A Swimming Hole for Every Town

Pump Track Proposed Virtual Running Takes Off Remembering the Off Cummings St. / p.2 in Central Vermont / p.9 1918 Pandemic / p.20

Summer Fun! F r e e , July 15–AugIndependent 11, 2020 and Local

Time May Be Running Out on Home Farm

By Carla Occaso ucked back off the side of U.S. Route 2 in between Agway and T the old Cabot Cheese headquar- ters is a flat chunk of about 15 acres of undeveloped land jutting out into the confluence of the Stevens Branch and Winooski rivers. On the same piece of land, up by the highway, is a big, for- merly stately but now decrepit structure built in the Greek Revival style. It looks like it was once a majestic working farm- house, with pillared porches and second floor balconies, but after years of disuse, it has deteriorated to the point where City of Montpelier officials declared it a public nuisance. This means that unless someone does something fast, it will have to be demolished. Some want to save the building because it was built in 1836 and sits on A boy jumps into Foote Brook at Journey’s End swimming hole in Johnson. Photo by Jay Ericson. land originally owned by one of the first permanent white settlers of Montpelier, Col. Jacob Davis. In fact, according to A Swimming Hole for Every Town historian Daniel Pierce Thompson in a piece titled “History of Montpelier” By Richarda Ericson, Vermont River Conservancy dated August 1860, it was Col. Davis who named the town after the French wimming holes in Vermont are renowned for their cherished part of Vermont’s landscape and connect people to beauty and the opportunity for adventure. Thou- a better understanding of watersheds, Vermont’s rivers and see Home Farm, page 5 S sands of people enjoy Vermont’s swimming holes streams, and Vermont’s geology. every year and depend on them as public gathering spaces The Vermont River Conservancy is kicking off a swim- to have fun and relax during the short summers. During the ming hole fundraising campaign this summer as part of pandemic, with public pools and beaches closed, Vermont- its “A Swimming Hole for Every Town” initiative. Visitors ers need swimming holes now more than ever. Yet public will see informational displays when they stop at nearby access is not guaranteed — use of these swimming holes is gas stations and stores on their way to or from swimming ECRWSS PRSRT STD Montpelier, VT Montpelier, Permit NO. 123

U.S. Postage PAID threatened by overuse, privatization, and mismanagement. holes. Those displays will have instructions on how to send a Public access to well-managed, safe, and fun swimming phone text to donate to the VRC. Visitors will also see signs holes is essential for maintaining recreational opportuni- asking for donations to the VRC at the swimming holes. ties for all Vermonters, regardless of race or socio-economic There are no fees to use swimming holes, but donations status. The Vermont River Conservancy is a non-profit land are critical to help the VRC carefully manage these sites trust committed to protecting public access to Vermont’s so that all Vermonters may enjoy them. “While swimming rivers. holes are free to visit, the work to protect public access to Unfortunately, as noted in recent news, Vermonters are these special places takes time and resources,” says Vermont seeing many swimming holes overrun by visitors, creating River Conservancy Development & Outreach Director issues ranging from unsafe parking to excess litter. These Richarda Ericson, “Vermont River Conservancy is commit- conflicts can transform swimming holes from beloved com- ted to ensuring Vermonters and visitors alike can access the munity resources into disputed sites where public access is incredible places along our rivers, but we rely strongly on jeopardized. The VRC works with communities to install visitor etiquette, community partnerships, and donations to educational signage and lead volunteer stewardship opportu- support this important work.” nities at swimming holes. Engaging users in caring for their Highlights of the swimming hole projects are a one-mile favorite swimming hole is critical for creating sites that are well-managed and publicly accessible. Swimming holes are a see Swimming Holes, page 4 Free, Independent and Local since 1993 / montpelierbridge.org PAGE 2 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE

Pump Track Planned Summer Fun

By Carla Occaso

group of bicycle enthusiasts set soil in a 50-by-80-foot area. Building the wheels in motion to put a the track would require adding about Apump track at the end of Cum- 150 yards of soil and adding 10 parking mings Street. A pump track is a closed spaces. circuit, curvy dirt track for bicycle riding. The location is “ideal” because it is John Hollar, on the behalf of the near the North Branch, and the multi- Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Asso- use hiking/biking trail. It is also a short ciation, filed an application on April 30, distance from the Elm Street recreational 2020 for building such a track at a vacant field. lot across from 23 Cummings Street and Hollar sent a memo to the Develop- adjacent to a multi-use trail. The project ment Review Board on June 12, 2020 is estimated to cost around $7,000. to supplement the earlier information. The property is owned by the City of For one thing, putting in a pump track Montpelier, and City Manager William would not conflict with River Hazard This ‘Y’ intersection is the entrance to an access point of a multi-use recre- Fraser signed off on the application May 5. Area regulations because it does not “in- ation trail at the end of Cummings Street. The trail to the left goes to the area A letter describing the project submit- crease the exterior dimensions of any where the proposed pump track would be located. Photo by Carla Occaso. ted in September 2019 states, “The Mont- structure.” No structure is included in pelier Area Bike Association (MAMBA) the application, and no structures cur- Shannon Morrison, wetlands ecolo- 20. Those who want to hear more or is proposing to construct a bicycle pump rently exist on the site. gist, wrote in a letter dated June 8 rec- weigh in on the matter are encouraged track on a City-owned lot on Cummings Additionally, the project can meet a ommending the group put up a buffer to participate. From the montpelier-vt. Street. A pump track is a circuit of roll- “no fill” requirement, Hollar wrote. demarcation berm or fence 50 feet from org website: ers, banked turns, and features designed The group will also have to request a the wetland area. She also suggested they Public participation by remote means to be ridden completely by riders ‘pump- waiver for developing within a wetlands contact the Department of Public Works, highly encouraged: ing’ — generating momentum by up and or vernal pool buffer to convince the because the spot had been used to store https://zoom.us/j/97517685798?pwd=M down body movements.” board the pump track “shall not have an snow after snow removal. However, city mhyM1l6dmFMRjRLZXEyYVRwRWp- The purpose is to create recreational undue adverse impact on the wetland or officials said that spot hasn’t been used to DQT09 activity for youths. However, the letter vernal pool.” There is a vernal pool on dump snow for several years. Meeting ID: 975 1768 5798 states people of all ages will be able to the opposite side of Cummings Street, The Design Review Board will discuss Password: 325564 use the track. It will be built with clean next to an apartment complex. the project during their meeting July +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 3 HEARD ON THE STREET Montpelier Reappraisal Contract Awarded ontpelier has awarded a $260,000 contract to conduct a reappraisal to New MEngland Municipal Consultants, the same firm that conducted the city’s last reappraisal in 2010. The full reappraisal, in which the firm will attempt to visit every property in Montpelier, will start late in 2021 or early 2022 and is set to be completed HistoricThen photos courtesy & of Vermont Now Historical Society; by June 2023. Captions and modern photos by Paul Carnahan. Rising property values are expected to push the city’s level of appraisals compared with fair market values this year down below 85 percent, the point at which the state American Legion Post No. 3 at 21 Main Street is housed in requires reappraisals. City Manager Bill Fraser noted that residential property values one of the few wood frame buildings remaining downtown. It have been soaring, but he wondered how commercial properties — which are valued probably dates from just after the Montpelier fire of 1875 that based on a building’s income — are faring in light of the pandemic. flattened this area of the city. In this 1915 photograph, P.J. If residential property appraisals go up more than commercial property appraisals, Blanchard’s harness shop and shoe repair business is on the left that could once again shift more of the property tax burden onto residential proper- side of the building, and an unidentified food market is on the ties, Fraser noted. “But perhaps the situation will have changed by the time of the right. The side wall of the Lawrence Block, destroyed by fire in reappraisal,” he added. 1924, can be seen on the left, and the Hyde Building, still standing today, is on the right. Today, the building is much changed, Parking Meter Fees to be Reinstituted August 1 but the placement of the windows and doors hint at the original structure under its aluminum siding and vertical board facade. e’ve gotten used to not paying for parking since March. Thank you, Mont- Wpelier! But come August, it’s time to get out the quarters again (or debit card for the smart meters). From the last City Manager’s report: “We will likely restart meter-regulated parking on or around August 1. This would come with an early re-education period, waived fees for parklets, and, potentially, free or reduced price parking in lots. We are also thinking about having more 15-minute spaces to accom- modate take out and curbside.” All good things come to an end.

NATURE WATCH Artwork and Words by Nona Estrin

Bridge Community Media, Inc. P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 • Ph: 802-223-5112 Editor: Carla Occaso Contributing Editor: Tom Brown Publisher Emeritus: Nat Frothingham Copy Editor: Larry Floersch Calendar Editor: Marichel Vaught Layout: Dana Dwinell-Yardley Ad Director: Rick McMahan lorious summer days! Too hot, too dry? Wrightsville Beach is quiet and Board Members: Phil Dodd, Donny Osman, Taylor Dobbs, Josh Fitzhugh, Larry Floersch, Glovely in early morning and late afternoon. The rivers and streams are J. Gregory Gerdel, Irene Racz, Jen Roberts, Mason Singer low but still cool and inviting. Listen to the birds, float on your back and ad- Editorial: 223-5112 • [email protected] Location: The Bridge office is located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Stone Science Hall. mire the clouds, dig in the sand; take a picnic. And give a prayer for the Rain Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by mail for $40 a year. Make out your check to The Bridge, and Gods. When it rains, know that the earth is soaking it up, the underground mail to The Bridge, PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601. reservoirs and lakes are re-charging. montpelierbridge.com • facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt Twitter: @montpbridge • Instagram: @montpelierbridge PAGE 4 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE Montpelier Budget Cut By 10 Percent, Road Work Delayed

By Phil Dodd

acing a projected significant vehicle purchases ($336,500). Other cuts and Jordan with paving later this sum- but possible the work on East State Street downturn in revenues as a result include skipping a cost-of-living increase mer, according to Kurt Motyka, Deputy could begin next year,” he said. Fof the pandemic, the Montpelier for most city employees ($75,472) and Director of Public Works. But work on Some persistent potholes in Montpe- City Council has adopted a “crisis” bud- cutting appropriations by 25 percent to Dewey, Dwinell, and Cummings has lier are now being filled after the return get for the fiscal year started July 1 that the Montpelier Development Corpora- been postponed. July 1 of 10 furloughed workers, includ- cuts spending by $1.4 million, which is tion, the Arts Fund, the Housing Trust A decision to postpone work on West- ing some Public Works employees. The almost 10 percent of the city’s original Fund, and the Homelessness Task force. wood was made recently, Motyka said. final 15 furloughed city workers will fiscal year 2021 budget of $14.9 million, The Ash Borer program is being cut by Those resources will instead be used to return to employment August 1 under according to City Manager Bill Fraser. 20 percent. repave the Bailey Street Bridge and one the new city budget. Fraser said the city’s property tax rate Fraser said the City Council plans to lane on Memorial Drive. Reconstruc- The furloughs, which started earlier and property tax revenues for this fis- review the budget quarterly and see if tion on Taylor Street is expected to start this spring, saved the city about $47,000 cal year should be about the same as additional spending can be added back soon, he added. in fiscal year 2020 — which ended June planned. But other revenue sources — or more cuts are necessary. “The next Asked about East State Street, one of 30 and is expected to come out close to especially parking fees, program fees, review will come in October,” he said. the bumpier major roads in Montpelier, being in balance — and will save about PILOT funding, and local option tax He noted that the new budget is “not Motyka said that will be a massive proj- $25,000 in the FY2021 budget, revenues — could drop by as much as sustainable” in the long term. ect including water, sewer, and stormwa- Fraser said the city will be filling some $1.4 million, he projected. Some planned roadwork will still occur ter infrastructure. Preliminary engineer- open positions in Public Works in the The major cuts enacted include a hir- this summer, while other jobs are being ing on the project is getting underway, fall. “Winter will return and people will ing freeze ($441,603), delays in roadwork delayed. Construction and utility work but the start date could depend on the expect the roads to be plowed,” he said. ($366,470), and delays in equipment and will continue on Clarendon, Redstone, availability of state funding. “It’s unlikely

Swimming Holes conservancy has also protected public laborated with the town of Johnson to times of COVID-19, please visit www. access to Bolton Potholes in Bolton, a protect Journey’s End and Beard Rec- vermontriverconservancy.org. Continued from page 1 geologically stunning swimming hole reation Park, two swimming holes that The Vermont River Conservancy is a whose history has been tarnished by exemplify how community support and Montpelier-based non-profit that works to long trail along the North Branch of overuse and safety issues. After a sum- visitor etiquette and education can create protect and preserve important land along the Winooski River in Worcester and mer of increased management, signage, a well-managed community resource. Vermont waters such as waterfalls, gorges, Elmore — a pristine headwaters section education, and extensive work with the swimming holes, wetlands, river and lake complete with seven cascading waterfalls local community, the conservancy is see- For more information on Vermont River shores, and islands. Information is avail- and swimming holes, hence the trail ing significant improvements at this site. Conservancy-protected swimming holes, able at www.vermontriverconservancy.org name ‘North Branch Cascades.’ The The Vermont River Conservancy col- and visiting swimming holes during these or by calling the VRC at (802) 229-0820. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 5

Home Farm to its condition. It is considered to be a dangerous building. And the city actu- Continued from page 1 ally fenced it in and boarded it up.” But there is no one with whom to negotiate town Montpellier in an homage to its because the owner does not exist. mountains. Davis was named among “Our options are to move forward and 60 others in the original land grant schedule it for demolition, set a date, or and charter of the town of Montpelier do nothing,” said Fraser. in 1780-81. But Davis did not actually Complications and costs involving build the house himself, since he died easements, right of first refusal, preser- in 1814. vation, and conservation may be why no But that aside, the building and land one has been able to make a go of plans are currently not being used by any- for using the property. For one thing, one, and it appears multiple stakehold- the Preservation Trust owns an easement ers are at passive loggerheads, making that requires any person who purchases any progress difficult. The most recent the property to fix it based on the his- owner was a nonprofit organization toric integrity of its original condition, called “Food Works at Two Rivers,” Fraser said. Also, Food Works awarded which dissolved in 2014 because of fi- a neighboring landowner, Connor Con- 5 Home Farm Way. Photo by Carla Occaso. nancial difficulties. tracting, the right of first refusal if the And, while people (including Jamie property is being sold. It is unclear, since and Maria Duggan and, most recently, Food Works has dissolved, whether that In a May 8th letter of this year, well- So why doesn’t the city just sell it by Elizabeth Parker) have come forward to agreement still has teeth. And, in addi- meaning would-be rescuers Jamie and tax sale? Food Works at Two Rivers was ‘rescue’ the building, it has proven to be tion, the Vermont Community Fund is Maria Duggan wrote a letter to the City a nonprofit organization and was not on difficult. Still others, including Mayor owed a $100,000 mortgage. But none of Council regretfully bowing out. “Dear the tax rolls, explained City Manager Anne Watson (who spoke during the these interested parties are swooping in City Council Members, It is with regret Bill Fraser, so no taxes were owed on June 24 City Council meeting) — fear- to take over the situation. we must inform you of our intent to it. However, Fraser said the property is ing the building is a danger to the public Montpelier Building Inspector Chad withdraw our proposal to start a non- now back on the tax rolls, since it is no — would be satisfied with demolishing Lumbra conducted an inspection of the profit that would seek to take over own- longer owned by a nonprofit organiza- the building, acknowledging the his- old farm house on March 18, 2019. He ership of the property at 5 Home Farm tion. toric site with a sign, and building some reported that, at the time, numerous Way in Montpelier. … Based on advice Meanwhile, meeting participant Eliz- kind of community-oriented center in its windows had panes missing but were and guidance from our legal counsel, abeth Parker vowed to put together a place. The back land could be used for not boarded over. This made it easy for as well as real estate and development plan to fund the rescue of the building a dog park, public gardening, or other people to get in if they wanted to. The mentors, we were not able to identify a and start a community program. recreational purposes, including using conditions inside are not safe, he as- prudent path to ownership.” They went City Council members casually the two rivers that abut the property. serts, pointing to sagging floors, sagging on to describe how their attempts to agreed by thumb signal toward the end City Council tackled the topic once roof, deficient framing, rotted wood, work out a deal with the other parties of the meeting to keep monitoring the more during their meeting June 24. and a foundation that “shows evidence involved were unsuccessful. However, situation as observers rather than par- City Manager William Fraser re- of moderate/severe recent movement/ they said they would help if others could ticipants and step in should imminent capped the situation. “A year ago the failure.” He concluded the building is find a way to fix up the property and danger arise. city declared it a public nuisance due not suitable for occupancy. make it work in hopes of preserving the building. PAGE 6 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE A Message From City Hall This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier. Pandemic and Police By William Fraser, City Manager

s this is published, we’ll all be at is a state and national push for body-worn the beginning of our 18th week cameras, which the City and MPD support. Aof various pandemic-related mea- — Disarm the police. As long as guns sures with the Governor’s state of emer- are readily available in Vermont and the gency extended until July 15th. The City is U.S., police officers will be called into dan- now facing a projected $1.4 million revenue gerous situations. Obviously guns and other shortfall for the FY21 budget. The City tools are not needed in most of the interac- Council was presented with a staff proposal tions that officers have. However, the occur- to address this situation, which represents rence of violent calls and necessary response about 10 percent of the overall budget. is completely unpredictable. What does this mean? It means that — Divert funding from the dispro- the city is not raising taxes or rates to make portionately large police budget into up for any shortfall. It means that some the under-funded, volunteer-based services and programs may not function at Montpelier Community Justice Cen- full capacity. It means that some planned ter. The department’s budget is not dispro- infrastructure projects won’t happen this portionately large. The Community Justice summer. Public safety services will remain at Center is a state-funded program. We fully near full capacity. agree that the state should increase funding Projected reductions in PILOT, local for this and all other social service programs options taxes, ambulance fees, state high- Here is how all local funds are allocated for the FY21 budget before the recent (see graph at left). way aid, license fees, and permits total adjustments. Equipment and capital funds are allocated to the appropriate — Arrange for budget shortfall re- $775,000. Additional potential carry-over areas. This includes education, city general fund, water fund, sewer fund, sulting from COVID-19 to come ex- pressure from FY20 and program user fees parking fund, and district heat fund. clusively out of police budget, as total $367,500. Finally, projected parking not to disrupt other services that revenue loss is $265,220. All of this adds up Another community impact is the City to hear from Montpelier residents about the City provides. The FY20 and FY21 to $1,408,620. These numbers, of course, Council’s emergency order requiring face their impressions of the Montpelier Police COVID-related budget adjustments have al- are subject to change based on a wide variety masks in all public indoor locations. This Department. He has also been answering ready been made as discussed earlier. The of factors including the economy, decisions has been mostly successful. We remain dis- questions about his goals and vision for the police department shifted funding for one of the legislature, or changes in COVID-19 appointed in the handful of individuals and department, his philosophy on policing, and officer to a state task force and delayed fund- operating guidance. businesses who have chosen noncompliance. his opinions on controversial issues. ing for a new cruiser. What is being cut? Equipment from The Council enacted three measures de- In preparation for the meeting on August — Police unions keep officers from Police, DPW, Fire/EMS, Recreation, and signed to assist downtown businesses. One 26, here is some basic information oriented facing consequences. Decertify and Cemetery is being delayed for a total of is allowing use of sidewalks for restaurant around requests made to the City Council. disband the police union and do $336,500. Personnel costs including hiring seating or merchandise display (as long as I’ll include more in the August edition of not enter into any further collective freeze or position reductions, delayed/elimi- five feet of usable sidewalk space remains), The Bridge. These comments are mine and bargaining agreements with orga- nated pay increases, and furlough extensions the second is allowing an unlimited amount may not reflect those of the City Council. nizations that represent the police. for a total of $572,075. Capital projects of parking spaces for parklets during 2020 — Remove police officers from the A municipal employer may not decertify a delayed including Cummings Street water/ with an accelerated approval process, and the Montpelier school system. This will police union on its own. Also, the Municipal sewer lines and street rebuild, Hubbard third is blocking one side of Langdon Street be, ultimately, a School Board decision. One Employee Relations Act does not allow a Street retaining wall, and Barre Street and to allow expanded seating and commerce in discussion was already held on July 1. It will municipal employer to file a petition to de- Loomis Street sectional repairs for $366,470. the street. be important to understand the purpose and certify a union. A municipal employer is re- Operations reductions throughout various Parking is another area of conversation. goals of the School Resource Officer posi- quired to bargain in good faith with a union departments for $60,350. Appropriations to The city eliminated all parking fees and tion. The City and Police department wel- representing employees with the intent to community groups including the Montpelier fines (except for accessible spaces, fire lanes/ come the conversation and will provide any enter into a collective bargaining agreement. Development Corporation, the Montpelier hydrants, etc.) in March. With businesses information that is helpful to the process. If the Labor Relations Board determines that Arts Committee, the Housing Trust Fund, reopening, parking spaces are starting to fill — Permanently reduce the num- an employer violates the duty to bargain in the Homelessness Task Force, and the can- and many by the same vehicles all day long. ber of police officers immediately, good faith, the Board concludes that an em- celled July 3 celebration totaling $73,250. We will likely restart meter regulated park- starting with those who have used ployer commits an unfair labor practice and In all these budget reductions represent ing on or around August 1. This would come excessive force. Montpelier has one of orders an appropriate remedy. $1,408,645. with an early re-education period, waived fees the smallest departments (17 sworn officers) — Work toward creating new struc- Are these cuts permanent? They for parklets, and, potentially, free or reduced for a city of our size and activity level. Other tures of justice, emergency re- are not intended to be. Revenues will be price parking in lots. We are also thinking than particular events, the city usually has sponse, and conflict resolution with reviewed on a quarterly basis. If receipts about having more 15-minute spaces to ac- only 2–4 patrol personnel on duty at any the ultimate goal of abolishing the are better than projected we will add things commodate take out and curbside. given time. The City has as many firefight- police. The City and MPD absolutely sup- back in. Many of the projects and equipment ers as police officers. No Montpelier officers port additional resources for mental health could be done in the second half of the fiscal Policing have been found to have used excessive force. services, social workers, alcohol/drug addic- year (January to June of 2021). Staff will be Discussions about the role of the Police in — Pass a resolution banning the pro- tion counseling, domestic violence, poverty brought back gradually. Montpelier, in Vermont, and in the country curement of military equipment and prevention, homelessness services, housing, The real challenge will be the FY22 bud- have continued. The City Council has set surveillance technology. The MPD has and the like. get. By November and December we should aside their meeting of August 26 to talk not requested or received any military equip- all have a better idea of how the pandemic through some of the many concerns and ment from the Department of Defense, more Thank you for reading this article and for is playing out. Are we moving toward some questions people have raised. specifically the 1033 program, in the last 15 your interest in Montpelier City Government. degree of normalcy or are we looking at Police Chief Brian Peete has been hold- years. The city does not use military technol- Please contact me at wfraser@montpelier-vt. permanent changes in our services and local ing a series of community conversations, ogy or surveillance. We use cruiser videos org or 802-223-9502 with any questions or expectations? some in person and some on line. He seeks to record interactions and incidents. There comments. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 7 Food Scraps Banned from Trash

By Carl Etnier

he final phase of Vermont’s 2012 the atmosphere, even at landfills actively Universal Recycling Law went capturing methane. The Environmental Tinto effect on July 1, and now all Protection Agency says landfills consti- food scraps are banned from the trash. tute the third-largest source of methane Properly sorted food scraps are to be emissions in the U.S. from human-re- composted, either on site or elsewhere. lated sources. The food scrap prohibition has been Food scraps that are composted gener- phased in since 2014, when it applied ate — compost! For those who have the to institutions generating more than space, backyard composting can be done two tons per week of food scraps. Each in homemade compost bins or purchased year through 2017, it applied to smaller ones — and the Central Vermont Solid and smaller amounts of food waste. The Waste Management District website last previous milestone was July 1, 2017, (cvswmd.org) has both plans for making when it encompassed generators of more your own and a page for ordering com- than 18 tons/year, roughly 700 pounds mercial compost equipment at a discount. per week. Now it applies to everyone, All transfer stations are now accepting including households. food scraps, as are other places, including The Universal Recycling Law was in- Vermont Compost and Dog River Farm tended, in part, to extend the useful in Montpelier, and Perfect Circle Farm life of Vermont’s one permitted landfill, in Berlin. Both Vermont Compost and in Coventry, by reducing how much is Earthgirl Composting offer residential sent to the landfill. It also targets other curbside compost pickup. Just remember benefits. to keep everything that’s not food scraps Food scraps in landfills, for example, out of the compost — plastic bags and generate methane, which is roughly 80 even the little plastic stickers on fruits times more potent as a greenhouse gas and vegetables cause problems for com- than carbon dioxide over the short term. posters. While some of the methane can be cap- tured and used to generate electricity, More information, including tips on as Washington Electric Co-op does at composting in bear country, is available at Coventry, a significant amount leaks into cvswmd.org and dec.vermont.gov. PAGE 8 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE

Maple Corner Store Reopens Business Pandemic Boosted Business

By Carla Occaso

general store in one of Vermont’s cent years, a local music attraction. Its most idyllic villages has recently Whammy Bar became known to rock A opened up for customers again out all year long with such musical now that the coronavirus infection rate acts as Liz Beatty and the Lab Rats, has subsided to safer levels. The virus the Larkspurs, the Shanty Rats, Rust pandemic actually gave business a boost Bucket, and Groove Philter. as locals stayed home, and, not wanting But all that stopped with the COVID- to venture to downtown Montpelier, 19 pandemic. The store shut down for they relied on the store to get food and in-person shoppers on March 5, but supplies. with curbside pick-up, business actu- Situated between the historic Kents ally picked up, said store manager Anne Corner Tavern and the summer play- Marie Shea. ground of Curtis Pond, the Maple Cor- “We actually got busier for a while,” ner Community Store became, in re- Shea said. “We quadrupled our produce section. Our bottom line hasn’t changed a lot.” Shea said they were lucky to not have to lay off any employees, but noted some employees stopped working because of fears of catching the novel coronavirus. But since the infection rate has gone down, business has gone down. “People are less scared. They are going to Montpelier,” Shea said. “It’s time to reopen.” And with reopening, new rules are in place for in-person shopping. Masks are Anne Marie Shea gets ready to open the doors to in-person customers. Photo by Carla Occaso.

required; no entry if you have symptoms “Stay Home” order hit the store just a of COVID-19 (fever, chills, cough, loss of few months after former owners Artie taste and smell); no entry if you have been and Nancy Toulis sold it to a commu- outside of Vermont for any reason in the nity cooperative in December 2019. Shea past 14 days; no more than three custom- was part of a group who helped organize ers in the store and one in the post office the community cooperative that bought at any given time; one-way path through the store by purchasing individual $500 the store with arrows on the floor; and shares. “It is a corporation. It is owned stand six feet apart from people, accord- by 200 people,” Shea said, adding that ing to maplecornercommunitystore.org. it took about six months to scrape the Also, if you order a sandwich, wait out- money together. They bought it Decem- side while they make it. ber 16, and opened by December 19. The enormous and unexpected But then came the lockdown, which changes brought on by Gov. Phil Scott’s dealt an unexpectedly positive blow. It brought in more local business than ever. So now, thanks to investment by a group of determined citizens, it looks like the community store will stay open through good times and bad. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 9

Runners Find Virtual Motivation Summer Fun

by J. Gregory Gerdel

or runners, “virtual” runs and sults. “We had really good participation,” races do not take the running out Sainz noted. A total of 112 runners Fof the experience. But they do reported 295 events over the eight weeks transcend the difficulty of physical dis- of the initial series, with an average of 35 tancing in the traditional event format runners reporting each week. by dramatically spreading the start time In addition, Sainz pointed out, the over several weeks or months. Spring Series raised $720 for the Ver- For runners of all types, talent, and mont Food Bank through sales of a spe- ambition, a key strategy for motivation cial Central Vermont Runners hat and has long been preparation for a race date direct donations. several weeks or months in the future. A second round of virtual races is When the challenge of sustaining that now underway. The race committee met motivation in a year when the arrival of a again in early June and devised the Cen- pandemic erased the club’s long-standing tral Vermont Runners 2020 Participa- race schedule, Central Vermont Runners tion Race Series, which incorporates the has created a virtual solution to keep courses of nine events that usually occur runners running. between June and Labor Day weekend. Manny Sainz, who was elected Cen- “The objective was to keep the spirit tral Vermont Runners Club president in of these events alive while meeting the March, abruptly found himself leading guidelines of our insurer [Road Runners an organization the events for which Club of America] and of the State of could not be held under the State of Ver- Vermont.” Sainz said. mont guidelines established to limit the The club’s website provides a map of spread of COVID-19. “The Mutt Strut each course, directions to the start line, in April was the first cancelled, then and how to report your results. Registra- the Adamant Half-Marathon, which was tion closes on August 1. To participate, Thomas Hogeboom is a virtual runner. Courtesy photo. scheduled for May,” Sainz said. “Run any or all of the series races be- In April, the Central Vermont Run- tween June 21 and September 6. You Barre Town Spring Run 5K Sainz noted his appreciation of the ners Club race committee came up with can run the races in any order. Enter Capital City Stampede 10K ingenuity that went into creating both a rescheduling plan for the Spring, an your time in the system to be eligible for Montpelier Mile virtual series. Contributors include Sal eight-week series of virtual events where prizes. Prizes are awarded randomly; the Bear Swamp Run 5.7 Miles Acosta, Central Vermont Runners vice each runner could select among several more races you’ve run the greater your Barre Heritage 5K Trail Race president, and the members of the race race distances and record and report chance of winning a prize.” http://cv- Berlin Pond 5 Miler committee: Andy Shuford, Shannon Sa- their time running when and wherever runners.org/wp-c…/plugins/raceseries/ Northfield 5K lembier, Donna Smyers, and Jeff Prescott. they chose. The club’s Social Distance seriesmenu.php Virtual Run Series was a hit. “We had 75 The mapped courses include: people sign up immediately.” Sainz said. Paul Mailman 10 Miler Geographic positioning system (GPS) Paul Mailman 5K technology is key to virtual racing, and Adamant Half Marathon software developers have created at least half a dozen apps that provide this service. Sainz, who, when he is not running, is a data analyst for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, found an online reporting system to compile the weekly re- Rocque Long Painting • Insured • 30+ years professional experience • local references. 802-223-0389 PAGE 10 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE Police Beat Police Dealt with Hot Cats, Fireworks, and Human Despair

Items selected from the Montpelier Police Police issued a ‘No Trespass’ issue after A suicide was reported on Greenwood Hill Road at Cabot Creamery. It was not Department Media Log, June 29 – July someone stole something from a store on Terrace. there when police arrived. 5. The Bridge tried to stick as closely to Memorial Drive. original wording as possible, but sometimes A bear was reportedly in Blanchard July 3 July 2 edited for clarity. Park. A report was received of fireworks A car ran into a deer on Elm Street at being set off. The suspect was caught Cummings Street. July 5 July 4 in the act and was found to not have a Someone reported noncompliance of a Police were called about cats left in 32-year-old Ethan Kvasnak of North- fireworks permit. He turned over his Montpelier business not following Gov- a vehicle. The felines were purrrfectly field was arrested for DUI, attempting remaining fireworks and was warned for ernor’s executive Stay Safe order regard- fine. to elude, resisting arrest, and retail theft. the offense. ing mask wearing. Someone asked police to check the Police received multiple complaints of An officer checked on a vehicle stopped Someone reported a business on Me- welfare of a subject sitting at the end of fireworks being set off, including on Barre on the shoulder of the roadway at Dog morial Drive not following the Gover- the Main Street Bridge. Street, Main Street, and River Street. River Road. Determined to be persons nor’s Stay Safe executive order regarding A child’s scooter was found at Pitkin Someone called to complain of exces- working on beekeeping operation adja- wearing masks. Court. sive barking on College Street. Police no- cent to roadway. Someone reported a fox on Elm Street. tified the dog owner who quieted the dog. A bear was in the roadway on Gallison July 1 Police took a person into protective custody for intoxication near Taylor Street on the bike path following a report of assault. A person was reportedly at the pocket park at Taylor Street with their pants falling down. A report came in of “transients peri- odically using a public space to urinate and defecate.” Patrols of the area will continue. Someone reported a vehicle stolen on State Street.

June 30 Chief Facos was given a retirement ceremony at National Life. Police got a report of a male harassing business owners on Main Street. Someone reported noncompliance of the Governor’s Stay Safe order regarding mask wearing in public business. Someone reported a dog at large at Bishop Hall on College Street. The owners were counseled and a first offense letter provided by mail.

June 29 Several reports of noncompliance of the Governor’s Stay Safe executive order came into the PD. Someone reported an individual uri- nating on the side of a building on Main Street. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 11

Scudder Parker: A Poet Connected Arts to People and the Earth by George Longenecker

hen I interviewed Scudder poetry. “Poetry works well when it Parker of Middlesex about has the honesty of good prayer… Whis new book, “Safe as Light- that takes the time to let the spirit ning,” the conversation ranged far and reflect back to you.” In “The Poem wide. That’s appropriate, for his poetry of the World” he says “The poem of covers such a breadth of topics. It’s writ- the world wants me to wake/ in my ing rooted in the soil of Vermont, rich in own body; it is astonished I might imagery, for Parker is a careful observer. let these supple bones grow brittle. Illustrations by Adelaide Tyrol enhance / It is the sudden thing I trust.” In the poetry. “Chamois Shirt” the poet is both He’s been a minister, state senator, pragmatic and contemplative. “But gubernatorial candidate, and renewable infinity is always there/ beneath, be- energy consultant. He’s a devoted fa- tween shirt after/ shirt, the wheat we ther and grandfather. He’s proud of the wear, the wheat/ that will sustain us. gardens he and his wife Susan Sussman Down on my knees scrubbing today’s regrets. “I’ll take the way things hap- have cultivated. All of this comes out in soil from the floor, / that cloth I use pen.” To read his poems it’s clear he’s his poetry. As we spoke, it was clear that is soft, so thin, / almost gone. Parker happy with the way things have hap- he writes with purpose and revises with says poetry should be “A dialogue pened, but does not avoid life’s sadness a clear sense of craft. His poems take us with the world around you.” and irony. This is skillfully crafted from his childhood in the 1950s, back “The Voice He Grew Up With” is a verse, worthy of comparison with the when his parents farmed in North Dan- touching reminiscence on aging. “She best poets. ville, to the present. lives in a landscape without courtesy./ In our interview, Parker said how he It’s not a terrifying place for her./ She The Poem of the World “Became a farm boy” and “fell in love knows her husband’s voice is gone./ Her with the land.” He likes his poetry to grandson visits, talks summers at the of trees and of personal loss. “Or should I reveals itself be “A conversation with the spirit and farm/…She has not spoken in weeks./ just admit:/how much I miss them.” like a doe’s hoof tapping ice creatures.” Both family reminiscence and As he walks out the door she says I asked him if there were similarities till she can drink. his keen observation of Vermont are clear ‘thankyou’/ in the voice he grew up between crafting legislation as a senator in the poem “Moose Bog.” “The blue- with.” and committee chair and writing poetry. Startles like the rust of purple on this headed vireo pokes its thread of song/ About the title poem, he says: “Light- “Being responsive…making it an inves- fall’s in and out among balsam buds erupt- ning is what’s real. We pay more atten- tigative forum.” In “Art of the Poem” he forsythia leaves, though it may have ing like/ green caterpillars, and the first tion to the thunder.” He goes on to say says “I imagine myself a cook.” used that small voice red maple leaves.” His father was not that the poet’s “… job is not to hide from In 2006 Parker won the Democratic every year, unheard… very successful at farming and became a reality.” He spoke of the many funerals gubernatorial primary but lost the gen- minister. “We stopped in Island Pond for he’s conducted. “If we don’t deal with eral election. I asked if he’d rather have “Safe as Lightning,” by Scudder H. coffee…This is where my father started sadness, we miss the wonder and beauty been governor or have been a published Parker. Rootstock Publishing ($15.95), preaching/ sixty years ago…The once of life.” In “Elms” he speaks of the death poet. He would only say he has no ISBN 978-1-57869-031-2. thriving village was collapsing like a pumpkin in November.” Like his father, Scudder Parker became CLASSIFIED AD a minister. He served churches in East St. First Class Office Space near Johnsbury and lower Waterford for 20 Capitol at 149 State Street, years. I asked him to compare prayer and Montpelier, VT. Perfect location within a 3-minute walk to Capitol. Beautiful Greek CLASSIFIED AD Revival building renovated throughout. Handicap accessible, Commercial Space for Rent foyer, waiting room and restroom. Great downtown Montpelier Includes off-street parking, office location! 1592 sq ft, plus unfinished cleaning weekly, heat, AC, hot office space and basement. $1400 water, snow removal, landscaping per month plus utilities. For more and full maintenance. Offices information: downstreet.org/ starting at $300.00 per month. Call commercial or call 802-477-1329 508-259-7941. PAGE 12 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday, July 15 Wednesday, July 22 Thursday, July 30 Mood Disorders Support Group: Mood Disorders Support Group: Via Compost Basics: A Free Central Via Zoom. Peer and professionally led Zoom. See event listing under July 15. Vermont Solid Waste Manage- support for people coping with mood ment District Webinar. 1 pm Register: disorders such as depression, bipolar Saturday, July 25 cvswmd.org/workshop-registration.html disorder, seasonal affective disorder, Counterpoint Viewing Party. postpartum depression, dysthymia, and Via Friday, July 31 more. We share our experience, strength, YouTube Live, we’ll show footage of re- Sky Blue Boys & Cookie. and hope to support each other on our cent performances and videos that put Dan mental health journey. Every Wed. 4–5 inspiring images to some of our favorite (“Banjo Dan”) and Willy Lindner with pm. Free. For more information and meet- songs. Counterpoint singers will remi- Carrie (“Cookie”) Cook. Variety is ing code, contact Rosanne at 917-1959 or nisce about our past, talk about the the hallmark of The Sky Blue Boys & [email protected] future, and answer your questions! 7 pm. Cookie: part old-timey, part folk, and youtube.com/user/natlewvt/featured part bluegrass — but mostly unpredict- 6:30–7:30 pm. Food by chef Jimmy Friday, July 17 able. Sunday, July 26 D. Kennedy available 4–8 pm. Highland Pictured is Kathrine Switzer, the first The Real McCoy. Breathtaking stunts Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Brunch with Andrew Koehler. woman to run in the Boston Marathon and lighting fast wit will have everyone Join Greensboro. Reserve your free ticket at us on the patio for brunch and a con- in 1967, according to kathrineswit- in the family cheering for this show full highlandartsvt.org zer.com. Race official Jock Semple, of awe and laughs. Entrance to the event cert of improvised jazz standards, and 10 am–1 in black directly behind her, tried to will be limited to 65. Spread out on the modern and familiar tunes. Wednesday, August 5 lawn or sit on the patio. 6:30 pm. The pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 force her out of the race. It didn’t Mood Disorders Support Group: Via Miso Hungry food truck will be on site 4–8 Hardwick St., Greensboro. Free. highland- work thanks to those who came to her Zoom. pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 artsvt.org. Reserve your free ticket at high- See event listing under July 15. defense. Credit The Boston Herald. Hardwick St., Greensboro. Reserve your landartsvt.org. free ticket at highlandartsvt.org Thursday, August 6 Wednesday, July 29 miles) route of their choice, at any in- Don’t Flush That!: a Free Central terval and at any pace, between the 8th Mood Disorders Support Group: Via Vermont Solid Waste Manage- and the 15th in a “Votes for Women/ Zoom. See event listing under July 15. ment District Webinar. 2 pm. Register: Votes for All” sash and submit photos to cvswmd.org/workshop-registration.html celebrate their accomplishment. $20. For more info: http://cvrunners.org/cvr-races/ Saturday, August 8 suffrage-scramble/ Register: https://www. Vermont Suffrage Centennial Al- letsdothis.com/us/e/suffrage-scramble-5k- liance and Central Vermont Run- virtual-event-187864 ners Virtual Suffrage 5K Scramble. Aug. 8–15. Individuals, friends, orga- Sunday, August 9 nizations, clubs, and corporations are Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alli- invited to form groups to commemorate ance and Central Vermont Runners the Women’s Suffrage Centennial. Par- Virtual Suffrage 5K Scramble. See ticipants will run or walk the 5K (3.11 event description under Aug. 8 THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 13 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monday, August 10 Wednesday, August 12 Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alli- Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alli- ance and Central Vermont Runners ance and Central Vermont Runners Virtual Suffrage 5K Scramble. See Virtual Suffrage 5K Scramble. See event description under Aug. 8. event description under Aug. 8. Mood Disorders Support Group: Via Tuesday, August 11 Zoom. See event listing under July 15. Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alli- ance and Central Vermont Runners You can submit listings for free events and Virtual Suffrage 5K Scramble. See arts-related events via our online form, or event description under Aug. 8. email to [email protected].

ART EXHIBITS Through July 25: Caroline Tavelli-Abar, Moments of Joy. These works share pieces of the artist’s journey when mental health became a priority and healing necessary. Axel’s Gallery, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. axels- gallery.com Through August 2: Glen Coburn Hutcheson, Boxers and Friends. In Hutcheson’s series of sculptures, he makes abstract forms out of starched clothing — often his own discarded T-shirts and boxers. The forms twist, grow, and embody the same sense of spontaneity as his earlier series of colorful squiggle paintings. Virtual artist talk; July 21, 7 pm. The Front Gallery, 6 Barre St., Montpelier. In-person viewing by appointment. For more info and Zoom invitation: thefrontvt.com/event/glen- coburn-hutcheson-boxers-and- friends/ Through Octotber 11: Triad 2020: Art During Covid-19. New paintings by artists Patrick Dunfey, Pam Glick, and Richard Jacobs. The Bundy Modern, 361 Bundy Rd., Waitsfield. By appointment: 777-2713. bundy- modern.com PAGE 14 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE

Get Out and Vote! Elections

ugust 11 is the primary election • Dwayne Tucker (R), Barre Town • John Steinman (R), Barre City • Rebecca Holcombe (D), Norwich day. Contact your city or town • Brent Young (R), Barre Town • Tommy Walz (D), Barre City • John Klar (R), Brookfield Aclerk for information on early • Bernard Peters (R), Irasburg voting. Early voting runs from June Washington County Washington 4 • Emily Peyton (R), Putney 27 through August 10 by absentee bal- Representatives • Mary Hooper (D), Montpelier • Phil Scott (R), Berlin lot. Voter registration deadline is Friday, Washington - 1 • Warren Kitzmiller (D), Montpelier • Boots Wardinski (P), Newbury August 7. • Gordon Bock (D), Northfield • Glennie Fitzgerald Sewell (P), • Patrick Winburn (D), Bennington Qualified candidates for local county- • Anne Donahue (R), Northfield Montpelier • David Zuckerman (D), Hinesburg wide and legislative positions from the • Kenneth Goslant (R), Northfield secretary of state’s website by name, • Robert “Rob” Lehmert (D), Berlin Washington 5 Lieutenant Governor party, town: • Denise MacMartin (D), Northfield • Kimberly Jessup (D), Middlesex • Tim Ashe (D), Burlington • Dana Colson, Jr. (R), Sharon Washington County Senate Washington 2 Washington 6 • Cris Ericson (P), Chester Candidates • Rob LaClair (R) Barre Town • Janet Ancel (D), Middlesex • Molly Gray (D), Burlington • Ken Alger (R), Barre Town • Francis “Topper” McFaun, (R), Barre • Meg Hansen (R), Manchester • Ann Cummings (D), Montpelier Town Washington 7 • Jim Hogue (R), Calais • Theo Kennedy (D), Middlesex • Kari Dolan (D), Waitsfield • Debbie Ingram (D), Williston • Andrew Perchlik (D), Montpelier Washington 3 • Maxine Grad (D), Moretown • Scott Milne (R), Pomfret • Anthony Pollina (D), Middlesex • Peter D. Anthony (D), Barre City • Dwayne Tucker (R), Barre Town • Dawnmarie Tomasi (R), Barre Town • Karen Lauzon (R), Barre City Washington-Chittenden • Brenda Siegel (D), Newfane • Brock Coderre (R), Waterbury • Thomas Stevens (D), Waterbury State Treasurer • Theresa Wood (D), Waterbury • Carolyn Whitney Branagan, (R), Georgia Other candidates for statewide • Cris Ericson (P), Chester positions: • Beth Pearce (D), Barre City Representative to U.S. Congress: • Miriam Berry (R), Essex Secretary of State • Chris Brimmer (P), Ryegate • Jim Condos (D), Montpelier • Ralph “Carcajou” Corbo (D), • Cris Ericson (P), Chester Wallingford • H. Brooke Paige (R), Washington • Cris Ericson (P), Chester • Jimmy Rodriguez (R), Montpelier Auditor of Accounts • Justin Tuthill (R), Pomfret • Cris Ericson (P), Chester • Anya Tynio (R), Charleston • Doug Hoffer (D), Burlington • Peter Welch (D), Norwich • Linda Joy Sullivan (D), Dorset

Governor: Attorney General • Douglas Cavett (R), Milton • T.J. Donovan (D), South Burlington • Ralph “Carcajou” Corbo (D), • Cris Ericson (P), Chester Wallingford • H. Brooke Paige (R), Washington • Cris Ericson (P), Chester • Emily Peyton (R), Putney THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 15

Fly Me to the Moon, Let Me Opinion Whiz Among the Stars

dic skiing, drinking, and trying to make another consideration is, if urine can be After all, my brother did not refer to his cement out of available materials. used directly, exactly how does one pee cans of Bud as “Bee-wees” for no reason. A chemist at Østfold University Col- on the lunar soil while in a pressure suit. I had the privilege of growing up in lege, Anna-Lena Kjøniksen, and her col- As far as I have been able to determine, the shadow of Cape Canaveral during leagues experimented by creating some the men’s moonsuits do not have flies, the early days of the space program, faux lunar soil from silica and aluminum and female astronauts would face even and if the astronauts of the future are By Larry oxide powders. They then added water greater challenges. And would opening a anything like the original seven Mercury Floersch containing a high amount of urea, which fly or flap in a place with no real atmo- astronauts, large and frequent shipments (Apologies to Frank Sinatra) is a major component of urine. Accord- sphere and extreme temperatures pose of beer will be needed just to keep them ing to the scientists the urea cuts down any danger to various exposed compo- happy. As I remember, those seven astro- just read in my favorite science news on the amount of water needed to create nents of the body? At least there is grav- nauts were hard partiers in and around magazine that astronauts might be cement by keeping the mixture from ity, albeit only one-third that of Earth’s, Cocoa Beach. If they were still around Iable to use their urine to make ce- becoming crumbly. so things should go where directed if you today and given the task and raw ma- ment on the moon. That’s right. They They were able to use the result- correct for reduced ballistic drop. terials, they could probably produce the just need to pee on some lunar soil ing . . . uhh . . . mud in a 3-D printer and Last, and this is a huge one, exactly cement for an extensive lunar metropolis and voila, they could build a four-story managed to produce layers that when how do we get all the beer that would in a couple of months. parking garage for their lunar rovers! stacked created miniature walls. These be needed to produce the urine up to the I’m making an assumption here that Permits are another matter. walls were able to sustain light amounts moon? If Anheuser-Busch is aware of this beer is lighter than water because of all The notion of using lunar soil to of weight and temperature changes. Norwegian research, I’m sure they have al- the little bubbles in it. Still, given the create cement and using that cement Several questions remain, however. ready contacted Elon Musk at Space-X or logistics and expense of lifting all that in a 3-D printer to create dwellings Kjøniksen said she wants to determine the Russians about the necessary “heavy beer to the moon, instead of Bud or PBR, on the moon has been proposed by whether the urine would need to be lift” rockets. Budweiser would be a good I’m putting my money on a local label: some space-exploration researchers, but purified before it is used to make ce- candidate for making cement with urine. Zero Gravity. the large amounts of water that would ment or whether the astronauts could be needed for such a process make it just pee directly into the cement mixer. prohibitive. As I’m sure you remember Call me silly, but I personally would from the days of the Apollo landings, prefer that, if I were going to be living although lunar soil is quite abundant, in one of these dwellings, the urine be water is scarcer than hens’ teeth on the purified before going into the cement. moon. (I had a similar reaction when I learned The revelation of using human urine that early pioneers in the American west instead of water comes to us from Nor- cooked their beans and bacon over nice way, where apparently there is not much smokey “buffalo chip” fires.) to do during the winter other than Nor- Although she didn’t address the issue, PAGE 16 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE

Hiring? Bridge ads get seen.

Call Rick to advertise: 802-249-8666. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 17 In Memoriam: Michael Nobles

By Josh Fitzhugh

ccasionally in life you run across times drive his topless Triumph sports prostate cancer, mental health in general, things that happen which are car to the office. He was fascinated with and suicide. One must conclude that de- Ounbelievable. You know it’s a clocks and spent hours repairing antique spite his efforts to promote wellness, he contradiction, but that’s how you feel. or unusual ones. He wrote with a foun- himself was not well. The explosion of the Challenger space tain pen, and his notes were always clear I’m still having great, great difficulty shuttle and Neil Armstrong’s walk on and organized. accepting that fact. I could see nothing the moon are examples. The worldwide But let me get back to unbelievability in him that suggested sickness. Perhaps I lockdown from COVID-19 is another. (if there is such a word). Michael was was blind, or he was adept (as one friend To me, and many others who knew into WELLNESS. He did everything in has suggested) at shifting the focus else- him, the death of Michael Nobles is a his power to improve the health of our where. As chairman of the board of fourth. It just seems unbelievable that employees, and if they didn’t take advan- directors of Union Mutual my focus was he died. tage of some of these programs, he was on the business, and in that sphere Mi- Everything about Michael spoke of not reticent, privately, of criticizing them chael excelled. I did not look enough at youthfulness, wellness, and enthusiasm. for it. In fact, just recently he received the person behind the executive. Could He was fifty when he died but looked the Vermont Business Wellness Leader- my concern, and the concern of others twenty years younger. He ran 5 and 10 ship Award. in that sphere, have made a difference? kilometer races like he was still on the And yet he died, well before his actu- Perhaps, as the website of the Movember UVM track team. There was not an arial life expectancy. Foundation attests. I certainly know I ounce of fat on him. As president of Michael’s obituary asked friends to would have tried, because we have just Union Mutual of Vermont companies on Michael Nobles. Courtesy photo. donate to two causes: to the Special lost a terrific man and a superb chief State Street, he initiated a “donate not to Olympics and to the Movember Foun- executive. shave” program for the male employees dation, a charity dedicated to improving to build morale, raise money for charity, organized teams for the Corporate Cup. men’s health by addressing four con- and — I think — to prove to others that He was extremely proud of us being ditions in particular: testicular cancer, Josh Fitzhugh lives in Berlin. he in fact needed to shave — once in a selected a Best Places to Work company while. by Vermont Business Magazine seven Michael succeeded me as president of years in a row. In recent years he led the the insurance company, where he had company, its employees, and agents in previously served as staff accountant, providing major support to the Special treasurer and CFO, and executive vice Olympics, personally leading the Pen- president. Insurance is largely a financial guin Plunge jumping into Lake Cham- business, and after 25 years at Union, plain each winter. Michael knew our business cold. If a Many in Montpelier know Michael number moved in square 67, he could tell from his efforts this spring organizing a you its impact on any other square in the meals program for essential workers and spreadsheet. Even more remarkable for a others left destitute by the pandemic. It “numbers guy,” he could explain all this was a program that helped those indi- to financial laymen like me, or others viduals but also restaurants and delica- like me on our board of directors. tessens in town. If that were all Michael could do, we As a resident of central Vermont, Mi- still probably would have elected him chael also contributed to the community. CEO. But there was so much more. He was a director of Lost Nation Theater Michael really cared about people. He and sat on the Montpelier Business De- knew the names of all 100 employees. velopment committee. He loved old cars, Michael Nobles, fourth from right, in penguin costume, participates in a fund- He served burgers at outdoor picnics and and in summer months would some- raising activity. Courtesy photo. PAGE 18 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE

The Way I See It Opinion Exodus

By Bernie Lambek

y father, For Americans, of course, 9/11 recalls invaded, people were beaten up and their memoir, my nephew Simon remarked Mthe math- September 11, 2001. Europeans reverse possessions were thrown out of the win- on “the perfunctory and almost blasé ematician, was the order of the day and month; for my dow. Some people were forced to jump way [my father] Jim talks about events born in Leipzig father 9/11 meant Kristallnacht, the 9th down the embankment of the Pleisse. that are nearly unfathomable to me in in 1922. When of November, 1938. My father wrote He then recounted an incident that their horribleness.” Simon noted how the Nazis in his memoir that on that evening he probably occurred in the last month of “the humanity and sense of ethical duty marched into had visited a friend, with whom he said 1938: with which he writes is powerful in its Austria in the he was “discussing some philosophical A group of SS men entered our understatedness.” early spring of 1938 — the Anschluss — questions.” building and demanded to see my The family did not go to Peru. My fa- my father was called into the principal’s Returning home by streetcar, I no- father. My mother shouted: “What do ther and his sister Sonja, younger by four office at the King Albert Gymnasium ticed a bunch of rough characters car- you want with my husband? He is not years, were sent on the Kindertransport and was informed that, as a non-Aryan, rying wooden clubs. I wondered: who here.” When I remonstrated with her to England. In London, my father later he was no longer welcome at a German had brought them to town and to for the undignified way of losing her wrote: school. what purpose? cool, she pointed out that Papa had … we were graciously put up by He then attended a Jewish high school The answer was revealed next morning gone to the attic for some purpose and father’s relatives: aunt Sally and uncle in Leipzig. Persecution of Jews esca- on the telephone grapevine. There had she had shouted to warn him not to Leo and cousin Ruth with her hus- lated. They were not allowed to enter been a pogrom during the night, which come down. band. London then was the biggest public swimming pools, then cinemas later came to be known as the “Kristall- Unfortunately, my father was a law- city in the world, and I was quite and department stores. His passport was nacht.” Two synagogues had been burned abiding citizen and he subsequently overwhelmed. I commuted daily from stamped with a big letter J. down, a number of homes had been turned himself in at Gestapo headquar- Hendon Central to Oxford Circus, ters. He was sent to the concentration near where I got a job in Bloomsbury camp Sachsenhausen and held there for House. This was an office building several weeks, until my mother managed dedicated to the processing of incom- to obtain visas for our family to emigrate ing refugees. My job was to carry to Peru. Apparently, the Nazis were not documents from one desk to another. yet prepared to exterminate the Jews, At this point in his story, my father but to force them to leave the country. says something that is so typical and This was not a simple matter, since visas admirable that it hurts: were not readily available. People who I took my lunch breaks in the knew how to go about this managed British Museum, where I learned to procure visas to Shanghai or Central much about Egypt, Mesopotamia America. This required some monetary and Greece. expenditure. He was a person who could blinker I remember father returning home, the ugly facts of his immediate time and his head shaved and his suit crumpled, see the brilliant knowledge of the world owing to the camp’s delousing proce- beyond. dure. He did not talk to us children Drove me crazy, sometimes, growing about the horrible treatment he had re- up, as his mind focused on the grand ac- ceived. Silence had been one condition complishments of the ancient Egyptians, for his release, as was the promise to leave Mesopotamians and Greeks, not to men- Germany as soon as possible. tion the beautiful abstractions of math- On reading this portion of my father’s ematics, but not on my trivial exploits.

BE SEEN! BE HEARD! Advertise. Call Rick, 802-249-8666. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 19

Letters to the Editor Opinion

East Calais Community “for ECCT” and mailed to ECCT, PO est in the country. In Vermont, African that, “Black Lives Matter,” has been Trust Purchases General Box 14, E. Calais, VT 05650. American families earn $50,933 annu- painted on State Street, the street in front Store Building Janice Ohlsson, [email protected] ally, the third most of any state, about of the Capitol Building. Are there not Denise Wheeler, [email protected] $4,000 less than the state’s typical white laws against vandalism anymore? Editor: Marc Mihaly, [email protected] household. Nationally the income gap I did find the Zoom video of the On June 29, 2020 the East Calais between white and black Americans is Montpelier City Council meeting that Community Trust (ECCT) finalized the Open Letter to Officers roughly $24,000. approved said actions, watched it, and purchase of the general store building Vermont is one of two states that al- was surprised that not one person asked on Rt. 14. The Vermont non-profit was and Comments on BLM lows citizens incarcerated on a felony the question as to whether painting a formed in 2019 with the goal of purchas- Editor: charge to vote while in prison. Vermont political statement on State Street was ing and renovating the historic building THANK YOU! Not only have you been therefore effectively has no legally disen- even legal in regards to vandalism (Vt. in the heart of the village and reopen- on the front lines with COVID-19, but franchised black Americans; nationwide, State Statute 13 V.S.A. § 3701, Unlawful ing the general store, which closed in now rallies want to dismantle you. Black one in every 13 African Americans is mischief) and/or the probation of bill- December. The Preservation Trust of Lives Do Matter. Police Lives Matter. Our disenfranchised. boards in the state (Vt. State Statute 10 Vermont has provided fiscal sponsorship own liberty and justice matters, too. Black lives do matter. My father was V.S.A. § 495). You could almost say that and guidance along the way. Our nation aspires to liberty and jus- at the MLK “I Have a Dream” speech the Montpelier City Council showed a The Community Trust sends a HUGE tice for all; that comes with a price. It in a time when these needs were much blatant disregard as to whether these thank you to all supporters who donated needs muscle to uphold this. Disman- greater. There’s not a lot of need to fund painting actions were even legal! funds and gave of their time, energy, tling the police is a rally cry that should inquiries into injustices here in Vermont. Then I read that Governor Phil Scott and talents to bring this to fruition. And make everyone take note of who wants Perhaps Vermont should channel some gave the go-ahead to spoil the street! members are excited to begin work on to strip us of our freedoms. Who would BLM funding to promote awareness of What gives him, or any other individual, the next steps of cleaning out the com- protect us from crimes and seek to bring our ethnic diversity and give honor to the ability to ignore State Statute? Who- mercial space, beginning renovations, the unlawful to justice on our behalf? great civic leaders of all races who have ever is responsible for this defacement and searching for a new storekeeper. Agreed, in some settings there are places sought to promote Freedom and Unity, needs to be personally, financially re- Board members hope that interim that need some cleaning. Thankfully, Liberty and Justice. sponsible for cleaning it up. pop-up events and fundraisers will gen- there’s not much of that in Vermont. We Thank you Vermont police and sher- But maybe we have precedent now. erate interest and enthusiasm in the proj- should toot our horns. iffs for being our front lines for COVID- What if I and a bunch of my friends ect from the greater Calais community, Do you know that 247wallst.com, who 19, for monitoring peaceful BLM rallies, want to paint “Biden 2020” on one of our on the way to the eventual reopening yearly monitors statistics, portrays Ver- and for many years of protecting our other major roads? How about “Trump of the store. They point to the recently mont as: freedom. May you know our united sup- 2020”? We could also paint “Meat is launched “Extra Row” free veggies and • Percentage black residents: 0.9 percent port and gratitude. Murder” or perhaps “Jesus Saves.” There (maybe) eggs events that take place Sat- (3rd lowest) Martha Hafner, Randolph Center appears to be nothing stopping me from urday mornings on the porch from 9 to • Black homeownership rate: 24.6 per- painting “Jacobs Pizza” either! 11. Local gardeners are encouraged to cent (9th lowest) Re: Black Lives Matter I used to think that we Vermonters share their extra produce with families were just a little bit smarter than your • Black incarceration rate: 2,214 per on State Street in need or those who may not have a 100,000 (19th lowest) average American citizen, but I see that garden. This means only two states have a Editor: that is no longer the case. Another benefit to the community is lower percentage of black residents, only Being a native Vermonter, I was first Bret R. Collier, Berlin, Vermont; the building’s new Wi-Fi hot spot, which eight states have a higher rate of black dismayed and then disappointed to learn Big Lake, Minnesota provides free high-speed internet access home ownership, and only 18 states have to anyone within range. lower incarceration rates. Along with the store lease, three ex- Vermont is the only state with a larger isting affordable housing apartments share of African American adults hav- will continue to generate revenue for the ing graduated from college than white Trust. Board members hope that volun- adults. Of African American adults, 37.0 teers will step up to help with “sprucing- percent have at least a bachelor’s degree up” projects in the revival of the building — the highest share of any state — and the store. higher than the 35.1 percent of white Donations for renovation work can be residents with similar attainments. made payable to the Preservation Trust The difference in incomes between of Vermont, with a note in the memo line white and black residents is the small- PAGE 20 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE

Memory of the 1918 Pandemic History

By Ann Keller Blanchard, from My Life and Times, 1999

t was a gray and bleary evening with The doctor knew from the begin- The next day Mother picked up the rain pelting the dirty window panes. ning that he could save the paper to read that the doctor — her IInside, the waiting room of the rail- son whose case was lighter, doctor — had committed suicide. road station was equally dismal and for- but probably not the I can now picture her desper- lorn with a small number of lackluster daughter. The day when ate loneliness as Mother coped people sitting or wandering aimlessly. he expected the crisis in with our convalescence. Help My mother stood staunchly (an adjec- my condition, Mother came from an unexpected tive surely coined just for her!) holding a asked, “Shall I call my and heart-warming source. child by each hand, suitcases at her feet. husband?” Neighbors came with chicken Frank and I stared dully without enthu- “There is no way he soup, custards, and hands siasm until we saw our father striding can get leave to reach outstretched in sympathy to through the door toward us. His wel- here in time,” the doc- this mother, stranger in their come was warm and loving, although tor replied. “Either she midst. Not one of us ever I think now the weariness must have will turn the corner in returned there in a lifetime, shown in his face as it did in Mother’s. the next few hours or but the place was never men- This was Rockford, Illinois, where my she will be gone.” tioned among us without the young life nearly ended. We knew not a Obviously, I survived. warmest thoughts of gratitude single soul, nor did a single soul know All through these anx- to those beautiful caring neigh- us. Dad had rented a small house for us ious days Mother’s heart bors of Rockford, Illinois. there. It was miles from the army camp ached for the doctors and As a postscript to this story, where he trained his men for combat in nurses working tirelessly I recovered completely, but Frank World War I, but the nearest he could around the clock, often fall- was left with asthma, which haunted find. How long we were there before ing victims themselves to this him all his life. For me this was a time disaster struck, I don’t know — not long, scourge. When at last she had us of bewilderment and confusion. I knew I think. both at home, I seemed to be worse nothing of the agony of that First World Both Frank and I fell victims to the again. She put in a call for the doctor. War, or of the celebration of the armi- raging, virulent influenza epidemic of When he returned the call, his reply was stice ending it on November 11, 1918, 1918, which took thousands of lives. We desperate: “My God, I can’t do anything when I was five. were hospitalized, I not once, but twice. more!” Margaret Murphy Keller with son Frank and daughter Ann. Photo Ann Keller Blanchard is the mother of courtesy Margaret Blanchard. Montpelier resident Margaret Blanchard, professor Emerita of Graduate Studies at Vermont College’s Master of Arts Program in Creativity. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 21 Norma Raymond Turns 97 Under Quarantine

By Carl Etnier

hen Norma Raymond She married Lewis Raymond, and they recounted standing in line with Ray- turned 95, the lawn outside moved to East Montpelier, where they mond to get into a Ground Hog Opry Wthe Montpelier Unitarian milked cows and raised pigs, sheep, and performance in Waterbury. “We started Church was full of well-wishers. As of ducks. At one point, she said, her husband out chatting with someone ahead of us a week before her July 15th birthday got sick of dairy farming, so they got rid who we knew, and it turned out they this year, when she turns 97, she had no of all the animals and started boarding were related. She knows everybody; she expectations of a party on her birthday horses. Lewis Raymond also worked off- knows everything; she is an unstoppable — the assisted living facility she lives in farm jobs, at Heaton Hospital and, later, force for social justice.” remains under quarantine. for the state highway department. Grossman’s husband, Paul Erlbaum, was I caught up with the longtime East In East Montpelier, Raymond became part of the conversation, and he added, Montpelier resident, now temporarily the town’s first school “bus” driver in her “She has had an ‘Impeach Trump’ sticker staying in Heaton Woods in Montpelier, four-door Model A Ford, she recounts. on her car since he was inaugurated.” to get a local perspective on aging with She started out driving her oldest son to Today, Raymond hopes to return grace. I wanted Raymond’s perspective school, and then a neighbor boy — and someday to her East Montpelier home. In to complement a radio interview with then more neighbors. Pretty soon she was Heaton Woods, she’s often on her phone bestselling author Elizabeth Marshall Norma Raymond. Courtesy photo. making two trips. She didn’t charge any- or FaceTime, keeping up the network of Thomas on her latest book, published at body for the service until a school board contacts she’s built up over nearly a cen- age 88, “Growing Old.” lotte, where she spent her early years. member approached her about picking up tury. (Her home phone number now con- While Thomas told me she started feel- When her father took a job working as a more kids as a school employee. They paid nects to her room, so friends don’t need to ing old when she hit 80 or so, Raymond mechanic for state road maintenance ve- her a dollar a day to make the rounds, she look up a new number for her.) She takes seemed to have access to a fountain of hicles, Raymond’s family moved to Put- said. Eventually she bought a Chevy Sub- walks around the outside of the building youth, until she didn’t. “I felt so young namville. Raymond went to school there, urban and converted it into more of a bus. but never leaves the grounds. While she and everything through 94 and 95,” she and then to Montpelier High School. The couple moved to Raymond’s cur- supports the quarantine for elder living said, “and then I hit 96, and that’s when After she graduated, the U.S. entered rent home in the mid-1980s, and Ray- homes, she said with discouragement, “I all this stuff began.” She was living in her World War II, and Raymond joined the mond is known as a force in the neigh- may be in quarantine forever.” home on Towne Hill Road when she had Red Cross to assist nurses at Heaton borhood — with friendships and family a heart attack and a small stroke on Janu- Hospital — now the Heaton Woods ties apparently stretching long distances ary 3, which began an odyssey to Cen- Residence where she is currently living. in all directions. Two neighbors refer to tral Vermont Medical Center and then She recalls volunteering in that capacity themselves as Norma’s “Daughter num- Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing. from 1942 to 1948 or 1949. “Nurses were ber one” and “Daughter number two,” When she was strong enough she moved leaving hospitals for the war,” she said. and one of them, Rachael Grossman, back home — for a while. “My sister was in Europe for the war.” “I had a HomeShare tenant coming,” After high school, she also found Mont- she said. “I’ve always done very well with pelier Unitarian Church, where she has HomeShare. I had three HomeShares become such a force that one member told who are still in touch with me, friendly me last year a project wouldn’t succeed with me, very often.” HomeShare Ver- in the congregation without Raymond’s mont matches people with a house to blessing. She started attending at age 18. share, and who often need help around “For a long while, I was the youngest one the house, with people who need a home active in the church,” she said. and are willing to assist in chores in return for reduced rent. After her return from Woodridge, however, Raymond said the HomeShare tenant didn’t work out, and she moved into Heaton Woods Residence in Montpelier. When the COVID-19 pandemic was detected in Vermont in March, long- term-care and group-living settings such as Heaton Woods closed their doors to visitors. The older residents are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, and more than half of Vermont’s 56 COVID- 19 deaths have occurred at two elder care homes in Burlington. In June, state guidelines began to allow visitors on a limited basis, and Heaton Woods has opened for visitors three days a week. “You can sign up to have visitors Mon- days, Wednesdays, or Fridays,” she said, for a half-hour visit, with everyone wearing a mask. Hugs and kisses are still not allowed; Raymond said visitors and residents must stay 10 feet apart, on benches. A week before her birthday, Raymond was preparing for her third in-person visitor since March. Raymond was born in 1923 in Char- PAGE 22 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE Local Gardening Craze — Part II

he photo spread concerning the Col- Tlege Street garden was inadvertently left out of last month’s issue of The Bridge. If you didn’t read last month’s issue (you still can online at montpelierbridge.org), Paul Carnahan wrote about Montpelier’s gardening craze 100 years ago, during World War I. He drew the parallel to a renewed interest in gardening this spring during the COVID-19 Above, this house at 6 McKinley Street pandemic. can be seen in the distance in the There’s been a resurgence in home picture of the Camp Fire Girls’ garden. gardening for food during this pan- The house was built in about 1895, demic. Observers have linked it back about 22 years before the garden was to the “Victory Gardens” of the World planted. Below, this 1915 Sanborn War II era, but the practice of gar- Map of College and McKinley streets dening to achieve community self- has been altered to show the approxi- sufficiency can really be traced back to mate location of the Camp Fire Girls’ World War I. Montpelier embraced garden relative to the arsenal (de- this movement whole-heartedly at a stroyed 1945) and 6 McKinley Street. scale that is hard to imagine today. On April 15, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson issued an appeal to Americans to increase the production of food to meet the demands of war. ‘Food will win the war,’ he told the country, and the residents of Mont- pelier responded. By August of that year, The Vermonter, a state-wide magazine, reported, “It may truly be said that Montpelier is a City of Gar- Top, this photograph of the Camp Fire Girls’ 1-acre garden plot dens; and a center of eager response on College Street was published by The Vermonter in 1917. The to the President’s call to service and girls’ garden occupied the present site of the homes at 79 and patriotism.” 83 College and 3 and 5 McKinley streets, above (photo courtesy Gardens were scattered all around Google Maps). the city. The Camp Fire Girls had an acre next to the arsenal on College Street (see picture and map). behind the State House, and in Hubbard Park. Carnahan is a resident of Mont- Carnahan also describes community- pelier and the librarian of the Vermont tended gardens on Langdon Meadow, Historical Society in Barre. THE BRIDGE JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 • PAGE 23

In case you missed it on MontpelierBridge.org Check out some of the stories you may have missed on MontpelierBridge.org. You can read these and other stories in full on our website, which now features frequent updates.

Langdon Street Loses retail expansion as a way to aid busi- Juneteenth in Montpelier Parking, Gains Outdoor nesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meant Good Food Dining Space uneteenth, a June 26 is the Start of he Montpelier City Council voted Jcommemo- TJune 24 to prohibit parking on both Early Voting Period for ration dating sides of Langdon Street and to block off August Primaries back to 1865 of the ending of the northern side of the street (pictured arly voting, including no-excuse ab- slavery in the in schematic below) to allow businesses sentee voting by mail, has begun E United States to provide outdoor dining and possible for the Vermont statewide primary elec- was celebrated tions, which take City Clerk John Odum, right, swears in Chief June 19 on the place August 11. Brian Peete. Photo by Carla Occaso. State House Voters can re- lawn with par- It’s Official: Montpelier quest their ballot ticipants bring- from their town Has a New Police Chief ing picnics and clerk in writing, Montpelier residents buying food ew Montpelier Police Chief Brian by phone, by e- gather on the State Street from local ven- to celebrate Juneteenth. NPeete was sworn in July 1. Peete, mail, or in per- dors, including Photo by J. Gregory Gerdel. who is the first black police chief to serve son or by using Kool Runninz, in Vermont and also the first Montpelier a postcard the Mary’s Ghanaian Kitchen, Woodbelly chief in 40 years who was not born and state is sending Pizza, and more. raised in the city, was warmly welcomed voters. by Montpelier officials. Schematic courtesy of the City of Montpelier. PAGE 24 • JULY 15–AUGUST 11, 2020 THE BRIDGE

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