Seven Days, December 18,2013

V ERM ONT ’S INDEP E NDE NT VO IC E

DECEMBER 18-25, 2013 VOL.19 NO.16

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

WINTER READING ISSUE

FORT STOCKTON BLUES Fiction by Michael Freed-˜ all Page 32

RETREAT FROM TROUBLE

PAGE 14

Brattleboro hospital helps LGBT patients

LIBRARIAN ON A TEAR

PAGE 40

Jessamyn West advocates for access

DINNER DU JOUR

PAGE 44

Taste Test: Café Shelburne

MAKE IT A SPECIAL NIGHT. Dry Aged LaPlatte River Angus Farm bone-in ribeye grilled over VT hardwood.

Come celebrate with us this holiday season.

Visit our website for our menu. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 1633 WILLISTON ROAD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT • 802.497.1207

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Celebrate the Solsti ce with Blue Gardenias, the Vermont jazz vocal trio that delivers a highly entertaining and tuneful romp through a variety of joyful genres.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 7:30 P.M.

us for Peak n us forJoin Peak Experiences Experiences SUMMER/FALL 2013 SEASON Vermont’s own Scrag Mountain Music is joined

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GIVE THE GIFT OF MEAT!

RUCKUS: A CIRQUE SPECTACULAR

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bacon, summer sausage, and bratwurst.

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A stunning display of circus arts with trapezists, jugglers, contorti onists and more! Sponsored by: TD Bank C

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 8 P.M.

SEVEN DAYS

Rusty Dewees and troupe will deliver a dump truck load of Vermont grade-A  avor in this smooth-paced line-up of comedy and music acts.

STOP IN & VISIT US OR CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.

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Montstream Studio

Come see us 11-5 through Dec 24th.

But you won’t find Tango; excessive studio barking has put him on the naughty list.

But I bet you’ve been good.

New big paintings coming in daily.

CLOSED DEC. 25 & 26 • 129 ST. PAUL ST., BURLINGTON • KMMSTUDIO.COM • 862.8752

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVt.com

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heart

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facing facts

THE LAST WEEK IN REVIEW DECEMBER 11-18, 2013 COMPILED BY JEFF GOOD & TYLER MACHADO

ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH

Vermont Health Connect experienced another privacy breach, but this time Commish Mark Larson disclosed it right away.

Lesson learned.

Trigger Tragedy

T

PRINT LIVES

Coming soon to your Burlington Free Press: a mini-USA Today. We’ll see how a nationalnews insert helps local reporters cover Vermont.

CHRISTIEMAS COMES EARLY

Wayne Brunette

response to ... the weapon that was presented,” Schirling said. There was “no guarantee that either one of those things could have stopped the threat.”

The state prosecutors agreed. “Our review of the facts has concluded that Cpl. Thibault’s belief that he was in danger of being killed or suffering great bodily harm was reasonable,” said Donovan. “Our review has further concluded that Cpl. Thibault’s use of deadly force was necessary to repel that force.”

Donovan went on to read a note from Brunette’s widow, Barbara, which said, “Today’s announcement should not obscure the fact that Wayne Brunette was a loving father, son and husband, and the family’s hopes are that the memory of Wayne will not solely be about the last moments of his life.”

Dancing for Agnes de Mille and the Giants of Dance in the 40’s

by Sharry Traver Underwood

ES INCLUD E C 30 DAN !

ES R TU PIC

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Parents of newborn boy debate going home on Circ Highway vs. taking a more natural route.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SEVEN_DAYS OUR TWEEPLE: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/TWITTER

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WEEK IN REVIEW 5

“Her descriptions of the works in which she danced are so clear and enticing that the reader feels like jumping up to try them.”

— Doris Hering, review in Dance Magazine, November 2012

A new study says Vermont drivers are the country’s safest. Remember that next time things get awkward at one of Burlington’s notorious fourway stops.

tweet of the week:

SEVEN DAYS

No Daughter of Mine is Going to be a Dancer!

SAFE TRAVELS

1. “Matt Bucy is Making White River Junction Into a Next-Generation Nexus” by Ethan de Seife. This artist-developer is helping to revitalize the Upper Valley — one building at a time.

2. “Mark Tucci Ensures One Dispensary’s Pot Is Ready to Roll” by Ken Picard. Meet the man whose job it is to test a Montpelier dispensary’s medical marijuana.

3. “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Vermont: Finding Religion in the Most Godless State” by Seven Days Staff. This March survey of the state’s religious life was resurrected after Business Insider linked to it.

4. “Uncommon Local Products That Make Great Gifts for Foodies” by Alice Levitt. Get the locavore in your life a tasty treat to put under the tree.

5. “Too Close to the Edge: Vermont Lawmakers to Focus on Shoreline Protection” by Kathryn Flagg. This could be the year Vermont finally gets statewide rules on shoreline development — but is it too late?

12.18.13-12.25.13

The Perfect Gift for the Dancer in Your Life!

Sounds like Gov. Chris Christie’s appearance at a Vermont GOP gala was just what the floundering party needed. Too bad the press wasn’t there to report on it.

TOPFIVE

MOST POPULAR ITEMS ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

wo Burlington police officers have been cleared of criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a shovelwielding New North End resident with a history of mental illness.

On Monday, Chittenden County State’s Attorney T.J. Donovan and Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell announced that Cpl. Ethan Thibault was justified in his use of deadly force against 49-year-old Wayne Brunette.

Based on a separate investigation by his department, Burlington Police Chief Mike Schirling said that neither Thibault nor Cpl. Brent Navari had violated departmental protocol.

After laying out those findings, the lawenforcement officials expressed their condolences to Brunette’s family and acknowledged the need to improve police responses to incidents where mentally ill suspects are spiraling out of control.

“Efforts to improve mental-health systems have been ongoing for many years,” said Schirling. “This tragedy is a vivid reminder that more needs to be done, that those efforts need to be accelerated.”

According to Donovan, on the afternoon of November 6, Cpls. Thibault and Navari responded to a call from Wayne Brunette’s mother, who sought help after saying her son had “gone berserk.”

When the officers arrived, Brunette — who had a history of mental illness and erratic behavior — came at them with a shovel.

When Navari asked Brunette to drop the shovel, he responded, “No, you’re going to have to shoot me,” before running at Navari, Donovan said. Navari drew his weapon and backed up into the street, but Brunette then charged at Thibault. When he came within striking distance of the officer, Thibault shot Brunette twice in the chest — and then, when the man kept coming, twice more.

The officers were carrying pepper spray but not Taser stun guns that day, Schirling explained. But neither pepper spray nor a Taser would have “been the appropriate

2

That’s how many times Vermont has had an open U.S. Senate seat since 1975, as noted in a Sunday Barre-Montpelier Times Argus story about the state’s lack of female representation at the federal level.

Mirror Mirror on the wall,

READ ALLABOUDIT. E D I T O R I A L / A D M I N I S T R AT I O N -/

Pamela Polston & Paula Routly / Paula Routly  / Pamela Polston

where in Burlington can I find it all…

 

Don Eggert, Cathy Resmer, Colby Roberts / Jeff Good   Margot Harrison   Mark Davis, Ethan de Seife, Charles Eichacker, Kathryn Flagg, Paul Heintz, Ken Picard    Megan James   Dan Bolles   Corin Hirsch, Alice Levitt   Courtney Copp    Tyler Machado   Eva Sollberger    Ashley DeLucco   Cheryl Brownell   Steve Hadeka    Matt Weiner  Meredith Coeyman, Marisa Keller  Rufus

Gift Certificates are available in-store and on-line.

Fresh NARS Bobbi Brown Trish McEvoy Laura Mercier bareMinerals by Bare Escentuals

  John James

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12/3/13 1:38 PM

NEW OUTLET

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jarrett Berman, Alex Brown, Matt Bushlow, Justin Crowther, Erik Esckilsen, John Flanagan, Sean Hood, Kevin J. Kelley, Rick Kisonak, Judith Levine, Amy Lilly, Jernigan Pontiac, Robert Resnik, Sarah Tuff, Ginger Vieira, Lindsay J. Westley PHOTOGRAPHERS Caleb Kenna, Matthew Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

WINTER CLOTHING OUTFITTER

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I L L U S T R AT O R S Matt Mignanelli, Matt Morris, Marc Nadel, Tim Newcomb, Susan Norton, Kim Scafuro, Michael Tonn, Steve Weigl C I R C U L AT I O N : 3 6 , 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, Stowe, the Mad River Valley, Rutland, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, White River Junction and Plattsburgh.

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6 FEEDBACK

OH, SNAP

[Re “Photo Finish: AP’s Toby Talbot is Retiring After 30 Years Shooting Vermont,” November 27]: When comparing image “transmission” in the 1980s to an iPhone, don’t forget to add in the time it took to process the film and make a print!

Martin Feldman ESSEX

Feldman owns Light-Works, Inc., in Winooski.

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

& other fabulous lines!

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21 ESSEX WAY SUITE 207, ESSEX, VT | 802.871.5029

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READER REACTION TO RECENT ARTICLES

  Don Eggert

Kiehl's Since 1851

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12/11/13 2:41 PM

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SWEET DEAL FOR DAVIS

Business and politics in Vermont make very strange bedfellows. Paul Heintz’s Fair Game column on December 4 dissecting Governor Shumlin’s campaign fundraising efforts reminded me of the years I reported for the Burlington Free Press detailing the links between Vermont’s business leaders seeking favors from politicians and the latter seeking money and support from business leaders of both parties — and often granting those favors.

The column read to me like business as usual. But I was floored when I came to the part where Heintz wrote about a deal the governor brokered that would allow developer Jeff Davis to build a Walmart he’s proposed for Derby Line providing he agreed not to propose another Walmart somewhere in the state until 2020. The

TIM NEWCOMB

Vermont Natural Resources Council and the Preservation Trust of Vermont secured that promise from Davis.

Say what?

Unless I’ve missed something, it seems those two groups sold their souls and Vermont down the river.

Davis went through years of delays to build a Walmart in St. Albans (the first was in Williston), and if I am not mistaken he is already dreaming (while awake) of a third Walmart, and 2020 is only seven years away. It’s something like this: I have agreed to your proposal not to burn my house down if I allow you to build a garage on my land, providing you wait seven years.

Some deal, eh?

Ted Tedford

UNDERHILL CENTER

KEEP FEEDING US

[Re “An Embarrassment of Pitches,” December 4]: Keep up the good work!

Some folks will be amazed to learn that your job isn’t all sunshine — but whose job is really without its dark corners? Seven Days writers Corin Hirsch and Alice Levitt do a wonderful job of keeping us informed of the foodie scene. Thank you!

Pennie Beach VERGENNES

Beach is co-owner of the Basin Harbor Club.

wEEk iN rEViEw

BuSt F-35 BooStErS

Katherine Kirby aptly describes the lack of democratic debate at recent Burlington City Council meetings concerning the F-35 [Feedback: “Not Democracy At All,” November 20]. The only thing worse than the reluctance of the city council to even pass a nonbinding resolution opposed to the F-35 coming to Burlington was the pedantic deportment of Council President Joan Shannon in conducting the meetings.

The acquiescence and complicity of elected Vermont officials in bringing the F-35 to Vermont is troubling and disturbing. From the venerable Senator Pat Leahy to the bright, new mayor of Burlington, Miro Weinberger, their support of the F-35 demonstrates a capitulation to the military-industrial complex that robs numerous resources that help humanity as opposed to those that would destroy it.

On a profound philosophical level, it is our moral and ethical obligation to seek avenues of peace and reconciliation in a nonviolent manner. Wasting billions on instruments of death perpetuates the cycle of death and destruction that nations have followed for far too long. Let us the citizens of Vermont help to stop that cycle. The best way is to not vote for the politicians who have supported the F-35 coming to Vermont. Be it Bernie Sanders, Gov. Shumlin or Congressman Peter Welch — stop returning to office the enablers of the U.S. military-industrial complex. burlingTOn

All ABout EVA

k.k. wilder

burlingTOn

SilVer SPring, Md.

StAY AwAY From thE PAté

[Re “Bliss,” November 27]: In a brilliant cartoon by Harry Bliss, one of three customers dining at Leunig’s has asked the waiter: “What’s foie gras?” Judging by the mortified looks on their faces, they have received an answer and it is not pretty. Yes, it is the liver of a duck or goose and, more specifically, a diseased and grossly enlarged liver of a bird that’s been forcefully fed to death. Many die from injuries caused by a feeding tube to the esophagus; others choke on their vomit. All live in pain and misery and in extreme confinement. Come on, we can do better than that! Leunig’s will serve foie gras as long as there is demand for it, they say — so it’s up to the customer to stop this cruelty. Several countries have already prohibited foie gras production; it’s also banned in California.

Please stop the madness and ask the restaurant to do the right thing and remove the item from the menu.

372 N. Winooski Ave.

www.samswoodfurniture.com

the

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12/13/13 11:35 AM

ze “When did I reali I was God? praying Well, I wasenly and I suddI was realized myself.” talking to

FRIDAY NITE!

Peter O’Toole

8/2/32-12/14/13

Julia Behrens

SOuTh burlingTOn

mAYBE crimE DoES PAY?

[Re “Vermont’s Chief Justice Is Speaking Out Against the Drug War: Is Anyone Listening?” December 4]: Why are addicts not being given longer, more complex inpatient detox programs that feedback

» P.20

Perfect for the holidays Made from Northern Spy, Empire, and McIntosh apples pressed at Brown Family Orchards, Castleton, Vermont.

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feedback 7

Last week’s story on medical marijuana tester Mark Tucci incorrectly identified the marijuana strain, Cheesehead, as a sativa.

Although there are sativa blends of Cheesehead, the strain Tucci smoked was an indica. Seven Days regrets the faux pot.

John mclaughlin

SEVEN DAYS

corrEctioN

Organize. Customize.

Only at Sam’s.

12.18.13-12.25.13

I never miss watching Eva Sollberger’s Stuck in Vermont online or on WCAXTV’s “The :30.” The recent one on the only male Zumba instructor was such fun [“Zumba With Angel,” December 4].

It was especially great to see Eva right in there dancing with the group. Thanks, Eva!

I just wanted to congratulate Dan Bolles on a brilliant condensation of Rik Palieri’s career and contacts [“Sticking to the Union,” December 4]. Rik permitted us to transcribe and publish his original interview with Pete Seeger — from “Songwriter’s Notebook” — on the Digital Folk Life page, but this beats that hands down.

SEVENDAYSVt.com

kevin Barry

SiNgEr’S StorY

12/17/13 2:36 PM

HOLIDAY

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH— IN ALL CONDITIONS

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A perfect gift of local cheese, crackers, spreads, and snacks all arranged on a Vermont-shaped cutting board.

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Our Top Ten list of 2013 has been compiled and it’s packed with our favorite values of the year. Make yourself the honored guest of the holiday party.

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12.18.13-12.25.13

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THE BEST VALUES ARE RIGHT HERE. Come on in! We’re just down the street. Try it on before you decide. Having trouble finding something? Ask one of our friendly staff. They’ll show you the features you can’t see in that photo on the web too! Shopping for the BEST PRICE? We have that too, because we are a national internet retailer. We just happen to be down the street– and we’ll be here to help you after the sale.

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8

www.KLmountainshop.com 2613 N. Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, VT

1186 Williston Rd., So. Burlington VT 05403 (Next to the Alpine Shop)

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contents

LOOKING FORWARD

DECEMBER 18-25, 2013 VOL.19 NO.16 42

14

48

82

Merry!

We’re here for you for any last-minute gifts!

BY KEN PICARD

16

Homeless for the Holidays

BY KATHRYN FLAGG

18

Is This ID for Real? New Vermont Card Stirs Privacy Worries

32

22

37 40

42

Vermont College of Fine Arts to Welcome Best-Selling Novelist Julianna Baggott

BY MARGOT HARRISON

22

Middelbury College’s Dance Program Scores a Mega-Mellon Grant for an Interdisciplinary Project Finding One’s Inner Poet at a “You Be the Keats” Workshop

BY ETHAN DE SEIFE

24

SECTIONS

Seven Days Gift Guide

Holidays: Part 4: Nest

Information, Please

Winter Reading: With technology high and low, Jessamyn West documents Vermont’s public libraries

Winter Reading: An essay on life freely lived

BY JEFF GOOD

44

French Twist

Food: First Bite: Café Shelburne

BY CORIN HIRSCH

48

Old-Country Holidays

Food: European chefs share their mothers’ little-known delicacies

66

Scene and Heard

Music: Local musicians weigh in on the best music of 2013

BY DAN BOLLES

Bah, Humbug

BY MARGOT HARRISON

A Quartet of Books Represents the Volumes by Vermonters This Year

BY PAMELA POLSTON

favorites like:

Ugg slippers,

Frye boots, Rebecca Minkoff handbags and more! Unsure?

Gift cards make the

The Magnificent 7 Life Lines Calendar Classes Music Art Movies

best stocking stuffers!

WINTER READING

VIDEO SERIES

FUN STUFF

straight dope movies you missed edie everette dakota mcfadzean lulu eightball jen sorensen news quirks bliss, ted rall red meat rhymes with orange this modern world glorkian warrior free will astrology personals

27 83 88 88 88 88 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 92

CLASSIFIEDS

C-2 C-2 C-2 C-3 C-3 C-4 C-5

FORT STOCKTON BLUES Fiction by Michael Freed-Thall Page 32

RETREAT FROM TROUBLE

PAGE 14

Brattleboro hospital helps LGBT patients

LIBRARIAN ON A TEAR

PAGE 40

Jessamyn West advocates for access

DINNER DU JOUR

PAGE 44

Taste Test: Café Shelburne

COVER IMAGE JOHN PHILLIPS COVER DESIGN AARON SHREWSBURY

legals crossword support groups calcoku/sudoku puzzle answers jobs

C-5 C-5 C-7 C-7 C-8 C-9

SEVEN DAYS

This newspaper features interactive print — neato!

12.18.13-12.25.13

vehicles housing services homeworks buy this stuff music art

WINTER READING ISSUE

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

25

11 21 52 62 66 76 84

Fair Game POLITICS Work JOBS WTF CULTURE Side Dishes FOOD Soundbites MUSIC Album Reviews Art Review Movie Reviews Mistress Maeve SEX

BY ALICE LEVITT

BY PAMELA POLSTON

24

Gathering Blueberries

BY MICHAEL FREED-THALL

BY MARK DAVIS

ARTS NEWS

BY ETHAN DE SEIFE

12 28 30 45 67 71 76 84 93

Fort Stockton Blues

Winter Reading: Fiction

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Can “Niches in Inpatient Psychiatry” Redeem the Brattleboro Retreat?

We’re stocked with

COLUMNS + REVIEWS

DECEMBER 18-25, 2013 VOL.19 NO.16

14

FEATURES

V E R M ON T’ S I N DE P E N DE N T V O IC E

NEWS

38 church street 802.862.5126 www.dearlucy.com

Stuck in Vermont: Nari Penson has been teaching prekindergarten through first grade at the Schoolhouse in South Burlington for 31 years. Every December, she and her students sing traditional African American songs and light candles to celebrate Kwanzaa.

Download the free layar app

Find and scan pages with the layar logo

Discover fun interactive content

mon-sat 10-8 | sun 11-6 call us for holiday hours

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CONTENTS 9

Underwritten by:

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10

SEVEN DAYS 12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVt.com

LOOKING FORWARD

the

MAGNIFICENT MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK

THURSDAY 19

Woodland Wonder ˜ e holiday frenzy has really arrived. Amid the merriment and mayhem, a walk in the woods can rejuvenate both mind and body. Folks looking to connect with nature take a Winter Solstice Stroll led by members of the Winooski Valley Park District, where they learn about local plants and animals.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 55

COMPI L E D BY COU RTNEY COP P

SATURDAY 21 & SUNDAY 22

SATURDAY 21 & SUNDAY 22

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

In Focus

When it comes to food, Vermont and the locavore movement go hand in hand. ˜ e same holds true for the BCA Holiday Artist Market. ˜ is alternative shopping experience offers a wide array of specialty items ranging from jewelry and pottery to upcycled wares and artwork by more than 30 local artisans, including Hilary Glass (pictured).

Photographer Peter Miller has been capturing Vermont on fi lm since 1959. Beginning with farmers Will and Rowena Austin — whose portraits are now synonomous with the artist — his work refl ects the character of the state’s landscape and inhabitants.

In his latest book, A Lifetime of Vermont People, he displays more than 50 new images along with his most iconic.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 59

SEE CALENDAR LISTINGS ON PAGES 57 AND 59

SATURDAY 21

Man & Beast Every year, thousands of wild mustangs are rounded up and sent to live in federal corrals. To make the equines adoptable, trainers must fi rst break them. Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus explore this process in their award-winning documentary, Wild Horse, Wild Ride, presented as part of the Woodstock Film Series.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 57

Santa’s Little Helper

SEE CALENDAR LISTINGS ON PAGES 54, 57, 59 AND 60

Gimme a Beat

ONGOING

Name Game

When you hear the word “rap,” chances are the Green Mountain State doesn’t immediately come to mind. ˜ e participants at the King of Vermont Rap Battle are hoping to change that.

Wordsmiths hit up Club Metronome and deliver their best material in 45-second rounds as they compete for a prize pool that includes cash, studio time and more.

In 2011, artist Timothy Jude Smith noticed a curious phenomenon: names of suburban subdivisions in Ohio referenced Massachusetts’ Walden Pond, made famous by writer Henry David ˜ oreau.

In his solo show “Wherever ˜ ere Is a Soul to Admire,” he presents images of everyday places such as yards and home interiors, projected on a split screen, inviting viewers to see their mundane beauty.

SEE SOUNDBITES ON PAGE 69

SEE ART REVIEW ON PAGE 76

SEVEN DAYS MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

THURSDAY 19

8 12.1 .13-12.25.13

Writer and humorist David Sedaris debuted his essay “SantaLand Diaries” in 1992. A raucous romp through Macy’s department store during the holidays, it details his agonizing role as an elf alongside drunken Santas and frenzied sales clerks. Years later, Joe Mantello adapted it for the stage, making this laugh-out-loud tale an instant classic.

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

THURSDAY 19-SUNDAY 22

11

COURTESY OF HILARY GLASS

FAIR GAME

T

SHOP

12/2/13

LOCAL

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

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12 FAIR GAME

Say you saw it in...

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Health in Numbers

o which Vermont health care reform narrative do you subscribe?

There are several choices, so hold on to your hat!

Option A: Despite early hiccups, Vermont’s online insurance exchange is up and running — and signing people up at a rapid clip. Last week alone, Vermont Health Connect enrolled more than 5000 people — as many as in the previous six weeks combined. According to a recent federal tally, Vermont’s per capita sign-up rate well exceeds any other in the country.

Of the 65,000 Vermonters Gov. PETER SHUMLIN now says he hopes will be covered by the new VHC plans by January 1, nearly 45,000 have picked one.

“Whether they’ve gone through the website or through the carriers, roughly two-thirds of the eligible folks have enrolled in one plan or the other, depending on their choosing,” Shumlin said last week.

“So we’re making great progress and we have more progress to make.”

Option B: While the situation has improved for those who don’t currently obtain coverage through an employer, it 4:20 PMstill sucks for those who do.

Of the 45,000 enrollees Shumlin was crowing about, 30,000 of them are smallbusiness employees who were unable to use the state’s new website to sign up.

Instead, their bosses bypassed the exchange and went directly to insurance companies to sign up for VHC plans, thereby limiting employees’ choices. Or they were automatically and involuntarily “mapped” to a new, comparable plan.

Which sounds kind of like the old system. The one we’re trying to replace.

Not counted in Shumlin’s 45,000 figure are another 3500 employees whose bosses made the mistake of trusting Vermont Health Connect enough to sign up through the website. Because the state still hasn’t figured out how to bill those folks, their new plans are in limbo — and their current plans will be extended for as many as three months into the new year.

Nor is Shumlin counting the 5800 employees whose bosses punted and took advantage of a three-month delay to just figure the whole damn thing out.

So that leaves us with a grand total of 15,000 people — many of whom are moving from expiring state-subsidized programs like Catamount and Vermont Health Access Plan — who have successfully navigated the system. (That number is to sure to rise in the next week, as the December 23 deadline to draw down federal subsidies in January passes.) Those 15,000 success stories, by the way, include at least 2000

4/3/12 12:32 PM

OPEN SEASON ON VERMONT POLITICS BY PAUL HEINTZ

people who enrolled through the supposedly online Vermont Health Connect using paper applications.

Yep, paper applications.

While we’re at it, here’s another narrative choice to add to your collection.

Let’s call it option C: As Shumlin veers from mini-crisis to mini-crisis, he keeps contradicting his own explanations about when he knew the deployment of Vermont Health Connect wasn’t going smoothly.

Throughout the fall, he alternated between dismissing a major problem as a “nothing-burger,” berating reporters for asking about it and acknowledging there would be more “bumps in the road.”

After those bumps grew into a roadblock in November and prompted Shumlin to allow businesses to bypass the website, he issued a mea culpa and told Vermont Public Radio’s BOB KINZEL that he had no idea “the magnitude of the challenges we were going to face” by the time Labor Day rolled around.

TO WHICH VERMONT HEALTH CARE REFORM NARRATIVE

DO YOU SUBSCRIBE? “Because we didn’t have the time to test [the system], we didn’t know what our problems were, to be absolutely honest with you,” he said on VPR’s “Vermont Edition.”

But last Wednesday, VPR’s TAYLOR DOBBS obtained a slew of documents showing a contractor had started warning the state in April that the system was at risk of failing.

So Shumlin changed his story again. At a Statehouse press conference that day, the governor said he was “told in summer” about those reports. He said he was forthcoming about them as early as July 8, when he briefly suggested at a sparsely attended Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce event that the site might be “bare bones” at first.

“I was very transparent about that,” Shumlin said last week of his July remarks.

“I said, ‘Listen, this isn’t going to have all the bells and whistles, but we’re going to have a website that functions, that gives Vermonters the information they need on October 1.’ And I want to point out that’s exactly what we delivered.”

Tell that to the nearly 40,000 smallbusiness employees who haven’t been able to use the system as advertised!

So which of these narratives is the truth? As far as I can tell, all three.

Which one matters the most probably depends on whether you’re a liberal booster of the Affordable Care Act, a thoroughly inconvenienced small-business owner or employee, or an Ahab-esque political columnist, hunting for the white whale of Shumlinconsistency.

The day after last Wednesday’s press conference — during which narrative C dominated the discussion — Shumlin tried to recapture the message at yet another Statehouse presser. His goal: Refocus on narrative A. Standing beside legislators, health care advocates and a consumer, Shumlin argued that the Vermont Health Connect website had improved dramatically since its launch. Despite all the negative attention it’s garnered, he and the others said, Vermonters should give it a chance and sign up soon.

“I think a lot of the bad experiences people have been reading about are stopping people from enrolling or making them reluctant to enroll, because they’re fearful of how onerous it’s going to be,” said Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security executive director PETER STERLING, who contracts with the state to sign people up. “But when they actually sit down and do it, they realize it’s not too long a process.”

Point taken! If you haven’t already enrolled in a plan for next year, go sign up!

Heck, you might well qualify for subsidies.

No doubt we in the press have focused on what’s gone wrong — and it’s quite possible that our chronic Debbie Downer-isms have contributed to Vermont Health Connect’s woes. But that’s our job — to figure out how and why a system is broken, and whether assurances it’s being fixed are credible. Particularly when the state is spending millions of dollars on a taxpayer-funded propaganda campaign to whitewash the problems. Ahem, I mean communicate the temporary setbacks.

There’s plenty more we haven’t focused on, as Shumlin was quick to point out last Thursday.

“There are 30,000 Vermonters out there who were on VHAP or were on Catamount who were paying a premium before who are no longer paying a premium,” the gov said, referring to those who are newly eligible for Medicaid. “Pretty well-kept secret. Thirty thousand folks who are getting a reduction automatically because of the Affordable Care Act, where they were paying a premium — and struggling to, because these are not folks who are making a lot of money — who are now paying zero.”

Got A tIP for PAul? paul@sevendaysvt.com

politics

Media Notes

12/2/13 1:39 PM

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celebrating life’s little moments This busy holiday season, take time to cherish family and friends. Happy Bank Real. Live Real.

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FAIR GAME 13

listen to Paul Wednesdays at 7:40 a.m. on WVMT 620 AM. Blog: sevendaysvt.com/offmessage Email: paul@sevendaysvt.com twitter: @paulheintz

Holidays!

12.18.13-12.25.13

It ain’t every day that an out-of-state news organization swoops into Vermont and deploys a new reporter. So imagine my surprise when, a month ago, I received a press release announcing that a Jon Street was joining Watchdog.org’s “bureau in Montpelier, Vermont.”

What the?! roBert Maynard at the right-leaning website True North Reports jumped on the news, hailing Watchdog’s arrival as “a welcome development in maintaining an informed citizenry.” Two weeks later, John WalterS at the left-leaning Green Mountain Daily pounced, referring to Watchdog as “right-wing pseudo-journalism.”

As Walters noted, Watchdog is operated by the Virginia-based Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity, which itself is funded by a network of right-wing political groups.

According to the Center for Public Integrity, 95 percent of Franklin’s 2011 funding came from the anonymous collaborative Donors Trust, which is dominated by the conservative bogeymen Koch brothers.

But according to Street, who dropped

by Seven Days’ office this week, he has no agenda but to dig up the truth.

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SEVENDAYSVt.com

“Watchdog is doing in Vermont what we are doing in a number of other states across the country, and that is to expose government waste, fraud and abuse at the state and local levels,” Street said.

A Missouri native and 2012 graduate of Missouri Baptist University, Street said he’d never stepped foot in Vermont until he moved to the Burlington area last month to take the job. But already, he said, it reminds him of his home in the Midwest, where “you say hi to people as you’re walking down the street.”

While Street’s last two gigs were at conservative news outlets — CNSNews. com and the One America News Network — he claimed he has no idea who’s behind the Franklin Center.

“I cannot tell you whether the majority of the funding comes from left-leaning organizations or right-leaning organizations or independent organizations. I won’t get into any of that. I would direct any of those questions to our headquarters,” he said.

“But as far as any pressure to report from a certain angle, I don’t feel any of that.”

Street’s boss, California-based Watchdog editor Will SWaiM, says much the same.

“We don’t reveal who our funders are, unless of course the funders want to make themselves public. So I can’t tell you whether the Koch brothers fund us. I can tell you that I wish that they would,” Swaim says. “I think what we’re doing should be funded by Bill Gates and the Ford Foundation and the James L. Knight Foundation. I think we do really good work. And I’m not being coy. I honestly don’t know, and that’s intended to protect me and the reporters as much as anybody. They don’t tell me what to write, and I don’t ask them where the money comes from.”

While Swaim, a former longtime editor and publisher of the OC Weekly, calls himself a “leftie libertarian,” he says most of his staff share a belief in “limited government.” Either way, he says, political orientation is beside the point.

“The whole role of Watchdog.org is to write really local stories that have some kind of national impact,” he says. m

0

And then there are the expanded consumer protections the ACA offers, such as free preventive care, banning discrimination against those with preexisting conditions and letting anyone younger than 26 remain on their parents’ health plans. Not to mention the $11 billion Sen. Bernie SanderS managed to sneak into the ACA to fund more federally qualified health centers — including three new ones right here in Vermont.

There are also plenty of negative points upon which we have not dwelled — such as the astronomical cost of building Vermont Health Connect. According to the Pew Center on the States, Vermont is spending $267 per person to build the website. That’s well more than the next closest state, Hawaii, which is spending $145 per person, and the nationwide average of $30.

No, there are no easy narratives in this story. Or maybe there are too many.

It’s a clusterfuck. It’s a godsend. It’s a testament to government incompetence and it’s a testament to government perseverance. Perhaps in 10 years’ time, it’ll be a testament to government brilliance.

Or perhaps it’ll be long-since repealed.

local

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Can “Niches in Inpatient Psychiatry” Redeem the Brattleboro Retreat? b y K E n Pi CA R d

SEVENDAYSVt.com 12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS 14 LOCAL MATTERS

ROb Sw An SOn

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he Brattleboro Retreat likely saved Paige. For most of her 63 years, she told herself she was “only a cross-dresser.” Even after her first marriage ended — Paige was born a man — she managed to keep her female persona a secret.

What finally broke her psyche, Paige realized later, was what she calls “The Rule”: When she remarried in 2002, Paige’s second wif e said she was OK with the cross-dressing provided that Paige came and went f rom their house as a man and never appeared around family or friends as a woman.

Paige, a Vietnam veteran and retired psychotherapist who asked that her last name be withheld, could only maintain that charade f or so long. In late April, shortly af ter her 63rd birthday, she suf f ered a “nervous breakdown.” Though neither suicidal nor a danger to others, “I could not stop crying. It was like I hit a wall of utter despair and sorrow.”

Paige, who lives in Rutland, agreed to enter a new unit of the Brattleboro Retreat that specializes in treating lesbian, gay, bi sexual and transgender patients with mental illness and/or addiction. Like many patients, Paige has a history of both. In f act, she’d been hospitalized at the Retreat five years earlier as a result of a failed suicide attempt.

Paige recalls being struck by the differences between the two experiences. She spent just six days on the LGBT unit — a typical length of stay, according to staff.

Nevertheless, she describes that week as the most transformative of her life.

“I felt respect, acceptance, understanding, compassion. They were utterly non judgmental and I felt at home,” says Paige, who concluded during her stay that she was transgender and wanted hormonereplacement therapy to begin a physical and emotional transition. “This was the first time in my life that I was openly living among others as myself, without shame or self-consciousness.”

Such transf ormations are what draw certain clinicians to work in Brattleboro’s LGBT unit, which is one of the only psych wards of its kind in the country.

“The more we study LGBT health, the more we recognize that disparities do exist in accessing care,” says Karl Jeffries, Paige’s psychiatrist and a specialist in treating gender-variant youth and adults.

“One of the things we f ocus on is, what services can we provide that other places are not providing?”

Not incidentally, that’s also the f ocus of Robert Simpson, president and CEO of the Brattleboro Retreat, Vermont’s largest

“They’re trying to re-brand them selves to survive in a totally new and dif f erent market,” says Rep. Ann Donahue (R-Northfield), who serves on the legislature’s Mental Health Oversight Committee. “And they’re doing it in a way that’s not good at all.”

Beyond Bad Press

Robert Simpson

psychiatric hospital. When Simpson took over in January 2007, part of his plan f or improving the Retreat was to develop what he calls “niches in inpatient psychiatry.”

The 15-bed LGBT unit is just one of several specialized units to open in recent years.

Another is the Unif ormed Service Program, which treats police, firefighters and EMS workers dealing with PTSD, addictions, anxiety and depression.

The newest is a 12-bed Emerging Adult Program, which opened in October. It serves patients 18 to 26 who are coping

MENTAL HEALTH with serious psychiatric problems such as schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder.

Some addiction and mental-health experts commend the Retreat, a private, not-for-profit institution and one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the coun try, f or f orging a boutique approach that has helped the hospital’s bottom line.

But others question whether the Retreat — which the state still relies upon to treat its most acute, “level one” psychiatric pa tients — is headed in the right direction.

The last year was a decidedly bad one for the Brattleboro Retreat. In November 2012, the hospital laid off 31 workers due to projected financial shortfalls. In January, a therapist was sanctioned for having sexual relations with a patient.

Three months later, the Retreat was cited for serious violations of state and federal laws as a result of a patient’s overdose death in 2012. As Simpson explained in a letter to employees, the deficiencies cited by the Centers f or Medicare & Medicaid Services were “of such a serious nature as to substantially limit our capacity to render adequate care.”

In May, the Retreat f ailed its second CMS review in four months and faced the potential loss of federal funding if deficiencies weren’t corrected by August. Among the more disturbing findings was what CMS called a “f ailure to address ongoing inappropriate use of restraint and seclu sion” of patients. Fortunately, the Retreat’s correction plan forestalled those cuts.

In September, a 36-year-old patient was f ound dead in the bathroom of a Retreatrun residence hall. Vermont’s medical ex aminer later determined that the woman had committed suicide — the Retreat’s second fatal overdose in two years. Though the patient was no longer an inpatient, she was in an intensive, Retreat-run outpatient program whose staff didn’t discover her body for two days.

These and other incidents have not only harmed the hospital’s reputation, but have also led some advocates to question its priorities. A.J. Ruben, supervising attorney with the group Disability Rights Vermont, commends the Retreat f or providing spe cialized care that “caters to people’s spe cial cultural backgrounds.”

At the same time, however, Ruben says there’s a sense within the advocacy com munity that the Retreat is “struggling to play catch-up.

“They’re failing to make progress in some really important areas,” he says, citing ongoing problems with seclusion and restraint that he maintains have yet to be resolved.

“It’s not clear where they’re going to be in five years.”

The Retreat has certainly grown dra matically under Simpson’s leadership,

Got A NEWS tIP? news@sevendaysvt.com

The 15-bed LGbT uniT is jusT one of severaL speciaLized uniTs to open in recent years.

“Isolated in the World”

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The sign outside Osgood 2, the locked ward that houses the LGBT unit, reads “Elopement risk” — a reminder that patients, even voluntary ones, occasionally try to flee. Beside it hangs a photo of rainbow-colored Adirondack chairs arranged in a semicircle. Eileen Glover, a psychiatric nurse and clinical manager of the program, says the chairs, which are used outside for group therapy in warm weather, have become the unit’s iconic symbol.

“When I schedule a meeting,” she says, “I’ll put the location as ‘purple chair.’”

Glover, who’s been with the LGBT unit since its inception in 2009, helped design virtually every aspect of it, including its physical layout. As with any hospital ward, there’s a nurses’ station, but the floor otherwise lacks an institutional or even “dentist’s office” feel.

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On one side of the floor are locked meeting rooms and offices. On the other are private bedrooms and gender-neutral bathrooms. Beside one window is a reading nook and bookshelf. A wall poster quotes from playwright and gay-rights activist Harvey Fierstein: “Accept no one’s definition of your life. Define yourself.”

As Glover explains, the unit’s physical space was designed to create a quiet and soothing environment, with soundmuffling materials and muted colors. No bars cover the windows, but subtle safety features are incorporated into its design.

Door handles are cone-shaped and flexible so patients cannot hang themselves.

Video cameras, and monitors, are discretely hidden from view.

Inside one meeting room, members of the staff explain to a reporter why they see their work as so critical. While there are no psychiatric conditions unique to the LGBT population, Jeffries points out that some illnesses and symptoms are exacerbated by social stressors, including family dynamics.

“Very few of us in the population grew up in a culture that was affirming and positive, and we often don’t look like our parents, brothers or sisters,” he explains. “So, we are isolated in the world.”

“Our goal is to make patients feel safe and secure, but also to take away that extra barrier of wondering, ‘Can I talk about my wife or husband?’ or ‘Can I talk about exploring my gender identity in a safe place?’” says Megan Becker, a social worker who worked on Paige’s recovery.

When patients are struggling with genderidentity issues, she says, just knowing that their clinicians are sensitive and knowledgeable is “one less thing on their plate.”

One challenge, Glover notes, is that most medical schools and nursing programs don’t provide any training on LGBT issues. “There might be a paragraph in a textbook,” she says. As a result, much of what they do is to look at the research, then apply it in a clinical setting.

Only a small number of Brattleboro’s LGBT patients have undergone gender-reassignment surgery, but the medical professionals who care for them are trained to deal with pre- and postoperative issues.

Likewise, they know how psychotropic medications interact with HIV treatments.

“One of our goals is to be seen as experts in this field,” Glover explains. “So we’ve had other institutions reach out to us and ask us to train their staff.” Recently, some of their clinicians were invited to a local high school to help their staff prepare for the arrival of a new transgender student.

Ea Locat l

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from 50 inpatient beds to 120, along with 266 new employees. It’s more financially stable, too. When Simpson arrived, the hospital had been operating in the red for 15 years and had no endowment or credit line. It’s now been cash-positive for four years, has built a modest, $225,000 endowment and obtained bank loans to finance long-deferred maintenance.

Most of that growth has been deliberate, as part of Simpson’s five-year plan to re-brand the Retreat and improve its cash flow. But not all of it. In August 2011, when Tropical Storm Irene forced the closure of the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury, the Retreat admitted 18 of its displaced patients in one day. Within 12 hours, all were moved into the Retreat’s newest ward: the one reserved for LGBT patients.

Although the Retreat’s original agreement with the state was to take just 14 state patients with a spectrum of psychiatric issues, high demand after the state hospital shutdown has resulted in as many as 28 state patients undergoing treatment there at any given time.

Simpson says patients are only turned away if they have co-occurring medical conditions that are too acute for Retreat staff to manage.

Staff hired specifically to work on the LGBT unit were suddenly caring for some of Vermont’s most difficult psychiatric patients — some of whom needed to be force-medicated — while the LGBT ones were dispersed throughout the Retreat.

The program that helped Paige was shelved for a year.

“That was not what they had signed up for,” Simpson recalls. “But I’ll tell you, they all stepped up for that mission and they did a phenomenal job.”

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Homeless for the Holidays B y K ATh Ryn F L A g g

a

MATT h Ew Th ORSEn

sk Michael Sweeney how he and his f amily ended up at Harbor Place, a motel-turned-shelter on Shelburne Road, and the jovial 55-year-old sums it up like this: “One brick, and the whole house came tumbling down.

It’s remarkable how things can snowball.”

First there was the rent hike in September 2012: The $500-a-month in crease brought rent for the family of five to $1400. Then Michael lost one of his two part-time jobs; he still works as a merchandiser f or Kellogg, arranging displays at local grocery stores, but no more than 26 hours a week. A f ew months later, his wife, 35-year-old Julie, lost her position at Super-Temp Wire & Cable in Winooski.

16 LOCAL MATTERS

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SEVENDAYSVt.com

( ( (disPatch The couple dipped into savings. They held on for a while. And then, on October 30, they f ound themselves f acing an evic tion notice and a ticking clock: They had until 2 p.m. to get out of the home Michael had lived in for 13 years.

“It’s the only place the kids ever knew,” said Michael Sweeney. Among the items they lef t behind: the f amily’s Christmas tree.

For five weeks heading into the holidays, home for the family of five was a two-room suite in a f ormer motel. The couple and their three children slept in one bedroom outfitted with two queen-size beds. They cooked pasta and soups atop the small stovetop in the kitchenette. The children occasionally got antsy; 2-yearold Cameron took a crayon to one of the walls — evidence of which has since been scrubbed away. “The adventure of our day is walking over and getting ice,” said Michael.

The practice of housing Vermonters in motels, when homeless shelters are f ull, is a controversial one: The emergency-as sistance program has grown steadily more expensive in recent years; in the last fiscal year, it cost the state $4.2 million, prompting officials to tighten eligibility. Advocates for the homeless argue against drastic cuts to the program. Until the state has better saf ety nets in place, they say, the motels are an important last resort for people who have nowhere else to sleep.

No one is saying it’s an ideal solution.

But that’s where Harbor Place — formerly the Econo Lodge in Shelburne — comes in.

“We thought, ‘There’s a better way,’” said Chris Donnelly, director of community relations at the Champlain Housing Trust.

So in late October, the trust purchased the 59-room motel for $1.85 million, financing

Michael and Julie Sweeney with their kids Cameron, Campbell and Taylor

the majority of that purchase with a loan through the Vermont Community Loan Fund — the largest in VCLF’s history. The building no longer announces itself with a big red awning visible from Route 7 but with a simple green plac ard planted in the grass alongside the road.

The change is more than cosmetic. Security cameras were installed earlier this month. New placards posted around the motel advertise the f acility’s rules, including a ban on visitors af ter 8 p.m. It’s quiet, and the Sweeneys like thef act that a guard roams the property until midnight.

Neighbors stop by with baked goods, and the former lobby is occasion ally stocked with donated clothing and boots.

But arguably the most important change is that Harbor Place brings caseworkers directly to “guests” at the motel. The goal isn’t simply to give families and homeless individuals a warm and saf e temporary room; it’s to connect them with other ser vices and programs that can get them out of the motel and back on their feet.

On a snowy morning in mid-December, Michael Sweeney nursed a cup of coffee in the family’s suite at Harbor Place. He wore a f aded blue button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up, and simple black pants. Julie was perched on a stool beside him in the suite’s spare kitchenette, her petite f rame swallowed up by an oversized maroon sweater.

Nearby, Cameron dozed on the couch, sucking on a bottle. On the television, the 700 Club played on low volume. The couple’s daughters, 6-year-old Campbell and 5-yearold Taylor, were both at school; the school district had arranged to have them f erried to and f rom classes by taxi — prior to that, their teachers had stepped in to help.

On that day, Michael was f riendly and outgoing; Julie was quieter, her f ace marked with concern about the f amily’s situation. She was still out of work, and in another stroke of bad luck, the family’s Jeep had recently broke down. Michael joked that Julie does all the worrying f or the pair, and he balances it out with a hefty dose of optimism.

On Oct Ober 30, they f Ound themselves facing an evicti On nOtice and a ticking cl Ock:

They had un Til 2 p.m.To geT ouT.

“It all works out in the end,” said Michael Sweeney. “People have cups half full or half empty. My cup is three-quarters full.”

Michael said he used to look scornfully on homeless individuals camped outside of the grocery stores in which he worked. His reaction was often, “Get a job, you bum.”

“I don’t judge those guys anymore,” said Sweeney. Af ter all, he said, he has a job — and that didn’t keep his family from becoming homeless.

In November, Harbor Place’s first month of operation, the shelter housed 128 people — including individuals and fami lies. The State of Vermont guarantees to pay for at least 30 of the motel’s 59 rooms every night, but at an average rate of $38 a night, it’s a better deal than what the state pays at other motels around Chittenden County. The voucher limits a family’s stay to 28 days, but Harbor Place allows guests to extend that if they pay their own way and are actively working with a case worker. Harbor Place also takes in families or individuals ref erred by Fletcher Allen Health Care or the HowardCenter.

Department of Children and Families Deputy Commissioner Richard Giddings called the Champlain Housing Trust a “solid partner,” with whom the state is making significant strides to address the costs of homelessness.

Got A NEWS tIP? news@sevendaysvt.com

“They’re under a lot of pressure to do things differently,” said Donnelly of the state. “But you can’t just flip the switch overnight.”

Harbor Place worked for the Sweeneys.

Though CHT initially rejected them for an apartment because of poor credit scores, Michael and Julie signed up for CHT’s Ready, Set, Rent! program, which provides credit counseling. In exchange for completing the program and drafting a plan to improve their credit, the couple qualified for an apartment.

A week after meeting with Seven Days, the family of five moved into an apartment in Winooski. Michael Sweeney says that it was only after he connected with a caseworker that he realized the family might qualify for programs beyond the emergency motel voucher. “I didn’t

realize the resources that are out there,” he says.

They didn’t necessarily come easily.

Since his Jeep broke down, Michael has relied on public transportation — and sometimes his own two feet — to shuttle back and forth between Shelburne Road and state offices on Pearl Street, where he had to show up, in person, to continue to qualify for state assistance to stay in the motel.

He said it didn’t bother him.

“My kids are safe and they’re warm,” he says. “I don’t mind the extra legwork so long as we have a place to live.”

Now that they do, “I told her,” says Michael, gesturing to his wife, “we’ve got a lot of paying forward to do.” m

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“Would you consider a cardiac specialty program ‘boutique,’ or a unit that specializes in cancer treatment ‘boutique?’” he asks.

Annie Ramniceanu, associate executive director of Spectrum Youth & Family Services in Burlington, sees a real benefit in specialized units. A licensed clinician in mental health and drug and alcohol counseling, she says that specialized units can help normalize patients’ situations, so they realize their problems are just like others in their population.

“It helps to have that broader perspective,” she adds, “to not see yourself as such a flawed individual, and that there are others struggling with the same thing — and others recovering from the same thing.”

Simpson acknowledges that the Retreat’s bad press in the last year has taken a toll on staff morale. But the clinicians on the LGBT unit exhibit a camaraderie only partly attributable to their experiences with Tropical Storm Irene.

They seem wholly committed to serving patients like Paige, who, statistically, are less likely to access care. And, after briefly losing the LGBT program once, they appear unwilling to let it disappear again.

“We’re open to constructive criticism.

We want to hear those things,” says psychiatrist Cory Nohl, the unit’s medical director. At the same time, he adds, “It scares me to think that somehow the work we’re doing is going to be undermined, whether it’s losing funding or public support ... because everyone here is so passionate about the work we do.” m

SEVENDAYSVt.com

The Brattleboro Retreat may have found a lucrative niche, but no one at Burlington’s LGBT advocacy organization, RU12?, was familiar with it. Meanwhile, some critics, like Donahue, think the Retreat should do a better job of serving its entire patient population. She sees its strategy of specialization as a way to burnish its image, make more money and stay relevant in an age when large, stand-alone psychiatric hospitals are being replaced by smaller, community-based programs.

Donahue also suggests that the new model of inpatient care calls for more integration of medical and psychiatric care than the Retreat can currently deliver.

“They’re a 100-plus bed hospital and they don’t have a psychiatrist on-site 24/7,” she notes. “That’s just staggering!”

Peter Albert, the Retreat’s director of external affairs, confirms that a psychiatrist isn’t on-site 24/7 but says one is always on call. He adds that the Retreat also addresses that need by having licensed psychiatric nurses and other practitioners on-site “whose scope of practice allows them to prescribe medicine, do psychiatric evaluations, etc.”

Albert agrees with Donahue about the need for better integration of medical and psychiatric services, but says that’s why the Retreat has beefed up its medical clinic.

Health care reform, he says, is about “getting people the treatment they need when they need it.” For that small percentage of patients who need hospitalization, many benefit from being on a unit with others whose cases are similar to their own.

LOCALmatters

Is This ID for Real?

New Vermont Card Stirs Privacy Worries

BY MARK DAVIS

18 LOCAL MATTERS

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

I

n New Hampshire, protesters quoted Patrick Henry in their successful battle against a federally initiated identity card known as “Real ID.” In Montana, the governor told the Department of Homeland Security to “go to hell” and rejected the f ederal government’s ID card as a “harebrained scheme.”

In Vermont, by contrast, the Department of Motor Vehicles recently posted an update on its website announcing it will comply with the f ederal plan and begin issuing the controversial identifi cation cards in January.

Vermont Department f o Motor Vehicles commissioner Robert Ide said his agency is excited to o° er the new ID — a souped-up, supposedly tamper-proof driver’s license. He said Vermonters will be ready when and if the f ederal government makes Real ID a prerequisite f or everything f rom air travel to entering a federal building.

“It’s a requirement of the f ederal Homeland Security o˛ ce, and we have been working towards it since bef ore I got here,” said Ide. Noting the sign-up process is “not particularly onerous,” he added, “We think most people will like having them.”

But others are disappointed that Vermont did not f ollow the lead of at least 25 other states and resist the Homeland Security mandate. They see the Real ID as a de facto national identity card,˝a step that privacy advocates f ear will allow f or increased government tracking of innocent citizens without making the country any safer.

“Once you have a national ID, you will have it f or all kinds of things. One of the things Americans prize is privacy and anonymity, and when you have to have identifi cation all the time, it’s not American,” said Allen Gilbert, executive director of the Vermont American Civil Liberties Union.

The Real ID program came about in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11. The hijackers were carrying several f orms of government licenses and identifi cation cards, and, seeking to prevent f uture attacks, the 9/11 Commission recommended a national standard for IDs. In May 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act, calling for federal standards

To obtain a Real ID, Vermonters will have to present a valid passport or birth certifi cate, a Social Security card or pay stub, and either two pieces of mail or two other documents that show a home address. (The Real IDs will cost $50, same as the driver’s license.)

That inf ormation would be kept in a state database that, unlike current driver’s license information, feeds into a central federal database, where it could theoretically be accessed for an array of purposes.

Critics worry that the identifi cation card system will put potentially

se features a gold star

˜ e new Real ID driver’s licen

f or driver’s licenses and declaring that state-issued licenses could not be used f or f ederal identifi cation. But the law lef t the details to DHS, which in 2007 circulated an implementation plan that was roundly criticized by states. The agency went back to the drawing board, but every alternative o° ered since has either been scrapped or delayed.

Currently, the Vermont DMV is telling those born af ter December 1, 1964, that they’ll have to obtain a Real ID by December 1, 2014; those born before that date will have an extra three years to get one —˝or risk being denied access to domestic fl ights and f ederal facilities, according to DHS.˝(A passport would also do the trick, but millions of Americans do not have passports, which cost at least $135 each.)

The deadline is squishier than it sounds. DHS has repeatedly delayed imposing the Real ID requirement, and Ide said even his department isn’t sure whether it will ever be enforced.˝ DHS says that only 20 states, including Vermont, had demonstrated compliance with the Act — that is, they had either begun issuing Real IDs or were ready to do so.

Meanwhile, half the states in the union have either passed laws explicitly f orbidding their governments to issue the cards or declared an unwillingness to comply. Governors have gone on record to say the DHS is blu˛ ng and will never require the identifi cation

ONE OF THE THINGS AMERICANS PRIZE IS PRIVACY AND ANONYMITY, AND WHEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE IDENTIFICATION ALL THE TIME, IT’S NOT AMERICAN. AL L E N GI L BE RT

cards to catch a plane in the U.S. Earlier this month, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced it was abandoning plans to implement Real ID, citing privacy concerns.

sensitive information in the hands of the f ederal government at a time when revelations about abuse of surveillance powers are becoming routine.

They’re also concerned that the federal database will be vulnerable to hacking.

“IDs do nothing to stop those who haven’t already been identifi ed as threats, and wrongdoers will still be able to create fake documents,” the nonprofi t Electronic Frontier Foundation said in a recent report. “In fact the IDs and database will simply create an irresistible target for identity thieves.”

Another f ear: that both government and the private sector would begin requiring the physical Real ID f or an array of purposes, gradually chipping away at personal privacy. They cite the sprawling use of the Social Security number, which was designed to be used only f or taxes and Social Security but is now routinely demanded by public agencies and private businesses.

Got A NEWS tIP? news@sevendaysvt.com

Groups who advocate for immigrants and foreign nationals note that getting a driver’s license is much easier for noncitizens than digging up the documents needed for a Real ID. Some religious extremists see a sinister intent behind the document.

They’ve said the Real ID is the so-called “mark of the beast” or sign of the devil that is foretold in Revelations: “And that no man might buy or sell, save he had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Citing these concerns, a West Virginia lawmaker pushed for a religious exemption to enrollment.

The Vermont DMV is issuing Real IDs because the federal program is essentially an opt-out program, Ide said, and state lawmakers never opted out. In the absence of a law instructing DMV officials to do otherwise, Ide’s department worked diligently to meet DHS’ list of 32 criteria to issue the identifications, using $1.1 million in federal grant money.

The one legislative effort to shortcircuit Real ID in Vermont has largely been forgotten. In 2007, the Vermont House passed a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to “reconsider” Real ID. The senate never took up the resolution, and it appears to have never again been considered in the Statehouse.

The lead sponsor of that bill, Chester Democrat Kathy Pellett, who has since left the legislature, said she was concerned about a potential erosion of privacy as well as the cost of the program.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. I can’t see any reason to have it,” Pellett said after being informed that the DMV is going to roll out the program. “The same concerns are there. The state should fight this. It’s absurd.”

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy has previously voiced concern about the cost and privacy implications of Real ID. In response to questions from Seven Days, Leahy spokesman David Carle declined to say whether the senator supported Vermont’s voluntary adoption of it: “Due in part to Senator Leahy’s advocacy and oversight, the Department of Homeland Security ... has been admirably flexible in extending deadlines, deferring enforcement and in other

ways working with states to come into compliance within reasonable timelines.

Implementation is an ongoing oversight issue that is certain to be discussed again in future oversight hearings with the incoming DHS secretary.”

Moving forward, Vermonters will have a choice: They can get either a Real ID, a traditional driver’s license or an enhanced driver’s license, which allows travel to Canada, as well as Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean but does not require the documentation and data storage of a Real ID. The Real IDs will be marked with a gold star, and the traditional licenses will come with a printed statement advising that it is “not for federal identification.”

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles began issuing Real IDs in 2011, department spokesman William Seymour said, after months of staff training and public outreach to explain the cards.

While they got an earful from privacy groups and advocates for immigrants and the poor in the months prior to the rollout, Seymour said, the department has received few complaints since.

“The Connecticut experience has been very good,” Seymour said. “We did not have the confusion we thought we might have over it.

While declining to estimate how many Vermonters will choose Real IDs over a traditional license, Ide said he expects some holdouts: Even today, about 5 percent of people who currently obtain driver’s licenses refuse to have their photo taken and carry around the so-called “green paper” licenses.

“We know we’ll never get 100 percent,” Ide said.

But he said his agency would tell customers that the Real ID may soon become an essential part of their lives.

“All a driver’s license proves is that at one point in time you could pass a skills test to drive a motor vehicle,” Ide said.

“It has morphed into an identification document. We like to think that we’re very concerned about [privacy] and we think we are good guardians of people’s records. That’s our business. We believe we can handle the task.” m

Civil liberties

SEVENDAYSVt.com 12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS LOCAL MATTERS 19

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Feedback « p.7

Sculpting your body, 1 push up at a time!

require them to go stone-cold sober?

Seems to me, methadone clinics just keep feeding their addictions because it gives them just enough to stimulate the cravings. It also seems twisted that crime does pay. Drug dealers, thieves and criminals seem to make a lot more money from crime than they can at a minimum-wage job, so this makes it more appealing to an addictive mind.

Bonnie Barrows burlington

Classes 7 days a week! burlingtonbarrevt.com

16t-studio208-121813.indd 1

All for PhilomENA

12/13/13 11:48 AM

[Re Movie Review, “Philomena,” December 4]: Long ago I gave up on relying on Rick Kisonak’s movie reviews for a fair recommendation. His inexplicable Antiques, collectibles, prejudice against the films of Woody new and gently used Allen, for example, muddies any claim to objectivity. women’s clothing, jewelry, A fairer review of the marvelous accessories and of course Philomena might go something like this: the unique and unusual.

The movie is based on a nonfiction, human-interest book by Martin Sixsmith called The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. Mr. Sixsmith is one of the main protagonists, along with Philomena, an old Ethan Allen Shopping Center Irish woman who needs closure in an North Ave, Burlington • 497-1479 aspect of her life that she has stuffed inside for 50 years. Steve Coogan and Judith Dench portray the two charac16t-shopunique112713.indd 1 11/26/13 9:44 AM ters skillfully.

The unlikely pair are on respective missions. Hers is deeply personal; his is both practical and, as it develops, also personal and existential. The developments that each faces are conveyed with profound subtlety as they search for Philomena’s long-lost son. Core themes include aging, loss, culture, class, manners, child-marketing, media cynicism, divinity, friendship, acceptance, justification of questionable positions, institutional intransigence, emotional toughness and forgiveness. This is not some simple road film, buddy flick or pandering tearjerker.

Dame Judi’s performance deserves special recognition. Has she ever failed to bring superior mastery to her craft?

While all of the portrayals in this film are memorable, hers is stunning. The central woman is simple, respectfully harnessing her gut-wrenching emotion and showing human nature at its most l oc al, fr es h, ori gi nal honorable. Dench can convey a world of hurt or a heart full of compassion so subtlety with her wrinkled, grandmotherly countenance filling the frame, or even offscreen with her good-natured, 1076 Williston Road, S. Burlington rambling reminiscences. It is a consum862.6585 mate performance. www.windjammerrestaurant.com Kisonak’s one-star rating in Seven Days is a disservice to moviegoers and hopefully will not prevent folks from

Gifts for everyone!

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seeing what is probably one of the year’s best.

Jim mcGurn

colchester

f-35 fix WAS iN

[Re “Afterburned? Residents in the F-35 Flight Path Share Their Views on the Plane” and “Plane and Not So Simple: Who Spent How Much Arguing For and Against the F-35,” December 11]: Grassroots? Hogwash! The harsh reality is that the decision to base the F-35 in Vermont was made way back in 2010, when Cheryl Parker, who headed up the Environmental Impact Statement for the Pentagon, was in town. Speaking before the South Burlington City Council, she pretty much said, “We are coming here, period.”

What has been noticeably absent over the last 3.5 years has been any discussion of the law! The law is NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act, which sets the guidelines for all EISes and bed-downs.

A paragraph within NEPA states, “This law shall be used to protect the health and welfare of communities and citizens who may be adversely affected by an action, i.e., a F-35 bed-down. Guess it was overlooked.

Also in 2010, the city of Valpairiso, Fla., which sits just off the edge of Eglin AFB, similar to Winooski’s location near BIA, sued the Air Force and won. It was determined that the all-important EIS grossly underestimated the noise and adverse health effects on the city! The number of F-35s to be based there was sharply reduced and sorties were moved north to Duke Field, away from the city. When the law is followed, justice prevails. mark Dickinson

south burlington

SPEciouS ArGumENtS

It’s hard to imagine how the F-35 will protect us from attacks like 9/11, as Tyler Hart suggests [“Afterburned?

Residents in the F-35 Flight Path Share Their Views on the Plane,” December 11]. We are safer today because cockpit doors on commercial airliners have finally been secured — a recommendation made long before 9/11. Strategically, the best place for the F-35 would probably be the remote base at Thule, in Northern Greenland, the cornerstone of U.S. intercontinental defense for 50 years.

We could build a resort up there to accommodate those who can’t bear to live without the “noise of freedom.”

Most of the other arguments of the proponents are just as specious.

The money spent on VTANG is a tiny

percent of Vermont’s GDP, the multiplier effect is minimal ($1.30, according to Fred Magdoff of UVM) and every billion dollars spent on the military results in a net loss of 2000 to 3000 jobs.

To provide jobs and grow Vermont’s economy, a much better plan would be to tax internet sales at their source and apply the money infrastructure in the fields of energy, education and health care. As for all the other technical and financial objections to the project, I’ll leave that to Winslow Wheeler of the Project on Government Oversight and many folks within the Pentagon itself.

John Shaplin burlington

GuArD AGAiNSt Whom?

September 11 should have demonstrated once and for all the irrelevance of the Air National Guard [“Afterburned? Residents in the F-35 Flight Path Share Their Views on the Plane,” December 11]. But supporters of the F-35 who assert that the Vermont Guard was the first to establish an air patrol over New York City seem oblivious to the fact that the entire military juggernaut of this country was incapable of stopping a small group of virtually unarmed men in several commercial airliners from destroying the Twin Towers and killing thousands of civilians.

It’s high time we not only get rid of the National Guard but dump the entire military-industrial complex, which is eating us alive, wasting trillions of dollars of our tax money, and sacrificing the well-being and the futures of our children. I have heard the expressions of fear by many F-35 proponents: “We need the F-35s to protect us from them.”

“Them” are the military, the industries and the politicians who feed on fear; the F-35 is on their side, not ours. The F-35s are not to protect us from them; they’re to protect them from us! louis lionni burlington

NoW WE KNoW

I was curious to know who wrote that propaganda piece that Burlington City Council President Joan Shannon passed off as her analysis of the F-35 issues [“Plane and Not So Simple: Who Spent How Much Arguing For and Against the F-35,” December 11]. Now we know. It is highly inappropriate for a council chair to use the position that way. Yet not one council member objected. What sheep. lea terhune burlington

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lifelines

OBITUARIES, VOWS CELEBRATIONS

OBITUARIES

J. William O’Brien WINOOSKI

Patricia O’Brien Parsons

REDDING, CONN.

In Memoriam to Pat Parsons

SEVEN DAYS LIFE LINES 21

By dug Nap I was very saddened to hear that my old art dealer, Pat Parsons, recently passed away. She pretty much discovered me as an artist.

I started painting in art therapy while I was a patient in a hospital and then later put that interest aside to pursue my interest in music and writing. After my rock band Pinhead broke up back in the mid-’80s, I didn’t quite know what to do with myself.

But after deciding to quit smoking cigarettes, I had an intense urge to start making art again. And so I did.

When I had fi nished 10 paintings, I left a few of them at Webb & Parsons, Pat Parson’s art gallery, at that time above the Flynn ˜ eatre marquee in Burlington.

I got a call from Pat the next day. She wanted to make a studio visit. She did that and said she liked my work a lot. My art career had begun. I can’t remember exactly how she marketed me back then, possibly as a self-taught artist, which I was, or maybe she called me an outsider artist, which I certainly felt like, having twice been a mental patient.

Later she said I was hard to categorize, and that maybe what I really was, was just a good artist.

Pat included some of my oil paintings in a couple of her group shows and we later did some shows together in my studio. On several occasions she sold some of my paintings at the Outsider Art Fair in New York City.

She also encouraged me to send slides to John and Maggie Maizels, founders of

Raw Vision magazine, who were curating a show at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. ˜ is led to a few of my paintings being in their show, “Love: Error & Eros.”

Some of the work I was making then was a hard sell for Pat, some of my nonanimal dysfunctional family pieces. She called them diffi cult because they were so personal, but she always did her best to try and fi nd collectors to buy them.

I learned a lot from Pat and through her was introduced to the work of many great folk and outsider artists. I didn’t learn much about Pat herself, however, as she was a very private person. Unlike myself, who will pretty much tell you everything you want to know, and even some things you probably don’t want to know, Pat didn’t reveal that much.

One day I was pleased to meet an old friend of Pat’s whose personality was more like mine, and I learned that both she and Pat had attended Miss Porter’s School, the highly prestigious girls’ boarding school in Connecticut, the same school as Jacqueline Bouvier (Kennedy Onassis) had attended. Had she been a classmate of Jacqueline’s?

I don’t know, but Pat was born just a year later than Jacqueline, so maybe.

I always found it interesting that this very nice, very sophisticated Bedford Hills/ Miss Porter’s School/Vassar College woman with the Westchester lockjaw accent had such a deep interest, knowledge and love of folk and very primitive outsider art. Perhaps she was an outsider, too.

Pat and I had drifted away from each other after she semi-retired, and I hadn’t seen her much over the last few years, but I was very pleased to see her attend my last performance-art show, “Napshots of the Suburbs,” at the FlynnSpace last June.

I shall miss her. She was a very special woman, and I will forever be thankful for her interest in my work and for her encouragement and support.

12.18.13-12.25.13

Patricia O’Brien Parsons, 83, of Redding, Conn., and Essex, N.Y., and formerly of Burlington, Vt., passed away in Danbury, Conn., on Saturday, November 30, 2013, following a brief illness. Born to Isabel Munroe O’Brien and John Larkin O’Brien in Albany, N.Y., on May 26, 1930, Pat attended St. Agnes School in Albany and graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Conn., and Vassar College. Before moving to Burlington in the early 1980s, Pat lived in Bedford, N.Y., where she raised a family and owned a contemporary art gallery, Webb & Parsons. Upon seeing the artwork of an inmate named Inez Nathaniel Walker at the nearby Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in the early 1970s, she started showing and collecting the work of self-taught artists

as well. After arriving in Burlington, she opened Webb & Parsons North, above the the Flynn ˜ eater, where she exhibited works by contemporary and self-taught artists. She continued to operate as a private dealer after closing her gallery space downtown, mounting shows in her condominium at Overlake and involving herself in community-based art events, most notably the Hay Project in 1998, a series of art installations and educational programs at Shelburne Farms and elsewhere in Vermont that united farmers, artists and environmentalists in a summerlong celebration of hay.

“I always think that hayfi elds are magnifi cent and am aware that they are shrinking as the farms are shrinking and the agricultural industry is challenged,” she said at the time. Pat was an ardent advocate for the arts in Vermont, presenting shows

by Vermont artists dug Nap, Gayleen Aiken and Larry Bissonnette, among others, and supporting Burlington City Arts and the Vermont Studio Center, where she was a board member for many years. Pat shared her love of art passionately, insistently and generously, and she donated many works from her collection of self-taught art to museums, including the American Folk Art Museum and the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar, where her collection was the subject of an exhibition, “Faith and Fantasy in Outsider Art,” in 2009. An artist herself, Pat saw beauty everywhere she looked. Her extraordinary enthusiasm for life, art, people and martinis will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends of all ages. Pat was predeceased by her brothers, Jerry and Duncan O’Brien, and her former husband, James O. Parsons Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Laurie of Hoboken, N.J., and Amy of Bedford Hills, N.Y., and Amy’s husband, Paul Bird, and their children, Isabel and Henry.

A service was held at St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford, N.Y., on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at 11 a.m., with a second service planned for next summer in Essex, N.Y.

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

J. William O’Brien, 87, a lifelong resident of Winooski, died peacefully at home surrounded by the arms of his children. He follows his wife of 65 years, Phyllis Dorey O’Brien, who predeceased him on September 23, 2006, and his mother, Yvonne Provost O’Brien, who predeceased him on November 5, 1979, in leaving this world for the next in the “front parlor” of the O’Brien homestead.

Bill is survived by six children and 19 grandchildren: Kathleen O’Brien Blasberg, her husband, Dean, and her children Gregory, Nicole, Michelle and Danielle Guerin; Deborah O’Brien Rounds and husband, Edward, and their children Chadd O’Brien and Cody Rounds; John O’Brien and his children Jay O’Brien, Jamie O’Brien-Ramirez, Jessie O’Brien and Casey O’Brien; Mary O’Brien Bushey and her children Jennifer Alemany, Erica Shearouse, and Stephanie Sharpe; William O’Brien and his wife, Susan, and their children Ashley, Kelley, Joseph and Billy; Sharon O’Brien Kelley and her husband, Brennan, and their children Susie Topp and Julianne Graham.

He is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and sisters-in-law and brothersin-law Shirley O’Brien, Lily O’Brien, Dorlene Sullivan, Charlene and Al Kellett, Mary and Bernard Bessette, Laurie Farrell, and Robert Gamelin.

Bill was also predeceased by his father, John E. O’Brien;

brothers Dr. ˜ omas O’Brien and Dr. Robert O’Brien; sisters-in-law and brothersin-law Bernard and Joye Dorey, Barbara and Harold Poirier, Eleanor and Perley Provost, Monica Gamelin, and ˜ omas Sullivan.

Bill graduated from Winooski High School in 1943 and St. Michael’s College in 1949. He faithfully served his country in WWII, enlisting in the United States Marines at the age of 17. He married Phyllis Dorey on December 28, 1948, at St. Stephen Church in Winooski. He was a charter member of the Vermont State Police Academy, graduating at the top of his class in 1949. He served in the Vermont State Police from 1949 to 1951, at which point he opted for a career change and enrolled in law school. He graduated from Boston University School of Law in 1954 and served as a law clerk to Vermont Federal District Court Judge Ernest Gibson in 1955. In 1956, he entered private practice and was appointed Winooski city attorney. He was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives from Winooski from 1956 to 1960. In 1958 he was elected as Chittenden County state’s attorney. In 1960 he was elected Chittenden County probate judge and was reelected fi ve times. He lost his only political race in a special election to the United States Congress in 1972.

He returned to the private practice of law in 1972 until his retirement in 2006.

Bill was a charter member of the National Diocesan Attorneys Association in 1963 and served the legal needs of the Diocese of Burlington under bishops Robert F. Joyce, John A. Marshall and Kenneth A. Angell. He was a past chairman of the Uniform Probate Commission and the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Commission. He was a lifelong member of St. Stephen Parish in Winooski, the Knights of Columbus, and several other charitable and fraternal organizations. His

life was marked in dedication to the service of others, his family and his church.

He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and caring that will be greatly missed.

Visiting hours occured on Friday November 29, at LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main Street in Winooski.

Prayer service by the Knights of Columbus occured at 1:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, November 30, at St. Stephen Catholic Church on Barlow Street in Winooski.

In lieu of fl owers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bishop’s Fund, 55 Joy Drive, South Burlington, VT, 05403.

state

of the arts

Vermont College of Fine Arts to Welcome Best-Selling Novelist Julianna Baggott B y M A R g O T H A R R i SOn

and Jean Valentine, the f ormer state poet of New York.)

With the third novel in her Pure trilogy due out in February, and the three books optioned by Fox 2000 for film adaptation, Baggott appears to be riding a wave. We emailed her in advance of her visit, and the prolific writer lived up to her reputation by responding to our questions in a mere half hour.

most detrimental cultural myths about creativity, and pull f rom inventors and artists, as well as my personal experi ence, to not only answer questions about what makes an idea beautiful or compelling but also how to get those ideas to come to you with the greatest efficiency.

I’ll also likely read a bit f rom the Pure trilogy; the third and final installment, Burn, hits stores in February.

SEVEN DAYS: What will you be reading from or discussing at VcFA? JULIANNA BAGGOTT: I’ve developed something much like a TED Talk about efficient creativity, a topic that reaches across various kinds of arts and all disciplines, really. I break down our

SD: That trilogy combines elements of literary magical realism, speculative fiction and coming-of-age fiction, and i’ve often seen it referred to as young adult, though it isn’t sold that way. i’m curious to know how you conceived the story, and

One tip f Or efficient creativity in writing a n

whether considerations of genre and category factored in. Did those labels change as the book went through the publication process?

COu RTESy OF HAnn AH MORRiS

t

he teenage heroine of Julianna Baggott’s dystopian novel Pure has a doll’s head perma nently f used to her hand. It melded with her body during a series of “Detonations” that transf ormed the earth into a hellscape of rubble and bi zarrely mutilated and mutated human beings.

Is this the latest Hunger Games clone, or a magical-realist twist on The Road?

Reading Pure, it can be hard to tell, and the novel’s versatility reflects its author’s.

Florida-based Baggott has published 19 books over the past 12 years under her own and two pen names, spanning genres f rom poetry to kids’ lit to wom en’s fiction to a novel about the Boston Red Sox. She’s one of five distinguished visitors who will speak at the Vermont College of f ine arts as part of its MFA in Writing residency, which runs f rom December 29 to January 7. (The others are poet and translator Nicholas Benson, nonfiction writer Harrison Candelaria Fletcher, poet and novelist Lucinda Roy,

Ovel is t O

imagine urgently whispering your story into one person’s ear.

J u li ANNA B Ag g o t t

wor Ds

12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS 22 STATE OF THE ARTS

B y P A MEl A P O l ST On

h

ow do human bodies “liter ally and metaphorically shape our political and physical worlds”? Addressing that question will be part of the f ocus of moVement matters , a multiyear endeavor at Middlebury College that will bring emerging dance artists to the school to collaborate with faculty and students in other disciplines.

The project just won a $310,000 Mellon grant, an unprecedented sum not just f or the dance program but f or the arts in general at Middlebury, according to Christal Brown . An assistant professor of dance and chair of the program, she will oversee the three-stage project.

Phase one, Brown says, involves planning over the next year — finding professors across campus “who may want to take the plunge into an interdisciplinary project.” At the same time, the depart ment will send out a request-for-proposal to artists “and ask them to dream up the most important project of their lives.”

COu RTESy OF Middl EBu Ry COll EgE

SEVENDAYSVt.com

Middlebury College’s Dance Program Scores a Mega-Mellon Grant for an Interdisciplinary Project

Christal Brown

DanCe

The three dance artists who are chosen f or winter term 2015 will come to campus “to meet their interdisciplin ary partners,” Brown continues. Asked to give a hypothetical example of a partnership, she suggests cellular biology. While the students study what is happening inside the body, a choreographer might show them how to move those cells. “It’s small to large in terms of movement, and with each other,” Brown says.

Finally, one of the three artists will be appointed for a two-year residency as the Mellon Interdisciplinary Choreographer at Middlebury, who “will do research and work with groups throughout campus to develop creative collaborations in and out of the classroom.” Brown insists the three artists are not in competition; the department will simply choose the person “we can best support.” That person will then receive a production budget for his or her project on campus.

Brown believes this interdisciplin ary approach is not about teaching

nondancers how to dance, or even just making them more aware of their bodies in a space or context. She sees it as part of a bigger picture. “A liberal arts education should lead to a global citi zenship — a life of action,” Brown says.

“Movement Matters is a piece of that; it’s continuing to bring light to this idea of an embodied scholar.”

When Brown waxes enthusiastic about movement, she makes it sound like an integral part of social functioning in the world, and a critical component of self-confidence. Underscoring this idea, she says of Middlebury’s dance program in general, “[It’s] not a conservatory, so we f ocus on the creative process.

It doesn’t ask that you make dancers

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JB: One tip for efficient creativity in writing a novel is to imagine urgently whispering your story into one person’s ear. If you’re not urgent, then it isn’t the right story to tell. And if you imagine only one person — not vague, disparate mass readership — then all of your decisions are crystallized, from what to leave out to what word to choose. I wrote Pure for my daughter, who was 13 or so at the time. However, the novel went to both adult and young adult editors. We had bids from both, and opted for an adult house. Pure ended up winning an ALA [American Library Association] Alex Award, which is precisely for adult novels with crossover appeal to teens.

SD: You’ve written in several genres and for different age groups. Do you self-consciously take on a different “voice” for different audiences?

JB: My voice is informed by my audience — again, that one, sometimes young, delicate, wildly imaginative ear I’m whispering the story to. Moving

between genres — novels to collections of poetry to essays for, say, the New York Times — helps me stay fresh. Another audience with new expectations brings out my own newness, which I crave. I can’t stand it when I read my work and think: Oh, look, there’s Baggott being Baggott again.

SD: What’s next for you?

JB: I have a forthcoming literary novel that spans the 20th century, The Bloomed Life of Harriet Wolf. Harriet Wolf is a fictional character — a famous reclusive writer who left fans desperate for a seventh book in her oeuvre. When Wolf’s dysfunctional family reunites after her death, they are each clamoring to find the lost book. It will be published

by Little, Brown in 2015. m

Goldsmith

Jacob and Kristin Albee JacobAlbee.com . 802-540-0401 41 Maple Street, Burlington, VT

INFo

Julianna Baggott speaks on Saturday, January 4, 7 p.m., at College Hall Chapel, Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier. Free. For info on this and other readings, visit vcfa. edu/visiting-writers.

Jacob Albee Other Hours BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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as an associate after a sabbatical). For the last 25 years, their respective focuses — one on performance and improvisation, the other on anatomy and kinesiology — have been “the two specialties the program has been built on,” says Brown.

“We’ll continue to think about [this legacy] but add a more contemporary approach to training. It is my hope that we can shape this program in terms of what is happening in dance now.”

Brown envisions Middlebury College becoming a “hub” in the field of dance that prepares its students for the real world. In turn, visiting dancer/choreographers come into academia to “sift out their own work,” she says, calling that process “a corridor that has existed for years.”

Sometimes those visitors are big names such as Liz Lerman. But under the Mellon grant, Brown notes, Middlebury will work instead with emerging, yetunknown artists. “They don’t always get the same opportunities,” she says. m

SEVEN DAYS STATE OF THE ARTS 23

without context; we don’t teach dance just for the purpose of being a dancer.”

According to Brown, the value of a dance education is creating one’s own movement vocabulary — “How would you say this in your own body?” she asks.

Regardless of students’ majors or future professional fields, an understanding of movement “unearths who they are,” Brown says.

The Mellon grant and Movement Matters project come at a significant period for Middlebury’s dance curriculum. Two longtime professors — Penny CamPbell and andrea Olsen — are retiring (although Olsen will continue to teach

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STATE of THEarts

Dawson City, 1899

Flour-sack half-empty, and the cask is nearly dry No beefsteak left Teakettle trills No coffee left

Finding One’s Inner Poet at a “You Be the Keats” Workshop

Whatever’s not snow is pyrite Depth of snow Whatever’s not pyrite is ice Pyrite in the pan makes fools of us all.

Three more cabins now greasy smoke and kindling

B Y E THA N D E SEI FE

“

F

lour sack half -empty, and the cask is nearly dry.”

That’s the fi rst line of the fi rst poem I’ve written since 10th-grade English class. I’ve titled it “Dawson City, 1899,” because, f or some reason, I’ve lately been interested in the history of the Klondike gold rush. The rhythm appeals to me, but I’m not sure I have a whole poem in me.

Six of the seven other people attending the “You Be the Keats” poetry workshop at WIND RIDGE BOOKS OF VERMONT in Shelburne have also begun writing poems, most with more success than I’ve had. We sit around a large table in the WRITERS’ BARN, a cozy space made cozier by hot tea, homemade soup and the presence of a weeks-old puppy that alternately scampers and snoozes.

Leading the workshop is poet DANIEL LUSK, 75, senior lecturer emeritus of English at the University f o DANIEL Vermont and one of the authors on Wind Ridge’s roster. The small local press has published Kin, Lusk’s most recent collection of poems. His wife, ANGELA PATTEN, is a Wind Ridge author, too. Her memoir High Tea at a Low Table: Stories f rom an Irish Childhood was also published this year (see facing page).

Throughout the fi ve-hour workshop, Lusk o° ers prompts to generate ideas and praise to keep us writing. The theme is “Thanksgiving,” the idea being that the poems created here will be read aloud by their authors at their holiday dinners.

But the subjects of these poems vary widely; mine is not the only one that has nothing to do with the holiday.

“Don’t worry about deep,” says Lusk.

Rather, he says, it’s useful to remember that poetry isn’t only about “speaking f rom the heart” but about “speaking from the heart for other people, not just for yourself.”

Lusk grew up in a religious household (and was, for a time, a pastor), and the language of the King James Bible informs his own poetry. He’s a little surprised to learn that none of the attendees was raised in a particularly religious home. But that’s just as well, he says. “It just means that [the participants] have another orientation, and that’s what’s important to poets,” Lusk says later in an interview. “To call up the orientation you have, and to use whatever you’ve been given.”

LIN STONE, 61, is a Shelburne resident

and Wind Ridge’s managing editor. She had an impulse to “give back” to the community, she recalls, but realized that it couldn’t take the f orm of publishing every single submitted manuscript. “So I began to think about the ways that I could be supportive,” she says.

Stone devised two strategies. The fi rst was to add an imprint, RED BARN BOOKS OF VERMONT, whose editorial services independent authors may hire f or the purpose of creating their own books. The second was to hold a series of workshops f or writers of all skill levels. Since last winter, Lusk, a longtime teacher, has led four di° erent multiweek classes, as well as the one-day session that I’m in. He’s tentatively scheduled to lead another, in January, f ocused on breaking out of writer’s block.

That’s a workshop I could surely use, as my poem is going nowhere, even with Lusk’s encouragement LU SK and the supportive conversation in the Writers’ Barn. I come up with a f ew f ragmentary ideas to describe the despair of isolated gold miners in the Yukon — snow-melt co° ee, chilblains, pans full of pyrite — but nothing jells.

Lusk encourages us to “steal shamelessly” from texts that we like; he’s done it himself . As an example, he notes the time, years ago, when he admired another poet’s use of the word “pellucid” and borrowed it for one of his own works.

I consider this ref reshing and helpf ul advice, but my attempts at pilf ering

24 STATE OF THE ARTS

SEVEN DAYS

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SEVENDAYSVT.COM

DON’T WORRY ABOUT DEEP.

lines from an Anthony Burgess novel and a Keith Richards song prove f ruitless.

Other participants, though, are having more success.

ANNE BAKEMAN is a veteran of Lusk’s workshops, having taken one called “Delights and Shadows” several months back. A retired educator, she says, “I’m trying to be a poet,” then confi dently corrects herself. “I am a poet!”

Though at fi rst she was anxious about the “You Be the Keats” workshop, Bakeman is inspired to hear other participants’ stories. “We all incorporate other people’s stories into our own stories,” she says. “Even if we only know little teeny pieces, we use them, and it expands our perspective. That richness is what I really love about the workshops.”

Bakeman has set herself the ambitious goal of completing a book of poetry by her birthday in June.

Another participant, LAURA WISNIEWSKI, is a more experienced poet, having written for most of her life and published a few poems in literary journals. Wisniewski, the f ounder and director of BEECHER HILL YOGA in Hinesburg, is attending the workshop in part because, as she puts it, “I’m at a stage in my life where I suddenly feel like devoting more time to my writing.”

During the session, Lusk suggests we think of poetry as a service to others, and that notion strikes a chord with Wisniewski. “It’s a really nice idea to think of … the poem as something you’re doing f or someone else,” she says. Both she and Bakeman eagerly respond in the a˛ rmative when asked if they would attend another workshop.

BAH, HUMBUG Some people seek out Christmas movies around the holidays. And others seek out anti-Christmas movies. ˜ ose in the latter category may want to drop in on White Reindeer, the latest drama from Brooklyn indie director Zach Clark. ˜ e popculture connoisseurs at the A.V. Club have proclaimed it “the least festive Christmas movie since Bad Santa,” and Variety says the fl ick “will be treasured annually by those who have acquired its curdled-eggnog taste.”

How did White Reindeer earn those prized accolades? It starts with a wacked-out premise: A real estate agent (Anna Margaret Hollyman) fi nds her

Nothing thaws Pots of coffee brewed from snowmelt No bullets left

POETRY Lusk o° ers encouragement when I read my poem’s lone line, kindly remarking that it reminds him of the works of populist poet Robert W. Service. Who, I later learn, was known as “the Bard of the Yukon.”

Service’s poems, many of which are available online, do have a plainness that appeals to me, but, frankly, I’m a bit discouraged. A better (and handsomer) poet has already written better poems about a subject I thought was f airly unusual.

Apparently, the critical establishment largely dismissed the man’s work, but I’m still fl attered by the comparison. Service was one of the most successful and widely published poets of the 20th century.

Well, shove it on over, long-deceased Robert W. Service. I’m now a published poet, too.

Dawson City, 1899 Flour-sack half-empty, and the cask is nearly dry No beefsteak left No co˜ ee left Whatever’s not snow is pyrite Whatever’s not pyrite is ice Three more cabins now greasy smoke and kindling Nothing thaws No bullets left It sounds like a recipe for pitch-black comedy bordering on tastelessness. But, while Clark’s fi lm is certainly no It’s a Wonderful Life, critics say it offers an unexpectedly compassionate view of its characters.

Find out for yourself at a screening this ˜ ursday presented by the BURLINGTON FILM SOCIETY and MAIN STREET LANDING PERFORMING ARTS CENTER — thermos of curdled eggnog optional.

M A R G O T HA R R I S O N

Yuletide shopping rudely interrupted by her husband’s murder. She sets out to spread Christmas cheer anyway — to the stripper with whom her deceased spouse was having an affair.

INFO

White Reindeer: ˜ ursday, December 19, 7 p.m. at Main Street Landing Film House in Burlington. Free, donations accepted. burlingtonfi lmsociety.org

Got AN Art S t IP? artnews@sevendaysvt.com

A Quartet of Books Represents the Volumes by Vermonters This Year B y P A mEl A P O l STO n

T

hanks to the popularity of self-publishing and the proliferation of vanity presses, Seven Days receives a flood of books each year. Much to their authors’ chagrin, and our frustration, we simply can’t review them all. But the quantity is impressive, as is the variety — even if the quality is inconsistent.

The following four volumes — three from the increasingly busy Wind Ridge Books of VeRmon T or its imprint, Red BaRn Books of Ve Rmon T, in Shelburne — illustrate the di versity of the releases we find in our mailboxes. With these brief descriptions and excerpts, you can decide for yourself who might like copies in their Christmas stockings.

High Tea at a Low Table: Stories from an Irish Childhood by Angela Patten Wind Ridge Books of Vermont, 118 pages. $15.95

Why are Irish childhoods always so “colorf ul”?

Time and time again, films and books prove it so, and angela PaTTen ’s slim memoir is no exception.

Born and raised in Dublin, the author — now a poet and teacher in Burlington — recites in straightforward yet of ten evocative prose memories of her family and growing up in Ireland. There is a twist: the later incident of her abduction, at gunpoint, as a young mother in Vermont. Patten weaves this story into the other one, and the transitions can be jarring. But there is no question the paral lel narratives suggest not one but two cinematic treatments.

It dawned on me that I wasn’t due to pick up my son for several days, so it would be a long time before anyone missed me. I was terrified, sitting there trapped in my own car as it rattled down the highway. But on another level, I was not surprised. My everyday life in America as a single mother newly separate from husband and homeland was so terrifying that being kidnapped at gunpoint seemed like just another unfortunate occurrence.

Wind Ridge Books of Vermont, 105 pages. $16.95

Arnie (aside to audience): I’m telling you I was just sitting here in the unem ployment office. It’s like the whole room is on fire, the light level is cranked, there’s flames coming out of people’s heads, like their heads are vessels of overlit emptiness. It’s one of those capturing moments and I realize I don’t want a job, what I want is money and I want this scrubbed woman who’s sitting behind her desk.

Morse’s Doodles & Jots

by Jim Morse

Red Barn Books of Vermont, 270 pages. $22.95

STATE OF THE ARTS 25

Here’s a book that delivers exactly what it promises: Its pages are filled with what the author modestly and accu rately terms “doodles.” A tagline further explains, “A f ormer Vermont Supreme Court Justice holdsf orth on Law, Philosophy, Religion, War and more.”

Jim moRse was a justice f or 14 years and in his retirement has turned to drawing. That is, we assume he did not bring colored felt-tip pens to the bench — but then, who knows what judges hide under those robes?

Morse reveals in a preface that he’s kept a journal for years, jotting in it apho risms “that just come to me in idle hours.” Paired with drawings in the book, Morse’s jots are variously witty, wise, silly and cryptic.m

SEVEN DAYS

Is the measure of a man whether or not he plays catch with his son in the backyard? I suppose for some young men it is. I told Brian that it wasn’t that his dad — my brother — didn’t love him, it was simply that our father had never done that with us, and so perhaps my brother had never realized that this was something that should have been done. I tried to explain to this sweet ten year old that our father (his grandfather) had been a mailman who worked really, really hard, came home from work tired, and never had the time to go out and play catch with us.

Born in New York City, sTePhen gold BeRg was a jazz trumpeter for years before he became a writer. While he was the musical director and composer for a dance-the ater company called Nimbus, he had a residency at Johnson State College, where he met the playwright John Ford Noonan. It was Noonan, he relates, who encouraged Goldberg’s own writing.

Since that time, Goldberg has penned more than 25 plays — five of them in this book — each of them dark, acidly funny and loaded with F-bombs. “I do write about the Underbelly of Humanity,” Goldberg puts it in a brief introduction, in which he dedicates his plays to the “house wreckers and mind fuckers” he knew on the Lower East Side.

In Burlington, where he has long lived, Goldberg is cofounder ofoff CenTeR fo R The dRamaTiC aRTs . This excerpt is from Arnie Gets It Good.

12.18.13-12.25.13

A longtime college counselor, daVe l ande Rs is the f ormer director of the student resource center at Saint Michael’s College and has been teach ing a gender-studies course called Men and Masculinities f or 12 years. According to his de scription in the book, the wildly popular class has a two-year waiting list.

Landers would likely tell you that’s because, in his observation, young men of ten lack adequate role models of what it means to be a man. Their own f athers have f ailed to pass along that criti cal inf ormation, as did their f athers bef ore them.

Landers recounts the stories of a number of his students, incorporating some of their essays into the book, and “distills what he has learned about the generational damage done when society holds strict and limiting views of masculinity.”

Fomite Press, 286 pages. $15

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I Wish He’d Taught Me How to Shave

by Dave Landers

Screwed: Five Plays by Stephen Goldberg

BOOKS

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THE STRAIGHT DOPE BY CECIL ADAMS

Dear Cecil,

I’ve always wanted to know: If a brain transplant were possible, would the recipient take on the personality of the donor?

Cleona Vassell

S

onto someone’s body; we’re talking about grafting a new body onto someone’s head. The self that lives in that head remains the boss.

As for personality … well, that’s a broader question, which we’ll get to by and by.

Currently the deal breaker here is the spinal cord — as yet there’s no way to reattach a severed cord to a brain. Some think stem-cell research may yield a way to splice the two together.

A more exotic possibility is severing the brain at the midpoint and connecting the upper lobes — and thus, presumably, the higher functions and consciousness — of one individual to the brain stem, spinal cord and body of someone else. The rationale seems to be that we keep intact all the control circuitry needed to operate the body and simply put someone new in the driver’s seat. However you slice it, it won’t be easy.

The practical science of brain transplants has been slow to evolve, and often grotesque.

In 1954 Russian scientists transplanted the head and upper thorax of a puppy onto a larger

dog, creating a two-headed dog.

In 1965 one of the pioneers in the field, Robert White, topped this by transplanting the brain of a donor dog into the neck of another, thus briefly creating a two-brained dog. In 1970 White and his colleagues transplanted the head of a monkey onto another’s headless body.

The resulting monkey lived for eight days (although it was neurologically intact for just 36 hours). Not only could it use its senses, it tried to bite the hand of a researcher.

In all three cases, the host body simply provided life support for the transplanted head or brain. There was no neurological connection between the two, and the newly added brain wasn’t in any sense the master of the body.

But give it time. Current schemes for head transplants involve keeping the bodies of donor and recipient in deep

INFO

John’s brain in Jane’s body.

Who wakes up, Jane or John?

The memories and consciousness clearly will be John’s.

But while the brain is the seat of the intelligence, personality to an unknown but surely significant degree is formed by the interaction between brain and body. To cite the most obvious difference, John’s XY brain now finds itself in an XX body. True, the hypothalamus, which plays a key role in hormone regulation, is located in the brain, but other equally important glands aren’t.

More generally, John’s brain must map itself to Jane’s body, which at minimum could result in a completely different set of movements and mannerisms. Maybe you’d just get one of those comical scenarios beloved of screenwriters: a woman’s body with a man at the controls. The example of transsexuals, convinced they’re one sex despite a body proclaiming they’re the other, strongly suggests the brain trumps all.

Then again, maybe John becomes psychotic due to the brain/body disconnect.

But there’s a third possibility. John wakes up thinking he’s male, but after his body imprints itself decides: Please, call me Jane.

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

top right there, Cleona.

In a brain transplant, who’s the recipient and who’s the donor?

Here’s one way to think about it. Although a brain transplant at the moment is impossible, no doubt that won’t always be so. What will probably become feasible first (how soon I have no idea) isn’t a brain transplant but a head transplant.

This simplifies matters in two respects. First, on a practical level, it sidesteps the fantastically complicated project of reconnecting the brain to the multitude of sensory organs and blood vessels in the head.

Second, and more important for present purposes, it goes a long way toward answering your question. While there’s a lot about the brain we don’t know, no one disputes that it’s the seat of consciousness. What’s more, the head as a whole contains most of the tools — eyes, ears, speech apparatus, facial muscles — that we use to interact with the world.

With that in mind, it’s obvious we’re not talking about grafting a new brain or head

hypothermia and using ultrasharp knives to cleanly cut each patient’s spinal cord at the neck in hopes that the nerve cells will fuse when the brain end of one is joined to the body end of the other. A special glue promoting such fusion would be applied to the severed ends; blood vessels, muscles, etc., would be hooked up appropriately.

Finally, the surgeon in charge would tell Igor to throw the switch.

OK, not that last part. When the day arrives that brain transplants become practical, they won’t be performed by mad scientists. On the contrary, a rigorous matching program will undoubtedly be established to ensure that brain, body and — dare I say it? — soul are as compatible as possible, minimizing any question of personality change.

Still, purely as a thought experiment, consider: Jane and John crash their motorcycles into each other.

Helmetless Jane is left braindead but otherwise intact; John’s brain is fine, but his body is mangled beyond repair.

With death imminent, genius surgeons successfully implant

Is there something you need to get straight? Cecil Adams can deliver the Straight Dope on any topic. Write Cecil Adams at the Chicago Reader, 11 E. Illinois, Chicago, IL 60611, or cecil@chireader.com.

12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS STRAIGHT DOPE 27

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WORK

VERMONTERS ON THE JOB

pHOTOS: MaTTHEW THORSEN

city’s building code.

There can be conflicts when Planning and Zoning wants to keep something looking the way it did and at the same time have it meet modern standards. We specialize in doing that. It’s a niche we’ve sort of fallen into, which I do like a lot.

SD: What appeals to you about it?

NP: I’m f rom a western Pennsylvania f amily with a blue-collar mother and a white-collar father. This work seems like a happy medium between those two.

I have four siblings, and as a kid I was always building private spaces. What I’m doing now is also an extension of that.

I homed in on porches because they’re a middle ground between the public and private spheres.

SD: You taught yourself?

NP: Af ter I decided to stop being a cook, I got a job with Birdseye [Building Company] construction, where I learned a lot but also realized I needed to get a more rounded education in building.

I answered an ad on Craigslist f or a homeowner in the Old North End who was looking for help rebuilding an 1860s house. It was an incredible experience. I learned to do everything — putting in a f oundation, electrical wiring, plumbing, windows, staircases, kitchen cabinets. I spent five years working on jobs with this guy, Sean Laughlin, who’s an excellent builder.

Out in Front T

28 WORK

SEVEN DAYS

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By K EVi N J. KE ll Ey

he bumper sticker on Nate Plasha and Plasse — “great name Plasha’s pickup truck — “Listen combo,” Plasha notes — were rebuilding to Shostakovich” — suggests he a three-story porch on a Howard Street has interests apart from his work home one recent arctic morning when the as a home builder and restorer. red-bearded, 6-f oot-5-inch Plasha eagerly agreed to pause for an interview. He sug Sure enough, Plasha, 36, is gested we talk inside a nearby “a big lif elong reader” with an home, on South Winooski English lit degree f rom Penn Avenue, with a porch the craftsState. He plays “atmospheric Nate Plasha men had also recently remade. black metal” guitar in addition to They installed curved rail being a f an of modernist music, ings of red balau, a tropical and has worked as a swimming instructor and sous chef . It was Burlington hardwood, and used western red cedar f or the balusters. the f renzied pace of that latter The result is a handsome new occupation — at restaurants such as Stone Soup in Burlington and Home builder porch that’s consistent with the home’s historical style but Starry Night Café in Ferrisburgh and restorer has too much panache to be — that prompted Plasha to learn mistaken for a reproduction. a new trade.

He and his business partner, Sean SEVEN DAYS: Pretty cold, eh? How can Plasse, started Black Locust Craf tsmen a you work outside on days like this? f ew years ago and have developed a spe - NATE PLASHA: I put hand warmers in cialty of ref urbishing the f ront porches my gloves and wear lots of layers, but it of historic homes in Burlington. They’ve can still get really bitter. It’s actually kind completed a half dozen of those projects of ironic for me to be doing this; I’d been in the past couple of years. The success framing houses in the winter for a builder of their two-man company stems mainly f or five or six years, and that’s what inf rom the quality of the restorations they spired me to go out on my own — and get carry out, but sawing, hammering and out of the cold. My best-case scenario is to displaying a handmade wooden business be building f urniture indoors during the sign within full view of passersby has also winter. helped them land job after job.

SD: You’ve also developed a distinctive style. How would you describe it?

NP: It’s a mix. I like the Adirondacks look a lot, but I wouldn’t say that’s what I do.

I pull details from different historical periods and reincorporate them. It’s not one thing: not arts and crafts, not art nouveau, not modernism, though each of those ap peals to me. I’m not stuck in any particular time frame.

Name

Tow N Job

SD: This is a great-looking porch. Did it take a long time to build?

NP: There were two months of just talk ing with the client about what he wanted and going through the design process, which included making models in pine.

The actual construction took about three months.

SD: Sounds like a lot of effort.

NP: This was actually an ideal job for me.

I love doing historic projects and collabo rating with clients. I take their needs and filter them through reality while giving the job my own creative twist. You’ve got to deal with issues like durability and the

SD: What’s next for Black Locust? Do you want to get bigger?

NP: We like being small. There’s this sense of ownership, of being in charge and also of being responsible f or everything. We can also decide not to work when the weather really craps out. And having employees can be a bear in terms of regulations.

SD: Do you see yourself doing this when you’re 60?

NP: No. I don’t want to be broken by this.

That’s another reason why I think about f urniture making. It’s a lot easier on the body. m

INFo

Work is a monthly interview feature showcasing a Vermonter with an interesting occupation.

Suggest a job you would like to know more about: news@sevendaysvt.com.

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WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT by C Orin Hir

12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS 30 WTF

What’s up with the teepee by Interstate 89 in Richmond?

COur TeSy OF COrin Hir SCH

SEVENDAYSVt.com

O

ver years of driving north on I-89, I have of ten gawked at the creamy white teepee sit ting in a field between the highway and the Winooski River in Richmond. It looked almost abandoned in the middle of a damp lowland, and no road or path led there.

Earlier this year, the teepee vanished, and I forgot about it. Until this fall, when it appeared again. This time, a neon-colored painting had begun creeping up the teepee’s sides, as well as up the totem pole beside it. Yet I never saw a car, a person or any sign of life nearby.

Who the hell was painting the teepee?

And why was it there in the first place?

A colleague suggested I call the folks at the West Monitor Barn, just down Route 2 f rom the teepee. Af ter some good-natured bargaining (they’d love the barn, an event space, to be men tioned in Seven Days’ next wedding issue!), the staff gave up the goods: the name of the teepee’s owner and his cellphone number.

A few minutes later, I was talking to cheerful Darin Pratt, who picked up his phone on the second ring. I don’t think it’s ever been so easy to reach a source, and, for all of the teepee’s seeming mys tery, Pratt was anything but mysterious.

He was happy to dish on the teepee he erected eight years ago.

“I was having trouble sleeping, and I’d imagine myself in these different places where I would be sleeping,” he explained. “Often, I pretended I was up in the woods in a shelter I’d constructed.

Then one day, I pretended I was in a teepee. The next morning, I said, ‘Fuck it.’ I went online and ordered one.”

Pratt bought a 16-f oot-diameter teepee for $1500 from an online outfitter and mounted it about 500 yards from his house, in a field just across the river.

Pratt — who owns P&P Septic Service — recalled that when someone at work joked “that I couldn’t have a teepee without a zipline,” he put in one of those, too. The wire stretches from the bluff where his house sits then across the river to a sandy patch beside the teepee.

“I’ve taken that zipline with a 12-pack of beer in my teeth,” Pratt said.

That vivid image is key: Rather than a place to cure insomnia, the teepee became a hangout f or Pratt, his sons — three, all grown — and their f riends.

Inside, it had a gravel floor, a beanbag, a love seat, two chairs and a coffee table.

SCH

And, despite its seeming fragility, Pratt’s home away f rom home survived spring floods, storms, even Tropical Storm Irene, when it was submerged under eight and a half feet of water.

But last New Year’s Eve, a wind storm blew the teepee down. “I spotted it downstream and got it with a bucket truck,” Pratt said, but the structure wasn’t in any shape to be remounted.

Then came more unwelcome news.

Last March, Pratt had to put his camel, Otis, to sleep after a mysterious illness. In his seven years with Pratt, Otis had been popular with local children, who liked to visit him. Pratt still keeps peacocks,

turkeys, two potbellied pigs, two donkeys and a barn cat on his 225-acre spread.

Af ter several teepee-f ree months, Pratt ordered a new one in the fall — this one 18 feet high, two feet taller than the first. With friends, he pushed up the tarp on the same riverside spot, and beside it erected a totem pole he had f ound years ago along a Richmond road. Pratt thought the wood might look better painted. “I put an ad on Craigslist that said, ‘Paint my totem pole,’” he said.

Duxbury resident Priscilla Nelson answered the ad and showed up at the teepee f or a f ew successive weeks, her kids in tow, to adorn the totem pole.

When Pratt suggested she paint the teepee, too, she covered the exterior with a Southwestern scene of orange and red mountains looming over a golden desert filled with cactus and creatures, includ ing a coyote chasing a hare.

As it turns out, there is a road leading to the teepee, a serpentine track virtu ally invisible f rom the interstate. On a recent af ternoon, Pratt took me down that track in his red pickup, and soon we stood next to the teepee. It’s imposing and wildly colorful, with a perimeter so wide we circled it as if on a tour, check ing out Nelson’s work.

It was a little surreal to be so close to the “mystery” teepee, and even more so when I heard Tears f or Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” spilling faintly through the canvas.

“Is that … music?” I asked unnecessarily.

“Oh, yeah. Come on in!” Pratt untied the teepee’s flap, and we ducked inside, along with Jennif er Lada, Pratt’s part ner. The teepee was so high that we could easily stand upright. It still has a dirt floor, but, instead of a living room, Pratt has gone f or a f ull-on tiki experi ence: A bamboo bar is strewn with tiny white lights and a mask, surrounded by fake palm trees and two cocktail tables.

Rather than a fire, an open flame roars f rom a compressor, making the inside cozy. The painted outside casts a glow not unlike a Polynesian sunset.

Though there wasn’t a bottle in sight, the setup spoke volumes. “It seats seven,” said Pratt about the teepee-cum-tiki-lounge.

Af ter a Thanksgiving snow a f ew weeks ago, Pratt sent Nelson a picture of the teepee covered in white. “Priscilla, I’m sorry, but all of the paint fell off,” he wrote waggishly.

Now that a teepee is back in its rightful place, Pratt is turning his attention to another pressing matter: His farm lacks a camel.

“The camel was a big hit, and I’m going to get another one in the spring, because everyone is always asking me,” he said.

Perhaps, Pratt, Lada and their friends will come up with the new camel’s name over Mai Tais. m

INFo

Outraged, or merely curious, about something? Send your burning question to wtf@sevendaysvt.com.

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32 FEATURE

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“Hey, listen to this.” I read her the classified ad that had captured my attention: Wanted, good driver to deliver car f rom Burlington to Las Vegas. Will reimburse for travel expenses. The contact inf ormation followed.

She raised her eyebrows, squared her broad shoulders and ran her hand through her short blond hair. She gave me a sharp look. “Sarah, the last time you had an in spiration it cost me a hundred in fines and a lot of explaining to do.”

I ignored her reticence and appealed to her sense of adventure.

“Come on, think about it. A road trip across the heartland with all expenses paid; then we can hitchhike back across the South.” She had thumbed her way solo

in November and didn’t relent until the spring flowers appeared.

That did it, and af ter she made me promise again that we would be in Vermont f or New Year’s Eve, I made the arrangements to get the car. We stuffed our packs and emptied the refrigerator. It was five days before Christmas. On the way out I grabbed my journal and the new Swiss Army knife my father had given me. It was a dandy — two blades, saw, tweezers, scissors, screwdriver, can opener. I was ready for anything.

We drove that Pontiac Firebird slowly out of Vermont, with its black-ice-covered roads. As we zipped into New York, I sang, “Good-bye, snow, Lake Champlain wind, parkas and boots! Good riddance,

“Get us safely out of fort stockton, and I prom ISe

I’ll never compla In aBout vermont aga In,” I shouted Into the w Ind.

Vermont! Desert warmth, here we come!”

We took turns driving, switching every three hours or so, as we cranked out a thousand miles the first day, slept for a couple of hours at a truck stop in Indiana, pumped up on coffee and pie and drove westward. Fields of corn stubble spread out to the horizon, visible in the dim first light. We became reflective.

“Is there anything that is not God — the sky, those pigeons, that f armhouse, this car?” Mary Ann asked.

» p.34

FEATURE 33

B Y mi c h A El F r EED - t h A l l i l l u S t r At i o N B Y J o h N P h i l l i P S

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across the country the previous summer, and had come back inspired f or a while, ecstatic with f reedom, until Kant, Hegel and Spinoza drove her back to earth.

Mary Ann shook her head. “I want to be in Vermont for New Year’s.”

“No problem,” I insisted. “We’ll get back in time” — thinking, I never knew her to be on time for anything.

She dug in, so I played my strongest card. “It has to be warm down there.” Mary Ann hated the cold. She began complaining

I answered, “Probably not,” caref ully avoiding the absolutes, in case it was a trick question.

She pounced anyway. “Exactly my point — see, if everything is God, then God cannot be defined. So why do we try to pin her down, put words in her mouth, call this holy, that unholy?”

I answered, “It’s hubris, I guess.”

“The Buddhists call it greed, anger and ignorance,” Mary Ann said.

I wanted questions, not answers, and tried to move off the topic, as I could see she was getting revved up. We had a long way to go.

I lef t the highway to ref uel, passing through small towns with Christmas lights and decorations draped from every house — Santa and Rudolph, snowmen, snow flakes, trees lit in windows and yards and, of course, Jesus in the manger.

“You ever f eel like you’re in a f oreign country?” I asked.

“We might be the only Jews in Indiana,” she replied.

We dropped down through Missouri and into Oklahoma. We had the road to ourselves in the middle of the night. As Mary Ann dozed, my mind raced along with the car, thoughts firing rapidly — What was consciousness? Could anything be defined without comparing it to something else? Could life exist without death?

I f elt exhilarated, f ree and f ar f rom Vermont. I saw she was awake.

“Smell that desert air,” I said, beaming.

“That’s petroleum you’re snorting,” she

SEVENDAYSVt.com

t was Christmas Eve, 1971, and we were freezing and scared. The sun had dropped below the wind-scrubbed range, and with it our prospects f or grabbing a ride out of Fort Stockton, Texas.

Like many predicaments, this one began with what seemed like a grand idea at the time, just four days earlier.

It was UVM’s winter break. I was an English major, f ocused on becoming a writer. I stared out the window and watched the snowplows clear North Street. Last night’s f resh powder would soon be reduced to piles of packed gray soot, the dishes were piled high in the sink and I was restless.

I reread the last page of Kerouac’s On the Road, caught by his “raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast,” and “nobody, nobody knows what’s going to happen to anybody besides the forlorn rags of growing old.”

I f elt trapped. The great writers had taken risks, stepped out on the ledge. The big questions and exciting stories must be out there, beyond this bleak Vermont sky, our ice-dammed roof, the heartless blasts of wind off the lake and the pervasive holiday cheer. I had to escape.

I turned to Mary Ann, my best f riend.

She was hunched over her desk plodding through one of her arcane philosophy books. I had tried many times to convince her to become a writer. “Why do you want to spend so much time trying to understand someone else’s answers to the meaning of lif e,” I’d say, “when you could write your own version like me?” She would grumble something about lax intellectual standards and turn back miserably to her text.

Fort Stockton Blues « p.33

Good Stuff Sex, Glass & Rock-n-roll GoodStuff.xxx

shot back, as we passed bobbing oil derricks on both sides of the road.

In New Mexico we crossed the Continental Divide, gawking at the snowy peaks to the north. Eight hours later, we pulled into Sin City after driving 2500 miles in two and a half days. We had a big breakfast for less than $2. While Mary Ann tried a few slot machines, I pulled out my journal and began to write:

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I glance around and see a drunk Santa hit three lemons, quarters spilling out like rain, as he whoops and hollers. To his right an older woman whispers a prayer before each pull. Next to her a gaunt man plays two machines, yanking the levers without joy, his cigarette dripping ash onto the stained carpet.

Men turn and leer at me. When Mary Ann stands by my side, glaring at them, they look away. I love my tough-ass friend! Did I mention she is a black belt? She says that every successful philosopher needs to master not only logical arguments but also the quick kick to the balls.

My only defensive moves are metaphors and ironic observations. Mary Ann has had enough of Vegas.

I stuffed the journal in my pack. We dropped off the car and receipts and headed out of town, a few dollars in our pockets and our packs optimistically slung over one shoulder. Oh, sweet adventure!

We caught several rides, carefully checking out the occupants before getting in each car, and arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona, before dark. I noticed that the air had chilled down, and I was shivering in my lightweight jacket. I glanced over at Mary Ann. She had her hands stuffed into a spare pair of socks, and her shoulders were hunched, head bowed against the wind.

“We might as well be back in Vermont; at least we know what to expect from winter there,” she complained. Then, as the wind picked up, mocking the two outsiders standing in the deserted street, she groaned, “And I thought we left Lake Champlain behind!” It was two days until Christmas.

A truck passed and two cowboys yelled obscenities.

A family in a van drove slowly by, the kids pointing at us and laughing.

An hour passed with no traffic. It had begun to snow. My fingers and toes were numb. Mary Ann’s hair was coated with frost. An icicle hung from her nose.

It felt too cold for our thin sleeping bags.

We counted all our cash and decided that we couldn’t afford a hotel. We walked past a church and looked at the crèche, softly lit in the yard. There were the Wise Men standing outside the manger. Inside, an

12/11/13 1:33 PM

angel, a donkey, Mary and Joseph looked adoringly at baby Jesus in the hay.

Without a word, Mary Ann cut across the churchyard and ducked into the barn.

She signaled to me to follow, and with some misgivings I joined her.

“I don’t know about this, Mary Ann. We don’t exactly fit in this scene.”

“Sure we do, although we may not qualify as particularly wise, seeing as we thought we were leaving winter behind.

Besides, don’t you think I kind of look like Mary?”

I closely examined the Madonna’s loving gaze, and then Mary Ann’s pugnacious countenance. “More similarities with the donkey, I think.”

But she had already unrolled her sleeping bag and was nestling into the hay. The barn buffered the wind, and we slept.

We woke with the sun to water dripping through the roof boards, soaking our sleeping bags. We were stiff and sore as we stuffed our wet bags and stumbled out of the manger. Mary Ann’s hair and clothes were matted with hay.

We Were stiff and sore as We stuffed our Wet bags and stumbled out of the manger.

Mary ann’s hair and clothes were Matted with hay.

Two women chatting outside the church stared as the apparitions emerged.

We hurried by, determined to put some miles behind us. Our plan was to swing south, pick up Route 10 in Texas and barrel across the country to northern Florida before heading up the coast.

Our third ride, heading to Fort Stockton, Texas, was a chatty young rodeo rider.

Caleb drove 80 miles per hour and talked to us continually about different types of horses and how the West was changing.

I had my journal in my lap, jotting notes, capturing the cadence of Caleb’s speech: “You know, folks ain’t too used to seein’ hitchhikers back home,” he says, “and two ladies gettin’ in after dark, I don’t know. You fixin’ to get a ride back East tonight?” He sounds doubtful. “Not much traffic heading out of town Christmas Eve, that’s for sure. And steer clear of the Franklin place.”

“The Franklin place,” Mary Ann interjects sleepily, just to make sure he knows we are awake.

“Old man Charles Franklin lives down on the east edge of town.

Word is he’s crazy, and folks around here keep their distance.”

Caleb wished us good luck, let us out in the business district and pointed the way out of town. It was dark and had turned cold. The main street looked deserted.

Even the blinking Christmas lights looked lonely.

“Put that notebook away,” Mary Ann said. “We’ve got some hard traveling.”

“Did you hear what he said about the Franklin place?” I asked.

“I heard some of it,” she said with a yawn. “I’m not planning to knock on his door anytime soon. Look, it’s Christmas Eve; I say we keep rolling. Everyone will be in a great mood, and they’ll want to do a mitzvah.”

We stuck out our thumbs while we walked. We were chilled again, and a brisk wind swept up dust that swirled on both sides of the road. The few cars that passed us sped by without slowing.

Merry Christmas to you, too! I thought after each rejection. This wasn’t like hitching on a busy stretch, where multiple cars whizzed by, each one cloaked in the anonymity of the crowded road. Here each car was an event, each rejection personal.

We were definitely on the eastern edge of town now. We could still see lights, blinking dimly across the prairie a mile back. We stopped where the breakdown lane widened and put our packs down.

Attached to a tall post on our side of the road, a large, crudely painted message asked, Where Will YOU Spend Eternity?

Across the road was a wooden shack with a cactus bush in the yard. Even in the gloom we could see the listing board and batten exterior, and the cockeyed tin roof.

“I bet that’s the Franklin place,” I said.

“Yeah, well, we’re not stopping to say hello.”

Headlights approached. “C’mon, pull over, pull over,” I chanted.

The car slowed, then braked hard, but before we could grab our packs it had spun around and was coming back in our direction, passing through the sagebrush on the other side of us, too close for comfort, lights blinking and horn honking. The occupants yelled something out the window, and we heard them cackle as they headed back to town.

“Maybe they don’t know it’s Christmas Eve,” I said.

“Or maybe that was some kind of Texas mating ritual,” Mary Ann replied.

We debated whether to head back to town, keep walking east or look for someplace to hide. Hiding seemed the safest choice, but where? The prairie around us was flat and naked except for a few scraggly bushes. “Get us safely out of Fort Stockton, and I promise I’ll never complain about Vermont again,” I shouted into the wind.

Mary Ann looked at the Franklin place and said, “We do have another option.”

a while, scratched his head, nodded and said, “It sure would be a mighty sad world if everybody was the same, if we all had the same beliefs. I go for the Bahá’í independent investigation of the truth myself.”

After dinner he invited us to return to the couch, and he picked up his guitar. We were stunned when he played a complicated lick, his fingers moving quickly up and down the neck, and more so when he began to sing in a rich baritone, a Woody Guthrie song: “I Ain’t Got No Home in This World Anymore.”

He played, and we sang along with him once we knew the words. When we began yawning, he gave us blankets, set the sofa up as a bed and said good night. We slept soundly and securely, like guests in a fivestar hotel.

The next morning we squeezed into the cab of his pickup, and he drove us 75 miles east to a large truck stop. He laughed when I told him he’d just taken us the equivalent of the entire width of Vermont. “Heck,” he said, “we got ranches bigger ’n that. Well, lots of traffic coming through here, even on Christmas. You gals should be able to get a ride out of Texas.”

He handed me a flat package and told me to open it when I got back to Vermont.

He gave Mary Ann an old wool hat, which she immediately put on, smiling as she pulled it down over her ears.

I dug into my pocket and pulled out my new Swiss Army knife. I pressed it into his hand and said, “Merry Christmas, Charles.”

“Happy Hanukkah,” he said, pulling us into a bear hug. “I hope y’all find what you’re lookin’ for.”

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Thanks to an outcast singing the blues, living on the edge, we have survived our mad dash across America, and returned in time to welcome the New Year. I glance at Charles’ gift again, a small landscape painting — a lone desert cactus leaning in the wind. On the back he has written, “To Sarah, who dropped by on Christmas Eve looking for adventure.”

I listen as Mary Ann explains her current favorite religion, Bahá’íism, to her new love, Angelica (the reason for her urgent need to return). It is a refreshing 15 degrees below zero outside, and Lake Champlain howls a glorious greeting. Thick chunks of ice hang off every roof, each one a poem, magnificent sculptures like dancers, twisting gracefully toward the ground. I laugh as exploding fireworks proclaim 1972. It feels like home. m

SEVENDAYSVt.com 12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS

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FEATURE 35

The door of the shack had opened, and I looked at the silhouette of the large man, backlit in the opening, motioning for us to come in. Headlights were approaching again in the distance. I weighed Caleb’s warning against the malice of our tormentors. Mary Ann did not hesitate. “We’re going in!” she commanded, and as we crossed the road, I reached for the Swiss army knife in my pocket.

He had a thick white beard, shoulderlength hair, dark eyes set in a deeply wrinkled, weathered face. There was something wild and untamed about him.

There was a rifle on the wall, and a bottle of tequila on a table with a worm suspended just off the bottom, swirling slowly like a specimen in formaldehyde.

An old guitar leaned against a beat-up sofa.

“Take off your coats and set down,” he ordered, pointing to the sofa. His voice was gravelly and deep. He turned and went behind a half wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the cabin. He picked up a large knife. I tensed, ready to bolt.

He began chopping and stirring. I noticed a landscape painting on an easel in the corner. There were no holiday decorations. He put three plates on the table, each with a large, pie-shaped omelette, dripping cheese and filled with onions and hot peppers. We sat down.

“Merry Christmas,” he said, and put a big forkful of omelette in his mouth.

“Merry Christmas,” we returned. We ate in silence at first, broken only by the scraping of utensils.

“Where you gals from and where you tryin’ to get to?”

We told him the story of our impulsive trip across the country. “I thought an adventure would give me something to write about, and Mary Ann wanted a break from the cold,” I explained.

He shook his head.

“Ain’t nobody goin’ to give you a ride out of this town; damn lucky those yahoos didn’t run you over. And two women traveling alone, what was you thinking? And why ain’t y’all home on Christmas Eve?” “We’re Jewish,” I told him.

“But we want to be home for the New Year,” Mary Ann added, nudging me under the table.

I explained that Jews celebrated Hanukkah.

“Isn’t that just another kind of Christmas?” he asked.

I started to say, “Yeah, it’s basically the same,” but Mary Ann cut me off.

“Jews believe the Messiah hasn’t come yet.”

He looked interested. “How long you gonna wait ’fore you give up?”

And Mary Ann, who believed that God was man’s creation, and that no messiah, past, present or future, would save us, simply said, “It’s been 5000 years; what’s a few more?”

Charles Franklin thought about this for

Michael Freed-Thall lives with his wife in Fletcher. He is a member of the Burlington Writers Workshop.

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The Seven Days

Gift Guide

A

ttention, shoppers: You have just one more week to wrap up the holiday gift thing. For the last three weeks we’ve been trying to help, sharing our own own wish wishlists listsf or for inspiration, inspiration,

It’s so hard to decide on just one item at my f avorite culinary boutique, Chef Contos Kitchen & Store in Shelburne.

That’s why I’m asking Santa f or a roundup of hard-to-fi nd items, including a SPAETZLE BOARD, smoked chocolate chips and an adorable wooden, pig-shaped bowl. I wouldn’t say no to a cooking class, either. Prices vary. chefcontos.com

but if you have lingering consumer conundrums, here’s our last shot. This time our theme is “Nest” — stu˛ for the home or garden. Have at it, and happy remaining holidays!

PART 4: NEST

f eatures a ball-bearing base and a shade showing the gentle folds of the Connecticut River Valley. It’s $160, but the budget-conscious could pick up just a custom shade for as little as $40. lampscapes.com JE F F GOOD

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For me, home is where the art is. I’ve been collecting Vermont artists f or several years now … and have run out

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When I emergef rom beneath two fl annel-covered comf orters on winter mornings, one of the fi rst things I want to know is the outside temperature. You THE SEVEN DAYS GIFT GUIDE

» P.38

FEATURE 37

of wall space. So this time I’m getting an artf ul gif t f or a special f riend who is crazy about dogs. But I don’t want to say which one ’cause that would spoil my surprise. Let’s just

SEVEN DAYS

I’VE ALWAYS WANTED A COAT RACK, SO I’M ASKING

say we’re talking a STEPHEN HUNECK PRINT f eaturing adorable pups. $75 to $250. Available at the Stephen Huneck Gallery in St. Johnsbury (dogmt.com) and other galleries and craf t shops around Vermont. At Frog Hollow in Burlington, proceeds f rom purchases benef it the late artist’s Dog Mountain and Dog Chapel. froghollow.org

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My go-to destination f or all things is Clementine, little “nest” Clementine,a asweet sweet little ALICE ALICE LEVIT LEVITT T shop in downtown downtownMiddlebury Middleburythat that peddles the pretty pretty and andthe thepractical. practical.

Right now my my go-to go-togif gift t isisa a LINEN TEA TOWEL ($28) designed, sewn and printed ininVermont.

Vermont.

Tucked into a agif tgift bag with aabottle bottleof of wine or aa Middlebury Middlebury Chocolates bar ($7.25), ($7.25), these towels would make a great gift for newlyweds, housewarmOK, this one’s for my wife. When plantin’ ings or holiday hostesses — in addition to me. clementinestore.com season comes around, we’d like to start a garden that we can take with us if we K A TH RY N F LA G G need to. She’s had her eye on some fancy, attractive GALVANIZED-METAL TROUGHS With a longer half -lif e than plutoat Gardener’s Supply that can be used nium, an old pair of skis is a gif t that for planting and, as a bonus, can be arkeeps on giving. The diehard shredranged in a number of confi gurations. der can use them to make turns on a Apparently, this is a thing on Pinterest. big sand dune in summer. The hard $199. gardeners.com partier can glue down a line of shot E THAN DE SEIFE glasses to create the (in)f amous shotski. Good Samaritans can donate them to a ski swap. Me, I’ve always wanted a COATRACK, so I’m asking for You know how I loathe f luorescent one made of old planks f rom Green light, Santa baby, so hurry down to Mountain Ski Furniture in Waterbury.

LAMPSCAPES in White River Junction. $49. recycledskis.com Ken Blaisdell f ashions lamps f rom CH A RLE S E I CH A CK E R f ound industrial objects and tops them with shades he paints by hand.

The one I want to light up my nest

The Seven Days Gift Guide « P.37

know, so IIcan candetermine determine whether whether to wear one sweater sweater or orsix sixofofthem. them.

It’s too complicated complicated to tolook lookup upthe the weather online when whenI’ve I’ve barely barely opened my eyes, eyes, and andheaven heavenf orbid forbidI I should open the the f ront frontdoor. door.SoSowhat what I want isisanan OUTDOOR THERMOMETER that II can canmount mountright right outside outside my bedroom window. window.Gardener’s Gardener’s Supply carries one one that that even even doubles as aabird birdf eeder, feeder,sosoI could I could lie in bed and watch the birds on days when I don’t don’t have havetotoget getup. up. $49.95. $49.95. gardeners.com

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MARISA KELLER

I’m living the theBurlington Burlington dream, by which whichI mean I mean living in aa too-small too-smallapartapartment with college-bro neighbors who major major in inpartying. partying.

Our nest doesn’t doesn’t need needmore more knickknacks when we’re we’re counting down the thedays daysto to our lease’s end, end,but but Santa Santa says I shouldn’t expect to to find find a down payment paymenton ona swag a swag water waterfront f ront condo in in my my stocking. So I’m I’m asking askingf or fora a f ew hours with LOCAL MUSCLE MOVERS to help get our stuff to the next apartment apartment——which which definitely def initely won’t bebein the in the student ghetto. $75 $75 or or$85 $85per per hour. localmusclemovers.com

38 FEATURE

T YL ER M ACHADO

Prints are more more otherworldly otherworldly than almost anyany otherother medium, I think, even though making them can canbebe gritty gritty and laborious. I’ll I’llprobably probably get some socks and and wine wine gear gear this Christmas, but but IIsecretly secretly covet the gorgeous gorgeous prints printsf or for sale at White River River Junction’s Junction’s Two Rivers —aa Rivers Printmaking — MONOTYPE OR COLLAGRAPH COLLAGRAPH, either would do. do.From From$40. $40. tworiversprintmaking.com CORI N H I RSCH

I’m no cook, cook,just justthethe guyguy in in our house who whoassembles assemblesthe the openhard hardbutbutsalads, slices open ternut squashes and and debones debones raw chicken. But But f orfor me, me, nothing is more more empowering empowering in the kitchen kitchenthan thanstanding standing at the counter counterwith witha chef a chef’s ’s knife that’s so sharp I can cut a cucumber thin enough to read through. Sure, aasteel steelhelps, helps, but ffor or this thisholiday holiday season, season, I’d love anan ELECTRIC KNIFE SHARPENER that eliminates eliminatesall all the guesswork.

Kiss the theCook Cook guesswork.˜Kiss in Burlington carries carriestwo two by by Chef’s Chef ’s Choice. One, One,f or for$59.99, $59.99, works exclusively on EuropeanEuropeanstyle kitchen knives. knives.But Butif my if my secret Santa feels especially flflush this year, I’d I’d prefer prefer the the higher-end higher-end model, for f or $169.99, $169.99, which whichworks works on European and andAsian Asian kitchen kitchen knives, serrated blades bladesand andeven even pocket knives. kissthecook.net˜ K E N PI CA RD

Though the summer months seem like a lif etime away during the bleak winter, a gif t to remind us of warmer days is just the thing to stave of f seasonal af f ective disorder. As I’ve long said, summer is a state of mind. So I’d like a HAMMOCK from the Vermont Hammock Company in East Corinth.

Sure, I won’t be able to use it until May. But every time I look at it, I’ll think warm thoughts of sunny af ternoons lounging with a good book and a cold drink. $285. vermonthammock.com DAN BOLLES

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Information, Please With technology high and low, Jessamyn West documents Vermont’s public libraries B Y Eth A N D E SE i f E

I

40 FEATURE

She will not be quiet

if she sees something that she thinks libraries should be doing that they aren’t doing.

R u t h D u R k EE

pho ToS Co URTESy o F ETh An D E SEiFE

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVt.com

“

love love love the Roxbury Library!” declares Jessamyn West, who might be the librarian laure ate of Vermont, if there were such a thing. The one-story building housing the Roxbury Free Library is indeed charming. It’s tiny and staffed by a welcoming librarian, and its bathroom (built only a f ew years ago, when indoor plumbing was finally installed) features a gorgeous marble floor hand-cut by a local craftsman.

But West’s enthusiastic love f or this library — and all libraries, really — runs deeper than mere appreciation of their quaintness or beauty.

West is visiting Roxbury (pop. 691), the geographic center of the state, for the latest of her many projects highlighting issues of community information access. She’s visiting and photographing every single one of Vermont’s 183 public libraries. So far, she’s hit about a sixth of the total.

West is already a member of the 251 Club — an unofficial group of people who’ve visited each of Vermont’s 251 towns or are working on it. But she set out on her library project as a way not only to revisit f avorite locales (“I love them all. I love every town,” she says), but to call at tention to the importance of libraries in Vermont communities.

West, 45, has many titles. She’s the community technology librarian at the Randolph Technical Career Center (RTCC); director of operations f or the community weblog MetaFilter (disclosure: this author is also a MetaFilter member); the f ounder of Librarian.net, one of the first and most comprehensive libraryrelated blogs; a popular speaker, teacher and anticensorship warrior; and a justice of the peace. Inasmuch as librarians may be described as “famous,” West has earned that descriptor.

At the moment, she’s informally track ing her progress through Vermont’s libraries, using both online and paper-and-highlighter technologies. But someday she’d like to see her project take the f orm of a passport-and-stamp tour book, she says, or “a little self-serve website” for literarily inclined road-trippers.

Each of Vermont’s libraries, no matter how small, West says, is a source of “un biased advice about the things that are interesting in their areas … and a way to get to know a community [better] than going to see a tourist attraction.”

And let’s not forget, she adds, “The re strooms are clean!”

Jessamyn West in the Northfield Library

While visiting f our public libraries on a recent foggy afternoon, West checks out books and videos, buys holiday raffle tickets, admires a kids-only computer, chats with staffers about patron bases, and, in

Roxbury, peruses unique historical town documents. That’s exactly the kind of im portant inf ormation, she points out, that has not yet been digitized.

At the Kimball Public Library in West’s

hometown of Randolph, a brief chat with a librarian leads her to a book she hadn’t known about: Patricia W. Belding’s Where the Books Are: the History and Architecture of Vermont’s Public Libraries With Photos and Anecdotes. Delighted, West checks the book out and reads from it on the way to her next stop, the Brookfield Free Public Library.

Above all, West values libraries because they are committed to providing access to information and knowledge. And access is a topic about which she is well inf ormed and passionate. She’s written a book, Without a Net: Librarians Bridging the Digital Divide, that addresses the chal lenges of delivering widespread access to

Winter Reading Jessamyn West perusing historical documents in the Roxbury Public Library

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SEVENDAYSVt.com 12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS FEATURE 41

information technology. That problem can be especially acute in Vermont, where many rural areas have very slow internet access or none at all.

West comes armed with statistics from the Vermont Department of Libraries — for example, that 19 of the state’s 183 public libraries lack internet access. Though she says she doesn’t believe that web access is the ultimate goal of a library, West would certainly like to enhance all Vermonters’ access to information.

That’s a task she sees as a primary concern of the modern librarian. “We’re not going to solve the digital divide just by making another website to help people navigate the digital divide,” West says. If a person with zero computer experience is simply plunked down in front of a terminal and told, “‘Sign up for health care,’” she adds, “well, that doesn’t actually solve a problem.”

Libraries stand quietly at the forefront of the response to a number of other challenging issues, not the least of which is privacy. West refers to a recent incident in Randolph in which local police, investigating a crime, requested access to library computers. Insisting that their first responsibility was to the privacy of

their patrons, librarians insisted the cops get a warrant. The authorities did so, but a minor controversy arose about the relative values of safety and privacy.

Issues of copyright and digital rights management technologies (designed to limit post-sale access to digital content) get West particularly fired up, especially when, for instance, media companies harass a library for arranging a public showing of a DVD that it legally owns. This is a legal gray area, and West says it frustrates her immensely, but she understands why some libraries don’t try to push the envelope.

“For a public servant, breaking the law — even a stupid law — is a path that’s fraught with peril,” says West, who favors what she calls “reasonable copyright.”

For these and other opinions, West is regarded within the library world as a bit of a rabble-rouser. She’s no great fan of the American Library Association, an organization she’s taken to task for what she sees as its inadequate grasp of digital technology. West has also attracted attention for her efforts to fight the USA PATRIOT Act. Giant library organizations may not be West’s biggest fans, but local librarians adore her almost as much as she adores them. At RTCC, West leads a variety of computer classes for students of all experience levels. Ruth Durkee, West’s supervisor and the assistant director of adult education at RTCC, describes her classes as “hugely popular.” Durkee says of West, “She will not be quiet if she sees something that she thinks libraries should be doing that they aren’t doing.”

Virgil Fuller is the director of the Chelsea Public Library and a friend of West’s. (She’s officiating his upcoming nuptials.) Fuller notes that in Vermont, as in other states, library funding is tight, and that’s why he feels state libraries are fortunate to have West as an advocate. “She does nothing but good things for libraries,” he says.

West understands and even embodies the challenges that small libraries face in the digital age. While her current project may result in a GPS-tagged, interactive website, she says, she is delighted to be using an obscure, out-of-print book as a source in its creation.

“Oh, man,” she exclaims, glancing at her iPhone. “I forgot to check in on Foursquare at the other library!” m

INFo

For more info, visit librarian.net.

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12/13/13 11:30 AM

winter r eading

Gathering Blueberries An essay on life freely lived B Y JEff G oo D

T

wo items deep inside the newspaper caught my atten tion one Sunday morning. On one page, I f ound a story head lined, “Nursing Home Torn Apart When Residents With Dementia Have Sex.” On the very next page came a different sort of dispatch, the obituary of Galen Earl Mudgett Sr., a Vermonter who at the age of 90 “passed away peacefully while picking blueberries.”

There was no connection between these items, other than the f act that they appeared in the same newspaper and involved persons of advanced age. No connection, that is, except that they both involved questions of freedom for the old, ease f or the young and the dignity that is lost — or maintained — when the two intersect.

He was going to do wHat He loved to do

SEVEN DAYS 42 FEATURE

The nursing home story was set in Coralville, Iowa, where two residents of the Windmill Manor nursing home took a shine to one another. She was an 87-yearold retired secretary whose husband, while still alive, did not visit often. He was a 78-year-old divorcee, a retired college professor and author. Both lived in a wing of the facility for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or another f orm of dementia.

(Neither patient was named in the article.)

Early in the morning one day shortly bef ore Thanksgiving 2009, nurse Starla Wheelock checked the woman’s bedroom and f ound her and her male neighbor, who lived in the room across the hall, in bed, naked f rom the waist down. They were talking. The female resident became upset when the nurse asked the man to get dressed and leave the room. The next month, on Christmas evening, two other nurses reported to their superior that they had f ound the couple having intercourse in the gentleman’s room. One nurse would later say he was “going to town.”

When notified by nursing home officials, relatives of the two residents reacted not with alarm but with understanding.

The woman’s son declined the offer of a hospital examination f or his mother,

LUk E how ARd

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVt.com

right up until the last.

saying he thought it had been “a mutual sexual act.” But then state regulators got involved and set in motion a chain of events that led to the firing of the nursing home administrator and head nurse, a heavy fine and, later, a lawsuit. The lovers were separated and forced to move to different facilities where, inside of a year, they died far from each other’s arms.

Which brings us to the story of Galen Earl Mudgett Sr. The obituary inf ormed me that he had made good use of his nine decades on this Earth. He graduated in 1940 f rom South Royalton High School, continuing his education at the Vermont

School of Agriculture and spending the next 35 years rising mornings to milk cows, muck stalls and perf orm other re sponsibilities at his Sharon dairy farm. He married the f ormer Hazel Bicknell and, af ter she died f ollowing 52 years of mar riage, married the f ormer Martha Pearl, who remained at his side until his death 17 years later. He was father and grandfa ther to five children and 13 grandchildren.

And he still f ound time to serve as town meeting moderator, justice of the peace, school director, selectman, state representative and f ence viewer. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his f ellow campers in the

Good Sam’s Club. He played trumpet in the town band.

And then, there were those blueber ries. The obituary didn’t tell much about them, so I called one of Mr. Mudgett’s daughters, Sandra Whitney, to learn more.

She said that when she was a child, her f ather brought her and her siblings each summer to a blueberry patch. But this was no leisurely stroll through the field. Their father handed out buckets and each child — along with Mr. Mudgett — raced to see who would be the first to fill one.

Time passed. The children grew and went on to create cherished rituals with families of their own. Mr. Mudgett’s health declined, and he was f orced to live in an assisted-living f acility and breathe with help f rom an oxygen tank. But he didn’t leave his love of blueberry picking — or his competitive spirit — behind. And so it was that on a day in late July, he went with his wife and fellow residents of the home to a blueberry field near Lake Elmore. Toting his oxygen tank, he raced around the field until he had filled his baseball cap with berries and, while the others were still la boring, he took a seat by the road and drew his final breaths.

Did anyone think of telling Mr. Mudgett that he was too old or infirm to pick blueberries on a hot summer day? His daughter laughed uproariously at the notion. “He was doing what he loved to do right up until the last.”

As people age, they of ten lose some of the physical and mental capacity that allows them to live as independently as they once did. They need help paying their bills, attending to their physical needs, navigating the shoals of conf usion and loneliness. Even those who remain clear-minded, like Mr. Mudgett, need help making it to the patch where blueberries grow as f at and round as they did in the memories of youth. The f amily members, f riends and prof essionals who provide such help must do so with love, patience and the knowledge that an older person’s choice might involve a certain amount of inconvenience and, yes, risk for his or her younger caretakers.

These are not simple choices but they are vital ones. Those who make them should temper their fears with the realization that for every human being, the yearning for the soft touch of another’s skin will, like the sweetness of those blueberries, never pass away. m

GIVE THE GIFT OF this Holiday Season Move Up Gift Cards are available in any amount and can be used across the resort for skiing and riding, waterparking, skating, Nordic skiing, eating, drinking, or do it all with a lodging stay.

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December is a perfect time to give to those in need in our community. Good News Garage awards donated cars to New England families that are striving toward financial independence.

9 Donate your car, truck, or van in ANY condition.

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9 Our staff will guide you through the process.

9 Drop off just your title and keys by December 31.

Good News Garage will arrange to tow your vehicle later and your donation will still qualify for a 2013 tax deduction!

SEVEN DAYS

For more information on donating, please call 877.GIVE.AUTO (877.448.3288) or visit www.goodnewsgarage.org/donationday

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food

French Twist First Bite: Café Shelburne

BY C O R IN H IR S C H

SEVENDAYSVT.COM 12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS 44 FOOD

FOOD LOVER?

GET YOUR FILL ONLINE...

MATTHEW THORSEN

I

n 1969, Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, Jimi Hendrix closed out Woodstock and a new Toyota Corona cost $1950. It was also the year that Café Shelburne opened. Since then, the restaurant has established itself as a place where countless Chittenden County diners (and sometimes their parents and grandparents) have sat down to at least one birthday, anniversary or graduation dinner. And, f or the last 25 years, it was chef Patrick Grangien sending those classically French dishes out of the kitchen, steak tartare and coquilles St. Jacques among them.

Af ter their remarkably long run, Grangien and his wif e, Christine, took their bow this past f all, handing over the reins to a new guard. Chef Bill Ili˜ had spent fi ve years as Grangien’s sous chef ; most recently, he was chef de cuisine at the Inn at Shelburne Farms.

Chef Weston Nicoll is a New England Culinary Institute grad who worked beside Ili˜ at the Inn for fi ve years.

Nicoll, 31, explains their bold move: “We want to create an updated take on the classic [French] ideas, and apply it to what we have locally.” Af ter a brief closure, Caf é Shelburne reopened on November 5, its vibe little altered by the new owners. Outside is the same sign; inside, the same marble-topped bar, black wooden booths, miniature lamps and tiny vases of fl owers.

In f act, someone walking into Caf é Shelburne might not know a change has occurred, if not perhaps f or the chalkboard logo of a rabbit bisected by a chef’s knif e. Even the headings on the menu are a throwback to Esco˝ er: Velouté aux Champignons. Entrecôte de Boeuf .

Saumon à la Grille.

It’s in the fi ne print that the chef s’ self -proclaimed “progressive French food” ethos emerges. The velouté comes with mushroom ragù and tru˙ e oil. The

Salade d’Epinard and Fromage Souffl é

boeuf is served with frites, glazed squash and kohlrabi purée; the saumon, atop coconut rice with fennel-radish salad.

Amid all this Gallic ambiance, the succinct, f our-item cocktail menu is very American. I ordered a vodka-andginger-beer blend called a Penny Drop — and, because the gorgeous marble bar was unmanned, one of the two servers on duty began grabbing bottles to make it.

When she delivered the drink 10 minutes later — in an ice-fi lled, oversize Mason jar with a red plastic stirrer — we were trying to decipher some of the less familiar French terms on the menu.

“What are chickpea ‘panisses’?” my friend and I asked.

Though our server was sweet and well intentioned, she didn’t seem to know what chickpeas were, nor panisses.

“I think it’s like mashed potatoes,” she o˜ ered. As she dashed to the kitchen to fi nd out, we wondered if she had started that very evening.

The panisses ($6) turned out to be crisp, addictive chickpea f ries. They were so overwhelmingly delicious (as was the citrusy aioli that came with them) that they inspired excitement for the rest of the dinner.

In f act, most of our appetizers were scrumptious and beautif ully presented.

A salad of curly winter spinach (Salade d’Epinard, $13) came topped with cheerf ully pink watermelon radishes and julienned celeriac. Underneath, we discovered a buried treasure of salty coppa and blue-cheese crumbles, the entire thing lightly kissed by a citrusy dressing.

Inside each Canard en Tortellini ($14) was meltingly tender duck confi t with fresh ricotta, resting on cranberry demiglâce and balsam cream (made with balsam shoots provided by wildcraf ters FRENCH TWIST

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SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH DISTILLERY

released a 3-year-old barrelaged rye whiskey.

Since the staff produced just 500 bottles of the 90-proof Double Barrel Rye Whiskey — made with Idaho grain — it will be sold only from the Jeff ersonville distillery, where it goes for $60 a bottle.

In the meantime, the producer of Vermont’s fi rst modern rye, WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, has released an über-premium product called Boss Hog, a 134-proof, barrel-strength rye that spent 12 and a half years barrel-aging before SIDE DISHES

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SEVEN DAYS

It was a busy pre-holiday week for the peeps of Burlington’s MAGLIANERO, who closed the doors of their spacious 2-year-old café last week. They reopened exactly nine days later in the upstairs gallery of the former JDK Design building at 47 Maple Street.

The new café has a sleek, three-seat brew bar and a similar lineup of coff ees, teas and pastries, but less seating overall. Maglianero’s former basement space will become home to the offi ces of The Karma Bird House.

Burlington’s Lift lived and died as a pelvis-grinding nightclub. But the new bar and lounge to replace it will have a diff erent vibe. Longtime event producer and DJ ROBERT RAPATSKI wants ZEN LOUNGE to appeal to “the thirties-to-fi fties crowd,” he says. “People working in the community can come enjoy a nice, relaxed place — enjoy a good drink, maybe a little bit of food and some music.”

Bamboo floors oorswill willbe bepart partof ofthe theclub’s club’s new Asian ambiance, which Rapatski says was partly inspired by Tao Nightclub Nightclub in in Las Vegas. Plans for the light food menu Romantic Dining Casual Atmosphere haven’t yet solidified, ed,but butRapatski Rapatskiisis considering having a chef roll sushi to 27 Bridge St, Richmond order. Other possibilities include snacks Tues-Sun • 434-3148 such as edamame and miso or hot-andsour soup.

Rapatski has worked with 12v-toscano121813.indd 1 12/13/13 11:30 AM mixologist BOBBY CHOMPUPONG, owner of BANGKOK BISTRO ON THE HILL, to create drinks suited to the Eastern theme that hit numerous fl avor profi les, from sweet to spicy. Chompupong’s creative cocktails will include the Lotus, a combination of Stolichnaya Razberi and Chambord fl avored with Thai basil, lemon and a splash of cranberry; and the Forbidden Fruit, made with plum sake, lime, vodka and passionfruit topped with Champagne.

For those who want to feel the heat, Chompupong created the Akuma, named for the Japanese demon.

Ginger beer, silver tequila, fresh lime and chile powder go into the drink. Bottle service will include sake, wine and champagne.

On the weekends, Zen Lounge will open early in the evening for local, regional and name acts. Later, “highenergy dance music” will take over. Rapatski plans old-school mashups on Thursdays and foresees karaoke and salsa nights soon.

When it comes to the club’s décor, Rapatski says he 12v-Ramen081413.indd 1 8/12/13 4:43 PM wants to “let the mystique bubble a little,” but reveals that there will be Asian-style paintings on the walls and a giant Buddha behind the bar, along with a mosaic of broken mirrors. Locals can see for themselves at the opening, which Rapatski plans for right after Christmas, around December 27.

12.18.13-12.25.13

wich topped with braised cabbage and melted Gruyère.

The couple plans to collaborate on a menu of “casual food with a twist” with the chef whom they’ll soon hire.

To start, they’ll open the café side of the space for breakfast and lunch Thursdays through Sundays, Locke says,

— A. L.

ZEN LOUNGE COMES TO BURLINGTON

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Some people were lucky enough to be born in Vermont. Others work their whole lives to get there. Such was the case of GINGER LOCKE. “I’ve been coming up to Vermont for the last 50 years, and it’s always been a dream to live here,” says Locke, owner of the soon-to-open ELUSIVE MOOSE PUB & EATERY in Waitsfi eld. “I’m fortunate enough to have a husband who feels the same way.”

That’s MARTY LOCKE, with whom Ginger Locke recently moved to the Mad River Valley to open the pub; its debut is planned for early January. The New Jersey ex-pats are taking over the two-restaurant space that was previously home to Easy Street Café and the Purple Moon Pub. Back home in Jersey, the couple owned an eight-table German restaurant called the Alps Bistro. The mountain cuisine Locke learned from her Swiss father will make appearances at the Elusive Moose, she says, at least as specials. Those will include schnitzels, potato pancakes and a sauerbraten sand-

switch to dinner on the pub side on those evenings, and gradually add more days of the week to their schedule.

The dinner menu will include a selection of burgers and comfort-food appetizers. have aa little little “We’re trying to have something for everyone at a good price point,” Locke says. “We’re not going to be snooty.”

If details of the cuisine remain somewhat elusive, the origin of the restaurant’s name is not. Over the course of a lifetime of visits to the Green Mountains, Locke explains, she has still never spotted a moose. “I think the moose have a game on us,” she jokes.

Next month, hungry locals and tourists alike are likely to give the couple the warm welcome the forest dwellers have denied them.

Eastern Promise

802.862.2777

BY CORI N HI RSCH & A L I CE L E V I T T

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60 Lake St, Burlington 540-0188 89 Main Street, Montpelier 262-CAKE Burlington International Airport quirks. A Vermont rabbit loin (Lapin en Porchetta, $29) was oddly wedged between long, crunchy carrots, with a slab of pork leaning against it. The rabbit loin itself was velvety and moist, with hints

InsIde each canard en TorTellInI was melTIngly Tender duck confIT

SEVEN DAYS FOOD 47

of tarragon and rosemary in each bite.

Yet the tangle of wilted greens was so tiny that it was gone in two bites, and the “kohlrabi-mashed potatoes” were barely a smear on the bottom of the plate. Each component was perfectly rendered, but together they formed an awkward whole.

By contrast, the kitchen’s clever take on poutine — a venison shank braised in red wine, then tumbled together with “pommes” and cheese curds in what is described as a garlic-cream sauce — was a hearty but heavy jumble, more akin to a stew. The fries had soaked up the dishes’ gravy, and the meat was flavorful, if a bit dry. Yet we found only two tiny cheese

12.18.13-12.25.13

with fresh ricotta, resting on cranberry demi-glâce and balsam cream.

curds and the barest hint of cream, two 8v-skinnypancake121113.indd 1 12/9/13 11:03 AM vital “missing persons.”

For dessert, we perhaps unwisely passed over a banana-bread French toast (topped with “PB&J” ice cream) in favor of a rich, triple-chocolate mousse cake (Gâteau Mousse, $9) with a thin layer of butter crunch and a hefty layer of cream on top. The chocolate was intense, with milk- and dark-chocolate layers welded together like a sand painting, although it was crumbly; I don’t think I’ll be a return gâteau customer.

By this time, it had been nearly three Featuring a special hours since we’d first taken our seats New Years Eve menu: in an empty dining room. At 9 p.m., the STARTS: lobster bisque place was nearly full — but the bar remained empty and seemingly forgotten. pate with grilled crostini Apparently that changes on Thursdays, oysters on the half shell with a when a barkeep takes over through champagne mignonette Sunday. Moreover, says Nicoll, the bar MAINS: portobello-brandy filet will be one focus of an upcoming April renovation. seared scallops with a green peppercorn-citrus butter That’s welcome news: Iliff and Nicoll have the serious culinary chops honey balsamic glazed duck breast to continue pleasing Café Shelburne’s thai tofu sauté long-standing customers with classic WITH: fabulous cocktail specials and fare. But they may also draw in a new a champagne toast at midnight breed of eaters who prefer grazing on small plates, craft cocktails and offbeat wines. Hell, I’d stop in to have duckconfit-stuffed dumplings every week if Call for reservations I could. Since the menu changes every 15 Center St ✷ Burlington two weeks, I’ll instead look forward to 802.862-9647 new discoveries. m SEVENDAYSVt.com

Nova Kim and Les Hook). Dairy, salt, flesh and fruit were all suspended in perfect balance. We had only one minor complaint: The dumplings’ skins quickly gummed up as they cooled.

Yet even those tender little pockets were trumped by the dainty teacup that held a nut-brown Fromage Soufflé ($13).

Bucking my manners, I hastily broke into it with my fork, stealing the first bite of luscious Blue Ledge Farm Riley’s Coat goat’s-milk cheese. What appeared to be beets scattered around the cup’s base were actually sweet, soft pear quarters that had been poached in balsamic vinegar.

Less memorable was the mushroom soup (Velouté aux Champignons, $11).

Though capped by a mince of oyster mushrooms and intensely earthy, the soup could have used a touch more cream to smooth out its flavors.

Before and between courses, our waits were … languorous. Wednesday has been a challenging night to staff, says Nicoll, which helps explain the gaps, the server’s occasional bewilderment and perhaps the dining room’s chill. Fortunately, we had hefty pours of excellent wines to fortify us; wine director Lauren Taratoot has put together a focused, enticing, almost entirely French list. I crushed on my Charles Gonnet Chignin Jacquère from the Savoie, a lively white wine that paired gracefully with various dishes. My friend’s Vignobles Brunier Le Pigeoulet, a Grenache-Syrah blend from Provence, was equally nimble and quaffable.

When our main courses arrived, a sudden onslaught of customers filled the dining room. And we had a little firstworld problem: We were out of wine.

As we waited 10 minutes or so for new glasses to go with our dinner, I envisioned the server dipping behind the bar to pour those glasses herself.

In the meantime, we discovered that each main plate had both its virtues and

have relocated their growing company from Orleans to their new “urban” digs inside the basement of Newport’s

mAtthew thOrsen

bottling. It retails from $130 to $170 a bottle.

Cocktail lovers were able to try both spirits last week at the Spirits of Vermont Science Fair at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, where a half

Got A fooD tip? food@sevendaysvt.com

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BARRIO BAKERY

Christmas Menu PEPPERMINT BARK CAKE

Chocolate devils’ food cake with layers of peppermint laced buttercream & crunchy candy cane pieces.

8” cake $30 ✼ 10” cake $44

STICKY BUNS

Barrio Bakery’s famous sticky buns to-go.

Maple syrup, cinnamon, & pecans.

Heat & serve in a foil pan. $15.00/6

PANETTONE

A lightly sweet cake-like bread with golden raisins and citrus peel. $14

STOLLEN

A richer sweet bread with almonds & a mixture of dried fruits. $12 For a full holiday menu visit: www.barriobakeryvt.com/holiday-menu

Your Holiday Headquarters

Old-Country Holidays

European chefs share their mothers’ little-known delicacies B Y AlicE l E Vit t

M

ost of us learned to cook from the same person in our lives. Her name is Mom, and she was most people’s first favorite chef, whether she’s a Cordon Bleu grad or just whips up a mean instant oatmeal.

GIVE THE GIFT OF 12v-barrio121813.indd 1 12/11/13 12:42 PM For food lovers who grow up to COSMIC SWIPE-ABLE be chefs, it’s no different. That’s why GIFT CARDS the New England Culinary Institute recently debuted a series of occasional special meals spotlighting the women who taught the school’s chef-instructors their first recipes.

On December 4, NECI celebrated the first such event by welcoming Monique Burnier — or, as chefinstructor André Burnier knows her, Maman. She introduced Vermont to farcement, a potato dish so local to her native Mont Blanc region that even executive chef Jean-Louis Gerin, also from the French Alps, had never tried it.

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48 FOOD

Chef Andrew Burnier and his mother, Monique, present their farcement at NECI

973 Roosevelt Highway Colchester • 655-5550 www.threebrotherspizzavt.com

Gerin says that whenever a chef’s mother visits Vermont, he plans to host a similar event. “We want to show people how chefs learn to cook,” he says. “How does a chef get the inspiration to become a cook and then an instructor?”

In honor of the holidays and NECI’s recent inaugural dinner, we share Maman Burnier’s ancient recipe, along with two more to help you prepare Christmas or New Year’s dinners for your family in a très Euro manner. Before long, Vermonters may get to meet those chefs’ moms, too.

when potatoes were first cultivated there around the time of the French Revolution.

Burnier’s son, NECI chef-instructor André, says that every town in the region has its own versions of the savory casserole. Each family’s take varies, too.

This is how his mother taught him to make farcement. Serve it as a hearty dish of its own or as a dumpling-like side for stew.

André Burnier, France

2 ounces soft butter Slices of smoked bacon, about 15 rashers or enough to cover the mold 3 kilograms (6 to 7 pounds) potatoes 20 grams (2 tablespoons) kosher salt

Farcement

Chic, short-haired Monique Burnier is no casual fan of farcement. She’s the vice president of La Confrérie du Farcement au Pays du Mont-Blanc, an association that promotes the preservation of the traditional dish that appeared in Savoie

Yield: 1 loaf pan, 4.5 by 4.5 by 16 inches.

Serves 10.

more food after the classifieds section. pagE 49 cOurtEsy OF NEw ENglaND culiNary iNstitutE

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more food before the classifieds section.

page 48

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FOOD 49

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Gather all ingredients before grating the potatoes. The potatoes will oxidize and turn brown very quickly, so you need to be ready to go.

Butter the loaf-pan mold with the soft butter, then line with the bacon slices until they cover the mold completely.

Peel and grate the potatoes using a Parmesan-style grater (the potatoes need to be grated into a pulp, not shreds).

Drain some of the water from the potatoes until you have about 5 pounds remaining.

Make sure that all the starch that settles on the bottom of the drained water is included in the potato mix. The potato pulp should still be wet.

Add the rest of the ingredients and spoon the mixture into the mold.

Cover the mold with foil and cook in a water bath for five hours at 350 degrees periodically replacing the water that evaporates. The water should be as close to the top of the mold as possible, but make sure no water gets into the mold.

Once cooked, remove the farcement from the mold to a platter.

Note: Once cold, the farcement will become quite firm. The leftover farcement can be sliced one inch thick and browned in a sauté pan with oil or butter until hot. Enjoy the crispy edges!

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4 grams (2 teaspoons) pepper 2 grams (1 teaspoon) nutmeg 500 grams (1 pound) prunes 150 grams (5 ounces) raisins 100 grams (3 to 4 ounces) bacon, diced 2 eggs 150 grams (5 ounces) crème fraîche 30 grams (1 ounce) flour

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food Old-Country Holidays « P.49

Christoph Wingensiefen, Germany Venison with Lingonberry Demi-Glâce, Braised Red Cabbage and Potato Dumplings

Chef-instructor Christoph Wingensiefen hails from the small town of Odenthal, half an hour northeast of Cologne.

He says that celebratory meals in his hometown almost always include venison, wild boar or other game.

But because of strict German hunting laws, applied even in rural areas, Wingensiefen wasn’t out getting the meat himself. “In Germany, hunting is like a job. You have to do a three-year apprenticeship,” he explains.

Whether you shoot your own or buy it already cold, you’ll be sure to enjoy the deceptively simple Christmas dinner Wingensiefen learned to cook by watching over his mother’s shoulder.

For the venison:

Cut 6 ounces out of a venison loin and season with salt and black pepper. Dust with flour and sear until medium rare.

Mix 8 ounces of veal demi-glâce with 2 tablespoons of lingonberry jam, bring to a simmer and serve with the venison steaks.

For the cabbage:

For the potato dumplings (Kartoffel Kloesse):

2 slices good-quality sourdough or white bread 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon corn or vegetable oil 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (more if needed) 1/8 cup potato starch (can be replaced with cornstarch) 1 large egg Trim crusts off bread and save them for another use. Cut bread into half-inch cubes and fry in butter and oil mixture until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel to dry.

Cook scrubbed, unpeeled potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and cool slightly before peeling.

Once peeled, cut potatoes into large pieces. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.

Mash potatoes with fork or run through ricer into large bowl. Mix in salt, nutmeg, half cup flour and potato starch.

Using hands, knead mixture in bowl until smooth dough forms, adding more flour by tablespoons if the dough is sticky. Mix in egg.

Form dough into balls, using a quarter cup for each. Insert bread cube into center of each dumpling.

Roll dumpling between your palms to enclose bread cube completely and form smooth balls.

WEDNESDAYS FOR

Adrian Westrope, England

Lemon-Pastry Mince Pies

Pastry chef Adrian Westrope isn’t the only culinary adventurer in the family. His mother came up with this unconventional version of sweet mince pie, with a tart boost of lemon to calm the dessert’s over-the-top sweetness.

The spiced filling may seem exotic to Yanks, but the Essex-bred chef says that, in England, “As a child you are brought up on these delights and grow to love them.”

He recommends serving these minipies either with cream, with brandy butter or warmed up on their own to end your holiday meal.

Happy Holidays Thank you to our loyal customers for all of your support!

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• We use vegetable oil • We cook without MSG

king Duck House Pe802-655-7475 or 802.655.7474 79 West Canal Street, Winooski, VT 05404

FOOD 51

authentic mexican cuisine

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JOIN US ON

Working in batches of only four or five at a time, cook dumplings in a large pot of nearly boiling salted water for 10 to 15 minutes (or until dumplings rise to the top). Using a slotted spoon, transfer dumplings to a large bowl. Keep covered with a damp kitchen towel as remaining dumplings are cooked.

12.18.13-12.25.13

5 MARGARITAS

$

Mince pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Keep everything as cold as possible when making dough. Rub the fats and flour together, then add granulated sugar. Make a well in the center of the mixture. Add the yolk and some of the lemon juice. Mix together to form dough. Do not add all of the lemon juice, as the mixture will be too wet.

Place in the fridge to chill for one hour prior to rolling.

Use a small amount of flour to roll out about half of the dough. Using a cookie cutter, cut out small, fluted rounds. Place each into a greased mini-muffin pan, carefully pushing into the shape of the pan. Complete all 12.

Using the egg white, brush a little on the edges of each pie. Use 1 teaspoon of your favorite mincemeat filling in each pie shell.

With remaining dough, roll out and cut a “lid” for each pie with a smaller cookie cutter. Place on top and gently push to the edge to attach. Seal edges with a fork and brush with remaining egg white.

Place in oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until pastries are light golden. Allow to cool slightly before putting a pinch of granulated sugar on top of each pie.

After five or six minutes, remove from pan with care and place on a cooling rack. Pack and store in a tin or plastic container. Consume many!

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

2 heads red cabbage 2 onions 2 crisp apples 1 cup sugar 1/2 tablespoon salt rgarita2 cups apple cider to: 1 cup red wine 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1 stick cinnamon

5 ounces butter 3 ounces shortening 10 ounces all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 egg yolk (reserve the white for brushing tops of pies) Juice of 2 lemons Mincemeat filling (make your own fruity grind, or purchase a can from a specialty store)

Chop cabbage, onions and apples.

Put in a bowl, then add other ingredients. Mix well and let sit overnight. The next day, cook in a large pot until cabbage is tender, about 30 minutes.

www.pekingduckhousevt.com 11/25/13 9:46 AM

calendar D E C E M B E R

WED.18

business

KELLEY MARKETING MEETING: Marketing, advertising, communications, social media and design professionals brainstorm ideas for local nonprofi ts over breakfast. Room 217, Ireland Building, Champlain College, Burlington, 7:45-9 a.m. Free. Info, 865-6495.

etc.

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

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fi lm

'DEAR MR. WATTERSON' : Fans of the popular "Calvin & Hobbes" comic strip explore the impact artist Bill Watterson had on readers in Joel Allen Schroeder's 2013 documentary.

Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 7 p.m. $6-8. Info, 748-2600.

GLOBAL LENS FILM SERIES: 'SOUTHWEST': In Eduardo Nunes' cerebral debut, a baby girl is born, only to morph into each phase of her life within 24 hours. Portuguese with English subtitles. Fletcher Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7211.

'THE OPIATE EFFECT' : Fueled by the death of his son from a heroin overdose, Skip Gates' documentary sheds light on drug addiction in Vermont and New England. A panel discussion follows. Vermont Commons School, South Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

food & drink

CANDY-CANE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION: Attendees watch confectioners pull, roll and twist these seasonal treats, then create their own. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 11 a.m.

Free to watch; $6 to make your own; preregister; limited space. Info, 253-9591.

2 0 1 3

health & fi tness

CREATIVE FLOW YOGA WITH DEBORAH FELMETH : A blend of meditation, Vinyasa-style asana, chanting and yogic philosophy builds physical and emotional strength. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 5:30-7 p.m. $14.

Info, 870-0361.

KATIE BACK : In "Relieving Pain … Finding Ease on the Cushion," the Alexander Technique teacher shares tips with meditators looking to adjust their sitting practice. Montpelier Shambhala Center, 7:15-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-5137.

KUNDALINI YOGA WITH CALLIE PEGUES: Students align organ and glandular systems while increasing energy and awareness. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 9-10:15 a.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

OPEN CHAKRAS ... OPEN HIPS: TRUST THE BONES YOGA SERIES WITH SANSEA SPARLING : Yogis access the seven energy centers and learn about their relationship to proper skeletal alignment. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 3:30-4:45 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

OPEN MEDITATION : A 50-minute session allows practitioners to quiet the mind. 132 South Main Street, St. Albans, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 782-3821.

R.I.P.P.E.D.: Resistance, intervals, power, plyometrics, endurance and diet defi ne this high-intensity physical-fi tness program. North End Studio A, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. $10. Info, 578-9243.

YOGA CLASS : Dominique Meyers leads a mixed-level, therapeutic practice based on Anusara and Kripalu styles. Northwoods Stewardship Center, East Charleston, 5-6:30 p.m. $12; preregister. Info, 723-6551, ext. 115, anitra99@yahoo.com.

The Heliand Consort like to change things up. The all-female chamber ensemble consists of fi ve core members, but of ten perf orms in various confi gurations.

Founded in 2006 by Vermont Symphony Orchestra alums clarinetist Elisabeth LeBlanc and bassoonist Rachael Elliott, the group is dedicated to increasing chamber music’s accessibility. Regular performances in cafés, libraries, schools and senior centers introduce audience members young and old to a repertoire that extends f rom baroque to contemporary. Keeping with this philosophy, percussionist Nicola Cannizzaro joins LeBlanc alongside fl utist Berta Frank and oboist Katie Evans in a concert of works by Bach, Beethoven and others.

HELIAND CONSORT Friday, December 20, 7:30 p.m., at Brandon Music Café. $15; $30 includes dinner package; BYOB. Info, 465-4071. heliandconsort.org

holidays

HOLIDAY ARTISANS BAZAAR : More than 40 regional artisans and specialty food producers exhibit handcrafted wares, mouth-watering delectables and other seasonal creations.

Chandler Gallery, Randolph, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 431-0204.

SONG CIRCLE: HOLIDAY SING-ALONG: Rich and Laura Atkinson lead singers of all ages and abilities in an evening of merriment. Musicians welcomed with personal instruments. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfi eld, 6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

WINTER HOLIDAY BLOCK PRINT PARTY: Using provided materials and time-tested techniques, folks carve a block, then use it to create

WED.18

» P.54

LIST YOUR UPCOMING EVENT HERE FOR FREE!

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE IN WRITING AT NOON ON THE THURSDAY BEFORE PUBLICATION. FIND OUR CONVENIENT FORM AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT. YOU CAN ALSO EMAIL US AT CALENDAR@SEVENDAYSVT.COM. TO BE LISTED, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE NAME OF EVENT, A BRIEF DESCRIPTION, SPECIFIC LOCATION, TIME, COST AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER. 52 CALENDAR

Their Own Way

COURTESY OF BLUE GARDENIAS

TRAIN SONGS & STORIES : In conjunction with an electric train display, singer-songwriter Rik Palieri presents a vocal program inspired by the history and lore of locomotives. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, 7 p.m. $8-10; free for kids under 6. Info, 388-2117.

VALLEY NIGHT FEATURING KAREN KRAJACIC: Locals gather for this weekly bash of craft ales, movies and live music. Big Picture ° eater & Café, Waitsfi eld, 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation; $2 drafts. Info, 496-8994, bigpicturetheater. info.

VERMONT HEALTH CARE EXCHANGE INFORMATION SESSION: Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security executive director Peter Sterling helps folks choose appropriate individualized plans. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

1 8 - 2 5 ,

COURTESY OF THE HELIAND CONSORT

DEC.20 | MUSIC

CALENDAR EVENTS IN SEVEN DAYS:

LISTINGS AND SPOTLIGHTS ARE WRITTEN BY COURTNEY COPP. SEVEN DAYS EDITS FOR SPACE AND STYLE. DEPENDING ON COST AND OTHER FACTORS, CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS MAY BE LISTED IN EITHER THE CALENDAR OR THE CLASSES SECTION. WHEN APPROPRIATE, CLASS ORGANIZERS MAY BE ASKED TO PURCHASE A CLASS LISTING.

DEC.21 | MUSIC Floral Notes When Juliet McVicker, Taryn Noelle and Amber deLaurentis of the jazz trio Blue Gardenias take the stage, expect the unexpected. Seasoned perf ormers, the vocalists are known for lighthearted — and at times quirky — performances, in which they transition between genres with ease. The ladies credit a mutual friend’s birthday party as the impetus for their musical connection. There, while rehearsing in a bathroom, they realized their three-part harmonies were deadon. These vocal gif ts drive a f estive mix of originals and holiday f avorites in “Longest Night, Merry and Bright,” featuring pianist Tom Cleary, bassist John Rivers and drummer Caleb Bronz.

BLUE GARDENIAS Saturday, December 21, 7:30 p.m., at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe. $20-25. Info, 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org

SCAN THIS PAGE WITH THE LAYAR APP TO WATCH A VIDEO SEE PAGE 9

DEC.21 & 22 | DANCE

Cultural traditions surrounding the winter solstice date back thousands of years to the Neolithic and Bronze ages. In Vermont, Theatre Group Limited has honored the year’s shortest day and longest night f or more than three decades with Night Fires.

Directed by companyf ounder Marianne Lust, this annual production interweaves poetry, music and dance f rom around the world. This year, actors don mythical masks and original costumes inspired by central Asia and explore cyclical seasons through a young woman’s journey into the dark earth.

Drawing f rom Turkmenistan, Greece, Tahiti and other locales, the show explores the ways in which humans relate to their everchanging natural environment.

DEC.20-22 | THEATER

COURTESY OF KIM NEWMAN

Darkness Falls

‘NIGHT FIRES’ Friday, December 20, 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 21, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, December 22, 4 p.m., at Town Hall ° eater in Middlebury. $18-23. Info, 382-9222. townhalltheater.org

O

n Christmas Eve, children fall asleep dreaming of the gifts that await them under the tree. For Clara of ˜ e Nutcracker ballet, those dreams come alive. Onstage, she enters a magical world fi lled with a prince, an evil Mouse King and the mystical Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugarplum Fairy. First performed in 18 92, the production features Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and is now a holiday classic worldwide. Guest artist Samuel Wilson of New York City’s Dance ° eatre of Harlem joins Vermont Ballet ° eater dancers in original choreography YOUR by company director Alexander Nagiba, taking audience members on this fantastical journey.

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Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 22, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., at Flynn MainStage in Burlington. $22-35. Info, 863-5966. fl ynntix.org

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Visions of Sugarplums

• BALI • STERLING • GOLD • PEWTER • STRINGING MATERIALS • BOOKS

Last-Minute Gifts!

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TOOLS • SEED BEADS • GLASS • FRESHWATER PEARLS • REPAIRS •

• CHARMS • GIFT CERTIFICATES • GIFT BASKETS •

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colorful holiday cards. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 878-4918.

Women Business oWners netWork Holiday social: Area professionals mingle with friends old and new. Holiday Inn, South Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $15-17. Info, 503-0219.

kids

T HINK LO C A L F IR S T. T HINK COMMUNIT Y F IR S T. T HIN K PHOENIX F IR S T.

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Big ideas dine & discuss: Led by Edward Cashman, folks share a meal, then converse about Ross King's Brunelleschi's Dome.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m.

Free; preregister; bring a Tuscan/Italian dish to share. Info, 878-6955.

Book discussion series: 'soldiering on: aFter Battle & Back Home': Merilyn Burrington elicits opinions about Elizabeth Samet's Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point. South Burlington Community Library, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 652-7076. contemPlative meeting: Reading material inspires discussion about Gnostic principles relative to "Legacy of the Cathars: God is Love."

Foot of the Hill Building, St. Albans, 7 p.m. Free.

Info, 524-9706.

Healing journal & creative journeying: Attendees develop new material in a guided, supportive session led by Kat Kleman. Rainbow Institute, Burlington, 7:30-9 p.m. $10. Info, 671-4569.

tHu.19 activism

amnesty international Write For rigHts: Folks pen letters to government officials in support of 12 people around the world facing persecution that violates their basic human rights. Materials provided. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 4-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 223-3338.

business

crossroads Bni: Local professionals serious about expanding their business network with like-minded attendees. Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Berlin, 8-9:30 a.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 496-6251.

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GT mount mansField scale ON FIL modelers: Hobbyists break MS O CI E TY out the superglue and sweat the small stuff at a miniature construction skill swap. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0765.

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'curves in tHe caPitol': Green Mountain Cabaret presents Alexa Luthor and her Sugar Shakers, who bring a mix of sass and class to a burlesque variety show. Montpelier City Hall Auditorium, 8 p.m. $10-15; for ages 21 and up.

Info, 229-0492.

'WHite cHristmas': Carol Dunne directs this Northern Stage interpretation of the holiday film about two World War II veterans who move their theatrical show to Vermont to win over the singing Haynes sisters. Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. $10-60. Info, 296-7000.

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'dear mr. Watterson': See WED.18, 7 p.m. 'sHakesPeare in love': In John Madden's Academy Award-winning drama, the young bard struggles with writer's block, only to have it lifted by romance, allowing him to pen Romeo and Juliet. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

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HeatHer kralik: Onion River Exchange's outreach coordinator joins current members to explain the central Vermont cooperative's use of time-based currency for goods and services.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 6-7 p.m.

Free. Info, 223-3338.

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191 Bank Street, Downtown Burlington • 802.448.3350 21 Essex Way, Essex • 802.872.7111

essential online tools For nonProFits WorksHoP: An open format with Rob Fish helps local organizations utilize digital technology to meet specific needs. North Hero Public Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 223-6091.

talks

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green mountain taBle tennis cluB: Pingpong players swing their paddles in singles and doubles matches. Knights of Columbus, Rutland, 6-9:30 p.m. Free for first two sessions; $30 annual membership. Info, 247-5913.

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BaBy & me story time: Mother Gooseinspired plotlines entertain parents and little listeners ages 2 and under. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

OPEN EVERY DAY ‘TILL CHRISTMAS INSTRUCTION IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE BaBytime PlaygrouP: Crawling tots and their parents convene for playtime and sharing. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 876-7555.

21 Taft Corners Shopping Center, Williston Fall story time: Kiddos share read-aloud 288-9666 • www.beadcrazyvt.com tales and wiggles and giggles with Mrs. Liza.

Highgate Public Library, 11:15 a.m. Free. Info, CLASS LIST AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE! 868-3970.

HomeWork HelP: First through eighth graders get help with reading, math and science 12v-beadcrazy121813.indd 1 12/13/13 10:25 AMassignments from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science students. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. think first before you click. meet rockin' ron tHe Friendly Pirate: Aargh, matey! Youngsters celebrate the hooligans of the sea with music, games and activities. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810. moving & grooving WitH cHristine: Two- to 5-year-olds jam out to rock-and-roll and world-beat tunes. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

PrescHool art class: Mini Picassos ages 3 to 5 and their adult caregivers get creative with painting, clay sculpting, collage and more.

Davis Studio, Burlington, 10-11 a.m. $20; preregister. Info, 425-2700. read to coco: Budding bookworms share words with the licensed reading-therapy dog.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 223-4665. read to a dog: Lit lovers take advantage of quality time with a friendly, fuzzy therapy pooch. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister for a time slot. Info, 849-2420. 'skiPPyjon jones': TheatreworksUSA brings Judy Schachner's award-winning children's book about an adventurous Siamese cat to the stage. Lebanon Opera House, N.H.,10 a.m. $4-6.

Info, 603-448-0400. story time & PlaygrouP: Engaging narratives pave the way for art, nature and cooking projects. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. story time For 3- to 5-year-olds: Preschoolers stretch their reading skills through activities involving puppets and books. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1010:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Wii gaming: Players show off their physical gaming skills. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, Find holiday gifts for everyone on your 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955. list at locally owned Phoenix Books, language in Essex and Burlington. englisH-language class For neW americans: Beginner-to-advanced speakers improve their skills. Administrative Office and Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7211.

sport

oPen Bridge game: Players of varying experience levels put strategic skills to use. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 5:30-7:45 p.m. Free.

Info, 462-3373.

Forza: tHe samurai sWord Workout: Students sculpt lean muscles and gain mental focus when performing basic strikes with wooden replicas of the weapon. North End Studio A, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. $10. Info, 578-9243. grouP meditation: Folks still their minds in a supportive session. Westford Library, 7-8 p.m.

Free. Info, 878-3725. guided Partner tHai BodyWork: Lori Flower of Karmic Connection shares basic techniques that create relaxation and personal connection. Community Room, Hunger Mountain Co-op, Montpelier, 6:45-7:45 p.m. $8-10; preregister. Info, 223-8000, ext. 202.

Healing WitH ancient Wisdom: Reiki master Christy Morgan helps folks find relaxation through the Japanese technique, aromatherapy and Andara crystals. Rainbow Institute, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. $11. Info, 671-4569. systema WitH ryan miller: An in-depth exploration of breath and natural movement informs this individualized approach to the Russian martial art. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 7-8:15 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

holidays

girl develoP it Holiday riot: Coders of all skill levels discuss recent projects and programming problems over local brews. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, maureen@ girldevelopit.com.

Holiday artisans Bazaar: See WED.18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Holiday oPen House: Live music, massage and an author appearance by Ed Behr meet samples of Eden Ice Cider and Burke Mountain Confectionery at this seasonal soirée. St. Johnsbury Food Co-op, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 748-9498.

PumPkin Hill singers: In "A Little Winter's Night Music," the 16-member ensemble presents a holiday program of classics alongside variations of popular carols. North Congregational Church, St. Johnsbury, 7:30 p.m. Donations. Info, 748-3512. 'tHe santaland diaries': lake Placid: Drunken Santas and crazed sales clerks drive this stage adaptation of David Sedaris' famed essay detailing his role as an elf at Macy's amid the holiday frenzy. Lake Placid Center for the Arts, N.Y., 7:30 p.m. $1521. Info, 518-523-2512.

'WHite reindeer': In Zach Clark's awardwinning dark comedy, a recently widowed real estate agent's life takes a series of unexpected turns as Christmas approaches. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free to attend; donations benefit the Burlington Film Society.

Info, info@burlingtonfilmsociety.org.

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Franklin Story Hour: Preschoolers convene for tales, songs and crafts. Haston Library, Franklin, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Middlebury PreScHool Story tiMe: Little learners master early-literacy skills through tales, rhymes and songs. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4369.

MontgoMery inFant/toddler PlaygrouP: Infants to 2-year-olds idle away the hours with stories and songs. Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

MuSic WitH derek: Preschoolers up to age 5 bust out song-and-dance moves to traditional and original folk. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

MuSic WitH Mr. cHriS: Singer, storyteller and puppeteer Chris Dorman entertains tykes and parents alike. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Winter SolStice celebration: Kiddos in grades 3 through 6 mark the year's shortest day and longest night with stories, songs and crafts. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

WorceSter PlaygrouP: Crafts, snacks and outdoor adventures delight little ones up to age 5. Doty Memorial Elementary School, Worcester, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-1312.

language

beginner SPaniSH leSSonS: Newcomers develop basic competency en español. 57 Charlotte Street, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. $20.

Info, 324-1757, gsyaranga@gmail.com.

HebreW claSS: Those looking to learn the ancient language attend this weekly session.

Temple Sinai, South Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 862-5125.

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breakFaSt WitH cHriStine Plunkett: Residents join Burlington College's president for the first meal of the day to learn about current activities, ask questions or voice concerns.

Burlington College, 8-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 862-9616.

dance

ballrooM & latin dancing: Samir Elabd leads choreographed steps for singles and couples. No partner or experience required.

Jazzercize Studio, Williston, introductory lesson, 7-8 p.m.; dance, 8-10 p.m. $14. Info, 862-2269. engliSH country dance: Lar Duggan, McKinley James, Laura Markowitz and Ana Ruesink provide music for newcomers and experienced movers alike. All dances are taught.

Elley-Long Music Center, St. Michael's College, Colchester, introductory workshop, 7-7:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $8-10; bring a snack to share. Info, 899-2378.

Queen city tango Milonga: No partner is required for welcoming the weekend in the Argentine tradition. Wear clean, soft-soled shoes. North End Studios, Burlington, introductory session, 7-7:45 p.m.; dance, 7:45-10 p.m. $7. Info, 877-6648.

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GREEN MOUNTAIN NUTCRACKER The holiday dance classic with an original made-in-Vermont twist!

Sat. Dec. 21st @6pm Sun. Dec. 22nd @ 2pm

film

'live FroM tHe red SQuare Featuring anna netrebko and dMitri HvoroStovSky': The famed vocalists pair up for a concert of popular arias and duets from Tosca, Eugene Onegin and Il Trovatore in this broadcast production. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, 7:30 p.m. $12. Info, 760-4634.

BARRE OPERA HOUSE, BARRE, VT.

food & drink

candy-cane-Making deMonStration: See WED.18, 11 a.m.

WonderFul Wing nigHt: The men's auxiliary hosts a smorgasbord of this favorite finger food in flavor variations that please every palate. Live music by Leno & Young follows. VFW Post, Essex Junction, 5:30-7 p.m. $4-7. Info, 878-0700.

health & fitness

avoid FallS WitH iMProved Stability: A personal trainer demonstrates daily practices for seniors concerned about their balance.

Pines Senior Living Community, South Burlington, 10 a.m. $5. Info, 658-7477. coMMunity WellneSS day: Practitioners offer Reiki, Shiatsu, aromatherapy, acupressure, energy work and more to those looking to experience alternative healing. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sliding-scale donations; preregister. Info, 870-0361.

holidays

'an olde FaSHioned cHriStMaS': A reading of "’Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Santa kicks off an evening of performances from community members. A silent auction rounds out this benefit for Gabriel's Children. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 6:45 p.m. $6-12; $30 per family; free for kids under 6. Info, 775-0903.

FRI.20

12/9/13 3:04 PM

MOVING LIGHT DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS THE 7TH ANNUAL

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“...one of the most entertaining,

TICKET S $14-26 12/9/13 10:23 AM

thought-provoking and just plain terrific pieces of cinema history ever created...”

– Ken Eisen, Co-founder

Maine International Film Festival

Our 3 DVD Box Set contains new epic documentary.

Available on our web site.

Order now!

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acting WorkSHoP: Budding thespians ages 16 and up develop their craft under the direction of seasoned actor Tom Nielsen. Vermont Institute of Contemporary Arts, Chester, 6 p.m. $20. Info, 875-1018.

'WHite cHriStMaS': See WED.18, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

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SEVEN DAYS

reSearcHing JeWiSH rootS: Diane Sophrin of Beth Jacob Synagogue shares techniques for investigating ancestry using library and online resources. Vermont Historical Society Leahy Library, Barre, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 479-8509.

book diScuSSion: 'Making SenSe oF tHe civil War': History buffs consider Edward Ayers' America's War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on Their 150th Anniversaries with Jon Margolis. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

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Winter SolStice Stroll: The Winooski Valley Park District leads a woodland trek, on which folks learn about the winter survival skills of local plants and animals. Proper attire and footwear required. Woodside Natural Area, Essex Junction, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

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Matteo PalMer cd releaSe Party: The winner of the 2013 Vermont HAS Talent competition debuts his album Out of Nothing.

Vergennes Opera House, 7:30 p.m. $10; cash bar. Info, 877-6737. noontiMe concert SerieS: Organist Lynnette Combs accompanies soprano Annalise Shelmandine, who performs selections from her upcoming senior voice recital.

First Baptist Church, Burlington, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Free. Info, 864-6515.

I just signed up for Yeah, I heard FPF Front Porch Forum was statewide. in Pawlett!

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12/14/13 11:23 AM

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Heliand consort: Percussionist Nicola Cannizzaro joins the trio for a program of classical music ranging from the baroque era to contemporary selections. See calendar spotlight. Brandon Music Café, 7:30 p.m. $15; $30 includes dinner package; preregister; BYOB. Info, 465-4071.

theater

‘nigHt fires’: Rooted in ancient traditions, Theatre Group Ltd. honors the winter solstice with a multicultural pageant of song, dance and storytelling. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, See calendar spotlight. 8 p.m. $1823. Info, 382-9222.

'WHite cHristmas': See WED.18, 7:30 p.m.

sat.21 art

Peter miller: The local photographer signs and discusses his book, A Lifetime of Vermont People. Frog Hollow, Burlington, 1-3 p.m.

Free. Info, 863-6458.

fairs & festivals

ABILITIES sturdy inclinable • handy tray for storing paints & brushes • holds canvas up to 49" •

frostfest: Animal-care demos, upcycled craft activities, themed story times and snowball fights augment the museum's exhibit offerings. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center/ Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids 2 and under. Info, 877-324-6386.

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film

Woodstock film series: Trainers attempt to tame mustangs destined to live in a federal corral for adoption into a better life in Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus' documentary Wild Horse, Wild Ride.

Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 3 p.m. $5-11.

Info, 457-2355.

food & drink

Bank Street, 98139 Church Street Burlington Burlington 864-5475 • boutiliersart.com 802.864.5475 M-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 www.boutiliers.com

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Burlington Winter farmers market: Farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling indoor marketplace with live music, lunch seating and face painting. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172, info@burlingtonfarmersmarket.org. candy-cane-making demonstration: See WED.18, 11 a.m. caPital city Winter farmers market: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at an off-season celebration of locally grown food. Gymnasium, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free. Info, 223-2958. middleBury Winter farmers market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers' totes. Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 989-7223. flash of legs, lyrics, & laughs. glitz, glamor, guffaws! norWicH Winter farmers market: Farmers and artisans offer produce, meats Dec 18 229-0492 lostnationtheater.org and maple syrup alongside homemade baked goods and handcrafted items. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 384-7447. wOKO 98.9,wCAX, GALLERy 833, PlymoutH cHeese tasting: Fromage lovers 12V-LostNation121813.indd 1 12/15/13 8:52 PM HARVEST EqUIPMENT sample varieties from one of the country's & LUCKy’S TRAILER SALES oldest cheese factories, located at the Calvin present Coolidge homestead. Vermont Country Store, Weston, noon-3 p.m. Free. Info, 362-5950. rutland Winter farmers market: More than 50 vendors sell local produce, cheese, homemade bread and other made-in-Vermont products at the bustling indoor venue.

Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 10 a.m.HOLIDAY VARIET Y SHOW 2 p.m. Free. Info, 753-7269.

Music • Comedy • Holiday Family Treat health & fitness Dean Martin Style Variety Show NASHVILLE SINGER KEEGHAN NOLAN kung fu WitH daVid mcnally: The seconddegree black belt brings 25 years of experience MASTER FIDDLER PATRICK ROSS The show to a practice of the martial art's five-animals UNCLE FURMON will make you happy! style. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 10:45-11:45 a.m. $14. Info, 870-0361. r.i.P.P.e.d.: See WED.18,. North End Studio A, DEC 27 & 28, 8PM Burlington, 9-10 a.m. $10. Info, 578-9243.

Stowe High School yoga WitH reBeccaH Brinton: A mix of Tickets: Green Goddess, Shaw’s General Store asana, pranayama and meditation makes for thelogger.com, 802-888-8838 a mixed-level, occasionally rigorous class. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 9-10:30 a.m.

Full ofn!

DEC 31, 8PM Glute $14. Info, 870-0361.

Spruce Peak Center for the Arts Rated Tickets: sprucepeakarts.org 802-760-4643

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'green mountain nutcracker': Moving Light Dance Company puts a local twist on this holiday classic — with a Vermont farmhouse and Maple Sugar Fairy taking center stage. Barre Opera House, 6 p.m. $14-26. Info, 476-8188.

'Vermont's oWn 'nutcracker'': Under company director Alexander Nagiba, the Vermont Ballet Theater welcomes guest artist Samuel Wilson of the Dance Theatre of Harlem to interpret the Christmas Eve adventures of Clara. See calendar spotlight. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $22-35.

Info, 863-5966.

Bike Jam: Gearheads help low-income Vermonters with repairs, while others craft jewelry out of old bicycle parts or help out around the shop. Bike Recycle Vermont, Burlington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 264-9687.

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acorn cluB story time: Little ones up to age 6 gather for read-aloud tales. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291. cHildren's story time: Budding bookworms pore over pages in themed, weekly gatherings.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338. dungeons & dragons: Imaginative XP earners in grades 6 and up exercise their problemsolving skills in battles and adventures.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free.

Info, 878-6956. early Bird matH: Inquisitive minds explore mathematic concepts with books, songs, games and activities.

Richmond Free Library, 11 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 434-3036. enosBurg falls story Hour: Youngsters show up for fables and crafts.

Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

HomeWork HelP: See WED.18, 3-6 p.m. little driBBlers BasketBall Program: Drive to the hoop!

M Preschoolers through first IL LE graders learn new skills in R a supportive environment.

Gymnasium, Highgate Elementary School, 4:45 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 868-3970. music WitH derek: Kiddos up to age 8 shake their sillies out to toe-tapping tunes. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

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Holiday artisans Bazaar: See WED.18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. orcHard Valley Waldorf scHool Winter solstice celeBration: Locals fête the season with dance, song, drama, poetry, music and comedy. Montpelier High School, 6 p.m. Free.

Info, 456-7400.

PumPkin Hill singers: See THU.19, Congregational Church, Danville, 7:30 p.m.

Donations. Info, 748-3512. solstice gatHering: Based on Ronald Dahinden's The Monotone-Silence symphony, folks participate in 20 minutes of one continual note, 20 minutes of meditation and 20 minutes of silent art viewing. All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne, 4-6 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3819. 'tHe santaland diaries': Local actor Joseph Grabon interprets David Sedaris' famed essay about his stint as a Macy's elf during the holidays in this Bad Quarto production. Artfull Cup Studio, Jeffersonville, 8 p.m. $10-15. Info, 473-1801. 'tHe santaland diaries': lake Placid: See THU.19, 7:30 p.m.

Vermont symPHony orcHestra Brass Quintet WitH counterPoint: Holiday favorites such as "Jingle Bell Rock" join Johna Saltsman's "Jazzy Quintet" and excerpts of concertos by Handel and Vivaldi in a varied program conducted by Nathaniel Lew. Jay Peak Resort, 7:30 p.m. $20-24; free for kids under 18.

Info, 864-5741.

Winter carols concert: Jarvis Green directs an eclectic program featuring the BarnArts chorale and youth chorus, soloists Marco Jordao and Luette Saul, the East Bay Jazz Ensemble and various Upper Valley artists. First Universalist Church and Society, Barnard, 7 p.m. $8-15. Info, 332-6020.

music WitH roBert: Music lovers of all ages join sing-alongs with Robert Resnik. Daycare programs welcome with one caregiver for every two children. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free; groups must preregister. Info, 865-7216. songs & stories WitH mattHeW: Musician Matthew Witten helps children start the day with tunes and tales of adventure. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free.

Info, 878-6956. teen adVisory Board reunion: Past and present members catch up and plan future events. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. teen moVie: Henry Cavill and Amy Adams star in Man of Steel, about a boy who must reconcile his extraterrestrial genes when members of his race invade Earth. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:15-8:45 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Write on!: Wordsmiths ages 6 to 10 brainstorm ideas and spin a story or two. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665. youtH yoga: Yogis ages 14 through 17 hit the mat for a stretching session. Jenke Arts, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free.

GS Info, 279-6663.

FA R

GIFTS FOR

30% OFF

B i e r h au s s a D ch Street, Burlington, Chur VT 5 7 1

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES

FEATURING...

VT’s Best Beers $5 Heady Topper Tuesdays Every Thursday = Half-price sandwiches. All-day.

&Trivia(7-9pm)

Live Music [9-11pm)

For info on upcoming trivia nights, concerts, events and more, check out facebook.com/DasBierhausVT

DECEMBER 20-23

STATE OF VERMONT

Total Energy Study PUBLIC MEETING

Join the Public Service Department to learn about the Total Energy Study and partake in discussion.

Thursday November 14 th 6:30-8:00 pm At the State House Room 11 115 State Street, Montpelier

Or via Webinar, preregister The Blue Mall, 150at Dorset Street, S. Burlington, sportshoecenter.com www4.gotomeeting.com/register/276236743 For special accommodations at the meeting,

6h-sportshoecenter121813.indd 1 call 802-828-2811 prior to the event.

Make RESERVATIONS &

PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD

book PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

Since 2000, Vermont electric bills have included an Energy Efficiency Charge (EEC). Funds collected by the charge pay for energy efficiency services designed to save money by reducing Vermont's electricity needs. This notice contains the new EEC rates that take effect starting with bills sent out February 1, 2014. The EEC pays for an organization called Efficiency Vermont to provide energy efficiency services to most of the state. For more information, including technical advice, education, rebates and other financial incentives for homes, farms and businesses, contact Efficiency Vermont toll free at 888-921-5990 or at www.efficiencyvermont.com.

802.881.0600

Authentic German dishes, prepared with love, using locally sourced ingredients.

SEVENDAYSVt.com

2014 EnErgy EfficiEncy chargE

www.publicservice.vermont.gov

www.DasBierhausVT.com

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12/13/13 11:18 AM

12/14/13 4:45 PM

Spend less.

Earn more.

EnErgy EfficiEncy bEnEfits VErmont in two ways 1) using less electricity lowers the bills of individuals who take steps to reduce their power use; 2) and more importantly, when statewide use goes down, it reduces electric utilities' total system costs, which would otherwise be paid by all electric customers through rates. customErs of most vErmont ElEctric utilitiEs. EffEctivE on fEBruary 2014 Bills, thE EEc ratEs for all customErs ExcEpt thosE of thE city of Burlington ElEctric DEpartmEnt (BED) will BE: Residential: Commercial: Non-demand customers Demand customers Industrial: Non-demand customers Demand customers Street and Area Lights:

Current EEC rates $0.01011/kilowatt hour (kWh

2014 EEC rates $0.01091/kWh

$0.00867/kWh $0.00559/kWh plus $0.8954/kilowatt (kW)/month

$0.00928/kWh $0.00605/kWh plus $0.9290/kW/month

$0.00612/kWh $0.00404/kWh plus $0.9965/kW/month $0.0087/kWh, determined by multiplying the light wattage by 360 hours/month

$0.00657/kWh $0.00444/kWh plus $1.0514/kW/month $0.0093/kWh, determined by multiplying the light wattage by 360 hours/month

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

BED customErs. EffEctivE on fEBruary 2014 Bills, thE EEc ratEs for BED customErs will BE: Residential: Commercial: Non-demand customers Demand customers Industrial: Non-demand customers Demand customers

Only at CCV can you get a quality education at the lowest cost of any college in Vermont, and our financial aid team can help you figure out how to cover it.

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2014 EEC rates $0.00798/kWh

$0.00681/kWh $0.00421/kWh plus $1.0576/kW/month

$0.00709/kWh $0.00429/kWh plus $1.1286/kW/month

$0.00554/kWh $0.00371/kWh plus $1.4023/kW/month $0.0068/kWh, determined by multiplying the light wattage by 354 hours/month

$0.00571/kWh $0.00379/kWh plus $1.4752/kW/month 0.0071 per kWh, determined by multiplying the light wattage by 354 hours/month

Street and Area Lights:

BED rates differ from the rest of the state because BED provides energy efficiency services to its own customers.

BED customers with questions about their EEC rates or about energy efficiency services can contact BED at 802-658-0300.

EEC rates are calculated separately for each customer group using each group’s electric use and payments. Changes in usage within each group result in different percentage changes in EEC rates for different groups.

800-228-6686

for more information about the charge, please contact your local utility or the Vermont Department of Public service consumer Hotline at 1-800-622-4496.

58

www.ccv.edu/save

Current EEC rates $0.00767/kWh

11/19/13 2:24 PM

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calendar SAT.21

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holidays

pAtti cAsey & Friends: The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist welcomes local talent in "Stories for a Winter's Eve." Old

seminars

3d printing, designing & scAnning With Blu-Bin: Instruction in basic programs teaches attendees how to build digital models of their ideas. Blu-Bin, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free; preregister. Info, 345-6030. tinker-mAker series: Attendees of all ages improve their digital literacy with instruction in the graphic programming language Scratch.

Adult accompaniment required for participants under 12. Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 586-9683. vcAm Access orientAtion: Videoproduction hounds learn basic concepts and nomenclature at an overview of VCAM facilities, policies and procedures. VCAM Studio, Burlington, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 651-9692.

theater

the met: live in hd series: Ambrogio Maestri stars in a broadcast production of Verdi's comedic opera Falstaff. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 12:55 p.m. $10-20. Info, 775-0903. ‘night Fires’: See FRI.20, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.

'White christmAs': See WED.18, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

SPARKLE!

Tuesday, December 31st 5pm to ????

Nothing says “celebrate” like a glass of bubbly. Get the New Year’s revelry started with a little sparkle: Champagne, Cava, Prosecco . . . including some surprising varietals. And, Chef Joe will have some fancy specials guaranteed to impress.

“Come quickly, I am tasting stars.” – Dom Perignon.

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Good for massages, Murad facials and peace of mind.

the poetry eXperience: Creative prompts inspire writers to put pen to paper, after which they share stanzas in a supportive environment. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 489-5546.

sun.22 art

peter miller: See SAT.21. Vermont Country Store, Weston, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 362-5950.

montpelier Antiques mArket: The past comes alive with offerings of furniture, artwork, jewelry and more at this ephemera extravaganza. Elks Club, Montpelier, 7:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. $2-5. Info, 751-6138.

12/15/13 4:49 PM

Tis the Season for Massage Envy Gift Cards

words

bazaars

NEW YEAR’S EVE

49

$

Introductory 1-hour Murad Healthy Skin facial session

Ask About Our Holiday Gift Card Specials

dance

Belly dAnce With emily piper: Drawing from ancient traditions and far-reaching cultural influences, participants tap into meditation and self-compassion. Comfortable clothing required. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 5-6:30 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

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CALENDAR 59

music

sleigh rides: Giddy up! Weather permitting, horses trot folks over snow-covered open fields.

Rides leave every half hour. Seats are first come, first served. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $810; free for kids under 3. Info, 985-8442.

802.859.0888

WILLISTON 2141 Essex Road 4t-massageevny121813.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS

A solstice crAFt: Little ones ages 5 and up transform a clear glass jar into a "stained glass" candleholder with provided materials.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon.

Free. Info, 865-7216. preschool Art clAss: See WED.18, 10-11 a.m.

outdoors

160 Bank Street Burlington, VT

12.18.13-12.25.13

kids

Meeting House, Montpelier, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. $10-15. Info, 229-9593. sociAl BAnd: "Deep Midwinter: Songs From Winter's Heart" honors the season with carols and ancient and modern selections. Christ Church Presbyterian, Burlington, 7:30-9 p.m. $15 suggested donation. Info, 338-7448. solstice music shoW: Theresa Hartford, Kevin Sabourin and others take the stage at an all-ages concert. ROTA Gallery, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 7 p.m. $3-10. Info, 518-314-9872, rotagallery@gmail.com. the Blue gArdeniAs: The jazz vocal trio brings seamless three-part harmonies to various genres in "Longest Night, Merry and Bright." See calendar spotlight. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, 7:30 p.m. $20-25. Info, 760-4634.

SEVENDAYSVt.com

'An AdirondAck christmAs Xiii': This North Country holiday tradition brings the area's favorite musicians to the stage for a familyfriendly evening of music, song and laughter.

Lake Placid Center for the Arts, N.Y., 7:30 p.m. $6-12. Info, 518-523-2512.

BcA holidAy Artist mArket: More than 30 local artists display an array of handmade wares for a unique shopping experience.

Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Free. Info, 865-7166. christmAs dinner & dAnce: Diners feast on a meal of prime rib or scallops, potatoes, vegetables, rolls and dessert. Live music by Phil ’n the Blanks follows. Elks Lodge, Burlington, cocktail hour, 6 p.m.; dinner, 7 p.m. $20. Info, 862-1342. christmAs At the FArm: Families celebrate the holidays 19th-century-style with candle dipping, ornament making, horse-drawn sleigh rides and sledding. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids 2 and under. Info, 457-2355. holidAy ArtisAns BAzAAr: See WED.18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. holidAy stories For the Whole FAmily: Ethan Bowen and Laurence Matson give readings of A Christmas Carol and At Peace with the Lord, respectively. BigTown Gallery, Rochester, 1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 767-9670. hot chocolAte hut: Revelers take a break from A Very Merry Middlebury festivities to sip this cold-weather comfort drink. Cannon Park, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 25 cents per cup.

Info, 377-3557.

Joe's Big BAnd christmAs BAll: Hitting the stage with an expansive repertoire, the 18-piece ensemble presents an evening of swing and jazz standards. Vergennes Opera House, 7-10 p.m. $5-15; $40 per family. Info, 877-6737. onion river chorus: Larry Gordon directs vocalists in "O Morning Star," a Christmas program of contrasting works from four centuries.

First Church Universalist, Barre, 7:30 p.m. $1012; $25 per family. Info, 426-3210. 'the muppet christmAs cArol': Michael Caine joins Jim Henson's motley crew to reinterpret the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit. Savoy Theater, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 229-0509. 'the polAr eXpress': Big-screen adventures abound when a doubting boy boards a magical train en route to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. South Hero Community Library, noon.

Free; preregister. Info, 372-6209. 'the sAntAlAnd diAries': See FRI.20. Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10-15; limited seating. Info, 473-1801. 'the sAntAlAnd diAries': lAke plAcid: See THU.19, 7:30 p.m.

Winter cArols concert: See FRI.20, 7 p.m.

Winter solstice sAcred sound prActice: Using a crystal singing bowl, Heidi Champney leads an evening of guided song and chanting.

Jenke Arts, Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Donations.

Info, 453-2916.

INFO@

12/4/13 11:07 AM

calendar

the

CONFERENCE & EVENT CENTER

SUN.22

at CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE

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Dance Lab: A study of the art form with Selene Colburn allows regional dancers to explore humor and vulnerability in performance.

Capital City Grange, Montpelier, 1:15-5:15 p.m. $20. Info, 279-8836, hwdennison@gmail.com.

'Green Mountain nutcracker': See SAT.21, 2 p.m. 'the nutcracker': Local dance students join members of the Albany Berkshire Ballet in this holiday classic about a young girl's magical Christmas Eve dream. paramount Theatre, Rutland, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. $29.50-39.50. Info, 775-0903.

'VerMont's own 'nutcracker'': See SAT.21, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.

THE PERFECT SPOT FOR ANY EVENT! Conferences, Meetings, Trainings, Summer Camps, and Group Summer Lodging...

Unique venue with nearby entertainment & outdoor recreation options

fairs & festivals

For more information, contact us at: eventcenter@champlain.edu 866-872-3603 www.champlain.edu/eventcenter

FrostFest: See SAT.21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

food & drink

canDy-cane-MakinG DeMonstration: See WED.18, 11 a.m. sunDay breakFast: Rise and shine! Bacon, scrambled eggs, corned-beef hash, sausage and biscuits await. proceeds benefit veterans and their families. VFW post 309, peru, N.Y., 9 a.m.-noon. $7. Info, 518-643-2309.

health & fitness

aikiDo with sensei ryan MiLLer: Students tap into personal empowerment during an exploration of the Japanese martial art's self-defense techniques. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361. spirituaL heaLinG & enerGy-upLiFtinG MeDitation: Drawing on 20 years of experience, Cynthia Warwick Seiler facilitates this lighthearted session aimed at accessing intuition, clarity and awareness. Rainbow Institute, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. $15 suggested donation. Info, 671-4569. sunDay yoGa: Chelsea Varin teaches various styles, including Vinyasa and Hatha. ROTA Gallery, plattsburgh, N.Y., noon. Free. Info, 518-314-9872.

SEVENDAYSVt.com

holidays

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

OPEN

EAST MONTPELIER

CALL FOR ADDITIONAL

2205 VT Route 14S DAILY LOCATIONS ATTENTION ALL FIREWORKS ENTHUSIASTS: 10AM-6PM (802)229-9659 AND HOURS

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a fireworks display? Have you ever had the desire to shoot professional fireworks? Northstar Fireworks is currently offering an 8-week training session beginning in January, 2014. Training will include class room time, live demonstrations and participation in professional fireworks displays followed by the opportunity to become a pyrotechnician at Northstar Fireworks. Call (802) 2299690 for more information and to schedule an interview.

bca hoLiDay artist Market: See SAT.21, noon-6 p.m. christMas at the FarM: See SAT.21, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m. hoLiDay artisans bazaar: See WED.18, noon-3 p.m. oLD FashioneD christMas on the FarM: Families meet Santa, then gather around a 20foot tree, where they sip hot cider and cocoa and make homemade ornaments. Health Hero Farm, South Hero, 4-6 p.m. $7-12; $35 per family; free for kids 2 and under. Info, 378-5033. onion riVer chorus: See SAT.21, Unitarian Church, Montpelier, 4 p.m. $10-12; $25 per family. Info, 426-3210. 'the santaLanD Diaries': See FRI.20, Soul Fire Studio, Burlington, 2-3 p.m. $10-15; limited seating. Info, 473-1801.

Victoria Fraser: The acclaimed ceremonial performance artist presents "Holy Christmas, The Christmas Cycle: The Miraculous Child."

North End Studio A, Burlington, 3 p.m. $15 suggested donation. Info, 864-0701. winter caroLs concert: See FRI.20, East Barnard Church, 4 p.m. $8-15. Info, 332-6020.

60 CALENDAR

kids OPEN DAILY 10AM-6PM

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EAST MONTPELIER 2205 VT Route 14S (802)229-9659

CALL FOR ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS AND HOURS

12/14/13 4:19 PM

hoMework heLp: See WED.18, 2-6 p.m.

JaMbo! aFrican-styLe teen Dance party: Middle and high school students boogie down at this multicultural meet-up. North End

Studio B, Burlington, 6-9 p.m. $3-5. Info, 8622608 or 863-6713. russian pLay tiMe with natasha: Kiddos up to age 8 learn new words via rhymes, games, music, dance and a puppet show.

Buttered Noodles, Williston, 11-11:45 a.m. Free.

Info, 764-1810.

language

French conVersation Group: DiManches: Parlez-vous français? Speakers practice the tongue at a casual, drop-in chat. Local History Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 363-2431.

lgbtq

ru12? Fiber arts Group: A knitting, crocheting and weaving session welcomes all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations and skill levels. RU12? Community Center, Burlington, noon. Free. Info, 860-7812.

music

art herttua: The jazz guitarist entertains diners as part of the Sunday Brunch Music Series. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 434-4245.

Green Mountain MahLer FestiVaL open rehearsaL: Orchestra and chorus parts are welcomed as the organization prepares for its January benefit performance of Beethoven's Ninth. See vtmahler.org for details. Temple Sinai, South Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 864-0788.

JuDy coLLins: The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter delivers an intimate show of heartwarming holiday songs and original hits.

Town Hall Theatre, Woodstock, 7 p.m. $46.50.

Info, 457-3981. sociaL banD: See SAT.21, Congregational Church, Charlotte, 3-5 p.m. $15 suggested donation. Info, 338-7448.

outdoors

sLeiGh riDes: See SAT.21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

theater ‘niGht Fires’: See FRI.20, 4 p.m. 'white christMas': See WED.18, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Mon.23 dance

aDaptiVe internationaL FoLk DancinG: Creative movers of all ages, abilities and mobility learn international routines. Walkers and wheelchairs are accommodated. North End Studio A, Burlington, 1-2 p.m. $5; free for assistants. Info, 863-6713. saLsa Dance cLass: DsantosVT leads hipshaking steps for dancers of all experience levels. North End Studios, Burlington, beginners, 7-8 p.m.; intermediate, 8 p.m. $10. Info, 863-6713.

etc.

tibetan sinGinG & heaLinG bowL MeDitation: Using multitonal frequencies, Kirk Maris Jones accesses the power of the ancient instruments. Rainbow Institute, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. $9 suggested donation. Info, 671-4569.

VerMont heaLth care exchanGe inForMation session: See WED.18, 2-5 p.m.

fairs & festivals

FrostFest: See SAT.21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

liSt Your EVENt for frEE At SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT

film

'Tough guise: Violence, Media and The crisis in MasculiniTy': In Sut Jhally's documentary, social critic Jackson Katz considers the divide between pop culture and the reality of being a man in late-20th-century America. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600.

games

music

recorder-playing group: Musicians produce early folk, baroque and swingjazz melodies. New and potential players welcome. Presto Music Store, South Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 658-0030, info@prestomusic.net. saMBaTucada! open rehearsal: New faces are invited to pitch in as Burlington's samba streetpercussion band sharpens its tunes. Experience and instruments are not required. 8 Space Studio Collective, Burlington, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-5017.

chess & Bridge clinic: CO Monty Montgomery shares UR TE his expertise with players in a SY OF J ACKSON KATZ supportive environment. Vermont Room, Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095. outdoors TriVia nighT: Teams of quick thinkers sleigh rides: See SAT.21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. gather for a meeting of the minds. Lobby, Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, theater 651-5012.

'WhiTe chrisTMas': See WED.18, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

health & fitness

aVoid Falls WiTh iMproVed sTaBiliTy: See FRI.20, 10 a.m. aWareness Through MoVeMenT: Feldenkrais WiTh uWe MesTer: Increased flexibility and range of motion allow participants to address habitual neuromuscular patterns. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, noon-1 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

Body BlasT: Participants lace up their sneakers for a strengthening and toning session.

Studio Zenith, Montpelier, 2-3 p.m. $14. Info, hannasatt@gmail.com. laughTer yoga: Giggles help students decrease stress and tap into a playful practice.

The Wellness Co-op, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon.

Free. Info, 888-492-8218, ext. 300. prenaTal yoga: Sila Rood leads expectant mothers in poses and stretches focused on preparing the body for birth. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 7 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361. r.i.p.p.e.d.: See WED.18, 6-7 p.m.

holidays

kids

Body BlasT: See MON.23, 2-3 p.m.

FaMily-Friendly yoga WiTh deBorah FelMeTh: Meditation, Vinyasa-style asana, chanting and yogic philosophy help parents tap into creative expression. Kiddos ages 3 through 5 do the same at an art class across the hall. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 9-10:30 a.m. $14; $25 includes kids art class; preregister. Info, 870-0361. kundalini Fusion yoga: A blend of ancient teachings and exercises facilitates an awareness of the body and mind. Jenke Arts, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Donations. Info, 279-6663. sysTeMa WiTh ryan Miller: See THU.19, 7-8:15 p.m.

Vinyasa FloW: Yogis place an emphasis on stretching, toning, balancing and releasing negative mental vibrations. Studio Zenith, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. $14. Info, hannasatt@ gmail.com.

holidays

chrisTMas aT The FarM: See SAT.21, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m. holiday parTy WiTh The aniMals: Locals help fulfill the needs of shelter pets with gifts of toys and supplies at this festive gathering featuring an appearance from Santa and more. See cvhumane.com for details. Central Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations. Info, 476-3811.

outdoors

sleigh rides: See SAT.21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wed.25 holidays

SPRING TERM CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Full or part-time program for degree students.

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

EDUCATION • Concentrations in: Literacy, Curriculum, Arts, Special Education, School Leadership • Teacher Licensure • Teacher Endorsements

TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (TESOL) • MATESOL • MATESOL plus PreK-12 Licensure/Endorsement • MATESOL OnCampus + Online • Peace Corps Master’s International • Graduate Certificate

SEVEN DAYS

• Summer TESOL Diploma

654-2100 GRADUATE PROGRAMS

2v-stmikesgrad(springterm)121113.indd 1

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CALENDAR 61

coMMuniTy chrisTMas dinner: Diners share holiday cheer over turkey, ham, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash and pie. Hedding United Methodist Church, Barre, noon-2 p.m.

Free. Info, 476-5569.

Feed The coMMuniTy holiday dinner: A hot homemade meal sates appetites and taps into the spirit of giving. Donated winter gear available for all attendees. Elks Lodge, Burlington, noon-3 p.m. Free. Info, 862-1342. 'need To Feed' chrisTMas dinner: Plates piled high with tasty fare bring holiday smiles to those in need. Junior's Downtown, Burlington, noon-3 p.m. Free; free transportation is available. Info, 655-0000. m

JANUARY 13–MAY 2 MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

12.18.13-12.25.13

alice in noodleland: Youngsters get acquainted over crafts and play while new parents and expectant mothers chat with maternity nurse and lactation consultant Alice Gonyar. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 764-1810. iMaginaTion sTaTion: Kiddos craft original creations with Legos and other building materials at this arts-and-crafts session. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 3-4:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 426-3581.

Music WiTh peTer: Preschoolers up to age 5 bust out song-and-dance moves to traditional and original folk. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:45 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918. sTories WiTh Megan: Little ones expand their imaginations through tales, songs and rhymes. Daycare programs welcome with one caregiver for every two children. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free; groups must preregister. Info, 865-7216.

health & fitness

SEVENDAYSVt.com

chrisTMas aT The FarM: See SAT.21, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

VerMonT syMphony orchesTra Brass QuinTeT WiTh counTerpoinT: See FRI.20, Brandon Congregational Church, 7 p.m. $2024; free for kids under 18. Info, 864-5741.

Tue.24

CLASS PHOTOS + MORE INFO ONLINE SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSES

classes THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS FOR AS LITTLE AS $13.75/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE). SUBMIT YOUR CLASS AD AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS.

art TOUCH DRAWING STUDIO WORKSHOP: Great gift idea.

Touch Drawing is a simple, intuitive, meditative process that moves us deeply into ourselves.

Paper is placed over inked Plexiglas. Impulses from within take form through the movement of fi ngertips on the page.

Artists of any level, including absolute beginners, can experience inner imagery coming alive.

Fri., Feb. 7, 14 & 21, 9:30 a.m.noon. Cost: $135/3 sessions (incl. basic Touch Drawing supplies & 1 canvas). Location: Expressive Arts Burlington/Studio 266, 266 South Champlain St., Burlington.

Info: Expressive Arts Burlington, Topaz Weis, 343-8172, topazweis@gmx.net.

62 CLASSES

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

burlington city arts

Call 865-7166 for info or register online at burlingtoncityarts.org.

Teacher bios are also available online.

ARTIST MEET-UP & CRITIQUE: Connect with other artists in the community and receive constructive feedback on your artwork in a supportive setting.

Bring several pieces in any media, your artist statement and your ideas. Feb. 3 or Mar. 3, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $20/person; $18/BCA members. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington.

CLAY: WHEEL THROWING: Wheel ° rowing is an introduction to clay, pottery and the ceramics studio. Work primarily on the potter’s wheel, learning basic throwing and forming techniques, while creating functional pieces such as mugs, vases and bowls. Explore various fi nishing techniques using the studio’s house slips and glazes.

No previous experience needed!

Weekly on ˜ u., Feb. 6-Mar. 27, 12:30-3 p.m. Cost: $280/person; $252/BCA members. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. Info:.

CLAY: WHEEL THROWING: Wheel ° rowing is an introduction to clay, pottery and the ceramics studio. Work primarily

on the potter’s wheel, learning basic throwing and forming techniques, while creating functional pieces such as mugs, vases and bowls. Explore various fi nishing techniques using the studio’s house slips and glazes.

No previous experience needed!

Weekly on ˜ u., Feb. 6-Mar. 27, 6-8:30 p.m. Cost: $280/person; $252/BCA members. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. Info:.

DESIGN: ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR CS6: Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator, creating interesting graphics, design posters and other single-page documents.

Participants will explore a variety of software techniques and create projects suited to their own interests. ° is class is suited for beginners who are interested in furthering their design software skills. Weekly on Tue., Feb. 4-Mar. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: $205/ person; $184.50/BCA members.

Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

DRAWING: In this introductory drawing class, learn a variety of techniques including basic perspective, compositional layout, and use of dramatic light and shadow. Work from observation and with a variety of media including pencil, pen and ink, ink wash and charcoal. Comics and illustrations may be incorporated. No experience necessary.

Weekly on Wed., Feb. 5-Mar. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: $200/ person; $180/BCA members.

Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

DROP IN: FAMILY WHEEL: Learn wheel and hand-building techniques at BCA’s clay studio in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Make bowls, cups and amazing sculptures. Price includes one fi red and glazed piece per participant. Additional fi red and glazed pieces are $5 each. No registration necessary.

All ages. Purchase a drop-in card and get the sixth visit for free!

Weekly on Fri., Jan. 31-May 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: $6/person; $5/BCA members. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. Info:.

DROP-IN: ADULT WHEEL: ° rough demonstrations and individual instruction, students will learn the basics of preparing and centering the clay and making cups, mugs and bowls.

No registration necessary, space is limited, fi rst come fi rst serve.

Purchase a drop-in card and get the sixth visit for free! Weekly

on Fri., Jan. 31-May 23, 8-10 p.m.

Cost: $12/participant; $11/BCA members. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington.

Info:.

DROP-IN: LIFE DRAWING: ° is drop-in life drawing class is open to all levels and facilitated by local painter Glynnis Fawkes.

Spend the evening with other artists, drawing one of our experienced models. Please bring your own drawing materials and paper. No registration necessary.

Purchase a drop-in card and get the 6th visit for free! Weekly on Mon., Jan. 27-May 19, 6:308:30 p.m. Cost: $8/participant; $7/BCA members. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

DROP-IN: POLLYWOG PRESCHOOL: Participants will create paintings, sculptures, prints and more, with a variety of changing projects to keep everyone engaged! Parents must accompany their children. All materials provided. No registration necessary. Ages 6 months to 5 years. Weekly on ˜ u., Jan. 30-May 22, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Cost: $6/child; $5/BCA members.

Purchase a drop-in card & get the 6th visit for free. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington.

KIDS: ITSY BITSY FAHION DESIGN: Bring your favorite doll (American Girl dolls welcome) and become a miniature fashion designer. Learn some basic hand stitch sewing techniques and create some fashionable outfi ts and accessories for your doll!

Ages 6-8. Feb. 1, 1-3 p.m. Cost: $25/person; $22.50/BCA members. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

MIXED-LEVEL DARKROOM: Take your work to the next level!

Guided sessions to help improve your printing and fi lm processing techniques; discussion of technical, aesthetic and conceptual aspects of your work will be included. Cost includes a darkroom membership. Prerequisite: Intro to Black and White Film and the Darkroom or equivalent experience. Weekly on ˜ u., Feb. 6-Apr. 3, 6-9 p.m. Cost: $275/ person; $247.50/BCA members.

Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

PHOTO: DIGITAL SLR CAMERA: Explore the basic workings of the digital SLR camera, learning to take the photographs you envision. Demystify f-stops, shutter speeds, sensitivity ratings and exposure, and learn the basics of composition. Pair with Adobe Lightroom 4 for a 12-week experience learning the ins and outs of photo editing and printing!

Weekly on Wed., Feb. 5-Mar. 12.

Cost: $160/person; $144/BCA members. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

PRINT: ETCHING: Join local printmaker and illustrator Hilary Glass for an introductory etching class. ° is type of printmaking is perfect for artists who love to draw and want to make highly detailed prints. Learn the basics

of etching a plate through drypoint and acid bath and transferring images onto paper.

Weekly on Mon., Feb. 3-Mar. 31, 6-8:30 p.m. Cost: $220/person; $198/BCA members. Location: BCA Print Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. Info:.

PAINTING REALISM: Create paintings so real they pop off the canvas! Classically trained realist painter Sheel Gardner Anand presents a simple approach to oil painting from life and photos. Using a multi-layered process, learn to work with color to portray light and shadow, create atmosphere, and design a composition. Weekly on ˜ u., Feb. 6-Mar. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $160/person; $144/BCA members. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

PAINTING: CONTEMPORARY FIGURE: Intermediate and advanced painters, revitalize your painting practices with a contemporary approach to the fi gure. Turn the page on traditional representation, using fresh color and dynamic composition to strengthen your personal expression. Work from live models each week, explore a variety of contemporary techniques.

Figure drawing experience helpful. Weekly on Wed., Feb. 5-Mar. 26, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost: $325/ person; $292.50/BCA members.

Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

PAINTING: OIL: Learn how to paint with nontoxic, watersoluble oils. Discover a variety of painting techniques and learn how to apply composition, linear aspects, form and color theory to your work. ° is supportive class will have a nice balance of studio time, gentle group discussion and critique. Weekly on Tue., Feb. 4-Apr. 1, 6-8:30 p.m. Cost: $250/ person; $225/BCA members.

Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info:.

PRINTMAKING: ° is introductory class explores a whole range of printing techniques that can be used on their own or in combination to create unique artwork. Over the six weeks, you’ll be introduced to the studio’s equipment and materials and learn techniques such as block printing with linoleum, collograph and drypoint etching.

Weekly on Tue., Feb. 4-Mar. 18, 6-8:30 p.m. Cost: $200/person; $180 BCA members. Location: BCA Print Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. Info:.

SILKSCREENING: Torrey Valyou, local silkscreen legend and co-owner of New Duds, will introduce you to silkscreening and show you how to design and print T-shirts, posters, fi ne art and more! Learn a variety of techniques for transferring and printing images using hand-drawn, photographic or borrowed imagery. Weekly on ˜ u., Feb. 6-Mar. 27, 6-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $230/person; $207/BCA members. Location: BCA Print Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington.

Info:.

THE UTILITARIAN TEAPOT: In this lecture-style workshop, Jeremy Ayers introduces the elements needed to create a successful teapot that is ready for daily use. Along with class discussion, demonstrations will be given on lid-to-body relationships and how to construct spouts and handles to make your teapots truly functional and beautiful. Feb. 9, 1:30-3 p.m. Cost: $20/person; $18/BCA members. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington.

Info:.

Victoria, 598-1077, info@salsalina.com.

WHEEL THROWING II: Refi ne your wheelwork in Wheel II for advanced beginners and intermediate potters. Learn individualized tips and techniques for advancement on the wheel.

Demonstrations and instruction cover intermediate throwing, trimming, decorative and glazing methods. Individual projects will be encouraged. Students should be profi cient in centering and throwing basic cups and bowls.

Weekly on ˜ u., Feb. 6-Mar. 27, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Cost: $280/ person; $252/BCA members.

Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. Info:.

DSANTOS VT SALSA: Experience the fun and excitement of Burlington’s eclectic dance community by learning salsa.

Trained by world famous dancer Manuel Dos Santos, we teach you how to dance to the music and how to have a great time on the dance fl oor! ° ere is no better time to start than now!

Mon. evenings: beginner class, 7-8 p.m.: intermediate, 8:159:15 p.m. Cost: $10/1-hr. class.

Location: North End Studios, 294 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington.

Info: Tyler Crandall, 598-9204, crandalltyler@hotmail.com, dsantosvt.com.

astrology TUNING INTO YOUR CREATIVE IMAGINATION: WORKING W/ YOUR NEPTUNE: Learn how to access the wealth of inner treasures in your creative imagination by using insights provided by your Neptune. No familiarity with astrology is required. Led

by Sue Mehrtens, teacher and author. Jan. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2-4 p.m. Snow day Feb 1. Cost: $60/ person. Location: 55 Clover La., Waterbury. Info: Sue, 244-7909.

dance B-TRU DANCE W/ DANIELLE VARDAKAS DUSZKO: B-Tru is focused on hip-hop, funkstyles (poppin, locking, waaking), breakin’, dance hall, belly dance and lyrical dance. Danielle Vardakas Duszko has trained with originators in these styles, performed and battled throughout the world. Classes and camps age 4-adult. She is holding a Hip-Hop Yoga Dance 200-hour teacher training this fall/winter. Kids after-school & Sat. classes.

Showcase at the end of May. Feb. & spring break camps ages 4-13 also avail. $50/mo. Ask about family discounts. Location: Honest Yoga Center, 150 Dorset St., Blue Mall, next to Sport Shoe Center, S. Burlington. Info: 4970136, honestyogastudio@gmail. com, honestyogacenter.com.

DANCE STUDIO SALSALINA: Salsa classes, nightclub-style, on-one and on-two, group and private, four levels. Beginner walk-in classes, Wednesdays, 6 p.m. $13/person for one-hour class. No dance experience, partner or preregistration required, just the desire to have fun! Drop in any time and prepare for an enjoyable workout! Location: 266 Pine St., Burlington. Info:

DANCING WITH STYLE: Come check out our new third location! Dancing with Style will be teaching Beginner Latin, Salsa and Ballroom dance classes every ° ursday night! 6:30-8:30 p.m. Start anytime. Walk-ins welcome. Holiday gift certifi cates available. Give the gift of health! Location: Dancing with Style, 14 Margaret St., off the Hookah Nightclub, Plattsburgh, N.Y. Info: 793-7524, dancingwithstylevt.net.

dreams DREAMWORK PRACTICUM: Learn how to apply Jungian principles in working with your dreams, including how to deal with symbols and gain insight and guidance from dream material. Led by Sue Mehrtens, teacher and author. Jan. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 7-9 p.m. Snow day Feb. 3.

Cost: $60/person. Location: 55 Clover La., Waterbury. Info: Sue, 244-7909.

drumming TAIKO, DJEMBE & CONGAS!: Taiko drumming in Burlington!

Tuesday Taiko Adult Classes begin Jan. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m., $72/6 weeks. Kids Classes begin on the same dates, 4:30-5:20 p.m. $60/6 weeks. Djembe classes start Jan. 17, 6 p.m., $60/4 weeks, $18/class. Montpelier Djembe classes start Jan. 2, 7:30-8:30 p.m., $54/3 weeks!

Location: Burlington Taiko Space, 208 Flynn Ave., suite 3-G, Burlington & Lane Shops Community Room, 13 N. Franklin St., Montpelier. Info: Stuart Paton, 999-4255, spaton55@ gmail.com, burlingtontaiko.org.

empowerment TRANSITIONS: SOLSTICE/ EQUINOX: Winter solstice marks the turning point from darkness to light. ° e dying time is over.

Our attentions turn towards new growth. ° is eight-week series ignites our creative selves through visual art, movement, sound, writing and speaking.

Let’s make art and mobilize our resources to move forward into new experiences. Great holiday gift. No experience necessary.

EMPOWERMENT

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The holidays in

Montpelier Surprise her in style...

Give the gift of beauty. $30 OFF every $100 spent on Bare Minerals now through Christmas PLUS a FREE lip pencil with any lipstick or lip gloss purchased.

Moroccan oil hair & body products.

Best prices around!

Gift Certificates make the Perfect Gift!

Gift sets available!

100 State Street, Montpelier (in the Capitol Plaza Hotel) 802-229-2500 • signaturestylesvt.com 6H-Cheshire121813.indd 1

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12/10/13 11:05 AM

Make your Holiday Meals Extra Special SEVENDAYSVt.com

with locally raised meats, organic produce, hand-crafted baked goods, distinctive wines, and artisan cheeses from The Coop!

Celebrating gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian-style?

We’ve got plenty of choices

SEVEN DAYS

It’s an affordable way to buy as much or as little as you need of grains, beans, nuts, dried fruits, holiday spices, and more

12.18.13-12.25.13

Check out our Bulk Department!

Need a break from cooking?

We also have Grab•n•Go seasonal side dishes

Open 8am-8pm daily 623 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier, VT 802.223.8000 • www.hungermountain.coop 63

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CANOE IMPORTS SALE now through Christmas Canoe’s, Kayak’s & SUP’s

20-40% OFF

PFD’s

Wet Suits, Dry Suits & Splash Wear

10-30% OFF 10-50% OFF

Spray Skirt’s

20% OFF

eMPOWeRMeNT

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Thu., 6:30-9 p.m., Jan. 9-Mar. 13 (no class Jan. 30 & Feb. 27). Cost: $195/8-wk. series (all materials incl.). Location: Expressive Arts Burlington/Studio 266, 266 South Champlain St., Burlington.

Info: Expressive Arts Burlington, Topaz Weis, 343-8172, topazweis@gmx.net.

feldenkrais

Winter Clothing

by Outdoor Research, Mammut, Sherpa, Smart Wool, Sport Hill & Swix

Snowshoes

by Tubbs, TSL, MSR & Red Feather

20-50%OFF

15-50%OFF

XC & BC Ski Packages

with Fischer, Madshus, Garmont & Rottefella

15-25%OFF

370 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT www.canoeimports.com 4t-canoeimports121113.indd 1

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64 classes

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVt.com

Send one of Mother Nature’s Ornaments for Christmas

Spread good cheer with flowers, plants, and chocolates!

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KATHY & COMPANY FLOWERS 221 Colchester Ave. Burlington | 863-7053 kathycoflowers.com 12/15/13 12:00 PM

FELDENKRAIS: Move out of pain in 2014! The Feldenkrais Method is a way to learn how to use your body with ease and efficiency.

For more information, testimonials, weekly awareness through Movement classes and weekend workshops in 2014, please visit vermontfeldenkrais.com.

Location: Vermont Feldenkrais, Charlotte. Info: 735-3770.

fishing FLY TYING COURSE: schirmer’s Fly shop will conduct a six-week fly tying course starting in the new year. It will be held on saturdays and/or sundays depending on student preference. schirmer’s provides the fly tying materials but students need their own tools. These are available at the shop. call or email to sign up or get more info. Cost: $120/6-wk. course. Location: Schirmer’s Fly Shop, 34 Mills Ave., S. Burlington. Info: 8636105, schirmersflyshop@gmail. com, schirmersflyshop.com.

gardening MASTER GARDENER 2014 COURSE: learn the keys to a healthy and sustainable home landscape as University of Vermont faculty and experts focus on gardening in Vermont.

This noncredit course covers a wide variety of horticultural topics: fruit and vegetable production, flower gardening, botany basics, plant pests, soil fertility, disease management, healthy lawns, invasive plant control, introduction to home landscaping, and more! Weekly on Tue., Feb. 4-Apr. 29, 6:15-9 p.m. $395/ person includes Sustainable Gardening book. (Noncredit course). Location: Various locations, Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Montpelier, Middlebury, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, White River Jct., Williston. Info: 656-9562, master.gardener@uvm.edu, uvm. edu/mastergardener.

STONE wALL wORKShOp: Our introductory stone wall workshops for homeowners and tradespeople promote the beauty and integrity of stone.

The one-day, hands-on workshop focuses on the basic techniques for creating dry-laid walls with a special emphasis on stone native to Vermont. Workshops are held inside warm greenhouses in Hinesburg. space limited. Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, Mar. 22; 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $100/1-day workshop. Location: Red Wagon

Plants, 2408 Shelburne Falls Rd., Hinesburg. Info: Queen City Soil & Stone, Charley MacMartin, 318-2411, macmartin@igc.org, queencitysoilandstone.com.

herbs wISDOM OF ThE hERbS SChOOL: currently interviewing applicants for Wisdom of the Herbs 2014 certification Program, apr. 26-27, May 24-25, Jun. 28-29, Jul. 26-27, aug.

23-24, sep. 27-28, Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 8-9, 2014. learn to identify wild herbaceous plants and shrubs over three seasons.

Prepare local wild edibles and herbal home remedies. Practice homesteading and primitive skills, food as first medicine, and skillful use of intentionality. experience profound connection and play with Nature. Handson curriculum includes herb walks, skill-building, sustainable harvesting and communion with the spirits of the plants. Tuition $1750; payment plan $187.50 each month. Vsac nondegree grants available to qualifying applicants; apply early. annie Mccleary, director. Location: Wisdom of the Herbs School, Woodbury. Info: 456-8122, annie@wisdomoftheherbsschool. com, wisdomoftheherbsschool. com.

language ANNOUNCING SpANISh CLASSES: Join us for adult spanish classes this winter.

Our seventh year. learn from a native speaker via small classes, individual instruction or student tutoring. You’ll always be participating and speaking. lesson packages for travelers. also lessons for young children; they love it! see our website or contact us for details. Beginning wk. of Jan. 6 for 10 wks. Cost: $225/10 classes of 90+ mins. each. Location: Spanish in Waterbury Center, Waterbury Center. Info: Spanish in Waterbury Center, 585-1025, spanishparavos@gmail.com, spanishwaterburycenter.com.

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE wINTER wARM-Up!: six-week French classes designed to refresh, review and firm up your skills, readying you for your next full-term class. Just $135 per course starting January 18 and 21. Descriptions and signup at aflcr.org. Placement questions? contact Micheline. Two Winter Warm-up classes also available in Montpelier starting January 16; see aflcr.org. Cost: $135.

Location: Alliance Francaise Center, 123 Ethan Allen Ave., Colchester. Info: 881-8826.

martial arts AIKIDO: This circular, flowing Japanese martial art is a great method to get in shape, develop core power and reduce stress. classes are taught by Benjamin Pincus sensei, Vermont’s senior

and only fully certified aikido teacher. Visitors are always welcome. Visit our new website at burlingtonaikido.org. Adult introductory classes begin on Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m.; children ages 7-12, 4 p.m.; ages 5-6 kids classes begin Jan. 2, 4 p.m. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St. (across from Conant Metal & Light), Burlington. Info: 951-8900.

AIKIDO CLASSES: aikido trains body and spirit, promoting flexibility and strong center within flowing movement, martial sensibility with compassionate presence, respect for others, and confidence in oneself. Location: Vermont Aikido, 274 N. Winooski Ave. (2nd floor), Burlington.

Info: Vermont Aikido, 862-9785, vermontaikido.org.

AIKIDO IN bALANCE: learn how to manifest balance internally and externally. Move with grace and precision. Begin the study of observing your own mind.:) Tue. & Thu., 7-9 p.m. Cost: $10/class, $65 for monthly membership.

Location: Tao Motion Studio, 180 Flynn Ave., Burlington. Info: Aikido in Balance, tyler crandall, 598-9204, tyler@aikidoinbalance.com, aikidoinbalance.com.

COMbAT FITNESS MARTIAL ARTS: combat Fitness Mixed Martial arts academy featuring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, judo, MMa, and strength and conditioning classes for beginners through advanced. Men, women and youth programs. Private lessons and gift certificates available. Try your first class for free! all certified and caring instructors. exit 15. Location: Combat Fitness Mixed Martial Arts Academy, 276 E Allen St., Hillside Park, Winooski. Info: Combat Fitness LLP, Vincent Guy, 655-5425, vteguy@yahoo.com, combatfitnessmma.com.

VERMONT bRAZILIAN JIUJITSU: classes for men, women and children. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enhances strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and cardio-respiratory fitness. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training builds and helps to instill courage and selfconfidence. We offer a legitimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial arts program in a friendly, safe and positive environment. accept no imitations. learn from one of the world’s best, Julio “Foca” Fernandez, cBJJ and IBJJF certified 6th Degree Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor under carlson Gracie sr., teaching in Vermont, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! a 5-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Featherweight champion and 3-time Rio de Janeiro state champion, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mon.-Fri., 6-9 p.m., & Sat., 10 a.m. 1st class is free. Location: Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 55 Leroy Rd., Williston. Info: 660-4072, julio@bjjusa.com, vermontbjj.com.

clASS photoS + morE iNfo oNliNE SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSES

meditation Contentment in everyday Life: Introductory meditation course. Trains us to develop gentleness, precision, appreciation and steadiness.

Practicing these qualities leads to contentment, which helps us extend our mindfulness practice into everyday awake action. course includes meditation instruction and practice, talks on the shambhala teachings, group discussions. Tue., 7-9 p.m., Jan. 7-28 (+ Sat., Jan. 25, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.). Cost: $120/person.

Location: Burlington Shambhala Center, 187 South Winooski Ave., Burlington. Info: Melinda Haselton, 881-2775, melindahaselton@gmail.com.

Learn to meditate: Through the practice of sitting still and following your breath as it goes out and dissolves, you are connecting with your heart. By simply letting yourself be, as you are, you develop genuine sympathy toward yourself. The Burlington shambhala center offers meditation as a path to discovering gentleness and wisdom. Meditation instruction avail. sun. mornings, 9 a.m.noon, or by appt. Meditation sessions on Tue. & Thu., noon-1 p.m. and Mon.-Thu., 6-7 p.m. The shambhala cafe meets 1st sat. of ea. mo. for meditation & discussions, 9 a.m.-noon. an open house occurs 3rd Fri. of ea. mo., 7-9 p.m., which incl. an intro to the center, a short dharma talk & socializing. Location: Burlington Shambhala Center, 187 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington. Info: 658-6795, burlingtonshambhalactr.org.

tai chi hwa yu tai Chi, montpeLier: Hwa Yu is an early form of Tai chi in the liuhebafa lineage. Regular practice of Tai chi can enhance physical and spiritual well-being, improve balance and coordination, ease tension, and wake up the mind. Get grounded and let your energy flow. Mixed-level class maximizes mentoring potential. Weekly on Mon. starting Jan. 6, 5-6 p.m. Cost: $160/16week semester; $88/half semester. Location: Montpelier Shambhala Center, 64 Main St., 3rd floor, Montpelier. Info: Ellie Hayes, 456-1983.

Snake-StyLe tai Chi Chuan: The Yang snake style is a dynamic tai chi method that mobilizes the spine while stretching and strengthening the core body muscles. Practicing this ancient martial art increases strength, flexibility, vitality, peace of mind and martial skill.

Beginner classes Sat. mornings & Wed. evenings. Call to view a class. Location: Bao Tak Fai Tai Chi Institute, 100 Church St., Burlington. Info: 864-7902, ipfamilytaichi.org. yang-StyLe tai Chi: The slow movements of tai chi help reduce blood pressure and increase balance and concentration. come breathe with us and experience the joy of movement while increasing your ability to be inwardly still. Wed., 5:30 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m. $16/class, $60/mo., $160/3 mo. Tai Chi for Lunch, meets weekly on Tue. at noon. $16/person. Location: Mindful Breath Tai Chi (formerly Vermont Tai Chi Academy and Healing Center), 180 Flynn Ave., Burlington. Info: 735-5465, mindfulbreath@gmavt.net.

yoga

Montpelier Antiques Market 2nd & 4th Sundays October-March

Montpelier Elks Country Club 1 Country Club Rd. Montpelier Vt.

7:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Our 8th Season

2013-2014

December 22 January 12 & 26 February 9 & 23 March 9 7 23

honeSt yoga, the onLy Herbal Remedies • DIY Supplies dediCated hot yoga fLow Early Buyers $5 (7:30 AM), Center: Honest Yoga offers Stocking Stuffers • Gift Certificates General Public $2 (9:00 AM) practice for all levels. Brand Visit us at new beginners’ courses include Tues-Sat,12-5:30pm two specialty classes per week www.montpelierantiquesmarket.com 34 Elm St., Montpelier for four weeks plus unlimited Dealer Information (802) 223-0043 access to all classes. We have daily classes in essentials, Flow www.grianherbs.com (802) 751-6138 and core Flow with alignment constancy. We hold teacher trainings at the 200- and 500-hour levels. Daily classes 16t-MontpelierAntiques121813.indd 1 12/11/1316T-GrianHerbs121813.indd 1:32 PM 1 12/15/13 6:20 PM & workshops. $25/new student 1st week unlimited, $15/class or $130/10-class card, $12/ class for student or senior or $100/10-class punch card.

Location: Honest Yoga Center, 150 Dorset St., Blue Mall, next to Sport Shoe Center, S. Burlington.

Info: 497-0136, honestyogastudio@gmail.com, honestyogacenter.com.

STORE CLOSING!!

40-80% OFF STOREWIDE!

Laughing river yoga: Highly trained and dedicated teachers offer yoga classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training in a beautiful setting overlooking the Winooski River. check our website to learn about classes, advanced studies for yoga teachers, class series for beginners and more. Gift certificates available online too! Classes 7 days a wk. $5-14/single yoga class; $120/10-class card; $130/ monthly unlimited. Location: Laughing River Yoga, Chace Mill, suite 126, Burlington. Info: 3438119, laughingriveryoga.com. yoga rootS: Flexible, inflexible, an athlete, expecting a baby, stressed, recovering from an injury or illness? Yoga Roots has something for you! Our aim is to welcome, nurture and inspire. a peaceful studio offering: Prenatal, Postnatal, Vinyasa Flow, Heated Vinyasa, Therapeutic Restorative, Gentle, Kundalini, Kripalu, anusara, Tai chi, Qigong & Meditation! Tue. night topics & tea. Location: Yoga Roots, 6221 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne Business Park. Info: 985-0090, yogarootsvt.com.

Fresh Roasted From the ❤ of Vermont

INCLUDING NYDJ! ALL FIXTURES MUST GO!

we’ve got yours 27 State St • Montpelier 802.223.7800

facebook.com/CapitolGrounds

27 State Street, Montpelier, VT 802.229.2367 • adornvt.com Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 11-4

FREE PARKING Now through December 24

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Up to 2-hours FREE Parking at all downtown metered locations.

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burLington hot yoga, try Something different!: Offering creative, vinyasa-style yoga featuring practice in the Barkan Method Hot Yoga in a 95-degree studio accompanied by eclectic music. Go to our website for the new fall schedule. Get hot: 2-for-1 offer. $15. 1-hr. classes on Mon. & Thu.

evoLution yoga: evolution Yoga and Physical Therapy offers a variety of classes in a supportive atmosphere: Beginner, advanced, kids, babies, post- and pre-natal, community classes and workshops. Vinyasa, Kripalu, core, Therapeutics and alignment classes. Become part of our yoga community. You are welcome here. Cost: $14/class, $130/class card, $5-10/community classes. Location: Evolution Yoga, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington.

Info: 864-9642, evolutionvt.com.

for the Holidays

SEVEN DAYS

adobe Lightroom bootCamp: adobe lightroom 5 has quickly become one of the industry’s leading photo editing software applications. Join professional photographer Kurt Budliger during this one-day workshop, where you’ll learn to harness the power of lightroom 5 for organizing, editing and making your images sing. Sat., Feb. 15, 2014. Cost: $195/1-day workshop.

Location: Green Mountain Photographic Workshops, central Vermont TBA. Info: Green Mountain Photographic Workshops, Kurt Budliger,

SoCiaL anxiety Support group: Do you feel nervous when you are the center of attention? Do you avoid social situations? Does social anxiety prevent you from living your life fully? Meet other people with similar experiences and learn techniques to reduce anxiety based on the social anxiety Institutes program. a supportive and confidential environment. Weekly. Cost: $10/2 hrs.

Location: TBD, Montpelier. Info: Danielle, 595-9821, freefromsa@ yahoo.com.

Montpelier

12.18.13-12.25.13

photography

support groups

at 5:30 p.m.; Wed. & Fri.: 5 p.m.; Thu.: noon; Sat.: 8:30 & 10 a.m.

Location: North End Studio B, 294 N Winooski Ave., Old North End, Burlington. Info: 999-9963, hotyogaburlingtonvt.com.

SEVENDAYSVt.com

meditation in everyday Life: Introductory meditation course.

Provides a strong foundation in mindfulness-awareness meditation and addresses the complexity of our daily lives in order to develop courage and sanity in these challenging and uncertain times. course includes meditation instruction and practice, talks on the shambhala teachings, group discussions. Tue., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. from Jan. 7-Feb. 11.

Cost: $120. Location: Burlington Shambhala Center, 187 South Winooski Ave., Burlington. Info: Melinda Haselton, 881-2775, melindahaselton@gmail.com.

223-4022, info@kurtbudligerphotography.com, greenmtnphotoworkshops.com.

Scene and Heard

music

Local musicians weigh in on the best music of 2013 B Y DA N BOL L ES

R

ecapping the best music from a given year is always overwhelming. So we asked local musicians, fans and assorted scenesters for their takes on the best albums (local and nonlocal) and Vermont concerts they took in this year. We also added a “wild card” category that was completely open-ended. Here’s what they said.

PADDY REAGAN (PAPER CASTLES) LOCAL ALBUM: Alpenglow, Solitude EP˜ NONLOCAL ALBUM: Califone, Stitches CONCERT: Future Islands at ArtsRiot˜

CAROLINE ROSE (SINGER-SONGWRITER) LOCAL ALBUM: The DuPont Brothers, The DuPont Brothers EP NONLOCAL ALBUM: Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City CONCERT: Shovels & Rope at Grand Point North BRIAN NAGLE (DISCO PHANTOM) LOCAL ALBUM: (tie) Rough Francis, Maximum Soul Power; Ryan Power, Identity Picks NONLOCAL ALBUM: Daft Punk, Random Access Memories CONCERT: !!! (Chk Chk Chk) with Sinkane at Signal Kitchen WILD CARD: Nick Mavodones is the hardest-working music person in Burlington. He should also run for mayor.

ALEX LALLI (CO-OWNER, SIGNAL KITCHEN) LOCAL ALBUM: Alpenglow, Solitude EP NONLOCAL ALBUM: Dawn of Midi, Dysnomia CONCERT: Phosphorescent at Signal Kitchen WILD CARD: Dan Bolles for president.˜ JUSTIN GONYEA (VULTURES OF CULT)

LOCAL ALBUM: Paper Castles, Vague Era

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SEVENDAYSVT.COM

NONLOCAL ALBUM: True Widow, Circumambulation

CONCERT: Dollars & Cents doing OK Computer and In Rainbows at Nectar’s WILD CARD: Burlington Records [is] my favorite ally to local musicians.˜They graciously carry local physical releases and take nothing from the sale for themselves. That is a pretty incredible act of solidarity with local artists.

DEREK BURKINS (SINGER-SONGWRITER)

LOCAL ALBUM: Dan Johnson & the Expert Sidemen, Bound

for Abiquiu Nonlocal Album: Milk Carton Kids, The Ash & Clay CONCERT: The Valley Stage Festival in Huntington WILD CARD: I look forward to hearing more from Hana Zara. I feel the same about Laura Heaberlin.

KNAYTE LANDER (GOLDEN DOME MUSICIANS’ COLLECTIVE, STATE & MAIN RECORDS) LOCAL ALBUM: Lake Superior, Steam Engine NONLOCAL ALBUM: Iceage, You’re Nothing CONCERT: Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, Paper Castles at ArtsRiot WILD CARD: I am really excited to see the new guard of metal and hardcore bands who are coming up in the central VT/Queen City area. Killer bands like Gorcrow, Chalice, Last World and Vaporizer, just to name a few. Vermont retains the ideal climate for gestation of this music and I want more!

PETE COCCOMA (ALPENGLOW)

Mickey Western at O° Center for the Dramatic Arts

LOCAL ALBUM: Paper Castles, Vague Era

WILD CARD: Hana Zara with Taylor Smith. Watch out.

CONCERT: Dirty Projectors at Higher Ground and/or Waking Windows III in Winooski WILD CARD: Waking Windows IV?

BOW THAYER (BOW THAYER & PERFECT TRAINWRECK) LOCAL ALBUM: Billy Wylder, Sand & Gold NONLOCAL ALBUM: Blitzen Trapper, Seven CONCERT: Waylon Speed at the Tweed River Music Festival

NONLOCAL ALBUM: Phosphorescent, Muchacho

DAVE KELLER (SOUL/BLUES MAN)

LOCAL ALBUM: Chris Robertson and the Socket Rockets,

The Need for Tweed NONLOCAL ALBUM: Jonny Lang, Fight for my Soul CONCERT: Brett Hughes solo during the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival. When is this guy gonna put out a record of his incredibly beautiful original songs?

WILD CARD: The newly reopened, fully renovated, incredibly gorgeous Strand Theater in Plattsburgh. It is right up there with the Flynn; almost as large, great acoustics, and beautiful architecture and period details.˜This is a major “new” resource in the Champlain Valley.

NOW ALL I NEED IS THE TECHNOLOGY TO CLONE MYSELF SO I CAN BE AT

AS MANY SHOWS AS TIM LEWIS! P H IL YATE S

MIKE LOUMA (MUSIC DIRECTOR, 104.7 THE POINT FM) LOCAL ALBUM: Hana Zara, Tatterhood NONLOCAL ALBUM: Arctic Monkeys, AM CONCERT: Phosphorescent at Signal Kitchen ALEX BUDNEY (PRESIDENT, NECTAR’S PRESENTS) LOCAL ALBUM: (tie) Alpenglow, Solitude EP; The Dupont Brothers, The Dupont Brothers EP NONLOCAL ALBUM: Banda Magda, Amour t’es la CONCERT: Tauk at Nectar’s WILD CARD: There’s a lot of talent in this town. A lot of talent that I wish booking agents would recognize more and help get out there.˜So many acts just need that small agency to help them get on their feet … and would do amazingly well outside of Vermont. And it ain’t easy.

ROB LARKIN (THE SHANDIES) Local Album: Paper Castles, Vague Era NONLOCAL ALBUM: Of Montreal, Lousy With Sylvianbriar CONCERT: Metz at the Monkey House BEN ALESHIRE (VERMONT JOY PARADE) LOCAL ALBUM: Ryan Power, Identity Picks NONLOCAL ALBUM: Bill Callahan, Dream River CONCERT: Bloody Maria, the psychedelic Genesis (as in the biblical Genesis) rock musical, by

BRYAN PARMELEE (POURS) LOCAL ALBUM: Paper Castles, Vague Era NONLOCAL ALBUM: The Knife, Shaking the Habitual CONCERT: Fred Armisen with J Mascis at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Burlington WILD CARD: Best Hair: Eric Olsen (Swale) PHIL YATES (PHIL YATES & THE AFFILIATES)

LOCAL ALBUM: Persian Claws, Persian Claws

NONLOCAL ALBUM: The Dirtbombs, Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-

Blooey!

CONCERT: Elvis Costello at the Flynn MainStage

WILD CARD: The emergence of Signal Kitchen and ArtsRiot.

Every time you turn around, those two venues are putting on “Shit! [Fill in the band name] are coming to town?!?” type of shows. Now all I need is the technology to clone myself so I can be at as many shows as Tim Lewis!

TOMMY ALEXANDER (JENKE ARTS)

LOCAL ALBUM: (tie) Alpenglow, Solitude EP; Bless the Child,

100%

NONLOCAL ALBUM: Phosphorescent, Muchacho CONCERT: Phosphorescent at Signal Kitchen

JASON COOLEY (BLUE BUTTON) LOCAL ALBUM: Last World, Demo NONLOCAL ALBUM: Fuck Buttons, Slow Focus CONCERT: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion playing to 40 people at Higher Ground WILD CARD: Watching Eugene [Hütz] discussing what I should do with all of my records was pretty funny.

JUSTIN BOLAND (HUMPASAUR JONES, WOMBATICUS REX) LOCAL ALBUM: The Aztext, Four NONLOCAL ALBUM: Ghost, Infestissumam CONCERT: Waylon Speed WILD CARD: ArtsRiot/Signal Kitchen beautifying all our shit and culturing all over the place.

PAT MELVIN (THE DUPONT BROTHERS BAND)

LOCAL ALBUM: Caroline Rose, America Religious

NONLOCAL ALBUM: The Wood Brothers, The Muse CONCERT: Shovels & Rope at Grand Point North

WILD CARD: The Concrete Rivals from Montpelier. Shit,

that dude [Jay Ekis] can play the guitar.

s

undbites

Got muSic NEwS? dan@sevendaysvt.com SCAN THeSe PAGeS WITH THe LAYAR APP TO WATCH vIdeOS Of THe ARTISTS

B Y dA N B OLL e S

See PAGe 9

COURTeSY Of JULIA LUCkeTT COx

Gang of Thieves

Naughty? Nice!

Jerry Christmas with local Jerry Garcia

band tribute act, cats under the stars.

» P.69

Th 19 Th 19

BRO SAFARI

TORRO TORRO, BRILLZ, CRNKN A BENEFIT FOR ‘NEVER GIVE UP, EVER’ & VERMONT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

ROCK THE HOLIDAZE

ROBERT BANKS TRIO (FT. MEMBERS OF TWIDDLE), SEAMUS THE GREAT, AND GANG OF THIEVES

YOU TEX HER

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RYAN MONTBLEAU TROOP 300 PRESENTS

Sa 28 HOBBZ, COOPDAVILLE, ALXO, MA1ACH1

RICKY VAUGHN

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Mo 30 HELOISE AND THE SAVOIR FAIRE, HOW SAD Tu 31 Tu 31

RUBBLEBUCKET

MOON HOOCH, ROUGH FRANCIS

POP-UP!

NEW QUEERS EVE DANCE PARTY

JANUARY We 1 Tu 7 Tu 7 Su 12 Tu 14 Th 16 Fr 17

OUR LAST NIGHT A LOSS FOR WORDS,

MY TICKET HOME, ONE YEAR LATER

AGAINST ME!

THE SIDEKICKS, THE SHONDES

MIKAELA DAVIS TOMMY ALEXANDER CLUTCH

THE SWORD, CROBOT

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE

THE ALTERNATE ROUTES MARTIN SEXTON THE SWEET REMAINS

UPCOMING...

1/22 + 1/23 LOTUS 1/24 JOHN BROWN’S BODY 1/25 VERMONT BURLESQUE FESTIVAL 1/26 DAVE HAUSE 1/26 GREENSKY BLUEGRASS 1/27 DATSIK

JUST ANNOUNCED 2/14 WILD CUB 2/14 PAPER DIAMOND 2/24 BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME 2/28 BOB WEIR & RAT DOG 2/28 CONSPIRATOR + DOPAPOD 3/12 HOUNDMOUTH

INFO 652.0777 | TIX 888.512.SHOW 1214 Williston Rd. | S. Burlington

MUSIC 67

for up-to-the-minute news abut the local music scene, follow @DanBolles on Twitter or read the Live Culture blog: sevendaysvt.com/liveculture.

DECEMBER

SEVEN DAYS

SOUNdBITeS

Mo & Tu 30-31

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By the way, Deadheads are about to have a really good run at Nectar’s and Club Metronome. Not that Vermonters ever really suffer a shortage on that particular score, of course. But check this out. The following night, Friday, December 20, long-running Dead tributeers blues for breakfast take the stage at Nectar’s. The following week, Cats Under the Stars rock a two-night stand for New Year’s Eve at Metronome.

Then, in January, the weekly Tuesday “Dead Set” residency crew mines the jams from GD’s 1972 European tour.

That, friends, is a shitload of Dead. So either Deadheads have been very, very nice this year or I’ve been very naughty.

Speaking of naughty, I’m delighted to report that the festive fellas from Metal Monday are once again throwing their epic holiday bash on Monday, December 23. If you recall from last year, the bash features a slew of local acts playing metal and punk versions of holiday favorites. It also features an upside-down Christmas tree suspended from the ceiling. Because, as we all know, Santa is an anagram of Satan.

Finally, regular readers know that it just isn’t Christmas for me, personally, until I’ve ventured out on Christmas night to catch my old pal and harmonica monster GreG izor at the annual Blues Christmas show at Nectar’s. Full disclosure, Izor and I go way back and even played together a little bit in our college days. But since leaving Vermont, he’s become a certifiable beast on the blues harp and is doing quite well for himself in Austin, Texas.

In truth, I’ve missed the last couple of Blues Christmases for various reasons. But soaking in the last remains of Christmas cheer at Nectar’s is a tradition I expect to resume this year.

It’s a great way to cap off the day. And a pretty good show, to boot.

RUBBLEBUCKET

SEVENDAYSVt.com

With only seven shopping days left until we celebrate the birth of Santa, the slate of holiday-themed rock shows is really ramping up. To wit…

This Thursday, December 19, a trio of local bands will hold court at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge for a benefit show dubbed Rock the Holidaze. The beneficiary is a group called Never Give Up Ever, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to financially assist families with children who are long-term patients at Fletcher Allen because of terminal or chronic diseases. NGUE helps those families defray the monumental costs of, and associated with, long-term care.

That obviously includes hefty hospital bills. But they also help out in subtler ways, such as providing gas cards or lodging money for folks who need to travel to the hospital regularly. Or even just money to help offset the loss of wages for parents who can’t work while caring for their children.

As for the rockin’, two of the bands on the bill are likely familiar to local audiences. The first is seamus the Great, a quintet composed of veteran rockers who have all been kicking around the

scene for a while. The second, the GanG of thieves, have been carving a niche for themselves in recent years with seriously energetic funk rock.

However, I’m not really supposed to tell you who the third band is. I can tell you that it’s being billed as the robert banks trio. I can also tell you that’s an alias, a cover for a group that recently sold out the Higher Ground Ballroom and have started making quite a name for themselves on the national jamband circuit. I can also tell you that all of the signage for the show basically tells anyone who can read who the band members are. Which leads me to wonder why we’re pretending this is a secret. But, hey, it’s the holidays, so I’ll play along. Yup, I’m just gonna sit here and … uh, twiddle mah thumbs. Ahem.

Moving on, nothing says Christmas like a chubby guy with a white beard, right? Right. So jam-inclined elves would do well to swing by Nectar’s this Thursday, December 19, for some seriously heady Yule jams at A Very

www.highergroundmusic.com

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The list is made, you’ve checked it twice Salaam has the perfect gift whether you’ve been “YouTube Sensation”

MIKAELA

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DAVIS

NAUGHTY OR NICE!

January 7, 7:30 p.m.

Higher Ground Showcase Lounge

SEVEN DAYS

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68

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and answer 2 trivia

noon. Winners no tified

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questions.

Or, come by Eyes of the World (168 Battery, Burlington).

Deadline: 01/03 at

YOUR TEXT HERE

by 5 p.m.

12/13/13 1:35 PM

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GOT MUSIC NEWS? DAN@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

The Snow Ball

CO NT I NU E D F RO M PAG E 6 7

Soul Changes, was just nominated for Best Soul Blues Album of the Year by the Blues Music Awards.

Keller writes that the BMAs are like the blues world’s equivalent of the Grammys, which is kind of a big deal. Keller has an extensive run of local shows coming up, culminating in a New Year’s Eve blowout at Montpelier’s City Hall Auditorium. There are actually too many Keller gigs to mention in this li’l column. So if you want to catch the man in person — and, trust me, you do — visit his website, davekeller. com for the complete schedule.

Congrats, Dave.

answer to the battle rap scenes in 8 Mile, right? Either way, the annual rap battle is slated for Club Metronome this Thursday, December 19. And I’m guessing it’s probably going to be a blast.

Unfortunately, emails to the event’s organizer, S.I.N. SIZZLE, have as of press time gone unreturned. So I’m not sure who is competing. Though I suspect the AZTEXT’s LEARIC might wanna show up to defend his crown from last year. And that alone is worth dropping by to see.

For more info, just friggin’ show up.

SY

OF

VE DA

New Year's Eve 9PM-2AM $18 adv / $20 day of "Best of 2013" set • Dance Party Champagne Toast Fireworks on the Patio Plaid Tie Recommended

Last but not least, as reported in this week’s food section, Burlington nightclub Lift is changing hands and will reopen as a new restaurant and music venue called Zen Lounge, perhaps as early as December 27. In 60 Lake St, Burlington 540-0188 other news, apparently Lift closed.

A call to owner ROBERT RAPATSKI confirms that the club will feature 8v-SkinnyPancake121813.indd 1 12/15/13 “a mix of live music and DJs.” Unfortunately, Rapatski was in the middle of a liquor inspection when we reached him and couldn’t elaborate further before our deadline. But as 7D food writer ALICE LEVITT reports, on weekends Rapatski plans to host local and regional bands in the evenings with dance music later at night, as well as DJs, salsa dancing and karaoke during the week. Stay tuned…

ER

LL

COURTESY OF GREG IZOR

, VARIOUS ARTISTS, Time-Life Music:

SUFJAN STEVENS Songs for Christmas

NOW OPEN!

Two doors down from VT Pub

SEVEN DAYS

A peek at what was on my iPod, turntable, eight-track player, etc., this week.

12.18.13-12.25.13

Listening In

RAW JUICERY AND SMOOTHIE BAR

2:24 PM

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

If the BMAs are the blues world’s answer to the Grammy Awards, then would that make the King of Vermont Rap Battle the Vermont hip-hop answer to the Grammys?

If not, it’s probably at least the local KE

In non-holiday news, congrats to local blues and soul man DAVE KELLER. Keller’s latest record, the excellent

FeaT uring

skinnypancake.com

TE

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Dave Keller

BiteTorrent

The Skinny pancake preSenTS

Treasury of Christmas

, ,

BOB RIVERS Twisted Christmas THE POGUES “Fairytale of New York”

,

Christmas Card

MUSIC 69

THE TEMPTATIONS The Temptations Greg Izor

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music

CLUB DATES NA: NOT AVAILABLE. AA: ALL AGES.

COURTESY OF LUCID

champlain valley

51 MAIN: Blues Jam, 8 p.m., free.

CITY LIMITS: Karaoke with Let It Rock Entertainment, 9 p.m., free.

ON THE RISE BAKERY: Mark and Sophia (singersongwriters), 7:30 p.m., donations.

TWO BROTHERS TAVERN: Trivia Night, 7 p.m., free.

northern

BEE'S KNEES: Bruce Jones (folk), 7:30 p.m., donations.

THE HUB PIZZERIA & PUB: Seth Yacovone (solo acoustic blues), 7 p.m., free.

MOOG'S PLACE: Zack Nugent (singer-songwriter), 8 p.m., free.

PARKER PIE CO.: Trivia Night, 7 p.m., free.

PIECASSO: Trivia Night, 7 p.m., free.

regional

MONOPOLE: Open Mic, 8 p.m., free.

OLIVE RIDLEY'S: Completely Stranded Christmas Show (standup), 8 p.m., NA.

THU.19

YOUR TEXT HERE

burlington area

CLUB METRONOME: S.I.N. Sizzle presents the King of VT Rap Battle (hip-hop), 9 p.m., $5/10. 18+.

THE DAILY PLANET: Trio Gusto (Parisian jazz), 8 p.m., free.

SAT.21 // LUCID [ROCK]

Growth Spurt On their latest record, Home Is Where We Wanna Grow, Plattsburgh’s

DOBRÁ TEA: Robert Resnik (folk), 7 p.m., free.

LUCID deliver a genre-jumping

effort that marks the band’s finest to date. Seamlessly shifting among rock, funk, tropicana and even ska, the album reveals true artistic growth and proves these veteran North Country rockers are as vital as ever. Catch them on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain this Saturday, December 21, at Nectar’s in Burlington. Locals BIBLE CAMP SLEEPOVER and the ADAM EZRA GROUP open.

LEUNIG'S BISTRO & CAFÉ: Dan Liptak Trio (jazz), 7 p.m., free.

RED SQUARE: The Usual Suspects (rock), 7 p.m., free. DJ Cre8 (hip-hop), 10 p.m., free.

MANHATTAN PIZZA & PUB: Open Mic with Andy Lugo, 9:30 p.m., free.

SKINNY PANCAKE: Josh Panda's Acoustic Soul Night, 8 p.m., $5-10 donation.

Craig Mitchell, Golditron (house), 9 p.m., free/$5.

18+.

MONKEY HOUSE: Al Moore Blues Band, 8:30 p.m., free.

central

THE DAILY PLANET: Paul Asbell (Americana), 8 p.m., free.

NECTAR'S: What a Joke! Comedy Open Mic (standup), 7 p.m., free. Dark Side of the Mountain (Pink Floyd tribute), 9 p.m., free/$5. 18+.

FRANNY O'S: Karaoke, 9:30 p.m., free.

HALFLOUNGE: Wanted Wednesday with DJ Craig Mitchell (house), 10 p.m., free.

JP'S PUB: Pub Quiz with Dave (trivia), 7 p.m., free.

Karaoke with Melody, 10 p.m., free.

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

SCAN PAGES IN THE MUSIC SECTION WED.18 TO WATCH VIDEOS burlington area OF METRONOME THE ARTISTS CLUB : Naughty & Nice: Max Cohen,

ON TAP BAR & GRILL: Chad Hollister (singersongwriter), 7 p.m., free.

RADIO BEAN: Lotango (tango), 6:30 p.m., free. Irish Sessions, 8 p.m., free.

BAGITOS: Papa GreyBeard Blues, 6 p.m., donations.

SKINNY PANCAKE: Jay Ekis Saves Wednesday in Montpelier (singer-songwriter), 8 p.m., $5-10 donation.

SWEET MELISSA'S: Wine Down with D. Davis (acoustic), 5 p.m., free. Open Bluegrass Jam, 7 p.m., free.

HALFLOUNGE: Half & Half Comedy (standup), 8 p.m., free.

HIGHER GROUND BALLROOM: Bro Safari, Torro Torro, Brillz, CRNKN (EDM), 9 p.m., $15/20. AA. HIGHER GROUND SHOWCASE LOUNGE: Rock the Holidaze: Seamus the Great, Gang of Thieves and special guests (rock), 8 p.m., $8/12. AA. JP'S PUB: Karaoke with Melody, 10 p.m., free.

MANHATTAN PIZZA & PUB: Hot Waxxx with Justcaus & Pen West (hip-hop), 9:30 p.m., free.

MONKEY HOUSE: Something With Strings, Citizen Bare (bluegrass), 9 p.m., free.

NECTAR'S: Trivia Mania with Top Hat Entertainment, 7 p.m., free. A Very Jerry Christmas with Cats Under the Stars (Jerry Garcia Band tribute), 9:30 p.m., free/$5. 18+.

O'BRIEN'S IRISH PUB: DJ Dominic (hip-hop), 9:30 p.m., free.

ON TAP BAR & GRILL: The Joe Moore Band (blues), 7 p.m., free.

WHAMMY BAR: Open Mic, 6:30 p.m., free.

craft

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Young Tradition Vermont REUNION CONCERTS

food

craftor beer

SEVEN DAYS

FRANNY O'S: Karaoke, 9 p.m., free.

FRIDAY, JAN 3 • 7 PM FlynnSpace Tickets $20 • 802-86FLYNN or www.flynntix.org

SATURDAY, JAN 4 • 7 PM Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center 70 MUSIC

Tickets $20 • 802-760-4634 • sprucepeakarts.org For more info visit

threepennytaproom.com | 108 Main Street, Montpelier VT 05602 | 802.223.taps 8H-ThreePenny082813.indd 1

8/26/13 3:55 PM

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GOT MUSIC NEWS? DAN@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

REVIEW this Chris Robertson and the Socket Rockets, The Need for Tweed (SELF-RELEASED, CD, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)

Slide guitarist Chris Robertson is best known locally as a respected sideman with bluesy Vermont bands such as Bloozotomy, Blue Fox & the Rockin’ Daddies, Left Eye Jump and, most recently, the Dave Keller Band. But since 2006, he’s helmed his own project, Chris Robertson and the Socket Rockets.

Earlier this year, that band released its debut record, The Need for Tweed.

Through the album’s nine cuts — seven of them originals — Robertson and his Socket Rockets mine the landscape of

electrified American blues, rock and rockabilly. It’s familiar territory, to be sure. And while Robertson rarely tiptoes outside of those genres’ wellworn conventions, his fierce playing and cheeky songwriting lend the record a welcome air of vitality.

As his résumé would suggest, Robertson is an elite player. He’s also quite the gearhead. The album’s back cover states that the CD contains “100% organic ‘Tube Tone.’” In other words, no fuzz boxes or solid-state amps. Inside the jacket, he details the gear used to record each track, from the makes of guitars and amps down to the style of hotrodded pickups. For most listeners, that info is superfluous.

But it hints at an attention to detail and desire for authenticity that manifests in Robertson’s music.

From the opening cut, “Galaxy in My Galaxie,” through tunes such as the rambunctious “Barbeque,” “Old Money Honey” and “Turning Mean,” Robertson dutifully evokes a bygone era of American music and greaser culture. It seems almost quaint in a hyperstylized age in which Kanye West is a selfproclaimed genius, Carrie Underwood

Great Western, Lonesome on High (SELF-RELEASED, CD, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)

DAN BOLLES

SCAN THIS PAGE WITH LAYAR TO LISTEN TO TRACKS

29 South Main Street • Alburgh, VT 10-4, M-Sa • 796.4694 • newdye.com

AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST OR BAND MAKING MUSIC IN VT, SEND YOUR CD TO US! GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED: IFDANYOU’RE BOLLES C/O SEVEN DAYS, 255 SO. CHAMPLAIN ST. STE 5, BURLINGTON, VT 05401

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MUSIC 71

DAN BOLLES

11/13/13 3:47 PM

SEVEN DAYS

Christopher McManus’ round-toned keys provide an ethereal bed on which 16t-tiedyeshop112013-2.indd 1 his dreamy lyrics rest. Meanwhile, Keyser’s fiddle dances around a sparse electric guitar lead, building to a dramatic bridge in which Ryan Hayes’ drums are unleashed in a torrent of spastic hits.

“Into the Light,” which follows, is easily the record’s most ambitious SCAN THIS PAGE composition. A bright march of drums, WITH LAYAR piano, plucked violin and acoustic SEE PROGRAM COVER guitars crash headlong into a wave of distortion, which recedes to a wash of harmony, the calm before one last storm.

It’s a song that wouldn’t seem out of place on a Delta Spirit record.

On “Song to Sing,” Great Western return to their twangy roots with a woozy, fiddle-led acoustic number that is as singsong-y as its title suggests.

Lonesome on High closes on “Think I’ll Stay,” which features Osswald’s most affecting writing. “And it’s a wonder the world can tell / This everyday magic is losing its spell,” he sings in close harmony with Keyser. Decidedly western — not to mention lonesome — it’s classically styled alt-country, and one of the record’s finest cuts.

Lonesome on High by Great Western is available at greatwesternvt.bandcamp. com.

12.18.13-12.25.13

Western are sloppy or suffer some lack of ability. They certainly don’t. Rather, the band delivers a collection whose real appeal lies in sleepy vocals, deceptively complex arrangements and sturdy songwriting.

At the center of that aesthetic is front man and primary songwriter Ryan Osswald, whose gritty voice at times recalls Cary Hudson of the overlooked 1990s alt-country rockers Blue Mountain. On opener “Wake the Ghost,” he offers a typically shrugged-shoulder sentiment, singing, “It’s not all good, but that’s all right,” flanked by a chorus of bright vocal harmony and ringing guitar.

On “Pocono Pines,” GW employ a rowdier tack that hints at more than a few nights spent with the Band’s Music From Big Pink. “Stay a Little Longer” features violinist Rachel Keyser, whose swooning tones help characterize the band’s overall sound. “Big Slowdown” is a driving, mid-tempo cut highlighted by pretty group harmonies that frame Osswald’s searching prose.

The band switches gears on the ballad “Such a Long Time.” Songwriter

Good Stuff Sex, Glass & Rock-n-roll

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

One of the great revelations of altcountry was the idea that the principles of classic country songwriting could be stripped down to their creaky bones and then reimagined, often in a darker framework. We’re admittedly painting in broad strokes here, but being clever became less a prerequisite than the ability to bluntly express more visceral and introspective emotions. In that sense, much of what we now consider alt-country shares more in common with confessional folk songwriters than Hank, Johnny or Waylon. Alt-country also ushered in a change in musical philosophy in which a ragged, almost punk ethos was applied to twang that eschewed glittery, rhinestone-studded licks in favor of an unpolished approach.

On their latest album, Lonesome on High, Burlington’s Great Western mine those now somewhat traditional tenets of alt-country and its predecessor, country-rock, to great effect. A followup to the band’s 2012 self-titled debut EP, the record presents eight weary, rough-hewn songs that succeed less on flawless technical performances than sly emotive punch. That’s not to say Great

is supposedly country and Arcade Fire are supposedly indie. There’s a playful quality to Robertson’s music that suggests he doesn’t take himself too seriously, even though his prodigious abilities would justify it if he did.

Robertson surrounds himself with a crack backing band, including drummer Daemmon Hughes, guitarist Ed Burgess and bassist Kenny B. He also leans on some old friends as special guests, such as keyboardist Ira Friedman and harmonica ace Greg Izor. While the GoodStuff.xxx (not.com) Socket Rockets’ collective firepower is impressive, Robertson remains the band’s most potent weapon. Whether the tie dye shop 1 12/12/13 2:43 PM in his bluesy growl or fiery slide riffs, 16t-goodstuff-121813.indd One of a kind holiday gifts. his performances are energetic and as From t-shirts to tablecloths... polished as gleaming chrome. He might We’ve got you covered! not be breaking any molds, but he’s a worthy keeper of the rock-and-roll flame.

The Need for Tweed by Chris Robertson and the Socket Rockets is available at cdbaby.com. The band plays Moog’s Place in Morrisville on Saturday, December 28.

12/14/13 11:03 AM

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SECTION Square-inGreat Burlington this Thursday, PLUS stocking stuffers VIDEOS tWo BrotherS tavern: DJ Dizzle (house), 10 thu.19sterling « p.70 silver jewelry TO WATCH p.m., free.

OF THE ARTISTS & whimsical gifts Pizza Barrio : hana Zara (singer-songwriter), 6 p.m., free.

Famous label off-price Open 7 days a week, clothing for Men, Women9am-9pm and Teens… at Deep, Deep DiscounTs! SCAN HERE TO LISTEN TO TRACKS

802-635-8393 Bean: cody sargent & Friends (jazz), 6 p.m., Route radio free. Andrew moroz trio (jazz), 8:30 p.m., free.

Open Daily 11am-6pm (rock), 11 p.m., $5.

15 Family Night Band Square: mammal Dap (indie soul), 7 p.m., Johnsonred free. D Jay Baron (hip-hop), 10 p.m., free. red Square Blue room: DJ cre8 (house), 10 p.m., free. rí rá iriSh PuB: Last Words (rock), 9 p.m., free.

Skinny Pancake: Linda Bassick (singersongwriter), 7 p.m., $5-10 donation.

central

charlie o'S: DJ crucible (metal), 10 p.m., free.

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11/7/12 11:36 AM

Whammy Bar: June morse christmas carol sing Along, 7 p.m., free.

champlain valley

ZOE’S KALEIDOSCOPE city limitS: trivia with top hat Entertainment, 7 p.m., free.

on the riSe Bakery: Gabe Jarrett (jazz), 7:30 p.m., donations.

northern

Bee'S kneeS: Keith Williams (folk), 7:30 p.m., donations. the huB Pizzeria & PuB: Dinner Jazz with Fabian Rainville, 6:30 p.m., free. Open mic, 9 p.m., free. moog'S Place: Open mic, 8:30 p.m., free.

Parker Pie co.: Granite Junction (rock), 7:30 p.m., free.

regional

monoPole: The snacks (rock), 10 p.m., free. monoPole doWnStairS: Gary peacock (singersongwriter), 10 p.m., free. theraPy: Therapy Thursdays with DJ NYcE (top 40), 10:30 p.m., free.

CIGARETTES © SFNTC 4 2013 COURtESY OF MaMMaL Dap

Rí Rá IRIsH PuB: Supersounds DJ (top 40), 10 p.m., free. skInny Pancake: The Willoughbys (folk), 8 p.m., $5-10 donation.

Venue: a House on Fire (rock), 8 p.m., $5.

central

cHaRlIe o's: The Wrong Numbers (gypsy swing), 10 p.m., free. gReen MountaIn taVeRn: DJ Jonny p (top 40), 9 p.m., $2. sweet MelIssa's: Honky tonk Happy Hour with Mark LeGrand, 5:30 p.m., free. a Fly allusion (funk), 9 p.m., Na. wHaMMy BaR: auburn Mode (acoustic), 7:30 p.m., free.

champlain valley

51 MaIn: Blues and Beyond, 8 p.m., free. cIty lIMIts: twist of Fate (rock), 9 p.m., free. on tHe RIse BakeRy: Zephrus (experimental rock), 7:30 p.m., donations. two BRotHeRs taVeRn: Joe Moore Band (blues), 9 p.m., $3.

northern

Bee's knees: Blueroad Crossing (americana), 7:30 p.m., donations.

Moog's Place: Michele Sarah Band (funk), 9 p.m., Na. RIMRocks MountaIn taVeRn: Friday Night Frequencies with DJ Rekkon (hip-hop), 10 p.m., free.

VeRMont ale House: Sugar Shack (rock), 9 p.m., free.

regional

MonoPole: Bravacado (rock), 10 p.m., free. olIVe RIdley's: ashley Kollar & Liz Chasky (acoustic), 6 p.m., free. Glass Onion (rock), 10 p.m., Na. tHeRaPy: pulse with DJ Nyce (hip-hop), 10 p.m., $5.

FRI.20

sat.21

Backstage PuB: Dark Horse (rock), 9:30 p.m., free.

Backstage PuB: The Hitmen (rock), 9:30 p.m., free.

cluB MetRonoMe: No Diggity: Return to the ’90s (’90s dance party), 9 p.m., $5.

cluB MetRonoMe: Retronome (’80s dance party), 10 p.m., $5.

FRanny o's: The Holter Brothers (rock), 9 p.m., free.

FRanny o's: Karaoke, 9 p.m., free.

JP's PuB: Karaoke with Megan, 10 p.m., free.

MaRRIott HaRBoR lounge: Jake Whitesell (jazz), 8 p.m., free.

burlington area

nectaR's: Joshua Glass (singer-songwriter), 5 p.m., free. Seth Yacovone (solo acoustic blues), 7 p.m., free. Blues for Breakfast (Grateful Dead tribute), 9 p.m., $5. on taP BaR & gRIll: Nerbak Brothers (blues), 5 p.m., free. The Real Deal (r&b), 9 p.m., free.

RadIo Bean: Kid's Music with Linda "tickle Belly" Bassick, 11 a.m., free. Sammi & Johnnie's Christmas party Kick-Off Show (holiday), 7 p.m., free. Kim and Chris (blues), 8:30 p.m., free. Gandhi (singer-songwriter), 10 p.m., free. Young tricksters (explorative rock), 11 p.m., free. The Dupont Brothers (indie folk), 12:30 a.m., free.

Red squaRe: Hana Zara (singer-songwriter), 5 p.m., free. Close to Nowhere (rock), 8 p.m., free. DJ Craig Mitchell (house), 11 p.m., $5.

RuBen JaMes: DJ Cre8 (hip-hop), 10:30 p.m., free.

PIzza BaRRIo : abbie Morin (Sacred Steel), 6 p.m., free.

RadIo Bean: David Sedaris' "The SantaLand Diaries (theater), 7 p.m., free. Waves of adrenaline (folk), 8 p.m., free. Mollie, annie & Sam (a cappella), 9 p.m., free. Hana Zara (singer-songwriter), 10 p.m., free. Jim & the Myoclonic Jerks (rock), 11 p.m., free.

Bless the Child (hip-hop), 12:30 a.m., free.

Red squaRe: Red Sky Mary (rock), 7 p.m., $5.

Mashtodon (mashup), 11 p.m., $5.

Red squaRe Blue RooM: DJ Raul (salsa), 7 p.m., free.

RuBen JaMes: Craig Mitchell (house), 10 p.m., free.

Rí Rá IRIsH PuB: Hot Neon Magic (’80s New Wave), 10 p.m., free. skInny Pancake: peter Day CD Release (rock), 8 p.m., $5-10 donation.

Sat.21

MUSIC 73

Red squaRe Blue RooM: DJ Mixx (EDM), 9 p.m., $5.

visit www.sfntc.com

on taP BaR & gRIll: Glass and Flinn (singersongwriters), 5 p.m., free. tymes Up (rock), 9 p.m., free.

SEVEN DAYS

Penalty Box: Salsa Night with Hector Cobeo, 9 p.m., $3/5. 18+. Salsa Social, 10 p.m., $3/5. 18+.

nectaR's: Lucid, Bible Camp Sleepovers, the adam Ezra Group (rock), 9 p.m., $5.

For more information on our organic growing programs,

12.18.13-12.25.13

Monkey House: Derby Dames Holiday party with Vaporizer, Lord Silky, Miss Fits (punk), 9 p.m., $5.

JP's PuB: Karaoke with Megan, 10 p.m., free.

SEVENDAYSVt.com

MaRRIott HaRBoR lounge: Shane Hardiman (jazz), 8 p.m., free.

burlington area

» p.74 2v-AWN(AmSpir)121813 cmyk.indd 1

12/13/13 10:39 AM

music SAT.21

CLUB DATES NA: NOT AVAILABLE. AA: ALL AGES.

« P.73

VENUE: Saturday Night Mixdown with DJ Dakota & Jon Demus (hip-hop), 8 p.m., $5. 18+.

central

SUN.22

NECTAR'S: Mi Yard Reggae Night with Big Dog & Demus, 9 p.m., free.

burlington area

BACKSTAGE PUB: Karaoke, 8 p.m., free.

CLUB METRONOME: Sundae Soundclash: Holiday HoDown (EDM), 9 p.m., free/$5. 18+.

BAGITOS: Irish Sessions, 2 p.m., free.

CHARLIE O'S: Dance Party, 10 p.m., free.

FRANNY O'S: Vermont's Got Talent Open Mic, 8 p.m., free.

POSITIVE PIE 2: Michelle Sarah Band (funk), 10:30 p.m., $5.

THE RESERVOIR RESTAURANT & TAP ROOM: Cats Under the Stars (Jerry Garcia Band tribute), 10 p.m., free.

SWEET MELISSA'S: Andy Pitt (singer-songwriter), 5 p.m., free. Stone Cold Roosters (country), 9 p.m., free.

HIGHER GROUND BALLROOM: A Contois Christmas (holiday), 2 p.m., free.

MONKEY HOUSE: Spark Arts Open Improv Jam, 7 p.m., $3.

ON TAP BAR & GRILL: Zack duPont (singersongwriter), 11 a.m., free.

PENALTY BOX: Trivia with a Twist, 4 p.m., free.

RADIO BEAN: Bohemian Blues Quartet (gypsy jazz), 11 a.m., free. Saloon Sessions with Brett Hughes (country), 1 p.m., free. The Skamaphrodites (ska, Clawhammer spirituals), 4:20 p.m., free. Papa's Drunken Xmas with Mikey Western & the Rodeo Clowns (holiday), 6 p.m., free. James Tautkus (alt-folk), 7 p.m., free. Arthur Leon Adams III (singer-songwriter), 9:30 p.m., free. Red Tin Box (folk punk), 11 p.m., free.

SKINNY PANCAKE: Bluegrass Brunch Scramble, 1 p.m., $5-10 donation.

WHAMMY BAR: Audrey Bernstein and Joe Capps (jazz), 7 p.m., free.

northern

champlain valley

51 MAIN: Eight 02 (jazz), 8 p.m., free.

BEE'S KNEES: Derek Teichart (singer-songwriter), 7:30 p.m., donations.

CITY LIMITS: Dance Party with DJ Earl (Top 40), 9 p.m., free.

MATTERHORN: Chris Tagatac (acoustic rock), 4 p.m., free.

TWO BROTHERS TAVERN: House Rockers (rock), 9 p.m., $3.

SWEET CRUNCH BAKE SHOP: Don Tobey and Mary Collins (bluegrass), 10:30 a.m., free.

northern

BEE'S KNEES: Z-Jaz (jazz), 7:30 p.m., donations.

CLUB METRONOME: Waltien & Rameaka (improv), 7 p.m. & 8 p.m., $10. 18+.

HALFLOUNGE: Family Night (rock), 10:30 p.m., free.

JP'S PUB: Dance Video Request Night with Melody (dance), 10 p.m., free.

MANHATTAN PIZZA & PUB: Karaoke, 9:30 p.m., free.

NECTAR'S: Metal Monday Xmas Bash, 9 p.m., free/$5. 18+.

ON TAP BAR & GRILL: Open Mic with Wylie, 7 p.m., free.

RADIO BEAN: Francesca Blanchard (French chanteuse), 7 p.m. Open Mic, 9 p.m., free.

RED SQUARE: Mashtodon (mashup), 10 p.m., free.

RUBEN JAMES: Why Not Monday? with Dakota (hip-hop), 10 p.m., free.

central

CHARLIE O'S: Trivia Night, 8 p.m., free.

MOOG'S PLACE: Seth Yacovone (solo acoustic blues), 8 p.m., free.

PARKER PIE CO.: Darkest Night Xmas Party with Bad Dog (rock), 8 p.m., $5.

WED.25

burlington area

PIECASSO: Canopy (rock), 10 p.m., free.

NECTAR'S: Blues Christmas with the Greg Izor Blues Jam, 8 p.m., free.

VERMONT ALE HOUSE: DJ Rekkon (EDM), 9 p.m., free.

All in the Family You’d be hard

regional

pressed to find a new Vermont band with more

OLIVE RIDLEY'S: Glass Onion (rock), 10 p.m., NA.

buzz surrounding them in 2013 than the

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

MONOPOLE: NorthFunkTree (rock), 10 p.m., free.

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COURTESY OF THE DUPONT BROTHERS

12.18.13-12.25.13

burlington area

northern

MOOG'S PLACE: Tennessee Jed (Americana), 9 p.m., free.

SEVEN DAYS

MON.23

POSITIVE PIE 2: White Out Party with DJ Ben Arsenal (house), 10 p.m., $5.

THE HUB PIZZERIA & PUB: Karaoke, 9 p.m., free.

74 MUSIC

VERMONT ALE HOUSE: N'Goni Dub Trio (West African groove), 9 p.m., free.

simply put, stands as one of the year’s finest. The DuPont

Brothers play an intimate gig at Radio Bean in Burlington on Friday, December 20.

SCAN PAGES SCAN HERE IN THE MUSIC SECTION TO LISTEN TO TO21 WATCH VIDEOS OPEN HOUSE • SATURDAY, DEC. • 10AM-5PM TRACKS OF THE ARTISTS Come see where Barr Hill Gin and Barr Hill Vodka are made from raw honey.

Celebrate the holidays with our locally crafted spirits and Sumptuous Syrups.

Elderberry Cordial 2013 has just been released. Enter to win door prizes.

SCAN HERE TO LISTEN TO TRACKS 322 NO. WINOOSKI AVE. BURLINGTON

863-4475 | WWW.OLDSPOKESHOME.COM

12/16/13 12:32 PM

We are at the Burlington Winter Farmers Market We also sell raw honey and traditional plant medicine.

Saturdays 10-2PM.

Thank you.

46 LogRd Yard Drive (through Lamoille Valley Ford), Hardwick,Vermont VT 46 Buffalo Mtn Commons (through Lamoille Valley Ford), Hardwick, 802.472.8000

802.472.8000 • www.caledoniaspirits.com www.caledoniaspirits.com

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12/10/13 4:10 PM

venueS.411 burlington area

central

51 mAiN, 51 Main St., Middlebury, 388-8209 bAr ANtiDotE, 35C Green St., Vergennes, 877-2555 cArol’S huNgrY miND cAfé, 24 Merchant’s Row, Middlebury, 388-0101 citY limitS, 14 Greene St., Vergennes, 877-6919 clEm’S cAfé 101 Merchant’s Row, Rutland, 775-3337 DAN’S PlAcE, 31 Main St., Bristol, 453-2774

bEE’S kNEES, 82 Lower Main St., Morrisville, 888-7889 blAck cAP coffEE, 144 Main St., Stowe, 253-2123 broWN’S mArkEt biStro, 1618 Scott Highway, Groton, 584-4124 choW! bEllA, 28 N. Main St., St. Albans, 524-1405 clAirE’S rEStAurANt & bAr, 41 Main St., Hardwick, 472-7053 coSmic bAkErY & cAfé, 30 S. Main St., St. Albans, 524-0800 couNtrY PANtrY DiNEr, 951 Main St., Fairfax, 849-0599 croP biStro & brEWErY, 1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4304 grEY fox iNN, 990 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-8921 thE hub PizzEriA & Pub, 21 Lower Main St., Johnson, 635-7626 thE littlE cAbArEt, 34 Main St., Derby, 293-9000 mAttErhorN, 4969 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-8198 thE mEEtiNghouSE, 4323 Rt. 1085, Smugglers’ Notch, 6448851 moog’S PlAcE, Portland St., Morrisville, 851-8225 muSic box, 147 Creek Rd., Craftsbury, 586-7533 oVErtimE SAlooN, 38 S. Main St., St. Albans, 524-0357 PArkEr PiE co., 161 County Rd., West Glover, 525-3366 PhAt kAtS tAVErN, 101 Depot St., Lyndonville, 626-3064 PiEcASSo, 899 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4411 rimrockS mouNtAiN tAVErN, 394 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-9593 roADSiDE tAVErN, 216 Rt. 7, Milton, 660-8274 ShootErS SAlooN, 30 Kingman St., St. Albwans, 527-3777 SNoW ShoE loDgE & Pub, 13 Main St., Montgomery Center, 326-4456 SWEEt cruNch bAkEShoP, 246 Main St., Hyde Park, 888-4887 tAmArAck grill At burkE mouNtAiN, 223 Shelburne Lodge Rd., E. Burke, 626-7394 VErmoNt AlE houSE, 294 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-6253 WAtErShED tAVErN, 31 Center St., Brandon, 247-0100.

YE olDE ENglAND iNNE, 443 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-5320

128 Intervale Road, Burlington • (802)660-3505 472 Marshall Avenue, Williston • (802)658-2433 Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10-5 www.GardenersSupplyStore.com 6h-gardenerssupply121813.indd 7Dpieday.indd 1 1

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Winooski

regional

moNoPolE, 7 Protection Ave., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-563-2222 NAkED turtlE, 1 Dock St., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-566-6200. oliVE riDlEY’S, 37 Court St., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-324-2200 PAlmEr St. coffEE houSE, 4 Palmer St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. 518-561-6920 thErAPY, 14 Margaret St., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-561-2041

SEVEN DAYS

champlain valley

northern

12.18.13-12.25.13

bAgito’S, 28 Main St., Montpelier, 229-9212 big PicturE thEAtEr & cAfé, 48 Carroll Rd., Waitsfield, 496-8994 brEAkiNg grouNDS, 245 Main St., Bethel, 392-4222 thE cENtEr bAkErY & cAfE, 2007 Guptil Rd., Waterbury Center, 244-7500 chArliE o’S, 70 Main St., Montpelier, 223-6820 ciDEr houSE bbq AND Pub, 1675 Rte.2, Waterbury, 244-8400 cork WiNE bAr, 1 Stowe St., Waterbury, 882-8227 ESPrESSo buENo, 248 N. Main St., Barre, 479-0896 grEEN mouNtAiN tAVErN, 10 Keith Ave., Barre, 522-2935 guSto’S, 28 Prospect St., Barre, 476-7919 hoStEl tEVErE, 203 Powderhound Rd., Warren, 496-9222 kiSmEt, 52 State St., Montpelier, 223-8646 kNottY ShAmrock, 21 East St., Northfield, 485-4857 locAlfolk SmokEhouSE, 9 Rt. 7, Waitsfield, 496-5623 mulligAN’S iriSh Pub, 9 Maple Ave., Barre, 479-5545 NuttY StEPh’S, 961C Rt. 2, Middlesex, 229-2090 outbAck PizzA + Nightclub, 64 Pond St., Ludlow, 228-6688 PicklE bArrEl Nightclub, Killington Rd., Killington, 4223035 thE PiNES, 1 Maple St., Chelsea, 658-3344 thE PizzA StoNE, 291 Pleasant St., Chester, 875-2121 PoSitiVE PiE 2, 20 State St., Montpelier, 229-0453 PurPlE mooN Pub, Rt. 100, Waitsfield, 496-3422 rED hEN bAkErY + cAfé, 961 US Route 2, Middlesex, 223-5200 thE rESErVoir rEStAurANt & tAP room, 1 S. Main St., Waterbury, 244-7827 SliDE brook loDgE & tAVErN, 3180 German Flats Rd., Warren, 583-2202 SWEEt mEliSSA’S, 4 Langdon St., Montpelier, 225-6012 tuPElo muSic hAll, 188 S. Main St., White River Jct., 698-8341 VErmoNt thruShrEStAurANt, 107 State St., Montpelier, 2256166 WhAmmY bAr, 31 W. County Rd., Calais, 229-4329

Visit one of our Garden Centers on Saturday, December 21st and help us celebrate becoming employee-owned with a slice of local pie! It’s an annual solstice tradition!

gooD timES cAfé, Rt. 116, Hinesburg, 482-4444 ND’S bAr & rEStAurANt, 31 Main St., Bristol, 453-2774 oN thE riSE bAkErY, 44 Bridge St., Richmond, 434-7787 tourtErEllE, 3629 Ethan Allen Hwy., New Haven, 453-6309 tWo brothErS tAVErN, 86 Main St., Middlebury, 388-0002

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MUSIC 75

242 mAiN St., Burlington, 862-2244 AmEricAN flAtbrEAD, 115 St. Paul St., Burlington, 861-2999 ArtSriot, 400 Pine St., Burlington AuguSt firSt, 149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, 540-0060 bAckStAgE Pub, 60 Pearl St., Essex Jct., 878-5494 bANANA WiNDS cAfé & Pub, 1 Market Pl., Essex Jct., 879-0752 thE block gAllErY, 1 E. Allen St., Winooski, 373-5150 brEAkWAtEr cAfé, 1 King St., Burlington, 658-6276 brENNAN’S Pub & biStro, UVM Davis Center, 590 Main St., Burlington, 656-1204 church & mAiN rEStAurANt, 156 Church St. Burlington, 540-3040 citY SPortS grillE, 215 Lower Mountain View Dr., Colchester, 655-2720 club mEtroNomE, 188 Main St., Burlington, 865-4563 thE DAilY PlANEt, 15 Center St., Burlington, 862-9647 DriNk, 133 St. Paul St., Burlington, 951-9463 DobrÁ tEA, 80 Church St., Burlington, 951-2424 fiNNigAN’S Pub, 205 College St., Burlington, 863-2909 frANNY o’S, 733 Queen City Park Rd., Burlington, 863-2909 hAlflouNgE, 136 1/2 Church St., Burlington, 865-0012 hAlVorSoN’S uPStrEEt cAfé, 16 Church St., Burlington, 658-0278 highEr grouND, 1214 Williston Rd., S. Burlington, 652-0777 JP’S Pub, 139 Main St., Burlington, 658-6389 JuNiPEr At hotEl VErmoNt, 41 Cherry St., Burlington, 658-0251 lEuNig’S biStro & cAfé, 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 mAgliANEro cAfé, 47 Maple St., Burlington, 861-3155 mANhAttAN PizzA & Pub, 167 Main St., Burlington, 864-6776 mArriott hArbor louNgE, 25 Cherry St., Burlington, 854-4700 moNkEY houSE, 30 Main St., Winooski, 655-4563 moNtY’S olD brick tAVErN, 7921 Williston Rd., Williston, 316-4262 mr. crÊPE, 144 Church St., Burlington, 448-3155 muDDY WAtErS, 184 Main St., Burlington, 658-0466 NEctAr’S, 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 o’briEN’S iriSh Pub, 348 Main St., Winooski, 338-4678 olDE NorthENDEr, 23 North St., Burlington, 864-9888 oN tAP bAr & grill, 4 Park St., Essex Jct., 878-3309 oNE PEPPEr grill, 260 North St., Burlington, 658-8800 oScAr’S biStro & bAr, 190 Boxwood Dr., Williston, 878-7082 PArk PlAcE tAVErN, 38 Park St., Essex Jct. 878-3015 PENAltY box, 127 Porter’s Point Rd., Colchester, 863-2065 PizzA bArrio, 203 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 863-8278 rADio bEAN, 8 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 660-9346 rASPutiN’S, 163 Church St., Burlington, 864-9324 rED SquArE, 136 Church St., Burlington, 859-8909 rEgulAr VEtErANS ASSociAtioN, 84 Weaver St., Winooski, 655-9899 rÍ rÁ iriSh Pub, 123 Church St., Burlington, 860-9401 rozzi’S lAkEShorE tAVErN, 1022 W. Lakeshore Dr., Colchester, 863-2342 rubEN JAmES, 159 Main St., Burlington, 864-0744

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art

Soul of the Suburbs Timothy Jude Smith, Upstairs at West Branch Gallery

T

imothy Jude Smith is not the fi rst person to note the existence of ironically named housing developments, aka suburbs — that is, names that evoke fl ora or fauna the development has actually displaced. But, as a graduate student in Ohio, Smith began to observe a particular phenomenon: suburbs named af ter Walden Pond, the rural outpost in Concord, Mass., made famous in the writings of Henry David Thoreau.

Over the century and a half since Thoreau published Walden; or, Lif e in the Woods, his rustic abode became a revered, uniquely American icon of simple living. Yet it’s not likely suburban developers associate this with the transcendentalist movement that shaped our country’s early literature and philosophy.

Talk about a lost ideal.

While most of us simply tut-tut over the modern predilection f or paving paradise, artist Smith — now based in Boston — dug a little deeper, embracing Thoreau’s idea that beauty is timeless, all around us and not to be taken f or granted. Following that thread, he might have made pretty pictures showing us that, yes, even in the ’burbs, there is beauty to be seen if you really look. But Smith doesn’t make it that easy for us. In his exhibit titled “Wherever There Is a Soul to Admire,” currently at Upstairs at West Branch Gallery in Stowe, the artist instead presents a series of 20 intimate photographs and two videos that challenge viewers to really, really look.

And here, “intimate” means close-up f ragments of , say, a thicket, or a patch of color on a wall, modulated by light or shadow. So obsessively ambiguous are these images — many of them intentionally blurry — that you might wonder whether Smith has also taken a page from Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception (written in 1954, a century after Walden). Speaking art-historically, the square images variously belong to the minimalist, abstract-expressionist and color-fi eld camps. But that is not what they are “about.”

In both the natural and built environments, Smith glimpses and frames for us

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REVIEW

“Walden 2”

SMITH EMBRACES THOREAU’S IDEA THAT BEAUTY IS TIMELESS, ALL AROUND US AND NOT TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

“Where ˜ ere is a Soul to Admire”

minute details from the four “Waldens” in Ohio, and forces us to see them out of context. Thus from the mundane comes mystery — something Thoreau might relish. But he had a lot of time on his hands. In today’s speedier, less patient, ADHD-riddled world, many viewers will take in Smith’s images for a few seconds, grow bored and move on. Those of a mindful nature may or may not be inclined to practice it in an art gallery.

To be sure, on the surf ace, there is not a lot going on in Smith’s f rames — particularly in the still photography (the video at least has movement). An appreciation for them — and for Smith’s conceptual f oundation — requires a f ocus very much akin to that of meditation.

It is necessary to see beyond the literal image before your eyes, as in a mandala.

“Wherever There Is a Soul to Admire” — the title comes f rom Thoreau — takes o˛ f rom the naturalist’s idea “that objects and environments in the phenomenal world could themselves become poetry,” writes Smith. “To Thoreau, poetry was no longer a human construction, but a f orm originating from existence itself.”

And so, with his images standing in for poetry, Smith asserts that all sensory experience in Ohio suburbs is “f undamentally aesthetic” and deserving of our admiration.

It’s hard to embrace this idea completely. Thoreau lived in a time bef ore

meadows and prairies were transf ormed into endless rows of cheaply built, copycat houses with concrete arteries between them. And so both Smith and Thoreau must be challenged on principle: Not everything deserves equal admiration.

That does not mean Smith’s artistic extrapolation is without merit. The artist’s use of a split screen in both video and some of the photographs — pairing identical or di˛ ering images — is an intriguing device. While the juxtaposition of two pictures subtly underscores what Smith calls “the limits of both human vision and digital video,” it can also demonstrate to the viewer how quickly the eyes discern barely perceptible variance between images — and, more to the point, how instantaneously the brain receives and interprets this information.

Neuroscience can tell us how our visual cortex works. Phenomenology can help us grapple with consciousness.

And Thoreau might have said we have everything to turn existence into poetry — or in this case, art. Smith, it appears, is trying to perform a creative alchemy, distilling bland suburbia to an essence that throws o˛ our preconceived bias.

He turns the shameless appropriation of the Walden “ideal” back on itself. Stripping his fragmented images of meaning, Smith leaves us to fi nd our own.

For all the artist’s interest in the 19th-century American writer, his work makes this viewer think of an earlier, British one: William Blake, who in a f amous poem mused about seeing “the world in a grain of sand.” Regardless of inspiration, there’s value in a reminder to pay close attention to the world in which we live.

P A M EL A P O L S T O N

INFO

“Wherever ˜ ere Is a Soul to Admire,” photographs and video by Timothy Jude Smith, Upstairs at West Branch Gallery in Stowe. ˜ rough December 29. westbranchgallery.com

SCAN THIS PAGE WITH LAYAR TO WATCH A TIMOTHY JUDE SMITH VIDEO SEE PAGE 9

Art ShowS

ongoing burlington area

2nd AnnuAl Artist MArket: A selection of handcrafted jewelry, greeting cards, glassware and other holiday gift options by local artists. Through December 31 at seAbA Center in burlington. info, 859-9222.

Al sAlzMAn: "subversive," paintings and drawings. Through January 17 at ArtsRiot in burlington. info, 540-0406.

Antonello BorrA & deliA roBinson: borra's new collection of bestiary poems, Alfabestiario, with illustrations by Robinson, is displayed alongside Robinson's new works on canvas called "The Middle sister." Through December 31 at Flynndog in burlington. info, 863-0093.

'Art of Winter' exhiBition And PoP-uP Art MArket: eleven Vermont artists explore the season in paintings and photography; a temporary shop from Kasini house offers artful gifts in a variety of media. Through December 28 at burlington Town Center Mall. info, info@kasinihouse.com.

BArBArA k WAters: An exhibit of mono prints in various styles by the local artist. Through January 31 at new Moon Café in burlington. info, 383-1505.

'Boldly PAtterned And suBtly iMAgined': The 22nd annual winter group show highlights the work of painter/printmaker/book artist Carolyn shattuck and potter boyan Moskov; and also features works by 16 regional artists in a variety of mediums.

Through January 31 at Furchgott sourdiffe gallery in shelburne. info, 985-3848.

'Cool MoVes! Artistry of Motion': An interactive exhibit that explores the beauty of motion.

Through January 6 at eCho lake Aquarium and science Center/leahy Center for lake Champlain in burlington. info, 877-324-6386.

CAMeron dAVis: "endless spring," paintings that address ecological emergencies and embrace our belonging to the earth and the cosmos. Through January 4 at All souls interfaith gathering in shelburne. info, 985-3819.

CArl ruBino: A selection of landscape photographs taken over the last six years. Through December 31 at Artspace 106 at the Men's Room in burlington. info, 864-2088.

CArolyn WAlton: "Visions," an exhibit celebrating walton's 15 years showing her paintings at the gallery. Athenia schinto, susan bull Riley, betty ball and Tineke Russell also exhibit their work. Through December 28 at luxton-Jones gallery in shelburne. info, 985-8223.

Courtney MerCier: "escape," photography that represents adventures in the here and now.

Curated by seAbA, including in adjacent ReTn offices. Through February 28 at VCAM studio in burlington. info, 859-9222.

tAlks & eVents life-drAWing session: Artists practice their painting and drawing techniques with a live model. Reservations encouraged. wednesday, December 18, 6-9 p.m.; sunday, December 22, 2-5 p.m., black horse Fine Art supply, burlington. info, 860-4972.

deVon kelley: "You Could never be boring," an installation of cut-paper banners that communicate inspirational and motivational phrases collected through conversations with women.

Through December 22 at ArtsRiot in burlington. info, 540-0406. 'dorothy And herB Vogel: fifty Works for fifty stAtes': work from the Vogels' extensive collection by more than 20 artists, including Carel balth, Judy Rifka, pat steir and Richard Tuttle; 'eAt: the soCiAl life of food': A student-curated exhibit of objects from the museum collection that explores the different ways people interact with food, from preparation to eating and beyond.

Through May 18 at Fleming Museum, uVM in burlington. info, 656-0750. elVirA triPP: Art Affair by shearer presents work by the Mexican-born artist. Through December 31 at shearer Chevrolet in south burlington. info, 658-1111. 'fACes': This group exhibit features portrait photography from a dozen countries by 60 artists selected by elizabeth Avedon, Through January 5 at Darkroom gallery in essex Junction. info, 777-3686. 'gifts $50 And under': A dozen local artists display their works for one-of-a-kind, affordable presents. Through December 31 at backspace gallery in burlington. info, spacegalleryvt.com. hAley BishoP: "Day Dreaming," mixed-media works by the local artist. Through December 31 at Vintage inspired in burlington. info, 355-5418. inAugurAl exhiBit: prints by bill Davison, sculpture by Kathleen schneider, photographs by Don Ross and paintings by John gonter. Through January 9 at Vermont Metro gallery, bCA Center in burlington. info, 865-7166. internAtionAl Art exhiBit: Art objects from around the world from the private collection of ben bergstein and April werner, along with artwork by winners of last year's contest in the Vermont international Festival. Through December 31 at north end studio A in burlington. info, 863-6713.

JACkson tuPPer: "oh um Ah," paintings by the Vermont artist. Through January 28 at new City galerie in burlington. info, 735-2542.

MitCh MorAski: images by the local photographer and solar-home owner. Through December 26 at sunCommon pop-up Art gallery in Montpelier. Talk: A solar conversion demo and Q&A, wednesday, December 18, 6-7:30 p.m. info, 274-4756.

JAnet MCkenzie: Artwork depicting an African American Jesus and the women of the bible whose stories were untold. Through December 31 at salaam and the Men's store in burlington. info, 658-8822.

JeAn CArlson MAsseAu: limited-edition giclée prints of transparent watercolor and gouache paintings of the landscape and botanical subjects.

Through December 31 at pompanoosuc Mills in burlington. info, 482-2407.

Jon young: "where the wild Things were," paintings of north American wildlife versus. human expansion. Through December 31 at Red square in burlington. info, 318-2438. 'lArge Works': Artists display works between three and 15 feet in size in this annual exhibition.

Through January 31 at soda plant in burlington. loCAl Artist grouP shoW: paintings by Carl Rubino, Jane Ann Kantor, Kim senior, Kristine slattery, Maria Del Castillo, philip hagopian and Vanessa Compton on the first floor; and by holly hauser, louise Arnold, Jacques burke, Johanne Durocher Yordan and Tessa holmes on the second.

Curated by seAbA. Through February 28 at innovation Center of Vermont in burlington. info, 859-9222. lydiA littWin: "blind Contours," works drawn from memory, or from direct observation, with eyes closed. Curated by seAbA. Through February 28 at pine street Deli in burlington. info, 859-9222. lynn CuMMings: "Textures," collages and nature-inspired paintings on gessoed paper.

Through January 31 at Dostie bros. Frame shop in burlington. info, 660-9005.

MAllory BrAtton riCh: oil and pastel paintings of the landscapes of rural Vermont, eastern new York, and coastal Maine and north Carolina.

Through January 2 at left bank home & garden in burlington. info, 862-1001.

reCePtions linCy sulliVAn: "sharpie Art show," drawings created with just sharpie pens. December 21 through January 15 at Diversity studios in burlington.

Reception: saturday, December 21, 2-4 p.m. info, 349-6209.

VerMont WAterColor soCiety: A selection of watercolor paintings by members of the burlington and st. Albans branches of the 240-member group. December 20 through January 31 at Art's Alive gallery in burlington. Reception: Friday, December 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

nAnCy toMCzAk: Avian watercolor paintings by the local artist and ornithologist. Curated by seAbA. Through February 28 at speeder & earl's (pine street) in burlington. info, 859-9222. niCole WelCoMe: "Reflections on Vermont," landscape photography in the Montpelier area.

Through December 29 at Fletcher Free library in burlington. info, 865-7211. 'onCe they Were': An invitational exhibit of tricolor prints designed by 15 artists, in conjunction with bCA's print studio and Torrey Valyou of new Duds; "loCAl: A Winter sAle": Affordable works by more than 14 Vermont artists who participate in the bCA Art sales and leasing program; and "referenCe for rAdiCAls": An exhibit of works by local artists based on terms in an activist booklet and expressing the artists' experiences, beliefs and desires. Through January 8 at bCA Center in burlington. info, 865-7166.

'Poster riot: 32 yeArs of PerforMAnCes At the flynn': show posters from the Flynn archives, plus posters from partner organizations such as lyric Theatre Company, Vermont symphony orchestra, Vermont stage Company, uVM lane series, higher ground and the burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Through January 4 at Amy e. Tarrant gallery, Flynn Center, in burlington. info, 652-4500. steez Art: "Vibes," signed and numbered prints by Kyle 'Fattie b.' Thompson. Through December 31 at halflounge in burlington. info, 865-0012. senior shoW: graduating seniors sarah barnes, Kelly Chiesa, Rebecca Jocek and Tamarra lessor show their works in photography and graphic and expressive arts. Through December 20 at burlington College. info, 862-9616. 'sMAll Works': in this annual exhibit, artworks in a variety of media and subject matter measure 12 inches or less. Through January 31 at s.p.A.C.e. gallery in burlington. info, spacegalleryvt.com.

buRlingTon-AReA shows

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Peter Miller Book signing: The waterbury photographer talks about and signs copies of his book, A Lifetime of Vermont People. saturday, December 21, 1-3 p.m., Frog hollow, burlington. info, 863-6458.

the studio store

NEW LOCATION theOUR Studio Store July 6/7/8 The Studio Fine Artist’s Materials Store, 2 Lower Main

12/4/13 4:35 PM 6/25/12 4:15 PM

20% off select items 127 Bank Street Burlington, VT STORE HOURS Wed. - Sat. 11AM - 5:30PM 802.862.1001

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St, Johnson, will be additional EVE 10-6!

OPENgiving CHRISTMAS discounts on papers, Closed: Dec. 25th-27th.

Open: Dec 28th & 29th. pads,following and paints, Closed week over for inventory buttheir can open by appointment. everyday greatly Please call!

Regular business hours resume Jan. 3. discounted prices. visitGifts us. & Gift Certificates GreatCome Holiday Open from 10am-6pm WWW.THESTUDIOSTORE.COM Wed. thru Sat. and 2 Lower Street East, Johnson 12-5 Main Sun. 802-635-2203 800.887.2203 • 802.635.2203 1-800-887-2703 Tue-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 www.thestudiostore.com

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CArol BouCher: More than 40 landscape paintings created from memory in the artist's essex Junction studio. Through December 31 at Alchemy Jewelry Arts Collective in burlington. info, 660-2032.

'Color, PAttern, WhiMsy, sCAle: the Best of shelBurne MuseuM': nearly 100 works from the permanent collection including paintings, folk art, furniture, wallpaper, decorative arts, textiles, costumes and more, exhibited in conjunction with the grand opening of the pizzagalli Center for Art and education. Through December 31 at shelburne Museum. info, 985-3346.

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Art ShowS

art

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DREAMS MADE REAL GIVE THE UNFORGETTABLE

‘Juice Bar’ It’s a refreshing idea, to name an exhibit “Juice Bar” in the dead of winter. The thought conjures warm climes and healthy beverages — and maybe even a bracing cleanse after holiday indulgence. What it means in the case of BigTown Gallery in Rochester is an eclectic group exhibit featuring gallery regulars along with some new faces — or rather, their works. These include

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witty and meticulously crafted sculptures of found materials by Jessica Straus, quirky carvings by Richard E. Smith, and fantastical pen-and-ink drawings by Rick Skogsberg. Pictured here: a chromogenic photographic print by Virginia Beahan and Laura McPhee titled “Galaxy of Orchids.” In celebration of BigTown’s 10th year, all are on view through April 5.

BuRLINGToN-AReA ART SHoWS

802-985-3190 102 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT matthewtaylordesigns@gmail.com www.matthewtaylordesigns.net

78 ART

Strength in numberS: "A Mixing of Words and Media," collaborative paintings and individual works by a group of art teachers who regularly meet to support each other in art making; in the Mezzanine Balcony. Through January 30 at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. Info, 865-7211.

SuSan Larkin: "Land & Lakeshore," oil paintings of Lake Champlain and Northern Vermont landscapes. Through January 2 at Skinny Pancake in Burlington. Info, 928-3081.

teSSa hiLL: "Black Rhino Designs Mushrooms," wall hangings composed of painted polymer clay 12/9/13 9:32 AMmushrooms and found wood. Through December 30 at Speaking Volumes in Burlington. Info, 540-0107.

Say you saw it in...

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todd kieL: Paintings by the 2013 Wall-to-Canvas winner, whose influences include vintage comics,

Vermont artiSan Craft Show: The seasonal pop-up gallery features works in a variety of media by more than 50 crafters. Through December 28 at Vermont Artisans Craft Gallery in South Burlington.

Info, 652-0376.

Vermont Photo grouP: Seven local photographers show their memorable images of portraits, still lifes, landscapes, abstracts and nature.

Through January 1 at Mirabelles in Burlington. Info, 658-3074.

central

annuaL hoLiday artiSanS' bazaar: More than 40 area artisans and specialty food producers offer everything from pottery and blown glass to wreaths and chocolates. See website for hours Wednesday

through Sunday. Through December 23 at Chandler Gallery in Randolph. Info, chandler-arts.org. artiStree LoCaL artiStS & artiSanS: Works by 50 artists on panels that are 50 square inches, each sold for $50. Through December 22 at ArtisTree Community Arts Center & Gallery in Woodstock.

Info, 457-3500. buddhiSt thangkaS: Beautiful scrolls by various artists from Nepal and India are for sale, to benefit the nonprofit Child Haven International. Through January 31 at Tulsi Tea Room in Montpelier. Info, 223-0043.

CeiLidh gaLLoway-kane: "The People, the Places," works in watercolor, pen and ink, and graphite by the Vermont artist. Through December 29 at Green Bean Art Gallery at Capitol Grounds in Montpelier. Info, curator@capitolgrounds.com.

CeNTRAL VT SHoWS

ViSuAl Art iN SEVEN DAYS:

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retro signs, wartime propaganda posters, Bauhaus and the avant-garde. Through December 31 at Magic Hat Brewing Company in South Burlington.

Info, 658-2739.

art listings and spotlights are written by pAmElA polStoN. listings are restricted to art shows in truly public places; exceptions may be made at the discretion of the editor.

gEt Your Art Show liStED hErE!

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if you’re promoting an art exhibit, let us know by posting info and images by thursdays at noon on our form at SEVENDAYSVt.com/poStEVENt or gAllEriES@SEVENDAYSVt.com

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'Celebrate': An annual show of fine art and craft by artist members. Through December 28 at Studio Place Arts in Barre. Info, 479-7069.

Deluxe unlimiteD: "Wreckage," a janitor's closet filled with collages that explore "the doomsdayhappy world we live in, and the cultural debris left in its wake," by the local artist also known as Ben Peberdy. Through December 31 at Utility Arts Center in White River Junction. Info, 345-6685.

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'earth as muse: beauty, DegraDation, hope, regeneration, awakening': Artwork that celebrates the Earth's beauty while reflecting on tensions between mankind and the environment by Fran Bull, Pat Musick, Harry A. Rich, Jenny Swanson and Richard Weis. Through April 4 at Great Hall in Springfield. Info, 258-3992.

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elizabeth mayor: Innovative prints that turn into collage, sculpture and mini installations. Through December 31 at Scavenger Gallery in White River Junction. Info, 295-0808.

FreDeriC ruDi: "Laundry and Eggs," paintings.

Through January 7 at Jaquith Public Library in Marshfield. Info, jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com. garry anD nanCy hobart: The husband-andwife artists exhibit photographs and paintings, respectively, that chronicle their life on Dairy Hill Farm. Through December 31 at Royalton Memorial Library in South Royalton. Info, 802-763-7094.

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holiDay show: Small works by artist members in a variety of printmaking media. Through January 31 at Two Rivers Printmaking Studio in White River Junction. Info, 295-5901. 'interpreting the interstates': Compiling photographs from state archives taken between 1958 and 1978, the Landscape Change Program at the University of Vermont produced this exhibit, which aims to illustrate how the creation of the interstate highway system changed Vermont's culture and countryside. Through April 26 at Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. Info, 479-8500.

SEVENDAYSVt.com 12.18-13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS

'gooD beginnings: group holiDay exhibition': Work in a variety of media by artists from around the region. A portion of proceeds benefit Good Beginnings of the Upper Valley, a charity for newborns and families. Through December 24 at Nuance Gallery in Windsor. Info, 674-9616. group show: Work by fiber artist Alison Cannon, blacksmith Chris Eaton, and beeswax candle makers Bonita Bedard and Shawna Sherwin. Through December 31 at Collective — the Art of Craft in Woodstock. Info, 457-1298.

NG EVENI ES CLASS

EARN YOUR TEACHING LICENSE IN 4 OR 5 SEMESTERS! 4 semesters: Middle, Secondary, Art 5 semesters: Elementary, Special Education, ESL

APPLY 18 CREDITS TO YOUR MASTER’S IN EDUCATION

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Janet FreDeriCks: "Quiet Observations: Anthills, Insects & Water," contemplative paintings on the natural environment by the Vermont artist. Through January 10 at Central Vermont Medical Center in Barre. Info, 371-4100.

JaniCe walraFen: "Grief and Praise," decorative clay masks created by the artist in reflection of a seven-day walk-about fast in Arizona. Through January 21 at Contemporary Dance & Fitness Studio in Montpelier. Info, 223-1242.

Jennie harriman & Christopher smith: "Intersectionalism: An Interdisciplinary Art Show," drawings, prints, paintings, sculpture, works of graphic design and childrens' literature, plus a participatory art activity. Through December 27 at Tunbridge Public Library. Info, 889-9404.

education@smcvt.edu

SPRING REGISTRATION OPEN NOW 4t-stmikes(graduateteaching)120413.indd 1

“JuiCe bar” winter show: The annual rotating members' show features works by Virginia Beahan and Laura McPhee, Jessica Straus, Kirsten Hoving and Richard E. Smith. Through April 5 at BigTown Gallery in Rochester. Info, 767-9670.

Jen morris: "Pastoral," photographs that explore the history and complexity hidden in Vermont’s idyllic countryside. Through December 27 at Supreme Court Lobby in Montpelier. Info, 828-0321.

802.654.2649

80 ART

georgia myer: "Authenticity," mixed-media works featuring oil, paper, pastels, charcoal, ink and watercolor on paper, canvas and linen. Through December 27 at Governor's Office Gallery in Montpelier. Info, 828-0749.

12/5/13 10:18 AM

lisa Forster beaCh: Abstract paintings by the Stowe artist. Through December 31 at Festival Gallery in Waitsfield. Info, 496-6682. marC beerman: Wildlife and nature images by the Pennsylvania-based photographer. Through January 5 at VINS Nature Center in Quechee. Info, 359-5001. peter miller: An exhibit celebrating the iconic Vermont photographer's new book, A Lifetime of Vermont People. Through January 2 at Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock. Info, 457-2295. 'rounD': Circular objects ranging from uniform buttons to oddities such as a foot-powered dentist’s drill; 'these honoreD DeaD: private anD national Commemoration': An exhibit that tells the stories of Norwich alumni from both sides of the Civil War, focusing on the military draft, prisons and mourning rituals. Through December 20 at Sullivan Museum & History Center, Norwich University, in Northfield. Info, 485-2183. sarah roseDahl: Illustrations from the artist/ author's new book Chickens!, about chicken breeds from A to Z. Through December 31 at the Cheshire Cat in Montpelier. Info, 223-1981. 'something to Celebrate': A twofold exhibit includes "Out of Bounds," works by Vermont Watercolor Society members Richard Weis, Johanne Durocher Yordan and Frieda Post; and a variety of pieces by returning VTica artists Nancy Pulliam Weis, Miranda Updike, Laura Rideout, Irene Cole and Nicholas Kekic. Through January 19 at Vermont Institute of Contemporary Arts in Chester. Info, 875-1018.

Call to artists inDoor artist yarD sale! The Space Gallery in Burlington is hosting an indoor artist yard sale on January 25, 2014!

Looking to make some money from those leftover art supplies, unused materials or unfinished art projects? All creative objects will be for sale, with the option to staff a booth of your own, or drop off items for the gallery to sell for you. Visit spacegalleryvt. com/call-to-artists for all the details and applications. Deadline January 20, or until all the spots are filled.

Creative Competition The Space Gallery is now hosting the Creative Competition!

Artists may drop off one piece of work, in any size and medium, that is ready to display or hang on the wall. Entry is $8 and work will be labeled with the title, medium and price. Drop off at 266 Pine Street from noon on Wednesday through noon on the first Friday of every month. The gallery will display the work during viewing hours for one week after the opening. Pickup/drop-off times, commission structure and location details can be found at spacegalleryvt.com/ call-to-artists.

Call to artists: winter art mart The Compass Music and Arts Center in Brandon is currently accepting work for its Winter Art Mart, to be held from January 15 through March 31. All types will be accepted, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, photographs, fiber work and more. Space is limited. All artwork must be delivered by January 12 along with a completed submission form, which can be found at cmacvt.org. Info: Edna, 247-4295, or info@cmacvt.org. reD square neeDs art! Busy establishment on Church Street currently booking monthlong shows for 2014. All mediums considered. Please contact Diane at creativegeniuses@burlingtontelecom.net. love: Calling For photos: Deadline: January 8. Jurors: Joe DiMaggio and JoAnne Kalish. Love. Hearts entwined.

Unrequited. Moonstruck. Star-crossed. Info, darkroomgallery.com/ex52.

Art ShowS

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12/9/13 3:05 PM

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Hannah Sessions Is it too soon to start thinking of summer? The

Edgewater Gallery doesn’t think so, and neither does Hannah Sessions. Her current exhibit of paintings, collectively titled “Living Summer,” reflects on the “communal human and animal life that is a farm.” And that’s not surprising: It happens that the Addison County artist is also a farmer, and grateful for it. In her lusciously painted works from the summer past, Sessions offers images of the bucolic world around her. “In a fastpaced, troubled world where struggle is all around us,” she writes in an artist statement,

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One of a Kind

“we all need to find a place of respite. These paintings are my respite.” Through December 31 at Edgewater Gallery in Middlebury. Pictured: “Goat Study, Sydney.”

Unique Gifts from our Estate Jewelry Collection

'The WhiTe sTuff': The group exhibit featuring local artists celebrates the "glory, glitter and moods of snow." Through December 29 at Blinking Light Gallery in Plainfield. Info, 522-3172.

'Toys: The inside sTory': An interactive exhibit of playthings shows visitors of all ages the gadgets and gizmos that make them work. Through January 14 at Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich. Info, 649-2200.

champlain valley

ellen sPrinG and bruCe baker: Hand-dyed silk wearables and silver designer jewelry, respectively, by the Vermont artists. Through December 31 at Art on Main in Bristol. Info, 453-4032.

JaCkson Gallery sixTh annual holiday shoW: The juried exhibit includes works by 28 regional artists in a variety of mediums, from painting to quilts to jewelry. Through December 31 at Jackson Gallery, Town Hall Theater, in Middlebury.

Info, 382-9222.

1960’s 18 Karat Tiffany & Co. Lariat Necklace

John GemiGnani: "Painting Outside the Lines," representational, graphic paintings and abstract, textural works by the Vermont artist. Through December 27 at WalkOver Gallery & Concert Room in Bristol. Info, 453-3188.

JonaThon Wells: "Earth Exposure: Vermont," photo-geologic composite images that reveal both landscape and underlying earth layers within a single view. Through December 20 at Christine Price Gallery, Castleton State College. Info, 215-460-7737.

Platinum and Diamond “Snowflake Cluster Earrings

'neW liVes, neW enGland': Weaving, henna art, drums and other cultural traditions illustrate how Vermont's refugee communities stay connected to their heritage and form new lives from "whole cloth."

Through February 8 at Vermont Folklife Center in Middlebury. Info, 388-4964. r. baird & G. Weber-Grassi: "Mary, Mary," modern visions of the Queen of Heaven, in mixed-media.

Through December 30 at ZoneThree Gallery in Middlebury. Info, 989-9992.

CHAMPLAIN VALLEy SHOWS

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12/11/13 11:24 AM

ART 81

'fashion & fanTasy aT The edGe of The foresT': Selections from the museum’s vintage clothing collection paired with Vermont artist Wendy Copp's imaginative couture creations made from natural materials such as ferns, birch bark and hydrangea. Through December 31 at Sheldon Museum in Middlebury. Info, 388-2117.

1920’s 1.07 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring

SEVEN DAYS

'ConfederaTe PiCTures': A mixed-media installation by Phil Whitman based on a Gettysburg battlefield of the American Civil War, and using photographs he took of tourists at the site. Through January 11 at Castleton Downtown Gallery in Rutland. Info, 468-1266.

hannah sessions: "Living Summer," luscious paintings with animal and agricultural themes.

Through December 31 at Edgewater Gallery in Middlebury. Info, 458-0098.

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WinTer GrouP shoW: Sculpture, illustration, photography and acrylic and oil paintings by nine Vermont artists. Through January 4 at Axel's Frameshop in Waterbury. Info, 244-7801.

14 Karat Victorian Tassel Earrings

GinGerbread house ComPeTiTion & holiday bouTique: Gingerbread houses made by a number of locals of all ages adorn the gallery, along with artful gift items. Through December 21 at Chaffee Downtown Art Center in Rutland. Info, 775-0356.

SEVENDAYSVt.com

The PaleTTeers of VermonT arT Club: "Peaceful Places," works by members that speak to the theme. Through December 27 at Aldrich Public Library in Barre. Info, 262-6400.

Art ShowS

art CHAMPLAIN VALLEy SHOWS

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20 at Claire's Restaurant & Bar in Hardwick. Info, 472-7053.

'Small TreaSureS': Small-scale artwork and craft by guild members, plus handcrafted holiday ornaments. Through January 28 at Brandon Artists Guild. Info, 247-4956.

'KiCK and glide: vermonT'S nordiC SKi legaCY': An exhibit celebrating all aspects of the sport, including classic and skate skiing, Nordic combined, biathlon, ski jumping, telemark and back-country skiing. Through October 13, 2014, at Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in Stowe.

Tom merwin: Abstract paintings by the Vermont artist. Through February 28 at Brandon Music. Info, 465-4071.

Paul gruhler: Abstract acrylic paintings on linen. Through January 2 at River Arts Center in Morrisville. Info, 888-1261.

northern

'aPronS-r-uS': The Catamount Fiberistas organized this group exhibit, which "celebrates the apron through personal response and historical and cultural artifacts." On view are two- and three-dimensional samples made from fabric, clay, paper, recycled items and more. Through December 31 at Catamount Arts Center in St. Johnsbury. Info, 748-2600.

'ShadeS oF Fall: Small PiCTure exhibiTion': One hundred fifty paintings by 88 artist members.

Through December 29 at Bryan Memorial Gallery in Jeffersonville. Info, 644-5100.

'Surreal': Surreal and otherwise weird paintings, photographs, sculptures and video by northern Vermont artists Bradleigh Stockwell, Mary Brenner, Donald Peel, Diana Mara Henry, Chris Hudson, Sam Thurston and Mandee Roberts. Through January 31 at 99 Gallery and Center in Newport. Info, 323-9013.

ann Young: New oil paintings. Through January 20 at Parker Pie Co. in West Glover. Info, 525-3366.

TimoThY Jude SmiTh: In the Upstairs Gallery, Smith's solo show, "Wherever There Is a Soul to Admire," uses video and photography to investigate the midwestern phenomenon of suburbs being named after Walden Pond of Massachusetts, made famous in the writings of Henry David Thoreau.

Through December 29 at West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park in Stowe. Info, 253-8943.

CaSPian arTS exhibiT: Sixteen members of the artist group show paintings, glass, sculpture, fiber works, jewelry and more. Through December 22 at Emile A. Gruppe Gallery in Jericho. Info, 899-3211.

'CaTS and TigerS and TurTleS, oh mY!': Artwork by Gayleen Aiken, Berta Diller, Huddee Herrick, Dot Kibbee and Phyllis Putvain. Through January 14 at GRACE in Hardwick. Info, 472-6857.

Trine wilSon & doriS weeKS: Photography, and watercolor and oil paintings, respectively. Through January 31 at Westford Public Library.

Info, 355-4834.

ChriS STearnS: "Vermont on Aluminum," highdynamic-range landscape photographs printed on sheets of aluminum. Through January 2 at River Arts Center in Morrisville. Info, 888-1261.

FeSTival oF TreeS & lighT and memberS' arT Show & Sale: Ten holiday trees decorated by members of the community, along with a display of menorahs; and more than 180 pieces of artwork by 100 member artists. Through January 5 at Helen Day Art Center in Stowe. Info, 253-8358. gabriel TemPeSTa: Works in charcoal that focus on bumblebees. Through December 21 at Art House Gallery, Studio & School in Craftsbury Common.

Info, 586-2200.

KenT Shaw: Color photographs taken in Morrisville, Elmore and Hardwick. Through January

southern

‘Once They Were’ When New Duds co-owner Torrey Valyou teamed

up with 15 local artists, the assignment was to create designs that explored “the idea of nostalgia, the past and things that once graced this earth.” The result is an engaging exhibit of silk-screen prints whose palette is the same but whose subjects are as varied as their makers: images range from dinosaurs to the historic Winooski Falls to Laika the Soviet space dog. At the BCA Center in Burlington through January 8. Pictured: “Hands” by Chris Varricchione.

daiSY roCKwell: "The Topless Jihadi and Other Curious Birds," paintings of women in political situations such as members of the FEMEN movement, a Ukrainian feminist group that stages protests topless. Through December 30 at Bennington Museum. Info, 447-1571.

PaT muSiCK: "Our Fragile Home," sculptures and works on paper inspired by the words astronauts have used to describe seeing the Earth from space.

Through February 28 at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Info, 257-0124.

Sabra Field: "Cosmic Geometry," work by the Vermont printmaker. Through March 9 at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Info, 257-0124. m

82 ART

SEVEN DAYS

12.18-13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVt.com

holidaY Show: Celebrate the season with gift-size works of art by gallery owner Elizabeth Wooden and other artists, and refreshments every Saturday through the holidays. Through December 31 at Vermont Fine Art Gallery in Stowe. Info, 802-253-9653.

william b. hoYT: "Realizations," realistic paintings. Through February 28 at Green Mountain Fine Art Gallery in Stowe. Info, 253-1818.

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11/26/13 9:50 AM

Hey,

Look what we won!

Last week the Vermont Press Association honored Seven Days with the following awards. We are proud and grateful. Thanks, VPA! And thanks to our readers and advertisers for making Seven Days possible. Without you we would … have to look for other jobs.

General excellence, nondaily: 1ST PLACE

Best feature story, nondaily: KEN PICARD, 1ST PLACE PAUL HEINTZ,3RD PLACE

SEVENDAYSVt.com

Best state story, nondaily: KEN PICARD, 2ND PLACE PAUL HEINTZ, 3RD PLACE

John D. Donoghue arts writing award (daily and nondaily): MARGOT HARRISON, 2ND PLACE

12.18.13-12.25.13

Headline writing, nondaily: PAULA ROUTLY, 1ST PLACE

Best website, nondaily:

FROM THE JUDGES:

“Kudos to the New Yorker of the North!”

SEVEN DAYS

1ST PLACE

“TERRIFICALLY READABLE.” 83

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12/17/13 3:41 PM

movies American Hustle ★★★

H

ow apropos that the con artist in David O. Russell’s new fi lm has a sideline selling f orgeries.

American Hustle plays like an imitation of Scorsese. As with many knocko° s, the resemblance to the real thing can represent a technical achievement. The di° erence between the look-alikes the fi lm’s principal character passes o° and what Russell does here is that nobody’s f ooled.

Taken, maybe, but not f ooled. This is no Marty party.

A fi ctionalized version of the late-’70s Abscam stings, American Hustle opens with a title card announcing, “Some of this actually happened.” Christian Bale stars as Irving Rosenfeld, a sleazebag from the Bronx who owns several dry-cleaning operations but supplements his income by fl eecing collectors and running the weirdest loansharking business ever to test an audience’s gullibility.

Get this: We’re supposed to believe that Rosenf eld runs a thriving scam consisting entirely of charging desperate idiots $5000 f or a loan of , say, $50,000 and then never giving anybody any money. For this weasel, it’s not a fi nder’s f ee; it’s a fi nders-keepers f ee. And we’re asked to believe that, f or reasons Russell and screenwriting partner

Eric Singer never explain, customers never complain. Something tells me this isn’t the part that “actually happened.”

Furthermore, we’re shown that business gets even better once Rosenf eld partners romantically and prof essionally with a sexy huckster named Sydney Prosser. She’s played by Amy Adams’ breasts. That’s only a slight exaggeration. Her necklines don’t plunge; they do a double gainer with reverse somersaults and a twist.

The Abscam McGu˝ n kicks in when one customer doesn’t so much complain as turn out to be an FBI agent. Bradley Cooper costars as Richie DiMaso, an ambitious agent with a plan and a perm. He tells Rosenfeld and Prosser he’ll let them o° if they help him get government big shots taking money on tape.

But, while the picture dutif ully chronicles the legal trap laying — renting a Plaza suite, opening a multimillion-dollar account and selecting an agent to impersonate a sheik — that’s not where Russell’s heart is.

American Hustle is all about two things.

First, loving Martin Scorsese movies so much you make one just because you can.

Call it a rip-o° or call it an homage, but let’s call it what it is: Goodfellas and Casino cut with Donnie Brasco’s bromance and Boogie Nights’ ’70s fetishism. From the voice-overs

84 MOVIES

SEVEN DAYS

12.18.13-12.25.13

SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Saving Mr. Banks ★★★

L

et this just be said: Mary Poppins forever. P.L. Travers’ magical nanny is one of the strangest and most memorable fi gures in children’s lit, an unsentimental drill sergeant of a woman who introduces her charges to a world of magic, f reedom and imagination. The Disney movie is a classic in its own right.

But even as a kid, I could see that Walt, Julie Andrews and co. had rubbed o° the sharp edges, making Mary Poppins conventionally sympathetic where Travers’ version borders on scary.

Saving Mr. Banks is a movie about that adaptation process — which, in real lif e, was notoriously acrimonious. Ostensibly told f rom Travers’ point of view, the fi lm is actually an extended apologia f or its maker, Disney. The deck is stacked, and the disingenuousness is prof ound, but director John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) is good at saving his big schmaltz cards to play at the end. In the meantime, like Disney’s Mary Poppins, Mr. Banks o° ers a fair bit of fun.

Much of that enjoyment comes f rom Emma Thompson’s comic turn as the author. Prim, proper and relentlessly high brow, her diction as clipped as a royal lawn, Thompson’s Travers doesn’t hide her disdain for Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) and his populist sentimentality. “She’ll be twinkling and cavorting,” she tells her literary agent in horror, accurately predicting the Mouse’s version of her famous character.

PROS AND CONS Yes, those are mean streets that Bale, Adams and Cooper revisit for some reason in Russell’s, uh, homage to Scorsese.

and criminal milieu to the supersonic zooms and pop-song cues, it’s the best Scorsese movie Scorsese never made.

For Christ’s sake, when these Jersey low-lif es conspire to grease o˝ cials to get casino licenses, Robert De Niro even shows up wearing his giant black Sam (Casino) Rothstein goggles. I can’t believe the sheik wasn’t played by Joe Pesci!

The fi lmmaker’s other obsession is the period and, I’m sorry, but someone really should’ve taken Russell aside bef ore shooting began and reminded him the decade’s been done to death. Maybe Ron Burgundy could’ve broken the news.

From its opening scene — in which Bale constructs the world’s most complicated comb-over — to the inevitable disco-club sequence, the picture revels in the era’s

appalling polyesterosity. And, f or reasons I f ail to grasp, reviewers have tended to mistake solid art directionf or bravura storytelling. Many have praised its humor, too — though, with the exception of Rosenfeld’s unstable sexpot spouse (Jennifer Lawrence — surprise! — is terrifi c in the role), nobody’s terribly entertaining.

Everyone else’s performance is perfectly serviceable, but the director goes f or style over substance in a major way. The result is an intermittently involving production that’s all over the map narratively and only sporadically accurate historically. The brouhaha over the movie is beyond me. Like just about everything we’re to believe its subject ever did, American Hustle is a bit of a con.

RI C K KI S O N AK

REVIEWS

up signing away the rights to her books, she wasn’t happy with the result.) Saving Mr. Banks commits the f allacy of interpreting everything an artist produces as a veiled confession.

Still, when Disney sits down to bare his own innermost soul to Travers, hoping f or reciprocation and a truce, Hanks’ understated performance makes it hard not to be a little won over by the naïveté this impresario embodies. There’s also a subtle canniness in the portrayal: We sense that Walt (as he insists his employees call him) is consciously using his artlessness to worm his way into Travers’ (and our) good graces.

Does it work? Even Disney skeptics may SPINNING MRS. TRAVERS ˜ ompson fails to appreciate occasionally warm to the company’s gentle the delights of the Magic Kingdom in Hancock’s fi lm ribbing of itself, and to the colorful characters about a strange chapter in Disney history. who represent its fl unkies, including Paul Giamatti as Travers’ chau° eur; and Bradley Whitf ord, Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak as the hapless writers ba˙ ed by her was once an adorable little girl (Annie Rose But Travers is in dire fi nancial straits.

Buckley) with a blind love for her charmingly demands.

So in 1961, she agrees to fl y to LA and work As a Travers biopic,Saving Mr. Banksfails irresponsible daddy (Colin Farrell). These with Disney on creating an adaptation that because it reduces the author to the little girl gold-tinged sequences, liberally ladled with might suit them both. Fish-out-of -water elegiac strains from Thomas Newman, serve in those fl ashbacks, ignoring most of the life comedy f ollows, as Travers sneers at sunny an agenda: to get at Travers’ real motives that formed her prickly temperament. As an Calif ornia and Disney’s corporate culture act of special pleading f or Disney, it’s more f or being so controlling. Once we — and with all the vitriol of a British Woody Allen. e° ective. Still, one can’t help noting what the Disney — know her deepest emotional (She’s particularly o° ended by a plate of fi lm’s Travers says as she begs for her version truth, the script suggests, creative confl icts primary-colored JELL-O molds.) of Mary Poppins: “She doesn’t sugarcoat the will evaporate. Travers’ Mary Poppins will But the movie has that schmaltz ace up darkness.” This movie does. become Disney’s. its sleeve. The Hollywood scenes alternate Except that’s not how lif e works. (Or with fl ashbacks to Travers’ childhood in MARGO T HARRI S O N Australia, in which we learn that this gorgon worked in this case: While Travers did end

moViE clipS

Some of the following new releases are not yet confirmed for local venues. Contact theaters directly for the most current information.

new in theaters OPEnIng 12/20 AmERicAN HUStlEHH1/2 In the 1970s, an fbI agent (bradley cooper) enlists two con artists (christian bale and amy adams) to work undercover among Jersey’s high rollers. with Jeremy Renner and Jennifer lawrence. david O. (Silver Linings Playbook) Russell directed. (138 min, R) ANcHoRmAN: tHE lEgEND coNtiNUES: will ferrell reprises his role as blowhard Ron burgundy, who heads east and struggles to adjust to the new world of 24-hour news. adam McKay directed the sequel to his hit comedy, also starring Paul Rudd, christina applegate and Steve carell. (119 min, Pg-13) tHE gREAt BEAUtY: an aging writer (toni Servillo) takes a sentimental tour of the greatest beauty in his life — Rome — in this richly visualized drama from director Paolo (This Must Be the Place) Sorrentino. (142 min, nR. Savoy) NEBRASkA: bruce dern plays a heartlander who convinces his son (will forte) to accompany him on a road trip to nebraska to pick up a supposed mammoth sweepstakes prize in the latest from director alexander Payne. (115 min, R) SAViNg mR. BANkSHHH Emma Thompson plays Mary Poppins author P.l. travers in this comedydrama about her conflict with walt disney over the book’s movie adaptation. tom hanks plays disney, from whose empire this film issues. with colin farrell and Paul giamatti. John lee (The Blind Side) hancock directed. (125 min, Pg-13) WAlkiNg WitH DiNoSAURS: who hasn’t wanted to spy on the great beasts who roamed the world 70 million years ago? Of course, in this family adventure from bbc Earth, the dinos are computer generated and have voices supplied by John leguizamo, Justin long and other actors. barry cook and neil nightingale directed. (120 min, Pg) OPEnIng 12/25

JUStiN BiEBER’S BEliEVE: and that’s what you may need to do to enjoy this documentary tracing the pop singer’s rise both on and backstage. (91 min, Pg)

tHE WolF oF WAll StREEt: leonardo dicaprio plays stock swindler and party animal Jordan belfort in director Martin Scorsese’s chronicle of his rise and fall, based on belfort’s memoir. with Matthew Mcconaughey, Jonah hill and Jon favreau. (179 min, R)

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11/11/13 1:53 PM

OPEnIng 1/3 pARANoRmAl ActiVitY: tHE mARkED oNES: In the fifth installment of the found-footage demonic-home-invasion horror series, bad things happen to a latino kid with a camera for a change. andrew Jacobs and Molly Ephraim star. christopher landon directed. (84 min, rating n/a)

Weather Team

now playing

The

12 YEARS A SlAVEHHHHH: chiwetel Ejiofor plays a free man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the antebellum South in this drama from director Steve (Shame) McQueen, based on a real slave narrative. with Michael fassbender and Michael K. williams. (134 min, R)

Anytime. Anywhere. Facts & Forecasts

Vermont’s Most Trusted News Source

All iS loStHHH Robert Redford plays a man who struggles to stay alive as he wakes up to finds his damaged boat sailing blindly through the Indian Ocean. J.c. (Margin Call) chandor directed. (100 min, Pg-13) tHE Book tHiEFHH1/2: In nazi germany, a young girl (Sophie nélisse) bonds with the Jewish refugee her adoptive parents are sheltering. brian Percival directed the drama based on Markus Zusak’s novel. with geoffrey Rush and Emily watson. (131 min, Pg-13) cAptAiN pHillipSHHHH1/2 tom hanks plays the title character in this drama based on the true story of the Vermonter whose cargo ship was boarded by Somali pirates in 2009. with barkhad abdi and barkhad abdirahman. Paul (The Bourne Ultimatum) greengrass directed. (134 min, Pg-13) DAllAS BUYERS clUBHHH1/2: Matthew Mcconaughey plays Ron woodroof, a texas good ol’ boy who defied government regulations to import aIdS drugs after he was diagnosed in the 1980s. Jared leto and Jennifer garner also star.

Jean-Marc (The Young Victoria) Vallée directed.

(121 min, R)

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Y

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11/19/12 3:30 PM

Celebrate New Year’s Eve like a Boss.

Last Night Dance Party

with Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band

CM

FRoZENHHH1/2: In the latest disney animation, MY inspired by hans christian andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” a girl embarks on a quest to end the CY eternal winter enfolding her kingdom. with the voices of Kristen bell, Josh gad and Idina Menzel. CMY chris (Surf’s up) buck and Jennifer lee directed.

K (108 min, Pg)

Dec. 31, 2013 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. $50 for members $60 for non-members Buy tickets at echovermont.org

gRAVitYHHHHH: Sandra bullock and george clooney play an astronaut and a medical engineer who find themselves adrift in space after their shuttle is destroyed. alfonso (Children of Men) cuarón directed. (91 min, Pg-13)

SEVEN DAYS

ratings

107 Church Street Burlington • 864-7146 opticalcentervt.com

12.18.13-12.25.13

gRUDgE mAtcH: Some marketer had the bright idea of sticking Robert de niro and Sylvester Stallone in the ring together for this comedy about retired boxers goaded into a final bout. with Jon bernthal and Kim basinger. Peter (Get Smart) Segal directed. (113 min, Pg-13)

tHE SEcREt liFE oF WAltER mittY: ben Stiller plays James Thurber’s all-but-proverbial mildmannered office drone, who dreams himself up several far more exciting lives, in this comedy also directed by Stiller. with adam Scott and Kristen wiig. (120 min, Pg)

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47 RoNiN: Keanu Reeves stars in this action flick about a band of samurai out for revenge against their master’s killer. with hiroyuki Sanada and Kô Shibasaki. carl Rinsch makes his directorial debut.

(119 min, Pg-13)

mANDElA: loNg WAlk to FREEDom: Idris Elba plays South africa’s first democratically elected president in this biopic tracing the late nelson Mandela’s youth, struggle and rise to power. with naomie harris and terry Pheto. Justin (The Other Boleyn Girl) chadwick directed. (139 min, Pg-13)

H = refund, please HH = could’ve been worse, but not a lot HHH = has its moments; so-so HHHH = smarter than the average bear HHHHH = as good as it gets

nOw PlayIng

MOVIES 85

RatIngS aSSIgnEd tO MOVIES nOt REVIEwEd

by Rick kiSoNAk OR mARgot HARRiSoN aRE cOuRtESy Of MEtacRItIc.cOM, whIch aVERagES ScORES gIVEn by thE cOuntRy’S MOSt wIdEly REad MOVIE REVIEwERS.

, VERMONT

» P.87 4t-ECHO121813.indd 1

12/13/13 11:35 AM

Are you thinking about starting or expanding your family?

If you are a woman: Between the ages of 18 and 42 Plan to conceive in the next year

movies

showtimes

(*) = new this week in vermont. times subjeCt to Change without notiCe. for up-to-date times visit sevendaysvt.com/movies.

marQuis theatre Main St., Middlebury, 388-4841

AND .........Have never had a child before OR.............Have had preeclampsia in the past OR.............Have Type 1 diabetes OR.............Have a personal or family history of hypertension or preeclampsia THEN Researchers at the University of Vermont would like to speak with you. This study will examine risk factors for preeclampsia, a disease of pregnancy.

Financial compensation of up to $375 is provided. We will provide you with ovulation detection kits to aid timing your conception

If you are interested please call 802-656-0309 for more information.

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12.18.13-12.25.13

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 Full schedule not available at press time. friday 20 — tuesday 24 Frozen 5. Sat-Tue: 2.

BiJou cinepleX 4

Rte. 100, Morrisville, 888-3293, bijou4.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *anchorman 2: The legend continues 6:50. Frozen 6:40.

The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in hFr 3d 7. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 6:30. friday 20 — thursday 26 Full schedule not available at press time.

capitol showplace 93 State St., Montpelier, 2290343, fgbtheaters.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *anchorman 2: The legend continues 6:20, 9:15. The Book Thief 6:10, 9:10. captain phillips 6:15, 9:10. The hunger Games: catching Fire 6:10, 9:10. out of the Furnace 6:15, 9:15. friday 20 — tuesday 24 *american hustle Fri: 6:10, 9:10.

Sat to Tue: 12:20, 3:20, 6:10, 9:10. *anchorman 2: The legend continues Fri: 6:20, 9:15. Sat to Tue: 12:15, 3:25, 6:20, 9:15. The Book Thief Fri: 6:10, 9:10. Sat to Tue: 12:30, 3:20, 6:10, 9:10. The hunger Games: catching Fire Fri: 6:10, 9:15. Sat to Tue: 12:15, 3, 6:10, 9:15. last vegas Fri: 6:30, 9.

Sat to Tue: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9.

• Healthy adults, ages 18 – 50 • One-year vaccine study

seven days

48 Carroll Rd. (off Rte. 100), Waitsfield, 496-8994, bigpicturetheater.info

1/11/12 11:35 AM

HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

• Earn up to $2420 in compensation

Call 802-656-0013 for more info and to schedule a screening.

Leave your name, number, and a good time to call back.

Email UVMVTC@UVM.EDU or visit UVMVTC.ORG 86 MOVIES

BiG picture theater

esseX cinemas & t-reX theater 21 Essex Way, #300, Essex, 8796543, essexcinemas.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *american hustle Thu: 7, 9:50. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 12:30, 1:30, 3:15, 4:15, 6, 7, 8:35, 9:35. Frozen 2:35, 9:40. Frozen 3d 12:15, 4:55, 7:20. Gravity 3d 12:30, 2:35. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in hFr 3d 12, 3:20, 6:40, 10. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 12:30, 1:20, 4, 4:40, 7:15, 8.

The hunger Games: catching Fire 12, 12:35, 3:05, 3:40, 6:10, 9:15. out of the Furnace 12, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10. *saving mr. Banks Thu: 7, 9:35.

Thor: The dark world 3d 4:40. friday 20 — monday 23 *american hustle 12:55, 3:50, 6:45, 9:45. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 12:30, 1:30, 3:15, 4:15, 6, 7, 8:35, 9:35. Frozen 2:35, 9:40. Frozen 3d 12:15, 4:55, 7:20. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in hFr 3d 12, 3:20, 6:40, 10. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 12:30,

1:20, 4, 4:40, 7:15, 8. The hunger Games: catching Fire 12, 3:05, 6:10, 9:15. *saving mr. Banks 12:30, 3:30, 5:30, 9:30. *walking with dinosaurs 12:20, 4:40. *walking with dinosaurs 3d 2:30, 6:50, 8:50. tuesday 24 *american hustle 12:55, 3:50. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 12:30, 1:30, 3:15, 4:15.

Frozen 2:35. Frozen 3d 12:15. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in hFr 3d 12, 3:20. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 12:30, 1:20, 4.

The hunger Games: catching Fire 12, 3:05. *saving mr. Banks 12:30, 3:30. *walking with dinosaurs 12:20, 4:40. *walking with dinosaurs 3d 2:30.

maJestic 10

190 Boxwood St. (Maple Tree Place, Taft Corners), Williston, 878-2010, majestic10.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *american hustle Thu: 7. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 1:15, 4, 6:50, 9:35. Frozen 12, 1:10, 3:50, 6:15. Frozen 3d 11:30 a.m., 1:55, 4:20, 7, 9:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 2:30, 6:10, 9:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in hFr 3d 1, 4:30, 8. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 12:10, 3:40, 7:20, 8:50.

The hunger Games: catching Fire 11:30 a.m., 12:20, 2:40, 3:30, 5:40, 6:40, 8:45, 9:40. out of the Furnace Wed: 11:35 a.m., 2:05, 4:35, 7:05, 9:35. Thu: 12:50, 4:10, 9:40. *saving mr. Banks Thu: 7. Thor: The dark world Wed: 11:40 a.m., 2:10, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40. Thu: 12:40, 4:15, 9:40. friday 20 — monday 23 *american hustle 12:10, 2:20, 3:10, 6:45, 8:40, 9:40.*anchorman 2: The legend continues 11:40, 1:50, 4:30, 6, 7:10, 9:45. Frozen 12, 9:35.

Frozen 3d 1:40, 4:10, 6:35. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 11:50, 3:20, 8:50. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in hFr 3d 12:50, 4:20, 7:40. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 2:40, 6:20, 9:15. The hunger Games: catching Fire 12:20, 3:25, 6:10, 6:30, 9:30. *saving mr. Banks 11:55, 1:10, 4, 6:50, 9:35. *walking with dinosaurs 11:45, 2:30, 4:40. *walking with dinosaurs 3d 11:30, 6:40, 9. tuesday 24 *american hustle 12:10, 2:20, 3:10.*anchorman 2: The legend continues 11:40, 2:10. Frozen 12, 3:50. Frozen 3d 1:35, 4:10. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 11:50, 3:20. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in hFr 3d 12:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 2:40. The hunger Games: catching Fire 12:20, 3:30. *saving mr. Banks 11:55, 1:10, 3:50. *walking with dinosaurs 11:45, 2:30, 4:30. *walking with dinosaurs 3d 11:30.

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *anchorman 2: The legend continues 7. Frozen 7. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 7. friday 20 — tuesday 24 *anchorman 2: The legend continues Fri: 6, 9. Sat: 2, 6, 9.

Sun: 2, 7. Mon-Tue: 7. Frozen Fri: 6, 8:30. Sat: 1:30, 6, 8:30. Sun: 1:30, 7. Mon-Tue: 7. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug Fri 7.

Sat & Sun: 1:30, 7. Mon-Tue: 7.

merrill’s roXy cinema 222 College St., Burlington, 8643456, merrilltheatres.net

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *american hustle Thu: 7. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 1:05, 3:35, 6:35, 9:20.

The Book Thief 3:25, 9:10. dallas Buyers club 12:55, 6:25. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 2, 6:05, 9:15. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 3d 1, 4:30, 8.

The hunger Games: catching Fire 1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:05. philomena Wed: 12:50, 3:30, 5:30, 7:25, 9:25.

Thu: 12:50, 2:45, 4:40, 9:25. friday 20 — tuesday 24 *american hustle 1:05, 3:45, 6:30, 9:25. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 1:15, 3:55, 6:35, 9:30. dallas Buyers club 3, 9:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 1, 4:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 3d 12:55, 6:10, 9:15. *nebraska 1:10, 3:40, 6:25, 9:10. philomena 12:50, 5:15, 7:10, 9:05.

with dinosaurs 2:20, 9:25. *walking with dinosaurs 3d 12:20, 4:30, 6:40. tuesday 24 12 years a slave 12:30, 3:10. *american hustle 12:20, 3.. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 12, 1, 3:25. Frozen 12:50, 3:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 12, 2. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 1:50.

The hunger Games: catching Fire 11:55, 2:50. *walking with dinosaurs 11:50, 3:20. *walking with dinosaurs 3d 1:30, 3:50.

paramount twin cinema 241 North Main St., Barre, 4799621, fgbtheaters.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 Frozen 6:25, 9. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 7. friday 20 — tuesday 24 Frozen 6:25, 9. Frozen 3d 12:45, 3:15. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug Fri & Sat: 9:30. Sat-Tue: 1:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 3d Fri & Sat: 6. Sun-Tue: 7.

the savoy theater 26 Main St., Montpelier, 2290509, savoytheater.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 dallas Buyers club 6:30, 8:45. kill your darlings Wed: 6, 8. Thu: 8. friday 20 — tuesday 26 *The Great Beauty Fri: 4, 7. Sat & Sun: 1, 4, 7. Mon & Tue: 4, 7. philomena Fri: 6:30, 8:30. Sat & Sun: 1:30, 3:30, 6:30, 8:30. Mon & Tue: 6:30, 8:30.

palace 9 cinemas

stowe cinema 3 pleX

10 Fayette Dr., South Burlington, 864-5610, palace9.com

Mountain Rd., Stowe, 2534678. stowecinema.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 12 years a slave 12:40, 3:20, 6:20, 9:10. all is lost Wed: 12:20, 6:40. *american hustle Thu: 7. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 12:50, 4, 6:50, 9:20. Frozen 12:05, 2:30, 4:40, 6:50, 9:25. Frozen 3d 1, 3:50, 6:10, 8:50. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 12:10, 2:40, 3:40, 7, 9:05. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 1:10, 4:30, 8. The hunger Games: catching Fire Wed: 12, 12:30, 3, 3:30, 6:30, 9:25. Thu: 12, 12:30, 3, 3:30, 6, 6:30, 9, 9:25. metropolitan opera in hd: Falstaff (encore) Wed: 6:30. out of the Furnace Thu: 1:20, 4:10, 9:30.

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *anchorman 2: The legend continues 7. Frozen 3d 7.

The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 7.

friday 20 — monday 23 12 years a slave 12:40, 3:20, 6:20, 9:10. *american hustle 12:50, 2:50, 4, 6:50, 8:30, 9:30. *anchorman 2: The legend continues 12:50, 4, 6:50, 9:20. Frozen 12, 2:30, 4:50, 7:10, 9:25. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 12:30, 3:50, 7:20. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 1:10, 4:30, 8. The hunger Games: catching Fire 12:10, 3:30, 6:30, 8:40. *walking

friday 20 — tuesday 24 *anchorman 2: The legend continues 2:30, 4:40, 7, 9:10. Frozen 4:30. Frozen 3d 2:30, 6:45, 8:45.

The hobbit: The desolation of smaug in 3d 6:30. The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 2:30, 9:20.

welden theatre

104 No. Main St., St. Albans, 5277888, weldentheatre.com

wednesday 18 — thursday 19 *anchorman 2: The legend continues 7:10. Frozen 7:05, 9:30.

The hobbit: The desolation of smaug 7. hunger Games: catching Fire 7. friday 20 — thursday 26 Full schedule not available at press time.

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« P.85

tHE HoBBit: tHE DESolAtioN oF SmAUGHHH1/2: Are we really only in the middle of this Middle Earth saga adapted from Tolkien’s short novel The Hobbit? Bilbo Baggins clutches his precious as his dwarf companions set out to reclaim their homeland in director Peter Jackson’s adventure. Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage star. (161 min, PG-13)

tHoR: tHE DARK WoRlDHH1/2: The saga of the Marvel superhero universe continues as the Norse god of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) faces a threat too extreme for the denizens of Asgard to handle. Expect smiting. With Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston and Christopher Eccleston. Alan Taylor directed. (125 min, PG-13)

tHE HUNGER GAmES: cAtcHiNG FiREHHH1/2: In the second flick adapted from Suzanne Collins’ best-selling dystopian YA trilogy, rebellion in the Districts leads to a very special 75th Hunger Games. With Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Francis (I Am Legend) Lawrence directed. (146 min, PG-13)

new on video

Kill YoUR DARliNGS: Daniel Radcliffe plays Allen Ginsberg in this fact-based film about the poet’s involvement with a murder during his college years. With Ben Foster as William Burroughs, Dane DeHaan and Michael C. Hall. John Krokidas directed. (95 min, R) lASt VEGASH1/2: A 60-plus version of The Hangover? Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline play friends throwing a bachelor party in the title city in this comedy from director John (National Treasure) Turteltaub. (104 min, PG-13) oUt oF tHE FURNAcEHHH: Christian Bale and Casey Affleck play Rust Belt brothers who find themselves mixed up with a dangerous crime ring in this gritty drama from director Scott (Crazy Heart) Cooper. With Woody Harrelson, Zoe Saldana, Sam Shepard and Forest Whitaker. (116 min, R) pHilomENAH: Stephen (The Queen) Frears directed this fact-based drama about a journalist (Steve Coogan) who helps a woman (Judi Dench) search for the son the Catholic church forced her to give up decades earlier. (98 min, R)

Fight forehead wrinkles and crows feet

FACIALS, PEELS & MICRODERMABRASION Improve skin imperfections

FACIAL FILLERS

ElYSiUmHHH Matt Damon stars in writer-director Neill Blomkamp’s futuristic action drama, in which the rich live in a space station and the poor are confined to a disgusting slum known as Earth.

With Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley. (109 min, R)

Eliminate smile lines and enhance thin lips

tHE FAmilYH Luc Besson directed this action comedy about a Mafia clan relocated to Normandy.

Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer and Diana Agron star. (111 min, R)

LASER HAIR REMOVAL No more shaving, tweezing or waxing

KicK-ASS 2HH A teen playing superhero (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) forms an alliance with like-minded citizens in this sequel to the action comedy. With Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Jim Carrey. (99 min, R)

Now offering

SCLEROTHERAPY

tHE loNE RANGERHH Director Gore Verbinski and star Johnny Depp team up on the legend of the masked western lawman. With Armie Hammer, Helena Bonham Carter and William Fichtner. (146 min, PG-13)

Vein Treatment

Visit skindeepvt.com for more information & monthly specials

oNE DiREctioN: tHiS iS USHHH Morgan Spurlock directed this 3-D documentary chronicling the Brit boy band’s origins and life on tour. (92 min, PG) pERcY JAcKSoN: SEA oF moNStERSHH The son of Poseidon (Logan Lerman) and his friends try to track down the mythical Golden Fleece in the second film installment of Rick Riordan’s popular fantasy series. (106 min, PG) pRiSoNERSHHHH1/2 A father (Hugh Jackman) will stop at nothing to apprehend the abductor of his 6-year-old daughter in this drama from director Denis Villeneuve. With Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis and Terrence Howard. (153 min, R)

moviesYOu missed&moRE

Maria Carracino, MD • Kara Flaherty, MD Paula Miner, MD

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“Beauty is its own reward” 11/4/13 11:35 AM

Let us help you make your holidays happy & stress free.

BY MA R G O T H A R R I S O N SEVENDAYSVt.com

good karma with random acts of kindness. Then she took a trip to Chile, where she met her nemesis, the Pollo Loco.

nce upon a time, there was a young woman named Crystal Fairy (Gaby Hoffmann) who led a charmed life of doodling in her journal and accruing

Appetizer platters • Licensed bar service

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12/9/13 3:59 PM

MOVIES 87

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Movies You Missed & More appears on the Live Culture blog on Fridays. Look for previews and, when possible, reviews and recommendations.

Drop-off or full catering service available

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o

Crystal Fairy was totally down with ascending to a higher plane of consciousness, especially in 2012, the end of the material world as we know it…

Menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner

12.18.13-12.25.13

crystal Fairy & the magical cactus and 2012

Actually, his real name was Jamie (Michael Cera), and he was an American tourist like Crystal Fairy. When they met at a party, he told her he was on a mission to consume as many hallucinogens as possible, specifically a cactus fabled to grow in a small rural town.

fun stuff EDiE EVErEttE

straight dope (p.27), crossword (p.c-5), & calcoku & sudoku (p.c-7)

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STAY CLASSY, VERMONT. 6/17/13 5:01 PM

NEWS QUIRKS by roland sweet

Curses, Foiled Again

Police investigating 15 home burglaries in and around Lakewood, Colo., identified Brandon Campbell, 27, as their suspect because he was wearing a GPS ankle monitor that placed him at the crime scenes. “I would say it’s a prosecutor’s dream to have GPS,” Arapahoe County Deputy Prosecutor Chelsea Koch said. “That’s an excellent piece of evidence to put him at every single burglary at the time it was burglarized.” Campbell was wearing the ankle monitor after being convicted of trying to steal a GPS navigation device.

(Denver’s KCNC-TV) Police trying to locate Rolando Lozano, who they suspected of burglarizing 17 cars in Rosenburg, Texas, appealed for public help by posting his picture on their Facebook page. He responded with a taunt: “catch me if u can muthasuckas.” Tips from the community led them to Lozano within 15 minutes of his post. (Huffington Post)

Personal Pronouns

Germany became the first European country to allow parents of babies with characteristics of both sexes to leave the gender blank on birth certificates, creating a new category: “indeterminate sex.” The policy change is intended to avoid pressuring parents to decide on a gender quickly to register the new child with the authorities. The interior ministry said German passb y H arry

Building Inspection Follies

Sweden’s National Housing Board ordered a hotel made of ice to install fire alarms. The Ice Hotel has been rebuilt every year since 1990 in Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna, using chunks of ice from the Torne River. Because each year’s building is new, it must abide by the current building code. (Sweden’s Local)

Oops!

A Boeing 747 cargo jet heading to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan., mistakenly landed eight miles north at Col. James Jabara Airport.

McConnell has parallel north-south runways, 12,000 feet long. Jabara has no control tower and a single northsouth runway, 6101 feet long, much shorter than is ideal for a 747.

After being turned around on the 100-foot-wide runway, the 235-footlong jumbo jet successfully took off the next day and landed 15 minutes later at its intended destination. (NBC News)

the suspect responded to the facebook post with a taunt:

“catch me if u can muthasuckas.”

Short Attention Span

People were curious when the letter “A” recently appeared next to the 180-foot-tall “N” that has lasted 100 years on the side of a mountain beside the University of Nevada, Reno, until Brent Wilbur admitted adding the second letter. “I was trying to write a woman’s name, ‘Tina,’” he explained, noting that was the name of a woman he dated four years ago but still loved.

He started with the “A” but said that after spending five and a half hours to create that he “just ran out of steam” and quit. (Reno’s KOLO-TV)

bl I s s

Pay-As-You-Go Getaway

Police pursuing a Car2Go vehicle going 75 mph in a 60 mph zone in Austin, Texas, reported that the driver crashed and fled on foot. Car2Go is a car-sharing service whose members can rent Smartfortwo vehicles by the minute wherever they’re parked. The driver spotted another Car2Go vehicle and took off, but after it turned down a dead-end road, police arrested driver Richard Delarosa, 33. A Car2Go official said the company would “evaluate” his membership status. (Austin’s KXANTV)

t ED r All

Drone On

Officials at Georgia’s Calhoun State Prison reported that a small drone flew over the facility and dropped contraband tobacco products inside the gates.

Sheriff Josh Hilton said a search of nearby woods turned up a car, which contained the aerial vehicle and two pounds of tobacco, and four individuals who were charged with delivering the contraband. (Washington Times)

Nipping Population Growth in the Bud Having legalized euthanasia for adults in 2002, Belgium’s government is now considering extending the right to children and adults with early dementia.

There were 1432 recorded cases of euthanasia in Belgium in 2012, 25 percent more than in 2011. (Associated Press)

Lest We Forget

Organizers of a parade honoring British military veterans told war hero Albert “Dusty” Miller, 89, that he can no longer serve as parade marshal because he’s too old. Miller, a decorated Royal Navy veteran, had been a parade marshal for the Royal British Legion for nearly 40 years, but said he was told he was being dismissed “because of insurance and that I should have stood down when I was 85.” (Britain’s Daily Express)

SEVENDAYSVt.com

Bl ISS

ports, which now list holders as M for male or F for female, will have a third designation: X, for intersex holders.

Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan also officially recognize a third gender. (BBC News)

12.18.13-12.25.13 SEVEN DAYS fun stuff 89

“r udolph with your nose so bright, how about giving the nose a rest so I can get a little shut-eye tonight?!”

90 fun stuff

SEVEN DAYS 12.18.13-12.25.13

s EVENDAYSVt.com

REAL fRee will astRology by rob brezsny decembeR 19-25

an excellent time to correct your bad habit.

Life will be offering you considerable help and inspiration in building a strong foundation.

And if you already appreciate how important it is for your pursuit of excitement to be rooted in well-crafted stability, the coming months will be golden.

Sagittarius (nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Many farms in California’s Tulare County grow produce for supermarket chains. Here’s the problem: Those big stores only want fruits and vegetable that look perfect. So if there are brown spots on the apples or if the zucchinis grow crooked or if the carrots get too big, they are rejected. As a result, 30 percent of the crops go unharvested.

That’s sad because a lot of poor people who live in Tulare don’t have enough to eat. Fortunately, some enterprising food activists have begun to work out arrangements with farmers to collect the wasted produce and distribute it to the hungry folks. I gather there’s a comparable situation in your life, Sagittarius: unplucked resources and ignored treasures.

In 2014, I hope you take dramatic action to harvest and use them.

taURUs (April 20-May 20): Here’s a tale of three renowned taurus brainiacs: Immanuel Kant, John stuart Mill and bertrand russell.

They all had IQs over 175 and all made major contributions to philosophy. yet all three were physically inept. Kant had trouble keeping a sharp point on his writing instrument, the quill, because he was clumsy using a knife.

Mill was so undexterous he found it a chore to tie a knot. russell’s physical prowess was so limited he was incapable of brewing a pot of tea. Chances are that you are neither as brilliant nor as uncoordinated as these three men. And yet, like them, there is a disconnect between your mind and body — some glitch in the way the two of them communicate with each other. The coming year will be an excellent time to heal the disconnect and fix the glitch. gemiNi

(May 21-June 20): A horticultural company in the uK is selling tomtato plants to home gardeners. each bush grows both cherry tomatoes and white potatoes.

The magic was accomplished through handcrafted hybridization, not genetic engineering. I foresee a comparable marvel in your long-term future, Gemini. I’m not sure about the exact form it will take. Maybe you will create a product or situation that allows you to satisfy two different needs simultaneously. It’s possible you will find a way to express two of your talents in a single mode. or perhaps you will be able to unite two sides of you that have previously been unbonded. Congratulations in advance!

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urce for Sports Personal Fitness Interiors aRies (March 21-April 19): “Life is best organized as a series of daring ventures from a secure base,” wrote psychologist John bowlby. some of you Aries enjoy the “daring venture” part of that formula but neglect the “secure base” aspect. That’s why your daring ventures may on occasion go awry. If you are that type of ram, the first half of 2014 will be

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(Aug. 23-sept. 22): Leonardo da Vinci created the painting “st. Jerome in the Wilderness” around 1480. It now hangs in the Pinacoteca Vaticana, a museum in Vatican City. for several centuries, though, the treasured work of art was missing.

Legend tells us that in the early 19th century, napoleon’s uncle found the lower half of the painting in a junk shop in rome. years later he stumbled upon the top half in another back alley, where it was being used as a wedge in a shoemaker’s bench. I foresee the possibility of a comparable sequence unfolding for you in 2014, Virgo. you just may manage to restore a lost beauty to its proper place of honor, one step at a time.

libRa (sept. 23-oct. 22): The Italian painter tintoretto (1518-1594) was a Libra. He worked with such vigor and passion that he was nicknamed Il furioso — The furious. one of his crowning achievements was his painting “Paradise,” which is 74 feet long and 30 feet tall — about the size of a tennis court. It adorns a huge wall in the Doge’s Palace, a landmark in Venice. I propose that tintoretto serve as one of your inspirational role models in 2014. The coming months will be an excellent time for you to work hard at crafting your own personal version of paradise on earth. you may not be so wildly robust to deserve the title “Il furioso.” but then again, you might. scoRPio (oct. 23-nov. 21): between 2002 and 2009, buddhist monk endo Mitsunaga spent a thousand days meditating as he did a

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(Jan. 20-feb. 18): “Artists who are content merely to hone their gifts eventually come to little,” says the belgian writer simon Leys. “The ones who truly leave their mark have the strength and the courage to explore and exploit their shortcomings.”

I’d like to borrow that wisdom and provide it for you to use in 2014, Aquarius. even if you’re not an artist, you will be able to achieve an interesting kind of success if you’re willing to make use of the raw materials and untapped potential of your so-called flaws and weaknesses. Whatever is unripe in you will be the key to your creativity.

Pisces (feb. 19-March 20): In 2014, you will

have the mojo to escape a frustration that has drained you and pained you for a long time. I mean you can end its hold on you for good. The coming months will also provide you with the chance to activate and cultivate a labor of love that will last as long as you live.

While this project may not bloom overnight, it will reveal its staying power in dramatic fashion. And you will be able to draw on the staunch faith you’ll need to devote yourself to it until its full blessings ripen.

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(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Derrick brown has a poem entitled “Pussycat Interstellar naked Hotrod Mofo Ladybug Lustblaster!” I hope that at least once in 2014 you will get up the nerve to call someone you love by that name. even if you can’t quite bring yourself to utter those actual words, it will be healing for you to get to the point where you feel wild enough to say them. Here’s what I’m driving at, Capricorn: In the coming months, you will be wise to shed any inhibitions that have interfered with you getting all of the free-flowing intimacy you’d love to have.

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(July 23-Aug. 22): When did you first fall from grace? Do you remember? It has happened to most of us. We spend time being privileged or cared about or respected, and then, suddenly, we no longer are. We lose our innocence. Love disappears. our status as a favorite comes to an end. That’s the bad news, Leo. The good news is that I think the months ahead may be time for you to climb back up to one of those high states of grace that you fell from once upon a time. The omens suggest that even now you’re making yourself ready to rise back up — and sooner than you think, there will be an invitation to do so.

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ceremonial walk around Mount Hiei in Japan.

In 2006, english writer Dave Cornthwaite took 90 days to skateboard across the entire length of Australia, a distance of 3618 miles. The first man’s intentions were spiritual, the second man’s adventurous. The coming months will be prime time for you to contemplate both kinds of journeys, scorpio.

The astrological omens suggest that you will generate extra good fortune for yourself by seeking out unfamiliar experiences on the open road. to get yourself in the mood, ruminate on the theme of pilgrimage.

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(June 21-July 22): “to destroy is always the first step in any creation,” said the poet e. e. cummings. Do you buy that idea, Cancerian? I hope so, because the cosmos has scheduled you to instigate some major creative action in 2014. In order to fulfill that potential, you will have to metaphorically smash, burn and dissolve any old structures that have been standing in the way of the future. you will have to eliminate as many of

the “yes, buts” and “I can’ts” and “not nows” as you possibly can.

Stow E Ski Er Looki Ng for A PArt NEr I am a country boy who lives to ski. Honest and kind, looking for a partner in crime. If you like a good adrenaline rush, dressing up for a good dinner or just relaxing by a fire after a long day of living life, we could be compatible. r adDog, 31, l

For relationships, dates and flirts: dating.sevendaysvt.com

Women seeking Women

co NNEctio NS Vermont and my family are my roots but I love to discover new landscapes, people, food and adventures. I’m most alive when I’m active and/or playing.

Music moves me too. My work energizes me and allows me to see the world.

I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking for other than great conversation, laughter and connections. fresca, 35 LiViNg Lif E to th E f u LLESt l ife is really short and I’m told that this is no T a dress rehearsal; it’s the real thing. Do you agree?

Do you like Will Farrell movies? l et’s hang out! ilovelife, 32, l PLAY with Your LADY PArt S I’m bisexual, in an open relationship. s eeking a fun, Grea T communicator who’ll let me try to get her off. I’ve had one sexual experience with a woman and want more! I’m slender, 5’8”, blondish, blue eyes. I’m clean, playful, honest, generous and fun. If you’re ok with an amateur in your bed, I’d love to learn what you like. w ant2learn, 31

92 personals

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t houghtfu L, ki ND, Str Aightforw Ar D, iNt Er ESt ED hum AN Kind of: smart, funny, interested, interesting, cute, creative, anxious, thoughtful, kind. s eeking same? I guess similar, I appreciate and am inspired by people who are conscientious, warm, honest, fun and open to forming friendships that are casual. Meet for drinks and talk about whatever was on npr earlier? someclevername, 31, l

Women seeking Men

fE miNiNE t ombo Y a little about me: My children are grown and living in the south. It’s time for me to live my life. explore the world. l earn new skills. Walk beside the lake. Hike the Green Mountains. Find a special man to love and share a life full of warmth, laughter, passion and friendship, including the “feeling of being home.”. greenmtlady2013, 60, l hEAD iNg iNto th E wi ND I’m an even mix between adventurous and homey. I like to finish up an active day with a mellow night of curling up with some n etflix and maybe a whiskey or two. s ense of humor is pretty important to me, I rarely take life very seriously. Jumpkick, 31 cr EAti VE out Door SY Nor Sk E I’ll have to meet you in person for you to really get a feel for who I am.

I can say I love being in the woods or on the water every day, and the feeling of accomplishment before I have a fun evening of cooking good food and unwinding or catching up with friends. rainorshine, 37

Extro VErt, u NDEr St ANDiNg, c Low N I am passionate and intense with everything I do: personal life, work and just about anything I start out doing. I’m at ease having great conversations on just about any topic and I’m just as comfortable with pleasant, almost “uneasy,” quiet moments, knowing that the person I am with understands it’s okay not saying anything. doveheart, 27, l cr EAti VE, h Ar Dworki Ng, outgoi Ng ch Ef I am a mature woman that only acts her age when she’s being energetic. I love going places on my one day a week off. I work long hours creating beautiful masterpieces and can’t imagine doing anything else. chefEggplant, 19, l curiou S, out Door SY, DEEP thi Nk Er I care deeply about people and the future of the earth. I want to make the best of life and I believe that means being honest with myself and the people around me and spending as much time as I can outside, learning, playing and working.

SnowLovinmountaingirl, 22, l AmoNgSt but Not PArt of I’m the most introverted extrovert I know; warm and outgoing but painfully shy. I have learned to accept that I like to nest but believe I still have it in me to be the life of the party when necessary. I’m brand new to Vermont and would love someone to show me around. Pamelag, 52, l

h umorou S, outgoi Ng AND Str Aightforw Ar D I am a creative, passionate and outspoken woman. I enjoy watching the sun set and doing other outdoor activities. I’m looking to find a decent man to spend time with and see where things go. dragonflylover, 47 cr EAti VE, ENtr EPr ENEuri AL, Str Aight- LAcED I’m interested in real estate, landlording and local travel, such as Boston trips and n ew York City for Christmas? I would love a handyman who puts family trips before hunting trips and wants a camper someday. I would like to walk, hike and bike more. I don’t mind dogs, but don’t respond if you “can’t live without a dog”! Lionessence, 42, l SimPLE AND f uN s imple VT girl who likes to watch the games on s unday and can be found Monday night out with the girls. l ove to play here: ski, hike, run, bike or on the boat watching the sunset. I am looking for fun people to try new places and random fun adventures, especially those that end with a shot to two of tequila! vtgirl802, 33 SALut Atio NS! I have traveled a bit but not as much as I want to. I love my dog, I enjoy hiking and I’m funny. I enjoy good humor, good beer and really good conversation. I think a lot differently than other people so I would like someone with a very open mind! Catch me on the flip side! h 3mph 3ad, 21, l

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Looki Ng for th At right gir L sWM, 6’, athletic build, shaved head. I am understanding, outgoing, energetic and very easygoing. I like just about anything that has to do with the outdoors. Dinner and a movie, staying home relaxing and watching a movie in bed together. open-minded, willing to try new things and something out of my comfort zone. Want to meet someone for a friendship, and hopefully a long-term relationship. gusto, 31, l Looki Ng for A cAri Ng wom AN I want to find someone who will be my best friend. I’m a business owner.

I’m a very hard-working man and I live alone. I have a daughter but she is not at home. I’m a caring and very honest, loving man. I look forward to finding that special woman who will love me and make me smile for the rest of my life. tpetterson1gx, 55, l mor E t h AN JuSt h umAN When I am by myself, I am doing either one of three things: nothing, chores or some sort of cerebral torture. I can engage anyone in an intelligent or comical conversation, whichever is more important. I firmly believe, despite the fact that things can go wrong, that life is not always what comes your way, but what you pursue. bioDegradeable, 51

Su PEr- h igh Vib ES I’m not really attached to any outcome. Just putting myself out there and seeing what happens. s eeking a little adventure and joyful interactions. We can go on vibes missions, and if you don’t know what those are, well then you’ll just have to ask to find out. yes_i, 26, l

ADVENturou S, cAri Ng, f u NNY Good-hearted guy who is funny, caring and adventurous, looking for the same. bigfish, 44 f ift Y Sh ADES o f P LAiD fLANNEL I really like women (not just sex, though that’s great too, in quality and quantity).

I like women of a very wide range of ages and shapes. It’s what’s inside the noggin that catches and keeps my interest, though I’m big on affection, too. I believe in happy endings, but believe that they don’t result from being steered or forced. i_Libertine, 47

proffitlhee o week

LEt’ S tr Y SomEthi Ng Diff Er ENt! Don’t judge a book by its cover. Have you ever wanted to take a chance and meet someone? o r try something different?

Well here’s that chance! Here are some things about me: *Honest *Caring/big heart *s trongly value communication *s ense of humor l et’s meet for coffee and start a conversation!

Virtualpilot, 36, men seeking w omen. i couldn’t live without my laptop. f uNNY gEEk S EEk S SAmE Funny geek with a quirky sense of humor seeks the same for fun and debauchery around town. This town is too quiet, time for us to team up and rip it down, and if there is romance or “fun” time in the process, that’s a bonus. Must have a wicked sense of humor and be up for anything fun. Vtw aterguy, 38 Do Pick-u P LiNES r EALLY work?

Music is very important to me. My Ba is in classical clarinet, but I have always and always will be a country musician at heart. It’s been a long time since I’ve met a girl that’s inspired me to write a song. Maybe you could break my writer’s block ;-). monsieurmuzak, 24, l hA r Dworki Ng, h o NESt, DEPENDAbLE cou Ntr Y boY Hello, I’m Justin. I’ve been raised on a dairy farm all my life. Grew up knowing life’s values and family morals. I’m mature, honest, a li’l sarcastic at times but not often, hardworking, dependable, willing to lend a hand when needed, passionate, romantic, spontaneous and adventurous. I have four children who are my world. t ruecountry271, 33, l

SPo Nt ANEou S, curiou S AND ADVENturou S I am an honest, loyal and goodlooking, down-to-earth country guy.

I like to watch movies in front of the stove cuddling on the couch, or out enjoying the evening skies. I like driving the back roads and enjoying the countryside. I am health conscious with a healthy lifestyle. casper4, 52, l NEw to th E gAmE Have lived in Vermont for the last 10 years, and I don’t plan on leaving any time soon. I work for a mental health agency, which means I like to have fun and get out when I am not working.

I love to get outdoors, but can just as easily be convinced to stay in and watch a movie. LivinLife85, 28

Men seeking Men

f u N gAY mALE w ANti Ng Excit EmENt I’m a 21-year-old guy just looking for a man to either share my life with or share the night with (;. I like to have fun and party, I’m very interesting, and you will receive great pleasure in knowing me. bocaj92, 21, l

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dating.sevendaysvt.com

Women seeking?

Wh At Ar E mY optio NS? I love listening to music. I try my best to keep grounded at all times, but life has thrown me a couple curveballs. I am looking to see what is out there. n o expectations, just a chill girl looking for someone to hang out with. after that, who knows? radicalacceptance38, 25, l SomEo NE to pl AY With l ooking for discreet fun! o pen to most anything and very fun. sopretty, 33 pASSio NAt E1 Hey! I am looking to meet women who would like to explore with me and help unleash my inner urge to be with a woman! I have had urges for a long time and I am finally jumping out there. l ook forward to hearing from some fun and sexy women. passionate1, 40, l l o VE to pl EASE You both s eeking couple for play. I’m the woman who can please you both, it turns me on to give as much as to receive. Muscular and athletic, latemodel chassis with minimal wear and tear. More online. 123Go, 47, l Flirt Y, Fl Exibl E, Fu N Married but encouraged to play. I’m a petite, curvy, attractive female seeking experienced, sexy men (ages 25-50) for very discreet encounters. moxiehart, 42, l

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Fr Equ ENt Di Scr EEt NSA Frequent nsa hookups sought. Central and n orthwest VT. just4funx, 42, l

SEx-St Ar VED coupl E Just a couple looking for some fun. We would like to have a woman join us for a threesome. It would be a discreet encounter and a lot of fun. dabby, 58

FuN, FuNNY, FuN-lo ViNG I love playing music, photography, art, theater. s tay in or go out, it really doesn’t matter much to me. mustangdave, 52, l

r EADY to SAti SFY Great-looking guy looking to meet new friends. athletic build, love the outdoors, all sports. l ove to tease and please. Truly kindhearted and respecful and true. redtosatisfy, 37 cr EAm piES, t Alk to m E a guy looking for a storyteller. l ove to hear of your experiences and love dirty talk in explaining it. Good looking, have a lot to give and just plain love life and all it offers. am straight and am a voyeur and love cream pies. Much more I guess but will only ramble on in words. 2179, 55 NEW AND SiNGl E n ew here, I really could use a study break and someone else to focus my attention on. vrmt_lve, 37 Scorpio l o VE I am a male in late 20s; attractive, d and d free, looking for discreet adventure. s imple enough. o pen to most anything.

Kind, down-to-earth and eager to please. please don’t hesitate. s pecial interest in woman over 50 :). johnnyk, 29 Goo D xxxS Totally new to this, looking for some sexy fun and new experiences. Don’t let our youth go to waste. l ou, 26, l h Er E For bu SiNESS I’m in town on business looking for company. apark1199, 40, l DArk ADVENtur ES o F th E miND l ooking to find a fun and sexually diverse individual for joyful times.

Vt_o utdoorsman, 25, l

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SEx iN ESSEx Daytime availability — single women preferred, married women are o K but no drama. I don’t want you to get caught unless your partner is joining us. I am a kinky guy and need you to be the same. Couples, I am very respectful and not there to steal your partner, just to pleasure you both. hornyscorpio, 28, l

Signed,

EASYGoi NG You NG coupl E a woman who wants to have fun with a couple. nsa please. biggyiggy, 29 WEt AND curiou S l ooking for a hottie who will let me explore her body while my partner watches! queenie, 40 h it th E Spot!

Cum and play with us! passionate to the extreme. 1,2,3. Get caught up in between. and we can assure you, you won’t regret it... cum4me123, 25, l SWEEt th ANG looki NG For FuN petite, curvy wife bored with sex at home. s corpio with plenty of passion looking for a threesome, prefer two men, but willing to experiment with a woman. l ooking for some one-onone fun with a sexy man. Discretion is a must. Must be in shape, clean and have a good sense of humor. a slight beard is a turn-on! Sparrow01, 40 l ooki NG For A photo Gr Aph Er We are a hot professional couple (mid 30’s, he’s handsome, hung like a horse and she has the best looking face and ass combination this side of the Mississippi), looking for a hot, young woman to be our personal nude photographer in a swanky hotel room and join in on some of the fun during the shoot. Camera supplied. Spacecowboy, 33, l SExY coupl E looki NG For Excit EmENt s exy, professional couple looking to make our fantasies become a reality. s he is bi-curious, he is straight. We want to find a woman (or two) we can hang out with, laugh, have fun and fool around with. Honesty, trust, privacy and communication are all things we value. l et’s get to know each other and see if we can have some fun! sexycouple84, 26, l u p For A thr EESomE? We’re a polyamorous couple in our 30s looking to add another woman as a play partner. s he is pan-sexual (gender blind) and he is straight. We dabble in BDs M, but are not hard core. We’re super lowkey, fun, slightly geeky and very open. If you think you might be interested, let’s grab a drink. We’re always excited to meet new people! welovewomen802, 32

h opeless r omantic

Dear Hopeless,

Here’s a crazy idea: Ask her out! Especially when in college, it’s easy to get caught up in being “too cool” for a relationship — but if your heart is telling you she’s worth your time, you should heed the call.

Whatever you do, don’t invite her to a party where you’ll end up casually hooking up again and find yourself doing that same awkward morning dance — make it a real date. The holidays are a perfect time for romance. Why not ask her to take a walk downtown and check out the Christmas lights? Some cold weather and hot chocolate can be the perfect recipe for warming up a relationship. And, hey, if it goes well, New Hampshire is just a short drive or bus ride away — you could ring in the New Year together.

And, please, when you’re getting ready to ask her out, put down your phone and turn off the computer. Don’t fall down the technology rabbit hole and start some never-ending texting game that adds to the hookup confusion — instead, go old school. Find her on the way to class or take a seat next to her in the dining hall. Take a deep breath and ask her out. If a holiday stroll is too cheesy for you, ask her to see a band or have brunch. By being direct, she’ll know you’re serious, and her response will let you know if she’s serious, too.

Hooking you up, mm

Need advice?

email me at mistress@sevendaysvt.com or share your own advice on my blog at sevendaysvt.com/blogs

personals

Fillm Yhol ES There’s not other way to say it than I love to be fucked. I am submissive and love to have my holes filled. I love cock and pussy. I say the more, the merrier.

I am discreet. Your pictures get mine.

Hope to taste you soon. fillmyholes, 38

Explor E AND h AVE FuN l ooking to meet open-minded people for fun and sexual exploration. Must be laid-back, friendly, clean and discreet.

420 friendly a plus. nekbiman, 49

I hooked up with this girl after a party on campus, and there was crazy chemistry. We had a great night. In the morning, we did that awkward, “What do we do now?” thing, and she ended up taking off back to her dorm. Now she’s leaving for holiday break, and I don’t want her to forget about me (she’s going home to New Hampshire, I’m staying in Burlington). I think she’s into me, too. How can I turn a one-night stand into a relationship?

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h u NGr Y For S Ex l ooking for someone to dominate me in bed. In a relationship but need more. Want no-strings sex.

Discretion is a must. o pen-minded.

I’m not shallow, but you must be smart enough and hot enough to make me wet. very_hungry, 40, l

coupl E 4 You attractive couple in early 40’s looking for clean, fit guy to join for threesome. ages 25-49, ns , n D. s he likes to have both of you, he likes to watch one-onone. l et us know if you are interested in discreet encounters. couple4You, 40, l

Dear Mistress Maeve,

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DiScr EEt AFt Er Noo N quicki E I’m looking for a clean, discreet 18+ connection. s omeone who is interested in a little play now and then when some extra satisfaction is needed.

SExY Sport Must be clean, outgoing and sexy ;).

Commited couple. Wife looking to enjoy Young professional seeking same 1x1c-mediaimpact030310.indd 1 3/1/10 1:15:57 PM another woman. Hubby enjoys watching or up to 35. l et’s see if we can start and would like to try swinging. anna, 41 a fling soon! discretefun, 25

FANt ASY l ooking for a woman to fulfill our fantasy! curious69, 32

mistress maeve

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biSExu Al S WEEti E The honor would be humbly mine if you would allow me to feel, fondle and finger you. My most burning desire is to strip down with a pretty little hottie like myself and explore each other. I’d rather be one-on-one, but if your boyfriend or husband wants to watch, then we can arrange that. burli_cutie, 26, l

Men seeking?

Your guide to love and lust...

93

You work at GYmboree umall I recognized you from your other job downtown.

I said I had to go in soon to have something refinished. Coffee or a drink sometime to finish our brief conversation? Please pardon me if you are dating or married. when: Thursday, December 12, 2013. where: umall. You: woman. me: man. #911854 eskimo cutie at HalflounGe Thursday night, 2 a.m. We both had furry hoodies and shared a kiss outside Halflounge.

You are adorable! Let’s grab a drink sometime? when: friday, December 13, 2013. where: Halflounge. You: woman. me: woman. #911852 essex GranD buffet tHursDaY niGHt I’m the tall, cocoa, curvy, busty, vixen who walked into t he Grand Buffet restaurant in Essex around 7 p.m. Thursday. You are a Caucasian male who was walking out into the foyer area.

Your face brightened when our eyes met and you said hello. I was utterly enchanted. Had I not been meeting a date ... sigh. when: Thursday, December 12, 2013. where: Grand buffet, essex Jct. You: man. me: woman. #911851 best mom ever I see you and your little girl almost daily on the Shelburne bus, mostly in the evening. You are the best mom ever, your little girl is so cute and always so happy and you are so good with her.

You guys get out at Price Chopper. Just wanted to say that you’re doing an awesome job. Smile sometime, I bet it looks great on you :). when: friday, December 13, 2013. where: shelburne road, burlington. You: woman. me: man. #911850 tHe eDGe at GautHier Drive I’ve seen you at 3 p.m. the past few days. We always exchange glances. You always leave your bag beneath the sign-up lists and are often working out on the mats. If this is you, come say hello. You look great, btw :). when: Thursday, December 12, 2013. where: the edge, essex Junction. You: woman. me: man. #911848

GolD First thing I remember, when you came into my life, I said I’m gonna get that girl no matter what I do. Friends? when: wednesday, December 4, 2013. where: when it comes around. You: woman. me: man. #911846 beautiful smile briGHteneD mY morninG! You were trying not to run over me in your green Subaru at VT Energy. When you saw me you smiled so brightly my overcast day turned sunny! when: wednesday, December 11, 2013. where: vt energy co., ferrisburgh. You: woman. me: man. #911845

snow HuGGer = fresH air Agreed: less internet and social networking and more connection to nature and the art of being human in person. when: friday, December 6, 2013. where: Seven Days.

You: man. me: woman. #911844 #6 bus You were on the Shelburne-bound 4:45 p.m. bus. You had a floral red skirt on and a rather thin black jacket. You got off at the Chevy dealership. Your hair, btw, “awesome.” You are crazy cute. I had to really try not to stare. when: wednesday, December 11, 2013. where: bus. You: woman. me: man. #911843 HeY You witH tHe face!

Thank you for a wonderful, crazy, stressful, joyous, illuminating and loving year. The future is uncertain, but the promise of what to come is so exciting. I love all of you, Princess. We are big, I mean it. when: friday, December 14, 2012. where: all over. You: woman. me: man. #911842 marYrose, Great profile MaryRose, I saw your profile, liked what I saw.

I’m a professional in Burlington, looking for that special partner in crime. Interested? Msg me for more. when: sunday, December 8, 2013. where: 7 Days. You: woman. me: man. #911841 first friDaY at HiGHer GrounD I found your dancing style expressive and intriguing, you and your friends were the funnest people on the floor. Let’s do it again sometime?

You in all black, me in the pink pants. when: friday, December 6, 2013. where: Higher Ground. You: woman. me: woman. #911839 sHinDDiGGer, tunbriDGe Eyes meet through small holes in the crowd, time freezes. I heard your voice, time stopped. when: saturday, December 7, 2013. where: tunbridge, shindig. You: woman. me: man. #911838 bok cHoY! You saw me buying bok choy at the co-op and said you never knew what to do with it — said you mostly cook kale! I was too tongue-tied to debate the merits of brassicas, but I found you to be witty and cute, and I like your style. Would you like to meet? when: saturday, December 7, 2013. where: city market. You: woman. me: man. #911837

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berlin beautY in xxx personals Sorry, not a paid member but in hope you check ispy. I find your facial features so beautiful and alluring. I love music 24/7 and love to nuzzle in a beautiful neck for sure. Think we should talk and if anything might happen. Hit me up please! when: tuesday, December 3, 2013. where: xxx personals. You: woman. me: man. #911829

watcHinG baD Driver To the female Fed Ex Driver: We watched a guy trying to back out of space at City Market and both of us thought we could back your truck out of the space the guy with the subcompact could not. Would love to talk about that, life and what makes this universe spin. when: tuesday, December 3, 2013. where: city market parking lot. You: woman. me: man. #911835

11/09, You: cute anD tireD I haven’t seen you at Esox, what’s up? I’ve been waiting to hear the alternate endings to our last encounter. when: saturday, november 9, 2013. where: esox. You: man. me: woman. #911828

silver fox at tHe GYm You: drop-dead sexy dark-haired dentist. Me: hottest thing at the gym. Where: Edge Gym of South Burlington. I was already interested but was really excited when you gave me a wink and said “Silver in the house.” Let me be your fox hunter. when: Thursday, December 5, 2013. where: edge Gym. You: man. me: woman. #911834 cute socks You were waiting in line at Uncommon on Wednesday evening when I noticed your striped socks first, pants rolled up. Then I caught your glance not just once, not merely twice, but three times from where I sat against the wall, wearing a black cap. You’d have held my glance if you had kept looking.

Let’s do it again. Coffee? when: wednesday, December 4, 2013. where: uncommon Grounds. You: woman. me: man. #911833

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You read Seven Days, these people read Seven Days — you already have at least one thing in common!

auGust 1st, Dec 3 at 11:15 Chance meeting! You walked in ahead of me and after getting your order you sat by the doorway. I ordered a coffee, chatted with friends a moment who were sitting just outside and then I was off. We caught each other’s eyes at least twice and what a pleasant smile you have.

Me: black North Face/jeans. Coffee sometime? when: tuesday, December 3, 2013. where: august 1st. You: woman. me: man. #911832

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We should talk sometime! I’m just getting used to the idea of being single again and can’t make any promises, but I read your profile and was rather taken with you. At the very least you might make a new friend. when: monday, December 2, 2013. where: men seeking women in 7 Days. You: man. me: woman. #911827

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was i ispieD? There are two, maybe three Marys, you could be thinking of. Blond? Brunette? College age? Or lovely young women (25-30ish)? when: tuesday, December 3, 2013. where: synergy. You: man. me: woman. #911830

eva, costco You were working one of the registers. I think your name was Eva. Thanks for your help with what I was purchasing. You definitely were a big help even though it was absolutely crazy in there. Hope you keep up that holiday spirit. when: saturday, December 7, 2013. where: costco. You: woman. me: man. #911836

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speeD bump I see you around town occasionally and even though you ripped my heart out of my chest and left me alone and injured I fear I will always love you more than you’ll ever know. I might not get to show you but from the first time I saw your beautiful smile I knew how amazing you are. when: Thursday, December 12, 2013. where: burlington. You: woman. me: man. #911847

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rutlanD coffee excHanGe You: petite, primal and incredibly voluptuous.

Me: bearded, interviewing an applicant and thoroughly distracted. My cappucino was quite filling, but somehow I left far hungrier than when I arrived. when: wednesday, December 4, 2013. where: rutland coffee exchange. You: woman. me: man. #911831

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