the bridge, june 21, 2012

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Connecting Montpelier and nearby communities since 1993 | JUNE 21–27, 2012

IN THIS ISSUESUMMER EVENTS!

A comprehesive local guide

C.1–8

THANK YOU AND GOODBYE

Local writer pays homage to Ray Bradbury

5

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LOLA

Montpelier’s beloved lady turns 100

6–7

SHHH . . . SUSHI!Local chefs take their rolls

on tour

9

by Bob Nuner

Some folks want to be out on the water; others savor the idea of a place rela-tively unblemished by human contact.

A recent Supreme Court decision that barred Montpelier from prohibiting recreational use of Berlin Pond has raised debate about who uses the area for what, and who is in charge of regulating that use.

For over 100 years, the 275-acre natural water body has provided water to the city and, more recently, parts of Berlin. The city purchased camps and farms in the watershed a century ago, retiring them from develop-ment. Irish Hill and the pond’s watershed is surrounded by town forests of Northfield and Berlin, with conserved lands owned by Williamstown and Montpelier.

Montpelier resident Tom Slayton has been a frequent visitor to Berlin Pond for years and has written about the pond for The Bridge in the past. He says, “There must be two dozen places within a half hour’s drive that allow recreation on the water.” Berlin Pond, on the other hand, “is unique in this area. It’s untrammeled, undeveloped. . . . I’ve seen dozens, scores, maybe hundreds who enjoy it because of its unblemished state.”

Slayton is concerned about the effects on wildlife of boats on the pond. “I’ve seen a bald eagle over that pond,” he says. “I don’t think I’ll see one if they put in a boat ac-cess.”

Cedric Sanborn, owner of R&L Archery in Barre, disagrees. He says he’s seen eagles in his back yard, less than 100 yards from his house. His view, as a sportsman, is that

wildlife adapt: “There’s loons on every single pond in the state of Vermont, and you can go out kayaking. . . . The loons, with their young, will swim up to you. They’ve accli-mated. They used to be pretty elusive, and if you bothered them, they left the nest.”

It is actually because of Sanborn that the pond is now open. He was moved, after years of conversation in his store about the pond, the Vermont constitution and public-trust doctrine, to kayak there with his wife one Labor Day. “You could call it our one event of civil disobedience since the ’60s, and we went away and never went back and never intended to.” But, he continues, the City of Montpelier “slapped us hard with a criminal trespass, did the fingerprint and the whole thing, so they maintained their role as a bully and keeper of the pond.” The city’s criminal suit against Sanborn was dismissed by the state’s attorney, however, and a subsequent civil suit eventually resulted in the Supreme Court’s decision supporting Sanborn’s right to go out on the water.

Consulting naturalist and nature guide Bryan Pfeiffer of Plainfield is torn when it

comes to the court’s decision. On the one hand, he says, “Any self-respecting Vermonter who values our independence and our citizen check on government should congratulate Cedric, because he felt strongly enough about this, and he got an opinion [from the Su-preme Court], and I think it was the right opinion. . . . I just don’t think the city council was ready for this; they should have been.”

From a naturalist’s perspective, Pfeiffer notes, “There can be no arguing that people on the shoreline and boaters on the pond won’t change the place.” Although he doesn’t think that increased use will lead to the local extinction of any species of wildlife, the “extinction of experience,” or loss of seren-ity on the pond, is “inescapable,” he says. “Is that what we want?” he asks. “We don’t open every mountain in Vermont to skiers, we don’t open every trail to ATVs. So might we leave just a few ponds in Vermont without boats for anglers or even bird watchers along every inch of shoreline?”

Pfeiffer is concerned about the lack of

see BERLIN POND, page 4

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Dear Readers,Change is afoot! (Not to worry: it’s modest.) We’re advancing our publication schedule for for our usual first-Thursday issue, July 5, to the week prior, June 28. So there’s only a week between this paper and our next one on the 28th; then three weeks ’til our regular third-Thursday issue on July 19. Happy Fourth of July!

—Bridge staff

Berlin Pond Perspectives

Citizens React to the New Rec Use of Montpelier’s Water Supply

Illustration for the Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival

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HEARD ON THE

STREETGroups Raise Concern About Possible Tar-Sands Pipeline

Several environmental and climate-action groups in a June 19 press conference in Mont-pelier highlighted the potential threats posed by a plan that could bring tar-sands oil

through New England, including the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.The advocates say the plan is unsafe and that a tar-sands oil spill could harm Vermont’s

waterways, wildlife and tourism economy.Tar-sands oil is a thick substance containing sand, clay, water and a thick form of petro-

leum called bitumen. It exists in deposits around the world and is being heavily developed in Alberta.

A new report, “Going in Reverse: The Tar Sands Threat to Central Canada and New Eng-land,” outlines an array of threats associated with the controversial tar sands, often referred to as the dirtiest oil on the planet, including unique corrosive properties that the U.S. federal government is currently studying to better understand whether the highly corrosive, low-grade petroleum can be safely transported.

The groups expressed concern that these proposals are being advanced by the same pipeline company responsible for the largest tar-sands spill in U.S. history, which resulted in severe pollution of the Kalamazoo River near Marshall, Michigan, in 2010.

In late May, Enbridge, the Calgary-based energy company, announced it would seek to re-verse the flow of its west-flowing, 62-year-old pipeline in order to bring oil east, from Sarnia, Ontario, to Montreal.

The environmental groups believe reversing a Canadian section of the pipeline so that it flows to the east strongly suggests that another reversal of another pipeline—one that runs through New England today—is in the works, one that would allow that oil to continue into the United States and run through New England.

Such a plan, known as the “Trailbreaker” project, was floated in 2008 and then shelved by Enbridge and the Portland-Montreal Pipeline Company. It would have enabled tar sands to flow through Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire to Portland, Maine, for export. That plan would have reversed the flow in an existing pipeline that runs through the following towns: Jay, Troy, Newport, Irasburg, Barton, Sutton, Burke, Victory and Guildhall.

Tar sands is the oil that would run through the highly controversial Keystone XL Pipeline, proposed to run from Canada through the United States to the Gulf of Mexico.

“These companies have had a certain amount of trouble persuading Nebraskans and Tex-ans to let their tar-sands sludge endanger those states,” said Bill McKibben, president and co-founder of 350.org. “My guess is that here in Vermont people will be at least as wary. We know that the carbon it contains makes another Irene that much more likely by warming the atmosphere. It’s a bad bargain all around for Vermont.”

Maps, Rules and Racks for Bicyclists

The Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition (VBPC) publicized a statewide bicycle map, “Vermont Bikeways: the Vermont State Roads & Trails Bike Map,” created in con-

junction with Champlain College’s graphic-design students and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Bulk copies of the free maps are available from greg.gerdel@state .vt.us., individual copies through vermontvacation.com/bikemap or 800-VERMONT. The map’s publishers seek improvements and comments for future editions; feedback can be sub-mitted at vermontvacation.com/feedback.

The VBPC reminds that cyclists must not ride two abreast in Burlington, and that they are obliged to observe stop and slow signs held by flaggers in construction zones.

VBPC also notes that the Vermont Agency of Transportation has funding available for mu-nicipalities to purchase bike racks, but applications are due June 29. For applications, contact [email protected] or 828-0049.

Award for Breast Care Program Brings Funds to CVMC

The Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) Breast Care Program has won a $49,000 award from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Vermont/New Hampshire Affiliate to

assist in providing screening, early detection, diagnostic services and post-surgery support and services to uninsured or underinsured women. CVMC is collaborating with People’s Health and Wellness Clinic in providing early detection and mammogram services, and the grant will cover expenses of monthly free women’s clinics for up to 50 women. Theresa Lever, project director, noted that the award also has enabled the Breast Care Program to start a new program of free occupational therapy services for all women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Komen affiliate’s 20th 5K Vermont Race for the Cure takes place July 28 at Hildene in Manchester, Vermont.

—first item by Jake Brown; other items by Bob Nuner

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601Phone: 802-223-5112 | Fax: 802-223-7852 montpelierbridge.com; facebook.com/montpelierbridge

Published every first and third Thursday

Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham

General Manager: Bob Nuner

Production Manager: Marisa Keller

Sales Representatives: Carl Campbell, Carolyn Grodinsky, Rick McMahan

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Advertising: For information about advertising deadlines and rates, contact: 223-5112, ext. 11, [email protected] or [email protected]

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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.

Copyright 2012 by The Montpelier Bridge

With summer solstice come late evenings and deeply familiar smells and sounds. Yet, once in a while, that priceless experience—the mystery—a question you

can not begin to answer. We were walking at dusk on the path up to the squash patch, through a bit of shrub and small trees, the last rays of sun just leaving, when right in front of us at knee level were 60 to 80 hovering insects, round, flatish, like so many pea-sized hover-craft, yellow with black edges. As we looked down on them, the wings were invisible in motion, the bodies seemed totally round. Bee? Fly? Beetle? Where to start? Went back every evening since, but like all ephemera—gone!

—Nona Estrin

Nature Watch

ADVERTISE in Our Upcoming Issues!June 28: SPECIAL 4th of July preview! advertising deadline: Friday, June 22

July 19: mailed issue

advertising deadline: Friday, July 13

August 2: nonmailed issue


Contact Carl or Carolyn: 223-5112, ext. 11, [email protected] or [email protected]

From left: Ben Walsh of VPIRG; Charlie McKenna of the Sierra Club; Curtis Fisher, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation; Sandy Levine of CLF; Dan Jones, chair of the Montpelier Energy Committee (at lectern); David Ellenbogen of the Sierra Club; David Stember of 350VT.org; and Johanna Miller of VNRC. Photo courtesy Roger Crowley/National Wildlife Federation.


regulation following the Supreme Court de-cision. “What’s most vexing now is that the Supreme Court opened the gate, but there’s no gate-keeper . . . there’s no infrastructure to handle what’s happening at the pond right now. . . . The real problematic thing right now is, the gate has been opened, but there’s no means for people to use the place respon-sibly, because there’s no boat ramp, there’s no parking. They need to move on that.”

Phil Gentile would agree. Gentile, who lives in view of the pond, demonstrates where boats have launched at “the culvert” on the pond’s south end. He explains that the state owns the water coming through the culvert, Berlin owns the road containing the culvert,

and Montpelier owns the lands adjacent to the road. For now, no one seems to be clear about who is the appropriate overseer. “It’s been reported in some of the local press that the Supreme Court said, ‘Come on in; the water’s fine,’” Gentile says. “That’s not what the Supreme Court said; that’s what the head-line said. So people are getting sensational over this issue and trying to have people draw sides instead of coming to good science and coming up with a good solution.”

Gentile bought his farm house 25 years ago for its serenity and seclusion. Sympathetic with those who’d like to boat on the pond, he’s also concerned about overuse. When he bought the property, perhaps four or five cars would park at the north end for what he calls “soft recreation”: walking, jogging, bird

watching. Now, he says, there are apt to be 15 cars, and the road sees 50 to 100 joggers, bikers, strollers, walkers and birders every weekend day.

“There seems to be this, ‘Oh the elitist pond-ers on the pond’ [attitude],” Gentile says. “Well, first of all, we’re not elitist, and second of all, most of [the land owners] are Vermonters; we’re not from out of town. . . . Some of these farms have been here forever. We’ve been paying a ton of taxes, and we value the land, maybe more so, because of its situation. Now some people will say, ‘Oh your land’s worth more now. If you can start boating and fishing here, it drives up your property [values]. Everyone wants to be on the pond now that it’s open.’ And my sense is, no, there are a lot of people that don’t

want it open because they value the seren-ity. So in my eyes, the value has gone down, not up.”

Like Pfeiffer, Gentile is looking for clarifi-cation from Montpelier and Berlin: “I think it’s going to take a while to determine it, and it’s going to take probably an action, and I don’t know where that action comes from, to prompt officials.”

For his part, Sanborn questions “Who is Montpelier?” Who in Montpelier has de-termined that no one should have access to the pond? Sanborn can’t imagine that there aren’t Montpelier residents who’d like to use Montpelier land to launch a kayak onto their drinking water: “It’s public land. Who’s say-ing no?”

BERLIN POND, from page 1

by Cassandra Hemenway Brush

Now that Montpelier’s drinking water source is open for limited recre-ational use, the big question is: “Is

the water safe to drink?” The answer, accord-ing to people whose job it is to assure water quality, appears to be “probably.”

“My idea is, it is safe,” said Mike Wichrowski, land and facilities administrator at the Department of Fish & Wildlife. “But I can’t point to something scientific.”

Wichrowski said he’s mostly involved in providing public access to fish and wildlife properties, managing over 175 public-access areas for fish and boating in Vermont. While game wardens do check that boaters have proper fishing licenses and don’t catch what

they’re not supposed to, it is the state police who are the law-enforcement agency respon-sible for making sure people follow the lim-ited-use rules intended to keep the water safe for drinking.

While people on the ground here in central Vermont have positions both for and against the recreational use of Montpelier’s drinking water supply, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has a very clear view. In the very first paragraph of its Statement of Policy on Public Water Supply Matters, AWWA says:

The [AWWA] supports the principle that water of the highest quality should be used as the source of supply for public water systems. Accordingly, the risks and

potential mitigation requirements of any recreational activity on water-supply res-ervoirs should be identified and publicly evaluated. In the evaluation, utility- and customer-determined acceptable levels of risk should be given the highest consider-ation. No recreation should be permitted on finished-water reservoirs under any cir-cumstances.

So how’s a public-works guy to deal with it?“Our plan right now is filtration and disin-

fection,” said Todd Law, Montpelier public-works director.

The concern of the Public Works Depart-ment, Law said, is that the new use on Berlin Pond will increase turbidity, which will bring silt into the water piped into Montpelier. The silt contains, among other things, bacteria and giardia. Montpelier’s existing filtration system is up to the increased use it appears to already be encountering, Law said. But he also has concerns that boats may introduce the invasive zebra mussels, which could fill and restrict the pipe, “which could make it a little difficult for us to get water to the plant,” he said.

Increased silt in the water means increased use of the city’s filtration system, including a process called “back-flushing” which removes built up sediment with pressurized water. Additional back-flush means use of more electricity and waste water, he said.

Law said the city has seen a “little change” since the pond has been opened up for more use, “but nothing real significant.” Right now, concerns are couched in terms of pos-sibility but not experience. For example, Law said, “You hate to throw the terrorism trump, but if something was to be put into that water, we wouldn’t be able to know.” In his next sentence, though, Law averred, “Our drinking water quality is excellent.”

The increased silt and sediment “will put a little more emphasis on our processes,” Law said, but he did not anticipate increased water rates.

David Mears, commissioner of the Depart-ment of Environmental Conservation, is not at all worried about the zebra mussels that Law mentioned.

“Zebra mussels typically come in the bal-last water in large vessels,” he said. “Those are not likely to be on Berlin Pond.”

While invasive species are a concern now that nonmotored and electric-powered en-gines are allowed on Berlin Pond, the main

priority is drinking-water quality, Mears said. But Mears appeared to have full confidence in Montpelier’s “advanced filtration system.”

“I would expect that the water-supply treatment system that the city has would be more than capable of dealing with any con-tamination based on those activities,” Mears said. “There’s no threat to Montpelier’s water supply based on the limited use [currently allowed on Berlin Pond].”

Still, while only limited recreational use is allowed on the reservoir (boats are not sup-posed to travel over 5 mph, nor can they have a combustion engine), it is not clear who is monitoring the area to make sure the law is actually followed. Law said the Montpelier police “go up there to try to restrict some of the use and protect that pond” once a day, as does the public-works crew. In addition to its daily check, Law and his crew also walk the pond’s perimeter once or twice a year to pick up trash; they have found waste oil and other potentially contaminating trash, he said.

Montpelier Police Chief Tony Facos said that the police have been patrolling the area “randomly, but with some regularity.” He reported, “As far as I know, there have not been any citations for unlawful trespass . . . which is good.” He mentioned the need for education, and said that though the use regu-lations have changed, “we still own the land and are concerned from a water-protection standpoint. . . . That’s still going to be an ongoing process as far as next steps.”

As for invasive species, one already exists in Berlin Pond, according to Ann Bove, aquatic biologist at the Department of Environmen-tal Conservation. The highly invasive aquatic plant Eurasian water milfoil had already made its way to Berlin Pond long before the recent ruling allowing boats, she said. The concern at this point is further spreading it either by introducing yet more or by motorboats chop-ping up the existing plants, thereby further spreading them.

“Certainly the threat is there,” Bove said. “Many water-body associations work hard to educate the public about invasives. It’s a matter of implementing safety . . . there are many things recreational users can do to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives. . . . We recommend if boating from lake to lake within a five-day period [that] equipment be dried out completely or power-washed with hot water, or you dry your equipment,” she said. “Some organisms you can see, others you can’t see.”

Berlin Pond: Will Recreational Use Affect Water Quality?

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by Brett Campbell

In 1990 I wrote the first and only fan letter I have ever written—to author Ray Bradbury. I wrote him about how much

I admired his work and how helpful his book Zen in the Art of Writing was to me as an aspiring writer. I never expected a reply, only an opportunity to tell a brilliant and influen-tial writer what his works meant to me.

However, an envelope soon appeared in my mailbox with the return address of Ray Bradbury Enterprises. I opened it with shak-ing hands, hoping for a personal response, but at the same time quelling my excitement with the thought that the envelope at best contained a form letter, which might have read: “Mr. Bradbury thanks you for your let-ter, but if he answered all his mail he would not have time to write his stories,” or some-thing like that. Instead, featured on green stationary with a graphic design by his friend and Halloween Tree illustrator Joseph Mug-naini, was a typed and signed personal response from Mr. Bradbury, in which he wrote that my letter to him was “one of the finest, warmest, most loving letters” that he had ever received and that he was “very grateful for it.”

His gratitude could not have matched my own. I then sent him a Christmas card to thank him for his letter. To my surprise, I soon received a signed Christmas poem from him. I began happily going broke buying frames for his letters.

This exchange began a pen-pal friendship with one of my principal idols and mentors. For several years, I exchanged letters and birthday greetings with Mr. Bradbury. He was kind enough to sign my 40th-anniversary edition of The Martian Chronicles.

He once graciously telephoned me from Los Angeles to thank me for the drawing I sent him for his birthday—a scene from his time-travel story “A Sound of Thunder.” It was a brief conversation but one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

For the ensuing seven years, I sent him

birthday gifts of illustrations I drew, inspired by his stories. He was always kind enough to mail me a thank-you for each one.

I was able to inform him in 1991 that I had sold a horror novella to a publisher. He was genuinely excited for me. I subsequently had to tell him that said publisher pulled up tent stakes and skipped town, with no forwarding address. He was very generous to point out that the main thing was that I had been given a contract for a sale, and this was all the more reason to keep writing.

Several years later, I published a shorter horror story. He had invited me to send him my first published story, so of course I did so. One of my most prized letters from him reads, “Dear Brett: Thanks! Loved your story! . . . Bravo! Onward!”

He was gracious. It wasn’t a good story. I made a lot of mistakes. But at his kind en-couragement, I am moving “onward” with my writing.

A struggling writer cannot ask for a more blessed experience. My story may not have been the great-est. But it was read by Ray Bradbury.

Who could ask for more than that?

Ray is gone now. But his works will

live forever. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another writer like him.

His philosophy of life was as wise as it was simple: “Do what you love, and love what you do.” And he lived by these words throughout his entire life.

Of the many books I’ve read about writ-ing, his Zen was one of the few that used such words as “zest” and “gusto.” He undeni-ably lived and wrote with both.

I am grieved by his death and will miss him deeply. He explored our foibles and faults, our potentials and possibilities, like no other modern American author. With his passing, golden ages of science fiction and American literature come to a close.

I am honored and grateful that this great writer and fine man took the time to cor-respond with me for several years, and that he had the generosity to encourage my as-

pirations. His life and his death both have taught me that I must write more—with zest and gusto.

So I have oiled up my old portable Smith-Corona, and I keep a laminated copy of his “loved your story” letter propped up near it, as I dream my own dreams and tell my own stories and pound the keys.

From now on, I will treat two words in

this letter as his final words of instruction and encouragement to me.

“Keep going!” he wrote.I will, sir. I will.And thank you.

Brett Campbell is a writer and educator. He lives in Montpelier.

A Tribute to Ray Bradbury, 1920–2012

Ray Bradbury’s thank-you letter, illustrated by Joseph Mugnaini, to Brett Campbell for an il-lustration Campbell did for Bradbury. Image courtesy Brett Campbell.

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Essay



Vermont’s grande dame, Lola Aiken, turns 100 on June 24. Many people who live to see a century have been

blessed, over the course of their lives, with good physical health, mental acuity, strong social support and often a religious commu-nity as well. Lola has all of those factors, plus the distinction of being universally loved. In the course of researching and interview-ing for this story, when I told people I was writing about her, everyone would reply by exclaiming, “Lola! I love that lady,” and go on with their own story of how they knew her and how she’d touched their lives. In this

reflection on the life of Lola Aiken, I have talked to a handful of her close friends, and of course, the lady herself.

When friends think of Lola, they con-sider her political history as both longtime administrative assistant and then (after 27 years) wife of George Aiken, Vermont gover-nor from 1937 to 1941 and republican senator in Washington D.C. from 1941 to 1975. But those close to Lola also think of a woman who befriends almost everyone she meets; a pow-erful force in Vermont politics who backed people she liked more often than along party lines; and a person filled with stories and first-hand knowledge of many historical events, not to mention having had a long-spanning

career when most women didn’t have careers. Mostly, though, friends talk about a viva-cious, warm, vibrant woman, who, although she turns 100 in just a few days, has the health and energy of someone much younger.

Eight years old when women got the right to vote and having lived through six wars and been heavily involved in the political process during the civil rights movement, Vietnam, Watergate and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Lola is still known for her political acumen. She also has the distinction of being the first woman to join the venerable early morning movers and shakers hangout at Montpelier’s Coffee Corner, which she attended up until last year.

Lola’s landmark birthday has sparked, among other things, a legislative resolution and a reception at the State House on Mon-day, June 25 at 1:15 p.m. in the governor’s re-ception room (with George Aiken’s portrait fittingly hanging just outside). Governor Peter Shumlin will read a proclamation and a reception will follow at 1:30 p.m. Friends have asked that people not bring cards (it becomes too much for Lola to reply to each card, and reply she will!) but rather bring a rose of any color in hopes of accumulating at least 100 roses. Afterward, Lola will distrib-ute the roses to her favorite places in town, including the Gary Home, where she lives, and the Coffee Corner, where she spent so many hundreds of mornings.

Lola Pierotti, child of Italian immigrants, was born in Montpelier in 1912. She was valedictorian of her high-school class and was known as a ferocious athlete. Indeed, she willed to her graduating class “my belligerent approval of athletics and kindly appreciation of athletes.” It appears that over her long lifetime, Lola expanded that appreciation to include politicians.

These days, Lola more often speaks about George Aiken as the husband and love of her life than in his political roles. She still calls him “The Governor,” though, and does often speak of the fact that he was approached fre-quently and would always stop and listen to people on the street, particularly children.

“He loved the little kids,” she said in her room at the Gary Home, which is decorated with pictures of herself and her late husband. “He was wonderful.”

The word “wonderful” comes up a lot when Lola talks about her husband. And it gets spoken with such love that it never loses its meaning. She started working in the Ver-mont Secretary of State’s office in 1940, and it wasn’t long after that that she was asked to move to Washington D.C. to work as the administrative assistant to George while he

Lola Aiken, Centegenarian!

Above, the Aikens and Mike Mansfield, U.S. Senate majority leader from 1961 to 1977. Top right, Lola and George at their wedding in 1967. Bottom right, Lola’s end table, where she looks at pictures of her husband and letters from days past almost daily. Facing page, Lola today, at 99. Wedding photos courtesy of Lola Aiken; others by Cassandra Hemenway Brush.

30 Years in Central Vermont


was senator. She made the move in 1941 and worked with George for the next 27 years. She became known for getting his office in shape, supervising 11 people, making the otherwise intimidating senatorial office a place that welcomed all Vermonters, and for running a harmonious and efficient office. She also became known for her social skills and her ability to be-friend people of all political persuasions.

“The most remark-able thing about Lola is she’s always been clear in her convic-tions, and she’s never made an enemy in her life,” said David Kel-ley, whose grandfather, Levi Kelley, served as Vermont state treasurer during George’s time as governor. “She can disagree with anybody and never leave anything but friendship be-hind. I think it’s one reason why she was such a great success in Washington; she was good friends with Bobby Kennedy; she was good friends with Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey. . . . Washington can be intimidating for someone from a small town in Vermont, but it was never intimidating in Governor Aiken’s office because of Lola,”

“She’s a real social butterfly. That’s always been one of her strengths,” said longtime friend and Montpelier lawyer Dot Helling.

“She was [George’s] social connection.” Though she is physically little, those who

have written about Lola often refer to her large spirit. In a collage of her high school years it is written, “Good things come in small packages.” In one of the many articles written immediately after her surprise mar-riage to George, reporter Barbara Kober

wrote about how George thought of Lola Pierroti as “a skinny little rabbit” when he first met her. But nobody mentions Lola without also ref-erencing her huge

smile, massive spirit, generosity with warmth and praise, and the fact that her small frame belies her powerhouse of a personality, even as she approaches her centennial birthday.

George’s first wife, of 52 years, Beatrice Howard Aiken, died in 1966. A year later, he and Lola shook up Washington when they were married in a private ceremony one June morning. He was 74; she wasn’t telling her age; and the press dealt with the marriage as the romance of the decade. To this day, Lola says the whole thing came as a surprise to her.

“Some of the men said ‘Lola, he wants to marry you.’ I said, ‘I don’t think that’s true.’ They said ‘Oh yeah, it’s true,’” she said.

“Lola Gets George,” read the headline from the July 6, 1967, issue of Roll Call. “He Proposed 30 Years Later: Sen. Aiken and Lola are Capitol Hill’s Love Story of the Year,” reads another headline. “Lola Aiken Trades Payslips for Cowslips” says another, referring to the fact that she stopped receiv-ing pay after the wedding ceremony so there would be no conflict of interest in having the senator’s wife on the payroll (although she kept doing her job). The former nurseryman also planted cowslips for his new bride at their then-new home in Vermont.

The couple had 17 good years together be-fore the governor’s death in 1984. Since then, according to Helling, Lola has served on many boards, including 18 years at Champ-lain College, and has received many awards: from Champlain College (which named a hall after her), Norwich University, the Uni-versity of Vermont, the Vermont Historical Society, Home Health and Hospice, and many more for her many years of community service. She has also been heavily involved in the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Walking five miles a day well into her 90s and socializing with far greater zest than most 30-year-olds, Lola is still in demand for appearances, openings and parties. She holds court much like royalty but with an authentic love for the people who surround her, be they the staff and residents at the

Gary Home, the many close friends who come to visit her, or the kitchen staff who line up at NECI on Main to serve her the lat-est specialty and—more importantly—greet her with a kiss.

For their generous help and support in put-ting this article together, we give special thanks to Dot Helling and Lynda Royce, and to Joan Houghton, manager of the Gary Home, as well as to Lola Aiken herself for good-naturedly enduring a lot of questioning.

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Jimmy Johnston, longtime friend and former finance chairman for Jim Jeffords and longtime funeral director in Montpelier:

“I first met Lola in 1978. . . . I was Jim Jeffords’ finance chairman for seven terms in congress. . . . I was doing

a fundraiser in Putney, and she and Senator Aiken were the guests of honor. After the governor died, she moved back to Montpelier and joined my 7 a.m. coffee group. She came in and we invited her to sit with us—seven men. She was the first woman in the group. She sat with us for years. . . . The highlight of the day was flipping for coffee. The loser paid for the coffee. That was the highlight of the day. . . . My wife and I and David Kelley and his wife sent her up in a hot air balloon [for her 90th birthday]. She’s been a close friend of many years and was also helpful in my running of Jeffords’ campaigns.”

David Kelley, longtime friend whose grandfather, Levi Kelley, worked with then-governor George Aiken as the state treasurer:

“Lola and I used to go to the movies every Friday night. Lola and I were movie fanatics. . . . We were discuss-

ing movies no matter what was playing—we saw some ter-rible movies, but we saw some great movies too. . . . There

was a movie starring Kevin Costner about the Cuban mis-sile crisis called Thirteen Days. . . . It was great seeing that movie, she was there, and such a part of it and she knew so much about what was going on.”

Lynda Royce, good friend and fellow Italian whose mother grew up with Lola:

“Lola is a very, very sassy lady. . . . She calls me up every day to ask me how I’m doing. I have to have surgery—

she remembers that. She’s just a very sassy lady—and I mean that in a good way. She’s just classy and sassy. She’s not your little old dowdy lady. I just love her. I just love her. She dresses beautiful. She’s just wonderful, but ‘wonderful’ is so generic I hate to use that term.”

Dot Helling, longtime friend and Montpelier lawyer:

“I met Lola at the Coffee Corner. I came in one day and she said, ‘You should be sitting here.’ So I came and sat

with her. [Later] we went to Charlio O’s to listen to Rusty Romance. . . . We started doing things together. It was great. I had knee surgery in 2008. Lola came every day in the morning with coffee and at noon brought lunch. I hung out with her in the afternoon. When I was ready to go out, Lola was my chaperone. We were going to a shindig at the

Shoe Horn; she told everyone, ‘I’m Dot’s chaperone. . . . I’m here to catch her if she falls down.’”

State Senator Vince Illuzzi, R-Essex/Orleans:

“I was born in Montpelier and grew up in the Barre-Montpelier area, so I’ve known Lola for most of my life.

My father worked as a granite sculptor, and Lola had close ties to the granite workers.

“When I got married in 2000, it was on the same day that Jim Jeffords kicked off what was to be his last reelection bid. Although Lola was the honorary chair of that campaign and was scheduled to introduce him at the kickoff event, she blew him off and came to our wedding instead.

“Lola always has had a big presence in central Vermont, and she was George’s eyes and ears for that region of Ver-mont when he was in Washington. And as George got older, she became his spokesman and his protector.

“When I entered politics in 1980, she gave me a few cam-paign tips that she told me served George well. One was to always keep an eye on the electric utilities, and the other was to always work with the Democrats because you can’t get anything done with just one party on most issues.”

—compiled by Cassandra Hemenway Brush

Snippets of Lola: Friends’ Memories


by Steven M. Cliche

The June 13 city council meeting began with Montpelier resident Diana Wright calling for an end to the new

sounds of the crosswalk signal located at the intersection of State and Main Streets. Local business owner Stephanie Johnson echoed the sentiment, declaring that she’d have to move her business if action was not taken. Cool Jewels owner Willis Backus also briefly testified, likening the commanding voice to something out of George Orwell’s novel 1984.

The city has re-ceived a large amount of complaints in re-cent days about the volume level and overall harsh nature of the signal. When first in-stalled, the signal emitted a low-frequency beep every seven seconds in order to help those with visual impairment find the cor-ner. When the button was pressed by those wishing to cross, a human voice repeatedly issued a firm “Wait” command until it is safe to walk. When it was safe to cross, it

then emitted a “Walk” command in the same voice.

City Manager William Fraser explained that the signal was updated in order to com-ply with federal regulations. Councilor Tom Golonka called the signal, “Out of charac-ter for Montpelier,” and recommended that it be suspended until the sound could be made more pleasant. Members of the coun-cil argued this was not an option, since it would leave those who are visually impaired

without a cue to cross. Councilor An-gela Timpone then called for members of Montpelier’s visu-ally impaired com-munity to be invited to the next council

meeting in order to discuss the benefits of the new signal.

The council decided on leaving the sig-nal as is until further information can be gathered, but to keep it on a low volume setting. The signal has since been adjusted somewhat.

[See page 14 for more information from Fraser about the signal and regulations.]

The council also moved to release an official statement regarding its continued efforts to regulate Berlin Pond. The agenda set the discussion about the press release near the end of the meeting, but about half-way through, Mayor John Hollar decided to move it up. When Hollar asked if there was any discussion on the matter, the council was silent. Nobody in the audience said a word, perhaps because anyone who would have been there to speak their mind on it hadn’t come yet, as the agenda item had been set for later. The council then voted very quickly to put out the press release.

In recent weeks the city has been cracking down on those seeking to use the pond rec-reationally. The brief document repeats the council’s decision to meet jointly with the Berlin select board, though no date appeared to have been set.

The statement also contains the council’s decision not to seek additional help from the legislature or the Agency of Natural Resources on further regulation of the pond. The decision to release the statement was met with no comment from council or from those in attendance.

Asked after the meeting why the council

hadn’t set a date for the joint council meet-ing with Berlin and why the council was not going to seek help from the legislature or petition the Agency of Natural Resources, Fraser said that the joint council meeting day is to be set at the next city council meeting (June 27) and that the city has to “play the hand it’s been dealt” when it comes to Berlin Pond. Asked for further elaboration, Fraser deferred to the mayor, who said essentially that the city has approached the Shumlin ad-ministration about its options for Berlin Pond and has been met with a very cold shoulder. Essentially the city has been told that if they plan to seek legal action, they will lose.

To quote Hollar: “Uniformly from the administration, we have been told we will re-ceive no legal support in returning things to the way they were before the decision. [The administration sees] no scientific basis as to why there should be further regulation.” Furthermore, Hollar said, “It seems that many in the administration would like to see the pond completely opened up.”

[See page 1 for story on Berlin Pond, and page 14 for more information from the city manager.]

Crosswalk Controversy and Berlin Pond Discussion

Council

Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

Advertise! 223-5112


by Sylvia Fagin

Almost every day of the week, Nate Kulchak and Megan Dolan load a portable sushi case, coolers of fish

and vegetables, and a dizzying array of knives, chopsticks and tiny dishes into the back of their jeep. Where are they going?

It’s not quite a secret.Kulchak and Dolan are the proprietors of

Himitsu Sushi, a traveling sushi establish-ment that lands in a different central Ver-mont town each day of the week. Moving from Morrisville to Waitsfield to Montpelier to Stowe, the pair bring fresh and unique tastes to diners across the region.

“Himitsu” means “secret” in Japanese, and while they don’t want to keep their restau-rant secret from the public, Kulchak explains how the concept fits their business.

“We thought it would be fun to do a dinner-club sort of a thing,” he says. In each town, Himitsu “takes over” a restau-rant that would usu-ally be closed that evening. In Montpe-lier, Himitsu lands at Kismet every Wednes-day night from 5 to 9 p.m.

Since their start in October of last year, Himitsu has found a loyal following of sushi lovers. While some restaurateurs might balk at the idea of traveling from place to place each day, there’s a method to their madness.

“We definitely enjoy bringing sushi to a lot of small communities, rather than just one,” Kulchak says. Plus, the pair have a goal of finding a home-base location somewhere in Vermont. Moving around is a form of market research, Dolan says: “We get to know each community and their business owners.” The jury’s still out, however, about where that home base might eventually be, Kulchak says.

For now, Kulchak has found a way to ex-press the skills and creativity he has learned in his 15-plus years of sushi experience. Rolling sushi was his first, and has been his only, job.

Kulchak apprenticed with a Japanese sushi

chef at a restaurant in his native Idaho for five and a half years, and managed a sushi restaurant there before moving to the Carib-bean island of St. John, where he started his own sushi restaurant, Happy Fish. It was there that he and Dolan met; she was the bar manager, and they hit it off. After a few years, the pair left the island, returned to the States and started scheming.

Just a year later, “We’re doing what we wanted to do, essentially,” Dolan says. “Our goals were to be self-employed, be booked every night and have the weekends off. We set small goals for ourselves, and we’ve met them.”

And after the stress of running a restaurant and managing a dozen staff, “this is a breath of fresh air,” Kulchak notes. Each hosting restaurant usually provides a bartender, and occasionally Dolan’s brother will help with

bussing tables, but Kulchak and Dolan are Himitsu’s only employees.

It’s fresh air for diners, too, who are responding with en-thusiasm. In Mont-pelier, Kulchak has

introduced a menu of starters and creative maki rolls. Appetizers include standards like edamame, miso soup, wakame salad and vegetable tempura. The tempura, hearty slices of carrot, sweet potato and zucchini, are dipped in a vegan, gluten-free batter and fried to a golden crisp.

“Everything we do at Kismet is or can be gluten-free,” Kulchak notes.

“Maki” refers to the seaweed-wrapped rolls of rice, fish and vegetables. Himitsu’s KB roll is quite popular, Kulchak says. It’s a combination of spicy salmon and tempura-fried cilantro, topped with mango, jalapeno, and ponzu sauce. The Jackie B, a roll of spicy tuna and yellowtail topped with seared tuna, avocado and sriracha, is another customer favorite. The menu boasts over a dozen cre-ative maki combinations.

Himitsu was serving a prix-fixe tasting menu at Kismet but has transitioned to this new menu due to customer demand. Kulchak’s creative, molecular-gastronomy-

inspired offerings are still available to cater-ing customers.

For Kulchak, bringing the culture of sushi to Vermont as just as important as introduc-ing the tastes.

“The culture of sushi is one of patience and dedication,” he says. “Essentially, you’re doing the same thing day in and day out, so you have to set goals to make each piece of sushi better than the last. It takes self-motivation. You can always learn something new, about fish species or about preparation.”

Kulchak also notes that his years of experi-ence give his sushi many subtle differences that add up to a huge difference in flavor. “In a lot of places, I can bring something new, excite people and educate them,” he says.

Dolan reports that customers think Him-

itsu’s sushi rolls are really creative, recalling one customer who said, “I can’t believe we had the best sushi in Vermont in Morris-ville!”

Find Himitsu Sushi:• Monday at the Bees Knees in Morrisville• Tuesday at American Flatbread in Waits-

field• Wednesday at Kismet in Montpelier• Friday at the Stowe Mountain Resort

farmers’ market for lunch and at the Black Cap in Stowe for dinner

You can also visit them on Facebook.

Sylvia Fagin writes about food and agricul-ture in Vermont. Visit her blog, Aaar Naam ~ Come Eat, at sylviafagin.wordpress.com, or follow her on Twitter: @sylviafagin.

The Secrets of Himitsu Sushi

Food

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Framing to Finish • Design • Energy Mindful

Himitsu Sushi proprietors Nate Kulchak and Megan Dolan in front of Kismet restaurant in Montpelier, Himitsu’s weekly Wednesday evening location. Photo by Sylvia Fagin.

Tiny BitesAcouple of years ago, Calais-based Bohemian Bread expanded from traditional wood-

fired bread into Sunday morning pastries; now they’re expanding further, into coffee roasting. Robert Hunt and Annie Baskt of Bohemian Bread recently purchased a Diedrich coffee roaster and, after several months of experimentation, have released No. 7 Dark Roast, the first in their new line of Coffeevore blends. They’re roasting in small batches, so every bag is as fresh as possible. Find Bohemian Coffee Roasters No. 7 Dark Roast at Hunger Mountain Coop and at the Bohemian Bakery Café in East Calais, Sundays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can also visit their website, bohemianbread.com.

Visit the 14th Annual Stowe Food and Wine Classic, June 22 to 24, to try wines from around the world and the best food Vermont’s chefs have to offer—all to benefit

Copley Hospital and the Vermont Foodbank. Wine tastings and benefit auctions fill the weekend, along with cooking demonstrations and wine seminars at various Stowe locations. Find the entire schedule of events at stowewine.com.

June begins the harvest season in earnest, and Ariel’s Restaurant in Brookfield offers an affordable way to enjoy the season’s bounty in a beautiful setting. Sunday Farm Suppers

begin Sunday evening, June 24, and continue weekly through the summer. Each week, chef Lee Duberman prepares a different three-course menu featuring products found within 10 miles of Ariel’s. The prix-fixe menu is just $25, with both meat and vegetarian selections. Reservations are strongly recommended; call 276-3939. For more information about the restaurant, visit arielsrestaurant.com.

Last month, Stuart and Margaret Osha, owners of Turkey Hill Farm in Randolph Cen-ter, surprised many when they announced that they’re transitioning away from full-time

farming and into “a life that looks a little more like retirement,” as they said in a letter to friends. They’ll stop milking cows and producing their creamy yogurt, but they’ll continue as chapter leaders for the Weston A. Price foundation, and Margaret will continue to offer cooking classes. Clark Parmelee, a Randolph Center native and dairy-farm–management graduate of Vermont Technical College, will take over Turkey Hill’s raw-milk operation. Visit turkeyhillfarmvt.com to learn more about the changes and about upcoming classes, including The Herb Garden on Saturday, June 23, which will discuss choosing, growing and preserving culinary herbs.

Teatime in the garden, anyone? The Tea Garden at Inky Dinky Oinkink, located on Adams Mill Road in Stowe, will open for the season on Thursday, July 5. The garden

offers panoramic views of Mount Mansfield, and the menu features specialty teas from the Vermont Liberty Tea Company, along with sweet and savory platters. Try lemon-ginger scones served with rose-geranium jelly, flourless chocolate cake accompanied by Cream Earl Grey apricot ice cream, or curried chicken salad with local chèvre. The Tea Garden is open Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. by reservation; call 253-3046. Learn more at oinkink.com

Join Vermont authors Bill McKibben and Ben Hewitt and Hinesburg farmer Rachel Nevitt for Food Security in an Age of Climate Change on Saturday, July 7. A seated fund-

raising dinner featuring local foods will begin at 5:30 p.m. ($50 per person), and an open reception/discussion begins at 7 p.m. ($5 suggested donation), all at the Capitol Plaza Ball-room. The event is part of the yearlong celebration of the 25th anniversary of Food Works at Two Rivers Center, a Montpelier-based nonprofit committed to building lasting food security. Visit foodworksvermont.org for details or to make online reservations.

—compiled by Sylvia Fagin; send food news to [email protected]

Central Vermont Food News

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PAGE 10 • JUNE 21–27, 2012 THE BR IDGE

Summer Events!

SPECIAL PULLOUT SUPPLEMENT TO THE BRIDGE | JUNE 21, 2012

Your local guide to Vermont arts and culture, food, outdoors, family fun and much more. Looking for something to do? Look inside.

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Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival in Randolph

Suzanne Vega at Goddard College

Contemporary Dance & Fitness at Montpelier’s Third of July

Circus Smirkus around the state

Nature events at North Branch Nature Center

PAGE C .2 • SUMMER E VENTS GUIDE, JUNE 21, 2012 PULLOUT SUPPLEMENT TO THE BR IDGE

ANIMALS❊ THURSDAYS: Green Mountain Dog Club Monthly Meeting.Learn about the club and events. All dog lovers welcome.Fourth Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Commodore’s Inn, Stowe. 479-9843 or greenmountaindogclub.org.JUNE 23: Horses, Herd and Leadership Demonstration With Lucinda Newman, certified equine guided educator. Learn how horses’ nature, herd dynamics and energetic cues can teach you how to lead change and have leadership presence at this active demonstration. Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m.–noon. Horses & Pathfinders, Moretown; contact Hunger Mountain Coop for carpooling info. Free for co-op member/owners, $10 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] 12–15: Four Days of Dog ShowsConformation classes for AKC breeds; companion events, obedi-ence and rally for purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Ice-cream social, barbecue and live music by Cold Country Bluegrass.Thursday–Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tunbridge Fairgrounds. Schedule at greenmountaindogclub.org. Register for barbecue with Deb, [email protected]. Presented by the Woodstock Dog Club and Green Mountain Dog Club.JULY 21: Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine ClinicDogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.Saturday, July 21, 2–3:30 p.m. Central Vermont Humane Society. $10 per vaccine per animal. cvhumane.com.AUGUST 11: Pet First Aid and CPR ClassGet Red Cross certified! Learn animal handling, restraint, pet first aid and CPR using realistic animal mannequins in a hands-on course. Saturday, August 11, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Central Vermont Hu-mane Society. $100. 476-3811 or cvhumane.com/petfirstaid.❊ AUGUST 22: Dog Days of SummerBring your dogs for a swim in the Montpelier pool!Wednesday, August 22, 5–7 p.m. Montpelier public pool. Admission by donation to Central Vermont Humane Society. cvhumane.com.

ART & CRAFT❊ SATURDAYS: Beaders GroupAll levels of beading experience welcome. Free instruction avail-able. Come with a project for creativity and community. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.❊ THROUGH JUNE: Art at Coffee Corner Paintings by Sylvia Walker and Annie Limoge.83 Main Street, Montpelier. 223-2906.❊ THROUGH JUNE: Montpelier Scenes at Green Bean Art GalleryPhotographs by Ron Lay-Sleeper. Capitol Grounds, 27 State Street, Montpelier. [email protected].❊ THROUGH JUNE: Spring Bloom at Blinking Light GalleryWatercolors, oil paintings and pastels by Northfield artist Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams. 16 Main Street, Plainfield. [email protected] or blink-inglightgallery.com.

❊ THROUGH JUNE: Sticks and Stones at O’Maddi’s Deli & CafeSculptural basketry by Tamara Wight.7 South Main Street, Northfield. 485-4700.JUNE 22 & 23: Photography Workshops with Bryan PfeifferPoint-and-shoot workshop on Friday: learn your camera’s buttons, dials and menus. In-depth session on Saturday: learn strategies and camera settings for sports, wildlife, grandkids, flowers, landscape, macrophotography and your own creative aspirations.Friday, 6–9 p.m., First Baptist Church, Montpelier; $15; daily-wing.net. Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m, $45; register at 454-5640 or [email protected] 28: Intro to ZentangleLearn this relaxing, meditational method of creating beautiful images from repeated patterns. Increase your focus, attention and relaxation while learning a simple, powerful procedure that frees your inner artist. Thursday, June 28, 6:30–9 p.m. The Drawing Board, 22 Main Street. $20 materials fee. Sign up in advance. 223-2902 or drawing-boardvt.com.JUNE 29–JULY 1: Vermont Quilt FestivalNew England’s largest and oldest quilt festival. Exhibits, mer-chants’ mall, quilt appraisals, classes, lectures, free gallery talks and vendor demos.Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction. $12 adults, $10 age 65 and older, free for children under 14. vqf.org.❊ JUNE 30: Funeral LightsA multimedia art installation by Amy Königbauer & Knayte Lander, appearing one night only.Saturday, June 30, 8–11 p.m. 7 Baird Street (garage 1), Montpelier. Free, but tickets required: get them at Buch Spieler in Montpelier and Nutty Steph’s in Middlesex.❊ THROUGH JULY 6: Re Count and Re Connect at Vermont College of Fine ArtsWorks by Kim Goertner Darling, Sabrina B. Fadial, Diana Gon-salves, Susan Sawyer and Sumru Tekin.College Hall, 36 College Street, Montpelier.vcfa.edu.❊ THROUGH JULY 6: Anatomy of Light at Central Vermont Medical CenterPhotographs by Andrew Kline.Lobby, 130 Fisher Road, Berlin. cvmc.org.❊ THROUGH JULY 7: Art at Studio Place ArtsSc-EYE-nce, a science and visual arts fusion; Live Art, works by Nicholas Heilig; and Digital Topographies, works by Karolina Kawiaka.201 North Main Street, Barre. 479-7069 or studioplacearts.com.❊ JULY 11 & AUGUST 8: Quilting GroupWorking meeting of the Dog River Quilters. Let’s quilt together!Second Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. Community room, Brown Public Library, Northfield. Jean, 223-7984.JULY 14: Wear Your ArtA simple silk-screening workshop, creating designs from templates. Bring items to print and a simple design on paper.Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m.–noon. The Drawing Board, 22 Main Street. $35 materials fee. Sign up in advance. 223-2902 or drawingboardvt.com.❊ THROUGH JULY 28: Art at Contemporary Dance & Fitness StudioPastels of Italy and Vermont by Jeneane Lunn.18 Langdon Street (third floor), Montpelier.

❊ THROUGH JULY: Curves, Naturally! at Governor’s GalleryQuilted fiber art by Greensboro artist Judy B. Dales. Above, Garden Pearls.109 State Street, fifth floor. Reception June 27, 3–5 p.m. Photo ID required for admission. 828-0749.

❊ THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2: Red Fields & Yellow Skies at Chandler GalleryGroup show by 12 state- and nationally renowned artists. Above, one of Kathleen Kolb’s logging works.71–73 Main Street, Randolph. 431-0204 or outreach@chandler-arts .org.

FOUR DAYS of DOG SHOWSAn Official American Kennel Club Event Woodstock Dog Club & Green Mountain Dog Club

Thursday, July 12–Sunday, July 15At the TUNBRIDGE FAIRGROUNDS

Show Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

****

Conformation Classes for AKC BreedsCompanion Events, Obedience and Rally

for Purebred and Mixed Breed Dogs

****

Ice Cream Social on Thursday

BBQ & Cold Country Bluegrass Band on Saturday

Preregister with Deb Jones at [email protected]

For further information visit greenmountaindogclub.org

Get Tested!!Find out where you can get a free anonymous HIV test. Be informed—fight HIV Stigma!

Join us at our table on State Street & Elm Street from 11:30 to 1:00 on Wednesday, June 27.

www.HereInVermont.comThe Vermont People with AIDS Coalition

❊ indicates FREE or by-donation event

SUBMIT YOUR CALENDAR EVENT!Send listings to Dana at [email protected].

PULLOUT SUPPLEMENT TO THE BR IDGE SUMMER E VENTS GUIDE , JUNE 21, 2012 • PAGE C . 3

Summer is a time to Renew, Revise, RefreshWilderness Programs for Adults in Northern Vermontvermontwildernessrites.com

Fran Weinbaum, Guide & Life Coach [email protected] 802-249-7377

Artwork by Heron Dance Art Studio

❊ THROUGH AUGUST 1: Art at Gifford Medical Center Photographs by Bruce Small of West Brookfield.44 South Main Street, Randolph. 728-2324 or giffordmed.org.❊ THROUGH AUGUST 24: Wowie Maui at Kellogg-Hubbard LibraryWatercolors, oils and acrylics by Jeanne Evans. 135 Main Street, Montpelier. 223-3338.❊ THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21: Textures of the Earth at Tulsi Tea RoomPhotos by Christian Tubau Arjona, a Spanish artist living in Vermont.34 Elm Street, Montpelier. Reception June 26, 5–7 p.m. 223-0043.

ACTIVISM❊ JULY 19 & AUGUST 16: Meeting on Disability IssuesShare stories and concerns.Third Thursdays, 1–3 p.m. Vermont Center for Independent Living, 11 East State Street, Montpelier. 639-1522 or 229-0501 (both are also V/TTY numbers). ❊ SATURDAYS: Weekly General Assembly for Occupy Central Vermont Saturdays, 3–5 p.m. Outside City Hall, Montpelier; rain location Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Agendas and locations at occupycentralvt .org. Heather, [email protected].

BICYCLING❊ ALL SUMMER: Weekly Rides at Onion River SportsCyclocross cruise, cycling 101, mountain bike ride, Onion River Racing Wednesday Night World Championships and Onion River Racing Thursday Night Nationals. Come in proper physical condition depending on ride, bring water and a snack, and dress appropriately for weather. Complete schedule at onionriver.com.❊ ALL SUMMER: Touring Rides with the Green Mountain Bicycle ClubMany rides of varying distance and challenge all over Vermont. Complete schedule at thegmbc.com.❊ MONDAY–WEDNESDAY: Open Shop NightsHave questions or a bike to donate, or need help with a bike repair? Come visit the volunteer-run community bike shop.Mondays and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. Tuesdays, 6–8 p.m. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre Street, Montpelier. By donation. 552-3521 or freeridemontpelier.org.THURSDAYS: Mountain Bike Race Series at Millstone Casual and fun mountain bike races. For racers of all ages and abilities. Barbecue follows. Benefits the Millstone Trails Associa-tion’s capital campaign for the proposed Barre Town Forest.Thursdays, 5 p.m., June 28–August 2. Millstone Hill, Websterville. $10 adults, $8 Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Association (MAM-BA) members; $8 kids 12 and under, $6 MAMBA kids. 229-9409 or [email protected].❊ FRIDAYS: Onion River Sports Friday Night FixGet to know your bike and learn a different element of mainte-nance with shop mechanics. 6 p.m.; June 29 and August 3, flat fix; July 13, ladies’ night. Onion River Sports, Montpelier. onionriver.com.JULY 7–8: Cannondale Demo Days at Millstone Trails Representatives from local bike shops, including Onion River Sports, set riders up with free demos of 2013 models.Saturday and Sunday. Millstone Hill, Websterville. $8 entry fee. onionriver.com.JULY 28: Onion River Century RidePedal 111, 68 or 35 miles to benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, followed by a barbeque and celebration. Voted best century ride in Vermont by Vermont Sports readers.Saturday, July 28, 8:30 a.m. $50 before July 20, $65 after; or raise pledges and receive Darn Tough socks or a ride jersey. Register at 223-3338, tinyurl.com/onionrivercentury or at the library.AUGUST 18: Third Annual Ride the Realm Bike RideGreen Mountain United Way’s 50-kilometer ride along the Con-necticut River.Saturday, August 18. Starts and ends at St. Johnsbury Academy. 745-0101 or gmunitedway.org. Register by August 1 and receive a free T-shirt.

BOOKS & WORDS❊ ALL SUMMER: Lunch in a Foreign LanguageBring lunch and practice your language skills with neighbors.Noon–1 p.m. Mondays, Hebrew. Tuesdays, Italian. Wednesdays, Spanish. Thursdays, French. Fridays, German. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. 223-3338.

❊ TUESDAYS: English Conversation Practice Group For students learning English for the first time.Tuesdays, 4–5 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Mont-pelier Learning Center, 100 State Street. No meetings July 24 and 31. Sarah, 223-3403.❊ WEDNESDAYS: Authors at the AldrichVermont authors from diverse walks of life—including gardener Ed Smith, cartoonist Jeff Danziger, science writer Sue Halpern and historian Paul Heller—talk about their books.Wednesdays, 6 p.m., through August 22 (no event July 4). Aldrich Public Library, Barre. Complete schedule at aldrich.lib.vt.us.❊ THURSDAYS: Ongoing Reading GroupImprove your reading and share some good books. Books chosen by group.Thursdays, 9–10 a.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State Street. No meetings July 26 and August 2. 223-3403.JUNE 21–JULY 14: Summer Book SaleHigh-quality books at low prices, organized by subject. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. All proceeds benefit the library. 223-3338.❊ JUNE 25–26: Visiting Writers Series at GoddardMitch Horowitz, vice-president and editor-in-chief of Tarcher/Penguin Books, talks about how to get published, and novelist Kathryn Davis reads from, talks about and signs her books.Horowitz on Monday, 10 a.m.–noon.; Davis on Tuesday, 7–8:30 p.m. Goddard College, Plainfield. Free. goddard.edu.❊ JUNE 23–AUGUST 7: Author Readings and Signings at Bear Pond BooksFeaturing Kate and Richard Russo, Alison Bechdel (June 26) and Chris Bohjalian (August 7), plus poetry by Jane Shore (July 17) and a new book of Vermont swimming holes by Dave Hajdasz (July 3).Russos Saturday, June 23, noon; other readings Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. bearpondbooks .com/author-events or 229-0774.❊ JUNE 27–JULY 7: Visiting Writers at Vermont College of Fine Arts Richard Bausch, Maureen Freely, Kathleen Graber, Michael Hemery and Ron Charles give readings and offer lectures and informal talks.College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. Schedule at vcfa.edu/node/2734.

❊ JUNE 28: Third Annual Pie and Poetry With Vermont Poet Laureate Sydney Lea and poets Angela Patten and Jim Schley. Readings followed by pie and beverages. Above, locals at the 2011 Pie and Poetry events.Thursday June 28, 7–8 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free.❊ JULY 2 & AUGUST 6: Classic Book ClubFirst Mondays, 6 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plainfield. Free. Daniel, 793-0418. ❊ JULY 9: Annual Poetry Slam with Geof HewittParticipate in or watch a poetry competition for all ages. Prizes.Monday, July 9, 7–9 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free.❊ JULY 14: Talk Nerdy To MeAre you a self-identified expert? What gives you a “nerd-on”? Sign up in advance to share your nerdy passion via PowerPoint! Drink beer, eat good food and learn about a broad assortment of topics through the eyes of those to whom they are most nerdily dear.Saturday, July 14, 7 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 136 North Main Street, Barre. Free. 479-0896 or genuineadventures.com/talk-nerdy-to-me.html.❊ JULY 16 & AUGUST 20: Plainfield Book ClubThird Mondays, 6:30 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plain-field. Free. 454-8504 or cutlerlibrary.org. ❊ JULY 19 & AUGUST 16: Third Thursday Travel TalksThird Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plainfield. Free. 454-8504 or cutlerlibrary.org.

❊ JULY 19 & AUGUST 16: Clean Slate QuizAssemble your best small team, and enjoy food and drink service outside on the patio while you play a dynamic trivia game!7 p.m. both nights. Clean Slate Cafe, 107 State Street, Montpelier. Free. 225-6166 or [email protected] 20 & AUGUST 23: Extempo: Live Original StorytellingTell a 5-to-71 ⁄2-minute, first-person, true story from your own life! Sign up in advance, and come with your story already prac-ticed to deliver it smoothly without the use of notes. No theme.8 p.m. both nights. July 20: the Blue Barn, 117 West County Road, Maple Corner (Calais). August 23: Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Elm Street, Montpelier. Free to participants; $5 otherwise. 223-0184 or extempovt.com.JULY 27–28: Heritage Days Book Sale Books and audio-visual materials for all ages at rock-bottom prices.Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Aldrich Library lawn, 6 Washington Street, Barre. Rain or shine.

CIRCUS

JULY 1–AUGUST 19: Circus Smirkus: Topsy Turvy Time TravelVermont’s acclaimed traveling youth circus—with nine Vermont-ers in the ring this year—celebrates its 25th anniversary with blasts from the past and fun from the future. Above, Maia Gawor-Sloane of Richmond on wire.August 15–16, 2 and 7 p.m., Montpelier High School. $20 adults, $16.50 kids 2–12, free for kids under 2. More shows in Greensboro, Essex, Manchester, Brattleboro and Hanover, New Hampshire; com-plete schedule at smirkus.org.

DANCE❊ WEDNESDAYS: Ecstatic Dance7–9 p.m. First and third Wednesdays, Worcester Town Hall, corner of Elmore Road and Calais Road; fourth Wednesdays, Plainfield Community Center. $5–$10 donation. Fearn, 505-8011 or [email protected]: Contra DancesAll dances taught; no partner necessary. All ages welcome. Bring soft-soled shoes.First, third and fifth Saturdays, 8–11 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Route 12 (Northfield Street), Berlin. $8. 744-6163 or capitalcitygrange.org.JUNE 25–30: Dear PinaA dance/theater tribute to German choreographer Pina Bausch, featuring many central Vermont dancers and choreographers.Monday–Saturday, 7 p.m. Breeding Barn, Shelburne Farms. $15 Monday and Tuesday, $25 Wednesday–Saturday.Tickets at flynntix.org. hannahdennison.org.❊ JULY 27: Square Dancing with Jennifer Steckler and Her Majesty’s Streak-o-LeanDare to be square at this dance that welcomes both beginners and experienced folks. Friday, July 27, 8 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. $5 suggested donation.JULY 28: Connect the Dots DanceVal Medve and Martha Kent call English and Scottish country dances to tunes by Carol Compton and Joanne Garton, then, after a potluck supper, Medve calls traditional New England dance to the Homegrown Chestnuts house band. No experience needed.Saturday, July 28. English/Scottish, 2:30–5:30 p.m.; traditional dance, 7:30–11 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Route 12 (North-field Street), Berlin. $10 English/Scottish, $18 traditional, $15 both. Val, 899-2378, Martha, 879-7618, or Merry, 225-8921.❊ AUGUST 1: Dance Festival: BYU Idaho Dance AllianceBrigham Young University’s 33-student touring dance group.Wednesday, August 1, 7 p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 North Main Street. Free. Tickets at 476-8188 or barreoperahouse.org.

see SUMMER EVENTS, page C.4


FESTIVALS❊ JUNE 22–24: Village-building ConvergenceTransition Town and Occupy Vermont team up to host the Village Gathering, a skill-share workshop weekend on creating commu-nity resilience with hands-on projects and discussions. Live music by One Over Zero and Kris Gruen on Saturday night. Twin Pond Retreat, Brookfield. By donation. Complete schedule at vbc-vt.org.❊ JUNE 23: Reach Fest 2012: A Celebration of Time and TalentsReach Service Exchange Network celebrates community. Demos of members’ skills and talents, live music, food, awards and raffle. Find out more about Reach and register on-site.Saturday June 23, 1–4 p.m. Trinity Church, 137 Main Street, Montpelier. Free.JUNE 23: RockfireDaylong, family-friendly, cultural solstice festival with nonstop live performances and entertainment among the old quarries. Unveiling of Millstone Hill’s cultural heritage trail, temporary art installations, live music by local artists emceed by Robert Resnik, bonfires, firewalk and sky lanterns at dusk, and more.Saturday, June 23, 2–11 p.m. Millstone Hill, Websterville. Advance: $15 individual, $40 family; day of: $18 individual, $45 family. Tickets at 479-1000, 476-8188 or barreoperahouse.org. Schedule at rockfirevt.com.JUNE 24: 10th Annual Strawberry FestivalHorsedrawn wagon rides, strawberry picking, storytelling by Simon Brooks, kids’ crafts, music by Black Jack Crossing and Haywire. Organic food concession, strawberry shortcake and wood-fired pizzas. No pets, please.Sunday, June 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Cedar Circle Farm, 225 Pavillion Road (off Route 5), East Thetford. $5 per car. 785-4737 or cedar-circlefarm.org❊ JULY 21: ReUse FairArtists and craftspeople display recycled and repurposed wares, plus live music, tag sale, activities and food. Benefits Planting Hope and ReSOURCE.Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Vermont College of Fine Arts green. [email protected] 20–22: SolarFestA three-day, family-friendly festival that combines world-class entertainment with workshops in renewable energy, sustainability and community engagement.Friday–Saturday. Tinmouth. Complete schedule at solarfest.org.JULY 24–29: Druid FestivalExplore magic, healing, ceremony, and the spirit of nature. Work-shops, food, sacred land, compassionate community and the annu-al Lughnasadh Harvest Festival! Family-friendly event. Come for five days, the weekend, or just for the ceremony Saturday night.Tuesday–Sunday. Dreamland in Worcester. $30/day adults, free for children; optional meal plan. Register with Fearn, [email protected].❊ JULY 29: Milarepa Festival Day Featuring the Drepung Monks Tibetan Cultural Pageant, a performance of ritual chanting and dance by monks from one of Tibet’s great monastic universities. Refreshments served. Families welcome.

Sunday, July 29, 1–5 p.m. Milarepa Center, Barnet. Free. 633-4136 or milarepacenter.org

FILMJULY: Sci-Fi July at the Savoy TheaterEvery weekend in July. 26 Main Street, Montpelier 229-0509 or savoytheater.com.

FOOD

❊ MONDAYS & THURSDAYS: Summer Events at Nutty Steph’sBacon Thursdays, 6 p.m.–midnight: Mary Go Round on July 5, mustache night on July 12 (above, a previous year’s revelry), beach party on July 28 with the Concrete Rivals. Teacher Appreciation Mondays: free chocolate bar to all educators (recent paystub and photo ID required).Nutty Steph’s, Route 2, Middlesex. nuttystephs.com.❊ SATURDAYS: Capital City Farmers MarketVegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, meat, maple syrup, fine crafts, pre-pared foods, plants and more. Live music all summer. On June 28: demo with David Moyer of the Vermont Foodbank on stretching your food dollars. Youth market on August 18. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 60 State Street (corner of State and Elm ), Montpelier. Through October 27. Carolyn, 223-2958 or [email protected]. SUNDAYS: Gospel Brunch: A Community MealAll-you-can-eat buffet of fresh fruit, bread, salmon and local meats and cheeses. Mimosas and other drinks available for purchase from both Red Hen and Nutty Steph’s. Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 pm. Nutty Steph’s and Red Hen Baking Com-pany, Route 2, Middlesex. $10 adult, $5 children 12 and under. nuttystephs.com.JULY 7 & AUGUST 3: Food Fundraisers for Montpelier Food PantryIce cream and other goodies on July 7, burgers and sausages on August 3. Benefits the Montpelier Food Pantry.Saturday, July 7, and Friday, August 3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Montpelier Shaw’s. justbasicsvt.org.❊ JULY 7: Food Security in an Age of Climate ChangeAn evening with Bill McKibben, Ben Hewitt and Rachel Nevitt, hosted by Food Works at Two Rivers Center. Local-foods dinner, followed by discussion.

Saturday, July 7. Dinner, 5:30 p.m.; discussion; 7:30 p.m. Capitol Plaza Ballroom, 100 State Street, Montpelier. Reservations required for dinner; discussion open to the public, $5 suggested donation. 233-1515 or foodworksvermont.org.❊ JULY 11: Midsummer’s Eve Wine-Tasting BenefitSample local table wine, fruits and cheese, tour gardens, browse a silent auction, and listen to live music. Benefits Rhythm of the Rein therapeutic riding program.Wednesday, July 11, 5–8 p.m. Lakeview Inn, Breezy Avenue, Greens-boro. $5 suggested donation. 426-3781 or [email protected].

JULY 12–AUGUST 22: Meat and Dairy Classes with Rural VermontLearn how to handle and prepare farm-fresh meat and poultry and how to make yogurt, ice cream, cheeses and more from raw milk. Above, a goat cheese workshop.Workshops in North Clarendon, South Wheelock, Fairfield and Shelburne. Complete schedule at ruralvermont.org. $20–$40 sliding scale. Register at 223-7222.JULY 19: Summer Cooking for Well-BeingUnderstand which foods match this season and your constitution, explore the role of mindfulness in healthy digestion, create menu plans, taste samples, and take home recipes.Thursday, July 19, 6–7 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $8 co-op member/owners, $10 nonmembers. Register at 223-8000, ext. 202, or [email protected].❊ JULY 22: Rural Vermont Raw-Milk Ice-Cream SocialBring the family and and join raw-milk enthusiasts for an evening of homemade ice cream, music, guest speakers and a celebration commemorating Rural Vermont’s 50th dairy class.Sunday July 22, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Flack Family Farm, 3971 Pumpkin Village Road, Fairfield. Free. Rain or shine. 223-7222 or ruralvermont.org.❊ AUGUST 7: Cheese Tasting With Leslie Polubinski. Taste local and global cheeses paired with honey, jams, and a variety of area farm and food products.Tuesday, August 7, 7–8:30 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free, but RSVP required: 276-3535 or [email protected].❊ AUGUST 14: Wild Edibles Slideshow and Discussion With Annie McCleary of Wisdom of the Herbs School. Learn about Vermont’s wild bounty and how to use what nature offers. Tuesday, August 14, 6–7:30 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free.

SUMMER EVENTS, from page C.3

Free Community Meals For All in MontpelierMONDAY 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Unitarian Church, 130 Main Street

TUESDAY 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Bethany Church, 115 Main Street

WEDNESDAY 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Christ Church, 64 State Street

THURSDAY 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Trinity Church, 137 Main Street

FRIDAY 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., St. Augus-tine Church, 18 Barre Street

SATURDAY Second Saturdays only, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Trinity Church, 137 Main Street (hosted by folks from Shep-herd of the Hills Lutheran Church and First Baptist Church)

SUNDAY Last Sundays only, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Bethany Church, 115 Main Street (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue)

SUBMIT YOUR CALENDAR EVENT!Send listings to Dana at [email protected].


PULLOUT SUPPLEMENT TO THE BR IDGE SUMMER E VENTS GUIDE , JUNE 21, 2012 • PAGE C . 5

Community Herb Workshopsat Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism

Herbal Support for the Musculoskeletal System with Rebecca Dalgin, VCIH GraduateWednesday March 21st, 6-8 pm

Techniques and Tips for Successful Plant Propagationwith Joann Darling, Gardens of Seven GablesWednesday March 28th, 6–8 pm

Herbal Medicine Making with Betzy Bancroft, VCIH Core FacultyMonday April 2nd, 6–8 pm

Secrets of Our Cycletwo-part series with Abigail Houghton, VCIH GraduateMondays April 9th and 16th, 6–8 pm

250 Main Street, Suite 302, Montpelier

Pre-registration required for all workshops.

Contact 224-7100 or [email protected].

For workshop details and descriptions, visit

vtherbcenter.org

❊ AUGUST 19: Market Day in BrookfieldProduce, meats, and cheese for purchase, along with prizes, sur-prises and a silent auction to benefit Old Town Hall renovations. Sunday, August 19, noon–4 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free. Presented by Floating Bridge Food & Farms Co-operative and Brook-field Community Partnership.❊ AUGUST 28: There’s More to Tea than TetleyWith John McConnell of Vermont Liberty Tea Company.Tuesday, August 28, 7–8:30 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free.

GARDENINGJUNE 23: The Herb GardenLearn how to choose and grow herbs, make a simple herb vinegar and learn to preserve herbs for year-round culinary use and warm-ing wintertime teas. Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m.–noon. The Farmer’s Kitchen at Turkey Hill Farm, Randolph Center. $25, includes handouts and recipes. 728-7064JUNE 23: Growing a Summer Tea GardenLearn about easy-to-grow plants that offer medicinal qualities, add beauty to the garden and make delicious beneficial teas. Samples provided.Saturday, June 23, 3–4:30 p.m. East Warren Community Market, 42 Roxbury Mountain Road, East Warren. $10 plus $5 materials fee. Register at 552-0727, [email protected] or wildheart wellness.net.JUNE 27: Plant It And They Will Come: Gardening with Native Plants Learn simple and effective techniques for creating better wildlife habitat and feeding stations. Come prepared to get a little dirty.Saturday, June 27, 5–7 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street, Montpelier. $15 nature center members, $20 nonmembers. 229-6206.❊ JUNE 27: Learn About Container Gardening with Ed SmithWednesday, June 27, 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield. Free. 426-3581 or [email protected].

HERBS❊ JUNE 28: Herbal First Aid KitWith Marie Frohlich, health coach. Learn how to create your own herbal first aid kit for the summer. From bee stings to sunburn, all you need are a few herbal essentials.Thursday, June 28, 5:30–7 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop com-munity room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] 30–JULY 30: Summer Herb Workshops at Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism Learn about treating sleep issues with herbs, making your own flower essences, fermented foods and health, sexual health, draw-ing herbs, and growing and wildcrafting herbs.Sleep June 30, flower essences July 15, fermentation July 16, sexual health July 23, drawing July 28 and growing/wildcrafting July 30. 250 Main Street, Montpelier. $10–$18. More info at 224-7100 or vtherbcenter.org.

INDEPENDENCE DAYLook for previews of all local Independence Day festivities in our next issue, June 28.❊ JULY 3: Montpelier’s Independence Day CelebrationParade, performances, food and celebrations of all kinds,Volunteers needed: contact Paul at [email protected].❊ JULY 4: Worcester: Celebrating The 150th Anniversary of The Civil WarCivil War encampment, parade, chicken barbecue, strawberry

festival, raffle, dog show, duck race, games, historic displays, food, fireworks and more. Encampment schedule at worcestervthistoricalsociety.org. Parade questions and sign-up: Michelle, 223-4206. Food vendor questions: Audrey, 223-5985, or Judy, 223-8635.

KIDS & TEENS❊ ALL SUMMER: The Basement Teen CenterCable TV, PlayStation 3, pool table, free eats and fun events for teenagers.Monday–Thursday, 3–6 p.m.; Friday, 3–11 p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-9151.❊ MONDAYS: Youth GroupGames, movies, snacks and music.Mondays, 7–9 p.m. Church of the Crucified One, Route 100, More-town. 496-4516.❊ TUESDAYS: Cub Capers Storytime and SongsFor children age 3–5 and their families.Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. Children’s room, Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-0774.❊ TUESDAYS: Morning PlaygroupStorytelling inspired by seasonal plants, fruits and herbs with in-house astrologer Mary Anna Abuzahra, plus crafts, games and activities. Walk follows. All ages welcome.Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. [email protected].❊ TUESDAYS: Second-Language Story TimeTales in American Sign Language, plus monthly special events with native speakers. Tuesdays, 3 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plainfield. Free. 454-8504 or cutlerlibrary.org.❊ THURSDAYS: Nature Hikes with Onion River KidsFirst and third Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. Through August. Location may vary, call 223-6025 for details.❊ SUNDAYS: Story Time at Onion River KidsOutdoor adventure tales and childhood classics.Sundays, 10:30 a.m. 7 Langdon Street, Montpelier. 223-6025.❊ ALL SUMMER: Events for Teens and Kids at the Aldrich LibraryFree lunch every day Monday–Friday, no-obligations teen book club on Mondays, Wednesday teen game nights, crafts and events for kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Lunch, noon; crafts, 1 p.m.; teen events, 5 p.m. Lunch and crafts through August 17; no lunch July 4. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. 476-7550.❊ JUNE 22–AUGUST 3: Library Events for All Ages at the Kellogg-Hubbard LibraryParticipate in the summer reading program Dream Big, learn about the night sky, hear nocturnal legends, make a fairy door, or check out the legendary tie-dye party and stuffed-animal sleepover.Kellogg-Hubbard childrens’ library, Montpelier. Complete schedule at the library, or at 223-4665 or kellogghubbard.org.❊ JUNE 23–30: Kids’ Library Activities in WilliamstownReading with childrens’ author Amy Sprague; stories, critters, crafts and snack with Bill Palin; and puppet performance of The Elves and the Shoemaker by Traveling Storytellers & Company.Reading June 23, storytime June 27, puppets June 30. Ainsworth Public Library, Main Street, Williamstown. Schedule at 433-5887 or ainsworthpubliclibrary.wordpress.com.❊ JUNE 25–JULY 30: Library Events for Kids in MarshfieldDream big: read! Learn about dreams, stars and plants, and noc-turnal animals with nighttime-themed crafts and activities during weekly storytimes and special programming.Storytime on Mondays, 10 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield.

Schedule at marshfield.lib.vt.us. 426-3581 or [email protected].❊ JUNE 25–JULY 27: Summer Fun at the Waterbury Public LibraryA musical story time, nature walks and owls, a theater perfor-mance and summer reading, plus crafty afternoon on Tuesdays in July and a circus-themed Independence Day float.Complete schedule at waterburypubliclibrary.com. Waterbury Public Library, 28 North Main Street, Waterbury. Free. 244-7036.❊ JUNE 20–JULY 25: Traveling Summer Story TimeKellogg-Hubbard Library’s story time comes to your community. Berlin Firehouse, June 20; East Montpelier Firehouse, June 27; Worcester Town Hall, July 11; Rumney School, July 18; Maple Corner Community Center, July 25. All programs 10:30 a.m., except Worcester 11 a.m. 223-4665.❊ JULY: Where is Waldo in Montpelier?Search for the iconic character in a striped shirt and black specs hiding in 20 downtown businesses to win prizes.July, all month. Visit Bear Pond Books or the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier to get started.❊ JULY 6: Self Defense for Teens and TweensLearn basic moves to keep you safe on the streets. Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can move around in. Everyone under 18 will need to have a parent/guardian sign a waiver.Friday, July 6, 3 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre.❊ JULY 12: Kids’ Author Reading: Jennifer GennariVermont College of Fine Arts grad Gennari presents her novel, My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer, the story of a 12-year-old pie-baking Vermonter whose family experiences bullying after Vermont’s civil-union law passes.Thursday, July 12, 4 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Mont-pelier. Free. 229-0774.❊ JULY 19: What’s New and Hot for Kids’ Summer ReadingLocal authors Jo Knowles, Kate Messner and Linda Urban read from their new books, share their favorites and share the experi-ence they have in using books to talk with kids. Thursday, July 19, 4 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpe-lier. Free. 229-0774.❊ JULY 19: Caps for SalePerformance by the PuppeTree.Thursday, July 19, 6 p.m. ReSTORE, 30 Granite Street, Barre. Free. 477-7800.JULY 19–AUGUST: Camps at the Woods at WihakowiCamp Allegro, traditional summer camp for girls age 8–13; two theater camps for kids in grades K–6 and 6–12; and Summer’s End, youth empowerment conference for age 15–24. Complete schedule at 877-966-3588 or stayinnvermont.com.❊ JULY 20: No Strings Marionettes presents Jack and the Beanstalk Family-friendly traditional puppet theater.Friday, July 20, 7–9 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free. nostringsvt.com.❊ JULY 25: Story Tour: Fun, Fantastical Tales from Around the WorldAnnie Hawkins’s stories captivate and delight all ages. Wednesday, July 25, 7–8:30 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free.❊ AUGUST 5: Kids’ Movie and Popcorn PartyBring the whole family for Up, the 2009 Disney-Pixar film about the adventures of an elderly man and a young stowaway who fly to South America by floating in a house. Sunday, August 5, 3–5 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free.


HEADING OUT?Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!


TICKETS: $20 $10 children 12 and under

LOCATION, RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION: 501 Blachly Road, East Calais 456-8968 www.unadilla.org

2 GILBERT & SULLIVANS!

PIRATES OF PENZANCEJune 28, 29, 30; July 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 • 7:30 p.m.

YEOMEN OF THE GUARDJuly 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 • 7:30 p.m.

East Calais, VT

MUSEUMS❊ ALL SUMMER: Sullivan MuseumTol’ ko Po Russky, Pozhaluista (“Russian Only, Please”), chroni-cling the history of the Russian school at Norwich University, 1968–2000. Norwich University, Northfield. Through January 2013. 485-2183.❊ JUNE 21–30: The History of Goddard CollegePhotographs, films and archival documents from 1969 to 1979, curated by Goddard staff member and alumnus Dustin Byerly.Pratt Center Library, Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield. Through June. 454-8311 or goddard.edu.

❊ JULY 26: Opening of New Galleries at the Vermont History CenterCheck out The Emergence of the Granite City: Barre, 1880–1940 in the Barre Heritage Gallery and Icons, Oddities & Wonders in the Special Collections Gallery. Refreshments served, accompanied by Scottish, Italian and French music. Above, an odddity on display.Thursday, July 26, 5–7 p.m. Vermont History Center, 60 Washington Street, Barre. Jackie, 479-8514.

MUSIC❊ ALL SUMMER: Music at BagitosLive local music nearly every night, plus Irish/Celtic session on Saturdays, blues jam on Wednesdays, Sunday brunch with music and open mics.Most shows 6–8 p.m. 28 Main Street, Montpelier. Complete schedule at 229-9212 or bagitos.com.❊ ALL SUMMER: Music at Big Picture TheaterValley nights on Wednesdays, plus other special events.48 Carroll Road (just off Route 100), Waitsfield. Most shows by donation. Complete schedule at 496-8994 or bigpicture theater.info.

❊ ALL SUMMER: Music at Charlie O’sLive local music Fridays and some Saturdays; karaoke on Tues-days.70 Main Street, Montpelier. Complete schedule at venue or call 223-6820.❊ ALL SUMMER: Music at Fresh Tracks Farm Live local music most Fridays, 6–9 p.m., plus parties, fundraisers and other special events.4373 Route 12, Berlin. Complete schedule at 223-1151 or [email protected].❊ TUESDAYS: Waterbury Community Band Concert in the ParkA varied program of marches and other concert band selections. Good neighbor benefit concert, at Waterbury Congregational Church on August 16, 3:30 p.m.Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Concerts alternate between Rusty Parker Memo-rial Park in Waterbury (June 26) and Waterbury Center Park (July 10). Free. Through July; no concerts July 3 and 17. Bill, 223-2137 or [email protected]. ❊ TUESDAYS: Gazebo Concerts in StoweFeaturing the Michael Arnowitt Jazz Trio on July 24, Dave Keller and the Dave Keller Band on July 31, the Waterbury Community Band and the Morrisville Military Band on August 7 and Banjo Dan and the Mid-Nite Plowboys on August 14.Tuesdays, 7 p.m., July 24–August 14. Helen Day Memorial Building lawn; rain location: Stowe Community Church. Free.TUESDAYS: Summer Music from GreensboroChamber music concerts.Tuesdays, 8 p.m., July 17–August 14. Church of Christ, Wilson Street, Greensboro. $20 per concert, $85 season ticket; free for youth under 18. 533-2301 or [email protected].❊ WEDNESDAYS: Middlesex Summer ConcertsFeaturing, in order of appearance, the Heckhounds, the Onion River Jazz Band, Jenni Johnson, the New Nile Orchestra, the Anthony Santor Quartet and the Doug Perkins Bluegrass Unit. Bring a picnic.Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. July 11–August 15. Martha Pellerin-Andy Shapiro Memorial Bandstand (next to Rumney School), 433 Shady Rill Road, Middlesex. Free. 229-0881.❊ WEDNESDAYS: Capital Band ConcertBring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with your neighbors. Want to play along? Bring your instrument, music stand and a chair.Wednesdays, 7 p.m. State House lawn near the Pavilion Building. Free. Through August 15; no concert July 4.❊ WEDNESDAYS: Summer Concerts in BarreRobert Resnik and Marty Morrissey, the Green Mountain Swing Band, Patti Casey and Bob Amos, the Dave Keller Band, the Mi-chael Arnowitt Jazz Trio, Sherri’s Jubilee and more entertain locals in a weekly outdoor concert.Wednesdays, 7–8 p.m. Currier Park; rain location Universalist Church, 19 Church Street. Free. Through August 22; no concert July 4. Schedule at thebarrepartnership.com. ❊ THURSDAYS: Brown Bag Concert Series in MontpelierHourlong lunchtime performances by KT and the Trailblazers, the Dave Keller Band, Green Mountain Swing, the Starline Rhythm Boys, Long Shot Music and Patti Casey, the Great Brook Blues Band, and more.Thursdays, noon, July 12–August 30. Christ Church courtyard, State Street, Montpelier. Free. Schedule at montpelieralive.org/brownbag.❊ THURSDAYS: Music at Neci on MainThursdays, 6–9 pm. 118 Main Street, Montpelier. No cover. Com-plete schedule at 223-3188 or necidining.com.❊ THURSDAYS: Free Summer Concert Series in MarshfieldLocal tunes by Cold Country Bluegrass, Michael Arnowitt and the ImproVisions Jazz Quartet, Dana and Susan Robinson, Atlantic Crossing, and the Michele Fay Band. Bring your chair or blanket and a picnic. Food available for purchase.

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., July 5–August 9. Old Schoolhouse Common gazebo, 122 School Street, Marshfield. Free. Schedule at marshfield .lib.vt.us. 426-3581 or [email protected].❊ THURSDAYS: Ukulele Group All ages and abilities welcome.Second and fourth Thursdays, 6–8 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 46 Barre Street, Montpelier. 223-2518. ❊ SATURDAYS: Norwich University’s Summer Carillon Concert SeriesBring a picnic and a lawn chair for free outdoor concerts on Norwich’s 47-bell Charlotte Nichols Greene Memorial Carillon. Rain or shine. Demo and tour of bell tower follows.Saturdays, 1 p.m., July 7–August 4. Free. Diana, 485-2318 or [email protected].❊ SATURDAYS: Dan Boomhower at Cider House RestaurantPiano tunes.Saturdays, 6 p.m.–close. Route 2, Waterbury. 244-8400.❊ SATURDAYS: Shape-Note SingIan Smiley leads tunes from The Sacred Harp. All welcome; no experience necessary. First and third Saturdays, 6:30–8 p.m. Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Elm Street, Montpelier. By donation. Ian, 229-4008 or [email protected].❊ SUNDAYS: Music at Skinny PancakeOld-time session with Katie Trautz and friends, followed by live music on the patio.Sundays. Session, 4–6 p.m.; concert follows. 89 Main Street, Montpe-lier. Complete schedule at 262-2253 or skinnypancake.com.

JUNE 22–23: Sixth Annual Carolan FestivalA gathering for people who play, listen or dance to the music of Turlough O’Carolan, Irish harper and composer, 1670–1738. Opening theater/concert piece on Friday by Patrick Ball (above); on Saturday, open and small sessions, music and dance perfor-mances, potluck supper and evening country dance. Rain or shine.Friday, 7 p.m., Old Meeting House, 1620 Center Road, East Montpelier. Saturday, 10 a.m.– 9 p.m., Mallery Farm, 108 Norton Road, Worcester. Friday: $15 advance, $20 at door; Saturday: $10 individual, $15 family, $5 off with Friday ticket stub. Tickets at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, 229-9468 or carolanfestvt.com.



PULLOUT SUPPLEMENT TO THE BR IDGE SUMMER E VENTS GUIDE , JUNE 21, 2012 • PAGE C .7

MORE Community Herb Workshops!at Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism

Sexual Health for Herbalists and (other) Health Care Providerswith Dana Woodruff, community herbalist/educatorMonday, July 23rd, 6–8pmCost: $12/$10 members, ORE hours accepted

Drawing Herbs: A Botanical Explorationwith Jesse LoVasco, family herbalistSaturday, July 28th 10am–noon Cost: $12/$10 members

Growing & Wildcrafting Herbs for Your Home Apothecarywith Larken Bunce, core faculty/co-director VCIHMonday, July 30th, 5:30–8pmCost: $12/$10 members

250 Main Street, Suite 302, Montpelier

Pre-registration required for all workshops.

Contact 224-7100 or [email protected].

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JUNE 22 & 24: Green Mountain Opera Festival: La BohèmeFriday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 North Main Street. $25–$70. Tickets at 476-8188 or barreoperahouse.org.JUNE 29: The Kind Buds in ConcertAcoustic guitar jam duo inspired by musician and songwriter Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Refreshments available.Friday, June 29, 7–10 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. $5. thekindbuds.com.JUNE 29–JULY 8: Vermont Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Summer ConcertsThe orchestra promises musical smiles with a humor-themed pro-gram, performed in outdoor settings across the state.All concerts start at 7:30 pm.; gates open 5–5:30 p.m. for picnick-ing. $31–$35 adults; prices vary for children. June 29 at Sugarbush Resort; July 7 in Randolph; July 8 in Stowe: tickets and complete schedule at 800-876-9293, ext. 10, or vso.org. ❊ JULY 3–7: Vermont’s Own 40th Army Band in Concert Featuring the concert band, the Liberty Belles woodwind quintet, the Green Mountain Show Band, a big-band ensemble, and the Power of 10 power rock show band.July 4, 8 p.m., in Jeffersonville; July 6, 7:30 p.m. in South Royal-ton; additional performances around the state. Free. 338-3480 or vtguard.com/band.❊ JULY 4: Bob Murray, Jeremiah McLane and Susannah BlachlyMusic that springs from the musicians’ personal truths. Part of the Strafford UU Concert Series Wednesday, July 4, 7:30 p.m. Strafford UU Church, corner of Justin Morrill Highway and Route 132. $15 suggested donation. 765-4295 or strafforduuchurch.org.JULY 5–AUGUST 15: Adamant Music School Concerts and ClassesPiano concerts, master classes with André Laplante, John O’Conor and Menahem Pressler, and granite sculptures and paintings on display.Concerts: $10 adults, $6 seniors and students; $50/day master classes. Complete schedule at adamant.org or 223-3347.❊ JULY 6 & AUGUST 3: CoffeehouseEnjoy live music and share your own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages.First Fridays, 7–9 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main Street, Montpelier (park and enter at rear). Free. Dick, 244-5191, 472-8297 or [email protected]. ❊ JULY 8 & AUGUST 12: Shape Note/Sacred Harp SingNo experience needed. All welcome.Second Sundays, 5–7 p.m. Plainfield Community Center (above the co-op). By donation. 426-3849 or 426-3850. ❊ JULY 8–AUGUST 15: Craftsbury Chamber PlayersConcert series in Hardwick and Burlington, plus special preseason bluegrass concert with Kenji Bunch.Bluegrass July 8, 7 p.m., Craftsbury Common; free. Thursdays, 8 p.m., July 12–August 16, Hardwick Town House, 127 Church Street; $22 adults, $20 seniors, $8 students. Schedule at craftsburychamber-players.org/concerts or 800-639-3443.JULY 11: Movement of the People: The Fela Kuti ProjectThirteen-piece Afrobeat band. Come for dancing. Cash bar.Wednesday, July 11; doors open at 7 p.m, show at 8 p.m. Goddard College, Plainfield. $10 adults, $5 kids. Tickets at the door and cash only. goddard.edu.❊ JULY 12: The Attic Series presents TympanonThe trio performs tunes and songs of Quebec and FranceThursday, July 12, 7 p.m. Reach offices, 138 Main Street, Montpelier. $10 suggested donation. Reservations recommended; Susan, 229-1403 or [email protected]. ❊ JULY 19 & AUGUST 16: Songwriters’ MeetingMeeting of the Northern VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Song-writers Association International. Bring copies of your work.Third Thursday, 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury. John, 633-2204.❊ JULY 20: Ron West Tribute ConcertHonor the memory of one of Vermont’s finest fiddlers. Guest performers include Adam Boyce, Sarah Hotchkiss, John Mowad,

Mark Sustic, the Sap Run Fiddlers and many more. Dancing and refreshments.Friday, July 20, 8 p.m. Canadian Club, Route 14, Barre. $8–$10 suggested donation. 877-343-3531 or vtfiddleorchestra.org. Hosted by the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra and the Northeast Fiddlers Association. ❊ JULY 23–AUGUST 4: Lyra Summer Music WorkshopPerformances by faculty and student string players and pianists.Concerts July 23, 27, 29 and August 2, 7:30 p.m.; and August 4, 1 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71–73 Main Street, Randolph. $10–$15 suggested donation. Schedule at lyrasummermusic.com.

JULY 24: Mantra Music Performance Before the concert (above, band members), try yoga with Anjali Budreski or a healing summer meal with Lisa Masé.Tuesday, July 24. Yoga, 5 p.m.; meal, 6 p.m.; concert, 7 p.m. God-dard College, Plainfield.❊ JULY 28: Worst. Song. Ever.Perform a cover version of a bad pop song. Bring your own musi-cal instrument(s) or sing it a cappella. Sign up in advance. Audi-ence voting and prizes for best, worst and more. Part of the Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days.7 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 136 North Main Street, Barre. Free. 479-0896 [email protected] 29: Goddard College Concerts: Suzanne VegaSince the 1980s, Vega’s neo-folk style has ushered in a new female, acoustic, folk-pop singer-songwriter movement including Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin and the Indigo Girls. Sunday, July 29; doors open at 7 p.m. Outdoors at Goddard College, Plainfield. $25 in advance. wgdr.org. AUGUST 11–12: Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Pops ConcertFeaturing Adam Laurence Herskowitz, tenor, and the Vermont Philharmonic Chorus.Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Barre Opera House; Sunday, 4 p.m., Moose Meadow Lodge, Duxbury. vermontphilharmonic.org.❊ AUGUST 18–26: Central Vermont Chamber Music FestivalPerformances by the LARK Quartet, the Sixth Floor Trio and fes-tival artists, plus a Breakfast with Bach featuring Sounding Joy!, a childrens’ concert and more.Chandler Music Hall, 71–73 Main Street, Randolph; and other Ran-dolph-area locations. Free–$25. Tickets and schedule at 728-6464 or centralvtchambermusicfest.org.❊ AUGUST 18: 10th Anniversary of Godstock Performances by local Christian artists. Worship, music and fun for the whole family. Bring a picnic or buy refreshments.Saturday, August 18, 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Green Mountain Com-munity Alliance Church, Route 100, Duxbury. 244-7418 or underoneroofministry.com.AUGUST 24–25: 16th Annual Used Musical Instrument SaleSell your instrument or get a new one to benefit Central Vermont Share the Music’s music scholarship assistance to local individuals. Drop off instruments Friday, 4–7 p.m.; sale Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-0295, 229-4416, [email protected] or sharethemusicvt.org.

AUGUST 24–SEPTEMBER 1: Mozart’s Magic FluteOpera presented by Echo Valley Community Arts. Set design by local artists Nicholas Hecht and T. Adam Smith.August 24, 26, 31 and September 1, 8 p.m. Sculpture Building, God-dard College north campus. Naomi, 225-6471.

OUTDOORS & SPORTS❊ ALL SUMMER: Outings with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain ClubHike, walk, paddle and bike your way around Vermont with other local outdoor enthusiasts.Complete schedule at gmcmontpelier.org/events.ALL SUMMER: Montpelier Rec DepartmentSwimming lessons, camps for kids, tae kwon do, kayaking, paddleboarding, adult coed kickball and more.55 Barre Street, Montpelier. Complete schedule at 225-8699 or montpelierrec.org.❊ SATURDAYS: Roller Derby Open Recruitment and Recreational Practice Central Vermont’s Wrecking Doll Society invites quad skaters age 18 and up to try out the action. No experience necessary. Equip-ment provided: first come, first served.Saturdays, 5–6:30 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre Street. First skate free. centralvermontrollerderby.com.SUNDAYS: Coed Adult Floor Hockey Equipment provided.Sundays, 3–5 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre Street. $5. 363-1531, [email protected] or vermontfloorhockey.com.❊ JUNE 23: Standup Paddleboard Free Demo DayFun, easy and great exercise. Experience paddling from a whole new perspective. All boards and equipment provided. Saturday, June 23, 1–4 p.m. Wrightsville Beach. Free. Weather permitting: contact Clearwater Sports at 496-2708 or [email protected] if questionable.JUNE 24: Vermont Paddleboard FestivalTry out more than 50 models of paddleboards from 12 manufac-turers and check out clinics and classes, a paddleboard yoga demo and races. For all experience levels and abilities.Sunday, June 24, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Waterbury Center State Park. $5, benefits Friends of the Winooski; plus $3 day-use park fee (no fee with state parks pass). vtpaddlefest.com.

❊ JUNE 30–AUGUST 22: Summer Events at North Branch Nature CenterLearn more about bird banding, bioluminescent creatures and plants, ferns, bumblebees, moths, butterflies, katydids (above) and more. Lots of outdoor exploration and hands-on discovery. Complete schedule at northbranchnaturecenter.org. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street, Montpelier. Free–$15. 229-6206.JULY 2: Better Birding with Bryan Pfeiffer: Solving ShorebirdsSandpipers and plovers will soon be moving south. Learn to iden-tify and enjoy them. Bring your binoculars.6:30–8 p.m. First Baptist Church, School Street, Montpelier. $10. vermontbirdtours.com.JULY 3: Montpelier MileOne-mile race through historic downtown Montpelier to kick off Montpelier’s Independence Day festivities. All ages welcome.



50 or older and seeking something new?

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Camera with Annie Tiberio Cameron • Introductory Pastels

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Montpelier Senior Activity CenterA Place For Healthy Aging & Lifelong Learning

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802-223-2518 • [email protected] • www.montpelier-vt.org/msac • msacblog.wordpress.com

THANK YOU to all our friends and donors who have supported us during the Renovation Project!Visit us or see website for tour schedule, membership appli-cation, registration form with fees, complete activity listings, full newsletter and calendar.

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$5–$20; benefits the Montpelier Rotary Club. Registration opens at 3:45 p.m. day of race. Preregister at Onion River Sports or 229-9409, [email protected], or onionriver.com.AUGUST 14–15: Long Trail Bound Educator SummitEducators of all grade levels, formal and informal, learn about the natural history of Vermont’s Green Mountains, develop their out-door leadership skills, connect with other educators and become familiar with the newly launched Long Trail Bound activity guide. Tuesday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Green Mountain Club visitor center, Waterbury Center. $100, includes materials and meals. Register by July 31 at 241-8323 or green mountainclub.org.AUGUST 25: Hiking and YogaA moderate three-hour hike, followed by an hour of hatha yoga with Leo Leach. All experience levels welcome.Saturday, August 25, 1–5 p.m. Green Mountain Club visitor center, Waterbury Center. $12. Register by August 11 at 241-8323 or green mountainclub.org.JUNE 30 & JULY 7–8: Hiking and Drawing Workshops with John GeezaLearn how to express the connection you feel with nature in visual form. Geared to those who have had some experience in drawing and painting, but also open to beginners.Saturday, June 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; July 7–8, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Green Mountain Club visitor center, Waterbury Center. $30 one-day wokshop; $185 weekend workshop. Register at least one week in advance at 241-8323 or greenmountainclub.org. johngeeza.ca.

SALES❊ JUNE 30: Float-Building and Tag Sale for Planting HopePlan for Montpelier’s Independence day parade.Saturday, June 30; Tag sale, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; float-building starts at 1 p.m. Clothes Pin Factory, 1 Granite Street, Montpelier.JULY 3–7: Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift Store Tuesday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 137 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-9155.

SPIRITUALITY❊ ALL SUMMER: Christian ScienceGod’s love meeting human needs.Reading room: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; Tuesdays, 5–8 p.m.; and Wednesdays, 5–7:15 p.m. Testimony meeting: Wednes-days, 7:30–8:30 p.m., nursery available. Worship service: Sundays, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Sunday school and nursery available. 145 State Street, Montpelier. 223-2477.❊ MONDAYS: Christian Meditation GroupPeople of all faiths welcome.Mondays, noon–1 p.m. Christ Church, Montpelier. Regis, 223-6043.WEDNESDAYS: Zen MeditationWednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. 174 River Street, Montpelier. Call Tom for orientation, 229-0164. ❊ WEDNESDAYS & SUNDAYS: Shambhala Buddhist MeditationInstruction available. All welcome.Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.–noon. Program and discus-sion follow Wednesday meditation. Shambhala Center, 64 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.THURSDAYS: Science of Mind PrinciplesStudy group for inquiring minds of all faiths.First and third Thursday, 6–8 p.m. Universal Rivers of Life, 28 East State Street, Suite 4 (second floor), Montpelier. 223-3427 or [email protected].❊ THURSDAYS: Ecumenical GroupSongs of praise, Bible teaching, fellowship.Second and fourth Thursday, 7–9 p.m. Jabbok Center for Christian Living, 8 Daniel Drive, Barre. Free. 476-3873.

SUNDAYS: Deepening Our Jewish RootsFun, engaging text study and discussion on Jewish spirituality.Sundays, 4:45–6:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center, Montpelier. Rabbi Tobie Weisman, 223-0583 or [email protected].

THEATERJUNE 21–AUGUST 18: Summer Shows at Lost Nation TheaterRomantic musical comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; cutting, poignant parenting comedy God of Carnage; and Into the Woods Jr., a one-act version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical by youth theater camp students; plus camps, cabarets, and special performances.Complete schedule at lostnationtheater.org. Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main Street, Montpelier. Thursdays and Sundays, 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; occasional 2 p.m. matinees on weekends. General prices: $25 Thursday, $30 Friday–Sunday, $10 age 6–11, $5 discount for students and seniors. Tickets at 229-0492 or lostnationtheater.org.JUNE 22–JULY 8: Avenue Q at the Valley PlayersThis puppet-based play that deals with adult themes won the Tony “Triple Crown” for best musical, best score and best book. Come see what the fuzz is all about.Friday–Sunday, 8 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinee July 8. Valley Players The-ater, Waitsfield. Tickets at 583-1674. valleyplayers.com.❊ JUNE 23: The Madness of Engleburt Spyglass Theater performs a series of improvisational skits, with pieces based on character, specific problems and audience sugges-tions. Fresh, energetic and hilarious. Refreshments served.Saturday, June 23, 7:30 p.m. College Hall gallery, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. $5 suggested donation. 223-1010.JUNE 28–SEPTEMBER 9: Summer Shows at Unadilla Theatre Two Gilbert and Sullivans—Pirates of Penzance and Yeomen of the Guard—Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part I, Athol Fugard’s Road to Mecca, Samuel Becket’s Happy Days, Tom Blachly’s Scattered Showers and David Lindsey-Abaire’s Kimberly Akimbo.Most shows Thursday–Saturday, 7:30 p.m., with some exceptions; complete schedule at unadilla.org. 501 Blachly Road, East Calais. $20 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Tickets at 456-8968.JULY 5–8: Peter Pan at ChandlerAn all-star cast of more than 125 youth and teens from central Vermont and the Upper Valley present a fully staged production of this beloved family musical.Thursday–Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71–73 Main Street, Randolph. $18 adults, $12 students; plus 6 percent tax. Tickets at 728-6464 or chandler-arts.org.JULY 7–AUGUST 25: Phantom Theater Performances and EventsDance performances, one-act plays, stunt comedy, author read-ings, workshops, theater, poetry and more.Edgcomb Barn, 970 Dump Road, Warren. Schedule at phantom theater.info. Tickets at 496-5997.❊ JULY 12–AUGUST 19: QuarryWorks TheaterThis summer’s offerings: Smokey Joe’s Café, July 12–22; The Ugly Duckling, July 28–August 5; and The Importance of Being Earnest, August 9–19.Thursday–Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Duckling Saturday 2 and 5 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Quarry Road, Adamant. Complete schedule at adamant.org. Free, but space is limited: reservations at 229-6978.JULY 13–22: Summer Pride at Chandler Festival Dramatic readings of the plays Still Fighting It, The Homosexuals and The Children’s Hour, followed by discussion between the audi-ence and cast and a reception.Friday–Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71–73 Main Street, Randolph. Advance: $17 adults, $12 students; day of: $20 adults, $15 students; three-play pass: $34 adults, $24 students. Schedule and tickets at 728-6464 or chandler-arts.org.

WELLNESS❊ THURSDAYS: Free HIV TestingVermont CARES offers fast oral testing.Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. 58 East State Street, suite 3 (entrance at the back), Montpelier. vtcares.org.

❊ TUESDAYS: Medicare and You New to Medicare? Have questions? We have answers.Second and fourth Tuesdays, 3–4:30 p.m. Central Vermont Council on Aging, 59 North Main Street, Suite 200, Barre. Free. Register at 479-0531. ❊ JUNE 29: The Intention of Dreams: A Presentation of Archetypal DreamworkWith Sue Scavo and Bill St. Cyr of North of Eden. Learn how understanding the intention of dreams can help you live in the full radiance of physical, psychological and spiritual health. Friday, June 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop com-munity room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] 30: A Workshop In Risking the GrowthfulWith Sandra Lucas, gestaltist and transformational life coach. Explore the barriers to risking through gestalt experiments with imagery, metaphor, poetry, visualization and dialogue.Saturday, June 30, 1–2:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. $10 co-op member/owners, $12 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected].

YOGA❊ MONDAYS: Sliding-Scale Yoga ClassesWith Lydia Russell-McDade. Build strength and flexibility as you learn safe alignment in a nourishing, supportive environment. Each class weaves in inspirations from nature and Tantric philosophy. Mondays, 5:30–6:45 p.m. Plainfield. $5–$20 suggested donation. saprema-yoga.com.❊ TUESDAYS: Rhythmic Flow Vinyasa With Lori Flower. Outdoor practice if weather permits.Tuesdays, 6–7:15 p.m. All Together Now, East Montpelier.Through the summer. $5–$15 suggested donation. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com.❊ JULY 12 & AUGUST 9: Partner Yoga PlayshopClass outdoors if the weather is nice.Two Thursdays, 5:30–7 p.m. All Together Now, East Montpelier, $8–$18 suggested donation. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com.

JULY 14 & AUGUST 11: Acro Yoga With Lori Flower. Above, acrobatics in action.Two Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. River House Yoga, Plainfield. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com.JULY 1 & AUGUST 4: Plant Spirit Yoga Retreats With Lydia Russell-McDade. Practice plant spirit yoga and meditation and outdoor plant journeying in woods and gardens. Organic lunch. Intermediate yoga; no experience with meditation or plant spirit medicine required.July 1, Metta Earth, Lincoln; August 4, Twin Pond Retreat, Brook-field. $60–$120 sliding scale. Registration required: [email protected]. saprema-yoga.com.


❊ indicates FREE or by-donation events


ClassesOUTDOORSWILDERNESS RETREATS FOR ADULTS What in your life is calling you? A Women’s Quest in the Wilderness, July 7–14; Wilder-ness Rites of Passage for Men and Women, July 21-29. Both in Northern Vermont. For informa-tion and registration contact Fran Weinbaum, vermontwildernessrites.com, [email protected] or 249-7377.

TWO-DAY WORKSHOP: EQUINE-GUIDED EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP PRESENCEFriday and Saturday, June 29 and 30. Get a framework, tool kit and laboratory of experiences for your own authentic professional leadership. No horse experience necessary; all activities are ground-based. Horses & Pathfi nders Center for Equine Guided Education, Leadership and Coaching in Moretown. Registration and info at 223-1903, info@horsesandpathfi nders.com or horsesandpathfi nders.com.

WRITINGWRITING COACHAre you struggling with beginning, continu-ing, fi nishing? Do you need tools and rules to keep you working from concept to completion? Art really is long, and life really short. WRITE NOW is what we have. Th irty years writing and coaching writers in all genres. Free consultation. [email protected], 225-6415.

ClassifiedsSERVICESHOUSE PAINTERSince 1986. Small interior jobs ideal. Neat, prompt, friendly. Local references. Pitz Quat-trone, 229-4952.

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FABULOUS NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALESaturday, June 23, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Includes 18 individual houses on Towne Street, Sunset Av-enue and North College Street. Antiques, books, camping/fi shing gear, electronics, furniture, household items, linens, musical instruments, paintings, plus-size clothing, rugs. Directions: From Upper Main Street, past curve and old grey NECI building, Towne Street is fi rst street on left. Follow signs.

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Cooking With Cassandra


Growing up on a Yankee homestead, we ate chicken, duck and goose eggs daily. They were all terrific, and I

don’t remember noticing a difference, ex-cept duck eggs come bigger than chicken eggs, and goose eggs are even bigger than ducks’. It’s been over 30 years since I had unlimited access to any eggs other than chicken, though, so when 13-year veteran Union Elementary School teacher Melissa Pierce offered me half a dozen of her duck eggs, I accepted.

First of all, there’s a marked difference between eggs from truly free-range birds and those from the supermarket. In fact, Mother Earth News conducted studies on pasture-raised eggs versus commercially farmed eggs, and, according to an article in its October/November 2007 edition, found that pas-ture raised eggs may contain one-third less cholesterol, one-quarter less saturated fat, two-thirds more vitamin A, two times more omega-3 fatty acids, three times more vita-min E and seven times more beta carotene.

So it’s no wonder that the things taste bet-ter than the pale, watery versions produced by conventional farming practices. When Melissa told me that duck eggs also contain more protein than chicken eggs and there-fore make for better baking, I was sold.

First, though, I visited her farm, where it all happens. As it turns out, Melissa and her husband, Chris, only built their homestead a year and a half ago; it features a gorgeous timber-frame house, solar power and a sol-idly built barn originally intended for their four alpacas. They wanted the alpacas for their fiber and as pets for their two chil-dren, age 2 and 6. A fellow organic farmer suggested they get a couple of ducks to eat the slugs and snails that cause meningeal worms in the alpacas, rather than resorting to medicines.

“It’s a way to organically take care of our alpacas,” she said. So they found two Peking ducks for free and housed them with the alpacas. That winter, she happened upon a nest in the hay and found some eggs. Very quickly, she said, “we discovered what a good food source they are.”

To be clear, it is the eggs the Pierces use as a food source; they do not raise meat animals out of respect for their 6-year-old daughter, Sommerset, who has refused meat since her infancy. All 52 of the Pierce’s animals are pets, including the wide variety of ducks—Indian Runners, Peking, Swed-ish and Campbells—as well as a couple of chickens, some geese, the alpacas, a dog and

a cat. The omnivores in the family get their meat, along with organic vegetables, from their in-laws, next door.

After the first two ducks, the Pierces be-came “collectors,” including, among a long list of birds, Chester the Gander, who only recently realized that he’s a goose and not a person.

“All of this is just to be sustainable,” Pierce said, “None of this is money making. For us it’s the whole farm-to-table coming to life.”

Under the auspices of their official name, North Branch Alpaca Farm, the Pierces now sell eggs to Birchgrove Baking, which par-ticularly likes to use them in its yellow cake (because the yolks are so vibrant); in addi-tion, the Pierces’ eggs can be bought at Hun-ger Mountain Coop and the Uncommon Market. This spring, the Skinny Pancake created a special called Quackos Rancheros based on the Pierces’ eggs.

Curious about the Pierces’ claim about duck-egg superiority in baked goods, I ex-perimented with muffins. Although the duck eggs are larger, I swapped out the two chicken eggs for two duck eggs. The result was magnificent. Firm, moist and incredibly flavorful carrot muffins disappeared within a day. So, although you might be tempted to consider a duck egg the equivalent of one and a half chicken eggs (which it roughly is), I recommend trying out an even trade at first.

I also tried the omelet recipe Melissa e-mailed me, and it was incredible. It came to her from a chef friend at NECI and includes toppings flexibility to account for personal tastes.

Send me your stories and recipes at [email protected]. To find more rec-ipes featuring seasonal foods, check out cooking withcassandra.com.

Rediscovering Duck Eggs

North Branch Omelets2 duck eggs1 tablespoon milkPinch saltWhisk well to combine. Pour mixture

into preheated nonstick pan and use chopsticks to break up egg mixture into fine curds. Stop moving mixture when most of egg proteins are coagulated. Let outside layer completely coagulate and then add toppings of choice. The Pierces like diced prosciutto, red or green pep-pers, sharp cheddar, scallions, mush-rooms and bacon crumbles. I used goat cheese and ramps (leeks would work well, too). Roll up onto plate, and enjoy!

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Hands-On Gardenerby Miriam Hansen

It has been an exceptionally early spring, and the garden is thriving. Mid-May I discovered that snails were using my

monkshood as a condo/cafeteria. I’d never noticed them before, because the monkshood never looked eaten. But when I checked the hidden lower leaves, I saw the damage and figured that explained why they don’t flower that abundantly in the fall. Mornings found me out with a yogurt container of soapy water harvesting and drowning hundreds of snails! Good to know where they hang out.

For something tastier than garden snails, we’ve begun harvesting Chinese cabbage, tatsoi and broccoli. The peas we planted in March are flowering abundantly and pro-ducing pods. Cherry tomatoes have set in the greenhouse, and everything is the right deep vivid green, sturdy, and setting fruit or abundant leaves.

But it has taken some doing. The past couple of weeks I’ve been puzzling and (yes, I admit it) freaking out over a problem with the horse manure we gleefully forked in all over the top third of the garden. After a se-ries of Ph tests, conversations with state soil and plant extension agents and some major sleuthing, we determined that the problem was the amount of sawdust in the manure. We had assumed that the manure our neigh-bor brought us last fall was aged. When he later explained that part of the pile was prob-ably only about three weeks old, we realized that the sawdust he uses for bedding was not broken down. Even though there was no danger of burning the plants with excess ammonia—the pile sat out over the winter under a tarp—the danger came from all that sawdust tying up (sequestering) the nitrogen in the soil. The soil microbes were working on breaking down the abundant surface area of the sawdust, and that was tying up the nitrogen in the soil.

Plants had all the classic symptoms of nitrogen deficiency—yellow leaves, poor to no growth and leaves striped with purple. In some cases, healthy, stocky seedlings just withered, turned yellow and died. With a lot of timely advice from the state soil and plant extension agents, we side dressed with com-post and Pro Booster, (10-0-0), an organic source of nitrogen, and most of the plants slowly turned green and recovered. We have cover-cropped the upper part of the garden, where we turned in most of the manure, with Canadian peas which fix and increase nitrogen, and we will put our meat chickens up there to fertilize and increase nitrogen as well. We’re hoping that by next year that part of the garden soil will be in great shape.

In the 35 years we’ve been buying, beg-ging and bartering for chicken, cow, horse and pig manure, we have never encountered a problem. Live and learn. Apparently there are many potential problems, and some of them are becoming more common. One hazard we learned about and are grateful to have avoided is the possibility of introduc-

ing herbicides into our soil. Apparently, if herbicides are used on the plants horses are fed, they don’t harm the animals but pass through their systems and can be toxic to crops. I was relieved that none of my crops showed distorted or twisted leaves. From now on, I think I’ll compost any manure I import from outside. It is a safer way to deal with it, even if it does require that extra step. I’ll also ask as many questions as I can about what the animals are being fed.

While most of our broccoli and cauli-flower are large and healthy, some broccoli have developed miniature heads prematurely, a process called buttoning. Buttoning can be caused by nitrogen deficiency, early exposure to low temperatures or prolonged drought. Interestingly, we only had enough row cover for half of that broccoli bed. The broccoli that buttoned is mostly in the part of the bed that wasn’t covered. I suspect the row cover mitigated some of the stress and gave those plants a better growing environment. I’ve yet to find a crop that does not benefit from early covering, and it’s the only surefire way to protect from flea beetles.

While flea beetles are among the earliest pests, they have been quickly followed by the usual cabbage moths, cucumber beetles and ubiquitous snails. Sluggo for snails, BT for cabbage moths and cabbage loopers and Captain Jack’s for the cucumber beetles have beaten them all back. Spinosad, the active in-gredient in Captain Jack’s Brew, is described as “a fermented bacteria found only in the ruins of a rum distillery in the Caribbean.” It is manufactured by Dow, and they claim it works for all beetles. It did not work for flea beetles but seems to be protecting the squash from striped cucumber beetles.

I got bitten by a cat about a week ago and, between IV antibiotics, a brief stay in hospital and a longer sojourn with my leg up on a pillow, I left my husband to make the pest-control decisions. When we recently discovered that rotenone is no longer avail-able as an organic, all-purpose insecticide, we purchased Bonide’s pyrethrin, another broad-spectrum botanical insecticide that we use only in extremis. Hundreds of cucumber beetles swarming the zucchini and summer squash convinced my husband to spray the pyrethrin. By the next day the population was down in the single digits! The great thing is that with time, care and patience, plants do recover from most of these setbacks and eventually produce and grace our tables with delicious meals!

Tonight we’ll have a stir-fry with aspara-gus, broccoli, tatsoi and scallions, all straight from the earth to the sink to the wok to the table! Life doesn’t get much better than this.

Happy gardening!

Miriam and her husband, David, live in East Montpelier, where they grow most of their own vegetables, berries and meat on less than 1/4 of an acre. Your questions and com-ments are welcome. You can reach Miriam at [email protected].

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by William Fraser, city manager

This issue of The Bridge is being published on the first official day of summer! I hope everyone has a great season and gets a chance to enjoy the sunshine and

warm weather. Both are always welcome here in Vermont.A few issues have recently popped into the forefront of

public awareness—the use of Berlin Pond, the city’s Budget Study Committee and new pedestrian signals at the State and Main intersection.

Berlin Pond:Most people are aware of the recent Vermont Supreme

Court decision that determined that the City of Montpelier did not have authority to regulate the use of the water at Berlin Pond. Since that decision, there has been a flurry of activity, with many opinions offered.

As a result of that decision, the city council officially ap-proved the following statement:

The Montpelier City Council is continuing to evaluate risks and options associated with recreational use of Berlin Pond. The mayor and city manager have spoken with the commissioners of both Fish and Wildlife and Environmen-tal Conservation. The city’s central interest is in the contin-ued safety and security of the water supply which serves both Montpelier and Berlin, including the Central Vermont Medical Center. The city understands that significant con-servation and recreation interests also exist.

The city council has made the following decisions:• The city will continue to post all city-owned property

surrounding Berlin Pond and will continue with active enforcement and education efforts.

• The council will meet jointly with the Berlin select board to discuss matters of mutual interest, including Montpelier and Berlin’s property, Mirror Lake Road, enforcement and potential regulation.

• The council is actively seeking additional information about the filtration limits of the water treatment plant, the impact of human activity on water quality, sub-stances which might place the water supply at risk, fed-eral surface-water protection requirements, best practices for surface-water source protection and, particularly, the potential impacts of zebra mussels and other invasive species on the water-supply system.

• Based on present information available, the council will not file a petition with the Agency of Natural Resources for additional restrictions on use of the waters or seek additional authority through the legislature for regula-tion of the pond.

Budget Study Committee:The city council has asked interested citizens to perform

some comparisons between Montpelier’s services, costs, staff sizes, etc., and those of other comparable communities. Al-though this sort of work is often done by city staff, it was felt that additional sets of eyes would be helpful. The council has not asked these citizens to make budget decisions and has not turned over any authority to this committee. The official charge for the committee is, “The committee will be charged with comparing the costs and effectiveness of Montpelier’s municipal services with those provided by comparable com-munities. The committee is authorized to make any recom-mendations it believes are appropriate related to its charge. The committee is requested to supply a report to the city council by September 17, 2012.”

During an annual goals session held at a regular council meeting on May 9, the topic of budget and taxes was one of the first items considered. The council discussed various strategies for looking at the city’s cost of services and decided to create a study committee. They asked me to place an ad-vertisement for volunteers. I prepared an ad which reflected their conversation. The council made clear that they would appoint all who volunteered at their meeting on June 13.

I arranged a brief orientation meeting for everyone who submitted their name. This meeting was held on June 12, the night before the official appointments. This meeting was included in the city’s weekly calendar of meetings. It lasted an hour and was limited to review of the open meet-ing law, the public records law, the Americans with Dis-abilities Act and logistic arrangements for booking rooms, posting notices, requesting information and the like. The group identified some information and documents which might be helpful to them and arranged to meet again for their first working meeting. The council formally appointed the committee and adopted the official charge on June 13 as expected.

State and Main Intersection Signals:The city installed new updated pedestrian signals in the

center of downtown. The new signals are designed to im-prove accessibility for visually impaired people. They have a variety of settings. Unfortunately, during an adjustment, the audio volume was set way too high. This created a huge outcry of justifiable complaints about disruption. On behalf of the city, I sincerely apologize for any problems this may have caused.

During the past week, the city has continued to make adjustments. All settings are now at the minimal levels per-missible to still accomplish the benefits they are designed to achieve. The cross signal has reverted to the familiar bird chirp.

The installation of these signals prompted a lot of ques-tions. The rules and guidelines for these sort of signals are found in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which is a Federal Highway Administration publication. Uniform traffic-control devices (signs, signals, pavement markings, etc) are a federal requirement for the safety, convenience and benefit of all highway users. Like all other states, Vermont adopted the MUTCD as the standard for our highway systems. The terms in the MUTCD include guidance and should and shall conditions, wherein the shall conditions are required. The 2009 edition is the most cur-rent.

The MUTCD adopted the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The MUTCD includes both rules and guidance. The Main and State pedestrian system installation incorpo-rates both optional and required elements. You can visit the online version at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009r1r2/part 4.pdf.

There are two portions to this system. The crossing lights and related audio signals and the buttons with the locator tones. The crossing light systems are now mandated. The lo-cator tone buttons are currently recommended but are in the draft rules and expected to be mandated this year. Given the city’s stated commitment to accessibility, we chose to install them now rather than waiting for the mandate.

There are multiple tones which, we understand, have been confusing to some people at first, but they are all designed to assist people with visual impairments. The locator tone (now a faint constant click) is for the purpose of assisting a visually impaired person with finding the button to push so that they may safely cross the street. For fully sighted people, try closing your eyes at the intersection and finding the but-

ton to push. You will quickly note that the click is your best indicator of the button’s location.

Once the button is pushed, there is a sound which pro-vides immediate feedback to the person. This tells the visu-ally impaired person that the push-button signal worked (remember, they can’t see the little light that comes on) and lets them know that it is not yet safe to cross. We have been using a voice signal saying, “Wait.” That has been adjusted to sound only once instead of repeated times.

The next sound is the notice to cross which is, again, a chirp. This tells the person that it is safe to cross the road. The chirp tone changes to a beep tone during the cross cycle. Again, remember that blind people can’t see the numerical countdown, so the change in tone alerts them that the time remaining to cross the road is dwindling down. It also cre-ates an auditory guide so that the person can find the other side of the road rather than wandering into the middle of the intersection.

Contrary to rumors, Montpelier is not the first city in Vermont to install these. Burlington has had six of these signals (including locator tones) for some time located in the central downtown. Barre is installing them now as part of their downtown project. They are in Winooski and Essex and, we believe, Brattleboro. As time progresses, we will see (and hear) these signals almost everywhere.

District HeatThis project continues to move forward. The state has

placed a purchase order for the main boilers and is proceed-ing with plant design. The city’s engineers are designing the distribution (piping) system which will run through the downtown. The route has been finalized and will be designed in segments so that it can be shortened in order to stay within budget if necessary.

The current schedule for the city is:• Design 80 percent completed with cost estimates by

August 17, to be reviewed with the council at its August 22 meeting.

• Final design completed by September 13 with the coun-cil authorizing the release of bids at the September 19 meeting.

• Bids due on October 18 with the date for the council to award bids at November 14 meeting.

• Construction is slated to begin in the spring, with the system fully operational by October 1, 2013.

We are working diligently with potential private users of the system. The sooner that the city receives customer com-mitments, the easier and less costly it is to design those users into the system. Customer commitments also allow the city to accurately assess the long-term financial viability of the project. Interested building owners can contact the city’s Planning and Development Office at 223-9506.

Streetlighting ChangesA council-appointed committee has recommended changes

in street lighting that will save the city about $20,000 per year. One change is in the style of lighting. The commit-tee recommends that the city convert to the more energy- efficient LED fixtures, which also provide better lighting. They also recommend removal of a large amount of street-lights throughout the city. There will be plenty of public process and an opportunity to offer comments about spe-cific lights targeted for removal. If you are interested in the streetlights in your neighborhood, stay tuned and watch for notices about this effort.

Changes at City HallJune 30 will mark the last official day for both City Trea-

surer Charlotte Hoyt and Assistant City Manager Beverlee Hill. Both are retiring from full-time city employment. No need to say goodbye, however, as both will be return-ing in part-time roles with slightly different responsibilities beginning August 1. In the meantime, the search for a new assistant city manager has begun. Key responsibilities for the assistant manager will be communications, project manage-ment, ADA compliance, community services, economic development and general management assistance.

Thank you for reading this article and for your interest in Montpelier city government. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 223-9502 with questions or comments.

Odds and Ends

A Message from City HallThis page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.


Pierre Couture is the driver behind an upcoming fiery entertainment event planned for the evening of Friday, June

22, and the afternoon and evening of Sat-urday, June 23. It’s called RockFire, and it’s taking place along the trails that Couture’s or-ganization, Millstone Trails Association, has

developed among the old quarries of Barre Town. In an ambitious undertaking, the Mill-stone Trails Association is promoting a variety of entertaining activities that begin with a bike ride Friday evening, include a concert of well-known regional performers and culmi-nate in a lantern launching Saturday night.

Couture says that Friday evening’s event will be for bike riders, because the normally open bike trails will be closed the next day for the main event’s walking public. There will be an evening trail ride guided by one of the major trail builders, with a bonfire to follow.

Saturday opens casually at 2 p.m., with an open-house atmosphere, trails open for walking, with new historic signage, sculptors working the quarry walls, and performances at three satellite stages adjoining the trail.

Toward late afternoon, the Millstone Hill Touring Center’s main lodge will host the main stage event, emceed by Vermont Pub-lic Radio’s Robert Resnick and featuring continuous performances by Bow Thayer, Bread and Puppet, Catamount Pipe Band, Deb Flanders, Kristina Stykos, Michele Choiniere, Pete Sutherland, Revels North, Scott Campbell, Wind that Shakes the Bar-ley, and Arthur Zorn.

At the main stage area, there’ll be food by chef Craig Lucarno, or guests may bring their own picnics. The performances will last from 5 until 9:15 p.m., after which attendees may walk the mile trail to the grand lookout to see the launching of the floating lights on the quarry. The trail will be lit with lumi-naries and by a dozen bonfires on the grout piles surrounding the area. At the end of the evening is a “sky lantern launch finale.”

The whole event is part of Millstone Trails Association’s efforts to preserve Millstone Hill’s historic quarries, and to raise $100,000 to purchase 400 acres of old quarry lands for the Barre Town Forest, which would hold the land as a public space for uses such as nature walks and bike trails.

For more information on the fiery fun, visit rockfirevt.com.

—Bob Nuner

Dear Pina Performance Features Local Dancers

Internationally known modern dance choreographer Philippina “Pina” Bausch was born in Germany in 1940 and died in 2009. She began her international experience studying

at Julliard under such noted dance names as José Limón and Paul Taylor, moving on to perform with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company and, with Taylor, at the

New American Ballet, among others.Cradle to Grave Arts is the creation of Hannah Dennison of Chelsea, Vermont, originator and director of Dear Pina,

a dance-performance homage to Bausch. The evening of dance will feature original music composed by Dave Sever-ance, choreography by Hannah Dennison, Amy LePage and Hanna Satterlee, costumes by Marz Black, and light-ing by Stefan Jacobs. Numerous central Vermont dancers

out of a cast of 30 (and one “tall, dignified couple”) will participate in this program that runs from June 25 through June 30 presented on the dirt floor of the Breeding Barn at Shelburne Farms. The dance program has been under

development since early in 201l.Dancers from the area include Abby Pepin of Middlesex, Amy LePage of Montpelier,

Avi Waring of Wolcott, Candace Fugazy of Northfield, Erica Hunter of Moretown, Fabio Nascimento of Montpelier, Hanna Satterlee of Montpelier, Heather Bryce Labor of Plain-

field, Jill George of Roxbury, Kaitlyn O’Donnell of Montpelier, Tracy Martin of Warren, and Willow Wonder of Montpelier.

For more information and tickets, visit hannahdennison.org and flynntix.org.

—Bob Nuner

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She knows what’s going on because she readsThe Bridge


by Jeremy Lesniak

Suppose you want to switch Internet ser-vice providers (ISPs), but you’ve given out your ISP e-mail address for years.

Maybe you’ve even used it professionally. If you stop paying the provider, they won’t keep your e-mail address—they’ll just close it. Any e-mails to that address will bounce, and the sender won’t know what your new e-mail address is. It’s for this reason that I’ve seen people continue to pay an ISP monthly for months, even years. The ISPs know this, and it’s the reason they want you to use their e-mail system. They want to make it difficult for you to switch, knowing that this will mean additional funds for them.

There are lots of e-mail alternatives. I sug-gest one of the big three—Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail. I suggest exploring all three, maybe even creating an account on all three. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t say one is better than the other.

If you’re already using the e-mail from your ISP, you might be thinking that you’re trapped—that you missed the boat. That’s not the case! The best thing to do is follow this plan: select a new system, decide on a date when you will stop using your ISP e-mail, add a signature to your ISP e-mail reflecting the upcoming change of address and, finally, hold firm on that date. Two or three months is usually an adequate win-dow.

And that’s it. E-mail can be very useful, but the ubiquity of e-mail has become a bur-

den for many, especially when you’re dealing with the safety issues that everyone faces. It’s important to have as much control over your e-mail as possible, and following my recom-mendations here are an important step in that direction.

The Financial Gamble that is Facebook

I’ve been very public about my feeling that Facebook is overvalued. $100-plus billion for a business that has such small (proportional) revenue doesn’t make sense to me. This is the Internet, and assuming that Facebook has time to grow into a behemoth that will justify that valuation ignores the history of the Internet. After all, Facebook dethroned MySpace, which everyone assumed was the be-all, end-all of social. It will happen to Facebook, someday, too.

Now that they’re public, it will be inter-esting to see if they can react as quickly to change as they have in the past. Sure, Mark Zuckerberg maintains a controlling stake in the company, but he now has more investors and a board of directors to answer to.

Some have speculated that we’re in another bubble of overvalued tech stocks, much as in the late 1990s. Unfortunately, I’m one of them. I’m afraid that things will change dramatically as of Facebook’s first earnings report. At such a large valuation, Facebook will be under great pressure—and great ex-pectations—to start making money. A public company of their size won’t be able to ramp up the revenue as quickly as a small, private one could. I’m afraid this will leave many investors disappointed. This disappointment may drag down the whole sector. It could even hurt the entire economy.

If there’s anything rosy in this it’s that I’m not a licensed or accredited anything when it comes to investing. I might be wrong, and part of me hopes I am. Either way, it will be exciting to watch what happens with Facebook over the next three to six months. The stock symbol is FB if you’d like to check it out.

Jeremy Lesniak founded Vermont Comput-ing (vermontcomputing.com) in 2001 after graduating from Clark University and opened a store on Merchants Row, Randolph, in May of 2003. He also serves as managing editor for anewdomain.net. He lives in Plainfield.

Why is E-mail from Your Internet Service Provider Bad?

Tech Check

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Contact Carl or Carolyn: 223-5112, ext. 11, [email protected] or [email protected]


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Updated Montpelier Cape2-BR Montpelier cape with hardwood flooring, fireplaced living room (woodstove insert), and sunny corner dining room. Updated kitchen. Den/ family room. Large fenced lawn with perennial plantings and stone wall accents. $269,900. Lori Pi-nard, Century 21 Jack Associ-ates, 223-6302, ext. 326.

Finally! There is an optimism in the early summer air about the real-estate slump being over in central Vermont. Buyers have a solid choice of inventory in the marketplace. They hope to find a suitable des-

tination so they can lock into historically low (less than 4 percent interest) fixed rate mortgages, knowing that they won’t last forever! Local lenders indicate they have adequate funds to loan to qualified buyers. Appraisers are getting some current sales under their belts, to more fairly evaluate what is happening in today’s market, not last summer’s. Sellers are beginning to see decent, and, in some cases, competing, of-fers on their properties. Hallelujah! My advice to buyers: If you find a house that suits your needs, located in the setting that you like and in the town that you want, make your best offer first. Either the seller will give it serious consideration, or they won’t and you can move onto the next without feeling badly that someone else’s offer was accepted instead of yours. Hopefully the days of humiliating low-ball offers are gone and behind us for many years to come . . . and good riddance.

—Lori Pinard

REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS

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

Nice Family HomeIn Montpelier; 3+ bedrooms, 2½ baths, new custom kitchen, many improvements, pellet fireplace insert, large finished family room in basement, ap-proximately ½ acre. $239,000 negotiable. Matt, 223-5583.

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

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

Charming Old Cape3 blocks from State House; acre of land, backs up on hundreds of acres of undevelopable for-est. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, huge kitchen. $279,000. 279-5816.

Monday, July 9Speaker: Sjon Welters, Center for Natural Living

Monday, July 16Speaker: Carolyn Crowley Meub, “Pure Water for the World”

Monday, July 23Speaker: Jessica Edgerly, Suncom-mon Corp., “Alternative Energy Sys-

For more information, call Rotary President Lindel James at 229-5050.

You Are Invited to Join Us for Lunchat the Montpelier Rotary Club

Rotary meets most Mondays (except holidays) at 12:15 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, 100 State Street, Montpelier.

Advertise! 223-5112


Wireless: What if It’s Not Safe?

The Bridge sponsored a public discussion at Montpelier’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library on Wednesday, July 13, about the current local deployment of “smart meters” by Green

Mountain Power Corporation (GMP).As the public meeting progressed, it became clear that there’s relatively little known for sure

right now about the possible negative health impacts of wireless technology.Some research has been done in the United States about the possible ill effects of wireless

technology. But can we trust research that is now 25 years old and that was conducted before the huge expansion of wireless use, including cell towers, cellphones, wireless Internet con-nections and the like?

The wireless skeptics at the public discussion compared U.S. research to European re-search, and this challenged us to take a serious look at possible technological drawbacks to cellphones, wireless connections and so-called smart meters.

In the United States, we have sometimes failed to protect public health because we have been overly permissive. Take the example of Rudolph Diesel’s engine. It was patented in 1892 and it improved energy efficiency from a steam engine’s 12 percent to 26 percent.

But late last week, a body of World Health Organization experts said there was “sufficient evidence” that exposure to diesel exhaust causes lung cancer. That’s not all: according to a report by the American Cancer Society, there is “limited evidence” that diesel exhaust “increases the risk of bladder cancer.” Higher cancer rates have been noted among railroad and heavy-equipment operators working in the vicinity of diesels. It took over 100 years to have public authorities making these public-health findings about the ill effects of diesel exhausts.

At the smart-meter forum, Janet Newton, of the EMR Policy Institute, highlighted a dif-ference in attitudes toward research into health and wireless technologies in the U.S. versus European countries. It appears that the American approach to technology and safety ques-tions is based on risk/benefit analysis, whereas European approach embraces “the precaution-ary principle.”

Broadly speaking, the American approach to safety questions is, “Let’s assume it’s safe. If we eventually find out that it’s unsafe, we’ll deal with it then.” But we are free to embrace the alternative by insisting, “Let’s be sure this new technology is safe.”

Janet Newton asked if this difference in research emphasis between the United States and Europe (and elsewhere) might be attributed to differences in how health care is handled here. In this country we employ the private insurance model. Most European countries employ the state-funded health-care model. It’s not hard to draw an inference that Europeans might fund more research into the possible ill effects of technology because they want to cut back on public health expenditures. But there are no such incentives in the United States, with its private insurance model.

The economic impacts of the wireless industry are enormous. A 2008 report by the trade group CTIA—the Wireless Association—noted, “Consider that by 2016, the value of the combined mobile wireless voice and broadband productivity gains to the US economy—$427 billion per year—will exceed today’s motor-vehicle manufacturing and pharmaceutical in-dustries combined.” That’s a hint of the economic importance of the wireless technologies to our economy.

Wireless-technology skeptics suggest that the industry has no incentive to study potential problems. That’s understandable, but that absence of study appears to have blocked a thor-ough understanding of risks. If the industry can’t be expected to pay for the scientific inves-tigation of the possible health hazards of its technology, then the Environmental Protection Agency, the Center for Disease Control or the various state departments of health and human services need to find the political backbone to take up the slack, find the money and conduct the needed studies that will address the current public questions of possible risk.

It’s not acceptable for cellphone or smart-meter advocates to blandly say, “Oh, well, there might be risks. But we don’t know.”

Great News for the Senior Center

Great news from the Montpelier Senior Activity Center (MSAC): A just-announced gift of $36,000 from the National Life Charitable Foundation (to be paid out over three years

in installment checks of $12,000 a year) takes the current capital campaign for construction costs for the newly renovated 58 Barre Street senior center over the top. Counting an earlier gift in 2011, total National Life support of the new senior center comes to $39,000.

Construction costs for the center added up to some $1.8 million. Fire insurance, grants, an endowment contribution and loans covered most of the costs, but a $200,000 capital campaign was established to fill a remaining gap. Campaign expenses brought the total need to $215,000.

Not to overlook all of the important smaller gifts, but the other larger gifts were these:Community National Bank: $30,000 over three yearsVermont State Employees Credit Union: $10,000Merchant’s Bank: $10,000 over three yearsMontpelier Foundation $10,000Vermont State Buildings and General Services Grant: $8,000The MacLeay Foundation: $7,500With the end of construction in sight and with plans for the MSAC to move into the new

space at 58 Barre Street as soon as Monday, June 25, there’s an optimistic feeling of rebirth and celebration in the air. Anyone who is still planning to make a contribution in the closing days of the capital campaign is encouraged to do so now.

According to MSAC director Janna Clar, there’s one more hill to climb. The center still needs to raise some $80,000 to fully cover expenses for kitchen equipment, audio-visual sys-tems, window coverings, shelving, tables, chairs and other furnishings.

As the new center opens, it makes sense to furnish and equip the new space so that it can be fully operational. Let’s celebrate together the successful completion of the new center and make certain that it has what it needs to deliver on its immense promise.

Please make out a check payable to “MSAC Equipment Fund” and send your tax-deductible contribution to MSAC, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

Editorial

A Sonnet for Betty at 80

A crowd of friends and admirers gathered at a supper event on June 16 at the Mont-pelier Elks Club to honor longtime Montpelier resident Betty Blouin (below, with

her neighbor Maayan) on her 80th birthday. As part of that event, Montpelier resident Ben Scotch read out loud a sonnet he had written for Betty for her birthday.

See a family laden down with woes.See a tear, a fading of the goalSee a pain of body or of soulSee the places where our Betty goes.

On a wintry day with howling galeOr ninety in the shade, two flowers show:One in hand, the other is her glow.Her faith’s so strong, her life a loving tale.

And there’s no missing Betty—who would try?One one, you say, well I count five.Hither and thither, wherever hope’s aliveThere you’ ll see her, joining Earth and sky.

We glory with you on this miraculous day,A life well lived: You help, you give, you pray.

VTrans Honored for Post-Irene Recovery Achievements

The post-Irene performance of the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has won the state transportation agency a regional award in the America’s Transporta-

tion Awards competition.Winners of regional awards across the country will go on to compete for a national

grand prize as determined by a panel of experts. A second national prize is the people’s choice award, which is presented to the transportation project that receives the most online votes. (Online voting begins September 5.)

These words describe what was achieved in Vermont through the Tropical Storm Irene recovery project:

When Irene hit Vermont in late August of 2011, it caused massive destruction to homes, highways, bridges, rail lines, and just about every other possible aspect of infrastructure. Almost every east-west and north-south corridor suffered damage. Nearly 330 road segments and 36 highway bridges were closed while 11 communities were left without access to the road network and emergency services. Experts estimated more than $500 million in damages. Vermont Agency of Transportation organized its entire network, beginning work on the total 558 miles of repairs needed in the state’s transportation system. [The agency] kept the public informed through an emergency call center, regular updates through social media, a Google “Damage Map,” and other means. With help from neighbors, VTrans put the state transportation network back together in just 123 days.

The Bridge salutes the Vermont Agency of Transportation, including everyone who was involved in the stupendous 123-day task of restoring Vermont’s roads, highways, bridges, rail lines and the like after Irene struck.

Michael Arnowitt Planning Birthday Gala

It’s not often at The Bridge that we enthusiastically promote a concert with a perfor-mance date that is more than six months into the future. But in this instance, we do

just that.Here is a wonderfully ambitious idea for a gala and glorious birthday concert with

full orchestra that will honor classical music and recognize the many contributions of Michael Arnowitt as he turns 50. But it will only materialize if we join Michael in mak-ing it happen.

Imagine a concert with Michael playing the piano and conductor Scott Speck leading a full orchestra at the Barre Opera House on Sunday afternoon, January 6, 2013.

The major piece on the program is Brahms’ great Piano Concerto no. 2, which Ar-nowitt says he has “always dreamed of performing.” In a recent letter to close friends, Michael said that “Brahms has always been my favorite composer.” Michael described the Piano Concerto no. 2 as “one of the very best, with its uplifting French horn opening and beautiful slow moved cello melody, and joyful finale.”

Another featured piece will be the Prokofiev Concerto no. 2 in G Minor. Michael will play the first movement. He described the Prokofiev Concerto as “a powerful, deep piece with an absolutely amazing piano cadenza you must hear. I can’t wait to perform it live.”

Michael will also play two of his own compositions: a new classical composition for three cello soloists and orchestra called “Haiku Textures,” and the up-tempo jazz tune “Bulgarian Hoedown” in a special arrangement he is making for jazz violin, piano, bass, drums and orchestra.

For almost 30 years, Michael has been making music in Vermont and has been a musi-cal force in our community. Not only has he shared his talent, but he has also provided performing opportunities for Vermont musicians, both professional and amateur.

We warmly encourage lovers of music and admirers of Michael Arnowitt offer their financial and volunteer help so that this spirited and magnificent concert idea can go forward.

—Nat Frothingham


by David Dobbs

Early this year, I read with pleasure that the Vermont Senate had passed a bill eliminating the so-called religious

and philosophical exemption to Vermont’s requirement that children get the standard childhood vaccines before entering public school. Good, I thought, the state leading the nation in rational marriage and health-care policy will lead too in rational vaccine policy. The existing religious and philosoph-ical exemption allowed parents to opt out of a key public-health measure based on fears, not facts. Eliminating it would stop us from a slide back toward disease and death.

My pleasure proved premature: The House rejected that sensible bill and passed a far softer one placing only light, ineffective limits on exemptions. In the end, neither bill cleared both houses or reached the gover-nor—leaving Vermont with a policy that has already opened the door to deadly, prevent-able diseases.

Vermont’s vaccination rates for the stan-dard childhood diseases—such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and even polio—have already dropped low enough to allow the return of whooping cough and measles. My children’s school here in Montpelier had at least one whooping cough case just this past winter. We presently lag all other New England states in vaccina-tion rates of preschool children. If rates drop

further, more Vermonters will get sick, and some of the most susceptible will die. Such deaths are not pretty. If you want to see what whooping cough looks like, search YouTube for “clinical cases pertussis.” I doubt you’ll be able to watch till the end.

Homeopath Charlotte Gilruth, in one of two opinion pieces she wrote for these pages [February 16 and June 7, 2012], said she “simply didn’t believe” that these diseases would return if vaccination rates drop. This is not a matter of belief. The evidence stands stark before us in history and in brutal real-life experiments now being conducted cour-tesy of exemptions in other states.

The history first: Before childhood vac-cines took hold in the U.S. in the 1950s, German measles (rubella) disabled 20,000 newborns a year, polio paralyzed 10,000 chil-dren, measles killed 3,000 people of all ages and whooping cough killed many thousands. Tetanus and diphtheria infected fewer but killed them more reliably—and horribly.

Today, dropping vaccination rates in some states are pushing us back in time. Between 1996 and 2003, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine rates in the U.S. fell from 92 percent to 82 percent, and measles cases shot up from about 125 in 1996 to almost 1,500 in 2003. By 2010, with MMR and other vaccination rates dropping under 85 percent in some places, measles and pertussis killed scores in communities with low vaccination rates. In California in 2010, 9,154 people got

whooping cough, and 10 infants died. This year whooping cough cases in Washington State multiplied tenfold through early May, to 1,284.

The standard childhood vaccines pose only very modest health risks (for example, 1 in 15,000 children may experience con-vulsions; others will suffer flu-like symp-toms) and virtually no risk of death. They can virtually eliminate the covered diseases from the population. But they work only if we consistently vaccinate upwards of 90 percent of children. Not every person vac-cinated develops immunity, and a few people have rare medical conditions that preclude vaccinations, while others don’t respond or can’t get them because they’re newborns, have an autoimmune disease, or are receiv-ing cancer or other treatments that weaken immune systems. These people’s very lives depend on the herd immunity—which most certainly does exist, demonstrated by many peer-reviewed studies—created by vaccinat-ing others. Vermont’s philosophical exemp-tion compromises that vital goal.

I can understand parental worries. I didn’t much like watching my three children get their shots. But for a passing pain, they protected both themselves and others— the baby boy our neighbor is having next week;

my neighbor two doors down who’s been fighting cancer for three years; the kids in their school who can’t get vaccines for legiti-mate medical reasons—from infectious dis-eases that we know damned well kill people and know damned well how to stop. We’d be crazy not to. I’d be remiss to turn my kids into infectious agents instead of a barrier against their own and others’ disease. I’d be ashamed to look at my neighbors knowing I put their lives at risk.

Infectious disease is not about people’s worries and feelings. It’s about bacteria and viruses, data and immunology, and a public-health shield that can be forged only with high rates of vaccination. Every piece of evidence, every principle of medicine, and the entire history of infectious disease dictate that we should end Vermont’s religious and philosophical exemptions. These diseases kill, unless we stop them. Vaccines do.

David Dobbs, a Montpelier resident of 20 years, writes on science and medicine for the the Atlantic, the New York Times Magazine, Nature, National Geographic and other pub-lications. He has no financial or other ties to pharmaceutical or other industries that stand to profit from vaccination programs.

Why the Philosophical Exemption Is a Public Menace

by Dianne Richardson

After reading Peggy Munro’s “War on the Sisters,” in the May 17 Bridge, I can no longer procrastinate on tell-

ing this story. I am about to enter old age; I don’t have the same worries I had as a young woman, but I do not want to abandon women who grew up not knowing what it means not to have reproductive freedom.

I was born into an Irish, Catholic, Barre family in 1954. I can remember asking my mother, when I was only 4 or 5, “You didn’t want as many children as you had, did you, Ma?” and she answered, “No, I didn’t.” So my next question was, “How many children did you want?” She answered, ”Five.” I was her sixth child! Later she said that it wasn’t just the number of children she had, it was also the number of years between children that was a problem for her.

She seemed to have a hard time coping with training more than one child at a time. Consequently, my oldest sister and my third-oldest sister were taught to cook when they reached the appropriate age. The second and fourth daughters, including me, were made to clean, which didn’t require as much at-tention or training, as we were near in age to the other girls. The other girls also cleaned, but they got more attention then we got. My mother was overwhelmed by the many needs of her children, and she coped by ignoring some and doing her best for the others.

As a senior in high school, I volunteered to be a Planned Parenthood peer counselor. It required the most intensive short-term train-

ing I had entered into in my life. I learned more anatomy and physiology than I had in high school, and I received training in the various forms of birth control available at the time. I needed to be able to answer a variety of questions asked of me as I inter-viewed girls and young women during their

appointments at the Barre Clinic.

During one of those sessions there was a description and discussion of the rhythm method and its many pitfalls. It

was mentioned that it was the preferred method of Catholics and that it was the least effective method to prevent pregnancy. It didn’t take me long to find out my mom had tried to use it. I asked her how she tried to figure out when she was ovulating. She had

no idea how to use the method, really. So I asked, “Why did you think it would work?” Then she explained that when she asked her doctor, he told her to talk to her priest!

A short time later, my mom and I watched a movie about Margaret Sanger together. Sanger was the founder of Planned Parent-hood. She saw women suffer illness and death as the results of illegal abortions and die as a result of too many pregnancies. My mother told me she thought too many preg-nancies caused her mother’s early death at age 38. I came to a swift conclusion: Mom’s fear of overreproduction was linked with her fear of an early death, and she had nine children!

I had no children. As I look back on my life, I am glad I the ability to choose. I am proud not to have contributed to overpopu-lation, a problem that, I believe, one day will overwhelm us and cause our extinction.

Don’t Abandon the Cause of Reproductive Freedom

Opinions

WHAT DO YOU THINK?Send letters and opinions to [email protected].

by Gabriel Sheir

Neighbors, faculty, students and the class of 2012, it is an honor to speak this evening. There’s a quote from a

Paul Simon song saying, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls.” I’m not sure how true that statement is, but I can attest to the fact that the words of the prophets are definitely not written in our bathroom stalls here at MHS.

Often graffiti offers a certain insight. In 1968, statements appeared on the walls of Paris, France, during the general strike when students and workers stood together, united towards the dream of a new France. Their graffiti speaks the idealism of youth. Yet ide-alism transcends youth. The graffiti of Paris speaks of a future that is malleable, a future that is in our hands. For one exhilarating month, the walls of Paris became a celebra-tion of life and possibility. The mood could

be summed up in one phrase, “The future only contains what we put into it now.”

. . . Near the Eiffel Tower was spray-painted, “No forbidding allowed.” In life, we will always encounter walls. That’s a fact. There will be people or institutions that hinder us. It is and always has been up to us whether we let them stop us. Look no further than our own state. Vermont has always walked its own path with idealistic zeal for the betterment of all. Vermont has never forbidden anyone from trying to make it a better place. When slavery was the norm, Vermont was the first state to declare slavery morally unacceptable and ban it outright over 70 years before the Emancipation Proc-lamation.

In the span of the last four years our state has become the first state to legislatively pass same-sex marriage and is currently creating a health-care system that leaves no one be-hind. . . . As young people and as Vermont-

ers, we’re proud of our idealism. It defines us. The idealism of Montpelier High School’s class of 2012 is best summed up by Robert Kennedy himself: “Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream things that never were and ask, ‘Why not?’”

“Why?” has become a cry of naysayers, of cynics and of people living in another time. “Why not?” will live on as it has for decades as people very much like us have stood up for their ideals and, despite the odds, have done the best they could and have never given up. Our future only contains what we put into it now.

Gabe Sheir, who served as a high-school stringer for The Bridge, was senior speaker at the Montpelier High School commencement exercises on June 15. In the fall, he will be entering the honors college at the University of Vermont.

Excerpts from the MHS Senior Speech

Gabe Sheir on graduation day. Photo by Alex Clark.


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