Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 20

Spe a k i ng w i t h M ayor Joh n Hol l a r Page 10

February 18 M arch 2, 2016

Montpelier Beverage
Barre Street

re
t
S
n
Ma i

et

$3M Montpelier Beverage


Building Proposed

Architectural rendering of the view of East Elevation from Barre and Main streets

IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg. 4 What's On
Montpelier's Ballot
Pg. 7 New Gun Shop Opens
Pg. 11 City Council
Candidates

PRSRT STD
CAR-RT SORT
U.S. Postage
PAID
Montpelier, VT
Permit NO. 123

Pg. 12 Spice on Snow


Festival

New Three-Story Building Could House


Redemption Center
by Carla Occaso

MONTPELIER Gossens Bachman Architects of Montpelier submitted a zoning


permit application February 11 for a threestory building to be constructed on the lot
adjacent to Montpelier Discount Beverage.
The land is owned by the City of Montpelier
and the building would be owned by the
Mowatt Revocable Trust owners of the
Montpelier Discount Beverage building at
12 Main Street.
The new structure would be built at 16
Main Street, alongside The Drawing Board.
Plans are contingent on the current beverage center building being demolished and
other factors, such as redrawing the lot lines
between 12 Main Street and 16 Main Street,
according to the application. This would
make it a straight shot for the planned continuation of the proposed bike path connecting the envisioned One Taylor Street Transit
Center across the river to Barre Street. Prior
to this proposal, the City and Mowatt Trust
had been at odds after the City initiated condemnation proceedings against the beverage
center building.

there are lots of procedural requirements


that have to be observed before construction
can occur, including a Design Review Committee hearing and a Development Review
Board hearing. The Design Review Board
hearing will be held on February 16 at 5
p.m., and the Development Review Board
hearing will be held March 7 at 7 p.m.

building. "We are excited that he is proposing this, and if it works it is going to
be a great solution to this problem," said
City Manager William Fraser. "It will be a
complement to the project we are trying to
complete (the transit center and bike path).
The building would also be consistent with
the downtown streetscape."

"The point is hopefully to move forward in


a way that allows Montpelier Beverage to
continue and this may be it," White said.

Asked by The Bridge if any neighbors have


concerns about the new building, Fraser
said, "the application just got filed. The
beginning of the public process is now."
He also said an earlier proposal with fewer
stories had been okayed in the planning
process.

This plan would apparently close the chapter on the eminent domain proceedings the
City Council had put in motion against
the current Montpelier Discount Beverage

Architectural rendering of the view from City Hall looking south on Main Street

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

"We went back and looked at trying to build


something that financially makes sense," Jay
White, trustee for the Thomas T. Mowatt
Revocable Trust, told The Bridge. "It may
actually be better to have some additional
square footage to lease."
The new building, budgeted at a cost of
$3,033,126.00, would be classified as a
mixed-use, non-separated (mercantile) business on the first floor and as business on the
second and third floors.
The $3,033,126 price tag does not include permitting, permit fees, utility fees,
contingencies and winter conditions. Also,

YOUR BOX AD HERE!


Advertise in this space by
calling The Bridge's
advertising department at
223-5112 ext. 11

The Law Office of Amy K. Butler,


Esquire, PLLC
Bankruptcy Family Law
Estate Planning
64 Main St., Ste. 26, Montpelier
802-371-0077
akbutler@amykbutlerlaw.com

PAG E 2 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 3

T H E B R I D G E

HEARD ON THE STREET

Strong 2015 Real Estate Market In Montpelier

MONTPELIER The real estate market was on the upswing in 2015, with the number of single-family home sales
reaching 62, up 29.2 percent from 48 in 2014, according to
statistics from Vermont realtors that include all realtor sales
but not private sales.
The increase in house sales in Montpelier was greater than
both Washington County, which saw single-family home
sales increase 19.2 percent, and the state as a whole, which
saw sales rise 11.8 percent.
Montpeliers median single-family home sales price rose 7.6
percent to $241,500. That increase was lower than the Washington County increase of 13.5 percent to $205,500, but
higher than the statewide median change for 2015 (the state
median stayed level at $205,000). Chittenden County had
the highest median price of any county at $291,250.
In December, Montpelier had 5.9 months supply of singlefamily homes for sale, assuming sales continue at Decembers pace. Anything below the 6-month level is thought to
indicate a sellers market. Washington County had a 9.9
months inventory supply of houses in December, while the
whole state had 12.9 months of supply.
The number of condominium sales in Montpelier in 2015
also rose, increasing to 14 sales, up 75 percent from 8 in 2014.
The median condo price rose 6.6 percent to $162,500. In
December, there was 6.9 months of condo inventory, up from
five months supply in December 2014.

IRS Begins Appointment Service For


Tax Assistance Center
MONTPELIER Taxpayers in need of services at the Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Center in Montpelier can now call to schedule an appointment. However,
they should first see if their answer is available online at IRS.
gov.
Taxpayers requiring assistance should call 1-844-545-5640
to schedule an appointment. The IRS began taking appoint-

ment calls February 8. The Montpelier Tax Assistance Center, located at 87 State Street, will be staffed every Thursday.

The IRS is staffing and moving to an appointment service at


this center as part of an ongoing effort to improve service to
taxpayers.
Prior studies show that many taxpayers visit the IRS site to
get a tax transcript, make a payment, resolve a notice, obtain
a form or publication or ask about their refund. Many of
these issues can be resolved at IRS.gov, without traveling to
an IRS office.

Water Main Break Closes Library


MONTPELIER A water main break on School Street
traced back to the sprinkler system of the Kellogg Hubbard
Library, caused the library to close its doors.
The break was first noticed at noon on February 15, said Tom
McArdle, director of the Department of Public Works to The
Bridge. The Department of Public Works crew worked on it
from noon until 7:30 p.m. It (gushing water) travels underground and then surfaces, McArdle said. Workers isolated it
to a sprinkler line that serves the library and then buttoned
it up for the night. At that point, the library had to take over
responsibility for completing the repair. McArdle said the
library hired Dubois Construction to finish the job.
And, as of Wednesday, February 17, the library reopened,
according to their Facebook page, which stated, Water main
repairs will be completed in time for us to open at 2 p.m.
today (February 17)! We will see you all then! We apologize
for the inconvenience.

30 Towed, 50 Ticketed in Storm


MONTPELIER Car owners are still not getting the
message about the winter parking ban during storms, which
impedes storm clean up and costs everyone money.
We continue to be hampered by people who leave cars on
the street, said Tom McArdle, director of the Department of
Public Works on February 17 following a troublesome winter

Creativity Circles Forming

by Nona Estrin

Drizzly Magic Changes

he recent sub-zero blast and a spell of providing intense family support left me
completely disconnected from what was happening outside. Then a walk this
morning, when it was drizzling softly and everything that was even slightly horizontal was still covered with mounds of melting sleet, started to do its work. By the time
mist began to rise from the thin snowpack, I was back in my own shoes. Nothing had
changed really, but everything had changed. The dreary day had worked its steady and
unexpected magic.

Preventing ice on sidewalks is a particular challenge because


rapidly rising air temperatures left a 27 to 28 degree sidewalk
surface while it was raining. This resulted in serious icing.
Salt quickly washes away, so we are using a new product this
year with organics to help bond particles together (and is)
less suseptible to washing, McArdle said. Sidewalks are also
more vulnerable to icing over because they dont have the
friction from heavy vehicles breaking up the surface.
This type of storm is the most difficult to combat becuase of the changing conditions, McArdle said of the icing
sidewalks that would melt during the day followed by brutal
cold. Workers were out from early February 16 through the
night into 17. The first full staff effort is during the active
storm is to keep main passageways open and the second days
is a clean up effort, McArdle said.
However, getting the work done is impeded by cars left out
on the streets. Fifty to 60 vehicles were ticketed while 30
cars were towed (and that's the maximum of cars that can be
towed.) McArdle said the city has a powerful social media
effort to communicate to the public and that a winter parking ban has been imposed only four times this year. They
put the word out on Facebook, Front Porch Forum and
Vermont Alerts. But for some reason, people keep parking on
the streets during storms, which strains the towing company
and the DPW workers. McArdle said the city used to ban
parking on streets throughout the winter regardless of the
weather, which was an inconvenience to car owners. He said
the city might have to go back to a complete winter parking
ban if they cant figure out how to prevent people from parking on the streets during storms.
We are always open to ideas on how to make this a successful project, McArdle said.

Facilitated by Margaret Blanchard

Personal creativity is a continuous process of bringing forth a the consciousness-raising processes of modern liberation
changing vision of oneself and of oneself in relation to the world. movements, where small groups met to share their own stoJean Baker Miller
ries, these creativity circles will encourage support, sharing
Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are, It might have of resources, and networking within small diverse groups.
Whether the process leads to personal insight or communal
been. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
engagement, individual fulfillment or social solutions, sharMONTPELIER In Vermont we joke that behind every ing ideas and strategies can lead to surprising and transforwaiter, salesperson, farmer, teacher, social worker, legislator or mational progress.
organizer is a creative soul who sings, draws, tells stories, acts,
sews, designs, gardens or invents. To provide more time and This creativity can mean anything new to the creator in
space for our creative selves, creativity circles will be starting the form of projects: writing, art, music, drama, crafts and
soon in Montpelier at the Center for Arts and Learning and/or gardening; educational plans and programs; social action
initiatives; climate solutions; designs, organizational experiat the Unitarian Church.
ments; inventions fanciful or practical. Groups of 9 to 12
Rather than falling into rampant pessimism as some pundits participants will choose meeting times and topics which fit
would have us do, we plan to recognize and nurture the inspira- participants' needs, while making collaborative decisions
tion, positive power and restorative nature of creativity, whether about how their group functions. Guidelines for support,
it focuses on long held dreams or recent inspirations. Following introductory exercises and resources will be provided. Al-

Nature Watch

storm that caused the department to use lots of supplies and


equipment. The weather forecasting was pretty accurate, so
we were prepared for four to five inches of snow followed by
warm up and rain, McArdle said. The crew had to switch
from plowing to de-icing, including implementing pre-antiicing measures so ice would not be able to cover the roadway.

though there is no fee, participants will be asked to donate


toward rental of meeting space.
Facilitator: Dr. Margaret Blanchard, Professor Emerita of
Graduate Studies at Vermont Colleges Master of Arts Program in Creativity. Margaret has extensive experience working with diverse, interdisciplinary groups of adults of all
ages, interests and backgrounds. She is a writer, stained-glass
artisan, photographer and, as friends and colleagues assert,
"an idea generator and supporter of the highest order."
Orientation sessions will be held at the Center for Arts and
Learning at 46 Barre Street, Saturday, 4 p.m., March 5
and at the Unitarian Church at 130 Main Street, Monday,
March 7, 7 p.m.. As they form, groups will choose their
own meeting times. If you are interested in joining a circle
but cannot attend either of these meetings, please send
a message with contact information and/or questions to
margaret@sover.net.

Follow The Bridge


on Twitter:
@montpbridge

Like The Bridge on


Facebook:
facebook.com/
thebridgenewspapervt

Support The Bridge


Become a Community Contributor!
Name______________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
City____________________________________ State_____Zip__________
Email_________________________________
All community contributions, whatever
$25 $50* $100 $150
suits your budget, will be welcomed.
$200 $250 Other $________
*Contributions of $50 or more are eligible to receive a one-year subscription.
Please mark the box if you have contributed $50 or more and would like The
Bridge delivered to you. YES, Send me every issue of The Bridge for one year!

Watercolor by Nona Estrin

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


The Bridge. I wish to remain anonymous

Send this form and your check to:


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

Thank
You!

PAG E 4 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

On The Ballot: All Candidates Run Unopposed,


Budgets Rise
by Carla Occaso

MONTPELIER Last year multiple contested city offices topped the talk of the city
on Town Meeting Day. This year people are
more abuzz about the articles outside the budget and a proposed charter change that would
give the city authority to regulate its public
water supply including Berlin Pond in the
town of Berlin.

Charter Changes
Berlin Pond Regulation, Local Option Tax
Voters are asked to approve a charter change
that would regulate the water supply. If approved by the city and then by the legislature,
this change would allow city officials to have
authority over the public supply and sources.
The Citys water supply sources include Berlin Pond in the town of Berlin. Another
City Budget Up $808,000
charter change would ask voters to approve a
Includes Rec Department
1 percent increase in the tax on local rooms,
This years general city budget request is up to
meals and alcohol. The revenues from this tax
$8,434,702 compared with last years amount
would go toward roads, bridges, infrastructure
of $7,626,087 a difference of $808,615.00.
and economic development.
Most of that increase is due to the city subsuming operation of the recreation departOther Allocations
ment. That municipal organization had a bud- The North Branch Nature Center is asking
get of $575,230, said Finance Director Sandra voters for $75,000 to build a new community
Gallup. The rest is overall increases, including nature center, and the Kellogg Hubbard Lifor personnel and infrastructure. It is not a lot brary is asking for $316,698.
percentage-wise, she said.
School Budget Up Half a Million
The proposed school budget totals $18,578,965,
which, according to the ballot, translates into
$15,023 per equalized student. This projected
spending is 1.08 percent higher than spending
for the current year, the article states. Last
years school budget (the current budget) was
over half a million less at $18,062,853.
Budgets That Have Not Increased
The board of school commissioners shall receive $7,300 ($1,300 for the chair and $1,000
each), the same as the previous year. The City
council is getting $7,200 ($1,200 each), and
the mayor is getting $3,000 also the same
as the previous years allocation.
Council Asks Voters to Borrow $710,000
for One Taylor Street Project
Another increase can be found in the $710,000
allocation for the construction of improvements for the One Taylor Street project from
Taylor Street to Main Street, the article states.
The money is also requested to pay for a shared
use path from Granite Street to Gallison Hill
Road and for retaining walls. If approved,
bonds for these capital items would be issued
for a term of 20 years. With a 20-year bond,
approximately $13,921 would be required for
the first-year interest payment and approximately $52,779 for the second-year principal
and interest payment and future payments
declining each year as the principal is repaid.
Council Asks Voters to Borrow $180,000
for Water Improvement
If approved, $180,000 would go toward pollution control and waste water treatment, the
article states. Also, $3,728 would be required
for the first-year interest payment and approximately $13,921 for the second-year principal
and interest payment and future payments
declining each year as the principal is repaid.

The Bridge: How would you handle budget here. The challenges that I anticipate will be to
challenges?
understand and respond to systemic changes
Asay: As Montpeliers school enrollment from the State, and then to responsibly mangrows, the boards challenge is to budget with age the anticipated growth in local revenue
an eye to the future by having a vision for the to the greatest benefit of our students and
district that meets the needs of all our chil- our community. If we can continue to reduce
dren; a plan to adapt our curriculum and pro- homeowners' education taxes, as we are doing
grams to new state laws, changing technolo- this year, while strategically strengthening our
gies and the needs of a 21st century workforce; programming for students, in particular to lift
a plan to maintain and upgrade our buildings up those of our students who struggle to meet
and infrastructure; and a strong, collabora- standards, our efforts will be successful.
tive relationship with parents, residents, businesses, city leaders and all of our partners in
this community.

Jim Murphy

Michele Braun

Candidates
School:
The Bridge reached out to candidates seeking
open seats on the Montpelier Public School
Board of Commissioners. There are four candidates for four open seats, since chair Sue
Aldrich and Clerk/Treasurer Lowell VanDerlip are not seeking re-election. In alphabetical
order:

Bridget Asay

The Bridge: What is your profession?


Asay: Attorney.
The Bridge: What contribution can you best
make to Montpelier Public Schools?
Asay: Commitment to engaging with parents
and with the broader community; communication skills; experience working as part
of a team; collaborative approach to solving
problems.

I am an attorney and conservation advocate


for the National Wildlife Federation, a national non-profit conservation and education
My profession is land use planning. I have 20 organization, where I work on issues concernyears of experience working with government ing climate change and our energy future.
at all levels. For the past decade, I've worked
as the planner for the Town of Northfield, and I am a concerned and involved parent of two
recently cut back to focus just on grant-funded children at Union Elementary School and I
flood resilience projects, such as home buyouts care passionately about ensuring our children
are educated in a nurturing, caring environand redevelopment.
ment where every child is given the opportuMy husband and I have been part of the nity to thrive. I bring 20 years of legal, policy
Montpelier community for 20 years, and have and advocacy experience working with diverse
owned our home on Marvin Street for 17 coalitions to achieve results. I understand the
years. As the parent of a sixth grader and a importance of making sure that people are
ninth grader, I have volunteered over 1,200 heard, decisions are made in a clear and transhours working with kids in the schools. My parent manner, and the best interests of the
experience serving as the president of a non- community and our children are served.
profit board and as staff support to several
municipal boards has underscored for me the The Bridge: How would you handle budget
importance of a consistent, transparent process challenges?
for conducting public work. Last year, the Murphy: We have to deliver high-quality eduboard elected me vice chair, and I have been cation that invests in people both our chilworking closely with the chair and superinten- dren and the amazing teachers and staff who
dent as we transition back to the use of policy make it their life's work to educate and serve
governance. I believe that I contribute as a our kids. This means listening to the needs of
community member, as a taxpayer, as a parent, our educators, parents and community memas a skilled and experienced facilitator of good bers. It also means providing the leadership
governance, and I hope to lead with integrity and oversight required to set clear goals and
and transparency on behalf of the community priorities that improve educational opportunities for all children. I believe that high-quality
and for the good of all of our students.
The budgeting process has certainly been schools benefit not only our children, but the
challenging in the time I've lived in Mont- community as a whole. I will look for ways to
pelier, through the period of declining en- be cost effective and efficient, including colrollment, as the community has faced dif- laborating with neighboring school districts
ficult choices. This year, our enrollment trend and investing in technology, while focusing
turned around, and our projections show that on the need to advance budgets that provide
enrollment will continue to increase. It is adequate resources to build and grow successtestament to the attractive community and ful programs, attract and retain high quality
excellent school system that young people educators and service the needs of all students.
are choosing to locate and raise their families

Continued on next page

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 5

T H E B R I D G E
Peter Sterling

Other City Candidates (All Running Unopposed):

I have been active in public affairs in Vermont


for 20 years, including working for VPIRG,
serving on the board of the Vermont Natural
Resources Council, and, in 2002, as Bernie
Sanders Campaign Manager. Since 2005, I
have worked as an advocate for a universal,
publicly funded health care system so every
Vermonter can have access to affordable health
care.

Mayor John Hollar for mayor, Dona Bate for Council Person District 1, Jean Olson for
Council Person District 2, and Justin Turcotte for Council Person District 3. Other unopposed candidates include Darragh Ellerson for Green Mountain Cemetery Commission,
Sarah Swenson and Bill Johnson for park commissioner and Kimberly B. Cheney for Central
Vermont Public Safety At-Large Board Member.

I have previously served on the school board of


the Doty School, serving K-6 in Worcester. I
am proud that while I was on the Doty board,
our budget votes were always unanimous. I
believe it is important to find solutions that everyone can agree to. In addition, in 2014, I was
appointed to a committee to prepare a report to
the school board on finding efficiencies in the
school budget.
I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be
heard, so I would work to make sure the budget process is as open and transparent as possible.
As far as deciding on budget priorities, I believe this requires someone who is truly committed to creative thinking, and, importantly, to listening. I believe that most budget challenges
can be overcome if people are truly willing to both talk and listen to each other.

Nature Center Seeks


$75,000 By Ballot Vote
by Carla Occaso
MONTPELIER The North Branch Nature Center, located beyond the public swimming
pool out on Route 12, has reached the halfway mark in raising $1.5 million to construct a
new facility. To reach their goal, the center is asking Montpelier residents to allocate $75,000
outside of the general city operating budget. The sum was put on the Town Meeting Day
ballot with the support of over 600 registered voters.
The money will go towards constructing a new, energy-efficient building which will provide
indoor and outdoor teaching and exhibit areas, a warming shelter for skiiers and hikers; meeting and presentation spaces, including a catering kitchen and a public restroom, according to
Emily Seiffert, capital campaign coordinator. Also planned are a natural playground, pollinator gardens and a covered picnic spot.
The ballot effort has support from three city council members and many individuals and
businesses. When speaking to The Bridge recently, Seiffert told us the center has raised
$830,000 so far, including from Janes Trust a Boston-based foundation, the Canaday
Family Foundation, National Life and the Northfield Savings Bank Foundation. In addition,
many individuals have given money to the center.
We were in a quiet phase for a year, Seiffert said. We announced the campaign last spring,
(and now) weve been moving into more of a public phase.
At this point, Seiffert said they have raised about 55 percent. If approved, the $75,000 from
Montpelier voters would represent 5 percent of the total campaign, which, she said works
out to be about $19 in taxes on a home valued at $215,000 (the median value of a home in
Montpelier). It works out to under a penny on the tax rate, Seiffert said.
Getting an allocation is not without controversy, however. In an interview with The Bridges
publisher Nat Frothingham, Mayor John Hollar said he disapproves of entities outside city
government putting items on the ballot by petition.
I dont agree with the idea of putting spending items on the ballot. Maybe this is not popular.
Maybe people will disagree. The city charter may permit it. I dont think its a good way to
budget. We have a finite amount of money and my idea is that the city has elected the
council is elected to make a determination of how much the city can afford and how we
should allocate those funds. And that money is collected through property taxes. This process allows for a different mechanism that goes outside the scope of that. (The North Branch
Nature Center) proposal is for $75,000. It will put another penny on the tax rate, Hollar told
The Bridge. However, Hollar allowed that the process of asking for public support by placing
an allocation on the ballot by petition is a process legally allowed in the city charter. Now,
I understand the voters may approve a petition. And thats the voters choice. But in my view
its just not a good way to allocate scarce public dollars, Hollar said.
Seiffert said she got many signatures during a petition drive at Union Elementary, Hunger
Mountain Coop and at the Farmers Market. In addition, several downtown businesses allowed the center to display a petition in a prominent spot. It was a multi-pronged effort, Seiffert said, explaining that an organization does not need to gain permission from city council
if they get enough signatures from the public. We didnt have to go before the council. To
get on the ballot you just have to gain the signatures and you get on the ballot, Seiffert said.
The democratic process is to collect the signatures and then it goes directly on the ballot
and goes before the voters. In addition, three council members told her they encouraged and
supported this manner of obtaining funding.
Anne Watson was very encouraging of us doing this, as were Jessica Edgarly Walsh and
Justin Turcotte, she said.
The center offers free and open access to its property and trails for recreation and reflection, Seiffert told The Bridge. More than 5,000 adults and children including all Montpelier public school students use the property and participate in activities at the center.

Got a news tip? We want to know!


Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com

GETTING READY
City Clerk John Odum
unpacks this year's
ballots

Town
Meeting
Day
is
Tuesday,
March 1

PAG E 6 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

A Message From City Hall


This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.

Annual Voting on March 1st


by William Fraser, City Manager

he Annual City Election is right around the corner. The actual election day is
Tuesday, March 1st with polls open at City Hall from 7 AM to 7 PM. Early
ballots are already available. As many people know, this is also the Presidential
primary. This years election includes the Mayor, three city council seats, four school
board seats, one cemetery commissioner and one parks commissioner. City and School
budgets, Library funding, regional public safety authority funding, two infrastructure
bonds and the downtown improvement district tax rate are all on the ballot. Also on the
ballot are two proposed charter changes one concerning regulation of Berlin Pond and
the other to authorize a local rooms, meals and alcohol tax. Finally, the ballot contains
a petitioned article seeking funds for the North Branch Nature Center.

Annual Report:
As begun last year, the annual report will not be delivered to every home. It will be out
this week and available in hard copy at City Hall, the Library, the Senior Center and
the Schools. It is available on line in searchable PDF form at the citys website www.
montpelier-vt.org.

Winter Parking Ban Reminder:


The city institutes winter parking bans only during storms and storm clean up events.
For up-to-date information on whether the ban is in place or not one can do any or all
of the following: sign up for VT Alerts which will provide you with direct notifications
(text, email, phone call), check the citys website, check the citys facebook page (City of
Montpelier-official), check the citys twitter account (@vtmontpelier), read Front Porch
Forum or call the parking ban hot line 802-262-6200.

FY17 City Budget:


Much more detail on the City budget is included in the Annual Report. Information
about the School Budget can also be found in the annual report but will not be addressed
here.

Property Tax Impact:


Requires a 2.2 cent increase in the property tax rate. A 2.2 cent increase represents a
2.2% municipal property tax rate increase. For the average residential property, this
tax rate represents an additional $49 on the tax bill.
Independent ballot items for the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Central Vermont Public
Safety Authority and North Branch Nature Center would add $87,275 in new tax dollars. This is equivalent to 1.0 cent on the tax rate or $22.80 for the average residence
When combined with the schools, the overall property tax increase is projected to be
1.1%

Budget Numbers:

Operating:
Reductions of $143,859 (-4.8%) to operating costs are proposed. As with prior years,
many lines have been cut to stay within fiscal guidelines. Some proposed initiatives
and service expansion proposals have not been included.

Other Funds:
The Water and Wastewater budgets have both been balanced. The Wastewater fund
is now in a small surplus position and the water fund is steadily reducing its deficit.
The budget assumes no Water rate change, no Sewer rate increase and no Sewer or
CSO benefit charge changes. The rate structure for these funds is under review
now. Funding from the CSO benefit charge is being used to address new stormwater
requirements.
Tax funding for the Senior Center is reduced by $15,368 (-10.7%) below FY16 levels.
The center continues to adjust to its new activity level. Center expenses are offset by
program revenues including larger contributions from neighboring towns. This will
result in slight service adjustments.
Tax funding for the Recreation Department has been reduced by $40,453 (7.0%).
The Parking fund is balanced while including a 5% set aside for alternate transportation funding.

Community Services:
Funding for the Housing Trust Fund has remains at $21,000.
The Montpelier Community & Arts Fund is funded at $119,550 which is increased
by $9,375 from FY16 funding.
The budget assumes a $5 increase per dog license to fund waste stations.
The budget assumes increases in permit fees, events fees and recreation fees.
The budget includes $40,000 funding for the GMTA circulator bus route.
The budget includes funding for the monthly Montpelier Bridge article.

Direct Services:
Police: The Police budget continues the contractual relationship with Capital Fire
Mutual Aid System for dispatching services. This provides additional revenue and
improved services for Montpelier. The department remains at the same staffing level
as FY16. School Resource Officer shared 50% with school is included.
Fire & Emergency Services: The Fire and Police departments will now be sharing
administrative support which allows the city to bring back ambulance billing in house
and save $50,000 in contract fees.

FY17 General Fund Budget totals $12,427,606 which is an increase of $156,973


(1.3%) from the comparable FY16 spending plan. This number does not include the
three ballot items.

Planning, Zoning & Community/Economic Development: The Planning & Development department budget has been left largely unchanged. The part time zoning
administrator position is being increased from 20 hours per week to 24 hours per
week.

FY17 General Fund non-tax revenues total $3,992,904 which is an decrease of


$76,412 (-1.9%) from FY16 non-tax revenues.

Public Works: This department has cut operating costs drastically but staffing levels
remain the same as FY16.

Grand list value is calculated at 0.5% increase from the FY15 level. With the projected
grand list, $85,751 represents one cent on the tax rate.

Infrastructure & Bonds:


The Capital Projects, Equipment and Debt Service Program is funded at $2,037,604.
Of this $867,250 is in annual funding, $705,354 is in existing debt service and
$465,000 is for equipment. This is an increase of $16,300 in annual project funding
and a decrease of $50,000 in equipment funding.
Two bonds are proposed for FY17. One planned $710,000 infrastructure bond is for
bike path matching funds, matching funds for the One Taylor Street project, funding
for Taylor Street upgrades and retaining walls. The other $180,000 wastewater fund
bond is for design of upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant in order to comply
with the states new clean water requirements. This financing is expected to come
from the states revolving loan fund.
The Capital/Equipment Plan anticipates additional increases of $166,300 in each of
the next two budget years FY18 and FY19 and $50,000 in FY20 in order to bring
funding levels to the projected steady state of maintenance and improvements.

Personnel:
Total number of Full Time Equivalent Employees (FTE) is 111.86 which is 1.23 FTE
less than FY16.
Cost of living allowances and step increases are built into all employee wage and
salary accounts consistent with collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies. For this budget that represents a 1.5% to 2.5% contracted adjustment for Public
Works union employees, a 1.25% adjustment for Fire union employees, and a 2.0%
adjustment for Police union employees. A 1.0% adjustment for all other employees is
budgeted. Overall wage costs are up 4.8% in this budget.

Unmet Needs:
No funding is included for implementing the Economic Development Strategic Plan,
housing initiatives, community survey and Net Zero initiatives.

Ballot Items:
Articles 1-9 are the annual election and regular budget items. Note that Article 2 and
Article 5 are for election and budget approval for the Central Vermont Public Safety
Authority.
Article 10 is for a $710,000 infrastructure bond for the One Taylor Street project, Taylor
Street itself, the bike path from Granite Street to Gallison Hill and retaining walls.
Article 11 is for a $180,000 sewer fund loan from the State Revolving Loan fund for
water pollution control. These funds will be used to design upgrades to the Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
Article 12 is for the continuation of the downtown improvement district approved two
years ago where commercial properties within the designated zone pay an additional tax
increment with the funds raised going directly for promotions and improvements within
that district. The article establishes the tax rate for the district.
Article 13 is for $316,698 for the Kellogg Hubbard Library which is the same as last year.
Article 14 is for a proposed amendment to the City Charter which would authorize the
City to regulate the uses of Berlin Pond.
Article 15 is for a proposed amendment to the City Charter which would authorize the
City to assess a 1% rooms, meals and alcohol tax.
Thank you for your interest in Montpelier City Government. Please vote on March 1st.
Feel free to contact me at wfraser@montpelier-vt.org or 802-223-9502 with questions or
concerns. All the above referenced documents including the budget, the annual report, and
the ballot items are available in their entirety at www.montpelier-vt.org.

T H E B R I D G E

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 7

New Guns and Ammo Shop Opens on Gallison Hill


by Garrett Heaney and Carla Occaso
MONTPELIERIf you are wondering where to get an
AK-47 assault rifle or a Glock handgun and all the ammo you
would ever need, just head on over to Gallison Hill Road. You
can get a used .40-caliber Glock handgun with night sights
for $399.99 and a 100-round ammo magazine for $399.99.
And, as proprietor Robert Hausman points out, in Vermont
you dont need a license to carry.
You cant miss the shop, out front on both sides of Gallison
Hill Road are business signs that read Guns and Ammo and
Guns Guns Guns. Hausman moved in in mid-October and
specializes in discount ammunition. He also sells some guns
and other weaponry.
When you walk inside, it looks part gun shop, part warehouse, and part museum. Assault rifles and antique rifles
hang on racks on the walls. Handguns and antiques are in a
glass case. But dont get too close or an alarm will beep.
He has a rifle dating back to 1845, a cane gun (yes, like from
a James Bond movie a formal-looking dress cane that doubles as a gun), and several other
varieties of antique guns and knives. He also carries interesting posters, signs, badges, hats
and other items related to guns. Hausman generally carries a snub nose .38-caliber handgun. Ive never shot anyone (but) Ive displayed a gun, he said.
Hausman advertises with a sign by the side of the road that his products are cheaper than
what you can buy at Walmart. He told The Bridge this is because he buys by the pallet. We
primarily sell ammunition firearms are secondary. I buy products in large quantities and
pass the savings onto customers, Hausman said.
Part of Hausmans business model includes buying outside of the United States. I carry a
lot of product from eastern Europe and other parts of the world that is comparable to that
produced in America but without all the added costs of labor unions, minimum wages,
excessive taxation, and product liability insurance inherent in American-produced goods.
Bottom line consumers pay less by buying goods produced outside America.
When asked how he got into the business, Hausman told us it was through a separate but
connected career in gun journalism. Twenty-five years ago, Hausman began writing for a
number of popular gun magazines. It was through this career that he began to establish a
network of important people in the gun business.

I worked for all the popular titles such as Guns & Ammo
and Shooting Times plus trade journals such as SHOT Business and Shotgun News. I was also a newspaper reporter and
photographer for so-called "mainstream" publications and
did ghostwriting for book publishers and wrote speeches for
advertising and PR firms.
While his career in gun journalism certainly gave him an
insiders perspective of the industry, Hausman attributes the
demise of print publications and the rise of digital media as a
main catalyst for his move into retail.
As the digital age caused the demise of print publications,
my journalism markets dried up. Selling merchandise became
a better option than writing.
He points out that he didnt entirely abandon his writing gig
and still publishes a trade journal for the industry called The
New Firearms Business.
Hausmans business is called Wholesale Sports Northeast, and Ammo Warehouse is a part
of it. But that is separate from the retail shop and has a different customer base. One side of
the store has a retail shop while the other is a warehouse for selling online. The website does
sell guns, ammunition, and equipment, but only wholesale and only to dealers. A disclaimer
on the site reads, Wholesale Sports Northeast, LLC sells only to federally licensed firearms
dealers. You must be a registered user to order from this website.
When asked how he felt about gun control legislation, Hausman said Every year the
Democrats in the Burlington area propose the same old restrictions on firearms civil rights.
These proposals impact the law-abiding so they will not be effective. Criminals do not obey
laws, that's why they are called criminals. Thus far they have been unsuccessful.
If you dont remember there being any gun shops in Montpelier in recent years, its because
there havent been for quite some time. I asked long-time resident, Chief Anthony Facos
of the Montpelier Police Department, if he knew of any guns and ammunition businesses
historically in town, and he said there used to be a couple right on Main Street. There was
a large store called Western Auto on Main Street that sold guns and ammo, and something
called The Country Store across from the Fire Department.
So, if you want to go somewhere that is part gun shop, part hat store and part museum and
that is chock full of ammunition, you will find it at the bottom of Gallison Hill.

PAG E 8 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

Toenail Fungus or Death!


by Larry Floersch

ately I find myself sitting in front of the TV during the


evening news hour longing to be afflicted by toenail
fungus. The same is true for arthritis, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis and erectile dysfunction. Its not because I really want toenail fungus or any of
the other afflictions, but the pharmaceutical companies have
convinced me through advertisements that having these conditions is the only way I can go
to my doctor and tell him I want a drug that will make my life idyllic.
These ads are everywhere on TV and in magazines. They feature attractive, smiling people
having wonderful experiences, such as jumping off boat docks into clear, cool lakes, playing
in the rain with grandchildren, line dancing in Texas roadhouses, or sitting side by side in
separate bathtubs on a mountaintop watching the sunset.
The brand names for these drugs are sexy and exotic and often seem interchangeable with
the names of Japanese cars (Introducing the all-new 2016 Toyota Cialis). The pharmaceutical companies dream up these sexy and exotic brand names, of course, precisely because
the real names for the drugs are unpronounceable and reminiscent of places you dont want
to visit, such as Adalimumab, which, if I remember my geography, is a small village in the
eastern desert of Namibia.
Now, to be fair, the pharmaceutical companies probably would only show you the parts
of the ads in which people are happily swimming in their bathtubs and stop right there
were if not for the government. The government, no doubt concerned that we will spend
all day swimming in our bathtubs instead of working and paying taxes, has stepped in and
mandated the ads also include boring information to counteract the potential happiness.
The drug companies, on the advice of their attorneys, happily comply by adding caveats.
You know, details such as Do not use this drug if you are pregnant, planning to become
pregnant, are able to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, or if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement, if you

have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, or if you are a bipedal carbon-based
life form who breathes air.
If that boring information isnt boring enough, they also include possible drug interactions:
Do NOT take this drug if you are taking abciximab, alteplase, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin, bivalirudin, boceprevir, carbamazepine, cobicistat, conivaptan, dabigatran, desirudin,
enzalutamide, eptifibatide, hydantoin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, posaconazole, rifamycin, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, tirofiban,
voriconazole, or St. Johns wort. I was okay with most of these, but I had to look up St.
Johns wort in my copy of the Physicians Desk Reference.
If the boring factor isnt enough, they also encourage you to tell your doctor information
that you have no way of knowing unless you have already taken the drug: Tell your doctor
if you are allergic to this drug or any of its ingredients. I skip right over that part because it
would force me to admit that I flunked pharmacology in fifth grade twice and have
no idea what the ingredients are in these drugs, except for the inert ones. And, anyway,
doesnt my doctor get paid to tell me? And why would I be asking for a drug to which I am
allergic?
They then move on to possible side effects: Stop taking this drug if you develop a severe
allergic reaction (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the
chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue); a change in the amount of urine
produced; coughing up blood; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; pain, swelling, or new
drainage at wound sites; red or swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; stiff, sore, hot, or painful
joints; unusual paleness, severe or persistent headache, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat,
chest pain, unusual tiredness or weakness; symptoms of bleeding in the brain; symptoms
of low blood pressure; unexplained swelling; unusual or prolonged bruising or bleeding; or
vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
The makers of ED medications add the admonition to seek medical assistance if the effects
of their pill last for more than four hours. This is obviously their feeble attempt at humor,
when you consider that each of those little pills costs more than $40. Not that I need them,
mind you, but for that kind of money Id want the effects to last at least four days!
Occasionally, however, there is a statement in the boring information that does get my attention. In some cases death from using this drug has been reported. That sobers me up even
if Ive had 12 beers, and it leaves me with a difficult and painful choice: Do I want toenail
fungus or do I want to risk dying with clear toenails. Hmmmm? Its enough to make you
want to vomit something that looks like coffee grounds.

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601


Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
Managing Editor: Carla Occaso
Calendar Editor, Design & Layout:
Marichel Vaught
Copy Editing Consultant:
Larry Floersch
Proofreader: Garrett Heaney
Sales Representatives: Michael Jermyn,
Rick McMahan
Distribution: Tim Johnson, Kevin Fair, Diana
Koliander-Hart, Daniel Renfro
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Location: The Bridge office is located at the
Vermont College of Fine Arts,
on the main level of Stone Science Hall.
Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge
by mail for $50 a year. Make out your
check to The Bridge, and mail to The Bridge,
PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
montpelierbridge.com
facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
Twitter: @montpbridge
Copyright 2016 by The Bridge

Recycle
This Paper!

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 9

T H E B R I D G E

Opinion

Vote For A 1% Local Rooms, Meals and


Alcohol Tax

f Montpelier votes on Town Meeting Day in favor of a


1 percent local rooms, meals and alcohol tax, the city
will be joining 17 other Vermont cities and towns that
already have such a tax. The list includes Stowe and a number of towns in Chittenden County: Colchester, Williston,
South Burlington, and Burlington, where the tax is actually
2 percent.
Ironically, Montpelier voted to implement a similar tax before almost all of those 17 towns. In March of 1993, Montpelier voters approved a 1 percent meals and alcohol tax by
a 61 percent to 39 percent vote (lodging was not included
then). At that time, however, the Legislature was not open
to allowing local option taxes and refused to let Montpelier
amend its charter. Today the Legislature has opened the
door to such local taxes.
Since the 1993 vote, Montpelier has twice downed a rooms,
meals and alcohol tax (once narrowly), but in both cases it
was paired with a local 1 percent sales tax, which is a less
popular and, I believe, a more problematic tax.
The yes vote in 1993 followed the release of a report issued
by a city-appointed Property Tax Relief/Alternative Study
Committee, of which I was chair. The report contained 18
suggestions, including adoption of the 1 percent meals and
alcohol tax. It was recommended on an 8-to-2 vote of the
committee.
The logic behind the proposal 23 years ago was the same as
the city council used to put the tax on the ballot this year.
Montpeliers municipal property taxes are high; our median
non-income sensitized municipal tax bill may be the highest in Vermont, which itself has among the highest average
overall property taxes in the nation. Given our expenses as
a regional center, it seemed only fair to our committee for
those who live elsewhere but visit Montpelier to help pay a
relatively small amount toward our expenses.
Montpeliers population doubles on weekdays, when many

by Phil Dodd, Montpelier

people come to work in or visit Montpelier. Our police and


fire departments serve not only residents, but also nonresidents when they are in town. We are glad to have visitors,
but they do drive on our streets and walk on our sidewalks,
which must be repaired, plowed, salted, lit and controlled
with traffic signals.
This years proposed 1 percent rooms,
meals and alcohol tax is relatively small
2 cents on a $2 cookie, or 25 cents on a
$25 meal for purchases that are largely
optional. It is true Montpelier residents
who eat out would pay the tax, too, but a
substantial portion of the money brought
in by the tax would come from outside
the city.
Some in the lodging and restaurant business here may be worried that the tax
will drive business away. But no Vermont
town that has enacted the rooms, meals
and alcohol tax has repealed it, and cities
and towns like ours that have the tax in
place reported no problems with it when
I checked with them last week.

1. Beth Finlayson, director of the Woodstock Chamber of


Commerce, said that, personally, she thinks the 1 percent
tax is great, and reported that it was supported by the
Woodstock Chambers Board as well as the Woodstock Inn.
There were complaints from some restaurants and one
B&B beforehand, but I have not heard
anyone complain about it since it went
into effect, she said. I dont think
that people notice it.

Montpeliers
population

DOUBLES
on weekdays,
when many
people come
to WORK in
or VISIT
Montpelier.

Kate OConnor, executive director of the


Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce told
me the 1 percent rooms, meals and alcohol tax hasnt impacted us it is not problem at all.
People dont notice the tax on their bills and no one has
complained about it, she said.
Jamie Gaucher, director of business development and innovation in Middlebury, said he has not heard anything
negative about the towns rooms, meals and alcohol tax. No
one is talking or thinking about it, he said.
The town of Woodstock just began collecting the rooms
and meals tax for economic development purposes on July

In Montpelier, after the state takes 30


percent of the amount collected, the
tax would bring in about $220,000
every year to the city, which equals
more than 2.5 cents on our municipal
tax rate. We could certainly use the
money to help us with our infrastructure repairs, take a bit of pressure off
the municipal property tax, and promote economic development.

The 30 percent portion the state keeps


is not all lost: for that amount, the state
collects and enforces the tax and sends
towns a quarterly check. Moreover,
most of the 30 percent goes toward
funding the PILOT program, which
provides a payment in lieu of taxes to
municipalities where the state owns property. Montpelier
is the biggest recipient of PILOT money in the state, so we
would get a decent portion of that 30 percent back.
I am very appreciative of the dynamism that our hospitality businesses have brought to the city in recent years. If I
thought this tax would hurt these businesses, I would not be
supportive of the tax, and I will support repeal if it does. But
based on what has happened in 17 other Vermont towns, I
doubt that a year from now anyone will be paying attention
to it. I will vote yes on Article 15.

PAG E 10 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

The Bridge Interviews Mayor John Hollar


compiled by Nat Frothingham
City Achievements:
District Heat, Holding Down Taxes
The Bridge: What are the citys most impressive achievements during the past two years?
John Hollar: The most significant one is the
completion of the (District Heat) biomass
project and its successful operation. And a lot
of the credit, of course, goes to the city staff
in making that work. It took a lot of effort
by everyone involved in city government to
make sure that project was successful, and
I think it has been. Its truly been amazing
that its gone off essentially without a hitch.
Its impressive for a project of that magnitude.
In the construction of it, we learned a lot of
lessons. But in terms of the completion of
the project it came in on time and within
budget. And its been a good partnership with
the State of Vermont.
In terms of other successes, continuing to
keep the rate of growth of the (city) budget
below the rate of inflation addressing the
concerns about high property taxes that are
shared throughout Montpelier and at the
same time continuing to put a significant
amount of new money into our infrastructure
repair our roads, bridges and sidewalks.
Were doing a lot of work in terms of planning to make Montpelier a more bike-friendly
place and a lot of thats gone on behind the
scenes the Taylor Street Project as well as
the bike path. We dont have a lot to show for
that right now. Thats frankly been frustrating
for me that the pace has not been quicker.
But were moving as fast as we can. And I
hope that well have some news about both of
these projects soon.
The Bridge: What about obdurate city problems things we just cant, it appears, deal
with problems that hang on year after
year?
Hollar: Well, Id say that pursuing any large
project in Montpelier is very difficult particularly the Taylor Street Project. The most
challenging part of that project has been the acquisition of easements. And that challenge has
occurred on a whole range of fronts from
getting state approval for the acquisition process to negotiating with the landowners. Thats
been a very frustrating and time-consuming
process. Im hoping that will get resolved soon.

Grant for Taylor St. Project?

The Bridge: That sounds like a breakthrough.

The Bridge: Are we over budget on the Taylor


Street Project? Someone in town told me we
were over budget on the Taylor Street Project
by $400,000. Can you help me understand
this?

Hollar: Weve had very positive discussions


and I think its going to result in an outcome
that is favorable to everyone involved.

Hollar: Its not over budget. The issue is


the difference between the preliminary design estimates and the actual construction
costs. The preliminary estimates that were
made were not based on actual construction
costs but were based on square footage and
comparable data. But once we had actually
acquired the property and had a development
agreement, then we could hire a construction
firm to actually do the cost estimates based
on building a specific building on that site.
What they determined was that building on
that site created some very significant challenges that hadnt been foreseen in the initial
design phase.
We are close, I think, to filling that gap
depending on a grant that were expecting
to hear about in the next two weeks. Again,
I want to credit the city staff for working
diligently to explore a whole range of grant
opportunities. That grant if it is approved
would fill that gap. The remaining hurdle
would be acquiring two easements, from the
Basharas and from Jeff Jacobs. Were in active
negotiations with those property owners and
we are hoping they will be resolved soon.

Breaking News on Montpelier Beverage


The Bridge: That gets us to Montpelier Beverage. Ive been following reports from the
city administration that theres been a period
since the start of eminent domain proceedings and then suddenly those proceedings
appear to have been cut off. Am I not tracking
things well? Whats happening?
Hollar: No, youre tracking them well. The
eminent domain proceeding was put on hold
pending negotiations with the property owner
that were more fruitful than the negotiations that led up to condemnation. Another
property owner has indicated an interest in
partnering with the owner of the Montpelier
Beverage site. They have filed a proposal with
the design review committee for a three-story
building on the site owned by the city. If that
building is permitted, I expect we are going to
be able to reach a resolution with the owner of
Montpelier Beverage.

Hollar Opposes Spending by Petition


The Bridge: Can you explain the councils
opposition to the North Branch Nature Centers request to the voters (by petition) for
$75,000 toward a construction project at the
North Branch Center?
Hollar: I dont agree with the idea of putting
spending items on the ballot. The city charter permits it, but I dont believe it is a good
way to budget. We have a finite amount of
money, and its my view that the city council
is elected to make determinations about how
much the city can afford and how we should
allocate those funds. The ballot petitioning
process allows for a different mechanism that
goes outside the scope of the citys budgeting
process. The (North Branch Nature Center)
proposal is for $75,000. It would add another
penny on the tax rate, on top of the two-cent
increase that was approved by the city council
for the citys FY17 budget.
The Bridge: Lets translate that penny into
dollars based on property taxes for a house
valued at $200,000.
Hollar: That would be 20 dollars (of additional property taxes). Here are two things.
One, we have a process set up for making
allocations to non-profit organizations the
Montpelier Community Fund to which
we have allocated $118,000 of city revenue.
We have a board that receives applications,
and they decide how to allocate those funds.
The Board then reviews the applications and
determines how the money is spent. The recipients are accountable for how they spend
that money. I think thats a more appropriate
way to spend city money.
I understand the voters may approve a petition. And that is, of course, their choice. But
in my view, its just not the most rational way
to allocate scarce public dollars.
I do support the project and Ive contributed
to it. I think others in the community should
contribute as well. But as a not-for-profit
organization I would prefer that they seek
contributions or seek funding through the
Community Fund process like virtually every
other non-profit in Montpelier.

Sewer/Water Sticker Shock


The Bridge: I understand that we have a
very extensive and long-neglected issue with
underground sewer and water pipes. I understand that this is a very big city project that
needs attention and isnt getting addressed.
Have you postponed addressing it?
Hollar: We do have a long-ignored problem
with our underground infrastructure. And
that problem needs to be addressed. The
estimated cost of dealing with that problem
is at least $150 million. Im not sure why this
has happened. But Im certainly committed to
making sure we have a plan for dealing with
that, for getting our arms around it.
In part it hasnt been addressed because we
have other major infrastructure issues. And
its been put off because we dont see it the
pipes are buried. Our water and sewer system is funded separately through revenues received through the water/sewer system. Much
of the revenue in that fund is being used to
pay off the bond that was used to build the
new water treatment plant.
The Bridge: Its a lot of money, isnt it?
Hollar: Its an enormous amount of money.
Its hard to contemplate how were going to be
able to resolve it. But regardless of how large
and challenging it is, it doesnt mean that
we dont have to face it. Our Public Works

Mayor John Hollar


Photo by Annie Tiberio Cameron
Department is in the process of determining
exactly what our needs are and coming up
with a plan on how were going to begin to
address it.

Legislative Battle for Safe Drinking Water


The Bridge: The charter change that would
allow Montpelier to control public access to
our water supply where does that fit in?
Is this a high priority or a medium priority?
Some would say, We could always come
back with a charter change proposal in another year? Where does this fit into your
agenda with the legislature?
Hollar: Its a high priority. This is an issue
that is of wide concern in Montpelier. We
should have the right to protect our water
supply. Unfortunately, the Shumlin administration has not agreed. But I see a lot of
compelling evidence to support the goal of
limiting access to Berlin Pond. I also think
we ought to have some places that remain
wild. I dont think we need to have access to
every square inch of property.
The city will certainly devote resources to
lobbying the legislature to pass that charter
change, but its going to be an uphill fight.
The Shumlin administration has not supported it, and there will be other organizations sportsmens groups that will not
support it because of the precedent it may
have for other lakes and ponds throughout
the state.
The Bridge: Lets talk about the local option
tax. Part of the money collected, I believe,
goes to the state. And if youre a Montpelier
resident and you go out for a meal, youre
paying the tax. Its hard to say that it represents property tax relief.
Hollar: A local option tax was by far the
number one proposal that was supported by
people who attended our community budget
forums last fall. We need to spend another
$400,000 a year on our infrastructure repairs. We see community support for this
proposal as an alternative to major cuts in
the city budget. The ballot item specifies
that this money will be used for infrastructure improvements and for economic development. The evidence isnt there from the
many other communities that have adopted
a local option tax that it will have a detrimental impact on sales.
The Bridge: What do you want to achieve in
the upcoming two years of a new term?
John Hollar: We want to hold down property tax increases to below the rate of inflation. And we want to make significant
progress on the Taylor Street and bike path
projects. We would like to see significant
progress in implementing the Montpelier
Motion proposal to make our city more bike
and pedestrian friendly. We want to implement the economic development plan that
well be receiving this fall. Most importantly,
I want to see Montpelier continue to be a
thriving and dynamic place where people
want to live, work, and visit.

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 11

T H E B R I D G E

Dona Bate

Jean Olson

Justin Turcotte

Reintroducing City Council Candidates Seeking


Re-election
T

he Bridge asked city council candidates seeking re-election (all unopposed) to reintroduce
themselves to the public:

Dona Bate, District 1, on the council for two years

Profession:
I am a speaker, coach and trainer for my business dbate speaking, and have over 40 years
on private and public boards. Moving here 49 years ago, I found a wonderful sense of community to raise my two sons, and enjoy my granddaughter. I keep my passport current to
travel world-wide and my voice ever ready. As I love to talk, I delight to share my advocacy
skills and experiences with all who want to share their ideas with compassion and respect.
My training theme is Gripe or Get a Grip and advocate your ideas.
Priorities:
My two years on the city council has given me many opportunities to listen as well as to
advocate for others. It has also given me ready access to our incredible city staff with their
in-depth expertise and commitment. They have been a helpful source of knowledge when
seeking answers to residents questions and resolutions of concerns.
I have attended many city committee meetings which have increased my appreciation of the
numerous, dedicated citizens who give their time and skills to make our community a better
placed to live. Ill continue to focus on improving communications between city committees
and the public.
I will also continue to focus on team work with residents, staff and council. Conflicts are
opportunities to seek innovative options together. Such as the Montpelier Transportation
Advisory Committee work to coordinate projects and needs of bikers, walkers, vehicles and
net zero goals. I will support new revenue initiatives: such as housing, upgrading downtown
buildings and city wide Wi-Fi.
I will continue to listen and learn while seeking growth while holding the course of being
the attractive, friendly, service oriented city that draws people and business to Montpelier.

Jean Olson, District 2, appointed May 2015 to replace Thierry Guerlain


Profession:
I'm a retired educator. After many years in different roles, I spent the last 17 years working
as the executive director of the Governor's Institutes of Vermont. I currently work in the
Vermont House clerk's office during the legislative session.
Priorities:
My priorities include increasing Montpelier's grand list, maintaining a focus on infrastructure needs and expanding housing options at all levels. Our grand list is basically stalled and
we need to recognize the importance of maintaining and then growing the value. We've got
smart competition all around us and we must understand the impact of losing any assets as
well as gaining value from bringing in new development.
Im part of the Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee working with a consultant to prepare a report due in early summer. All community members are invited to a
public meeting to discuss early findings which will be held at the Montpelier Senior Center
on Wednesday March 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Montpelier is an attractive option for those who want walkability and we should consider the
high value that more housing will bring.

Justin Turcotte, District 3


Thank you for covering this issue. Having a free and open press is a critical part of a functional democracy. I was disappointed that I would not have an opponent during this election
cycle. I believe residents are better served when they have choices.
Profession:
I am the chef/owner of Taste Solutions, a company that provides the best food to most people
possible. We have prepared over 40,000 delicious, healthy meals for local seniors. This is only
possible by working with Just Basics and the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. We put local
organic vegetables in our meals by working with Allison Levin who founded Community
Harvest of Vermont to bring gleaned produce to the table. Most of all we also rely on all our
volunteers who give their time to support fresh food. This project started when I realized the
troubling increases in diet-related illnesses. Obesity, heart disease and diabetes are taking a
growing toll on people's lives.
Priorities:
Controlling our property tax rate is a key part of keeping the city affordable for all. Our
mayor and city council have worked to keep budget growth below 3 percent per year for the

past two years and we know we have to do more. Vermont is a special place where we take
care of our own, and Montpelier is no different.
We have begun a large project on Taylor Street that will provide access to reliable public
transportation. Additionally this project will also supply market-rate apartments downtown.
Time and again when I ask people what brought them to Montpelier, they tell me it is the
shops and restaurants.
The council also has the goal of successfully integrating the recreation department while
maintaining levels of service and reducing costs, with management transition effective July 1,
2016. It was my amendment to the motion for this proposal that extended the implementation date for this process and has given our assistant city manager the time to ensure a smooth
transition. I am committed to giving people an opportunity to play and recreate. We are all
very busy in our modern lives but recreation is not only good for our physical health but
helps us be more productive and happier in our work. It is the responsibility of a thoughtful
government to provide opportunity to people to recreate, if and how you do that is up to you.
Wrightsville Dam offers a beach, boat rental, picnic area, shelters, disk golf course, a fishing
and water skiing course about 10 minutes from downtown. I want to make it easier for people
to find an activity they enjoy.

Legalizing Retail Sale and Cultivation of Recreational Marijuana


The Bridge also asked all three council members to share their opinions on legalizing recreational marijuana since the bill in the legislature indicates business will start in towns where
medical marijuana dispensaries already exist such as the one in Montpelier.
Bate: Did not answer this question at all
Turcotte: Legal marijuana deserves its own article"
Olson: Id prefer a wait and see approach where we learn from experience in Washington
and Colorado.

PAG E 12 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

Heating Things Up at the Sixth Annual Spice on Snow


Festival
by Nat Frothingham

he four days and nights of this years sixth annual Summit School Spice on Snow
Winter Music, Food and Dance Festival promise to stamp out the winter blahs with
a warm (if not, hot) jolt of excitement through downtown Montpelier from Thursday, February 18 through Sunday, February 21.
Thats the festival music, food and dance but not any old music, food and dance. This
years festival with its Cajun theme will feature Cajun food, dance and music.
Even though the theme is Cajun thats just the beginning. The festival will kick off on
Thursday afternoon (February 18) with the Summit Schools Ukelele and World Music
Chorus, at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, a free performance.
On Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. ($8) the Foghorn (old-time) Stringband from Portland, Oregon will provide the sound and beat for a square dance at the American Legion.
And the Starline Rhythm Boys will perform (small cover charge) at Sweet Melissas from
8 to 11 p.m.
The merrymaking and music will continue on Friday, February 19 with old-time music
from the Good Old Wagon, a free event for Happy Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. at La Puerta
Negra.
This leads up to the festivals centerpiece City Hall event a Cajun dinner ($10) beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Cajun Dance with Cajun Country Revival ($15) from 7:30
to 10:00 p.m.
On their website, Cajun Country Revival is described as a veritable supergroup of American roots musicians. Comprised of Cajun musicians Jesse Lege and Joel Savoy and Portland, Oregons Foghorn Stringband, this group presents a music that seems to embody all
the things that make life wonderfulcelebrating rather than performing the music that
brought them together: Cajun music and early Country music.
Saturday, February 20 is a day of old-time and Cajun workshops including old-time fiddle,
old-time banjo, old-time stringband, harmony singing, Cajun band, Cajun accordion,
Cajun dance, Cajun fiddle, Cajun songs and a rich array of live music from the festival at
venues all across downtown Montpelier through Saturday afternoon.

ToCajun Country Revival will perform


during this year's Spice on Snow Festival
On Saturday evening the music and dancing begins again with The Sweetback Sisters at
Bethany Church from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and a contra dance at the Grange from 8 to 11 p.m.
Do you get whats happening: food, music, dance or as festival organizer Katie Trautz said
in answer to three direct questions.
Will it be rockn? Yes.
Will it be noisy? Yes.
And one more question, Will it be swampy?
Yes, said Katie, Its swampy in all the right ways!
Full festival schedule and ticket sales are available online at www.summit-school.org

Whiffs to Perform at Montpelier High School


by Nat Frothingham
MONTPELIER Firsts!

We dont have a schedule. We perform over 100 concerts.

There are so many firsts about the upcoming appearance of the nationally and internationally famous 14-member (all-male) Yale University vocal ensemble, the Whiffenpoofs,
on Sunday afternoon, March 6 at 3 p.m. in the Smilie Auditorium at Montpelier High
School.

But its not all rehearsals, singing and travel. Theres plenty of time for enjoyment. The
Whiffs still sing at Morys. And their five-week tour this spring includes the March 5 and
6 visit to Vermont. After that its St. Louis and the American South with stops in Atlanta,
and the southern states of Tennessee, Virginia and Florida. After Florida, the Whiffs will
travel to Rio de Janeiro, on to Peru with a visit to Cusco high in the Peruvian Andes,
then to the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu, then north to Ecuador and the Galapagos
Island.

In a recent phone call to The Bridge, artistic director of Capital City Concerts Karen Kevra
ran down her list of firsts.
This is unlike anything weve ever done before, Kevra said. Weve never had a vocal
ensemble before. Thats a first. Weve never had a collegiate group. Thats something new.
And Capitol City Concerts has never performed at Montpelier High School.
And one other possible first that cant be confirmed: Its not unlikely that this is the firstever appearance of the Whiffenpoofs in Montpelier. When I tried to confirm or deny
whether the Whiffs had ever appeared here before, I talked with Whiff singer Julian
Drucker. He thought yes they had. But he couldnt be sure. He could only guess that
in the long history of the Whiffs, they might have performed in Montpelier once upon a
time.
And what about that long history.
The Whiffenpoofs describe themselves on their webpage as the worlds oldest and bestknown collegiate a cappella group. According to history and legend, the Whiffs began informally in 1909 when five of the very best singers from the Yale Glee Club first convened
at Morys Temple Bar, a popular student hangout close to the Yale campus. Over the years
the Whiffs have become know for their love of singing, their love of singing together, of
improvising, touring and having a great time doing all this.
As things have evolved, todays Whiffs consist of a 14-member vocal ensemble chosen
through auditions during their junior year at Yale to take a solid year off and rehearse and
sing and tour and also give pleasure.
Said Julian Drucker who is a Whiff, who is 22, whose parents are notable classical musicians who have often visited and performed in Montpelier: We are taking the year off.

At age 21 or 22 who wouldnt want to take leave of college for a year, join a singing group,
learn 100 wonderful songs, and tour the world?
But for all of the high stakes excitement of singing, touring, performing, Drucker came
across as astonishingly down to earth and unaffected a college student who comes from
a musical family, loves jazz, plays the piano, likes playing the French horn, as he said,
casually.
As part of her phone call with The Bridge, Karen Kevra spoke of her highest hopes for the
concert. We are trying to attract younger audiences. I would like to see a concert thats
full of young people. She said, sensing excitement from that age group and it was a conscious decision to put the Whiffs in Montpelier High School.
For further information about Capital City Concerts or to purchase tickets, please go
online to: www.capitalcityconcerts.org

The Whiffenpoofs of Yale University


The worlds oldest and best-known collegiate a Capella group
Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Elley-Long Center, Colchester
Sunday, March 6, 3 p.m., Smilie Auditorium, Montpelier High School

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 13

T H E B R I D G E

Events happening February 18 March 5


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

EarthWalk Village School and Teen Land Project Open House. Children and teens ages 617
interested in learning more about EarthWalks
Village School or Teen Land Project are invited to
attend a morning open house. 9 a.m.noon. 123
Pitkin Rd. Plainfield. For more information and to
register: 454-8500 or anika@earthwalkvermont.org

Tea House Clinic. Get herbal nutritional supplementation through the form of teas and/or tinctures. Herbal tea sharing with other professional
services available. Every third Sat., 9 a.m.noon.
Tea House Exchange at Another Way Community
Center, 125 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; donations
welcome. Rosalene: 793-9371. manywordsherbs1.
weebly.com

Brain Injury Support Group. Open to all survivors, caregivers and adult family members. Third
Thurs., 1:302:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850.

Additional Recyclables Collection Center. Accepting scores of hard-to-recycle items. Third Sat.,
9 a.m.1 p.m. 540 N. Main St. (old Times-Argus
building), Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106.
For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org.

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


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

Capital City Indoor Farmers Market. Over 30


vendors in all, more than half of them selling farm
products. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Montpelier High School
cafeteria, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier. montpelierfarmersmarket.com

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. Monthly


group for people affected by a suicide death. Third
Thurs., 67:30 p.m. Central Vermont Medical
Center, conference rm. 1, Fisher Rd., Berlin. 2230924. calakel@comcast.com.afsp.org.

Talk: Botanical Trip to Washington State and


Vancouver Island. Illustrated talk by Don Avery, coowner of Cadys Falls Nursery in Morrisville. Averys
main objective was to observe the western maidenhair
fern in many diverse habitats. 13 p.m. Waterbury
Senior Center, 14 Stowe St., Waterbury. Free; open to
the public. hardyplantclubvt@gmail.com

Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. Third Thurs., 68 p.m. Child care provided.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St.,
Montpelier. 476-1480.
River Arts Photo Co-op. Gather, promote and
share your experience and knowledge of photography with other photography enthusiasts in an
atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. Adults/teens.
Third Thurs., 68 p.m. River Arts Center, 74
Pleasant St., Morrisville. $5 suggested donation.
888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
A Vermont Carbon Tax: How Might it Affect
Working Families and People with Low Incomes? A forum to address the effects of a carbon
tax on people with low incomes and working
families. A panel presentation will be followed by
an open discussion. Transition Town Montpelier
series. 6 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to the public. Sponsored by
Transition Town Montpelier, Vermont Action for
Peace and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Songwriters Meeting. Meeting of the Northern
VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Songwriters
Association International. Bring copies of your
work. Third Thurs., 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts, St.
Johnsbury. John, 633-2204.
Making Tax Season Easier. A free workshop filled
with tax preparation tips for everyone from the
novice to the expert. 78 p.m. Royalton Memorial
Library, 23 Alexander Pl., S. Royalton. 763-7094.
librarian@royaltonlibrary.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Snowshoe Middlesex with Green Mountain


Club. Moderate. About 6 miles round trip. White
Rock via the Middlesex Trail. Contact Steve or
Heather for meeting time and place: stevecbailey@
gmail.com or 609-424-9238

Clarke Lecture Series: Jess Robinson, Vermont


State Archaeologist. "Archaeological History of
Champlain Valley." 610 p.m. Unitarian Church,
130 Main St., Montpelier. $15. Dinner reservations: 229-1246 or pmbwatt@comcast.net. https://
ucmvt.org/2015/12/17/clarke-lecture-series-savethe-dates/
Cabin Fever Spelling Bee. Annual contest
between local writers and readers. The writers
team includes Roberta Harold, David Goodman,
Rowan Jacobsen, Brett Stanciu and others. 7
p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. $12 advance; $15 at door. 223-3338.
kellogghubbard.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Cross-country Ski Little River State Park with


Green Mountain Club. Waterbury. Moderate.
Ungroomed but moderate trails. Conditions may
vary. Contact George and Cynthia for meeting
time and place: 229-9787.
Reiki Sessions. Every third Sun., 9 a.m.noon.
Tea House Exchange at Another Way Community
Center, 125 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; donations
welcome. Rosalene: 793-9371. manywordsherbs1.
weebly.com
Families of Color. Open to all. Play, eat and
discuss issues of adoption, race and multiculturalism. Bring snacks and games to share; dress for the
weather. Third Sun., 35 p.m. Unitarian Church,
130 Main St., Montpelier. Alyson 439-6096 or
alyson@suncatchervt.com.
Chandler Film Society: Young Frankenstein.
Hilarious movie featuring Gene Wilder, Teri Garr,
Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Madeline
Kahn and Peter Boyle. Come early for light snack.

THEATER, STORYTELLING,
COMEDY
Feb. 19: Stroke Yer Joke. Sign up in advance to try five
minutes of your best open-mic stand-up comedy before
a live audience! 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main
St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com.
espressobueno.com.

Performing
Arts

Feb. 26: The Velveteen Rabbit. Lost Nation Theater


presents the beloved tale comes to life in storytelling, song and dance. Theater for kids by kids. $5.
Montpelier City Hall Arts Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. lostnationtheater.org
Feb. 26: Bueno Comedy Showcase. A handful of talented comics, from here and away doing longer
sets. 8:30 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. $6. 479-0896.events@espressobueno.com.
espressobueno.com.
Feb. 28: Issue Play Series: Sunset. Staged reading written by Mike Backman and directed by Richard Waterhouse. The story of two young men struggling to find freedom and expression in a world
of rules and expectations. A winner in Chandler's 2015 competition for new plays on current social
issues written by Vermont playwrights. Talkback follows. 7 p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts, 71-73
Main St., Randolph. $10 advance; $12 day of show; students $5. 728-6464.
March 2: Extempo. Locals tell short-format, first-person, true stories live on stage without any notes
or reading. 8 p.m. La Puerta Negra, 44 Main St., Montpelier. $5. 613-3172. storytelling@extempovt.
com. extempovt.com
March 5: Hot Comedy on a Cold Night. An evening of stand-up comedy featuring the Vermont
Comedy Divas. Net proceeds benefit the Peoples Health and Wellness Clinic. 810 p.m. Montpelier
City Hall Arts Center, 39 Main St., Montpelier. $22 advance; $25 at door. lostnationtheater.org
March 5: FEMCOM. Comedy by women for women (and enlightened men) featuring the standup of: Annie Russell, Brianna Doe, Hillary Boone, Jess Reed, Mae Barron and Tracy Dolan. 8:30 p.m. Espresso
Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.

Commentary by Rick Winston follows. 6:30


p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts, Esther Mesh
Room, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. General $9; $5
members/students.

farmers and their customers learn practical skills


and take action to influence pending water quality
rules. 9 a.m. Vermont State House, Montpelier.
RSVP: 223-7222 or ruralvermont.org. Farmer
stipend applications available.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Making Art from Nature. With natural artist


Nick Neddo. An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
program. Doors open 12:30 p.m. for those wishing
to bring a brown bag lunch; programs starts 1:30
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St., Montpelier. Donations accepted.

Robins Nest Nature Playgroup. Offers parents,


caregivers and children ages birth to five an opportunity to play outside and discover the sights,
sounds and sensations of the forests and fields at
the NBNC. 10:30 a.m. North Branch Nature
Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. Free; donations
welcome. 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org
CVHHH Public Foot Care Clinic. Individuals
should bring clippers, basin, towel, foot-soak
powder and lotion. 14 p.m. Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. $15.
223-1878. www.cvhhh.org/footcare
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 6-7:30 p.m. Conference Center. 600 Granger
Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
Reading Freud with Psychologist Peter Burmeister. This five-part series, with takes a deeper
look at Freuds theories and works and what they
mean for todays society. Copies of the reading are
available at the library. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org
NAMI Vermont Family Support Group. Support
group for families and friends of individuals living
with mental illness. Fourth Mon., 7 p.m. Central
Vermont Medical Center, room 3, Berlin. 800639-6480 or namivt.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Medicare and You Workshop. New to Medicare?


Have questions? We have answers. Second and
fourth Tues., 34:30 p.m. 59 N. Main St., Ste.
200, Barre. Free, donations gratefully accepted.
479-0531. cvcoa@cvcoa.org. cvcoa.org.
Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont. Rainbow
Umbrella brings LGBTQ individuals from Central
Vermont together to plan and hold events such as
bowling, discussion group, ukulele and tea dances
to foster community and increase LGBTQ visibility
in the region. Meets every other Tues. 57 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. rucvtadmin@pridecentervt.org

State of Marriage. Documentary screening and


discussion hosted by the Vermont Humanities
Council. Reception hosted by the Vermont Historical Society follows. 6:30 p.m. Pavilion Auditorium, 109 State St., Montpelier. 262-2626. info@
vermonthumanities.org. vermonthumanities.org

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

CVHHH Public Foot Care Clinic. Individuals


should bring clippers, basin, towel, foot-soak powder and lotion. 8 a.m.noon. Northfield Senior
Center, 168 Wall St., Northfield. $15. 223-1878.
www.cvhhh.org/footcare

Small Farm Action Days Water Quality: Let's


Get it Right. Hosted by Rural Vermont. Small

Paths of Well-Being. Three Presenters offer


alternative ways to increased well-being Chakra
healing by Yasmeen Hossain (learn how to detect
if your chakras are out of balance and remedies
for how to heal and rebalance them), structural
integration by Eric Silvers (loosens and reorganizes
the myofacial or connective tissue that surrounds
the muscles to reestablish the bodys natural alignment, vitality and well-being) and flower essences
therapy by Fearn Lickfield (each plant has a unique
essence and offers its vibrational healing to support
our physical, etheric, astral and spiritual bodies).
67 p.m. Another Way (upstairs, back building),
125 Barre St., Montpelier. An Onion River Exchange workshop. Free; open to the public. RSVP:
661-8959
Montpelier City Council Meeting. Second and
fourth Wed., 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers,
Montpelier City Hall. 39 Main St., Montpelier.
montpelier-vt.org.
Zero Energy for Your Home: Fantasy or Reality?
Workshop by Efficiency Vermont to cover why and
how you might achieve a net zero home that generates as much energy as it uses, how to decide how
much to invest and how to pay for energy improvements. Food and beverages, 6 p.m.; workshop 6:30
p.m. Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St.,
Barre. Free. 249-5978. ekaube@gmail.com
Book Discussion: "The Brief Wondrous Life of
Oscar Wao." The tale of a boy whose dreams of
finding love and writing epic fantasy elude him as
his family flees from the Dominican Republic to
the USA. Discussion with UVM Professor John
Waldron. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. Copies of books available at
library. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by


Jennifer Armstrong. Read by Nancy Schulz. Part 4
of 4. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main
St., Montpelier. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org
Classic Films of the 50s. Brando, Clift, James
Dean, Hepburn; juvenile delinquency, conformity,
racial attitudes. Presented by Rick Winston. A Vermont Humanities Council event. 79 p.m. Beth
Jacob Synagogue, 10 Harrison Ave., Montpelier.
Free. 229-9429. www.bethjacobvt.org
WATER: Understanding the 21st Century Challenge. The Todd Lecture Series presents Robert
Gusentine, retired U.S. Navy Captain, co-founder
and chief operating officer of Global Sounding,
Inc. 79 p.m. Norwich University, Dole Auditorium, Webb Hall, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield.
Free; open to the public. tls.norwich.edu

PAG E 14 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 2299212. Open mic every Wed. bagitos.com.
Feb. 18: The Blind Continuum (alt hip-hop)
68 p.m.
Feb. 19: Dave & Roary Loughran (acoustic classic rock) 68 p.m.
Feb. 20: Bagitos celebrates Spice on Snow Festival: Old Time Music Session, 10 a.m.noon;
Zeichner Family, noon2 p.m. Plus Irish Session
with Sarah Blair, Hilari Farrington, Benedict
Koehler, Katrina VanTyne, Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; The Eloise McDaniel Consortium,
68 p.m.
Feb. 21: Old Time Music Session, 11 a.m.2
p.m.
Feb. 24: Diane Jean Reilly (indie Americana/
folk) 68 p.m.
Feb. 25: Ron Sweet (folk/Americana) 68 p.m.
Feb. 26: Squirrels Crackers (blues/country/bluegrass/Cajun) 68 p.m.6-8pm.
Feb. 27: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; Tim Davis (alt
country) 68 p.m.
Feb. 28: Bleecker & MacDougal (folk ballads)
11 a.m.1 p.m.

Calendar of Events

March 3: Grammy winner Jim Rooney & Colin


McCaffrey, 68 p.m.
March 4: Art Herttua & Ray Carroll Jazz Duo,
68 p.m.
March 5: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari
Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne,
Bob Ryan and others, 25 p.m.; Alex Figura
(folk/Americana/reggae) 68 p.m.
Charlie Os World Famous. 70 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Mon.: Comedy Caf Open Mic, 8:30
p.m.
Every Tues.: Godfather Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
Every Wed.: O's Weird Pub Quiz, 5:30 p.m.
Every Sun. through March 20: Sunday Night
Soul Kitchen, 7 p.m.
Feb. 19: Julia Kate Davis (indie folk) 6 p.m.;
Talking Doctor (rock) 9 p.m.
Feb. 20: DJ Disco Phantom (dance) 10 p.m.
Feb. 26: Scott Graves (rock acoustic) 6 p.m.;
Swillbillie/Thee Icepicks (rockabilly,surf)
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 4790896. Free/by donation. events@espressobueno.
com. espressobueno.com.
Feb. 20: Tim Brick (country) 8 p.m.
March 5: Linda Young (singer-songwriter) 7:30
p.m.

La Puerta Negra. Ages 21+. 44 Main St., Montpelier. 613-3172


Feb. 19: Michelle J Rodriguez (blues) 10 p.m. $5
Feb. 27: Madman3, 9 p.m. $5.
Sweet Melissas. 74 Langdon St., Montpelier.
Free unless otherwise noted. Other shows T.B.A.
225-6012.
Feb. 18: Starline Rhythm Boys, 8 p.m. $5.
Feb. 19: Mark LeGrand, 5:30 p.m.; Doug Perkins, 9:30 p.m. $5.
Feb. 20: Andy Pitt, 6 p.m.; Guano Loco CD
Fundraiser, 9:30 p.m. $5.
Feb. 21: Kelly Ravin, 6:30 p.m.; Live Band Karaoke with the Butcher Blocks Band, 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: Bruce Jones, 5 p.m.; Open Mic Night,
7 p.m.
Feb. 24: Django Koenig CD Release Party, 7
p.m.; Cookie's Hot Club, 9:30 p.m.
Green Mountain Dog Club Monthly Meeting.
Learn about the club and events. All dog lovers welcome. Fourth Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Commodores Inn,
Stowe. 479-9843 or greenmountaindogclub.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Peacham Winter Carnival. Feb. 2627. Dog


sled, sleigh rides, contra dance, pancake breakfast,
snow sculpting, sugar cube art. Indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Fri., 5:3010 p.m.; Sat.
8 a.m.4 p.m. For list of locations and schedule:
www.peacham.net/wintercarnivalindex.php
Friday Night Group. For youth age 1322 who
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or
questioning. Pizza, soft drinks and conversation.
Cofacilitated by two trained, adult volunteers from
Outright VT. Second and fourth Fri., 6:308 p.m.
Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. Free.
223-7035. Micah@OutrightVT.org.
Finding Abbey: The Search for Edward Abbey
and His Hidden Desert Grave. Vermont author
Sean Prentiss, will explore and discuss his journey
in search of Abbeys grave, and how this lead
him to understand that the discovery was not
just about a hidden desert grave but also about
unraveling the greater mystery of home. Part of
the NBNC Naturalist Journeys Lecture Series.
$5 suggested donation. 7 p.m. Unitarian Church,
130 Main St., Montpelier. $5 suggested donation.
northbranchnaturecenter.org
Slideshow: They Call It Walking Exploring
the Trails of the United Kingdom. Montpelier
Section members Reidun and Andrew Nuquist
explore legendary long-distance hiking trails of
the United Kingdom. Featuring Englands Hadrians Wall Path, the Cotswold Way, the Southwest
Coast Path as well as Scotlands Speyside Way
and Arran Coastal Way. 7 p.m. Green Mountain
Club Visitors Center, 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd.,
Waterbury Center. $5 members; $8 non-members;
children under 12 free.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Cross-country Ski with Green Mountain Club.


Warren. Various distances. All abilities. Ole's
Touring Center. Bring lunch or buy at the center.
Trail fee. For meeting time and place: Mary G.:
622-0585 or Mary S.: 505-0603.
Peacham Winter Carnival. Feb. 2627. Dog
sled, sleigh rides, contra dance, pancake breakfast, snow sculpting, sugar cube art. Indoor and
outdoor activities for all ages. Sat. 8 a.m.4 p.m.
For list of locations and schedule: www.peacham.
net/wintercarnivalindex.php

Feb. 25: Wes Hamilton & John Ryan, 8 p.m.


Feb. 26: Mark LeGrand, 5:30 p.m.; The Red
Pennys, 9 p.m. $5.
Feb. 27: Dave Langevin, 6 p.m.; Mike Lawlor
Band with Special Guests, 9 p.m. $5.
Feb. 28: Kelly Ravin, 6:30 p.m.; Live Band Karaoke with the Butcher Blocks Band, 8:30 p.m.

Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31


County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com.
Every Wed.: Open mic
Feb. 18: Dave Keller
Feb. 19: Sara Grace and Andy Suits
Feb. 20: Chris Killian
Feb. 25: Katie Trautz
Feb. 26: Hillside Rounders
Feb. 27: Jim Ventresca sing-a-long
March 4: Sky Blue Boys
March 5: Cookies Hot Club

SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 1821: Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture presents: Spice on Snow Winter Music Festival. Nationally known performers
teach workshops and play concerts throughout the
weekend. Featuring Foghorn Stringband, Cajun
Country Revival, Sweetback Sisters, Starline
Rhythm Boys, Two Cents in the Till, Good Old
Wagon, Green Mountain Playboys, Zeichner Trio
and more. Downtown Montpelier. Full schedule
and tickets: summit-school.org
Feb. 20: Dan Liptaks APEX Ensemble. Contemporary instrumental jazz and re-imagining of
Stevie Wonders Songs in the Key of Life. 7:30
p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $20 advance; $25 after 5
p.m. day of show. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org
Feb. 26: Jazzyaoke. Sing the standards backed by
a live six-piece jazz band; all lyrics provided. 7:30
p.m. The North Branch Caf, 41 State St., Montpelier. $5. 552-8105. info@wooo.tv. wooo.tv
Feb. 26: Ten Strings and a Goat String. Fiery,
unique and rhythmically innovative, this bilingual fusion trio from Prince Edward Island performs a repertoire of Irish, Acadian, French and
Man Bites B-I-N-G-O. This aint yo mamas bingo
and you should definitely leave the kids at
home. Bring a prize if you want to play more than
one card. 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main
St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.
com. espressobueno.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29

CVHHH Public Foot Care Clinic. Individuals


should bring clippers, basin, towel, foot-soak powder and lotion. 12:304 p.m. Waterbury Senior
Center, 14 Stowe St., Waterbury. $15. 223-1878.
www.cvhhh.org/footcare

THE BRIDGE

original music. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall,


71-73 Main St., Randolph. Adults $20; students
$5. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org
Feb. 27: Benefit Concert for Beth and Clint
Telford. Featuring the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra
and many fine traditional musicians. Clint Telford
has been in ICU since Jan. 10 due to his heart.
Beth Telford is a fiddle player, teacher and well
loved in the music and horse communities. 7 p.m.
Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. By
donation. bethandclintbenefit@gmail.com
Feb. 27: Belle Starr. Country/folk trio. 7 p.m.
Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $2034. 760-4634.
sprucepeakarts.org
March 2: Beth Hart. Blues rock. From acclaim
in 1999 for her first single LA Song: Out of
This Town to her off-Broadway performance
of Janis Joplin tunes, to her show-stopping Kennedy Center Honors Buddy Guy tribute of Id
Rather Go Blind with guitarist Jeff Beck, Hart
powers through song stories with a combination
of emotive vibrato and manic intensity. 7 p.m. St.
Johnsbury Academy, Fuller Hall, 1000 Main St.,
St. Johnsbury. $1564; students 18 and under
free. 748-2600. KCPpresents.org
March 4: EagleMania. The worlds greatest
Eagles tribute band. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music
Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. Adults $25;
students $5. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org
March 56: Capital City Concerts Presents The
Whiffenpoofs. The world's oldest and best-known
male collegiate a cappella group and one of Yale
University's most celebrated traditions. $1525.
Tickets: capitalcityconcerts.org. Tickets also available in person (cash or check only) at Bear Pond
Books.
March 5: 7:30 p.m., Elley-Long Center at St.
Michaels College, Colchester
March 6: 3 p.m., Montpelier High School
Smilie Auditorium, 5 high School Dr., Montpelier.

Potluck. For location, call Carole MacIntyre


229-5931.
U-32 School Board Meeting. Open to the public
and community members are always welcome to
attend. 6 p.m. U-32, Rm. 131, 930 Gallison Hill
Rd., Montpelier. 229-0321.
How to Ask for What YOU Want. Workshop
with Cecile Green. Strategies for being clear
about what you want, how to ask for it and being
satisfied with the end result. 6:307:30 p.m.
Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to the public. An Onion
River Exchange workshop. RSVP: 661-8959

Reading Freud with Psychologist Peter Burmeister. This five-part series, with takes a deeper
look at Freuds theories and works and what they
mean for todays society. Copies of the reading
are available at the library. 6:30 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org

Daisy Turners Kin: An African American Family


Saga. Vermont Folklife Center founder Jane Beck
will consider the family narrative of Daisy Turner
who was born in Grafton and a daughter of
slaves. Part of the Vermont Humanities Councils
First Wednesdays lecture series 7 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
vermonthumanities.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 1

Montpelier School Board Meeting. 7 p.m.


Montpelier High School library, 5 High School
Dr., Montpelier. 225-8000.

Town Meeting Day


For information on Town Meeting Day
and to locate your polling place, visit
https://www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/
town-meeting-local-elections.aspx
ADA Advisory Committee Meeting. First Tues.
City managers conference room, City Hall, 39
Main St., Montpelier. 223-9502.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Snowshoe Peacham Bog with Green Mountain


Club. Groton. Moderate. About 5 miles. Contact
Steve Lightholder for meeting place and time:
479-2304.
Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to
anyone who has experienced the death of a loved
one. 1011:30 a.m. Conference Center. 600
Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.
Grandparents Raising Their Childrens Children. First Wed., 10 a.m.Noon. Barre Presbyterian Church, Summer St. 476-1480.
The Brain: How Does It Work Anyhow? With
neurologist Robert Hamill, M.D. An Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute program. Doors open
12:30 p.m. for those wishing to bring a brown
bag lunch; programs starts 1:30 p.m. Montpelier
Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier.
Donations accepted.
Cancer Support Group. First Wed., 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3

MBAC Meeting. Meeting of the Montpelier


Bicycle Advisory Committee. First Thurs., 8 a.m.
Police Station Community Room, 534 Washington St., Montpelier. 262-6273.
Diabetes Support Group. First Thurs., 78 p.m.
Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical
Center. 371-4152.
Surveillance Drones Presentation. Learn about
the growing use of surveillance drones in the U.S.
Discuss the growing use of drones, their impact
on personal privacy, the legal infrastructure and
implications for their use in the future. Sponsored
by the Peace and Justice Center. 7 p.m. KelloggHubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
223-3338. kellogghubbard.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Death Caf. Group discussion about death with


no agenda, objectives or themes. First Fri., 11:45
a.m.1 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2,
Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Bring your
own lunch or eat at the center for $4. 223-3322.
Happy Birthday Vermont. The Vermont Historical Society celebrates 225 years of statehood. Tastings from Vermont cider makers, hors d'oeuvres,
birthday cake. 58 p.m. Vermont History Museum, 109 State St., Montpelier. $20 members; $25
non-members. 828-2180. http://vermonthistory.

T H E B R I D G E

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 15

Calendar of Events

Visual Arts

Through Feb. 28: Debora Cherington and


Jack Frost, Come See What Jack Frost Left
Me. Educational frost photo exhibit for children and adults. Photos of designs and colors of
frost. Bagitos Caf, 28 Main St., Montpelier.

Through March 30: Annie Tiberio Cameron.


Wilderness images taken on artists solo camping sojourns 19912006. Vermont Technical
College, Hartness Library Gallery, 124 Admin
Dr., Randolph Center.

EXHIBITS

Through March 1: Peggy duPont. Paintings


in this collection are inspired by the Vermont
landscape. Morrisville Post Office, 16 Portland
St., Morrisville. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org

Through March 31: Elizabeth Billings and


Michael Sacca, Close to Home. Billings will
display her site-specific installations inspired by
the elements of nature and technology. Saccas
exhibit of detailed photographic images marries
the two disciplines conceptually. I.D. required
for admission. The Governors Gallery, Pavilion
Office Building, 109 State St., 5F, Montpelier.

Through Feb. 20: Studio Place Arts Winter


2016 Exhibits. Gallery hours: Tues.Fri., 11
a.m.5 p.m.; Sat, noon4 p.m. SPA, 201 N. Main
St., Barre. 479-7069. studioplacearts.com
Main floor: From the Center for Cartoon
Studies Archives, A 10 Year Anniversary
Exhibit.
Second floor: Athena Petra Tasiopoulos,
Beyond Mixed media works on paper.
Third floor: Andy Frost, Paintings on the Tour
for World Peace

Through March 1: Tom Cullins and Kelly


Holt, Alternatives. Photographs and mixed
media. The Gallery at River Arts, 74 Pleasant
St., Morrisville. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org
Through March 1: Caroline McKinney,
Humans and Other Animals. Watercolor
portraiture. River Arts Center, Common Space
Gallery, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261.
riverartsvt.org

Through Feb. 27: From the Traditional to the


Abstract: Watercolors by Area VWS Members.
Exhibit of seventeen area members of the Vermont
Watercolor Society. A mix between professional
and novice watercolor artists with subject matters
ranging from the traditional landscape to figure
studies and abstracts. Axels Gallery & Frame
Shop, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. axelsgallery.com

Through March 12: Northern Vermont Artists Association Member Show. A diverse
selection of artwork including Robert Brunelle,
and Janet Bonneau. Gallery hours: Tues.Sat.,
noon4 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery, Center for
Arts & Learning, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
262-6035. twwoodgallery@gmail.com. twwoodgallery.org

Through Feb. 28: Kate Fetherston, Nature Moments. Paintings explore the language of nature.
With light, color and texture each image captures
a moment a layering of awareness, memory
and invention. The Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm St.,
Montpelier. 223-1981. cheshirecatclothing.com

Through March. 19: Salvage. Artists repurpose, reposition and reimagine salvaged materials to bring new meaning to found objects.
Chandler Gallery, 71-73 Main St., Randolph.

Through Feb. 28: Linda Hogan, On Certain


Days. Photographs. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org
org/visit/events-calendar/happy-birthday-vt
Coffeehouse. Enjoy live music and share your
own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages.
First Fri., 79 p.m. Trinity United Methodist
Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier (park and enter
at rear). Free. 244-5191, 472-8297 or rawilburjr@
comcast.net.
Espresso Brain-o. Muster your best small team,
and come eat, drink and think your way through a
dynamic live trivia game. 7 p.m. Espresso Bueno,
248 N. Main St., Barre. $5. 479-0896.events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
A Doo Wop Dance Party. Lost Nation Theater
presents this community celebration in honor of
the new curtain and new LNT season. Music of
the 60s with DJ Fred Wilbur. 7:3010:30 p.m.
Montpelier City Hall Arts Center, 39 Main St.,
Montpelier. Free. lostnationtheater.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

National Federation of the Blind, Montpelier


Chapter. First Sat. Lane Shops community room,
1 Mechanic St., Montpelier. 229-0093.
Capital City Indoor Farmers Market. Over
30 vendors in all, more than half of them selling
farm products. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Montpelier High
School cafeteria, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier.
montpelierfarmersmarket.com
Open House & Kitten Shower. Refreshments,
fun activities and visit with kittens and all the
adoptable animals. Please bring donations for the
new kittens and cats. Most needed items are wet
canned kitten and food, powdered kitten milk
replacer, jar baby food (onion free), cat litter, pet

Through March 26: Joelen Mulvaney, Tree


People Hiding in Plain Sight. Paintings.
Jaquith Public Library, Old Schoolhouse Common, 122 School St., #2, Marshfield. 426-3581.
jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com
supply gift cards, microwavable heating pads,
financial donations and adopters. 10 a.m.2
p.m. Central Vermont Humane Society Adoption Center, 1589 VT Rt. 14 S., E. Montpelier.
centralvermonthumane.org
Northeast Storytellers. Writers, readers and
appreciators of prose and verse meet regularly
the first Saturday of every month. The public is
welcome to attend and new members are always
encouraged to join. 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. Catamount
Arts, 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury. 751-5432.
brookequillen@yahoo.com.
Osteoporosis Education and Support Group.
For those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, have a family member
who has been diagnosed or want to learn about
osteoporosis. Learn from a variety of guest speakers and medical specialists. First Sat., 13 p.m.
Community National Bank, Community Room,
Crawford Rd., Derby. 535-2011. mary@betterbonesnek.org. betterbonesnek.org.
Friends of the Aldrich Library Annual Winter Banquet/Auction. Cash bar, appetizers
prepared by the Friends and browsing the silent
auction 5 p.m.; beef tenderloin dinner 6 p.m.;
live auction follows dinner. Barre Elks, 10 Jefferson St., Barre. $25. 476-7550. See auction list:
aldrichpubliclibrary.org

Tell them
you saw it in
The Bridge!

Through March 31: Kate Gridley, Passing


Through Portraits of Emerging Adults.
Life-sized oil portraits. Vermont Supreme
Court Gallery, 111 State St., Montpelier.
Through April 8: Tom Leytham, The Other
Working Landscape. 26 watercolor prints by
the Montpelier architect and artist. The Gallery
at Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin.
Through April 10: Intimacy + Materiality.
Explores material and pronounces the handmade or methods of making through the lens
of contemporary studio, social and design
practices. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St.,
Stowe. 253-8358. helenday.com
Through April 10: Carole Frances Lung aka
Frau Fiber, Peoples Cloth Trade Show: The
t-shirt is the problem. Through her alter ego
Frau Fiber, Lung utilizes a hybrid of playful activism, cultural criticism, research and spirited
crafting of one of a kind garment production
performances. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond
St., Stowe. 253-8358. helenday.com

Send your listing to


calendar@
montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue is Feb. 25.
Send information for events
happening March 319.

Poetry

by Reuben Jackson

Through April 15: Lynn Newcombs Etchings: The Power of Black Ink; Two Decades of
Printmaking. Tools, bridges and abstract etchings. Gallery hours: Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.4 p.m.
White River Gallery (in BALE building), 35 S.
Windsor St., S. Royalton. lynnnewcombvt.com
Through June 30: Saddle Up! Norwich Cavalry: Training, Touring and Tactics on Horseback. The story of the Norwich Cavalry and its
establishment is full of wonderful images of the
days when equines were part of the daily life at
the University. Norwich University, Sullivan
Museum and History Center, 158 Harmon Dr.,
Northfield. 485-2183. academics.norwich.edu/
museum/
Through July 19: Blue Ribbons & Burlesque:
The Country Fair Photography of Charles
Fish. Black and white photographs capture nature and nurture, theatrical illusion, the pursuit
of excellence and even the guilty pleasures of
fair food. Vermont History Museum, 109 State
St., Montpelier. Free with admission to museum. 828-2180. vermonthistory.org/calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS

Feb. 21: Still Life Demonstration. With Karen


Winslow. Part of the Cabin Fever Series. 13
p.m. Bryan Memorial Gallery, Jeffersonville.
Free. 644-5100. bryangallery.org
Feb. 28: Wildflowers Photography Demonstration. With Chuck Helfer. Part of the
Cabin Fever Series. 13 p.m. Bryan Memorial
Gallery, Jeffersonville. Free. 644-5100. bryangallery.org

Classifieds
HOUSING WANTED
MONTPELIER, NEAR COLLEGE STREET
Professional couple looking to rent 2-3
bedroom house or condominium long term.
Would consider renting with option to buy.
Location near to downtown with area near
College Street or Vermont College preferred.
Good references provided.
Interested parties contact the following
number: 223-6664.

Bag Full of Moonlight

Text-only class listings and


classifieds are 50 words for $25.

I dreamed that Richard


left a bag full of moonlight
by the bedroom door.

Advertise in The Bridge

Reuben Jackson is the


host of Friday Night Jazz on
Vermont Public Radio

Call 223-5112 ext. 11

Discounts available
The issue published the third week
of each month is mailed to every
05602 residence. Great visibility for
your business, event or product!

PAG E 16 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

Weekly Events
ART & CRAFT

Calendar of Events

Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),


4:305:30 p.m.

Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon.


Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E.
Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.

Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds


benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
suggested donation; under 60 $9. Reservations:
Noontime Knitters. All abilities welcome. Basics 262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
taught. Crocheting, needlepoint and tatting also
welcome. Tues., noon1 p.m. Waterbury Public
Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. 244-7036.
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Life Drawing at The Front. Draw from life with


a model in a series of poses. Bring your own
materials. Come early to get a good seat. Every
Thurs., 6:308:30 p.m. The Front Gallery, 6
Barre St., Montpelier. $10. www.thefrontvt.com.
meldan@together.net
Open Art at The Front. Create "crazy dolls" with
artist Melora Kennedy. Every Wed., 5:307:30
p.m. The Front Gallery, 6 Barre St., Montpelier.
$5. www.thefrontvt.com. meldan@together.net
Drop-in River Arts Elder Art Group. Work
on art, share techniques and get creative with
others. Bring your own art supplies. For elders
60+. Every Fri., 10 a.m.noon. River Arts Center,
74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free. 888-1261.
riverartsvt.org.

BICYCLING
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community
bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Wed., 46
p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre
St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.

BOOKS & WORDS


Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and
practice your language skills with neighbors.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., Hebrew; Tues., Italian;
Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.

Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place


for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
67:30 p.m.
Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
Early Bird Bone Builders Class. With Cort
Richardson. Osteoporosis exercise and prevention
program. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy
shoes. Light weights provided or bring your own.
All ages. Every Mon., Wed. and Fri., 7:308:30
a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. 2, Blueberry
Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. Cort: 223-3174
or 238-0789.
Bone Building Exercises. All seniors welcome.
Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m.
(starting Feb. 8) and 10:4511:45 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier.
Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.
Every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.; Mon. and Wed.,
5:306:30 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322.
twinvalleyseniors.org.

Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.


Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors.
Every Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri.,
23 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
English Conversation Practice Group. For
Barre St., Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518.
students learning English for the first time. Tues.,
msac@montpelier-vt.org.
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m. Betha223-3403.
ny Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-3483.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading
and share some good books. Books chosen by
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center,
100 State St. 223-3403.

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

FOOD & DRINK


Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.
Free.
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St.,
11 a.m.1 p.m.
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
11:30 a.m.1 p.m.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St.,
11 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St.,
11:30 a.m.1 p.m.
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St.,
11 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115

Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Program.


Education and support to help adults at high risk
of developing type 2 diabetes adopt healthier
eating and exercise habits that can lead to weight
loss and reduced risk. Every Tues., 10:3011:30
a.m. Kingwood Health Center Conference Room
(lower level), 1422 Rt. 66, Randolph. Free. Register: 728-7714.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step
program for physically, emotionally and spiritually overcoming overeating. Note meeting days
and locations. Every Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and
Sat., 8:309:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the
Good Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 2493970. Every Mon., 56 p.m. at Bethany Church,
115 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079.
Tai Chi Classes for All Ages. Every Tues. and
Thurs., 1011 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center,
Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free.
223-3322. twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net
Weight Loss Support Group. Get help and support on your weight loss journey every Wed., 67
p.m. Giffords Conference Center, 44 S. Main St.,
Randolph. Free. No registration required. Open
to all regardless of where you are in your weight
loss.
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Thurs., 25 p.m. 58 East State St., Ste. 3
(entrance at back), Montpelier. Free. 371-6222.
vtcares.org.

KIDS & TEENS


The Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in space
to hang out, make music, play pool, ping-pong
and board games and eat free food. All activities

are free. Mon.Thurs., 26 p.m., Fridays 3-10


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

THE BRIDGE

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

RESOURCES
Efficiency Vermont Customer Support Office
Hours. Specialists will be on hand to provide
one-on-one energy consultations and answer
your energy questions. Every Tues., 11:30 a.m.2
p.m. and every Thurs., 46 p.m. through March.
Efficiency Vermont Barre Office, 322 N. Main
St., Barre. Free. 888-921-5990. info@efficiencyvermont.com
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. 80 tools
both power and manual. Wed., 46 p.m.; Sat.,
911 a.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959.
info@orexchange.com.

SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Womens Group. Women age 40 and older
explore important issues and challenges in their
lives in a warm and supportive environment. Facilitated by psychotherapist Kathleen Zura. Every
Mon., 5:307:30 p.m. 41 Elm St., Montpelier.
223-6564. Insurances accepted.

SPIRITUALITY
Christian Science Reading Room. You're invited
to visit the Reading Room and see what we
have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow,
purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study
room. Hours: Wed., 11 a.m.7:15 p.m.; Thurs.
Sat., 11 a.m.1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier.
223-2477.

Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.


Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.

A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual transformation. Group meets each Tues., 78 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpelier. 279-1495.

MUSIC & DANCE

Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel


Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only:
479-0302.

Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal. Find your voice with 50 other women.
Mon., 7 p.m. Alumni Hall, Barre. 223-2039.
BarretonesVT.com.
Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60
Band. Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the
1960s. Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.
noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.
Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal.
New chorus members welcome. Wed., 45 p.m.
Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more
information.
Piano Workshop. Informal time to play,
refresh your skills and get feedback if desired
with other supportive musicians. Singers and
listeners welcome. Thurs., 45:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. Free; open to the public. 223-2518.
msac@montpelier-vt.org.
Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 68
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St. 223-2518.
Rock & Soul Chorus. We sing songs from the
60s80s and beyond. All songs are taught by
rote using word sheets, so ability to read music is
not required. All ages welcome; children under
13 should come with a parent. Every Thurs.,
6:308:30 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd,
39 Washington St., Barre.
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.
light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those


interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or
current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed.,
7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St.,
Barre. Register: 479-3253.
Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish
spirituality. Sun., 4:456:15 p.m. Yearning
for Learning Center, Montpelier. 223-0583.
info@yearning4learning.org.

SPORTS & GAMES


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

YOGA & MEDITATION


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

Send your listing to


calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Deadline for next issue is Feb. 25.
Send information for events
happening March 319.

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 17

T H E B R I D G E

Montpelier Alive Grant

ontpelier Alive, the downtown community association for the City of Montpelier,
invites proposals from individuals and entities for grants specified in this request.
These grants will be awarded and administered under the direction of the Montpelier Alive board of directors.
A total of $7,000 is available with a maximum award of $4,000 for any single grant. Funding will be granted to individuals and/or entities for development and implementation of a
program, festival or event that promotes and enhances the vibrancy of downtown Montpelier.
Funding may also be granted for an art installation or other physical enhancement to the
streetscape of downtown Montpelier.
The full application can be obtained through Montpelier Alive.
Applications shall be submitted (in hard copy or by email) by on or before April 1, 5 p.m. to:
Montpelier Alive
c/o Ashley Witzenberger, Executive Director
39 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
director@montpelieralive.org
PLEASE USE SUBJECT: ARTS GRANT PROPOSAL

To capitalize on the charm of our downtown by improving the downtown streetscape and
make it attractive to residents, visitors and shoppers
To increase the marketing of downtown Montpelier to both tourists and Central Vermont
residents
To equitably appropriate funds to enhance the downtown streetscape and market Montpelier as a unique destination for tourism and business
To promote a climate which will strengthen our existing businesses while attracting new
business to the city
To create a long range vision for the beautification and marketing of Montpelier Historic
Downtown
Eligible Applicant: Individual or entity with demonstrable evidence to prove that they can
accomplish their stated proposal. Priority will be given to: grant applications that meet one
or more of the following criteria:

Decisions will be communicated to applicants on or before April 15, 2016 and grant funds
will be made available to awardees on or aboutApril 30.

Maximize and then sustain a high quality streetscape program within the Downtown
Improvement District

Funding for these grants is comprised of partial revenue from the Montpelier Downtown
Improvement District ("DID"), a special assessment district within the City of Montpelier.
A successful grant application will therefore meet the goals and objectives of the DID, which
are as follows:

Capitalize on the other community events and programs to best leverage the use of these
funds
Maximize the diversity of events, businesses, and aesthetics of downtown Montpelier

Rocque Long
Painting
Insured
30+ years professional
experience
local references.

802-223-0389

Do What You Do Best.

Bookkeeping Payroll Consulting

802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
Tell them you saw it in
The Bridge!

New Construction
Renovations
Woodworking
General Contracting

Design & Build


Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Additions Timber Frames
Weatherization Remodeling
Kitchens Bathrooms Flooring
Tiling Cabinetry Fine Woodwork

223-3447

clarconstruction.com

The Center for Leadership Skills


BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Lindel James coaching & consulting


Taking You from Frustration to Enthusiasm
802 778 0626
lindel@lindeljames.com
lindeljames.com

Since 1972
Repairs New floors and walls
Crane work Decorative concrete
Consulting ICF foundations
114 Three Mile Bridge Rd., Middlesex, VT (802) 229-0480
gendronbuilding@aol.com gendronconcrete.com

PAG E 18 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

Editorial

THE BRIDGE

A Great Big Thank You To All Involved


With The Follies
by Nat Frothingham

eres a note to thank everyone whose


talent, energy and generosity gave us a
successful variety show and a wonderful benefit for The Bridge as part of our MidWinter Follies at the Capitol Plaza Hotel on
Saturday evening, February 6.

The Sapphire Singers

What made the evening the special moment


that it was?

Jessica Sanderson and also Paul and Melissa


Perley gave us front-of-house help on the night.

The early and timely help of Donny Osman and


Tim Jennings.
The poster designed by Mason Singer with a
painting contributed by Heidi Broner. Larry
Floersh produced our tickets.
The back-up support of Brian Cain, Steve Cody
and Jeff Steinmitz at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
At The Bridge office, the organizational drive of
Marichel Vaught and the hard work of Carla Occaso and Michael T. Jermyn.
Tom Murphy came aboard as our master of ceremonies and plugged in with full heart
and energy in the days immediately before the event.

Opinion

And who will easily forget poet Reuben Jackson,


storyteller and farmer George Woodard, fiddler
Susan Reid, clown and acrobat Ivan Jermyn,
actor and comic Donny Osman, storytellers
Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder? And no-one
there will forget Nancy and Lilly Smith, the
amazing Nisht Geferlach Klezmer Band, the
fun of poet Geof Hewitt, the rockn spirit of Michael T. Jermyn & the Sapphire Singers
(Lilly Smith, Anna Scoppetone and Naomi Pitt) with drummer Rick Powell.
And none of what happened on the night would have been possible without a wonderful
audience of some 150-plus people. That audience, that support, was indispensable.

A Better Way to Support North Branch Nature


Center
by Alex Geller

mongst a number of ballot items this year, you will be asked to vote on whether or
not you feel the city should grant $75,000 to the North Branch Nature Center in
support of their capital campaign to, among other goals, build a new welcome center. Whether or not you, reader, personally support this is a question worth asking yourself.
But, the question I pose to you is whether Montpelier residents, as members of a municipal
public, who may or may not frequent the North Branch Nature Center, should be asked to
support this via a ballot item?
What this question really comes down to is what you feel the role of municipal government
is in funding various projects in our community. In fact, Montpelier has a track record of
supporting local nonprofits as well as artists through the Montpelier Community Fund.
The fund was created four years ago and currently grants about $118,000 on an annual
basis. Among other stated goals, this fund was established to relieve voters of making
funding decisions on an ad hoc basis with little information and create a rational process
by which funding requests are evaluated in the context of an overall budget... (http://www.
montpelier-vt.org/448/Montpelier-Community-Fund-Board).
The existence of the Community Fund allows the municipality of Montpelier to nearly

Opinion

Buch Spieler on Langdon Street loaned us their


sound system for the night and Bob Nuner
pulled the logistics of sound and light and stage
arrangements together. Also a big thanks to videographer Rick McMahan (RSM Distributors)
who captured the event digitally for all to view
on our website at http://www.montpelierbridge.
com/2016/02/video-mid-winter-follies-2-6-16/.

guarantee support to nonprofits and artists, while doing so in a fiscally responsible and
predictable fashion for its citizenry. In fact, the North Branch Nature Center has received
such grants from the Community Fund in previous years and benefits on an annual basis
from its municipal tax exemption. No doubt, these are examples of Montpeliers ongoing
fiscal support for the North Branch Nature Center, and likely help contribute to the Nature
Center being openly accessible to the public, free of charge.
So, should you support the North Branch Nature Centers ballot item request? I support
the capital campaign and I support the North Branch Nature Center. In fact, I just made a
personal donation which adds to their more than $800,000 already raised. However, I pose
this question to you, reader: Is it your place or mine to impose on others in this community
to do the same? Voting yes to this ballot item amounts to forcing the hand of other private
citizens who already make a regular contribution to the Community Fund through their
municipal taxes. Thus, while ultimately I encourage you to make a personal donation to
North Branch if you support their capital campaign, I would ask you to reflect on whether
the municipal ballot is the place for a request such as this and I would gently remind you
that you can still support the North Branch Nature Center by voting no so as to respect
the existing tax obligations of your fellow community members.

Vote for Local Control (Ballot Article 14)


by Page and Jed Guertin, Montpelier

very state in New England except Vermont uses proactive management strategies
to protect drinking water sources: regulating access, creating intake protection zones,
monitoring activity and the like.

The first step in effective management is protection of the water source. The New England
Water Works Association, a leading authority on education, training and public outreach on
water issues, has stated: Recreational use of terminal reservoirs and adjacent land is contrary
to the basic function of furnishing a safe, palatable water supply to customers, and should
be prohibited to the greatest extent possible, but in no event should direct contact with the
reservoir be allowed. A terminal reservoir is the body of water from which water is drawn
for treatment.
Water treatment plants are only one part the last part of an effective management strategy. No treatment plant removes all contaminants it's too costly. Plant design is a compromise between costs and benefits. Because the state allows recreation on our water source,
however, Montpelier is relying entirely on our water treatment plant.
In reality, there are no regulations in Vermont directly relating to management of surface
sources of drinking water, no laws that treat drinking water sources any differently than any
other water body. The state's management strategy is, "If there's a problem, we'll deal with
it." The fact is that the state doesn't have the money or resources to manage another problem.
We need prevention.
What are some of the risks of human activity on Berlin Pond? There are at least three major
risks: public health threats, invasive species and escalating costs.
What are some public health threats?
Illness caused by pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which are carried by
people and animals. Our water treatment plant will not remove or inactivate all of these
pathogens. Cryptosporidium is particularly nasty, and can be fatal especially to the young,

The Bridge publishes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month,
except in July when we publish only on the 3rd Thursday.
Our next issue comes out March 3.

the old and people with compromised immune systems.


Disease caused by Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs,) which are considered carcinogenic. DBPs
are created by the interaction of chlorine with naturally-occurring organic material in water.
Montpelier's DBP levels are notably low, but increased use of chlorine would lead to higher
DBPs in our treated water.
What about invasive species?
Zebra mussels and Eurasian milfoil, among others, are a threat to water quality and quantity.
They are transported on boats and fishing gear, and spread by human activity. They can clog
the water intake and pipes, and will be costly to remove nevermind the cost to the ecology
of the pond.
What will this cost us?
Increased turbidity (cloudiness), caused by human activity, is already affecting the function of
our treatment plant, although the cost is unknown at this point.
Replacement of the stainless steel water intake, if damaged by zebra mussels, could run over
$10,000.
Treatment for Cryptosporidium could require upgrading our treatment plant. Two technologies which are effective for Cryptosporidium, without increasing DBPs, are:
Ultraviolet light : capital costs $450,000, annual operating cost $15,000
Microfiltration: capital costs up to $5,000,000, annual operating costs $165,000
Costs are from Environmental Protection Agency projections for a plant the size of Montpelier's.
Please vote Yes on Article 14, on the City Meeting ballot, in favor of Montpelier's proposed
charter change.

Have something important to say? We want to hear it!


Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com

F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016 PAG E 19

T H E B R I D G E

Letters
Washington County Families
Deserve Better
Editor:
The Senate recently passed H. 187, a bill
providing paid sick leave to nearly 60,000
Vermont workers. Senator Brian Campion,
D-Bennington, introduced an amendment
to H. 187 that would exempt Vermont employers with five or fewer employees from
providing paid sick time to employees. The
day after voting in favor of H. 187 and
against the Campion amendment, Senator
Bill Doyle, R-Washington, claimed he cast
the wrong vote and requested a do-over.
To Senator Doyle: I say our workers here in
Washington County dont get do-overs. Our
families in Washington County dont get
do-overs. When our workers miss work because of an illness, a sick child, an injury, or
because they need to care for a sick or aging
parent they dont have the opportunity
to make up for those lost wages without this
bill. For the most vulnerable Vermonters,
missing even one day of work without pay
could result in financial devastation. With
paid sick leave, we are sending a message
to our workers and their families that they
matter.
Providing paid sick days for employees in
Vermont strengthens families, improves the
health and wellbeing of all Vermonters, and
is responsible stewardship.
By changing his vote, Doyle is telling Vermont workers that his party-line vote matters
more to him than their families, their jobs
and their health. If elected in 2016 to serve
Washington County in the Senate, I will
vote for families, workers, and will vote with
my conscience. I stand with Vermont workers, Vermont families and the legislators who
serve the interests of their constituents over
the whims of their party.
Ashley Hill, Candidate for Washington County
Senate, Montpelier

Support Peter Sterling


Editor:
My children graduated from the Montpelier
school system. My son in 2001, my daughter
three years later.

rial and community support they need to


provide a rigorous, innovative and inspiring
education, in academics and co-curricular
activities, to every child.
Our children, our public schools and our city
deserve nothing less.
Respectfully, I ask you to join me this March
in voting for Peter Sterling for the Montpelier school board.
Mark Hage, Montpelier

Another Shumlin Blunder


Editor:
Governor Peter Shumlin says the next strategy in his war on climate change is to divest
the state pension fund of all coal and Exxon
stocks. He said at a press conference that
with the maple sap running in January and
not enough snow on the ski slopes, Vermont
needs to do everything it can to lead the
charge against global warming.
Seriously? By selling a few hundred thousand dollars of stock? If Shumlin really cared
about global warming, he would not have led
the charge to close the most effective carbonfree power generator in Vermont history,
the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.
Now, without its power, Vermont and the
rest of New England are burning more fossil
fuels for electricity than ever. Our carbon
footprint has gone up, not down. Vermonters need to know if this is an attempt to
get more state money to support renewable
power, which apparently cannot yet stand
on its own two feet. It would not surprise
me if once those investments are sold, they
will naturally be reinvested in loans and
grants and investments in renewable power.
Its just more gravy for the renewable power
gravy train.
And if these politically-motivated investments perform poorly for Vermont state retirees, well, those are the breaks. This is why
the legislature set up a state pension board
to keep our state retirees futures from being
held hostage to the political whims of a few.
I'm glad that Treasurer Beth Pearce is telling
the governor and the legislature loud and
clear that state pension funds aren't political
footballs to be kicked around.
George Clain, Barre
The author is the former president and business manager of IBEW Local 300 at Vermont
Yankee.

Vote Sterling

Both received excellent educations from caring, hard-working, creative teachers and support professionals. Their subsequent success
in college and graduate school, and in their
demanding vocations, are due in no small
measure to what they learned, how they were
taught, and how they were treated in Montpeliers public schools. I know many parents
who can say the same.

Editor:

I want every child in Montpelier, without


exception, to have access to the same highquality education my children did, from
Pre-K through 12th grade.

For these reasons, I believe Peter Sterling


would be a great addition to the Montpelier
Board of School Commissioners. He brings
the necessary experience, commitment and
willingness to work with others that would
be a tremendous asset to the our board.

I want our teachers, support professionals


and administrators, therefore, to have the full
range of resources they need to provide that
kind of education to every child.
Thats why Ill be voting for Peter Sterling for
a seat on the Montpelier Public School Board
of Commissioners on March 1.

I feel fortunate to be able to serve on the


Montpelier Board of School Commissioners
where we are entrusted to create a school system that meets the needs of students, parents
and taxpayers. To accomplish this, I believe
a school board member must have a vision,
commitment, an ability to listen and the
skills to work with others.

I will be voting for Peter on Town Meeting


Day. I encourage others who wish to ensure
Montpeliers schools continue to provide an
excellent educational experience do the
same.

Ive known Peter for more than a decade.


He's the father of two children, and a man of
consummate integrity and good will. Hes
smart, has a great work ethic, and he understands the vital importance of public education and public service.

Steve Hingtgen, Montpelier

Most importantly, he cares deeply about the


future of all our kids, our public schools and
Montpelier.

Many of you will be among the 7,000 or so


folks like me who in 2015 enjoyed the nature
programs and welcoming access to the fields
and trails of the North Branch Nature Center. Now we will have a chance to say thank
you by supporting Article 16 on this years

A vote for Peter will be a vote to ensure


that Montpeliers public schools and those
who work in them have the financial, mate-

Support North Branch


Nature Center
Editor:

town meeting ballot.


The center is in the midst of a capital campaign to build a new community nature center that would house a multi-purpose room
for programming, a kitchen, offices, and
badly needed accessible bathrooms. Outdoor
plans include a natural playground, covered
picnic area and more. The center has raised
$830,000 so far of the $1.5 million needed
for these improvements. Six of the largest
gifts have come from persons out of the area
and even out of the state who value what is
being done in our community.
In 2006, my husband and I joined other
concerned community citizens to preserve
this priceless asset. Even though we lived in
Barre, we thought of the center as ours,
and took pride in the exciting work Chip
Darmstadt and his great staff continued to
do. Now I live in Montpelier, so I am happy
for the chance to help the center take a giant
leap forward by supporting Article 16 on
Town Meeting Day. Article 16 calls for a
one-time allocation of $75,000 to this invaluable resource in our midst less than
a penny on the tax rate. My thrifty Scottish
husband would call that a bargain.
Katherine Paterson, Montpelier

Support Article 16 and North


Branch Nature Center
Editor:
I am delighted to write in support of the
North Branch Nature Center and their upcoming ballot item, Article 16. They are
planning a new building which will include
a dedicated preschool classroom, multi-purpose meeting space, accessible bathrooms
and a kitchen. These plans also include an
outdoor play space and covered picnic area.
This ballot item is a part of an on-going capital campaign, for which they have already
raised more than half of the necessary funds.
So far five out of six of the largest gifts they
have received are from outside of central Vermont, mostly from out of state. This $75,000
item represents just 5 percent of their overall
budget needs, and I feel very confident that
this project is a public good, and as such
deserves our support on town meeting day.
As a city councilor, I get to hear about the
large-scale needs of the city on a regular basis.
One of the deep needs here is for pre-school
education. There are many Montpelier families that drive their children out of town for
preschool or daycare, and then drive back to
Montpelier for work. There is a significant
demand for child care in Montpelier, and I
am delighted that the center is planning to
expand their capacity to provide it.
Please join me in supporting the North
Branch Nature Center and Article 16 on
Town Meeting Day!
Anne Watson, Montpelier

Yes on Article 16 for a


Future with Nature
Editor:
In a city with high property taxes, its a
big deal to ask taxpayers for money. North
Branch Nature Center is more than a worthy
big deal. It represents Montpeliers future
with nature and all its rewards. Thats why
Im voting yes on Article 16 on Town Meeting Day.
Yes on 16 represents clean water and a quiet

place to walk. Yes on 16 recognizes that our


children grow healthier and smarter with
birds and butterflies in their lives. And yes
on 16 will help transform this preserve beside
North Branch of the Winooski River (and its
overburdened buildings) into a more effective force in Montpeliers economic growth
and cultural identity.
At a time when the citys own Parks Department is under pressure to cut services, the
nature center, nestled in between city parklands, represents the finest in public-private
cooperation and vision. We Montpelier taxpayers dont fund big sports stadiums or give
property tax breaks to factories. So lets make
a modest investment in nature with a big
return.
The articles one-time $75,000 appropriation represents only 5 percent of the centers capital goal of $1.5 million, more than
half of which the nature center has already
raised from private donors and foundations.
What our city will receive in return is a new
community nature center building, enhancements to the 28-acre preserve and the tools to
help North Branch Nature Centers talented
staff bring even more nature to us and our
kids.
All that for less than $20, based on the
median home price here in the city. Twenty
bucks only once for a future with nature. Yeah, a big deal with a big reward.
It starts with your yes vote on Article 16 on
March 1. Thanks.
Bryan Pfeiffer, Montpelier

Vote No To Petitioned
Ballot Items
Editor:
Montpelier City Councils proposal a few
years ago to reserve a portion of the city
budget from which to make contributions to
local non-profit or other non-city activities
seemed very wise. Interested parties could
apply, make their case and possibly qualify
for a contribution to their activity. Public
access and public discussion is part of the
process. The good thing for the council was
knowing the fixed amount of the pool (reserve) and did not create last-minute changes
to the proposed city budget.
The councils good and fair process is sabotaged when interested parties are allowed to
ignore or circumvent the process and add
themselves as a ballot item. This negates
the council process of considering all interested parties at once. Its like food shopping
without a list and dieting without an overall
plan. You wind up with a trunk full of eyecatching goodies and an overdrawn budget.
Please restrict or disallow this type of ballotitem.
David Beatty, Montpelier
What Do You Think?
Read something that you would like to
respond to? We welcome your letters
and opinion pieces. Letters must be
fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces
should not exceed 600 words. The Bridge
reserves the right to edit and cut pieces.
Send your piece to:
editorial@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for the next issue
is February 26.

PAG E 2 0 F E B RUA RY 18 M A RC H 2 , 2 016

THE BRIDGE

Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge


On Over 20 Years of Business!

Advertise in the
NEXT ISSUE:

SUMMER
CAMPS

In circulation
March 3 to
March 16
ALL AD MATERIALS
AND AD SPACE
RESERVATIONS DUE
FRIDAY, FEB. 26.
For more information about
advertising deadlines, rates
and the design of your ad
call 223-5112 ext. 11
or email our ad sales
representatives at
michael@montpelierbridge.com
or
rick@montpelierbridge.com

Вам также может понравиться