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Event s for You and You r Va lent i ne • Page 9

FEBRUARY 1–FEBRUARY 14, 2018

Cover art by Steve Hogan

Montpelier’s Own Amanda Pelkey Goes to


IN THIS ISSUE: the Olympics
V
Pg. 4 Sen. Sirotkin on ermont Public Radio called to the hockey community?
Amanda Pelkey “the most talented
Minimum Wage women’s hockey player the state
AP: When I tell people that I’m from
Vermont, grew up in Vermont, played
has ever produced” when she ended her hockey there, it always leads to a great
career with the University of Vermont
Pg. 7 Teaching Artist Catamounts. The stats prove the point,
conversation. It could be someone I just
met or someone I’ve known for a long
Academy with records in goals (48), assists (56), and time. But I think Vermont is a very well
points (104). respected state. And I think everyone
Since graduating, her career on the ice knows, regardless of sports or not sports,
Pg. 9 Rocket Erotic has only blossomed further. She earned that it’s a tight-knit community. And I’m
spots on the U.S. Women’s National really grateful that I’m a part of that.
Team and played in two International In terms of the actual play, what are
Ice Hockey Federation Women's World some differences between men’s hockey
Championships, where she won two gold and women's hockey?
medals, and four Four Nations Cups,
where the team has come in first place for AP: With the guys, they can check. For
three years running. Photo by Ally Eames girls, it does happen to be more of a finesse
CAR-RT SORT

Permit NO. 123


Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage

game, but it’s actually a lot more physical


Now, at age 24, the Montpelier native
PAID

than you would think.


steps on the grandest stage—or rink—of all: the 2018 Winter
Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Before boarding the plane, Has getting on the Olympic team been a long-term goal since
Pelkey was kind enough to sit down with The Bridge and speak about you were a kid? Or have you taken a more step-by-step approach?
her upbringing in Vermont, success on the ice, and the upcoming AP: It’s a mixture of both. I think my dream sprouted when I was a
Olympics. child, with the 1998 women's team. I was five at the time. That was
The Bridge: You started playing hockey quite young. the first time women's ice hockey was a part of the Olympics. I even
had a women's ice hockey Olympics magazine that they all signed.
Amanda Pelkey: Yep. About three years old. But I really thought the goal was attainable when I started getting
What is it about hockey that really won your heart? What makes into my teenage years and playing competitively. Colleges start
it such a special sport for you? looking at you and obviously you try and look beyond that and see if
AP: A few things come to mind. The very first thing that drew my it’s a possibility to become an Olympian someday.
attention was the physical side of hockey. I don’t mean that in a rough You’ve played on a lot of national teams. How much more
way; I mean in just the physical style of the game—the skating, the difficult is it to get on the Olympic team?
handling, and everything. I was drawn to that. I also think it is one AP: Anytime there’s any kind of roster within USA hockey, it’s
of the best team sports that could ever exist. The hockey community
Montpelier, VT 05601

extremely hard to be a part of that. Every year, we have to actually


is very strong. You find that you have connections all over the world remake the national team. Every year and every training camp, you’re
through this sport. re-evaluated to make that roster spot again. For the Olympic stage,
P.O. Box 1143

When you tell people that you’re from Vermont, that you started there’s a lot of extra things that you need to do to elevate your game
The Bridge

playing hockey in Vermont, does that have any kind of meaning inch by inch.
Continued on next page

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


PAG E 2 • F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Montpelier’s Own Amanda Pelkey Goes to the Olympics


continued

Can you give an example of one of those inches?


AP: Working on speed is always going to be important, so making sure that you’re staying
healthy and fast is huge. If you dig a little deeper, our women's team takes the mental side of
the game to extremes with energy. It takes your game to a whole different level that you may
not have known you were capable of.
There must be a lot of pressure and anxiety throughout that whole process.
AP: It’s a highly stressful environment. It’s a day-to-day type of job. You just have to do the
best you can, stay 100 percent focused. But we all love it. It’s one of the reasons why we play
the game.
Do you have any methods or techniques to manage this stress?
AP: I have my individual ways. I think breathing techniques are huge. When you look at the
bigger picture, all of us who have been trying out, any time that we step out on the ice, we’ve
done enough to get to that point. It’s all of our comfort zones. It’s just good to remember this
is a sport that usually you don’t get very far in and reflect back on your performance abilities
and be confident in them.
Are there still things that you’re learning about playing hockey from your teammates,
who are all top-level competitors?
AP: There’s always something new that we learn every single day. Kudos to our coaching staff
and our management staff that keep everything fresh and new and exciting. They’re always
adding more tools to our toolbox. I’m 24 years old, but like you said, even though I’ve had a
long hockey career, there are so many things that I’ve been learning even at this age. We have
some 30-year-olds as well, and I’m sure they could say the same exact thing. That every single
day you’re learning something new.
In terms of the Olympics, are you very fixated on the medal, on getting the gold, or do
you not think that way?
AP: The medal is our driving force. There are girls who have been in two Olympic cycles
before and this will be their third Olympics. They had their hearts broken twice in a row. I
think I can speak for them in the sense that they’re sick of that feeling. And I think this will
be the year that we get to turn the tables around, but, looking down the road I think it’s more
important what we do with that medal, not necessarily just the physical prize of the medal or
if we get a medal or not. It’s the way that we carry ourselves at the games and what we do with
our success and how we bring it back home to our families and our communities.
You’ve been getting press for some time. How are you responding to this latest uptick in
fame. Is it a pleasure for you?
AP: It’s a humbling pleasure that I don’t take for granted. I’m just very honored. The support
that I’ve gotten from Vermont has been one of the reasons why I’ve been so successful. More
so, it’s just a humbling and grateful feeling for the support I have back home.
THE BRIDGE F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 • PAG E 3

HEARD ON THE STREET


March Mania at the Adamant Coop went directly to the Vermont Foodbank. Since focuses on learning to engage the pelvic floor, made by the City Council. The installation is
the event began four years ago, $26,000 has core control, and strengthening postural expected to be installed in the spring of 2019.
The Adamant Co-op is launching a new
been raised, which translates into 78,000 muscles, while at the same time toning the Criteria for selection included a plan
contest in March. It’s pretty simple: whoever
meals to help our neighbors in need. This arms and legs and improving flexibility and for a “work that inspires people to come
has the highest shopping total in dollars
would not have been possible without the balance. together,” and for one that took inspiration
for the month of March wins. First prize
generous donations of the many local farms Class participant, Erica Prudente states, “I from “elements of Montpelier’s history and
is $100 in the form of a Co-op gift card or
and businesses who enthusiastically contribute have been doing Prenatal Pilates [at Essential] ethos,” according to the city’s request for
store credit. Second prize is a lovely Adamant
their goods and services,” said event organizer, for the past 16 weeks, and it is the best decision applications.
Co-op Cookbook. Third prize is a set of four
Bonnie Seideman. I have made for my body and health. I leave
Adamant Co-op mugs. According to selection committee chair,
Businesses donating to the event are The class with more movement, higher energy, and Nathan Suter, the group received 23
Anyone can enter, except for staff members,
Mud Studio and the central Vermont pottery feeling great. I am also hoping the pelvic floor applications. "As a group, the candidates
board members, and their households. And
community, Bear Roots Farm, Capitol Copy, and muscle strength I have developed will represented a broad range of artistic practice,
you can enter anytime after February 15,
Christ Episcopal Church, Cold Hollow Cider help me recover quickly post pregnancy!” media, and experience with public art
either at the Co-op, or by writing to Andrea
Mill, Dog River Farm, Hunger Mountain Prenatal Pilates is offered every Thursday at making,” Suter said. The group of finalists,
Serota at aserota64@gmail.com.
Co-op, Misty Knoll Farm, North Branch Tea 11:00 am; this is an on-going class and can be he added “is diverse in terms of artistic
Winner will be announced on April 1st, and and Wine, Pete's Greens, Red Hen Bakery, joined at any stage of pregnancy. You can sign approach, is deeply rooted in Vermont, and
that’s no April Fool’s joke! Regal Flower Design, Sarducci's, The Savoy up at essentialptp.com or call 262-1500. demonstrates an appreciation for the history
Theater, Vermont Creamery, and The World. of the site as well as its potential to distinguish
Central Vermont “Empty Bowl Montpelier Announces Finalists
Benefit” to Raise Funds for the The minimum adult donation is $25, which Montpelier for residents and visitors. We
includes a handmade bowl, soup, and for Major Art Installation at One eagerly anticipate the presentations of
Vermont Foodbank Taylor Street
accompaniments. Tickets for children ages proposals on January 31st when these artists
The fifth annual Central Vermont Empty 5-12 are $5 for a meal only, and children Three Vermont artists and two artist teams and teams show off their concepts."
Bowl Benefit will be held on Sunday, under 5 are free for a meal only. Tickets may have been selected as finalists to design, create
February 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the and install a permanent work of art at the March Madness at the Net Zero
be purchased at the door or online at https:// Montpelier to Host Weatherize
Mud Studio in the Red Hen complex on fundraise.vtfoodbank.org. One Taylor Street Redevelopment Project.
Route 2 in Middlesex. The benefit will raise They are: Sean Williams of Montpelier, Montpelier Kick-off Event
funds for the Vermont Foodbank. For the Prenatal Pilates at Essential Michael Zebrowski of Morrisville, Miles Net Zero Montpelier is teaming up with
price of admission, diners will be offered Physical Therapy & Pilates Chapin of Westminster West, Rodrigo Nava local home energy contractors to help you
homemade soup served in a handmade bowl and Gregory Miguel Gomez of Putney and save money and stay warm by weatherizing
Prenatal Pilates is the newest class offering at
of their choice that they can take home. a six-member team headed by Elizabeth your home. Over 500 Montpelier residents
Essential Physical Therapy & Pilates (81 River
“We thought that if people took their empty Street). Pilates is the perfect form of exercise Courtney of Montpelier and Michael Singer have already improved their homes through
bowl home with them, it would serve as a during pregnancy because it helps condition of Wilmington. weatherization, reducing their home heating
reminder that there are many Vermonters the muscles necessary to support the ongoing In March, 2017 the city announced that— bills by an average of 20-25 percent. Net
whose bowls are literally empty every day,” changes in the body while at the same time in collaboration with Montpelier Alive and Zero Montpelier is teaming up with qualified
said Mike Sullivan, owner of The Mud Studio. building mind-body awareness, teaching use the Community Engagement Lab—it had local contractors who will conduct free home
of the breath, and improving alignment and received a $50,000 grant from the National energy visits and prepare a scope of work/
“Now five years running, Empty Bowl has quote for energy improvements in your home.
become a popular community happening that posture. Endowment for the Arts, part of a $150,000
people look forward to attending during the Prenatal Pilates gives clients a total body project to create a master plan for public art, Come to the Weatherize Montpelier Kick-
dark days of winter. Last year, over 300 people workout while staying within the parameters and to commission the city’s first major public Off event on February 15th from 5:30 to 7:00
attended and we raised over $10,000, which of what is safe during pregnancy. The class work of art. pm at the Vermont State Employees Credit
A seven-member selection committee was Union office (1 Bailey Ave.) to learn how to
appointed to review applications, which were participate. You can also meet the contractors

Town Meeting
Advertise in the NEXT ISSUE: due on November 1, and to select the finalists. and sign up for a free home energy visit. Food
will be provided, along with raffle and door
Each artist and team will receive a small
stipend to create a concept of their proposals prizes. For more information, call Ian at
to present to the public on January 31, 6:30 to 223-2328 x118 or go to netzeromontpelier.
9:30 pm at City Hall. The final choice will be org/weatherize.
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PAG E 4 • F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Senator Sirotkin Discusses Raising the Minimum Wage


T
hursday evening, January 25, a basic needs. It’s a problem that’s growing and we’re dealing with that in part. there any number crunching to decide this
standing room only crowd filled over time; it keeps getting worse. So we So Bill S. 40 proposes raising the minimum is the right amount?
Meeting Room 11 at the Vermont keep seeing the wages and earnings of the wage to $15 per hour over four years? MS: Part of the reason we are having this
State House to both give and listen to upper five percent, one percent, 10 percent, discussion, to be quite honest, is because
testimony regarding the increase to the they’re going up with the productivity of this MS: That’s what the bill says, but the
committee hasn’t decided on the time frame. of Bernie Sanders, because he raised it on
minimum wage, as proposed in bill S. 40, country, whereas the wages at the bottom 10 the national level. His talking about this
sponsored by 14 senators, including Michael percent are stagnating. And the minimum One of the things that has been frustrating
in this debate is that people like myself, who over and over again has made people much
Sirotkin, chair of the Senate Committee wage itself has not kept up with inflation more acutely aware of the wage stagnation
on Economic Development, Housing and since 1979. are sponsors of these bills, have tried to be
sensitive to what the business community and income inequality in this country to
General Affairs. For over two hours, more Do you think this is equally true in the point where he has a large number of
than 20 individuals on both sides of the says they need, which is some predictability
Vermont as in the nation? and some gradual phase of the minimum senatorial co-sponsors on a bill to go to $15.
issue (or caught in the middle) passionately Bernie’s bill gets to $15 in 2024. And around
shared their views, with the vast majority MS: The spread in Vermont is huge; it’s wage, and when you go on the street and
greater in the rest of the country, but that’s not talk to people, for some reason they think we the country, several municipalities and states
offering support for the proposal and local have proposed that number. When you do
business owners expressing concern that any an excuse not to do something. The relevant are going to turn the $10 minimum wage to
question is, “Is it growing in Vermont?” and $15 tomorrow. No one is talking about that. these types of legislation, you like to look at
increase would force them to lay off staff or what other states are doing.
close down entirely. A few hours before the it is, even though it’s maybe not as severe as We are talking in this committee of doing it
hearing, Sirotkin sat down with The Bridge to in the rest of the country. in perhaps 2020, 2022, or 2024. We haven’t How do you address the concerns of
share his thoughts on the legislation: The minimum wage is one way of getting at decided on that yet. If we do nothing, the businesses who fear the rise may result in
that problem directly and narrowing the gap minimum wage won’t reach $15 until 2034. them laying off workers or closing down
The Bridge: Tell us about Bill S. 40 altogether?
between the haves and the have-nots and also Are you open to adjusting how this might
Sen. Michael Sirotkin: What we are trying giving people closer to what a livable wage roll out depending on what you hear in MS: We’ve had our economists crunch the
to do with this, as we are trying to do is. Most people agree that when you work the hearing? numbers, and a very small number of jobs
in a lot of other areas in our committee 40 hours a week, you should be able to meet will be lost as a result of the increases we
with economic development, as we support MS: It’s going to be very interesting. We’ve
your basic needs. taken hours and hours of testimony, mostly are talking about. In one scenario, there are
businesses, try to give them a leg up, give 90,000 Vermonters who would benefit from
them grants, is we are trying to get at the Many conservatives object to the fact that so taken from organizations representing
many people are on public assistance, so that business and workers, religious folks, social the minimum wage increase over four years,
thorny issue of income inequality, which is a and over that same period of time, it was
massive issue in this country and in this state. the state has to help these people. Well, if they service agencies ... Now we are going to hear
had more money in their wages, their benefits from everyday citizens and everyday business several hundred in the first year, up to a total
When you have the top one percent making will go down, and that’s one of the issues owners, and yes, what we hear will make a of something like 2,800 jobs, not people, as
so many multiple times the bottom 20 we’re dealing with in this bill, the benefit difference on how the committee assesses in many jobs are part-time, could be lost by
percent, it’s not only not healthy for the cliff, we don’t want people to earn more and what time frame we get to $15. 2028. So in that 10 years, you may see a loss
economy, it’s also making it very difficult for wind up with less money in their pockets, of 2,800 jobs versus the 90,000 people who
people to have a livable wage or meet their How did the number 15 get chosen? Was would be helped. In the economist’s own
words, he said, “If I look at those numbers,
and I’m a low-wage earner, those are odds
that I like.”
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 • PAG E 5

Women’s March Returns to Montpelier One Year Later


by Sarah Davin

J anuary 20 was the anniversary of the 2017 Women’s March, which drew out millions
of people across the country to protest and support women’s rights among a host of
other causes, including reproductive and LGBTQ rights, racial equality, immigration,
and worker protections. Nearly 500,000 descended on Washington D.C., while in Vermont,
and three thousand in our own Montpelier. Add in the international protests in cities such as
Oslo, Berlin, London, and Rome, and the sense of unity is mind-boggling, and the grandness
has not gone away.
As packed-in protesters tried in vain to make more space for newcomers in front of City Hall,
around 15,000 people descended on Montpelier. I could see people lining both sides of Main Street and around the corner of Cool Jewels. I
Again this year, an explosion of pink hats appeared on the streets of Montpelier, worn by thought about how excited I would feel watching footage later that evening of the day’s other
women and men, young and old. The atmosphere was one of determination mixed with a women’s marches and that although I may have been hundreds of miles away from them, we
solemn acknowledgment of what is and a fearlessness to shape what will be. I couldn’t help were all connected in a massive expression of unity, discontentment, and a desire for change.
smiling, even a little deviously, because I was doing something that even today is transgressive: In 1920, the 19th Amendment was adopted, granting women the right to vote. Nearly 100
I was a woman in a public space making a statement. years later, the process of reshaping our culture into one that accepts women as equals in
Silencing women is nothing new in Western culture. In the book “Women & Power: a discourse has so far been a slow one. Political spaces are overwhelmingly masculine, and rather
Manifesto” published in 2017, English scholar and classicist Mary Beard examines and traces than the space adapting to include women, women are unfairly expected to adapt themselves.
the roots of misogyny descending from the ancient Greco-Roman tradition. She writes, “Public The Women’s March is an event in which women can speak publicly and politically without
speech was a­—if not the—defining attribute of maleness. Or, to quote a well-known Roman adapting themselves. The act of wearing loud, pink hats is the symbolic antithesis to the
slogan, the elite male citizen could be summoned up as vir bonus dicendi peritus, ‘a good man, demureness expected of women, sending out the message of feminine pride and support.
skilled in speaking.’ A woman speaking in public was, in most circumstances, by definition In response to the marches, President Donald Trump sent out a tweet saying how protestors
not a woman.” ought to be celebrating his presidency. Here we have a man, in the highest political position in
Although numbers for the 2018 march were smaller, millions of women took part around the the land, trying to nullify the voices of millions by pretending that by putting words in their
world. Two hundred thousand marched in New York City, about half a million in Los Angeles, mouths or mocking them he can silence the opposition. He unabashedly tries to take the power
away from women, because there is something deeply ingrained in our culture that says the
only good woman is a silent one.

City of Montpelier Budget The Women’s March may not be a celebration, but if it were to celebrate one thing, it would
be womanhood. While Trump tries to define women with terms like “bimbo” and “Miss

Asks for $9.3 Million for FY


Housekeeping,” women across our nation will be busy with a different task. To paraphrase
Mary Beard, we will no longer be redefining ourselves; it is time to redefine the power.

2019 by Nat Frothingham

W
hen voters in Montpelier go to the polls for City Meeting on Tuesday, March 6,
the part of the proposed budget that will fund City of Montpelier (not school)
expenses will be increased at a rate roughly on track with the 2 percent rise in the
federal consumer price index.
To be exact, according to a December 13, 2017 City of Montpelier budget summary, “The
net result of revenues and expenses is the $9,359,262 in property tax revenues will be required
for the municipal (not school) portion of the budget. This FY 2019 budget is an increase of
$217,424 or 2.4 percent over the FY 2018 budget.
In even more specific terms, a householder in Montpelier who owns an average residential
property, reckoned to be a home worth $228,000, would be asked to pay an additional $44.08
on his or her FY 2019 tax bill over what was paid in FY 2018.
“I think inflation is 2.2 percent,” said City Manager Bill Fraser in a phone conversation with
The Bridge. The city’s 2.4 percent increase roughly tracks the rate of inflation.
In further comments, Fraser noted that healthcare costs for the City of Montpelier’s
employees “stayed almost flat this year.” Overall employee benefits were up by 2.1 percent.
Wages also, increased at around 2.0 percent. Some of these fluctuations can be explained by
people who retire or leave. Then along come the new employees who replace them but not
always at exactly the same salary.
Of interest is the fact that the city’s grand list­—meaning the value of all the properties in the
city—grew at a very modest 0.5 percent from the FY 2018 level.
As part of the proposed FY 2019 budget, the City of Montpelier is proposing three bonds to
pursue various infrastructure projects.
One bond for $1.3 million is for finishing the bike path, continued work on fixing the
sidewalks, and contingency funding for the One Taylor Street project including the Taylor
Street bike path or other projects.
A second bond for $1.3 million is for a range of water/sewer line upgrades on selected streets
across the city.
A third bond for Water Resource Recovery Facility upgrades appears to still be in the late
planning and analysis stages and the full amount of that bond is “yet to be determined.”
Of note in the FY 2019 budget proposal is an attempt “to advance the [city’s] Economic
Development Strategic Plan” and the city proposes to contribute $100,000 to the new
Montpelier Development Corporation. This corporation was founded with the expectation
that it would encourage new business development in Montpelier.
PAG E 6 • F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Joe Choquette Takes the Reins at Central Vermont Chamber


of Commerce by Nat Frothingham

J oseph (Joe) Choquette, who was elected Chairman of the


Board of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce on
January 17, has had a long association both with the Vermont
Chamber of Commerce and more recently with the Central
determine which jobs are likely to be out there and need filling in
the future, he says. Then train the students for jobs that exist and
will exist going forward.
Choquette believes that training high school students for technical
Vermont Chamber of Commerce (CVCC). and vocational employment ought to be an educational priority. He
Choquette who is External Affairs Manager at the statewide law can’t understand why high school technical and vocational training
firm Downs Rachlin Martin said the firm has been a member of doesn’t start earlier. Clearly frustrated, he said, “It doesn’t start until
CVCC for 27 years. “I joined the firm in 1999,” he said, “And I’ve 11th grade. That’s clearly too late. By then, many young people have
been on the board of CVCC for three years.” already chosen another path–or no path at all.” Choquette said that
When asked what CVC does, he replied, “Guide, inspire, and 3,000 students graduate from the state’s high school system, and in
promote the best interests of the businesses and professionals in his words, “don’t go anywhere.”
the Central Vermont region. As he described it, CVCC’s mission Responding to the plight of many struggling downtown
is “to enhance the economic, cultural, educational and recreational retailers, Choquette offered these recommendations: “Education,
opportunities” for businesses, professionals—and for visitors— networking, and lobbying.” Speaking candidly, he said, “We know
across Central Vermont.” there are issues on Main Street,” such as the competition from big,
A few days after becoming CVCC Chair, Choquette took on a online retailers. And the answer is not to surrender. Instead, he said,
range of questions from The Bridge and fired back answers in his there’s a place for each of those mainline businesses in offering their
direct, no-nonsense style. [own] goods online.”

But before he confronted that range of questions, he took a Continuing on the Main Street theme, he said, “I don’t have a
moment to reflect on his years as board president of the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra. Because magic bullet to fix Main Street. But he did note that the Vermont Legislature was finally getting
of his new CVCC responsibilities, Choquette is leaving the Chamber Orchestra board, but with Amazon to pay the state sales tax. He also reported progress on getting Amazon to pay sales tax
fondness and pride for what the orchestra has achieved. both in Washington, D.C. and around the country. “That levels the playing field,” he observed.

After acknowledging the Chamber Orchestra’s value to central Vermont, Choquette reflected on Choquette refused to offer easy blandishments to Main Street storeowners and locally owned
its more recent achievements. Discussing his years of board service, he said, “After several years as mom-and-pop businesses. “It’s a daily battle to do business,” he noted.
president, I’m leaving the board on a sound footing with a fabulous director–Anne Decker–and All of which took him right back to the need for advocacy organizations like the Central Vermont
a strong board. We just had our most successful program ever with two standing-room-only Chamber and traditional trade associations. Choquette mentioned the Vermont Ski Association
performances of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at City Hall Auditorium in Montpelier.” as one trade organization that serves the ski industry. And he might have mentioned any number
Turning to Chamber of Commerce affairs and the nitty-gritty of today’s vexing business and of other trade associations like the grocers’ association that helps out grocery stores or the
political issues, Choquette quickly explained the chamber’s position on a number of critical independent booksellers’ association that helps out bookstores.
municipal and legislative questions. When asked the tricky question of whether or not Vermont is business friendly, he answered
Regarding the minimum wage, he said, “The chamber has been lobbying against raising bluntly. “It’s what you make it. We live in a clean state with a great environment. And yes, it’s
the minimum wage. Right now [Vermont’s] minimum wage is $10.50/hour and it rises with a hard place to do business. We have high taxes, high energy costs, high regulatory compliance
inflation.” Referring to proponents of a higher minimum wage, he said, “They want $15/hour in costs. It makes it more challenging to do business here.”
two to five years. Businesses will have to deal with increased costs.” Then he took the other side of the “business un-friendly” argument, saying, “That’s offset
On the subject of a legislative proposal to mandate family leave, Choquette said. “We don’t think by advantages: the beauty, the recreational and cultural opportunities, and the quality of the
family leave should be mandated. We’re against the “mandate” part of it.” workforce.”

Choquette also spoke at some length about Vermont’s workforce development problems. Pretty quickly, Choquette was listing ways in which the Central Vermont Chamber was at work to
help its members strengthen business and professional life in the region. Right now, for example,
Quite sensibly Choquette wants schools in Vermont to produce graduates who can fill existing CVCC is offering a program on cyber security and another program to show members how they
jobs in Vermont’s economy. Find out which jobs are out there now and need filling, and try to can use social media to promote their businesses.
Said Choquette, “We had a seminar on human resources [with a focus on] how you hire and keep
good people.”
He also mentioned networking opportunities. “Once a month, we have a mixer.” And he reported
as many as 50 to 75 people showing up for these mixers. “Out of that mixing comes commerce,
we think,” Choquette remarked. For example, when a retail store owner meets a supplier, or when
a paving contractor meets a developer, or when a banker or an advertising expert meets someone
who’s starting up a new business.
The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce must be doing something right. According to
Choquette, at the Chamber’s January 17 annual meeting with a keynote speech from Richard
Schneider, President of Norwich University, as Choquette remarked, “We had 130 people
turn out for that.”
THE BRIDGE F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 • PAG E 7

Vermont’s First Teaching Artist Academy Launched in


Montpelier by Mike Dunphy Photo courtesy of Paul Gambill

T
ime was (and still is) that students got a break from their studies in math, science,
history, and English for a class in art that usually involved stringing macaroni together,
gluing Popsicle sticks, painting rocks, and on one day in 1989 at Mater Christi School
in Burlington, drawing supermodel Kathy Ireland from the cover of the Sports Illustrated
Swimsuit Edition (the Sisters of Mercy were not amused, or merciful).
However, with art classes cut, or severely reduced, in school programs across the country,
Vermont schools may be in quite a pickle, as “creativity” is mandated as a “transferable” skill
by the Education Quality Standards of Vermont State Board of Education. As a result, more
schools are bringing in working artists for short residencies, as well as forming partnerships
with staff teachers to integrate artistic creativity into classic subject areas, be it math, history, or
science. In short, Art 101 is gradually morphing into Art 4.0.
“How do we bring creativity into those non-art content areas,” asks Paul Gambill, executive Heather Bryce, artistic director and founder of Bryce Dance Company and a teaching artist for
director of the Montpelier-based Community Engagement Lab, which has promoted putting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Lincoln Center in New York City, also joined thanks
creativity at the center of learning. “How do we teach it? How do we assess it? How do we make to her high esteem for Paul Gambill and lab co-founder Eric Booth, “father” of the teaching
sure we developing creative thinking?” he asks. “The arts are a great path for teaching so the artist profession. Plus, her roots in Vermont are strong, having attended Goddard College and
notion of having creative engagement as a through line through all content areas is certainly worked for the Flynn Center for Performing Arts in Burlington, Catamount Arts, and the
something we are finding schools are more interested in exploring.” Vermont Arts Council.
On January 13 and 14, the Community Engagement Lab launched Vermont’s first formal “One of the reasons I really wanted to come up for this,” Bryce explains, “is that Paul and Eric
Teaching Artist Academy. The four-day intensive program, split between a weekend in January are both just absolutely brilliant, and the work that they're doing to support teaching artists is
and March, aims to facilitate and improve the process further, both in their own individual not happening anywhere else in the country.” As for the weekend itself, she considers it planned
classes and partnerships with schools, to use the creative process as a learning path in any content really well for having teaching artists get to know each other and share their work. “There was
area. a lot of dialogue time, and a lot of time for Judy [Judy Bose, Creative Education Director of
Word of the program inspired much enthusiasm in the Vermont arts community, leading to 44 Community Engagement Lab], Eric, and Paul to address questions and talk about best practices
applications for 20 spots (expanded to 23 as a result)—somewhat a surprise for Paul Gambill. in the field,” she recalls. “It gave us things to look at, what is it that we actually want to do in our
“There really is an exciting degree of enthusiasm and interest in doing more of this work in teaching practice that we haven’t got to do yet? and how would we make that happen?”
partnership with school and communities.” For many artists joining the program, career development goes hand in hand with employment,
Selecting from the applicant pool was not easy. “There were two main things we looked at. which for any artist is a continual challenge and a situation Bryce knows personally, both in New
One was the level of experience with co-teaching in a school setting and how much integration York and Vermont. “What’s interesting about being a teaching artist in Vermont is that everyone
work have you done. The other was really the aspiration expressed by the applicant in their essay wears all the hats all the time; you’re doing admin; you’re balancing other work on the outside;
questions. One key question was. ‘What do you want to get out of this work?’” The top answer you’re doing in school teaching, in studios, and doing independent work.”
related to the opportunity to collaborate with other teaching artists in Vermont, often an issue It’s a struggle that Gambill understands and uses the program to also address. “How can you
for artists spread out in small towns all over. “There’s a sense of isolation that artists feel in survive as a freelance artist in little Vermont?” he questions. “The tool kit that supports being
Vermont,” Gambill points out, “they are not connected to a larger field.” a project developer or entrepreneur and understanding how to position your role in community
One person who participated was Gowri Savoor, a Barre-based visual artist working in sculpture, or school opportunities is definitely a skill we can teach.”
painting, and works on paper. What drew her to joining the Teaching Artist Academy was her The upside is that, by and large, Vermont, and Vermont schools, are receptive and supportive
previous experience with the Community Engagement Lab, which she’s had a relationship with of the arts community, despite the small market. As Savoor points out, “I think Vermont is
for four years. “They are just a fantastic organization. And especially in a place like Vermont, really unique because there are so many artists here, and people consider themselves to be artists
where there are a lot of artists, and teaching artists, and the networks, and ways in which we whether they are full-time practicing professional artists or whether it’s a spare time hobby,
can get together and collaborate and meet and talk about our techniques and ideas are very rare but whatever the art form is, it’s really important to people, and that’s really beautiful. It’s an
occasions. So I always jump at the opportunity.” incredible gift to have the Teaching Artist Academy in Vermont.”
Savoor acted as both student and instructor during the program, presenting a lesson for grades
2-4 (but adaptable to others) that asks them to identify and collect patterns around them and
put them into a printmaking block that allows them to experiment with pattern, size, texture,
contrast, balance, and economy. “It’s a very versatile lesson that can be changed, applied, and
evolved depending on your own art form, as it’s so much about pattern, whether that would be
a rhythmic pattern in music, or poetry, or literacy.”
PAG E 8 • F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Add Spice (literally) to your


Valentine’s Day with these
Six Aphrodisiacs by Mike Dunphy

C
leopatra used to bathe in saffron to increase her sexual pleasure; Casanova started each
day with a breakfast of 50 oysters, and ancient Aztec ruler Montezuma legendarily
consumed more than 50 cups of chocolate before visiting his harem. So long as humans
have gotten down by the fire, aphrodisiacs have been used to turn up the heat or jump start
chilly libidos.
One resource for Montpelierites looking to do the same is Iris Gage at Grian Herbs, who
welcomes many customers seeking herbal support and enhancement to lovemaking. However,
drinking a tea, dropping a tincture, burning an essential oil is never as direct a charge as the
little blue pill, she emphasizes.
“With herbs in general, they take time,” Gage explains. “Rarely are you going to be able to drink
a tea and immediately feel the effects. People need to get that out of their head that if it doesn’t
work within 24 hours, it doesn’t work at all.”
As with any infusion of herbal remedies, aphrodisiacs often need to go hand in hand with larger
changes in lifestyle to reach maximum potency. “People always want Band-Aids,” Gage points
out, “that’s why I always ask lots of questions and then educate a little bit. I talk about what is
a libido, what is a sex drive, circulation, cortisol, adrenaline, endorphins; Maybe it’s exercise,
drinking water, eating better; I try to give a bigger picture so they know how better to address
it, rather than just handing them something and saying, ‘good luck.’”
That said, Gage recommends several herbal enhancements at the shop that can indeed raise and
facilitate carnal yearnings:
Schizandra Berry
This berry comes from northern China and also goes by the name of the “five-flavored berry,”
with distinct bitter, sweet, sour, pungent, salty notes. Chemically, it supports the adrenal gland
and creates energy and stamina. It’s also considered an “adaptogen,” which helps the body to
resist the damaging effects of stress and promote normal physiological functioning, making it
ideal for people who don’t have very much energy and are bogged down by daily stressers.
Ashwagandha
This root from India, also called “Indian ginseng” and “strength of ten horses” is considered one
of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. The reputed benefits are many, including
with arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart health, menopause, and more. It’s also mentioned in the
Kama Sutra as an aphrodisiac for both men and women, and studies have shown it to improve
sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction, in part thanks to dilatation of the vessels
that carry blood to the genitals.
Maca
This Peruvian tuber grown in the high Andes was once worshiped by the ancient Incans for its
herbal power. That’s why it shows up so often nowadays in weight lifting supplements catered
to men, as well as aphrodisiac formulas, particularly in China. Loaded with zinc, iodine, and
essential fatty acids, maca may balance sex hormones and improve mood. Post menopausal
women also report that it reduces symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and depression,
thereby increasing libido. In men, the resulting increase in nitric oxide helps alleviate erectile
and sexual dysfunction.
Hawthorn
This member of the rose family, particularly the berries, has long been associated with fertility. In
ancient Greece, bridesmaids wore its fragrant blossoms while brides carried a Hawthorn bough.
As a result, it’s used in a lot of libido formulas, as it’s great for stimulating blood circulation and
opening up the vessels, particularly in the heart, which gets a boost in the amount of blood
pumped out during contractions. This is the same for pelvic blood flow, thereby reducing issues
with erectile dysfunction.
Ylang Ylang
Never underestimate the power of smell to facilitate arousal. The flowers of the ylang ylang
tree, found in the rain forests of the South Pacific, Madagascar, and Polynesia, have been doing
it for centuries. Diffused as an essential oil, the soft, sweet, jasmine-esque aroma breathes an
exotic and sensual air into the room that both uplifts and relaxes the body, slows the heart
rate, reducing stress, depression, and anxiety, while inducing feelings of joy and hope. There’s
no wonder its fragrant pale yellow blossoms are spread on the beds of newlyweds in Indonesia.
Cacao
The close partnership between sex and chocolate is well-documented, but additional oomph
may come when consuming raw cacao, essentially chopped up beans with the shells removed.
That means no added sugar, but also a denser dose of iron, magnesium, calcium, and caffeine.
Cacao also contains the compounds of anandamide and phenylethylamine, aka "the love
chemical," which triggers the release of endorphins and pleasurable opium-like neurochemicals,
which otherwise release naturally when we fall in love and during sexual activity.
THE BRIDGE F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 • PAG E 9

Impress your Partner at these Valentine’s Day


Events in Vermont by Adam Blachly

T
he Valentine’s clock is ticking. Are salmon Napoleon, and a “decadent” dessert Valentine’s soiree at the Southside
you ready? Are you still racking your buffet. “Just friends” get special treatment Steakhouse in Rutland, but you get a lot for
brain for just the right way to make as well, with a two-day “PAL-entine’s Day” your money, all while supporting Rutland
a memorable splash this year and earn bonus menu, that features dishes like lamb lollipops, County Catholic Schools. In addition to DJ
relationship points? Fortunately, Vermont is lobster bisque, and grilled shrimp salad, with and dancing, tapas-style bites, and a cash
full of romantic hearts and opportunities bubbly to wash it all down. bar, this adults-only event will include a
abound this year throughout the state to woo Valentine's Day menu: Feb. 14; Pal-entines Day roulette table, 50/50, basket raffle, a lottery
and win that special someone, starting with menu: Feb. 14-16, 118 Main St., Montpelier, tree, and a raffle for 3 prizes: $250, $500,
these seven events. 225-3310, neci.edu and a grand prize of $5000.
Valentine’s Fashion and Blooms at Bailey Candlelight Snowshoe Feb. 10, 7-11 pm, 170 South Main Street,
Road 772-7556, southsidesteakhouse.com
Hosted by the NorthWoods Stewardship
This women's clothing and accessories Center in East Charlston, Vermont this Wine and Chocolate Weekend
boutique is dedicating itself to flowers for event is surely to be a unique and magical Shelburne Vineyard will host yet another
the holiday, with an expert flower arranger Valentine's Day experience, so long as your edition of its annual wine and chocolate
coming in to help customers choose a vase partner doesn’t mind the outdoors and weekend. As you might guess, it involves
and craft a custom bouquet. As you work, bundling up. Snowshoers will follow a one- plenty of both, with two local bakers/
Valentine’s-inspired cocktails will be served. mile, candlelit path through the woods, confectioners serving sweet treats with the
Feb. 13, 5:30 – 7 pm, 44 Main St., 223-2798, with a bonfire warm-up halfway through wines. On Saturday Matryoshka's Bakery
baileyroadvt.com the walk, and hot cocoa, cookies, fire, and brings their famous Macarons, while
Barre-Tones Singing Valentines music to follow at the lodge. Snowshoes are Sunday brings us Douglas Sweets and
provided. their dipped shortbreads. Lonely hearts are
There’s a reason serenades have been part expressly invited, too, as “Wine makes the
of lovemaking for centuries. If you can’t Feb. 14, 6-9 pm, 154 Leadership Dr., East
Charleston, 723-6551, northwoodscenter.org best date anyway.”
sing yourself, Barre-Tones, an organization
of women’s barbershop quartets, is happy to Valentine’s Day at Okemo Feb 10 and 11, 11 am, 6308 Shelburne Rd.,
step in. For $40, the quartet will show up Shelburne; 985-8222, shelburnevineyard.
Valentine’s Day comes in the peak of com
at home, work, or school and sing up to two winter and in Vermont, that usually means
classic Valentine's tunes to your loved one, cold conditions and lots of white stuff. If Rocket Erotic Pop-Up
while also delivering a handwritten scroll skiing is your passion, enjoy the slopes of Plainfield-based Rocket Erotic not only
with a personal message and a choice of Okemo Mountain this February 14th, while dedicates itself to high quality sex toys,
Birnn truffles or a red rose. If an in-person also putting your I-Spy skills to work in including its own custom crafted leather
visit is not possible, they’ll do it for $20 on a Valentines-themed scavenger hunt. Red gear, but also a body-positive philosophy
the phone. hearts will be hidden throughout the resort, that embraces all bodies and sexualities.
Feb. 14, 552-3489, http://barretonesvt.com. and for each red heart you find and bring Experience it all in person at a Valentine's
Nooky at NECI back to the lodge, you will receive a prize. Week Sex Toy Pop-Up shop at Ondine
Feb. 14, 77 Okemo Ridge Rd., 228-1600, Salon. Good vibes are promised all around
If dinner is part of your plans, aim for (pun intended).
Montpelier’s own New England Culinary Okemo.com.
Institute, which has a special four-course St. Valentine's Soiree Feb. 10, 4-9 pm, Ondine Salon, 6 State St.,
Valentine's menu that includes rabbit confit, Montpelier, 249-4945, rocketerotic.com
It’s $100 for a pair of tickets for this

Talking Consent with the Owners of


Plainfield’s Rocket Erotic by Suzanne Podhaizer

I
n 2014, Jan Lloyd of Plainfield decided about sex. But, when you’re getting close to In addition, Lloyd encourages people to get
that it was time for somebody in Central another human and trying to mesh together into the habit of “speaking more in bed,”
Vermont to offer high quality sex toys complicated needs and desires, things can get generally. “If you’re saying that something
and gear. She also wanted to provide an kinda tricky. Lloyd and Arbor believe that is really good, and that you like it, you’re
opportunity to dig into questions about uncomfortable moments are the perfect time going to get more of it,” she explains. And,
bodies, pleasure, and power: topics that can to start skilling up. when something isn’t working, it’s easier to
be difficult to broach in a culture in which “We have some teaching tools we use around mention it when you’ve already got a patter
people are simultaneously obsessed with sex this,” says Lloyd. For one, there’s an activity going.
and sexuality, and ashamed of it. called “erotic mapping,” in which each Most importantly, they say, make sure that
That year, Lloyd founded a business called person uses a drawing of the human body to you’re with somebody who is willing to
Rocket Erotic, and hosted her premier event at chart out the sensations that they enjoy, in a listen and work with you. Arbor pays very
Nutty Steph’s in Middlesex. “I want everyone way that can be easily shared. close attention to how people act in everyday
to feel welcome,” says Lloyd. “All bodies, all Then, there’s the idea of hanging out at conversation, as a way of understanding if
budgets, all genders, all identities…I have a café and making a “yes/no/maybe” list they’ll be a thoughtful sex partner. “There
something for everyone.” The model worked, of activities. After all, one person’s “hell are certain indicators that tell me if a person
and when Lloyd met Kelly Arbor, a sex yeah” might be another person’s “definitely is totally self-absorbed. That’s going to
educator and activist, at the University of not.” Exploring those things outside of the be indicative of how they behave in the
Vermont’s Translating Identities Conference, bedroom, Lloyd and Arbor suggest, can bedroom,” Arbor says.
they eventually became relationship and minimize hurt feelings. It makes it “about Overall, the Rocket Erotic message is one
business partners. the activity,” not about the other person, of thoughtful teamwork that builds towards
The pair and their wares pop-up at drag Arbor explains. better relationships, generally, and great sex,
balls, restaurants, hair salons, bachelorette Another tactic: making sure you have a basic specifically. “We’re coming from the approach
parties, and universities, among other places, understanding of your own likes and dislikes. of compassion as well as accountability,”
offering a unique brand of positive, queer, “Exploring erotic pleasure solo is a way to Arbor notes. “If people don’t know the rules
kink-friendly advice, as well as books and start thinking about what comes up in your [of good communication], they’re going to
zines, their own hand-crafted leather goods, fantasies, and what you feel in your body,” push the lines. We’ve been raised in a culture
and toys from reputable companies. says Lloyd. “To be able to speak up for that has created ideas of power and privilege.
One hallmark of the Rocket Erotic yourself, you have to know what you want.” How can we shift that, rather than shame it,
brand is an empathetic, open-minded while holding people accountable?”
Once you do, she explains, there are plenty
approach to navigating the complexities of ways to share that information with lovers. Lloyd adds: “That’s why being in a
of communication. In the era of #metoo, Not ready to voice your desires aloud? “Draw community is really important, because we
discussions about consent, boundaries, and pictures, write a little piece of erotica, send a can mentor each other. Nobody’s a pro, but
desire have become commonplace, and are text, have a Snapchat,” Lloyd says. we can practice using our voices, and gain
occurring in the public sphere—particularly confidence and understanding.”
on Facebook—in new ways. What about in the moment? Arbor
recommends maintaining eye contact, and Rocket Erotic will have a pop-up shop on
The fact is, few Americans have grown using that as a non-verbal way to check in. February 10, 5-9 pm, at Ondine Salon in
up with healthy role modeling for talking Montpelier.
PAG E 10 • F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

C a l e n d a r o f E ve n t s
Community Events Performing Arts
get comfy (regular chairs available too). Popcorn
and drinks for sale. 6:30–8:30 pm. Bethel Town THEATER, DANCE,
Hall, 134 S. Main St., Bethel. bri-vt.org/events
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Naturalist Journeys Series: Great White
Events happening Sharks in our Backyard. Spend an evening Feb. 2: WORST. SONG. EVER. Sign up in advance to take the stage and cover your least favorite pop
music (from any era). Audience voting, bad trophies, and a fun-raiser! 8–10pm. Old Labor Hall, 46
with Shark Biologist, Lindsay L. Graff, as she
February 1–February 14 discusses the re-emerging population of Great Granite St., Barre. Free. 331-0013. info@wooo.tv. wooo.tv
White Sharks that are returning to our New Feb. 3: FEMCOM. All-female standup comedy. 8:30 pm. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free/by
THURSDAY, FEB. 1 England waters. 7 pm. North Branch Nature donation. 479-0896.events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
EarthWalk Village School Open House for Center Maxham Room, 713 Elm St., Montpelier.
Prospective Families. Learn about EarthWalk’s By donation. Feb. 10: EarthWalk Community Event: Deep Winter Storytelling. Enjoy a community potluck
nationally recognized nature education programs. followed by uplifting folktales of hope and renewal shared by EarthWalk Mentors. 4:30–7 pm. Plainfield
The Village School is an innovative weekly SATURDAY, FEB. 3 Town Hall Opera House, Rt. 2, Plainfield. Free.
outdoor nature mentoring program for children Green Mountain Club Snowshoe Stowe Feb. 10: Kathleen Kanz Comedy Hour. Stand up comedy from Kathleen Kanz, Cat Klarich, Gina Tron,
ages 6-12. 9 am–noon. Earthwalk, Pitkin Rd., Pinnacle. Moderate. 3.6 miles. Beautiful views Corey Flynn, and Chris Parker. 8 pm. deMena’s, 44 Main St., Montpelier. $5 cash at door. 613-3172.
Plainfield. RSVP: anika@earthwalkvermont.org of Mansfield and the Green Mountains. Hike
or 454-8500 will be followed by optional lunch in Waterbury
or Stowe. We will use snowshoes or microspikes S, Berlin. Free. Community potluck follows. Dessert Club. With Gabe Lajeunesse, Financial
Robin MacArthur & Miciah Bay Gault. Part of Capitalcitygrange.org. 229-9425. Advisor with Edward Jones. 6:30 pm. Kellogg-
the VCFA Writing & Publishing Reading Series depending upon conditions. Contact Steve or
Heather Bailey, 622-4516 or stevecbailey@gmail. Sock Hop. Benefits Legion Auxiliary Unit 59’s Hubbard Library, Hayes Room, 135 Main St.,
5:30 pm. Café Anna at College Hall, 36 College Montpelier. RSVP: 223-3425.
com for meeting time and place. scholarship and veterans programs. Music from
Street, Montpelier.
Jaquith Library Open House and Book the fifties to seventies. Wear clothes from the TUESDAY, FEB. 6
Mid Winter Blues? Registered herbalist & owner era! Burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, and goodies
Sale. Music, refreshments, and kid friendly HMC Member-Owner Appreciation Day.
of Earth Rhythm Herbal, Shona MacDougall for sale. 6 pm. 16 Stowe St., Waterbury. $10.
activities. Donations for book sale may be Raffles, samples, demos. Chair massages and live
will discuss herbs to help relieve anxiety. She will 244-8089.
dropped off one week in advance. 9 am–1 pm. music from Nineteen Strings. Hunger Mountain
go over herbs to have in your toolbox that can
Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield. SUNDAY, FEB. 4 Co-op, Montpelier. hungermountain.coop
help you cope with stress and tension. 6–7:30
pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op community room, jaquithpubliclibrary.org. 426-3581 Ice On Fire. A celebration of the warmth of Harvard Dream Researcher David Kahn. Talk
Montpelier. Free. RSVP: info@hungermountain. Monthly Day-Long Retreats. Provides an community in the depth of winter with song, on sleep and dream science. 1 pm. Johnson State
coop opportunity to deepen through a more sustained theater, stories, winter games, and great food. College, Stearns Student Center Performance
period of practice. The schedule includes periods Begins at 2 pm with a puppet processional Space, Johnson. 635-1408
FRIDAY, FEB. 2 of sitting and walking meditation and dharma parade and closes at 5 pm with a bonfire. North Smoking Cessation Support Workshops Start.
Death Café. Provides a forum for you to share talks. Come for the morning or for the whole day. Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. Free, four-week Vermont Quit Partners Smoking
your thoughts about death, dying, and anything Light lunch is offered. 9 am–4 pm. Wellspring Suggested donation: family $5; adult $3; children Cessation workshop for people who want to stop
related in a safe, community environment. Center, 39 Church St., Hardwick. Free; $1. northbranchnaturecenter.org smoking or using chewing tobacco. 5:30–6:30
12:30–2 pm. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, donations welcome. wellspringinsight@gmail. Dance, Sing, and Jump Around! A family dance pm. Gifford Conference Center, 44 S. Main St.,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. deathcafe.com com; 917-4364 ext. 1 for all ages. Circle and line dances and singing Randolph. 728-7714.
Roots. A non-denominational, non-political Capital City Winter Farmers Market. Eat local games, all taught and called. Live traditional Randolph Dream Group. Join us as we explore
group that meets monthly with Martha Holden. all winter long. Shop from over 20 farms and music. 3–4:30 pm. Plainfield Town Hall Opera the significance of our nighttime travels. 6–8
What if you could find a way to kindle and producers. Our producer-only market means House, Rt. 2, Plainfield. Suggested donation: pm. Kimball Public Library Young Adult Room,
strengthen your spark in these troubled times? everything is grown or handmade in Central $5 per adult; free for children. No one is turned 67 N. Main St., Randolph. Free. 565-0064 or
Strengthen your ability to connect with your Vermont. 10 am–2 pm. City Center, 89 Main St., away. http://dancesingandjumparound.weebly. 565-0059.
inner wisdom and the wisdom of others? 1:30 Montpelier. montpelierfarmersmarket.com. com
pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Orchard Valley Winter Faire! Activities Community Song Circles. A community sing- WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7
Montpelier. 223-3338. Walk-Through Wednesdays at Orchard Valley.
promoting peace, love, and joyful embrace of along open to all ages and musical abilities. Bring
Art Class. “Unusual landscapes from around your copy of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again. Introductory visit to the OVWS grades school
community. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through
the World” Fridays through Feb. 16. All levels Books also available for purchase or borrow. 6–8 (8:30-9:30 am) and our mixed-age kindergarten
the fields, weather permitting. Storytelling and
welcome. 3–5 pm. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. pm. Center for Arts and Learning, 46 Barre St., and Farm & Forest classes (9:30-10:30 am).
puppet shows, crafts, snow cave, bonfire, Cake
2, East Montpelier. Register: 223-6954. Montpelier. Free; donations welcome. cal-vt.org Campus tour and Q&A. 2290 VT-14, East
Game, and more. 10 am–2 pm. OVWS, 2290
Montpelier. enrollment@ovws.org. 456-7400.
Artwalk: Breaking Bread with Martin Philip. VT-14N, East Montpelier. No admission charge;
Head bread baker at King Arthur Flour in fees for activities. 456-7400. ovws.org MONDAY, FEB. 5 Seasonal Affective Disorder: What do We
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup. An Know? Professor Kelly J. Rohan, Ph.D. will
Norwich and author of “Breaking Bread: A Show up for SURJ! “Showing Up for Racial outdoor playgroup for parents, caregivers, review symptoms, prevalence, possible causes,
Baker’s Journey Home In 75 Recipes.” Book Justice” (SURJ) is a national organization and children ages 0-5. Spontaneous play, and treatment options of winter SAD and
signing, 5 pm. Reading and talk, 6 pm. Bread working to educate and organize to change the exploration, discovery, song, nature-inspired discuss new research findings. An Osher Lifelong
samples, 6:30–7 pm. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main legacy of white-dominated social structures and art, and oral storytelling. Dress for weather. Learning program. 1:30 pm. Montpelier Senior
St., Montpelier. attitudes. Local organizers will talk about the 10 am–noon. North Branch Nature Center, Activity Center , 58 Barre St., Montpelier. learn.
Bethel First Friday Flicks — Free Family organization and lead the conversation. 5:30 713 Elm St., Montpelier. Donations welcome. uvm.edu/osher
Movie. Bring a blanket or beanbag if you want to pm. Capital City Grange Hall, 6612 Vt. Rt 12 northbranchnaturecenter.org
THE BRIDGE F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 • PAG E 11

Calendar of Events
Visual Arts
the Curve. Kenney’s imagery represents architecture Third floor gallery: Shockwave—A collection Through April 14: Grace DeGennaro/Anne Lilly,
of society in opposition with nature. The Gallery at of dynamic art and poetry by contributors Ordinary Time. Paintings and kinetic sculpture.
River Arts, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261. to Shockwave Magazine, an arts collective Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. 253-
riverartsvt.org through Community Developmental Services at 8358. helenday.com
EXHIBITS Feb. 2–Feb.28: Kimberley Forney, Colorful
Washington County Mental Health Services.
Through April 14: Philip Herbison, The Infinite
Through Feb. 9: Hal Mayforth, Avenues. Work by Expressions. Forney finds inspiration among the Through March 30: Linda Mirabile, Avian Shapes of Water. Large abstract photographs of
award-winning cartoonist. Julian Scott Memorial landscape, within music, animals, people, and her Inspired. Images of birds are painted on birch panel water. Opening reception/artist talk: Feb. 9, 5:30
Gallery in the Dibden Center for the Arts at Johnson daily experiences. Reception: Feb. 2, 4–8 pm. The or watercolor paper with acrylics. Pavilion Office pm. Helen day Art Center East Gallery, 90 Pond St.,
State College. jsc.edu/Dibden. 635-1469. Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St., Montpelier. 223-1981. Building, 109 State St., 5th fl. Montpelier. Photo ID Stowe. 253-8358. helenday.com
cheshirecatclothing.com is required for admission.
Through Feb. 12: Merry Schmidt. Watercolor Through April 15: Robert Chapla, Herding in All
paintings. Merry will donate 15% of sale proceeds to Through Feb. 28: Nitya Brighenti, Light and Through March 30: Claire Van Vliet, Sky and the Usual Places … And Then Some. Urban and
MSAC. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Shadows. Paintings. ArtWalk reception, Feb. 2, Earth. Pulp paintings created from 1995 to 2011. rural herding differences are on display in this show
St., Montpelier. 223-2518. 4:30–8 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main Artwalk, Feb. 2, 4–7 pm. Vermont Supreme Court of 18 oil and acrylic paintings. Presented by Studio
St., Montpelier. 223-3338 Gallery, 111 State St., Montpelier. Place Arts. Morse Block Deli, 260 N. Main St.,
Through Feb. 17: Kathy Stark, Mostly White. Barre. robertchapla.com.
Series of paintings. Axel’s Gallery, 5 Stowe St., Through Feb. 28: Jaquith Invitational Group Art Feb. 12–March 30: “Wake up to Dying” Multi-
Waterbury. 244-7801. Show. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St. RM 2, Media Art and Resource Exhibit. Inspired by Through Sept. 30: James Peterson,
Marshfield. 426-3581. the traveling exhibit created by Nina Thompson, Dreamcatcher. Large-scale interactive installation
Through Feb. 21: Allison Clayton. The 23 local end-of-life pioneer and founder of the Wake that was inspired by the magical ice caves of
photographs in this exhibit include quiet shots of the Through March 2: Post-Apocalyptic Woodcuts by
up to Dying Project, MSAC is pleased to hang Kamchatka in Siberia. The grounds of Spruce Peak
natural world and capture scenes from throughout Peter Schumann of Bread and Puppet Theater.
images and writing samples as a means of raising Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe.
Vermont and New England. Gifford Gallery, 44. S. Opening reception: Feb. 3, 2–5 pm. White River
awareness and contemplation. A 90-minute audio- helenday.com
Main St., Randolph. 728-7000. Gallery @ BALE, 35 S. Windsor St., S. Royalton.
loop of personal stories about end of life will be
498-8438.
Through Feb. 23: Susan Abbott, Warm Places.
T.W. Wood Art Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. Feb. 12–March 9: Jason Eckenroth, Chase.
available for listening, or you can find them online
at wakeuptodyingproject.org. This exhibit will
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 2: ArtWalk. Art Exhibits in over 20
twwoodgallery.org A multimedia yarn mural and video poem that also have contemplative hands-on activities, such Montpelier businesses with work by Vermont artists.
explores contemporary anxieties through the as writing and posting your answers to questions Refreshments available at many locations. Start
Through Feb 23: Axel Stohlberg, Abstraction character of a rabbit. Reception and artist’s talk: like: How might you live differently if you paid anywhere and take in as many exhibits as you like!
Around Me/f 7 Photography Group, Seven Ways Feb. 15, 3–5 pm. Julian Scott Memorial Gallery more attention to the fact that you’re going to die? 4–8 pm. Downtown Montpelier. montpelieralive.
of Seeing. Artist talk: Feb. 2, 5:30–7 pm followed in the Dibden Center for the Arts at Johnson State Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., org
by Q&A with f 7 group. T.W. Wood Art Gallery, College. edu/Dibden. 635-1469. Montpelier. 223-2518
46 Barre St., Montpelier. twwoodgallery.org Feb. 2: Michael Jermyn, New American
Through March 17: Three new shows at Studio Feb. 2–April 10: Alexy J. Lanza, From the Death Impressionism. Photo exhibit. Part of ArtWalk.
Through Feb. 24: SHOW 23 @ the Front. The Place Arts. Reception: Feb. 3, 3–5 pm. 201 N. of One Star/Por La Muerte De Una Estrella. A City Center, 89 Main St., Montpelier.
Front celebrates the opening of the collective Main St., Barre. studioplacearts.com series of 20 large woodcut prints based on ancient
gallery’s latest show, Show 23 by contemporary Main floor gallery: Golden—An exhibit with Feb. 2: Meet the Artist: Photographer Hadley
Mayan glyphs. Opening reception and artist’s talk:
Vermont artists, including guest artist Jeanne works in a variety of media by 20 local artists Greene. The exhibit, “From a Teenage Perspective,”
Feb. 2, 4:30–5:45 pm. Goddard Art Gallery in the
Thurston. Reception: Feb. 2, 4–8 pm. 6 Barre St., exploring the many aspects of aging. highlights Greene’s love of animals. 6 pm. Chelsea
Eliot Pratt Library, Pitkin Rd., Plainfield. 322-1604.
Montpelier. thefrontvt.com. Second floor gallery: Shape Shifting by Rosalind Public Library, VT-110, Chelsea. 685-2188.
artcommittee@goddard.edu.
Through Feb. 25: Justin Kenney, The Parley of Daniels. Photographs of abstracted shapes and light. chelsealibrary.com.

Introduction to Tai Chi. Receive an overview of $30; families of three or more $10 per person. territory (West Bank, Gaza and the Golan
the origins of Tai Chi and the lineage styles, learn FRIDAY, FEB. 9 Proceeds benefit the John Wesley Methodist Basic Heights) that continues to the present time.
some practical exercises to experience the essence Art Class. See event description under Feb. 2. School in Accra Ghana. riby-williamsn@mpsvt.org Discussion follows. 6:30–9 pm. Montpelier Senior
of Tai Chi and learn about the teachers and Empowering Intentions: Beyond Hopes & The Best of the 2017 Middlebury New Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-
classes available in Montpelier. 5–6 pm. Hunger Wants. Learn how to set your intentions in a way Filmmakers Festival. Jay Craven will screen and 2518.
Mountain Co-op community room, Montpelier. that empowers them for both the big issues in your discuss two films from the MNFF—“Bombshell:
Free. RSVP: info@hungermountain.coop life and the everyday things that always seem to The Hedy Lamarr Story” and “An Autobiography.”
TUESDAY, FEB. 13
come up. 6–7:30 pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op The League of Women Voters of Vermont
Wednesday Night Film Series: "The Girl on 7–10 pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Legislative Day. The LWV invites the public
the Train" (2016). 6 pm. Highland Center for community room, Montpelier. Free. RSVP: info@ Hardwick St., Greensboro. Adults $10; children
hungermountain.coop to a light breakfast and conversation with state
the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. $5 $5. highlandartsvt.org. 533-2000 representatives at its annual Legislative Day. 8
donation. highlandartsvt.org Naturalist Journeys Series: Arctic Lessons: am–12:30 pm. Vermont State House cafeteria and
Vermont Film Series: “Man with a Plan.” 7 pm. Images from a Polar Frontier. Montpelier SUNDAY, FEB. 11 Ethan Allen Room, Montpelier. RSVP: lwvofvt@
teacher and Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Susan Feb. 11: Shape Note Singing. Every second Sun.
Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield. A participatory a capella singing form. 2–5 pm. gmail.com
426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org Koch will share her images and experiences
from a journey to Arctic Svalbard on National Christ Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. Chinese New Year Celebration. During FEAST
THURSDAY, FEB. 8 Geographic’s “Explorer.” 7 pm. North Branch at noon watch demonstrations of Chinese
JSC Faculty Lecture Series: Brendan Kelly. “The Nature Center Maxham Room, 713 Elm St.,
MONDAY, FEB. 12 calligraphy. At 1 pm, watch or try a traditional
Grief & Bereavement Support Group. Open to paper-cutting art project. At 1:45 pm, head
Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis;” how our personal Montpelier. By donation. anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
well-being and the climate’s health are connected. up to our 2nd floor Studio for a short Tai Chi
4–5 pm. Johnson State College, Stearns Student SATURDAY, FEB. 10 one. 6–7:30 pm. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd., demonstration and lesson. Montpelier Senior
Montpelier Memory Café. The café is a social Barre. Free. 223-1878. Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-
Center Cinema, Johnson. jsc.edu
gathering where people in early to mid-stage Screening of "Althea." The PBS documentary 2518
"Points North" Book Launch and Celebration memory loss disorders, and their care partners, “Althea,” about the late tennis star Althea Gibson.
of the Life of Howard Frank Mosher. With China Travel Talk and Slideshow. Presented
can come together to connect and support one 6 pm. Johnson State College, Bentley Hall, Rm. by members of the MSAC April 2017 trip to
Thomas Christopher Greene, Chris Bohjalian, another in a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere. 207, Johnson. Free. 635-1408
Don Bredes, Garret Keizer, Robin Macarthur, Jake Beijing and Xian, China. Witness and hear stories
10–11:30 am. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, Valentines Parent-Child Dance. Parents/ of a selection of group members’ adventures,
Mosher, and Richard Russo. 5 pm. VCFA Alumni 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Liz Dodd: 229-9630
Hall, 45 College St., Montpelier. Free. guardians/special friends, bring your child for a architectural wonders and historic sites they
Hearts for Heroes. Benefit for Veterans Count special evening of dancing and fun. 6:30–8:30 visited. 6:30–8 pm. Montpelier Senior Activity
ACL Injury Prevention. Discussion on current Vermont. Cost for the tickets are $40 per person, pm. Capitol Plaza Hotel, 100 State St., Montpelier. Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518
literature pertaining to ACL injury prevention for which includes a Mad Taco Bar, two drink tickets, Limited tickets. Before Feb. 9: $20/couple plus
adolescent athletes. 6–7 pm. Hunger Mountain silent auction, and dancing to the sounds of the $5 per additional guest. At door: $25/couple WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14
Co-op community room, Montpelier. Free. RSVP: 21-piece LC Jazz Band. 6–9 pm. Capital City plus $7 per additional guest. Tickets available at History & Meaning of a Proverb. The
info@hungermountain.coop Grange, 6612 VT-12, Berlin. http://vetscount.org Montpelier Rec. office, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. presentation examines the origin, dissemination,
Opening to Numinous Nature: Imagination montpelierec.org/familydance history, and meaning of the quotation-turned-
Ghanian Cultural Night. Traditional Ghanian proverb, “All men are created equal.” An Osher
in The Creative Process. With Jim Kelso. 7 dinner followed by dancing. Live music and guest Palestine and Israel in Film: A 6-Week Series.
pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Lifelong Learning program. 1:30 pm. Montpelier
performances. Silent auction and raffle. 6:30–10 Screen six films dealing with the history of the Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
Montpelier. 223-3338 pm. Montpelier High School gym. $20; couples State of Israel and the occupation of Palestinian learn.uvm.edu/osher
PAG E 12 • F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Calendar of Events
Live Music
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Party "Sing To Your $20 advance; $25 day-of. sprucepeakarts.org. 760- Feb. 9: Saxophone Quartet & Counterpoint
Sweetheart" Backed Up By Lewis Franco 4634. Vocal Quartet. 8 pm. A VCFA Music
Feb. 15: Willa Mamet, Paul Miller (singer- Feb. 3–4: Scrag Mountain Music: Romantic Composition Winter 2018 Residency Event.
songwriter) Voices. Anchored by the soaring and passionate College Hall Chapel, 36 College St., Montpelier.
VENUES Feb. 17: Steady Betty Lite (Miriam Bernardo,
Linda Bassick, Rachael Capobianco)
Mendelssohn Piano Trio no. 1, this program Free. vcfa.edu/music-comp
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Other shows explores music from the 19th century Romantic Feb. 10: Counterpoint Vocal Quartet. 3 pm. A
T.B.A. bagitos.com. Era and also neo-romanticism as it was revived in VCFA Music Composition Winter 2018 Residency
Every Wed.: Open Mic SPECIAL EVENTS the 20th century. Event. College Hall Chapel, 36 College St.,
Feb. 2: Benefit Concert for Open Hands Café. Feb. 3: 7:30 pm. Unitarian Church, 130 Main Montpelier. Free. vcfa.edu/music-comp
Charlie O’s World Famous. 70 Main St. St., Montpelier.
Pam Bockes, Leeds Brewer, David Kaynor, and Feb. 10: Chaque Fois plays at Zenbarn Mardi
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820. Feb. 4: 4 pm. Warren United Church, Warren
Susan Reid play Swedish, Quebecoise, English Gras Party! Come celebrate Mardi Gras at
Every Tues.: Karaoke with DJ Vociferous, 9
dance, Irish and American tunes as well as their Feb. 4: Film Music Festival. 8 pm. A VCFA Music Zenbarn with Katie Trautz & Chaque Fois! 9–11
pm–1 am
own compositions. 7 pm. Christ Episcopal Church, Composition Winter 2018 Residency Event. 8 pm. pm. The Zenbarn, 179 Guptil Rd., Waterbury
Feb. 2: Sticky Bone (Gypsy jazz) 6 pm; Dr. No
64 State St., Montpelier. $10 suggested donation. Noble Lounge, 39 College St., Montpelier. Free. Center. $5. 244-8134. info@zenbarnvt.com
(funk) 9 pm
Benefit the new Open Hand Cafe also located in vcfa.edu/music-comp
Feb. 3: Ryan Ober &The Romans/Paraiah Beat Feb. 11: Vermont Philharmonic presents
the Parish Hall of Christ Church.
(rock) 9 pm Feb. 5: Electronic Music Showcase. 8 pm. A "Winter's Beauty." Haydn’s Symphony No.
Feb. 9: Scott Graves & Chris Martin (acoustic) 6 Feb. 2: WORST. SONG. EVER. Sign up in advance VCFA Music Composition Winter 2018 Residency 94 in G Major, Bruch’s Kol Nidre (with cellist
pm; Woodshed Rats (blues folk) 9 pm to take the stage and cover your least favorite Event. 8 pm. 45 College St., Montpelier. Free. vcfa. Zani Lewis) and a suite from Tchaikovsky’s Swan
Feb. 10: Papa Greybeard Blues & Friends (classic pop music (from any era). Audience voting, bad edu/music-comp Lake. 2 pm. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main
rock) 6 pm; Peterossi (pop) 9 pm trophies, and a fun-raiser! 8–10pm. Old Labor St., Barre. Adults $20, seniors $15; students $5.
Feb. 16: Dallas Higgins (indie acoustic) 6 pm; Hall, 46 Granite St., Barre. 331-0013. info@wooo. Feb. 6: Anna’s Ghost. 8 pm. A VCFA Music
Composition Winter 2018 Residency Event. vermontphilharmonic.com
Apollyon/Manic Abraxis/Lightcrusher (metal) 9 tv. wooo.tv
pm College Hall Chapel, 36 College St., Montpelier. Feb. 11: Pete’s Posse. Multi-generational roots
Feb. 3: A Starline BBQ. Join us for an evening of Free. vcfa.edu/music-comp music. French and Russian. A special concert
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 479- BBQ, live music and dancing with The Starline of piano, voice, and dance. 4 pm. Plainfield
Rhythm Boys. Featuring an amazing southern Feb. 7: Farmers Night Series: Poetry and Song.
0896. Free/by donation unless otherwise noted. Town Hall Opera House, Rt. 2, Plainfield.
BBQ buffet by Cabot School chef, Brock Miller of Celebrating forty years together, the Thetford
events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com. $15; seniors $10; students and special rate $5.
Backroad BBQ. All proceeds help support Cabot Chamber Singers present powerful literary texts
Feb. 3: AliT (indie pop) 7:30 pm plainfieldoperahousevt.org
School’s The Limes, and their upcoming tour this with complex choral arrangements, including
Feb. 10: Jazzyaoke (live jazz karaoke) 7:30 pm, $5.
June. 6pm. Cabot School, 25 Common Rd., Cabot. the work of Wendell Berry, Emily Dickinson, Feb. 11: The Wailers. Reggae. 6 pm. Spruce Peak
Positive Pie. 22 State St., Montpelier. 229-0453. facebook.com/vermontlimes/ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and others. 7:30 Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe.
positivepie.com. pm. Vermont State House, House Chamber, $35–65. SprucePeakArts.org. 760-4634.
Feb. 9: Primate Fiasco, 10:30 pm, $5. Feb. 3: Jazz Concert. Allison Mann, Ira Friedman Montpelier. Free.
(keyboard), and Anthony Santor (bass). 7pm. 18 Feb. 16: Hot Rize. Bluegrass band reuniting for a
Feb. 16: Gang Of Thieves (rock & roll) 10 pm, Feb. 7: Anna’s Ghost & Piano Trio. 8 pm. A VCFA tour celebrating their 40th anniversary. 7:30 pm.
$5. Langdon St., Montpelier. $15. Limited space.
Music Composition Winter 2018 Residency Event. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $36–42.
Feb. 3: Le Vent du Nord. Quebec’s premier College Hall Chapel, 36 College St., Montpelier. barreoperahouse.org. 476-8188.
Whammy Bar. 7 pm; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 pm. 31
exporter of exquisite traditional music and Free. vcfa.edu/music-comp
County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1. Feb. 17: Music, Memories and Milestones:
showmanship. 7:30pm. Barre Opera House, 6 N.
com. Feb. 8: Piano Trio & Saxophone Quartet. 8 pm. A Taryn Noelle in Concert. Special Broadway
Main St., Barre. $18–32. barreoperahouse.org.
Every Wed.: Open Mic VCFA Music Composition Winter 2018 Residency pops/jazz concert, featuring a walk through the
476-8188.
Feb. 1: Papa's Porch (bluegrass) Event. College Hall Chapel, 36 College St., history of some of Broadway’s greatest composers
Feb. 2: Kelly Ravin and Halle Jade (original alt- Feb. 3: Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Montpelier. Free. vcfa.edu/music-comp blended with favorite selections from the Great
country) Messiaen. This groundbreaking piece was written American Songbook. 7 pm. Highland Center for
Feb. 3: Umlaut (polka rock) by Messiaen during his captivity as a WWII Feb. 9: Songwriting Showcase. 8 pm. A VCFA
Music Composition Winter 2018 Residency Event. the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. $25.
Feb. 8: Storytelling prisoner-of-war in Stalag VIII A, a German camp highlandartsvt.org. 533-2000.
Feb. 9: Big Hat No Cattle (authentic Texas swing) near the Polish border. 7:30 pm. Spruce Peak College Hall Gallery, 36 College St., Montpelier.
Feb. 10: Cookie's Hot Club (swing/jazz) Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. Free. vcfa.edu/music-comp

TVSC Valentine's Dinner. Bring your sweetie for a Evening Program: "Tracking Tips and Capital City Winter Farmers Market. Eat local eliminated if words are misspelled in the following
real Valentine’s Dinner treat! Menu: Sweet & Sour Tales from the Trail." This talk will offer a all winter long. Shop from over 20 farms and rounds. 7 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Pork Over Rice, Tossed Salad, Dinner Roll, and deep dive into the process of interpreting the producers. Our producer-only market means Main St., Montpelier. $12 advance; $15 at door.
Dessert. 4–7 pm. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. tracks and sign of our local mammal species. everything is grown or handmade in Central Sign up at the library for your chance to be on the
2, East Montpelier. By donation. 223-3322. 7 pm. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Vermont. 10 am–2 pm. City Center, 89 Main St., Readers Team. 223-3338
St., Montpelier. Suggested donation $5–10. Montpelier. montpelierfarmersmarket.com.
Valentine’s Day: Love Our Planet and Our
Climate. Discussion and/or film about climate northbranchnaturecenter.org Winter Wild Edible Workshop. Learn to Due to space
change. 6:30–8 pm. Jaquith Public Library, School
St., Marshfield. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org
FRIDAY, FEB. 16
Art Class. See event description under Feb. 2.
identify and sustainably harvest a variety of
wild foods from the surrounding landscape. 10
limitations in this
THURSDAY, FEB. 15 SATURDAY, FEB. 17
am–1 pm. North Branch Nature Center, 713
Elm St., Montpelier. Pre-registration required:
issue of The Bridge, the
Introduction to Smelting at Waterbury
Reservoir. Exact location details will be given
End of Life Choice: Options & Autonomy. northbranchnaturecenter.org Weekly Events page is
when people register for the event. 4 pm. Pre-
registration is required by contacting Corey Hart
Highlights will include stories from family
members, the history of autonomy at the end
Midwinter Dance Party & Screening of “Stop
Making Sense.” Come dance the midwinter blues
only available online at
at LetsGoFishing@vermont.gov or 265-2279.
of life in VT and information from medical
and other experts. Learn and ask questions
away and celebrate Montpelier City Clerk John
Odum’s 50th birthday with music, a cash bar,
montpelierbridge.com.
Kick-off Event for Weatherize Montpelier.
A campaign to help you save money and stay
about hospice care, medical aid in dying (VT
Act 39), voluntary cessation of eating and
refreshments, and a Talking Heads film. 7–11 pm.
39 Main St., Montpelier. Free; all ages. odum.
The Weekly Events
warm by weatherizing your home. Learn about
the program and meet the contractors. Door
drinking, and palliative sedation. Dive deeper
into understanding advance directives, Act
john@gmail.com page will return in
prizes, raffle, free food. 5:30–7 pm. VSECU, One
Bailey Ave., Montpelier. netzeromontpelier.org/
39, palliative and comfort care. 9 am–3 pm. Cabin Fever Spelling Bee. Adult spelling bee has
two teams: The Readers and The Writers. This year
our next issue to be
weatherize. 223-2328 ext 118.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center , 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free. 223-2518. there will be an elimination of spellers! The first
round will be a practice round; then people will be
published on Feb. 15.
Send your calendar listings to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Due date for print in the next
issue is Feb. 8

Design & Build


Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Additions • Timber Frames
Weatherization • Remodeling
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Flooring
Tiling • Cabinetry • Fine Woodwork
THE BRIDGE F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 • PAG E 13

Folk Concert to Benefit Open Hands Café by Nat Frothingham

W
hen it comes to feeding dropped. I think unemployment has stayed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and George Estes
Montpelier’s homeless and hungry the same, and the benefits have run out, Saturday.” The café isn’t open on Wednesdays
people, George Estes is doing a and people are no long being counted in because Christ Church puts on a soup kitchen
lot more than talking the talk—he’s walking the system. The State may tell you that on Wednesdays.
the walk. unemployment is down. But benefits are When asked about community reaction to
On January 12, Estes opened his new “Open depleted and people are struggling to find a the new café, Estes said. “The reaction has
Hands Café” in the Parish Hall of Christ place to stay and even find a meal.” been overwhelming. We’re getting a spread
Episcopal Church, across the street from Then Estes returned to that part of his of people including people who used to have
the post office in Montpelier. The new café story when he went in and talked to Paul breakfast at the old Coffee Corner, including
had been in the works since last August, Habersang, minister at Christ Church. Estes homeless people and non-homeless people.
when Estes first suggested the idea to Paul launched his idea, saying: “Paul, might there One day I had 41 people come through the
Habersang, the minister of Christ Church. be a way for me to open a café at the church door,” he said. “The Good Samaritan idea
Estes, a big, genial fellow, now in his to benefit the community.” is working fine,” Estes reported. “People are
50s, brings a wealth of food and business Paul answered, “What are you proposing?” putting in money so that the next person can
experience to the Open Hands Café project. have a meal.”
“I said ‘I’m proposing a breakfast café at a
During a visit to The Bridge office, Estes reasonable price. If they don’t have cash, they About the coffee, Estes offered something
discussed his varied work experience” can have oatmeal, toast and coffee. Or they personal, a remembrance of his mother who
“Well, I’ve been a self-employed contractor,” can buy a breakfast. Two eggs and toast is $3. died some years ago. Said Estes, “The coffee
he said. “My contracting company was called Then I have omelets at $6 with vegetables, is locally roasted by Capitol Grounds 802
‘We Can Do It Construction.’ and I also had and we can add on bacon, cheese, ham and Coffee. I have my own special blend called
a vending company [in Montpelier] called sausage for an additional cost.” “A Touch of Joy” named after my mother, Joy The public is invited to attend and enjoy a
‘Out Doggin It.’ That was a hot dog vending Marie Estes. broad-based folk music concert to benefit
Estes continued explaining his proposal to the new Open Hands Café. That concert
business in front of Christ Church. I usually Habersang. “The whole community can George Estes remembered his mother with
started in May and ran through September,” deep affection. She held the family together. is set for Friday evening, February 2 at
be a part of this. We will have a Good 7 p.m. at the Christ Church Parish Hall.
he said. Samaritan program. You can come in and She worked in a number of local banks
such as the Montpelier National Bank and Proceeds from the concert will benefit the
Estes was 27 years in front of Christ Church. have a breakfast and contribute something so Good Samaritan program at the Open
“It was very successful,” he said. “My two sons that someone else can have a breakfast.” the Vermont National Bank. Back in the
1970s she also started a women's professional Hands Café. Concert performers include
ran it as a business. They were vice presidents. “I’m calling this the Open Hands Café,” Pam Bockes, Leeds Brewer, David Kaynor
I was president. They got a kick out of being business association in Vermont.
said Estes about Montpelier’s newest breakfast and Susan Reid. The suggested donation is
vice presidents. Their view of things was this, spot. “It’s open to the public. We start at 5:30 “She always brought so much joy and $10 per person. Concertgoers are invited to
‘My dad tells us what to do, but we’re really in the morning and end at 11 am. That’s happiness to the people she met,” Estes said. purchase food and drinks.
doing it.’”
“Over the years of having the hot dog
business, I’ve noticed a lot of homeless people
and people in need who don’t have as much
as other people.” In running the hot dog
business, Estes said, “I used to give away a lot
of food—hot dogs, chips, burgers—usually
what was left over at the end of the day.
Instead of throwing food out, I offered it to
people walking by.”
According to Estes, times have changed. “I’m
seeing more and more homeless people and
people in need over the past three or four
years.”
Then, he offered his own analysis of what’s
really happening. “It’s weird how the [State
of Vermont] reports that unemployment has
PAG E 14 • F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Letters
Racism So Close to Home
Rocque Long Do What You Do Best. Editor,

Painting
The following notice by Frank Cervantes in Front Porch
Forum was heartbreaking for those of us residents who'd
hoped contemporary Montpelier was free of such racist
• Insured attacks:
• 30+ years professional "Today, when my 11 year old daughter was waiting at a
experience Bookkeeping · Payroll · Consulting crosswalk in Montpelier, a car full of teenagers yelled at her "Brown people don't belong in this country!
• local references. Get out!" My wife and I have had the difficult conversations with our kids about racism with the

802-223-0389 802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com


hope that we could somehow soften the blows by giving them strength, but still the amount of hurt and
confusion our daughter feels is overwhelming. Our hearts are broken. It was confirmation that things
really are that bad. Welcome to Trump's America! Isn't it great? Have we prepared our children well
enough for it?"
At a time when such racism is sanctioned at the highest levels of our government, it is up to us as
a community to address the damage done to our children, as well as what motivates our teenagers
to inflict such harm. There is no "us and them" here; it's all up to us.
Since 1972 Margaret Blanchard
Repairs • New floors and walls
Running for City Council
Crane work • Decorative concrete Editor,
Consulting • ICF foundations My name is Alex Geller and I am running for Montpelier City Council in District 2. My wife,
114 Three Mile Bridge Rd., Middlesex, VT • (802) 229-0480  Wendy, and I have been residents of Montpelier for six years, and I feel now is the time for me to
gendronbuilding@aol.com •  gendronconcrete.com give back to this great community.
I currently work in IT project management, where my main responsibilities include helping the
state modernize its processes and tools to become more efficient while delivering enhanced services
to taxpayers. I try to bring an analytical and collaborative approach to examining challenges from
multiple angles so that pragmatic decision-making can take place.
My hope is that I could use these skills to help the Council investigate where Montpelier shines
and where our city might address its challenges in balanced and measurable ways.
On a personal note, I’m enthusiastic about outdoor recreation. I’d love to see Montpelier
complete the bike path and find creative ways to embrace our four rivers responsibly. Expanding
recreational opportunities is one way to attract young people who value a balanced and healthy
lifestyle. In turn, this will help diversify Montpelier's demographics to ensure a resilient economy
and strong community.
I am supportive of the City Council’s efforts to improve our infrastructure while maintaining
a reasonable budget and tax rate. Additionally, I would like to see more housing opportunities
developed in ways that retain our city’s character so that elders can remain members of our
community and young families can join us and settle here.
There are other issues I would like to speak to between now and Town Meeting Day on March
6, but in the meantime, District 2 residents should feel free to reach out to me at GellerD218@
gmail.com. I’d like to hear your views and perspectives so I can understand how, if elected, I
might serve you well.
Alex Geller, Montpelier

Racial Justice
Editor,
Thank you to the Montpelier High School students and administration for your leadership and
commitment to racial justice in our state. Flying the Black Lives Matter flag during the month
of February brings attention to the significant realities of oppression, privilege, and bias that exist
in our communities.
Taking this step also creates important opportunities for dialogue while initiating momentum
for other schools to take a similar action. Your dedication to addressing this difficult topic head
on demonstrates courage, justice, and empathy for the students you serve. Thank you for this
important step and for the many more ahead.
Karen Dolan, Essex Junction
Letters to the paper are not fact-checked and do not
necessarily represent the views of The Bridge.

What Do You Think?


Read something that you would like to respond to? We welcome your letters and
opinion pieces. Letters must be fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not
exceed 600 words. The Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut pieces.
Send your piece to: editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is February 9.
THE BRIDGE F E B RUA RY 1 – F E B RUA RY 14 , 2 018 • PAG E 15

Opinion Super Risky Bowl by Walt Amses

W
hile the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles have been practicing but there are several warning signs that the league is taking seriously, not the least of which
for a game that may very well eventually kill them, millions of Americans have is a small but steady drop in both attendance and TV ratings over the last several years.
been preparing to consume enough calories, cholesterol, sodium, and alcohol to Coupled with controversy over players taking a knee in protest, wary parents less likely to sign
contribute to their own untimely deaths as well. Fair is fair after all, and it’s heartening that the consent forms, and increasingly empty seats, the potential loss of revenue has owners rightfully
expectation for modern day gladiators to risk their lives for our entertainment is reciprocated concerned.
by fan willingness to jeopardize their own by choking on a chicken wing, drowning in a sea Some owners lamented protests “politicizing” the game, forgetting momentarily that a military
of guacamole, or confusing five gallons of synthetic cheese dip with food. color guard raising the flag, Air Force flyovers prior to kickoff, ever-present salutes to the
This Sunday, the National Football League will again magically cram 10 or 15 minutes armed forces, and even the anthem itself clearly imply that this is America’s game. The clever
of actual football into hour after hour of unbridled commercialism interrupted by Justin juxtaposition of football and patriotism is brilliant marketing, conflating the NFL with love of
Timberlake surrounded by carefully vetted fans, enthusiastically bouncing on cue, and mind- country and support for the troops. It’s unclear whether fans doffing caps and placing hands
numbing analysis by ex-jocks and former coaches, who dissect plays, check formations and over hearts are pledging fealty to the flag or the NFL. Mission accomplished.
illustrate strategies as though discussing physics instead of grown men banging their heads As the media circus surrounding Sunday’s game escalates, questions arise over Patriot’s tight
together. Face it. Having been a great quarterback does not equate with Terry Bradshaw being end Rob Gronkowski, now in the league’s concussion protocol after absorbing a vicious
Einstein. helmet-to-helmet hit in the AFC championship game with Jacksonville, and the 40-year-old
Although Super Bowl Sunday is not an official holiday, malls, ski slopes, and even some Tom Brady, considered with near unanimity the best quarterback ever to take the field. Of
afternoon church services see their attendance tail off dramatically, while pizza deliveries more course fans wonder how effective “Gronk” will be and whether Brady’s seeming invincibility
than double, with an estimated 12.5 million orders averaging $26 per., making it the food of will lead to another New England championship.
choice during what has become the second largest food consumption day in America, trailing But as we slather BBQ sauce on the ribs and put the beer on ice, we might remember this
only Thanksgiving in that department. In 2017, Pizza Hut hired 11,000 additional workers in weekend’s dietary indiscretions can be easily reversed with a week or two of clean living. In
anticipation of the Super deluge. fact, we can join the estimated 1.5 million fans who will call in sick the Monday after Super
This Sunday, fans will endure endless, less than subliminal messages to eat more chips, drink Bowl or the millions of others who will arrive late, pampering ourselves back into fine fettle.
more beer, and drive really, really big trucks faster than they should. They’ll meet the challenge It’s different for the players. Head injuries don’t have to rise to concussion-level to be
by downing 28 million pounds of chips, guzzling enough beer to compete with New Year’s dangerous. New research finds that even sub-concussive trauma, which happens hundreds
Eve and St. Patrick’s Day, and keep the police busy with an annual spike in drunk driving of times during a game, can lead to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) early onset
and related accidents. dementia, ALS, and a host of other debilitating ailments down the road. The gift that keeps
But the gastronomical risks taken celebrating football’s final curtain call are nothing on giving, long after a player’s final game.
compared to those faced by the players considering the train-wreck intensity of every play So as we take our seats and charge our glasses for the grand finale, we should be mindful of
at this level of competition. While the NFL is quick to tout the precautions taken to make the fragility of Gronk’s brain and Brady’s aging bones. The tight end’s concussion two weeks
the game safer and specifically to prevent head injuries, it should be noted that league spent ago makes it three times more likely he’ll sustain another; and the QB will be the oldest non-
several decades denying the connection between football and traumatic brain injury and the kicker to ever play in a Super Bowl. Opportunity for glory certainly, but as intoxicating as
myriad of debilitating post-football conditions that compromise the quality of life experienced gridiron glory can be, it’s a devil’s bargain, incrementally exacting an extraordinarily high price
by many former players. in exchange for momentary time in the spotlight.
With $13 billion in annual profits, professional football isn’t going anywhere any time soon

Opinion On Healing by Dr. Brian Ricca, Montpelier Superintendent of Schools

I
t was a tremendously difficult week in Montpelier Public Schools. A life was lost on the High School, heading out to meet with a student. The students, faculty and staff of MHS
campus of Montpelier High School. Nate Giffin was a student in our school system and were having a typical day, following a three-day weekend. The tremendous number of law
his mother and father are established members of the Montpelier and greater Vermont enforcement officials who descended upon our community were in the various parts of our
community. Many in our school and local community were touched personally by this tragedy. state when all our paths came together.
It is natural to have questions about this sad situation and to try to make sense of this. During Real human beings trying to make sense of a situation that makes very little sense. Real human
this process, I urge everyone to remember that before we can truly make any judgments, we beings trying to move forward, while struggling to answer the question "Why?" Real human
must walk in the shoes of those we are judging. We will never know what caused this situation beings who have many, many questions that may never be answered.
to enfold the way that it did. In addition, we will never know exactly what transpired that Despite the lack of answers, the reality remains that on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, a family lost
caused it to end so abruptly. a son, a school was locked down, and a community was stunned by the second violent loss of
What we do know is that there were real human beings that were involved from the start. Nate life in as many years. It is natural to point fingers and try to assign blame; we must resist that
was a student of Montpelier Public Schools, doing his best to be in the world. The employees urge. What lessons can we learn from this? How can we recommit our educational community
and members of the Vermont State Employees Credit Union were just going about their day to building, cultivating, and maintaining relationships as the foundation of the work we do?
on a Tuesday morning. Our School Resource Officer Matt Knisley was leaving Montpelier Push beyond the instinct to blame. Instead, find the courage to begin to heal.

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