Connecting Montpelier and nearby communities since 1993 | JUNE 28JULY 18, 2012

DECLARING
INDEPENDENCE
Local Viewpoints & Local Celebrations

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Independence Day preview starts on page 4

FIREWORKS IN MONTPELIER. PHOTO BY MICHAEL T. JERMYN.

The Bridge P.O. Box 1143 Montpelier, VT 05601

PAG E 2 J U N E 28 J U LY 18 , 2012

THE BRIDGE

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STREET
couple of weeks ago, Vermonts Grace Potter returned to her high school, Harwood Union, to celebrate the impact her music teacher had on her life. We learned, subsequent to that well-publicized visit, that Potter then went on the road with musician Kenny Chesney and talked to him about her experience at Harwood Union. Apparently her tale was convincing enough that Harwoods principal was informed last week that the school was due to receive a new baby grand piano Monday, June 25, courtesy of Chesney, at Potters behest.

HEARD ON THE
Potter Piano

he American Red Cross has advised that its blood supply is low, with half the readily available blood products on hand now than this time last year. It says it needs all blood types, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative. It conjectures that the blood and blood products shortage is due to an early start to spring and the mid-week July 4 holiday, both of which bring fewer donors to give blood. Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications for the Red Cross Blood Services Northeast Division, points out that blood needs cannot be postponed, and that we have reached an emergency situation, and the blood will not be there without the immediate response of volunteer blood donors. The Northern New England region wants to collect 8,300 blood units over the next two weeks and is adding emergency blood drives and extending blood drive hours. Eligible donors are asked to call . . . 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments. all items by Bob Nuner

Blood Supply Emergency

ust before the rains, I watched again at dusk and was able to get a flash-assisted photograph of one of a flock of mysterious gold-and-black hovering insects. Off it went to Trish Hanson, the Vermont state entomologist, and back came the answer. We had witnessed a mating lek of female long-tailed dance flies. The description has its charm: Females prepare for crepuscular dances by inflating orange-yellow abdominal sacs that will combine with her outstretched and feathered legs to give her as large a presence as possible in the all-female swarm. Males arrive in the swarm with a precious prey item, choosing the biggest, most fecund-looking female. So this has been going on all these years, each June evening? Wow! Nona Estrin

Nature Watch
Corrections

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n Berlin Pond Perspectives, in our last issue, we incorrectly identified Bryan Pfeiffers town of residence. It is Montpelier. Also, there was an error in his quote about Berlin Pond usage. It should have read, So might we leave just a few ponds in Vermont without boats or anglers or even bird watchers along every inch of shoreline? The Bridge regrets the errors. An opinion by David Dobbs, The Philosophical Exemption Is A Menace, in our June 21 issue, misstated the status of this springs legislative bills regarding vaccine exemption. In fact, the bill that first passed the Senate in March, S.199, which proposed to eliminate the philosophical exemption, got merged later on in conference with the much different bill passed in the house, H.157and in doing so, went from banning the exemption to allowing it. That combined bill was passed by both chambers and signed by the governor. In the end, it affirms the exemption but establishes some new programs collecting vaccination and exemption rates, and assigns a study group to figure out how to accommodate kids who are made vulnerable by those taking the exemption. Bill information can be found at leg.state.vt.us.

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 Phone: 802-223-5112 | Fax: 802-223-7852 montpelierbridge.com; facebook.com/montpelierbridge Published every first and third Thursday
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PAG E 4 J U N E 28 J U LY 18 , 2012

THE BRIDGE

DECLARING
INDEPENDENCE:

CALAIS: JULY 7

EVENTS

Here in Washington County, we take more than one day to celebrate the anniversary of our nations independence. From Friday, July 29, in Waterbury to Saturday, July 7, in Calais, central Vermonters put on a host of events ranging from the traditional parade, chicken barbeque and fireworks to more unusual happenings, like a Civil War encampment, a bocce-ball tournament and a Democracy Tent. Read on for the scoop on this most American of holidays in Cabot, Calais, Montpelier, Roxbury, Stowe, Warren, Waterbury and Worcester. In addition to the town events, the Thunder Road SpeedBowl will have fireworks on Thursday, July 5.

alais resident Chris Miller, who hosts some of the towns Independence Day festivities, notes the small-town, home-spun nature of this event: The parade goes from Curtis Pond to the Maple Corner Store, turns around, and passes itself, returning to Curtis Pond. The whole parade is an eighth of a mile long, including doubling back. Calaiss low-key community celebration is set for Saturday, July 7. It starts with the doubling-back parade at 3 p.m. and also includes other afternoon festivities. Therell be things to do for kids, a bocce-ball tournament, and, after appetites have worked up from the tournament, a community potluck at 6 p.m. followed by bluegrass music at about 7 p.m. and finally, at dusk, fireworks and sparklers. Calais parade. Photo courtesy of Chris Miller.

CABOT: JULY 4

alk to Wayne and Wendy Barnett of Cabot, and you find out that, not surprisingly for a small town, Cabots celebration has been a bit of a family affair. Of the towns Fourth of July celebration, Wayne says, My father used to run it, then [Wendys] mother ran them; now [Wendy] does. Theres been a little change over the years: In his fathers day, Wayne remembers being told, the village would do a beef in the ground the way others now do pigs or turkeys (similar to an oldfashioned bean hole), wrapping the meat in a moist cloth, like burlap, and burying it in a bed of hot coals covered with dirt from the pit for a long, slow roasting. These days, Cabot hosts a chicken barbecue at the rec field, instead. The present-day celebration also includes a parade on Main Street at 11 a.m., yard and rummage sales from 8 to 2 p.m., historical society exhibits at the societys building on Main Street, the chicken barbecue at noon, and games and live music at the rec field following the parade. Cabot parade in July 1958. Photo courtesy of Wendy Barnett.

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MONTPELIER: JULY 3

y favorite thing is walking State Street among all the vendors to see whos selling what, said Montpelier Alive Executive Director Phayvanh Luekhamhan. Always look forward to fried dough every year and hot dogs and cotton candy, all [the] usual festival things. . . . I love being in the community and walking around and seeing everybody and getting to say hi to people I havent seen in a while: that and the fireworks. Among a very full day, a couple of new things will be happening for the Independence Day celebration in the capital city this year: Angelenos will be celebrating its 30th birthday all day during their business hours. Among other things, they will be hosting music, including Arthur Zorn, Italian opera and some Americana. Also new is the Democracy Tent on the State House lawn run by the League of Women Voters. In it, campaign materials from all candidates will be available. Were trying to cut down on the amount of trash [the] parade actually produces, so were asking for all handouts to be at the tent instead of at the parade, said Luekhamhan. Were hoping all politicians can help us keep parade clean this year. At the State House Lawn Kids Zone from 3 to 5:30 p.m., including music from Christopher R and his Flying Purple Guitar from 3 to 3:30 p.m and juggler Stephen Gratto from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Get some exercise with community hula hooping from 3:30 to 6 p.m. or a senior activity center movement class from 3 to 4 p.m. Watch a dance performance by the Contemporary Dance & Fitness Studio from 4:30 to 5 p.m., Festivities at the State House. Photo by Marie Countryman. or listen to one of the musical performances: Parties Seth Warner from 4 to 4:30 p.m.; Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses from 5 to 6 p.m.; Julios hosts a dance party from 7 to 10:45 p.m. in the 60 State Street lot adjoining Julios. Green Mountain Youth Symphony from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.; and Waylon Speed from 8:30 to McGillicuddys hosts a street party from 7:30 to midnight on Langdon Street. 9:30 p.m. Meet and greet candidates in the Democracy Tent from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. followed by a Fireworks founding-father reading from the Declaration of Independence, 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Gratto will be back, this time on stilts, from 8 to 9 p.m. Events Elsewhere The Kellogg-Hubbard Library hosts a dance party and story walk on its lawn from 1 to 3 p.m. The Vermont Historical Society will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission and, from 1 to 4 p.m., a patriotic craft activity. The recreation field pool offers a water carnival from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The Montpelier Mile Road Race begins at 6 p.m. in front of Peoples Bank. Parade The parade is staged from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Meadow-area streets before wending its way down Main and State Streets from 6 to 7 p.m. Street Closings and Parking Bans There will be no parking on State Street from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. between Bailey Ave. and Gov. Davis Ave. No parking on State Street from 5 p.m. to the end of the parade between Main Street and Gov. Davis Ave. State Steet will close from 2 to 10:30 p.m. between Bailey Ave. and Gov. Davis Ave., and the 60 State Street parking lot will close for street dance from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Langdon Street will close from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. School Street will close during the parade from Main Street to St. Paul Street, and Main Street itself will close from 6 p.m. to about 7:45 p.m. National Life Drive will close at 9 p.m. from Memorial Drive to parking lot entrance.

ROXBURY: JULY 4

laire Chomentowski, Roxbury event coordinator, was pleased to hear that Northfields town manager, when asked about Fourth of July plans, had said that Northfield had not planned any Independence Day celebrations because they didnt like to step on the toes of Roxbury. Chomentowski is concerned because Roxbury has been known to have the parade and celebration on the weekend in the past, but this year its to be on the actual day, Wednesday, July 4. A parade on Vermont route 12-A to Windridge Camp will start at noon, followed by a barbeque at the firehouse at 12:30 p.m. The church will host a rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, and there will be a historical society open house Beaver Meadow volunteer fire responders sprinkle para- from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. degoers in Roxbury. Photo courtesy of Sue Nevins.

Summer Music from Greensboro

Karen Kevra, Artistic Director
JULY 17 SUMMER SEXTET A colorful
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JULY 24 ROSS BARENBERG QUARTET

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JULY 31 THE WALSH-COOPER-DRUCKER

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PAG E 6 J U N E 28 J U LY 18 , 2012

THE BRIDGE

Dirty String Band in Stowe. Photo by Scott Noble.

STOWE: JULY 4

towes Independence Day celebrations begin in Moscowthe Vermont village, that isat 10 a.m. with a very local parade to the accompaniment of marching music by the local radio station, so roll down your windows and open your car doors. The organizers at Stowe Vibrancy warn, Be early! Its a very short parade! In Stowe village, starting at 11 a.m. and going to 3 p.m., therell be an old-fashioned festival, with four bands, street performances, facepainting, a bouncy house and food. Also starting at 11 a.m., Stowes mercantile establishment will present Seven Miles of Sales on the Mountain Road and in the village. At noon, for the sports-minded, the Worlds Shortest Marathon begins at the intersection of Vermont routes 100 and 108 and goes 1.7 miles up the Mountain Road. Sports continue with a coed softball one-pitch tournament from noon to 6 p.m. and a soccer fest from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Mayo events field. Mayo also hosts Food, Fun, Friends and Fireworks, as well as music by Steel Rail Blue Grass, from 6 p.m. until dark, when the fireworks take place.

WARREN: JULY 4

Warren parade. Photo courtesy of Valley Chamber of Commerce.

udy Klein of the Valley Chamber of Commerce reassures visitors, It wont be as big because its in the middle of the week. She explains, Some people are afraid to come because its so big. She says she expects only about 4,000 people instead of as many as 6,000 if the Fourth comes on a weekend. After the street closes at 8:30 a.m., Warrens popular and well-known parade on Main Street will start at 10 a.m., and a street dance will follow the parade at the Warren Store. Kid-friendly activities (as well as a beer garden) will happen after the parade on the grounds of the Warren elementary school, a short walk up from Warrens Main Street. Theres a $1 buddy badge entry fee, and if you find someone else in the crowd with your number, you can win a prize. Parking is available at the Sugarbush Lincoln Peak and YesterMorrow parking lots, with free shuttle transportation to the village.

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Waterbury parade in 2011. Photo courtesy of Justin Blackman.

WATERBURY: JUNE 29 & 30

WORCESTER: JULY 4

ometimes it takes me a month or two after an event to realize I had a really good time, said Danvilles David Hare, of the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks, who will hold an encampment in Worcester on July 4. It has taught me a tremendous appreciation for the life of the common Civil War soldier. . . . I have spent four days in the wool, in Virginia, in the summer. Doing that kind of thing makes you really appreciate what the boys went through. Ive been to other events where it rained all weekend. The rain got into everything in my knapsack. Sunday night I was able to go home and take a hot showerthe Vermonters in the civil war would have kept marching. . . . I dont know how as many of them survived as they did. In addition to celebrating Independence Day this year, Civil War encampment in Tunbridge at the Vermont History Expo. Worcester will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Worcester will be hosting a similar encampment during their July 4 Civil War at Ladd Field, including a visit by Abe Lincoln and celebrations. Photo courtesy of Dave Hare. a full day of activities hosted by the Hemlocks. Activities include setting up an authentic Civil War encampment; preparing authentic food (salt pork and hard tack) over an open fire; a musketfiring demonstration; firing a muzzle-loaded civil war cannon after dark; having a fresh fish drill in which audience members can participate and much more, including having historians on site who can tell people about what their ancestors were doing during the Civil War, including their regiment and what happened to that regiment. Other July 4 activities in Worcester include the parade down Route 12 at 11 a.m.; a chicken barbeque at noon behind the town hall, with other food vendors at Ladd Field; a strawberry festival from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church annex; and a raffle drawing at 1 p.m. There will also be a duck race at 3 p.m. at Minister Brook by Balsam Acres. The Worcester Historical Society Building will host childrens games and historic displays throughout the afternoon, and a Civil War Songbook event will be held at the town hall. Fireworks commence at dusk.

atty Meade, one of the events organizers, says that in preparation for Waterburys upcoming celebration of its 250th anniversary, the towns Rotary Club took over planning for this years Independence Day event, flexing its muscles for the big anniversary next year. Because its before July 4, on Friday evening and Saturday, June 29 and 30, Waterbury Rotary is calling the celebration, Not Quite Independence Day, or NQID. NQID is an ambitious undertaking, with a concert on Rusty Parker Memorial Park on Friday night, featuring George Seymour and the Plainfield Plowboys, and the opening of the carnival behind the state office complex. Following the parade at 11 a.m. on Main Street, Saturdays events also take place both at the Rusty Parker Memorial Park and behind the state office complex. Therell be pie judging, karaoke, and performances by music, gymnastics, theater and comic groups. On the main stage in the park, look for performances by Tammy Fletcher, the Blues Busters, Mellow Yellow, and Jimmy T and the Sleepy Hollow Boys. And, after all those performances, fireworks at dusk on Saturday.

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THE BRIDGE

DECLARING

ESSAYS
INDEPENDENCE:
In honor of Independence Day, The Bridge has once again asked a handful of area residents to share their thoughts about independence, sacrifice, revolution, allegiance, the pursuit of happiness and how they feel about being a citizen of the United States of America.

Our Freedom Comes from Others Sacrifice

by Marion Gray

here are many days that provoke thoughts of the loss of our hero, Staff Sargent Jamie Gray, killed in action June 7, 2004. Independence Day is certainly one. Most often, we go about our daily lives taking for granted the freedoms for which the men and women of this country from generations past and from our current time have sacrificed. The first that comes to mind is the freedom to write an article for a local newspaper without fear of recrimination: to speak our minds freely. And freedom of religion, to participate in whatever brings us solace and peace and healing. This country was founded on providing its citizens with a life without fear. We do not worry over daily things like moving about Jamie Gray. File photo. this country. We do not worry over whether For all the freedoms provided to us by our children can attend the school of their choice and get the experience to move on those brave, patriotic souls who are willing in their lives. We can even protest against to lay down their lives that we may remain our government, its policies and decisions. the most highly sought-after nation in which We can burn our flag, even gather to protest to live, there is a price. There are those who the vehicle by which this wonderful country will disagree with actions taken by those we works to keep all those freedoms open to us. have entrusted to do what is best, to protect

all the freedoms we enjoy. It will never come to be that everyone will agree on how that may be accomplished. Looking to the future, my only fear is that although we are a highly educated people, provided for thanks to a tax-funded, government-supported education system, most people still do not get the full facts before rendering their opinions against some of those actions taken to preserve all our freedoms. One of those freedoms is their right to vote. Many feel it will not matter, one little vote; thus we let the few, the most vocal, with the most money, make decisions for all of us, hoping it will work out. It is important to exercise that freedom to vote, to have a say in who leads us. We need those who genuinely try to do what is best for all of us, not those who have their own personal agendas. Do not let those with silken voices and charismatic persuasion lead us into believing that all those sacrifices have been in vain. Marion Gray is president of the Vermont Fallen Heroes Global War on Terror Memorial Corp. Jamie Gray was her stepson. She lives in East Calais.

Some Americans Are Still Fighting for Independence

by Paij Wadley-Bailey

ow do I feel about Independence Day? Well, I am somewhat conflicted. My cultural identity is African American/Mexican/Blackfoot, and black anthropologists (Ivan vanSertima, for example) say Im about 13 percent European descent. (I know from the oral history of my family that we descend from the British; as a matter of fact, I have met some of the white Wadleys, descendents of the slaver on whose plantations my ancestors were kept.) You see, I am writing this article as we commemorate the 69 Stonewall Riots. I am writing this as Vermont prepares to base the F-35 in Burlington. I am writing this as the Abenaki areagaintrying to achieve sovereignty. I write this while Vermont hasnt yet gotten its antiracism ideology together. I write this as too many childrenin Vermontgo to bed hungry. I am writing this knowing that Entergy Corporation did a number on our judicial system. It is sad commentary that blacks, queers,

the physically and mentally challenged, women, the lower income, etc., are still struggling for their independence, and now the middle classes are doing the same. And what is independence? Didnt the yet-to-be-United States fight for indepen-

dence from British rule? And now it seems the United States has become an empire, colonizing the total planet. Go figure. Why do we continue to emulate that which is inhumane? The many people in Vermont whom Ive met and worked with during my 41 years in Vermont understand and love me and know Im an upbeat, visionary, hopeful person. Yes, there are some joys in my life. There are some very bad things going on in America; however, I acknowledge that there are some good things as well. Personally, I recently had surgery for two knee replacements and am walking pain free. Synthetic insulin helps my pancreas to function. I can hang out with my grandchildren regularly. I celebrated the solstice with friends. My son was born on the Fourth of July. At the age of 21, he enlisted in the Army, much to my disapproval, and was promised training as a computer analyst. After he had been a year in the service, there was an attempt to switch him to the infantry! (I read that Vermont has the largest number of soldiers

per capita on the front lines.) Well, Lance protested the change, refused to join deployment to Saudi (he was stationed in Germany at the time) and was thrown in the stockade. I happened to know several women living in Germany through a past action, and they set up a watchdog crew to observe my sons well-being 24/7, while I and other friends contacted people with influence until his release two months later. Yes, I will be marching again in Montpeliers July 3 parade, joining with other Vermonters in hopes for a saner country; honoring humanity and other beings; and asking that we all be vigilant and work toward the vision of a true democracy in our state of Unity and Freedom and elsewhere.

Paij Wadley-Bailey is a retired University of Vermont adjunct faculty member in the College of Education. She has two sons, two daughters and myriad grandchildren and lives in Montpelier.

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Why I Am Proud to Be an American

by Darren M. Allen

his is only the second time Ive directly been asked why Im proud to be an American. The firstmore than three decades ago, when I was in third gradewas part of a radio-station contest in Newport Beach, California. I had 25 words in which to answer the question. I won and got to go the radio station and say those 25 words that were heard in a commercial alongside local resident and American icon John Wayne. What I said then, unfortunately, is lost to the vagaries of time. I suspect, however, that at the core, the third-grade me was proud to be from this country because of its freedom, or some other nave bromide that occurs to 9-year-olds when they conjure up images of the Statue of Liberty, Old Glory and Independence Hall. What makes me proud today, however, is different. The country we live in is in some respects a far different one than it was in the early 1970s. Ive grown up witnessing the concentration of power; the yawning disparity in wealth and opportunity; the erosion of trust in our institutions, both government and industrial. In a sense, Ive lost that certainty that America is a great country and that no other nation can top ours.

I know thats not true anymore, if it ever was so (its worth noting that Richard Nixon resigned a year or so before my radio appearance with Mr. Wayne). But something deeper makes me proud to be from the United States, something that, I think, is institutionalized here more than anywhere else: a culture of questioning. The countrys founders were questioners: of the British status quo, of humanitys innate goodness, of trust in authority and of

a peoples ability to rule themselves. Our founding documents question many of the assumptions that guided humanity for thousands of years before, and continue to form the basis of questions we ask to this day. And our culturenot to mention our federal system of governmentis heavily biased toward skepticism and verification. We are taughtalthough, sadly, many people fail to realize thisthat to question is acceptable. Our teachers instill in us the quest for truth at an early age, even if what they taught us inevitably turns out to be myth rather than fact (George Washington and the cherry tree, anyone?). Skepticism brought us an end to slavery. Skepticism brought us suffrage for women. Skepticism brought about fair wage and hour laws (which are, sadly, under attack less than a century after being won). Skepticism brought us an end to institutionalized racism. And skepticism is drawing to an end discrimination of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. Indeed, skepticism will continue to propel us to ask the questions that inevitably move us forward.

Essays

Ill admit that I am profoundly annoyed at people who equate patriotism with blind adulation of our flag and our leaders. To me, patriots question the conclusions of the people we elect to work for us. Patriots question whether policieshealth care, campaign finance, immigrationmake sense. And patriots love this country because they are free to ask those questions. In a 1787 letter to James Madison, Thomas Jefferson wrote, I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Rebellion is really just action after questions go unanswered. Im proud to be an American who has profound hope that we never stop questioning. Darren Allen is communications director for the Vermont-National Education Association, the union of Vermont educators. He was born in Newport Beach, California and is glad to no longer be from Orange County. He lives in Montpelier.

The Quest of the American Teenager

by Colette Kelly

n May first, two weeks after my 18th birthday, I registered to vote. The process was simpler than I expected: a form sent, my drivers license renewal and an oath. I solemnly swear or affirm that whenever I give my vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the State of Vermont, I will do so as in my conscience I shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same . . . With this oath, I shouldered the responsibility of judging what is best for my state and my country, joining the roughly 1.8 million other 18-year-olds who will vote for the first time in a presidential election this November. With this oath, we take the first steps into adulthood while still wrestling with teenage challenges. What does it mean to be an American teenager? We are among the most privileged people on earth, yet perhaps more than those anywhere else, American teens are on a desperate search for solutions to lifes problems. In My American Unhappiness, a novel by Dean Bakopoulos, the protagonist, Zeke Pappas, captures this unique dissatisfaction when he says, Americans are fundamentally unhappy, and they are fundamentally unhappy because they suffer from institutional addiction. If you consider the comfort (for most), the wealth (relative), and the op-

portunities (many) with which Americans have matured, it is mind-boggling to consider that anybody here could be unhappy. But everywhere I go, I can see it, such unhappiness, such an overwhelming need to be drugged and distracted, lest a moment of silent, melancholy self-reflection pierce our fragile hearts! Zekes journey to understand and relieve unhappiness embodies that of the American teenager: a relentless search for the solution to a problem we cant define. We teenagers have tried to game, buy, and drug ourselves out of unhappiness. Countless American teens have turned to gaming and the Internet to distract themselves from the difficulties of their world. My generation socializes primarily on Facebook, where we can sculpt our online presence until we appear exactly as who we want to be, instead of actually seeing each others faces. Psychologists have begun to recognize screen addiction, as some of my contemporaries spend up to 20 hours a day, seven days a week, in front of a computer screen. Video games are now a powerful force in the lives of teenagers, sucking up time and changing personalities. My generation also seeks to distract itself through consumerism. The United States became, after all, the birthplace of the term retail therapy when the Chicago Tribune coined the term on Christmas Eve, 1986. Since then, U.S. companies have almost tripled their spending on marketing to ado-

lescents, and we seem to have lapped it up. Many of my teenage friends obsess over buying the right clothes or the newest electronics, becausewhy? U.S. companies spend over 15 billion dollars a year to convince us that we can solve lifes problems by buying certain products; perhaps we believe them. We certainly believe in the power of drugs, and teenagers today resort to an everwidening array of prescription medication for entertainment. Every day in the United States, an average of 2,000 teens use prescription drugs without a doctors guidance for the first time, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website. In a 2011 NIDA study, almost one in 12 of my fellow high-school seniors reported

nonmedical use of Vicodin, a prescription painkiller. One in 20 reported abusing Oxycontin, also a painkiller and an opioid, like morphine or heroin. Do we think that these drugs, designed to numb physical pain, will also numb the pain of our chronic dissatisfaction with life? Perhaps we do not need to numb our dissatisfaction. This country was founded on the search for economic freedom, on dissatisfaction with the status quo. Unfortunately, our search for happiness in this culture and era has led to unhealthy obsessions. However, American teenagers are capable and eager to discover the next big solution. As Barack Obama asserted in a giddy November four years ago, this potential to implement change gives us hope and power. We the teenagers are too impatient to wait for the world to get better; we will make it happen ourselves. It was easy to complete the paperwork that gave me the responsibilities of an adult. The real challenge facing my teenage peers and me lies in transcending an unhealthy lifestyle and accessing teenage potential. American teenagers are seekers. We need only direct our search towards finding what will conduce the best good for our country and for ourselves.

Colette Kelly is an 18-year-old homeschooler. She lives in Montpelier.

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PAG E 10 J U N E 28 J U LY 18 , 2012

THE BRIDGE

I Pledge AllegianceBut . . .
by Laurie Morrow, with Ed Morrow

n the Yonkers public school I attended too long ago, every day began with the Pledge of Allegiance. My teacher explained that the Pledge was meant to bind Americans together. All around me were children from differing ethnic groups, so her explanation made sense. We came from homes where parents made homemade sauerkraut or spaghetti with sausage so spicy your eyes watered or knishes that warmed you from the inside out. As I grew older, I learned not everyone thought the Pledge was a good thing. During the Vietnam War, many rejected it as a conservative device to force young people to accept authority. Later, the under God part was decried as violating the separation of church and state. But this isnt so. There are two ironies associated with our Pledge of Allegiance: it isnt the product of conservatism, and under God isnt a religious intrusion. The Pledge was composed by Francis Bellamy (18551931), a Baptist minister who was a follower of Christian Socialism, a radical belief that capitalism is sinful. Socialism was a Bellamy family business. Francis cousin, Edward Bellamy (18501898), wrote Looking Backward (1888), a socialist novel depicting an America in which all industry

is nationalized, with all men compelled to work for the state at a job the state chooses, and, for which, regardless of talent, effort or responsibility, they are paid the same wage. Amazingly, Edwards book outsold every other American novel during the 19th century except Uncle Toms Cabin. National SocialismNazismand communism hadnt yet exposed the dangers of authoritarianism, and his ideas seemed grandly progressive. While Edward enjoyed literary success, Francis, after preaching one too many

radical sermons, like the one he titled Jesus the Socialist, was fired. He went to work for The Youths Companion, a magazine for Bostons young people, where he was charged with raising the magazines public profile. Francis decided that the 400th anniversary of Columbus discovery of America would be an opportunity to do just that. Using donations from patriotic wealthy men and with the help of the Associated Press, Bellamy rallied education officials and students across America to join in a National Public School Celebration for the Quadricentennial, the culmination of which was the recital of a Pledge of Allegiance written by Bellamy: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The irony of a Socialist composing a pledge that would be seen as an expression of conservative nationalism went unseen. The celebration was a success and, having demonstrated his skill at motivating masses, Francis the socialist went on to a stellar career in advertising. In the following years, the Pledge of Allegiance evolved as it became a school ritual.

Essay

It had first been recited with the arm outstretched, but the similarity to the Nazi salute made that offensive, and placing the hand over the heart was substituted. My flag was changed to the flag to make it clear the pledge was to the U.S. flag. In 1954, the phrase under God, was added. This has been seen as a Cold War reaction to atheistic communism, but there is a larger reason it should be included. Under God, subordinates the state to the belief system that shapes the individual conscience. In the 50s, this was most inclusively expressed in religious terms, but an atheist can logically substitute Under the ethical beliefs I have rationally concluded are good. And, here is the second irony. A pledge of allegiance to the state makes itself subservient to a pledge to individual morality. How peculiar and how wonderful. Ed and Laurie Morrow live in Montpelier. Laurie, a recovering English professor and former talk-radio host, is an expert in fundraising and development. Among Eds books are The Grim Reapers Book of Days, The Halloween Handbook, and Put Your House on a Diet.

Vermont Primary Election Candidates

Randy Brock Republican, Swanton 230-4450, randybrock.com Peter Shumlin Democrat, Putney 828-3333, info@shumlinforgovernor.com For lieutenant governor: Cassandra Gekas Democrat, Montpelier 324-7227, cassandra.gekas@gmail.com Marjorie Power Progressive, Montpelier 229-0782, mpower9@yahoo.com Phil Scott Republican, Berlin 371-8045, philscott14@aol.com For state treasurer: Beth Pearce Democrat, Barre City 498-3130, bethpearce@myfairpoint.net Don Schramm Progressive, Burlington 399-2493, dschramm@datasystems.coop Wendy Wilton Republican, Rutland City 770-0743, wendywilton@comcast.net For secretary of state: James C. Condos Democrat, Montpelier 238-3809, jcondos@aol.com For auditor of accounts: Doug Hoffer Democrat, Burlington 864-5711, drhoffer@comcast.net Vincent Illuzzi Republican, Derby 673-9030, vincentilluzzi@hotmail.com For attorney general: Thomas T.J. Donovan Democrat, Burlington 488-4800, donovantj@gmail.com Jack McMullen Republican, Burlington mcmullen@together.net William H. Sorrell Democrat, Burlington 343-9293, whsorrell@gmail.com For state senator (Washington County): Bernard Buddy Barnett Republican, Barre City 479-9890, buddybo914@charter.net Ann Cummings Democrat, Montpelier 229-0345, ann@heneyrealtors.com William Doyle Republican, Montpelier 223-2851, wdoyle@leg.state.vt.us Dexter Lefavour Republican, Middlesex 279-3257, lefavourvt@aol.com Anthony Pollina Democrat, Middlesex 229-5809, apollina@sover.net For state representative (Washington 1): Colin T. Bright Democrat, Northfield 917-3388, colin@brightforvermont.com Anne B. Donahue Republican, Northfield 485-6431, counterp@tds.net Patti J. Lewis Republican, Berlin 223-6319, pattijlewis@myfaripoint.net For state representative (Washington 2): Thomas F. Koch Republican, Barre Town 249-1493, tomkochvt@gmail.com Francis Topper McFaun Republican, Barre Town 479-9843, toppermcfaun@aol.com For state representative (Washington 3): Dominic Etli Republican, Barre City 505-9192, etlivt@gmail.com John Santorello Republican, Barre City 479-0766, jsanto4141@aol.com Tess Taylor Democrat, Barre City 522-7818, tmtaylor24@gmail.com For state representative (Washington 4): Mary S. Hooper Democrat, Montpelier 793-9512, maryshooper@gmail.com Warren Kitzmiller Democrat, Montpelier 229-0878, wkitzmiller@leg.state.vt.us Glennie F. Sewell Progressive, Montpelier 338-5443, glenniesewell@gmail.com For state representative (Washington 5): Tony Klein Democrat, East Montpelier 793-6032, twk@tonyklein.com For state representative (Washington 6): Janet Ancel Democrat, Calais 223-5350, janetancel@earthlink.net For state representative (Washington 7): Maxine Grad Democrat, Moretown 496-7667, maxjg@madriver.com For state representative (Washington-Chittenden): Rebecca Ellis Democrat, Waterbury 839-0515, ellisvermont@yahoo.com Tom Stevens Democrat, Waterbury 244-4164, tom@stevensvermont.com

elow are the candidates for Vermonts primary elections, which will be held Tuesday, August 28. Voters must have registered by Wednesday, August 22. Voters who register through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must assure that their applications have been postmarked or accepted by that Wednesday. To register, one must be a citizen, a resident of Vermont and a resident of the town in which one applies to be added to the voter checklist. Those who register will be asked to take the Voters Oath and must be 18 or older (or will have reached the age of 18 by the time of the general election on November 6). Primary contests include those for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governor, lieutenant governor, state treasurer, secretary of state, auditor of accounts, attorney general, and state senators and state representatives for Washington County. For U.S. senator: John MacGovern Republican, Windsor 238-3970, john@johnmacgovern.com H. Brooke Paige Republican, Washington 883-2320, donnap@sover.net Bernie Sanders Democrat, Burlington 862-1505, bernie@bernie.org For U.S. representative: Mark Donka Republican, Hartford 299-9268, mark@markdonkaforvt.com Peter Welch Democrat, Norwich 264-9069, meredith@welchforcongress.com For governor: Martha Abbott Progressive, Underhill 373-1624, marthavt@sover.net

Celebrate Independence: VOTE!

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Vermonts Major Role in Our Independence

by Bill Doyle

hen we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we should remember the contributions made by Vermonters in the fight for independence. In his History of Vermont, Walter Crockett made reference to Ethan Allen and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Crockett wrote, The first surrender of a British fortress in the long struggle for American Independence was made to Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys, and in the history of the military affairs of the United States the capture of Ticonderoga hedged the list as the first important aggressive movement in the Revolutionary War. Charles Jellison, in Ethan Allen: Frontier Rebel, wrote that Ticonderoga must be considered a major military victory, for it drastically altered the power potential in the northern colonies and may very well have meant the difference between success and failure for the Revolutionary cause. In the winter of 177576, George Washington, commander in chief of the Continental Army, found himself short of military equipment needed to drive the British out of Boston. Henry Knox, colonel of the artillery, suggested to Washington that captured military supplies from Crown Point and Ticonderoga could be transported to Boston. Washington, in a letter to Knox, wrote the following: Youre to immediately examine into the state of the artillery of this army and take an account of the cannon, mortars, shells, lead and ammunition that are want-

ing. The want to them is so great that no trouble or expense must be spared to obtain. In December of 1775, Knox removed heavy military equipment from Ticonderoga. He floated the supplies on Lake George and then transported the equipment by land with 42 sleds and 81 yoke of oxen. When these supplies reached Boston in March 1776, the British decided to evacuate, and Washingtons military strategy prevailed. The following excerpt was printed in Earle Newtons The Vermont Story: Fort Ticonderogas immortal guns go to General George Washington . . . in the winter of 1776 . . . over hundreds of miles of roadless, trackless, snow-clad mountains and valleys, through thick forest, over ice-covered lakes and rivers . . . on sledges pulled by oxen . . . in the charge of General Knox and his artillery men in their red-trim regimentals, who deliver the guns at Dorchester Heights. There, roaring down at the enemy, they drive him out of Boston Town. The next year, in 1777, Vermonters fought with valor at the Battle of Bennington. Edward Conant said that the battle led to the British surrender of Saratoga, often referred

to as one of the decisive battles in the history of the world. Washington was impressed by the fighting qualities of Vermonters and was of great assistance to our joining the Union. On January 15, 1777, Vermont declared its independence from Great Britain and New York. Vermonts declaration, influenced by the American Declaration of Independence, stated, We will, at all times, consider ourselves as a free and independent state and the people have an inherent right of ruling. The Vermont declaration went on to support the War of Independence. While Vermont fought to win American independence, Vermont was not admitted into the Union until 1791, 14 years later, to become the 14th state. The American Declaration of Independence proved a great example for Vermont to follow. When we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we should remember the role of Vermonters in a revolution that changed the course of history. Bill Doyle is a state senator representing Washington County and serves on the Senate education and economic development committees. He also teaches government history at Johnson State College.

America the Novel

by Thomas Greene

enry James once famously described the novel as a loose baggy monster. What James meant by this is that the novel has the space to contain the beautiful, the arbitrary, the accidental and the ugly. It is, in other words, by its very definition, imperfect. The same could be said for America. Ours is a country of contradictions. We are blessed with enormous wealth and resources, yet men and women still sleep in huddled masses on some of our streets. We have the greatest technology in the world, but we have yet to figure out how to provide health care for all our people. Founded on lofty principles of freedom, we managed to enslave an entire class of our population for more than a century. We have the ability to model our best values to the rest of the world, and yet we time and time again find ourselves embroiled in meaningless wars that

do absolutely nothing to advance humanity. Surrounded by remarkable physical beauty mountains and forests and rivers running fat to the seawe have also invented that most modern of scourges, the strip mall. The art form I practice, the novel, is also full of contradictions. For one, it is a deliberate artifice, a fiction, but yet seeks to tell truth. And while it aspires to structure and form, it often falls short, hence its loose monstrous bagginess. And yet I love the novel, as I love my country, with all its imperfections. I love it because it is not afraid to strive for greatness and fail. Invented in Europe, it is nevertheless the most American of art forms. It is untidy, messy, full of itself, narcissistic; but now and again, if were lucky, remarkable moments of grace appear, moments that approach perfection, appeal to our better angels and teach us how to live now. It is for these moments that I write.

moments of transcendent grace. Most importantly, it allows us to say what we think and to express ourselves. Vermonters only have to look at a longtime guest on our soil, the late Solzhenitsyn, to know that this is no small feat. Without art, without words and stories, there cannot be light, only darkness. And in the end, it is better to be a loose baggy monsterhopelessly flawed, all nascent potentialthan to not be allowed to say anything at all. [Editors note: This piece ran in our July 4 issue two years ago, but the author resubmitted it with the affirmation that it said all that he wanted to say, and we at The Bridge feel it is well worth a second read.] As for my country? I have come to terms with the idea that this will always be an imperfect union. America certainly has its Thomas Greene is a novelist and the founding president of the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

with the Skinny Pancake! Check in for our changing selection of iced mats and teas from Love and Tea Co. Summer Sunset Series
Every Sunday, 69 pm Great Music & Great Tunes On July 1st, enjoy the evening with Ben Cosgrove!
City Center building, 89 Main Street, Montpelier Hours: 8 am9 pm, seven days a week 262-CAKE | www.skinnypancake.com

Stay Cool

PAG E 12 J U N E 2127, 2012

THE BRIDGE

Book Signing
Fresh Local Ingredients Beer, Wine, Coffee and Desserts Bagels with all the Trimmings Burritos Made-to-Order Music at Least 5 Nights a Week! Open 7am weekdays, 8 am weekends

Part of Montpeliers Independence Day celebration and just in time for summer! David Hajdasz signs his new book about swimming places in Vermont on

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 at NOON

77 Main Street, Montpelier www.bearpondbooks.com

Montpelier Alives summer appeal is

going on right now, and your donations will be matched dollar for dollar by National Life Group (up to $8,000).
Contribute securely online: rstgiving.com/montpelieralive or by mail to: Montpelier Alive, 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. For info: www.MontpelierAlive.org or 223-9604.

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July 3rd ~ 11am9:30pm

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Celebrate Independence: BUY LOCAL!

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J U N E 2 8 J U LY 18 , 2 012 PAG E 13

BUY LOCAL!

is presented by Montpelier Alive and underwritten by VSECU, with major support from National Life Group and the City of Montpelier. Thanks!

Montpeliers July 3rd Festival

PAG E 14 J U N E 28 J U LY 18 , 2012

THE BRIDGE

Judy Dales Explores Curves with Fabric and Thread

by Cassandra Hemenway Brush

Mind-Bending Quilts

or a refreshing take on contemporary fiber art, Greensboro quilting artist Judy Dales exhibition Curves, Naturally! is a must see. Its open through July at the Governors Gallery in the Pavilion Building on State Street in Montpelier. Dales wall-hangings have a dreamlike, abstract quality, with richness and depth that will blow the socks off any preconceptions about quilting you may have ever held. Dales calls herself a purist in the sense that she uses only fabric and thread and she has a deep respect for and loyalty to her roots in traditional quilting. But her vivid, luscious pieces are by no means traditional. If I say Im a quilter, it immediately brings this vision to mind of little squares and triangles, Dales said. Thats so far from what I do. But I am a quilter. . . . Quilting in general has moved so far from the traditional quilts that people think of, Dales continued. It acts as a mixed media [with paper, painting, stamps, silk-screen or even metal], but Im a purist. Im more comfortable making my work with just a needle and thread and fabric. Needle, thread and fabric it may be, but thats something like saying Picasso worked with only pigment and oil. Each of Dales 12 pieces on display feature layers of subtle shading and texture enhanced by her use of stitching and choice of either contrasting or monochromatic thread. The name of the exhibit perfectly describes it: it is full of curves that indicate motion. In Blue Flame, inspired by one dark and stormy evening when the power was off, the calla-lilyshaped flames seem to flicker. Little Wild Child came about

after a visit with her first grandchild, when Dales found herself stunned by the amount of energy required of so many people toward that one, diminutive creature. A small, pinkish-red circle in the middle of the piece represents the child, with vibrant tendrils waving about into all reaches of the quilt. This theme of motion, energy and curvature emanates from the entire exhibit. In fact, Dales said, it represents her whole way of thinking. I want my work to look intuitive and effortless. I want it to be free-flowing. [But] the process is very exacting. . . . The challenge is to keep whatever motivates the piece throughout the finished work. Dales said she does a lot of her drawing in church, during the sermon. My best designs come from drawing when Im not consciously involved in the design process. . . . I think the work is always spirit-led. When the work is flowing well, its a gift. You can control the contributing factors, but when youre really doing good work, its like youre a conduit. Dales includes a notebook with the exhibit that provides background about each piece and information about her style. She is very forthcoming about what has inspired each piece; knowing that, as a viewer, adds a vital dimension to understanding the work. In the description of her piece Garden Pearls which resembles peas in pods shimmering among a variety of foliage with a dreamlike qualityDales wrote, This is what I wish my garden looked like. Her inspiration varies from floral forms, to photographs, the bustling energy of a woman, the ashes of her good friend as they floated on the breeze out at sea, as well as something as mundane as the floater in her right eye that appeared during a design

Judy Dales in front of Womanessence, on of her quilts on display at the Governors Gallery through July. Photo by Cassandra Hemenway Brush. process one time. Dales reveals that she created Mother to honor her own mother, Narcissa Cameron Boyd, as part of a challenge by quilting-world mover and shaker Karey Bresneham. After her own mother died, Karey asked artists to create quilts to honor mothers and motherhood, Dales wrote. These were exhibited at the Houston Quilt festival in 2005 and published in a book I Remember Mama. Dales created the only abstract quilt in the exhibit, featuring a central figure with armlike waves emanating outward and also appearing to be cradling. All the curves center on folds, nurturing, soft, caring, conveying the feeling without being too specific in its imagery, Dales said. Dales is an internationally recognized artist and the author of Curves in Motion, the definitive text for designing and sewing curves. During her 40-year career, her work has won many awards, including having a piece designated as one of the 100 best quilts of the 20th century. She has work in the White House Collection of American Crafts, the Newark Museum in New Jersey, the permanent collection of the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, and other private, corporate and museum collections, both here and abroad. The exhibit at the Governors Gallery is free, but valid IDs are required to enter the building.

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Upcoming Events
Looking for local Independence Day celebrations? See listings starting on page 4 for more details.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Understand why insurance is important, why participating in Medicare is benecial and what your choices are. 23:30 p.m. Conference center, Giord Medical Center, 44 South Main Street, Randolph. Free. 728-2200 or giordmed.org. The Intention of Dreams: A Presentation of Archetypal Dreamwork With Sue Scavo and Bill St. Cyr of North of Eden. Learn how understanding the intention of dreams can help you live in the full radiance of physical, psychological and spiritual health. 5:307:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain. coop. Friday Night Fix: Flat Fix and Troubleshooting Onion River Sports mechanics show you how to x a front or rear at, help you identify what at-x gear you need and teach you how to self-diagnose other bike maladies. 6 p.m. Onion River Sports, Montpelier. onionriver.com. Next x July 13. The Kind Buds in Concert Acoustic guitar jam duo inspired by musician and songwriter Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Refreshments available. 710 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookeld. $5. thekindbuds.com. Visiting Writer Reading: Richard Bausch 7:30 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. Readings continue through July 5. Vermont Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Summer Concerts The orchestra promises musical smiles with a humor-themed program, performed in outdoor settings across the state. 7:30 pm.; gates open 55:30 p.m. for picnicking. Sugarbush Resort, Warren. $31$35 adults; prices vary for children. Tickets at 800876-9293, ext. 10, or vso.org. Concerts repeat July 7 and 8. Night Sky Telescope Party: Saturn, Stars, Mars and MythsOh My! With science educator Bobby Farlice-Rubio from the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium. Gaze at spaces wonders and hear tales of the myths from which they draw their names. 9 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard childrens library, Montpelier. Weatherdependent: call 223-4665 to conrm.

Treating Sleep Issues with Western Herbs: Chinese Medicine Approach With Brendan Kelly of Jade Mountain Wellness. Learn about using an Eastern approach with Western herbs to address various sleep issues and deeper causes. Handouts provided. 14 p.m. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 250 Main Street, Montpelier. $15 VCIH members, $18 nonmembers. Register at 224-7100 or vtherbcenter.org. Vermont Opera Theater: Sharing Our Songs Area singers perform old favorites and new discoveries, accompained by pianists Eliza Thomas and Diane Huling. 5 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main Street, Montpelier. By donation. 223-8610 or vermontopera.org Visiting Writer Reading: Michael Hemery 7 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. Readings continue through July 5. Funeral Lights A multimedia art installation by Amy Knigbauer & Knayte Lander, appearing one night only. 811 p.m. 7 Baird Street (garage 1), Montpelier. Free, but tickets required: get them at Buch Spieler in Montpelier and Nutty Stephs in Middlesex. Contra Dance Mary Wesley calls dances to tunes by Pete Sutherland, Roger Kahle and Ross Kahle. No partner necessary. All ages welcome. Bring soft-soled shoes. 811 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Route 12 (Northeld Street), Berlin. $8. 744-6163 or capitalcitygrange.org. Event happens every rst, third and fth Saturday.

Tours of Renovated Senior Activity Center Tour is solely for the senior center and does not include the upper-level apartments. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier. 223-2518. Tours continue Friday, July 6. Nature Hikes with Onion River Kids 3:30 p.m. Location varies: call 223-6025 for details. Event happens every rst and third Thursday through August. Science of Mind Principles Study group for inquiring minds of all faiths. 68 p.m. Universal Rivers of Life, 28 East State Street, Suite 4 (second oor), Montpelier. 223-3427 or robin@universalrivers.com. Event happens every rst and third Thursday. Visiting Writer Reading: Ron Charles 8:15 p.m. Gallery, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier.

FRIDAY, JULY 6

MONDAY, JULY 2

Classic Book Club 6 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plaineld. Free. Daniel, 793-0418. Event happens every rst Monday. Better Birding with Bryan Pfeiffer: Solving Shorebirds Sandpipers and plovers will soon be moving south. Learn to identify and enjoy them. Bring your binoculars. 6:308 p.m. First Baptist Church, School Street, Montpelier. $10. vermontbirdtours.com. Visiting Writer Reading: Maureen Freely 7 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. Readings continue through July 5.

TUESDAY, JULY 3

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

Canoe/Picnic with the Young Adventurers Club An easy adventure at Wrightsville Reservoir. Kids age 06 and their parents get outdoors to hike, play, paddle, learn and make friends. Call leader Lexi Shear, 229-9810, for meeting time and place. Sponsored by the Montpelier section of the Green Mountain Club. Float-Building and Tag Sale for Planting Hope Lots of furniture and household items to benet Planting Hopes programs in Nicaragua, followed by parade planning. Tag sale, 9 a.m.3 p.m.; oat-building starts at 1 p.m. Clothes Pin Factory, 1 Granite Street, Montpelier. Real Good Toys Warehouse Sale and Demo Day Demonstrations of dollhouse shingling, wiring and ooring, plus refreshments, door prizes, grab-bag surprises and lots of deals. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Real Good Toys Factory Outlet, 10 Quarry Street, Barre. 479-2217 or jodi@realgoodtoys.com. A Workshop In Risking the Growthful With Sandra Lucas, gestaltist and transformational life coach. Explore the barriers to risking through gestalt experiments with imagery, metaphor, poetry, visualization and dialogue. 12:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. $10 co-op member/owners, $12 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop.

Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift Store 11 a.m.5 p.m. 137 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-9155. Sale continues ThursdaySaturday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Author Readings and Signing: Dave Hajdasz/Take the Plunge Hajdasz presents his new book of Vermont swimming holes. 7 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. bearpondbooks.com/author-events or 229-0774.

Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift Store See Thursday, July 5, for description and information. Tours of Renovated Senior Activity Center See Thursday, July 5, for description and information. Discover the Moon Travel to the moon with childrens chapter book author and master educator Rebecca Rupp through stories, crafts and learning activities. For children age 711. 2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard childrens library, Montpelier. Free, but space is limited: preregister at 223-4665. Self-Defense for Teens and Tweens Learn basic moves to keep you safe on the streets. Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can move around in. Everyone under 18 will need to have a parent/guardian sign a waiver. 3 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. Camera Designs of Walter Dorwin Teague Walter Dorwin Teague designed cameras for Kodak and Polaroid between 1928 and 1960. Camera collector Ralph London talks about importance of these designs, many of which are on display. 6 p.m.; museum open 48 p.m. Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design, 45 Bridge Street, Waitseld. madsonian.org. More talks Saturday, July 7. Coffeehouse Enjoy live music by Path to Cross and share your own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages. 79 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main Street, Montpelier (park and enter at rear). Free. Dick, 244-5191, 472-8297 or rawilburjr@comcast.net. Event happens every rst Friday.

SATURDAY, JULY 7

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

Ecstatic Dance Freestyle boogie with DJ using Gabrielle Roths mediative dance form, 5Rhythms. 79 p.m. Worcester Town Hall, corner of Elmore Road and Calais Road. $5$10 donation. Fearn, 505-8011 or fearnessence@gmail. com. Event happens every rst and third Wednesday, and fourth Wednesdays at the Plaineld Community Center. Visiting Writer Reading: Kathleen Graber 7:15 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. Readings continue through July 5.

THURSDAY, JULY 5

Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift Store 10 a.m.4 p.m. 137 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-9155. Sale continues FridaySaturday.

Hike with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club Dicult 5.8-mile climb on Camels Hump from the Huntington side. Ascend by the Forest City, Dean and Long Trails; descend via the Burrows Trail. Contact leader Paul DeLuca, 476-7987 or pdeluca420@msn.com, for meeting time and place. Paddle with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club Easy 10-mile expedition on the Connecticut River from Woodsville, New Hampshire, to Newbury, Vermont. Life jacket, lunch and water required. Car spot (or bicycle for the ambitious). Meet at 8 a.m. at Lennys, Main Street, Barre. Leader: Steve Lightholder, 479-2304 or steve.lightholder@yahoo.com. Into The Woods: Exploring the Trail and Expressing it in Pictures Learn how to express the connection you feel with nature in visual form from visiting artist John Geeza. Walks will be easy to moderate, allowing time and energy for drawing. 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Green Mountain Club visitor center, Waterbury Center. $185; continues Saturday, June 8. Register at 241-8323 or greenmountainclub.org. johngeeza.ca.

see UPCOMING EVENTS, page 16 GOD OF CARNAGE Cutting, poignant parenting comedy. July 1229. Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main Street, Montpelier. Thursdays and Sundays, 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinee July 14 and 29. $25 Thursday, $30 FridaySunday, $10 age 611, $5 discount for students and seniors. Tickets at 229-0492 or lostnationtheater. org. TWO ON THE AISLE An evening of one-acts directed by Joanne Greenberg and performed by U-32 theater grads. The Harry and Sam Dialogues features two Godot-like friends who share philosophical discussions, secrets and beer. In The Dirty Talk, acquaintances from an online chat room meet upwith surprises. July 12, 7:30 p.m., Maple Corner Commity Center. July 13 and 14, 8 p.m., Phantom Theater, Edgcomb Barn, 970 Dump Road, Warren. $15. 223-7021. Tickets for Phantom shows at 4965997 or phantomtheater.info. SMOKEY JOES CAFE July 1222. ThursdaySunday, 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Quarry Road, Adamant. Free, but space is limited: reservations at 229-6978. adamant.org. SUMMER PRIDE AT CHANDLER Dramatic readings of the plays Still Fighting It, The Homosexuals and The Childrens Hour, followed by discussion between the audience and cast and a reception. July 1322. FridaySunday, 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 7173 Main Street, Randolph. Advance: $17 adults, $12 students; day of: $20 adults, $15 students; three-play pass: $34 adults, $24 students. Schedule and tickets at 728-6464 or chandler-arts.org.

Theater
AUDITIONS FOR TENFEST 2012 Come prepared to read cold with other auditionees and have some fun. Bring your summer schedule with you. June 23 and 24, 13 p.m. Valley Players Theater, Route 100, Waitseld. Jeanne, 485-5636. vermontplaywrightscircle.org. AVENUE Q This puppet-based play that deals with adult themes won the Tony Triple Crown for best musical, best score and best book. Come see what the fuzz is all about. Through July 8. FridaySunday, 8 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinee July 8. Valley Players Theater, Waitseld. Tickets at 583-1674. valleyplayers.com.

AT UNADILLA THEATRE Two Gilbert and Sullivans: Pirates of Penzance followed by Yeomen of the Guard. Pirates through July 14; Yeoman July 1828. ThursdaySaturday, 7:30 p.m.; additional shows July 11, 18 and 22. 501 Blachly Road, East Calais. $20 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Tickets at 456-8968. unadilla.org. PETER PAN An all-star cast of more than 125 youth and teens from central Vermont and the Upper Valley present a fully staged production of this beloved family musical. July 58. ThursdaySaturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 7173 Main Street, Randolph. $18 adults, $12 students; plus 6 percent tax. Tickets at 728-6464 or chandlerarts.org.

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UPCOMING EVENTS, from page 15 Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift Store See Thursday, July 5, for description and information. Cannondale Demo Days at Millstone Trails Representatives from local bike shops, including Onion River Sports, set riders up with free demos of 2013 models. Millstone Hill, Websterville. $8 entry fee. Event continues Sunday, July 8. onionriver.com. Food Fundraiser for Montpelier Food Pantry Ice cream and other goodies on sale to benet the Montpelier Food Pantry. 11 a.m.5 p.m. Montpelier Shaws. justbasicsvt.org. Two Talks: The W.D. Teague Postage Stamp Story and the Teagues and Automobiles Ralph London tells the story of the stamp featuring Teagues camera, and Daniel Strohl talks about the Teagues inuence on the Marmon 16 and other automobiles. 1 p.m., stamp; 1:30 p.m., automobile. Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design, 45 Bridge Street, Waitseld. madsonian.org. Food Security in an Age of Climate Change An evening with Bill McKibben, Ben Hewitt and Rachel Nevitt, hosted by Food Works at Two Rivers Center. Local-foods dinner, followed by discussion. Dinner, 5:30 p.m.; discussion; 7:30 p.m. Capitol Plaza Ballroom, 100 State Street, Montpelier. Reservations required for dinner; discussion open to the public, $5 suggested donation. 233-1515 or foodworksvermont.org. Shape-Note Sing Ian Smiley leads tunes from The Sacred Harp. All welcome; no experience necessary. 6:308 p.m. Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Elm Street, Montpelier. By donation. Ian, 229-4008 or vtshapenotesingers@gmail.com. Event happens every rst and third Saturday. Vermont Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Summer Concerts See Friday, June 29, for description; note change in venue. 7:30 pm.; gates open 55:30 p.m. for picnicking. Three Stallion Inn, Randolph. $31$35 adults; prices vary for children. Tickets at 800876-9293, ext. 10, or vso.org. Concert repeats July 8 in Stowe. Contra Dance Rebecca Lay calls dances to tunes by Frost and Fire. No partner necessary. All ages welcome. Bring soft-soled shoes. 811 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Route 12 (Northeld Street), Berlin. $8. 744-6163 or capitalcitygrange.org. Event happens every rst, third and fth Saturday. The Poor Sister Clares Traveling Monk Show Part ritual, part foot-stomping high-spirited dance, part quirky and movingly interactive improvisation, Clare Byrnes show experiments with mysticism-in-action and movement-as-meditation. 8 p.m. Phantom Theater, corner of Airport and Dump Road, Warren. $15. Dance-on roles available: contact Tracy at tracy@madriver.com.

MONDAY, JULY 9

Create a Vision Board With Marianne Mullen, life empowerment coach. Ready to create a goal or dream? Create a vision board to focus your intentions and maximize your motivation. 5:307:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop. Annual Poetry Slam with Geof Hewitt Participate in or watch a poetry competition for all ages. Prizes. 79 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookeld. Free. Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Martine Leavitt, Matt de la Pea, Mary Quattlebaum, Louise Hawes and Betsy Partridge. 7:458:45 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 10, 13, 14 and 15.

Movement of the People: The Fela Kuti Project Thirteen-piece Afrobeat band. Come for dancing. Cash bar. Doors open at 7 p.m, show at 8 p.m. Goddard College, Plaineld. $10 adults, $5 kids. Tickets at the door and cash only. goddard.edu. Community Concert: South Royalton Town Band 78:30 p.m. Giord Medical Center park, 44 South Main Street, Randolph. Free. giordmed.org. Rain date: Wednesday, July 18.

THURSDAY, JULY 12

TUESDAY, JULY 10

Medicare and You New to Medicare? Have questions? We have answers. 34:30 p.m. Central Vermont Council on Aging, suite 200, 59 North Main Street, Barre. Free. Register at 479-0531. Event happens every second and fourth Tuesday. Dowsing: Intuition Technology For Life With Fearn Lickeld, founder of the Green Mountain School of Druidry. Learn how to use several dierent dowsing tools to access information beyond your ve senses. You have the answers! 67:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. $8 co-op member/owners, $10 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop. Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Uma Krishnaswami, Margaret Bechard, Sharon Darrow (Vermont author), Sarah Ellis and Amanda Jenkins. 7:308:30 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 13, 14 and 15.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11

SUNDAY, JULY 8

Cannondale Demo Days at Millstone Trails See Saturday, July 7, for description. Shape Note/Sacred Harp Sing No experience needed. All welcome. 57 p.m. Plaineld Community Center (above the co-op). By donation. 426-3849 or 426-3850. Event happens every second Sunday. Vermont Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Summer Concerts See Friday, June 29, for description; note change in venue. 7:30 pm.; gates open 55:30 p.m. for picnicking. Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe. $31$35 adults; prices vary for children. Tickets at 800-876-9293, ext. 10, or vso.org.

Day of Dialogue: Wealth, Power and Education A unique opportunity to examine the relationship between wealth, power and education. Professional-development certicate available. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Haybarn Theater, Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Road, Plaineld. $45; includes lunch. Register at goddard.edu/dialogue. Traveling Summer Story Time Kellogg-Hubbard Librarys story time comes to Worcester. 11 a.m. Worcester Town Hall. 223-4665. Autism and Vaccines: Unresolved Controversy With Charlotte Gilruth, certied classical homeopath. Screening of the lm Autism: Made in the USA. Discussion follows. Information handouts available. 5:307:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. $5 co-op member/owners, $7 nonmembers. Register at 2238004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop. Quilting Group Working meeting of the Dog River Quilters. Lets quilt together! 5:30 p.m. Community room, Brown Public Library, Northeld. Jean, 223-7984. Event happens every second Wednesday. Authors at the Aldrich: Jeff Danziger The Vermont cartoonist talks about his books Teed Stories and Out in the Sticks. 6 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. aldrich.lib.vt.us. Event happens every Wednesday through August 22. Summer Movie Night In this Oscar-winning Hayao Miyazaki lm, a 10-year-old girl, nds herself in a strange and magical world. For age 10 and up. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School Street, Marsheld. 4263581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com.

Four Days of Dog Shows Conformation classes for AKC breeds; companion events, obedience and rally for purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Ice-cream social, barbecue and live music by Cold Country Bluegrass. 8:30 a.m. 6 p.m.; continues through Sunday, July 15. Tunbridge Fairgrounds. Register for barbecue with Deb, bretlyn@madriver.com. greenmountaindogclub.org. Presented by the Woodstock Dog Club and Green Mountain Dog Club. Kids Author Reading: Jennifer Gennari Vermont College of Fine Arts grad Gennari presents her novel, My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer, the story of a 12-year-old pie-baking Vermonter whose family experiences bullying after Vermonts civil-union law passes. 4 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. 2290774. Standup Paddleboard Free Demo Night Standup paddleboarding is fun, easy and great exercise. Experience paddling from a whole new perspective. All boards and equipment provided. 47 p.m. Wrightsville Beach Recreational Area. Free. Weather permitting: contact Clearwater Sports in Waitseld at 496-2708 or clearwatersport@madriver.com to conrm. Partner Yoga Playshop Class outdoors if the weather is nice. 5:307 p.m. All Together Now, East Montpelier, $8$18 suggested donation. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com. Bake Your Book: How to Start and Finish With Keith Leon, bestselling author and trainer. Learn how to discover your why, nd the time to write, select a topic that others will love and create your roadmap to success. 67:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop. Ukulele Group All ages and abilities welcome. 68 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier. 223-2518. Event happens every second and fourth Thursday. The Attic Series: Tympanon The trio performs tunes and songs of Quebec and France 7 p.m. Reach oces, 138 Main Street, Montpelier. $10 suggested donation. Reservations recommended; Susan, 229-1403 or hendrixddle@gmail.com. Ecumenical Group Songs of praise, Bible teaching, fellowship. 79 p.m. Jabbok Center for Christian Living, 8 Daniel Drive, Barre. Free. 476-3873. Event happens every second and fourth Thursday.

FRIDAY, JULY 13

Tie-Dye Party Bring your own whites to make shirts swirl like galaxies, socks explode like supernovas or underwear burst with brightness at the librarys annual hippie craft-fest for all ages. 2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library lawn, Montpelier. 223-4665. Friday Night Fix: Ladies Night With Kelly Ault from Mountain Moxie. Women only: learn about shifting and braking issues and how to x a at, plus training, diet, how to pick a bike and any other bike questions. 6 p.m. Onion River Sports, Montpelier. onionriver.com. Next x August 3.

Live Music
BAGITOS 28 Main Street, Montpelier. All shows 68 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 229-9212 or bagitos.com. Every Saturday Irish/Celtic session, 25 p.m. Every Wednesday Acoustic blues jam with the Usual Suspects Friday, June 29 Ken Tonnisen Saturday, June 30 Clancy Harris Sunday, July 1 Brunch with Eric Friedman, 11 a.m.1 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 Jazz jam Thursday, July 5 Colin McCarey and Carol Hausner Friday, July 6 The Barn Band with Bob Kinzel Saturday, July 7 Bob Harris and the Well Trained Monkeys

BIG PICTURE THEATER 48 Carroll Road (just o Route 100), Waitseld. Most shows by donation. 496-8994 or bigpicture theater.info. Friday, June 30 Cats Under the Stars (Jerry Garcia tribute), 8 p.m., $7, all ages Sunday, July 1 Jazz brunch with Anthony Santor Friday, July 6 Wee Folkestra and the Debulators Wednesday, July 11 Valley Night with Bill Shafer and friends Wednesday, July 18 Valley Night with Tracy and Jimmy Goodwin BLACK DOOR 44 Main Street, Montpelier. All shows start at 9:30 p.m. with $5 cover unless otherwise noted. 225-6479 or blackdoorvermont.com. Saturday, July 16 Dave Keller Band CHARLIE OS 70 Main Street, Montpelier. 223-6820. Every Tuesday Karaoke

Friday, June 29 The Pilgrims, Sick Feelings (garage punk) Saturday, June 30 The Sara Grace Band (rock/soul) Friday, July 6 Chalice, Made In Iron and Amadis: Tribute to Ronnie James Dio (metal) Friday, July 13 Stone Bullet (rock) Saturday, July 14 Megan Jean and the KFB (indie folk) CIDER HOUSE RESTAURANT Route 2, Waterbury. 244-8400 Every Saturday Dan Boomhower (piano), 6 p.m.close FRESH TRACKS FARM 4373 Route 12, Berlin. 223-1151 or info@freshtracksfarm.com. Friday, June 29 Katie Trautz, 69 p.m. Friday, July 6 James Gram, 69 p.m. NECI ON MAIN: THE CELLAR 118 Main Street, Montpelier. All shows 69 p.m., no cover. 223-3188 or necidining.com.

Thursday, July 5 Miles and Murphy (jazz guitar) Thursday, July 12 Mark LeGrand and Sarah Munro (rock/blues) NUTTY STEPHS CHOCOLATERIE Route 2, Middlesex. All shows 710 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 229-2090 or nuttystephs.com. Every Thursday Bacon Thursdays, hot music and live conversation, 6 p.m.midnight SKINNY PANCAKE 89 Main Street, Montpelier. 262-2253 or skinnypancake.com. Every Sunday Old-time sessions with Katie Trautz and friends, 46 p.m. (intermediate to advanced players welcome to sit in) Sunday, July 1 Ben Cosgrove (multi-instrumentalist) Sunday, July 8 Mike Quinones and Jay Ekis (American roots) Sunday, July 15 Mind the Gap (Americana)

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J U N E 2 8 J U LY 18 , 2 012 PAG E 17

Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Mark Karlins, Rita Williams-Garcia and Linda Sue Park. 7:308:15 p.m. Alumni Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 14 and 15.

SATURDAY, JULY 14

Hike with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club Dicult 11.8-mile trek from Worcester Mountain to Hunger Mountain via the Skyline Trail. Car spotting required. Contact leader Phyllis Rubenstein, 223-0020 or phyllis@phyllisruben steinlaw.comcastbiz.net, for meeting time and place. Wear Your Art A simple silk-screening workshop, creating designs from templates. Bring items to print and a simple design on paper. 9 a.m.noon. The Drawing Board, 22 Main Street. $35 materials fee. Sign up in advance. 223-2902 or drawingboardvt.com. Lets Go Owling Celebrate one of the most majestic creatures of the night with naturalist Steve Amos. 10 a.m. Ainsworth Public Library, Main Street, Williamstown. 4335887, ainsworthpl@yahoo.com or ainsworthpubliclibrary.wordpress. com. Acro Yoga with Lori Flower 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. River House Yoga, Plaineld. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com. Moon Group With Mary Anna Abuzahra. Track the moon cycle in your astrological natal chart, gain self-awareness and learn a helpful way to study astrology. 2 p.m. Private oce, 34 Elm Street, Montpelier. $10$20. Preregistration required; contact Mary Anna, 272-0827. Event repeats August 11 and September 15. Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Alan Cumyn, Bonnie Christensen, Susan Fletcher, Tim Wynne-Jones and Marion Dane Bauer. 4:305:30 p.m. Alumni Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 15. Monthly Saturday Film Series: The Tree After her husbands sudden death, Dawn must provide for her four kids despite her grief, while young Simone is convinced her fathers spirit now lives in a giant g tree in the yard. 2010, 100 minutes. 7 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier. $3 suggested donation. 223-2518. Cosponsored by MSAC and the Dharma Film Series Group. Talk Nerdy To Me Are you a self-identied expert? What gives you a nerd-on? Sign up in advance to share your nerdy passion via PowerPoint! Drink beer, eat good food and learn about a broad assortment of topics through the eyes of those to whom they are most nerdily dear. 7 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 136 North Main Street, Barre. Free. 4790896 or genuineadventures.com/talk-nerdy-to-me.html.

10 a.m.noon. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 250 Main Street, Montpelier. $10 VCIH members, $12 nonmembers; plus $5 materials fee. Register at 224-7100 or vtherbcenter.org. The Dark Knight Rises: Honoring Senator Patrick Leahy Support the Kellogg-Hubbard Library while watching a special screening of the new lm before its premiere in New York City. Doors open at 6 p.m.; lm starts at 7 p.m. Majestic 10 Theater, 190 Boxwood Street, Williston. $100$250; benets the childrens library. 223-3338. Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Tom Birdseye, Jane Kurtz, Shelley Tanaka, April Lurie and An Na (Vermont author). 88:45 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu.

MONDAY, JULY 16

Sacred Co-Creation With Nessa Rothstein, Brennan healing science practitioner. Learn the basics of conscious creation through a guided meditation with Sacred Geometry as a way to deepen your relationship to your life. 5:307 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop. Fermented Foods and Our Health With Betzy Bancroft, core faculty. Learn about the amazing ecosystem inside our intestines, discuss the signs of imbalance and learn a basic method for making lactofermented vegetables. 68 p.m. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 250 Main Street, Montpelier. $10 VCIH members, $12 nonmembers. Register at 224-7100 or vtherbcenter.org. Plaineld Book Club 6:30 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plaineld. Free. 454-8504 or cutlerlibrary.org. Event happens every third Monday.

Mindful Business Success Circle Networking Group For service professionals and small-business owners working to make a dierence in their communities and the world. Thirty minutes of optional sitting meditation, followed by an hour of networking and one-on-one connection with peers. 10:45 a.m.12:30 p.m. Shambhala Center, 64 Main Street (third oor), Montpelier. Free. RSVP at 225-5960. Event happens every third Wednesday. Enjoy the Wonders of Fungi With Eric Swanson of Vermush. See Swansons recent pictures and projects and learn how to culture and grow mycelium into fungi. Everyone will bring home their own oyster mushroom spawn. 57 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. $10 co-op member/owners, $12 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop. Authors at the Aldrich: Saloma Furlong The Vermont memoirist talks about her book Why I Left the Amish. 6 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. aldrich.lib.vt.us. Event happens every Wednesday through August 22. Dream Big and Reach for the Stars Learn about the basics of sky watching with Tony Mayhew. Star watchers of all ages and stages welcome. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School Street, Marsheld. 4263581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com. Ecstatic Dance See Wednesday, July 4, for description and information.

THURSDAY, JULY 19

TUESDAY, JULY 17

SUNDAY, JULY 15

Hike with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club Dicult 9-mile expedition to Beaver Meadow Lodge and Whiteface Shelters in Morristown. Contact leader Ken Hertz, 229-4737 or kenneth.hertz@myfairpoint. net, for meeting time and place. Hike/Explore/Swim with with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club Easy 3-mile outing on Coburn Pond in East Montpelier, a former gravel-pit area with a 6-acre pond. Call leader Ann Burcro, 229-9677, for meeting time and place. Make Your Own Flower Essences With Fearn Lickeld, certied ower essence practitioner. Walk through the process of cocreating a ower essence. Get inspired, connect with nature and learn to use essences for the health of the soul.

Going Solar Without Going Broke With Jessica Edgerly Walsh of Suncommon. Learn about nancing options available, purchasing and leasing, and state and federal incentives to help you go solar and save money. 67 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.coop. Author Reading and Signing: Jane Shore Shore reads from her latest book of poetry, That Said: New and Selected Poems. 7 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. bearpondbooks.com/author-events or 229-0774. Free Button Up Vermont Workshop Learn how to make your home more energy ecient, comfortable and aordable. 79 p.m. Room 109, Community College of Vermont, Schulmaier Hall, 32 College Street, Montpelier. Free. buttonupvt.com. Hosted by CCV Montpeliers Moving Toward Sustainability class. Nature at Night: Glow-in-the-Dark! As the sun sets, an amazing array of luminous creatures awake. Hike the elds and forests of the nature center in search of reies, glowworms and bioluminescent fungi. 810 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street, Montpelier. $5 nature-center members, $10 nonmembers, $3 children. 229-6206.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18

Digital Download Wednesdays Confused about how to work your e-book reader? Get one-on-one help and see a demo on how to download your favorite books. 10:30 a.m.7 p.m. Waterbury Public Library. Sign up for a 30minute session at 244-7036. Event happens every third Wednesday. Traveling Summer Story Time Kellogg-Hubbard Librarys story time comes to Middlesex. 10:30 a.m. Rumney School. 223-4665.

Meeting on Disability Issues Share stories and concerns. 13 p.m. Vermont Center for Independent Living, 11 East State Street, Montpelier. 639-1522 or 229-0501 (both are also V/TTY numbers). Event happens every third Thursday. Nature Hikes with Onion River Kids 3:30 p.m. Location varies: call 223-6025 for details. Event happens every rst and third Thursday through August. Whats New and Hot for Kids Summer Reading Local authors Jo Knowles, Kate Messner and Linda Urban read from their new books, share their favorites and share the experience they have in using books to talk with kids. 4 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. 229-0774. Science of Mind Principles See Thursday, July 5, for description and information. Summer Cooking for Well-Being Understand which foods match this season and your constitution, explore the role of mindfulness in healthy digestion, create menu plans, taste samples and take home recipes. 67 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $8 co-op member/owners, $10 nonmembers. Register at 223-8000, ext. 202, or info@hungermountain.com. Caps for Sale Performance by the PuppeTree. 6 p.m. ReSTORE, 30 Granite Street, Barre. Free. 477-7800. Smart Meters: Why Opt Out? Ray Pealer, local expert and concerned citizen, leads a discussion on health, safety and security issues of new wireless smart electric meters. 6:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier. 223-2518. Third Thursday Travel Talk 6:30 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plaineld. Free. 4548504 or cutlerlibrary.org. Event happens every third Thursday. Songwriters Meeting Meeting of the Northern VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Bring copies of your work. 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury. John, 633-2204. Event happens every third Thursday. Clean Slate Quiz Assemble your best small team, and enjoy food and drink service outside on the patio while you play a dynamic trivia game! 7 p.m. Clean Slate Cafe, 107 State Street, Montpelier. Free. 2256166 or playtrivia@gmail.com. Live Art, works by Nicholas Heilig; and Digital Topographies, works by Karolina Kawiaka. 201 North Main Street, Barre. Through July 7. 479-7069 or studioplacearts.com. SULLIVAN MUSEUM Tol ko Po Russky, Pozhaluista (Russian Only, Please), chronicling the history of the Russian school at Norwich University, 19682000. Norwich University, Northeld. Through January 2013. 485-2183. TULSI TEA ROOM Textures of the Earth, photos by Christian Tubau Arjona, a Spanish artist living in Vermont. 34 Elm Stree, Montpelier. Through September 21. 223-0043 VERMONT COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS Re Count and Re Connect, works by Kim Goertner Darling, Sabrina B. Fadial, Diana Gonsalves, Susan Sawyer and Sumru Tekin. College Hall, 36 College Street, Montpelier. Through July 6. vcfa.edu.

Art & Exhibits

CENTRAL VERMONT MEDICAL CENTER The Anatomy of Light, photographs by Andrew Kline. Lobby, 130 Fisher Road, Berlin. Through July 6. cvmc.org. CITY CENTER Group exhibit by the Art Resource Association, followed by works by Joan Davidson and Cora Brooks. 89 Main Street, Montpelier. ARA show through July 6; Davsidon and Brooks July 6August 3. artresourceassociation.com. CHANDLER GALLERY Red Fields & Yellow Skies: The Art of the Landscape, group show by 12 state- and nationally renowned artists.

7173 Main Street, Randolph. Through September 2. 431-0204 or outreach@chandler-arts.org. CONTEMPORARY DANCE & FITNESS STUDIO Pastels of Italy and Vermont by Jeneane Lunn. 18 Langdon Street (third oor), Montpelier. Through July 28. THE DRAWING BOARD Barns, Waterscapes, and Florals, expressive and vivid paintings by Jayne Shoup. 22 Main Street, Montpelier. Through July. 2232902 or drawingboardvt.com.

GREEN BEAN ART GALLERY Montpelier Scenes, photographs by Ron LaySleeper. Capitol Grounds, 27 State Street, Montpelier. Through July 1. curator@capitolgrounds.com. KELLOGG-HUBBARD LIBRARY Wowie Maui, watercolors, oils and acrylics by Jeanne Evans. 135 Main Street, Montpelier. Through August 24. 223-3338.

MADSONIAN MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN Walter Dorwin Teague: His Life, Work, and GIFFORD MEDICAL CENTER Photographs by Bruce Small of West Brookeld. Inuence, a wide breadth of work by the man 44 South Main Street, Randolph. Through August who designed numerous Kodak cameras, the Bluebird Radio, Steuben glassware and much 1. 728-2324 or giordmed.org. more. GOVERNORS GALLERY 45 Bridge Street, Waitseld. Through August. Curves, Naturally!, quilted ber art by Greensmadsonian.org. boro artist Judy B. Dales. STUDIO PLACE ARTS 109 State Street, fth oor. Through July. Photo Sc-EYE-nce, a science and visual arts fusion; ID required for admission. 828-0749.

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THE BRIDGE

Weekly Events
ACTIVISM
Weekly General Assembly for Occupy Central Vermont Saturdays, 35 p.m. Outside City Hall, Montpelier; rain location Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Agendas and locations at occupycentralvt.org. Heather, bettypageturner@gmail.com.

CRAFTS

Beaders Group All levels of beading experience welcome. Free instruction available. Come with a project for creativity and community. Saturdays, 11 a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plaineld. 454-1615.

FOOD

BICYCLING

Open Shop Nights Have questions or a bike to donate, or need help with a bike repair? Come visit the volunteer-run community bike shop. Mondays and Wednesdays, 57 p.m. Tuesdays, 68 p.m. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre Street, Montpelier. By donation. 552-3521 or freeridemontpelier.org. Weekly Rides at Onion River Sports Come in proper physical condition depending on ride, bring water and a snack and dress appropriately for weather. Helmets required. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult; anyone under 18 must have a signed parental permission form. Mondays Cyclocross Cruise, 6 p.m., 1- to 2-hour, moderate, casual cyclocross ride, climbing and descending beautiful dirt roads Tuesdays Cycling 101 with Linda Freeman, 5:30 p.m., all levels welcome Wednesdays Mountain Bike Ride, 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., intermediate to advanced rides on dierent area trails each week; for carpooling and more information, e-mail kip@onionriver.com Onion River Racing Wednesday Night World Championships, 5:30 p.m., fast ride with town line sprints and competitions for bragging rights, route announced at ride time; onionriverracing.com Thursdays Onion River Racing Thursday Night Nationals, 5:30 p.m., pace is zone 1 and 2, no-drop ride, route announced at ride time; onionriverracing. com.

Adamant Co-op Friday Night Cookouts Great food, wonderful conversation and more ambiance than you can shake a cream-cheese chocolate brownie at. Sausages, jumbo hotdogs, marinated portabellas, salmon cakes, seasonal salads and decadent desserts. Fridays, 5:307 p.m., July 627. $8$10. Adamant Co-op, 1313 Haggett Road. Rain or shine. Call 223-5760 for this weeks menu items. Capital City Farmers Market On July 14: slow-food seasonal cooking demo with NECI. Vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, meat, maple syrup, ne crafts, prepared foods, plants and more. Live music and demos all summer. Saturdays, 9 a.m.1 p.m. 60 State Street (corner of State and Elm ), Montpelier. Through October 27. Carolyn, 223-2958 or manager@montpelierfarmers market.com. Gospel Brunch: A Community Meal All-you-can-eat buet of fresh fruit, bread, salmon and local meats and cheeses. Mimosas and other drinks available for purchase from both Red Hen and Nutty Stephs. Sundays, 10 a.m.2 pm. Nutty Stephs and Red Hen Baking Company, Route 2, Middlesex. $10 adult, $5 children 12 and under. nuttystephs.com.

Youth Group Games, movies, snacks and music. Mondays, 79 p.m. Church of the Crucied One, Route 100, Moretown. 496-4516. Story Time and Playgroup Story time: for children age 06. Playgroup: story, art, song, nature activities and cooperative games. Dress for the weather. Story time: Mondays, 10 a.m. Playgroup: Wednesdays, 1011:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School Street, Marsheld. 426-3581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com. Summer Storytime With Bill Palin. Stories, critters, crafts and snack, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Ainsworth Public Library, Main Street, Williamstown. No storytime July 4. 433-5887 or ainsworthpubliclibrary.wordpress.com. Cub Capers Storytime and Songs For children age 35 and their families. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. Childrens room, Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-0774. Morning Playgroup Storytelling inspired by seasonal plants, fruits and herbs with in-house astrologer Mary Anna Abuzahra, plus crafts, games and activities. Walk follows. All ages welcome. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. tulsiteallc@gmail.com. Second-Language Story Time Tales in American Sign Language, plus monthly special events with native speakers. Tuesdays, 3 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plaineld. Free. 454-8504 or cutlerlibrary.org. Story Time at Onion River Kids Outdoor adventure tales and childhood classics. Sundays, 10:30 a.m. 7 Langdon Street, Montpelier. 223-6025.

thebarrepartnership.com. Brown Bag Concert Series in Montpelier On July 12, KT and the Trailblazers; on July 19, the Dave Keller Band. Thursdays, noon, July 12August 30. Christ Church courtyard, State Street, Montpelier. Free. Schedule at montpelieralive.org/brownbag. Free Concerts in Waterbury On July 5, One Over Zero (world/hip-hop/funk); on July 12, Abby Jenne and the Enablers (acoustic folk/rock; on July 19, Prydein (Celtic rock). Thursdays, 6 p.m., through August 16. Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Waterbury. Sponsored by the Rotary Club. Free Summer Concert Series in Marsheld On July 5: Katie Trautz and the Tall Boys; on July 12: Cold Country Bluegrass; on July 19: Michael Arnowitt and the ImproVisions Jazz Quartet. Food available for purchase. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., July 5August 9. Old Schoolhouse Common gazebo, 122 School Street, Marsheld. Free. Schedule at marsheld.lib.vt.us. 426-3581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com. Norwich Universitys Summer Carillon Concert Series Bring a picnic and a lawn chair for free outdoor concerts on Norwichs 47-bell Charlotte Nichols Greene Memorial Carillon. Rain or shine. Demo and tour of bell tower follows. Saturdays, 1 p.m., July 7August 4. Free. Diana, 485-2318 or dweggler@norwich.edu.

SPIRITUALITY

GAMES

LANGUAGE

Apollo Duplicate Bridge Club All welcome. Partners sometimes available. Fridays, 6:45 p.m. Bethany Church, Montpelier. 485-8990 or 223-3922.

HEALTH

BOOKS

Free HIV Testing Vermont CARES oers fast oral testing. Thursdays, 14 p.m. 58 East State Street, suite 3 (entrance at the back), Montpelier. vtcares.org.

Ongoing Reading Group Improve your reading and share some good books. Books chosen by group. Thursdays, 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State Street. No meetings July 26 and August 2. 223-3403.

KIDS & TEENS

English Conversation Practice Group For students learning English for the rst time. Tuesdays, 45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State Street. No meetings July 24 and 31. Sarah, 2233403. Lunch in a Foreign Language Bring lunch and practice your language skills with neighbors. Noon1 p.m. Mondays, Hebrew. Tuesdays, Italian. Wednesdays, Spanish. Thursdays, French. Fridays, German. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. 223-3338.

Free Community Meals For All in Montpelier

MONDAY 11 a.m.1 p.m., Unitarian Church, 130 Main Street TUESDAY 11:30 a.m.1 p.m., Bethany Church, 115 Main Street WEDNESDAY 11 a.m.12:30 p.m., Christ Church, 64 State Street THURSDAY 11:30 a.m.1 p.m., Trinity Church, 137 Main Street FRIDAY 11 a.m.12:30 p.m., St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre Street SATURDAY Second Saturdays only, 11:30 a.m.1 p.m., Trinity Church, 137 Main Street (hosted by folks from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and First Baptist Church) SUNDAY Last Sundays only, 4:305:30 p.m., Bethany Church, 115 Main Street (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue)

The Basement Teen Center Cable TV, PlayStation 3, pool table, free eats and fun events for teenagers. MondayThursday, 36 p.m.; Friday, 311 p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-9151. Story Time at the Waterbury Public Library Mondays, age 1836 months. Wednesdays, age 018 months. Fridays, age 36 years. 10 a.m. Waterbury Public Library. Free. 244-7036. Crafty Afternoons For kids age 711. On July 3: origami. On July 10: castle building. Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., through July (no event July 17). Waterbury Congregational Church. Register with the Waterbury Public Library at 244-7036. Schedule at waterburypubliclibrary.com/childrens programs.php. Library Activities for Kids Story time, Tuesdays, 10:3011:30 a.m. Crafts, rst Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. Games, second Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. Lego club, third Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. Teen Advisory Group meeting, fourth Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. Chess club, Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. (call Robert, 229-1207, for information) Young Adult Nights (games, movies, food, crafting and more for youth age 1017), third Fridays, 69 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. Free. 2234665. Events for Teens and Kids at the Aldrich Library Free lunch every day MondayFriday, noobligations teen book club on Mondays, Wednesday teen game nights, and crafts and events for kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lunch, noon; crafts, 1 p.m.; teen events, 5 p.m. Lunch and crafts through August 17; no lunch July 4. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. 476-7550.

MUSIC

Sing With the Barre Tones Womens a cappella chorus. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. Alumni Hall (second oor), near Barre Auditorium. 223-2039 or rjmorgan1956@comcast.net. Waterbury Community Band Concerts in the Park A varied program of marches and other concert band selections. Good neighbor benet concert, at Waterbury Congregational Church on August 16, 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Concerts alternate between Waterbury Center Park (July 10) and Rusty Parker Memorial Park in Waterbury (July 24). Free. Through July; no concerts July 3 and 17. Bill, 223-2137 or info@waterburycommunityband.org. Summer Music from Greensboro Chamber music concerts. Tuesdays, 8 p.m., July 17August 14. Church of Christ, Wilson Street, Greensboro. $20 per concert, $85 season ticket; free for youth under 18. 5332301 or summermusicfromgreensboro@gmail.com. Middlesex Summer Concerts On July 11, the Heckhounds; on July 18, the Onion River Jazz Band. Bring a picnic. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. July 11August 15. Martha Pellerin-Andy Shapiro Memorial Bandstand (next to Rumney School), 433 Shady Rill Road, Middlesex. Free. 229-0881. Capital Band Concert Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with your neighbors. Want to play along? Bring your instrument, music stand and a chair. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. State House lawn near the Pavilion Building. Free. Through August 15; no concert July 4. Summer Concerts in Barre On July 11, the Green Mountain Swing Band; on July 18, Patti Casey and Bob Amos. Wednesdays, 78 p.m. Currier Park; rain location Universalist Church, 19 Church Street. Free. Through August 22; no concert July 4. Schedule at

Christian Science Gods love meeting human needs. Reading room: TuesdaySaturday, 11 a.m.1 p.m.; Tuesdays, 58 p.m.; and Wednesdays, 57:15 p.m. Testimony meeting: Wednesdays, 7:308:30 p.m., nursery available. Worship service: Sundays, 10:3011:30 a.m., Sunday school and nursery available. 145 State Street, Montpelier. 223-2477. Deepening Our Jewish Roots Fun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish spirituality. Sundays, 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center, Montpelier. Rabbi Tobie Weisman, 2230583 or info@yearning4learning.org. Christian Meditation Group People of all faiths welcome. Mondays, noon1 p.m. Christ Church, Montpelier. Regis, 223-6043. Shambhala Buddhist Meditation Instruction available. All welcome. Sundays, 10 a.m.noon, and Wednesdays, 67 p.m. Program and discussion follow Wednesday meditation. Shambhala Center, 64 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137. Zen Meditation Wednesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. 174 River Street, Montpelier. Call Tom for orientation, 229-0164. With Zen Aliate of Vermont.

SPORTS

Roller Derby Open Recruitment and Recreational Practice Central Vermonts Wrecking Doll Society invites quad skaters age 18 and up to try out the action. No experience necessary. Equipment provided: rst come, rst served. Saturdays, 56:30 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre Street. First skate free. centralvermontrollerderby.com. Coed Adult Floor Hockey Equipment provided. Sundays, 35 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre Street. $5. 363-1531, bmoorhockey@gmail .com or vermontoorhockey.com.

YOGA

Sliding-Scale Yoga Classes With Lydia Russell-McDade. Build strength and exibility as you learn safe alignment in a nourishing, supportive environment. Each class weaves in inspirations from nature and Tantric philosophy. Mondays, 5:306:45 p.m. Plaineld. $5$20 suggested donation. saprema-yoga.com. Rhythmic Flow Vinyasa With Lori Flower. Outdoors if weather permits. Tuesdays, 67:15 p.m. All Together Now, East Montpelier.Through the summer. $5$15 suggested donation. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com.

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Classes

OUTDOORS

Classifieds
HOUSE PAINTER Since 1986. Small interior jobs ideal. Neat, prompt, friendly. Local references. Pitz Quattrone, 229-4952. TRUCK FOR HIRE Call T&T Repeats, 224-1360.

WILDERNESS RETREATS FOR ADULTS What in your life is calling you? A Womens Quest in the Wilderness, July 714; Wilderness Rites of Passage for Men and Women, July 21-29. Both in Northern Vermont. For information and registration contact Fran Weinbaum, vermontwildernessrites.com, fran@vermont wildernessrites.com or 249-7377.

SERVICES

WRITING

THRIFT STORES

SUMMER WRITING CLASS Guided Writers Group: Memoir, Fiction, and Creative Nonction. Six Fridays, July 20August 24, 10 a.m.noon, $120. Christ Church, 64 State Street, Montpelier. Maggie Thompson, MFA, instructor. To register or for more information, call 454-4635. WRITING COACH Are you struggling with beginning, continuing, nishing? Do you need tools and rules to keep you working from concept to completion? Art really is long, and life really short. WRITE NOW is what we have. Thirty years writing and coaching writers in all genres. Free consultation. tamarcole21@gmail.com, 225-6415.

T&T REPEATS Bikes, name-brand clothes, small household furniture and more. 116 Main Street, Montpelier, or call 224-1360. TRINITY COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.4 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.5 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main Street (use rear entrance), Montpelier. 229-9155 or tctsvt@yahoo.com. YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE! To advertise, call The Bridge at 223-5112 and ask for Carl (ccampbell@montpelierbridge.com) or Carolyn (carolyn@montpelierbridge.com).

At Bragg Farm . . .

Vermont Summer Fun!

Bring your summer guests for everything maple! Relax with us. Make new friends!
Delicious Maple & Chocolate Creemees Served Every Day!
223-5757 OPEN EVERY DAY, 8:30 am8 pm
Located 1 mile north of East Montpelier village on Rt. 14N (follow signs)

Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

PAG E 20 J U N E 28 J U LY 18 , 2012

THE BRIDGE

Sponsored by Century 21 Jack Associates, 223-6302

THE REAL ESTATE PAGE

Updated Montpelier Cape

Spacious Ranch
Spacious 4-BR, 2-ba ranch on 0.64+/- acres on Dunpatrick Circle, Montpelier! Fully equipped kitchen. Family room. Oversized, direct-entry 2-car garage. Rear deck with woodlands views. Dead-end street edge-of-the-city location. $229,900! Lori Pinard, Century 21 Jack, 223-6302, ext. 326.

Move Right In!

Clean, charming ranch in Barre. Fresh paint, hardwood oors, 2 decks, 3 bedrooms, full bath. Located on .32 acres with views, walk- out basement. $114,995. Call Steve Ribolini, 229-8334.

Nice Family Home

In Montpelier; 3+ bedrooms, 2 baths, new custom kitchen, many improvements, pellet replace insert, large nished family room in basement, approximately acre. $239,000 negotiable. Matt, 223-5583.

2-BR Montpelier cape with hardwood ooring, replaced living room (woodstove insert), and sunny corner dining room. Updated kitchen. Den/ family room. Large fenced lawn with perennial plantings and stone wall accents. $269,900. Lori Pinard, Century 21 Jack Associates, 223-6302, ext. 326.

Montpelier 3-Bedroom
$259,000. 2 bathrooms. 2-car garage, deck. New roof. One block from College of Fine Arts Green. Walk to work, schools, stores, restaurants. Hardwood oors. Quiet street. 4edwardsstreet@gmail.com, 4edwardsmyblog.wordpress.com.

Your Own Domain

Middlesex: Beautiful, spacious, warm and welcoming country home. Total privacy on 20 acres, less than 10 minutes from Montpelier or I-89. Enjoy stunning sunsets over Camels Hump from nearly every room in the house. This home boasts an open living space that is perfect for entertaining, a kitchen that is every chefs dream, a cozy library, and 3+ bedrooms including a rst oor Master Suite. $725,000. See more at yourowndomainvt.com.

Get your real estate listed in the paper!

Contact Carl, 223-5112, ext. 11, or ccampbell@ montpelierbridge.com.
Charming Old Cape
3 blocks from State House; acre of land, backs up on hundreds of acres of undevelopable forest. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, huge kitchen. $279,000. 279-5816.

McCarty Real Estate: We bring people home.

Rebecca McCarty Copans
802.922.3452 802.229.9479 rebecca@ mccartyre.com

Montpelier Senior Activity Center

A Place For Healthy Aging & Lifelong Learning
Drawing by Gossens Bachman Architects

Look for us back at 58 Barre Street in July!

MSAC open July 5 MSAC tours July 513

Camera with Annie Tiberio Kingsbury oom Dancing with Sylvia with Jan Ghiringhelli Ballr pper Sociodrama with Herb Pro

mmer Floral Arran ital the Most from Your Dig with Yana Poulson Getting Pastels Cameron Introductory

NEW (3 in the evening!) : Su

Sept. Classes! Register Now for July ging

50 or older and w? seeking something ne

NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATIONS WOODWORKING GENERAL CONTRACTING

THANK YOU to all our friends and donors who have

supported us during the Renovation Project!

Visit us or see website for tour schedule, membership application, registration form with fees, complete activity listings, full newsletter and calendar.

802-223-2518 msac@montpelier-vt.org www.montpelier-vt.org/msac msacblog.wordpress.com

clarconstruction.com

223-3447

THE BRIDGE

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Editorial

Letters
One Word Wrong To the Editor: Thank you for noting the 80th birthday of Betty Blouin, one of the people who make Montpelier the spirited and spiritual place it is. And thank you for running the sonnet that I read at her party on June 16. You got 13 of the 14 lines right, but sonnets14 lines of iambic pentameterare so unforgiving that I have to note the one error. The offending line is the second line in the third quatrain. The correct line was, Only one, you say, well I count five not, One one, you say, well I count five: And theres no missing Bettywho would try? Only one, you say, well I count five. Hither and thither, wherever hopes alive There you ll see her, joining Earth and sky. Thy silver dishes for thy meat As precious as the gods do eat, Shall on an ivory table be Prepared each day for thee and me. The shepherd swains shall dance and sing For thy delight each May-morning: If these delights thy mind may move, Then live with me and be my love. (Wish I had written it.) Ben Scotch, Montpelier Racing Luck To the Editor: For the past 11 years Ive been afforded the ability to pursue my passionracing. Ive had some successful seasons and some seasons where I would like to have been a bit more successful, but Ive been able to do it regardless. That takes substantial and continued support on behalf of my sponsors, my team, and my friends and family. In the world of semiprofessional sports, there is a balance that not many are able to manage due to obligations, be it financial, professional or family. Ive been lucky enough to find and manage a balance between all three. Hobbies and passions take time, dedication, money, support and understandingfrom friends and family, but also from employers and sponsors. Ive had the fortune of having my employer, Pyrofax Energy, serve as one of my biggest supporters and my largest sponsor. Ive been with Pyrofax Energy for 10 years. For the past two of those years, I have overseen the day-to-day operations of the service departments in Morrisville, Montpelier, Waitsfield and White River Junction, ensuring that our customers have safe equipment and solid customer service. Pyrofax Energy has helped me to develop professionally in a job that I enjoy; allowed me to work with people who are invested in the communities they live and work in; and helped me to pursue my passion for racing. Pyrofax Energy drives its team to excel professionally and personally. The company supports numerous community events through donations and volunteerism. It is dedicated to customers, employees and the community. I feel I am a perfect example of that. I dont believe I would be where I am today without the sponsorship and support of the entire team at Pyrofax Energy. Im happy to wear the logo on my car and Im proud to work for such a supportive and generous company. Grant Folsom, Waitsfield

In some writing genres, one wrong word is not so bad. In sonnets, one wrong word is a calamity. First, One one, you say, well I count five makes no sense. But just as importantly, the mistake turns a line of iambic pentameter into a line of iambic tetrameter. I expect the Sonnet Police to be rapping at my door at any time. For such an offense against English letters, they dont even need a warrant. I hope The Bridge will defend me when they arrive. So that I end this seeming complaint on a more rhapsodic note, let me cite the most famous English poem in iambic tetrameter, Vermont Mountaineers pitcher Stephen Ostapeck throws a pitch during a June 16 home game at Christopher Marlowes wonderful The Pasthe Montpelier recreation field against the Danby Westerners. Photo by Roger Crowley. sionate Shepherd to His lovelet no one ever change a word of it:

Northfield Savings Bank Takes the Lead in Dealing with Hunger Issues

Come live with me and be my love, And we will all the pleasures prove That hills and valleys, dale and field, And all the craggy mountains yield. There will we sit upon the rocks, And see the shepherds feed their flocks, By shallow rivers to whose falls Melodious birds sing madrigals. There I will make thee beds of roses And a thousand fragrant posies, A cap of flowers, and a kirtle Embroider d all with leaves of myrtle; A gown made of the finest wool Which from our pretty lambs we pull; Fair lind slippers for the cold, With buckles of the purest gold; A belt of straw and ivy buds, With coral clasps and amber studs; And if these pleasures may thee move, Come live with me, and be my love.

es, there is hunger in Vermont. But there is less hunger in Vermont today because of the Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) and the banks steadfast efforts over six years to support the innovative work of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and later of the more inclusive efforts of the same organization with a new name, Hunger Free Vermont. On June 7, a range of people both inside and outside state governmentmany of whom are now working very closely together to deal with hunger issues in Washington Countyassembled at the Green Mountain Club meeting hall in Waterbury Center to take stock and acknowledge the generosity and effective support of NSB. Beginning in 2006, NSB made a three-year grant of $150,000 a year ($450,00 in total) to the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. As explained by Marissa Parisi, executive director of Hunger Free Vermont, the original purpose of the NSB grant was to expand meal sites . . . and access to quality foods. One of the most powerful innovations that resulted from the NSB grant was the formation of a hunger council in Washington County. That Washington County Hunger Council was a first. Soon there was a second hunger council, in Chittenden County. Then in Lamoille County. Now, theres a fourth, in Windham County. And there will be a future hunger council in Addison County. These councils bring the key players together to overcome obstacles, make key contacts, secure cooperation and solve hunger problems. One of the major discoveries that emerged from the councils and from a strategic planning process in 2010 was the now-not-surprising finding that, in Parisis words, We couldnt end childhood hunger without ending all hunger. If the family was in crisis and there was hunger, their children would be hungry. If other adults, including older people, were facing hunger, that, too, could have an impact on children. Understanding the size of the hunger problem and dealing with hunger across the age spectrum was a huge conceptual breakthrough. Said Parisi, It was a big change and a big growth for our organization, which changed its name to Hunger Free Vermont in 2011. Impressed by what was achieved in its first three years of supporting the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, NSB renewed its commitment for another three years in 2009. The $900,000 in overall NSB support from 2006 to 2012 achieved great things. It has doubled public access for children, families and all adults to food and nutrition programs. Through the innovation of the hunger councils, NSB support has created a statewide model for addressing hunger needs. Beyond the states borders, these hunger councils have become an organizational model nationally for addressing hunger and a range of other social problems. We salute NSB for its continued corporate commitment of donating 10 percent of its profits to Vermont community organizations. We also salute the bank for its long-term, single-issue funding model. It was the NSBs sustained commitment over several years that enabled Hunger Free Vermont to make a lasting impact in dealing with Vermont hunger. As Parisi noted, We started a public conversation about hunger. And what is more, in forming a number of county-wide hunger councils here in Vermont with NSB support, Hunger Free Vermont created a national model that showed how to bring together the key players to deal with complicated social problems.

MONTPELIER PARADE MARSHALS NEEDED Montpelier Alive needs volunteer parade marshals to help with the citys July 3 parade. After a short training in the Meadow staging area at 5 p.m., parade marshals will assist with the parade from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you can help, call Paul Gambill at 595-0087.

Summer Music from Greensboro

or summertime pleasure, imagine the delightful prospect of Summer Music from Greensboro at the Greensboro United Church of Christ. As described by concert organizer Karen Kevra, its the Capital City Concerts series in a summer location by the lake. The astonishingly varied concert series on five consecutive Tuesday evenings includes a July 17 concert with a colorful program of works for woodwind quintet plus piano; a July 24 concert of acoustic instrumental music drawing on bluegrass, jazz, American Celtic and fiddle and dance traditions; a July 31 concert titled Musical Offerings of Bach, an August 7 concert featuring an all-Gershwin night of jazz; and a final August 14 concert in a program of mostly Czech music featuring Talich Quartet viola virtuoso Vladimir Buckak. For more information, visit summermusicfromgreensboro.org.

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Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

by Bob Lincoln

recently read an article about a man who had an epiphany one day when his life was, as they say, on a downward spiral. He was taking a hike when, he claimed, he heard a voice that essentially said, You should be grateful for what you have and you should stop focusing on how bad everything is in your life. Out of this experience, he wrote a book titled A Simple Act of Gratitude, and he turned his life around. And he spent a year sending out more than 365 gratitude cards to people who had touched his life in some positive way. Today, we are learning from researchers and doctors that expressing gratitude and feeling blessed is good for our health and also has a beneficial impact on those around us, particularly the recipients of our gratitude. Like many things in life, one can learn to practice gratitude on a regular basis not

only in response to acts of kindness from others but also for ones condition in life. Being human, we often forget or ignore the myriad blessings and daily gifts (beautiful sunsets, a delicious meal cooked by a loved one, a ride in the country, a trip to an exotic destination, an afternoon walk in nature, delightful grandchildren, material advantages and much more) that fill our lives and make the journey joyous, interesting, fulfilling and pleasurable. We are often the beneficiaries of the acts of others who, while they may be doing their jobs, also extend themselves beyond the ordinary transactions of daily life to a higher level of connection and empathy. All of these people who affect our lives in this way deserve our gratitude. Months ago, I came across an article written by a man who at one time was a successful advertising executive in the Big Apple. At one point in his early 60s, he lost his job, his home and his marriage, and his doctor told

him he had a slow-growing brain tumor. Suddenly all the money was gone and his life was turned on its head. One day he walked into a Starbucks to get a cup of java and, in conversation with the store manager, was offered a job. It was the beginning of the reinvention of his life, predicated upon the reununciation of his former values. He soon realized how much he enjoyed the opportunity to serve people and was filled with appreciation for the new journey he had embarked upon. Practicing gratitude can evolve into a habit that will last a lifetime. It can become part of the arsenal of living with intention. One can start keeping a gratitude journal or start sending handwritten messages to those who have been important in our lives in large and small ways and have shown that we matter to them.

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Years ago, I wrote a long overdue thankyou letter to a former boss who had mentored me when I was starting out in the work-a-day world. His response was a heartfelt expression of thanks for my kind words. It might be interesting to look closely at your own past and recall people who have helped you along your journey. In sum, an attitude of gratitude is not only good for you, but it also has a positive ripple effect beyond your own life. A daily dose of gratitude can help lower your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, spread happiness, lessen anxiety and depression, and build better relationships with people. Give it a try; you have nothing to lose and much to gain. Bob Lincoln lives in North Middlesex and is a retired development professional.

A Modest Proposal For a Better Legislature and Better Laws

by Gesualdo C. Schneider

f I recall correctly, it was Jonathan Swift who wrote A Modest Proposal. In it he proposed solving overpopulation among the poor by feeding their children to the rich. I will call my efforts here A Most Modest Proposal, for I will only invite us to chew on the hardened skins of politicians. Now that the legislature is looking forward to a new year, I would like them to consider some minor changes that could greatly improve our law-making process. I readily admit that some may be more appropriate to Congress, but I know that Vermont likes to be a leader. So Vermont, here is your opportunity! Lead on! The first change would be to actually read a law at the first, second, etc., reading. It is interesting that a law is read by the clerk stamping something on a piece of paper. Just

having lawmakers listen to what is proposed could be all that is needed to have sensible, understandable laws. A corollary to this rule change would be that a member must sit through the entire last reading of a bill to be eligible to vote on it. If they wish to subject us to something then they should be willing to subject themselves first. Now that would be real leadership! The second change would be that 1.3 words of current law must be removed for every word proposed. (1.3 sounds more scientific than a round figure like 2 or 3.) This would guarantee over time a reduction of the burden of law on citizens. A third change would be to apply these same changes to regulations promulgated under legislation. Regulations seem to be the gift that keeps on giving. I would propose the reading of all regulations on the floor of the House and Senate (joint sessions to

hear them would save years of legislators time) and would require 1.7 words of regulations to be removed for every word added in regulation. If it is so important to add something, be willing to remove something else. Wouldnt it be wonderful to know that every time the legislature did something, life would become a little less burdened! The fourth change would take place the day a person started the third consecutive term in any office. At that moment the legislator would lose all pay, benefits, accrued pensions, offices, staff, mailing privileges and, most important here in Montpelier (and in Washington, I might point out), parking! A political career should not be conveniently done at public expense. The final change could be the most controversial but also the most effective. It should be a serious felony, maybe even a capital offense, for legislators to get any help

(private or public) doing their taxes. They should be willing to bet their lives on our tax code being understandable and usable. If not, then maybe they should not impose it on us. That felony charge should also apply to anyone assisting a lawmaker to fill out their taxes. I have it on good authority that in the past, if not today, a lawmaker could just go to the tax department for free personal service! Well, enough ranting. We live in a fallen, imperfect world, and we do need laws and rules to guide us. But we also need to recognize that those same rules and laws can become our masters. In addition, there is a great danger from a professional class of lawmakers, even in a part-time legislature. We need to bring the common sense of common people back into the process. Gesualdo C. Schneider lives in Middlesex.

Allen Gilbert Receives Matthew Lyon Award

ongratulations and thanks to Allen Gilbert, executive director of the Vermont American Civil Liberties Union. At the May 31 annual meeting of the Vermont Press Association (VPA), Gilbert was presented with the VPAs Matthew Lyon Award. To quote from a VPA press release, the Matthew Lyon Award is given to honor people who have an unwavering devotion to the five freedoms with the First Amendment [of the U.S. Constitution] and to the principle that the publics right to know is essential in a democracy. The text of the First Amendment incorporates these five freedoms. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. In presenting Gilbert with the Lyon Award, VPA President Maria Archangelo, publisher of the Stowe Reporter and Waterbury Record, said, Gilbert has been on the front lines in fighting for greater public access to government records, for public disclosure about police misconduct and for blocking efforts to hide the cause of death on public death certificates in Vermont. She also credited Gilbert for his role in getting legislative approval for a new public-records law in Vermont, replacing a statute that was one of the weakest in the nation. In accepting the award, Gilbert, who early in his career was a newspaperman with the Rutland Herald and Sunday Herald/Times Argus, wrote: It means a lot to me to be honored by the association of the professionals with whom I first worked. Printers ink stays in ones veins. Its like a transfusion that compels you to view the world with an eye toward truthfulness and justice. Gilbert went on to praise Matthew Lyon as one of his personal heroes. Early in the history of the then-new American republic, the U.S. Congress passed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts. At least in part, the purpose of these acts was to squelch opposition to the John Adams administration. Vermont Congressman Matthew Lyon accused Adams of having a continuous grasp for power and an unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation, and selfish avarice. Lyon was jailed, and Vermonters reelected him to Congress from his jail cell. Gilberts written acceptance of the award concluded by thanking members of the Vermont press: Thank you for the commitment that youas reporters, editors, and publishershave made to keep public officials honest and our messy democracy anchored to core values and constitutional principles. Your work matACLU executive director Allen Gilbert with Maria Archangelo, presi- tersa lot. dent of the Vermont Press Association and editor of the Stowe Reporter Nat Frothingham and Waterbury Record. Photo by Tom Kearney/courtesy Allen Gilbert.

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Lets Be Smart About Our Energy Future

by Deb Markowitz

mart meters, the smart grid and smart consumers are all part of Vermonts climate-change solution. A postcard arrived in the mail the other day from my power company to let me know that a smart meter was going to be installed soon at my home. I cant wait! With a smart meter well be able to track our electricity use more accurately (particularly important with a house full of teenagers) and help us save money. But what really excites me and other environmentalists about the smart meter is that it is the technological innovation needed to enable us to integrate more renewable energy into our system and reduce our contributions to global warming. Smart meters will help our utilities create a smart grid. The smart grid uses wireless meters and computer technology to allow utilities to see how much and where energy

is being consumed. Electric utilities need this information to integrate renewableenergy sources into the existing electrical grid structure, since most are intermittent (i.e., solar works best on sunny days, wind energy is produced only when the wind is blowing). For this reason, smart meters and the smart grid are essential if we are to meet our goal to increase the percentage of renewable energy to 90 percent by 2050 as called for in the 2011 Comprehensive Energy Plan. Smart meters will also let our utilities adjust their pricing to discourage energy use during the peak periods of the day and reduce it during nonpeak so that we will be more efficient in how and when we use the energy we produce. Vermont is a rural

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state, so it is not surprising that over half our greenhouse-gas emissionsthe pollution that contributes to global warmingcomes from cars and trucks. A promising solution is transitioning to electric vehicles. Indeed, electric cars (battery only or plug-in hybrid) are available now from several major manufacturers, and as production ramps up, technology improves and prices come down, they will become a viable option for regular households shopping for their next vehicle. In order to manage this new demand for energy without resorting to building more power plants, the tools must be in place to ensure that most charging occurs during nonpeak periods. That is why those of us who are working on creating an electric ve-

hicle network across the northeast see smart meters as an important first step. Lets think about the future possibilities that come with smart meters. You may have already seen commercials showing the fully Web-connected smart home, with appliances and lighting that talk to both the electric grid and your cellphone. This technology is coming and promises to revolutionize the way individual households manage their energy use, providing more convenience and more opportunities to save money, as well. Of course, smart meters and a smart grid wont save us money and reduce our carbon emissions on their own. Indeed, the most important part of the equation is the smart consumer. Im planning on being one of the smart consumers. How about you? Deb Markowitz is secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources.

Competition, Cost-Containment, Communication

by Richard C. Pembroke Sr.

eve created a health-care system in our state and country with services and benefits that are unsustainable. Unfortunately, the decision to close Rutland Regional Medical Centers inpatient rehabilitation unit is just the tip of the iceberg. Ive followed with interest the stories by the Rutland Herald and Vermont Public Radio about reduction of services in Rutland. The sad reality is, although this unit is both popular and beneficial, the hospital must cope with reduced Medicare reimbursements and cost caps set by the state. As a former board member of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) in Bennington, I know that our hospital faces similar challenges. On the board, I saw the effects of Vermonts caps on hospital revenue growth, the expansion of the provider tax, and payments from Medicare and Medicaid that do not cover the cost of care. We board members watched the hospital wrestle with funding needed services, recruiting topnotch employees and doctors, maintaining its infrastructure, and reinvesting in itself. Rutland Regional Medical Center

(RRMC) President Tom Huebner told VPR, Here are the big things that lose money at the hospitalthe emergency department, inpatient medicine in general, the labor and delivery birthing suit, pediatricsall of those are money losers, but they are so central and vital to the needs of the community that you cant think of closing them. These are the tough decisions most hospitals, clinics and medical offices face now or very soon. And, thats before Vermonts Act 48 adds unknown costs and pressure from special interest groups to add new benefits and services. How will it end? No one knows. Like most Vermonters, Ive grown accustomed to our superb medical care. Were not forced to travel far for routine appointments, and hospitals like RRMC, Fletcher Allen and Dartmouth Hitchcock provide a higher level of care when needed. In a perfect world, we could simply continue to add new technology and covered medical services as we have in the past, without regard to cost. It isnt a perfect world. The costs have finally come home to roost. The closing of the rehab center is just one example of where we are headed. The cost of health care ultimately equals what we pay for health insurance. Some,

like teachers and unionized state and federal workers, have comprehensive plans and associated costs that, though high, can be considerably lower than that of many Vermonters. Competition in Vermonts health insurance market has evaporated as weve changed the laws (some good) and added mandated coverages (good for some, but at the expense of all). This has all taken a toll on the cost of health care. Many of our problems are a microcosm of what is happening nationally, but we have charted a different course than most states as the solution. As a former legislator, I recall fondly the days when all sides could honestly, openly talk about these issues. We didnt all agree, but we could talk and, ultimately, reach agreement. It was disheartening to hear the chair of the Vermont Senate finance committee from my hometown of Montpelier describe our current health-care reform process as driving down the road in a pea soup fog, hoping not to hit a bull moose. Doing nothing, in her opinion, isnt an option. Shes right about doing nothing but wrong about the path we are taking, how quickly we are moving and our decision to move forward unaware of the costs involved.

So what are some solutions? President Obamas health-care law envisions a healthcare marketplace in each state with many options for cost, service, quality of providers, and innovative prevention and wellness benefits. A healthy insurance exchange for individuals and employers with less than 50 employees is a start. We also must accept the reality that because health-care costs are unsustainable, we must actively pursue the cost containment spelled out in Act 48. A thorough evaluation and review of costshifting in the state budget and its effect on health-care pricing is also needed. Eliminating incentives for defensive medicine would allow doctors to practice evidencebased medicine as an affirmative defense. Finally, we all need to start talking and listening again. The health-care problems we face have no quick fixes, but how we address them will affect our families for generations to come. Lets do it right.

Richard C. Pembroke Sr. a former Vermont state legislator and small-business owner, is a founding partner of Campaign for Vermont. He lives in Bennington.

A Perfect Occasion
by Nat Frothingham

ts hard to imagine an event more perfect than the public celebration of Lola Aikens birthday on Monday, June 25. The celebration in the Cedar Creek Room of the Vermont State House was scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. By 1:15 p.m. and in the minutes afterward, a standing-room-only crowd in the Cedar Creek Room was stirring with expectation. There was a murmur, and a moment later Lola Aiken appeared in the doorway of the Cedar Creek Room on the arm of Governor Peter Shumlin to enthusiastic and sustained applause. She and the governor took their places in two comfortable chairs in front of the immense, iconic and moving Civil War spectacle painting by Julian Scott, Battle of Cedar Creek. The clearly thrilled Lola took all in stride, beaming and waving to friends in the crowd. Warren Kitzmiller, Vermont representative from Montpelier, was moderator for the event. After a few of the many notables present were recognized, including Aiken family members and a contingent of East Montpelier Morse family members, Shumlin, him-

self a Putney resident like Lolas late husband George Aiken, reminisced about close ties and a long personal history of knowing, liking and admiring the Aikens. The rightness of the birthday event in the Vermont State House seemed almost too palpable. In this very building, George, whom Lola always refers to as the Governor, served first in the Vermont House, then as speaker and then, of course, as governor. Among her many civic activities, Lola served for many years on the board of the Friends of the Vermont State House during a time when the historic (1859) building was being restored to its former glory. In remarks that were somehow both formal and personally tender, Shumlin expressed a wishdrawing a laughto be known in the future as the second best governor from Putney. In closing he observed that George had never been more at peace with himself, never happier, than during his years of marriage to Lola. As part of an event that was almost all pure feeling, there were two especially heartfelt moments. One such moment was when fiddler and composer Susan Reid, with a small group of

other musicians, played a special composition she had written for Lola called Lolas Smilea tune of beguiling beauty. Another such moment was the introduction of Terry Gulick, longtime friend of George and Lola, who, like the former governor, is a wildflower naturalist. Gulick told the story of what was to be his last visit with George at the old Howard Johnsons restaurant in Brattleboro. Lola and George were together, and when Lola saw Gulick entering the restaurant, she waved him over. Gulick told George about a rare white New England aster. George had never seen it, and he got all excited. And Terry said he would get one of these white asters up to him. But this was shortly before George died, and the flower was never delivered. Last fall, the hillside garden behind the State House that is in view of the cafeteria was dedicated as the George D. Aiken Na-

tive Plants Garden. Its a garden that features almost entirely Vermont plants. And when Terry Gulick read about it, he came up and looked at the garden. In his June 25 remarks in the Cedar Creek Room, Terry Gulick told Lola that he had planted a white aster that morning in the Aiken garden. Lola put out the word that she didnt want any gifts for her 100th birthday. Instead, she suggested that her friends arrive at the State House with a single rose, and there were roses in vases and the fragrance of roses in the air. Though rare, there are moments in Vermont when the entire state appears to come together like an extended family. In the days after Irene struckthat solidarity was genuinely apparent. And in the lovely sentiment and admiration for Lola Aiken at her 100th birthdaythat was another such moment.

MACKENZIE MEMORIAL A memorial service for Verna MacKenzie will take place at the First Baptist Church, School Street, Montpelier, Saturday, June 30, 11 a.m. John Lincoln will be organist, and there will be a performance of an original composition by Numa Hasse. Nora Zablow will be music leader. Reception follows.

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