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July 16 August 5, 2015

Montpelier Aiming to Become a Net-Zero Energy

Community
by Anne Watson, city council member

ow much money is in your checking account right now? I bet you have at least
some idea of that number. What if we planned and managed our energy needs
like we manage our money? How might that change our decisions or investments?
Well, an early step toward managing an energy budget is to know what were spending.
Where, when, and how do we consume energy, and how much of it is clean and renewable? You may have heard of Montpeliers city goal to be a net-zero energy community.
Simply put, a net-zero energy community is a community that has greatly reduced energy
needs through efficiency gains, such that the total amount of energy required for vehicles,
thermal processes (heating and cooling) and electricity within the community is met by
renewable energy.

winter. Prior to the modifications that Bobs team initiated, this methane, a potent greenhouse gas, was escaping into the atmosphere.
While the previous graph shows our demand, the next graph shows our production. Were
burning some biogas (methane) at the wastewater treatment facility and wood pellets to
heat the senior center. Weve also already had some photovoltaic solar generation (PV) at
the facility and Department of Public Works (DPW). You can see in the bottom rows
that our energy efficiency and the percentage of our demand met by renewables have been
increasing. Were headed in the right direction.

Recently the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee set out to determine the energy demand of the facilities and operations of the Montpelier city government. How close are we
to our net-zero energy goal? The following graphs are from the report delivered to the city.
I tell my physics students that graphs are stories, and these graphs tell the story of our city
governments energy history. Theres a lot of data in this chart, so let me outline some of
the highlights, some of the stories hidden in these numbers.
FY 2014
MUNICIPAL
ENERGY DEMAND

Better yet, the percentage of demand met by renewables is likely to jump when we include
the FY2015 data. During FY2014, the District Heat project was in a start-up phase and
burned oil. It was during FY2015 that District Heat fully came on-line, burning renewable
wood chips to heat many buildings downtown. These include City Hall, the police and fire
stations and Union Elementary School, all of which will show up on this chart. Additionally, the city and school district are in the process of substantially increasing the percentage
of electricity they receive from solar installations (70 percent and 50 percent, respectively).
The citys installation alone will save approximately $50,000 per year.

Fire

In the graph below, the brown line shows municipal energy demand over time and the
green line shows our energy generation from renewables. As it explains in the middle of the
graph, to achieve Net Zero Energy in Municipal Operations and Facilities, we need to get
these two lines to meet. This means that investments in energy efficiency and investments
in renewable energy both contribute to achieving the citys goal.

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Montpelier, VT 05601

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More than half of our municipal energy consumption is to satisfy our thermal demands.
This was surprising to me, because for most households, this chart is typically split into
thirds, with transportation taking up more
of the pie. But then, the city is not a household, and they have more buildings than
vehicles.
What building or facility uses the most energy? For the electrical and thermal portions,
the single biggest consumer is the wastewater
treatment facility. During a recent visit to
our facility, I learned that wastewater treatment plants, in general, tend to be incredibly energy-intensive operations. Having said
that, our wastewater treatment facility Chief
Operator, Bob Fischer, has done an incredible job of reducing electrical and thermal
demands while maintaining a high standard
of effluent. In fact, since 2008, his team has
cut the facilitys energy demand by at least
a third, while significantly increasing the
volume of wastewater treated. Whats more,
the treatment facility now uses some of the
methane generated onsite from the anaerobic
digestion process to heat the buildings in the

1,204

FY 2011

City personnel have started to examine the citys energy habits, and from the data, it looks
like a lot of home and business owners are starting to do the same. According to Efficiency
Vermont, more than 10 percent of Montpeliers residences have been weatherized through
their Home Performance program with ENERGY STAR. Thats one of the highest percentages in Vermont.
Solving the net-zero energy puzzle for Montpelier will not be easy, but were making
progress and saving money. I find these graphs particularly encouraging, and Im excited
to share the updates with you as more data come in. Montpelier still has a long way to go
learning and addressing challenges as they arise. But the good news is that were already
on our way, and there are significant opportunities for efficiency gains and cost reductions
in the short-term and mid-term. While theres plenty of work ahead, this is a moment to
celebrate the good work thats been done so far weve increased our energy efficiencies,
weve reduced our emissions, were saving money on energy, and the best is yet to come.

IN THIS ISSUE:
5: Stricter Recycling Law
7: Vermont Electric Power Company

11: The Vermont Vintage Trailer Show

13: The Miles Block in Barre

PAG E 2 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Nature Watch
by Nona Estrin

A Most Valued Wood

ow, at mid-summer, a tree scorned for decades for its poor quality wood becomes
the most loved of trees. Who could live within view or sound of a poplar and not
notice? The flat leaf stem allows each little sail of a leaf to dance and shimmer
with even a slight breeze. And the sound of that agitation is both musical and soothing.
As if not enough, a male indigo bunting sings by the hour from the top of a quaking aspen
here, defining any thought of poor quality wood!

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J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 3

T H E B R I D G E

Thank You to Community Members Who Made Contributions to The Bridge This Year.
Names listed made a donation to The Bridge between January and June 2015.
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PAG E 4 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

THE BRIDGE

HEARD ON THE STREET

Going Geothermal Cuts Out Fossil Fuels

MONTPELIER One way to heat your house without using a huge amount of fossil
fuels is by using geothermal ground water heat pumps, according to Jim Ashley of Green
Mountain Geothermal. With a background as a hydrologeologist who worked for the state
of Vermont, Ashley started his geothermal business about 12 years ago after retiring. The
way geothermal works, pumps extract heat from water that has been pumped up from the
ground, either from a well or from a pipe buried in the ground, and release the warmth into
the air.
We capture that heat, upgrade it through a compressor, and then are able to discharge heat
to heat our homes and businesses, Ashley said. Or, in summer, it can take the heat from the
air and release it into the ground while bringing cooler air up from the ground.
And while this technology is growing in popularity, it is growing very slowly in Vermont,
possibly beause of the roughly $30,000 pricetag for installation. If you can afford the outlay,
you will be paid back in tax credits and in knowing that you are helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Local Architect Wins National Award

MONTPELIER The Co-op Plaza Redevelopment project in Brattleboro, designed by
local architectural firm Gossens Bachman Architects of Montpelier, was recently awarded
the 2015 American Institute of Architects/Housing and Urban Development Secretary's
Housing and Community Design Award for Creating Community Connection. This national award recognizes excellence in design for projects that incorporate housing within

other community amenities for the purpose of either revitalization or planned growth. The
award was presented at the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Atlanta,
Georgia on May 15.
The project is a unique private-public partnership between the Brattleboro Food Co-op,
Housing Vermont and Windsor Windham Housing Trust in the revitalization of a key edge
of downtown Brattleboro. The Co-op was in need of a major expansion and the membership
was committed to staying downtown. The building is a model of energy efficiency using
both conventional and innovative systems. Heat generated by refrigerators is recycled to
heat the store, apartments and provide hot water. The apartments have continuous fresh air
ventilation with heat recovery and the Co-op utilizes a solar photovoltaic system to generate
electricity. More information can be found at www.gbArchitecture.com

Bye Bye Bacon

MIDDLESEX Say goodbye to Bacon Thursdays at Nutty Stephs a popular night of
entertainment at the old Camp Meade location, now called Middle Ground. Nutty Stephs
business started out selling granola, then got into the chocolate business and added booze
and entertainment in recent years. But now, founder Jaquelyn Rieke, a.k.a. Nutty Steph, has
moved to the campground she owns in Marshfield, and plans to focus her energies there.
Speaking with The Bridge June 30, Rieke said she is hosting an event she is calling Wierdo
Fest on Saturday, July 18 at the campground. The event will include a pig roast and be free
to the community. Rieke said she hopes people who attended bacon Thursday will turn out
for Wierdo Fest, saying, I want those people who came to bacon Thursday to feel like
they have a community.

CarShare Program Helps Curb Car Dependence

by Emily Sargent

MONTPELIER According to Annie

Bourdon, driving a car is the most energyconsuming activity many Vermonters undertake on a regular basis. Bourdon is the
executive director of CarShare Vermont,
an innovative program that aims to reduce
that energy consumption by reducing the
number of cars on Vermont roadways and
encouraging Vermonters to use vehicles
thoughtfully. CarShare Vermont began
with several cars in Burlington in 2008.
And now, this past April, the program expanded into Montpelier.
CarShare

vehicles

are

co-owned

by

CarShare members, who pay a monthly

membership fee of $5.00 towards vehicle
upkeep. A member can reserve a vehicle
online at any time, and then pick up that
car at a permanent parking spot called a
pod. CarShare members pay an hourly
fee of $7.50 and an additional 30 cents per
mile. Members can drive the car wherever
they need whether thats around the
block for groceries or up to Montreal for
the weekend.
The CarShare program allows Vermonters who rely on cars for transportation to
reduce their carbon footprint. Bourdon

reports that over 75 percent of CarShare

Vermont members belong to zero- or onevehicle households. About half of that 75
percent belong to zero-vehicle households;
in other words, a CarShare vehicle is their
only personal vehicle. CarShare not only
cuts down on the number of cars on the
road, but also reduces dependence on cars.
Bourdon notes that, while car ownership
naturally makes people want to use their
vehicles, CarShare members report up to
40 percent less driving time after joining
the program.
In this way, CarShare Vermont works with
alternative types of personal and public
transportation. Montpelier CarShare member Jill Muhr holds that CarShare is just
a piece of the overall puzzle. This gives
folks the freedom to support other means
of transportation. Most CarShare members walk or bicycle to the nearest vehicle

pod. The CarShare program also allows

members who regularly commute a longer
distance via public transport from Burlington to Montpelier, for instance a way
to get around the city of Montpelier during working hours. Entire businesses can
become CarShare members; this allows any
of their employees to run errands around
the city during a lunch hour without bringing a personal vehicle along the commute.
Dan Costin, another Montpelier CarShare
member, feels that the CarShare program
will help preserve the character of Montpelier as a walking city. As Costin puts it,
its important that the downtown area of
Montpelier is not overwhelmed with parking lots and cars. The walkability of Montpelier depends on people being able to live
close to downtown. Costin contends that
the density of Montpeliers small buildings
could be destroyed by parking lots fewer
cars on Montpelier streets, then, means
more space for business and community
gatherings. Similarly, Muhr compares participating in CarShare to shopping locally
as opposed to at a big box store. Both, in
her view, are a way to support the organizations that support the community.
Saving money is an immediate benefit of
the CarShare program. Sharing a car, of
course, translates into sharing the expenses
of a car. The CarShare Vermont website
reports that Vermonters spend nearly one
quarter of their income on transportation,
and most of that is on personal vehicles.
CarShare can provide many of the benefits of car ownership without the massive
expenses. As Bourdon notes, When you
own a car, you pay for it whether or not
you drive it ... With car-sharing, you only
pay for it when you use it. As noted, CarShare members generally drive less often
than most, which reduces costs even more
drastically.
Since April, over 45 Montpelier residents
have joined the CarShare program. Two
CarShare vehicles are currently available in
downtown Montpelier. The two Montpelier CarShare pods are located behind City
Hall adjacent to the Blanchard (parking)
Lot and near Kellogg-Hubbard Library at
the corner of School and Main streets.

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 5

T H E B R I D G E

Recycling Law Draws Mixed Reactions

by Lindsey Grutchfield

eginning July 1, part of a stricter recycling law took effect in Vermont. Act 148,
passed three years ago, is designed to promote recycling across the state. New provisions of the law require that recycling services be offered by haulers and transfer stations, and that residential waste collection services must charge one fee that includes both
trash and recycling. Also taking effect are provisions that prohibit recyclables in landfills
and require an equal number of recycling containers and trash containers in public spaces.
Accompanying this new law is a media campaign launched by the Agency of Natural
Resources entitled Recycling Resimplified. This campaign was created to familiarize
Vermonters with the new law. A press release from the Department of Environmental
Conservation notes that, until now, Lack of convenience and a sense of confusion over
the recyclability of various product packaging have served as barriers to Vermonters who
must make daily choices about how to dispose of their stuff.

controversial among many of the smaller rubbish-hauling companies in the state. In some
cases, these small companies stand in support of Act 148. A representative from Diamond
Rubbish Removal in North Troy views it as generally positive, although she feels the part
of the law dealing with food waste may be a little extreme. Diamond Rubbish Removal
has already distributed lists of recyclables to its customers, and the representative said
that the law will not affect the business at all, as most of the companys customers already
recycle.
For many other small Vermont rubbish-hauling companies, Act 148 is a big problem. For
companies without the resources of some of the larger providers, such as Casella Waste
Systems, implementing the provisions of the new law can be a burden in terms of labor
and time. Kelly Gamble of Rebel Rubbish in West Danville calls the law, a pain in the
rear, and says that it complicates his job, being just another thing to do.

Recycling Resymplified is part of an enormous effort by the Agency of Natural Resources

to implement Act 148 and increase the percentage of waste recycled in the state. It includes radio ads and public service announcements, among other outreach tools designed
to call attention to the law. Act 148 has also attracted vocal endorsement by Burton
Snowboards and the Vermont Army National Guard, representatives of which attended a
recent press conference held by the agency in Burlington.

In addition to the logistical difficulties of implementing the new guidelines, Act 148 is
costing some small companies money. Says Ethan Hill of Hillside Trash, Inc. in Hyde
Park, (it) costs me stops, costs me accounts. Ive had a lot of people cancel accounts because of all this crap. He attributes this to many of his older customers disliking change,
and balks at the law itself, saying, The state could just say its best to recycle. I think they
dont have to make it mandatory.

However, as popular as it has been among these entities, the law has proven far more

The new recycling law is designed to be revised every five years.

Recycling Resimplified
by Mollie Gribbin and Casey Flynn, Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District

ood news! Recycling is now more available and easier than ever. As new bins
pop up all over Vermont (maybe youve noticed more recycling options in public
spaces), it becomes simpler for the public to pop their items into the correct bin.

There are just six items to keep out of the trash:

Paper

Aluminum

Cardboard

Steel

Glass

Hard plastics

By knowing these six items, it becomes simple to put them in the recycling bin instead of
the trash. Remember that if the item has food scraps on it, it cannot be recycled. (Happily,
food scraps can be put in the compost.) By recycling responsibly, we are keeping valuable resources out of the waste stream, allowing those materials to be remanufactured or
reused, and preventing the growth of Vermonts only operating landfill.
With major components of Vermont's Universal Recycling Law going into effect this
month, those six recyclable materials are now banned from the landfill so its more
important than ever to keep them out of the trash. And theres no extra effort involved,
just an extra bin!
While providing accessible recycling receptacles to the public is a big part of the Universal Recycling Law, recycling in homes is also a big factor. Each Vermont hauler and
waste management facility now provides recycling to accompany trash collection, without
charging an additional line item for the recycling. Apartment buildings, as well as cities,
towns, non-profit organizations, schools and households are all required to keep those six
recyclable materials out of the trash. Landlords who provide trash pickup must provide a
recycling option to their tenants as well.
Inside your home, it is a good idea to have a recycling bin located next to every waste
bin in order to store items until they go out to the curb for pickup by the hauler. In the
spirit of reusing, an old cardboard box or crate would work well as your indoor recycling

container.
The next time you are standing in front of the recycling and trash bins, recall the six
items which must be recycled: paper, aluminum, cardboard, steel, glass and hard plastics.
Recycling resimplified is here to stay. And, for those who already recycle and want to
take it up a notch, the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District provides more
recycling options at its Additional Recyclable Collection Center in Barre. For further
information and for a flyer listing the six recyclable categories, please visit cvswmd.org
or call 229-9383.
Mollie Gribbin and Casey Flynn are both Outreach Interns at the Central Vermont Solid
Waste Management District. Say hi to them at the Mountaineers home games, where they are
helping to green up the games by reducing waste!

PAG E 6 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Net Zero Montpelier after the First Year

t's now been a year since the Montpelier City Council made the
unanimous commitment for the city to become net zero in fossil
fuel use by 2030. This big goal to meet all of the energy needs
of the city and its residents through renewable supplies in 15 years is
imperative. It's also aggressively ambitious and, frankly, seems bigger
and more challenging as the city pursues those actions needed to accomplish it.

by Dan Jones

Opinion

There are other efforts afoot, too. Montpelier is now completing negotiations with a local solar energy developer to provide 1 MW of netmetered electric generation which will cover over 70% of the citys electric consumption, likely at a 15 percent savings under the utility tariff.
The School Department is completing a similar agreement for another
500Kw of solar generation, which will then cover their electrical needs.
Our street lights are now LEDs. Even our sewage treatment plant has
become
a
model
of
energy
efficiency. This means that, except for city buses and vehicles that
Committing a city government to a course of action is one thing, but it is quite another to
we
are
in
sight
of
achieving
our net zero goals, at least for our municipal operations. For the
commit the entire community to partnering in that effort. A whole-community approach
city
residents
and
commuters,
however, the work has hardly begun.
requires a reimagining and realigning of how people use and generate energy. Not a simple
undertaking by any means, but it lays the groundwork for a commitment to a healthy future We are maturing and accomplishing more, with city and local leadership and the hard work
local economy. The money we currently send out of town for oil and gas will, instead, create of a dynamic, knowledgeable and committed cadre of volunteers. But, again, there is far
local jobs which will, in turn, depend on local workers, not global corporations. As we move more to do.
more deeply into this effort our little citys current challenge is to figure out how to mobilize Getting homes and apartment houses in the efficiency mix is somewhat harder than school
our diverse community everyone in a really long term push towards getting people off and municipal net zero improvements. Since 2006, according to Efficiency Vermont, over
of dirty, dwindling fossil fuels.
10% of Montpelier homes have completed some level of weatherization work. Our energy
The City of Montpelier, largely under the leadership of the appointed, volunteer Montpelier
Energy Advisory Committee (MEAC) is engaged in a multi-pronged effort. It is attempting
to mobilize resources, inspire behavior change and motivate Montpelier-ites to invest in nonfossil fuel solutions to meet our ambitious goal. MEAC has divided our strategies up into
different areas of energy use: heating, electric generation and transportation. We are even
tentatively exploring a much more difficult issue of how to possibly transform our housing
density, since dense, minimal commuter, walk-able cities are much more energy efficient.
We have done a lot but we have far more to do. And, we have a track record upon which
to build, as this journey didnt start with last years net zero commitment. It started over
a decade ago with initial plans for a downtown district heat plant. The effort then grew
through the work of our local energy teams, who knocked on doors promoting energy efficiency, surveyed city buildings and businesses for efficiency modifications.

committee is now in an intensive strategic planning effort to address the big energy demands
of residential users and the whole transportation mix. For all of us, this work is the hardest
because there are few easy, convenient alternatives.

Our big advantages, going forward, will be our small size. At 8,000 people we are able to
move more quickly than larger political institutions, and there is an obvious benefit to being
the capital city of Vermont. However, our population more than doubles mid day which
brings vibrancy and resources to our local economy, but creates unique energy challenges.

Montpelier is also gaining in other ways from our commitment to become net zero. Recently President Obama sent a letter to Mayor Hollar honoring Montpelier as one of 16
Climate Action Cities in the country. This recognition will possibly give us a leg up in
mobilizing Federal resources. We are also one of the nations 50 finalist competitors for
the Georgetown University Energy Prize of $5 Million. The more electrical energy MontIn 2010, after the successful procurement of a DOE grant to support a downtown biomass pelierites can save through efficiency and solar generation over the next year will help our
district heat system, our current energy advisory committee was created by the city council prospects in that competition hugely.
to oversee the process. As we have matured and accomplished more, people from around the We can boast many tangible results for a small city with such a forward looking commitstate have noted how lucky we are to have this committee, composed of knowledgeable and ment. There is much more real, hard work to do. But, if the next few years manifest anycommitted volunteers helping to build a resilient future for us all.
thing close to the progress we have made to date, I believe it's quite possible for the capital
The now operating district heat system will replace about 300,000 gallons of oil per year of Vermont to be a national model of a sustainable city by 2030.
costing almost a million dollars. Using regionally-sourced wood chips along with local Dan Jones is former chair of the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee
maintenance services, the project is also keeping those dollars working locally. I am proud
to report that this innovative project started delivering heat to state and city offices and to
some downtown businesses in fall of 2014. Reports of our initial customers are glowing in
terms of its reliability and realized savings.

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@montpbridge

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 7

T H E B R I D G E

Vermont Electric Power Turns Us On

by Nat Frothingham

Tom Dunn, president and chief executive officer of the Vermont Electric Power Company ex- Dunn, an engineer by training with a master's degree in business, has made a serious perplains what Vermont Electric Power Company is, what it does, and how.
sonal study of the climate change question. He has weighed the evidence and is impressed
cross Vermont, there are 17 separate utilities that deliver power to consumers, and that the scientific community has overwhelmingly concluded that human activity is responany of us who own a home or rent an apartment or run a business will know the sible for the serious climate change threat. It's not that we just get warm, he said. We are
name of our local power provider. Green Mountain Power Corporation is states larg- seeing extreme weather events more often. The month of June is rainy. We had an extremely
est utility. In addition to Green Mountain, there are a number of smaller utilities including cold winter. We are seeing an increase in the number and strength of extreme weather events
Washington Electric Co-op and a host of smaller village and municipal utilities such as the that damage the grid. Dunn has consulted a Vermont Electric Power Company graph of exNorthfield Electric Department. We depend on these local power providers to keep our treme weather events over the past 10 years. That graph is producing evidence the Vermont
lights turned on, for electric heat during the winter, to keep appliances running, and stores, is beginning to see the effects of climate change, he said.

factories and offices humming. As power consumers, we know our local electricity supplier Despite changes to the marketplace, not every utility across the country has embraced the
because we get a monthly bill in the mail. But were much less aware of another player in the changes. But if the marketplace changes and the sources of energy change, then the grid
mix Vermont Electric Power Company.
must change. Said Dunn Think of the grid today as a platform with electricity coming
When it was formed in 1956, Vermont Electric was the nations first transmission only from a variety of different places: wind, solar, water, biomass and natural gas.
company. As described by the companys website, its job was to create and maintain an
interconnected grid capable of sharing access to clean hydro power. In 1956, that clean hydropower anticipated the completion of the (Canadian-American) Moses-Saunders Power
Dam, an immense, 10-football-fields-long dam across the St. Lawrence River between
Massena, New York and Cornwall, Ontario a dam that continues to generate and deliver
electric power both to Canada and Americas Northeast.

I see the utilities doing a lot of small experiments, Dunn said, referring among other things
to holding back or deferring a $150 million transmission project, or using computers and
research to predict the impact of weather events and small power generation, or using smart
meters effectively or sharing what we learn in Vermont with the utility industry at large.

I think we are on the cusp of a changing utility world, Dunn said. Utilities who said they
are going to fight solar are beginning to change their policies. In this maelstrom of change,
Vermont Electric was organized more than 50 years ago to bring New York electric power Dunn isnt claiming that Vermont can change the phenomenon of climate disruption and
into Vermont. Today, according its website, Vermont Electric continues to serve as the states extreme weather events. But he sees Vermont as an energy innovation workbench and he
transmission-only company with 738 miles of transmission lines, 13,000 acres of rights- said, If we can share what we learn with the industry, thats pretty exciting.
of-way, and 55 substations, switching stations and terminal facilities. The companys assets
also include equipment that enables interconnected operation with Hydro-Quebec and
fiber optic communication networks that monitor and control the electric system and serve
as a key link for Vermonters high-speed data internet.
Tom Dunn compared the Vermont Electric Power Company system and the utilities it serves
to Vermonts road system. Think of VELCO, as those superhighways, I-89 and I-91, he
said. These superhighways accommodate huge volumes of traffic (north and south) and
these superhighways connect to smaller roads across the state. In the same way, Vermont
Electric Power Companys system transports large amounts of power into Vermont from outside the state. Once that power enters Vermont, said Dunn, We deliver it to the subsystems
(or individual power providers) who distribute it to the smaller roads.
And heres the critical advantage where Vermont has taken the lead. Lets say that a very
large supply of electricity becomes available from outside Vermont. Conceivably that utility
could control and potentially block access to cheap electric power. As Dunn observed, in
other jurisdictions the transmission system was owned by large utilities and there were fights
with smaller utilities over access. But because of the existence of a statewide transmission
company owned by all of our utilities, those fights didnt materialize. And in 2012 when
Green Mountain Power Corporation merged with Central Vermont Public Service Corporation, as part of that merger it was agreed that Green Mountain now the states largest
utility would not take majority control of Vermont Electric Power Companys board of
directors. Instead, a portion of the company is now owned by a public benefits corporation.
Now, according to Dunn, changing circumstances are creating sweeping changes to the
traditional energy systems. Our entire industry is changing, Dunn said.
In an introduction that Dunn wrote to Vermont Electric Power Companys 2015 LongRange Transmission Plan filed with the Public Service Board on June 25, he wrote A grid
reformation is underway. How we generate, move and use power and how we pay for it
are undergoing change not seen since Edison. As part of this introduction, Dunn listed
some of the major variables that are driving change. These variables include the retirement
of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant; the concern about global climate change; and
the push to replace coal and oil with renewable (low-carbon) sources of energy such as solar
installations replacing the current grid model dominated by centralized, large-scale,
electric generators to one with an increasing number of smaller-scale generators located on
the customers premises.
Again, even if modestly, Vermont is leading the way. Said Dunn, Vermont utilities are
embracing and even helping to direct this change.

PAG E 8 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

THE BRIDGE

A Message From City Hall

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

City Projects Underway

by William Fraser, City Manager

or City Government, summertime is very busy. With the arrival of good weather,
we begin work in earnest on the many projects and programs that have been in the
pipeline or approved through the completed budget process.

Our ongoing work includes very visible construction, groundwork for upcoming projects
and a constant effort to improve our internal operations.
Regular Projects:
Taking advantage of additional infrastructure funding in the City Councils budget,
the city is very busy with an enhanced slate of maintenance and improvement projects
throughout the city.

The 2015 paving schedule has been submitted by the contractor and is available on
the Citys web site and will be mailed to home & property owners located on the streets
planned for paving work this season. Considering the favorable pricing received from the
selected contractor, a decision has been made to advance the schedule of Hackamore Road
in the paving contract and undertake the road this season instead of in 2018. With other
paving projects already planned in the immediate vicinity including Towne Hill Rd.,
advancing Hackamore Road at this time is a cost effective adjustment in the schedule
that will result in the completion of the neighborhood streets identified on the paving
schedule.

design will not commence until all rights of way have been acquired.
The project team consists of the City, Redstone as the housing developer, DEW as the
construction manager, GBA as the architects and Dubois & King as project manager
and civil engineer. Additionally, the Citys One Taylor Design Committee is serving as
an oversight and advisory group. All final decisions, of course, will be made by the City
Council.
The design team is currently working on reconciling cost estimates with available funding. Present estimates show the need for an additional $1.4 million. The project team
is confident that this gap can be closed through both additional grant funds and cost
reductions as designs become final. Full activity will resume on the project upon right of
way clearance. While that work is finishing, the team is working to address the funding
challenges.
Zoning The Planning Commission continues their hard work on a redraft of the
zoning regulations. These decisions will have impact on land use and development policy
throughout the city. Interested people may wish to monitor this process.
Economic Development In keeping with the Councils goals and priorities, city staff
is beginning work on an economic development strategic plan. A request for proposals for
a project consultant has been issued.
Parking City staff is completing a parking study which will be incorporated into a
strategic plan. The plan will address alternatives such as a parking garage, demand management, remote parking with shuttles, pricing controls and other options.
Budget The City will be conducting a public process in early fall to get greater input
into hard decisions which lie ahead. More information about the process will be forthcoming but citizens will be asked to offer comments about taxes, services, infrastructure
and priorities.

Terrace Street Culvert The construction contract for the Terrace Street culvert replacement project was approved this week and was awarded to Hebert Construction of
Williamstown. Preconstruction plans are now being finalized and a work schedule will be
developed and made available to the immediate neighbors and general public. This will
require traffic, emergency response and school bus route planning.
Sidewalks Final schedules not yet available but sidewalks planned for reconstruction
are:
State Street between Main St. & Bailey Ave. (various locations)
Main St. (in front of Main Street Middle School and other various spot locations)
College St. (from Woodrow, 400 towards Hinckley)
East State St. (between #89 and #99)
Bailey Ave. (Terrace St. Clarendon Ave.)
North St. (Main St. Mechanic St.)
Harrison Ave. (sections)
The Public Works Department is also completing the following projects (dates and details to be released when more information is ready):
Eleven crosswalk enhancements
Hill Street Retaining Wall
East State Street Retaining Wall
North Street storm drain and sewer main
Bailey Avenue storm pipe
Isabel Circle storm pipe installation and detention system
Towne Street CSO storm drain
Blackwell Street partial water line replacement
Along with these specific projects, DPW is handling annual maintenance duties such as
sewer main cleanings, pavement markings, catch basin cleaning, flushing the district heat
system, patching and repairing roads and sidewalks, street sweeping and other such work.
One Taylor Street Transit Center and Downtown Redevelopment Project This is
the biggest project in active development. The multi-faceted project includes a new Transit Center with private housing. It will link the bike path which presently ends at Taylor
Street with Main Street, a new bike/pedestrian bridge next to the rail bridge in downtown, redevelopment of the rail bridge area and all new landscaping in the Taylor Street
area, as well as improvement of the area near the Main Street/Barre Street intersection.
The City is taking steps to finalize all property acquisitions necessary. This includes
having professional appraisals completed to determine the value of easements and negotiations for the last remaining full parcel (the Montpelier Beverage site). We remain
hopeful that an agreement can be reached which will result in a new building next to the
Drawing Board.
The overall project is in schematic design phase. This means that basic design has been
completed which allows for cost estimates but that full design is not completed. Full

Infrastructure studies In order to prepare for future needs, the city is engaged in
analysis of subsurface infrastructure. One is our stormwater management system and how
it affects property damage and water quality in the Winooski River. Another is a long
term plan of our aging water system needs, prioritizing work to be done and estimating
costs for the work.
Master Planning The City Council recently re-adopted the current master plan for
the purpose of completing the zoning revisions. The Council and Planning Commission
will look at updating and revising the plan within the next year to eighteen months.
The Council also recently adopted the Montpelier in Motion master plan which lays out
opportunities for incorporating more alternative transportation (bikes, pedestrians) into
our road networks. This will serve as a guide when major roadwork is being completed
and may also result in some policy and regulatory changes.
Finally, the Council has received a report called Greening Americas Capitals with suggestions for downtown improvements which will improve environmental aspects while
also enhancing the function and appearance of downtown infrastructure. This report will
be folded into a comprehensive downtown master plan.
Public Safety The Central Vermont Regional Public Safety Authority has hired an
executive director who is charged with creating a recommendation for shared public
safety services between the cities of Montpelier and Barre and, potentially, the towns of
Berlin and Barre. Among the services being considered for consolidation are police, fire,
ambulance and dispatching. The City will consider whether to actively participate in any
consolidation effort after the recommendation is received.
In the meantime, our police and fire departments continue to provide the same excellent
services to residents. Police priorities for this summer are substance abuse activity and
related property crime.
Railroad Spraying Many residents raised concerns about pesticide spraying along the
rail line in Montpelier. The Mayor has worked with the Railroad and the State Department of Agriculture to review options. Although not final as of this printing, it appears
that the Railroad will use weed whackers to cut weeds this summer between Granite and
Main Streets with the City paying the direct labor costs for that work. The City, Railroad
and State will conduct a process over the fall and winter to consider the long term plan.
Thank you for reading this article and for your interest in city government. Please feel
free to contact me at wfraser@montpelier-vt.org or 802-223-9502 with any questions or
comments. You may obtain more information about the city at www.montpelier-vt.org,
on Twitter @vtmontpelier or Facebook City of Montpelier, Vermont.

T H E B R I D G E

Music to Play in Montpelier

by Ashley Witzenberger

n addition to all of the great music venues in downtown Montpelier, mark your calendar for two new opportunities to hear great live music in the capital city.

For several summers, Montpelier Alives Brown Bag Summer Concert Series, has been
a favorite Thursday afternoon work escape for people downtown. The past couple of
summers, Montpelier Alive received requests and inquiries about evening concerts for
families, and for those that dont work downtown and are unable to make it to the afternoon concerts.
This summer, Montpelier Alive has added two evening concerts to the Brown Bag series. The evening concerts will take place at the Christ Church Pocket Park at 6 p.m.
On Thursday, July 16, come to downtown Montpelier to shake your hips to the Green
Mountain Swing Band and Thursday, August 27, bring your family to hear the cool stylings of local favorite, Allison Mann. Grab your family, a blanket and pick up a picnic
dinner at one of Montpeliers terrific restaurants and enjoy an evening of music in the
heart of downtown.
The Brown Bag Summer Concert Series is generously underwritten by Ellis Mills
Public Affairs, an organization that helps a range of clients communicate effectively
with government and the media. You can find more summer event information at
montpelieralive.org. The Ellis Mills Brown Bag Summer Concert Series afternoon concerts will take place Thursdays through August 20.
Also new this summer is the Hubbard Park Music Series. This summer the Parks Department is hosting two concerts. The first concert will take place on August 16, the Big
Bang Bhangra Brass Band will play and on August 23, the Green Mountain Playboys will
take the stage. The concerts are 5 to 7 p.m. at the
Old Shelter in Hubbard Park. If successful, the planners would like to expand the series next summer.
See you in Montpelier!
The writer is Executive Director of Montpelier Alive

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 9

PAG E 10 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Ghost Herd in the Sky

by Larry Floersch

just saw a video on YouTube of cows doing tricks.

I do not know if the person who posted that video
did so to sound an alarm or just to scare the daylights out of people like me.

These cows were not doing cute circus-type

tricks you know, jumping through flaming hoops or dancing on hind legs in tutus
at the commands of a trainer. No, these
were tricks devised by the cows themselves, and that to me is a scary proposition. One
cow used its tongue to slide the top and bottom latches of a gate to open it. Another cow
used its chin to push down the handle of an old-fashioned water pump. When the water
came gurgling out, it slurped it up, then repeated the process, over and over. Yet another
cow used its horn to turn a spigot so it could slake its thirst. The most amazing one used
its horn to open the stanchion lock above its head, then withdrew itself from the stanchion
and opened the stanchion locks of two colleagues to its right. There was gluttonous intent
behind this action. When the two other cows withdrew their heads, the one that had
unlocked the stanchions shoved them out of the way, stuck its head into the second cows
stanchion, and directly into a bucket of food beyond. It had planned the whole thing!
Who knew cows were that smart?

NECI

NEW ENGLAND
CULINARY INSTITUTE

BRIDGE BITES

Now, I know what youre thinking, But Lare, havent you seen those Chick-fil-A ads
on TV where cows parachute into a football stadium or adjust the office lights in a high
rise to spell out Eat mor chikin. Yes, I have. But those are actors portraying cows on
television, not real cows. How do you know this? you ask. Simple. No flies. No dingleberries. Whats a dingleberry? you ask. Dont ask! Just let it be said that being struck
with dingleberries while sitting on a milking stool is like being lashed in the face with a
cat-o-nine-tails.

Joh ns

C o lu m n

Im from the old school of thought, where behind Bossies big and soft brown eyes lies a
vacant room. The revelation that cows may be way smarter than I thought has caused me
to reevaluate events I remember from my youth. When I was about seven years old and
staying on my grandparents farm, I witnessed a steer walk through the wall of the cow

shed. The walls of this cow shed were made from reclaimed three-quarter-inch tongueand-groove lumber that in a previous life had formed the side of a railroad boxcar, so it
was no small feat. Back then I thought it was just a dumb thing to do. You know, But
hey, its a cow. What do you expect? In light of this new information on cow tricks, I now
can only surmise that the other cows in the shed put him up to it and then stood there
snickering at his gullibility, kind of like the amusement one enjoys by convincing another
kid to put his tongue on a flagpole in January. And Im now relieved that he only walked
through the wall of the cowshed and not the wall of the farmhouse, where he could have
discovered what was in the freezer.
Because I live in an area where I am surrounded by cows, I have now grown more wary of
cow activity. Just a few weeks ago, while things were still thawing out, I came to the end of
my driveway to discover the road pockmarked by hundreds of hoof prints. I got out of my
car and investigated and determined that they were indeed the hoof prints of cows. My
neighbor up the road leases his barn to a large dairy operation a few miles away. I think its
where they keep the junior varsity squad. So I assumed the cows that made the hoof prints
came from his barn. The question was, where were they going? I followed the tracks.
To my shock, about a quarter mile down the road the hoof prints stopped. They did not
turn up the shoulder of the road to the left nor turn down the bank to the right, they just
plain stopped.
Only one explanation for this ghost herd mystery is possible to someone raised in front of
a TV in the 1960s. The bridge crew of the Starship Enterprise, flying in a stolen Romulan
Bird of Prey battle cruiser, used that slingshot-around-the-sun maneuver to travel back
in time to our 21st century Earth. As he always somehow manages to do, Scotty got the
transporter working at the last possible second and beamed the cows up, much like he
beamed up the humpback whales in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The cows probably milled about the cargo bay looking for something to do. And because we now know
theyre smarter than we thought, they may easily have overpowered the security detail
(the guys in the red tunics) and taken over the ship. Right now there could be 20 to 30
Holsteins overhead in standard orbit, phasers on stun, intentions unknown.

Lets Talk About Weeds: A Tale of

Comeuppance!

Hands-on

Gardener

by Miriam Hansen

FSparge:

When we discovered crabgrass growing in the gravel

alongside the driveway and between the paving stones
in the walk, I began to panic. And of course panicking
does not do much good. This is when I called the state
agronomist, Vern Grubinger who reassured me that we
are not alone.

or most of the 40 years weve been gardening, weeding has not been a big onerous issue. When friends
have bemoaned the amount of time and effort they
spend weeding, I have helpfully (read smugly) offered the
following advice:
Cover
cropverb.
with A
winter
rye totechnique
suppress Agropyron
repens the
/sprj/
brewing
that extracts
sugar
common
grass,
quack grassthe
or couch
fromname
the witch
grains
by exposing
grainsgrass
to water.
the plant with the telltale yellowish-white creeping
underground stems that can grow from just a tiny piece of
stem, and thus, are very hard to get rid of. We have pretty
much eliminated witch grass from the vegetable garden by
cover cropping with winter rye in fall and tilling it in, in
the spring.

He said that weeding with a cobra tool or conventional hoe

brings more crabgrass seeds to the surface and suggested
we use a collinear hoe, a tool developed by Elliot Coleman
and available from Johnnys Seeds. I ordered two; a three
and-a-half-inch and seven-inch blade for use between and
within beds. The sharp straight blade cuts about one half
an inch below the surface and is used with the same motion you use when sweeping with a broom. The idea is to
uproot the young seedlings without bringing more buried
seeds up to the surface.

Weed often and thoroughly when seedlings are young.

Once the plants have matured, their canopy will shade out
the weeds. Plant in beds rather than rows and mulch heavily between beds with sheets of newspaper lightly covered
with straw or leaves.
Plant closer than the seed packets suggest and interplant
with fast growing crops like radishes, kohlrabi, lettuce and
arugula to take up the space between the broccoli or Brussel sprouts when theyre young. By the time your principal
crop has matured, youll have harvested the rapid growers.
And lastly, try to prevent weeds from going to seed. Remember the old adage, One years seeding, seven years
weeding.
Now I dont regret this advice. It is good advice, if a trifle
smugly given. And until now, weve never worried too
much about the odd plant seeding. Gardening season is
demanding and you cant be everywhere at once. But Id
never had to deal with an infestation of crabgrass!
The scientific name for this unpleasant weed is Digitaria
sanguinalis (large crabgrass) or D. ischaemum (smooth
crabgrass). As the photo shows, crabgrass has a spreading
branching structure and a really impressive root system
that does not easily let go. In fact, I suspect thats where
crabgrass gets its name. Its crabby about being pulled out.
Up at the top of the peas, so many seeds have sprouted,
the plants have formed a dense mat. It crowds around the

Digitaria sanguinalis or crabgrass.

Photo courtesy of Miriam Hansen.
foot of other weeds and will root at every node in a process
called tillering. This makes weeding it out quite painstaking. The leaves, hairy or smooth depending on the species,
turn dark red or maroon as they mature.
The good news is that crabgrass is an annual and is killed
by cold. The bad news is that if allowed to flower and set
seed, each plant can produce as many as 150,000 seeds
that will happily overwinter and come up over the entire
course of the growing season. In our garden it is now growing along the fence lines, in the beds, and at the edges of
the mulched paths. Im not sure how it got introduced.
Possibly it came in with horse manure weve been getting
from a neighbor. But I suspect it got a toehold a couple of
years ago when we had three weeks of drought followed by
six weeks of torrential rains. I think the crabgrass outcompeted all the other weeds. In our ignorance of the havoc
it could wreak, we were not sufficiently vigilant about
preventing it from going to seed.

He also suggested mulching heavily wherever possible. We

hoed down the buckwheat wed planted along the fence
line and laid down black plastic. He said to use short covers, meaning plant and till cover crops at short intervals.
Our experience with buckwheat suggested that the crabgrass would happily live at its feet. Grubinger suggested
we try Japanese Millet, applied quite heavily. I ordered
a 50-pound bag from Guys Farm and Yard and while I
waited for them to load it into our car, I noticed that the
flower bed adjoining Guys parking lot was infested with
crabgrass. As Vern said, we are not alone!
We are being very diligent; cultivating frequently, cover
cropping, mulching, weed whipping along the outside of
fence lines and around greenhouses. It is exhausting! If we
werent enjoying bumper crops of lettuce, peas, raspberries,
carrots and Chinese greens, I might reconsider growing
our own food. But Im addicted to the taste of fresh vegetables from the garden. And Im already thinking about
next year in the crabgrass war; running pigs through the
top of the garden, chickens at the bottom and investing
in some garden mats for the vegetables we grow in the
middle. Let the crabgrass games begin!
In the meantime, happy weeding, gardening and eating!

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 11

T H E B R I D G E

Vermonts First Vintage

Trailer Event Coming
to Town
by Lindsey Grutchfield

MONTPELIER In the 1954 hit film The Long, Long Trailer, Lucille Ball and Desi
Arnaz set off across the country in a trailer, hoping to see the world. Needless to say,
things dont go exactly as planned. Now, modern day trailer fans and passersby by will
have the opportunity to venture around and through trailers just like Lucille and Desis
during Montpeliers first Vintage Trailer Show.
The Vermont Vintage Trailer Show will occur August 8, and will feature vintage trailers dating from the 50s through the 70s. These trailers will be exhibited along State
and Main Streets and in the parking lot behind Positive Pie, where property owner and
event co-organizer Jesse Jacobs says he has reserved 35 parking spots. As an added bonus
to those showcasing trailers, Jacobs has rented 35 camping spots at Little River Campground for their benefit. He says of vintage trailer enthusiasts, they love to show off their
trailers, and they love to camp.
With Jacobs, the greatest force behind the organization of this event is Steve Hingtgen,
owner of Vintage Trailer Supply. His company is something of a general store when it
comes to what he calls the lifestyle, supplying everything from awnings to windows
for vintage trailers. Hingtgen himself owns a 1956 Airstream and a 1946 Curtis Wright.
Although Vermont does not yet have much in the way of vintage trailer events, there is a
very popular niche culture of vintage trailer enthusiasts in this country, particularly out
West, according to Hingtgen. Hingtgens company serves customers all over the world,
and the Vermont Vintage Trailer show itself will have trailers on display from no fewer
than 10 states.
The Vermont Vintage Trailer Show is the same weekend as the Stowe Annual Antique
Car Show, which is not exactly a coincidence. Says Hingtgen, (Jacobs and I) thought
this was a great way to introduce the public to the lifestyle and also bring a few tourists
to town who might be in the region for the Stowe vintage car show the same weekend.
During the trailer show, life downtown will inevitably be altered, as State Street and the
parking lot behind Positive Pie will be closed off not only during the event, but from the
early morning to 5:00 pm the day of. This is due to the unavoidable chaos of parking
and unparking 35 trailers in a confined space. With that said, businesses downtown are
mostly on board. Says Ashley Witzenberger of Montpelier Alive, which is supporting the
event, We do a lot of events that require shutting down State Street to vehicular traffic.
This is a slight disruption to traffic but there are many ways around it. It's all worth it to
have so many people downtown for such a great event.

Steve Hingtgen, owner of Vintage Trailer Suppy.

Photo by Lindsey Grutchfield

Save

e!
t
a
D
the

All day, August 8

Along State and Main Streets

and in the parking lot behind Positive Pie
Downtown Montpelier

PAG E 12 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

THE BRIDGE

Highlights of Barre Heritage Festival and

Homecoming Days, July 2226
La Soiree Sucree Celebrate Barre's French Heritage with a
night of music, dancing and dessert on Thursday, July 23. Sponsored by Delicate Decadence in honor of Chet Briggs, The Barre
Heritage Festival and the Old Labor Hall. Join us at the Old Labor
Hall as we celebrate our French heritage. The evening will feature
French desserts, French fiddling and dancing with The Beaudoin
Family.

and Soups & Greens parking lot on North Main Street. This year
promises to be bigger and better then ever, with a fantastic line up
of over 50 cars on display. Trophy to be awarded for best in show!
Best in Show vehicle will be featured in Barre Heritage Festival
Car Show promotional materials in 2016.

This event was so popular last year, we ran out of food! So get your
tickets early, bring your best French dessert if you'd like and come
out for a sweet evening with friends, music and food. Check out
the Barre Heritage website for details.

Shop Local and Win Big! How to enter: Simply stop at the
Barre Heritage Festival information booth at City Hall Park to get
your free entry slip on Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th.

Ethnic Food Tent On Friday, July 24, The New England

Culinary Institute will host the ethnic food tent featuring an assortment of cultural foods spanning the globe. Once the food is
gone, there is no replenishing! Arrive early! The event is held on
the Aldrich Public Library lawn starting at 4:30 p.m.
Parade Line-up is at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Barre
Auditorium. Please feel free to arrive early to decorate your float.
Parade entry is free, although donations to the festival are greatly
appreciated.
Applications may be scanned and emailed to parade@barreheritagefestival.org, faxed to 588-7619 or mailed to: Barre Heritage Festival, P.O. Box 554, Barre, VT 05641
If you have questions, or would like to be added to the parade
mailing list please email parade@barreheritagefestival.org or call
our volunteer parade coordinator Steve at 595-7019
Heritage Car Show All day Saturday, July 25 at the Lenny's

Downtown Barre Shopping Spree Shop in downtown Barre

July 20 to July 25 for extra chance to win! Over $2,000 in prizes!

Increase your chances: For every $5 spent at a participating downtown Barre merchant or restaurant between Monday, July 20 and
Saturday, July 25, you will receive an additional entry slip. Bring
your collection of entry slips to the Barre Heritage Festival information booth at City Hall Park on Friday, July 24 and Saturday,
July 25 to be entered to win the grand prize of a downtown Barre
shopping spree, or one of our many runner-up prizes. Check the
website for more details.
Strength Through Heritage Barre is the fourth largest city
in Vermont. While the community first developed around the
milling available along the adjacent Winooski River, granite soon
emerged as the key industry of Barre. In fact, granite from Barre,
Vermont was used in some of the nation (and worlds) finest buildings, monuments and memorials. Consequently, granite carvers
from across the world settled in Barre making the city a rich mixture of cultures.
All the above information is from the Barre Heritage website:
barreheritagefestival.org

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 13

T H E B R I D G E

Granite City Groove Remembering and Revitalizing The

Miles Block
by Joshua Jerome

round the turn of the 20th century, Barre was a

hotbed of development spurred on by the booming
granite industry. Throughout the downtown, old
wooden structures were replaced with granite and brick,
and helped to highlight the artisan craftsmanship embodied by Barres culturally diverse immigrant community.
Many facades throughout the downtown have intricate
architectural details and, in my opinion, are some of the
most remarkable in Vermont.
One building in particular, the Miles Block, was described
in the Barre Daily Times on December 17, 1898 as a
beacon of peculiar pride, almost akin to affection as it
described the granite block faade. Named after Fairfax
native, David McDonald Miles, who after traveling the
country finally landed in Barre and became involved with
granite quarrying, coal storage and clothing. The newly
constructed building became home to Homer Fitts new
dry goods store where linens, china, draperies and clothing were sold by friendly clerks; later, a shoe store.
The building contained the citys first elevator which was
operated by a bellboy and was site of two accidents in the
first few years. The first being nearly fatal when young
John McKnight had his legs caught between the second
and third floors. The second mishap, reported by the
Times on October 13, 1905, injured one Joseph Judici and

was caused when a prank went awry. After letting off a

passenger out of the elevator, he found his cage going up
without his pulling the rope and in a panic stepped up
to catch the ascending car and caught his toe and fell with
his head caught between the cage and the wall.
Memorialized in the lobby hall on the second floor today,
is the door to the original cage elevator that McKnight and
Judici sustained injuries from. Since 1898, the building has
kept the same mix with first floor retail, second floor offices and residential units on the upper two floors. Today,
the Miles Block is owned by Bill Patno and Brent Sleeper,
proprietors of the Granite Financial Group located on the
second floor. The business partners purchased the building in 2008 and as Miles had elevator accidents to contend
with, Patno and Sleeper have had to deal with flooding.
Barre was the hardest hit in the May flooding in 2011 and
Patno described the severity of flooding damage incurred
by their building, as I walked down into the basement, I
could see files and paper floating down the hallway. The
May deluge caused massive flood damage to the basement
of the building. During the reconstruction process, they
found an old wooden walk-in cooler hidden in the walls.
Months along into reconstruction, Tropical Storm Irene
came through Vermont and while Barre was spared from
the catastrophic flooding suffered by southern Vermont,

C E L E B R AT E B A R R E !

Visit barreheritagefestival.org for full schedule and details of

The Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days

the Miles Block saw flooding once more.

The extent of the damage was not as great as sustained in
the spring, but it was enough to delay the recovery process
and add to the cost of reconstruction. Almost four years
later, the two have embarked on restoring the faades of
the first floor. Beginning with the storefront of the antiques store, Grakles, the project began several weeks ago,
but while peeling back the existing faade, one of the six
18-inch polished granite columns originally adorned on
the front of the building was discovered. Although the
column had lost much of its luster, it was decided to incorporate the column into the newly designed storefront.
Plans to redesign the southern end of the storefronts that
include Next Chapter Bookstore and one available storefront space are being developed for next year and will
match the style and design of the recently finished northern end. The faade is not the only part of the building
that is getting a facelift. The office space available on the
second floor is getting a new coat of paint.
Patno and Sleeper are contributing to the revitalization of
Barre by renovating their faades to a more historical time
period. These moves are enriching the aesthetics that contribute to the attractiveness of downtown Barre.
The writer is executive director of The Barre Partnership.

PAG E 14 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

THURSDAY, JULY 16

Hero Games. Create your own superhero costume,

create superhero IDs, play villain game, construct
a Minecraft Sword and more. Ages 5+. 10 a.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Brain Injury Support Group. Open to all survivors, caregivers and adult family members. Third
Thurs., 1:302:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850.

Calendar of Events

Lt. Col. Thomas Cahalan. 9 a.m. Waterbury

Public Library, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free.
244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.

Hero Games. Create your own superhero costume,

create superhero ID's, play villain game, construct
a Minecraft Sword and more. Ages 5+. Noon.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.

Diabetes Discussion Group. Focus on selfmanagement. Open to anyone with diabetes

and their families. Third Thurs., 1:30 p.m. The
Health Center, Plainfield. Free. Don 322-6600 or
dgrabowski@the-health-center.org.

Do Good Fest. Benefits CVMCs Branches of

Hope Cancer Patient Fund. Performing are
O.A.R., Alternate Routes, Patti Casey and Colin
McCaffrey, and Panama Wedding. Visit the
Nonprofit Village. Gates open 2:30 p.m.; family
activities 3 p.m.; music starts 4:30 p.m. 1 National
Life Dr., Montpelier. Parking fee: $10; $20 after 5
p.m. dogoodfest.com.

American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors of

all blood types especially those with types O
negative, A negative and B negative are needed
to help ensure blood is available for patients this
summer. Noon5:30 p.m. Lyndon Municipal
Building, 119 Park Ave., Lyndonville. 1800-RED
CROSS. redcrossblood.org.

Weirdo Fest. A free community pig roast! Blindfolded face painting, weirdos, bands and theatrics,
random information booth, duck race, riverwading, potluck salads and breads, beer garden,
bonfire, flash mobs welcome. 310 p.m. Onion
River Campground, 61 Onion River, Marshfield.
Free. 426-3233.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. Monthly

group for people affected by a suicide death. Third
Thurs., 67:30 p.m. Central Vermont Medical
Center, conference rm. 1, Fisher Rd., Berlin. 2230924. calakel@comcast.com. afsp.org.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Child care provided.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier. 476-1480.
River Arts Photo Co-op. Gather, promote and
share your experience and knowledge of photography with other photography enthusiasts in an
atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. Adults/teens.
Third Thurs., 68 p.m. River Arts Center, 74
Pleasant St., Morrisville. $5 suggested donation.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
Songwriters Meeting. Meeting of the Northern
VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Songwriters
Association International. Bring copies of your
work. Third Thurs., 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts, St.
Johnsbury. John, 633-2204.

FRIDAY, JULY 17

American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors of

all blood types especially those with types O
negative, A negative and B negative are needed
to help ensure blood is available for patients this
summer. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Stowe Area Association, 51 Main St., Stowe. 1800-RED CROSS.
redcrossblood.org.
Heroes in Nature. Puppet show led by Professor Fizzywig, followed by a hands-on science
themed activity with Kristen Littlefield. Ages
310. 10 a.m. Waterbury Public Library, 30
Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. Register: 244-7036.
waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Super Heroes Story time. Join Nicole for fun
stories about extraordinary heroes. Ages birth6.
10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main
St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.
org.

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Additional Recyclables Collection Center. Accepting scores of hard-to-recycle items. Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. 540 N. Main St. (old Times-Argus
building), Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org.
Every Hero Has a Story. Local heroes share their
stories and field your questions. Meet retired Army

THE BRIDGE

SUNDAY, JULY 19

Free Blood Pressure Checks. SASH will be at

TVSC for blood pressure and well-being checks.
For seniors, veterans and the disabled. 9 a.m.1
p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2, Blueberry
Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
Open Barn and Driving Demonstration.
Hosted by Water Tower Farm and Rhythm of the
Rein Therapeutic Riding & Driving Program.
Explore new recreational activities. Meet our
horses and see a carriage driving demonstration.
10 a.m.2 p.m. Water Tower Farm, 386 Rt. 2,
Marshfield. 426-3781. watertowerfarm@aol.com.
rhythmoftherein@aol.com.
Google Earth Show & Tell. Learn to share your
armchair travels! 78 p.m. Cutler Memorial
Library, 151 High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. Free.
cutlerlibrary.org.

MONDAY, JULY 20

Scenic Design: Backdrops, Props and Costumes.

An open set-building, prop-making, costumedesigning workshop. For anyone who would like to
help out creating the scenery for the performances
of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Ages 8+. Call
for time. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Get a Taste of Orchard Valley Waldorf Education. Hands-on Waldorf education experience.
The 5th grade teacher will lead children through
a sample main lesson. The Handwork teacher will
introduce wool fiber work. A Waldorf educator will offer parents an overview of a Waldorf
grades curriculum and the underlying educational
philosophy. All parents are welcome; please limit
child attendance to 4th6th graders for the lessons. 45:30 p.m. Orchard Valley Waldorf School,
2290 Rt. 14N, E. Montpelier. Sign-up: 456-7400.
morgan.i@ovws.org.
Pot Luck at the Tulsi Tea Room. Meet people,
learn about time banking or set up an exchange.
Bring a dish and plate, cup, utensils. 5:307:30
p.m. Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Elm St., Montpelier.
Free. 661-8959. info@orexchange.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 21

Hike Mt. Abraham with Green Mountain Club.

Warren. Moderate to difficult. 5.2 miles round
trip. 1600' elevation gain. Mt. Abraham via the

Performing Arts
THEATER, STORYTELLING
& COMEDY

July 1618, 2325, 2830: The Voysey Inheritance. 7:30 p.m. Unadilla Theater, 501 Blachly
Rd., Marshfield. Adults $20; children 12 and
under $10. 456-8968. unadilla@pshift.com.
July 1619: Living Together. A trio of comedies
set over one weekend at a home in the English
countryside. 7:30 p.m. Festival Theater at Unadilla, 501 Blachly Rd., Marshfield. Adults $20;
children 12 and under $10. 456-8968. unadilla@
pshift.com.
July 1619: Baker Street. The Sherlock Holmes
musical. Thurs.Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat. and
Sun. matinee, 2 p.m. QuarryWorks, Haggett
Rd., Adamant. Free. Reservations: 229-6978.
quarryworks.org.
July 17: Stroke Yer Joke. Open-mic standup comedy hosted by Bitsy Biron. Sign up in
advance on Facebook or sign up at the door a
half hour before show time to try five minutes
of your best material before a live audience. 8
p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre.
Free. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com.
espressobueno.com.
July 17, 26: Beautiful Thing. A classic teen
coming-out play by Jonathan Harvey. Part of
the Vermont Pride Theater 5th annual Summer
Festival. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73
Main St., Randolph. Advance tickets: adults $17;
students $12. Day of show: adults $20; students
$15. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.
July 17, 18, 25; Aug. 1: Youre a Good Man,
Charlie Brown. An average day in the life of
Charlie Brown. July 17, 7:30 p.m.; July 18, 25
and Aug. 1, 2 p.m. The Mirror Theater, Town
Hall Green, 81 Lauredon Ave., Greensboro. $10.
533-7487. mirrorarts.org.
July 18: John Epperson: Show Trash. Traces
how a shy, misfit kid from Mississippi came to
reincarnate the glamor goddesses of yesterday in
Eppersons big-city showbiz persona "Lypsinka."
Part of the Vermont Pride Theater 5th annual
Summer Festival. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music
Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. Advance tickets:
adults $17; students $12. Day of show: adults
$20; students $15. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.
July 19, 24: The Kid Thing. Sarah Grubbins
prize-winning play examining the effect on two
lesbian couples of one couples pregnancy. Part of
the Vermont Pride Theater 5th annual Summer
Festival. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73
Main St., Randolph. Advance tickets: adults $17;
students $12. Day of show: adults $20; students
$15. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.
July 22: Extempo. Locals tell short-format,
first-person, true stories live on stage without
any notes or reading. 8 p.m. Fresh Tracks Farm
Vineyard & Winery, 4373 Rt. 12, Berlin.
$5. 223-1151. storytelling@extempovt.com.
extempovt.com.
July 23Aug. 9: Stone. Lost Nation Theater
presents the glorious and gritty story of the
people who shaped Barres granite heritage. This
is the 10th anniversary production of Kim Bents
award-winning play with traditional Italian,
Irish and French-Canadian music and dances.
Thurs., 7 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. and 8

p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Vermont Granite Museum, 7

Jones Brothers Way, Barre. $1530. 229-0492.
lostnationtheater.org.
July 23Aug. 14: Kiss Me Kate. Thurs.Fri., 7:30
p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. The Mirror Theater, Town Hall
Green, 81 Lauredon Ave., Greensboro. $20. 5337487. mirrorarts.org.
July 24: Bueno Comedy Showcase. A dedicated
show of stand-up hosted by Sean Hunter Williams that features four or five talented comics
from here and away. 8:30 p.m. Espresso Bueno,
248 N. Main St., Barre. $6. 479-0896. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
July 25: A Midsummer Night's Dream. The
Kellogg-Hubbard Players present the Shakespeare
play. All ages. 2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org.
July 25: HICK: A Love Story. A moving portrayal
of the little-known relationship between Eleanor
Roosevelt and reporter Lorena Hickok. Part of
the Vermont Pride Theater 5th annual Summer
Festival. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73
Main St., Randolph. Advance tickets: adults $17;
students $12. Day of show: adults $20; students
$15. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.
July 25, 26; Aug. 1, 2: Rapunzel. Children's production of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Sat.,
2 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. QuarryWorks,
Haggett Rd., Adamant. Free. Reservations: 2296978. quarryworks.org.
July 25Aug. 16: Hamlet. Sat.Sun., 7:30 p.m.
The Mirror Theater, Town Hall Green, 81 Lauredon Ave., Greensboro. $20. 533-7487. mirrorarts.
org.
July 26: An Evening with Brian Cox. Cox, winner of the Olivier for his Titus Andronicus for
the Royal Shakespeare Company, will discuss his
experiences performing and teaching Shakespeare
in an interactive evening that begins with the
Greensboro company's production of Hamlet.
7:30 p.m. The Mirror Theater, Town Hall Green,
81 Lauredon Ave., Greensboro. $20. 533-7487.
mirrorarts.org.
July 26: Silents Are Golden. Hosted by Rob
Mermin. A celebration of the greatest films of the
silent film era. Mermin demonstrates the silent
acting styles of the stars with lavish clips from
100 films. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Unadilla Theater,
501 Blachly Rd., Marshfield. Adults $20; youth
$10. 456-8968.
July 26Aug. 16: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern
Are Dead. Inventive tale of Hamlet as told from
the worm's-eye view of the bewildered Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters
in Shakespeare's play. Sun., 2 p.m. The Mirror
Theater, Town Hall Green, 81 Lauredon Ave.,
Greensboro. $20. 533-7487. mirrorarts.org.
July 29: The Mirror Theater: 2015 Gala. Live
event featuring song, theater, dance and some
of the stars of all our shows. Food and drinks
served. All proceeds benefit the Greensboro
Nursing Home. 5:30 p.m. The Mirror Theater,
Town Hall Green, 81 Lauredon Ave., Greensboro. $45. 533-7487. mirrorarts.org.
July 31: poeMUSEic. Bring your poetry, prose, diary entries and more for five minutes at the mic,
backed by an improvising house musician or two.
Or provide your own accompanist(s). Sign up at
the door; hosted by Geof Hewitt. 7 p.m. Espresso
Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896.
events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Aug. 2, 16, 23: Rob Mermin Performs Adventures in Mime & Space. A multi-media tribute
to his mentor, legendary French mime Marcel
Marceau. 7:30 p.m. Unadilla Theater, 501
Blachly Rd., Marshfield. Adults $20; youth $10.
456-8968.
Aug. 5, 14, 21: Rob Mermin Performs Circle
of Sawdust. A one-man, multi-media, autobiographical history of life under canvas in the Big
Top circus world. 7:30 p.m. Unadilla Theater,
501 Blachly Rd., Marshfield. Adults $20; youth
$10. 456-8968.
Aug. 69, 1316: The Trip to Bountiful.
Horton Footes classic drama. Thurs.Sat., 7:30
p.m.; Sat.Sun., 2 p.m. QuarryWorks, Haggett
Rd., Adamant. Free. Reservations: 229-6978.
quarryworks.org.

AUDITIONS

July 18: Midsummer Night's Dream Auditions.

Can we present a Shakespeare play in one week?
Audition on Sat., July 18, learn lines and rehearse
during the week (July 2024, 10 a.m.noon)
and perform the next Saturday! Ages 8+. 11 a.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.

T H E B R I D G E

Calendar of Events

Visual Arts

segregation that still infiltrate present stereotypes. Mon.Fri., 8 a.m.4 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.4
p.m. Norwich University, Sullivan Museum and
History Center, Northfield. 485-2183. academics.norwich.edu/museum/

EXHIBITS

Through July 31: Kinder Arts: Retrospective.

An exhibit celebrating River Arts second year
of bringing weekly visual arts experimentation
to 100 preschoolers in Morrisville and Stowe for
the 20142015 school year. Mon.Thurs., 94
p.m.; Fri., 92 p.m. River Arts Center, Common
Space Gallery, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 8881261. riverartsvt.org.

July 2025: The Paletters of Vermont Summer Art Show. Opening: July 22, 5:307 p.m.
Meet the artists and see their work. Show can
be viewed during regular library hours. Aldrich
Library, Milne Community Room, 6 Washington St., Barre. 454-8616.
Through July 30: River Works. Group show.
Collection of images, colors, textures and
constructions directly inspired by Vermont
rivers and water meditations. River Arts Center,
74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Mon.Thurs., 9
a.m.4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.2 p.m. Free. 888-1261.
riverartsvt.org.
Through July 31: Retrospective of Bill Steinhurst Photography. City Center, 89 Main St.,
Montpelier. artresourceassociation.com.
Through July 5: Frederick Rudi, Three Sheets
and a Shirt. Recent paintings. The Drawing
Board, 22 Main St., Montpelier. 426-3529.
Through July 31: 1865, Out of the Ashes:
Assassination, Reconstruction, and Healing the Nation. Focuses on the aftermath of
the assassination of Pres. Abraham Lincoln,
the rehabilitation of the South and efforts to
unify the country. Museum hours: Mon.Fri., 8
a.m.4 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.4 p.m. Norwich University, Sullivan Museum and History Center,
Northfield. 485-2183. academics.norwich.edu/
museum/
Through July 31: Kara Walker, Juxtaposition,
Contemporary Specters, and Harpers Pictorial History of the Civil War. The artist combined her signature overlays of black silhouettes
with historic lithography to produce poignant
and sharp commentary on stereotypes found
in the nations history of slavery, Jim Crow and
Long Trail from Lincoln Gap. Contact Steve and
Heather for meeting time and place: 609-4249238.
Montpelier Parks Commission Meeting. Focus
on trails, trail conditions and trail potential in the
northern portion of Hubbard Park and in North
Branch Park. The public is invited to walk with
the commission. 6 p.m. Meet at wood pile in the
Stump Dump.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Foot Clinic. Keep your feet healthy. For all

seniors, disabled and veterans. Schedule appointment with CVHHH and they will tell you what
to bring with you. Twin Valley Senior Center,
Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free.
$15 cash or check to CVHHH. 223-3322.
Scenic Design: Backdrops, Props and Costumes. An open set-building, prop-making,
costume-designing workshop. For anyone who
would like to help out creating the scenery for the
performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Ages 8+. Call for time. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org.
Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days
Day 1. July 2226. Rock of Ages tours and sandblast activity, Next Chapter Bookstore sidewalk
sale, art exhibit at SPA, Paletteers art show and
reception, concert in Currier Park. See website for

Through July 31: Barbara Leber, The Long and

Short of It. Paintings. Plainfield Community
Center Gallery (above the Plainfield Coop), 153
Main St., Plainfield. 225-6628. baleber@gmail.
com.
Through July 31: The Front: Early Summer
Show. A show of new work by The Fronts 13
exhibiting members. 6 Barre St., Montpelier.
839-5349. thefrontvt.com.
Through July 31: John Snell, In My Backyard.
37 framed color photographs made in and
around central Vermont over the past several
years. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 229-1751. jrsnelljr@gmail.com.
Through July 31: 4th annual Green Mountain
Watercolor Exhibition. 70 paintings from
55 artists that run the gamut from abstract to
photo-realism. Another 70 paintings have been
included in the Small Works Show. Thurs.Sun.,
noon9 p.m. Lareau Farm, Big Red Barn Gallery, 48 Lareau Rd., Waitsfield. vermontartfest.
com.

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 15

Through Aug. 29: Exhibits at Studio Place

Arts. Reception: July 23, 68 p.m. Gallery
hours: Tues.Fri., 11 a.m.5 p.m.; Sat., noon4
p.m. 479-7069. studioplacearts.com.
Main floor: Strength. A show exploring the
myriad meanings of strength, whether by force
or spirit, involving traditional and nontraditional media.
Second floor: Eleanor Ott, Spirit Images.
Drawings and words.
Third floor: Ruth Hamilton, Nature Scapes
and Other Worlds. Painting, installation and
sculptures.
Through Aug. 30: Elinor Osborn, Photography of Northern Owls. Special talk on July 25.
See listing under Special Events in this section.
Gallery hours: Thurs.Fri., 26 p.m.; Sat.Sun.,
10 a.m.6 p.m. Blinking Light Gallery, 16 Main
St., Plainfield. 454-0141. blinkinglightgallery.
com.
July 25Aug. 31: Mid-Summer Show. New
work by The Front's 13 exhibiting members.
Opening reception: July 25, 48 p.m. 6 Barre
St., Montpelier. 839-5349. glen@thefrontvt.com.
thefrontvt.com.
Through Sept. 15: Art in the Supreme Court:
Marina Epstein. Over 20 years of painting
ranging from Epsteins earliest influences of
surrealism, abstract expressionism, the New
York School and the School of Paris up to her
present work to which an ism has not yet been
identified. 111 State St., Montpelier. 229-6297.
hermitage-gallery.com.

Main Street, the recreation path and at Helen

Day Art Center at 90 Pond St., Stowe. helenday.
com/exposed2015.

SPECIAL EVENTS

July 25: The Paletteers of Vermont Outdoor

Art Show. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Currier Park, Barre.
454-8616.
July 25: Talk: Photography of Northern Owls.
Nature photographer Elinor Osborn will present a slide show and talk about Northern Owls
and how they are best photographed. Refreshments after presentation. 5 p.m. Blinking Light
Gallery, 16 Main St., Plainfield. 454-0141.
blinkinglightgallery.com.
July 26: Caspian Arts 2015 Studio Tour. 16
artists in Greensboro, Craftsbury, Hardwick,
Albany and West Glover. All the usual arts are
represented on the tour, including painting in
various media, quilted fiber art, weaving, pottery, photography, wood carving and jewelry
making. 11 a.m.5 p.m. For more information
and studio tour map: caspianartsvt.com/Events.
html
Aug. 12: On the Way Art Show and Sale.
Whimsical, traditional, intelligent, ethereal
the show brings together art created from
the unique perspective of four Vermont artists
who meet regularly to inspire new ideas and to
critique each others work. Cards, matted art,
framed photography, photo books and more will
be on exhibit. Part of the Vermont Festival of
Arts. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Moretown Town Hall, 994
Rt. 100B, Moretown. 999-7342. onthewayart@
juno.com.

Through Aug. 1: Mitch Smoller. Art photography depicting New England artifacts, landscapes
and architecture. Capitol Grounds Green Bean
Art Gallery, 27 State St., Montpelier.

Through Sept. 30: Tom Leytham, The Other

Working Landscape. Watercolor prints. Opening reception: July 16, 35 p.m. Photo I.D.
required. Gallery hours Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.5
p.m. Pavilion Office Building, Governors Gallery, 109 State St., Montpelier. tomleythamarchitectartist.com.

Through Aug. 10: Marie LaPr Grabon.

Landscapes and collages. Chandlers Downstairs
Gallery, 71-73 Main St., Randolph.

Through Oct. 14: Exposed. Outdoor sculpture

exhibit. 18 monumental sculptures and installations. The art works are installed in Stowe along

details: barreheritagefestival.org.

Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. 2296206. $5 non-members; $3 members and kids.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.

art exhibits at SPA, vendors on Washington

St., community jazzercise, brownie sundae sale,
Starline Rhythm Boys at City Hall Park stage. See
website for details: barreheritagefestival.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

Cool Chemists. Who invented plastic? What

about soda pop? Oxygen? Come to the library
and find out and try some hands-on experiments
with Rebecca Rupp. Ages 4+. 10 a.m. Waterbury
Public Library, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free.
Register: 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.

Embroidery Showcase. With members of the

Green Mountain chapter of the Embroiderers
Guild of America. Just watch, or come and learn a
thing or two. All ages. 10 a.m.noon. Waterbury
Public Library, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free.
244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Bug Walk. Our most abundant group of animals
at NBNC are the insects. Theyre fun to catch,
easy to observe and offer endless opportunities
for new discovery. Bring your net. Arrive any
time between 3:30 and 5 p.m. North Branch
Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. 2296206. $5 non-members; $3 members and kids.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.
Superpowers of Survival with the Vermont
Institute of Natural Sciences. Live animals
with superpowers come to the Jaquith Library.
6:307:30 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122
School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org
Montpelier City Council Meeting. Second and
fourth Wed., 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers,
Montpelier City Hall. 39 Main St., Montpelier.
montpelier-vt.org.
Moth Night. Emeralds, loopers, underwings,
darts, owlets and so many more miraculous
moths will visit our light station as we dazzle in
the dizzying variety of species in celebration of
National Moth Week. 911 p.m. North Branch

Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days

Day 2. July 2226. Visit Vermont Granite Museum, Rock of Ages tours and sandblast activity,
Next Chapter Bookstore sidewalk sale, Lennys
Outlet Store tent sale, Paletteers art show and
reception, art exhibit and reception at SPA, La
Soiree Sucree, Thunder Road race. See website for
details: barreheritagefestival.org.
Green Mountain Care Board Public Meeting.
Hospital budget preliminary look. 14 p.m. City
Center, GMCB board room, 2F, 89 Main St.,
Montpelier. gmcboard.vermont.gov.
Green Mountain Dog Club Monthly Meeting.
Learn about the club and events. All dog lovers
welcome. Fourth Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Commodores
Inn, Stowe. 479-9843 or greenmountaindogclub.
org.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days

Day 3. July 2226. Ethnic heritage food tent,
Rock of Ages tours and sandblast activity, library
book sale, Next Chapter Bookstore sidewalk
sale, Lennys Outlet Store tent sale, visit Vermont
Granite Museum and Vermont History Center,

Send your listing to

calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue is July 30.
Send information for events
happening August 622.

American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors of

all blood types especially those with types O
negative, A negative and B negative are needed
to help ensure blood is available for patients this
summer. 11:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Two locations:
Clear Choice, 798 Rt. 302, Berlin; VFW Post
792, Pioneer St., Montpelier. 1800-RED CROSS.
redcrossblood.org.
Friday Night Group. For youth age 1322 who
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or
questioning. Pizza, soft drinks and conversation.
Cofacilitated by two trained, adult volunteers
from Outright VT. Second and fourth Fri.,
6:308 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. 223-7035. Micah@OutrightVT.
org.
My Favorite Banned Book. Book discussion
for teens and adults. 78 p.m. Cutler Memorial
Library, 151 High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. Free.
cutlerlibrary.org.

PAG E 16 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days

Day 4. July 2226. A variety of activities including library book sale, Barre Rotary breakfast,
Energy Alley, Lennys Outlet Store tent sale, Barre
Lions Club Downtown Tow-Down, Paletteers
art show, Barre Farmers Market, Heritage Car
Show, Next Chapter Bookstore sidewalk sale,
Kids Zone, Vermont History Center tours, Barre
Elks barbecue, Italian Village Dance, chili eating
competition, bath tub race, parade, fireworks and
plenty of music. See website for details and list of
performers: barreheritagefestival.org.
12th annual Onion River Century Ride. This
century ride goes through one of the most scenic
areas of Vermont and is a fun and challenging
ride. Riders can choose from the 110k (68 mile)
Metric Century, full 111 mile Century or the 40
mile Ride. Benefits Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Registration 6:30 a.m.; race starts 8:30 a.m.
Montpelier Recreation Field. Pre-Registration until July 21: $85. Day-of registration: $100. active.
com. onionriver.com. kellogghubbard.org.
American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors of
all blood types especially those with types O
negative, A negative and B negative are needed
to help ensure blood is available for patients this
summer. 11:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Berlin Mall, 282
Berlin Mall Rd., Berlin. 1800-RED CROSS.
redcrossblood.org.
Elmore State Park Outing with Green Mountain Club. Moderate. Rain date: July 26. Spend
all or part of the day hiking, swimming and/or
paddling. Bring your own boat or rent. Potluck
picnic 5 p.m. Come just for the picnic if you wish.
Meet at Elmore State Park. Contact Andrew and
Reidun for details and if you wish to join a hike
up Mount Elmore: 223-3550. Day use fee or
Green Mountain Passport.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days

Day 5. July 2226. RehabGym open house, visit
Vermont Granite Museum, Rock of Ages tour
and sandblast activity, vendors and sidewalk sales,
strolling French mime, 5k trail race, See website
for details: barreheritagefestival.org.

MONDAY, JULY 27

Girls Geek Out Special Edition. Love the society

world portrayed in Jane Austen's novels? We

Calendar of Events

have a game for you! Ages 10+. 1 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.

fourth Tues., 34:30 p.m. 59 N. Main St., Ste.

200, Barre. Free, donations gratefully accepted.
479-0531. cvcoa@cvcoa.org. cvcoa.org.

NAMI Vermont Family Support Group. Support

group for families and friends of individuals living
with mental illness. Fourth Mon., 7 p.m. Central
Vermont Medical Center, room 3, Berlin. 800639-6480 or namivt.org.

Learn to Solder. Create a soldering project to

bring home. Ages 8+. 4 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. PreRegistration required: 223-4665. kellogghubbard.
org.

TUESDAY, JULY 28

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

Bethany Summer Jamboree. Sing and play

instruments with Arthur Zorn. For kids in
kindergartengrade 2. 9:3010:15 a.m. Bethany
Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. Free. Preregistration required: call 223-2424 between 9
a.m. and noon.

American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors of

all blood types especially those with types O
negative, A negative and B negative are needed
to help ensure blood is available for patients this
summer. 10 a.m.3 p.m. McFarland State Office
Building, 5 Perry St., Barre. 1800-RED CROSS.
redcrossblood.org.

Green Mountain Care Board Public Meeting.

July 28 and 29. Vermont Health Connect rate review hearing. 9 a.m.1 p.m. City Center, 89 Main
St., 2F, Montpelier. gmcboard.vermont.gov.

Music and Movement. Create your own superhero costume, create superhero IDs, play villain
games, construct a Minecraft sword and more!
10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main
St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.
org.
Super Heroes that Provide Food. Join Mr. K. as
he dresses up as a beekeeper and opens the inside
of a beehive. Explore the world of a honey bee and
see how they have specific jobs as they grow from
larva to field bee. Ages 4+. 11 a.m. Thatcher Brook
Primary School cafeteria, High St., Waterbury.
Call Waterbury Library to register: 244-7036.
American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors of
all blood types especially those with types O
negative, A negative and B negative are needed
to help ensure blood is available for patients this
summer. 12:306 p.m. Knights of Columbus,
206 Rt. 14S, Hardwick. 1800-RED CROSS.
redcrossblood.org.
Safe Use of the Internet. An educational program to inform seniors about common internet
scams, computer viruses, malware and other
suspicious electronic happenings led by COVE,
the Consumer Assistance Program of the Vermont
Attorney Generals Office and Digi4s Computer
Service. 12:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity
Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; open to the
public. Pre-registration required: 223-2518.
Medicare and You Workshop. New to Medicare?
Have questions? We have answers. Second and

Green Mountain Care Board Public Meeting.

July 28 and 29. Vermont Health Connect rate review hearing. 9 a.m.1 p.m. City Center, 89 Main
St., 2F, Montpelier. gmcboard.vermont.gov.

Warning Signs of Early Alzheimers. Learn the

facts how to begin drug therapy, enroll in
clinic studies. This training will teach you the ten
warning signs and separate myth from reality and
address commonly held fears about this disease
that affects so many people. 1 p.m. Twin Valley
Senior Center, Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
The Waterbury Historical Society Meeting.
Potluck followed by the program The Changing Music Scene of the 1940s by Martin Bryan.
For potluck, bring a hot dish, salad or dessert.
Beverages provided. 6 p.m. Hope Davey Park
picnic shelter, Waterbury Center. Free; open to the
public. 244-7409.
Authors at the Aldrich: Marialisa Calta. Food
and travel writer and author of Barbarians at
the Plate: Taming and Feeding the Modern
American Family. 6 p.m. Aldrich Library, Milne
Community Room, 6 Washington St., Barre.
aldrichpubliclibrary.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

American Red Cross Blood Donation. Donors of

all blood types especially those with types O
negative, A negative and B negative are needed
to help ensure blood is available for patients this
summer. Noon5:30 p.m. Blessed Sacrament
Catholic Church, 728 Mountain Rd., Stowe.
1800-RED CROSS. redcrossblood.org.

THE BRIDGE
Documentary Film Screening: Dark Side of
the Full Moon. Film documents the national
crisis in maternal mental healthcare and the
mothers and change makers on the front lines
of this issue. Informal film discussion follows.
5:30 p.m. Film screening at Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Discussion at
Montpelier Pocket Park, Main St., Montpelier.
goodbeginningsofcentralvt.org.
Montpelier Meeting of the Burlington Writers
Workshop. Free writing workshop in which we'll
discuss work by two of our group's writers. New
members of all skill levels are always welcome.
6 p.m. The North Branch Caf, 41 State St.,
Montpelier. Register: meetup.com/The-Burlington-Writers-Workshop/ (look for date and time of
workshop.)

FRIDAY, JULY 31

Fancy Nancy Party. Dress in your fanciest clothes

for snacks and activities and readings of Fancy
Nancy books! Ages birth8. 10:30 a.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! Make a wand,
try butter beer, become an Animagus and much
more. All ages. 4:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org.
Race to Read Celebration. Join us in waving the
checkered flag for Kyle Streeter and his Number
37, Race to Read, Allen Lumber Street Stock racecar! Celebrate the kids who completed the Race
to Read program and cheer them on as they sign
the hood of Kyles racecar. 6:307:30 p.m. Jaquith
Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free.
426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

National Federation of the Blind, Montpelier

Chapter. First Sat. Lane Shops community room,
1 Mechanic St., Montpelier. 229-0093.
Backpack Long Trail Sections with Green
Mountain Club. Aug. 115. Difficult. Backpack
Divisions 5 to 12 of the Long Trail (Rt. 103 to
Northern Terminus in Canada). Limit: 8 people.
For details, contact Phyllis: 223-0020. Phyllis@
PhyllisRubensteinLaw.comcastbiz.net.
Hike Johnson with Green Mountain Club. Difficult. 12.9 miles. Long Trail from Rt. 15 to Corliss
Camp, and out via Davis Neighborhood Trail.

T H E B R I D G E

Music
VENUES
Charlie-Os World Famous. 70 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
July 16: Don't Cross the Streams, DJ Crucible
(metal)
July 17: Ghostlikkers, Hardcore Sallies (alternative, Punk)
July 18: Drunk and In the Woods (soul R&B)
July 24: Hank West and the Smokin Hots
(country rock)
July 25: Green Mountain Playboys (Cajun)
July 31: Pine Fever (Gypsy rock)
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 4790896. Free/by donation. events@espressobueno.
com. espressobueno.com.
July 18: Z-JAZ (jazz) 7:30 p.m.
July 25: Sugar Moon (alt-country/rock) 7:30
p.m.
Nutty Steph's. 961C U.S. Rt. 2, Middlesex. Free.
229-2090. nightlife@nuttystephs.com. nuttystephs.com.
July 16: 7-10 Solid Gold Sing-along with Jay
Ekis, 6 p.m.midnight. $3.
July 17: Duke Aeroplane and the Wrong Numbers (acoustic guitar) 710 p.m.
July 23: Cooie Sings, 68 p.m.; Abbie Moran
(foxy folk) 811 p.m.
July 24: Jazzyaoke! 7:3010:30 p.m.
July 30: 24 Hours of Bacon or until all the
Bacon Runs Out. See listing under Special
Events in this section.
Sweet Melissas. 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. Free
unless otherwise noted. Other shows TBA. 2256012. facebook.com/sweetmelissasvt.
July 16: Dan Zura, 7:30 p.m.
July 17: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; Stone Cold
Roosters, 9 p.m. $5.
July 18: David Langevin, 5 p.m.; Cookie's Hot
Club, 8 p.m.
July 19: Blue Fox, 6:30 p.m.
July 20: Kelly Ravin, 8 p.m.
July 21: Open Mic Night, 7 p.m.
July 22: D. Davis, 5 p.m.; WingWalker, 8 p.m.
July 24: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; A Fly Allusion,
9 p.m. $5.
July 25: Penny Arcade, 9 p.m. $5.
July 26: Blue Fox, 6:30 p.m.
July 27: Kelly Ravin, 8 p.m.
July 28: Cobalt, 5 p.m.; Open Mic Night, 7
p.m.
July 29: D. Davis, 5 p.m.; Carter Glass, 8 p.m.
July 30: Dave Keller, 7:30 p.m.
Approx. 2800' elevation gain. Route crosses the
Lamoille River bridge and Laraway Mountain.
Car spotting required. Contact Jill for details:
happy.jill.aspinall@gmail.com.
Bird Banding Demonstration. Get a behind
the scenes glimpse of banding in action. Catch,
measure and band a variety of songbirds to study
their survivorship and reproductive success. Anytime between 6:3011 a.m. North Branch Nature
Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. 229-6206. Donations welcome. northbranchnaturecenter.org.
Every Hero Has a Story. Local heroes share their
stories and field your questions. Meet Brian Lindner of the Waterbury Backcountry Rescue Team
and the Mt. Mansfield Ski Patrol. 9 a.m. Waterbury Public Library, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury.
Free. 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.
The Northeast Storytellers. Writers, readers
and appreciators of prose and verse meet regularly
the first Saturday of every month. The public is
welcome to attend and new members are always
encouraged to join. 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. Catamount
Arts, 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury. 751-5432.
brookequillen@yahoo.com.
African Party. Hosted by Paul Thea of WGDRWGDH Goddard College Community Radio.
Dance to African reggae, salsa, zook, coupe
decale, soukouss and more. No alcohol. 7:30 p.m.
Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Rd., Plainfield. By
donation.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2

Hike Morristown with Green Mountain Club.

Moderate. About 6 miles. Beaver Meadow Lodge.
Contact Ken for details: hertzkj@gmail.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 3

Vermont Open Farm Week. Aug. 39. A weeklong celebration of Vermont farms. For list of
participating farms: diginvt.com. 434-2000.
vermontopenfarmweek@gmail.com.

Calendar of Events
July 31: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; Hillside
Rounders, 9 p.m. $5.
Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31
County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.
com.
July 16: Robert Hannan and Sara Grace
July 17: Stovepipe Mountain Band
July 18: Justin Panagutti
July 23: Jennings and McComber
July 24: Marc Delgado
July 25: Peg and Cheryl

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Adamant Music School. 1241 Haggett Rd., Adamant. 229-9297. admin@adamant.org. adamant.
org.
July 22, 24, 29, 31: Artist Participants, 7:30
p.m.
July 19, 26: Artist Participants, 3 p.m.
Aug. 8, 9: Participant concerts for the master
classes with Menaheim Pressler, 7:30 p.m.
Brown Bag Concerts-in-the-Park. Presented by
Montpelier Alive. Christ Church courtyard, 64
State St., Montpelier. Free.
July 16: Patti Casey (folk) noon; Green Mt.
Swing (big band) 6 p.m.
July 23: Michael Arnowitt Trio
July 30: Bramblewood
Aug. 6: Dave Keller
Capital City Band. Every Wednesday on the State
House lawn through Aug 19. Instrument players
are welcome to play with the band. The Capital
City Band is supported in part by the city of
Montpelier Community Arts Fund, The Vermont
Arts Council and the National Endowment for
the Arts. 78 p.m. State House lawn, Montpelier.
Free. 456-7054. Capital City Band on Facebook.
Currier Park. Wed., 7 p.m. Downtown Barre.
facebook.com/barrepartnership
July 22: Still Kickin
July 29: Michele Fay
Aug. 5: Chris Robertson & The Socket Rockets
Gifford Park. Bring lawn chairs and picnic
blankets for an evening of fun and music. 6 p.m.
Gifford Medical Center Park (front lawn), Rt. 12,
Randolph. Free.e
July 21: Dave Keller Band (smooth new jazz)
July 28: Sol Food (New Orleans brass band)
Aug. 4: Jeanne & The Hi-Tops (old time rock
& roll)

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 17

jaquithpubliclibrary.org.
July 16: Dave Keller Band (soul/blues)
July 23: Kick em Jenny (old time string band)
July 30: Myra Flynn (indie/soul)
Aug. 6: Kava Express (rock/soul)
Middlesex Bandstand Concert Series. 6:30
p.m. Andy Shapiro-Martha Pellerin Memorial
Bandstand (next to Rumney School), Shady Rill,
Middlesex. Free.
July 22: Big Hat No Cattle (Western swing)
July 29: Jeremiah McLane, Sarah Blair & Owen
Marshall (Celtic/French/Quebecois)
Aug. 5: Katie Trautz and the Green Mountain
Playboys (Cajun)
Norwich University Carillon Concert Series.
Bring a picnic and lawn chair. Tour the bell tower
and view a demonstration after each performance.
Rain or shine. 1 p.m. Norwich University Upper
Parade Ground, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield.
Free. 247-9873.
July 18: John Widmann (municipal carillonneur)
July 25: Sergei Gratchev (Belgian Carillon
School)
Aug. 1: Elena Sadina (Belgian Carillon School)

SPECIAL EVENTS
July 16: Dare to be Square Dance. Montpelier's
monthly square dance. Kick 'Em Jenny plays and
Jenny Monfore calls. 7:3010:30 p.m. American
Legion Post #3, 21 Main St., Montpelier. $5.
793-4650.
July 16, 18: Elle Carpenter. Central Vermont native Carpenter returns home to celebrate her third
recording Life Just Happens to You. 8 p.m. July
16: Bees Knees, 82 Lower Main St., Morrisville.
454-7303. music.elle@gmail.com.
July 18: Lewis Franco & The Brown Eyed Girls.
4 p.m. Middlesex Bandstand, Shady Rill, Middlesex. lewisfranco.com.
July 18: The Twangtown Paramours. Acoustic Americana/folk husband-and-wife duo. 8
p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $20 advance; $25 at door.
760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org.
July 19: Sounds of Spirit Concert. Live Didgeridoo, crystal singing bowls, hand percussion, flute,
tambura, shruti box and overtone singing while
laying down. 79 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. $35. samarahealingcenter.
com/registration/

Jaquith Public Library. The gazebo at 122

School St., Marshfield. If raining: indoor space
at Old Schoolhouse Common. Free. 426-3581.

July 19: Benefit Concert for Adamant Community Center. Music by Patti Casey, Susannah
Blachly, Tom McKenzie and Lewis Franco &

Parent Meet-Up. Come meet other parents, share

information and chat over light snacks, coffee
and tea. First Mon., 1011:30 a.m. Hayes Room,
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. mamasayszine@gmail.com.

Hannah Allen. First Tues., 68 p.m. Emerge

Midwifery and Family Health, 174 River St.,
Montpelier.

Classic Book Club. New members always welcome. Most first Mon., 68 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151 High St. (Rte. 2), Plainfield. Free.
454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org/resources/bookclub.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4

ADA Advisory Committee Meeting. First Tues.

City managers conference room, City Hall, 39
Main St., Montpelier. 223-9502.
Bethany Summer Jamboree. Sing and play
instruments with Arthur Zorn. For kids in
kindergartengrade 2. 9:3010:15 a.m. Bethany
Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. Free. Preregistration required: call 223-2424 between
9 a.m. and noon.
Vermont Buy Local Market. Featuring Vermont
producers selling their products and organizations sharing information about their work with
consumers. Hosted by the Vermont Agency of
Agriculture with support from the Capital City
Farmers Market and NOFA-VT. 10 a.m.1 p.m.
State House lawn, State St., Montpelier. 5051822.
Science Storytime. Explore different fields of
science with engaging stories and a fun craft. Ages
birth8. 10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org.
Candy Making. Have you ever seen how candy is
made? Make some chocolate candy of your own!
We will supply materials and ideas. You bring creativity and an appetite. Ages 10+. 4 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Womens Circle. Women and mothers discuss
motherhood, family life and womens health.
Hosted by midwives Chelsea Hastings and

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5

Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. First Wed., 10 a.m.Noon. Barre Presbyterian Church, Summer St. 476-1480.
Poetry Hike with Green Mountain Club.
Washington. Easy. 3 hours. Crosses hayfields,
through woods, high meadows with views from
Killington to Mansfield. End in the "sacred circle"
with a few minutes of silence. Wear hiking boots
and bring at least one poem with focus on trees.
Bring lunch. Meet at 10:30 a.m. Contact George
for meeting place: 883-2313 or plumb.george@
gmail.com
Cancer Support Group. First Wed., 6 p.m.
Potluck. For location, call Carole MacIntyre
229-5931.
Authors at the Aldrich: Roberta Harold. Mystery novelist and author of Murdered Sleep and
Heron Island. 6 p.m. Aldrich Library, Milne
Community Room, 6 Washington St., Barre.
aldrichpubliclibrary.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

MBAC Meeting. Meeting of the Montpelier

Bicycle Advisory Committee. First Thurs., 8 a.m.
Police Station Community Room, 534 Washington St., Montpelier. 262-6273.
Wacky Science Experiments! Try chromatography, a density column and more as we turn the
library to laboratory. Ages 5+. 10 a.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Diabetes Support Group. First Thurs., 78 p.m.
Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical
Center. 371-4152.

The Brown Eyed Girls; poetry by Geof Hewitt. 7

p.m. Maple Corner Community Center, village
of Maple Corner, Calais. Adults $15; children 12
and under free. 454-7103.
July 21: Bramblewood. Carol Hausner, Danny
Coane and Colin McCaffrey. Three of Vermont's
seasoned and critically acclaimed Americana
roots musicians. 78 p.m. Cabot Public Library,
Main St., Cabot. 563-2721. carolhausner.com/
bramblewood.htm
July 21: Chaise Lounge. Jazz, lounge, swing, pop.
Part of Summer Music from Greensboro. 8 p.m.
Greensboro Arts Alliance performance tent. Free.
July 24: Three Waterbury Center Hometown
Boys. George Woodard (music/comedy), Jimmy
T. (outlaw rock/country) and Mike Woodard (old
country). Rain or shine. 5:309:30 p.m. Hope
Davey Field, Waterbury Center. $10. Benefits
the Waterbury Center Community Church and
Waterbury Senior Center. 244-1234.
July 24: Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds.
With Vicious Gift. 9:30 p.m. Vermont College
of Fine Arts, College Hall Chapel, College St.,
Montpelier. $15. vcfa.eventbrite.com.
July 28: Village Harmony. Teen world-music
singing ensemble. Program includes an eclectic
mix of traditional and composed music, with
folk songs from South Africa, Caucasus Georgia,
Russia, and Albania, American shape-note, gospel
quartet and labor songs. 7:30 p.m. Unitarian
Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. Adults $10;
students and seniors $5. 426-3210.
July 28: Carpe Diem String Quartet. Gypsy,
tango, folk, pop, rock and jazz-inspired. Part
of Summer Music from Greensboro. 8 p.m.
Greensboro United Church of Christ. Adults $20;
children 18 and under free
July 30: 24 Hours of Bacon or until all the
Bacon Runs Out. Last Bacon Thursday at Nutty
Stephs. 10 a.m.noon, Jazzyaoke with Z Jazz;
noon3 p.m., more music; 3:455 p.m., John
Luce; 5:156:45 p.m., Art Hertua; 79:45 p.m.,
Cookies Hot Club; 1011:30 p.m., Two Cents in
the Till; 11:30 p.m.12:30 a.m., Andric Severance; 12:302:30 a.m., Soulstice and Tomasas
Rum Bath. Nutty Stephs, 961C U.S. Rte. 2,
Middlesex. 229-2090. nightlife@nuttystephs.
com. nuttystephs.com.
Aug. 2: Mark Mulcahy. With Anachronist. 8 p.m.
Vermont College of Fine Arts, College Hall Chapel, College St., Montpelier. $18. vcfa.eventbrite.
com.
Aug. 4: Axiom Brass Quartet. Part of Summer Music from Greensboro. 8 p.m. Greensboro
United Church of Christ. Adults $20; children 18
and under free.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

Engineering Story Time. Rosie Revere is an

engineer and so are you! Learn about engineering through a fun project. Ages 5+. 10:30 a.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Death Caf. Group discussion about death with
no agenda, objectives or themes. First Fri., 11:45
a.m.1 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2,
Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Bring your
own lunch or eat at the center for $4. 223-3322.
Tom Joyce, That Funny Magic Guy. Joyce
brings books, heroes and magic together. 6:30
7:30 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St.,
Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.
org.
Coffeehouse. Enjoy live music and share your
own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages.
First Fri., 79 p.m. Trinity United Methodist
Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier (park and enter
at rear). Free. 244-5191, 472-8297 or rawilburjr@
comcast.net.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

Vintage Trailer Conference. A day-long event

where national, regional and local Vermont
tourists and cult trailer enthusiasts will have a
chance to explore Montpeliers historic streets and
area businesses by touring 4060 vintage trailers
from the 1940s to the 1970s parked in downtown
Montpelier. 223-9604. events@montpelieralive.
org.
Osteoporosis Education and Support
Group. For those who have been diagnosed
with osteoporosis or osteopenia, have a family member who has been diagnosed or want to
learn about osteoporosis. Learn from a variety of
guest speakers and medical specialists. First Sat.,
13 p.m. Community National Bank, Community Room, Crawford Rd., Derby. 535-2011.
mary@betterbonesnek.org. betterbonesnek.org.

PAG E 18 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

Weekly Events
ART & CRAFT
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Noontime Knitters. All abilities welcome. Basics
taught. Crocheting, needlepoint and tatting also
welcome. Tues., noon1 p.m. Waterbury Public
Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. 244-7036.
Women Knitting for Peace Group. Knit/crochet
items to be donated to those in need world-wide.
Bring yarn and needles. Thurs., 1011 a.m. and
67:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center,
58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518. For basic
info. and patterns: knitting4peace.org.

Calendar of Events

Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.

Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds
benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
suggested donation; under 60 $9. Reservations:
262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.

English Conversation Practice Group. For

students learning English for the first time. Tues.,
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St.
223-3403.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading
and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
100 State St. 223-3403.

BUSINESS, FINANCE,
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION
Computer and Online Help. One-on-one computer help. Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.1 p.m. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury.
Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
Personal Financial Management Workshops.
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building
and repair, budgeting and identity theft, insurance, investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m.
Central Vermont Medical Center, Conference
Room 3. Registration: 371-4191.

FOOD & DRINK

Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.
Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
a.m.1 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m.
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11
a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
4:305:30 p.m.
Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.

RECYCLING

Read to Clara. Sign up for a 20-minute slot and

choose your books beforehand to read to this
special canine pal. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665
or at the childrens desk. kellogghubbard.org.

Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables Collection Center accepts scores of hardto-recycle items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon6 p.m.;
Third Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North
Main St., Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.

Barre Farmers Market. May 16Oct. 17.

Every Wed., 37 p.m.; every Sat., 9 a.m.1 p.m.
Vermont Granite Museum, 7 Jones Brothers Rd.,
Barre. barrefarmersmarketvt.com.
Capital City Farmers Market. 53 farmers, food
producers and craftspeople. Every Sat. through
Oct. 31. 9 a.m.1 p.m. 60 State St., Montpelier.
capitalcityfarmersmarket.com.

Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to

create and play. All ages. Thurs., 34:30 p.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BICYCLING

Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and

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

229-9151. For daily events and special trips:

basementteencenter.org

Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and

share quality time with the pre-schooler in your
life. Each week well read stories and spend time
together. A great way to introduce your preschooler to your local library. For ages 25. Every
Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151
High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.

Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place

for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Fri., 46
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre
67:30 p.m.
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.

BOOKS & WORDS

THE BRIDGE

Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.

Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.; Mon. and Wed.,
5:306:30 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.
Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
montpelier-vt.org.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m.
Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier.
552-3483.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program for physically, emotionally and spiritually
overcoming overeating. Two meeting days and
locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and Sat.,
8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Good
Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249-3970.
Every Fri., noon1 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115
Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079.
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Thurs., 25 p.m. 58 East State St., Ste. 3
(entrance at back), Montpelier. Free. 371-6222.
vtcares.org.

KIDS & TEENS

Baby & Toddler Story Time. Every Mon., 10
a.m. Waterbury Public Library temporary location, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036.
waterburypubliclibrary.com.
The Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in
space to hang out, play games and eat free food.
Summer hours: Mon.Fri., 15 p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier.

Onion River Exchange Tool Library. 80 tools

both power and manual. Wed., 46 p.m.; Sat.,
911 a.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959.
info@orexchange.com.

SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY

Robins Nest Nature Playgroup. Playgroup for

parents, caregivers, and children ages birth5.
Spontaneous play, exploration, discovery, song,
nature inspired crafts and story telling. Every
Fri., 9:3011:30 a.m. North Branch Nature
Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. Free. 229-6206.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.

Womens Group. Women age 40 and older

explore important issues and challenges in their
lives in a warm and supportive environment. Facilitated by psychotherapist Kathleen Zura. Every
Mon., 5:307:30 p.m. 41 Elm St., Montpelier.
223-6564. Insurances accepted.

Preschool Story Time. Every Fri., 10 a.m.

Waterbury Public Library temporary location,
30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036.
waterburypubliclibrary.com.

SPIRITUALITY

Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative

exploratory arts program with artist/instructor
Kelly Holt. Age 35. Fri., 10:30 a.m.noon.
Early Bird Bone Builders Class. With Cort
Richardson. Osteoporosis exercise and prevention River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville.
888-1261. RiverArtsVT.org.
program. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy
shoes. Light weights provided or bring your own. Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen
All ages. Every Mon., Wed. and Fri., 7:308:30
books, use the gym, make art, play games and if
a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. 2, Blueberry you need to, do your homework. Fri., 35 p.m.
Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. Cort: 223-3174
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshor 238-0789.
field. 426-3581.
Bone Building Exercises. All seniors welcome.
Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 10:4511:45 a.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.

RESOURCES

Musical Story Time. Join us for a melodious

good time. Ages birth6. Sat., 10:30 a.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.

MUSIC & DANCE

Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal. Find your voice with 50 other women.
Mon., 7 p.m. Alumni Hall, Barre. 223-2039.
BarretonesVT.com.
Silent Feature Films at Unadilla Theater. Hosted by Rob Mermin. Every Mon. through Aug.
24. 7:30 p.m. Unadilla Theater, 501 Blachly Rd.,
Marshfield. Free. For list of film titles:
robmermin@gmail.com
Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60
Band. Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the
1960s. Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.
noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
Shape Note Sing at Bread and Puppet. Early
American 4-Part Hymns in the fa-sol-la-mi tradition. All welcome, no experience necessary. Every
Tues. through Aug. 27. 7:30 p.m. Bread and
Puppet Farm, Paper Mach Cathedral, Rt. 122,
Glover. Free. 525-6972.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
information.
Piano Workshop. Informal time to play,
refresh your skills and get feedback if desired
with other supportive musicians. Singers and
listeners welcome. Thurs., 45:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to the public. 223-2518.
msac@montpelier-vt.org.
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St. 223-2518.
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.
light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.

OUTDOORS
Tuesday Morning Nature Walks. with Marianne Kotch and Suzy Klinefelter. Every Tues.
through Sept. 29. 9 a.m. Meet at Barre Town
Forest kiosk, 44 Brook St., Websterville. 4764185. mkotch731@gmail.com.
Summer Bird Walk Series. Nesting activity is
picking up. Observe the fascinating behaviors
of our breeding birds. Walks are at a variety of local hot spots. June 19: Berlin Pond.
Fri., 7 a.m.8:30 a.m. $10; free for members.
northbranchnaturecenter.org.

Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited

to visit the Reading Room and see what we
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
room. When we are closed, we have free literature
out on the portico, over the bench, for you to
read or take with you. Hours: Tues., 11 a.m.5
p.m.; Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.Sat., 11
a.m.1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier. 223-2477.
A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. 279-1495.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only: 4790302.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those
interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St.,
Barre. Register: 479-3253.
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish
spirituality. Sun., 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning
for Learning Center, Montpelier. 223-0583.
info@yearning4learning.org.

SPORTS & GAMES

Roller Derby Open Recruitment and Recreational Practice. Central Vermonts Wrecking
Doll Society invites quad skaters age 18 and up.
No experience necessary. Equipment provided:
first come, first served. Sat., 56:30 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre St. First skate
free. centralvermontrollerderby.com.

YOGA & MEDITATION

Christian Meditation Group. People of all faiths
welcome. Mon., noon1 p.m. Christ Church,
Montpelier. 223-6043.
Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.
Wed., 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier.
Free. Call for orientation: 229-0164.
Shambhala Buddhist Meditation. Group meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Tues., 78
p.m.; Wed., 67 p.m. New location: Center for
Culture and Learning, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137. montpeliershambala.org.
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.

Submit your calendar listing by using

our online submission form at
montpelierbridge.com/
calendar-submissions
~OR~
send listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue is July 30.
Send information for events
happening August 622.

The Bridge publishes every

1st and 3rd Thursday,
except in July when we
will only publish on
the 3rd Thursday.

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 19

T H E B R I D G E

SERVICES:

OFFICE SPACE
AVAILABLE:

ROOFING AND ROOF REPAIRS

AL SMITH LLC

LEASING PRIME MONTPELIER

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Can subdivide. 508-259-7941.

Residential and Flat Roof Experts

Roofing since 1978
Shingles, rubber, slate, metal
Free estimates. Fully insured.
10% senior citizen discount.
Call 223-1116
alsmithroofing.com

Text-only class listings

and classifieds are 50
words for $25.
To place an ad,
call Michael,
223-5112 ext. 11.

T&T Truck for Hire

New Construction
Renovations
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Kitchens Bathrooms Flooring

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Tiling Cabinetry Fine Woodwork

Tell them
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RecyclE

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223-3447

This Paper!

PAG E 2 0 J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015

Opinion

THE BRIDGE

Public Service Board Hearing Process a Sham

by Walter Amses

hroughout history, from the Greek

city-states to 19th century union
busting, divide and conquer has
been employed as a strategy for concentrating and maintaining power. The theory is simple yet highly effective: Isolate
small factions of the opposing force and
crush them individually with overwhelming force. The tactic becomes even more
torturous when highly trained soldiers are
replaced by highly paid attorneys.
A 21st-century version of this plan has
played out over the last several years in
Vermont as VTel systematically destroys
the aesthetics of neighborhood after neighborhood, marching toward their goal of
180 communications towers across the state
before their corporate welfare dries up. The
result is that legendary natural beauty is
sacrificed on an altar of corporate greed.

ostensibly for the public good as such

designations are interpreted by the Public
Service Board. That it is unnecessary is evidently of no concern to the board.
During an especially vicious, late spring
infestation of black flies, members of the
North Calais Neighborhood Coalition and
landowners abutting the proposed tower
site, planted their gardens while coming to
grips with an approval process so weighted
in the utilitys favor that there appeared to
be more rules governing the participation of
citizens than for the actual construction of
an industrial-strength facility on an otherwise pristine ridgeline.

home through the length of our state.

Although there were towers throughout
New Hampshire and Massachusetts (noticed more readily when one is headed your
way), I was still appalled at the number of
not only towers, but solar arrays and wind
farms popping up with shocking regularity
on the almost three-hour Vermont leg of
the journey.

months of jumping through an almost

incomprehensible sequence of legalistic
hoops before someone at the Public Service
Board will even consider reading my input.
All of my neighbors had similar experiences. As weve become more collectively
distraught over a process that essentially
says you get to talk but they are under
absolutely no obligation to listen, we feel
Town by town, facility by facility, Vermont increasingly isolated and alone.
taxpayers are forced to wage individual and The sad irony, of course, is that other small
largely futile battles to protect their neigh- towns throughout the state are facing the
borhoods because traditional protections same ongoing nightmare scenario as we
zoning regulations, town plans and local are: hearings wherein no one is listengovernment have been rendered moot ing; a decidedly undemocratic democracy;
via Catch-22 ... sorry, I meant Section 248. representatives who dont actually represent
More of a subterfuge than a law, 248 out- anyone; regulations that do not regulate;
lines how parties may provide testimony and community participation that is as
and participate while at the same time irrelevant as trying to make your getaway
insuring that the Public Service Board need on a hamster wheel. Kafka would be proud.
only go through the rudimentary motions Walt Amses is a writer, former educator and
before rubber stamping whatever project is the vice president of the North Calais Neighat hand.
borhood Coalition.

My own summer fantasy began somewhere

back in February. Then, as our transition
from hubcap-deep mud to flesh-eating bugs
came and went, my vision went with it,
losing more of its cachet the closer we got
Neighbors on a stretch of Bayne Comolli to actual summer, as towers like insects
Road in North Calais are submerged by loomed wherever I was, whatever I was
the increasing likelihood that at some doing.
point in the near future, construction will A solstice road trip found us motoring My personal learning curve has in- Editors Note: Edited for length
begin on a 140-foot communication tower,
creased exponentially during the last few

Co-op Reaches Labor Pact

Ponders Workplace Gains
by Kari Bradley, general manager Hunger Mountain Cooperative

Opinion

I am proud to work for Hunger Mountain Cooperative, a retail business with a powerful mission. For our nearly 43 years, a key element of
that mission has been providing meaningful
employment: good jobs that help people in our
community meet their financial and professional
development goals. The co-op recently reached
agreement with our employees union on a new two-year labor contract helping us to
continue to provide the Vermont livable wage, excellent benefits and workplace rules that
work for everyone. It is gratifying to have a new contract, but the responsibility of being
a great place to work for our 170-plus employees certainly doesnt end there.
Each year since 2010, The co-op has conducted a survey to gauge employee perceptions
and satisfaction and identify areas of focus for our business planning. We use a combination of quantitative and open-ended comment questions and all rating questions were
indicate the degree I agree with the statement-type with one being strongly disagree
and five being strongly agree. This years results were quite similar to the 2014 survey.
The highest scores again came in the areas of the employee understanding of the co-ops
mission and the co-op having a positive role in the community. We saw nice improvements in perceptions of our training program and the encouragement of high work
standards. Consistent with past surveys, employees gave relatively high marks for fair
compensation (4.0 average from staff/4.6 from managers) and flexibility to balance work
with personal lives (4.0/4.5).
Of the 56 total questions, six received a failing grade (defined as an average of 3.25 or
less, with the exception of 3.75 for questions dealing with harassment or discrimination).
From these low scores, it remains clear that internal communication and conflict resolution remain primary cultural challenges for co-op employees. For example, As a group,
the co-op's staff uses open and honest communication to talk directly with one another
received the lowest average rating with 2.9 for staff and 3.2 from managers. Many of the
comments provided highlight the critical need to improve communication and conflict
resolution between our employees union and our management team.
The implications for our business plan were fairly clear. To improve employee satisfaction, we need to address communication and conflict resolution. Our Go Direct program, which calls for us to address issues openly, respectfully and promptly, is designed
to help, but we will need more time and practice. From continued training in workplace
communication and conflict resolution to casual conversations during the work day, we
will continue to focus on solving workplace problems collaboratively and working toward
providing great service to our coworkers as well as our members and customers.
Despite our efforts to offer more trainings and professional development, there appear
to be too few perceived opportunities for growth amongst staff. This is likely related to
our low rate of turnover (17 percent last year), especially in positions at the higher pay
grades and in management and professional/skilled positions. If positions are not coming
available due to turnover or growth of the co-op, a key challenge is to offer meaningful
professional development in other ways.
Our co-op exists to meet the needs of our many stakeholders: owners, vendors and employees included. We have much to offer employees: dynamic work for fair compensation
and a meaningful mission serving a great community. As we begin a new fiscal year, it
is my hope and expectation that the Co-op will continue to make improvements as a
workplace and be an employer that owners and employees alike can be proud of.

J U LY 16 AU G U S T 5 , 2 015 PAG E 21

T H E B R I D G E

Thanking Our Many Friends

by Nat Frothingham

Editorial

am writing this note on behalf of our staff and

board of directors at The Bridge to express our
thanks to the many people who came together to
give us a great benefit shindig at the world famous
Charlie Os in downtown Montpelier on July 10.

Charlie Os is a place where everyone is welcome:

young, old, rich, poor, near-rich, near-poor or just happy to be alive. Such was the spirit
of open-hearted acceptance that gave us such a great time on July 10 and we thank everyone who came out to the party, hung out at the bar, bought a raffle ticket, listened
to Beatles music or in the easy relaxation of the evening came for a few minutes and
left or came and stayed or left and came back again.
The benefit was a success with almost $2,000 raised to benefit The Bridge. Thanks then
to our hosts: Jesse Jacobs and the staff at Charlie Os and talented instrumentalists and
singers that brought back the excitement of the 1960s Beatles era.
Thanks also to Glenn Sturgis and Capital Copy for printing our posters and flyers.
And thanks to Joanne Crowley-Watkins and Judy Greenwald for helping us promote the
Charlie Os event at the July 4 Montpelier Farmers Market.
In addition to a couple of us from The Bridge, Oliver Puig from the College of Fine Arts,
City Manager Bill Fraser and Chef Louis Gerin (and his distinctly French car) created
a poster not unlike the record cover from the Beatles last hit album Abbey Road, released in September, 1969.
One highlight from the July 10 evening was the auction of a rare Curt Gunther photo of
the four Beatles in a plush car on their way to or from a performing gig as part of their
1964 USA coast-to-coast tour. At least two or three bidders seriously wanted that Curt
Gunther photo which drove up the final auction bid.
That auction and a spirited raffle added materially to the financial success of the evening. Raffle item donors were: Cabot Cheese; Eat More Kale (Bo Muller-Moore);
Unjeans Leggings; Auto Craftsmen; Nutty Stephs; Cathy Hartshorn; Alison Signorino:
T&T Truck for Hire; Green Mountain Life Coarching; Integrative Acupuncture; Adamant Sugarhouse; and Michael Jermyn.
Food for the event was made possible through the generosity of Sharon Allen and Peter
Foote at Uncommon Market. Also through the generosity of Chef Justin Turcotte who
is the creative force behind FEAST, the senior nutrition program operating out of the
Montpelier Senior Activity Center a three-way partnership between Just Basics Inc.,
Good Taste Catering and the MSAC.

At Press Time: Two items from the Old Labor Hall in downtown Barre
In the news and good news at that Carolyn Shapiro writes that the Barre Historical Society has recently been awarded a $10,000 grant to help with the renovation of the
Union Cooperative Bakery renamed the Rise Up Bakery, part of the Old Labor Hall
in Barre. The grant is from the Bay and Paul Foundation and will support the handson work of youth (through YouthBuild) to re-do the roof at the bakery. Participating
youth will also learn about the struggles and achievement of the Italian granite workers
who built the bakery in 1913. Work on replacing the roof will begin this summer in late
August.
Also at the Old Labor Hall (46 Granite St. in downtown Barre) is an upcoming July 31
(7:30 p.m.) Joe Hill 100 Roadshow Concert. The concert commemorates the 100th anniversary of Joe Hills execution by a Utah firing squad for two murders it is very likely
that Joe Hill never committed. According to concert organizers, There is little doubt
today that Hill was framed for the crimes because he was a foreinger and a well-known
activist. The concert will feature labor, political and protest songs popularized by such
folk song greats as Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Arlo Guthrie and others. Performers at
the concert are touring folk musicians Charlie King, Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner
who perform as Magpie also George Mann as well as the local duo Anything
Goes and local performers Mark Greenberg and Ben Koenig. For more information
and reservations go to oldlaborhall.org, email info@oldlaborhall.org or call 479-5600.

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P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601

Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
Managing Editor: Carla Occaso
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Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
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Copyright 2015 by The Bridge

THE BRIDGE

Letters
Do You Know Your
Council Members?
Editor:
Why do Montpeliers taxes keep rising? Consider the main issues discussed at council
meetings and who comprises the council:
NetZero and energy sources, parking in regards to emissions and the impact of increasing numbers of vehicles downtown and
in residential neighborhoods, enticing businesses, except when another lodging concern
is suggested, also school budgets and public
safety issues.
Now consider these issues and the appearance of conflicts of interest on this council.
Definition of conflict of interest in the dictionary is the circumstance of a public office
holder whose personal interest might benefit
from their official actions or influence. The
mayor is a financial lobbyist, one member
is a city teacher, one works for a solar company, another married into a family that
has influenced the business community for
generations, another a former employee of
the police department. The District 3 councilman has a contract with the city, which is
coming up shortly for renewal. Why doesnt
the city consider contracting with Capstone?
This councilman runs four vehicles adding
to parking issues and emissions! He doesnt
even list his actual address on the city web-

site. Where is the transparency in that? Then

there is the one non-elected member with
a salary of $104,000-plus a year. The city
manager, who oversaw the faulty appraisal
that cost the city thousands and was also part
of the cover up of the large overpayment to
a contractor.
You should be concerned whether you own
or rent in this city. Their actions are reaching
into your wallets. Do these people represent
your values or your pocketbook in Montpelier? Watch the council meetings. Residents
need to now start asking new people to run
for council next March. Do you really know
your council members?
William Carpenter
Montpelier

VTrans, DPW, Thank You for

Fixing the Roads
Editor:
I'm writing to express my thanks for a variety of recent improvements that benefit
bicyclists in and around Montpelier. Significant pavement patching has been done
to Northfield Street to reduce the number of
holes and large cracks that were dangerous
for bicyclists. Similar pavement patches have
been applied to Barre Street between Sabin's
Pasture and Granite Street, greatly reducing the hazard to bicyclists on this curve
in the road. Route 12 from Montpelier to
Northfield now features many stretches of
fresh pavement spanning the entire width of
the road, including the shoulders. This work
has transformed the experience of bicycling

to Northfield. I no longer need to hold my

breath for much of the distance, fearing all
the broken pavement. My appreciation goes
to VTrans, the Public Works Departments
in Montpelier, Berlin, and Northfield, and
all the individuals who played a role in facilitating these improvements. Finally, I thank
the Vermont State Employees Credit Union
for being responsive and replacing a poorlydesigned bicycle rack at its main branch in
downtown Montpelier with a well-designed
one. All of the above improvements greatly
enhance the experience of bicycling and are
much appreciated.
Nancy Schulz
Montpelier

Loved The Breeze

Editor:
What a fantastic first issue of The Breeze. I
picked it up yesterday and have already read
it cover to cover. I loved it!
Linda Workman
What Do You Think?
Read something that you would like to
respond to? We welcome your letters
and opinion pieces. Letters must
be fewer than 300 words. Opinion
pieces should not exceed 600 words.
The Bridge reserves the right to edit
and cut pieces. Send your piece to:
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue is
July 31.

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THE BRIDGE

The Bridge publishes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month,
except in July when we publish only on the 3rd Thursday.
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