MONTPELIER — What happens when a family member, a neighbor or a friend sud-denly becomes a danger to him or herself or others? Maybe they are suicidal. Maybe they are threatening to kill someone. They have a weapon, perhaps, or have gone outside in the winter without enough clothes on.

A common reaction would be to call the police. The Montpelier Police Department implemented an internal policy on March, 2012, for just such situations. It is titled “Dealing with Persons of Diminished Ca-pacity.” The purpose of the policy is to help officers gain tactical and processing skills to deal safely with a potentially lethal situa-tion. “Tactical” basically means the physical response, and “processing” basically means using verbal communication to guide the situation through planned procedures.

According to the document, a person is con-sidered to be of diminished capacity when they are intoxicated, suicidal, experiencing medical complications or are mentally ill. These people do not behave in a typical, peaceful manner. Rather, they “display con-duct that is bizarre, irrational, unpredictable, and threatening.” Therefore, they don’t al-ways respond to police officers’ use of com-mands or force. The officer needs to prevent danger and harm and get help as quickly as possible from trained mental health profes-sionals.

This is the very reason Team Two — an alliance between law enforcement and men tal health services — was formed. Anthony Facos, chief of the Montpelier Police De-partment, was involved with the formation of Team Two.

The Bridge met with Facos at the station on September 22 to go into detail about how law enforcement deals with mental health crises. According to Facos, “I’ve been a cop here since 1985 and I’ve always known if we run into someone with mental health prob-lems you have Washington County Mental Health as a resource to cover you. But in other parts of the state there have been some interactions with law enforcement that, jus-tifiably or not, have resulted in some horrific and tragic outcomes. You know, think about the shooting in Burlington, the Fortunati shooting in Orange County,” Facos said.

The Joe Fortunati incident is an extreme example of a family/mental health crisis gone wrong. Fortunati was living in a tent and “there was a state police SWAT (Spe-cial Weapons And Tactics) call out due to some of the threats and concerns,” Facos explained. The following is an edited version from the 2006 report released by the Ver-mont Attorney General's Office and printed in the Randolph Herald:

“The events leading up to the incident began on June 19, 2006, when members of the [state and federal workers] were working in the area of Copper Mine Road in Corinth. The workers came upon a tent that had been set up in the roadway, and encoun-tered a man later identified as Joseph A.

Fortunati. He refused to identify himself to the workers, and became very agitated when informed that he could not camp in that area.

“Fearing the potential for violence, they left the area. They returned on June 23 and saw the same man camped out in the road, and also saw that ropes and logs were blocking the roadway. As the workers approached Mr. Fortunati, he ran into the woods.

“The workers then contacted the police. Troopers from the state police barracks in Bradford learned that the individual in-volved was Joseph Fortunati.

“His father, Robert Fortunati contacted the police and told them that his son did not like the state police and had problems with law enforcement in the past. Robert also said that his son was bipolar and schizophrenic and had not been taking his medication. He said his son had (previously) been treated at the Clara Martin Center.

“Robert told the police he believed Joseph had a handgun, had threatened him with it in the past, and believed Joseph was capable of using it … Robert was advised to contact the state police with further information.

“The troopers contacted the Clara Martin Center to obtain additional information.

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W h a t I s M i n d f u l n e s s ? — p a g e 6

How Does Law Enforcement Handle Mental Health Crises?by Carla Occaso

IN THIS ISSUE:

4: Hero CaptainRichard Phillips

7: Healing in the LifeVessel

10: The City's SecretSpots

12: Capital City Concert'sNew Season Starts

The Law Office of Amy K. Butler, Esquire, PLLC

Bankruptcy • Family Law Estate Planning

64 Main St., Ste. 26, Montpelier802-371-0077

akbutler@amykbutlerlaw.com

YOUR BOX AD HERE!

Advertise in this space by calling The Bridge's

advertising department at 223-5112 ext. 11

OctOber 1 – OctOber 14, 2015

Precious Guru EXHIBIT AT CVMCpage 11

Continued on Page 8

Photo by Jon Schechner

PAGE 2 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

Robins In The Rain

Rain just starting at last, and around 200 robins here suddenly, as afternoon wanes, calling, gathering up energy, sounding as if they may fly again tonight, at the leading edge of rain. Not a great flying night but we're losing 15 minutes a day of

light here and that puts the pressure on. This many robins in the yard often means there's not a premium crop of Mountain Ash berries keeping them higher and out of the valleys. On Camel’s Hump yesterday the berries looked shriveled from the recent dry period. No worry, we have worms aplenty to fill their craws!

Nature Watch by Nona Estrin

Follow The Bridge on Twitter: @montpbridge

Watercolor by Nona Estrin

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 3

Project Seeks to Ease Stigma for People With Intellectual DisabilitiesBARRE — Community Developmental Services of Washington County Mental Health and Pride Center of Vermont have collaborated to form the Connections Project, which will produce an interactive program over the next year to increase knowledge around sexuality, intimacy and self-esteem for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “We are very excited about this grant. It is going to open up so many opportunities for our folks to socialize and ease the social isolation many of them feel, ” said Lisa Marien, associate direc-tor of Community Developmental Services. The project is being funded through a $20,000 Innovations and Collaborations grant from the Vermont Community Foundation which was awarded this summer. “We believe partnering with WCMHS keeps with the spirit of the Innovations and Collaborations Grant”, said Kim Fountain, executive director of the Pride Center of Vermont.

Pride Center of Vermont is New England’s most comprehensive community center dedi-cated to advancing community and the health and safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen-der and queer Vermonters.

Community Developmental Services provides services to children and adults with devel-opmental disabilities, intellectual disability, autism, and/or other pervasive developmental disorders.

School Commissioner Resigns. Candidates Sought to Replace HerMONTPELIER — Brian Ricca, superintendent of the Montpelier School Board Commis-sion, has announced that Carol Paquette is resigning from her seat. “We are tremendously grateful to Carol for her years of service. I am personally grateful for her time and energy as Carol was a member of the board that appointed me to serve this community in 2011,” Ricca wrote in an email September 24. Those who are interested in serving on the board of school commissioners are invited to apply to serve until the next school election in March 2016. Applicants must be a resident of the City of Montpelier.

The term for this seat on the board was originally set to expire in March 2017. However, due to the vacancy, the school board now has 30 days to select and appoint a person to serve until the election in March 2016. At that time, voters will elect someone to serve the remaining one year of the term. The appointee may choose to run for the position at that time and, if elected, would serve the remainder of the unexpired term (March 2017).

Interested candidates should attend the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board of school commissioners on October 7 as well as submit a letter of interest by October 5 to: Suzanne Kennedy Aldrich, Chairwoman, Montpelier Board of School Commissioners, c/o Dr. Brian G. Ricca, Superintendent, Montpelier Public Schools, 5 High School Drive - Unit 1, Montpelier, VT 05602.

If you have questions, please feel welcome to contact Dr. Brian Ricca, superintendent di-rectly at 223-9796 or brian@mpsvt.org.

New Bus Shelter Headed for Town MONTPELIER — Finally. According to City Manager Bill Fraser’s report, construction of the concrete pad for the bus shelter and replacement of the narrow and deteriorating connecting sidewalk along the side of Blanchard Court took place this week. The order for the prefabricated bus shelter four-foot by eight-foot in dimension has been placed and de-livery is expected within a couple of weeks. The Montpelier Department of Public Works anticipates assembling and installing the new shelter by mid-October. The concrete pad is designed to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act as for accessibility, and the shel-ter is translucent to allow travelers to view the bus arrival. The Design Review Committee reviewed and approved the proposed location for the temporary bus shelter site on the city hall grounds.

Culvert Work Afoot MONTPELIER — Construction began on the Terrace Street culvert in September. The contractor has installed the new piping up to the edge of Terrace Street and will work on the road crossing next. Traffic on Terrace Street near the intersection of Dairy Lane will be reduced to one-way during this work. Replacement of the North Street culvert is taking place between Mechanic Street and Hillhead Street. The Department of Public Works is also replacing the sidewalk between Main Street and Cross Street. Paving on North Street between Mechanic and Hillhead Streets was scheduled to start September 21.

City Hall Railings and Banisters Under Restoration MONTPELIER — City Hall is set to undergo restoration of the front railings and the banisters positioned on the wall abutting the city hall plaza area according to City Man-ager Bill Fraser. The railings are rusting and staining the granite. A temporary hand railing was installed, which will be in place while the railings and banisters are being gal-vanized at a facility in Massachusetts. A granite specialist will be removing the rust stains while the railings are offsite.

Week of Guided Walks Offered Oct. 3–Oct. 11 MONTPELIER — For the second year Montpelier's Pedestrian Advisory Committee has organized a week of guided walks from October 3–October 11. We Walk Week offers organized walks around Montpelier highlighting everything from its historic buildings and bridges to its loveliest trees and parks and lots more. This is a good chance to explore Montpelier, learn something new and enjoy the autumn weather. Check out the calendar in this issue for the details.

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PAGE 4 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

MONTPELIER — “Nothing is over until you choose to give up. You can overcome any obstacles,” Captain Rich-ard Phillips said, relating some of the life lessons learned during a terrifying experience as the first U.S. ship’s cap-tain to be kidnapped at sea by pirates since 1803.

“Now, picture if you will, the vastness of the sea and the darkness of that very night and a voice coming over our VHF radio sounding very eerie, saying ‘Somali pirates. Coming to get you. Somali pirates. Coming to get you’,” said Phillips to a captivated audience at the Plaza Hotel during the September 21 meeting of the Montpelier Ro-tary Club. “This is what we heard the night before the incident.”

Phillips, of Underhill, then retold the story of his capture by armed Somali pirates aboard the Maersk Alabama — an enormous cargo ship carrying 17,000 metric tons of food and supplies for the World Food Programme and other relief organizations, en route to starving people in Africa. As it happened, just after setting out to sea, Cap-tain Phillips, who had heard about increased incidences of piracy, decided to have some surprise safety drills with his crew. During those drills they came up with a “safe” room where the bulk of the crew could hide if pirates boarded the ship. From the safe room, the crew could also have the capability of disabling the engine so the pirates would be unable to hijack the vessel. They also agreed on code words so the captain could communicate with the crew without the pirates understanding the real meaning.

Then, the morning after those drills, a crew member spotted a little wooden skiff with a high powered motor about three miles astern of the Maersk Alabama. Captain Phillips ordered his crew to confirm whether or not they were a target by maneuvering the ship in unpredictable patterns. “We changed course. They changed course. We maneuvered. They mirrored and executed the same maneuvers. It was pretty obvious what was happening.” Phillips described the mood of his crew ranging from highly concerned to ‘blatantly terrified.’ The skiff closed in quickly, and when it was about a mile away the Maersk Alabama crew followed the steps they prepared in the drill. Everyone went to the safe room except Captain Phillips and two crew members.

Pretty soon the little skiff was alongside the Maersk Alabama and four scrawny young men with AK 47s were firing upon the ship. There were no weapons aboard the Maersk. Phillips, his first mate, and a sailor used what

they had to try to fend off the pirates, including powerful water hoses and rocket-propelled parachute f lares. Phillips announced over his handheld radio to the hidden crew, “Shots fired. Shots fired.”

The pirates managed to hook their tall white ladder on to the side of the ship and climb aboard, but their skiff was destroyed in the process when it smashed against the side of the American freighter. Phillips said, in his last overt announcement to the crew, “Pirates aboard. Pirates aboard.”

In order to get the attackers off the vessel and to save the lives of his crew, Phillips put his own life in jeopardy by getting in a lifeboat after what Phillips characterized as a tense game of cat and mouse, during which he tricked the pirates into believing the freighter was disabled and inoperable, and the only way to escape was by lifeboat. The Maersk Alabama crew had captured the pirate leader, so the pirates agreed to get in the lifeboat with Phillips on board, whom they would trade for their leader after the lifeboat was put to sea. The crew released the Somali leader, but the Somalis did not keep their agreement and retained Phillips. This is how Phillips learned you can’t trust a pirate.

Aboard the small lifeboat and alone with his captors, Phil-lips suffered nearly unbearable heat, head games such as multiple “mock assassinations,” and beatings for several days until finally being rescued in a nearly miraculous mission carried out by U.S. Navy SEALS aboard the U.S.S. Bainbridge. Three of the four pirates were concurrently shot

in the head. The fourth had earlier been taken alive aboard the Bainbridge. This occurred in 2009 about 240 nautical miles (276 land miles) off the Somali coast.

Before and after speaking to the group at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier, Phillips greeted people, posed for photographs, and answered questions. The Bridge asked Phillips if he wrote the book himself and he said, no, rather, he relayed the story to a ghostwriter. He also said he had retired about a year ago this past June, but that his schedule was almost busier than it had been when he was in the Merchant Marine because he was so busy giving lectures.

Phillips was introduced by Rotarian Dan Pudvah, who said it took about four years to book Phillips as a speaker because Phillips’s schedule was so busy. Pudvah summa-rized Phillips’s remarkable accomplishments before Phil-lips got up to speak. Phillips recounted his adventure using humor and vivid details, during which he literally acted out the part of each person he mentioned. Watching the man retell the story in his own words was better than the book or the movie because it had his genuine Massachu-setts accent, facial expressions and gestures.

Phillips said after his experience he didn’t go back to sea for 14 months because he was busy with writing the book and then dealing with movie producers for his story. The book, “A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS and Dangerous Days at Sea” by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty, was published about a year after the event in April 2010 by Hachette Books. The movie “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks, came out in 2013. Phil-lips has a screenwriting credit for the screenplay. Phillips also said Hanks would call him regularly to check out whether the details he was being asked to do by the direc-tor matched up with real life.

In addition to Rotarians from all over the state, many other guests attended the event, including former Gov-ernor Jim Douglas. Phillips gave a shout out to Douglas, who he said personally contacted his wife, Andrea, while Phillips was still fighting for his life at sea and offered to help. “Only in Vermont,” Phillips said of a governor call-ing to offer a citizen help.

Phillips closed his talk by saying, “These are challenging times and they are only getting worse.” But, as he also said, “It is amazing what happens when you vow you won’t quit.”

Captain Richard Phillips to Local Rotary Club:‘Never Trust a Pirate’ by Carla Occaso

Captain Richard Phillips talks about his experience with Somali pirates to the Rotary Club.

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Clean Water Fund Board seeks public input on pro-posed Clean Water Fund allocation priorities by 4:30 p.m. on October 20.

The fund and its board were created by Act 64, also known as the Vermont Clean Water Act, which was passed by the legislature during the 2015 session and signed by Governor Peter Shumlin on June 16. The purpose of the fund is to provide direct financial sup-port for actions that will reduce pollution washing into Vermont’s waterways. The Clean Water Fund Board, which administers the fund, includes representatives from the agen-cies of Administration, Agriculture, Farm and Markets, Commerce and Community Development, Natural Resources and Transportation.

The board met on September 8 and approved a draft proposal to invest revenues in State Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017 for public notice and comment. The proposal can be read at: http://cleanwater.vermont.gov. The board will consider submitted comments in prepara-tion of a final Clean Water Fund budget, anticipated to be completed this November.

The public may submit electronic or written comments on this draft proposal by the deadline of 4:30 p.m. on October 20. Please reference the Vermont Clean Water Fund in your submission.

Electronic Submission of Comments: Comments may be electronically submitted using the following email address: anr.wsmderp@vermont.gov

Written Comments: Comments may be mailed to: Attention: Vermont Clean Water Fund, Department of Environmental Conservation, 1 National Life Drive, Main 2, Montpelier, VT 05620-3522

For additional information about the Clean Water Fund Board, the process and the draft proposal, please contact Kari Dolan, manager, Clean Water Initiative Program, at kari.dolan@vermont.gov or 490-6113 or on the website: http://cleanwater.vermont.gov.

Public Input Sought on Clean Water Fund Allocation Priorities

MONTPELIER — Mayor John Hollar and City Manager William Fraser invite all Montpelier residents to participate in two Community budget forums. One was held September 24. The other will be held October 13. These forums will ask residents to evaluate challenges, consider goals, and share their ideas for values and priorities for future city budgets.

Montpelier will continue to face major budget challenges in the coming years. With the council approved “steady state capital plan,” the city needs to spend an additional $500,000 per year to reach a sustainable rate of infrastructure funding. This is $1 mil-lion more than the city spent three years ago. The municipal tax rate, while remain-ing stable for several years, remains relatively high compared to other communities in Vermont and elsewhere. This creates a challenge for our residents, businesses, and for future development.

Community Forum #2 will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., October 13, at Montpelier High School. This forum will review all ideas contributed and set key priorities for the City Council as they build future budgets based on the collective values of residents.

Montpelier resident Paul Costello will facilitate the forums, Hollar will welcome attend-ees and Fraser will provide background information on the municipal budget.

“Montpelier is a city of engaged residents who work actively to improve the quality of life in our community. Through the collective work of our residents, we can solve the fiscal challenges that the City will face in the next few years,” said Hollar.

In the upcoming weeks, city staff will release two online surveys (one in advance of each forum) to collect information from members of the community who are unable to attend the evening meetings. Additionally, written feedback can be provided to William Fraser, city manager, at wfraser@montpelier-vt.org or 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

City Seeks Community Budget Input

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 5

MONTPELIER — Leaders of the U.S. Coast Guard Food Service Specialist Program decided to bolster enlistment by sending a handful of their best and brightest to Montpe-lier’s own New England Culinary Institute. That way, the new highly trained food service specialists could teach elite cooking skills to others and gain usable skills to further their career. Therefore, 24 of the top food service special-ists from around the country were hand-picked to study in Montpelier. Part of the deal was for those who participate to re-enlist for six more years. But why NECI?

“Several culinary schools put in bids,” said Chad Adams, chief warrant officer 4 and food service specialist program manager for the entire U. S. Coast Guard. “NECI met the requirements. They won the bid out of several com-petitors.” Part of the reason was the qualifications of Chef Jean-Louis Gerin, with 35 years of prestigious culinary experience begininning in Paris, France and winding up at NECI by way of a top-rated restaurant in Greenwich, Con-necticut. Another factor was the safety and security of the students at this location in Central Vermont, Adams said.

The Coast Guard is further looking to upgrade the quality of the food and give the cooks in charge of the kitchens more autonomy. “We do everything from scratch. No big, bulk boil-in-the-bag. Our guys do farm to table,” Adams said.

It turns out there is one advanced cooking school for the entire military (inlcuding Army, Navy and Marines) in Fort Lee, Virginia, but they only train 12 Coast Guard members per year. This is a very small percentage of cooks working on the Coast Guard’s numerous food service fa-cilities throughout the United States. It takes 1,250 lead cooks to manage the 1,250 kitchens (ashore and afloat) in order to feed 39,000 “Coasties” as they call themselves

informally.

The Bridge met two such Coasties during the interview with the commanders including Adams and Justin Reed, food service rating force master chief. The students were Sonata Haley of California and Jeremy Biladeau of Oregon. Both spoke enthusiastically about learning the deeper arts and sciences of food preparation taught by highly respected chefs, including Gerin.

“We are fortunate to have this kind of experience. This is great,” Haley said. Haley’s kitchen is on a Blacktip cutter stationed in Oxnard, California. Haley said she hadn’t planned on studying culinary arts, but when she joined the coast guard, she gravitated towards it. She said she is grateful for being one of the few chosen to study at NECI.

As for Biladeau, he said that when he first joined the Coast Guard he bonded to the food service specialist where

he was stationed. It was he who influenced Biladeau to become a food service person himself. “I’ve always loved food.” Biladeau said he started out in the Marine Corps, but when he got into the Coast Guard he was pleasantly surprised to find out the food service specialists were not limited to using frozen foods and the like. “It is up to the food service specialists to create their own meals in their own vision,” Biladeau said. “I love it. It is a fantastic oppor-tunity.” Biladeau works on a bouy tender cutter stationed in Newport, Rhode Island.

The food service specialists will be hosting a 75-person V.I.P. final dinner on October 15 before leaving town. And for these highly specialized professionals, food is more than food. “Food is morale,” Adams said.

At New England Culinary Institute:U.S. Coast Guard Top Culinary Students Come Here to Get Schooled by Carla Occaso

Master Chief Justin Reed, Jeremy Biladeau, food service specialist and Sonata Haley, food service specialist

Chad Adams, food service specialist program man-ager and Master Chief Justin Reed, both of the U.S. Coast Guard, meet with The Bridge at NECI on MAIN Sept 22

PAGE 6 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

Mindfulness: The Common Threadby Garrett Heaney

Over the past few years, in my quest to become a perfect human, I have sought a number of different therapies, therapists, counselors, and programming — each with its own spe-

cific agenda in attending to my mental health. Through it all has been a common thread that seems to tie together each of these individual disciplines in mental health. This thread, of course, is “mindfulness.”

It seems no matter where I was physically or mentally, whether battling depression, partying too much, or sitting in a weekly session of dialectical behavioral therapy, the concept of mindfulness was always right there in the forefront of treatment. Even my beloved couples counselor is a longstanding (sitting?) Zen prac-titioner who passes down mindfulness at every session. She is also a doctor, with a PhD in psychology, so don’t get the idea that her practice is some kind of metaphysi-cal departure into obscurity. Everything she teaches on the subject of mindfulness is firmly grounded in biology, chemistry, and neuroscience.

So what exactly is this unifying buzzword all about — ‘mindful-ness’ — and why has it infiltrated such a diverse range of mental health services? Where did it come from, and why are people just now paying atten-tion to it?

Mindfulness at its most basic level is awareness — awareness of yourself internally (your thoughts and emotions) and awareness of your immediate environment, other people, and anything in range of your senses. This is the present moment, the being here, now. I know that sounds a little beatnik and hipster, but people have been talking about mindfulness for thousands of years, and believe me, it gets a lot more convoluted than that.

The brain is incredibly vast and not thoroughly understood. In his book “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain,” David Eagleman describes the inner mechanics and complexi-ties of the brain, writing, “there are as many connections in a single cubic centimeter of brain tissue as there are stars in the Milky Way galaxy.”

To be clear, the practice of mindfulness has its origins in Buddhism and dates back about 2,500 years. So it’s not new at all, except here in the West, where it has been inching its way into the mainstream since the 1960s.

You may have heard about the Beatles taking a transcendental meditation (or “acid”) trip to India with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (the ‘Giggling Guru’). This was 1968, and the ex-perience inspired George Harrison to start playing the sitar and the group to write most of the songs released on the White Album.

Because of the clout only the Beatles could have, their curiosity in the Eastern traditions of meditation quickly translated into a popular interest in the same in the West. That’s not to say there wasn’t anybody practicing this stuff before then — Zen Buddhism had gained some momentum in America by the 1930s, and Alan Watts helped popularize Zen Buddhism with his book “The Way of Zen” in 1957. In the same year, Jack Kerouac published his novel “The Dharma Bums.”

So that’s where it came from, and that’s how it got here, but what about mindfulness makes it so universally valuable to mental health? According to Mark Epstein, M.D., author of “Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective,” part of the answer lies in the relationship a patient (or human being) has with the self.

You, I suspect, believe you have a true self — a core self, that you either live up to or let down on any given day. The problem is, most people never really consider where this “true self ” comes from or if it is even real (or true!).

What Epstein asserts about mindfulness is that its primary goal is to break down false senses of self, something he calls “spatial self,” which is demarcated, stationary, perma-nent, and above all, problematic for a healthy relationship with the world. His view of self (and that of Buddhism) is temporal in nature — ever changing and adaptable to the present moment. Epstein writes, “Mindfulness involves awareness of how constantly thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations shift in the mind and body.”

In order to gain awareness, you have to pay attention to the mind, to rec-ognize it, and to dissociate from the identity that such thinking can

instill in a person — i.e., the self, or ego. Who you are today, at this moment, is not, nor does it have to be, who you will be

tomorrow when you’re doing something besides reading a fascinating article in the paper. Each moment bears with

it an opportunity for a different connection — whether that be simple observation, bare attention, or meaning-ful participation.

Epstein anchors this message saying, “Rather than promoting a view of self as an entity or as a place with boundaries, the mindfulness practices tend to reveal another dimension of self-experience, one that has to do with how patterns come together in a temporary

and ever-evolving organization. This progression from a spatial metaphor of self to a more temporal one is por-

trayed in Buddhist literature as inexorable.”

When it comes to cognition, the most important understand-ing mindfulness can teach is how active and automated minds

actually are. Being quiet is not a natural state — you and I want and need to think, all the time, even (and especially) when not trying

to. Intentional thought is a commodity and one that the mind veers away from in order to conserve mental energy.

The mind often wanders around on autopilot, responding to outside cues and making hard-wired associations that play upon and support each other. The mind is in a constant stream that can sweep you up and make you forget that if you pause, and listen, there is actually another layer of consciousness in there — not the thinker, but the observer who can actually witness the thoughts coming and going. Being mindful is nothing more than getting in touch with this observational capacity of your mind and learning to identify with it as your objective self — rather than identifying with the spastic, if not downright neurotic, mental chatter in your head.

So where can you turn to develop mindfulness in your own life? There are many options, but I would definitely recommend picking up a book or two that discuss how the brain actually operates. The books I’ve mentioned are both a great start, as is Daniel Kahne-man’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow.” In this book, Kahneman divides the function of the brain into two systems: System 1 is fast, hardwired, and intuitive; System 2 is slower, requires effort and is intentional.

Learning about brain science and mindfulness intellectually can be helpful, but it is not to be confused with, nor is it a substitute for, actually practicing meditation. Here in Montpelier, there are a few options for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life.

Sue Swindell and the dialectical behavioral therapy program taught me a lot, and they can be reached through Washington County Mental Health. Dialectical behavioral therapy is a branch of cognitive behavioral therapy that merges mindfulness with talk therapy. Typi-cally, dialectical behavior therapy meets once a week and is accompanied by individual therapy sessions. For information, call Washington County Mental Health at-223-6328 or visit www.wcmhs.org.

Other resources include:

Shambhala Montpelier at info@montpeliershambhala.org

and:

Mountains and Rivers Order, Zen Affiliate in Montpelier, http://mro.org/smr/vermont/, 456-1983 or by email at grhayes1956@comcast.net.

Got a news tip? We want to know! Send it to us at:

editorial@montpelierbridge.com

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 7

“What about stress?” was the question I put to Wendy Halley who has recently

opened Lucid Path Wellness at 97 State Street in downtown Montpelier.

Halley — who is both a traditional, aca-demically trained mental health counselor and in a separate practice a shamanic teacher and healer — knows a lot about stress.

Part of her understanding of stress is per-sonal.

After qualifying for a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine Uni-versity in Malibu, California — Halley’s first job was in Phoenix, Arizona as a counselor in a substance abuse treatment program for teenage parolees. This was in 1996 when there were 350 known gangs in Phoenix and the parolees didn’t have any choice about participating in the substance abuse treatment program. “It was court-ordered treatment,” Halley said. “Any in-tervention is more effective when the client wants it. I had doors slammed in my face. Or they just wouldn’t answer the door when I came to their house. It was pretty stressful.” Halley had just graduated with a master’s degree. But still, she said, “I was really just winging it. I was in that job for only six months. It was rough. It was really rough.”

Today, Halley keeps a careful dividing line between her traditional mental health counseling practice and her shamanic work. But both practices are causing her to ponder the incidence of stress in people’s lives.

Halley said, “In my psychotherapy prac-tice, I am hearing about stress in peoples’ lives and the subsequent impact of that stress on their health and well-being.”

She’s also hearing about stress in her sha-manic practice. “In the shamanic sessions,” she said, “I see stress in the patterns in their unconscious mind.”

Halley is less interested in the history of stress or whether or not there’s more stress today than in the past. What interests her is what is happening today with the vari-ous presentations of stress in people’s lives: health stress, family stress, job stress, fi-nancial stress.” She went on to mention the stress that many people feel at the “state of the world.”

And she said, “We become aware of stress in our lives through such symptoms as insomnia, migraine headaches, panic at-tacks, irritability, or lashing out verbally at family members.”

While Halley can’t speak to the history of stress, she can and does report on what she’s seeing today. “People are getting sicker. There’s more auto-immune disor-ders (when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own immune system). There’s more cancers, more heart disease,” she added.

Halley came to her shamanic practice over time. From when she was a girl of 12 years old until her time in graduate school, Hal-ley was an atheist. Then when she was 24, her mom died. This rocked her world. “I started to question my atheistic views,” she said. “I started looking into my ancestry which is partly native. Her mother was pretty proud of her American and Chero-kee roots.

“My whole world cracked open in 1998 when I started having these visionary expe-riences. I was awake and I was dreaming. I was dreaming about a death experience, a woman being electrocuted in an electric chair. I wasn’t her. I was looking out of her eyes. I had access to her thoughts and some of the physical sensations she was going through.”

Halley had a couple of other visionary ex-periences after that. “I was going through the experiences of people who were dying or I was the person it was happening to,” she said. She was careful not to report on these experiences to anyone. After all, she was clinically trained. “I would be thought of as delusional,” she said.

Halley ended up studying with someone who called herself a shaman. She began to understand her visionary experiences. She saw that these experiences were part of a shamanic practice. She had been part of this practice but she hadn’t known it. Her shamanic work took her to a new re-alization of healing. “If you want to heal, you have to look at the broad scope of consciousness. I discovered how incredibly unconscious we are as human beings. We are creatures of habit. Anything that can jar us out of ordinary consciousness — it pulls us out of what we are ordinarily aware of — and expands our perception.” That’s what shamanic healing is all about.

“What we’re really aware of is only a small fraction of what we’re capable of being aware of. That’s what my shamanic prac-tice taught me. It informed my clinical practice and that’s what got me involved in the Life Vessel.”

Last year, Halley purchased the Life Ves-sel which she describes as “a cutting edge relaxation/energy medicine technology.” There are about 10 Life Vessels out west. But the Life Vessel in Montpelier is the only Life Vessel on the east coast. Halley isn’t making any claims that the Life Ves-sel can result in cures. What she is saying is that the Life Vessel, which is essentially a bed and an enclosed environment that uses vibrations and music and light, can produce an environment that allows the body to heal itself.

The common thread in all the options that Halley offers — traditional mental health counseling, shamanic dream therapy and healing, and the Life Vessel — the com-mon thread is encouraging people to take care of themselves.

People take care of themselves by exercise, through friendship, through diet, yoga, meditation and by choosing to leave un-healthy relationships. In Halley’s work-place counseling she finds that many peo-ple who come to her for help are afraid. “Most people are afraid to leave their jobs because of their security.” If they stay in theisr jobs they will have to fight. They don’t want to fight. Or if they leave their

job, they will be afraid. “Fight or f light,” is fear, Halley declares.

“Fight or f light” produces day-to-day stress that eats at you day-by-day. Your body doesn’t get a break. It wears down your im-mune system. But almost everyone is living that way,” she said.

“My approach,” said Halley, “is that the person, the client, has all the answers. My approach is to help the person find the answers for themselves. My approach in shamanic practice is to connect people with their own personal power. And the Life Vessel is an environment for the body to heal itself.”

Taking On Stress with Counseling, Shamanic Healing and the Life Vesselby Nat Frothingham

The Life Vessel. Courtesy of lucidpathwellness.com

Wendy Halley of Lucid Path Wellness

PAGE 8 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

How Does Law Enforcement Handle Mental Health Crises?Continued from Page 1

A therapist confirmed that Fortunati was suffering from mental illness, that she had heard that he had a gun, and that she believed he was capable of using it. The following day, June 24, 2006, Robert For-tunati telephoned the state police to inform them that he, his wife, and his son, Robert Fortunati, Jr., had gone to speak with Jo-seph earlier that morning, and attempted to convince him to leave the area. In response, Joseph pulled out a handgun and pointed it at his brother Robert Jr., and told them to get out of there now. He also said that Joseph had threatened to kill all of them if they ever came back.

“(Based on that information) State police decided to arrest Fortunati for the offenses of aggravated assault, a felony, and reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor.

“Because the police knew Fortunati was armed with a handgun, and mentally un-stable, the officers in Bradford sought as-sistance from the Tactical Services Unit and the Hostage Negotiation Unit. An in-cident commander, Capt. Walter Goodell, was charged with coordinating the response from the members of the two units.

“When the Tactical Services team ap-proached the area (near) Fortunati's camp-site … one of the officers saw Fortunati and began talking to him. However, after a brief conversation, Fortunati quickly moved away.

“Tpr. Snetsinger, as well as other officers in the area, repeatedly yelled to Fortunati to stop and to put his hands up. Fortunati did not comply with these commands. The

officers then attempted to gain compliance by the use of less than lethal force, firing beanbag rounds at him. This had no appar-ent effect on Fortunati, who went to his ve-hicle, reached into it, and then ran towards the woods.

“One of the officers saw that Fortunati had a handgun and yelled "GUN" to alert the others. Fortunati took cover behind a tree. The officers were spread out, some in tall grass in an overgrown field and others posi-tioned among a thin line of small saplings, which offered little cover. Despite repeated calls to Fortunati to drop the gun, to come out, and put his hands up, he did not com-ply. Another less than lethal beanbag round fired at Fortunati was also unsuccessful. Fortunati then pulled out his handgun, raised it to chest level and pointed it at Tprs.

Snetsinger and Campagne.

“In response, Sgt. Thomas and Tpr. Cam-pagne both fired lethal rounds at Mr. For-tunati, who later died … A black hand-gun, which was loaded, was recovered from under his chest in the area where his hands had been.”

To avoid events such as this in the future, Mary Moulton, former acting commissioner of the Vermont Department of Mental Health gathered Vermont State Police staff, Chief Anthony Facos from the Montpelier Police Department, Washington County Mental Health (Gary Gordon in particu-lar), and others to come up with a plan. “We came together with Kristen Chandler, who, at the time was deputy attorney general for the Department of Mental Health and former counsel for the Department of Pub-lic Safety,” Facos said, further explaining that their efforts have caught on statewide. “Where we really got momentum was the rebuilding of the mental health system post Irene,” he said.

“We tried to look at what are we try-ing to accomplish on these calls, especially as law enforcement is, statewide, seeing a significant increase in these calls,” Facos said. “The mental health system had been fragmented around the state. We formed Team Two. The Team Two concept is law enforcement on one side and mental health clinicians on the other. And one of the chal-lenges at the state level is that we know we have law enforcement throughout the state, but what we did not have consistently (and we are still kind of struggling with) is the clinical arm. So once we built the curricu-lum, we held a meeting statewide for all the

police chiefs and state police commanders at the Elk’s Club in Montpelier. This hap-pened around 2011–2012.”

Facos continued, “Once we formalized what we were going to cover in a one-day train-ing in locations all over the state (I would even go down to White River Junction to train the trainers), we began training both mental health workers and officers. The model is what we focus on. Scenario train-ing. A phone call comes in and the person is intoxicated with a firearm. What do you do with that?”

“We want the participants, law enforcement and crisis workers, to understand their roles and how to resolve this situation.” Facos said. “There are three key buckets that we look at. What are the legal issues? What are the clinical issues? And what are the safety issues? Somebody could be taken into protective custody so they are denied liberty if the emergency warrants. That is why Kristen Chandler, the coordinator for Team Two, provides the legal piece.”

“If somebody is a danger to themselves or others, we have to observe them,” Facos con-tinued. “As we look at a situation we have to consider the options. Is there a criminal situation (disorderly conduct)? Law enforce-ment is called so that everybody is safe. The job of law enforcement is keeping it as stable as possible,” Facos said, further explaining the clinical part is to meet a person’s mental health needs, to make sure everyone is safe, and to “make sure the person who is having the crisis gets the appropriate mental and psychological care. That is the goal.”

Team Two coordinator Kristen Chandler recently released an announcement that her office is awarding the first Team Two Frank Silfies Award. Silfies, who has since died, was a member of the first Team Two steer-ing committee, according to the release, which states the award goes to “a law en-forcement officer and a mental health crisis clinician who exemplify a collaborative re-sponse to mental health crises.”

This year’s winners are Christi Sousie, a Health Care and Rehabilitation Service cri-sis worker in Windham County, and Lt. Jeremy Evans of the Brattleboro Police De-partment. Presentation of the award will be on October 6 at the Department of Mental Health conference at Lake Morey.

Kristin Chandler, Team Two Coordinator may be reached at teamtwovermont@gmail.com or via telephone at 236-5065.

Police chief Anthony Facos speaks with The Bridge about how law enforce-ment handles situations in which a person is in danger to themselves or others.

Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 9

MONTPELIER — Poet Kerrin McCadden of Plainfield has won the first ever Vermont Book Award for her collection of poetry titled “Landscape with Plywood Silhouettes.” McCadden earned her award during the Vermont Book Award Gala at Vermont College of Fine Arts on Saturday, Sept. 26. President Tom Greene presented the award, which Vermont artist Tyrie Brown crafted. McCadden also received $5,000 with the award.

During her acceptance speech, McCadden thanked her family and the college. She also wanted to thank her students at Montpelier High School. “They asked me, about 10 years ago, to start taking risks with my own work like I asked them to do,” she said. “If I can say anything, it’s to encourage young people to show up at the page.”

McCadden has earned numerous awards and several fellowships for her poetry. Her work has appeared in the “Best American Poetry” series, and in journals such as the “American Poetry Review,” “Green Mountains Review” and VCFA’s “Hunger Mountain.”

“Landscape with Plywood Silhouettes” previously won the 2013 New Issues Poetry Prize. Poet David St. John has called the collection “one of the most compelling and powerful debut collections in recent American poetry.”

The Vermont Book Award was created to honor a state uniquely suited for creative enterprise. Seven judges chose McCadden from among five other authors and poets, which included Leland Kinsey from Barton, Gary Lee Miller from Montpelier, Jessica Hendry Nelson from Winooski, Dana Walrath from Underhill and Meg Wolitzer from New York, N.Y. In order to be nominated, the book must first be a work of outstanding literary merit. The book must also share a deep connection with the state of Vermont; it must be set in Vermont, published by a Vermont press or penned by a Vermont writer.

The gala highlighted Vermont’s extraordinary creative community and featured many notable Vermont writers and artists. Approximately 175 guests attended the event, with Vermont resident and National Book Award winner Will Alexander giving the keynote address. Guests also heard readings from this year’s book award finalists.

Kerrin McCadden Wins First Ever Vermont Book Award

Your Drinking Water: Managing the Risk of Recreation on the Source

Protection of drinking water sources is serious business in most New England states and New York. The laws may be administered by the state, community or water utility, but almost every state prohibits or restricts swimming and body contact in

water supply sources. Other recreation is banned or limited largely depending on the size of the water source. Water authorities such as the New England Water Works Association discourage all body contact activities in water supply ponds and lakes, and advise monitor-ing of other recreational activities to prevent the introduction of invasives.

Most New England states recognize the conflict between safe drinking water and recre-ation, and attempt to balance those competing interests in a thoughtful manner, using the precautionary principle. They have responded to new human-carried threats that have arisen in the past 20 to 30 years: invasive species, including Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels, which wreak havoc on water systems and pond ecology, and pathogens like the nasty protozoan cryptosporidium, which is so dangerous that the EPA has developed a special rule aimed primarily at that organism.

Vermont is the exception. Vermont holds that fishing, boating and swimming are compat-ible uses with public water supply in lakes and ponds. Eleven municipalities, including Barre, St. Johnsbury, St. Albans, Brattleboro, and Montpelier — almost 10 percent of the state's population — use ponds as the source of their drinking water. For years the state health department oversaw drinking water safety, and each municipality protected its own water source. In 1991, however, the Legislature transferred control over the waters to the Agency of Natural Resources, which also oversees hunting and fishing — arguably an inherent conflict of interest.

Since then, pressure has been building to challenge the protection offered by municipali-ties and open the water supply ponds to recreation. After a lawsuit led the supreme court

to rule that one municipality did not have legal authority over its water source, the Agency of Natural Resources opened that pond to recreation. Two other communities opened or partially opened their water supply ponds, believing that they had no option.

The Agency of Natural Resources has stated that they are "obligated" to open all the water supply ponds to recreation. They say the risk is "negligible," and no management is needed. Their policy is, "If there's a problem, we'll deal with it." This has left the opened ponds in limbo: the state has no funds to monitor recreational use, and the municipali-ties have no authority over it. So the drinking water sources for those communities are at increased risk for contamination and no one is watching.

Why is Vermont, supposedly the "green" state, so out of sync with our neighbors in the area of drinking water protection? Why are we still reactive, while the other states are pro-active in managing the risk of drinking water contamination? How many negligible risks does it take to create a significant risk? A representative of the agency stated, in testimony, that the only people who might be impacted by this negligible risk are those with immune system issues, very young children and the elderly. Are those people simply immaterial?

This is the first of several articles around the issue of our drinking water source ponds, with the hope of providing information and sparking discussion. Future articles will cover more on the potential threats to drinking water quality, costs vs. benefits of opening the ponds and who pays, source protection plans, how water treatment plants work, details about what other states are doing, Vermont's legal framework around water sources and how it has been administered, and the new EPA rule on cryptosporidium. Anyone with information about this issue can contact the Vermont Clean Water Coalition at vcwcvt@gmail.com.

by Jed and Page GuertinMontpelier

Opinion

PAGE 10 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

Montpelier Secrets and Getawaysby Dot Helling

In the 1970s I often slipped out of town through the Statehouse “underpass.” The “underpass” was a one-way, narrow passage through a section of the building

that housed the cafeteria entryway. We lost that shortcut when the State House underwent restoration in the 1980s. I remember being surprised by the likes of Margot George maneuvering the one-way passage in the wrong direction, like she always did at the top of Hubbard Street and on Cedar Street. Nevermind those “Do Not Enter” direction-als. “They’re so inconvenient,” Margot used to say.

Montpelier has many shortcuts around town, some hid-den, some private, some very much tread worn. The latter includes the grass cut-over at the corner of State Street and Bailey Avenue. This shortcut became so popular that two benches were installed along the pathway. The property belongs to the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Other well-used paths created by pedestrians to shorten the dis-tance from point A to point B can be found off downtown streets such as Heaton to Fuller and Loomis to St. Paul.

Favorite shortcuts of mine include the alley between the Zutano store and Bear Pond Books on Main Street, and the walkway on the east side of St. Augustine’s Church. The Main Street alley has been decorated over the years, sometimes with lights, currently with ball ornaments. It’s cool in there in the summer and scoots you around the foot traffic at our central intersection. The Church’s walkway has a f lavor of elves, with funky residences, thick shrubs and a sense of being in the Schwarzwald.

Some downtown shortcuts have been blocked off, for example, the gate installed on the eastern end of City Center where we used to cross over from East State Street to School Street. There are many shortcuts off Barre Street across the tracks to Stonecutters Way, including the Cross Vermont Trailway. I miss using the railroad bridge from the Carr Lot to Shaw’s, a quick route from the Post Office to the other side of town. It’s closed now and dangerous. Use it and you are subject to being cited for trespass. Plans to erect a footbridge through there are in the making as part of our city’s bike path expansion.

What other hidden getaways does Montpelier have? The quarry in Sabin’s Pasture is a special place, although pri-vate and currently off limits. All of Sabin’s Pasture with its trails, stream, views and features is a natural playground. Hopefully whatever development lands there will maximize

those features and allow residents to appreciate them.

We are blessed to have Hubbard Park and North Branch, acres of public paths, wildlife, waterways, and forest, with special attractions such as the Tower, the Seven Fireplaces, the Capitol path, unique benches and outhouses, the na-ture center and a community garden. Did you know the Capitol path concept was originally designed as a place for legislators to stroll and debate their bills? I don’t think the builders thought through the fact that legislators meet dur-ing the winter months and may not be fit enough to climb that path, let alone talk while they walk it. For the rest of us, it’s been a fabulous addition to Hubbard Park.

Hubbard Park connects with North Branch via a trail skirting the ridge above Elm Street then out onto the old city dump road, now called Finch Road. That route passes you by an old firefighters’ training area that includes a running track, now grassed over. There’s also a multi-sta-tion exercise trail in Hubbard Park proper and another one among the treed trails below National Life. National Life employees walk those trails to work, accessing them by stone steps from the corner of Northfield and River streets.

Hubbard Park roadways and trails provide shortcuts across town, for instance, from the Meadow to Hubbard Park Drive, and from there to North Park Drive and Com-munity College of Vermont on Elm. Another municipal jewel is Blanchard Park, accessible from Monsignor Crosby Avenue. From its high point you can sit on a homemade bench and take in the Montpelier cityscape, which is espe-cially beautiful under a full moon. There are other special Blanchard Park creations but you’ll have to go up there and see for yourself.

Our pedestrian river bridges provide great river views and are fun, such as the one along the bike path between the Vermont State Employees Credit Union building and Taylor Street. The Lane Shop footbridge by the waterfalls on the North Branch used to be a rickety wooden thing half the width of the current structure. It’s a quick and in-teresting way from the North Street neighborhoods to the Meadow and Elm Street, and a getaway from walking the streets. Below Franklin Street there’s a hidden landscaped concrete river walk.

Many Montpelier residents have magical backyards, porches and gardens, using creative gardening techniques

and creating settings that give the feel of being in the country or in a private sanctuary. Secluded backyards exist in unlikely places. There are yards with arbors, statuary, meditation areas, raised beds and wondrous perennials, annuals and blossoming shrubs ablaze in different colors throughout the spring, summer, and fall. One garden includes homemade wooden cribs raised to waist-height, beautiful and back saving. Another garden includes spiral stairs to a f lower-filled rooftop. Many are filled with berry bushes, bird houses, feeders and baths, waterfalls, solar lighting in shapes such as butterf lies and hummingbirds that change color and even chickens, f lamingoes, and the occasional tennis court or swimming pool.

Then we have our community ecospaces and pocket parks, the newest being the Montpelier Pocket Park on Main. There’s a pretty little one on the corner of Elm and Court streets. The rebuilt Peace Park along the bike path by the river has beautiful perennial gardens, sitting spaces, and a semi-permanent inlaid brick mandala in the grass to the west. A mandala is a Sanskrit spiritual symbol representing the universe. I found mandalas etched in the sand a few weeks ago behind the Vermont Council on the Arts, next to the visitor center on State Street. In previous summers I found mandalas inscribed in the sand among symbolic stone sculptures erected along the Dog River, behind the recreation field across from the city sanitation plant. Try walking a mandala. It centers you and tests your balance.

Cemeteries are great places to walk and learn secrets about our ancestors. St. Augustine’s Catholic Cemetery has an incredible view of Camel’s Hump and a path from its northeastern corner into the Murray Hill neighborhood, providing a quick scenic way for uptown residents to strut downtown. The Green Mountain Cemetery has numer-ous pet monuments. Both cemeteries are fascinating with centuries-old gravestones and interesting and curious in-scriptions.

If you know the right people you can explore secret rooms in the many spires atop our Montpelier churches or in some of the old Victorian houses with turrets. Just keep those eyes peeled and your noses to the ground and you’ll be sweetly surprised by what lies off the beaten track, a part of what makes Montpelier “Montpeculiar.” More on that next time.

The State House “underpass” then. The State House “underpass” now.

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 11

BERLIN — An exhibition devoted to the eighth century yogi-ma-gician who founded Tibetan Buddhism is on view at the Univer-sity of Vermont Health Network Central Vermont Medical Center Lobby through October 31. The exhibit celebrates the life of the yogi/magician named Padma Sambhava (the “precious guru”).

The public is invited to a “meet the artists” event October 16, 5 p.m.

The Triptych Journey artists will present their work and discuss the rigors, challenges and joys of working on the project. Ronen Schechner’s film will be shown at this time,” a press release states. A Burlington-based group named Triptych Journey curated the display that includes photography, poetry and sound recordings presented by eight artists who went overseas in 2013 in search of the man who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century: Guru Rinpoche (Precious Teacher) also known as Padma samb-hava (Lotus Born). The team, made up of eight diverse perspec-tives, immersed themselves in the life, legends and landscape of Padma Sambhava — The Precious Guru.

Over the course of eight weeks, the team traveled across every imaginable landscape — deserts, lush valleys, massive peaks — logging more than 16,000 miles. The artists, Jon Schechner, pho-tographer; Clemma Dawsen, writer; Ronen Schechner, filmmaker; and Sarah Brutzman, sound artist and dancer travelled through Mongolia, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. During this eight week epic journey they wrote, danced, filmed and photographed.

The exhibit is supported in part by the Vermont Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Ad-ditional supporters include the MindBody Medicine Clinic, of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont and business sponsors: Milne Travel, Blue House Group, and St. Albans Frame and Gallery Shoppe.

For further information please contact Marc Wennberg at marc@triptychjourney.org, 249-039 or www.triptychjourney.org. Or contact CVMC at maureen.oconnorburgess@cvmc.org.From a press release.

Meet the Artists Who Created The ‘Precious Guru’ Exhibit

Thank you for supportingThe Bridge!

PAGE 12 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

Capital City Concerts will open its 15th season of performances on Saturday eve-ning, October 17 with a concert in Montpelier that will feature Olivier Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” — a work that artistic director Karen Kevra de-

scribes as “one of the greatest masterpieces of the chamber music canon.”

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will take place at the Unitarian Church of Montpe-lier at 130 Main Street. The Messiaen chamber work is unusual for a number of reasons. It's unusual because of the instruments that make up the quartet: a cello, piano, clarinet and violin.

It's unusual, as Karen Kevra pointed out in a telephone interview, because Messiaen — who was both French and a Catholic — chose to take his inspiration from the Book of Revelation in The Bible. An inscription he added to the score reads as follow: "In homage to the angel of the Apocalype who lifts his hands and says, "There shall be time no longer. It's also unusual because of the remarkable circumstances circumstance that surrounded the first performance of Messiaen's striking chamber work on January 15, 1941.

As Kevra pointed out in a telephone interview — Olivier Messiaen was both French and a Catholic and his chamber music composition takes its inspiration from the Book of Rev-elation in The Bible with an inscription in the score that reads as follows: “In homage to the angel of the Apocalypse who lifts his hands and says, ‘There shall be time no longer.’”

Also unusual were the particularly historical circumstances surrounding the first perfor-mance of Messiaen’s remarkable “End of Time” chamber work on January 15, 1941.

Students of modern European history will remember that World War II began when Hitler’s armies invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Also remembered is the subsequent German invasion of France and the Low Countries (Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg) beginning on May 10, 1940. France was next in line and German troops occupied Paris on June 14, 1940.

According to an online Wikipedia entry — when World War II began in 1939, Messiaen was drafted into the French army and, because of poor eyesight, he was assigned to a hospital auxiliary and worked as a nurse. But he was captured by the Germans at Verdun and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp in Silesia (Silesia was then part of Germany but is now part of southern Poland.)

When World War II broke out in 1939, Messiaen who was in his early 30s had already studied music at the Paris Conservatory and was an accomplished composer. The “Quar-tet for the End of Time” was composed while Messiean was a prisoner of war and the unusual combination of instruments that he chose for “The End of Time” simply repre-sented the instrumentalists who were available to play from the prisoners in the German prison camp.

Although memories of those present at the premiere of Messiaen’s “End of Time” differ somewhat, here is what Messiaen himself remembered and wrote about the January 15, 1941 premiere:

“The Stalag was buried in snow. We were 30,000 prisoners (French for the most part, with a few Poles and Belgians). The four mu-sicians played on broken instruments … the keys on my upright piano remained lowered when depressed … it’s on this piano, with my three fellow musicians, dressed in the odd-est way … completely tattered, and wooden clogs large enough for the blood to circulate despite the snow underfoot … that I played my quartet … the most diverse classes of society were mingled: farmers, factory workers, intellectuals, professional servicemen, doctors and priests.”

In a phone interview, Kevra shared her own experience of hearing Messiaen’s “End of Time” in performance. Remembering that performance she said, “For me it’s one of those pieces that is absolutely transcendent in performance. I find it life-changing.” She went on to say, “It truly was a religious experience — incredibly powerful and moving. People around me were in tears, including myself.”

Performing will be longtime Cleveland Orchestra clarinetist Daniel Gilbert, also violinist Theodore Arm, cellist Edward Arron, pianist Jeewon Park and flutist Karen Kevra. In continuing to talk about Messiaen’s “End of Time” chamber work, Kevra praised the four musicians that make up the quartet.

Speaking about clarinetist Daniel Gilbert, Kevra said, “His playing is so personal, so in-credibly honest. There’s a purity to it. It’s without affectation. He has an emotional depth to his playing. There’s never any feeling that he’s showing off.” Speaking about cellist Ed-ward Aarron and pianist Jeewon Park — Kevra noted that Aarron and Park are married, “You have a married couple playing together. They know each other so well,” she said.

Then there is Theodore Arm, a violinist who has often performed as part of the CCC series. Because he is playing violin, Theodore Arm will have a special role in the Mes-siaen quartet — a quartet that end with a violin solo that in Kevra’s words, “takes you up to heaven — higher and higher and higher. And just dissipates and goes away. It’s very powerful.”

“The End of Time” quartet is the major work of the evening and the only piece in the second half of the concert, after intermission.

The first half of the concert consists of two offerings a Trio for f lute, cello and piano by the German romantic composer Carl Maria von Weber and an early Beethoven Trio for clarinet, cello and piano based on an ancient Viennese street song.

Concert tickets are available at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier or online at www.capitalci-tyconcerts.org/

A limited number of tickets can be purchased on the night of the concert itself — beginning 40 minutes before the 7:30 p.m. start of the concert — as long as supplies last.

Capital City Concerts to Play Messiaen’s “End of Time” Quartet on October 17by Nat Frothingham

Clarinetist Daniel Gilbert

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 13

The direct experience of the storyteller, the story and the storyteller’s audience — these encounters are as old as human history.

I first heard Tim Jennings in the early 1980s. He was performing and telling sto-ries to a crowd of children and their parents as part of a midwinter performance series for children in Montpelier that we called “Kids’Fest.” Then as recently as last spring I heard Jennings again.

Jennings was then, as he is now, larger than life, funny, compelling and ironic. But this time Jennings was joined by storyteller and life partner Leanne Ponder. And the show, this time, took place at the Four Corners Schoolhouse in East Montpelier.

With Jennings and Ponder, it’s all about the story. It’s hearing the big voices of the giants, the kings, the animals. It’s the audience and hearing the voices of children and adults who know they are listening to a story — but are also perhaps — both having a good time and a little afraid. Listening as the thieves divide their gold. Or the victims of cruelty pick up their lives and go forth in dread to confront risk and danger.

Jennings’ storytelling career started in 1970.

“In 1970, age 22, I heard Sarah Cleveland at a folk festival performing an old tale about three brothers that she got from her grandmother when she was a little girl.” Jennings told The Bridge that the storytelling effect was profound. “My mouth opened slightly. My eyes shone. I became ageless.”

Not every child who has picked up a book or been read to will remember a story about three brothers. But I remember a host of stories about three brothers. Usually these stories start out with an older brother who leaves home and goes out into the world to seek his fortune. But this older brother soon encounters an obstacle: a giant, a beast, a river to cross, a riddle to solve or a treasure that must be found and brought back home.

In the “three brothers” stories I remember — brother one fails. Brother two fails. But brother three — undaunted — tries something a little different, sometimes something smarter — and succeeds where his older brothers had failed.

Sometimes a tale ends badly, sometimes it ends well. The little pig gets away from the wolf. The children slam shut the oven door on the wicked witch. And the princess is awakened from the sleep of death by a kiss from a handsome prince.

Why are these stories so powerful? We crave knowing why.

“I have never asked a kid what a book is really about,” Jennings said.

He remembers talking to his stepson, Andy, about a book he was reading and Andy said, “I don’t want to talk about this, Tim.” What Andy wanted was the story, on its own terms. Said Andy, hotly, “In school, year after year, they ram it into you, Tim.” They demand to know, “What’s the main idea! What’s the theme?”

Ponder remembered her own experience as a fourth grade student. “I said to my mother, ‘Don’t let them teach any new words today. I just can’t stand it. I really love to read.’”

Jennings believes that the best way to experience a folk tale is by hearing a performance. “You are supposed to hear them. They’ve evolved to be spoken and heard. Not spoken like a recitation, but like a guy telling you something that happened. “

Getting more deeply into this, Jennings said, “A tale exists in some kind of ideal form, in the world of the story. The teller is the kind of medium and when things are working right, you can almost touch the story — it seems so physically present in the room.”

Hearing Jennings back in the 1980s and hearing Jennings and Ponder today is the same magical experience. Always, it’s the story. And the voices: booming and small. Insolent kings, cunning serpents, even swarms of rats.

This didn’t happen all at once. But over time and with a great deal of patience and re-hearsal, Jennings and Ponder found a way to tell their stories together.

When they first got together, Jennings played the concertina and Ponder played a harp. For a time, Jennings and Ponder played the concertina and the harp on Church Street in Burlington and people passing by would put money in a hat.

“After a year,” Ponder said, “we had enough money to buy a car.”

Then in addition to playing music together, Jennings and Ponder began telling stories together. In the first instance, they took turns telling stories. Over time, they found that they could tell the same story together at the same time. They were not necessarily saying the same thing or talking together. But sometimes they did talk together. Or separately. But they were always advancing the story — a performance match-up they describe as “narrative counterpoint.”

When Jennings and Ponder heard three guys from the hillsides of Virginia telling a story together — and that story was “Red Fox Second Hanging” — they knew it was possible for them to tell stories together. Said Jennings, “It needed to have the power and focus of a great solo narrative because that’s what attracted us to storytelling in the first place.” And that is what they achieved after a period of hard work and rehearsal.

But back to the mysterious hold that stories and storytelling has on us. What is there in stories or in us that keeps us coming back to the world of giants and elves, good kings but sometimes cunning and deceitful kings, animals with sharp claws and teeth, wizards, ghouls and sorcerers with magical powers and rings, charms and keys that can at once save us from ruin or deliver us into dreaded consequences?

“Folktales are like dreams,” Jennings said. “They come from the same place in our psyche. In fact, Australian aborigines call the place where their stories unfold, ‘The Dream Time.’”

Ponder went on. “We think a culture needs its folktales, in the same way people need dreams. When our culture lost its tales, it came unhinged. Dreams and folktales keep us sane.”

Ponder said, “I worked in a dream clinic once. My researchers didn’t try to figure out what the dreams meant, or what they were for. But there was one thing we did establish. You can succeed in preventing people from dreaming. But if you do, they will begin to feel crazy. We need our dreams.”

Storytelling duo Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder will perform on Saturday evening, October 3 at 7 p.m. at the Four Corners Schoolhouse in East Montpelier. As part of a larger variety show, Jennings and Ponder will be joined by these artists: Rose Friedman and Justin Lander from the Modern Times Theater in Hardwick; and circus and mime performer Rob Mermin who will perform a vignette from his Bubble Circus.

Meet Storytellers Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponderby Nat Frothingham

Photo by Terry J. Allen

PAGE 14 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1Paddle North Montpelier with Green Moun-tain Club. Moderate. Start at North Montpelier pond and follow the river north as it twists and turns through the beautiful fall foliage. Partici-pants must have their own kayak. PFD required. Contact Steve for meeting time and place: stevecbailey@gmail.com or 1-609-424-9238

MBAC Meeting. Meeting of the Montpelier Bicycle Advisory Committee. First Thurs., 8 a.m. Police Station Community Room, 534 Washington St., Montpelier. 262-6273.

Waterbury Center Community Church Chicken Pie Supper. Chicken Pie, mashed potato, squash, coleslaw, cranberry sauce and apple or pump-kin pie. Noon, 5 p.m and 6:30 p.m. Waterbury Center Community Church, Rt.100 (next to Cold Hollow Cider Mill), Waterbury Center. Adults $11; children ages 4–12 $6. Take-out available by reservation. Reservations: 244-8955.

Diabetes Support Group. First Thurs., 7–8 p.m. Conference room 3, Central Vermont Medical Center. 371-4152.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2The 55th annual Calais Fall Foliage Festival. Oct. 2–4. Meals, music, events and exhibits held at the Maple Corner Community Center and throughout the Town of Calais. Flyers posted throughout the area and town. Download flyer: https://db.tt/NbUzpxvR

Story Walk with Montpelier Writer Carolyn Scoppettone. The author will lead a walk to nearby Hubbard Park for a story walk of the book “Hold This!” as well as talk briefly and answer questions about the book. There will also be book sales/signing. 10:30 a.m. Rain date: Oct. 20. Walk starts at Kellogg-Hubbard Library children’s room, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-4665.

Death Café. Group discussion about death with no agenda, objectives or themes. First Fri., 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Bring your own lunch or eat at the center for $4. 223-3322.

Smithsonian Under Secretary and Author Richard Kurin. Norwich University will host distinguished cultural anthropologist and author Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian Institution’s Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture for a presentation and book signing. 1 p.m. Norwich

University, Dole Auditorium, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield.

Tarot/Oracle Sessions. With Linda River Valente. Over 20 years of tarot know-how. 5–7 p.m. North Branch Café, 41 State St., Montpelier. By dona-tion. charmed.flow@gmail.com

Art and Author Night. Art opening of Paintings by Janet Wormser, 6 p.m. Reading with authors Susan Thomas an Peter Sills, 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.

What’s Cooking? Join Marialisa Calta and a panel of food writers as they explore what’s cooking in their lives.

Panelists include Rowan Jacobsen, and James Beard winning author Jim Romanoff, food edi-tor of Eating Well magazine. 6:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library. 135 Main St., Montpelier. $5.

Coffeehouse. Enjoy live music and share your own. Fellowship, potluck snacks and beverages. First Fri., 7–9 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier (park and enter at rear). Free. 244-5191, 472-8297 or rawilburjr@comcast.net.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3The 55th annual Calais Fall Foliage Festival. Oct. 2–4. Meals, music, events and exhibits held at the Maple Corner Community Center and throughout the Town of Calais. Flyers posted throughout the area and town. Download flyer: https://db.tt/NbUzpxvR

National Federation of the Blind, Montpelier Chapter. First Sat. Lane Shops community room, 1 Mechanic St., Montpelier. 229-0093.

Calais Energy Fair. Fun, informative event for all ages. Learn more about electric cars, solar options, buttoning up your house, carbon pollution legisla-tion. Prizes. Part of Calais Fall Foliage Festival. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Maple Corner Community Center, Calais.

Ainsworth Public Library Raffle and Book Sale. Presented by the Friends of Ainsworth Public Library. Shop from over a thousand bargain titles. Raffle drawing takes place at the end of the sale. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Williamstown Middle/High School gym, 120 Hebert Rd., Williamstown. Raffle tick-ets: $1 each; six for $5. 433-5887.

Worcester Clothing Swap. Get some new-to-you

clothing and accessories. Benefits the Worcester Food Shelf. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Worcester Town Hall, Rt. 12, Worcester. $1 per bag (bring your own). Drop off your gently used clothing and accessories on Oct. 1 and 2, noon–5 p.m.

Town Forest Trek: A Guided Bicycle Tour. Twelve-mile tour visits town forests and histori-cal sites in Calais and East Montpelier. Hilly dirt roads with lengthy stops to meet town historians, ecologists and foresters. Part of the Calais Fall Foliage Festival. Ride begins at Robinson Sawmill, 9 a.m., and ends at Kent Tavern, 3:30 p.m., Calais. Free. Pre-registration required: http://www.vtcommunityforestry.org/news/events/town-forest-trek-guided-bicycle-tour-townforests. 456-8192. drewlamb@myfairpoint.net

Energy Conservation Tour. Join the Vermont Natural Resources Council for an energy conserva-tion tour with Richard Czaplinski at his home and orchard in Adamant/East Montpelier. See simple measures that can be taken while still living very comfortably. Part of Calais Fall Foliage Festival. Tours at 9 a.m.; 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. 1208 Sodom Pond Rd., E. Montpelier. Limited to 15 people per tour. Pre-register: 223-2328 ext 121 or kcorey@vnrc.org

Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival. Oct. 3–4. Animal barn, marketplace, shepherd workshops, fiber arts classes, contests, show and sale, vendor demos, exhibits, activities and events, food. Sat;, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge. Adults $6; seniors $5; children under 12 $1. vtsheepandwoolfest.org

Discover Goddard Day. Learn about your own academic path at our fall open house. Meet the Goddard faculty, speak with students and alumni, tour the campus. Program highlights include academic sessions and student panel. Lunch. 10 a.m. Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Rd., Plainfield. RSVP: 800-906-8312 or goddard.edu/discover

Rhythm of the Rein’s annual Fall Festival and Veterans Appreciation Day. Help say thank you to our Vermont veterans and their families for their sacrifices and service. Horse rides, games, pumpkin painting, food, arts and crafts. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Water Tower Farm, 386 US-2, Marshfield. Free. 426-3781. rhythmoftherein@aol.com

Rhythm of the Rein’s Annual Benefit Chicken BBQ. Live bluegrass music, silent auction, meet and greet with Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop. 2–6 p.m. Water Tower Farm, 386 US-2, Marshfield. Adults $10; youth 12 and under $5. 426-3781. rhythmoftherein@aol.com

Michaelmas at Orchard Valley Waldorf School. OVSW celebrates the ancient festival that dates back to the sixth century and approximates the autumnal equinox. Pageant, singing, games, challenges and season craft activities. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 2290 Rt. 14 N., E. Montpelier. 464-7400. ovws.org

The Northeast Storytellers. Writers, readers and appreciators of prose and verse meet regularly the first Saturday of every month. The public is welcome to attend and new members are always encouraged to join. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Catamount Arts, 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury. 751-5432. brookequillen@yahoo.com.

Chicken Pie Lunch and Dinner. Noon, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Old Meeting House, 1620 Center Rd., E. Montpelier. Adults $12; children under 12 $6. Reservations required: 223-6934.

Forest Trails Less Traveled with Harris Web-ster. Join Harris for a moderately difficult walk through some of Montpelier’s less traveled trails. Some steep segments and elevation changes. Some portions of the trail have exposed roots. Walk lasts approximately 1–1.5 hours. Part of We Walk Week. 1 p.m. Meet at the entrance to the National Life Building (off National Life Dr.) where we will walk a short distance to the beginning of these

THEATER, STORYTELLING & COMEDYThrough Oct. 25: The Hound of the Basker-villes. Presented by Lost Nation Theater. Sir Ar-thur Conan Doyle’s celebrated Sherlock Holmes story gets a gloriously funny makeover. Thurs., 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat, 8 p.m.; Sept. 19 and Sun., 2 p.m. Lost Nation Theater, City Hall Arts Center, Main St., Montpelier. $30 Fri. and Sat.,; $25 Thurs. and matinees; discounts for students and seniors. 229-0492. lostnationtheater.org.

Through Oct. 24: As You Like It. Love at first sight, a wrestling match, cross-dressing and fools! Shakespeare’s delightful, romantic comedy boasts all four, cleverly intertwined with the trials and triumphs of love. Thurs., 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Lost Nation Theater, City Hall Arts Center, Main St., Montpelier. $30 Fri. and Sat.,; $25 Thurs. and matinees; discounts for students and seniors. 229-0492. lostnationtheater.org.

Oct. 1: La Puerta Negra Comedy Night. With Kathleen Kanz, Andrew Perchlik, Lori Gold-man and Kyle Gagnon. Adult content. 8 p.m. La Puerta Negra, 44 Main St., Montpelier. $5. 613-3172.

Oct. 1 and 4: Manhattan Short Film Festival. Join over 100,000 film lovers in over 250 cities across six continents to view and vote on the finalists’ films. Oct. 1, 7 p.m.; Oct. 4, 3 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $12. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org

Oct. 2: Variety Show. Local talent promises an evening to be remembered. Part of the Calais Fall Foliage Festival. 7:30 p.m. Maple Corner Com-munity Center, Calais. Adults $3; kids/elders $2; family $10. Seating limited; arrive early.

Oct. 2–4, 9–11, 16–18: You Can’t Take It With You. Presented by The Valley Players. Classic 1930’s screwball comedy directed and produced by Ruth Ann Pattee. Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Valley Players Theater, Rt. 100, Waitsfield. $12. 583-1674. valleyplayers.com

Oct. 2–4: The Surrealist Cabaret with The Royal Frog Ballet. A walking performance and installation event that weaves storytelling, movement, surrealism, and sculpture through a farm landscape at sunset in a folky, comedic and ritualistic evening for all ages. 5 p.m. The Clark Commons, Barnard. Adults $18;

children under 15 $9. royalfrogballet.com

Oct. 3: Pocket Chatauqua. Storytelling, vaudeville, puppetry, a circus and mime act with Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder. Rob Mermin will be performing a vignette from his Bubble Circus. 7 p.m. The Four Corners Schoolhouse. E. Montpelier.

Oct. 6 and 7: The Syringa Tree. A story of an abiding love between two families, one black, one white, and the two children born into their shared household in early 1960’s South Africa. Part of LNT’s On Dark Nights Series. 7 p.m. Lost Nation Theater, City Hall Arts Center, Main St., Montpelier. Adults $20; students/seniors $15; youth ages 11 and under $10. 229-0492. lostnationtheater.org

Oct. 13 and 14: Gruesome Playground Inju-ries. A play by Rajiv Joseph follows two friends from ages eight to 38 through the variety of inju-ries that bring them together. Part of LNT’s On Dark Nights Series. 7 p.m. Lost Nation Theater, City Hall Arts Center, Main St., Montpelier. Adults $20; students/seniors $15; youth ages 11 and under $10. 229-0492. lostnationtheater.org

Oct. 16: Stroke Yer Joke. Sign up in advance on Facebook, or sign up at the door a half hour be-fore show time, and try five minutes of your best open-mic stand-up comedy before a live audience. 8 p.m. Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St., Barre. Free. 479-0896. events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.

Oct. 16: Comedian Paul Reiser. Comedian, actor and bestselling author highlights the funny things about life, love and relationships. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $20–42. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org

Oct. 17: The Logger, Rusty DeWees. Ever evolving one-man comedy tour de force. Comedy that features DeWees playing a host of off-beat, rural characters. Features great North Country and French Canadian style music with old-time fiddler Patrick Ross. 8 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. $25. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.

Covering events happening October 1 – October 17

Performing Arts

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 15

Calendar of Events

trails. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

Osteoporosis Education and Support Group. For those who have been diagnosed with osteo-porosis or osteopenia, have a family member who has been diagnosed or want to learn about osteoporosis. Learn from a variety of guest speak-ers and medical specialists. First Sat., 1–3 p.m. Community National Bank, Community Room, Crawford Rd., Derby. 535-2011. mary@better-bonesnek.org. betterbonesnek.org.

The Bridge’s Saturday Scribes Workshop Begins. Spend four afternoons in October honing your craft of writing. One workshop features poetry taught by Reuben Jackson host of Friday Night Jazz on VPR. Workshop dates: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24. 1–4 p.m. The Bridge office inside VCFA’s Stone Science Hall, 62 Ridge St., Montpelier. $95; $75 if pre-paid by Sept. 30. Must register: 223-5112 ext. 14 or carla@montpelierbridge.com.

Montpelier ArtsFest 2015. See description under Visual Arts; Special Events.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4The 55th annual Calais Fall Foliage Festival. Oct. 2–4. Meals, music, events and exhibits held at the Maple Corner Community Center and throughout the Town of Calais. Flyers posted throughout the area and town. Download flyer: https://db.tt/NbUzpxvR

Sponsored Trail Ride Benefitting Rhythm of the Rein. Collect pledges and experience a gor-geous fall ride in Marshfield. Prizes for top plege earners. Wine and cheese social follows. Water Tower Farm, 386 US-2, Marshfield. Registration forms: 426-3781 or rhythmoftherein@aol.com

Guided Nature Walk in Town of Barre Forest. Led by Denise Bergeron. Easy to moderate. 1.5 to 2 hours along abandoned quarries and scenic vistas. 9 a.m. Meet at kiosk at 44 Brook St., Web-sterville. 476-4185.

Marine Corps 10K Endurance Race Fundraiser. Hosted by Norwich University. Open to the

public. Participants (age 18+) can register in a four-person team or individually. 9:30 a.m. 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield. Register: active.com

Minute FUN Race. A 2.7-mile race for walkers, joggers and runners. Meet at the Maple Corner Community Center, Calais, to sign up between 9:45 and 10 a.m. and enter your best guess for how long it will take you to complete the 2.7-mile Robinson Cemetery Loop — with a small challenge in the middle. Those with a finish time closest to their guess win. Prizes for top three men, women and kids. Race starts 10 a.m. bbrtpatterson@gmail.com

Autumn on the Green. Artisans, crafters, antiques, panoramic views, food. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Green in Danville. Free admission. autumnonthegreen.org

Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival. Oct. 3–4. Animal barn, marketplace, shepherd workshops, fiber arts classes, contests, show and sale, vendor demos, exhibits, activities and events, food. Sat;, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge. Adults $6; seniors $5; children under 12 $1. vtsheepandwoolfest.org

Marshfield Harvest Festival. Family-friendly activities including face painting and cider press-ing, book and bake sale, chili cook-off, barbecue, tour of Main Street, Marshfield. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; chili cook-off 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; tour 1 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.

The Waterbury American Legion Post 59 Auxiliary Bingo Fundraiser. Doors open 11 a.m.; quicky games noon; regular games 1 p.m. Lunch available. 16 Stowe St., Waterbury. 244-8089.

Tales of Hubbard Park. With Joanne Garton. Learn how the Montpelier now cares for its down-town forest and manages its future. Part of We Walk Week. 1–3 p.m. Frog Pond, top of Parkway St., Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

Green Mount Cemetary. With Patrick Healey. History, granite carvings and questions about cemetaries that you were afraid to ask will be

discussed. Part of We Walk Week. 11 a.m. Rt. 2, Lower State St., Hubbard Chapel vault build-ing, Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

Dance, Sing and Jump Around! An intergen-erational fun afternoon; a lively time for folks of all ages. Circle and line dances, singing games. Snacks. Live music by Kenric Kite and friends. 3–4:30 p.m. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, 18 High St., Rt. 2, Plainfield. Suggested dona-

tion: $5; family $10. No one is turned away. merrykays@yahoo.com or lizbenjamin64@gmail.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5Parent Meet-Up. Come meet other parents, share information and chat over light snacks, coffee and tea. First Mon., 10–11:30 a.m. Hayes Room, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpe-lier. Free. mamasayszine@gmail.com.

Live Music & DancesVENUESBagitos. 28 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 229-9212. Open mic every Wed. Other shows T.B.A. bagitos.com.

Oct. 1: Patti Casey Joins Colin McCaffrey, 6–8 p.m. Oct. 2: Jazz Duo Art Herttua & Ray Carroll, 6–8 p.m.Oct. 3: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari Farrington, Benedict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne, Bob Ryan and others, 2–5 p.m.; Charleston Sarjeant Caribbean Jazz, 6–8 p.m. Oct. 4: Bleecker & McDougal (folk ballads) 11 a.m.–1 p.mOct. 7: Washington County Worker’s Center Book Discussion. Discussion of Kim Moody’s article “The Politics of US Labor; Paralysis and Possibilities.” 6:30–8 p.m.Oct. 10: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari Farrington, Bene-dict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne, Bob Ryan and others, 2–5 p.m.; Tod Pronto, 6–8 p.m. Oct. 13: First Democratic Debate Watch Party, 6 p.m. Oct. 15: Dave Loughran (acoustic classic rock) 6–8 p.m. Oct. 17: Irish Session with Sarah Blair, Hilari Farrington, Bene-dict Koehler, Katrina VanTyne, Bob Ryan and others, 2–5 p.m.; Nathan Sargent (classic country/blues) 6–8 p.m.

Charlie O’s World Famous. Live music, 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 70 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-6820.

Every Mon.: Open Mic Comedy Café, 8 p.m.Every Tues.: Karaoke Night, 9:30 p.m.Oct. 2: Wes Hamilton & Jon Ryan, 6:30 p.m.; The Pilgrims with Faux In Love (rock) 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3: LightCrusher (black metal)Oct. 4: DJ Disco Phantom (dance) 9 p.m.Oct. 9: Abby Jenne & Friends, 6:30 p.m.; GrundleFunk, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16: Abby Jenne & Friends, 6:30 p.m.; Anachronist with Teleport (rock) 8:30 p.m.Oct. 17: Drag Ball Benefit for VTPWAC with House of LeMay

Espresso Bueno. 248 N. Main St., Barre. 479-0896. Free/by dona-tion. events@espressobueno.com. espressobueno.com.

Oct. 2: Danielle O’Hallisey (jazz), 7 p.m.; Brickdrop (jazz/funk fusion), 8 p.m. $5.Oct. 9: Jazzyaoke (live jazz karaoke), 7:30 p.m. $5.Oct. 10: Sugar Moon (alt-country/rock), 7:30 p.m.Oct. 17: Mark LeGrand (Americana/roots), 7:30 p.m.

Positive Pie. 10 p.m. 22 State St., Montpelier. 229-0453. positive-pie.com.

Oct. 2: Steady Betty, $8.

Sweet Melissa’s. 4 Langdon St., Montpelier. Free unless otherwise noted. Other shows T.B.A. 225-6012.

Oct 1: Golden Novak Duo, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; Chris Robertson & The Socket Rockets, 9 p.m. $5. Oct. 3: Ron Sweet, 5 p.m.; John Lackard Blues Band, 9 p.m. $5. Oct. 4: Julia Kate Davis, noon–2 p.m.; Live Band Rock & Roll

Karaoke, 8 p.m. Oct. 5: Kelly Ravin, 8 p.m. Oct. 6: Open Mic Night, 7 p.m. Oct. 7: Open Bluegrass Jam, 8 p.m. Oct. 8: Dan Zura, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; The Red Pennies, 9 p.m. $5. Oct. 10: David Langevin, 5 p.m.; Bad Dog, 9 p.m. $5. Oct. 11: Julia Kate Davis, noon–2 p.m.; Tea Dance, 3–7 p.m. By donation.; Live Band Rock & Roll Karaoke, 8 p.m. Oct. 12: Kelly Ravin, 8 p.m. Oct. 13: Tim Sullivan, 5 p.m.; Open Mic Night, 7 p.m.Oct. 14: D. Davis, 5 p.m.; Cookie's Hot Club, 8 p.m. Oct. 15: 2 Cents in the Till, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16: Mark LeGrand, 5 p.m.; The House Band, 9 p.m. $5. Oct. 17: Andy Pitt, 5 p.m.; Penny Arcade, 9 p.m. $5.

Whammy Bar. 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. 31 County Rd., Calais. Thurs., Free. whammybar1.com.

Every Wed.: Open micOct. 1: David Symons and Inner Fire District (klezmer)Oct. 2: Kava Express (funk/rock/soul)Oct. 3: Stovepipe Mountain Band (jam/bluegrass)

SPECIAL EVENTSOct 2: Three Men and a Tenor. Singing comedy quartet. A cappella group with great pop vocal music and quick-witted humor. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. $6. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.

Oct. 2: “Toward the Sea.” With Hilary Goldblatt (flute), Elizabeth Reid (viola) and Jennifer Hoult (harp). Features the famous sonata of Debussy for flute, viola and harp, along with varied solos and duets of music of Takemitsu, Corecig, Devienne and Salzedo, along with Reid’s trio arrangement of Debussy’s Reverie. 7:30 p.m. Union Elementary School, 1 Park Ave., Montpelier. Free; donations ac-cepted. 279-6082.

Oct. 3: Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Part of the VSA fall tour. Program includes two charming Scandinavian miniatures (student poetry will accompany Sibelius’ evocative Suite Mignonne), and two sublime works featuring the violin. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. Adults $29; seniors $25; students $10. vso.org.

Oct. 3: Annual Charles Woodard Fall Foliage Contra Dance. Live music with local fiddler Franklin Heyburn. Everyone welcome; beginners to experts, families too. 7:30 p.m. The Blue Barn, 117 W. County Rd., Calais.

Oct. 3: Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam. Join the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the legendary band Traffic who charted such hits as “Feelin’ Alright,” “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “Hole In My Shoe.” 8 p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $22–39.50. barreoperahouse.org

Oct. 3: Francesca Blanchard. Album release concert. Her intimate music, sung in French and English, reflects on her travels, both physical and emotional, and reflects influences ranging from Norah Jones and Carla Bruni to Eva Cassidy and Francoise Hardy. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $20 advance; $25 day of show. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org

Oct. 4: Calais, Renewing Memories Concert. Community concert featuring local talent under the direction of June Morse. Part of Calais Fall Foliage Festival. 2–3 p.m. Old West Church, Calais. Free.

Oct. 8: Julie Fowlis. A sublime and impassioned singer and multi-instrumentalist, Fowlis channels to the world the unique beauty and intrigue of her homeland through her performances, sung almost exclusively in Gaelic. 7 p.m. St. Johnsbury Academy, Fuller Hall, 1000 Main St., St. Johnsbury. $15–44. 748-2600. kcppresents.org

Oct. 9: Blanche Moyse Chorale. The Chorale presents St. John Passion by J.S. Bach and is joined by members of the New England Bach Festival under the direction of artistic director Mary West-brook-Geha, in its fourth annual celebration to honor the memory of their mentor, Blanche Moyse, and the music of her beloved Bach. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., Randolph. Adults $30; students $10. 728-6464. chandler-arts.org.

Oct. 10: The Gathering. Five award-winning musicians produced by Grammy winner Will Ackerman perform solo and in collabora-tion. 8 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Dr., Stowe. $20–35. 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org

Oct. 17: Capital City Concerts: Time After Time. The new season opens with a program that includes Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time featuring longtime Cleveland Orchestra clarinet-ist Daniel Gilbert joined by three New York City musicians; cellist Edward Arron, pianist Jeewon Park and violinist Theodore Arm. 7:30 p.m Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. $15–25. capitalcityconcerts.org

Oct. 17: Night Fever. The world’s favorite Bee-Gees tribute band. 8 p.m. Barre Opera House, 6 N. Main St., Barre. $18–41. barreoperahouse.org

Soprano soloist Hyunah Yu performs with the Blanche Moyse Chorale at Chandler Music Hall on Oct. 9.

Tell them you saw it in The Bridge!

PAGE 16 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

Calendar of Events

Visual Arts EXHIBITSThrough Oct. 2: Watercolors and Pastels by Kathrena Ravenhorst-Adams. City Center, Main St., Montpelier.

Through Oct. 4: VERVE: Art & Energy. Featur-ing over a dozen Vermont visual and literary art-ists. Participants capture the intrinsic tension of line and color, revealing energy and visual vital-ity in a wide variety of works. Kent Museum, 7 Old West Church Rd., Calais. www.kentscorner.org/art-at-the-kent.html

Through Oct. 12: 25th annual Art Show in the Round Barn. The juried exhibition features local and returning artists from Vermont and surrounding states. Oils, pastels, watercolors, sculpture and mixed media including fiber, metal and wood, plus a number of free-standing sculptures. Gallery hours: Sun.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Inn at the Round Barn Farm, Joslin Round Barn, E. Warren Rd., Waitsfield. 496-7722. greenmountainculturalcenter.com

Through Oct. 14: Exposed. Outdoor sculpture exhibit. 18 monumental sculptures and installa-tions. The art works are installed in Stowe along Main Street, the recreation path and at Helen Day Art Center at 90 Pond St., Stowe. helenday.com/exposed2015.

Through Oct. 30: Exhibits at Studio Place Arts. Gallery hours: Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat., noon–4 p.m. 201 N. Main St., Barre. 479-7069. studioplacearts.com

Main floor: Rock Solid for Fifteen Years. An-nual exhibit \showcases stone sculptures and assemblages by area artists. In addition, take the Art Stroll around downtown, historic Barre and view a variety of sculptures created from granite.Second floor: Tarpentry. A visual narrative of landscape and culture by Linda Bryan.Third floor: Pattern & Signal. Paintings and ceramics by Alex Constantino.

Through Oct. 30: Precious Guru. A unique exhibition celebrating the life and influence of Padma Sambhava, the 8th century yogi-magician who founded Tibetan Buddhism. UVM Health Network/Central Vermont Medical Center Gallery, 130 Fisher Hill Rd., Berlin. cvmc.org/about-cvmc/cvmc-art-gallery

Through Nov. 2: Photographing the Flower. Celebrates the work of local photographers who participated in River Arts' Photographing the

Flower workshop taught by local photographer, Kent Shaw. Im-ages on display highlight the artists' work, craft and unique vision. Morris-ville Post Office, 16 Portland St., Morrisville. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org

Through Nov. 2. Hal Mayforth, Two Trains Running. Large abstract paintings on canvas as well as smaller works on wood panel that are cartoon and humorous in nature. Also included in this exhibit is a sampling of pages from Mayforth’s sketchbooks. Gallery hours: Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.–2 p.m. River Arts Cen-ter, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.

Through Nov. 2: Carole Rosalind Drury, To Joe. A selection of paintings from Drury’s The Fall series, and is dedicated to her partner, Joe, who she lost in the summer of 2014. Gallery hours: Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.–2 p.m. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Free. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.

Through Nov. 2: Elliot Burg, Athletes for the Ages — Transcending the Limits of Age. Black and white photographs of senior track and field athletes — most in their 70s–90s. Opening reception: Oct. 1: 5–7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.

Through Nov. 8: Sound and Fury. Thought pro-voking exhibition explores themes centered on the meaning of life and death. Various mediums. Chandler Gallery, 71-73 Main St., Randolph.

Through Nov. 13: Robert Brunelle and Edward Kadunc. Joint exhibit of Brunelle and Kadunc’s artwork. T.W. Wood Gallery, 46 Barre

St., Montpelier. Free. 262-6035. Ginnycallan. woodartgallery@gmail.com. tw-woodgallery.org.

Through Nov. 22: Fractured: Works on Paper. Group exhibition of works on paper looks at fractured space through the lens of the narrative, struc-ture and optics and how those constructions or deconstruc-tions create new meaning, new perceptions and new truths. Gal-lery hours: Wed.–Sun., noon–5 p.m. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. 253-8358. mail@helenday.com

Through Nov. 25: More than Meets the Eye: Portraits and Figures by August Burns.

Reception: Oct. 9, 6–8 p.m. Axel’s Gallery, 5 Stowe St., Waterbury. 244-7801. axelsgallery.com

Oct. 2–Nov. 28: Paintings of Janet Wormser. Opening: Oct. 2, 6 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.

Through Nov. 30: Mark Lorah, Building Blocks. Vibrant, blocky abstract artworks. Morse Block Deli, 260 N. Main St., Barre.

Through Dec. 5: Monique Van de Ven, Gleaned Near South Royalton. Ceramics. Reception: Oct. 23, 5–7 p.m. Royalton Memorial Library, 23 Alexander Pl., S. Royalton. Free. 763-7094. librarian@royaltonlibrary.org

Through Dec. 31: Neysa Russo, Felt Tapes-try Exhibit. The tapestries are created using a combination of wet felting and needle felting techniques using mostly local wool. Bagitos, Main St., Montpelier. 249-4715. neysa.russo@live.com. spinningstudio.com.

SPECIAL EVENTSOct. 2 and 3: The Art of Sheldon Miller. View the art of local artist Miller as well as a quilt incorporating photographs of the restoration of the Robinson Saw Mill created by Alexandra Whitelock. Part of the Calais Fall Foliage Festi-val. Oct. 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.: Oct 3, 9 a.m.–noon. Calais Town Office, 3120 Pekin Brook Rd., Calais.

Oct 2–4: Open Pottery Studio. Part of the Calais Fall Foliage Festival. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Stilbroke Farm Family Market, Luce Rd., Calais. 456-8802.

Oct. 2: First Friday and Three Mountain Café. Vermont artist Kitty O'Hara will be presenting her show along with musician Dennis Derry-berry. O’Hara creates acrylic paintings that run the gamut from landscapes, interiors, portraits and more. Light far provided. 5–6:30 p.m. Three Mountain Café, 107 Mad River Green, Waits-field. 496-5470.

Oct. 3: Montpelier ArtsFest 2015. Extraor-dinary downtown Montpelier venues exhibit the vast and diverse artistic talent in central Vermont. A unique opportunity for seasoned and emerging artists to showcase their talents. Festival goers will take a tour of exceptional venues throughout downtown Montpelier, each curated by different community art groups and individual artists, crafters and performers. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Downtown Montpelier. Some of the crafters and artists will be located in an events tent outside the "Garage" at 58 State St. Free. 223-9604. events@montpelieralive.org. montpe-lieralive.org.

Oct. 3–4: Open Studio Weekend. Central Ver-mont is offering seven artist studios and a gallery with exhibits and demonstrations of pottery, metalwork, painting, bookbinding and more. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Artisans Hand Craft Gallery in Montpelier is the local regional information center. A free copy of the Vermont Studio Tour Guide is available at the Artisans Hand Gallery at the intersection of State and Main Streets in Montpelier. http://www.vermontcrafts.com/OSW/freemap.html.

Oct. 16: Precious Guru: An Artistic Search for the Second Buddha. The Triptych Journey art-ists will present their work and discuss the rigors, challenges and joys of working on the project. See show information under “Exhibits” in this section. Film by Ronen Schechner will also be presented. 5 p.m. UVM Health Network/Central Vermont Medical Center Gallery, 130 Fisher Hill Rd., Berlin. cvmc.org/about-cvmc/cvmc-art-gallery

Home Share Now Information. Home Share Now will have a table set up and do a brief presen-tation before lunch is served. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Wa-terbury Senior Center, 14 Stowe St., Waterbury. 479-8544. information@homesharenow.org

Industrial Past. With Manuel Garcia. Part of We Walk Week. Garcia lived on River Street when there were many commercial and industrial establishments along the Winooski River. Part of We Walk Week. 1–2 p.m. Pavilion Building, 109 State St., Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

Dr. Juefei Wang Speaks at Norwich University. Followed by a live broadcast of a panel discussion, led by former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin.

Wang’s talk is titled, “Initiating Higher Education Exchange and Conducting Business in China, An Ever Changing Society.” 5:30–8:30 p.m. Norwich University, Kreitzberg Library Multipurpose Room, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield.

Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity Ori-entation Meeting. Learn about being a Habitat homeowner and to start the application process for two homes that will be available in East Montpelier and Orange. Children welcome. 6–8 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 522-8611. centralvermonthabitat.org

Planting the Seeds For a Successful Business. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work on build-ing your business plan. We will begin “filling in

the blanks” in building your business plan. Part of Planning Business Building Blocks workshop series. 6–8 p.m. Capstone Community Action, 20 Gable Pl., Barre. Free. Register: 477-5176.

Classic Book Club. New members always wel-come. Most first Mon., 6–8 p.m. Cutler Memo-rial Library, 151 High St. (Rte. 2), Plainfield. Free. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org/resources/bookclub.

Trees of Montpelier. With John Snell. See and learn about trees around town. Another walk happens Oct. 6 at noon but will be somewhat different. Both walks are about one mile and will focus on the urban forest of the city. Part of We Walk Week. 6:30–7:30 p.m. City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6ADA Advisory Committee Meeting. First Tues. City manager’s conference room, City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier. 223-9502.

Bike Stowe to Morrisville with Green Mountain Club. Moderate. 20–25 miles. Stowe through Morrisville and return on Randolph Road. Hel-met required. Bring lunch and water or buy lunch in Morrisville. Contact Mary G. 622-0585, or Mary S. 505-0603 for meeting time and place.

Trees of Montpelier. With John Snell. See and learn about trees around town. About one mile and will focus on the urban forest of the city. Part of We Walk Week. Noon. City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

Trash Tramps. With Anne Ferguson. Tramp around picking up trash. Bags provided, bring gloves. Part of We Walk Week. 2 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Commit-tee.html

Women’s Circle. Women and mothers discuss motherhood, family life and women’s health.

Hosted by midwives Chelsea Hastings and Hannah Allen. First Tues., 6–8 p.m. Emerge Midwifery and Family Health, 174 River St., Montpelier.

Financial Workshop: Outlook and Opportu-nities. 6:30–8 p.m. Montpelier High School, classroom 102, 5 High School Dr., Montpe-lier. Register: 223-1617 or carrie.lacillade@ edwardjones.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. 10–11:30 a.m. Conference Center. 600 Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.

Grandparents Raising Their Children’s Chil-dren. First Wed., 10 a.m.–Noon. Barre Presbyte-rian Church, Summer St. 476-1480.

Architecture of Downtown Montpelier. With Barb Conrey. Walk through town with this well-known local architect and professor to learn about the rich history of architectural styles we walk by every day. Part of We Walk Week. Noon–1 p.m. City Hall, 39 Main St., Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

Climate Change Part II: Climate Justice. Pre-sented by climate advocate Jade Walker. An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program. Doors open 12:30 p.m. for those wishing to have a brown bag lunch; program starts 1:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Donations accepted. 454-1234.

Cancer Support Group. First Wed., 6 p.m. Potluck. For location, call Carole MacIntyre 229-5931.

U-32 School Board Meeting. Open to the public and community members are always welcome to attend. 6 p.m. U-32, Rm. 131, 930 Gallison Hill Rd., Montpelier. 229-0321.

Workshop on Cold Climate Heat Pumps. Learn about heat pump technologies and find

“Emma” (oil on linen) by August Burns on display through Nov. 25 at Axel's Gallery in Stowe.

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 17

out if they are right for your home. Free food and drink. Doors open 6 p.m.; 6:30–8 p.m. Alumni Hall, 21 Auditorium Dr., Barre. Free. 479-5002. PACecchiniVT@gmail.com

Hildegard of Bingen: A Medieval Visionary who is 21st Century! Theologian, philosopher, advocate for women's rights, Hildegard was an Abbess, an advisor to Popes and the Monarchy, a healer, composer, artist and more. Presentation, music and commentary by Dr. William Torto-lano, Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts and Music at Saint Michael’s College and expert on Gregorian Chant. 7 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.

Jaquith Classic Film Series. Young Frankenstein. 7 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.

Montpelier School Board Meeting. 7 p.m. Montpelier High School library, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier. 225-8000.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8The Vermont Women’s Economic Security Summit. An energizing day focused on policy and legislative strategies to support women as essential contributors to their families’ economic security and to Vermont’s economy as a whole. From employment and wages, to early care and education, to paid family and medical leave, to access to health care, come hear state legislators, community leaders and advocates discuss policies that will not only improve the economic wellbeing of women and their families, but all Vermonters. 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Vermont State House, Mont-pelier. Free. Register: /www.eventbrite.com/e/vermont-womens-economic-security-summit-tickets-18655519160. 828-2851.

Walking with Harris. Harris Webster will share some of his favorite spots — some of which you may never have walked to — as well as some of the gems of Montpelier. Rain or shine. Part of We Walk Week. 12:45–2 p.m. Montpelier Senior Ac-tiviry Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. montpe-lier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

It’s Your Move: Choosing a Career that Works for You. Strategies and resources for career planning and navigating the job search process. 3:30–5:30 p.m. CCV, 660 Elm St., Montpelier. Free. 828-4060.

The Beautiful Music All Around Us. With Gram-my-nominated musician and historian Stephen Wade. Special Thursday date kicking off Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesday Talks. 7 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpe-lier. Free. 262-2626. vermonthumanities.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9Inaugural Killington Oktoberfest. Oct. 9–11. Stein hoisting, keg bowling, live music, Bavarian food, beer. Snowshed Lodge, Killington Resort. Free admission. killingtonoktoberfest.com

Habits and Happiness: How to Become Hap-pier and Improve Your Wellbeing by Changing Your Habits. Join author Braco Pobric for an engaging and powerful workshop that provides valuable tools to help participants increase their happiness through habits. Books will be available for purchase. 9 a.m.–noon. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier.

Walk with a Cop. With Mike Philbrick. Walk with one of Montpelier’s finest! Learn what he sees and how he views his job. Share with him what is important to you about law enforcement in Mont-pelier. Part of We Walk Week. Noon. Montpelier Police Station. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

Home Share Now Information. 12:30–2 p.m. Hunger Mountain Coop, Stone Cutter’s Way, Montpelier. 479-8544. information@ homesharenow.org

White Meeting House Annual Chicken Pie Sup-per. Chicken pie, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, broccoli salad and apple crisp to be served family style. 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. White Meeting House, Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 N. Main St., Waterbury. Adults $11; children under 8 $7. Reservations: 244-6606.

Friday Night Group. For youth age 13–22 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning. Pizza, soft drinks and conversation. Cofacilitated by two trained, adult volunteers from Outright VT. Second and fourth Fri., 6:30–8 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-7035. Micah@OutrightVT.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10Inaugural Killington Oktoberfest. Oct. 9–11. Stein hoisting, keg bowling, live music, Bavarian

food, beer. Snowshed Lodge, Killington Resort. Free admission. killingtonoktoberfest.com

Hike Breadloaf Wilderness with Green Moun-tain Club. Moderate. 2.5 miles. Hike to Skylight Pond in Breadloaf Wilderness. Then south to Burnt Hill, another 4.6 miles, through varying woods. This 7.1 mile distance assumes there will be a second car along to spot. If not, the hike will approach Skylight Pond from Burnt Hill Trail, and include an additional 2.5 down-hill miles road walk to the car, for a total of 9.6 miles. Con-tact Steve for meeting time and place: 479-2304.

State House Trail to Hubbard Park. With Tom Aloisi. This hidden gem starts at the State House and climbs the steep hill to Hubbard Park Tower. Dog-friendly. Rain date: Oct. 11. Part of We Walk Week. 8–9 a.m. Meet at Court Street parking lot east of the State House, Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Commit-tee.html

Choice Physical Therapy Fall Foliage 5k Run/Walk. Loop course through the City of Mont-pelier and Hubbard Park. Proceeds benefit the Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys & Girls Club. Preregistration 8:30–9:30 a.m.; race starts 10 a.m. 1 Blanchard Court, Mont-pelier. Adults $30; under 18 $20. 229-6398. maryellen_boutin@choicept.org. choicephysicaltherapyofvermont.com

LAST CVSWMD Household Hazardous Waste Collection of the Season! 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Vermont Dept. of Labor, 5 Green Mountain Dr., Montpe-lier. Fee: $15 per carload for residents of the Cen-tral Vermont Solid Waste Management District; $75 per carload for non-residents. Businesses must pre-register by calling 229-9383 ext 105. More info.: cvswmd.org

Weaving Well-Being Festival. Meet healers, therapists, artists, teachers and other practitioners for a day of wellness, happiness and other festivi-ties. Add your practice and bring a pop-up tent to join. 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Reserve spot and register: gwenhs@gmail.com

Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity Ori-entation Meeting. Learn about being a Habitat homeowner and to start the application process for two homes that will be available in East Mont-pelier and Orange. Children welcome. 3–5 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 19 S. Seminary St., Barre. 522-8611. centralvermonthabitat.org

Trinity Church Chicken Pie Supper. 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier. Adults $12; children 10 and under $5. Reservations required. Reservations and take-outs: 229-9158.

Owl Banding. Every fall, migrating pint-sized Saw-whet owls filter through the state. View these common , yet seldom-seen, birds. Dress warm, bring flashlight. Part of We Walk Week. 7 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, Elm St., Mont-pelier. Follow signs from parking lot to banding station. montpelier-vt.org/group/409/Pedestrian-Committee.html

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11Inaugural Killington Oktoberfest. Oct. 9–11. Stein hoisting, keg bowling, live music, Bavarian food, beer. Snowshed Lodge, Killington Resort. Free admission. killingtonoktoberfest.com

Tea Dance. All LGBT folks and allies are invited to join in celebrating National Coming Out Day. 3–7 p.m. Sweet Melissa’s, Langdon St., Montpe-lier. By donation. 860-7812. jean@pridecentervt.org. pridecentervt.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12Bereavement/Grief Support Group. Open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. 6-7:30 p.m. Conference Center. 600 Granger Road, Berlin. Free. 223-1878.

There’s an App For That: Sharing New Technol-ogy and Strategies for Streamlining Record-keeping, Financial Planning and Marketing. Part of Planning Business Building Blocks workshop series. 6–8 p.m. Capstone Community Action, 20 Gable Pl., Barre. Free. Register: 477-5176.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13Home Share Now Information. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Northfield Senior Center, 168 Wall St., North-field. 479-8544. information@homesharenow.org

Medicare and You Workshop. New to Medicare? Have questions? We have answers. Second and fourth Tues., 3–4:30 p.m. 59 N. Main St., Ste. 200, Barre. Free, donations gratefully accepted. 479-0531. cvcoa@cvcoa.org. cvcoa.org.

Tips and Advice on How to Sell Your Home. Presented by Ted Elzey of Century 21 The Mill

Stone Agency. Part of Gifford’s Morgan Orchards Senior Living Community series of free monthly presentations to help families prepare for and adjust to life in their later years. 4–5 p.m. Gifford Conference Center, 44 S. Main St., Randolph. Free. Limited seating. Register: 728-2787.

Grandparents Raising Their Children’s Children. Second Tues., 6–8 p.m. Child care provided. Wesley Methodist Church, Main St., Waterbury. 476-1480.

Financial Workshop: Foundations of Investing. 6:30–8 p.m. Montpelier High School, classroom 102, 5 High School Dr., Montpelier. Register: 223-1617 or carrie.lacillade@edwardjones.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14Hike Bolton with Green Mountain Club. Moderate. 5 miles round trip. Start at the Bolton Nordic area. Follow ski trails to the Long Trail and the beautiful Harrington view. Return via the Buchanan Shelter. Contact Steve or Heather for meeting time and place: stevecbailey@gmail.com or 609-424-9238.

Rediscovering Thomas Waterman Wood. A tour of the new T.W. Wood Gallery & Art Center. An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program. Doors open 12:30 p.m. for those wishing to have a brown bag lunch; program starts 1:30 p.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. Enter the double purple doors on Mons. Crosby Ave. 454-1234.

Investing in the New Economy: Transforming Investments for Climate and Communities. Explore local, environmentally conscious invest-ment opportunities as part of the 2015 New Econ-omy Week. 2–6:30 p.m. Vermont Law School, Chase Center, 164 Chelsea St., S. Royalton. $10 suggested registration. emily@donellameadows.org

Celiac and Food Allergy Support Group. With Lisa Masé of Harmonized Cookery. Second Wed., 4:30–6 p.m. Conference room 3, Central Ver-mont Medical Center. lisamase@gmail.com.

Quilting Group. Working meeting of the Dog River Quilters. Second Wed., 5:30 p.m. Com-munity room, Brown Public Library, Northfield. Jean, 585-5078 or jeanjolley@myfairpoint.net.

Bereaved Parents Support Group. Second Wed., 6–8 p.m. CVHHH, 600 Granger Rd., Berlin. Jeneane Lunn 793-2376.

Young Adult Book Discussion. Open to anyone, any age, with an interest and passion for young adult literature. The goal is to inspire a rich, lively discussion from people who bring varied perspec-tives to the books because of diversity in age, life experience and reading tastes. Second Wed., 6:30–8 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, East Montpelier Room, 135 Main St., Montpelier.

Montpelier City Council Meeting. Second and fourth Wed., 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, Montpelier City Hall. 39 Main St., Montpelier. montpelier-vt.org.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15Genealogy Group Organizational Meeting. Beginners to experts all welcome to share experi-ences, ideas, resources, problems and more. 10 a.m. Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St., Barre. 476-4185 or 477-2762.

Brain Injury Support Group. Open to all survi-vors, caregivers and adult family members. Third Thurs., 1:30–2:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., Montpelier. 244-6850.

Diabetes Discussion Group. Focus on self-management. Open to anyone with diabetes and their families. Third Thurs., 1:30 p.m. The Health Center, Plainfield. Free. Don 322-6600 or dgrabowski@the-health-center.org.

Westview Meadows/The Gary Home Job Fair. Positions: cooks, activities, LNAs, office assis-tants, maintenance, housekeepers, waitstaff and dishwashers. 2–6 p.m. Westview Meadows, 171 Westview Meadows Rd., Montpelier.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support. Monthly group for people affected by a suicide death. Third Thurs., 6–7:30 p.m. Central Vermont Medical Center, conference rm. 1, Fisher Rd., Berlin. 223-0924. calakel@comcast.com.afsp.org.

Grandparents Raising Their Children’s Children. Third Thurs., 6–8 p.m. Child care provided. Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St., Montpelier. 476-1480.

River Arts Photo Co-op. Gather, promote and share your experience and knowledge of photog-raphy with other photography enthusiasts in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. Adults/teens. Third Thurs., 6–8 p.m. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. $5 suggested donation. 888-1261. riverartsvt.org.

Songwriters’ Meeting. Meeting of the Northern VT/NH chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Bring copies of your work. Third Thurs., 6:45 p.m. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury. John, 633-2204.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16Tarot/Oracle Sessions. With Linda River Va-lente. Over 20 years of tarot know-how. 5–7 p.m. North Branch Café, 41 State St., Montpelier. By donation. charmed.flow@gmail.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17History Road Walk with Green Mountain Club. Montpelier, E. Montpelier. Easy. 4–6 miles. His-tory road walk along the Winooski River Valley to view the sites of several former utility plants. There will be pictures to view the buildings as they existed years ago, along with a visit to an operating hydro plant. Contact Manny meeting time and place: 622-0585.

Additional Recyclables Collection Center. Ac-cepting scores of hard-to-recycle items. Third Sat., 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 540 N. Main St. (old Times-Argus building), Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106. For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org.

Cabot Historical Society’s 16th annual Apple Pie Festival. Fun, family-friendly event and plenty of apple pies for sale. Apple pie baking contests, silent auction, craft fair. 9 a.m.¬–3 p.m. Cabot School gym, Main St., Rt. 215, Cabot. Free parking on the Common; free admission. 563-3396. bonniesd@together.net. cabothistory.com/apple-pie-festival

Make Your Own Halloween Decorations. A workshop for grandparents and their grand-children. A creative, creepy-crawly workshop exploring window and door decorations made from paper, cardboard, paint and unlimited imagination. All materials provided. All ages and abilities. Children must be accompanied by adult. 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Waterbury Senior Center, 14 Stowe St., Waterbury. $3 materials fee. acrossroads.org

Harvest Chicken Dinner. Chicken and bis-cuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, homemade pies and cakes, beverages. Sponsored by Catholic Daughters of the Americas. 5:30 p.m. St. Monica-St. Michael Catholic School, 79 Summer St., Barre. Adults $12; children under 12 $6. Reservations required by Oct. 12. 479-0524 or 479-9619.

Calendar of Events

Send your listing to calendar@montpelierbridge.com

Deadline for next issue is October 8. Send information

for events happening Oct. 15–Nov. 7.

PAGE 18 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

ART & CRAFTBeaders’ Group. All levels of beading experience welcome. Free instruction available. Come with a project for creativity and community. Sat., 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The Bead Hive, Plainfield. 454-1615.

Noontime Knitters. All abilities welcome. Basics taught. Crocheting, needlepoint and tatting also welcome. Tues., noon–1 p.m. Waterbury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. 244-7036.

Women Knitting for Peace Group. Knit/crochet items to be donated to those in need world-wide. Bring yarn and needles. Thurs., 10–11 a.m. and 6–7:30 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518. For basic info and patterns: knitting4peace.org.

BICYCLINGOpen Shop Nights. Volunteer-run community bike shop: bike donations and repairs. Fri., 4–6 p.m.; other nights. Freeride Montpelier, 89 Barre St., Montpelier. 552-3521. freeridemontpelier.org.

BOOKS & WORDSLunch in a Foreign Language. Bring lunch and practice your language skills with neighbors. Noon–1 p.m. Mon., Hebrew; Tues., Italian; Wed., Spanish; Thurs., French. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3338.

English Conversation Practice Group. For students learning English for the first time. Tues., 4–5 p.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Educa-tion, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St. 223-3403.

Ongoing Reading Group. Improve your reading and share some good books. Books chosen by group. Thurs., 9–10 a.m. Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Montpelier Learning Center, 100 State St. 223-3403.

BUSINESS, FINANCE, COMPUTERS, EDUCATIONComputer and Online Help. One-on-one com-puter help. Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Water-bury Public Library, 28 N. Main St., Waterbury. Free. Registration required: 244-7036.

Personal Financial Management Workshops. Learn about credit/debit cards, credit build-ing and repair, budgeting and identity theft, insurance, investing, retirement. Tues., 6–8 p.m. Central Vermont Medical Center, Conference Room 3. Registration: 371-4191.

FOOD & DRINKCommunity Meals in Montpelier. All welcome.Free.

Mon.: Unitarian Church, 130 Main St., 11 a.m.–1 p.m.Tues.: Bethany Church, 115 Main St., 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.Wed.: Christ Church, 64 State St., 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Thurs.: Trinity Church, 137 Main St., 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.Fri.: St. Augustine Church, 18 Barre St., 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Sun.: Last Sunday only, Bethany Church, 115 Main St. (hosted by Beth Jacob Synagogue), 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Lunches for Seniors. Mon., Wed., Fri., Noon. Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. $4 suggested donation. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.

Feast Together or Feast To Go. All proceeds benefit the Feast Senior Meal program. Tues. and Fri., noon–1 p.m. Live music every Tues., 10:30–11:30 a.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Seniors 60+ free with $7 suggested donation; under 60 $9. Reservations:

262-6288 or justbasicsinc@gmail.com.

Barre Farmers Market. May 16–Oct. 17. Every Wed., 3–7 p.m.; every Sat., 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Vermont Granite Museum, 7 Jones Brothers Rd., Barre. barrefarmersmarketvt.com.

Capital City Farmers Market. 53 farmers, food producers and craftspeople. Every Sat. through Oct. 31. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 60 State St., Montpelier. capitalcityfarmersmarket.com.

Community Night. Fresh pasta dinners in sup-port of local non-profits and other community causes. A portion of the evenings proceeds will be donated to a selected local non-profit. Every Sat., 5:30–8:30 p.m. North Branch Café, 41 State St., Montpelier. 552-8105. thenorth-branch.com/upcoming-events/

HEALTH & WELLNESSTurning Point Center. Safe, supportive place for individuals and their families in or seeking recovery. Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 489 North Main St., Barre. 479-7373.

Sun.: Alchoholics Anonymous, 8:30 a.m.Tues.: Making Recovery Easier workshops, 6–7:30 p.m.Wed.: Wit’s End Parent Support Group, 6 p.m.Thurs.: Narcotics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m.

Early Bird Bone Builders Class. With Cort Richardson. Osteoporosis exercise and prevention program. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Light weights provided or bring your own. All ages. Every Mon., Wed. and Fri., 7:30–8:30 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rt. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. Cort: 223-3174 or 238-0789.

Bone Building Exercises. All seniors welcome. Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. 10:45–11:45 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.

Tai Chi for Seniors. Led by trained volunteers. Every Mon. and Fri., 1–2 p.m.; Mon. and Wed., 5:30–6:30 p.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, 4583 U.S. Rt. 2, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors.org.

Living Strong Group. Volunteer-led group. Sing while exercising. Open to all seniors. Every Mon., 2:30–3:30 p.m. and every Fri., 2–3 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free. Register: 223-2518. msac@montpelier-vt.org.

Sex Addicts Anonymous. Mon., 6:30 p.m. Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 552-3483.

Overeaters Anonymous. Twelve-step pro-gram for physically, emotionally and spiritually overcoming overeating. Note meeting days and locations. Every Tues., 5:30–6:30 p.m. and Sat., 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 39 Washington St., Barre. 249-3970. Every Mon., 5–6 p.m. at Bethany Church, 115 Main St., Montpelier. 223-3079.

Tai Chi Classes for All Ages. Every Tues. and Thurs., 10–11 a.m. Twin Valley Senior Center, Rte. 2, Blueberry Commons, E. Montpelier. Free. 223-3322. twinvalleyseniors@myfairpoint.net

HIV Testing. Vermont CARES offers fast oral testing. Thurs., 2–5 p.m. 58 East State St., Ste. 3 (entrance at back), Montpelier. Free. 371-6222. vtcares.org.

Mooditude Support Group. Open to anyone coping with a mood disorder such as major depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression or dysthymia. Every Thurs., 4–5:15 p.m. Gifford Medical Center, 44 S. Main St., Randolph. Free. No registration required. 728-2608. cgould@giffordmed.org.

KIDS & TEENSThe Basement Teen Center. Safe drop-in space to hang out, make music, play pool, ping-pong and board games and eat free food. All activities are free. Mon.–Thurs., 2–6 p.m., Fridays 3-10

p.m. Basement Teen Center, 39 Main St., Mont-pelier. BasementTeenCenter.org

Baby & Toddler Story Time. Snuggle with your baby or toddler as we sing, tickle and bounce our way into a lifelong love of language. Get ready for high-energy literacy with songs, active rhymes and stories. For ages 0–36 months. Mon., 10 a.m. Waterbury Public Library, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.

Read to Clara. Sign up for a 20-minute slot and choose your books beforehand to read to this special canine pal. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Sign up ahead: 223-4665 or at the children’s desk. kellogghubbard.org.

Story Time and Playgroup. With Sylvia Smith for story time and Cassie Bickford for playgroup. For ages birth–6 and their grown-ups. We follow the Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold the program the days Twinfield is closed. Wed., 10–11:30 a.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marshfield. Free. 426-3581. jaquithpubliclibrary.org.

Story Time for Kids. Meet your neighbors and share quality time with the pre-schooler in your life. Each week we’ll read stories and spend time together. A great way to introduce your pre-schooler to your local library. For ages 2–5. Every Thurs., 10:30 a.m. Cutler Memorial Library, 151 High St., Plainfield. 454-8504. cutlerlibrary.org.

Lego Club. Use our large Lego collection to create and play. All ages. Thurs., 3–4:30 p.m. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Mont-pelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.

Preschool Story Time. Join us as we travel to new places through books, puppets and felt boards. We’ll shake our sillies out with move-ment-based rhymes. A craft may be provided. For ages 3–6 years. Fri., 10 a.m. Waterbury Public Library, 30 Foundry St., Waterbury. Free. 244-7036. waterburypubliclibrary.com.

Drop-in Kinder Arts Program. Innovative exploratory arts program with artist/instructor Kelly Holt. Age 3–5. Fri., 10:30 a.m.–noon. River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. 888-1261. RiverArtsVT.org.

Teen Fridays. Find out about the latest teen books, use the gym, make art, play games and if you need to, do your homework. Fri., 3–5 p.m. Jaquith Public Library, 122 School St., Marsh-field. 426-3581.

Musical Story Time. Join us for a melodious good time. Ages birth–6. Sat., 10:30 a.m. Kel-logg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier. Free. 223-3338. kellogghubbard.org.

Mad River Valley Youth Group. Sun., 7–9 p.m. Meets at various area churches. Call 497-4516 for location and information.

MUSIC & DANCEBarre-Tones Women’s Chorus. Open re-hearsal. Find your voice with 50 other women. Mon., 7 p.m. Alumni Hall, Barre. 223-2039. BarretonesVT.com.

Dance or Play with the Swinging Over 60 Band. Danceable tunes from the 1930s to the 1960s. Recruiting musicians. Tues., 10:30 a.m.–noon. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. 223-2518.

Monteverdi Young Singers Chorus Rehearsal. New chorus members welcome. Wed., 4–5 p.m. Montpelier. Call 229-9000 for location and more information.

Piano Workshop. Informal time to play, refresh your skills and get feedback if desired with other supportive musicians. Singers and listeners welcome. Thurs., 4–5:30 p.m. Mont-pelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier. Free; open to the public. 223-2518. msac@montpelier-vt.org.

Ukelele Group. All levels welcome. Thurs., 6–8 p.m. Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St. 223-2518.

Gamelan Rehearsals. Sun., 7–9 p.m. Pratt Center, Goddard College. Free. 426-3498. steven.light@jsc.edu. light.kathy@gmail.com.

RECYCLINGAdditional Recycling. The Additional Recy-clables Collection Center accepts scores of hard-to-recycle items. Mon., Wed., Fri., noon–6 p.m.; Third Sat., 9 a.m.–1 p.m. ARCC, 540 North Main St., Barre. $1 per carload. 229-9383 x106. For list of accepted items, go to cvswmd.org/arcc.

RESOURCESOnion River Exchange Tool Library. 80 tools both power and manual. Wed., 4–6 p.m.; Sat., 9–11 a.m. 46 Barre St., Montpelier. 661-8959. info@orexchange.com.

SOLIDARITY/IDENTITYWomen’s Group. Women age 40 and older explore important issues and challenges in their lives in a warm and supportive environment. Fa-cilitated by psychotherapist Kathleen Zura. Every Mon., 5:30–7:30 p.m. 41 Elm St., Montpelier. 223-6564. Insurances accepted.

SPIRITUALITYChristian Science Reading Room. You're invited to visit the Reading Room and see what we have for your spiritual growth. You can borrow, purchase or simply enjoy material in a quiet study room. Hours: Tues., 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wed., 11 a.m.–7:15 p.m.; Thurs.–Sat., 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 145 State St., Montpelier. 223-2477.

A Course in Miracles. A study in spiritual trans-formation. Group meets each Tues., 7–8 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State St., Montpe-lier. 279-1495.

Christian Counseling. Tues. and Thurs. Daniel Dr., Barre. Reasonable cost. By appt. only: 479-0302.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For those interested in learning about the Catholic faith, or current Catholics who want to learn more. Wed., 7 p.m. St. Monica Church, 79 Summer St., Barre. Register: 479-3253.

Deepening Our Jewish Roots. Fun, engag-ing text study and discussion on Jewish spirituality. Sun., 4:45–6:15 p.m. Yearning for Learning Center, Montpelier. 223-0583. info@yearning4learning.org.

SPORTS & GAMESRoller Derby Open Recruitment and Recre-ational Practice. Central Vermont’s Wrecking Doll Society invites quad skaters age 18 and up. No experience necessary. Equipment provided: first come, first served. Sat., 5–6:30 p.m. Mont-pelier Recreation Center, Barre St. First skate free. centralvermontrollerderby.com.

YOGA & MEDITATIONChristian Meditation Group. People of all faiths welcome. Mon., noon–1 p.m. Christ Church, Montpelier. 223-6043.

Zen Meditation. With Zen Affiliate of Vermont. Wed., 6:30–7:30 p.m. 174 River St., Montpelier. Free. Call for orientation: 229-0164.

Shambhala Buddhist Meditation. Group medi-tation practice. Sun., 10 a.m.–noon; Tues., 7–8 p.m.; Wed., 6–7 p.m. New location: Center for Culture and Learning, 46 Barre Street, Montpe-lier. Free. 223-5137. montpeliershambala.org.

Sunday Sangha: Community Ashtanga Yoga. Every Sun., 5:40–7 p.m. Grateful Yoga, 15 State St., 3F, Montpelier. By donation.

Weekly EventsCalendar of Events

The Center for Leadership SkillsBUSINESS & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Lindel James coaching & consultingTaking You from Frustration to Enthusiasm

802 778 0626 lindel@lindeljames.comlindeljames.com

Submit your calendar listing by using our online submission form at

montpelierbridge.com/calendar-submissions ~OR~ send listing to

calendar@montpelierbridge.comDeadline for next issue is Oct. 8.

Send information for events happening Oct. 15–Nov. 7.

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THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 19

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WORKSHOPSCOMMUNITY WORKSHOPS AT VERMONT CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE HERBALISM (252 MAIN ST.); PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Herbal Support for the Postpartum Mom October 7th 6-8pm, $12

Intro to Herbal Infusions: Teas, Tinctures, Oils, Wines, and Syrups October 21st 6-8pm, $17

Stayin’ Juicy: DIY Herbal Lubes for Health and HappinessOctober 28th 6-8pm, $22

for details and registration, visit vtherbcenter.org

WORKSHOPTHE BRIDGE PRESENTS SATURDAY SCRIBESSpend four afternoons in October honing your craft of writing. One workshop features poetry taught by Reuben Jackson host of Friday Night Jazz on VPR. Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24. 1–4 p.m. Workshop takes place at The Bridge office inside VCFA’s Stone Science Hall, 62 Ridge St., Montpelier. Fee: $95 Must register: 223-5112 ext. 14 or carla@montpelierbridge.com.

LIght movIng, L andfILL runs, and odd jobs. We’ve got the truck.

Give us a call at: 224.1360

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Text-only class listings and classifieds are 50 words for $25.

To place an ad, call Michael, 223-5112 ext. 11.

PAGE 20 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

Have something important to say? We want to hear it!

Send it to us at: editorial@montpelierbridge.com

Industrial Wind Farm Would Pollute Water FAIRFIELD — My husband Bruce and I have lived on Fairfield Pond, in Fairfield for 16 years. We've run the Fairfield Pond Recreation Associa-tion for 14 of those years. Water quality issues have been at the forefront of our efforts.

My previous career at Vermont Local Roads was a federal/state program providing training and technical assistance to municipalities and Ver-mont Agency and Transportation. This included incorporation of best management practices and smart growth as outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Natural Resources and the Regional Planning Commissions.

We're thankful that the Shoreland Protection Act passed. Phosphorus levels on Fairfield Pond had been stable for several years. But recent development and clear cutting around Fairfield Pond contributed to a spike in phosphorus for the past two years. It likely will take years to recover from this and we remain committed to preventing further impair-ment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hosted public meetings to outline the next steps to restore water quality in Lake Champlain. We attended the August 26 meeting in St. Albans. At that meeting it was stated that the Missisquoi Bay area would need to cut phosphorus by as much as 64.3 percent. According to the report, developed land and stream erosion are the biggest contributors of phosphorus in the central segment of the lake. According to the State of Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, it is linked to toxic algae blooms and aquatic habitat degradation.

Why would the EPA and the Department of Environmental Conservation allow the pro-posed seven, 500-foot wind turbines to be placed on Rocky Ridge in Swanton?

They may as well be on Fairfield Pond and Fairfield Swamp, given the watershed im-pacts. This area [has] beaver ponds, wetlands, vernal pools and is recognized as one of the highest value habitat blocks in the region. This watershed is one of the largest tributaries to the Missisquoi River and ultimately Lake Champlain. The Department of Environmental Conservation outlines this type of development as “stressors.” One “stressor” is labeled “encroachment,” which states: “encroachment increases impervi-ous cover adjacent to lakes, river and wetlands, thereby increasing the rate and volume

of runoff, loading of sediment and other pollutants, and temperature of the water.” Under “channel erosion” it states: “The effects of channel erosion are pervasive and consequential throughout the state. Where it occurs, unmitigated channel erosion causes long-term impacts that are very costly to repair.”

The EPA [wrote]: “The greatest threat to a healthy Lake Champlain is phosphorus pollution caused by stormwater runoff, nonpoint source

pollution and erosion. Excess phosphorus can cause algae blooms, which disrupt fishing and other recreational uses, threaten drinking water supplies, lead to decreased property values, and pose threats to animal and human health. Phosphorus pollution also harms local streams and rivers that feed into Lake Champlain.”

We must put a moratorium on industrial wind projects, pending a thorough, systematic study of the stormwater systems at Lowell, Sheffield and Georgia Mountain and all envi-ronmental consequences based on such factors as topography, geology and other impacts to watersheds and our precious aquatic resources. We must not compromise the long fought, expensive gains related to improving Lake Champlain. Mountain top removal will exacerbate water quality problems.

According to David Mears, Vermont's Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, "Vermonters love Lake Champlain and truly care about the health of the streams that f low into it. The State is committed to working with EPA to ensure that the most strategic, cost-effective practices are featured in our plan to restore the lake. We eagerly anticipate the discussion." The comment period for that discussion has been extended to October 15. Please send your comments to Stephen Perkins, USEPA Region 1 - New England, email: Perkins.Stephen@EPA.gov.

The Swanton Wind Industrial Turbine project proposed on Rocky Ridge and Fairfield Pond is not an appropriately sited location. It would further deteriorate the Missisquoi Bay area, a priority for clean-up under the 2015 State of the Lake.

Bruce and Sally CollopyFairfield

(Edited for length)

Opinion

Education Quality Reviews: The Whole Picture by Emily Fowler

Current models of federal accountability have focused on English/language arts, mathematics and student test results. As a result, school systems across the nation have distorted educational prac-

tice, winnowing school goals and discounting other learning, which is valuable for a well-rounded citizen.

In 2013, the Vermont State Board of Education adopted the Education Quality Standards to challenge this focus, and to hold schools accountable for imple-menting a program which serves the full breadth of learning. These standards established proficiency-based learning, f lexible pathways to graduation, safe school environments, high-quality staffing and financially efficient practices as the cornerstones of educational programming in the state. Combined with Act 77 of 2013, these standards ensure stu-dents participate in a range of learning activities including service-learning, work-based learning, career and technical training, dual enrollment and early college and other lo-cally developed learning opportunities.

While Vermont has strong achievement results as measured by national exams or gradu-ation rates, we continue to have persistent gaps between students of privilege and their peers who are in poverty, students with disabilities and students who are learning Eng-lish.

This school year, we will be piloting Education Quality Reviews in volunteer supervisory unions and districts across the state. These reviews will be the mechanism by which the

Agency of Education and our local communities will determine how well we are delivering on the promises set forward by reviews. The Agency will evaluate schools by measuring five dimensions of school quality: academic achievement, personalization, safe school climate, high-quality staffing and financial efficiencies.

The agency will use two complementary processes for assessing these criteria, an Annual Snapshot Review and an Integrated Field Review. Each year the state will gather quantitative data in the Annual Snapshot Review, which measures the five dimensions of school quality. The data will continue to use English and math scores, however they become but two of nearly 20 metrics considered in academic achievement, and nearly 120 metrics overall.

At least every three years, school systems will participate in an Integrated Field Review. Students, educators and agency staff will engage in classroom observations, reviews of student work, panel discussions or interviews with parents, students and staff to assess the school system’s performance. Reports will be published and will include a summary of the data, recommendations and assessments.

Each year the Agency of Education will report to the public using this data, and will build an improvement strategy. If the reviews determine that the school system has pro-vided substantially high quality and equitable experiences, then no further action would be taken. However, if reviews lead to the conclusion that inequity exists and that the school system is not working to improve, the agency will intercede.

Our schools have many strengths. However, we are always working to get better. Re-gardless of the assessment, every school system will develop continuous improvement plans. School systems with greater need will have systematic support from the agency to identify strategies, while those systems with higher performance will have full autonomy to select the strategies, which meet local needs.

These field visits and opportunities to see what our neighbors do will provide our educa-tors with opportunities to learn from each other and to share and showcase promising practices that other schools may want to try out. By engaging educators in reviews, we believe we will build a shared responsibility for all of our youth. By involving students in the reviews of their own school systems, we help keep student voice at the center of the conversation about what students need from their schools.

The Education Quality Reviews seek to build a common understanding of what all students are getting from their school. We look forward to telling you what we find out.

Amy Fowler is a Deputy Secretary at the Vermont Agency of Education.

Opinion

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 21

Clarity is a wonderful thing.

In a recent phone conversation with City of Montpelier Planning and Development Di-rector Mike Miller (who came aboard in this post in May 2014), Mike gave me a very clear explanation of the Montpelier Planning Commission, the Montpelier Development Review Board and the city’s Design Review Committee.

As he explained it — the Montpelier Planning Commission is the legislative arm of the city’s planning process. It writes the zoning rules, regulations and ordinances.

Then there’s the Development Review Board, a quasi-judicial body that considers and approves or disapproves or calls for amendment in proposals for building, development or changes in buildings that are currently in place.

Finally, there’s the Design Review Committee that reviews an applicant’s project with specific concern about architectural and design issues in a city that’s notable for its his-toric character.

At this very moment the Montpelier Planning Commission is wrapping up a rewrite of the city’s zoning bylaws, sometimes called zoning ordinances.

This rewrite has already taken five years and has been, by almost any measure, a pro-tracted process. It’s been protracted because of disagreement. And there has been dis-agreement because there is almost always disagreement when a city works with citizens, homeowners, taxpayers and developers to create zoning, building and design standards that often limit and create demands on what a private property owner can do.

As the Montpelier Planning Commission seeks to wrap up its rewrite of the city's zoning ordinances and regulations it will be discussing — and perhaps resolving — an important question that has become contentious. “What standards and requirements should the city apply to buildings both new and old in the city's historic design control district?”

As part of a September 14 meeting in city hall, the planning commission heard testimony from a group of residents who define their neighborhood by Cliff Street, Corse Street, Waverly Place and Hillside Avenue and that neighborhood is part of the city's historic distriect and thus subject to the city's design review process.

Testifying before the Planning Commission on September 14 was Arthur Foelsche whose home is located at 25 Cliff Street.

Foelsche told the commission about his interface with the Design Review Committee

when he proposed to replace his old wooden windows with new (state-of-the-art) energy efficient windows. The committee insisted that Foelsche retain and repair his old wooden windows. But Foelsche stood his ground and his application to install new energy efficient windows was granted on appeal by the Development Review Board. Foelsche character-ized his encounter with the design review process as “adversarial at best.”

A second neighborhood resident who testified at the September 14 meeting was Bob Sheil who owns a home at 6 Cliff Street.

When Sheil made a start on a series of home improvements all aimed at improving the insulation on his house, he was not aware that his home was located in the design review district. What he aimed to do was replace his old, drafty windows. He also hired someone to put a sheet of insulation covered by vinyl siding on the outside of his house. When he applied for these improvements with the Design Review Committee, they suggested blown-in insulation. They also wanted him to abandon vinyl siding in favor of new wooden clapboard. Sheil consulted the ordinances and the cityscape booklet and found that vinyl siding was permitted as an economic alternative under certain circumstances if design and color were consistent. The Design Review Committee denied his application. He appealed to the environmental court and won but the court required that he keep the original wooden clapboards on the front of his house.

The residents who spoke before the Planning Commission on September 14 were criti-cal of the city’s current design review process. They contended that the current process is often confusing, inconsistent, unpredictable, sometimes arbitrary, sometimes unfair. But almost everyone who testified said something else — they said they liked living in Montpelier because they liked its historic character.

As it wraps up its current five-year zoning ordinance rewrite — the Montpelier Planning Commission needs to give timely and serious attention to design review standards and the design review process.

This includes a close look at boundaries of the city’s historic district — what’s in and what’s out. This includes clear standards that will guide design review and design deci-sions. This involves a process that needs to be clear, fair, consistent and predictable.

Those who testified before the Commission on September 14 had deep misgivings about the current workings of the design review process. That's a given. But they also care deeply about Montpelier's historic character. What they want is an intelligent and workable over-haul of the city's design review ordinances, standards and process.

Design Review: It’s Broken, Please Fix itby Nat FrothinghamEditorial

Editor & Publisher: Nat Frothingham Managing Editor: Carla OccasoCalendar Editor, Design & Layout: Marichel Vaught

Copy Editing Consultant:Larry Floersch

Proofreader: Garrett HeaneySales Representatives: Michael Jermyn, Rick McMahan

Distribution: Tim Johnson, Kevin Fair, Diana Koliander-Hart, Daniel RenfroEditorial: 223-5112, ext. 14, or editorial@montpelierbridge.com.Location: The Bridge office is located at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, on the main level of Stone Science Hall. Subscriptions: You can receive The Bridge by mail for $50 a year. Make out your check to The Bridge, and mail to The Bridge, PO Box 1143, Montpelier VT 05601.Published every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, except in July when we publish the 3rd Thursday only.montpelierbridge.com facebook.com/thebridgenewspapervtTwitter: @montpbridgeCopyright 2015 by The Bridge

P.O. Box 1143, Montpelier, VT 05601 Phone: 802-223-5112Fax: 802-223-7852

MONTPELIER — ArtsFest on Saturday, October 3 offers a chance for local artists to showcase their talents. Festival goers will tour downtown venues — each curated by a different arts group and individual artists, crafters and performers.

The T.W. Wood Gallery will present Barbara Leber, known for her “cheap art.” Her paintings feature simple compositions with a sophisticated, almost dreamscape charm, giving her landscapes a tinge of other-worldliness.

The Green Mountain Film Festival will present films that were shown during the 2015 film festival. Films will be screened down-stairs at the Savoy Theater from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The bar will be open!

At Local 64, The Queens Call presents work of illustrator and painter Talvi Ekis, whose whimsical characters parody life's tra-vails. A collection of mixed media offers a glimpse into the unfold-ing of a teenage mind.

The Arts Garage at 58 State Street and 3rd Floor Gallery at 43 State Street spaces will exhibit more than 60 artists in many medi-ums. These locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Near the Garage is the ArtsFest Main Stage, with entertainers set to perform from 4 to 8 p.m. hosted by Sean Williams, local stand-up comedian. Crafters will sell their wares and kids can create art during the performance. Julio's Cantina will host a beer garden along the river fearturing the products of local breweries.

Main Stage performances begin at 4 p.m. with the Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture’s the Trad Trio. Next, Elaine Parker and Ruth Einstein will blend the guitar and vocal sound of southern gospel.

At 6:30 p.m., the comedy of Sean Williams is followed by Banana Seats. And once it's dark, Naosha LeStat will perform Poi Danc-ing with heated coils that make a spectacle. Check the Montpelier Alive Facebook page for up-to-date information.

ArtsFest Set For Saturday, Oct. 3by Ashley Witzenberger

PAGE 22 • OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 THE BR IDGE

Montpelier ‘Bike’ Path?

Editor:I was reading the article on the Montpelier Discount Beverage and the ‘bike path.’ Do we really have a bike path in Montpelier? You can find it in name but that is about all. To me there three sections of bike path, all used differently. Department Of Labor/Bailey Avenue section seems to be used by parents with young children learning to ride and an occasional Montpelier High School student. The section from Bailey Street to Taylor Street is a walking path rarely a bicyclist to be seen. The section down Stone Cutters Way is busy with walkers and some bicyclist; but more often than not the bicyclist are in the road and it is not unusual to find them riding against traffic. I see plenty of bicyclists on Route 2, on State Street to Main Street; on Main Street in either direction, on Elm Street and out Route 14. We have plenty of bicyclists although I don’t sense they are much interested in the bike path even when it leads somewhere like the co-op. My observations are the bike path is really a walking path and it makes more sense to rename it. Any expenditures to increase ease of use and safety for bicyclists in Montpelier might be better directed toward the roads they are using. The problem intersection fails at rush hour, and could begin to be addressed by allowing only right turns out of Barre Street, Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier Beverage Center and Shaw’s Supermarket onto Main St during that time. In addition, vehicle traffic would flow more smoothly if pedestrian traffic were better managed by eliminating pedestrians straggling in 1 and 2s at will across the numerous Main Street crosswalks causing many interruptions in rush hour traffic flow.

Russell FrankMontpelier

Protect the Earth, Reduce Carbon Pollution

Editor:I am 16, born and raised in Vermont, and care tremendously about this beautiful planet we live on. My biggest aspiration is to explore as many places as possible in my lifetime! Yet to preserve this beautiful planet, we cannot keep turning a blind eye to the impact humans have had on

the climate. Every day it becomes more crucial that we, as a coexisting world, take action to reduce our carbon emissions. What better place than Vermont to help lead this movement?The Energy Independent Vermont campaign is working hard to put a price on carbon pol-lution. This will benefit each Vermonter through tax rebates or breaks, create a state fund to support energy efficiency and the use of clean energy, boost our economy as more money is kept within the state, and protect Mother Earth. I am taking ownership of our carbon emis-sions because I want to see this expansive and beautiful planet in all that it can be. I encourage everyone to reflect on his or her reasons for why we must take responsibility for our planet and our future.

Elan MayoMarshfield

Good Column, Larry Floersch!

Editor:Just want to let Larry Floersch know how much I enjoyed his column.

Kevin KelleyBurlington and New York City(referring to The Bridge’s last issue on the topic of foodies.)

Letters

What Do You Think?

Read something that you would like to respond to? We welcome your letters and opinion pieces. Letters must be fewer than 300 words. Opinion pieces should not exceed 600 words.

The Bridge reserves the right to edit and cut pieces. Send your piece to: editorial@montpelierbridge.com.Deadline for the next issue is October 9.

Poetry(What I Know Now)

The Bridge publishes every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, except in July when we publish only on the 3rd

Thursday. Our next issue comes out October 15.

Tree Stand Safety Tips for Hunters by Chris Saunders

MONTPELIER — Tree stands get hunters out of sight and smell of wary deer, but they can also get hunters into trouble. Here are some tips to help stay safe and get the most out of your tree stand hunting experience:

• Choose a live, straight tree.

• Buy smart. Only use stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association.

• Inspect them each time you use them.

• Know the rules. On state lands, it is illegal to place nails or other hardware into trees or to build permanent structures. On private lands, you must have landowner permis-sion to erect a tree stand, cut or remove trees or other plants or to cut limbs. All stands, including ground blinds, must be marked with the owner’s name and address.

• Always wear a full-body safety harness, even for climbing. Most falls occur going up and down the tree and getting in and out of the stand.

• Don't go too high. The higher you go, the vital zone on a deer decreases, while the likelihood of a serious injury increases.

• Never carry firearms or bows up and down trees. Always use a haul line to raise and lower all gear. Make sure your firearm is unloaded.

• Familiarize yourself with your gear before you go. The morning of opening day is a poor time to put your safety belt on for the first time.

• Be careful with long-term placement. Exposure can damage straps, ropes and attach-ment cords. Also, the stand’s stability can be compromised over time, as the tree grows.

The writer is with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife

Domestic Violence Help Group Seeks Donations Maintaining a shelter is synonymous with maintaining a home. The essentials of main-taining a shelter can often be overlooked, but the costs and resources needed to do this are great. Items such as cleaning products, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, tampons/maxi pads, soap, shampoo, conditioner and sponges add up for Circle. This October, several organizations in Washington County have partnered with Circle in gathering these items.

During the month of October, staff from the following organizations will donate needed cleaning and personal care products:

• The administrative offices of the Community College of Vermont in Montpelier• The Montpelier public schools• The Montpelier Senior Center• The McFarland building in Barre• The Department of Corrections and the Courthouse in Barre• The Red Hen Bakery in Middlesex• Harwood Union High School in Moretown

Circle is grateful for its community partners and for their support in this endeavor.

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Whistling Marvin Gaye.Songs wistful as the playgroundWhere dead friends still hang.Dudes like Big Warren.On the first day- God gave himfeet faster than life.Donald the thinker.Observations deep as sips Of sweet, comforting wine.Footballs loved Harvey.

They sailed without the aid ofInjected poppies.They called me bookwormand slapped death out of my hands-Though I was lonely.Love is a slow jamdominating your spiritWhen you’re 12 years old.

by Reuben Jackson, host of Friday Night Jazz on Vermont Public Radio

Photo by Stephanie Seguino

THE BR IDGE OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 14 , 2015 • PAGE 23

Recycle This Paper!

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Cody Chevrolet Congratulates The Bridge On Over 20 Years of Business!