Christ Church Opens Why Are They Birding Abounds in Warming Shelter / p.5 Returning Home? / p.14 Adamant / p.24
Holiday Shopping & F r e e , ThanksgivingIndependent Nov 18–Decand 16, Local 2020 Thanksgiving Torch Passes A Love Letter to National to Vermont Life, Sodexo
By Mike Dunphy
he coronavirus is notching yet an- other change to Central Vermont TThanksgivings this year. After 47 years, the Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys & Girls Clubs have passed the torch of its annual Thanksgiv- ing dinner to National Life and Sodexo. No longer able to throw the in-person feast at Bethany Church in Montpelier because of the pandemic, the new part- ners are offering a pick-up this year and will continue to offer delivery. In part, the change is a result of the dinner’s immense success over the years — serving 814 in 2019 (from less than 100 in its first year), alone — as it has stretched the abilities of the organization to handle the major solicitation and coor- dination effort required to make the meal happen. But it’s the pandemic that broke the camel’s back, as it stripped non-profit organizations around the country, the Youth Services Bureau included, of mon- etary donations, volunteers, fundraising opportunities, and more. “The pandemic made it all but impossible for staff to take on the event this year from a time, logis- The author on a snowy hike. see Thanksgiving, page 12 Courtesy photo.
By Mirna Valerio
he other day I spent an afternoon on the Stowe Pin- This is what I think of when I think of Vermont — nacle trail, marveling at all that trail and others here shared responsibility; collective wonderment; a sense of ECRWSS PRSRT STD Montpelier, VT Montpelier, Permit NO. 123 U.S. Postage PAID Tin Vermont have given me. Well, for one, it gives me community even if we are at different places on the socio- a workout — it’s all uphill and technical, because every- political spectrum. Just last night as I looked out my thing in Central Vermont seems to be that way. It gives me window, I heard a group of children, protesting? “Geez, a few hours to be out in nature, the way I intended when they start them early here,” I thought to myself. Wow! I decided to move here in early winter of 2019. It gives me They chanted, “What do we want? Justice! Justice for a doable mountain climb, where the summit is accessible who? Children! What do we want? Justice! Justice for who? and the view spectacular. It allows me to see evidence of Children!” They were led by the oldest in the group with humanity all along the trail, my favorite being the cone- two adults trailing behind. shaped shelter of branches about a half mile in from the I was so proud of them. I felt honored to be in their pres- Stowe Hollow Road trailhead. There are also two massive ence if only peripherally. They reminded me that I have cairns; on a different trail they would serve as navigational indeed moved to the right place. tools, but these seem to simply be a tradition, as the trail A few months ago, I limped over to the State House is very clearly marked. The trail also gives me connection lawn allowing an energy I’d never felt push me towards to other human beings out for a hike or run, with their the synchronized chants of “Black Lives Matter!” and families, their schools, alone. Most everyone acknowledges lines of cars with horns honking down Main and State. other folks out on the trail. There is a shared stewardship, an excitement about the beauty we have before us. see Love Letter, page 12
Free, Independent and Local since 1993 / montpelierbridge.org PAGE 2 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Winter Parking to Alternate This Season By Olivia White
ontpelier will be implementing a winter parking ordinance Mfrom Nov. 15 to April 1. The ordinance, approved by the City Coun- cil on Oct. 14, provides for an alternate- side parking system: the side of the road people can park on during the winter months will switch daily. On even-numbered calendar dates, parking is only permitted on the sides of streets where the buildings have even numbers. On odd-numbered calendar dates, parking is only permitted on the sides of streets where the buildings have odd numbers. Vehicles will need to be moved to the appropriate side of the street between 5 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. By midnight, all cars must be on the correct side of the road in correspondence with the calen- dar day and building numbers. Green and white parking signs will be Parking this winter will be allowed only on the even side of the street on even-numbered calendar days and on placed around the city to mark the des- the odd side of the street on odd days. Photo: Arek Socha/Pixabay. ignated parking zones on even and odd days. The signs will not necessarily be The Department of Public Works and and Prospect because we didn’t have any some bars and restaurants do not close placed at the beginning of every street, the City Council hope that an alternat- time to clear the street. It made it diffi- until 2 a.m. but at the beginning of where the parking ing schedule and overnight parking ban cult for emergency vehicles to be able to Officials can still issue a citywide win- begins. As of yet, there will be no signs to will allow enough time and space for the get down the road.” ter parking ban for a snow emergency, mark the end of each parking zone. streets to be consistently plowed. Concerns brought up during the City which would mean all cars must be There will, however, be exceptions to “We’ve struggled with maintaining Council meeting included the potential removed from all streets from 1 a.m. to the alternate-parking mandate in the operational levels of service,” said De- lack of handicap-accessible parking as 7 a.m. downtown area where there is metered partment of Public Works Operations well as a general lack of parking once The Public Works department will parking and near schools. In these areas, Manager Zach Blodgett. “There were a the statehouse is back in session. There look into these issues throughout the parking is permitted between 7 a.m. lot of times last year where we had to was also a conversation around changing winter. and 11:59 p.m. Between midnight and go out and manually post streets for no the start time of the downtown parking 7 a.m., parking is prohibited. parking, such as School, Loomis, Court, ban from midnight to a later hour, since A full list of even and odd streets is avail- able on the City of Montpelier website: www.montpelier-vt.org/1192/Alternate- Side-Winter-Parking-Newly-Adop
CLASSIFIED AD First Class Office Space near Capitol at 149 State Street, Montpelier, VT. Perfect location within a 3-minute walk to Capitol. Beautiful Greek Revival building renovated throughout. Handicap accessible, foyer, waiting room and restroom. Includes off-street parking, office cleaning weekly, heat, AC, hot water, snow removal, landscaping and full maintenance. Suites and single offices starting at $345.00 per month. Call 508-259-7941. THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 3 HEARD ON THE STREET Keller Releases CD to Raise Funds for Racial Justice Dave Keller will release a new CD Nov. 20. The “two-time blues music award nomi- nee” will release “You Get What You Give,” a new CD of duets as a fundraiser for Then & Now racial justice and equity. Also on the CD are Trudy Lynn, Joe Louis Walker, Annika Chambers, Johnny Rawls, Annie Mack, Dawn Tyler Watson, Brother Bob White, Historic photos courtesy of Vermont Historical Society; Carly Harvey, Toussaint St. Negritude, Katie Henry, and Chad Hollister, among modern photo and caption by Paul Carnahan. others, who donated their talents. For more information contact Karin@markpuc- cimedia.com. Or check out www.davekeller.com “We’ve already raised over $2,000.00 from pre-orders, all of which will go directly “Kinstead” was constructed on upper Main Street by the Board to groups working for racial justice and equity,” says Keller, who also produced the of Charities and Probation as a shelter home in 1922 on land album. “So far, the list of groups includes the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Know donated to the state by the citizens of Montpelier. The facility Your Rights Camp, N’COBRA, and Jus’ Blues Foundation. closed in 1958 and was occupied by the Green Mountain Special School. In the late 1980s it became home to the New England Culinary Institute. The original building has been dwarfed by Central Vermont Runners Enjoy Virtual Fallen Leaves an extension on the front and a raised roof, but a pair of original Series tripartite windows and three cellar windows can still be seen on the street side of the building. Central Vermont Runners’ Club Fallen Leaves 5K races have been a local favorite in November for more than a decade. After a successful summer of virtual races — which means that racers run the course individually, time themselves, and post their results electronically — setting up a virtual Fallen Leaves series has gone smoothly. The first of the three Saturday events was run at the participants’ discretion Novem- ber 1–7. The second event was run November 8–14. And the final in the series will be open November 15–21. CVR website: cvrunners.org.
Dreams Becoming Reality One night in October, Calais resident Rick Winston says he had a dream that featured five bears, an unusual type of dream for him. The next afternoon — on a beautiful fall day — he and his wife Andrea Serota spotted five bears frolicking behind their house. After he posted photos of the bears along with his dream story on his Facebook page, friends began asking if he had had any dreams about the upcoming election, but Winston reported he had no foreknowledge of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Winston and Serota owned and operated the Savoy Theater in Montpelier for many years.
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 Staff Writer: Olivia White fter a week of sun and warmth, bleak days are suddenly here. Virus stalks the Layout: Dana Dwinell-Yardley Ad Director: Rick McMahan A land. Yet fall colors brighten wild strawberry leaves hugging the mowed path! Board Members: Phil Dodd, Larry Floersch, J. Gregory Gerdel, Irene Racz, Nancy Reid, And the other morning, on every blade of grass, each twig and dried flower-head, Jen Roberts, Mason Singer frost revealed countless festooning spiderwebs, set to catch small first-snow crane flies Editorial: 223-5112 • [email protected] and other delicacies. What to make of such unexpected beauty in such a drab and Location: The Bridge office is located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Stone Science Hall. troubled world? Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by mail for $40 a year. Make out your check to The Bridge, and mail to The Bridge, PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601. montpelierbridge.org • facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt Twitter: @montpbridge • Instagram: @montpelierbridge PAGE 4 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Where Have All The Buses Gone? Business
By J. Gregory Gerdel
ith the number of positive COVID 19 tests and hospi- Wtalizations on the rise, both across the country and here in Vermont, the return of motorcoach tours, which evaporated during the fall, remains a major question.
Tour Stops Evaporate Along with the State House and the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry, the Morse Farm Sugarworks is one of the Central Vermont attractions frequently visited by motorcoach tours. When a record number of preseason reservations were abruptly cancelled during the first wave of the pandemic, Burr Morse’s apprecia- tion of loyal, local customers was under- scored. “We have been so supported by the community,” Morse said, reflecting on the summer and fall. “People have made a point of stopping — and not just Above, the newly renovated J. for cremees. For customer convenience Morgan’s Steakhouse garden. we’ve increased the quantity of staples at Photo by J. Gregory Gerdel. Right, the store — like milk, butter, and eggs visitor traffic appears to have — in addition to the regular seasonal increased to the highest level fruits and vegetables.” since March during the foliage Locals and past customers have also season, but the absence of been supportive by ordering syrup and motorcoaches accounts for a loss gift boxes online, Morse said. Over the of many traditional fall tourists. years the visitors who have enjoyed sugar- Courtesy graph. on-snow with a motorcoach group have become a reliable customer base for on- cancellations across the board this year, line sales. said Fred Bashara. Cancellations began with the first onslaught of the coronavi- The Lodging Perspective rus in March. The Capitol Plaza Hotel, which dur- During the lockdown, with no guests the property required to qualify as a Tap- outdoor seating on State Street. Antici- ing most years hosts a score of tour buses allowed, the hotel decided to move estry Collection by Hilton hotel, Bashara pating the return of the cooler weather during the foliage season, confronted quickly to implement improvements to explained. of late autumn and the cold of winter, “We went ahead with completing most extensive redesign of the former meeting of the renovations Hilton required by room space behind the existing restau- summer, and reopened in June,” Bashara rant area now provides a considerable said. “Normally, the project would have amount of physically distanced dining been spread out over three years.” The capacity in the J. Morgan’s Garden. updates included repainting and wall- In the front area of the restaurant, the papering all 74 hotel rooms and public required physical distancing is accom- spaces. All of the hotel’s furnishings had plished by closing off every other booth been updated during the previous year. near the bar and reducing the number of Over the summer, the hotel’s restau- tables in the adjacent area closer to the rant, J. Morgan’s Steakhouse, was the hotel lobby. first in Montpelier to set up spacious, THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 5 Christ Church to Host Homeless Overflow Shelter
By Tom Brown
he Good Samaritan Haven and the Christ Episcopal Church Thave reached an agreement to provide overflow winter shelter space in Montpelier for the homeless. Christ Church will house a maximum of 10 guests in its basement space from 8 p.m to 8 a.m. beginning Nov. 22. If the agreement had not been reached, Montpelier would have been without an overflow shelter for the first time in four years. Bethany Church had shel- tered 20 guests a night for the past three years but informed Good Samaritan in August that it would no longer be able to do so. Rev. Beth Ann Maier, regional deacon for Christ Church, said that while such shelters do not solve the issue of home- lessness, it was within the Church’s ministry to help. “It’s a human relationship that we’re Rev. Beth Ann Maier stands in the space at Christ Church that will be involved in and the idea of these folks used as an overflow shelter for homeless Vermonters. Photo by Tom being outside, just a few yards from our Brown. door in the pocket park when it’s freez- ing, is dissonant with our faith,” said Maier, who also serves the Church of tinue the expanded eligibility programs, install console-type air filters to help and federal governments should make it the Good Shepherd in Barre. Maier was such as money for motel vouchers. protect against the spread of the virus simpler to address the problem on mul- referring to the area along the bike path “Many people who don’t have secure as well as fans to ventilate the space be- tiple fronts, making it easier for groups behind the district heating plant where housing are getting motel vouchers,” tween occupancy. to buy and refit motels into permanent people congregate. DeAngelis said. “This is for those who Maier, who has been working with housing, allow large homes to be made Most of the region’s homeless popula- for one reason or other can’t find a place multi-denominational groups on the into apartments, facilitate the develop- tion is being housed in area motels paid in our other facilities.” He added that issue for years, said the issue of home- ment of unused property, and to be for with state vouchers. The COVID-19 without Christ Church’s intervention lessness is only getting worse and that more active in helping landlords and pandemic has also led to the creation of there would have been no overflow shel- long-term investment is needed. tenants to better cooperate. emergency funds that expand the eligi- ter in Montpelier this winter. She said her group in 2015 set the goal DeAngelis said that staff is needed 13 bility and duration of the vouchers. “Even with the motels there is going of eradicating homelessness by 2020 but hours a day for the shelter and the pay is Rick DeAngelis, executive director of to be a group of people with no other the numbers have only grown larger. $20 per hour. To apply, email heathert@ the Good Samaritan Haven, said that as option,” DeAngelis said. “It’s the nature “The long-term solution is more hous- goodsamaritanhaven.org with a letter of of Sept. 8 there were 218 individuals and of the problem that we have to have ing,” she said. She believes the state interest or resume. children housed in Washington County some kind of backup.” motels, about 20 people in shelters, and The space at Christ Church is de- at least 50 living outside. As of Nov. 3, signed for eight people with two emer- there were 47 households with children gency beds. The common room will and 131 households without children be divided into individual 100-square- using general assistance motel vouchers foot spaces divided by dark Plexiglas, in the Barre District area, according to Maier said. Good Samaritan staff will Sarah Phillips, director of the Office of supervise the guests overnight and the Economic Opportunity for the Agency Church will have no direct supervision, of Human Services. The district in- similar to the arrangement at Bethany. cludes a few locations outside Washing- Maier said the Church’s only request ton County. Phillips said the state will was that the agreement be as “cost neu- pursue any emergency funds that be- tral” as possible. In addition to heating come available through FEMA to con- costs, the Church will also need to PAGE 6 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Everyone Eats Program Serving Food & Drink 30,000 Restaurant Meals A Week
By Phil Dodd
unique statewide program called fering the restaurant meals for pick-up at participants are very appreciative of the designated for administration and distri- Everyone Eats designed to help lunch time. These include the Unitarian help they are getting. bution, which makes for a tight opera- A both Vermonters suffering from Church on Mondays, Bethany Church Participating restaurants and cater- tional budget. food insecurity and the struggling Ver- on Tuesdays, and St. Augustine Church ers in the central Vermont area include Hamilton, the statewide coordinator, mont restaurant industry has grown on Fridays. Good Taste Catering, Rabble-Rouser, said she had been working with Skinny steadily from its start in August to the Other distribution sites in Montpelier Joe’s Kitchen at Screamin’ Ridge Farm, Pancake to distribute food to shift work- point it is now serving about 30,000 include Another Way at 125 Barre Street, Skinny Pancake, Three Penny Taproom, ers earlier in the pandemic when a group meals a week statewide, according to which is offering dinners on weekdays, and the Wayside, all in Montpelier. In of people got together to propose a state- Jean Hamilton, statewide program co- and Washington County Mental Health Barre, Cornerstone and Morse Block wide program to the Legislature in June. ordinator for Everyone Eats. at 137 Barre Street, offering lunches and Deli are signed up. Others in the area in- The program — perhaps the only state- The future of the program after Dec. dinners on weekends. clude Woods Lodge in Northfield, Har- wide program of its type in the nation — 31 is in doubt, however, as it is funded In Barre, the distribution locations ry’s Hardware in Cabot, the Post Office was approved in early July and by early by federal pandemic relief money that include Capstone on Wednesdays from Café in Worcester, and Open Hearth in August the first hubs in the state were has to be spent by the end of the year, 10 a.m. to noon, the Salvation Army Waitsfield. up and running, according to Hamilton. Hamilton said. She said there is hope at lunchtime on Mondays, Wednesdays, Everyone Eats was conceived as a way “It was a big lift to make an entirely that additional stimulus funds will allow and Fridays, and Enough Ministries at 11 to provide nutritious meals to Vermont- new statewide program,” she said. “But the program to continue or be revived a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, ers in need of food assistance during the it has been extremely uplifting and re- in 2021. and Sundays, plus an open food shelf. pandemic as well as a stabilizing source warding to work with so many parties Meanwhile, a companion digital pro- Meals from Everyone Eats are also of- of income for Vermont restaurants, farm- across the state, from sole proprietors to gram that allows qualifying Vermonters fered in some smaller towns in the area, ers, and food producer groups, which the governor.” to order takeout meals from a phone including at the Northfield Food Shelf, have also been hit by the pandemic. The new food ordering phone app was app was launched a month ago and has the Worcester Food Shelf, and Faith in The program requires that 10 percent of developed by Everyone Eats in partner- gained 500 users so far, although that Action in Cabot. the food come from local sources, but ship with the digital software company program could also be shut down at the To qualify to receive meals, partici- in Central Vermont the program has Localvore. The app allows users to order end of the year, Hamilton said. pants must self-verify that the COVID- been getting 30 percent of its food from takeout from special menus at partici- The bulk of the restaurant meals deliv- 19 pandemic and economic crisis has local farms and food producers, Hamil- pating restaurants. As with the main ered by Everyone Eats are distributed at negatively impacted their ability to access ton said. program, restaurants are reimbursed $10 sites managed by local organizations. In food or that they are unable to access The program was launched with $5 for meal vouchers redeemed at their busi- Central Vermont, the program is being enough food to feed their family. Some million in funding from the Vermont nesses. run by Capstone Community Action locations require participants to register Legislature, using federal pandemic At present, four restaurants in Central in coordination with Skinny Pancake, a ahead, but at the locations described stimulus funds, and is being adminis- Vermont are participating in the digital Vermont restaurant chain that helped re- above in Barre and Montpelier, individu- tered statewide by Southeastern Vermont program — Skinny Pancake, Rabble- cruit restaurants, according to Hamilton. als can just show up. Community Action. Walsh said the state Rouser, the Wayside, and Morse Block Restaurants get $10 per meal provided. In Montpelier, the numbers of people recognizes that the program has been Deli — but Hamilton said more restau- Everyone Eats is utilizing distribution picking up meals jumped at first but has running very well and has provided some rants are signing up all the time. sites that were distributing free food be- been steady recently, according to Jessica additional funding to help the program To download the app or get further fore the pandemic hit, as well as new Edgerly Walsh, co-coordinator of the grow. information about distribution sites for ones. In Montpelier, churches that have local Everyone Eats program and a for- Walsh said that 80 percent of the Everyone Eats, go to shiftmeals.org/ provided lunches in the past are now of- mer Montpelier city councilor. She said funds go to restaurants, with 20 percent everyone-eats. THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 7
Onion River Nordic Club Prepares for Snow Outdoors
by J. Gregory Gerdel
ross country skiers are looking Street and the property is posted against forward to an expanded trail trespassing. Cnetwork this winter, but also Beyer is hopeful permission for a win- facing a couple of detours along North ter trail across the field will be granted Street. but notes that public education and The Onion River Nordic Club held respect will need to be improved to be an initial session of trail work on some effective. Signing is planned. additional trails on Saturday, Nov. 7. An earlier trail access on the east side At least one additional session is antici- of North Street has also been closed pated before the snow flies. because the property is for sale. “If we Last winter, now retired Parks Direc- do have permission to groom across the tor Geoff Beyer and the Onion River west side hayfield, skiers will have to Nordic Club (ORNC) collaborated to walk about a hundred yards south to the establish a trail from the North Branch former West Wind loop for access to the Park off Elm Street that climbed past Sherwood Forest trails,” Beyer said. the Sparrow Farm and crossed North A new section of trail connecting with Street to connect with the a couple North Branch will cross the Sparrow trails on Sherwood Morse’s property. Farm Road and emerge on North Street, Supported by donations, ORNC volun- half a mile north of the open view along teers provided trail grooming, and skiers the hayfield. It will incorporate a sec- made good use of the access. tion of an existing snowmobile trail Unfortunately, permission to use the that runs parallel to North Street before wide hayfield on the west side of North looping back to the trails in Sherwood Some of the Onion River Nordic Club volunteer trail crew after clearing a Street may be in jeopardy, Beyer ex- Forest. section of a new trail access to Sherwood Forest. Photo by Geoff Beyer. plained. Permission to cross the field For updated information about the was specifically and only for winter. trail work, and to join the Onion River “This is a hayfield, and several times Nordic Club, visit the club’s Facebook this summer people were crossing the page, or the website onionrivernordic. field and damaging the crop,” he said. org. A fence has been installed along North PAGE 8 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE Downtown Stores Navigate an Uncertain Holiday Season
By Olivia White
he weeks between Thanksgiving you shop at a Montpelier store, that is during which Williams offered phone and Christmas are often the busi- going to support a neighbor or even a orders and curbside pickup. Although Test time of the year for retailers, friend of yours. And downtown busi- it was a slower revenue flow, Williams with many businesses making a consid- nesses pay rent and in turn pay property was busier than usual, working six days erable percentage of their yearly sales at taxes, and they support local jobs.” a week by herself to fulfill the orders. that time. COVID-19 has created new Groberg thinks this will be a “make Those sales, combined with a Paycheck challenges for businesses and customers or break” holiday season for many of Protection Program loan, made it pos- alike as this season rolls around. the downtown businesses. “It’s been an sible for Williams to keep all five of her From the temporary closure of all non- incredibly difficult year, and while there part-time employees on the payroll. essential businesses in March, to the has been grant opportunities and other “Sales have picked up since we opened. limited store capacities, and surge of big- funding, it hasn’t even come close to They’re still down from last year, but brand online shopping, the local retail making up some of the losses that busi- I don’t think it’s too bad.” The toy economy looks much different now than nesses have suffered this year.” store even saw an increase in puzzle and it has in previous years. Woodbury Mountain Toys, located on LEGO sales during the height of the According to Dan Groberg, executive State Street, normally makes around 35 pandemic. director of Montpelier Alive, businesses percent of its sales during the holidays. With stocked-to-the-ceiling walls of around town have lost 30 percent to 50 But the store’s owner, Karen Williams, puzzles, board games, and toys, and percent of their revenue compared with said she “can’t physically do that” this stuffed animals hanging from the ceil- last year. The next six weeks will play year. ings, going to Woodbury Mountain Toys an important role in determining the In a regular holiday season, the toy is a magical experience for any kid, and financial stability of many stores, which store is typically bustling with excited Williams wants to keep that experience is why there has been such a push in the kids and parents browsing the shelves for in-person. That means the store does community to shop local. presents. But this year, with the store’s not have online ordering, nor plans to “When you shop locally, a lot more eight-person maximum capacity, that anytime soon. of your money is in the community,” he kind of foot traffic is not possible. This is partly because Williams does explained. “Almost all of our businesses The toy store was temporarily closed downtown are locally owned, and when for 10 weeks at the start of the pandemic, continued on page 9 THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 9 continued from page 8 posting its list of staff recommendations owner Cindra Conison said she plans to Flannel Friday on Nov. 27, the day after on the website, since the “Staff Picks” expand the online store to include more Thanksgiving. Anyone wearing flannel not have the time to do all the order- table is the most popular section in the unique pet products. downtown will have the chance to win ing and shipping herself, but also be- store. But most downtown retailers still rely gift certificates and other prizes. cause “the fun is coming in and looking “We’ve been able to shift a lot of busi- on in-person shopping, and hope that On Nov. 28, Hunger Mountain Co-op around!” ness to our website,” said co-owner Claire people take the opportunity to support is sponsoring free horse-drawn wagon Other retailers around town have been Benedict. We always had the website, it local businesses. Customers are encour- rides through the downtown from 10 successful in transitioning to online shop- just wasn’t as big a focus, and most of our aged to shop early for gifts, and try to a.m. to 2 p.m. The rides will depart in ping and curbside pickup. Bear Pond customers never used it. But in March, a shop during weekdays and slower busi- front of Asiana House at 43 State Street. Books has a website that allows customers lot of locals switched to it.” ness hours. People should also go shop- Supporting local businesses also means to order online and pick up their order at More stores around town have ad- ping alone whenever possible, so that supporting the community. As Groberg the store, which minimizes the amount of opted an online ordering system. Capi- stores will have more capacity for more emphasized, “It’s really about keeping time they spend inside the building. tal Kitchen has temporarily closed their paying customers. your money local and living out your The website has over 50 categories of storefront to focus on their website, Just because people should social dis- values. People really value this commu- books to browse, from juvenile fiction which now offers shipping and curbside tance does not mean they need to miss nity and having a lively downtown, and to cooking, poetry, true crime, and most pickup. The Quirky Pet is selling their out on the holiday shopping fun. the way to keep that thriving is to shop subjects in between. The store is also signature dry dog chews online, and Montpelier Alive will host its annual downtown.”
Shop Early. Shop Local. Shop Amazing. PAGE 10 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE A Message From City Hall This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier. Parking and Other Assorted Winter Matters By William Fraser, City Manager
y the time this is published, Expense Trends/Projections perhaps our collective election In FY21, as part of the Deficit Mitiga- Bfatigue will have subsided. It’s tion plans, most City employees forewent been an intense period for politics at the Cost of Living Adjustments. Police and national and state levels. Congratula- DPW unions have, this far, opted to tions to our re-elected legislative del- hold off on negotiations due to current egation, Representatives Mary Hooper economic conditions. and Warren Kitzmiller and Senators In FY22, IF employee wages were ad- Ann Cummings, Andrew Perchlik, and justed by a 2 percent COLA and 1.5 Anthony Pollina. And, of course, con- percent Step, salary lines would increase gratulations are due to the statewide by $397,000 (Gross)/275,000 (GF). winners — Congressman Peter Welch, Wage-based employer costs such as Governor Phil Scott, Lieutenant Gover- Social Security, Medicare, VMERS re- nor-elect Molly Gray, Attorney General The full winter ban was too onerous For the downtown area the process will tirement contributions, and workers TJ Donovan, Secretary of State Jim and the called bans were ineffective. In be as follows: compensation insurance are anticipated Condos, Treasurer Beth Pierce, and Au- order to effectively provide one of the • 1 a.m.–6:59 a.m.: NO PARKING is to increase by $50,000 (Gross)/35,000 ditor Doug Hoffer. Thanks to all who most core city services — winter snow allowed. (GF). stepped forward to run for any offices operations — the city needed to change • 7 a.m.–12:59 a.m.: Daytime parking is The preliminary 2021 BlueCross/ from Congress to High Bailiff. Being a the winter parking system. This led to allowed as usual (regardless of the day) BlueShield health insurance premiums candidate for public office is difficult. alternate side parking. Questions? Send them to Jasmine Ben- renewal has been received and the pro- We need people to participate in order Starting Nov. 15, vehicles must be son at [email protected] or call posed increase effective January 1, 2021 to have an exchange of ideas and elec- parked on alternate sides of the street 802-223-9508. is 8 percent, meaning an additional toral choices. each night. On odd numbered days (the Please follow the DPW’s social media $135,000 (Gross)/$110,000 (GF) over I also congratulate City Clerk John 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.), parking may occur on pages for updates. current premiums. Odum and Assistant City Clerk Crystal the side of the road with odd numbered The combined cost of wages and Chase for overseeing an extremely well addresses. On even numbered dates ( the Budget health insurance will approach $582,000 run election under brand new circum- 2nd, 4th,, 6th, etc.), parking may occur gross in the FY22 budget process, which stances. Like many places, Montpelier on the side of the road with even num- The City Council and City staff have translates into a $420,000 impact on the had record turnout and over 4,000 mail bered addresses. begun work on the FY22 budget. Our General Fund. in/advance ballots. Running an elec- This system will be in place and en- current schedule calls for the Manager’s The citywide reappraisal will begin in tion in a pandemic is very challenging forced from Nov. 15 through April 1, budget to be presented to the Council FY22 and continue into FY23 at a cost and they did a great job. Thanks to the regardless of weather conditions. Having on Dec. 2. The council will discuss the of $130,000 each year (or $260K total many volunteers who assisted in all fac- one side of the street clear every night budget on Dec. 9, one other December project cost). The elevator in City Hall ets of the election process. will allow the Department of Public date yet to be determined, and Jan. 6. needs to be refurbished to comply with With the national and state elections Works to more effectively plow and re- Formal public hearings will be held on ADA standards and is estimated to cost complete, the next opportunity to have move snow. Here are the details: Jan. 13 and Thursday, Jan. 21, which is $100,000. There are other items in the our say at the ballot box will be the an- the deadline for completion. mix as well: the $20,000 for Confluence nual town meeting election on March Alternate Side Parking Park, $270,000 for parking meter up- 2, 2021. We don’t know the details Nov. 15 – April 1 Revenue Projections grades, $134,000 for the TKS property, yet of how that election will be man- As of October 14, 2020, the City The City is facing significant revenue $120,000 for LED street lights, money aged. As we all know, the annual city has adopted new winter parking regula- downgrades in parking, permits, pro- for the Barre Street intersection, and the budget is considered on that date. I tions referred to as Alternate Side Park- gram fees, and Local Options Taxes due Recreation Center Renovation project. will have more about that later in this ing. Some streets may have different to the COVID-19 pandemic. article. requirements, find your street on the Given the uncertainty that still pre- Net Funding Gap City’s webpage by visiting montpelier-vt. vails and our most recent experience, The net of reduced revenues and in- org/1192/Alternate-Side-Winter-Parking- the following revenue categories are Winter Parking creasing expenses leaves a budget gap of Newly-Adop. forecasted to decline — Totaling ap- $1.7 million to $2 million in the general Please note that winter parking regu- For the majority of the streets the proximately (−$595,000). Property taxes fund. This gap represents about 13 per- lations have changed substantially this process will be every day Alternate Side ($75K), State PILOT 10 percent reduc- cent of the current budget. Balancing year. The prior system of calling parking Parking. tion ($90K), Local Options Tax (LOT)/ this budget will require reductions and bans for storms and subsequent snow • 12 a.m.–5 p.m.: All cars must be parked Current Use ($175K), State Highway changes in a scale that we have not en- removal/clean up did not work well. on the correct side of the street as indi- ($40K), School Resource Officer ($28K), tertained previously. Services, projects, Too many vehicles had to be towed — cated by whether building numbers are Permits and Fees ($80K), Ambulance community support, and others will all often overwhelming our towing capac- odd or even according to the calendar ($95K), Penalty and Interest ($12K) likely be hit. As city officials work their ity. Roads were not cleared well because day. For an example, if it’s January In addition to what’s noted above, way through these very hard choices, we of parked vehicle obstruction. 2nd, you park on the “even” numbered the Parking Fund is no longer in a po- welcome any suggestions about priorities. The previous practice had been a side of the street, and if it’s March 3rd, sition to support personnel costs allo- complete overnight winter parking ban you park on the “odd” numbered side cated based on related work. Non-park- Thank you for reading this article and on all streets from Nov. 15 to April of the street. ing enforcement and maintenance may for your interest in Montpelier city gov- 1. This caused hardship and inconve- • 5 p.m.–11:59 p.m.: (Transition Period) need to be shifted back to the General ernment. Please feel free to contact me at nience for many residents, particularly Move your vehicle to the other side of Fund, an initial review puts this figure at [email protected] or 802-223- those in apartments with limited or no the street any time during this transi- (−$425,000). 9502 with any questions, comments, or driveway available. tion period. concerns. THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 11 Beginning Again
By Mary Mello
hen you walk into the Adult Students may choose to work for a GED Education and Literacy Cen- or decide to get a high school diploma Wter in Montpelier, you don’t and even continue to college. All paths are feel you’re in a school despite the shelves open to them regardless of age. Every stu- filled with books and the tables set up dent is driven by his or her own goals. The with chairs around them. The space students are there because they want to be. has its own special ambience, and the Many adult learners, however, face lighted lamps are welcoming on this hurdles that traditional high school stu- rainy fall morning. dents never have to think about. How do Teachers Deb Fadden and Joanne you find the time and energy to study Vyce are getting ready for the day. The after working full time, especially if you Montpelier center is part of a nonprofit also have a family to care for? What if known as Central Vermont Adult Basic you have a spouse or partner who doesn’t Education and includes centers in Barre, understand or even resents your ambi- Randolph, Waterbury, Morrisville, and tion? For those adults, the path to an Bradford. Their students may be teenag- education can be an uphill climb. ers, twentysomethings, or even grand- Their teachers know how much these parents, but they all have one thing in students need support along the way and common: At some point in the past, their that community connections can make education was disrupted and now they all the difference in the world. The staff want to begin the journey again. They is assisted by a group of about 100 volun- may have left school to care for a child teers who offer tutoring and encourage- or to get a job. For some, the academics ment to the men and women with whom began to feel overwhelming. High school they work. Volunteers include everyone math is often an obstacle, but it’s not al- from building contractors to superior Alice Goltz, left, and Garet Allen-Malley. (This photo was taken pre- ways losing confidence in academics that court justices. Strong friendships can COVID-19, before social distancing requirements). Photo by Mary Mello. drives students to give up on school. For grow from the volunteer-tutor/student teenagers who feel left out socially, school partnership, as in the case of Alice Goltz Goltz is an upbeat learner and her eyes her find the biographies she enjoys. can be a lonely or threatening place. This and Garet Allen-Malley. smile at you above the mask. “My read- A book about Nelson Mandela was a may be especially true for transient fami- Allen-Malley has been volunteering ing and writing are much better. One of special favorite. And she’s not stopping lies who, for one reason or another, move at the center since 1990, even before my neighbors is disabled and was having there. “I’ve got a lot of things I want to from city to city until their children are she retired from her career as a Special trouble getting a special license. I wrote do!” left feeling they don’t belong anywhere. Education teacher. She says she does this a letter to the DMV so she would have We can’t know all their stories or what The teachers at the center begin by get- work to give back to her community and, places to park. I would like to be an ad- brought them to the center, but Alice ting to know their students, their history, she adds, “I love to teach.” Allen-Malley vocate for victims of domestic violence Goltz and her fellow students are inspir- and their goals. Some adult learners want admires her students’ perseverance and too, so I took a course and I have a cer- ing. At a time when many of us are anx- to read more with their kids and to help values their friendship. “I look forward to tificate.” Goltz likes talking over things ious about the state of our country and them with their homework. An employer seeing Alice.” Allen-Malley works to help with her tutor. “She’s very patient. We’re pessimistic about its future, it’s good to might recommend going back to get a high Goltz realize her personal goals, whether a good match.” remember that America has always been school diploma in order to move ahead at it’s getting a learner’s permit or becoming Reading has become part of this stu- a land of second chances. work. Others are thinking of new careers. a better reader. dent’s life now, and Allen-Malley helps PAGE 12 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Love Letter I went to Oberlin College and Con- adulthood and parenthood in several same direction, we might as well walk servatory of Music for an undergraduate cities and towns in a variety of East together and have a conversation.” Continued from page 1 degree. Almost my entire four-and-a- Coast states, I find myself in Mont- I knew this place was for me. half-year stint there I felt bombarded pelier. Those same things that I tried I have found a gentle and engaged There were signs everywhere, held by with everyone’s politics and causes. desperately to escape in college seem to community that I can call home and little children in strollers, by same-gen- No, I did not want to participate in a have drawn me, and in a big way, to this that fulfills all of my Maslovian needs. der couples, older folks, college-aged three-hour discussion on why our co-op little state. (NO! I still don’t want to I can head to the mountains by car, persons moving about, folks in medic should buy organic peanut butter. No, have a three-hour discussion on peanut foot, or bike. There’s beautiful Hubbard uniforms. And by some stroke of luck, I didn’t want to ride on a bus for seven butter. Land conservation and environ- Park, where I can be ensconced in the brilliance, or care, everyone seemed to hours to attend a march in Washington mental justice? Yes. Count me in!) wilderness for a few minutes in the mid- be appropriately socially distanced and D.C. No, I didn’t want or need to be a On a trip here in December of 2018, dle of the day and reinvigorate myself. in masks. I had never been to a protest. radical. I didn’t want to play devil’s ad- I drove past the Black Lives Matter ban- There’s spirit-calming Peace Park. On I’d sworn them off in college because I vocate to every single thought someone ner and a Pride flag on Main Street, summer mornings as the fog is lifting, didn’t want to seem to be self-righteous had in my Latin American Studies class. and I took it as a sign from the universe this little spot is such a gift. There’s even about my causes, but this one was dif- But, I guess it got to me. Although I that I should probably explore living a co-op where I can buy organic peanut ferent. didn’t appreciate it in my late teens and here, and not only for the easy access butter — if I want to. That same morning I attended a sol- early twenties, I honor the social justice to mountains and winter adventures. A Could there be more parking? Yes. emn and meditative Buddhist ceremony training that I received there, if even week filled with snowshoeing, a snow- Could we do better by our homeless on that same lawn. It was beautiful, by simple osmosis. I couldn’t escape it, board lesson at Bolton, the breakfast community? A resounding Yes! It is by peaceful, contemplative. Even when a and when I found myself as an adult special at Skinny Pancake, and coffee at no means a perfect place. But I’ll take it biker stopped their bike right out front in communities in which people didn’t Capitol Grounds sealed the deal. I even as it is now, embrace it, and love on it, as on the street and made as much noise give a second thought about others in walked out of my hotel one day and it has shown me and my family warmth, as possible, in defiance and disrespect, those very same communities, I longed made way for a gentleman walking in kindness, and generosity of spirit. it only disrupted the sentiment of this for something different. the same direction. He looked my way I think I like it here. circle of peace momentarily. Many years later, after trying out and said, “Well, if we’re going in the
Thanksgiving dining programs at UVM, Norwich, St. pected,” notes Rusnock. “Our commu- pick-up spots outside Bethany Church Michael’s College, and Champlain Col- nity is consistently generous that way.” and National Life’s main entrance. “We Continued from page 1 lege — they seemed an excellent partner. The Washington County Youth Ser- ask those who pick-up a meal to wear Happily, Sodexo agreed. “They imme- vice Bureau may not be leading the a mask, and we’ll have masks available tical, or safety standpoint,” explained diately told us they wanted to help,” effort, but they are continuing to stay for those who don’t have one, as well as Christine Hartman, office manager of Rusnok notes, and didn’t flinch when we involved by providing guidance, previ- hand sanitizer,” explains Rusnock. “We the bureau. said we needed 700 meals.” ous contacts, and offering to track res- also ask that they remain six feet apart.” Kreig Pinkham and Sherry Knudsen The connections the Washington ervations. “All three organizations are The only difference is that at National from the organization said just as much County Youth Service Bureau/Boys & working closely together to manage the Life, people can essentially drive through this summer in a conversation with Na- Girls Clubs had combined with those logistics of the meal since it will be pick- without ever having to get out of the car, tional Life, which inspired the life insur- of National Life and Sodexo allowed up or delivery only this year,” Hartman while Bethany Church will be walk-up ance and financial services company to the team to tap many local business for notes. “The collaboration has been easy only. step in. “Knowing that hunger has been additional support, including the Ver- and efficient.” National Life’s efforts are focused pri- affecting more and more people in our mont Foodbank, Just Basics, Hannaford, Sodexo is taking care of food produc- marily on the Montpelier area, but Barre community, we knew we couldn’t let this Community Harvest of Central Ver- tion and meal preparation, which this residents will still receive some mea- tradition disappear, especially this year,” mont, Chappelle’s Potatoes, Central Ver- year includes turkey, mashed potatoes, sure of indirect support. They will have explains Beth Rusnock, head of Com- mont Medical Center, Hunger Moun- squash, cranberry sauce, coleslaw, rolls Thanksgiving meals available through munity Relations at National Life. tain Coop, Cabot, Norwich University, with butter, and apple cobbler for des- the Salvation Army, and the Sons of the Considering the scale of the event, and Manghi’s Bread, Vermont Creamery, sert. A vegetarian option will omit the American Legion will lead delivery ef- the potential increase in need this year, Rain or Shine Tent and Events Com- turkey. Meals will be served cold in con- forts. “The meals that will be provided National Life knew they couldn’t do it pany, and the Wayside Diner. “The way tainers that can be reheated. in Barre are separate from what we’re alone. Because Sodexo runs the National everyone has offered to pitch in has The meals will be prepared at Nor- doing,” Rusnock explains, “but we’re Life cafeteria — along with large-scale been humbling but not completely unex- wich by “a small army” of pre-approved working with one another to ensure volunteers who have completed VOSHA meals are available for those who need training and followed stringent COVID one in each community.” protocols, including temperature checks, For Hartman and the Washington N95 masks, and gloves. They will help County Youth Service Bureau, the col- assemble and distribute meals. So far laboration gives a lot to be thankful about 35 have signed up, but National for this year. “It is likely that this event Life anticipates the need for 50 or more, would not have been possible this year when factoring in delivery drivers, set-up without National Life and Sodexo tak- crew, and so on. However, depending on ing the lead,” she explains. “Working the final meal count determined on No- with National Life and Sodexo has been vember 18, more may be required. a great partnership, and we couldn’t be Precautions will also be taken at the happier with the way things have come together.” Montpelier residents who need a meal can reserve one by calling (802) 229- 9151 or e-mailing thanksgiving@wcysb. org by November 18. The meals will be available for pick-up at Bethany Church or the National Life campus between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, No- vember 25. Delivery will be offered on Wednesday, November 25 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 13
Young High Bailiff Plans to Build on Policing Conversation
By Tom Brown
sa Skinder will likely be Ver- lems with Washington County Sheriff mont’s youngest elected state Sam Hill and believes the department is A or county official when he is doing a “good and respectable job.” sworn in next month as Washington Skinder defeated the incumbent high County’s new high bailiff. bailiff Marc Poulin, 17,560–13,318, on Skinder, who will have just turned Election Day. That’s a lot of votes for 20 by the time he is sworn in, is one of a teenager who only made the general at least three candidates who won the election ballot by mounting a last-minute antiquated and seldom-needed position write-in campaign in the August pri- in hopes of stimulating a broader discus- mary. sion of police practices. Two of those “I knew Washington County goes new high bailiffs, former State’s Attor- Democrat but I didn’t have any really ney Robert Sand in Windsor and Dave good way to know that I would win just Silberman in Addison, have been clear because of that,” he said. “It’s a super in challenging the strict statutory inter- feeling to win 17,000 votes after feel- pretation that the position exists only for ing really good about getting 100 in the the purpose of removing a sheriff who primary.” has committed a crime. They see the job While it may have been his first elec- description, which also includes running tion, it might not be the last for the the department until the governor ap- Middlebury College sophomore. Skinder points a new sheriff, as possibly having plans to return to school in the spring, more oversight of the sheriff’s office. (A after a COVID-19 hiatus, to pursue en- fourth kindred candidate, Simon Rosen- vironmental studies and political science. baum, lost his race in Lamoille.) Asa Skinder stands near the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Skinder doesn’t quite go that far but Turnout Sets Record Photo by Tom Brown. believes the position can serve as a plat- In all, 5,216 Montpelier residents voted form to call attention to the police kill- by mail, by early ballot, or in-person on pelier backed Scott over his Democratic coat tails, however, as Democrat Molly ings of Blacks that drew thousands to Election Day, according to City Clerk challenger. In Scott’s first race in 2016, Gray crushed the Pomfret businessman the streets in protest around the country John Odum. That represents a turnout Democrat Sue Minter defeated Scott in 3,589–1,157 in the race for lieutenant last summer. of 76.2 percent. A total of 4,475 people Montpelier 3,172–1,515. In 2018, Demo- governor. “With the official duties I probably voted by mail or early, that’s 85.8 percent crat Christine Hallquist topped Scott Incumbents coasted to victory in races won’t have to do anything, but I think of the ballots cast. 2,758–1,596. for state representative and state senator. already just by running and talking In other races, maybe it was a referen- The virus had a powerful impact on Mary Hooper and Warren Kitzmiller about the issues of policing it’s brought dum on his handling of the COVID-19 the way Montpelier voters cast their bal- will again represent Montpelier in the a few more conversations to the table,” pandemic, but Montpelier voters backed lots as 4,133 voted early, by mail, drop- House, while Sens. Ann Cummings, he said. “More people are thinking about Gov. Phil Scott for the first time in the box, or early in-person methods, and Andrew Perchilik, and Anthony Pollina policing in general and this is one more Republican’s three gubernatorial victo- only 1,023 went to the polls on Election were reelected to the Senate. way to bring it to the forefront of people’s ries. Day. These results are unofficial but the At the top of the ballot, former Vice minds and not just take for granted that Scott received 2,723 votes to 2,264 total of 5,156 is certain to be a record President Joe Biden trounced President a world where everything is policed is the for Progressive/Democrat Lt. Gov. David turnout in the city. Donald Trump 4,576–468 among city only way to go.” Zuckerman. The 52 percent to 44 per- Scott’s chosen running mate Scott voters. Skinder said he is unaware of any prob- cent margin was the first time Mont- Milne did not pick up the governor’s
BE SEEN! BE HEARD! Call Rick to Advertise: 802-249-8666. PAGE 14 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE ‘Strap Yourself to a Tree with Roots…’ Six Stories of Refuge and Reawakening in the Time of COVID
By Will Lindner
omething there is about a pan- “Everything was closing around us,” demic: It sharpens the focus, Curtis recalls. “Half the small businesses Sforcing people to consider which, near us had closed by the end of April.” of the many things that matter, matter He, in fact, had lost his job with a Boston most. It crystallizes our interconnect- adventure-travel agency on April 1. “No edness; human interaction is the very one was traveling, you know?” means of the virus’s spread, while com- There were other signs of trouble. passion is the means of its containment “We started to seriously take a look at when we embrace the common goal of the information we had. Trump and his protecting each other. coronavirus taskforce were doing these And on a more pedestrian level, a daily briefings, and we started getting pandemic can bring the most ordinary, more and more aware that we couldn’t quotidian routines of our lives to a sud- trust any of this information and no one den standstill. That’ll get your attention. had a handle on anything. Meanwhile, That’s the circumstance Curtis Fox and there were 100 people dying a day in his wife, Taylor, with their six-month- Boston.” old son, Theo, found themselves in last The couple had discussed, noncom- April, when they were living and work- mittally, the possibility of moving to ing in Boston. The trouble had started Vermont when Theo reached school age. in mid-March, when their employers or- Now, they decided to rush the timetable. dered them to begin working from home. They took an apartment in Waterbury, Then Theo’s daycare closed. found an open daycare in Stowe, and Curtis, who is 36, grew up in Water- even had the audacity to look for — and bury, Vermont, and his parents are still in midsummer to purchase — a home, there, so he and his family came north despite the fact that Curtis was on unem- for a respite from the dreary ravages of ployment. Taylor’s remote position with COVID-19 upon their lives in the city. an insurance company is secure until at They stayed a few weeks, gladly accept- least next summer, and after months of ing childcare help from Curtis’s mother searching, Curtis signed a permanent- while they worked online. When they remote-work agreement with a Montana- returned to Boston they found a still and based world-touring agency. shuttered neighborhood. Their gamble had paid off. “It was an exercise in enacting some authority over our lives,” he says. “We’re Left, Andres Gutierrez and Eliza not going to listen to talking heads on Fitzhugh with their son and dog. TV saying [the virus] will be gone by Courtesy photo. Below, Curtis Fox Easter, gone by summertime. We’re at his home in Waterbury Center. going to take control and make a deci- Photo by John Lazenby. sion on our own. We’re going to priori- tize family, friends, and fresh air. We’re moving to Vermont.”
Birthday Story Eliza Fitzhugh and her husband, An- dres Gutierrez, were living in Brooklyn a year ago, and entertaining thoughts similar to the Foxes. They were gainfully employed, they had a baby on the way, and although they were comfortable in New York, they were considering mov- ing to Vermont — Eliza’s home state — sometime in the future. It was largely because they were outdoors enthusiasts, Eliza explains. “You could do stuff out- doors in New York, but it took at least an hour to get to where you wanted to start your activity.” Eliza, 38, had grown up in Montpelier and valued the recre- ational opportunities Vermont provided. Although Andres — an architect and native of Colombia — was “a city guy,” she says, he was on board with the plan. “My family is still here,” says Eliza, “and we wanted to reprioritize our lives around a community, nature, and our child.”
continued on page 15 THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 15 continued from page 14
Their baby was scheduled to be born by cesarean section on April 9. But in March the coronavirus set in, and life changed. “The anxiety was ex- treme,” Eliza says. “Everybody was avoid- ing everybody. You didn’t even know if you could take your dog for a walk. “Then we learned that Andres wouldn’t be allowed to come to the hospital for the birth. That was the last straw!” And it triggered a quick, and whole- sale, readjustment. On Sunday, March 22, they learned of the hospital’s policy change. On Monday they began calling doctors in Vermont to ask if the proce- dure could be performed here, with An- dres present. On Tuesday, assured that it could be, they loaded up their car and drove north. They stayed at Eliza’s father’s house, in Northfield. (He was away.) Their son was born on April 8, and Andres was there to see it. The question then became, what next? Andres received paternity leave, but af- terward the economic stresses of the pan- demic led to his job being terminated. Eliza, however, who holds a master’s Above, August Vitzthum with his e-bike on Elm Street, Montpelier. Photo degree in graphic design, and works in by John Lazenby. Right, Christiana Athena. Courtesy photo. management consulting, could work remotely. New York was seeming less appealing; particularly troubling were When the coronavirus set in, August “I’m really proud of Vermont,” says reports they started hearing of peculiar was in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after August. “It brings me great joy to see effects the virus has on some children. traveling in Europe and earning his de- this community come together and com- By comparison, Vermont was doing gree. In June 2019, he had found a bat the pandemic in a way that seems well in response to COVID-19. So the job with a company that creates virtual productive. I really feel like the people couple scrapped plans to return to the reality (VR) experiences for seniors, par- around here share my values and are in- city. Instead, they bought a house in ticularly those living in senior-residential terested in my health. And I’m interested South Burlington. Eliza’s mother helps facilities. The experiences are coordi- in theirs. I wish that were the case for with childcare. nated by a staff person, who brings the everyone, everywhere.” “We keep pinching ourselves, that we residents together in one room, where were able to get a house, that we’re in they each receive headsets equipped with Sanctuary the neighborhood we are, and that [Ver- the same program; they might play a In the rural town of Washington, in mont] is so beautiful, so safe,” says Eliza. game, or virtually tour a museum, and Orange County, Christiana Athena is Of course, the pandemic hasn’t run talk about it as it’s happening. also resolved to stay, and for similar its course, and Vermont right now is less “The idea is to combat social isola- reasons: peace, wellbeing, family, nature. safe than it was when Eliza and her fam- tion,” he explains. But her path could be harder. Christiana ily gave up their Brooklyn apartment and In March 2020, isolation became a is a Ph.D. candidate at Pennsylvania made this state their home. Eliza also way of life for August as the virus swept State University, studying a discipline — points to other issues. the urban Northeast. He could work music education, with a particular slant was available in May, and Christiana “We’re glad to be here,” she says, “but remotely, but he shared a small studio toward ethno-musicology (the subject of settled right in. Her retreat was even we don’t know for sure how to make apartment with his girlfriend, who was her master’s thesis) — that could have more poignant because she is convinced it work. Vermont is not known for its also working from home. limited application in Vermont. Yet she’s that she had the virus when she was in strong work possibilities, with good sala- “She needed to make calls on the phone, determined to find a role for herself Pennsylvania. ries. and I needed to concentrate,” he says. somewhere in the region. “It started in March and lasted a cou- “But Vermont can take advantage of By late March he had decided to return It was coming home last May (Penn ple months,” she says. “I never got the this if we do things right. The future will to Montpelier and stay temporarily with State had shut down its campus after shortness of breath, but it was really in- be in trying to get Vermont on a path his mother. In June he found an apart- spring break) that made clear to Chris- tense: chills, fever, coughing. And it kept of more job opportunities, more young ment on Elm Street, where he could tiana how important Vermont, and her coming back. I knew that as soon as I people moving here, and a more vibrant work on his own schedule and without modest family homestead, were to her. was feeling better I would come home.” workforce.” interruption. Her family moved to Vermont when she The cabin has been all she hoped it The virus, and its impact on his work, was five years old (she’s now 38), and would be, offering a lifestyle of tranquil- The Vermont Way were not the only reasons he came home. lived in Starksboro and Montpelier be- ity and sustainability in nature. She’s Exhibit A of that description could “I’m not a huge fan of cities,” he ad- fore finding the cabin — 900 square feet, been composing music, working on her be August Vitzthum, a 23-year-old mits. “I was feeling like I needed more with an open floor plan and a loft — on dissertation, and simultaneously writing Montpelier native who has returned to outdoor space, more of nature. I love 10 acres of land in Washington some 24 a book. In August, she learned that she his hometown and hopes to stay. His Hubbard Park. The stressors of the city, years ago. It became home to Christiana would not have to return to Penn State to skillset (August holds a bachelor of sci- especially with the pandemic, made me and her mother. It was, and is, off-grid, resume her studies and teaching respon- ence degree in computer science from realize I didn’t want to be there any- like the other homes around it. “I grew sibilities, but would have the option of St. Lawrence University) and his values more.” up chopping wood,” she says. working remotely. Her mother had been (an intrinsic disposition for living in a He and his brother are now looking Over the years, as Christiana has trav- planning to sell the property, but this progressive, mutually supportive com- for some land, “perhaps five to 20 acres,” eled, worked, volunteered, and studied, changed everything. munity, with nature close by) seemingly which could serve as a quiet retreat, or her mother, who now lives elsewhere, work in his favor. maybe a home sometime in the future. frequently rented the place out. But it see Refuge, page 29 PAGE 16 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 College of Fine Arts in Montpelier. Read- Sponsored by Hunger Mountain Coop. THURSDAY, DEC. 10 Wild Apples: Making the most of ing will be visiting writer Shawn Wong, Masks and social distancing required. Story Time for Young Readers by the feral apple. With Matt Kaminsky, faculty member Miciah Bay Gault, and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. 10:30 7–8 p.m. by Zoom meeting (see digital Folio Literary visiting agents Sonali TUESDAY, DEC. 1 a.m. Virtual online on Facebook for address below). Kaminsky will discuss Chanchani, Rachel Ekstrom, and Kath- Story Time for Preschoolers by the young readers, ages 5–9. Story Time vid- the history and resource of wild apple erine Odom-Tomchin. The Zoom link Kellogg Hubbard Library. Virtual on- eos are broadcast on the library’s Face- trees and the many forms in which Malus is https://vcfa.zoom.us/j/93115299077. line on Facebook beginning at 10:30 book page www.facebook.com/Kellog- manifests. This presentation provides a Contact https://vcfa.edu/ for details. a.m. Recommended for ages 2–4. Story gHubbardLibrary/ Time videos are broadcast on the li- background in what exactly makes an SATURDAY, NOV. 21 Season of Giving in Downtown apple “wild,” and touches on techniques brary’s Facebook page www.facebook. Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. See listing for how to identify, effectively harvest, Thanksgiving Farmers Market. 10 com/KelloggHubbardLibrary/ Dec. 9. assess and grade, steward, and propagate a.m.–3 p.m. Under a huge open air tent Private Pod dining experience. At the bountiful gift of wild apples in our on the State House lawn. Features 30 the Three Penny Taproom in Montpe- FRIDAY, DEC. 11 local vendors offering meat, produce, landscape. Log on to https://us02web. lier. The Taproom “invites you and nine Season of Giving in Downtown zoom.us/j/83162585351. For more in- cheese, baked goods, crafts, syrup and guests to enjoy a private evening of fine Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. See listing formation, contact the North Branch more. food and drink for you and your pod. Dec. 9. Nature Center at 802-229-6206 or at Benefit Concert by Patti Casey and Enjoy a five-course meal, thoughtfully https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/ the Wicked Fine Players. Nov. 20– considered beer, wine, and cocktail pair- SATURDAY, DEC. 12 event/wild-apples/ 22. See listing Nov. 20. ings, and Three Penny all to yourself. $750 for 10 people.” Tuesday, Dec. 1. Season of Giving in Downtown THURSDAY, NOV. 19 SUNDAY, NOV. 22 Contact [email protected] Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. See listing Dec. 9. Story Time for Young Readers by Benefit Concert by Patti Casey and for details, full menu, and to book. the Kellogg Hubbard Library. 10:30 the Wicked Fine Players. Nov. 20– Chandler Center: A Celtic Family a.m. Virtual online on Facebook. For 22. See listing Nov. 20. FRIDAY, DEC. 4 Christmas with Natalie MacMaster young readers, ages 5–9. Story Time vid- Art Walk. 4–8 p.m. Various venues and Donnell Leahy. At 7:30 p.m. On- eos are broadcast on the library’s Face- MONDAY, NOV. 23 around Montpelier. For information, line event. For more information, visit book page www.facebook.com/Kellog- contact Yvonne at artwalk@montpe- www.chandler-arts.org/a-celtic-christ- Monthly Book Group for Adults. 7 mas gHubbardLibrary/ p.m. at the Jaquith Library in Marsh- lieralive.org. Sponsored by the State of field. This month’s book is: “On Earth Vermont, State Curator’s Office, Com- Chapters in History Six: Growing FRIDAY, NOV. 20 We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean munity National Bank, Hunger Moun- Disparity. Second Saturday afternoons, Benefit Concert by Patti Casey and Vuong For copies of the book, please tain Coop, Amy Butler, Three Penny 2 p.m., Jaquith Public Library, Marsh- the Wicked Fine Players. Nov. 20– stop by the library. New members are Taproom, The Drawing Board. VCFA, field. A free, public reading and discus- 22, online video from 7 p.m. Nov. 20 always welcome, and it’s only one hour a Vermont Public Radio, VSECU. sion series co-sponsored by the Marsh- through noon Nov. 22. The concert can month! We are currently using Zoom for field Historical Society and the Jaquith be watched by ticket only during those our meetings. Call 802-426-3581. TUESDAY, DEC. 8 Public Library. “Destiny and Power: The dates. This concert will feature vocal Story Time for Preschoolers by the American Odyssey of George Herbert harmonies and rock acoustic instrumen- FRIDAY, NOV. 27 Kellogg Hubbard Library. Virtual on- Walker Bush” by Jon Meacham. Books tal work by internationally recognized line on Facebook beginning at 10:30 are available for loan from the library. Flannel Friday. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. through- Call 454-1680. award-winning songwriters, pickers, and out downtown Montpelier. Flannel Fri- a.m. Recommended for ages 2–4. Story singers. Together their ease and humor day: a cozier way to shop. Shop locally on Time videos are broadcast on the li- Community Writing Class, “Inner onstage may give you a chance to catch Nov. 27 and get great deals at Montpelier brary’s Facebook page www.facebook. and Outer Weather: Character in your breath from the last song, which stores. Don’t forget to wear your flannel! com/KelloggHubbardLibrary/ Fiction.” Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m.–noon may just have taken it away. A $35 If you’re spotted by the Flannel Fairies, via Zoom video meeting. Organized donation is suggested. The money will you can win gift certificates to businesses WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 by the Vermont College of Fine Arts support over 25 local, regional, and na- or other fun prizes! Masks and social dis- Season of Giving in Downtown in Montpelier. Led by MFA candidate tional organizations that address food tancing are required. Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. Free two-hour Jonathan Calloway, who will look at how security, healthcare, homelessness, and holiday parking (at marked meters only), writers can help readers feel a fictional social justice through The Old Meeting SATURDAY, NOV. 28 but you can feed the meter to help character’s inner life from the outside House in East Montpelier. Tickets sales: a neighbor in need. All meter receipts through imagery, language, and subtext. commarts.org/omh/ Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides. From Through generative writing exercises and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout down- go toward an organization helping the MFA in Writing and Publishing Fall community via the Montpelier Com- close readings of excerpts from a wide town Montpelier departing from 43 range of fiction authors, participants will 2020 Reading Series. 5:30 p.m. on a State Street (the former Asiana House). munity Fund. Additionally, downtown Zoom meeting organized by the Vermont merchants will be collecting donations investigate how perception can be used via jars at the counter for the Commu- as a tool to shape evocative environ- nity Fund. Visit montpelieralive.com to ments, sharpen focus, and redefine the learn more. Local merchants will also boundary between the individual and collect donations for this fund. the whole. Participants will have the opportunity to share and receive direct feedback from instructors and fellow THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS participants, as well as acquire a set of Season of Giving in Downtown tools to further their own unique explo- Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. See listing rations of the caverns of character devel- Dec. 9. opment. Email virginia[email protected]. Sliding scale suggested fees: $25 if you’re WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16 making ends meet, $45 if you’re finan- Season of Giving in Downtown cially stable, and $65 if you’re financially Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. See listing flourishing. Dec. 9. SUNDAY, DEC. 13 THURSDAY, DEC. 17 Season of Giving in Downtown Season of Giving in Downtown Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. See listing Montpelier. Dec. 9–25. See listing Dec. 9. Dec. 9. MONDAY, DEC. 14 SUNDAY, DEC. 22 Season of Giving in Downtown Shine A Light. Dec. 22–29, dusk, Vari- Montpelier. Dec. 9 –25. See listing ous downtown Montpelier businesses. Dec. 9. On each night of Chanukah, members of the Beth Jacob Synagogue will light a TUESDAY, DEC. 15 menorah in one downtown Montpelier Story Time for Preschoolers by the business to “shine a light” on one social Kellogg Hubbard Library. Virtual on- justice issue. We invite the Montpelier line on Facebook beginning at 10:30 community to join us for these lightings a.m. Recommended for ages 2–4. Story and stand in solidarity with the margin- Time videos are broadcast on the li- alized people in our country. brary’s Facebook page www.facebook. com/KelloggHubbardLibrary/
ART EXHIBITS Through November 28: “Missing Touch.” Oct. 14 to Nov. 28: Tues.– Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Furchgott Sourdiffe Gal- lery, 56 Falls Road. Shelburne, Vt. The exhibit features the work of Beth Pearson along with Annelein Beukenkamp, Leslie Fry and Betsey Garand. Pearson moved away from her home state of Vermont several years ago. Visit fsgallery.com or call (802) 985-3848. Through November 29: “Wallflowers” by Alice Dodge. Nov. 6–29 at The Front, 6 Barre Street, Montpelier. A Front member since 2015, Dodge counterposes notions of craft with high culture, mass produc- tion with creative originality, and pattern with chaos. “Wallflow- ers” brings together work from the past several years up to the current fraught moment, articu- lating a powerful, complex view of the state of the world. Meet gallery members and the artist at a limited-occupancy opening reception Friday, Nov. 6, 4–7 p.m. Join the artist for a virtual talk on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. (email [email protected] for a link). Through December 29: Arts Celebration. Nov. 11– Dec. 29 in the galleries at Studio Place Arts, 201 N. Main St. Barre. Annual local arts celebration Alice Dodge, “Double Negative,” features a wide variety of art and acrylic on preprinted fabric, 48” x craft created by 80 artists. The 72”, 2018. Courtesy image. show is on all three floors of the historic building and includes hundreds of one-of-a-kind-gifts. Hours are Tues.–Fri. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. Noon–4 p.m. Closed 11/26; 12/24, and 12/25. Call 479-7069 or visit www.studioplacearts.com PAGE 18 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE Rise Up Bakery Wins Statewide Award By Carolyn Shapiro
ongratulations to the Barre His- torical Society, Carolyn Shapiro, Cand baker Jim Haas for their work in bringing back to life the Union Cooperative Bakery, now called Rise Up Bakery. Each year the Vermont Historical So- ciety presents the League of Local His- torical Societies & Museums Achieve- ment Awards. These awards recognize the exceptional work being done by individuals and community heritage organizations throughout the state to collect, preserve, and share Vermont’s rich history. The little old brick bakery building built in 1913 behind the Socialist Labor Party Hall at 48 Granite Street in Barre was just given an award! The building was an important wood fired bakery for Barre and local communities from 1913 to early 1940s. Old timers still remem- Baker Jim Haas, above, of Rise Up Bakery, is watched over ber the rich smells of bread coming from by cardboard cutouts of the original Italian bakers. Photos by the bakery! Carolyn Shapiro. The story of the bakery is one of Ital- ian immigrants coming to Barre to work prospect of renovating the bak- ect such as this is not just one person in the granite industry, but they missed ery building and providing nec- or one organization making it happen, their Italian food and especially their essary funds for the work. To- but a community of people from teens Italian bread. So in 1913 they built the gether with the help of project at YouthBuild, artisan bakers within bakery with a large wood fired oven that coordinator Carolyn Shapiro, our extended community, local funding would once again provide them with Gioseppi (Joseph) Piccolini ran the bak- Andy Shapiro, numerous vol- sources, and volunteers. As the Ver- good hard-crusted Italian bread. ery, delivering his goods primarily to unteers, and generous funds from state mont Historical Society says, they felt Batista Fumagalli began the bakery. private residences but also to area gro- and private foundations, the little old that the project serves as an example He operated it as a small, old-world style cery stores. Bread made in the bakery brick building is now a sturdy, vibrant of how historical societies, community, bakery catering primarily to the Italian was simple, and included Vienna bread, bakery with Jim Haas and his wife, and business can work together to create immigrant community within the im- French bread, butter rolls, and round Larissa, baking a variety of whole-grain a positive impact. mediate area. It remained unique in that loaves. sourdough European style breads. The enthusiasm and dedication to the it was Barre’s first true Italian bakery. This was not a good time to start a It is significant that Jim and Lar- project is now rewarded by the delicious During the Great Depression he set business, and Gioseppi Piccolini’s bak- issa are resettling in Barre from their bread Jim Haas bakes. It is possible to up a work-sharing schedule for his em- ery finally closed in the early 1940s. home in the Ukraine. Jim grew up in purchase these breads at the bakery ployees that included two weeks of work The building has been used primarily Vermont, but this is Larissa’s first time window on Wednesday, Thursday and and one week off. This allowed more for storage since 1940. living here. They continue the fine tra- Friday from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. Look people to work during harsh economic Then in September 2004, the build- dition of bringing another culture and on their website, riseupbakeryvt.com , times. ing was acquired by the Barre Histori- bread to Barre, Vermont. Piccolini and for more information. You can call the Unfortunately Granite Street was sub- cal Society at the dispersal auction of Fumagalli, original bakers, look over bakery and pre-order bread to be sure it ject to major flooding in 1925 and again Dernavich’s Desilets Granite Company Jim’s shoulder as he continues the tradi- hasn’t sold out before you get there to in 1927. The flood in November of and was saved from demolition. It was tion of making fine wood-fired breads. pick it up! 1927 was especially disastrous. Fuma- reunited with the Old Labor Hall prop- Jim also revived the tradition of making For groups of 10 orders or more, you galli decided to close the bakery and erty and nominated and accepted to be the rolls Fumagalli made for Barre’s can pre-order online for delivery to your move to another location. on the National Register of Historical Mutuo Society dinners. They are now local workplace or other distribution The bakery stood vacant until 1936, Places. called Fumagalli rolls! points. when it was again occupied and used In 2015 a successful Kickstarter fun- The Vermont Historical Society is Jim is not only a master baker but a for baking old-world Italian bread. draiser involved the community in the very wise in recognizing that a proj- great teacher offering classes on bread- making with each class focusing on a particular type of artisan bread. Check the website to sign up for a class! THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 19
By the Numbers Opinion
ing the governor’s desk (no mention unsubstantiated but has been cited by “an amateur,” “an internet weirdo,” and was made whether hand sanitizer will DeSantis’s spokespeople. DeSantis is a “crackpot.” be involved as the work passes through known for downplaying the severity of Lamb made what little name recogni- those hands). “It’s not a COVID-19 the pandemic. tion he enjoyed in Ohio for defending hire,” Piccolo told the Herald. Still, the In Lamb’s own words, he is not an former Ohio State University assistant question remains, why this person? expert on the coronavirus. According football coach Zach Smith and publish- The data analyst in question is Kyle to his blog, “Beyond the Fold”: “I’m not ing attacks against the coach’s ex-wife By Larry Lamb, a 40-year-old from Ohio whose a doctor, epidemiologist, virologist or after she filed a restraining order against Floersch previous experience is as a sports blog- scientist. I also don’t need to be. Experts him for physical abuse. Smith was fired ger. Although he is little known in the don’t have all the answers, . . . .” by OSU in 2018. sports blogosphere, Lamb is an Uber “My job isn’t to study the virus itself With Lamb’s departure from the Ohio s I was lying awake the other driver who is also a critic of coronavirus or tell you how to protect yourself, your sports world to the dizzying heights of night contemplating the con- experts. He has no training in medicine children or your family,” said Lamb. the Florida state house (Florida’s capitol nection between epistemology A or data science. In fact, he apparently “However, I will tell you what the data building is 22 stories high), there must and the once-again dwindling supply of has little education. According to The says [sic] about risk and I’ll provide all be an opening for a new sports blogger toilet paper at Costco, I decided I might Post article, Lamb’s LinkedIn profile the context I possibly can.” He neglected in Columbus. It is a job that I can prob- become a sports blogger. Now I know only shows that he attended the Ohio to point out that he has no training in ably do from Vermont, and, as Lamb’s what you’re thinking, “But Lare, you re- Center for Broadcasting for one year. data analysis. situation makes clear, one does not need ally don’t know anything about sports.” The newspapers suggest he probably Although Lamb may be a favorite of to be an expert or even trained in a spe- That’s true, but in this new world of came to the attention of the DeSantis Fox News and the DeSantis adminis- cific field or fields to be of assistance in untrustworthy information, ignorance administration because his public state- tration, he does have his critics. “He making life-and-death decisions. And is a strong point. ments about the coronavirus have often is totally unfit for the role and appears let’s face, even though we’d like to be- Take, for example, what has happened contradicted those of public health ex- to have been hired because he enjoyed lieve otherwise, sports blogs do not rise down in the Sunshine State. According perts, and that got him noticed on Fox posting charts and graphs on Twitter to the level of life and death. to an article from The Washington Post News. and offering misleading analysis along- I am therefore prepared to submit that appeared online (11/11/2020) and Like many other states, there has been side them,” said Ryan Donnelly, who as part of a sports blog portfolio my in which The Post also cited work from a recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in worked with Lamb as a sportswriter official forecast for the 2020 NCAA the Orlando Sentinel, the Tampa Bay Florida as the DeSantis administration back in 2018. football season: The Ohio State Buck- Times, and the Miami Herald, Gov. tries to reopen the state’s economy. Flor- In reports in the Miami Herald and eyes will defeat the Boston Red Sox by Ron DeSantis of Florida has hired a ida has seen more than 852,000 cases of Tampa Bay Times, former colleagues in a score of four under par 68 to win the new person to join his data analysis COVID-19 and 17,400 deaths since the the Ohio sports world have character- Stanley Cup. team. The data analysis “will include beginning of the pandemic. ized Lamb in interviews as “a nobody,” but not be limited to COVID-19 re- According to The Post story, the De- search” according to the article. Santis administration may have spot- To be fair, the governor’s spokesper- ted Lamb’s work in a conservative blog son, Fred Piccolo, told the Miami Her- that claimed Florida had overcounted ald that the analyst’s work would pass COVID-19 deaths. The claim was “through about 10 hands” before reach-
Advertise. call rick: 802-249-8666 PAGE 20 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Patti Casey Benefit Concert Airs Nov. 20–22 Arts
By Olivia White
atti Casey and the Wicked Fine Players put their musical magic Pto good use in a virtual benefit concert to be aired Nov. 20–22. After many years touring nationally with Woods Tea Co., Patti Casey has reunited with longtime musical collabo- rator Colin McCaffrey and former Blue- grass Gospel Project bandmates Taylor Armerding, Andy Greene, Kirk Lord, and Paul Miller, to raise money for the Old Meeting House church in East Montpelier. The church will disperse the proceeds to local and regional organizations such as Good Samaritan Haven, Onion River Food Shelf, People’s Health and Wellness Clinic, Planting Hope, Girls/Boyz First Mentoring, Central Vermont Refugee Center, Just Basics, and many more. “The [church’s] community and the people and the beliefs and values really resonated with me. And I've done a lot of volunteer work for them. They’ve always Patti Casey, front, and the Wicked Fine Players. Courtesy photo. been really, really supportive of art in the community,” Casey said. members brainstormed ideas for fund- Casey wanted to grow her idea into have been around for a long time, it gives The Old Meeting House raises over raisers that could be held in a socially a larger project that would have the us a chance to kind of support organiza- $18,000 to support nonprofits through distant way. potential to reach a greater number of tions, maybe even mentor some of the fundraising events and pledges. Mem- “Catherine Cerulli [on the executive communities. more up-and-coming musicians.” bers also donate thousands of volunteer board] and I were trying to figure out “I thought it would be great if we can The benefit concert will be a reunion hours and dollars to provide meals for ways to raise money for the church. And make it bigger and have it be something for the former Bluegrass Gospel Project the homeless, for children during the we got together on her porch and came that could happen, to support more than members, whose traditional bluegrass summer, for seniors, and for holiday up with some ideas. This one was easy just this one event. And my friend [Gregg sound and dynamic harmonies are be- meals and gifts for families in need. for me to offer as a show that I could do, Banse] actually had a similar idea, so loved throughout the state and beyond. Wanting to support the church’s char- and I knew it would probably be popular we’ve expanded it.” The internationally recognized, award ity initiatives, Casey and other church in the area.” They worked together to create Comm- winning musicians will play a mix of old Arts, a platform to connect musicians songs and new music from Casey and with nonprofits who can collaborate to McCaffrey. create virtual events, usually as a fund- Anyone with a ticket can access the raiser for the organization. CommArts virtual show anytime between Nov. 20 requires no fee from musicians, and any at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at noon. Ticket musical artist or non-profit can apply to prices are based on a pay-what-you-can have a profile on the CommArts website. donation. People can also enter into a “There are a lot of organizations out raffle to win a “Casey and friends” house there that are hurting right now, and a concert, “for when COVID-19 restric- lot of musicians looking for a place to tions are a thing of the past.” play,” said Casey. “For those of us who “This music, just by its nature, tells a story. And it’s really a celebration of community and friends and family, and that we will all be getting back together at some point.” Tickets for the show and raffle can be purchased on commarts.org. THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 21
Book Review: ‘Separated: Inside an American Tragedy’ by Margaret Blanchard
n “Separated: Inside an American head of the American Academy of Pe- Tragedy,” author and NBC News cor- diatrics: “Studies overwhelmingly dem- Irespondent Jacob Soboroff documents onstrate the irreparable harm caused by the current administration’s policy of breaking up families. Prolonged exposure separating refugee children from their to highly stressful situations — known parents at the southern border between as toxic stress — can disrupt a child’s the U.S. and Mexico — imprisoning and brain architecture and affect his or her traumatizing thousands of children and short- and long-term health. A parent’s parents fleeing environmental disasters or a known caregiver’s role is to mitigate and gang violence in Central America. these dangers. When robbed of that buf- Facing this influx of refugees, President fer, children are susceptible to learning Obama, during his time in office, did deficits and chronic conditions such as deport people and even separated some depression, post-traumatic stress disor- children “from their parents or someone der, and even heart disease.” who presented as a guardian [but] only Added to the trauma of the separation when officials were concerned for their is the incompetence of the system. When safety”. In addition, the Obama admin- the current administration decided, for istration provided environmental aid to legal and political reasons, to end the the refugees’ home countries, whereas practice of separation, they couldn’t rec- the Trump administration cut off all tify the situation because they hadn’t such assistance to Central America and kept accurate records of who and where implemented the practice of separating the parents or guardians were. Some all parents and children, sending them had been deported, some had been re- into different prisons, believing that fam- leased, and some were in prisons in other ily separation would serve as a deterrent states. Yet the Department of Homeland to potential refugees. Security had no system set up for iden- Imagine traveling on foot with your tifying their connections, tracking their family members across more than two locations, or reuniting them with their thousand miles of desert, evading gang children. Instead, a system of cruelty violence, kidnapping, hunger, and thirst, compounded by incompetence has guar- to reach safety — only to be separated anteed the traumatization of thousands from each other at the border, and thrown of desperate and courageous refugees and into prisons as far apart as California and their children. Physicians for Human Florida. In many cases there was no record Rights has called the practice of family of anyone’s whereabouts or relations. Half separation “torture.” of these children who were severed from Groups such as the Angry Tias and their guardians are under ten years old, Abuelas in Texas and the American Civil and more than a quarter are under five. Liberties Union have provided some fi- This puts me in mind of my father, a nancial and legal help to those in deten- World War II veteran who helped liber- tion, but they have little power under this ate the Buchenwald concentration camp, administration to reunite families. The describing the survivors as “walking skel- Central Vermont Refugee Action Net- etons.” Our shocking and shameful poli- work (along with other volunteer orga- cies appear dangerously close to replicat- nizations throughout Vermont) has pro- ing the conditions in such concentration vided assistance to refugees and asylum camps, as accounts of sterilization, un- seekers, but the pandemic and its finan- safe conditions, molestation and assault, cial and legal consequences have slowed inadequate medical care, and lack of the process. To avoid the humanitarian advocacy or access to basic information disaster folded into these environmental abound. These policies are grievously and political challenges, we need to face close to some of the criminal practices of this tragedy head on. This book offers our past: enslaving people, treating them a first step: a revelation of this abuse, as property, separating them from family, and the subsequent and urgent need to selling them to others, often in dangerous identify the locations of the imprisoned situations, without access to their names children and their caretakers so they can or locations. Or the inhumane practice of be reunited as soon as possible. stealing Native American children from their families and forcing them to attend Christian boarding schools designed to This book relates to the local Central shame and punish them for speaking Vermont Refugee Action Network, which their own language, for engaging in their is currently doing what it can to bring folks own cultural practices or spiritual tradi- out of detention and to Vermont, according tions, and destroying actual connections to Margaret Blanchard, a former Bridge with their relations. Or imprisoning Jap- board member. The Network has been anese-Americans during World War II. dealing with refugees in Vermont for at The psychological damage caused by least five or six years. It is a voluntary net- this current cutting off and caging of work of concerned citizens, some connected minors is described by Dr. Colleen Craft, to a variety of local churches/synagogues. PAGE 22 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
The Way I See It Opinion A Tale of Two Golfers
By Larry Floersch
his is a tale of younger than Garry, Jack was over- desivir and the steroid dexamethasone. he was released from the hospital and two golfers. weight and his diet was suspect. He His condition neither improved nor allowed to return to work. T Garry and greatly enjoyed fast food. worsened for about two weeks, then It would be easy to assume that Jack Jack loved golf and Neither Garry nor Jack drank alcohol. he developed atrial fibrillation. He was survived his bout with COVID because both were good at When the pandemic struck back in moved to the ICU, put on a respirator, of his treatment, which on the face of it, although, truth March, Garry and Jack were in their and eventually rotated to a face-down it seemed better than Garry’s. We can be told, Garry was 70s, and, given their age and physical position, which is designed to help se- ask questions such as would Garry have better. There had conditions, pretty much equally at risk. verely ill COVID patients breathe more lived had he been tested sooner and re- been talk in his more youthful years About two months ago, Garry’s wife easily. ceived his results faster? If he had gone to that Garry played at just slightly below died of an age-related condition after Garry always had a great sense of a hospital immediately instead of quar- the PGA level. four days in the hospital. As they were humor, and after about a week in the antining at home? If he had been admit- To support their golfing habits, Garry planning her funeral, both Garry and ICU, Garry’s son sent a text message ted to a huge research hospital where a went into the insurance industry and his son became ill with fevers and cough- his dad had dictated. In it, Garry an- team of 12 specialists attended to him Jack went into real estate. Both had ing. They were tested for COVID-19 nounced his retirement from his insur- around the clock? If he had received the their ups and downs during their careers and waited for the results while quar- ance agency, from golfing, from going experimental antibody therapy? but were generally successful and made antining at home. A few days later, to movies and NFL and NBA games, The problem is there is no way to a good living. They joined country clubs the results came back positive. They and from spending time with his family. know why the outcomes were so dif- and went on golfing vacations across the were surprised because they both felt Garry died just after dictating his mes- ferent. In medical terms, the two cases U.S. and abroad. they had maintained good precautions sage. He had just turned 80 the week only provide what is called “anecdotal” Of the two, Garry was in reasonably against the virus. They continued to before. evidence. The two outcomes may sug- good physical shape and maintained quarantine at home. Not too long ago, Jack also became gest avenues for research on the treat- a healthy weight. Or at least his wife After about a week, Garry became ill with a high fever and a cough. In ment of COVID, but no valid conclu- made him maintain a healthy weight sicker and was transported by ambu- his current line of work he meets many sions can be drawn. after he suffered a heart attack. But that lance to a reasonably good hospital near people each day, and he was known to What can be said about the SARS- was some 30 years ago. She changed his his home. He was put under the care of dismiss protocols such as social distanc- CoV-2 virus is that it does not respect diet to one that was reasonably low in the hospital staff doctors. ing and wearing a face mask. So he was age, race, gender, social or economic fat, high in fiber, and all that. Garry was given two of the few stan- immediately tested for COVID, even status, or political party, and can in- Although he was about five years dard treatments for COVID-19, rem- though he had been tested just a day or fect anyone from homeless persons to two previously. The result, which came presidents. On the other hand, due to back the next day, was positive. Shortly inequities in access to health care in the thereafter he was admitted to a large US, our poor and minority populations and prestigious hospital, and a team of have been affected disproportionately. 12 doctors, some of whom were highly And the disease the virus produces, trained specialists, attended to him 24 COVID-19, affects everyone differ- hours a day. ently. Some people who become in- He was given an experimental mono- fected show no symptoms. Some only clonal antibody cocktail that is available have mild symptoms. Some die. You only to a select few. He was also given may live but suffer permanent damage remdisivir and dexamethasone. Within to your heart, lungs, or nervous system. a few days his condition improved, and Victims have included children and pre- viously healthy young adults, such as the Broadway actor Nick Cordero, who was 41, spent 95 days in intensive care, un- derwent numerous surgeries including amputations, and died needing a double lung transplant. No matter what his doctors tried, the virus outwitted them. Then there is Angelina Friedman of Mohegan Lake, New York, who in her life has survived miscarriages, sepsis, cancer, and now, at the age of 101, COVID-19. It all comes down to luck. How will COVID-19 affect YOU should you be- come infected? There is no way to know. The Centers for Disease Control rec- ommend that you wash your hands fre- quently, maintain social distancing, and wear a face mask to reduce your risk of infection. Of course, even those steps do not guarantee you will avoid the disease. But if your inclination is to ignore those guidelines, it might be a good idea to remember the words of Inspector Harry Callahan in the film “Dirty Harry”: “You’ve gotta ask yourself one ques- tion: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya . . .?” THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 23 PAGE 24 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Birding in Vermont Outdoors A COVID-19-safe year-round activity
By Dot Helling
his fall the migration of geese to and from our local ponds has Tbeen a page out of National Geo- graphic. Thousands moved from pond to pond seeking respite and food for their long journey to warmer winter cli- mates. They were a noisy raucous group, honking as they flew. The sound of their flapping wings created an amazing din from below. Along with eyeing geese, my rural village generally experienced a noticeable uptick in bird watching since the outbreak of COVID-19. Adamant is low density and offers an expansive, natural environment, wonderful for all sorts of birds as well as for physical distancing. Birding can be a COVID-19-safe and year-round activity. Vermont’s state bird list tops 385 species. The Vermont Audu- bon Society credits this to expansive Lake Champlain and our extensive for- ests of mixed hardwoods and conifers. We have many native species of shrubs such as elderberry and arrowwood vibur- num that add to our friendly bird habitat. The Vermont Audubon Society lists the number one area in Vermont for bird- ing as Dead Creek in Addison, reported to be home to more than 200 species. Vermont also features a number of trails dedicated to birding, particularly around Lake Champlain. The attraction to bird- ing is cross-cultural and has appealed to many famous people such as President Jimmy Carter, First Lady Laura Bush, and film director Wes Craven. There is a distinction drawn between bird watchers, who look at birds, and true “birders,” who look for them. A Birds seen in Adamant include serious birder may also be a “twitcher,” great blue heron (top), male cardinal someone who travels long distances to (above), and female cardinal (right). see a rare bird and catalogue or “tick” it Photos by Erika Mitchell. off their list of birds they’ve seen. Birdwatching is a low budget activity. Sodom Pond one summer chomping on All you really need is a good set of eyes an 18–24-inch-long fish. She remarked or a pair of binoculars. Add to that a Ver- how she and her husband never catch mont Field Guide and you are on your anything longer than six inches. and calls. Many bird calls can be vo- and St. Augustine cemeteries, Berlin way to becoming a “birder.” When you There are several ways to hone your calized with a mnemonic, for example Pond, and many other accessible ponds get more serious, you may want a journal skills and knowledge. There are groups “teacher, teacher, teacher” for an oven- and lakes at our doorsteps. Backyard and to join a birding group. You should to join, such as the local Mad Birders bird or “what! what! where? where? see it! habitats may also be prime bird-watching adhere to the birding code of ethics and Club. Facebook has a Vermont birding see it!” for an indigo bunting. To me, the arenas, as may the many paths and trails focus on the safety of and respect for site with more than 2,100 members. ticker tape chatter of finches and the love throughout our woods and fields. birds and their habitat. Birding classes and migration walks are calls of loons are uniquely special sounds. Birding is free, it’s outside your door The best times to bird watch are dawn available at North Branch Nature Center. Another great resource is www.ebird.org, and through the windows of your house, and dusk. Birds indigenous to Vermont Vermont Public Radio’s “BirdNote” fea- a collaborative project managed by the it’s outdoors and natural, and may carry include goldfinch, downy woodpecker, tures biologist Bryan Pfeiffer. WDEV’s Vermont Atlas of Life of the Vermont some of us a long way in providing enter- grouse, and barred owls. Robins migrate “For the Birds” is hosted by Anson Teb- Center for Ecostudies, which not only tainment, exercise, and intellectual stim- medium to short distances and may be betts from the Agency of Agriculture helps identify birds but also shares sight- ulation during this COVID-19 medical spotted here in winter. Other winter- and Chip Darmstadt, retired director of ings and lets you track your bird lists. pandemic, perhaps helping to curtail a ing birds include bald eagles along the North Branch Nature Center. Natural- The mixture of birds changes rap- related mental health pandemic. As for Oakledge coast in South Burlington, ist Bridget Butler, known as Vermont’s idly throughout the year as various birds birding in cold months, to me our winter the tit, American goldfinch, blue jays, “bird diva,” hosts a spring and fall bird come and go to and from their favorite birds are the flowers of winter, from the the mourning (not morning) dove, and show on Vermont Public Radio. places. In Central Vermont these include bright yellow of a goldfinch and brilliant white-throated sparrow. Check out the list of birds of Vermont public places such as the North Branch blue of a jay to the screaming red of a car- The power and beauty of birds is amaz- on www.wikipedia.org, which lists them Nature Center, spots along the Siboinebi dinal signaling that winter and COVID- ing. Calais birder Erika Mitchell was all by common and scientific names with bike path overlooking the North Branch 19 will eventually come to an end. awed by the sight of a great blue heron on photos, descriptions, and recorded songs of the Winooski River, Green Mount THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 25
Assistance Available to Help Pay Internet Service Bill
hose who need help paying their which has provided money to states to internet service bill might be eli- help pay for COVID-19–related costs in- Tgible for a grant from the Vermont curred as of March 1, 2020, and through COVID-19 Temporary Broadband Sub- Dec. 30, 2020. The program was devel- sidy program. The program is available oped in conjunction with the Vermont to Vermont residential broadband cus- COVID Arrearage Assistance Program. tomers who have experienced economic Residents have until Nov. 30 to apply for hardship because of the pandemic. funding, and funding can be awarded “Broadband internet access has proven retroactive to March 1, 2020 to cover to be a necessity for education, remote unpaid broadband bills. Applicants are work, and telehealth in the COVID eligible for a credit of up to $40 per emergency,” said Department of Pub- month on their broadband bills from lic Service Commissioner June Tierney. March 1 to Dec. 30. “Thankfully, Vermont has been able to For more information on the TBS make these grants available using federal program and other COVID-19 assis- CARES Act money to help those who tance programs, please visit the Depart- are struggling to pay their internet ser- ment’s website at publicservice.vermont. vice bills.” gov, or contact the Department of Pub- To date, only 750 applicants have re- lic Service at psd.consumer@vermont. ceived benefits under the program. The gov; at 1-800-622-4496; or online at program is supported with $3 million in capi.epsd.vermont.gov/?q=node/51. funding from the federal CARES Act, PAGE 26 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 27
Letters to the Editor Opinion
55 Years of Vermont Music and smaller events. My first Montpelier and other cherished times in auld lang ently it had been cleaned up recently. residence after returning from Ireland syne. Based upon my personal observations, Editor: was a studio apartment next to the State Thankfully, the music continues, in the so-called concerns over COVID-19 Thanks for your entertaining and in- House sublet from Carla Occaso’s dad, many forms ranging from the superb to and social distancing being employed formative “Bridge” of Oct. 14, 2020. Like Dan Neary, also a young newspaper re- the wannabe. don’t really wash, at least in my opin- Will Lindner, I have many memories of porter. I remember singing all the verses Andy Leader, North Middlesex ion. If it were either tourists or more the decades-ago Vermont music scenes. of Dylan’s “Tambourine Man” there to socially acceptable locals mostly using In fact, it was partly music that brought the bemusement or consternation of the Enjoyed Lindner’s Article it, I don’t think there would be the same me to Vermont fresh out of college in newshounds and legislators who had concerns being raised. Just saying. In 1963 to work as a reporter for the Rut- gathered there for a party. on Local Music Scene addition, the two picnic tables near the land Herald. My friends, Tom and Mary In the late 60s, early 70s I was the Bur- Editor: train bridge over the North Branch river Azarian, had just bought an abandoned lington Free Press reporter in St Albans, It was a treat to read Will Lindner’s have been removed, so if the Guertin Cabot hill farm, and one of my first Her- where I got to know the great singer/ article reflecting on the dynamic music parklet structure was removed and not ald bylines was on a story about the first songwriter Michael Hurley, who lived in scene in this area. I first heard Danny immediately relocated elsewhere, most of Craftsbury old-time fiddle contest, held Fairfield and played regularly in a local Coane in the 1960s, when he and Kathi those who have been relying on it would in the mostly empty Craftsbury Academy bar. In St. Albans I also got to know were performing blues music in the Bur- have nowhere else to go. In my opinion, auditorium and featuring Tom and other Banjo Dan Lindner, who was working lington area with Betty Smith and Tony the current location is as good a place as musicians I had played with in the vi- as a social studies teacher at Bellows Mastaler. A decade later, I was active in any and is somewhat centrally located brant Massachusetts “folk music” scene, Free Academy. In fact, I was fortunate the Barre Alliance, which held fundrais- as well (i.e., still relatively close enough as well as some old-time Vermont fid- to know or sit in with several of Ver- ers at the Country Cuzzin’ in Barre. Coco to downtown). I came across someone dling farmers. Many fine music parties mont’s outstanding musicians in their & the Lonesome Road Band always kept hanging out there and we had a lengthy took place at the Azarians’ Cabot house. early days. I went to performances by the dance floor hopping. The night we conversation. They were very welcoming, I was never a commanding stage pres- Pine Island, the Throbulators, Arm and featured Fiddlin’ Slim and the Woodbury friendly, and knowledgeable. They have ence or instrumental virtuoso like some Hammer, which included Pete Suther- Woodchucks, it cracked me up when been working on getting housed, have of the subsequently famous people I land and others, and I danced the night a customer remarked as I stamped her managed to get governmental benefits, knew, but I was competent enough for away at the Zodiac Lounge up on Route hand to let her inside: “I’m not interested and just cannot find housing, or, as they the roles I played in several lesser Ver- 302 in East Barre. in this political stuff you guys are in- put it, a landlord in the area who is will- mont bands. One such band was “Old I attended concerts by Bill Monroe in volved with, but I sure am glad someone ing to rent to them. We spoke for nearly MacDonald and The Fallen Arches” the Barre auditorium, the Osborn Broth- is bringing culture to Barre!” an hour or so. consisting of myself, Fred Carlson, and ers at Thunder Road, and memorably, Mary Carlson, Montpelier By the way, additionally, it comes to his partner, Suze Norris. Fred, now a Doctor John the Night Tripper who, in mind about how, although to my knowl- renowned maker of exquisite, idiosyn- full New Orleans voodoo regalia, scat- edge most if not all of the other parklet cratic stringed instruments, writes witty, tered glitter at the Gathering of The People Living Houseless structures in downtown Montpelier ei- sometimes deeply moving songs. We had Tribes, a crowded hippie commune event Deserve Much Better ther have been or will be removed for the a regular lunchtime gig at the hippie- at Goddard College. Also memorable winter, most if not all of the business- inflected Horn of The Moon restaurant Editor: was a Plainfield concert by my college During the last two meetings of the related outdoor seating or parklet struc- on Langdon Street, and a few other roommate, Rick Lee and his wife Lor- tures situated along the streets or on side- venues. I also played in a band with Fid- Montpelier City Council, there have raine, accompanied on pedal steel by been concerns raised by some about the walks during spring, summer and early dlin’ Slim Baker, an over-the-top young New York musical wizard Winnie Win- autumn months create the exact same character from Morrisville who followed Guertin parklet structure, situated along ston, Rick Winston’s older brother. the pedestrian and bike path (just behind bottleneck issues and potential concerns the Grateful Dead around the country, In the mid-60s I was evicted from my about COVID-19 and social distanc- sleeping in his pickup truck with his the state heating plant), which is regu- apartment on Loomis Street following larly utilized by people living houseless ing issues being raised by some over the dog, Chase, named for Crazy Chase, a a very loud music party with friends Guertin parklet structure; however, one 1950s-era cross-dressing Middlesex fid- in the area. including Danny Coane, Doug Peck, This is by no means a new or recent never hears concerns being raised over dler whom Slim sometimes channeled. who is a fine country gospel singer from those particular outdoor seating areas or A few years after my return from a matter that has been raised. It actually Marshfield, and Richard and Dinah predates COVID-19 and the era of social parklets by those raising concerns over stint in graduate school in music-rich Bryan from Montpelier, who did full the Guertin parklet structure. This is and welcoming Dublin, Ireland, I sang distancing, etc. I had finally managed justice to Ian and Sylvia duets, among to find the structure in question while rather telling. Go figure! with a mostly British Isles-oriented band others. There were also brilliant, raucous People living houseless in the area de- that variously included Charles Wood- out running errands early Thursday music parties with Tony Washburn and morning (Oct. 29). The structure and serve much better. ard, Steve Hinds, John Drury, and my the WDEV Radio Rangers in Hardwick Morgan W. Brown, Montpelier wife, Janet. We played some First Nights area was in fairly good shape. Appar- PAGE 28 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Saying Farewell to Montpelier Opinion but not Goodbye
By Dot Helling
don’t know what comes next for For instance, good sewers, good storm- Montpelier, Central Vermont, or the water runoff, well-paved roads, emptied I world. In Montpelier we have always garbage cans, a solution for the home- reached high, but it seems to me, in less, removal or monitoring of parklets these times, this overreaching is det- that have become second homes and rimental. I sing the age-worn song of dumps. City residents do a lot to help “take care of our infrastructure.” In my others, but the hot lunches and dry view Montpelier has gotten far behind beds are not the answer to the universal on the ABCs of municipal management problem. Montpelier has become unaf- and, unfortunately, during COVID-19 fordable to the low-income and middle times, catching up financially is not class and start-up families. In times realistically possible. Montpelier was my of COVID-19 this will not change or home and community for nearly 50 diminish as property values and taxes years. I recently moved to Adamant and water and sewer charges continue in the Town of Calais where we have to rise. delicious “free” well water, well-graded I’m not sure what it is I want to say The view up East State Street in Montpelier. Photo by John Lazenby. roads, no piles of messy salt melting except that we are blessed to be here materials in the winter, no exorbitant and not elsewhere in our nation or the water/sewer bills, and more reasonable world at this time. So I wonder if we streets and sewers, our parking needs, more of our voters and residents to take taxes, to name a few of the benefits. We cannot take this time to focus again on and our homeless. stands at elections and to volunteer for do have mud season and black flies, but what is the right agenda for Montpelier As I think about my community ser- municipal needs. It can be as simple as those are naturally occurring. and it’s future. I don’t believe it includes vice to Montpelier over the years, I am picking up that piece of trash laying on I miss my city life, my community fancy stores, a big municipal garage, struck by how many of the same issues the sidewalk as you walk by, or as big as down there and, most of all, being in- more parks, more restaurants. I believe have come back time and time again running for Mayor or City Council. I volved in trying to make Montpelier a we need to support what is here, the to go round robin in City Council and never did the latter for various personal better place. What I don’t miss is the existing restaurants and retail shops, committee circuits, and then never get reasons, but there are many of you out politics and what I view as the inability cleaning up the city’s environment and fully resolved. We have elected lead- there who can make a real “brass tacks” to get basic things done that would im- making Montpelier more livable, in- ers but we don’t have the power of difference. Consider getting involved if prove the foundation of our downtown. cluding a better solution to our terrible the majority. By that I mean, we need you aren’t already. THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 29
Refuge
Continued from page 15
“We had to make a quick decision,” she recalls. First, they decided to keep the property, and then Christiana and her mother worked out a financing plan by which she is now in the process of buy- ing the place. She recently installed solar panels to make her remote communica- tion more feasible. “I had the opportunity to move home, which I seized because I feel a lot safer here,” she says. “It was also a time that brought up what’s important to me. Right now, being near family is impor- tant. Being home is important.”
Identity Reimagined However, not everyone who returns Above, Ariel Singer in Egypt. Photo by Dominique Navarro. remains. Micaela Zahner, 35, came back Left, Micaela Zahner at Spruce Mountain in 2020. Courtesy photo. to Vermont, at her parents’ urging, in March. She had been living in New York A Distant World “Essentially, I came back to see what City since 2006. Ariel Singer, a 2002 graduate of Mont- was going to happen,” she says. “I’m still “I was open to [coming back], but I pelier High School, has found a new waiting to see.” As are we all. also wanted to shelter in place in my own locus for her passion, too. But it’s not Ariel’s intentions, though, are to re- place in Brooklyn,” she says. “I decided New York City. It’s Egypt. turn to Egypt in January. to come home, thinking the latest I’ll More specifically, it’s Luxor, a city on “Egypt is doing relatively well,” she stay will be June, because everything will the Nile River some 300 miles south of says, in terms of COVID-19. “And I’m definitely be over by then.” Cairo. Ariel is an Egyptologist, holding going to do the same thing there as I do June became July, and July became a master’s degree from the American here, spending all day on my computer August. She finally returned to Brooklyn University in Cairo and working toward doing my dissertation.” in September. But her six months here a doctorate at the University of Chicago. She’ll stay in Cairo, because the field were memorable. After quarantining as Luxor, in ancient times, was Thebes, and work in Luxor has been suspended dur- best she could within her parents’ home is the site of a temple complex honoring ing the pandemic. in Marshfield, she “got into a groove.” Ramesses III, whose legendary 31-year “The upside of being in Cairo,” she “I had dinner with my parents more reign began in approximately 1190 BCE. continues, “is having friends there that I than 100 nights in a row,” she says. “We she worked mostly from her apartment, Ariel has returned to Luxor for the can have a pod with” — a circle of fellow cooked stuff from the garden and from designing her creations on her laptop and “winter field session,” from October to Egyptologists who commit to safe prac- local farm shares. I set up a desk in my communicating with clients and associ- April, each year recently to work for tices so they can socialize with less worry bedroom and had my Zoom meetings ates online, COVID’s restrictions altered the University’s Epigraphic Survey. Her about contracting the virus. there. I did workouts on Zoom with my little for her. team studies, photographs, and creates But despite her longing for exotic New York City gym. My dad and I went Perhaps the most interesting thing facsimile drawings of temple and tomb Egypt, Ariel’s interlude in Vermont has swimming at Number Ten Pond. There about her half-year hideaway in Ver- inscriptions, partly for conservation, as had its blessings. (She would have been were beautiful sunsets.” mont, Micaela says, was the rethinking it these ancient etchings continue to age, in Chicago!) And there were animals. stirred about her identity. She eventually and partly for research. “Having outdoor space without a lot of “Every few days we saw a bear. I was resolved the conundrum in a way that She was actually in Egypt last March people around makes a huge difference. obsessed with the salamanders and frogs. pleases her: she carries both Vermont and when the coronavirus struck. And people really seem to be taking this There was a baby snake, and skunks and New York within her; neither excludes “I got back to the states” — meaning situation seriously, which helps take the chipmunks. I kept having these magical the other. “I can take with me any hab- Chicago — “and was hoping this was not stress out of things when you realize encounters with a new animal.” She had its and routines to any location and be going to be such a long-term thing,” she you’re living through a global pandemic. grown up in the house, but living daily myself.” says. But with the future uncertain she “If I can’t be in Egypt through all of with such surprises as an adult was a new There’s also something about the moved her possessions back to Vermont, this,” she summarizes, “this is where I’d and inspiring experience for her. “quarantine lifestyle” — hunkering rented a storage unit, and settled in with like to be. I hadn’t seen a Vermont au- Yet she loved New York, and knew down, valuing relationships — that she her father, Mason Singer (a member of tumn for a long time.” she would return. She had moved there finds refreshing. The Bridge’s board) in Calais. to study textile and surface design at “It feels like the part of life that’s a the Fashion Institute of Technology, show is not happening,” she says, “and earning her bachelor’s degree in 2010. the part of life that’s just raw and inten- After working for corporations for sev- tional is what’s happening. Quarantine eral years, she started her own company, changes the tone of life.” Micaela Zahner Design, in 2015. Since For her, in a good way. PAGE 30 • NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 THE BRIDGE
Real Estate Transactions, July 10–September 30, 2020
SELLER BUYER ADDRESS DATE PRICE TYPE Ressler, Janet B. Trust Meacham, Amos C. & Ryan, Lisa M. 9 Lincoln Ave 7/10/2020 245,000 Single Deangelis, Richard & Kissam, Ariane Tormey, Samuel & Heath, Victoria 5 Sunset Ave 7/13/2020 269,000 Single Olson Phenix, Ingrid Dwinell-Yardley, Dana 72 Liberty St 7/15/2020 287,500 Single Boardman, Lucky E. Charron, Tyler S. & Bushey, Ryan D. 244 Berlin St 7/16/2020 244,000 Single Libby, James M. Jr. Smith, James S. III 56 Liberty St 7/22/2020 252,500 Single Romans, Susan E. Blouin, Rebecca L. & Mills, Bryan L. 27 Bailey Ave 7/23/2020 530,000 Single Nary, Peter D. & Eleanore O. Goodspeed, Mary Laning 60 College St Unit 2 7/28/2020 245,000 Condo Galfetti, Teri Bristol Holdings 4 LLC 4 Sibley Ave 7/29/2020 175,000 Multi (2) Vaillancourt, Guy W. Trust Reynes, Stephen A. 136 Murray Hill Dr Unit 26 7/30/2020 250,000 Condo Valentine, Georgia D. Leute, Derrek K. & Emily R. C. 56 Dyer Ave 7/30/2020 525,000 Single Baker, Michael A. Niedermayer, Cameron & Abernathy, Dane 15 George St 7/31/2020 210,000 Single Fisher, Sarah R. Peete, Brian & Natalie 414 Sherwood Dr 7/31/2020 244,000 Single Knosher, Norris Estate Lajeunesse, Joanne R. 79 Independence Gr 7/31/2020 160,000 Condo Cruickshanks, Jacqueline Earle & Sirotkin, Allan Ford, Mary J. Living Trust 329 Murray Hill Dr 7/31/2020 450,000 Single Grey, Jeffrey D. & Kelly A. Geller, Alex M. & Wendy I. 131 Dover Rd 8/9/2020 364,000 Single Low, Nicholas A. E. & Warner, Emily Johnson-Kurts, Alyssa & Buchanan, Adin 194 Main St 8/10/2020 256,311 Single Leendertse, Paul & Windsor, Cassia Warner, Emily & Low, Nicholas 230 Perkins Rd 8/11/2020 358,000 Single Dowling, Daniel & Robin McNamara, Edward M. & Bailey, Melissa W. 13 North Park Dr 8/17/2020 435,000 Single Duplessis, Kylee J. Tetrault, Diane M. 311 State St Unit 1 8/18/2020 158,000 Condo Flanagan, John B. & Katherine L. Kelman-Mageau Grantor Trust 6 Mountainview St 8/19/2020 439,000 Multi (2) Timpone, Lynnea M. & Peter C. Greene, Thomas C. & McCarthy, Kristen L. 228 Elm St Unit 2 8/19/2020 295,000 Condo Andes, Mary J. Buley, Joseph R. Jr. & Martin, Lori A. 192 Main St 8/19/2020 279,000 Multi (3) Casserly, Peter M. Ricker, William G. III & Sandra J. 136 Murray Hill Dr Unit 23 8/19/2020 309,000 Condo Casavant, Thomas D. & Tanya M. Casey, Christopher J. & Gretchen G. 428 Sherwood Dr 8/20/2020 140,000 Comm Greene, Thomas C. & McCarthy, Kristen L. Parker, Timothy & Heidi 5 Winter St 8/20/2020 480,000 Single Randall, Teresa M. Estate Garrett, Larry & Mahoney, Melisa 11 Ridge St 8/24/2020 180,000 Single Dwinell-Yardley, Dana Silverman, Jonathan & Whitfield, Martha M. 4 Franklin St Unit 3 8/24/2020 181,730 Condo Ebersole, Andrew F. & Christina A. Rodwin, Victor & Fishman, Nadell 128 Northfield St 8/25/2020 514,500 Single Armbrecht, Ann P. & Youk, Terrence Green, Joshua D. & Bowers, Courtney A. 4 Glinney Pl 8/25/2020 440,000 Single Withey, Maria Majchrzak, Benjamin & Hammond, Megan 123 Robinhood Circle 8/26/2020 298,000 Single Waldo, John T. & Welz, Mary L. Cho, Evonne & Hlivka, Alexander S. 35 Foster St 8/27/2020 440,000 Single Bingham, H. Dodge III & Elizabeth Roy, Matthew S. & Heinrich, Erica R. 6 Clarendon Ave 8/27/2020 749,000 Single Kacewicz, Janet L. Krussman, Rodger & Christina 45 Terrace St 8/28/2020 470,000 Multi (3) Cunningham, Jon & Nancy Librizzi, Regina Riverview Ave 8/28/2020 40,000 Land 0.28 AC Crandall, Elfriede Freundlich Revocable Trust of 2011 54 Freedom Dr 8/28/2020 205,000 Condo Helling, Dorothy L. McKnight-Warren, Dianne & Warren, Andrew 29 East State St 8/30/2020 339,000 Multi (2) Browning, Nathalie Zavez, Emma 3 Derby Dr 8/31/2020 275,000 Single Scolaro, Diane M. & Michael J. Fox, Edward W. & Kononan, Stephani L. 17 Isabel Cir 9/2/2020 355,000 Single Larsen Living Trust Barrett, Robert & Joan 404 Cityside Dr Unit 76 9/2/2020 305,000 Condo Scoppettone Joint Trust, Gregory H. & Carolyn C. Hogan, Ruth L. & Tobacco, Errol J. 11 Foster St 9/2/2020 335,000 Single Fitzpatrick, Alison E ET AL Meyer, Christian B & Bourg-Meyer, Veronique C M 164 Main St 9/3/2020 370,000 Single O'Donnell, Robert R. Beatty, David 41 Freedom Dr 9/4/2020 227,000 Condo Francke, Timothy J. & Suzanne M. Walker, Andrew & Hassett-Walker, Connie 137 Woodcrest Rd 9/4/2020 400,575 Single Holt, Norris L. & Cheryl M. Keegan, Andrew & Christina 227 Chestnut Hill Rd 9/8/2020 465,000 Single McShane, Shawn S. & Michael H. Patterson, Caitlin & Cobb, Jarred Greenock Ave 9/9/2020 185,000 Land 8.85 AC Casavant, Thomas D. & Tanya M. Boyd-Boffa, Wheeler & Strub, Aleksandra 484 Sherwood Dr 9/10/2020 355,000 Multi (2) Laperle, Paul R. & Jan C. Surrey, Gail 52 Independence Gr 9/10/2020 174,900 Condo Lessley, Shannon Milkowski, Anna H. & Riechel, Celia J. 14 Hubbard Park Dr 9/11/2020 360,000 Single Benoche (Hogan), Ruth Shadis, Ira B. & Archer, Deborah L. 6 Derby Dr 9/11/2020 224,000 Single Siple, Mark L. Paquette, Armand R. & Alaina L. 132 Forest Dr 9/16/2020 242,000 Single Persampieri, Nicholas F. Uphill LLC 191 North St 9/21/2020 275,000 Single Surrell, Joshua & Costa, Dalice Gaudet, Patrick T. 77 Hill St 9/22/2020 180,000 Single THE BRIDGE NOVEMBER 18–DECEMBER 16, 2020 • PAGE 31
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