The Bridge, June 28, 2012

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DECLARINGINDEPENDENCE

Local Viewpoints & Local Celebrations

Independence Day preview starts on page 4

• JUNE 28 – JULY 18 , 2012 THE BR IDGE

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THE BR IDGE JUNE 28 – JULY 18 , 2012 • PAGE 3

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HEARD ON THE

STREETPotter Piano

A couple of weeks ago, Vermont’s Grace Potter returned to her high school, Harwood Union, to celebrate the impact her music teacher had on her life. We learned, subsequent

to that well-publicized visit, that Potter then went on the road with musician Kenny Chesney and talked to him about her experience at Harwood Union. Apparently her tale was con-vincing enough that Harwood’s principal was informed last week that the school was due to receive a new baby grand piano Monday, June 25, courtesy of Chesney, at Potter’s behest.

Blood Supply Emergency

The American Red Cross has advised that its blood supply is low, “with half the readily available blood products on hand now than this time last year.” It says it needs all blood

types, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative. It conjectures that the blood and blood products shortage is due to an early start to spring and the mid-week July 4 holiday, both of which bring fewer donors to give blood. Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications for the Red Cross Blood Services’ Northeast Division, points out that blood needs cannot be postponed, and that “we have reached an emergency situation, and the blood will not be there without the immediate response of volunteer blood donors.” The Northern New England region wants to collect 8,300 blood units over the next two weeks and is adding emergency blood drives and extending blood drive hours. “Eligible donors are asked to call . . . 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments.”

—all items by Bob Nuner

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

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Copyright 2012 by The Montpelier Bridge

Just before the rains, I watched again at dusk and was able to get a flash-assisted photograph of one of a “flock” of mysterious gold-and-black hovering insects. Off

it went to Trish Hanson, the Vermont state entomologist, and back came the answer. We had witnessed a mating lek of female long-tailed dance flies. The description has its charm: “Females prepare for crepuscular dances by inflating orange-yellow abdominal sacs that will combine with her outstretched and feathered legs to give her as large a presence as possible in the all-female swarm. Males arrive in the swarm with a precious prey item, choosing the biggest, most fecund-looking female.”

So this has been going on all these years, each June evening? Wow!—Nona Estrin

Nature Watch

Corrections

In “Berlin Pond Perspectives,” in our last issue, we incorrectly identified Bryan Pfeiffer’s town of residence. It is Montpelier. Also, there was an error in his quote

about Berlin Pond usage. It should have read, “So might we leave just a few ponds in Vermont without boats or anglers or even bird watchers along every inch of shoreline?” The Bridge regrets the errors.

An opinion by David Dobbs, “The Philosophical Exemption Is A Menace,” in our June 21 issue, misstated the status of this spring’s legislative bills regarding vaccine ex-emption. In fact, the bill that first passed the Senate in March, S.199, which proposed to eliminate the philosophical exemption, got merged later on in conference with the much different bill passed in the house, H.157—and in doing so, went from banning the exemption to allowing it. That combined bill was passed by both chambers and signed by the governor. In the end, it affirms the exemption but establishes some new programs collecting vaccination and exemption rates, and assigns a study group to figure out how to accommodate kids who are made vulnerable by those taking the exemption. Bill information can be found at leg.state.vt.us.

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CALAIS: JULY 7

Calais resident Chris Miller, who hosts some of the town’s Independence Day

festivities, notes the small-town, home-spun nature of this event: “The parade goes from Curtis Pond to the Maple Corner Store, turns around, and passes itself, returning to Curtis Pond. The whole parade is an eighth of a mile long, including doubling back.”

Calais’s low-key community celebration is set for Saturday, July 7. It starts with the dou-bling-back parade at 3 p.m. and also includes other afternoon festivities. There’ll be things to do for kids, a bocce-ball tournament, and, after appetites have worked up from the tournament, a community potluck at 6 p.m. followed by bluegrass music at about 7 p.m. and finally, at dusk, fireworks and sparklers.

CABOT: JULY 4

Talk to Wayne and Wendy Barnett of Cabot, and you find out that, not surprisingly for a small town,

Cabot’s celebration has been a bit of a family affair. Of the town’s Fourth of July celebration, Wayne says, “My father used to run it, then [Wendy’s] mother ran them; now [Wendy] does.” There’s been a little change over the years: In his father’s day, Wayne remembers being told, the village would do a “beef in the ground” the way others now do pigs or turkeys (similar to an old-fashioned “bean hole”), wrapping the meat in a moist cloth, like burlap, and burying it in a bed of hot coals covered with dirt from the pit for a long, slow roasting. These days, Cabot hosts a chicken barbecue at the rec field, instead.

The present-day celebration also includes a parade on Main Street at 11 a.m., yard and rummage sales from 8 to 2 p.m., historical society exhibits at the society’s building on Main Street, the chicken barbecue at noon, and games and live music at the rec field following the parade.

DECLARING INDEPENDENCE:

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

Calais parade. Photo courtesy of Chris Miller.

Cabot parade in July 1958. Photo courtesy of Wendy Barnett.


FOUR DAYS of DOG SHOWSAn Offi cial American Kennel Club EventWoodstock Dog Club & Green Mountain Dog Club

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

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Conformation Classes for AKC BreedsCompanion Events, Obedience and Rally

for Purebred and Mixed Breed Dogs

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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

Summer Music from Greensboro

Karen Kevra, Artistic Director

ALL CONCERTS:8 p.m. at the United Church of Christ on

beautiful Caspian Lake, Greensboro, Vermont

ADMISSION: subscription $85,

general $20, under 18 free

FOR INFORMATION, go to summermusicfromgreensboro.net

JULY 17 SUMMER SEXTET — A colorful program of works for woodwind quintet plus piano featuring Poulenc’s “Paris 1920s”-styled Sextet, woodwind quintets by Ibert and Samuel Barber, and virtuoso solos for each instrument: Karen Kevra, fl ute; Randall Wolfgang, oboe; Chad Burrow, clari-net; Robert Wagner, bassoon; Patrick Pridemore, French horn; and Bernard Rose, piano.

JULY 24 ROSS BARENBERG QUARTET — Acoustic guitarist, composer and GRAMMY nomi-nee Russ Barenberg is joined by three of Nashville’s fi nest—Brittany Haas on fi ddle, Todd Phillips on bass, and Todd Lombardo on guitar—for an evening of “exquisitely original” acoustic instrumental music drawn from bluegrass, jazz, and American/Celtic fi ddle and dance traditions.

JULY 31 THE WALSH-COOPER-DRUCKER TRIO —“Musical Off erings of Bach,” chamber works and solo works by J.S. Bach performed by Emerson String Quartet violinist Eugene Drucker, cellist Roberta Cooper, pianist Diane Walsh with fl utist Karen Kevra.

and solo works by J.S. Bach performed by Emerson

Roberta Cooper, pianist Diane Walsh with fl utist

from

MONTPELIER: JULY 3“My favorite thing is walking State Street among all the vendors to see

who’s selling what,” said Montpelier Alive Executive Director Phayvanh Luekhamhan. “Always look forward to fried dough every year and hot dogs and cotton candy, all [the] usual festival things. . . . I love being in the community and walking around and seeing everybody and getting to say hi to people I haven’t seen in a while: that and the fireworks.”

Among a very full day, a couple of new things will be happening for the Independence Day celebration in the capital city this year: Angeleno’s will be celebrating its 30th birthday all day during their business hours. Among other things, they will be hosting music, including Arthur Zorn, Italian opera and some Americana. Also new is the Democracy Tent on the State House lawn run by the League of Women Voters. In it, campaign materials from all candidates will be available. “We’re trying to cut down on the amount of trash [the] parade actu-ally produces, so we’re asking for all handouts to be at the tent instead of at the parade,” said Luekhamhan. “We’re hoping all politicians can help us keep parade clean this year.”

At the State House LawnKids Zone from 3 to 5:30 p.m., including music from Christopher R and his

Flying Purple Guitar from 3 to 3:30 p.m and juggler Stephen Gratto from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Get some exercise with community hula hooping from 3:30 to 6 p.m. or a senior activity center movement class from 3 to 4 p.m. Watch a dance performance by the Contemporary Dance & Fitness Studio from 4:30 to 5 p.m., or listen to one of the musical performances:

Seth Warner from 4 to 4:30 p.m.; Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses from 5 to 6 p.m.; Green Mountain Youth Symphony from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.; and Waylon Speed from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Meet and greet candidates in the Democracy Tent from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. followed by a founding-father reading from the Declaration of Independence, 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Gratto will be back, this time on stilts, from 8 to 9 p.m.

Events ElsewhereThe Kellogg-Hubbard Library hosts a dance party and story walk on its lawn from 1 to

3 p.m.The Vermont Historical Society will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission and,

from 1 to 4 p.m., a patriotic craft activity.The recreation field pool offers a water carnival from 1:30 to 4 p.m.The Montpelier Mile Road Race begins at 6 p.m. in front of People’s Bank.

ParadeThe parade is staged from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Meadow-area streets before wending its way

down Main and State Streets from 6 to 7 p.m.

Street Closings and Parking BansThere will be no parking on State Street from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. between Bailey Ave.

and Gov. Davis Ave. No parking on State Street from 5 p.m. to the end of the parade between Main Street and Gov. Davis Ave.

State Steet will close from 2 to 10:30 p.m. between Bailey Ave. and Gov. Davis Ave., and the 60 State Street parking lot will close for street dance from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Langdon Street will close from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.School Street will close during the parade from Main Street to St. Paul Street, and Main

Street itself will close from 6 p.m. to about 7:45 p.m.National Life Drive will close at 9 p.m. from Memorial Drive to parking lot entrance.

PartiesJulio’s hosts a dance party from 7 to 10:45 p.m. in the 60 State Street lot adjoining Julio’s.McGillicuddy’s hosts a street party from 7:30 to midnight on Langdon Street.

FireworksFireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Cabot parade in July 1958. Photo courtesy of Wendy Barnett.

ROXBURY: JULY 4

Claire Chomentowski, Roxbury event coordinator, was pleased to hear that Northfield’s town manager, when asked about Fourth of July plans, had said that Northfield had not

planned any Independence Day celebrations because they didn’t like to “step on the toes” of Roxbury.

Chomentowski is concerned be-cause Roxbury has been known to have the parade and celebration on the weekend in the past, but this year it’s to be on the actual day, Wednesday, July 4.

A parade on Vermont route 12-A to Windridge Camp will start at noon, followed by a barbeque at the firehouse at 12:30 p.m. The church will host a rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, and there will be a historical society open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bingo starts at 1 p.m.

Beaver Meadow volunteer fire responders sprinkle para-degoers in Roxbury. Photo courtesy of Sue Nevins.

Festivities at the State House. Photo by Marie Countryman.


Warren parade. Photo courtesy of Valley Chamber of Commerce.

STOWE: JULY 4

Stowe’s Independence Day celebrations begin in Moscow—the Ver-mont village, that is—at 10 a.m. with a “very local” parade to the

accompaniment of marching music by the local radio station, so roll down your windows and open your car doors. The organizers at Stowe Vibrancy warn, “Be early! It’s a very short parade!”

In Stowe village, starting at 11 a.m. and going to 3 p.m., there’ll be an old-fashioned festival, with four bands, street performances, face-painting, a bouncy house and food. Also starting at 11 a.m., Stowe’s mercantile establishment will present Seven Miles of Sales on the Mountain Road and in the village. At noon, for the sports-minded, the World’s Shortest Marathon begins at the intersection of Vermont routes 100 and 108 and goes 1.7 miles up the Mountain Road. Sports con-tinue with a coed softball one-pitch tournament from noon to 6 p.m. and a soccer fest from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Mayo events field. Mayo also hosts Food, Fun, Friends and Fireworks, as well as music by Steel Rail Blue Grass, from 6 p.m. until dark, when the fireworks take place.

WARREN: JULY 4

Judy Klein of the Valley Chamber of Commerce reassures visitors, “It won’t be as big because it’s in the middle of the week.” She explains,

“Some people are afraid to come because it’s so big.” She says she expects “only” about 4,000 people instead of as many as 6,000 if the Fourth comes on a weekend.

After the street closes at 8:30 a.m., Warren’s popular and well-known parade on Main Street will start at 10 a.m., and a street dance will fol-low the parade at the Warren Store. Kid-friendly activities (as well as a beer garden) will happen after the parade on the grounds of the Warren elementary school, a short walk up from Warren’s Main Street. There’s a $1 “buddy badge” entry fee, and if you find someone else in the crowd with your number, you can win a prize. Parking is available at the Sug-arbush Lincoln Peak and YesterMorrow parking lots, with free shuttle transportation to the village.

Dirty String Band in Stowe. Photo by Scott Noble.


WORCESTER: JULY 4“Sometimes it takes me a month or two after an event to real-

ize I had a really good time,” said Danville’s David Hare, of the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks, who will hold an encamp-ment in Worcester on July 4. “It has taught me a tremendous appreciation for the life of the common Civil War soldier. . . . I have spent four days in the wool, in Virginia, in the summer. Doing that kind of thing makes you really appreciate what the boys went through. I’ve been to other events where it rained all weekend. The rain got into everything in my knapsack. Sunday night I was able to go home and take a hot shower—the Ver-monters in the civil war would have kept marching. . . . I don’t know how as many of them survived as they did.”

In addition to celebrating Independence Day this year, Worcester will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War at Ladd Field, including a visit by Abe Lincoln and a full day of activities hosted by the Hemlocks. Activities in-clude setting up an authentic Civil War encampment; preparing authentic food (salt pork and hard tack) over an open fire; a musket-firing demonstration; firing a muzzle-loaded civil war cannon after dark; having a “fresh fish” drill in which audience members can participate and much more, including having historians on site who can tell people about what their ancestors were doing during the Civil War, including their regiment and what happened to that regiment.

Other July 4 activities in Worcester include the parade down Route 12 at 11 a.m.; a chicken barbeque at noon behind the town hall, with other food vendors at Ladd Field; a strawberry festival from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church annex; and a raffle drawing at 1 p.m. There will also be a duck race at 3 p.m. at Minister Brook by Balsam Acres. The Worcester Historical Society Building will host children’s games and historic displays throughout the afternoon, and a Civil War Songbook event will be held at the town hall. Fireworks commence at dusk.

WATERBURY: JUNE 29 & 30

Patty Meade, one of the event’s organizers, says that in preparation for Waterbury’s upcoming

celebration of its 250th anniversary, the town’s Rotary Club took over planning for this year’s In-dependence Day event, flexing its muscles for the big anniversary next year. Because it’s before July 4, on Friday evening and Saturday, June 29 and 30, Waterbury Rotary is calling the celebration, Not Quite Independence Day, or NQID.

NQID is an ambitious undertaking, with a con-cert on Rusty Parker Memorial Park on Friday night, featuring George Seymour and the Plainfield Plowboys, and the opening of the carnival behind the state office complex. Following the parade at 11 a.m. on Main Street, Saturday’s events also take place both at the Rusty Parker Memorial Park and behind the state office complex. There’ll be pie judging, karaoke, and performances by music, gymnastics, theater and comic groups. On the main stage in the park, look for performances by Tammy Fletcher, the Blues Busters, Mellow Yellow, and Jimmy T and the Sleepy Hollow Boys. And, after all those performances, fireworks at dusk on Saturday.

Waterbury parade in 2011. Photo courtesy of Justin Blackman.

Civil War encampment in Tunbridge at the Vermont History Expo. Worcester will be hosting a similar encampment during their July 4 celebrations. Photo courtesy of Dave Hare.

Dirty String Band in Stowe. Photo by Scott Noble.


by Marion Gray

There are many days that provoke thoughts of the loss of our hero, Staff Sargent Jamie Gray, killed in action

June 7, 2004. Independence Day is certainly one. Most often, we go about our daily lives taking for granted the freedoms for which the men and women of this country from generations past and from our current time have sacrificed.

The first that comes to mind is the free-dom to write an article for a local newspaper without fear of recrimination: to speak our minds freely. And freedom of religion, to participate in whatever brings us solace and peace and healing.

This country was founded on providing its citizens with a life without fear. We do not worry over daily things like moving about this country. We do not worry over whether our children can attend the school of their choice and get the experience to move on in their lives. We can even protest against our government, its policies and decisions. We can burn our flag, even gather to protest the vehicle by which this wonderful country works to keep all those freedoms open to us.

For all the freedoms provided to us by those brave, patriotic souls who are willing to lay down their lives that we may remain the most highly sought-after nation in which to live, there is a price. There are those who will disagree with actions taken by those we have entrusted to do what is best, to protect

all the freedoms we enjoy. It will never come to be that everyone will agree on how that may be accomplished.

Looking to the future, my only fear is that although we are a highly educated peo-ple, provided for thanks to a tax-funded, government-supported education system, most people still do not get the full facts be-fore rendering their opinions against some of those actions taken to preserve all our free-doms. One of those freedoms is their right to vote. Many feel it will not matter, one little vote; thus we let the few, the most vocal, with the most money, make decisions for all of us, hoping it will work out. It is important to exercise that freedom to vote, to have a say in who leads us.

We need those who genuinely try to do what is best for all of us, not those who have their own personal agendas. Do not let those with silken voices and charismatic persua-sion lead us into believing that all those sacrifices have been in vain.

Marion Gray is president of the Vermont Fallen Heroes Global War on Terror Memorial Corp. Jamie Gray was her stepson. She lives in East Calais.

Jamie Gray. File photo.

by Paij Wadley-Bailey

How do I feel about Independence Day? Well, I am somewhat con-flicted. My cultural identity is

African American/Mexican/Blackfoot, and black anthropologists (Ivan vanSertima, for example) say I’m about 13 percent European descent. (I know from the oral history of my family that we descend from the British; as a matter of fact, I have met some of the white Wadleys, descendents of the slaver on whose plantations my ancestors were kept.)

You see, I am writing this article as we commemorate the ’69 Stonewall Riots. I am writing this as Vermont prepares to base the F-35 in Burlington. I am writing this as the Abenaki are—again—trying to achieve sovereignty. I write this while Vermont hasn’t yet gotten its antiracism ideology together. I write this as too many children—in Ver-mont—go to bed hungry. I am writing this knowing that Entergy Corporation did a number on our judicial system.

It is sad commentary that blacks, queers,

the physically and mentally challenged, women, the lower income, etc., are still struggling for their independence, and now the middle classes are doing the same.

And what is independence? Didn’t the yet-to-be-United States fight for indepen-

dence from British rule? And now it seems the United States has become an empire, colonizing the total planet. Go figure. Why do we continue to emulate that which is inhumane?

The many people in Vermont whom I’ve met and worked with during my 41 years in Vermont understand and love me and know I’m an upbeat, visionary, hopeful person. Yes, there are some joys in my life. There are some very bad things going on in “America”; however, I acknowledge that there are some good things as well. Personally, I recently had surgery for two knee replacements and am walking pain free. Synthetic insulin helps my pancreas to function. I can hang out with my grandchildren regularly. I celebrated the solstice with friends.

My son was born on the Fourth of July. At the age of 21, he enlisted in the Army, much to my disapproval, and was promised train-ing as a computer analyst. After he had been a year in the service, there was an attempt to switch him to the infantry! (I read that Vermont has the largest number of soldiers

per capita on the front lines.) Well, Lance protested the change, refused to join deploy-ment to Saudi (he was stationed in Germany at the time) and was thrown in the stockade. I happened to know several women living in Germany through a past action, and they set up a watchdog crew to observe my son’s well-being 24/7, while I and other friends contacted people with influence until his release two months later.

Yes, I will be marching again in Montpe-lier’s July 3 parade, joining with other Ver-monters in hopes for a saner country; honor-ing humanity and other beings; and asking that we all be vigilant and work toward the vision of a true democracy in our state of Unity and Freedom and elsewhere.

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

Some Americans Are Still Fighting for Independence

Love Playing Pianoages 4 to 104

Nicholas Mortimer loveplayingpiano.org | 595-1220

Our Freedom Comes from Others’ SacrificeDECLARING INDEPENDENCE:

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


by Darren M. Allen

This is only the second time I’ve directly been asked why I’m proud to be an American. The first—more than three

decades ago, when I was in third grade—was part of a radio-station contest in Newport Beach, California. I had 25 words in which to answer the question. I won and got to go the radio station and say those 25 words that were heard in a commercial alongside local resident and American icon John Wayne.

What I said then, unfortunately, is lost to the vagaries of time. I suspect, however, that at the core, the third-grade me was proud to be from this country because of its freedom, or some other naïve bromide that occurs to 9-year-olds when they conjure up images of the Statue of Liberty, Old Glory and Inde-pendence Hall.

What makes me proud today, however, is different. The country we live in is in some respects a far different one than it was in the early 1970s. I’ve grown up witnessing the concentration of power; the yawning dispar-ity in wealth and opportunity; the erosion of trust in our institutions, both government and industrial. In a sense, I’ve lost that cer-tainty that America is a great country and that no other nation can top ours.

I know that’s not true anymore, if it ever was so (it’s worth noting that Richard Nixon resigned a year or so before my radio ap-pearance with Mr. Wayne). But something deeper makes me proud to be from the United States, something that, I think, is institutionalized here more than anywhere else: a culture of questioning.

The country’s founders were questioners: of the British status quo, of humanity’s in-nate goodness, of trust in authority and of

a people’s ability to rule themselves. Our founding documents question many of the assumptions that guided humanity for thou-sands of years before, and continue to form the basis of questions we ask to this day. And our culture—not to mention our federal system of government—is heavily biased to-ward skepticism and verification.

We are taught—although, sadly, many people fail to realize this—that to question is acceptable. Our teachers instill in us the quest for truth at an early age, even if what they taught us inevitably turns out to be myth rather than fact (George Washington and the cherry tree, anyone?).

Skepticism brought us an end to slavery. Skepticism brought us suffrage for women. Skepticism brought about fair wage and hour laws (which are, sadly, under attack less than a century after being won). Skepti-cism brought us an end to institutionalized racism. And skepticism is drawing to an end discrimination of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. Indeed, skepticism will continue to propel us to ask the questions that inevitably move us forward.

I’ll admit that I am profoundly annoyed at people who equate patriotism with blind adulation of our flag and our leaders. To me, patriots question the conclusions of the people we elect to work for us. Patriots ques-tion whether policies—health care, cam-paign finance, immigration—make sense. And patriots love this country because they are free to ask those questions.

In a 1787 letter to James Madison, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as neces-sary in the political world as storms in the physical.”

Rebellion is really just action after ques-tions go unanswered. I’m proud to be an American who has profound hope that we never stop questioning.

Darren Allen is communications director for the Vermont-National Education Association, the union of Vermont educators. He was born in Newport Beach, California and is glad to no longer be from Orange County. He lives in Montpelier.

Why I Am Proud to Be an American

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by Colette Kelly

On May first, two weeks after my 18th birthday, I registered to vote. The process was simpler than I

expected: a form sent, my driver’s license renewal and an oath.

“I solemnly swear or affirm that whenever I give my vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the State of Vermont, I will do so as in my conscience I shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same . . .”

With this oath, I shouldered the respon-sibility of judging what is best for my state and my country, joining the roughly 1.8 million other 18-year-olds who will vote for the first time in a presidential election this November. With this oath, we take the first steps into adulthood while still wrestling with teenage challenges.

What does it mean to be an American teenager? We are among the most privileged people on earth, yet perhaps more than those anywhere else, American teens are on a desperate search for solutions to life’s prob-lems. In My American Unhappiness, a novel by Dean Bakopoulos, the protagonist, Zeke Pappas, captures this unique dissatisfaction when he says,

Americans are fundamentally unhappy, and they are fundamentally unhappy be-cause they suffer from institutional ad-diction. If you consider the comfort (for most), the wealth (relative), and the op-

portunities (many) with which Americans have matured, it is mind-boggling to con-sider that anybody here could be unhappy. But everywhere I go, I can see it, such un-happiness, such an overwhelming need to be drugged and distracted, lest a moment of silent, melancholy self-reflection pierce our fragile hearts!

Zeke’s journey to understand and relieve unhappiness embodies that of the American teenager: a relentless search for the solution to a problem we can’t define.

We teenagers have tried to game, buy, and drug ourselves out of unhappiness. Count-less American teens have turned to gaming and the Internet to distract themselves from the difficulties of their world. My generation socializes primarily on Facebook, where we can sculpt our online presence until we ap-pear exactly as who we want to be, instead of actually seeing each other’s faces. Psy-chologists have begun to recognize “screen addiction,” as some of my contemporaries spend up to 20 hours a day, seven days a week, in front of a computer screen. Video games are now a powerful force in the lives of teenagers, sucking up time and changing personalities.

My generation also seeks to distract itself through consumerism. The United States became, after all, the birthplace of the term “retail therapy” when the Chicago Tribunecoined the term on Christmas Eve, 1986. Since then, U.S. companies have almost tripled their spending on marketing to ado-

lescents, and we seem to have lapped it up. Many of my teenage friends obsess over buy-ing the right clothes or the newest electron-ics, because—why? U.S. companies spend over 15 billion dollars a year to convince us that we can solve life’s problems by buying certain products; perhaps we believe them.

We certainly believe in the power of drugs, and teenagers today resort to an ever-widening array of prescription medication for entertainment. Every day in the United States, an average of 2,000 teens use pre-scription drugs without a doctor’s guidance for the first time, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website. In a 2011 NIDA study, almost one in 12 of my fellow high-school seniors reported

nonmedical use of Vicodin, a prescription painkiller. One in 20 reported abusing Oxy-contin, also a painkiller and an opioid, like morphine or heroin. Do we think that these drugs, designed to numb physical pain, will also numb the pain of our chronic dissatis-faction with life?

Perhaps we do not need to numb our dis-satisfaction. This country was founded on the search for economic freedom, on dissat-isfaction with the status quo. Unfortunately, our search for happiness in this culture and era has led to unhealthy obsessions. How-ever, American teenagers are capable and eager to discover the next big solution. As Barack Obama asserted in a giddy Novem-ber four years ago, this potential to imple-ment change gives us hope and power. We the teenagers are too impatient to wait for the world to get better; we will make it hap-pen ourselves.

It was easy to complete the paperwork that gave me the responsibilities of an adult. The real challenge facing my teenage peers and me lies in transcending an unhealthy lifestyle and accessing teenage potential. American teenagers are seekers. We need only direct our search towards finding “what will conduce the best good” for our country and for ourselves.

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

The Quest of the American Teenager


by Laurie Morrow, with Ed Morrow

In the Yonkers public school I attended too long ago, every day began with the Pledge of Allegiance. My teacher ex-

plained that the Pledge was meant to bind Americans together. All around me were children from differing ethnic groups, so her explanation made sense. We came from homes where parents made homemade sau-erkraut or spaghetti with sausage so spicy your eyes watered or knishes that warmed you from the inside out. As I grew older, I learned not everyone thought the Pledge was a good thing. During the Vietnam War, many rejected it as a conservative device to force young people to accept authority. Later, the “under God” part was decried as violat-ing the separation of church and state. But this isn’t so. There are two ironies associated with our Pledge of Allegiance: it isn’t the product of conservatism, and “under God” isn’t a religious intrusion.

The Pledge was composed by Francis Bel-lamy (1855–1931), a Baptist minister who was a follower of Christian Socialism, a radical belief that capitalism is sinful. Social-ism was a Bellamy family business. Francis’ cousin, Edward Bellamy (1850–1898), wrote Looking Backward (1888), a socialist novel depicting an America in which all industry

is nationalized, with all men compelled to work for the state at a job the state chooses, and, for which, regardless of talent, effort or responsibility, they are paid the same wage. Amazingly, Edward’s book outsold every other American novel during the 19th cen-tury except Uncle Tom’s Cabin. National So-cialism—Nazism—and communism hadn’t yet exposed the dangers of authoritarian-ism, and his ideas seemed grandly progres-sive. While Edward enjoyed literary suc-cess, Francis, after preaching one too many

radical sermons, like the one he titled “Jesus the Socialist,” was fired. He went to work for The Youth’s Companion, a magazine for Boston’s young people, where he was charged with raising the magazine’s public profile. Francis decided that the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America would be an opportunity to do just that.

Using donations from patriotic wealthy men and with the help of the Associated Press, Bellamy rallied education officials and students across America to join in a National Public School Celebration for the Quadricen-tennial, the culmina-tion of which was the recital of a Pledge of Allegiance written by Bellamy: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” The irony of a Socialist composing a pledge that would be seen as an expression of conservative nation-alism went unseen. The celebration was a success and, having demonstrated his skill at motivating masses, Francis the socialist went on to a stellar career in advertising.

In the following years, the Pledge of Al-legiance evolved as it became a school ritual.

It had first been recited with the arm out-stretched, but the similarity to the Nazi salute made that offensive, and placing the hand over the heart was substituted. “My flag” was changed to “the flag” to make it clear the pledge was to the U.S. flag. In 1954, the phrase “under God,” was added. This has been seen as a Cold War reac-tion to atheistic communism, but there is a larger reason it should be included. “Under

God,” subordinates the state to the belief system that shapes the individual con-science. In the ’50s, this was most inclu-sively expressed in religious terms, but

an atheist can logically substitute “Under the ethical beliefs I have rationally concluded are good.” And, here is the second irony. A pledge of allegiance to the state makes itself subservient to a pledge to individual moral-ity. How peculiar and how wonderful.

Ed and Laurie Morrow live in Montpelier. Laurie, a recovering English professor and for-mer talk-radio host, is an expert in fundraising and development. Among Ed’s books are The Grim Reaper’s Book of Days, The Halloween Handbook, and Put Your House on a Diet.

Essay

I Pledge Allegiance—But . . .

Celebrate Independence: VOTE!

Below are the candidates for Ver-mont’s primary elections, which will be held Tuesday, August 28. Voters

must have registered by Wednesday, August 22. Voters who register through the De-partment of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must assure that their applications have been postmarked or accepted by that Wednes-day.

To register, one must be a citizen, a resident of Vermont and a resident of the town in which one applies to be added to the voter checklist. Those who register will be asked to take the Voter’s Oath and must be 18 or older (or will have reached the age of 18 by the time of the general election on November 6).

Primary contests include those for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, gov-ernor, lieutenant governor, state treasurer, secretary of state, auditor of accounts, at-torney general, and state senators and state representatives for Washington County.

For U.S. senator:

John MacGovern • Republican, Windsor238-3970, [email protected]. Brooke Paige • Republican, Washington883-2320, [email protected] Sanders • Democrat, Burlington862-1505, [email protected]

For U.S. representative:

Mark Donka • Republican, Hartford299-9268, [email protected] Peter Welch • Democrat, Norwich264-9069, [email protected]

For governor:

Martha Abbott • Progressive, Underhill373-1624, [email protected]

Randy Brock • Republican, Swanton230-4450, randybrock.comPeter Shumlin • Democrat, Putney828-3333, [email protected]

For lieutenant governor:

Cassandra Gekas • Democrat, Montpelier324-7227, [email protected] Power • Progressive, Montpelier229-0782, [email protected] Scott • Republican, Berlin371-8045, [email protected]

For state treasurer:

Beth Pearce • Democrat, Barre City498-3130, [email protected] Schramm • Progressive, Burlington399-2493, [email protected] Wilton • Republican, Rutland City770-0743, [email protected]

For secretary of state:

James C. Condos • Democrat, Montpelier238-3809, [email protected]

For auditor of accounts:

Doug Hoffer • Democrat, Burlington864-5711, [email protected] Illuzzi • Republican, Derby673-9030, [email protected]

For attorney general:

Thomas “T.J.” Donovan • Democrat, Burlington488-4800, [email protected] McMullen • Republican, [email protected]

William H. Sorrell • Democrat, Burlington343-9293, [email protected]

For state senator (Washington County):

Bernard “Buddy” Barnett • Republican, Barre City479-9890, [email protected] Cummings • Democrat, Montpelier229-0345, [email protected] Doyle • Republican, Montpelier223-2851, [email protected] Lefavour • Republican, Middlesex279-3257, [email protected] Pollina • Democrat, Middlesex229-5809, [email protected]

For state representative (Washington 1):

Colin T. Bright • Democrat, Northfield917-3388, [email protected] B. Donahue • Republican, Northfield485-6431, [email protected] J. Lewis • Republican, Berlin223-6319, [email protected]


Thomas F. Koch • Republican, Barre Town249-1493, [email protected] “Topper” McFaun • Republican, Barre Town479-9843, [email protected]


Dominic Etli • Republican, Barre City505-9192, [email protected]

John Santorello • Republican, Barre City479-0766, [email protected] Taylor • Democrat, Barre City522-7818, [email protected]


Mary S. Hooper • Democrat, Montpelier793-9512, [email protected] Kitzmiller • Democrat, Montpelier229-0878, [email protected] F. Sewell • Progressive, Montpelier338-5443, [email protected]


Tony Klein • Democrat, East Montpelier793-6032, [email protected]


Janet Ancel • Democrat, Calais223-5350, [email protected]


Maxine Grad • Democrat, Moretown496-7667, [email protected]

For state representative (Washington-Chittenden):

Rebecca Ellis • Democrat, Waterbury839-0515, [email protected] Stevens • Democrat, Waterbury244-4164, [email protected]

Vermont Primary Election Candidates


by Bill Doyle

When we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we should remem-ber the contributions made by

Vermonters in the fight for independence.In his History of Vermont, Walter Crockett

made reference to Ethan Allen and the cap-ture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Crockett wrote,

The first surrender of a British fortress in the long struggle for American Indepen-dence was made to Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys, and in the history of the military affairs of the United States the capture of Ticonderoga hedged the list as the first important aggressive movement in the Revolutionary War.

Charles Jellison, in Ethan Allen: Fron-tier Rebel, wrote that Ticonderoga “must be considered a major military victory, for it drastically altered the power potential in the northern colonies and may very well have meant the difference between success and failure for the Revolutionary cause.”

In the winter of 1775–76, George Wash-ington, commander in chief of the Conti-nental Army, found himself short of military

equipment needed to drive the British out of Boston. Henry Knox, colonel of the artil-lery, suggested to Washington that captured military supplies from Crown Point and Ticonderoga could be transported to Boston. Washington, in a letter to Knox, wrote the following: “You’re to immediately examine into the state of the artillery of this army and take an account of the cannon, mortars, shells, lead and ammunition that are want-

ing. The want to them is so great that no trouble or expense must be spared to obtain.” In December of 1775, Knox removed heavy military equipment from Ticonderoga. He floated the supplies on Lake George and then transported the equipment by land with 42 sleds and 81 yoke of oxen. When these supplies reached Boston in March 1776, the British decided to evacuate, and Washing-ton’s military strategy prevailed.

The following excerpt was printed in Earle Newton’s The Vermont Story:

Fort Ticonderoga’s immortal guns go to General George Washington . . . in the winter of 1776 . . . over hundreds of miles of roadless, trackless, snow-clad mountains and valleys, through thick for-est, over ice-covered lakes and rivers . . . on sledges pulled by oxen . . . in the charge of General Knox and his artillery men in their red-trim regimentals, who deliver the guns at Dorchester Heights. There, roaring down at the enemy, they drive him out of Boston Town.

The next year, in 1777, Vermonters fought with valor at the Battle of Bennington. Ed-ward Conant said that the battle led to the British surrender of Saratoga, often referred

to as one of the decisive battles in the history of the world. Washington was impressed by the fighting qualities of Vermonters and was of great assistance to our joining the Union.

On January 15, 1777, Vermont declared its independence from Great Britain and New York. Vermont’s declaration, influenced by the American Declaration of Independence, stated, “We will, at all times, consider our-selves as a free and independent state and the people have an inherent right of ruling.” The Vermont declaration went on to support the War of Independence.

While Vermont fought to win American independence, Vermont was not admitted into the Union until 1791, 14 years later, to become the 14th state. The American Declaration of Independence proved a great example for Vermont to follow.

When we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we should remember the role of Vermonters in a revolution that changed the course of history.

Bill Doyle is a state senator representing Washington County and serves on the Senate education and economic development commit-tees. He also teaches government history at Johnson State College.

Vermont’s Major Role in Our Independence

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by Thomas Greene

Henry James once famously described the novel as a loose baggy monster. What James meant by this is that

the novel has the space to contain the beauti-ful, the arbitrary, the accidental and the ugly. It is, in other words, by its very definition, im-perfect. The same could be said for America.

Ours is a country of contradictions. We are blessed with enormous wealth and re-sources, yet men and women still sleep in huddled masses on some of our streets. We have the greatest technology in the world, but we have yet to figure out how to provide health care for all our people. Founded on lofty principles of freedom, we managed to enslave an entire class of our population for more than a century. We have the ability to model our best values to the rest of the world, and yet we time and time again find ourselves embroiled in meaningless wars that

do absolutely nothing to advance humanity. Surrounded by remarkable physical beauty—mountains and forests and rivers running fat to the sea—we have also invented that most modern of scourges, the strip mall.

The art form I practice, the novel, is also full of contradictions. For one, it is a deliberate artifice, a fiction, but yet seeks to tell truth. And while it aspires to structure and form, it often falls short, hence its loose monstrous bagginess.

And yet I love the novel, as I love my country, with all its imperfections. I love it because it is not afraid to strive for greatness and fail. Invented in Europe, it is neverthe-less the most American of art forms. It is untidy, messy, full of itself, narcissistic; but now and again, if we’re lucky, remarkable moments of grace appear, moments that approach perfection, appeal to our better angels and teach us how to live now. It is for these moments that I write.

As for my country? I have come to terms with the idea that this will always be an imperfect union. America certainly has its

moments of transcendent grace. Most im-portantly, it allows us to say what we think and to express ourselves. Vermonters only have to look at a longtime guest on our soil, the late Solzhenitsyn, to know that this is no small feat. Without art, without words and stories, there cannot be light, only darkness. And in the end, it is better to be a loose baggy monster—hopelessly flawed, all na-scent potential—than to not be allowed to say anything at all.

[Editor’s note: This piece ran in our July 4 issue two years ago, but the author resubmitted it with the affirmation that it said all that he wanted to say, and we at The Bridge feel it is well worth a second read.]

Thomas Greene is a novelist and the found-ing president of the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

America the Novel

• JUNE 21–27, 2012 THE BR IDGE

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 at NOON

77 Main Street, Montpelier www.bearpondbooks.com

time for summer! David

77 Main Street, Montpelier www.bearpondbooks.com77 Main Street, Montpelier www.bearpondbooks.com

Book Signing

Montpelier Alive’s summer appeal is going on right now, and your donations will be matched dollar for dollar by National Life Group (up to $8,000).

Contribute securely online: fi rstgiving.com/montpelieralive or by mail to: Montpelier Alive, 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. For info: www.MontpelierAlive.org or 223-9604.

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Montpelier’s July 3rd Festival is presented by Montpelier Alive and underwritten by VSECU, with major support from National Life Group and the City of Montpelier. Thanks!


by Cassandra Hemenway Brush

For a refreshing take on contemporary fiber art, Greensboro quilting artist Judy Dales’ exhibition Curves, Natu-

rally! is a must see. It’s open through July at the Governor’s Gallery in the Pavilion Build-ing on State Street in Montpelier.

Dales’ wall-hangings have a dreamlike, abstract quality, with richness and depth that will blow the socks off any preconcep-tions about quilting you may have ever held. Dales calls herself a “purist” in the sense that she uses only fabric and thread and she has a deep respect for and loyalty to her roots in traditional quilting. But her vivid, luscious pieces are by no means traditional.

“If I say I’m a quilter, it immediately brings this vision to mind of little squares and triangles,” Dales said. “That’s so far from what I do. But I am a quilter. . . . Quilting in general has moved so far from the traditional quilts that people think of,” Dales continued. “It acts as a mixed media [with paper, painting, stamps, silk-screen or even metal], but I’m a purist. I’m more com-fortable making my work with just a needle and thread and fabric.”

Needle, thread and fabric it may be, but that’s something like saying Picasso worked with only pigment and oil. Each of Dales’ 12 pieces on display feature layers of subtle shading and texture enhanced by her use of stitching and choice of either contrasting or monochromatic thread. The name of the ex-hibit perfectly describes it: it is full of curves that indicate motion. In Blue Flame, inspired by “one dark and stormy evening when the power was off,” the calla-lily–shaped flames seem to flicker. Little Wild Child came about

after a visit with her first grandchild, when Dales found herself stunned by the amount of energy required of so many people toward that one, diminutive creature. A small, pink-ish-red circle in the middle of the piece repre-sents the child, with vibrant tendrils waving about into all reaches of the quilt. This theme of motion, energy and curvature emanates from the entire exhibit. In fact, Dales’ said, it represents her whole way of thinking.

“I want my work to look intuitive and ef-fortless. I want it to be free-flowing. [But] the process is very exacting. . . . The chal-lenge is to keep whatever motivates the piece throughout the finished work.”

Dales said she does a lot of her drawing in church, during the sermon. “My best designs come from drawing when I’m not consciously involved in the design process. . . . I think the work is always spirit-led. When the work is flowing well, it’s a gift. You can control the contributing factors, but when you’re really doing good work, it’s like you’re a conduit.”

Dales includes a notebook with the exhibit that provides background about each piece and information about her style. She is very forthcoming about what has inspired each piece; knowing that, as a viewer, adds a vital dimension to understanding the work. In the description of her piece Garden Pearls—which resembles peas in pods shimmering among a variety of foliage with a dreamlike quality—Dales wrote, “This is what I wish my garden looked like.”

Her inspiration varies from floral forms, to photographs, the bustling energy of a woman, the ashes of her good friend as they floated on the breeze out at sea, as well as something as mundane as the floater in her right eye that appeared during a design

process one time. Dales reveals that she cre-ated Mother to honor her own mother, Nar-cissa Cameron Boyd, as part of a challenge by quilting-world mover and shaker Karey Bresneham.

“After her own mother died, Karey asked artists to create quilts to honor mothers and motherhood,” Dales wrote. “These were ex-hibited at the Houston Quilt festival in 2005 and published in a book I Remember Mama.” Dales created the only abstract quilt in the exhibit, featuring a central figure with arm-like waves emanating outward and also ap-pearing to be cradling. “All the curves center on folds, nurturing, soft, caring, conveying the feeling without being too specific in its imagery,” Dales said.

Dales is an internationally recognized art-ist and the author of Curves in Motion, the definitive text for designing and sewing curves. During her 40-year career, her work has won many awards, including having a piece designated as one of the 100 best quilts of the 20th century. She has work in the White House Collection of American Crafts, the Newark Museum in New Jersey, the permanent collection of the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, and other private, corporate and museum collec-tions, both here and abroad.

The exhibit at the Governor’s Gallery is free, but valid IDs are required to enter the building.

Mind-Bending QuiltsJudy Dales Explores Curves with Fabric and Thread

Judy Dales in front of Womanessence, on of her quilts on display at the Governor’s Gallery through July. Photo by Cassandra Hemenway Brush.


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

FRIDAY, JUNE 29Everything You Need to Know About MedicareUnderstand why insurance is important, why participating in Medicare is beneficial and what your choices are.2–3:30 p.m. Conference center, Gifford Medical Center, 44 South Main Street, Randolph. Free. 728-2200 or giffordmed.org. 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.5:30–7:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpe-lier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] Night Fix: Flat Fix and TroubleshootingOnion River Sports mechanics show you how to fix a front or rear flat, help you identify what flat-fix gear you need and teach you how to self-diagnose other bike maladies.6 p.m. Onion River Sports, Montpelier. onionriver.com. Next fix July 13.The Kind Buds in ConcertAcoustic guitar jam duo inspired by musician and songwriter Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Refreshments available.7–10 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. $5. thekindbuds.com.Visiting Writer Reading: Richard Bausch7:30 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Mont-pelier. Readings continue through July 5.Vermont Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Summer ConcertsThe orchestra promises musical smiles with a humor-themed pro-gram, performed in outdoor settings across the state.7:30 pm.; gates open 5–5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Sugarbush Resort, Warren. $31–$35 adults; prices vary for children. Tickets at 800-876-9293, ext. 10, or vso.org. Concerts repeat July 7 and 8.Night Sky Telescope Party: Saturn, Stars, Mars and Myths—Oh My! With science educator Bobby Farlice-Rubio from the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium. Gaze at space’s wonders and hear tales of the myths from which they draw their names.9 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard children’s library, Montpelier. Weather- dependent: call 223-4665 to confirm.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30Canoe/Picnic with the Young Adventurers ClubAn easy adventure at Wrightsville Reservoir. Kids age 0–6 and their parents get outdoors to hike, play, paddle, learn and make friends. Call leader Lexi Shear, 229-9810, for meeting time and place. Spon-sored by the Montpelier section of the Green Mountain Club.Float-Building and Tag Sale for Planting HopeLots of furniture and household items to benefit Planting Hope’s programs in Nicaragua, followed by parade planning.Tag sale, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; float-building starts at 1 p.m. Clothes Pin Factory, 1 Granite Street, Montpelier.Real Good Toys Warehouse Sale and Demo DayDemonstrations of dollhouse shingling, wiring and flooring, plus refreshments, door prizes, grab-bag surprises and lots of deals.9 a.m.–5 p.m. Real Good Toys Factory Outlet, 10 Quarry Street, Barre. 479-2217 or [email protected] 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.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].

Treating Sleep Issues with Western Herbs: Chinese Medicine ApproachWith Brendan Kelly of Jade Mountain Wellness. Learn about using an Eastern approach with Western herbs to address various sleep issues and deeper causes. Handouts provided.1–4 p.m. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 250 Main Street, Montpelier. $15 VCIH members, $18 nonmembers. Register at 224-7100 or vtherbcenter.org.Vermont Opera Theater: Sharing Our SongsArea singers perform old favorites and new discoveries, accom-pained by pianists Eliza Thomas and Diane Huling.5 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main Street, Montpelier. By dona-tion. 223-8610 or vermontopera.orgVisiting Writer Reading: Michael Hemery7 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpe-lier. Readings continue through July 5.Funeral LightsA multimedia art installation by Amy Königbauer & Knayte Lander, appearing one night only.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.Contra DanceMary Wesley calls dances to tunes by Pete Sutherland, Roger Kahle and Ross Kahle. No partner necessary. All ages welcome. Bring soft-soled shoes.8–11 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Route 12 (Northfield Street), Berlin. $8. 744-6163 or capitalcitygrange.org. Event happens every first, third and fifth Saturday.

MONDAY, JULY 2Classic Book Club6 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plainfield. Free. Daniel, 793-0418. Event happens every first Monday.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.Visiting Writer Reading: Maureen Freely7 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpe-lier. Readings continue through July 5.

TUESDAY, JULY 3Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift Store11 a.m.–5 p.m. 137 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-9155. Sale contin-ues Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Author Readings and Signing: Dave Hajdasz/Take the PlungeHajdasz presents his new book of Vermont swimming holes.7 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. bear-pondbooks.com/author-events or 229-0774.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4Ecstatic DanceFreestyle boogie with DJ using Gabrielle Roth’s mediative dance form, 5Rhythms.7–9 p.m. Worcester Town Hall, corner of Elmore Road and Calais Road. $5–$10 donation. Fearn, 505-8011 or [email protected]. Event happens every first and third Wednesday, and fourth Wednesdays at the Plainfield Community Center.Visiting Writer Reading: Kathleen Graber7:15 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Mont-pelier. Readings continue through July 5.

THURSDAY, JULY 5Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift Store10 a.m.–4 p.m. 137 Main Street, Montpelier. 229-9155. Sale con-tinues Friday–Saturday.

Tours of Renovated Senior Activity CenterTour is solely for the senior center and does not include the upper-level apartments.10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Cen-ter, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier. 223-2518. Tours continue Friday, July 6.Nature Hikes with Onion River Kids3:30 p.m. Location varies: call 223-6025 for details. Event happens every first and third Thursday through August.Science of Mind PrinciplesStudy group for inquiring minds of all faiths.6–8 p.m. Universal Rivers of Life, 28 East State Street, Suite 4 (second floor), Montpelier. 223-3427 or [email protected]. Event happens every first and third Thursday.Visiting Writer Reading: Ron Charles8:15 p.m. Gallery, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier.

FRIDAY, JULY 6Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift StoreSee Thursday, July 5, for description and information.Tours of Renovated Senior Activity CenterSee Thursday, July 5, for description and information.Discover the MoonTravel to the moon with children’s chapter book author and master educator Rebecca Rupp through stories, crafts and learning activities. For children age 7–11.2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard children’s library, Montpelier. Free, but space is limited: preregister at 223-4665.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.3 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre.Camera Designs of Walter Dorwin TeagueWalter Dorwin Teague designed cameras for Kodak and Polaroid between 1928 and 1960. Camera collector Ralph London talks about importance of these designs, many of which are on display.6 p.m.; museum open 4–8 p.m. Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design, 45 Bridge Street, Waitsfield. madsonian.org. More talks Saturday, July 7. CoffeehouseEnjoy live music by Path to Cross and share your own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages.7–9 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main Street, Mont-pelier (park and enter at rear). Free. Dick, 244-5191, 472-8297 or [email protected]. Event happens every first Friday.

SATURDAY, JULY 7Hike with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain ClubDifficult 5.8-mile climb on Camel’s Hump from the Huntington side. Ascend by the Forest City, Dean and Long Trails; descend via the Burrows Trail. Contact leader Paul DeLuca, 476-7987 or [email protected], for meeting time and place.Paddle with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain ClubEasy 10-mile expedition on the Connecticut River from Woods-ville, New Hampshire, to Newbury, Vermont. Life jacket, lunch and water required. Car spot (or bicycle for the ambitious).Meet at 8 a.m. at Lenny’s, Main Street, Barre. Leader: Steve Light-holder, 479-2304 or [email protected] The Woods: Exploring the Trail and Expressing it in PicturesLearn how to express the connection you feel with nature in visual form from visiting artist John Geeza. Walks will be easy to moder-ate, allowing time and energy for drawing.9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Green Mountain Club visitor center, Waterbury Center. $185; continues Saturday, June 8. Register at 241-8323 or greenmountainclub.org. johngeeza.ca.

TheaterAUDITIONS FOR TENFEST 2012 Come prepared to read cold with other audi-tionees and have some fun. Bring your summer schedule with you.June 23 and 24, 1–3 p.m. Valley Players Theater, Route 100, Waitsfield. Jeanne, 485-5636. vermontplaywrightscircle.org.

AVENUE QThis puppet-based play that deals with adult themes won the Tony “Triple Crown” for best musical, best score and best book. Come see what the fuzz is all about.Through July 8. Friday–Sunday, 8 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinee July 8. Valley Players Theater, Waitsfield. Tickets at 583-1674. valleyplayers.com.

AT UNADILLA THEATRETwo Gilbert and Sullivans: Pirates of Penzance followed by Yeomen of the Guard.Pirates through July 14; Yeoman July 18–28. Thursday–Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; additional shows July 11, 18 and 22. 501 Blachly Road, East Calais. $20 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Tickets at 456-8968. unadilla.org.

PETER PANAn all-star cast of more than 125 youth and teens from central Vermont and the Upper Valley present a fully staged production of this beloved family musical.July 5–8. 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.

GOD OF CARNAGECutting, poignant parenting comedy.July 12–29. Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main Street, Montpelier. Thursdays and Sundays, 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinee July 14 and 29. $25 Thursday, $30 Friday–Sun-day, $10 age 6–11, $5 discount for students and seniors. Tickets at 229-0492 or lostnationtheater.org.

TWO ON THE AISLEAn evening of one-acts directed by Joanne Greenberg and performed by U-32 theater grads. The Harry and Sam Dialogues features two Godot-like friends who share philosophical discussions, secrets and beer. In The Dirty Talk, acquaintances from an online chat room meet up—with surprises.July 12, 7:30 p.m., Maple Corner Commity Center. July 13 and 14, 8 p.m., Phantom Theater,

Edgcomb Barn, 970 Dump Road, Warren. $15. 223-7021. Tickets for Phantom shows at 496-5997 or phantomtheater.info.

SMOKEY JOE’S CAFEJuly 12–22. Thursday–Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Quarry Road, Adamant. Free, but space is limited: reser-vations at 229-6978. adamant.org.

SUMMER PRIDE AT CHANDLERDramatic readings of the plays Still Fighting It, The Homosexuals and The Children’s Hour, fol-lowed by discussion between the audience and cast and a reception.July 13–22. 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.

see UPCOMING EVENTS, page 16


Summer Sale at the Trinity Community Thrift StoreSee Thursday, July 5, for description and information.Cannondale Demo Days at Millstone TrailsRepresentatives from local bike shops, including Onion River Sports, set riders up with free demos of 2013 models.Millstone Hill, Websterville. $8 entry fee. Event continues Sunday, July 8. onionriver.com.Food Fundraiser for Montpelier Food PantryIce cream and other goodies on sale to benefit the Montpelier Food Pantry.11 a.m.–5 p.m. Montpelier Shaw’s. justbasicsvt.org.Two Talks: The W.D. Teague Postage Stamp Story and the Teagues and AutomobilesRalph London tells the story of the stamp featuring Teague’s camera, and Daniel Strohl talks about the Teagues’ influence on the Marmon 16 and other automobiles.1 p.m., stamp; 1:30 p.m., automobile. Madsonian Museum of Indus-trial Design, 45 Bridge Street, Waitsfield. madsonian.org. 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.Dinner, 5:30 p.m.; discussion; 7:30 p.m. Capitol Plaza Ballroom, 100 State Street, Montpelier. Reservations required for dinner; discussion open to the public, $5 suggested donation. 233-1515 or foodworksvermont.org.Shape-Note SingIan Smiley leads tunes from The Sacred Harp. All welcome; no experience necessary. 6:30–8 p.m. Tulsi Tea Room, 34 Elm Street, Montpelier. By dona-tion. Ian, 229-4008 or [email protected]. Event hap-pens every first and third Saturday.Vermont Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Summer ConcertsSee Friday, June 29, for description; note change in venue.7:30 pm.; gates open 5–5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Three Stallion Inn, Randolph. $31–$35 adults; prices vary for children. Tickets at 800-876-9293, ext. 10, or vso.org. Concert repeats July 8 in Stowe.Contra DanceRebecca Lay calls dances to tunes by Frost and Fire. No partner necessary. All ages welcome. Bring soft-soled shoes.8–11 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Route 12 (Northfield Street), Berlin. $8. 744-6163 or capitalcitygrange.org. Event happens every first, third and fifth Saturday.The Poor Sister Clare’s Traveling Monk ShowPart ritual, part foot-stomping high-spirited dance, part quirky and movingly interactive improvisation, Clare Byrne’s show ex-periments with mysticism-in-action and movement-as-meditation.8 p.m. Phantom Theater, corner of Airport and Dump Road, Warren. $15. Dance-on roles available: contact Tracy at [email protected].

SUNDAY, JULY 8Cannondale Demo Days at Millstone TrailsSee Saturday, July 7, for description.Shape Note/Sacred Harp SingNo experience needed. All welcome.5–7 p.m. Plainfield Community Center (above the co-op). By dona-tion. 426-3849 or 426-3850. Event happens every second Sunday.Vermont Symphony Orchestra Outdoor Summer ConcertsSee Friday, June 29, for description; note change in venue.7:30 pm.; gates open 5–5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe. $31–$35 adults; prices vary for children. Tickets at 800-876-9293, ext. 10, or vso.org.

MONDAY, JULY 9Create a Vision BoardWith Marianne Mullen, life empowerment coach. Ready to create a goal or dream? Create a vision board to focus your intentions and maximize your motivation.5:30–7:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] Poetry Slam with Geof HewittParticipate in or watch a poetry competition for all ages. Prizes.7–9 p.m. Old Town Hall, Brookfield. Free.Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Martine Leavitt, Matt de la Peña, Mary Quattlebaum, Louise Hawes and Betsy Partridge.7:45–8:45 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 10, 13, 14 and 15.

TUESDAY, JULY 10Medicare and You New to Medicare? Have questions? We have answers.3–4:30 p.m. Central Vermont Council on Aging, suite 200, 59 North Main Street, Barre. Free. Register at 479-0531. Event happens every second and fourth Tuesday.Dowsing: Intuition Technology For LifeWith Fearn Lickfield, founder of the Green Mountain School of Druidry. Learn how to use several different dowsing tools to access information beyond your five senses. You have the answers!6–7:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. $8 co-op member/owners, $10 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Uma Krishnaswami, Margaret Bechard, Sharon Darrow (Vermont author), Sarah Ellis and Amanda Jenkins. 7:30–8:30 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 13, 14 and 15.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11Day of Dialogue: Wealth, Power and EducationA unique opportunity to examine the relationship between wealth, power and education. Professional-development certificate available.9 a.m.–5 p.m. Haybarn Theater, Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield. $45; includes lunch. Register at goddard.edu/dialogue.Traveling Summer Story TimeKellogg-Hubbard Library’s story time comes to Worcester.11 a.m. Worcester Town Hall. 223-4665.Autism and Vaccines: Unresolved ControversyWith Charlotte Gilruth, certified classical homeopath. Screening of the film Autism: Made in the USA. Discussion follows. Informa-tion handouts available.5:30–7:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpe-lier. $5 co-op member/owners, $7 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] GroupWorking meeting of the Dog River Quilters. Let’s quilt together!5:30 p.m. Community room, Brown Public Library, Northfield. Jean, 223-7984. Event happens every second Wednesday.Authors at the Aldrich: Jeff DanzigerThe Vermont cartoonist talks about his books Teed Stories and Out in the Sticks.6 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. aldrich.lib.vt.us. Event happens every Wednesday through August 22.Summer Movie NightIn this Oscar-winning Hayao Miyazaki film, a 10-year-old girl, finds herself in a strange and magical world. For age 10 and up. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School Street, Marshfield. 426-3581 or [email protected].

Movement of the People: The Fela Kuti ProjectThirteen-piece Afrobeat band. Come for dancing. Cash bar.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.Community Concert: South Royalton Town Band7–8:30 p.m. Gifford Medical Center park, 44 South Main Street, Randolph. Free. giffordmed.org. Rain date: Wednesday, July 18.

THURSDAY, JULY 12Four 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.8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; continues through Sunday, July 15. Tunbridge Fairgrounds. Register for barbecue with Deb, [email protected]. greenmountaindogclub.org. Presented by the Woodstock Dog Club and Green Mountain Dog Club.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.4 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. 229-0774.Standup Paddleboard Free Demo Night Standup paddleboarding is fun, easy and great exercise. Experi-ence paddling from a whole new perspective. All boards and equipment provided.4–7 p.m. Wrightsville Beach Recreational Area. Free. Weather permitting: contact Clearwater Sports in Waitsfield at 496-2708 or [email protected] to confirm.Partner Yoga PlayshopClass outdoors if the weather is nice.5:30–7 p.m. All Together Now, East Montpelier, $8–$18 suggested donation. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com.Bake Your Book: How to Start and FinishWith Keith Leon, bestselling author and trainer. Learn how to discover your why, find the time to write, select a topic that others will love and create your roadmap to success.6–7:30 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] Group All ages and abilities welcome.6–8 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 46 Barre Street, Mont-pelier. 223-2518. Event happens every second and fourth Thursday.The Attic Series: TympanonThe trio performs tunes and songs of Quebec and France7 p.m. Reach offices, 138 Main Street, Montpelier. $10 sug-gested donation. Reservations recommended; Susan, 229-1403 or [email protected]. Ecumenical GroupSongs of praise, Bible teaching, fellowship.7–9 p.m. Jabbok Center for Christian Living, 8 Daniel Drive, Barre. Free. 476-3873. Event happens every second and fourth Thursday.

FRIDAY, JULY 13Tie-Dye PartyBring your own whites to make shirts swirl like galaxies, socks explode like supernovas or underwear burst with brightness at the library’s annual hippie craft-fest for all ages.2 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library lawn, Montpelier. 223-4665.Friday Night Fix: Ladies’ NightWith Kelly Ault from Mountain Moxie. Women only: learn about shifting and braking issues and how to fix a flat, plus training, diet, how to pick a bike and any other bike questions.6 p.m. Onion River Sports, Montpelier. onionriver.com. Next fix August 3.

Live MusicBAGITOS28 Main Street, Montpelier. All shows 6–8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 229-9212 or bagitos.com.Every SaturdayIrish/Celtic session, 2–5 p.m.Every WednesdayAcoustic blues jam with the Usual SuspectsFriday, June 29Ken TonnisenSaturday, June 30Clancy HarrisSunday, July 1Brunch with Eric Friedman, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.Tuesday, July 3Jazz jamThursday, July 5Colin McCaffrey and Carol HausnerFriday, July 6The Barn Band with Bob KinzelSaturday, July 7Bob Harris and the Well Trained Monkeys

BIG PICTURE THEATER48 Carroll Road (just off Route 100), Waitsfield. Most shows by donation. 496-8994 or bigpicture theater.info.Friday, June 30Cats Under the Stars (Jerry Garcia tribute), 8 p.m., $7, all agesSunday, July 1Jazz brunch with Anthony SantorFriday, July 6Wee Folkestra and the DefibulatorsWednesday, July 11Valley Night with Bill Shafer and friendsWednesday, July 18Valley Night with Tracy and Jimmy Goodwin

BLACK DOOR44 Main Street, Montpelier. All shows start at 9:30 p.m. with $5 cover unless otherwise noted. 225-6479 or blackdoorvermont.com.Saturday, July 16Dave Keller Band

CHARLIE O’S70 Main Street, Montpelier. 223-6820.Every TuesdayKaraoke

Friday, June 29The Pilgrims, Sick Feelings (garage punk)Saturday, June 30The Sara Grace Band (rock/soul)Friday, July 6Chalice, Made In Iron and Amadis: Tribute to Ronnie James Dio (metal)Friday, July 13Stone Bullet (rock)Saturday, July 14Megan Jean and the KFB (indie folk)

CIDER HOUSE RESTAURANTRoute 2, Waterbury. 244-8400Every SaturdayDan Boomhower (piano), 6 p.m.–close

FRESH TRACKS FARM 4373 Route 12, Berlin. 223-1151 or [email protected], June 29Katie Trautz, 6–9 p.m.Friday, July 6James Gram, 6–9 p.m.

NECI ON MAIN: THE CELLAR118 Main Street, Montpelier. All shows 6–9 p.m., no cover. 223-3188 or necidining.com.

Thursday, July 5Miles and Murphy (jazz guitar)Thursday, July 12Mark LeGrand and Sarah Munro (rock/blues)

NUTTY STEPH’S CHOCOLATERIERoute 2, Middlesex. All shows 7–10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 229-2090 or nuttystephs.com.Every ThursdayBacon Thursdays, hot music and live conversa-tion, 6 p.m.–midnight

SKINNY PANCAKE89 Main Street, Montpelier. 262-2253 or skinnypancake.com.Every SundayOld-time sessions with Katie Trautz and friends, 4–6 p.m. (intermediate to advanced players welcome to sit in)Sunday, July 1Ben Cosgrove (multi-instrumentalist)Sunday, July 8Mike Quinones and Jay Ekis (American roots)Sunday, July 15Mind the Gap (Americana)

UPCOMING EVENTS, from page 15


Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Mark Karlins, Rita Williams-Garcia and Linda Sue Park.7:30–8:15 p.m. Alumni Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Mont-pelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 14 and 15.

SATURDAY, JULY 14Hike with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain ClubDifficult 11.8-mile trek from Worcester Mountain to Hunger Mountain via the Skyline Trail. Car spotting required. Contact leader Phyllis Rubenstein, 223-0020 or [email protected], for meeting time and place.Wear Your ArtA simple silk-screening workshop, creating designs from templates. Bring items to print and a simple design on paper.9 a.m.–noon. The Drawing Board, 22 Main Street. $35 materials fee. Sign up in advance. 223-2902 or drawingboardvt.com.Let’s Go Owling Celebrate one of the most majestic creatures of the night with naturalist Steve Amos. 10 a.m. Ainsworth Public Library, Main Street, Williamstown. 433-5887, [email protected] or ainsworthpubliclibrary.wordpress.com.Acro Yoga with Lori Flower11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. River House Yoga, Plainfield. 324-1737 or sattvayoga.wordpress.com.Moon GroupWith Mary Anna Abuzahra. Track the moon cycle in your astro-logical natal chart, gain self-awareness and learn a helpful way to study astrology.2 p.m. Private office, 34 Elm Street, Montpelier. $10–$20. Pre-registration required; contact Mary Anna, 272-0827. Event repeats August 11 and September 15.Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Alan Cumyn, Bonnie Christensen, Susan Fletcher, Tim Wynne-Jones and Marion Dane Bauer.4:30–5:30 p.m. Alumni Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Mont-pelier. vcfa.edu. Readings continue July 15.Monthly Saturday Film Series: The TreeAfter her husband’s sudden death, Dawn must provide for her four kids despite her grief, while young Simone is convinced her father’s spirit now lives in a giant fig tree in the yard. 2010, 100 minutes.7 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Street, Montpe-lier. $3 suggested donation. 223-2518. Cosponsored by MSAC and the Dharma Film Series Group.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.7 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 136 North Main Street, Barre. Free. 479-0896 or genuineadventures.com/talk-nerdy-to-me.html.

SUNDAY, JULY 15Hike with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club Difficult 9-mile expedition to Beaver Meadow Lodge and White-face Shelters in Morristown.Contact leader Ken Hertz, 229-4737 or [email protected], for meeting time and place.Hike/Explore/Swim with with the Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain Club Easy 3-mile outing on Coburn Pond in East Montpelier, a former gravel-pit area with a 6-acre pond.Call leader Ann Burcroff, 229-9677, for meeting time and place.Make Your Own Flower EssencesWith Fearn Lickfield, certified flower essence practitioner. Walk through the process of cocreating a flower essence. Get inspired, connect with nature and learn to use essences for the health of the soul.

10 a.m.–noon. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 250 Main Street, Montpelier. $10 VCIH members, $12 nonmembers; plus $5 materials fee. Register at 224-7100 or vtherbcenter.org.The Dark Knight Rises: Honoring Senator Patrick LeahySupport the Kellogg-Hubbard Library while watching a special screening of the new film before its premiere in New York City.Doors open at 6 p.m.; film starts at 7 p.m. Majestic 10 Theater, 190 Boxwood Street, Williston. $100–$250; benefits the children’s library. 223-3338.Author Readings at the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Residency Tonight: Tom Birdseye, Jane Kurtz, Shelley Tanaka, April Lurie and An Na (Vermont author).8–8:45 p.m. Chapel, College Hall, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. vcfa.edu.

MONDAY, JULY 16Sacred Co-CreationWith Nessa Rothstein, Brennan healing science practitioner. Learn the basics of conscious creation through a guided medita-tion with Sacred Geometry as a way to deepen your relationship to your life. 5:30–7 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] Foods and Our HealthWith Betzy Bancroft, core faculty. Learn about the amazing ecosystem inside our intestines, discuss the signs of imbalance and learn a basic method for making lactofermented vegetables.6–8 p.m. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, 250 Main Street, Montpelier. $10 VCIH members, $12 nonmembers. Register at 224-7100 or vtherbcenter.org.Plainfield Book Club6:30 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plainfield. Free. 454-8504 or cutlerlibrary.org. Event happens every third Monday.

TUESDAY, JULY 17Going Solar Without Going BrokeWith Jessica Edgerly Walsh of Suncommon. Learn about financ-ing options available, purchasing and leasing, and state and federal incentives to help you go solar and save money. 6–7 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. Free. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] Reading and Signing: Jane ShoreShore reads from her latest book of poetry, That Said: New and Selected Poems.7 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. bearpondbooks.com/author-events or 229-0774.Free Button Up Vermont WorkshopLearn how to make your home more energy efficient, comfortable and affordable.7–9 p.m. Room 109, Community College of Vermont, Schulmaier Hall, 32 College Street, Montpelier. Free. buttonupvt.com. Hosted by CCV Montpelier’s Moving Toward Sustainability class.Nature at Night: Glow-in-the-Dark!As the sun sets, an amazing array of luminous creatures awake. Hike the fields and forests of the nature center in search of fire-flies, glowworms and bioluminescent fungi.8–10 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street, Mont-pelier. $5 nature-center members, $10 nonmembers, $3 children. 229-6206.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18Digital Download WednesdaysConfused about how to work your e-book reader? Get one-on-one help and see a demo on how to download your favorite books.10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Waterbury Public Library. Sign up for a 30- minute session at 244-7036. Event happens every third Wednesday.Traveling Summer Story TimeKellogg-Hubbard Library’s story time comes to Middlesex.10:30 a.m. Rumney School. 223-4665.

Mindful Business Success Circle Networking GroupFor service professionals and small-business owners working to make a difference in their communities and the world. Thirty minutes of optional sitting meditation, followed by an hour of networking and one-on-one connection with peers.10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Shambhala Center, 64 Main Street (third floor), Montpelier. Free. RSVP at 225-5960. Event happens every third Wednesday.Enjoy the Wonders of FungiWith Eric Swanson of Vermush. See Swanson’s recent pictures and projects and learn how to culture and grow mycelium into fungi. Everyone will bring home their own oyster mushroom spawn.5–7 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop community room, Montpelier. $10 co-op member/owners, $12 nonmembers. Register at 223-8004, ext. 202, or [email protected] at the Aldrich: Saloma FurlongThe Vermont memoirist talks about her book Why I Left the Amish.6 p.m. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. aldrich.lib.vt.us. Event happens every Wednesday through August 22.Dream Big and Reach for the Stars Learn about the basics of sky watching with Tony Mayhew. Star watchers of all ages and stages welcome.7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School Street, Marshfield. 426-3581 or [email protected] DanceSee Wednesday, July 4, for description and information.

THURSDAY, JULY 19Meeting on Disability IssuesShare stories and concerns.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). Event happens every third Thursday.Nature Hikes with Onion River Kids3:30 p.m. Location varies: call 223-6025 for details. Event happens every first and third Thursday through August.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.4 p.m. Bear Pond Books, 77 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. 229-0774.Science of Mind PrinciplesSee Thursday, July 5, for description and information.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.6–7 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier. $8 co-op mem-ber/owners, $10 nonmembers. Register at 223-8000, ext. 202, or [email protected] for SalePerformance by the PuppeTree.6 p.m. ReSTORE, 30 Granite Street, Barre. Free. 477-7800.Smart Meters: Why Opt Out?Ray Pealer, local expert and concerned citizen, leads a discus-sion on health, safety and security issues of new wireless “smart” electric meters. 6:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Street, Mont-pelier. 223-2518. Third Thursday Travel Talk6:30 p.m. Cutler Memorial Library, Route 2, Plainfield. Free. 454-8504 or cutlerlibrary.org. Event happens every third Thursday.Songwriters’ MeetingMeeting of the Northern VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Song-writers Association International. Bring copies of your work.6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury. John, 633-2204. Event happens every third Thursday.Clean Slate 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. Clean Slate Cafe, 107 State Street, Montpelier. Free. 225-6166 or [email protected].

Art & ExhibitsCENTRAL VERMONT MEDICAL CENTERThe Anatomy of Light, photographs by Andrew Kline.Lobby, 130 Fisher Road, Berlin. Through July 6. cvmc.org.

CITY CENTERGroup exhibit by the Art Resource Association, followed by works by Joan Davidson and Cora Brooks.89 Main Street, Montpelier. ARA show through July 6; Davsidon and Brooks July 6–August 3. artresourceassociation.com.

CHANDLER GALLERYRed Fields & Yellow Skies: The Art of the Land-scape, group show by 12 state- and nationally renowned artists.

71–73 Main Street, Randolph. Through Septem-ber 2. 431-0204 or [email protected].

CONTEMPORARY DANCE & FITNESS STUDIOPastels of Italy and Vermont by Jeneane Lunn.18 Langdon Street (third floor), Montpelier. Through July 28.

THE DRAWING BOARDBarns, Waterscapes, and Florals, expressive and vivid paintings by Jayne Shoup.22 Main Street, Montpelier. Through July. 223-2902 or drawingboardvt.com.

GIFFORD MEDICAL CENTER Photographs by Bruce Small of West Brookfield. 44 South Main Street, Randolph. Through August 1. 728-2324 or giffordmed.org.

GOVERNOR’S GALLERYCurves, Naturally!, quilted fiber art by Greens-boro artist Judy B. Dales. 109 State Street, fifth floor. Through July. Photo ID required for admission. 828-0749.

GREEN BEAN ART GALLERYMontpelier Scenes, photographs by Ron Lay-Sleeper. Capitol Grounds, 27 State Street, Montpelier. Through July 1. [email protected].

KELLOGG-HUBBARD LIBRARYWowie Maui, watercolors, oils and acrylics by Jeanne Evans. 135 Main Street, Montpelier. Through August 24. 223-3338.

MADSONIAN MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGNWalter Dorwin Teague: His Life, Work, and Influence, a wide breadth of work by the man who designed numerous Kodak cameras, the Bluebird Radio, Steuben glassware and much more.45 Bridge Street, Waitsfield. Through August. madsonian.org.

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. Through July 7. 479-7069 or studioplacearts.com.

SULLIVAN MUSEUMTol’ ko Po Russky, Pozhaluista (“Russian Only, Please”), chronicling the history of the Russian school at Norwich University, 1968–2000. Norwich University, Northfield. Through January 2013. 485-2183.

TULSI TEA ROOMTextures of the Earth, photos by Christian Tubau Arjona, a Spanish artist living in Vermont.34 Elm Stree, Montpelier. Through September 21. 223-0043

VERMONT COLLEGE OF FINE ARTSRe Count and Re Connect, works by Kim Goert-ner Darling, Sabrina B. Fadial, Diana Gon-salves, Susan Sawyer and Sumru Tekin.College Hall, 36 College Street, Montpelier.Through July 6. vcfa.edu.


Weekly EventsACTIVISMWeekly General Assembly for Occupy Central Vermont Saturdays, 3–5 p.m. Outside City Hall, Montpe-lier; rain location Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Agen-das and locations at occupycentralvt.org. Heather, [email protected].

BICYCLINGOpen 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, Montpe-lier. By donation. 552-3521 or freeridemontpelier.org.Weekly Rides at Onion River SportsCome in proper physical condition depending on ride, bring water and a snack and dress appropri-ately for weather. Helmets required. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult; anyone under 18 must have a signed parental permission form. MondaysCyclocross Cruise, 6 p.m., 1- to 2-hour, moder-ate, casual cyclocross ride, climbing and descend-ing beautiful dirt roadsTuesdaysCycling 101 with Linda Freeman, 5:30 p.m., all levels welcomeWednesdaysMountain Bike Ride, 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., interme-diate to advanced rides on different area trails each week; for carpooling and more information, e-mail [email protected] Onion River Racing Wednesday Night World Championships, 5:30 p.m., fast ride with town line sprints and competitions for bragging rights, route announced at ride time; onionriverracing.comThursdaysOnion River Racing Thursday Night Nationals, 5:30 p.m., pace is zone 1 and 2, no-drop ride, route announced at ride time; onionriverracing.com.

BOOKSOngoing 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.

CRAFTSBeaders GroupAll levels of beading experience welcome. Free instruction available. Come with a project for creativity and community. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plain-field. 454-1615.

FOOD★ Adamant Co-op Friday Night CookoutsGreat food, wonderful conversation and more ambiance than you can shake a cream-cheese chocolate brownie at. Sausages, jumbo hotdogs, marinated portabellas, salmon cakes, seasonal salads and decadent desserts. Fridays, 5:30–7 p.m., July 6–27. $8–$10. Ada-mant Co-op, 1313 Haggett Road. Rain or shine. Call 223-5760 for this week’s menu items.★ Capital City Farmers MarketOn July 14: slow-food seasonal cooking demo with NECI. Vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, meat, maple syrup, fine crafts, prepared foods, plants and more. Live music and demos all summer. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 60 State Street (corner of State and Elm ), Montpelier. Through October 27. Carolyn, 223-2958 or manager@montpelierfarmers market.com. Gospel Brunch: A Community 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 Company, Route 2, Middlesex. $10 adult, $5 children 12 and under. nuttystephs.com.

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

HEALTHFree 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.

KIDS & TEENSThe 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.Story Time at the Waterbury Public LibraryMondays, age 18–36 months. Wednesdays, age 0–18 months. Fridays, age 3–6 years. 10 a.m. Waterbury Public Library. Free. 244-7036.★ Crafty AfternoonsFor kids age 7–11. On July 3: origami. On July 10: castle building.Tuesdays, 1–2:30 p.m., through July (no event July 17). Waterbury Congregational Church. Register with the Waterbury Public Library at 244-7036.Schedule at waterburypubliclibrary.com/childrens programs.php.★ Library Activities for Kids• Story time, Tuesdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.• Crafts, first Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.• Games, second Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.• Lego club, third Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.• Teen Advisory Group meeting, fourth Tues-

days, 3:30 p.m.• Chess club, Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. (call Rob-

ert, 229-1207, for information) • Young Adult Nights (games, movies, food,

crafting and more for youth age 10–17), third Fridays, 6–9 p.m.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. Free. 223-4665.★ Events for Teens and Kids at the Aldrich LibraryFree lunch every day Monday–Friday, no- obligations teen book club on Mondays, Wednes-day teen game nights, and crafts and events for kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Lunch, noon; crafts, 1 p.m.; teen events, 5 p.m. Lunch and crafts through August 17; no lunch July 4. Aldrich Public Library, Barre. 476-7550.

Youth GroupGames, movies, snacks and music.Mondays, 7–9 p.m. Church of the Crucified One, Route 100, Moretown. 496-4516.Story Time and PlaygroupStory time: for children age 0–6. Playgroup: story, art, song, nature activities and cooperative games. Dress for the weather.Story time: Mondays, 10 a.m. Playgroup: Wednes-days, 10–11:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School Street, Marshfield. 426-3581 or [email protected].★ Summer Storytime With Bill Palin. Stories, critters, crafts and snack,Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Ainsworth Public Library, Main Street, Williamstown. No storytime July 4. 433-5887 or ainsworthpubliclibrary.wordpress.com.Cub Capers Storytime and 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.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] 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.Story Time at Onion River KidsOutdoor adventure tales and childhood classics.Sundays, 10:30 a.m. 7 Langdon Street, Montpelier. 223-6025.

LANGUAGEEnglish Conversation Practice Group For students learning English for the first time.Tuesdays, 4–5 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State Street. No meetings July 24 and 31. Sarah, 223-3403.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, Mont-pelier. 223-3338.

MUSICSing With the Barre TonesWomen’s a cappella chorus.Mondays, 6:30 p.m. Alumni Hall (second floor), near Barre Auditorium. 223-2039 or [email protected].★ Waterbury Community Band Concerts 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 Water-bury Center Park (July 10) and Rusty Parker Me-morial Park in Waterbury (July 24). Free. Through July; no concerts July 3 and 17. Bill, 223-2137 or [email protected]. ★ 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].★ Middlesex Summer ConcertsOn July 11, the Heckhounds; on July 18, the Onion River Jazz Band. 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, Middle-sex. Free. 229-0881.★ 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.★ Summer Concerts in BarreOn July 11, the Green Mountain Swing Band; on July 18, Patti Casey and Bob Amos.Wednesdays, 7–8 p.m. Currier Park; rain loca-tion Universalist Church, 19 Church Street. Free. Through August 22; no concert July 4. Schedule at

thebarrepartnership.com. ★ Brown Bag Concert Series in MontpelierOn July 12, KT and the Trailblazers; on July 19, the Dave Keller Band.Thursdays, noon, July 12–August 30. Christ Church courtyard, State Street, Montpelier. Free. Schedule at montpelieralive.org/brownbag.★ Free Concerts in WaterburyOn July 5, One Over Zero (world/hip-hop/funk); on July 12, Abby Jenne and the Enablers (acous-tic folk/rock; on July 19, Prydein (Celtic rock).Thursdays, 6 p.m., through August 16. Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Waterbury. Sponsored by the Rotary Club.★ Free Summer Concert Series in MarshfieldOn July 5: Katie Trautz and the Tall Boys; on July 12: Cold Country Bluegrass; on July 19: Michael Arnowitt and the ImproVisions Jazz Quartet. Food available for purchase.Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., July 5–August 9. Old Schoolhouse Common gazebo, 122 School Street, Marshfield. Free. Schedule at marshfield.lib.vt.us. 426-3581 or [email protected].★ 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].

SPIRITUALITYChristian 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: Wednesdays, 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.Deepening Our Jewish RootsFun, engaging text study and discussion on Jew-ish spirituality.Sundays, 4:45–6:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center, Montpelier. Rabbi Tobie Weisman, 223-0583 or [email protected] Meditation GroupPeople of all faiths welcome.Mondays, noon–1 p.m. Christ Church, Montpelier. Regis, 223-6043.Shambhala Buddhist MeditationInstruction available. All welcome.Sundays, 10 a.m.–noon, and Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m. Program and discussion follow Wednesday meditation. Shambhala Center, 64 Main Street, Montpelier. Free. 223-5137.Zen MeditationWednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. 174 River Street, Montpelier. Call Tom for orientation, 229-0164. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont.

SPORTSRoller 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. Equipment provided: first come, first served.Saturdays, 5–6:30 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre Street. First skate free. centralvermontrollerderby.com.Coed Adult Floor Hockey Equipment provided.Sundays, 3–5 p.m. Montpelier Recreation Center, Barre Street. $5. 363-1531, bmfloorhockey@gmail .com or vermontfloorhockey.com.

YOGASliding-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.Rhythmic Flow Vinyasa With Lori Flower. Outdoors 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.

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)


Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

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.

WRITINGSUMMER WRITING CLASSGuided Writers’ Group: Memoir, Fiction, and Creative Nonfi ction. Six Fridays, July 20–Au-gust 24, 10 a.m.–noon, $120. Christ Church, 64 State Street, Montpelier. Maggie Th ompson, MFA, instructor. To register or for more infor-mation, call 454-4635.

WRITING 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.

TRUCK FOR HIRECall T&T Repeats, 224-1360.

THRIFT STOREST&T REPEATSBikes, name-brand clothes, small household fur-niture and more. 116 Main Street, Montpelier, or call 224-1360.

TRINITY COMMUNITY THRIFT STORETuesdays and Th ursdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Satur-days, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main Street (use rear entrance), Montpelier. 229-9155 or [email protected].

YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE!To advertise, call Th e Bridge at 223-5112 and ask for Carl ([email protected]) or Carolyn ([email protected]).

223-5757

OPEN EVERY DAY, 8:30 am–8 pmLocated 1 mile north of East Montpelier village on Rt. 14N (follow signs)

Delicious Maple & Chocolate Creemees Served Every Day!

Vermont Summer Fun!

At Bragg Farm . . .

Bring your summer guests for everything maple!

Relax with us. Make new friends!


50 or older and seeking something new?

Register Now for July–Sept. Classes!

NEW (3 in the evening!): Summer Floral Arranging

with Yana Poulson • Getting the Most from Your Digital

Camera with Annie Tiberio Cameron • Introductory Pastels

with Jan Ghiringhelli • Ballroom Dancing with Sylvia Kingsbury •

Sociodrama with Herb Propper

Montpelier Senior Activity CenterA Place For Healthy Aging & Lifelong Learning

Look for us back at 58 Barre Street in July!MSAC open July 5 • MSAC tours July 5–13

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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THE REAL ESTATE PAGESponsored by Century 21 Jack Associates, 223-6302

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

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.

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

McCarty Real Estate: We bring people home.Rebecca McCarty Copans802.922.3452 • 802.229.9479 • rebecca@ mccartyre.com

• NEW CONSTRUCTION

• RENOVATIONS

• WOODWORKING

• GENERAL CONTRACTING

223-3447clarconstruction.com

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 fl oors. Quiet street. [email protected], 4edwardsmyblog.wordpress.com.

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

Move Right In!Clean, charming ranch in Barre. Fresh paint, hardwood fl oors, 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.

Get your real estate listed

in the paper! Contact Carl, 223-5112, ext. 11, or [email protected].


Northfield Savings Bank Takes the Lead in Dealing with Hunger Issues

Yes, there is hunger in Vermont. But there is less hunger in Vermont today because of the Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) and the bank’s steadfast efforts over six years to support

the innovative work of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and later of the more inclusive efforts of the same organization with a new name, Hunger Free Vermont.

On June 7, a range of people both inside and outside state government—many of whom are now working very closely together to deal with hunger issues in Washington County—as-sembled at the Green Mountain Club meeting hall in Waterbury Center to take stock and acknowledge the generosity and effective support of NSB.

Beginning in 2006, NSB made a three-year grant of $150,000 a year ($450,00 in total) to the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.

As explained by Marissa Parisi, executive director of Hunger Free Vermont, the original purpose of the NSB grant was “to expand meal sites . . . and access to quality foods.”

One of the most powerful innovations that resulted from the NSB grant was the formation of a hunger council in Washington County. That Washington County Hunger Council was a first. Soon there was a second hunger council, in Chittenden County. Then in Lamoille County. Now, there’s a fourth, in Windham County. And there will be a future hunger coun-cil in Addison County. These councils bring the key players together to overcome obstacles, make key contacts, secure cooperation and solve hunger problems.

One of the major discoveries that emerged from the councils and from a strategic plan-ning process in 2010 was the now-not-surprising finding that, in Parisi’s words, “We couldn’t end childhood hunger without ending all hunger.” If the family was in crisis and there was hunger, their children would be hungry. If other adults, including older people, were facing hunger, that, too, could have an impact on children.

Understanding the size of the hunger problem and dealing with hunger across the age spec-trum was a huge conceptual breakthrough. Said Parisi, “It was a big change and a big growth for our organization,” which changed its name to Hunger Free Vermont in 2011.

Impressed by what was achieved in its first three years of supporting the Vermont Cam-paign to End Childhood Hunger, NSB renewed its commitment for another three years in 2009. The $900,000 in overall NSB support from 2006 to 2012 achieved great things.

• It has doubled public access for children, families and all adults to food and nutrition programs.

• Through the innovation of the hunger councils, NSB support has created a statewide model for addressing hunger needs.

• Beyond the state’s borders, these hunger councils have become an organizational model nationally for addressing hunger and a range of other social problems.

We salute NSB for its continued corporate commitment of donating 10 percent of its profits to Vermont community organizations. We also salute the bank for its long-term, single-issue funding model. It was the NSB’s sustained commitment over several years that enabled Hun-ger Free Vermont to make a lasting impact in dealing with Vermont hunger.

As Parisi noted, “We started a public conversation about hunger.” And what is more, in forming a number of county-wide hunger councils here in Vermont with NSB support, Hun-ger Free Vermont created a national model that showed how to bring together the key players to deal with complicated social problems.

EditorialOne Word Wrong

To the Editor:Thank you for noting the 80th birthday

of Betty Blouin, one of the people who make Montpelier the spirited and spiritual place it is.

And thank you for running the sonnet that I read at her party on June 16. You got 13 of the 14 lines right, but sonnets—14 lines of iambic pentameter—are so unforgiv-ing that I have to note the one error.

The offending line is the second line in the third quatrain. The correct line was, “Only one, you say, well I count five” not, “One one, you say, well I count five”:

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

In some writing genres, one wrong word is not so bad. In sonnets, one wrong word is a calamity. First, “One one, you say, well I count five” makes no sense. But just as im-portantly, the mistake turns a line of iambic pentameter into a line of iambic tetrameter. I expect the Sonnet Police to be rapping at my door at any time. For such an offense against English letters, they don’t even need a warrant. I hope The Bridge will defend me when they arrive.

So that I end this seeming complaint on a more rhapsodic note, let me cite the most famous English poem in iambic tetrameter, Christopher Marlowe’s wonderful “The Pas-sionate Shepherd to His love”—let no one ever change a word of it:

Come live with me and be my love,And we will all the pleasures proveThat hills and valleys, dale and field,And all the craggy mountains yield.

There will we sit upon the rocks,And see the shepherds feed their flocks,By shallow rivers to whose fallsMelodious birds sing madrigals.

There I will make thee beds of rosesAnd a thousand fragrant posies,A cap of flowers, and a kirtleEmbroider’ d all with leaves of myrtle;

A gown made of the finest woolWhich from our pretty lambs we pull;Fair linèd slippers for the cold,With buckles of the purest gold;

A belt of straw and ivy buds,With coral clasps and amber studs;And if these pleasures may thee move,Come live with me, and be my love.

Thy silver dishes for thy meatAs precious as the gods do eat,Shall on an ivory table bePrepared each day for thee and me.

The shepherd swains shall dance and singFor thy delight each May-morning:If these delights thy mind may move,Then live with me and be my love.

(Wish I had written it.)—Ben Scotch, Montpelier

Racing Luck To the Editor:For the past 11 years I’ve been afforded

the ability to pursue my passion—racing. I’ve had some successful seasons and some seasons where I would like to have been a bit more successful, but I’ve been able to do it regardless. That takes substantial and con-tinued support on behalf of my sponsors, my team, and my friends and family.

In the world of semiprofessional sports, there is a balance that not many are able to manage due to obligations, be it finan-cial, professional or family. I’ve been lucky enough to find and manage a balance be-tween all three. Hobbies and passions take time, dedication, money, support and un-derstanding—from friends and family, but also from employers and sponsors. I’ve had the fortune of having my employer, Pyrofax Energy, serve as one of my biggest supporters and my largest sponsor.

I’ve been with Pyrofax Energy for 10 years. For the past two of those years, I have over-seen the day-to-day operations of the ser-vice departments in Morrisville, Montpelier, Waitsfield and White River Junction, ensur-ing that our customers have safe equipment and solid customer service. Pyrofax Energy has helped me to develop professionally in a job that I enjoy; allowed me to work with people who are invested in the communities they live and work in; and helped me to pur-sue my passion for racing.

Pyrofax Energy drives its team to excel professionally and personally. The com-pany supports numerous community events through donations and volunteerism. It is dedicated to customers, employees and the community. I feel I am a perfect example of that.

I don’t believe I would be where I am today without the sponsorship and support of the entire team at Pyrofax Energy. I’m happy to wear the logo on my car and I’m proud to work for such a supportive and generous company.

—Grant Folsom, Waitsfield

Letters

Vermont Mountaineers pitcher Stephen Ostapeck throws a pitch during a June 16 home game at the Montpelier recreation field against the Danby Westerners. Photo by Roger Crowley.

Summer Music from Greensboro

For summertime pleasure, imagine the delightful prospect of Summer Music from Greensboro at the Greensboro United Church of Christ.

As described by concert organizer Karen Kevra, it’s the Capital City Concerts series in a summer location by the lake.

The astonishingly varied concert series on five consecutive Tuesday evenings in-cludes a July 17 concert with a colorful program of works for woodwind quintet plus piano; a July 24 concert of acoustic instrumental music drawing on bluegrass, jazz, American Celtic and fiddle and dance traditions; a July 31 concert titled Musical Of-ferings of Bach, an August 7 concert featuring an all-Gershwin night of jazz; and a final August 14 concert in a program of mostly Czech music featuring Talich Quartet viola virtuoso Vladimir Buckak.

For more information, visit summermusicfromgreensboro.org.

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


by Bob Lincoln

I recently read an article about a man who had an epiphany one day when his life was, as they say, on a downward spiral.

He was taking a hike when, he claimed, he heard a voice that essentially said, “You should be grateful for what you have and you should stop focusing on how bad everything is in your life.” Out of this experience, he wrote a book titled A Simple Act of Gratitude, and he turned his life around. And he spent a year sending out more than 365 gratitude cards to people who had touched his life in some positive way.

Today, we are learning from research-ers and doctors that expressing gratitude and feeling blessed is good for our health and also has a beneficial impact on those around us, particularly the recipients of our gratitude.

Like many things in life, one can learn to practice gratitude on a regular basis not

only in response to acts of kindness from others but also for one’s condition in life. Being human, we often forget or ignore the myriad blessings and daily gifts (beautiful sunsets, a delicious meal cooked by a loved one, a ride in the country, a trip to an exotic destination, an afternoon walk in nature, delightful grandchildren, material advantages and much more) that fill our lives and make the journey joyous, interesting, fulfilling and pleasurable.

We are often the beneficiaries of the acts of others who, while they may be doing their jobs, also extend themselves beyond the ordinary transactions of daily life to a higher level of connection and empathy. All of these people who affect our lives in this way deserve our gratitude.

Months ago, I came across an article writ-ten by a man who at one time was a success-ful advertising executive in the Big Apple. At one point in his early 60s, he lost his job, his home and his marriage, and his doctor told

him he had a slow-growing brain tumor. Suddenly all the money was gone and his life was turned on its head. One day he walked into a Starbucks to get a cup of java and, in conversation with the store manager, was offered a job. It was the beginning of the reinvention of his life, predicated upon the reununciation of his former values. He soon realized how much he enjoyed the op-portunity to serve people and was filled with appreciation for the new journey he had embarked upon.

Practicing gratitude can evolve into a habit that will last a lifetime. It can become part of the arsenal of “living with intention.” One can start keeping a gratitude journal or start send-ing handwritten messages to those who have been important in our lives in large and small ways and have shown that we matter to them.

Years ago, I wrote a long overdue thank-you letter to a former boss who had mentored me when I was starting out in the work-a-day

world. His response was a heartfelt ex-pression of thanks for my kind words. It might be interest-ing to look closely at your own past and recall people who

have helped you along your journey.In sum, an attitude of gratitude is not only

good for you, but it also has a positive ripple effect beyond your own life. A daily dose of gratitude can help lower your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, spread happi-ness, lessen anxiety and depression, and build better relationships with people. Give it a try; you have nothing to lose and much to gain.

Bob Lincoln lives in North Middlesex and is

a retired development professional.

Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

by Gesualdo C. Schneider

If I recall correctly, it was Jonathan Swift who wrote “A Modest Proposal.” In it he proposed solving overpopulation among

the poor by feeding their children to the rich. I will call my efforts here “A Most Mod-est Proposal,” for I will only invite us to chew on the hardened skins of politicians.

Now that the legislature is looking for-ward to a new year, I would like them to consider some minor changes that could greatly improve our law-making process. I readily admit that some may be more appro-priate to Congress, but I know that Vermont likes to be a leader. So Vermont, here is your opportunity! Lead on!

The first change would be to actually read a law at the first, second, etc., reading. It is interesting that a law is “read” by the clerk stamping something on a piece of paper. Just

having lawmakers listen to what is proposed could be all that is needed to have sensible, understandable laws. A corollary to this rule change would be that a member must sit through the entire last reading of a bill to be eligible to vote on it. If they wish to subject us to something then they should be willing to subject themselves first. Now that would be real leadership!

The second change would be that 1.3 words of current law must be removed for every word proposed. (1.3 sounds more sci-entific than a round figure like 2 or 3.) This would guarantee over time a reduction of the burden of law on citizens.

A third change would be to apply these same changes to regulations promulgated under legislation. Regulations seem to be the gift that keeps on giving. I would propose the reading of all regulations on the floor of the House and Senate (joint sessions to

hear them would save years of legislators’ time) and would require 1.7 words of regula-tions to be removed for every word added in regulation. If it is so important to add something, be willing to remove something else. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that every time the legislature did something, life would become a little less burdened!

The fourth change would take place the day a person started the third consecutive term in any office. At that moment the leg-islator would lose all pay, benefits, accrued pensions, offices, staff, mailing privileges and, most important here in Montpelier (and in Washington, I might point out), parking! A political “career” should not be conveniently done at public expense.

The final change could be the most con-troversial but also the most effective. It should be a serious felony, maybe even a capital offense, for legislators to get any help

(private or public) doing their taxes. They should be willing to bet their lives on our tax code being understandable and usable. If not, then maybe they should not impose it on us. That felony charge should also apply to anyone assisting a lawmaker to fill out their taxes. I have it on good authority that in the past, if not today, a lawmaker could just go to the tax department for free personal service!

Well, enough ranting. We live in a fallen, imperfect world, and we do need laws and rules to guide us. But we also need to rec-ognize that those same rules and laws can become our masters. In addition, there is a great danger from a “professional” class of lawmakers, even in a part-time legislature. We need to bring the common sense of com-mon people back into the process.

Gesualdo C. Schneider lives in Middlesex.

A Modest Proposal For a Better Legislature and Better Laws

Opinions

Allen Gilbert Receives Matthew Lyon Award

Congratulations and thanks to Allen Gilbert, executive director of the Vermont American Civil Liberties Union.

At the May 31 annual meeting of the Vermont Press Association (VPA), Gilbert was presented with the VPA’s Matthew Lyon Award.

To quote from a VPA press release, the Matthew Lyon Award is given “to honor people who have an unwav-ering devotion to the five freedoms with the First Amendment [of the U.S. Constitution] and to the principle that the public’s right to know is essential in a democracy.”

The text of the First Amendment incorporates these five freedoms. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or

abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

In presenting Gilbert with the Lyon Award, VPA President Maria Archangelo, publisher of the Stowe Reporter and Waterbury Record, said, “Gilbert has been on the front lines in fighting for greater public access to govern-ment records, for public disclosure about police misconduct and for blocking efforts to hide the cause of death on public death certificates in Vermont.” She also credited Gilbert for his role in getting legislative approval for a new public-records law in Vermont, “replacing a statute that was one of the weakest in the nation.”

In accepting the award, Gilbert, who early in his career was a newspaperman with the Rutland Herald and Sunday Herald/Times Argus, wrote:

It means a lot to me to be honored by the association of the professionals with whom I first worked. Printer’s ink stays in one’s veins. It’s like a transfusion that compels you to view the world with an eye toward truthfulness and justice.

Gilbert went on to praise Matthew Lyon as one of his “personal heroes.”Early in the history of the then-new American republic, the U.S. Congress passed the controversial Alien

and Sedition Acts. At least in part, the purpose of these acts was to squelch opposition to the John Adams administration. Vermont Congressman Matthew Lyon accused Adams of having “a continuous grasp for power” and an “unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation, and selfish avarice.” Lyon was jailed, and Vermonters reelected him to Congress from his jail cell.

Gilbert’s written acceptance of the award concluded by thanking members of the Vermont press:Thank you for the commitment that you—as reporters, editors, and publishers—have made to keep public

officials honest and our messy democracy anchored to core values and constitutional principles. Your work mat-ters—a lot.

—Nat Frothingham

ACLU executive director Allen Gilbert with Maria Archangelo, presi-dent of the Vermont Press Association and editor of the Stowe Reporter and Waterbury Record. Photo by Tom Kearney/courtesy Allen Gilbert.


by Nat Frothingham

It’s hard to imagine an event more per-fect than the public celebration of Lola Aiken’s birthday on Monday, June 25.

The celebration in the Cedar Creek Room of the Vermont State House was scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. By 1:15 p.m. and in the minutes afterward, a standing-room-only crowd in the Cedar Creek Room was stirring with expectation. There was a murmur, and a moment later Lola Aiken appeared in the doorway of the Cedar Creek Room on the arm of Governor Peter Shumlin to enthu-siastic and sustained applause. She and the governor took their places in two comfort-able chairs in front of the immense, iconic and moving Civil War spectacle painting by Julian Scott, Battle of Cedar Creek.

The clearly thrilled Lola took all in stride, beaming and waving to friends in the crowd. Warren Kitzmiller, Vermont representative from Montpelier, was moderator for the event.

After a few of the many notables pres-ent were recognized, including Aiken family members and a contingent of East Montpe-lier Morse family members, Shumlin, him-

self a Putney resident like Lola’s late husband George Aiken, reminisced about close ties and a long personal history of knowing, lik-ing and admiring the Aikens.

The rightness of the birthday event in the Vermont State House seemed almost too pal-pable. In this very building, George, whom Lola always refers to as “the Governor,” served first in the Vermont House, then as speaker and then, of course, as governor.

Among her many civic activities, Lola served for many years on the board of the Friends of the Vermont State House during a time when the historic (1859) building was being restored to its former glory.

In remarks that were somehow both formal and personally tender, Shumlin expressed a wish—drawing a laugh—to be known in the future as “the second best governor from Putney.” In closing he observed that George had never been more at peace with himself, never happier, than during his years of mar-riage to Lola.

As part of an event that was almost all pure feeling, there were two especially heart-felt moments.

One such moment was when fiddler and composer Susan Reid, with a small group of

other musicians, played a special composi-tion she had written for Lola called “Lola’s Smile”—a tune of beguiling beauty.

Another such moment was the introduc-tion of Terry Gulick, longtime friend of George and Lola, who, like the former gov-ernor, is a wildflower naturalist.

Gulick told the story of what was to be his last visit with George at the old Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Brattleboro. Lola and George were together, and when Lola saw Gulick entering the restaurant, she waved him over. Gulick told George about a rare white New England aster. George had never seen it, and he got all excited. And Terry said he would get one of these white asters up to him. But this was shortly before George died, and the flower was never delivered.

Last fall, the hillside garden behind the State House that is in view of the cafeteria was dedicated as the George D. Aiken Na-

tive Plants Garden. It’s a garden that features almost entirely Vermont plants. And when Terry Gulick read about it, he came up and looked at the garden.

In his June 25 remarks in the Cedar Creek Room, Terry Gulick told Lola that he had planted a white aster that morning in the Aiken garden.

Lola put out the word that she didn’t want any gifts for her 100th birthday. Instead, she suggested that her friends arrive at the State House with a single rose, and there were roses in vases and the fragrance of roses in the air.

Though rare, there are moments in Ver-mont when the entire state appears to come together like an extended family. In the days after Irene struck—that solidarity was genu-inely apparent. And in the lovely sentiment and admiration for Lola Aiken at her 100th birthday—that was another such moment.

by Richard C. Pembroke Sr.

We’ve created a health-care system in our state and country with services and benefits that are un-

sustainable. Unfortunately, the decision to close Rutland Regional Medical Center’s in-patient rehabilitation unit is just the tip of the iceberg.

I’ve followed with interest the stories by the Rutland Herald and Vermont Public Radio about reduction of services in Rutland. The sad reality is, although this unit is both popular and beneficial, the hospital must cope with reduced Medicare reimbursements and cost caps set by the state.

As a former board member of South-western Vermont Health Care (SVHC) in Bennington, I know that our hospital faces similar challenges. On the board, I saw the effects of Vermont’s caps on hospital revenue growth, the expansion of the provider tax, and payments from Medicare and Medic-aid that do not cover the cost of care. We board members watched the hospital wrestle with funding needed services, recruiting top-notch employees and doctors, maintaining its infrastructure, and reinvesting in itself.

Rutland Regional Medical Center

(RRMC) President Tom Huebner told VPR, “Here are the big things that lose money at the hospital—the emergency department, inpatient medicine in general, the labor and delivery birthing suit, pediatrics—all of those are money losers, but they are so cen-tral and vital to the needs of the community that you can’t think of closing them.”

These are the tough decisions most hospi-tals, clinics and medical offices face now or very soon. And, that’s before Vermont’s Act 48 adds unknown costs and pressure from special interest groups to add new benefits and services. How will it end? No one knows.

Like most Vermonters, I’ve grown accus-tomed to our superb medical care. We’re not forced to travel far for routine appointments, and hospitals like RRMC, Fletcher Allen and Dartmouth Hitchcock provide a higher level of care when needed. In a perfect world, we could simply continue to add new tech-nology and covered medical services as we have in the past, without regard to cost. It isn’t a perfect world. The costs have finally come home to roost. The closing of the rehab center is just one example of where we are headed.

The cost of health care ultimately equals what we pay for health insurance. Some,

like teachers and unionized state and fed-eral workers, have comprehensive plans and associated costs that, though high, can be considerably lower than that of many Ver-monters.

Competition in Vermont’s health insur-ance market has evaporated as we’ve changed the laws (some good) and added mandated coverages (good for some, but at the expense of all). This has all taken a toll on the cost of health care. Many of our problems are a microcosm of what is happening nationally, but we have charted a different course than most states as the solution.

As a former legislator, I recall fondly the days when all sides could honestly, openly talk about these issues. We didn’t all agree, but we could talk and, ultimately, reach agreement. It was disheartening to hear the chair of the Vermont Senate finance com-mittee from my hometown of Montpelier describe our current health-care reform pro-cess as “driving down the road in a pea soup fog, hoping not to hit a bull moose.” Doing nothing, in her opinion, isn’t an option. She’s right about doing nothing but wrong about the path we are taking, how quickly we are moving and our decision to move forward unaware of the costs involved.

So what are some solutions? President Obama’s health-care law envisions a health-care marketplace in each state with many options for cost, service, quality of provid-ers, and innovative prevention and wellness benefits. A healthy insurance exchange for individuals and employers with less than 50 employees is a start. We also must accept the reality that because health-care costs are unsustainable, we must actively pursue the cost containment spelled out in Act 48. A thorough evaluation and review of cost-shifting in the state budget and its effect on health-care pricing is also needed. Elimi-nating incentives for “defensive medicine” would allow doctors to practice evidence-based medicine as an affirmative defense.

Finally, we all need to start talking and listening again. The health-care problems we face have no “quick fixes,” but how we address them will affect our families for gen-erations to come. Let’s do it right.

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

Competition, Cost-Containment, Communication

A Perfect Occasion

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

by Deb Markowitz

“Smart meters,” the “smart grid” and smart consumers are all part of Ver-mont’s climate-change solution. A

postcard arrived in the mail the other day from my power company to let me know that a smart meter was going to be installed soon at my home. I can’t wait! With a smart meter we’ll be able to track our electricity use more accurately (particularly important with a house full of teenagers) and help us save money. But what really excites me and other environmentalists about the smart meter is that it is the technological innovation needed to enable us to integrate more renewable energy into our system and reduce our con-tributions to global warming.

Smart meters will help our utilities create a smart grid. The smart grid uses wireless meters and computer technology to allow utilities to see how much and where energy

is being consumed. Electric utilities need this information to integrate renewable- energy sources into the existing electrical grid structure, since most are intermittent (i.e., solar works best on sunny days, wind energy is produced only when the wind is blowing). For this reason, smart meters and the smart grid are essential if we are to meet our goal to increase the per-centage of renewable energy to 90 percent by 2050 as called for in the 2011 Compre-hensive Energy Plan.

Smart meters will also let our utilities adjust their pricing to discourage energy use during the peak periods of the day and reduce it during nonpeak so that we will be more efficient in how and when we use the energy we produce. Vermont is a rural

state, so it is not surprising that over half our greenhouse-gas emissions—the pollution that contributes to global warming—comes from cars and trucks. A promising solution is transitioning to electric vehicles. Indeed, electric cars (battery only or plug-in hybrid) are available now from several major manu-

facturers, and as pro-duction ramps up, technology improves and prices come down, they will be-come a viable option for regular house-holds shopping for

their next vehicle.In order to manage this new demand for

energy without resorting to building more power plants, the tools must be in place to ensure that most charging occurs during nonpeak periods. That is why those of us who are working on creating an electric ve-

hicle network across the northeast see smart meters as an important first step. Let’s think about the future possibilities that come with smart meters. You may have already seen com-mercials showing the fully Web-connected smart home, with appliances and lighting that talk to both the electric grid and your cellphone. This technology is coming and promises to revolutionize the way individual households manage their energy use, provid-ing more convenience and more opportuni-ties to save money, as well.

Of course, smart meters and a smart grid won’t save us money and reduce our carbon emissions on their own. Indeed, the most important part of the equation is the smart consumer. I’m planning on being one of the smart consumers. How about you?

Deb Markowitz is secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources.

Let’s Be Smart About Our Energy Future

Opinions


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The Bridge, June 28, 2012

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Transcript of The Bridge, June 28, 2012