Seven Days, May 13, 2020

ON THE MOVE Students’ return raises concerns

VE RMO NT ’S IN DEPE NDEN T VO IC E MAY 13-20, 2020 VOL.25 NO.33 SEVENDAYSVT.COM

PAGE 12

Envisioning Vermont’s post-pandemic future

BY PAUL HEINTZ, PAGE 32

GLASS HALF FULL

PAGE 18

Booze sales up amid quarantine

ONE FOR THE AGES

PAGE 45

109-year-old recalls 1918 pandemic

HUNGER STRIKES

PAGE 50

Food insecurity grows in Vermont

VERMONT FARMERS MARKETS: VERMONT FARMERS MARKETS:

LOCAL AS USUAL, SAFER THAN EVER.

Many farmers markets will be opening soon, but it’s not business as usual! Vendors and market staff are required to follow state guidance to ensure the safest environment for shoppers and vendors alike. Please be patient with vendors and market staff as they are doing their best to comply with the guidance and still be able to offer local products to their communities.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT FARMERS MARKETS THIS SEASON: ¢ Everyone will be happy ¢ Check the market

to see you! Despite all the changes and new rules, markets will still be the place to see smiling eyes, from a safe distance, and get fresh local products.

website/social media to learn how to order in advance. In some cases there will be a list of vendors, in others an online ordering system.

¢ SNAP/EBT will still be

accepted! Other forms of market currency will vary market to market.

Bring a face mask, and wash your hands when

¢

you get there. Vendors and market staff are required to wear protective equipment.

Vendor booths will not be self-serve. Only vendors are allowed to handle their products. You will verbally tell the vendor your choices and they will place it in a bag for you.

¢

Most produce will be pre-bagged to limit the number of people who have handled your food. Vendors

¢

may also be packaging and pricing products in ways that reduce the need to make change.

Prepared food will be sold, but will be prepackaged and must be consumed off-site.

¢

be one entrance and one exit, and traffic will flow oneway through the market.

Stay home if you are unwell or may have been exposed to the virus.

¢

The layout of the market will be different. There will

¢

Shop at a farmers market!

NOFA-VT: growing local farms, healthy food, and strong communities in Vermont since 1971.

Find one near you: nofavt.org/farmers markets 2

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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If you enjoy working in groups and solving financial problems, UVM’s Master of Accountancy program enjoys a 100% job placement rate and is now open for registration.

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WEEK IN REVIEW MAY 6-13, 2020 COMPILED BY GILLIAN ENGLISH, SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY

emoji that CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT

COURTESY OF MARY SULLIVAN

Champlain and Saint Michael’s colleges each held virtual graduation ceremonies over the weekend. Pomp amid circumstance.

COWABUNGA

Reps. Johannah Donovan (left) and Mary Sullivan

STATEHOUSE SEATING FOR FOUR

Rep. Johannah “Joey” Leddy Donovan (D-Burlington), an influential liberal who has served in Montpelier for 20 years, will not seek reelection in November.

“You always want to leave of your own volition, before someone’s helping you out the door,” Donovan told Seven Days on Monday. “So I think this is a good time for me to leave.”

Donovan, 75, said she was gearing up for her reelection campaign in a COVID-19 world when she realized she’d accomplished a lot and was ready to move on.

“Last week, all of a sudden I just woke up one morning and realized, You know, I think I’m done,” Donovan said.

The retired teacher comes from a politically accomplished family. Donovan’s father, Bernard Leddy, was a judge in the U.S. District Court in Vermont from 1966 to 1972. Her brother James Leddy served Chittenden County as a state senator from 1998 to 2006. And her son, T.J. Donovan, was elected attorney general in 2016 after serving as state’s attorney for Chittenden County.

The news follows last month’s announcement by fellow Rep. Mary Sullivan (D-Burlington) that she would step down after 16 years in the state legislature.

SALLY POLLAK

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From left: Meghan St. Pierre, Elle Purrier and Megan Terrell of Pleasant Valley Farms

The departures of Donovan and Sullivan, as well as the decisions by Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe (D/PChittenden) and Sen. Debbie Ingram (D-Chittenden) to run for lieutenant governor this year, represent significant turnover in the county’s influential delegation in Montpelier.

Donovan and Sullivan are seatmates representing Burlington’s South End in the 6-5 District. Three people have announced their candidacies for the two House seats: Jesse Paul Warren, who runs a South End nonprofit called Democracy Creative; Scott Pavek, who manages the Catamount Commitment program at the University of Vermont; and energy consultant Gabrielle Stebbins.

Donovan’s successor will serve in uncertain times.

Legislating via Zoom isn’t as satisfying as working beneath the golden dome, she said.

“I think there’s an awful lot that’s lost,” Donovan said. “It sure isn’t the same as having discussions in those small committee rooms with the public and different advocates sitting on the sides and just being able to have really thorough discussions.”

Read Kevin McCallum’s full story and keep up with developments at sevendaysvt.com.

A judge tossed a lawsuit that accused Ben & Jerry’s of falsely claiming its ice cream comes from “happy” cows. Total bull, apparently.

DEAD END?

The City of Burlington now expects construction on the Champlain Parkway to begin in March 2021.

The project’s been kicked down the road since the 1960s.

ECON 101

The University of Vermont has said layoffs are possible as it attempts to balance an ever-shrinking budget. Tuition is already sky-high.

7

That’s how many New England Emmy nominations Vermont PBS received for “excellence in video content.” Congrats!

TOPFIVE

MOST POPULAR ITEMS ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM

1. “Vermonters Are Watching Their Neighbors — and Reporting Them” by Courtney Lamdin.

People are using an online tool that allows them to report those they suspect are violating Vermont’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

2. “Scott Relaxes Vermont Guidelines for Socializing, Getting Outdoors” by Courtney Lamdin. Vermonters will now be permitted to socialize in small groups and to participate in outdoor activities with “low or no physical contact.”

3. “Vermont Dairy Farmers Give Away 4,000 Gallons of Milk” by Sally Pollak. Last week farmers in Franklin and Addison counties gave away a total 4,000 gallons of milk to community members.

4. “State, Towns Prepare for Summer Influx of Vermont’s Second-Home Owners” by Courtney Lamdin. State officials expect Vermont’s seasonal population increase to be as high as 10 percent this year.

5. “Vermont Retail Stores Can Reopen With Capacity Limits on May 18” by Courtney Lamdin. Stores can reopen Monday, provided employees wear masks and complete a COVID-19 safety training course.

tweet of the week @ScottWoodwardVT Thank goodness it snowed three inches last night. I was afraid I was going to have to mow the lawn soon! #Vermont #VermontLife FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SEVENDAYSVT OUR TWEEPLE: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/TWITTER

802nice WHAT’S NICE IN VERMONT

MOOVING DISPLAY Two problems in Vermont — food insecurity and a surplus of dairy — converged last Friday in a St. Albans parking lot, where Franklin County farmers gave away 2,500 gallons of milk to a steady stream of people.

“We come from a lot of generations of dairy farmers up here in Franklin County, and we love our community so much,” said Meghan St. Pierre, 26, of Pleasant Valley Farms. “A lot of folks are struggling right now.”

The need for food assistance has increased by at least 60 percent since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, according to

John Sayles, CEO of the Vermont Foodbank.

Meanwhile, dairy farmers are dumping milk because traditional markets such as cafés and colleges are shut down.

Much of the milk that was given away would have been dumped, according to Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts, who helped out at the drive-through event.

“Judging from what I’ve seen so far, the need is there,” Tebbetts said. “One woman, I gave her a gallon of milk, and she broke down in tears.”

The event, called Vermont Dairy Cares, was a collaboration of Pleasant Valley Farms, the Vermont chapter of Dairy Farmers of America, the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance and Bourdeau Brothers in Middlebury, where 1,500 gallons of milk were

distributed the same day. In total, 4,000 gallons of milk were donated to community members, according to organizers.

St. Pierre handed out gallon jugs of whole milk with her two future sistersin-law: Megan Terrell and Elle Purrier, a track star who grew up on a dairy farm in Montgomery.

In February, Purrier, 25, set the U.S. women’s record for the indoor mile. But last Friday, the workout was a repetitive upperarm routine: picking up bottles of milk and placing them in car trunks, back seats, drivers’ hands and pickup beds.

“It’s humbling,” Purrier said. “I’m very proud to be from Vermont, and I’m happy to be able to give back to the community.”

SALLY POLLAK SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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FUTURE TENSE. founders/Coeditors Pamela Polston, Paula Routly publisher Paula Routly deputy publisher Cathy Resmer AssoCiAte publishers

Don Eggert, Pamela Polston, Colby Roberts

NEWS & POLITICS editor Matthew Roy deputy editor Sasha Goldstein Consulting editor Candace Page stAff writers Derek Brouwer, Colin Flanders,

Paul Heintz, Courtney Lamdin, Kevin McCallum

ARTS & LIFE editor Pamela Polston AssoCiAte editor Margot Harrison AssistAnt editors Dan Bolles, Elizabeth M. Seyler MusiC editor Jordan Adams CAlendAr writer Kristen Ravin speCiAlty publiCAtions MAnAger Carolyn Fox stAff writers Jordan Barry, Chelsea Edgar,

Margaret Grayson, Ken Picard, Sally Pollak proofreAders Carolyn Fox, Elizabeth M. Seyler AssistAnt proofreAders Katherine Isaacs, Marisa Keller

D I G I TA L & V I D E O dAtA editor Andrea Suozzo digitAl produCtion speCiAlist Bryan Parmelee senior MultiMediA produCer Eva Sollberger MultiMediA journAlist James Buck AudienCe engAgeMent speCiAlist Gillian English DESIGN CreAtive direCtor Don Eggert Art direCtor Rev. Diane Sullivan produCtion MAnAger John James designers Jeff Baron, Kirsten Thompson, Mollie Coons SALES & MARKETING direCtor of sAles Colby Roberts senior ACCount exeCutive Michael Bradshaw ACCount exeCutives Robyn Birgisson,

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DISCLOSURE: Seven Days publisher and coeditor Paula Routly is the domestic partner of Vermont Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe. Routly abstains from involvement in the newspaper’s Statehouse and state political coverage. Find our conflict of interest policy here: sevendaysvt.com/disclosure.

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FEEDback READER REACTION TO RECENT ARTICLES

GOOD READ

Last week’s “Green Mountain Quaranzine” was just delightful. Nice job!

Ralph Culver

SOUTH BURLINGTON

THE ‘NEXT RIGHT THING’?

[Re Off Message: “Vermont Pondering How to Move Homeless Out of Motels,” April 29]: Moving homeless people into motel rooms during the pandemic was right. Now Rep. Tom Stevens asks: “What’s the next right thing?” Here is how to permanently house them and save money.

Burlington owns 44 acres of vacant land across from the airport where 200 affordable homes once stood, demolished because F-16 jet noise made living in them unsafe.

A prerequisite for reusing that land for housing is a permanent halt to fighter jet training.

Vermont has the power: “Reserving to the states ... the authority of training the militia” is how the U.S. Constitution puts it. Thus Gov. Phil Scott, as commander in chief, has unqualified legal authority to stop the F-35 training.

The governor can then order Vermont National Guard members to build permanent homes for the 400 Burlington homeless on those 44 acres — just as he ordered the Guard to build three coronavirus surge hospitals in March.

Halting the F-35 flights is mandated

by U.S. military law because of injury to civilians. An online report and complaint form, with 393 responses, confirms widespread pain, hearing damage and distress from the unbearably loud training flights.

Our country’s founders brilliantly reserved authority for training the militia to the states. Governor and Guard can be proud to use that authority to solve permanent housing for the homeless, saving the $3 million a month Vermont pays for motel rooms, reclaiming 44 acres of land for housing in Chittenden County and halting deafening F-35 training flights in a city.

This is the “next right thing.”

James Leas

SOUTH BURLINGTON

MISSION CRITICAL

[Re Feedback: “Sound Barrier,” April 29]: If you truly despise the sound of the F-35s, ponder some simple facts. The only reason Vermont has an active military

WEEK IN REVIEW

date well short of a full year. During this pandemic, I will find myself homeless at the end of May for several nights. Gov. Phil Scott’s executive order appears to prohibit hotel reservations for anyone not associated with COVID-19. I am not a student, but an adult with a dog and a child; my own mother lives in assisted living, and I have no other options for shelter. I signed — and understood — the lease, but negotiating the terms seemed risky in this extremely tight rental market.

Until the city council or legislature prohibits such long gaps in leases, or at least allows renters to pay a prorated rent during the last month, landlords will keep taking advantage of renters. Kudos to Diehl and others for not forgetting that being a landlord is not just about getting paid the maximum rent.

TIM NEWCOMB

Jeanne Bateman

BURLINGTON

base is that Sen. Patrick Leahy is the most senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and he fought to keep it here. Thank you, Sen. Leahy!

History. Anyone care to look at what the Green Mountain Boys — and girls! — have done since the founding of this great nation?

Or maybe base closures? Didn’t work out too well for our neighbors in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Maybe your taxes are just too low, but the fact that the Vermont Air National Guard brings good jobs and a lot of federal tax dollars to the state is a significant local economic engine.

To our proud servicemen and servicewomen who call the Green Mountain State home, thank you for all you do. I appreciate your training, knowing that when called upon, you will have the skills necessary to complete your mission.

Freedom comes with sacrifices. Suck it up or stop voting for the man responsible.

I’d rather hear the planes than your incessant whining.

Michael Spaeder

ESSEX

REENVISION VSC

As we all know, the Vermont State Colleges are inextricably part of the cultural, social and economic Vermont ecosystem, and therefore indispensable [Off Message: “Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Jeb Spaulding Plans to Resign,” April 28].

What if the VSCs reenvisioned their mission? A decade ago, UVM president Dan Fogel envisioned the University of Vermont as “the green university” and helped position UVM as a center for green technologies and sustainable enterprise that has served it well in many ways.

Could a revised identity emerge for

the VSCs? Does the current VSC mission accurately reflect the global context? Could tweaking the mission point to some ways to find economic viability?

After revisiting the mission: Can the VSCs create a more robust alumni relations program of capital giving to create an endowment that goes beyond financing scholarships with a goal of permanently sustaining the universities?

Can educational and political leaders forge more synergistic partnerships with businesses in the Vermont community and elsewhere that might include financial support and permanent endowments?

Can we count on prosperous, generous, altruistic Vermonters to step up and permanently endow the VSCs that deeply shape Vermont’s charm? Numerous individuals’ charitable contributions have nurtured so many other aspects of Vermont life that are vital to the Vermont we love.

Rethinking and restructuring the VSCs will take leaders with very unique skill sets who possess more vision and personal appeal to influence and facilitate contributions and change than others who might not have fully participated in the past. Finally and most importantly, in order to get it right, the leaders must listen to the students.

Glenn Fay

BURLINGTON

GOOD LANDLORDS

I read with admiration the article about landlord Jim Diehl’s decision to assist his tenants by reducing their rents by 40 percent until July 1 [802Nice: “Rent Relief,” April 22].

Here in Burlington, I have been unfortunately swept up in the practice of leasing from June 1 to May 25 — or another

Editor’s note: See page 61 for info about rental housing guidance and safe moveins from the Burlington Resource and Recovery Center.

To the Seven Days cartoonists: Look, we get it, you hate President Donald Trump and show it incessantly, no matter the comic goldmine of the other D.C. hacks, throne-sniffers and rump swabs.

To Gov. Phil Scott: Look, we’re glad we’ve “flattened the curve” and set up the instant hospital at Essex fairgrounds, but we wonder why you allowed the “assisted living” facilities to assist in allowing so much death through their doors?

But we can’t walk on eggshells forever, especially when all we’ve seemed to do is postpone deaths rather than prevent any.

Our local hospitals are dying on the vine, along with all the “little” people and their businesses. The “hordes” have just had it with this lockdown. Remember that quarantine is when you lock down sick people; tyranny is when you lock down the healthy.

Steve Merrill NORTH TROY

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contents MAY 13-20, 2020 VOL.25 NO.33

WE’VE GOT FLAVOR!

ON THE COVER

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Envisioning Vermont’s post-pandemic future

BY PAUL HEINTZ, PAGE 32 COVER IMAGE ROB DONNELLY • COVER DESIGN REV. DIANE SULLIVAN

FOOD

Hunger Crisis 12

NEWS & POLITICS 11 From the Publisher Herd Community

Burlingtonians worry about the expected return of college students

Isolation Generation

For Vermont’s elders, the hardest phase is still to come

Booze Blues

27

47

ARTS NEWS 24

FEATURES 42

PAGE 50

Short takes on five Vermont books

With curbside pickup now allowed, Vermont libraries sort out their next steps

Sharing the Table

Page 32

Pandemic Pastimes 4

Virtual ventures from the creative sector

Server Salvation

Couch Cinema: Streaming video review: “Upload”

Liquor sales are up, but Vermont’s alcohol industry is struggling

Turning a Page

Flu Seasoned

A central Vermont centenarian recalls that other global pandemic

DOL Desire

Unemployed and unrequited: a love story

Own Food

Roughly one-third of Vermonters need food assistance during the pandemic

We are open for in-store and curbside business!

Our veggie greenhouse opens this weekend! Come shop our vegetable and herb starts for your home garden!

How Vermont communities are helping to feed their neighbors in lean times

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PAGE 52

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STUCK IN VERMONT

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22 50 56 60 63 72 76

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

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sevendaysvt.com SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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Looking to the future.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

What Next?

LLY

ONNE

ROB D

What will life look like on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic? Will we shed our sweats and return to the office? Stroll mask-free downtown? When can we gather en masse to watch movies, hear music?

No one has definitive answers to these questions — including the 15 thoughtful Vermonters who share their observations, worries and predictions in this week’s cover story, “After the Fire.” The ambiguity before us is unprecedented — and fascinating, perhaps, if you are lucky enough to be healthy and have a job that is secure, safe and can be done remotely.

But if you’re a local business owner, it’s torture. Resurrecting even the smallest commercial enterprise requires planning, money and marketing — and some sectors of the economy have been called back to work with scant notice. Vermont real estate agents found out on a Friday that they could return to work after the weekend. Golf courses got a single day’s warning.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Scott announced that retail stores could reopen one week hence, provided they limit the number of customers to 25 percent of capacity. They’ve got seven days to rehire and train workers who, thanks to a federal supplement to state unemployment benefits, could be making more money by not working than they did in their previous — and now significantly more dangerous — jobs.

For that and other reasons, not every local merchant will be able to reopen immediately.

To assist, this week Seven Days built and launched an online directory to get the word out about who’s selling what and how — in person and online. We recommend checking the local Register before shopping on Amazon. Let’s keep those dollars here, where we need them, instead of sending them to Jeff Bezos.

Meanwhile, restaurants are eagerly awaiting guidance that has yet to come. In a recent email, Penny Cluse Café chef-owner Charles Reeves put the delay dilemma in perspective: “Purchasing, training, prepping, teching up will all take time, and we’d like to hit the ground running when we safely get the green light,” he wrote. “Even just to hear ‘not before June 15’ would frame things significantly.”

Assuming they get back up and running, restaurants face another challenge: Can they make enough money to operate while meeting anticipated social-distancing requirements? Last weekend a coalition of local restaurateurs started circulating a petition calling for “easily accessible direct aid” to prevent an estimated one-third of Vermont’s food establishments from going under.

Seven Days has been reporting the news nonstop through the pandemic. But the difficulties of our fellow businesses imperil our media company, which depends almost entirely on advertising and event revenue to pay the bills. When that income was reduced by half overnight, we asked our readers for help, and you responded generously. Our Super Readers subscriptions are now generating more than $1,500 a week — the approximate cost of a full-page ad — to help fund our journalism. As Seven Days was being produced on Tuesday, we learned that our first collaboration with Vermont Public Radio, about lax oversight of Vermont’s eldercare facilities, won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the “Worse for Care” series seems prescient now.

Like many other small businesses in Vermont, Seven Days also applied for a loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. The money subsidized the restoration of pre-pandemic staffing levels and allows the sales team to breathe a little easier for the next six weeks, while they roll out some free products and Want to help Seven Days and services to help their clients — our advertisers. local journalism? Become a Super Reader.

What awaits after June 16, the day our Look for the “Give Now” buttons at the top golden carriage turns back into a pumpkin? of sevendaysvt.com. Or send a check with We’re doing everything humanly possible to your address and contact info to: prepare for a new reality, whatever it turns out SEVEN DAYS to be.

C/O SUPER READERS P.O. BOX 1164 That means keeping an eye out for BURLINGTON, VT 05402-1164 opportunities. As serial entrepreneur Alan Newman told Paul Heintz in this week’s cover For more information on making a financial story: “I think that, long term, there could be contribution to Seven Days, please contact some real positives coming out of this.” Here’s Corey Grenier: hoping that strengthened community support VOICEMAIL: 802-865-1020, EXT. 36 EMAIL: SUPERREADERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM for Vermont businesses and local media are among them.

Paula Routly SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

11

news

MORE INSIDE

ST. ALBANS TOP COP TO RETIRE PAGE 14

MAIL-IN VOTING: YEA OR NAY? PAGE 16

BOOZE SALES SOAR

LAW ENFORCEMENT

PAGE 18

TIM NEWCOMB

Vermonters Are Watching Their Neighbors — and Reporting Them B Y C OU R T N EY L A M DIN

Herd Community Burlingtonians worry about the expected return of college students B Y C O LI N FL A N D ER S

J

une 1, the traditional moving day for thousands of University of Vermont students, means headaches for the city of Burlington even in the best of times.

Most student apartment leases begin and end on that day, and a legion of young renters pack up their lives to move to new quarters.

Cars and rental trucks jockey for parking on clogged city streets. Unwanted furniture piles up on the greenbelt, abandoned for waste collectors to deal with.

The annual upheaval is expected in a college town and usually ends quickly.

HIGHER ED

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

But as Vermont continues to combat the spread of the coronavirus, concern is growing among city residents that the event may bring more than just some minor inconveniences. Anxious that an influx of out-of-state college students could put the state’s hard-fought suppression of the virus at risk, some are pressing leaders for a concrete plan to prevent any outbreaks.

“Quite frankly, the university’s been dead silent up to now,” said resident Tony Redington, who is in his eighties and lives on St. Paul Street. “What we have is a situation where we have absolutely no information and everybody’s

sort of waiting for the university to let us know.”

“It’s really up to the university to set the tone,” Redington added.

UVM informed students in mid-March that they would be transitioning to fulltime remote learning after their spring break. At that time, university president Suresh Garimella told students not to return to Burlington and asked those who lived off-campus — about half of the university’s 10,700 undergrads — to head home.

“Many of you share close spaces in a HERD COMMUNITY

» P.16

Forget loving thy neighbor — in the age of coronavirus, some people are more interested in narcing on thy neighbor.

Vermont has created an online reporting tool that allows people to tell on those whom they suspect are violating Gov. Phil Scott’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

It has proven quite popular: More than 270 people filed complaints between April 1 and 15, according to a ream of redacted public records obtained by Seven Days.

The complaints are funneled to the Vermont State Police but can be assigned to other police agencies, depending on where the alleged violation took place.

Nearly two-thirds of the complaints were from Vermonters snitching on businesses they presumed were running afoul of Scott’s directives. Many people reported that nonessential operations — such as landscaping companies, a car wash and a “puzzle swapping library” in Stowe — were open despite being told to close.

In one complaint, a Brattleboro resident begged authorities to do something about a local grocery store clerk who “was standing only inches from two people with no mask.”

“Please can we enforce this somehow? Even if it is just a daily phone call to ask and remind,” they wrote.

“Please don’t say ‘we can’t enforce it.’

Please make it so you CAN. Go higher up. Do something!”

Some concerned citizens attempted to solve the problem themselves before alerting the authorities.

An apartment complex manager in Springfield reminded tenants of a noguest policy after noticing 14 people had gathered for a child’s birthday party at one of the residences.

“They responded with profanity,” the manager wrote. “This particular tenant does not understand the seriousness of this situation. Any assistance with the enforcement of social distancing would be greatly appreciated.”

The records don’t indicate how the complaints were resolved, but Attorney General T.J. Donovan has directed law enforcement to take an educational approach by first asking scofflaws to voluntarily comply with the order.

Contact: courtney@sevendaysvt.com

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Community Heart & Soul involves everyone, is bottom-up, and helps towns prosper through applying their Heart & Soul to decisions about the future. Based in Burlington, Vt. area.

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For how it works, go to www.communityheartandsoul.org and download our Intro Book. Then email me at info@orton.org if you can do the job.

James J. Hasson, 94, flipping through World War II photos at his Cavendish home

T

he pandemic can seem very distant from the long dirt road in Cavendish where James J. Hasson lives.

But it is shaping every day of the 94-yearold man’s life.

Hasson has lived in this tucked-away wedge of southern Vermont since 1947, in a white clapboard house that abuts the Knapp Brook Wildlife Management Area, bounded by woods and the namesake stream.

THE PEOPLE CALLING IN ARE

THE ONLY RICHES I HAVE LEFT. JA M ES J. H ASSON

Before the new coronavirus found its way to Vermont, Hasson treasured his regular trips to the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock to eat lunch with friends, as well as his shifts as a docent at the Old Constitution House in Windsor.

In the last two months, he’s started up his Toyota truck just twice — once to be sure the engine still turned over, and a second time to fill it with gas.

Without television or internet, Hasson and his 67-year-old son James D. Hasson,

4t-OrtonFamilyFoundation050620.indd 1

who lives with him, have few ways to pass the time. And there’s no end in sight.

“I can see something like this going on for years,” the elder Hasson said. “I dread the thought of it.”

A two-month stay-at-home order has managed to limit the virus’ initial spread in Vermont, but COVID-19 will remain a continuing threat as the lockdown is gradually lifted.

On May 6, Gov. Phil Scott allowed residents to resume small social gatherings between “trusted households.” The reprieve doesn’t apply to older adults or those with certain medical conditions, groups that have accounted for the vast majority of pandemic deaths around the globe. “They should continue to shelter in place,” the governor’s order reads, “and family and friends should do everything they can to help keep them safe.”

The move marked a new phase of the pandemic response in which isolation ceases to be a shared experience. While many Vermonters will rejoin society in the coming weeks, the state’s elders will be forced to navigate a period that is even more treacherous, and potentially even lonelier, than the one they’ve just endured. Some worry their needs may get ISOLATION GENERATION

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news LAW ENFORCEMENT

As Controversies Mount, St. Albans Police Chief Gary Taylor to Retire

BY D E RE K B R O UW E R

Longtime St. Albans Police Chief Gary Taylor plans to retire following a series of misconduct allegations involving his officers and a recent no-confidence vote by the police officers’ union.

Taylor, who is also the chief of the city fire department, will retire from both positions on December 31.

The transition plan calls for division commanders to begin assuming some leadership duties in the months ahead, city manager Dominic Cloud told Seven Days on Tuesday. If the city is able to hire a new chief before the end of the year, Taylor will assume other duties until his retirement date.

“This was very much a voluntary transition on the chief’s part,” Cloud said. “I think, in his gut, he began to see it was time to bring in new leadership.”

The police department’s been under a darkening cloud of controversy for some time. The most recent incident involved Officer Zachary Pigeon, who was charged last month with aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping. He’s currently on unpaid leave pending the outcome of his case.

Last year, former sergeant Jason Lawton was fired and later arrested after punching a handcuffed woman in a holding cell. Two other former officers, corporals Joel Daugreilh and Mark Schwartz, resigned amid internal investigations; both now face ongoing criminal probes for on-duty conduct. Taylor had hired each of them.

Pressure mounted several days ago, when the police officer’s union sent a letter to Taylor and Cloud calling for the chief’s resignation.

“Under his recent leadership, employees feel suppressed and subdued, while morale and trust within the department has plummeted,” the letter reads.

Cloud said the letter was not the driving factor in Taylor’s retirement, but the city manager acknowledged the officers’ frustration.

“We’re looking to rebuild the department, and part of it involves addressing the concerns expressed in that letter,” he said.

At the same time, Cloud said the chief “has always done what’s right by the department.”

Reached by email, Taylor declined to comment. m Contact: derek@sevendaysvt.com

14

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Isolation Generation « P.13 lost in the push to reopen businesses and repair a damaged economy.

“There’s a real fear that older Vermonters are going to be left behind,” said Ruby Baker, executive director of the Community of Vermont Elders, an advocacy group, “that all of these changes are going to start happening and the world is going to move forward without them.”

Weeks of lockdown have already presented a slate of difficulties in a state that has one of the highest percentages of residents age 65 and older in the country. Senior centers and adult day centers were ordered closed, while the demand for home-delivered meals has spiked dramatically. In-home services such as laundry and cleaning have been reduced. Scams that target the elderly proliferate.

Area Agencies on Aging have adapted during the crisis, aided by an influx of volunteers. Age Well, which provides Meals on Wheels and coordinates senior services in northwestern Vermont, said it served roughly 40 percent more homedelivered meals last month than in April 2019. The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging set up a volunteer grocery shopper program. Some senior centers, including the Thompson Senior Center, have offered virtual classes or bingo games over the phone.

The Woodstock-based center also set up a curbside meal-pickup service for older adults who enjoy the excuse to leave their houses. Besides distributing more than 30 meals each day, employees hand out puzzles and donate copies of local newspapers.

“People are just really tired of being at home and not able to do the things they want to do,” executive director Deanna Jones said.

“We’re trying to keep people’s spirits up.”

The virus has presented an unsettling new trial for Hasson, a retired plumber who signed up for the Navy’s construction battalion, the Seabees, as a teenager during World War II. A mask-clad Hasson described his lifetime of service during an interview last week at his backyard picnic table, where he’d laid out photos from his time in the military for his visitor.

Five of his childhood friends died during the war, Hasson recalled as he flipped through the pages of a photo album. After he returned from his service in the Pacific, Hasson said, he made a point to visit his deceased friends’ mothers. He later served again, in Vietnam, at age 43.

Hasson said he wishes he could aid the coronavirus response, but “I don’t dare leave the house.”

“It’s been such a waste,” he said of spending the past eight weeks on lockdown.

Hasson said the Thompson Senior Center

has delivered him four meals each week, and the Reading-West Windsor Food Shelf drops off groceries. He also gets daily check-in calls from one of the senior center’s employees, which he finds especially rewarding.

“The people calling in are the only riches I have left. I just cherish these phone calls,” he said. “They recognize you’re a human being.”

THERE MAY NEVER BE A TIME WHERE OLDER ADULTS FEEL COMFORTABLE PARTICIPATING IN SOCIETY THE SAME WAY THEY DID. R UBY BAK E R

Social isolation was a challenge for Vermont’s rural seniors before the pandemic, said Janet Hunt, executive director for the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging, a nonprofit trade group. She started a task force last fall to begin tackling the problem, which has only become more complicated since.

State officials have already said that longterm care facilities, where residents have been unable to receive visits from family members since March, will be among the last places to relax visitation restrictions. No one knows when senior centers and adult day programs will resume in-person services or what those will look like. Some offerings may continue online but will be limited by patchy broadband and technology access around the state.

The coronavirus is also exacerbating a caregiving shortage that has plagued the state in recent years. Callers to the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging’s help line have reported losing homemaking supports such as laundry and cleaning, aging services directors Dana McMahon and Jennifer Plouffe said.

“Technology doesn’t fix everything,”

McMahon said. “There’s the need for people to come into the home and assist with a task.”

Some supports for seniors rely on volunteers — who are often older adults themselves. Jones said more than 60 percent of the Thompson Senior Center’s volunteers are older than 70. Many of those volunteers have been forced to isolate themselves since March.

Younger people have filled the gap — “one glimmer of hope” to come from the pandemic, Hunt said. Others worry that such volunteerism won’t continue once younger people return to work.

Advocates see the weeks ahead as a pivotal period. On one hand, it’s an opportunity for the state to renew its commitment to making Vermont a safe place to age, but it’s also a dangerous moment that could leave older adults more isolated than ever.

“There may never be a time where older adults feel comfortable participating in society the same way they did,” Baker said. “The more we are thinking about what the world should look like, how we should respond best, we need to make sure that older adults and family caregivers are at the table.”

If communities fail to do so, they will also lose out on older adults’ contributions.

Helen Beattie, 65, recently retired from UP for Learning, the education nonprofit she founded. The East Hardwick resident has spent her weeks in quarantine organizing a volunteer mask production and distribution program. Her team of more than 20 volunteer sewers delivered 500 masks within the last two weeks, with plans for at least a thousand more.

Beattie said she and her husband will be “very conservative” in the months ahead, wearing masks in public, avoiding public forums and forgoing trips to see their outof-state children in favor of camping locally.

In the meantime, Beattie wants to help promote mask use in the face of “predictable resistance to using them.”

“I feel responsible and feel excited about figuring out how we send that message in a way that motivates people to wear them,” she said.

In Cavendish, Hasson is also hoping for a cultural shift. “There might be some good to come out of this thing,” he said. “It will show people what’s really valuable.”

As Hasson stood in his front yard, a truck carrying two kayaks drove past, in the direction of Knapp ponds. Hasson pointed to his own springtime escape, in the form of some recently tilled dirt by the brook, where he and his son will soon plant their garden.

“You’ve got to have something to look forward to,” he said. m Contact: derek@sevendaysvt.com

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Vermont Nursing Homes, Hospitals Are Exempt From Most COVID-19 Claims

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4/23/20 2:50 PM

BY K E VI N MC C A L L UM

Weeks after the pandemic took hold in Vermont, the health care industry won sweeping immunity from civil liability over how workers in facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes respond.

In an April 10 executive order, Gov. Phil Scott extended to most health care facilities and providers the same protections that firefighters, police officers and National Guard members enjoy when responding to natural disasters.

The order classifies emergency room nurses, health aides and even dentists as emergency responders in the pandemic, entitled to the same limits on liability as those who run into burning buildings or rescue residents stranded by rising floodwaters.

Those workers and their employers can’t face civil liability except for in cases of misconduct or gross negligence.

Lobbyists for hospitals and eldercare facilities pushed for the measure. They initially sought limits on liability similar to what the governors of New York and Illinois had approved, said Rebecca Kelley, Scott’s spokesperson. But administration officials felt the protections already granted to first responders would be sufficient if applied to health care workers, Kelley said.

“Essentially, all the governor’s declaration does is make it clear that under the current law, the COVID-19 response is an emergency response,” said Laura Pelosi, the Vermont Health Care Association’s lobbyist.

Pelosi said hospitals followed state orders to cancel elective surgeries, ramp up staffing and use personal protective gear — measures that helped bring the outbreak under control. For that, facilities should not be exposed to additional liability, Pelosi said.

Some advocates and attorneys worry about whether it was wise to give a pass to companies charged with caring for vulnerable populations such as eldercare home residents, since care sometimes falls short.

“You’re taking away one recourse that residents would have to counteract against bad behavior by facilities,” said Sean Londergan, a Vermont Legal Aid

staff attorney who serves as the state’s eldercare ombudsman.

Despite fatal outbreaks in two facilities, Vermont’s nursing homes have been responsive and reasonably successful in containing the virus, especially compared to facilities in surrounding states, Londergan said. But enforcement of regulations in general is lacking, and only the most egregious problems ever lead to penalties, he said. That leaves the risk of legal judgments as an important safeguard for residents, he said.

Attorney Emily Joselson objects to the immunity.

“Nursing homes which were putting profits over safety before the pandemic are some of the same institutions that failed to prepare for, and are not appropriately confronting, this crisis, and are thus putting their vulnerable residents — and their caregivers — at greater risk of harm,” Joselson wrote in an email to Seven Days.

She argued that Scott has a host of emergency management powers at his disposal in times of crisis, but reinterpreting existing laws is not one of them.

“The Governor cannot rewrite or expand a state statute to shield an industry from failing to take commonsense measures based upon available information, measures which federal and state regulations mandated before the current crisis to prevent infections and the spread of disease,” Joselson wrote.

She worries that health care organizations will claim all shortcomings — whether ones that caused a broken hip at an eldercare home or a missed cancer diagnosis at a rural hospital — to be COVID-19-related.

That was never the intent of the order, Pelosi said. She countered that regulators have been “very aggressive” and that, overall, facilities have done a “phenomenal job” of keeping the virus at bay or containing its spread.

“They are doing the best they can do with, frankly, a very challenging situation,” Pelosi said. m Contact: kevin@sevendaysvt.com

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Pressure Builds on Scott to Approve Mail-In Voting

BY K E VI N MC C A L L UM

Gov. Phil Scott is coming under increasing pressure to allow Vermont’s November general election to be conducted by mail, something he continues to resist despite the pleas of state elections officials that planning must begin.

Earlier this year, the legislature gave Secretary of State Jim Condos the authority to change the format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic “in consultation and agreement with the Governor.”

Scott argues that a decision about the general election need not be made until after the August primaries. He says he’s not worried about voter fraud, an issue that some other Republicans around the nation have raised to oppose mail-in elections. Scott’s preference is to hold a regular in-person election if possible in November to allow the state to continue its steady return to normalcy.

Condos and state elections officials have been insisting that planning for a mail-in election must begin to ensure that ballots can be printed, volunteers trained, voters properly informed, and polling places — which would still be open — kept safe.

Liberal groups argued that continued delay would sow uncertainty and make mail-in voting harder in initiate.

“I cannot imagine what the governor is dawdling over at this point, but it is bordering on reckless to fail to move forward immediately with this decision,” said Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, last Friday.

The governor is ignoring the very real likelihood that the coronavirus could return in the fall with little warning, said Kiah Morris, the movement politics director of Rights & Democracy Vermont.

Complicating the issue: The August 11 primaries are going to be run in the traditional fashion because there isn’t enough time to make the switch to a mail-in election.

Scott has noted that it could be confusing for voters to be told to prepare for a regular election in August and a mail-in election in the fall. m Contact: Kevin@sevendaysvt.com

16

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

way that presents risks to you and to your roommates,” he wrote. “What will you do if one of you becomes ill or needs to selfquarantine? Most of you will be better off back home with your family.”

It’s unknown exactly how many offcampus students followed that advice.

Though city streets were unusually quiet during last week’s final exams, a handful of students still splayed on rooftops or kicked back on front porches. Still, now that the university plans to resume in-person classes this fall, students who did heed the president’s request are likely considering a return to the city, particularly those who would otherwise be paying rent for an empty apartment.

With this in mind, the university says it is working on an outreach campaign to inform students of the safest way to return to Burlington, including a request to self-quarantine.

The school plans to discuss how it will handle the return of off-campus students during an online briefing Wednesday, May 13, featuring university officials and a representative of the Vermont Tenants program at the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity. It has also developed a survey for off-campus students, to “get a better sense of the numbers,” UVM spokesperson Enrique Corredera wrote in an email to Seven Days on Monday.

Survey respondents will receive tips, resources and guidance from the Vermont Department of Health, Corredera said.

Those who arrive from out of state will also be asked to self-quarantine for 12 days — a time frame the university is basing on recent guidance from health experts.

UVM will contact all rising juniors and seniors, and the school will work with city staffers to ask landlords to “reinforce communications to tenants moving in on June 1.” The school is also considering a phased approach for on-campus students to collect their belongings from the dorms.

Vermont officials recently detailed a new testing and contact-tracing strategy that they hope will tamp down any potential coronavirus outbreaks before they spread further. Under the new guidelines, anyone who enters the state — including college students — can be tested after quarantining for a week. Students who wish to receive the free test can either call their doctor or the student health center, according to the health department. Those who test negative can then end their quarantine.

The health department also informed the university that out-of-state family members can help students move if they only stay in town “for a few hours” and

depart later that day, Corredera said.

Families who travel up to Burlington within the next month likely wouldn’t be able to find lodging in the city even if they wanted to stay. Scott has ordered Vermont inns and hotels to remain closed to the general public until June 15 and has not said whether he plans to extend that date.

Speaking at his daily coronavirus briefing last Friday, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger outlined UVM’s self-quarantining plan and said the city is working

IS IT FAIR TO TELL THE STUDENTS NOT TO RETURN? IS IT FAIR FOR THEM TO RETURN TO PUT OTHER PEOPLE IN DANGER? C H AR L IE GIANNO N I

with the university to firm up guidance. He acknowledged the concerns about returning students and said they are well founded. But he suggested that the summer influx will actually help the city by serving as a trial run for the fall, when the rest of UVM’s student body descends on Burlington.

“It’s probably a good thing that we’re getting an opportunity to try that on a smaller scale now,” he said. “I’m sure there will be a lot of lessons learned from it and some additional guidance that will be developed.”

Other city officials believe that UVM should take a more proactive approach.

City Council President Max Tracy (P-Ward 2), who lives in the heart of offcampus student housing on Greene Street, said he asked UVM to tell students that they should only return to Burlington

for essential reasons, such as jobs or internships.

“If they come back and they don’t have a job or some other thing to do, then it could just mean more large gatherings and parties,” Tracy said.

Though city streets have been quieter since the university sent students home, Tracy said he has witnessed some worrisome lapses of social distancing, including a Cinco de Mayo gathering outside a nearby house at which both students and parents played drinking games.

“We need to really be vigilant about this, recognizing that although we have prevented a lot of community spread, that’s fragile,” Tracy said. “It’s a recipe for disaster if people [who] are coming from out of state are playing games like beer pong.”

Burlington police usually rely on the city’s noise ordinance to break up big gatherings. An updated municipal ordinance gives the department a new tool to crack down on pandemic parties. It authorizes police to cite people for breaking the governor’s executive orders, which currently ban gatherings of more than 10 people.

Deputy Chief Matthew Sullivan said the department has not yet cited anyone for violating the ordinance, nor has it had to deal with any of the traditional qualityof-life issues that often arise while the university is in session.

That is likely because many students are home — for now, anyway. The peace comes at a cost: If students did not return for the summer, that could impede recovery for businesses that rely on their patronage.

For Charlie Giannoni, a 54-year-old who lives on Rose Street, therein lies the challenge. Giannoni said the students who live in his neighborhood all seem to be adhering to the health guidelines, wearing masks and keeping their distance from others. He said he’s worried that some city residents may aim their fear and frustration at students when it’s not warranted.

At the same time, he understands that a large number of out-of-state arrivals could lead to an outbreak.

“We’re all concerned,” he said. “But what do you really do about it? When does it cross a point where public safety has to buckle under the needs of the economy?”

“Is it fair to tell the students not to return?” he asked. “Is it fair for them to return to put other people in danger?”

Giannoni said he doesn’t know the answers, which is why he plans to support city and college leaders in whatever they decide. “It’s such a short period of time to make these important decisions,” he said.

“All the pressure is on them. The rest of us just have to basically wait and see.” m Contact: colin@sevendaysvt.com

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news

Booze Blues

Liquor sales are up, but Vermont’s alcohol industry is struggling B Y PAUL HEI N TZ

W

hen Gov. Phil Scott’s finance commissioner briefed lawmakers last week on a plan to balance Vermont’s beleaguered state budget, the news was mostly sobering.

But there was a chaser. “For better or for worse,” Commissioner Adam Greshin said, Vermonters appear to be boozing it up while hunkering down during the coronavirus pandemic — leading to an uptick in state liquor revenue.

According to data provided by the state Department of Liquor and Lottery, retail sales of distilled spirits were up nearly 16 percent year over year in April — the first full month during which Scott’s stay-at-home order was in place.

The binge contributed to an unexpected $4.6 million revenue bump in the fiscal year ending next month.

“I would be inclined to say that personal consumption has increased,” Liquor and Lottery Commissioner Patrick Delaney told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee later last week. “For all intents and purposes, we’re riding the wave.”

While some retailers have managed to catch that wave, many in Vermont’s sprawling alcohol industry — brewers, distillers, vintners, restaurants, bars and distributors — have been swamped by it.

Though emergency orders permitting takeout and delivery have helped some in the sector, the temporary rules have not made up for the closure of more profitable portions of the business, such as brewpubs and tasting rooms.

“It’s the big guys who are the winners.

It’s the premium local brands that are getting hammered,” said Bret Hamilton, owner and manager of Richmond’s Stone Corral Brewery. “Understandably, shoppers are being very cautious with their money.”

Indeed, preliminary state data suggest that shoppers are gravitating toward what Delaney refers to as “value brands,” such as Jack Daniels, Absolut and Tito’s.

They are buying in larger quantities, the commissioner said, to “fill the pantry” during the pandemic. Sales of 1.75-liter bottles were up by close to 29 percent in April compared to last year, while sales of 750-milliliter bottles increased by just 2 percent.

According to Delaney, that’s a reversal

BUSINESS

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Vermont’s April Liquor Sales Jumped Nearly 16 Percent This Year $8,000,000

$6.6 M $6,000,000

$5.3 M

$5.3 M

$5.5 M

$5.7 M

April 2018

April 2019

$5.1 M

$4,000,000

$2,000,000

$0

April 2015

of a long-term trend toward buying smaller quantities of higher-quality liquor.

“Spirits are an investment,” said Ryan Christiansen, president of and head distiller at Caledonia Spirits. “A lot of the more interesting spirits depend on the customer browsing by picking up the bottle, reading more about it and thinking about it.” Consumers engaging in curbside liquor pickup are more likely to stick with “the brands that you know the store is going to have in stock,” said Christiansen, who serves on the board of the American Craft Spirits Association.

That dynamic has benefited Vermont’s better-known beverages, such as Caledonia’s Barr Hill Gin, but it’s hurt the state’s many smaller distillers. “Most of our members are down 50 to 60 percent,” said Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont president Jeremy Elliot, who is also the co-owner and president of Smugglers’ Notch Distillery. “People are not willing to gamble on something they’re not familiar with.”

Though the state does not track beer or wine sales, a similar dynamic appears to be taking place in those sectors. “We have definitely seen an uptick in larger-format packaging,” said Ryan Chaffin, director of marketing and business development for Farrell Distributing, the state’s largest distributor.

Those who used to buy 12-packs of national brands are now picking up 30-racks, he said, while those who favored

April 2016

April 2017

four-packs of Vermont craft beer are looking for 12-packs. According to Chaffin, boxed wine, such as Bota Box, also “has had a good run.”

Vermont’s larger brewers appear better poised to weather the storm.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids took “a pretty significant hit” when it closed its

IT’S THE BIG GUYS WHO ARE THE WINNERS. BR E T H AMILTO N

Waitsfield taproom in March, according to founding brewer and co-owner Sean Lawson. It also lost out when bars and restaurants in the eight other states it serves closed down. “But really the biggest part of our business for distribution is the retail sales, and thankfully those are up at retail stores across all nine states,” he said. “Overall, we’re holding steady. We’re doing OK.” After halting beer production for two weeks in order to reduce inventory, Lawson said, the company has achieved a new equilibrium and honed its drivethrough beer pickup system in Waitsfield.

“What’s remarkable is how steady it’s been for the past eight weeks,” he said.

At the same time, Lawson fears for his smaller peers. “The ones who are most

April 2020

affected are those that sell primarily through their taprooms and on-site sales,” he said.

According to Hamilton, only 25 to 30 percent of the beer that Stone Corral produces is sold at the Richmond brewpub, but it accounts for 75 to 80 percent of the company’s revenue. That’s because direct sales cut out distributors and retailers. “You have to be able to sell your own beer through your own taps as a small brewery just to be a viable business,” Hamilton said.

Brewpubs and distilleries are also important venues to hook future retail customers. Close to 85 percent of those who visit Smugglers’ Notch’s shuttered tasting rooms in Burlington, Waterbury and Jeffersonville are tourists, according to Elliot. “So if the tourists don’t come back, I have some serious decisions to make in the next couple of months,” he said.

While liquor sales are up at many of the state’s 76 authorized retailers, there appears to be some regional variation. According to Delaney, stores in the Connecticut River Valley are doing better than their counterparts elsewhere in Vermont. He said that could be because some state-run liquor stores in neighboring New Hampshire have closed, while all but two of Vermont’s have remained open.

BOOZE BLUES

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news Booze Blues « P.18 Dan King, assistant manager of Norwich Wines and Spirits, has another theory. “The state liquor stores in New Hampshire are often crowded, especially in the evening,” he said. “Maybe it’s reassuring to the average customer that we’re not letting anyone into the store.”

While sales are up at King’s store, the Beverage Warehouse in Winooski is having a different experience. Thirty percent of its sales typically are made to restaurants and bars, according to co-owner George Bergin. It also relies on events that draw a crowd, such as weddings and graduation parties. “Without the tourists, without the college kids, without people getting married, the numbers overall are definitely down,” he said.

Though food and beverage retailers were never forced to close their doors, many, including the Beverage Warehouse, did so for health and safety reasons. (The store printed black T-shirts to celebrate its designation as an essential business. They read: “The Bevie: Essential AF 2020.”)

Co-owner Jen Swiatek said curbside sales helped ward off layoffs but resulted in “four times the work and half the money.” The Bevie recently allowed a small number of customers back into the store.

Vermont restaurants, which have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, have tried to make the most of the temporary rules allowing takeout alcohol sales.

The Great Northern in Burlington’s South End is offering its signature cocktails — including the Maple Mad Fashioned — in glass maple syrup containers. Though the to-go booze biz is hardly making up for an overall drop in sales, according to chef and owner Frank Pace, “It helps customers remember what they loved about our bar.”

Taco Gordo, in Burlington’s Old North End, didn’t immediately offer takeout drinks after it shifted to curbside pickup and delivery, according to owner Charlie Sizemore. “We took two, three weeks, sort of figuring out how we were going to manage that in a safe and responsible way,” he said.

Now, its Takeout Marg LOL is helping to keep the restaurant afloat. “It’s like a life raft that we can sort of sail into safe harbor,” Sizemore said. He’s hoping the state will allow his and other establishments to continue selling to-go booze through the duration of the economic downturn so that he can avoid opening up his dining room until it’s safer to do so.

Lawmakers did express concern about the size of some to-go orders during last week’s Senate Appropriations

hearing. “I’ve never seen a 32-ounce cocktail served to someone at a Vermont restaurant or bar,” Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe (D/P-Chittenden) told Delaney. “Obviously, you don’t know how many people that’s going home to.”

Delaney responded that his department was worried about restaurants delivering alcohol without checking identification. “In other words, drop the product, ring the doorbell and head back to the vehicle,” he said. “That, to us, is a major concern in terms of access to minors.”

Sen. Dick Sears (D-Bennington) also noted that an increase in alcohol consumption could lead to an uptick in alcohol-related crime, such as drunk driving and domestic violence.

In fact, early data from the Vermont State Police and other law enforcement agencies using the same records management system show a drop in intoxication and DUI arrests from March 1 through May 15 compared to the same period a year earlier. Police reports mentioning “intoxication,” “intoxicated” or “DUI” declined from 624 to 507, according to data provided by Vermont State Police Sgt. Jay Riggen.

Tony Folland, clinical services manager for the state Department of Health, said it was too soon to know how Vermonters’ drinking habits have changed during the pandemic and how that might affect their health. Despite the dearth of data, he said he was concerned about those who may be using alcohol to cope with social isolation or preexisting anxiety or depression, as well as older Vermonters who may be mixing alcohol with medications.

“If you’re questioning whether it’s concerning or you’re feeling like there’s something wrong, reach out, because there is care available,” Folland said.

Those in the booze business, meanwhile, are encouraging Vermonters to spend their money locally whenever possible in order to keep them and their peers in business. Christiansen of Caledonia Spirits noted that farmers rely on distillers and brewers, who rely in turn on bartenders. “There’s kind of a ripple effect that begins by taking the bartender out of the equation,” he said.

“We are so interconnected,” said Swiatek of Beverage Warehouse. “We’re not just competitors. Business is not just business in Vermont.” m Disclosure: Tim Ashe is the domestic partner of Seven Days publisher and coeditor Paula Routly. Find our conflict-of-interest policy here at sevendaysvt.com/disclosure.

Contact: paul@sevendaysvt.com

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lifelines

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

him much, much farther. In his brief time with us, he lived in Las Vegas, Nev.; Hollywood, Fla.; New Haven, Conn.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Yiwu, China; San Diego, Calif.; and finally, Los Angeles.

Jesse attended Burlington High School as a youth and Champlain College as an adult, graduating from the latter in 2017. The former of these two was where Jesse, at a very young age, was first introduced to the pharmaceutical drug OxyContin, beginning a tiresome war that he, heartbreakingly, would never see the end of.

Jesse was wildly expressive and creative. He was hilarious beyond words and had an ability to not only amuse any passerby but authentically befriend them, as well. He had a smile that could brighten the night, and by just existing he painted the world colorful for anyone lucky enough to have met him. When Jesse wanted to see you laugh, you would until your belly ached.

Knowing Jesse was constantly rewarding. He was always on the lookout for ways to protect and help those closest to him, whether it was providing whatever assistance he could to tackle some obstacle

for you, or just a simple kind gesture.

At 18, Jesse began managing his father’s business, Strawberry Fields, and continued to do so for nearly nine years. The nature of the business allowed Jesse to travel.

He saw most of the country, coordinating and managing concessions at major events nationally. It was here that Jesse’s entrepreneurial spirit was groomed, and in 2016, alongside his partner, Lori Luo, he created a rapidly successful festival fashion company named the Lumi Shop.

Jesse was a fiercely driven man in everything he aspired to, from completing his college degree while also employed full time, to his intense work ethic and endless business pursuits, to his relationships with his loved ones.

Everything Jesse did was with the utmost diligence and grace.

Yet this never seemed enough to him. When Jesse was doing his best and being his most fulfilled self, still he was madly unsettled within.

Jesse spent years in unspeakable darkness, his joy being constantly threatened, constantly eradicated, never safe from the torment of addiction. For this he was hardest on himself; he shunned and shamed himself, thinking he was unworthy because of it, but nothing could have been further from the truth.

Brighter days were upon him in 2015, when Jesse met Lori Luo and his life changed forever. Everything he thought he knew about not deserving to be loved fully by another human being vanished. He felt alive again, every moment he could capture with her by his side counting as a victory. She believed in him immensely, and we could not blame her, for the light in his eyes was undeniable. Unfortunately for us all, his disease was always lurking around the corner, poised in striking stance, ready to attack at any opportunity.

Jesse wasn’t the sum total of his affliction. He was incredibly kind and charismatic; he was courageous.

He was remarkably strong.

Jesse loved his family. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson and a friend. Jesse couldn’t be contained in a box. He was consistently breaking out, reinventing, diversifying.

Jesse was the most genuine person you’d ever meet. In an era when socializing became digital, his soul yearned for real human connection.

Jesse loved deeply and truly, creating unbreakable bonds between him and the many people he cherished. Jesse was fearless, and imaginative, and determined. He was independent and loyal, caring and giving. He’d offer you the shirt off his back and keep you company if you were alone and

cold, even if he didn’t know you at all.

Jesse was alone in his home in LA when the virus struck America, though. The new necessities of sanitization became an obsession for him, and Jesse, in his protective nature, had to ensure the wellbeing of those he loved. He went to great lengths acquiring a surplus of hand sanitizers, disinfectants and masks that he strategically shipped to his family and friends, just to know they were safe.

This is the person he was.

We don’t want Jesse to be remembered for his burdens.

We want him remembered for the absolutely brilliant young man he was. Jesse was such a powerful person that we thought him invincible. It is hard to comprehend him being gone, but our pain in losing him will never go away.

Jesse is survived by his mother and stepfather, Diana and Ron Charboneau; his father, Lary Budnick; his sister and brother-in-law, Starr and Sam Ramson; his brother, David Budnick; his partner, Lori Luo; his nephew, Leo Ramson; his grandma and grandpa, Marilyn and Gerard Pettinati; and many, many aunts, uncles and cousins, including the Moores, Marceaus, Shappys, Ryans, Rotellas and Ploofs.

Due to the current pandemic, a celebration of Jesse’s life will be postponed to a later

date. Jesse will be honored with a wake at Ready Funeral Home and a Mass at St. Joseph Church in Burlington once the situation is safe for all. Jesse’s family will update friends when a service date is set. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Jesse Ben Budnick Fund, St. Mark Church, 1251 North Ave., Burlington, VT 05408.

The void that Jesse left behind will never be filled.

We have faced an unimaginable loss by him leaving us.

We will never get to see him smile again, see him flourish again, laugh or cry. He was taken unnaturally too soon.

If you yourself are facing the overwhelming task of battling addiction, please know you are not alone. You are special, and you are loved, and you are worth it. And if you perish, you too will leave behind an irreparable wound in those you love most. Please do not bargain with your life. Please talk to someone. There are many resources and we ALL want to see you recover. You will heal if you want it, as well.

If you’re still alive, then there is still hope.

Jesse Ben, you were a miracle. More than anything, we had hoped you would find solace in life, but now you are finally free from all the pain of this world. We cannot help but miss you always. May you find everlasting peace. We love you infinitely.

the University of Vermont, where he studied agriculture.

He worked for many years with his father, Gordon Woods, and his brother, Jason Woods, at the architectural firm Gordon G. Woods Associates. In 1995, he began working at IBM as a metrology programmer, where he became an invaluable team

member due to his remarkable work ethic and technical expertise. To him, coworkers were family.

Brian was extraordinarily kind and compassionate and loving. A selfless giver, he never lost his sense of wonder for the world, or his sense of humor. He had a deep appreciation for nature,

music and sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and Red Sox Nation. He was an avid skier and could often be found shredding fresh powder on the slopes at Smugglers’ Notch. His other passions included fishing, mountain biking, hiking and photography.

Brian is survived by his

mother, Dorothea Woods; sister Judy Rogers; sister Beverly Spencer; mother of his children, Maryann Woods; daughter, Jessica Woods Lee; son, Andrew Woods; two grandchildren, Bennett W. Lee and Sophia V. Lee; and many beloved friends and extended family. He will be dearly, greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his father, Gordon G. Woods, and brother, Jason Woods.

Memorial donations can be made to the Cancer Research Institute at cancer research.org/join-the-cause/ donate.

A funeral and celebration of life will be postponed until it is possible to gather.

OBITUARIES

Jesse Budnick NOVEMBER 12, 1989APRIL 25, 2020 LOS ANGELES, CALIF.

Our beloved Jesse Ben Budnick passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020, after a long, cruel battle with the turmoil of addiction. Though we feared his death for more than a decade, we had hopelessly believed it would never come.

Jesse was born in Burlington, Vt., on November 12, 1989. When the winter was just beginning, we received our warmest gift yet. He grew up in Burlington, but his overabundance of life took

Brian Woods JANUARY 25, 1952APRIL 8, 2020 GEORGIA, VT.

Brian Glenn Woods, 68, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., with his family by his side, both physically and virtually.

We lost him far too soon.

He was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., on January 25, 1952, to Gordon G. Woods and Dorothea E. P. Woods, and he attended schools there. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1970, where he was known for his athletic prowess in football, basketball, and track and field — he held the state record in triple jump.

The family later moved to Burlington, and Brian attended

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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lifelines OBITUARIES

Soren WysockeyJohnson JULY 28, 2004APRIL 4, 2020 RICHMOND, VT.

Soren William WysockeyJohnson was born July 28, 2004, and died on April 4, 2020. His sudden and unexpected death was horribly devastating under any circumstances, but made more so in the midst of COVID-19, as we cannot gather in person to mourn his passing.

Our Soren’s ineffable spirit burned hot and bright in his short 15 and 3/4 years. He will be affectionately remembered as a Renaissance man and humble soul. His interests and skills spanned many disciplines, and his loving, easygoing nature was like no other. Because his life was tragically abbreviated, we are determined to tell his story thoroughly.

Soren was born in Old Town, Alexandria, Va., to Kathryn and Doug WysockeyJohnson and big sister Isabel.

They lived for two more years in D.C., soaking in the city and its wonderful people, and then moved back to their home in Richmond, Vt., to live closer to nature.

Along with his family, Soren knew and loved the natural world. His time at Saxon Hill School in Jericho, where he attended preschool through kindergarten, nurtured that interest, as well as inspired his out-of-the-box

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OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

thinking. Their Reggio-Emiliastyle philosophy deeply respects the inherent knowledge of each child. There Soren found inspiring teachers, all learning together outdoors — no matter the weather — on the playground, in the woods and brook. His sweet spirit was beautifully tended, and he later returned there as a teen to work at their summer camps. One friend whom he met there at age 3 became a trusted and loyal friend all of his life.

At home, Soren spent his younger days playing with stuffed animals — tigers being his favorites. He built boats, villages and forts outside; played backyard baseball, soccer and basketball; and built stuff with Legos. He and friends created elaborate obstacle courses for racing remote-control cars. He, sister Isabel and local friends enjoyed, for six summers, their mom’s backyard Fairy and Elf Camp, complete with magic, art and nature.

Birthday parties were always a blast, from circus-themed fun at Shelburne Museum to sleepovers at home after beach parties and drive-in movies.

The major challenge in Soren’s life came in January 2013 as the result of a sledding accident. He suffered a seven-inch frontal skull fracture and traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring several days in the PICU. He worked patiently to recover, finally returning to school full time in the final two weeks of third grade. In the process of mending, Soren had to substitute quieter activities that had less risk of concussion, but he still managed to live fully. He learned resilience, patience and self-care.

Methods were developed at home and school by many caring educators over the years to translate Soren’s knowledge to the page. His favorite teachers made learning fun and acknowledged that grades wouldn’t tell his whole story. Soren lived with the awareness that he was very bright but also knew that his mastery of academics would be difficult to show.

He had high expectations of himself and much determination, never wanting to be treated differently. Having

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

had this head injury also put Soren at much increased risk for suicide, impulsivity and difficulty regulating emotion due to the frontal lobe damage.

Soren had a great sense of humor, loved to come up with his own jokes and was a quirky inventor of things, building all kinds of contraptions out of mundane materials. His curious mind was later fed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Spark and Splash programs, where he and friends participated in imaginative applied science workshops, such as Lightsaber Dueling and Music Theory/Throat Singing. When he was 10, he surprised his sister with birthday earrings he had crafted from wire, folded paper and beads.

We were astonished at the craftsmanship and initiative, but not at how much he loved his sister. Soren’s gift giving could be described as generous and thoughtful. He spent time considering what the recipient might most like and found a way to make that happen. One of the best birthday gifts Kathryn ever received was given just last fall when Soren surprised her with a serenade of “Happy Birthday” on the electric guitar he had just gotten the day before. His gifts came from the soul and were priceless.

Soren was a competitive athlete, playing basketball, baseball, soccer and tennis, as well as kayaking, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, sailing and swimming. He was on the State Championship Varsity Hip Hop team at Mount Mansfield Union High School as a sophomore.

He was an excellent alpine skier and knew Vermont’s mountains well. He and his friends had favorite trails at Bolton Valley, Sugarbush and Stowe. When he was 10 years old, Soren won a prize for most runs completed at the Rope-athon — a Cochran’s Ski Area fundraiser. He and his family loved Cochran’s “Friday Night Lights.” Soren enjoyed Nordic skiing, as well, often in the woods with his dog Blue. True to his parents’ roots, Soren was a passionate Chicago sports fan, including the Bulls, da Bears, the Blackhawks and the White

Sox (and occasionally the Cubs, but more the White Sox, though he named his cat “Rizzo”...). Soren bantered regularly with his Farfar (father’s father in Swedish) about the stats of his favorite athletes, as well as the dreams and disappointments of Chicago sports teams.

Soren had a passion for travel. Often, the most recently visited destination became his new favorite.

Our annual vacations across the U.S. allowed us to visit distant family members, as well as to head out on great western adventures, hiking in many national parks and visiting over 30 states.

Soren relished our two-week trip to Iceland and Sweden, where he made connections with many warm, wonderful cousins. Two cruises with our Johnson family were unforgettable — one through the Caribbean and another up the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Alaska, seeing humpback whales bubble-net fishing on Soren’s birthday and spending time at Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks. Camping on Burton Island in Lake Champlain and whale-watching in the Saguenay Fjord in Québec were favorite trips. Summers also included vacations in Maine, Cape Cod and Block Island with close friends.

Soren looked forward to annual trips to Coronado, Calif., and Vero Beach, Fla., to see his beloved grandparents, who often treated the kids to Legoland, Universal Studios and Disneyworld.

Last summer’s trip to San Francisco and Monterey Bay was spectacular and included kayaking with otters, hiking in Muir Woods and unforgettable time with his extended family at an older cousin’s wedding. More cousin fun was had in Vero Beach in late December around his uncle’s wedding. Soren loved skiing the Rockies in Colorado with close friends. His last exciting trip was over February break — a service/mission trip to build homes for Costa Rica’s poor with his father and a group from Richmond Congregational Church. At the end of the week, he surfed the perfect break in Nosara for two days, then zip-lined and tubed an exciting river.

He was a curious and flexible traveler.

Soren was a tremendous fan of “The Office” and of Star Wars, with strong opinions about plot lines, directors,

actors and special effects.

He owned all of the movies and offshoots. There are many stories of unsuspecting friends being cajoled into watching the trilogies with him. He found connection with others — adults and children alike — around this interest, including playing Star Wars games online. His love of adventure, athleticism and desire to help others would have made him an impressive Jedi knight.

Sometimes Soren’s courage and ponderings surprised us, such as at age 13, as part of his confirmation process at Richmond Congregational Church, when Soren volunteered to write and deliver the Easter Sunday sunrise sermon. He used part of the Star Wars story as an allegory for Jesus’ story. Soren was still working out his theology and beliefs, but he was pretty sure that heaven existed.

Our Soren was very musical and learned instruments quickly. He could play the acoustic guitar, ukulele and saxophone, and he was learning electric guitar. In middle school he sang in chorus, including at the Districts Music Festival. During his teenage years he listened to a lot of music, from classic rock to hip-hop.

He loved holidays and all the traditions. His own tradition was making a pumpkin or blueberry pie from scratch every Thanksgiving and a wacky, candy-clad gingerbread house with his sister at Christmastime. Often he made his teachers a “Sun Bread” on Solstice, to brighten their darkest day.

Soren had a generous heart and a deep love of family, including our local “family” with whom we celebrated many holidays. He loved all of his grandparents dearly, and in school projects he named his grandfathers — one, as a person he most trusted, and another, as a person he most admired. He loved all of his aunts and uncles and cousins fully. He looked forward to his Michigan uncle and cousin’s annual ski trip to Vermont, when he would get to rip down the mountain, even on school days. Summers always featured a trip to Chicago and southern Michigan, hanging out with grandparents in the suburbs and cousins on Lake Michigan. And for the last six years, it included wonderful weeklong Camp Henry, replete with cousins, fabulous

friends, kind counselors, outdoor games, horseback riding and wakeboarding.

As a teen Soren was blessed with amazing friends, from the MMU dance team to his fellow dance teachers at the dance studio to school and camp friends. They talk about his love of blue candy, Flaming Hot Cheetos, spicy hot wings and pizza; his epic Halloween strategies for maximum candy hauls; and his ability to make anything fun. He was a caring friend when someone was having a tough time. He had a closeknit group of friends with whom he hiked and skied Vermont’s highest peaks, as well as explored Vermont’s lakes and rivers. He loved his friends’ annual Solar Bus trip to Hampton Beach in the early summer. This past January, Soren enjoyed Winter Ball with his girlfriend and other friends. Fun was never far away with Soren and company.

Soren hoarded funny socks and loved playing quirky versions of table football and indoor basketball with friends, as well as online gaming with the user name “Hunky Lobster.” Friends created a Minecraft Realm in his honor.

He also figured out how to build his own computer. At school he played practical jokes on friends. His “mischievery” was legendary, and in good fun. He also managed to put together a last-minute vehicle entry for MMU’s Grand Prix, which he called “The Last Resort.” His friend network was full of interesting, kind kids — we are so very grateful for them.

Soren was entrepreneurial and had recently been looking for a job. Back when he was just 12, Soren and a good friend started a T-shirt business called “Soren ‘N Oren’s.”

They learned to hand-screen T-shirts and sold them at the local farmers market, giving a portion of proceeds to charity.

Soren was a summer camp intern at Saxon Hill School for the past few years and became a magnet for young children with his gentle, playful ways. He was a master frog catcher, origami and paper airplane teacher, elfhouse architect, and builder of giant towers. He was also a Red Cross-certified babysitter and an accomplished mower of lawns, stacker of wood and odd-jobs doer.

Dance was a passion for Soren. Last year he was honored to be invited into

the Teacher Apprentice Program at Arabesque, Etc. Dance Studio in Richmond, where he honed his skills as a hip-hop dancer, choreographer and teacher. The dance studio was a nurturing place for him, and he spent many hours there each week, mentored by many remarkable people, several of whom became close friends.

Soren played the Wizard of Oz in last spring’s dance studio performance. He cochoreographed and danced in several hip-hop pieces during their nontraditional production of The Nutcracker Tea at the Elley-Long Center last December. He was learning how to teach, and he loved his students and fellow teachers.

As for his family, Soren adored his older sister Isabel.

She offered him tremendous companionship and much laughter, as well as tough love and rides to earlymorning MMU Dance Team practices. Together they put up with their parents dragging them to museums, to church, up mountains and on multi-week-long camping trips. Isabel helped Soren through some tough experiences and mentored him in dance. His tribute to her, spoken at her Dance Team Senior Recognition Night, had us all in tears with its heartfelt beauty and eloquence. His admiration for her was beyond measure, and he told her so. She is the best sister ever.

Soren loved and was beloved by his parents. We could not have imagined a sweeter, smarter, more playful or determined son. He will remain a persistent presence with us forever, his sideways smile always distilled in our smiles.

We ask that you not remember Soren as “a suicide,” but rather as a bright light and spectacular human being who made a puzzling, unexpected and impulsive choice to take his life in what must have been a very difficult moment. Please remember the fullness of his 15 and 3/4 years — his sense of humor, goofy goodness, thoughtfulness and adventurous spirit. In his honor, please commit to reaching out to a trusted friend or adult if you are having feelings of desperation, rather than making an impulsive and irreversible choice to harm yourself. Taking your life wreaks devastation on your family, friends and community and robs them of the chance to have you in their lives for all time. We may never know why he made the choice he did. We will remember Soren as a healthy, happy, connected, purposeful and beloved kid with a bright future. We cannot imagine our lives without him.

In addition to his parents, Doug and Kathryn Wysockey-Johnson, Soren is survived by his sister Isabel Wysockey-Johnson; maternal grandmother, Simonne

B. Wysockey; aunt Simonne Soudan and children Kat (Matt) Lighthouse, Colton, Makenna and Weston; uncle and aunt John and Rebecca Wysockey and children Zara, Margeaux, Tommy and Violet; uncle and aunt Michael and Tracy Wysockey and children Harry, Suzy, Beau and Livy; paternal grandparents, William and Marianne Johnson; aunt and uncle Mary and Tom VanDerMeid and children Jeremy (Molly) VanDerMeid and their children Shea, Hollis and Callie; Jonathan (Rachel) VanDerMeid and their children Cole and Dylan; Jami VanDerMeid and son Caden; uncle and aunt Dave and Elizabeth Johnson; and uncle and aunt Paul Johnson and Genevieve Zubrzycki and daughter Anais. Soren also leaves behind countless wonderful second cousins and close family friends from near and far.

Soren is predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Thomas J. Wysockey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Soren WysockeyJohnson Scholarship Fund at Arabesque, Etc. Dance in Richmond, Vt., or to the Young Investigator Program at the Concussion Legacy Foundation. A memorial to celebrate Soren’s life will be held in the near future when it is safe to gather. As a friend recently said, “May the Force be with you, Soren Skywalker.”

IN MEMORIAM To Stephen Roger Albright, who passed away April 2020 ~~~~~~~~~~~~ A congregation of mourning doves at dawn announced your passing with a haunting song.

Half-blood siblings you and I are.

Both of us had the same remarkable father.

A generation older than me, but I remember you well.

For your way was your own.

A musician, artist, deep thinker, and poet.

Your studded leather jacket and ‘70s sunglasses.

Your handmade Christmas cards and comical coffee mugs.

This is how I will remember you.

Farewell, my brother.

N.L. Albright Vermont

Mark your family’s milestones in lifelines. sevendaysvt.com/lifelines

Ruth Kassel 1931-2020 SHELBURNE, VT.

Ruth Bettman Kassel, who lived her life with resolute determination and a truly giving heart, died peacefully on May 5, 2020, at Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vt. She was 89. Her dear husband of 67 years predeceased her there, just over four months ago.

Ruth Bettman was born in 1931 to a loving and secure family and raised in the Great Depression in Chicago, Ill. She developed a lifelong love of learning and inquiry as a student at the Lab School at the University of Chicago. She earned a degree at Wellesley College, in art history and music, and during that time she also met the love of her life, Bud Kassel.

They settled in Middletown, N.Y., in the late 1950s, and she adjusted to life in a small town and the family’s retail business. Like many intelligent and capable women of her generation, she found ways to thrive despite the constraints women faced.

She threw herself into civic life in support of those in need, in particular women and mothers, founding or helping to steer a number of social services and education organizations in her community.

She discovered politics in mid-life, starting with the Middletown School Board, and then serving several terms in the Orange County legislature in the 1980s and ’90s, including as chair of its Finance Committee. During this time she also earned a law degree at Pace University Law School and practiced family law, assisting children involved in family court matters, until 2002, when she and Bud moved to Burlington, Vt. In Vermont she was a dedicated and upbeat volunteer at ECHO and the Flynn Theater in Burlington, as well as an avid member of the South County Chorus, and she made close friends and took on new projects in the

community of 40 College Street, where she and Bud lived for more than 15 years.

Throughout her long and productive life, however, her priority was always her family. She often said the most important thing she ever did was to raise her three beloved sons and foster their growth and happiness in the world. On their behalf, she endured many cold and rainy Mother’s Day canoe trips with a smile and her trademark phrase, “Isn’t this fun!” A Cub Scout den mother (three times), she took an active interest in everything they did and gave them everything she possibly could, including the freedom to be who they would become.

Her giving heart truly flourished as a grandmother to her 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. At that point, freed of most other adult responsibilities, she focused her still-considerable energy, talent and boundless love on them. No whim was too small or child’s game too silly for her — she loved meeting her children’s children (and their children) “where they were” and being fully present with them however they wanted.

Elaborate and messy arts and crafts projects were common, and she playacted whatever roles were

needed for the creation of happy and memorable moments. As they aged, she offered them wise advice, an empathetic ear and the use of her car. She nurtured them all, and inspired them to thrive, by her example.

Ruth is survived by her sons and their spouses: David (Magda Farag) of Tempe, Ariz., John (Julie Campoli) of Burlington, Vt., and Peter (Carol Irish) of Shelburne, Vt.; grandchildren Yasmin, Misha, Kareem, Clara, Simon, Thomas, Sara, Sami and Eben (and their spouses and partners); greatgrandchildren Hanna, Omar, Nora, Kareem, Youssef, Nadia and Lewis; sister-in-law Betsy Brown, of Kenosha, Wis.; and many dear nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bud Kassel; her brother, Ralph Bettman; her brother-inlaw, Howard Brown; and her beloved grandson Zeke.

The family will gather privately to remember Ruth, when possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties, N.Y. (an organization she cofounded), or ECHO, in Burlington, Vt., or a community service organization of your choice.

Want to memorialize a loved one in Seven Days?

Post your remembrance online and in print at sevendaysvt.com/lifelines.

Or contact us at lifelines@sevendaysvt.com or 865-1020, ext. 10.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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arts news

I Live in the Land of Apples JoAnna Blaine Easton, Onion River Press, 176 pages. $14.99.

I gave up on my mother early, he [Easton’s twin brother] beat his head against her stony heart.

Short Takes on Five Vermont Books B Y M A R GA R ET GR AYSON, MA RGO T HA R R I SO N & K R I STEN R AV I N

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even Days writers can’t possibly read, much less review, all the books that arrive in a steady stream by post, email and, in one memorable case, a passel of opossums. So this monthly feature is our way of introducing you to a handful of books by Vermont authors.

To do that, we contextualize each book just a little and quote a single representative sentence from, yes, page 32.

Inclusion here implies neither approval nor derision on our part, but simply: Here are a bunch of books, arranged alphabetically by authors’ names, that Seven Days readers might like to know about.

Miracles Come on Mondays Penelope Cray, Pleiades Press, 120 pages. $19.95.

Today the artist wants to paint in blue. But he is the red painter. The artist paints in red.

This debut collection from Shelburne writer PENELOPE CRAY defies categorization.

Walking the line between poetry and short story, Cray explores a variety of topics and forms, together with her wide-ranging cast of mysterious characters.

Our page 32 quote comes from a meditation on creativity and an artist’s identity. Meteorites and personified balloons make multiple appearances in these pages. The Easter bunny is killed off. Body parts become objects of love and ire. Unafraid of the bizarre, Cray will surprise you, unsettle you and even make you squirm with each turn of the page.

While every line here reads as deliberate, the intended message is far from obvious. It’s an adventure to follow Cray’s lantern through the landscape of her imagination without worrying too much about what it all means.

Cray has been published in journals including Middlebury College’s New England Review; readers can watch a video of her reading from Miracles Come on Mondays at greenmountainsreview.com.

M.G.

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Charlotte writer JOANNA BLAINE EASTON named her memoir for her father’s ancestral village: Mazraat el Toufah (“apple orchard”) in the mountains of Lebanon. “I am his child,” she writes of her second-generation-immigrant father, praising his “amber-eyed vision that cradled me.” The seventh child born to this father and an Irish Catholic mother, Easton remembers her mother less fondly, as the woman who essentially abandoned her and her twin brother to nuns for their first three weeks of life.

The experience of “feeling unmothered” helped launch Easton on a “life as a seeker,” she writes.

Her seeking has included studies of yoga and Jungian philosophy; travels in Europe, where Easton met Frau Engels, the spiritual mother or “motherangel” who fostered her artistic instincts; and long-time involvement in the arts. Rather than narrate her life chronologically, Easton takes a circling, lyrical approach, following intuitive associations and interspersing her remembrances with her own poems and quotes from the thinkers she admires. It’s the portrait of a woman whose seeking has borne fruit.

M.H.

Poet, Prophet, Fox: The Tale of Sinnach the Seer: Book One: How the Fox Gained His Sight M.Z. McDonnell, Moose Maple Press, 304 pages. $19.

“The Faeries are punishing us for some secret crime known only to their vicious kind.”

Achieving greatness rarely comes without struggle. Just look at the story of Sinnach the Seer.

Described as a “queer mytho-history of ancient Ireland,” M.Z. MCDONNELL’s 2019 novel concerns a persecuted child who is seen by the world as the girl Muirenn but whose true self is a boy named Áedán. He fulfills his destiny as the powerful Druid prophet Sinnach, facing challenges in the human and faerie worlds along the way.

As McDonnell, an ecologist and herbalist, explains in their author’s note, the novel is an amalgamation of facts rooted in scholarly research and products of the author’s imagination. “I wove together my understandings of Irish mythology, archaeology, folklore, linguistics, druidism and early medieval Irish history to create a more nuanced and layered story,” they write.

Not familiar with Old Irish names and terms? The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide for smoother reading.

Poet, Prophet, Fox is an engaging and entertaining story that demonstrates the strength of a person’s true nature when they refuse to be bound to an assigned identity.

K.R.

GOT AN ARTS TIP? ARTNEWS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Kate Messner, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 240 pages. $16.99.

SHOP SAFE!

Mia thought about what Daniel had said about the farm needing to grow to survive.

Plattsburgh, N.Y., author KATE MESSNER — yup, she’s married to WPTZ meteorologist TOM MESSNER — has developed a reputation for tackling subjects that books for middle-grade kids typically avoid. In The Seventh Wish (2016), she wrote about heroin addiction. Her latest novel, Chirp, addresses sexual abuse, grooming and the #MeToo movement. If that sounds grim or disturbing, fear not: Messner has wrapped a sensitive, non-graphic treatment of those topics in a fun, upbeat story that tweens are bound to eat up.

Twelve-year-old Mia, newly returned to Burlington from the big city, is eager to help her beloved grandma’s cricket farm thrive. A retired entomologist, Grandma hopes to sell crickets to the public as a “superfood.” (In her acknowledgments, Messner thanks Middlesex’s now-closed Flourish Farm, which had a similar mission.) But is someone trying to sabotage the cricket queen?

To save the farm, Mia draws on new friends, local maker spaces and the power of a female entrepreneur network. Along the way, she gains the confidence to face a dark secret from her past. Grandma’s business may be buggy, but Messner’s message about trusting your instincts and speaking up is rock solid.

M.H.

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Wealth Creation: A New Framework for Rural Economic and Community Development

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What if the word “wealth” signaled more than just economic power? SHANNA E. RATNER, founder of rural economic and community development firm Yellow Wood Associates, ponders this question in Wealth Creation: A New Framework for Rural Economic and Community Development.

The former Mel King Community Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology argues for the consideration of community assets such as social, natural, political and intellectual capital as part of a reinvention of capitalism that leaves no one behind.

Released by academic publisher Routledge in November 2019, Wealth Creation isn’t exactly a breezy beach read. The font is tiny and tight, and the lay reader may want to keep a highlighter handy to note novel concepts. Chapters delve into questions such as “What is a wealth creation value chain?” and “How do ownership and control change the game?”

As Ratner writes in the preface, “If you are looking for a framework that will help you articulate and actualize your drive to reshape our world toward a more sustainable future, you have come to the right place.”

K.R.

Contact: kravin@sevendaysvt.com, margaret@sevendaysvt.com, margot@sevendaysvt.com

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arts news

Pandemic Pastimes 4

ARTS

Virtual ventures from the creative sector B Y PAMEL A PO LSTO N

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his is the fourth and final week of our online offerings series, though we’ll continue to report on compelling digital doings, here and on the Seven Days Live Culture blog, as long as the pandemic partners us with our laptops. Even as Vermont reopens a sliver of real life each week, social distancing is still the order of the day — and night. So we’ll persevere in suggesting ways you can engage and stay safe.

Meantime, here are three options to watch, do and help.

WATCH

DO

When you’re in the business of presenting live theater, a pivot to virtual productions can be … unacceptable. That pretty much sums up the feelings of CRISTINA ALICEA, artistic director of VERMONT STAGE. “A lot of theaters are doing stuff online, but it didn’t sit right with me,” she said in a phone call last week. “I felt resistant and was waiting for something more meaningful.”

That something has manifested in the shape of a Virtual Time Capsule project, for which Alicea is inviting people to share their experiences during the coronavirus crisis and quarantine.

“There are so many stories out there — harrowing and heartfelt,

THERE ARE SO MANY STORIES OUT THERE —

HARROWING AND HEARTFELT, SMALL AND LARGE. CRISTIN A ALICEA

Then, on Vermont Humanities’ Facebook page, join in a discussion with coproducer and Middlebury College assistant professor 26

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

small and large,” Alicia said. “I wondered what individuals and families are going through.”

She’s not putting limits on the

COURTESY OF JEFFERY TACKIE

In pre-pandemic times, the VERMONT HUMANITIES First Wednesday talk series was held monthly in local libraries and other venues around the state. Since mid-April, the organization has offered weekly talks in digital form. Register by Monday to “attend” a free Wednesday talk.

If you miss any, you’re in luck: All of them are archived in the “digital programs” section of vermonthumanities.org.

This Wednesday’s pertinent talk, “The Salt of the Earth: The Rhetoric of White Supremacy,” starts with a viewing of the documentary Man on Fire, about a 79-year-old white minister in Texas who self-immolated in 2014 to protest racism in his town.

JAMES CHASE SANCHEZ about how communities might counter bigotry.

Archived presentations include lectures on the “morbid nonsense” of artist Edward Gorey and KATHERINE PATERSON’s popular book (and film) Bridge to Terabithia; author-illustrator DAVID MACAULAY speaks on the building of the last great steamship, SS United States.

Vermont Humanities’ archives include First Wednesday talks going all the way back to 2016, so give a listen or three. Animal Crossing will wait.

Zahara Abdi at the Karibu fashion show

forms such storytelling might take: “written, video, audio, photography, poetry, visual art, dance, song — whatever means through which you feel most comfortable expressing yourself,” according to a description on the Vermont Stage website. The day after Alicea announced the project, she got several responses, “including one from a woman who dressed up in a panda suit to cheer on [hospital staff ],” she said. “I’ll be interested to see what else comes in.”

Will the collection of submissions result in a theatrical presentation someday? Probably, Alicea said. “But I don’t foresee us doing anything with this until next year, or maybe the year after that.”

Her immediate objective with Virtual Time Capsule is to

engage with the public. “This feels more interactive than just sharing something online,” Alicea said. “I’m prompting people to express themselves, and that’s an engagement.”

Want to share your story? Email Alicea at cristina@vtstage.org.

HELP

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity won’t let a global pandemic stand in the way of a good fashion show — and benefit. Every year, the Burlington-based nonprofit presents KARIBU — “welcome” in Swahili — to celebrate the cultural diversity of the area’s New Americans and to raise funds for asylum

seekers. CVOEO’s Asylum Seekers Assistance Program provides those seekers with help navigating the tangle of red tape and funds to purchase essential items, from food to diapers.

This year, Karibu’s “runway” will be virtual — on Facebook.

New American models will compete for cash prizes, and the public is encouraged to vote on finalists, as well as to donate to the program.

Models, submit your photos

by May 31 to karibuvt.com. Everyone else, check back at facebook. com/karibuvt. Winners will be announced on June 27. Donations for emergency funds can be made at cvoeo.org/karibuvt.

Contact: pamela@sevendaysvt.com

GOT AN ARTS TIP? ARTNEWS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Server Salvation Streaming video review: “Upload” B Y M AR GO T HA R R I SON

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COURTESY OF KATIE YU

here do we find entertainment these days?

On our laptops and in our living rooms. The streaming options are overwhelming — and not always easy to sort through. So, in this weekly feature, I review a movie or series that might otherwise be easy to overlook.

THE SERIES: “Upload” (Season 1, 10 episodes, 2020) WHERE TO SEE IT: Amazon Prime Video

In 2033, no one has to die — no one who can afford to have their consciousness digitized and uploaded to a virtual afterlife, anyway. Twentysomething tech bro Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell) hasn’t yet made provisions for his own untimely demise, which occurs in the pilot episode when his self-driving car rams itself into a truck. Luckily (or unluckily) for him, his imageobsessed girlfriend, Ingrid (Allegra Edwards), comes from a 1 percent family with “unlimited data.” As medical personnel fight for Nathan’s life, she persuades him to let himself be preemptively uploaded to the swanky Horizen Lakeview, a rustic grand hotel inside a computer server.

(Exteriors were filmed in a real place: Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, N.Y.) Nathan’s digital afterlife may look like paradise, but it turns out to be a little creepy — and stuffed with paywalls and sponsored content. Even more disturbing: Ingrid can now delete his entire being from existence with a swipe of her finger.

So maybe it’s not so great for Nathan that he’s feeling attracted to his “angel,” Nora (Andy Allo), a customerservice rep who’s supposed to help him adjust to his new plane of being. Unlike him, Nora is still alive, and she’s starting to suspect that Nathan’s death wasn’t an accident.

THE DEAL:

First off, originality is not “Upload”’s strongest suit. Fans of the British anthology series “Black Mirror” will recognize this show’s premise from an Emmy-winning episode of that one. (I won’t name the episode, which is best experienced unspoiled.) The notion of people’s fates depending on consumer star ratings, also featured in “Upload,” was chillingly and hilariously explored in the “Black Mirror” episode “Nosedive.”

And you know what? That’s fine. Some ideas are so rich in implications that they deserve multiple treatments.

“Upload” creator Greg Daniels takes the “digital heaven” premise in new directions, imagining how class divisions might replicate themselves in a secular, corporate afterlife.

Lakeview’s basement is full of low-rent souls, “two-gigs” whose heaven is limited to a bare room. Meanwhile, Nora and her fellow low-paid “angels” toil all day at their desks in VR goggles, tending to the needs of the affluent dead.

Despite this dark vein of dystopian sci-fi, “Upload” is WILL YOU LIKE IT?

Robbie Amell and Andy Allo in “Upload”

basically a comedy. Daniels is known for his work on “The Simpsons,” “The Office” and “King of the Hill,” and the series can get broad and sitcom-ish. The attractive blandness of the visuals and the leads contributes to a certain network TV feel (without the network censorship — do expect a few flashes of nudity and gore).

But if “Upload” is old-school TV, it’s good old-school TV — sharp, funny and inventive enough to keep me in binge mode. It’s hard not to root for Nathan and Nora’s seemingly doomed romance. Meanwhile, Edwards gives the juiciest performance, making Ingrid such an absolute horror that she comes full circle and becomes unexpectedly sympathetic.

If the premise appeals to you, “Upload” is one to download. But expect some uncomfortable moments, given how virtually we’re all living these days. The show updates Hamlet’s dilemma: Which is better: not to be, or to be eternally inside some marketer’s version of heaven?

INGRID CAN NOW DELETE HIS ENTIRE BEING FROM EXISTENCE

WITH A SWIPE OF HER FINGER.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY...

• “Black Mirror” (on Netflix): A version of “The Twilight Zone” for the computer age, Charlie Brooker’s series has been enormously influential — arguably even prophetic. One episode, “The Waldo Moment,” feels like satirical commentary on a certain presidential election but aired years earlier.

• “The Good Place” (on NBC, Netflix and Hulu): Like “Upload,” this acclaimed NBC sitcom is a jokey vision of the afterlife that broaches big existential questions about fate, souls and free will. Call it Dante for a notso-devout era.

• 2B: The Era of Flesh Is Over (rent it on Vimeo): For a more positive perspective on humanity’s digitized future, try this 2010 sci-fi film cocreated by a branch of the transhumanist Terasem Movement Foundation, which has a headquarters in Lincoln, Vt. Contact: margot@sevendaysvt.com

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT BY KEN PICARD

Why Is Federal Stimulus Money Being Sent to Dead Vermonters?

A

get an additional $500 for each child in the household under age 17.

But what about dead relatives?

Evidently, some next of kin are cashing in on them, albeit not of their own doing.

Seven Days learned of at least three Vermonters who have received federal stimulus checks, or direct deposits into their bank accounts, payable to or intended for deceased family members. One died in 2018, the other two in 2019.

“My mother received her stimulus check.

She has been dead for two years. WTF?” Susanna Weller of Starksboro, wrote in an email about her mother, Mary Lou Weller, who died in January 2018 at age 77.

Weller didn’t live with her mother but served as her medical and legal power of attorney and managed her estate upon her death. Weller said she suspects that the IRS sent the stimulus check to her address because her mother’s 2018 tax refund was deposited into a jointly held account.

Something similar happened to an Essex woman who received a combined

direct deposit on behalf of herself and her husband, who died in January 2019.

This isn’t a uniquely Vermont phenomenon. Other news outlets around the country have begun reporting similar stories of stimulus checks sent to departed relatives, as well as living people who aren’t entitled to them. According to the IRS, those ineligible for stimulus payments include prison inmates, undocumented immigrants, nonresident aliens, patients held in psychiatric facilities due to criminal offenses, and sexual predators in halfway houses. It’s unknown how many of the 130 million payments, totaling more than $200 billion in the first four weeks, went to people by mistake.

But Vermonters who’ve received or are due to receive more than $450 million in stimulus payments aren’t storming federal offices to voice outrage over Uncle Sam’s excessive largesse. A spokesperson for Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said his staff hadn’t received any reports yet of federal stimulus checks sent to Vermonters’ deceased relatives. A spokesperson for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) declined to comment, explaining that constituents’ “casework” is considered confidential.

However, a spokesperson for Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said that his office has received “a half dozen” such reports from Vermonters whose dearly departed got stimulus money. “We even have our own examples of this within the Leahy staff family,” spokesperson David Carle noted in an email.

Carle called such errors “hard to justify”

given the “dozens and dozens” of Vermonters who had not received stimulus payments by May 1, funds they need to pay their rent and other bills. He also bemoaned the fact that the IRS has yet to set up a system for making payments to low-income Vermonters who don’t have internet access or who didn’t file federal tax returns in the last two years.

This isn’t the first time in history that stimulus money, Social Security payments and other federal disbursements have been sent to the great beyond. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, passed by Congress after the 2008 financial crisis, the feds sent nearly $18 million to more than 71,500 deceased Social Security recipients. Only about half of that money was eventually returned, a federal audit determined.

Why are some Americans receiving posthumous payments? Alas, the Treasury Department’s press office declined to respond directly to Seven Days’ calls or emailed questions. Instead, a spokesperson emailed back largely nonresponsive answers cut and pasted from the department’s “frequently asked questions” web page. Coincidentally, several of those FAQ answers were added to the IRS Economic Impact Payment Information Center page on the same day as Seven Days’ query, suggesting that we’re not the only ones digging into such grave errors.

What should Vermonters do with those checks? Despite some initial confusion over who gets to keep what, the IRS and Treasury Department are now telling citizens to return stimulus checks paid to people who are deceased.

For direct deposits to the previously departed, Vermonters can send personal checks or money orders. For joint payments, the surviving spouse need return only the portion paid to the decedent. Detailed return instructions can be found at irs.gov.

But it’s unclear whether the IRS will try to claw back past-due payments from the passed. If asked to fork over the funds, some American may well quote the late Charlton Heston: “From my cold, dead hands!” m

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fter Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on March 27, the Internal Revenue Service started infusing the U.S. economy with $2.2 trillion. That included “economic impact payments,” aka stimulus checks, sent to Americans.

Under the CARES Act, single adults who earned $75,000 or less in gross income in 2019 are entitled to a one-time payment of $1,200. Married couples can expect $2,400. And families with kids

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

INFO Got a Vermont head-scratcher that has you stumped? Ask us! wtf@sevendaysvt.com.

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5/11/20 9:22 AM

RETAIL THERAPY BY KRISTEN RAVIN

Get the Picture Seven visual art items and where to buy them locally

COURTESY OF LIZ WALSH

I

or call 223-2902 for pickup or free local delivery.

ALSO TRY: Art supplies from the Frame Dames in St. Johnsbury (theframedames.com).

“Faces and Figures”

by Athena Petra Tasiopoulos

Central Vermont mixed-media collage artist Athena Petra Tasiopoulos’ work is recognizable by its soft, muted colors and found vintage photographs. “By re-inventing the portrait,” she writes in her artist statement, “I aim to disjoint my subjects from an antiquated identity, allowing them to transcend the constraints of time and place.” Vermonters looking to transcend the constraints of quarantine may find some respite in Tasiopoulos’ catalog “Faces and Figures.” Peruse this 44-page collection of mixed-media works on paper and get lost in Tasiopoulos’ soothing color palette, soft shapes and the faces of strangers.

HOW TO BUY: Visit athenapetra.com for shipping.

ALSO TRY: The graphic novel Off Season

by Vermont cartoonist James Sturm from Crow Bookshop in Burlington (crowbooks.com).

Printmaking Explorer Box from the Drawing Board

COURTESY OF JESS POLANSHEK

n a recent phone conversation with Seven Days, Liz Walsh, owner of Montpelier art shop the Drawing Board, posed a question for Vermonters: “When this is all over, what do you want your community to look like?”

Walsh is one of the state’s many small-business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, having closed her doors mid-March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Since then, her customers, whom she describes as mostly hobby enthusiasts and a handful of professional artists, have supported the shop by snapping up art supplies and gift certificates via backdoor pickup or local delivery.

Two loyal customers even donated money from their stimulus checks to help ensure the future of the brick-andmortar store. “There’s a palpable feeling of being in an art store and the potential that lies in all the materials, and you just can’t get that from ordering online,” Walsh said.

For art lovers in isolation, the quarantine could be an opportunity to try a new medium. Folks may also decide to freshen up their homes by purchasing new artwork. As Whitney Aldrich, owner of Axel’s Frame Shop & Gallery in Waterbury put it in an April email newsletter, “We know you’ve been spending a lot of time looking at your walls lately.”

This week, our ongoing column focused on local shopping options highlights items related to making and appreciating visual art, whether you’re a longtime creator, a collector or preparing to make your first brushstroke.

If you don’t see your favorite retailers here, seek them out. This list is by no means comprehensive.

Printmaking Explorer Box

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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COURTESY OF ATHENA PETRA TASIOP

Sometimes the most difficult part of trying your hand at a new creative endeavor is having the right supplies. The Drawing Board in Montpelier makes it easy. The downtown shop’s online store includes curated art-supply kits for different mediums, such as the Acrylic Explorer Box, the Drawing Explorer Box and the Printmaking Explorer Box (pictured). The last includes everything you need to make block prints — ink, linoleum blocks, a rubber brayer and more — and can come with or without a cardboard suitcase-style carrier.

HOW TO BUY: Order at drawingboardvt.com

Flower Messengers Small Card Pack

If Vermonters become overwhelmed by on-screen communication in this time of social distancing, perhaps letter writing will make a comeback. Those who wish to correspond through pen and paper can do so on cards designed by Vermont illustrator Jess Polanshek of Polanshek of the Hills.

The artist renders subjects from the natural world with “high detail and loose realism.” Her Flower Messengers Small Card Pack features illustrations of animals

COURTESY OF DEVIN WOOD

bearing various flora, making them artistic — and adorable — vehicles for well-wishes.

HOW TO BUY: Order from ofthehills.com for shipping.

ALSO TRY: Assorted note cards by Vermont watercolor artist Cindy Gage Stotz from Artisans Hand Craft Gallery in Montpelier (artisanshand.com).

Burlington’s Pearl Street, for example, is selling digital gift certificates to be redeemed in the future. Scroll the shop’s Instagram page (@sevensymbols) to see neo-traditional work by artists Jazzie Beaudette, Jhon Rodríguez and owner Devin Wood, whose work is pictured here. Your tattoo will be worth the wait — it’s permanent, after all.

HOW TO BUY: Email sevensymbolstattoo@ gmail.com.

ALSO TRY: Prints and commissioned art by the artists available through their Instagram accounts (@jazzie.beau, @jhonrodriguez and @devinwoodtattoo).

Painting With Craig Mooney Future Tattoos

On March 23, Gov. Phil Scott ordered the closure of close-contact businesses, including tattoo shops, but body-art enthusiasts can still buy now and get inked later. Seven Symbols Tattoo on

Stowe’s Helen Day Art Center has a straightforward mission: “to enhance the human experience through the visual arts.” To that end, the nonprofit gallery and education center offers a wide range of classes for those looking to sharpen their artistic skills. Among its spring online offerings is Painting

With Craig Mooney for adults and teens.

Taught by an award-winning local artist, this two-part virtual lesson on May 29 and 30 is a great opportunity to unleash your creativity in isolation.

HOW TO BUY: Register at helenday.com.

ALSO TRY: Online art classes for adults through the Middlebury Studio School (middleburystudioschool.org).

Framing Services

So you’ve spent your time in quarantine creating your masterpiece — how do you display it? At Axel’s Frame Shop & Gallery in Waterbury, owner Whitney Aldrich brings a background in fine arts and graphic design to custom picture-framing projects. In addition to custom work, the shop offers ready-made frames, lamination, minor repairs and more. The gallery is closed, but framing services are available with consultations on a one-onone basis.

HOW TO BUY: Call 244-7801 or email info@axelsgallery.com to schedule an appointment.

ALSO TRY: Tabletop and wall frames f ro m Ho m e p o r t i n B u r l i n g t o n (homeportonline.com).

SHOP LOCAL

CHANNEL 1074

STREET SIGNS SATURDAYS > 7:30 P.M. GET MORE INFO OR WATCH ONLINE AT VERMONTCAM.ORG

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With her new project, “Greetings From Coronacation: Souvenir Postcards From 2020,” Stephanie Salmon has come up with a colorful way to foster interpersonal connections while friends and families stay home and stay safe.

Each volume holds 22 postcards featuring original comics by the Gotham City Graphics cofounder that folks can color, and then send to someone special. Sales benefit Thirty-odd, an artisan boutique in Burlington’s South End Arts District, where 30 or so artists and makers bring home 100 percent of their sales.

HOW TO BUY: Order at thirtyodd.com for shipping or curbside pickup.

ALSO TRY: Donate to Burlington maker space Generator’s COVID-19 Relief Initiative (generatorvt.com) to support production of personal protective equipment.

INFO Retail Therapy is a column about shopping local in the coronavirus era. Got a product or store suggestion?

Email kravin@sevendaysvt.com.

Be strong Vermont Let's work together and help those in need.

and say you saw it in... shoptheregister.com

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“Greetings From Coronacation: Souvenir Postcards From 2020,” Volumes 1 & 2

by Stephanie Salmon

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Envisioning Vermont’s post-pandemic future

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he cascading coronavirus crises come at us so quickly these days that it can be challenging to keep up with the current news cycle, let alone consider the next.

Our collective attention is rightly focused on the spread of COVID-19, which has contributed to the deaths of 53 Vermonters and infected more than 925. It’s rightly focused on outbreaks in long-term care facilities and prisons, on idled factories, bankrupt businesses, unemployment claims, emergency food lines, and the fiscal solvency of our schools and our state.

But what comes next for Vermont — in six months or in six years? In what state will we find our state once the pandemic has passed?

Gov. Phil Scott has compared the outbreak to a forest fire. Regular testing of the potentially infected “will allow us to spot those embers early,” he has said, and contact tracing by public health officials will enable us “to surround it in order to contain it.”

How long the fire will smolder is anybody’s guess. When it’s finally extinguished, will it have taken the forest with it? Or will it have cleared the underbrush and opened the canopy, allowing the trees that remain to grow taller and stronger?

For this week’s issue, we asked 15 Vermonters — community leaders, business chiefs and experts in their fields — to consider the fate of the state after the fire is out. Will our small towns and small businesses survive? How will we safely gather and learn and celebrate? Will we seize the opportunity to strengthen our health care and food systems?

What must we save, and what can we afford to lose? How can we turn tragedy into opportunity?

Here are excerpts from those conversations, edited for clarity and length.

CAUSE FOR PANIC

When Heather Darby was growing up on an Alburgh dairy farm, there were more than 3,000 dairies in the state. Now there are 651, according to the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, with many expected to close this year.

“It’s devastating,” she said. “We shouldn’t be allowing the loss of any farms in Vermont.”

A professor of agronomy at the University of Vermont Extension, Darby finds herself disconsolate about the perverse pair of crises exacerbated by the pandemic: Vermonters are going hungry even as farmers dump milk and plow under their fields. “It’s like, Holy shit. What’s wrong with this picture?” she said. “We’ve set up a system that doesn’t necessarily feed families. It feeds restaurants. It feeds wholesale markets. It wasn’t at all prepared to then have to flip a switch and feed families.”

Darby, who is 45 and runs the now-diversified family farm, says the state must “refocus quickly to figure out how to feed the people of Vermont.” She added, “Empty store shelves should be worrisome, but empty fields should be cause for panic.”

‘THE BECKONING COUNTRY’

When Danby native Oliver Olsen came home to Vermont in 2003, he brought his job with him. Ever since, the 44-year-old Londonderry resident has worked remotely, now as director of professional services for Workday, a cloud-based financial management and human resources company.

What can we be doing right now?

We can be helping farmers adapt to the growing need for food.

I own a farm. I can’t just start doubling production today, even if I think we’ll have double the sales. We don’t have the labor. We don’t have the capital. We don’t have the infrastructure.

We should be trying to understand: Will people’s preferences change forever? Or if farmers expand, will they be sorry in two months when everything opens back up, because consumers will just go back to what they were doing before?

Do you see a silver lining?

The silver lining is that consumers are reaching out to local farmers. We’re in a moment many of us have dreamed about — where farmers become the center of our communities again, instead of how they’ve been perceived in Vermont, for the most part, like this ecological nightmare.

So I think it’s changing the way people view the agricultural landscape, and that’s really positive, because people need to understand that we need farmers.

It’s just too bad it took a pandemic to get people to turn around and go to their local farmer for food.

Manhattan are doing so from Vermont. “They’re not battling a one-hour commute through traffic or crowded subway systems with people sneezing in their face,” he said.

“I think one of the takeaways from this pandemic is that, while population density affords many benefits in a highly populated world, it also presents some very challenging public health risks,” Olsen

You can work remotely from Vermont _ not just Westchester County, N.Y. O L I V E R OL SEN

So, when the pandemic forced many professionals out of the office in March, Olsen’s life didn’t change much. “For those of us who have been doing this for two decades, it’s nothing new,” he said.

Olsen, a former state representative, has expressed concerns that virus-fleeing second-home owners could overwhelm local health care systems in ski resort communities such as his own. But he also sees an opportunity to address Vermont’s demographic challenges by convincing them to stay.

Already, according to Olsen, some people who ordinarily run multinational companies from downtown

continued. “So there’s gonna be some really interesting opportunities as people rethink their living arrangements.”

How can we capitalize on that?

I think what’s going to be really helpful is making clear that not only can you work remotely, but you can work remotely from Vermont — not just Westchester County, N.Y. To the extent we can tell those stories, I think that will help sort of paint this picture of Vermont as Vermont Life did back in the ’60s, as “the beckoning country.”

Do you see any drawbacks to that sort of urban flight?

If this were to take shape, we’re still gonna have the same challenges we always have — namely, we have a workforce shortage in a lot of supporting industries, if you will, so we’ll start running into capacity issues.

We’re gonna need more plumbers and electricians. We don’t have enough today.

What are your biggest longterm fears?

We could end up in a situation where, on the one hand, we have an opportunity to market Vermont as this wonderful place to come to if you want to get out of an urban area. But if we have village centers and downtown areas where three-quarters of the resorts and shops are shuttered because they couldn’t survive the cash-flow crisis they’re facing right now, that’s a difficult package to sell.

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‘WELLSPRING’

Alex Crothers spends most of his day “talking about what the new normal is going to look like” in the music industry. “It’s the same conversation over and over,” he said. “It feels like you’re in [the movie] Groundhog Day because nobody has any answers.”

The 44 -year- old founder and co-owner of South Burlington’s Higher Ground music club recognizes and accepts that his business will be among the last allowed to reopen. “We’re in the business of mass gathering,” he said. “We bring people together. It’s the basis of everything we do.”

Even after such gatherings are permitted again, it’s not like Crothers will be able to flip a switch and welcome a major musician back onstage. The nationally touring acts his company books for events, such as Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green at Shelburne Museum, “have really long lead times setting up their tours, announcing them, putting tickets on sale,” said Crothers, who lives in Burlington. And few bands

will bother rebooking tours until most of the country reopens. “So COVID has created a disruption in that cycle that, depending on how long it lasts, it’s at least a six- or eight-month disruption,” he said.

How can people more safely gather in the post-COVID era?

We’ve been doing a livestreaming show every night since we decided to close the club.

It’s been incredibly cathartic, but it’s not a business model, just something to have fun.

We’re talking about whether there’s a way to bring people together drive-in-movie-style, where people stay in the car.

How will the industry change because of this?

It’s gonna have a dramatic effect. Independent music venues are small businesses, and small businesses are going to take it in the teeth. So there’s going to be a constriction, and that’s going to be tough.

I think we’re also going to see an incredible wellspring of creative talent. We’ve just shut artists in

their houses for seven weeks. Artists have to keep creating, and we’ve just given them space where they have very little distraction because there hasn’t been much to do.

What kind of government support are you seeking?

Certainly, dollars in the bank are gonna help. From a local or state level, if they can’t provide dollars, they can provide some type of tax relief, whether it’s abatement of the sales tax or the rooms and meals tax. Those types of things will help provide a runway to get us back up and running.

There could also be some regulatory things, like allowing us to hand a can of beer to a customer and watch them open it. It’s a very small thing, but technically right now it’s against the law.

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There are going to be institutions and enterprises that don ’t survive.

DAN SMITH

to this pandemic, our biggest underlying challenges were, frankly, demographics and workforce. I think related to both of those was sort of the sense of economic malaise that was in place.”

The 45-year-old Burlington resident, who previously ran Vermont Technical College, is particularly concerned about the fate of that institution and the rest of the Vermont State Colleges System. “There is no publicly articulated strategy for higher education across all the public entities that exist,” he said. “To me, it was the legislature’s responsibility to articulate that strategy and to fund it.”

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standings and races and ethnicities in ways we all knew were not civilly or socially sustainable.

What keeps me awake is that we’ll somehow miss the chance to build a much stronger and more resilient economic environment.

Are there some institutions that should be allowed to fail?

I think, regardless of how hard we work in this next 18-month window, there are going to be institutions and enterprises that don’t survive. The key is to recognize

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that it’s not necessarily because of the pandemic that they won’t survive. In a lot of cases, it’s because of underlying trends, underlying demographics or an underlying lack of strategy that might have informed different decisions by public or private funders.

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A rural life survey conducted last summer for Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS found that 40 percent of those polled could not afford an unexpected $1,000 expense. Nearly half said they would advise an 18-year-old to leave the state to build a successful life or career.

“It’s been a pretty tough place to make a go of it,” said Vermont Community Foundation president and CEO Dan Smith, whose organization underwrote the survey. “Prior

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What keeps you up at night?

The knowledge that in Vermont — and, frankly, I think nationally — the pandemic didn’t land on an economy and civil society that was particularly healthy. We were deeply divided based on the lived experience of people in different regions and states and economic

How do you think the nonprofit world is going to fare in this crisis?

People’s response in this moment around philanthropy and giving has been incredibly inspiring. You take away from that that Vermonters of all stripes are really committed to the health and well-being of their neighbors in a crisis.

I’m worried, though, that the pandemic will accelerate existing trends, like the decline in giving that has played out over the past decade. I think that’s going to put an incredible amount of pressure on the nonprofit community and, at some level, the state, because it relies on the nonprofit community to provide so many core services.

A SECOND CHANCE

Even before the coronavirus hit Vermont, Aly Richards and her spouse had a hard enough time finding affordable childcare for their 17-month-old twin boys. Like many Vermonters, they relied on family to ease the burden — in their case, Richards’ parents and grandmother, who live in Newbury.

Now, the 34-year-old Montpelier resident and her brood spend half their time quarantining in Newbury, where Richards takes part in Zoom meetings from her childhood bedroom and the older generations help look after the twins.

“I don’t know how other people are doing it,” she said.

As CEO of Let’s Grow Kids, a nonprofit focused on increasing access to early childhood education, Richards

‘WE’VE HAD ENOUGH’

Early studies have found that, nationally, people of color have been infected with and killed by COVID-19 at disproportionate rates. Researchers suspect that health and economic disparities are to blame.

In Vermont, the Department of Health didn’t even collect data on the race and ethnicity

When the U.S. sneezes, people of color get the flu.

TABITH A MO O R E

of coronavirus patients until civil rights groups spoke out. “In a way, it serves as validation that the work we do matters because, left to their own devices, the majority won’t pay attention to the minority,” said Tabitha Moore, state director of the NAACP. Moore, a 42-year-old Wallingford resident, said that, anecdotally, Vermonters of color appear to be suffering more from the outbreak. “For example, I

spends her days trying to help families facing similar challenges.

For now, she says, Vermont is doing better than most states because it has chosen to bail out the childcare industry, providing “stabilization” grants of 50 to 100 percent of private tuition. But the transition back to a fully functioning system — which Gov. Scott announced last week would begin June 1 — could be perilous, with small class sizes straining programs.

One bright spot? The importance of Let’s Grow Kids’ mission is now abundantly clear. “We’re hopeful that, after witnessing the true impacts of life without childcare, we can really come together to strengthen the system,” Richards said.

Do you expect a lot of programs to close?

Across the country, yes. In Vermont, I think fewer.

If you could recommend one policy change post-pandemic to strengthen childcare, what would it be?

I would say wage supplements to early educators.

People are going to be dusting themselves off and asking, “What do I do with myself in this economy?” It would really change things if being an early childhood educator was a really viable profession that allows you to put food on the table.

What are your biggest fears?

My biggest fear is missing the opportunity that’s ahead of us.

People say, “If we were starting from scratch, we would’ve done it differently.” Well, we have that chance.

‘COMMAND AND CONTROL’

What does Rob Roper think of the power that state government has exercised during the coronavirus outbreak?

“It sucks, and you can put that quote in there,” he said. “It’s a command and control economy.”

Roper, president of the conservative Ethan Allen Institute and a former chair of the Vermont Republican Party, has long sought a more limited government. The 51-year-old Stowe resident sees the pandemic-induced economic crisis as confirmation of his worst fears.

“It’s been devastating,” he said. “This is shattering the foundation of what was already a crumbling economic foundation to begin with.”

What can we do about it?

This is where my optimism is: It’s forcing our state government to figure out how to reform a system that was in desperate need of reform, but there was no political will to do it. So I think it’s an opportunity for a reset. This response really calls for a much more free-market approach.

think about our migrant communities, who are incredibly fearful because our president is shutting down avenues of support for immigrants and migrants,” she said.

“There’s a saying that when the U.S. sneezes, people of color get the flu.”

What can leaders in Vermont do to address these racial disparities?

Policy makers need to recognize that it is the marginalized people who are the litmus test for whether or not what they’re doing is working. So it’s smarter for them to include marginalized populations from the get-go, because how well you do is based on how well your most disenfranchised people are faring.

What opportunities can we find in this crisis?

My hope is that the people who have been kind of beaten down the most — the essential workers who’ve been barely making enough working 40 hours a week — that they say, “We’ve had enough,” and that those of us who are salaried support them. Because they’re the ones keeping us going: the migrant workers who are doing all the jobs that we wouldn’t do even when there wasn’t a crisis. That they’re getting their due.

To be clear, do you think the state should not have imposed the restrictions it did?

I don’t have a medical background, and I’m not going to play doctor and say you shouldn’t have done this. I pray to God they made the right decision, but I won’t question it.

Are there institutions we must save? Ones we can let go of?

If you have a shrinking tax base and larger obligations, something’s gotta give. I would hope we can find a more streamlined way to deliver K-12 education, given all the online learning going on.

I think a lot of the stuff we’ve been spending on, like electric vehicle subsidies and charging stations, are probably not going to be a top priority for a lot of Vermonters when we get to the end of this.

What’s your biggest fear?

You’re gonna get a lot of special interest groups that say, “We’re too big to fail” or “Our issue is too important,” and they’re gonna put a lot of pressure on legislators to raise taxes to fill those buckets. And the attempt to do so is going to really send us into a tailspin.

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I think being forced into using the videoconferencing modality to do more video arraignments will keep diminishing the amount of sheriffs’ time transporting defendants and allowing for greater reassurance that it does work that way and it’s not harming anybody’s due process rights.

Other than that, I don’t see the judiciary changing much at all.

COURT-ZOOM

When Marilyn Skoglund retired from the Vermont Supreme Court last year, she was hoping to take up bartending. But with her local watering holes mostly dry, the 73-year-old juris emerita has instead been “putzing around” her Montpelier home, where a daughter and son-in-law have sought refuge from Boston.

“Oddly enough, it’s hard to tell there’s anything different in my life. I isolate a lot. I’m home sewing masks for my friends,” she said. “And, meanwhile, I’m practicing making my son-in-law and myself a vodka tonic.”

This pandemic has prompted some major short-term changes to the judiciary in Vermont. What long-term changes do you foresee?

Do you think it should?

You’re still going to need jurors to test the witness on the stand. Zoom is never going to replace live testimony.

What’s your biggest fear coming out of this?

What I fear is that we’re going to become more and more angry with one another and more and more hateful. I think there will be more protests and viciousness. It’s going to get worse before it gets better and people come together.

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pants down, so to speak, because we couldn’t get it just-in-time when everyone else was trying to get it just-in-time.”

Chen, 67, hopes industry leaders learn from their mistakes and fix what’s broken, including a fee-for-service revenue model that has left hospitals in dire financial straits because they haven’t been able to perform moneymaking procedures.

His biggest fear? “That we’ll just go right back to the way things were,” Chen said, “and that we won’t take time to digest what we’ve been through and what needs to be different.”

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Do you think this will accelerate the trend of consolidation in the health care system or arrest it?

I think that needs to be part of the discussion. On the one hand, on a regular, everyday basis in Vermont, we probably have more hospital capacity than we need.

At the same time, we probably didn’t have enough capacity for a crisis like this. So we have to be careful.

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The whole concept of going to work sick is totally different now.

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Vermont’s medical providers have acquitted themselves well during the coronavirus crisis, according to Dr. Harry Chen, but the pandemic has exposed glaring failures in the broader health care system.

Case in point: the dearth of personal protective equipment at hospitals around the country as the outbreak raged. “We’ve tried to make health care so lean and justin-time,” said Chen, a former state health commissioner and emergency room doctor who lives in Burlington. “We got caught with our

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What opportunities are there for post-pandemic Vermont?

The whole concept of going to work sick is totally different now. It should be.

Frankly, I’m as guilty as anyone. You get sick and you go to work, and you plow through it just because that was your job. But now it’s part of the collective responsibility to not go to work sick.

At the same time, we have to create the conditions — that’s what public health does — in which people can take time off without losing their jobs, much less their incomes.

What keeps you up at night?

I worry about the effects of all this on mental health, whether it be anxiety or the physical contact we’re trying to avoid.

In medicine, we talk a lot about therapeutic touching — sitting down next to a patient and laying down your hands. In the COVID era, now we do it through an impermeable divider with an iPad. So we have to figure out how to get back to some of that — obviously, in a measured pace — because that’s part of the human connection we all need.

Alan Newman doesn’t expect Vermont to be back in business anytime soon.

“I know our idiot president is trying to open the economy to win the election, but I think that’s going to backfire,” he said. “I’m not a fan of Phil Scott. I find him overly conservative. But at times like this, conservative isn’t a bad strategy, and I think he’s made the right moves.”

25 or 30 years ago that stuck with me, and I found it to be true, always. They asked him how he could predict the future. He said, “Well, I don’t. There are patterns, and I just follow them.” One of the patterns he talked about was bigger, bigger, bigger, bigger, smaller. Everything starts to grow, and at some point it reaches maximum size and it explodes into a bunch of small pieces again.

I think we’re now seeing the retraction of the big-box stores and a return to the small specialty stores. And I think we’re seeing more and more people moving online.

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I think that, long term, there could be some real positives coming out of this.

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Newman, a 73-year-old Burlington resident, knows a thing or two about how businesses work. He helped create three of Vermont’s most enduring brands: Seventh Generation, Gardener’s Supply and Magic Hat Brewing.

“It’s going to be a slow opening,” he predicted.

“Regardless of what politicians say, I think consumers are going to be the ones who drive the speed at which we open up, and I think they’re wary.”

What have we learned?

The pandemic has really demonstrated a number of things. No. 1, it’s demonstrated we really are a global society. This concept that we’re small, little nations unto ourselves, that’s just garbage.

From a purely practical standpoint, I think what we’ve learned is, we’ve gotta deliver reasonably rapid internet to rural areas.

If you were starting a business post-pandemic, what would you be looking at?

Something with very low overhead so that, going forward, it could remain as flexible as possible.

What needs to change?

What the pandemic has done economically is, it’s — medically, economically, I think any way you look at it — it’s been Darwinian. It’s attacked the weakest. Some weeding is going on.

While we’ve been talking about online education for years, and while I’ve seen a million pitches for a better online education system, what the pandemic is doing is,

Do you think people’s buying patterns will change in the long term because of this?

You know Buckminster Fuller? He had this line I heard

INN DISTRESS

Near the top of Liz Bankowski’s list of things to worry about is the fate of Vermont’s smallest towns.

“We tend to see things through the lens of Chittenden County,” the 72-year-old Brattleboro resident said. “The rest of Vermont isn’t that way.”

Bankowski, who served as chief of staff to former governor Madeleine Kunin, was president and CEO of the Windham Foundation until last month. The nonprofit’s mission is to preserve the rustic character of the tiny town of Grafton.

It also operates Grafton Village Cheese and the Grafton Inn. When the pandemic struck, Bankowski said, “It felt like I was looking into an abyss. You are almost paralyzed. How do you even begin to think about what

happens after this? Then you say to yourself, You only need to get through this day, this week, this month.”

T h e f o u n d a t i o n ’s businesses are surviving — for now. But Bankowski wonders when the state’s tourism economy will rebound and the Grafton Inn will again be fully booked.

“We really rely on weddings and gatherings and board meetings. That’s our economic engine. It’s not clear that they’re coming back anytime this year,” she said. “If it’s a long time before we can hold those events, we will not survive.”

How long do you think it will be before people feel comfortable traveling to Vermont?

it’s driving an upgrade to the education system. The same thing for medical. Why is it we need to go into a doctor’s office for 80 percent of our health needs?

So I think that, long term, there could be some real positives coming out of this, whether it be wiping out the unhealthiest costs of the medical system or whether it’s wiping out the unhealthiest costs of the educational system.

Anecdotally, you get the feeling that people want to get out of their cities, and they want to come to Vermont. We’re relatively small entities in Vermont.

We don’t need hundreds of people. We just need the loyal ones to come back.

The question is, how long until we can start renting rooms again?

How is Brattleboro faring?

Every time I drive up Main Street, I wonder what won’t be there. All those signs that say “closed” — how many of them will remain up?

The margins are thin. The coffee shop and the sandwich shop and the food store — their margins are thin, and they’ve had no income now for a number of months, so I think they’re all in peril.

Any reasons for optimism?

If we have to live through this, I think we’re all feeling, Well, I’m glad we lived through it here.

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STRESS TEST

As executive director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Ellen Kahler has spent years challenging people to think more deeply about the state’s food and energy systems. Now, the coronavirus crisis is forcing just such a conversation.

“I think it presents an opportunity to rethink what we really want out of a restart,” said Kahler, 53, of Starksboro.

How do you think the coronavirus will change Vermont in the long term?

The mid- and longer-term opportunity that we’ve been presented with through this pandemic related to our economy is to refocus on shortening supply chains for essential products that we all use every day, like food. That also includes things like energy sources — for instance, wood chips, wood pellets, firewood, solar and community-scale wind. You’re keeping those most important components of

How do we address that?

We need to be investing in increasing our processing capacity and warehousing and distribution. It’s not enough to just produce it. You have to move it. You have to store it. In some cases, you’re freezing it or lightly processing it.

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Vermonters have never embraced change, according to FreshTracks Capital cofounder Cairn Cross.

“There’s this general, collective interest in things remaining the same — and the ‘same’ being pegged to, I don’t know, the 1940s,” he said.

But the coronavirus crisis will force the state to adapt, the 61-year-old Ferrisburgh resident believes, and to address systemic challenges.

“You know that saying where, by the fourth generation, all the wealth is gone?” Cross said. “That’s like Vermont. We’re a couple generations from the 1940s or whatever [was] the high-water mark of what we think Vermont should be, and we’ve squandered our resources. But yet we’ve wanted to keep up appearances, so we’ve continued to underfund the pensions and the state colleges. We’ve done all these things and kept going rather than making those really difficult choices.”

What exactly needs to change?

What we really need at the leadership level is to all agree on 20 big problems the state faces, and then we get rational and say, “We can’t solve 15 of these, but here are five we can solve.”

The other stuff we will simply let go.

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COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Social distancing doesn’t come naturally to Monique Priestley.

The 34-year-old web developer has spent years trying to bring neighbors together in her Upper Valley town of Bradford. Central to that effort has been the Space on Main, the coworking venue she founded two years ago in a shuttered five-and-dime store.

“Community is what we’ve really needed,” she said. “That piece of it is still important — maybe more important right now.”

With the Space on Main mostly closed to comply with Vermont’s stay-at-home order, Priestley has been finding other ways to connect. A new group she helps lead, Bradford Resilience, is engaged in what she calls “grassroots emergency response.” Volunteers have been picking up groceries and prescriptions for their neighbors, writing thank-you notes to first responders, sewing masks, and even gathering trash around town.

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Priestley said she doesn’t know what the future holds for the Space on Main, but she hopes that community members will stay engaged once the pandemic passes.

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what we need every day produced more locally and keeping those dollars circulating in our economy.

When you have longer supply chains, it actually makes us more vulnerable.

This pandemic is kind of a test case of our capacity. How do you think our food systems are faring?

After [Tropical Storm] Irene, we had communities cut off for weeks, but we found ways to get food supplies into those communities.

We have not until now been tested with longer-term, widerspread emergencies, which could happen with back-toback hurricanes coming up the East Coast, for instance, or massive rain events that wipe out entire crops in the state. And those things can still happen.

There has not been an emergency feeding plan for this kind of widespread lack of food so many Vermonters are experiencing right now with this particular type of pandemic.

How do you think it will affect small towns like Bradford?

For the last decade, volunteerism has been dying. But as soon as we put out a request saying, “Your neighbor needs your help,” 86 people signed up. I’m hoping people will keep paying more attention to their neighbors and the needs of their communities.

What opportunities do you see for rural Vermont?

Vermont has so many small businesses, entrepreneurs in the woods. And each town, because of this, has been trying to create business directories to support them. I’ve heard over and over, “I had no idea we had that many businesses in town.” So I think there’s a huge opportunity to be a little more aware of the people in your community.

‘SAD STORIES’

How can restaurants safely operate in the coming months?

Corona’s not going away. This is something we’re going to live with for a long time. As individuals, we need to take into account what level of risk we’re comfortable with. And, for me as a restaurant owner, I would like for the doors to be open and for signage to say things like, “Please be respectful of everyone’s space. Here are all the things we’re doing to make as clean an environment as possible.”

Two months ago, chef-owner Eric Warnstedt and his business partner, Will McNeil, employed 170 people at their four restaurants: Hen of the Wood locations in Waterbury and Burlington, Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, and Doc Ponds in Stowe. Now, just two employees remain on the payroll. They help the owners handle takeout nights, which rotate among the restaurants.

“It’s crazy,” said Warnstedt, 44, of Waterbury Center.

The restaurant group applied for and received funding through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. But the low-interest loans are forgivable only for

How will your business change when it does reopen?

We’ll probably have more limited offerings.

We’re going to really refocus on our farmer relations, our brewer relations. If we used Untitled-3 1

E R I C WA RNST ED T

businesses that hire back most of their employees — an impractical solution for restaurants that must remain closed.

So Warnstedt is desperately hoping for government assistance better tailored to the industry. Without it, he warns, many restaurants will reopen, but most of those could close again within months.

“We think we’re going to see some really sad stories come up,” he said.

In your ideal world, what kind of support would the state provide?

We really need six to eight months of some fixed-cost coverage just to keep the doors open, the lights on, to get through this.

If a restaurant is open for a month, and it’s only allowed to seat outdoors with sixfeet spacing for tables, there’s literally no way that you can pay rent, pay your staff.

So, if we are going to take this phased approach [to reopening the economy], which we support, there’s no way to do it and be financially viable.

W��� T���� A�� C����������, V��������� T��� �� �� O�� F�����!

MATTHEW THORSEN

Corona’s not going away.

This is something we’re going to live with for a long time.

5/11/20 11:54 AM

to have 24 taps and 12 were from Vermont, when we reopen we’ll have 12, and all 12 will be from Vermont.

Is that for philosophical or practical reasons?

It’s a combination. It gets us back to why we’re doing this. And if we’re only gonna do a third of the business, there’s no need for as many options.

We can make it worth your while without 24 beer options.

Do you see any silver lining?

I can’t say I really do. I do think this period of time has been beneficial for a lot of us if we can get out of our own heads and reconnect with our homes, our families.

But the overwhelming fear of my business failing, my friends’ businesses failing, sort of overrides the goodness.

So do I see a silver lining from corona?

I don’t think I do.

Contact: paul@sevendaysvt.com

We have been listening to WDEV for as long as we can remember, and we wanted to say thank you for always being there and putting on a great show that is informative and entertaining. We listen every day, and always have the radio going in the car and at home. We rely on you to keep us up to speed on the news, and for companionship as well. We love listening to the great music, especially when it comes with an interesting anecdote or fact, as it helps us learn more about our favorite artists. We also love the careful attention and commitment you give to local and international news coverage. It's so comforting to hear a familiar friendly voice talk about issues that matter to us. Your passion never wavers, and it's clear to all who listen that you truly care about the great service you are providing our community. We remember Tropical Storm Irene, and cannot thank you enough for all you did for us then, and continue to do for us now. During these times of great uncertainty, one thing is never in doubt, and that is our local WDEV family always being there for us. We're here for you too.

We're listening, and we love you.

Thank You, Evelyn & Zach

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39

T

wo months ago, as the coronavirus pandemic started affecting daily life, therapist Bradie Hansen said she became aware of a growing sense of shared stress and anxiety, something she hadn’t felt since the terrorist attacks on 9/11. ”Especially in the beginning weeks of social distancing/quarantining,” she said, ”it felt like every day there was a new bit of information to take in, make sense of, assimilate and adjust to.”

Hansen, whose office is in Burlington, had to get used to working from home in Shelburne alongside her husband — who was also working from home — and their two children, ages 9 and 12. She had to manage herself and her own anxiety, parent effectively, and serve her clients.

A Star Wars fan, Hansen likened the process of managing her own emotions to “Jedi training.” She imagined herself as Luke Skywalker on Dagobah during the Empire Strikes Back, levitating rocks with his mind while doing a one-hand handstand, Jedi Master Yoda perched atop one of his upturned feet. In the movie, Luke maintains that position for just a moment before everything comes crashing down, but Hansen really needed to stay balanced.

So she was excited to hear about a new free web series from the Vermont Center for Family Studies called “Stuck Together-Stuck Apart: Family Success During Quarantine.”

Launched in April, the series consists of hourlong Zoom sessions that include a lesson from the center’s faculty or an outside researcher, as well as an opportunity for short breakout discussions and a Q&A. The webinars began as a tool to help therapists and others in “helping professions,” said center director Erik Thompson. But they’re also open to clients and family members, some of whom have attended multiple sessions. Topics such as “Quarantine Parenting” and “Couples in Quarantine” appeal to a wider audience.

Hansen likened the free webinars to “a personal tune-up,” an opportunity to refocus herself and hear smart people grapple with the intense 40

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Me Time A free webinar series provides a “personal tune-up” during the pandemic challenges we’re all facing right now.

“Talking about all of this normalizes the amount of anxiety that people are feeling,” she said.

The presenters often discuss how they apply the material to their own families — or how they struggle with that. Hansen appreciates their candor.

The sessions, she said, are “just super relatable.”

‘MORE HELPFUL THAN ANYTHING ELSE’ The webinars, like all of the Vermont Center for Family Studies programming, are grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory, developed by psychiatrist Murray Bowen (19131990). At its core, this approach is a way of thinking about how families and groups of people function.

The Vermont center is part of a

national network of similar organizations devoted to studying and teaching Bowen’s theory. Founder Ann Bunting received degrees from Harvard University and the University of Maryland before studying with Bowen at the Georgetown University Family Center. Bunting moved to Vermont in 1985 and began running conferences and seminars about Bowen’s work in 1989. She brought together a group of her students to found the nonprofit center in 1997.

Thompson, the center’s current volunteer director, is a leadership psychologist who traces his involvement back to Bunting. She changed his life. “I wouldn’t have this whole career without her,” he said.

Years ago, Thompson was having marital problems. “I was kind of on my knees,” he confessed. A trained

psychologist, he was using all of his skills to improve his marriage, “and everything I learned was making it worse.”

Bunting introduced him to Bowen Family Systems Theory, which treats the family or the group of people as the client, rather than just the individual. “It was more helpful than anything else I’d ever encountered,” Thompson said. The big insight: He had to better understand the role he was playing in the things he wished would change.

“There’s a famous story about Ann Bunting,” he said. One day, she was approached by an adult woman who complained bitterly about her mother and their toxic relationship. Bunting asked the woman, “How would you rate yourself as a daughter?” In other words, each individual plays a role in a family dynamic.

Bowen theory encompasses eight concepts, such as Differentiation of Self, Triangles and Nuclear Family Emotional Process, as well as some background “assumptions. The latter include Chronic Anxiety, Basic Life Forces and Family as an Emotional Unit. All of these are detailed on the Vermont Center for Family Studies website.

If that makes your eyes glaze over, don’t start there; try watching one of the webinars instead. They’re all available for free on the center’s YouTube channel. The useful and timely lessons might help you think differently about the dynamics in your own currently overcrowded household.

‘I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY’ For example, the “Couples in Quarantine” session on May 7 started out by pushing back on the advice contained in an April New York Times article, “How to Get Your Partner to Take On More Emotional Labor.” The article advises that the first step in this process is to talk about it.

But just “throwing talking at the problem” isn’t enough, said presenter Sarah Davis, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a center faculty member. Often, she said, one partner in a relationship says to the other: “I really want to do this differently. We just had an argument. Let’s prevent

P R O D U C E D B Y 7 D B R A N D S T U D I O — P A I D F O R B Y P O M E R L E A U R E A L E S TAT E

hourlong sessions help her consider her own responsibility in the couple relationship and “how to keep going on a smooth path.”

‘ACCESS TO A SENSE OF AGENCY’

A group of Vermont Center for Family Studies faculty and trainees during a training program meeting

MORE INFO Learn more about the Vermont Center for Family Studies and its free webinar series at vermontcenterforfamily studies.org. Sessions take place on Zoom Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Preregistration is required; email vcfsoffice@gmail.com.

this from happening next time — and here’s what I think you might do better. That’s essentially what we’re often saying, right?”

Davis recommends a different approach, starting with owning the role you play in the problem. Her second slide explains some tips for “effective processing”: “I take responsibility for my part in this. I am responsible for myself and how I feel.

I can tolerate my discomfort without blaming you for it. I am responsible for calming myself down.”

Reminders like these are helpful to Hadley Abernathy, director of children, youth and families at the Charlotte Congregational Church.

Abernathy has been involved with the center since 2004 — in fact, Ann Bunting is her mother-in-law. Her family connection notwithstanding, Abernathy has found the center’s programming useful and has appreciated the prompts to focus on herself.

After all these years, Abernathy said, she still needs a reminder that, to get a difficult situation under control, “the most powerful thing is to manage self — and it’s really hard.”

She and her husband are both working at home in South Burlington accompanied by their three children, ages 6, 10 and 13. Abernathy said the

webinars make her feel optimistic: “I can get through all of the frustrations if I can just manage myself,” she said.

She also pointed out that, for her, the sessions are a time “to reflect and calm down a little bit. It’s like prayer or anything else,” she said. “It’s just an hour of being exposed to the deep wisdom they have at the center.”

Another attendee, Sue Wiles, no longer has kids at home, but she has also found the webinars useful. “To me, they bring a sense of calmness to this wild time,” she said. “It sort of gives me a different road map of how I should be driving at this time.”

Wiles is not a therapist — she’s the center’s bookkeeper and assists with organizing conferences. But she’s equally invested in Bowen Theory.

Like Thompson, she traces her involvement back to Bunting.

Years ago, when Wiles and her husband had teenagers at home, they were looking for someone to help them navigate some family issues. Two different people in her life, unknown to each other, recommended that Wiles see Bunting. She followed up on the suggestion, which turned out to be a good one.

Now that their kids are adults, she and her husband are quarantined together, just the two of them. The

In addition to the free webinars, the Vermont Center for Family Studies hosts regular conferences on Bowen Theory. The next one, “Perspectives on Family Theory and Psychotherapy,” takes place on the morning of June 5. Like the webinars, it will be conducted virtually, though it will require an attendance fee.

The short presentations cover a variety of topics and provide a primer on Bowen Theory. This year they include: “What Is Bowen Theory?”

“Depression, Neuro-Inflammation and Bowen Theory” and “Perspectives on Rewiring the Anxious Brain From Bowen Theory and Neuroscience.”

By the beginning of June, Vermonters could be stuck in the house a little less. Regardless, the free weekly webinars will continue.

This Thursday, May 14, the presenter is Dr. Laurie Lassiter, a researcher from Amherst, Mass., who will speak about the neuro-physiology of connection. Thompson described the talk as “more geeky” than some of the others. It will delve into a study that used fMRIs (functional magnetic resonance imaging) to identify regions of the brain that activate when a research subject feels lonely.

If nothing else, said therapist Bradie Hansen, the session will be a chance to allow yourself space and time to think about the relationships you have with the others in your household and how you might be affecting them.

The Bowen Theory perspective “gives people access to a sense of agency,” she said. There are things you can do to improve your situation.

In these uncertain times, that’s a powerful message. 

THIS ARTICLE WAS COMMISSIONED AND PAID FOR BY:

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

41

Turning a Page

With curbside pickup now allowed, Vermont libraries sort out their next steps S TO RY & PHOT O BY MARGARET GRAYSON

W

hen the Platt Memorial Library in Shoreham closed its doors due to the novel coronavirus on March 18, librarian Abby Adams knew she wanted to keep Shoreham’s 1,250 residents stocked up with books. How? By delivering them directly.

“Library services were really important to encouraging people to stay home,” Adams said. “If we could bring stuff to people, they would be entertained and educated, and they wouldn’t feel as trapped at home.”

Within a week of the library’s physical closure, Adams was taking phone requests from patrons, then loading books and other materials into her car and doing delivery duty around town. She said she felt a little funny at first, dropping packages on people’s porches and scurrying away. But “people are so grateful and so positive,” she said.

For Vermont’s larger libraries, some with thousands of patrons, delivery services are too tall an order. Gov. Phil Scott’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, banning nonessential trips around town, effectively made their physical books inaccessible.

That changed on April 24, when the governor’s office permitted libraries to open for curbside pickup. While the Vermont Department of Libraries quickly issued guidelines for such service, decisions about reopening happen at the local level. As a result, library accessibility still varies dramatically from town to town.

At the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, the staff was “raring to go,” codirector Carolyn Brennan said. “We were originally aiming for the middle of May, but we were basically champing at the bit.”

Brennan worked through the weekend to make sure the librarians were trained and the building was set up for social distancing, both for staff and patrons coming to pick up library materials.

“We had to figure out how to set up an outdoor space that was handicap accessible. I had to go up to Dick’s Sporting Goods and buy a tent,” Brennan said. “We had to make sure that we have enough cleaning supplies.”

The library reopened for pickup on April 29. In the first two days, Brennan said, the Kellogg-Hubbard lent out 300 books and took in just as many returns. The library saw about 75 patrons a day, a little 42

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

CULTURE less than half of its daily visitation in nonpandemic times. Patrons placed requests online, via email or over the phone, and librarians usually had the materials ready for pickup within 24 hours.

“From a staff end, it’s very labor-intensive,” Brennan said.

Curbside pickup isn’t feasible for every library, at least not at this stage. Dana Hart, director of the Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury, wrote in an email to Seven Days that she and the library board decided not to offer curbside pickup for now, though she hopes to get that service up and running by June.

Hart said she was concerned for her staff’s health and safety. In her view, Ilsley lacks the staffing necessary to disinfect every item that enters the library. Physical space is also a problem. Ilsley covers 14,700 square feet, roughly a third the size of Burlington’s Fletcher Free Library, and Hart wrote that she “was concerned that our physical building could not provide the space necessary for safe social distancing during the ‘pickup’ times … Nor do we

Abby Adams

THE LATEST RESEARCH SUGGESTS

BOOKS PROBABLY DON’T NEED A NINE-DAY QUARANTINE.

have the space required to isolate that many materials for a period long enough to ensure the virus could not be living on the materials.”

Disinfection is a major concern for every library. When Adams of Platt Memorial started doing her deliveries in Shoreham, there were no libraryspecific guidelines to tell her how long the virus could live on books. She did her own research, reading scholarly articles about the survival of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses on different surfaces, and concluded that she should keep a book out of circulation for nine days to ensure

that it would be safe for the next user. Or coronavirus-free, anyway. You still don’t want to eat your dinner off the latest James Patterson novel.

“Library books are not sanitary items,” Adams said with a laugh. “They’re borrowed by everybody. They’re filthy.”

The latest research suggests books probably don’t need a nine-day quarantine, after all. In a training webinar from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, experts said 24 hours would most likely suffice.

“For all that [books are] grubby and they change hands a lot, they’re not actually great vectors for contagion of any kind,” Brennan said. At Kellogg-Hubbard, books are quarantined for 72 hours between readers.

At the Fletcher Free Library, curbside pickup reopened on May 6. (The library had previously offered pickup services for a few days in March before the stay-at-home order went into effect.)

Director Mary Danko said the Fletcher isn’t accepting returns yet, however; all

checked-out materials automatically renew indefinitely.

Like many other libraries, the Fletcher Free used the interval of the stay-at-home order to amp up its online offerings and promote its virtual materials, such as ebooks and the movie-streaming service Kanopy. Librarians became de facto tech support for many Burlington residents who are struggling to adapt to the virtual world. Danko said librarians have coached people via online chat and email, and even over the phone.

Even as libraries are encouraging patrons to look forward, they’re also reminding them to look backward. In an article on the Kellogg-Hubbard website, codirector Jessie Lynn and librarian Diane Grenkow wrote about two previous occasions when Vermont libraries adapted to a pandemic that temporarily closed their doors.

During the flu outbreak of 1918, the Kellogg-Hubbard became a volunteer outpost and temporary nursery for children whose parents were sick or dead.

The librarian at the time, Evelyn Lease, summed up the experience in the minutes of a 1919 meeting: “All this goes to prove that the library, like other live institutions, has been called to unaccustomed duties, emphasized new values, and attained a broader horizon as a result.”

A year before the 1918 flu, Montpelier faced a polio outbreak that closed the library for a few months. All of the books that had been lent to households infected with polio were burned upon their return to the library.

“They knew that it was contagious, but they didn’t have the same understanding of how that works,” Brennan said. She and other local librarians are grateful that, in the 21st century, they don’t have to use such drastic methods to ensure patrons’ safety.

In Shoreham, 36 households have signed up so far for book deliveries from Platt Memorial. “We’re not a large library,” librarian Adams said. “It is one of the advantages of having a small operation, that we can do something like this.”

She and her patrons are even finding an upside to the situation. “We’re getting a lot of people who want us to pick out books for them, and that’s really exciting,” Adams said. “That part of it is kind of fun. I’ve gotten some feedback from families that it feels sort of like having a personal librarian.” m Contact: margaret@sevendaysvt.com

When Life Was Simpler...

...and The Music Was Better!

THE ONE FOR MORE MUSIC!

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INFO Learn more at plattlib.org, kellogghubbard.org, ilsleypubliclibrary.org and fletcherfree.org.

Untitled-21 1

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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Flu Seasoned

A central Vermont centenarian recalls that other global pandemic B Y CH E L SEA ED GAR

O

CULTURE

COURTESY OF JAMES VALASTRO

n a warm Sunday afternoon in early May, I found myself shouting at a 109-year-old woman from a folding chair on her lawn in Waterbury Center. To sum up the experience in the manner of a haiku: Social distancing / loud, erratic gusts of wind / quite hard of hearing.

But Florilla Ames, seated like a queen in a wooden chair on her porch, wearing a cornflower blue sweater and the kind of pants that would correctly be called slacks, didn’t seem the least bit perturbed. When your frame of reference encompasses 19 presidents, one Great Depression, two World Wars and two global pandemics, it probably takes more than a bellowing journalist with a thimbleful of life experience to get under your skin.

For the past 50 years, Ames has lived in the shingled house on Barnes Hill Road where, more than a century ago, she and her family weathered the 1918 influenza outbreak. She was 6 years old when her parents bought the land, a 138-acre parcel overlooking Mount Mansfield to the northwest. When Ames was growing up, the property was a working farm, with 40 dairy cows, chickens, geese and the occasional pig.

“Back then, you didn’t go to a grocery store,” she said, her dandelion-fuzzcolored hair blowing across her glasses.

“You got what you needed out of the ground, or from your own constitution.”

Ames, the second of three children, was born on March 17, 1911, to Ida and Arthur Perkins, in Arthur’s mother’s house in Montpelier. Not long after the family moved to Waterbury Center, in the fall of 1918, the influenza pandemic arrived in Vermont. On October 4, state health officials ordered the closure of schools and banned all public gatherings. By then, the flu was already ravaging entire communities; rural telephone lines went silent, their operators incapacitated by illness.

Barre, one of the hardest-hit towns in the state, reported 2,000 cases at the end of the first week of October; St. Johnsbury recorded nearly 850, according to Vermont historian and writer Mark Bushnell. Ames believes that her older brother, Ernest, then age 11, brought the virus back with him after visiting their grandmother in Montpelier, where more than 500 people had come down with the flu.

The whole family fell ill in quick

Florilla Ames

succession. Ames and her 4-year-old know what it was, but she thought the brother, George, suffered a mild bout color was beautiful. and rebounded within a week; their Ames doesn’t recall being afraid — at parents, stricken in unison, were slower 7, she said, she wasn’t quite old enough to to recover. grasp the situation. But she does rememOne of the idiosyncrasies of the 1918 ber fetching things and dusting at the pandemic, still not fully understood by behest of her mother, who, as Ames put epidemiologists, was its deadly impact on it, “ran the house from flat in bed.” In the young adults: Accordmidst of a pandemic ing to the Centers for that had shut down the Disease Control and world, there was still Prevention, mortality no respite from dustrates peaked among ing — though, Ames people between the confessed, she never ages of 20 and 40. saw much point until Hundreds of thoushe could write her name in it. sands of children lost one or both of their While her parents F L O R IL L A AME S parents; in New York were confined to their City alone, some 31,000 room, a man who lived children were orphaned in just two and a down the road came to their house every half months. day to take care of the farm chores, feed Even now, said Ames, she can picture the woodstove, and look after Ames and her sick mother and father, lying in bed. her brothers. As Ames recalls, his last A doctor from Waterbury came to their name was Houston — she can’t remember house and brought medicine bottles filled his first name — but she can summon a with a dark emerald liquid; she didn’t vivid image of him warming his feet in the

I’M TERRIBLY SORRY THAT WE WEREN’T MORE READY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS.

WE FORGOT, I GUESS.

oven after working outside. Miraculously, she said, he never caught the flu.

Under Houston’s watch, her diet consisted exclusively of her mother’s canned tomatoes on toast: “With a man and no grocery store, that was about all we could get,” she said. Spartan foodstuffs notwithstanding, Ames believes that Houston’s help — and the vitamins in the canned tomatoes — pulled her family through the pandemic.

Scores of others weren’t so lucky: In one of the neighboring houses, said Ames, a mother, father and child all died within days of each other. By the end of 1918, the State Board of Health had registered 43,735 cases and 1,772 deaths.

From Ames’ point of view, the human response to the threat of a new pathogen hasn’t changed much over the last century: “Like last time, people are either doing what they can to help, or to help themselves, and other people are just not paying any attention to it. And that’s what scares me,” she said. “I’m terribly sorry that we weren’t more ready for something like this.

We forgot, I guess.”

Of course, very few among us have such long memories. Ames has outlived her brothers by more than half a century; both died young of heart attacks. For 70 years, she was married to Darrel Ames, who died in 2008. The couple met at an ice skating rink in Derby Line, where Florilla worked as a teacher. They married in 1938 and moved to Springfield, Mass., for Darrel’s job with the Eastern States Farmers Exchange, which later became Agway. When Darrel retired in 1976, the two returned to Florilla’s childhood home. They rode snowmobiles together well into their nineties.

These days, Ames keeps a simple routine. She wakes up at about 8 a.m. in her second-floor bedroom, where she sleeps “against everyone’s advice to come down.” (“I’ll come down when I’m ready,” she explained.) She listens to audiobooks and her local radio station, WDEV, on very high volume. Her live-in home health aide, who has been with her since December, takes her vitals.

“I’d been in the hospital quite a bit since last July, but I’ve been trying to get better ever since then,” said Ames. “I was beginning to get discouraged, at 109.” She flashed the teensiest of smirks. “But now, I think, I’m finally accomplishing it.” m Contact: chelsea@sevendaysvt.com SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

45

Rooted in Community

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46

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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DOL Desire Unemployed and unrequited: a love story B Y J E S SE PUT NAM

“IMPORTANT” and “REQUIRED” stamped above, overwhelming the lesser letters. Despite the chaos, I could make out a series of questions with just enough blank space to fit my answers.

I told them all about me: age, job history, my preference to remain fed and housed. They took it all in but didn’t offer much in return — the quiet, questioning type. I was taken aback when they brazenly asked for my Social Security number, but then I remembered financial information is always safe on the internet. I was fully forthcoming. Not a time to be coy, I thought, wanting to see where this digital flirtation would lead.

When I was done detailing my life story, they abruptly announced they were finished. And then they crashed.

Literally, the site crashed. This pattern felt sadly familiar, and I wondered if

they’d remember me in the morning. My concern was quieted when I got an email thanking me for my “application,” a term I found curiously seductive. The email said they’d be in touch, but the message was vague, almost cryptic.

I analyzed every word. Why a confirmation number? Were they seeing other people? They were clear about one thing only: They weren’t ready to make a commitment. Still, my heart fluttered as my stomach growled. This might be the one to feed me!

Two days later I got a letter from the Vermont Department of Labor. I was relieved to know they had survived the crash. The letter was just one page — a printout of what I had reported on

ESSAY

the portal. They still weren’t offering anything of themselves, no hint as to their interest or availability. Yet something drew my eye: a strange symbol set smack at the center of the page. It looked to be in the shape of a heart. It was so prominent, I was certain they were trying to send me a message.

My own heart raced. Was this a signal of future comfort and care? I couldn’t be sure, because the letter was blurry, like a dot-matrix printer had printed it during an earthquake. I lingered on the visual long enough to feel ill, and retreated to my bed.

The next day I got the exact same letter, minus the earthquake font. It was sweet they reconnected so quickly, and I felt confident I was being pursued. Then my new confidence took a hit: I could see that what I naively thought was a heart in the middle of the page was actually a big zero. Three of them, actually, with a dollar sign: $0.00. This didn’t seem encouraging. Still, I was intrigued by the candor of their reductionist valuation of me. I decided to google them.

The first thing that popped up was a site that claimed to be related to Vermont DOL, but it was slick, clean and cheery — no indication of the organizational trauma implied by our initial communications. I looked for more reliable clues: anecdotes, rumor and hearsay from anonymous internet sleuths. The feedback was mixed. Some said DOL gave great benefits and came quickly, which seemed more like an ex-lover’s musing than a reliable review.

Others suggested DOL was a conspiracy DOL DESIRE

» P.48

THOM GLICK

T

his is a basic love story. We’ve all been through it. I want them, they’re ambivalent. I call, they never answer. I play hard to get, they act like I don’t exist. I finally break down and write them 147 emails, they never reply. You know, LOVE! Our story all started when Vermont schools closed and I was laid off my parttime job. My first reaction was mild, considering the more pressing dangers: fever, respiratory failure, loss of essentials like toilet paper and the NBA. Then I glanced at my bank statement, the calendar and my landlord hulking outside my window, and started to worry. Without any income, what would I do?

I felt a sudden need to find someone, anyone who could provide a little support to tide me over until things turned around. Ramen and stolen Netflix weren’t going to get me through the coronavirus crisis.

It was my friend Bob, yapping through my iPhone as I lay facedown on my pillow, who first suggested: “Thought about unemployment?” Hmph. No. I hadn’t. I thought unemployment moved to D.C. and got tweet-fired like everyone else.

Sure, I knew a few people who had been “involved” with unemployment, but it was always just a casual thing — a tryst to tide them over in a time of … wait! That’s just what I need: a tide-me-over tryst!

But did I have the energy for a complex bureaucratic romp?

And was unemployment a safe partner? What if they had a disease?

Or worse, COVID-19!

Nevertheless, I felt inspired by this new prospect. I pushed my pillow aside and sat up to meet the challenge. And like so many soonto-starve lovers, I headed down the mysterious path of risk, intrigue and possibility guided only by the mantra: It’s not a handout; they’re earned benefits.

My first encounter with unemployment happened through a web portal that seemed technologically reminiscent of the 8-track era. The page was sparse, with tiny lettering in sections, like little villages of text with the words

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

47

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DOL Desire « P.47

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by the deep state to vaccinate the unborn. I set that theory aside to be reexamined never. Most complained that they had no way to reach the agency by phone or email, that they hadn’t received any financial support in weeks, or that they were deemed ineligible for being too poor or not working enough. All this negativity from the competition made me feel a rise in my own stock.

Then I noticed the others had received the same mark of inadequacy that I had: three goose eggs.

The pure volume of online feedback told me I wasn’t Vermont DOL’s only squeeze — they were squeezing half the state! I also discovered that DOL had recently changed its name. Sneaky, but I stayed on their trail.

They were now going by the name PUA, which, sounded out, is “poowa” — making the new DOL even more adorable. I also found their phone numbers — they had several and randomly changed them up, probably to keep suitors at bay. I called them all, over and over.

They never answered, but on every call I was met by an alluring computerized voice urging me to call back.

I imagined this was the voice of the ancient web portal if it spoke. I found the consistency in archaic technology reassuring, a sign of authenticity.

I took the invitation to call back as a positive sign and did so — 127 times that afternoon. I reached them on zero calls, but at about 100 it seemed like the computer voice was taking a slight pause before rejecting me, perhaps gasping for air, which inspired me to keep at it.

The next day, I stepped it up to about 200 calls and kept that pace for a week.

It was draining, but I stayed hydrated and rested well at night. By week’s end I had booked more than 1,000 calls — all failed. I realized I hadn’t called anyone so much since I broke up with Comcast.

A month later, I’m still trying to reach DOL, or poowa — whatever they call themselves. When I’m not calling, I go back to our first encounter on the ’70s web portal, mostly for nostalgia — to keep the embers smoldering. When I

enter my login info, I’m usually told I “don’t exist,” which could be a setback for some but I see as a challenge.

When I do get past the intro screen, I’m told my PIN has expired and I need to change it. I then attempt to change my PIN and I’m told, “You already have an active PIN, please call.” Oh, dear DOL — your coy lover’s games do nothing but compel me further.

I’ve been relentlessly trying to discover something about this mysterious agency. I know I’m not the only one out there with poowa on their minds — I hear the masked whispers when I go to the store to buy ramen and search for anything resembling tissue. Still, I’m determined to connect with them, to turn this relationship into something solid and cashable.

I’m not too proud to admit I even emailed their boss — some guy named Scott — but that seemed a little creepy, so I didn’t reply to his “don’t reply” reply. I also reached out, casually, to some contacts in my community, starting modestly with my state representatives. Unlike DOL, these kind folks did respond to my emails, but because they were busy keeping their constituents alive, their relationship advice was limited.

As I write this, I am burdened with existential questions. What if DOL could provide me with things I can’t give myself, like food, heat or a roll of two-ply? If they ever do acknowledge my existence, will I still be available, or living in my parents’ basement? Are they the kind of agency that withholds love, or just taxes? When we finally consummate our relationship, will it be an endless flow of richness or a one-time drive-through deposit?

All I know is, I’m going to be so nervous if I ever make it past that computerized voice and actually am put on hold! I can hardly even imagine it. I’ll bet they play jazz on hold — they seem like the jazz type. Always improvising. m

MY CONCERN WAS QUIETED WHEN I GOT AN EMAIL THANKING ME FOR MY “APPLICATION,”

A TERM I FOUND CURIOUSLY SEDUCTIVE.

Jesse Putnam is a writer living in Brattleboro. Poowa is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: labor.vermont.gov/pua.

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49

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PHOTOS: JAMES BUCK

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Hunger Crisis

Roughly one-third of Vermonters need food assistance during the pandemic B Y SAL LY POL L AK

Vermont National Guard members distributing MREs in South Hero

O

n a dreary Friday morning in early May, a dozen or so members of the Vermont National Guard assembled in a South Hero parking lot to hand out cases of government food. The soldiers relayed the boxes from pallet to car — Volvo wagon, Honda Pilot, Subaru Outback — with underhand tosses. They wished the drivers well as they packed the premade meals in trunks and hatchbacks.

Jeremy Pratt arrived in his gold 2010 Chrysler Town and Country to pick up seven cases of food, one for each member of his Milton family. Pratt lost his job in late December, and the coronavirus pandemic has stymied his search for work. His wife’s medical disability check provides the family income.

“We pay all our bills first, and we make do on whatever we have left,” he said.

“Food and gas, whatever.”

Pratt took home 112 of the 577,000 MREs (meals, ready to eat) the Guard and the Vermont Foodbank have distributed

FOOD LOVER?

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50

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Jeremy and Jennifer Pratt and their five children with cases of MREs

since the pandemic shut down much of the state’s economy in late March.

Demand for MREs was greater than expected — replenishments had to be trucked in to the first site, and dates were

added. But advocates say the virus has exposed the fact that many Vermonters live a paycheck or two away from needing help to feed their families.

“When we have 600 cars showing up

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in Swanton to pick up MREs, which, let’s face it, are not the tastiest meals you can imagine, we have a serious problem in Vermont that is not just because of the last few weeks of COVID-19,” said Anore Horton, executive director of Hunger Free Vermont.

Last year, 150,000 Vermonters sought food from the state’s network of food banks and meal sites, according to John Sayles, CEO of the Vermont Foodbank.

About 40 percent of the people served by the charitable system aren’t eligible for 3SquaresVT, the federal food program that provided benefits to about 39,000 Vermont households before the pandemic struck.

Since the outbreak, the need for food assistance has soared. The Foodbank and its partners are on pace to serve roughly 240,000 Vermonters this year — more than one-third of the state’s population.

“The Foodbank … wasn’t designed to do mass feeding,” Sayles told a Statehouse committee last month. “It wasn’t designed to feed a third, more or less, of the state of

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Vermont … I just don’t think it’s fair to for a family of four — is a “joke,” he said, rely on the food shelves and meal sites to and “vastly understates the precarious pick up slack here.” nature of the economic situation of many Yet mass feeding is precisely what the people.”

Barre-based nonprofit and its community Vermont’s statewide poverty rate is 11 partners are undertaking and poised to percent, according to the U.S. Census. But continue for some time to come. in pockets of the state, including Burling“Since the Foodbank was started [in ton and Barre, a quarter of the population the mid-1980s], this is the most severe lives in poverty. onset of challenges for people in getting “You tell me how a family of four can food that we’ve seen,” Sayles said. “I don’t live on $25,000,” Krymkowski said. see it letting up anytime soon.”

The feds use a more generous stanFood shelves are dard to determine eligiexpecting to see people bility for food benefits, they haven’t served known in Vermont as before — Vermonters 3SquaresVT. A family of who are spending down four can earn up to 185 their money before they percent of the poverty seek charity. “Most level, or a gross income people don’t want to ask of $47,652, and qualify.

J OHN SAYLE S for help until, in effect, But Krymkowski cited a January 2019 report by the they’re desperate,” Sayles said.

To address the immediate crisis, the Vermont Legislative Joint Fiscal Office state and federal governments and char- that put at twice that level the annual itable groups have taken a number of pretax income necessary for a “basic steps. needs budget” for an urban family of four Every Vermonter age 18 and younger in Vermont.

— regardless of family income — has “There’s not a lot of resilience [for been made eligible for free breakfast people] to deal with a crisis like the coroand lunch. Application requirements for navirus,” he said.

3SquaresVT have been relaxed. Schools Pratt, the unemployed Milton dad, are delivering food to bus stops near said that, despite their financial setbacks, students’ homes. Feeding Chittenden, his family is getting by with some help. the hunger-relief nonprofit in BurlingHe has five kids, ages 15 to 7, three of ton, has prepared up to 9,000 meals a whom live with him and his wife, Jenniweek for people living in emergency fer, all the time. Two live with them every housing. It’s providing groceries to 40 other week. percent more customers than before the His wife’s medical disability benepandemic. fit leaves the family below the poverty “We’re supposed to exist to help level, Pratt said, but he called it a “saving bridge that gap [in the safety net],” exec- grace.” The family lives in subsidized utive director Rob Meehan said. “It turns housing. For a while a few years ago, out we are the safety net.” the Pratts received 3SquaresVT. But the benefit kept getting cut, and the burden of filing the paperwork wasn’t worth it, he said.

A wide variety of Vermonters is seeking “It was too much hassle for the little it help. At the South Hero MRE giveaway, was doing,” Pratt said. a 76-year-old Jericho man got food for The kids get two meals a day delivhis kids and grandkids and “a couple of ered by the school bus driver through the older people in the neighborhood.” A U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded Grand Isle County truck driver, newly school lunch program. The driver puts unemployed, picked up a case. At Feed- the food in a cooler that Pratt leaves on ing Chittenden a few days earlier, Tshe- the roadside at the bus stop. wang Tamang, a housekeeper at Fanny “I’ve been surprised but also amazed Allen Health Care, sought groceries for by how well everything’s been going his family of five. Since his two adult chil- with that,” Pratt said. “The school system dren lost their jobs due to the pandemic, stepped it up, and the bus drivers are he is the only employed member of his doing their thing.” household.

Pratt’s kids usually eat the hot lunch In Vermont and around the coun- — chicken breasts, corn and tater tots — try, many people “live on the edge,” said right after delivery and save breakfast Daniel Krymkowski, a University of for the next morning. They each get two Vermont professor of sociology who stud- cartons of milk, plain and chocolate. ies inequality.

Pratt shops at the supermarket but The federal government’s definition of poverty — an income of $26,200 HUNGER CRISIS » P.54

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Sharing the Table How Vermont communities are helping to feed their neighbors in lean times B Y J O R D AN BAR RY & ME LISSA PASANEN

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hospitality employees. Beyond his paycheck, “I relied on that shift meal,” Keene said, referring to the free staff meal that many restaurants provide. “It definitely left a gap.”

One of many students who count on hospitality jobs for income, Keene ended up making a temporary move home to Barre. He believes his personal experience reinforces the value of the work he’d been doing with the recently launched Rally Cat’s Cupboard, an on-campus food pantry started and staffed by students with support from UVM Dining and donors.

Even before the pandemic, research confirmed the need on campus, said Natasha Lovell, the food pantry cofounder and a UVM undergraduate. While there are now fewer students in town, she noted, their visits to pick up fresh, frozen and shelf-stable food have held steady. Monday and Friday hours will continue through the summer.

“We’ve seen many new faces,” Lovell said. “It’s unfortunate that people need to use it, but we are glad to be here.”

M.P.

Brian Valentine picking up a few loaves of Running Stone Bread for himself and his neighbors

V FOR VICTORY

Vermont Victory Gardens, vermontvictorygardens@gmail.com

B

akers are giving away bread.

Volunteers are cooking for rural families and seniors. University students are staffing an on-campus food pantry.

A recent survey conducted by the University of Vermont and the Center for a Livable Future at Johns Hopkins University found a 33 percent increase in food insecurity in Vermont since the coronavirus outbreak. That means almost one in four Vermonters is worried about getting enough to eat.

Another finding is more hopeful.

Researchers concluded that “Vermonters are helping each other,” based on a doubled percentage of those receiving food delivery from others.

While hunger-relief organizations are currently stretched to capacity (see story on page 50), neighbors are filling the gaps.

Everyone benefits. In the words of Dottie Neuberger, board member of Charter 52

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

House Coalition in Middlebury, “Kindness and generosity beget kindness and generosity.”

M.P.

THE GIFT OF BREAD

Brush Brook Community Farm, brushbrookcommunityfarm.org

Each Friday afternoon in a Huntington field, people stand in a well-spaced line to get freshly baked bread. Baker Adam Wilson used to sell his Running Stone Bread through local retailers. But the coronavirus prompted him to do something he’s long dreamed of: make every loaf a gift. “It seems that things are possible that weren’t possible before,” he said.

Colleen Dychton heard about the free bread on Front Porch Forum. She is a massage therapist who cannot work right now. “It’s really hard: challenging

financially, and I miss my clients,” the Huntington resident said.

Wilson has gifted more than 1,000 loaves so far. He urges people to take one for themselves and bring another to someone in need.

On a recent Friday, people said they were bringing loaves to local farmworkers with limited transportation and to elderly neighbors. One woman asked where she could send a check to support Wilson’s effort.

“There’s something contagious about watching other people serve and give,” Amy Redman of Huntington said. “It has a ripple effect.”

M.P.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Rally Cat’s Cupboard, on Facebook and Instagram

UVM graduate student Jordan Keene is among thousands of laid-off Vermont

Nearly a third of the Americans who planted victory gardens during World War II were beginner gardeners; their results varied, and many didn’t replant their gardens the next year.

Spearheaded by University of Vermont Extension master gardener Gordon Clark, the new statewide Vermont Victory Gardens project aims to help Vermonters affected by food insecurity grow more of their own food — with a higher success rate. It draws on the expertise of master gardeners, offering mentorship from planning and planting through harvest.

Sponsored by High Mowing Organic Seeds with support from the Vermont Community Garden Network, the program focuses on growing nutrient-dense storage crops for two types of garden: the neighborhood backyard plot and the larger community food shed. High Mowing is also donating seeds.

“There are a hundred good reasons

food+drink

for people to grow their own food, and all of those reasons are only reinforced by our current circumstance,” Clark said. “I hope that this project, unlike the victory gardens of World War II, is an effort that will just continue to grow.”

J.B.

CHEF’S SPECIAL

RURAL RELIEF

it and would want to do it,” she said. To help others get started, Dieter shares her recipes and other tips online.

“My wish is that people around Vermont will … know that I’m a resource if they need help getting started,” Dieter said. “It can be really simple and personal, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Whatever you make of it is what it’s supposed to be.”

Addison Central School District, klandwehr@acsdvt.org or emcdonough@ acsdvt.org; and Charter House Coalition, charterhousecoalition.org

When schools closed, the Addison Central School District’s nurses got on the phone. They wanted to ensure that families could access food assistance and other support.

J.B.

Stowe Street Café, stowestreetcafe.com

Charter House volunteer cooks

M.P.

COURTESY OF STOWE STREET CAFÉ

M.P.

MAGIC TOUCH

The Bread Fairy, thebreadfairy.org

Since the beginning of the pandemic, avid home baker Mary Jane Dieter has delivered 112 loaves of freshly baked bread to her Williston neighbors in need. Like many heartwarming stories of community connection, Dieter’s played out on Front Porch Forum, where she posted that she and her husband, Steve Kuhn, “would love to make homemade bread for those not able to get to grocery stores easily.”

The recipe she uses is straightforward, and Dieter hopes it will inspire others to become “bread fairies” for their communities. “The simplicity of it makes me think that anyone could do

COURTESY OF CHARTER HOUSE

Mary Jane Dieter with her Bread Fairy loaves

COURTESY OF MARY JANE DIETER

Even as restaurants remain closed or limited to takeout, chefs are finding ways to feed their neighbors, including frontline workers and those who have lost jobs or income. Two examples among many: Mark BBQ in Essex Junction gives away weekly meals, and Joe’s Kitchen at Screamin’ Ridge Farm in Montpelier serves free soup.

Since mid-March, chef Stephanie Biczko of Stowe Street Café has been cooking up comfort food for locals in her Waterbury home kitchen. “I had started thinking, If restaurants and all businesses close, a whole lot of people would be without work,” she said. “It was a way to use my skills to help; one less financial burden for them to bear.”

Biczko started out buying the ingredients herself; since then, she said, she’s been overwhelmed with community support. In addition to providing meals for up to 15 households a week, she and a couple of other volunteers now cook meals for 20 families served by Washington County Mental Health Services.

Nicole Grenier, Stowe Street Café’s owner, facilitates that effort as the organization’s director of children, youth and family services.

“We have a high population of lowsocioeconomic families,” Eva McDonough, a nurse for three district schools, explained.

“Many are high risk, don’t have reliable transportation or might not be able to afford gas.” Many parents, too, had recently lost jobs and were new to needing help.

McDonough and her colleagues established a grocery service supported by donations to Pratt’s Store in Bridport.

Families can pick up at school or get delivery from volunteer drivers. The program has served as many as 131 families a week, plus some elderly community members.

“Our goal is that no one goes without food,” McDonough said.

The nurses also teamed up with the Charter House Coalition in Middlebury to include families in the volunteer-based nonprofit’s community suppers. Hosted every Friday at the Congregational Church of Middlebury for the past 15 years, the suppers now consist of takeout and delivery of close to 200 meals weekly, including 40 delivered to a local senior housing complex. They’re powered by a roster of volunteer cooks, delivery drivers and families who bake hundreds of cookies for dessert.

BUDDY SYSTEM

Support Buddies Program, handsvt.org

For older people, the stay-at-home order has been especially tough. “Many were, and are, scared and isolated,” said Megan Humphrey, executive director of the nonprofit HANDS, whose mission is to provide food and support to Chittenden County seniors.

Humphrey teamed up with the Heineberg Community Senior Center in Burlington to create a new program of “support buddies” who deliver meals and groceries and make regular phone calls to about 150 seniors weekly. Meals are provided through Age Well and the City of Burlington, which supports the effort by purchasing from local restaurants. Other food businesses have chipped in; Barrio Bakery & Cafe, for instance, contributes baked goods through customer donations.

“People are so kind,” Humphrey said.

“It also lets us all feel like we’re doing something to help. We need that so much right now.”

M.P.

Stephanie Biczko at Stowe Street Café

Contact: jbarry@sevendaysvt.com, pasanen@sevendaysvt.com SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

53

Hunger Crisis « P.51 also relies on groceries from the local food shelf. His extended family helps out, he said. He and his wife and kids eat “basic things” — spaghetti, cheeseburgers, sandwiches. Once a week, Pratt makes a dessert treat for the kids.

“We’ve had to cut our expenses down since I lost the job,” he said, but insisted his family will be OK. “We’ve been definitely making it through.”

Though the school meal program is working for the Pratt family, not all Vermont youth are getting the two meals a day intended for them. Students who live in districts where they must pick up the meals at a central site are more likely to miss out on them, according to the Vermont Agency of Education.

Burlington, the state’s largest school district, is serving about 1,600 meals a day at pickup sites, roughly half the tally of when school is in session, according to Doug Davis, the district’s director of food service. That number is expected to rise later this month when the district adds a third meal, supper, at some sites, he said.

“Our goal is to make sure that students have the nutrition that they need,” Davis said.

‘TO SOLVE THE PRESENT CRISIS’

He’s been playing music at Skinny Pancake since he was an anthropology major at UVM. He heard about ShiftMeals through an email from the restaurant.

“It’s been very helpful,” he said, adding that his roommates also get ShiftMeals. “We’re all in the same situation, and having access to that food has been wonderful.”

George’s last gig was in early March at a nursing home in St. Albans. He’s been trying to get unemployment benefits and,

WE HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN VERMONT THAT IS

NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE LAST FEW WEEKS OF COVID-19.

ANO R E H O R TO N

rant workers, musicians, gig workers and others in need.

In its first five weeks, ShiftMeals made and served 4,549 meals, according to the Skinny Pancake. This month ShiftMeals is expanding, in partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, to provide 20,000 meals to food-insecure residents.

George lives with seven housemates in a multiunit building in the Old North End.

with his roommates, hopes to negotiate with the landlord about the rent.

“What income we do have saved up is for grocery runs,” George said. The big garden out back will help with food in a couple of months. He isn’t looking beyond that.

“There’s so much I don’t know about the future right now,” he said. “I just can’t let myself spiral into uncertainty.”

JAMES BUCK

Eric George getting free meals from ShiftMeals at the Skinny Pancake

Families from other towns can pick up food in Burlington if that’s convenient, Davis added, noting that it’s a federal program. No questions are asked, no IDs required.

Due to the pandemic, families aren’t the only ones needing food assistance. Eric George, a 29-year-old Burlington musician, receives free meals from a different source, ShiftMeals. Started by the local restaurant chain Skinny Pancake, ShiftMeals provides food to laid-off restau-

Krymkowski, the UVM professor, said the present crisis can and should be solved by the federal government. The resources exist, he said.

“In the most wealthy country in the history of the world,” Krymkowski commented, “I would like to know why anyone at any time, and at any place, should have to worry about being hungry.”

Hunger relief experts agree the government should take more action.

“If we wanted to bring things closer to normal as quickly as possible, the federal government would double the 3SquaresVT [benefit] and increase by 30 to 40 percent people who are eligible,” Sayles said.

In the meantime, Vermonters are helping each other navigate the situation, even as traditional means of helping to feed hungry people — church meals, cooking classes — are disallowed due to social distancing.

On a recent afternoon at Feeding Chittenden, Anne Clift of Jericho, a teacher at Vermont Adult Learning, picked up groceries for three of her students. It was the first time in 10 years of teaching English to speakers of other languages that Clift had helped her students access food, she said.

“It’s not a question that I usually ask a student, unless I really suspect a problem,” Clift, 65, said. “When the pandemic came up, I knew them well enough that I could ask information like that.”

Two members of the family for whom she got food had lost their housekeeping jobs at a nursing home due to COVID-19, Clift said.

“They don’t have a car. They don’t drive.

They don’t live close to the food shelf,” she added. “So it’s like a tornado there.”

For Vermont Foodbank’s Sayles and his colleagues, a time of crisis is also a time of opportunity, he said.

Now is the time to “show people the reality of what hunger means in Vermont and in the country,” Sayles said. “It’s people who are living paycheck to paycheck, and there are lots of them.”

It’s an opportunity, as well, to set up new and different methods to help meet people’s needs — ones that are more “respectful and dignified” than lining up for a load of MREs. “Frankly,” Sayles said, “it’s not my preference that we’re having people drive up to parking lots and open their trunks.” m Contact: sally@sevendaysvt.com

INFO Learn more at vtfoodbank.org, feedingchittenden.org, hungerfreevt.org and skinnypancake.com/shiftmeals.

54

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Support Your Community:

Get It To-Go!

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Vermont restaurants are off-limits to dine-in customers for the foreseeable future, but they are still making delicious food — for TAKEOUT, DELIVERY or CURBSIDE PICKUP. Adult beverage with that? Liquor-license-holding Vermont restaurants can also sell take-out wine, beer and spirit-based drinks for off-site consumption. Drink up! And don’t forget to buy GIFT CARDS! Check GoodToGoVermont.com to see what your favorite eatery is serving up.

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3/24/20 5:04 PM

currently no

music+nightlife J Bengoy, clockwise from top left: Patrick Freeman, Greg Heelan, Charlie Hill, Ryan Jory, Justin Barton and Alexis Hughes

Howdy, music fans. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve written Soundbites, and I’m glad to be here. Much has changed in the Seven Days music section due to the state-mandated suspension of live music, comedy and other events that would normally spawn much fodder for this column. But even though we’re not able to gather in large groups, Vermont’s music and comedy communities have gracefully shifted to online events.

After two months in quarantine, you’ve probably watched at least one livestream show.

Prior to the new normal known as the ongoing pandemic, Seven Days didn’t include online-only events in our calendar and club listings. But since livestreaming is the only game in town, we’ve adapted along with you. For a few weeks, we blasted out virtual concerts, 56

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

S UNDbites News and views on the local music + nightlife scene

BY J O R D AN ADAMS

comedy open mics, drag queen brunch parties and such as part of a series on our Live Culture blog. But we’ve now started listing events back in their old homes in the “events” and “club dates” sections of our website.

When we listed events in print, we had pretty strict deadlines about when those needed to be submitted.

But because we don’t have any print listings at the moment, we’re adding online events on a rolling basis. If you’re streaming a concert, hosting a virtual

open mic or spinning hot jams from your bedroom, let us know! You can send an email with all of the relevant details and links, or you can enter your event via our user submission form, which now has a handy “online” category for you to check.

Don’t be a stranger! We want to connect you with our readers.

Summer Camp

As a college town, Burlington sees young bands and artists come and go in a pretty regular cycle. And we like to keep tabs

COURTESY OF KAYHL COOPER

In Any Event…

on some of our favorite expats, especially when they’re sitting on a new record that is, in some ways, their final word on the Queen City scene. I refer specifically to indie-rock outfit J BENGOY, who plan to release their sophomore LP, American Camp, in June. The second single, “Stick Up Kids,” is out on Tuesday, May 19, following “Broken State,” which came out in early March.

Five out of six J Bengoy members relocated to New York City in the last year or so, mainly to pursue academic and professional goals. Again, this is a fairly common occurrence. What isn’t common is for a Burlington band to move to a new city and build a bit of buzz only to have that city become a pandemic hot spot within the first year.

“It definitely changed my feelings about what my intention or purpose of moving down here was,” J Bengoy’s CHARLIE HILL (aka CHAZZY LAKE) told Seven Days in a recent Zoom chat with the group.

“It’s funny to have all the momentum in the world, [and then] everything comes to a halt,” said ALEXIS HUGHES, who also operates another music project called LAUREL. “It’s surreal.”

The group members talked of riding the subway among stressed-out New Yorkers just before lockdown, the halftruth of all those ghost-town shots of the city — Hughes noted that her block in Brooklyn is just as bustling as always — and staying connected while practicing social distancing. But, most importantly, they gave us a brief sneak peek at the new record.

“I think it’s a pretty cohesive narrative overall,” said primary songwriter JUSTIN BARTON, who noted that the album plays with themes of growing up in the 2000s and his own personal experience coming of age in his home state of Arkansas. He also noted its escapist themes.

“It doesn’t shy away from the insular nature of our existence during the pandemic,” Barton continued, even though the record was recorded in 2019.

“It feels very timely,” said Hughes.

While Hill and Barton largely split writing duties on J Bengoy’s 2018 debut LP, Dogwood Winter, Barton penned all of the new tunes, with the band members fleshing out their own individual parts.

“We took it to 10 with this one,” Barton continued. He largely credits the new album’s colossal sound to producers ROB O’DEA of Burlington’s Tank Recording Studio and expat THEO KLEIN of dance-pop group ARGONAUT&WASP.

GOT MUSIC NEWS? JORDAN@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

of the Bandwidth.” To enter, the Northeast Kingdom performing arts center is asking local bands and artists to upload one video of an original work to YouTube and send the link to artchallenge@highlandartsvt.org.

Starting Monday, June 8, the videos will be released to the public via the Highland Center’s website, where viewers can vote on their favorite.

Voting concludes on Sunday, June 21.

Just as I predicted in March, local Ten finalists will be selected through a music makers have begun to find more combination of top votes and staff picks. and more creative solutions to social A panel of musically distancing. A new inclined local judges, group, dubbed the VT including singerQUARANTINE COLLECTIVE, songwriter PATTI CASEY, just released its first bluesman DAVE KELLER offering, an eightand pop-rocker CHAD minute piece called HOLLISTER, will select “here behind the the winners. glass.”

The grand prize is Composers KYLE a live performance on SAULNIER and MATT the Highland Center’s LAROCCA (creative Main Stage, which projects chair of the will be recorded VERMONT SYMPHONY with high-quality ORCHESTRA) and audio and video — at producer CHRISTOPHER J U STIN BARTON whatever point we HAWTHORN of Studio can see live music in 150 teamed up to person again. It also orchestrate (pun comes with a $600 cash stipend. Second intended) an abstract piece of music prize is no slouch, either: eight hours of cocreated by scads of local musicians. studio time at Lane Gibson Recording Via email, LaRocca explained that the piece came together after contacting and Mastering in Charlotte, one of the state’s premier studios. artists from all over the state’s music Submissions are open now through community. Each was tasked with Sunday, May 31. sending in 20 to 30 seconds of recorded sound that encapsulated the artists’ quarantine experience. Additionally, those who play pitched instruments were given a set of instructions detailing more sounds to record that correspond to a set of specific melodic and harmonic parameters. Similarly, percussionists were asked to send along beats within a particular framework.

If I were a superhero, my After receiving the “ingredients,” superpower would be the ability to Saunier layered them together, resulting get songs stuck in other people’s heads. Here are five songs that in an experimental stew of sounds. The have been stuck in my head this composition flirts with progressive rock, week. May they also get stuck jazz and new-age styles as it progresses in yours. Follow sevendaysvt on through several distinct movements.

Spotify for weekly playlists with Stream “here behind the glass” on tunes by artists featured in the SoundCloud. Expect more from the VT music section.

Quarantine Collective soon.

CLAIRY BROWNE & THE BANGIN’

Safe and healthy screen time is just a few clicks away

Following the sharp, pent-up dancerock of lead single “Broken State,” “Stick Up Kids” continues the band’s sonic evolution away from scrappy, DIY indie rock into a fully bloomed, nightclubready sound. Look for it where you stream music later this week, and keep a lookout for American Camp in June.

NOW FREE!

Quarantine Club

IT DOESN’T SHY AWAY FROM

THE INSULAR NATURE OF OUR EXISTENCE DURING THE PANDEMIC.

Listening In

Battle Zone

The Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro recently announced a contest with some pretty dope prizes — and a pretty good name: “Battle

RACKETTES, “I’ll Be Fine” STEPS, “5, 6, 7, 8” LÅPSLEY, “First” ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK, “Goddess of Love” DUA LIPA, “Boys Will Be Boys”

Vermont PBS now offers a free online workshop for families of preschool-aged children, focused on creative and practical ways to use technology in today's modern world.

VERMONTPBS.ORG/MEDIAMENTOR 4T-PBS/Hagan040120 1

3/30/20 2:20 PM

HONOR YOUR SENIOR ON-AIR! PRESENTS...

STUDENT SENIOR

SPOTLIGHT Want to give your senior student a special shout out? Share your message with us and we’ll mention them live on the radio.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS: Visit one of the Facebook pages for these stations

• Record your message and upload the video to our page.

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• Listen to our stations to hear your senior salute.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

57

4/14/20 12:48 PM

GOT MUSIC NEWS? JORDAN@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

REVIEW this Madaila, West

production, except for keyboardist Eric Maier, who mastered it.

Madaila are certainly in flux, and it’s unclear what they’ve become. Perhaps somewhere at its core, West does owe a bit to the Left Coast, stylistically speaking. Mild acoustic guitar provides the foundation for most of the EP, rather than scintillating electric guitars

and glamorous synths. The new effort would be better classified as adult contemporary pop-rock, similar to the B-side of I’m Gonna Do It (Anyway), Daly’s 2019 double album released under the name Ernest. There’s also a sense of seriousness and sobriety on West, two qualities not previously associated with Madaila.

The new EP is perplexingly safe for Daly. Especially when played in succession, its songs sound formulaic.

Moreover, the songwriter’s trademark musical whimsy and glittery pizzazz are lacking. Take, for example, the intro and first verse of opener “One Thing Can’t Be Everything,” with its “Sesame Street”glockenspiel and plodding, starry-eyed guitar riff tromping together in tight unison. (Also, the melody and overall vibe are a bit too reminiscent of Wilco’s aw-shucks anthem “When You Wake Up Feeling Old.”) Equally disappointing is that Daly’s typically thought-provoking and

interpretive lyrics have given way to platitudes: “Listen and your heart will be the guide,” “I’ll be by your side tonight,” “We wanna be young again,” etc.

That’s not to say the EP is a wash.

The percussive claps and slow-boil ramp-up on “Sweet Revival” are pleasant and mildly captivating, and the psychedelic swirls of sound on “Young Again” are plenty evocative. But neither those tunes nor the others capture the creative majesty and charisma of Madaila’s first two albums, The Dance and Traces.

Have no doubt: Daly is among Vermont’s top songwriters — and a budding producer, as well. He knows how to craft an extravagant, melodically memorable hook like few other locals.

West shows us that Daly is not afraid to experiment, even if the results are just so-so. Perhaps he’ll crank things up a notch once he’s back East.

Stream West on Spotify.

writer who’s fond of shock value: How many rappers would brag about how they’ll “erase a racist” and “rape a rapist,” as he does on ”Everything Dope”? He’s also a self-deprecating braggart. “This is my year / Oh, shit, I’m broke,” he informs on the same track. “Still, don’t nobody wanna get this smoke.”

Clearly, both artists listen to a

metric shitload of rap from all eras.

Their influences are broad, their injoke references endless. Yet for all the genre-hopping workouts here — from the West Coast funk of “Malt Liquor” to the dark horrorcore synth attack of “Blood Magick” — Bruise Music is a remarkably consistent album. What holds it all together are Dust’s percussive sensibilities and Levee’s dedication to genuinely catchy rap hooks.

Well, that and the rapper’s relentlessly show-off flows. Even at his most fratparty braggadocious, Levee’s pen game remains impressive; witness the Beatnuts-inspired “Greenback” or the melancholy album closer “Tarpit.”

Indeed, Levee carries the first half of the album so effortlessly, it’s almost jarring when guest rappers show up in the second half. First up: Benn Rymon, whom Seven Days reviewed in these pages back in 2017. Rymon has been a tireless advocate and spark plug for his scene, and he delivers a standout 16 bars here.

The other two features are a study in contrasts. Saturn Lunarnova offers a breezy, chopping verse on the funky “Selfless,” a stoner slice of life. Then there’s Samheinous, who absolutely lives up to his name on the gleefully crude “Matinee Sex,” a pornographic ode to fucking on lunch break. He shouts out Radio Bean, Samuel de Champlain and elbow fetishes — and that’s all before the hook, which is a clear nod to shock-rap godfather Kool Keith.

Indeed, if Bruise Music has a single downside, it’s Dust and Levee’s 2 Live Crew-style willingness to offend. I had a blast listening to the album, but conscious rap fans and speech police of all persuasions will be turned off immediately. Still, the duo’s skills are undeniable, and their product is pure. As Levee raps in the final seconds of the LP, “It’s Antwon and Dust / ask ’em who’s the best and I bet that they tell you us.”

Bruise Music is available at antwonlevee.bandcamp.com.

(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

Mark Daly, front person of the newly resurrected psych-pop band Madaila, recently announced the band’s new EP, West. The seven-song collection is the first of four imminent releases, the others being South, East and North. Each is said to recast Madaila as if the band were born in the geographical region of the country denoted by its title. Daly recently told Seven Days that the initial EP nods to the drugged-out folk and dusty rock sounds of 1960s and ’70s Laurel Canyon.

Whether or not he succeeds is debatable.

Madaila, as we knew them, officially ended in 2018. But Daly has always been the group’s driving creative force. The band grew out of his own audacious one-man act, so it’s reasonable that he would once again become its sole proprietor. The other members of Madaila were not involved with the new record’s writing or

Dust & Antwon Levee, Bruise Music (SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, CD)

Dust & Antwon Levee are perhaps the most promising rap act to emerge from the growing Plattsburgh, N.Y., hip-hop scene. (Dust is the producer; Levee is the MC.) The duo’s sound is timeless — which is to say, both extremely retro and hyper-modern. The recently released LP Bruise Music is their cleanest, meanest piece of work so far and a landmark release for the Lake City.

Dust’s production is rooted in thumping bass, drum-machine-style loops and carefully developed songs. His compositions only seem simple: Every note, every drum hit, is calculated for maximal impact. He’s also got a real knack for building harmonies and hooks.

That classic sound is a perfect counterpoint to the brash whirlwind that is Levee. He’s profane, clever and full of tight flow patterns. He’s a well-read

GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED:

58

J

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

JORDAN ADAMS

JUSTIN BOLAND

ARE YOU A VT ARTIST OR BAND? SEND US YOUR MUSIC! DIGITAL: MUSIC@SEVENDAYSVT.COM; SNAIL MAIL: MUSIC C/O SEVEN DAYS, 255 S. CHAMPLAIN ST., SUITE 5, BURLINGTON, VT 05401

Say you saw it in...

NOW IN sevendaysvt.com

3D!

FROM ALL OF US AT HOTEL VERMONT, Thank you for seven years of gathering, celebrating, dining and staying with us on Cherry Street.

Our gratitude is infinite.

BE BACK SOON. 4T-dakin051320 1

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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giving them realistic martial arts training practices they can carry with them throughout life. IBJJF and CBJJ certified black belt sixth-degree instructor under Carlson Gracie Sr.: teaching in Vermont, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A five-time Brazilian National Champion; International World Masters Champion and IBJJF World Masters Champion. Accept no Iimitations! Location: Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 55 Leroy Rd., Williston. Info: 598-2839, julio@ bjjusa.com, vermontbjj.com.

HOW TO BOUNCE BACK: CAREER CONFIDENCE & INSIGHT WORKSHOP: Three-part series designed to help you feel energized, confident and equipped to take the next steps in life and in your career. You’ll learn your top five strengths, create your mission statement and transferable skills inventory, and get a confidence boost. Limit 20 participants. Register at sevendaystickets.com. Thu., May 21 & 28, Jun. 4, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

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yoga

dance ONLINE BEGINNER TAP CLASS: Join me each week for a prerecorded beginner tap class! Learn basic steps and a short dance combination in each video, keep the video forever, and practice whenever your heart desires! No tap shoes required. Video released every Wednesday. Cost: $8/30- to 45-minute class. Location: online link through email, Vermont. Info: Allison Piette, 673-4933, allison piette@gmail.com.

drumming DJEMBE & TAIKO: JOIN US!: Digital classes starting March 30! (No classes on-site for now.) Taiko: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Djembe: Wednesday. Kids and Parents: Tuesday and Wednesday. Private digital conga lessons by appointment. Let’s prepare for a future drum gathering outdoors!

Schedule/register online.

Location: Taiko Space, 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3G, Burlington. Info: 999-4255, burlingtontaiko.org.

language SPANISH CLASSES LIVE & ONLINE: Join us for adult Spanish classes this summer using online video conferencing. Learn from a native speaker via small group classes, individual instruction or student tutoring. You’ll always be participating and speaking.

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martial arts VERMONT BRAZILIAN JIUJITSU: Brazilian jiujitsu is a martial arts combat style based entirely on leverage and technique. Brazilian jiujitsu self-defense curriculum is taught to Navy SEALs, CIA, FBI, military police and special forces. No training experience required.

Easy-to-learn techniques that could save your life! Classes for men, women and children.

Students will learn realistic bully-proofing and self-defense life skills to avoid becoming victims and help them feel safe and secure. Our sole purpose is to help empower people by

EVOLUTION YOGA: Now offering live online and recorded classes.

Practice yoga with some of the most experienced teachers and therapeutic professionals in Burlington, from the comfort of your home. Sign up on our website and receive a link to join a live class; a class recording will be sent after class. Pay as you go or support us by becoming an unlimited member. Join us outside this summer for Yoga on the Lake and Yoga in the Park. Registration is open for our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training for Health and Wellness Professionals. Now offering flexible pricing based on your financial needs. Contact yoga@ evolutionvt.com. Single class: $0-15. 10-class pass: $100. $55 student unlimited membership.

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CLASS PHOTOS + MORE INFO ONLINE SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSES 60

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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Burlington Resource and Recovery Center (RRC) 802.755.7239

If you’re a tenant or property owner looking for rental housing guidance focused on cooperation and communication, reach out to the RRC. Rental Housing during COVID-19 A VIRTUAL TOWN HALL MEETING

Thursday, May 14, 2-3 pm burlingtonvt.gov/resources WELCOME

Mayor Miro Weinberger

Are you a tenant or property owner struggling to navigate housing regulations and looking for advice?

Are you looking for help staying safe during an upcoming move-out and/or move-in?

MODERATOR

Ian Jakus

Housing Projects & Policy Specialist, Community and Economic Development Office

PANELISTS

Jean Murray, Esq.

Staff Attorney, Vermont Legal Aid

Gail Shampnois

Director, UVM Office of Student & Community Relations

Bill Ward

Director, City of Burlington Department of Permitting & Inspections

Angela Zaikowski, Esq.

Director, Vermont Landlords Association

The RRC is here to help in response to COVID-19 Volunteer services

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Waxaan xalkaan u joognaa inaan caawinno COVID-19

19-‫ ﻧﺤﻦ ھﻨﺎ ﻟﻠﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪة ﻓﻲ ﻣﻮاﺟﮭﮫ ﻛﻮﻓﯿﺪ‬، ‫ﺑﺮﻟﯿﻨﺠﺘﻮن‬ Burlington, tuko hapa kusaidia dhidi ya Covid-19

बर ्लि ङ्ट न, कोभि ड-१९ वि र ुद ्धको सहयोगको लागि हाम ी यहा ँ छौ ।ँ COVID-19 health guidance

802.755.7239

Assistance in completing the 2020 Census questionnaire (it’s more important than ever to be counted!)

burlingtonvt.gov/resources SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

61

5/11/20 2:40 PM

REDWAGONPLANTS.COM P @REDWAGONPLANTSVT M /REDWAGONPLANTS/ 2408 SHELBURNE FALLS RD HINESBURG, VT 05461 802-482-4060

Let’s Garden together.

WE MISS YOU ALL. WE ARE OPEN FOR ONLINE ORDERING WITH HOME DELIVERY (TO CERTAIN TOWNS) OR NEXT-DAY CURBSIDE PICKUP. WE HAVE YOUR ORGANIC HERB AND VEGETABLE PLANTS; SEEDS; ANNUAL FLOWERS, BEAUTIFUL PERENNIALS AND MORE. GO TO REDWAGONPLANTS.COM TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN RETAIL MANAGER, LILY BELISLE FOR HER HORTICULTURAL EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AWARD! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOUR LEADERSHIP THROUGH THIS CHALLENGING TIME. WE LOVE YOU, LILY!

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

1T-redwagon051320.indd 1

5/12/20 4:36 PM

Humane

Society

COURTESY OF KELLY SCHULZE/MOUNTAIN DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

of Chittenden County

Bernie and Sanders’ Happy Tail Are you feelin’ the BUNS? These bunny bros came to HSCC in September 2019 at just over a month old. Because of their young age, they were easy to socialize and would often accompany HSCC staff on lunch breaks! Bernie and Sanders grew into friendly, funny buns and were adopted by their new family just before Christmas 2019. Now, they spend their days binkying around their sweet habitat, hangin’ with their BFFs (who also happen to be siblings!) and adventuring during yard time. They also have new names – Popcorn and Scotch!

DID YOU KNOW? In addition to rabbits, HSCC also cares for and adopts out guinea pigs, rats, chinchillas, ferrets, mice and other small animals! While these little guys and gals are often thought of as “starter” pets, or easier to care for than a dog or cat, small animals require just as much care, attention and commitment as any other pet. If you have questions about small animal care, need some help setting up a fun habitat or are interested in adopting a small animal, please email or call!

housing »

APARTMENTS, CONDOS & HOMES

on the road »

CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES

pro services »

CHILDCARE, HEALTH/ WELLNESS, PAINTING

buy this stuff »

APPLIANCES, KID STUFF, ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE Sponsored by:

music »

INSTRUCTION, CASTING, INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE

jobs »

NO SCAMS, ALL LOCAL, POSTINGS DAILY

NEW STUFF ONLINE EVERY DAY! PLACE YOUR ADS 24-7 AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM. SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

63

CLASSIFIEDS We Pick Up & Pay For Junk Automobiles!

on the road

CARS/TRUCKS

Route 15, Hardwick

802-472-5100

housing ads: $25 (25 words) legals: 52¢/word buy this stuff: free online services: $12 (25 words)

MOTORCYCLES 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON Softail Deluxe. $6,000.

Excellent condition, 31,888 miles. Call 802-223-5977 or email: placevt@gmail.com.

3842 Dorset Ln., Williston

802-793-9133

1994 FIREBIRD W/ NEW ENGINE 2013 MINI COOPER Green V6 T-top. 126K 4,200 sm-allmetals060811.indd 7/20/15 1 5:02 PM miles, 6 years/25K miles 2013 Mini Cooper. 8 tires: on new block. Minimal 4 snows (1 season use), 4 rust. Needs attention all-season (2 w/ 1 season & a new pilot for next use; 2 never mounted). stage of life. kdootz@ Last oil change: Mar. gmail.

16, 2020. New brakes

housing

2004 FORD RANGER FOR SALE Ford Ranger Edge. 4-liter engine, 52K miles, mint interior. Needs body work. Great project or parts vehicle. For more info, call Steve at 434-2348.

2011 BMW 335I XDRIVE Inspected May 4. All brakes, shocks, tires replaced in Nov. Call/ text me for more info & pictures. 802-310-8075.

front & rear (rear Mar. 16, 2020). Registration good through May 2021. Inspection good through Jun. 2021. Well maintained by current owner. $4,200. Cashier/ bank check only! Will meet at agreed-upon location.

CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled: It doesn’t matter. Get free towing & same-day cash. Newer models, too. Call 1-866-5359689. (AAN CAN)

CLASSIFIEDS KEY appt. appointment apt. apartment BA bathroom BR bedroom DR dining room DW dishwasher HDWD hardwood HW hot water LR living room NS no smoking OBO or best offer refs. references sec. dep. security deposit W/D washer & dryer

FOR RENT 2-BR BURLINGTON APT. Spacious kitchen, LR, BA downstairs. 2 BRs upstairs. Ample closet space. HDWD floors, off-street parking, porch. $1,200/mo. + util. Avail. now. Contact landline: 864-0341.

AFFORDABLE 2-BR APT. AVAIL. At Keen’s Crossing.

2-BR: $1,266/mo., heat & HW incl. Open floor plan, fully applianced kitchen, fi tness center, pet friendly, garage parking.

Income restrictions apply. 802-655-1810, keenscrossing.com.

KEEN’S CROSSING IS NOW LEASING! 1-BR, $1,054/mo.; 2-BR, $1,266/mo.; 3-BR, $1,397/mo. Spacious interiors, fully applianced kitchen, fi tness center, heat & HW incl.

Income restrictions apply. 802-655-1810, keenscrossing.com.

HOUSEMATES

display service ads: $25/$45 homeworks: $45 (40 words, photos, logo) fsbos: $45 (2 weeks, 30 words, photo) jobs: michelle@sevendaysvt.com, 865-1020 x21

OFFICE/ COMMERCIAL

SMALL ROOM DOWNTOWN, NOW In stylishly Clorox-clean, remodeled house.

Respectful living w/ others in this new normal (wash hands prior to entering building; completely disinfect bath, kitchen, & common areas after use).

Wi-Fi, cable, W/D on-site, back porch, garden.

Tobacco outside only.

Inside: 420-friendly.

Mo.-to-mo., $600/ mo. + $100 dep. Incl. all utils. Have a plan for self-quarantining, preferably outside of the building!

OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AT MAIN STREET LANDING on Burlington’s waterfront. Beautiful, healthy, affordable spaces for your business. Visit mainstreetlanding.com & click on space avail.

Melinda, 864-7999.

SUBLETS/ TEMPORARY FURN 2- OR 3-BR DOWNTOWN NOW! $1,600-2,000/mo. + $1,000 dep., Wi-Fi/cable, W/D, + utils., parking (1 car). Walk to Church St. & waterfront. 500 feet from bus stop. Don Shall, 802-233-1334.

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ENTERTAINMENT services

BIZ OPPS BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print & distribute your work internationally. We do the work; you reap the rewards! Call for a free Author’s Submission Kit: 844-511-1836. (AAN CAN)

COMPUTER COMPUTER ISSUES? Geeks On Site provides free diagnosis remotely 24-7 service during COVID-19. No home visit necessary. $40 off w/ coupon 86407!

Restrictions apply.

866-939-0093. (AAN CAN)

EDUCATION

We’re changing our name on May 15!

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a medical office professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months. Call 866-243-5931. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EST. (AAN CAN)

Robbi Handy Holmes • 802-951-2128 robbihandyholmes@vtregroup.com Formerly Century 21 Jack Associates

DISH TV $59.99 for 190 channels + $14.95 high-speed internet. Free installation, smart HD DVR incl., free voice remote. Some restrictions apply. 1-855380-2501. (AAN CAN)

FINANCIAL/LEGAL AUTO INSURANCE Starting at $49/mo.!

Call for your fee rate comparison to see how much you can save. Call 855-569-1909. (AAN CAN) BOY SCOUT COMPENSATION FUND Anyone who was inappropriately touched by a Scout leader deserves justice & financial compensation! Victims may be eligible for a significant cash settlement.

Time to file is limited.

Call now. 844-896-8216.

(AAN CAN) NEED HELP W/ FAMILY LAW? Can’t afford a $5,000 retainer? Low-cost legal services: Pay as you go, as low as $750-1,500.

Get legal help now!

Call 1-844-821-8249, Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

PCT. familycourtdirect. com/?network=1. (AAN CAN)

Say you saw it in...

Making it happen for you!

sevendaysvt.com

Homeshares

16t-robbihandyholmes051320.indd 1

NEED A ROOMMATE? Roommates.com will help you find your perfect match today!

(AAN CAN)

print deadline: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. post ads online 24/7 at: sevendaysvt.com/classifieds questions? classifieds@sevendaysvt.com 865-1020 x10

5/11/20mini-sawit-black.indd 5:10 PM 1

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and similar Vermont statutes which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, handicap, presence of minor children in the family or receipt of public assistance, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or a discrimination. The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate, which is in violation of the law. Our

64

readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. Any home seeker who feels he or she has encountered discrimination should contact: HUD Office of Fair Housing 10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1092 (617) 565-5309 — OR — Vermont Human Rights Commission 14-16 Baldwin St. Montpelier, VT 05633-0633 1-800-416-2010 hrc@vermont.gov

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

STRUGGLING W/ YOUR PRIVATE STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT? New relief programs can reduce your payments. Learn your options. Good credit not necessary. Call the Helpline 888-670-5631.

Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

EST. (AAN CAN)

HEALTH/ WELLNESS GENTLE TOUCH MASSAGE Specializing in deep tissue, reflexology, sports massage, Swedish & relaxation massage for men. Practicing massage therapy for over 14 years. Gregg, gentletouchvt.com, motman@ymail.com, 802-234-8000 (call or text).

1-STOP SHOP For all your catheter needs. We accept Medicaid, Medicare & insurance. Try before you buy. Quick & easy.

Give us a call: 866-2822506. (AAN CAN) PSYCHIC COUNSELING Psychic counseling, channeling w/ Bernice Kelman, Underhill. 30+ years’ experience. Also energy healing, chakra balancing, Reiki, rebirthing, other lives, classes, more. 802-899-3542, kelman.b@juno.com.

11/24/09 1:33:19 PM

ESSEX JUNCTION

Artist in her 80s seeking a housemate to share a bright, clean condo. $550 + utils. and occas. transportation. Private BA, shared kitchen. No pets.

SOUTH BURLINGTON EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

SAVE BIG ON HOME INSURANCE Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies.

Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 844-712-6153. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Central.

(AAN CAN)

Share an apartment w/ active woman in her 40s with Down syndrome. Pay no rent (small share of utils) in exchange for cooking 2x/week, sharing housekeeping & companionship.

WILLISTON Seeking housemate to provide companionship, cooking 3-4x/wk & occas. errands for woman in her 80s in exchange for no rent. Private BA, shared kitchen.

Finding you just the right housemate for over 35 years!

Call 863-5625 or visit HomeShareVermont.org for an application. Interview, refs, bg check req. EHO

HOME/GARDEN KINGSBURY SEPTIC SERVICES Local experts are skilled in providing any septic services you may need: tank pumping, hauling, inspection, maintenance, jetting, camera scoping & more.

We are avail. 24-7 for septic emergencies.

We are a locally owned & operated business, serving & employing Vermonters for over 40 years. Our friendly customer service & quick response make us stand out above the rest. Call us for your complete septic solutions.

802-496-2205, ext. 44.

Email us: septicservice@ kingsburyco.com. Check us out: kingsburyco.com.

SERVICES » Homeshare-temp2.indd 1

5/8/20 4:41 PM

Calcoku SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS »

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

1-

6

20+

3+

2÷ 2÷

1-

15+

5-

9x 3-

CALCOKU

Difficulty - Medium

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

9 3 6

1 9 4 2

5 4

7

No. 636

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Hard

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HH

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH

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

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

4

6

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2

1

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3 9 5 7 2 1 4 6 8

ANSWERS ON P. 67 7 H1H = CHALLENGING 6 4 9 H8HH5= HOO, 3 BOY! 2 H = MODERATE

8 4 2 4 7 3 APPELLATION TRUNCATION 9 6 1 ANSWERS ON P. 67 » 2 5 8 5 3 7 6 8 4 1 2 9

crossword 2 4 1 5 3 6

Extra! Extra!

There’s no limit to ad length online.

7 6 4 2 3 8 9 2 5 7 1 5 8 9

16+

Open 24/7/365.

View and post up to

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

36x

3÷ 2÷

ShowSudoku and tell.

5 8 2 3 1 9 6

3 6 7 1 8 5 4

6 5 4 9 2 7 3

1 2 8 6 9 3 7

9 1 5 7 4 2 8

7 9 3 4 6 1 5

Fresh.

Filtered.

Free.

What’s that

buzz?

Find out what’s percolating today.

Sign up to receive our house blend of local news headlines served up in one convenient email

by Seven Days.

SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAILY7 8v-daily7-coffee.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

1/13/14 1:45 PM

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BROWSE THIS WEEK’S OPEN HOUSES: sevendaysvt.com/open-houses FULFILL YOUR DREAMS HERE!

homeworks

COLCHESTER | 458 SOUTH BAY CIRCLE | #4798110

List your properties here and online for only $45/ week. Submit your listings

by Mondays at noon.

Spend your free time this summer on the private community beach which is just one of the perks of this well-maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bath Colonial! Located on .55 acres backing to woods, convenient to Bayside Park. $492,500

Call or email Katie Hodges today to get started: 865-1020 x10, homeworks@sevendaysvt.com

Nancy Desany 802-846-9540 VermontTrademarkHomes.com

MISCELLANEOUS services [CONTINUED] SAVE YOUR ASH TREES! Do you have ash trees that are an asset in your landscape? Treat them now! They do not have to be removed.

Call or text: MJ Cullen, 802-752-5596, mcullen883@gmail. com, ashtreemedic.com.

WET BASEMENT? Drainage systems.

Interior or exterior.

Foundation repair or replacement; block, concrete or stone.

Sill replacement, beams, etc. 40 years’ experience. Michael Lyons, North Country Construction and Painting. 802-453-3457.

ATTENTION, VIAGRA & CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices!

50-pill special: $99 + free shipping! 100% guaranteed. Call now: 888-531-1192. (AAN CAN)

music

FOR SALE 5-STRING GOLD STAR BANJO Mint condition, w/ hsc.

Mahogany neck/resonator, rosewood fretboard, 3-ply rim, no-hole tone ring, high-gloss finish, Presto-style tailpiece. $1,350. Pro-level instrument. Andy, 802658-2462, guitboy75@ hotmail.com.

INSTRUCTION buy this stuff

ELECTRONICS DIGITAL TURNTABLE DENON direct drive digital turntable with high-quality cartridge in very good condition. Contact mike. pepper1947@gmail.com.

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REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS: List your properties here and online for only $45/week.

Submit your listings by Mondays at noon to homeworks@sevendaysvt.com or 802-865-1020, x22.

ANDY’S MOUNTAIN MUSIC Online lessons available!

Affordable, accessible, no-stress instruction in banjo, guitar, mandolin, more. Dedicated, experienced teacher offering references, results, convenience.

Andy Greene, 802-658-2462, guitboy75@hotmail. com, andysmountain music.com.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Untitled-25 1

BASS, GUITAR, DRUMS, VOICE LESSONS & MORE Remote music lessons are an amazing way to spend time at home! Learn guitar, bass, piano, voice, violin, drums, flute, sax, trumpet, production & beyond w/ pro local instructors from the Burlington Music Dojo on Pine St. All levels & styles are welcome, incl. absolute beginners.

Come share in the music! burlingtonmusicdojo.com, info@ burlingtonmusicdojo. com.

GUITAR INSTRUCTION Berklee graduate w/ 30 years’ teaching experience offers lessons in guitar, music theory, music technology, ear training. Individualized, step-by-step approach.

All ages, styles, levels.

Rick Belford, 864-7195, rickb@rickbelford.com.

STUDIO/ REHEARSAL REHEARSAL SPACE Safe & sanitary music/ creative spaces avail. by the hour in the heart of the South End art district. Monthly arrangements avail., as well. Tailored for music but can be multipurpose. info@ burlingtonmusicdojo. com, 802-540-0321.

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ACT 250 NOTICE MINOR APPLICATION #4C1284-5A 10 V.S.A. §§ 6001 - 6093 On May 7, 2020, Erika Montgomery, 1114 Bay Road, Colchester, VT 05446 filed application number 4C1284-5A for a project generally described as agricultural activities on previouslyapproved Lot 2 of Bay Road subdivision. No construction is proposed.

The Project is located at 1114 Bay Road in Colchester, Vermont.

The District 4 Environmental Commission is reviewing this application under Act 250 Rule 51—Minor Applications.

A copy of the application and proposed permit are available for review at the office listed below.

The application and a draft permit may also be viewed on the Natural Resources Board’s web site (http://nrb.vermont. gov) by clicking on “Act 250 Database” and entering the project number “4C1284-5A.” No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before May 29, 2020, a person notifies the Commission of an issue or issues requiring the presentation of evidence at a hearing, or the Commission sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1) may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be

in writing to the address below, must state the criteria or sub-criteria at issue, why a hearing is required and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing.

Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner or other person eligible for party status under 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c) (1)(E) must include a petition for party status under the Act 250 Rules.

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

If you feel that any of the District Commission members listed on the attached Certificate of Service under “For Your Information” may have a conflict of interest, or if there is any other reason a member should be disqualified from sitting on this case, please contact the District Coordinator as soon as possible, and by no later than May 29, 2020.

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

Parties entitled to participate are the Municipality, the Municipal Planning Commission,

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

Dated at Essex Junction, Vermont this 11th day of May, 2020. By: /s/ Stephanie H. Monaghan Stephanie H. Monaghan District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-5662 stephanie.monaghan@ vermont.gov LEGAL NOTICE, CITY OF BURLINGTON, ONEYEAR ACTION PLANS The City of Burlington is soliciting input on housing and community development needs in connection with the development of its 2020 One-Year Action Plan for Housing & Community Development, as part of federal requirements under 24 CFR Part 91.105 for planning and allocation of federal funds from CDBG, HOME and other HUD administered programs. The City anticipates receiving $765,415 in CDBG funds and $469,145 in HOME funds to support housing, community and economic development activities for the 2020 program year (7/1/20206/30/2021). The City will also amend 1) the 2019 Action Plan to add $450,256 in supplemental CDBG-CV funds and 2) the Citizen Participation Plan which is necessary

to allow virtual meetings and a public comment period of less than 30 days, as approved by HUD. On Monday, May 18, 2020, at 7:00 pm, there will be a Public Hearing before the Burlington City Council to hear comments on housing and community development needs, the draft 2020 One-Year Action Plan, the revised 2019 One-Year Action Plan, the revised Citizen Participation Plan, and on the funding recommendations of the CDBG Advisory Board, which serve as the basis for the 2020 One-Year Action Plan. The Action Plan and Advisory Board’s recommendations are available online at www.burlingtonvt. gov/CEDO. The public is encouraged to review the Plan and funding recommendations, attend the Public Hearing, and comment. Written comments will also be accepted on the Plan through the close of business on June 1, 2020 at the Community & Economic Development Office, 149 Church Street, Room 32, City Hall, Burlington, VT 05401 or trawlings@ burlingtonvt.gov.

For more information, or information on alternative access, contact Todd Rawlings, Community & Economic Development Office, at (802) 652-4209

4:30 PM Richville6/6/16 Road, Manchester, VT 05255 (Units M-13/96/98) and online at www.storagetreasures.com at 9:00 am in accordance with VT Title 9 Commerce and Trade Chapter 098: Storage Units 3905. Enforcement of Lien Unit # - Name - Contents M-13 - Melissa Herriger Household Goods M-96 - Helen Hurley Household Goods

NORTHSTAR SELF STORAGE WILL BE HAVING A PUBLIC AND ONLINE SALE/AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING STORAGE UNIT ON MAY 20, 2020 AT 9:00AM Northstar Self Storage will be having a public and online sale/auction on May 20, 2020 at 3466

Conservation Board Term Expires 6/30/24 Two Openings.

OPENINGS: BURLINGTON CITY COMMISSIONS/ BOARDS Airport Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 One Opening.

Board of Assessors Term Expires 3/31/23 One Opening.

Cemetery Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

Chittenden Solid Waste District Term Expires 5/31/22 One Opening.

Chittenden Solid Waste District – alternate Term Expires 5/31/22 One Opening.

Church Street Marketplace Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Three Openings.

Conservation Board Term Expires 6/30/21 One Opening.

Design Advisory Board – alternate Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

Design Advisory Board Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

FROM P.65

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1

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3 7 2 8÷ 4 9 12 5 6 1

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4 6 8 5 3 2 16+ 1 9 7 2 1 5-9 8 5 3 6 7 4 93- 4 6 3 Difficulty 2 -1Medium 7 8 5

response to a request made in multiple emails dated between March 20 and April 24, 2020 from Jacqueline Dagesse, EIV Technical Services and Nate Dagesse, Dagesse Company and EIV Technical Services. The Jurisdictional Opinion states that construction of a 30-unit apartment building with +/- 3,000 SF of non-residential space in a Neighborhood Development Area located at 355 Main Street in Winooski, VT qualifies as a Priority Housing Project under 10 VSA §6001(3)(A)(iv)(I).

Copies of this jurisdictional opinion have been served on all persons specified in 10 V.S.A. 6007(c) and Act 250 Rule 3(C). A copy of the jurisdictional opinion may be obtained by contacting the District Coordinator at the address/telephone number below. Reconsideration requests are governed

by Act 250 Rule 3(C)(2) and should be directed to the District Coordinator at the address listed below. Any appeal of this decision must be filed with the Superior Court, Environmental Division (32 Cherry Street, 2nd Floor, Ste. 303, Burlington, VT 05401) within 30 days of the date the decision was issued, pursuant to 10 V.S.A. Chapter 220. The Notice of Appeal must comply with the Vermont Rules for Environmental Court Proceedings (VRECP).

The appellant must file with the Notice of Appeal the entry fee required by 32 V.S.A. § 1431 which is $295.00. The appellant also must serve a copy of the Notice of Appeal on the Natural Resources Board, 10 Baldwin Street, Montpelier, VT 056333201, and on other parties in accordance with Rule 5(b)(4)(B) of the Vermont Rules for Environmental Court Proceedings. Dated at Essex Junction, Vermont this 6th day of May, 2020. /s/ Stephanie H. Monaghan Stephanie H. Monaghan, District Coordinator District #4 Commission 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-5662 stephanie.monaghan@ vermont.gov

PUBLIC AUTO AUCTION

Saturday, May 16 @ 9AM Register & Inspect from 7:30AM

Social distancing restrictions and reduction in facility capacity will apply.

298 J. Brown Dr., Williston, VT 802-878-9200 or 800-474-6132 Email John@THCAuction.com to consign.

Clark’s Heavy Equipment Repair

Simulcast Tuesday, April 28 @ 9AM 197 Saxtons River Rd., Bellows Falls, VT

Antiques & Collectibles

Online Ending Thurs., May 28 @ 6PM Franklin County Location to be Announced

An interesting collection of antique furniture, collectibles, and religious artifacts from a long-standing Vermont institution.

Farm Equipment, Antiques & Collectibles Simulcast Tuesday, June 2 @ 10AM 2758 Main St., Waitsfield, VT

m

3+

36x

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

THCAuction.com 800-634-7653 SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

Calcoku

Untitled-3 1 No. 636

Difficulty: Hard

PUZZLE ANSWERS

4

Retirement Board Term Expires 6/30/23 One Opening.

VERMONT NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD NOTICE OF ACT 250 JURISDICTIONAL OPINION #4-276 On May 6, 2020, the District #4 Coordinator issued Act 250 Jurisdictional Opinion #4-276 pursuant to 10 V.S.A. 6007(c) and Act 250 Rule 3(C), in

2

Public Works Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

1

Police Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

4

Police Commission Term Expires 6/30/21 One Opening.

6

Planning Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

STATE OF VERMONT IN RE ESTATE OF DIANE H. MEYER NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the Creditors of Diane H. Meyer, late of South Burlington. I have been appointed executor of this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not

2

Parks and Recreation Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

3

Housing Board of Review Term Expires 6/30/23 One Opening.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 504-420 CNPR In re ESTATE of Neil K. Pollard NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the Creditors of Neil K. Pollard, late of Essex Junction. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at this address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: 4/30/2020 Signature of Fiduciary: Casey Pollard Executor/Adminstrator: Casey Pollard, 131

THE BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FOOD SERVICE DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION OF VERMONT (FDA) WILL RECEIVE SEALED BIDS FROM FULL SERVICE FOOD/ SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES, ON OR BEFORE, BUT NO LATER THAN, 10:00 AM, MONDAY, JUNE 1ST AT THE BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE, 150 COLCHESTER AVE, BURLINGTON, VT 05401.

The sealed proposals will be opened at the same time and address.

Notification of the award, if any, will be made no later than 60 days from the date of opening.

Please address proposals to the attention of Doug Davis and follow the submission directions in the Bid Packet. Anyone interested in receiving a full bid packet or more information, contact Doug Davis, Director of Food Service at 802 864 8416 or vermontfda@ gmail.com or ddavis@ bsdvt.org

5

Board of Health Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

5

Green Mountain Transit Term Expires 6/30/23 One Opening.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 533-5-20 CNPR In re ESTATE of Harry S. Koonz, Jr NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the Creditors of: Harry S. Koonz, Jr., late of Colchester, Vermont.

I have been appointed executor of this estate.

All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.

Dated: 5/11/2020 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Curt E. Koonz, 21 Rogers Rd, Waterville, VT 05492 802-793-6521 Name of Publication: Seven Days Date of Publication: 5/13/2020 Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, PO Box 511, Burlington, VT 05402

2

Green Mountain Transit – alternate Term Expires 6/30/23 One Opening.

Applications may be submitted to the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401 Attn: Lori NO later than Wednesday, June 10, 2020, by 4:30 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Lori at (802) 865-7136 or via email lolberg@burlingtonvt.gov.

City Council President Tracy will plan for appointments to take place at the June 29, 2020 City Council Meeting/ City Council With Mayor Presiding Meeting.

4

Fire Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

Board for Registration of Voters Term Expires 6/30/25 Three Openings.

Dated: 5/5/20 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Lindsey M. Huddle Executor/Adminstrator: Lindsey M. Huddle, P.O. Box 5360, Burlington, VT 05402-5360 802-8646111 lmhuddlelaw@gmail. com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 5/13/20 Name of Probate Court: Superior Court of Vermont, Probate Division, Chittenden Unit, P.O. Box 511, Burlington, Vermont 05402

Highmeadow Road, East Fairfield, VT 05448 802373-9427 casey.pollard@ vtmechanical.com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 5/6/20 and 5/13/2020 Name of Probate Court: Chittenden Unit, PO Box 511, Burlington, VT 05402

3

Fence Viewers Term Expires 6/30/21 Three Openings.

Board for Registration of Voters Term Expires 6/30/22 One Opening.

presented within the four (4) month period.

1

Electric Light Commission Term Expires 6/30/23 Two Openings.

Board of Tax Appeals Term Expires 6/30/23 Three Openings.

6

Development Review Board Term Expires 6/30/23 One Opening.

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68 05.13.20-05.20.20

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

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

YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL SOURCE. JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM WANTED:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker WORK REMOTELY with youth at the Northlands Job Corps Center in Vergennes, VT. Work one or two, 7-8 hour shifts each week (your choice). $50.00/hour. Please contact Dan W. Hauben ASAP for more information. Thank you!

714-552-6697 omnimed1@verizon.net 2v-OmniMed050620.indd 1

HOUSEKEEPER

Vermont’s premier continuing Care Retirement Community seeks a member to join our housekeeping team. Housekeepers work collaboratively to support residents who live independently as well as those who live in residential care. Housekeepers are critical to the well-being of residents and the quality of the Wake Robin environment. Candidates must have housekeeping and/or industrial cleaning or industrial laundry experience.

Wake Robin offers an excellent compensation and benefits package and an opportunity to build strong relationships with staff and residents in a dynamic community setting.

Interested candidates can send their resumes to hr@wakerobin.com or fill out an application at wakerobin.com/employment.

Wake Robin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

T OW N O F J E R I C H O

Aqua ViTea in Middlebury is hiring! Apply at careers@aquavitea.com

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Full-Time

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FT Staff Accountant

Love to Garden?

Join Our Team!

5/8/20 1:49 PM

Custom Framer/Designer Looking for a position where you can be creative every day? The Frame Dames in St. Johnsbury is hiring a custom framer/ designer. For full job description go to: bit.ly/3fGpz5o Please send resume to Ann: ann@theframedames.com or snail mail to: The Frame Dames 415 Railroad St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

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5/11/20

Highway Maintenance Worker The Town of Jericho is accepting applications for a Highway Maintenance Worker Level II. This is a full-time position which requires a CDL and the ability to routinely work outside of regular working hours. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in highway maintenance, snow plowing, construction procedures and methods at the municipal level. Equipment operation experience is a plus.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (Williston Garden Center) You will provide exceptional service by managing inbound phone calls and e-mail. You will also manage employee schedules, supply ordering, system reporting, invoice processing and coordinate with multiple departments including HR and Marketing. Our ideal candidate will have a strong working knowledge of MS Office including Outlook, Word and Excel; excellent customer service, communication, team building & listening skills.

RECEIVING SPECIALIST (Burlington Garden Center) This person will be responsible for the efficient and accurate flow of inbound product from arrival of delivery trucks through to the sales floor. Effective organization and efficiency of the stockroom, task prioritization, as well as leading seasonal inventory associates in the receiving 12:51 PM process are also key responsibilities. Our ideal candidate will have 2 years inventory related experience; 2 years direct customer service experience; POS and inventory management system experience; gardening/ horticultural knowledge; and strong Microsoft excel skills required.

FULL & PART-TIME SEASONAL POSITIONS (Vermont) We are also looking for full & part-time seasonal help in many areas including Yard, carry out, sales, cashiers and delivery drivers. If you’re an upbeat team player and are looking for seasonal work for the spring, look no further!

Weekend work is a must.

The starting hourly wage is dependent on qualifications. The Town of Jericho offers excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance and a retirement plan.

An application and job description can be downloaded from www.jerichovt.org. They are also available at the Jericho Town Hall, at 67 VT Rt. 15, Jericho, M-F 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

We are a 100% employee-owned and a Certified B Corporation. We offer strong cultural values, competitive wages and outstanding benefits (including a tremendous discount!). Please go to our careers page at www.gardeners.com/careers and apply online!

Completed applications can be submitted to Paula Carrier in person, via email at pcarrier@jerichovt.gov or via mail to PO Box 39, Jericho, VT 05465.

Position is open until filled.

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We have immediate openings at our Vermont Garden Centers. We’re looking for reliable and quick learners who are enthusiastic, outgoing, upbeat (no matter what!), flexible, team-oriented and thrive in a busy and dynamic environment! Ability to work weekends is a must. Positions are year-round, benefit eligible, and full-time (40hrs/wk).

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5/11/20 11:58 11:22 AM

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SEVENDAYSJOBS, SUBSCRIBE TO RSS, OR BROWSE POSTS ON YOUR PHONE AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

LANDSCAPER FULL-TIME, YEAR-ROUND

POSITION

Town of Charlotte Town Planner

For full job description and to apply go to: topdoglandscaping.com

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

CARING PEOPLE WANTED Burlington Area

Home Instead Senior Care, a provider of personal care services to seniors in their homes, is seeking friendly and dependable people.

CAREGivers assist seniors with daily living activities. P/T & F/T positions available. 12 hours/week minimum, flexible 4:41 PM scheduling, currently available. $13-$17.50/hour depending on experience. No heavy lifting.

69 05.13.20-05.20.20

PAYROLL SPECIALIST Colchester School District is seeking a qualified Payroll Specialist. This position is responsible for processing the payroll and performing other necessary procedures/duties associated with payroll and/or fiscal-related functions. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, in addition to having an Associate’s Degree in Accounting or other appropriate discipline, plus 3 to 4 years of relevant payroll/accounting/ bookkeeping experience or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. Direct experience with governmental accounting as it applies to school districts is a plus.

5/4/20 The Town of Charlotte 1TopDogLandscaping050620.indd 1 is accepting applications for a Town Planner. The Apply online at: primary responsibilities of homeinstead.com/483 This is a full-time, full-year position with a generous this position are to provide Or call: 802.860.4663 CULINARY PROGRAM benefitsbe package. staff support to the Planning Should Restorative INSTRUCTOR Interested candidates can view full job description and Commission for reviewing , the Justice Coordinator must apply on-line at SchoolSpring.com Job #3233590.

Vermont Works for Women development applications link is not working update seeks a Culinary Instructor and updating the Town Plan with the link below to lead a basic culinary and Land Use Regulations.

2v-HomeInstead022620.indd 1 2/24/20 4t-ColchesterSchoolDistrict040820.indd 1:02 PM 1 4/3/20 employment-training The position works both program for women independently and with https://bit.ly/2YVqzfV incarcerated at Chittenden town volunteer boards, Regional Correctional Facility. and has a high level of In addition to instruction of public interaction. A job culinary skills, this person description can be viewed at will work collaboratively with charlottevt.org. regular kitchen production Is currently seeking: Howard Center is seeking a live-in care provider to support a quiet, See right-hand sidebar. at the facility.

10:29 AM

LIVE-IN CARE PROVIDER

This is a permanent position approved for 40 hours, paid hourly. Compensation is in accordance with the Town of Charlotte Salary Administration Policy.

The starting wage rate is between $19.74 and $22.34, based on qualifications and experience. Generous health, dental, vision and retirement benefits are offered.

To see the full job description and details on how to apply, visit vtworksforwomen.org/ about/employment.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to apply, please contact us: info@vtworksforwomen.org or 802-655-8900 x111.

Finance Associate Part Time

https://bit.ly/2yyGXrW

Restorative Justice Coordinator https://bit.ly/2YVqzfV

2v-Spectrum051320.indd 1 SENIOR CUSTOMER 5/11/20CARE 11:08 AMASSOCIATE FOR WATER RESOURCES

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Noted for its beauty, Charlotte is on the southern border of Chittenden County, and it also borders Lake Champlain. The Town values its rural qualities while it also seeks to foster smart growth.

To apply, please send a resumĂŠ and cover letter to Dean Bloch, Town Administrator at dean@townofcharlotte.com.

Questions can be sent to the same address, or please call 425-3071 ext. 5.

The deadline for submitting an application is May 22, 2020.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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friendly married couple in their 70s living in the Burlington area.

The provider must speak Nepali and be comfortable assisting with personal care, medication monitoring, palliative care, and working with medical staff. The ideal provider will be a peer-age female with prior medical experience. The provider will share a furnished apartment with the couple. Compensation includes a $60,000 taxfree annual stipend and generous respite budget.

For more information or to submit an application, please contact Patrick Fraser at patfraser@howardcenter.org or 802-871-2902.

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TOW N OF DU X B U RY

The Senior Customer Care Associate for Water Resources is responsible for leading all daily functions related to utility billing and the provision of excellent customer service for water, wastewater & stormwater, including but not limited to troubleshooting account issues and providing technical assistance to customers. This position executes specialty billings, account maintenance and projects, in addition to directing and monitoring the work of the Customer Care Associate I positions. In collaboration with division technical and planning staff, the position leads customer education and outreach and provides administrative support on Chapter 26 and 31 ordinance compliance activities.

ROAD FOREMAN The Town of Duxbury is accepting applications for the position of Road Foreman. This position is a working supervisor role that plans and oversees all municipal highway operations in order to advance the safe and effective functioning of the highway department, including municipal construction projects and maintenance of municipal roads, vehicles, and equipment.

Additional information is available at DuxburyVermont.org under Employment Opportunities.

To apply for this position, please email letter of interest, resume, and references to DuxTC@myfairpoint.net or mail to:

WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TOAPPLY. EOE.

Duxbury Selectboard Town of Duxbury 5421 VT Route 100 Duxbury, VT 05676.

For a full description, go to:burlingtonvt.gov/jobs.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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5/1/20 12:59 PM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

70

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

05.13.20-05.20.20

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Manager

We are seeking a Program Specialist for the Direct Loan Origination Department.

Vermont Cookie Love is a locally owned business serving exceptional products in an environmentally conscious way. Our store was born out of a commitment to local ingredients and clean fresh food ... and a love of cookies. We sell rich, all-natural cookies, frozen cookie dough, cookie gift boxes, and award-winning ice cream.

The Program Specialist manages the on-boarding of applicants from across the nation who are seeking financing for manufactured homes.

Starting pay is $18.51/hr and includes a defined benefit/ pension plan; holiday, vacation & sick leave; medical, dental & vision insurance; basic life/AD&D insurance, college tuition reimbursement; and others.

To expand and grow our retail store, we are seeking an experienced Manager with 3 years’ restaurant experience to join our innovative, upbeat, talented team. Managing while working alongside staff to produce product and serve customers, you will also help expand our offerings. To succeed in this role, our new Manager will bring the standards and ideals of a professional restaurant, a love of brainstorming and innovation, and the skills and enthusiasm for managing and working with a great group of people. You must also be comfortable with computers and administrative work.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 10:00am-9:00pm For full job description go to our website, www.credithuman.com.

OR please contact: careers@credithuman.com Lance Boardman, MH Direct Operations & Systems Manager, Office: (877) 475-6852 x 2604.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Apply online: https://bit.ly/2SE9OlE

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Become a key part of one of Vermont's leading venture capital firms.

Work with finance veterans to help accelerate local Vermont food and beverage companies into industry defining players.

Send your resume to Max Doherty-Konczal at maximiliondoko@gmail.com.

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5/1/20 12:01 PM

ADJUNCT FACULTY - COMPUTER SCIENCE Exciting, Engaging and Empowering our Community!

(Unix/Linux Programming) Fall Semester August 31, 2020 - December 18, 2020, one class per week.

Three hours of teaching per week, based in Burlington, VT

The Housing Trust of Rutland County (HTRC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to guide this respected organization to its next level of growth and development.

HTRC’s mission is to transform buildings into quality affordable housing and more, and to develop relationships to cultivate communities that thrive. Primary responsibilities will include providing oversight of day-to-day operations for $45 million in real estate assets, a $1.3 million annual budget, and a staff of 16, as well as working with a committed Board of Directors to develop the strategic direction for the organization.

The Executive Director position encompasses a wide variety of duties related to real estate development, community relations, strategic planning, financial management and fundraising and revenue generation. The Director will be expected to ensure the financial strength of the organization, position the organization for appropriate growth, and seek opportunities to strengthen impact.

Multiple years of progressive, senior level management experience required; nonprofit experience preferred. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal, management, and analytical skills, experience working with an active board of directors, as well as the ability to manage and prioritize competing needs in a complex organization.

Interested candidates should submit materials via email to executivesearch@housingrutland.org. Only electronic submissions will be considered. Please provide a cover letter, including salary requirements, a current resume, a work-related writing sample, and three references with contact information. Only complete applications will be considered. Applications will be accepted until June 12th, 2020, although candidates are strongly encouraged to submit material as soon as possible.

Help students gain experience writing programs, configuring and using Linux/Unix operating systems.

Teach students how to automate complex tasks, use command-line tools and control and monitor processes.

A Bachelor’s degree with related experience is required.

Master’s degree in related field, relevant experience, and teaching experience is preferred.

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

Full time position based in Burlington, VT Champlain College is seeking a dynamic and skilled Major Gifts Officer (MGO) capable of securing and stewarding restricted and unrestricted gifts to drive transformative change across the institution. The successful candidate will have at least five years of fundraising experience and will excel at raising donor sights, building a culture of philanthropy, and articulating aspirational goals and ideas to internal and external audiences.

For a full job description, to see other job opportunities and for application instructions, visit us at:

champlain.edu/prospective-employees/careers-at-champlain

2020-2021 School Year Minimum of 4 years’ industry experience desired. Applicants may earn their teaching endorsement while teaching.

For position details and application process, visit schoolspring. com, # 3266844 or send cover letter, resume, certifications, and three letters of recommendation to: Leeann Wright, Director Northwest Technical Ctr 71 South Main Street St. Albans, VT 05478

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jobs.sevendaysvt.com

3h-.indd 1 5/12/20 10:18 AM

Digital Media Studies Instructor

New, local, scam-free jobs posted every day!

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Housing Trust of Rutland County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates for this position.

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FINANCIAL ANALYST

12/3/19 12:43 PM

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SEVENDAYSJOBS, SUBSCRIBE TO RSS, OR BROWSE POSTS ON YOUR PHONE AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

71 05.13.20-05.20.20

• Competitive pay • Huge discount on product • Own shares of the company • Amazing culture and the best co-workers

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE WORKER

PRODUCTION/WAREHOUSE WORKERS to manufacture our high-quality garden-related products.

Join the team at Gardener’s Supply!

Sign On Bonus - Up to $2,000 with a starting salary of $14 an hour.

Responsible for the cleaning of all areas of the facility with the exception of the OR. Must know how to handle cleaning issues or know the appropriate resources available to solve the specific problem.

LEARN MORE & APPLY: uvmmed.hn/sevendays

Our manufacturing facility in Georgia, VT is growing!

We are looking for full-time, seasonal and year-round

Through gardening, our customers control their access to safe and affordable food, and grow food to share with their neighbors. At Gardener’s Supply, we are committed to doing everything we can to help our customers keep gardening, but we need your help.

104A Arrowhead Industrial Park, Building 110, Georgia, VT Please go to our careers page at gardeners.com/careers and apply online!

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5/11/20 5/8/20 12:34 1:30 PM

5/11/20 12:53 PM

Finance Director

It is our mission to provide opportunities for children and families to recognize their individual strengths while supporting them to grow and contribute within our communities.

We offer highly specialized educational, therapeutic, and behavioral support programs designed to meet the distinctive needs of the children, youth, and families we serve.

Director of Substitute Care

The Clarina Howard Nichols Center is seeking a Finance Director for 24-32 hours per week. The Finance Director will manage all financial functions to ensure fiscal responsibility, accountability, and integrity.

Primary responsibilities: • Budget development and management in partnership with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and staff • Monthly/quarterly financial reporting • Ensuring compliance with state and federal financial requirements and statutes • Coordinating annual audit by an independent accounting firm • Conducting A/P and A/R functions • Reconciling bank accounts and monitoring cash flow • Maintaining insurance policies to ensure proper coverage • HR functions including PTO tracking, filing employment/ unemployment claims and reports, maintaining personnel files, and research/renewal of annual health insurance plan • IT support including troubleshooting, ordering/tracking equipment, and coordinating external vendors to address issues and ensure efficient operations

The Director of Substitute Care’s primary responsibilities include the oversight of Laraway’s therapeutic foster care and residential programs. The role directs services related to Foster Care, Residential Services, and Crisis Support for our clients throughout the state and is responsible for ensuring that program staff and facilities meet all applicable licensing and safety requirements. The Director of Substitute Care is a member of the agency management team and has agency wide planning, development and budgeting responsibilities. Master’s Degree in related field with a minimum of three years or leadership experience, including at least one year supervisory experience.

QUALIFICATIONS: BA in Accounting, Finance or similar degree.

Minimum of three years of financial management experience. Knowledge of non-profit accounting, State and Federal grant and contract requirements, labor laws, and accounting software (QuickBooks). Commitment to Clarina’s mission to end domestic and sexual violence. Ability to maintain confidentiality and work in a team environment with a small staff.

Other Current Opening Behavior Interventionists – Variety of Locations in Lamoille and Surrounding Counties Residential Support Staff – Johnson, VT

To apply, send cover letter and resume to Becky Gonyea via email to bgonyea@clarina.org or mail to Clarina Howard Nichols Center, PO Box 517, Morrisville, VT 05661

Program Clinician This position will work in collaboration with the Director of Substitute Care to provide ongoing clinical guidance and supervision for program services and staff. Time will be spent focused in the areas of direct service, supervision and administrative duties. A Master’s Degree in mental health counseling or social work and currently possess LCMHC or LCSW. The ability to diagnose and approve plans of care and bill for direct services is a must. The ability to supervisor others towards licensure is a plus.

Part-Time Clinical Case Manager – Hardwick, VT The Clinical Case Manager works in concert with the Program Clinician, Behavior Specialist and Case Managers to provide supports, training and supervision to behavioral staff and oversees the implementation of treatment protocols for individual students via the treatment plans. A Master’s Degree in mental health counseling or social work and currently possess LCMHC or LCSW. The ability to diagnose and approve plans of care and bill for direct services is a must. The ability to supervisor others towards licensure is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you are interested in being a part of a dynamic organization that encourages creativity, growth and collaboration…come join our team!

A comprehensive compensation and benefits package is offered to all full-time employees.

Please email or mail your resume and three references to: Laraway Youth & Family Services P.O. Box 621- Johnson, VT 05656 or Email: Apply@laraway.org 9t-Laraway051320.indd 1

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5/11/20 12:56 PM

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fun stuff

FRAN KRAUSE

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

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

CALCOKU & SUDOKU (P.65) CROSSWORDS (P.60 & 65)

RYAN RIDDLE

GIVE TODAY! With your financial support, we’ll keep delivering and making sense of the news.

SEVENDAYSVT.COM/SUPER-READERS OR CALL COREY GRENIER AT 865-1020, EXT. 36 4T-SuperReader051320.indd 1

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D E O R C O S

O R T E T P A O O T T E D U B S D I N G A B R P E L A N S G M T T E

R I O T A N N A C K E R H Y E S P L I N E N I N A L P A L A L O W S E P O G E T I A N T I L D I E S

D I S C S

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Say you saw it in...

FROM P.60

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BONUS CROSSWORD ANSWER

Sponsored by:

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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fun stuff JEN SORENSEN

RACHEL LINDSAY

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

HARRY BLISS

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY REAL MAY 14-20 I just did, Gemini: Make peace with your past.

Send blessings to the people who helped make you who you are. Celebrate what has actually happened in your life, and graduate forever from what might have happened but didn’t.

TAURUS APRIL 20-MAY 20

Of all the signs, Tauruses are among the least likely to be egomaniacs.

Most of you aren’t inclined to indulge in fits of braggadocio or outbreaks of narcissism. (I just heard one of my favorite virtuoso Taurus singers say she wasn’t a very good singer!) That’s why one of my secret agendas is to tell you how gorgeous you are, to nudge you to cultivate the confidence and pride you deserve to have. Are you ready to leap to a higher octave of self-love? I think so. In the coming weeks, please use Taurus artist Salvador Dali’s boast as your motto: “There comes a moment in every person’s life when they realize they adore me.”

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): When I was young, I had a fun-filled fling with a smart Gemini woman who, years later, became a highly praised author and the authorized biographer of a Nobel Prize-winning writer. Do I regret our breakup? Am I sorry I never got to enjoy her remarkable success up close? No. As amazing as she was and is, we wouldn’t have been right for each other long term. I am content with the brief magic we created together and have always kept her in my fond thoughts with gratitude and the wish for her to thrive. Now I invite you to do something comparable to what

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “You have two ways to live your life, from memory or from inspiration,” writes teacher Joe Vitale. Many of you Cancerians favor memory over inspiration to provide your primary motivation. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, although it can be a problem if you become so obsessed with memory that you distract yourself from creating new developments in your life story. But in accordance with astrological potentials and the exigencies of our Global Healing Crisis, I urge you, in the coming weeks, to mobilize yourself through a balance of memory and inspiration.

I suspect you’ll be getting rich opportunities to both rework the past and dream up a future full of interesting novelty. In fact, those two imperatives will serve each other well.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Anne Lamott has some crucial advice for you to heed in the coming weeks. “Even when we’re most sure that love can’t conquer all,” she says, “it seems to anyway. It goes down into the rat hole with us, in the guise of our friends, and there it swells and comforts. It gives us second winds, third winds, hundredth winds.” I hope you’ll wield this truth as your secret magic in the coming weeks, Leo. Regard love not just as a sweet emotion that makes you feel good, but as a superpower that can accomplish practical miracles.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Theologian St. Catherine of Siena observed, “To a brave person, good and bad luck are like her left and right hand. She uses both.” The funny thing is, Virgo, that in the past you have sometimes been more adept and proactive in using your bad luck and less skillful at capitalizing on your good luck. But from what I can tell, this curious problem has been diminishing for you in 2020 — and will continue to do so. I expect that in the coming weeks, you will welcome and harness your good luck with brisk artistry.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I’m curious about everything, except what people have to say

about me,” says actor Sarah Jessica Parker.

I think that’s an excellent strategy for you to adopt in the coming weeks. On the one hand, the whole world will be exceptionally interesting, and your ability to learn valuable lessons and acquire useful information will be at peak. On the other hand, one of the keys to getting the most out of the wealth of catalytic influences will be to cultivate nonchalance about people’s opinions of you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): On the kids’ TV show “Sesame Street,” there’s a muppet character named Count von Count. He’s a friendly vampire who loves to count things. He is 6,523,730 years old and his favorite number is 34,969 — the square root of 187. The Count was “born” on November 13, 1972, when he made his first appearance on the show, which means he’s a Scorpio. I propose we make him your patron saint for the next four weeks. It’s an excellent time to transform any threatening qualities you might seem to have into harmless and cordial forms of expression. It’s also a favorable phase for you to count your blessings and make plans that will contribute to your longevity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “No one

ever found wisdom without also being a fool,” writes novelist Erica Jong. “Until you’re ready to look foolish, you’ll never have the possibility of being great,” says singer Cher. “He dares to be a fool, and that is the first step in the direction of wisdom,” declared art critic James Huneker. “Almost all new ideas have a certain aspect of foolishness when they are first produced,” observed philosopher Alfred North Whitehead. According to my analysis of astrological omens, you’re primed to prove these theories, Sagittarius. Congratulations!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Few people have a treasure,” writes Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro. She’s speaking metaphorically, of course — not referring to a strongbox full of gold and jewels. But I’m happy to inform you that if you don’t have a treasure, the coming months will be a favorable time to find or create one. So I’m putting you on a High Alert for Treasure. I urge you to be receptive to and hungry for it. And if you are one of those rare lucky ones who already has a trea-

sure, I’m happy to say that you now have the power and motivation to appreciate it even more and learn how to make even better use of it. Whether you do or don’t yet have the treasure, heed these further words from Munro: “You must hang onto it. You must not let yourself be waylaid, and have it taken from you.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): At this mo-

ment, there are 50 trillion cells in your body, and each of them is a sentient being in its own right.

They act together as a community, consecrating you with their astonishing collaboration.

It’s like magic! Here’s an amazing fact: Just as you communicate with dogs and cats and other animals, you can engage in dialogues with your cells. The coming weeks will be a ripe time to explore this phenomenon. Is there anything you’d like to say to the tiny creatures living in your stomach or lungs? Any information you’d love to receive from your heart or your sex organs? If you have trouble believing this is a real possibility, imagine and pretend. And have fun!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “A myriad of modest delights constitute happiness,” wrote poet Charles Baudelaire. I think that definition will serve you well in the coming weeks, Pisces. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, there won’t be spectacular breakthroughs barging into your life; I expect no sublime epiphanies or radiant transformations. On the other hand, there’ll be a steady stream of small marvels if you’re receptive to such a possibility. Here’s key advice: Don’t miss the small wonders because you’re expecting and wishing for bigger splashes.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): During a pandemic, is it possible to spread the news about your talents and offerings? Yes! That’s why I suggest you make sure that everyone who should know about you does indeed know about you.

To mobilize your efforts and stimulate your imagination, I came up with colorful titles for you to use to describe yourself on your résumé or in promotional materials or during conversations with potential helpers: 1. Fire Maker, 2.

Seed Sower, 3. Brisk Instigator, 4. Hope Fiend, 5. Gap Leaper, 6. Fertility Aficionado, 7. Gleam Finder, 8. Launch Catalyst, 9. Chief Improviser, 10. Change Artist.

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JUST TESTING THE WATERS Ask, and I shall tell. Kidd43, 43, seeking: W, Cp, l CURIOUS, FRIENDLY, FAITHFUL Looking for friend, companion and maybe more! Randy70, 70, seeking: W

Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com WOMEN seeking...

THINKING ABOUT IT...

Probably everyone thinks they’re smart, funny, and reasonably good-looking, so no news there. So, what I hope to find: a reader, thinker — someone who likes movies, theater, museums, travel, music, conversation, and the Oxford comma. Three years into widowhood, I realize I could really use someone to share experiences with. The range of those experiences would have to be explored. ZanninVT, 63, seeking: M, l REAL, POSITIVE, SPONTANEOUS AND AFFECTIONATE I am looking for someone to watch a good game with and listen to great oldies. Someone who can talk and listen.

Must love dogs. If my dog and/or my kids like you... 0519, 51, seeking: M SLIGHTLY STIR-CRAZY QUARANTINED WOMAN HERE! You: Zoom, dogs, cats, coffee, politics, companionship, early morning walks, sometimes hilarious, well-read, sexy, love good food, good books, outdoors and good women. Me: artist, Zoom, dogs, cats, critters, flowers, herbs, veggies, politics, good conversation, sometimes quiet, sometimes raucous, funny, sexy, love good food, good books, outdoors, mountains, conversation, hiking, skiing, touching. Looking for you. Lisarezz, 63, seeking: M, l

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76

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

FAERY QUEEN Tender heart, sensual lover of earth and water, leader in life looking for strong, grounded, passionate love.

FaeryQueen, 50, seeking: M, l REALLY? ME? THANKS! I love to make people laugh, and squirm, and wonder! I carry a six-foot stick to make people wonder ... and squirm. I’m overly fond punctuation.

Widowhood and viruses stink. 2020 was meant to be a year of new beginnings. Wanna suck some coffee through a cotton mask and give it a try? Boodles, 69, seeking: M READY FOR SOME FUN I like to hook others up at times.

Maybe it is my time to enjoy life and reach out a bit! I love to laugh.

VTSPORTGO, 60, seeking: M LIVE AND LOVE Very easygoing but protective of self and family. I like open-minded individuals who are willing to try new adventures. I love to be outside all seasons. Hiking all year. Love the water and kayaking. Fishing is fun, as well, and I don’t mind if I’m not catching. Just moved to Burlington and looking to meet new friends.

Sudokull, 67, seeking: M, l CREATIVE, FUNNY, GREAT FRIEND Just looking to meet new friends. I am honest and creative and funny.

Enjoy cooking, dancing, hiking, music and museums. Looking for friendship and a fun someone to explore this life with. Artiste, 67, seeking: M COUNTRY GIRL ON THE WATER I’m passionate about being outside.

Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, horseback riding. I love food, going out or staying in. Wood fires on a snowy night. Family time. Conversation about anything interesting. I’m enjoying renovating my house. I love Vermont but enjoy traveling.

Woodburygirl, 56, seeking: M, l LUCKY IN LOVE AND NICARAGUA I loved being married. Sadly, he died young. I own gorgeous land in Nicaragua and want a partner to develop it with me as an artist/ surfer retreat (as soon as we get rid of the small problem of a dictator killing his own people). A perfect life is Vermont in summer and Nica in winter, but only with a terrific man. You? W, 72, seeking: M, l MOUNTAINS, SUNSHINE, COFFEE, CONNECTION I am a fit, caring, down-to-earth person looking to share adventures. I hope to have honest and interesting conversations and maybe learn something in the process. I am also innately curious and will want to learn all about you. I have no interest in small talk — I’m looking for authenticity. I’m happy to chat and would like to meet in person. lovemountains, 55, seeking: M, l

LIBERAL, MUSICAL, READER I love to read, listen to and make and write music, sing and talk with my friends, play the guitar, be with children, be outside, contra dance. A goal is to visit every library in Vermont. I am a conscientious composter, and I grow tomatoes. I am a retired kindergarten teacher and minister. Seeking a man for friendship/relationship. musicdance, 77, seeking: M, l ENTHUSIASTIC, EARTH-SPIRITUAL, GREGARIOUS DRAGONFLY LADY Namaste. I’m a naturalist/writer who enjoys hanging out with insect enthusiasts, woods walking, photographing wildlife by kayak, and enjoying time with close friends and family. I’m looking for a man to share passions with me, especially if they include exploring used book stores, artisan/new-age shops ... adventures we can discuss over surf and turf or sushi. Namaste.

DragonflyLady9, 71, seeking: M, l CENTERED, SENSUAL, TALL AND FIT If I could spend a day with any two men, they would be Freddie Mercury and Leonard Cohen. Sunday morning in bed — really hot black coffee, the paper and music. If you are a Trump voter, smoker or narcissist, we won’t hit it off.

If you love books, movies and my two favorite men listed above, we probably will. Zenda889, 66, seeking: M, l ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST I enjoy gardening, animals and reading, and I split my own wood (electric splitter). I love cooking and contra dancing, and I have a new hobby: shape note singing. countrygirl1, 77, seeking: M, l OUTDOORSY, HONEST, HEALTHY MUSIC LOVER Hi there! I’m an optimistic, funny, smart, nature- and animal-loving kind of gal.

Spending time together with someone who makes you smile, and has your back, is a gift. I’m a world traveler who has recently returned to Vermont. I am looking for a friend first to enjoy life and Vermont. If it turns into something more, bonus! Bella2020, 62, seeking: M, l

MEN seeking...

EXPLORE THE WORLD OK, need something here, but I’m much better communicating directly. Summer is almost here, and it’s time to get out from under this gloomy spring and dodgy virus. polarplunge, 47, seeking: W TRANSPLANTATIOUS I just returned to Vermont after 40 years in Texas (Houston and Austin).

I went to college here and was an alpine ski racer. So, now I’m combining skiing in winter and boating/sailing in the summer. The beauty of Vermont is revealing itself to me in not-sosubtle ways, but there’s something missing. That’s where you come in!

Summerbreeze, 63, seeking: W, l

LIVING ALONE IN A PANDEMIC Kind, thoughtful, honest and empathetic but comfortable in my own skin. Eccentric and deep thinking. Love travel and music, from the Flamingos to G Flip. Hopeless romantic but with mileage. Definitely a long shot but a very good person. Steady and no drama. Fill my days with biking, long walks, daily visits to the gym, beaches and following/researching my interests. wdw72557, 62, seeking: W HEY Looking for open-minded folks who are not too serious about anything except having a nice time with an educated and nice-looking person.

Men or couples where male is bi.

BBplayer, 67, seeking: M, Cp LAID-BACK, CHILL, 420-FRIENDLY Looking to meet new people and explore Vermont. When quarantine ends, where to go?

802K420, 32, seeking: W, l CARING OPTIMIST I’ve lived in Vermont 16 years and love it. Belief in social justice, or helping others, is important to me. I also think it’s important to be able to drop all seriousness sometimes. I work out, run, do yoga. My life is satisfying, yet I am lonely due to the absence of a partner in crime! artrunner, 76, seeking: W, l NATURE’S TRAILS Let’s go outside and play. Do you enjoy nature in all its forms? Maybe cold, driving rain isn’t so great, but pretty much everything else is good. Prefer nonmotorized activities and roads less traveled. Would enjoy some easygoing company. Highlander58, 61, seeking: W DOING MY OWN THING Hi. I’m looking for fun. I’m outgoing, and I love an adventure. Open to friendships that could grow into long-term friendship or relationship.

Vtcarpenter, 55, seeking: W, Cp TALL, TALLER AND TALLEST I’m fairly new to Vermont, so looking for new friends. I like drinking and hanging out. Would rather hang out and shoot the moon than go out and do stuff on the town.

Jasonbor34, 35, seeking: W, l GENTLEMAN, COMPASSIONATE, CONVERSATION, HONEST, SENSITIVE I love the outdoors and do about everything. Being positive and active are musts. Looking for new adventures with someone. I am well traveled and educated in life! I have learned what it takes to have good friends and hope to find a new friends and maybe more. Be safe, but come explore! Philodave, 72, seeking: W, l PATIENT, ATTENTIVE BI GUY Yep, life would be simpler if I were straight, but I’m not. Fit, energetic, discreet bi guy looking for safe, sane, well-endowed (just being honest) male FWB — someone who enjoys foreplay, not fastplay. Big request, I know. Even taller order is I’d really like to hook up with just one guy that shares same the interests and needs a discreet buddy. 2ndwind, 62, seeking: M

HARDWORKING, FRONT-PORCH SITTING I am a steward of Small Hill Farm in Lincoln, Vt. I like working the land and have marketed a variety of crops over the years. I enjoy craft beer sampling — not interested in smoking or drugs.

Attend yoga once a week. 251 Club member. Etienne, 71, seeking: W, l CARING, HUMOROUS, AMBITIOUS, POSITIVE PERSON I’m very happy, positive, caring, ambitious, funny. Good sense of humor, and I love conversation.

Working76, 61, seeking: W, l

GENDERQUEER PEOPLE seeking...

FEISTY FAUN SEEKS FUN I am a fun-loving critter looking for men to play with. I am a transsexual femaleto-male person and love my gendermuddled body. I am looking for some regular playmates, more than a onetime thing. I am passionate, very sexual and know what I like. You should be a hungry giver. Tiger77, 42, seeking: M, l

COUPLES seeking...

TO MAKING IT COUNT! We’re a couple exploring and adding something exciting to our lives. She is 31 y/o, 5’6, curvy and beautiful.

He is 32 y/o, 6’, average athletic and handsome. We’re looking for friends and friends with benefits. We love movies, board games, hanging out, outdoor activities, stimulating conversation, sex, family and a bunch more. We’re clean, disease-free and tobaccofree. LetLoose, 31, seeking: W, Cp ONE NIGHT We are a really fun couple looking for a man to join us for a threesome. No sex, just oral, but will make it worth your while. Photos available if you’re interested, and will ask the same from you. WEX, 45, seeking: M SWINGER COUPLE Couple in early 50s looking to have fun with a male partner. Husband likes to watch but also join in. Wife is a knockout little hottie who likes to cut loose. Looking for a male between 40 and 50 for some serious adult fun. Only well-hung men need apply — at least nine inches, please. Spaguy, 52, seeking: M, Gp ATTRACTIVE MARRIED COUPLE Attractive, caring and honest married couple looking to meet a female for fun times both in and out of the bedroom.

She is bi-curious; he is straight. We are very easygoing and fun to be around. Will share a photo once we communicate. Let’s see what happens.

VTcouple4fun, 49, seeking: W SEASONED, REASONED, FRIENDSHIP AND CONVERSATION Older couple seeks new friends to enjoy honest conversation. Couples, women, or men. We are not seeking benefits though we are open to discussion if all are inspired. We’d love to meet and converse over a nice meal. We love warmth and open people. Our place has a hot tub for cold winters, and we have a massage table. Seasoned, 69, seeking: M, W, Cp, Gp, l FULL TRANSPARENCY Adventurous, educated, open couple married 12 years interested in meeting another open couple for some wine, conversation, potential exploration and fun. She is 40 y/o, 5’11, dirty blond hair.

He is 41 y/o, 5’10, brown hair. Seeking Cp, W. ViridisMontis, 42, seeking: Cp

i SPY

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dating.sevendaysvt.com

RUNNER WITH DOG To the runner I met today: I am an animal painter. You asked me if I was going to skateboard down Camel’s Hump. I would like to meet you again sometime. When: Saturday, May 2, 2020. Where: Battery Park.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915042 BIKE PATH ROLLERBLADERS This is a letter of appreciation for all the bike path rollerbladers. Thank you for keeping it funky and adding zest to the lakefront experience. I’m particularly talking about the mustard-yellow sweater wearer who glanced back and then nonchalantly spit as I passed you under the old train tracks with my silly bike horn around 5:30 on Saturday, headed south. When: Saturday, May 2, 2020. Where: bike path, Burlington.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915041 ‘OH, YOU GOTTA LOVE IT’ Some nights I wish I could go back in life. Not to change it, just to feel a couple things twice. 28 at midnight; wonder what’s next for me? Longevity.

Wonder how long to check for me?

Probably forever if I stay in my zone.

We speak on this generation but can’t change it alone. When: Friday, May 1, 2015. Where: in the city.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915040 RUNNING ON ROSE STREET You have tattoos, and I saw you running with earbuds in and an iPod on your arm. Yeah, that’s it; I saw you and thought you were cute. I don’t even think you saw me. Such a strange time that just seeing someone seems significant. Coffee someday?

Meet at a park and talk from six feet away for now? When: Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Where: Rose Street.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915039

MATTY, ONE, LAST SUMMER Matty. We met on Rose Street last summer. We started smiling at each other from down the block. I was walking with my son. You said I was gorgeous and that you hoped my man knew how lucky he was. He didn’t, and your comment haunted me until I ended it.

Still interested? Jamie. When: Saturday, June 1, 2019. Where: Rose Street.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915038 RE: AMOR Sad to know there’s others out there with crushed hearts. Probably a stretch on my part to hope the one who once briefly owned my heart but then went silent could still have feelings. (I still think about her every day.) She’s a raven-haired beauty with a wolf spirit. When: Sunday, April 19, 2020. Where: in the night sky. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915036 RE: AMOR Your post could apply to so many with squeezed hearts. Can you give a hint that only this person would know? When: Friday, March 20, 2020. Where: central Vermont.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915035 RE: AMOR A hint, please. So many injured hearts out there. When: Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Where: central Vermont.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915034 BEAUTIFUL BIRD-WATCHER You were on the Burlington bike path with a black coat, binoculars, sweet smile and eyes like a tiger. I was the runner with the black pants and blue shirt. You pointed out the red-winged black bird and told me that was a sign of spring.

Look me up, lover, and I’ll fly away with U. When: Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Where: Burlington waterfront bike path. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915024

Ask REVEREND 

Irreverent counsel on life’s conundrums

Dear Reverend,

After about a month of dating, my boyfriend called me his ex’s name in bed. He apologized profusely and said he hadn’t had feelings for anyone like me since her, so that’s why he thought his brain got confused. Then it happened a week later, and he said it was because he was so paranoid he was going to do it again that it was all he could think about. I want to believe him, but it’s made me feel a little insecure. Should I be concerned?

Miss Nomer

(FEMALE, 27)

DO YOU KNOW I just love when I’m with you. Yeah, this thing is on 10. We used to be friends, girl, and even back then you would look at me with no hesitation, and you’d tell me, “Baby, it’s yours. Nobody else’s.”

That’s for sure. When: Monday, October 22, 2018. Where: 9 a.m. in Dallas.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915033 RE: AMOR You will never know how much I’ve missed you and how much I want to hold you in my arms. If you really miss me, you know how to find me to let me know. When: Friday, March 20, 2020. Where: in the night sky. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915032 RE: CO-OP CUTIE I’d love to meet up sometime! You looked so sexy in your green overalls and Darn Tough socks with sandals. I see you are a Bernie Sanders supporter with your Feel the Bern shirt. I’d love to feel the burn. Maybe we can stare into each other’s eyes from six feet away...

No Rona. When: Monday, April 13, 2020. Where: Hunger Mountain Co-op.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915030 MATTY Your name is Matty. You’re white, probably late 30s, cute, big smile, a little chubby. You wear mostly black. Maybe you work in a restaurant? Maybe you live in the ONE? Or else I just met you walking in the ONE last summer. Sound like you?

When: Saturday, June 1, 2019. Where: ONE. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915028 GOODBYE TO ALL THAT Thank you for closing the door behind me and sealing the door where conditional love lives. Can’t own your own stuff; your memory, faulty. It’s not love to demand someone be other than who they are just to please you. Call me by my name you never would. Things you had been “holding on to for some time” are released. Goodbye. When: Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Where: overlooking the Intervale. You: Man. Me: Man. #915027 SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK Grim-visaged war hath smooth’d his wrinkled front; / And now, instead of mounting barbed steeds / To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, / He capers nimbly in a lady’s chamber / To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. When: Thursday, September 24, 2015. Where: Calahan. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915025

Dear Miss Nomer,

My mother had eight children, and she often called us by the wrong names. That doesn’t mean she loved any of us more than the other or that she actually got us confused. Slips can just happen on the fly. It’s easy to call a family member by another one’s name.

Same goes with friends, pets and sexual partners. Most likely, your beau isn’t carrying a torch for his ex, but his brain is getting tripped up on the romantic feelings he has for you.

SPOTTED AT VERMONT LIQUIDATION STORE You were buying king-size pillows and asked me to go before you. You left the store for your SUV and saw me and then showed me a car accident that happened to your car recently. Let’s talk soon. When: Friday, March 27, 2020.

Where: liquidation store, Williston.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915023 TRADER JOE’S CHECKOUT LINE I should’ve written this weeks ago. I noticed you on a Saturday morning.

I think you’re vegan! We checked out in the lines next to each other.

I left just before you. If you see this, I’d love to get coffee once we can leave our houses. When: Saturday, March 7, 2020. Where: Trader Joe’s.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915022 BLOND BOY IN BLACK TRUCK I noticed you smiling at me in front of the Radio Bean. I waved goodbye as we parted ways; you waved back.

We met again on Shelburne Road.

I was held back at a stoplight but managed to catch up. You were behind me until the turn for Vergennes.

This is the curly-headed brunette in the black Crosstrek. When: Friday, March 20, 2020. Where: Burlington.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915021 TRUE LOVE REIGNS Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun of York; / And all the clouds that lour’d upon our house / In the deep bosom of the ocean buried. / Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; / Our bruised arms hung up for monuments; / Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings, / Our dreadful marches to delightful measures. When: Sunday, March 24, 2019. Where: Queen City.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915020 FRIDAY, SOBBING AT CITY MARKET I nearly walked into you as you left the co-op. You were almost blind with tears, sobbing as you walked.

I wish I had asked you what was wrong. Small comfort, but it is the least I can do to hope you see this and know that one stranger that day cared about you and carried your pain with them. When: Friday, March 20, 2020. Where: downtown City Market.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915018

You shouldn’t take offense.

It’s actually kind of sweet in a weird way.

Besides that, our brains don’t work quite right when we’re having sex — especially during an orgasm. All kinds of hormones are flying around, neurons are going nutty, and the logical part of your brain pretty much shuts down. God only knows how a person can

HELLO HAPPINESS I’m getting your emails, but it’s not letting me respond. Dennis. When: Monday, March 23, 2020. Where: profiles.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915019 AMOR I try to ignore my feelings for you, but I find myself not able to control them anymore. I love you, and I miss you! When: Friday, March 20, 2020. Where: in the night sky.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915017 LATE-MORNING LAKEFRONT WALK To the recent central Illinois transplant: Thank you for the impromptu latemorning lakefront walk and talk.

When: Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Where: Burlington waterfront.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915016 OAKLEDGE PARK WALKING BRITTANY SPANIEL Midafternoon. I was walking with my sister. You were walking with your dog, an elderly Brittany Spaniel, you told me. I’d like to ask more questions, starting with your name. When: Friday, March 13, 2020. Where: Oakledge Park. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915015 NO MORE TIES I’ve done everything I promised and more. All our dreams could be a reality now. I’m sorry it’s too late and I wasn’t there for you as I should have been. I’ve been there every day for you and the kids, even though it’s not wanted, and will always be here. I love you, dudes.

When: Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

Where: passenger seat — hold my hand, kid. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915014 HARDWICK PARKING LOT, NOON You were soaking up some early spring sunshine. Radiant, with big silver hoops and long stray whisps of dark hair dancing in the wind. I had on an orange hat. You make my heart dance. Let’s soak up some sun together, at the beach. When: Monday, March 9, 2020. Where: Hardwick.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915013 YOU CAN’T HAVE ENOUGH KARMA Thank you for offering to help me out until I located my credit card by the coffees. Please say hi if you see me again out and about. When: Monday, March 9, 2020. Where: City Market.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915012

remember their own name at that point, let alone somebody else’s.

Here’s a little pro tip for all lovers: Don’t make it a habit to call out your partner’s name during sex. Use a nickname, talk dirty, make animal noises.

Say anything but the name, unless you’re absolutely certain you’re never going to have sex with anyone else.

Why set yourself up to make a mistake somewhere down the road?

Good luck and God bless,

The Reverend What’s your problem?

Send it to asktherev@sevendaysvt.com.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

77

Internet-Free Dating!

I’m a 58-y/o woman seeking a mature 30- to 45-y/o male who likes a no-nonsense, worldly life “off the grid” and outside the lower 48. Fast and furious or slow and easy.

Nothing in between. Only honest, fun-loving, industrious and adventurous men need apply. #L1401 Spring has sprung. Looking for guys to enjoy the change of season. I’m fun and intelligent, with varied interests. I like everything; mostly sub, but not always. No text/email. I want to talk with you. Central Vermont. Bears are a plus. #L1400

I’m a 31-y/o woman seeking a fun and energetic 31- to 38y/o man. I’m seeking a Godbelieving, Christian faith-based man. I don’t drink or smoke.

I like to go dancing, listen to music, travel. #L1408 I’m a 61-y/o woman. Aquarian INFJ Reiki master looking to be part of or create a spiritual, artistic, self-sufficient community further south.

Seeks kind, open-minded, gentle kindred spirits, lightworkers, starseeds to explore life’s mysteries and help each other. Cat lovers very welcome! #L1406

I’m a 59-y/o male seeking a male or female age 40 to 80 who is a nudist. Want company in the woods in northern Vermont. #L1407 I’m a GWM seeking GWM. Into everything except anal. Many interests including railroading and astrology. #L1405 Dirty old man seeks dirty old lady. Watching dirty movies.

Dirty in bed. Dirty minded.

Love kissing and oral. Alone and single. Age/race, no problem. #1404 59-y/o submissive GM. Looking for someone to enjoy times with. #L1403

HOW TO REPLY TO THESE LOVE LETTERS: Seal your reply — including your preferred contact info — inside an envelope. Write your penpal’s box number on the outside of that envelope and place it inside another envelope with payment. Responses for Love Letters must begin with the #L box number.

MAIL TO: Seven Days Love Letters

P.O. Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402

PAYMENT: $5/response. Include cash or check

(made out to “Seven Days”) in the outer envelope. To send unlimited replies for only $15/month, call us at 802-865-1020, ext. 10 for a membership (credit accepted).

PUBLISH YOUR MESSAGE ON THIS PAGE!

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Submit your FREE message at sevendaysvt.com/loveletters or use the handy form at right.

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We’ll publish as many messages as we can in the Love Letters section above.

3

Interested readers will send you letters in the mail. No internet required!

SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

A lady in jeans / prefers meat to beans / in the fall of life / not anyone’s wife / locally organic / not into panic / cooks on fire / Computer’s on a wire / well trained in art / a generous heart / spiritually deep / easy to keep. I’m a W, 52, seeking M. #L1399 GWM in late 60s, very friendly, honest, caring and understanding. I’m retired, home alone, and it is very lonesome. It’s been a long winter. Looking for a friend who can help me out once in a while. I don’t look or act my age at all. I have been recouping from surgery. I can tell you more later if you write.

Should have a car. Live in central Vermont. #L1398

Reply to these messages with real, honest-to-goodness letters. DETAILS BELOW. I’m a 79-y/o retired teacher seeking a mature lady who can help operate a guesthouse together and enjoys gardening, nature walks and traveling. Nonsmoker. #L1402 I am divorced of 34 years.

I am 5’11 and 230 pounds. I am a very positive person, happy, thoughtful. Like good conversation and caring, honest people. I like the outdoors. I work and would enjoy good company. #L1397 Looking for a fun friend.

Me: woman 60 years young.

Active, adventurous, creative, fit, friendly, flexible, fun, generous, improvisational, independent, outdoorsy, silly, smart, stubborn. You: man, 45 to 60 years young. Charming, educated, fit, flexible, funny, generous, independent, kind, outdoorsy and happy. #L1396 II’m a 37-y/o man seeking a man. Pretty low-key guy.

Good-looking for my age.

Want to find the man who will complete me. Hope to hear from you! #L1394

I’m a 47-y/o male seeking a woman 33 to 47. I am looking for a long-term relationship leading to marriage. I’m a gentleman, honest, loyal, looking for one woman to spend my life with. #L1395 I’m a W seeking a M. I’d like to meet a happy man who focuses on the good things in the world and shares my interest in nature, animals, music, star/ UFO gazing and possibly future tiny house living. #L1393 53-y/o virgin looking to meet cute girls between 23 and 43.

She’s gotta like to wrestle, be fun, be playful and like the outdoors. Be honest; no games.

I don’t do drugs, drink, smoke or chew. Friends first. Been hurt too many times. Trust and honesty are important in friendships and relationships.

Please write to me and send a picture. #L1392 I’m a 56-y/o male seeking a male same age or older. I am a fella who likes interesting people. I like to think it could enhance life and make it more fun. #L1391

Describe yourself and who you’re looking for in 40 words below:

Required confidential info:

(OR, ATTACH A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER.)

__________________________________________

I’m a _________________________________________________ __ ____

NAME

AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL)

seeking a____________________________________________ ___________ AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL)

_______________________________________________________

__________________________________________ ADDRESS

__________________________________________ ADDRESS (MORE)

_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________ CITY/STATE

__________________________________________ ZIP

__________________________________________ PHONE

_______________________________________________________ MAIL TO: SEVEN DAYS LOVE LETTERS • PO BOX 1164, BURLINGTON, VT 05402 OPTIONAL WEB FORM: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LOVELETTERS HELP: 802-865-1020, EXT. 10, LOVELETTERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

THIS FORM IS FOR LOVE LETTERS ONLY. Messages for the Personals and I-Spy sections must be submitted online at dating.sevendaysvt.com.

Thank You,

Please support the awesome advertisers who paid to appear in this week’s issue and on our digital channels.

These businesses, organizations and agencies have chosen to spend their advertising dollars with a locally owned media company. We’re using those resources to produce essential local journalism at this difficult and unprecedented time.

ADVERTISERS!

ALL METAL RECYCLING AQUA VITEA KOMBUCHA BEN & JERRY’S BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES BIRCHWOOD TERRACE BURLINGTON EMERGENCY & VETERINARY SPECIALISTS BURLINGTON PARKS, RECREATION & WATERFRONT CALEDONIA SPIRITS, INC. CHAMPL AIN COLLEGE

GREATER BURLINGTON INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION

RED WAGON PL ANTS

GREEN HAVEN GARDENS AND NURSERY

ROBBI HANDI HOLMES, CENTURY 21 JACK ASSOCIATES

HANNAFORD SUPERMARKETS

SEVENTH GENERATION

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE HOMESHARE VERMONT

RESOURCE

SKIRACK SPECTRUM YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

HOTEL VERMONT

SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE

HOUSING TRUST OF RUTL AND COUNTY

SWEDISH PIT

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THE AUTOMASTER

THE LIGHTING HOUSE

KC MECHANICAL

CHIT TENDEN COUNTY REGIONAL PL ANNING COMMISSION

L ARAWAY YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

THE RADIO VERMONT GROUP

CITY MARKET, ONION RIVER CO-OP CITY OF BURLINGTON CITY OF BURLINGTON RESOURCE AND RECOVERY CENTER CL ARINA HOWARD NICHOLS CENTER COLCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOP DOG L ANDSCAPING

MAIN STREET L ANDING CO.

TOWN OF CHARLOT TE

MS WALKER NANCY DESANY, COLDWELL BANKER HICKOK & BOARDMAN REALTY

COMMUNITY HEART & SOUL

NEW ENGL AND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

CREDIT HUMAN

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DAKIN FARM

NORTH COUNTRY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

DEDALUS WINE SHOP, MARKET & BAR ERIN DUPUIS, VERMONT REAL ESTATE COMPANY

TINY THAI RESTAURANT

LEONARDO’S PIZZA

MANSFIELD PL ACE

NORTHWEST TECHNICAL CENTER OLD SPOKES HOME

FARRELL DISTRIBUTING

OMNIMED

GARDENER’S SUPPLY COMPANY

POMERLEAU REAL ESTATE

GREAT EASTERN RADIO

RAIL CITY MARKET

PAPA FRANK’S

Stormwater runoff brings pollutants, dirt, and chemicals into streams, rivers, and lakes. Over time, this affects the entire ecosystem, including plants and animals that live in Lake Champlain.

BUT YOU CAN HELP! There are a number of small things you can do around your house to help reduce stormwater runoff and keep the lake clean.

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The market is changing.

And so is our name.

TOWN OF DUXBURY TOWN OF JERICHO UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT MEDICAL CENTER UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT GROSSMAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS VCAM VERMONT PBS VT ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS VT COOKIE LOVE VT STATE HOUSING AUTHORITY

On May 15, Century 21 Jack Associates will become

VT TIRE & SERVICE, INC. VT WORKS FOR WOMEN WAKE ROBIN

Want to join them in next week’s isswue, or learn more about our digital advertising options?

VTREGroup.com • 802.658.5555

Email sales@sevendaysvt.com.

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THE FRAME DAMES

CHEESE AND WINE TRADERS

L AWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS

SPINY SOFTSHELL TURTLE

THE BLUE DONKEY

INSIGHT CPG

CHROMA OPTICS

Help KEEP LAKE CHAMPLAIN CLEAN!

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING IN THESE PAGES?

5/12/20 5:16 PM

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 13-20, 2020

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5/6/20 12:56 PM

Welcome back to the Garden Center!

Our nurseries have re-opened to the public! We’ve added a few rules for your safety: • Face coverings are required and gloves recommended • Social distancing is required • Limit customers on site • Please leave children and animals at home • Do not visit us if you’re sick • Please do not shop in groups • For in-store items place a curbside pick-up order at gardeners.com/store.

“Gardener’s Supply is in business to spread the joys and rewards of gardening, because gardening nourishes the body, elevates the spirit, builds community, and makes the world a better place.”

Mission statement, 1990

Burlington, VT | Williston, VT | Lebanon, NH | Hadley, MA Untitled-5 1 May_7DFP19.indd 1

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