Summary of the Energy Action Report • Page 7
A ugust 16 –S eptember 5, 2018
IN THIS ISSUE: TimberHomes Raises the Roof in Montpelier
Pg. 8 Energy Islands by Mike Dunphy
Pg. 10 Habitat for
T
here’s no denying the pastoral beauty of Vershire,
Vermont, at the headwaters of the Ompompanoosuc
Humanity Volunteers River in the Upper Valley. But for TimberHomes, a
builder of timber frame structures, the rural location—even
for Vermont—does create limitations to business and pleasure.
Pg. 16 Warren Kimble Thankfully, success, including 100 percent growth from 2016
Exhibit at T.W. Wood to 2017, has allowed the company to expand to a new location
in Montpelier, or rather, as member-owner Timo Bradley puts
Gallery it, “an upgrade.”
Montpelier was not just a strategic choice, but a natural one.
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit NO. 123
Several employees and workers already live in the capital region.
Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
“I grew up in Calais,” Bradley says. “We decided it would be nice
to be in town, so we chose Montpelier, as that always felt like
being in town for me.”
Purchasing a nine-acre plot on Elm Street in 2015—between
Pearl Street Motors and Vermont Expert Tree—the company
broke ground in the beginning of July 2018. The concrete
foundations were being poured as this article was being written.
Construction of the 4,320-square-foot timber structure, at the
cost of around $650,000, will continue through the remainder of
the year, with the goal of getting the shop up and cutting frames
for houses, barns, pavilions, and park kiosks by February, 2019.
As with any business expansion, there’s a risk, and breaths are
being held and fingers crossed by the staff of employee-owners
and workers. “We are certainly taking a leap of faith and putting
a lot on the line in order to get this facility up and running,” said
Bradley. Thankfully, the City of Montpelier has been welcoming.
Montpelier, VT 05601
“The city, really on all levels, as well as the state have been very
encouraging and supportive of our move,” Bradley says. “The
P.O. Box 1143
process really hasn’t been as hard as one could imagine it being.
It’s really been quite smooth.”
The Bridge
We’re online! montpelierbridge.com or vtbridge.com
Artwork by Steve Hogan
Support also came in the form of a level-two tax stabilization,
approved by the city council on June 27. The award means that
TimberHomes will pay half of the municipal tax for four years
(but all the education tax). The municipal tax will kick up to
normal levels in year five. This translates into a savings of $2,381
per year at the current tax rate, according to City Manager Bill
Fraser. The award was a pleasant surprise for Bradley, who wasn’t
sure what to expect upon applying for it. “I guess we successfully
made the case to the city council. We were hopeful, but we didn’t
know for sure.”
The vote was not unanimous, however, with councilors Ashley
Hill and Jack McCullough opposing. Both expressed happiness
about TimberHomes moving to Montpelier but doubted the
wisdom of awarding the status. McCullough notes the “but for”
provision in the policy, which says that in order to be eligible,
a project must show that “but for” tax stabilization, it would
not move or expand to Montpelier. Because TimberHomes was
going ahead with the project regardless of whether they received
stabilization or not, McCullough said, “I felt the decision was
mandated by that factor.”
For Hill, the no vote was also motivated by a general philosophy
regarding such stabilization awards. “I struggle with the idea
that the only way businesses are going to come anywhere is if we
give tax abatements. I think that’s short-sighted public planning,
particularly for the Montpelier area. Our residents are footing the
bill here, and businesses who benefit from our infrastructure and
community don’t have to pay their fair share, and to me that’s not
what the role of the city council should be.”
In response, Mayor Anne Watson stated, “The majority of the
council voted for it because we want to support new businesses
coming to town, and this was a small way for us to show our
Continued on Page 9
PAG E 2 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Nature Watch by Nona Estrin

Watercolor by Nona Estrin
Ingredients from
the Garden
During this last wild month of
summer, people coming and going,
the little vegetable garden grounds
me. Out each morning, look around,
pick beans, lettuce, tomatoes, chard,
summer squash, and cucumbers.
Eggs with chard and tomatoes in
the morning, buttered steamed
squash and chard at lunch, perhaps
a summer chowder with whatever
is for dinner. Less thinking about
what to have, as favorite garden
recipes surface. Fewer trips to the
store for food, less hauling food
from car to house, lots more time
between garden and kitchen, garden
and kitchen.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 3

HEARD ON THE STREET

Kool Runninz Finds a New Home (for Now)
Jerk chicken fans may have been dismayed to find the Jamaican pop-up restaurant Kool
Runninz gone from their location at the corner of Granite and Barre streets last week.
According to co-owner Tiffany Knibb, the state asked them to move and make way for
the bike path construction, as did the railroad, which informed them they owned the
land, not the city. Coming to the rescue was Kelly Sullivan, owner of Splash Naturals,
who offered the piece of land behind it. It may not have the same tropical vibe of the
previous location, but at least it keeps the Jamaican flavor wafting across Montpelier on
Saturdays, 11 am‒9 pm. A little outside of town, you can also find the same Jamaican
food, music, and vibes on Fridays, 7 pm–1 am at 184 River Street, outside Moving Light
Dance, next to Bear Naked Growler.
Caledonia Spirits Breaks Ground
On August 9, Governor Phil Scott dug in at the Caledonia Spirits ground-breaking
ceremony held at the company’s new Gin Lane location off Barre Street in Montpelier.
About 200 people attended the ceremony and cocktail party. Eleven shovels broke
ground in the hands of Scott, Mayor Anne Watson, and the Caledonia Spirits team
which included president and head distiller, Ryan Christiansen, and founder Todd
Hardie. Christiansen thanked the company’s many supporters including the City of
Montpelier for its collaboration and the Barre Street neighbors for their acceptance and
support of the project, especially their tolerance of the construction noise. Caledonia
Spirits is famous for its award-winning, honey-based Barr Hill Gin and Vodka produced
from certified organic grains from the founder’s farm in Greensboro. The Montpelier
site will be the company’s second location and solar-powered, with tasting and retail as
well as distillery and mixology areas. The 26,000 square foot facility is scheduled to
open on Memorial Day, 2019 and is expected to bring 35–40 new jobs to the area.
Falafel Pop-Up to Open on Elm Street
Starting Monday, August 20, Montpelierites can get their falafel fix at Magical Falafel
out of Grian Herbs. Run by Middlesex-based couple, Elie Adam and Mollie Willis,
Magical Falafel will continue until mid-October only, as it’s when the right local and
organic ingredients are available. Diners have two options—spicy or not. The spice
in question is inspired by Schug, a popular middle eastern spice, but given a distinct
Vermont twist. The pita bread is baked by Carmela Ram, owner of the Magic Spoon
Bakery in Hardwick. They are fluffy, proper pita, Adam explains, and he should know
having lived much of his life in and around Jerusalem. Chick peas are sprouted, which
helps digest the bean and reduces the cooking time, and falafel balls are hand rolled
“with much love and joy.” Finish the meal with a maple Halvah treat, Turkish coffee
with cardamom, herbal ice tea from fresh infused herbs. Magical Falafel is open to eat in
or take out. Hours are 11 am–7 pm through tomato season. For take out call 917-8598.
Intro to Strings Class Offered Through Joint Venture
The Green Mountain Youth Symphony (GMYS) has partnered with Monteverdi Music
School and Vermont Violins to pilot a new Intro to Strings class. This group class is
for 8–12 year olds who have never played a stringed instrument but would like to try
it out. Students can choose to try violin, viola, cello, or bass and will learn in a mixed-
instrument group. Discounted short-term rentals are available through Vermont Violins.
Students who would like to continue with their instrument after this introductory period
will be referred to private teachers through Monteverdi, can join their school music
program, and will be able to work toward joining the GMYS Repertory Orchestra.
Class begins on Tuesday, September 18 and runs through Tuesday, November 13. For
more information or registration, contact GMYS Executive Director, Leah Wilhjelm
leah@gmys-vt.org or call 888-4470.

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P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 / Ph: 802-223-5112
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PAG E 4 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE
So Many White-Tails—Montpelier’s Deer Debate
Oh Deer
Think back when humans started moving into deer habitat,
They probably were saying, " how dare those 2 legged creatures
be so brazen!"
They’re cutting down our forest! Etc.,
They’re ruining our food.
Well, as people populate more I guess deer aren’t dumb, when
they spot a meal, they want some.
- Mary Messier, Montpelier, Front Porch Forum
I
n reaction to deer sightings and garden destruction in
the area, Montpelier’s Front Porch Forum has been abuzz
with all things cervine. Posts include propositions of
beginning deer-management blogs, deer-repellent recipes, and
deer poetry. Amongst all this, there seem to be two general
positions: deer ought to be controlled in some way, and we
ought to leave them alone because they are a part of nature.
Is the deer problem as bad as everyone says? Although The Photo by John Hall
Bridge was unable to obtain specific numbers on Montpelier’s
deer, according to Nick Fortin, Deer Project Leader for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Department, the statewide deer population is expected to be about 155,000 before the
2018 deer seasons. This is 10,000 more than last year’s estimate of 145,000. According to
Louis Porter, commissioner of the department, there is some reason for concern. “We are
increasingly concerned about deer numbers in places where hunting is limited,” he explains.
“That includes places with lots of posted land, and places like Montpelier, where hunting is
restricted because of concerns about hunting within the city limits.”
by Sarah Davin
Faced with this population increase, there has been quite
a bit of discussion about what ought to be done about
it. According to Porter, there aren’t many options but to
“control” the deer population, and from his perspective,
one method is more effective and feasible than the
others—hunting. “There are not many, if any, viable
alternatives to managing deer populations outside of
hunting. Some jurisdictions have tried other alternatives,
such as hiring sharp shooters, or even giving deer birth
control.” Compared with hunting, these other options are
very expensive, he said, and less effective when deer are
able to freely move throughout an area.
While hunting in less densely populated areas may be the
clearest solution, it could be more difficult or dangerous
in and around Montpelier. Although Porter insists that
hunting is safe, the sound of rifle discharges may make
people feel uneasy. One solution he suggests and hopes
Montpelierites will support is bow hunting. “In an urban
setting like Montpelier, archery hunting is especially well
suited, and I think residents and hunters would do well to encourage it and promote it.”
Some residents are worried that the hunting will go too far. Anne Charles posted her
disapproval on Front Porch Forum, writing “My concern is that this conversation is
going to lead to a killing spree that goes under the euphemism ‘harvesting’ accompanied
by dubious ‘natural’ justifications. I don’t understand why we can’t just leave the deer
alone.” Charles is not alone. Michael Badamo wrote passionately in response to a post,
saying “I strongly suspect any effort to wipe [the deer] out of our neighborhoods would
be met with serious opposition. We have little enough left of the natural world in our
day-to-day lives.”
On June 15, the Montpelier Deer Study Group, an informal collection of concerned
citizens, met with Mark Scott, Director of Wildlife for Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Department, and Geoff Beyer, the Montpelier Director of City Parks, to discuss what
could be done about the deer. The group members were worried not only for their
hostas but for their health, because Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks.
Their concerns are well-placed. On August 6, the Vermont Department of Health
announced the first Vermont resident to die of Lyme carditis. Although this resident
died of a rare complication, the announcement does demonstrate the seriousness of the
disease.
As part of the meeting, the group discussed not only how to manage the deer, which
spread the ticks, but also white-footed mice, which are the primary carrier of the
Lyme-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. Owls and foxes, who prey on the mice,
find certain types of densely growing, invasive plants impenetrable. One valuable
recommendation the study group took away from the meeting was to limit the presence
of plants such as barberry and honeysuckle, so that predators can more easily reach
their prey.
While it still may be some time before Montpelier’s deer meet biological carrying
capacity, meaning when the number of deer outnumber the amount of resources
available to sustain them, Porter worries about another type of capacity, which he
calls cultural capacity. “Tolerance can vary considerably among residents. A person
living and working in downtown Montpelier may have very different views than a
homeowner on Towne Hill Road. Regardless, based on what we are hearing and seeing,
it seems that the deer population in Montpelier is nearing or exceeding the number that
most residents are comfortable with.”
In a way, it’s not so much about asking how many deer Montpelier can support, but the
question of how many more deer residents can stand.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 5
Conservation Law Foundation Appeal Complicates
Montpelier Wastewater Plant Upgrade Plans
W
hile Montpelier contemplates
an upgrade to its wastewater
treatment plant, the city’s
wastewater permit—and those of six
other Vermont municipalities—are being
challenged in court by the Conservation
Law Foundation (CLF), which believes
the permits allow too much dissolved
phosphorous to flow into an already polluted
Lake Champlain.
A state permit issued to Montpelier in 2017,
while substantially cutting the amount of
phosphorous the city can send into the
Winooski River compared with its prior
permit, would still allow the city’s plant to
more than double its phosphorous output
from 2017 levels.
City officials say the potential upgrade would
not by itself cause increased phosphorous to
be discharged, but a CLF victory in the
lawsuit could complicate the city’s planning
for the proposed $16.1 million wastewater
plant Phase 1 upgrade and the $3.6 million
Phase 2 upgrade, cumulatively referred to
as the “Organics-to-Energy” project. The
city Council will be deciding in September
whether to propose a bond for Phase 1.
“If a new permit had more stringent limits
on phosphorous, that might affect upgrade
plans, although that is not a foregone
conclusion,” said Joe McLean, the attorney
representing Montpelier in the case.
City officials say reducing phosphorous
from current levels would be expensive. One
estimate put the cost of upgrades needed to
cut the plant’s phosphorous output in half at
$24 million, according to City Engineer Kurt
Motyka. But CLF attorney Elena Mihaly
indicated her group is not pushing for that
kind of change. “Capping phosphorous at
current levels would be one way to do it,”
she said.
A cap based on current levels would mean
that as flows increase from new development,
the City might have to implement the best
available treatment technology at the facility,
according to a July 27 report to the city from
Energy Systems Group, which is advising the
city on the project
“This increased level of treatment would
be required regardless of the Organics-to-
Energy project, as reliable treatment to these
[phosphorous] levels could not be achieved
with the current treatment process,” the
report states.
However, both the report and Mihaly
suggested that, if it was required to limit
phosphorous to current levels, Montpelier
could take other steps to control phosphorous
output rather than making changes at the
plant. Specifically, the city could limit
stormwater flows into the river—another
source of phosphorous pollution—by
changing parking lots to permeable pavement
or gravel, or using retention ponds. Of
course, there could be a hefty price tag
associated with that work, too. But Motyka
noted that CLF’s openness to this type of
alternative means “it is unlikely that we will
need a separate upgrade regardless of the
outcome of this particular permit appeal.”
Phosphorous levels were a key component of
a lake clean-up plan agreed to by the federal
EPA and the state in 2016. The plan—
known as “total maximum daily load”
(TMDL)—lays out a roadmap of changes
that need to take place in Vermont over the
next couple of decades.
Lake Champlain has suffered from high
phosphorous levels for many years. The
lake periodically experiences algal blooms,
obnoxious odors, and impaired aquatic life.
The TMDL obligates Vermont to reduce
phosphorous loads from various contributing
sectors, including municipal wastewater
treatment facilities.
The 59 wastewater plants in the Lake
Champlain basin account for only a small
percentage (3.9 percent) of the phosphorous
going into the lake now, according to
the TMDL. Larger contributors include
agriculture (41.5 percent); stream bank
erosion (20.6 percent); developed land, such
as stormwater from impervious surfaces (18.1
by Phil Dodd
percent); and forested land, including run-off another year to both hear and decide the
from timber harvesting (16 percent). case.
The Foundation argues that even though In any event, no one is expecting major
wastewater plants are small contributors to improvements in Lake Champlain in the
the problem, no additional phosphorous near future. In response to comments filed
should be allowed in the lake from wastewater when the TMDL was proposed, the EPA
plants until reductions are obtained from stated: “Most of the implementation actions
other sources, a process that could take many Vermont has committed to will take at least
years to accomplish. “No one has a vested 10‒15 years to complete through the basin,
right to pollute,” said CLF attorney Mihaly. so it is reasonable to assume that it will be
The legal argument between CLF on the at a minimum, 10‒15 years before changes
one hand, and the state and municipalities should be expected to be seen in the lake.”
on the other, turns on whether state permits
for wastewater plants can legally allow
the wastewater phosphorous discharges
envisioned in the final TMDL, or only
when progress has been made eliminating
phosphorous from other sources.
Wastewater plants should only be able
to “increase phosphorous discharges if
corresponding phosphorous reductions are
demonstrably and reliably occurring,” CLF
said in one of its briefs. The Foundation
believes Montpelier’s permit “illegally
authorizes increased actual discharges of
phosphorous.”
The state Agency of Natural Resources,
represented by the Vermont Attorney
General’s office, says the permits—based on
the maximum amount of phosphorous each
plant can discharge when the TMDL is fully
in place—are appropriate “unless and until”
it is shown that expected reductions from
these other sources are not materializing.
At that point, reductions in the permit
levels could be considered, it says. Assistant
Attorney General Laura Murphy said the
permit issued to Montpelier is legal and is
authorized under the TMDL.
All parties to the Montpelier lawsuit agree on
the facts, and both sides have filed motions
for summary judgment. A hearing on the
motions was held July 30, which means the
judge could make a decision relatively soon.
Once a ruling is issued, however, there is the
real possibility of an appeal to the Vermont
Supreme Court, which might take up to
PAG E 6 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

A Message From City Hall

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

Summer in the City by Mayor Anne Watson

T
his summer has kept me pretty busy. I’ve been running ultimate frisbee day The construction of the One Taylor
camps, swimming in the Dog River, and I spent three weeks at the Harvard Street building and bike path allows us
Kennedy School of Government’s State and Local Executive Program. It was to manifest another vision for that site.
an intense and wonderful experience that I think will help me to serve as mayor for the Confluence Park has been a concept in
next two years. Even while I was away, lots of exciting things have been happening in the works since at least 1995 when the
Montpelier. I want to update you on a few of those things and also let you know about idea showed up in a Montpelier river study
some upcoming noteworthy items. conducted for the city in that year. The
Students on City Boards bluff of land where the North Branch
meets the Winooski River, opposite from
As you may know, I teach science and math at Montpelier High School. Since I have a Shaws, has the potential to be an iconic
foot in both worlds, at the city and the school, many city committee members ask me place for the City of Montpelier. We will be
about finding students to serve on their committees. Even when a committee does find putting a lot more time and thought into
a student, within a year or two that student often graduates, and then the committee is what could be done right there. Without
back in the same spot, needing to connect with the high school to find a new student delaying the bus station, housing, or bike
representative. path, we feel there is some time to work
In response to this constant need, we have developed a program called “Solons on out what would be best for that little bit of land. With the help of the Vermont River
Boards” to establish a regular systematic connection between committees that would like Conservancy, the Sustainable Montpelier Coalition, the involvement of city committees,
student participants and students who are interested in working with them. We’re hoping and a robust public engagement process, I think we’ll be able to find a tangible vision for
to get this up and running shortly after school starts, sometime in September. Just a note: that spot that allows Montpelier to engage more directly with our rivers.
students are not allowed to be voting members unless they’re eighteen years old. Caledonia Spirits Groundbreaking
Goats Eating Poison Ivy On August 9, Caledonia Spirits celebrated the commencement of construction at their
The city recently piloted the use of goats to control vegetation, especially invasives and Barre Street site with a cocktail party. This comes after some site compaction that
poison ivy, between the bike path and the river near the high school. Our first run was happened in July. (Gosh, was I sad to miss that! What physics teacher isn’t psyched to see
a success in that we were mainly looking to see if the set-up would work. We anticipate an eight ton mass dropped from a crane?) Their construction is anticipated to continue
that this may be a good option for poison ivy control, and we may hire the goats on a through May of 2019.
regular basis over the next few years to eliminate the poison ivy growth near the bike Heads up on a Plastic Bag Charter Change
path. They’re an adorable alternative to using chemical pesticides. People all over the
world have been following social media and press reports on the goats, many wondering I’m sure it’s no news to you that our society has a plastic problem. Plastics don’t have a
if their communities should try this organic method of weed control. If you happen to robust reuse market and a lot of it ends up in landfills or in the ocean. Plastics practically
see the goats, just be aware that you should not try to pet or feed them. They’re working never break down. In Montpelier, our rubbish ends up in the Coventry landfill, which
hard and should not be distracted! (We also don’t want anybody inadvertently getting recently announced that it will be expanding. Plastic bags end up in our waterways, our
poison ivy oils on themselves from the goats!) streets, and it’s not a great use of the world’s resources. The problem of plastics can feel
really overwhelming, but we need to start somewhere. What we can do, we should do.
City Data The council expressed in its goal-setting session that we would like to pursue a city-wide
In my first article for The Bridge as mayor, I wrote about statistics that would be good plastic bag ban.
indicators about how Montpelier is doing in general, and how the city government is I stopped in to Shaw’s the other day to check in with them about this possibility. I wanted
improving specifically. Now that the council has set its strategic outcomes and priorities their voice to be included in our conversation and give them an early heads up that this
for the year, we can align the data we’re collecting with those goals. We’ve been refining might be coming. When I went in, I was prepared to give them reasons why we thought
and aligning that list of possible indicators, and we’re excited to finalize the list in the this would be a good idea, but it turned out I didn’t need to convince them. The store
coming month. Then we’ll get to start tracking this data and see what our trends are over director at Shaw’s was on board. He thought a plastic bag ban would be just fine. I’m
time. This will be an invaluable tool. It will inform council decisions, recognize areas to eager to hear the opinions of smaller Montpelier businesses as well.
celebrate or that need addressing, and help us separate fact from anecdotal fiction.
I am sensitive to the fact that this may impact people who carry their groceries home.
Socially Responsible Investment Other communities with a similar ban have set up bag-sharing programs. I know I have
One of our council goals this year was to re-examine the city’s investment policy in probably more than ten reusable bags in my house that I just don’t need and would happily
order to ensure that our money was being invested in a socially responsible manner. The donate, and perhaps you do as well. But we’re just at the beginning of this conversation,
city’s investment committee will start this and we’ll see where this goes.
process by going to council on September A few steps are necessary in order for this
12 to give the council a little background endeavor to move forward. As of right now,
about socially responsible investing and Montpelier does not have jurisdiction to
the types of options available to the create such an ordinance, but we can get
council. I anticipate that this process will permission by approving charter change
take another couple of months before we language that would grant us that power.
have an amended investment policy. This charter change language will need
One Taylor Street Update to be approved by the council, the public,
The gravel lot is now officially closed to and the legislature. The charter change
parking as we anticipate construction language could be on the ballot for public
getting started. Asbestos remediation is approval as soon as November. I’m sure
already underway at the M&M beverage as November approaches, I’ll be writing
site, and we anticipate removing the two more about what people can expect to see
buildings on that site within the year. on that November ballot.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 7
Vermont’s Renewable Energy Use Increases,
But Not Enough Says Report
A
s of 2017, Vermont’s energy use was 20 percent renewable, up from 12 percent
renewable in 2010, according to the 2017 Annual Report by the Energy Action
Network (EAN). That’s a 66-percent increase in seven years, but the annual
report says that this pace of increase is not fast enough to reach the state’s ambitious
energy goals.
“It is clear that our current trajectory will not get us to 90 percent renewable by 2050,
and it may not even get us to the first milestone of 25 percent renewable by 2025,” said
Jared Duval, Executive Director of Energy Action Network.
Most of Vermont’s progress to its current 20-percent-renewable status has come from the
increasing renewability of its electric generation sector. The state’s electrical generation
is now 43 percent renewable, the report says. However, electricity only makes up 27
percent of Vermont’s total energy use, and the rate of solar growth is slowing and new
wind generation has all but stopped, it says.
The transportation and thermal sectors, which use far more energy and consume vast
amounts of fossil fuels, lag far behind in their renewability (thermal refers primarily to
the heating and cooling of buildings, but also to industrial processes).
Vermont does lead the nation in the share of building heating needs met with wood, at
21 percent. But the state has the second highest fuel oil consumption per capita in the
nation, the report says. And Vermont’s transportation sector is the least renewable of all
energy sectors in the state at 5.2 percent, most of which is corn-derived ethanol.
“Unless we take new and significant action to make our transportation and heating
energy use more renewable, there is a limit to how much more progress we can make
toward our 90-percent-by-2050 commitments,” Duval said.
While renewable energy use has been increasing in recent years, if not fast enough to
meet the 90-percent goal, Vermont has been moving in the wrong direction when it
by Phil Dodd
comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Vermont’s emissions have increased 4
percent since 1990 according to the EAN report. Emissions declined in the period from
2004 to 2011 but have been rising since 2011.
According to the report, Gov. Phil Scott in 2017 re-committed to Vermont’s
Comprehensive Energy Plan of 90 percent renewable energy by 2050 across all energy
uses. Scott also committed Vermont to the Paris Agreement, which means reducing
greenhouse gas emissions 26 percent to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025, the report
says.
The transportation, thermal, and electrical generation sectors account for 80 percent
of Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions, the report says. The next biggest sector is
agriculture, which accounts for 12 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
The report says that to meet Vermont’s energy and climate goals for 2025 would require
major changes such as these in the next few years:
• replacing 60,000 fossil-fueled vehicles with electric vehicles (Vermont had 2,300
electric vehicles in 2017)
• installing 25,000 advanced wood heat systems (either efficient boilers or stoves)
• installing 60,000 cold-climate heat pumps, displacing fossil fuel heating
The Energy Action Council, formed in 2009, is a diverse network of 400 business,
utility, non-profit, and public sector stakeholders with a shared mission of ending
Vermont’s dependence on fossil fuels and moving to an efficient and renewable energy
future. Montpelier is one of three cities in Vermont that belong to the council. Both
council executive director Duval and council chair Leigh Seddon are residents of
Montpelier.
The full report can be found online at eanvt.org/2017AnnualReport.
PAG E 8 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Tesla Batteries and Solar Panels Create

Energy Islands in Vermont by Tom Brown

A ir conditioners were humming this summer as Central Vermonters sweated through July,
the hottest month ever recorded in Vermont.
the end of the year. Customers
can store energy in those
batteries either from their own
August has started the same way, and whether you believe these heat waves are the new normal
or merely an anomaly, some utilities are already working to reduce the spike in customer bills solar panels or by charging the
caused when the New England power grid reaches peak demand. batteries from the grid. During
peak demand the company
Green Mountain Power (GMP), the state’s largest electric utility, says it was able to save can draw that stored power
customers about $500,000 in July by drawing on energy stored in its customers’ home solar to reduce its need to purchase
storage batteries as well as the company’s storage facilities in Rutland and Panton. additional supply.
Power companies are charged for the extra energy needed to meet peak demand, the one day The company also draws from
each year that the most electricity is used. This year it was August 6 between 5 and 6 pm, its large solar energy sites in
surpassing the previous peak of July 5. Rutland and Panton. The
In anticipation of peak demand, GMP gave the grid a jolt by sending much of the stored Panton battery array holds
energy from its facilities and more than 610 Tesla batteries in customers’ homes into the about 4,000 kilowatt hours
system. By reducing its total demand for expensive fossil fuel generation needed to meet the (kWh) of energy, enough to
peak period, GMP lowered its share of the money owed to so-called peaker plants, which go power seven homes for one month, the company said. The Rutland storage site can supply
online to meet the additional loads, said Josh Castonguay, GMP’s chief innovation officer. about 3,700 kWh, or enough to power six homes for a month.
Those plants are largely fueled by natural gas, oil, and coal, he said. Castonguay said there are plans to bring more stored energy “islands” online and envisions
“For every megawatt we reduce by using battery storage it just means they need that many battery storage as a potential replacement for fossil fuel backup generators for businesses and
fewer megawatts essentially coming from these other energy sources,” Castonguay said. institutions in addition to homes.
GMP says it has installed 579 Tesla storage batteries in homes and has a goal of 2,000 by The Panton facility, he said for example, could serve as a mini-grid, a self-sustained power
source for emergency shelters and other essential services in the event of a sustained power
outage.
Green Mountain Power will install a home-sized Tesla Powerwall 2 battery for a $1,500 one-
time payment or $15 a month for 10 years ($1,800). Customers may also purchase their own
batteries and have them connected them to the GMP system, Castonguay said.
Renewable energy advocates generally support the concept.
“The closer you can keep things to the source the better,” said Austin Davis of Renewable
Energy Vermont. “It’s similar to the local food movement in terms of efficiency and
distribution costs.”
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 9

TimberHomes Raises the Roof

in Montpelier Continued from Page 1

support for them. Having said that, I’m looking forward to revising our tax stabilization
policy to better align the policy with the council’s goals.”
TimberHomes also received a variance on the sprinkler ordinance, since the construction
will use “green” freshly sawn timbers, which have a high moisture content and literally
will not burn. That translates to a savings of around $100,000, because the site is not
on city water or sewer and the project would have required the installation of enormous
water holding tanks on the property. Nonetheless, at the command of the fire marshal,
TimberHomes will install a state-of-the-art fire alarm system.
Arriving with the company are also several new Montpelier residents, who have moved from
Vershire and Middlesex to take up seven positions at the new shop. With growth, there is a
reasonable expectation of hiring local help, if only seasonally, but it will need to wait until
new operations are generating the hoped-for revenue and demand.
TimberHomes is also eager to provide public benefits besides jobs, according to fellow
TimberHomes worker-owner Shannon McIntyre in her testimony before the city council.
Among the ideas under consideration are including a carry-in canoe launch on the river
running through the back of the property, a picnic shelter accessible to bikers, electric
vehicle charging stations, community-based learning programs, and internships for students
at area schools. There’s even the idea of building two residential houses on the land, but, she
notes, “We don’t have a fully laid-out plan for any of these things.”
With the new shop, Bradley hopes to increase revenue streams. “We are certainly hoping
that the move to Route 12, one of the city’s main arteries, will give us some additional
exposure and more projects related to that exposure.” But if there is any increased success,
Bradley attributes it more to the people building and supporting the frames. “We are
extremely lucky. We have a talented workforce—young, forward thinking, really excited
about the work. I can’t say enough about them.”

Design & Build

Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Additions • Timber Frames
Weatherization • Remodeling
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Flooring
Tiling • Cabinetry • Fine Woodwork
PAG E 10 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Bring Energy-Efficient

Innovation to Affordable Housing by Debbie Goodwin

C
entral Vermont Habitat for Humanity, Inc., is one of eight Habitat affiliates in Chris Miksic, Montpelier Construction
Vermont with the mission to build affordable, decent housing in partnership “Everyone needs a home, a shelter. A home
with low-income families. Habitat’s recent project was a “passive house” in must be comfortable and healthy and in this
East Montpelier. Winning Efficiency Vermont’s Honor Award in Residential New day and age, low carbon and energy efficient.
Construction and PHIUS certified, the home boasts double walls filled with rigid I also want to promote and educate the
insulation, a super-insulated slab, triple-paned windows, a cellulose-filled insulated attic, public about the low-energy, passive house
and a southern exposure. The result is significantly lower and stable monthly energy costs building standard and see it get adopted
to the owners. as the building code to combat the effects
Building volunteer Chris Miksic of Montpelier Construction found the build to be a of climate change and to create affordable,
“great match of passive house standards with an affordable, energy-efficient, low-carbon, healthy and resilient housing for people.”
fossil-fuel-free quality housing.” Habitat for Humanity started with a modest budget
and simple design and was successful partnering with vendors that could donate or sell
materials at a reduced cost. Denny Ingrisano, Waitsfield
The Rockwool Group provided a significant donation of its sustainable, environmentally “It is an honor to be associated with an
friendly Roxul insulation and is continuing their support with an equally generous organization that creates opportunities for
donation to a “high performance” build that is currently taking place in Randolph. Green families to live in, and eventually own, an
Fiber Company has also rallied to the cause by donating their cellulose insulation, which affordable home. The fact that affordable
is made from mostly recycled material, furthering Habitat’s goal of building with more housing is approached from a legacy point of
environmentally responsible products and techniques. view makes me feel like we are all in it together,
building a high-performance home, reducing
Site supervisor for the duration of the build at the East Montpelier passive house, Bruce dependency on fossil fuels, living in better
Landry, says, “The fluctuating price of energy goes beyond what our families can afford. harmony with the Earth, and yukking it up a bit
The families we partner with start out with very tight budgets and every dollar counts. An when you cut the wrong angle in a 2 x 10. Who
energy-efficient home gives stability in heating costs and utility payments.” wouldn’t want to volunteer?”
As with any Habitat for Humanity build, it is the hearts and labor of volunteers that
maintain the projects and help make the build affordable. Their reasons for volunteering Glen Seifert, Marshfield
are many: “Since retiring and becoming involved with Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, I
have experienced first-hand the personal satisfaction of working on a CVHFH build. At
Jan Ruta, Electrician the end of the work day, you can stand back and see what a group of volunteers, and new
“I volunteer for Habitat because I want acquaintances, can accomplish as a team. The partner families are so grateful and still in
to have an impact at the local level. It a state of disbelief that this house is actually going to be theirs.”
gives me the opportunity to share my
electrical expertise with others and
learn a lot of new carpentry skills. I
also believe in Habitat’s mission that
“Everyone should have an affordable
place to live.” In building homes,
we are supporting and building
community.”

Sponsored by The Bridge

T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 11
The Berlin Mall Offers Free Space for Dream
Making with The HUB
C
olton Doolen just got a lot closer to
realizing his dream of becoming a
stand-up comic. In fact, it’s moving
in next door.
Doolen is the assistant manager at Game
Stop in the Berlin Mall. In July, the mall
announced the creation of The HUB, a
community-focused concept that designated
up to 3,000 square feet of rent-free space
inside a vacant storefront adjacent to
JCPenney. The space comes complete with
free utilities and Wi-Fi. Selected applicants
must provide insurance.
The mall says the free flexible space is perfect
for artists, performers, makers, teachers, and
others needing the space for events, exhibits,
meetings, classes, films, performances,
mixers, lectures, and other community-
driven events. The free space can’t be used to
sell products, but users can charge for services
and performances.
Morning, afternoon,
evening, or all-day slots
are available for one or
more days a week, up to
eight weeks at a time.
“This is a pretty neat
opportunity for people,”
says Mike Rushman, a
consultant with Land
Strategies the mall
hired two years ago in
an ongoing initiative to help create a town
center. “If you’ve been thinking of having
a quilting bee or square dance class and
finding space and paying for it has kept you
from doing it, here’s the chance for people to
try out whatever their dream is.”
Doolen says it’s the perfect way to test the
waters on his long-standing dream.
“I was ecstatic. As soon as I heard it, I
started instantly planning for what I would
do with this,” says Doolen, who immediately
submitted an application to host a stand-up
comedy night in the space. “I already have
everything planned as to where I’m putting
my DJ, my chairs, the professional lighting.
I have a lot of stuff prepared, and I just can’t
wait.”
Lauren Andrews, founder and owner of
AroMed Aromatherapy in Montpelier, is
also excited about the free space. Andrews
just signed a six-month lease in the Berlin
Mall and wants to use The HUB space
to host bi-weekly information workshops
about cannabidiol (CBD) and essential oil
therapies.
“CBD is very popular right now, and there’s
a lot of curiosity around it. It’s helping a lot
of people with their health issues, but there’s
a lot of misinformation about it. We want to
be a reliable source of accurate information
so people can determine whether or not it’s
something that could be useful to them,”
says Andrews.
Andrews says her Montpelier store can
only comfortably fit 10 people at once, and
she often has to turn people away during
educational offerings. She says The HUB
can accommodate large numbers of curious
workshop participants.
by Cat Cutillo
“I was immediately enthusiastic. People are Andrews says she likes the mall’s proximity
looking for community and to have accessible to the hospital and says the mall is
spaces where people can come together and becoming a place where people can go to
do workshops,” says Andrews. “I think our support their health.
community needs something like that—a “Planet Fitness being there was a major
place to join, a place to meet.” motivator for me to take a chance and open
Rushman says the mall has received a dozen up there. But The HUB was the cherry on
applications, which will be collected on top,” says Andrews.
a rolling basis over the next 12 months. “There may be people who come to The
Interests have spanned everything from HUB who do something as a trial run and
training sessions for caregivers, a roller derby then decide, ‘Wow, this works,’ and they’ll
practice facility, artist and library functions, want to take a kiosk space or tenant space,”
and tai chi and Zumba classes. He says the says Rushman.
mall wants to attract as many new faces as
possible. “I think it’s a brilliant use of an empty
storefront. I understand what they’re trying
“It introduces the mall to people who perhaps to do as far as creating community, and I
aren’t familiar with it, and in a way, that really want to be a part of it. I want my
doesn’t fit their stereotype of what they think business to be a part of it,” says Andrews.
when they think of a mall. And that’s good,”
says Rushman. And these days, Doolen has found a new
spot to spend his lunch
Photo by Cat Cutillo time, standing in front
of the chain-linked door
of The HUB staring
into the emptiness,
which has become full
of possibility.
“You know how often
I come up right here
during my lunch break,
which is what this
is, and I just kind of
Gerry Hanifin, who has been the Berlin stare, looking, planning, imagining where
Mall’s manager for 11 years and has 27 everything is going to be—just building
years of mall management under his belt, excitement for myself,” says Doolen. “This
including mega-malls across Massachusetts, is a humongous step in the right direction.”
Connecticut, and Virginia, says online Applications for and information about
competition has forced malls across the The HUB can be found in the Mall
country to reinvent themselves. Manager’s office, by emailing the
“Your traditional idea of a mall of just retail hub@theberlinemall.com, or by visiting
and a food court is over. It’ll be dead in theberlinmall.com/hub.
five years. It’s already dying,” says Hanifin.
“You’ve got to find something new with the
space. You’ve got an enclosed space. You’ve
got plenty of parking. Think outside. What
can you do that hasn’t been done before,” says
Hanifin, “You’ve got to reinvent, otherwise
it’s just going to be dead in the water.”
Hanifin says some malls across the country
are building up and adding residential,
hotel, and office space. Since Planet Fitness
opened in the Berlin Mall last year, bringing
4,000 members, Hanifin says it’s exceeded
corporate expectations by over 100 percent.
“It has brought in people I’ve never seen in
this mall in 11 years of shopping. That was
a big impact on this mall. They’re shopping
here. They’re buying their shoes at Olympia
Sports and these are folks who never would
have come into this place. It’s kind of the
same hope,” says Hanifin.
Hanifin says the empty storefront where
The HUB will reside has been vacant since
February and is one of three current vacancies
in the mall.
“It’s tough to lease sometimes. It’s a space
toward the end of the mall. So let’s do
something that can help the community at
no charge,” says Hanifin, who said the other
two spaces will be leased by the holidays.
PAG E 12 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Textile History Forum Brings Weaving Experts to Marshfield

F
rom July 27 to 29, weaving fans and experts
met at the Marshfield School of Weaving for the
Textile History Forum. The three days included
hands-on workshops in tape loom weaving, knitted
heddles, spliced corncob bearings, and weaving on a
barn loom. Paper sessions also discussed topics such as
recreating George Washington’s parlor furniture from
the documentary record, Stephen Brownson’s Cotton
Manufactory, Changing Systems of Textile Production
on the Brandywine in the Late 18th and Early 19th
Centuries, and Kentucky Quilts and their Linsey Woolsey
Plaids and Checks, among many others. The forum also
included a tour of the school’s collections, which received
a substantial amount of artifacts from the American
Textile History Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts when
it folded in 2016. Below are a few photos of the event,
courtesy of the Marshfield School of Weaving.

Rabbit Goody at the Textile Identification Workshop.

A piece of 18th c. Embroidery Two antique tape looms acquired from the American Textile History Museum.

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T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 13
OP-ED Energy Isn’t What You Think It Is
by Dan Jones
W
atching the images of the wildfires in the West and the heatwaves and
droughts in Europe and beyond, most of us are finally realizing that the
greenhouse gases are changing our present as well as our future. We are
going to need to shift out of the fossil fuel economy, but that is a daunting prospect—
daunting, because we don’t know what to do. Not knowing what to do makes some of
us fearful that someone else might tell us what to do.
For many, this loss of individual choice is frightening, too. That’s because we have
personalized our concept of energy so that it is equated with our consumption of fuels
for our cars, furnaces, and appliances. Therefore, any real reduction in our energy use
is seen as a demand for personal sacrifice. So we deny the reality of climate change, or
cling to hopes that new energy sources will save us.
What if, instead of our fears, we see energy transition as an opportunity to transform
our future into one that provides more security and support through community self-
investment and sharing. Making that leap means shifting our mindset from the energy
of personal convenience to a deeper understanding of how it has defined our economy
and our land use.
Before 1780, and the invention of the steam engine, all work was accomplished by
human and animal muscles. What we currently understand as economic “growth” was
nonexistent. The creation of excess wealth that provided for growing economies started
occurring when the steam engine allowed fossil fuels to begin doing much of hard work
without muscle power.
With the invention of the steamboat and the railroad, we enjoyed speed and power only
dreamed of before. More stuff was produced and more services delivered because this
harnessed energy meant people could predict future production and borrow against
that future. Fossil-fueled economic growth allowed debts to be paid back with interest,
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thereby providing returns on investment, which further powered our industry and
consumption.
After World War II, cheap gas, economic growth, and cheap automobiles led to the
next great leap in our expectations. Our cities emptied out as people sprawled into the
suburbs and commuted downtown for work. Inorganic fertilizers, coupled with cheap
transportation, shifted food production away from our population centers. Where once
farmers were central to our economy, cheap fuels made them obsolete.
Vermonters moved out of our small cities into abandoned farms, creating “rural
sprawl,” which hollowed out cities like Montpelier, where the downtown became
devoted to commuter parking lots. That’s how energy use directly created our economy
and our land use.
By reducing our dependency on carbon, we could live in more efficient cities while
returning the landscape to one dedicated to food and forest production. To do that
however, we need to create actual good choices for us to make in transportation,
housing, and finance.
That’s where the Sustainable Montpelier Coalition comes in. We will be working with
the people and the City of Montpelier to develop clear options for Montpelier’s growth
and development, real choices that are good for us personally as well as communally
while serving to mitigate and abate climate change. From on-demand microtransit to
housing for all ages and income levels and recreational opportunities interfaced with
work, school, and play, we can make choices that can make us feel personally fulfilled
and energized while we fight locally to reduce the effects of climate change.
Dan Jones is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Montpelier Coalition and was a
former chair of the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee.
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PAG E 14 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Capital City Concerts

Announces its 2018‒2019 Season Goats munch on poison ivy
along the bike path near
Montpelier High School.

W orld-class chamber music returns to downtown Montpelier, with concerts taking

place September through April in venues in Montpelier, Burlington, and Barre.
This new plan by the city is
a safe removal method of
the invasive plant species.
The season opens on Friday, September 15, at the Barre Opera House in a “homecoming” Photo courtesy of the City of
concert by pianist Michael Arnowitt. He will perform Schumann’s “Fantasy Pieces”; works Montpelier.
by Prokofiev, Chopin, and Beethoven; as well as Lowell Liebermann’s “Gargoyles,” one of
the most talked about piano compositions of recent decades. A celebratory reception follows
in honor of Michael Arnowitt.
On November 3, at Saint Augustine’s Church in Montpelier, and November 4 at Saint
Paul’s Cathedral in Burlington, Capital City Concerts puts on its most ambitious project, a
performance of J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat.” World-renowned vocal soloists (including soprano
Hyunah Yu, mezzo-soprano Julie Boulianne, and tenor Joshua Collier), a five-part choir,
and a large and colorful chamber orchestra will perform the piece plus arias from Bach’s
sacred works under the direction of conductor Richard Riley. Brandenburg Concerto No.
2 will feature trumpeter Sycil Mathai, violinist Lucy Chapman, flutist Karen Kevra, and
oboist Randall Wolfgang.
On Sunday, February 17, Edward Arron, arguably one of the great American cellists, will
be joined by pianist Jeewon Park, violinist Theodore Arm, and flutist Karen Kevra for
a concert of Romantic music including Brahms’ “Piano Trio No. 1,” Massenet’s tender
“Meditation” from Thaïs, and Piazzolla’s sultry “Grand Tango.”
The final concert of the season takes place on April 13 when violinist Laurie Smukler
returns with her Juilliard colleague, the legendary pianist Robert McDonald, to perform
sonatas by Beethoven and Franck offset by sonically spell-binding works by Paul Hindemith
and Mario Davidovsky.
To learn more about the musicians, venues, programs, and to order tickets visit
capitalcityconcerts.org. Individual and subscription tickets are also available at Bear Pond
Books, Montpelier (check or cash only).
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 15
Food Minstrels of Montpelier
The board at The Feisty Burrito
T
he traditional definition of a “minstrel” is a traveling medieval musician. The
expanded definition includes entertainers, servants, workers, and poets. As I walked
in downtown Montpelier one day taking in the aromas and sights of our portable
food carts, it came to me that these traveling Epicurean meisters are also minstrels. They
move about, entertain, and satisfy us with palate pleasers that fill our bellies while we enjoy
a lunch hour walk or take in an outdoor event, such as the summertime entertainment on
Thursdays in front of Christ Church on State Street.
The Feisty Burrito locates its tent across from Christ Church in front of the Washington
County Courthouse. This is the third year this family business has been at this spot, Monday
through Friday as weather permits from 11 am to 2 pm. Jack and Jennifer Taylor, with the
help of their daughter Maxine (who named the business) serve California burritos “Jack
style.” I recently inhaled a chicken burrito with beans and pico de gallo, spiced to my liking.
Feisty Burrito strives to be unique and not compete with restaurants in town that offer
burritos. They cater to a substantial block of regular customers with options that include half
meals and vegan fare. The food is healthy and, as much as possible, uses area products such
as local pork, chicken, and Cabot cheeses. Their affordable and filling lunches “on the go”
average $6‒$10 and come with a complimentary side of crispy taco chips.
Off season the couple works regionally as substitute teachers, which helps them maintain the
flexibility needed to run their business. The Feisty Burrito stays open until the snow flies,
catering to a busy foliage season.
George Estes has been setting up his “Out Doggin’ It” food cart in front of Christ Church
for 29 years, always on Thursdays, and sometimes daily, during the warmer months.
by Dot Helling
Jing Ji (center) with her brother Jimmy (left) and George Estes (right)
He is otherwise a self-employed general contractor doing business as “We Can Do It
Construction.” George’s fare includes grilled chicken, burgers made with grass-fed ground
beef from Morse Farm, sausage, and hot dogs, all with rolls and assorted garnishes including
grilled peppers and onions. Prices run from $2.50 for a basic hot dog to a deluxe burger at
$6, with most choices in the $5 range. Water and soda are available for an extra charge. You
can also purchase a daily variety of St. Laveau Lemonade, the company owned by Lisette
Paris, aka Betty St. Laveau.
Next to George’s cart you will find Jing Ji’s Specialty Foods, a solo operation as well. This is
Jing’s first year in front of Christ Church during the week, but she has served her Asian fare
at the Montpelier Farmers’ Market for 22 years, sometimes assisted by her brother Jimmy.
Jing sets up in front of Christ Church on Thursdays and Fridays during lunchtime and offers
Asian dumplings, potstickers, spring rolls and the best cold sesame cucumber noodle I’ve
ever eaten. The noodles cost $3 and are available with vegetarian, chicken, pork, bacon and
Chinese cabbage options, at $2 per item, plus a variety of sauces. Jing is from China, and
her other occupation is as an opera singer, often performing in churches around this city.
Vendors come and go but these three are becoming landmarks. Just ask their patrons,
who look forward to the hearty, tasty lunches and the variety afforded by these three food
minstrels. Take your lunch back to the office or, better yet, on a warm, sunny day sit yourself
down on one of the available benches and savor the food and the outdoors of our beautiful
downtown. Bon appétit!
PAG E 16 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE
Warren Kimble Retrospective Comes to T.W. Wood Gallery
by Gail Callahan
W
arren Kimble wears the mantle of
“America’s Best Known Living Folk Artist”
well. The 83-year-old Brandon resident
built a storied artistic career that has spanned more
than three decades.
On September 4, Kimble will add another line to
his already impressive resume with a new exhibition,
Warren Kimble, An Artist’s Journey, which opens at the
T.W. Wood Gallery in Montpelier.
The event, which draws from more than 50 years
of Kimble’s life as an artist, teacher, and antiques
collector, includes an opening reception, a talk by
Kimble, and a two-day workshop on “Creating Your
Own Lazy Susan.”
“It’s an opportunity to show the different art I do,”
said Kimble. The gallery’s executive director, Ginny
Callan, is even more excited, bubbling with enthusiasm as she talked about the upcoming
show. “We’re thrilled and honored to have such a diverse and exciting exhibit of Warren’s
coming to the gallery.”
Kimble’s casual and sophisticated style of American folk art is easily recognizable and often
depicts the rural landscapes, animals, and buildings of the Green Mountain State. His folk
art renderings of plump cows and round barns are particularly popular and often wind up
decorating such household items as dishware, calendars, note cards, and more.
Although Kimble “formally retired” about a dozen years ago, he has remained active in
community and artistic affairs in Brandon, where he and his wife both serve on an array
of community committees and panels. Indeed, at 83, art remains a constant companion,
as it has been his whole life. “As a child, I always made
things,” Kimble said. “In high school, I was always in
an art room.”
Kimble came to Vermont in the early 1970s, after
a childhood in Belleville, New Jersey; education at
Syracuse University ( he jokes that he “bleeds orange”);
and a stint in the army. Kimble started teaching art,
working at Castleton State College. After a divorce
in the mid-1970s, Kimble and his son remained in
Vermont. He re-married in 1976 to his current wife,
Lorraine, and became a step-father to her two children.
His career in art didn’t take off until 1990, when a
couple took a liking to his work and wanted prints.
He produced classic folk art paintings and then
produced and showed two collections, helping to
acquire something of a reputation as “Mr. Brandon,
Vermont,” because his studio and gallery (now open
by appointment only) are there. Along the way, Kimble founded the Brandon Artists Guild
and served on the Green Mountain College Board of Trustees and Syracuse University’s
alumni panel and visual and performing arts' board.
Although Kimble experienced a huge amount of professional success during the 1990s, the
early part of the decade also handed him a devastating personal loss. His son, Chris, was
diagnosed with AIDS, dying of the disease more than a quarter of a century ago.
When asked about artistic influences, Kimble answered without skipping a beat that life’s
peaks and valleys helped form his creative canvas. For inspiration, Kimble also annually
attends the Vermont Studio Center. During one visit there in the mid-2000s, he heard
about more deaths occurring in Iraq. Moved by the horror of war, he created a collection
known as Widows of War. The paintings and sculptures are a reaction to the Iraq War and
the burden it places on those left behind, especially wives, mothers, and children. On the
heels of that, Kimble wrapped up a new collection, Let The Sun Shine, featuring acrylic
paintings reflecting optimism for the future.
Like all his exhibitions, Warren Kimble, An Artist’s Journey also displays Kimble’s appetite
for work. “I work 9 to 5, and I never plan on retiring,” he explains. “There’s always
something to create. I’m working for myself all the time,” he said, adding, “Art is a job like
any other job.”
Warren Kimble, An Artist’s Journey runs September 4 through October 26 at The T.W. Wood
Galley at 46 Barre Street, inside the Center for Arts and Learning. The opening reception will
be September 7 from 5 to 8 pm. Kimble will speak at 6 pm and then spearhead the two-day
workshop on September 8 and 9.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 17
Community Events
Events happening
August 16–September 8
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16
Open Ears at Bagitos. Join Montpelier city
councilor Glen Coburn Hutcheson to talk about
the city or anything else. 8:30–9:30 am.
Bagitos, 28 Main St., Montpelier.
ghutcheson@montpelier-vt.org, 839-5349.
Barre Area Senior Center Annual Picnic.
Noon–4 pm. Barre Picnic Shelter.
Central Vermont Climate Action monthly
meeting. Take action for climate justice
locally. Node group of 350Vermont meets
every third Sunday. 7–8:30 pm. Unitarian
Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17
Cycles of Life. Join with us in this place of
comfort where we can all come together to
listen, talk, and share about the things in
life’s cycle we are all experiencing in our
own way now for ourselves and the earth we
live on. 11:45 am–1 pm. Twin Valley Senior
Center, Rt. 2, Plainfield. 223-3322
Local Author: Christy Mihaly. Join Mihaly
as she reads her newly released book, “Hey,
Hey, Hay: A Tale of Bales and the Machines
That Make Them.” Ages 3–9. 10:30 am.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Hayes Room, 135
Main St., Montpelier.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18
Capital City Farmers' Market.
Market vendors, music, and events.
9 am–1 pm. State St., Montpelier.
montpelierfarmersmarket.com
Prevent Child Abuse Vermont Walk and
Run for Children. With Spiderman, Chip
from the Mountaineers, and local artist Julia
Kate Davis. Registration 8 am. Vermont
State House, Montpelier.
Free Mime Class with Rob Mermin. Move,
have fun, and learn how Rob Mermin
(founder of Circus Smirkus and former
student of Marcel Marceau) uses mime to
help people with Parkinson’s. The class will
be recorded by a Swiss TV producer for a
documentary on the Art of Silence. 10 am–
Performing Arts
THEATER, DANCE,
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Through Aug. 17: Circus Smirkus Big Top
Tour: Vaudeville. A celebration of the grand
American tradition of variety entertainment!
Join us for a spectacular lineup of unforgettable
acts, with amazing acrobats, mystifying
magicians, jaunty jugglers, and wondrous
wirewalkers. 1 pm and 6 pm. Montpelier
High School, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier.
$15–22. smirkus.org
Aug. 19: Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour:
Vaudeville FINALE. 1 pm and 6 pm. The
Circus Barn HQ, Greensboro. $15–22.
smirkus.org
Aug. 16–18, 23–25: The Show-Off. George
Kelly’s 1924 consistently amusing dramatic
comedy shows how un-musty a 94 year-old play com. espressobueno.com.
can be. Festival Theater, Unadilla Theater, 501 Sept. 8: Kathleen Kanz Comedy Hour.
Blachly Rd., Marshfield. 7:30 pm. Adults $20; Kamikaze Comedy Improv then standup
children 12 and under $10. 456-8968.
Aug. 17–18: Kizuna Dance. A cross-cultural
production that blends Japanese culture,
streetdance, and contemporary dance. 7:30 pm. content. No chatter. 613-3172
Calendar of Events
noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. robmermin@gmail.com
Great Northern Turtle Documentary
Screening. The 18-minute film will be
followed by a panel discussion on turtle
conservation efforts in the Great Northern
Forests. 10:30 am–noon. 26 Main St.,
Montpelier. 363-2494. oriannesociety.org
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19
Hayao Miyazaki Films at the Savoy.
Princess Mononoke. 10 am. 26 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free; donations accepted.
film@savoytheater.com
Mayfly Plays at Waterbury Breakfast
Club! Food, coffee, live music, pottery,
spirits, and community. 10 am–2 pm.
18 Elm St., Waterbury.
waterburybreakfastclub.com
Eat Up on The Green at Camp Meade.
Weekly community event series. 4–9 pm.
961 Rt. 2, Middlesex.
MONDAY, AUGUST 20
Free Drop-in Group: “Lives Well Lived:
Questions & Discussions.” When she saw
the documentary at the Green Mountain
Film Festival (shown at MSAC) this year,
Liz Benjamin found it very gripping and
moving. The filmmakers asked 22 different
questions of older adults. Benjamin will
facilitate an open, drop-in discussion.
3–4:30 pm. Montpelier Senior Activity
Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free.
lives-well-lived.com. 223-2518
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21
Avada Hearing Screening. 1:30 pm. Barre
Senior Center, 135 S. Main St., Barre.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22
Red Cross Blood Drive. 12:30–5:30 pm.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. 1-800-RED-
CROSS, redcrossblood.org
Dog Days at the Pool. Bring your dog to
the Montpelier Pool. Swimming is only for
the dogs because the filter will be off and
there won’t be any lifeguards. 5–6:30 pm.
Montpelier Pool, Elm St., Montpelier. By
donation; $20 suggested per family. Bring
Frisbee or stick. centralvermonthumane.org.
Rain date: Aug. 23.
Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick
St., Greensboro. $15–35. highlandartsvt.org
Aug 18: A Musical Theatre Cabaret.
Spaulding High School Drama Club alumni
perform selections from past productions
dating back to 1981. All proceeds benefit future
productions of SHSDC. 7 pm. Espresso Bueno,
248 N. Main St., Barre. $5. 479-0896. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Aug, 18: Extempo’s Greatest Hits. Local-
favorite raconteurs retell some of their best
stories, and audience members vote, to help
raise money for the Vermont Center for
Independent Living. 8–10 pm. Bridgeside
Books, 29 Stowe St., Waterbury. Free.
extempovt.com. 244-1441
Aug. 24: Bueno Comedy Showcase. A wide
range of talented standup comics, from here
and away, working longer sets. 8:30 pm.
Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free;
by donation. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.
comedy from Kathleen Kanz, Gladys
Downing, and Sam Ike. 8–10 pm. deMena’s,
44 Main St., Montpelier. $5 cash at door. Adult
PAG E 18 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Aug. 22: Phyllis Chase. Oils on
panels. Adamant Music School, Waterside Hall,
Adamant.
Through Aug. 25: Colorful Musings by Rob
Hitzig. The art rides a mysterious line between
the painting and sculpture. Axel’s Gallery and
Frame Shop, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury.
Through Aug. 29: Nerula: Illustrations of
Clare Emerson Lane. Exhibit of envelopes.
Lane was employed by the US Postal service to
sort mail on the train in New York in the 1940s.
During his time away from home, he frequently
wrote to his sweetheart, taking special care
to present her with a different work of art
each time. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
Community Room, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
223-2518.
Through Aug. 30: Edgewater In Stowe:
Exploring Air. Edgewater Gallery. 151 Main
Street, Stowe.
Through Aug. 31: T. W. Wood Gallery:
Summer Juried Exhibit, Essex Art League,
and Milton Artists Guild. The contemporary
room will highlight the works of 26 artists in
the annual Summer Juried Show. Mediums
include watercolor, acrylic, oil, photographs,
clay, glass, and mixed media. T. W. Wood
Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 262-6035
gcallan@twwoodgallery.org, twwoodgallery.org
Through Aug. 31: New American Artists:
Celebrating Tradition and Culture. A
Calendar of Events
tribute to the work of Gregory Sharrow, who the way women are portrayed. Helen Day Art Through Sept. 30: James Peterson,
established the Vermont Traditional Arts Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. helenday.com Dreamcatcher. Large-scale interactive
Apprenticeship Program during his 30-year Through Sept. 9: Eric AHO: A Thousand installation that was inspired by the magical
tenure at the Vermont Folklife Center. The Acres. Paintings that evoke a sense of place ice caves of Kamchatka in Siberia. The grounds
Vermont Arts Council Spotlight Gallery, 136 rather than a specific place. Highland Center for of Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
State St., Montpelier. vermontartscouncil.org. the Arts, Greensboro. Hourglass Dr., Stowe. helenday.com
Through Aug. 31: Thin Places, Sacred Spaces. Through Sept. 30: Show 27 at The Front.
Aug. 27–Sept. 13: Soul Inscribed: The Art of
Presented by the Waitsfield United Church The collective gallery’s latest show. Opening
Yako 440 and Baba Israel. Multimedia graffiti
of Christ Village Meeting House. Eight local art and hip-hop music. Graffiti-based paintings, reception: Aug, 19, 4–7 pm. Now open
photographers will exhibit their interpretation of stencils and music videos. Artist talk: Sept. weekends: Fri., 4–7 pm; Sat.–Sun., 11 am–
these holy spaces. Fri.–Sun., noon–5 pm. 4355 13, 3–5 pm. Julian Scott Memorial Gallery at 5 pm. 6 Barre St., Montpelier. thefrontvt.com
Main St., Rt. 100, Waitsfield. Northern Vermont University-Johnson. Through Sept. 30: Anita Zotkina. Reception:
Through Aug. 31: Transition. A Member 635-1469 Sept. 7, 4–8 pm. The Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St.,
Exhibit of the Art Resource Association. Through Sept. 26: Oil Paint & Black Walnut: Montpelier. 223-1981. cheshirecatclothing.com.
Acrylic, digital art, oils, pastels, photography Abstracts, Works on Paper. Dian Parker’s Sept. 7–Oct. 7: Backstory—Art at the Kent.
and watercolor. T.W. Wood Art Gallery, exhibit features abstract oil paintings on canvas, Backstory is about the artist’s history as well
46 Barre St., Montpelier. 262-6035. as well as mixed media works on black walnut as of the materials used. Kent Museum, 7 Old
twwoodgallery.org stained paper. Zollikofer Gallery at Hotel West Church Rd., Calais.kentscorner.org
Through August 31: Heart and Eye. High- Coolidge, 39 S. Main St., White River Junction
Through Oct. 20: Exposed. Outdoor sculpture
contrast black-and-white photographic portraits Through Sept. 27: Nick DeFriez, Hillsides and exhibition. Helen Day Art Center, Pond St.,
from Bolivia, Cuba, Ukraine, Myanmar, Laos, Hexagons. Paintings. Governor’s Gallery, 109 Stowe. helenday.com.
and the U.S. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 State St., Montpelier. Photo ID required for Sept. 4–Oct. 26: An Artists Journey. A
Main St., Montpelier. entry.
Warren Kimble exhibit. More than 50 years
Through Sept. 2: A Second Look: Bob Eddy’s Through Sept. 27: Harry A. Rich, The of Kimble’s experience as a fine artist, educator
Herald Photography. Because the darkroom Vermont Years, So Far… Large-scale acrylic- and antiques collector. Opening reception:
played such a vital role in photography of on-canvas paintings. Vermont Supreme Court Sept. 7, 5–8 pm; art talk by Kimble at 6 pm.
the era, a recreation of the Herald darkroom Gallery, 111 State St., Montpelier. T. W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
is being specially constructed and will take 262-6035 gcallan@twwoodgallery.org
Through Sept. 27: Possibilitarian Uprising:
center stage in the exhibit, allowing visitors to
twwoodgallery.org
insert themselves in the process of creating a Post-Apocalypse for ¾ Empire. Peter
photograph before the age of computer imaging. Schumann’s woodcuts. Exhibition of woodcuts
Chandler Center for the Arts, 71–73 Main St., on cloth banners, inspired by Albrecht SPECIAL EVENTS
Randolph. Durer’s (1471-1528) engravings depicting Sept. 7: Montpelier Art Walk. Artwork
the Apocalypse as envisioned in the Book of will be showcased at a number of Montpelier
Through Sept. 8: Reclamation. Contemporary Revelation. Goddard College Art Gallery, businesses. 4–8 pm. Downtown Montpelier.
figurative women artists painting women from Pratt Center, 123 Pitkin Rd., Plainfield. montpelieralive.org
their perspective, reclaiming and transforming artcommittee@goddard.edu. 322-1604

Sneaky Pest: The Emerald Ash Borer. Join
Forest Pest Education Coordinator, Meredith
Whitney, for an engaging workshop where
you will identify the emerald ash borer and
ash trees, recognize the signs and symptoms
of the insect, and know the protocol for
reporting it when/if you should find one.
5:30 pm. Cutler Memorial Library, Rt. 2,
Plainfield. 454-8504
Film: Decoding the Weather Machine.
Nova’s newest climate change documentary.
7 pm. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St.,
Marshfield.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23
Open Ears at Bagitos. See event description
under Aug. 16
Film: Autism in Love. Finding love can be
hard for anyone, but for those with an autism
spectrum disorder, the challenges may seem
overwhelming. 7 pm. Highland Center for
the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. $5
suggested donation. highlandartsvt.com
Biodiversity University: Shorebirds
- Evening Presentation. Learn about
the fascinating lives of shorebirds, from
phalaropes which reverse traditional gender
roles, to godwits which make the most
grueling avian migration on earth. 7–8:30 pm.
North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St.,
Montpelier.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
Capital City Farmers' Market. See event
description under Aug. 18
Arts on the Green Market & Festival. Over
25 jury-selected artists and craftspeople will
be selling their work throughout the day on
Chelsea’s North Common. Live music and
food. Rain or shine. 10 am–5 pm. Chelsea
Green. chelseavt-arts.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26
Hayao Miyazaki Films at the Savoy. Spirited
Away. 10 am. 26 Main St., Montpelier. Free;
donations accepted. film@savoytheater.com
Hunger Mountain Coop Kid’s Day. With
Rockin’ Ron, the Friendly Pirate, bouncy
house, face painting, and more. 10 am–
2 pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op, Montpelier.
hungermountain.coop
Eat Up on The Green at Camp Meade.
Weekly community event series. 4–9 pm.
961 Rt. 2, Middlesex.

To see Weekly Events visit montpelierbridge.com

T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 19

Live Music
VENUES
Charlie O’s World Famous. 70 Main St.
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Tues.: Karaoke with DJ Vociferious
9:30pm
Aug. 17: Jeff Przech (Americana) 6 pm; Will
Rap For Art Tour w/ Mister Burns, Jarv,
Dillon, Eyenine & Sed One (hip-hop) 9 pm
Aug. 18: The U.S. Americans/Cosmonaut
Radio (rock) 9 pm
Aug. 20: Nerd Trivia, 7:30 pm
Aug. 24: Hannah Fair (folk) 6 pm; Papa’s
Porch (bluegrass) 9 pm
Aug. 25: Belly Up/Sleeping In (punk) 9 pm
Aug. 31: Scott Graves & Chris Martin
(acoustic rock) 6 pm; Tsunamibots/Men In
Grey Suits (surf rock) 9 pm
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre.
479-0896. espressobueno.com.
Aug 24: Thomas Gunn (singer-songwriter),
7:30 pm
Gusto's. 28 Prospect St., Barre. 476-7919.
Ages 21+. No cover unless indicated.
Aug. 17: Ted Mortimer & Steve Pixley, 5 pm;
Dr. Strangeways (KISS Tribute) 9 pm. $5.
Aug. 18: Lafountaine (DJ) 9:30 pm
Calendar of Events
Aug. 24: Elizabeth Renaud (pop/acoustic)
5 pm; SuperNatural (classic rock) 9 pm. $5
Aug. 25: Lafountaine (DJ) 9:30 pm
Aug. 31: Joe Sabourin (pop/folk) 5 pm; Son
of a Gun (classic rock) 9 pm. $5
Sept. 1: Aug. 25: Lafountaine (DJ) 9:30 pm
Positive Pie. 22 State St., Montpelier. 10 pm.
$5
Aug. 17: Barika w/ special guest Rob Compa
(world)
Aug. 24: Darkstar Project (Grateful Dead
covers)
Whammy Bar. 31 County Rd., Calais.
Free. whammybar1.com.
Every Thurs.: Open Mic, 7pm
Aug. 17: Bull and Prairie (bluegrass) 7:30 pm
Aug. 18: Peg and Cheryl (singer/songwriter)
7:30 pm
Aug. 24: VT Bluegrass Pioneers, 7:30 pm
Sept. 1: The Barn Band (’50’s and ’60’s rock/
folk) 7:30 pm
SPECIAL EVENTS
Every Wed: Capital City Band on the State
House Lawn. Every Wed. through summer.
Enjoy a picnic with neighbors or meet some
new friends while enjoying this delightful
Vermont musical tradition. Or bring an
instrument and play along with the band. 7–8
pm. State House Lawn. 456-7054.
Through Aug. 26: Central Vermont Chamber
Music Festival. Chamber music, concert for
kids, Breakfast with Bach, piano masterclass,
and more. Randolph and Woodstock. For
more info: cvcmf.org or 728-6464
Aug. 16: Brown Bag Series: Big Hat No
Cattle. Noon. Christ Church, 64 State St.,
Montpelier.
Aug. 16: Dave Keller Band. Soul/blues.
Part of the Summer Concert Series at Old
Schoolhouse Common. 6:30–8:30 pm.
122 School St., Marshfield.
Aug. 17: Friday Night Fire with Chris Kilian
and the Vermont Brigade. Community
music event at Fresh Tracks Farm. Pizza for
sale. 6 pm. 4373 VT Route 12, Berlin. Free.
freshtracksfarm.com
Aug. 18: Atlantis Baroque: A Visit to
London. 17th and 18th century music
for recorder, cello, harpsichord, and voice.
7:30 pm. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. By donation. atlantisbaroque@
gmail.com.
Aug. 23: Brown Bag Series: Gerry Grimo/
East Bay Jazz. Noon. Christ Church,
64 State St., Montpelier.
Aug. 25: Paula Cole and Jane Monheit.
7 pm. Spruce Peak Performing Arts
Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $40–50.
SprucePeakArts.org. 760-4634.
Aug. 30: Brown Bag Series: Dave Keller.
Noon. Christ Church, 64 State St., Montpelier.
Sept. 2: 26th Annual New World Festival.
Chandler’s New World Festival will present
a diverse array of the finest regional and
international performers from the Celtic
and French Canadian music and dance
traditions. A stellar line-up headlined by
Le Vent du Nord and Irish singer and
guitarist John Doyle. Randolph Village
Center. For more info and ticket pricing:
NewWorldFestival.com
Sept. 7: New Music Uncaged. Chamber
ensemble works by 21st Century composers,
including Vermont’s own Michael Close.
Performers will include Luke Rackers, piano;
Michael Close, cello; and additional guest
instrumentalists. During Art Walk.
6:30–8 pm. Center for Arts and Learning,
46 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; donations
accepted. abundantsilence.org
Sept. 8: Colin McCaffrey Solo Benefit
Concert. Benefits the United Methodist
Women’s Fund for Capital Improvements.
Concert preceded by cookout across the
street. 7 pm. Moretown United Methodist
Church, 962 Rt. 100B, Moretown. By
donation. 839-0560

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Cooking Class at Barre Senior Center.
3–5 pm. 135 S. Main St., Barre.
The League of Women Voters of Central
Vermont Summer Social. Raise a toast to
Women’s Equality Day and celebrate the
anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting
women the right to vote. Complimentary
appetizers and cash bar. Open to the public.
Come alone or bring a friend. 5:30–7 pm.
North Branch Café, 41 State St., Montpelier.
RSVP: lwvsocial.eventbrite.com or lwvofvt@
gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29
Film: Moana. HCA’s Mid-Week Movie
Night. 7 pm. Highland Center for the Arts,
2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. $5 suggested
donation. highlandartsvt.com
The Beauty of Time Passing. Taking
examples from across New England, architect
Duo Dickinson introduces an approach to
architecture that integrates history into the
aesthetic of creating new structures. 7 pm.
Yestermorrow, 7865 Main St., Waitsfield.
Free. yestermorrow.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 30
Open Ears at Bagitos. See event description
under Aug. 16
Waterbury Center Community Three-Day
Church Lawn Fest. Aug. 31, Sept 2–3. Great
items and bargains inside and under the tent
outside. Lunch and baked items. 9 am–4 pm.
3582 Rt. 100, (next to Cold Hollow Cider
Mill, Waterbury Center. 244-8089
Prevent Healthcare Fraud and Understand
Medicare Rights. Join Community of
Vermont Elders for an informative talk
covering the latest information about
Medicare—including new cards—and how
Senior Medicare Project can help you avoid
and address scams, fraudulent practices,
and other common challenges. 1–2 pm.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St., Montpelier.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Bike Moretown with Green Mountain Club.
Moderate. Moretown to Warren. 25 mile
loop using hilly, unpaved back roads on the
way to Warren, and Rte. 100 on the return.
Lunch at the Warren General Store. Helmet
required. Bring water. Contact Nancy Schulz,
saddleshoes2@gmail.com for meeting time
and place.
Capital City Farmers’ Market. See event
description under Aug. 18
Waterbury Center Community Church
Three-Day Lawn Fest. See event description
under Aug. 31
Eat Up on The Green at Camp Meade.
Weekly community event series. 4–9 pm.
961 Rt. 2, Middlesex.
Community Song Circles. A community
sing-along open to ALL ages and musical
abilities—all you need is a love of singing.
We use the popular songbooks Rise Up
Singing and Rise Again. Bring your copies if
you have them; books will also be available
to borrow or purchase. 6–8 pm. Center for
Arts and Learning, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
Donations appreciated. cal-vt.org
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Waterbury Center Community Church
Three-Day Lawn Fest. See event description
under Aug. 31
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Bike Orange with Green Mountain Club.
Difficult. Orange to Plainfield. About 20
miles. Leave at 10 am from the Orange
Recreation Area just up Reservoir Rd. from
Rte. 302. Must contact George Plumb, 883-
2313 or plumb.george@gmail.com.
PAG E 2 0 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Open Ears at Bagitos. See event description under Aug. 16 Do What You Do Best.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Bethel First Friday Flicks - Free Family Movie. Bring a blanket or
beanbag if you want to get comfy (regular chairs available, too). Visit
Send your event
website or Facebook event for each month’s movie. 6:30–8:30 pm.
Bethel Town Hall, 134 S. Main St., Bethel. Donations accepted. listing to calendar@ Bookkeeping · Payroll · Consulting
bri-vt.org/events
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 montpelierbridge.com.
Friends of the Winooski River 20th Annual River Cleanup.
Volunteers needed to help remove trash from local rivers. 8:30–11:30
am. Montpelier City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier.
Deadline for print in the 802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
winooskiriver.org. 371-8988
Capital City Farmers' Market. See event description under Aug. 18
next issue is Aug. 31.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 21

Classifieds
FOR SALE BY OWNER
TOTAL RENEWED BUILDING IN CENTER
OF PICTURESQUE GREENSBORO,
Steps from Caspian Lake, retail space,
currently art gallery, Beautiful modern
apartment upstairs, walk-out basement,
(workspace), double garage. Property in
compliance with building code and handicap
accessible.
LIVE AND WORK IN ONE LOCATION.
$ 395,000
802-533-2635 or 941-227-2494
HOUSEKEEPER WANTED
EXPERIENCED HOUSE KEEPER/
CLEANER NEEDED TO START WORK
IMMEDIATELY.
From Monday through Friday 4-5 hours
daily. $18 per hour. All applicants should
email directly at plisbethy89@gmail.com
To place a classified listing
call 249-8666
OFFICES FOR RENT
FURNISHED PRIVATE OFFICES FOR
RENT.
Waterbury Ctr, near USPO at new Insights
Studio. From $400. Wi-Fi, Internet, signage,
kitchen, utilities, cleanings. Quiet, luxurious.
802-249-8263
OFFICE SPACE
FOR RENT
FIRST CLASS OFFICE SPACE NEAR
CAPITOL AT 149 STATE STREET,
MONTPELIER, VT.
Perfect location within a 3-minute walk to
Capitol. Beautiful Greek Revival building
renovated throughout. First floor, handicap
accessible, two restrooms, storage. Includes
off-street parking, office cleaning weekly,
heat, hot water, snow removal, landscaping
and full maintenance. Can subdivide the two
units. $16 sf, yr. Call 508-259-7941
THE BRIDGE
SEEKS A SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
The Bridge is seeking the assistance
of a sales representative to help
cover the Central Vermont region,
including Montpelier, Barre,
Plainfield, Calais, Middlesex,
Berlin, and Waterbury.
Candidates with sales experience
and contacts in the region
are preferred, but we are also
open to training someone with
enthusiasm, charm, creativity, and
old-fashioned moxie.
We offer generous commissions
on each sale and opportunity
for advancement. Furthermore,
the job is part-time and flexible
regarding hours.
For more information, contact
Mike Dunphy at
mdunphy@montpelierbridge.com

Advertise in the NEXT ISSUE:

AUTOMOBILES, TRANSPORTATION,
CLIMATE CHANGE
In Circulation Sept. 6–Sept. 19
ALL AD MATERIALS AND AD SPACE RESERVATIONS DUE FRIDAY, AUGUST 31.
For more information about advertising deadlines, rates,and the design of your ad, contact
Rick McMahan Dot Helling
802-249-8666 802-881-8832
rick@montpelierbridge.com dot@montpelierbridge.com
PAG E 2 2 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE
sage advice
Dear Iris,
I have the hardest time falling asleep at
night. I just can’t stop thinking. What’s
worse is that I then rely on stimulants
like coffee throughout the day to give me
the energy I need. How can I manage my
energy better without relying on coffee? -
M. Wills
Y
ou’re lying in bed late at night,
thinking about how your coworker
kept interrupting you at the weekly
meeting and about how you desperately need
to do the laundry. You sigh, knowing that if
you keep ruminating like this, you will never
fall asleep. The thought crosses your mind
to count sheep. “Does that really work?” you
think to yourself. You restlessly turn over to
check the time. It’s 3:30 am. Why can’t I
ever fall asleep?!
This story is all too familiar for many of
us. Our body’s circadian rhythm can easily
become shifted with stress, travel, illness,
diet, and many other factors. A simple way to
picture what is happening to us is to imagine
our adrenal glands releasing cortisol (our
natural stimulant) at inappropriate times,
such as when we are trying to fall asleep.
If our adrenals release too much cortisol
Natural Energy Management
by Iris Gage
at night, then there isn’t enough to help us
wake up in the morning, hence the need
for outside stimulants such as coffee. What
we need to do is encourage our adrenals
to release cortisol in the mornings, when
we wake up and again if needed in the
afternoon—not at night! An answer for this
dilemma is one word, adaptogens.
Adaptogens are a category of herbs that
help our bodies adapt by strengthening
our response to stressful situations while
simultaneously improving the health of the
adrenals, decreasing fatigue, and reducing
anxiety. If taken regularly, adaptogens help
realign our bodies into a natural state of
homeostasis, or equilibrium. This will help
us fall asleep and have the apt amount of
energy we need at the proper times. Let me
tell you about some of my favorite adaptogen
herbs.
Ashwagandha: An ancient nutritive
and restorative root, used extensively in
Ayurvedic medicine in India. Ashwagandha
is traditionally used for insomnia, a
weakened immune system, anxiety, and
chronic fatigue. This root can be taken at
any time of day. One teaspoon of powdered
root simmered in a cup of milk before bed
with honey and cardamom is a delicious way
to alleviate insomnia and feel rejuvenated
upon waking.
Rhodiola: Also known as Arctic rose, this
root comes from high altitudes of Europe and
Asia and is now widely cultivated. Rhodiola
can be very stimulating for some people, so it
is best to take half the recommended dose in
the form of a capsule or tincture, first thing
in the morning and again in the afternoon.
Eleuthero: Performance-enhancing, for
athletes, students, or those undertaking
demanding work, eleuthero used to be called
Siberian ginseng, since it was traditionally
used in Siberia and is in the ginseng family.
I personally reach for eleuthero when I am
overworked but not able to take a break. I
take it as a tincture or capsule, first thing in
the morning and afternoon.
Licorice: Incredibly sweet, tasty, soothing,
and a powerful inflammation reducer,
licorice is a great addition to any blend,
especially chai. Not everyone enjoys the
flavor of licorice; luckily you don’t need
much and it works best in combination with
other adaptogens. My favorite is licorice with
rhodiola in tincture form. Use caution with
high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Schizandra: A powerful berry that possesses
all five flavors (sweet, salty, sour, bitter,
and pungent). Eat 1–2 teaspoons of dried
berries in the morning and afternoon. One
teaspoon of powdered berries can also be
added to morning smoothies.
Tulsi: This herb has a delightful bubble-
gum like flavor. Tulsi, aka Holy Basil, is
a part of daily life in India as a panacea
and sacred plant. The qualities of tulsi are
somewhat amphoteric; this plant can help us
sleep when we are wired and can also perk us
up when we are tired. I add a tablespoon of
fresh or dried tulsi into any cup of tea that I
am brewing. I find that it complements just
about any flavor.
Chocolate Energy Balls
3 cups tahini (drain excess oil from the top)
1 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew)
2 cups honey (more or less to taste)
5 ounces ashwagandha powder
2 ounces eleuthero powder
1 ounce rhodiola powder
1 tbsp cardamom powder
1 ounce bee pollen, optional
1 ounce unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup finely chopped nuts
(almond, walnut, etc.)
1 ounce unsweetened cocoa powder
1. Mix tahini, nut butter and honey until
smooth. Add herbal powders, except
the cocoa powder, and combine well.
2. Add nuts, bee pollen
and coconut; mix in well
3. Roll the dough into small balls.
Then roll them in the cocoa powder
until they are no longer sticky.
4. Eat 2-3 energy balls in the morning
or afternoon, daily. Store them in the
refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Iced Adaptogen Chai
caffeine free, serves 8
10 cups water (filtered/well/spring)
4 tbsp tulsi leaf
2 tbsp ashwagandha root
2 tbsp astragalus root
4 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp cardamom pods
1 tbsp licorice root
1 tsp black peppercorns
6 star anise
6 cloves
1 tbsp ginger, fresh or dried
1. Place all ingredients in a large pot,
bring to a boil, cover with lid, reduce heat
to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
2. Strain chai with a fine mesh strainer.
3. Place strained chai tea in the
refrigerator to chill (2–3 hours).
4. Remove from fridge, pour into glass
and enjoy (add a splash of milk if desired).
*Will keep in fridge for roughly 5 days.
T H E B R I D G E AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 • PAG E 2 3
Letters
Letters to the paper are not fact-
checked and do not necessarily
represent the views of The Bridge.
Praise for the New School of Montpelier
Editor,
Last week our son Ned, who suffers from
autism, graduated from the New School
of Montpelier. This fine school educates
students with significant disabilities. They
are truly wonderful people who work very
hard and sometimes must deal with difficult
behaviors.
As an example of their thoughtful caring,
they staged a beautiful graduation ceremony
for Ned, attended by his family, friends,
teachers, and fellow students. Jayne Albano,
who has used her musical gifts to teach
and entertain the school’s students, was the
master of ceremony and led the assembly in
songs that were Ned’s favorites.
The staff prepared a lavish spread of Ned’s
favorite foods, and a tasty cake bearing
his likeness was served. They presented
Ned with graduation gifts that included a
monogrammed water bottle, suspenders
bearing guitars and musical notation, and
a pair of mirror sunglasses that gave Ned a
CSI: Miami look that he very much enjoyed.
Jayne also presented him with a karaoke-style
machine that Ned will love using to sing his
favorite tunes.
We especially want to thank Linda Copping
and the school’s staff for planning the
celebration and the teachers, friends, and
students who attended. These include Aaron,
Alanna, Casper, Chad, Christine, Claudia,
Curtis, Dana, Glenn, Heather, Hilary,
Joel, Julia, Kara, Kaylee, Kyle, Mike, Nat
Frothingham, Natira, Ned’s Uncle Tim
Reeves, Nicole, Ricky, Stephanie, Susan,
Sydney and her mom, Tara, and Zack. We
apologize if we left anyone out.
The New School taught Ned many skills but
more than this, they taught him patience and
kindness by their example.
Ed, Laurie, and Ned Morrow
Why Vote for Women
Editor,
This election cycle I will be looking to vote
for as many qualified female candidates
as I can, but before you start writing your
response, please listen to why:
1. Women and men are equals and therefore
should have equal representation.
2. The U.S. is ranked 104th in women’s
representation in government., with less than
20 percent representation in Congress.
3. There is no country in the world where
women have attained equality. This makes
women second-class citizens, reliant on the
largess of men to consider their needs and
priorities.
4. Women see the world differently because
their life experience is different. Women
representatives are much more likely to
prioritize issues important to women’s daily
reality, such as reproductive rights, equal
pay, healthcare, paid family leave, children,
families, and the environment.
5. Women in office have been shown to work
harder and better represent their constituents.
So consider the world we face today. The
earth is in danger of extinction, the rich just
get richer, and the majority of the population
gets left behind. Men have had hundreds
of years in this country to get it right, I say
#TimesUp. Women are the future.
August Burns, Middlesex
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August 31
Editorial
Cody Chevrolet Congratulates
The Bridge On 25 Years of Business!
PAG E 24 • AU G U S T 16 – S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 018 THE BRIDGE

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