The Bridge, June 26, 2019

When Lafayette Came to Montpelier • Pages 8–9
J une 26 – J uly 9, 2019
Summer Fun
&
Independence
Day
IN THIS ISSUE: The Future is Now in Jay Craven’s Wetware
Pg. 5 Berlin Street Speed By Mike Dunphy
Limit to Drop
“C
ivilization struggles in the face of scarce resources of political leadership; look at the lack of accountability or
and collapsing ecosystems. There are jobs no one democratic structures; look at the decline of community and
Pg. 10 Five Summer Hikes wants. Yet many remain desperate for security everybody increasingly cocooning in their own world; look at
and well-being”—so reads the opening frame of Jay Craven’s the nature of health care and the basic way in which systems
in Central Vermont new film, Wetware. One solution for and corporations operate. Everything
the down and out in this dystopic is transactional.”
Pg. 12–13 Do Good Fest future world is to offer themselves
up for genetic enhancements—and
In this world, emotion of any kind
appears as the rarest of commodities
Makes Good wiped memories—and take on and is all but absent in the faces,
the tough jobs, like toxic cleanup, voices, and movements of the film’s
animal slaughter, bounty hunting, characters, as if the life has been
U.S. Postage PAID
and espionage. However, when Kay sucked out of them by some off-stage
Permit NO. 123
Montpelier, VT
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
Remilard (Morgan Wolk) walks in original sin. The effect is enhanced

the door, genetic programmer Hal by the dark lighting and confined
Briggs (Cameron Scoggins) has spaces of most scenes, and lugubrious
another idea. language wafting slowly inside them.
It’s indeed a bleak reality in Wetware, Kay Remilard (Morgan Wolk) and Jack It’s also what drives Briggs to
a cerebral, moody piece of sci-fi based Portman (Bret Lada) in Wetware. genetically enhance Kay and her
on the 2003 book by Craig Nova Photo courtesy of Jay Craven. partner Jack Portman (Bret Lada)—
that feels more real than it should. two prime specimens—with an ability
That’s no accident, according to Craven. “The future is now,” to experience emotion and, perhaps, to love, raising questions
Craven claims. “Look at the way commerce exists; look at the of the essential nature of humanity. “In many ways, the
algorithmic media and information world; look at the nature most human people are Jack and Kay,” muses Craven. This
Continued on Page 18
Montpelier, VT 05601
P.O. Box 1143
The Bridge
PAGE 2 • JUNE 26 —JULY 9, 2019 T HE BRID GE
T HE BRID GE JUNE 26 —JULY 9, 2019 • PAGE 3
HEARD ON THE STREET

Then and Now
Veteran Public Works Director to Retire
Tom McArdle, who has worked for the city for nearly four decades, will step into
retirement at the end of the year. McArdle held several positions in the city’s Public
Works Department before being named director in 2015. During his tenure, McArdle Historic photos courtesy of Vermont Historical Society;
and his staff have dealt with a multitude of crises, from floods to landslides to last Captions and modern photos by Paul Carnahan
winter’s water main failures and pothole-palooza. The move comes as the city is in the
midst of several infrastructure projects, including major water and sewer upgrades. The
The beautifully ornate French Second Empire-style home
city is in the process of seeking his successor. Also leaving city government is Assistant
at the corner of Elm and Vine streets was the proud home of
City Manager Susan Allen, who has held the job since May 2017.
Dennis Lane, president of the Lane Manufacturing Company.
Speaking of Potholes … Lane’s house was on a prominent Montpelier thoroughfare
where it could be admired by passersby, yet was within easy
The City Council approved the purchase of a new Vactor truck to replace the current
walking distance via a pedestrian bridge to his factory on the
unit, which is growing unreliable, city officials say. One of the many uses of the machine
other side of the North Branch. Notice the patterns in the
that both vacuums and delivers pressurized spray is to suck the water out of potholes
slate on the mansard roof, the decorated frieze board under the
to allow them to be filled with asphalt. The $380,870 vehicle is also essential for the
overhangs of the roof, and the iron filigree at the crests of the
cleaning of sewer pipes and storm drains. The custom-built Vactor is not expected to
roofs. This photo of this circa 1880 house was taken in 1891,
arrive until next spring or summer, long after the next winter season. DPW Director
three years after Lane’s death in 1888 at age 70.
Tom McArdle said of its arrival: “The sooner the better because the existing truck is
getting tired and is currently out of service again.”
Night Work Expected on Stone Cutters Way

The City Council will be asked to allow work on the reconstruction of Stone Cutters
Way to take place at night. If approved, the work is expected to take place from 9 pm to
7 am for three nights this season.
Caledonia Spirits Grand Opening

The new Caledonia Spirits distillery opens to the public on June 29, with a day of
celebration including handcrafted cocktails, distillery tours, spirit tastings, live music,
local eats, and much more. The day kicks off at 11 am on the company’s spirits bar and
expansive outdoor patio. Tours will kick off beginning at noon and continue throughout
the afternoon, on the hour, until close. President and head distiller of Caledonia Spirits,
Ryan Christiansen, will make a celebratory toast and remarks to welcome the distillery’s
first-ever guests at 2:30 pm.The Starline Rhythm Boys, Chad Hollister, and Eric George
and Mountain Elder, will add live music.
Nature Watch
Artwork and Words by Nona Estrin.
Bridge Community Media, Inc.

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 • Ph: 802-223-5112
Editor in Chief: Mike Dunphy
Managing Editor: Tom Brown
Publisher Emeritus: Nat Frothingham
Copy Editor: Larry Floersch
Calendar Editor: Marichel Vaught
Layout: Sarah Davin, Marichel Vaught
W
ith short nights, female turtles are risking all, crossing roads, to find Sales Representatives: Rick McMahan
Distribution: Sarah Davin, Lora Stridsberg, Carl Etnier
just the right soil, slowly dig a hole, deposit their clutch of eggs, Board Members: Phil Dodd, Donny Osman, Jake Brown, Josh Fitzhugh, Larry Floersch, Greg Gerdel, Irene
re-cover and tamp down the soil before returning to their feeding Racz, Ivan Shadis, Mason Singer
Editorial: 223-5112, ext. 14 • mdunphy@montpelierbridge.com
territory. In spite of the cold wet spring and the deluge of last week, nuptual flights Location: The Bridge office is located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Stone Science Hall.
at dusk of dance flies, and the emergence of the huge ash spinx moth, are right Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by mail for $50 a year. Make out your check to The Bridge, and
mail to The Bridge, PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.
on schedule. montpelierbridge.com • facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervt
Twitter: @montpbridge • Instagram: @montpelierbridge
City News
Library Check-out Records to be Expunged
By Carl Etnier
A
software system at Kellogg- orders to turn over records of books people people borrow. Verso, on the other hand, memory of what they’ve read. “Patrons say,
Hubbard Library that allowed a had borrowed or bought, with no way for will purge patron data by default, although ‘I want you, as a librarian, to be able to
patrons’ borrowing history to be the library or bookseller to challenge the a library user could request to have his or look up and tell me if I’ve already read this
saved for a year or more is being replaced, demand. The orders often also included her history preserved. or already seen this DVD, before I check it
and the switch should ease privacy concerns “gag orders,” so it was even illegal to tell For some reason, pre-2008 checkout out again,’” Brennan said.
that trace back to the 9/11 terror attacks. anyone the order had been received. records had been retained and were Since its passage in 2001, the USA
The library had announced in 2008, a In January 2003, Bear Pond Books co- brought into the Destiny system, too. In PATRIOT Act has been modified a number
time of national ferment about checkout owner Michael Katzenberg worked on the her office, I asked Brennan to pull up of times, and in 2015 it was replaced
records and privacy, that it was expunging principle that the store couldn’t give the my records in Destiny. Page after page by the USA FREEDOM Act. U.S. Sen.
checkout records when items were FBI information it didn’t have. He ended of books and DVDs with familiar titles Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., was a co-sponsor of
returned on time. The policy had been the store’s records of titles purchased by came up. Overdue books were noted in a the USA FREEDOM Act, and his office
almost accidentally reversed by a software members of the Readers Club. “We updated scarlet font. There was a gap from 2008 to cited endorsements of the bill by library
purchase in 2012, with notice given at the the software so that only the amount of 2012, but otherwise the records went back associations. Now the USA FREEDOM
library, but absent the spotlight of attention the sales is kept as a record of purchases,” to when I first got a card at the library in Act allows judicial review of federal gag
the original change had received. That he explained to the American Booksellers 2001. orders, according to one library association.
software, named Destiny, which allowed Association. Many other bookstores and “I checked with a few staff members Previously, federal gag orders were worded
readers’ borrowing habits to be saved, is libraries took similar actions. In 2008, who worked here in 2012,” Brennan wrote to forbid talking to anyone, even your
about to be replaced with new software, the Kellogg-Hubbard Library started later, “and the consensus was that notices attorney. Now librarians are free to talk to
named Verso, and the records expunged, expunging its patrons’ checkout records— about the functions of Follett Destiny, an attorney before turning over records.
library officials said. unless items were overdue. In that case, the including saving patron checkout histories, Meanwhile, Brennan said patron data
Reading records and privacy became an record was expunged when the fine was were notified via fliers posted in the from Follett’s Destiny software, the one
issue in the aftermath of the September paid. library, which was the practice for patron Kellogg-Hubbard has phased out, will be
11, 2001, terror attacks on New York That changed in 2012. The change came notification at the time.” expunged from its system within a month.
and Washington, D.C. Congress passed when the library bought Destiny, explained A privacy checklist from the American The records will soon be gone from off-site
the USA PATRIOT Act, which gave the Carolyn Brennan, director of library Library Association recommends that servers, apparently, as well; she said Follett’s
government sweeping powers to collect services, and, as of July 1, co-director of the libraries configure their software so patrons policy is to purge patron data when a library
records on individuals. Librarians and library. Destiny, run by a company called can choose whether or not their checkout stops using its software. Soon, not even the
booksellers—including the then-owners Follett, has no capability of expunging histories are retained. Kellogg-Hubbard’s head librarian at Kellogg-Hubbard or the
of Bear Pond Books in Montpelier—led the checkout records of current patrons new software, Verso, allows that, and top IT person from Follett will be able to
resistance to what they viewed as intrusive from the system, she said. As a result of Brennan says that patrons’ records are look up what I checked out in 2001.
provisions that affected them. The law the 2012 software choice, the library has expunged by default. And some would
allowed federal law enforcement to issue been steadily accumulating data on what rather have the library serve as the electronic
City News
Berlin St. Speed to Drop to 30, or 25
By Tom Brown
T
he speed limit on Berlin Street is in court, as happened before in a challenge at the second hearing on whether I’m
almost certainly going to come from one ticketed motorist. In another comfortable moving it all the way to 25,
down from its posted 35 mph, case, a town’s decision to go below the or I’m comfortable moving it to 30.”
and how much drivers will have to adjust recommendation was upheld, citing the He said the first hearing lacked input
should become clear this week. value of the selectboard’s local knowledge from commuters. “There are a lot of
Residents of that neighborhood who over a consultant’s report. people who use Berlin Street that don’t
are urging that the limit be lowered Whatever council members decide, live on Berlin Street, and we didn’t hear
to 25 mph are expected to make their McLean suggested they include a detailed from anyone saying that’s how they use
second appeal at this week’s City Council explanation for their choice of a lower it. But it seemed to me at the first hearing
meeting. Those who spoke at the first limit, “including any and all local that there was a reasonable amount of
hearing on June 12 cited numerous close influencing factors, such as knowledge sympathy (from the council) for those
calls with speeding cars while shoveling of pedestrian and bike traffic, road who spoke up for 25. If we get a positive
snow and crossing the street, even at the conditions, curb cuts, sight lines, children answer about our authority, there might
two designated crosswalks. They also said Berlin Street resident Gene Leon living in the area, etc.” be an appetite for pushing it down to
changing demographics have led to more scans traffic near his home. Photo Whether the limit is cut to 30 or 25.”
children and families in the area, many by Tom Brown. 25, council members seem to agree According to McArdle’s study, average
of whom are afraid to walk or bike on that the harmony between motorists daily traffic on Berlin Street increased
the increasingly busy road that serves as showed up are all in favor of 25,” he said, and those who prefer human-powered by 12 percent from 2013 to 2018, from
a conduit to Hospital Hill and the Berlin “why not have a citywide 25 mph? People transportation could be improved. 6,500 to 7,391. The study also found
Mall. will get used to it.” District 1 City Council member Dona that 85 percent of drivers travel 44 mph
Many, if not most, of those who spoke It might not be as simple as it seems for the Bate said the issue goes beyond Berlin or less on Berlin Street.
were disappointed with the results of a city council to set the limit below the 30 mph Street and should be examined in all Meanwhile, some of the needs
traffic study that recommended the speed recommendation. State law requires speed neighborhoods. mentioned by residents are being
limit on the 1.2-mile stretch that runs from limits to be “effective and enforceable” and “We should think citywide how do we addressed. McArdle said that signage
Granite Street to the Berlin town line be based on a study, such as the one completed reduce the domination of cars and the welcoming drivers to Montpelier and
reduced to 30 mph. That did not satisfy by Public Works Director Tom McArdle. unsafe relationship between pedestrians, warnings to slow down in residential
Berlin Street resident Gene Leon, who said Whether councilors have the authority to bicycles, and cars and be friendly to all areas are being pursued. Efforts to install
he has been lobbying the city to cut the set it below the study’s justification is a bit and more balanced to all,” said Bate, sidewalks on the stretch of Berlin Street
speed limit to 25 for two years. murky. who supports looking at alternative ways between Hebert Road and Sherwood
“This is a matter of urgency,” Leon In a memo to the council after the to calm traffic. “What if we actually Drive, where none exist, is being
said. “If you look at the problem, 30 is not first public hearing, McArdle submitted started helping people be more aware considered in-house after a state funding
enough. Barre City is 25 mph throughout. general advice from the state Agency of that we’re people-oriented and that we grant for the project was denied.
Why not Montpelier? It’s a dangerous Transportation indicating, for example, need vehicles to slow down.” Leon said he would be disappointed if
situation.” that requests by residents to lower the speed Council member Glen Coburn the council elects to go with the 30 mph
Leon, who has two young children, limit must be accompanied by a study Hutcheson, whose district includes Berlin recommendation and promised a robust
said the city should make the speed justifying the change. Street, agreed that cars need to slow presence at the second public hearing
limit comparable to other residential The city’s attorney, Joe McLean, offered down but said he was undecided whether (June 26).
neighborhoods such as Elm, Northfield, legal precedents that tickets issued by a to support the 25 mph request. “Tom’s “A one-week study is not enough,” he
and College streets, where the limit is community that disregarded a traffic study report was pretty persuasive,” he said. said, “The city has an obligation to meet
posted at 25 mph. “The residents that and set a lower limit could be overturned “I think it will depend on what happens the well-being of its citizens.”
A Message From City Hall

This page was paid for by the City of Montpelier.
Community Progress Maps From the

Energy Action Network
by Mayor Anne Watson
I
f there were a Venn diagram of people who loved
energy, data, and Montpelier, I would sit right in the
middle, and I don’t think I’d be alone there. I know
many of you care about our community’s energy profile
as well, so I’m glad to be able to share with you some
information that I recently learned.
At the last meeting of the Montpelier Energy Advisory
Committee, we heard a presentation from Jared Duval,
who is the executive director of the Energy Action Network
(EAN), and he’s also a committee member. Jared told us
about the newest update to EAN’s energy dashboard. This
website—vtenergydashboard.org/statistics—now allows
visitors to search for how the state and individual towns
are doing in terms of energy on a variety of metrics. I’ve
included five graphs specifically about Montpelier to help
us see how we, as a community, are doing in terms of
renewable energy and energy efficiency. Each graph tells a
story, and I’d like to explore what each graph means. the state for the highest rate of weatherized housing units
per capita. What’s odd about this graph, though, is that
it appears as though the rate at which homes are being
weatherized is slowing down. Every year since 2014 the
rate for weatherization has decreased. This is fascinating
to me. Why would that be? It’s quite a nice little curve,
too. We know that about 40 percent of Montpelier’s
housing units are rentals. It would be interesting to see
Total Number of Heat Pumps (Efficiency Vermont
about separating out how many of these weatherized units
Approved) in Montpelier for Space Heating.
are rentals. Perhaps rentals are weatherized at a lower rate?
The heat pumps in the above graph are for space
Perhaps Montpelier has a subset of housing that is wildly
heating, not hot water. It seems like Montpelier is just
expensive to weatherize? Perhaps there’s another subset of
starting to discover heat pumps, with a substantial increase
housing that’s relatively new and likely does not need to
in installations in 2017. In case you’re unfamiliar, heat
be weatherized? Still, at roughly 800 units out of a total of
pumps are similar to air condition ers or refrigerators,
3,800 units, 20 percent is not bad.
where they simply move heat from one location to another.
Annual Electricity Capacity in Montpelier for Solar. Heat pumps take heat from the air outside your house and
In terms of solar electricity, there were significant jumps move it inside your house. Consequently, heat pumps can
in 2014 and in 2016, which also corresponds to jumps in also be used as air conditioners. Heat pumps are probably
Total Number of Electric Vehicle Registrations in the total number of solar sites in those same years. It would one of the most efficient forms of heat available at this
Montpelier for Electric Vehicles. be interesting to see if this graph aligns at all with either the point in Montpelier. This is one of the reasons why EAN
In order for Vermont to reach its own version of beginning or ending of subsidies. As a part of the package identified cold climate heat pumps specifically as a part
the Paris climate accord, EAN has identified a set of of solutions laid out by EAN, they estimate that Vermont of its comprehensive package of solutions for Vermont
actions that we would need to take. One of those actions needs approximately 500MW of new solar. which means to address its fossil fuel use. According to EAN, Vermont
is to replace 90,000 internal combustion engine cars Montpelier would be aiming for 5MW (or 5,000kW). At could use 90,000 cold climate heat pumps to replace fossil
with electric vehicles (EVs). Since Montpelier represents 2,486 kW currently, Montpelier is almost halfway to its fuel heat (in combination with other solutions) to reach
roughly 1 percent of the total population of Vermont, that Paris Agreement goal! our Paris climate agreement goals. Again, at 1 percent of
would mean we need approximately 900 EVs registered in the population of Vermont, Montpelier would need to
Montpelier for us to be doing our part. Since we currently install approximately 900 heat pumps.
only have 136 EVs, we’ve still got a way to go to reach Total Number of Heat Pumps (Efficiency Vermont
our goal. However, from a statewide perspective, we’re not Approved) in Montpelier for Hot Water.
doing too badly. Montpelier comes in fourth in the state Using a heat pump for hot water works similarly, only
for highest number of EVs per capita, just barely behind the heat that’s removed from the air is deposited into a hot
Plainfield. water tank. It looks as though the adoption of heat pumps
I want to recognize, too, that buying or leasing an EV for hot water is solidly increasing. This is logical, though,
may not be an option for everyone. Public transportation as it’s one of the most energy-efficient technologies for
and carpooling remain essential pieces of the solution heating hot water, and property owners have to replace
as we look to address climate change. In the words of their hot water heaters with some regularity.
Bill McKibben, “There are no silver bullets, only silver If you’re interested in learning more about specific
buckshot.” EVs are just one piece of the transportation energy technology trends in Vermont as a whole, or which
solution. towns are leading the way in particular technologies, the
Number of Housing Units Comprehensively energy dashboard has that. It also lets you see progress
Weatherized in Montpelier for Building Efficiency. made over time. I highly recommend poking around this
Here’s a topic close to my heart: weatherization. site. I love that we have a place to go to see how we’re doing
Montpelier is also doing relatively well in this category. in terms of meeting our net zero goals. I can’t wait to see
At 801 units weatherized, Montpelier comes in third in what it will continue to tell us in the future.
Hubbard Park Marks 120th Anniversary Summer Fun

By J. Gregory Gerdel
A
mong John Erastus Hubbard’s between 1933 and 1936. Roads were
gifts to the community, the widened, ditched and graveled, providing
hilltop tract overlooking the city both east and west access to the park.
and the State House is often a surprise— Thousands of Norway spruce and red
and a delight—for all who visit, be they pines were planted, and picnic areas were
local or tourist. The celebration of the established.
beloved park’s 120th anniversary this But by the early 1980s, when current
year invites exploration of its history and Parks Director and Tree Warden Geoff
transformation. Beyer started as a part-time worker,
Growth and Evolution seasonal maintenance of the park was
something of a free-for-all. At the
Following Hubbard’s wishes in his time, the park was open only for two-
1899 bequest of the property, the city and-a half months during the warm
created a parks commission to guide the Photo by Niranjan Arminius via Flickr. This photo has been cropped. weather. Among its problems were off-
design and development of what was, road motorcyclists tearing up trails
at the time, a treeless, grassy pasture. pines below the tower grew to obscure deck. Then, in 2009 the stonework was and sensitive plant life, and commuters
Landscape architect Dana F. Dow was the original view of the State House repainted on both the inside and outside taking a shortcut through the steep,
hired in 1907 to design carriage roads by the 1960s. It remains controversial of the structure. gravel roads at unsafe speeds. Perhaps
and plantings to restore the forest cut whether that view should be reopened Warren Kitzmiller, a longtime fan of the most egregious problem was partying
clear in the previous century. He also by removing some of the now-towering the park and a former member of the at the tower. Beyer recalls sweeping up
suggested construction of an observation trees. While the vistas from the tower Parks Commission, has officiated many and hauling out as much as 20 pounds of
tower overlooking the city and the State include striking views of Camel’s Hump small weddings and civil unions on the broken glass three times a week.
House. and the surrounding mountains, the tower in his role as a justice of the peace. While patrolling the park and
Although a local myth persists that the only visible Montpelier structures during “People often ask if I can suggest an closing the roads to through travel were
tower was never quite completed, in fact the summer months are the Murray Hill interesting place to have the ceremony. If important to transforming use of the
it was designed to resemble the ruins of development to the east and the National they are up for the hike, it always proves park, Beyer credits Union Elementary
a medieval fortress. Construction of the Life complex to the south. to be a hit,” he said. School teacher Teresa Giffin for
tower began in 1915 after completion of The tower itself has had improvements Community Culture inspiring a community-invested culture
an access roadway, now Hubbard Park and renovations. The original, open-
The Civilian Conservation Corps
Drive, and it continued seasonally— grated iron staircase, long noted for
made major improvements to the park Continues on Page 17
using stones gathered from the stone its singular ability to induce vertigo,
walls that had previously defined was replaced in 1990 with reassuringly
pastures—until completion in 1930. opaque, steel steps. Also removed were the
The process for restoring the forest also intimidating shards of glass embedded
was gradual. The 1920s plantings of red in the concrete around the observation
When Lafayette Came to Montpelier

By Stephen Perkins
O
n the evening of June 28, 1825, and steamboat throughout the U.S., Cadwell House, photo courtesy of Paul Carnahan.
at about 9 pm, a splendid coach, attending banquets, balls, troop reviews,
pulled by six white horses and and meetings with Revolutionary War
accompanied by state militia, entered soldiers. Countrywide, towns, counties,
Montpelier, parading up Barre, Main, buildings, roads, and ships were named,
and State streets until reaching the State or renamed, after him.
House. Here, the state’s guest of honor, By planning or happenstance,
the Marquis de Lafayette, disembarked Vermont was the final state on the grand
and addressed the waiting crowd. tour. In December 1824, upon the
Lafayette’s barnstorming tour of recommendation of Gov. Cornelius Van
the United States, then consisting of Ness, the Vermont Legislature extended
24 states, captured the country’s an invitation to Lafayette to visit the state.
attention and created a patriotic fervor It further voted to provide all necessary
in a country rapidly approaching its military escorts and to have the state meet
50th year in existence. Understanding all of the expenses of the tour.
the political benefits of a nationwide On Dec. 27, Van Ness wrote:
celebration while honoring the rapidly Gen. LaFayette:
dwindling generation of Revolutionary
War veterans, President James Monroe SIR, - It has become my pleasing duty at Lafayette replied that he would indeed Vermont. Many dignitaries, state officers,
extended the invitation to the only living the request of the Legislature and in behalf of visit the state, and that he appreciated soldiers, musicians, Masons in “full
French officer of the war to return to the the people of Vermont, to invite you to visit deeply all of the services that Vermont regalia,” clergy, and citizens created a
U.S. for a sentimental tour. this State previous to your return to France. gave to the “common cause of liberty.” parade for the 3,000 people gathered to
The Marquis arrived on the French It can scarcely be necessary, Sir, to assure It had long been planned that Lafayette greet the French general. Throughout
ship Cadmus in August 1824, landing you that we should feel both gratified and would lay the cornerstone of the Bunker the day, Lafayette and his cortege made
to great pomp and bluster at Castle honored by such an event; and it is hoped, Hill Monument in Charlestown on their way northwest with numerous
Garden, New York City. In addition that it will be convenient and agreeable to June 17. Upon completing that duty, he stops for speeches and toasts as well as
to the $200,000 appropriated by the you, to comply with our wishes. I have the made a hurried trip to Maine and New banquets in Woodstock and Royalton.
federal government to cover his expenses, honour to be, with the highest respect and Hampshire before crossing the Cornish His secretary, Auguste LeVasseur, wrote
many states provided appropriations of consideration, your obedient servant. Toll Bridge over the Connecticut River in his account of the tour, “Vermont is
their own. For almost a year, Lafayette at 7 am on June 28 to great cheers and very mountainous, which rendered the
traveled by horse, carriage, sleigh, barge, C. P. Van Ness cannon fire from the citizens of Windsor, road more difficult. We traveled with
Independence Day
Continued from previous page
Platter used at Lafayette’s Montpelier banquet. Photo by Mary Rogstad. the citizens of Vermont and I beg you entire U.S. tour that he was toasted
to accept my affectionate and respectful exclusively by women. As he was expected
thanks.” in Burlington that day, he understandably
They then proceeded to Mr. Mann’s left Montpelier as soon after breakfast as
hotel, which stood where the Unitarian possible. An honor guard of 14-year-old
Church now sits, for yet another banquet. boys accompanied him on his way.
Fine china and glassware were collected With a full cavalry escort, Lafayette
from the community to provide the most entered Burlington by noon and was
elegant table possible. A number of these welcomed by Gov. Van Ness, a Burlington
items were saved and ultimately placed resident, and escorted to dinner for 200
in the Vermont Historical Society as at Gould’s Hotel. While in Burlington,
relics of his tour. There were 16 planned Lafayette laid the cornerstone for the
toasts and a number of extemporaneous new UVM building, now known as the
speeches presented. Lafayette gave his Old Mill, and attended, what must have
most famous quote of the Vermont trip been the party of the decade at Van
at this time: “Vermont, Montpelier and Ness’ mansion—standing to this day
the Green Mountains from which was and known as Grassmount. At 11 that
echoed early, and valiantly supported, evening, Lafayette and his companions
extreme rapidity, advancing almost all the gave the welcoming address from a State the Republican cry for Independence and boarded the lake steamer Phoenix, and
time more than nine miles an hour, relays House balcony. He closed with these Freedom. May its happy results be more departed for Whitehall, New York.
of horses having been well distributed by words, “We most fervently join in the and more enjoyed by the Sons of the Lafayette stayed in the United States
the whole state.” prayer of a whole nation, that you may Green Mountains.” another three months, ultimately
At 8 pm, Lafayette reached Barre and return in health and safety across the After this third banquet of the day, and departing on the U.S.S. Brandywine on
transferred to Ira Day’s carriage with ocean to the bosom of your family and at what must have been a very late hour, Sept. 7. His trip stirred memory and
six matching white horses for the ride that the blessing of God may attend you Lafayette and his suite proceeded to celebration throughout the United States
into Montpelier. At the Montpelier line, through the remainder of your life.” the Cadwell House, now the Blanchard and resulted in a patriotic fervor not seen
the already large group was joined by Lafayette’s reply included, “Sir, I have Block, where he was to spend his only again until the Centennial celebrations
E.P. Walton and his militia company. now accomplished one of the greatest night in Vermont. Though the house of 1876.
According to a newspaper account, they objects in my life; I have visited the certainly had fine furnishings, the people Stephen Perkins is executive director of
marched past Shepherd’s Inn, located on twenty-four states of the Union; I have of Central Vermont loaned furnishings the Vermont Historical Society.
the corner of Main and Barre streets, past been the happy witness of the immense, of the finest taste to make the best, most-
the Academy, corner of Spring and Main, rapid and ever-increasing results of sophisticated impression.
and on to the House of Representatives. Independence, Republican Institutions The following morning, he joined
A large contingent of Revolutionary War of self-government, and you, Sir, and all the “ladies” of Montpelier at the
soldiers and citizens awaited him. The of you, I congratulate on the public and Congregational Church for breakfast.
Hon. Elijah Paine, U.S. federal judge, domestic happiness which is enjoyed by This was one of the only times in his
Five Central Vermont Summer Hikes Summer Fun

By Jen Roberts
S
ummer in Vermont isn’t free, but Trail from its parking area on North Bear
a reward for six months of snow. Swamp Road, and after 1.6 miles, turn
With that in mind, it’s important to onto Bob Kemp Trail. From here, the
embrace every sunny moment of Central trail is rugged, often wet, and requires
Vermont’s verdant beauty. There are few scrambling up ledges, but the payoff at
better ways to do so than on the region’s the top is worth it. The final half-mile of
many hiking trails and dirt roads, all the hike circles the summit on open rock
within easy reach. So chuck some bug terraces with views first to the Granite
spray and a raincoat in your backpack Hills in the east, then to Camel’s Hump in
alongside your water bottle and favorite the south, Waterbury Reservoir to the west,
snack and head out to explore one of these and finally northwest to Mount Mansfield.
five Central Vermont hikes catering to all The final climb to perch on the small
abilities. summit requires an adventurous spirit and
A lovely road ramble: Adamant loop good balance. Return downhill the way
Kip and Indy at the summit of Mount Hunger. Photos by Jen Roberts. you ascended, or make a lollipop-loop
(3.9 miles)
hike by summiting nearby Mount Hunger
The shining waters of Sodom Pond Sibley Road and take in the wide views Montpelier Trails lead roughly north- before descending Middlesex Trail.
and rolling, pastoral hills offer varied before entering a wooded stretch leading south through some of Central Vermont’s
views on this hour-plus stroll along East to the junction of Center Road. Turn right prettiest landscapes. Sections of the trail The Full Monty: Worcester Range
Montpelier’s dirt roads. Park along the for the final leg of your loop, passing are defined by road-crossings on either Skyline (21 miles round trip)
shoulder of the crossroads near Adamant under the tall boughs of stately, old maples end, so you can bite off a short walk or a If you’re game for a full-day challenge,
Co-op and walk east on Adamant Road and through a patchwork of sloping fields full-day trek. The multi-use trail crosses Worcester Skyline Trail traverses four
for 0.1 mile before bearing right on Sodom before returning to the co-op. private and protected lands and connects peaks with a heart-pumping 3,350 feet
Pond Road. Watch for turtles and great into neighboring trail systems such as U-32 of combined elevation gain. Spot a car at
blue herons as you skirt the pond and An off-road meander: East Montpelier Trails, North Branch Park, and the Cross- Middlesex Trailhead and begin your hike
listen for the buzzy call of red-winged Trails (variable distances) Vermont Trail. A good place to begin is the on Mount Worcester Trail (off Hampshire
blackbirds in the wetlands beyond. At the Zig-zagging through the farmlands, gently rolling 1.3-mile Holden-Templeton Hill Road in Worcester). From the craggy
end of Sodom Pond Road, turn right on sugarbushes, and woodlands, East section. To reach it, park at the trail kiosk first summit, descend into a quiet col and
on Center Road, just south of its junction climb the unnamed second peak of your
with Templeton Road. Find more trail trek. This remote stretch of trail wends
descriptions and a map at emtrails.org. along the forested ridgeline to the range’s
A short wilderness hike: Sunset Ledge highest point on Mount Putnam. The
(2.2 miles round trip) trail becomes rockier, more rugged, and
more well-traveled as you approach the
This rolling ridge hike leads to western- bald dome of Mount Hunger, the jewel of
facing ledges with magnificent views of the Worcester Range. The descent from
Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Hunger is steep and challenging, a fitting
From Route 100 in Warren, drive up end to a rigorous excursion.
Lincoln Mountain Road and park at the Jen Roberts is the author of AMC’s Best
Long Trail crossing. Head south on the Day Hikes in Vermont and co-owner of
white-blazed trail, entering the Breadloaf Onion River Outdoors.
Wilderness. A couple of short, uphill
pitches are the only challenge on this
otherwise gently undulating trail. The
spruce-fir forest along the spine of the
Green Mountains feels a world away from
the relative hubbub of the valley towns.
At 1.1 miles, Sunset Ledge perches high
above western Vermont (leash your dog
and watch small kids in this cliffy area).
After soaking in the view, return the way
you came.
An adventurous half-day hike: White
Rock Mountain (4.6 miles round-trip)
This gem of a mountain is my favorite Indy Roberts enjoys
in Central Vermont. Start up Middlesex a snack on the trail.
Do Good Fest Makes Good

By Sarah Davin
T Photos courtesy of Ross Sneyd.

he National Life Group through attendees buying parking
lawn teemed last year with passes, festival T-shirts, and Do Good
thousands of smiling faces and Packages, but not ticket sales, because
tightly packed bodies anticipating the attendance is free.
performance of singer-songwriter (and Interest in this year’s edition is already
American Idol winner) Philip Philips. high. According to the festival’s website,
Inflatable beach balls bounced through all Do Good Fest Packages—including
the air, as Philips sang the first few lines parking passes, $10 meal voucher,
of “Home.” totebag, T-shirt, and other goodies—
It is easy to get lost imagining all of have sold out. The festival is still offering
the fun activities available at the 2019 Do Good in a Pinch Cinch Bags, with
Do Good Fest on July 13 at the National the pass, T-shirt, and swag only.
Life Group lawn, but Do Good Fest is The headliner this year is Michael
more than fun and music. According to Franti & Spearhead, supported by
Ross Sneyd, co-chair of Do Good Fest, Noah Kahan, Hailey Knox, Syd, and
the purpose is to demonstrate National SoundBrother. “We typically approach
Life Group’s stated corporate values: performers who share our values,” Sneyd
“Do Good. Be Good. Make Good.” The crowd cheers at the 2018 Do Good Fest. said. ”Michael Franti, for example, is
What actual good does the festival do? very philanthropic. We find that the
It turns the proceeds over to the Branches at the hospital. “This is designed to Since the festival’s debut five years bands are quite willing to work for such
of Hope cancer patient fund at Central complement that by getting financial ago, Do Good Fest has raised nearly a great charitable cause.” In addition to
Vermont Medical Center. In fact, the assistance directly to patients,” explained $135,000 for Branches of Hope, with great music, the upcoming Do Good
insurance company helped to build the Sneyd. last year’s take totaling $36,000. The Fest will also feature more food trucks
National Life Cancer Treatment Center money for Branches of Hope is raised than last year as well as a new beverage
Summer Fun
Continued from previous page
on the day of the festival, we have in the neighborhood

of 100 employees who volunteer,” Sneyd added, “The
City of Montpelier has also been very generous in
working with National Life on the event.”
Theresa Lever is the patient navigator in the cancer
program at CVMC. Since the advent of Do Good
Fest, Lever has seen a significant change in the amount
available in the Branches of Hope cancer patient
fund. “For several years we built the fund by our own
fundraising,” she said. “Basically, by that I mean a
couple of bake sales a year. It wasn’t a very robust fund,
but it was nice to have it because people who have been
diagnosed with cancer, many of them experience real,
serious financial difficulties as a result of the cancer
and the cancer treatment.” Its main goal is to help
cancer patients afford basic necessities while receiving
treatment, which can be especially important when a
cancer patient is too ill to work.
“We have a patient who has an incurable cancer who
is in treatment all the time,” Lever noted. “We use this
fund once a year to buy firewood for that family. That is
from festival cosponsor Harpoon Brewery. what they ask us to use it for because before this person Do Good Fest will be held on the National Life Group
National Life Group covers all event expenses from was ill, the family used to cut all their own wood.” lawn on July 13. Gates open at 2:30 pm, with music
its corporate budget so that proceeds can go to patients. Since National Life Group began the festival, the fund starting at 4 pm. The festival ends at 9:30 pm. No
It also relies on volunteers. “We are able to keep the has grown significantly. “Since National Life has been pets are allowed, with the exception of certified service
costs relatively manageable because we have a lot of having the Do Good Fest, and selecting the Branches of animals. National Life Group is planning for as many as
employees who volunteer to put on the festival. We Hope Fund as the beneficiary each year,” noted Lever, 10,000 people, weather permitting. National Life Group
have a core planning committee of about six people “we haven’t had to hold bake sales anymore, which is is located at 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier.
who meet throughout the year to plan the event. And really great.”
Independence Day
American Legion Celebrates Centennial
Veterans’ Group Sees Shrinking Membership
By Carl Etnier
I
n this centennial year of the American Main Street with an uninviting brown as a Green Beret paratrooper in the Army’s you’re talking about,” he said. “In here,
Legion, Post #3 in Montpelier is facade and windows high above street 10th Special Forces Group, his subsequent you work together for a common goal: to
planning to host scores of young level. It’s a private club, and visitors press post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the help other veterans. That helps them, and
sailors during Montpelier’s Independence a buzzer to be let in. On a couple recent help he’s received in overcoming alcohol it helps you feel like you’re accomplishing
Day celebration on July 3. The sailors are weekday afternoons, a handful of members abuse, and how he helps fellow vets. He something.”
with the submarines USS Montpelier and sat at the bar or played poker with 25 cent served around the time of the 2000 attack Asked about how safe the Legion post’s
Vermont. They are put up in local hotels chips at a nearby table. The walls are on the USS Cole in Yemen. While he prominent bar is for vets struggling with
by the Legion, and at noon the post will bedecked with photos and posters of the declined to say on the record where he PTSD and vulnerable to substance abuse,
celebrate them. “We feed them hot dogs, history of the post and the Legion, going served and didn’t volunteer details of Wagner answered, “Sadly to say, probably
chips, soda, whatever they want. It’s a back to the organization’s founding in combat, he commented, “I didn’t see very not too good.” He advised avoiding any
pretty big deal for them, as well as for March 1919 by members of the American much as what other people had seen, so I bar while going sober, adding that he
us,” post commander Dick Harlow said. Expeditionary Forces in Paris. consider myself lucky.” stayed away from the post for a year and
Afterward, the sailors and the Legion’s A contemporary history of the Legion’s Nonetheless, Wagner’s military time was a half before he felt safe to return. Now
color guard will march in the parade. founding described its mission as a enough to give him PTSD, which led to he serves on the bar committee, while
However, most of the year, the assembly mixture of taking care of veterans of “the out-of-control drinking. “I used to spend drinking nothing but Dr. Pepper.
of vets is smaller and grayer. At 81, Harlow World War” and battling the influence of eight hours a day in here, on the wrong Wagner acknowledges the downturn in
just stepped down this month from his labor organizers, international socialists, side of the bar,” he said, referring to the bar membership at the post, but he expects
fourth term as post commander. The conscientious objectors, and other stools. Now he teaches a course at the VA it to turn around. He said he waited
former manager of Aubuchon Hardware adversaries of what it called “Americanism.” hospital in White River Junction called 15 to 20 years after leaving the army to
in Montpelier stands ramrod straight, A century on, the Legion maintains its “Life After Combat,” which he describes join the Legion. “I didn’t want to have
both when he’s holding the U.S. flag advocacy for and assistance to veterans, as “how to reintegrate into society in a anything to do with any type of military
in the Legion color guard and when but is now more identified with activities positive way after military service, without organization—I was done.” He sees the
greeting visitors at the legion post. “Any for young people than denunciations the use of drugs or alcohol.” He also takes same attitude in today’s young vets. “After
organization today is having trouble getting of foes of Americanism. “We sponsor a other vets down to the hospital and helps four or five tours of duty, they’re tired of
younger people,” he said. “We’re losing all baseball team. We sends kids to summer cut through red tape for them, to get their the military. But the further out from the
the old timers. We’re in the Vietnam era camp. Boys State, Girls State. Boy Scouts, disabilities recognized and the care they military they get, they start looking at
really, and the ones over in Afghanistan… Girl Scouts,” Harlow said. need. organizations. And the older they get, they
they come home and just don’t want to The post’s service officer, Ron Wagner, Wagner described the Legion post as a start looking at the VA system.”
belong to clubs or posts. They’re into their works with older vets to help them get potentially supportive place for vets. “If If he’s right, aging vets, with their needs
computers. It’s a different lifestyle. That’s the care they need from the Veterans you go to Charlie O’s or any one of the for assistance and a desire to help others,
why I’ve been commander so many times. Administration. Hunched over a can of other drinking establishments, you meet may provide the membership boost the
No one wants to step up.” soda, he speaks in a stuttering, hoarse people and you start talking about your Legion needs to keep going through its
The post is in a two-story building on voice, as he describes his combat experience experiences—they really don’t know what second century.
What’s the Buzz—Insect Status Report Summer Fun

By Sean Beckett
T A Lucia Azure Butterfly. Photo

his winter’s late and reluctant Community Forestry Program is hanging
departure has set the scene courtesy of Sean Beckett. traps around town to monitor the EAB
for a strange spring for insect spread. And The Vermont Land Trust is
diversity in the fields and forests around now requesting community stories about
Central Vermont. ash trees (send stories to ash@vlt.org).
Many have commented on the recent Last year was filled with reports citing
surge in deer ticks. Though last winter’s massive insect disappearances around the
temperatures were cold and sustained, world. Are Vermont’s bugs experiencing
the deep and continuous snowpack from the same fate? Unfortunately, insects are
November through April insulated ticks so ubiquitous (historically, at least), that
and other ground-dwelling insects from there have been few people keeping track
otherwise deadly air temperatures, so until now. But the Vermont Center for
more survived the winter than usual. Ecostudies is now working to change
Bumblebees have been few and far that. Its statewide bee atlas is underway,
between, and dragonflies have only and its inventory of butterflies and
begun to take flight earnestly in the dragonflies is complete.
past two weeks. Butterflies were sparse BugFest 2019
until the recent week’s hatch of those
big, yellow tiger swallowtails currently Want to learn more about Vermont’s
decorating the fields. We can probably bugs? On June 30 from 2 to 10 p.m.,
blame the low numbers on May and Montpelier’s North Branch Nature
June’s cool temperatures. Like miniature Why are the black flies so bad this Center will celebrate all things creepy
solar panels, many insects rely on hot, year? Blame the weather. Black fly eggs and crawly with BugFest, an insect
sunny days to power sustained flight. and larvae require cold, running water. festival for all ages. This year’s festival
Without a string of nice, spring days, The sustained cool temperatures and features Vermont’s native pollinators and
there’s no opportunity for these critters delayed snowmelt created a prolonged is sponsored by Hunger Mountain Co-
to take flight. Some larval dragonflies period of ideal water conditions for black op, Catamount Solar, and Onion River
wait for a beautiful, warm day to flies to flourish. The females need a Outdoors. Visitors can join nature walks,
emerge into adulthood. And butterfly fleshy meal to develop their eggs, and explore exhibits, attend workshops by
metamorphosis inside the chrysalis slows they’re looking for dinner right now, so local biologists, participate in activities
to a crawl on cool days. break out the head net. just for kids, and much more. Admission
The absence of early season bees and Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues by donation. Come learn what bugs do
butterflies was especially apparent at our to exist here in Montpelier, and our for you, and what you can do for them.
apple and cherry trees. Though these trees community has been hard at work For the full BugFest schedule, please
produced a near record-breaking flower mitigating the impending loss of our visit northbranchnaturecenter.org/event/
crop (owing to last summer’s prolonged ash trees. The Montpelier Parks bugfest. For more information, contact
drought conditions), surprisingly few Department is now treating big ashes info@northbranchnaturecenter.org or call
pollinators seemed to be visiting. This with a temporary (and costly) protective (802) 229-6206.
fall’s apple crop will tell us whether “vaccine.” The Montpelier Tree Board Sean Beckett is a staff naturalist at the
enough pollinators ventured out during is already planning and planting the North Branch Nature Center.
the dreary, cool spring to pollinate these next generation of street trees to replace
flowers and enable fruit development. the ashes. The Vermont Urban and
The Emerald Ash Borer Is Here to Stay Environment

By John Snell
Rocque Long W
e’ve expected the emerald ash we should cut all ash trees down now?
borer to eventually invade No!
Painting
Vermont since it came to The strategy we advocate is to slow
Michigan in 2000 from Southeast Asia. down the spread of this destructive
The primary means by which it spread insect. First determine which trees
• Insured was people moving infested firewood. are special enough that we are willing
• 30+ years professional Last year we discovered this pest up to invest in protecting them. A very
experience near National Life and have since found effective pesticide, emamectin benzoate,
• local references. it on other nearby trees this spring. can be injected into trees by licensed
802-223-0389 What does that mean for ash trees in

Montpelier? On its own, the insect will
professionals at a cost of about $10–$12
per diameter inch, providing protection
continue to spread 1–2 miles per year for two years. Several pesticides are
eventually killing 98 percent of the ash available for homeowner application but
trees in the area. should be avoided, as, unlike emamectin
Small enough to fit on a dime, the benzoate, they are quite harmful to the
adult EAB flies in the summer and environment, especially to pollinators.
lays eggs on ash trees; these then hatch The first noticeable results of The city has already treated about two
into larvae that over the next year or an EAB infestation are dead dozen large ash trees in the downtown
two tunnel under the bark eating the branches in the crown of the tree. and several in Hubbard Park.
cambium layer, girdling and killing the Photos courtesy of John Snell. If trees are not special but will prove
tree. While scientists are working to hazardous when they die, monitor
find and import wasps to help control species. White ash are very common them closely and cut them before they
EAB, it will probably be years before in the woods—up to 20 percent across are heavily infested. We are aiming to
they make a difference. Other scientists Vermont—and along the wood margins remove 10 percent of the ash along roads
are looking for ash varieties that resist as well as in the parks and along our each year as we see the pest spread. For
the pest, but that work, too, is a long roads. The Tree Board and the Parks trees that can die without becoming
way from fruition. and Trees Department have inventoried hazards, you can just let them die. If
What does all this mean for the the city for ash and found more than you have ash that could be harvested
ash trees in our city? The first step 500 on city streets and 600 along the as salable timber, I suggest you call in a
is to identify ash trees in your yard trails in Hubbard Park; using random skilled arborist or forester to help make
or neighborhood. Typically green ash sampling we estimate there are more decisions about when to harvest.
are found in yards and, unfortunately, than 2,700 ash trees on private property John Snell is chair of the Montpelier
these are the most susceptible of the in the city. Tree Board.
Unfortunately it is very difficult to
determine if a tree is infested until it
has been for several years. The first
signs are dead branches in the upper
canopy and small branches sprouting
from lower limbs. By that time there
may also be evidence of woodpeckers
eating the larvae. Once infested, not
much can be done to save a tree. In
fact an infested tree quickly becomes
so brittle that cutting it down is more
The larvae of EAB live under the dangerous and costly. Does that mean National Life volunteers help
bark and eat the cambium layer. plant new trees along Elm St.
Hubbard Park – 120 Years in the Making Summer Fun

Continued from page 7
through the Friends of the Park Multi-use Today
volunteers. The legacy of that interest The downside to the variety of activities
and perspective has been vital to steady in the park today is occasional user
improvement for park users. conflicts. Several years ago, concerns
That involvement includes the about dogs in the park led to a largely
annual All Species Day in early May, successful, cooperative self-policing by
engagement of middle school groups in dog owners and the installation of the
tree planting projects, summer camps for way stations with baggies for owners to
school-aged children, the high school ski remove their pets’ waste for disposal out
team helping with building the berm at of the park.
the foot of the Old Shelter sledding hill, Walking, running, workouts on the
and the longstanding participation of PAR course, and cross country skiing
AmeriCorps and the Youth Conservation and snowshoeing during the winter
Corps in trail building and maintenance months are increasingly popular trail
projects. uses. Mountain biking is restricted to
People from around the world have roads in Hubbard Park and a trail at
provided assistance in the city’s parks the North Branch Park developed in
through the International Volunteers collaboration with the Montpelier Area
for Peace. For the past 24 years, these Mountain Bike Association.
inspired visitors have been hosted for
two-week stays in Montpelier while New Events
doing physical labor on park projects Parkapalooza, monthly events and
during the day. “We provide room activities based at the Old Shelter and
and board and some fun cookouts on the stage just below the shelter,
and outings,” Beyer explained, “but began in the summer of 2018 and were
their labor is donated. I’ve heard back off to a rousing start this year with
from many that they found it not just Myra Flynn, the Starline Rhythm Boys,
rewarding, but the experience of a and a kid-thronged waterslide on June
lifetime.” 15. Parkapalooza will continue on the
Beyer, who has been a tireless third Saturday of each month through
champion of the park, is retiring at the September. For updates and details, visit
end of the year and will be replaced as montpelier-vt.org
director by current parks caretaker Alec
Ellsworth, city officials said.
Observation tower in Hubbard Park. Photo by Niranjan
Arminius Via Flickr. Photo has been cropped.
Jay Craven’s Wetware Film

Continued from page 1
stands in contrast to the “us and them” mentality of the Rivers Flow North, A Stranger in the Kingdom, and is not able to be competitive with surrounding states,
most humans vs. robots films. “What this technology Northern Borders. “I wanted to make the movie that which put up significant amounts of film incentive
is about,” Craven explains, “is actually taking some was shot in Vermont, but wasn’t specifically Vermont.” money to lure productions,” he explains. “I’ve had to
human aspects away in order to have humans function Nonetheless, locals will no doubt have fun picking out do some work in Massachusetts over the last several
in a way that is of service to a corporate or military repurposed, tightly shot locations in Brattleboro and projects for that reason,” he says, noting the $150,000
agenda.” Indeed, it’s a cue he’s taken from the real Burlington, where much of the film was shot, including Massachusetts put up for Peter and John. “I love
world. “This notion of denying a person’s humanity is Leunig’s, Nectar’s, the Latchis Theatre, ECHO Center, Vermont. I want to keep shooting in Vermont,” he says.
increasing. Isn’t this what happens at the border when and various familiar back alleys. “But we also went to Massachusetts to shoot part of
children are separated from their parents?” Kay and Jack in the Growing Room. Wetware because we got $85,000 from the state for the
Sci-fi fans noting echoes of Blade Runner in Wetware’s Photo courtesy of Jay Craven. part of the film that’s shot in Nantucket.”
themes and vibes are not alone. Nor is the element lost While Craven admits Vermont does not have the
on Craven himself. “Yes, it has a little bit of that Blade money to compete with neighboring states, he does
Runner noir quality,” he says. “There’s a sort of blue see ways it could up its game as a media producer.
color palette which is more of a futuristic world, and If Vermont Public Television were strengthened and
then there are grungy film-noir street scenes, with more focused part of its mission on local production, Craven
brick and dirt, and less steel and glass.” Making that suggests, perhaps by establishing an endowment
convincing, especially on Wetware’s $800,000 budget, fund to provide matching grants to projects, “You
is no small feat: “The big challenge in any film is to could probably generate 20 or more films per year
create a world, a world that audiences will enter and Local actors and crew played leading roles in the from about $1.5 million. That’s nothing compared
remain in.” In this aspect, Craven’s “future is now” film production, too, including Rusty DeWees, Allan to Massachusetts spending $60 million, but smaller
philosophy helps: “In reality a future world isn’t going Nicholls, Dan Levintritt, Ariel Zevon, and Gordon amounts of money would go a long way to supporting
to look much different than the world we’re in. But Clapp. Director of Photography Brad Heck is from small, local productions.”
there will be elements that look different.” Brattleboro and is a Marlboro College graduate. His After opening at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier last
Not Your Typical Vermont Movie wife, Willow O’Feral, was second unit director on the week, Wetware will be playing at theaters throughout
film. First Assistant Cameraman Patrick Kennedy is Vermont and the wider region during the summer.
That he achieved this in Vermont—a state known from the Northeast Kingdom. “We feel strongly that the movie’s made regionally, and
almost entirely for its preservation of a quaint New While Craven clearly loves Vermont, he acknowledges it should play regionally. We’re in no hurry to have it
England past—is also something. “This is not a that the state remains a challenging place to make a film, go to Netflix and Amazon. The main motivation is
film that you would expect necessarily to be made largely due to the lack of state incentives and the total not the marketplace. It’s a cultural product that needs
in Vermont,” Craven notes, pointing to the many absence of a film commission since 2011. “Vermont to connect with audiences and stimulate conversation.”
Vermont-specific films in his oeuvre, including Where
Calendar of Events
Performing
top of Belvidere, enjoying the expansive views.
Bring lunch, water, snacks, and layers. Contact THEATER, DANCE,
Community Arts
co-leaders: Nancy Schulz at saddleshoes2@
gmail.com or 223-7035 or Phyllis Rubenstein at
STORYTELLING, COMEDY
June 26: The Met Opera Live in HD: Dialogues
Events
Phyllis@PhyllisRubensteinLaw.comcastbiz.net or des Carmélites (Poulenc). The Met’s Jeanette
793-6313 for meeting time and place. Lerman-Neubauer Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads an accomplished ensemble in Poulenc’s
devastating modern masterpiece of faith and martyrdom. 1 pm. Spruce Peak Performing Arts
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Barr Hill
Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. Adults $17; AARP members $13.60; children 10 and under $10.
Distillery. The Vermont-based distiller of Barr
Events happening
Sprucepeakarts.org
Hill Gin, Tom Cat Gin, and Barr Hill Vodka,
June 26–July 12 will celebrate its grand opening. Bar and outdoor June 26: Mystery Dinner Theater. With Valley Arts and the Valley Players community theater. “The
patio will open at 11 am; distillery tours to begin Mystery of the Missing Masterpiece” will involve audiences in uncovering clues and interrogating
suspects during a dinner of salad, flatbread, and a dessert bar. 5 pm. Green Mountain Watercolor Show
on the hour from noon until close; Celebratory
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
at the Lareau Farm Inn, Rt. 100, Waitsfield. Call 496-6682 for tickets.
toast at 2:30 pm. Caledonia Spirits, 116 Gin
Lane, Montpelier. barrhill.com June 27–July 14. Pirates of Penzance. Unadilla Theatre presents the masterpiece by Gilbert and
Starry Night with Erin Barry. A morning Sullivan. Thurs.–Sun., 7:30 pm. 501 Blachly Rd., East Calais. $25; $10 ages 12 and under, Unadilla.org
program for children birth to age 7. Hold Flying Fur Film Screening. Event features
June 28: Fractured Fables. Lost Nation Theater presents the culminating project of its one-week
the Galaxy in the palm of your hand. Create local animal rescues, animal shelters, and
Storytelling Camp. Part of Theater FOR Kids BY Kids. An original theater piece created by campers
artwork using spray paint and your hand to animal welfare organizations from the ages 9 & up and director Avalon Diziak. drawing inspiration from fables fairytales, myths and legends
represent the stars. A poem to add in the palm Montpelier region. They’ll be on hand as by Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and other cultures. 5:30 pm. Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main St.,
“I love you more than all the stars in the sky.” vendors distributing their information and Montpelier. $5. lostnationtheater.org
Make a Starry Night sensory bag. Take your even, hopefully, initiating adoptions of these
June 28: Kathleen Kanz Comedy Hour. With Kathleen Kanz, Liam Welsch, Stella Pappas, and
turn at creating the universe, making your own animals in need. 11 am. Savoy Theater, Main St., Mike Thomas. 8:30 pm. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. By donation. Adult content. No
constellations, and looking at stars. 10–11:30 am. Montpelier. filmfreeway.com/flyingfur chatter. 479-0896
Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield. Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival.
jaquithpubliclibrary.org Circus Smirkus presents Carnival. Adults $22; children ages 2–6 $16; youth 7–12 $18. Smirkus.org
Strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits June 29: 1 Circus Rd., Greensboro. 1 pm and 6 pm
Active Isolated Stretching & Strengthening. and strawberry sundaes. Noon–4:30 pm. United July 2–3: Green Mountain Mall, St. Johnsbury, 1 pm and 6 pm
AIS provides an effective, dynamic, facilitated Church of Northfield, 58 Main St., Northfield. July 5–7: Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction. Fri. and Sat. at noon and 6 pm; Sun. at 11
stretching of major muscle groups, restoring Adults $5; children under 12 $3. Take-out am and 4 pm
fascial planes. Learn unique sequences to isolate available. Proceeds benefit the missions of the July 12–13: Manchester Parks and Recreation, Manchester. 1 pm and 6 pm
and stretch major muscle groups to increase United Church of Northfield. 229-4351 July 5: The Peking Acrobats. This troupe of elite gymnasts, cyclists, jugglers, acrobats, and tumblers
blood & lymph flow, prevent injury and Memorial for Scott Skinner. 2 pm. Old Labor continue to leave family audiences spellbound with their daring demonstrations of strength, agility,
improve injury recovery. 5:30–6:30 pm. Hunger Hall, 46 Granite St., Barre.
balance, and artistry. 3 pm and 7 pm. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe.
Mountain Co-op community room, Montpelier. SprucePeakArts.org
Sign-up: info@hungermountain.coop Junebug – ‘A Celebration of Summer.’ July 6: FEMCOM. All-female standup comedy. 8:30 pm. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre.
With Montpelier Senior Activity Center. This Free/by donation. 479-0896.espressobueno.com.
Mystery Club Author Talk: Sherri Smith. ‘lawn party’ style fundraiser will feature night
Join us at this special meeting of the Mystery swimming at the Montpelier Pool, lawn games July 11–14: Winnie the Pooh KIDS. Story tellers will welcome guests to the Hundred Acre
Club with author Sherri Smith, who will discuss Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals,
and sport clinics, a silent auction fundraiser, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the
her books, Pasadena and Orleans. 6:30 pm. music and dancing, delicious food, and more.
Bear Pond Books, 77 Main St., Montpelier. mysterious Backson. Thurs.–Sat. at 7 pm; Sun. at 2 pm. Vermont Children’s Theater, 2283 Darling
5–9:30 pm. Montpelier Recreation Fields, Hill Rd., Lyndonville. 626-5358
bearpondbooks.com Elm St., Montpelier. $5; family $15.
July 11–28: Lost Nation Theater presents Cabaret. Love, humor, sex, politics, transcendent music
Rockets with Jennifer Barlow. Blast off to Contra Dance with Nils Fredland. Calling and Fosse-inspired Dance. Lost Nation Theater’s production features the choreography of Taryn Noelle
adventure with this fun program on all things by Adina Gordon and tunes by the Long Pond and is directed by Tim Tavcar. Thurs.–Sat. at 7:30. Sun. at 2 pm. 39 Main St., Montpelier. $25–35.
rockets! Learn about how rockets work, how Rounders (Jonah Sidman, Corey Walters, lostnationtheater.org
they are used and have fun building and Michael Friedman & Ness Smith-Savedoff). No July 12: L’Odeur De Moliere – The Doctor and the Dowry. Presented by The Vermont Suitcase
testing different kinds of rockets. All ages experience and no partner needed. All dances are Company. An original Molière adaptation. The miserly merchant Signor Buccio is desperate to marry
of kids and kids at heart welcome. 6:45 pm. taught plus an introductory session at 7:45 pm. off his daughter Alessandra to the well-matched Visconte de Luca, but her grave (and completely
Jaquith Public Library, School St., Marshfield. Capital City Grange Hall, 6612 Rt. 12, Berlin. fabricated) illness has gotten in the way. 7:30 pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St.,
jaquithpubliclibrary.org Adults 410, kids and low income $5; dance Greensboro. $10 advance; $15 at door. highlandartsvt.org
Mid-Week Movie: Sideways. 6–8 pm. supporters $15. 225-8921 July 12: The Best of Extempo. Celebrating 10 years of live true storytelling. Come listen to
Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick guaranteed crowdpleasers, and then vote for your favorite story by donating to End the Backlog. 8 pm.
St., Greensboro. $5 suggested donation. Rootstock Author Event. Book-signing party Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free/by donation. 479-0896.events@espressobueno.com.
highlandartsvt.org for J.C. Myers’ novel, Junkyard At No Town. espressobueno.com.
7–9 pm. The Garage Cultural Center, 58 State
THURSDAY, JUNE 27 Street, Montpelier.
MONDAY, JULY 1 throughout the day and more than 35 food
How to Boost Brain Health & Prevent SUNDAY, JUNE 30 Paddle Marshfield Reservoir with Green
and craft vendors lining State Street. Parade,
Cognitive Decline. Neurodegeneration and fireworks. 3–10 pm. State House Lawn, 115
cognitive decline are growing exponentially, Hike Middlesex Town Forest with Green Mountain Club. Easy. 3 hours. Distance depends State Street, Montpelier
robbing individuals and families of their health, Mountain Club. Easy to moderate. 4 miles. on weather, water level, and the abilities of the
We’ll explore the trails being developed in the group. Paddle Molly’s Falls Pond in late afternoon/ Mid-Week Movie: Nothing Like Dreaming.
joy, and independence. This seminar will discuss 6–8 pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875
four primary drivers of cognitive decline and hills at the south end of the Worcester Range. early evening. Optional swim. Must have PFD
Bring water and snacks. Contact co-leaders: and your own canoe/kayak. Bring water and Hardwick St., Greensboro. $5 suggested
how you can address them naturally. 6–7:30 pm. donation. highlandartsvt.org
Hunger Mountain Co-op community room, George Longenecker and Cynthia Martin dinner or snack. Contact Phyllis Rubenstein,
793-6313 or Phyllis@PhyllisRubensteinLaw.
Montpelier. Sign-up: info@hungermountain.coop marlong@myfairpoint.net 229-9787 for meeting
comcastbiz.net for meeting time and place. THURSDAY, JULY 4
time and place.
SATURDAY, JUNE 29 Cabot’s July 4th Celebration & Parade.
Central Vermont Cycling Tour–“An Original WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 The festivities begin at 8 am with the annual
Hike Belvidere Mountain with Green Gravel Grinder.” Backroads cycle tour event
Reading Aloud Frederick Douglass’ Speech. rummage sale in the Cabot School Gym.
Mountain Club. Lowell. Difficult. 7.9 miles. for the Cross Vermont Trail. Ride offers three
Frederick Douglass was a 19th-century social Other activities will be held on the Cabot
Hike a loop involving the Frank Post, Long, rides options (15, 30, or 60 miles) of well marked
reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman. Town Common, located in the heart of Cabot
and Forester’s Trails. We’ll pass Tillotson courses on scenic country roads with hearty
After escaping from slavery, he became a national village Rt. 215. Book sale, games, vendors,
Camp and have lunch at the fire tower on the food stops with a picnic at the end of the ride.
leader of the abolitionist movement in New exhibits, and live entertainment, featuring The
8 am–4 pm. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks,
York and Massachusetts. On July 5, 1852, Outerburgs–rocking high-energy old-time
1168 County Rd., Montpelier. Details and
Douglass delivered an address to the ladies of the string band music and traditional songs at 10
registration: crossvermont.org
Rochester Anti-Slavery Sewing Society at an event am–and the classic country and roots music
BugFest! This summer festival for all ages is commemorating the signing of the Declaration band, Hillside Rounders from noon–2 pm.
a celebration of insects in all their amazing of Independence. This speech eventually became Cabot’s famous BBQ chicken dinner will be
forms. Witness weird and wacky caterpillars, known as “The Meaning of the Fourth of July served at noon. The Cabot 4th of July Parade
build homes for native bees, learn about for the Negro.” Noon. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, steps off at 11 am. Facebook: Cabot, VT July
pollinators and pollinator gardening, join bug 135 Main St., Montpelier. Reading will be on the 4th Celebration.
walks with expert naturalists, chase fireflies front steps of the library or in the Hayes Room in
in the moonlight, and enjoy a wide range of case of rain. 223-3338 SATURDAY, JULY 6
activities just for kids! 2–10 pm. North Branch Hike Smarts Mountain with Green
Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier. July 3rd Independence Day Celebration.
The Capital City’s largest festival of the year Mountain Club. Lyme, NH. Difficult. 8
northbranchnaturecenter.org miles. We’ll ascend via the Lambert Ridge
with many activities happening downtown
Trail, enjoying numerous views along the
Calendar of Events
Visual Arts
Combining rapidly written morsels of poetry Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. humorous, referencing human history,
with form and color, Sophrin draws and highlandartsvt.org intervention and experience.
paints her writings on stitched, layered papers July 5–Aug. 2: Values—Work by the Art July 1–Aug. 30: Agathe McQueston,
to create an ongoing series of hanging scrolls
EXHIBITS recently shown in Budapest.
Resource Association at T.W. Wood Gallery. A License To Stare. Classically rendered
Opening reception: July 11, 5–7 pm. 46 Barre sculptures and drawings. Opening reception:
Through June 28: Awakenings: Current Through June 29: Sam Talbot-Kelly, Draft St., Montpelier. twwoodgallery.org July 11, 4–7 pm. Vermont State House Card
Work by Kate Longmaid and Tom Merwin. of a New Harmony in a Slip Dress Pocket. Room, Montpelier. agathemcq@gmail.com
Longmaid explores what is revealed in Through Aug. 3: The Front presents SHOW
Talbot-Kelly shares her experimental approach 33. Opening reception (live music, food, and July 5–Aug, 30: Annual Summer Juried Art
the intimate moments of seeing through a to costume/set design and art direction with the
contemporary approach to portraiture and drink): Friday, July 12, 4–7 pm. 6 Barre St., Exhibit at T.W. Wood Gallery.T he exhibit
installation of The Three Graces also known as Montpelier. info@thefrontvt.com. features work by Natalie Boze, Janet Brighenti,
still life. Merwin’s painting process expresses a The Charities—a re-imagined explanation from
layering of symbol and spirituality, using nature July 4–Aug. 3: Recent Work in Light and Patty Corcoran, Anne Fugaro, Katie O’Rourke,
Greek mythology of Brightness, Joyfulness, and Frederick Rudi, Joshua Saxe, and many others.
as a doorway to the expression of existential Bloom in the interpretation of Ralph Waldo Color by Chris Jeffrey. Recent work, including
concerns. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre St., a series of self-contained light boxes, strip The exhibit primarily features oil paintings,
Emerson’s Transcendentalist views. Axel’s along with acrylic, pastel, photography, mixed
Montpelier. twwoodgallery.org Gallery & Frame Shop, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. paintings, and wire paintings. Reception: July
5, 6–8 pm. Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop, 5 media. Opening reception: July 11, 5–7 pm.
Through June 28: Vanishment. Mixed media AxelsGallery.com 46 Barre St., Montpelier. twwoodgallery.org
work by Janet Van Fleet Vanishment. Explores Stowe St., Waterbury. AxelsGallery.com
Through June 30: Michael T Jermyn, Viva July 2–Sept. 27: Studies in Rhythmic
the fraught relationship between humans and l’Italia. Photographs of Tuscany, Rome, Through Aug. 17: Resurfaced: Paintings by
the natural world, using, in part, materials that Emilia Olson. Opening reception & artist Vitality—Paintings by Lois Eby. Acrylic
and more. Salaam Boutique, 50 State St., paints on birch panels. Opening reception: July
Van Fleet has repurposed from previous bodies Montpelier. talk: June 27; 4:30–6 pm. The Gallery at
of work. 111 State St., Montpelier. Central Vermont Medical Center, 130 Fisher 11, 4–7 pm. Art Walk reception: Sept 6, 4–7
Through July 3: Merry Schmidt. Paintings. Hill Rd., Berlin. moetown52@comcast.net pm. Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, State St.,
Through June 28: Kate Burnim & Daryl Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Rm. 2, Montpelier. leby@loiseby.com
Burtnett, Almost Forgotten. Through Marshfield. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org July 9–Aug. 23: Exhibits at Studio Place
paintings and works on paper, Burnim and Arts. Reception: July 11, 6–8 pm. 201 N. Through Oct. 25: The War of Ideas:
Burtnett uncover the spaces and moments Through July 10: Sunshine And Shadow. Main St., Barre. studioplacearts.com Propaganda Posters from the Vermont
that are woven into the everyday landscape An exhibit of paintings by Ann Young. River Eye Spy: Watch out, you’re being observed in Historical Society Collections. Visitors can
and human experience. The Spotlight Gallery Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. this fun show focused on the eye … perfect examine how posters have been an important
at Vermont Arts Council office, 136 St., riverartsvt.org for visual arts lovers. part of the wartime effort, for everything from
Montpelier. vermontartscouncil.org Through July 13: Suspended in Focus—A Seriality: Artwork by Lisa Myers: Seriality recruitment to support on the homefront.
Group Show. Composed of work by 18 artists. is a psychoanalytic concept used to describe Vermont History Center, 60 Washington St.,
Through June 28: Michael Strauss, The Barre. 479-8500. vermonthistory.org
Magic of Seeing—Inside and Outside of Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery, 86 Falls Rd., sibling relationships, the same but different
the Frame, Exploring the Illusion of Light, Shelburne Village. 985-3848 and it is explored in these mixed media Through Dec. 21: 200 Years—200 Objects.
Space, Form and in Landscape Painting. Through July 14: Cumulus. Highlights cloud- pieces based on old photographs of the artist’s An exhibition celebrating Norwich University’s
The T.W. Wood Art Gallery, 46 Barre St., centric works in a wide range of media. Miller’s grandmother and her siblings. bicentennial. Curated to include objects from the
Montpelier. twwoodgallery.org Thumb Gallery, 14 Breezy Ave., Greensboro. Orah Moore: Everyday, Someone—365 museum collection, as well as documents and
533-2045 Days in Black & White: A visual diary of images from Archives and Special Collections,
Through June 29: Exhibits at Studio Place black and white iPhone photographs. that reflect and retell the university’s 200-year
Arts. 201 N. Main St., Barre. studioplacearts. Through July 20: Green Mountain history. Norwich University Sullivan Museum
com Watercolor Exhibition. A unique exhibition ofThrough Aug. 24: Summer Exhibitions
at Helen Day Arts Center. Helen Day Art and History Center, Northfield. norwich.edu
Fault Lines: Artists explore the current more than 80 outstanding watercolor paintings.
political climate and the resulting fractures in Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. helenday.com
our world that threaten discontinuity at many
Red Barn Galleries at Lareau Farm, Waitsfield.
496-6682, info@valleyartsvt.com Dusty Boynton–Reliefs: Sculptural reliefs SPECIAL EVENTS
levels and potential explosive energy. created by multiple monoprints cut up and July 12: Storytime in the Gallery. Bring your
Tectonic Plates and Topographic Tiles: Through July 21: Gaal Shepherd, Hallowed reconstructed. young children to the SPA galleries and listen
Artist Deborah Goodwin creates sculptural Ground Art Exhibit. Pays tribute to the Suzy Spence–On the Hunt: Equestrian- to a story that relates to the current exhibit(s).
stoneware for walls or tabletop, inspired devotion of the faithful and its continuity themed paintings. Afterwards, stay for a short, informal talk about
by geologic forces and infused with fabric from the Neolithic Erin to contemporary Composing Form: Group exhibition the show with your children. Also, we’ll give you
details. Ireland with a series of paintings, pastels, of contemporary sculptors working in an Art Stroll map to walk around downtown
Present Continuous—Commentary photographs, sculpture, and accompanying ceramics highlights both figurative and Barre to see the sculptures. 10:30–11 am. Studio
and Form: Works by Diane Sophrin. Irish poetry. Highland Center for the abstract work that is both poetic and Place Arts, 201 N. Main St., Barre.
way. The summit features more views with a an introductory session at 7:45 pm. Capital TUESDAY, JULY 9 Noon–1 pm. VLS campus in Oakes Hall
fire tower and ranger cabin. After lunch, we’ll City Grange Hall, 6612 Rt. 12, Berlin. Room 012, South Royalton. Free.
descend via the Ranger Trail. Bring lunch, water, Adults 410, kids and low income $5; dance Friends of the Stowe Free Library 35th
Annual Book Sale Begins. Through July Farm Tour: Gleaning at Ananda Gardens.
snacks, and layers. Contact Co-leaders: Nancy supporters $15. 225-8921 Tour Ananda Gardens and join a discussion
Schulz, 223-7035 or saddleshoes2@gmail.com 28. The long running and highly anticipated
or Phyllis Rubenstein, 793-6313 or Phyllis@ SUNDAY, JULY 7 fundraiser with over 25 categories of books, on gleaning led by Alison Levin, Director of
restocked continuously, is held daily, dawn to Community Harvest of Central Vermont.
PhyllisRubensteinLaw.comcastbiz.net for Back Roads Readings. Poets Reuben Jackson 6–7 pm. Meet at Ananda Gardens, 2416
meeting time and place. dusk, on the porch and grounds of the Stowe
and Garret Keizer read from their work. Reception Free Library, 90 Pond St., Stowe. stowelibrary.org Horn of the Moon Rd, Montpelier. RSVP:
Contra Dance with Don Stratton. With and book signing follows. 3 pm. Brownington info@hungermountain.coop
Don Stratton and Kingfisher (Jeff Kaufman Congregational Church, 109 Old Stone House Hot Topics at Vermont Law School.
Rd., Brownington. backroadsreadings.com Lectures on a variety of current issues in Community Conversations: 20th Century
and Cecelia Vacanti). No experience and no Development & Progress. Conversation
partner needed. All dances are taught plus environmental law and policy. “Confronting
America’s Captive Tiger Crisis” with about how the state has handled questions
Delcianna Winders, Lewis and Clark of development and progress in the past, and
Law School and Heather Rally, PETA. how we might use those lessons to discuss
a path forward to the future. 6:30–8 pm.
Calendar of Events
Whammy Bar. 31 W. County Rd., Calais. June 28: Friday Night Fires: Cooie’s Hot Mo’s Backyard BBQ. 6:30–8:30 pm. Old
Live Music
whammybar1.com Club Jazz Quartet. Food by Morse Block Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield. 426-3581
Every Thurs.: Open Mic, 7 pm Deli. 6–8 pm. Fresh Tracks Farm & Winery, July 5: Barbra Lica. A fast-rising star in the
June 28: Cowboys and Angels (Kelly Ravin 4373 Rt. 12, Berlin. 223-1151 Canadian Jazz scene and has been receiving
and Halle Jade) 7:30 pm
VENUES June 29: Nola Dose (blues) 7:30 pm
June 28: Stephane Wrembel. Gypsy jazz. accolades for a unique vocal ability that
Bagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. 229-9212. Called “a revelation” by Rolling Stone stresses subtlety and grace. 7:30 pm. Highland
Bagitos.com Magazine, Stephane Wrembel is quite simply Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St.,
June 27: Italian Session, 6 pm SPECIAL EVENTS one of the finest guitar players in the world. Greensboro. $20; students $10; seniors 20%
June 28: Latin Dance Party, 7 pm June 26, July 3 and 10: Capital City Band 7:30 pm. Highland Center for the Arts, off. highlandartsvt.org
June 29: Irish Session, 2 pm; Duo d’ Accord, Wednesday Concerts. Every Wed. through 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. Tickets July 11: Chris Lyon & Fat Toad Farm.
6 pm Aug. 14. Enjoy a picnic with neighbors or meet start at $25; students $10; seniors 20% off. Singer and songwriter Chris Lyon of Johnson
June 30: Cowboys & Angels, 11 am some new friends while enjoying this delightful highlandartsvt.org accompanies Fat Toad Farm to offer music
July 6: Irish Session, 2 pm; Elizabeth Renaud, Vermont musical tradition. Or, bring an June 29: 5TH Saturday Contemporary and hors d’oeuvres at the Hardwick Street
6 pm instrument and play along with the band. Community Concert. Karen Knaebel Café. Solo acoustics, bluegrass, originals, folk,
July 7: Eric Friedman folk ballads, 11 am 7–8 pm. State House Lawn, Montpelier. & Messenger. Concert and sing-along. country and Americana. 4–6 pm. Highland
July 11: Old Time Music Session, 6 pm 456-7054 6–7:30 pm. 962 Rt. 100B, Moretown. Free. Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St.,
Charlie O’s World Famous. 70 Main St. June 27: BarnArts Music on the Farm valleymeadfarm@hotmail.com Greensboro. $20; students $10; seniors 20%
Montpelier. Free. 223-6820. Concert Series: Flynn. Indie-soul. 5 pm. Feast July 1: Lawson’s Finest Monday Night off. highlandartsvt.org
Every Tues.: Karaoke, 7:30 pm and Field, 1544 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard. Music Series. Live music: Fiddle Witch. July 11: July 4: BarnArts Music on the Farm
Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. $5–10 suggested donation. Enjoy a specialty cask of Scrag Mountain Pils Concert Series: Bow Thayer. Folk/rock.
479-0896. espressobueno.com. June 27: Jaquith Library Summer with lime and salt. 5–7 pm. 155 Carroll Rd., 5 pm. Feast and Field, 1544 Royalton
June 28: Reid Parsons & Co. (Americana) Concert Series: Beg, Steal or Borrow. Waitsfield. lawsonsfinest.com Turnpike, Barnard. $5–10 suggested donation.
7:30 pm Bluegrass. Food Vendor: Farmers & Foragers. July 4: BarnArts Music on the Farm July 11: Jaquith Library Summer Concert
July 6: Miranda Moody Miller (singer- 6:30–8:30 pm. Old Schoolhouse Common, Concert Series: Billy Wylder. Folk/rock/ Series: The Stone Cold Roosters. Classic
songwriter), 7:30 pm Marshfield. 426-3581 world. 5 pm. Feast and Field, 1544 Royalton country, swamp-rock, hillbilly-funk, blues,
Gusto’s. 28 Prospect St., Barre. June 28: Music in the Alley: The Sklarkestra Turnpike, Barnard. $5–10 suggested Western swing and honky-tonk. Food Vendor:
gustosbarvt.com Jazz Trio. Hosted by Axel’s Gallery & Frame donation. Chez Mami. 6:30–8:30 pm. Old Schoolhouse
June 28: Tim Brick, 5 pm; Nite Sky, 9 pm, Shop and TURNmusic. Join your friends and July 4: Jaquith Library Summer Concert Common, Marshfield. 426-3581
21+ neighbors on a summer Friday evening for Series: Will Patton Ensemble. Fiery
June 29: Elizabeth Renaud, 6 pm; DJ new music, great food by the Blackback Pub. Brazilian sambas and folk waltzes, gentle
LaFountaine, 9:30 pm, 21+ 6–9 pm. 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. choros and hot Gypsy jazz. Food Vendor:
Vermont History Center, 60 Washington St, pm. Cabot Artisans Gallery, 3053 Main THURSDAY, JULY 11 Vermont Authors Lecture Series: Greg
Barre. vermonthistory.org St., Cabot. $150 for all four sessions. Delanty. A celebrated poet in Ireland and the
cabotvermont.org Hot Topics at Vermont Law School. Lectures U.S., award winning poet Delanty appears in
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 on a variety of current issues in environmental various significant U.S. anthologies and is the
A Universe of Plants with Jacqueline law and policy. “Disclosing the Danger: State
Changes to Transit Service in Our Region. Soule. We will discuss how people could Poet-in-Residence at Saint Michael’s College in
Attorney Ethics Rules Meet Climate Change Colchester. 6:30–8 pm. Highland Center for
With Rachel Kennedy, Sr. GMT Transit feed themselves if they lived in outer space all with Victor Flatt, University of Houston Law
Planner. Learn about Green Mountain the time, or on the moon. Discussion will the Arts, 2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro. $12.
Center. Noon–1 pm. VLS campus in Oakes highlandartsvt.org
Transit’s proposed changes to transit in our introduce the concept of biospheres and nutrient Hall Room 012, South Royalton. Free.
region and provide your comments and cycles. Then everyone will build a biosphere
feedback. 5–7 pm. Hunger Mountain Co- to take home. 6:45 pm. Jaquith Public Library, Introduction to Repair Cafés. Learn all
op community room, Montpelier. RSVP: School St., Marshfield about repair cafes, events intended to foster Send your event listing to
info@hungermountain.coop
Mid-Week Movie: Farmer of the Year. 6–8
re-skilling, community-building, and a
stewardship of objects that reduces consumption
calendar@montpelierbridge.com
Watercolors with Ruth Kaldor Begins. pm. Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 and waste. 5:30–7 pm. Hunger Mountain or submit listing at
montpelierbridge.com
July 10, 17, 24, and 31. Designed for Hardwick St., Greensboro. $5 suggested Co-op community room, Montpelier. RSVP:
those with little to no experience. 6–8:30 donation. highlandartsvt.org info@hungermountain.coop
PAGE 2 2 • JUNE 26 —JULY 9, 2019 T HE BRID GE
Montpelier Alive Celebrates Independence Day

J oin us downtown for Montpelier’s July
3rd Independence Day Celebration!
This year’s celebration will be better
for your favorite parade participants in
the Union Mutual Parade Competition,
and they could win $1,000. The Army
Advertise in the NEXT ISSUE:
Climate &
than ever, with fun for the whole family, Band will also provide a patriotic musical
awesome parade participants, and delectable accompaniment to our fireworks show.
new food vendors to enjoy.
Environment
Family Fun
Masters of Mayhem The Family Olympics on the State
One of our great new participants, Wells House Lawn, is always a blast, with tons of
In Circulation July 10–July 23

and Woodhead, also known as the Masters great inflatables and free games from 3 to 6
of Mayhem, have been performing their pm. To make sure everyone is comfortable
ALL AD MATERIALS AND AD SPACE

one-of-a-kind antics for audiences around at the festivities, we’ve partnered with
the world. See these amazing performers Mamava and Central Vermont Medical
marching in the July 3rd Parade, powered
by VSECU, and then performing near
Center to provide a comfortable area for
nursing mothers. RESERVATIONS DUE FRIDAY, July 5.
People’s Bank after the parade. Delicious Food For more information about advertising
Marching Music Enjoy fair favorites like lemonade,
We are so excited to have the 40th French fries, fried dough, and ice cream, deadlines, rates, and the design of your ad,
contact
Army Band marching in the parade. and treats from our great new vendors.
Vermont’s finest have been dishing out Check out Woodbelly Pizza, the Carrot
patriotic favorites since 1907. Other Cart and Broccoli Bar, Apple Fries, Taco
Rick McMahan
802-249-8666
parade performers include the Step ‘n’ Truck AllStars, Sisters of Anarchy farm-
Time Line Dancers, Honeybee Steelband, fresh ice cream, and more.
Contra Dance Umbrella, and Hanaford’s
Volunteers Fife and Drum Corps. Vote
For festival information, see the back
page and visit montpelieralive.org/july3.
rick@vtbridge.com
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When Lafayette Came to Montpelier • Pages 8–9

J une 26 – J uly 9, 2019

Remilard (Morgan Wolk) walks in original sin. The effect is enhanced

HEARD ON THE STREET

Night Work Expected on Stone Cutters Way

Caledonia Spirits Grand Opening

Bridge Community Media, Inc.

A Message From City Hall

Community Progress Maps From the

Hubbard Park Marks 120th Anniversary Summer Fun

When Lafayette Came to Montpelier

Five Central Vermont Summer Hikes Summer Fun

Do Good Fest Makes Good

T Photos courtesy of Ross Sneyd.

on the day of the festival, we have in the neighborhood

What’s the Buzz—Insect Status Report Summer Fun

T A Lucia Azure Butterfly. Photo

The Emerald Ash Borer Is Here to Stay Environment

802-223-0389 What does that mean for ash trees in

Hubbard Park – 120 Years in the Making Summer Fun

Jay Craven’s Wetware Film

Montpelier Alive Celebrates Independence Day

In Circulation July 10–July 23

ALL AD MATERIALS AND AD SPACE

Design & Build

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