wastewater treatment is typically one of the most energy-consuming

Called "screws," this is a water pump
processes for a municipality, but Montpeliers Water Resource Recovery Facility at Dog
bringing water to be further treated in
River may soon be a remarkable exception. Earlier this month, the Montpelier City Council
another tank.
approved a project development agreement with Energy Systems Group, which outlined a
process that may lead the Dog River facility to become not just net zero energy, but net
negative. A net negative facility would mean that it produced more energy than it consumed.
Our wastewater treatment plant could end up generating heating, electricity or fuel for
vehicles.
How did we get here?
The award-winning facility's management has already taken some huge steps toward energy
efficiency and renewable generation. They added a 62.4 kW solar array onsite in 2010. Since
2008, they have made at least 16 small energy improvements that have had substantial results.
Between 2008 and 2014 their electric load was reduced by 34 percent and between 2010 and
2016 they cut their gasoline usage in half.
The plant has always used some of the methane, which comes from fermenting organic waste,
to heat its primary digester year round. Some of the excess methane was flared, but some of
the excess methane was just vented into the atmosphere. This was bad not only because that
methane could have been useful as a fuel, but also because methane is a particularly potent
greenhouse gas. In 2015, the flare was upgraded so gas was no longer vented directly into the
atmosphere. At this point the methane is either burned for heating or its flared.

Solar panels help power the wastewater facility.
Now, some of the facility's regular equipment is at the end of its engineered life and needs to
be replaced. Along with necessary equipment replacements, Energy Systems Group will be
looking into the feasibility of bringing in additional contracts for organic waste in order to
produce biogas, mostly made of methane, which would require an upgrade to their existing
digesters. This methane could then be used to heat buildings, power vehicles, dry biosolids
(organic matter recycled from sewage) produce electricity, or some combination of those
things.
Moving Forward
If Energy Systems Group is not able to find sufficient waste streams for the energy generation
portion, the City will just go out to bid for conventional equipment replacement, which
should also save the City money through increased efficiency. This work by itself is likely to
require a bond for $5 million. However, if they are able to find sufficient waste streams to
make the upgrade to their digesters worthwhile, then they will come back with a performance
based contract proposal that will require a roughly $13 million dollar bond. With either
possibility the bonds will be paid off through the energy savings or the revenue from energy
generation, and not felt by the ratepayers of Montpelier. If they do upgrade the digesters and
for some reason the savings or revenue is not fully realized, Energy Systems Group will pay
back the difference between the bond payment and the actual savings and revenue. They have
taken out an additional bond to help pay our bond for just that possibility.
In short, here are the gates this project will need to pass through in order for the wastewater
plant to be net negative:
1. Energy Systems Group will need to find sufficient waste streams to warrant upgrading
their existing digesters to produce biogas. Theyll also need to find some use for that biogas.
This will all be packaged into a performance based contract.
2. The City Council will need to approve the performance based contract with Energy
Systems Group.
3. On Town Meeting Day, the voters of Montpelier will need to approve the bond required
by the performance based contract. Dont worry, Ill remind you about this project when
the vote approaches.
Montpeliers Energy Story
This is a part of a larger story about how the City of Montpelier is changing its energy
portfolio to be greener. Between 2011 and 2015, Montpelier reduced its greenhouse gas
emissions by 56 percent. This was largely due to the improvements at the Dog River facility
and from heating our municipal buildings through the district heat plant that burns wood
chips. Since then weve signed on to a one megawatt net-metered solar array that covers about
55 percent of the Citys municipal electric load. That saves the City of Montpelier about
$50,000 a year on the their electric bill. This one megawatt of power is composed of 500kW
on Log Road in Montpelier and 500kW from an array in Sharon.
The prospect of generating biogas to make the Water Resource Recovery Facility an energy
producer rather than a net consumer, is of course very exciting. The council will need to look
carefully at the details of the proposal put forth by Energy Systems Group in December, but
with any luck, well have a workable proposal for Montpelier and well be able to take the next
step towards becoming a sustainable city.
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure/energy-efficiency-water-utilities
http://www.tpomag.com/editorial/2016/05/howd_they_do_it_montpelier_team_slashes_
plant_energy_use
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 11
Vermonts Opportunity by Steve Wright
T
he governors Climate Action Commission has a daunting task: link the principles
of physics, political science, sociology, biology, economics, chemistry and
atmospheric science to form a distinctly Vermont response to climate change.
The commission is faced with two fundamental questions: (1) What will be our future
energy sources? (2) What approaches will we take to reduce carbon dioxide emissions? How
the commission goes about answering these questions is as important as the questions.
The governors goals for the Commission align with the conclusion of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change: global climate change is driven by human deposition of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels is the primary activity producing those
emissions.
Scientists and policymakers typically divide emissions into two categories: embedded and
annual (calculated for emissions generated (i.e., fossil fuels burned) in a geographic region
(e.g., state, country, city). The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates
Vermonts annual emissions as 8.0 million metric tons (mmt) of carbon dioxide, the
lowest of the 50 states. Embedded emissions are those in everything produced elsewhere.
For example, my 09 Suzuki gets about 30 miles per gallon. The emissions from burning
the gasoline are calculated by the EPA from the average miles per gallon and the average
annual miles driven. The emissions to build the car are not included in Vermonts annual
emissions. They are considered embedded emissions. Another example: The emissions
to extract, refine and transport the propane I use to cook dinner are embedded. The
emissions from burning the propane are part of Vermonts annual emissions. We have a lot
to consider when it comes to counting fossil fuel emissions and the costs to reduce them.
Vermonts annual emissions as a percentage of U.S. emissions are less than 2 tenths of
1 percent (8 mmt versus 5,500 mmt). Vermonts emissions as a percentage of global
emissions are two hundredths of 1 percent (8 mmt versus 36,000 mmt). Given the above,
do you wonder if Vermonts reduction in emissions can make a difference in the global
climate? Your musings are justified. Expecting a measurable effect on global climate
change is beyond reason. It does not mean we should ignore them. It does, however, raise
questions regarding priorities, especially when spending taxpayers money.
What then is an achievable climate change response from Vermont? In other words, as we
examine the climate change phenomenon, what can we do about it that is consistent with
values that make the state what it is?
We have the best health statistics for people, so why would we compromise the health of
our landscape?
We have a history of social justice, so why would we undermine the integrity of our small
towns by limiting self determination?
Yes, we must act. Enduring action must strengthen the Vermont we prize and are
determined to protect from the ravages of climate change. The work of the Climate Action
Commission is an opportunity to build on those values thoughtfully and equitably.
You could say our capacity lies in our geography. Our value lies in modeling a climate
change response through land-based actions. What might those actions be?
Protecting the states biological and physical aspects from further encroachment is at the
core of this model. Vermonts forests play a major role in carbon capture and sequestration.
We also depend on forests for wildlife habitat; on their soils and vegetation to filter water;
and, at upper elevations, we rely on them to protect aquatic systems at their source.
The recent findings of U.S. Forest Service researchers show Vermonts forests take up
(sequester) 4.39 mmt of carbon dioxide annually. Compare that to the emissions we
generate 8.0 mmt and the importance of our forests as a climate change response is
clear. The forests sequester more than one-half of what we generate annually.
Based on Forest Service estimates, my piece of Vermont 87 acres takes up about 80
metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. I help keep it healthy through Vermonts Current
Use program. Current Use is an effective land management tool that can be part of our
response to climate change for emissions reduction and long-term resilience. Should
protecting forest integrity be our highest climate change response priority?
Former Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz defined
resilience as The ability to adapt to difficult situations and successfully overcome
adversity. The capacity of land and its web of life to resist change ensures high levels
of resilience. A forested landscape covers 73 percent of Vermont (4.5 million acres) and
provides an ecosystem service that benefits all Vermonters. This land cover gives Vermont
the capacity and opportunity to model resilience-building for the global community. Our
emissions may be puny, but our effect can be large.
For example, a recent report about Californias Healthy Soil Initiative includes this eye
opener: Calculations provided by scientists working with the Climate Cycle Institute
estimate that spreading compost on San Diegos 200,000-plus acres of grassland would
sequester 3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas.
By comparison, in Vermont, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture (State Data
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service) there are nearly 140,000 acres of
permanent pasture, rangeland and 300,000-plus acres of hay/haylage land. We also
have thousands of acres of turf. Amending these lands with a half-inch of compost could
potentially sequester more than Vermonts current annual emissions. The same action can
increase resilience to withstand weather extremes, improve farm viability and reduce the
cost of storm water management.
Policy that considers emissions reductions separate from energy supply could meet
Governor Scotts benchmarks for the Commissions success: an action plan that reduces
the states greenhouse gas emissions while driving economic growth, setting Vermonters
on a path to affordability and ensuring effective energy transition options exist for all
Vermonters.
Modeling resilience by working with nature is a contribution Vermonters can be proud of,
producing enduring, equitable benefits from our climate change action.
Editors note: source citations furnished upon request to editorial@montpelierbridge.com
PAG E 12 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Keeping Waste Out Of The Watershed
Chris Cox, Chief Operator of of the Water Resource Recovery Facility
MONTPELIER It takes a certain kind of genius to turn a wastewater treatment plant
into a starting point for environmental stewardship, but theyre doing it at the Water Resource
Recovery Facility on Dog River Road.
Powered by methane gas produced at the plant and solar panels on the roof, the facility is
becoming increasingly efficient more about this topic in a story by Anne Watson on page
10.
Another major goal of those at the facility is to keep as much contaminants out of the
environment as possible. On a typical day, the treatment facility takes in 2 million gallons,
1 percent of which is solids (human waste). The water is decontaminated and the solids are
processed for removal at the facility.
The Montpelier Department of Public Works has an eco-warrior in the form of Christopher
Cox, chief operator of the plant, who speaks of making it his mission to keep pollution out of
the watershed. Cox has a degree in environmental science and is keenly aware that materials
not captured, processed and turned into methane gas, enter the Winooski River that feeds
Lake Champlain. So to fight back, Cox and his team of employees monitor machinery that
collects the citys sewage, separates the solids from the water, and then sends material up
to the digester to break it down and convert it. Any remaining solid material is sent to the
landfill in Coventry. If there is more methane released than can be used to heat the digesters
and facility building, as in summer when electricity needs are lower, the remaining methane
is burnt in a flare to prevent it from being released into the air and damaging the ozone layer.
In the old days, before city officials worried about reducing the amount of sewer overflows,
wastewater went directly into the river. But in recent years a greater effort has been made
to eliminate overflows and direct wastewater to the facility. Still, during heavy rain storms,
overflow occurs.
And on those occasions, the facilities influent flow goes from 2 million gallons to 4 million
gallons a day, Cox noted. Though a certain percentage still runs into the river. But to put it
into perspective, if the city did not have the overflow points directing water into the river, the
water would still have to go somewhere.
story and photos by Carla Occaso
Nearly a day's worth of '20 percent solids' stored in a tank.
Its either your basement or the river, Cox pointed out. He further suggested it would be
helpful if residents didnt put materials into their drains or toilets that clog or damage the
system. Toilets arent trash cans. If you are dumping fats, oils and greases down the drain, it
plugs up the system, he said. This causes the citys pipes to get obstructed, leading to sewer
backups onto the street. Also, even though flushable wipes are flushable, they are not good
for the municipal water system. Theyll flush, but they wont decompose. Only toilet paper,
#1 and #2 should go into a toilet, he advised. People use toilets as trash cans. They can
flush it and its gone, but if its not screened out it can (damage) our pumps and come back
up into the city.
The facility was built in 1960 and has run 24 hours a day, seven days a week ever since. The
process starts out with wastewater being emptied into one of two big tub-like holding tanks.
Each has what is called a traveling bridge a mechanical unit that rolls on rails back
and forth from the front of the tank to the back. The tanks go 12-feet down. The traveling
bridge has a big shovel-like arm that pushes sludge to the side to be moved upward for further
processing. It is then sent to a holding tank to be further separated water from solids
until it can be dried and ready for disposal.
The facility has 9 buildings and four full-time employees. Cox said he gets curiosity seekers
who want to look at the machinery up close (such as The Bridge). He said he gets individuals,
like parents with children, middle school students on class field trips and even Norwich
University cadets.
There is more going on at the City of Montpelier Water Resource Recovery Facility than
meets the eye.
This is the boots on the ground of saving the environment. We are doing our part to clean
Lake Champlain, Cox said.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 13

Continued from Page 1

Team Bridges' Winning
Design for Sustainable
Montpelier 2030
Net Zero Design
Competition
PAG E 14 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
How Contests Shape Montpelier
by Dot Helling
M
ontpelier is a city of contests,
whimsical and fun, for fundraising
and creative incentives. A contest
is generally defined by Webster's as an event in
which people engage in competition, usually
to attain a position of power. The purpose
of a contest can be synonymous with social
reasons or simply a means to challenge yourself
while going against others. Auctions are also
competitive in that you are publicly bidding for
gain. In this community we have both.
I recently placed the highest bid on the pink
minimalistic modern art rain barrel designed
by Montpelier High School students Claudia
Farnham, Damon Dunham and Emma Harper
to bring attention to the importance of water
conservation and recycling. It was one of 12 rain
barrels on which you could place a bid. These
barrels were positioned around the city. This was
a joint project of Montpelier High School and
the Friends of the Winooski. Fittingly, my pink
barrel was displayed in front of Pinky's on State.
This project was one of many contests and auctions that have taken place in this city for years.
Contests this spring and summer included the identification of a new Montpelier City flag.
The flags were to be designed according to good flag design principles laid out in a web-based
TED Talk by Roman Mars. The designs of three finalists were displayed on the citys
website, where people could for vote for their favorite. The winner, former Montpelier resident
Chet Larrow, was announced at our July 3 celebration. His flag design in navy blue, gold and
green has a circle of 14 stars representing our states counties set in the sky above rolling green
hills. Julian Kelly and Robert Hitzig of Montpelier were the runners up.
The city also had a contest to determine the end date for the Makeover Montpelier
construction. The weather has complicated things, so, as I write this, construction is still
underway and no winner has been announced. If you are the winner, you will be awarded one
year of free parking in downtown Montpelier.
During our July 3 festivities, and for the first time, Union Mutual hosted a parade float
competition, awarding $1,000 each to the Best Performance Float and the Best Green
Float. The winners of that competition were the Honeybee Steelband PanAshe International
of Hardwick for the best performance float. The Montpelier Senior Activity Center took the
green float award with Trash Tramps. In true Montpelier style, the Trash Tramps are using
their winnings to install more Sidewalk Buttlers in our downtown.
Also a part of the July 3 festivities, Onion River Sports and Central Vermont Runners
sponsored the 12th Annual Montpelier Mile run, awarding cash to the top three men and
women, an additional $250 each to the male and female course record breakers, and $50 each
to the male and female winners of the Dash for Cash, i.e., the first runner to reach the corner
of State and Main. This year's overall winners both set course records, Kameron Ulmer for
the men in 4:20.2, and Emma Bates for the women in 4:50.0. Both are from Massachusetts.
Emma won a triple crown the first woman overall, the women's course record and the
first woman in the Dash for Cash.
This year, the contest for a Sustainable Montpelier 2030 was sponsored by NetZero Vermont
(the Sustainable Montpelier Coalition). Contestants designed a model of Montpelier's
sustainable future. The $10,000 prize for the best design was awarded to Team Bridges, which
included Black River Design. In 2012, Montpelier Alive promoted a similar challenge called
the 21st Century Design Contest.
In 2008, the Montpelier Downtown Community Association (now Montpelier Alive)
sponsored SculptCycle, the first such outdoor arts event. Twenty local sculptors created
works out of recycled bicycle and tricycle parts. These sculptures were displayed about town,
judged, and then put up for bids. The winning sculpture was bought by association for
display downtown and now stands on the Washington County Courthouse lawn. It is titled
Communication and was sculpted by Sofia Shatkivska. One of the most interesting to me
is a cube of crushed bicycles located on the roof of the home of Chris and Jennifer Bean on
Liberty Street. And speaking of sculptures, each year Friends of the Winooski volunteers create
ground sculptures with materials removed from the river during the annual Winooski River
cleanup.
Montpelier is famous for the annual Rotten
Sneaker Contest, started here in 1974.
Although no longer held in Montpelier, this
contest continues at a national level and is now
sponsored by Odor Eaters. The pair of smelly,
rotten sneakers that won the competition in
1987 remains on display at the Barre Street
Recreation Center. They belonged to Matt
Kenney. In 2000, eight-year old Kyle Martin
from Montpelier won the 25th Annual Rotten
Sneaker Contest nationals. His secret: llama
dung from his grandmother's farm.
For five years, Patrick Mullikin organized the
Dylan Wannabe contest. I was a judge for
the contest one year and attended most of the
others. City Hall auditorium was packed, and
the variety of contestants, including at least one
woman, was diverse and entertaining. There do
not appear to be many other contests on the
music scene except that Charlie O's does hold a
Karaoke night where arguably the winners are
the singers who get the most applause.
The banners along our downtown streets were part of a design contest. The first such contest
was sponsored by Montpelier Alive in 2011 to design banners to hang on the four light poles in
front of City Hall. It was a Call to Decorate City Hall Plaza, and winning designers received
an $800 award and one-month installation of their banners.
In 2014 Heney Realtors held a Holiday Home Decorating Contest to call attention to homes
in Montpelier. I don't know the outcome of any holiday decoration judging. However, a
notable house for its annual holiday decorations, beginning with Halloween and moving on
through the holidays into the New Year, is the home of Bob and Bonnie Bertolino at the far
end of College Street near upper Main Street. Their displays are known for fantasmical
lighting and what certainly must be high electric bills.
The annual Central Vermont Humane Society's Walk for Animals, a fundraiser held at
Montpelier High School, holds dog contests for best costume, best kisser and best trick.
Central Vermont Runners has an annual Mutt Strut in the spring when runners can partner
with their dogs to run three miles and win dog prizes, thanks to sponsors such as the Onion
River Animal Hospital.
Local eating contests and challenges have included the 2017 Double Burger Challenge at
the Three Penny Taproom, and the 2015 Pie Eating Contest at Down Home Kitchen. The
Wayside Restaurant used to have a contest to see who could eat the most pancakes topped
with Morse Farm Maple Syrup in a three-month period. The Wayside also has had a Hoodie
Contest. Food has been the focus of several attempts to set a Guinness World Record in
Montpelier. Those and other Guinness attempts and successes were covered in a previous
edition of Dot's Beat.
The Vermont College of Fine Arts annually awards literary prizes, including the Howard
Frank Mosher Short Fiction Prize, the Ruth Stone Poetry Prize, the Katherine Paterson Prize
for Children's Writing and the Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize. Check their
website for details. Winning gets you published. In the arts venue, the annual Green Mountain
Film Festival has held sweepstakes, awarding free seats to festival showings in addition to an
overnight at the Capitol Plaza and other treats. Wood Art Gallery regularly holds juried and
rotating art shows.
Not located in Montpelier but a longtime favorite with residents here and in surrounding
communities, especially to those who have camps on the Danville waters, is the Joe's Pond Ice-
Out contest. This event sells one dollar tickets for guesses as to when the ice goes out each spring
on Joe's Pond. The out time is determined when an alarm clock set on the ice hits the water
and stops. The winning guesser gets the pot of money. This year the ice went out at 4:32 p.m.
on April 23. Emily Wiggett of North Danville guessed 4:31 p.m. and took home $4,600.00.
Surely I have left out other contests that have taken place in our small city over the years.
Evidence of contests past includes the decorated dumpsters about town, the Langdon Street art
works and more. We are blessed to be surrounded by such challenges and incentives, and the
creative designs of so many from so many walks of life. The possibilities are endless. How about
the most beautiful rose garden (note the one at 56 East State Street)? The most environmentally
friendly business? Or the best riverwalk garden? Send us or the city your ideas.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 15
C a l e n d a r o f E ve n t s
Community Events
Events happening
August 17 to September 9
THURSDAY, AUG. 17
GED Testing at Morrisville Learning Center.
11 a.m. 52 Portland St., Morrisville. Please call
CVABE for more info.: 476-4588 or visit cvabe.
org
Growing Up in Brookfield. Local storytellers
tell their tales of growing up in Brookfield in the
late 40s, 50s and 60s. Storytellers include Steve
Hill, John Sprague, Mary Waldo, Betty Phillips
Elinor Gray and Kit Gage. 7 p.m. Brookfield
Old Town Hall, 32 Stone Rd., Brookfield. Free.
FRIDAY, AUG. 18
Pancake Supper. Enjoy watermelon, pancakes,
sausage, and their award-winning maple syrup
from their wood-fired evaporator. 57 p.m.
Maple candy demo at 4:30 p.m. Silloway Maple
Sugarmakers, 1303 Boudro Rd., Randolph
Center. Adults $8; children $3.
"Grow Your Own" Conversation Series.
Foodies! Get together to learn, share and
connect. Anne Miller, organic vegetable
farmer: Food Histories. 5:306:30 p.m. Cutler
Memorial Library, Rte. 2, Plainfield
SATURDAY, AUG. 19
Walks and Run for Children. Walk-a-thon
through Montpelier. Come and support child
abuse prevention. 10 a.m. State House lawn,
Montpelier. $20 fee for run; walk is free. pcavt.
org. 229-5724.
SUNDAY, AUG. 20
Hunger Mountain Co-op Summer Party.
Outside fun including music and kids activities,
10 a.m.2 p.m.; free chair massages in the caf,
10 a.m.6:45 p.m.; wine tasting, noon3 p.m.
Raffles and discounts. Rain or shine. Hunger
Mountain Co-op, Montpelier. hungermountain.
coop
Tour of Modern Dairy with Robotic Milkers.
See a robotic dairy milker in action, meet
the cows, and tour the Lambert Farm with
Jennifer Lambert. 13 p.m. 437 Lambert Rd.,
Graniteville. Free. 262-1222. www.vlt.org/
events.
Kids' Hip-Hop Dance Class. With Shannon
Kelly. 34 p.m. Brookfield Old Town Hall, 32
Stone Rd., Brookfield.
MONDAY, AUG. 21
GED Testing at Morrisville Learning Center.
11 a.m. 52 Portland St., Morrisville. Please call
CVABE for more info 476-4588 or visit cvabe.
org
AM Boot Camp. Emma Manion will lead us
through energizing stations of exercises,
easily adapted to all levels of fitness. 7:30 a.m.
Brookfield Old Town Hall, 32 Stone Rd.,
Brookfield. Free; donations accepted.
TUESDAY, AUG. 22
Bike Middlesex to Richmond with Green
Mountain Club. Difficult because of distance.
About 40 miles. Lunch at a restaurant in
Richmond. Leave at 9:30 a.m. the Middlesex
park and ride. Contact George Plumb at 883-
2313 or plumb.george@ gmail.com to confirm.
GED Testing at Randolph Learning Center.
11 a.m. 10 S. Main St., Randolph. Please call
CVABE for more info 476-4588 or visit cvabe.
org.
Howard Frank Mosher Tribute Event.
Reflections by filmmaker Jay Craven &
screening of Where the Rivers Flow North
with Rip Torn, Tantoo Cardinal, Michael J.
Fox. 6:30 p.m. Savoy Theatre, 28 Main St.,
Montpelier.
Yoga. Join Deonne Myrick for all-levels yoga. 7
p.m. Brookfield Old Town Hall, 32 Stone Rd.,
Brookfield. Adults $5; kids under 18 free.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 23
Caledonia County Fair. Aug. 2327. Enjoy
rides, livestock shows, demolition derbies,
live music, magic shows, pulling contests,
exhibits and more. Daily hours vary. Visit
http://caledoniacountyfair.com/ for more info.
Mountain View Park, 1 Fairground Road,
Lyndonville.
GED Testing at Barre Learning Center. 4 p.m.
26 Washington St., Suite 100, Barre. Please call
CVABE for more info 476-4588 or visit cvabe.
org.
Dog Day at the Pool. This much anticipated
annual event is the only day of the year that
the dogs are allowed to swim in the town pool.
Admission is by monetary donation to benefit
Central Vermont Humane Society with a
suggested family donation of $20. 56:30 p.m.
Montpelier Pool, Elm St., Montpelier. More info
is at www.centralvermonthumane.org
THURSDAY, AUG. 24
Caledonia County Fair. Aug. 2327. Enjoy
rides, livestock shows, demolition derbies,
live music, magic shows, pulling contests,
exhibits and more. Daily hours vary. Visit
http://caledoniacountyfair.com/ for more info.
Mountain View Park, 1 Fairground Road,
Lyndonville.
LWV Happy Hour. Join the League of Women
Voters for a fun evening as we raise a toast
Performing Arts THEATER,
DANCE,
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Aug. 1718, 20: Circus Smirkus: Midnight at the Museum. Aug. 1718: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Montpelier High School, 5 high School Dr., Montpelier. Aug. 20: The Circus Barn, Greensboro. 1
p.m. and 6 p.m. Adults $22; ages 712 $18; ages 26 $16. smirkus org. 1-877-SMIRKUS
Aug. 1720: 10th annual Tenfest 2017. Presented by the Vermont Playwrights Circle. 10 one-act
10-minute plays by 10 Vermont playwrights. Thurs.Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Valley Players Theater,
4254 Main St., Waitsfield. Adults $12; children/seniors $10. 583-1674. vtplaywrightscircle@gmail.
com. www.vtplays.org
Aug. 18: A Magical Picnic and Workshop. Rob Mermin presents a hands-on class of easy-to-do
impromptu tricks and simple stunts especially for grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and parents and
their kids of all ages. A picnic lunch follows. 13 p.m. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro. $20;
kids under 10 free. highlandartsvt.org
Aug. 1820: Lost Nation Theater presents "Mary Poppins." The culminating project of LNTs
Intensive Youth Music Theater program called Its Theater FOR Kids, BY Kids! Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2
p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 39 Main St., Montpelier. Advance tickets: $10; kids 11 and
under $5. At door: $15; kids 11 and under $5. 229-0492. Lostnationtheater.org
Aug. 19: Twelfth Night. Watch the cast of Shakespeare Camp perform this fun comedy. The
play is abridged to last about 1 hour. Ages 5 and up. Childrens Library Program. Please enter by the
School Street entrance since the library is closed. 1:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338. Kellogghubbard.org
Aug. 20, 27: Bread and Puppet Sunday Performances. Every Sunday through Aug. Honey Lets
Go Home Theater Presents: Dignity Milk, cantastoria and Post-Apocalypse For Empire. 3 p.m.
Bread and Puppet Farm, 753 Heights Rd., Glover. Suggested donation $10, no one turned away for
lack of funds. For more info.: breadandpuppet.org
Aug. 23: Best of Extempo 2012. Audience-favorite raconteurs from five years ago retell their best
stories to help raise funds for the Brookfield Community Partnership. 810 p.m. Brookfield Old Town
Hall, 32 Stone Rd., Brookfield. Free. 276-3535. storytelling@extempovt.com. extempovt.com
Sept. 23: "Our Town." Plainfield Little Theatre's limited engagement of a staged reading by
Thornton Wilder. 2 p.m. Calais Town Hall, 1662 Kent Hill Rd., Calais. Suggested donation $10. This
production is a fund-raiser to help restore the town hall. 229-5390.
Sept. 710, 1417: QuarryWorks presents "The Belle of Amherst." A dramatic portrait of the poet
Emily Dickinson. Thurs.Sat., 7:30 p.m.; matinee Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. QuarryWorks Theater, 743
Quarry Rd., Adamant. Free; donations accepted.
For more event listings and event details visit montpelierbridge.com
to Womens Equality Day and celebrate the Caledonia County Fair. Aug. 2327. Enjoy
anniversary of the 19th amendment giving rides, livestock shows, demolition derbies,
women the right to vote. 5:307 p.m. North live music, magic shows, pulling contests,
Branch Caf, 41 State St., Montpelier. RSVP: exhibits and more. Daily hours vary. Visit
lwvofvt@gmail.com or https://lwvhappyhr. http://caledoniacountyfair.com/ for more info.
eventbrite.com Mountain View Park, 1 Fairground Road,
Free Screening of "The Princess Bride" on Lyndonville.
the State House Lawn. Come celebrate the
20th Anniversary of the Green Mountain
Film Festival with a Free outdoor screening
SATURDAY, AUG. 26
Caledonia County Fair. Aug. 2327. Enjoy
of Rob Reiners 1987 cult classic. Prepare for
screaming eels and free Chessters Ice Cream rides, livestock shows, demolition derbies,
Cookie Sandwiches to the first 100 people, live music, magic shows, pulling contests,
made possible through the generous support exhibits and more. Daily hours vary. Visit
http://caledoniacountyfair.com/ for more info.
of Rhino Foods. Additional support provided
by Montpelier Alive and the Montpelier Mountain View Park, 1 Fairground Road,
Downtown Improvement District Assessment Lyndonville.
Fund. 7:30 p.m. State House Lawn, Montpelier. Worcester Book Sale. All books 50 cents each.
917-1225 Benefits the Worcester Community Lunch and
Food Shelf. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Worcester Town Hall,
FRIDAY, AUG. 25 Rt. 12, Worcester. Book donations for the sale
accepted Thurs. and Fri. prior, noon5 p.m.
PAG E 16 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Aug. 18: Elise Whittemore, Specimens.
Woodblock prints. The Common Space Gallery at
the River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville.
www.riverartsvt.org.
Through Aug. 18: Katie Loesel, Geology in the
Anthropocene. Abstraction and color to explore
ideas of geological history, microscopic surfaces and
rocky formations. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant
St., Morrisville. www.riverartsvt.org
Through Aug. 24: Three New Shows at Studio
Place Arts. SPA, 201 N. Main St., Barre. 479-
7069. studioplacearts.com
Main Floor: Ten. This group show includes
artwork inspired by the various objects described
the old counting nursery rhyme, One, two
buckle my shoe, counting to ten.
Second Floor: Road Trip: Life through the
Windshield by Aaron Stein; Assemblages and
constructions.
Third Floor: Trash Mounds by Grace Amber;
Installations
Through Aug. 25: Paletteers Summer Art Show
2017. Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St.,
Barre. Featuring art by our scholarship winner
Grayden Deforge and dedicated to long time
Paletteer photographer Jack Belding.
Through Aug. 26: The Best of the Northeast
Masters of Fine Arts 2017. Helen Day Arts
Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. 253-8358.
Through Aug. 26: The Front presents SHOW 19.
Latest group exhibition of the collective gallerys
membership of Vermont-based contemporary artists.
Part of Vermont Arts 2017, a project of the Vermont
Arts Council. The Front, 6 Barre St., Montpelier.
ww.thefrontvt.com; info@thefrontvt.com
Books, DVDs and books on tape should be in
good condition. 223-4842
SUNDAY, AUG. 27
Caledonia County Fair. Aug. 2327. Enjoy rides,
livestock shows, demolition derbies, live music,
magic shows, pulling contests, exhibits and more.
Daily hours vary. Visit http://caledoniacountyfair.
com/ for more info. Mountain View Park, 1
Fairground Road, Lyndonville.
The Waterbury Historical Society Special
Meeting. Author Carleton Young will present on
Voices from the Attic civil war letters that he
found in his
family attic in Pittsburgh. 2 p.m. Waterbury
Municipal Building, Community Room, 28 N.
Main St., Waterbury.
MONDAY, AUG. 28
Holistic School of Business : New Space
Open House. Learn about our amazing
programs and celebrate our new space, located
right above the popular Capitol Grounds
coffeehouse in Montpelier. 57 p.m. 27
State St., #6, Montpelier. Free. kristen.
aja@holisticschoolofbusiness.com. http://
holisticschoolofbusiness.com/
Tell them you saw
it in The Bridge!
Calendar of Events
Through Aug. 26: Dispositions: An exploration
of abstract landscapes by Hope Burgoyne.
Abstract landscapes with a focus on orientation,
particularly how small details may enhance and
emphasize the larger tableau. Axels Gallery &
Frame Shop, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. AxelsGallery.
com
Through Aug. 31: Hannah Dennison, Moving
Paint, Moving Bodies. Dennison is a dance artist
and director of Cradle to Grave Arts. She lives in
the Chelsea area. Chelsea Public Library. 685-2188.
Through Aug. 31: Kelly Hunter, Stories of the
Stars Art. Playful, cosmic art exhibit of poster-
sized images from Hunters recently published
Planetary Gods and Goddesses Coloring Book,
shown both in black-and-white and as colored
by participants in local workshops. Barre Opera
House. 6 N. Main St., Barre. kellhunter@
earthlink.net.
Through Aug. 31: Abstract Paintings by Glen
Hutcheson. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, The Fiction
Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org
Through Sept. 4: Dianne Panarelli Miller
and Her Students. 25 paintings by Miller and
paintings by 9 of her students are included in the
exhibit, continuing its exploration of the aesthetic
relationship between art instructors and their
students. 11 a.m.5 p.m.Bryan Memorial Gallery,
180 Main St., Jeffersonville. bryangallery.org
Through Sept. 4: Photo Show at The
Round Barn. Both professional and amateur
photographers to submit their work, allowing lesser-
known photographers to exhibit in a gallery setting. Through Sept. 29: Hunter Eddy, Bridging
Round Barn, 1661 East Warren Rd., Waitsfield.
www.theroundbarn.com
Through Sept. 8: T.W. Wood Gallery Annual
Summer Juried Show. Works of 23 Vermont
artists in watercolors, oils, pastels, acrylics, collage,
digital and photographs. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46
TUESDAY, AUG. 29
FEAST Lunch with City Leaders. Join Geoff
Beyer, Parks Director & Tree Warden. Bring
any questions you have about city government,
facilities, goals and more. Noon1 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Lunch is $7 for ages 60 and under.
$5 suggested donation for ages 60+. Reservations
appreciated: 262-6288.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30
Bike Montpelier Area with Green Mountain
Club. Difficult. About 35 miles. Montpelier to
Northfield Falls to Moretown to Middlesex to
Montpelier. Leave from the parking lot behind
the Dept. of Labor at 9:30 a.m. Lunch in
Moretown. Contact George Plumb, 883-2313 or
plumb.george@gmail.com.
Introduction to Tai Chi. Overview of the origins
of Tai Chi and the lineage styles, learn some
practical exercises to experience the essence of
Tai Chi and learn about the teachers and classes
available in Montpelier. 5:306:30 p.m. Hunger
Mountain Co-op, Montpelier. Free.
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
Guided Partner Thai Bodywork. Learn a few
basic techniques for a blissful feeling and peaceful
mind. Come to give and receive with a friend.
Barre St., Montpelier. 262-6035. twwoodgallery.
org
Through Sept. 8: Mixing Primaries. An exhibit
of the Art Resource Association includes Vermont
artists Frank Woods and Maggie Neale. T.W. Art
Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. twwoodgallery.
org.
Through Sept. 10: Under the Influence of
Motion: Johnny Swing at the Bundy Modern.
Featuring Swings newest series The Wedding
Present made with stainless rods and bread
toasters, twisted together into abstract knotted
forms that emulate nature, like rocks trapped in the
roots of upturned tree trunks. Sat.Sun, noon5 of perspectives. The exhibit includes twenty-one
p.m. Bundy Modern, 361 Bundy Rd., Waitsfield.
bundymodern.com
Through Sept. 24: Lucien B. Day (19162008)
Retrospective. One of the key founders of the
SoHo art movement, Days career spanned eight
decades and his work in impressionist realism has
been exhibited in countless museums and galleries.
Highland Center for the Arts, Greensbor0. http://
highlandartsvt.org/event/lucien-b-day-a-life-in-art-
opening-reception/
Through Sept. 29: Ed Epstein and George
Kurjanowicz, A Path Well Traveled. the
Governors Gallery featuring the highly skilled
Vermont duo of multidisciplinary artist Ep
Epstein and sculptor George Kurjanowicz. These
artists present a strong and dynamic narrative of
portraiture, landscapes, and organic sculptural
forms. Governors Gallery, Pavilion Building, State
St., Montpelier.
Worlds. Paintings. Eddy has studied the
techniques of traditional painting and drawing
from the Renaissance and is inspired by the
mastery of Caravaggio, Czanne and Sargent.
Supreme Court Gallery, State St., Montpelier.
Mats and cushioning will be provided. 56
p.m. Hunger Mountain Co-op, Montpelier. $8
members; $10 nonmembers.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
Fall Migration Bird Walks. Every Fri. in Sept.
7:309 a.m. September is the peak of fall
songbird migration, and the woods and fields
along the North Branch are excellent places to
witness it. Come for a morning walk to search
for migrating warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes
and more. Beginners welcome and no registration
required! Binoculars available for loan. North
Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier.
Free for members and kids; $10 for nonmembers.
229-6206.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 5
Savvy Speakers Toastmasters. Supportive and
positive environment to improve communication
skills. 5:307 p.m. Blue Cross Blue Shield
conference room, Industrial Lane off of Airport
Rd., Berlin. Free. 476-0908. mlferguson2002@
yahoo.com.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6
Monarch Butterfly Tagging. Drop by any time
between from 3:30 p.m. on to catch, tag and
release some migrating monarchs. Well look for
other butterflies and bugs as well! We have nets to
Send your event listing to calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the next issue is August 31
Through Sept. 30: Patrick Dunfey, Large
Paintings on Paper. White River Gallery @
BALE, 35 S. Windsor St., South Royalton.
Through Oct. 6: Connection: the Art of Coming
Together. A survey of contemporary Vermont art
organized by artist networks rather than aesthetics
or media. Mon.Fri., 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Vermont
Arts Council Gallery, 136 State St, Montpelier.
Through Oct. 9: Social Justice in Race, Gender,
Immigration, and the Environment. Each
wall In the upstairs gallery will be devoted to one
of four above issue areas, with both 2- and 3-D
artwork exploring each question from a variety
Vermont artists working in a variety of media,
including clay, paper, painting, stone, assemblage,
metal, photography, and drawing. The downstairs
area will feature a large selection of photographs of
recent marches, vigils, and demonstrations by Terry
J. Allen, displayed along with posters, banners, and
signs from those events. Goddard College, Eliot
Pratt Center, Plainfield.
Through Oct. 21: Exposed. Curated by Rachel
Moore. Exposed is in its 26th year, with outdoor
sculptures sited throughout the village and on the
recreation path. Exhibit is throughout the village
of Stowe. Web link: http://www.helenday.com/
exposed2017
Ongoing: Michael Jermyn. Photographs. Positive
Pie, N. Main St., Barre.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Aug. 23: Wednesday Night Live: Art Tent.
A number of fun and creative activities for the
community, including making tissue paper
flowers, beaded bubble wands, foam printmaking
and more. 5:307:30 p.m. 257 Portland St.,
Morrisville. 888-1261. www.RiverArtsVT.org
share, but bring a net if you have one. 3:305:30
p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St.,
Montpelier. Adults $5; kids $3. 229-6206. www.
northbranchnaturecenter.org
GED Testing at Barre Learning Center. 4 p.m.
26 Washington St., Suite 100, Barre. Please call
CVABE for more info 802-476-4588 or visit
cvabe.org.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 7
Explore the Catholic Faith Vision. Open to
all seekers wanting to know more about the
faith (practicing and non-practicing). Come
and explore our rich traditions. 78:30 p.m. St.
Augustine Rectory, 16 Barre St., Montpelier.
223-6043 or 223-5285.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 8
Fall Migration Bird Walks. See event description
under Sept. 1.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 9
Vermont Historical Society Annual
Meeting. Includes Business Meeting and
talk on Montpelier artist T.W. Wood. 8:30
a.m.noon. Vermont History Museum, 109
State St, Montpelier. Free. 479-8500. http://
vermonthistory.org/annual-meeting
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 17
Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Other shows
T.B.A. bagitos.com.
Every Wed.: Open Mic
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St.
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Tues.: Karaoke, 9 p.m1 a.m.
Aug. 17: Grant Jones (Americana) 9 p.m.
Aug. 18: Lesli Sanders (acoustic rock) 6 p.m.;
Lightcrusher/Hellascope (metal) 9 p.m.
Aug. 19: Jeff Salisbury Band (jump blues) 9 p.m.
Aug. 20: Sunday Live Punk Special, 9 p.m.
Aug. 25: David Rosane & the Zookeepers (punk
folk) 6 p.m.; Red Hot Juba (jazzy country) 9 p.m.
Aug. 26: Scott Graves (acoustic rock) 6 p.m.; Zeus
Springsteen/Heart Shaped Rock (rock) 9 p.m.
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 479-0896.
Free/by donation unless otherwise noted. events@
espressobueno.com.
Aug 26: 5j Barrow (folk/rock) 8 p.m.
Sweet Melissas. 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. Free/
by donation unless otherwise noted. https://www.
facebook.com/sweetmelissasvt/.
Aug 27: John Rawls with The Dave Keller Band
(soul/blues), 5 p.m. $10, 21+
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31
County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com.
Every Wed.: Open Mic
SPECIAL EVENTS
Aug.17: Brown Bag Summer Concert Series:
Starline Rhythm Boys. Free live and local music!
Noon. Christ Church courtyard, 64 State St.,
Montpelier. http://www.montpelieralive.com/
Aug. 17: Central Vermont Chamber Music
Festival. A Guide to Improvisation and
Musicianship will be led by the jazz contingent
of Franceschini, Ephron, Vega, and Perowsky.
Musicians of all levels students, adult amateurs
and young professionals, jazz and non-jazz players
alike are welcome. Participation is encouraged
and folks are invited to bring their instruments.
78:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, Main St.,
Randolph.
Calendar of Events
Aug. 18: Music in the Alley Series: TURNmusic.
Experience classical chamber music infused with
modern composition, led by local Anne Decker.
69 p.m. Axels Gallery & Frame Shop, 5 Stowe
St., Waterbury. AxelsGallery.com
Aug. 18: Central Vermont Chamber Music
Festival. Stringed instrument and bow
symposium led by New York luthier Guy Rabut
and Vermont bow maker Eben Bodach-Turner.
Festival artists will join in on a lively discussion
about choices that are made when creating the
tools of the trade, and will also play various
instruments with various bows. 7 p.m. Chander
Music Hall, Gallery, Main St., Randolph.
Aug. 18: Brian McCarthy. In his nine-piece
chamber jazz ensemble work, The Better Angels
of Our Nature, this Vermont-based saxophonist
explores popular songs of the American Civil War,
and introduces original material based on figures
and events of the era. 7 p.m. Highland Center for
the Arts, Greensboro. Adults $25; students $10;
EBT cardholders $5. www.highlandartsvt.org
Aug. 18: Del & Dawg Songs & Stories. Featuring
legendary musicians Del McCoury and David
Grisman. 7 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts
Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $30 unreserved
outdoor seating. 760-4634. OldMozoDays.com
Aug. 18: The Queen's Delight: Elizabethan
Music for Voice and Recorder. Presented
by Green Mountain Monteverdi Ensemble of
Vermont plus Far & Away. Featuring the 3, 4,
and 5-voice masses of William Byrd. 7:30 p.m.
Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. $20
suggested donation. 223-0687. gmmev.org
Aug. 19: Central Vermont Chamber Music
Festival. Concert for Kids. Youngsters will have a
chance for a hands-on music learning experience,
exploring the basics of playing steel drums and
then culminating with a performance. Ice cream
social follows. 10:30 a.m. Chandler Music
Hall, Main St., Randolph. Sign-up encouraged:
islandtimesteel@hotmail.com.
Aug. 19: Viva La Musica. Songs and arias sung
by singers from Viva La Musica, a music outreach
company for Vermonts children. Part of Richs
Hollow Benefit Concert Series 2017. 4 p.m. At
the home of Celina Moore and Erik Esselstyn,
2850 Rt. 14 N., Montpelier. $20. Limited seating.
RSVP: 454-7306.
Aug. 19: Classical Music Concert. With soprano
Victoria Cole and pianist Sergey Marchukov.
Music by Schumann, Prokofiev and Rimsky-
Korsakov. 7:30 p.m. United Community Church
South Campus, St. Johnsbury.
Aug. 19: Central Vermont Chamber Music
Festival. World-class artists from the jazz and
chamber music world will join forces to produce
a concert from both genres and a mixture of the
two. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, Main St.,
Randolph.
Aug. 19: Stowe Tango Music Festival in Concert.
Features tango legends directly from Buenos Aires,
top tango dancers and a unique 30 piece orchestra
comprised of world-renowned tango musicians.
8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $2035. 760-4634.
Aug. 20: Central Vermont Chamber Music
Festival. Festival finale begins with Breakfast
with Bach/Baroque Brunch. Festival artists will
be joined by Vermont Youth Orchestra members
led by Yutaka Kono, in a performance of Bachs
Orchestral Suite #2 and more. Meal 11 a.m.;
concert 12:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, Main
St., Randolph.
Aug. 22: Randolphs 6th Annual Summer
Concert Series. Jennings & McComber (Green
Mountain indie folk). Bring lawn chairs and picnic
blankets for an evening of fun, food and music.
Food 5:30 p.m.; music 6 p.m. Gifford Park, Rt.
12, Randolph.
Aug. 24: Brown Bag Summer Concert Series:
Patti Casey. Free live and local music! Noon.
Christ Church courtyard, 64 State St., Montpelier.
http://www.montpelieralive.com/
Aug. 25: Jazzyaoke. Sing the standards backed by
a live six-piece jazz band! All lyrics provided; all
are welcome. 6:309:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free.
223-2518. info@wooo.tv. wooo.tv
Aug. 25: Friday Night Fires: Cooie's Hot Club
Jazz Trio. 79 p.m. Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard
& Winery, Rt. 12, Berlin.
Aug. 26: Johnny Rawls with The Dave Keller
Band. Mississippi soul and blues. 6 p.m. Oxbow
Park, Morrisville. Free.
Aug. 26: Swing Dance with Live 17-Piece Big
Band! With Green Mountain Swing All funds
raised support music education for middle and
high school students in Central Vermont. The
band plays music from the big band era through
to more contemporary sounds, along with some
Latin beats. 7:3010 p.m. Capital City Grange,
6612 VT Rt. 12, Berlin. Adults $15 suggested
donation; students $10. 496-3764. www.
greenmountainswing.org
Aug. 27: Kabile. One of Bulgarias premier
traditional wedding bands. Potluck follows.
Capital City Grange, 6612 VT Rt. 12, Berlin. $20
Aug. 27: Guided Meditation & Vocal Toning
Workshop. Join Didgeridoo pioneer Pitz
Quattrone and acupuncturist and sound healer,
Jim Thomas for an evening of guided and toning
meditation. 79 p.m. Didgeridoo Vibroacoustics
Studio, 395 Paine Turnpike North, Berlin (two
driveways down from Berlin Park & Ride.) $25.
Register: pitzquattrone@gmail.com
Aug. 31: Brown Bag Summer Concert Series:
Dave Keller. Free live and local music! Noon.
Christ Church courtyard, 64 State St., Montpelier.
http://www.montpelieralive.com/
Aug. 31: Arioso. Central Vermonts chamber
music ensemble, performs music for voice,
viola, cello and piano, including four Vermont
composers. 7:30 p.m. Northfield United Church,
58 S. Main St., Northfield. By donation.
ariosochambermusic.org
Sept. 2: Mellow Yellow: Summer of Love 50th
Anniversary Tour. Mellow Yellow pays tribute
to the Summer of Love with songs that embody
the cultural revolution of 1967 songs by The
Beatles, The Turtles, Jefferson Airplane and, of
course, Donovan. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing
Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $2038.
760-4634.
Sept. 9: Northern Third Piano Quartet.
Powerful classical music program. 8 p.m. Spruce
Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr.,
Stowe. $20 advance; $25 day of show. 760-4634.
PAG E 18 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Weekly
ARTS & CRAFTS
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Tuesday Night Knitters. Every week except
for the 1st Tuesday of each month. All levels
encouraged! A small but dedicated group
of knitters invite you to share your projects,
questions and enthusiasm for the fiber arts! At the
Cutler Memorial Library, 151 High Street (US
Route 2), Plainfield. 454-8504, www.cutlerlibrary.
org.
Drop-in River Arts Elder Art Group. Work on
art, share techniques and get creative with others.
Bring your own art supplies. For elders 60+. Every
Fri., 10 a.m.noon. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant
St., Morrisville. Free. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
The Craftees. Crafts social group led by Nancy
Moran every Fri. Bring craft and potluck. 10
a.m.2 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S.
Main St., #4, Barre. $3. Register: 479-9512
BICYCLING
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community
bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Wed., 46
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.
BOOKS & WORDS
Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and
practice your language skills with neighbors.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., American Sign Language;
Tues., Italian; Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338.
English Conversation Practice Group. For
students learning English for the first time. Tues.,
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education,
Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St. 223-
3403.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading
and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
100 State St. 223-3403.
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
One-on-One Technology Help Sessions. Free
assistance to patrons needing help with their
computers and other personal electronic devices.
30 min. one-on-one sessions every Tues., 10 a.m.
noon. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St.,
Waterbury. Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
FOOD & DRINK
Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.
Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
4:305:30 p.m.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds
benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
Do What You Do Best.
Bookkeeping Payroll Consulting
802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
Calendar of Events
suggested donation; under 60 $7. Reservations:
262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
Plainfield Farmers Market. Every Fri. through
Oct. 6. Locally raised produce and meats; baked
goods; maple syrup; crafts; Japanese tea tasting.
4-7 p.m., Mill Street Park, Mill Street, Plainfield.
Capital City Farmers Market. Every Sat.
through Oct. 28. Shop from 50 local farmers and
producers each week in downtown Montpelier.
CCFM is a producer-only market meaning
everything being sold is grown or made by each
vendor. Featuring regular live music, vendor
demonstrations, and local chef run cooking
demos. 9 a.m.1 p.m. 60 State St., Montpelier.
www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
67:30 p.m.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
Al-Anon. Help for friends and families of
Alcoholics.
Sun.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier (back door) 6:157:30 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m.
Wed.: Bethany Church,115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) 78 p.m.
Thurs.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m
Sat.: Turning Point, N. Main St., Barre, 5 p.m.
(child friendly meeting)
Bone Building Exercises. Open to all ages. Every
Mon., Wed. and Fri. 7:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.
Advanced class: every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.
Beginners class: Tues. and Thurs. 1011 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.
Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
montpelier-vt.org.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m.
Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-
3483.
Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Program.
Education and support to help adults at high risk
of developing type 2 diabetes adopt healthier
eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight
loss and reduced risk. Every Tues., 10:3011:30
a.m. Kingwood Health Center Conference
Room (lower level), 1422 Rt. 66, Randolph. Free.
Register: 728-7714.
Tai Chi for Falls Prevention. With Diane Des
Bois. Beginners and mixed levels welcome. 2:15
p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S., Main St.,
#4, Barre. Free. Register: 479-9512.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program
for physically, emotionally and spiritually
overcoming overeating. Two meeting days and
locations. Sat., 8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal
Church of the Good Shepherd, 39 Washington
St., Barre. 249-3970. Every Mon., 5:306:30 p.m.
at Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier.
223-3079.
Tai Chi Classes for All Ages. Every Tues. and
Thurs., 1011 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free.
223-3322. twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net
Mooditude Support Group. A professional and
peer-led support group, not a therapy group.
For people with depression, bipolar disorder,
seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia etc.). Every
Wed., 45 p.m. Bethany Church,115 Main St.,
Montpelier. (downstairs at end of hallway). Free.
223-4111 or 522-0775.
Weight Loss Support Group. Get help and
support on your weight loss journey every Wed.,
67 p.m. Giffords Conference Center, 44 S. Main
St., Randolph. Free. No registration required.
Open to all regardless of where you are in your
weight loss.
Wits End. Support group for parents, siblings,
children, spouses and/or relationship partners of
someone suffering with addiction whether it is
For more event listings and event details visit montpelierbridge.com
to alcohol, opiates, cocaine, heroin, marijuana or
something else. Every Wed., 68 p.m. Turning
Point Center, 489 N. Main St., Barre. Louise:
279-6378.
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Wed., 25 p.m. 29 State St., Ste. 14 (above
Rite Aid), Montpelier. Free and anonymous. 371-
6224. vtcares.org.
NAMI Vermont Connection Recovery Support
Group. For individuals living with mental illness.
Every Fri., 34 p.m. Another Way, 125 Barre St.,
Montpelier. 876-7949. info@namivt.org
KIDS & TEENS
The Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in space
to hang out, make music, play pool, ping-pong
and board games and eat free food. All activities
are free. Mon.Thurs., 26 p.m., Fridays 3-10 p.m.
Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier.
BasementTeenCenter.org
Story Time and Playgroup. With Sylvia Smith for
story time and Cassie Bickford for playgroup. For
ages birth6 and their grown-ups. We follow the
Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold
the program the days Twinfield is closed. Wed., 10
11:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St.,
Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.
org.
Story Time for Tots. For infants through pre-K
aged kids, every Thursday through August 24th
from 10:30 to 11 am at the Cutler Memorial
Library, 151 High Street (US Route 2), Plainfield.
454-8504, www.cutlerlibrary.org
Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to create
and play. All ages. Thurs., 34:30 p.m. Kellogg-
Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Dads & Kids Playgroup. Playtime and free dinner.
Every Thurs., 57 p.m. For Dads and their children
ages birth5. Family Center of Washington
County, 383 Sherwood Dr., Montpelier. fcwcvt.org
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative
exploratory arts program with artist/instructor
Kelly Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon. River
Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261.
RiverArtsVT.org.
Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen books,
use the gym, make art, play games and if you need
to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m. Jaquith
Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. 426-
3581.
Read to Me & Creativity. For kids in
Kindergarten3rd grade, every Sun. through
Aug. 20, 12 p.m. (before the library opens to
the public). Cutler Memorial Library, 151 High
St., (US Rte 2), Plainfield. 454-8504, www.
cutlerlibrary.org.
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.
MUSIC & DANCE
Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal.
Find your voice with 50 other women. Mon.,
7 p.m. Capital City Grange, Rt. 12, Berlin.
BarretonesVT.com. 552-3489.
Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60 Band.
Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.noon.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. 223-2518.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
information.
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St. 223-2518.
Barre Rock City Chorus. We sing songs from
the 60s80s and beyond. All songs are taught by
rote using word sheets, so ability to read music is
not required. All ages welcome; children under
13 should come with a parent. Every Thurs.,
6:308:30 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 39
Washington St., Barre.
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt Center,
Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.light@
jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables
Collection Center accepts scores of hard-to-recycle
items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.; Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North Main St., Barre.
$3 per carload. 229-9383 x106. For list of accepted
items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.
RESOURCES
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. More
than 100 tools both power and manual. Onion
River Exchange is located at 46 Barre Street in
Montpelier. Hours are Wed. and Thurs., 10 a.m.2
p.m. For more info. or to donate tools: 661-8959 or
info@orexchange.com.
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Rainbow Umbrella of Central VT. Adult LGBTQ
group, meets the third Tuesday evening of the
month at 5:45 p.m. for a casual dinner at a local
restaurant. The gathering place is 58 Barre St. in
Montpelier. Info: RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.
org
Friday Night Group. Social gathering of LGBTQ
youth, ages 13 22. 2nd and 4th Fridays of the
month, 6:30 8:00 pm. Free pizza and soft drinks.
Supervised by LGBT adults trained by Outright
Vermont. Unitarian Church, Montpelier. For more
info, email Nancy: SaddleShoes2@gmail.com
Bowling. Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont,
an adult LGBTQ group, bowls at Twin City Lanes
on Sunday afternoons twice a month. For dates and
times, write to RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.
org
SPIRITUALITY
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we have for
your spiritual growth. You can borrow, purchase or
simply enjoy material in a quiet study room. Hours:
Hours: Hours: Wed.Sat., 11 a.m.2 p.m.; Wed.,
57:15 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier. 223-2477.
A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual
transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier.
279-1495.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only: 479-
0302.
Prayer Meeting. Ecumenical and charismatic
prayer meeting. Every 1st and 3rd Thurs., 6:308
p.m. 8 Daniels Dr., Barre. 479-0302
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those
interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St., Barre.
Register: 479-3253.
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text
study and discussion on Jewish spirituality. Sun.,
4:456:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center,
Montpelier. 223-0583. info@yearning4learning.
org.
SPORTS & GAMES
Roller Derby Open Recruitment and
Recreational Practice. Central Vermonts
Wrecking Doll Society invites quad skaters age
18 and up. No experience necessary. Equipment
provided: first come, first served. Sat., 56:30 p.m.
Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre St. First skate
free. centralvermontrollerderby.com.
YOGA & MEDITATION
Christian Meditation Group. People of all faiths
welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ Church,
Montpelier. 223-6043.
Awakening the Heart of Compassion. A
meditation practice and study program withMaggie
McGuire, Ph.D. Every Wed. through Aug.
30. Join the course at any time. 5:307 p.m.
Wellspring Center, 39 Church St., Hardwick.
Free; donations accepted. For more information:
wellspringinsight@gmail.com
Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.
Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier.
Free. Call for orientation: 229-0164.
Montpelier Shambhala Meditation. Group
meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Wed.,
67 p.m; learn to meditate free instruction
the 1st Wed. of the month. New location:
5 State Street, 2nd floor, Montpelier. info@
montpeliershambhala.org, www.montpelier.
shambhala.org
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.
Send your event listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the
next issue is August 31
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 19

Classifieds
Text-only classifieds
are 50 words for $25.
Call 249-8666 or 223-5112 ext. 11
CLASSES
TAI CHI CHUAN: BEGINNERS CLASS
Cheng Man-chings simplified Yang-style.
Taught by Patrick Cavanaugh of Long
River Tai Chi. Begins Tuesday, September
5th from 78 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115
Main Street in Montpelier. For more in-
formation, contact Patrick, 802-490-6405
or email patrick@longrivertaichi.org. Cost:
$65 per month.
CLASSES AND
WORKSHOPS
TAI CHI
Hwa Yu Tai Chi fall semester starts
September 13. New students welcome.
Six-week intro $72; continuing students
12 weeks $120. Payment plans available.
Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm in the Taplin
Room, Christ Church, 64 State St,
Montpelier. Instructor Ellie Hayes has
been teaching Tai Chi since 1974. Pre-
register by September 11: 456-1983/
info@elliehayes.net
HOME SHARE
LARGE, GORGEOUS, 1840S FARM-
HOUSE (all modern conveniences) 15 min-
utes from Montpelier, 492 Tucker Road,
Calais. $350 per month plus utilities.

HELP WANTED Seeking responsible, horse-friendly, capable

LIBRARY / MEDIA PARA-EDUCATOR
BARRE CITY ELEM. & MIDDLE SCHOOL
BARRE, VERMONT 05641
person or couple. Compensation for work
done on premises. Google Jim Hogue VT
to see it and me.
456 1123, jimhogue@myfairpoint.net.

Barre City Elementary and Middle School

is looking for person committed to
children and technology. They will be RENTAL WANTED
instructing weekly classes with curriculum
designed by the Library/Media Specialist RENTAL WANTED
in various grades from Pre-K,
Kindergarten, 1st-3rd Grade Library or Clean, quiet lady seeks long-term rental,
Computer classes in our Library/Media references available, call 619-420- 3312.
Center. This job will also include working
in the library under the supervision of
the Library/Media Specialist, and
supporting students/staff in the computer
labwhen needed. Tell them

Job Details you saw it in
Job ID: Library/Media Para Educator
Application Deadline: Posted until Filled The Bridge!

Job Description
Barre City Elementary and Middle School
seeks a Para-educator to assistthe Library/
Media Specialist. They will be instructing
weekly classes with curriculum designed
by the Library/Media Specialist in various
grades from Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st-
3rd Grade Library or Computer classes
in our Library/MediaCenter. This job
includes working in the library under
the supervision of the Library/Media
Specialist, and supporting students/staff in
the library and computer lab when needed.
It includes library duties such as shelving,
processing, checking out books and
library events. Person must be highly
qualified in technology skills and able
to multi-task. The successful candidate
must have an associate's degree or
the equivalent college credits. Candidates
send a letter of interest, resume,
copies of any certifications, and letters
ofrecommendation to:
James Taffel, Principal
Barre City Elementary and Middle School
50 Parkside Terrace
Barre, VT 05641
Position Type: Full-time
Positions Available: 1

Equal Opportunity Employer Barre

New Construction
Supervisory Union is committed to
maintaining a work and learning
Renovations
environment free from discrimination on
thebasis of race, color, religion, national
Woodworking
origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital/
civil union status, ancestry, place of birth,
General Contracting
age, citizenship status, veteran status,
political affiliation or disability, as defined
and required by state and federal laws.

Requirements
Entry-level accepted -Associates degree
from an accredited institution preferred
Application Questions -None required 223-3447
clarconstruction.com
PAG E 2 0 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Opinion
Remembering Howard Frank Mosher On Tour
by Jay Craven

V
ermont novelist Howard Frank Mosher died on January 29 this year. As a filmmaker, remarkable adventure of my life. The picture tells the story of an aging logger, Noel Lord,
I worked closely with the Northeast Kingdom writer since 1985, making five films and his native American mate, Bangor, who face the extinction of their way of life when a
based on his stories. I will be on tour this summer, presenting reflections on my local power company announces plans to build a dam that will flood them off their land.
28-year collaboration with Mosher and a screening my first Mosher feature film,Where Where the Rivers Flow North has made many friends on the road and it was a finalist for
the Rivers Flow North. Dates include 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, at the Savoy Theater. Critics Week at the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival. The late great actor Gregory
In his sonnet, How My Light Is Spent, 17th century writer John Milton meditated on the Peck was asked at a Houston, Texas public event to name his favorite films of all time.
growing fact of his blindness. As his curtain of darkness fell, Milton openly considered how He singled out Where the Rivers Flow North for its haunting evocation of a distinctive
his talents might be diminished during the last half of his life. Milton reveals his logical Vermont time and place and its remarkable performances by Academy Award nominee
frustration in the poem, along with his resolve for perseverance and patience, even as he Rip Torn and Native American actress, Tantoo Cardinal.
questions his lifes purpose. And he expresses an affecting humility before God as he faces his Like most of Moshers stories, Where the Rivers Flow North conjures larger-than-life
own limitations and reconsiders his aspirations. characters and articulates a vivid sense of Vermont rooted in Moshers historical imagination
Milton was one of a handful of writers, also including Faulkner, Dickens and Shakespeare, of place our place. I hope youll join us to remember all that Mosher gave to us that
who especially inspired Mosher. Mosher admired Miltons surly social critiques and he will endure.
considered Paradise Lost a touchstone. Indeed, in his rowdy and ambitious epic tale, Tour details and dates are available at www.KingdomCounty.org or by contacting Jay Craven
Disappearances, Mosher tackled the fall from Eden as a central theme. at jcraven@marlboro.edu.
Im sure that Mosher thought of Milton during his final days. Because, once blind and
impoverished, Milton persisted, writing many poems, including Paradise Lost, after hed
lost his sight. When Mosher realized last December that he might have only a few weeks to
live, he worked around the clock to finish his final novel, Gods Kingdom, that will be
released this fall. He rushed it to his editor who replied promptly, I wouldnt change a word.
Like John Milton, Mosher refused to forsake his writing in the face of daunting news about
his health. When I saw him just a couple of days before he died, I congratulated Howard on
the completion of his final work. He smiled, despite his obvious discomfort. Just under the
wire, he gently joked, giving a thumbs-up.
Like his character, Quebec Bill, in Disappearances, Mosher was an indefatigable optimist
and adventurer. He wrote every day, in longhand on yellow legal pads, and lived his life,
non-stop, with visions of character and story percolating in his imagination. I was lucky to
have had the experience of these same Mosher characters and stories animating my life and
thoughts as I developed and produced five films based on Howards stories.
This month, Ill take to the road to reflect about my long collaboration with Mosher and
share some of the many stories that, to me, demonstrated his remarkable talent, grace, insight,
generosity, wit and irrepressible spirit. Ill recall times like the day we planned to shoot the
pivotal bathtub scene in Where the Rivers Flow North, when lead actor Rip Torn, after
our hours of waiting and cajoling, refused to come out of his trailer. Undone by Torns
intransigence, I knew I had only one place to turn. And when I called Mosher and detailed
my predicament, he got into his car and headed straight to our film set, an hour south of his
home. You might be surprised to hear the outcome.
Well also present a 25th anniversary screening of Where the Rivers Flow North at
these Mosher tribute events. Rivers was our first feature film and it remains the most

Jay Craven and Howard Mosher. Courtesy photo

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Guest Re-fresh, Re-new, Re-create

Editorial
Hate Has No Place Here
by Joe Fox

T
h e following is the text of a memo I sent to staff and coaches to some external label thrown on them from feeling like anything
of the Recreation Department yesterday (Aug. 14). I felt it is other than a valuable part of the team.
important for you to know what we stand for. I am asking every single member of our department to consciously
Joe Fox, Director of Recreational Programs (St. Johnsbury) include as many people as you can into helping re-create this
In light of the most recent despicable instances of bigotry and hatred community into a thriving, healthy and happy place that is safe for
currently dominating the media, and in light of the fact that I all. Humans are social animals...they want to be included. Lets get
havent slept in 48 hours due to my anger and sadness that we live in parents to games and practices instead of hate rallies. Lets get kids Bridge Community Media, Inc.
a time in which torch-wielding individuals can march onto a college in sports instead of gangs. Get them involved. Get them talking. P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601
Challenge their prejudices. Ph: 802-223-5112
campus waving Nazi flags and spewing racial epithets; I decided to Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
put my thoughts to paper. After spending many hours in disgust, It goes without saying that hate has no place here, but I am asking Managing Editor: Carla Occaso
I have decided to re-focus on what I can do in my personal and for more than that. I am asking every member of this department Design & Layout, Calendar Editor:
Marichel Vaught
professional life to do everything possible to work towards the end to not only reject hatred and violence in all forms, to discuss racism Copy Editing Consultant:
of hatred and violence. and sexism with your players, but to remind yourself that every day Larry Floersch
you are literally helping re-create our society. Whether that society Proofreaders: Garrett Heaney,
In my opinion, no public entity can do greater work towards tearing Intern: Will Kyle
down hatred and division than a public recreation department, and is more or less inclusive and loving rests in part on your role in this Sales Representatives: Michael Jermyn,
as such I wanted to formalize what I expect from every single person department. It is a massive responsibility, and I hope you feel as Rick McMahan
associated with this department. Please read on. honored as I do to be entrusted with it. A new and better society Distribution: Tim Johnson, Kevin Fair,
starts here. It starts now. It starts with us. Daniel Renfro, Anders Aughey
The definition you are most likely the most familiar with for Board Members: Chairman Donny Osman,
I look forward to working with you all and watching the children Margaret Blanchard, Phil Dodd, Josh Fitzhugh,
recreation is: Martin Hahn, Irene Racz, Ivan Shadis, Tim Simard
under our care grow into adulthood teaching the same valuable life Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
noun lessons they learned as kids in St. J Rec programs. editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
1. refreshment by means of some pastime, agreeable exercise, or the Location: The Bridge office is located at the
Be well, Vermont College of Fine Arts,
like. on the main level of Stone Science Hall.
Joe Fox Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by
2. a pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording mail for $50 a year. Make out your check to
relaxation and enjoyment. Note: Joe Fox has been recreation director in St. Johnsbury since 2005.
The Bridge, and mail to The Bridge, PO Box
He is an employee of St. Johnsbury Academy. 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
Recreation is a critical part of peoples lives, providing needed respite montpelierbridge.com
from life stressors and positive outlets for leisure time, and it is truly facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
an honor to be able to serve people during this precious time in their Twitter: @montpbridge
Copyright 2017 by The Bridge
lives, however, the definition by which I seek to focus on is:
noun
1. the act of creating anew.
Through the work you do in our department, you have not only WE
the opportunity, but the increasingly important moral obligation to
create anew our community; to create an environment where all WANT
YOU!
feel welcome; where religion, skin color, gender, economic status,
educational level and more are completely inconsequential; where
your individual behavior as part of larger community should be the
only thing that matters; where people feel safe, included and valued. Volunteer Opportunities
Hatred isnt inherent, it is learned. It can also be unlearned. Under with The Bridge
your care are children that have the potential to be great civil rights * Write News Stories,
leaders as well as torch-wielding Nazis. I cannot overstate the fact
that much of how they turn out is shaped at young ages from people Interviews or Profiles
like you: parents, coaches, teachers and camp counselors. More * Take Photos
immediately, they are children that can lead happy, healthy lives * Edit/Proofread
from a feeling of being a valuable part of something bigger than
* Design/Layout
themselves, or they can be left on the sidelines; saddened, confused Joe Fox
and with seeds of anger growing from feelings of being left out due * Mentor Young Writers
* Day-of-Publication Help
Interested? Call Marichel

Thank you for reading The Bridge! at 223-5112 ext 12

or email
marichel@montpelierbridge.com
PAG E 2 2 AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Ag Agency Needs To Up Efforts Toward Dairy
Animals
Editor:
I have a few comments about this recent story that appeared
in The Bridge.
(Editors Note: The story referred to appeared in the August 3
issue of The Bridge by Will Kyle about Anson Tebbetts speaking
to the Montpelier Rotary Club.)
To quote: "Tebbetts spoke about the agency before answering
several questions from the audience.
His presentation began by describing the four primary
responsibilities of the agency. The first is to ensure that
agricultural animals in the state are healthy. The agency
investigates reports of diseases and works with veterinarians."
Unfortunately the Vermont Agency of Agriculture has
vehemently refused to fulfill this responsibility. The
attachments tell the full story. I have been involved in most
aspects of the dairy industry for more than 50 years and few are
as familiar with the dairy industry in Vermont and elsewhere
as I am. This is my current business: https://bobwhitesystems.
com. Everything I need to say is in the attachments. I don't
need to repeat myself here.
I have given this information to the press before but they have
refused to do anything with it even though it has been proven
that the Leukosis virus can and is being spread to humans
at an alarming rate AND researchers are concerned that
the infection may be associated with certain forms of breast
cancer in humans.
I also attached my resume so you see what I have been doing
with agriculture in Vermont.
Steven Judge, Royalton
Protect Earth. Ban Plastic Bags
Editor:
I recently learned that no Vermont town has a plastic bag ban.
Given that Vermont has been an environmental leader since
Giving Thanks For Nazi Protest
by Jules Rabin, Plainfield
Letters
the 70s, I was surprised and disappointed.
After living 35 years in Middlesex, my husband and I moved
to Lee, Mass. in 2011, to be closer to grandchildren. We
chose Lee partly because it was most like Montpelier in
the Berkshires. After our move, I joined the Lee Greener
Gateway Committee. In 2015, the committee started the
process of writing two bylaws for consideration at our 2016
Town Meeting: a plastic bag and Styrofoam ban. About
24 Massachusetts towns already had plastic bag and/or
Styrofoam bans. We presented draft bylaws to our selectboard,
held public hearings, and contacted local media. Using
community input, the final drafts of the bylaws passed.
Businesses and community members were given a year to
comply. The committee assisted with pamphlets for businesses
and consumers, posters for businesses and reminders in utility
bills.
Our committee has promoted consumer use of reusable bags.
With grants, we commissioned a student to create a Lee logo
for a cloth bag, which businesses sell. We gave these bags to
the food pantry, Women and Infant Children program and
senior citizens. We have also sponsored gently used reusable
bag swaps at our library and farmers market.
Now, 55 Massachusetts towns have plastic bag bans. The state
legislature is working on a statewide ban. I strongly encourage
Montpelier officials, and those in surrounding towns, to
pursue a ban. According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S.
uses 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. An estimated
12 million barrels of oil is required to make them. If we all
do our part to reduce this source of littering, ocean pollution
and drain on resources, our Earth will be healthier, as will
future generations.
Valerie Bluhm
Lee, Massachusetts
Missing Coffee Corner
Editor:
I regularly come to Montpelier in August, to partake of its
pleasures, among them the Vermont College of Fine Arts and
the Coffee Corner Cafe. As I write this note, I'm on my visit
for this August, taking a writing course at the college. To
discover that the Coffee Corner was closed, and closed for
good, just about undid me. I love that place, and all the best
it represents of Vermont. Ironically, on my last visit (August
2016), I had written a poem celebrating the Coffee Corner,
assuming in my bliss that it would endure forever. Alas, it
has not. I attach that poem, in tribute, in hopes that it can
be shared with The Bridge readers, perhaps spark a pleasant
memory.
Mike Lewis-Beck
Iowa City, Iowa
WORKING BREAKFAST
At the Coffee Corner, notebook at hand,
Madelaine extracts a No.2 from her blonde
bun,
penciling my order.
Me asking for two eggs basted,
maple links and rye toast, coffee black.
Nelson, on the next stool, says to Hamilton
Beach milk shake mixers: got a new room,
seven feet jump-up over the auto body.
Nelson, bending his camo cap, says:
motor rotates the beater round and round,
blades cut the vanilla scoops, deform them,
polish the metal cup with them.
Dont nick the cup, just makes the shake.
Like my lathe,
axle rod turns over and over,
knurls the hickory stick, etches it. Reclamp
the clutch, check the screw threads the
helices

H
Opinion
erewith a letter of thanks to In case you didnt see the sign from where drill and sand. Got yourself a pool cue.
my friend and neighbor, Joseph you stood up front, it read on one side,
Gainza, for helping to organize a BERLIN 1933. CHARLOTTESVILLE
prompt response in Montpelier to the Nazi 2017. WERE HORRIFIED! And on
Madelaine presents me a round white plate
violence of the day before in Charlottesville, the other side, WHAT HAS TRUMP face,
Virginia. The protest took place on the State WROUGHT? two basted egg eyes in their sockets,
House steps and lawn, beauty all around, in I had a first surprise when I saw the size of the crowd already sausages making a smiling mouth.
the late Sunday afternoon sunshine, August 14, attended by a assembled when we arrived at the rally, a little late. I had A little maple syrup drool on the side.
crowd of worried citizens numbering more than a hundred. anticipated a pocket-handkerchief-size gathering. But good
Good morning, Joseph, for Montpelier (and Facebook and email) there already was A thing of beauty! Says Madelaine,
Thanks for the part you played in organizing the response a crowd of over 100 gathered in front of the State House, our two rhinestone studs shining from her cheeks.
yesterday to the Charlottesville atrocity of the day before. You own Hyde Park. So many people coming together on such short
judged well, certainly better than I had, the depth of feeling notice, with your name, Joseph, as guarantor of the event, in my
about that, of people around here, and the need and wish haphazard network of information. Mike Lewis-Beck
of so many of us to speak our minds right now about what's The dozen or 15 first speakers, all volunteers from the audience,
happening to the country and us these bewildering days. impressed me a lot my second surprise for their sensitivity
I have to confess that when I first heard about the rally-and- and intelligence and the plainness of their speech, which
What Do You Think?
speakout, earlier in the afternoon, I thought, not for me, this amounted to real eloquence without fanfare or display. I didnt Read something that you would like to
one. I had been cutting and splitting wood for a great part of know that we compositely had all that in us and on the spur respond to? We welcome your letters
the afternoon and was tired and feeling right with my personal of the moment. and opinion pieces. Letters must be fewer
gods for the labor I had done, and exempted myself from this Two high marks, then, for our greater Montpelier population:
one-more protest. But then I changed my mind my mind Minutemen without muskets, they are responsive to crisis, and
than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not
changed me, rather, as I thought about what's coming over this they are standouts for unostentatious eloquence. Never mind the exceed 600 words. The Bridge reserves the
country and when Helen came home in the late afternoon one or two droning-on speakers at the end (Note: the rally was right to edit and cut pieces.
from a different meeting she had been at, she agreed that we organized as a "speak-out") who exceeded the announced time Send your piece to:
should go right into town for the evening rally: pipsqueak limit and were a trial for all of us, and a trial to you especially, editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Montpelier adding its voice to the national clamor, and she and Joseph, who were spokesman and guarantor of the event.
I ours. Deadline for the next issue is
You, Joseph, together with your private, ready-on-the-spot PA September 1
We took 10 minutes before we left to make a sign for the occasion, system, really do a lot of good for the rest of us, helping us to
out of a rectangle of corrugated cardboard that was lying around. focus our attention and speak our minds.

Rocque Long
Painting
Insured
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local references.
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T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 17 S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 017 PAG E 2 3

Financial Moves for Empty Nesters

by Gabriel C. Lajeunesse, J.D

W
hen your children leave home and you become an empty nester, youll probably Keep in mind, though, that empty nester
make several adjustments in your lifestyle. But how will your empty nest status status is not always permanent. Youve
affect your financial situation? no doubt heard about boomerang kids
Everyones story is different, involving a range of variables. But here are a few issues to who return home after college and stay
consider: until they can afford a place of their own.

Insurance If your kids are through school, your mortgage is nearly paid off and your
spouse has accumulated a reasonable amount of money in an employer-sponsored retirement
plan, you may not need life insurance to replace income or pay off debts. However, you
might start thinking about other goals, such as ensuring your savings will last your lifetime
or leaving a legacy to your loved ones or a charity. Life insurance may be able to help in these
areas.
Downsizing Deciding whether to downsize your living space isnt just a financial decision
its also a highly personal one. Still, downsizing can offer you some potential economic
benefits. For one thing, if you still are paying off your mortgage, a move to a smaller place
could free up some of your monthly cash flow, which, again, you could use to boost your
retirement accounts. Furthermore, if your home has greatly appreciated in value, you might
make a sizable profit by selling. (If you are single, you may be able to exclude $250,000 of
the gain on the sale of your home; married couples may have a $500,000 exemption. Some
restrictions exist on this exemption, though, so youll need to consult with your tax advisor
before selling.)
Estate plans Years ago, you might have made various arrangements in a will or a living
trust that dealt with taking care of your children if something should happen to you and your
spouse. For example, you might have established a trust and directed it to make payments
to your children at certain times and for certain purposes, such as education. But once your
children are grown and have left your home, you may need to review and update your estate
plans.
If your children become boomerangers, even
for a short while, will it greatly affect your financial
situation? Probably not. However, if your children are going to drive your car, you may want
to be sure that they are listed on your car insurance. Also, if they are going to bring guests
to your home, you might want to consider an umbrella insurance policy, which typically
provides you with significantly greater liability protection than your regular homeowners
policy. (In fact, it may be a good idea to purchase an umbrella policy even if you dont have
grown kids at home, as this coverage offers you wide-ranging protection from potentially
devastating lawsuits that could arise from injuries on your property or through an auto
accident in which you are involved.)
You may have mixed feelings about becoming an empty nester, but, like most people, you
will adjust. And by making the right financial moves, you can get off to a good start on this
new phase of your life.
Gabriel C. Lajeunesse specializes as a financial advisor with Edward Jones; believing that active
portfolio management is the cornerstones of sound investing. Gabe served in the Air Force for 20
years (19942004), including service as an advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and membership on
National Security Council Interagency Policy Committees at the White House, under Presidents
Bush and Obama. Gabe earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2008;
he teaches International Law and Policy at Norwich University. He and his wife Kristen have
three children and live in Northfield.

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