Hadestown Burns Up the Tony Awards • Pages 10 –11
J une 12 – J une 25, 2019
Congrats Grads!
IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg. 4 Roots Farm Market
Opens in Middlesex
Pg. 7 Mountaineers Swing
Into 17th Season
Pg. 12–13 MHS Grads Talk
Life After High School
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Montpelier, VT
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The Bridge
Vermont College of Fine Arts Looks Ahead
President and Founder Thomas Greene Steps Down
By Tom Brown
I
t can be difficult for a parent to watch a child grow somebody else come in and put their imprint and continue
up and leave the nest, but for Thomas Greene and his to move the narrative of the school.”
baby, the Vermont College of Fine Arts, that bittersweet Greene said VCFA is not immune from the challenges of
moment has arrived. declining enrollment faced by liberal arts colleges, illustrated
Greene, who founded the Montpelier institution in 2006, by the recent closure of three undergraduate schools in
is stepping down as president of the college, which offers southern Vermont and across the country. He said the next
resident and low-residency graduate studies in writing, art, president must continue to build VCFA’s brand, attract new
design, music, and film. Greene, also an award-winning donors, and support the narrative that the arts, and arts
novelist, will take a year’s sabbatical before education, is vital to the culture of society.
“
From the
returning to the faculty as an instructor. In “Enrollment is slightly under 400 students
Academic Dean Matthew Monk will lead the beginning the years when other places were shrinking,” he
the meantime, CFO Katie Gustafson and and has essentially doubled over the past 10
school until an interim president is named, the idea here was said. “We are a young institution that has
college said in a news release. VCFA’s board to really build a quickly built a national brand, and I think
will conduct a national search for Greene’s mature college that work needs to continue.”
The transition comes at a time when the that was going and the new president to determine what
successor. Greene said it will be up to the board
college is on solid financial footing, and the to endure not future growth will look like, but innovating
timing is part of a planned succession strategy for 10 years and meeting the demands of the marketplace
created by the college’s board of trustees and or 15, but is essential, pointing to the addition of a
hundreds.
”
administration, Greene said. new MFA in Graphic Design program, which
“From the beginning the idea here was started six years ago and is now ranked among
to really build a mature college that was going to endure the top 10 nationally.
not for 10 years or 15, but hundreds,” he said. Creating a Greene said the college’s blend of arts education continues
succession plan “is sort of a critical piece of college maturing to be unique among its peers and expects the next leadership
so that it moves from a founding vision toward an institution team to continue to spread the word through its renewed
that is obviously larger than any one individual or set of emphasis on marketing. The college, among other things,
individuals. I think it’s healthy for an organization to have recently invested $100,000 in a website makeover.
Continued on Page 14
We’re online! montpelierbridge.com or vtbridge.com
PAGE 2 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 3

HEARD ON THE STREET

Corrections
In the May 22 issue of The
Bridge, there was an error in
the article, “ArtsFest Explosion
Takes Over the City.”
Owing to a snafu in the
interview recording, quotes in
the article attributed to Ann
Wicks were actually by Dee
Schneidman.
The Bridge apologizes to Wicks
and Schneidman for the mix-up.
Solons Make Ultimate History
After years of championing the sport on a club level, Montpelier High School won
Then and Now
both the boys and girls state titles in the sport of Ultimate last week, becoming the first
in the nation to claim a recognized interscholastic crown in the non-contact disc game. Historic photos courtesy of Vermont Historical Society;
The boys team defeated Burlington, 14-9, and the girls team beat Champlain Valley Captions and modern photos by Paul Carnahan
Union, 15-8, in the title games played June 5 at MHS. Both were undefeated in varsity
play.
For much of Montpelier’s history, this home has had a
Boys coach Anne Watson remembers the journey: “Back when I started coaching,
commanding view of Montpelier from a ridge on “Seminary
players would ask me, ‘When will we be a varsity sport?’ I didn’t know it would take
Hill” accessed by East State Street.
almost 10 years for us to get to this point. Hopefully we can pave the way for other states
Successful farmer and landowner Morton Marvin purchased
to follow suit.”
it from carriage maker and horse breeder F. C. Gilman in
Woman Threatened by Knife in Rare Home Invasion 1881. Marvin proceeded to build terraces in front of the house
Police are seeking help identifying a knife-wielding man who entered a home on Forest and remodel it in the French Second Empire style, including a
Drive early Sunday morning and attacked a woman. Police described the assailant as a mansard roof.
white male with a gray mustache wearing a dark blue ski mask, black hoodie, blue jeans, Barre granite manufacturer Hugh J. M. Jones purchased the
and white sneakers. The victim was able to push the man away and yell for help, police home from Marvin in 1898. He tore it down in 1907 and built
said. She suffered minor abrasions in the incident. Police are asking for any information the brick Classical Revival house that stands on the site today.
on the incident on Forest Drive, which is off Sherwood Drive on the city’s east side.

OOPS!
Vermont Filmmaker Debuts “Wetware” at the Savoy
Independent filmmaker Jay Craven will present the theatrical world premiere of his
near-future film noir Wetware at 6:30 pm, Friday, June 21, at the Savoy Theater. The
film is based on the novel by Craig Nova. Craven, who directed the film, will attend the
screening and lead a discussion after. Wetware will then continue at the Savoy through
June 27. The movie, filmed in Burlington, Brattleboro, and Nantucket, tells a story of
what happens when new technologies collide with human needs in a changing world
precariously close to today’s. Information at savoytheater.com or KingdomCounty.org.
Northfield Promotes Commuter Bus to Montpelier
The Northfield Energy Committee recently held a Ride the Bus to Work Week to
encourage commuters to take the GMTA bus to the Capital City. The future of the bus
line was called into question during the town’s last budget cycle, but residents on Town
Meeting Day voted to support the funding of public transit. Committee members
observed ridership on the bus and spoke with new and seasoned riders. They reported
buses at commuter times with 10-plus passengers going to, or coming from, Montpelier.

Nature Watch
Artwork and Words by Nona Estrin.

Bridge Community Media, Inc.

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 • Ph: 802-223-5112
Editor in Chief: Mike Dunphy
Managing Editor: Tom Brown
Publisher Emeritus: Nat Frothingham
Copy Editor: Larry Floersch
Calendar Editor: Marichel Vaught
Layout: Sarah Davin, Marichel Vaught

T
he spell of cold and rain is broken! The water is still high and cold but it’s
time to get out and start the rituals of summer. Leave work a bit early and
head with friends or family, or just take yourself and a towel to the beach
at Wrightsville. Add a picnic or simply lie on the sands. Look at the sky and the
water, and soak in the great moment we have waited so long for. After all, evenings
come late now, and there is time.
Sales Representatives: Rick McMahan
Distribution: Sarah Davin, Lora Stridsberg, Carl Etnier
Board Members: Phil Dodd, Donny Osman, Jake Brown, Josh Fitzhugh, Larry Floersch, Greg Gerdel, Irene
Racz, Ivan Shadis, Mason Singer
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14 • mdunphy@montpelierbridge.com
Location: The Bridge office is located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Stone Science Hall.
Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by mail for $50 a year. Make out your check to The Bridge, and
mail to The Bridge, PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
montpelierbridge.com • facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
Twitter: @montpbridge • Instagram: @montpelierbridge
PAGE 4 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
Roots Farm Market Opens in Middlesex
By Carl Etnier
L O
ast year, Bear Roots Farm
owners Karin Bellemare and
Jon Wagner decided it was time
to set up a farmstand. “We were
considering a wagon at the side of the
road,” Wagner said. But they ended
up creating a year-round farm market
at the intersection of Routes 2 and
100B, the site of the old Middlesex
General Store. It opened May 17 as
The Roots Farm Market.
When they planned the farmstand
last year, Bellemare and Wagner had
been growing vegetables in Barre
Town for five years and just added 110
tillable acres in Williamstown. They
sold at summer and winter farmers
markets, and to community-supported
agriculture (CSA) customers, who
picked up their produce in Barre
or Montpelier. But they still needed
more outlets for their produce. Plus
they wanted to provide year-round
jobs to employees who had worked
for them for years during the growing
season.
Winter is construction season for
farmers. Wagner said Mike Betit of
Hoolie Flats Farm in Calais provided
much of the construction skills to
renovate the building, which had a
rotten foundation, water from the
road running through the store, and
a partial cave-in where support beams
had been removed. They jacked up
the building and, “while everything
was frozen outside,” Wagner said, “we
Farm and market co-owner Karin
Bellemare, and customer Steve
Slatter. Photo by Carl Etnier.
brought in a Bobcat. We brought in
95 yards of crushed stone, re-leveled
everything, and dropped the building
back down onto a new slab.”
The newly renovated store would
not be mistaken for the general store
it replaced. There’s no sunscreen,
first aid supplies, tape, string, pens,
or glue. But it carries a lot more than
a single farm’s wagon by the side of
the road. Coolers are stocked with
milk, cheese, and beer; freezers have
ice cream and beef; local bread is on
the shelves, and the outside of the
store is surrounded by pots with plant
starts and perennials.
Karen Taylor manages the store.
In her third year working at Bear
Roots Farm, she has done field
work, managed the CSA, and sold
the vegetables at the farmers market.
Now, she’s facing crucial decisions
on what inventory to carry besides
vegetables. Taylor said, “We wanted
to focus on smaller producers using
‘responsible practices.’ We try to
have as many organic products as
possible, while realizing some people
are doing great work without organic
certification.”
Bellemare added that besides selling
local products, they have sought out
other high-quality products that
customers ask for. “I keep a list by
the cash register,” she notes. Bananas
and avocados are among the non-
local products sold there. Bellemare
said it was a “balancing act” to find a
good selection of local food and what
people need when stopping by on the
way home to make dinner. “We’re still
learning,” she said. “I didn’t realize
we’d sell so much ground beef.”
Moretown resident Steve Slatter was
Food & Farming
buying tomatoes at the store Sunday
afternoon. He said he stopped in once
or twice a week. With the nearby
Settlement Farm not reopening this
year, he said, “we were extremely
happy they opened here. We’re
looking forward to corn season!”
With aging Vermont farmers having
difficulty interesting their children
in taking over the farm, Bear Roots
Farm also shows a possible future for
agriculture—young people who didn’t
grow up on a farm. Wagner, 34, grew
up on Long Island, and Bellemare,
31, grew up in Connecticut, and both
have been farming for about 10 years.
Taylor, 27, has few memories of her
parents’ dairy farm in Wisconsin,
because they sold it and moved to
town when she was five years old. She
moved to Vermont and has worked on
farms year-round, milking cows on
small dairies in the winter.
Wagner is hopeful that the store
will not only make money as its own
enterprise but also help the rapidly
growing farm. “Now that we have our
own area in a place that feels like it
needs it, and we’re open more than
once every other week, we should be
able to move a lot more product.”
Roots Farm Market is open Wednesday
through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Bellemare and Wagner hope to open
seven days a week later this season, and
possibly add a commercial kitchen.
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 5
Bridge Inaugural Gala a Smashing Success Event
n May 22, the Friends of The The contributions of so many private
Bridge hosted The Bridge’s citizens, businesses, and organizations to
inaugural gala at the Vermont this inaugural event have motivated and
College of Fine Arts. It was an evening of encouraged us to keep up the fight for
stimulating discussion, fine food, and live free, independent, and local journalism in
music—all with the goal of raising money Central Vermont. While support through
to support the production, printing, and events such as the gala will help The Bridge
general operations of Central Vermont’s upgrade its systems, resources, and ability,
free, independent, and local newspaper. it’s really engagement by and with the
The event was a smashing success, community that keeps local journalism
welcoming more than 150 guests, who alive.
were treated to remarks by Garrett The Friends of The Bridge is a nonprofit,
Graff, a Montpelier native and nationally tax-exempt organization established to
recognized journalist and historian; raise money for The Bridge to help close
Cathy Resmer of Seven Days; Kevin the gap between advertising income and
Ellis of VTDigger; and Kent Jones, an the cost of producing and distributing
Emmy Award-winning writer. Guests also the paper.
enjoyed sumptuous food by Café Anna, For more information about
signature cocktails by Caledonia Spirits, a how to support The Bridge, please
silent auction featuring fine art and other contact the Friends of The Bridge at
treasures, and live jazz by Bella and the friendsofthebridge18@gmail.com or
Notables. PO Box 1641, Montpelier, VT 05601.
Gala speakers (left to right) Kevin Ellis, Kent Jones, Garrett Graff, and Cathy
Resmer, with Bridge editor Mike Dunphy, and Paula Routly of Seven Days.
Photos by Terry Allen, terryjallen.org
Watch the speeches online at montpelierbridge.com.
A special thanks to the highest level sponsors:
Additional Thanks to: Noyle Johnson Group, Margaret Edwards, Northfield Savings Bank,
Capitol Copy, Three Penny Taproom, and 802 Coffee/Capital Grounds Cafe.
PAGE 6 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
School Page By Libby Bonesteel, Superintendent of Schools
This page was paid for by the Montpelier-Roxbury School District.
Montpelier High School
M
ontpelier High School continues to build on its
long history and commitment to personalized
education for students through a variety of ways
in core-curriculum classroom experiences, co-curriculars,
athletics, and its robust Flexible Pathways Department
offerings. In increasing numbers, Solons are seeking to
personalize elements of their learning experiences in
alignment with their interests and aspirations on their
way to finding agency, purpose, and achievement as they
journey toward graduation (and beyond).
Supporting and further promoting this long local
tradition of personalized learning are Act 77 (Vermont’s
“Flexible Pathways” legislation passed in 2013); a student
body with strong, persisting and emerging curiosities
aimed at a 21st century society; and a vibrant and
Main Street Middle School
MSMS teachers Ashley Dubois and Hannah Barden
offered students an opportunity to discuss diversity and
racism as the Equity Alliance Group. This year the
students developed a mission statement that they use in
their work and plan to publicize to the greater school
community. Their goal is to help students and adults
recognize the positive impact of everyone understanding
racism. Results from a survey the group conducted in the
spring of 2018 indicated that there is a need to “teach
about racism, what it is, why it’s a problem, and what we
can do about it.” The students said that as a school, “We
need to build our own understanding.”
They also shared several ideas along with some hopes
for next year. They identified the opportunity to have
students and adults engage in the topic in an ongoing
basis as part of our restorative circles, as well as increase
membership, develop fun and engaging activities, meet
with students during lunch blocks, and practice through
role-playing the skills to address racism when it happens.
These students are passionate about helping our school
community be a place where everyone feels safe and
comfortable!
“Our mission is to build an understanding, including
our own, about what racism is, how it affects our
community, and what we can do to make sure everyone
feels welcome and like an equal here at MSMS.”
Superintendent’s Corner
T
his time of year is always bittersweet for school
systems. It’s a time for celebration. It’s a time for
reflection. It’s a time to begin to let the foot off
the peddle a bit as we take some needed time to rest and
rejuvenate.
This year will be the first time that I have the privilege
to sit on stage with our graduating seniors. I must admit
that I was only able to meet and get to know a few
seniors, but this celebration is one I look forward to.
I recently read Abby Wambach’s new book, Wolfpack.
Wambach gives readers eight rules for life. While I love
every one of them, three truly resonate. To our seniors
who are going out in the world, I want them to know
Abby’s words:
welcoming community of professional mentors and
education partners. The core elements of MHS’s
Flexible Pathways Department are Independent Studies,
Community Based Learning, Online Course Learning,
Dual Enrollment, Early College, Extended Learning
Opportunities, and the Central Vermont Career Center.
Montpelier High School is committed to affording
and promoting equitable access and supportive structures
for students to engage in these learning opportunities
by developing and maintaining clear and supportive
systems for students and families/caregivers. The below
numbers represent student learning experiences that have
been assessed within the core of MHS’s Flexible Pathway
department offerings this year (total 374). Wow!
The Equity Alliance Group. All
Photos are courtesy of MRPS.
Union Elementary School
Union Elementary School has experienced a wonderful
month of learning! As the weather turns, many classes
have taken advantage of the school’s close proximity
to many incredible resources, including the Vermont
Historical Society Museum, North Branch Nature Center
and the State Capitol.
Other grades have culminated learning through the
lens of multi-disciplinary projects and performances.
The first grade recently completed its bird unit, which
involved an in-depth research project through the
Educating Children Outdoors program, informational
writing pieces, a musical performance for the community,
Failure means you’re finally in the game. You cannot
move forward. You cannot grow. You cannot lead if you
also do not experience, reflect on, and do differently
after failure.
Be FOR each other. Celebrate when you see someone
you care about succeeding. Give them a hug. Shout out
their success on Instagram. We need to lift each other
up.
You’re not alone. You’ve got your pack. If you don’t
know who they are yet, don’t worry. You’ll find them.
I speak for all of MRPS when I say that we are part of
your pack and always will be. We’re pointing at you and
cheering you on. Go out and get it!
June 2019
Some of MHS’s Dual Enrollment students pictured
with Community College of Vermont academic
advisors this fall.
papier-mache models, and a field trip to the Vermont
Institute of Natural Science. Students also created their
own “museums” for parents and family members at the
Montshire Museum of Science.
The Union Playground Project continues to be on
schedule and should be ready for the 2019–20 school year.
More open space, swings, and structures will make for
an exciting start in September. Recently, the construction
company uncovered a time capsule from 1999, which had
some fun and interesting artifacts. Union Elementary is
planning to bury a capsule for future generations.
Melissa Parker came back to Union Elementary
to see the time capsule she buried in 1999.
Roxbury Village School
Roxbury Village School students, staff, and parents have
been hard at work transforming our beautiful gardens.
After many harsh Vermont winters, it was time to give new
life to our landscape.
This was truly a team effort, beginning with building
new flower beds high enough to plant, maintain, and
harvest. The students got their hands dirty by filling each
with rich soil and several kinds of vegetables and flowers.
The bonus of all of this work will come when students
actually harvest the vegetables and then create dishes for
their classmates to sample. It cannot get any more organic
and local than that! Thank you to all for the hard work by
the entire RVS community in order to make this happen.
This is our home away from home and it is well loved.
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 7
Marshfield, Plainfield RAMP up Energy Efficiency
By Carl Etnier
A
n unanticipated knock on the
front door sometimes heralds a
visit from religious missionaries.
In Marshfield and Plainfield this year, it
may be more likely to announce the arrival
of neighbors on an energy mission.
“Unleashing the power of neighbor-to-
neighbor connections” is one principle a
newly launched building energy task force
has been charged to consider for the two
towns. It’s part of a year-long push to build
an economy that remains robust in the face
of climate change, while reducing residents’
emissions of greenhouse gases. The two
towns have dubbed their efforts RAMP, for
Revitalizing All Marshfield and Plainfield.
RAMP is part of the Climate Economy
Model Communities Program at Vermont
Council on Rural Development (VCRD),
a nonprofit that has worked since 2015 to
connect rural economic development to
climate change responses. “The climate
economy is the only economy of the
future,” said VCRD Director Paul Costello
at a RAMP gathering in May. “It’s the only
possible economy that’s going to work for
us.”
The door-knocking neighbors could be
part of a campaign to get more homeowners
to install solar panels, convert from fossil
fuels to renewable electricity, weatherize
their homes, and otherwise save money
while reducing emissions. The Marshfield
Energy Committee claims credit for 100
home and business energy audits in town
already, according to committee Chair
Rich Phillips, but at the May meeting
Photos courtesy of VCRD.
he said, “They need to continue, and we
need to find a way to make them more
successful.” Only 30 percent of those who
went through the initial energy audit went
on to install renewable energy or efficiency
projects, he added.
RAMP grew out of climate-related town
meeting resolutions in Marshfield and
Plainfield in 2017 and 2018, according to
Plainfield Energy Committee Chair Bob
Atchinson. The towns applied to VCRD
for assistance and were selected to receive
a year of work from Model Communities
Program Director Jon Copans and the state
and non-profit partners he brings to these
conversations.
Asked how RAMP differs from ordinary
municipal planning, Copans called town
plans “really important documents to
develop a vision of where a community is
Energy
going,” which the town can use zoning and the same people.” He advocated for a do-it-
other means to put into practice. For the yourself approach to solar and home energy
one-year model communities process, he retrofitting, which, he said, “plays on the
said, “We at VCRD really focus on action strengths of our community, which are
and on specific things that can be taken on that we care about each other and we have
right away. This isn’t a planning exercise; a lot of skilled people who are willing to
this is a doing exercise.” help other people while they are helping
Meetings are held at Twinfield Union themselves.”
High School, the towns’ jointly operated People leaving the May RAMP meeting
K‒12 school. About 120 people showed were encouraged to sign up for one of the
up for an initial brainstorming meeting task forces, which will convene at 6:30 pm
in April. “It was really striking—the long, June 20 at Twinfield. A team of outside
long list of assets we have. Both Plainfield experts will be on hand to provide advice
and Marshfield have a lot of great stuff on the task forces’ action plans.
happening, amazing people,” said Jamie RAMP represents the fifth VCRD
Spector, who works at the Health Center climate change model community, after
in Plainfield, providing therapeutic services Pownal, Randolph, Middlebury, and
in schools. Spector helped organize the first Swanton. Copans says VCRD is about to
meeting and cook the community dinner begin work with Derby in July.
served there.
The May meeting of RAMP was
to prioritize the work identified in the
brainstorming session. Meeting attendees
proposed four task forces. They will work
on strengthening the downtown areas
in Marshfield and Plainfield, improving
transportation, building a more robust
farm and food network, plus the building
energy work.
And connecting residents to one another
is a theme in all the work. Marshfield
resident Joseph Gainza said, “It’s no news
to anybody here that there are a lot of
people hurting economically in our towns.
But it’s also no news that there are a
lot of innovative, creative, and skilled RAMP gathering at Twinfield
people in our towns—and they may be Union High School.
PAGE 8 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 9

Mountaineers Swings Into 17th Season Sports

By Tom Brown

“A
hot dog at the ballpark is dozens of such leagues nationwide by the the coming seasons. Gallagher said the to busing players to the team’s away games
to fund. That public-private partnership is
better than a steak at the Ritz,” Collegiate Summer Baseball Register, Mountaineers have poured nearly $600,000 in destinations such as Newport, Rhode
evident as the city’s public works staff just
2019 Vermont Mountaineers Home Schedule
Humphrey Bogart used to say. trailing only the prestigious Cape Cod of non-taxpayer money into the city-owned Island, and Sanford, Maine.
installed new pavement in the fan entrance
It’s true that there is something about League (CCL). The NECBL and CCL facility since 2003. The club operates on The city helps with maintenance of the DAY / DATE OPPONENT SPONSORS Special Event/ Feature / Promotion
area, with help from Pike Industries, which Wednesday, Winnipesaukee National Life Group & Opening Night! Welcome the team to
spring and the opening of a new baseball each include about 100 major league draft an annual budget of about $200,000, Rec Field but other renovations, such as
donated 50 tons of asphalt. The new June 5 The Times Argus Vermont!
season that raises hopes and lifts spirits, choices a year, Gallagher said. Gallagher said, with $35,000 alone going new lighting, are up to the Mountaineers
netting down the foul lines will provide Get your tickets! Friday, Upper Valley Froggy & Walker Mazda VW One lucky fan will win $10,000 if the
even in dark times. Each team can carry 33 players on June 7 Mountaineers hit a walk off home run!
extended safety for fans against line drives $6 for adults; $4 for Sunday, Danbury Vermont College of Fine Kid’s night – all youth get in free when
For the 17th summer, Central Vermont its roster, a relatively high number but
and errant throws. seniors, students, and June 9 Arts & Central Vermont New accompanied by an adult - Bounce House
fans can savor Bogart’s favorite sausage, and, necessary to account for attrition Directions Coalition
The cozy ballpark on Elm Street sparkled military; $12 family (4
as his character, Rick Blaine in Casablanca, throughout the season. Players leave for a Tuesday, Sanford Minuteman Press Bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots
this past weekend as the Mountaineers split tickets - max. 2 adults). June 11 and get free admission for two
might say, begin their own “beautiful variety of reasons, mostly because they sign
their first two games. Fans enjoyed hot Wednesday, Upper Valley Hickock & Boardman Buy a ticket at the gate– bring a guest for
friendship” with America’s pastime and the professional contracts and are assigned to Insurance Group free!
dogs and sipped Zero Gravity Conehead Season passes are $75 June 12
Vermont Mountaineers. minor league teams such as the Vermont Sunday, Keene Mekkelsen RV Dad’s get in free – Father’s Day weekend!
or Green State Lager in Three Penny for adults; $50 for seniors, June 16
New paving, fresh paint on the bleachers, Lake Monsters, for example.
Taproom’s left-field beer garden. Ticket students, and military. Tuesday, Martha’s Cody Chevrolet Montpelier Community Night - Drawing for a
and extended safety netting greeted fans as About three dozen former Mountaineers
prices have held steady at $6 for adults, June 18 Vineyard game used jersey.
the Mountaineers took Recreation Field are playing pro baseball today and 13 Saturday, North Adams Kix 105.5 & Magic 97.7 Bring two non-perishable food items for the
$4 for seniors, students, and military, Available at the Hunger June 22 VT. Foodbank for free admission.
last week for their New England Collegiate alumni have made their major league
in an effort to provide low-cost, family Mountain Co-op, Meadow Tuesday, Valley Vermont Mutual NECBL 25th celebration
Baseball League (NECBL) opener against debut, including current Texas Rangers’
entertainment, Gallagher said. Mart, or at the field. June 25
the instate rival Upper Valley Nighthawks. pitcher David Carpenter and Los Angeles Friday, Ocean State Capitol Plaza Hotel and DOUBLEHEADER – 1 ticket = 2 games!
For anyone looking for a Father’s Day June 28 Conference Center
As always, the aim for the Mountaineers is Dodgers’ outfielder A.J. Pollock.
outing, dads are admitted free on Sunday, Sunday, Sanford Wayside Restaurant Run the bases after the game!
to claim the league title, which would be Despite its position as the smallest market
June 16, for the game against the Keene June 30
their fourth, but as an important training in the NECBL, the Mountaineers are Tuesday, Keene National Life Group & Active Military and Veterans free admission
Swamp Bats. July 2 The Times Argus
ground for young prospects, winning at consistently among the league’s top three
Friday. Winnipesaukee The World Team Photo Night
this level isn’t the only measuring stick. in average attendance. In 2018, they were July 5
“Winning a championship is our fourth in the NECBL and 50th among all Sunday, Mystic Beavin & Son’s American Heroes Night! Free admission for
number-one thing every year,” said Brian collegiate summer league teams at 1,252 July 7 EMT, Police, Firefighters, Military, Veterans
Tuesday, Keene Concentra Bounce House for kids!
Gallagher, the team’s general manager. fans per game. July 9
“But at the same time the players are “The support we get from the community Friday, New Bedford Vermont Dairy Promotion Vermont Dairy Night!
coming up and want to develop. I want is excellent,” Gallagher said. “We also have a July 12 Council (VDPC)
Saturday, Newport The Beat 2019 Mountaineers Baseball Card sets
it to be entertaining for the community, really well-rounded board that is a working July 13 while they last!
and they are working on development. If board…they roll up their sleeves and do Wednesday, Upper Valley The World & WDEV Skip’s Birthday Free crew cut night!
everything meshes together you get both.” the work, even on the field.” The team’s July 17
Tuesday, North Adams People’s United Bank Host Family Celebration Night!
Summer leagues like the NECBL are dedicated volunteers and host families are July 23
made up of college players who have not also crucial to success, he said. Friday, Valley Frank FM One lucky fan will win $10,000 if the
signed pro contracts and have NCAA Now free from debt untaken for field July 26 Mountaineers hit a walk off home run!
Sunday, NECBL ALL- National Life Group Skip Skydives into the park, HR Derby –
eligibility remaining. The caliber of play renovations years ago, management is Vermont Mountaineers July 28 STAR GAME See future MLB stars in Montpelier!
is good and getting better as the NECBL looking to improve lighting and create GM Brian Gallagher. Tuesday, Winnipesaukee Sullivan, Powers, & FIREWORKS SHOW~ Huge Silent Auction
was recently named the second best among ADA compliant bathroom facilities in Photo by Tom Brown.
July 30 Company, CPA’s
Wednesday Sanford National Life Group & Last game to use your 2019 individual game
July 31 The Times Argus tickets!
PAGE 10 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
From Barre to Broadway
Hadestown Singes the Tony Awards
By J. Greg Gerdel
I
n its heyday during the mid-2000s, the
Langdon Street Café (now occupied
Rocque Long
by Sweet Melissa’s) was a cauldron of
musical delight, fresh-brewed coffee late
Painting
into the evening, and the creative energy of
a generation of emerging artists.
Among them was singer-songwriter Anais
• Insured Mitchell, a former central Vermonter whose
• 30+ years professional 13-year passion project, the folk opera
experience Hadestown, opened on Broadway in April
• local references. and won an astonishing eight Tony awards
802-223-0389
Sunday night, on top of 12 previous awards
from four other theater organizations.
It was a long way to Broadway from the
original production of Hadestown, which
took the stage in December 2006 at the
Old Labor Hall in Barre and came together
with the inspired support of a community
that had crystalized in and around the
scene at the Langdon Street Café.
Mitchell has significantly and persistently
transformed the show over the years, and
Design & Build several productions preceded the Broadway
opening. The core storyline—retelling,
Custom Energy-Efficient Homes
through the lens of contemporary issues,
Additions • Timber Frames the mythical attempt by Orpheus to
rescue Eurydice from the Underworld of
Weatherization • Remodeling Hades—is more straightforward in the
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Flooring current production, while an allegory of
rebellion by workers toiling underground
Tiling • Cabinetry • Fine Woodwork is less prominent. Still, the aura of the
Depression-era set and costumes created
for the 2006 production are strongly in
evidence.
In her acceptance speech at the
nationally televised ceremony, Mitchell,
winner of the Tony for Best Original Score,
2007 performance of Hadestown. Photos by Rick Levinson.
named Montpelier’s Ben t. Matchstick
first among her thank-yous. Matchstick
directed and played the role of Hermes,
the show’s narrator and guide, in the
original production, as well as contributing
considerably to the production and costume
design, of which significant visual elements
are sustained in the Broadway production,
especially in the first act.
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 11
Arts
Now a member of the musicians’ union
and living in New York City, Morse is
delighted with his determination to stay
with the show. Music was a central theme of
family life growing up in East Montpelier.
Burr, his trombonist father, and Tom, his
trumpet-playing brother, perform regularly
with Vermont bands.
Prior to Hadestown’s gala Broadway
opening in April, the new production
held Orpheus Night, attended by the
many performers and crew from the
earlier productions in Vermont. For
Matchstick, the evening was both joyful
and bittersweet, given his long involvement
with the show and considerable artistic
contributions to its evolution and visual
presentation. Although the revolutionary
fervor that underscored his original vision
has changed, the artistry that emerged—
most notably the workers’ Steampunk
goggles—remains an integral part of the
show.
the New York Theatre Workshop. The next Once the show was locked after previews (Chavkin), Best Performance by a Featured
year, with veteran Broadway director Rachel this spring, meaning no more rewrites from Actor in a Musical, Best Scenic Design
Chavkin at the helm, the production was of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a
the composer/author, Mitchell turned her
developed for a larger stage in Edmonton, Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical,
attention to her singing career. She will
Alberta, followed by a successful 2018 run be performing at the Unitarian Church in Best Original Score (Mitchell), and Best
at the National Theatre in London. Morse Burlington, at 7 pm October 11. Purchase Orchestrations (Chorney). In addition,
notes the expansion of the show’s music
from the original 12 songs and 54 minutes
tickets at highergroundmusic.com
Awards the show received:
the show received one Chita Rivera, one
Drama League, four Drama Desk, and six
running time to 36 songs in two acts in the Tonys for Best Musical, Best Director Outer Critics Circle awards.
Broadway production.
“We had just a week to put the show
together [in 2006], but we knew we had
talent among friends and the Langdon
Street crew,” Matchstick recalls. The
original production recruited baristas and
regular performers from the café, among
them vocalists Sara Grace and Miriam
Bernardo. Bennett Shapiro of Madtech
Sound in Middlesex, handled the sound
production. Also present at the beginning
were orchestrator Michael Chorney of
Lincoln and bass fiddle player Rob Morse
of East Montpelier, both of whom are in the
orchestra of the current production at the
Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway.
A year after its opening in Barre, the
production toured several theaters in
Vermont and Massachusetts—and notably
Matchstick designed and produced the
show at Montpelier High School with a
student cast and crew.
Then, in 2010, the show’s music reached
a national audience when Mitchell released
her Hadestown concept album, featuring
nationally known artists Justin Vernon of
Bon Iver, Ani DiFranco, and Greg Brown.
Although Mitchell wrote and composed one
of the songs, “Why We Build the Wall,” for
the original version, its prescience has been
striking in an era of gated communities,
income inequality, and conflict over
immigration.
After the release of the album, Hadestown
toured in concert format across the United
States with Chorney and Morse in the
band. Morse was also there in 2016 when
Hadestown was produced off-Broadway at
PAGE 12 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 13

Montpelier Grads Look Ahead to Life After High School

O Education
n June 14, 75 students from Montpelier High School will graduate and step into the future—be it college, technical school,
a gap year, job, or other. Here, five talk with The Bridge about the path ahead, desires to stay or leave Vermont, student
Compiled by Mike Dunphy loan anxiety, and more. The interviews have been significantly edited in length for space.

Photo by Harley Miller. Photo by Matthew Binginot. Photo by Adam Blair. Photo by Adam Blair. Photo by Adam Blair.

Lily Fournier Sophia Currier Emma Harter

Samir Drljacic
What are your immediate thoughts and feelings about graduation?
It’s a little weird thinking that everything I’ve worked toward is
going to end in less than two weeks. Now that I’m getting closer, I’m
realizing how huge this event is in my life. I’m going to miss high
school, but I’m beyond excited to go to college.
What have been the main influences in choosing your future
career?
The main influence for me is that I’ll be able to support a family and
live comfortably. I also hope that I’ll be able to help my parents and
my sister with anything financially since they have always been able to
help me.
Does the threat of student loan debt make you reconsider college?
Student debt has plagued my family. Seeing my family deal with all of
this debt made me really unsure about college and almost reconsider
my plans after high school. But this is a burden I’m willing to take on
if it means pursuing what I love.
Do you have a strong desire to leave Vermont?
I want to get out of Vermont as soon as I’m out of college. The main
thing that is influencing me to leave is the lack of jobs in computer
science.
How will your experience at MHS help you in the future?
MHS has done an amazing job at preparing me. I think that I’m
going to take the things I’ve learned and use them for the rest of my
life. Financial Literacy class has prepped me the most for college,
loans, and just how to be an adult.
Randi Carpenter
What are your immediate thoughts and feelings about graduation?
I’m excited about graduation and what will come next, but I do have
a little anxiety, too. I know amazing things await, and I have a good
support system to help me along the way.
What have been the main influences in choosing your future
career?
Definitely my family and my teachers, specifically my teachers at the
Central Vermont Career Center, who allowed me to explore more
mediums of art and find something I really loved—graphic design.
Does the threat of student loan debt make you reconsider college?
Massive student loans definitely make me anxious, but it’s not making
me reconsider college, though I may have ended up at a different
college if the financial aid packages and scholarship scenario were
different. I am taking precautions and saving up money from my job
to put toward college.
Do you have a strong desire to leave Vermont?
I stand kind of in the middle of leaving Vermont. I am staying instate
for college, but I don’t know where exactly I’ll end up settling down. I
definitely don’t plan to stay here forever.
How will your experience at MHS help you in the future?
The most important years that prepare you for the future are your
junior and senior years, and seeing as how I have been at the Central
Vermont Career Center for those two years, I don’t know how
accurately I can answer this question. It is because of MHS that I was
able to go to the Career Center, too, and that experience has helped
me a lot with what life after graduation will be.
What are your immediate thoughts and feelings about graduation?
I’m definitely ready to move on to somewhere new and meet new
people. I am nervous about what that’s going to be like. Being in
a place where everyone doesn’t come from the same place as me is
definitely going to be an adjustment. It’s scary and exciting, but I’m
ready for it.
What have been the main influences in choosing your future
career?
I’ve always been interested in design and architecture, and our
Community Based Learning Department at the high school let
me start an internship with the Vermont Division for Historic
Preservation and its senior coordinator, Jamie Duggan. He helped me
explore all the opportunities, and that solidified my interest.
Does the threat of student loan debt make you reconsider college?
I know I got really lucky in getting a good financial aid package from
Swarthmore College. I haven’t heard anyone say it would make them
rethink college, but people have definitely chosen schools based on
cost.
Do you have a strong desire to leave Vermont?
When I started my college search, I wanted to be in a big city on the
East Coast. If Vermont ends up being where I move after I graduate
and settle down, that’s fine, but I don’t want to only experience
Vermont and never get to see or live in a place outside.
How will your experience at MHS help you in the future?
I can’t speak highly enough of our CBL [Community Based Learning]
department and the Flexible Pathways at our school. They helped
me explore what I was interested in and form relationships and
connections I can call on later as resources to help.
What are your immediate thoughts and feelings about graduation?
It took me a while to be comfortable with the thought of graduation
and having my own future, my own shoes to fill. I had to force myself
to think about graduation to become comfortable with the thought.
What have been the main influences in choosing your future
career?
First of all, my parents and family. They have given me the drive and
provided endless support and love. My second influence is Montpelier
High School. If you ever step foot on campus you are made strongly
aware of the environmental awareness that our school has.
Does the threat of student loan debt make you reconsider college?
College debt definitely influenced my decision for waiting to go to
college. It’s always in the back of many students’ heads and sways
many young adults’ decisions on what college to go to and if college is
even an option.
Do you have a strong desire to leave Vermont?
Yes, the majority of young adults in Vermont have lived here our
whole lives and want to see what else is out there. That’s not to say we
won’t return, Vermont is a great place to retire and raise children.
How will your experience at MHS help you in the future?
I learned a lot at MHS, and they provide a good education. Some I
can take and use in my everyday life, for example financial literacy and
environmental applications. Unfortunately, not all the things taught
are able to be applied to the basics of “real life,” like how to travel,
living by yourself or with roommates, but young adults need to learn
by themselves.
What are your immediate thoughts and feelings about graduation?
When I consider graduation, my most immediate reaction is sadness.
Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to the closeness of our class. I
will definitely miss that sense of community.
What have been the main influences in choosing your future
career?
One of my biggest influences has been living in two different places
for most of my life. I switch between my home in Central Vermont
and the Northeast Kingdom almost every week. Learning to navigate
the difference cultures was challenging, but incredibly enriching.
Does the threat of student loan debt make you reconsider college?
Who isn’t concerned about student loan debt? I have a pretty clear
plan for building up savings during my summers, but other than that
I have no idea how to prepare myself for loans.
Do you have a strong desire to leave Vermont?
I initially really wanted to leave Vermont. However, the closer we get
to graduation, the more I realize how much I’ll miss the greenness,
rural nature, and community. Almost everyone I know wants to leave
Vermont after high school. However, it’s common to hear, “I want to
come back after college,” or “I can’t imagine raising children anywhere
else.” I’d also like to move back, just not before I explore a bit.
How will your experience at MHS help you in the future?
My experience at MHS has taught me to appreciate that challenges
of any kind—academic, social, intellectual, moral—are merely
opportunities to grow. No matter what path I end up on, I will have
that tool of appreciation to guide me.
PAGE 14 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
President Thomas Greene Steps Down
Continued from page 1
“Fundamentally VCFA is an
experiment in community,” Greene
said. “These residencies that we do are
really great gatherings of diverse people
from around the world. There are other
low-residency programs, yes, but there
is no college in the country that is
primarily low residency and structured
this way, with the array of arts across the
whole spectrum.”
Greene also pointed to the college’s
focus on diversity and spoke with
excitement about its new International
MFA in Creative Writing and Literary
Translation. Some of the $2.8 million
raised in the past three years for VCFA’s
Artist Development Fund helped to pay
tuition for students from Nigeria and
elsewhere to pursue their studies, he said.
Other potential areas for growth
include the college’s residential writing
program, which numbers around 30,
Greene said.
“There are students in that program
from Nigeria, Israel, Lebanon, and all
parts of the United States,” he said.
“It’s bringing a kind of vibrancy and
diversity to our culture and the culture
of Montpelier. I would love to see that
program be 60, 70, 80 students.”
Greene said VCFA is proud to
contribute to the economy and diversity
in Montpelier, adding that low-residency
students spend about $1 million a year
with downtown merchants.
While the college wrestles with
finding a successor to its founding
father, Greene will focus on writing
his seventh novel, a mystery set at a
1980s boarding school. He believes his
creation is in good hands.
“Fundamentally
VCFA is an
experiment in
community.
”
“I always go back to saying that (former
U.S. Sen.) Daniel Patrick Moynihan
once said: ‘If you want to start a great
community, start a college and wait 300
years.’ I think we are already there,”
Greene said.
Education
Photo of Thomas Greene courtesy
of St. Martin’s Press.
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 15
Why Graduates Should Plan for Retirement
I
f you’ve graduated from college in
the past year or so and started your
first job, you’re no doubt learning
a lot about establishing yourself as an
adult and being responsible for your own
finances. So thoughts of your retirement
are probably far away. And yet you have
several good reasons to invest in your
401(k) or similar employer-sponsored
retirement plan.
First of all, by contributing to your
401(k), you can get into the habit of
regular investing. And since you invest
in your 401(k) through regular payroll
deductions, it’s an easy way to invest.
Furthermore, your 401(k), or similar
plan, is an excellent retirement-savings
vehicle. You generally contribute pre-tax
dollars to your 401(k), so the more you
put in, the lower your taxable income.
Plus, your earnings can grow on a tax-
deferred basis. Your employer might also
offer a Roth 401(k), which is funded
with after-tax dollars; although you can’t
deduct your contributions, your earnings
can grow tax-free, provided you meet
certain conditions. And with either a
traditional or Roth 401(k), you generally
have a wide array of investment options.
But perhaps the main reason to start
investing right away in your 401(k) is that,
Finance
at this point of your life, you have access though you’ll at least want to put in your 401(k) or similar plan – so, if you
to the greatest and most irreplaceable enough to earn your employer’s matching haven’t already done so, get started soon.
asset of all—time. The more time you contribution, When retirement is decades This article was provided and sponsored
have on your side, the greater the growth away, it can seem like more of an abstract by Edward Jones.
potential for your investments. And by concept than something that will one day
starting to invest early in your plan, define your reality. But, as we’ve seen, you
you can put in smaller amounts without have plenty of incentives to contribute to
having to play catch-up later.
Suppose, for example, you begin
investing in your 401(k) or similar plan
when you’re 25. For the sake of simplicity,
let’s say you put in $100 a month, and
you keep investing that same amount
for 40 years, earning a hypothetical 7
percent rate of return. When you reach
65, you will have accumulated about
$256,000. (Your withdrawals will then be
taxable, unless you chose the Roth 401(k)
option.) But if you waited until you were
45 before you started investing in your
401(k), again earning that hypothetical
7 percent, you’d have to put in almost
$500 per month—about five times the
monthly amount you could have invested
when you were 25—to arrive at the same
$256,000 when you turn 65.
Clearly, the expression “time is money”
applies when it comes to funding your
401(k)—there’s just no benefit in waiting
to contribute to your retirement plan.
You can start out with small amounts,
PAGE 16 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
Hunger Mountain Co-op Supports Foodbank
T I
he Vermont Foodbank,
Vermont’s largest hunger relief
organization, is the Hunger
Mountain Co-op’s featured community
partner for June. Since 1986, the
Foodbank has been responding to the
problems of food insecurity and the need
for supplemental food assistance among
food-insecure households throughout
Vermont. Through their wide range of
programs, they provide nutritious food
and promote health, while becoming
nationally recognized as one of the most
effective and efficient nonprofits and
food banks in the country.
“Increasingly, the Foodbank has
distributed more fresh food each year,
especially produce,” according to Mica
Seely, the Foodbank’s corporate and
community philanthropy manager.
“There are several reasons for this shift—
the first being a desire to address the root
causes of hunger in Vermont. Studies
have shown that there are definite, clear
links between food insecurity and poor
health, and our own research highlights
the challenges our clients face when it
comes to health and hunger.”
Seely notes the Foodbank serves
more than 153,000 people each year,
including nearly 34,000 children
and 26,000 seniors. “The reasons are
varied but typically include under-
employment, low wages, high cost of
living, emergencies, job loss, poor health,
and chronic illness,” she says, adding,
“A food-insecure household uses coping
strategies, including choosing between
food and medicine or being forced to
consume cheaper foods high in calories
but low in nutritional value.”
The Foodbank works with 215
Network Partner Agencies that directly
distribute food to individuals and families
in need. Through this system, millions
of pounds of food are delivered from
three regional distribution centers, in
addition to two federal food distribution
programs managed by the Foodbank,
and their other distribution programs
such as BackPack and VeggieVanGo.
“Our BackPack program helps children
struggling with hunger by filling their
backpacks each Friday during the school
year with tasty, easy-to-prepare food
items that are high in nutritional value,”
Seely says, while the VeggieVanGo
program is, “like pop-up farmers markets
at six schools and 10 hospitals across the
state. They provide an opportunity for
participants to bring home fresh produce
and a gathering place that offers support
and conversations about healthy food.”
To ensure all eligible, food-insecure
households in Vermont can access the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program or SNAP, known here as
3SquaresVT, the Foodbank has an
outreach and application assistance
program. Seely says, “We serve as the
navigator in this system, helping eligible
Vermonters complete the applications
Community
and monitoring them through the
approval process. In 2019, we estimate
our staff will assist in the completion of
265 SNAP applications, equal to 179,357
SNAP meals.”
Those are just a few of the Foodbank’s
invaluable programs. Others include The
Community Kitchen Academy, which
provides culinary and job placement
support for under-and-unemployed
individuals, and VT Fresh, which
provides low-income Vermonters with
fresh fruits and vegetables and nutrition
education. From now until June 30,
round up your purchase to the next
dollar every time you shop at the Co-op
to support these programs and all of the
Vermont Foodbank’s remarkable work.
This text was provided and sponsored by
The Hunger Mountain Co-op.
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 17
Supporting Sanctuary City Status
By Ashley Hill
n May 2019, the Montpelier City Council
unanimously reaffirmed the Capital
City’s designation as a “sanctuary city,”
a policy it crafted in 2016 that states “ federal
government and federal agencies have no
legal authority to require local enforcement
of immigration policy.” Here, City Councilor
Ashley Hill discusses the motivations and
reasons for her support
The history of forced migration and
immigration to the United States is a
story fraught with imperialism, racism,
nationalism, and broken promises. We
slaughtered thousands of indigenous
people, spread diseases, ripped families
apart, took land and resources that didn’t
belong to us, and conveniently declared
this land “our land” under the auspices of
building a “more perfect” union where “all
men are created equal.”
The practical reality is this: we are all
immigrants. Unless you can confidently
trace your roots back to the indigenous
populations—Abenaki, Mi'kmaq,
Penobscot— you’re an immigrant.
Over a decade ago, I moved to Italy to
study abroad. I spoke no Italian and knew
nothing about the culture, other than I
loved spaghetti and meatballs, and that I
would find the Sistine Chapel somewhere
in Italy. I had no context for the hurdles
and challenges presented by uprooting my
entire life—and I wasn’t even fleeing war,
violence, or political instability.
Living abroad when George W. Bush
won a second term opened my eyes to
geopolitics in ways living in the U.S. never
could. The world was watching, waiting,
hoping for us to get that election right. My
roommates and I all voted absentee, fearing
that he would be re-elected if we failed to
perform our civic duty from halfway across
the world. When the media called the
election for Bush, the harassment (both
verbal and physical) we experienced on
the streets in Florence for being American
Photo courtesy of Ashley Hill.
citizens rose to a level that made me
excessively uncomfortable walking around
the city alone.
As I reflect on my own experiences as an
immigrant, the first disconnect I observed
is that my friends back stateside began
referring to me as an “expat,” [short for
expatriate], not a new immigrant to my
chosen country.
I had never heard the term before, and
much to my chagrin, I had to look it up
back then. I remember wondering why
I was being called an expat and why my
new American and non-citizen friends and
colleagues back home in New England
weren’t also referred to as expatriates.
I remember how unsafe and unsure I felt
about leaving the house because I couldn’t
predict what would happen to me as I
walked down the street.
I say that fully acknowledging that
my whiteness and privilege affords me a
huge advantage and security that most
non-citizen and new Americans will not
experience in this country if we do not
change course.
Nearly 15 years and a whole lot of life
experience later, I sit here and write to you
that it is inherent structural oppression
that resulted in my friends and I being
labeled as “expats” when we went to Italy,
and other non-citizens and new Americans
as “immigrants” when they arrive here
Opinion
seeking safety, security, and stability. But
for the kindness of strangers, a welcoming
community, and a few good friends, my
time and experiences in Italy would have
been drastically different and far less
pleasant.
The fear mongering and hate-filled We welcome your letters and
rhetoric espoused by the current president opinion pieces. Letters must
and many of his supporters builds off the be fewer than 300 words.
false narrative that those of us fortunate Opinion pieces should not
enough to be born in the U.S. are somehow exceed 600 words. The Bridge
morally superior by birth to our fellow reserves the right to edit and
humans, who are only trying to experience cut pieces. Send your piece to
and cultivate fundamental human dignity mdunphy@montpelierbridge.
for themselves and their loved ones. com.
The crux of the national immigration
debate is that those dominating the Deadline for the next issue is
conversation have mastered the art of fear June 21
as a motivating factor. Those in power
presently have mastered the ability to play
on the inherently human fear of things that
are different or unknown.
Our local government here in Montpelier
understands the challenges and motivations
presented to people across the world that
led them to make the unimaginable choice
to leave their homes, or have that choice
made for them by escalating violence and
instability in their homelands.
Our obligation as fellow humans is to
welcome our new friends and neighbors
with the same ease and grace that we
welcome our old friends and neighbors.
Immigration status does not dictate or
determine a person’s worth or value, and
I am proud of our small city for taking
an important step in standing up for our
friends and neighbors by reaffirming our
commitment to providing support and
sanctuary for everyone in our community
who seeks it by voting in favor once again
to declare Montpelier a sanctuary city.

PAGE 18 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
Keep Illegal Emigrants in Vermont
By Larry Floersch
O
ver the years we’ve tried a
number of tactics to keep young
Vermonters, especially college
graduates, from leaving the state. In
2014, for example, Gov. Peter Shumlin
offered to reimburse graduates for a full
year of tuition if they would stay and
work in areas of the state that needed
them.
That apparently didn’t work, and
the state’s population continues to age.
Now, Gov. Phil Scott is trying to import
younger workers from other states by
offering them $10,000 to move here. I
don’t know if the governor thought of
this, but if I were a young Vermonter,
and he offered me that much to STAY
in Vermont, I’d take it in a minute. But
I am an older Vermonter, so I suspect
he would rather I move south to St.
Petersburg, known in Florida as “God’s
waiting room,” and thereby provide a
slight downtick to the average age of
Vermont’s population.
But the loss of young people is
obviously a situation of crisis proportions
as thousands of youthful emigrants head
for the state lines seeking a better life.
How can we reverse this trend? Here’s
what we need to do.
First, we need legislation making
it illegal to leave Vermont if you
graduate from a Vermont school. That’s
right. Let’s label them for what they
are—illegal emigrants.
Second, the legislature should
authorize the governor to establish a
“reverse” visa system that would allow
young people who feel they absolutely
must attend a college outside of Vermont
to live outside the state for four years
only. Then they must come home. The
legislature should also authorize the
governor to negotiate agreements with
other states that would allow Vermont
to extradite Vermonters who overstay
those reverse visas.
Of course, simply labeling these
young people as illegal emigrants will
have little effect. Graduates will still
try sneaking across the western border
to places such as Lake George and
Albany, stowing away on the Grand
Isle ferry to Plattsburgh, or attempting
to swim the Connecticut River for
golden opportunities in West Lebanon,
Hanover, or Lancaster. (You’ll notice
I did not mention North Adams in
Massachusetts or Stanstead in Quebec.
That’s because I’ve been to those places,
and nothing there would attract anyone.)
If bolder steps are needed, we should
raise tariffs on products from New York,
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and
Quebec if those states or that province
continue to accept these illegal emigrants
and allow them to blend in and disappear
amongst their populations.
We should deploy the Vermont
National Guard to turn back potential
border jumpers. In addition to stationing
themselves along the borders, the Guard
should be authorized to set up roadblocks
50 miles or more from border crossings
and stop and question anyone between
the ages of 18 and 40. If any of those
Vermonters being questioned develops
a wistful look in their eyes when New
York City or Boston is mentioned, they
Humor
should be handcuffed immediately
because they are ready to bolt.
Now I know what you’re thinking,
“These are all good ideas, but the border
would still be too porous. Many young
people would still be able to make their
way into neighboring states and find
gainful employment.”
That is why I am also proposing a
border wall. The wall will be built along
all the borders of the state, including
the Vermont bank of the Connecticut
River, because, as we all know, New
Hampshire claims the Connecticut
River, so once someone is in the water
of the Connecticut, they are technically
in New Hampshire.
I have seen other border walls, such
as ones built with tall steel slats or from
concrete, but those designs are costly
and do not seem to fit the Vermont
esthetic. Because Vermont has millions
of trees at its disposal, what I propose is
a palisade log wall, similar to the Army
forts in old western movies. Such a wall
would look less intimidating, perhaps
even quaint, to the folks on tour buses
in the autumn, especially if the entry
portals are designed to look like covered
bridges. And, it should be emphasized,
this is a wall to keep people in, not
out, so tourists are welcome, except for
maybe all those Massholes who drive up
I-89 and I-91 at more than 90 mph.
Although such a wall could be scaled
with some effort, I propose that the wall
be topped with electric fencing acquired
from the many dairy farms in Vermont
that have ceased operation in the past
decades. I am sure the farmers would be
willing to let it go at bargain prices to
help with this effort to make Vermont
one big happy family again. After all,
many of them are already grandparents
and would like to keep their families
close by.
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 19
Community
Events
Events happening
May 22–June 11
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Fatherhood: Postpartum Mood & Anxiety
Disorders. We understand that partners are deeply
affected by the challenge of supporting a partner
who is struggling or being one of the 1 in 10 dads
who has Postpartum Depression or Anxiety.
Come explore you and your family’s transition into
parenthood. 5:30–7 pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op
community room, Montpelier. RSVP: info@
hungermountain.coop.
Love and Anger in Activism-A Buddhist
Perspective. A free live-streamed, interactive talk
with David Loy, Buddhist teacher and social critic.
6–7:30 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Hayes
Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 249-5905
Mid-Week Movie: The Princess Bride. 6–8 pm.
Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St.,
Greensboro. $5 suggested donation. highlandartsvt.
org
THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Volunteer Meeting at Central VT Adult
Basic Education. Discover CVABE’s volunteer
opportunities. New volunteers welcome. Current
volunteers from all CVABE’s Learning Centers
are welcome to share their experiences and inspire
others. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education
(CVABE), Waterbury Learning Center, 31 N. Main
St., Waterbury. RSVP: grome@cvabe.org
FRIDAY, JUNE 14
CW Print+Design Open House & Ribbon
Cutting. Games, treats, door prizes all day. See the
new space. 2 pm. 48 N. Main St., Barre. 476-3615
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Climb Out of the Darkness. Gather at the State
House Lawn and then join a community walk on
the bike path to the Peace Park and back. Raises
awareness of perinatal mental health. Hosted by
Good Beginnings of Central Vermont. 10 am.
goodbeginningscentralvt.org
Talk by Palestinian Mohammed Sawalha on
Calendar of Events
Performing
surviving in occupied Palestine. Mohammed
Sawalha from Nablus, West Bank, Palestine will
Arts
speak about life under the military occupation
and the Palestinian House of Friendship, a unique
community center that engages youth and adults in
life nourishing activities. see videos and photos, and
dialogue with this inspiring activist for peace. 7–9
pm. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
pamelawalkervt@gmail.com
Contra Dance with Nils Fredland. Calling by
Nils Fredland and tunes by The Faux Paws. No
experience and no partner needed. All dances
are taught plus an introductory session at 7:45
pm. Capital City Grange Hall, 6612 Rt. 12,
Berlin. Adults 410, kids and low income $5; dance
supporters $15. 225-8921
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Youth Activist Summit. A daylong, youth-led event
supported by the Peace & Justice Center on youth
activism. Come for a day of bonding, education,
and more. Those in middle school, high school, and
beyond are welcome, although the programming
will be geared toward the high school age group.
10:30 am–5 pm. Barre Civic Center, 20 Auditorium
Hill, Barre. Free; donations welcome.
Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis at Our
Borders. Learn how people of faith and goodwill
can respond to the needs of asylum seekers,
migrants, and refugees in Vermont and beyond.
Panelists from non profit action groups in Boston
and Vermont, as well as legal experts. 1–5 pm.
Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. $10
suggested donation. Details and registration: bit.ly/
June16register. Request childcare and translators at
registration.
MONDAY, JUNE 17
Paddle Wrightsville Reservoir with Green
Mountain Club. Easy. 3 hours. Paddle in
late afternoon/early evening and see beavers,
herons, and other wildlife. Optional swim.
Distance depends on weather, water level, and
the abilities of the group. Must have PFD and
your own canoe/kayak. Bring water and dinner
or snack. Contact leader: Phyllis Rubenstein at
Phyllis@PhyllisRubensteinLaw.comcastbiz.net or
793-6313 for meeting time and place.
Five Money Questions for Women. With Kristin
Dearborn, financial advisor. This is an educational
program that shares perspective on a process women
can use to identify financial goals and set a strategy.
6–7 pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op community
room, Montpelier. Sign-up: info@hungermountain.
coop
Community Conversation On Alcohol. Join
area prevention professionals and healthcare and
THEATER, DANCE,
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
Through June 16. Lost Nation Theater presents
The Complete History of Comedy-Abridged!
Three unsuspecting actors wind up spanning time and place to save the world through comedy.
Together they explore what makes people laugh from ancient times to now. Thurs.–Sat., 7:30 pm; Sun.,
2 pm. City Hall Arts Center, Main St., Montpelier. $10–30. lostnationtheater.org
June 13: The Bolshoi Ballet in HD: Carmen Suite/Petrushka. The double-bill event for cinemas
encapsulates and showcases the soul of Russian Ballet. 1 pm. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122
Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $17, AARP members $13.60; ages 12 and under $10. Pre-film discussion held at
noon. 760-4634
June 14–16: The Valley Players present Harvey. Directed by Tom Badowski of Moretown. Fri. and
Sat. at 8 pm; Sun. at 2 pm. 4254 Main St, Waitsfield. valleyplayers.com
June 15–16: Staged Reading: Under Milk Wood. Dylan Thomas’ “play for voices,” follows the
villagers of Llareggub through a day in the life of their small town. Sat. at 7:30 pm; Sun. at 3 pm.
Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. $10; students $5; seniors 20% off.
highlandartsvt.org
June 16 and 23: Bread and Puppet Presents Diagonal Life: Theory and Praxis. The diagonal
is presented as a potent and promising opposition to the dominating verticality of our culture
which permeates our architecture, the “ladder(s) of success” we’re asked to scale, and the incessant
wakefulness required of us. 3 pm. Paper Maché Cathedral at Bread and Puppet Theater, 753 Heights
Rd., Glover. $15 suggested donation. breadandpuppet.org
June 20: 42nd Street—The Musical in HD Film. One of Broadway’s most classic and beloved tales
comes to cinema screens in the largest- ever production of the breathtaking musical. 3 pm. Spruce Peak
Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. Adults $17; AARP members $13.60; children 10
and under $10. sprucepeakarts.org
June 22: Mary Mack and Tim Harmston: Happy Camper Comedy Tour. After performing
nationwide individually for 16 years, this married couple now enjoys appearing as a duet with both
staged and impromptu material. 7 pm. American Legion Post #3, Montpelier. $25 suggested fee.
marymackcomedy.com
June 23: Democratic County Comedy Club. 6–8 pm. Sweet Melissa’s, Langdon St., Montpelier. $15.
496-3386
June 26: The Met Opera Live in HD: Dialogues des Carmélites (Poulenc). The Met’s Jeanette
Lerman-Neubauer Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads an accomplished ensemble in Poulenc’s
devastating modern masterpiece of faith and martyrdom. 1 pm. Spruce Peak Performing Arts
Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. Adults $17; AARP members $13.60; children 10 and under $10.
Sprucepeakarts.org
June 28: Fractured Fables. Lost Nation Theater presents the culminating project of its one-week
Storytelling Camp. Part of Theater FOR Kids BY Kids. An original theater piece created by campers
ages 9 & up and director Avalon Diziak. drawing inspiration from fables fairytales, myths and legends
by Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and other cultures. 5:30 pm. Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main St.,
Montpelier. $5. lostnationtheater.org
June 28: Kathleen Kanz Comedy Hour. With Kathleen Kanz, Liam Welsch, Stella Pappas, and
Mike Thomas. 8:30 pm. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. By donation. Adult content. No
chatter. 479-0896
treatment providers for a panel presentation and for a brief processing time. Optional: bring a photo
discussion about: The impact alcohol has on our of your beloved or a small memento to carry as you
community; the underlying causes of alcohol use walk. 5:15–6:45 pm. Bethany Church chapel, 115
disorder and treatment available; and underage Main St., Montpelier. Pre-registration required: 223-
drinking, how to make changes in the community, 2424 or 224-2241
and the skills needed by individuals and families.
Understanding Late-Stage Neurological Lyme.
6:30–7:30 pm. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main
Using Chinese medicine’s neurological tradition,
St., Montpelier. 223-3338 we’ll discuss understanding both the symptoms
TUESDAY, JUNE 18 and underlying cause of neurological Lyme
disease including tremors, seizures and migraines.
Bike Northfield Area with Green Mountain 6–7:30 pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op community
Club. Difficult. Northfield to Randolph Loop. room, Montpelier. Sign-up: info@hungermountain.
About 40 miles. Difficult but all on paved roads. coop
We will do route 12 South, stop for lunch at the
Randolph recreation area, and return via 12A Just for Fun-Movies for People of All Ages at
with a stop for a break at the country store in the Jaquith Library. Engrossing movie from
Roxbury. Contact George Plumb at 883-2313 or 2016 based on a true story of a kids’ chess club in
plumb.george@gmail.com for meeting time and a Ugandan slum and one girl who becomes an
place. international champion. 7 pm. 122 School St.,
Room 2, Marshfield. Call library for film title:
Food Book Club. Join us for our monthly book 426-3581
club where we will read books about all things
food-related. This month’s book is Cooked by Mid-Week Movie: Little Miss Sunshine. 6–8 pm.
Michael Pollan. 6–7 pm. Hunger Mountain Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St.,
Co-op community room, Montpelier. Sign-up: Greensboro. $5 suggested donation. highlandartsvt.
info@hungermountain.coop org
Shape Note Sing at Bread and Puppet. Early THURSDAY, JUNE 20
American 4-Part Hymns in the Fa-Sol-La-Mi Archival Insights into the 1778 Battle of
tradition. 7:30 pm. Paper Maché Cathedral at Bread the Shelburne Blockhouse. Join Agency of
and Puppet Theater, 753 Heights Rd., Glover. Free. Transportation Archaeologist Brennan Gauthier
525-6972 as he describes the little-known Battle of Shelburne
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 using primary source documents from early
Vermont State Papers. Details of the battle include
Walking the Path of Grief. For anyone who is ice skating British soldiers, inebriated officers and a
grieving the loss of a loved one How: We will hear a burning roof put out with beer. Doors open early
brief explanation of how to walk the labyrinth and at 5 pm for a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives
how it can be used as a tool for healing our grief. and special exhibit, followed by the presentation
Time will be allowed for all participants to walk. at 6 pm. Vermont State Archives & Records
After all have completed the walk, we will gather
PAGE 20 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
Live Music
VENUES
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. 229-9212.
Bagitos.com
June 13: Old Time Music Session, 6 pm
June 15: Irish Session, 2 pm; Barry Bender,
6pm
June 16: Eric Friedman Folk Ballads, 11 am
June 20: Italian Session, 6 pm
June 21: Dave Loughran, 6 pm
June 22: Irish Session, 2 pm; Elizabeth
Renaud, 6 pm
June 23: Southern Old Time Music Jam,
10 am
June 27: Italian Session, 6 pm
June 28: Latin Dance Party, 7 pm
Charlie O’s World Famous. 70 Main St.
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.
Every Tues.: Karaoke, 7:30 pm
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre.
479-0896. espressobueno.com.
June 28: Reid Parsons & Co. (Americana)
7:30 pm
Gusto’s. 28 Prospect St., Barre.
gustosbarvt.com Through June 22: Allegory. The exhibition, The
June 14: Jacob Green, 5 pm; Robin
Gottfried Band, 9 pm, 21+ Trautz and Chaque Fois band. Showcasing
June 15: Kevin McEnerney, 6 pm; DJ
LaFountain, 9:30 pm, 21
June 21: Ricky Golden, 5 pm; The
Roadtrash Band, 9 pm, 21+ Festival. Workshops, dancing sessions,
June 22: Alana Rancourt, 6 pm; DJ KAOS,
9:30 pm, 21+ 6:30–9 pm. The Mallery Farm, 108 Norton
June 28: Tim Brick, 5 pm; Nite Sky, 9 pm,
21+ June 15: 13th Annual Carolan Festival. Open
Whammy Bar. 31 W. County Rd., Calais.
whammybar1.com
Every Thurs.: Open Mic, 7 pm
June 14: Liz Beatty and the Lab Rats
(Planned Parenthood fundraiser) 7:30 pm
June 15: The Barn Band, 7:30 pm
June 22: The Larkspurs (Liz Beatty, D.
Davis, Django, Seamus Hannan) 7:30 pm
June 28: Cowboys and Angels (Kelly Ravin
and Halle Jade) 7:30 pm
Administration, 1078 Rt. 2, Middlesex-Montpelier.
Free. 828-2308
Get to Know Your Co-op: Participation. Learn
more about the benefits of membership and how
you can actively participate. Take a behind the scenes
tour of the store. Enjoy light refreshments while
mingling with other member-owners. Come with
any questions you have about getting more involved
with your Co-op. 5:30–6:30 pm. Hunger Mountain
Co-op community room, Montpelier. Sign-up:
info@hungermountain.coop
Documentary film One Town at a Time. The
story of Woodstock native Michael Leonard’s journey
completing his 251 Club visits to every Vermont village
and town. Fiddler Adam Boyce will get us in the mood
with some local fiddling music. Q&A follows. 6 pm.
Brookfield Old Town Hall, 32 Stone Rd., Brookfield.
Calendar of Events
SPECIAL EVENTS
June 12, 19, 26: Capital City Band
Wednesday Concerts. Every Wed. through
Aug. 14. Enjoy a picnic with neighbors or meet
some new friends while enjoying this delightful
Vermont musical tradition. Or, bring an
instrument and play along with the band.
7–8 pm. State House Lawn, Montpelier.
456-7054
June 13: BarnArts Music on the Farm
Concert Series: Julian & Charles. Vibes
and harp duo. 5 pm. Feast and Field, 1544
Royalton Turnpike, Barnard. $5–10 suggested
donation.
June 14: Benefit for Bernie Sanders. With
Allison Mann & Jill Pralle (folk) and The New
Originals (folk/rock). 6–8 pm. Bagitos, 28
Main St., Montpelier. By donation. 229-9212
June 14: Friday Night Fires: Myra Flynn
& Paul Boffa. Food by Woodbelly Pizza and
Curly Girl Pops. 6–8 pm. Fresh Tracks Farm
& Winery, 4373 Rt. 12, Berlin. 223-1151
June 14: Stellaria Trio in Concert. Violinist
Letitia Quante, cellist John Dunlop, and
pianist Claire Black present Joseph Haydn’s
Piano Trio No. 45 in E-flat Major; Johannes
Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 2 in C Major; and
Pale Yellow from Jennifer Higdon’s 2003 Piano
Trio. 7:30 pm. Unitarian Church, 130 Main
St., Montpelier. $20 suggested donation; $5
limited fund. Free for children
June 14: 13th Annual Carolan
concerts. Potluck. Music by The Hoolies.
Rd., Worcester. carolanfestvt.com
sessions, workshops, participatory dance and
performances (English Country; Irish Step,
Ceili, & Sean Nós; Morris, waltzing). Music by
Young Tradition Vermont Fiddleheads & Harp
students with Dominique Dodge; Benedict
Koehler & Hilari Farrington. 10 am–9 pm. The
Mallery Farm, 108 Norton Rd., Worcester. $10
suggested donation; $20 per family. Rain or
shine. No dogs. carolanfestvt.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 21
Soul Collage. Making a soul collage card is a way to
bypass the busy mind and activate intuition. Come
and create a work of art with deep personal meaning,
while processing emotion without the use of words.
Your card will speak straight to your soul. 5:30–7:30
pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op community room,
Montpelier. Sign-up: info@hungermountain.coop
Wetware at the Savoy. Award-winning independent
filmmaker Jay Craven’s will present the theatrical
world premiere of his near future film noir,
“Wetware” at 6:30pm, Friday, June 21st at the Savoy
Theater, Montpelier. The picture is based on the
novel by Craig Nova. Director Craven will attend
the June 21st screening and lead post-screening
discussion. “Wetware” will then continue at the
Savoy through Thursday, June 27th. 26 Main St.,
Montpelier.
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
One Stop Country Pet Supply Customer
Appreciation Day. 10 am–3 pm. 1284 Barre-
Montpelier Rd., Berlin
Book Launch: “Repeopling Vermont: The
Paradox of Development in the Twentieth
Century.” Book signing, author talk, and
refreshments for NVU-VT professor Paul
Searls’s new book. 1:30–3 pm. Vermont History
Museum, 109 State St, Montpelier. Free.
vermonthistory.org
June 15: New Music On The Point and
Scrag Mountain Music present Sounds of
the Earth. A summer festival celebrating the
natural soundscape-inspired music of Pulitzer
Prize-winning composer and environmental
activist John Luther Adams. Live music, vocal
and drumming workshops, children’s activities,
raffles, food trucks, and more. Noon–6 pm.
Shelburne Farms, Coach Barn, 1611 Harbor Rd.,
Shelburne. Come as you are. Pay what you can.
scragmountainmusic.org
June 15: Parkapalooza! Music from great
local bands every third Saturday of the
month throughout summer. Food from local
vendor. 3 pm. Old Shelter at Hubbard Park,
Montpelier. $5; children $3; children under 5
free. Campsites can be reserved ahead of time
for $10. Any sites remaining the day of show
will be $15. 223-7335.
June 15: Benefit Concert “Welcoming the
Stranger.” With Miriam Bernardo, Allison
Mann, Mark Greenberg, Members of the
Montpelier Gospel Choir and others to
benefit Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas
providing shelter, food, services to migrants.
7–9 pm. Doors open 6:30 pm. St. Augustine
Catholic Church, 16 Barre St., Montpelier.
$10–25 suggested donation; no one turned
away. 522-2376
June 19: Burger Night w/Music by Katie
Templeton Farms own grilled grass-fed beef
burger, in season local vegetables and finishing
with ice cream smothered in our maple syrup.
5:30–7:30 pm. Templeton Farm Sugarhouse,
3410 Center Rd., East Montpelier. $18 online;
$20 at gate. templetonfarm.com
June 20: BarnArts Music on the Farm
Concert Series: Pete’s Posse. Folks/roots.
5 pm. Feast and Field, 1544 Royalton
Turnpike, Barnard. $5–10 suggested donation.
June 20: Howie Cantor. Folk.
6:30–8:30 pm. Café at Highland Center for
the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. No
cover. highlandartsvt.org
June 22: Across the Zoo-niverse with
David Rosane & the Zookeepers at Cabot
Library. The tour supports Vermont libraries
and shines a light on their pivotal role in our
communities. The band received the 2019
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
Tiny Twilight Café. Opportunity for parents and
caregivers of children 0-3 to connect. 4:30 pm.
Downstreet Community Space, 22 Keith Ave.,
Barre. Free. goodbeginningscentralvt.org
TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Bike Washington Heights with Green
Mountain Club. Easy. Around George’s “Block” in
Washington. About 15 miles. Easy. All on dirt roads,
one of which is a Class IV road, but all are in good
condition. After lunch those who want can take a
thirty-minute walk to his end of the ridge where one
can see West from Killington to Mansfield and East
to the White Mountains. Contact George Plumb at
883-2313 or plumb.george@gmail.com for meeting
time and place, for meeting time and place.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
Starry Night with Erin Barry. A morning program
for children birth to age 7. Hold the galaxy in the
palm of your hand. Create artwork using spray paint
and your hand to represent the stars. A poem to
add in the palm “I love you more than all the stars
in the sky.” Make a Starry Night sensory bag. Take
your turn at creating the universe, making your
own constellations, and looking at stars. 10–11:30
am. Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org
Tammie Award “Best Vermont Rock Album.”
7 pm. Cabot Public Library, 3084 Main St.,
Cabot. davidandthezoo.com
June 22: Cary Morin. Montana-raised,
northern Colorado-based Cary Morin is a
Native American who has built a reputation
as one of the best acoustic pickers in roots
music. 7:30 pm. Highland Center for the
Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. Tickets
start at $25; students $10; seniors 20% off.
highlandartsvt.org
June 23: Earth Songs. Music of, by and
for the Earth. Join pianist composer Cheryl
Conner and fellow Vermonters, celebrating
and connecting to the Music of Mother
Earth. Music alternating with meditation, and
dialogue. 4–5:30 pm. Unitarian Church, 130
Main St., Montpelier. $15 suggested donation.
No one turned away. Bring a cushion or yoga
mat to relax with the sound healing experience.
June 27: BarnArts Music on the Farm
Concert Series: Flynn. Indie-soul. 5 pm. Feast
and Field, 1544 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard.
$5–10 suggested donation.
June 27: Jaquith Library Summer Concert
Series: Beg, Steal or Borrow. Bluegrass.
Food Vendor: Farmers & Foragers. 6:30–8:30
pm. Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield.
426-3581
June 28: Music in the Alley: The Sklarkestra
Jazz Trio. Hosted by Axel’s Gallery & Frame
Shop and TURNmusic. Join your friends and
neighbors on a summer Friday evening for
new music, great food by the Blackback Pub.
6–9 pm. 5 Stowe St., Stowe.
June 28: Friday Night Fires: Cooie’s Hot
Club Jazz Quartet. Food by Morse Block
Deli. 6–8 pm. Fresh Tracks Farm & Winery,
4373 Rt. 12, Berlin. 223-1151
June 28: Stephane Wrembel. Gypsy
jazz. Called “a revelation” by Rolling Stone
magazine, Stephane Wrembel is quite simply
one of the finest guitar players in the world.
7:30 pm. Highland Center for the Arts,
2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. Tickets
start at $25; students $10; seniors 20% off.
highlandartsvt.org
Active Isolated Stretching & Strengthening. AIS
provides an effective, dynamic, facilitated stretching
of major muscle groups, restoring fascial planes. Learn
unique sequences to isolate and stretch major muscle
groups to increase blood & lymph flow, prevent
injury and improve injury recovery. 5:30–6:30
pm. Hunger Mountain Co-op community room,
Montpelier. Sign-up: info@hungermountain.coop
Rockets with Jennifer Barlow. Blast off to
adventure with this fun program on all things
rockets! Learn about how rockets work, how they
are used and have fun building and testing different
kinds of rockets. All ages of kids and kids at heart
welcome. 6:45 pm. Jaquith Public Library, School St.,
Marshfield. jaquithpubliclibrary.org
Mid-Week Movie: Sideways. 6–8 pm. Highland
Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro.
$5 suggested donation. highlandartsvt.org
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
How to Boost Brain Health & Prevent Cognitive
Decline. Neurodegeneration and cognitive decline
are growing exponentially, robbing individuals
and families of their health, joy, and independence.
This seminar will discuss four primary drivers
of cognitive decline and how you can address
them naturally. 6–7:30 pm. Hunger Mountain
Co-op community room, Montpelier. Sign-up:
info@hungermountain.coop
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 21
Visual Arts
EXHIBITS
Through June 15: All You See Is Glory; Big
Stars and Maritime Moments. Photographs
by Peter Cunningham. White River Gallery
@ BALE, 35 S. Windsor St., South Royalton.
498-8438
Through June 16. Show 32. The Front celebrates Van Fleet has repurposed from previous bodies of
the opening of SHOW 32 and our 4th birthday!
Features recent work of the gallery’s membership
of Vermont-based contemporary artists. The
Front, 6 Barre St., Montpelier
Through June 21: Deeper Than Blue. Hand-
pulled woodblock prints by Janet Cathey and
cyanotypes by Linda Bryan. The Gallery at
Central Vermont Medical Center, 130 Fisher Rd., Vermont Arts Council office, 136 St., Montpelier.
Berlin.
Through June 21: Beyond Borders: Mexico
City, Vermont. Photography. Collaboration
among Matt Neckers’ students at Green
Mountain Tech and Career Center in Hyde
Park and students at the National Autonomous
University of Mexico in Mexico City. Northern
Vermont University–Johnson, Julian Scott
Gallery. NorthernVermont.edu
show features work by Brattleboro artists Julia
Zanes and Donald Saaf as well as Calais sculptor
Hasso Ewing. Garage Cultural Center, 58 State
Street, Montpelier.
Through June 28: Awakenings: Current
Work by Kate Longmaid and Tom Merwin.
Longmaid explores what is revealed in
the intimate moments of seeing through a
Calendar of Events
contemporary approach to portraiture and still
life. Merwin’s painting process expresses a layering
of symbol and spirituality, using nature as a
doorway to the expression of existential concerns.
T.W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
twwoodgallery.org
Through June 28: Vanishment. Mixed media
work by Janet Van Fleet Vanishment. Explores
the fraught relationship between humans and
the natural world, using, in part, materials that
work. 111 State St., Montpelier.
Through June 28: Kate Burnim & Daryl
Burtnett, Almost Forgotten. Through
paintings and works on paper, Burnim and
Burtnett uncover the spaces and moments that
are woven into the everyday landscape and
human experience. The Spotlight Gallery at
vermontartscouncil.org
Through June 28: Michael Strauss, The
Magic of Seeing—Inside and Outside of the
Frame, Exploring the Illusion of Light, Space,
Form and in Landscape Painting. The T.W.
Wood Art Gallery, 46 Barre St., Montpelier.
twwoodgallery.org
Through June 29: Exhibits at Studio Place
Arts. 201 N. Main St., Barre. studioplacearts.com
Fault Lines: Artists explore the current
political climate and the resulting fractures in
our world that threaten discontinuity at many
levels and potential explosive energy.
Tectonic Plates and Topographic Tiles: Artist
Deborah Goodwin creates sculptural stoneware
for walls or tabletop, inspired by geologic forces
and infused with fabric details.
Present Continuous—Commentary and
Form: Works by Diane Sophrin. Combining
rapidly written morsels of poetry with form and
color, Sophrin draws and paints her writings
on stitched, layered papers to create an ongoing
series of hanging scrolls recently shown in
Budapest.
Through June 29: Sam Talbot-Kelly, Draft
of a New Harmony in a Slip Dress Pocket.
Talbot-Kelly shares her experimental approach
to costume/set design and art direction with the
installation of The Three Graces also known as
The Charities—a re-imagined explanation from
Greek mythology of Brightness, Joyfulness, and
Bloom in the interpretation of Ralph Waldo
Emerson’s Transcendentalist views. Axel’s
Gallery & Frame Shop, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury.
AxelsGallery.com
Through June 30: Michael T Jermyn, Viva
l’Italia. Photographs of Tuscany, Rome, and
more. Salaam Boutique, 50 State St., Montpelier.
Through July 3: Merry Schmidt. Paintings.
Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Rm. 2,
Marshfield. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org
Through July 10: Sunshine And Shadow. An
exhibit of paintings by Ann Young. River Arts
Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. riverartsvt.org
Through July 13: Suspended in Focus—A
Group Show. Composed of work by 18 artists.
Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery, 86 Falls Rd.,
Shelburne Village. 985-3848
Through July 14: Cumulus. Highlights cloud-
centric works in a wide range of media. Miller’s
Thumb Gallery, 14 Breezy Ave., Greensboro.
533-2045
Through July 21: Gaal Shepherd, Hallowed
Ground Art Exhibit. Pays tribute to the devotion
of the faithful and its continuity from the
Neolithic Erin to contemporary Ireland with a
series of paintings, pastels, photographs, sculpture,
and accompanying Irish poetry. Opening
reception: June 14, 5 pm. Highland Center
for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro.
highlandartsvt.org
June 22–Aug. 24: Summer Exhibitions at
Helen Day Arts Center. Opening reception:
June 22, 5–7 pm. Helen Day Art Center, 90
Pond St., Stowe. helenday.com
Dusty Boynton–Reliefs: Sculptural reliefs
created by multiple monoprints cut up and
reconstructed.
Suzy Spence–On the Hunt: Equestrian-
themed paintings.
Composing Form: Group exhibition of
contemporary sculptors working in ceramics
highlights both figurative and abstract work
that is both poetic and humorous, referencing
human history, intervention and experience.
Through Oct. 25: The War of Ideas:
Propaganda Posters from the Vermont
Historical Society Collections. Visitors can
examine how posters have been an important
part of the wartime effort, for everything from
recruitment to support on the homefront.
Vermont History Center, 60 Washington St.,
Barre. 479-8500. vermonthistory.org
Through Dec. 21: 200 Years—200 Objects.
An exhibition celebrating Norwich University’s
bicentennial. Curated to include objects from the
museum collection, as well as documents and
images from Archives and Special Collections,
that reflect and retell the university’s 200-year
history. Norwich University Sullivan Museum
and History Center, Northfield. norwich.edu
PAGE 2 2 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE
WGDR Launches Annual
Fundraising Campaign
W
GDR is the soundtrack of social
justice, environmentalism,
multiculturalism, and
responsible community action in Central
Vermont. By being a listener, and
contributing to this courageous broadcast,
you become part of this transformative
action.
WGDR gives voice to cultures of
rigorous inquiry, collaboration, and
life-long learning. When you invest
in WGDR, you become a community
educator.
WGDR is programmed by individuals
who take imaginative and responsible
action in the world through community
radio—your community radio. Every
dollar you give buys another day of these
brave and creative productions.
Like many small public stations around
the country, WGDR’s federal and
licensee funding has now depleted. The
station’s vitality is now in the hands of its
listeners. Please join us on-air and online,
between Monday, June 17, and Monday,
June 24, as we campaign to raise $40,000
toward WGDR’s continuation. Give
now securely at wgdr.org, or by sending
your gift to WGDR, 123 Pitkin Rd.
Plainfield, VT, 05667.
From all of us to all of you, thank
you for listening and supporting WGDR,
Goddard College Community Radio,
serving Washington and Lamoille
counties, and online around the world.
Text by Kris Gruen, director, WGDR,
Goddard College Community Radio.
Letters
Human Trafficking Problem
To the Editor,
Human trafficking is a worldwide
problem. Human trafficking is important
because so many people are getting
sexually abused and are being forced into
working without pay. People are trying to
help this problem, but they are not doing
enough to help with the awful situation.
Human trafficking victims are as young
as five and six years of age. According to
UNICEF, every two minutes a child is
being prepared for sexual exploitation.
About 1.2 million children are being
trafficked every year. In Vermont, more
and more victims are trafficked. From
2016 to 2017, the human trafficking cases
reported more than doubled. In 2018.
the number of cases reported went down,
so we should work toward encouraging
more people to call if they see something
that is suspicious.
There are many different ways you
can spot human trafficking. Victims of
human trafficking are almost always
female, typically children, pre-teens, or
young adults. They are usually found
alone or in the company of another
individual or small group. The people
surrounding them are most often men,
and may appear much older than the
victim.
Bruises, cuts, and burn marks may be
clues that the victim has been hurt by
their captor. These marks are especially
telling when found around the wrists,
ankles, arms, and neck, as they suggest
that the victim has been controlled or
restrained by force. An isolated bump or
cut might just be an accident—multiple
injuries grouped in the same area can
point to a much more serious cause.
This issue is important because so
many people are being sexually abused
and physically abused everyday and no
one is doing anything about it. So people
should be more aware about this issue.
Please be careful about who you hang
out with and report anything you find
suspicious.
Susha Benoit and Skylar Martell,
Montpelier High School
T HE BRID GE JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 • PAGE 23
Letters
Thanks for Poetry Program
To the Editor,
The Memorable Times Café wishes
to thank Mary Rose Dougherty, the
Vermont Housing Conservation Board
AmeriCorps member serving at the
Central Vermont Council on Aging
(CVCOA). Mary Rose facilitated a special
program to celebrate Poetry Month in
April.
Memorable Times Café is a relaxed
social time for those living with mild
to moderate memory loss and their
care partners, meeting monthly at the
Vermont History Center. The poetry
activity Mary Rose created and led was a
beautiful example of joining community
services with creative programming.
We’d like to share the piece our
Memorable Times Café group shaped
together from, as Mary Rose put it, “the
threads and fabric that shape a life.”
Many thanks to the Vermont Housing
Conservation Board and its AmeriCorps
program for continued support of
CVCOA and those we serve.
The Roots and the Ground Below
A Group Poem by Members of the
Memorable Times Café
When the tree wakes up in the spring,
the owl says, “Who—who—who are we?”
I’m from here, I’m from everywhere.
Feet in the dirt, head in the sky—
my birthplace, my family, born and
bred with butter lambs at Easter from
the homemade butter, the churn. We were
hard working, getting home to baked beans.
Home was where they pulled the taffy,
cut ice for Sunday afternoon ice cream,
canned vegetables at the kitchen table,
with spaghetti sauce bubbling all day long:
“Look with your eyes open,” they said,
and hear the family stories… The time…
Mary H. Hayden, director of development
and communications, Central Vermont
Council on Aging.
Goal Exceeded
Thank you to all of the kind-hearted
people who donated money to the
North Country Animal League. This
was a great success for my Student
Lead Investigation project at Rumney
Memorial School in Middlesex.
I exceeded my goal and with the
community’s help raised $120.
Lily Picard, 6th grade student at Rumney
Photo courtesy of Lily Picard.
Memorial
Classifieds
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AT 149 STATE STREET, MONTPELIER, VT.
PERFECT LOCATION WITHIN A 3-MINUTE WALK TO CAPITOL. BEAUTIFUL
GREEK REVIVAL BUILDING RENOVATED THROUGHOUT. FIRST FLOOR,
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE, TWO RESTROOMS, STORAGE. INCLUDES OFF-
STREET PARKING, OFFICE CLEANING WEEKLY, HEAT, HOT WATER, SNOW
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CALL 508-259-7941
PAGE 24 • JUNE 12—JUNE 25, 2019 T HE BRID GE

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