The Bridge, January 19, 2017

Fit ness at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center Pg.
12
January 19February 1, 2017
Indoor
Photos by Chris Hancock
IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg. 4 Montpelier
Downsizing Group
Pg. 5 Womens March
on Montpelier
Pg. 10 Aikido
Pg. 13 Meet Nurse
Alice Day
A Community That Plays Together Stays

Together
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Recreation isnt just about

physical movement. To some people, its a
social movement.
Montpelier seems to be developing into a
center for thriving sports participants who
occasionally butt heads (such as bicycle
enthusiasts versus off-leash dog walkers), but
who all agree activity is important. So it
is no surprise that a blow to the future of
indoor recreation in town has spawned an
avid group of citizen activists working with
city government to keep a healthy indoor
recreation facility downtown.
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Why the Sudden Concern Over Indoor

Recreation?
Two reasons. First of all, until last year, indoor
recreation as a sports genre seemed to have a
stable home and a roof over its head. People
knew where to go in winter for a treadmill,
spinning class, yoga, free weights, basketball
or Zumba. Then, last April, city officials
announced they were exploring ways to shift
ownership of 55 Barre St. (still known as the
Rec Center) to private hands. At the time,
it was unknown just what would happen to
existing programs.
Then, a few months after the 55 Barre St.
announcement, First in Fitness (a general
circuit exercise facility with free weights,
exercise classes and a sauna) closed its
Montpelier facilitys doors. The diversity of
the city's indoor exercise offerings took a big
hit when this anchor point health and fitness
studio shut down and consolidated up on
the hill. Members had to either go to the
Berlin facility or switch their routine to one
of the other downtown exercise venues such
as Zenith Studios or something else. And
while Zenith (http://www.studiozenithvt.
com/) has recently expanded to accommodate
its heartfelt devotees of spinning, yoga, free

weights and fitness classes, it isnt the same as
having a large generalized-use fitness center
where you can just wander in off the street,
crank up the television and zone out on the
elliptical machine for 45 minutes.
A Call For A New Indoor Rec Establishment
With the athletic community in an uproar,
Dot Helling, an athlete and retired attorney,
called for a meeting. In Dots words,
disenfranchised members of First in Fitness
and members of the swimming community
have voiced a need and desire for a state-ofthe-art facility. In September I spearheaded
a public meeting to discuss such a project
There was a resounding cry for a recreational
facility, and an indoor pool. Dot dubbed the
fledgling recreation group Montpelier Indoor
Rec and Aquatic Task Force, or MIRA. It
turned out to be the beginning of a coalition.
Attending that September meeting was Chris
Hancock. Hancock, a local parent of schoolage children, basketball player and computer
software designer, took on the mantle of
publicist and spokesperson for an effort to
create/expand. and/or preserve, either the
existing programs at 55 Barre St. or some
future facility perhaps as also envisioned by
Helling with an indoor pool, free weights,
a ball court, classes, games, a hot tub, sauna ...
He also gave the project the fun and friendly
name: Jump and Splash, and started a
website https://jumpandsplashvt.org/.
The Bridge sat down with Hancock at the
North Branch Caf to hear his take on
downtown recreation. Hancock looks at it
from a philosophical point of view and sounds
like he really cares about the positive role
community recreation plays in town. The
enthusiasm starts with him personally and
expands out to the rest of Montpelier. He has

been playing basketball a growing number of
times per week. His children go there as well,
and he is impressed by the variety of others
who participate.
A lot of teen boys spend time there in a
healthy way, he said. Some older, collegeage kids, older adults different walks of
life. You appreciate what each other can do,
which is what community recreation should
be.
He then went on to paint a picture of various
group sports aficionados who are nearly
fanatical about enjoying their sports. For
example: the pickleball players. Pickleball is
sort of like tennis and sort of like ping pong.
Players have paddles and hit a Whiffle
type ball over a net. It is slower than tennis,
and apparently quite fun.
Avid pickleball player Nancy Post told
The Bridge, Ive been involved since the
early 1990s. My husband and I both play
pickleball there. Its a great sport. Most of
us are ex-tennis players. It is easier for me
to play because I destroyed my rotator cuff
a while ago and cant do a tennis serve. We
do a couple afternoons a week. But you can
hear her unspoken insecurity towards the
future of the building when she says, It is
a great old building that has been holding
up a long time and serving people for many,
many years.
In addition, there is basketball, hula-hooping
and a ping pong club for middle and high
school students. There is also floor hockey.
But be forewarned: This activity has been
known to lead to courtship and marriage.
City Clerk John Odums office posted the
following announcement last year:
Continued on Page 9
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T H E B R I D G E
HEARD ON THE STREET
500 Kilowatt Solar Array Goes Online
MONTPELIER The City of Montpelier is now getting

the majority of its electricity from renewable energy sources
with the completion of a 500 kilowatt solar photovoltaic
array located on an old gravel pit behind Log Road.
Electricity produced by the solar panels will be credited to a
variety of municipal buildings within the city, including the
water resource recovery facility, City Hall, the fire station
and police station. The power purchase agreement allows the
City to invest in renewable energy with no upfront cost, and
savings seen on its electrical bill from day one. In addition
the City will have the opportunity to purchase the project
in the future at a fair market rate. In combination with a
second 500 kilowatt array completed in 2016 located in
Sharon, the City and school district expect to save $40,000
to $50,000 a year for the first 10 years of the contract.
Part of a multi-year effort to increase energy efficiency and
reduce the use of fossil fuels, the solar array will help achieve
a 2030 goal to become the first Net Zero state capital in the
United States.
Westview Meadows Receives Perfect Score

MONTPELIER A local residential care facility has
passed muster as far as government regulators are concerned.
On Dec. 28, 2016 the Vermont Agency of Human Services,
Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
made an unannounced visit to Westview Meadows. The
facility was found to be in compliance with the regulatory
requirements for independent and residential care facilities.
Surveyors do this as part of their relicensing process to
ensure it remains in compliance with current regulatory
requirements while ensuring the welfare and rights of residents
are protected and to ensure that residents receive quality
care. The last time it was visited, on Jan. 7, 2015, Westview
Meadows was also found in substantial compliance.
This achievement could not be possible without the
leadership and staff who work hard on a day-to-day basis
providing a wonderful environment for retired individuals,
said Executive Director Dawn Provost. It takes the
commitment of everyone at the facility to obtain this highest
rating. We are proud of this achievement and will continue
to strive to be a wonderful place for residents to call home.
Montpelier-Roxbury School Merger Group

Turns Down Northfield
on Monsignor Crosby Ave. There was also a water leak on

Liberty Street and Heaton Street.
ROXBURY At a Jan. 16 meeting in Roxbury, the

Montpelier-Roxbury school merger study committee
rejected a request by Northfield to become an informal
participant in the Montpelier-Roxbury study committee,
according to information from Montpelier Superintendent
Brian Ricca. The committee reportedly voted 9-0-2 against
the Northfield request.
There were reports of one dog attacking another dog on the

bike path near Green Mountain Drive and another loose
dog running amuck near the elementary school.
A separate committee looking at a merger of the Northfield

and Williamstown school districts is planning to put that
possible merger before voters in both of those towns this
spring.
Meanwhile, a merger committee examining the possibility
of having one school board instead of the multiple school
boards that exist now in the U-32 towns (Berlin, Calais,
East Montpelier, Middlesex and Worcester) or making other
changes, has hired professional mediators to see if it can
get discussions back on track. The committee last met in
October, when Berlin representatives expressed opposition
to a full merger.
And on Jan. 31, Barre Town will hold a revote on a proposal
to merge its school district with the Barre school system. In
an earlier vote, Barre approved the merger, but Barre Town
voters rejected the idea.
All of the merger talk is the result of Act 46, a state law
designed to encourage, and eventually force, smaller school
districts to merge.
Police Deal With Ice, Snow, Assault, Open

Carry and Public Urination
MONTPELIER Montpeliers finest had their hands full
in recent days. The calls from citizens were many and varied.
The department posts most activity on their website and
below is a small sampling. Because of winter storms, many
weather-related incidents occurred, for example the winter
parking ban was in effect so its rules had to be enforced
cars were towed. Also, the Department of Public Works had
to deal with ice on Hill Street and somebody complained
of people ice skating on the North Branch River on Jan.
15. Also, on Jan. 11, a motorist got stuck on a snowbank
on College Street and a garbage truck got stuck on the ice
Several reports of suspicious persons were made, including

one acting strangely at a River Street business, which made
employees nervous. In addition, someone near TD Bank
complained of a male urinating off the bridge and into
the river on School Street in front of a female. Police were
unable to locate the culprit.
Police also responded to reports of vandalism on Crescent
Lane, larceny from a dorm room at the Vermont College of
Fine Arts, a hit and run crash on State Street, a vehicle that
struck a deer on Berlin Street and a person was trying to
stop cars at Interstate 89 Exit 8 on-ramps.
Several stops were made for parking on the sidewalk and for
people driving without headlights.
An officer also assisted a female to walk home on Berlin
Street due to the icy sidewalk.
In addition, there was a report of kids causing disruption in
City Center on Main Street.
And somebody called in a complaint of a person carrying
a holstered pistol openly on his or her belt. The responding
officer discussed applicable laws with complainant. No
police action required. Open carry is constitutionally
protected and law enforcement is aware of its legality,
according to opencarry.org.
Police also dealt with some cases of driving under the
influence, sexual assault and domestic violence. In one case,
Montpelier police were assisting the the Northfield Police
Department with an armed robbery. During response,
Montpelier and Berlin Police were diverted to investigate a
welfare check stemming from a domestic violence incident.
Investigation into that incident yielded the arrest of the
offender by Northfield Police, who later responded to take
over the investigation.
Total Incidents 179 from Jan. 9 through Jan. 17.
Bookmark:
montpelierbridge.com
Support the February 2 Issue of The Bridge on Climate Change

If we do not do the impossible, we shall be faced with the unthinkable. Murray Bookchin
e dont know exactly what impacts to the climate are in store over the next
few years. We do know that now the job of creating life-affirming actions has
shifted to individuals, to towns, regions, organizations, states and communities
like never before. We each must take responsibility for educating ourselves and others about
whats at stake, and what we can and must do to care for our earth.
Our community is responding. And the Feb. 2 issue of The Bridge will be devoted to just
that: locally focused positive responses to climate change that hold great potential and those
that are already happening all around us. Many local individuals and groups have already
freely given of their time and care by writing articles for this special issue of The Bridge.
The articles will offer a variety of meaningful ways each of us can help and get involved.
Nature Watch
by Nona Estrin
Joyful Sparrows Leave Early This Year
Photo by Arad Mojtahedi
or the first time in 20 years, our small

troupe of American Tree Sparrows
from the far north, has decamped
early. The joyful flock of birds musically
chittering under a rose bush, where I toss
mixed seed each day, is gone. Called Chip
Darmstadt at the North Branch Nature
Center. He too had noticed the remove
of this species from the bird feeders at the
Center. He did check EBird for me and
they have apparently left the state two
months early this year! Hummm....warm
weather? Poor seed due to last summers
drought? I will be looking for them with
special interest next November.
You can help right now, by giving the coming climate change issue of The Bridge
whatever financial support you deem appropriate. The more support we receive for this,
the more articles we can give back to you. Its time to get going!
To make a donation online, visit www.montpelierbridge.com and click on "Make a
Donation" or mail your contribution to The Bridge, P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT
05601. Please indicate that your donation is for the climate change issue. If donating
online, please type Climate Change Issue in the section marked Write a Note. If
sending in a check, please write Climate Change Issue on the memo line. Thank you
to those who have already made a contribution.
Jan Waterman & Julia Barstow, Contributing editors for the climate change-themed issue
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Downsizing Group Looks For Housing Options

MONTPELIER Over the past year, a group
of residents including my wife and myself
have been talking about and learning about
the options for downsizing from a larger home
to a smaller one at some point in the next
few years. Some smaller houses and condos
already exist here, but given the demographic
shifts taking place, new housing units will
likely need to be built for the growing number
of Montpelier area residents over 50 who are
interested in downsizing.
The move to smaller living quarters can make
sense for older Vermonters who want to shed
some property maintenance duties, reduce
energy costs and other expenses, or live in a
home that allows aging in place by having
features such as a bedroom on the main floor
or being located within walking distance of
stores and services.
Vermonters have the second oldest average
age by state in the country. As older residents
move into smaller units, existing larger homes
in Montpelier and surrounding towns will
become available for younger residents, who
with todays high building costs often
cannot afford to build or buy a new home.
That shift would be good for Montpelier and
our school systems student numbers.
Older residents who have built up equity
in their homes and saved money over their
working lives may be in a better position
to afford newly constructed housing units,
especially smaller ones.
Since the majority of local downsizers in
the area would prefer to live in or close to
downtown Montpelier, the downsizing trends

also fit in well with the Net Zero Vermont goal
of building more downtown housing units.
The Montpelier Downsizing Group has grown
by word of mouth, calendar notices and Front
Porch Forum postings to the point it now has
over 100 email addresses (and it welcomes
more see end of article). The group has
probably only scratched the surface in terms of
people in Montpelier and surrounding towns
who might want to downsize in the next two
to 10 years.
So far, the group has had three meetings at
the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, each attended
by 50 or 60 people, with a somewhat different
composition of attendees each time. Various
people helped get the group started, but
meetings are currently being organized by
Diane Derby and myself, with help from Brian
Hollen and Cari Clement.
At the first meeting, in December 2015, a
survey was handed out. The results, from
about 30 households, found among other
things, that being located within walking
distance of downtown was very important
to 64 percent of those surveyed. Eighteen
percent would prefer to be within a quartermile of downtown, 43 percent want to be
within a half-mile and 39 percent want to be
within a mile.
As for housing types, 75 percent are interested
in buying or renting a small house or cottage,
71 percent would consider a townhouse, 68
percent a condo, and 39 percent an apartment
(the total percentage exceeded 100 percent
because survey respondents could choose more

than one option). Three-quarters said they
would be looking to downsize in the next two
to five years.
At the second meeting last spring, Matthew
Wheaton of DEW Properties presented a
hypothetical example of what one-bedroom,
two-bedroom and three-bedroom units in
a new four-story building downtown would
cost, while Chris Kiper of Anomal discussed
the costs and process of building a tiny house.
The third meeting last December featured
presentations by Realtors Tim Heney and Lori
Holt about the real estate market and the
process of getting ready to sell your home.
The meeting also featured presentations about
possible new housing projects in Montpelier
that might be appropriate for downsizers,
including the following:
by Phil Dodd
owns adjacent to City Center.

Architect Jay Ancel of Black River Design
discussed his groups Net Zero competition
plans as well as some specific sites in
Montpelier. In early January, Ancel hosted
a meeting along with property owner
Jeff Nick for 30 interested people about
a possible cottage cluster development that
could take place on a portion of the 6 acres
at 250 Main St., where the original gray
NECI building (now offices) is located and
would remain.
Montpelier landlord Win Turner discussed
his property on Sibley Avenue, where he is
now considering subdividing and selling
three lots of a quarter-acre each. Turner is
also open to building single-family homes
or duplexes on the property for downsizers
or others.
Katie Gustafson of the Vermont College

of Fine Arts said the college is considering
converting one of its dorms to apartments
or condos in the next few years, or building
new housing on its property. College
accreditation boards are encouraging
colleges to find new income streams,
according to Vermont College president
Tom Greene.
Downsizer and Montpelier resident Cari

Clement discussed her efforts to find a
location in town to build a group of cottages
or small homes that could share a common
building for work spaces, exercise equipment
and the like. One property she mentioned
as a possibility is the undeveloped portion
of the Redstone property, if the state was
willing to sell.
Developer Doug Nedde has plans to convert

the second and third floors of the TD
Bank building at State and Main into 10
to 12 market-rate apartments, which could
become available in 2018. The building
has an elevator, and Nedde said he could
provide parking at the parking garage he
The Montpelier Downsizing Group will

probably meet again in the spring. If you
would like to receive email notices about
future meetings and possible new housing
developments appropriate for downsizing, send
an email to MontpelierDownsizingGroup@
gmail.com.
Catch Pussy Hat Knitting Craze

Thanks to the President-Elect, Pink Yarn is Flying Off Local Shelves
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Lee Youngman, owner
of Yarn at 112 Main St. in Montpelier, is
running out of pink and pink-toned yarn in
a big way. This is unusual, she said, because
pink isnt usually a popular yarn color for
adults.
I sold $3,000 to $4,000 worth of pink yarn
in a month, she told The Bridge Monday,
Jan. 9. A Bridge employee had inquired
about getting a skein to make a pink pussy
hat to prepare for the Women's March in
Montpelier Jan. 21. This march is to coincide
with the Womens March in Washington
D.C. the same day.

The 'pussy hat' idea started about a month
after a remark by Donald Trump bragging
about his conduct with women, "When you're
a star, you can do anything. Grab 'em by the
pussy. You can do anything," was recorded
in a 2005 audiotape leaked to the press in
October 2016 from a show called Access
Hollywood. Some people decided to come
up with a way to use the insult constructively.
According to a New York Magazine article,
Why Youll see Thousands of Pink Pussy
Hats at the Womens March on Washington,"
by Claire Landsbaum, the pussy hat project

launched in late November 2016. After the
election, (organizer Krista) Suh and her coorganizer, Jayna Zweiman, designed the hat
pattern with the owner of their local knitting
shop. They see the project as a way women
across the country can participate in the
protest, even if they wont physically be in
Washington.
According to an article on Bust.com, the hats
are to create a visual as part of the gathering
at Womens march.
Montpelier has organized its own Women's
March scheduled that will start at Montpelier

High School at 1 p.m. and end at the
Statehouse lawn on Jan. 21.
The Montpelier march website does not
mention Trump, rather it says the mission
of the march is to protect womens bodies,
reproductive rights, physical safety, physical,
mental, emotional and environmental
health. Also, the march is to affirm diversity,
identities, experiences of people of color,
sexual and gender identities, multiple abilities,
religious freedom, cultural expression and all
ages.
And lets not forget value and money.
Montpelier marchers want to promote equal
pay, fair wages, family fair policies and respect
for women's contributions to art, literature,
society, sports, entertainment, caregiving and
other endeavors.
Back in the yarn store, Youngman said she has
no plans to knit a pussy hat or to participate
in the march, but that she appreciates how
snarky the project is.
Youngman added, not only has he (Trump)
made it okay to use the word, he has made it
okay to use it as an emblem.
Lee Youngman,
owner of Yarn
T H E B R I D G E
In Wake of Trump Inauguration:

Montpelier Joins Other State Capitals In Womens March
by Matt Koucky
MONTPELIER This Saturday the day after President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration
Montpelier will be joining cities across the country to march for women's rights.
This march comes in response to the growing sentiment among members of marginalized groups
women, Muslims, people of color, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning (LGBTQ) individuals,
disabled people, and immigrants, among others that their rights are in danger under the new
administration. According to the Facebook page for the event, rhetoric of the past election cycle
has insulted, demonized, and threatened many (members of marginalized groups).
The Womens March on Montpelier formed in solidarity with the Womens March on Washington.
The Washington march chaired by influential activists Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory,
Carmen Perez and Bob Bland is slated to be one of Americas biggest protests, according to a
Jan. 14 article in The Guardian.
The Womens March on Washington has inspired not only Montpeliers Womens March, but
marches across all 50 U.S. states, as well as in Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, London, Zurich and
Sydney, according to the Womens March on Washington Facebook page.
These marches, which are to occur on Jan. 21, plan to exercise nonviolent protest as a means of
highlighting the intersectional issues surrounding womens rights. Not only will these marches
focus on the idea that womens rights are human rights; according to womensmarch.com, the
protest marches will have a multi-issue platform. The marches will focus on ending police violence,
and ensuring reproductive rights, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning (LGBTQ) rights, workers
rights, civil rights, disability rights, immigrants rights, and environmental justice, according to
the site.
These focus points of the womens marches underline the current ideological argument for
womens rights, which has been gaining influence for the past few decades. This wave, entitled
intersectionality recognizes that womens rights are human rights, and that womens rights
permeate all sectors of society, from the workplace to the outdoors.
Kimberl Crenshaw, a college professor who has taught at Harvard and Columbia Law schools,
coined the word intersectionality in 1989 as the view that women experience oppression in
varying configurations and in varying degrees of intensity. Cultural patterns of oppression are not
only interrelated, but are bound together and influenced by the intersectional systems of society.
Examples of this include race, gender, class, ability, and ethnicity. Intersectionality, for members of
the womens rights movement, means that, in order to ensure womens rights, work must be done
to ensure not only the rights of womanhood, but the rights of economic, racial, ethnic, sexual and
ability-based equality.
At the upcoming women's marches, women representative of the diverse body and the
intersectionality of the women's rights movement will be expressing their concerns and their
propositions for moving forward under an administration headed by an individual who has
expressed positions antithetical to the positions of the women's rights movement, and who leads a
majority party that has recently voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which provides healthcare
to millions of women across the country.
At the Montpelier event, there will be a Unity Rally including performances by a variety of artists
and activists. These groups will work together to express resilience in the face of opposition, and
will serve as a reminder to the incoming administration that their voices will be heard.
The Womens March on Montpelier will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at Montpelier High
School. The march will continue to the State House, where at 2 p.m. the Unity Rally will begin.
All are invited.
With Aerial Trams, Streetcars, Condos; Murphy Bed Micro

Units Team Bridges Wins $10,000 Net Zero Design Contest
MONTPELIER Net Zero Vermont Inc. announced the
winner of the Montpelier 2030 Design Competitions $10,000
prize is "Team Bridges" a collaboration of multiple individuals
and companies. The announcement was made at the State House
by Deb Sachs and Dan Jones, Net Zero co-chief executive officers
Jan. 18.
Also speaking at the news conference were Governor Phil Scott,
Mayor John Hollar, Beth Rusnock for competition sponsor
National Life Group, and members of Team Bridges.
After noting his fondness for competitions, Scott added: "The
Sustainable Montpelier 2030 Design Competition creates a vision
of the type of small city I believe will help attract and retain
working age people to Vermont, offer housing, art and open spaces
for people of all ages, and grow our local tax base. This project
demonstrates that working together nonprofits, government
and business can inspire a community to develop a positive
vision for its future."
Team Bridges spokesperson Michael Rushman of Land Strategies
said "From the outset, our teams motto has been More people,
fewer cars, better lifestyle.
The projects presentation depicts a magic land where people live
in apartments or homes adjacent to their workplace. Nobody
needs to drive to work. An example is National life where
stacks of apartments (powered by solar panels on the rooves)
house employees who get downtown via aerial tram. This plan,
where most parking lots are replaced with housing units, would
invite another 3,500 residents and reduce the average number
of vehicles owned by each household so that there is no overall
increase in the total number of vehicles in the city. The drawings
further depict people walking down the street carrying canoes,

traveling by kayak in the river and street sweeping done by a robot.
The winner was chosen by over 650 voters along with a review
by a technical committee. In January, a second round of voting
followed presentations by five finalists. The $10,000 prize in the
competition is sponsored by Net Zero Vermont with seed funding
from five sponsors: AllEarth Renewables, Ben & Jerrys, Vermont
Creamery, National Life Group, and VSECU.
The details about the competition process, the winning design
materials and video of the team presentation are available at:
https://netzerovt.org/design-competition/winning-design/
About Team Bridges
Team Bridges is a purposeful blend of 12 professionals from 10
companies and organizations: Roger Allbee, former secretary,
Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; Jay Ancel, partner, Black
River Design Architects; Vincent Appel, Possible Architectures;
Douglas Cooper, professor, Carnegie Mellon University; Stefani
Danes, architect and adjunct professor, School of Architecture,
Carnegie Mellon University; Archie Kasnet, Altenex; Ethan
Lay-Sleeper, Sasaki; Ken Millman, Sp!ke Advertising; Michael
Rushman, Land Strategies; Janet Van Fleet, Studio Place Arts and
Robert White, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
About Net Zero Vermont
Net Zero Vermont, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit aimed at creating
a vision for a sustainable future with vibrant, people-centered
downtowns and transforming our transportation and energy
systems to low carbon alternatives. Sustainable Montpelier 2030
is its first project. For more information visit www.netzerovt.org.
From the winning Team Bridges,

Michael Rushman of Cabot-based Land
Strategies. Photo by Michael Jermyn
Got a news tip?

We want to know!
Send it to us at: editorial@
THE BRIDGE
A Message From City Hall

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.
City Budget Nearly Ready for Voters

by William Fraser, City Manager
he City Council has been busy during December

and January putting the finishing touches on their
budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18). On
January 11th, the Council voted preliminary approval on
the budget which is described here. Public Hearings will
be held on January 18th and, Thursday, January 26th.
Be sure to note that its a Thursday instead of the normal
Wednesday. All budgets and ballot items must be finalized
on the 26th with Annual City Meeting voting taking place
on Tuesday, March 7th.
Guidelines:
The Staff Leadership team prepared five budget scenarios
which reflected the range expressed by council members.
Key elements of the budget scenarios were:
Budget must reflect the City Councils adopted goals and
priorities.
Must continue increased funding for capital and
equipment needs.
Must deliver responsible levels of service to the residents
of Montpelier.
Must incorporate funding to advance the Economic
Development Strategic Plan.
In three workshop sessions, the Council chose items from
the scenarios to make up the proposed budget,
Property Tax Impact:
The net result of revenues and expenses is that $8,756,847
in property tax revenues are required for the citys portion
(non school, non ballot item) of the budget. This is an
increase of $338,145 or 4.0% over FY15.
will be a major infrastructure project with $1.1 Million

coming from the General Fund and the remainder from
the Water and Sewer funds.
The Capital/Equipment Plan anticipates an additional
increase of $166,300 in FY19 and $50,000 in FY20 in
order to bring funding levels to a projected steady state of
maintenance and improvements.
Personnel:
Total number of Full Time Equivalent Employees
(FTEs), is 112.91 which is 1.05 FTE more than FY17.
Grant funded increases of .725 in Community Justice
center and .475 in the Feast program accounted for 1.2
FTE. Other adjustments were a .25 FTE increase for
facilities management, a .5 FTE decrease in finance/
admin, a .2 increase in the zoning administrator and a .1
FTE decrease in Senior Center for a net for a net .15 FTE
decrease in non grant funded programs.
Cost of living allowances and step increases are built
into all employee wage and salary accounts consistent
with collective bargaining agreements and personnel
policies. For this budget that represents a 2.0% contracted
adjustment for Fire Union employees and a 1.5% increase
for all others except management positions which have no
increase. Note that collective bargaining agreements with
Public Works and Police are pending for FY18. Overall
wage costs are up by 3.2% in this budget.
The budget continues the high deductible health
insurance plan which was implemented four years ago.
Overall benefit costs are up by 11.1% in this budget.
Operating:
Requires a 2.7 cent (2.6%) increase in the property tax

rate. This follows a 0.5 cent (0.25%) increase in FY14,
a 1.5 cent (1.6%) increase in FY15, a 2.4 cent (2.5%)
increase in FY16 and a 3.1 (3.0%) increase in FY17. For
the average residential property, this tax rate represents an
additional $59.55 on the tax bill.
Reductions of $54,869 to operating costs from FY17

are proposed. This represents approximately $175,000
in reductions from initial requests. As with prior years,
many lines have been cut to stay within fiscal guidelines.
Department operating budgets are now very tight after
multiple years of reductions.
Budget Numbers:
Police: The Police budget includes the contractual

relationship with Capital Fire Mutual Aid System for
dispatching services. This provides additional revenue and
improved services for Montpelier. A Dispatch Supervisor
is now on board. School Resource Officer shared 50%
with school is included. The Police Department continues
sharing administrative support with the Fire Department.
We are pursuing other dispatch options but cannot yet
include any funding in the budget.
FY18 General Fund Budget totals $13,556,867 which

is an increase of $633,563 (4.9%) from the comparable
FY17 spending plan. This increase is, essentially,
composed of $165,793 in Capital/Equipment, $100,000
in Economic Development, $39,000 in Housing Trust
Fund and $391,723 in personnel costs. Those four items
total $696,516. All other items in the budget are $62,953
lower than FY17.
FY18 General Fund non-tax revenues total $4,362,820
which is an increase of $353,916 (8.8%) from FY17 nontax revenues.
Consistent with the councils fund balance policy, no
general fund balance is used to offset the budget and
reduce taxes.
Revenues from the State of Vermont such as Highway Aid
and Grand List Maintenance funding have been assumed
to remain at their present funding levels. Payment in Lieu
of Taxes (PILOT) was adjusted upward to reflect actual
collection in FY17. Local Rooms, Meals and Alcohol tax
revenues were included for the first time,
Grand list value is calculated at 0.5% increase from
the FY17 level. With the projected grand list, $86,180
represents one cent on the tax rate.
Infrastructure:
The Capital Projects, Equipment and Debt Service
Program is funded at $2,182,789. Of this $1,036,544 is
in annual funding, $631,245 is in existing debt service
and $515,000 is for equipment. This represents an overall
increase for these combined items of $165,793. Most
notable is that over $1 Million in annual funding is now
in the budget.
A $3.9 Million infrastructure bond is proposed for water,
sewer and street improvements on Northfield Street. This
Fire & Emergency Services: Call response and coverage

will change slightly due to overtime reductions. Training
funds have been reduced. Funds for call force have been
reduced due to lack of participation in the program.
Planning,
Zoning
&
Community/Economic
Development: The Planning & Development department
budget has been left largely unchanged. The Zoning
Administrator position currently remains at 0.6 FTE
although an increase to 0.8 is recommended. One VISTA
position remains funded to work primarily with MEAC
and net zero initiatives.
Public Works: Staffing levels are essentially unchanged
in order to keep up with infrastructure project demands.
Operating funds and overtime have been reduced to
extremely minimal levels.
Government Services: The Finance department and
Managers office are consolidating 1.5 FTE into 1.0.
Community Justice Center budget includes all funding
for all programs with commensurate revenue offsets.
There is no net property tax funding projected.
Other Funds:
The Water and Wastewater budgets are balanced.
Rate increases will be set to implement the long term
infrastructure management plan.
The Parking fund is balanced while including a 5% set
aside for alternate transportation funding.

The District Heat Fund budget will cover the fourth full
year of complete operation.
Community Services:
The budget begins implementing the Community
Services department plan which consolidates work
between the Senior Center, Recreation and Parks/Tree
departments. The combined tax appropriations for these
three functions are reduced by $11,481 from FY17.
Tax funding for the Senior Center is reduced $16,566
below the FY17 level which is a reduction of $31,934
(22%) over two years from FY16. Center expenses are
offset by program revenues including larger contributions
from neighboring towns.
Tax funding for the Parks department is reduced by
$10,017 while funding for tree operations is increased by
$11,377 for a net increase of $1,360.
The Recreation Department has reduced 0.5 FTE and
will consolidate registration work with the Senior Center.
They will also be increasing user fees. The Recreation tax
appropriation is reduced by $5,275 from FY16.
Funding for the Housing Trust Fund is increased to
$60,000, up $39,000 from FY17.
The Montpelier Community & Arts Fund remains at
$119,550 from FY17.
Community
enhancements
funding,
Montpelier Alive, remains at $33,600.
including
$100,000 to implement the Economic Development

Strategic Plan is included.
$59,567 in funding for the Downtown Improvement
District is shown in the budget as both expense and
revenue.
The GMTA circulator bus route remains at $40,000 from
FY17.
The budget includes $14,400 in funding for the monthly
Montpelier Bridge article.
$5,000 for the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee
is included
Both city staff and Matrix had identified previously
existing capacity shortcomings in the areas of human
resources management, facilities management and
communications. This budget includes a new .25 FTE
for facilities to begin addressing this need. We expect
to address some communications issues with staff
realignment in finance and admin.
Conclusion:
Fiscal constraints continue to conflict with all desired
goals and service demands.. This budget maintains direct
core services while supporting infrastructure, economic
development and housing priorities.
I appreciate the hard work of our management team and all
city employees. This budget is a team effort from start to
finish. The Department Heads worked diligently to meet
our budget goals. I would like to particularly recognize
the efforts of Finance Director Todd Provencher who had
to learn all of this on the fly. I also appreciate Councils
workshop discussions which shaped this budget proposal.
Related budget documents are posted on the citys website
www.montpelier-vt.org As always, thank you for reading this
article and for your interest in Montpelier city government.
Please contact me at wfraser@montpelier-vt.org or 802-2239502 with any questions, comments or concerns.
T H E B R I D G E
Locally-Grown Gov. Phil Scott Settles into the Peoples House

by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER Newly inaugurated Republican Governor
Phil Scott, 58, of Barre, became the 82nd governor of Vermont
on Thursday, Jan. 5. And just five days later, still in the midst
of setting up his new administration, Scott met with The Bridge
in his ceremonial office in the State House. The building was a
hive of activity and excitement filled with new faces, perhaps
envisioning a world of possibility ahead of them.
Gov. Phil Scott

Photo by Carla Occaso
However, the issues to be faced this session are weighty,

complicated and crucial. Chief among them, according to
Scott, is to get back to basics. This means making the economy
better able to attract and retain people ages 25 to 45 who
are fleeing for their economic lives. With that age group
shrinking in recent years, the state suffers from having fewer
wage earners to pay for the education of the young and the
health care of an ever-increasing aging population. This pressure
is financially crushing the middle generation and eroding the
financial strength of the populace in general. This phenomenon
also creates a greater need to focus directly on improving the
education system and the health care systems that support
younger and older generations with less money.
I think that we should be participating more in higher

education because that has also been proven to be more
beneficial in higher paying jobs, Scott said, describing how
some day in the future the Agency of Education should
oversee grades Pre-K through 16 (first four years of college).
This, though, for now, is more of a vision that would have
to be done in pieces over time. For now, the cost of public
education as it is is too high at a cost of $19,000 per
student. Scott said the state needs to reconfigure the overall
system to be more cost effective right through college.
But as a prelude to tackling the bigger topics, Scott got right

to business by issuing executive orders to overhaul government
structure.
On his first day in office, Scott issued an executive to achieve
his strategic goals by directing all state agency secretaries and
department commissioners to use their powers to look for ways
to grow the economy and make Vermont an affordable place
to live. His other first orders were to create the Governors
Government Modernization and Efficiency Team to identify
and advise the new departments on ways to eliminate waste,
prevent fraud and development of an outcomes-based budgeting
process, according to his website.
He also on Jan. 5 created a Governors Opiate Coordination
Council to keep on top of opiate treatment and prevention.
Then, on Jan. 15 he dug in deeper. He issued more executive
orders, one to create a unified Department of Liquor and
Lottery, by merging the Departments of Liquor Control with
the Vermont Lottery Commission. He also created an Agency
of Economic Opportunity by merging the Agency of Commerce
and Community Development and the Department of Labor to
connect the needs of employers and the workforce, according to
his website governor.vermont.gov.
said. Were losing our work force ages 25 to 45. Weve lost
30,000 people in that category since the last census. Those
are the folks who buy homes, use services, have children and
pay taxes. Meanwhile, even though revenue is decreasing,
costs are increasing. Scott said he hears about it on the ground
from working people who say they might need to move out
of state to afford daily needs. People have trouble paying
property taxes, making car payments and paying rent. More
concentration on affordable housing could help. But also
increasing an emphasis on education is key.
This would be an important way to improve the economy

and financial opportunity for all, because, Scott says, he is
finding that there are jobs in Vermont that go empty for want
of trained workers.
Then, on Jan. 17, he ordered the creation of an Agency of
Digital Services in order to unify all aspects of the states IT
operations to consolidate services and intensify accountability.
Scott told The Bridge his modus operandi is to inspire other
lawmakers to deal with the fundamental matters first. If it
doesnt make the economy better, create jobs or help the most
vulnerable, then dont waste time on it this legislative session,
Scott said.
Scott then said when legislators get bills they should ask
simple questions like, does this help our economy? Does
this make Vermont more affordable? Does this help the
most vulnerable? And if the answer is no, then move on to
something that will help.
It may be even harder to get a fiscal grasp on things in 2017
because this year is starting out with lower revenues and a
greater deficit than last year.
It is difficult to determine which problem came first, Scott
But for now, it is going to be a tough couple of years with

lower revenues and higher costs striking the citizenry. There is
a $70 million deficit, which is going to be tough to fix because
people say they are maxed out on taxes. This is going to cause
the Scott administration to create efficiencies, which usually
translates into job layoffs. Scott is hopeful the efficiencies can
come through the use of technology.
Nevertheless, Scott wants to continue to provide services to
protect the most vulnerable.
We feel we can close the gap. Wages arent increasing. They
cant spend more than they make and neither can we, he said.
Scott said he wants lawmakers to concentrate on this rather
than other issues for now because last session did not turn out
a single bill with any jobs attached to it. We are focussing on
the wrong areas, he said. We need to change the perception
that we are a bad place to do business. We are small enough.
Nimble enough. We can change.
THE BRIDGE
On the Road: Signs of the Times

in Margaritaville
by Larry Floresch
everal months ago, my spouse decided that a few months

away from Vermont this winter would be just the ticket,
so, along with the entire population of the five boroughs
of New York and half of New Jersey, we rented a house for
the season on the shore in Florida.
Now I know what youre thinking. So, youre
relaxing on the beach in Margaritaville while were
freezing our patooties off back here in Vermont!
Let me tell you about relaxing in Margaritaville.
We found the rental house online. The location was great and the photos showed a modern
and spacious house with large decks overlooking the ocean. But, because hurricanes seem
attracted to Florida, the house is perched fifteen feet in the air on stilts. You have to climb
two flights of stairs just to get to the first floor. And because it is a two-story house, you have
to climb another two flights of stairs to get to the master bedroom on the second floor. I
learned years ago in geography class that most beaches are flat and pretty close to sea level, so
my idea of being at the beach did not include having to climb anything after I had consumed
numerous alcoholic beverages and could no longer easily pronounce the word margarita.
We should have known something was a little quirky about this particular house when we got
the rental agreement from the realtor. The owners provided an extensive list of dos and donts
in which they emphasized things by using capital letters. For example, the agreement read, and
I quote, This home is NON-SMOKING and NO PETS are allowed! I wasnt sure what pets
had to do with smoking. The image of a cat with a cigarette dangling from its mouth hasnt
crossed my mind since I read Bulgakovs The Master and Margarita in college. But we were
in the clear, because our nonexistent pets do not smoke.
The agreement also noted: Attracting bears can be a problem ... all table scraps and food
waste should be kept in the freezer until check-out. Given the owners penchant for emphatic
capitalization I was surprised by the nonchalance of that statement. I more readily associate
BEARS with YELLOWSTONE PARK, not the BEACH. But, I reasoned, we were going to
be anywhere from 15 to 30 feet above the ground if sober, so I felt a certain amount of security.
Of more concern was that we were planning on staying in the house for FOUR MONTHS
before check-out, so I became intensely anxious about the capacity of the freezer.
Like every other beach house in Florida, this one is decorated with beachy objects, such as a
five-foot fake palm tree in the corner of the living room, conch shell ashtrays on the decks
(where smoking is permitted unless youre a pet), glass jars full of assorted seashells, and
ceramic fish on the walls. The house also has the obligatory cutesy beach signs, such as Life
is Better at the Beach, Mermaid Crossing (which includes a carved and painted wooden
mermaid swimming across a piece of fishing net with dead starfish tangled in it), and Relax!
Youre on Beach Time. Judging from the fonts and colors, it is easy to see they all came from
the Hallmark Cutesy Beach Sign Factory, which is located near Pahokee, Florida, in the
Everglades.
It was a pleasantly warm day when we arrived, and after the 6,000 trips up the stairs needed
to move our belongings from the car to the first floor, I headed for the AC controls. It was
there I discovered the first of many not-so-cutesy small signs: Set Cooling = 75 degrees. Set
Heating = 72 degrees. Max cooling = 73 degrees Max heating = 75 degrees This made the
words of Jimmy Buffetts song Math Sucks! jump to mind. Plus I had sweat running into my
eyes, so it took me a minute or two to comprehend the sign. To me 75 or even 73 is not cool.
Maybe its all those years I spent freezing my patootie off in Vermont. But I soon discovered
the thermostat was programmed to reject any setting outside the parameters noted in the sign.
I then noticed a small sign on the garbage can in the kitchen. It was a reinforcement of the bear
information in the rental agreement: BAD BEAR WARNING Keep food waste in freezer.
At least here they had properly capitalized BEAR. But it made me begin to realize that the
owners were, in the parlance of the 1960s, uptight (the modern term is more anatomically
specific).
The mini-signage did not stop at the trash can. Some signs were unnecessary, such as one
indicating the direction to move the lever of the kitchen faucet for ON and OFF, which is
kind of like getting in an elevator on the ground floor of a two-story building and having the
guy in front of the buttons ask you, Which floor?
We found a sign in the bathroom that said exhaust fan = 30 min max. I was not sure about
the logic behind that one, unless the owners are against reading. There was also a sign on the
bathroom mirror that said, Do not allow water or wet clothing to lay on wood sinktop. Both
of the bathrooms have those fancy vessel sinks that sit on vanities with varnished hardwood
tops. I could have relaxed more if it was good old waterproof Formica.
Inside each kitchen cabinet we found a wordless sign- a photo showing how the dishes
should be arranged and stacked, and the lower cabinets, in addition to photos, have outlines
drawn on the shelf liners to show you where the pots and pans should be placed.
In numerous places, such as on the edge of the coffee table, there are small signs that read
Sunscreen and repellents will stain furnishings. Please rinse them off before use. Did I
mention we are at THE BEACH! The necessity of having to wash off that SPF50 before you
can once again inhabit the house sort of takes the free out of carefree beachfront living.
But the most perplexing of all the small signs was the one on the entry door: ABSOLUTELY
NO PARTIES! maximum occupancy 6. Violation = termination without refund. NO
PARTIES?! This is supposed to be MARGARITAVILLE! What about ITS FIVE OCLOCK
SOMEWHERE?! But then the thought crossed my mind, what if by termination they mean
you will be thrown from the deck to those hungry BEARS milling about beneath the house?!
Its really hard to enjoy wasting away in Margaritaville with that in the back of your mind.
T H E B R I D G E
A Community That Plays Together Stays Together

Hi neighbors! Kelly and Philip came by to get a marriage license for their wedding at the end of May.
They met while playing floor hockey at the Montpelier Recreation Center. Congratulations!
The Dream:
As The Bridge sat with Hancock, we brainstormed about where a pool could be and imagined
what a new facility could look like, and perhaps got carried away when I talked about our existing
outdoor pool and Hancock suggested enclosing it under a glass dome. Wouldnt that be cool?
But for now, its all talk. A project waiting for a plan.
From Helling, I envision a new facility located centrally near or on the bike path and easily
accessed from the interstate. I envision a state-of-the-art indoor pool that caters to competitive and
recreational lap swimmers, competition so as to raise income, a pleasure pool for kids and adults,
and therapeutic features for seniors and those in physical therapy. She added that there could also
be other features such as a running track and climbing wall.
And this year, with an icy, arctic, unski-able outdoor weather situation driving people inside, a place
for indoor recreation is important.
What Does The City Think About All This?
Arne McMullen, director of the Recreation
Department, paints a strong and positive picture
of the current state of downtown recreation.
People of all ages can participate in the wide
range of programs our department offers and
enjoy the use of the facilities we have to offer
to the public both indoor and out. As we are
developing through our transition of becoming
a community services department working
with the senior center and parks department,
we are hopeful we are going to be serving our
community even better, McMullen wrote by
email.
Like Hancock, McMullen said this kind of
activity helps build strong community. He
also likes the idea of an indoor facility with a
gymnasium and a pool somewhere in downtown
Montpelier, where it is walkable from many areas of the city and has good access and parking.
And the disposition of the Rec Center building has possibly stabilized as well. According to
Assistant City Manager Jessie Baker, 55 Barre St. is not currently up for sale. We explored this last
year and the Council decided not to move forward after reviewing the proposals submitted. In the
FY18 (fiscal year 2018) proposed budget, we have dedicated some funding to looking into how we
modernize that space and bring it into ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. And,
yes, there is a great active recreation scene there! She wrote that the city is working with the citizen
indoor recreation group, hopefully on developing a business plan and potentially a new facility.
The Montpelier Senior Activity Center has been involved in future plans as well.
Weve been curious about how to look to the future because we are growing anyway, said Janna
Clar, director of the center. I am really excited about what could evolve in Montpelier and how we,
as a city department, might partner with what these private citizens can do. Clar also mentioned
how the department mergers (recreation, senior center, cemeteries and parks) were prompting staff
to work together. We are collaborating. Theres a momentum that is growing. There is a lot of real
possibility. (Clar emphasized that just because the department administration is merging, it doesnt
mean programs are merging. Children wont attend senior yoga, for example, or run around the
senior center at meal times.)
Clar also suggested surrounding towns would be willing to participate financially the way they
already do at the senior center. But if you want a pool pass, or to sign up for pickleball, you go to
the senior center, which is across the street from the rec center at 58 Barre St.
Participant Cynthia Hartnett summed up her experience with the programs at 55 Barre Street
this way: I played pickleball there last winter and would be back this winter if I had not broken
my shoulder. The staff are friendly and helpful. The cost is peanuts ($2.00 for 3 hours of playing
pickleball for Montpelier residents). The use of a gym is important to many forms of activities and,
except for the heavily booked Montpelier school gyms, there is no municipal gym facility except
the Rec Center.
Continued from Page 1
Submitted by Chris Hancock on the History of Community

Recreation by G.D. Butler:
Butlers table of milestones in the history of American
recreation:
1820-1840 Opening of outdoor gymnasiums at several schools and universities
1853 Purchase of land for Central Park in New York City
1889 The Charlesbank Outdoor Gymnasium for men and boys opened in Boston
1892 A "model" playground established at Hull House, Chicago
1898 School buildings in New York City opened as evening recreation centers
1903 $5,000,000 voted for creation of "small parks 1 by South Park Commission
in Chicago
1904 Board of Playground Commissioners appointed in Los Angeles
1905 Opening of ten South Park centers in Chicago
1906 April 12th, Organization of the Playground Association of America in
Washington, D. C.
1911 Name of Playground Association of America changed to Playground and
Recreation Association of America
1919 Community Service established
1924 Conference on Outdoor Recreation called by President Coolidge
1930 White House Conference on Child Health and Protection called by President
Hoover
1930 Name of Playground and Recreation Association of America changed to
National Recreation Association
1932 First International Recreation Congress in Los Angeles
1933 Federal government established first nationwide emergency works program,
including expansion of recreation facilities and services
1938 The Society of Recreation Workers of America organized
Aikido: The Way of Harmony

MONTPELIER You are walking through a dark alley and
suddenly someone grabs your arm. What do you do?
A: Tense up and try to hit your attacker.
B: Collapse and cry for help.
C. Protect both yourself and your attacker by pivoting,
immobilizing his elbow joint, and guiding him gently down to
a prone position, where he can reconsider his objectives.
Welcome to the Japanese martial art known as aikido: the
way of harmonious energy (DO = the way) (AI = harmony)
(KI = energy). Aikido is truly an art of self-defense, the only
martial art with no offensive moves.
The goal of aikido is to neutralize aggressive force by blending
with it rather than by resisting or counter-attacking, said
Robert Lamprey, head instructor of Aikido of Montpelier,
whose dojo (training place) is on the third floor of the
Clothespin Factory, next to Allen Lumber.
Aikido was started by martial arts expert Morihei Ueshiba,
known as O Sensei (Great Teacher). Its roots are in a
synthesis of several martial arts, including jujitsu, but in 1925,
O Sensei experienced a profound insight that martial arts are
not about fighting, but about protecting yourself and others
without doing harm. Now aikidos goal, practiced through
dance-like movements that are beautiful as well as effective, is
to explore interactive movement and sensitivity to the flow of
energy (KI) between partners.
I like that aikido is focused more on movements and breathing
rather than beating people up, said Hannah Dorr-White, 14,
of Montpelier, who started doing aikido four months ago. Its
not just good exercise and self-defense, its good for relieving
stress.
After over 20 years of on-and-off practice, Nan Buss, 62, of
Lyndonville, said, Yoga and aikido meet my physical exercise
needs and add the spiritual dimension I am looking for.
Aikido practice is intended to develop a strong and flexible
THE BRIDGE
by Sarah Seidman
body, mind and spirit. At the Montpelier dojo, a bright, wideopen space with padded floor mats, beginner classes start with
physical warm-up exercises designed to improve flexibility and
balance. Students learn to do forward and backward rolls as
well as a series of coordinated whole-body stretches. Then they
practice the turning and directing movements that redirect the
momentum of an opponents attack and the throws or joint locks
that terminate the techniques. The real work of aikido, however,
is the mental training that allows students to relax the mind and
body and react without hesitation even in dangerous or stressful
circumstances.
Head Instructor Lamprey, who began aikido 23 years ago, said,
I was doing a lot of meditation at the time but felt I still had
a lot of fear, and that practicing a martial art would help me
work with that. It now brings me great joy when people come in
stressed and tired after work and then are blissful after practice.
Most students wear a simple white, loose-fitting uniform called
a gi, although any comfortable clothing is acceptable. Unlike
many dojos, in Montpelier there are no colored belts to indicate
ranking. Everyone wears the white belt to indicate a beginners
mind toward practice, but advanced practitioners are invited
to receive the hakama, a black pleated skirt-like trouser that
indicates their proficiency.
Instructor Greg Sauer, 50, of Brookfield, received his hakama in
2010 and became a full instructor in 2016. As a thin, average size
person, he said he appreciates the focus on using ki energy rather
than muscle strength. The greatest challenge is finding time to
practice; it takes a lot of practice to do well, he said.
The Aikido of Montpelier dojo was founded by Sara Norton
in 1979. She began aikido in Paris in 1971, studying with
Masamichi Noro, a direct student of aikido founder O Sensei,
who had sent Noro Sensei to teach in France. Norton retired
as head instructor in 2013, although she still teaches tai chi
movement classes at the studio. Practitioners of the breath and
movement art called Sun Do also share space at the Clothespin
Factory.
Sarah Seidman practices with partner Jason Fechter.

Courtesy Photo
In my Aikido, there are no opponents, no enemies. I do not
want to overwhelm everyone with brute strength, nor do I
want to smash every challenger to the ground. In true budo
(martial art practice) there are no opponents, no enemies.
In true budo we seek to be one with all things, to return to
the heart of creation. The purpose of Aikido training is not
to make you simply stronger or tougher than others; it is to
make you a warrior for world peace. This is our mission in
Aikido. - O Sensei
Teachers donate their time, and up to eight classes a month
cost only $30 for high school students and $40 for adult
beginners. Classes are held Tuesdays at 5:30 and Thursdays
at 6:00 p.m., and a new Beginner Basics class starts Jan.
26. Aikido is for all ages and abilities. More information is
available on their website, www.aikidoofmontpelier.org.
It should be noted that the multiple-choice question above
does contain another correct answer: Stay out of dark alleys!
The author, of Middlesex, is a former journalist and has been
practicing aikido for two years.
T H E B R I D G E
Third Times a Charm (hopefully) for Fitness
he first time I joined a gym I was 21 years old. It was

summer and my friends and I were bored and broke.
The new local gym was offering a free month for all
new members. So we took advantage of it and I worked out
almost daily. Afterwards, wed hang out at someones house
smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee. Clearly, I wasnt
serious about fitness, but I wasnt overweight. Then the 30
days ended and we were still broke and couldnt afford the
membership so that was that. Funny how we could still
afford cigarettes and coffee though.
The second time I joined a gym was almost 10 years later,
when some pounds found their way to my body. Every time
I went seemed like peak time and so all of the machines
were in use. Then, when a machine became free, it always
happened to be next to the most fit person with abs so toned
you can bounce a quarter off them. It was intimidating. I
remember there was this one time when I was on the middle
treadmill walking at an even pace, while those on either side
of me were sprinting effortlessly. I felt like a sloth trying to
cross the road. I could actually hear that song that goes one
of these things is not like the other. After that, I got lazy.
Id still show up to the gym but I considered putting on my
sports bra a workout. So, I basically hung out in the locker
room reading magazines for the entire duration of my lunch
hour. Hey, it still felt good to say I was at the gym when
I returned to my office. That membership didnt last long
after that.
Fast forward another 10 years and I had just put on my
favorite blouse but immediately felt uncomfortable because
it
was too tight and didnt want to spend
the whole day being uncomfortable.
While taking it off, I got
stuck. Stuck. In a shirt.
With no one
to help me,
I
considered
pulling an
Incredible
Hulk and
ripping
my way
out but
Tell them you saw it

in The Bridge!
I really liked that blouse and it would have been more

humiliating if I didnt have the strength to do it. So I
somehow Harry Houdinied my way out, turned to my
confused dog who wasnt sure if she should alert neighbors to
my predicament and said I gotta join a gym.
I thought about joining a gym all that day, which was
bringing me to the brink of an anxiety attack. In theory,
joining a gym would be wonderful. Id get back to being
healthy, wherever that was, and possibly fit into clothes I was
easily slipping into just one year before. But then the image of
the hardbodies haunted me. At 42, would I be surrounded by
young hunks and Barbie dolls whod look at me and think,
lady, why even bother? I imagined disgusted looks darted
my way as I stepped onto a treadmill or whispers behind
my back while someone waited for me, the lost cause, to get
off the weight machine they needed. Screw it. I signed up. I
walked into Snap Fitness in Berlin, filled out the paperwork,
got my quick orientation and key card, and immediately
went to the Chinese buffet next door. Baby steps.
The next day, I returned to Snap during a non-peak time. I
was nervous. Not too many people and there were plenty of
machines available. Those who were there were busy doing
their own thing. Those who looked up from their workout
managed a friendly smile. Nobody looked me up and down
and rolled their eyes. Thats a good start. I hightailed it to an
elliptical machine which, after poking at some of the buttons,
I couldnt figure out how to start. An elder gentleman was
on the next elliptical and I just sucked in my pride and said,
first day at the gym here. How do you start this thing? He
didnt sigh annoyingly or pretend not to hear me. He gave
me friendly step-by-step instructions on how to get it going.
And after a little while, he asked me how it was feeling. I said,
Great! with a smile, although on the inside I felt like I was
dying and Id only been on it for half a minute.
Ive returned to Snap since then and am slowly getting to
know how to use all of the equipment. People say hello
and are courteous. No one looks at me as if theyre thinking
ew. This morning, I participated in a circuit training class
focusing on arms and upper body. I can already tell that my
arms will be sore and will be moving like jelly tomorrow.
Anita Hoy, who instructed the class and is one of the trainers
at Snap said she has had more older people participating in
by Marichel Vaught
her fitness classes. The average age is about 60. The younger
ones are in their 40s. Hearing that put me more at ease.
Suzanne and Darcy, two women in their early 50s, have
been members of the gym for about five years now. Both
were also participating in the circuit training class as well.
I havent felt this great since high school! said Suzanne.
Darcy agreed. Both raved about the support theyve received
from instructors and each other and spoke to how theyve
met great people and made great friends. Frank, 62, stressed
the importance of routine exercise especially once hitting
the age of 40. If you dont work out once you hit 40, youll
get sucked into the couch. Fitness of course goes beyond
the gym. Frank takes 100-mile hikes and bike rides during
warmer months and Suzanne bikes and hits the trails on
backpacking adventures. These people inspire me. I want to
get to the point where I actually WANT to do more healthy
activities, not feel like I HAVE to do them.
I reiterated my initial feeling of intimidation of joining a gym
to Hoy. She intimated that school-age kids and high school
students have fitness built into their day. Some college kids
as well. But once you hit the workforce, or experience a lifechanging event, like starting a family, the fitness regimen is
no longer routine. This speaks to the number of older people
becoming more active in the gym. At every doctor visit, Im
told that the older we get, the more weight we put on, even if
our activity level remains the same.
Working out at Snap, and Im convinced it is like this at most
gyms nowadays, I notice an intergenerational population and
an assortment of fitness levels. Though some may just want
to lose weight while others want to build body mass the goal
is ultimately the same, we all want to be healthy. If you can
do it on your own, fantastic. If you are the sort who needs
encouragement (like me) and a network to share progress
with, the gym is the way to go.
I think Ill always feel some intimidation whenever I walk
into the gym. I am hoping this third times a charm and that
I will continue with the gym experience. I think if I approach
it as my road to becoming more healthy and adding more
years to my life, and not as I want the same exact body I had
at 25 then Ill be less discouraged. Actually, all I want is to
no longer get stuck in shirts or sound like Ive just summited
Everest each time I climb a flight of stairs.
THE BRIDGE
Redefining Aging in Central Vermont
by Dan Groberg
MONTPELIER A typical day at the Montpelier Senior Activity

Center is a whirlwind of activity. On the first floor, seniors enjoy
the music of the Swingin Over Sixty Band before joining their
friends for a delicious meal. A group of seniors prepare to set out
to pick up litter around town while another browses senior service
information in the resource library. Upstairs in the movement
studio, seniors stretch and move in classes such as yoga and tai
chi. Down the hall, a group meets to share poetry with each other.
More than 150 seniors participate each day.
The Montpelier Senior Activity Center is one of the best resources
in Montpelier, said one member. It feels like a second home to
me. I've met wonderful people and taken several classes that have
enriched my life.
Each quarter, the center offers more than 60 weekly classes in a
surprisingly diverse set of topics. This quarter, the classes range
from drawing, to rock and roll singing, to film appreciation, to
Tango. Classes start at $20 for a 12-week class, and financial aid
is available. More than 80 percent of attendees say that they feel
healthier as a result of their participation.
Over the years I have watched my students grow in community
and friendships and of course, become healthier, said yoga
instructor Patty Crawford, who has been teaching yoga at the
center for more than seven years. I don't know how much of that
would be possible without (the center).
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the center, which has been
located at its current home at 58 Barre St. for more than 20 years.
A renovation project following a 2009 fire created a bright, modern
and welcoming space.
The center recently passed 1,000 members for the first time in its
50-year history, and has grown by more than 150 members in the last three years. More than
one-in-five Montpelier residents over the age of 50 are members, but the highest growth
has been in members from surrounding towns, who now represent nearly a third of total
membership. Membership is open to anyone 50 or older. There are more than 400 members
participating in movement classes like our 19 weekly yoga classes.
Members take advantage of classes, reduced rates on swimming, tennis, and the gym at First
in Fitness, discounted membership at Rehab Gym, a computer lab, extensive selection of
games and puzzles and more. Annual dues for membership are $15 for Montpelier residents,
$30 for residents of Berlin, Calais, E. Montpelier, Moretown, Middlesex, or Worcester and
$50 for residents of other towns. Membership runs from July through June, and will be
offered at half price for anyone who wishes to join for the spring quarter.
The center offers dozens of trips each year, to destinations near and far. Along with day
trips to area museums and theaters, walking trips and an annual trip to a Red Sox game,
the Centers members also travel further afield. This April, 11 members are embarking on a
10-day trip to China, where they will learn about Chinese medicine and senior life in China
while exploring the nations sights.
The FEAST Senior Meals Program offers community meals every Tuesday and Friday, as
well as producing home-delivered meals. In a recent week, they served seared salmon with
Activity Room at the Montpelier Senior Actvity Center. Courtesy Photo

hollandaise sauce and spinach, and braised Hungarian chicken and mushroom stew, with
polenta and local cabbage. Last year, the program produced more than 17,000 meals, the
majority of which were delivered to home-bound seniors. More than 100 volunteers make
the program successful each year, helping produce meals alongside CIA-trained chef Justin
Turcotte, setting up the dining room, and delivering meals.
I enjoy working with seniors, said meals volunteer Linda Workman. Ive spent all my life
working with seniors. I enjoy their stories. I help in the kitchen, set up for meals and even
help in the dishroom if they need it!
All are welcome to enjoy the community meals on Tuesdays and Fridays at noon. Meals are
no charge with a suggested $7 donation. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer,
contact Jessica Sanderson at 262-6288.
The center also offers a variety of engaging events and lectures, many of which are open
to all at no or low cost. The center has planned a series of travel presentations hosted by
members. On Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m., John Snell will display photographs from his
recent trip to Cuba.
For information on upcoming events, visit www.montpelier-vt.org/msac or call the Center
at 223-2518.
The author is director of programs and development at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center.
Got a news tip? We want to know!

Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com
T H E B R I D G E
Twinfield School Nurse Alice Day:

Frontline Health Care for Children
MARSHFIELD For the past 10 years, Alice Day has
been the school nurse for the 400 or so students at Twinfield
Union School. Twinfield is the pre-kindergarten through
high school shared between Plainfield and Marshfield.
by Nat Frothingham
Nurse Alice Day.

Courtesy Photo
Improbable as it may seem, from as far back as Day can

remember as a little girl growing up in the Scottish Highlands
north of Inverness, she knew what she wanted to do in life.
Ever since I was two years old, I wanted to be a nurse, she
told The Bridge. My dad tells this story, she continued. As
a two-year-old girl, when my dad became sick, I picked some
daisies and put them at his bedside.
As a five-year-old child, Day remembers collecting shoe boxes
and making little shoe-box beds for her stuffed animals. It
was set up like a ward. I would go down the line, take their
temperatures and make sure they were comfortable. I had my
own small hospital unit.
Day never wanted to be a doctor. I knew even then that
doctors dont get to spend as much time with patients I
wanted to spend time with the patients.
After finishing the equivalent of high school, Day took a
gap year and worked at a boarding school for physically
disabled students. Another young woman and I provided
care for a group of 8- to 11-year-old boys in wheelchairs
all physically disabled. We gave them breakfast and made
sure they got to school. There was a dorm building and a
school building. When the boys were in school, the two
young women got a break, but in the evening they were back
working with them at various activities. We had a school
nurse there, said Day, and I knew that I was planning to
be a nurse. I guess she cemented the idea that this is what I
wanted to do.
An impressive chain of work and study followed: three
years of hospital-based training at the Royal Infirmary of
Edinburgh. After obtaining her nurses diploma from the
Royal Infirmary, Day didnt feel ready to join the workforce,
so she applied to be a summer camp nurse with Camp
America and found herself working in High Falls, New York,
not far from Woodstock.
That was my summer job they were mentally and
physically disabled kids some were both. It was long hours
and hard work bathing them, helping them get around,
special medications, mood disorders, a lot of med rounds.
That summer, Day met Michael Jermyn and they married.
For more than 10 years afterward, Day worked full-time at
a teaching hospital in New York State while also going to
school part-time to earn her Bachelor of Nursing degree.
After her children were born, she and Jermyn moved to
Vermont.
In Vermont, she worked in the mother-baby unit at Central
Vermont Hospital. Later she took a job at Norwich University
in the infirmary and also began teaching in the Universitys
Day discussed with The Bridge some of the more difficult

situations facing children and young people at Twinfield
and at schools like it across Vermont, where all too
often more than half the students come from financially
disadvantaged families that qualify by their income level for
the federal free or reduced-price lunch program.
Can you make it financially, Day asked, when you have
four kids and the adult is working at minimum wage? Or if
you are a single parent? It could be theyre barely making the
rent. Then something happens, so you dont make the rent.
Or you get behind. All of a sudden the parent cant get to
work. Or theres no paid or sick leave. They get even more
behind. They run out of heat.
Nursing Department. In addition, she started and eventually

completed a masters degree at the University of Vermont.
I was working full-time at the Norwich Infirmary, I was
teaching in the nursing program and then I became a UVM
student. I knew something had to give, she said about this
pressure-packed period.
She gave up teaching and took a job as a substitute school
nurse at Union Elementary School in Montpelier. When she
saw the notice for a school nurse at Twinfield, she applied
and was offered the job.
I dont want to say that first year was rough, because it was
great, but it was also a transition, she said, And the biggest
transition was not being part of a medical team. You are the
only health care professional in the building and everyone
adults and kids comes to you with health concerns.
Im still smiling, she interjected. It was great. But at some
point you realize that you cant address everyones needs.
And the kids come first. Its totally about the kids, she said
again. A lot of what I was facing was organizational. My task
was to make the biggest impact for the most kids within the
system, she explained.
As school nurse at Twinfield, Day often sees 50 to 60 kids a
day. She has also developed some smart strategies for getting
the kids themselves, when indicated, to take responsibility for
their own health. In her nurses office, Day has put together
a self-care health care station consisting of 13 clear jars with
medical supplies such as gauze, tape, antibiotic ointment and
Vaseline in them. The kids can help themselves, but Day is
there with her nursing skills to make a difference.
The younger the kid, the more vulnerable they are, she
says. She sees herself as that calm person who can make
a child feel loved and appreciated and valued. You can
instantly make them feel better by giving them a cold pack
and cleaning a wound and putting on a bandage and they
leave the room smiling.
We have some kids, said Day, whose families are very

economically disadvantaged and socially isolated. Add in
some substance abuse and theyre not going anywhere.
And the kids are not going anywhere. The kids are not
staying after school. We have a high population that is really
struggling, Day said.
And yet Day refuses to go negative. I am always optimistic,
she said. The resiliency some of these kids show is inspiring.
Most of these kids get up every day and despite the odds,
they are able to make it to school on time. We have busing
for all students. And they for the most part are attentive
and follow directions and demonstrate expected behaviors,
despite not sleeping well the night before or being worried
about not having heat or whatever.
What gives her particular hope is seeing some of those kids
whose families are facing hardship break out of the mold and
persist, achieve and even perhaps go to college. We have a
mentoring program with teen and community mentors,
she said. These mentors are people in the community who
spend time with some of those kids. We have more than 50
matches in our mentoring program. And we have a lady who
comes to the school from the Vermont Student Assistance
Corporation and helps the kids do their college applications
often (these are) kids who are the first in their family to
apply for college.
Speaking about Alice Day, Twinfield Principal Mark
Mooney said:
She hits the ground running every day. Her energy is
infectious. I so appreciate her. The kids love her. She really
teaches kids how to manage their own health, how to keep
yourself healthy every day. She doesnt do her thing with the
door shut. Shes totally involved with school committees. I
cant say enough good about her. This is a very demanding
job. She does it with a smile every day. Shes one of my
superstars.
Granite City Groove
THE BRIDGE
The Galley Helps Sustain Seniors
BARRE There are many reasons why people commit to living their life in Vermont.
Our picturesque countryside and outdoor amenities offer adventure and serenity while our
small villages and towns provide opportunities for social capital creation. Its a safe place to
live, but no doubt an expensive place to live. According to United States Census data our
population has had modest growth of three percent over the last 16 years with a small decline
between 2010 and 2016. The proportion of our population made up of those 60 and older
has increased from 16.7 percent in 2000 to 23.5 percent in 2015.
Simply put, there are more people who need care in some form because of functional
limitations, health problems, economic restrictions and/or a lack of transportation. Food
insecurity for this population is a problem and one of the services created to help with
nutritional support is the Meals on Wheels program. The first home delivery meal service
began in Philadelphia in 1954 and has grown nationally and serves millions of seniors.
The Central Vermont Council on Aging is one of five area agencies serving elders and
their families by supporting 14 meal sites and the Meals on Wheels program. In Barre,
The Galley, located in the Washington Apartments is one of the meal sites supported by
the council. Operating five days a week, The Galley prepares meals for seniors who live in
Barre, Washington, Williamstown, Orange and Berlin. Over 41,000 meals were prepared
and delivered in 2016. Thats equivalent to feeding 13,666 people all of their nutrition for a
whole year.
If you are 60 years of age and cannot meet basic nutritional needs, you can access the Meals
on Wheels services. People with disabilities who are under 60 could qualify, but need to meet
income thresholds. Theres a suggested donation of $3.50 for each meal for those who qualify
and many do give back to the program. In fact, anybody can go to The Galley and purchase
a meal for $5.50 between 4:30 p.m. through 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Not only
by Joshua Jerome
is it the nutritional support seniors receive through their meals, but the personal touch and
socialization that comes with the meals delivery.
For some seniors, the rural countryside was once cherished, but now elderly unable to make
it into town, isolation is now a detriment to their health. According to Central Vermonts
Council on Agings, Kathy Paquet, the Meals on Wheels program is important as we check
on the well-being of our seniors most in need. The budget sequester of 2013 cut the level of
federal support the State of Vermont received by $200,000, but the state stepped in to shrink
the gap. However, level funding over the last several years has put a strain on providers like
The Galley and are increasingly looking at new sources of funds in order to maintain their
commitment to every senior in need.
Bob Woodard, The Galleys managing chef relies on two part-time employees and three
drivers to deliver those 41,000 meals each year. Bob said that if they dont come up with some
new revenue sources that they may have to start turning people away and I dont want to do
that. Bob is being proactive in generating new revenue and is looking to resurrect the once
popular spaghetti dinner held every year during the Barre Heritage Festival as a fundraiser. In
addition, the commercial kitchen located in The Galley can be rented to food entrepreneurs
at a reasonable $500 a month and has already seen one business, Marias Bagels, start and
grow out of it onto Main Street.
As the baby boomer cohort continues to age and life expectancy remains high, additional
resources will need to be identified to ensure all seniors receive the necessary nutritional
support to maintain as high a quality of life as possible. Supporting services from The Galley
and Central Vermont Council on Aging is paramount to reaching that goal, because some
day you may depend on their services.
The author is executive director of The Barre Partnership.
Getting Ready For Cajun-Inspired Spice On Snow Festival

by R.D. Eno
MONTPELIER When old-time fiddler Katie Trautz of Cabot, a founder of Montpeliers
Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture, was down in western Louisiana a few years
ago learning the repertoire from its living masters, it struck her that Vermonters could use a
warm blast of bayou soul in the dead of a northern winter. Her brainstorm gave birth to Spice
on Snow, a celebration of southern music, dance and food spread out all over the capital city.
The festival now brings the best Louisiana bands, heaps of Cajun food to well over a thousand
hungry music-lovers to downtown every year.
Anna Roberts-Gevalt and

Elizabeth LaPrelle
The seventh annual Spice on Snow Festival, kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 26 through 29 with
performances and jam sessions packed into nearly every venue in the capital city. Throughout
the long weekend, sheer fun will be unavoidable.
The headliner this year is four-time Grammy nominee and rising star in the Cajun-Creole
firmament, Cedric Watson, fiddler, accordionist and banjoist whose repertoire embraces every
roots genre from mountain folk to swampland Zydeco. At 33, Watson has been thrilling
audiences for nearly 15 years. Moves like a star and gets the girls screaming, said Londons
Songlines magazine. Michael Doucet, the great Cajun fiddler with the band Beausoleil has
written: To propel our Louisiana culture into the future seems to be quite a task, but if one
lives for the music, as Watson does, the path seems effortless. And the New York Times calls
Watson a gifted reanimator of Louisiana Creole music.
Watson and his trio, including Jourdan Thibideaux on fiddle and Desiree Champagne on the
rub board and percussion, will perform on Friday, Jan. 27 at City Hall Arts Center 6 p.m.
Theyll be back on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Bethany Church for an evening concert at 7 p.m.
following another Cajun banquet at 5 p.m. Watson will also lead Saturday workshops on
minstrel banjo and Cajun music and culture.
Also on hand will be Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle, both award-winning oldtime Appalachian musicians and storytellers, who have traveled the world from the Yukon to
Uzbekistan singing and playing guitar, banjo and fiddle. Visual artists as well, they bring with
them shadow puppets and Crankies those illustrated scrolls unrolled like paper movies to
accompany their ballads and tales. Roberts-Gevalt and LaPrelle will present a family show at
Union Elementary on Friday, Jan. 27 at 4 p.m, join the Cedric Watson Trio at Saturdays
Bethany Church concert, and offer workshops on fiddle, banjo and harmony singing on
Saturday afternoon.
The Spice on Snow roster also includes Jon Gailmor, western swing band Big Hat No Cattle,
old-time ensemble Kick Em Jenny, the great Starline Rhythm Boys and more. Sunday will be
given over to Irish, Swedish, Bluegrass and Old-Time jam sessions at venues over town. For
tickets and a complete schedule, visit summit-school.org.
Spice on Snow is funded in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for
the Arts.
Please support
The Bridge by making a
financial contribution.
Visit montpelierbridge.com
and click on
Make a Donation.
T H E B R I D G E
Calendar of Events
Community Events
Events happening
January 19 February 4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
Cross-country Ski/Snowshoe with the Green

Mountain Club. Bolton. Various distances. All
abilities. Bolton Touring Center. Trail fee. Bring
lunch. Contact Mary G. at 622-0585 or Mary S. at
505-0603 for meeting time and place.
A Healthier Living for Chronic Disease
Management Workshop Begins. Six-week course
for people dealing with long-lasting diseases such
as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, obesity or heart
disease and offers support in problem solving,
action planning, nutrition, exercise, medication
management, emotional experience of the disease,
and talking with your doctors. 911:30 a.m. Barre
Area Senior Center, 131 S. Main St., #4, Barre. Free.
Registration required: 479-9512.
Stardust: Great Lyrics & Songs 1911 1929.
An afternoon of music with Jim Hogue (ukulele
& vocals) and Catherine Domareki (vocals). Go
down memory lane with these classic songs. 1:30
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338. www.kellogghubbard.org
Hearing Workshop Series: Hearing & Healthy
Aging. With Dr. Elizabeth Adams who is a clinical
professor from the Dept. of Communication
Sciences and Disorders at UVM and a VT licensed
audiologist. 23 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131
S. Main St., #4, Barre. Free. Registration required:
479-9512.
Wild Mushroom Talk with Elliot Cluba. Explore
the unique ecological importance of Chaga and
its polypore (wood eating) relatives, developments
in their uses as agents for radiant health, and how
to best approach their harvesting and preparation
that encourages symbiosis and longevity for us
as well as them. 67:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. www.
kellogghubbard.org
Invasive Plants. County Forester, Dan Singleton,
will talk about invasive plants. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public
Library, School St., Marshfield. 426-3581.
the Worcester Churchs Community Outreach

Fund. 56:30 p.m. Worcester Methodist Church
Annex, 35 Worcester Village Road, Worcester. $10/
Adults & $5/Children 12 and under. If you know
someone in Worcester who needs assistance, or have
questions, contact 223-7961 or ruthsicely@aol.com.
Ecstatic Dance Vermont and Wordcraft AllStars. Presented by the Good Earth Collective.
Come together to celebrate diversity through
dance, music, and words in a safe and open space.
All ages. WORD!CRAFT All-Stars Poetry set,
67 p.m.; Ecstatic Dance Vermont, 79 p.m.;
WORD!CRAFT All-Stars Hip Hop set, 910 p.m.
Christ Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. Dance is
$10, other events by donation. mcmycelium74@
gmail.com
Starry, Starry Night. Explore the planets and the
moon, seek out nebulas and galaxies, and learn
the constellations of winter. Dress warmly, bring
the whole family and be prepared to be dazzled
by the winter night sky. 79 p.m. Cloud date: Jan.
21. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street,
Montpelier. $10 members; $12 nonmembers.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
Stone Wall Workshop. One-day workshop on

techniques for creating dry-laid walls with emphasis
on stone native to Vermont. 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.
Red Wagon Plants, Hinesburg. $100 Space limited.
Register: queencitysoilandstone.com
Morning Garden Parent/Child Class Begins.
New 10-week class. Share a rhythmic morning
in a home-like setting in our Early Childhood
Farmhouse. Songs and stories, time to share
questions and ideas about your growing children,
and outside time on campus. For beginning walkers
up to age 3, with a caregiver. 911 a.m. Orchard
Valley Waldorf School, 2290 VT-14, E. Montpelier.
Register: www.ovws.org/morning-garden. lynn.n@
ovws.org. 456-7400
Capital City Winter Market. Markets will
be held on the first and third Saturday each
month, December through April. Featuring
seasonal produce, local meats and cheeses,
hot food, and handmade crafts from central
Vermont. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Montpelier City Hall,
39 Main St., Montpelier. 793-8347. manager@
montpelierfarmersmarket.com.
Author Jim Rooney "In It for the Long Run:

A Musical Odyssey." Rooneys first hand account
of more than five decades of success as a performer,
concert promoter, songwriter, music publisher and
Grammy winning record producer. Book signing.
78 p.m. Community Room, Stowe Free Library,
90 Pond Street, Stowe. http://stowelibrary.org/
friends-of-the-library.php
Bee Keeping 101. Discussion and Presentation

with Sheri Englert of Vermont Bee Supply. If youve
ever considered keeping bees now is your chance
to learn the basics and what it takes to get started.
10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338. www.kellogghubbard.org
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
Family Fun Day. Balloon art, face painting and kid

friendly fun, 33:30 p.m.; Guided Family Dancing
with the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra and caller
David Kaynor, 3:305 p.m.; Mac n Cheese Supper,
5 p.m.; short film for kids, 5:30 p.m. Capital
City Grange Hall, 6612 VT Route 12, Berlin. $5
donation; $20 donation per family; under age 4 free.
477-3951
B-I-N-G-O-! Three games, $3; six games, $5; black

out, remainder of money paid out; daubers, $1
(yours to keep). 1 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center,
131 S. Main St., #4, Barre. 479-9512.
Spaghetti Supper. Spaghetti with variety sauces/
meatballs, garlic bread, salad, cakes, drinks
Continuous servings and take-outs. Fundraiser for
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
Parenting Jewish Children in Interfaith Homes
Parent Discussion. join other local parents in an

open discussion of parenting in interfaith marriages.
No judgement, all perspectives and ideas respected.
Facilitated by local parents Eli and Kara in a private
home in Montpelier. 3:305:30 p.m. Address given
to attendees after RSVP. RSVP to Jennifer 978766-8281 or jenflieg@gmail.com. Free babysitting
and refreshments.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23
Cross-country Ski with the Green Mountain

Club. Elmore. Moderate. 6 miles round trip. Start
at Rte. 12 south of Elmore village and ski north to
Little Elmore Pond, following an old woods road
which is also used by dogsledders on weekends. If
the weather is cold enough, we will also ski around
the pond. Contact: Steve and Heather for meeting
time and place: 609-424-9238 or stevecbailey@
gmail.com
Infant Owner's Manual. What every new parent
should know about newborn babies! 10 a.m. Aldrich
Library, 6 Washington St., Barre. Free. Good
Beginning of Central VT: 595-7953 http://www.
goodbeginningscentralvt.org/the-birthing-year.
html. info@goodbeginningscentralvt.org
Grief & Bereavement Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 67:30 p.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd.,
Barre. Free. 223-1878
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
JSC Faculty Lecture Series: Lake Champlain

Watershed. Assistant professor of fine arts Michael
Zebrowski will discuss his architectural/sculptural
explorations of the Lake Champlain Watershed. 45
p.m. Johnson State College, Stearns Performance
Space, Johnson. Free. http://www.jsc.edu/newsevents/events/faculty-lecture-series.
Need Some Stress Relief? with Shona R
MacDougall, Registered Herbalist. Learn how
stress affects your body. We will talk about herbs
and supplements to help with both long term and
immediate stress. 67:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain
Coop, Montpelier. Free.
Film Screening: "All of Me." Documentary on
eating disorders. 68 p.m. Johnson State College,
Bentley Hall, Room 207, Johnson. Free. http://
kingdomcounty.org/.
Alliance for Vermont Communities takes on
New Vistas Big Money. Gus Speth, Therese
Linehan and Michael Sacca from the Alliance for
Vermont Communities will give an overview of the
proposed NewVistas mega-development and how
the communities of Royalton, Sharon, Strafford
and Tunbridge have responded. 7 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 2233338. www.kellogghubbard.org
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25
Traditional French Canadian Music: Its Roots

and Evolution. Montpelier Musician and Teacher
Jeremiah McLane will perform French Canadian
music and discuss how it has changed as it moved
from France to Canada to Northern VT. An Osher
Lifelong Learning Program. 1:30 p.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $5.
https://learn.uvm.edu/osher-life-long-learning/
Performing Arts
THEATER, STORYTELLING,
COMEDY
Jan. 20: Biscuit. ArtsPowers newest musical
features a frolicking little puppy named Biscuit
who loves exploring, making new friends and
even stirring up some mischief. Based on the
Biscuit series of books. 10 a.m. Chandler
Center for the Arts, Main St., Randolph. $6.
728-6464. chandler-arts.org.
Jan. 27: Bueno Comedy Showcase. A wide
range of talented standup comics, from here and
away, working longer sets. 8:30 p.m. Espresso
Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. $6. 479-0896.
events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Jan. 28: State Ballet Theatre of Russia
Presents "Cinderella." 7 p.m. Spruce Peak
Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr.,
Stowe. $6575. 760-4634. SprucePeakArts.org
Jan. 28: Vermont Pride Theater presents
Perfect Arrangement. Northeastern
premiere of Topher Paynes prize-winning new
play Perfect Arrangement, in a benefit staged
reading. Proceeds will go to the civil rights
work of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders
(www.glad.org). 7:30 p.m. Chandler Center
for the Arts, Main St., Randolph. General: $17
advance, $20 day of. Students: $12 advance, $15
day of. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.
Jan. 28: The Tell Off: Sixth-Annual
Storytelling Tournament of Champions.
Extempos winningest storytellers of 2016 tell
ten-minute, first-person, original, true stories
live on stage without notes or reading. Audience
voting and cash prizes! 810 p.m. The Canadian
Club, 414 E Montpelier Rd., Barre Town.
$10. 479-9090. storytelling@extempovt.com.
extempovt.com.
Paint n Sip Pallette Party. Come paint a beautiful
painting while sipping a nice glass of wine (or beer).
68 p.m. Bagitos, 28 Main St., Montpelier.
Pop-in for Pop-ups with Ellen Bressler. Make
cards for Valentines Day or any other occasion. 7
p.m. Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield.
Introductory Workshop to I Ching. In this five
day workshop, Baylen Slote will demystify this
ancient Chinese oracle by breaking the cryptic
language of divination back down to simple
natural symbols. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. www.
kellogghubbard.org
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26
Hearing Workshop Series: Better Hearing for

Healthier Aging. With Dr. Elizabeth Adams
who is a clinical professor from the Dept. of
Communication Sciences and Disorders at UVM
and a VT licensed audiologist. 23 p.m. Barre Area
Senior Center, 131 S. Main St., #4, Barre. Free.
Registration required: 479-9512
Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Open mic every

Wed. Other shows T.B.A. bagitos.com.
Every Mon.: Comedy Caf Open Mic, 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 19: The Trail Blazers (bluegrass/folk rock) 68
p.m.
Jan. 20: Dave Loughran (acoustic classic rock) 68
p.m.
Jan. 21: Bleecker & MacDougal (folk ballads) 10
a.m.noon.; Irish Session, 25 p.m.
Jan. 24: Moulton & Whipple, The Frozen Finger
Boys (bluegrass) 68 p.m.
Jan. 26: Italian Session, 68 p.m.
Jan. 27: Squirrels Crackers (Cajun) 68 p.m.
Jan. 28: Irish Session, 25 p.m.; Matt Olson
(bluegrass/country/folk/gypsy jazz) 68 p.m.
Jan. 29: Jennings & McComber (Celtic influence)
11 a.m.1 p.m.
Feb. 2: Colin McCaffrey & Friends, 68 p.m. .
Feb. 3: Jazz Duo Art Herttua & Ray Carroll, 68
p.m.
Feb. 4: Irish Session, 25 p.m.
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-6820.
Every Mon.: Comedy Caf Open Mic, 8:30 p.m.
Every Tues.: Godfather Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 479-0896.
Free/by donation unless otherwise noted. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Jan. 21: Brian Dolzani (Americana/folk) 7 p.m.;
Bird Full of Trees (rocky tonk), 8 p.m.
Jan. 27: Jason Mallery (alt-folk) 7:30 p.m.
Calendar of Events
Hall 7:309:30 p.m./ Kick Em Jenny at La Puerta

Negra 10 p.m.midnight.
Fri.: Anna and Elizabeth Crankie Family Show
at Union Elementary School Auditorium 45 p.m/
Cajun Dinner and Dance with Cedric Watson Trio
at City Hall Arts Center 610 p.m./ Starline Rhythm
Boys at Sweet Melissas 10 p.m.midnight.
Sat.: Mayfly Family Concert, and Eric Gillard
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31
Storytelling, at Kellogg-Hubbard Library 11 a.m.1
County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com. p.m./ Free Live Music at venues citywide noon5
Every Wed.: Open Mic
p.m./ Music and Dance Workshops at Bethany
Jan. 19: Danny Coane and his Bluegrass Buddies
Church noon5 p.m./Family Country Dance at
with Willy Lindner and Caleb Elder
Bethany Church 12:302 p.m./ Gospel Sing-Along
Jan. 20: Talking Doctor
with the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir at
Jan. 21: Bob Hannan and Friends
Bethany Chapel 45 p.m./ Cajun Dinner Bethany
Jan. 26: Dave Keller
Church basement 56:30 p.m./ Evening Program
Jan. 27: Jenn and John
with Young Tradition Vermont, Anna and Elizabeth,
Jan. 28: Norm and the Sugarmakers
and the Cedric Watson Trio at Bethany Church
710 p.m./ Cajun Dance Party at Positive Pie 10
p.m.midnight
Sun.: Old-time, Irish, Swedish and Bluegrass Jam
Jan. 21: PossumHaw Farewell Concert. Stunning
Sessions at venues citywide 11 a.m.2 p.m.
vocal harmonies, stellar acoustic instrumentation,
Jan. 26: Rock City! in Concert. Directed by John
the drive of bluegrass, the original lyricism of folk,
Harrison, Rock City is Barres one and only Rock &
featuring one of the finest female vocalists in the
Soul chorus with 30+ singers and one rocking band.
region. 7:30 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts
Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $20 advance; $25 To coincide
with the Vermont Historical Societys current exhibit
day of show after 5 p.m. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.
Freaks, Radicals & Hippies: Counter-culture in
org.
1970s Vermont, the group will present an evening of
Jan. 21: Simone Dinnerstein. Critically lauded
songs from the seventies, in four part harmony. 7:30
pianist whose thoughtful and compelling
interpretations have captivated audiences all over the p.m. Barre Elks Lodge, 10 Jefferson St., Barre. $10.
world. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts, Main All proceeds to benefit Circle (Formerly Battered
St., Randolph. $33 advance; $35 day of; $10 students; Womens Services and Shelter).
Jan. 2729: Scrag Mountain Music featuring the
kids under 5 free. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org
Aizuri Quartet. Program of chamber music that
Jan. 2629: 7th Annual Spice on Snow Winter
Music Festival. www.summit-school.org. 793-3016. contains the known, the unknown, and the you
thought you knew. Known is the String Quartet
director@summit-school.org.
No. 1 by Czeck composer Leo Janek. Unknown
Thurs.: Jon Gailmor at Kellogg-Hubbard Library
are the arrangements by contemporary composer
45 p.m./ Big Hat, No Cattle at American Legion
and pianist Stephen Prutsman of four songs by

Renaissance composer John Dowland, and Lua
Descolorida (Colorless Moon) for soprano and
string quartet by Osvaldo Golijov. The you thought
you knew selection will be Schuberts Cello Quintet.
Come are you are, pay what you can.
Jan. 27: 7:30 p.m., Green Mountain Girls Farm,
Northfield
Jan. 28: 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Church, 130 Main
St., Montpelier
Jan. 29: 4 p.m., Warren United Church, Warren
Jan. 27: Jazzyaoke. Sing the standards to a live sixpiece jazz band; all lyrics provided. 7:30 p.m. Grange
Hall Cultural Center, 317 Howard Ave., Waterbury
Center. $5. 244-4168. info@wooo.tv. wooo.tv.
Jan. 28: Los Lobos. The four-time Grammy winners
have melded the Chicano music of their roots with
American rock to forge their own signature sound.
7:30 p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre.
$2953. 476-8188. barreoperahouse.org
Jan. 29: Vermont Virtuosi: Sizzling Sonatas. A
quartet of hot duos for flute and piano that span
three centuries. Program features music of Johann
Sebastian Bach, Carl Reinecke, neo-classical Russian
composer Otar Taktakishvili and Walter Gieseking.
2 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
Free; suggested donation of $10 welcome. 881-9153.
LAMaurerFlute.com
Feb. 4: The Davydov/Fanning Duo. Pianist Diana
Fanning and cellist Dieuwke Davydov have been
acclaimed in the U.S. and abroad for their virtuosic
brilliance, musical insight, and remarkable rapport as
a duo. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts, Main
St., Randolph. $20 advance; $22 day of; kids 17 and
under free. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org
22nd annual Vermont 50-Plus & Baby Boomers

EXPO. Features more than 90 exhibitors, interactive
workshops and seminars, giveaways including a trip
for two, art and wellness demos, silent auction, raffle,
Lyric Theatre Revue, dance party, Starline Rhythm
Boys concert, food sampling and more. All ages
welcome. 9 a.m.4 p.m. Sheraton-Burlington Hotel
and Conference Center, S. Burlington. $4 advance;
$5 at door. 872-9000 x118. vermontmaturity.com/
expo.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Positive Pie. 10 p.m. 22 State St., Montpelier. 2290453. positivepie.com.

Every Wed.: Open Mic
Jan. 27: Armies (rock & roll) $5
Jan. 28: Spice on Snow (Americana) $10
Feb. 3: Mr. Burns (of Lynguistic Civillians) and
Friends (hip-hop) $5
SPECIAL EVENTS
What are VOCs, PFCs, PVC, Formaldehyde, and

Flame Retardants? Learn the basics of some of
the most common building materials and their
acronyms, where they can be found, and their
potential environmental/health impacts. 67 p.m.
Free. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier
no means to get a formal education skills that they

can use to earn a living as adults. 7 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 2233338. www.kellogghubbard.org
Ice Fishing for Local Fun and Food! A two-part

program to learn about ice fishing on area lakes and
ponds with local angler, Jim Barlow. On Thursday
at 6:30 p.m., Barlow will discuss simple, effective
techniques that will help you catch fish without
traveling far or spending a lot on equipment. On
Saturday at 8 a.m., dress warmly and try your new
skills by heading out to a lake to catch some fish. It is
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Free Ice Fishing Day, so
you dont even need a fishing license! Jaquith Public
Library, School St., Montpelier. 426-3581.
Superbowl of Birding XIV (Youth Birding). In the

past, NBNCs youth and young adult teams have
tallied nearly 100 species, including gems like King
Eider, Razorbill, and Snowy Owl. For any interested
teens, let us know early if you are interested in
joining the team! North Branch Nature Center, 713
Elm St., Montpelier. www.northbranchnaturecenter.
org
Upendo Mmoja & Norwich University Students

working in Tanzania. Upendo Mmoja, or, One
Love, is a group in Pommerin, Tanzania who set
a goal to establish an orphanage in their village
where they can teach children with no parents and
THE BRIDGE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
Coffee with a Cop. Police and community members

come together in an informal, neutral space to
discuss community issues, build relationships and
drink coffee. All are welcome! 810 a.m. Kismet, 52
State St., Montpelier. https://www.facebook.com/
MontpelierPoliceVermont
Ready to Launch: Panel Discussion on YA Lit &

The Alex Awards. Join librarians and Alex Awards
committee members Joy Worland and Francisca
Goldsmith, and YA author Aaron Starmer, for a
panel discussion on reviewing books for this award
as well as a talk about writing for and expanding
the world of literature for teens. 11 a.m.noon.
Bear Pond Books, 77 Main St., Montpelier. jane@
bearpondbooks.com. bearpondbooks.com.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29
Ice on Fire. A celebration of the warmth of

community in the depth of winter with song,
theater, stories, winter games and great food. 25
p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St.,
Montpelier. Suggested donation: $5 family; $3
adult; $1 child. Volunteers needed; contact Alec or
Geoff at 223-7335 or Janice at 595-4296. www.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
Latino Group of Montpelier 1st Anniversary

Celebration. live music, drink specials and the
opportunity to meet our lovely little community.
Dont worry if you dont speak Spanish, itll be a
laid-back and fun evening. The Latino group of
Montpelier meets every Tuesday. 68 p.m. Bagitos,
28 Main St., Montpelier. Donations to Planting
Hope accepted. terisathomas@hotmail.com
Cuba with John Snell. Join photographer John Snell
for a trip through photos to our neighbor Cuba, a
place where time seems to have stopped but also the
home to warm, rugged people determined to make
their way in the world. The beauty of the landscape
is stunning and that of the crumbling architecture
surprisingly beautiful. 6:308 p.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-2518.
For more event listings

and event details visit
A Bird in Hand: Why We Band Birds. With
Montpelier Executive Director Chip Darmstadt.
Bird Banding helps us learn about the lives of our
avian friends: how long do they live, how far do they
fly, what are their migration routes? Learn about
the secrets revealed by the North Branch Nature
Centers banding programs. An Osher Lifelong
Learning Program. 1:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $5. https://
learn.uvm.edu/osher-life-long-learning/
Incorporating Personal and Professional
Coaching Skills into your Life. Build your
confidence and power of influence. Use coaching
principles and practices to gain greater selfawareness, new skills and tools for learning and
communicating, personal fulfillment, and improved
professional performance. 5:307 p.m. Hunger
Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $5 members; $7 nonmembers.
Classic Film Series at Jaquith Public Library. Rick
Winston will introduce each film, and afterwards
will lead a discussion. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library,
School St., Marshfield. For more info contact Tom
Blachly at 229-5290 or at blachly@together.net.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Hearing Workshop Series: Free Hearing

Screenings. With Dr. Elizabeth Adams who is a
clinical professor from the Dept. of Communication
Sciences and Disorders at UVM and a VT licensed
audiologist. 14 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131
S. Main St., #4, Barre. Free. Registration required:
479-9512
Stress and FOOD. The second in a 3 part series!
Learn about FOODs that help ease the burden on
the body and foods that can cause harm to the body
during stressful times. 5:306:30 p.m. Hunger
Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $7 members; $10
non-members.
Charlie Nardozzi Talks Small Space Gardening.
Nardozzi will be talking to the audience about
gardening in small landscape space including
container gardening. 78 p.m. Stowe Free Library,
90 Pond St., Stowe. Free. 253-6145. librarian@
stowelibrary.org. http://stowelibrary.org/friends-ofthe-library.php
T H E B R I D G E
Calendar of Events
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Jan. 27: Jacobie Zaretsky, JSC Thesis

Exhibit. Exhibit of collages by Johnson State
College Master of Fine Arts student. Reception:
Jan. 26, 35 p.m. Johnson State College, Julian
Scott Memorial Gallery, Johnson. jsc.edu/Dibden.
635-1469.
Through Jan. 28: Show 14 at The Front. Drawings,
paintings, sculptures, photographs and mixed
media work by local artists. Gallery hours: Fri., 58
p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.8 p.m. The Front, 6 Barre St.,
Montpelier. www.thefrontvt.com. 272-0908
Through Jan, 30: Kathleen Kolb and Verandah
Porche, Shedding Light on the Working Forest.
This exhibition celebrates the landscape of the
working forest and the voices of those who have
honed skills into a livelihood there. Central Vermont
Medical Center, 130 Fisher Rd., Berlin.
Through Jan. 31: Grace W. Greene, Pastel
Paintings. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Karen
Kitzmiller Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 2233338. www.kellogghubbard.org
Through Jan. 31: Marie Walker. Kellogg-Hubbard

Library, Hayes Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
223-3338. www.kellogghubbard.org
Jan. 29Feb. 3: VCFA MFA in Visual Art Program:
New and Returning Student Exhibitions.
Opening: Jan. 28, 78 p.m. Exhibit hours: 9 a.m.6
p.m. Vermont College of Fine Arts Alumni Hall,
College St., Montpelier. Gallery may be closed for
critiques and reviews as determined by the program.
Jan. 31Feb. 3: VCFA MFA in Visual Art Program:
Graduating Student Exhibition. Opening: Jan.
30, 7:309 p.m. Exhibit hours: 9 a.m.6 p.m.
Vermont College of Fine Arts Gallery, College Hall,
College Street, Montpelier. Gallery may be closed for
critiques and reviews as determined by the program.
Through Feb. 4: Joan Brace ONeal, The White
Slip Drawings. This provocative body of work began
in 1998 and reflects ONeals fascination with the
human figure and non-verbal communication.
Axels Gallery, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. 244-7801.
AxelsGallery.com
Through Feb. 25: Twinfield Student Work.
Twinfield 2D Media and Painting students will
be exhibiting their work from this semester.
Includes charcoal drawings, pastels and acrylics.
Selecting, preparing and exhibiting art work are
part of the Twinfield Proficiency Based Graduation
PoemCity Call for Poems

The Kellogg-Hubbard Library is putting out a call for poetry submissions for PoemCity
2017. Submissions will be accepted through February 1st, 2017. During the month
of April, selected poems will be displayed in shop windows throughout downtown
Montpelier. More than just a text display, PoemCity is a month long celebration featuring
poetry/art installations, as well poetry-related workshops and readings.
PoemCity 2017 is a presentation by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Poetry submissions are open to Vermonters of all ages.
Submission Guidelines Below:
Deadline: February 1, 2017
Please send 1 to 3 poems as MS Word attachments.
Each poem must not exceed 24 lines.
Submit poems at https://kellogghubbardlibrary.submittable.com/submit.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Friends Annual Book Sale and Jaquith Library

Open House. Find some great books and then go to
the library for music, refreshments and kid friendly
activities. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Jaquith Public Library,
School St., Marshfield. 426-3581. Book donations
may be dropped off at the library one week in
advance.
Safe Sitter Babysitting Course. This course
prepares students to safely handle situations that
happen when home alone, watching younger
siblings, or babysitting. Through fun activities and
role-playing exercises, they learn life-saving skills
such as how to rescue someone who is choking and
what to do if there is severe weather. For students
grades 68. 9 a.m.2:30 p.m. Gifford Conference
Center, Randolph. $25. Limited to 8 students.
Register: 728-2274.
Winter Fair. A day of activities promoting
peace, love and joyful embrace of community.
Storytelling and puppet shows, candle-dipping,
flower seed balls, origami, wet felting, clay hearts to
decorate, Valentine's cards and more. Sleigh rides,
facepainting, snow cave, Cake Game. All ages
welcome. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Orchard Valley Waldorf
School, 2290 VT Rt. 14N, E. Montpelier. Free. 4567400. ovws.org.
Dinner at Hogwarts. Visit the Wand Shop (wand
included), sit with your Hogwarts House, take a
picture with hogwarts faculty and more. 5 p.m.
Bethany Church chapel, 115 Main St., Montpelier.
Advance tickets only: $25 adults, $20 under age 12.
Reserve tickets: 223-2424
Sock Hop. Step back in time with us to the times of
poodle skirts and simpler times. The Adams Band
entertains with music from the 50s through 70s.
Burgers ,dogs, fries, shakes and cookies for sale.
Doors open 6 p.m.; music 711 p.m. American
Legion Post, 16 Stowe St., Waterbury. $10 donation
benefits Auxiliarys scholarship and veterans
programs.
Send your event

listing to calendar@
montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the
next issue is January 26.
Longing
The moon's a biscuit
hanging in the Southern sky.
It senses longing.
by Reuben Jackson,
host of Friday Night Jazz
on Vermont Public Radio
Requirements. Jaquith Public Library, School St.,

Marshfield.
Through Feb. 28: Susan Morse, Naturescapes.
Photography exhibit. Chelsea Public Library, 296
VT-110, Chelsea. 685-2188.
Through Feb. 28: Neysa Russo, Friends &
Lovers. Wool felt tapestries. Bagitos Cafe, Main
Street, Montpelier. neysa.russo@live.com, www.
thespinningstudio.com
Through March 3: Heart of Vermont Quilt Guild
Exhibit. Includes work of twelve Guild members.
The Guilds mission is to provide a welcoming group
that can teach, encourage, excite and inspire Guild
members to reach whatever level of craft they are
comfortable with. Celebratory opening talk by
Paula Higgins: Feb. 3, 67:30 p.m. T. W. Wood
Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. twwoodgallery@
gmail.com
Through March 5: Glue, Paper, Scissors. Collage,
painted and drawn images by Marie LaPr Grabon
and Kathy Stark. The Gallery at River Arts, 74
Pleasant Street, Morrisville. www.riverartsvt.org.
Through March 31: Lark Upson, Portraits.
Attention to oil painting, especially portraits. Upson
also has a strong interest in the protection of our
wildlife and environmental preservation. Vermont
Supreme Court Gallery, 111 State St., Montpelier.
Through March 31: From Far Away Selected

works by Stephen M. Schaub. Solo exhibition.
Gallery hours: 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Photo I.D. required.
Governors Gallery, 109 State St., Montpelier
Through April 8: Pria Cambio, And Somewhere
Else Theres a Beach. Vibrant beachscape paintings
and drawings. 100% sales benefit Studio Place Arts
programs. Morse Block Deli, 260 N. Main St., Barre.
www.morseblockdeli.com or www.studioplacearts.
com
Jan. 20April 8: Natalie Jeremijenko. International
artist, inventor and engineer will activate the galleries
with past work and new initiatives focused on
environmental issues. Opening reception: Jan. 20,
58 p.m. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe.
By donation. helenday.com
CALL TO ARTISTS
The Goddard College Art Gallery in Plainfield

invites proposals for solo, group, or themed shows
for Spring and Fall 2017. Applications due January
31, 2017. Please send proposal to: artcommittee@
goddard.edu with the following: description of
proposal, work, name of artist(s), contact information
(email and phone number), 3-5 jpeg images not
to exceed 3MB total for the whole group of images.
Please number and include your last name as part of
the JPG filename.
Poetry
Toboggan
Just below the chicken house,
we would pile on the big wooden
toboggan,
one behind the other, nested
like a row of wishbones
Someone would shove us off,
then scramble on the back.
Frozen mittens holding one another's
boots.
we would lumber off, picking up speed,
bouncing over hummocks, kicking up
clouds of snow.
Barely able to see through hats, scarves,
snow, and wind-tears.
We would yell and laugh,
flying faster, louder, blinder and colder
until the ground leveled out.
Then we would lean,
not always in the same direction,
and scatter, rolling on the snow
in a tangle of boots, scarves, hands,

and feet, while the toboggan bounced and
flew,
over the almost-buried barbed-wire fence,
into the tangle of willows by the brook.
Now and then we wouldn't make it,
overturning too fast, bruised and scraped
raw
on crusted snow, or we would over-shoot,
tearing parkas on the fence,
breaking through to the frigid brook.
There were strings on the side of the
toboggan,
perhaps for steering, We might have
leaned in the same direction and turned,
but we never really figured that out.
That would have ruined the fun.
Susan Reid
Weekly/Ongoing
ARTS & CRAFTS
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience

welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Drop-in River Arts Elder Art Group. Work on
art, share techniques and get creative with others.
Bring your own art supplies. For elders 60+. Every
Fri., 10 a.m.noon. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant
St., Morrisville. Free. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
The Craftees. Crafts social group led by Nancy
Moran every Fri. Bring craft and potluck. 10
a.m.2 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S. Main
St., #4, Barre. $3. Register: 479-9512
Arts & Crafts. Every third Fri. With Sandi
Kirkland. Jan.s project: Valentines plates. 10
a.m.noon. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S. Main
St., #4, Barre. $3. Register: 479-9512
Calendar of Events
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds

benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
suggested donation; under 60 $7. Reservations:
262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS

Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
67:30 p.m.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
Al-Anon. Help for friends and families of
Alcoholics.
Sun.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier
(back door) 6:157:30 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m.
BICYCLING
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community

bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Wed., 46
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.
BOOKS & WORDS
Wed.: Bethany Church,115 Main St.,

Montpelier (basement) 78 p.m.
Thurs.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m
Sat.: Turning Point, N. Main St., Barre, 5 p.m.
(child friendly meeting)
Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and

practice your language skills with neighbors.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., Hebrew; Tues., Italian; Wed.,
Spanish; Thurs., French. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.
Bone Building Exercises. Open to all ages.

Every Mon. and Wed.. 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and
10:40 a.m. Every Fri.. 7:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
English Conversation Practice Group. For

students learning English for the first time. Tues.,
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education,
Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St. 2233403.
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.

Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs.
1011 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583
U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading

and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100
State St. 223-3403.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.

Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
montpelier-vt.org.
BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m.

Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 5523483.
One-on-One Technology Help Sessions. Free

assistance to patrons needing help with their
computers and other personal electronic devices.
30 min. one-on-one sessions every Tues., 10 a.m.
noon. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St.,
Waterbury. Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
Personal Financial Management Workshops.
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building and
repair, budgeting and identity theft, insurance,
investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m. Central
Vermont Medical Center, Conference Room 3.
Registration: 371-4191.
FOOD & DRINK
Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.

Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
a.m.1 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
4:305:30 p.m.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Program.

Education and support to help adults at high risk
of developing type 2 diabetes adopt healthier
eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight
loss and reduced risk. Every Tues., 10:3011:30
a.m. Kingwood Health Center Conference
Room (lower level), 1422 Rt. 66, Randolph. Free.
Register: 728-7714.
Tai Chi for Falls Prevention. With Diane Des
Bois. Beginners and mixed levels welcome. 2:15
p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S., Main St.,
#4, Barre. Free. Register: 479-9512.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program for
physically, emotionally and spiritually overcoming
overeating. Two meeting days and locations. Every
Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and Sat., 8:309:30 a.m.
at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 39
Washington St., Barre. 279-0385. Every Mon.,
5:306:30 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3079. www.oavermont.org
Tai Chi Classes for All Ages. Every Tues. and
Thurs., 1011 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte.
2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. 2233322. twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net
Weight Loss Support Group. Get help and
support on your weight loss journey every Wed.,
67 p.m. Giffords Conference Center, 44 S. Main
St., Randolph. Free. No registration required.
Open to all regardless of where you are in your
weight loss.
Wits End. Support group for parents, siblings,
children, spouses and/or relationship partners of
someone suffering with addiction whether it is
to alcohol, opiates, cocaine, heroin, marijuana or
something else. Every Wed., 68 p.m. Turning
Point Center, 489 N. Main St., Barre. Louise:

279-6378.
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Wed., 25 p.m. 29 State St., Ste. 14 (above
Rite Aid), Montpelier. Free and anonymous. 3716224. vtcares.org.
NAMI Vermont Connection Recovery Support
Group. For ondividuals living with mental illness.
Every Fri., 34 p.m. Another Way, 125 Barre St.,
Montpelier. 876-7949. info@namivt.org
KIDS & TEENS
The Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in space to

hang out, make music, play pool, ping-pong and
board games and eat free food. All activities are
free. Mon.Thurs., 26 p.m., Fridays 3-10 p.m.
Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier.
BasementTeenCenter.org
Read to Clara. Sign up for a 20-minute slot and
choose your books beforehand to read to this
special canine pal. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665 or
at the childrens desk. kellogghubbard.org.
Story Time and Playgroup. With Sylvia Smith
for story time and Cassie Bickford for playgroup.
For ages birth6 and their grown-ups. We follow
the Twinfield Union School calendar and do not
hold the program the days Twinfield is closed.
Wed., 1011:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library,
122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and
share quality time with the pre-schooler in your
life. Each week well read stories and spend time
together. A great way to introduce your preschooler to your local library. For ages 25. Every
Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151
High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.
Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to create
and play. All ages. Thurs., 34:30 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative
exploratory arts program with artist/instructor
Kelly Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon. River
Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261.
RiverArtsVT.org.
Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
books, use the gym, make art, play games and if
you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield.
426-3581.
Musical Story Time. Join us for a melodious good
time. Ages birth6. Sat., 10:30 a.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.
MUSIC & DANCE
Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal.

Find your voice with 50 other women. Mon.,
7 p.m. Capital City Grange, Rt. 12, Berlin.
BarretonesVT.com. 552-3489.
Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60 Band.
Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.noon.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. 223-2518.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
information.
Piano Workshop. Informal time to play, refresh
your skills and get feedback if desired with
other supportive musicians. Singers and listeners
welcome. Thurs., 45:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free;
open to the public. 223-2518. msac@montpeliervt.org.
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St. 223-2518.
The Center for Leadership Skills
Barre Rock City Chorus. We sing songs from

the 60s80s and beyond. All songs are taught by
rote using word sheets, so ability to read music is
not required. All ages welcome; children under
13 should come with a parent. Every Thurs.,
6:308:30 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 39
Washington St., Barre.
Lindel James coaching & consulting
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt

Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.
light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Taking You from Frustration to Enthusiasm

802 778 0626
lindel@lindeljames.com
lindeljames.com
THE BRIDGE
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables

Collection Center accepts scores of hard-to-recycle
items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.; Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North Main St., Barre.
$1 per carload. 229-9383 x106. For list of accepted
items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.
RESOURCES
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. More

than 100 tools both power and manual. Onion
River Exchange is located at 46 Barre Street in
Montpelier. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday from 9-4. For more information or to
donate tools call 802.661.8959. info@orexchange.
com.
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont. An adult

LGBTQ group, meets every third Tues., 5:307
p.m. All LGBT adults and allies are welcome to
attend for socializing, community building and
advocating for LGBT issues. MSAC, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.org
Bowling. Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont,
an adult LGBTQ group, bowls at Twin City
Lanes on Sunday afternoons twice a month.
For dates and times, write to RUCVTAdmin@
PrideCenterVT.org
SPIRITUALITY
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited

to visit the Reading Room and see what we
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
room. Hours: Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.
Sat., 11 a.m.1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier.
223-2477.
A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual
transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier.
279-1495.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only: 4790302.
Prayer Meeting. Ecumenical and charismatic
prayer meeting. Every 1st and 3rd Thurs., 6:308
p.m. 8 Daniels Dr., Barre. 479-0302
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those
interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St., Barre.
Register: 479-3253.
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text
study and discussion on Jewish spirituality. Sun.,
4:456:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center,
Montpelier. 223-0583. info@yearning4learning.
org.
SPORTS & GAMES
Bingo. Every Tuesday. Doors open 5:30 p.m.;

games start 6 p.m.Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
Roller Derby Open Recruitment and Recreational
Practice. Central Vermonts Wrecking Doll
Society invites quad skaters age 18 and up. No
experience necessary. Equipment provided: first
come, first served. Sat., 56:30 p.m. Montpelier
Recreation Center, Barre St. First skate free.
centralvermontrollerderby.com.
YOGA & MEDITATION
Christian Meditation Group. People of all faiths

welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ Church,
Montpelier. 223-6043.
Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.
Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier.
Free. Call for orientation: 229-0164.
Montpelier Shambhala Meditation.
Group meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.
noon; Wed., 67 p.m; learn to meditate free
instruction the 1st Wed. of the month. New
location: 5 State Street, 2nd floor, Montpelier.
info@montpeliershambhala.org, www.montpelier.
shambhala.org
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.
Send your event listing to calendar@montpelierbridge.com.

Deadline for print in the next issue is January 12.
T H E B R I D G E
How To Survive
Another Winter
ermonters pay a price for living in this wonderful place winter!

When the snow fall is good and arctic blasts don't bottom out our
temperatures, Vermont can be heavenly for skiers, snowboarders,
snowmobilers and snowshoers. But how do we maintain our sanity when
the conditions rollercoaster and are not so good? Or if you're not an
outdoors person?
First, light up your life. If you want to pay the electric bill you can
illuminate the neighborhood as do Bob and Bonnie Bertolini starting
with Halloween lighting, moving into Christmas and beyond. On a
smaller scale, string some lights on your porch or deck or along your
walkway, solar-powered is good, or fill your yard with brightly colored
prayer flags. Global Gifts on Langdon Street has a great collection for
sale. If you have a connection you can get a string of blessed prayer flags
from Trijan Buddhist Center in Northfield.
Wear bright clothes. This can be as simple as fun patterned Bogs boots,
a fluorescent ski jacket or a crazy hat. My post office friends Irma and
Philip Chastenay sport an assortment of hats. My favorites are the bright
pink and sparkly hats worn by Irma in warmer weather. Philip dresses
for winter as a Nanook with a big hood and orange accents. Bob from
Barre sports a collection of superhero hats and sweatshirts including
Spiderman, Batman and Superman. Another hit are bright colorful
umbrellas launched during snowstorms. Or bedazzle yourself with wild
jewelry like Lisette Paris does. Smiling dog lover John Hopkins plans to
wear his Christmas Pug vest all winter.
Layer up. Get used to taking extra time to put it all together and then
more time undressing every time you enter a heated house or car. For
those of us who run or ski in the cold, it becomes an artform of figuring
out what to wear. Most importantly, get yourself a good underlayer, some
good gloves and footwear, a scarf or neck gaiter, and wear a hat. As we
have all heard from our elders, 80 percent of our body heat is lost through
our uncovered heads.
Watch your step. Don't try the Lola Aiken technique and wear fashionable
high heel boots when you walk downtown. Get some good flat, treaded
soles and a pair of ice trackers for slick days. The latter come in all sorts
of flavors at Onion River Sports, from easy walkers to top shelf mountain
climbers. If you're rickety and it's tricky footing outside, get yourself a ski
pole or cane with a good tip. Be extremely careful stepping onto steps and
by Dot Helling
porches. Property owners try to put down mats or shovel, sand and salt,
or even mix sand into paint, but it's hard to protect against icy conditions.
And don't forget your pets. The salt hurts their paws so walk them on
snowy surfaces or get them a set of boots, available in town at Onion
River Sports, Guy's Farm and Yard and Quirky Pet. Also, protect your
pets from the discomfort and weight of snowballs. My dog Smoochie
would come out of the woods carrying an extra 25 lbs. in snowballs stuck
to her feet and underbelly. A closer haircut and an application of Pam just
before we struck out (so as not to be licked off) was the solution. This
secret works well on paws and coat.
If not into fitness or the outdoors, do some music jamming, volunteer
work or other indoor activities to feel good and help others. You can read
to kids as part of Everybody Wins!, volunteer for Lost Nation or at the
library, help the homeless, volunteer for the food banks, get involved in
politics or with a non-profit such as the Nature Conservancy, Common
Good, Magic House or the Green Mountain Film Festival, to name a
few. Volunteer to work with the Montpelier Indoor Rec and Aquatics
Task Force to build a year-round, indoor, multi-use, affordable and
financially sustainable downtown recreational facility. The options are
endless. You can build a snow sculpture, skate in front of the State House
or shovel walks and roofs for your physically challenged neighbors.
Spend time with friends. Join a book club. Have dinner theme parties.
Light a bonfire. Watch movies. Read. Go to the theater or a museum.
Get away for a day to Burlington, Montreal or Boston. Chase and trap
a house mouse. There are plenty around this year including the devil
who recently chewed into my special piece of pecan pie. Find ways to
laugh, as simple as reading the Montpelier Police Log, which includes
entries such as these: There was a suspicious event somewhere in the
City. Property was lost or found somewhere in the City. Someone was
sitting on the Cummings Street Bridge. On East Montpelier Road, a
large pothole was reported.
Finally, if all else fails, take off for sunny climes. If you can't afford an
island vacation or don't like beaches, try an arboretum or a spa day, or a
Chill gelato. By the time you read this, this Colorado snowbird will have
flown the coop to work and ski with my sister in the Rockies. I wish you
all a healthy and productive winter. I'll be back with more of Dot's Beat
in the spring. Happy New Year!
Caf Anna at the Vermont College of Fine

Arts: Open to One and All
by Nat Frothingham
Review
MONTPELIER
Caf Anna, located
in a first-floor
northwest
corner
room and what a room of historic
College Hall on the campus of Vermont
College of Fine Arts in Montpelier has recently
re-opened as a spectacular caf thats open
full time to students, faculty, staff, College
Hill neighbors and friends, teens, visitors to
Montpelier anyone.
look through the big windows at College Hall

green a sweep of green in the summer or a
sweep of snow in winter.
Before the caf re-opened in the fall of 2016,

the space was managed by a succession of
caterers and only during college academic
residencies. But last fall the College decided to
go with a full-time manager in the person of
Jana Markow and take the operation in house.
The food, the menu, the presentation, the

vendors Im choosing, are all based on a
preference for local food and the highest
quality, locally-sourced ingredients, said
manager Jana Markow.
But now lets talk about College Hall and that

amazing northwest corner room.
Theres so much thats remarkable about
College Hall, a signature, historic building
that was constructed over four years from start
to finish between 1868 and 1872, on a site
that became known as Seminary Hill. Long
before College Hall was built in the mid 19th
century the site now occupied by the college
was once a community fairgrounds and race
track and during the turbulent years of the
Civil War what is now the college campus was
the location of a federal hospital for wounded
Union soldiers.
Back to that northwest corner room. Theres
not another room in Montpelier thats
anything like that corner room with its tall,
round-arch windows, high ceilings, spare
appointments and amazing light.
From Caf Anna one can sit with a friend
and have a bite to eat breakfast, lunch or
supper with homemade soup, sandwiches,
salads, baked goods, a range of drinks and
One day last week when I visited Caf Anna

for lunch, I had a delicious ginger-artichokecarrot soup. Another day, I had broccolicheddar quiche. On the blackboard I noticed
a spinach feta salad and tomato-cheddar soup.
After a light lunch, I indulged in a cupcakeshaped brownie from Aja Zoecklein at Sweet
Mangata bakery in Northfield.
Speaking about the current days menu, she

said, All four sandwiches feature homemade
sauces hummus, pesto, chimichurri (a
sauce from South America) and cranberry
chutney. All four are made from scratch and
use locally sourced bread.
The soup and baked goods are bought from
local food makers. I make a salad every day
with a house-made dressing. We feature
Carrier Coffee out of Northfield which is a
big hit.
The caf also offers a range of juices and
drinks including coffee, iced coffee, espresso,
cappuccino, latte, tea, hot chocolate and
recently added spirits, beer and wine.
As recently as last summer, Markow was
working at Sarduccis Restaurant in downtown
Montpelier as day manager. And she was
really liking Sarduccis.
Then out of the blue, Erica Hare, the colleges
vice president of administration said to her,
Would you have any interest in running Caf
Anna?
I said, I would like to take it on full-time, if

youll have me.
The next thing Markow did was make a
proposal to college and, in due course, the
college hired her as manager.
This is where Markows story becomes
interesting. It turns out she grew up in
Montpelier on Liberty Street and attended
local schools here.
But then she married and she and her husband
moved away, living and working in places as
far-flung as Oregon, Wyoming and Maine.
In Maine, she ran a local food buying club.
The food was delivered to her house from
a dozen farms. I would distribute it to my
customers from my kitchen. So local food
and local food sourcing for Markow was
a strong value.
We were in rural Maine, said Markow. And
my husband was looking for a job all over
New England.
Then with excitement, she said, He got a job
in Montpelier, the first job he was offered.
I was looking for a small town which was
good to raise kids in, with a little bit of
arts and culture. At the same time she was
still remembering where she grew up, and
though she found towns that were similar,
they werent Montpelier.
Suddenly she and her husband were back.
I had to almost pinch myself, she said.
We left together, we came back together.
The children had some of the same teachers
I had.
For more information about opening and
closing hours at Caf Anna, please phone the
College at 818-8600 extension 8699.
Classifieds
CLASSES
HERBAL APPRENTICESHIP Starting in
April! 8 months 1 weekend a month.
Holistic, Hands-on, Wild Edibles,
Tinctures, Self-Care, First Aid, Tree
Medicine, Nutritional Foundations herbal care and gardens - Special Guest
Teachers. Rosemary Gladstar Course as
guide. Marie Frohlich, your teacher host.
802-249-7551 to hold your place.
HELP WANTED
PART TIME SECURITY OFFICER needed
in Barre, Vt. Experience preferred, strong
customer service skills required. Please
inquire at 603-363-8200
OFFICE SPACE
EXCELLENT OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
149 State Street, Montpelier, VT 700sq ft
$695/month
Perfect location-three minute walk to
Capitol. Beautiful Greek Revival building,
renovated in and out. Two offices, storage
room, waiting area and restroom.
Includes onsite parking, heat, hot water,
electricity, utilities, office cleaning, trash
and recycle, snow removal, landscaping
and full maintenance..
Phone: 508-259-7941. Ask for Joe.
SERVICES
HEALING TRAUMA
with Isabelle Meulnet, since 2005
802-279-9144
www.bodymindsoulhealing.net
Cranial-Sacral and Brennan Science
modalities aim to:
liberate the body from frozen negative
imprints
rewire the nervous system out of the
trauma loop
access and release the Healer within
Free Initial consultation
Sunday sessions available
SERVICES
FREE QUICKBOOKS SOFTWARE ($299
VALUE!)
Outstanding opportunity for self-employed
Vermonters who need to get their
bookkeeping done! We'll also teach you
how to use the software! This offer is only
available to Vermont residents based on
financial need. Call today to learn more.
(802) 225-5960. www.freeqbsoftware.com.
Text-only class listings and
classifieds are 50 words for $25.
Call 249-8666 or 223-5112 ext. 11
PAG E 2 0 J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017
Opinion
A
A Call For Civil Discourse in Education

by Nicole Mace, executive director, Vermont School Boards Association
s leaders in education, it is our obligation to model

civil discourse. When faced with conflict or opposing
priorities, do we want future generations to approach a
situation with humility and a commitment to understanding,
or do we want them to draw a line in the sand and vilify
those who stand on the other side? We must teach children
conflict resolution and consensus building, skills I believe are
necessary for the well-being of tomorrows society. Recently,
I have seen two issues challenge the education communitys
ability to engage in civil discourse. The first involves changes
to employee health care plans; the second involves revisions to
the rules governing independent schools. Both make changes to
systems that provide significant benefits to many Vermonters.
In each case, the Vermont School Boards Association has been
supportive of the changes and has been publicly attacked for
that support.
In the spring of 2015, the Vermont Education Health Initiative
decided to replace existing school employee health insurance
with plans to be competitive with Vermont Health Connect.
Therefore, as of Jan. 1, 2018, all school employees will be on
new health care plans. Employees are understandably concerned
about the impact these changes will have on themselves and
their families. New plans cover the same services and networks,
but they have higher out-of-pocket costs. Because premiums
are lower, there are opportunities to keep costs at current levels
while also creating savings for taxpayers. The association spent
last year providing information and advice to help school
Opinion
THE BRIDGE
boards negotiate changes to the plans. Since one role of a school

board is to determine how best to deploy resources in service
of children and in support of the professionals who work with
them, our guidance has been focused on helping boards reach
settlements that benefit taxpayers and are fair to employees.
This past Fall, I reached out to Vermont National Education
Association leadership to discuss an approach to negotiating
agreements that would benefit both employees and taxpayers.
While we had a constructive conversation, the organization
has since accused the Vermont School Boards Association of
pushing an agenda designed to hurt teachers and their families.
In September, the Vermont-NEA reported that the Vermont
School Boards Association s recommendations were part of an
aggressive, cost-shifting strategy, which will hurt teachers,
support staff and their families. Their December newsletter
included the headline Vermont School Boards Association
Agenda Clearly Has Your Healthcare in Crosshairs, and
accused them of manufacturing a crisis where all districts are
bargaining at the same time, and of engineering a change to
the Vermont Educational Health Initiative board structure in
order to advance a bargaining agenda. The transition to new
plans will not be successful if employees and communities are
pitted against each other. All parties should bargain with an
open mind, prepared to understand the options available and
the objectives of both sides.
Similarly, the boards rules governing independent schools have
generated controversy and anger in certain areas of the state. In
this instance, the board is attempting to address concerns about

public dollars going to private institutions that do not serve
students with disabilities. The process has been far from perfect.
But, when attending two public meetings in communities
strongly opposed to the changes, I was taken aback by the
hostility shown to speakers with opposing points of view. People
who spoke in favor of the rules were booed or told to take their
seat.
The board was accused of trying to destroy communities
and employing greasy back door tactics; the association was
declared to be on a mission to destroy school choice and
independent schools. Neither assertion is true. Representatives
from the independent schools, the board of education and
public school representatives have been meeting to determine
areas of common ground and opportunities to improve the
rules. Outside of those focused meetings, however, the heated
rhetoric continues.
The issues facing our communities, state, nation and the world
demand dialogue focused on identifying common ground and
workable solutions. Our challenges are complex and require
a willingness to understand diverse perspectives and create
new approaches to solving old problems. I hope all education
stakeholders will engage in civil discourse as we chart a course
for the future of our schools and communities. Vermonts
children deserve no less.
Note: Edited for length
Trump Dumping and Liberal Amnesia

by Gerard Renfro, Montpelier
s much as I dislike Trump as a public

official, I cannot agree with the rash of
hysteria and doomsday prophecies such
as those printed in the Jan. 5 Bridge. Has no
one noticed that this hysteria is exactly what
happened with Obama's first election? Yet,
nothing in our international policy (of constant
warfare) nor anything of our domestic policy
(of economic decline) has changed.
Trump and his supporters may have very
well tampered with the election and spread
false information with the help of proRussian supporters, but what is new about
misinformation or favoritism? George Jr. won
his first election by electoral fraud. When
You deserve the king you get Thomas Jefferson

a group of petitioners asked the Senate to
investigate, not one Senator supported
them, not even Vermont's heroic Jeffords or
Leahy. Sanders got his start as a Progressive
in Burlington, but then abandoned the
Progressives. When Pollina ran for governor,
Sanders ignored him. Now Sanders has his
following and his revolution, but what he is
doing is copying the behavior of Green Party
candidate, Ralph Nader, who ran against Bush.
During his campaign, both the Democrats
and the media almost completely ignored
Nader. Ironically, in this last campaign, I
would not have even known that the Green
party had a candidate except for a WGDR
radio re-broadcast of an interview of Jill Stein

(who correctly predicted Sanders would be
used as a vote-getter before being dumped).
This interview originally came from ... Russia.
It is true that Trump is making some strange
cabinet appointments, but Bush Jr. did the
same thing, only worse. His appointments
were not really his, there were pre-chosen from
a cabal of neoconservatives and war mongers
that included some degenerates from the days
of Nixon and Reagan and the Iran-Contra
scandal. Almost all of them had some conflict
of interest due to their connections to big
business.
Trump is a turd-master to be sure. Meanwhile,
the Catholic Church has been protecting its
child molester priests for decades. When the
Vatican defended them in the U.S., it claimed
that our government had no right to prosecute,
and Obama accepted this. About a year later,
Obama 'resolved his differences' with the
church in time for his re-election. Trump is a
warmonger, but Obama has ordered far more
drone strikes than Bush ever did and the war
with Syria is causing great suffering, including
migration problems that the U.S. would rather
ignore.
Trump is a racist, but our entire phenomenon

of white flight and urban growth, which
contributed to inner-city decay, which in turn
led to the war on drugs, which in turn
justified the prison industrial system, is racist.
Almost every president since Nixon, while
ignoring inner city decay, has used some excuse
to put minorities in prison where slave labor is
hidden behind the pretence of prison reform.
The liberals seem to be unable to accept
the fact that many people are sick of the
inbred two-party system. Trumpites may be
completely misled in how modern problems
are perceived or fixed, but liberals have done
nothing to correct the perception or the source
of those problems. Trump is a reflection of
our problems, not the cause. It seems that it
is fashionable to complain about his many
failures because he offends our politically
correct sensibilities, but such complaining
masks our past failures to advance meaningful
reform.
The author would like to thank WGDR, the
Savoy Theater, the Kellogg-Hubbard Library
and Bear Pond books for their alternative media,
excellent documentaries, and numerous book
sales.
T H E B R I D G E
Opinion
The Rising Costs of Climate Denial
hen it comes to the increasingly pressing environmental issue of global warming/

climate change, the short-sighted, deceitful, tactics of the fossil fuel industry and
their institutional puppets are hardly surprising.
But the continued refusal to understand and accept what far too many experts now recognize
as a very grave, and immediate, threat to modern civilization (and potentially all life) is now
much worse than a farce.
Deny all you wish, but just over 35 years after former United States President Jimmy Carter's
solar panels were removed from the White House, this is the world's "inconvenient" reality:
Todays human caused carbon emissions are roughly twice that of 70s, and are still growing,
(although less slowly than during the past few decades).
Wanna go back there? Neither do I. Who in their right minds would??
Now, the planets temperature is trying to catch up. And the latest predictions are that it
wants to do so in within a few decades at most (ouch!).
Consider this from NASA: each of the past three years has been the hottest on record. And
ten of the past 14 months have been warmer than the 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial times
that the already obsolete December 2015 Paris Climate Agreement is supposed to keep us
from exceeding.
So just how much fossil fuel heat is now coming back our way?
The equivalent of early 4.5 BILLION Hiroshima bombs worth since 1970 alone (presently,
several per second: tick, tick, tick)!
As a result, the world's oceans are maxed out. They are warming up, and acidifying,
significantly. This is having a terrible impact on marine life. On land, forests are in decline,
with wildfires and insect infestations now reaching a scale unimaginable just a generation
ago (adding on to ever greater rates of deforestation for settlement, agriculture and industry).
The overheated oceans are delivering the excess warmth to both poles. The Arctic is now
melting down at an astonishing rate, and is experiencing high temperatures previously
unheard of, including in the dark of winter.
Arctic Ocean sea ice is at an all-time low in modern history, and is refusing to properly refreeze
this winter (yet another unfortunate first).
The Arctic's astounding warm-up has severely diminished the temperature differential
(gradient) between the North Pole and the equator, significantly weakening the northern
hemisphere's Polar Jet Stream and thus allowing for abnormal, stuck, weather patterns (such
as polar vortex displacements) that are already wreaking havoc with crops, infrastructure,
private property and life.
Greenland's glaciers have become undermined by melt water, further accelerating their
collapse. There is now a vast area of even colder than normal surface water in the Atlantic
by Michael Cody, Hardwick
Ocean south of Greenland. This is weakening and diverting the Gulf Stream, further
contributing to freak weather.
The Antarctic is also warming, and melting down, at an increasing rate. Although thus far
this pales in comparison to the Arctic, Antarctic sea ice is now in rapid decline, and ever larger
chunks of ice are breaking free from both the Antarctic mainland and continental shelf.
And the southern hemisphere Polar Jet Stream is now also showing signs of weakening,
leading to adverse weather effects down under as well.
Editors Note: Edited for length
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PAG E 2 2 J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017
Editorial
THE BRIDGE
Attorney Gerald Tarrant: Slow Down

Radicalization Of Montpelier Zoning
by Nat Frothingham
t press time The Bridge invited planning chief Mike Miller

to summarize the assumptions and thinking behind the
planning commission's proposed new bylaws and regulations.
Miller began by noting that Montpelier has excess capacity in its

water treatment plant and its sewage treatment plant. We are paying
for schools that are underused, he added.
Miller said that earlier drafts of the proposed bylaws would have
more drastically increased our densities. But now the commission,
he said, is proposing densities to match those densities we have
today.
He did say that the new zoning would allow modest infill building
to match the existing character of our neighbors.
We have set a goal of 500 additional housing units (in Montpelier)
to accommodate as many as 500 to 1,000 new residents spread out
across town. We plan to do this maybe in 10 years. Lets share
the financial burden of paying for sewer, water, schools. We are not
looking for drastic tearing down of buildings.
Miller said that in Montpelier we are looking at many older houses
that once accommodated larger families of five or six or more people.
These houses could be renovated to add an apartment or a unit over
the garage to accommodate more people.
Miller encouraged members of the public to participate in the
current round of public hearings.
In an email message to Michael Miller and in subsequent remarks
at a public hearing Jan. 9, Gerald Tarrant criticized the planning
commissions proposed new bylaws and regulations.
As part of his email message, Tarrant wrote, I am writing this as a
longtime resident of Montpelier and owner of an apartment complex
on Main Street situated mid-point between the (Kellogg-Hubbard)
Library and the (traffic circle) rotary.
I own a mid-19th century Gothic apartment building at 144 Main
St., a six-story brick apartment building at 142 Main St. and a
19th century brick carriage house at 144B Main St. which is also a
residential rental.
I have put an enormous amount of time, energy and money into
these structures with the understanding that I was part of an
historic neighborhood with protective zoning regulations (and that
this neighborhood) was probably one of the most viewed and iconic
neighborhoods in the city.
In his public testimony, Tarrant stated his objections to what he
called the radicalization of Montpelier such as allowing for
five or six story buildings and allowing also for so-called infill
development.
In objecting to plans that would call for adding to the citys
population numbers with 5,000 more people or 2,000 more people
and the like, he said, There are reasons people come to Montpelier
to live and work and visit. And many of the times when I visit my
friends and family out-of-state they say, Boy, I wish I could live in
a city like Montpelier. Well, you want to change it and you want
to change it to what really the rest of America has seen over the
last 20, or 40, or 50 or 75 years. Weve all been to many historic
centers around the Northeast, beautiful, beautiful places around
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia that 50 years ago were much like
Montpelier only older. Now they have six story buildings, parking
lots. People dont want to live there there its a shame what theyve
done.
I ask you to move slowly. I ask you to consider the consequences and
they arent all good. Some of the consequences he mentioned as part
of his testimony were more traffic and a greater need for parking and
more crime and even higher taxes.
Instead of plans to attract many more people, to allow for greater
housing densities and infill development he suggested a handful
of precisely targeted renovation projects such as residential units
in the upper stories of the French Block or above Asia House on
State Street, or by redeveloping parts of the College of Fine Arts for
housing.
As he concluded his public hearing remarks, he said, still on a theme
of taking things slowly and in careful steps:
I think its one thing when you read about zoning well theres
infill over here and some infill over there and therell be another 200
units in Sabins Pasture. Lets talk about what the impact of another
200, 300, 400, 500, 600 units are. What are (these impacts going to
be like) for downtown Montpelier.
Attorney Gerald Tarrant

Photo by Michael Jermyn
WE
WANT
YOU!
OK, good, we do it just like we do it at home. Jobs. Some income.

Some energy downtown. More business for the businesses. What are
the negative aspects? Theres going to be more traffic. Theres going
to be more people.
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Finally, Tarrant talked about why people want to live in Montpelier.

A lot of people here like to live in the country in the city. Thats the
great part of Montpelier. When I moved here it was $1,800 a year for
taxes. Im (now) paying $13,000. I dont like it. But I dont really like
what youre proposing. I think what we can do is start taking baby
steps. To try to understand what the threshold is in this community
for allowing development.
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The Bridge
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Letters
Editor:
Support For Stutterers
For many people, ringing in the New Year brings hope and joyful anticipation. But for those
who struggle with stuttering, the old fears of speaking and being teased remain the same
year after year. Many of your readers dont know that help for stuttering is available from so
many places. Trusted information on stuttering is available at your local public library. Public
schools have speech counselors, and children are entitled to free evaluation and help by law.
Seek out a speech-language pathologists in your area trained in helping those who stutter.
Universities often offer speech clinics. Finally, the internet can be a wonderful resource on
stuttering with free books, videos, and reference materials. Visit our website as a starting
point: www.StutteringHelp.org. Make 2017 the year you find the help you and your family
need.
Jane Fraser, President, The Stuttering Foundation, Memphis, Tenn.
What Do You Think?

Read something that you would like to respond to? We welcome your letters and
opinion pieces. Letters must be fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not
exceed 600 words. The Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut pieces. Send your
piece to: editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is January 27.
J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017 PAG E 2 3
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Fit ness at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center Pg.

Photos by Chris Hancock

A Community That Plays Together Stays

MONTPELIER Recreation isnt just about

Why the Sudden Concern Over Indoor

its heartfelt devotees of spinning, yoga, free

expands out to the rest of Montpelier. He has

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

PAG E 2 J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017

Like The Bridge on

Follow The Bridge

J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017 PAG E 3

HEARD ON THE STREET

500 Kilowatt Solar Array Goes Online

MONTPELIER The City of Montpelier is now getting

Westview Meadows Receives Perfect Score

Montpelier-Roxbury School Merger Group

on Monsignor Crosby Ave. There was also a water leak on

ROXBURY At a Jan. 16 meeting in Roxbury, the

There were reports of one dog attacking another dog on the

A separate committee looking at a merger of the Northfield

Police Deal With Ice, Snow, Assault, Open

Several reports of suspicious persons were made, including

Support the February 2 Issue of The Bridge on Climate Change

Joyful Sparrows Leave Early This Year

Photo by Arad Mojtahedi

or the first time in 20 years, our small

Support The Bridge

All community contributions, whatever

*Contributions of $50 or more are eligible to receive a one-year subscription.

Friends of The Bridge will be periodically acknowledged in future issues of

Send this form and your check to:

PAG E 4 J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017

Downsizing Group Looks For Housing Options

downtown Montpelier, the downsizing trends

because survey respondents could choose more

owns adjacent to City Center.

Katie Gustafson of the Vermont College

Downsizer and Montpelier resident Cari

Developer Doug Nedde has plans to convert

The Montpelier Downsizing Group will

Catch Pussy Hat Knitting Craze

D.C. the same day.

by Claire Landsbaum, the pussy hat project

March scheduled that will start at Montpelier

J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017 PAG E 5

In Wake of Trump Inauguration:

With Aerial Trams, Streetcars, Condos; Murphy Bed Micro

further depict people walking down the street carrying canoes,

From the winning Team Bridges,

Got a news tip?

PAG E 6 J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017

A Message From City Hall

City Budget Nearly Ready for Voters

he City Council has been busy during December

will be a major infrastructure project with $1.1 Million

Requires a 2.7 cent (2.6%) increase in the property tax

Reductions of $54,869 to operating costs from FY17

Police: The Police budget includes the contractual

FY18 General Fund Budget totals $13,556,867 which

Fire & Emergency Services: Call response and coverage

aside for alternate transportation funding.

$100,000 to implement the Economic Development

J A N UA RY 19 F E B RUA RY 1, 2 017 PAG E 7