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Montpelier Beverage
Barre Street
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t
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Ma i
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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
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."
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
THE BRIDGE
T H E B R I D G E
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.
ment calls February 8. The Montpelier Tax Assistance Center, located at 87 State Street, will be staffed every Thursday.
by Nona Estrin
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.
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
Thank
You!
THE BRIDGE
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
T H E B R I D G E
Peter Sterling
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.
GETTING READY
City Clerk John Odum
unpacks this year's
ballots
Town
Meeting
Day
is
Tuesday,
March 1
THE BRIDGE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
THE BRIDGE
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.
Recycle
This Paper!
T H E B R I D G E
Opinion
Montpeliers
population
DOUBLES
on weekdays,
when many
people come
to WORK in
or VISIT
Montpelier.
THE BRIDGE
T H E B R I D G E
Dona Bate
Jean Olson
Justin Turcotte
he Bridge asked city council candidates seeking re-election (all unopposed) to reintroduce
themselves to the public:
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.
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.
THE BRIDGE
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.
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
T H E B R I D G E
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.
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
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
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
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
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
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
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
THE BRIDGE
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
TUESDAY, MARCH 1
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
THURSDAY, MARCH 3
FRIDAY, MARCH 4
T H E B R I D G E
Calendar of Events
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
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.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Tell them
you saw it in
The Bridge!
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
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.
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!
Weekly Events
ART & CRAFT
Calendar of Events
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
T H E B R I D G E
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
802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
Tell them you saw it in
The Bridge!
New Construction
Renovations
Woodworking
General Contracting
223-3447
clarconstruction.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
Editorial
THE BRIDGE
Opinion
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
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
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