Central Vermont Climate Action Pages 9 16

February 2February 15, 2017

A s this papers publisher,

I salute the committed
members and friends of Central
They got on with the task. They reached
out to writers, then edited and revised the
IN THIS ISSUE: Vermont Climate Action a local
stories, found more writers, raised money,
met when necessary and understood that
organization that is taking action to deal taking charge and taking action were better
Pg. 4 Murder Close to with the climate change emergency. than hiding and hoping that someone else
Home Its true not every scientist or government would take charge and take action.
official or politician agrees with the overwhelming The stories we present here make no claim to
Pg. 7 Net Zero Progress scientific evidence that warns of the severe, life- formal objectivity. Instead they often reflect the
Report threatening impacts of unchecked climate change. personal zeal and optimistic hope of the writers.
But we neither can nor will wait to take action because The project's organizers, Julia Barstow and Jan
Pg. 12 Vermonts Power weve already waited too long. Waterman in particular are saying to us, If our
Grid Last summer I met with a small group of Central Vermont politicians and corporate leaders cant or wont act,
Climate Action members who wanted to organize and produce a well find politicians and corporate leaders who will
Pg. 16 Youth Activism single issue of The Bridge largely devoted to climate change issues. act. Then well make common cause with them and
move forward together.
Nat Frothingham

Do What You Can with the Power

CAR-RT SORT

Permit NO. 123

Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD

You Have
U.S. Postage
PAID

by Jesse Scarlato

T
he Paris Climate Talks produced a
non-binding agreement under which
participating countries voluntarily
set goals to reduce worldwide greenhouse
gas emissions. The agreement purposely
excluded indigenous rights, and the United
States prevented the inclusion of any language
on climate reparations (the responsibility
of wealthier, developed countries to assist
poorer, less developed countries that will be
affected the most by climate change). While
some celebrated the Paris Agreement, many
others saw it as one more example of how
Montpelier, VT 05601
that is increasingly permeated at all levels
by the outright denial of climate change.
It is easy to feel powerless, but I would call
on everyone reading this to awaken to the
power that you hold. It is easy to think that
there are people who are better able than
us to take on the challenge of facing and
addressing the global climate crisis: experts,
activists, scientists, political leaders. I truly
believe what will make the difference is
the leadership of everyday people. When
the people lead, the leaders follow. It is the
power of everyday, mainstream people that
that everyone has the privilege to make.
Our solutions cant come from a place of
neo-liberal individualism. Even in our
increasingly isolated society, we are not
alone. We are each others strength.
I challenge, encourage and call on you to
begin by doing the things you know must
be done, even if they are daunting. Build a
movement. Bring people together. Organize.
Innovate. Whatever your skill set may be,
you have something valuable to offer, you
have the power, and you have the resources
to make change. I dont believe there is

our political leaders continue to fail us by is essential to making change. one right answer to how we will address
compromising both our planets future and In Vermont I often hear people talk about the challenges we face. I believe there are
human rights in the interest of promoting their lifestyle choices such as growing as many answers and solutions as there are
P.O. Box 1143

capitalism and protecting corporate power. their own food, buying locally produced people on the planet. Its up to us.
The Bridge

In the United States, not only do we products, putting up solar panels. While The writer lives in Montpelier and is a member
face political leaders who offer us false these valuable actions help to build resilience of Central Vermont Climate Action.
solutions, we also face a political system in our communities, they are not choices

We're online! montpelierbridge.com or vtbridge.com

PAG E 2 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Shop Local for

Treats for Your Sweet!
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 3

HEARD ON Shop Local for

THE STREET Treats for Your Sweet!
Barbershop Owner Proposes New Pub
MONTPELIER Why just sit around before your shave and a haircut? Why not sip a cold
one and nosh?
Paul Somerset has proposed converting a first floor two bedroom apartment out behind his
barber shop, Myles Court Barbershop, into a pub and restaurant with outdoor seating. The
building is located at 25 East State St.
He and partner Sean Myers of S & M Property Management sought site plan and design review
approval at the Nov. 21 Development Review Board Meeting. It is an approved use under the
bylaws, it was said. Issues such as Americans with Disabilites Act compliance, parking, lighting
and noise were discussed. Somerset said he wants his business to be accessible to all, so he will do
his best to bring the building into compliance. He also assured the board he would not encourage
smoking or noise.
What is the parking situation? asked Development Review Board Chair Philip Zalinger.
Somerset said, the barbershop is extremely crowded most days. We have to turn people away.
We wanted to provide a comfortable place for people to wait. Somerset went on to say he had
not heard complaints from customers about parking and that, should the pub continue to stay
open into evening hours after the barbershop closes, parking spaces open up in Pitkin Court
when municipal employees leave for the night.
S & M Property Management received approval for change of use from apartment to pub and
restaurant by a unanimous vote by the end of the meeting. Advertise in the NEXT ISSUE:
Somerset updated The Bridge by email Jan. 31 that plans are still coming together, but they
are doing renovations to a newly purchased property next door. "Myles Court Barbershop has Town Meeting
been so popular and continues to gain new clients every week that we've had to bring in a new In Circulation Feb. 16 to March 1
apprentice to keep up the demand," Somerset said. However, they are in communication with
the Vermont Department of Liquor Control, and when they get closer to opening a pub, they ALL AD MATERIALS AND AD SPACE
will host mixing parties to come up with new drink recipes. RESERVATIONS DUE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10.
For more information about advertising deadlines, rates and the
Flower Store Petals & Things Has Changed Location design of your ad, contact one of our representatives:
MONTPELIER Petals and Things, a flower shop, has moved from 36 Main St. to 116 Main
St. The reason for the move? Its a better location, said Jenni Jenkins, owner. Then, speaking Rick McMahan: 249-8666 Michael Jermyn: 223-5112 ext.11
to readers she said, Come check us out, our new space, it is bright and lovely. She sells flowers rick@montpelierbridge.com michael@montpelierbridge.com
and houseplants just in time for Valentines Day.
Jenkins has a sister business, Trillium June Flower Farm, and has been growing flowers for six

Nature Watch
years, according to her website. They deliver locally and anywhere in the world including
regular deliveries to hospitals and funeral homes. For more information, check out http://www.
petalsinvt.com/.
by Nona Estrin
Womens March Turnout Overwhelms Montpelier
MONTPELIER So many people came to Montpelier Jan. 21 for the Womens March, that
police had to shut down three interstate exits and turn people away. That didnt stop the hordes,
though, they just abandoned their cars and walked into Montpelier. It was a historic day in which
Springtime Cometh!
Police Chief Tony Facos estimated between 15,000 to 20,000 people came to the town, which is

F
set up to accommodate about half as many. The regular population is around 7,500. ebruary's still my favorite month. When new
When standing on the corner of State Street and Governor Aiken Avenue around 2:30 p.m., The snow begins to melt in the sun and make its trip
Bridge stood among an onslaught of people for around 45 minutes in ever-increasing droves. An to the sea; when sunny longer days start and end
adoring crowd welcomed those who spoke on the State House steps, including the Muslim Girls with lavender shadows on gold to peach-tinged snow
For Change and a surprise appearance by former Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders. surfaces; gladness shakes me out of winter and gives
me a breath of new life. We are still skiing, but the first
On city streets especially around the corner of State Street and Bailey Avenue, people stood
lambs have been born, and by the end of the month
shoulder to shoulder. There were far more people than facilities (a row of portable toilets were
we'll listen for brown creepers and red-winged black-
provided by the City), so people were lining up at restrooms from the State House to as far away
birds. Time between the ancient cross-quarter days of
as Hunger Mountain Coop.
Groundhog or Saint Brigid Day and the vernal equi-
Pink pussy hats were worn by men and women alike. The hats were the brainchild of two nox may seem long, but spring is rushing toward us!
California women as a way to take back the word pussy Donald Trump had used in 2008 in
a recorded Access Hollywood interview in which he brags about forcing himself physically on
women without their consent. Pussy hats resemble cats with knit cat ears, rather than the other
meaning of pussy.
Crowds receded by 4 p.m. by which time exits 7, 8 and 9 had re-opened.
The purpose of the march was to promote human rights for women and vulnerable populations
including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans community, immigrants and Muslims, and to promote Support The Bridge
physical safety, reproductive rights and health in the wake of President Donald J. Trump's
presidential inauguration Jan. 20.
Become a Community Contributor!
Name______________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
City____________________________________ State_____Zip__________
Email_________________________________

$25 $50* $100 $150 All community contributions, whatever

Women's March Montpelier.
Photo by Michael Jermyn
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!
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!
Donations may also be made online at montpelierbridge.com
PAG E 4 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Warning: This story contains an actual quote that contains a swear word
and a racial epithet which may offend some readers.
First Murder in Nearly 100 Years Hits Montpelier
MONTPELIER The community reeled these past two weeks in the wake of an unspeakable
murder Jan. 22 at 4:30 a.m. in a parking lot across the railroad tracks from Hunger Mountain
Coop. This was the first intentional murder since the 1920s, according to Montpelier Police
Chief Anthony Facos.
According to co-workers, friends and neighbors of the victim, 33-year-old Markus Austin was a
kind, compassionate father with a great smile. He left behind a longtime girlfriend and a young
son.
Austin, a former basketball player for the Frost Heaves, was originally from White Plains, New
York. Union Elementary Schools Physical Education Teacher, Emmanuel Riby-Williams, told
The Bridge Austin worked as a one-on-one classroom paraeducator for Washington County
Mental Health services with a special needs child.
He made an impression in my life and in my class with his demeanor. He had a good rapport
for the student, Riby-Williams said. I have nothing but kind words about Markus.
Another co-worker, Melissa Jean Andersen, had seen Austin just hours before his death as
he went off the second shift and she came on the third shift at the Vermont Psychiatric Care
Hospital in Berlin Jan. 21 at 11 p.m. His death hit her so hard she started a GoFundMe
fundraiser (https://www.gofundme.com/3a01lqg) to financially support to his family. Markus
was just a really kind person He was proud of his son.
The incident
The below timeline was extracted from two sworn depositions of Detective Sergeant Jacob P.
Zorn on file in Vermont Superior Court. Zorn is a detective with the Vermont State Police
Major Crime Unit.
It seemed to start out as two friends getting together at a bar but ended in tragedy.
After Austin left work on Jan. 21, he went to a friends apartment. Sometime between 11 p.m.
and 1 a.m., he received a text message from my boy Jay, who everyone understood to be
Jayveon Caballero, 29, of Barre originally from Brooklyn, New York. Cabellero asked Austin
to join him at Gustos Bar on 28 Prospect Street in Barre.
What happened inside the bar is not stated, but by last call, trouble spilled out into the parking
lot. One witness told a detective a fight erupted involving multiple people. During the melee,
Austin struck Caballeros girlfriend, Desiree Cary, 22, causing injury. A handgun was also
reportedly seen in the hands of a different person. Cary then went to the hospital with Caballero
and others. Cary told detectives Austin struck her after she first struck him. Rolando Merced,
who went with Caballero and Cary to the hospital, indicated to authorities that Caballero was
upset about Markus punching his girlfriend.
Meanwhile, after the scuffle, Austin went with two men to an apartment where he hunkered
down until around 3:45 to 4 a.m. After a couple of tense hours, Austin returned to Montpelier.
by Carla Occaso
One of the men then attempted to contact Austin, but when it went unanswered, he went to 191
Barre St. only to find Montpelier Police Department there and Austin lying in a pool of blood
next to a car that was still running in the parking lot of the apartment complex.
Austin died of a 9 mm gunshot in the torso. It is not known where the gun came from since
Caballero is disqualified from owning one after having three previous aggravated assault charges.
A witness called 9-1-1 at 4:30 a.m. The witness told police he heard a male voice say, Fuck you,
nigger, followed by one gunshot at which point Markus fell to the ground. The shooter fled the
scene. Montpelier police called on the Vermont State Police Criminal Division for assistance.
Authorities spent Jan. 22 and beyond questioning witnesses, photographing the crime scene and
investigating.
Police charged Caballero with Murder in the second degree on Jan. 23.
On Jan. 26, police charged Reginald Jones, 36, with Accessory After The Fact for driving
Caballero to a Greyhound Station in White River Junction, purchasing Caballero a bus ticket
bound for New York City, and lying to police. Jones did not have a prior record.
U.S. Marshals are actively seeking the suspect, said Washington County States Attorney Scott
Williams by phone. It is both easier and harder to hide than most people recognize, Williams
said. It is a large country. Williams said if you dont use a credit card and stay away from
obvious places you may be able to go undetected if you have cash or access to cash. But
usually that dries up. If you are involved in the drug trade ... those friendships have a tendency
to become fragile pretty quickly. I think an arrest will happen sooner rather than later, but I
dont know.
A Note to Our Readers
The Bridge welcomes hearing from our readers on any subject.
Since our last issue Jan. 19, we received five Facebook comments, three emails and a phone
call objecting to our purposeful choice allowing the Vermont Right To Life Committee to
pay for a four-page glossy flyer.
The Bridge has not historically banned individuals or groups from advertising based on
their political, religious or personal beliefs. The views in letters, opinion pieces, stories and
advertisements belong to the authors alone and not The Bridge. As a community newspaper,
The Bridge publishes the broadest range of public comment and opinion.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, freedom
of speech, freedom of the press, the right of citizens to peaceably assemble and the right of
citizens to petition their government for the redress of grievances.
We value our readers and encourage them to be in touch for whatever reason whether they
agree with us or not.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 5

Members Wanted: Discount Programs Under Review

by Nat Frothingham

S
tarting in January and continuing through February, March,
April and May, the Hunger Mountain Food Coop in Montpelier
is reaching out to the Coops 8,000-plus member-owners for
participation and advice as the Coop takes a careful look at its rapidly
growing membership discount program.
Central to the Coops outreach effort is a special committee consisting
of member-owners, Coop council members, employees and a
consultant that will hear, gather and consider member comments.
As part of a wide sweep of the Coop membership, the special
committee will take member comment on the membership discount
programs through a series of small group discussions, community
meetings, interviews with individual members and email messages.
As part of the outreach effort, the Coop has produced a two-page
background statement to explain why the membership discount
program is being reviewed.
According to the opening words of the background statement, the
Coops overall intention is to balance its limited resources so that it
can fulfill its many goals. These goals are healthy food at an affordable
price, fair employment, fair prices to farmers and food producers and
a desire to meet the needs of a diverse membership.
But its the specific aim of the outreach effort to take stock of the
membership discount programs from now until May and June. Once
that stock-taking has been completed, the special committee will
share, revise and finally deliver a final report and recommendations to
the Coop management team for possible implementation.
And the background statement declares, Over the past few years, as
part of the Coops regular financial monitoring, we have seen member
discounts growing faster than other parts of our operations.
The financial numbers bear this out. From 2009 to 2016, the dollars
devoted to the Coops membership discount programs have more
than doubled from about $100,000 in 2009 to $211,030 in 2016. And Hunger Mountain Food Coop
of particular note is this, the Senior Discount category that was one- 623 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier
third of the total member discount program in 2009 has dramatically Telephone: 223-8000
increased to almost two-thirds or 65 percent of the total member
discount dollars in 2016. As currently reported for 2016: 168
employees with gross sales of $24.4
With these numbers in mind, here are some of the key questions
million.
that the Coops special committee wants the general membership to
discuss in small groups, community meetings and online. Current Membership
Discount Programs
As a cooperative, do we prefer a benefit structure that is age-based, income
based, labor-participation-based, need-based, and/or patronage-based? Co-op Cares: 10 percent for members
qualifying for 3SquaresVT, WIC or
Do you think we should continue our current member discounts? Should
supplementary security income
any be modified or eliminated? Should we add any?
Working Member Discount: 6 percent
Do the current member discount categories reflect the Coops mission to
for members in support worker, outreach
build a dynamic community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food
volunteer, and core worker programs;
systems and thriving cooperative commerce?
core worker compensation also includes
The Coop will be holding two small group discussions to consider minimum wage pay
the Coops membership discount programs on Wednesday, Feb. 8
Work Optional Discount: 6 percent for
from 10 to 11 a.m. and on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. Both
disabled members unable to participate in
discussions will be held at the Coop and please RSVP.
working member program
In addition, the Coop will hold a Community Discussion of the
Council Discount: 10 percent for council
membership discount programs at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library on
members and their partners
Thursday, Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Senior Discount: 6 percent for members
Member-owners of the Coop are invited to participate in a 15-minute
65-plus years old; members must request
phone interview. To schedule that phone interview, please call the
enrollment.
Coop at 223-8000. Coop members are also encouraged to share their
comments in an email message to info@hungermountain.coop.

National Life Group Charitable Foundation Awards Grant to

the T.W. Wood Gallery
MONTPELIER The T. W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre St. in the Center for Arts and Learning,
has announced they won a grant awarded by the National Life Group Charitable Foundation of
$8,000. The grant funds will be used for renovations and improvements to the Contemporary Art
Exhibit room at the gallery which will highlight works of Vermont artists.
Ginny Callan, the gallerys executive director said the project is being fueled by volunteer labor
and will improve and professionalize the contemporary art exhibit space. Callan continued that
exhibits of contemporary Vermont artists work is planned to be shown in the renovated room
beginning in early March with a juried show with the theme Following the Rules, Breaking the
Rules. An opening reception is planned for Thursday March 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Callan said one room is just to highlight Vermont artists work while another room will highlight
some T.W. Wood art. It is a new way of highlighting work, Callan said. It has been a dream that
we have been moving towards for a while and having the support of National Life is going to make
it happen. Were very excited. Being part of a Center for the Arts and Learning is a great location
for us to be. In addition to art shows, the gallery offers classes, after school programs and summer
camp. We are trying to serve the community in many ways, Callan said.
The gallery will be holding childrens art camps February and April during school vacation along
with summer art camps. They also have a new after school arts program for children, a spring
listing of art classes and opening art receptions. The Gallery has poetry readings and art film
showings planned for 2017. For more information visit the Gallerys website twwoodgallery.org.
Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
The T.W. Wood Gallery was established in Montpelier in 1895 and houses a large permanent
collection of works of Montpelier painter Thomas Waterman Wood and his artistic colleagues.
The Gallery also exhibits works from the Works Progress Administration of the Federal Art
Collection. The Gallerys mission is to preserve our artistic heritage and to bring the best of today's
art to Central Vermont.
For more information contact Callan at 262-6035 or by email at twwoodgallery@gmail.com or
go towww.twwoodgallery.org.
PAG E 6 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

New In The House:

Checking In With New Washington-5 Rep Kimberly Jessup
by Carla Occaso

R
ep. Kimberly Jessup, D-Middlesex, came out on top of a
five way race to replace former Washington-5 Rep. Tony
Klein of East Montpelier. Jessup works at the Association
of Vermont Independent Colleges. Jessup holds a bachelors
degree in development studies from University of California,
Berkeley and a Masters of international affairs from Columbia
University. She lives in Middlesex with her husband and two
children. Below is a Q&A exchange conducted recently by email:
The Bridge: What did it feel like to win this election?
Jessup: I deeply appreciated the support and engagement and am
honored by the opportunity to serve.
The Bridge: What are your priorities for this coming session?
Jessup: While not excluding other important issues, my approach
is to focus on the three Es equity, education and environment.
So Id like to raise the minimum wage and consider easing the
cost of property taxes by better balancing payment by income.
I want to lessen divisions across the state occurring over the
education consolidation bill, Act 46, by extending the timeline
and considering alternative structures that meet the criteria.
Promoting access to quality and affordable child care also makes
sense on so many fronts. I joined the Climate Caucus and want
to work with colleagues on ways to address imperatives around
climate change. We also must tackle groundwater contamination
and the health of Lake Champlain.
The Bridge: What are your thoughts on lowering the budget
where would you cut? Or how would you raise funding?
Jessup: Im not a fan of using state economic incentive programs
to entice corporations to locate in Vermont, especially when
we try to compete with larger and wealthier states in what can
become a race to the bottom. Given all the changes at both
the state and federal level, I suspect the 2017-18 biennium will
bring a review of state priorities, and, from this, may come new
perspectives and approaches.
The Bridge: What about energy efficiency and climate change.
How aggressive should we be in installing solar arrays and wind
towers and where should they go? Who should decide?
Jessup: We address climate change and create a secure energy future
by working on both fronts energy efficiency and renewables.
The returns cited for each dollar invested in conservation and
efficiency are impressive, there is untapped residential and
commercial opportunity, and Vermont has significant talent
and knowledge available to us. Greater renewable energy output
is an important path to meeting our state goals, and this sector
also serves as a source of job growth. I support responsibly sited
renewable energy projects that take into account community
input. Legislation passed last session sought to ensure that kind
of balance, and it is my hope that implementation proves this to
be the case.
The Bridge: Do you have a bill you plan to introduce? If so,
what?
Jessup: I plan to support legislation that addresses these issues in
ways that are balanced and feasible.
The Bridge: What changes would you like to see by the end of
the legislative session?
Jessup: Personally, I would like to see progress on all the issues
Ive mentioned so far. As a state, I would like us to consider what
we can do now to prepare for shifts in federal policy and funding Kimberly Jessup
flows that could significantly impact Vermont.

Bohemian Bakery Moves In From The Boondocks

by Carla Occaso

MONTPELIER A bakery that got its start in an East Calais Farmstead has moved into 78 According to Cassandra Coakley, the back door
Barre St., formerly Posh Salon Spa. And before that, the building housed Steves Market for many goes right down to the basement, but we need
years. The Bohemian group moved in supplies and hung their sign out over the weekend of Jan. to have a door to go into where the bakery is.
27 through 29. Since the space was once a market, there is a
Building owner is Canton Associates, LLC, who was represented by Cassandra Coakley, a dentist door going into the bakery area they need to
who lives in Waterbury Center at the Nov. 21 Design Review Committee meeting followed by uncover. There are apartments above, but they
the Development Review Board Meeting. Her husband, Mike Coakely, also attended. There have their own door.
representing Bohemian Bakery was Annie Bakst along with her husband, Robert Hunt. Some concerns were raised by Philip Zalinger,
The Bakery is not yet open for business as of Jan. 30. Development Review Board chair, over ingress
and egress from a parking spot in front of
The Bridge dropped by 78 Barre St. in person on Jan. 27 as a man and a woman were carrying in the establishment. Zalinger says he knows the
what looked like baking implements: trays, mixing accessories, etc., but they declined to talk to spot well because he regularly plays basketball
the press, saying, Were not ready. across the street at the Rec Center, and has seen
However, the announcement is alive and well on Facebook and on their website http://www. some careless driving by patrons of the former
bohemianbakeryvt.com/ business, such as driving on the crosswalk.
We'll be in our new home soon: 78 Barre Street, Montpelier, Vermont! The website states. The A concern over parking in general was voiced as
hours will be as follows: Wednesday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday well, but Bakst said the spot is not intended to
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. be a hangout in fact, it will be a screen free
zone, she said, according to video footage of
Over at the meetings in November, they were seeking approval to reinstall a door, paint and add
the 11/21 meeting. People will be encouraged to
signage.
get their coffee and pastry and go. This runs up
against a concern brought by Sarah McShane,
staff to the board, because takeout is not allowed under current ordinances.
But all concerns were smoothed over, and in the end, the business was seen to fit right in with the
history and use of the neighborhood. Barre Street and Hubbard Street have accommodated uses
there for 100 years and I think they will continue to do so, said Zalinger.
The Coakleys, Bakst and Hunt got unanimous approval. They were also urged to submit a proper
site plan for approval.
From the website: Annie Bakst and Robert Hunt met in the San Francisco Bay area in 1996. Annie
is from NYC, Robert is from California. In 2003, they went looking for a place to open a wood-fired
bread bakery, and discovered a jewel of a homestead in the hills north of Montpelier, Vermont. For ten
years the massive brick oven gave forth big crusty loaves of sourdough for the local co-ops until these
two maniacs decided to sell pastry and espresso to any and all, right from their shop on a remote country
road. On Sundays. In addition to the bread.
Well, it all proved too much, so the bread oven was retired in 2014. But people kept coming for the
Sunday soiree. And kept coming. The line got so long for fresh-baked flaky pastries and cappuccino that
some folks stopped coming. Like Yogi Berra said: Nobody goes there anymore. Its too crowded.
So these two crazies decided Let's move this circus into town! And so they did. And now folks
can enjoy their goodies five days a week instead of one. Within walking distance of the smallest Capital
City in the USA.
Canton Associates, LLC, is registered to Cassandra Coakely, and is in business for rental of
residential property, according to the Vermont Secretary of State website. The company started in
2010 and is based in Waterbury Center.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 7
Bound for Zero Net Zero Montpelier Progress Report
by Scott Muller
A
s an informed Bridge reader, you are
hopefully aware that Montpelier has
a city goal to transform to a Net
Zero energy community by 2030. But did you
also know that Montpelier was honored to be
designated by the U.S. White House as one of
only 13 U.S. Climate Action Champions?
The Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee
tracks the citys progress towards the Net Zero
goal; while analyzing and working with City
Council to propose projects that make smart
financial sense, deliver energy efficiency gains
and critical greenhouse gas reductions.
Our citys ambitious efforts complement
Vermonts renewable energy goals and
commitment to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 50 percent below 1990 levels
by 2028. Indeed, the context of Montpeliers
strategic actions quickly scale into an
interlinked cascade of regional, national and
global priorities that not only make economic
sense, but are also increasingly urgent. So
before exploring Montpeliers impressive
energy achievements, its important that we
first understand what exactly is a Net Zero
Community and how it is measured.
The U.S. National Renewable Energy
Laboratory defines a Net Zero Energy
Community as, one that greatly reduces
energy needs through efficiency gains such
that the balance of energy for vehicles, thermal
and electrical energy within the community is
met by renewable energy.
Including gravity, the sun, water, magnets,
lightning and more; energy is stored and
released in multiple forms. For convenient
analysis, we can convert the actual quantity
of energy released from different sources into
a common unit. In this case, British Thermal
Units (BTUs); which, to impress your friends,
is roughly equal to the amount of energy in
a wooden kitchen matchstick. For example,
1 kWh of electricity is about 3,412 BTUs, or
roughly 3,412 matchsticks; while one gallon
of diesel fuel is equal to the energy in nearly
128,488 matchsticks (but keep those two
separate!)
With the close collaboration of key municipal
staff, the energy committee has recently
compiled the energy demand and greenhouse
gas emission estimates for Montpeliers
municipal facilities and operations, covering
fiscal years 2015 and 2016. When combined
with the report published last year, we can
now present a comprehensive trend line for
FY 20112016. Of distinct interest, is that this
period covers the time when district heat and
other innovative projects came online; and the
results do not disappoint. Lets unpack some of
the information in the report together.
Energy Efficiency
Montpelier has made remarkable gains in energy
efficiency while maintaining excellent services
and saving money. Municipal operations and
facilities consumed just over 46 billion BTUs
in FY2011. By FY2016, this had been reduced
to 39.7 billion BTUs; a 14 percent reduction.
To put it another way, comparing FY 2016 with
FY 2011, Montpelier saved energy equivalent to
6.3 billion matchsticks.
These numbers represent the electric, thermal
and vehicle fuel demands for all municipal
facilities and operations. This includes; city
hall, the fire and police departments, part of
the senior center; Montpelier High, Union
Elementary, and Main Street Middle schools;
the parks, green mountain cemetery; the
water, sewer and wastewater treatment systems;
the department of public works; and all the
parking, street and traffic lights within the city.
Importantly, energy efficiency is only concerned
with consumption. So it does not matter
whether a facility is utilizing solar electricity
or heating oil. Either way, the city is annually
using 14 percent less energy than five years ago.
For reference, if you lined up the equivalent
energy in match sticks end to end, they would
wrap around the earth 12 times! Again, this is
an annual savings.
Another important trend contained in the data
is that there have been important efficiency
gains across all three sectors: electricity, thermal
and vehicles. Swimming into the data a bit
further, we can start to identify the standout
efficiency champions in the city.
One principal takeaway is that the Montpelier
schools and the wastewater treatment facility
are achieving phenomenal gains in energy
efficiency. Whats more, the extraordinary
increase in efficiency at the wastewater facility
has been achieved at the same time the volume
of wastewater processed has more than tripled!
Even the citys consumption of diesel and
unleaded gasoline has been reduced in the past
five years by 16% and 31% respectively.
When energy committee asked Thom Wood,
the facilities manager for the Montpelier Public
Schools, about how such stellar results were
achieved, he simply replied, Thats what we
do.
Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
In addition to the appreciable energy efficiency
news, the most exciting part of this story
is that Montpelier has achieved a pivotal 56
percent reduction (est.) in annual greenhouse
gas emissions from municipal facilities and
operations. This is such a substantial reduction
that it merits being spelled out; fifty six percent!
At a historic time when the planets climate is
changing faster than in all of human history,
Montpeliers energy milestones are rightly
turning heads.
There are two sectors that helped the city
achieve this important decrease in greenhouse
gases, while concurrently delivering significant
financial savings. The first was switching from
dispersed old boilers burning heating oil, to
a woodchip fueled district heat system. The
second was harvesting and flaring fugitive
methane at the wastewater facility.
The district heat plant burns sustainably
sourced woodchips (e.g. surplus chips from
logging operations) that are both a renewable
fuel and are net zero carbon under both
international and national scientific standards.
The municipal facilities that take advantage of
this system, and replaced heating oil are: the
fire and police stations, city hall and Union
Elementary School. It should also be noted
that, beginning in 2013, wood pellets are used
to fuel the boiler at the Senior Center.
Use of Renewables and Offsets
A key part of treating the sewage produced
in Montpelier involves anaerobic digestion to
decompose most of the organic load. In the
cooler months, this process requires heat input.
This organic digestion naturally produces
methane as a byproduct. While methane is
indeed classified as a pollutant, the volume of
wastewater processed in Montpelier is below
the regulatory threshold that requires methane
controls, such as flaring. Nevertheless, methane
in any amount is a very powerful greenhouse
gas.
Methane (the principal component of natural
gas) is combustible, and therefore can generate
a great deal of energy. In the past, the methane
at the Montpelier Water Resource Recovery
Facility was not harvested and left to escape
unabated into the atmosphere above Vermont.
But in 2012, Bob Fischer and the pioneering
professionals at the facility did some re-
engineering to the system and commenced
harvesting the methane in the spring, winter
and fall; combusting it to heat the primary
digesters and the filter press building, thereby
replacing imported fossil fuels. In addition to
this innovation, Christopher Cox led the team
in 2015 to begin flaring the surplus methane in
the summertime, rendering the powerful gasses
into bio-generated carbon dioxide. Overall, the
process is a win-win-win; scoring significant
greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency,
and economic returns for the city.
Mayor John Hollar is enthusiastic, The city
is making meaningful progress towards its net
zero goal, thanks to the tremendous work of
the volunteers who serve on the Montpelier
Energy Advisory Committee."
Net Zero and the Revolving Loan Fund
Net Zero Montpelier is the spot where energy
efficiency and renewable energy converge.
Often times energy efficiency investments are
less expensive than switching to renewables;
but both move us closer to our goal.
So the question becomes, what do you believe
should be the next priority investments for
Net Zero Montpelier? Improvements that will
deliver economic savings, increased energy
efficiency and green house gas emission
reductions?
One important way forward is to scale up
our success. This is to say, to invest part
of the financial savings from efficiency gains
into additional renewable energy and efficiency
opportunities. Towards that objective,
originating from a recent proposal, the city has
created the revolving loan fund. In a nutshell,
this small fund has been established to finance
innovative ideas that will move the city closer
towards a Net Zero Montpelier; while again,
generating additional financial savings to
reinvest in ever more innovative initiatives. If
you are inspired, please bring your ideas (no
matter how blue sky) to your city councilor
or join the open discussions of the Montpelier
Energy Advisory Committee.
Montpelier is leading by example. Were
demonstrating that a Net Zero Energy
Community is not only feasible and profitable,
but rapidly approaching.
The author is a member of Montpelier Energy
Advisory Committee.
PAG E 8 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Razing Mountains Wont Stop Climate Change
N
early 50 years ago, Governor Deane
Davis had a problem. Vermont was
in the midst of a full-blown crisis over
unregulated development. Davis, elected to his
first term in the late 60s had watched, as the
ski industry, including its partner, overnight
lodging, had burst upon the scene following
a string of pearls north-to-south mountain
development, with little regulatory structure.
Slopeside dwellings were popping up like
overnight mushrooms, supporting the latest form
of skier transport to the top of the mountain for
the singular purpose of sliding back down.
Davis got the word from a staffer who had a friend
working in the lodging industry, and this friend
spilled the beans on runaway development. So,
the Governor hopped in his personal vehicle and
drove almost to the Massachusetts line West
Dover to see for himself.
He was stunned. Also sliding down the hill,
albeit much slower, was literally, untreated
human waste on the thin alpine soils.
He commented, in a now worn simple
document, in one of several pre-convening
speeches to the Legislature: Humans are indeed
an inescapable part of an intricate system of life
and growth upon which we are mutually
dependent. Coming from a former insurance
executive, about to be inaugurated into his
second gubernatorial term, this was like thunder
from the mountains.
Suffice it to say that out of this legislative session
of 197072 emerged the jewel of Vermonts
development review structure: Act 250. Far
from perfect, lacking even its planned Statewide
Land-Use Map, it hit the floor running as a
series of citizen development review panels, each
responsible for a particular region of the state. A
statewide planning map, guiding development
from housing to recreation, to industry, would
have been a helpful structure but the Legislature
and Governor could not agree on which areas
would be developed and which would be less so.
The development review boards comprised
citizen volunteers who evaluated development
on the basis of 10 criteria, from wildlife effects to
traffic and local settlement patterns. Overseeing
this network was a State Environmental Board
that heard appeals from parties on district
decisions. Statutory language read, A permit
shall be issued ... if the applicant meets the
requirements of the ten criteria.
Act 250 is now no more than a shadow of the
original iteration but its citizen-driven process
worked to protect the iconic Vermont landscape.
And why now, in its first-ever Climate Issue,
does The Bridge open the pages on Act 250?
Because we Vermonters need another creative,
effective citizen-driven approach on the issue
of our time and generations to come: Climate
Change. We need a landscape-based revival of
land protection, one that rebuilds a new system
to review and approve a strategic response to the
greatest issue of our time: Climate Change.
This segment of the issue searches not to lay out
the specific strategic scheme but to ask beg
of the citizenry, the Legislature, Executive and
Judicial branches to construct an approach built
on the facts as we know them.
Specifically, Climate Change is driven by human
activity, especially combustion of carbon-based,
so-called fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is a major
by-product of breathing, burning gasoline,
heating fuels, including iconic split and stacked
sugar maple and other materials. Fossil fuels are
just that ancient organic leftovers of carbon- Seneca Mountain, e.g.
based materials deposited in the earth, hundreds,
thousands, thousands of thousands of years ago.
These fuels drive the human enterprise and
carbon dioxide is a leftover that, while lighter
than air, rises to settle in the global stratosphere
where it reflects sunlight back on to the earth. As
this process advances, the earth warms to a point
in which biological and physical phenomena are
altered: think more frequent and violent storms,
sea-level rise from melting glaciers. Soil biology,
chemistry and physics are so altered that the
soil can no longer function as supporting food
production.
Consider the following, simple graph:
Vertical axis: human population in billions. 1
billion, 2 billion, 7.3, billion, 10-12 billion
Horizontal axis: Time in centuries 1815, 1915,
2015, 2115.
Thus, the human condition. Thus, Vermonts
challenge. What to do and how to get it done?
We propose a citizen-driven, Act 250-like model
that delivers a strategy and related action plan to
the Legislature by 2020. We Vermonters know
how to do this. This place we call home needs
us to fix what we have broken.
Now, read on and decide where you can add
your spirit and energy.
Beyond the hysteria associated with advancing
climate change, is a cogent, valid, sensible
approach. For the past 10 or 12 years, however,
the Vermont landscape has been subject to an
unprecedented level of damage, wrapped in the
swaddling cloth of fight climate change. That reviewed paper states: The climate change that
damage has occurred as an aspect of legislative
support advancing renewable energy generation
and wreaked by individuals now employed by
the commercial renewable energy arena. Four
mountain habitats have been eviscerated in this
process: Sheffield, Lowell, Georgia Mountain
and Deerfield. Other projects have been scuttled
by vigorous local action Windham and
Grafton or withdrawn from consideration,
The assault continues. Recent applications have
been filed or are in process for filing on projects
in Swanton, Irasburg and Holland. Developers
pursue these projects under the authority of
the previous administration and with dollar
signs in their minds. Federal and state subsidies
guarantee this fantasy will become reality.
Proffered results from such efforts included a
subliminal occasionally verbal claim of
fighting climate change.
by Steve Wright
Balderdash, ridiculous, ludicrous.
Conversion of Vermonts life-giving, uplands
and associated downslope agricultural lands to
electrical projects is arguably the biggest scam
conducted in the Green Mountain State.
A review of the more important principles is in
order and follows.
Precautionary Principle
In the world of science one makes every effort to
avoid bad outcomes.
Uncertainty
Climate change is bringing us more uncertainty
in our new weather patterns.
Wind and solar generated electricity depends on
consistent, predictable such patterns.
Irreversibility
Intergovernmental scientists across the globe
acknowledge the irresistible nature of climate
change. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Agency scientist Susan Solomon in her peer-
takes place due to increases in carbon dioxide
concentration is largely irreversible for 1,000
years after emissions stop.
Infiltration
The term refers to moisture and the importance
that it be soaked up and injected into upper
elevation aquifers. These are the waters that
wash our bodies, flush our toilets and form the
basis of life as we know it.
Resilience
Protect our own intra-state biotic community in
order to resist the effects of advancing climate
change. We cannot stop these global phenomena,
however, we can retain and strengthen our
existing critical habitats. Blowing up mountains
in order to save them from climate change is a
fools errand. Retaining the capacity of our biotic
community to protect itself is the enlightened
option.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 9

Thank You to the Following for Your

Financial Support of this Climate Change Issue
Abigail Faulkner Karen Liebermann
Amy Robinson Kathleen Herrington
Andy Robinson Linda Mullestein
Anne Cann Linda Wheatley
Anne and Bob O'Donnell Louise Cook
Anonymous Lucy Mitchell
Anonymous Malcolm Gray
Becky Atchinson Mary Jane Ohlson
Betsy and Rick Barstow Michele and Roger Hill
Christina Fornaciari Michele Clark
Daniel Quipp Pamela Root
Deborah Black and Mich Kabay Peg Elmer Hough
Ed Rousse Phil Dodd
Edith Black Zfass Pierre Swick
Elizabeth Benjamin Prescilla and Mary Wilson
Gail Falk Rebecca Chandler
Galen Cheney Ric Schomaker
George Plumb Robert Lehmert
Glenda Bissex Robert Popp and Beth Stern
Hasso Ewing Sophia Veltrop
Holly Robinson Steve & Laurie Justis
Jacob Brown
Jane English
John McLane
Karen and Attia

Personal Divestment in 2017 by Deborah Messing

D
ivestment: the removal of investment assets including stocks, bonds and investment
funds from companies is a proven strategy for change. When citizens wanted
to challenge the tobacco industrys false health claims, end the genocide in Darfur
and shut down apartheid in South Africa, they called on people to remove their money from
companies and institutions complicit in these atrocities. As Desmond Tutu, Archbishop of
South Africa, has said, We fought apartheid. Now climate change is our global enemy.
A new report from Arabella Advisors has shown that the value of assets divested from fossil
fuel companies and industries has doubled over the last year and now exceeds 5 trillion dollars.
No one thinks that divestment alone is the answer. But the absence of 5 trillion dollars has
gotten the attention of corporations. Companies ARE responding to investor pressure as well
as their own assessments of the risks and costs of climate change. For example, according to
EcoWatch, Fortune 500 companies are sourcing renewable energy at levels that did not seem
conceivable just a few years ago. With prices dropping and states making it easier to provide
green power, industry giants such as Walmart, Google, Apple and Mars all made the plunge
to power all of their operations with 100 percent renewable energy. Google, which already has
commitments to source 2,600 megawatts of wind and solar for its global operations, plans to
hit its 100 percent target in 2017.
The personal divestment movement has been an outgrowth of the original campaign of 350.
org, the non-profit founded by author and environmentalist Bill McKibben and a group of
his students at Middlebury College. The divestment campaign started in 2008 on college
campuses and quickly picked up steam. At the start, it sought to pressure public institutions
to divest from fossil fuel companies as both a moral and an economic imperative. Over time,
more and more individuals have joined this movement at a personal level, scrutinizing their
own savings and investments for exposure to fossil-fuel companies and deciding to divest
from those companies. Their motivations are the same as those of institutions; a desire not to
contribute to the profits of companies whose products are jeopardizing planetary health; and
a concern for the financial risks associated with those investments.
As we face the political reality of an administration, which pledges to dismantle safeguards
and regulations designed to lessen the advance of climate change, it is more important than
ever to take personal responsibility. Although there is data showing that from 2010 to 2015,
investors who dumped holdings in fossil fuel companies outperformed those who remained
invested in oil, coal and gas, I don't think that anyone can predict the financial impact of the
Trump administration on the markets. The relaxing of regulations on the fossil-fuel industry
could even boost their profits, resulting in at least short-term gains in that sector. The balance
between the financial and ethical reasons for divestment may shift in that case. But even if we
are left with simply the ethical consideration, is that not enough?
There IS hope for a low-carbon future if we factor in actions by major United States companies,
initiatives by individual states and those of many countries worldwide, but the equation has
shifted. With the U.S. government assuming a new role encouraging those forces that imperil
the planet, pressure from individual investors has assumed an even greater importance.
A recent target for divestors has been the banks that provide the capital for the construction
of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
There are only two of the 17 primary banks involved in the Dakota Access Pipeline in
Vermont: TD Bank and Citi Bank. Environmental groups have asked Vermonters to express
their opposition to the pipeline by withdrawing their money from TD Bank.
Taking the first steps toward divesting your savings in fossil fuel companies to make way for a
renewable energy future is not as daunting as it might first appear. To get started, I have listed
some helpful sites. The list is by no means exhaustive.
fossilfreefunds.org an easy tool for rating your mutual funds for exposure to fossil fuel
companies, and to the total amount and sources of carbon emissions in your fund
fossilfreefunds.org/401k-toolkit includes a webinar to learn how to modify your
employer-sponsored retirement plan to reflect more sustainable fund choices
http://greencentury.com Look for the Guide to Fossil Fuel Free Investing
divestinvest.org/individual
divestinvest.org/individual/desmond-tutu-on-climate-change a powerful presentation
by Bishop Desmond Tutu
insideclimatenews.org a Pulitzer Prize-winning, non-partisan organization that reports
on climate change news. It was the first to investigate the role of Exxon and the American
Petroleum Institute in the disinformation campaign around the connection between
burning fossil-fuels and climate change.
theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/10/fossil-fuel-free-funds-out-performed-
conventional-ones-analysis-shows
democracynow.org/2016/9/9/who_is_funding_the_dakota_access
Once you have committed to divesting your money (which can be done over a period of years,
to avoid tax consequences) the next decision is where to re-invest. This is a personal decision,
which involves the amount of risk you are willing to incur, and what level of return you are
looking for. Without going into too much detail, there are more and more mutual funds that
are fossil-fuel free and more and more financial advisers who are knowledgeable about options.
Also, check out credit unions and the Vermont Community Loan Fund, in Montpelier at:
investinvermont.org
PAG E 10 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Pipeline Struggle Continues in Hinesburg
B
ack in February of 2016, Vermont
Gas Systems fracked gas pipeline
construction was passing through
the towns of Williston and St. George and
approaching the border of Hinesburg. Even
as equipment was parked at the edge of town,
it was not clear that there was any plan or
agreement between Hinesburg and Vermont
Gas. From everything we could discern,
there had been essentially no communication
between the town and the gas company for
nearly a year as the certificate of public
good an essential state-level permission
for the entire project had been undergoing
reconsideration in the face of massive cost
overruns. Curious minds were wondering
Whats the plan? A pre-hearing conference hired a lawyer and intervened in the Public
was scheduled at the Public Service Board. Lo
and behold, the Hinesburg attorney showed
up at that meeting with a signed agreement in
hand. Amidst a strong police presence (due to
disruptive protests at prior hearings in which
VGS aimed to lay claim to the properties
of people via eminent domain), Vermont
Gas lawyers and representatives shook hands
and smiled. The sense in the room was one
of slightly too sweet, awkward congeniality.
The company had waited until the very last
minute to finalize their agreement with the
town, almost as if they had forgotten it was
necessary. In their eagerness, Vermont Gas
representatives suggested to the hearing officer
that given the good feelings in the room, it
would be unnecessary to hold further hearings.
But the hearing officer thought it best to
follow protocol and procedures and moved to
schedule further hearings, albeit in very short
order.
That the town had any agreement whatsoever
about the pipeline came as a shock to some
town residents, who quickly rallied to attend
the upcoming selectboard meeting and demand
an explanation. To our shocked amazement,
some selectboard members indicated that they
were not even aware that there was a signed
agreement! In a mad dash to slow things down
and buy time to figure out what was going on,
residents gathered and called on the wisdom
and advice of activists around the state who
had been fighting the pipeline for three years.
We imagined, at the time, that we might be
able to buy a couple of weeks time. That was
in February 2016. Now it is one year later and
there is still no pipeline through Geprags Park.
The agreement that the town had made with
Vermont Gas was declared invalid. The route
of the pipeline through Hinesburg included
passing through the middle of Geprags Park,
a public park deeded to the town by Dora
Geprags, with a covenant in the deed that it be
maintained only for recreational or educational
purposes or a school. Citizens of Hinesburg
Service Board proceedings, challenging the
legal basis for granting a pipeline easement
through a public park. Months later, when the
PSB hearings were scheduled, the board tried
to close the hearings to the public, which was
a highly contentious and widely publicized
anti-democratic move that was successfully
challenged in federal court. Still, the PSB
ultimately ruled to allow the pipeline easement
through Geprags Park, as it had previously
ruled in favor of the project at every turn.
Citizens have appealed that decision to the
Vermont Supreme Court, maintaining that the
Public Service Board, under settled Vermont
law, does not have the authority to claim an
easement through land already in public use.
For residents of Hinesburg and our allies, the
past 12 months have been a wild ride. We
have had to raise a great deal of money to
pay lawyers, learn to navigate the labyrinthine
processes of the Public Service Board, work
hard to educate and engage others in our
community, pour over endless reams of
difficult-to-access, poorly labeled drafts of
filings and testimony, and educate ourselves
about such matters as pipeline construction
safety standards. Fortunately we have some
very educated and capable people in our group,
by Rachel Smolker
who also have the ability to dedicate time to
this struggle, a luxury that many communities
facing similar dirty energy projects lack.
Our Supreme Court appeal remains pending,
however, the court has agreed to allow VGS
to proceed with construction even before the
case is heard. VGS has taken out a $1 million
bond to protect against the possibility that they
will lose the case and have to compensate the
town. This seems outrageous, as no amount
of money can provide adequate compensation
for the destruction of our park, much less the
damage to our climate from transporting and
using fracked gas!
Meanwhile, last August, Vermont Gas was
served with a notice of probable violation
Enbridge), and they have not hesitated to
for failing to comply with minimum federal
standards for safe construction. Rather than
respond immediately to demonstrate that
the problems were resolved, VGS continued
construction through November without
responding. We filed a request with the federal
agency, Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety
Administration, requesting that they intervene
and oversee the project since the Department
of Public Service was failing to enforce federal
standards. In fact, our research has turned up a
variety of safe construction violations going back
to 2014! On Jan. 12, the Pipeline Hazardous
Material Safety Administration notified us that
they will be opening an investigation. We feel
that all further construction should be halted
until that investigation is completed and the
results made public.
Climate scientists have long recognized
carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane as potent
contributors to global warming. Natural gas
consists primarily of methane, and study after
study has shown that leaking pipelines and
fracking wells in North America are one source
of the current, alarming spike in atmospheric
methane. The fracking boom was rationalized
on the basis that natural gas was a bridge
fuel with lower CO2 emissions, rhetoric that
continues today even as it flies in the face of
mountains of scientific evidence.
Halting the wholesale destruction of the
livability of our planet and preventing our
childrens futures from being sold out to the
insatiable greed of fossil fuel companies is our
challenge. These are the stakes in the greatest
challenge humanity has ever faced. Resistance
to pipelines and fossil fuel infrastructure
is raging in battles across the country and
indeed around the world. Most notable is the
resistance underway against the Dakota Access
Pipeline by the Standing Rock Sioux, joined by
hundreds of other Native American tribes and
many thousands of allies. There, militarized
police have been called in to violently protect
the interests of the company (Energy East/
seriously injure peaceful water protectors who
are standing up for their rights, for their rivers,
for their children and for our planet. Vermont
is far from North Dakota, and our largely
white European population is unfamiliar with
the level of oppression that Native Americans
have contended with for centuries. But, as one
activist stated, we are all bound by a common
thread; the blood that flows in our veins is not
so different. Ultimately we are all mostly water.
Hinesburgs struggle against the pipeline is one
small piece in the larger fabric of resistance that
is underway. Right now, we are celebrating each
day that Geprags Park remains unscathed as
a victory. Each time we proclaim our victory,
we acknowledge it, and then send it upstream,
downstream, and across the land in hopes that
it will sow seeds all along the way.
To get involved or for more information:
protectgeprags@yahoo.com.
Montpelier: Central Vermont Climate Action:
centralvtclimateaction@gmail.com or facebook.
com/centralvtclimateaction/
Rachel Smolker has a Ph.D. in ecology/biology
from the University of Michigan and is a writer
and activist on energy and climate justice issues.
She lives in Hinesburg, VT.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 11

A Good Start for Governor Scott by Tom Hughes

O
n Jan. 5 Governor Phil Scott took the oath of office
and issued his first executive order. Its a good one.
He directed every state agency and department to
focus on three strategic priorities: strengthening the economy;
making Vermont more affordable; and protecting the most
vulnerable.
Thats exactly what cutting carbon pollution would do.
The nations and states that price carbon emissions in order to
reduce pollution have stronger economies than their neighbors
that dont.
Since Californias carbon pricing program went into effect in
January 2013, the state has created over 1.5 million new jobs.
Thats twice as many new jobs in California as there are people
in Vermont.
In British Columbia, Canada, the center-right political party
passed North Americas first carbon pollution tax in 2008,
and growth in British Columbias gross provincial product has
outpaced every other Canadian province the last three years
running. The model has been so successful that all of Canada
will implement a carbon price next year.
Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the UK and many more
price carbon pollution and all have vibrant economies.
But its not just distant states and countries that price carbon
pollution.
Vermont has a carbon pollution price. Thanks to Gov. Jim
Douglases' leadership joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative (RGGI), Vermont has charged for carbon pollution
emitted from electricity generation since 2008. In that time,
RGGI states have seen 3.6% more economic growth than
states outside the compact.
Carbon pricing also makes Vermont more affordable.
When it comes to energy, we have to acknowledge that
fossil fuels make Vermont more expensive. As the Vermont
Comprehensive Energy Plan notes, All petroleum products
consumed in Vermont are imported; the state has no known
petroleum reserves. In 2013, the state spent nearly $2.3 billion
annually about 8% of Vermonts GDP on petroleum
products that are extracted and refined elsewhere ... this is a
significant flow of financial resources away from the states
economy.
Carbon pricing helps reverse the economic drain fossil fuels
cost Vermont, incentivize locally-generated clean energy and
spur job creation and jobs are essential to affordability.
Vermonts energy efficiency programs funded by RGGI to escape poverty.
will save Vermonters at least $100 million in energy bills. Our
utilities have largely made the transition to low-carbon energy
while holding rates steady. Residential electric rates in Vermont
are among the lowest in the northeast and lower than all of our
neighboring states.
And RGGI is spurring demand for renewable power in
southern New England, which will benefit Vermonters in the
years ahead. Payments from the Clean Power Link project that
will carry renewable energy from Canada to points south will
start in 2018 and add up to over $400 million over the next 40
years. These funds will keep electric rates down and help clean
up Lake Champlain.
Finally, carbon pricing, done right, protects and prioritizes the
most vulnerable.
The current situation, where many low-income Vermonters
are dependent on fossil fuels for heating and transportation, is
terribly regressive.
On average, low-income Vermonters use less energy because
many drive smaller cars, dont drive lots of discretionary miles,
have smaller homes to heat and keep the thermostat down
but they pay a higher percentage of their income on energy than
wealthy Vermonters.
A Vermont Law School study released in 2013 found that the
10% of Vermonters with the lowest household incomes spend
$2,431 on energy a year or 27.7% of their annual income
while the top 10% spend $4,042 on energy, but because their
household incomes are so much higher their energy burden is just
1.9% of their income.
As Governor Scott knows from his leadership launching Wheels
for Warmth, when the energy burden is 15 times higher for some
Vermonters than others it is a huge roadblock for those working
Carbon pricing can help bridge that gap, because it can fund
much-needed low-income weatherization, public transportation,
and the transition to lower cost, low-carbon solutions for home
heating and transportation.
As Governor Scott noted in his inaugural address, Doing things
the way weve always done them and hoping for a different result,
will not bring about the change we need. True. And, If we want
a system that draws people to Vermont, we cant be paralyzed by
fear of change. True again.
Energy Independent Vermont looks forward to working with
Governor Scott, the General Assembly, and all Vermonters on
new ways to clean our environment, strengthen our economy,
make our state more affordable, and protect the most vulnerable
Vermonters.
Tom Hughes is the campaign director of Energy Independent Vermont
a coalition of Vermont businesses, non-profits, low-income service
providers, students, clergy and academics working together to price
carbon pollution and strengthen the Vermont economy.
Reprinted from VTDigger

Lyndon State College Launches Climate Change

Science Degree
I
n 2016, the Earth reached its warmest year on record for the third consecutive year. atmosphere in a way that is changing our climate and impacting all life on our planet, says
With higher temperatures around the globe, climate change is indisputable. Melting Janel Hanrahan, assistant professor in Lyndons Atmospheric Sciences department. These
glaciers, rising sea levels, more frequent weather disasters the impacts of global impacts are expected to escalate, and our atmosphere will likely be altered for thousands of
warming are pervasive and growing. years into the future.
Lyndon State College recognizes a crucial need for trained professionals to find solutions to A new website, the Climate Consensus, features faculty blogs and content from students,
these challenges. The colleges new bachelor of science degree in climate change science, to articles and social media pages and is a way for the public to give input. Visit http://www.
be launched this fall, is designed to give students the skills to confront problems caused by theclimateconsensus.com/.
climate issues. For more information about the Climate Change Science program, visit LyndonState.edu/
The cutting-edge program will train students to apply their skills in a variety of areas affected ClimateChange.
by climate change, including renewable energy, public policy, climate risk management and
urban and natural resource planning.
One of few such degree programs in the country and the only one in Vermont, the
innovative major is part of the colleges nationally known Atmospheric Sciences department.
Climate change may be the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced. We are altering our
PAG E 12 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Vermonts Power Grid the Key to More Renewable Energy
by Heather Calderwood
V
ermonts power grid, the network that brings power from in-state generators, regional
generators, and across borders, is considered to be one of the most technologically
advanced grid systems in the country. Significant investments and innovations
have been made within the past decade that have transformed Vermonts power grid into
a smart grid. For example, in 2006, Vermont Electric Power Corporation, Vermonts
electrical transmission company, upgraded its substations with four synchronous condensers
the first system upgrade of this magnitude in New England in 30 years. Building on
this upgrade, utilities in the state followed suit by investing in their own upgrades, resulting
in an improvement in overall system reliability. These upgrades include the widespread
installation of smart meters, which communicate power activity with utilities. Additionally,
supervisory control and data acquisition software (SCADA) was brought on-line to work
in harmony with these technological improvements. These are just a few examples of the
technological advances that make Vermont a national leader in power grid technology and
an example of the potential of smart grids.
As advanced as Vermonts grid infrastructure is, more investment is imperative to reach our
renewable energy goals. The grid cannot handle any new projects coming online in certain
areas of the state, areas where they would be well-sited. The success of the net-metering
program created a swell in distributed-generation development, which then led to a paralysis
from an engineering point of view, because the grid could not handle any new power sources
in certain places. Furthermore, the 15-percent net-metering cap in development halted the
emergence of any distributed generation. Well-sited projects are being turned away. Without
Singing for the Whole: The Power of Song
by Beth Champagne
H
eidi Wilson, at 35, does the best Pippi Longstocking imitation in Plainfield village:
Striding erect, long braids down her back, and a short, flouncy skirt layered over
warm trousers, she radiates joie de vivre.
Pippi, Astrid Lindgrens fictional heroine, being a Swedish lass of exceptional gifts, carried
her horse into the shed by her house. Heidi, a Vermonter by choice, comes from Wisconsin,
has Swedish heritage, a spouse, a house and a shed thats full.
Heidi moves people, not horses.
She offers her voice, in song, and invites others to join in. Whether its at a community sing,
an outdoor celebration, a sacred sing or a social justice action, people respond to Heidis
presence and to her voice.
As her colleague, Avery Book, observes, Shes a cultivator of collective song. Ive witnessed
an updated grid, we cannot build renewable energy generators at the rate and size we have
seen in the recent past.
Smart inverters are a logical next step in improving Vermonts smart grid. They are the
least expensive upgrade we can make to increase the penetration of solar generation into
the grid. Inverters are an important piece of the grid system that convert direct current into
alternating current. Presently, most of Vermonts inverters have two modes: full blast and off.
Smart inverters would help support the grid in times of disturbance. For example, they will
be able to shut off when the system gets too hot because of excess generation. Until upgrades
and further deployment of this technology are made, the grid will continue to run into the
same challenges we have seen it encounter over the past year.
However, increasing this smart grid technology presents numerous regulatory and economic
questions for developers of distributed generation and for grid supervisors. Interconnection
and unlimited access to the grid are both seen as rights by individual home-owners and
companies. Restricting the output of solar or other renewable sites based on when the
energy is directly needed could limit the bankability of solar and wind projects and run into
various regulatory issues. Nevertheless, deploying more of this technology, either through
legislative or regulatory mandates, is necessary to allow more solar and wind generation to
come online, which is one way to meet our in-state renewable energy goals.
Heather Calderwood is an energy policy analyst and holds a Master's Degree in Energy
Regulation and Law from Vermont Law School.
her in social movement spaces, mostly around climate justice She brings an incredible
ability to create and hold space through collective singing. She is warm and incredibly
attentive able to move a group of people from the moment of learning a new song to
minutes later being lost in the singing.
Oh, remembering, deep remembering/Beyond, beyond, and beyond /Oh remembering
Heidi remembers how she caught a lot of songs as a kid, and how, at six, she wrote her first
long songthen, as a teen, wrote angsty songs about how our world was all messed up
and what are we going to do?
Eventually, Heidi would study sustainable agriculture because I thought it was the end
of civilization, and move to Vermont to teach and manage the garden at Sterling College.
She kept on catching songs fresh from the universe when she became head mentor at
EarthWalk Vermont, in Plainfield, spending full days outdoors on the land.
Good morning, Earth! Good morning, sky! Good morning waters, flowing by
Last summer, after 11 years together many of them mentoring EarthWalkers Heidi
Wilson and Erik Gillard held an outdoor wedding celebration, with a dozen or so friends
as readers.
We had written a gratitude poem, Heidi recalled, with the intention of acknowledging
and remembering everybody, all the beings and all the forces who were there with us
there were many beings and pieces and forces to thank.
Remember the water. Remember the land. Remember the future: Take a stand
I love songs that are doing their work in the world that is, with everybody singing,
Heidi said, bringing it to life.
In a room full of singers, Heidi tunes in to social dynamics, to the sound of voices to all
thats at play then and there, in the moment.
She calls her practice singing for the Whole.
Its really important to me that I listen in, to know whats going to be of most service to the
well-being of the Whole. I have a practice to get grounded and upright, and tap into a big
perspective. I can have faith in the great unfolding, she affirmed.
Perhaps what inspires me most about Heidi, said Lauren Akin, another colleague, is her
constant commitment to situating herself and her creations within the web of the Whole.
Her creative process is so fused with this commitment that her songs are immediately
liberated to do the work theyre meant to do!
Go, wind, carry us now like milkweed silk and send us out, and send us out!
Like other exceptionally attuned, spiritually receptive individuals, Heidi has a light-
heartedness and inner strength that radiate as warmth.
My relationship with singing at actions is singing for strength, and beauty, and the love,
she said; the song can carry a message in a way that is powerful. Without escalating
violence, it can share a message of truth.
At a singing action in the campaign to stop the Vermont Gas Pipeline in Addison County,
40 people came into an eminent domain hearing in Montpelier, where homeowners were
facing state officials and corporate lawyers who wanted to take their land.
Book recalled how, A few minutes in, Heidi stood up and broke into song: We have got
the power its in the hands of all. Her voice cut clearly and powerfully through the
proceedings. After the first round, the whole room joined in, with the four-part harmonies
that we had taught earlier. We sang constantly for the next half hour. More than one state
trooper came up to us afterwards to say they were glad we were there.
To me, he said, that epitomizes Heidi: Full of courage, humility, and the ability to draw
out the beauty in others.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 13
Reforming our Land Management, Economy and
Agricultural Practices
R
egenerative agriculture allows us
to produce food, shelter, medicines
and other products needed to
sustain human life while simultaneously
regenerating ecological health and the
communities, economies and cultures
associated with the land.
How does regenerative agriculture work?
Soils and aboveground biomass, such as
trees and shrubs, represent one of the
greatest opportunities for pulling carbon
out of the atmosphere and putting it into
long term, stable storage known as a carbon
sink. Agroforestry, or agricultural systems
which incorporate trees and shrubs, have
the highest potential for sequestering
carbon while providing other ecosystem
benefits.
Storing carbon in the soil and maintaining
perennial living soil cover (trees, pasture,
grazing animals, etc.) brings a host of
benefits, including: increased soil fertility
and biological activity, improved wildlife
and pollinator habitat, less vulnerability
to disease, increased crop yield, increased
drought and flood resilience, and increased
water-holding and filtration capacity. A 1%
increase in soil organic matter over an acre
of land allows it to hold 20,000 additional
gallons of water, which means less water,
and any pollutants carried with it, running
off downstream.
Regenerative agriculture is inherently
political it recognizes historical and
contemporary injustices in relationship to
land and wealth access and distribution,
climate change, and human rights; and
asserts the need for social, economic, and
political as well as agroecological
equity and transformation.
Regenerative Agriculture in Vermont
Regenerative agriculture is site, region,
and community specific, it meets people
and landscapes where they are. This
often means collaboratively assessing how
by Graham Unagnst-Rufenach and Aaron Guman
we can: 1. mitigate existing problems, 2.
adapt to climate change and, 3. implement
regenerative practices to produce desired
outcomes. Currently there is substantial
policy and financial support for mitigation
efforts on large farms. However, there is
little focus on supporting and funding
adaptation and transformation of these
farms or our most actively growing
agricultural sector in Vermont: small
diversified farms.
A transition to regenerative practices
A family we work with wanted to transition
the pasture-land they were moving onto
into regenerative grazing management. It
had long been overgrazed: cattle had been
allowed access to the same parts of the
land for weeks at a time, wet areas were
deeply pock marked and spread out by
hoof impact, the forage was stunted and
eaten down nearly to the ground, and
unfavorable species had begun to dominate
parts of the pasture.
Digging a soil pit revealed a very thin dark
layer of organic matter at the surface, with
all of the plant roots growing right below
that in a thick mat, unable to penetrate
the firm hardpan below it, leaving a 6 to
12 grayish zone of leached soil lacking the
ability to hold nutrients and water. Water
would pool in areas or run off the sloped
surface of the land, and quickly move
down the watershed.
In the spring, we set up fencing and water
systems, and began to train our friends in
regenerative grazing. Grassland ecosystems
co-evolved with dense herds of grazing,
migrating ruminants. These animals
provided significant periodic disturbance
with hooves, mouths, urine and feces
helping grasses keep woody plants at
bay, providing habitat for birds and other
animals, sequestering carbon, and creating
significant amounts of fertile, biologically
active soils. With regenerative pasture
management, we are as much grass farmers
as cattle farmers.
The grass grew slowly that first year, as the
land began to recover from overgrazing.
Every day the cattle moved from a
section of pasture theyd trampled, eaten
and fertilized into a new paddock. The
area they moved from did not see cattle
again for 25 to 90 days, allowing the
grass to regrow. A simple system allowed
their water to follow them around the
landscape, preventing the development of
overly impacted watering areas. Wet parts
of the pasture were temporarily fenced out,
and were grazed during drier times. Soil
samples were taken, and soil amendments
applied to sections of the pasture over time.
This family has now been practicing
regenerative grazing management for more
than three seasons. The grass grows strongly
in the spring; more pasture is accessible to
grazing, less is sodden and pock-marked.
Thick, healthy forage outcompetes the
unwanted species that had predominated.
The pasture is storing water now; run-off
is reduced.
We have worked on extending pasture, and
incorporating shade for cattle, by thinning
a stand of tall aspens at the fields edge to
let sunlight in, so forage can grow beneath
them. Fruit- and nut-bearing trees and
shrubs have been planted in the field. This
year, assisted by a grant from the Vermont
Grass Farmers Association, we will plant
a section of living fence (a hedgerow) on
this site.
Research tells us that benefits from these
changes in management reach far beyond
this local site: a 2016 study published in
the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
estimates that improved cropping and
grazing practices on North America alone
could offset about 1/8 of the world's total
[annual] GHG emissions.
How can I get involved?
The goals and means of regenerative
agriculture are multifaceted and there are
multiple ways to get involved.
The Carbon Farming Solution, by Eric
Toensmeier offers tools and information on
utilizing these practices as part of a solution
to the climate crisis.
This winter and spring, Rural Vermont will
be travelling around the state to hear the
real needs and barriers that communities
face, and to discuss the role of regenerative
agriculture in creating a more economically,
socially, and ecologically just future. More
information can be found at ruralvermont.
org.
Unique work is being done, and is yet to
be done, in each and every community of
Vermont. This requires different people
and skills: education for youth and adults,
policy and advocacy work, on-the-ground
systems implementation and research,
grassroots organizing, and more.
Bio:
Graham Unangst-Rufenacht and Aaron
Guman offer 100 percent grass fed, and
regeneratively grazed beef through Robinson
Hill Beef; as well as agroecology design /
install through Walking Onion. Graham
is a lead organizer at, Rural Vermont.
Find us online: RobinsonHillBeef.com &
WalkingOnion.com.
PAG E 14 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Vermont Families Stepping Up With Mother Up!
On Pennsylvania Fracking Tour
L
ast August, a group of five families from
throughout Vermont traveled to the
Pennsylvania shale fields to bear witness
to the impacts of hydraulic fracturing, or
fracking. Fracking is a way of extracting natural
gas from the ground by pressurizing a mix of
water, chemicals (including toxic and cancer-
causing ones) and sand into subterranean cracks.
These families are a part of Mother Up!: Parents
Exchange for Change, a project of 350 Vermont
that engages families to take action both in their
own communities and in those most affected by
the fossil fuel industry.
Their four-day trip took them through
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, including
the town of Dimock, the epicenter of fracking in
the Marcellus Shale and the town prominently
featured in the two "Gasland" documentaries.
The Vermonters worked with local host,
Energy Justice Network, to meet with families
and individuals who face polluted waters and
have had their land seized; in this way, they
experienced both natures beauty and the
suffering caused by the extreme extraction of
fossil fuels.
Each family they visited in Pennsylvania had a
different story to share. One familys water supply
was contaminated with methane, making the
water undrinkable and the house susceptible to
explosion. Another family suffers from chronic
skin irritations due to contaminated water. A
family with a small sugarbush lost an eminent
domain battle, and consequently lost their
private property to the State of Pennsylvania.
Their maple trees were cut last winter, but the
pipeline has been stalled for a lack of permits.
One family who won a lawsuit against a fracking
company, is not much better off, since their
water will be forever unusable.
Vermont participants in the family trip included
children from five months to 10 years old. Abby
Mnookin, a Mother Up! organizer who lives
in Brattleboro, traveled with her four-year-old
daughter. She recalls, My daughter returned
home with stories, not only of playing tag at the
campground, but also of dirty water that we
couldnt drink.
One reason these families wanted to take the
trip was to have a shared experience, not only
with other families, but also with their children.
I want my children to grow up not only aware
of the beauty of our natural world, said Maggie
Pesce, a mother from Bennington, but also that
there is a struggle to protect [it].
I loved this trip as a radical reinterpretation of
what a family vacation means, said Jane Yager,
a mother from Burlington. It was very much a
family vacation, with the kids swimming and
petting goats and playing, but at the same time
it brought us face-to-face with both the brutal
realities of what extractive industries have done
to the lives of the people we met and what
inspiring resistance to those industries they have
mounted.
Back home, some of these Vermont families
have faced related struggles. In Addison County,
activists have mounted several years of resistance
against Vermont Gas Systems proposal for a 41-
mile natural gas pipeline extension stretching
from Colchester to Middlebury. The last parcel
was recently granted through eminent domain.
(For more on this, see Geprags Park on page
10 of this issue.)
And last year, several residents in North
Bennington learned that their well water had
been contaminated with PFOA, a toxic industrial
chemical that resulted from 30 years of Chemfab
operations in their town. The Vermont families
shared these stories in Pennsylvania as a way to
show their understanding and solidarity.
Raising children in a time of climate change
can be frightening and isolating. Mnookin
addressed this, saying, I sometimes feel
paralyzed by thoughts of what the future will
look like for my daughters. But by joining with
other parents through Mother Up!, my family
builds community, and I feel empowered by the
knowledge that were stronger together.
Undoubtedly, this family trip was meaningful
to both the Vermonters and the Pennsylvania
residents. Vera Scroggins, a Pennsylvanian citizen
journalist, acknowledged, Thanks for coming
and witnessing the toxic industrialization of our
area ... and (for) bringing your children.
More about Mother Up! from 350VT.org:
For many parents, our days are filled with
putting food on the table, wrestling limbs into
snow gear and checking school work. Often our
busy lives prevent us from taking a leading role
on the larger issues in the world in which we
are raising our children. Many parents share a
profound sense of despair in the face of climate
change, yet feel powerless to act. By building
Mother Up!: Parents Exchange for Change,
we at 350VT are engaging parents to take action
in both their own communities and those most
affected by the fossil fuel industry. We believe
parents are powerful voices in fighting for the
health and safety of our collective future.
The name Mother Up! was inspired by Sun
Dance Chief Rueben George, who, on behalf
of his First Nation, was a co-coordinator of
the fight against the Kinder Morgan proposed
tar sands oil pipeline and tanker expansion.
Chief Ruebens mother, Amy George, a Tsleil-
Waututh elder, told him to Warrior up! In the
fall of 2014, activists from Rising Tide Seattle
were granted permission to adapt this phrase
to Mother Up! and we have been granted
permission to use it here in Vermont. Solidarity
in action!
As a climate justice movement, we must make
sincere efforts to be inclusive to families and
to actively seek out the voices of parents in all
aspects of our work. Mother Up! is intended
as a verb to mother as opposed to a noun.
We believe that mothering the Earth by all
people and genders is part of the solution. The
subheading of Parents Exchange for Change
denotes our mission to be inclusive.
Our vision is to build locally-based parent
networks across Vermont that not only
participate in climate justice work, but also
become leaders in it. We will support these
groups by providing leadership development,
educational opportunities and logistical support.
As a tool to facilitate one-on-one conversations
with Vermont parents, we began with a survey
that asked parents to reflect on their family
structure, the challenges that they face as parents,
and what climate change means to them. To
date, nearly 100 parents from southern and
central Vermont have participated, in addition
to parents from Chittenden County. Survey
results have been used to identify common
concerns, to chart existing parent networks
within communities and to identify potential
parent leaders.
If you are a parent, you are invited to join
us at an upcoming event or meet-up.
(http://350vermont.org/calendar/) You can also
join our active Facebook group, which currently
has nearly 500 members.
Questions? Please contact our project
coordinator, Abby Mnookin, at abby@350vt.
org or at 490-6393.
Upcoming Event
First Central Vermont Mother Up! Gathering
Friday, February 3 (and 1st Fridays)
Hear reports and stories from the Montpelier
and DC marches, talk about next steps, and
watch Joanna Macy's The Great Turning,
a short documentary that will kick off our
year of family activism. Dinner and childcare
provided. To RSVP or for questions, email
geraldine@350vt.org. Event will be from 5:30
to 7 p.m. at North Branch Nature Center, 713
Elm St, Montpelier.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 15
Fossil Fuel Tax Subsidies
subsidy
/sbsd/
noun
a sum of money granted by the government or a
public body to assist an industry or business so that
the price of a commodity or service may remain low
or competitive
$37.5 Billion The approximate amount of U.S. taxpayers money doled out in
subsidies to the fossil fuel industry in a given year.
Includes: $21 Billion in production and exploration subsidies money to help find more
fossil fuels.
Does not include: Costs of climate disruption, health impacts of the oil, gas and coal
industries, massive military cost of acquiring and defending fossil fuels.
*Subsidies can include direct funding and tax giveaways, but also low rates on loans,
price controls, land and resources at below-market rates, money for R&D, etc. This
information is not public, changes annually and can range from $10 Billion to $52
Billion. The fossil fuel industry has spent as much as $42 million in campaign
contributions to Congress in a single election year.
1,056,338,028 The number of gallons of maple syrup 1 billion gallons and
counting you could buy with $37.5 Billion; enough to fill about 1,600 Olympic sized
swimming pools.
*(at $35.50/gallon average bulk Vermont price)
$32.5 Billion Exxon Mobils profit in 2014.
$5.3 Billion Subsidy for solar energy in the United States in 2013, a five-fold
increase from $1.1 Billion the year previous.
$5.1 Billion Subsidy for wind energy in the U.S. in 2013.
405 The number of years it will take to reach 100 percent clean, renewable energy if
we keep installing wind and solar at the rate we did in 2015.* Given the timeline within
which scientists tell us we need to stop burning fossil fuels and actually take carbon out
of the atmosphere, we need to hugely increase clean energy capacity. The investments we
need to be making look more like this:
$158 Billion The amount we need to invest in solar energy each year in this
country in order to reach 100% renewable energy by 2040 building 597 million
300-watt units/year.
$125 Billion The amount we need to invest in wind energy each year in order to
reach 100% renewable energy by 2040 building 21,373 5MW units/year.
$6.3 Trillion Total cost in wind and solar infrastructure investment over 22 years
at the rate above, to reach 100% clean, renewable energy by 2040.
The total cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
0.4 percent Percentage of United States land area that would be needed for
production of 100% renewable energy.
Compiled by Jane Pekol
Individual Actions: We often
ask ourselves, What can I
do? Heres a start
by Central Vermont Climate Action
FIRST STEPS
Can you reduce your carbon footprint even more?
1. Button Up! Air seal, insulate and weatherize your home (efficiencyvermont.com)
2. Buy Local! Keep Vermont dollars in Vermont; support the local economy by reducing
money spent on out-of-state fuel; enjoy fresher local food
3. Less is More! Buy Less, share resources, purchase second-hand
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Use canvas bags instead of paper or plastic
Join your local time bank and tool library (orexchange.org)
4. Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy
Invite a solar contractor in for a price quote
Check out cold-climate heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
5. Share a ride! Its a wonderful way to spend time with your neighbors, while reducing carbon
emissions and saving money. (connectingcommuters.org)
6. Divest from fossil fuels! Its now easier than ever (and prudent!) to find mutual funds
that are fossil fuel free. (fossilfreefunds.org) Encourage your employer to offer fossil fuel free
401Ks. (While these actions may not reduce your carbon footprint directly, its an important
step you can take!)
7. Have fun! Include the family in taking these steps and seek out other ways you can reduce
your carbon footprint.
NEXT STEPS
Already taking first steps? Heres how to have an even greater impact:
1. Empower yourself! Get involved with an organization working for climate, environmental
and social justice. Current campaigns include:
Carbon Pollution Pricing, legislation has been introduced by Energy Independent Vermont
energyindependentvt.org
Divestment of Vermont State Pension Funds from coal and the top 200 Fossil Fuel
Companies
Personal and Institutional Divestment from banks that fund the Dakota Access Pipeline
(defunddapl.org)
Stop the Fracked Gas Pipeline in VT as well as all other new fossil fuel infrastructure
Organizations you may consider joining include:
350Vermont (350vermont.org)
Central Vermont Climate Action, a local group of 350Vermont (facebook.com/
centralvtclimateaction)
Rising Tide Vermont (risingtidevermont.org)
Renewable Energy Vermont (revermont.org)
Vermont Natural Resources Council (vnrc.org)
Energy Independent Vermont (energyindependentvt.org)
Sierra Club of Vermont (vermont.sierraclub.org)
2. Join Car Share! This can save you on the cost and hassle of owning a car while allowing
you access to multiple types of vehicles (including hybrid Priuses, a truck, pet-friendly cars
and a minivan). (carsharevt.org)
3. Walk, bike and ride the bus more frequently.
4. Encourage your friends as well as those in your workplace, school, church and other
organizations you connect with to take these first and next steps as well.
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light helps faith communities achieve these steps (vtipl.
org)
GO Vermont can provide your workplace with carpooling tools (connectingcommuters.org)
5. Take Action! Whether you have 10 minutes to spare, an hour or two a week or more, there
are high impact actions you can take, such as signing a petition, writing a letter to the editor,
calling or meeting with your legislators, showing up at rallies or joining your town energy
board. The possibilities are endless! Most important of all invite your friends to join you!
PAG E 16 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Holding it Together: reflections on youth activism in the

21st century by Erik Gillard

T
he world is falling apart. This may
sound hyperbolic, like something you
felt when you were a teenager or maybe
it's actually how you're feeling now. The truth is,
the world's literally eroding. We've seen the land
get washed away in extreme climate change
weather events, like Hurricane Katrina, Irene
and Super Storm Sandy. And as the Grassroots
Global Justice Alliance says "It takes roots to
weather the storm."
Working with Friends of the Winooski on
their Riparian Restoration Project, teens from
EarthWalk VT have been planting hundreds of
trees each year along the banks of the Winooski.
The tree's roots hold the banks together while
the branches create shaded habitat along the
river. However, helping these trees establish
roots on this one river is not enough to keep the
world from falling apart. Teens also need their
own healthy roots to weather the storm.
Last year at the VT People's Convention for
Human Rights, we (Rising Tide and 350VT)
hosted the VT Youth Activism Summit. The
goal was to provide a supportive environment
for teens to explore and connect around the
issues important to them. I had the chance to
catch up with Maeve, Max and Mianda, three
teens who went to the summit (and helped
organize it!). Here is a little of what they had
to say:
What did it feel like to be at the VT Youth
Activism Summit?
Mianda: It was interesting, kinda scary at first
cause it was a big group of strangers, but it
was presented in a way that it almost instantly
became a community, a safe place ... You could
ask any question that you wanted. I really
appreciate anywhere where you're encouraged to
ask questions and to explain yourself
Maeve: There were folks from all over (who)
gave me perspectives about what's going on
in other areas. It gave me a perspective on the
intersections of movements for race, gender,
climate change and class. That showed another
way that we're all interconnected.
Max: It was a Blast! It was a really important
experience and I'm really glad I went.
What do you think is important about the
intersections of movements that Maeve
mentioned?
Maeve: Well, we're not just one thing. I'm not
just someone who supports climate action, not
just a female. None of us are just one thing, we've
got to learn about other people's experiences and
identities so that we can be inclusive, and create
the most powerful movement we can.
Mianda: I think its really important to have
all ages of people come together to change
things that they think are important. The
world isn't just one age group. We're all in this
together and its important that everyone has a
voice, especially youth when it comes to climate
change, because we're gonna be here a bit longer
and we need the planet to be in good shape.
Can you give an example of the kind of change
you strive to make possible?
Maeve: I remember in Boston when we marched
for Climate Justice and shut down traffic at rush
hour. We were really reaching so many people
and interrupting daily life. Climate change can
be easy to ignore but we were forcing folks to
think about it.
Max: I participated in protesting the VT fracked
gas pipeline. Hundreds of people took over a
construction site at Geprag's Park in Hinesburg. I
was standing on top of a big cargo container with
a group of teens holding a big banner ... and it
really set a spark in my head that climate justice is
what I want to fight for.
Mianda: I feel like I'm helping to make the
change we need most when Im working with
kids. I like the saying be the person you needed
as a child. I try to pay attention to what the
kids are doing because when you feel noticed or
listened to you feel needed. Everyone needs to feel
needed. Everyone is needed.
What kind of support do you feel like you
need in being an activist?
Mianda: I need to feel needed, to be listened to
and encouraged around the ideas I have.
Max: If there is one thing that I would ask for it's
that there be plenty of trainings and gatherings for
me to go to, direct action trainings in particular.
Maeve: The support of the government and
those in highest power to actually listen to
what I have to say because we as young
activists, even though we might not have the
most experience, are still valid and need to be
respected.
Adolescence is a time of rooting and branching
out. As Bill Plotkin writes in Nature and
the Human Soul, adolescence holds the key
to our becoming fully human. It's a time
when teens search for and develop socially
authentic selves, ideally ones rooted in nature,
community and justice. We need look no
further than the President "elect" to see the
disastrous impacts caused by adults who're
stuck as psychological adolescents without
deep understandings of themselves or the
natural world of which they're a part. That
these teens are supported in becoming healthy,
rooted 21st century adults could not be more
important. They, along with us, will hold the
world together.
To learn more about attending, volunteering
or getting involved with this years weeklong
Youth Activism Summer Camp, please
contact vtyouthcamp@gmail.com
Erik "Uncle E-rok" Gillard is a long-time
community organizer and activist who's been
working as a youth mentor for the past 15 years.
He's involved with the 2017 Youth Activism
Camp and also co-leads a weeklong camp for
teens at EarthWalk VT.

Upcoming Climate Change Events

Thursday, February 2
Ride for Resistance: East Coast Red Warrior Tour (Standing Rock). Water protectors from
The Red Warrior Society and Mothers Against Meth Alliance are traveling from Standing Rock
to the east coast this winter and they are coming to Vermont! Join us for an evening of learning,
reflection, and raising funds to support these warriors. Potluck dinner and welcome 67 p.m.
followed by presentation. Please bring a cash or check donation. 69 p.m. Unitarian Church of
Montpelier, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
Saturday, February 4Saturday, February 11
Week of Action VT. Join us February 411 for a Week of Action to stop the last leg of construction
of the Vermont Gas Pipeline. We invite you to take action over the course of the week to protect
Geprags Park and our planet. No new fossil fuel infrastructure not in Vermont, not anywhere.
To get plugged into action plans contact weekofactionvt@gmail.com and for the latest updates,
visit facebook.com/WeekOfActionVT
Monday February 6
Friday, February 10
Festival of Trees. The Second Festival of Trees will acknowledge the work of students in two
Montpelier school classes in learning to steward the newer and older trees on and around St. Paul
Street. It will also educate the public about the vital importance of a healthy tree inventory in
Montpelier and highlight the opportunity for a second Montpelier street to plant 12 to 14 trees
provided by the Montpelier Tree Board. 1:304 p.m. in the Hayes Room of Kellogg Hubbard
Library.
All of this imagination can only make a difference, however, if we citizens of Montpelier embrace
these solutions and accept the changes they will bring to our daily lives. But if we are going to
adequately respond to the serious challenges of climate change, as well as economic and resource
challenges, our lives will have to change. The real question is how soon we want to respond, and
begin the Greening of Vermont on a 21st-century scale.
Ongoing Meetings:
Central Vermont Climate Action (CVCA) Meetings. First Monday and Third Sunday of Each
Month. Next Meeting Monday, February 6

Part of the Week of Action VT, TD Bank: Out of DAPL, Out of Vermont! TD Bank 132 CVCA is a local group of 350Vermont committed to learning, planning, and acting together
Main St., Montpelier noon2 p.m. facebook.com/WeekOfActionVT around climate change. We welcome you to the conversation! Monday, Feb. 6; Sunday, Feb. 19
and continuing each month, 78 p.m. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
centralvtclimateaction@gmail.com; facebook.com/centralvtclimateaction

Festival of Trees and the

St. Paul Street Tree Project
T
he SPS TREE PROJECT was launched a year ago at the First Festival of Trees on January
24, 2016. St. Paul Street, over the past decade, lost 10 large trees, mostly maples, to
damage from storm drain upgrades, sidewalk salt, and soil compaction. Working together,
members of the project planted 23 trees on St. Paul Street last year to create a natural system to
mitigate climate change problems such as temperature extremes and stormwater runoff.
The tree planting aspect of the SPS Tree Project also addresses improving neighborhood
soil quality for the trees, increasing habitat for
birds and other urban wildlife, increasing flowering
fruit, berry and nut trees for stressed pollinators,
improving air quality in the neighborhood, and
providing an outdoor classroom for teaching next
generation science standards to elementary and
middle school students through tree stewardship.
The SPS Tree Project is a collaboration between
St. Paul Street residents, a number of AmeriCorps
and International Peace volunteers, the Baird Street
Apartments, S & R Services, Heney Properties,
the Lighthouse Christian Church, the Montpelier
Parks and Trees Department, the Montpelier Tree
Board, the Green Mount Cemetery, and the Norm
Hudson Tree Nursery at the North Branch Nature
Center.
SPS Tree Stewards Outdoor Classroom
5th Grade Students plant trees and study
Red Oak Arbor Day last spring
 Calendar of Events
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 17
Community Events
Events happening
February 2 to 18
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Hearing Workshop Series: Free Hearing
Screenings. With Dr. Elizabeth Adams who is a
clinical professor from the Dept. of Communication
Sciences and Disorders at UVM and a VT licensed
audiologist. 14 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131
S. Main St., #4, Barre. Free. Registration required:
479-9512
Estate Planning Seminar. Attorney Richard
Linton Brock of Brock & Brock PLLC in will
discuss estate law. Attorney Brock will define
property, discuss what happens to property when
you die and considerations in planning for what
happens to your property, and share mechanisms for
realizing your plan for what is to happen. 1:302:30
p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre
St., Montpelier. Free. 223-2518.
Pop Up Vinyasa. 23:30 p.m. The Everything
Space, 64 Main St., 3rd floor, Montpelier. Register:
hannasatt@gmail.com
Stress and FOOD. The second in a 3 part series!
Learn about FOODs that help ease the burden on
the body and foods that can cause harm to the body
during stressful times. 5:306:30 p.m. Hunger
Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $7 members; $10
non-members.
Co-op Conversation Member Discount
Program. Join Hunger Mountain Co-op for
a small group facilitated discussion about our
current member discount program. Over the past
few years, we have seen our member discounts
growing faster than other parts of our operations.
If this trend continues, we will need to make some
adjustments. We want to hear your thoughts.
5:307 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135
Main St., Montpelier. RSVP: 223-8000 or info@
hungermountain.coop.
Poetry Group. New poetry group coordinated by
Monica Stillman. Limited to five people. Bring a
poem to share. 6 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,
135 Main St., Montpelier. Reserve: mstillman123@
gmail.com
Charlie Nardozzi Talks Small Space Gardening.
Nardozzi will be talking to the audience about
gardening in small landscape space including
container gardening. 78 p.m. Stowe Free Library,
90 Pond St., Stowe. Free. 253-6145. librarian@
stowelibrary.org. http://stowelibrary.org/friends-of-
the-library.php
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Wellness Center Open House. Free services
throughout the day: chair massage, flower essence
consultations, astrology readings, facial cupping
and tarot readings. 11 a.m.8 p.m. Grian Herbs
Apothecary, Montpelier. grianherbs.com 223-0043
Coloring Night. Kelley Hunter shares pages from
her new Planetary Gods and Goddesses Coloring
Book: Astronomy and Myths of the New Solar
System. BYO materials. 7 p.m. Espresso Bueno,
248 N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Friends Annual Book Sale and Jaquith Library
Open House. Find some great books and then go to
the library for music, refreshments and kid friendly
activities. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Jaquith Public Library,
School St., Marshfield. 426-3581. Book donations
may be dropped off at the library one week in
advance.
Safe Sitter Babysitting Course. This course
prepares students to safely handle situations that
happen when home alone, watching younger
siblings, or babysitting. Through fun activities and
role-playing exercises, they learn life-saving skills
such as how to rescue someone who is choking and
what to do if there is severe weather. For students
grades 68. 9 a.m.2:30 p.m. Gifford Conference
Center, Randolph. $25. Limited to 8 students.
Register: 728-2274.
Orchard Valley Waldorf School Winter Fair. A
day of activities promoting peace, love and joyful
embrace of community. Storytelling and puppet
shows, candle-dipping, flower seed balls, origami,
wet felting, clay hearts to decorate, Valentines cards
and more. Sleigh rides, facepainting, snow cave,
Cake Game. All ages welcome. 10 a.m.2 p.m.
Orchard Valley Waldorf School, 2290 VT Rt. 14N,
E. Montpelier. Free. 456-7400. ovws.org.
Capital City Farmers Market. Fresh meat
and produce, artisan bread and cheese, hot
food and crafts. 10 a.m.2 p.m. New location:
City Center, 89 Main St., Montpelier. www.
montpelierfarmersmarket.com
Sock Hop. Step back in time with us to the times of
poodle skirts and simpler times. The Adams Band
entertains with music from the 50s through 70s.
Burgers ,dogs, fries, shakes and cookies for sale.
Doors open 6 p.m.; music 711 p.m. American
Legion Post, 16 Stowe St., Waterbury. $10 donation
benefits Auxiliarys scholarship and veterans
programs.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Cross-country Ski/Snowshoe Morristown with
Green Mountain Club. Moderate. 4.6 miles.
Beaver Meadow Lodge. The first half mile is flat
and becomes more rolling. There is a stove at the
lodge so feel free to bring a dish to warm up and
share. Bring food and warm beverages. Meet at
Montpelier High School or at the Beaver Meadow
winter parking lot. Contact Michael Chernick, 249-
0520 or chernick5@comcast.net for meeting times
and driving directions.
Sewing Sundays. Share new skills and sewing
projects in community. No instruction open
sewing time. Sewing machines and basic notions
provided. 14 p.m. Helen Day Art Center, 90
Pond St., Stowe. Free. http://www.helenday.com/
education/adults#Sewing_Sundays
Song Circle Singalong. Community singalong
open to all ages and musical abilities. First Sunday
of every month. 68 p.m. Center for Arts and
Learning, Room 109, 46 Barre St, Montpelier. Free.
http://cal-vt.org. 595-5252
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Walk-in Herb Clinic with Allison and Beracah.
Short consultations and herbal recommendations
on a sliding scale, on first Monday of the month.
Walk-in chair massage with Emilie Savitri available
too. 14 p.m. Grian Herbs Apothecary, Montpelier.
grianherbs.com 223-0043
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Acupuncture Talk & Clinic. Jennifer Etheridge,
licensed acupuncturist with Integrative
Acupuncture will present on Herbal Remedies for
Winter, 2:453:15 p.m. This free lecture will be
followed by an acupuncture clinic, 3:154:45 p.m.
30-minute, $10 auricular (outer ear) treatments
take place in a group setting. Arrive by 4:15 for a
treatment. No appointment necessary. Open to
everyone 50+. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
Barre St., Montpelier, 223-2518
CVSWMD Public Meeting. Vermonts Universal
Recycling Law (Act 148) allows some commercial
hauling routes to be exempted from the requirement
to offer collection services of leaf and yard residuals
and food residuals within specific low-density
populated areas. Join us to discuss the potential of
exemptions in the Central Vermont Solid Waste
Management District. 56 p.m. ARCC, 540 N.
Performing Arts
THEATER, DANCE,
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Feb. 34: Winter Dance Gala Contemporary
Dance Performances. The Vermont Dance
Alliance presents VTs finest new works,
highlighting choreographers from around the
state and region. 7 p.m. City Hall Art Center,
39 Main St., Montpelier. Tickets: 229-0492
or http://lostnationtheater.org/vermont-dance-
alliance.html
Feb. 4: FEMCOM. All-female standup comedy.
8:30 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St.,
Barre. Free/by donation. 479-0896. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Feb. 912: Beauty Queen of Leenane.
Presented by the Johnson State College
theater department. The production, by Irish
playwright Martin McDonagh, is a dark
comedy about a woman who becomes her
mothers caregiver. Feb. 911, 7 p.m.; Feb. 12, 2
p.m. Johnson State College, Dibden Center for
the Arts, Johnson. $10. 635-1476.
Feb. 10: Cirque Zuma Zuma. Acrobatics,
juggling and traditional dance from one of the
worlds premier African circus troupes. 7:30
p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre.
$1536. Barreoperahouse.org. 476-8188.
Feb. 17: PBS Kids Splash and Bubbles! Join
us at Catamount Arts and watch Splash and
Bubbles adventure the sea together! 9:3010:30
a.m. 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury. Free.
748-2600
Feb. 18: Spiritual Storytelling. Listen to
renowned storytellers Burr Morse and Nona
Estrin. Audience participation is invited
by drawing names from the hat, or simply
relax in the beauty of this historic landmark
building. 7 p.m.; potluck precedes at 6 p.m.
The Old Meeting House, 1620 Center Rd., E.
Montpelier. Free. 249-0404.
Send your event listing to
calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the next issue
is February 9.
PAG E 18 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Open mic every
Wed. Other shows T.B.A. bagitos.com.
Feb. 2: Colin McCaffrey & Friends, 68 p.m.
Feb. 3: Jazz Duo Art Herttua & Ray Carroll, 68
p.m.
Feb. 4: Irish Session, 25 p.m.
Feb. 5: Bleecker & MacDougal (folk ballads) 11
a.m.1 p.m.
Feb. 10: Stefani Capizzi (folk/country/blues) 68
p.m.
Feb. 11: Irish Session, 25 p.m.
Feb. 12: Southern Old Time Music Jam, 10 a.m.1
p.m.
Feb. 14: Moulton & Whipple, The Frozen Finger
Boys, 68 p.m.
Feb. 15: Papa Graybeard Blues Keith Williams
(blues/folk) 68 p.m.
Feb. 16: Red Clay Montpelier Jazz H.S. Band (high
energy jazz) 68 p.m.
Feb. 17: Dave Loughran (acoustic classic rock) 68
p.m.
Feb. 18: Irish Session, 2 5 p.m.
Main St., Barre. 229-9383 X101. brucew@cvswmd.
org.
Film Screening: "13th." Director Ava DuVernays
2016 documentary 13th is about the impact of
race on the U.S. criminal justice system. 68:30
p.m. Johnson State College, Bentley Hall, Rm. 207,
Johnson. Free.
Readers' Theater: "Holiday." All are invited to
take a part as we read from Phillip Barrys play.
6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. If you plan to read, please RSVP with
Nancy Schulz: SaddleShoes2@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Co-op Conversation Member Discount
Program. Join Hunger Mountain Co-op for a
small group facilitated discussion about our current
member discount program. Over the past few years,
we have seen our member discounts growing faster
than other parts of our operations. If this trend
continues, we will need to make some adjustments.
We want to hear your thoughts. 1011 a.m. Hunger
Mountain Coop, Montpelier. RSVP: 223-8000 or
info@hungermountain.coop.
Song Circle and Circle-songs with Heidi Wilson.
Start with songs from Rise Up Singing, then explore
circle singing. All voices and ages welcome. Every
second Wed. 6:458:15 p.m. Jaquith Public Library,
School St., Marshfield. 426-3581.
Remedies for Detoxification and Personal
Growth. Explore a variety of holistic healing tools
that can help balance hormones in the body and
foster healthy emotional bandwidth. 67 p.m.
Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier. Free.
Paint n Sip Pallette Party. 68 p.m. Bagitos, 28
Main St., Montpelier.
Moonlight Hike/Snowshoe with Green Mountain
Club. Montpelier. Easy. Evening snowshoe hike
exploration of local trails by moonlight. Bring
Calendar of Events
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.
Feb. 3: Scott Graves (acoustic) 6 p.m.; Talking
Doctor (rock) 9 p.m.
Feb. 4: Comedy Open Mic 6 p.m.; Robin Gottfried
Band (rock) 9 p.m.
Feb. 10: Matt Olson (Americana) 6 p.m.; John
Lackard Band (blues) 9 p.m.
Feb. 11: Comedy Open Mic 6 p.m.; Heartless
(Heart tribute) 9 p.m.
Feb. 17: Joe Sabourin (acoustic) 6 p.m.; Zeus
Springsteen (rock) 9 p.m.
Feb. 18: Comedy Open Mic 6 p.m.; Tsunamibots,
The Martians (surf punk) 9 p.m.
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 479-0896. Fanning and cellist Dieuwke Davydov have been
Free/by donation unless otherwise noted. events@
espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.
Feb. 3: The Barn Band (Americana) 8 p.m.
Feb. 4: Abby Jenne (rock) 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 11: Jazzyaoke (live-jazz karaoke) 7:30 p.m. $5. under free. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org
Feb. 18: My Mothers Moustache (strange folk) 7
p.m.; Belle of the Fall (indie folk) 8 p.m.
Positive Pie. 10 p.m. 22 State St., Montpelier. 229- indie-soul/blues band. 7:30 p.m. Spruce Peak
0453. positivepie.com.
Feb. 3: Mr. Burns (of Lynguistic Civillians) and
Friends (hip-hop) $5
headlamp. Meet at 7 p.m. Contact Jill Aspinall,
happy.jillaspinall@gmail for details and meeting
place.
Building Sled: A Boat for Climate Change. Sailor
Steve Lobb will discuss the boat he designed to
handle climate change. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338; www.
kellogghubbard.org
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Hunger Mountain Co-op Member Appreciation
Day. Member-owner discounts all day. Free chair
massages in the caf, 10 a.m.6:45 p.m.; cookie
decorating, 10 a.m.noon; music by Nineteen
Strings, 46 p.m. Open to all. Hunger Mountain
Coop, Montpelier.
GED Testing. The GED is widely accepted high-
school-equivalency credential for adults who did
not graduate from high school. 11 a.m. Morrisville
Learning Center, 52 Portland St., Morrisville. 888-
5531.
Art History: Black Artists in America. From the
slave crafts of tools and quilts in the 18th century to
paintings and sculpture in the 19th century, black
artists worked in the Western cultural tradition to
be accepted in that world. Gradually in the 20th
century, black artists expressed black life in America
as a fusion of African and Caribbean styles with that
European tradition. 12:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior
Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free.
223-2518
JSC Faculty Lecture Talk: Race in Higher
Education. With Johnson State College assistant
education professor Hannah Miller. 45 p.m.
Johnson State College, Johnson. Free. http://www.
jsc.edu/news-events/events/faculty-lecture-series.
CVSWMD Public Meeting. Vermonts Universal
Recycling Law (Act 148) allows some commercial
hauling routes to be exempted from the requirement
to offer collection services of leaf and yard residuals
Feb. 10: Electrolads (electronica) $10
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. 9: Broken String (bluegrass)
Feb. 10: Kelly Ravin (country/blues)
Feb. 11: Susannah Blachly/Patti Casey (folk/
Americana)
Feb. 16: Full Of Trees (singer/songwriter)
Feb. 17: Shape and Color Trio (jazz)
Feb. 18: Bob Dylan Wannabe winners
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 4: The Davydov/Fanning Duo. Pianist Diana
acclaimed in the U.S. and abroad for their virtuosic
brilliance, musical insight, and remarkable rapport as
a duo. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts, Main
St., Randolph. $20 advance; $22 day of; kids 17 and
Feb. 4: Dwight & Nicole. Nicole Nelson and Dwight
Ritcher make up this critically acclaimed American
Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe.
$20 advance; $25 day of after 5 p.m. spucepeakarts.
org. 760-4634.
and food residuals within specific low-density
populated areas. Join us to discuss the potential
of exemptions in the Central Vermont Solid
Waste Management District. 56 p.m. Hardwick
Municipal Building, 20 Church St., Hardwick. 229-
9383 X101. brucew@cvswmd.org
Co-op Conversation Member Discount
Program. Join Hunger Mountain Co-op for a
small group facilitated discussion about our current
member discount program. Over the past few years,
we have seen our member discounts growing faster
than other parts of our operations. If this trend
continues, we will need to make some adjustments.
We want to hear your thoughts. 1011 a.m. Hunger
Mountain Coop, Montpelier. RSVP: 223-8000 or
info@hungermountain.coop.
Playing to Win at Personal Finance! Introductory
workshop with Certified Financial Educator
Nicole DiDomenico about the best practices
for personal finances. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard
Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338; www.
kellogghubbard.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Cross-country Ski with Green Mountain Club.
Stowe. Moderate. 6.5 miles. Start at Sterling Gorge
and ski the Catamount Trail south to Peek-A-View
Mountain, where you can relax in a bench swing
with a view of Mt Mansfield. Metal edged skis
recommended. Contact Steve and Heather Bailey,
stevecbailey@gmail.com or 609-424-9238 for
meeting time and place.
American Red Cross Blood Donation
Opportunities: Berlin. Following several rounds of
severe winter weather in many parts of the country,
the ARC urges eligible blood and platelet donors to
help restock its shelves to overcome a shortage. 11:30
a.m.4:30 p.m. Berlin Mall, 282 Berlin Mall Rd.,
Berlin. 1-800-RED CROSS. redcrossblood.org
Wildlife Tracking Workshop. Participants will
Feb. 4: Barnstar! Bluegrass-based, genre-bending
music filled with jawdropping harmonizing, emotive
ensemble playing, and a raucous immediacy. 7:30
p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $24.
Barreoperahouse.org. 476-8188.
Feb. 9: James Hill and Anne Janelle. Boy Meets Girl,
Uke Meets Cello. 7:30 p.m. A ukulele workshop
with James Hill will be held prior to the concert from
56:30 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center,
122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. Show only $2233. Show
and workshop $70. spucepeakarts.org. 760-4634.
Feb. 10: Vermont Fiddle Orchestra and Young
Traditions Touring Group Concert. 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts, 71 Main St.,
Randolph. $13 advance; $15 at door; $10 students;
kids under 5 free. chandler-arts.org. 728-6464.
Feb. 1112: Vermont Philharmonic 2017 Annual
Winter Concert. Music Of Joy And Sorrow.
Featuring Lou Kosma (Conductor), Mary Bonhag
(Soprano) and Jonathan Goff (Piano, winner of the
2016 Borowicz Memorial Scholarship) with music by
Nielsen, Gershwin, Gorecki and Tchaikovsky. Adults
$15; seniors $12; students $5. Vermontphilharmonic.
org. 476-8188
Feb. 11: 7:30 p.m. Elley-Long Music Center at St.
Michaels College, Colchester
Feb. 12: 2 p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N Main
St., Barre.
learn what to look for while out on a hike or in
their own backyard. Learn how to solve natures
mysteries at EarthWalk! 14 p.m. Goddard College
Campus, 123 Pitkin Rd, Plainfield. Pre-registration
is required: $25/adult, teen and Elders $10/
accompanied child (ages 6-12). Discounts available
for groups and AmeriCorps members. kelsey@
earthwalkvermont.org. 454-8500
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Dance, Sing, and Jump Around! Family dance for
all ages; circle and line dances and singing games,
all taught and called; live traditional music. 34:30
p.m. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, Rt. 2,
Plainfield. $5 suggested donation. No one is turned
away. http://dancesingandjumparound.weebly.com
Film showing of "Vaxxed." Free film showing
followed by open discussion. VAXXED: From
Cover-up to Catastrophe is a story of collusion,
corruption, and fraud at the very agency that claims
to be protecting the public health. 36 p.m. Maple
Corner Community Center, 64 W. County Rd.,
Calais. Limited parking, please carpool.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13
American Red Cross Blood Donation
Opportunities: Berlin. Following several rounds of
severe winter weather in many parts of the country,
the ARC urges eligible blood and platelet donors
to help restock its shelves to overcome a shortage.
9 a.m.2 p.m. Central Vermont Medical Center,
130 Fisher Rd., Berlin. 1-800-RED CROSS.
redcrossblood.org
Valentine's Dinner at Twin Valley Senior Center.
Turkey, mashed potato & gravy, vegetable, rolls and
dessert. Eat-in or takeout. 4:307 p.m. TVSC, Rt.
2, E. Montpelier. By donation. Reserve: 223-3322 or
twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net
Vermont & the 13th Amendment: Ratification
at Montpelier. Presentation by Howard Coffin on
the Civil Wars end and the anti-slavery amendment.
7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3338. www.kellogghubbard.org
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14
American Red Cross Blood Donation
Opportunities: Waitsfield. Following several
rounds of severe winter weather in many parts of the
country, the ARC urges eligible blood and platelet
donors to help restock its shelves to overcome a
shortage. 1:306:30 p.m. Fayston Elementary, 782
German Flats Rd., Waitsfield. 1-800-RED CROSS.
redcrossblood.org
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Sing-a-long at Twin Valley Senior Center. With
pianist Pat Mayhew. All ages welcome. 12 p.m.
TVSC, Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free; donations
welcome.
Do What You Do Best.
Bookkeeping Payroll Consulting
802.262.6013 evenkeelvt.com
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 19

Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through Feb. 3: VCFA MFA in Visual Art Program:
New and Returning Student Exhibitions. Exhibit
hours: 9 a.m.6 p.m. Vermont College of Fine Arts
Alumni Hall, College St., Montpelier. Gallery may
be closed for critiques and reviews as determined by
the program.
Through Feb. 3: VCFA MFA in Visual Art Program:
Graduating Student Exhibition. Exhibit hours: 9
a.m.6 p.m. Vermont College of Fine Arts Gallery,
College Hall, College Street, Montpelier.The daily
exhibitions are free, and open to the public most
days. Please be considerate of critique groups and
closures as needed for academic purposes.
Through Feb. 4: Joan Brace ONeal, The White
Slip Drawings. This provocative body of work
began in 1998 and reflects Joan Brace ONeals
fascination with the human figure and non-verbal
communication. Axels Gallery, 5 Stowe St.,
Waterbury. 244-7801. AxelsGallery.com
Through Feb. 25: Twinfield Student Work.
Twinfield 2D Media and Painting students will
be exhibiting their work from this semester. Work
will include charcoal drawings, pastels and acrylics.
Selecting, preparing and exhibiting art work are
part of the Twinfield Proficiency Based Graduation
Requirements. Jaquith Public Library, School St.,
Marshfield.
Feb. 328: Cathy Stevens-Pratt. Cathy Stevens-
Pratt is a graphic designer and illustrator creating
Calendar of Events
whimsical and colorful paintings, prints and
cards. Featuring her latest series of Cats, of course.
Opening: Feb. 3, 48 p.m. Cheshire Cat, 28 Elm
St., Montpelier. 223-1981. www.cheshirecatclothing.
com
Through Feb. 28: Susan Morse, Naturescapes.
Photography exhibit. Chelsea Public Library, 296
VT-110, Chelsea. 685-2188.
Through Feb. 28: Lila Rees and Morgan Jacques.
Oil paintings by tattoo artist, Lila Rees and nature
and portrait photography by Morgan Jacques.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
223-3338.
Through Feb. 28: Neysa Russo, Friends &
Lovers. Wool felt tapestries. Special Valentines
theme but also includes new tapestries of medieval
guardians, horses and musicians. Bagitos, 28 Main
St., Montpelier. neysa.russo@live.com, www.
thespinningstudio.com
Through March 3: Heart of Vermont Quilt Guild
Exhibit. Includes work of twelve Guild members.
The Guilds mission is to provide a welcoming
group that can teach, encourage, excite and inspire
Guild members to reach whatever level of craft they
are comfortable with. Works from the T.W. Wood
permanent Collection and the Works Progress
Administration: Federal Art Collection will also be
showing. Celebratory opening talk by Paula Higgins:
Feb. 3, 67:30 p.m. T. W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre
St., Montpelier. twwoodgallery@gmail.com
Through March 4: 3 New Shows at Studio Place
Arts. Opening reception: Feb. 4, 35 p.m. SPA,
201 N. Main St., Barre. 469-7069. studioplacearts.
com
Main floor gallery: Round & Around: Art
exploring spheres, circles and endless loops.
Curated by Janet Van Fleet.
Second floor gallery: Clever Hand by Carol
Radspecher
Third floor gallery: Classic to Spontaneous
Letterforms: Retrospective exhibit of Rene
Schalls calligraphy
Through March 5: Glue, Paper, Scissors. An
exhibit of collage, painted and drawn images by
Marie LaPr Grabon and Kathy Stark. Both artists
find inspiration through their personal observation,
reflection and interpretation of the world around
them. The Gallery at River Arts, 74 Pleasant Street,
Morrisville. www.riverartsvt.org.
Feb. 3March 11: Show 15. The Front presents
SHOW 15, the gallerys latest show of contemporary
Vermont-made art. SHOW 15 part of Vermont
Arts 2017, a project of the Vermont Arts Council.
Opening reception: Feb. 3, 48 p.m. Gallery
hours: Sat., 11 a.m.8 p.m./ Fri. & Sat., 58 p.m. 6
Barre St., Montpelier. www.thefrontvt.com. info@
thefrontvt.com
Through March 17: Response. Photography exhibit
featuring work by Vermont artists Kelly Holt,
Duncan Johnson and Mary Zompetti. Part of the
On Photography exhibit series. Reception: Feb. 8,
5 p.m. Johnson State College, Julian Scott Memorial
Gallery, Johnson. jsc.edu/Dibden. 635-1469.
Through March 31: Lark Upson, Portraits.
Attention to oil painting, especially portraits. Upson
also has a strong interest in the protection of our
wildlife and environmental preservation. Vermont
Supreme Court Gallery, 111 State St., Montpelier.
Through March 31: From Far Away Selected
works by Stephen M. Schaub. Solo exhibition.
Gallery hours: 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Photo I.D. required.
Governors Gallery, 109 State St., Montpelier
Feb. 17March 31: Amy Ross, Butterfly Effect.
Graphite, watercolor, walnut ink and collaged paper.
Walker Contemporary, 4403 Main St., Waitsfield.
Gallery hours: Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.5:30 p.m.
617.842.3332. mail@walkercontemporary.com www.
walkercontemporary.com
Through March 31: Linda Mirabile, Avian
Inspired. A series of paintings inspired by the avian
world. The Gallery at Central Vermont Medical
Center, Berlin. 279-6403. moetown52@comcast.net
Through April 8: Pria Cambio, And Somewhere
Else Theres a Beach. Vibrant beachscape paintings
and drawings. Morse Block Deli, 260 N. Main St.,
Barre. morseblockdeli.com
Through April 8: Natalie Jeremijenko.
International artist, inventor and engineer activates
the galleries with past work and new initiatives
focused on environmental issues. Helen Day Art
Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. By donation. helenday.
com
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 3: Montpelier ArtWalk. 48 p.m. Art openings
and showings in various downtown Montpelier
locations. @MontpelierArtWalk on Facebook.
Feb. 3: Opening reception: Watercolor Paintings
by Fiona Sullivan. 67 p.m. during ArtWalk. Grian
Herbs Apothecary, Montpelier. grianherbs.com 802-
223-0043

PoemCity Now Accepting

Childrens Film Night at Jaquith Public Library.
The Gruffalo. For kids of all ages and their grown-
ups. Come enjoy a short, 30-minute film before
community supper is served. 5:30 p.m. Jaquith
Public Library, School St., Marshfield.
Moving Pictures: Films about Immigration. A
stimulating film series which will challenge your
ideas about immigration. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public
Library, School St., Marshfield.
Understanding Childhood: A series of Parent
Education Evenings at Orchard Valley. Your
Emerging Adolescent (ages 12-14): What to
expect and how the Waldorf curriculum supports
the budding young person, led by high school
Initiative faculty and OVWS faculty. 78:30 pm.
OVWS, 2290 VT Rt. 14N, E. Montpelier. Free.
enrollment@ovws.org. 456-7400.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
The New Community Project with Pete Antos-
Ketcham. Learn how NCP uses Sustainable Living
Centers to promote energy efficiency, eco-building
principles, sustainable transportation. 68 p.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.
223-3338
Natural Marshfield: Medicinal Uses of Invasive
Plants. Betsy Bancroft, VCIH Herbalist, will talk
about the medicinal uses of invasive plants. 7 p.m
Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield. 426-
3581.
of riding in the country. The book describes the
first long-distance rides and adventurous tours
by bike. 6:30 p.m. Onion River Sports, Langdon
St., Montpelier. https://www.facebook.com/
events/1059408090849268/
Film: A Tribute to David Budbill. Thanks to a small
Submissions
group of David Budbills friends, including poet
Jody Gladding, poetry organizer Lisa von Kann, MONTPELIER The Kellogg-Hubbard Library invites Vermont poets professional or
and painter Susan Walp, a sold-out tribute to one of amateurto submit their original poems for PoemCity 2017, a city-wide event, now in its ninth
Vermonts most beloved poets and playwrights took year, that displays poetry on local business storefronts as a way to celebrate National Poetry Month.
place on June 13, 2016 just three months before Chosen poems will appear throughout the downtown district of Montpelier for the month of April
David died. The tribute which features a dozen 2017.
poets, actors, and friends reading Davids poetry,
plays, and essays was hosted by Montpeliers Lost Poetry has an important place in the lives of Vermonters, said PoemCity
Nation Theater and filmed by Susan Bettmann.
Director Rachel Senechal. PoemCity collaborates with many organizations, schools, and
Join David Budbills daughter and literary
individuals, to read, hear, write, and discuss poetry, the language of the soul. With the many
executor, Nadine Budbill, and videographer, Susan
Bettmann, to view the film of the tribute, followed poems displayed in our downtown windows, it is our goal to make poetry accessible to our
by refreshments and sharing. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public community, and to inspire new readers and writers of poetry, she said.
Library, School St., Montpelier.
Along with displayed poems, PoemCity will offer poetry workshops, public readings, panel
discussions, and visual poetry and art displays throughout downtown. The month-long schedule
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 of events and programming is free and open to the public.
Morning Garden Parent/Child Class Begins.
New 10-week class, Saturdays 911 am. Share a Poets of all ages are welcome to submit up to three poems no longer than 24 lines each for
rhythmic morning in a home-like setting in our consideration of public display. Each poem should be original work by the author, who must be a
Early Childhood Farmhouse. Songs and stories, Vermont resident or student. Deadline to submit is February 8, 2017.
time to share questions and ideas about your
growing children, and outside time on our beautiful Visit http://www.kellogghubbardlibrary.submittable.comto submit.
campus. For beginning walkers up to age 3, with a
caregiver. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, Rt. 14, E.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Evening of the Star Senator Bill Doyle. Please
join the VTGOP and WCGOP and Vermonters
from across the state at a reception honoring Senator
Bill Doyle and his 48 years in the State Senate. In
addition to a DJ, hors doeuvres and a cash bar, hear
from an outstanding list of well-known speakers who
have worked with Sen. Doyle over the years. 5:30
p.m. Capitol Plaza, 100 State St., Montpelier. $48.
223-3411. jeff@vtgop.org
Book Signing & Presentation: Old Wheelways.
Join Velo Vermont Vintage for an evening of
books, photos, vintage bikes and celebrate the joy
Montpelier. Register: 456-7400, lynn.n@ovws.org,
www.ovws.org/morning-garden
Capital City Farmers Market. Fresh meat
RecyclE This Paper!
and produce, artisan bread and cheese, hot
food and crafts. 10 a.m.2 p.m. New location:
City Center, 89 Main St., Montpelier. www.
montpelierfarmersmarket.com
GED Testing. The GED is widely accepted high-
school-equivalency credential for adults who did not
graduate from high school. 11 a.m. Barre Learning
Center, 26 Washington St., Barre. 476-4588
For more event listings
and event details visit
montpelierbridge.com
PAG E 2 0 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Calendar of Events
Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue),
Weekly/Ongoing
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.
ARTS & CRAFTS
twinvalleyseniors.org.
Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds
Beaders Group. All levels of beading experience
benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and
welcome. Free instruction available. Come with
Fri., noon1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30
a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11
11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58
a.m.2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.
Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7
Drop-in River Arts Elder Art Group. Work on art, suggested donation; under 60 $7. Reservations:
share techniques and get creative with others. Bring 262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.
your own art supplies. For elders 60+. Every Fri.,
HEALTH & WELLNESS
10 a.m.noon. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St.,
Morrisville. Free. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.
Turning Point Center. Safe, supportive place
The Craftees. Crafts social group led by Nancy
Moran every Fri. Bring craft and potluck. 10
for individuals and their families in or seeking
recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.5 p.m. 489 North Main
a.m.2 p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S. Main
St., Barre. 479-7373.
St., #4, Barre. $3. Register: 479-9512
Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.
Art Classes. Fridays Jan. 27March 3, 35 p.m.
Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte 2, East Montpelier. Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops,
To sign up or for more information call Susan 67:30 p.m.
Crampton at 223-6954 or email cramptonsr@ Wed.: Wits End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.
hotmail.com.
Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.
Arts & Crafts. Every third Fri. With Sandi
Kirkland. 10 a.m.noon. Barre Area Senior Center, Al-Anon. Help for friends and families of
131 S. Main St., #4, Barre. $3. Register: 479-9512 Alcoholics.
Sun.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier
(back door) 6:157:30 p.m.
BICYCLING Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Open Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community bike Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m.
shop: bike donations and repairs. Wed., 46 p.m.;
other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre St., Wed.: Bethany Church,115 Main St.,
Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org. Montpelier (basement) 78 p.m.
Thurs.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
BOOKS & WORDS
Montpelier (basement) noon1 p.m
Sat.: Turning Point, N. Main St., Barre, 5 p.m.
Lunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and
(child friendly meeting)
practice your language skills with neighbors.
Noon1 p.m. Mon., American Sign Language; Bone Building Exercises. Open to all ages. Every
Tues., Italian; Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French. Mon., Wed. and Fri. 7:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
Montpelier. 223-3338. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
English Conversation Practice Group. For Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers.
students learning English for the first time. Tues., Advanced class: every Mon. and Fri., 12 p.m.
45 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Beginners class: Tues. and Thurs. 1011 a.m.
Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St. 223- Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte. 2, E.
3403. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.
Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group.
and share some good books. Books chosen by Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every
group. Thurs., 910 a.m. Central Vermont Adult Mon., 2:303:30 p.m. and every Fri., 23 p.m.
Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St.,
State St. 223-3403. Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@
montpelier-vt.org.
Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m.
BUSINESS, FINANCE, Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-
3483.
COMPUTERS, EDUCATION Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Program.
One-on-One Technology Help Sessions. Free
assistance to patrons needing help with their Education and support to help adults at high risk
computers and other personal electronic devices. of developing type 2 diabetes adopt healthier eating
30 min. one-on-one sessions every Tues., 10 a.m. and exercise habits that can lead to weight loss
and reduced risk. Every Tues., 10:3011:30 a.m.
noon. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St.,
Kingwood Health Center Conference Room (lower
Waterbury. Free. Registration required: 244-7036.
level), 1422 Rt. 66, Randolph. Free. Register: 728-
Personal Financial Management Workshops. 7714.
Learn about credit/debit cards, credit building and
repair, budgeting and identity theft, insurance,
investing, retirement. Tues., 68 p.m. Central
Tai Chi for Falls Prevention. With Diane Des
Bois. Beginners and mixed levels welcome. 2:15
p.m. Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S., Main St.,
Vermont Medical Center, Conference Room 3.
Registration: 371-4191. #4, Barre. Free. Register: 479-9512.
Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step program for
physically, emotionally and spiritually overcoming
FOOD & DRINK overeating. Two meeting days and locations. Every
Tues., 5:306:30 p.m. and Sat., 8:309:30 a.m.
Community Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.
Free. at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 39
Washington St., Barre. 279-0385. Every Mon.,
Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11
a.m.1 p.m. 5:306:30 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115 Main St.,
Montpelier. 223-3079. www.oavermont.org
Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30
a.m.1 p.m. Tai Chi Classes for All Ages. Every Tues. and
Thurs., 1011 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. information.
Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-
3322. twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net
Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30 Weight Loss Support Group. Get help and
a.m.1 p.m.
support on your weight loss journey every Wed.,
Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11 67 p.m. Giffords Conference Center, 44 S. Main Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free;
a.m.12:30 p.m. St., Randolph. Free. No registration required.
Open to all regardless of where you are in your
Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115
weight loss.
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
Wits End. Support group for parents, siblings,
children, spouses and/or relationship partners of
someone suffering with addiction whether it is
to alcohol, opiates, cocaine, heroin, marijuana or
something else. Every Wed., 68 p.m. Turning
Point Center, 489 N. Main St., Barre. Louise:
279-6378.
HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral
testing. Wed., 25 p.m. 29 State St., Ste. 14 (above
Rite Aid), Montpelier. Free and anonymous. 371-
6224. vtcares.org.
NAMI Vermont Connection Recovery Support
Group. For ondividuals living with mental illness.
Every Fri., 34 p.m. Another Way, 125 Barre St.,
Montpelier. 876-7949. info@namivt.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. com.
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 pre-
schooler 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.
Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 79 p.m.
Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for
location and information.
MUSIC & DANCE
Barre-Tones Womens Chorus. Open rehearsal.
Find your voice with 50 other women. Mon.,
7 p.m. Capital City Grange, Rt. 12, Berlin.
BarretonesVT.com. 552-3489.
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
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
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.
Barre Rock City 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.
Send your event listing to calendar@montpelierbridge.com.
Deadline for print in the next issue is February 9.
Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 79 p.m. Pratt Center,
Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.light@
jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.
RECYCLING
Additional Recycling. The Additional Recyclables
Collection Center accepts scores of hard-to-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
Onion River Exchange Tool Library. More
than 100 tools both power and manual. Onion
River Exchange is located at 46 Barre Street in
Montpelier. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday from 9-4. For more information or to
donate tools call 802.661.8959. info@orexchange.
SOLIDARITY/IDENTITY
Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont. An adult
LGBTQ group, meets every third Tues., 5:307
p.m. All LGBT adults and allies are welcome to
attend for socializing, community building and
advocating for LGBT issues. MSAC, 58 Barre St.,
Montpelier. RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.org
Bowling. Rainbow Umbrella of Central Vermont,
an adult LGBTQ group, bowls at Twin City Lanes
on Sunday afternoons twice a month. For dates and
times, write to RUCVTAdmin@PrideCenterVT.
org
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.
Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel
Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only: 479-
0302.
Prayer Meeting. Ecumenical and charismatic
prayer meeting. Every 1st and 3rd Thurs., 6:308
p.m. 8 Daniels Dr., Barre. 479-0302
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
Bingo. Every Tuesday. Doors open 5 p.m.; games
start 6 p.m.Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rte.
2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.
org.
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.
Montpelier Shambhala Meditation. Group
meditation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.noon; Wed., 67
p.m; learn to meditate free instruction the 1st
Wed. of the month. New location: 5 State Street, 2nd
floor, Montpelier. info@montpeliershambhala.org,
www.montpelier.shambhala.org
Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga.
Every Sun., 5:407 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State
St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 21

Letters
Should Say Choice At End Of
person lives to be about 70 that is about a
whopping 1,890 tons just for that individual.
How can we possibly grow the population
and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions at
the same time? Never mind what population
Dont tell the president, but a national gas tax
increase would also further some of the same
goals as a national carbon tax.

Phil Dodd, Montpelier

Life, Not Assisted Suicide growth does to destroy other aspects of
Editor:
In these times, I'm sure you will agree,
that fact-checking is more important than
ever. I will limit myself to Question#4 of
the horrible "pro-Life" insert in your recent
edition. As it relates to Vermont's Act 39:
It is quite definitely not a "Physician Assisted
Suicide Law" nor is it codified as such. Its
proper title is: "An act relating to patient
control and choice at end of life."
The Patient themselves indeed must make
the request for medication.
Since two disinterested parties must witness
the signing of the request, an abusive caregiver
cannot coerce the patient to sign.
Monique Signorat, Montpelier
Population Growth Destroys
Environment
Editor:
Thank you so much for devoting an issue
to climate change. We desperately need
more discussion and action about this issue
which is threatening so much life on Earth
including our own.
Unfortunately the primary cause of global
warming is rarely mentioned, and that is
population growth. If the world population
was at one billion like it was in 1850 when the
industrial revolution began instead of over
7.5 billion now, we wouldnt be facing the
problem we are now. Likewise, it would be
good if the U.S. population was at about 30
million versus 318 million and the Vermont
population at 300,000 instead of 626,000.
And the world population is still growing at
80 million per year and the U.S. population
at 2.5 million.
Fortunately Vermonts population is stable
although some political leaders, developers
and economists want to grow it by tens of
thousands. Each North American individual
contributes an average of 27 tons of
greenhouse gas emissions annually. So if a
environment like our forests, open lands and
water quality.
While population growth is the primary
cause of our increase in greenhouse gas
emissions, there are many secondary causes.
We can do something about it like better
insulating our homes but not eliminate it
entirely because we still need to keep warm.
A secondary cause that we can change is our
individual lifestyle choices. These include
going on cruises, flying in jet planes, driving
unnecessarily large vehicles like pickup
trucks, driving long distances for solely
recreational purposes, mowing multi-acre
lawns because they look nice and eating meat
as a main part of our diet. Added together
these lifestyle choices account for at least an
estimated 30 percent of all greenhouse gas
emissions.
It is time we consciously think about how
many children to have, whether or not
growing our population will help reduce our
greenhouse gas emissions and every single
gallon of fuel we burn for our own personal
pleasure whether directly or indirectly.
George Plumb, Washington
Up The Gas Tax To Raise Highway
Cash
Editor:
Our new president would like to upgrade
the nations infrastructure, a laudable goal.
However, his proposal to pay for it with tax
incentives and tax credits has been judged
inadequate by many experts.
In my view, an increase in the national gas
tax would be the most appropriate way to
raise funds for highway-related infrastructure
repairs and construction. The national gas tax,
which is 18.4 cents per gallon, was last raised
in 1993, so it has not kept up with inflation.
Moreover, gasoline prices are relatively low
now which would minimize the impact
on the consumer of a gas tax increase and
any gas tax increase could be phased in over
a few years, further minimizing the impact.
Welcome Refugees
Editor:
We are alarmed by the actions of President
Donald J. Trump, to restrict immigration
from any country to our country for four
months. And we are shocked and angered
he has banned all Syrian refugees, suspended
immigration from seven majority Muslim
countries (but not Saudi Arabia) for 90 days,
and has cut the number of refugees to be
resettled in the U. S. yearly from 110,000 to
50,000.
The Central Vermont Refugee Action
Network is a grassroots non-profit
organization based in Montpelier. We will
stand strong to support those in need of
safety from war. We will continue to work
with the refugee resettlement program and
welcome groups, to visit the State House,
the History Museum and meet local and
state leaders. We are seeking to help already-
settled refugees from Chittenden County to
improve their opportunities.
Trumps threat to punish sanctuary cities
by cutting federal grants is disturbing.
Burlington and Montpelier have recently
taken steps to provide protection for local
undocumented immigrants. We are pleased
that Attorney General T. J. Donovan has
formed a task force to examine the impact
of federal immigration and refugee policy
on Vermont. And we are heartened by
Governor Scotts strong statement supporting
our countrys deep tradition of welcoming
refugees from many countries.
Members are prepared to welcome refugees,
to advocate for them and provide assistance
as they resettle here. The administrations
radical immigration policy hits close to
home, as the first two refugee families from
Syria have just arrived in Rutland, and were
to be joined by other Syrians, who also need
to escape from the intractable war in Syria,
and to create a new community.
Diane Fitch, (937) 344-3100; diane.fitch@
wright.edu; Pam Walker, Peter Thoms, 223-
2648; Peter.thoms1@gmail.com
Central Vermont Refugee Action Network
Edited for length
Classifieds
OFFICE SPACE
EXCELLENT OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
149 State Street, Montpelier, VT 700sq ft
$695/month
Perfect location-three minute walk to
Capitol. Beautiful Greek Revival building,
renovated in and out. Two offices, storage
room, waiting area and restroom.
Includes onsite parking, heat, hot water,
electricity, utilities, office cleaning, trash
and recycle, snow removal, landscaping
and full maintenance..
Phone: 508-259-7941. Ask for Joe.
SERVICES
HEALING TRAUMA
with Isabelle Meulnet, since 2005
802-279-9144
www.bodymindsoulhealing.net
Cranial-Sacral and Brennan Science
modalities aim to:
liberate the body from frozen negative
imprints
rewire the nervous system out of the
trauma loop
access and release the Healer within
Free Initial consultation
Sunday sessions available
Text-only class listings and
classifieds are 50 words for $25.
Call 249-8666 or 223-5112 ext. 11
Rocque Long
Painting
Insured
30+ years professional
experience
local references.
802-223-0389

What Do You Think?

Read something that you would like to
respond to? We welcome your letters
New Construction and opinion pieces. Letters must be
fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces
Renovations should not exceed 600 words. The
Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut
Woodworking pieces. Send your piece to: editorial@
montpelierbridge.com.
General Contracting Deadline for the next issue is
February 10.

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
PAG E 2 2 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE
Opinion Composting Protects The Environment
by Lisa Ransom, Waterbury
A
s Grow Compost heads into 2017, it is focusing on
helping businesses meet requirements of Act 148, the
universal recycling law diverting liquid organic
wastes from breweries and distilleries, diverting food scraps
from businesses and helping businesses cut the amount of food
scraps they throw away. Grow Composts expansion plan is
funded through the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund.
Efforts to reduce waste have largely focused on glass, plastic, and
paper, yet, food waste makes up 28 percent of trash Vermonters
throw away. When food is landfilled, it releases methane,
a potent greenhouse gas, that is shown to have a warming
potential of 21 times that of carbon dioxide.
Priorities:
1) Diverting spent brewery and distillery liquid wastes
In December, Grow Compost bought a truck designed for
collecting and hauling liquid organic brewing waste, the first
business in Vermont to offer the service. The waste is converted
into renewable energy at Vermont Technical Colleges anaerobic
digester and applied directly to farm fields to fertilize and
enhance soils. Grow Compost's trucks are food grade, and are
Opinion Defend Sanctuary Cities
by R.D. Eno, Cabot
A
s many as 20,000 people joined the Montpelier
Womens March on Jan. 21 to affirm a shared system
of values expressed succinctly in such familiar slogans
as A Womans Right to Choose, Equal Pay for Equal
Work, Black Lives Matter, Health Care is a Right,
Not a Privilege. These and other catch phrases describe a
continental constellation of blue communities whose values
have come under challenge from the red Republican majority
in Congress and the Big Bird in the White House. The GOP
has drawn the battle lines starkly and dramatically in what
amounts to a new civil war, and we have risen to march
toward the barricades. That was the easy part. Now comes
the fighting.
Nationally, blues outnumber the reds, and the Womens
March on Washington dwarfed Trumps inaugural turnout.
But weve seen, in the past, marches and demonstrations that
have amounted to nothing. Whatever became of the Occupy
Movement? We the (blue) People went out with impudent
signs and joined in angry chants and then went back to our
homes, our jobs, our lives fraught with uncertainty and, for
the most part, refrained from roiling the seas that rock our
little boats. As the plutocrats and oligarchs plot to enrich the
rich at everyone elses expense, we shake our heads, pray for
not used to haul septic wastes. Alchemist owners, John and Jen
Kimmich are thrilled to have Grow Compost as a partner in
their efforts to reduce the Brewerys environmental footprint.
Funding for the truck was provided by the Vermont Community
Loan Fund, a 501(c)3 organization. The fund provides funding
to small businesses that may have difficulty accessing capital
from traditional lenders, with the goal of building businesses
and the economy, and creating and preserving jobs. Grow
Compost Vermont has been on the forefront of offering critical
waste diversion services to reduce and manage food waste
and decrease resulting greenhouse gases, said Will Belongia,
executive director.
2) Expanding food scraps collection program
To meet the increased demand through Act 148 for new markets
for food waste, Grow Compost plans to expand its hauling
services to schools, restaurants, markets, resorts, hospitals and
other generators. At the New England Culinary Institute,
Grow Compost customers Will Colgan, facilities director and
Martha Franklin, executive chef, say food diversion is part
of the schools curriculum. From the moment students start
world peace, complain about our property taxes and wonder
what can be done. But hand-wringing in disbelief does not
constitute political action.
Now Trump has laid down a challenge that we cant ignore.
He is threatening to withhold federal funds from Sanctuary
Cities that have refused to co-operate, beyond their obligations
under law, with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement
authority in identifying, detaining and deporting those who
may have jobs and families and pay taxes but live in the
United States illegally. This gives a foretaste of the new
administrations strategy with respect to all of its policies:
Comply or face sanctions. As Trump lets Putin and Assad
off their respective hooks, he will hang Americans on them.
This amounts to a declaration of war on blue communities.
Defense of Sanctuary Cities is not without its ethical
ambiguities. Intractable southerners refused to submit to
federal mandates on civil rights. Segregation now, segregation
forever, declared Alabama governor George Wallace as he
opened his campaign for the presidency. But Wallace and
others stood in defiance of federal law; Sanctuary Cities
comply with the law, but the law does not require local law
enforcement to collaborate in the mission of Immigration
at the cooking school, they learn about the food cycle. The
program has a ripple effect and when the students graduate,
they often start up composting programs in their new jobs.
Tim Shea, director of facilities and purchasing at National
Life, another Grow Compost customer, says The composting
process through Grow Compost is a critical piece to our waste
diversion program. They make it easy with onsite pick-up and
supplying clean containers. We consider them a vital partner in
our goal to become a zero waste company.
3) Promoting EPAs Food Recovery Challenge as a tool to
reduce food waste:
In December, Grow Compost signed on as an Endorser to the
Environmental Protection Agency Food Recovery Challenge.
The program helps businesses make changes in food purchasing,
storage, donation and waste management practices, also helping
to lower disposal costs. Businesses that participate in the
Challenge receive national recognition and a climate change
report on the environmental benefits of their efforts facts that
they in turn can promote to their customers and staff.
Note: Edited for length
and Customs Enforcement. For example, Sanctuary Cities
will not facilitate investigations by detaining anyone longer
than the law requires. If it is not necessary to their work,
police in Sanctuary Cities will not seek information about
peoples citizenship or immigration status. Sanctuary Cities
are ethically consistent with the highest American ideals,
signified by the Statue of Liberty lifting its lamp to guide the
worlds dispossessed toward the Golden Door.
Trump attained his electoral victory through a substantial FU
vote. Now he heads an FU administration. The appropriate
response to Trumps affronts to those American ideals will
be a stiffly raised middle finger and a determination to stand
by our blue values, even at the cost of federal cash. Vermont
should declare itself a Sanctuary State, and Montpelier can
lead the way by making clear that it will not retreat from
its commitment to sanctuary. This could be costly in lost
federal grants and litigation, but if money proves to be all
that matters to us, then the plutocrats have won and the red
tide will wash away all our values. If we can be threatened
or bribed into betraying ourselves, we will have drained our
community of its meaning, and every principle we stand for
choice, equality, diversity, sustainability will dissolve into
avarice and fear.
T H E B R I D G E F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 PAG E 2 3

Icy shores. Photo by Daniel A. Neary, Jr.

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601

Phone: 802-223-5112
Fax: 802-223-7852
Bridge Community Media, Inc.
Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham
Managing Editor: Carla Occaso
Design & Layout, Calendar Editor: Design & Build
Marichel Vaught
Copy Editing Consultant:
Larry Floersch Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
Proofreader: Garrett Heaney,
Sales Representatives: Michael Jermyn, Additions Timber Frames
Rick McMahan
Distribution: Tim Johnson, Kevin Fair,
Daniel Renfro, Anders Aughey Weatherization Remodeling
Board Members: Chairman Donny Osman,
Marcia Garlisi, Martin Hahn, Irene Racz, Kitchens Bathrooms Flooring
Margaret Blanchard, Ivan Shadis
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or
editorial@montpelierbridge.com. Tiling Cabinetry Fine Woodwork
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 2017 by The Bridge
PAG E 24 F E B RUA RY 2 F E B RUA RY 15 , 2 017 THE BRIDGE

Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge

On Over 20 Years of Business!