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FEBRUARY 2021 10 COOL THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

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VAXXING QUESTIONS

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WINTER BREAK Vermont restos opt to close until spring PAGE 42

-IMUM EFFORT Can Max Tracy ride the city’s Progressive wave to become Burlington’s next mayor? BY C O UR TNE Y L AMD IN, PAGE 2 8

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WEEK IN REVIEW

emoji 180,000 that

That’s how many 1099 tax forms the state will reprint after the Department of Labor issued the wrong documents — with other people’s information — to some Vermonters.

JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 3, 2021 COMPILED BY SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY

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TIM NEWCOMB

TWEETS AND CONSEQUENCES

PANEL REJECTS SCOTT’S ACT 250 BID

A Senate committee voted unanimously last Friday to reject Gov. Phil Scott’s executive order to reform the administration of Act 250. Scott’s January 14 order would streamline the administration of the land-use law by creating a statewide board to decide major projects, taking the place of the nine district commissions that do so now. The Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee voted 5-0 to block the order, setting up a vote by the full Senate on Wednesday, February 3. Sen. Mark MacDonald (D-Orange) said he was surprised the Scott administration had pushed to reform the law through executive fiat, lamenting the governor’s “take or leave it” approach. “I would vote to leave it and hope that the next time the governor proposes an executive order it’s because a consensus has been reached,” MacDonald said. Scott’s spokesperson, Jason Maulucci, asked how many witnesses who support the governor’s order had been invited to testify. “The Administration’s position on the Governor’s initiative itself is that we appreciate the Legislature’s willingness to continue this important discussion and we hope to convince them of the merits of the proposal,” Maulucci said in a statement. Even Sen. Richard Westman (R-Lamoille) voted to reject his fellow Republican’s executive order. He stressed that he hoped lawmakers would solicit a wider range of testimony

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The Montréal airport, pictured in 2017

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on Act 250 in the future. “There are a lot of people who would like to testify on this issue,” Westman said, “way beyond the number that we have had in.” Ed Stanak, a Barre Progressive and longtime Act 250 district coordinator, testified Friday that Scott’s reform efforts were misguided. He said Scott’s objections to the law stem from his attempt to open a motorcycle shop in Morrisville 40 years ago. “Scott claims that unreasonable delays in obtaining an Act 250 permit subsequently forced him to abandon his business proposal, and he has been hell-bent on reforming Act 250 ever since,” Stanak said. In fact, the record from 1983 shows that Scott’s development partner started construction without permits, never completed the Act 250 review and withdrew the application four years later. Scott has since used this “tale of woe” in stump speeches and has publicly said the failed project changed his life, Stanak testified. “The misplaced bitterness of a young businessman became a pillar upon which a political career has been built, and continues to this day,” Stanak said. Scott has argued that a more professional, consolidated permit process would make the review experience quicker, more predictable and less expensive without adversely impacting the environment. Read Kevin McCallum’s full story at sevendaysvt.com.

MOST POPULAR ITEMS ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Waterbury native Douglass Mackey, known online as “Ricky Vaughn,” has been charged with leading a misinfo campaign during the 2016 presidential election. True story.

REAL ESTATE RUSH

Three times as many Vermont homes sold or $1 million-plus last year, compared to 2019 sales, VTDigger.org reports. Jeezum crow!

SHOT MARKET?

Financial incentives could boost the number of people willing to take a coronavirus vaccine, according to a UVM researcher. Apparently the threat of death isn’t enough.

1. “Norwich University Lets Students Leave Amid ‘Unsustainably High’ COVID-19 Rate” by Derek Brouwer. The university president blamed “egregious and frankly embarrassing” student behavior for an outbreak. 2. “Major Fallout: UVM Scholars Argue That Cuts to the Humanities Would Imperil the University’s Mission” by Chelsea Edgar. The College of Arts and Sciences is up in arms over proposed cuts to classics, languages and other studies. 3. “Leahy Visits Hospital After Feeling Ill, Gets Released” by Colin Flanders. The senator went to a Washington, D.C., hospital out of an abundance of caution, his office said, and headed home following an examination and tests. 4. “Why Rob Roper Won’t Stop Talking About Voter Fraud in Vermont” by Dave Gram. The Ethan Allen Institute president has been issuing dire warnings about a lack of voting security. 5. “Nepali-Indian Gurung Restaurant & Bar Opens in Burlington’s New North End” by Melissa Pasanen. The menu includes momos, thukpa noodle soup, and goat or lamb curries.

tweet of the week @adamdavidson My favorite post from the local classifieds in my small town in Vermont: Looking for Companion Goat ASAP FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SEVENDAYSVT OUR TWEEPLE: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/TWITTER

WHAT’S WEIRD IN VERMONT

STUCK IN MONTRÉAL “Long-term parking” — aka stationnement a long term — has taken on new meaning for one Vermonter. Emmanuel Capitaine has been separated from his Toyota RAV4 since last March, when he drove it to the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport to catch a flight to France. Days later, Canada closed its border due to the pandemic, and he hasn’t been able to set foot in the country since. The Williston man, a dual French-American citizen, brought his 5-year-old son on the March 11 flight to Paris. When they landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, a friend of Capitaine’s told him the authorities were planning to close the U.S.-Canada border soon because of the pandemic.

“I thought it was a joke,” Capitaine said, “but he was not laughing.” Capitaine booked a flight back to Montréal a few days later. But when they arrived at the airport, Air Canada officials told him he couldn’t board the plane because American citizens had just been barred from entering Canada. He and his son flew to Boston, rented a vehicle and drove to Williston. The relatively new RAV4 has since sat idle. Capitaine contacted the U.S. consulate and the Canadian one, hoping to arrange to pick it up. But the border is closed to all nonessential travel — no exceptions. Capitaine says the airport has assured him he won’t be on the hook for all those months of very longterm parking. “Because it’s a unique situation, they told me I won’t have to pay extra because they know I can’t pick it up and, legally, I can’t do anything,” Capitaine said.

He’s considered having a dual Canadian-U.S. citizen, who could still cross the border, drive the car down from Montréal. But he’d need two people to come so they could drive back north together. Though he has friends in Québec, Capitaine doesn’t know two who could do that. Capitaine occasionally calls the airport. Workers have checked on the vehicle and even sent photos to reassure him that the car is OK. He and his wife have been sharing one car for almost a year. Even though he can’t use it, he’s still paying off the loan on the RAV4. It’s inconvenient, but “there are situations that are way worse than a car stuck at an airport,” Capitaine conceded. “Compared to the hundreds of thousands of people who died in less than a year, a car is nothing.” SASHA GOLDSTEIN SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Luke Baynes, Justin Boland, Alex Brown, Chris Farnsworth, Rick Kisonak, Jacqueline Lawler, Amy Lilly, Bryan Parmelee, Jim Schley, Carolyn Shapiro, Julia Shipley, Molly Zapp CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Luke Awtry, Harry Bliss, James Buck, Rob Donnelly, Luke Eastman, Caleb Kenna, Sean Metcalf, Matt Mignanelli, Marc Nadel, Tim Newcomb, Oliver Parini, Sarah Priestap, Kim Scafuro, Michael Tonn, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur C I R C U L AT I O N : 3 5 , 0 0 0 Seven Days is published by Da Capo Publishing Inc. every Wednesday. It is distributed free of charge in greater Burlington, Middlebury, Montpelier, Northeast Kingdom, Stowe, the Mad River Valley, Rutland, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, White River Junction and Plattsburgh, N.Y.

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DELIVERY TECHNICIANS Harry Applegate, Monica Ashworth, Jeff Baron, Joe Bouffard, Pat Bouffard, Colin Clary, Elana Coppola-Dyer, Donna Delmoora, Matt Hagen, Nat Michael, Dan Nesbitt, Dan Thayer, Steve Yardley With additional circulation support from PP&D. SUBSCRIPTIONS 6-month 1st ClAss: $175. 1-yeAr 1st ClAss: $275. 6-month 3rd ClAss: $85. 1-yeAr 3rd ClAss: $135. Please call 802-864-5684 with your credit card, or mail your check or money order to “Subscriptions” at the address below. Seven Days shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Seven Days may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Seven Days reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

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2/1/21 2:06 PM

READER REACTION TO RECENT ARTICLES

Consulting editor Candace Page

stAff writers Derek Brouwer, Chelsea Edgar,

Colin Flanders, Courtney Lamdin, Kevin McCallum, Alison Novak politiCAl Columnist Dave Gram

MAKE YOUR HOME ONE OF A KIND

FEEDback MAJOR MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Faculty union leaders would have you believe that the humanities are going away at the University of Vermont [“Major Fallout,” January 27]. That’s not the case. The reality is that even after the College of Arts and Sciences’ plan is implemented, thousands of students will still be able to take classes in classical civilization, Latin and religion, among other disciplines. All that is happening is that some majors, minors and master’s programs that attract very few students, and require significant resource commitments, will be phased out. Students currently in these programs will be able to complete their chosen degree. Even once the majors are retired, there are courses within each major that will continue to be taught. The enrollment in each one of the majors proposed for termination amounts to less than half of one percent of the college’s total student enrollment of approximately 4,650 students. UVM will still offer a comprehensive liberal arts education. Nearly a third of the remaining 44 majors and more than a third of the remaining 52 minors will be in the arts and humanities. Maintaining programs that serve a very small number of students is not sustainable and limits our ability to invest in liberal arts programs with high enrollments. This is the best way to ensure that we are positioned to strengthen the robust liberal arts education we offer. A more strategic deployment of resources to meet student interest and needs is part of our responsibility. Enrique Corredera CHARLOTTE

Corredera is spokesperson for the University of Vermont.

ALL IS NOT WELL

In last week’s Fair Game, Dave Gram asks “Why Rob Roper Won’t Stop Talking About Voter Fraud in Vermont.” Well, because the Vermont director of elections testified that if one was willing to fill out someone else’s ballot and sign that person’s name to the envelope, “…it’s likely that that ballot will get processed.” He also explained that it is impossible to remove the fraudulent vote from the final count and that “We had instances of that this year.”

WEEK IN REVIEW

TIM NEWCOMB

patients and are already at risk, like all people who work with the public, of being followed and assaulted. Posting this and encouraging someone to seek out a nurse or working person is dangerous! Please delete the listing from your website and print an apology, with no more identifying details! Lucy Weber

BURLINGTON

Several clerks concurred that there are no virtually no safeguards in place to detect, trace or prosecute someone who fills out and remits someone else’s ballot. Several clerks alleged that the Secretary of State’s Office does not provide them with training to detect or investigate fraud, and, when they do catch people trying to cheat, neither the secretary of state nor the attorney general actually follows up on such reports. So, if there’s no way to detect absentee ballot fraud when it occurs, or means to stop it if it is tried, and the people in charge of elections aren’t trained in how to do so, and the ultimate enforcers ignore transgressions, how can anyone possibly make an informed, accurate conclusion about how often fraud does or doesn’t occur? Fact: You can’t. This is a problem. Yet Dave the Crack Reporter finds the story not in this rather dramatic testimony, but in the unfounded and unverifiable assertions of politicians that “all is well.” Sadly, on a word count here. For real reporting on and full discussion of this issue, go to ethanallen.org. Rob Roper

STOWE

Roper is president of the Ethan Allen Institute.

ROPER’S REASONS

I thank Dave Gram for his column “Why Rob Roper Won’t Stop Talking About Voter Fraud in Vermont” [Fair Game, January 27]. I’m also happy that Fair

Game has restarted. I’ve been following it since the Peter Freyne days and have definitely missed it. I wish Gram well in his new digs with Seven Days. I am also glad that Gram took on Roper, the Ethan Allen Institute and the right-wing blogosphere in Vermont, like True North Reports. It’s important to know who these people are, the real purpose behind their messaging about so-called voter fraud and who pays for them to do it. The right fears mail-in voting because it will do the opposite of what their campaigns against voter turnout — strict voter ID laws, gerrymandering, voter purges, closing down polls and so on — have been trying to do, especially among groups that tend to vote Democratic. The New York Times quoted a conservative leader about this in an editorial on November 1, 2020, titled “Why Are Republicans So Afraid of Voters?” This individual, the late Paul Weyrich, “told a gathering of religious leaders in 1980” that “‘I don’t want everybody to vote … As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down.’” We should never forget this, even here in Vermont, and I thank Gram for putting it out into the open. Walter Carpenter MONTPELIER

INAPPROPRIATE ‘I SPY’

The “I Spy” you published about a nightshift nurse including her name and workplace was completely inappropriate. Nurses get so much harassment from

Editor’s note: The intent of the Seven Days “I Spys” is to facilitate communication between two people who have had a public encounter, don’t know each other’s names and have no other way of connecting. Identifiers such as physical descriptions and first names are permitted. In this case, the person who sent the message complimented the nurse on her competent care and respectfully gauged her interest. She is under no obligation to respond. If she objected to or felt threatened by the post and communicated that to Seven Days, we would take it down.

‘POLITICAL CAPITOL’

The photos published in [“Nothing to Siege Here,” January 20] suggest that those representatives are “WANTED” for voting against the flawed, misleading FEEDBACK

» P.21

CORRECTIONS

In last week’s Staytripper, the story “Natural Attraction” misidentified the natural area in which artist Elizabeth Billings was photographed. It was Raven Ridge Natural Area. Last week’s Fair Game misspelled the surname of Montpelier City Clerk John Odum. Additionally, Rob Roper does not write for True North Reports, as the column reported; the website publishes what Roper pens for the Ethan Allen Institute.

SAY SOMETHING! Seven Days wants to publish your rants and raves. Your feedback must... • be 250 words or fewer; • respond to Seven Days content; • include your full name, town and a daytime phone number. Seven Days reserves the right to edit for accuracy, length and readability. Your submission options include: • sevendaysvt.com/feedback • feedback@sevendaysvt.com • Seven Days, P.O. Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402-1164

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hil Merrick likes to say he’s “retired” from August First, the bakery, café and coffee shop on South Champlain Street in Burlington he co-owns with his wife Jodi Whalen. And he almost looked the part on a warm October afternoon, sipping coffee and dissecting a cinnamon roll at one of the many outside tables that have safely accommodated customers through the summer of the coronavirus. “Don’t give up the biscuit recipe!” Whalen joked as she walked by him into the restaurant, which was still filling lunch orders at 2 p.m. But Merrick was there to talk business, not baking. In a plaid shirt and baseball cap, the 64-year-old Plattsburgh native was reliving the rollercoaster ride every restaurant owner has experienced since the pandemic shut them down in mid-March. By the first of April, the entire August First staff was on unemployment, including Merrick and Whalen. Merrick hoped the federal Paycheck Protection Program could be a lifeline for his business, which he and Whalen started together in 2009 — one year after they married. He’d also heard there was limited money available and the potentially forgivable loans were going to be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In other words, he was motivated to learn if August First would qualify. But “nobody knew anything,” he said of the many Burlington-area banks he called, including his own. Then he found Mascoma. Right on the website was the information he sought. “PPP loans. Here’s what it is. Here’s who qualifies. Click here if you want to apply for it,” Merrick recalled the userfriendly prompts. When he called the Pine Street branch, manager Scott Anderson explained that August First would have to move to Mascoma in order to apply for the loan through the bank. “It took two or three days to switch,” Merrick said, recalling Anderson worked way beyond bankers’ hours to make the change. Merrick’s application was in by noon on April 3, the first day the government started accepting applications. Ten days later, “I had SBA money in my bank account. I don’t know that anybody else in town did.” August First reopened in mid-June, and its customers returned the favor. In July sales were 62 percent of last year’s. In August, they reached 80 percent. In September, “we beat last year’s numbers,” Merrick said with a mixture of pride and relief. It was a “good-enough summer,” he proclaimed, that “I feel like we’re out of the woods.” He credits great staff, the PPP loan secured through Mascoma, state aid and the city’s willingness to increase outdoor seating for the dramatic comeback. “It’s been awesome,” Merrick said, noting the company has enough saved to survive another potential shutdown of two or three months. “When we got the PPP money, first thing I did was write a check to our landlord. We have enough money to make sure he’s paid through the winter.”

* All credit requests subject to commercial underwriting standards established by Mascoma Bank.

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contents FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021 VOL.26 NO.18

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FEATURES 38

Phased Out

Poets flock — sometimes from abroad — to Phoenix Books’ online open mics

Vermont’s old barns are easy to commemorate, not so easy to save

From the Publisher

As Vermont offers vaccine to broader population, some health workers get left behind

Peddle Power

In a remote Democracy, lobbyists adapt to remain relevant

STUCK IN VERMONT

Virtual Verse

Barn Again

Writer Alexander Chee Named USA Fellow

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Restaurants close for the winter to nurture long-term survival

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NOW OPEN

Small Wonder

Wunderkammer Biermanufaktur rises again in Albany

Hill Hiatus

Staging Areas

Hill Farmstead Brewery takes a short-term respite

Local theater groups get creative in the virtual format with monologues of the future and more

Latest Episode

COLUMNS 12 26 36 43 48 50 52 77

Fair Game WTF Bottom Line Side Dishes Soundbites Album Reviews Movie Review Ask the Reverend

SECTIONS SUPPORTED BY: Childhood friends Bob Brosseau, Dan Parot and Mike Lemieux started the only Vermont chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace in 2019. The nonprofit builds beds for kids who need them. Its simple mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”

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Life Lines Food + Drink Music + Nightlife Movies Classes Classifieds + Puzzles Fun Stuff Personals

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CENTERED

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Camp Counseling

Paula Routly

AND

It might seem a bit incongruous that in the same week Vermont looks its most wintry, our parenting publication, Kids VT, is hosting a virtual “camp fair” promising fun in the sun six months hence. The timing makes perfect sense to those familiar with the summer salvation the event promotes. Especially this year, after 11 months of being cooped up with their kids, parents would love it if someone else could take them for a while. People who have attended summer camp tend to be repeat customers. The rest of the year pales by comparison to those weeks in the woods with individuals who are not your parents, siblings or schoolmates. Camp friends, who are generous with hugs and have a tendency to burst into song, are worth waiting for. Throughout my teens, I pined for my bunkmates at Hawkeye Trail Camps, in a remote northwest corner of the Adirondacks. It was shockingly rustic: There were no window screens or showers, and just one phone for 80-plus campers — a party line we shared with everybody else who lived on the lake. But to us the place was paradise, a wonderland where uniqueness was celebrated and the counselors were cool. On epic canoe trips and hikes, their outdoor leadership lessons went down as easy as s’mores. Then, just before I turned 18, the camp’s director died unexpectedly. With no proper goodbyes, or even a mailing list, the camp simply ended and the land was divvied up. Decades passed before some of us former campers and counselors began to find each other on social media. For a while there was a Yahoo email list. Last June, we graduated to a Zoom reunion. Dozens of Hawkeye alumni — some of whom went to camp in the ’50s and ’60s — showed up to share memories of a place we all loved. I’m not sure that historic virtual gathering would have happened without the coronavirus pandemic pushing us to experiment with online technology. Similarly, this year’s Kids VT Virtual Camp and School Fair is being presented on Zoom, which enables participating programs to safely explain their offerings. Each camp gets half an hour in the spotlight, during which potential campers and their parents can ask questions. The event takes place over two days, Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will be recorded for future viewing at kidsvt.com/fair. The lineup of presenters suggests at least 14 entities are feeling optimistic that by summer, things might return to some kind of post-pandemic normal. Other camps are waiting to make programming and promotional decisions. If there’s sufficient demand, we’ll host a second virtual fair in April. This weekend’s camps — including Circus Smirkus, Farm & Wilderness, Girl Scouts, YMCA Camp Abnaki, and the Humane Society of Chittenden County’s Camp Paw Paw — offer programs with both day and sleepaway sessions. There are artistic and academic enrichment options, too: Interested in becoming a Super Reader? Think Sylvan Learning Center, Davis Studio and Look for the “Give Now” buttons at the top of Tamim Academy. sevendaysvt.com. Or send a check with your Last summer, the pandemic shut down or address and contact info to: severely disrupted many of these programs SEVEN DAYS, C/O SUPER READERS that nurture kids, away from school and family, P.O. BOX 1164 in some of Vermont’s most beautiful settings. BURLINGTON, VT 05402-1164 Fingers crossed that they’ll be singing silly For more information on making a financial songs, short-sheeting beds and capturing the contribution to Seven Days, please contact flag again soon. Corey Grenier: VOICEMAIL: 802-865-1020, EXT. 36 EMAIL: SUPERREADERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

FAIR GAME

OPEN SEASON ON VERMONT POLITICS BY DAVE GRAM

‘Audit the Auditor!’

Doug Hoffer’s pointed reports lead some to question his work

ime was when the most boring reporting assignment in Montpelier would have been to cover state auditor ALEXANDER “TINO” ACEBO, a Barre Republican who held the job from 1970 to early 1993. A classic greeneyeshade, no-news-is-good-news number cruncher, Acebo, who died in 2019, coasted from one reelection to the next without generating a headline. That all changed after a brash, ambitious, liberal Democrat, ED FLANAGAN, got elected to the job in 1992 upon Acebo’s retirement. Flanagan, who died in 2017, began issuing non-audit performance reviews about all the mismanagement he said he was finding in state agencies, much to the annoyance of the Democratic governor, HOWARD DEAN. Flanagan started attracting a lot of press, including a 1995 interview with this journalist in which he became the first statewide elected official in the country to say publicly that he was gay. Flanagan’s reports attracted not only news coverage, but also lots of pushback — often from the subjects of his critical reviews — questioning both his methods and his motivation. A desire to make a name for himself? Well, Flanagan did run for the U.S. Senate in 2000, losing to incumbent Republican senator JIM JEFFORDS. Now, DOUG HOFFER, auditor since 2013, is attracting the same sort of criticism. People targeted in his investigations, their allies and others not keen on having progressive Democrats in statewide office have been crying, “Audit the auditor!” They’ve questioned Hoffer’s methods. And they’ve asked whether his background in left politics, including his work as a number cruncher for Burlington’s Peace & Justice Center, has hurt his objectivity. U.S. Sen. BERNIE SANDERS (I-Vt.) and other progressives have railed for decades against government handouts to affluent businesses, calling it “corporate welfare.” As auditor, Hoffer has questioned whether the state is undercharging ski areas for leases of public land, and whether Vermont is too generous with grants earmarked for businesses that promise to create jobs. Audits such as those have been weaponized by people who portray him as marching in Sanders’ parade. “With some portion of the population, 12

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you lose your credibility, and … that relates heading. He added below: “This makes it to the perception of how independent impossible to verify the accuracy of your you are, and the value one assigns [to] analysis against source data.” He also your opinion and the work that you do,” questioned Hoffer’s math. “Starting on said Senate Minority Leader RANDY BROCK page 1, there is a claim that spending on (R/D-Franklin), who served as auditor healthcare services in Vermont was 167% from 2005 to 2007. higher in 2018 than 2000. This is false — Brock said an auditor’s the correct figure is 160.77 % work product should be — six points lower than what you stated in the report.” something another auditor could replicate to reach the Hoffer responded with same conclusions, which he a point-by-point rebuttal, said does not always appear saying, for example, that to be the case with Hoffer’s Olsen was using the wrong work. data set from the federal Former state repreBureau of Economic Analysis. BEA data are massaged sentative OLIVER OLSEN , a Londonderry independent, from time to time; Hoffer served until four years ago said Olsen was simply using a on the board of trustees of different snapshot-in-time of Burr and Burton Academy in the federal data to argue that Manchester, one of Vermont’s Hoffer had gotten it wrong. D O UG H O F F E R “independent,” or private, But few critical responses schools that Hoffer recently to Hoffer’s work have been scrutinized. Olsen hasn’t attacked that more pointed than a recent one from JOAN part of Hoffer’s work, but he recently GOLDSTEIN, Vermont’s commissioner of issued a “review” of a Hoffer report on economic development. She was respondhealth care that reads like a scathing audi- ing to Hoffer’s latest critique of the tor’s review. Vermont Employment Growth Incentive. “Issue 1: Data and analysis not read- That’s the aforementioned program that ily available for public review and veri- promises grants to businesses that agree fication,” Olsen announced in a section to create jobs — grants that are awarded

WHY WOULD WE PAY THEM FOR

SOMETHING THEY WERE GOING TO DO ANYWAY?

if the state tax department later confirms those jobs have been created. Hoffer has issued multiple reports focusing on what he sees as VEGI’s inadequate “but-for” test, as in: How do we know this business wouldn’t have created these jobs even without the state support and that the money being shelled out isn’t a waste of taxpayer dollars? “Why would we pay them for something they were going to do anyway?” Hoffer asked in a Fair Game interview. “Every applicant is required to self-attest that yes, absent this incentive, I would not [add jobs], and here’s why.” Hoffer went on, “Well, that is confidential information, but I have access to it, and I looked it over for five different applicants. And in my opinion — I mean, the question was, TIM NEWCOMB what does [the Vermont Economic Progress Council, which reviews the applications] do to validate, or attempt to validate, the assertions by these applicants? It’s kind of important. And the answer is: virtually nothing.” In his report, Hoffer included a chart that almost appeared designed to get under the skin of anyone who cringes at the “corporate welfare” charge. It compares the hoops someone has to go through to get an average of $473 a month in Reach Up public assistance benefits to the scrutiny given a business applying for a VEGI grant, which averaged $852,757 through 2019. One example: Applicants for public assistance are asked whether they ever have been convicted of beneficiary fraud. But a business applying for VEGI money is not asked whether it ever has been convicted of violating tax, environmental or labor laws, Hoffer reported. Goldstein wasn’t having it. “It is quite unusual that one would compare a human services program for individuals and families with an economic incentive for growth of a particular business to create jobs and capital investment,” she wrote in an email to Fair Game, calling the comparison “apples and oranges.” She also said Hoffer failed to provide a comprehensive list of the requirements that VEGI applicants must meet to win the state’s largesse.

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Hoffer’s chart asks the reader to consider who has the easier time: businesses applying for state job-creation grants or poor folks applying for public assistance. Hoffer said none of this is political at all; his only goal is to report the facts. “Last time I checked, facts are not political or ideological,” he said. “I have a 25- or 30-year reputation as a data guy — that’s who I am,” he said. “Do I have my own views about politics? Of course. But my work has never been about politics. It’s been about public policy and evaluating programs and policies to determine if they’re costeffective. That is not politics.” Is it ambition that calls Hoffer, 69, to rattle cages? “I’ve made it clear,” he said. “I’m not looking for any other job. This is it. I sought this job because it seemed to be a good fit with my work prior to being elected and [with] my interests, which are asking hard questions about the effectiveness and efficiencies of state policies and programs, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.” However you’d describe Hoffer’s approach, it seems to be OK with most Vermonters. He won nearly 72 percent of the vote on November 3 over CRIS ERICSON, who ran under the Progressive banner despite the objections of Progressive leaders. Ericson actually placed third, behind Hoffer and “blank votes,” according to the secretary of state’s election results. Even if Hoffer does seem political at times, that’s just fine, said former House speaker MITZI JOHNSON. “Yes, he goes at things with his set of values, but that’s part of the political process,” the Democrat said. “Voters look at a variety of candidates that have various values, and they choose which values they want in office.” And as for pitting the hurdles to be cleared by public assistance applicants versus those facing business-grant seekers? “I don’t think that it is unreasonable in any way to say, ‘OK, look, here are two functions that the state is responsible for — safety nets and economic development — and, yeah, let’s compare ’em. Let’s see what each receiving entity has to go through,’” Johnson said. Two low-income Vermonters who have leaped through the hoops to get state help also said they were fine with Hoffer’s approach. “As somebody who has worked full time while applying for food stamps, it’s like hell,” said BELYNDA JESTICE, a single mom and childcare worker from Marshfield. The challenges have been heightened during the pandemic, she said. “You can turn in your three most recent

paycheck stubs, but if it doesn’t match the dates of the times they’re looking for when you apply, they will not accept it.” CHRISTIE DELPHIA of Burlington, who has needed food assistance to nourish her five kids, said of the Department for Children and Families, “They’d ask you the same question worded several different ways to see if they could trip you up. It was quite degrading.” She added, “They should be putting these businesses through the same hoops. It’s only right if they’re going to be getting some help.” Economists define “moral hazard” as the tendency to take more risks if you’re personally protected from a bad outcome. In the insurance industry, underwriters worry that policy holders might be reckless, knowing their insurers will pay any losses. This principle also applies to government officials handing out money. Those are taxpayers’ dollars, not their own. The situation demands accountability. The press tries, but newsrooms lack the elected auditor’s staff and their training, as well as the auditor’s subpoena power. The public should be glad there’s a state auditor’s office, and even more so when its occupant doesn’t mind annoying people.

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Media Note: Suozzo’s Swan Song

Our data editor, ANDREA SUOZZO, is leaving our team to join the nationally focused investigative newsroom ProPublica. It’s a bummer for Seven Days but good for her. Suozzo, who joined the paper in 2014, has been the computer whiz who provided the foundation for several of Seven Days’ most ambitious and data-heavy projects in recent years. Those include “Give and Take,” the paper’s series on Vermont nonprofits, and “Worse for Care,” a collaborative effort with Vermont Public Radio that collected five years’ worth of inspection and complaint documents on Vermont’s eldercare homes. The latter project won a national EDWARD R. MURROW Award for investigative journalism. “I’m excited about this new adventure, but I’ll miss this ambitious, creative crew at Seven Days so much,” Suozzo told Fair Game. “I’ve learned a lot from everyone here, and I so appreciate the room this place gave me to grow and learn and imagine new roles for myself. And, of course, I’ll continue to be a loyal reader.” News editor MATTHEW ROY said the paper is searching for Suozzo’s replacement. She’ll get to stay in Vermont while working for the New York-based ProPublica because, hey, it’s remotely possible. It’s a cool career move for someone the Seven Days crew holds in very high esteem. m 3v-lakechampchoc020321 1

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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news

MORE INSIDE

LAW SCHOOL GETS GRANT PAGE 16

EDUCATION

Norwich University Lets Students Leave Amid ‘Unsustainably High’ COVID-19 Rate

FLAG BAN BILL WON’T FLY PAGE 17

Phased Out

B Y D ER EK B R O U WER derek@sevendaysvt.com

As Vermont offers vaccine to broader population, some health workers get left behind B Y CO L I N FL A ND ER S colin@sevendaysvt.com

MATT MIGNANELLI

n a January 21 conference call with hospitals, the Vermont Department of Health announced an abrupt change to its coronavirus vaccination plan: It would stop allocating doses for frontline health care and emergency workers and instead reserve them for the elderly population. The decision to temporarily close the door on Vermont’s highest-priority group came as a surprise to some hospital officials, who had believed they would be able to continue vaccinating their employees and community health care workers even as the state entered Phase 2 of its vaccine rollout. Hundreds of disappointed Vermonters were soon informed that their anxious wait for a shot had just gotten longer. “We had to cancel the 200 people we had scheduled for [January 27] and say, ‘Hold on to your hat,’” Gerianne Smart, a spokesperson for the Rutland Regional Medical Center, told Seven Days last week. Another 100 appointments were nixed at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, according to a spokesperson there, while the cancellation of a clinic scheduled for this week at Morrisville’s Copley Hospital left 400 in limbo. The health department reversed course 14

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

a week later, telling hospitals they would still receive a limited number of doses for health care workers eligible under Phase 1a of the vaccine plan. But so far, the demand has outstripped the state’s supply. The episode demonstrates the breakneck speed at which Vermont has been forced to make decisions amid the largest vaccine effort in state history, and it reflects the growing tension between vaccinating those who are most at risk of

HERE I WAS, ALL SET.

I THOUGHT I WAS IN. JANE TR E PANIE R

catching the virus and those most likely to die from it. Federal vaccine shipments are gradually increasing, yet state leaders still expect to have limited supplies. Every shot in the arm of another health care worker means one less for an elderly Vermonter, and vice versa. “It’s a balancing act,” said Deputy Health Commissioner Kelly Dougherty. State leaders say giving priority to elderly Vermonters is a moral obligation because they make up the vast majority of COVID-19 deaths. But there are also

compelling reasons to keep health care workers at the front of the line. Nearly 1,000 health care providers have been infected in Vermont since the pandemic began, about a tenth of the state’s caseload. When these workers get sick and must stay home, Vermont’s health care capacity suffers. And not only can the workers contract the virus from patients, they can spread it among them. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccinating health care workers remains a “national priority.” After receiving its first doses in midDecember, Vermont spent the next six weeks vaccinating people in the Phase 1a group exclusively. Initially that included only residents of long-term-care facilities and health professionals who work directly with patients. Hospitals vaccinated both their own employees and community-based health workers; eligible professions included home health aides, EMT staff, dental hygienists and physical therapists. The state expanded eligibility twice, first letting in cops and firefighters, then other categories of health care workers who were not caught in the first sweep.

HEALTH

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Norwich University will refund room and board for students who decide to leave campus after dozens of COVID-19 cases derailed the start of the spring semester. In a video message posted on January 27, president Mark Anarumo blamed the outbreak on “egregious and frankly embarrassing” behavior by students that led to “unreasonably and unsustainably high” levels of infection. Effective immediately, Anarumo said, “I will support a voluntary departure of any student who does not believe they want to be here, whether because the value is not what they expected or because they feel unsafe.” More than 80 students out of a residential and commuter population of roughly 1,900 at the private military school have tested positive since they returned to campus earlier this month, according to Norwich’s COVID-19 dashboard. Dozens more were quarantining due to possible exposure. Norwich recorded only 16 positive tests during the entire fall semester. State health officials have said they expect to see a larger number of cases at Vermont colleges this semester because the prevalence of the virus in surrounding communities is higher than in the fall. A presentation by state officials identified 118 new cases among all colleges during a recent week — more than double the highest weekly total last fall — even though many had yet to start spring classes. The spike at Norwich occurred despite a regimented arrival process that included periods of room quarantine followed by an on-campus quarantine. Early last week, university officials ordered a return to “modified room quarantine” as cases increased. Some students didn’t follow the rules, Anarumo said. In the nine-minute video, he apologized to the university staff that has had to deal with the aftermath. “The facility operations team has been cleaning up messes and dealing with issues that no person should be exposed to,” he said. A university spokesperson said nine students had been asked to leave campus for not following COVID-19 policies. Anarumo said students who decided to leave campus would receive a proportional refund of their room and board fees. “If you decide to stay,” Anarumo said, “I can promise you the short-term discomfort will have a significant reward that will last you not only this academic year but for your lifetime.”

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Peddle Power In a remote democracy, lobbyists adapt to remain relevant BY KEVIN MCCALLU M • kevin@sevendaysvt.com

STATEHOUSE

“Lobbyists became the interpreters of these executive orders for entire sectors of the economy,” Necrason said. They also do the work of explaining in precise detail to decision makers the pandemic’s impact on their clients and the most effective relief efforts, he said. “This is not a time for lobbyists to be promoting blue-sky ideas, because we’re in a crisis,” Necrason said. Anyone who thinks the transition to a “virtual democracy” via videoconferencing has made lobbyists’ services obsolete misunderstands their multifaceted role, he said. Leaders of large organizations don’t have the time, inclination or experience to track and participate in legislative machinations. The livestreaming of Statehouse deliberations may increase public access to the process, but it also intensifies the need for lobbyists to help their clients cut through the noise, Necrason said.

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While demand for their services remains strong, the challenges have increased significantly, especially for lobbyists who built their reputations on in-person connections with key lawmakers. “For as long as you’ve had legislators and lobbyists, it’s been a face-to-face interaction,” Rice said. “And whether it’s social opportunities, or quiet conversations in the hallway or the cafeteria, or along the sidelines of the committee rooms, it’s tough to not have those.” The switch to a remote legislating process has provided some advantages. YouTube streams legislative proceedings live, and the videos are archived for future viewing. That allows lobbyists to track multiple bills at once and review proceedings they may have missed. PEDDLE POWER

» P.18

hen Vermont lawmakers left the Statehouse last March amid the worsening pandemic, they weren’t the only ones evicted from their stately digs. The army of lobbyists who work to influence the legislative process was also driven from those corridors of power. Unable to buttonhole senators in the halls or grab lunch with committee chairs in the cafeteria, lobbyists found their working lives disrupted by the pandemic as profoundly as any bartender’s or bed-and-breakfast owner’s. And yet even as their stock-in-trade — access to lawmakers — has been curtailed, demand for their influence has remained as strong as ever. Decisions made in Montpelier, from sweeping executive lockdown orders to legislative spats over who should receive relief funds, have taken on existential import, raising the stakes for lobbyists and their clients. “The reality is, when the pandemic hit, what did people do? Individuals and businesses alike looked to government for help,” said Chris Rice, a founding partner of MMR, the largest contract-lobbying firm in the state. Overall, spending on lobbying was steady last year, at $9.2 million. But that spending shifted to some of the largest firms, which saw hefty gains, according to data filed with the Secretary of State’s Office. MMR, whose many clients include Amazon, Verizon and Green Mountain Power, collected $1.7 million in lobbying fees, an 8 percent increase over 2019. Necrason Group, another large lobby shop with clients that include Let’s Grow Kids, the Vermont State Colleges System and the American Heart Association, brought in $1.4 million, a 19 percent increase. Industries and professions directly affected by the pandemic, including teachers, telecommunications providers and energy companies, have a vested interest in the government’s myriad responses to it, said Adam Necrason, the firm’s president. This has put lobbyists at the center of some high-stakes conversations.

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news Phased Out « P.14 EDUCATION

Vermont Law School Gets $3 Million Restorative Justice Program Grant B Y CHEL SEA ED G AR chelsea@sevendaysvt.com Vermont Law School will receive a $3 million federal grant for its National Center on Restorative Justice, an initiative focused on providing training and advocating for criminal justice reform, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy’s (DVt.) office announced on Tuesday. The center, a collaboration with the University of Vermont, the University of San Diego and the U.S. Department of Justice, is intended to become a hub for research and training in restorative justice practices, which emphasize direct reconciliation with victims and repairing the relationships between offenders and their communities. Last spring, the center launched with a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Leahy, who is now chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has championed the project and played a key role in securing both rounds of funding. As Vermont Law School grapples with lagging enrollment and financial woes exacerbated by the pandemic, the grants represent a significant investment. “There’s definitely a social justice mission that is part of Vermont Law School, and this is really giving focus to that and building it out,” said Stephanie Clark, director of the center. The ultimate goal, said Clark, is to make the principles of restorative justice accessible to people throughout the criminal justice system, which means offering at least some of its programs free of charge. “This grant allows us to really provide access, and that’s what’s so critical about restorative justice,” said Clark. “It’s something that should be for everyone, and it should be by invitation — it’s not something you can compel.” In December, the trustees of Vermont Law School discussed the merits of relocating from South Royalton, the school’s home since its founding in 1972, to Burlington. Those conversations have yielded no definitive answers, but according to Clark, the center is portable by design. “I think we’ve all learned that we’re mobile, and we can be where we need to be,” she said. “And that’s one of our visions — to have national impact, to be something that can be picked up and replicated elsewhere.” m

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Though the state did not allocate any doses for hospitals last week, those with enough doses on hand were allowed to continue vaccinating workers. Others had no choice but to cancel appointments. Emily Cogan of Jeffersonville signed up for a shot as soon as she found out in mid-January that shared living providers — people who contract with the state to offer a home and other support to those with disabilities — had become eligible. “It was such a relief,” said the 42-yearold, who lives with a young man whose disabilities could leave him vulnerable to the virus. “I can’t tell you how excited I was.” But then Cogan, who is also a schoolteacher, received a call from Copley Hospital canceling her February 4 appointment, and her excitement turned to disappointment. “Almost as soon as we found out, it was taken away,” she said. Jane Trepanier, a shared living provider who lives in West Rutland, had a similar reaction after losing a January 27 vaccination date at Rutland Regional Medical Center. “Here I was, all set. I thought I was in,” she said. “It upset me. It took an emotional toll.” State officials have tried to chalk up the canceled appointments to a miscommunication, even though the health department sent hospitals a note last week explicitly asking them to “temporarily pause with the 1A group clinic planning.” At press conferences last week, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith implied that hospitals misinterpreted the guidance. Yet his own health department had confirmed to Seven Days on January 27 that hospitals were indeed being asked to pause vaccinations unless they had supplies on hand for a few weeks. The state’s stance changed again a day later, when the health department suddenly announced that hospitals could expect some Phase 1a doses, though far fewer than they previously had been receiving. Explaining the reasoning behind the initial decision to move on from health care workers, Dougherty said the health department had always envisioned overlapping phases. But after hearing that worker vaccinations had been slowing down at some hospitals — and expecting immense demand among the broader population — the health department decided to divert all available doses to Phase 2, she said. “We wanted, out of the gate, to be able to assure people, especially given what we’re seeing in other states, that we would have enough appointments to cover

all the people who fell into the 75-andolder population,” Dougherty said. Once Phase 2 kicked off last week without any major hiccups, the department decided to resume vaccinating workers, she said. There is no easy way to know just how many people in the health and emergency services professions remain unvaccinated; by one rough calculation at least 15,000 Phase 1a Vermonters — many of whom are in the health professions — still have not received shots. At least 1,700 of those people work in one of Vermont’s 14 hospitals, according to data collected by Seven Days. Of the 11 hospitals that responded to data requests, only two reported vaccination rates of about 90 percent: Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital in Townshend (92 percent) and the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington (89 percent).

WHEN WE PUT OUT A CLINIC, IT FILLS UP. THERE’S NO BEGGING.

IT’S LINES OF PEOPLE. GE R IANNE S MART

Five hospitals had rates of 75 percent or lower: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington (75 percent), Rutland Regional Medical Center (72 percent), Gifford Medical Center in Randolph (69 percent), Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (65 percent) and North Country Hospital in Newport (64 percent). Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin and Springfield Hospital did not provide data. Wendy Franklin, a spokesperson for North Country Hospital, reported that about 200 employees there had yet to be vaccinated. Some declined, she said, while others were waiting to see how the rollout progressed. “The danger in that is, you don’t know if it’s going to be available when you come forward,” she said. “I don’t know if there are employees who are regretting that decision now. I imagine there might be.” About 480 employees at Rutland Regional Medical Center have yet to be vaccinated. Smart, the spokesperson, was unsure how many people were in that group by choice. But she said it was clear there was still a large demand for vaccinations among the area’s health workers. “When we put out a clinic, it fills up,” she said. “There’s no begging. It’s lines of people.” Dougherty said the state will likely offer vaccinations “in perpetuity” to people who work in the health professions to ensure that both new hires and those who decided to wait have access to shots.

There are limits on how many vaccinations can be offered to those workers, at least over the next few weeks: The state must first ensure a vaccine supply to cover the more than 30,000 appointments made by people 75 years and older, and then must vaccinate Vermonters 65 to 74 years old at a steady clip if it hopes to reach its goal of finishing that group by winter’s end. Moving forward, the health department will determine each hospital’s Phase 1a allocation based on how many unvaccinated workers remain in their area, Dougherty said. Hospitals have requested 2,727 doses for the remainder of Phase 1a, according to Dougherty, though the true need will undoubtedly prove greater. The state sent out 1,095 doses this week. Copley Hospital has a wait list of more than 450 people that Jennifer HoltonClapp, a hospital official, compiled. She expected the list to grow in the coming days; last Friday, one employer said it would be sending over up to 50 more names. Given this, Copley requested 300 doses for this week, but it received only 100. Rutland Regional Medical Center requested 400 but is receiving only 250; Smart said the hospital has managed to eke extra doses out of vials of vaccine and hoped to “squeeze out as much as we can” from the latest shipment. Other hospitals had better luck. Northeastern Regional Medical Center requested 300 doses for this week and expected to received 190, according to Laural Ruggles, the hospital’s vice president of marketing and community health improvement. “We’re pretty happy with that,” Ruggles said, noting the hospital has begun rescheduling canceled appointments. Jim Hinman, a volunteer firefighter in West Burke, had mixed feelings about the snafu that forced him to miss out on getting the vaccine this week. On one hand, moving on to the next phase without first vaccinating emergency responders like him “didn’t make much sense,” he said. Yet the 57-year-old doesn’t consider himself at high risk of dying from the illness, so he couldn’t help but feel a little bit guilty about finding himself at the front of the line. “I’m not mad about it,” he said last Friday morning of losing his appointment. “I think the higher-risk 75-year-olds who are getting it now probably should get it. I don’t want anybody else to die.” Still, Hinman did not hesitate when the hospital called him Friday afternoon to offer him another vaccination date, knowing it would help protect not only him but his family. He’s now scheduled to be vaccinated on February 9. After almost a year under the pandemic’s cloud, he said, “I want it all to be done.” m

STATEHOUSE

Bill Would Bar Black Lives Matter and Other Flags From Flying at Schools B Y COL I N FL A ND ERS • colin@sevendaysvt.com FILE: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

Only the American and Vermont state flags could legally be flown on school grounds if a bill pending in the Vermont legislature becomes law. Backed by eight House Republicans, H.92 seeks to keep school boards focused more on “educating kids” and less on debating “political agendas” such as that of the Black Lives Matter movement, said its sponsor, Rep. Brian Smith (R-Derby), who proposed a similar bill last year. “Everybody, whether you’re Black or gay or Hispanic or white, we’re all Americans,” Smith said in an interview. “We all live under one red, white and blue flag.” Smith said he came up with the idea because school boards “spend hours upon hours” debating whether to fly the BLM flag. Montpelier High School became the first in the nation to raise it after a student-led effort in 2018. Students at a number of other Vermont schools have since followed suit, including some spurred on by last summer’s national reckoning on race and policing. The movement even spread to some municipalities — with mixed results. The City of Burlington raised the flag last summer during a weeks-long protest against police violence. Winooski raised the flag over its traffic circle last August. And on Monday, Hinesburg community members, including students, teachers and officials, raised the flag at town hall. The City of Barre, meanwhile, flew the flag in City Hall Park last December, before replacing it with a Thin Blue Line flag supportive of police. Smith said his bill would simplify matters by codifying the only two flags that could fly on school grounds. He stressed that his bill does not single out BLM; prisoner of war pennants, for example, would also be

Joelyn Mensah raising the Black Lives Matter flag at Montpelier High School in 2018

prohibited, though he did not know of any schools being petitioned to fly those. He argued that raising any flag beyond those of the U.S. and Vermont opens the door to all types of requests and keeps school boards mired in debate. Smith couldn’t say why he chose a flat-out ban instead of, say, a bill that would specify what types of flags would be allowed. “It just came into my head that this was the way I wanted to do it,” he said. He later

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honed his rationale: “These other groups have agendas,” he said. “The American flag and the Vermont state flag are not an agenda flag.” Smith also suggested that his proposal would be a way to smooth tensions amid a charged political environment. “I’m a taxpayer — I pay for the public schools,” he said. “Someone that is a fully supportive member of the BLM movement is a taxpayer, as well. This takes that person and I from

not having to argue over whether the flag should be flown or not.” “There’s enough conflicts going on right now,” he added. “We don’t need to keep adding to it.” Smith’s logic is the “epitome” of white privilege, said Jim Murphy, chair of the Montpelier-Roxbury school board, which approved the high school’s request to fly the flag. “These are issues that have been under the surface and have been the cause, and continue to be the cause, of a lot of inequity and injustice and hurt in our society,” Murphy said. “Avoiding these discussions benefits those who already have privilege and keeps those that don’t in the same position they’ve been in.” Murphy said it was “ridiculous” to suggest that Montpelier’s discussion over whether to raise its flag in any way detracted from students’ learning experience. “It was both not an onerous debate and a productive debate that has advanced the educational and other values of the district,” he said. “These are the debates that districts need to be having.” Smith’s flag mandate will almost certainly not get off the ground. In fact, he’s unlikely to even get a hearing on it; House Education Committee chair Rep. Kate Webb (D-Shelburne) told Seven Days in a text message that she does not intend to take up the bill. She said she will long remember watching the student-led efforts to raise the flag in Montpelier and at other schools. “I cannot imagine being involved in a law that would have made that illegal,” she wrote. m

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2/1/21 1:47 PM

news But overall, the work of proposing and influencing the trajectory of legislation has become profoundly more difficult. “Lobbying is a hyper-social profession,” said Maggie Lenz, a lobbyist at Leonine Public Affairs. “I would say 85 percent of my job depends on relationship building, both inside the Statehouse and outside the Statehouse over drinks.” In states with full-time legislatures, lawmakers typically have staff who work directly with lobbyists. In Vermont’s 180-person citizen legislature, however, only the Senate president pro tempore and speaker of the House have staff. So lobbyists, many of whom have deep knowledge of the Statehouse and have served as lawmakers themselves, have a kind of symbiotic relationship with legislators. The state’s 473 registered lobbyists and 21 lobbying firms fill in lawmakers on how their clients view proposed bills, and lawmakers provide feedback on how the bills are being received or progressing, Lenz said. But in the new remote legislating environment, “that back-and-forth has been totally lost,” Lenz said. Longtime lobbyists may find themselves with an edge in this environment, with their calls, texts and emails more likely to get returned, Lenz said. Meanwhile, forging relationships with first-term lawmakers — so important at the beginning of a new session — is harder than ever, she said. Lenz said she’s adapting by trying to make the most of her limited communications with lawmakers by bringing up issues she wants to address “all in one shot.” Necrason’s firm is similarly working on short videos outlining its clients’ views, which lawmakers can review at their convenience. Efforts are under way to try to restore some of the more direct, collaborative and collegial atmosphere, both by lobbyists and lawmakers. The Lake Champlain Chamber’s Legislative Breakfast Series resumed last month, drawing more than 20 lawmakers. Instead of gathering in a hotel conference room in South Burlington, more than 100 chamber members met over Zoom and attended online breakout sessions to talk with lawmakers about issues including taxes, childcare and the environment. The event was a success, but the virtual format “did leave a few things to be desired,” said Austin Davis, the chamber’s in-house lobbyist. Gov. Phil Scott wasn’t able to participate, as he has in years past, and the gift certificates to local coffee shops in lieu of a hot breakfast missed the mark for some, Davis said. Such forums are nevertheless becoming widespread. Colchester-based Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is 18

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

DIANA BOLTON

Peddle Power « P.15

urging supporters to register for its Virtual Lobby Day on February 12. Legislative leaders are also considering setting aside Wednesday afternoons for a virtual version of the social events that once took place in the Statehouse’s Cedar Creek Room, where lawmakers and interest groups chatted over hors d’oeuvres. Some leaders are even hosting virtual FaceTime office hours for lobbyists and others. One of those is Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas (D-Bradford), chair of the House Government Operations Committee. She and the vice chair, Rep. John Gannon (D-Wilmington), are meeting on Tuesday and Friday mornings with people interested in their committee’s work. “It really is intended to be an opportunity to give people who have an interest in our proceedings an access point that they would ordinarily have if we were meeting in person,” Copeland Hanzas said. So far, lobbyists have been well represented. One session included board members of the Vermont Retired State Employees’ Association and their lobbyist, Bridget Morris. Another was with Karen Horn and Gwynn Zakov, lobbyists at the Vermont League of Cities & Towns. And the third was with Tim Fair, partner and attorney with Vermont Cannabis Solutions, who wanted to talk about the rollout of a regulated cannabis market, Hanzas said.

The public is not allowed join these Zoom chats, which are no different than the private conversations lobbyists and lawmakers have during a normal session, she said. “I would liken it to a hallway conversation,” Copeland Hanzas said. But conversations held in plain sight in a public building are very different than private chat rooms set up specifically by lawmakers for those hoping to influence public policy. While she would “probably not” be obliged to disclose the nature of hallway conversations if asked, Copeland Hanzas said, she’s happy to discuss the virtual meetings for the sake of transparency. Lawmakers are acutely aware of the criticism that organizations with in-house or contract lobbyists enjoy greater access than those that don’t. In mid-December, thenSenate president pro tempore Tim Ashe noted that lodging interests had lobbied members of the Joint Fiscal Committee, of which he was a member, to tweak in their favor the formula of a financial relief program for struggling businesses. “I hope, at the end of the day, the lesson isn’t that every group that wants to get at the table has to hire a Montpelier-based lobbying firm,” Ashe said. The committee ultimately added $11.5 million to the program to increase payouts to some hospitality businesses, including

lodging and restaurants, while others, such as wedding photographers, did not get the bump. To what extent lobbyists obtain the results their clients are seeking and whether their influence serves the overall public good are age-old questions, but it is not difficult to draw lines between money spent and action taken. For example, MMR picked up two sportsbetting outfits as clients in 2020. DraftKings of Boston and FanDuel Group of New York City each wagered just shy of $50,000 that MMR could help them influence the doings in Montpelier. It’s hard to say whether it worked. Rice declined to disclose what MMR did for the two companies. But in his 2021 budget address, Gov. Scott proposed funding some of his initiatives with $2.5 million in proceeds from the expansion of sports betting, which would require legislative approval. Rice likened the legislative process to the proverbial iceberg, of which only the tip is visible. He acknowledged that the switch to remote legislating doesn’t always result in greater openness. “It does make some of the stuff less visible,” Rice said. “But it also makes the committee hearings more visible to a wide range of people. So it’s a mixed bag in that regard.” m Andrea Suozzo contributed reporting.

PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Dear Environmental Leaders, CO2 Reuse Is Key To Negative Carbon Emissions, Profits and Jobs. In gloom, there is light. The ‘blue wave’ evaporated. Yet, Joe Biden won by a prayer for democracy and climate. Before that, Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act passed with tri-partisan support, despite Gov. Scott’s veto. A climate council has been chaired by the Gov’s administrator to review detailed recommendations, even while Scott prepares a legal challenge. Now what? Now the council will seek to identify faster, more effective methods to a) reduce CO2 emission, b) remove CO2 from air, we may hope, and c) create jobs in a pandemic, we may pray. Indeed, the virus may yet unite us to address climate, racism and unemployment all at once. Black jobs matter in the Green New Deal (GND). Native citizens deserve a new green deal of their own and have a vital role to play in America’s Energy Future. Immigrants need work on the way to full citizenship. Most whites have to start over. We can reopen responsibly and gradually with strict distancing, real science and new CO2 solutions that create jobs. This letter is to echo both a warning and a remedy for climate and economy. The warning is that existing agendas to save climate – renewables, efficiency, carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, sustainable practices – are all well and good, indeed excellent, but will not work fast enough by themselves to prevent a runaway greenhouse effect. Net-zero carbon by 2050 is too slow. We need to be net-negative by 2030 or at least 2035. “Wining slowly is the same as losing.” Bill McKibben has said. So, we need to do more in addition to what Progressives, Democrats and enlightened Republicans, like Gov. Phil Scott, are plotting and planning for climate and jobs at this critical time. New chemistry now makes it profitable to upgrade all central plants that emit CO2 gas into negative carbon, power & storage stations that remove CO2 from air in two stages. At the heart of this approach is a power plant or engine that captures and reuses its own CO2 emission as supplemental fuel. This proven methodology with recent legalization of industrial hemp and refinement of many farm crops, opens the way to an agrarian revolution in energy markets. Farmers, Utilities, Progressives, Democrats and Conservatives can now join hands to capitalize on the profitable reuse of CO2 emission and The Paris Climate Treaty. Ideally reduction and removal should come hand in hand or we are digging a hole in the sky and filling it again. Reduction that incorporates profitable removal of CO2 from the atmosphere is nice work if you can get it. We can decarbonize, Biden says. Here is how. CARBON TRAP: The first stage (4-6 years) will reduce direct CO2 emission from a typical coal, gas or wood plant by at least 90%, not counting up-stream CO2. Dozens of research groups now report a) better ways to capture CO2 and b) new catalysts that convert CO2 with H2O into H2 (for NH3) or methane, methanol or biodiesel in one step. Burning fuel derived from CO2 in the same plant or engine that the CO2 is from insures that 90% of direct CO2 emission is captured, reused, kept out of the air and accounted for. Plant operators can benefit nicely from a) lower fuel cost, b) storage operations and c) subsidies and/or carbon offsets via cap & trade markets as seen in the EU and widely anticipated in China, US and most nations. CO2 can also be reused to make concrete, plastic, carbon fiber and graphene, according to Robert Service at Science, AAAS and many others at MIT, EPFL and Dalian Institute. The second stage (6-10 yrs) will complete the conversion of a typical fossil plant into a negative emission station by gradually replacing fossil fuels (or forest chips) with biofuels, i.e. methanol & biodiesel primarily from farms, because forests need protection. VT farmers and most farmers need new cash crops. Biofuels & H2 can be made from CO2 & H2O or from hemp, pine, poplar, switchgrass, kelp, algae and other farm crops.

As growing plants remove CO2 from air, then biofuel power stations that reuse CO2 for extra fuel will actuate negative emissions, as defined by The Center For Negative Carbon Emissions. If most plants are ‘neutral’ and the rest ‘negative’, then on balance, the whole power/storage system can become ‘net-negative’ within 10 years. Over that time, neutral plants can gradually convert to biofuels to realize negative emissions on an industrial scale. A third stage of adaptation offers alternate transport fuels. Imagine a ‘plug-in’ Prius that runs on NH3 or a biodiesel vehicle that reuses CO2 to make biodiesel for that vehicle. Admittedly, not all biomass is equal with respect to sustainability or CO2. Monoculture palm oil, corn ethanol and forest chips are the worst offenders now. Hemp, pine, poplar and other farm crops can be cultivated sustainably with electrification of farm machinery to cut upstream CO2. VERMONT YANKEE (VY): Optimal plant design should combine PV & batteries with biofuel generation & storage via the switching yard that all plants include. Besides, storage is vital for grid security and to back up rapid growth of intermittent renewables. PV and wind can be added along 3 phase lines. Charging batteries and processing CO2 to make synfuels occurs at night at off-peak kWh prices, i.e. Northfield Reservoir. VT’s wood plants and VY are ideal candidates for repurposing by this approach. On the other hand, farmers can run small, distributed ‘negative’ generators on biofuels they produce while reusing CO2 for extra fuel. Biofuels can supply large and small plants. Yet, most policy makers and journalists have overlooked these obvious solutions, which offer the most profitable way to fix our CO2 crisis with existing technology. Remember, the IPCC and GND say we must ‘reduce’ CO2 emissions and ‘remove’ CO2 from air and, in order to do this, we need massive new energy infrastructure within 10 years. The Sierra Club and most Progressives want to close coal & gas plants and replace them with distributed renewables & storage. They support by varying degrees a carbon tax or price or subsidies. They favor efficiency and terrestrial sequestration, i.e. nurturing forests and sustainable farming with biochar to remove CO2 from air. These measures are all well and good but will not work fast enough to prevent a ‘run-away’ greenhouse effect. The missing ingredient in climate prescriptions from Democrats, Progressives, Green New Dealers and Environmentalists in general is a fast and profitable way to remove CO2 from air – one that can be installed within ten years and then allowed to work for decades to come. Meanwhile, despite closures in some industrialized countries, the total number of fossil plants worldwide is still going up, especially coal plants, including in Japan, China and much of Africa. The majority will persist for well over 20 years. Yet, Sierra’s climate plan still does not prioritize the profitable conversion of fossil plants from massive CO2 emitters into major CO2 removers. So then plants and jobs will close and local economies suffer too? Look what happened in Vernon after VY shut down. Still, the best way to remove CO2 from air is Mother Earth’s - growing living vegetation. Accordingly, farm fuels can gradually replace fossil fuels over 6-10 years if it’s lucrative to do so. In this way, CO2 emission from biofuel, power & storage stations can be continuously reused to make extra fuel for the same furnace or engine that the CO2 is from, thereby removing CO2 from air and justifying and accumulating carbon offsets and/or RECs. So we can power and drive our way to healthy climate and healthy lives if only we follow the science, as Dr. Fauci has said. To sum, Vermont saved the Union at Gettysburg and now can save Union and Climate by setting the right example. Yours, Jim Hurt, Board, Renewable Nations Institute (RNI) Research summary: hurtjim@gmail.com

Disclaimer: These views are not from RNI, which is developing work-study curriculums for Sustainable Energy.

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SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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lifelines

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

OBITUARIES Donald E. Dickson Jr. MARCH 31, 1942JANUARY 16, 2021 BURLINGTON, VT.

Donna Barbara Beach FEBRUARY 19, 1962JANUARY 24, 2021 SOUTH ALBURGH, VT.

Donna Barbara Beach, 58, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2021. She was born February 19, 1962, to Ray and Geneva Beach. Donna had a love of horses and had several in her lifetime. She and her partner of 17 years, Charlie Palmer, had great love for their dog, Brie, who is pictured in the photo. Donna was a great cook, an avid reader and a green thumb who made her yard beautiful. Her dry sense of humor would often come in an unexpected way that would hit your funny bones. Donna had a brutal certain kind of honesty and never sugarcoated anything. She is predeceased by her parents. In passing, Donna is survived by brother Robert Breach of Eden Mills; sister Helen Stygles and husband Dickie of Westford; sister Rose Dembosz and husband Tim of Quincy, Calif.; sister Michelle Manville and husband Art of Lebanon, N.H.; our family matriarch, Aunt Patsey, of Manchester; her partner, Charlie Palmer, of South Alburgh; and nine nieces and nephews. She was cared for at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. She received wonderful care and love from all the staff. A special thank-you to Tom Pequette, a social worker who has a heart of gold. A family memorial service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held at a later date.

Don Dickson passed away on January 16, 2021, at the Ethan Allen Residence in Burlington, Vt. He was born on March 31, 1942, in Lawton, Okla., where his parents, Donald Dickson Sr. and Merlyn Dickson, were living at Fort Sill. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Dickson; his children Amy, David and Jeff Dickson; his grandson Jonah Dickson; and his siblings Peggy Higgenbotham (Nate), Georganne Lohman (Dave) and Tom Dickson. Don grew up in East Lansing, Mich., where he

graduated from high school. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State (1964), he obtained a master’s degree in Southeast Asian studies from Yale University (1966) and a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in political science (1975). Prior to attending MIT, Don served in the U.S. Navy in

Southeast Asia (1967 to 1969). Don and Judy lived in Burlington since 1976, where they raised their family in the “Five Sisters” neighborhood and enjoyed the proximity to downtown Burlington and Calahan Park. An early environmentalist, Don never drove anywhere he could walk or bike. Don and his beloved dog Sadie explored Burlington together. After two years teaching political science at Middlebury College, Don used his skills as a political scientist in a variety of jobs with state government and nonprofit agencies, including the Vermont Legislative Council, the Vermont Department of Health, Housing Vermont and the Vermont Housing

Finance Agency. His interest in affordable housing led him to become a founding board member of the Burlington Community Land Trust, as well as a volunteer with several other organizations supporting affordable housing. Don loved to be outdoors, and he passed his love of the mountains on to his children. His love for hiking in the Green Mountains culminated in his hiking the Long Trail from end to end, often in the company of his children and his friends. He was a member of the Green Mountain Club, a longtime chair of the Vermont chapter of the Sierra Club, and an enthusiastic volunteer for Keeping Track and the Northeast Wilderness Trust. An avid photographer,

Don was often seen behind the lens of a camera. He was a long-standing member of the Burlington Photo Group and always participated in its photo exhibitions. Don enjoyed music of almost any kind and for many years was a member of the Burlington Choral Society. At the Ethan Allen Residence, he was renowned for whistling along to the music. The family thanks the staff of Ethan Allen Residence for the wonderful care they provided and for making sure Don was outside and active. Don’s ashes will be scattered in the mountains this summer. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Green Mountain Club, the Northeast Wilderness Trust and the Ethan Allen Residence.

Edith S. Fitzgerald

AUGUST 20, 1920-JANUARY 12, 2021 SHREWSBURY, N.J. Edith (“Edie”) S. Fitzgerald, 100, passed peacefully on January 12, 2021, at Hackensack Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation in Shrewsbury, N.J. Daughter of the late Karl George Schneider and Emma Doell, Edie was born in Newark, N.J., and relocated to Glen Ridge, N.J., at the age of 6. She was a graduate of Glen Ridge High School’s class of ’38, where she was a cheerleading captain known for being affable, fun-loving and curious for adventure. Edie treasured — and throughout her life shared tales of — her early memories of summers at Green Pond, N.J., with her many cousins. Her love of water is what drew her to the shore. In the early ’50s, she moved to Fair Haven, N.J., and eventually settled in Red Bank, N.J., in the late ’60s. Here she had brief stints in town at the Monmouth Yarn Shop and Town Trimmings (a fabric shop), both formerly on Monmouth Street. Shortly thereafter, she began her career as a dental receptionist at the practice of Dr. Martin Caine Jr. in Red Bank, where she continued to work until nearly 80.

Edie enjoyed cross-stitching, knitting and delving into a novel or the day’s news with a front-row seat in the sun. She loved big-band music, with drummer Gene Krupa and crooner Frank Sinatra as her favorites. She found peace and comfort in the presence of animals and nature. Edie was known in town for her preferred mode of transportation — she walked most everywhere she

needed to be until her early nineties. When she finally gave in to using a walker, her fellow residents nicknamed her “Speedy Edie” because she was always on a fast mission. Edith will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother and aunt with an infectious laugh and an unrelenting zest for life. There was no situation in which Edie couldn’t find some good-natured humor and a reason to be smiling. Edith was predeceased by her sisters Ann Nungesser and Dorothy Taylor and her brother Paul

Schneider. Survivors include her daughter Paula Wolff of Rockville, Md.; granddaughter, Meaghan Wolff of Washington, D.C.; nephew Stephen Schneider of Concord, N.H.; niece Cynthia Schneider of Burlington, Vt.; niece Barbara Lipka of Cedars, Pa.; and her dearest friend, Catherine Roe, of Red Bank, N.J. Donations in her memory can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C., 20090-1891. Services will be private.

Want to memorialize a loved one in Seven Days? Post your remembrance online and in print at sevendaysvt.com/lifelines. Or contact us at lifelines@sevendaysvt.com or 865-1020, ext. 10.

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Wayne Scott Rosberg JULY 27, 1954OCTOBER 28, 2020 JEFFERSONVILLE, VT.

Wayne Scott Rosberg, 66, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer at his home in Jeffersonville, Vt., on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, with his wife by his side. Wayne was born in Attleboro, Mass., on July 27, 1954, the son of Norman and Marcia (Congdon) Rosberg. Wayne was a graduate of Mount Mansfield Union High School, class of 1972. He attended the University of Vermont before starting his career as an engineer in public broadcasting. He worked at Vermont ETV, later Vermont PBS, for 29 years, working through the ranks from master control operator to vice president of engineering. He spearheaded many rebuilding projects while there. In 2001, Wayne started his own firm, Cambridge Communications and Technical Services. He worked with several public broadcast stations to facilitate projects, such as the conversion to digital transmission and relocation of facilities. A large portion of that work was with WCTE in Cookeville, Tenn., and Basin PBS in Odessa, Texas. He offered computer consultation and repair to many customers in the Jeffersonville area who greatly appreciated his help. Wayne married Eva Hodgetts in 1978. They lived in Springfield, Vt., for three years on an estate called Muckross. It was a beautiful location and has now become a state park. At that time, he was the transmitter supervisor on top of Mount Ascutney. When he

finished converting the four transmitters to be remote controlled, he returned to the ETV studio in Colchester. The family, which now included their son Eric, moved to Jeffersonville, where they have resided for the past 40 years. The family grew with the addition of Kristy and Lee and, later, three amazing grandchildren. Wayne enjoyed collecting and restoring antique radios. He worked to keep his various Volvos on the road and had been rebuilding a 1970s Triumph Spitfire. He did many house projects over the years spent in Jeffersonville and was continuing those interests until very recently. Wayne was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2003. He underwent five major surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy treatments. He was very knowledgeable about his diagnosis and the treatments he received. Always the engineer, he was frustrated not to be able to find the fix. He was a great support to others who also had any form of cancer. Wayne leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Eva Rosberg of Jeffersonville, Vt.; two sons: Eric Rosberg of Boca Raton, Fla., and

Lee Rosberg and Lauriana Capone of Middlesex, Vt.; his daughter, Kristy Rosberg, of McKinleyville, Calif.; three grandchildren: Cyrus Whitten of California and Cariah and Lucian Rosberg of Middlesex, Vt.; his parents, Norman and Marcia Rosberg of Jericho, Vt.; three brothers: Keith Rosberg and wife Mary Ellen of Texas, Glenn Rosberg and wife Anne Marie of Massachusetts, and Neil Rosberg and wife Heide of Essex, Vt.; his sister Loreen Hitchcock of Springfield, Vt.; sister-in-law Olga Hebert of Williston, Vt.; brothers-inlaw Ed Hodgetts and wife Kathy of Hancock, Vt., and Dick Hodgetts of Burlington; many nieces and nephews; and his cats: Mommy, Boscoe and Billy. He was predeceased by his sister Denise Rosberg. There are so many health care providers who have helped Wayne over the years. We wish to give special thanks to Dr. Paul Unger, who has been on this ride with Wayne for so many years. Dr. Lawrence McCahill performed groundbreaking surgeries. Dr. Fong of Sloan Kettering took on a delicate reconstruction. Dr. Marroquin also performed surgery. There were countless nurses and counselors who gave special care. In the final two weeks, Lamoille Home Health & Hospice was an invaluable part of Wayne’s care. Wayne’s funeral was held on November 6, 2020, at the family plot in Jefferson Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made to Lamoille Area Cancer Network, P.O. Box 38, Lake Elmore, VT 05657 or to a cancer research foundation of your choice.

IN MEMORIAM In loving memory of Tobias “Toby” Andros Tomasi

BORN FEBRUARY 3, 1973, IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH DIED DECEMBER 28, 1990, IN WILLISTON, VT. Meditation XVII “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main ... Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind...” —John Donne For his family, from Alice Siegriest and Ruth Furman.

sevendaysvt.com/lifelines

FEED back « P.7

and divisive Capitol riot resolution — that the other party’s politicians and many of your readers would have them tarred and feathered — or worse! Despite talk of unity and cooperation in Washington, D.C., Democrats want total victory, down to the ashes. Still a fraction of an idealist, I thought at least our esteemed U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, following the examples of past senators Ralph Flanders and George Aiken, could have led the way to speak up against all violence and hate speech, including in his own party — to speak against the manipulated summer violence by extremists who hijacked a legitimate cause for social justice, along with the unjustified and senseless assault on the U.S. Capitol. Seven Days deserves many accolades, but for a moment those photos, as published, gave the impression that readers should extract some ‘political Capitol’ in their own right and sow more discord. Robert Devost

JERICHO

DRUG DEAL

[Re Off Message: “Burlington Will Put Retail Cannabis Question on March Ballot,” January 20; WTF: “Why Are Medical Cannabis Patients Charged a Fee on Every Purchase?” January 20]: In virtually every culture on Earth that has ever attempted to criminalize a substance, three things happen: 1. The overall purity of that substance goes down; 2. the rate of problematic abuse of that substance goes up; and 3. the governing body uses the laws to persecute certain demographics more than others. I encourage everyone to do their homework in this domain. And yet we still have grown adults, many of them ostensible members of the cannabis community, talking about opt-in with a straight face. I have been studying drugs and drug culture for more than 20 years. I have been through addictions, relapses and legal snafus. I have lost multiple friends to the drug war. And I currently work in the field of addiction recovery. Make no mistake: Vermont’s most recent “legalization” attempt represents a slight amendment to the drug war, not a sincere desire to end it.

EMBRACE ACT 250

[Re “The Governor’s Gambit,” January 27; Off Message: “Senate Committee Votes to Reject Scott’s Act 250 Executive Order,” January 29]: The latest hubbub over Act 250 makes me want to go on a yearlong silent retreat or, alternatively, have access to one of those sensory deprivation chambers in which you are totally in the dark and hear nothing except the beating of your own heart. Act 250 is so regularly — and unjustifiably — used as a scapegoat for Vermont’s problems, I’m surprised it hasn’t been blamed for the unfunded liabilities in the state employees’ pension plan. That, I suppose, is coming. Fact is — and yes, there are facts here — Act 250 was crippled in its toddlerhood by the failure to enact the contemplated statewide land-use plan. Gov. Deane Davis, father of Act 250, wrote in his autobiography “of the indispensability of a Land Use Plan to the successful and efficient enforcement of Act 250.” Well, the plan went down, leaving the law hobbling like a three-legged stallion. Try as you might, you aren’t going to win the Kentucky Derby with one or, as history has proven, create a truly great land-use law. The irony of Gov. Phil Scott’s proposed executive order is that it makes legislators with spongelike spines appear resolute and sclerotic environmental organizations look as if they have recaptured their youth as edgy, aggressive defenders of Vermont’s environment. Pshaw! With Richard III, who exclaimed, “My kingdom for a horse,” I’d gladly give up my kingdom for a legislature that would actually strengthen Act 250 and not merely “modernize” it ... whatever the heck that means. Bruce S. Post

ESSEX

GOOD FOR GRAM

Have been meaning to write in and just thank you for restarting Fair Game and recruiting Dave Gram to head it up. A brilliant choice, and I look forward to his analysis and thoughts each week. In the past, the column has been important and interesting but sometimes drifted off into sniping and less-than-civil discourse. Dave will provoke discussion but do it in a way that meets the challenge of what faces us. Glenn McRae

BURLINGTON

Al Teodosio

NORTH FERRISBURGH

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

arts news

Virtual Verse

Poets flock — sometimes from abroad — to Phoenix Books’ online open mics COURTESY OF BIANCA AMIRA ZANELLA

B Y M ARG A RET G RAYSON • margaret@sevendaysvt.com

free verse. Several readers read work that related to the previous day’s observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. “It has been a revelation to be able to have such a variety of voices from all around the world,” Zanella said in an interview. “It challenges us to listen differently and to get out of our own regular structures.” Zanella, 27, has worked at Phoenix in Rutland since it opened in 2015; she’s now part time. (The local chain also has stores in Burlington and Essex.) The role of “poetin-residence” evolved naturally, she said, as she was always recommending poetry books to coworkers and customers. She called the bookstore “such a lovely environment, and everyone there is so supportive.” Originally from New Hampshire, Zanella moved to Vermont to attend Green Mountain College. She’d been interested in poetry since childhood and discovered free verse and spoken-word poetry in high school. At a workshop with prominent spoken-word poets Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye, she watched the two perform a duet poem, playing off each other’s lines. “I was like, Yes, this is the community spirit that I like. This is what I want to grow into,” Zanella said. “Ever since then, I have [dived] into spoken word and tried to create a community to mimic that same energy I felt that day.” Pre-pandemic, that meant Zanella brought homemade baked goods to the bookstore and moved the shelves in the back so a handful of participants could sit in a circle and read, with no mic or stage lights necessary. Now, she might do a little dance in her seat when a line strikes her, or unmute herself at the end of the reader’s time and utter a millennial “Yaaass.” The word “gorgeous” is a key part of her vocabulary, where others might say, “OK” or “great.” Zanella said she’s intentional about encouraging other poets.

“It’s something that I learned as a student, and I’m someone who is continually trying to learn and educate myself about being that warm and welcoming person,” Zanella said. “[I think,] How have I felt encouraged and supported? I’m trying to create that same atmosphere for the community that I create.” At the most recent reading, the chat box lit up with poets complimenting one another, repeating lines they liked and sharing their contact information. In early 2020, Zanella launched another project aimed at spreading poetry: the Paper Poet. At her day job as an advocate for domestic and sexual violence survivors, she’s learned the healing power of creative expression, she said. As the Paper Poet, she gives workshops and writes poetry to order: “healing poetic experiences for people who are experiencing any type of suffering.” On Valentine’s Day, she’ll host a virtual event in which participants will read letters and love poems and write love letters to their past, present and future selves. Zanella loves that the increasingly virtual nature of the world has allowed her to connect with people in a wide geographic radius. But all that screen time has a downside, too. “In an attempt to maintain balance as we have transitioned to more and more technology overwhelming our lives, I have been trying to also maintain a written practice,” she said. She’s been writing letters and postcards; on the Paper Poet website, people can order a custom, handwritten poem. “It’s been really beautiful to brainstorm and share work with people from different communities and around the world,” Zanella said.

ONE READER SAID SHE’D STAYED UP UNTIL 1 A.M. IN ENGLAND

TO JOIN THE OPEN MIC.

Bianca Amira Zanella

IANCA AMIRA ZANELLA was nothing short of exuberant as she welcomed Zoom participants to Phoenix Books’ monthly poetry open mic in late January. In a warm, roomfilling voice that defied the distorting qualities of video-call audio, she encouraged listeners to unmute themselves and “hoot and holler” for the reading poets. She wrapped up her introduction in classic emcee style: “Are we ready to hear some poetry on this full moon?” As the poet-in-residence at PHOENIX BOOKS RUTLAND, Zanella has been hosting poetry events for the store since 2017. The pandemic, of course, changed the game.

BOOKS

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

But Zanella said the transition to virtual events, which she’s hosted monthly since April 2020, has had surprising upsides. The crowd at the recent reading was one example. Some 20 people shared their writing, joining from Vermont, Connecticut, Colorado and even the United Kingdom. One reader said she’d stayed up until 1 a.m. in England to join the open mic. Two others said they were using these months of virtual gathering as an opportunity to attend readings based in as many states as they could. (Phoenix’s events, like many others, are listed on Eventbrite online, making them easily searchable.) The readings that night included experiments in haiku, another Japanese form called renga and stream-of-consciousness

INFO Phoenix Books Virtual Poetry Open Mic, Thursday, February 25, 7 p.m. Register at phoenixbooks.biz/events and learn more at thepaperpoet.com.

GOT AN ARTS TIP? ARTNEWS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

BOOKS

Writer Alexander Chee Named USA Fellow A notable Vermont writer is among the recipients of a $50,000 cash fellowship from United States Artists, a Chicago organization devoted to supporting working creatives. Its 2021 fellows were announced on Wednesday, February 3. Bradford resident ALEXANDER CHEE is an associate professor of English at Dartmouth College and the author of two novels, Edinburgh and The Queen of the Night, and the essay collection How to Write an Autobiographical Novel. The recipient of a slew of other honors, including a 2003 Whiting Award, he writes stories and essays in which the personal and political are inextricable. In a piece published last June in the New York Times, for instance, Chee reflects on how his experiences as an activist during the AIDS crisis shaped his view of the current pandemic. “This virus is not that virus,” he writes. “But this country is still that country.” Chee is one of 60 artists in 10 creative disciplines who received the USA grant this year; among the other fellows are best-selling author Ocean Vuong, jazz saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan and transmedia artist Stephanie Dinkins. USA is also a founding partner of Artist Relief, which has distributed more than $20 million to artists affected by the pandemic, according to its website. Artists must be nominated before they can apply for the USA grant, as Chee did about a year ago, he said. Reached by phone, he described himself as “just incredibly grateful for this grant opportunity at this time.” The USA grant, he said, “helps writers in a variety of ways

precisely because it is so open” — that is, recipients can use the money in any way they choose. For Chee, that will mean doing “travel that I need for the next project,” he said. He hopes to expand in book form on two other 2020 pieces published in the Times. One examines the legacy of the Japanese occupation in his father’s native Korea. The other is a short story in T Magazine, titled “Did You Die at Home?” Its subject: a North Korean defector who encounters the ghost of the compatriot with whom she had a passionate affair in East Germany just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. To research his fiction, Chee said, he has often needed to take on journalistic assignments on related subjects. The grant will give him more freedom. On the Dartmouth faculty since 2016, Chee said, “I love Vermont,” and he described the area as having “a beautiful kind of community of mind and spirit.” He cited examples: a community shelf in Chelsea where people drop off used skates; a library expanding its hours; a baker — John Mellquist of Vershire’s Trukenbrod Mill & Bakery — asking for volunteers to help thresh his wheat. “There’s just something that I have really appreciated about it,” Chee said. While there are many awards for emerging writers, Chee said he’s grateful that the USA fellowship “is open to the mid-career author, and it highlights the importance of that work.” The grant, he said, “allows you to look past your immediate project and think holistically about your career. I’m looking forward to seeing what I’ll do with it.”

Winterfest has been reimagined... JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 26 Presenting

The Wanderlust Challenge HOW IT WORKS... 1. Complete activities on the Winterfest Wanderlust website page. 2. By Friday of each week, upload completed activities with photo documentation to the Wanderlust page. 3. Prizes awarded each week. Grand prizes awarded on Town Meeting Day (March 2nd) 4. HAVE FUN!!! To learn more, visit: waterburywinterfest.com/wanderlust

4T-WtbyWinterfest012721.indd 1

1/26/21 4:55 PM

SPRING EXHIBITIONS FEBRUARY 12 – MAY 15, 2021

M A R G O T HA R R I S O N margot@sevendaysvt.com

INFO

Learn more at alexanderchee.net and unitedstatesartists.org. COURTESY OF ROBERT GILL

Dream of a Painting, 2017-18

GALLE RY H OURS WED-S AT: 12-5 PM 2021 EXHIBITION YEAR PRESENTED BY

Alexander Chee

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Cosmology IV, n.d.

BUR LI NG TONC I TY AR TS .OR G

Burlington City Arts is supported in part by the New England Foundation for the Arts through the New England Arts Resilience Fund, part of the United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund, an initiative of the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with major funding from the federal CARES Act from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

2/1/21 2:57 PM

arts news

Staging Areas

Local theater groups get creative in the virtual format with monologues of the future and more B Y PA M EL A POL ST O N • pamela@sevendaysvt.com

COURTESY OF MELISSA LOURIE

mong many other losses, the pandemic resulted in darkened stages and empty theater seats. But that, of course, is not the whole story: Thespians, like other performing artists, have found ways to keep on acting out. Even in the dead of winter, we have much theater news to report. So let the virtual curtain rise…

Middlebury Acting Company Flash Forward: Voices From the Future, streaming Saturday, February 6, 7 p.m. Free. middleburyactors.org, townhalltheater.org

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Actors in Flash Forward: Voices From the Future (left to right) top: Ronni Lopez, Ro Boddie, Susan Palmer; center: John Nagle, Haley Rice, Gary Smith; bottom: Mary Adams-Smith, Grace Experience

“And not too dark. I didn’t want to bum people out.” A YouTube link for Flash Forward will be available on the MACo and TOWN HALL THEATER websites.

THEATER

Vermont Pride Theater Raggedy And, Zoom reading on Saturday, February 6, 7:30 p.m. $9.99. chandler-arts.org

An outreach program of Randolph’s CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS , VERMONT PRIDE THEATER is also looking to the future — and coming to an end. That is, this week’s virtual staged reading of David Valdes’ Raggedy And is the group’s final production after a 10-year run. And a highly successful decade it has been. The nonprofit’s leadership initially had some trepidation about focusing on LGBTQ issues, board member SHARON RIVES acknowledged, but “it really has turned out to be a very positive thing.” People have stopped her on the street, she said, to tell her that, before Vermont Pride Theater, they couldn’t even talk about a relative

Standing in This Place: Growing Up LGBTQ in Vermont, Vermont Pride Theater, summer 2019

COURTESY OF RAMSEY PAPP

In addition to its monthly interactive play reading/discussion series, the American Dream Project, MIDDLEBURY ACTING COMPANY introduces something new this week. For its filmed anthology Flash Forward: Voices From the Future, the company called on authors as well as actors, directors and a musician. MACo’s artistic director, MELISSA LOURIE , invited eight Vermont writers to contribute a five-minute monologue, set between 2030 and 2050. Then, she said, “Mostly I decided who would be a good actor and director” for each piece. Naturally, a writer’s gonna write, so Lourie allowed that “we had to cut the heck out of ” some of the monologues to fit the five-minute format. Middlebury College senior FAYZA SHAMMIN shot each monologue; music professor and composer PETER HAMLIN scored them and wove them together. In the end, Lourie said, “I think the directors did a great job of making [the monologues] suitable for a visual medium.” A few samples: In “Audition,” written by MARIANNE DIMASCIO, an actress (SUSAN PALMER) has her first audition for a live performance after 11 years of pandemic. KATHRYN BLUME directed. CHRIS BOHJALIAN wrote “One Day Pin,” about a young woman confessing her reasons for returning to AA meetings. His daughter, GRACE EXPERIENCE, performed it; KATE REDWAY directed. In ROBERT COHEN’s “The Trials of Jared K.,” the former president’s son-in-law pleads for his life “before a Kafka-esque court he cannot see.” JOHN NAGLE played Jared Kushner; JENA NECRASON directed. “It’s a stroke of luck that they’re all so different,” Lourie said of the monologues.

GOT AN ARTS TIP? ARTNEWS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

NVU students’ The Monument chosen for Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival ISAAC LITTLEJOHN EDDY was part of the world-

renowned Blue Man Group for 12 years, but on the Johnson campus of Northern Vermont University, he’s got another claim to fame. Eddy developed the school’s brandnew performance, arts and technology major, which offers au courant training not only in theater, music and dance but also in immersive design, social justice and activism. Now, in another first for NVU, Eddy has steered a batch of students to the college-theater regionals.

2021 JAGFEST playwrights, clockwise from top left: Loy A. Webb, Jeremy O'Brian, Raven Cassell, Azure D. Osborne-Lee, Gethsemane Herron and Shemika Wardlaw-Brown

COURTESY OF ISAAC EDDY

Going Regional

COURTESY OF JAGFEST

who happened to be gay. “We have learned that theater is a powerful tool for changing minds and hearts, especially when there are talkback opportunities after each production,” Rives said. 2019’s production of Standing in This Place: Growing Up LGBTQ in Rural Vermont, by MAURA CAMPBELL, “hit the bull’s eye,” BENNETT LAW said. He’s the cofounder of the Gay & Lesbian Fund of Vermont and a member of the Chandler’s Vermont Pride Theater committee. “While LGBTQ issues are still important, other matters are also — Black Lives Matter, the immigrant experience in Vermont, what it’s like to be Black in Vermont,” he said. Law and Rives concur that the Chandler will be broadening its mission “to several foci needing attention in Vermont today,” as Rives put it. Meantime, the play Raggedy And — concerning a transgender poet invited to read at a presidential inauguration — has its own timely resonance. Vermont Pride Theater chose it before Amanda Gorman became an immediate sensation for reading her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. The four-person play was written before the 2016 election, which Valdes expected would have a different outcome; he has since updated the work, Montpelier-based director JOANNE GREENBERG said. In fact, she revealed, she and Valdes were messaging each other during the inauguration. “So,” Greenberg said, “he was updating [the play] as late as January 20, 2021.” Greenberg also directed Vermont Pride Theater’s production of Raggedy And four years ago. “The thing I loved about this play, before and now, is the clash of viewpoints all four characters have — it’s engaging and very funny,” she said. “And Valdes is really evenhanded about presenting those conflicts.” Now, that’s a timely message. A talkback will follow the premiere on February 6; the production will be available on demand through February 13.

IN BRIEF LOST NATION THEATER presents a hybrid livestreamed-onstage production of the Jeanne Beckwith comedy Love Letters Made Easy on Friday, February 12, 7 p.m. It’s available on demand through Sunday, February 14 — just the thing for Valentine’s Day on the couch. Flying solo? Viewers can mingle, virtually, with performers after the show. Free, but donations are welcome. Preregister at lostnationtheater.org.

The fifth annual JAGFEST, a festival of new works by Black artists that is normally held in White River Junction, this year presents a selection of radio plays about love. The prerecorded show will be available for streaming on Friday, February 19. Tickets and details at jagproductionsvt.com. LYRIC THEATRE is seeking ideas for new performances and events in 2021, including potential collaborations with other arts organizations. Send suggestions to production selection chair JANE HARISSIS at vitsivan@aol.com.

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival typically attracts some 18,000 students from campuses across the country. This year, like everything else in the world, the festival’s performances and workshops were virtual. On Sunday, January 31, the NVU students were one of only

Stills from NVU-Johnson's The Monument

three groups to present their show live. Well, sort of. The students’ play, The Monument, simulates a Zoom selectboard meeting in a fictional Vermont burg. It parodies the usual awkward tech issues, participants talking over one another, etc. One of the agenda items concerns a women’s suffrage celebration (grounded in actual history) and a proposal to replace the local statue of a former Vermont governor who opposed women’s right to vote. Hilarity — as well as mansplaining, small-town politics, feminist ardor and even some psychedelia — ensues. The students developed their metameeting piece in a lab course under Eddy’s tutelage. At the theater conference, instead of watching a prerecorded version of The Monument, the audience actually

“attended” the faux selectboard meetingcum-play. “We invited the conference to get on the Zoom call with us,” Eddy said. The platform’s polling feature allowed the audience to vote on the fate of the monument. In the college theater festival’s Region 1, which is composed of northeastern states, NVU was up against some much larger schools, Eddy noted; yet it was one of only 10 selected to perform. Though the Vermont crew didn’t make it to the national competition, they got “a great response session,” Eddy reported. “It was a great show! “The whole Kennedy Center program is set up to nurture the theater makers of the future,” he wrote in an email. “To have our show be a part of this is just exciting.” An edited version of The Monument can be viewed on YouTube. m SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT BY KEN PICARD

Why Is the Old Pizza Hut in South Burlington Still Empty? The South Burlington Pizza Hut enjoyed a decades-long run as an affordable, 100-seat eatery, from its grand opening in 1977 until the last pizza went cold in 2011. So why isn’t anything new cooking under the signature red roof? In a word, COVID-19. Jeff Nick, president of J.L. Davis Realty in Burlington, represents the current property owner, who also owns the adjacent Shell gas station to the north and an abutting lot to the east. According to Nick, a number of redevelopment plans have been kicking around for that site over the years, though none has yet come to fruition. “We’ve fielded a lot of interest from different retailers and restaurants [about being] there,” he said. “We’re trying to figure out the best combination of uses … because it’s such a prime location.” According to Nick, the current owner isn’t looking to sell the property but to redevelop it, either by rehabbing the existing building or tearing it down and erecting a new one. He noted that they’re currently working with an architect and contractor to figure out what would work best on the site. One possibility, Nick suggested, is that two lots may be combined to house a new convenience store and gas station. As for the building’s current, um, crackhouse aesthetic, Nick called the proliferation of graffiti “unfortunate. “The owner tried to maintain it, but [the graffiti] just kept coming back,” he continued. “Finally, it became such an expensive proposition to keep the graffiti off of it.” Redevelopment plans were in the works prior to the pandemic, Nick added, but market uncertainties last year effectively put the brakes on any new projects. However, now that there appears to be a light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, he said, “I think businesspeople are more comfortable making decisions.” Nick pointed to the recent uptick in leasing activity on Church Street — including a new Chase Bank branch that’s moving into the former GAP store at the north end of the block — as signs that Chittenden County’s commercial real estate market is starting to heat up again. As for when South Burlington might see a new occupant of the old Hut, Nick estimated that redevelopment plans should be submitted to city planners “in the next six months.” Meanwhile, if anyone is hankering for Pizza Hut, there are still five in the Green Mountain State: in Bennington, Berlin, Rutland, St. Albans and St. Johnsbury. That is, unless Vermont’s retail cannabis dispensaries move in. m

The former Pizza Hut in South Burlington

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

PHOTOS: KEN PICARD

f there’s a vacant building in Chittenden County tagged with more graffiti than the former Pizza Hut at 764 Shelburne Road in South Burlington, we have yet to discover it. Following the restaurant’s demise about a decade ago, the New England Federal Credit Union used the building as a temporary branch until its new building was completed in August 2019. Since then, the 2,475-square-foot building has sat empty, becoming a de facto canvas for local taggers. Its long-term dormancy puzzled one Seven Days reader, who wrote in recently to ask why no new business has occupied the old Pizza Hut, given the site’s accessibility to interstates 89 and 189 and its prominence in a high-traffic commercial district. The fact that people still refer to it as “the old Pizza Hut,” when the last meat lover’s special went out the door during Barack Obama’s first presidential term, is a testament to the national chain’s architectural notoriety. You can cover the iconic red roof with spray paint and replace the dining room booths with an ATM and teller windows, but for many people it will forever remain a Pizza Hut. That’s the subject of Reddit’s “former Pizza Huts” page. The site features dozens of images of other ex-Huts that have been repurposed as new businesses, including

Chinese and Mexican restaurants, nightclubs, and even COVID-19 rapid-testing sites. One, in East Rockaway, N.Y., became a Laundromat; another, in Columbus, Ga., turned into a payday loan and pawn shop; a third, in Brattleboro, took on a second life as an urgent care facility. Get me 30 ccs of ranch dipping sauce, stat! And those aren’t even the most unusual reuses. Green Alien Cannabis in Bangor, Maine, and the Bud Hut in Walsenburg, Colo., are both former Pizza Huts that were rerolled as marijuana dispensaries. Such repurposing seems either apropos or cruel, depending on whether customers walk in with the munchies. Another former Hut, in Boynton Beach, Fla., was resurrected as the Church of Our Savior. And one in Montgomery, Ala., morphed into a children’s daycare center. At the other end of the life cycle, there’s an ex-Hut in Sydney, Australia, that now houses a funeral home.

INFO Got a Vermont mystery that has you flummoxed? Ask us! wtf@sevendaysvt.com.

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BEAR CIERI

Max Tracy

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

he thermometer read 28 degrees as Max Tracy stripped off a fourth layer of clothing and hobbled barefoot toward the frigid waters of Lake Champlain. The 34-year-old Burlington City Council president had trekked to Oakledge Park on January 7 to mark a milestone in his quest to become the Queen City’s next mayor. Supporters had surpassed Tracy’s goal of raising $25,000 by New Year’s Eve, and now they tuned in remotely to watch their candidate keep his promise to jump in the lake if he hit that target. “Little chilly,” Tracy said with a boyish giggle as he removed his undershirt and khaki pants, revealing swim trunks. He dove into the icy water and emerged a second later, red-faced and laughing. “That was fun!” he said to the camera, and proceeded to thank his donors, in no apparent rush to towel off. The virtual crowd ate it up. “The only way Miro could beat this is to go in naked!” one Tracy supporter commented on Facebook. “This is the energy we need right now,” wrote another. Tracy’s polar plunge was perhaps a silly stunt, but it also served as an apt metaphor for the hard-line Progressive’s promise if he is elected in March: to send a shock through the system. In his bid for the city’s top job, Tracy has offered a vision for Burlington in stark contrast to the one championed by Mayor Miro Weinberger, the three-term incumbent. Though Weinberger would be considered a liberal Democrat in most settings, in increasingly progressive Burlington, he is seen as a centrist who touts his fiscal management and emphasizes incremental reform. Tracy, on the other hand, promises to fight for sweeping new policies, including rent stabilization, a luxury real estate transfer tax and community control of the police. A professional union organizer who rents an apartment in Burlington’s Old North End, Tracy says city residents want radical change after nearly nine years of “Status Quo Miro.” There’s some evidence to support his claim. Since 2019, Progressives have booted four moderates from the city council, shifting the balance of the governing body further and further left. Activists have marched to Democratic politicians’ homes several times to demand support for Progressive-led calls for racial and economic justice. And scandals involving the Burlington Police Department have chipped away at Weinberger’s incumbent advantage. “I think Miro has completely lost touch with what is needed now for the city and for people to thrive and be heard,” said Llu Mulvaney-Stanak, a New North End

-IMUM EFFORT

Can Max Tracy ride the city’s Progressive wave to become Burlington’s next mayor? BY C O UR TNE Y L AMD IN • courtney@sevendaysvt.com

RIDING THE PROGRESSIVE WAVE

COURTNEY LAMDIN

Max Tracy at Oakledge Park in Burlington

We have a very different vision than the current administration. M A X TR A CY

resident working on Tracy’s campaign. “He’s had so many opportunities to do that, and I feel like, at this point, he just doesn’t have it in him.” But the Progs’ ascent has also stoked fears among other residents that if Tracy takes city hall, there will be no stopping the Progressive agenda. Weinberger himself has warned that electing a Progressive could weaken the city’s financial standing

as the local economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. “We [don’t] need a radical change in leadership at the top, especially in these times,” said Peter Bahrenburg, a New North Ender and Weinberger supporter. “Miro’s done a good job guiding us the last several months, and we’re certainly in better shape than when he took over.” Meanwhile, five additional candidates, including City Councilor Ali Dieng (I-Ward 7), are also in the running, creating the very real possibility that they could split the opposition and hand Weinberger a fourth term. Tracy has just a month to convince voters that Weinberger’s steady-as-shegoes approach can’t answer the calls for change that have propelled Tracy and his party to power on the city council. His success depends on whether voters see him as a leader — or as an activist gone off the deep end.

As a youth raised on evangelical Christianity in a Chicago suburb, Tracy was never exposed to social movements. He had to seek them out. His “awakening” came when he was 16 years old in 2003 and attended a protest against the Iraq War with a friend. He later joined his high school’s debate team and the Gay-Straight Alliance’s executive board. When right-wing students held an anti-gay demonstration one year, Tracy donned a rainbow cape and spent the day challenging his classmates’ bigoted views. Tracy’s activism blossomed when he was a student at the University of Vermont; he joined hunger strikes, naked marches and sit-ins to advocate for a livable wage for UVM staff. Later, as an employee in UVM’s international admissions office, Tracy started a union drive that did not succeed. He was elected to the city council in 2012, the same year Weinberger became mayor. At the time, only two other Progressives sat on the 14-member council. (After a realignment, the body now has 12 members.) Tracy soon earned a reputation as a councilor passionate about his principles. A climate activist, Tracy doesn’t own a car and arrived at pre-pandemic council meetings with a bike helmet in hand. Even before this campaign, Tracy often took direct aim at Weinberger during council debates, his face reddening with every pointed critique. Tracy has also opposed many of the proposals favored by Weinberger and the Democrats. He was one of four councilors to vote against basing Vermont Air National Guard F-35 fighter jets at the Burlington International Airport. Asked about the F-35s in an interview last month, Tracy began, “I would look for every opportunity to get rid of the” jets, then stopped himself and said instead that he would like to see “a different mission for the Guard.” He is also the only councilor

to have consistently voted against the CityPlace Burlington downtown redevelopment project, which started — and stalled — on Weinberger’s watch. Progressives could do little to challenge the mayor’s agenda until recent elections shifted the council’s balance of power. In 2019, political newcomer Perri Freeman won the Central District seat by outpolling incumbent Jane Knodell, a longtime Progressive who some felt had too closely aligned with Weinberger. Fellow young Prog Jack Hanson ousted an incumbent in the East District the same year. The party took two more seats last March, bringing their numbers to six, the most ever during Weinberger’s tenure. Photos of Tracy at the Progs’ party that election night — hands raised above his head in a jugular-bulging, joyous scream — captured the moment he realized his party could compete citywide. “We were in a place where that was not only possible but necessary,” Tracy said. “We have a very different vision than the current administration and want to take the city in a different direction.” Since then, the council has passed what could be billed as the greatest hits of Progressive Party policy. Progressives successfully put measures on the Town Meeting Day ballot to ban no-cause evictions, reinstate ranked-choice voting, and regulate home and commercial heating systems. The ambitious platform, with Tracy at the helm, has induced Weinberger to pull out his veto pen twice in six months. He’d never used it during his previous eight years in office. While Tracy’s demeanor has mellowed as council president, his management of the meetings’ public forums has come under fire. During recent debates on police reform, Tracy gave people of color the top slots in time-limited forums, prompting the police union to complain that he was silencing opposing viewpoints. Tracy stopped the practice in recent weeks after hearing from the city attorney, but he still touts his approach on his campaign website as a hallmark of his progressive record. MAX-IMUM EFFORT SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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FILE: LUKE AWTRY

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A TRACY ADMINISTRATION

Colchester resident Norman Burnett can’t vote for Burlington’s next mayor, but he sure has an opinion about the race. Burnett has owned rental properties in Burlington for 20 years and says he’s tired of politicians who want to ban certain 30

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Max Tracy celebrating at a Progressive election night party in March 2020

I think Miro has completely lost touch with what is needed now for the city and for people to thrive and be heard. LLU MU LVANE Y- S TANAK

types of evictions — or worse, dictate how much he can raise his rent each year. So when he learned that Tracy — a champion of these and other tenantfriendly policies — was running for mayor, Burnett erected massive plywood signs outside his buildings. “Vote No to Max Tracy,” one on Intervale Avenue reads. “No New Taxes.” The rest of the street is dotted with pro-Tracy signs, as are many other streets in the Progressives’ Old North End stronghold. Down the street from Burnett’s building, MacKenzie Murdoch fashioned a sign out of an old bedsheet: “Max for Mayor,” it reads, alongside two spray-painted hearts. “I live with all young, progressive people, and we all are really excited to see someone who aligns with our values,” Murdoch said, pointing to Tracy’s support for tenants’ rights and racial justice. “Just knowing that there’s someone in an

elected position who stands with my same morals … always feels good.” Tracy said his primary goal if he is elected will be to lift up the marginalized communities he says Weinberger has left behind. A Mayor Tracy would introduce a “participatory budgeting” process in which voters would decide whether to fund neighborhood projects proposed directly by residents. He’d consider assigning more staff to help businesses recover from the coronavirus. And, to Burnett’s point, he would advocate for a new tax to fund affordable housing projects. Housing policy looms large on Tracy’s agenda. He would propose limiting rent increases to a certain percentage each year so costs don’t outpace wage growth. Already, nearly 60 percent of Burlington renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent — and more than half the households in the city are renters.

“This would certainly be a tough fight, but I think it’s crucial that we get housing costs under control,” Tracy said. Tracy would pair his rent stabilization plan with a mandate for landlords to weatherize rentals, such as by installing energy-efficient windows. (In an interview, Weinberger deftly noted that he proposed this exact plan at his housing summit, a daylong event in 2019 that focused on various housing challenges.) Tracy says tenants shouldn’t have to bear the high cost of heating drafty apartments. “Absent requiring it, it’s not going to happen,” he said. Unsurprisingly, Tracy hasn’t won over many landlords. James Unsworth, whose family business operates 17 rental units in Burlington, said Tracy’s housing reforms would burden landlords who operate on smaller margins than the likes of big outfits such as Redstone,

Read more about independent mayoral candidate

ALI DIENG next week.

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Democrats, including Weinberger, have labeled today’s Progressive Party “extreme,” “dogmatic” and “dangerous.” The new wave has also alienated longtime members of the party. Tiki Archambeau, a former chair of the Burlington Progressive Party, is running against incumbent Councilor Freeman in the Central District because he thinks today’s Progs have gone too far left. Archambeau hasn’t endorsed a mayoral candidate, but former councilor Knodell is backing Weinberger, and so is Peter Clavelle, the city’s longest-tenured mayor. Former mayoral hopefuls Steve Goodkind and Carina Driscoll — who ran as an independent in 2018 with the Progressive endorsement — said they will vote for Dieng. Knodell and Driscoll said Tracy and his ilk are impulsive and pass measures without considering their implications, such as the vote last June to cut the city police roster by 30 percent. As a result, Weinberger says, the department is facing a staffing crisis. Driscoll, herself a former chair of the Burlington Progressive Party and the stepdaughter of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), is supporting Dieng because she says he’s the only inclusive leader in the race. Living in the New North End, known to be a more conservative city neighborhood, has taught Dieng to balance all sides of an issue, she said. That’s in sharp contrast with Tracy, Driscoll said, adding that his brand of politics “has a hold on the Progressive Party, but it is not the entire progressive vision.” State Rep. Selene Colburn (P-Burlington), who once served on the city council with Tracy, sees a different political landscape. She cites the Progressives’ capture of four seats in contested races over two years as evidence of growing support for the party’s policies. And she challenged the notion that the Progressives’ agenda is so radical it cannot attract support from other parties. The Progs hold only six council seats, so at least one Democrat or independent has to vote alongside them to pass a resolution — and they often do. Decisions aren’t made in “some Progressive vacuum,” Colburn said. “They’re happening with collaboration.”

Bissonette Properties and Handy’s Property Rentals. He also disagrees with Tracy’s position on evictions. The candidate supports an initiative that, if approved by voters in March and later by the legislature, would prevent landlords from evicting residential tenants without a reason. Tracy would also propose banning evictions for commercial tenants during the pandemic. “I feel like sometimes these Progressives come at this in this adversarial kind of light — landlord bad, tenant good, end of story — and it’s just not the case,” Unsworth said. “We are here to work with renters and get through this together as a community.” Fellow landlord Patrick Johnson, however, thinks Tracy’s proposals are reasonable. The Ward 2 resident rents out four units, including his owner-occupied duplex just down the street from Tracy. He noted that three of six Progressive councilors are also renters. “Finally, that portion of the population of Burlington has a voice, and I don’t think they’ve been radical,” Johnson said of council Progs. “They’re just saying the neoliberal agenda has failed, again. The mayor likes to talk a good talk, but the rent still goes up.” Weinberger disputes this claim, saying that his efforts to boost the city’s housing stock keep annual rent increases down. Indeed, the city’s rental vacancy rate has more than doubled since Weinberger took office — from a dismal average of 0.7 percent between 2006 and 2011 to an average of 1.5 percent between 2012 and 2018 — but there’s no city-level data showing the effect on rental costs. Instead, Weinberger points to anecdotal evidence from landlords and to a 2018 county-level market study, which showed that annual rent inflation decreased from 2.9 percent to 1.7 percent between 2014 and 2019. Further, Weinberger says rent control is a failed policy. He pointed to a 2019 study that concluded San Francisco renters were less likely to move if their rent was controlled, and, over time, developers built fewer rent-controlled units. The supply decreased, and the market rates increased — defeating the purpose of rent control altogether. Tracy also has strong views on police reform, and he voted last June to reduce the size of Burlington’s force. He also supported a Progressive-led effort to create a citizen board to investigate and discipline cops for misconduct. Weinberger opposed “defunding the police” and blames Progs for the department’s swiftly dwindling roster. Eleven officers have left since last summer, endangering the city’s overnight police

coverage. Last week, Weinberger slammed councilors for delaying a vote on his plan to increase the maximum force size by 10 officers. And last month, he vetoed the control board proposal. Both initiatives had wide support from racial justice activists, who called into council meetings by the hundreds to demand accountability after several cases of alleged excessive use of force came to light in 2019. Last summer, demonstrators twice protested at Weinberger’s home, once causing his wife and young daughters to flee in fear. Driscoll, the former mayoral contender, said Tracy never condemned those acts. “Unless you are denouncing that movement, you’re a part of that movement,” she said. “There is no place in the mayor’s office for someone who aligned themselves with that.” Two former councilors from the New North End share Driscoll’s concerns. Republican Kurt Wright said Tracy is “anti-police” and would drive cops out “at a faster rate than ever.” Democrat Dave Hartnett lamented Tracy’s support for the Battery Park movement, last summer’s monthlong protest and park occupation that featured nightly demonstrations on Church Street. “It almost feels like this new wing of the Progressive Party wants our police department to fail,” Hartnett said. “I think [Tracy] leads the charge, actually, when it comes to this issue. This is the one thing that really scares me about Max.” For his part, Tracy says he’s not a police abolitionist. Rather, he said he would move to replace some armed police with professionals who can help people experiencing homelessness, drug use and mental health issues — crises that Tracy says cops aren’t trained to handle. He also remains concerned that Burlington police use force against Black residents at a disproportionate rate. Department data show that Black people represented 28 percent of use-of-force cases during the first 10 months of 2020, despite comprising just 6 percent of the city’s population. That rate is the highest recorded since Weinberger took office. “Our current system is not working for everyone,” Tracy said.

INCUMBENT ADVANTAGE

One of Tracy’s challenges in the mayor’s race is to overcome Weinberger’s reputation as a careful steward of the city’s finances and a steady leader during the coronavirus pandemic. When Weinberger became mayor in 2012, he had a mess to clean up. His MAX-IMUM EFFORT

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MAX-IMUM EFFORT « P.31 Progressive predecessor, Bob Kiss, had diverted $17 million in city funds to rescue the failing Burlington Telecom, tanking the city’s credit rating to junk bond status. Weinberger has since revived the city’s credit, saving millions of dollars in interest on borrowed money. Weinberger has touted his financial prowess in every election since. His supporters say the city needs those skills now more than ever to recover from the pandemic. “If we stumble coming out of the gate after this thing is behind us, it’s gonna be difficult to overcome,” former councilor Hartnett said. “I just think [Miro] has extraordinary leadership skills when it comes to those issues.” For a politician more comfortable offcamera than on, Weinberger has devoted a considerable amount of virtual face time to the virus. In the early days, he held thrice-weekly Zoom press conferences with expert guests, talk-show style. He was also nimble in reassigning city workers to distribute cloth face masks, help residents find COVID-19 testing sites and more. Mark Bouchett, co-owner of Homeport on Church Street, said Weinberger’s pandemic leadership has kept his and other businesses afloat. The city temporarily stopped collecting taxes on restaurants’ gross receipts and didn’t charge fees to businesses on the Church Street Marketplace. Last summer, the city closed off several downtown streets to vehicles on weekends so merchants could safely sell products outdoors. “The mayor and his staff went out of their way,” Bouchett said. Weinberger says nine years running a 600-employee workforce and managing a $200 million budget prepared him well for handling the pandemic. He said his experience will be vital in competing for the coronavirus relief funds proposed by the Biden administration. “Is this the moment for on-the-job training?” Weinberger posited. “The experience of the mayor in responding to crises matters.” The city’s firefighter union endorsed Weinberger last month, citing his strong fiscal management and leadership during the pandemic. The unions that represent police officers and most other city workers had yet to endorse a candidate. Weinberger said he worries about handing the reins to Tracy during the downturn. For one thing, he says Tracy hasn’t consistently supported the Burlington International Airport, which Weinberger calls a crucial driver of the city’s economy. 32

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Mayor Miro Weinberger

In October 2019, Tracy voted against a plan to expand the airport apron, which promised to bring in more flights and revenue. Last month, Tracy voted to accept a federal grant for airport improvements but said he’s generally opposed to expanding the travel hub. Progressives have previously raised concerns about air travel’s impact on the climate crisis.

transfers, could dissuade both entrepreneurs and residents from settling in Burlington, she said, which would strain the tax base and threaten city services. Taxes are Jeff Comstock’s primary concern. Though he’s no Weinberger fan, Comstock, a 40-year resident of the New North End, is voting for the incumbent. He called it a defensive move against

We [don’t] need a radical change in leadership at the top, especially in these times. PETER BA H R E NBUR G

Tracy told Seven Days he wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the airport but would not support shutting it down. At this, Weinberger scoffed. “If you stop taking federal money and object to these capital investments … that’s gonna have a material impact” on the airport’s future, he said. Former councilor Knodell, an economics professor at UVM, said some of Tracy’s policies could also hurt small businesses. Reducing police coverage and creating income-based taxes, such as on real estate

Tracy, whose “socialist welfare state” agenda is akin to that of Sen. Sanders — a comparison that would make Tracy blush but one that Comstock did not intend as a compliment. Comstock said he fears taxpayers would bear the brunt of Tracy’s social programs, which include paying the city’s seasonal employees a livable wage and securing hazard pay for all frontline workers in Burlington. Comstock said Tracy seemingly has no plan to boost the city’s grand list, which would create

tax revenues to offset the cost of these programs. “He talks about housing support and jobs support and wage support … without actually focusing on economic development,” Comstock said. “To me, the order in which [he approaches] those priorities is backwards.” Tracy doesn’t deny his belief that people with greater means should pay a larger share. He also dismissed the notion that he’s unprepared to lead the city. He’s helped design budgets both as a councilor and a UVM employee, he said, and has negotiated contracts for labor unions. Tracy supporter Mulvaney-Stanak said the Prog candidate would build a strong administration to guide him, just as Weinberger did. Tracy also has nine years of council experience to draw on, whereas Weinberger had never held elected office before his 2012 mayoral victory, Mulvaney-Stanak added. Others say Weinberger’s own record could be a liability. Henry Street residents Michael and Caryn Long supported Weinberger’s first mayoral bid but became disenchanted with the candidate who had once promised a “fresh start.” They were disappointed with Weinberger’s stance on selling publicly owned Burlington Telecom and said he mishandled the scandal that took down two police chiefs who had created anonymous social media accounts. The Longs

say Weinberger cozies up to developers instead of serving the people. Their evidence: In 2016, Weinberger created a political action committee to influence a public vote on a controversial zoning change that would allow the CityPlace developers to build up to 14 stories high. The Longs said Weinberger dismissed the many Burlingtonians who thought the towers would be too tall. The couple was part of a group that sued the city after the ballot item passed. Ironically, three years later, the developers scaled back their design. It was too expensive to build. “I feel like the mall just totally divided us,” Caryn Long said, adding, “Miro, who’s supposed to be a developer, let this happen to our city.”

parties, Tracy has hosted online listening sessions with business owners and residents. Every mayoral debate is virtual, and dropping off campaign literature is a much less personal affair. Many residents will avail themselves of the mail-in ballots the city will provide to every registered, active voter. An atypical campaign aside, Tracy knows that defeating an incumbent is a tall order. He’s banking on the notion that Burlingtonians want change. “Even more centrist people are tired of what they’ve seen from Miro in the last several years,” Tracy asserted to Seven Days shortly after his campaign launch. “I think that voters are looking for a clean break,” he said then. “I feel comfort-

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The group’s lawsuit has since been settled, but another — this one filed by the city against the developers — is pending, further delaying construction. What’s left of the site, known derisively as “the pit,” has stained Weinberger’s legacy, the Longs said. “I wouldn’t think anybody would vote for him,” Caryn Long said, “but I know they will, because they have short memories on how bad things have been.”

A PATH TO VICTORY

With just four weeks until the election, Tracy would typically be upping his ground game about now. He’d be packing his Surly bicycle with lawn signs and flyers and hitting the city streets to drum up votes. In each of his other campaigns, meeting people has been his favorite part, he said. But the pandemic has forced him to campaign differently. Instead of house

able and confident that we’d be a very different administration.” That’s exactly why Tracy’s detractors believe he’ll lose. Former council president Wright said Progressives should have nominated Councilor Brian Pine (P-Ward 3), not Tracy, if they wanted to win the mayorship. Pine, who has 30 years of public service under his belt, is more moderate than Tracy and could have peeled off more votes from Weinberger, Wright said. The only problem? Tracy handily defeated Pine at December’s Progressive caucus, which saw record turnout. Wright attributed Tracy’s win to “hard-core” Progressives. “Those are the types of people that come out at a caucus,” Wright said. “If you go out to the broader electorate, people feel differently.” MAX-IMUM EFFORT

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MAX-IMUM EFFORT «P.33 Ward 5 resident Mickey Cruz fits that bill. He’s lived in Burlington for most of his 49 years and was a big Clavelle fan, but he says the party has changed. Taken individually, Progs’ decisions to cut the police force, vote against airport improvements and, in Councilor Freeman’s case, protest at the mayor’s home, don’t seem outlandish, Cruz said, “but when you put it all together, it makes you realize they have become radicalized.” He expects Tracy will suffer at the polls for it. “This isn’t the party of 10 years ago,” added Cruz, who is voting for Weinberger. “It seems too inflexible and too intense.” Weinberger has painted Progressives with this same brush on the campaign trail, but Tracy supporters are calling BS. Johnson, the Old North End landlord, said Progs have compromised on numerous initiatives, including the ballot item to ban no-cause evictions. The proposal originally covered owneroccupied duplexes and triplexes, but councilors nixed that provision after hearing concerns from Johnson and others, who argued that they should be able to evict tenants who aren’t a good match from their own home. Progressive councilors also revamped a proposal to reinstate ranked-choice voting after Weinberger last August used his first-ever veto to kill the measure. The new plan, which will also be on the March ballot, only applies to city council races; school commissioners and the mayor would be elected using the traditional system. “That was a huge compromise,” Johnson said. “If I [felt] like this was a radical, dogmatic group of people that were hell-bent on their own ideologies, I wouldn’t be supporting them. But they’re not.” Still, Johnson acknowledges that Tracy may struggle to defeat Weinberger, especially given the incumbent’s ability to raise campaign cash. As of the first campaign finance filing deadline Sunday night, Tracy had raised $42,441 — less than half of Weinberger’s $85,997 war chest. Tracy, however, listed 85 more donors than the sitting mayor, suggesting a broader base of support. Weinberger, Tracy and Dieng all have tried to stand out in a largely digital race. Tracy’s team has a strong social media presence, his website can be translated into four languages, and his smiling face is plastered on a Green Mountain Transit bus. Dieng has hosted virtual Burlingtonthemed trivia nights, his supporters have written him a campaign jingle, and

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he has done push-ups to encourage $27 donations. Weinberger, meantime, has conducted a Zoom coffee hour and delivered doughnuts to the first 10 people who signed up for the event. He’s planning a series of town halls on issues such as the climate crisis.

The mayor likes to talk a good talk, but the rent still goes up. PAT R I C K J O HN S O N

Former mayor Clavelle said voter turnout will be key to securing a victory in March, and mail-in voting could very well increase participation. Tracy is expected to have strong support in the Prog-centric Old North End, which consists of Ward 3

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and Tracy’s own Ward 2. And though Weinberger captured Ward 1 in 2018, that part of the north Hill Section has a sizable college student population, as does neighboring Ward 8, which could help Tracy. There’s room to grow in those wards, too. Last mayoral election, slightly less than 21 percent of registered Ward 8 voters cast ballots. Ward 2 had a dismal showing of just under 23 percent, and Wards 1 and 3 didn’t perform much better. The New North End, and Ward 4 specifically, has had the city’s highest voter turnout — 48 percent of registered voters in 2018’s mayoral race and nearly 55 percent last March — making it a key neighborhood in this race. Tracy may not need the New North End to win — Clavelle says he never did and was elected seven times — but he also can’t get buried there either, Clavelle said. Tracy needs an energetic base to offset a loss in the New North End, but Weinberger, who may suffer in the city center, can’t afford to lose it. If history is any indication, he may not: The mayor handily carried the New North End in 2018 and 2015. This time, though, the neighborhood is also Dieng’s home turf.

Even Tracy acknowledges “it’s hard to understand who’s pulling votes from who in this race.” The contest could also end in a runoff election if no candidate earns more than 40 percent of the vote, as the city charter requires. That match-up between the top two vote-getters would be held on March 30. As Town Meeting Day inches closer, Weinberger says he’s appealing to Burlingtonians of all political persuasions to return him to office. He said voters should ask themselves a simple question before casting their ballot: Is this really the time for drastic change? “Is this a moment to ... bring in a [new] mayor instead of someone who, for nine years, has learned a lot and grown a lot?” Weinberger asked. “These are times that demand proven leadership.” Tracy supporter Mulvaney-Stanak would pose another question. “Do you truly want more of Status Quo Miro here, or do you want to be able to vote for a mayor who’s actually going to push our city … to be a place [where] all of us can actually thrive?” Mulvaney-Stanak asked. “That’s what leadership like Max Tracy is about.” m

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COURTESY OF TURTLE FUR

ome Vermont creations are so iconic that they forever changed how we experience winter: the first photographs of individual snow crystals, by Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley; the first ski tow in the United States, installed in Woodstock; the modern snowboard, made wildly popular by Jake Burton Carpenter. Add to that list the fleece neck warmer, conceived by Millie Merrill, who knitted the first ones in the basement of the Yellow Turtle, the children’s apparel store she owned in Stowe. Merrill’s neck gaiter led her to found Turtle Fur, maker of winter headwear and other outdoor accessories, in 1982. Nearly four decades later, the Morrisville-based company sells 1,200 different products nationwide. Turtle Fur now commands more than half of the specialty retail market for neck gaiters and face tubes, and Merrill’s original Turtle’s Neck remains one of its best sellers. Today, Turtle Fur is led by “chief turtle” Richard Sontag, a Long Island native and entrepreneur who bought the company from Millie and John Merrill when the couple retired in 2000. Ordinarily, Sontag doesn’t give press interviews — which may seem odd, given that his sister, Deborah Sontag, was a longtime reporter with the New York Times. But, as Richard Sontag explained in an interview last week, the reasons for his media shyness were twofold. Because he lives in Westchester County, N.Y. — until the pandemic hit, Sontag commuted to Morrisville every other week for two decades — he preferred to let his local staff speak on behalf of the venerable Vermont brand. Another, more personal reason: It was too painful for Sontag to discuss his son, Jacob. Sontag and his family never moved to Vermont because Jacob suffered from a rare and debilitating genetic disorder called Canavan disease. Because the boy was bedridden and required round-the-clock medical care, moving him to Vermont was impractical. Jacob died five years ago. In a sense, though, Jacob’s illness helped inspire Sontag to chart a new course for the company. In recent years, Turtle Fur has embraced a much stronger social mission, one that includes a planned transition to becoming a certified B corporation — that is, a company committed to meeting specific social and

Richard Sontag

environmental sustainability standards. Sontag believes that such a move is not only good for growing its customer base and weathering the pandemic, but also for helping Turtle Fur become a better corporate citizen. Back in 2008, Turtle Fur started a program called Project Warmth, which donates cold-weather gear to people in need. It began, Sontag explained, with all the time he was spending in hospitals surrounded by other parents whose children were also critically ill but who lacked the financial resources he had. “I felt so guilty,” Sontag recalled, “I started giving R IC H AR D product away.” Soon, he was donating Turtle Fur goods to food kitchens, homeless shelters and schools in low-income neighborhoods. The circle of giving expanded from Vermont to greater New England, then to a nationwide campaign. Since its inception, Project Warmth has donated more than 125,000 products — including 27,000 last year alone — to more than 350 organizations in 43 states. When the pandemic hit, charitable giving didn’t seem like it was in the cards. Like many manufacturers of consumer items, Turtle Fur took hits on multiple fronts. Although the company sells some products direct to consumers through its website, most are sold through small, independent outdoor gear retailers, not big-box or department stores.

Last March, ski resorts across the country closed, just as their season was winding down. Normally, that’s when ski shops sell off their remaining inventory and place orders for the following year. With no one placing new orders due to huge uncertainties about the next winter season, Turtle Fur was essentially flying blind. The company’s supply chain also took a hit. Back in the 1980s, Sontag said, Turtle Fur employed more than 200 home knitters in Vermont who stitched its ski hats by hand. In 2007, Turtle Fur moved its manufacturing to Mexico and Asia; the Morrisville-based staff handles sales, marketing, S O NTAG distribution and product design. When COVID-19 emerged, those overseas plants either reduced their hours or closed entirely. Even after they reopened, raw materials were difficult to come by. But several things worked to Turtle Fur’s advantage, Sontag noted. Because the company contracts with small, family-owned manufacturers mostly in Mexico, its production didn’t get caught in the bottleneck of large manufacturing facilities, which often produce goods for multiple companies. The pandemic also presented Turtle Fur with an unexpected new market. Gaiters originally designed to protect people’s faces from the cold were also useful in protecting them — and others — from a deadly virus. As demand for face coverings surged, products that Turtle Fur had produced in April

I FELT SO GUILTY,

I STARTED GIVING PRODUCT AWAY.

and May for shipment in September began shipping instead in June and July, requiring the company to ramp up production. The company also began selling conventional face masks. By year’s end, Sontag noted, Turtle Fur had delivered 95 percent of its products to its dealers on time. The company’s 2020 sales figures, which Sontag declined to reveal, exceeded those of the previous year. Turtle Fur hasn’t escaped the pandemic unscathed. Even after securing a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan last spring — he also declined to reveal the amount — Turtle Fur still had to lay off 19 people, reducing its Vermont workforce to 25. Many of those employees had been with the company since Sontag bought it two decades ago. “When we had the layoffs, I was sick to my stomach for days,” Sontag said, who also noted that those who remained, including management, had their hours and pay reduced. Most of the remaining employees have been working remotely for months. As sales rebounded in the second half of 2020, some staff were rehired on a temporary or part-time basis, and Sontag hopes to bring them all back once the pandemic subsides. And, with demand for outdoor gear and apparel remaining high, Sontag said he is feeling “genuinely optimistic” about 2021. The global crisis sparked other adaptations, some of which Sontag believes will be permanent. Prior to the pandemic, Turtle Fur would spend $100,000 to attend a single national trade show. When COVID19 made such events impossible, he said, the company switched to video conferences with its dealers, during which members of each department gave presentations on product designs, branding, philanthropy, sustainability and so on. For Sontag, who was on the road 32 to 34 weeks a year before the pandemic, this adaptation was a welcome improvement, and he doesn’t foresee returning to the days when he would meet with dealers in person himself. As he put it, “How am I going to go back to one-on-one meetings, where I don’t have all these unbelievable people around me doing all that good work?” m

INFO Bottom Line is a series on how Vermont businesses are faring during the pandemic. Got a tip? Email bottomline@sevendaysvt.com.

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Conant’s Riverside Farms in Richmond

COURTESY OF VERMONT DIVISION FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Barn Again

Vermont’s old barns are easy to commemorate, not so easy to save B Y A M Y L I L LY • lilly@sevendaysvt.com

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Edgar Cummings Barn, 1888, East Montpelier

a 50-50 matching barn grant of up to $15,000 from the state’s historic preservation division. The two organizations helped Tipton determine that his barn dated from between 1820 and 1860, and the state awarded him the maximum amount of aid. Such help is crucial to preserving Vermont’s barns, though it has limitations. The money is available only for historic barns — that is, barns at least 50 years old that have not undergone “many alterations or incorporated new materials that would cause them to lose their historic integrity,” according to Caitlin Corkins, who has coordinated the state barn grant program for the past eight years.

COURTESY OF CURTIS B. JOHNSON

n 2017, the Tipton family — Benjamin, Michelle and two teenage children — returned to Vermont after nearly a decade away to establish a family farm. They found and purchased a 20-acre former farmstead in Burke Hollow whose only remaining structure was a deteriorating barn. It had sunk a foot into the ground in places, many of its timbers had rotted, and the roof was near collapse. “People in town knew it as the red barn on the hill that the foxes lived in,” Benjamin Tipton said during a phone call from his other job as a physician’s assistant. Like many barn owners around the state, the couple wanted to rehabilitate the barn but knew the cost would be high. Barns are one of the most beloved icons of Vermont’s history and landscape, but a staggering number go unrestored for lack of funds. Ben Doyle, president of Preservation Trust of Vermont, estimates that among the state’s roughly 10,000 historic barns, “easily hundreds” are lost to collapse, fire or teardowns every year. Tipton went online and discovered that both Preservation Trust and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation offer financial assistance for barn rehabilitation. (Both define “barn” as any agricultural structure — corncrib, sugarhouse, chicken coop, silo and so on.) Preservation Trust offers matching grants of up to $500 for an expert consultant to assess what needs to be addressed and in what order. Owners can then apply for

If barn owners are interested in rehabilitation, a good first step is to find out whether their barn is historic, state architectural historian Devin Colman said. A call to his office will determine whether the structure has been listed on the Vermont (or National) Register of Historic Places. If not, Colman determines its eligibility for such listing, usually during a site visit. Eligibility for listing is all that’s needed to access barn grant funds. Most barns in Vermont are likely to be historic. The state’s building stock is on the older side, Corkins noted, and disused barns tend to remain untouched. And there are a lot of them. Colman suggested thinking about their numbers in terms of data from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets: In 1920, Vermont had 20,000 working dairy farms, each with at least one barn. Now there are 700 such farms. That leaves a lot of potentially disused or underused barns. The number of historic barns among that larger number can only be estimated. A volunteer-driven Vermont Barn Census documented B EN D OY L E 2,800 historic agricultural buildings before its software became obsolete two years ago. (The historic division hopes to migrate the census into a new database identifying all Vermont historic properties, Colman said.) Deteriorating barns line almost every rural Vermont road. And anyone who cares about the state’s agrarian landscape, or barns in particular, finds such sights heartbreaking. “There’s a collective feeling of sadness a community [has] when a beautiful old barn caves in,” Doyle said. “There’s a sense of shared identity around a barn. The loss is particularly painful.” The general love of barns was evident in a January 24 webinar on their history, maintenance and rehabilitation, hosted by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance and held jointly with the preservation trusts of six other northeastern states, including Vermont. Nearly 600 people from around the region attended. The occasion was the U.S. Postal Service’s release that same day of a set of four postcard stamps featuring iconic American barns. One of the three guest speakers at the webinar was University of Vermont professor Thomas D. Visser, director of the graduate historic preservation program and author of the seminal Field Guide to New England Barns and Farm Buildings, published in 1997. Visser was the consultant on the USPS stamps; he worked with the artist and designer to make sure the barns had historically correct features while remaining generic types. “Tom Visser — he is the barn guy,” Doyle remarked. Friends and coworkers gave Doyle multiple copies of Visser’s book when he joined Preservation Trust four months ago, following Liz Gamache, who served as interim director for a year after the death of founding director Paul Bruhn in September 2019. Preservation Trust works on more than 200 preservation projects each year, of which only 20 or so are barn assessments. But the gifts of Visser’s book underscored for Doyle the importance of barns to the essential character of the state.

PEOPLE IN VERMONT LOVE BARNS … IN MANY RESPECTS, THEY’RE SIMILAR TO CHURCHES.

COURTESY OF JENNA LAPACHINSKI

HISTORY

COURTESY OF BENJAMIN TIPTON

Galick Farm Barn, circa 1891, West Haven

Barn at Firefly Farm at Burke Hollow, 1820-1860, before rehab

Barn at Firefly Farm at Burke Hollow now

Over his years of fieldwork, Visser took all the blackand-white photographs of farm buildings featured in his book. During a phone call, he said of those barns, “I know a good many of them have been lost.” His purpose was to document the oral histories of barn owners and the physical evidence of barns’ construction — down to the types of nails used over the centuries. Visser’s Field Guide remains a reference for expert builders and preservationists, of which the Division for Historic Preservation maintains a list. Adaptive reuse of barns was one focus of the webinar. Many barns have been rehabilitated for use as event and wedding spaces, for agricultural tourism, or even, in one case Doyle mentioned, to dry hemp. Visser pointed out that, when barns are not serving agricultural purposes, “90 percent of the time they are

being used for storage, which is perfect.” Restoration makes sense, he noted, adding, “Where else are they going to store their snowblower?” During a phone call, Doyle noted that the Yellow Barn in Hardwick “was built for agriculture, then became the Greensboro Garage for 30 years, and now is a showplace for Vermont’s local food economy.” (The structure provides production and administrative space to agricultural businesses, including cheesemakers the Cellars at Jasper Hill and Cabot Creamery.) “All these uses are vital,” Doyle went on. “They tell the story of what’s important to that community at that point in time.” Unfortunately, there is never enough money to address the number of Vermont barns that need salvaging. Since 1991, when the state barn grants first became

available, the program has doled out $4 million to fund slightly more than 400 projects, according to Corkins. Currently, the program receives $200,000 annually to fund 15 to 20 projects — yet it receives 40 to 50 applications a year. On a positive note, Corkins said, Gov. Phil Scott’s recent budget proposal calls for an increase in barn grant funding over the next two years. Barn assessments and grants are the only preservation funds awarded for privately owned structures; the typical recipients are nonprofit and community buildings. And barn owners must still match those grants with their own money. Some have addressed one problem at a time — roof, beams, foundation — over multiple years and grant applications. Others have been helped by a community effort. The Lemax Farm in Hartland, a working farm run by Kelly and Ed Meacham, is “a really spectacular farm with an amazing, iconic barn,” Corkins said. Knowing that the hardworking Meachams didn’t have the means to rehab their failing barn, part of which dates from the 1790s, a group of concerned neighbors launched a Kickstarter campaign in collaboration with the Upper Valley Land Trust. The crowdfunding effort raised enough money to match three $15,000 state barn grants that the Meachams received over six years. They eventually secured from other sources the entire $200,000 needed for full restoration. Only a paint job on the horse barn remains, according to Matt Dunne, an early member of the Friends of Lemax Farm who is a former state legislator and founder and executive director of the Hartland-based Center on Rural Innovation. At the Tiptons’ Firefly Farm at Burke Hollow, as the family named it, the state barn grant, which they won in 2017, got the barn “out of the intensive care unit,” in Benjamin’s words. He noted that, while the money came from Vermonters’ taxes, it kept two Vermonters — of Jason Norris Barn Restoration in Glover — employed for a summer and supported a local sawmill, Evergreen Forest Products in Sutton. The family has subsequently put more of its own money into the project than the original matching $15,000. But the grant was key to stabilizing the barn to “rehab it back to its glory,” Tipton said. “This is a great program to preserve our rural heritage,” he declared. “It’s going to leave these structures for our kids and grandkids to see — the hand-hewn beams, the little marks on them. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. When you walk in, you feel the history of it. That’s different from a modern metalstructure barn.” Doyle, who grew up in Sutton playing in his farming neighbor’s barn, also waxed lyrical about the structures. “People in Vermont love barns, and I think there’s a reason why,” he said. “In many respects, they’re similar to churches. They’re our portals to the working landscape. Have you been to the Breeding Barn at Shelburne Farms? I mean, that is a cathedral. Talk about a beautiful, sacred space. “Barns are the doorway between the villages and towns and the working landscape and natural world,” Doyle continued, “and to our past.” m

INFO Learn more at ptvermont.org and accd.vermont.gov. SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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food+drink

Dormant Dining Restaurants close for the winter to nurture long-term survival B Y J O R D AN BAR RY • jbarry@sevendaysvt.com ROBERT JENKS

Clockwise from left: Justin Newland, Adnan Terzic, Breanna Stewart, Tanika Stewart and Tanika’s daughter FILE: DAVID HOLUB

3 Squares, Three Scenarios

Birong recognized the possibility that his own restaurant might hibernate when 3 Squares Café first reopened in June. “We worked out three different scenarios of what winter would look like, but in June nobody knew what was going to happen,” he said. No. 1 was operating in a semblance of normalcy. No. 2 worked with the state’s 50 percent cap on indoor dining capacity. No 3 was the most extreme: “If things get really dark with the cash flow, we’re just hitting the pause button,” Birong explained. Over the summer, things were going pretty well for the casual, eclectic restaurant on Vergennes’ Main Street — it was breaking even. But in the last week of October, “It just tanked,” Birong said. COVID-19 case numbers were rising, and cooler weather brought outdoor dining to an end. Then, beginning

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Matt Birong

The last-minute announcement was strategic: Birong was waiting to make sure the federal government would reinstate the extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits so that his longtime staff would be financially stable during the closure. “If that didn’t come through, we would have stayed open and just dealt with it,” he said. The temporary closure is saving the café roughly $12,000 a month. There are still ongoing costs — rent, utilities, bank loan payments — totaling about $8,000 a month. But cutting expenses by more than half is huge for the long-term health of the business. Birong summed it up as “a more responsible, diligent way to use the support that we were receiving.” It was strange to be closed for the restaurant’s 14th anniversary, Birong noted, but he’s confident his customers will return when 3 Squares opens again — likely in mid-March. In the meantime, he’s happy to see the community supporting new restaurants in town, including Rockers Pizzeria and the recently reopened Vergennes Laundry. “I think it’s actually going to help the downtowns and village centers [avoid] having a series of empty storefronts,” Birong said of the temporary closures. “COVID is proving that survivability is more about the long game than anything else.” Doug Paine

FILE: COREY HENDRICKSON

hat do restaurants have in common with bears, skunks, bumblebees, snakes, box turtles and snails? This winter, they’re hibernating. For animals, hibernation is a way to conserve energy and survive the winter, when resources are scarce. It’s the same for restaurants. Closing for a few months during the cold, harsh pandemic winter is a way to save money — cutting inventory, payroll, utilities and other variable operating costs. And it might be just what some restaurants need to make it through to brighter days. So far, Vermont has largely been spared the devastating mass closures that other states and large cities have witnessed during the pandemic. Matt Birong, chef-owner of 3 Squares Café in Vergennes and a Democratic state representative, explained that Vermont’s unique action in targeting independently owned businesses — including restaurants — with its economic relief grants “has saved countless businesses.” “Not a lot of states did that,” Birong continued. Now, as restaurants wait for the second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans to hit their bank accounts — and hope for further industry support from the government — some are using short-term closures to ensure their long-term survival. “It’s a bizarre concept,” Birong said. “But people are making pragmatic decisions that will actually increase the survivability of the businesses.” Seven Days took a closer look at his and two other Vermont restaurants that are sitting out the winter. (For a beer brewer’s perspective, see “Hill Hiatus” on page 47 on Hill Farmstead Brewery’s decision to take a break.)

November 14, Gov. Phil Scott restricted restaurant occupancy to one household per table. “We blew through about $45,000 of grant money in November and December,” Birong said. “There were days where I was standing in my kitchen just staring at the printer, waiting for a ticket to spit out, lighting [proverbial] hundreddollar bills on fire.” It was pretty clear which scenario 3 Squares had to choose. On December 29, the restaurant announced it would go into hibernation “for at least the next two months,” beginning January 1.

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Turning Bleu

Bleu Northeast Seafood quietly rebranded in December 2020, changing its name to Bleu Northeast Kitchen. The restaurant still serves seafood, but the new menu offers a wider variety of dishes focused on local farm products. Diners wanting to check out the Misty Knoll chicken roulade or the Bleu burger will have to wait, though. The restaurant in the Marriott-brand Courtyard Burlington Harbor hotel — part of the Westport Hospitality group that also includes Hotel Vermont’s Juniper bar and restaurant and Brick Outdoor Kitchen & Bar — went into hibernation on January 3. The exact reopening date remains undecided, though Bleu’s website promises, “See you in

March!!” Bleu was closed for the first few months of the pandemic last year, then reopened for in-person dining in early summer with a limited menu and small staff. But with new outdoor restaurant Brick open all summer long right next door, indoor dining wasn’t popular — and with Bleu’s fish-forward menu, takeout wasn’t a practical option. Also, about half of Bleu’s diners are hotel guests, and those numbers were down due to travel restrictions and reduced occupancy rules.

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moved to Essex a year and a half ago with her husband, BLACK FLANNEL BREWING & DISTILLING executive chef Trenton Endres, and quickly saw the demand for a vendor of quality wines closer than Burlington, she said. She’ll source the wines served at the bar and stocked on the retail shelves with affordability in mind, she added, looking to underrepresented winemaking regions to keep most prices between $15 and $23. “We’re supporting winemakers who care about the land and the people they work with,” Silver said. She prefers to use more specific terms than the current buzzword “natural wine” — a topic she’s looking forward to diving into with customers through her education program. When Salt & Bubbles joins the growing food and drink scene at the Essex Experience early in the summer, it will offer patio seating, a snack-based menu and even flights of wine. A “fun-draising” program, in lieu of tipping, will support local nonprofits such as the VERMONT FOODBANK and Vermont Works for Women.

Kayla Silver of Salt & Bubbles

Bubbling Up Few things go together better than sparkling wine and salty snacks. Those pairings — Champagne and fried chicken, pét-nat and popcorn, cava and charcuterie — inspired SALT & BUBBLES, a new wine bar and market coming to the ESSEX EXPERIENCE this summer. The wine won’t all be sparkling, ownermanager KAYLA SILVER noted, but the business will embrace what the bubbles represent: celebration. “When you think about sparkling wine, you think about happy occasions,” Silver said. “[Salt & Bubbles] is a place for all the good moments to happen.” Regulars may recognize Silver from HONEY ROAD, where she has done everything from serving to bartending to managing the front of the house to working the takeout window during the pandemic. A certified sommelier, she also spent time developing her wine chops at DEDALUS WINE SHOP, MARKET & WINE BAR

and Shelburne’s nowclosed Taverna Khione. The pandemic gave Silver time to dream up and develop Salt & Bubbles, she said. She

MELISSA PASANEN

SALT & BUBBLES TO BRING WINE, EDUCATION AND “FUN-DRAISING” TO ESSEX

“I wanted to create a system where my staff could make a livable wage,” Silver said. “And at the same time — like LAWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS has done, and many others — create a sustainable way for us to give back.”

Jordan Barry

Swing Bye SWINGIN’ PINWHEEL TO CLOSE IN MARCH

The SWINGIN’ PINWHEEL, a cowboy-themed restaurant at 11 Center Street in Burlington, announced on January 25 on social media that it will close at the end of March. The restaurant space is for sale, and the business will become a food truck, according to a Facebook post that reads, in part: “Moving forward, we are excited to be making Donuts in Essex Junction and to be able to bring our food truck to events. We hope to see you over the next couple of months in Burlington, and afterwards in Essex Junction.” The breakfast-andlunch restaurant, which opened in 2014, serves egg-and-cheese-filled popovers, biscuits and gravy with eggs, and pinwheel-shaped pastries. It’s currently open for takeout service Thursday through Sunday.

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Popover stuffed with egg and cheese with a side of bacon gravy at the Swingin' Pinwheel

CONNECT Follow us for the latest food gossip! On Twitter: Sally Pollak: @vtpollak. On Instagram: Seven Days: @7deatsvt; Jordan Barry: @jordankbarry; Melissa Pasanen: @mpasanen.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VASILIOS GLETSOS

Barrels to age beer at Wunderkammer Biermanufaktur

Small Wonder Wunderkammer Biermanufaktur rises again in Albany B Y M O L LY ZAPP • zapp@sevendaysvt.com

hen the world is ready for the simple pleasure of a table of friends sharing beer, Wunderkammer Biermanufaktur brewer Vasilios Gletsos will have just the drink. A wheat beer made with sumac he gathered last summer, it’s tentatively called Amidst and Among. The name is meant “to emphasize the benefits and detriments of being around each other,” Gletsos, 43, said in a phone interview from his Craftsbury home. He aims to put a fair amount of the beer in large-format bottles sized for more than one household. “I’m hoping to make a beer that’s a breath of fresh air and a celebration of being able to be closer to each other, to see people and to share beers and share our lives,” said Gletsos, a former brewer at Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend. “We’ll see if the virus cooperates.” While no beer could erase the loss of a year of safe occasions for conviviality, Wunderkammer beers have historically been worth the wait. Gletsos has used mixed cultures and foraged ingredients — goldenrod, mushrooms, evergreen tips, lichen — to wondrously complex and bewitching ends. His fans are accustomed to waiting, too. The brewer, who’s attained a cult status in the beer world since he founded Wunderkammer in 2016, has typically made only about 100 barrels per year. From brewhouse to bottling, Wun44

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

derkammer is Gletsos’ solo project; he even illustrates the labels. He used to produce Wunderkammer Bier at Hill Farmstead, but he left that brewery in January 2020, beholden to a noncompete agreement that prevented him from brewing for one year. Now (mostly) free to brew on his own terms, he’s started again, rechristening his project Wunderkammer Biermanufaktur. (Hill Farmstead, meanwhile, is currently on a winter break; see “Hill Hiatus” on page 47.) Gletsos first came to Vermont in the 1990s to perform with Bread and Puppet Theater. After finishing art school in Maine and brewing in Oregon, he returned with his family to Vermont in 2015 and began working at Hill Farmstead. He started his own brewery to bring some variety to his five-days-a-week brewing job. “If I didn’t pump the brakes a bit and lift my head up, I felt like another five years could go by, and then I’d wonder where the time had [gone],” he said. Waiting out the noncompete clause, the father of two spent his pandemic downtime doing “back-to-basics work for my own self and my mental health,” he said. That included tapping maples, logging and delivering produce for Craftsbury’s Pete’s Greens, which he continues to do. Gletsos also constructed a home for Wunderkammer’s rebirth at the former Bonnieview Farm creamery in Albany, which he rents from a friend. Supported by a $30,000 business-building loan from

The mash tun

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Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greens Vermont Farm Fund, Gletsos remodeled part of the former cheese plant to serve as his kettle house, retrofitted the former cheese cave, and converted a cheese vat into a mash tun, reconfiguring the piping and water lines in the process. During the winter, he uses that mash tun as a coolship for passively cooling wort, a less energy-intensive method than using a heat exchanger. Gletsos also designed a highly efficient copper kettle based on a rocket stove, which he heats using scrap slab wood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working on an entirely new type of system, unlike anything Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brewed on before,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has as much to teach me about brewing on it as I bring to the table with my previous experience.â&#x20AC;? Wunderkammerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first iteration was most noted for its foraged ingredients and mixed cultures. Those beers reflected Gletsosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; study of the agrarian roots of European brewing practices over the centuries. His Waking Insects

FILE: MOLLY ZAPP

Vasilios Gletsos

beer featured juniper and smoked malts, which appear in some Scandinavian beers; another of its ingredients, birch sap, has been used in Eastern European16t-vcam-weekly2021.indd 1 2/1/21 11:34 1 12/11/20 6:37 PM 16t-vcam-weekly.indd 1 11/2/2016T-ClassFillers.indd 3:07 AM PM brews. Now those â&#x20AC;&#x153;foraged beersâ&#x20AC;? will be one of three beer lines; the others will be pub classics â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including lagers and English ales â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and garden beers, made with cultivated vegetables. Gletsos said he wants to revive the tradition of incorporating vegetables into beer, including fennel, parsnip, celeriac and pumpkin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that the earthy palate in beer is really underexplored,â&#x20AC;? he said, noting that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even brewed with Open daily 11am-8pm â&#x20AC;˘ thescalevt.com kale. 373 Blair Park Rd, Williston Using local vegetables, foraged ingredients, and some malts and hops from 137 Pearl Street, Essex Junction Vermont growers will give his brews a Online & Walk-up Orders â&#x20AC;˘ Vegan & Gluten Free Options taste of the local terroir. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure the beers will be different than any other 8h-scalepoke020321.indd 1 1/25/21 10:49 AM beers Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made, which is the thing I find really exciting,â&#x20AC;? Gletsos said. He plans to increase Wunderkammer production to 400 to 500 barrels per year and make bottle releases more than once a month. (Bigger microbreweries make up to 15,000 barrels per year and can have multiple releases in a week.) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to try to make about as little beer as I can,â&#x20AC;? Gletsos said, emphasizing NATURAL WINE INTRO that he wants his beers to make an impact Curious about natural wine? Try these bottles! on a human scale. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As you can tell, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not really from a business background, though 99 I put a lot of thought into it.â&#x20AC;? 4 Monos GR-10 Blanc 2018 Amidst and Among, or another beer currently in the works, will be the first released under the new business moni99 Montemelino â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Grappoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ker and could be ready for distribuRosso 2017 tion to restaurants and beer shops by Vermont Beer Shepherd in April or May. Next year, when his noncompete agreement allows it, he hopes to offer directNATURAL WINE DEEP CUTS to-consumer sales or a CSA-like beer Take the deep dive with these OG pioneers of natural wine subscription. Down the line, Gletsos dreams of Ostertag â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Les Jardinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 99 opening a taproom in the Craftsbury Riesling 2017 area â&#x20AC;&#x153;where I could play some vinyl and sell some beer,â&#x20AC;? he said. Like so many Guy Breton Morgon of us, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking forward to the time 99 when we can once again raise our glasses â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Vieilles Vignesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2019 at a communal table and make group memories. m

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“Business was never really strong,” executive chef of Westport Hospitality Doug Paine told Seven Days. “As fall was winding down, it became pretty apparent that our customer base [at Bleu] was going to be very limited once everybody started to come back inside.” For efficiency’s sake, the restaurant group decided to close Bleu temporarily and steer its efforts and resources toward Juniper. Bleu is the kind of sit-down, fine-dining restaurant where customers linger over their meals, Paine said. Juniper is more casual. Its floor plan is open and flexible, spilling into the Hotel Vermont lobby, so it’s easier to space out the tables for social distancing. Plus, Juniper’s outdoor terrace draws bundled bar-goers even on frigid winter days, thanks to a roaring firepit and menu of hot toddies. “With [fewer] places open in town, it does consolidate business a little bit,” Paine said. “Juniper has actually been somewhat steady. It’s not all bleak news.” Even though Bleu is closed, it isn’t totally empty. The kitchen’s layout is ideal for streamlined production, and the team is using it to prepare meals for the Vermont Everyone Eats program, which temporarily resumed on January 18. “I feel fortunate to be part of this larger hotel restaurant group,” Paine said. “It really helps to have multiple outlets and spaces that can be fitted to what’s working.”

A Whole New World

When George Sales opened Pica-pica Filipino Cuisine in 2017, he hoped his lumpiang Shanghai, kare-kare and pinakbet would kick off a global trend in St. Johnsbury. “I really wanted to showcase not only Filipino food, but promote more choices, more authentic dining in the area,” Sales said. Pica-pica closed after service on December 23 for an extended winter break. Shutting down during the slow season isn’t new for Sales; he’s done it every year, though the breaks became shorter as the restaurant gained traction. But in a unique arrangement this winter, Sales is making sure St. Johnsbury residents still have access to flavors from

ROBERT JENKS

Dormant Dining « P.42

Tanika Stewart

around the world while Pica-pica is closed: He’s letting Nacho Mama take over the space for five weeks, charging the owners only the cost of electricity and gas. Nacho Mama has been a presence on the pop-up and events scene around the Northeast Kingdom since Tanika Stewart and her sister, Breanna Stewart, started selling tacos at Red Barn Brewing in 2016. The brewery had just opened next door to Tanika’s house in Danville, and its owners were looking for someone to serve food. “Three beers in, Justin [Newland, Tanika’s partner] basically offered me up,” she recalled with a laugh. “I got my food vendor’s license real, real fast.” (Red Barn moved to a new brewery and tasting room on Route 2 in Danville in 2020.) Nacho Mama is known for “global tacos,” serving everything from bánh mì to buffalo chicken in taco form. Those flavors are a nod to their father, who owned the Harvest Sun Café in St. Johnsbury when the sisters were growing up. The menu also features traditional tacos inspired by their stepfather, who is from central Mexico. During the pandemic, many of Nacho Mama’s usual

pop-ups and catering gigs have been canceled, and the Stewart sisters found themselves at a standstill. They’d considered opening a permanent restaurant but were hesitant. “When you’re starting a restaurant, you have to take such a leap of faith,” Tanika explained. “You can do pop-ups and people will come eat your food, but do you have what it takes to bring people in every single day of the week?” A chance conversation between Sales and Adnan Terzic — who works at Pica-pica and is also Tanika’s co-chef at Nacho Mama — got things rolling. “When the opportunity to collaborate came up, I thought it was an excellent way to help them get their foot in the door,” Sales said. He decided to let Nacho Mama use the restaurant space for five weeks — through February 15 — to test its business model. On each of the first three days, Nacho Mama sold out in an hour and a half. The tacos attracted their pop-up regulars, as well as new customers. Some have driven from 40 minutes away, Tanika said, in search of good Mexican food in an area where it’s scarce. “This is definitely the affirmation we needed in order to feel confident about moving forward towards a brick-andmortar,” she said. “In a climate where things are so grim and gray, especially in the food industry, this opportunity has been purely overwhelming.” In the meantime, Sales is making the most of his hibernation, sourcing new ingredients and inspiration for Pica-pica. Despite the challenges of the pandemic — and problems that predated it, such as staffing shortages, endemic in the rural NEK — he’s optimistic about his restaurant’s future. “A lot of entrepreneurs and business owners are ready to throw their hat in,” Sales said. “But for me, I see this as an opportunity to prep for the upswing.” m

INFO • 3 Squares Café, 141 Main St., Vergennes, 877-2772, 3squarescafe.com • Bleu Northeast Kitchen, 25 Cherry St., Marriott-brand Courtyard Burlington Harbor, 864-8600, bleuvt.com • Nacho Mama, 274-7406, nacho-mamas802.square.site • Pica-pica Filipino Cuisine, 1214 Main St., St. Johnsbury, 424-1585, pica-pica.us

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food+drink

Hill Hiatus

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) invites you to a month of online learning, gathering, and food system movement building.

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n page 42, “Dormant Dining” explores why three Vermont restaurants are sitting out the winter. But restaurants aren’t the only food and drink businesses taking a break. In early January, Hill Farmstead Brewery of Greensboro Bend announced it would be going into “short winter hibernation mode (code name: Liminal Intermission)” from mid-January until late March and expects to reopen its retail operation in early to mid-April. A statement posted on the company’s website said, “This presents a rare and appreciable opportunity … a much-needed restorative regeneration period.” In addition, the announcement noted that the break would provide staff an opportunity for professional and personal development, “a sabbatical, of sorts.” At the start of 2020 — the brewery’s 10th anniversary year — RateBeer named it the best brewery in the world for the fifth consecutive year. Almost since its founding, Hill Farmstead has commanded respect and attention within the craft beer world. In 2013, the brewery swept the influential annual RateBeer rankings for top brewery, new releases and best beers by style. “Quietly, off a dirt road in rural Vermont, Hill Farmstead founded a revolutionary kind of brewing for beer aficionados with a new aesthetic...,” said RateBeer’s founder, Joe Tucker, according to a 2013 CraftBeer.com article. (See “Small Wonder,” on page 44, about Wunderkammer Bier, now Wunderkammer Biermanufaktur, which brewer Vasilios Gletsos started

as a side project while working at Hill Farmstead.) Last January, Hill Farmstead employee Phil Young told Seven Days that the brewery team was too busy “to sit down and reflect” on the recent accolades. Unexpectedly, 2020 brought the crew plenty of time for reflection. On March 25, the brewery temporarily shuttered its tasting room, a top destination for beer lovers from around the world. It offered limited curbside retail sales from April 20 to January 15 this year. Hill Farmstead’s sold-out Friendships and Explorations Festival, an anniversary celebration originally planned for June 13, 2020, was first tentatively rescheduled for August 2020, then for August 2021. From a peak of 27 employees in April, Hill Farmstead slashed payroll to four, one of whom was founderowner Shaun Hill. The company has gradually rehired six for a current total of 10, spokesperson Bob Montgomery wrote in an email. Employees are spending their hiatus exploring “various professional and personal growth pursuits, including certifications, health and wellbeing practices and more,” Montgomery wrote. They hope to share some of these experiences via the brewery’s social media accounts, he added.

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music+nightlife

S UNDbites

News and views on the local music + nightlife scene

Winter Is a Drag Ball 2020

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As we approach the pandemic’s oneyear anniversary, I’ve been thinking a lot about the final days of normalcy in early 2020. For instance, my last “regular” night out was spent spinning records with some Seven Days colleagues and DJ DISCO PHANTOM at the Monkey House on March 11. That’s the date when, in a virtual press conference, the World Health Organization finally used the word “pandemic” to categorize what was happening. Even though it was a fun hang, a pall hung over the Winooski nightclub that night as news of event cancellations and other coronavirus-related realities continued to interrupt the good times. I’ve not hit the decks since, and I really, really miss it. I reckon that some folks’ last big night out in the Burlington area before the pandemic was the 25th annual Winter Is a Drag Ball, which hit South Burlington nightclub Higher Ground on February 15 last year. The über-fab gala is one of the area’s biggest indoor winter events. But it has also always struck me as the pride event of Vermont, based on its social media hype and the enthusiasm from attendees — party monsters known for going full-tilt balls to the walls, pun intended. Obviously there can’t be an in-person Drag Ball this year. But a virtual version of the sequined celebration, featuring high-quality, prerecorded sets from nearly

a dozen queens — and a dance party from DJ CRAIG MITCHELL — hits the interwebs via the streaming platform Mandolin on Saturday, February 13. Visit boxoffice. mandolin.com to purchase tickets; the proceeds will support Vermont CARES, a nonprofit that works with Vermonters affected by HIV and AIDS and was the original Drag Ball beneficiary. Over the years, Drag Ball has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for similar charities. To preview the online extravaganza, the HOUSE OF LEMAY’s AMBER LEMAY (aka BOB BOLYARD) will dig into the event’s 25-year history on her streaming television program “Amber Live!” on Sunday, February 7, at 8 p.m. Watch it via amberlive.tv or youtube.com/amberlive. “I figured we gotta do something. We can’t let it slide by,” Bolyard said of producing the virtual Drag Ball during a recent phone call. “It might not be the experience we’ve all enjoyed the past 25 years, [but] I think it will give us something to look forward to for next year.” Bolyard will interview fellow queen and local legend REV. YOLANDA, as well as STEVEN WEST (aka MISS CHERIE TARTT), whose early-’90s antics in the Queen City inspired the House of LeMay, as well as the Drag Ball itself. Other scheduled guests include DJ ROB DOUGLAS, who frequently provided the Drag Ball’s pelvic-thrusting soundtrack, as well as former Higher Ground employee CHRIS FRIDAY, who plans to share some behindthe-scenes experiences. Bolyard’s upcoming broadcast won’t include live drag performances, “unless,” he said, “someone says, ‘Hey, stand back, I’m gonna do something.’” Barring that possibility, the show will be mostly a retrospective featuring commentary as well as photos and video clips of years past.

Audrey Tassey Ayer (left) and Peg Tassey

Singer-songwriter PEG TASSEY recently shared three new video clips, all of which are visuals for her brand-new song “Winter Comes.” The single, out now at pegtassey.bandcamp.com, heralds the arrival of Queen of Flowers, her first release in nearly 20 years. The LP is due this summer. Check out the new videos on Tassey’s YouTube channel. After spending more than a decade offstage and out of the music game, the 62-year-old artist returned to live music a few years ago. In 2019, she stepped into the role of producer, working with vocalist MIRIAM BERNARDO on Bernardo’s debut album, Songs From the Well. In an email to Seven Days, Tassey explained that “Winter Comes” is all

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about family and is dedicated “to all of us in the world longing to be with those we can’t be with, and that feeling when the harsh Vermont winters are bearing down.” She also jokingly referred to the song as a call to “arms” — as in, the appendages used to hold someone close. Tassey cowrote, coproduced and recorded the track with sonic wizard JER COONS (formerly of MADAILA). The pair expanded a simple round Tassey wrote decades ago and built it up into the gorgeously layered rock song heard in the video clips. “Winter Comes” features cello courtesy of Tassey’s husband, INDIGO RUTH-DAVIS, and backing vocals from Coons and Tassey’s daughter, AUDREY TASSEY AYER. Wait a minute: Why does one song have three different videos? Tassey explained by phone that, after coming up with a vague concept involving a selection of old family photos, she casually asked several people to take a stab at producing a video, including her nephew SAM TASSEY and local dancer SAGE HORSEY. Coons directed one of the clips, as well, and chose to splice together wintry public-domain video footage into a stark, moody sequence. Tassey said she liked all three videos and how her individual collaborators had each responded to and interpreted the song. Basically, she just didn’t feel like choosing one over the others, so she released all three. This weekend, Tassey is set to appear on Vermont Public Radio’s “Safe and Sound,” a weekly program hosted by MARY ENGISCH that celebrates Vermontmade music. Tune in on Saturday, February 6, at 6 p.m., to hear more from Tassey.

The Cabin in the Woods

Utilizing a delicious pun, Northeast Kingdom singer-songwriter KYLE WOOLARD, who records as GLORIOUS LEADER, recently announced his new EP, The Analog Cabin Mystery, out on Wednesday, March 31. Its first single, “Green Mountain Sun,” encapsulates the artist’s life story and how it led him to settle in Vermont. The song drops on Thursday, February 4, at ohgloriousleader.bandcamp.com. “I’m trying to find, in sound, how Vermont feels,” Woolard said by phone. “This song is the closest I’ve come in my journey.” Replete with strings and trumpets, the airy indie-folk song “starts cozy and builds to this pretty big anthem at the end,” he said.

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“The whole concept of it is finding your home,” he continued, specifying that the song relates to both metaphorical and literal meanings of the word “home.” “Over the past year, we’ve all had to come to terms with where we live, for better or worse.” As merch for the digital-only release, Woolard plans to unveil an unusual set of physical artifacts. He described them as resembling hardbound books, the cover art of which was inspired by the covers of mid-20th-century children’s mystery novels, such as The Hardy Boys series. In addition to a digital download, purchasers of said “books” also gain access to a bonus track not found on the regular version of the five-song EP.

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important childhood friendships. But I didn’t fully appreciate them until I realized that most adults didn’t have lifelong connections like I did. So, I have a soft spot for circles of grown-up friends who’ve been together since youth, including new ColoradoVermont band Milk Weed. The trio of Denverbased singer-songwriter Michael Wood and Burlington-based married couple Mitchell and Sarah Manacek released a self-titled debut EP on January 27. The three came of age together as young musicians in the Chicago suburbs, but this is their first official release as a unit. Conceived and executed remotely during the pandemic, Milk Weed is a four-song indie-pop EP fueled by the kind of big, uncomplicated emotions we feel as kids. Wood, the group’s primary vocalist, keyboardist and creative mastermind,

Jesse Taylor Band, Ever-Changing (SELF-RELEASED, CD, DIGITAL)

A cardboard cutout of Gwen Stefani looks over my shoulder while I work in my home office. I frequently wear a No Doubt shirt to bed and sip coffee from a cup plastered with Gwen’s red-lipped mug. I’d love to know whether Burlington singer-songwriter Jesse Taylor stans Stefani and her band as hard as I do, because listening to her January 1 EP, Ever-Changing, I can’t stop hearing similarities to the Anaheim foursome. It’s not that Taylor’s band has a glam aesthetic or reggae-infused style. Rather, the connection to No Doubt and Stefani is drawn in Taylor’s voice — as a singer with her phrase-ending warble, and as a writer reflecting on life transitions through a lens of relationships, mental health and traditional milestones. Ever-Changing’s title track and first single came out December 25 with a video

also served as the project’s producer and engineer. Mitchell, known for his work in Queen City indie bands the Bubs and Bleach Day, adds guitar, bass and additional synth throughout, while Sarah takes her first-ever turn as a vocalist. The band members sound calibrated and equalized across the EP’s brief, 16-minute run time, as one might expect from folks who’ve been in each other’s lives as long as these three have. Wood is likely a fan of the Flaming Lips and, whether consciously or not, pays homage to front person Wayne Coyne, who’s known for intensely melancholy vocalizations. In fact, Milk Weed wholly aspires to the suspended-inlow-Earth-orbit atmosphere of the Lips’ early albums, as well as Coyne’s often childlike phrasing and general outlook. Themes of childhood, innocence, playfulness, secrecy and, ultimately, angst run parallel to the grand whimsy of Wood’s songwriting and the group’s compositions. The primarily piano-led tunes amble with an intentional sense of precariousness, like a toddler who’s been

walking for only a few months. The newly bipedal child feels unstoppable, despite a little insecurity in every step. Milk Weed hurtles forward with that confidence, beginning with opener “On the See Saw.” The track unambiguously sets up the running childhood theme with lyrics that flash like retro photos dug out of a box in the attic. Mitchell’s guitar swoops underneath Wood’s sauntering piano like safety netting, supporting and enhancing the mainline melody. “Milkweed” cruises with a similar vibe. Ribbons of guitar billow between reverb-y piano chords, and simmering tropical percussion heats up to a rock-and-roll boil. Instrumental “The National Parade” is a bit of an outlier, leaning into an almost industrial groove with metalwork synths and darkened ambience. But the fog clears on closer “Use a Stencil,” on which Wood’s and Sarah’s vocals find their most promising union. Milk Weed is a brief introduction to concepts — and a lineup — deserving of further exploration. The EP underscores that a chosen family can be as strong as a biological one. Milk Weed is available at milkweed2. bandcamp.com and on Spotify.

directed by Christian James. The midtempo alt-rock tune telegraphs No Doubt’s 2000 quarter-life-crisis ballad “Simple Kind of Life” as Taylor’s straightforward rhythm guitar underpins lyrics examining her own identity and needs — and their implications for her future. Taylor seems in limbo when she sings, “You ask me if I never want to see you again / Oh baby, I don’t have the answers / I’m ever-changing, rearranging trying to / Figure out what works for me.” She has some fun with “Blue,” a high-energy pop-punk number that plays with the pitfalls of intercontinental dating: “It just doesn’t seem realistic for one of us to have to emigrate.” Fair point. Predictably, the pandemic played a role in the production of this five-song EP. After starting work at Plaid Dog Recording in Allston, Mass., in February of last year, the band was forced to finish remotely with producer Mike Davidson. If the process was challenging, I’d never know it as a listener. The production

sounds smooth and professional but still vital. Gone is the country tinge that flavored Taylor’s previous release, the 2018 EP 80° in October. Here, the Jesse Taylor Band is all alt-rock. That is, except for lead guitar player Nick Treis, whose jam-band noodling is overpowering and out of place. Drummer Matt Sicard and bass player Ian Morris Greenman (also known as the trippy solo artist Kingporgie), on the other hand, toss Taylor assists without hogging the ball. (Yep, basketball metaphors. Blame the Lamar Odom memoir.) Taylor could easily perform these songs with just her voice and acoustic guitar, but, as a fan of rock and roll and electric guitars, I’m glad she’s got a band. The performance works best when the players augment Taylor’s already strong and thoughtful rock songs. No shark-jumping guitar solos needed. Ever-Changing is available at jessetaylor.bandcamp.com. The Jesse Taylor Band livestream a concert on Thursday, February 4, as part of the Live From the Underground series. Find the event on Facebook for details.

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movies Another Round ★★★★★

ur streaming entertainment options are overwhelming — and not always easy to sort through. This week, I watched director-cowriter Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round, Denmark’s official submission to the Best International Feature Film category at the 2021 Academy Awards. Along with nine other potential Oscar contenders, it’s playing at the Vermont International Film Foundation’s Virtual Cinema (vtiff.org) through February 18.

keep up their binge (the literal translation of the film’s title, Druk) before the inevitable hangover sets in?

Will you like it?

Four friends who teach at the same high school, Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Nikolaj (Magnus Millang), Peter (Lars Ranthe) and Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), are well into the don’t-give-a-damn stage of their careers. Martin, in particular, is so depressed and aimless that he bumbles through his history lectures, skipping randomly from the Industrial Revolution to Winston Churchill and provoking complaints from his students. Then, at a drunken birthday celebration, Nikolaj tells the others about an academic’s theory that people can enhance their mental agility and creativity by maintaining a constant blood alcohol concentration of 0.05. The men decide to try it. Soon Martin is swigging vodka in the boys’ room between classes. His rambling lectures become electrifying — or at least animated — and even his distant wife (Maria Bonnevie) seems to like him better with a buzz. His friends are enjoying the experiment, too. But how long can they

Sooner or later, Hollywood will remake Another Round for the U.S. market. It will be a broad comedy about four middle-aged losers who rediscover their youthful zest for life through booze — only to learn, after many pratfalls, that life itself is the greatest intoxicant. They will apologize tearfully to their wives and reconnect with their mortified children. Think The Hangover, but more life affirming. Another Round is not that movie, because Vinterberg (The Celebration) doesn’t do broad comedy or uncomplicated affirmations. He does claustrophobic handheldcamera work and jarring contrasts. The movie opens with an extended scene in which a gang of teens — the protagonists’ students — holds a beer-chugging race that evolves into a bacchanal. It’s every music video, selling a dream of carefree exuberance — until the director smash cuts to silence and a black screen. The implication is that every binge must have an end. For Martin and the others, that means being marooned in the desert of middle age. When the men try to recapture their youthful high by getting smashed, separately or together, the soundtrack swells, and the film slips into music video mode again. It’s a high for the audience as well as the characters — until the music cuts out, the consequences set in, and Vinterberg returns to dark, ironic realism.

NEW IN THEATERS

NOW PLAYING

ESCHER: JOURNEY INTO INFINITY: Actor Stephen Fry gives voice to the writings of M.C. Escher in Robin Lutz’s playful documentary, which also looks at the Dutch artist’s modern legacy. (81 min, NR; Savoy Theater)

THE CROODS: A NEW AGE★★★ In this sequel to the animated comedy hit, a prehistoric family finds itself forced to cohabit with its more evolved neighbors. With the voice talents of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds. (95 min, PG. Essex Cinemas)

A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX: This documentary from Rodney Ascher (Room 237) digs into the age-old question of whether the world as we know it might be just a simulation. (108 min, NR; Savoy Theater)

THE LITTLE THINGS★★1/2 Denzel Washington and Rami Malek play LA cops on the trail of a serial killer in this dark crime drama directed by John Lee Hancock (The Highwaymen). (127 min, R: Essex Cinemas, Stowe Cinema)

The deal

LITTLE FISH: A “memory virus” threatens to erase the relationship of a young couple in this romantic drama starring Olivia Cooke and Jack O’Connell. Chad Hartigan (Morris From America) directed. (107 min, NR; Essex Cinemas) TWO OF US: Two retired women who are neighbors must adjust after their secret relationship is exposed in this French drama directed by Filippo Meneghetti, starring Martine Chevallier and Barbara Sukowa. (119 min, NR; Savoy Theater)

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

THE MAD HATTER: Students: If your psych professor invites you to participate in a weekend study at a place called the Mad Hatter Mansion, maybe don’t. Catherine Devaney directed the horror flick. (90 min, R; Essex Cinemas) THE MARKSMAN★★ Liam Neeson plays an Arizona border rancher who protects a young Mexican from cartel assassins in this action thriller from director Robert Lorenz. (108 min, PG-13; Essex Cinemas, Stowe Cinema)

I DRINK, THEREFORE I AM Mikkelsen finds an intellectual justification for binge drinking in Vinterberg’s dark comedy

Viewers will inevitably ask: What’s the message of all this? Is the filmmaker suggesting that people might, in fact, enjoy their lives more and do their jobs better while slightly inebriated? It seems so (Another Round probably isn’t a good watch for anyone trying to maintain sobriety). And yet the film doesn’t gloss over the grave longterm consequences of all that inebriation. When it comes to mood alterants, Americans tend to want to think in all-ornothing terms. How can a substance be both helpful and harmful? In my imaginary Hollywood version of Another Round, the characters would eventually discover that true happiness comes not from a bottle or a trick of brain chemistry but from love, family and personal fulfillment. The ending of Vinterberg’s film is far more ambiguous. Throughout — most notably in a montage of tipsy world leaders — he shows how people use booze to smooth their social interactions and regulate their moods. When Nikolaj boasts that he and his friends aren’t alcoholics because they can control their drinking, we recognize the faulty rationalization — probably because we’ve made some form of it ourselves.

Another Round is a comedy with a dark Scandinavian core. In Vinterberg’s world, the drunken high is one of the illusions human beings use to get themselves through life. Those bubbles always burst, and sometimes they burst badly. But an illusory happiness is still better than none at all.

MONSTER HUNTER★★ The Capcom video game becomes an action adventure starring Milla Jovovich and Tony Jaa. Paul W.S. Anderson, the auteur behind the Resident Evil movies, directed. (99 min, PG-13. Essex Cinemas)

WOLFWALKERS★★★★1/2 An apprentice wolf hunter in Ireland discovers a different point of view in this family animation from the makers of The Secret of Kells, featuring the voices of Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker and Sean Bean. (103 min, PG. Savoy Theater; reviewed by M.H. 1/13)

NEWS OF THE WORLD★★★1/2 In this Western from director Paul Greengrass, Tom Hanks plays a Civil War vet who travels hundreds of miles to return a girl raised by the Kiowa to her family. (118 min, PG-13. Essex Cinemas, Savoy Theater) NO MAN’S LAND★★1/2 A young man (Jake Allyn) flees into Mexico after the accidental killing of an immigrant on his dad’s border ranch in this modern Western from director Conor Allyn. (114 min, PG-13; Essex Cinemas) PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN★★★1/2 Carey Mulligan plays a med school dropout who has a few lessons to teach men about the concept of consent in this dark satirical thriller from writer-director Emerald Fennell. (114 min, R. Essex Cinemas) SUPERNOVA★★★1/2 Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci play life partners, one with early-onset dementia, who take a road trip across England to revisit their past. (93 min, R; Essex Cinemas)

If you like this, try...

• The Hunt (2012; Kanopy, Tubi, Pluto TV, Vudu, rentable): Vinterberg and Mikkelsen previously teamed up for this more sober drama in which the latter plays a kindergarten teacher who is accused of sexual abuse based on a child’s misinterpreted words. • Hope (2020; VTIFF Virtual Cinema through February 18): Martin’s midlife marriage woes are a subplot in Another Round. This acclaimed Norwegian drama, based on director Maria Sødahl’s own experience, focuses tightly on what happens in a long, troubled marriage after one spouse receives a diagnosis of terminal cancer. MARGO T HARRI S O N

margot@sevendaysvt.com

WONDER WOMAN 1984★★★ Sixty-odd years after her first film showcase, the Amazon princess (Gal Gadot) faces Max Lord and the Cheetah in the latest DC Comics adventure. (151 min, PG-13. Essex Cinemas, Stowe Cinema)

OPEN THEATERS ESSEX CINEMAS & T-REX THEATER: 21 Essex Way, Suite 300, Essex, 879-6543, essexcinemas.com. (Note: New listings for this theater were not available at press time.) THE SAVOY THEATER: 26 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0598, savoytheater.com STOWE CINEMA 3PLEX: 454 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4678, stowecinema.com. (Note: New listings for this theater were not available at press time.)

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$180 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@burlingtoncityarts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org.

Burlington City Arts winter/spring class registration is now open! Find these classes and many more at burlingtoncityarts.org. COLLAGE NIGHT WITH JESS GRAHAM: Ages 13 and up. Two students max. Get creative at home with Vermont artist Jess Graham. Learn tips and techniques to make a unique collage with newspaper clippings, magazine pages, scraps of paper and more. Includes two hours of instruction and a kit with all the materials you will need. Fri., Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $50/person; $45 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@burlingtoncityarts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org. GRAPHIC NOVEL: Prerequisite: Basic drawing experience is encouraged. Ages 18 and up. Six students max. Learn the art of visual storytelling through this immersive class in the comics discipline. Students learn a broad range of techniques for communicating with both words and pictures, with an emphasis on using pen and ink. Tue., Feb. 16-Mar. 9, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $200/person;

HAND-PRINTED CARD WORKSHOP: Instructor: Kate McKernan. Ages 18 and up. Three students max. Get to know our print studio at this one-night workshop and explore the possibilities of printmaking. Students explore simple and satisfying ways to add design to stationary. Class includes all materials; no experience necessary. Tue., Feb. 23, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $50/person; $45 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@burlingtoncityarts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org. HAND-STAMPED JEWELRY: Ages 13 and up. Six students max. Make simple but satisfying fine metal jewelry. Learn the basics of metal stamping to create your own unique pieces to keep or give as gifts. Class includes one hour of instruction and all the materials you will need in a kit. Wed., Feb. 24, 6-7 p.m. Cost: $25/ person; $22.50 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@burlingtoncityarts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org. HOME STUDIO: FAMILY CARDMAKING: Ages 6 and up. Six families max. Join us via Zoom tools to create handmade cards to share with those you love. Class includes one hour of instruction and all the materials you will need. Prior to the session, participants will pick up material kits at BCA

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Studios. Sun., Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-noon. Cost: $25/person; $22.50 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@ burlingtoncityarts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org. HOME STUDIO: HANDBUILDING: Ages 13 and up. 10 students max. Join local artist Sarah Camille Wilson in a Zoom class live at home. Explore basic handbuilding techniques and tips for creating texture and decoration. Includes four hours of instruction, materials (including a bag of clay and hand tools), glazing, and firing. Wed., Jan. 27-Feb. 17, 6-7 p.m. Cost: $100/person; $80 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@ burlingtoncityarts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org. HOME STUDIO: LINOCUT: Ages 13 and up. Eight students max. Artist Ashley Stagner teaches you to make beautiful designs with the relief technique of linoleum block printing. Print blocks by hand and then add watercolors. Please have ideas or sketches (8” x 10” or smaller) ready. Includes eight hours of instruction and materials. Wed., Feb. 3-24, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $200/person; $180 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@burlingtoncity arts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org. STILL LIFE PAINTING: Six students max. Prerequisite: Drawing and oil painting experience is recommended. Create dynamic compositions with vibrant color using contemporary still-life as your subject. Find beauty and personal meaning in common household items. Gail Salzman leads a live Zoom class with painting demos, examples, lots of tips and encouraging feedback. Tue., Feb. 16-Mar. 9, 1-3 p.m. Cost: $200/person; $180 for BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, Zoom class. Info: John Flanagan, 802-865-5355, jflanagan@burlingtoncityarts.org, burlingtoncityarts.org.

drumming DJEMBE & TAIKO DRUMMING: JOIN US!: Hybrid classes (Zoom and in-person) starting January 4, 5, 6! Taiko Tuesday and Wednesday. Djembe Wednesday. Kids and Parents Tuesday and Wednesday. COVID-19-free rental instruments, curbside pickup, too. Private Hybrid Conga lessons by appointment. Let’s prepare for future drumming outdoors. Schedule/register online. Location: Online and in-person at Taiko Space, 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3G, Burlington. Info: 802-999-4255, burlingtontaiko.org.

GET INSPIRED FOR GARDENING: Billings Farm & Museum and the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s master gardener Ben Pauly explains the process of planning and starting a garden using sustainable and holistic practices. Ben shares ideas for plotting out gardens, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, and how and when to start seeds and seedlings. Sat., Feb. 27, 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $15/ person; $10 for BF&M members. Location: interactive live Zoom in the Billings Backyard Series. Info: Marge Wakefield, 802-457-5310, mwakefield@billingsfarm.org, billingsfarm.org.

Feldenkrais AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT: Self-care at home with the Feldenkrais Method. Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement Zoom classes will help you deal with stress and pain, keep you moving, feel good in your body and create a greater sense of well-being. The results can be extraordinary. See online testimonials! Uwe Mester has 15 years of experience and will guide you verbally through simple and highly effective gentle movements. The instructions are easy to follow. Pay what you can. Register with vermontfeldenkrais. com. Tuesdays. Cost: $10/1-hour class. Location: Online, Please register w/ Uwe Mester, At your home. Info: Vermont Feldenkrais, Uwe Mester, 802-735-3770, movevt@gmail.com, vermont feldenkrais.com.

website for complete information or contact us for details. Location: Spanish in Waterbury Center, Waterbury Center. Info: 802-5851025, spanishparavos@gmail. com, spanishwaterbury center.com.

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language EXPERIENCED NATIVE PROFESSOR OFFERING ONLINE SPANISH CLASSES: Premier native-speaking Spanish professor Maigualida Rak is giving fun, interactive online lessons 1x1.5-SAC-020321.indd 12/2/21 11:49 AM to improve comprehension and pronunciation and to achieve fluency. Audio-visual material is used. “I feel proud to say that my students have significantly improved their Spanish with my teaching approach.” -Maigualida Rak. Read reviews on Facebook at facebook.com/spanishonlinevt. Location: Maigualida Rak, Online. Info: Maigualida Rak, spanish tutor.vtfla@gmail.com, facebook.com/spanishonlinevt. JAPANESE LANGUAGE CLASSES: Offering beginning Japanese language courses. Level 1 starts Feb. 17, every Wednesday for 10 weeks. Level 2 starts Feb. 22, every Monday for 10 weeks. 6:30-8 p.m. Main textbook: Japanese for Busy People I. Level 1 covers the first half of the book, and Level 2 covers the second half. Level 1: Wed., starts Feb. 17, 6:30-8 p.m.; Level 2: Mon., starts Feb. 22, 6:308 p.m. Location: Japan-America Society of Vermont, Colchester. Info: jasvlanguage@gmail.com, jasv.org/v2/language. KOREAN LANGUAGE CLASS: Learn to speak Korean! Beginner Korean language class offers online instruction on Korean alphabet, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for basic conversation. Saturday, Mar. 6-May 15 (no class Apr. 3), 9:30-11 a.m. Cost: $100/ person. Location: Green Mountain Korean Culture School, 130 Maple St., Essex Junction. Info: Young Shin, 917-923-6337, gmkcsvt@ gmail.com. LEARN SPANISH LIVE & ONLINE: Broaden your world. Learn Spanish online via live video conferencing. High-quality, affordable instruction in the Spanish language for adults, students and children. Travelers lesson package. Our 15th year. Personal small group and individual instruction from a native speaker. See our

yoga EVOLUTION YOGA: Bring your body and mind toward balance and find connection in community. All are welcome. Find support you need to awaken your practice. Offering livestream and recorded classes. Give the gift of yoga with a gift card on our website. Flexible pricing based on your needs; scholarships avail. Contact yoga@evolutionvt.com. Single class: $0-15. Weekly membership: $10-25. 10-class pass: $140. New student special: $20 for 3 classes. Location: Evolution Yoga, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: 802864-9642, evolutionvt.com.

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Ali Dieng, Max Tracy, Miro Weinberger, Haik Bedrosian, Patrick White, Will Emmons and Kevin McGrath get specific about their plans to run Burlington. This virtual debate will be moderated by Sasha Goldstein and Matthew Roy of Seven Days. Watch live on Town Meeting TV’s cable channels (Comcast 1087 and Burlington Telecom 17 or 217) or stream it online at sevendaysvt.com.

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Harold & Kumar AGE/SEX: 4-month-old males ARRIVAL DATE: January 26, 2021 COURTESY OF KELLY SCHULZE/MOUNTAIN DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month! In addition to brushing your pet’s teeth frequently and providing appropriate chew toys at home, have your veterinarian check teeth and gums at least once a year to detect any early signs of periodontal disease and perform a full dental cleaning if needed to prevent further health issues. After all, a happy pet has a healthy mouth!

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Share an apartment with avid sports & music fan in his 50s. No rent/utilities in exchange for evening assistance with a light meal, household tasks, and occasional errands. Shared BA.

WILLISTON readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. Any home seeker who feels he or she has encountered discrimination should contact:

Woman in her 80s who enjoys French TV, news & family time, seeking housemate to provide evening companionship, cooking 4-5x/week & light housekeeping. No rent/utils. Private BA.

HUD Office of Fair Housing 10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1092 (617) 565-5309 — OR — Vermont Human Rights Commission 14-16 Baldwin St. Montpelier, VT 05633-0633 1-800-416-2010 hrc@vermont.gov

Beautiful, older farmhouse to share w/ independent artist in her 60s. Seeking tidy housemate to help w/ household chores & provide a bit of companionship. Shared BA. $300/

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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Calcoku SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS Complete »

Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, fill the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.

3÷

CALCOKU

4 1

1 6x

9 4 8

5 8 3

2 5 3 1 6

Difficulty - Medium

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

No. 673

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Hard

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HH

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH

Fill the grid using the numbers 1-6, only once in each row and column. The numbers in each heavily outlined “cage” must combine to produce the target number in the top corner, using the mathematical operation indicated. A onebox cage should be filled in with the target number in the top corner. A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not the same row or column.

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers one to nine. The same numbers cannot be repeated in a row or column.

2 9 1 3 4 7 5 8 6

ANSWERS ON P. 58 9 BOY! 3 4 H 7H =5CHALLENGING 8 1 6HH2 H = MODERATE H = HOO,

3 9 WEIRD WARDROBE 7 ANSWERS ON P. 58 » 8 1 6 5

crossword 4 6 5 3 2 1

6 1 4 5 3 8 2

8 3 6 2 7 4 9

2 6 5 7 4 9 1

Extra! Extra! There’s no limit to ad length online.

3 6 5 2 7 7 4

2÷

Open 24/7/365.

View and post up to Postthe & browse ads the following puzzle by using 6 photos per ad online. at your convenience. numbers 1-9 only once in each row, column and 3 x 3 box.

2 4

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5 2 3 9 8 7 6

9 4 8 1 2 5 3

4 7 1 6 9 3 8

7 5 2 3 6 1 4

1 8 9 4 5 2 7

Fresh. Filtered. Free. What’s that

buzz?

Find out what’s percolating today. Sign up to receive our house blend of local news headlines served up in one convenient email by Seven Days.

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Legals

coordinator at the telephone number listed below for more information. Prior to convening a hearing, the Commission must determine that substantive issues requiring a hearing have been raised. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law may not be prepared unless the Commission holds a public hearing.

PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 10. ACT 250 NOTICE MINOR APPLICATION #4C0680-16 10 V.S.A. §§ 6001 - 6093 On January 6, 2021, Milton Shopping Center, LLC, 69 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401 and River’s Edge Building Development, LLC, 41 Gauthier Drive, Suite 1, Essex Junction, VT 05452 filed application number 4C0680-16 for a project generally described as construction of a 51 unit residential planned unit development on former Lots 10C and 9C of Haydenberry Park. The 51 units will be comprised of 25 duplex buildings and one single unit building on “footprint” lots within proposed Lots 1 and 2. The project is located at 20 Haydenberry Drive in Milton, Vermont. The application was deemed complete on January 22, 2021 after the receipt of supplemental information. The District 4 Environmental Commission is reviewing this application under Act 250 Rule 51—Minor Applications. A copy of the application and proposed permit are available for review at the office listed below. The application and a draft permit may also be viewed on the Natural Resources Board’s web site (http://nrb.vermont.gov) by clicking on “Act 250 Database” and entering the project number “4C0680-16.” No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before February 16, 2021, a person notifies the Commission of an issue or issues requiring the presentation of evidence at a hearing, or the Commission sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1) may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in writing to the address below, must state the criteria or sub-criteria at issue, why a hearing is required and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing. Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner or other person eligible for party status under 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1)(E) must include a petition for party status under the Act 250 Rules. Prior to submitting a request for a hearing, please contact the district

If you feel that any of the District Commission members listed on the attached Certificate of Service under “For Your Information” may have a conflict of interest, or if there is any other reason a member should be disqualified from sitting on this case, please contact the District Coordinator as soon as possible, and by no later than February 16, 2021.

PRIVATE AUCTION OF STORAGE UNIT CONTENTS Chloe Brock, last known address of 111 Broadlake Road Colchester, VT 05446 has a past due balance of $940.00 owed to Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC since 8/30/20. To cover this debt, per lease dated 3/4/19 the contents of unit #229 will be sold at private auction on 2/6/21. Catherine Knowlton, last known address of 235 Belknap Road Berlin, VT 05602 has a past due balance of $698.00 owed to Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC since 9/30/20. To cover this debt, per lease dated 6/10/20 the contents of unit #046 will be sold at private auction on 2/6/21.

If you have a disability for which you need accommodation in order to participate in this process (including participating in a public hearing, if one is held), please notify us as soon as possible, in order to allow us as much time as possible to accommodate your needs.

Melissa Bouffard, last known address of 135 Pecor Ave. Essex Junction, VT 05452 has a past due balance of $1,312.00 owed to Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC since 7/31/20. To cover this debt, per lease dated 8/30/13 the contents of unit #092 will be sold at private auction on 2/6/21.

Parties entitled to participate are the Municipality, the Municipal Planning Commission, the Regional Planning Commission, affected state agencies, and adjoining property owners and other persons to the extent that they have a particularized interest that may be affected by the proposed project under the Act 250 criteria. Non-party participants may also be allowed under 10 V.S.A. Section 6085(c)(5).

Auction pre-registration is required, email info@ champlainvalleyselfstorage.com to register.

Dated at Essex Junction, Vermont this 25th day of January, 2021. By: Stephanie H. Monaghan District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-5662 stephanie.monaghan@vermont.gov MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND RFP Essex Junction Recreation & Parks (EJRP) is building a destination playground at Maple Street Park. We are seeking the newest, highest, greatest, most thrilling, engaging, and exciting structures and components available for 5-12-year-olds, to complement all of the amazing things to do at our 38-acre park. We want as many of these new installations to be accessible to all children in our community. This is a soup to nuts RFP for up to $250,000, with all aspects from site prep, to equipment removal and disposal, to freight, and installation to be included. Visit essexrec.org for further information. Bids due by 2/19.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance Amendment ZA-21-03 R-L Boundary at 925 North Ave ZA-21-04 Adaptive Reuse Definition ZA-21-05 Parking Garage Illumination Standard ZA-21-06 Shoreline Property Setbacks & Buffer Zone Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. §4441 and §4444, notice is hereby given of a public hearing by the Burlington Planning Commission to hear comments on the following proposed amendments to the City of Burlington’s Comprehensive Development Ordinance (CDO). Per Act 92, Secs. 5 and 6, the public hearing will take place during the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 beginning at 6:45pm. You may access the hearing/ meeting as follows: To join from a Computer, please click this URL to join, and enter the Webinar ID if prompted: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89830163519 To join by phone, dial this number and enter the Webinar ID when prompted: Number: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 898 3016 3519 Pursuant to the requirements of 24 V.S.A. §4444(b): Statement of purpose:

FROM P.57

- ZA-21-04: To more accurately reflect the intent and purpose of adaptive reuse as it pertains to reuse of historic buildings.

- ZA-21-05: To refer to the current lighting standard for parking garages as established by IESNA.

- ZA-21-06: To establish maximum front yard setback for shoreline properties within the waterfront residential zones and establish no-mow standards along the shoreline. Geographic areas affected:

These amendments apply to the following areas of the city:

3 4 5 1 2

3 9 7 6 1 415 3 8 2

1 5 8 3 6 2 7 4 9

6 3-3 8 32 1-6 5 7 6x 4 9 1

1 4 7 1 6 5 9 25+ 4 32 ÷ 8 9 1 8 2 7 5 6 3

6 2 1 3 4 5

15 8 1- 6 2 9 3 4 7 1 7 5 2 ÷8 1 2 9 6 3 4 6x 9 6 5 3Difficulty1 - Medium 2 8 4 7 1-

Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, fill the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.

Calcoku

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

The purpose of the proposed amendments are as follows: - ZA-21-03: To rezone approximately 2.4 acres of the property located at 925 North Avenue from RCO-C to R-L.

2-2 4 3÷ 3 2-9 4-7 8 1 6 5

FROM P.57

PUZZLE ANSWERS

- ZA-21-03: Approximately 2.4 acres of R-L zoned land located at 925 North Avenue. - ZA-21-04: All areas and zoning districts within the city. - ZA-21-05: All areas and zoning districts within the city. - ZA-21-06: Properties within the waterfront residential (WRL & WRM) zones with frontage along Lake Champlain or the Winooski River. List of section headings affected: The proposed amendments modify the following sections of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance:

- ZA-21-03: Modifies Map 4.3.1-1 Base Zoning Districts; Map 4.4.5-1 Residential Zoning Districts; Map 4.4.6-1 Recreation, Conservation, Open Space Districts; and Map 4.5.1-1 Design Review Overlay. - ZA-21-04: Modifies “adaptive reuse” definition in Sec. 13.1.2 Definitions. - ZA-21-05: Modifies Sec.5.5.2 (f) 5. Parking Garage Lighting. - ZA-21-06: Modifies Table 4.4.5-3 Residential District Dimensional Standards, Sec. 4.5.4 (a) and Sec 4.5.4 (c) 4. The full text of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance is available online at www. burlingtonvt.gov/DPI/CDO. The proposed amendment can be reviewed in hard copy posted on the first floor of City Hall, 149 Church Street, Burlington or on the department’s website at https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/DPI/CDO/ProposedAmendments-Before-the-Planning-Commission STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO. In re ESTATE of Rose A Raftery NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the Creditors of Rose A Raftery, late of Milton. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: 1/25/2021 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Jennifer Allard Executor/Administrator: Jennifer Allard 42 Russell Circle Milton, VT 05468 802-893-8104 jratcall@gmail.com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 2/3/21 and 2/10/21 Probate Court: Chittenden Probate Division 175 Main Street Burlington, VT 05402 STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 135-120 CNPR In re ESTATE of Darryl L. Hayden NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the Creditors of Darryl L. Hayden, late of Hinesburg, Vermont. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: 1/28/2021 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Bradley Lee Hayden Executor/Administrator: Bradley Lee Hayden, Executor Kevin T. Brennan, Esq. PO Box 8 Monkton, VT 05469 802-453-8400 Shelley@bpd.legal Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: February 3, 2021 Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Probate Division PO Box 511 Burlington, VT 05402 STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 959-820 CNPR In re ESTATE of Gavin M. Howley NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the Creditors of Gavin M. Howley, late of South Burlington, Vermont. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: February 1, 2021 Signed: /s/ Kathleen A. Howley, Fiduciary 41 McIntosh Avenue South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 363-0583 jkhowley@comcast.net cc: mmcneil@mcneilvt.com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: February 3, 2021 Vermont Superior Court, Probate Division 175 Main Street P.O. Box 511 Burlington, VT 05402 STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION WASHINGTON UNIT DOCKET NO.: 589-1020 WNPR In re ESTATE of Betty J. Sawyer NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the Creditors of Betty J. Sawyer, late of Plainfield, Vermont. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: 1/25/2021 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Jordan Garrow Executor/Administrator: Jordan Garrow 1935 Christian Hill Bethel, Vermont 05032 802-505-5313 jordangarrow513@gmail.com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: February 3, 2021 Probate Court: Washington Probate Court 65 State Street Montpelier, VT 05602 THE CONTENTS OF STORAGE UNIT 02-00208 LOCATED AT 48 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, WILLISTON VT, 05495 WILL BE SOLD ON OR ABOUT THE 11TH OF FEBRUARY 2021 TO SATISFY THE DEBT OF RYAN MCKINLAY. Any person claiming a right to the goods may pay the amount claimed due and reasonable expenses before the sale, in which case the sale may not occur.

TOWN OF ESSEX NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS PROPOSED PLAN OF MERGER OF TOWN OF ESSEX AND VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION AND PROPOSED CHARTER FEBRUARY 1, 2021, 6:45 PM AND FEBRUARY 16, 2021, 6:30 PM The Selectboard of the Town of Essex, Vermont hereby give notice that public hearings shall be held at the following times online via Microsoft Teams: - Monday, February 1, 2021, 6:45 PM, participate online or by telephone (dial (802) 377-3784 and enter meeting ID: 817 591 504# - Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 6:30 PM, participate online or by telephone (dial (802) 377-3784 and enter meeting ID: 195 190 840# to consider the Plan of Merger of the Town of Essex, Vermont and Village of Essex Junction, Vermont dated January 11, 2021 and the proposed Charter for the merged communities. These hearings will be conducted pursuant to Chapter 49 of Title 24, Vermont Statutes Annotated and Section 2645 of Title 17, Vermont Statutes Annotated. THE PROPOSED MERGER PLAN AND PROPOSED CHARTER FOR THE CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY ARE ON FILE AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE AT 81 MAIN STREET, ESSEX JUNCTION. Copies are available upon

request by contacting clerk@essex.org or calling 879-0413. Copies will be mailed to households and posted to www.essexvt.org, www.essexjunction. org, and www.greateressex2020.org.

VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION. - ESSEX MIDDLE SCHOOL, 60 FOUNDERS ROAD FOR ALL ESSEX RESIDENTS RESIDING OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION,

Complete details and information to connect to the meetings can be found at www.essexvt.org or by contacting Tammy Getchell at tgetchell@essex.org or 878-6951.

ARTICLE I. Shall the Town adopt a budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 as recommended by the Selectboard in the amount of $15,926,128?

Dated at Essex, Vermont, this 19th day of January 2021 by

ARTICLE II. Shall the Town of Essex adopt the Plan of Merger of the Town of Essex, Vermont and Village of Essex Junction, Vermont dated January 11, 2021 and the proposed Charter for the merged municipalities? (Copies of the Plan of Merger, including proposed Charter provisions are available at the Clerk’s Office at 81 Main St., Essex Junction; by emailing clerk@ essex.org or calling 878-1341; the Village Office at 2 Lincoln St, Essex Junction; and at www.essexvt.org, www.greateressex2020.org, and www.essexjunction.org.)

/s/ Elaine Haney, Chair /s/ Patrick Murray, Vice Chair /s/ Vince Franco, Clerk Received for record this 19th day of January, 2021 in the records of the Town of Essex. /s/ Susan McNamara-Hill, Town Clerk VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS: PUBLIC HEARINGS FY22: PROPOSED BUDGETS AND CAPITAL PROGRAMS FEBRUARY 9, 2021, 6:35 PM AND FEBRUARY 23, 2021, 6:35 PM The Trustees of the Village of Essex Junction, Vermont hereby give notice that public hearings shall be held at the following times online via Microsoft Teams: - Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 6:35 PM, participate online or by telephone at (802) 377-3784 and enter meeting ID: 400 899 176#

ARTICLE III. Election of the following: Moderator, 1 vacancy (1-year term) Selectboard, 2 vacancies (one 3-year term and one 1-year term) Dated at Essex, Vermont, the 28th day of January 2021 by the Essex Town Selectboard. /s/ Elaine Haney, Chair /s/ Patrick Murray, Vice-Chair /s/ Susan McNamara-Hill, Town Clerk Received for record this 29th day of January, 2021 in the records of the Town of Essex.

- Tuesday, February 23, 2021, 6:35 PM, participate online or by telephone at (802) 377-3784 and enter meeting ID: 735 203 269# The public is invited to attend and offer comments regarding the proposed FY22 Budget and Capital Programs. Complete details and information to connect to the meetings can be found at www. essexjunction.org.

Commercial Kitchen Equipment Monday, February 8 @ 6PM 131 Dorset Ln., Williston, VT

Preview: Fri., Feb. 5 from 11AM-1PM

Blodgett and Garland Convection Ovens, Hobart Slicers and Mixer, Commercial Dishwasher, Vulcan Range Oven, Hatco Cook & Hold Oven, 40 Gallon Steam Kettle

WARNING: TOWN OF ESSEX INFORMATIONAL HEARING MARCH 1, 2021 AND ANNUAL MEETING MARCH 2, 2021 Informational Hearing – online only Monday, March 1 [7:30 PM] Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this hearing will be held remotely. Available options to watch or join the meeting: - WATCH: the meeting will be live-streamed on Town Meeting TV. - JOIN ONLINE: Visit www.essexvt.org for meeting connection information. - JOIN CALLING: Join via conference call (audio only): (802) 377-3784 | Conference ID: 242 211 736#

64± Ac. w/Elmore Mountain Views Tuesday, February 16 @ 11AM 0 VT-12, Elmore, VT

- MODERATOR: All instructions for conduct of the meeting will be guided by the Moderator. - If you have difficulty accessing the hearing, please call (802) 878-1341 or email manager@essex.org. On December 28, 2020, the Town Selectboard voted to hold the 2021 Town Annual Meeting entirely by Australian ballot. A public informational hearing on the Articles to be voted on at Town Annual Meeting will be held according to 17 V.S.A. § 2680. No voting will take place during this hearing. If you wish to make a public comment but do not have the ability to comment remotely during the meeting, please email your comment(s) to the Unified Manager at manager@essex.org. AGENDA will include: - Discussion of Article I — Adopting the budget - Discussion of Article II — Adopting the Plan of Merger and proposed Charter for the merged municipalities - Announcement of offices up for election in Article III - Public to be heard (to be moderated) Annual Meeting – Australian Ballot Tuesday, March 2 THE LEGAL VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX IN THE COUNTY OF CHITTENDEN ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED AND WARNED TO MEET ON TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:00 A.M. AND 7:00 P.M. TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT. POLLING PLACES ARE: - ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL. 2 EDUCATIONAL DRIVE FOR ALL ESSEX RESIDENTS RESIDING WITHIN THE

Mostly wooded parcel near Lake Elmore. Walk the land any time (park at boat launch across street). Please do not go past right of way signs or enter neighboring property. Toys, Antiques, Collectibles & Musical Instruments Monday, February 15 @ 6PM 131 Dorset Ln., Williston, VT

Preview: Feb. 11 from 11AM-1PM

500+ Lots of Vintage Toys, Pedal Cars, Trains, Coins & Currency, Art, Antiques, Bows, Collector Plates, Rugs, Home Furnishings, Taxidermy, Advertising Promotions, Clocks, Guitars & MUCH MORE THCAuction.com  800-634-7653 SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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Lareau Farm, home of the original American Flatbread, is seeking a qualified Event Chef to join our team. The successful candidate will have experience in restaurant and/or catering kitchens with a focus on purchasing from local, organic and sustainable sources and creating seasonal menus that highlight local ingredients. Simple, delicious, seasonal food is a must and use of our wood-fired cookery (smoker, grills and oven) is just part of the fun! For a complete overview of the requirements please visit our website. Salary based on experience. About Lareau Farm and American Flatbread:

Lareau Farm is a 25-acre farm located along the Mad River in scenic Waitsfield, VT. We operate a 12-bedroom B&B, host weddings & events, operate an offsite catering wood fired oven, and are home to the original American Flatbread restaurant, serving farm to table flatbread baked in a wood fired earthen oven. Send resumes to: alison@americanflatbread.com.

Property Management firm seeking an Assistant Property Manager to complete both 7/6/204t-AmericanFlatbreadLarueFarm011321.indd 9:50 AM 1 1/8/21 field-based and office-based4t-GlobalFoundries070820.indd 1 administrative duties. Position is full time, 40 hours/week Full Time Evening or Nights Monday-Friday. Job duties include: leasing apartments, Welcome to the new year! Welcome to your new career! Join Vermont’s frequent correspondence with premier senior living community. At Wake Robin, we are 5-star rated for tenants, facilitating property a reason; let us show you why. inspections, filing, data-entry, etc. Excellent communication We continue to offer generous shift differentials: Howard Center is seeking a Shared Living Provider (SLP) for a skills and ability to work under Evenings $2.50, Nights $4.50, Weekends $1.55 woman in her 50s who enjoys spending time with others and pressure is required.

STAFF NURSE (LPN OR RN)

10:14 AM

SHARED LIVING PROVIDER

Pay: $37k-$45k (depending on experience) Education: A.A or B.A in Business (preferred) Experience: Property Management: 5 years (preferred) Resume & cover letter to: info@fullcirclevt.com.

www.fullcirclevt.com

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watching movies. The ideal provider(s) will live in wheelchair accessible home, and be comfortable with complex medical issues and personal care needs. The individual has a great sense of humor and would enjoy living with children and with pets. Compensation includes generous annual stipend and respite budget. For more information or to request an application, please contact Patrick Fraser at patfraser@howardcenter.org or 802-871-2902.

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Wake Robin offers an excellent compensation and benefits package and an opportunity to build strong relationships with staff and residents in a dynamic community setting. Interested candidates can send their resumes and cover letter to hr@wakerobin.com or fill out an application at wakerobin.com/employment. Wake Robin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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2/1/21 10:03 AM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

New, local, scamfree jobs posted every day!

Registration Department Opportunities

Seeking a Program Ofﬁcer

PATIENT BENEFITS ADVISOR AND PATIENT FINANCIAL ADVOCATE The Benefits Advisor coordinates all aspects of the financial clearance process to provide a seamless, transparent and centralized source for patients and families, particularly those whose care spans multiple services. The Financial Advocate is responsible for managing and aiding the under & uninsured patient.

If you're a community-minded, big-picture VT - we have a job for you! Community Investments team and focus on the Foundation's work to close the opportunity gap for Vermonters so that everyone has a chance to get ahead in life.

To apply, visit us online at uvmmed.hn/sevendays and search for the keywords “advisor” or “advocate.”

engagement, grantmaking, evaluation and coordination of directly with other teams within the Foundation to help track impact.

LITIGATION LEGAL ASSISTANT

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vermontcf.org/careers for a complete job description and instructions for applying by Friday, February 19th.

1/26/21 Sales Executive - Strategic Accounts

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Select is looking for an experienced Sales Executive to own and grow key client relationships and deliver creative outcomes within our growing base of iconic global consumer brand partners.

Please e-mail cover letter, résumé and references to: fmiller@gravelshea.com. GRAVELSHEA.COM E.O.E.

Qualifications: 3-5 years experience in a consumer brand marketing agency or sales role, a strong understanding of the consumer brand space, and today's omni-channel landscape, and experience managing relationships with multiple complex deliverables on budget and within deadline. Bachelor degree preferred.

Full Listing: www.selectdesign.com/careers 208 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT (802) 864.9075

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Gravel & Shea PC, a law firm in downtown Burlington, Vermont, is looking for a legal assistant for its litigation department. The ideal candidate will have experience working as a litigation legal assistant, knowledge of Microsoft Office software, and experience with preparing documents for filing in Vermont courts. In addition, this position requires a strong work ethic, eagerness to learn and acquire new skills, and excellent typing 9:12 AMskills. Communication skills are a must, as Gravel & Shea legal assistants work as a team with paralegals, lawyers and other legal assistants. Minimum qualifications include an Associate’s degree or a minimum of three years of experience as a legal assistant. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) and Profit Sharing.

Responsibilities: foster client relationships by understanding and defining the outcomes they seek, collaborate and communicate with internal stakeholders, and engage clients using Select’s growing suite of marketing technology products.

Apply: careers@selectdesign.com

1/29/21 3:03 PM

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1/19/21 11:07 AM

AFFORDABLE HOUSING STAFF ACCOUNTANT Evernorth has created a new position for a Staff Accountant to join our amazing Finance & Administration team. This position reports to the Controller and includes a range of bookkeeping, accounting, and financial analysis functions. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with exceptional skills in Office 365, have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and 3-5 years of related experience. At Evernorth, we believe in equal access to affordable housing and economic opportunities; the power of partnerships based on integrity, respect, and professionalism; a collaborative workplace with professional, skilled, and dedicated staff. Please send a cover letter and resume with salary requirements to Dave Graves at hr@evernorthus.org.

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jobs.sevendaysvt.com

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6/18/19 1:24 PM

JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

SIGN ON BONUS OF $2,000

The Arbors at Shelburne, a Benchmark Senior Living, offers our employees an extensive beneﬁts package, award beneﬁts as well as employee appreciation days each month. The Arbors at Shelburne is currently recruiting for licensed nursing assistants or experience caregivers. We have full and part time openings on our day and evening shifts, in our community dedicated to seniors living with memory challenges. We offer competitive shift and weekend differentials. Salary up to $21.00/hour based on experience.

Send resume and cover letter, and fill out online application: knollfarm.org/ work-with-us/land-steward.

The Arbors at Shelburne Attn: Human Resources 687 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT. 05482 (802) 985-8600 avanslette@benchmarkquality.com

Universal School Meals Campaign Manager

Hunger Free Vermont is seeking a full-time campaign manager to join the team working to bring universal Equal Opportunity Employer school meals to all public school students in VT. You will manage our state legislative campaign, including efforts to engage with5v-ArborsatShelburne012721.indd 1 1/22/21 stakeholders in schools and communities, to collaborate with Join our financial team, producing monthly financial statements, partner organizations, and to work assisting in grants management, requisitioning funds, and supporting with legislators and state officials.

Assistant Controller

Full position description, instructions for applying, and benefits summary at hungerfreevt.org/employment. Deadline to apply is 2/17.

1:05 PM

Lamoille Home Health & Hospice seeks an experienced Medical Social Worker to join our team. This full time position evaluates and assists clients/ families in adjusting to social and emotional factors related to health challenges. Bachelor’s Degree or Master prepared in social work is required. For more details visit lhha.org and complete an on-line application. $2500 sign-on Incentive (available for a limited time). 802-888-4651

Full job description and to apply online: smcvt.interviewexchange.com.

Please email to schedule an interview.

1/22/21 2:44 PM

MEDICAL SOCIAL 1/29/21 WORKER

Saint Michael’s College is seeking applicants for the position of Human Resources Coordinator (HRC), an integral member of the HR team. The successful candidate will be an organized, skillful problem-solver with an eye for details and opportunities for process improvements and a knack for customer service. They will be an HR administrative professional committed to maintaining their knowledge of human resources and payroll laws, processes and procedures. The HRC will provide administrative support for the HR Department and will also act as a liaison to the Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium’s Payroll and Benefits shared services teams as we continue to build our collaborative partnership. Prior experience interacting with payroll is highly desirable as this position will be responsible for the setting up of new employees, payments and taxable benefits, and will help maintain data integrity by using Excel reports to verify results both in the payroll and through regular audits. The successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

LNAs/EXPERIENCED CAREGIVERS

The Land Steward at Knoll Farm - an organic farm and retreat center in Fayston, Vermont - takes care of our retreat center buildings, trails and grounds, and contributes to the farming operation, orchards, livestock, firewood harvesting and managing volunteers.

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63 FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR

LAND STEWARD

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NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY!

the payroll process. Manage state, federal, and private funding sources for programs that create affordable housing and conserve agricultural and recreational land, forestland, and historic public properties. Never a dull moment, a supportive environment to work in, and a great mission to support! Skills and Qualifications: a degree in accounting and a minimum of three years’ experience in accounting functions; additional experience may be substituted for a degree. Working knowledge of fund accounting, GAAP, governmental and/or not-for-profit accounting, and experience with federal grant administration and regulations. Stellar attention to detail and concern for accuracy; ability to work as part of team during periods of high demand; good organizational and time management skills, and ability to work well independently. Proficiency with spreadsheet applications, accounting software, PDF and word processing software is required; experience with databases and document management systems helpful. Full-time position with competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Read the job description at: vhcb.org/about-us/jobs. EOE. Please reply with cover letter and résumé to: jobs@vhcb.org. Position will remain open until filled.

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12:45 PM

JOIN THE TEAM AT GARDENER’S SUPPLY! Through gardening, our customers control their access to safe and affordable food, and grow food to share with their neighbors. At Gardener’s Supply, we are committed to doing everything we can to help our customers keep gardening, but we need your help. We’re hiring for SEASONAL POSITIONS AT ALL LOCATIONS: • Pick/Pack customer orders at our DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN MILTON • Provide exceptional customer service to our customers over the phone at our CALL CENTER • Help customers with their gardening needs at our WILLISTON & BURLINGTON, VT GARDEN CENTERS We are 100% employee-owned and a Certified B Corporation. We offer strong cultural values, competitive wages and outstanding benefits (including a tremendous discount!). Please go to our careers page at www.gardeners.com/careers and apply online!

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2/1/21 4:16 PM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Marketing & Communications Director

FULL-TIME BOOKSELLER

NOFA-VT & Vermont Organic Farmers is seeking a Marketing & Communications Director to join our team. We are looking for a seasoned, dedicated, and driven leader who can develop and implement narrative and communications strategy that facilitates market growth in the organic sector, movement building, brand recognition, policy change and cultural understanding for NOFA-VT and VOF. To learn more visit nofavt.org/joinourteam.

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Looking for a positive, energetic bookseller to join our team. For full description and to apply go to: bit.ly/StillNorthBookJob 2/2/211t-StillNorthBooks020321.indd 9:44 AM 1

2/1/21 11:37 AM

Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) and its component unit VERMONT AGRICULTURAL CREDIT CORPORATION (VACC) Join our team of agricultural lending staff who serve Vermont’s farm and forest industries:

There is no better time to join NSB’s team! Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. As an Essential Workforce in Vermont, we strive to serve our employees as well as our communities. Due to growth in the department, we are looking for a professional to join our IT team as an Information Systems Administrator in our Berlin Operations Center. This position offers a strong opportunity to work for an established and growing premier Vermont mutual savings bank. • The Information Systems Administrator develops, optimizes, and maintains the bank’s client/server environment. • We are looking for someone who is a great team player that can also work well independently. • A successful candidate with have effective communication skills and offer a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers. • A bachelor’s degree in a technical field is required.

(Location flexible)

Motivated individual to support agricultural loan officers by providing credit investigation and analysis of loan applications and servicing requests. Duties include entering data to financial accounting software, preparing and analyzing spreadsheets, and drafting credit memorandums and letters. Knowledge of agricultural and/or forest industry is required. Previous experience as a credit analyst or similar position and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

• NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with personal development within our company. • Average Years of Service at Northfield Savings Bank is above 9! If you’re looking for a career in Banking, this is a great place to start!

WHAT NSB CAN OFFER YOU

• NSB offers a competitive compensation based on experience. • Benefits package including medical, dental, combined time off, 10 paid holidays, a wellness program and more! • Profit sharing opportunity and an outstanding employer-matching 401(K) retirement program. • NSB offers professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment supported by a team culture. • Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, generally 8:00am to 5:00pm. We understand the importance of having evenings and weekends with our friends, families, and our community.

AGRICULTURAL LOAN OFFICER

(Junior or Senior Level; based in Middlebury) Experienced professional to visit farm and forestry applicants and borrowers, analyze loan requests, prepare loan write-ups, service a diverse loan portfolio and perform annual financial analyses. Knowledge of agricultural and/or forest industry, strong written and verbal skills and excellent customer service are required. Previous agricultural lending experience, proven team approach and a bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. Leadership experience is a plus.

Please submit your application and resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com (Preferred) Or mail to: Northfield Savings Bank - Human Resources P.O. Box 7180, Barre, VT 05641-7180 E.O.E./Member FDIC

Successful candidates will have a positive customer service attitude, strong written and verbal skills and attention to detail. Computer literacy and ability to learn financial database software is required. Each position includes travel within the State of Vermont.

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Please submit your resume and cover letter to: chouchens@veda.org. or mail to: VEDA, Attn: Cheryl Houchens 60 Main Street, Suite 202 Burlington, VT 05401 10v-VEDA012721.indd 1

Berlin Operations Center

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS

AGRICULTURAL CREDIT ANALYST

VEDA/VACC offers a competitive salary and benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR

1/25/21 11:27 AM

1/26/21 9:08 AM

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

65 FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Animator/Editor

Buffalo Mountain Co-Op is Hiring! • Assistant Grocery Manager • Prepared Food Manager The Co-op seeks team members who share our enthusiasm for building and strengthening relationships within our community, while providing excellent customer service and sharing a passion for natural foods. The ideal candidate loves local food, enjoys working in a collaborative environment, cares about responsible purchasing decisions, and is interested in what is hot and new in the VT food scene. To learn more visit our website buffalomountaincoop.org/ employment. To apply, email a resume to jobs@bmfc.coop.

Responsibilities: collaborate with our designers and illustrators to imagine how stories are brought to life, provide an expertise in After Effects, Premier, Cinema 4D and Illustrator, and actively contribute in a variety of storytelling media. Qualifications: 3-5 years experience in agency/brand visual storytelling (animation and editing), exceptional problem-solving skills, and ability to storyboard and effectively communicate creative vision. Apply: careers@selectdesign.com

TOWN OF COLCHESTER Full Listing:

www.selectdesign.com/careers COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

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ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST YOUR JOBS AT: sevendaysvt.com/ postmyjob PRINT DEADLINE: Noon on Mondays (including holidays) FOR RATES & INFO: Michelle Brown, 802-865-1020 x21

michelle@ sevendaysvt.com

JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Domestic Violence Response

Project Director

The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is seeking a Domestic Violence Response Project Director. This role will coordinate efforts to analyze, evaluate and innovate the systems which respond to individuals who use violence in their intimate partner relationships. The Domestic Violence Response Project Director is funded through a federal grant for 3 years, with the intention of continued funding. This is a 32 hour/week position. Required qualifications include any combination of experience and education equal to a bachelor’s degree, and a minimum of four years professional experience in related field. Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence required. Applicants must have demonstrated project or grant management experience, exceptional cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, and excellent communication and facilitation skills. Applicants must have demonstrated commitment to antioppression work, racial equity and ending violence against women. Knowledge of legal and/or restorative justice responses to people who use violence preferred but not required. The Vermont Network offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including health insurance, generous paid time off, a flexible work environment and an intentional organizational culture which fosters collaboration, growth and leadership. Submit cover letter and resume to Sarah Robinson, Deputy Director, at sarahkr@vtnetwork.org by February 10th.

208 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT (802) 864.9075

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Select is looking for an experienced Animator/Editor to deliver dynamic visual storytelling for world-class brands. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced collaborative environment and bring a brave, curious mind to every project.

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1/25/21 12:14 PM

CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATE High Mowing Organic Seeds is an independently owned leader in the non-GMO seed, farming and food community, committed to providing high quality organic seeds to our customers. We care about the earth, each other and what we do and are seeking an experienced full-time Customer Service Associate that shares our vision. The Customer Service Associate is responsible for processing incoming orders and for providing excellent customer service to our broad range of customers. The successful candidate will receive and process large amounts of incoming orders by phone, web, fax, mail or email. He/she will answer customer questions about our products and growing practices in general, and may also be asked to represent High Mowing at tradeshows and conferences if necessary. The ideal candidate must possess excellent customer service skills, including the ability to use positive language, attentiveness and adaptability to resolve customer complaints. The preferred candidate will have practical working knowledge of and experience with commercial vegetable production methods. A complete job description can be obtained on our website: highmowingseeds.com/staff-and-careers. Email your resume, cover letter, and references to jobs@highmowingseeds.com. Please put the job title in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

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COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR The Town of Colchester is seeking a Communications Coordinator to develop and manage outreach, engagement, and public information to assist our residents and businesses through various media types. This individual will have excellent writing and advanced editing skills, including the ability to develop own content based on reading, learning and interviewing. This position also supports the Town Manager’s office and the Selectboard. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience in communications/public information. Hiring range is $42,394 - $44,685 depending on qualifications and experience, plus a competitive benefit package. For consideration please submit application, cover letter, resume, and references to Sherry LaBarge, Human Resource Director at: slabarge@colchestervt.gov. Deadline is February 9, 2021. For full job description: colchestervt.gov/321/Human-Resources. The Town of Colchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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1/22/21 12:35 PM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Middlebury Studio School (MSS) is seeking a full-time, self-directed and creative executive director to lead our community-based nonprofit and advance our mission to promote the creative process and community through art and craft education for all ages and abilities. This newly created position will require a detailed mindset to ensure the daily operations run smoothly while implementing the organization’s strategic plan. A positive hands-on leader with a demonstrated ability to work with staff, volunteers, committee members and an 8-member board is sought. MSS is an 11-year old non-profit art education school located in Middlebury Vermont. Founded in 2009 MSS has steadily grown in numbers of students and classes. The school is looking to expand program offerings and anticipates a capital campaign in its future. As a community and donor based organization, the position requires an experienced and enthusiastic fundraiser. To apply, submit a resume and letter of interest noting why you think you would be a strong candidate to careers@middleburystudioschool.org. Please visit middleburystudioschool.org for information about the organization.

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CLERICAL ASSISTANTS (Job code 21001)

Recruiting for several temporary Docket Clerk positions, which will specialize in customer service, records keeping and data entry involving one or more docket areas. Locations –Burlington, St.Albans, Middlebury and serval locations throughout the state. High School graduate and two years of clerical, or data entry experience required. Starting at $17.11 per hour. Go to vermontjudiciary.org/employmentopportunities/staff-openings for more details and to complete application.These positions is open until filled. The Vermont Judiciary is an equal opportunity employer.

Seven Days 1/22/21 Issue: 2/3 Due: 2/1 byProviding 11am Innovative Mental Health and Educational Services to Vermont’s Children & Families. Size: 3.83 x 7 Cost: $570.35 (with 1 week online)

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Engaging minds that change the world Seeking a position with a quality employer? Consider The University of Vermont, a stimulating and diverse workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including tuition remission for on-going, full-time positions. 4-H Educator - Extension 4-H Youth Development Educational Programs - #S2672PO - University of Vermont Extension is hiring a .83FTE 4-H Educator located in Chittenden County. 4-H Educators provide program development, coordination, outreach and teaching for county, regional and state UVM Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs for youth ages 5-18. This will include developing and collaborating with volunteers and community partners, promoting and expanding 4-H efforts, and stimulating excellence in carrying out the overall 4-H positive youth development mission. Programming foci include science, healthy living, and civic engagement as well as building leadership and other workforce skills. Emphasis is placed on reaching diverse and under-represented audiences. Bachelor’s degree and two years’ related experience, or equivalent combination, with focus in youth or family programming, is required. Experience with volunteer development and/or building community collaborations preferred. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, teach and evaluate educational programs. Strong interpersonal skills are needed, including the ability to work with a diverse group of youth and adult volunteers and community partners, in both an independent and team environment. Computer and electronic communication proficiency is needed. Willingness to work a flexible schedule, which will include periodic evenings and weekends, and have an ability to travel, primarily within the state. Direct experience serving diverse and under-represented populations desired. Must possess a commitment to fostering and supporting a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all. Complete an application online along with a resume, cover letter, references and two writing samples, one of which must include images or data visualization. Cover letters should provide information about how you would contribute to the diversity of UVM and the 4-H program. Position is open until filled. Linux Systems Engineer - Systems Architecture & Administration #S2511PO - UVM is looking for someone who can design and build reliable and secure Linux systems to solve complex problems; someone with the expertise and creativity to help improve IT at UVM. Work on multiple large-scale physical and virtual server environments, operating continuously. Work on the latest in server and storage technology across multiple datacenters. Our systems support most aspects of server computing at UVM, including research, on-line learning, and administrative functions. Our highly technical and energetic team works collaboratively to improve IT at UVM, and we take pride in our ability to dive deep into the Linux stack and automate tasks. For further information on these positions and others currently available, or to apply online, please visit www.uvmjobs.com. Applicants must apply for positions electronically. Paper resumes are not accepted. Open positions are updated daily. Please call 802-656-3150 or email employment@uvm. edu for technical support with the online application.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - CFS PROGRAM St. Albans, VT

NFI in St. Albans has an opening for Director of Children and Family Supports (CFS) which is our DCF partnership program serving families involved with the child welfare system. The CFS Director is responsible for oversight and management of the program which includes administrative and fiscal management, working closely with our DCF partners, staff support and training, as well as creative response to providing services. The ideal candidate will have experience working closely with or in the child welfare system and have a working knowledge of Family Time Coordination, Family Time Coaching, Family Safety Planning and Family Finding. This person will have a demonstrated practice of working across systems and a strong collaborative practice, as well as strong leadership and supervisory skills. This full-time position requires a master’s in social work or related field, and is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, including tuition reimbursement.

Looking for a Sweet Job? Our mobile-friendly job board is buzzing with excitement.

Start applying at jobs.sevendaysvt.com

RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR *$500 Sign on Bonus - Shelburne House Program, Williston, VT The Shelburne House Program of NFI Vermont is seeking a Residential Counselor to join our team. Shelburne House is a trauma-informed residential treatment program, which provides assessment and stabilization services to adolescent males, ages 13-18. Counselors provide supervision, support, guidance and role modeling to the youth in order to help facilitate healing and growth. Other responsibilities include helping with activities of daily living and building independent living skills. Experience working with teenagers with emotional and behavioral challenges, or a BA in psychology or a related field required. Candidates should possess excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to function well in a team atmosphere and a valid driver’s license. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package, with tuition reimbursement, and a $500 sign on Bonus.

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Afﬁrmative Action Employer.

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5:19 PM

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate the diversity of our clients and staff. Please apply online at nfivermont.org/careers

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1/28/20 3:38 PM

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

DO WHAT MATTERS!

Spruce Peak has immediate openings for weekend, holiday, and evening help! Is currently seeking:

Drop-In Center Youth Coach https://bit.ly/36tYA9V Part-Time

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Coordinator https://bit.ly/2XaX07W

This is a perfect opportunity for a second job, college students, or someone looking for part-time work. We offer flexible shifts, training, competitive pay, and great benefits – including Stowe lift passes for anyone working at least 20 hours a week. A career at Spruce Peak means joining a team of fun-loving professionals who take pride in our safety, high-standards, work ethic and diversity. Current openings include housekeeper, line cook, valet, server, fitness attendant, restaurant host/hostess and room service servers. To learn more about these openings, our positive work environment, or to apply now: sprucepeak.com/careers. E.O.E.

3:02 PM HOME CARE 2/1/21 & 4t-Lodge@SprucePeak020321.indd HOSPICE RNL

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Lamoille Home Health & Hospice is seeking a Home Care & Hospice RN. Position is full time with a great benefit package and competitive pay. Home Care experience preferred. Interested? Please call 802-888-4651 or visit lhha.org and complete an online application. Limited time sign on bonus: $2500.

2/1/21

STUDENT LIFE MANAGER Full Time; Benefits eligible; $20/ hour

Salary based on experience. alison@americanflatbread.com.

Join the senior leadership team of passionate innovators at the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), a Vermont nonprofit nationally recognized as a model for our successful program outcomes. COTS provides prevention resources, emergency shelter, support services, and housing for those without homes or at risk of becoming homeless.

DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR COTS seeks a Development and Communications Director to lead a dynamic team with primary responsibility for major gifts and public relations efforts at COTS. The Development Director oversees current development programs, envisions the future, and identifies funding opportunities to meet emerging needs. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position is a critical and integral part of the leadership team. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Communications or related field required, Master’s preferred, as well as a minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant fundraising 10:35 AM and/or public relations work experience. Demonstrated leadership in project development and managing a talented team also required. This is a full time position with benefits. Creative thinkers, resourceful problem solvers, and results-focused leaders are encouraged to apply. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@cotsonline.org to receive best consideration. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Goddard College seeks a resourceful and creative Student Life Manager to collaborate with students, staff, faculty, academic 2/2/21 leaders, and College administrators to develop, deliver, and 5v-COTS020321.indd 1 assess student support services. This position will work with our non-traditional students on community life agreements, wellness counseling, student leadership and engagement, and Parts a nalysts crisis response and preparedness. The Student Life Manager • Develops, writes, and revises Illustrated Parts Breakdowns will manage sensitive and confidential information, and interact for publications in print or electronic media by performing the following duties: with multiple constituents within the College.

T riad d esign s ervice

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree plus experience understanding crisis response, competence in working effectively with diverse cultures and populations, ability to work Managing2/1/21 2v-LamoilleHomeHealth&Hospice020321.indd 1 2/1/21 4:10 PM independently and as part of a team, excellent listening skills, Innkeeper of strong communication and organizational skills, experience Bed and working with confidential information and maintaining confidentiality, computer literacy, the ability to document, Breakfast research, analyze data, and write reports, a valid driver’s license Lareau Farm Bed and Breakfast, and the ability to safely operate vehicles in inclement weather. home of American Flatbread, Periodic weekend work is required. The primary work location located in Waitsfield, VT for this position is our Plainfield, Vermont campus. Partial is looking for a year round telecommuting is optional when students are not on campus. managing innkeeper to join our team. This position would encompass all the daily tasks needed to operate our inn, including preparing a full country breakfast for up to 30 guests. If you are a friendly, detail oriented person who enjoys meeting new people, we would love to talk with you.

67 FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

To apply please visit our website to review the complete position description and submit a cover letter and resume goddard.edu/about-goddard/employment-opportunities. Goddard College is committed to creating a college representative of a diverse global community and capable of creating change. To that end, we are actively seeking applications from qualified candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our institution for this position. This institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

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• Review engineering drawings, engineering change notices, drawing parts list, sketches, specifications, vendor information and customer supplied source data. Evaluate and organize material and incorporate into publication according to set standards. • Creates sketches for development of new illustrations and marks up art changes to revise existing illustrations. • Qualified candidate must be extremely motivated, computer literate, focused, and analytical.

Qualifications: Excellent organizational skills Attention to detail Commitment to Accuracy Ability to read and comprehend engineering drawings and parts lists Experience with databases Good verbal and written communications skills

Proficient in Excel & Outlook Ability and interest in learning computer programs Ability to remain professional in stressful situations Technical background a plus Experience with FrameMaker and Lotus Notes a plus

Apply online: triaddesignservice.com/job-listings. We are proud to be an EEO M/F/D/V.

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2/2/21 10:58 AM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Otter Creek Associates LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS

SHARED LIVING PROVIDER Howard Center is seeking a Shared Living Provider to provide a fulltime home to a social 16-year-old girl who likes animals and dancing. Ideal provider would be an excellent collaborator and have strong observation, interpersonal, and communication skills. This role requires a provider who is able to be engaging and compassionate while being able to establish routine/structure, provide consistent supervision, and follow a detailed support plan. Ideal applicant would have knowledge or experience related to mental health, developmental disabilities, and/or supporting teens. Compensation: $35,000 tax-free annual stipend and access to a generous respite budget. Interested applicants contact patfraser@howardcenter.org or call (802)871-2902.

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Sought to join established, interdisciplinary mental health practice. Opportunities for both full and part-time clinicians in our Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Williston, Richmond, Shelburne, Middlebury, St. Albans, Brattleboro and Montpelier offices. We have a particular need for both full and part-time child and adolescent clinicians. Our practice serves children, adolescents, adults and families. We offer individual, couples and group therapy services. We work with all payors and managed care intermediaries. Credentialing, intake and billing services available. Please respond by CV. If you’re interested in joining a friendly, collaborative outpatient group practice, please respond by CV to: Practice Manager, c/o Otter Creek Associates 86 Lake Street, Burlington, VT 05401 or by email to alesia@ocamhs.com.

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 One based in Waterbury with responsibility for outreach throughout the identified service area;  One working in the Randolph and Bradford communities with responsibility for outreach throughout the identified service area. Candidates must have:  High levels of independence, spirit, drive and capacity for student recruitment, outreach and organizing community involvement to support student success;  Strong familiarity with the service area; [Preference will be given to residents of the service area]  Proven capacity for teaching and guiding basic skills instruction for adults and teens in:    

Reading, writing, math, computer and financial literacy; English Language Learning and U.S. Citizenship prep; High school diploma and GED credentialing; Career and college readiness.

 Experience with developing personalized education and graduation education plans;

 Experience with recruiting and managing volunteers. CVABE, a community-based, nonprofit organization has served the residents of Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties for 55 years. Hundreds of central Vermonters enroll annually to improve basic literacy skills, pursue alternative pathways to high school completion, learn English as another language, and gain skills for work and college.

Please submit cover letter, resume and three references by February 12 to: Executive Director Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Inc. 46 Washington Street, Suite 100 Barre, Vermont 05641 info@cvabe.org

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www.cvabe.org

Two Full–time Teacher/Community Coordinators:

Find jobs on

MARKETING MANAGER Union Bank (a highly successful commercial bank headquartered in Morrisville, VT, with locations throughout northern Vermont and New Hampshire) is seeking an experienced Marketing Manager to build on the success of the incumbent.

The Marketing Manager is responsible for implementing marketing initiatives that promote the growth of the Bank, coordinating advertising and public relations, managing the bank website, maintaining brand integrity, directing vendor relationships and supporting product management. Substantial, demonstrated marketing expertise is required. Financial industry knowledge and formal marketing education are preferred. The successful candidate will have strong quantitative and communication skills and be adaptable, proactive, creative and attentive to detail. A track record of working productively with co-workers is essential. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Union Bank offers a comprehensive benefits program including three medical and two dental insurance plan options, 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match, life and disability insurance, and paid vacation and sick leave along with continuing education opportunities. To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and references to:

Human Resources - Union Bank P.O. Box 667 Morrisville, Vermont 05661 – 0667 careers@unionbankvt.com

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NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Vermont State Parks Maintenance Positions Receptionist/ Administrative Assistant South Burlington based independent insurance agency looking for a receptionist. Candidate should have excellent interpersonal skills and familiarity with common software applications. Main tasks are greeting customers, answering the phone, and data processing. Competitive salary and benefit package. Send resumes to: jakehynes@tspeck.com.

Seeking individuals that are diversely qualified in trade skills that can work independently as well as collaboratively on a team. Positions are responsible for the maintenance of state park facilities, structures, equipment, and water and wastewater systems. Successful applicants must be flexible, willing to work in public settings, be customer oriented and enjoy the outdoors.

Apply at: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/careers

BOOKKEEPER

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ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Vermont State Parks is hiring for 5 full-time, year-round Park Maintenance positions to work in some of the most scenic locations in Vermont.

Locations: Parks Facility Manager – Rutland Parks Facility Manager – Killington Parks Maintenance Foreman – Marshfield Parks Maintenance Technician – E. Dorset Parks Maintenance Technician – North Hero

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69 FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Hayes, Windish & Badgewick is seeking an associate attorney to join our team. Preference is given to those with 3-5 years’ experience in civil litigation, but those just starting with strong work ethic and motivation will be considered too. We are a small general practice firm with an emphasis on civil litigation, insurance defense, and workers’ compensation matters. We seek a candidate who is interested and has high ethical standards, strong skills in research and writing, along with the patience and desire to learn the profession. Competitive pay and benefits offered. Position to remain open until filled. Please send your resume and cover letter electronically to: Penny Webster, Office Manager HAYES, WINDISH & BADGEWICK pwebster@woodstockvtlaw.com

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1/19/21 11:09 AM

Small Dog Electronics is looking for a skilled Bookkeeper to maintain our financial records, including purchases, sales, receipts and payments. The bookkeeper will work closely with our management team to create and analyze financial reports, process accounts payable and receivable and manage invoices and tax payments. Our ideal candidate holds an accounting degree and is familiar with accounting software packages. RESPONSIBILITIES • Record day to day financial transactions and complete the posting process • Process accounts receivable/payable • Complete sales tax forms and filing • Reconcile bank statements • Enter data, maintain records and create reports and financial statements • prepare checks, payments and bank deposits • prepare and submit payroll to processor bi-weekly • Bring the books to the trial balance stage • Understand and comply with GAAP REQUIREMENTS • Proven bookkeeping experience • Able to multitask, prioritize, work under pressure and meet deadlines • Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and accounting software • High degree of accuracy and attention to detail • Associates degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration preferred • Strong communication skills WORK HOURS & BENEFITS: This is a full-time position located in Burlington. Partially remote work is possible after training period. This position includes a full benefits package including 401K, Health and Dental Insurance along with paid time off. EMAIL RESUMES TO JOBS@SMALLDOG.COM. Untitled-9 1 6t-SmallDogElectronics012021.indd 1

1/18/21 11:59 AM

1/27/21 11:56 AM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

MILTON TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT GRANT MANAGER/ PROJECT COORDINATOR Milton Town School District is seeking an energetic and detailed oriented individual with strong oral and written communication skills and the capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team. Candidates must be able to support the administrative maintenance of federally funded programs to include various federal, state, and local grants and to collaborate with other district personnel on projects that contribute to effective and integrated operations that enable the continuous improvement of educational programs. Candidates must have experience with web-based tools for grant and project management, finance, and other related information databases.

WHERE YOU AND YOUR WORK MATTER...

INSURANCE EXAMINER III – HOME BASED

The Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) – Captive Insurance Division is seeking two experienced professionals to join our world class regulatory team. The positions involve the performance of examinations and financial analyses of Vermont Captive Insurers to ensure financial solvency and compliance. The positions are home-based, but work may occasionally be performed at a DFR or Captive Insurer office. For more information, contact Dan Petterson at dan.petterson@vermont.gov. Status: Full Time. Location: Burlington. Job Id #11004 or #11021. Application Deadline: February 7, 2021. Learn more at: careers.vermont.gov 5h-VTDeptHumanResources020321.indd 1

Position Responsibilities • Manage and support all aspects of grant required functions including, accounting, operational implementation, reporting, and the maintenance of records. • Research, apply and write new grants. • Provide administrative support in the execution of specialized projects. • Handle the gathering, compilation and presentation of research, investigation information, and other data related to grant programming and/ or special projects. Equal Opportunity Employee Milton Town School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Submit all materials and resume electronically via SchoolSpring: schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=3433886

Milton Town School District Terry Mazza, Human Resources Director 12 Bradley St., Milton, VT 05468 802-893-5304 FAX: 802-893-3020

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TOW N O F DU X BU RY

Nutrition Outreach

Position Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, business administration or related field, plus three to four years of related experience, or a combination of training and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. • Citizenship, residency, or work visa

The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Specialist

30 hours/week, Barre, VT

Full-time, 40 hours per week position with benefits. Looking for a team player. Candidates must have Class B, CDL with manual endorsement, and must be able to operate a manual tandem truck, wheeled excavator, and loader.

Exciting position in innovative social service agency serving older Vermonters. Be part of a dedicated team of professionals working to support older Vermonters to live with dignity and choice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Provide application assistance for 3SquaresVT. • Assess needs for home delivered meal recipients. • Enter nutrition recipient data and survey responses into database. • Work with agency staff to refer clients to appropriate services. • Help create and distribute nutrition outreach materials

Main duties involve plowing with and without a wing, operating all town equipment, and hauling material for the Town. Full job description and application can be found on the town website duxburyvermont.org.

We’re looking for a dedicated employee who has an Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in human services, nutrition, or other relevant field, who has great communication and people skills, is well-organized, has experience working with Microsoft office and is willing to learn new database applications, and who is able to maintain confidentiality. Most work will be phonebased but occasional home visits may occur, so access to reliable transportation is necessary.

Pick up an application at: Duxbury Town Office 5421 VT RT 100 Duxbury VT 05676 Call first: 802-244-6660, or email appilcations to duxburyforeman@gmail.com.

CVCOA offers a family-friendly organization with flexible hours. Paid time off, holidays and health benefits are included with this position as well. Salary is based on experience. Central Vermont Council on Aging is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. Applications from veterans, mature workers, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

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For more information about Central VT Council on Aging, view our website: cvcoa.org. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and the names of three references to jobs@cvcoa.org by February 17, 2021.

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HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE WORKER

1/25/21 3:19 PM

1/11/21 11:40 AM

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

71 FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

Special Projects Accountant

AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR:

Birdseye is seeking a Special Projects Accountant to join our team. Ideal candidates will have experience serving in a construction or manufacturing business with a high-end product and a highly responsive customer-orientation. Reporting to the Controller, the successful candidate must have an understanding of accounting roles, systems and processes, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field, a minimum of 3 years working in an established accounting department, and a strong working knowledge of MS Excel and Word. Job costing software and Quickbooks experience a plus.

Green Mountain Technology & Career Center is seeking candidates for its Automotive program. Desired skills and responsibilities of the Automotive Instructor include: • ASE Master Technician • Five years or more of experience working in the field of auto mechanics. • Dealer certifications. • Desire to teach high school students career and college readiness skills. • Passion to integrate academic, technical, and employability skills into a program. • Proven ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with community partners.

The Special Projects Accountant will also provide support to the broader accounting team by assisting with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, month-end and year-end closing, audits, systems implementation. The accounting team will work remotely for the foreseeable future due to risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission. Birdseye follows CDC and VT State social distancing, sanitizing, and disinfecting/cleaning guidelines. Send resumes to: hiring@birdseyevt.com.

CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR:

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Green Mountain Technology & Career Center is seeking candidates for its Culinary Arts program. Desired skills and responsibilities of the Culinary Instructor include: • Five years or more of experience working as a chef in a restaurant or hotel. • An Associate’s degree or better in Culinary Arts. • Desire to teach high school students career and college readiness skills. • Passion to integrate academic, technical, and employability skills in to a program. • Proven ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with community partners.

STEM & CAREER AWARENESS COORDINATOR Vermont Afterschool is seeking a dynamic, self-directed, creative, and team-oriented individual to expand efforts across the state to build youth interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and to support young people’s awareness of potential career options. Our new STEM and Career Awareness Coordinator will work to empower afterschool programs and youth-serving organizations to expand programming in the areas of STEM, financial literacy, and career awareness for youth of all ages. The project initiative has a strong focus on equity and on breaking down barriers to STEM learning experiences and promising career pathways for youth of all races, ethnicities, genders, geographic locations, identities, abilities, and family income levels. This position is also responsible for building partnerships both locally and at the state level and for providing training and coaching on best practices for staff at afterschool programs and other youth-serving organizations.

Qualified candidates will also demonstrate the ability to build strong and supportive relationships with students, and the capacity to create positive and inclusive cultures and environments for learners of all ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, and genders. Green Mountain Technology & Career Center (GMTCC) is a cutting edge career and technical education center, where eligible students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades are prepared for college and career through the acquisition of real-world skills, practical knowledge, hands-on experiences, mentoring, and networking. In addition to earning requirements for high school graduation, students have the opportunity to earn free college credits and may obtain industry certifications in their field. GMTCC is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. Send a current resume and letter of intent specifying the job to eremmers@gmtcc.net.

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1/25/21 3:22 PM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST YOUR JOBS AT: PRINT DEADLINE: FOR RATES & INFO:

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SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTMYJOB NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X21, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working at a statewide level to demonstrate how STEM and workbased learning can help support positive youth development and open up career opportunities for young people. It is also a chance to join our strong, nimble, and highly-effective team at Vermont Afterschool. We believe in working hard, holding high standards, and bringing positive energy to all that we do. We love our work and care deeply about the children, youth, and families in every Vermont community. This is a full-time position (40 hours/week). Under COVID guidelines we are currently working remotely. However, our physical offices are located in South Burlington and, in normal times, this position will require travel statewide. This position is dependent on continued grant funding. The starting pay range for the position is $25-$28/hour, and we offer a competitive benefits package. We value diversity, and individuals with a wide variety of lived experiences are encouraged to apply. For more information, including how to apply: vermontafterschool.org/about/employment.

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2/2/21 2:23 PM

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Have a deep, dark fear of your own? Submit it to cartoonist Fran Krause at deep-dark-fears.tumblr.com, and you may see your neurosis illustrated in these pages.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY REAL FEBRUARY 4-10

2021 is the best year ever for you to learn how to love your life and the world just as they are.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18):

Aquarian author Alice Walker writes, “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.” In the coming weeks, I hope you’ll adopt that way of thinking and apply it to every aspect of your perfectly imperfect body and mind and soul. I hope you’ll give the same generous blessing to the rest of the world, as well. This attitude is always wise to cultivate, of course, but it will be especially transformative for you in the coming weeks. It’s time to celebrate your gorgeous idiosyncrasies and eccentricities.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Herman Hesse’s novel Siddartha is a story about a spiritual seeker who goes in search of illumination. Near the end of the quest, when Siddartha is purified and enlightened, he tells his friend, “I greatly needed sin, lust, vanity, the striving for goods, and the most shameful despair, to learn how to love the world, to stop comparing the world with any world that I wish for, with any perfection that I think up; I learned to let the world be as it is, and to love it and to belong to it gladly.” While I trust you won’t overdo the sinful stuff in the coming months, Aries, I hope you will reach a conclusion like Siddartha’s. The astrological omens suggest that

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus physicist Richard Feynman said, “If we want to solve a problem we have never solved before, we must leave the door to the unknown ajar.” That’s always good advice, but it’s especially apropos for you in the coming weeks. You are being given the interesting and fun opportunity to solve a problem you have never solved before! Be sure to leave the door to the unknown ajar. Clues and answers may come from unexpected sources. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When we want

to get a distinct look at a faint star, we must avert our eyes away from it just a little. If we look at it directly, it fades into invisibility. (There’s a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, which I won’t go into.) I propose that we make this your metaphor of power for the coming weeks. Proceed on the hypothesis that if you want to get glimpses of what’s in the distance or in the future, don’t gaze at it directly. Use the psychological version of your peripheral vision. And yes, now is a favorable time to seek those glimpses.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If the apocalypse happens and you’re the last human left on Earth, don’t worry about getting enough to eat. Just find an intact grocery store and make your new home there. It’s stocked with enough nonperishable food to feed you for 55 years — or 63 years if you’re willing to dine on pet food. I’M JOKING! JUST KIDDING! In fact, the apocalypse won’t happen for another 503 million years. My purpose in imagining such a loopy scenario is to nudge you to dissolve your scarcity thinking. Here’s the ironic fact of the matter for us Cancerians: If we indulge in fearful fantasies about running out of stuff — money, resources, love or time — we undermine our efforts to have enough of what we need. The time is now right for you to stop worrying and instead take robust action to ensure you’re well supplied for a long time. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Judge a moth by the beauty of its candle,” writes Coleman Barks in his rendering of a poem by Rumi. In accor-

dance with astrological omens, I am invoking that thought as a useful metaphor for your life right now. How lovely and noble are the goals you’re pursuing? How exalted and bighearted are the dreams you’re focused on? If you find there are any less-than-beautiful aspects to your motivating symbols and ideals, now is a good time to make adjustments.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I invite you to try the following experiment. Select two situations in your world that really need to be reinvented, and let every other glitch and annoyance just slide for now. Then meditate with tender ferocity on how best to get the transformations done. Summoning intense focus will generate what amounts to magic! PS: Maybe the desired reinventions would require other people to alter their behavior. But it’s also possible that your own behavior may need altering. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author Marguerite Duras wrote these words: “That she had so completely recovered her sanity was a source of sadness to her. One should never be cured of one’s passion.” I am spiritually allergic to that idea. It implies that our deepest passions are unavailable unless we’re insane, or at least disturbed. But in the world I aspire to live in, the opposite is true: Our passions thrive if we’re mentally healthy. We are best able to harness our most inspiring motivations if we’re feeling poised and stable. So I’m here to urge you to reject Duras’ perspective and embrace mine. The time has arrived for you to explore the mysteries of relaxing passion. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author Karen Barad writes, “The past is never finished. It cannot be wrapped up like a package, or a scrapbook; we never leave it and it never leaves us behind.” I agree. That’s why I can’t understand new age teachers who advise us to “live in the now.” That’s impossible! We are always embedded in our histories. Everything we do is conditioned by our life story. I acknowledge that there’s value in trying to see the world afresh in each new moment. I’m a hearty advocate of adopting a “beginner’s mind.” But to pretend we can completely shut off or escape the past is delusional and foolish. Thank you for listen-

ing to my rant, Scorpio. Now please spend quality time upgrading your love and appreciation for your own past. It’s time to celebrate where you have come from — and meditate on how your history affects who you are now.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Luisah Teish is a writer and priestess in the Yoruban Lucumi tradition. She wrote a book called Jump Up: Seasonal Celebrations From the World’s Deep Traditions. “Jump up” is a Caribbean phrase that refers to festive rituals and parties that feature “joyous music, laughter, food, and dancing.” According to my reading of the astrological omens, you’re due for a phase infused with the “jump up” spirit. As Teish would say, it’s a time for “jumping, jamming, swinging, hopping, and kicking it.” I realize that in order to do this, you will have to work around the very necessary limitations imposed on us all by the pandemic. Do the best you can. Maybe make it a virtual or fantasy jump up. Maybe dance alone in the dark.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Perhaps we

should know better,” wrote poet Tony Hoagland, “but we keep on looking, thinking, and listening, hunting that singular book, theory, perception, or tonality that will unlock and liberate us.” It’s my duty to report, Capricorn, that there will most likely be no such singular magnificence for you in 2021. However, I’m happy to tell you that an accumulation of smaller treasures could ultimately lead to a substantial unlocking and liberation. For that to happen, you must be alert for and appreciate the small treasures, and patiently gather them in. (PS: Author Rebecca Solnit says, “We devour heaven in bites too small to be measured.” I say: The small bites of heaven you devour in the coming months will ultimately add up to being dramatically measurable.)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Though the bamboo forest is dense, water flows through it freely.” I offer that Zen saying just in time for you to adopt it as your metaphor of power. No matter how thick and complicated and impassable the terrain might appear to be in the coming weeks, I swear you’ll have a flair for finding a graceful path through it. All you have to do is imitate the consistency and flow of water.

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2/1/21 2:55 PM

TATTOOS, MUSIC, WORK I am a hardworking man who has been to hell and back and is rebuilding successfully. I would like a woman who works hard and wants to build a future with someone. No games. newlife2021, 46, seeking: W, l

Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com WOMEN seeking... FIRE, STEAK, BEER I’m a chill person looking for someone to go for daily walks and talks. Chris2lj, 50, seeking: M, l ADVENTUROUS, CURIOUS, THOUGHTFUL Politically involved, adventurous and thoughtful woman looking for someone to share meaningful conversations, good food, and appreciation of the natural and cultural world. I’ve always found dating weirdly awkward. Have you? If so, we might enjoy one another’s company. For the sake of my privacy, which I value, I am not including a photo. world_traveler, 58, seeking: M SOMEONE TO SPEND TIME WITH I consider myself a hard worker, honest and a good cook. I like to hang out with friends. I also like camping and going for long rides and walks. Looking for someone who is hardworking and honest and likes to do the same. Tuffynut, 58, seeking: M, l INDEPENDENT, BULLETPROOF, CURIOUS, CREATIVE, ADVENTUROUS You can read my heading as Miss Fit or Misfit; works both ways. Grew up 50 miles from New York City, where I studied dance. I mostly worked as a technical writer. In Oregon I became certified as a sustainable building adviser. Currently writing family history. Looking for a man with a good sense of humor who is healthy and active. MissFit, 79, seeking: M

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CURIOUS, WARM, MATURE I am a curious person by nature and love to explore. I spend a lot of time hiking with my dog Spartacus (Sparky). I love painting and writing and doing home improvement projects indoors and out. I am looking for a mature, confidant man who has it together. Fun and wit are great; chaos and drama are not. LadyL0664, 54, seeking: M, l

YUP, I’M A DREAMER... Are you into conscious living? Spirituality? Nature? Honesty? Compassion? Laughing? Maybe you’re a hopeless romantic? I am seeking a lasting relationship with a like-minded man. Looking for my best friend to share adventures, love and life’s ups and downs. I like to hike, ski, relax, talk, ponder especially with you. naturgirl, 67, seeking: M, l

FRIENDLY, SOCIAL, INDEPENDENT, EASYGOING Very honest, loyal, friendly. Enjoy cooking, traveling, walking, driving with no destination, exploring the beauty of the Green Mountains. Would enjoy finding the same in my partner. dyniska, 79, seeking: M

MILLENNIALS INQUIRE WITHIN. YEEHAW. Looking for a hot, nerdy dude who has an adventurous, sensitive, techie soul. Good with his hands. Must love cuddles. I don’t mind if you prioritize your alone time as long as you don’t mind that I can be an endearing space case. Be warned: I will ask for your natal chart and when your most recent STI test was. starsaligned, 25, seeking: M

COMICMELLOW Love music, outdoors, painting, cooking, building. ComicMellow, 43, seeking: M, W, Q, l EDUCATED, SENSITIVE, ADVENTURE SEEKER Adventurous, sensitive, fit, optimistic, independent, divorced woman with two wonderful teenage sons. Enjoy walking, hiking, skiing, kayaking, swimming, biking, exploring new places (cities and ruins), connecting with the locals and learning their language. Seeking someone to share adventures. JoySeeker, 53, seeking: M, l JOYFUL, HONEST, KIND, HARDWORKING MOMMA I decided a year ago to choose happiness, left my job of 12 years in education to follow my dream of learning to weld. I start school full time in March and cannot wait! In the meantime, I am working security for a local company, walking a lot and enjoying life! Just want to share the joy with someone! Sara82, 38, seeking: M, W, l LET’S PRETEND Let’s pretend the world is healing, and we can celebrate together. I love comedy improv, swimming, my family and great food, reading and being read to, travel and adventures. Looking for a healthy, funny, intelligent guy who likes jazz and world music, cooking, travel, and the outdoors. Are you comfortable with yourself and with me, a strong and independent gal? Mangosmom, 60, seeking: M, l COUNTRY GIRL LOVES MOTORCYCLE RIDES Affectionate country girl looking for a man who knows how to treat a lady. I have a great sense of humor, and you should, too! Love to horseback ride, take walks, bike ride, hike and enjoy each other’s company. I can also make a mean cheesecake! CURIOSITY22, 62, seeking: M, l FLAVORFUL, SPIRITED. I CONTAIN MULTITUDES. It’s virtually impossible to condense a personality into such a small container. I happily contradict myself, if the spirit moves me. I say “yes” to life while remaining grounded. I value connection, honesty and personal insight. I’m looking for someone courageous enough to also say “yes” to life. katya, 54, seeking: M, l

SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

FUNNY, ACTIVE ACTIVIST AND ADVENTURIST Recently moved to Vermont from D.C. Would like to meet people for social/ political activism, hiking, hanging out and socializing. Always up for new adventures, like discussing world events. Am compassionate, enjoy outdoor activities. I’m nonjudgmental and appreciate the same in others. I’ve been involved in activism around racial equity, health care and disability rights ... but don’t take myself too seriously! AnnieCA, 67, seeking: M, l CUCKOO ABOUT ADVENTURES I’m just looking for a new friend. I’m somewhat new to the area and would like to find someone who likes to talk, hike, or do anything that doesn’t involve going to the bar or lots of drinking! NDrootsNYbuds, 38, seeking: M, l COMPANIONSHIP ADVENTURE Woman seeks honest, kind, reliable, stable, adventurous M or F “friend” only responsible for yourself. Choices, decisions, healthy, stable, no addictions, self-reliant, enjoys humor, conversation, wants to go on a practical trip south to planned destinations, R&R, or just something different to do. No expectations. You’re bored or cold, would like to get away to sunshine, just because you can, no specific schedule to follow. Let’s talk about several possibilities. Life’s a journey. Live it! Quest, 59, seeking: M, l

MEN seeking...

INSPIRED BY LIFE I’m interested in people, history, languages (I speak Chinese, French and Spanish), movies, and more. I have eight hens and love dogs. I’d like to meet you on the phone and see if we have common interests. Taking it slow and establishing a friendship comes first. When COVID is over, maybe we can savor all Burlington has to offer. BBClovingguy, 25, seeking: W, l CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET? I am seeking a FWB for now. Could develop to be more later on. I am DDF, safe and tested for COVID twice — both negative. I know how to be discreet and still have fun. I have been told I am good with my tongue. ;) Your willingness for this kind of situation is more important than your age and looks. Pics for pics after. Csaari, 58, seeking: W, l SOULFUL, DEPENDABLE, STEADY, ACTIVE, HUMOROUS I am really a straight shooter who likes good company and being outdoors. I love the water, boating and swimming. Mellow at times, psyched up at other times. Music is my best friend, and I love hearing and sharing with others. Changling, 57, seeking: W SIMPLE VERMONT COUNTRY GUY Hey y’all, I’m a recently separated professional, work-at-home dad just looking to get out (or stay in) with a fun, easygoing woman. NSA is fine by me. I’m open-minded, athletic and willing to take chances, especially with or for the right woman. VTfarmboy213, 35, seeking: M, l WANT A MAN FRIEND Older gent looking for discreet relationship with a man. bornagainvergin, 73, seeking: M OCCASIONAL GET-TOGETHER Looking for an FWB arrangement. jbad, 59, seeking: M HANDSOME MAN LOOKING FOR FUN Hey, I’m single and available for your needs anytime. I love to make people happy. I’m honest, big-hearted and don’t play games. M4forcpl, 35, seeking: W, TW, Cp, l SEEKING OUTDOORSY, EMOTIONALLY AVAILABLE COMPANION Seeking liberal, even-tempered deep thinker for company to share hikes, snowshoeing, cooking, gardening, movies, Vermont road-trip adventures, bicycling, physical affection, and conversations on nature, hiking, children, psychology, relationships, spirituality, religion, politics, music, movies, writing, ideas. Vermontlover, 53, seeking: W, l

LOVE OR SETTLE FOR FRIENDS Now is the time, or settle. Allow your fears to control your life, or seek a good person with nourishing love and growth! We have all been hurt! Love is the best nourishment for growth and removing the fears and becoming strong again, maybe even stronger but at least healthy in mind and body! Or settle! Philodave, 73, seeking: W

READY FOR 2021 Looking for someone to share life’s mysteries and beauty. Looking to explore the world, one adventure at a time. Do you like to swim or go boating? How about a good laugh, a good meal and company, too? Listening and learning all put together in one package. Readyfor2021, 61, seeking: W, l

HONEST AND LOYAL Looking to see what’s out there. Maybe start a relationship or more. I’m funny, loyal, honest and fun. I love to bake, cook and watch movies in my free time. Looking for SWF, 30 to 50. I’m a SWM, 42. Loyaltyandhonesty, 42, seeking: W, l

DOM LOOKING FOR SUB Hi. Non-practicing Dom, looking for longterm sub? I can’t host at this time, so you must. I’m open-minded, as you must be! No games. This is long-term! So could be considered 24-7. More info as we move along. lostsoul, 65, seeking: W, TW

CHIVALRY Friendly “man” looking for my sidekick/partner/friend. Bruce2016, 53, seeking: W, l SILVER FOX ARTIST I’m creative, passionate, a problem solver, an adventurist, a respected business owner (30 years), well traveled, educated, secure. Now open to a fit, energetic, passionate female to share adventures and intimacy with. Must love animals, laughing, affection. I’m an artist who has spent the past 30 years creating custom artwork for thousands of clients around the world. Pleasant surprises in many ways! hawaiiartistinvt, 61, seeking: W, l BACKCOUNTRY SKIER, HIKER, LEFT ACTIVIST Looking to share recreation, deep friendship and love. About myself: cerebral, intense and passionate. Crave touching, sharing affection. Enjoy sharing hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking with peers or a lover. Enjoy the company of big dogs, most music and love to dance. Active for my age. “Retired” into an engaged life doing progressive-socialist organizing, a radio show and outdoor activities. SkiDog, 73, seeking: W, l

TRANS WOMEN seeking... FOREVER SEARCHING Still looking for love. Would love to run into a beautiful dominatrix who will, through her grace, help me find the inspiration I need to flourish as a woman. I love to cook, I design board games and Lego sets, and give the best foot and back massages in the world! If this is heaven for you, come claim me! Neneveh, 24, seeking: W, l SUBMISSIVE SEEKING... Looking to expand my experiences. I am open to many different scenes and roles. tina1966, 54, seeking: W, TW, Q, NC, NBP, Cp, Gp GENEROUS, OPEN, EASYGOING Warm, giving trans female with an abundance of yum to share (and already sharing it with lovers) seeks ecstatic connection for playtimes, connections, copulations, exploration and generally wonderful occasional times together. Clear communication, a willingness to venture into the whole self of you is wanted. Possibilities are wide-ranging: three, four, explorations, dreaming up an adventure are on the list! DoubleUp, 63, seeking: M, Cp, l

COUPLES seeking... SKI COUPLE SEEKING FUN Attractive, hardworking couple seeking a professional couple or female for fun and new adventures. We enjoy the outdoors. Looking for people who are discreet, healthy and open-minded. New to the game but looking to explore with a single female or couple. Let’s meet up and see if we connect! 3inthevt, 34, seeking: W, Cp COUPLE SEEKING WOMAN We are very open and honest. Clean, safe and totally discreet. We are looking for a woman who wants to try new adult things with a couple. We want to role-play and try some kink. Newboytoyvt, 51, seeking: W, l SWINGER COUPLE Couple in early 50s looking to have fun with a male partner. Husband likes to watch but also join in. Wife is a knockout little hottie who likes to cut loose. Looking for a male between 40 and 50 for some serious adult fun. Only well-hung men need apply — at least nine inches, please. Spaguy, 52, seeking: M, Gp

i SPY

If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!

dating.sevendaysvt.com

NEFCU ESSEX Around 2:20. Exchanged a few glances inside NEFCU. You got into your Highlander and headed toward the center, and then you pulled into Maplefields not too long after you were pulling out of Price Chopper. You smiled and waved. Just wanted to let you know you made my day. Hope to see you around again. When: Friday, January 29, 2021. Where: Essex. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915225 SHOPPING AT TJMAXX ON 1/28 The most beautiful woman I have ever seen, with blond hair past your shoulders and wearing black low-top Converse and black leggings. You were shopping, and I was scrubbing the floor with a machine. We made severe eye contact with each other. Would you like to get a drink or coffee? When: Thursday, January 28, 2021. Where: TJ Maxx. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915224 HIGHLIGHTER HAT CUTIE I’ve spied you bouncing around Red Rocks (probably to a historical podcast), picking up berries (on sale, of course) at City Market and tapping the hell out of Tapper at the Archives. I’ve loved you ever since you helped me get on the scoreboard. Happy birthday, you golden boy! When: Thursday, January 28, 2021. Where: McDonald’s parking lot. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915223 UVMMC NIGHT NURSE AMANDA I was recovering from having fluid drained from around my heart, and you were extra nice, getting me those Tessalon Perles to help with my cough so I could sleep better. I enjoyed chatting with you about TV and your dog and such. On the off chance that you’re single, would you like to chat outside of work sometime? When: Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Where: Miller 4. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915220

SHAMWOW My dreams are always of you. My thoughts and hopes are of you. My door is always open to you. You know where I am. Come home! —Scoots. When: Thursday, January 21, 2021. Where: in my dreams. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915222 BBQ GIRL Stunningly beautiful Asian working at Mark BBQ. You were wearing a mask, but somehow your smile lit up the room. I nervously stammered through the transaction, and you were so sweet. The food was the best barbecue I’ve ever had, but I can’t stop thinking about you. When: Saturday, January 16, 2021. Where: Mark BBQ, Essex. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915221 EARLY SKI AT SMUGGS I greeted you as you cruised past me while skinning up Smuggs. At the bottom, we had a convo about being able to make the WFH and early morning laps happen, mountain biking, and our excitement about Cochrans. Looking to reconnect. It’s not every day you connect so immediately. Even if it means just finding another friend who loves the mountains. When: Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Where: Smugglers’ Notch parking lot 3. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915219 DOG CONNECTION IN BOMBARDIER PARK Met two days in a row last weekend. First time, I helped return you and your friend’s dog in the field. The second time, on the way into the trails. We talked briefly about our dogs and guarding toys before going separate trails. I should have asked if you wanted company on your walk. Meet up for a walk sometime? When: Sunday, January 17, 2021. Where: Bombardier Park. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915218

Ask REVEREND 

Irreverent counsel on life’s conundrums

Dear Reverend,

I recently got a job that requires me to do a lot of driving. I try to do my business before I leave my house, but I must have the smallest bladder in the world because, no matter what, I always have to pee. I’m afraid to use public restrooms because of the pandemic, but I’m also scared to go outside. I know it’s not good to hold it too long, so what’s a girl to do?

P. P. Le Pue (FEMALE, 26)

NORTH AVE. STORE I opened the door leaving a store, and we made eye contact as you were coming in. I was thinking WOW, SWEET! And instead of thinking it, LOL, it came right out of my mouth as I walked by you holding the door open. You stopped in the doorway, looked at me and said, “Thank you!” Interested? When: Sunday, January 17, 2021. Where: North Ave. store. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915217

MY KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR! Molly! You stopped to help me out after I slid off the road. I was flustered, and you were kind and patient. Thank you! When I saw you waiting at the bottom of the hill, I realized that I should have asked for your number. Can I buy you a drink? Or perhaps a new set of ratchet straps? When: Sunday, January 3, 2021. Where: Stone Rd., Brookfield. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915210

KIA BACKING OUT AT HANNAFORD I stopped to let you back out, only to be thanked by the cutest, tiniest lil peace sign ever! Thank you for making me smile and laugh. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that! When: Thursday, January 14, 2021. Where: Hannaford, Barre. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915215

THE RIGHT SWIPE. Touch my butt, take me on a date. No particular order. Happy birthday, sweet boy, you are the lightest and brightest. Sending you my love and every free pamphlet I can get my hands on. XOXOXO. When: Sunday, November 22, 2020. Where: Tinder. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915209

SUNSHINE IN MONTPELIER Sunshine, I haven’t been able to reach you and tell you that you’re the one. Missing my Montpelier girl. When: Friday, September 25, 2020. Where: Montpelier. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915214 XC SKIING SHELBURNE FARMS 2 p.m. You and your two pals were wrapping up your ski while my gang was heading out. I asked if beer was in your future; your friend said, “No, naps.” Want to ski together after you’re rested? When: Sunday, January 10, 2021. Where: Shelburne Farms. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915213 LIKE-MINDED IN BARNES & NOBLE We briefly met in Barnes & Noble. You overheard the book I was looking for and came to check the version. I have never posted one of these before, but how often do you meet people in Barnes over books like that?! If you are the guy I met and felt the same, I would love to meet you! When: Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Where: Barnes & Noble. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915212 DOUBLE TAKE: OAK & MANHATTAN CORNER RUN Midday, driving my gold Tacoma, pink jacket, yellow hat. You were wearing red shorts and on a run. I turned to look at you, and you did, too. Stopped at the corner to turn and looked back, and you were looking back again! Wish I had looped back around to say hi and get your name. When: Sunday, January 3, 2021. Where: corner of Oak St. and Manhattan Dr. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915211

Dear P. P. Le Pue,

Aside from the usual non-COVID-19 cooties, public restrooms aren’t particularly more dangerous than any other indoor space. Before you head out for the day, research possible stops along your route. If you would feel better about a oneperson bathroom, gas stations are often good for that. Call around and inquire. Asking weird questions on the phone is always fun. In a multi-stall situation, if everyone is masked and you’re in there for less than 15 minutes, the

DUTTON BROOK DRIVE-BY You: rugged and courteous in a pickup truck. Me: fit but flustered runner with music playing too loud. Us: hiking together next weekend? When: Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Where: Addison County. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915201 COLCHESTER AVE. Kelly, I am sorry. Please forgive me. —David. When: Thursday, November 19, 2020. Where: Burlington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915187 SUSAN Saw your profile on Match.com. I found it quite intriguing, to say the least. You are around 70. Let’s chat. Oh, you live in the Burlington area. When: Thursday, November 12, 2020. Where: Match. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915184

NEW YEAR’S ON MOUNT ABE We both hiked up Mount Abraham on New Year’s Day and chatted briefly at the summit before you headed back down. You have a good smile and good taste in mountains — get in touch if you’d want to go for a hike together sometime! When: Friday, January 1, 2021. Where: Mount Abraham. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915208 CUTIE AT KRU (A KRUTIE) You’re a cute guy who works at Kru Coffee. About six feet tall with shorter hair on the side and longer on top. Nice pair of earrings each time I’ve seen you. Next time I saw you I was going to give you my number, but I haven’t seen you in a while. Want to have a drink? When: Monday, November 2, 2020. Where: Kru Coffee. You: Man. Me: Man. #915206 WERE YOU SERIOUS? BOOH Just want to find out if the flirt that you sent me was sincere! What is the next step? When: Monday, December 14, 2020. Where: Seven Days. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915204

BREAK LIGHTS, BREAK LIGHTS Break lights near the barn you have spied. It’s too bad it’s still dark out. Be nice to see your smile. When: Friday, November 6, 2020. Where: ???. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915179 HOPEFULHEART You have been spied! Tag, you’re it! When: Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Where: Seven Days. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915178

EAVES, SMILE IN THE EYES! You were checking out with wine and a wreath. I was making coffee. We said hello! I miss seeing the smile in your eyes more regularly. I wanted to tell you about the Côtes du Rhône in my car and ask if we could share, but my confidence eluded me. Share a bottle and a walk sometime? When: Saturday, December 12, 2020. Where: City Market South End. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915203

transmission risk is low. Either way, the key is to make it quick, so try to save No. 2 for the comfort of home. Get in and get out. Touch as little as possible: Flush with your foot; turn on faucets and open the door with a paper towel. Wash your hands well and use a squirt of sanitizer when you get to your car. I understand that may be easier said than done. If you absolutely can’t bring yourself to use a public potty, there are options. Public urination is

CITY MARKET, TWO BEEF STICKS In front of the prepared food cooler, the woman in the silver puffy jacket gesticulated in our direction. At the checkout, I asked, “That’s it?” looking at the two Vermont beef sticks in your hand. I just wanted a snack. You said good night to everyone before driving off in your Bolt, your kindness unmasked. When: Sunday, November 8, 2020. Where: City Market, downtown Burlington. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915180

LOOKING GOOD IN THOSE JEANS. Looking right. Hella tight. Would love to take you out for a night. As long as you wear those jeans, anything is possible. K, if you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Just give me the signal, and I will send her to the airport with a one-way ticket to Santa Fe. With us, we could be magic. When: Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Where: Main St. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915177

illegal, but as long as you’re discreet, it shouldn’t be a problem. That means don’t do it in view of anybody. Luckily, we’re in Vermont, and a wooded area is usually nearby. Finally, depending on the parts you’re working with, you may want to get a pee funnel. It’s a device that enables a person with a vagina to pee without dropping their drawers. A bunch of them are out there: Go Girl, Shewee and Tinkle Belle, to name a few. With a little practice, you can use it to pee into a container in the relative privacy of your car … or spell your name in the snow. Good luck and God bless,

The Reverend

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GM, mid-50s, in Rutland County tired of being cooped up for winter and COVID. Looking for like-minded individuals for some NSA fun. If something more develops, that works, too! No text/email. Phone only. #L1471 64-y/o SWF seeking a SM 50-74 y/o for companionship. Must be Catholic or Protestant, clean, COVID-free. My interests are the arts, teaching, cooking, and watching shows and Hallmark movies. I love animals, walks, coffee or tea, sunrise or sunsets. If you want a woman who will love you for yourself, give me a try. Phone number, please. #L1470 Bi-guy, 70s, happy, healthy. 420 OK. DDF. ISO bi couple, MF or FF, wishing to become mates. Sailing this summer, cruising, racing, picnicking, swimming. Searching now for summer fun coming. Open to all! #L1476

Early 50s female seeking a good, honest man for friendship and possibly more. I’m a very good person and looking for the same in you. I’m fit and attractive, and you should be the same. Any good men left? #L1473

I’m a GWM, early 60s, seeking adult males of any age or race for friendship. I enjoy dinners out, movies, taking day trips, etc. Let’s connect virtually now and in person later. #L1475

SWM, 60s, seeking a SWF, 30s to 60s. Outlaw, pirate, bandit! Cool cat, overactive libido, reader/ writer, RV, ski and sail, fires and wines, films and fun, chef, outdoor bear, music, hopeful romantic, off the grid. #L1472

Hi, I’m Steve. I’m 69, and I’m a widower. Looking for lonely lady, 58 to 70, who wants friendship and love. I treat people the way I want to be treated: nice and with love. #L1474

I’m a gay male seeking a gay male, 65+. Inexperienced but learning. Virgin. Love giving and receiving oral. #L1465

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Interested readers will send you letters in the mail. No internet required! SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

I’m a 67-y/o WM. Like hiking, walking, watching Catholic channel. Moved to Williston three years ago from Connecticut. I have two daughters who went to UVM. My wife died from breast cancer 12 years ago. We were happily married for 25 years. Retired 12 years. Please write. #L1469 62-y/o female seeking 45- to 65-y/o man. I am loving, caring, honest, etc. Looking for the same. Tired of being alone. I enjoy music, movies, being outside and more. #L1468 I’m here now, and you knew me as Yourdaddy921, etc. and Boomer2012, etc. Contact me via mail, please. #L1458

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Reply to these messages with real, honest-to-goodness letters. DETAILS BELOW. Discreet oral bottom. 54y/o SWM, 5’8, slim, dark hair, blue eyes. Seeking any wellhung guys, 18 to 55 y/o, who are a good top and last a long time for more than one around. Phone only, but text. Champlain Valley. #L1467

I am a 68-y/o male seeking an advanced lady skier between 45 and 58. Jay and Smuggs pass. 19 countries + ALK. Five years Beirut. Zero Druidic. Last reads: Candide, How Fascism Works, Story of O. Adventures best shared. #L1463

Honest, loving, kind and fun 68-y/o man seeking his soul mate to enjoy life’s adventures with! I’d hope she would share similar interests, such as skiing, beaches, boating, hiking, traveling, etc. A nonsmoker who respects nature, is spiritual, and loves music and animals would be great. #L1466

I’m a mid-aged male seeking a male or female in these reclusive, masked times. I’m a long-distance runner, walker and aerobic distance-goer looking to share runs in the spirit of Joy Johnstone, Ed Whitlock, Larry Legend, George Sheehan — connecting to that endorphined tranquility and making sense of our lives. Any age. #L1462

SWF, 59 y/o, seeking “playmate” (M or F) for companionship and increased joy! Prefer my age, but open. “Old souls” seeking to expand their worlds. Avid reader, writer and news junkie. Love animals, music, food and adventures. I follow the golden rule and expect the same. 420-friendly. Let’s have coffee. Chemistry would be a miracle, but who knows. #L1464

SWF seeks conservative male age 62 to 72, Addison/ Burlington area only. Turnons: hair cut, shave, outdoorsy, hunter, camper. Turn-offs: smoker, drugs, tattoos. Me: 5’8, average build, blue/brown, glasses, enjoy nature, have a Shelty, birds, old Jeep, farm raised. Need phone number, please. #L1450

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Visit the Register for all the info on area shopkeepers who are selling their products online for local delivery or curbside pickup. Browse by categories ranging from jewelry to electronics, outdoor gear to apparel. Whether you need something for yourself or that perfect gift for a loved one, shop savvy and keep Vermont strong.

SHOP T HE R EGIS T E R .C OM SEVEN DAYS FEBRUARY 3-10, 2021

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Erin Dupuis VERMONT REAL ESTATE COMPANY Dependable, valued experience and integrity. ÂŽ

A Realtor you can trust. 802.310.3669 erin@vermontrealestatecompany.com vermontrealestatecompany.com 431 Pine St. Suite 118, Burlington, VT 05401

802.310.3669 erin@vermontrealestatecompany.com vermontrealestatecompany.com 431 Pine St. Suite 118 Burlington, VT 05401

Mortgage expertise. Dedicated to Vermont. NICK PARENT 802.863.2020 www.VermontMortgageCompany.com 1T-EDup/NParent020321.indd 1

NMLS 92154 / CNMLS 1345175

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