Candidates for Washington County Senate Share Their Views • Page 11
O ctober 18–O ctober 31, 2018
IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg. 4 Voters Asked to
Approve Ban on Plastic Bags
Pg. 9 Artisans Hand
Celebrates 40 Years
Pg. 18 Actresses Return
to Vermont for Film
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit NO. 123
Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD
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Montpelier, VT 05601
P.O. Box 1143
The Bridge
A Changing Downtown: Ripples of the
Proposed Parking Garage
I
t would be no surprise if the first public argument in Montpelier’s
231-year history was about parking, or hitching, rather. After
years of agonizing hemming and hawing, the city finally stands
on the precipice of realizing a possible solution with a proposed
four-story, 360-spot parking garage that will be on the November 6
ballot. Specifically, voters are being asked to approve a $10-million
bond to pay for construction of a garage that has been expanded
from an earlier 220-space proposal that was to be built by the
Bashara family to serve a new Hampton Inn and Suites, but which
the Basharas said was too expensive for them to build themselves.
In addition to voter approval, the parking garage still needs a
thumbs-up from the city’s design review committee and development
review board, and it will get at least some limited review by the
state. Montpelier resident Alan Goldman has officially requested
that the garage project and others planned in the recently adopted
downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district be subjected to
full Act 250 environmental review because of the size of the projects
when taken together. City Manager Bill Fraser told The Bridge that
the city does not believe “any link whatsoever exists between the
TIF financing tool and this, or any other, development project.”
Goldman’s request for “jurisdictional opinion” was filed with the
District 5 Environmental Commission, The Times Argus reported
Tuesday, October 16.
If and when it is built, the garage’s 23,265-square-foot footprint will
have a lasting effect on the downtown, particularly when considered
in conjunction with the Hampton Inn, the Transit Center, and other
expected developments in the area. The ripple effects will be felt in
all directions. What follows is a look at the expected changes and
impacts in the surrounding neighborhood.
We’re online! montpelierbridge.com or vtbridge.com
By Mike Dunphy
The Heney Lot
While the bulk of the proposed parking garage would be built
on land owned by the Basharas and given to the city, a portion of
it would extend onto the half-acre Heney lot, currently used for
parking and the farmer’s market and owned by the Mary Heney
Trust, of which Tim Heney is trustee. According to plans on the city
website dated Sept. 26, the parking garage would come to within
about 20 feet of the old “Garage” building behind Julio’s that is
owned by Overlake Park, LLC, of which Jeff and Jody Jacobs are
listed as trustees on the Secretary of State’s website.
Although empty now, a commercial tenant is said to be moving in
soon and access appears to be squeezed, with a narrow 10-foot access
lane to the parking area at the rear of the Overlake building running
between the two buildings. Originally, access to the bike path was
planned through the lane as well, but the architect now says that it
may be impossible to provide that access due to an 8.5-foot gradient
between the lot and the higher bike path. Instead, a bridge from the
second floor of the garage to the bike path is being considered. An
egress from the parking garage would empty out into the Heney lot
to allow vehicles to travel to State Street but would only be used as
an emergency exit.
The lot is managed by the City of Montpelier under a 49-year lease
signed last year, according to Tim Heney, but any construction would
require Heney’s approval. According to City Manage Bill Fraser,
Heney has provided informal permission and legal documents are in
preparation to formalize the agreement. “We do not anticipate any
insurmountable problems,” Fraser explains. “Because of that there is
no Plan B,” he said.
Continued on Page 7
PAG E 2 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 3

HEARD ON THE STREET

Local Favorite “Session Americana” to Play Opera House
Session Americana, a Boston-based band that blends vintage American roots music styles
and was a fan favorite in the heyday of the legendary Langdon Street Café in Montpelier,
is set to play at the Barre Opera House at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Oct. 27. Dan Casey,
director of the Opera House, said the band’s agent contacted him about doing a show
and “we were excited about the possibility.”
Montpelier attorney and author Bernie Lambek recalls that “Session Americana developed
sort of a cult following when they played at Langdon Street on several occasions. Audience
members would yell out lines from songs at appropriate (or inappropriate) moments. They
have great chemistry as they hover over a single microphone and take turns with lead
vocals from song to song, enhanced by their harmonies. The members of the band are
superb instrumentalists and appear to be quirky characters.”
The band has written a song about one member’s experiences while visiting Montpelier,
and earlier this year it issued a CD recorded live at a December 2017 concert at the
Haybarn Theater in Plainfield. Casey said plenty of tickets, priced at $22, are still
available for the concert.
Montpelier Downsizing Group to Meet October 27
The next meeting of the Montpelier Downsizing Group will be held from 10:30 am to
noon on Saturday, October 27, in the Hayes Room of the Kellogg Hubbard Library. The
event is free and open to the public.
The meeting will feature a series of speakers, all addressing various aspects of downsizing.
Presenters will include Peter Conlon of Vermont Move Management, on downsizing and
rightsizing your home in preparation to sell, age in place, or simply for more peace of
mind; Cari Clement, with an update on Silver Maple, a planned pocket neighborhood;
Jean Olson, on retrofitting her own residence to age in place; Diane Derby, sharing her
story of buying and selling for a recent downsize; Larry and Barbara Floersch, discussing
their experience of building a small, high-performance home in Berlin; and Phil Dodd,
with updates on new projects planned in and around Montpelier.
The Downsizing Group has been meeting once or twice a year since December 2015
to explore possibilities for Montpelier-area residents who are looking to downsize or are
considering co-housing and other options. To add your name to the group’s mailing list,
send an email to: montpelierdownsizinggroup@gmail.com
New Tree Fund Established to Help With Ash Borer Problems
A new Montpelier Tree Fund has been created by the Montpelier Foundation to help with
tree preservation and reforestation programs within the city. The matching fund received
$1,000 in seed money from long-time Montpelier resident Jack Lindley.
The launching of the fund comes at a time when the emerald ash borer is threatening to
kill all the ash trees in Montpelier, including the largest trees downtown, within the next
10 to 15 years. John Snell, chair of the Montpelier Tree Board, said he was thrilled with
the gift and the new fund, saying “It is clear we will need additional funds to deal with
the emergency the emerald ash borer has imposed on Montpelier.”
The Tree Board plans to plant at least 100 trees in the city next spring. As part of the
plan, the Tree Board needs to add a water system at its small nursery. It also wants to add
at least 10 new tree wells in sidewalks downtown over the course of the next three years
at a cost of approximately $30,000. “We receive about $2,000 per year from the city and
will need increased funding to meet our current needs,” Snell said.
Donations to the Tree Fund, which may be tax deductible, can be made by check to the
Montpelier Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 364, Montpelier, VT 05601.
Continued on Page 15

Nature Watch by Nona Estrin

Watercolor by Nona Estrin

The Smell of Fall

L
eaves pile up in the woods and on sidewalks and lawns, the non-evergreen ferns
bleach to lovely pale golds and yellow. New York, cinnamon, maidenhair, the
rarer goldies and narrow-leaved spleenwort, all transforming, before they are
taken by frost. The smell of fall is everywhere! I see that the leaves in our woods are
not as deep by half, as some years ago, as the canopy thins due to decline and change
not well understood. Time to take to the car and walk in the oaks and silver maples
of Champlain Valley, just coming into peak colors now.

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PAG E 4 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Voters Asked to Approve Ban on Plastic Bags, Straws

By Tom Brown

S
ome 350 U.S. cities have enacted some Patch” to be about three times larger than
sort of ban on the kind of single-use Plastic versus paper? previously believed. At 617,000 square miles
plastic bags you find at grocery stores Montpelier will decide. it is now twice the size of Texas, according to
and other retailers. Montpelier intends to add Photo by Tom Brown “Scientific Reports,” which is published by
its name to the list if voters approve a charter the journal Nature. While that is the largest
change proposed on the November 6 ballot. such concentration, there are plastic islands
A “yes” vote on Article 4 would add an swirling in at least five oceanic gyres, or
amendment to the city charter that gives circulating currents, around the world.
the city council the authority to “regulate, It was video of that floating dump that
license, or prohibit, within the boundaries convinced District 2 City Councilor Conor
of the City, point of sale distribution of non- Casey to take up the cause and push for a
reusable plastic bags, non-reusable plastic ban on plastic bags in the capital city. He
straws and similar plastic products that are has been lobbying to reduce plastic waste for
not reusable, and to define what constitutes more than a decade, tracing back to his days
reusable in this context.” as political director of the Vermont State
If the charter change is passed and approved Employees Association and later as executive
by the state legislature, as required by law, the director of the Vermont Democratic Party.
council would begin to craft an ordinance He sees the limited ban on single-use bags
that would achieve one of the goals it set at an in Montpelier as the springboard to a larger
April brainstorming session. The devil, of course, will be in the details. discussion about regulating all forms of plastic pollution.
Like those other 350 cities, including Brattleboro, the council will have several issues “I would say, eventually, I see everything being taken off,” he said. The question is “do
to hammer out if and when it sits down to create the ban, such as which bags to ban; we start with what we have or is it best to rip off the Band-Aid and do everything
whether to include the thin-film bulk food and produce bags; floral wraps; and the at once.” The council decided to take a more targeted approach and then “take the
ubiquitous bags intended to pick up and dispose of dog waste. temperature of the town,” he said.
“Any ordinance that we write is going to be surrounded in a robust public process,” “We know that there’s an easy replacement for plastic bags,” said Mayor Watson, citing
Mayor Anne Watson said. “This is giving us the door to start having the conversation reusable canvas bags. “We want to be really careful about how we apply it [the charter
in the first place. We want to hear from people what works and what doesn’t work, change], and this will be the mechanism that allows us to move forward with any kind
and be able to craft this in a way that both helps the environment and is respectful to of ban.”
people’s needs.” Americans use 100 billion plastic bags a year and producing those bags requires 12
By now, most people are aware of the massive island of plastic floating in the Pacific million barrels of oil. Each family handles 1,500 bags a year and about 1 percent of
Ocean between California and Hawaii. Recent studies show the “Great Pacific Garbage that is recycled, according to Waste Management. Many of those bags, even those from
landlocked Montpelier, make their way to the ocean. So what environmental difference
will the city’s ban actually make?
“I think people will be proud that we’re setting an example for the rest of the state as
the capital city,” Casey said. “We’re not going to change the world through Montpelier
alone, but part of this is to be the example. Maybe we have reusable bags that brand
the city of Montpelier so when people come here and visit they say, ‘What a cool town.
They’re taking the lead on this type of thing.’ I hope we generate some excitement
around this.”
Business Community Response
With downtown retailers facing constant pressure from online sellers and big box
stores, an ordinance that changes the way consumers tote home their purchases might
be seen as burdensome, but most of those contacted were generally supportive and said
they would work with the council to craft the ordinance, should the charter change be
approved.
The Hunger Mountain Co-op has long been at the forefront of promoting recycling and
reuse and has never dispensed single-use plastic bags for groceries, although it does offer
thin-film bags for produce and some bulk foods.
Continued on next page
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 5

General Manager Kari Bradley said the conscientious about paper versus plastic. “The question was do we go with something a similar ordinance here and it’s not clear
grocery store constantly looks for new ways And we can get paper bags with our name broad and sweeping or do you go with whether we already have that power or
to keep its packaging out of the waste on it just as easily.” something that has a higher likelihood of would need to change our charter.”
stream, but also has to keep an eye on Up next? Energy Efficiency passing and gets out what we originally set The idea is to flip that dynamic because in
customer costs. The co-op gives customers out to do,” Watson said. many cases the landlord has little incentive
a 5-cent credit for bringing a reusable The charter change amendment was much
broader when the council first started The council will likely work on language to perform weatherization upgrades while
bag for their purchases. That money is for another charter change proposal for the tenants pay heating costs.
then given to the Montpelier Food Pantry work on it. Language did not target any
particular source of pollution, such as Town Meeting Day in March, she said. “We have been trying incentives forever
through the “bag-that-bag” program. The
co-op issued more than 217,000 credits and bags or straws, but gave the council the The mayor, who has made energy and it takes us just so far,” Watson said.
donated $11,000 to the organization last authority to adopt regulations that would efficiency a top priority, said she would like “But there is a percentage of the population
year, Bradley said. protect and promote environmental to see the council, if given the authority, for whom that is just not interesting.
conservation, sustainability, energy consider ways to encourage landlords to Eventually we run out of carrots so we
With China slated to reduce the amount efficiency, and more. tighten up homes for renters who pay need to start to think about the ordinance
of plastic waste it accepts from the U.S. separately for heat. process to point us in the right direction.”
next year, the need to eliminate all types of Through discussion councilors and Mayor
plastic is becoming more critical. Watson narrowed the ask to a ban on “Burlington has an ordinance that any Voting in the November 6 statewide
plastic bags and straws. The consensus was time you sell a multi-family building it election takes place from 7 am to 7 pm at
“In the future, we can expect changes that the original plan was too ambitious must meet a certain energy performance City Hall. Early voting is also available.
in demand for glass, plastics, and other and ran the risk of failure at the polls. standard,” she said. “I would love to have
materials,” he wrote in a recent op-ed.
“Our best bet is to reduce our use of
new materials, stay informed about current
standards, and recycle right.”
The good news is that industry is starting
to adapt to the changing market for
recyclables. The co-op recently moved to
a non-plastic alternative for straws and has
added wooden cutlery for prepared take-
out meals.
“At first, it was hard to get the non-plastic
version,” Bradley said. “But now suppliers
are figuring out how to be able to supply
those.”
Progress is also being made, he said, in the
creation of truly compostable bags that
break down into carbon and water elements
without leaving bits of plastic behind.
“We should be considering how do we
just avoid these single-use items altogether,
whether it’s recycled or ending up in the
landfill,” he said.
Sarah DeFelice, owner of Bailey Road on
Main Street and president of the Montpelier
Business Association, said the group has
not taken a formal stance on the proposed
bag and straw ban.
“I don’t use plastic bags in my store but we
have members who do,” she said. “Each
business is different, and I’m sure we will
share any concerns with the council [as
they write the ordinance],” she said.
Kate Tank-Day, manager of Guy’s Farm
and Yard on Barre Street, said the change
would not be a significant problem.
“We already offer paper, and we use
recycled bags that customers bring in,” she
said. “Our customers are already pretty

Corrections
The Bridge apologizes to David J. Healy,
who supplied the map for the story “Not
All Internet Access is Created Equal”
in the October 4 issue. In the proof-
ing phase, the source and date of that
material was mistakenly cut from the
map graphic. The data source was the
Vermont Department of Public Service,
and the map was prepared by Mr. Healy
on September 24, 2018.
If you spot an error in The Bridge, feel
free to notify us at:
editorial@montpelierbridge.com
PAG E 6 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE
A Message From City Hall
This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.
Special Elections on November 6th.
Four City Questions. by William Fraser, City Manager
T
he State of Vermont is holding its biennial general election on Tuesday, November
6. Polls will be open at City Hall from 7 am to 7 pm, and early voting is available
from now to election day. The state’s election is for a U.S. senator, a representative
to congress, governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, secretary of state, auditor of accounts,
attorney general, three state senators, two state representatives, probate judge, assistant
judge, state’s attorney, sheriff, and high bailiff.
In addition to the statewide election, the City of Montpelier is conducting a special election
with four local ballot items. Two bonds—one for a parking garage and one for upgrades to
the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)—and two charter amendments—one to
allow non-U.S. citizens who reside in the city to vote in local elections and one to authorize
the city to regulate single-use plastics.
Most of the attention has gone, understandably, to the two bond issues, which total
$27.25 million. That is certainly a lot of money. None of it, however, comes from general
fund property taxes. About half of the WRRF comes from external revenues and energy
efficiencies. The remainder comes from sewer fees. The parking garage is completely
financed with tax increment financing (TIF) property taxes from the new hotel and user
fees.
A public informational hearing will be held on Monday, October 29, at City Hall to review
all four ballot items.
Article 1: $10.5 million from TIF and user fees for a parking garage. This project was
outlined in the September 20 edition of The Bridge.
Without repeating everything, key points are:
• Construction of a 348-space parking garage located behind Christ Church. Most of the
land donated by the Capitol Plaza. The remainder is part of a 49-year lease between the
city and the Heney Trust.
• The project is paid for solely from tax revenues (TIF) from the proposed new Hampton
Inn and user/permit fees for garage use. There is no general taxation used. Similarly, funds
for this project are unique to this project and not available for other uses.
• The total project will result in a net gain of 160 new parking spaces in downtown
Montpelier.
• The city’s economic development strategic plan (EDSP) places a new hotel, parking, and
housing as the top priorities for Montpelier. This project will help address all three.
More detailed information about the garage project can be found on the city’s webpage at
https://www.montpelier-vt.org/1057/Proposed-City-Parking-Garage
Article 2: $16.75 million for upgrades to the Water Resource Recovery Facility.
The city’s WRRF—also known as the wastewater plant or the sewer treatment plant—is
badly in need of an upgrade because of aging and failing infrastructure. Obviously, the
ability to effectively treat wastewater and discharge clean water to the river is a top priority.
A straightforward aging-infrastructure (AI) project will cost around $9 million. Why,
then, are we proposing a $16.75 million project? The expanded project—called organics to
energy—is a more expansive overhaul and will allow the plant to treat commercial organic
wastes and create energy for use at the plant. The revenues from the new materials and the
energy savings will cover the difference between the $16.75 million and $9 million projects.
The organics-to-energy project, in fact, will be less expensive on an annual basis. This work
is also consistent with the city’s net zero and environmental stewardship goals.
Budget Background Information
The city hired an engineering firm for the first of three portions of the facility upgrade,
referred to as a preliminary engineering report. The report evaluates facility equipment
and compares lifecycle costs of various replacement options. During the study, additional
upgrade needs were identified, bringing the initial construction cost to $9 million, with a
subsequent upgrade needed in 10 years estimated at $5 million. These are essential plant
infrastructure needs referred to as aging-infrastructure (AI) work.
The WRRF staff has been able to do many projects, including energy-efficiency and aging-
infrastructure upgrades, to maintain the plant functions and reduce operating costs. Current
needs exceed in-house capabilities.
The Opportunity
The Montpelier WRRF gained recognition as a leader in energy efficiency and was featured
in a trade magazine. This was noted by Energy System Group (ESG) and prompted them
to reach out to the city. An energy services contract allows a not-to-exceed contract with
financial guarantees as opposed to traditional design build, where all contract overrun risk
is on the owner.
Changing the scope of the upgrade to
$16.75 million allows for up to 22,000
gallons per day of additional liquid organic
capacity with associated tipping fees along
with energy savings, which results in no
additional impact to ratepayers compared
with the AI work.
Organic waste and digester improvements
will increase gas production, creating an
opportunity for an energy-neutral facility.
The city anticipates a phase 2 project after
a methane production monitoring period.
The three primary options are electricity
production, solids drying, and compressed gas wholesale.
Guarantees and increased tipping fees result in reduced financial risk to the city.
Funding Opportunities
Pollution Control Grant—Funding has been allocated by the state legislature for this
project. The city will apply for a grant of over $2 million for the digester improvements
associated with this project.
Organics Infrastructure Grant—The city plans to apply for this grant, which includes
digester improvements. The maximum award amount is $500,000.
USDA Disposal Loan & Grant Program—City staff members will be meeting with USDA
Rural Development in late October to discuss funding opportunities. They offer low interest
rates and a range of 0–45% grant funding.
Environmental Benefits
Climate Protection Benefits
By implementing these infrastructure and energy-related measures, the city will reduce the
WRRF’s greenhouse gas emissions by 115 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent
to planting 135 acres of forest or removing the emissions from 25 passenger vehicles. This
will be primarily accomplished by expanding the heating system to include additional
buildings served by methane-fueled boiler. After methane gas energy conversion, the
emissions will be reduced by an additional 2,000 metric tons annually, which is equivalent
to planting 2,400 acres of forest or removing the emissions from 450 passenger cars.
Water Quality Benefits
The OE project will have a positive impact on water quality in Lake Champlain and its
watershed, as the WRRF will process and remove phosphorus from high-strength wastes
that would otherwise be discharged to the land as a non-point source. This would include
food wastes that are either land applied or placed into commercial digesters, the digestate of
which is land applied as fertilizer, septage which contributes phosphorus to the ground water
flowing into the lake. Additionally, the improved sludge digestion and dewatering systems
will reduce the amount of sludge that is transported and disposed of in a landfill.
Article 3: Charter change for non-citizen voting. This proposed change, submitted by
petition, would allow non-U.S. citizens living in the U.S. legally to vote in municipal
elections. They would not be able to vote in state or federal elections.
Article 4: Authority for sustainability actions. The city council has proposed a charter
change that would authorize the city to regulate single-use plastics such as plastic bags,
straws, etc. The key provision is:
§ 5-301. Powers and duties of City Council
(9) Regulate, license, or prohibit, within the boundaries of the City, point of sale distribution
of non-reusable plastic bags, non-reusable plastic straws and similar plastic products that are
not reusable, and to define what constitutes reusable in this context.
The full text of both proposed charter amendments is on the city’s website. If passed by local
voters, both of these charter amendments would require approval of the state legislature to
become effective.
These are all important issues for the city. Please have your voice heard by casting your ballot
on or before November 6.
As always , thank you for your interest in Montpelier city government and for reading this
page. Please contact me at (802) 223-9502 or wfraser@montpelier-vt.org with any questions
or comments.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 7

A Changing Downtown: Ripples of the Proposed Parking Garage

Continued from Page 1

Farmers’ Market expect, with a net gain of just 9 cars

Ever since development plans
began ramping up, the Capital
City Farmers’ Market has seen the
writing on the wall and has made
significant efforts to get out of the
Heney lot and find a new home.
Indeed, at the start of May, the plan
was to set up the market on State
Street—an idea that was tried out
during the fall of 2017. Changes to
the layout, however, led to increased
local opposition, which pushed the
market back into the Heney lot for
the summer.
With the help of Montpelier Alive,
the market is now negotiating with
all interested parties on a solution
that will keep part of the market
in the post-garage-reduced parking
lot and extend the rest on to State
Street, creating a hybrid. “It’s an
evolution of an existing idea,” says Dan Groberg, executive director of Montpelier Alive,
“We are working through the details with the merchants and others to make sure it’s going
to work and that we have a plan everyone can be excited about.” None of this has been set
in stone yet, he notes, but “that’s what we are working toward right now.”
Christ Episcopal Church
Although the Christ Church “does not desire to take a position on the merits of this project,”
according to a statement given to The Bridge, it could be impacted in several significant
ways, as the new parking garage will come to within eight feet of its rear property line. In
particular, church leaders are concerned about the impact on its plan to build low-income
housing on the site of the current parish house.
“We want to be certain,” the statement reads, “that any large project behind the church
building does not preclude construction of affordable housing on the church’s property, a
project that has been under discussion for nearly three years.” While the garage could make
a housing project less attractive to funders and potential tenants, by blocking all southward
views and sunlight, as well as squeezing the space around it, it would not kill the project,
church officials say.
The church also has special concerns regarding the impact on the current 150-year-old
historic sanctuary and current church operations. The church is seeking a “memorandum of
understanding” with the city, similar to one negotiated with the Bashara family, addressing
issues such as stormwater runoff, loss of parking, management of the increased elevation of
the church’s right-of-way, and the costs to the church of protecting itself from the impact
of such a large project.
Confluence Park
Although the parking garage is increasing in size, it has not affected the size of the planned
Confluence Park at the junction of the Winooski and North Branch rivers. However, a four-
story structure looming over it certainly changes the dynamics, making it “not as breathable,
not as open as it might have been,” according to Tino O’Brien, chairman of the board of
directors of the Vermont River Conservancy. “But it’s not a fatal flaw.” he said. “With some
plantings and some design, the park can still live up to its potential.”
The Vermont River Conservancy has received a grant from the Canaday Family Charitable
Trust to address the establishment of Confluence Park. The group is requesting proposals
from architects to submit designs for what that park might look like. O’Brien’s main
concern is about access to the park, particularly from State Street. On earlier blueprints
there appeared a very narrow access, between the parking garage and the existing “Garage”
building, but that appears to have been dropped. The access on the other (western) side
between the parking garage and the proposed Hampton Inn is also narrow and canyon-
like, he said. “I don’t think anybody has thought through the design of getting into the
Confluence Park,” O’Brien said.
Traffic on Taylor and State Streets
Will new traffic coming to and from the hotel and parking garage snarl Montpelier’s streets
even more? According to the “Proposed Capitol Plaza Hotel and Parking Garage Traffic
Study” released on Oct. 11 by Resource Systems Group, big problems don’t appear in the
cards, with the current Level of Service (LOS) to be more or less maintained at current service
levels, which vary from “A” to “F” in the surrounding intersections at rush hours (the worst
being the left turn off Taylor Street onto State Street, where the peak hour wait will increase
from 62 seconds to 73 seconds, the traffic engineer said). This also means they won’t get
better either, according to the report, but the net increase to traffic is less than people might
passing through the Taylor Street
intersection with State Street west
to east during the morning rush
hour, and 11 cars in the afternoon,
for example. “It’s how, relatively,
is it an unacceptable decrease or
degradation of that service level, and
in this case, it doesn’t not appear
to be,” said Public Works Director
Tom McArdle.
Furthermore, McArdle points
out, these numbers are worst-case
scenarios and don’t include many
mitigating factors, for example
people waving cars in or gaps created
by people parking down the street
or crossing it at the intersections,
and so “It functions a little better
than what the numbers actually
show.” He also notes that hotel
guests usually check in around 3 pm
and check out around 11 am. “That
makes this impact less than what you would normally see from other uses.” Shopping hours
on the other hand, do tend to coincide with peak-hour traffic, but shouldn’t impact it so
much, with just 38 spaces to be used as pay-by-the hour spots for retail shoppers.
“Traffic is a lot like water,” McArdle says. “The analogy is that you add more traffic, or more
water to the jug, it’s going to overflow. It doesn’t just back up and pile up, so people tend to
find other routes around so that it overflows to other points.”
As for a future solution to improving service, McArdle favors installing a roundabout
at Taylor and State in the future rather than any additional lights or stop signs. “In a
roundabout, traffic can clear the intersection, allowing other maneuvers to take place that
are able to freely move through it.”
The Rivers
With the Winooski and North Branch rivers butting up against the parking garage,
there’s understandable concern about the impact on water quality. However, during the
October 3 city council meeting, Fraser suggested that the garage might actually improve the
situation, thanks to the design and Confluence Park. “Most of the land it’s on—not all—is
currently asphalt and has no real treatment, so it just already sheds off into the river. The
garage will also be impervious, but it will have some treatment systems in it to collect what
runs down through the building and cleanse it, so while it won’t reduce the amount of flow
to the river, it’ll probably be cleaner.”
That view is echoed (but not put forward) by Gregory Rabideau, owner of Rabideau
Architects, who is designing the building. He confirms there will indeed be water-cleansing
mechanisms, albeit out of sight. “We are designing systems to take water flows from the
garage and scrub them of solids, such as cigarette butts, sand, gum wrappers, coffee, and
the like,” Rabideau explains, “and to remove oil, distillates, and anything that may have
dripped on the floor of the parking garage. Any kind of water that comes out of that garage
will not go to the storm system, but a water treatment facility, so before it leaves the site, it’ll
be scrubbed by a series of devices.” An example is a “cyclonic catch basin,” which spins the
water in a way to push all the contaminants out of the stream.
PAG E 8 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE
Montpelier Eyes Extensive Future Development
in New Downtown TIF District
T
he proposed Hampton Inn and Suites hotel and city parking garage, if built,
could be just the first of many development projects in Montpelier’s new Tax
Increment Finance (TIF) district, according to an August 30 “authorization”
document in which the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) approved
Montpelier’s TIF application.
If all the projects listed in the document were built over the next 10 years—an ambitious
goal—the value of the parcels where the projects would be built would increase by
$66.5 million. The eight potential projects listed include development of the granite
shed properties off Granite Street, Vermont Mutual’s property downtown, and Sabin’s
Pasture.
The VEPC document also said the city is considering seven infrastructure projects
(including the $10.1 million parking garage) that would cost a total of $17 million, of
which the city would finance $15.8 million. Among other things, these would include
upgrades to water and sewer lines and new sidewalks on the eastern end of Barre Street,
as well as a new road to serve Sabin’s Pasture and property owned by the Vermont
College of Fine Arts (VCFA), according to the document.
Another city infrastructure project would involve improvements to the Main Street-
Barre Street intersection, which the document says is considered “failed” by state and
federal transportation officials. “Additional significant development along Barre Street
will exacerbate the congestion, dangerous pedestrian/bicycle crossing, and turning
access,” the document states.
TIF districts, which require state approval to create, are being used in Vermont to
promote downtown development. The Montpelier TIF District approved by the state
runs from Bailey Street through the downtown and out Barre Street to Sabin’s Pasture.
It includes 148 properties on 182 acres.
Here is how the state explains TIF districts on its website: “TIF districts are a tool for
municipalities to finance public infrastructure spending and spur downtown property
redevelopment …The property values at the time the District is created are determined
and the property taxes generated by that original value continue to be paid to the taxing
authorities (municipality and the State Education Fund).”
After the state approves a district and a municipality incurs debt for a public
infrastructure project (e.g., the garage) in the district, the municipality is allowed to
retain a portion of all property tax revenue growth within the district for 20 years to
pay for the infrastructure bond.
In Montpelier’s case, the city is dedicating 100 percent of municipal property tax
revenue from new development or property appreciation in the district to financing
the bond—more than the 85 percent minimum required—and it is being allowed by
the state to divert 70 percent of any new school tax revenue increases in the district to
payments on bonds instead of to the state education fund. That means if any property
in the district appreciates in value after the bond kicks in, most of the additional tax
revenue would go to paying off the bond.
The authorization document says that Montpelier has identified three tiers of development
potential within the district. These development projects are not at all certain to occur
but are those the city told VEPC could happen if a TIF district was approved.
By Phil Dodd
In fact, one of the projects listed—development of housing at VCFA—is on hold. VCFA
President Thomas Greene said that “while we have an interest in developing or having
someone develop our property on Barre Street, one party that expressed interest has
stepped away and we are not having any active conversations about development at this
time.”
The first tier of projects shown in the VEPC authorization includes five projects that the
city told VEPC are the “most likely” to proceed in the near term. These are:
• The 80-plus room Hampton Inn and Suites, which would start in 2018 and increase
the grand list by $6.494 million.
• A new building, to start in 2019, where the Gulf Station was located on State Street,
with an estimated value increase of $783,000. Developer Thom Lauzon has said the
building could include offices and possibly housing.
• New housing developments on land owned by VCFA, to be built in three phases in
2019, 2022, and 2023, with a total increase of $12.1 million in the grand list.
• A 30-unit affordable housing project behind Christ Church, to start in 2021, which
would boost the grand list by $1 million.
• Two developments on the site of the Barre Street granite sheds, both to start in 2020,
one a housing project that would boost the grand list by $3.479 million, and one a
commercial building that would increase the grand list by $3.137 million.
Tier 2 projects are those with owner-investor interest in development that could benefit
from the economic momentum of Tier 1 projects. These are:
• Vermont Mutual’s building and parking lots, which the city has long eyed for
development. Vermont Mutual needs expanded office space and additional parking,
and the document says conversations between the state, city, and Vermont Mutual
have begun. Work on the site could begin in 2021 and would boost the grand list by
$8.665 million, the document indicates.
• 225 units of housing on Sabin’s Pasture, to be built in two phases in 2021 and 2024,
with grand list additions of $14.725 million and $14 million, respectively. The TIF
authorization came with the condition on Sabin’s Pasture that “TIF funds only
support infrastructure improvements for those private development projects that take
place in the high density-zoned portion,” which is on the lower portion of the parcel.
Tier 3 projects are defined as those with the potential for development in a 10-year
window. Only one is listed:
• The Capital Dry Cleaners building at the corner of Barre and Main “could be
converted to three stories of office space, should the Barre/Main intersection be
upgraded and additional development in the area flourishes,” the VEPC document
says. The project could begin in 2022 and would increase the grand list by $2.237
million.
In discussing the city’s application for a TIF District, VEPC said that Montpelier had
cited “lack of improved or expanded public infrastructure, aging underground pipes,
brownfield contamination, [and] inadequate parking as major barriers to development
of private projects. In addition, the City notes that private sector development has been
almost non-existent for many years.”
Among other things, VEPC also said that “Montpelier’s bond debt is higher than
comparable towns, but their ability to assume debt is also somewhat higher based on
median household income.” A chart in the memo shows Montpelier’s per capita debt is
$3,858, with a median household income of $60,347. By comparison, Barre’s per capita
debt is $1,711 and its median household income is $36,992.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 9
Artisans Hand Celebrates 40 Years of Inspiration
Compiled by Maggie Neale and Jill Pralle
(Left to right) Missy Storrow, Maggie Neale, Deborah Van Ness, Jill Pralle, and Marietta Rhyne at the Artisans Hand. Photo by Maggie Neale
I
n November 1978, a group of area craftspeople set up a holiday market on Langdon
Street across from Horn of the Moon Café. The 17 artisans assembled their work,
divided up tasks, held their breath, and opened the doors. The first two months were
so successful that they decided to continue into the new year.
That was 40 years ago. Through the years, Artisans Hand has moved from Langdon
Street to State Street, and then, after the flood of 1992, to higher ground and our
current location at 89 Main Street in City Center. We have reduced our board from
17 to 6 and added a lot more exhibitors—currently numbering around 130. We’ve also
earned the distinction of being recognized as a Vermont State Craft Center.
The logo, created by founding member Mary Azarian, originally featured two medieval
characters, a pear tree, and a hand offering a pear, but has been simplified to a hand
with a pear, symbolizing the offering of the gift.
How has a craft gallery survived for so long? Artisans Hand is still cooperatively run by
the six members of the board, who work shifts at the gallery and divide up tasks. We
also have an excellent permanent staff: Jill Pralle is the gallery manager and Deborah
Van Ness serves as assistant manager. Seven part-time staff members, all of whom are
knowledgeable and dedicated, assist as well.
Serving on the board are jewelers Lochlin Smith, Bill Butler, and Stephen Noyes; potters
Leslie Koehler and Lucinda Rochester; and silk painter Maggie Neale. Each focuses on
a different aspect of the running of the gallery: Lochlin and Leslie (with Jill) are the
“display geniuses” and form the personnel committee. Maggie is the promotions and
publicity queen. Lucinda serves as board secretary and handles varied tasks for events
and operations. Bill is in charge of lighting and special projects, for example, a campaign
to provide reading glasses for indigenous craftspeople in South America. Steve is the
able maintenance guy. Wayne Ladd, a former woodworker and gallery exhibitor from
Randolph, is the gallery’s numbers cruncher and accountant.
As it celebrates its 40th year, Artisans Hand feels honored to help Vermont artisans earn
a sustainable living as craftspeople and is grateful for the support of customers and the
community.
On November 3, Artisans Hand will offer the usual 20 percent discount plus an extra
5 percent to those who clip the 25 percent off coupon in this paper. In addition, there
will be a raffle, treats, and prizes, including a celebratory pear dark chocolate bar created
by Nutty Steph’s in Middlesex for sale at the gallery.
Artisans Hand invites you to visit and celebrate this milestone!
Clip this coupon for more savings at Artisans Hand!
PAG E 10 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Young Entrepreneurs Get a Taste of Business

By Lee Wilschek

W
Izzy Gil
hen you first meet Isabelle (Izzy) He had sent out an entry form in June to the three schools in Montpelier and received
Gil, you might think she’s a shy enough interest to cover five weekends during the summer. One of those respondents
10-year-old. However, when was Izzy, who sold her key lime cupcakes with a lemon glaze, apple cider doughnuts,
you get her talking about her interests “FunFetti” cupcakes, and, of course, the amazing chocolate doughnuts with the
in life, you will encounter a completely raspberry glaze. She made about one dozen of each and sold everything. The money
different person. she made was put back into the business to cover expenses and buy more products.
Izzy is genuine, spunky, creative, and Plus, there was a little left over for her special purchases, such as candy or movie
curious. Recently, she’s became quite tickets.
entrepreneurial as well, transforming a This success also caught the eye of Jen and Kip Roberts at Onion River Outdoors,
life-threatening allergy to eggs into a part- who asked if she would be interested in selling her baked goods on Saturday mornings
time, money-making business called Gil during the summer to complement the 802 Coffee in the lounge area. She managed
Bakes. to bake for three Saturdays, making another round of her specialties, and again,
With the help of her mother, Adrienne Gil, selling out. Another success! This was followed shortly by Kids’ Day at the Capital
she rifled through cookbooks and spoke City Farmers’ Market. Again,
Photos by Adrienne Gil Izzy shined with her amazing
with local bakers to create gluten-free and
vegan donuts and cupcakes. Izzy takes creations and was the first to
the lead, while Adrienne brings things sell out.
together and works as her sous chef. Izzy When you ask Izzy what she
is also taking cooking classes at Main likes best about her baking
Street Middle School through an after- business, she says “It sounded
school program. Using local products like fun, and I really like to
as much as possible, Izzy created some cook. I also like making my
really amazing combinations, including a own money.” It also gives Izzy
chocolate doughnut with a fresh raspberry and her mom the chance to
glaze, using raspberries picked the previous bond, particularly over music.
day at LePage Farm. Izzy says, “Mom knows all
Her first community support came from the words to every ’80s’ song
Richard Sheir of The Quirky Pet, who that comes on the radio.” But
offered to support young entrepreneurs on Saturday mornings from 11 am to 1:30 pm. He it was also an education, with
created a banner that was placed above his store window, gave them the sidewalk space in challenges such as speaking to
front of his store for them set up their tables, and helped them with suggestions on how adults about her products and
to use social media in their marketing, as well as getting change for that day’s sales. The explaining her egg allergy.
idea was to encourage young people to explore their creative sides while learning real-world She also felt that she learned
business principles. quite a lot about marketing
and managing money.
As to the future of Izzy’s
baking career, it’s currently at
350 degrees in the oven.
Lee Wilschek is the mother of
Adrienne Gil and grandmother Izzy Gil.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 11

Candidates for Washington County Senate Share Their Views

The Bridge invited all seven candidates for three Washington County Senate seats to respond to our candidate questionnaire on issues facing
the legislature in the 2019-2020 biennium. There is one open seat this term because Sen. Francis Brooks of Montpelier did not seek re-election.
Incumbents seeking re-election are Sens. Ann Cummings and Anthony Pollina. Here are the candidates’ responses.

Ken Alger, Republican Chris Bradley, Republican Ann Cummings, Democrat

from South Barre from Northfield from Montpelier

Andrew Perchlik, Democrat Anthony Pollina, Progressive/ Dwayne Tucker, Republican Barry Wadle, Independent
from Montpelier Democrat from Middlesex from Barre from Barre Town

The Bridge: If there was one bill you could guarantee would become law in 2019
what would it be?
Ken Alger: I would like to see a bill passed that would save our green spaces in
Vermont. The destruction of our environment in order to meet our renewable energy
needs should be addressed. Vermont has acres of paved parking lots that could be
utilized by raising solar panels above parking spots. Rooftop applications should be
encouraged as well. Tax incentives for private business and a mandate for state-owned
buildings and paved areas to meet these goals should be included. Testing of biofuels
in our state fleet of diesel trucks should also be included.
Chris Bradley: I’d like to see the state address the problems that are currently inherent
in our educational system. Other than pre-kindergarten, our student populations are
declining, yet costs keep rising and outcomes are not as good as I feel they should be.
We have an overabundance of teachers with one of the highest teacher-to-student ratios
in the country, and we have not been able to do basic things like adopting a single
healthcare plan for all of Vermont's teachers. This is simply not sustainable.
The existing method of raising money to pay for our schools, which is primarily based
on property tax, is, at best, convoluted. As opposed to basing educational funding on
property owned, I would like to see an income-based approach which provides for
more straightforward and easily understood calculations. Beyond that, I would like
to see school choice with a voucher system considered that would hopefully allow for
the creation of private schools that would provide a more competitive environment for
education in Vermont.
Ann Cummings: The only bill that must pass is the budget. Without it state
government will shut down on July 1. What other bills pass will depend on the
makeup of the House and Senate and the governor.
Andrew Perchlik: I can’t decide between a family care bill providing comprehensive
family leave and increased child care funding, and a climate action bill to lower
emissions, boost innovation, and grow the Vermont climate economy.
Anthony Pollina: A bill I will introduce to move from property toward income to
fund schools, making the education funding system more fair and simpler.
Dwayne Tucker: To reduce state government spending and to reduce taxes to make
Vermont more affordable to live in.
Barry Wadle: After reviewing the proposed bills, I don’t have any single bill in mind.
My overall goal is to decrease spending and cut government regulations wherever
possible.
What, if any, changes should be made to the way Vermonters pay for schools?
Alger: I would like to see the per-student value that the state submits to go to each
municipality to be dispensed as student vouchers for the school of their choice.
Bradley: Based on 2016 census data, Vermont spent the fourth-highest amount in the
country at $17,873 per pupil; and we also have one of the highest ratios of teachers
to students in the country. Despite these two facts, the results are less than what they
should be, and this needs to be addressed. With the proximity to New Hampshire,
which does not have a sales tax, it is not, in my opinion, feasible to consider shifting
the cost of education onto sales tax, and it appears to me that basing educational
funding on property tax is not optimal. We really have no choice but to look at an
income-based approach.
Cummings: We will be exploring the possibility of going to a more income-based
approach. If we decide to do anything, I want to make sure it doesn’t threaten the
stability of school funding. Income, especially at the higher levels, can be highly
volatile. That’s one reason that state revenues go through a feast or famine cycle. We
have to be able to provide a stable education system even during times of famine. Last
session we removed the general fund transfer from the education fund. It was replaced
with all the revenue from the sales tax and some rooms and meals tax. Those taxes
reflect income. We will need to monitor this change closely for any negative impacts
on the fund. There is also an independent “Blue Ribbon” tax committee that will be
looking exclusively at the property tax.
Perchlik: We should be transitioning our education funding to a mix of property and
income taxes. Our schools are providing many social services beyond basic education
and should be supported through our progressive income tax.
Continued on next page
PAG E 12 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE
Pollina: Currently, even with “income sensitivity,” middle- and lower-income families
pay a greater percentage of their income to fund schools than higher-income families.
That’s not fair. We should move to an income-based funding system which is simpler
and more fair, having everyone pay their fair share. Doing so would also result in
additional revenue which should be used to lower taxes for middle- and lower-income
families or be invested in making our state colleges affordable or tuition free.
Tucker: Not to increase taxes, but to consolidate smaller schools and streamline
administrative costs.
Wadle: I believe that parents need to be more involved and be responsible to pay for
part of their children’s education.
The cost to clean up pollution in Lake Champlain has been estimated at $1.3
billion. How should we pay for it?
Alger: This number seems to be bantered around as some magic that will completely
clean the whole of Lake Champlain. I would like to see the breakdown before deciding
how Vermonters should foot this bill. Vermont is one state that borders the lake along
with New York and Canada. We as a state have been taking major steps to reduce
runoff from farms to the point where they are over-regulated. The municipalities that
continually dump raw sewage into the waterways need to take the steps necessary to
avoid this with some form of penalty at each discharge. Watersheds in each county
could be monitored to see where the biggest problems lie. These things should be
formulated before any taxing is introduced.
Bradley: The pollution of Lake Champlain did not occur overnight. It will take years
to clean this up. Runoff from impervious surfaces accounts for a good percentage of
problem, and while we have been proactive with new development in engineering
retention ponds and the like, older development that was built prior is an issue.
Another aspect of this is our own local sewage treatment plants, which in many cases
need upgrading. Municipalities such as Montpelier, which regularly pollutes the
Winooski, must be forced to address the shortcoming of their system, and this likely
means the prospect of increasing fines.
While probably not a significant source of revenue, we should consider putting a
question on the Vermont income tax form to allow donations to the Lake Champlain
cleanup, similar to what we do for Fish & Wildlife.
If we are to have legal marijuana, then we must consider a tax-and-regulation system,
and then consider splitting the revenues across four areas: Support for law enforcement
and the costs of taxing and regulation, education/treatment/prevention, debt reduction,
and lake cleanup.
Cummings: To date, the governor has refused to have this discussion, preferring to
rely on growth in the economy and bonding. Looking at the numbers, it’s obvious we
need additional funding sources. Whatever source(s) we choose should be equitable
with some weighting for contribution to the problem.
Perchlik: Cleaning up all polluted waters should be a top priority, and while there
is some short-term funding, long-term cost-effective ways to prevent more pollution
from entering our waterways must be enacted. The solution will need funding, but also
regulations and education. I’m not a fan of the per-parcel fee proposed, but it is the
only real idea I’ve heard any politician propose so we should find the best/fairest way
to make that work—unless someone can present a better idea.
Pollina: First, realize that the longer we wait, the more expensive the cleanup of our
waters will be. There are at least three primary options to consider. Bonding, which of
course is borrowing, which puts off the real costs; a so-called per-parcel fee, essentially a
land tax that would have to be designed to ensure that impervious surfaces like parking
lots pay a higher fee than a homestead or well-managed farm field, and an occupancy
fee on hotel rooms that would largely be paid by out-of-state visitors. None are ideal
and none alone is likely to raise enough money, although the occupancy fee could be
easiest, most efficient, and effective. There may be other options put on the table but
these are three that deserve debate. The only certainty is that we must decide on long-
term funding soon.
Tucker: We should ask the towns and cities responsible for sewage spillage to contribute
to the waste cleanup.
Wadle: This is a cost we cannot afford right now. We have to take a careful look at the
budget and find where monies can be allocated.
Are you satisfied with the state's approach to fighting the abuse of opioids and
other drugs? What would you do differently?
Alger: No, I think we should make it more difficult for dealers. I believe we should
have mandatory sentencing with a mandate to send convicted dealers to out-of-state
prisons. Addicts need access to detox centers with mental health help.
Bradley: I believe the state has taken a number of reasonable steps in the fight against
opioid abuse, and we are already doing what should be reasonably expected. In many
cases, opioid abuse is directly related to chronic pain, and historically patients were not
as carefully warned about the addictive effects, with the now clearly seen result of more
folks being addicted. Expanded education and law enforcement could only further
help, and I would support these initiatives.
Cummings: Vermont is a national leader in opioid treatment. However, we need to
do a lot more. We have a good base system, but we need to do better with outreach.
Too many people are dying; too many families are living with toxic amounts of stress,
and too many children are bringing the results to school. We could do more with more
resources. That’s one reason I supported a tax on opioid producers last session. The
manufacturers have reaped huge profits from the misery they caused. They should help
pay to clean up their mess.
Perchlik: I’m not satisfied with the level of suffering our communities are dealing with
because of the misuse of opioids and other drugs. I do not have enough information
about the state’s approach to know if it is working. I do support the work of our drug
court(s). On the campaign trail, I heard from voters that they want to see more mental
health and drug addiction services available. We should ensure that any Vermonter
seeking help is able to get quality care and not be forced to wait six months to get an
appointment or into a program. I would increase prevention programs/education. I’d
also like the state to hold the pharmaceutical companies that aggressively and carelessly
marketed these drugs accountable for more of the funding to fix the problem they
profited from. We also need to provide more support for counseling and mental health
services for those who need help related to drugs.
Pollina: I am not sure we need to do things differently regarding opioids, but we
do need to do more with early intervention and school-based prevention programs.
We also need to fully recognize that drug abuse is, in many ways, linked to poverty
and a sense of hopelessness that is growing as our economy continues to shift in the
direction of the wealthy and income inequality grows. Last year, median family income
in Vermont fell. Median income is now about where it was in 2007, while costs of
everything has gone up, making it very difficult for many families to make ends meet,
leading to a loss of hope and desire to escape.
Continued on next page
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 13

Tucker: I am not satisfied with Vermont’s fight against opioids and other drugs. I Cummings: I am beginning to have doubts that a one-size-fits-all incentive program
would like to see more long-term treatment facilities instead of safe injection sites or is the best model for Vermont. Most of our businesses are very small. We need to
methadone clinics. I would support a statewide effort to stop the flow of drugs coming tailor-make our support to fit each unique business. We have to guide them through
into this state, and support harsher punishment on drug dealers. the permitting process and help them reach outside markets. The success we’ve had
Wadle: No, I am not. Especially with proposed and thankfully defeated “shoot up with the aerospace industry at the Burlington airport is an example of things being
zones.” We need to toughen up on this issue. We are pandering to addicts and giving done well. The final necessity is to ensure that every home and business in Vermont
out free Narcan while children with severe allergies are forced to pay for their EpiPens. has access to high-speed internet and cell phone service. The response to last year's bill
We need to toughen up on the dealers and restore family values back to Vermont. offering to pay some expenses for people who moved to Vermont to work from home
for their present employer, was surprising. I think we could do more to attract people
Do you support a regulated and taxed retail marijuana market in Vermont and, interested in starting businesses, or working from home and enjoying the Vermont
if you do, how would you spend any additional tax revenue those sales might lifestyle.
produce?
Perchlik: There are tremendous opportunities in the electric transportation and
Alger: If the federal government takes marijuana out of the schedule-one drug category, renewable heating/cooling sectors of our economy. For every dollar spent on fossil fuels
I would be inclined to tax and regulate it. As it is still a schedule-one drug, the federal for our transportation or home-heating needs, roughly 80 cents leaves the state. By
government could use this as leverage to remove funding from our state. Any additional investing in solutions like electric vehicles and advanced wood heating we can lower
tax revenue will most likely be utilized by having added a new bureaucracy to regulate our energy bills while keeping 80 cents of every dollar in-state growing local businesses.
the substance. We will then need a new substance abuse and treatment program, new
testing for driving under the influence, etc. I am not sure this will be the gold mine it Pollina: Establishing or designating a “public” bank would allow us to invest more
promises. in local economic development. We currently deposit Vermont funds (Vermont tax
dollars, etc.) in TD Bank. If we deposited our funds in a Vermont institution, it could
Bradley: While I was not immediately in favor of legalizing marijuana, as previously then work through our local banks to increase investment in our Vermont economy.
mentioned, Pandora’s box is now open with Vermont in line to have to deal with all of We already have a program I initiated called “10% for Vermont” that directs that
the seen and unforeseen negative effects that will result. It therefore seems reasonable to portion of our funds to local investments. We should do more.
me to try and tax/regulate this market, with the revenue being split between supporting
the cost to install such a system and enforce it, education/treatment/prevention, debt Tucker: I would continue the support of agriculture and tourism in Vermont. I feel
reduction, and lake cleanup. strongly about growing a local economy, increasing business growth, and having
Vermont become more sustainable.
Cummings: I do support a regulated and taxed retail marijuana market in Vermont.
That’s the reason I supported the original Senate bill. Any revenues should first go Wadle: In order to improve Vermont’s economy we need to loosen regulations and
to maintain the system. Then they should go toward law enforcement to pay for be more business friendly. This would attract more businesses to Vermont, which in
any additional costs incurred as a result of the change. Finally, we need to have a return will provide jobs and boost the economy. Also, we need to embrace the new
sophisticated education system for parents, schools, and children of all age levels. We marijuana laws and use it to our advantage. This could be a major tourist draw and
do it for cigarettes and alcohol and now we must do even better for marijuana. major boost for the economy.
Perchlik: I do support a regulated and taxed retail market. Primary funding should Is Vermont doing enough to improve energy efficiency and self-sufficiency?
go to the regulation of the cannabis market, public education, and public health needs. Alger: The past Vermont legislators seem to be doing their best to punish and force
Only after fully funding those needs should cannabis revenue go to the General Fund Vermonters to improve their energy efficiency. They allow the power companies to
to support other priorities. charge extra fees so they can give discounts help to business and some homeowners—
Pollina: I support a regulated and taxed retail system for marijuana. Any revenue
should go to education and enforcement costs and to support for higher education, Continued on next page
state colleges, and vocational education.
Tucker: I do not support it.
Wadle: Yes, I do. Marijuana is already legal and with no established retail market it is
a free-for-all on the black market. A safe, regulated system will provide consumers with
a safe product and the profits can be used to fix our state’s roughly $3.2 billion deficit
and deflated pension funds.
What new ideas do you have for growing Vermont's economy? Is there a sector in
which the state could do more?
Alger: I think we could take a cue from the federal government and commit to some
deregulation on business. There are many places where we could maintain standards
and not force our business out of this state. The state could utilize tax stabilization
programs to get business back into the downtowns and bring in new business to other
areas that will create opportunities for Vermonters.
Bradley: As opposed to passing bills that attempt to bribe people to move to Vermont,
I would suggest we provide interest-free grants/loans to selected Vermont small
businesses. A competitive process would allow for the selection of the most promising
businesses, with money given with the understanding that, after a certain amount of
time that shows the investment was a success—the business would then pay that money
back so that it could be used again for other investment in Vermont businesses.
PAG E 14 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE
basically a tax on your power. Most Vermonters I know try to keep their energy costs
low to stay within their budget.
Bradley: Vermont is not doing all it can to improve energy efficiency and self-
sufficiency, but forward motion on this effort must be balanced with what we can
afford. For example, while perhaps good intentioned, things like a carbon tax will
be a huge burden on average Vermonters, and significant increases in programs like
LIHEAP will occur. We have Vermonters today who are making decisions between
the medications they need and their other expenses (food, clothing, housing); I am
very concerned that by raising the cost per gallon of things like gas, diesel, and home
heating oil, the impact on Vermonters will be severe.
Cummings: When we started, we were national leaders. The first state to establish an
energy efficiency utility. But we cannot rest on our laurels. We can always do more.
The energy market is changing rapidly and we need to continually reassess our rules
and programs to make sure they are meeting the current needs. We need to continue
to be open to innovation and to be willing to change with the times.
Perchlik: We have a best-in-the-nation approach to energy efficiency with our well-
regulated efficiency utilities. As far as “self-sufficiency,” I don’t think that should be
a goal by itself. There are areas where investing in building local food, energy, and
manufactured goods here in Vermont can have huge economic returns, and the state
should be working to improve that type of local production.
Pollina: We have made a lot of progress in electrical energy efficiency. However, we
need to do much more in the areas of transportation and home heating. We should
invest more in public transport, including rail and lower-cost electric vehicles and
we need to invest more in home weatherization and technologies like heat pumps,
advanced wood heat systems, and home solar to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for home
heating.
Tucker: No. I still would like to see efficiency improve by utilizing hydroelectricity and
not continuing to build solar farms.
Wadle: No, we can always do more. In the future, I would look into hydroelectricity.
Vermont’s landscape makes hydroelectricity very appealing.
Is there an issue or policy on which your view differs from those in the national
party you represent? Please cite an example.
Alger: There may be one. The free trade issue. The Republican Party believes in free
trade. I believe we need some protections as Americans. Our president introduced
tariffs on aluminum and steel that protected American workers, union workers. These
actions made it clear to Mexico and Canada that he would renegotiate previous deals,
now we have the USMCA that will help Vermont's agriculture and economy.
Bradley: It is my own personal belief that a woman has the right to choose whether or
not she should bring a child into this world; I therefore strongly believe in a woman's
right to choose. While I do understand the feelings of those who believe in a right to
life, these good folks are free to live their lives according to their beliefs. I concede the
point that these folks should not be forced to pay for things that they do not believe
in, but unfortunately our tax laws don't allow for that sort of flexibility. For example,
some may not believe in supporting the conflicts in Iraq, Syria, or Afghanistan, but
they still have to pay their share. In a similar vein, and while I do not categorize myself
as a member of the LGBTQ community, these good folks are who they are, and they
deserve the same rights and privileges as are afforded to cisgender folks.
Cummings: I can’t think of anything obvious. However, I’ll admit that I haven’t read
all the party platforms and issue papers.
Perchlik: I do not agree with the national Democratic Party’s efforts to suppress ballot
access for new parties and independents. Despite the Democratic Party’s name, the
national party has worked against democratic policies to improve new political parties’
access to the ballot. The national party is strong in their rhetorical anger over the
policies of the Republican Party but works against efforts to create new political parties
to campaign alongside the Democrats for common prosperity and against injustice.
Pollina: Political parties should firmly reject corporate money and so-called dark
money from anonymous donors that are used to fund campaigns. I do not accept
corporate money.
Tucker: My views align with the national party.
Wadle: This question is not applicable since I am running as an independent. I did
not want any affiliation.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 15

HEARD ON THE STREET

City Saves $47,000 As Former Superintendent Ricca Lands Job in St. Johnsbury
Former Montpelier School Superintendent Dr. Brian Ricca, who left his position in
Montpelier on June 30 after his contract was not renewed, has been hired as interim
superintendent by the St. Johnsbury School District, according to a Sept. 12 report by
WCAX. He will work three days a week for 10 months for $60,000, the report said.
The Montpelier School Board had agreed to pay Ricca $93,000 plus benefits for nine
months after he left his position, unless he found another job, a decision which prompted
some questions from the public. According to Montpelier-Roxbury School Board Chair
Jim Murphy, the fact that Ricca is now employed will save Montpelier-Roxbury about
$47,000 in salary and benefits.
Winooski Decides Against Putting Non-Citizen Voting on Ballot
Earlier this fall, it appeared that Montpelier and Winooski would have charter changes
on their November 6 ballots to give non-citizens who live in the city the right to vote in
municipal elections. Against this expectation, the Winooski City Council voted, 3-2, on
September 17 not to put the issue on the ballot and to study the matter further, leaving
Montpelier as the only municipality voting on the issue this year. In Montpelier, the
proposed charter change was put on the ballot by petition.
An August 30 memo from Winooski’s attorney, Robert DiPalma, to Winooski City
Manager Jessie Baker said that both the Vermont Constitution and state statutes have
a citizenship requirement for voting. Therefore, although the issue is not settled, he
predicted that the Vermont Supreme Court would “conclude that the citizenship
requirement is applicable to local elections,” making any charter change to allow non-
citizen voting “subject to challenge as a violation of the constitutional requirement.”
Both the Winooski and Montpelier proposed charter changes would allow non-citizens
to vote, but the wording in each is different. Winooski’’s proposal would have allowed
“all residents” to vote in local elections. Montpelier’s would allow voting by a “non-
citizen who resides in the United States on a permanent or indefinite basis in compliance
with federal immigration laws.” All charter changes must be approved by the legislature.

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PAG E 16 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

OP-ED Madness or Magic? A Druid’s

Perspective of Moonlight By Fearn Lickfield

W
hat is the connection between the moon and new moon, waxing, and old. She is the source of life, death,
madness about? Why do the words “lunacy” and Queen of the Night transformation, regeneration, and renewing. She and her two
“lunar” share the same etymological root? war goddess sisters, Madness and Violence, Badb and Neiman,
Lunacy is an English word from the mid-16th century that Hail to thee, appeared in the form of crows.
originally referred to insanity of an intermittent kind, attributed Jewel of the night! Whatever our gender, the Queen of the Night enchants us all
to the cyclical changes of the moon. This effect is still prevalent Beauty of the heavens, with her changeable beauty and allure. Few are immune to the
today. Anyone who works in a psychiatric facility or mental wonder of a full moonrise, the graceful curve of the waxing
health ward can tell you that things get decidedly more active
Jewel of the night! or waning crescent, or the glow of silvery light reflected on a
and interesting at the time of full moon. Why is this? Mother of the stars, snowy landscape.
In western European magical tradition, the moon is associated
Jewel of the Night! Rituals with the Moon
with water, tides, the underworld, emotions, intuition, Fosterling of the sun,
Moon Sipping: At the time of full moon, Green Mountain
receptivity, change, and enchantment. At the time of a Jewel of the night!
Druids are trained to engage in a breathing practice to bring the
full moon, the volume is turned up on all things emotional, Majesty of the stars, light of the moon into their bodies, which brings the qualities
intuitive, and there is an increase in psychic phenomena. It is Jewel of the night! of enchantment and the love of the Goddess into the spirit. To
the height of lunar light and power. In this liminal time, we are do so, gaze at the full moon, close one eye, and tip your head
more likely to see, sense, and feel beyond our five senses. For up until you can see a ray of moonlight coming toward you.
people who struggle with mental challenges or illness, the full
-Traditional Scottish hymn in Carmina
Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael Open your mouth and sip this ray of light into your heart.
moon can exacerbate instability, sometimes pushing a person Close eyes, swallow, and “see” the light dropping down your
over the edge of sanity. Thus, becoming a lunatic. spine and landing in your pelvic bowl. Exhale. Open one eye
For Druids and others who walk a nature-centered spiritual path, the moon can help access and repeat four more times.
other realms and magic. In Druidry, we align with the cycles and seasons to connect, Wand work: Druids craft wands from the wood of a tree of their choice. Wands are a
reflect, release, and manifest. We know that the moon, stars, and planets have a qualitative magical tool of the will, manifestation, and co-creation, manifesting different things in
and physical effect on all growing things, including us. This understanding brings us the accordance with the phases of the moon. For example, the dark moon is a time for initiating
opportunity to work consciously with these cycles. This is what magic is all about. In other new energies, projects, and intentions that we want to grow, while the full moon is a time for
words, magic is “conscious co-creation.” empowering our dreams and goals with wholeness and power, for bringing them to fullness.
Many cultures see the moon as feminine because of the strong connection between the lunar With everything that is going on in the world and our country at this time, we know there
cycle and the menstrual cycles of women. One example is the Irish Goddess Morrigan, who is a need for more conscious co-creation. Let us ride this full moon tide with clear intent.
has three aspects which reflect the moon’s three phases—maiden, nymph, and crone—the Let us work with nature, not to create more madness in our crazy world, but to create more
magic.
What is the world you wish to manifest?
Imagine it, feel it, see it in its fullness like the moon, and send it off for the good of all
beings.
Arrrrooooooooooooo!!!!
Fearn Lickfield is director of the Green Mountain School of Druidry. Learn more at
greenmountaindruidorder.org
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 17

Montpelier Comes Alive at

Night for Moonlight Madness
By Dan Groberg, director of Montpelier Alive

M
oonlight Madness takes over downtown
Montpelier from 5 to 9 pm on Friday,
October 19. Join us downtown for street
performances, extended shopping hours, restaurant
specials, and some of the best sales of the year.
Maiz Vargas and Meghan McClure kick off
the entertainment at 5 pm in City Hall Plaza
with acrobatics, juggling, fire, and music. The
Real McCoy headlines with a 40-minute circus
and comedy show at 6 pm in City Hall Plaza.
Throughout the evening, performers can be found
all around downtown, including musicians, hoop
dancer Rebeccah Brinton, fire poi spinner Naosha
LeStat, and Boston-based magician Felice Ling.
Nearly every store downtown will feature 20 percent
off storewide, with others offering significant
discounts on specific items. Twenty-percent-off
sales can be found at Artisans Hand, Bailey Road,
Bear Pond Books, The Book Garden, Capital Kitchen, Capitol Stationers, Capitol
Plaza Gift Shop, Global Gifts, No. 9, Roam Vermont, Splash Naturals, Woodbury
Mountain Toys, and Yarn. Other great sales will be offered at Delish, The Drawing
Board, Salaam, and Pinky’s on State. Also, Rebel Heart will hold its grand opening
celebration!
Julio’s Cantina, North Branch Café, Sarducci’s, and Three Penny Taproom will offer
specials to downtown shoppers. Other events include wine tasting at Pinky’s on State,
the Honky Tonk Happy Hour at Sweet Melissa’s, and the closing performance of Lost
Nation Theater’s Disappearances.
For the most up-to-date performance schedule and information on all the deals,
specials, and events, visit www.montpelieralive.org/moonlight.
PAG E 18 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Soulmate(s): When Film and Vermont are a Perfect Match

By Sarah Davin

A
“One of the things we really wanted to bring into this film, and one of the
deep passion for the Green Mountain The dedication of Case and Lynn to authenticity
reasons why we wanted to set it here, is because we have a lot of nostalgia
State lies at the heart of the movie is also demonstrated by their determination to
for home and we wanted to show people into that world.”
Soulmate(s), the filming of which film in the state. “Our first week, we shot at a
in Vermont just concluded. The film stars —Stephanie Lynn home in Williston that was a 200-year-old house.
Stephanie Lynn and Alexandra Case, who also So, something like that, you can’t quite get in
Alexandra Case (left) and Stephanie Lynn (right)
cowrote the film and are Vermont natives. Lynn Photo Credit: Soulmate(s) Instagram Los Angeles or some sort of a Hallmark movie.
grew up in Montpelier and graduated from There is a sort of aesthetic and flavor that it brings
Montpelier High School, and Case grew up that you just can’t really cheat. You can’t build
in the Windsor County town of Brownsville. that on some studio,” said Lynn. The film also
Both looked forward to capturing their home includes shots of Burlington, St. Albans, Jericho,
state on film. “To set it in our home state is Richmond, Montpelier, Shelburne, Waterbury,
something really special and a bit of a love story and other towns. Lynn and Case have also
to Vermont,” said Case. incorporated moments of Vermont’s culture into
The film is a female buddy comedy about two the film, including scenes taking place at a fall
young Vermont women, Samantha Templeton harvest festival, at a corn maze, sugar on snow, and
(Case) and Jessamine Burr (Lynn), who live lots of maple.
together in a “marriage-like” friendship in which The film not only centers on Vermonters, the
they live and do everything together. This filmmaking crew also highlights local talent. “We
relationship is challenged by the arrival of Jess’s have some students from Champlain College who
out-of-state fiancé and the potential threat of are working on the crew, but also interning and
maple syrup corporatization. Over the course of getting course credit for that,” said Case. “We
the movie, the characters are challenged to grow are happy to be able to bring that opportunity to
up and apart in order to grow together. them.”
When talking with Lynn and Case, their love Not only are there Vermonters behind the scenes,
for Vermont rings loud and clear. Although but there will be Vermont comedic talent on screen
they both live in Los Angeles now, their ties to Vermont remain strong, and they often as well. Comedian and actor Rusty DeWees, best known for his stand-up character, the
visit family here. This personal connection to the state translates into a special attention to Logger, will appear in the film. “We wrote the role of ‘Rusty,’ the general store owner, with
honestly portraying the state, which is refreshing because Vermont has a history of being DeWees in mind. His Vermont accent is so brilliant,” Lynn said. In addition, Carhartt will
misrepresented in movies. Case remarked, “We’ve all seen the Hallmark movie called A be doing the outfitting for the film. Other sponsors include Morse Farm, Solmate Socks,
Christmas in Vermont (2016), where they’re all wearing reindeer sweaters, way too much and Switchback Brewing Co.
makeup, and it’s filmed on a soundstage that they’re trying to make look like a barn, and For some of the Los Angeles members of the crew, filming this movie meant experiencing
it’s horrible.” Vermont for the first time. “It’s been amazing to watch people discover Vermont,” said Case.
“I’m seeing Vermont through the new eyes of our cast and crew who are coming from Los
Angeles. I’m from here, my family is from here, and my friends are from here, so we’ve all
seen it a million times. They thought Burlington was the small town. One, that was wrong.
Then we took them to a real small town and they were like, ‘Oh my God!’ To see Vermont
through their eyes for the first time has been really lovely.”
In the past, a film with Vermont as its setting and women at its center might have struggled
to gain the support it needed. Fortunately, the industry has started opening up to new ideas.
“We came at a good time because there has definitely been a big shift in the last couple
of years with people being very open to female-driven films and especially female-driven
comedies,” Lynn reflected. “In film, you see a lot of girlfriend friendships based on cosmos,
shoes, or a guy they both like and are fighting over. In my life, I don’t really know anyone
like that. I have wonderful friends who are supportive of each other and work together. We
want to show something a bit more raw and real with a country-esque feel for this film
specifically about a female friendship,” said Lynn. While this is a buddy movie, Case and
Lynn are also seeking to veer away from the bevy of “fart and poop jokes” that fill the genre.
While the buddy movie is a classic form, Soulmate(s)’ embrace of the female perspective and
rural location promises to make this film unique. For Lynn and Case, using their talents
to bring Vermont to life on screen is a dream come true. “For me, it’s combining my two
favorite things. Being on set in my dream state, the best state of all time. It’s not going to
get better than that,” said Case.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 19

A Voter’s Question - a villanelle

Everything is on the table
Destruction of earth and sea
Is our democracy just a fable?
• New Construction Design & Build
We vote and protest as we’re able
and work to end endless poverty. • Renovations Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Everything is on the table.
• Woodworking Additions • Timber Frames
Weatherization • Remodeling
Refugees not welcome at our table? • General Contracting
Their children stolen, under lock and key? Kitchens • Bathrooms • Flooring
Our democracy is just a fable.
Tiling • Cabinetry • Fine Woodwork
Corporate millions our elections disable
stealing control in the land of the free,
Everything is on the table.
223-3447
Poisoned water secretly enabled clarconstruction.com
while profiteering politicians go scot-free.
Our democracy is just a fable.

He who would be king is unstable

smirking as he signs every decree
Everything is on the table.
Is our democracy just a fable?

-Cynthia Liepmann (c) October 2018

Cynthia Liepmann lives in Middlesex with her

husband, a cat and dog. She encourages everyone to
“Please Vote! It matters.”
PAG E 2 0 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE
Night of the Marauding M. musculus
By Larry Floersch
S
o, I was sitting there the other day contemplating
the existential implications of Søren Kierkegaard’s
magnum opus Either/Or when I heard a news report
on TV that the mouse population is booming this year.
That caught my attention. I consider one mouse in
my house to be a population boom. The thought
of herds of them roaming the halls is more than I
can handle.
Biologists say the boom is because of an abundance of seeds, but being a person who
loves B-grade sci-fi films such as Night of the Lepus, in which rabbits that had undergone
genetic alterations grew to the size of Winnebago motorhomes and attacked 18-wheelers
hauling lettuce from fields in Arizona, I tend to think this population explosion of mice
is being caused by something in the water or maybe the closure of the Vermont Yankee
nuclear power plant. So far, there have been no reports of mice the size of Volkswagen
beetles. So far.
In my experience, your average mouse has the intelligence and sense of humor of a
college freshman. I know this because of my deck shoes. A few years back I went into
our entryway to slip into my favorite deck shoes, but there was no room for my feet. The
toe box of each shoe had been stuffed with lentils. I had fallen for a variant of one of
the oldest freshman dormitory pranks in existence. In effect, I had been “short-sheeted,
er, short-shoed” by a mouse. I swear that, from inside the wall, I could hear the high-
pitched giggles of the culprit and his friends rolling over each other in laughter like
Chip and Dale.
The source of the lentils was traced to a plastic bag in the pantry, which had been
gnawed open, so I made plans to go to the hardware store to purchase a supply of old-
fashioned mouse traps, the kind with a spring and a wire bail that whacks the mouse
across the neck and has a trigger mechanism into which you poke some cheese, bacon,
or peanut butter to lure the mice to their demise. Having the mentality of college
freshmen, mice crave those foods more than seeds.
Wiser members of my household counseled me to protect my karma. At the hardware
store, I found something modern that promised to drive the mice from the entire
county. It was an electronic device that supposedly produced a sound that only mice can
hear and find unbearable. I plugged it into an outlet on the kitchen counter and waited
for the mice to flee. Judging from the crumbs, confetti, and tiny paper hats littered
beneath it the next morning, I could only assume a mouse with geek skills had rewired
the device into a boom box, and it and its friends had partied all night, streaming music
only they could hear.
I then bought some California-style traps that capture the mice so they can be released
at a distant location to live out their days at someone else’s house. These traps were made
of plastic and looked like miniature versions of those rectangular steel boxes biologists
use to catch grizzly bears, which they bait with backpackers. The idea behind the trap
was that when the mouse ran into the box to get the bait, the trap would tip on an axis
point and release a door behind the mouse to prevent it from leaving.
The traps worked well enough, but the captured mice, being clever and, like all college
freshmen, really into music with a heavy beat, quickly learned that if they moved back
and forth in the plastic box in a tango-like fashion, it would produce a loud “CLICK”
and “CLACK” sound on the wooden floor as the box rocked back and forth. Multiply
that noise by three or four traps in a quiet house at 4 am and you get the picture. Once
again, I could hear muffled high-pitched giggling. But my karma was intact.
How then, to control the burgeoning mouse population? I have two proposals, but both
will require diversion of some of the funds intended for Trump’s border wall.
The first proposal appeals to the common sense and intelligence of mice. Given the
current economy and the fact that mice reproduce so quickly, adult mice who have
outgrown dormitory humor must know that if these population trends continue, their
children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be forced to live with them until
they pay off their student loans and save enough for homes of their own. Therefore,
the government should make funds available to the Church & Dwight Company to
produce tiny mouse-sized condoms. These would be distributed free of charge to all
mice that want them so they can plan when and if to have offspring.
I know there are those of you out there who are opposed to the government spending
money on family planning of any kind, even though it would be in the national interest.
So my second proposal would appeal to the college freshman mentality and dietary
preferences of mice and takes its cue from The Night of the Lepus. My recollection is
fuzzy, but I think in that film the world was saved when the giant rabbits ate romaine
that came from a farm near Yuma and died of E. coli poisoning.
Under my second proposal, instead of spending government funds on family planning,
we buy the mice all the cheese, bacon, and peanut butter they can eat. Then we just sit
back and wait. Pretty soon they will start dropping dead of cancer, heart attacks, and
strokes. But our karma will be intact.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 21

Natural Remedies for Home Pests, Including Mice

By Iris Gage

I
t’s the time of year where we begrudgingly transition into Eliminating Moths
autumn and winter, moving more of our activities inside Clothes moths, like pantry moths, are the bane of my
the household. For many, this is when we become aware existence. I have mourned many favorite sweaters from
of all the neglected tasks at hand, such as repainting the moths eating large holes in them, and I’ve composted many
house, putting the gardens to bed, or dealing with those pesky rolled oats because of pantry moths and their larvae. For
clothes moths that seem to multiply with every sweater and clothes moths, buy empty sachets and fill them with dried
curtain eaten. Moths aren’t the only uninvited guests who may herbs such as peppermint, cinnamon, lavender, and rosemary
move into the warmer crevices of your home. In fact, there’s a (the essential oils of these would also work), and hang them
boom in the mouse population this year, thanks to increased in your closet or store them in bureaus and linen closets. I
seed production during the year, that’s keeping exterminators have been doing this for the past couple of years and haven’t
busier than usual. But if poison pellets and kill traps don’t spotted a moth since.
appeal, here are some natural deterrents you can use safely in
your house to reduce or eliminate house pests. Stamping out Ants
Repelling Rodents Ants are fascinating insects, with their supernatural strength

sage advice
and ingenious pathways, but they make themselves too at
Rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels can be quite cute home inside our dwellings. Try leaving out a small shallow
until they chew through your insulation and electrical cords dish of equal parts borax and white sugar where the ants have
and make nests in your walls and attic. I personally feel bad a pathway. They will grab all the white granules, thinking it
when I set up deadly mouse traps with peanut butter or use is sugar, while also bringing home the borax, which will effectively kill them. Vinegar
torturous poison (that is also attractive to my dog and other innocent creatures). So, can also be sprayed onto ant areas, which they dislike greatly, along with cayenne and
instead of continuing this strife, I suggest trying a different approach: placing cottons black pepper powders.
balls saturated with certain essential oils that rodents hate around their favorite areas,
such as up against floorboards and behind appliances. Some of the most discouraging
scents are peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus. About 10–20 drops of oil per cotton
ball is really all you need. So long as the aroma remains, the mice will keep away.
Multi-Purpose Pest Control Powder
Note: Use utmost caution with essential oils in homes with cats; they are toxic to our feline
friends. Please keep them far away from cat play and nap areas.
Killing Bed Bugs • 3 cups diatomaceous earth powder
Bed bugs, once you have them, are quite challenging to get rid of naturally (except to
just get rid of the bed). However, rubbing alcohol sprayed liberally onto the mattress
• 1 cup baking soda
will kill most bed bugs, but only diligence will kill every last one. Another remedy is • 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
a cup of diatomaceous earth with 30 drops of lavender or tea tree oil spread onto the
mattress. Leave it on for 24 hours and it should do the trick. Also spread it around the • 1/4 cup dried peppermint leaves
bed, so any migrating bed bugs will crawl through it, which is the action that actually • 30 drops tea tree essential oil
kills them, although not instantly. The earth works equally well for many other insects,
so feel free to drop some in bug-friendly areas. Best of all, diatomaceous earth is so
non-toxic, you can eat it.
Combine all ingredients and store in a glass container, out
of the sun and in a cool, dry place. Place a liberal amount
of powder in areas where pests are known to travel or
dwell.

Rocque Long
Painting
• Insured
• 30+ years professional
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PAG E 2 2 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Fall Fest 2018 Photos by Jay Ericson

T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 2 3

The Mystery and Might of Pumpkins

By Dot Helling

H
alloween is a favorite holiday of mine. In addition to the mystery, whimsy, and and in other parts of the city. In our nearby countrysides you can enjoy fields of orange
costumes, I give it the credit for bringing me around to like the color orange— pumpkins and corn mazes.
from mango, peach, and apricot to melon, tangerine, pumpkin, and carrot. This Carved jack-o’-lanterns glow in the dark at Ellie’s Farm Market on the Northfield
time of year we are immersed in a palette of oranges as our foliage turns and our friends Road. This will be the 42nd year at Ellie’s. They started with only 50 pumpkins,
and neighbors decorate for trick-or-treat with plenty of orange pumpkins. and some years the carved and lit pumpkins on the hillside behind the market have
The huge pumpkin located in front of the Agency of Agriculture building on State Street numbered more than 1,000. In past years the Settlement Farm west of Montpelier on
with a sign asking passersby to guess at its weight harkens back to the days of guessing the Route 2 has also had such jack-o’-lantern displays.
number of jelly beans in a Individuals have pumpkin
jar. My adopted dad used traditions as well. Each
to grow giant pumpkins, Halloween, Angie Scott
nothing quite like this one, carves ornate scenes on a
but they could weigh a ton. dozen or so pumpkins. She
He would inscribe them displays them fully lit all
when they were small, Halloween night outside
and they grew into works her home. Angie has carved
of art as the inscriptions as many as 22. It takes her
expanded. an average of four hours
Pumpkin displays abound to carve each pumpkin
throughout our city, from stenciled patterns. If
most notably on College you need a way to occupy
Street, where masses of your kid, carving ornate
kids move in for trick-or- pumpkins can be a hit.
treat night. Some of the Pumpkins are not cheap,
residents are forced to shut nor always easy to grow.
down operations after Weather and soil are the
passing out thousands key factors. They need
of pieces of candy to the 90 to 120 days to reach
costumed kids. If you’ve maturity. They are sold
not experienced Halloween Photo by Dot Helling by the overall size or by
on College Street, do make the pound. The average
it this year, and don’t miss pumpkin weighs 12 to 18
out on the electric decorations and chocolate pops at the Bertolino residence. This may pounds. You can maximize a pumpkin’s value by carving the outside while using the
be their last Halloween display after 25 or more years of being “THE EVENT” and innards for pumpkin pie. Or you can just buy some small ornamental pumpkins to set
contributing unaccounted-for energy and finances. Alas, this year their giant red-and- around the dinner table for a flavor of Halloween. It’s a great time of year to engage in
black dragon was stolen from the front yard during daylight hours, putting a damper on fancy and take the edge off stick season.
their desire to continue this annual spectacular.
I will celebrate by donning a homemade costume, walking the neighborhoods, and
Keeping in theme with our festive neighborhoods, there are great Halloween displays— eating Snickers bars. See you out there, that is, if you recognize me!
varying from whimsical to haunting and scary—in the Meadow, on East State Street,
PAG E 24 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Memorial Honors Spanish Flu Victims in Barre By Larry Floersch

L
ast year’s (2017-2018) flu season was Last year Zecchinelli approached the Rock
a particularly bad one, according of Ages Corp. with the idea of creating a
to the Centers for Disease Control memorial to those who perished in the form
and Prevention, with an estimated 80,000 of a granite bench. Rock of Ages was happy to
deaths in the United States caused by the help, as was Hope Cemetery and the Vermont
flu or its complications. Yet that number Granite Museum. The four-ton “Reflection
pales in comparison with the year 1918, Bench” will be dedicated on October 26 at
when “Spanish flu” infected one-third of the Hope Cemetery, and a permanent exhibit
world’s population and killed an estimated on the Spanish flu will open at the Vermont
50 million to 100 million people worldwide. Granite Museum to tell more of the story.
Well over 600,000 of those who died were “Rock of Ages clearly exceeded my
Americans. expectations with the design of the memorial,”
This year, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary said Zecchinelli. “And we are grateful to Hope
of that pandemic, and this month, October, Cemetery, the Vermont Granite Museum, the
marks the peak of that pandemic here in GCB Corporation, who will set the bench at
Vermont. Yet few Vermonters alive today the site, and Bellevance Trucking for their
are familiar with the catastrophic event and help in making this project a success.”
the social upheaval it caused. That has Brian and Karen Zecchinelli with the Spanish Flu Reflection Bench in Hope Cemetery. According to Dr. Kristin Watkins, a Colorado
prompted one Central Vermonter, Barre Photos by Larry Floersch
historian of infectious diseases, the Barre
native Brian Zecchinelli, to act. memorial to victims of the pandemic is
Zecchinelli’s grandfather, Germinio Zecchinelli, died of influenza on October 10, possibly one of only two in the United States. "I've only come across a small plaque at
1918, at the age of 35, one of nearly 200 people to die of the flu in Barre over a three- Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska recognizing this history-changing event,” she
week period that year. (According to the Vermont Historical Society website, 1,772 said. “I just recently heard what's going on in Barre, Vermont!”
Vermonters died of the flu in 1918 out of a population of just under 356,000). Another Barre native with an interest in the project is Dr. Keiji Fukuda, who graduated from
Germinio Zecchinelli’s death fit the pattern typical for the Spanish flu, which tended Spaulding High School and the University of Vermont College of Medicine and served from
to kill younger adults in their prime rather than the aged or young children. That left 2010 to 2016 as the Assistant Director General for Health, Security and Environment at the
many families shattered, with children orphaned if both parents died, or with no family World Health Organization, a position that earned him the title of “the flu chief” among
breadwinner, as was the case for Germinio’s family. He left behind his wife Ester and the news media. Fukuda is now a professor at the University of Hong Kong.
two small children – Elgio (Brian's father, who was four at the time) and Yole, (age two). When he learned of Zecchinelli’s project, Fukuda said, "I am proud that my hometown of
Brian Zecchinelli began researching the pandemic over five years ago after he saw an Barre has made this extraordinary effort to remind the world about the impact of the 1918
article in the newspaper by a local historian about the impact of the Spanish flu in Barre. flu pandemic and to commemorate the citizens of Barre who died. This event stands out in
He knew his grandfather had died of the flu in 1918 and was buried along with many history and continues to haunt those who know about it. It is still fueling efforts by many
other flu victims in Barre’s Hope Cemetery, but he was unaware of the magnitude of people around the world who are trying to find better ways to reduce the crippling impact
the pandemic until he began to research it. “It came on fast and it disappeared just as of such outbreaks and pandemics.”
quickly. The Spanish flu has often been referred to as the ‘double-killer.’ It not only The dedication of the “Reflection Bench” will begin at 11:30 am on Friday, October 26, at
killed the individual, but it often killed the hopes and dreams of their descendants,” Hope Cemetery in Barre and is open to the public. Local clergy will offer remembrances and
Zecchinelli said. closure for all victims’ families in attendance. Following the service, guests will be invited to
“I knew I wanted to do something special for my grandfather, but it soon became attend a reception at the Vermont Granite Museum, where the permanent 1918 Spanish flu
apparent that this was much bigger than that. It blossomed into a worldwide memorial,” exhibit will be unveiled. The reception will be catered by the Wayside Restaurant, Bakery &
he added. “We’re hoping the memorial will rekindle awareness of this forgotten Creamery, which is owned by Brian Zecchinelli and his family, and is, coincidentally, also
catastrophic event in the world’s history for school groups and tourists and maybe even recognizing a 100th anniversary this year. Effie Ballou opened The Wayside in July 1918,
people around the world.” just a few short months before the peak of the Spanish flu in Vermont.

Germinio Zecchinelli’s
gravesite in Hope Cemetery
in the section where many
victims of the Spanish
flu were buried in 1918.
The section includes an
unmarked mass grave.
Spanish flu” is a misnomer. According to historians, the particular strain of the H1N1
flu virus that became known as the Spanish flu may have originated in Kansas and
was spread rapidly by the concentrations and movements of military troops in World
War I. The influenza became associated with Spain because, being neutral in World
War I, Spain had no press censorship and the newspapers there were free to report
about the flu outbreak, so it seemed Spain was hit hard and first by the disease, and
people started referring to the disease as the Spanish flu.

The back side of the Spanish Flu Reflection Bench in Hope Cemetery.
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 2 5

Bach’s Magnificat Comes to

Montpelier on Nov. 3
By Richard Riley, conductor

Mezzo-soprano Julie Boulianne. Photo courtesy of Capital City Concerts

I
t’s December 25, 1723, in Leipzig, Germany. As you enter the St.
Thomas Church you wonder what you will hear sung by the church’s
choir and what will be played by that new organist, Johann Sebastian
Bach, who became music director in May of the same year. This Bach fellow
is still fairly young at 38, and composes new music every week. Sometimes
he’ll hide a familiar hymn tune in the midst of his music, but most of it will
be stuff that has never been heard before, and he assumes that listeners will
be able follow how he’s interpreting the text with his music.
For this Christmas service, he’s attempting something new, setting to music
the Latin text of the Magnificat, the “Song of Mary.” He’s divided the
chorus into five parts, is using five soloists, and is backed by an orchestra
with trumpets, drums, flutes, oboes, strings, and basso continuo. Later, in
1733, Bach made some changes to the Magnificat when it was performed
in Leipzig, adding flutes and raising the home key from E-flat major to D
major so that different trumpets could be used.
How many residents of Leipzig heard Bach’s Magnificat back then? Maybe
1,000? 2,000? As of October 11, 2018, the average number of people
who have listened to each YouTube recording of the Magnificat comes
to 276,641. That’s a remarkable statement on how Bach’s 18th-century
musical language still speaks, and is understood, by 21st century audiences.
On November 3 at Saint Augustine Church in Montpelier, Capital City
Concerts is bringing Magnificat to the people once again, this time featuring
world-renowned vocal soloists (including mezzo-soprano Julie Boulianne,
who sings frequently at the Metropolitan Opera, soprano Hyunah Yu, a
five-part choir of Central Vermont’s finest singers, and an unusually large
and colorful orchestra, with strings, brass, woodwinds, timpani, organ, and
harpsichord. In total, 60 musicians will be involved.
In addition to Magnificat will be Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major,
BWV 1047, featuring Sycil Mathai, trumpet; Karen Kevra, flute; Randall
Wolfgang, oboe; and Lucy Chapman, violin, as well as four arias, including
the Benedictus from the Mass in B-minor, and Erbarme dich from the St.
Matthew Passion.
For more information and to charge tickets ($15–$25) go to
capitalcityconcerts.org. Tickets are also available at the door and in person
at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier (cash or check only).
PAG E 26 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Dave Keller
Drops New
Album
C
atfood Records announces the
October 19 release of Every Soul’s
a Star, the label debut from
acclaimed soul/blues singer and guitarist
Dave Keller. Produced by Grammy-
winner Jim Gaines (Santana, Stevie Ray
Vaughan, Luther Allison) and recorded
at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, the
album showcases 10 original songs, plus a
scintillating cover of the Aretha Franklin
classic, “Baby, I Love You.”
Keller’s vocals are supported by The
Rays, which includes legendary Motown
guitarist Johnny McGee; Bob Trenchard
on bass; Dan Ferguson on Hammond
B3, Wurlitzer, and keyboards; Richy Puga
on drums; Mike Middleton on trumpet;
Nick Flood on tenor and baritone sax;
Christopher Serrano on percussion; and
Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston on
background vocals.
“This record, for me, is about honoring the
star in each person,” Dave Keller says. “The
songs are about both love and heartbreak,
of course, but also speak about the beauty
in each of us, as unique individuals and as
people standing up together. This record
feels like my strongest yet. I felt more
at ease singing than I’ve ever felt in the
studio. That comfort helped me sing more
dynamically than I've ever sung before on
record.”
Every Soul’s a Star is also the first time
Keller had the chance to work with the
Catfood Records “house band,” The
Rays, comprising superb musicians with
a boatload of experience backing up many
of the label’s artists on record, including
Blues Music Award-winner Johnny Rawls.
“What really impressed me about The
Rays was how much heart they put into
this record,” Keller declares. “They’ve
played on tons of records, and they could
easily have just done it as a paint-by-
numbers affair. I love how everyone put
so much of themselves into the record. I
could tell that they really dug the songs,
and really cared about doing them justice.”
“It was a special treat working with Johnny
McGhee,” Keller adds, who has played
guitar on countless great soul albums.
“To each of my songs, Johnny brought
the coolest, most beautiful little soul licks.
He has an amazing ability to find just
the right licks and riffs that pull the song
together into something perfect.”
Keller also has a special place in his heart
for Johnny Rawls, who introduced him
to Catfood Records owner and bassist
Bob Trenchard about five years ago at the
Blues Music Awards. “Bob and I had a
conversation then about making a record
together, but it took ‘til now for the time
to be just right,” he recalls. “As my friend,
the late deep-soul singer Mighty Sam

Thank You for Reading The Bridge! McClain used to say, ‘It may not come
when you want it, but it always comes
right on time.’”
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 27
Community Events
Events happening
October 18–November 3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Open Ears at Bagitos. Join Montpelier city
councilor Glen Coburn Hutcheson to talk
about the city or anything else. 8:30–9:30 am.
Bagitos, 28 Main St., Montpelier. ghutcheson@
montpelier-vt.org, 839-5349.
Trinity United Methodist Church
Community Lunch. 11:30 am–1 pm. 137
Main St., Montpelier.
DIY Incense Making Workshop with Hannah
Mitchell. We will talk history, different plants
for different reasons, magic, and techniques
for making incense at home. 6:30–8:30 pm.
250 Main St., Montpelier. $17 members; $20
non-members
Vermont State Senate Candidates Forum
(Washington County). Meet six Washington
County candidates running for the Vermont
State Senate. Ken Alger, Republican,
Barre Town; Chris Bradley, Republican,
Northfield; Ann Cummings, Democrat,
Montpelier (incumbent); Andrew Perchlik,
Democrat/Progressive, Montpelier; Anthony
Pollina, Progressive/Democrat, Montpelier
(incumbent); Dwayne Tucker, Republican,
Barre Town. 7–8:30 pm. Waterbury Municipal
Center, Steele Community Room, 28 North
Main St., Waterbury
Central Vermont Climate Action Monthly
Meeting. Take action for climate justice locally.
Node group of 350 Vermont meets every third
Sunday. 7–8:30 pm. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Twin Valley Dinner Raffle. Email or call for
more info.: twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net,
223-3322. Canadian Club, Rt. 14, Barre.
The Cycles of Life Café. Join us to listen, talk,
and share experiences. Meets the third Friday
of the month. 11:45 am–1 pm. Twin Valley
Senior Center, Blueberry Commons, Rt. 2,
East Montpelier. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors@
myfairpoint.net
Moonlight Madness. Participating shops stay
open longer with special discounts. 5–9 pm.
Downtown Montpelier. montpelieralive.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Morse Farm Tick or Trot 5k/10k. Maple
creemees, kettle corn for all finishers. Pom-pom
hats for pre-registered. Benefit for YWCA VT,
Camp Hochelaga. Register at racewire.com.
Barre Congregational Church Community
Meal. 7:30 am–9 am. 35 Church St., Barre.
Capital City Farmers’ Market. Market
vendors, music, and events. 9 am–1 pm. State
St., Montpelier. montpelierfarmersmarket.com
Ski & Skate Sale. 9 am–2 pm. Montpelier
High School, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier.
Calendar of Events
Bring items to sell Oct. 19, 9 am–7 pm.
Performing Arts
montpelierrec.org THEATER, DANCE,
Autumn Retreat Days at Milarepa Center. STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Each retreat day will have a schedule for the Oct. 18: Magician and illusionist Elliot Zimet.
Zimet’s shows feature illusions, exotic birds,
day, a “working theme” that will guide our
humor, music, and audience involvement. 9 pm. Alexander Twilight Theater, Northern Vermont
practice sessions, lunch and tea breaks, time
for personal reflection, journaling, studying University-Lyndon. Free. elliotzimet.com
texts, walking outside, or walking around the Through Oct. 20: The Odd Couple–Female Version. The themes of this show highlight female
stupa/prayer wheels, etc. 9 am–4 pm. Milarepa friendships, feminism, and the representation of female sexuality at this point in time. Partnered
Center, 1344 Rt. 5, Barnet. By donation. with Vermont Works for Women to create female representation and visibility, both on- and off-
Register: 633-4136, milarepa@milarepacenter. stage. Wed.–Sat., 7:30 pm. Stowe Theatre Guild, 67 Main St., Stowe. $14–20. stowetheatre.com
org
Through Oct. 21: Lost Nation Theater Presents Disappearances. LNT brings another
Kekla Magoon Launch Party: "The Season Vermont story to life with founder and resident playwright Kim Allen Bent’s translation of
of Styx Malone." Reading of the author’s Disappearances by Howard Frank Mosher. 7:30 pm Thurs.–Sat.; 2 pm Sun. Lost Nation
newest middle school novel, refreshments, book Theater, City Hall Arts Center, Main St., Montpelier. $15–30. Discounts for seniors and
signing, and Q&A. 11 am–noon. Bear Pond students. 229-0492. lostnationtheater.com. Opening Gala: Oct. 5, 6:30 pm. Live music with
Books, 77 Main St., Montpelier. 229-0774 fiddler Adam Boyce and party with the cast after the show.
Annual Fall Clothing Drop ‘N Swap. Noon–4 Oct. 20: Who wants to be a Vaudevillianaire? Performers of all kinds will take the stage in a
pm. Plumley Armory, Norwich University, Vermont-style tribute to popular game shows. Light-hearted evening of comedy, magic, music,
Northfield. $1 entrance fee. Drop clothes on and mayhem. Hosted by Vermont Vaudeville’s core ensemble. 7:30 pm. Hardwick Town Hall,
Oct. 19, noon–6 pm. 127 Church St., Hardwick. $10. vermontvaudeville.com
Northern Saw-whet Owl Public Banding Oct. 25: Live Storytelling Event with Ethan Hubbard. Go for a drive with documentary
Demonstrations. Join NBNC biologists as photographer Ethan Hubbard and meet the colorful people featured in the exhibit “Driving the
we capture, tag, and release these pint-sized Back Roads: In Search of Old-Time Vermonters.” 5–8 pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875
owls. After the birds are released, we will Hardwick St., Greensboro. RSVP in advance: 533-2000. highlandartsvt.org
discuss the highlights of recent research at
NBNC and across the country, and share Oct. 25: Extempo. Locals tell short-format, first-person, true stories live on stage without
what’s been discovered about this mysterious any notes or reading. 8–10 pm. Bridgeside Books, 29 Stowe St., Waterbury. $5. 244-1441.
little predator. 7–9 pm. North Branch Nature extempovt.com
Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. RSVP: Oct. 26: Kathleen Kanz Comedy Hour. A wide range of talented standup comics, from here
northbranchnaturecenter.org. Free; donations and away, working longer sets. 8:30 pm. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free/by
encouraged. donation. 479-0896. espressobueno.com.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
First Presbyterian Church Community
Breakfast. 7:30–9 am. 78 Summer St., Barre.
“Thirteen Ways” VCFA Thesis Screening.
With graduating student Ian Cheney. 10:30
am. Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier.
East Montpelier Song Circle. Amy Torchia
and Erika Mitchell facilitate group singing on
the third Sunday of each month. 6–8 pm. Four
Corners Schoolhouse, (Dodge Road/ Snow
Hill Road/Putnam Roads, East Montpelier.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22
Community Lunch at Unitarian Church
Montpelier. 11 am–12:30 pm. 130 Main St.,
Montpelier.
Salvation Army Community Lunch. Noon–1
pm. 25 Keith Ave., Barre.
VCFA Faculty Film Screening: “The Feeling
of Being Watched.” With new VCFA faculty
Assia Boundaoui. 1:30 pm. Savoy Theater, 26
Main St., Montpelier.
Monthly Book Group for Adults.
“Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi. For copies of the
book, please stop by the library. 7 pm. Jaquith
Library, School St., Marshfield.
VCFA Special Guest Screening: “Unlovable.”
With Suzi Yoonessi. 7 pm. Savoy Theater, 26
Main St., Montpelier.
PAG E 2 8 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Oct. 20: Exposed. Outdoor sculpture
exhibition. Helen Day Art Center, Pond St.,
Stowe. helenday.com.
Through Oct. 21: The Roots of My Raising.
George Woodard’s photo exhibit covers the
106-year history of the Woodard Family
Farm in Waterbury from the time George’s
grandfather purchased it. Lost Nation Theater
Lobby Gallery, City Hall Arts Center, Main St.,
Montpelier.
Through Oct 24: Photography by Lisa
Manning. Images captured by freelance nature
and wildlife photographer. The Gifford Gallery
at Gifford Medical Center, 44 S. Main St.,
Randolph. 728-7000
Through Oct. 26: An Artists Journey. A
Warren Kimble exhibit. More than 50 years
of Kimble’s experience as a fine artist, educator,
and antiques collector. T. W. Wood Gallery,
46 Barre St., Montpelier. 262-6035 gcallan@
twwoodgallery.org twwoodgallery.org
Through Oct 26: Animation Festival
Exhibit. Work by students at Northern
Vermont University-Lyndon, Northern
Vermont University-Johnson, and Bennington
College. NVU-Lyndon’s Quimby Gallery.
vermontanimation. org
Through Oct. 30: Sumi-e Meditations.
Oriental brush paintings by Ronda Stoll.
The Morrisville Post Office, 16 Portland St., Montpelier.
Morrisville. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org
Through Oct. 31: Abstract within the Square. Arts. 201 N. Main St., Barre. studioplacearts.
Paintings by Maggie Neale. Jaquith Library,
Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield.
Through Oct. 31: Flea Market Finds.
Photographs by Mark Dixon. Chelsea Public
Library, 296 Rt. 110, Chelsea. 685-2188.
markdixonphotography.com
Calendar of Events
Photo by John Snell. Rock art on display at the Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery in
Shelburne Village through Nov. 20
Through Nov. 2: That’s Not Me. Vermont
artist Randa Morris’s mixed media drawings.
Opening reception: Oct. 18, 3–5 pm. Julian
Scott Memorial Gallery, Northern Vermont
University-Johnson. 635-1469
Through Nov. 2: Macaulay in Montpelier:
selected sketches and drawings.
Internationally recognized author and illustrator Smith have developed over the last 20 years.
will exhibit images from eight of his books,
including preliminary sketches and finished
art created between 1982 and 2010. Vermont
Arts Council Spotlight Gallery, 136 State St.,
Through Nov. 3: Exhibits at Studio Place
com
Rock Solid XVIII. Annual stone sculpture
exhibit showcases stone sculptures and
assemblages by area artists and other work
that depicts the beautiful qualities of stone.
Find the Quiet. Works in rust, eucalyptus, collage pieces. Snell is a photographer from
and indigo by Linda Finkelstein
Montpelier. Reception: Oct. 19, 5–7 pm.
Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery, 86 Falls Rd.,
Shelburne Village. 985-3848
Oct. 31–Nov. 23: Matthew Sylvester Exhibit.
Art by painter and illustrator Matthew
Sylvester of East Calais. Quimby Gallery
at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon.
matthewsylvesterart.com
Through Nov. 30: Carole Naquin Exhibition.
Soft pastel paintings that capture the energy
of sky, river, and field. Artisans Hand Gallery,
Main St., Montpelier
Through Dec. 2: Driving the Back Roads:
In Search of Old-Time Vermonters. This
retrospective of Ethan Hubbard’s documentary
work and his life living alongside the people
of North-Central Vermont showcases more
than 40 of Hubbard’s large-format black and
white photographic portraits. Live storytelling
event with Ethan Hubbard: Oct. 25, 7 pm.
Highland Center for the Arts, Hardwick St.,
Greensboro.
Oct. 19–Dec. 2: Show 28. The Front celebrates
TENSION. Site-specific installation art of
the opening of Show 28, featuring latest work
socio-cultural and environmental datascapes
by Tuyen Nguyen and Misook Park. of the gallery’s member artists, including new
members. Opening reception: Oct. 19, 4–7
Through Nov. 3: Familiars: Valerie Hammond pm. 6 Barre St., Montpelier. thefrontvt.com
and Kiki Smith. This exhibition demonstrates
the uniqueness, as well as the intersections, of Through Dec. 16: Gerald Auten: Graphite
the printmaking practices that Hammond and Insomnia. Auten uses powdered graphite or
graphite pencils on dense, smooth, hot-pressed
Helen Day Art Center Main Gallery, 90 Pond paper or onto the back of old museum posters
St., Stowe. mail@helenday.com and postcards. Opening reception: Oct.
20, 4–6 pm. White River Gallery, 35 South
Through Nov. 9: Mountains, Mesas, and Windsor St., South Royalton. 498-8438
Monoliths: Gold-toned Brownprints of Zion
Canyon by Matt Larson. 18 framed, smaller- Through Jan. 7: Altered Spaces Group
scaled gold-toned brownprints and 8 large-scale, Exhibition. The exhibition opens with
unframed gold-toned brownprints of Zion a dynamic collection of work—collage,
Canyon, Utah. Morse Block Deli, 260 N. Main photography, painting, and multimedia
St., Barre. installation in September that will build
in layers throughout the fall—inviting the
Through Nov. 20: Listening to Rocks: Work public to revisit and interact as the exhibition
by Dianne Shullenberger and John Snell.
continues. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center,
Shullenberger is well known for intricate fabric 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. sprucepeakarts.org

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
Barre Congregational Church Community
Meal. 7:30–9 am. 35 Church St., Barre.
MFA in Creative Writing Info Session. MFA
Director Elena Georgiou will discuss the
program and field questions. Learn how our
program differs from other MFAs. 6 pm. Via
Zoom video conference. goddard.edu. RSVP:
david.delucca@goddard.edu
Vermont Aviation System Plan. The Vermont
Agency of Transportation (VTrans) invites you
to participate in a public meeting to discuss
the future of aviation in Vermont. Includes a
brief overview presentation of the plan, work
completed to date, followed by a comment
period. 6:30 pm. Central Vermont Chamber of
Commerce, 963 Paine Turnpike North, Berlin.
vtrans.vermont.gov. costa.pappis@vermont.gov.
Garrett Graff: "Dawn of the Code War" and
the Mueller/Russia Investigation. Author,
journalist, and historian Garrett Graff, who has
conducted numerous interviews with special
counsel Robert Mueller, will talk about his
newest book. 7–8 pm. Bear Pond Books, 77
Main St., Montpelier. 229-0774. bearpondbooks.
com
VCFA Special Guest Screening: “Marwencol.”
With Jeff Malmberg and Chris Shellen. 7 pm.
Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24
The Christ Church Community Lunch. 11
am–12:30 pm. 64 Main St., Montpelier.
Salvation Army Community Lunch. Noon–1
pm. 25 Keith Ave., Barre.
VCFA Thesis Screening: “Finding Home in
Boomtown.” With graduating student Matt
Maxwell. 1:15 pm. Savoy Theater, 26 Main St.,
Montpelier.
24 Short Form of Yang Style Tai Chi Classes
Begin. With Norma Spaulding. The Yang
style is recognized as the most popular Tai Chi
routine in the world. Classes run for 6 weeks.
3–4 pm. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. 2, East
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-6954
National Acupuncture Day 2018. Free
acupuncture, free massage, demos, snacks.
5–7 pm. Integrative Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine, 156 Main St., Montpelier.
acupunctureinvermont.com. 223-0954
Sugar and Spice: Baking with Herbs with
Cate Alber. Explore how to incorporate herbal
medicine into your baking. (GF/DF friendly but,
warning: this class contains sugar.) 6–8 pm. 250
Main St., Montpelier. $17 members; $20 non-
members.
Mid-Week Movie: “Beetlejuice.” 6 pm.
Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick
St., Greensboro. $5 suggested donation.
highlandartsvt.org
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Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. 229-9212.
Bagitos.com
Oct. 18: Italian Session, 6 pm
Oct. 19: Dave Loughran, 6 pm
Oct. 20: Irish Session, 2 pm
Oct. 21: Eric Friedman, 11 am–1 pm
Oct. 25: Italian Session, 6 pm
Oct. 27: Irish Session, 2 pm
Oct. 28: Southern Old Time Music Jam, 10
am–12:30 pm
Oct. 30: Latin Dance Party, 7 pm
Nov. 1: Colin McCaffrey and Friends, 6 pm
Nov. 2: Art Herttua & Ray Caroll Jazz, 6 pm
Nov. 3: Irish Session, 2 pm
Charlie O’s World Famous. 70 Main St.
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Oct. 19: Osage Orange (rock), 9 pm
Oct. 20: The Red Newts (country), 9 pm
Oct. 26: John Smyth (acoustic), 6 pm;
People Like You (haunted folk), 9 pm
Oct. 27: Yestrogen w. Jessica Rabbit
Syndrome (witch glam pop), 9 pm
Oct. 31: Tsunamibots w. Jarv & Sed-One
(surf, hip-hop), 8:30 pm
Dog River Brewery. Barre-Montpelier Rd.,
Berlin. 6 pm. No cover. Ages 21+.
Oct. 20: Americana Blue, 6 pm
Oct. 27: JC Meyers & Stone Bullet, 6 pm
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre.
479-0896. espressobueno.com.
Oct. 26: Bishop LaVey (acoustic alt-punk)
7:30 pm
Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard & Winery.
Fall Music Series. Fresh local food from
Field Stone Farm. 7–9 pm. 4373 Rt. 12,
Berlin. 223-1151. freshtracksfarm.com.
Oct. 19: Kava Express
Yestermorrow Speaker Series. Nancy Oakley
of Willowbank School will speak about an
ecological approach to historic preservation. 7–8
pm. IDEAS, 182 Mad River Green, Waitsfield.
Free. 496-5545
The Devil's Cabinet: Story of the Eddy Family
of Spirit Mediums. Part of the Waterbury
Historical Society Meeting. Jason Smiley will
present the program about the Eddy brothers.
7 pm. Steele Community Room, Waterbury
Municipal Center. Free. 244-8089
Halloween Movie Nights at Jaquith Public
Library. 7 pm. School St., Marshfield. Check
film titles at jaquithpubliclibrary.org
Film & Discussion: “Dawnland” by Adam
Mazo and Ben Pender-Cudlip. Follow the first
government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation
commission in the U.S., which investigates the
devastating impact of Maine’s child welfare
practices on Native American communities. 7
pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338.
Calendar of Events
Gusto’s. 28 Prospect St., Barre. 476-7919.
Ages 21+. No cover unless indicated.
Oct. 18: DJ Triple J, 8 pm
Oct. 19: Ted Mortimer & Steve Pixley, 5 pm;
Son of a Gun, 9 pm. $5
Oct. 20: DJ Robin Sunquiet, 9:30 pm
Oct. 25: DJ Triple J, 8 pm
Oct. 26: Joe Sabourin, 5 pm; The
Complaints, 9 pm, $5.
Oct. 27: DJ Lafountaine, 9:30 pm
Positive Pie. 22 State St., Montpelier.
229-0453.
Oct. 26: Down the Rabbit Hole: With
MadMan & Me and The Human Canvas
(Themed Halloween Party), 10 pm. $10.
Whammy Bar. 31 W. County Rd., Calais.
whammybar1.com
Oct. 18: Open Mic, 7 pm
Oct. 19: Chad Hollister, 7:30 pm
Oct. 20: Johnny Blue Jeans (blues/soul), 7:30 pm
Oct. 25: Myra Flynn and Paul Boffa, 7 pm
Nov. 1: Open Mic, 7 pm
Nov. 2: Big Hat No Cattle (Texas swing),
7:30 pm
Nov. 3: Jenn and John, 7:30 pm
SPECIAL EVENTS
Oct. 18: BarnArts Music at Feast and
Field Market. Eclectic music series with a
unique farmers market hosted on a working
farm. 4:30–7:30 pm. Fable Farm, Royalton
Turnpike, South Royalton.
Oct. 19: Tusk. The ultimate Fleetwood Mac
experience. 8 pm. Barre Opera House, 6 N.
Main St., Barre. barreoperahouse.org
Oct. 20: Vermont Philharmonic Opera
Concert. Conductor Lou Kosma in
collaboration with the Bel Canto Institute of
Florence, Italy will present an opera concert
featuring operatic selections and orchestral
music of Bellini, Donizetti, Puccini, Rossini,
Verdi, and others. 7 pm. Spruce Peak
Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr.,
Stowe. sprucepeakarts.org
VCFA Special Guest Screening: “Spettacola.”
with Chris Shellen and Jeff Malmberg. 7 pm.
Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25
Open Ears at Bagitos. See description under
Oct. 18
VCFA Thesis Readings: Tami Anderson and
John Morrissey. 10:30 am. College Hall Chapel,
VCFA, 36 College St., Montpelier.
Trinity United Methodist Church Community
Lunch. 11:30 am–1 pm. 137 Main St.,
Montpelier.
Murder, Mystery & Indigenous Mobility:
An Archives Month Presentation. This
presentation by cultural historian Jill Mudgett
tells another story about indigeneity in Vermont
by focusing on a man from southern New
England who arrived in Vermont during the
late 19th century and was then murdered in the
Vermont woods. Doors open 5 pm; presentation
starts at 6 pm. 1078 Rt., 2, Middlesex (behind
the State Police barracks). Free. 828-2308
Oct. 20: Dave Keller CD Release Party.
2 shows: 7 pm and 9 pm. Sweet Melissa’s,
4 Langdon St., Montpelier. $10 per show.
eventbrite.com
Oct. 21: The Vermont Philharmonic Annual
Opera Gala. See event description under Oct.
20. 2 pm. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St.,
Barre. Adults $20; seniors $15; students $5.
barreoperahouse.org
Oct. 21: Places Remembered. The first
Vermont Virtuosi concert of the 2018-2019
season, features an ensemble of flutist and
artistic director Laurel Ann Maurer, clarinetist
Steven Klimowski, cellist Bonnie Thurber
Klimowski, and pianist Claire Black playing
together for the first time. 4 pm. Unitarian
Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. $10
suggested donation. LAMaurerFlute.com
Oct. 21: Christopher Schoelen presents
Beyond Noise: Contemporary Classical
Guitar. An exploration of what classifies
“noise” as unwanted sounds and “music”
as desired sounds. 4 pm. A house concert
hosted by Cynthia & Hugo Liepmann. Email
liepmann.cyn@gmail.com to RSVP and for
directions. Donations directly support the
artist. christopherschoelen.com
Oct. 25: Black Violin. High-energy, classically
trained musicians renowned for their ability to
meld highbrow and pop culture into a single
act, Black Violin mines the synergy among
classical, jazz, blues, R&B, and hip-hop. 7:30
pm. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre.
$27–47. 476-8188. barreoperahouse.org
Oct. 27: Iain MacHarg on the Scottish
Bagpipes. One of the region’s leading
pipers and founder of the Celtic rock bands
Whiskey Before Breakfast and Prydein and the
Catamount Pipe Band. 7 pm. 122 School St.,
Marshfield. Adults $8–10. Free for children.
VCFA Special Guest/Alumni Screening:
“Moving Parts.” With Emilie Upczak, Nancy
Schreiber, John Otterbacher, and Rafael Attias. 7
pm. Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
VCFA Thesis Readings: Louisa de Cossy and
Jason Rosenfield. 1:15 pm. College Hall Chapel,
VCFA, 36 College St., Montpelier
VCFA Thesis Screenings: “Shorts.” With
graduating students Jessica Crossman, Carrie
House, Melissa McClung, and Louisa de Cossy.
3 pm. Savoy Theater, 26 Main St., Montpelier.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27
Barre Congregational Church Community
Meal. 7:30 am–9 am. 35 Church St., Barre.
Capital City Farmers’ Market. See description
under Oct. 20
Oct. 27: The Spruce Peak Chamber Music
Society Final Concert. Intimate concert with
David Kaplan, Jia Kim, and Siwoo Kim. They
will perform movements from chamber music
masterpieces including Mozart’s operatic
Piano Trio in C Major, the “Dumky” Trio
by Dvořák, and 2nd Trio in C Minor by
Mendelssohn. 7 pm. Spruce Peak Performing
Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe.
sprucepeakarts.org
Oct. 27: Allison Mann: Jazz at Studio C.
Live jazz standards, intimate, acoustic house-
concert setting; with Ira Friedman, keyboard;
Anthony Santor, bass. 7–8:30 pm. 18 Langdon
St., 2nd fl., Montpelier. $15. Reservations
suggested: allisonjoymann@comcast.net, 223-
4712
Oct. 28: One Sky: Music for San Antonio
Grande. Huling, Zorn, Steinmetz, Potter,
Ricker, McIntyre, Williams in concert, with
reception. 3 pm. Bethany Church, 115 Main
St., Montpelier. $20 suggested donation; pay
what you can. Benefits Bethany’s sister parish
in El Salvador. vermontartmusic@gmail.com;
223-2424
Nov. 2: Collaboration: Radio Jarocho and
Zenen Zeferino. 10 am student matinee
at Spuce Peak Performing Arts Center,
122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. 1 pm at Stowe
Elementary School. Sprucepeakarts.org
Nov. 3: Capital City Concerts presents
Magnificat. J.S. Bach’s Magnificat,
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, and arias
featuring soprano Hyunah Yu, mezzo-soprano
Julie Boulianne, tenor Joshua Collier, and
bass David Tinervia. 7:30 pm. St. Augustine’s
Church, Barre St., Montpelier. $15–25.
capitalcityconcerts.org
Nov. 3: Collaboration: Radio Jarocho and
Zenen Zeferino. 9 pm. Zenbarn, Waterbury
Center.
Montpelier Home & Wellness Show. Local
businesses from the Central Vermont region
will create a vibrant marketplace of home and
wellness services. Fall is a great time to think
about home projects that have been put on the
back burner and prioritizing your well-being.
Personal wellness is an engaged process of
becoming aware of and making choices toward
a healthy and fulfilling life through massage,
coaching, and the use of herbal therapies. 9 am–2
pm. City Center, 89 State St., Montpelier. Free.
595-5802
Halloween Masquerade Salsa Dance Party.
Free Salsa lesson 7–8 pm with DsantosVT, open
dance party 8–10 pm. Costumes contest and
wine pairing! Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard &
Winery, 4373 Rt. 12, Berlin. freshtracksfarm.
com
PAG E 3 0 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks Customer Appreciation Day.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
Onion River Outdoors Autumn Onion 5K Costume Race.
Prizes for race winners and costume winners. 9 am. Onion River
Outdoors, Langdon St., Montpelier. $5 kids; $10 adults; $15 adults
with strollers. runreg.com
Cheer, Hiss, Boo! - Spooky Silents: A Silent Film Halloween.
With the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra. Travel back to
the early 1900s to cheer and hiss at three ghostly silent films paired
with the original historic orchestral scores. Come in costume and
join a parade timed with the ragtime music. 5 pm. Spruce Peak
Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $25–35.
SprucePeakArts.org
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
Community Lunch at Unitarian Church Montpelier. 11
am–12:30 pm. 130 Main St., Montpelier.
Salvation Army Community Lunch. Noon–1 pm. 25 Keith Ave.,
Barre.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Barre Congregational Church Community Meal. 7:30–9 am. 35
Church St., Barre.
Free creemees for all. 2–6 pm. 1168 County Rd., Montpelier.
morsefarm.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31
The Christ Church Community Lunch. 11 am–12:30 pm. 64
Main St., Montpelier.
Salvation Army Community Lunch. Noon–1 pm. 25 Keith Ave.,
Barre.
Monster Mash Carnival. Carnival games with prizes and popcorn
brought to you by Capital Community Church. 3:30–6 pm.
64 State St., Christ Church Courtyard, Montpelier. kathryn@
capitalcommunity.net
Halloween Movie Nights at Jaquith Public Library. 7 pm. School
St., Marshfield. Check film titles at jaquithpubliclibrary.org
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Open Ears at Bagitos. See description under Oct. 18
Trinity United Methodist Church Community Lunch. 11:30
am–1 pm. 137 Main St., Montpelier.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Bethel First Friday Flicks - Free Family Movie. Bring a blanket
or beanbag if you want to get comfy (regular chairs available too).
Popcorn and drinks for sale; donations gladly accepted to cover
movie cost. 6:30–8:30 pm. Bethel Town Hall, 134 S. Main St.,
Bethel. bri-vt.org/events
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Walk Calais with Green Mountain Club. Easy, about 5 miles.
Number 10 Pond to Cranberry Meadow Road and back. See
petroglyph, possibly migrating waterfowl. Bring water, lunch
and snacks. Contact Phyllis Rubenstein, 793-6313 or phyllis@
PhyllisRubensteinLaw.comcastbiz.net for meeting time and place.
Barre Congregational Church Community Meal. 7:30 am–9 am.
35 Church St., Barre.
Alpenglow Fitness Intro to Studio Cycling. An instructor
will orient you to the studio, get your bike fitted properly, and
guide you through a gentle first ride. Learn the positions and
lingo. 10–10:45 am. 54 Main St., Montpelier. Free. Register:
alpenglowfitness.com

Send your event listing to calendar@montpelierbridge.com.

Deadline for print in the next issue is October 26.

To see a listing of Weekly Events, visit montpelierbridge.com

Cody Chevrolet Congratulates

The Bridge On 25 Years of Business!

Tell them
you saw it in
The Bridge!
T H E B R I D G E O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 • PAG E 31

Classifieds To place a classified listing

call 249-8666

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

PERFECT LOCATION WITHIN A 3-MINUTE WALK TO CAPITAL.

Renovated throughout. First floor handicap accessible, two rest rooms, and storage. Includes
private off street parking, weekly office cleaning, heat, hot water, electricity, snow removal,
landscaping and full maintenance. Single or multiple offices starting at $300.00 per month.

Phone: 508-259-7941

Recycle THIS PAPER!

PAG E 32 • O C TO B E R 18 – O C TO B E R 31, 2 018 THE BRIDGE