Seven Days, May 27, 2020

VE R MO NT ’S INDE PEN DENT VO IC E MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020 VOL.25 NO.35 SEVENDAYSVT.COM

UVM Medical Center president Stephen Leffler confronts COVID-19 and its aftermath

BY K E N P IC AR D , PAGE 3 6

FOLLOW THE MONEY

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How VT is spending $1.6 billion in aid

NEW! BOTTOM LINE

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A weekly read on VT business

XX ALL FRESCO Xx

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Outdoor-only dining at restos

“WE ARE FAMILY”

Dear Birchwood Staff W H AT V E R M O N T TA S T E S L I K E

#HEROES, During these challenging times you showed unwavering commitment to our residents. You sacrificed and went above and beyond. Words truly cannot express the deepest levels of respect, pride and genuine appreciation we have for every single one of you for delivering excellence, calmness, love, devotion and for warm smiles to our residents each day.

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We are here for you

We are so grateful for you.

May you and your family be blessed with good health, wellness and much happiness as you give unto others daily!

With deep respect and appreciation, Alecia DiMario, Executive Director Amanda St. Cyr, Director of Nursing

We are back in the office from 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday and Friday 9am-3pm and are seeing patients.

Please call ahead for all your needs.

We are also able to process online orders for contact lenses.

Visit our website for details.

Heroes Truly Do Work Here!

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO BE HERE TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS.

Dora Sudarsky, O.D. 2

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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MAY 20-27, 2020 COMPILED BY GILLIAN ENGLISH, SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY JAMES BUCK

LAID OFF and LINED UP

Ben & Jerry’s collaborated with Nike Skateboarding on the Chunky Dunky shoe, featuring cow print and tie-dye design. The latest in hoofwear.

Vermont Gas Systems has hired former Burlington Electric exec Neale Lunderville as its new president and CEO. What job in the state hasn’t this guy held?

Food distribution in Burlington

HIGH HONOR

?? ? ?? ? ??

802nice

Four F-35 jets flew around Vermont last Friday to salute frontline health workers. Those near Burlington get such a salute almost daily!

BAR ONE

Vermont attorney Carrie Legus’ law license was suspended after she allegedly pointed a gun at a Walden store clerk.

Legus disliked a social-distancing sign, according to media reports.

TOPFIVE

MOST POPULAR ITEMS ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM

1. “Burlington Council Passes Mask Mandate, Orders Controversial Mural Removed” by Courtney Lamdin. A council majority approved an emergency order requiring that people wear facial coverings in Queen City shops and public buildings.

2. “Vermont Restaurants Can Open for Outdoor Dining on Friday” by Sally Pollak. The update to Vermont’s “Be Smart, Stay Safe” order mandates disposable menus and a “call-ahead” seating system.

3. “Seven Vermont Food Trucks to Check Out — for Takeout ” by Jordan Barry and Melissa Pasanen. We’re celebrating summer with seven food trucks, both classics and new kids on the block.

4. “Short Order for Restaurants: Two Months Closed, Two Days to Open” by Sally Pollak.

Although outdoor dining is now permitted, many restaurateurs are opting for a takeout model or making gradual changes.

5. “Thousands of Vermonters Flock to Food Distribution in Middlebury” by Matthew Roy and James Buck. Another food giveaway — this time at the Middlebury State Airport — drew thousands of Vermonters who waited hours for provisions.

tweet of the week @mayhewbergman The wood stove is now off in Vermont - just - but we are still cold inside.

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WHAT’S NICE IN VERMONT COURTESY OF EVENSTEVE 2020

Steve and Eve Schaub with their first piece

hasn’t gotten unemployment [benefits] in eight weeks, and they are starving.”

Samuel Dingba, 25, youth program coordinator for the Association of Africans Living in Vermont, drove the New Farms for New Americans van. Originally from Cameroon, Dingba said he was picking up food for 20 families that don’t have cars.

“It makes me happy to be able to help other families,” Dingba said.

Steve Hamlin, president of the board of the North Avenue Co-op trailer park, hoped to get food for nine families.

“There’s a lot of people in there that are struggling to make their bills, including lot rent,” Hamlin said. “As the president, I go out and do everything I can to help them.”

A mother of three arrived from outside Burlington at 5 a.m. in a Volvo station wagon. Her family is in the construction business and is experiencing “lack of work and lack of income,” she said. The help with food is “huge,” she said, though the time spent waiting in line could have been used to look for work.

Read reporter Sally Pollak’s full story at sevendaysvt.com.

That’s the percent of capacity at which Vermont’s houses of worship can reopen.

SMOOTH SNEAKS

TRADING TITLES

A builder flashed a V sign out the window as he steered his Ram 2500 pickup along the Burlington Beltline on Tuesday morning. His victory: being No. 1 in a long line of cars at a pop-up food distribution site in the city’s New North End. The man — who, like some others at the event, declined to give his name — had arrived at 4:30 a.m., before sunrise.

Three lanes of cars fanned out behind him, filled with people waiting to receive cases of government-supplied food, hoisted by members of the Vermont National Guard.

“There’s uncertainty, and we don’t know how long this will go on,” said the driver, a father of four, adding that his work is slow. “I’m here for basic needs.”

The latest of the state’s food distribution events drew long lines of Vermonters, many of whom had never sought relief before.

A woman who’d lost her job registering patients at the University of Vermont Medical Center said it was the first time she had needed help getting food.

“I don’t get any other assistance,” the 56-year-old said.

“So this helps.”

Patricia Mallette, 66, traveled from North Clarendon.

“We are food short,” Mallette said. “My stepdaughter

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WEEK IN REVIEW

EYES OVER HERE With many indoor businesses still under coronavirus-related restrictions, two Pawlet residents have created an outdoor art gallery for all to enjoy.

Eve and Steve Schaub wanted to provide a screen-free experience for people who’ve been stuck inside. The couple erected the first piece earlier this month in the six-acre hayfield near their house at 671 River Road.

Steve shot, and enlarged to 10 feet, a photograph that features Eve holding a basket and walking through woods. Across the image Eve painted: “My heart is very big. Sometimes I wonder if it is big enough.”

“We really did this piece as sort of a love

letter to our town, our friends, our community and our state,” Steve said. “We want to engage people during this difficult time.”

The couple plans to put up a new piece every week or so this summer. Most will be visible from the road, though they’ll mow a path through the grass as the gallery grows.

“Seeing artwork in person is a unique experience and something I think that everyone can benefit — especially right now — from,” Eve said. “We use art to make sense of the world and to help us in times of crisis.”

Steve, a photographer, and Eve, an author and blogger, have each pursued individual artistic pursuits in the 23 years they’ve been married. Only recently have

they worked together; the plein air gallery is their first.

The art won’t be protected from the elements, so when the wind, rain, humidity and sun have had their way with the images, the show’s over. The couple expects each piece will last four to six months.

Many bicyclists pedal their road, and some U-turn back to get a better look.

Drivers often honk and give a thumbs-up, the artists said.

“The response has been amazing,” Eve said. “It’s a really gratifying experience to watch people enjoy it.”

SASHA GOLDSTEIN

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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FEEDback READER REACTION TO RECENT ARTICLES

PANDEMIC HISTORY LESSON

In “Flu Seasoned” [May 13], Chelsea Edgar noted, “One of the idiosyncrasies of the 1918 pandemic, still not fully understood by epidemiologists, was its deadly impact on young adults.” Many researchers have looked into this and have found that the use of aspirin to treat the flu greatly contributed to the large number of deaths. Yes, aspirin. Today aspirin bottles warn against its use to treat fever, because it can actually raise the fever and flood the lungs with fluid. In fact, countless people continued to be killed by this aspirin treatment until the 1980s, when the link was finally understood.

During the Spanish flu epidemic, aspirin sales doubled. Physicians doused their patients in it, trying to stop the fever, not realizing it was making matters worse.

The British Ministry of Health, the U.S. Navy, the Journal of the American Medical Association and even the medicine bottles themselves all recommended what today are considered to be toxic doses.

There are many great resources on this topic, but there’s a concise compilation in Karen M. Starko’s paper “Salicylates and Pandemic Influenza Mortality, 1918-1919 Pharmacology, Pathology, and Historic Evidence.”

How many people died of the aspirin, not the Spanish flu? Since the symptoms are the same, we will never know for sure.

However, we can learn from history. It’s a great example of how, in our rush to address a health crisis, we can actually cause a catastrophe.

Amy Page

MARSHFIELD

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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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CORRECTIONS

Last week’s arts story “On the Edge” misstated a quote from Jody Fried, executive director of Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury. Fried said that “unless there’s a significant step up from philanthropy and the public sector,” many community arts organizations will likely struggle to survive the current economic situation.

Last week’s review of Rough Francis’ album Urgent Care misrepresented the format in which it was released. It was a self-released digital album.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Would they have us cover or take down statues of Ethan Allen, Thomas Chittenden and other prominent founders of Vermont?

What books would they liked burned?

Huckleberry Finn? Move on to the Bill of Rights?

Flaws and failures in humanity should be viewed to create change, not to extinguish and annihilate for the expediency of what we only see today.

Rather than remove the mural, expand it to highlight all races and cultural advancements in Vermont and highlight with pride the many positive impacts gained with the more ethnic diversity we now have in our community!

TIM NEWCOMB

Robert Devost

JERICHO

HARDY DEFENSE

STUDENT BODIES

I appreciate Colin Flanders’ May 13 article titled “Herd Community: Burlingtonians Worry About the Return of College Students,” which shows the balance our leaders are attempting to strike between wants and needs.

One thing that was concerning was the focus on University of Vermont undergraduates, when the reality of the potential impact is the collective number of students from Champlain College, Saint Michael’s College and UVM, which may be closer to double that number.

When you consider the larger collective number of students descending on the Burlington area together with the recently documented “super-spreader” events and the serious inflammatory condition in children, Mayor Miro Weinberger’s less than rigorous approach isn’t very reassuring.

Michael Webster

WINOOSKI

whom I just met, I began reflecting upon the aforementioned Seven Days item and thought that there were alternative humanitarian ways than through the military to honor these practitioners.

We can ensure that they are well compensated, that their training and college expenses be paid for by our tax dollars. Furthermore, why not honor these heroes by dedicating state and public buildings in their name instead of the many dubious figures we tend to celebrate? In fact, Interstate 287 in northern New Jersey is dedicated to the Peace Corps — a rare example. And we can continue what many of us are doing: publicly thanking health care workers with lawn signs and accolades through the media.

Yes, let’s show our gratitude and appreciation to these heroes and their commitment to safeguarding our health and safety, but let’s not, again, militarize this recognition.

Russ Layne

WHY FLY?

[Re Last 7: “Three F-35s from Vermont flew over western New York State last week to honor health care workers,” May 20]: Question: Why do we Americans militarize everything we possibly can? Indeed, especially during our present crises, health care workers, EMS personnel and first responders should be honored. But by the military?

Recently, I had a medical appointment at Rutland Regional Medical Center. I discovered, outside annexed to the building, a resplendent, serene area specifically designed for meditation. As I sat giving merit to the hospital professional with

[Re Off Message: “Burlington Council Passes Mask Mandate, Orders Controversial Mural Removed,” May 19]: It is an absolute tragedy that the “Everyone Loves a Parade!” mural has become a political football for vote-seeking politicians. They claim to see in the mural what a small, vocal group of their constituents wants them to see: racism, sexism, eugenics, black erasure and the cause of their pain.

The troubled race relations in this city have been neglected for decades.

The artist, Pierre Hardy, got it right; his mural has become the sacrificial lamb for the failure of others. The council’s vote to remove it is immoral.

Even while Burlington residents are facing tax increases, a $10 million revenue loss, budget cuts and possibly employee furloughs, only now — with eyes on the next election — Mayor Miro Weinberger created a self-serving new position: the director of racial equity, inclusion and belonging. Then he hired Tyeastia Green for the job. Although she has been in Burlington since March, and recently claimed to have never seen the mural, Green called

DANBY FEEDBACK

EVERYONE LOVES TO DISAGREE

[Re Off Message: “Burlington Council Passes Mask Mandate, Orders Controversial Mural Removed,” May 19]: Burlington, you failed poorly on voting to remove and condemn the “Everyone Loves a Parade!” mural!

It is both alarming and pathetic that members of the city council have now snuffed out art for what it is — a freedom of expression for interpretation!

This removal in the name of racism and the oblivious rant of “white privilege” is really a loss in personal freedom of choice.

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contents MAY 13-20, 2020 VOL.25 NO.35

FRESH BREAD 3 days a week!

UVM Medical Center President Stephen Leffler confronts COVID and its aftermath

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FOOD

Short Order 10

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34

Closed for two months, Vermont restaurants get twoday notice to reopen

NEWS & POLITICS 10

ARTS NEWS 24

FEATURE 34

PAGE 42

Childcare providers say they need more money from the state to reopen

Vermont museums and historical societies await guidelines for reopening

Traveling through loneliness with neighbors and ancestors

New on the Menu

Wee Help

It’s a Lot of Money

How Vermont is spending $1.6 billion in federal coronavirus aid

Bleak House

COVID-19-related budget woes make serving in General Assembly a tough sell

History in the Making

Turn Right for Connection

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Two Vermont restaurants open despite the pandemic

Blow It Down

PAGE 44

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MORE INSIDE

BILL WOULD SIDELINE GOV ON MAIL-IN VOTING PAGE 12

EDUCATION

HOMELESS CAMPOUT AT NORTH BEACH PAGE 13

COVID-CAUSED CHURN AT STATEHOUSE? PAGE 16

JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

Childcare professionals demonstrating outside the Pavilion Building in Montpelier

Wee Help

Childcare providers say they need more money from the state to reopen

BY AL I S ON N OVAK

A

fter a nearly three-month hiatus, Aubrey Boyles is preparing to welcome kids back to her homebased childcare program in Montpelier on June 8. She’s spent hundreds of dollars on cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, including rubber gloves and eight masks, currently stashed in her sock drawer.

She’s also devised several creative ways to help the young kids in her care, who are between the ages of 1 and 3, get comfortable with her wearing a cloth facial covering — one of the guidelines that Vermont childcare providers must follow when reopening. A “Pin the Mask on Aubrey” game encourages children to fasten a cloth mask onto an enlarged, laminated photograph of Boyles’ face. She’s also made square buttons, printed with the same picture of her, that she can put on her shirt — so kids

EDUCATION

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are reminded that, under the mask, she’s smiling.

“I’m trying really hard to help the kids not feel scared,” said Boyles, who has been a childcare provider for 12 years. “I really do wonder, Is this really an age-appropriate way to care for children?”

It’s not just the 13 pages of newly issued state guidelines that give center operators and childcare educators pause. They’re also concerned about the financial burden reopening will put on both the programs and the families that use them.

Since March, when the coronavirus pandemic forced facilities to close, Vermont has been paying a portion of tuition for parents who want to keep their spots. The state has spent nearly $4 million for what are known as stabilization payments, which have allowed many Vermont childcare providers to keep their staff on the payroll and eased the financial strain on families.

But on June 1, the date Gov. Phil Scott

is allowing childcare centers to reopen, the cash dries up. In its place, the state has pledged $6 million in restart stipends to help childcare and summer programs cover COVID-19-related expenses, such as cloth face masks, gloves and cleaning supplies; making structural changes to their buildings; and hiring additional staff to accommodate smaller groups.

Providers don’t expect to find out how much they’ll receive until May 27, just a few days before they’re allowed to reopen.

On its website, the Department for Children and Families says the amount will depend on how many programs request funds, the number of children they serve and how many weeks of care they’ll provide through the end of August. Providers must reopen by July 6 to qualify for the cash.

Early childhood advocacy group Let’s Grow Kids has expressed concern that WEE HELP

» P.12

UVM, Burlington Plan ‘Supportive Quarantine’ Program for Returning Students B Y SA SH A G OLDST EIN

The University of Vermont and the state Department of Health are working with the Vermont National Guard to set up an on-campus testing site for students as they begin to return to Burlington on June 1.

Many off-campus leases begin that day, and the city and UVM are expecting students, a majority from out of state, to start streaming back into town. Officials and city residents have expressed concerns that those students could bring the coronavirus back with them.

Out-of-state students, like anyone entering Vermont, must quarantine for 14 days before venturing out. Mayor Miro Weinberger said during a briefing last Friday that, anticipating difficulties, the city will implement a “supportive quarantine” service for housebound students.

The program will also be available to other Burlington residents who return from out of state, such as second-home owners and snowbirds.

The city will check in regularly with those who voluntarily sign up, Weinberger said. Those quarantined will receive a “welcoming care package” that contains a mask and “hygiene supplies.” Weinberger alluded to “incentives” for those who stick with the quarantine rules, though he didn’t specify them. A website with more details is expected to go live in the coming days, the mayor said.

After seven days in quarantine, students will be able to get tested for the coronavirus. A negative result would mean they could end their quarantine early, Weinberger said.

UVM is expected to communicate the rules to its students, while the city pledged to “enlist property owners’ help in urging students to comply.”

Joining Weinberger on the virtual briefing were UVM president Suresh Garimella and Gary Derr, UVM’s vice president for operations and public safety.

Derr outlined some of the broader protocols that UVM is exploring ahead of the fall semester. He said a campuswide assessment of classrooms is under way to determine whether physical distancing requirements can be met in various spaces.

Derr also said that all UVM employees are currently required to wear face coverings, and students will likely have to, as well.

Contact: sasha@sevendaysvt.com

Community Heart & Soul is seeking a

‘It’s a Lot of Money’ How Vermont is spending $1.6 billion in federal coronavirus aid

BY PAUL HEINT Z

COFFEE AND A MUG B

BAKED GOODS THAT GIVE BACK

luebird Barbecue owner Sue Bette door” as quickly as possible, his proposal had high hopes for 2020 after Food was just that: a proposal. And while many NetworkSouth star Guy featured top legislators say they broadly agree with In Burlington’s End,Fieri Thirty-odd’s her Burlington restaurant on aisFebruary doors are closed, but the shop working the need for such a package, they recoiled episode of his television show artisans, “Diners, Is a tit really S c o at tcelebration ’s hard to funnel funds to local if there’s no cake?

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Hepay should’ve sent me a a handmade from K.B. Ceramics, then the sweet gesture prompted her to close the Riverside note,” Senate Appropriations CommitChristopher Vaughn Pottery or Ergo forward.

Birchgrove invites customers to Avenue restaurant and lay offfrom all 39 of tee chair Jane Kitchel (D-Caledonia) Pottery to go with a tasty roast Brio her employees. said when informed of the governor’s Coffeeworks.

Rather than sit home and stew over preferred timeline. “A week turnaround her predicament, Bette took action. on the expenditure of $400 million? I HOW TO BUY: Order at thirtyodd.com.

Working with an ad don’t think that allows ALSO TRY: Get a coffee subscription from hoc group Vivid of friends us to carry out our Winooski’s Coffee (vividcoffee. and she responsibility.” com).colleagues, $2 per bag is donated directly to Given that the details organized Vermont baristas at the partner cafés who are out of Restaurant Coalition of the governor’s plan work due to COVID-19. and successfully sought remain “fairly sketchy,” a two-month deferral said Senate President of the state’s meals and Pro Tempore Tim Ashe rooms tax. After federal ( D/ P - C h i t t e n d e n ) , aid programs proved agreeing to it premaThese days, many parents are juggling disappointing to the turely “very much risks working from home and ’round-therestaurant industry, the pissing the money away.” clock childrearing.

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ADAM N E CRASON seems, heard their cry for effectively eliminating an hour.

Yoga ALSO TRY: Miss Weinerz help.

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“I get it.”sampler clash over competing to a virtual in need.approaches

Bette, hopes reopen Bluebird long-term economic recovery. The pack to letwho Mom pick to and Barbecue in June, elated that state INFO fissures involve both policy and process choose a few of herwas faves. aid might soon be on its way. “It’s huge,” Retail — andTherapy they ultimately to one is a column boil aboutdown shopping she “It’s gonnaathelp us retain our local question: Just howera. should Vermont in the coronavirus Got a product HOW said.

TO BUY: Purchase yogarootsvt.com. infrastructure, our businesses spend the unprecedented ALSO TRY: White stabilize River Junction’s Upper or store suggestion?

Email carolyn@sums of and give us (uppervalleyyoga.com) the scaffolding to moveoffers into sevendaysvt.com. money it has received in federal coroValley Yoga the next phase of theplus reopening.” livestream classes, a free weekly navirus aid?

But thesession. check isn’t exactly in the mail. recorded Though Scott vowed “to get money out the ‘IT’S A LOT OF MONEY’ » P.14 FILE: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

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news Wee Help « P.10 STATEHOUSE

Lawmakers Move to Sideline Scott From Vote-by-Mail Decision

BY K E VI N MC C A L L UM

Democratic lawmakers moved forward Tuesday with plans to strip Republican Gov. Phil Scott of a say in whether the November general election should be conducted largely by mail.

The Senate Government Operations Committee approved a bill that would remove Scott’s power to decide how to conduct elections in 2020, leaving that authority solely with Secretary of State Jim Condos, a Democrat.

Condos and state elections officials have said they want to mail general election ballots to all registered voters to keep crowds small at the polls due to COVID-19 concerns. Health experts have raised the prospect of outbreaks in the fall.

“We just want to make certain that every Vermonter has the ability to vote safely in what will quite likely be a high-turnout election,” Chris Winters, deputy secretary of state, told the committee.

Scott has said he thinks the decision is premature and could be finalized after the August 11 primary.

Elections officials have said there isn’t enough time to switch to mail-in voting by then, but postcards will remind voters that they can request an absentee ballot. The governor would prefer to move toward restoring a sense of normalcy by holding a regular November election, if possible.

Elections officials have countered that the decision needs to be made now because mailing and printing contracts, voter education, and clerk training all need to commence to ensure the election goes smoothly.

“We need to get to work without worrying whether the rug is going to be pulled out from under us at a later date,” Winters said.

Weeks of negotiations between Condos and Scott resulted in a standoff fraught with partisan overtones, despite both men claiming that election safety is not a partisan issue.

A previous emergency bill passed in March authorized the secretary of state to make changes to 2020 elections for health and safety reasons “in consultation and agreement with the Governor.” The bill passed by the committee simply removes the words “and agreement.” m Contact: kevin@sevendaysvt.com

12

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

$6 million will not be enough to support reopening costs for both childcare and summer programs. The state regulates about 1,200 childcare programs alone.

The educators have similar concerns.

Wearing masks and holding signs urging funding for centers, they rallied outside the Pavilion Building in Montpelier the past two Friday mornings to drum up support as state officials headed inside for one of the governor’s thrice-weekly press conferences.

The Scott administration has proposed a $400 million support package for businesses, using federal money the state received as part of the multitrilliondollar CARES Act. “Childcare providers are businesses and therefore could seek out available funding where applicable to their needs, if this package is passed,” Rebecca Kelley, the governor’s spokesperson, wrote in an email. “While there is some sector-specific funding, it’s not all sector-specific.”

When Boyles closed her childcare program in March, five of her eight families unenrolled, primarily because of job loss or uncertainty. The state has been paying those families’ tuition for the last few months, plus half the tuition of the three families that stayed enrolled. “For me, that program has been a lifesaver,” Boyles said.

She applied for the restart stipend on May 15, within the first hour of the online form’s posting. She’s hoping it will reimburse her for the $850 or so she’s spent in the last few weeks on items such as disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, a touchless thermometer and an outdoor handwashing sink. But she’s not sure what to expect. “Maybe we’re each going to get $50,” she said. “There’s no clear indication.”

Boyles runs a small enough center that she’s confident she can make the finances work once she’s back up and running. But bigger programs face a more uncertain future.

Vicky Senni is codirector of Turtle Island Children’s Center in Montpelier, a program that, pre-coronavirus, served 86 infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Her center is participating in the stabilization program and has also applied for the restart stipend.

She’s planning to reopen in June, but, based on a survey of her families, she anticipates that only about half the children will return then. She’s wrestling with how she can keep paying her staff this summer with a significant reduction in enrollment. One option would be to charge all families 100 percent tuition, even if their children aren’t coming back

immediately. But that option “really pains me,” she said.

The Scott administration “has absolutely done the right thing for Vermont” in offering the stabilization payments, Senni said. But she believes the state must keep the money flowing until at least September to ensure that childcare centers — which were already operating on low profit margins before the pandemic — will survive.

Peggy Price of Burlington is one mom who is grappling with the repercussions of the reopening. She and her husband have been working full time from home, where they are sequestered with their 6-year-old son and 17-month-old daughter. Price’s father, who is 71, has been helping care for the children.

Her daughter usually attends Ohavi Zedek Synagogue’s OZ Full Circle Preschool, and the family has paid 50 percent tuition since March. Price

OUR REVENUE IS GOING TO BE INCONSISTENT AND LOWER THAN IT WAS BEFORE. H E ATH E R MAR TIN

fears that if her daughter returns to the preschool in June, her father could be exposed to the virus.

The decision to stop stabilization funding is “putting families and centers in a very precarious position,” Price said.

There is already a shortage of childcare in the state, she added, and she worries that if her daughter’s program closed, there would be few options.

Price said she could probably borrow money from family members to pay 100 percent tuition to secure her daughter’s spot, if that’s what is asked of her. But she’s spoken with other families that cannot. “I think the governor has been doing a really good, thoughtful job of listening to science and data,” she said. “I just feel like this decision is being driven by money.”

The state has argued that the decision is based on data, not financial concerns.

Vermont’s new coronavirus cases have flattened significantly, even as businesses have reopened. And as more people return to work, they’ll need childcare.

Data provided by the Vermont Department of Health show that, of 967 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday morning, only one involved a child under 9. The state, though, hasn’t released data on the number of people tested in each age group.

“In terms of moving forward, I can’t wait to see kids back together and to start to grow in their social connections,” Dr. Breena Holmes, the Department of Health’s maternal and child health director, said during a May 18 webinar sponsored by Let’s Grow Kids. “This is such an individual decision for all of our families, but we as state leaders, we just really wanted to offer it … But I also know some families are going to make decisions not to utilize the reopening.”

Another Burlington mom, Grace Oedel, doesn’t see reopening as a choice because some programs won’t receive state support if they don’t meet the July 6 deadline.

She is one of about 30 parents and early childhood educators who have formed a group called the Coalition of Families for Vermont’s Future. They’ve penned an open letter to state officials urging more funding for childcare programs.

If Vermont could continue stabilization payments to programs that want to delay reopening, the group argues, it would take some of the burden off both providers and families.

“Legislators should continue to allocate funds from [the federal CARES Act] to support the most important asset of Vermont — our children,” the coalition wrote. “Without support, many programs will still have to close, and all the funds the state has spent will have been wasted, leaving children, educators, and ultimately the entire state in a dangerous position.”

Baby Steps Childcare in Proctor could be one casualty if more funding isn’t available. Heather Martin, the center’s owner, came down with COVID-19 in March, and she said she was too sick to apply for the stabilization money. Instead, she laid off her four staff members, who cared for the kids of 15 families.

But Martin believes financial assistance is important for reopening, especially since programs will likely have a smaller pool of kids this summer.

“Our revenue is going to be inconsistent and lower than it was before,” she said, noting that she doesn’t feel she can raise tuition for families, many of whom already had trouble paying for childcare before the pandemic.

Martin is also worried about having enough personal protective equipment and finding new qualified staff. Some of her teachers have preexisting conditions or are pregnant, and state guidelines prevent those groups from working in childcare programs right now.

“The pushback is not about not wanting to go back to work,” Martin said. “It’s about having safe centers and giving families affordable care.” m Contact: alison@kidsvt.com

BURLINGTON

Homeless Will Return to North Beach Campground — in Tents

BY C O U R TN E Y L A M D I N

Burlington’s North Beach Campground will again host a low-barrier homeless shelter, this time with a sanctioned tenting site.

ANEW Place will begin operating a 30-tent shelter on June 1, according to executive director Kevin Pounds. The popular spot will otherwise be closed for camping this season, though pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles can still access the property, the Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department has said.

Pounds is grateful the city has offered up the space.

“This is a unique situation,” he said, adding, “The city has been very proactive in working with us to find solutions.”

The tent city will be the third iteration of the low-barrier shelter since the coronavirus pandemic began. In late March, the shelter relocated 26 guests there from its South Winooski Avenue facility to leased

ELECTION 2020 camper-trailers. When the lease ended earlier this month, about half the campers moved to hotels; the other half declined the accommodations.

The tent site will operate similarly to the camper setup. Guests must reserve a spot by 7 p.m., check in by 10 p.m. and ideally stay on-site until 7 a.m. the next day, Pounds said. ANEW Place staff will be on-site 24-7.

The campers will be served dinner and morning coffee, just like at the brick-andmortar shelter, and they’ll have access to the public bathrooms at the campground, according to Pounds.

But unlike the trailers — which were used by multiple people and cleaned in between lodgings — the tents will be assigned to a camper for the duration of the summer. ANEW Place will soon begin a donation drive for 30 tents, tarps, air mattresses, pillows and flashlights, Pounds said.

“We know that tenting in Burlington is prevalent during the warm-weather months,” he said. “This is a way for us to proactively address that and create a safe way for people to do that while also hopefully preventing the spread of COVID-19.” m Contact: courtney@sevendaysvt.com

Scherr, Roof Join Crowded Field of Vermont State Senate Candidates B Y KEVIN MCCALLUM

David Scherr, an assistant attorney general, and Adam Roof, a former Burlington city councilor, have both joined a crowded field of Democrats vying for the six Vermont Senate seats representing Chittenden County.

Scherr, a 37-year-old Burlington resident and former public defender, says he’s looking to bring his background of working for a fairer criminal justice system to the Statehouse.

“All of that experience and perspective and understanding of how people can really struggle in this state is exactly what we need in the legislature right now, maybe more than ever,” Scherr said.

Roof, 31, is a project manager at BTV Ignite, a local nonprofit with a mission to spark tech innovation and growth in the Queen City. He said he’s running because the state needs people with a diversity of government, nonprofit and business

experience to help Vermont recover from the pandemic.

“If we’re not able to work across those sectors in the next couple of years, we’re going to be in a lot of trouble,” he said.

There will be two openings in the district because incumbents Tim Ashe, the Democratic/Progressive Senate president pro tempore, and Debbie Ingram, a Democrat, are running for lieutenant governor.

The other four incumbents have announced that they’ll run for reelection on the Democrat line: Sens. Phil Baruth, Ginny Lyons, Chris Pearson and Michael Sirotkin.

Scherr served as a public defender in Burlington for about four years. Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan hired Scherr in 2017, and he works in the AG’s office in Montpelier. He focuses on criminal justice policy, working with the legislature and law enforcement on issues such as fair and impartial policing and justice reinvestment initiatives.

Scherr is a former chair of the Chittenden County Democratic Party and ran for state Senate in 2016, another year that featured a crowded field vying for two vacant seats in the district. m Contact: kevin@sevendaysvt.com

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5/16/20 10:14 AM

news ‘It’s a Lot of Money’ « P.11

14

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

Vermont has received nearly $1.6 billion in federal coronavirus aid. What are the sources?

Funds to be allocated by Vermont officials

Funds earmarked for specific purposes Provider Relief Funds - Rural

Coronavirus Relief Fund $1.25 Billion

CDC Testing Funds

Provider Relief Funds

NOTE: TOTALS AS OF MAY 19, 2020. DOES NOT INCLUDE THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM, WHICH HAS DIRECTED AN ESTIMATED $1.2 BILLION TO VERMONT BUSINESSES. SOURCE: VERMONT JOINT FISCAL OFFICE

What can $1.25 billion buy?

Examples of Vermont’s budgeted Coronavirus Relief Fund expenses Support for hospitals and health care providers $32,915,998 Motels to house the homeless $13,503,862 Refrigerated trucks $141,515 Ventilators $3,936,315 Support for childcare providers $13,052,821 Support for long-term care facilities $4,573,500 Masks and face shields $8,987,924 Testing and contact tracing $10,000,000 Department of Corrections pay, housing and supplies $2,970,714 Medical triage tent $36,000

SOURCES: VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT, VERMONT AGENCY OF HUMAN SERVICES, VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

“It’s upended the traditional and predictable budgeting process, and we’re all trying to get our hands around it,” said Adam Greshin, Scott’s commissioner of finance and management.

In addition to increased unemployment benefits for Vermonters and more than a billion dollars in loans to Vermont businesses, the federal government has directed nearly $1.6 billion in coronavirus aid to the state, municipalities and other local entities. That’s almost as much as Vermont’s entire General Fund budget — and more per capita than nearly any other state has received.

While the feds have earmarked some of the funds for specific purposes, the bulk of the money — $1.25 billion from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund — can be used as the state sees fit, with certain key caveats.

The sheer size of the cash infusion has inevitably incited conflict, according to House Appropriations Committee chair Kitty Toll (D-Danville). “It’s a lot of money,” she said. “Everyone has their priorities.”

At last week’s press conference, Scott said that, in addition to his $400 million economic recovery proposal, his administration anticipates spending an estimated $300 million on emergency expenses and another $300 million on a health care system bailout. That, he said, “doesn’t leave a lot of money in terms of all the other needs we have.”

Paradoxically, the state is currently barred from using the federal funds to address one of its most pressing needs: replacing $378 million worth of tax revenue it no longer expects to collect next year.

“Lawmakers are more broke than ever with state fund deficits while at the same time having gotten the biggest check from the federal government that’s ever come,” noted veteran Statehouse lobbyist Adam Necrason.

The federal guidelines pose yet more challenges: Coronavirus Relief Fund money may only be used to address fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak, cannot cover previously budgeted expenses and must be spent — not just committed — by December 30.

While some lawmakers are hopeful that Congress may loosen those requirements or provide additional funding in the coming months, they don’t want to sit on money that could be deployed immediately, and they don’t want to miss the deadline to spend it. “So it’s a real catch-22: How long do we wait, and is Washington actually going to make that change?” Toll asked. “The clock is ticking.”

The state has already spent or committed more than $166 million on immediate needs using an entirely unprecedented process.

At the height of the outbreak last month, the executive and legislative branches reached a deal to bypass the standard appropriations process, which involves the House and Senate agreeing to a budget and sending it to the governor for his signature. Instead, the governor was allowed to spend $75 million of the Coronavirus Relief Fund money unilaterally. He can dole out another $150 million with approval from the Joint Fiscal Committee, a group of senior legislators. The rest must be appropriated in the traditional manner, with the full legislature signing off. (The administration initially sought to spend $210 million unilaterally, provoking an early confrontation with the Joint Fiscal Committee.)

Last week, Deputy Administration Secretary Brad Ferland set off committee members when he asked them to expedite a $1 million request to pay a consulting company to advise the state on the acceptable use of federal funds.

“The administration certainly had more time to present this to us,” grumbled Sen. Dick Sears (D-Bennington), noting that Ferland’s office had solicited bids from contractors six weeks earlier.

The committee ultimately signed off on the request, though Rep. Bill Lippert (D-Hinesburg) complained that it amounted to “a windfall” for the consultants.

Rep. Janet Ancel (D-Calais), who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee and serves on Joint Fiscal, downplayed the disagreements. “I think where you see tension is just that the work that we’re doing is really stressful, and the medium we have to do it in — the Zoom meetings and so on — are really difficult,” she said.

Most of the state’s expenditures have proved less controversial than the consulting contract. As of May 8, the administration had spent or obligated $72 million of its unilateral funding on emergency needs ranging from motel rooms for the homeless to personal protective equipment. Joint Fiscal has signed off on another $94 million worth of requests, including aid to hospitals, childcare providers and long-term care facilities.

On paper, Vermont still has nearly $1.1 billion left to spend. But, Greshin warned, “It will be taken up with requests rapidly.”

Indeed, Bette and her fellow restaurateurs are hardly the only ones who have been pleading their case with state officials. Greshin said the administration has received dozens of funding requests, while Kitchel said she’s gotten at least 30. “We’re getting, ‘Give me $15 million here,’ ‘Give me $10 million there,’” the Senate Appropriations chair said.

Letters provided to Seven Days by legislators, administration officials and lobbyists paint a picture of the range of requests.

A coalition of hospitals and other health care providers asked for $375 million, while the Vermont League of Cities & Towns said the state should compensate municipalities for an estimated $200 million in lost revenue over two years. The Vermont Brewers Association requested $50 million, the Vermont State Colleges System asked for $31 million and the Vermont Farm to School Network sought $930,000.

Kitchel said she even received a request to use Coronavirus Relief Fund money to battle Eurasian watermilfoil on Fairlee’s Lake Morey.

“It seems like everybody has taken the standard asks of [the appropriations committees] and added a zero or two onto it,” said House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero). “That’s not to minimize their ask or disregard it.”

Statehouse lobbyists say they’ve advised clients to tread carefully as they seek support for their businesses, nonprofits and programs. “The legislature and administration are overwhelmed with the communications they’re getting that are actually crisisrelated,” said Amy Shollenberger, who

Who can spend Vermont’s Coronavirus Relief Fund?

Coronavirus Relief Fund money would be to backfill the state’s ailing Education Fund, though doing so could spare Gov. Phil Scott Gov. Scott, homeowners a major tax increase. $75 million with the Joint Unlike many General Fund expenFiscal Committee’s ditures, which can be trimmed by state approval lawmakers when revenues are down, $150 million school spending decisions are made by local voters on Town Meeting Day. In the nearly four months since most districts set their 2021 budgets, Education Fund revenues have been downgraded by more than $100 million, largely due to expected dips in sales, use, meals and rooms tax collections. If nothing were done to fill the hole, property tax rates would spike.

During a meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee two weeks ago, Greshin proposed forcing every school district in the state to hold a new vote this summer or fall to reconsider their budgets. Lawmakers immediately panned the plan as unsafe and questioned whether voters would actually agree to cut spending.

Ancel, the Ways and Means chair, said she’s committed to avoiding school budget cuts and additional property tax The legislature, with increases. “If we could do anything we Gov. Scott’s signature wanted, we would just put [Coronavirus $1.025 billion Relief Fund money] into the Ed Fund,” she said. “We know we can’t do that, at least under the current guidelines.”

Barring a change of heart by the feds, Ancel is hoping to find a creative workaround that may involve sending federal How much of Vermont’s $1.25 billion in Coronavirus aid directly to school districts.

In the meantime, the Scott adminisRelief Fund money has the state spent? tration is hoping to move forward with Totals as of May 8, 2020 its own plans for the federal funding.

“Time is not on our side on this one,” Greshin said. “The requirement is to get this money into the economy — to use it or lose it by December 30 … We have a lot of businesses that are on the verge of closing. We just need to send them something.”

Bette, the Bluebird Barbecue owner, agrees. “Without help, and really fast help, we’re going to start losing industry Remaining Funds colleagues quickly,” she told legislators $1,083,725,743 last week. “Debts are just mounting up.

The stress and the trauma of managing this is starting to take a toll on [restaurant] operators that I’ve never seen.”

SOURCE: VERMONT LEGISLATIVE JOINT FISCAL OFFICE

SOURCE: VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT

represents a variety of social service, labor and conservation organizations.

“So we’re trying to be more direct and efficient with our advocacy.”

That involves understanding what the federal funding can actually be used for and making realistic requests. “We make sure we’re only promoting solutions that fit, because it’s not a time for brainstorming what may work,” said Necrason, the Montpelier lobbyist. “It’s not a time for new programs or boutique special interests. It’s a time for proven systems to show up and scale up.”

At the same time, Necrason said, the coronavirus crisis has presented some clients with an opportunity to make a new case for an old ask. Citing the state’s efforts to put up 1,400 homeless families and individuals in more than 100 motels during the outbreak, a coalition of affordable housing providers called on lawmakers to invest nearly $107 million in new housing and rental vouchers to keep them from returning to the streets.

“It took this awful occurrence to really lay bare all of the inadequacies of our current systems,” said Champlain Housing Trust director of community relations Chris Donnelly, who helped coordinate the request. “Now we can fix them, and we can fix them with these federal funds.”

Scott’s $400 million recovery package ultimately included $50 million in housing assistance, which Donnelly called “a great first step,” but he’s hopeful the legislature will increase the appropriation.

Even as they field funding requests from outside organizations, many lawmakers have been focusing on their own priorities. Ashe, the Senate president, has been seeking to provide nursing home employees, grocery store clerks and other essential workers “hazard grants” worth $600 to $1,000 a month for the first two months of the outbreak. The $60 million program passed the Senate early this month, but it has withered in the House and earned the opposition of Scott, who argues that it may not qualify for federal funding.

Other lawmakers have emphasized the importance of building out broadband service, particularly given how essential it has become to students and adults learning and working from home. While Scott listed “broadband investment” as part of his $400 million proposal, he provided no details about what that would entail. Whatever the plan may be, it could prove challenging to actually spend money on such a complicated infrastructure project by the December 30 deadline.

Perhaps the least sexy potential use of

Gov. Phil Scott’s Economic Recovery Proposal $400 Million

Budgeted $117,571,881 Spent $48,702,376

Contact: paul@sevendaysvt.com Disclosure: Tim Ashe is the domestic partner of Seven Days publisher and coeditor Paula Routly. Find our conflictof-interest policy at sevendaysvt.com/ disclosure.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

15

news

Bleak House

COVID-19-related budget woes make serving in General Assembly a tough sell

E

ven before the coronavirus upended the lives of lawmakers in Vermont, Rep. Sam Young (D-Greensboro) had decided not to run for a sixth term in the Statehouse.

The gregarious lawmaker still enjoyed representing his district in Montpelier, but the part-time gig wasn’t paying the bills, let alone allowing the 41-year-old website developer to save for retirement.

Now, as lawmakers face a nearly $400 million budget hole next year, Young is relieved he won’t be agonizing over historic spending cuts much longer.

“It’s going to be completely miserable,” Young said about the next legislative session. “The volume of calls from people who are out of work — and at the same time having to do budget cuts because there is no revenue — it’s going to be a worse job than it was.”

As the May 28 deadline approaches for candidates to register for the August primary, some lawmakers are letting it be known that they are out. A flurry of such announcements in recent weeks highlights how lawmakers struggling to respond to the COVID-19 crisis are finding it harder than ever to serve.

“There is concern from folks who are just kind of scratching their heads, wondering, How am I going to do this?” said Rep. Nader Hashim (D-Dummerston).

His answer was simple: He couldn’t.

People in the former state trooper’s family have been laid off due to the pandemic, and he took a pay cut at his job as a paralegal and investigator for a Brattleboro law firm, he said.

Each election year, a General Assembly with 150 representatives and 30 senators experiences some turnover.

Legislative leaders don’t predict a historic exodus this session, but they acknowledge that a highly uncertain environment is putting tremendous stress on incumbents and potential candidates alike.

“Governing during this time of a pandemic has either inspired people to run again or has burned people out,” said House Majority Leader Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington), who is seeking reelection.

Just how many will step aside by the deadline remains to be seen. Last week, Krowinski said she was aware of at least half a dozen members, as well as others 16

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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Rep. Kitty Toll

who had not yet made up their minds or gone public with their intentions.

“The jury is still out on this one,” she said.

On Saturday, Rep. Kitty Toll (D-Danville), chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced she wouldn’t run again after 12 years in office, citing the desire to explore other interests, such as raising money for local organizations.

The budget crisis and “the landscape Vermont finds itself in” actually made it harder to leave the job, she said: “This work is in my heart and soul.”

Toll’s decision follows that of two other veteran legislators, Rep. Mary Sullivan (D-Burlington) and Johannah “Joey” Leddy Donovan (D-Burlington), seatmates representing the Queen City’s South End. Donovan, an influential liberal who has served in Montpelier for 20 years, cited the House’s practice of crafting legislation via Zoom during the pandemic as something that has made the job less enjoyable.

“I think there’s an awful lot that’s lost,”

Donovan, 75, said of the videoconferencing calls.

The heightened risk of spreading COVID-19 in cramped committee rooms compelled the General Assembly, which counts many older people among its members, to close the Statehouse in midMarch. Some lawmakers have since found legislating remotely isolating, especially compared to the collegial atmosphere in Montpelier.

At this time last year, Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas (D-Bradford) was throwing a football with lobbyists, colleagues and reporters on the sunny Statehouse steps and looking forward to the end of the session as a handful of key committees put the finishing touches on the budget.

By contrast, this year, lawmakers are Zooming from home and planning to spend additional months addressing a hemorrhaging budget.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to hear people who are on the fence about running again say, ‘Look this is really not for me,’” Copeland Hanzas said.

Zoom meetings are exhausting and

no substitute for the rich interactions lawmakers have in Montpelier with colleagues, advocates and the public, she said.

In addition, being a lawmaker during a budget crunch can be a slog, a realization that is casting a pall over the 2021 legislative session, said Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe (D/P-Chittenden).

“Frankly, right now, I’m sure, if you polled 180 legislators, they’d all say next year is going to be horrible,” said Ashe, who is kicking off his campaign for lieutenant governor this week.

But Ashe doubts that budget woes alone are scaring off incumbents or deterring new candidates. People get into public service to have an impact on Vermonters’ lives, and the crisis offers lawmakers more opportunities than ever to do just that.

The real challenge is uncertainty. No one knows whether the federal government will provide additional financial support or leave Vermont with “an BLEAK HOUSE

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This, and the increased financial burden the crisis has created for families, unimaginably large number of difficult have conspired to make serving harder choices,” Ashe said. than ever, said Krowinski, who is also And yet, most lawmakers and candi- executive director of Emerge Vermont, dates seem to consider the current which recruits and prepares women to remote voting environment as temporary run for office. Legislators and their family In an effort to do our part in preventing the spread of and anticipate a return to the grand gran- members are losing their jobs, and the the COVID-19 virus, our staff will be using a disinfecite Statehouse, said Spencer Dole, House finances don’t work, she said. tant to wipe down surfaces of your car where hand campaign director for the Vermont Several legislators are stepping aside to hand contact might occur. This includes steering Democratic Party. for reasons that have little do with wheels, shifters and door handles. We will do this both “The overarching theme I’m hearing the coronavirus. Rep. Randall Szott before and after service. is that people realize that it’s going to be (D-Barnard) chalked his decision up to a challenge, and they want to be a “personal reasons,” though he In addition, to ensure social distance, you can call FILE ; JE part of that challenge,” Dole lamented that “indepenBW ahead for service. We will have you drop your keys in AL LA said. dent thinking” isn’t as C the store drop box. Once your car is finished, we will Some legislators valued in the Statecall you and you can pay us over the phone. We will who had been on the house as it should be. leave your keys in your vehicle when you are ready to fence have decided Rep. Linda Myers pick up. to stay in order to (R-Essex JuncAs always, we thank you for your continued support preserve institution) is moving. and patronage. tional knowledge And Rep. Marcia in the face of the Gardner (D-Richfinancial crisis, mond) said her said Rep. Rob husband is retirLaClair (R-Barre ing soon, and they plan to travel.

Town). Rep. Bob Bancroft (R-Westford) Jana Brown is “was vacillating there for running to succeed Garda little bit” but has decided ner. The literacy program manager graduated from to run again to help provide commonsense solutions, Emerge Vermont in 2018 LaClair said, noting that and wants to expand access Bancroft has a doctorate in to childcare, she said. Brown, economics. who is married and has a “I think a person like him 7-year-old son, said serving in is going to be invaluable to R EP. S A M YO U N G the legislature could become helping us navigate the finanan even greater challenge cial challenges we’re going to if schools don’t return to have,” LaClair said. normal soon.

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it “a symbol of racism ... as offensive as the swastika” in a Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront meeting on May 15. In a subsequent email exchange with me, she wrote, “The mural is a done deal. It will not be reversed, and it is coming down. I … cannot agree with the white community defining what is, and what is not racist especially since whites have not experienced racism.”

That refrain — “I will allow you, white person, your opinion only if it supports mine” — is wearing thin.

If that free-speech-defending, artloving, justice-seeking lawyer is out there — the mural needs you.

with Saint Michael’s College Graduate Programs

Marianne Ward

BURLINGTON

LEGAL ARGUMENT FOR MURAL

[Re Off Message: “Burlington Council Passes Mask Mandate, Orders Controversial Mural Removed,” May 19]: On May 18, 11 members of the Burlington City Council passed a resolution to remove or cover the “Everyone Love a Parade!” mural by August 29, 2020. Here are four relevant First Amendment principles for judging this resolution.

1. In his decision whether to endorse this resolution, Mayor Miro Weinberger is obligated to follow the First Amendment.

2. Federal courts would not be sympathetic to his trying to trump this obligation by appealing to state, city or federal anti-discrimination law, and certainly not to vague opinions about diversity.

3. The main First Amendment reason for not moving or covering the mural is that it represents a viewpoint, and a long line of First Amendment decisions make clear that state officials must be neutral in regard to viewpoints. In 1992 the Supreme Court struck down speech codes because they violated this principle. It would be difficult for the mayor to argue that the resolution does not aim to censor a viewpoint in light of the fact that both members of the city council and the Mural Task Force were explicit about stating their hatred of the viewpoint of the mural.

4. Finally, Mayor Weinberger would have a very difficult time indeed in arguing that his getting rid of or covering the mural would not chill other speech and other art projects. Animus against such chilling of speech is a fundamental principle of the First Amendment that Mayor Weinberger would be obligated to follow.

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BURLINGTON Untitled-5 1

| 802.654.2100 SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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4/17/20 10:10 AM

VERMONT FARMERS MARKETS: VERMONT FARMERS MARKETS:

LOCAL AS USUAL, SAFER THAN EVER.

Many farmers markets are opening now for the summer season, 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 20

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lifelines

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

OBITUARIES Angelina “Angie” Catanese Routly NOVEMBER 12, 1926MAY 25, 2020 BURLINGTON, VT.

Angelina “Angie” Routly died just after sunset on Memorial Day, with her daughter by her side and the smell of lilacs drifting in through an open window at Burlington’s Converse Home. Six weeks earlier, she had been diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer. She never stopped smiling and, until she could no longer speak, always took an active interest in others: family, old friends, new friends, her loving caregivers and Dr. Karen Sokol, who made sure Angie’s death was as gentle and dignified as her life of 93 years.

Born on November 12, 1926, to Sicilian immigrants, Angie grew up during the Great Depression in New Brunswick, N.J., where Johnson & Johnson offered steady employment and her father ran a barbershop. Angie loved going to the movies — and remembered the names of the actors for years, later providing answers for many a crossword puzzle clue. Despite their limited resources, Frank and Pauline Catanese managed to buy a duplex on Easton Avenue for their family of five. They almost lost the property paying for medical treatment for Angie’s younger brother Carmen, who died before his 10th birthday of an illness for which a cure was found soon thereafter. Her older brother Joe served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Angie loved school and excelled at academics. But her father did not believe in higher education for women and would not help her pay for college. So Angie worked her way through secretarial school, traveling daily by train from New Brunswick to Manhattan, a full decade before the “Mad Men” era. One day on that commute, she got a tip from a stranger that led to her first job, as executive secretary to the dean of men at Rutgers University.

Angie was earning her keep, but still living at home, when she reluctantly agreed to accompany a friend on a double blind date at Princeton University, a half hour’s drive south. She wasn’t expecting to like Paul Routly, a Montréal-born PhD student in astrophysics, but they danced for most of the evening.

Back home in New Brunswick later

that night, “I went to bed thinking, I really like that guy. I think I’d like to marry him,” she recalled a few weeks ago. Motivated by an impending research gig at Mount Wilson Observatory in southern California, Paul proposed.

So began Angie’s great adventure — life with her new husband introduced her to science and people and parts of the world she never would have seen. The Routlys married in 1951 and moved to Ottawa, where Paul landed a two-year postdoc fellowship. Seventy years later, Angie was still talking about the cold and how hard it was to cook decent meals on a hot plate. Things warmed up when they drove overland through the Rockies to Paul’s next fellowship at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

In 1954, he switched from research to academia and started teaching

astronomy at Pomona College. Their Claremont home became a haven for students, and the couple spent summers at the Thacher School in Ojai, where Paul taught astronomy at the Summer Science Program for gifted high school students.

Daughter Pam was born in 1957.

Three years later, Angie had Paula.

Angie loved being a mother but missed her own. So she was happy when Paul took a job back in Princeton in 1962 and they could live closer to her family. Angie started working again — part time so she’d be home when her girls got back from school. One position, in the university admissions office, involved opening the fan mail of basketball star Bill Bradley, who was a student at the time. Paul and Angie made wonderful friends, including Bob and Lenore Danielson.

They made more still in Maryland,

where the family moved in 1968 for Paul’s job leading the Astronomy and Astrophysics Division at the U.S. Naval Observatory: Joy and Archie Gold, Kwyn and Edna Abrahams, Link and Nancy Cathers, Bob and Laurel Oliver. For Angie, there was no shortage of administrative jobs in the Montgomery County Public School system. At Bethesda’s Walt Whitman High School, she worked her way up from running the guidance office to executive secretary to the principal.

She continued to work after Paul had a debilitating stroke in 1986, at the age of 59. Her second job — as his devoted caregiver — lasted another 30 years. She also worried over and helped Pam, who in her early teens developed anorexia.

In 2009, Paul and Angie moved to a Maryland retirement facility that resembled a cruise ship in size, food service and activity schedule.

And they were popular passengers, juggling lectures, classes and dinner dates. Both extroverts, they thrived in the super-social environment of Ingleside. Paul’s lampshade antics perfectly complemented Angie’s one-to-one people skills. They had seven great years there before Paul developed heart issues. He survived bypass surgery during Hurricane Sandy and lived two more years before dying in May 2014.

Six weeks later, Pam died of complications from anorexia, at 57.

Angie found great comfort in her neighbors at Ingleside and a wonderful friend in Sue Astrove, who also lost her husband. But advancing age and her own health problems finally convinced Angie to move to closer to her remaining daughter, Paula. In December 2017, at the age of 91, she boarded a BTVbound plane while her de facto sonin-law, Sen. Tim Ashe, drove what remained of her belongings from Maryland to Vermont. A moving van had already delivered the big stuff to the Converse Home in Burlington.

For the next two and a half years, Angie made countless new friends and cheerfully agreed to visit granite quarries, maple sugar operations, scenic overlooks and historic sites — and to attend puppet shows, Flynn performances, and weddings in Québec and Ontario. She spent her 92nd birthday in the Montréal hotel where John and Yoko staged their “bed-in.” A surrogate mom for many of Paula and Tim’s friends, Angie developed an independent relationship with Kelley Goulette and Alison Prine, who regularly had her over for dinner. At the Converse Home, Angie loved Becky Bouchard and Redzifa Pasic as if they were her own daughters. Redzifa was taking care of Angie the night she died, and washed and dressed her with the same loving perfectionism she did when Angie was alive. Nurse aides Anna Metzger and Tasha Bushell also kissed and hugged her goodbye.

The Converse Home provided the combination of safety and stimulation Angie needed in her nineties, thanks to executive director Clayton Clark and nursing chief Eileen Curtis. And, prior to the coronavirus pandemic, she didn’t require all that much assistance. She got around well with a walker, played bridge three times a week with her good friend Sue Haman, and participated in discussions and trivia games.

More than anything, though, she loved people. All people. Although at the end she was easily tired, she said she still loved each and every visit. Even on her deathbed, she listened and learned — all part of what she described as “an amazing life.”

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lifelines OBITUARIES

Estelle Deane

SHELBURNE, VT. MAY 12, 1930-MAY 14, 2020 Estelle Deane died May 14, 2020, on a beautiful Vermont spring afternoon at Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vt. Estelle, who had just celebrated her 90th birthday, was born on May 12, 1930, in Pretoria, South Africa, the fourth of five children and the youngest daughter of the late Hendrik and Doreen Alberts.

She was educated in public schools and graduated as an accomplished student from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, with a BS in physical therapy. She became a member of the staff of the Johannesburg General Hospital and the Baragwanath Hospital before spending two years working in England. She then returned to the University of the Witwatersrand, where she served as a member of the teaching faculty for two years.

Estelle married her husband, Dr. Robert (Bob) Deane, in 1955 and, in 1962, leaving their families and the world they knew behind, they journeyed together with their two small children across the Atlantic from Cape Town, South Africa to begin a new life in Burlington, Vt. Bob completed his residency in anesthesia at the University of Vermont Medical Center (then the Mary Fletcher Hospital), and then continued his career as an attending physician at the hospital. Estelle joined the physical therapy staff of the rehabilitation unit of the Bishop DeGoesbriand

22

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

Hospital and subsequently continued as a dedicated member of the Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle County, traveling many miles and bringing clear direction and healing to her clients through many Vermont seasons.

Estelle participated enthusiastically in both professional and community organizations. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, serving as president of the Burlington branch and state vice president. She brought her perspective and experience to her subsequent work as a member of the boards of HomeShare Vermont, the Converse Home, the American Lung Association of Vermont and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Regional Board.

In partnership with Joan Madison, and in recognition of the shared vision of Dr. Bob Deane and Dr. Jim Madison (who died only months apart from pancreatic cancer in 1997), Estelle founded the Madison-Deane Initiative, a sustained effort to highlight the critical need for expanded education and resources to physicians and caregivers providing care and comfort to those facing the challenges at the end of life. Through 20 years, MDI supported annual presentations by recognized thought leaders in palliative and endof-life care and sponsored critical learning opportunities for students at UVM’s Larner College of Medicine.

A woman of resolute faith, Estelle was a stalwart member of the congregation of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, serving in many roles in her ministry: as a verger, as a multiterm member of the vestry, as a lay Eucharistic minister, and on the Flower and Altar Guild. The flowers on Easter Sunday and the beautiful Christmas wreaths that graced many church members’ holiday doors were a true expression of Estelle’s joy in life: making beautiful things and sharing that joy with others.

Estelle was an avid sportswoman. A South African learning to ski with all of her children on Mount

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

Mansfield’s trails, she continued on after her children were grown to enjoy annual ski trips to renowned ski destinations in Switzerland and France. She was also a tennis player who loved a good competitive game of doubles with her friends, as well as a cross-country skier and a runner until her hip and knees would not go further. She sewed beautifully and reveled in working in her garden.

Estelle took great joy in life and in things properly and purposefully accomplished. Although fiercely independent and self-reliant, she was also generous with her smile and her good humor, always glad for the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine with friends and family. She was thankful to be part of the caring Wake Robin community, where she found lasting friendships and opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Most important to Estelle was her enduring love for her husband, Bob, whom she lost far too soon, and although she missed his companionship after his death in 1997, she continued to build a rich life filled with friendship and service to her community.

Estelle is survived by her daughter, Jayne C. DeaneWhite, and Jayne’s children Jennifer Philipchik (Drew), Adrienne and Alisa White, and her great-grandchild Leah Philipchik; her son Richard S. Deane and his wife, Ina Mende-Deane, and their children, Aidan and Colin; and her son Andrew J. Deane, MD and his wife, Lori Balardini-Deane, and their children Max and Sarah. In South Africa, she leaves her sister Doreen, her brother Hendrik, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2 Cherry St., Burlington, VT when the circumstances of the current health crisis allow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Estelle’s memory may be sent to HomeShare Vermont, 412 Farrell St., South Burlington, VT 05403 or to Visiting Nurse Association, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446.

Marc Kamhi

New York and Los Angeles.

Marc moved to Vermont in 1994, where he worked at United Airlines, JetBlue

Airways, Sodexo and Collins Aerospace, and volunteered with Temple Sinai. He deeply valued his family, work and coworkers, as well as fairness to others.

Marc is survived by his wife, Laura; his daughter, Joanna, and son, Reid; and his sisters and brothersin-law, Elaine and Robert Greenwald and Sherry and Neal Simon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marc’s memory may be sent to the McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, VT 05446.

of Vermont cross-country state champion in the 5K event, for which he still holds the state record with a time of 16:56. His personal record for the 5K is 15:50, which he ran in Manchester, N.H., in 2012. He was also a two-time indoor track state champion in both the 1600 and 3200 meters. Most recently, Malcolm ran the 2019 Brooklyn Half Marathon, which he entered on the spur of the moment after a long hiatus from training, and which he finished, seemingly effortlessly, in the top 15 percent of more than 26,000 participants.

Malcolm was known for his goofy, animated and unrivaled sense of humor; his boundless charisma; and his innate sensitivity and ability to engage with others. He was a voracious reader and

incisive writer (winning the VFW Speech Award in 2012) and had a deep appreciation for music and for artists. He was also a notorious loser of phones, lover of chickens and diehard consumer of hot sauce.

Malcolm leaves behind his mother, Ruth Polishuk, and his three sisters: Joanna (and her husband, Theo, and daughter, Alice), Izzi and Olivia, his twin. He was predeceased by his father, John Plunkett, in 2014. Malcolm will be fondly remembered, deeply loved and sorely missed every day.

Plans for a formal memorial are pending due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, folks are invited to share memories, words, photos and/or mementos (via Olivia Plunkett, 1002 Jerusalem Rd., Bristol, VT 05443 or oli.may.plunk@ gmail.com), to be compiled into a virtual memorial for Malcolm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community, mental health or addiction recovery, such as the Center in New York City (gaycenter.org/recoveryhealth/recovery), Outright Vermont (outrightvt.org) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org).

SEPTEMBER 7, 1957-2020 ESSEX JUNCTION, VT. Marc Richard Kamhi passed away at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester on Saturday, April 25, 2020, after a 12-year fight with cancer. He was 62.

Marc was born on September 7, 1957, to his parents, Ralph and Rachel Kamhi, in Roslyn, N.Y. He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and pursued a career in acting throughout his twenties and early thirties in

Malcolm Plunkett

APRIL 18, 1995-MAY 12, 2020 STARKSBORO, VT. Malcolm Ellis Plunkett, 25, of Starksboro, Vt., died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Malcolm attended Robinson Elementary School in Starksboro and Lincoln Community School in Lincoln, followed by Mount Abraham Union High School in Bristol through his sophomore year. Malcolm graduated from South Burlington High School in 2013 as a member of the National Honor Society. He completed two years of study at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he was a part of the prestigious UW cross-country team and planned to major in economics and English.

As most anyone who knew him can attest, one of Malcolm’s greatest passions and natural talents was running, which he pursued with determination, courage and a spirit of camaraderie. In his junior year, Malcolm was named the 2011-12 Gatorade Vermont Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, which recognized both his athletic achievement and his strong academic record. That year he also earned the title

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Daniel J. O’Brien

1933-2020 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT. With great sadness, we announce the passing of our father, Daniel John O’Brien, 86, affectionately known by his family as “Big D.” He passed away peacefully from natural causes in the early morning hours of May 19 after fighting a prolonged and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease at his home in Grand Isle. By his side, as always, was his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra (Corey) O’Brien, and their five children.

He was the best father, a devoted husband and loving grandfather. A third-generation Vermonter, Dan spoke more with his actions and deeds than with his words.

In his understated way, he left a significant impact on South Burlington, Chittenden County and his beloved state of Vermont that will serve as his legacy for years to come.

Big D’s strong work ethic, love for his family and God, commitment to community, and compassion for those in need always guided him.

Daniel J. O’Brien was the second son born to Leo O’Brien Sr. and Mabel Hayes O’Brien, following his older brother, best friend, lifelong neighbor and business partner Leo O’Brien Jr. and his sister Rita O’Brien. Born in South Burlington to a farming and cattle-dealing family, he grew up on the family farm on Patchen Road, in what is

now known as Jaycee Park.

Dan became a successful businessman, leader, political strategist, volunteer and the title that meant the most to him and to us: beloved family man.

Following in his father’s footsteps, first in agriculture and then in politics, Dan became well known and respected for both his business intellect and political instincts. He was a lifelong Democrat who simultaneously believed in government’s ability to improve the lives of our citizens while also fiercely believing in the entrepreneurialism, resourcefulness and the work ethic of Vermonters. He volunteered for many years as the chair of the South Burlington and Vermont State Democratic Committees, as well as the Democratic National Committee. He was a highly effective leader; during his tenure as chair, Vermont voted for a Democratic presidential ticket for the

first time in history. In addition to his political volunteerism, Dan served for nearly three decades as chair of the Vermont Department of Liquor Control and served the state on the National Alcohol Beverage Control Board, where he and Sandra made many friends, as well as on a number of nonprofit boards and committees.

In 1958, Dan and his brother Leo Jr. formed O’Brien Brothers. Initially the business focused exclusively on farming and livestock, but they soon expanded to help their fellow farmers not only buy and sell cattle but also, when the occasion dictated, their farms and land. They did so always with the mindset of treating their customers, who oftentimes were their friends and neighbors, with respect, dignity and fairness.

Dan was a shrewd negotiator, but his word was as ironclad as any contract. This new line of business created a natural transition from agriculture to a different type of land use and stewardship: real estate development and management.

Over the years, Dan received many awards and accolades for his tireless work on behalf of his community and state and for his many business accomplishments.

Most recently, in 2018, Dan and his brother Leo were honored as Vermont Citizens of the Year by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. In a letter supporting their nomination, Sen. Patrick Leahy

said that Dan and Leo had spent their careers identifying needs “of the business or housing market and have developed projects that both meet these needs and improve our state.” Dan was highly accomplished and an innovator in real estate and business, but he went about it in a quiet, humble and stoic manner — the same way he lived his life.

Big D’s greatest source of inspiration and pride was his family. He married the love of his life, Sandra, in 1967, the same year a Rutland Herald article named him the Vermont Democrats’ Most Eligible Bachelor. Together they raised five children at their happy beehive of a home on Old Farm Road in South Burlington. Their active family life involved date nights with his stylish and beautiful Lebanese wife; an open-door policy for kids and their friends and neighbors, and a well-stocked refrigerator to support them all; family theme songs (“Celebration” by Kool & the Gang); and regular Saturday night meals at the Rusty Scuffer on Church Street.

Sunday was strictly “family day” that included church and a huge Sunday dinner.

The meal was lovingly prepared by Sandra, who would graciously cook for dozens of people who weren’t always strictly family but were treated as such. The Sunday dinners continued through Dan’s entire life. Dad had seemingly endless patience,

where she earned a BS in 1949 and an MS in anatomy in 1964. In 1983, she earned a PhD in microanatomy from Columbia Pacific University.

Trained in Los Alamos, she was the first female electron-microscopist in the Western hemisphere and taught anatomy and microanatomy to nurses and medical students at UVM for 25 years. During this period, she published numerous scientific papers and teaching manuscripts.

She continued writing after leaving the university.

Among her works are a musical, Vermont Is a Homeland to Me, and short stories, including Vermont Tales for Fools and Other Lovers and Bag Visitors. We are very grateful to the many caregivers, friends and neighbors

who shared the fruits of her backyard garden and watched over her for many years.

Because she loved animals, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the animal welfare organization of your choice. And because she loved privacy and solitude, there will be no formal funeral or wake. Instead, Ruth would like it if you were to enjoy a poem by Ernest Fenwick Johnstone called “No Vermonters in Heaven.”

It can be found at digitalvermont.org/items/show/795.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service.

Ruth M. Sprague

1928-2020 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT. Ruth M. Sprague, PhD, age 92, died on Friday, May 22, 2020.

Born in Barre, Vt., she is survived by sons Dennis and Douglas and daughter Sharon; grandchildren Ryon and Hilary; great-grandson Solomon; and several cherished in-laws and out-laws.

She was predeceased by her youngest son, Terry; and older sisters Joyce and Eula.

Ruth graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre in 1945 and attended the University of Vermont,

as demonstrated by his time at camp, driving the boat while his children and all of their friends and neighbors learned how to waterski, despite the fact that he never learned how to swim.

Mom and Dad made up a pastime called “bumming around,” which consisted of driving around in his 1941 Packard, looking at property, and imagining a retreat for family and friends to gather and enjoy simple pleasures.

This dream became a reality nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain in Grand Isle. It is a place of deep family connection and a favorite gathering spot for every grandchild, and it lived up to Dan and Sandra’s long-ago vision.

Dan fully recognized and was appreciative of his blessings. He often said he could never ask for more in a lifetime. The life he curated and the loving memories created will live on forever.

Daniel is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his beloved brother Leo Jr. (spouse Bonnie O’Brien); his daughters Stephanie (spouse Roger Paradis), Molly (spouse Stephen Gregory), Kerry (spouse Edward Biggins) and Katie (spouse Chris Terrien III); his son Daniel II (spouse Kathleen Roy O’Brien); his eight grandchildren: Grace Kennaugh, Adele and Isabel Gregory; Jack, Mary and Sarah Biggins; and William and Eleanor Terrien; and many nieces and nephews in the O’Brien, Savage, Casey and Corey families. He is

predeceased by his parents, Leo O’Brien Sr. and Mabel O’Brien, and by his sister Rita O’Brien.

We watched in admiration and awe as our mother Sandra turned into Dad’s primary caregiver. She did this with grace and grit and determination. Dad remained in her capable and loving care until the end. Sandra and the entire family would like to send a special thank you to the team of people that helped her care for Big D in the late stages of Parkinson’s disease: Dr. Chris Hebert, Dr. James Boyd, Dr. Chris Terrien, Jr., Patty Defino, Griswold Home Care, and Stephen C. Gregory & Son Cremation Service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to any of the following: St. Anne’s Shrine, P.O. Box 280, Isle La Motte VT 05463; Grand Isle Rescue, 3 Faywood Rd., Grand Isle, VT 05458; or South Burlington Fire and Rescue, 575 Dorset St., South Burlington VT 05403.

Dad was a man of few words. If one of his kids went on for too long, he would sometimes say, “I will give you a nickel if you stop talking!” So, we will save more Big D stories, memories and accolades for when we can celebrate his life well lived, together in true Irish fashion, after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Dad, thank you for showing us how to live your values and life to the fullest! Rest in peace.

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COURTESY OF MIDDLEBURY ACTING COMPANY

arts news MARGARET GRAYSON

History in the Making Vermont museums and historical societies await guidelines for reopening B Y MA R GA R ET GRAYSON

Alexandra Hudson

THEATER

High Drama

HUMANITIES

St. Johnsbury’s Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

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museums are not permitted to open at this time. “In the next couple of weeks we’ll have some answers about that, and we’ll be happy to share that when the time comes,” Kurrle said.

ADAM KANE, executive director of the FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM in St. Johnsbury, said that when the museum reopens, visitors will see a reduced occupancy level, mandatory mask-wearing and a handwashing station at the entrance. The ticketing system will likely move online and offer timed visits, so museum staff won’t have to conduct any transactions on-site. Kane said two-thirds of the interactive exhibits in the kids’ section of the museum will be removed, because they have too many touchable parts to make regular cleaning practical.

Over the past few years, Kane and his staff have been developing those exhibits to make the museum more interactive. But in the event of a pandemic, it’s an advantage that most of the collection is behind glass.

“We are a Victorian cabinet-of-curiosities museum, which is, by design, ‘look but don’t touch,’” Kane said.

He hopes the Fairbanks will be able to open on July 1 but awaits guidance from the governor’s office.

“Two of our most important earned-revenue sources are

VERMONT ARTS AND HUMANITIES ORGANIZATIONS HAVE

PROJECTED A TOTAL OF $26.7 MILLION IN LOSSES THROUGH 2020.

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

» P26

HIGH DRAMA

» P.26 COURTESY OF MIDDLEBURY ACTING COMPANY

ypically, the middle of May is when the ROKEBY MUSEUM in Ferrisburgh would be opening its doors for the season, welcoming visitors to tour the historic farm and view exhibits about the Underground Railroad, the abolitionist movement and contemporary art.

Instead, museum director CATHERINE BROOKS is thinking about whether she should spring for a new dustbuster or preserve every dollar she can for the museum’s budget. Like many museums and historical societies around the state, the Rokeby staff and board are tightening the belt, unsure when museums in Vermont will be able to reopen and how much revenue they’ll be able to generate when they do.

“Basically, we really trimmed down everything that we possibly could, because we anticipate having half as many visitors and half as much in earned income,” Brooks explained. She said she expects the cost-cutting measures to be enough to keep the museum afloat, though “the giving piece is an unknown, too — where people are going to be, come the fall when we do our annual funding drive.”

While Gov. PHIL SCOTT’s administration has allowed limited reopening of retail businesses and restaurants, at a May 15 press conference, Vermont Commerce Secretary LINDSAY KURRLE said

This is not a story about a shaggy dog. St. Bernard, An Opioid Play centers on addicts — one who is doing her very best to stay clean, one who sorta-kinda-maybe is planning to try, and a couple of other characters who just go along for the ride. One of them ends up dead of an overdose.

Despite its serious and highly topical subject matter, St. Bernard has its moments of comedy. The three active users are fools, after all, and their delusional rationalizing can be darkly humorous — in the way that Waiting for Godot is funny yet maddening.

PETER ESPENSHADE wrote the play, his first. The MIDDLEBURY ACTING COMPANY livestreams a reading this week via Zoom, with the first act on Thursday, May 28, and the second act the following night.

After that, the reading can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube,

Sam Finn Cutler

GOT AN ARTS TIP? ARTNEWS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Bringing the Music

Young opera singers perform outdoors for elders

BY AMY LILLY

MUSIC Untitled-3 1

5/25/20 10:56 AM

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Sam Thompson at the Converse Home

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MMA GREENWOOD and SAM THOMPSON,

high school seniors and the star participants in the YOUTH OPERA WORKSHOP OF VERMONT, were looking forward to multiple solo performances when the coronavirus hit. Each would have starred in his or her school musical; Greenwood had several recitals prepared, and Thompson had just finished learning the male lead in the workshop’s spring opera, Dido and Aeneas. Both anticipated more live singing opportunities as voice performance majors at college in the fall.

Now all those plans are canceled or up in the air. So founder and director SARAH CULLINS created a substitute performance series: Project Serenade. She helped these fledgling singers gain expertise through the opera workshop, a satellite program of the MIDDLEBURY COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER. The concert initiative brings the two singers to the grounds of eldercare and nursing-home facilities to perform for residents, who look on from a safe distance. Cullins found inspiration in the tradition of the mariachi-band serenade in Colombia — where she lived and performed for a decade and where her husband, DANIEL GAVIRIA, is from.

Many Vermont musicians have been reaching their audiences online these

days, but few have ventured back into the world of live performance. One exception is harpist REBECCA KAUFFMAN, who has been giving open-air concerts on the deck of her Burlington condo development.

Cullins envisions Project Serenade as a balm for both the audiences and the singers, she says. Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable in a pandemic, and therefore the most isolated.

“The [social-distancing] sacrifices we are all making are in huge part in order to protect our seniors, but they may feel forgotten,” Cullins says. “I wanted to make sure they knew we are, in fact, thinking of them all the time. And so many haven’t been able to see their grandchildren,” she adds, so the concerts help bridge a “generational gap.”

Meanwhile, singers without performances to work toward tend to fall into an “emotional hole,” Cullins observes.

Of the switch to virtual lessons after the pandemic took hold, soprano Greenwood recalls, “That was one of the hardest things — to continue to have lessons and learn new content but wonder, Why am I doing this when there’s so much bad [stuff ] going on and I don’t know when I’ll be able to perform again?”

The first serenade, on May 17 at BRINGING THE MUSIC

» P.27

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

Locally-Owned, Locally-Operated and a Vital Part of the Community For 89 Years!

STREAMING SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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arts news school programs and field trips, and April and May and the very beginning of June are the busiest time of year for that,” Kane said. Summer is by far the museum’s busiest season for nonschool groups.

“In the longer term, we’re going to see some pretty big changes, I think, in the educational landscape,” he continued.

“Museums are a resource for schools to pull from and lean on.”

To help offset the deleterious financial impact of forced closures on museums, historical societies, and other arts and cultural organizations, the VERMONT ARTS COUNCIL and VERMONT HUMANITIES have partnered to distribute $700,000 in grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. Nonprofit groups are eligible to receive $5,000 to $10,000 in unrestricted grant funding. While surely welcome, that grant funding is a merely drop in a bucket — or perhaps an ocean.

In their applications, Vermont arts and humanities organizations have projected a total of $26.7 million in losses through 2020.

The BARRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY has canceled all rentals in its Old Labor Hall, a 4,000-square-foot building and National Historic Landmark. Rentals typically bring in between $12,000 and $20,000 in a year, for everything from political rallies to bar mitzvahs and weddings, according to MARJORIE POWER, the historical society’s webmaster and treasurer. The group uses that money for maintenance and renovations on the labor hall and an adjacent building, which has been developed into a bakery.

MARGARET GRAYSON

History in the Making « P.24

Old Labor Hall in Barre

“If you’ve ever had an old building to take care of, you know it’s just a black hole to throw money in,” Power said.

The historical society has some grant funding from pre-pandemic times to renovate the hall’s main entrance and repair cracked granite steps. The current closure is at least an opportunity to get that work done while people aren’t regularly using the facility.

But the organization has had to cancel events such as Primo Maggio, a May Day celebration honoring workers and labor organizing. A virtual celebration, briefly considered, seemed too complicated. Power,

High Drama « P.24 according to Middlebury Acting Company artistic director MELISSA LOURIE. Though previously workshopped with Lourie and others and performed “for friends and family,” the play is still a work in progress, and audience feedback is welcome. “I’ll want to put it on our regular season” at some point, Lourie says. For a play written over the past year or so, that’s an unusually fast path to performance.

Shelburne-based Espenshade, who’s been president of the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery since 2013, says he previously had no idea how plays come together; he’s been pleasantly amazed at the collaborative approach. “CRISTINA [ALICEA, producing artistic director of VERMONT STAGE] read through it and gave me feedback, too,” Espenshade relates. “And GARY MILLER of WRITERS FOR RECOVERY read it. It’s been a corporate, collective experience.”

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who said she’s “pushing 80,” is also the resident “techie” of the all-volunteer group.

“We probably will be able to keep the building from falling into the parking lot,” she said wryly. “But, other than that, we probably won’t be having any of our normal activities.”

The closure could have a serious impact on the historical society’s ability to fundraise for much-needed further restoration projects for the hall, such as the unfinished upstairs.

“Who knows who will be able to afford to give money?” Power said. “It’s hard, because at the moment there are

St. Bernard is named for the fictional “brand” of one dealer’s heroin. Rather than being based on specific individuals, Espenshade says, the characters are composites drawn from stories he has heard through his work. As someone who has struggled with substanceabuse disorder, he offers a telling that rings true.

“With a ton of love and support, I managed to get in recovery,” Espenshade says. “It’s like a renaissance, a whole new life. You’re trying to be present in your life, not just fill it with that other stuff.”

That description fits his character Amanda, a single parent who’s working hard to reassemble a responsible life that includes her child and her nursing career.

ALEXANDRA HUDSON plays her in the reading this week. Her daughter’s father, played by SAM FINN CUTLER, chooses a far less commendable path.

In his job as a recovery coach, Espenshade counts himself lucky that “I get to work on the recovery end” of addiction. “It’s such incredible work,” he says. “I’ve learned so much in even the past five years.”

people who are a lot worse off. We’re very conscious of that, but we also know it will narrow our opportunities.”

In Middlebury, BILL BROOKS, executive director of the HENRY SHELDON MUSEUM OF VERMONT HISTORY, said reopening will be a challenge. The museum occupies a three-story house built in 1829, and many of the exhibit rooms are small converted bedrooms, making social distancing difficult.

Brooks also expressed concern about staffing the museum.

“We have a whole cadre of retired volunteers who man the front desk and greet visitors when they come in,” Brooks said.

“Most of them are elderly, and they might not immediately want to jump back in.”

He and three part-time staffers have been working to revamp the Sheldon’s website and offer an online virtual tour, as well as publishing articles about prominent women in Middlebury history.

The Sheldon’s endowment typically hovers around $1 million, but Brooks said it’s fluctuated wildly during the pandemic.

As at other museums, Sheldon staffers hope that grants and individual donors will carry them through the economic crisis.

“This is a wonderful community museum. It’s been here since 1882, and we serve a purpose of bringing art and historic resources to our community,” Brooks said.

“We serve people of all ages. I’m working hard, and my staff colleagues and volunteers are, to make sure it continues.”

Contact: margaret@sevendaysvt.com

INFO Learn more at rokeby.org, fairbanksmuseum.org, oldlaborhall.org, henrysheldonmuseum.org and vermonthumanities.org.

He won’t leave that mission behind to add “playwright” to his résumé. But, after recently ending a six-year stint on the Vermont Stage board, Espenshade says he’s been excited to connect with the theater community again. “They’re so gracious and generous and helpful,” he says. “I like the camaraderie very much.”

A performance on Zoom is not anyone’s ideal debut, but even the small screen may not slow down the play’s “breakneck action,” as Lourie calls it. “It’s believable, relevant, a specific story,” she says of St. Bernard. “It’s full of possibilities.”

PAME L A P O LS T O N

Contact: pamela@sevendaysvt.com

INFO St. Bernard, An Opioid Play by Peter Espenshade, directed by Rebecca Strum, livestream production by Middlebury Acting Company, Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. Find links to the Zoom performances at middleburyactors.org.

GOT AN ARTS TIP? ARTNEWS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Blow It Down

cautionary tale crafted by a fascist regime obsessed with security and control. The filmmakers leave it for us to draw the real moral of the story: that the monsters we try so hard to keep out are probably already inside with us — or in us.

In the Hollywood Soapbox interview, Cociña calls The Wolf House “not a film that you will forget that easily. It kind of gets stuck to you, even if you do not want [it] to.” He’s absolutely right.

Streaming video review: The Wolf House

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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.

Wolf House (La Casa Lobo) (2018; released in the U.S. 2020) WHERE TO SEE IT: Currently available for rent on the VERMONT INTERNATIONAL FILM FOUNDATION’s Virtual Cinema platform.

THE DEAL: This 73-minute stop-motion animation took Chilean artists Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña five years to create.

It’s immediately clear why — every second is mesmerizing.

Imagine a film that appears to take place in a single continuous shot, à la 1917. Now imagine a setting that looks solid and three-dimensional, yet constantly transforms itself like the fabric of a dream. Windows and pictures liquefy and flow across walls. Humanoid puppets made of papier-mâché or other materials are swaddled in masking tape and reduced to scrap materials before our eyes. It’s like watching the formation and dissolution of ideas in a very disturbed brain, without being able to look away.

The plot is a dark fairy tale. A prologue describes the film as a product of “La Colonia,” a fictitious settlement of Germans in the Chilean countryside. María (voice of Amalia Kassai) escapes from the strict

COURTESY OF KIMSTIM

B Y M AR GO T HA R R I SON

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY...

THE MOVIE: The

The Wolf House

discipline of La Colonia into the woods, where she takes refuge in a house with two stray pigs. There she strives to transform the swine into human children, the house into a home. But a wolf (voice of Rainer Krause) waits at the door — whispering to María, calling her home.

León and Cociña created the film in a series of temporary studios that they set up in art galleries from Santiago to Mexico City to Amsterdam. They based La Colonia on the real-life Colonia Dignidad, an émigré settlement founded by a former Nazi corporal. For decades, it was a place of slave labor and other human-rights abuses; Chile’s military dictator, Gen. Augusto Pinochet, used it as a prison and torture camp.

Bringing the Music « P.25 Cathedral Square Senior Living in Burlington, changed all that. Thompson and his father set up a sound system in the parking lot, and the two singers took turns performing favorites such as the 18th-century Italian aria “Caro mio ben” and the Frank Sinatra version of “Moonlight in Vermont” into a microphone. Residents and caregivers sat outside the entrance or listened at windows.

Thompson, a tenor, says the singers chose their own songs. “You really can sing just about whatever you like,” he notes. “[The residents] really enjoy people taking time out of their lives to do something for them, whatever it is. I really enjoy it, too.”

“I had people shouting down from windows and saying, ‘That was great!’ and ‘Thank you for coming,’”

While none of that history is explicit in The Wolf House, León told Hollywood Soapbox that “We played a role-playing game in which we imagined being filmmakers inside the community [Colonia Dignidad].”

WILL YOU LIKE IT? The Wolf House is not an animation for children, unless said children are serious aficionados of stopmotion, puppetry and surreal horror cinema. Not much happens, there is no comic relief, and the whole film is intensely creepy, with a climax that shares its logic and terror with nightmares.

Despite its fairy-tale setup, this is a painfully contemporary story, a parable steeped in reverence for borders and fear of the outside world. María’s travails suggest a

Greenwood says. Some called out requests, and the singers found themselves doing spontaneous encores until they ran out of repertoire. “I definitely rode that happiness for a week,” she adds.

It will be a while before that performance high is a regular aspect of the singers’ lives. Live classical and choral singing is uniquely unsuited to a pre-vaccine pandemic world. Singers are trained to project their voices, which are laden with droplets.

“A lot of experts are saying they don’t see concerts happening for at least a year, because singers project their germs up to 16 feet,” Greenwood says.

And, as with most arts, virtual singing is just not the same.

“All the technical tools we have are amazing,” Cullins comments, “but singing into your phone is a

• Alice (on Fandor; rent on iTunes): One of León and Cociña’s influences was Czech stop-motion animator Jan Svankmajer, who made this 1988 surrealist version of Alice in Wonderland.

• The Babadook (on Hulu; rent on various services): A live-action horror flick just as claustrophobic as The Wolf House, Jennifer Kent’s 2014 film about a widow trying to protect her home and son features a horrifying animated monster and a nuanced message.

• The Boxtrolls (rent on iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Prime): For a more kid-appropriate stop-motion animation about fear of the unknown, try this whimsical 2014 fantasy from Laika. And, if you happen to have HBO Max, this could be the time to introduce your family to the whole stunning Studio Ghibli catalog!

Contact: margot@sevendaysvt.com

NOW PLAYING AT THE SUNSET DRIVE-IN THROUGH THURSDAY, MAY 28:

Onward & The Call of the Wild Knives Out & Bombshell The Invisible Man & The Hunt Trolls World Tour & Dolittle THROUGH THURSDAY, JUNE 4:

Bad Boys for Life & Bloodshot Knives Out & Bombshell The Invisible Man & The Hunt Trolls World Tour & Dolittle

very different experience than singing outdoors and watching someone wave down to you from a fifth-story window. Nothing can replace being live.”

Cullins says she hopes to schedule as many concerts at facilities as possible. Last weekend, the duo performed briefly at the Converse Home in Burlington; another concert is planned for Mayo Healthcare in Northfield. She is open to requests.

“I’m hoping other musicians are inspired by this idea,” Cullins says. “A snowball effect would be great.”

Contact: lilly@sevendaysvt.com

INFO Learn more at mcmcvt.org and sarahcullins.com.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT BY PAMELA POLSTON

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Rental cars by the Barre-Montpelier Road in central Vermont

Rental cars by Airport Parkway and White Street in South Burlington

Airport. Said yard is adjacent to several parking lots reserved, according to signs, for Hertz and Avis.

We called director of aviation Gene Richards, who was decidedly more informative. He told us the vehicles were “waiting to get shipped out to someplace in New Jersey, to offset the cars needed in Burlington.”

In other words, Vermont has no use for all those sedans and SUVs. The pandemic has halted nearly all coming and going.

Not surprisingly, the same is true across the country. Photographs from a recent Los Angeles Times article show many

PAMELA POLSTON

t started with a query from a central Vermont reader: He wanted to know why a normally desolate parking lot on the Barre-Montpelier Road was packed with cars. They all had out-of-state license plates, he noted with some suspicion, and sent a photograph to verify his observation. This was in early May, right around the time Gov. Phil Scott urged such vehicles and their passengers and their potential coronavirus cases to please not come to Vermont — an inadvertent othering followed by a rash of xenophobic incidents around the state.

Paranoia aside, it did seem curious that some 40 cars would sit unattended — our reader said they’d been there for “weeks” — in a lot next to stores that were closed by the pandemic. But another feature of the car collection gave us a clue, leading to a deduction of Sherlock Holmesian acuity.

The bland color palette of these various vehicles could mean only one thing: They were rental cars.

When we posed this possibility to our reader, he confirmed: “Oh! There is an Enterprise nearby!”

So far, so good. Still, the question remained: Why were the cars sitting there for so long? Was each car being held in quarantine until the next driver could safely rent it and touch all its touchable things? Hmm. We called Enterprise, only to be interrupted mid-explanation and told that media inquiries must be directed to the corporate office. We called the number our interlocutor provided. A very nice woman in St. Louis, Mo., baffled by our question, recommended we call a local office for Enterprise. We thanked her for the “help” and instead decided to pay a personal visit.

We drove first to the South Burlington Enterprise on Shelburne Road and found it closed, with a sign on the door directing us to the office on Williston Road.

There we explained our mission to branch manager Shane Flanagan, a cheerful fellow who, on hearing our theory about cars in quarantine, chuckled — or perhaps smirked — behind his face mask and mumbled, “They’re not in quarantine.”

We took this as oblique confirmation that the cars were indeed rentals, but Flanagan would reveal no more; we would have to talk to his supervisor. A call to said supervisor remains unanswered at press time.

We were reminded of an earlier, similar query from a reader about a bunch of cars parked in a lot — actually, a yard, with grass and trees — near Burlington International

COURTESY OF SCOTT BASCOM

What’s With the Lots Full of Out-of-State Cars?

thousands of idle rental cars packed into the parking lots at Dodger Stadium and other vast tracts of concrete.

This month, rental pioneer Hertz — which also owns Dollar Car Rental and Thrifty Car Rental — filed for bankruptcy owing to crushing debt. A company official told the New York Times on May 22 that the pandemic dealt a “rapid, sudden and dramatic” blow to the business. The article further noted that rival company Avis was better positioned to ride out the downturn, while “Enterprise, a private company, is better diversified and not nearly as reliant on rentals at airports.”

Purveyors of rental cars — indeed, of all forms of travel — may find that people are doing less coming and going even after the pandemic.

Meantime, the stock of cars is fluctuating in the grassy lot at the corner of Airport Parkway and White Street in South Burlington. The area was full last Thursday; on Sunday it was empty, though the marked rental-car lots were still filled with vehicles.

Neighbor Bonnie Deforge, who has lived on Dumont Avenue, just west of the grassy lot, for 22 years, has a frontrow seat to these automotive proceedings. “They always use the parking lot, but parking on the grass is new,” she confirmed. “It looks a lot prettier when the cars aren’t there.” m Contact: pamela@sevendaysvt.com

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

THE GLASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE LARGEST SELECTION OF SCIENTIFIC AND AMERICAN GLASS IN TOWN LARGEST SELECTION OF VAPORIZERS IN VT. LARGE SELECTION OF LOCAL AND FAMOUS GLASS ARTISTS.

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WE ARE FOLLOWING ALL RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS &

REQUIRE A MASK WHILE SHOPPING.

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Calling All Dog Paw-rents!

5/21/20 4:07 PM

PRESENTED BY:

Enter our photo contest!

The Humane Society of Chittenden County is looking for your best dog photos in their 1st Annual Candid Canines Contest! Submit your photo of Fido with a $30 donation and the community will vote for their favorites ($1 donation per vote).

The Candid Canine with the most votes will earn the coveted “People’s Choice” award and have their photo prominently displayed in the June 10th issue of Seven Days!

HSCC staff will also award the esteemed “Staff Pick” to one deserving doggo which will be showcased in the magazine. BONUS PRIZE! Both winners will be featured in a segment on Local 22 & Local 44!

All donations support pets & people in need. This online contest has already kicked off and the deadline for entries & voting is June 1st.

To vote or enter your Candid Canine, please visit gogophotocontest.com/hscccandidcaninescontest

Humane

Society

SPONSORED BY:

ADDITIONAL PRIZE BY:

of Chittenden County

2H-HSCC052720.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

29

5/25/20 1:12 PM

RETAIL THERAPY BY KRISTEN RAVIN

Local Flavor Seven food and drink items and where to buy them locally

A

sked what he would say to Vermonters who might be tempted to purchase their teas from online mega-retailers, Stone Leaf Teahouse owner John Wetzel’s reply was simple and firm: “I would say don’t do that!” Why not? “When you’re buying locally, not only does the money stay here, it’s also more likely than not that the quality and customer service are going to be exponentially better,” he declared.

Pandemic-era restrictions on Vermont’s businesses arwe beginning to loosen, but these establishments are still counting on community support to stay afloat.

Wetzel’s Middlebury-based tea import company offers full tea service and more than 200 loose-leaf teas and tea wares. He believes humans forge connections when they share tea. Indeed, the same might be said for Vermont’s intimate food and drink settings — it’s one reason these small establishments are valuable.

Though he could reopen the retail portion of Stone Leaf to in-person customers, Wetzel has chosen not to for the time being. “I take it as a big responsibility to my employees and my customers and my family, so I’m gonna be more on the cautious side,” he said.

Some food and drink sellers have reopened their doors, and most, if not all, continue to provide contact-free purchasing options. That means Vermonters can savor the state’s bounty — from comestibles to cocktails — in a way that feels right for them.

This week’s installment of our weekly column highlighting local shopping options features items related to eating and drinking, from a cute (yes, cute!) kitchen compost bin to carefully curated culinary gift baskets. What’s more, money from the purchase of several of these items goes toward food security and supporting restaurant industry employees affected by the pandemic.

If you don’t see your favorite retailers here, seek them out. This list is by no means comprehensive. Check the status of many Burlington-area sellers by visiting shoptheregister.com to browse the Register, Seven Days’ new digital guide to shopping locally online.

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

woodshop produces kitchen compost bins in two sizes with several wood options.

The dishwasher-safe stainless steel insert brings a bit of convenience to saving food scraps.

Order from coldhollow woodworking.com for free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

HOW TO BUY:

Demeter Metal Compost Bin from Gardener’s Supply Company, with locations in Burlington, Williston and Lebanon, N.H. (gardeners.com).

ALSO TRY:

Flower Mug With Infuser

Whether you’re trying to perk up in the morning or calm your nerves before bed, a steaming cup of tea can be just the thing.

Those sipping solo can do so in style with the flower mug and infuser set from Stone Leaf Teahouse in Middlebury’s Marble Works district. Place your tea leaves in the ceramic infuser, dunk them in the eightounce mug and let them steep. Not just beautiful, the vessel boasts a practical feature: Set the used infuser in the upside-down lid to avoid drips.

Order at stoneleaftea.com for shipping or curbside pickup.

HOW TO BUY:

ALSO TRY: Kikkerland Mouse Kitchen Timer from Kiss the Cook in Burlington (kissthecook.net).

Kitchen Compost Bin

“With Vermont’s compost law requiring everyone to divert food scraps from the trash starting July 1, we w a n t e d t o create a product that makes it easy to collect food scraps while also looking beautiful on a kitchen counter,” wrote Alysia Catalfamo in an email to Seven Days.. Catalfamo and her husband, Jamie, are the co-owners of Cold Hollow Woodworking, a Georgia, Vt., company dedicated to using locally sourced wood and finish. Their solar-powered

Vermont Isolate and Create: An Industry Cookbook

Have you ever dreamed of indulging in a Michael’s on the Hill breakfast or a Bistro de Margot dessert in the comfort of your own home?

As the coronavirus pandemic forced restaurants to shutter, sisters Jenna and Nora Rice, a marketing professional and a chef, respectively, decided to lend a hand. The siblings have put together Vermont Isolate and Create: An Industry Cookbook, an ebook containing 20 recipes from 15 Vermont chefs. One hundred percent of the profits benefit the Vermont Restaurant Strong Fund to support individuals in the restaurant industry who have been impacted b y C OV I D -1 9 closures.

HOW TO BUY: Order at jennarice.net for a digital copy.

The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook: 125 Organic and Farm-to-Fork Recipes From the Green Mountain State by Tracey Medeiros from Phoenix Books Essex (phoenixbooks.biz) and other local bookstores.

ALSO

TRY:

THIRST Wine Club

If you aspire to base your wine selection on more than the cost of the bottle and the cool label design, Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar’s THIRST Wine Club is a good place to start. “This is our wine club for the budding wine geek,” reads a declaration on the Burlington establishment’s website.

Each month, club members receive two specially chosen bottles, along with helpful info sheets and recipes for pairing. You’ll be raving about sweetness level and body profile in no time.

HOW TO BUY: Subscribe at dedaluswine.com for curbside pickup or local delivery.

The wine club through Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits in Cambridge (boydenvalley.com).

ALSO TRY:

Grow. Pizza

Who knew pizza grew in gardens? The Grow. Pizza patio gardening kit, available from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Store, allows foodies to cultivate just about everything they need to build a tasty ’za. The 100 percent recycled fiber packaging doubles as a planter for basil, tomatoes, green bell

TAKE OUT.

peppers, oregano, parsley and scallions grown from seed. Starter soil, plant ID stakes and growing instructions make this palate-pleasing project easy as pie.

Order from vinsweb.net for shipping or curbside pickup.

HOW TO BUY:

Pizzacraft Round Pizza Stone from Capital Kitchen in Montpelier (capitalkitchenvt.com).

ALSO TRY:

South Woodstock (vermontfarmstead. com).

Foodbank Farmer’s Market Crew Light Socks

“We were working on a design like this one and right now seemed to be the perfect time to release it,” reads Darn Tough Vermont’s description of its Foodbank Farmer’s Market Crew Light socks, “with a purpose beyond keeping you comfortable.” That purpose is to support the Vermont Foodbank, which is working hard to provide state residents with access to food, a service in high demand during the coronavirus pandemic. Wear these socks to show your commitment to eating locally and supporting fellow Vermonters in need.

TRAVEL THE WORLD

IN ONE BITE.

Dedalus Wine | Market | Bar

388 Pine Street • (802)865-2368 • dedaluswine.com Untitled-24 1

5/26/20 12:47 PM

HONOR YOUR SENIOR ON-AIR!

Build Your Own Basket

Chocolates and cheeses and jams, oh my! Choosing from Cheese & Wine Traders’ selection of specialty eats, gourmands can curate their own gift baskets filled to the brim with flavorful finds. Pick five, 10 or 15 items from local food producers such as Lake Champlain Chocolates, Castleton Crackers and Plymouth Artisan Cheese; employees of the South Burlington business will pack the provisions for a gift-ready presentation.

Visit cheeseandwinetraders. com or call 863-0143 for shipping, local delivery or curbside pickup.

HOW TO BUY:

ALSO TRY: Beer Lover’s Cheese Duo from

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company in

PRESENTS...

HOW TO BUY:

shipping.

Order at darntough.com for

Support Champlain Valley food producers by ordering from Addison County Relocalization Network’s online farmers market (acornvt.org). Pickup locations are in Bristol and Middlebury.

ALSO TRY:

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

Check out what other Vermont retailers are up to at shoptheregister.com.

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.

4T-GreatEasternRadio041520.indd 1

• Listen to our stations to hear your senior salute.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

31

4/14/20 12:48 PM

Local Love Vermonters are mobilizing to save small businesses

I

n times of trouble, Vermonters pitch in and help each other. It’s true when your car gets stuck in the snow, when your house floods because of a freak tropical storm, and when a global pandemic shutters your store and forces you to reinvent your business model.

Tessa Valyou, co-owner of Colchesterbased screen-printing and embroidery business New Duds, is experiencing that last scenario. Her retail store closed its doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and has yet to reopen to the public. But “we have had a big uptick in online orders,” she reported on Facebook. “It’s so lovely to see VT lovers shopping from near and far and it really helps! As a local business owner with eight employees we are able to keep on, we TOTALLY appreciate online sales right now.”

Many stores are in the process of reopening to customers, and some shoppers are walking

in to show their support; others are calling and ordering online.

As Andi Rosen of Woodbury pointed out: “We need to make sure our small downtown stores survive, because I cannot imagine Vermont downtowns without our wonderful local stores and restaurants.”

Need help figuring out who’s open and who’s offering takeout or curbside pickup? Check out Good To-Go Vermont, a directory of local restaurants, at goodtogovermont.com, and the Register, a new online directory of local retailers, at shoptheregister.com. Both were created by employees of another locally owned small business — Seven Days. We’re all in this together.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, Seven Days staffers put out a call on social media asking Vermonters to share stories of how they’re buying local. We hope their responses inspire you to follow their example. Where you spend your money matters!

Not shopping with Amazon!

Ordering from Homeport and Phoenix Books!

Did curbside pickup at Birdfolk Collective in Winooski yesterday!

Ordered online, zero-contact pickup, very easy!

GLYNNIS FAWKES

BECCA HOPKINS

So excited to dig into our first “Good Neighbor Survival Snack Pack” from @citizencider Might need to make it a weekly thing #btv #covid19vt KEVIN LUMPKIN

32

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

Clara Slesar with seedlings from Red Wagon Plants

We’re buying plants from Red Wagon Plants. They have set up online orders with no-contact, next-day pickup!

I love getting plants from Red Wagon because they’re organic and Julie, the owner, is awesome. I’m so psyched to garden!

LAURA SLESAR

KHALLQUIST08

We had this whole plan of taking a bunch of pictures of our delicious @cortijovt food, but then it was just gone... @sevendaysvt #goodtogovt #margaritastogo #1 credit: @e_lamontagne P.S. The chicken flautas and the chorizo small burrito were unreal #makeitwet

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

I only shop local and have not changed my practices except to call ahead and order for curbside or delivery. During this lockdown, I have finished rebuilding my home, kept my farm going, planted my garden, installed a pond, and done several client outdoor projects. I call my local shops, [and] they recognize my voice, or at least know where I live when I say my name, and are easy and eager to help in any way, and many times go out of their way to do an excellent job.

Service is quick and clear and thorough.

I bought a share in my local farmstand, Trillium Hill Farm; we also buy from Family Cow Farm. I regularly order Nu Chocolat to send around the country to friends and family. Buy local masks from New Duds.

ALLISON BEACH

THEA ALVIN

Purchased from Kiss the Cook; they do free delivery in Chittenden County and just drop the bag at your door — no mailing needed. Also ordered from Gardener’s Supply Company and did curbside pickup. Have done curbside at Skirack a couple times. My boyfriend bought a bike from Outdoor Gear Exchange and picked up curbside! Really appreciating the businesses making it easy to shop without having to go into the store.

KIRSTEN BERGGREN

We live in Woodbury, just 2.5 miles south of downtown Hardwick. Every week I have been online buying books from Galaxy Bookshop in Hardwick. And every few weeks bought things from another local store, Whistle Emporium. My husband buys every week from the new coffee house in Hardwick, Front Seat Coffee. At least four times in the last two months I also bought groceries online for curbside pickup from the Buffalo Mountain Co-op.

ANDI ROSIN

We've doubled down on sourcing food locally with a yearlong meat CSA share from Maple Wind Farm and a veggie share from the Intervale Community Farm. Our takeout fave is El Cortijo, as they source locally, as well!

BOB KILPATRICK

Bought shoes from Dear Lucy, a couple of items from Stella Mae and lots of books from Flying Pig Bookstore. Also became a Seven Days Super Reader!

DEBBIE HEROLD SEATON

Buying any art supplies I can and other kid-related items from Jamie Two Coats’ Toy Shop, curbside pickup. Have had a farm share all spring and now summer, getting takeout once a week from Cucina Antica, Tiny Thai or another local restaurant, [and] Danform Shoes on Route 7 for kids’ summer sandals.

LAURA WOLFSEN

THIS ARTICLE WAS COMMISSIONED AND PAID FOR BY:

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

33

Turn Right for Connection Traveling through loneliness with neighbors and ancestors S TO RY & PHOT OS BY MOLLY ZAPP

I

’ve abandoned my usual walking route — up a gravel road with a blueberry farm and expansive views of the peaks of Lamoille County — because the folks in that direction keep firing their semiautomatics.

Now I steer right at the intersection and walk along the gushing brook. There I experience a different part of my environs the way I would if I were writing a travel piece about Elsewhere.

My friends cooped up in Brooklyn and Queens hear sirens and see refrigerated trucks parked outside hospitals. I live in Brigadoon, gratefully, with easy access to open spaces and a freezer full of pork raised by a neighbor. Here, I look to the past, to the ancestors, to understand how to continue through great difficulty and suffering. I turn right onto Cemetery Road, pause to watch the elegant steeds at the horse farm and enter the neighborhood graveyard.

There is no marble here, hardly any granite. These are the thin, gray graves of the not-wealthy, their 19th-century losses and family struggles displayed for the present.

Childbirth and death came young to them. One metal grave marker is for two: a sister who died in 1841 at the age of 9 and her 7-year-old brother who died eight months later. Beside their shared grave is that of another brother, who died 10 years later at age 12. How did their parents bear this series of deaths?

Nearby is the grave of a 4-year-old girl, Ella, who died in 1861. To lose and bury a child as a civil war rages is far, far beyond my experience of grief. Yemeni and Syrians, I think, know this traumatic loss right now. I press a sheet of waxed paper to a gravestone and rub a blue crayon across the dignified engraving.

I think of my Midwestern great-grandmother, Frances, holding my grandfather, George, as he screamed in fevered pain, wondering which of her children God might take away. George survived scarlet fever to come of age during the Great War, and then lived through the 1918 flu pandemic.

Around the time of his divorce, during the Great Depression — which I assume was also a time of personal depression — George was hit by a train and lost an arm and most of a leg. Incredibly, he continued to farm. A few years later, to his great joy and surprise, he fell in love with and married my grandmother, Kitty, a 33-year-old teacher and doctoral student. Their eldest child together, my Uncle John, got polio in the ’50s.

How did my grandparents feel as they cared for their weakened son at home, wondering if he would lose the ability to walk or spread the disease to his sisters? Surely they were weighted with fear, but loss, pain and illness had come calling many times, and they knew how to withstand another visit.

ESSAY

34

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

PERHAPS WE ARE UNITED

THROUGH OUR INDIVIDUAL STRUGGLES. I continue to Stargazer Field, where I lie on my back and surrender to the full sun. The 11-acre grassy clearing is like a slice of Montana, all big sky and no houses. Before the pandemic, the last time I played there was during the 2017 solar eclipse; it was the summer after my marriage dissolved. I shared wine and a pair of solar glasses with a sweet lover, the first in a series of younger problem drinkers who kissed me. Now I find the not-quite-secluded area where we entangled ourselves and basked in that day’s particular alignment of celestial bodies.

Today, is that lover like me and millions of other Americans: unemployed, single, yearning to be useful and valued? I am grasping for authentic connection in past, present and future tenses.

Perhaps we are united through our individual struggles. A Cigna study from January 2020 reported that 61 percent of adults consider themselves lonely. A couple of years ago, nearly one quarter of Americans reported chronic loneliness. Jill Lepore recently wrote in the New Yorker: “Loneliness is grief, distended.” In his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, former U.S. surgeon general Vivek H. Murthy observes how loneliness often underlies anger, irritability, depression, violence and addiction.

Now I see the L-word everywhere. The angry, armed, unmasked protesters storming capitol doors: lonely. Kids watching someone else play a video game on Twitch: lonely. The guy with New Jersey plates who has thrice refused to return my waves during my walks: lonely.

Most other drivers wave back, though, perhaps with more eagerness to see another face than they would have felt before COVID-19.

As I walk down from Stargazer, the winding gravel road offers me views of snow still clinging to distant peaks. Greg, who lives by the swimming hole, is walking the same loop in the opposite direction, and we stop to chat. We met the week before, right after a fire had burnt down part of the field beside my house.

We t a l k a b o u t h ow death seems less visible in 21st-century Vermont than it must have in centuries past.

About half of the people who have died from COVID-19 were living in facilities, their oftenmarginalized bodies largely out of public view before they even got sick. Perhaps this physical remove from the suffering of the dying makes it more abstract for the rest of us, or easier to push out of our minds.

It feels surreally natural to talk about death and politics with someone I barely know. I hope I can have Greg and his family over for barbecue come summer.

Murthy notes that self-knowledge, self-compassion and service to others are powerful antidotes to loneliness.

My daily loving-kindness meditation practice includes reciting the phrase “May all beings know their lovable nature.” When the doubt demons come knocking, the being hardest to direct that wish toward is myself. Still, years of practice have quieted the demons and grown my heart’s ease.

As I turn toward home, I want to knock on my 90-yearold neighbor’s door to chat. I want to see Alice’s smile, to soak up any wisdom she’s willing to share. Instead, I leave a card in her mailbox.

“You are not alone,” proclaims a hand-painted sign down the hill. Thank you, neighbors. I feel that. I hope the ones with guns feel that, too. m Contact: zapp@sevendaysvt.com

Burlington Resource and Recovery Center (RRC) 802.755.7239

Masks mean business!

Masks Required

Wear a mask to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Slow the spread to protect your family and your neighbors, and so BTV businesses can stay open.

Inside retail establishments and City buildings

Wear a mask to keep BTV running strong!

Thank you!

By order of the Burlington City Council

The RRC is here to help in response to COVID-19 Volunteer services

Unemployment, small business, food, housing, childcare, and property tax information

recovery@burlingtonvt.gov Untitled-20 1

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 27-JUNE 3, 2020

35

5/26/20 11:50 AM

UVM Medical Center president Stephen Leffler confronts COVID-19 and its aftermath S TO RY BY K E N P IC AR D • P H O TO S BY JAME S BUC K

urlington Mayor Miro Weinberger’s May 6 online COVID19 public briefing got off to a rocky start. “Mayor, we’re having a hard time hearing you,” a disembodied voice announced, as Weinberger’s words faded in and out. Static. Crackling voices. A black screen replaced the mayor’s face.

Then came a calm, clear voice: “Mayor, do you want me to jump in here?” asked Dr. Stephen Leffler, stepping into the breach with the casual authority of the emergency room physician he was trained to be.

“That sounds great,” the mayor’s aide replied with relief.

Leffler, president and chief operating officer of the University of Vermont Medical Center, appeared on-screen from his white-walled office, dressed in a button-down shirt but no jacket or 36

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

tie. On Zoom, he looked much smaller than his six-foot frame. For the next 20 minutes, Leffler laid out the COVID-19 situation at the hospital in jargon-free, conversational language.

The medical center had seen only two new cases of the virus in the previous 24 hours, he said. No patients were on ventilators, and there were no new coronavirus-related deaths. The hospital was preparing to resume elective surgeries for the first time since March 17.

For Vermont, the medical center and its new president, this was encouraging news.

Leffler’s permanent appointment to lead Vermont’s largest hospital — and one of the state’s largest employers — occurred in January, just 10 weeks before the first reported local case of COVID-19. Since then, he has been responsible for overseeing the

hospital’s mobilization to confront the crisis, for maintaining the morale of thousands of sometimes stressed and exhausted employees, and for preparing the institution to recover from the financial losses inflicted by the pandemic.

The 55-year-old Vermont native was educated and trained at UVM and rose through its ranks to the medical center’s top job. Thus far in his tenure, Leffler has won high marks from many staff members for his empathy, diplomacy and sound judgment. He’s also won praise from the medical center’s board and from government officials, including Weinberger, who has relied on him for daily advice about protecting public health through the pandemic.

At the mayor’s periodic news briefings, Leffler has been the reassuring, no-nonsense voice of scientific expertise.

“Particularly because the message and information coming from the federal level is so erratic and not trusted by a large number of Burlingtonians, I think we need Steve as a respected local authority to keep the confidence of the public that we’re handling this the right way,” Weinberger said in a recent Seven Days interview.

As Vermont faces its most serious public health emergency in a century, it’s serendipitous that a seasoned physician who specializes in managing crises and treating trauma is leading the state’s largest health care facility. At its core, emergency medicine is about teamwork and pragmatism under pressure: rapidly assessing and adjusting to changing conditions, managing limited resources in a disaster, and making swift decisions, often between unpalatable options.

Medical professionals who have worked alongside Leffler in the emergency department say that his leadership style reflects his ER background.

They describe him as high-energy but levelheaded in chaotic situations, a good listener, an unambiguous decision maker, and an effective team builder who delegates authority and lets people do their jobs.

“Having Steve’s perspective and his background of dealing with whatever walks through the door at any given minute has contributed to his ability to lead in this crisis,” said Dr. Ramsey Herrington, the medical center’s division chief of emergency medicine.

Indeed, even as the hospital geared up for an expected surge of COVID19 patients, Leffler continued to treat patients in the emergency department half a day each week, a rarity among top administrators at any hospital.

“I’m going to keep going down there and working emergency shifts for as long as I can, because I really enjoy it,” Leffler said in an interview.

“And it’s actually great, as a leader, to see what’s going on out on the front lines.”

With the first wave of COVID-19 cases subsiding, Leffler is facing a fresh, daunting task — what one ER nurse called “institutional triage”: a projected $100 million deficit that is unfolding in a drastically altered medical landscape. Health care will need to be delivered in creative new ways, possibly in a medical center that is smaller and leaner than it was six months ago.

And until there’s a widely available vaccine, or enough of the population catches the virus to create herd immunity, “It’s going to be here,” Leffler said.

“So our work now is to build a new future where COVID is part of our daily business.”

Confronting COVID

In the end, the early spring wave of COVID-19 patients never outstripped the medical center’s capacity. At its peak in April, the virus put 24 patients in the hospital’s beds, well below the 100 or more cases that were initially anticipated.

But that outcome couldn’t have been anticipated in early March as media outlets reported on the virus’ rampage through Seattle-area nursing homes and the struggle of nearby hospitals to cope with mortally ill patients.

“We knew it was coming. It was just a matter of time,” Leffler said. The UVM Medical Center began to brace

for the weeks ahead. “One of the good things about being an ER person is, you try to always be prepared for whatever comes in the door,” he said.

Dawn LeBaron, vice president of hospital services, served as the medical center’s incident commander, handling the day-to-day operations.

Leffler communicated with other hospitals in the region, spoke with the media and oversaw efforts to procure the hard-to-find supplies the hospital would need.

The command team met twice a day, seven days a week. Leffler’s role was to coordinate the work of team members and make sure they reassessed “the patient” — the hospital itself — and to make course corrections.

Leffler had two primary worries.

First, that the surge in Vermont would exceed the state’s capacity to care for all the patients who needed to be hospitalized. Vermont has only one

A couple of days later, the UVM Medical Center saw its first patient.

Leffler knew from speaking to his medical counterparts in Seattle — his chief medical officer, Isabelle Desjardins, knew someone working there — that screening patients before they entered the hospital was the most effective way to reduce the spread of infection. And recognizing that a majority of Vermont’s most serious COVID-19 patients likely would come through the emergency department, the medical center created two ERs — one for patients without COVID-19 symptoms and a second, temporary structure erected in the parking lot for suspected COVID-19 cases.

By mid-March — the timing is “a blur [because] we were all working 12to 14-hour days, seven days a week,” Leffler said — he and his leadership team looked at the number of cases showing up at New York City hospitals and decided they needed more beds.

OUR WORK NOW IS TO BUILD A NEW FUTURE WHERE

COVID IS PART OF OUR DAILY BUSINESS. D R . S TE P H E N L E F F L E R

academic hospital and 135 intensive care beds, well below the projected need of 200 or more. He was acutely aware that Italy’s hospitals had been overwhelmed and Seattle’s medical resources were on the edge.

Second was the acute shortage of personal protective equipment — masks, gloves, gowns and the like — to keep hospital workers safe. Supplychain employees had been trying to stockpile PPE supplies since midJanuary but couldn’t guarantee they would be delivered in time.

“The whole world was trying to do this at the same time,” Leffler said.

“And a lot of this stuff comes from China, and they were still in the midst of a lockdown.”

Despite many uncertainties, the mood in the hospital remained upbeat as staff readied for the potential onslaught, he said.

“People were very nervous about what was to come but very focused on planning for it,” Leffler said. “If you’re working on something, it’s easier to stay relaxed.”

On March 7, the Vermont Department of Health announced the state’s first case of COVID-19, in Bennington.

Within 10 days, his staff worked with the state and the Vermont National Guard to outfit Patrick Gymnasium to handle as many as 50 additional COVID-19 patients.

Another big concern was finding a sufficient supply of ventilators and having enough trained staff to operate them around the clock. In the early days of the outbreak, Leffler said, “Numbers were flying all over the place. At one point, we thought we’d need a hundred ventilators. And at that time we had 74.”

With help from the State of Vermont and Leffler’s procurement team, the medical center ultimately got 100 ventilators before the April peak and created tiers of medical personnel to operate them 24-7. Most were never needed.

By March 17, Leffler made the call to cancel all elective surgeries and nonessential procedures, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.

The decision was necessary because physical distancing is impractical in the operating room and because the hospital’s supply of PPE was running low.

“My entire medical career up until March, I would wear an N95 mask into one room, then throw it away,” Leffler

recalled. Suddenly, he had to ask staff to wear one mask throughout an entire shift, then save it in a bag for five days in case it needed to be reused. Looking back, Leffler described that as the hardest call he had to make.

“I really agonized over that decision to use equipment differently than it was intended, and in a way that may compromise their safety,” he said.

Leffler took seriously the role of maintaining staff morale and keeping people informed. He began sending out video messages at least once a week to the medical center’s 8,000 employees, providing them status updates and summarizing the latest developments.

Dr. Mark Pasanen, who oversees the team that treats COVID-19 patients, described the videos as a more personal approach than emails or newsletters to help the staff cope with the stress and uncertainties they were experiencing. “This is a trauma to society,” Pasanen said. “It’s not just about health. It’s emotion and psyche.”

And money. From the earliest days of the pandemic response, Leffler was in regular contact with the UVM Medical Center’s board of trustees, according to board chair Patricia Donehower. Because board members, some of whom don’t come from health care backgrounds, serve as the hospital’s “ambassadors” to the wider community, Leffler set up weekly meetings with them to make sure they understood the hospital’s actions and the status of the epidemic response.

Donehower praised Leffler’s willingness to get out of his office, to include staff in decision making and to anticipate problems before they arose.

Despite the crisis, she said, Leffler continued making grand rounds — physicians’ weekly review of patients — which she said enabled him to keep his ear to the ground.

“Part of my joy and delight about working with Steve … is how he has gathered a team, led a team [and] given recognition to his team,” added Donehower, who is a retired nurse. “And if you’ve ever been in an emergency room, teamwork is the name of the game.”

Good Training

Leffler grew up in the small Addison County town of Leicester and was the oldest of three boys whose parents owned the town’s general store. He and his two brothers worked in the DOC STAR

» P.38

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

37

Doc Star « P.37

Stephen and Robyn Leffler with their dog, Torvie

family business from the time they were old enough to walk, sorting bottles, restocking shelves and running the cash register.

It was “kind of a fluke” that he ended up in medicine, Leffler said, as there are no other doctors in his family. He attended UVM intending to become a wildlife biologist. But as a sophomore, he learned how few wildlife biology jobs were available, and his college adviser pointed out that his grades were solid enough to get him into medical school. “It wasn’t even something on my mind,” Leffler recalled.

While shadowing a doctor at Middlebury’s Porter Medical Center, Leffler said, he found a shift in the emergency department exhilarating, in part because it tapped skills he felt he already possessed.

“You’re in front of the public, which I was very comfortable with because of the general store,” he said. “You’re helping people, which I love. And I liked the science.”

During medical school, Leffler proposed to his now-wife, Robyn, whom he’d known since second grade. They live in Hinesburg, where Robyn works as a veterinary technician, and have two adult children.

After completing medical school at UVM, Leffler landed a residency at the University of New Mexico Hospital in 38

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

Albuquerque. There, he experienced a nightly stream of inner-city ER trauma: stabbings, shootings and, in the early ’90s, heroin overdoses, which weren’t yet common in Vermont.

“It was amazingly good training,” Leffler recalled. “In three years, I saw pretty much everything you need to see to be a good ER doc.”

In 1993, he was invited back to the UVM Medical Center as an attending physician in the emergency department. He spent the next 13 years treating patients, doing research, and teaching medical students and residents.

Leffler took his first foray into administration in 2006, becoming chief of the emergency department; he built the medical center’s residency program to train ER physicians.

That recruitment has proven vital during the coronavirus response, said Herrington, the emergency department’s current division chief. Had the pandemic happened a decade ago, before the residency program was in place, he suggested, “We wouldn’t have had the team that could respond as quickly as we did.”

In 2010, Leffler became the elected leader of the medical staff; a year later he became the hospital’s chief medical officer.

“In my career, when someone asks me to do something, I typically say yes,” Leffler said. “And so I said yes.”

Despite his added responsibilities, Leffler carved out time to work in the ER every Friday.

Shuttle Diplomacy

In July 2018, the UVM Medical Center experienced its most bitter labor dispute in years. After months of unsuccessful union negotiations, the hospital’s 1,800 nurses walked off the job, complaining of chronic staff shortages, low pay, nurse burnout and gaps in patient care.

Though the strike lasted just two days, it got ugly and personal. Nearly 1,300 strikers walked the picket lines and attacked hospital administrators, notably UVM Health Network CEO Dr. John Brumsted and then-president Eileen Whalen. One sign depicted Brumsted as an orangefaced President Donald Trump.

Nurses won an average 16 percent increase in their base salaries, but wounds inflicted by the strike were slow to heal.

In January 2019, Whalen announced her plans to retire that June. Brumsted said he immediately considered Leffler as her successor.

“I think it would have been virtually impossible at that moment in time, with what we had experienced, to bring in

someone who was a total unknown to the folks at the medical center,” he said.

“The key is to be open and transparent.

And I know Dr. Leffler really shines in that arena.”

“We had a lot going on at that time,” added Donehower, the medical center’s board chair. In addition to Whalen’s departure, the chief nursing officer and chief quality officer were also leaving. When the board surveyed employees, one message was clear: The staff wanted a new president who was visible, who understood the institution and its history, and who listened to them.

Leffler was appointed interim president in June 2019, a position made permanent on January 1.

Kristin Baker, nurse manager of the emergency department, believed Leffler was the right choice, someone who had held a variety of positions at the hospital and was widely seen as one of their own.

“He recognized that the more in touch you are with the front line of the people doing all the work, the easier it was for him to make leadership decisions,” Baker said.

One of Leffler’s first actions, she recalled, was to eschew the president’s reserved parking space on campus and start riding the shuttle buses from the employees’ remote parking lots. The

shuttles — essentially old school buses that lacked air-conditioning and frequently ran late — were a major source of employee disgruntlement.

“First, he got to see what the problem was. And two, he got to talk to people,” Baker said.

The new president quickly decided to switch to a professional coach company, with newer shuttles that are GPS-tracked so employees can see exactly where they are and when they’re due to arrive and depart.

“I know that was a cost to the institution,” Baker added, “but Steve thought this was the right thing to do for the employees.”

Leffler’s concern for his frontline workers has also been reflected in his more recent decisions during the COVID-19 crisis, Baker said. Soon after the pandemic began, the administration offered paid sick leave to any employee affected by COVID19, without reducing their banked vacation time.

Because elective surgeries and other routine care were put on hold, the hospital furloughed 550 workers during the COVID-19 emergency but continued to cover the cost of their health insurance. The medical center also gave an extra week of pay to employees earning less than $99,000 — essentially, all the nonphysician frontline workers. Baker said some employees told her this was the first bonus they’d received in their entire careers.

“That was huge,” said Matt Looft, an emergency department charge nurse.

Looft said he has seen Leffler walk through the ER in a tuxedo on his way to some fancy gala or fundraiser, but he knows the hospital president more as an accomplished outdoorsman who drives a pickup truck and loves hunting birds with his dog and a traditional longbow.

“Steve’s greatest strength is that he always comes across as genuine,” Looft added, noting Leffler’s ease in communicating with patients from across Vermont’s socioeconomic spectrum. As Looft put it, “Steve knows the language, and he knows the landscape.”

Stanching the Flow

One bitter irony of the pandemic, Leffler said, was that the medical center spent six weeks planning to be the busiest it had ever been, only to find itself half empty and losing $1 million a day. The lost revenue from canceled surgeries and doctors’ visits forced the furloughing of those 550 employees, or 7 percent of the hospital’s workforce. Dozens of upperlevel employees took salary reductions.

Leffler, whose own base salary is $600,000, took a 10 percent pay cut.

Leffler at home in Hinesburg

Despite a projected $100 million deficit on the medical center’s 2020 annual budget of $1.35 billion, Leffler still intends to bring back all idled workers. He has a plan to “break even”

by October 1 through a combination of federal stimulus funding, a resumption of patient services and “staff adjustments,” such as continued furloughs and a hiring freeze. But Leffler doesn’t foresee layoffs and fully expects they will need those employees back as patient services resume.

Kevin Mullin chairs the Green Mountain Care Board, the five-member state regulatory body that, among other things, oversees and approves hospital budgets and capital expenditures. Mullin said that he’s watched Leffler for years and is confident in his ability to steer the institution through stormy financial waters. He has been impressed with Leffler’s ability to communicate complex ideas in easy-tograsp terms.

“It’s a really good place for Steve to be right now,” Mullin said. “Because if anyone can convey a message of calm and ‘We’re doing everything we can to keep you safe,’ it’s him … It’s good to see a Vermont boy do well.”

Leffler himself offered a matter-of-fact prognosis for the long recovery ahead.

For the next two years, he said, the hospital is likely to pause its decadeslong growth. In the aftermath of COVID19, the medical center won’t return to full capacity “for a long time,” he said.

Vermonters will need to acclimate to a health care system that works a little differently.

Pre-COVID-19, peak efficiency meant having full waiting rooms. But as the medical center ramps up its elective and routine visits, patients may need to phone in from the parking lot, then wait for a call. The additional time required to screen patients

HAVING STEVE’S PERSPECTIVE AND HIS BACKGROUND OF DEALING WITH WHATEVER WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR HAS

CONTRIBUTED TO HIS ABILITY TO LEAD IN THIS CRISIS. D R . R AMS E Y H E R R ING T O N

for COVID-19 symptoms as they enter the hospital will further slow the process and reduce efficiency.

Some changes are already in place. To ensure that surgeries are performed safely, Leffler said, they’ve built in an additional 30 minutes between procedures to clear the air in the operating room of any viral contaminants. That markedly reduces the number of surgeries that can be performed in a day.

“Our future for the next one to three years, I firmly believe, is that COVID will be with us,” Leffler said. “At times it will be with us in very small amounts, and at times we may have spikes and surges. So

we have to build a model for health care for our communities that can deal with that.”

Necessary physical distancing requires creativity to “use more hours of the day to get more people through the system,” Leffler said. For some providers, that could mean extended hours later into the evening or weekends.

“We could be getting a little smaller.

We will have to adjust our expenses to meet the current demand for services,” he continued, which could be “really hard” for hospital staff.

But even forced changes can bring unexpected opportunities. The new health care future inevitably will include more telemedicine, Leffler said, which “advanced four years over a couple of weeks.” Currently, the medical center is providing 60 percent of its outpatient visits via telehealth, in which patients and providers meet by online video.

“We’re never going back. Our patients love telehealth; our providers really like telehealth,” he said. “It will absolutely improve access, both for our patients who are here in Chittenden County and for people throughout our region. We can reach out to people [at home] who were driving three hours to get here.”

Another unexpected benefit is that a “significant chunk” of the hospital’s staff has been working remotely for the last three months. Because the Burlington medical campus was already crunched for space, Leffler envisions that a significant number of employees will continue to telecommute, reducing the need to add new office space.

He said it’s possible that for an extended period Vermonters’ demand for some services will decline, as patients decide that — regardless of added safeguards — their optional procedures aren’t worth the risk of a hospital stay.

On the other hand, Leffler said, services such as regular virus testing of the workforce could be in high demand. Unless a vaccine becomes available, he predicted, an estimated 70 percent of Vermonters may eventually contract the virus, resulting in an uptick in the treatment of postCOVID-19 symptoms, such as respiratory difficulties, blood clots, and the loss of taste and smell.

When asked how he plans to lead his thousands of employees through those changes, Leffler gave an answer that reflects an ER doc’s pragmatism.

“I’ve always just tried to do the right thing, be honest, be transparent, be visible [and] talk to people,” he said. “If you lead that way, when challenges come up, you just face them head-on.” m Contact: ken@sevendaysvt.com SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

39

BOTTOM LINE BY DAN BOLLES

Business Is Blooming Despite the pandemic, a Williston nursery thrives

40

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

PHOTOS: LUKE AWTRY

F

rom a distance, things didn’t look terribly out of the ordinary at Paquette Full of Posies. The dusty gravel parking lot at the rural Williston nursery was lined with Subarus and Priuses. Customers milled peacefully about the sunny grounds with the spring-hued Green Mountains as a picture-postcard backdrop. People of all ages ducked in and out of lush greenhouses and meandered through rows of shrubs, sprouting veggies and flowers destined for yards and gardens throughout Chittenden County.

This idyllic scene was exactly as it typically would be on a brilliant afternoon a few days before Memorial Day weekend.

You’d almost never know a pandemic was raging. Almost.

Some of the hints were subtle, such as the small, unobtrusive signs at the entrance to each greenhouse listing capacity limits and advising customers to respect social distancing and sanitize their hands. Other clues were more overt, such as the now-ubiquitous cloth masks covering the faces of every employee and all but one or two customers. (The shop dog, Zula, a sweet old chocolate lab, also doesn’t wear a mask.)

Inside the massive main greenhouse, stocked floor to rafters with every imaginable flower hardy enough to stand up to Vermont’s climate, the scene was also much as you’d expect at a popular nursery.

But here, too, there were subtle differences. Shoppers practiced an awkward sort of courtesy, dancing around one another to afford enough room amid the long, colorful aisles. Some chatted amiably, separated by wide bench tables covered in petunias and calla lilies and, of course, posies. Two women, obviously old friends, happily greeted each other by the register with air hugs from about 10 feet apart.

Even as the shutdown due to the pandemic has ravaged many businesses in Vermont, for Paquette Full of Posies it’s meant, improbably, a boom.

“This is one of the best years we’ve ever had,” Ron Paquette, owner of the secondgeneration family business, said through a blue cloth mask.

Some of that prosperity is undoubtedly due to the pandemic as isolated Vermonters look to gardening to augment newfound hobbies such as baking sourdough bread. Add in a long, cold spring, and Paquette thinks there was a perfect

From left: Ken Paquette, Fiona Love, Nathalie Paquette and Ron Paquette

storm of conditions for the “It’s been the busiest swell of sales at his and summer since I’ve been other nurseries around here,” Love said, in the state. part because of the “People get that hurdles of handling pent-up anger curbside pickup. against Mother “But we managed Nature,” he said, i t ,” s h e s a i d . only half-jokingly.

“Everyone has “Plus, they’re home, been super understuck in their yards standing because and want to make it it’s such a weird nice. Maybe they’re time.” tackling projects they’d Paquette expects to been putting off.” continue offering curbRevenue, however, is side through the summer not the only thing that’s and may implement it increased at his nursery. permanently.

“Anxiety and stress, “It could be a whole that is way up there,” new way of doing busiPaquette admitted. “You’re ness for us,” he said. That will eventually include a concerned about the safety of the people and doing website that offers online R O N PAQ UE T TE things right.” ordering. At present, By most accounts, Paquette and his staff take Paquette and his staff have been doing all pickup orders over the phone.

That means a lot of extra work, he things right, including implementing a completely new business model for the acknowledged. “But it’s working out, and nursery on the fly: curbside pickup service. we’ll get better at it.”

“That’s added another whole dimenIf the nursery’s recent track record is sion to what we do, and it’s something that any indication, that’s likely true. When the we’ve never done before,” he said. coronavirus hit Vermont in March, plantTo handle the extra work, Paquette ing season was well under way. increased his staff from nine to 12. Among “We were at the point where there was the added helpers is Fiona Love; she’s really no turning back,” Paquette said. worked at the nursery for three summers “Even if we had wanted to cancel orders, but usually starts in June. we wouldn’t have been able to.”

THIS IS ONE OF THE

BEST YEARS WE’VE EVER HAD.

During the first month of the pandemic, Paquette’s nerves were wracked with uncertainty. Seed and agricultural businesses were deemed essential by the state and allowed to remain open. The question for Paquette was how to do business safely.

Being able to implement curbside pickup before Easter, the traditional kickoff to the nursery’s busy season, was a huge relief.

Another stroke of good fortune: Because his main greenhouse was built with roll-up sides and a roof vent, the structure is considered an open space, rather than an enclosed building. That meant he was able to invite small numbers of customers — fewer than 10 at a time — earlier than other retail businesses, which can now have up to 25 percent of their normal capacity inside.

That earlier time frame included Mother’s Day weekend, which this year brought frigid winds and snow squalls.

“And people were standing in line outside the greenhouse smiling, just happy to be here,” Paquette marveled.

They continue to be. Paquette said that, every morning, people are waiting in their cars to get in. These days the phone starts ringing at 7:30 a.m., a half hour before the nursery opens.

“You try not to answer it, but then you’ve gotta listen to a voicemail,” Paquette said with mild chagrin.

Not that he’s complaining.

“We are so fortunate that we’re able to sell,” he said, noting other businesses, such as salons and many restaurants, that haven’t been as lucky.

“Some of the things we do aren’t essential, though the vegetables are,” he continued. “But it was essential, I think, for the well-being of the people, physically and mentally, to get them outside and thinking about other things and planning for the future.”

To illustrate his point, Paquette offered a fitting analogy.

“It’s like planting a garden,” he said.

“You plant now and harvest in September.” m Contact: dan@sevendaysvt.com

INFO Paquette Full of Posies, 10236 Williston Road, Williston, 434-2794. vermontnursery.com Bottom Line is a weekly series on how Vermont businesses are faring during the pandemic. Got a tip? Email bottomline@sevendaysvt.com.

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41

5/26/20 3:45 PM

LUKE AWTRY

food+drink

Short Order

Closed for two months, Vermont restaurants get two-day notice to reopen

BY S AL LY P O L L AK

J

ackie Oktay has been busy homeschooling her kids, converting two restaurants into takeout businesses and keeping 40 people employed. So she missed the state’s May 20 announcement that restaurants could open for outdoor dining on Friday, May 22, after two months closed as part of the state’s effort to rein in the spread of the coronavirus.

Oktay, co-owner of Istanbul Kebab House in Burlington and Tuckerbox in White River Junction, found out last Thursday morning that restaurants had the green light.

“I’m like, ‘Oh, my God,’” Oktay said by telephone on Thursday afternoon. “The wheels start turning: What the heck do I have to do now?”

A former nurse manager in the cardiac unit at Dartmouth-Hitchcock medical center, Oktay swung into action to reopen her restaurants in compliance with state guidelines. She created a log to record customer information in case contact tracing becomes necessary. She wrote a script for her staff to recite when they take calls

FOOD LOVER?

GET YOUR FILL ONLINE...

42

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

for reservations. The dialogue includes questions about symptoms and possible exposure to the virus; diners are encouraged to order online to save “100 pieces of paper a day.” (Disposable menus are mandated.)

Outside dining at Spot on the Dock

on?” asked Joey Nagy, co-owner of the Mad Taco restaurants. “You don’t.”

In these uncertain times, restaurant chefs are still charting the course ahead. Some restaurateurs, wary of a resurgence of COVID-19, are opting for a

EITHER WE CHANGE OR WE DIE,

AND SO WE CHANGE. C H AR L E S R E E VE S

Oktay also purchased outdoor tables and chairs to accommodate up to 36 al fresco diners at Tuckerbox. On Friday, she opened.

“I think customers will appreciate it,” Oktay said.

Dining out in the age of the coronavirus is not a simple proposition. The guidelines recommended by public health officials — frequent handwashing, six-foot distancing and mask-wearing — aren’t easy to reconcile with the way restaurants have traditionally operated.

“How do you drink and eat with a mask

takeout model they think will keep staff safe and withstand the vicissitudes of the virus. Others, including Oktay, say they’ll start with a combination of takeout service and on-site dining before adding table service.

“We’re not in a hurry to do that, because there’s a lot more contact,” Oktay said.

Tim Lahey, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Vermont Medical Center, suggests that “we’re going to have to do this dance back and forth for a while.” That “dance” or “toggle,” based on local epidemiology, will alternate

FOOD NEWS SERVED TO YOUR INBOX

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between periods of engagement and activity and periods when people need to stay at home.

“Whatever plan we come up with, if it doesn’t have the ability to either loosen restrictions as things get better or tighten them as things get worse, it won’t work,” Lahey said.

The restaurant guidelines set forth by the state are “very helpful and aligned to CDC guidance,” Lahey wrote in an email to Seven Days. But he noted that directions regarding mask-wearing and precautions to safeguard workers are missing from the document.

“We’ll see how this goes,” he wrote.

“Bringing groups of up to 50 together is a risk, so we’ll have to be nimble and willing to pull back if local epidemiology suggests we have to.”

Last Friday, the first evening when Vermont restaurants could reopen, Anastasia Coen and Hunter Thomson ventured to downtown Burlington to dine. “It comes down to a mixture of Vermont’s success

GOOD TO-GO VERMONT:

SHORT ORDER

» P.46

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Appear Cardinal 65.52. ___ Today Balkan capital 53. Deduce 54. Meats sold in racks 58. June 6, 1944 59. ___-bodied 62. Before, in verse 63. Dusk, to Donne 64. Appear 65. ___ Today

This new Challenge, open to all K-12 students, will focus on timely topics that will help us all get through the next few months:

History

How people got through difficulties in the past

News Literacy

How to tell good info from bad, especially online

Community

Helping others get through the pandemic

HOW IT WORKS

• We’ll be posting a few new activities each week at goodcitizenvt.com.

All of them can be completed at home! We’ll choose a variety of different types of tasks each week; there will be something for everyone, regardless of age.

• Do one activity or do them all! Everyone age 18 or under who submits an activity will be entered to win a weekly prize. We’ll raffle it off — and share the best work we receive — during a weekly video broadcast/virtual meeting.

• The prize drawings take place on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Watch the Facebook Live broadcast via the Kids VT Facebook page.

The winner will receive a $25 gift card to Phoenix Books!

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New on the Menu Two Vermont restaurants open despite the pandemic B Y J O R D AN BAR RY & ME LISSA PASANEN

FOOD

J.B.

Off the Deep End Deep City, 112 Lake Street, Burlington, 800-1454, deepcityvt.com

The weekend of March 14 marked the culmination of months of work and hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in Deep City. Owned by Foam Brewers, the new restaurant is located at the opposite end of the Burlington waterfront building where the brewery opened in 2016.

The opening was set for Thursday, March 19. The preceding weekend, the brick-walled dining room, anchored by a blond wood bar, hosted several successful soft-opening events.

Led by executive chef Christina Scifo, the kitchen churned out bubbling skillets of provoleta, which is melty cheese topped with an herby citrus sauce; wood-grilled local pork chops with bacon-braised kale and red pepper romesco sauce; and piles of poutine fries soaked with short-rib gravy or a vegan mushroom version.

“I’ve opened a lot of restaurants, and I felt very confident. We were ready to go,” Scifo, 40, recalled last week. “Then it was just, like, a screeching halt.”

Sitting, well spaced, on the brewery’s back patio, Scifo and Jon Farmer, 28, one of five Foam business partners, reflected 44

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

on the 10 weeks since the pandemic ended in-person dining at Vermont restaurants.

“It feels like 10 years ago,” Scifo said.

Even before the mandate, the team had reluctantly concluded that they couldn’t open their dining room as planned. They quickly pivoted to takeout and delivery.

It was not an ideal way to introduce a new restaurant to the community. Dishes meant to be served freshly prepared on plates don’t always transition well to takeout. “We were worried,” Scifo said. “We had to stay alive and not compromise who we are.”

PHOTOS: JAMES BUCK

I

n a given month, we typically see one or two new restaurants open in Vermont. These past months have been no different, except that everything is different.

As dining rooms shuttered in compliance with Gov. Phil Scott’s March 17 order and food businesses weighed the realities of adapting to takeout and delivery service, two new restaurants were in the midst of opening for the very first time. After months — or years — of dreaming, developing concepts, planning menus, building out dining rooms and prepping for health inspections, their owners had to adjust — fast.

Now, in the wake of Scott’s May 20 announcement allowing restaurants to reopen for outdoor dining — with strict guidelines — these newcomers are adapting once again, trying to prove even a global pandemic can’t stop their momentum.

To-go cocktail, wings, burger and onion dip at Deep City

IT WAS JUST, LIKE,

A SCREECHING HALT.

C H R IS TINA S C IF O

The 2006 New England Culinary Institute graduate and South Florida native moved back to Vermont last summer after five years working in New York City, where her positions included executive chef at Maxwell’s Chophouse. She has seen a lot over her career, but this was a brand-new challenge.

Deep City’s takeout menu features its excellent local beef burger with crispy shallots and housemade pickles on a brioche bun. Chicken sandwiches include fried, jerk, and “hot and blue” — the last comes dressed with housemade hot sauce and Vermont blue cheese. Scifo’s signature ranch-and-romaine salad bursts with flavor and crunch, due to a masterful mix with pickled shallots and pumpkin-seed croutons. A spicy paloma cocktail came with a sophisticated garnish of dehydrated grapefruit slice.

Whatever you order, I recommend adding a ramekin of crunchy chili oil, Scifo’s version of chili crisp, the current foodie condiment darling.

But that provoleta didn’t translate so well to takeout, Scifo said: “By the time you get it home, it’s a congealed piece of cheese.” Initially, she also kept poutine off the takeout menu, worried it would become soggy in transit. But customers begged for it.

“This was never the way we wanted to present our food,” Farmer said, seconding Scifo. But, with even Foam’s rainy-day

Waldorf salad, hand-cut French fries and tacos from the Drake Bar and Kitchen

fund spent on the restaurant project, Deep City needed to generate cash flow.

“We didn’t have a choice,” Farmer said.

Plus, the partners felt responsible for their staff: “We look at this very much as a family,” he added.

While takeout doesn’t employ as many people as a full-service restaurant, it has allowed Deep City to keep a few on payroll. Recently, steady business and a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan enabled the owners to rehire some staff.

For now, the dining room is the staging area: barstools pushed to the side, china

plates stacked on a wooden banquette.

“So we can dream about when we can use them again,” Scifo said.

With outdoor dining now possible, Deep City is tiptoeing closer to that day.

Foam’s front and back patios will open on Wednesday, May 27, for table service of beer, wine, cocktails and a modified version of Deep City’s takeout menu.

Though it was tempting to open for Memorial Day, Farmer said, restaurants didn’t get enough notice from the state.

“It’s a huge bummer to miss a beautiful holiday weekend,” he said, “but we really

want to make sure we’re doing everything right.”

Scifo will gradually bring back more original menu items, depending on the availability of local ingredients, but food will be served on compostable dishware.

The upside of the situation, if there is one, has been “the insane amount of support,” said Farmer.

“We’re even starting to get to know our regulars through their takeout orders,” Scifo added.

Farmer said, “I can’t wait to have them all here in person.”

M.P.

Adventure Time The Drake Bar and Kitchen, 30 South Main Street, St. Albans, 528-5991, thedrakevt.com

Eben and Tessa Hill envision the Drake Bar and Kitchen filling a farm-to-table niche in downtown St. Albans. Dressed up or down, their customers will tuck into Negronis and wild-crafted mocktails, plates of housemade gnocchi with seasonal produce or duck-fat-gravy poutine.

The couple wants to offer their customers an adventure when they step

THE MIND FRAME FOR OPENING A RESTAURANT

ALWAYS HAS TO BE A FLEXIBLE ONE. T E S S A HIL L

into the Drake. They’ll find wildlife prints by local artists on the walls and selfie-inviting jungle wallpaper in the bathroom; the tacos will be topped with foraged edible flowers. The vibe might be better called nature-to-table.

Many details remain theoretical, though. When the Hills opened the Drake on May 5 — just a week and a half after their pre-pandemic target — they introduced a menu of simple, familiar dishes that work well for takeout.

“The mind frame for success in opening a restaurant always has to be a flexible one,” Tessa said, sitting outside the restaurant on a beautiful May day. “We were prepared to always have option A, option B, C, D and E. But our business plan was absolutely flipped on its head.”

That plan had involved opening with dine-in service, then slowly adding takeout, catering and an ambitious bar program. Instead, the Hills are boxing up Waldorf salads, crispy fries, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers and tacos to

go. Their first “dine-in” customers are dining outside, at two appropriately spaced tables on the sidewalk.

“I would have been much more adventurous,” Eben said, referring to his original menu plan. “Right now, it’s gotta be familiar, it’s gotta be right every time, and they’ve gotta see us wearing gloves, wearing masks.”

“The phase we’re in right now is gaining trust,” Tessa added. “First, we have to let people know we’re here. Then we have to let them know they’re going to be safe eating our food and coming into our environment. Then we get to share the exciting things that we’re experimenting with and rolling out.”

While the situation is far from ideal, the restaurant’s point of growth ended up being well timed. In mid-March, the Hills had neither a perishable inventory nor a staff, so they weren’t burdened by payroll or worries about wasting food.

Now they can hire as they get busier and expand their offerings — though, they noted, it hasn’t been easy to find kitchen staff when laid-off workers have extra unemployment benefits available.

“We really need experienced cooks,” Eben said. “Unemployment is going to stay this way for a couple of months, so getting staff in here is going to be one of our biggest challenges.”

The restaurant’s roomy, windowed kitchen could be a draw. The bright space is as large as the dining room. Finding an affordable space this size is a perk of doing business in St. Albans, the couple said.

“We feel so lucky that we chose the town of St. Albans,” Tessa said. “This is such a business-friendly community, and we’ve found that a lot of our first customers have been other local business owners.”

That sense of collaboration has created a thriving dining scene in the town, and the Hills are eager to support it: They’ve joined the newly formed Vermont Hospitality Coalition, posting actively in #savetherestaurants, and have served meals at the local hospital through the Frontline Foods program.

“There’s a risk involved, and it’s definitely harder to survive than it was prior to COVID,” Eben acknowledged of the restaurant business. “But we’re going to survive.”

“We are in the middle of our metamorphosis,” Tessa said. “The Drake is a functional caterpillar right now, and it’s going to be an amazing butterfly.”

J.B.

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Doug Paine in the courtyard of new outdoor restaurant Brick

to give the music club/eatery an outdoor environment similar to the vibe it established inside, Fishman said.

“I don’t want to open up something that feels weird,” he said. “It’s got to be fun and enjoyable; otherwise you might as well just go home. We’re sort of imagining it like we’re doing a music festival.”

model that’s less vulnerable to virusinduced starts and stops. In addition, the staffing required for a full-service restaurant is incompatible with diminished seating capacity, he said.

“Who’s really at risk here of getting it?”

Nagy said. “It’s not just the people who visit the restaurant; it’s the restaurant

WE’LL HAVE TO BE NIMBLE AND WILLING TO PULL BACK IF LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGY SUGGESTS WE HAVE TO. TIM L AH E Y

Looking beyond the summer, Nagy of Mad Taco said he’s in no hurry to open his doors to customers. Anticipating a possible second wave of the virus and determined to keep his staff healthy, Nagy is sticking with curbside service, a business

workers. How do they not pass it between themselves? And then you shut down.”

The owners of two Chittenden County restaurants that have had prolonged closures — Penny Cluse Café in Burlington and Misery Loves Co. in Winooski — plan SALLY POLLAK

against the virus and the lifting of restrictions,” Coen said.

Many, if not most, downtown restaurants were closed or offering takeout. The friends got a table at Ken’s Pizza and Pub, one of four restaurants that were open on the Church Street Marketplace. Over sandwiches and cocktails, they observed with concern the lax mask-wearing of passersby. They sipped a cocktail called the Painkiller through straws slipped under their own face coverings.

“We might get screwed,” Thomson said with a shrug, talking about eating out. “But it seems as safe as it could.”

To facilitate outdoor dining and business, the City of Burlington announced on Friday that it will expedite the permitting process and expand the space available to restaurants and retail establishments.

Chapin Spencer, director of public works, said the streamlined process will take a matter of days. The city will designate parking spaces for grab-and-go pickup.

And Burlington is initiating a streetclosure program for the summer months.

“It’s for businesses and organizations that want to activate the street with dining and retailing,” Spencer said, emphasizing the need to practice social distancing and mask-wearing.

A new outdoor restaurant, Brick, is set to open on May 29 at Hotel Vermont, executive chef Doug Paine said. Featuring wood-fired pizzas, salads and lobster rolls, Brick will launch with takeout food to eat on the premises and move to table service in the next few weeks, he added.

Among the challenges of a gradual restart is rehiring staff on a partial basis, Paine noted. Proper distancing in the kitchen means there’s room for fewer people. The customer base, driven by hotel guests, could also be smaller, he said.

“This is supposed to be the busy season; restaurants are supposed to be making enough money to hold us through January, February,” Paine said. “If that doesn’t happen, those winter months are going to be a death blow for a lot of people.”

Chiuho Sampson, chef-owner of A Single Pebble restaurant and food truck in Burlington, also plans a slow return to full service. The key is to be flexible and agile, she said. Yet Sampson is confident the diners will come.

“There are people who like to enjoy life,” she said. “They want to eat the food that other people prepare for them.”

In Waterbury Center, co-owner Noah Fishman said Zenbarn will probably open to in-house diners the weekend of May 29, with a new casual menu and tents and outdoor seating that can accommodate the maximum allowed: 50 people. The aim is

JAMES BUCK

Short Order « P.42

Anastasia Coen and Hunter Thomson at Ken’s Pizza and Pub

to reopen in June with a business model retooled for takeout. Neither has a firm date, but Charles Reeves said his restaurants, Penny Cluse and Lucky Next Door, will start anew on June 4 or 11.

“I think about this pretty much nonstop,” co-owner Reeves said by telephone. “There’s some sad truths about restaurants in general. But [for] the part of the industry we’re in, in particular, volume means profitability.”

Together, popular breakfast spot Penny Cluse and Lucky Next Door serve 500 to 600 people on a weekend day, Reeves said. “We’ve been incredibly lucky for an incredibly long time,” he added.

Takeout service will operate out of Lucky Next Door with a smaller menu that blends both restaurants’ offerings, Reeves said.

“Either we change or we die, and so we change,” he said. “We’ll figure out a way forward that’s going to work, and we’ll be back moving food and having positive interactions. That’s what people want.”

At Misery, the chefs are devising a hybrid model that will focus on “hyperlocal” ingredients and provide a combination of family meals, farm food and pantry items, co-owner Laura Wade said. The takeout package won’t be eat-in-yourcar food but a spread for the family table.

Some meals will be fully composed, and other options could be ingredients to add to a salad, Wade said.

“People have rediscovered their kitchens,” she said. “I think that’s beautiful and exciting. We want to add to that. We want to support the home kitchen and build on that a little bit.”

Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup in Burlington is closed for the time being, with no plan for takeout service. To open with a few sidewalk tables doesn’t make business sense, co-owner Tim Elliott said. Beyond that, he’s not interested in compromising the very attributes that have drawn people to Stone Soup for more than 20 years. The open-kitchen restaurant is centered on a self-serve counter with a selection of hot and cold dishes and salad items.

“We’re not McDonald’s,” Elliott said.

“We don’t have a drive-through. We’re not going to wrap it in plastic and serve it to go.

“This is not a foodborne illness,” he said of the coronavirus. “If people start becoming afraid of food, and afraid of real food, that’s a bummer, a real bummer.” m Contact: sally@sevendaysvt.com

INFO Vermont’s official guidelines for business reopening can be found at the Agency of Commerce and Community Development website, accd.vermont.gov.

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S UNDbites News and views on the local music + nightlife scene

BY J O R D A N ADAMS

HE WAS A HELPER AND COMPANION. C Y N T HI A B R A R EN

COURTESY OF MEGHAN MCCORMICK AUDETTE

The Queen City jazz community is in mourning, and not only for the annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. The sprawling 10-day festival usually kicks off around this time of year but was canceled, like everything else, because of the coronavirus pandemic. But now the local jazz scene grapples with an even deeper loss, that of pianist and composer PETER KRAG, who died from an apparent overdose last week after a long struggle with addiction.

Krag, 34, was known locally as a go-to keyboardist for area jazz groups, such as the ELLEN POWELL TRIO, CHRIS PETERMAN QUARTET and HOT BOX HONEY, to name a few.

He lived and breathed music, teaching by day and gigging by night. His earliest years were spent in California until his family settled in Vermont in the ’90s.

He showed incredible promise as a pianist in his youth, as noted by his longtime instructor (and eventual peer) TOM CLEARY, who teaches jazz piano at the University of Vermont. Krag was Cleary’s longest-running, most consistent student, having studied under the UVM instructor on and off since Krag was in sixth grade.

“He was one of the few students I asked to teach,” recalled Cleary in a Zoom interview along with several of Krag’s friends and collaborators. Cleary explained that after seeing the young Krag perform, he reached out to his parents to take him under his wing. “He improved any musical situation he got involved in,” Cleary continued. “I can only be in awe of that.”

Like most folks who roll in the local jazz scene, Krag sat in with many ensembles over the years.

“I was struck with how sensitive he was musically and how supportive he was [as a keyboardist],” said guitarist JOHN CREECH, who played with Krag since the mid-2000s. “There are musicians who kind of shine in support of [others].

That was the type of person Peter was.

He didn’t crave the limelight.”

“He was the glue,” said drummer GEZA CARR, another colleague. “Other people we tried to work with, things would fall apart — the beat would get turned around, forms were lost. But with Peter, none of that stuff ever happened. He always made it work.”

“He was very precise,” observed guitarist MAX BRONSTEIN-PARITZ, who played with Krag in a group called RAIL,

toward the end of her life,” Braren said.

“Peter went over to her house three or four times a week. He was a helper and companion. Through the deep connection they had fostered through music, he began to understand and appreciate what a true friendship is.

“We all felt he had turned a corner, but we were wrong,” Braren continued, noting that she had kept in close contact with Krag while in separate quarantines over the last few months. “I felt like he was coming out of his shell. He was as lucid and crisp and on it as I’d ever seen him.”

Peter Krag

as well as in the Ellen Powell Trio. “He knew exactly what he wanted to do.”

“He said a lot with his compositions,” added Carr. “I could feel what he was trying to express. What he was not able to express with words, he did with his writing.”

Krag’s friends all described him

as warm, exceedingly kind, humble and selfless. Close friend and frequent bandmate CYNTHIA BRAREN (aka THEA WREN) said that even as Krag was dealing with his own inner darkness, he put it all aside to care for Powell, who died of cancer in November 2019.

“Ellen was pretty homebound

Just this week, a new recording of Krag’s surfaced online that came from studio sessions for Braren’s 2019 debut album, In Between, recorded at Meadowlark Studios. At one point, Krag sat down at his instrument while the band was taking a break. Unbeknownst to him at the time, engineer DAVID DECRISTO was recording. The nearly 25-minute piece, available to stream on YouTube, flows with grace and elegance, yet it’s not free of sonic conflict.

“Peter was very protective of his darker side and deeper emotions,” said Braren. “I wanted to crack the shell of this genius who had his struggles and so much to offer. I think there’s a lot we didn’t know.”

For now, plans for an in-person memorial ceremony and celebration of Krag’s life are on hold. But Braren says that an online tribute to his life, work and genius are in the works and could possibly happen during what would have been this year’s Discover Jazz Festival in June. Follow Wren on Facebook and Instagram to find out more. We’ll also have details on the Seven Days website as they become available, along with general updates on the festival’s upcoming virtual offerings.

Surfin’ BTV

In case you missed it: Live music returned to the Queen City on Saturday, May 23. Burlington surf-rock band BARBACOA played what was undoubtedly the first in-person live show Vermont

GOT MUSIC NEWS? JORDAN@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Clearly Organic.

FILE: LUKE AWTRY

Bill Mullins of Barbacoa performing on Saturday in Burlington

has seen since the pandemic shut everything down in mid-March. The group rocked out for approximately 30 minutes before Burlington police busted up the party.

The band set up its gear in the vacant lot formerly occupied by Champlain Transmission. The nearby Junktiques Collective provided power via a considerable length of extension cords. A few folks, who likely saw a cryptic social media post foretelling the impending concert, gathered as Barbacoa started to play at about 4 p.m. Within minutes, the crowd grew, collecting cyclists, motorists and other passersby who were drawn in by the blaring guitars.

The mass of onlookers peaked at about 40 heads — just before a BPD officer happened by. Let me tell you, it was Ned-Stark-is-about-to-bebeheaded quiet as the officer calmly approached the band. What could have been an ultra-tense, potentially riot-inducing moment resulted in a simple request to end the concert — for no other reason than the band was operating without a permit. Barbacoa acquiesced, though they did play one final banger as a send-off.

What the concert proved is that, much like the dinos in Jurassic Park, life finds a way. I’m fully confident that, before summer’s end, we will see a return to something resembling regular live music, albeit an appropriately socially distanced one. Barbacoa front person BILL MULLINS said he hopes the band will play again soon. Even

at an anarchic show like the one on Saturday, people self-governed and maintained appropriate distances.

Sure, many folks didn’t wear masks (don’t get me started). But at least the risk of transmission is thought to be considerably less in open, outdoor spaces than in close quarters.

The big question is: As Gov. PHIL SCOTT continues to “turn the spigot” in regard to reopening, will he address outdoor public gatherings of a certain size?

Additionally, will the Church Street Marketplace allow street performers to return? Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we hopefully get some clarity on these burning questions.

Disclosure: Members of Barbacoa are Seven Days employees.

What matters to you, matters to us.

Listening In If I were a superhero, my superpower would be the ability to get songs stuck in other people’s heads. Here are five songs that have been stuck in my head this week. May they also get stuck in yours.

MARTIKA, “Martika’s Kitchen” THE JETS, “Crush on You” SWV, “Right Here” THEA WREN, “Anyway” BOBBYSOCKS, “Go On Shakin’”

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REVIEW this S E V E N D AY S T I C K E T S . C O M

Will Stamp, The Happy Birthday EP (SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

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50

Will Stamp’s sound noticeably progressed between the release of his 2017 EP That Old Familiar Heartbreak and his 2019 self-titled, full-length follow-up. He traded the folksy, Jeff Tweedy-esque acoustic fare of his debut for the slicker, poppier side of alt-country. And now, eight months after the release of Will Stamp, the singersongwriter has unveiled a new offering called The Happy Birthday EP. The four-song recording extends his grander, shinier inclinations — though it doesn’t augment them.

Presentation has been a noteworthy aspect of Stamp’s music career. The tone of his cover art shifted between his first and second offerings, from a misty landscape to a crisp, full-body portrait. The latter shot features Stamp slouched on a stool in front of a white cyclorama, like it was plucked from the

Camden Joy, Updated Just Now (SELF-RELEASED, CD, DIGITAL)

Princess Diana, Richard Nixon and the Radio Stars. These references from a bygone era pepper Middlebury musician Camden Joy’s seven-song collection Updated Just Now, released on New Year’s Day 2020. Joy’s album sounds as though it could have come from anywhere between the late ’70s and Joy’s mid-’90s heyday as a music writer and New York City street artist.

Fortunately, that newwave, alternative poprock sound is timeless.

In 1996, SPIN magazine took note of Joy’s guerrilla-style music criticism, which he would scrawl on posters he plastered around NYC. Around that time, Joy, whose given name is Tom Adelman, published his debut novel, The Last Rock Star Book: Or Liz Phair: A Rant, the first of his written

men’s section of madewell.com. The art for his 2019 single “Not Good Enough” features the artist prone on a low-tide beach, clad in a white A-shirt, Daisy Dukes and cowboy boots. It could easily be a still from the first two minutes of a gay porno. Stamp clearly wants to titillate his listeners, which is within his rights.

But the cover of The Happy Birthday EP is troubling. Stamp, dressed as a manic clown, peeks into the frame wearing a pointed party hat, white face paint and curly blue wig. Coulrophobia plagues children and adults alike, so why put a clown on your work? It’s bizarre, especially because it does not match the EP’s music.

Looking past the cover image, The Happy Birthday EP is a brief and pleasant listen. As Stamp points out in an email, he’s a storyteller, and his songs have a coherent narrative flow. Relatable tales of lost love and heartbreak fuel his songs, as in the chill yet bouncy opener, “Vancouver.”

Rich with harmonies, background vocals and a noodling synth line that

punctuates Stamp’s clean acoustic guitar, the first tune succeeds in establishing the overall mood. Romantic memories consume his thoughts, yet they don’t destroy him.

However, he comes off a bit more devastated on “Part of Me.” A warm, cascading assemblage of voices cries out with urgency over dampened piano and soft beats.

“Blame,” a vaguely tropical number with mellow shakers and percussion, shows off Stamp’s vocal range and control, both of which are quite impressive. The song implies that all insecurity, be it professional, psychological or romantic, stems from the same place.

Closer “Gone (Running Away)” is slowdance fodder that grows more intense as it progresses. A little bit shoegaze, a little bit power ballad, it ends the EP on a sweet, determined note.

Stamp’s imagery and songwriting can feel disconnected, but his recordings are pristine and well put together. He’s bound to continue to please his current fans, even if his latest EP doesn’t break new ground.

Stream The Happy Birthday EP on Spotify.

works in which an idea rooted in real life gives way to wild imagination.

Joy’s talent for fiction comes through in his songwriting — at least I presume it’s fiction. “One More Chance” tells the story of an ex-con trading sex for bail through poignant lyrics and powerful imagery: “You meet a lot of people in prison you wouldn’t want to meet in real life / You might even fall into the arms of Satan as you’re kneeling ’neath a painting of Jesus Christ.”

Alternately, “Today’s the Day,” a sweet tune with a meandering melody and fuzzy vocals, is essentially a list of quaint pleasures — think fresh peaches at the farmstand, cold quarry water, blue dragonflies.

The song’s message can be distilled into one line that sounds like a mindfulness meditation mantra: “What’s ahead can’t get us down, what’s past deserves no tears.”

“Memories of Cassandra,” one of the album’s most compelling tracks, has no lyrics at all but is a collage of field recordings and found sounds layered over

melancholy piano. Joy’s choice of sounds (birds singing, footsteps on a crunchy ground, a woman expressing grief over her mother’s death) shows tenderness in a way that affected me more deeply than his words.

I hear fandom of Elvis Costello and David Bowie in Joy’s loose and jangly singing, and Bruce Springsteen in his über-wordy verses. Vermont music fans who dig the twee-pop stylings of the Smittens or the Costello-esque Phil Yates & the Affiliates might find a new local favorite in Joy. Updated Just Now isn’t perfect — there’s a flat note here and there, lyrics are clunkily crammed into the melodies, and spoken-word samples sometimes feel unrelated to the songs they inhabit.

But the album is certainly spirited.

Rough around the edges seems to be Joy’s signature, from his offbeat music criticism to his fiction writing that deals in bizarro interpretations of real-life people and scenarios. The work is gritty, and I’m guessing Joy is just fine with that.

Updated Just Now is available at camdenjoy.bandcamp.com.

GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED: SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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3/17/20 7:06 PM

JORDAN ADAMS

KRISTEN RAVIN

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

classes

CLASSES MAY BE CANCELED OR MOVED ONLINE DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS. PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS IN ADVANCE.

THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS FOR AS LITTLE AS $16.75/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE). SUBMIT YOUR CLASS AD AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS.

VCAM SONGWRITER’S 16T NOTEBOOK CHANNEL 1074

SHOP LOCAL

and say you saw it in...

SUNDAYS > 4:30 P.M.

drumming

martial arts

massage

DJEMBE & TAIKO: JOIN US!: Digital classes! (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.

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 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.

ASIAN BODYWORK THERAPY WATCH ONLINE AT PROGRAM: This program teaches VERMONTCAM.ORG two forms of massage: amma and shiatsu. We will explore oriental medicine theory and diagnosis, as well as the body’s meridian 16t-vcam-weekly.indd 1 5/25/20 Untitled-1 16t-shoplocal-guy.indd 12:44 PM 1 1 system, acupressure points, and yin-yang and five-element theory. Additionally, Western anatomy and physiology are taught. VSAC nondegree grants are available. FSMTB-approved program. Starts Sep. 2020. Cost: $6,000/625-hour program.

Location: Elements of Healing, 21 Essex Way, Suite 109, Essex Jct. Info: Scott Moylan, 288-8160, scott@elementsofhealing.net, elementsofhealing.net.

language ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE ONLINE CLASSES: Join us for adult online French classes this summer!

Our eight-week session starts on June 15 and offers classes for participants at all levels.

Whether you are a true beginner or are comfortable conversing in French, you will find a class for you! Please go to our website at aflcr.org to read all about our offerings, or contact Micheline at education@aflcr.org. Info: Micheline Tremblay, 881-8826, education@aflcr.org, aflcr.org.

SPANISH ZOOM CLASSES STARTING: Register now, don’t wait. Classes start next week. Our 14th year. Learn from a native speaker in lively small classes via online video conferencing. You’ll always be participating and speaking.

Private instruction and lessons for students and children also available. See our website or contact us for details. Beginning week of Jun. 1. Cost: $270/10 weekly classes of 90+ min. each.

Location: Spanish in Waterbury Center, Waterbury Center. Info: 585-1025, spanishparavos@ gmail.com, spanishwaterbury center.com.

WANT TO LEARN RUSSIAN?: Experienced foreign language tutor Nina Wechsler is now accepting new students. Offering online Russian language lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced students, Nina provides one-on-one tuition for high school students, college students and adult learners. Fluent in English, Nina holds a degree from Moscow State University, majored in English, and minored in the history of European and American literature. Individually scheduled. Cost: $50/TBD. Location: online, online. Info: Nina Wechsler, 592-0634, ninawechsler1967@gmail.com.

GOOD

TO-GO

VERMONT

GET MORE INFO OR

shoptheregister.com

4/24/12 3:32 5/12/20 3:56 PM

Be strong Vermont

Let's work together and help those in need.

yoga 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.

Summer unlimited pass Jun.Aug.: $195-275. Scholarships avail. for all pricing options.

Location: Evolution Yoga, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: 864-9642, evolutionvt.com.

LAUGHING RIVER YOGA: Increase confidence and decrease stress.

Enjoy inspirational teachings, intelligent alignment and focused workshops through daily livestream and on-demand yoga classes. Check out our virtual library and practice with us live at the Burlington Surf Club starting June 15. All bodies and abilities welcome. Daily classes, workshops, 200- & 300-hour yoga teacher training. Cost: $10/single class; $39 unlimited livestream; $49 unlimited livestream and on-demand classes; a portion of proceeds benefits the Vermont Foodbank. Location: Laughing River Yoga, Chace Mill, Suite 126, Burlington. Info: 343-8119, laugh ingriveryoga.com.

60 Main Street, Burlington, VT - gbicvt.org 8H-GBIC040820.indd 1

STROLLING OF THE HEIFERS & WINDHAM GROWS

4/2/20 12:21 PM

SLOW LIVING SUMMIT TA K E A

BITE

OUT OF CLIMATE CHANGE Online Summit – LIVE Keynote Presentations June 4 & 5 Panel Discussions and more June 8-12

Bill McKibben

Frances Moore Lappé

Tom Newmark

Sandra Steingraber

REGISTRATION $25 - SLOWLIVINGSUMMIT.ORG Untitled-39 1

GET IT TO-GO!

5/19/20 12:35 PM

TAKEOUT. DELIVERY.CURBSIDE.

WE KNOW WHO’S OPEN!

Check GoodToGoVermont.com to see what your favorite eatery is serving up.

CLASS PHOTOS + MORE INFO ONLINE SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSES K8H-GoodToGo0420.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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5/26/20 4:08 PM

“Local businesses support our communities on so many levels. We are big employers; we donate to local charities and school fundraisers and have a face in the community.

Amazon, for example, does not. This is my community, and I want to support everyone in it.”

MELISSA DESAUTELS

OWNER, WHIM BOUTIQUE & DEAR LUCY

Take a break from the big guys and support local first.

Vermont merchants have faced mandatory store closures and other challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as some open back up, others operate online only.

All need your support.

Visit the Register for all the info on area shopkeepers who are selling their products online for local delivery or curbside pickup.

Browse by categories ranging from jewelry to electronics, outdoor gear to apparel.

Whether you need something for yourself or that perfect gift for a loved one, shop savvy and keep Vermont strong.

PICTURED: WHIM BOUTIQUE, 62 CHURCH ST., BURLINGTON, WHIMBOUTIQUE.COM (JAMES BUCK)

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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SHOP T HE R EGIS T E R .C OM

5/26/20 1:23 PM

Leonard AGE/SEX: 7-year-old neutered male ARRIVAL DATE: March 14, 2020 REASON HERE: He originally came to HSCC via transport from Florida.

SUMMARY: Leonard is a playful, friendly middle-aged pup who just wants to be loved. His favorite things include belly rubs, snacks and stuffy toys (both chasing them and turning them into lots of smaller stuffy toys). What he lacks in grace he more than makes up for in smiles!

Originally a stray in Florida, Leonard came to Vermont via transport in search of a new home. An amazing foster family helped him learn what is and isn’t an appropriate chew toy — and even helped him conquer his fear of stairs. With continued positive training, Leonard will be a great companion for a stroll around the block or an evening watching Netflix.

If an easygoing, affectionate dog is what you’re looking for, Leonard could be the one! Visit hsccvt.org/dogs for more info on Leonard and to schedule a virtual meeting with an adoption counselor.

housing »

DID YOU KNOW?

APARTMENTS, CONDOS & HOMES

Leonard’s adoption fee includes a training session with our paw-some dog trainers! This sweet guy has had a lot of changes in his life, so sticking with a consistent training plan is important for his long-term success at home. Plus, training is a fun way to bond with your new pet! Leonard has done great in his training at HSCC and promises to be an A+ student for you, too!

on the road »

CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES

pro services »

CHILDCARE, HEALTH/ WELLNESS, PAINTING

buy this stuff »

APPLIANCES, KID STUFF, ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE Sponsored by:

DOGS/CATS/KIDS: Leonard has a mixed history with other dogs but may be most successful as the only dog in his new home. He has no known experience with cats. He lived with a child in his foster home and did well.

NEW STUFF ONLINE EVERY DAY! PLACE YOUR ADS 24-7 AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM.

music »

INSTRUCTION, CASTING, INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE

jobs »

NO SCAMS, ALL LOCAL, POSTINGS DAILY

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

53

CLASSIFIEDS

housing ads: $25 (25 words) legals: 52¢/word buy this stuff: free online services: $12 (25 words)

HOUSEMATES on the road

CARS/TRUCKS 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)

We Pick Up & Pay For Junk Automobiles!

Route 15, Hardwick

802-472-5100

3842 Dorset Ln., Williston

housing

FOR RENT 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.

802-793-9133

sm-allmetals060811.indd 7/20/15 1 5:02 PM

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

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY 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

54

NEED A ROOMMATE? Roommates.com will help you find your perfect match today!

(AAN CAN) SMALL ROOM DOWNTOWN, NOW In stylishly Clorox-clean, remodeled house.

Respectful living w/ others in this new normal (wash hands prior to entering building; disinfect bath, kitchen & common areas after use). Wi-Fi, cable, W/D on-site, back porch, garden. Tobacco outside only. Inside: 420-friendly. Mo.-tomo., $550/mo. + $100 dep. Incl. all utils. Don Shall: 802-233-1334.

LAND MILTON, VT., 4+ ACRES Located on Corral Dr., this land has had many improvements done, is in agricultural zoning & has almost 60 acres of common land, plus near Lake Champlain. 802324-0255; vtland1@aol. com.

RICHMOND, VT., 47 ACRES In Southview, 5 mins. from town. Approved for primary & accessory dwelling, & borders other larger tracts of land. True Realty & Land Co. Inc. 802-324-0255. vtland1@aol.com

OFFICE/ COMMERCIAL 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.

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 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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

SUBLETS/ TEMPORARY FURNISHED 2- OR 3-BR DOWNTOWN, NOW! $1,600-2,000/mo. + $1,000 dep., Wi-Fi/cable, W/D, + utils., parking (1 car); deck, yard & garden. Walk to Church St. & waterfront. 500 ft. from bus stop. Don Shall: 802-233-1334.

services

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)

print deadline: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. post ads online 24/7 at: sevendaysvt.com/classifieds questions? classifieds@sevendaysvt.com 865-1020 x10

SAVE BIG ON HOME INSURANCE Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies.

Get a quote within mins.

Average savings of $444/ year! Call 844-712-6153.

Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Central. (AAN CAN) 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)

SERVICES »

2-4BR Springfield Cape Home Online Bidding Ends Wednesday, June 3 @ 5PM 9 Randall Street, Springfield, VT

3-4BR Home with Carriage Barn

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

Online Bidding Ends Wednesday, June 3 @ 5PM 56 Maple Street, Poultney VT

It’s a seller’s market!

What is the value of your home?

Contact me for tips to get your home sold.

Robbi Handy Holmes • 802-951-2128 COMPUTER ISSUES? Geeks On Site provides robbihandyholmes@vtregroup.com free diagnosis remotely Formerly Century 21 Jack Associates 24-7 service during Making it happen for you!

COVID-19. No home visit necessary. $40 off w/ coupon 86407!

Restrictions apply.

866-939-0093. (AAN16t-robbihandyholmes052720.indd 1 5/22/20Untitled-13 2:28 PM 1 CAN)

EDUCATION

THCAuction.com 800-634-7653

Homeshares

5/22/20 12:00 PM

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)

Share apartment w/ active woman in her 30s who enjoys VPR & farmers markets.

Seeking housemate to assist w/ transportation, cooking & planning. No rent.

Shared BA.

ENTERTAINMENT

Share w/ bright woman in her 90s, seeking housemate for nighttime “just in case” presence and evening meal prep. Private BA, shared kitchen. $200/mo.

DISH TV $59.99 for 190 channels + $14.95 high-speed internet. Free installation, smart HD DVR incl., free voice remote.

Some restrictions apply.

1-855-380-2501. (AAN CAN)

BURLINGTON

COLCHESTER

E. MONTPELIER Artist in her 50s who enjoys gardening, nature & music, seeking a pet-friendly housemate for help with dog-walking. $500/mo. Shared BA.

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

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)

Homeshare-temp2.indd 1

Say you saw it in...

J

5/25/20 12:42 PM

NOW IN sevendaysvt.com

3D!

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BY JOSH REYNOLDS

No. 638

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Hard

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH

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.

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View and post up to Post & browse ads Complete 6the following puzzle by using photos per ad online. at yourthe convenience.

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

9+

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3 7 6 5 2 1 8 9 4 ANSWERS2 ON P.557 9 8 6 4 3 7 1 H = MODERATE HH = CHALLENGING HHH = HOO, BOY! 1 4 8 9 7 3 2 5 6 9 3 2 1 4 5 6 8 7 5 1 7 3 8 6 9 4 2 FIRST-CLASS ATHLETER ANSWERS ON P. 57 » 8 6 4 2 9 7 5 1 3 4 8 1 6 3 9 7 2 5 6 2 5 7 1 8 4 3 9 7 9 3 4 5 2 1 6 8

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Fresh.

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buzz?

Find out what’s percolating today.

Sign up to receive our house blend of local news headlines served up in one convenient email

by Seven Days.

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services [CONTINUED]

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).

MALE MASSAGES Need to relieve some stress & relax for an hour in these uncertain times? I’m a pre-op transitioning M-to-F who offers professional, safe, Swedish massages in a private, discreet setting for $60/hour.

Hours by appt. 7 days week. Burlington, 802-343-5862, Pascel.

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.

HOME/GARDEN CLASSIC SHADES PAINTING Quality craftsmanship & courteous customer care. Interior/exterior painting. Residential/ commercial. Lead certified. Call now for your free estimate, 802345-2038, or email us at classicshadespainting@ gmail.com. Mention this ad & get an additional 10% off all painting.

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

56

customer service & quick response make us stand out above the rest. Call us for your complete septic solutions. 802-4962205, ext. 44. Email us: septicservice@ kingsburyco.com. Check us out: kingsburyco. com.

SAVE YOUR ASH TREES! Do you have ash trees that are an asset in your landscape? Treat then now! They do not have to be removed.

Call or text: MJ Cullen, 802-752-5596, mcullen883@gmail.com, ashtreemedic.com.

MISCELLANEOUS 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, x10.

CLASSIC FARMHOUSE

HANCOCK | 2316 VERMONT ROUTE 100 | #4805973

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.

buy this stuff

Two units tastefully renovated. Live in one and rent the other to help pay the mortgage. Paradise outdoors, fiber optics for telecommuting, very cool Rochester down the road, and close to Middlebury, Rutland, Waitsfield, Randolph. Good rental history, excellent value. $259,000

ANTIQUES/ COLLECTIBLES ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTS, BROAN Homework-Olson052720.indd 1 COLUMNS PAIR BATHROOM FAN 2 pillars 90” in height.

50 CFM, $25.

2 7” square Architectural. Came off ceiling lights w/ bulbs, a 1790s Brandon house. $25. $40 for all, OBO. About 9” diameter.

Get this bargain now! $200. Pick up at shop Call 540-226-4478, called Across the Street texts OK. rcserves@ in downtown Brandon, hotmail.com. where Aubuchon Hardware used to be. 12 Center St. Call or text: 802-236-3737. Cash or credit card.

3 STADIUM SEATS WOOD Set of 3 stadium seats built together. Made of wood. The seats fold up.

Easy to store. Measure 55” across. There are 2 147-PIECE TOOL SET! sets available. $70/each $65 set of 3. Pick up at shop 94-piece socket, called Across the Street 35-piece ratchet screwin downtown Brandon, driver set & 18 open where Aubuchon wrenches, SAE & metric.

Hardware used to be. 12 $65. Other hand tools Center St. Call or text: avail. Call 540-226-4478, 802-236-3737. Cash or texts OK. rcserves@ credit card. hotmail.com.

FURNITURE

APPLIANCES/ TOOLS/PARTS

2 METAL TOOLBOXES w/ drawers & tray. $35 tools also avail.

540-226-4478, texts OK. rcserves@hotmail. com.

ELECTRIC BASEBOARD HEATERS 3 used electric baseboard heaters w/ 2 wall-mount thermostats. 2 are 6’, 1 is 5’. $65 for all OBO. 540-226-4478, texts OK. rcserves@hotmail. com.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

CORNER CUPBOARD WOOD Vintage midcentury corner cupboard made of wood. The back is curved. Painted green w/ a slight marbleized look. White-painted curved interior. 3 shelves for display. Door below w/ 2 shelves. 30” across, 72” high. About 10.5” deep at deepest.

Black hardware. $150.

Pick up at shop called Across the Street in downtown Brandon, where Aubuchon Hardware used to be. 12

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)

WANT TO BUY I BUY HOMES & MULTIFAMILY Young local professional looking to provide real estate solutions to owners considering selling.

Call 802-233-2354, or email mdumontii@ gmail.com now for an offer on your property.

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.

music

FOR SALE

MUSIC EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Mackie 1640, 16 inputs w/ pre amps, EQs & Jeff Olson routing. Good for studio & live applications; (802) 989-9441 $500. Dangerous jeff@acrevt.com D-Box, 8-channel www.acrevt.com summing amp; $600.

RME Fireface 800 audio interface, 56-channel Center St. Call or text: OK. rcserves@hotmail.

192hz 24bit. Firewire 5/22/20 9:08 800/400; AM 802-236-3737. com. $500.

Yamaha WX7 woodwind DROP-LEAF DESK LARGE GLASS JAR, 18” Midi controller; $300.

WOOD VTG Huge glass jar in Call Peter: 496-3166.

Drop-leaf desk is just excellent condition. The the right size. Maple vintage jar has a wooden (we think). Chain drop. handle attached by wire.

Shelf below. Single The bottom is textured. drawer. Nice preowned Manufacturers marks BASS, GUITAR, DRUMS, condition. Measures 27” on the bottom indicate VOICE LESSONS & across x 40” in height this jar was made by MORE x 14” in depth when Owens-Illinois Glass Co., Remote music lessons closed. When open, it The number 7 to the left are an amazing way measures 26” deep. of the I in the diamond to spend time at Pick up at shop called indicates it was made in home! Learn guitar, Across the Street in Alton, Ill. The numbers bass, piano, voice, downtown Brandon to the right of the I violin, drums, flute, sax, where, Aubuchon indicate it was made in trumpet, production Hardware used to be. 12 1965. Numbers below & beyond w/ pro local Center St. Call or text: the I indicate the mold instructors from the 802-236-3737. cavity number: 5062 Burlington Music Dojo The jar measures 18” in on Pine St. All levels & height x 9” across x 5” styles are welcome, incl. in diameter at opening. absolute beginners.

Excellent condition.

Come share in the There is no lid. It looks music! burlington like 1 tiny flea bite in the musicdojo.com, info@ threads. Pick up at shop burlingtonmusicdojo.

CLEAN-OUT SALE, called Across the Street com.

ALL MUST GO! in downtown Brandon, Microwave, slow where Aubuchon GUITAR INSTRUCTION cooker, tableware, Hardware used to be. 12 Berklee graduate w/ 30 silverware, cookware, Center St. Call or text: years’ teaching experipans, knife set, TV, DVD 802-236-3737. Cash or ence offers lessons in player, bedding, lamps, credit card. guitar, music theory, Tupperware, wicker music technology, ear chest, coolers, jug, SEVERAL CERAMIC training. Individualized, vases. Call 540OWLS step-by-step approach.

226-4478, texts OK. Incl. battery-operated All ages, styles, levels. rcserves@hotmail.com. clock & solar night light, Rick Belford, 864-7195, 4-13” tall, all reasonably rickb@rickbelford.com.

FANCY WICKER priced. 540-226-4478, BASKET/TOTE texts OK. rcserves@ Multicolored picnic hotmail.com. basket or tote w/ carrying cords & attached lid, 8” x 10” x 12”; $45. Call 540-226-4478, texts

INSTRUCTION

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

ONLINE GUITAR/UKE LESSONS Online guitar/ ukulele lessons by an experienced teacher & performer. Fun & engaging, at your pace.

Any age, genre or skill level.

ACT 250 NOTICE MINOR APPLICATION #4C1170-5 10 V.S.A. §§ 6001 - 6093 On May 18, 2020, Gardner Construction, Inc., P.O. Box 21, Colchester, VT 05446 filed application number 4C1170-5 for a Project generally described as construction of three carriage homes and associated infrastructure on Lot 8A of Moore Commons.

The Project is located on Black Walnut Lane in Jericho, 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 “4C1170-5.”

No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before June 15, 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 June 15, 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 proposedproject 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 20th day of May, 2020.

By: /s/ Stephanie H. Monaghan Stephanie H. Monaghan District #4 Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-5662 stephanie.monaghan@ vermont.gov BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020, 5:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE REMOTE MEETING Zoom: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/83924828851 ?pwd=UGgyYUplR0wwL2 5zeXdaK3RFQnJxQT09

fsb

Date of Publication: 5/27/20

FOR SALE BY OWNER

JUST RENOVATED CONDO

MONTPELIER FOREST DWELLING

2BR Excellent South Burlington location. Bright and open, stainless appliances. Private deck. Perfect starter home.

Please call or text Mike 802-3432710. $194,000

COLBY ARCHMENT 10 X 10.

PETER ZUK 10 X 10.

CALEB HOLDEN 10 X 20.

TYLER MORRISON 10 X 30.

CONTENTS OF THE ENTIRE STORAGE UNIT WILL BE SOLD AS ONE LOT. ALL WINNING BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY A $50.00 DEPOSIT WHICH WILL BE REFUNDED ONCE UNIT IS LEFT EMPTY AND BROOM SWEPT CLEAN. THE WINNING BID MUST REMOVE ALL

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PUZZLE ANSWERS

5

3. 20-0773CU; 10 Baird Street (RL, Ward 5S) Gretchen R. Kruesi. Requesting a one-bedroom bed

3

2. 20-0742CU; 51 Blodgett Street (RM, Ward 3C) Martha M. Dallas. One-bedroom bed and breakfast short-term rental.

6

1. 19-0980CA/MA; 110 Riverside Ave (NAC-R, Ward 1E) Sisters & Brothers Investment Group, LLP. 57-unit apartment building with underground parking.

Re-opened hearing.

MON-THURS 6-15-20 THROUGH 6-18-20.

BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:00 AM-3:00 PM BID WILL BE OPENED ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH AT 10:00 AM. WINNING BIDDER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY PHONE.

4

Webinar ID: 839 2482 8851.

Plans may be viewed upon request by contacting the Department of Permitting & Inspections between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Participation in the DRB proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to take any subsequent appeal. Please note that ANYTHING submitted to the Zoning office is considered public and cannot be kept confidential. This may not be the final order in which items will be heard. Please view final Agenda, at www. burlingtonvt.gov/pz/ drb/agendas or the office notice board, one week before the hearing for the order in which items will be heard.

300cummingAUCTION 3: VIEWING srd@gmail APPOINTMENTS

BETWEEN THE 5/18/20 FBSO-Carpenter052720.indd 12:11 6-4-20 PM 1 NOTICE OF SELF HOURS OF 9:00 AM-3:00 STORAGE LIEN SALE PM. BID WILL BE OPENED EXIT 16 SELF STORAGE ON FRIDAY JUNE 5TH 295 RATHE RD AT 10:00 AM. WINNING COLCHESTER, VT. 05446 BIDDER WILL BE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN NOTIFIED BY PHONE. THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE SELF STORAGE KERRI MONETTE 5 X 10.

UNITS LISTED BELOW DAN DOUGHERTY 5 X 10.

WILL BE SOLD AT DAVEON SYKES 5 X 10.

AUCTION. ROBERT ROSANE 10 X 10.

DYLAN AUSTIN 10 X 10.

DUE TO COVID 19 HARLEE HERRITY 10 X 10.

UNITS WE WILL HARRY CARTER 10 X 20.

SOLD BY SEALED BID VIEWING WILL BE BY AUCTION #2: VIEWING APPOINTMENT TO APPOINTMENTS MONADHERE TO DISTANCING THURS 6-8-20 THROUGH GUIDELINES. PLEASE 6-11-20 BETWEEN THE CALL US AT 802-497HOURS OF 9:00 AM-3:00 0404 TO SCHEDULE AN PM. BID WILL BE OPENED APPOINTMENT. ON FRIDAY JUNE 12TH AT 10:00 AM. WINNING APPOINTMENTS BIDDER WILL BE FOR VIEWING AND NOTIFIED BY PHONE. SEALED BIDDING WILL SCHEDULED AS ISABELLA ANASTASIO FOLLOWS: 5 X 10.

FLORENCE COOK 5 X 10.

AUCTION #1: JESSICA COLBY 10 X 10.

AUCTION VIEWING GERALYNN SHELVEY APPOINTMENTS MON10 X 15.

THURS 6-1-20 THROUGH

1

Telephone: +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799.

and breakfast and 1 space-parking waiver.

COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND OF INTENT TO REQUEST A RELEASE OF GRANT FUNDS Date: 5/27/2020. City of Burlington, City Hall, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401.

(802) 865-7144 / (TTY Users - 865-7142) These Notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Burlington. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS: On or about June 12, CONTENTS FROM THE 5/22/20 8:57 AM 2020, the above named FACILITY BY THE END City of Burlington, in the OF THE WEEKEND County of Chittenden, CORRESPONDING will submit a request WITH DATE OF BID to the U.S. Department ACCEPTANCE AT NO of Housing and Urban COST TO EXIT 16 SELF Development for the STORAGE. EXIT 16 SELF release of Brownfields STORAGE RESERVES THE Economic Development RIGHT TO REJECT ANY Program funds under BID LOWER THAN THE grant #B-09-BD-50-8013 AMOUNT OWED BY THE and Section 108 Loan OCCUPANT. EXIT 16 SELF # B-09-MC-50-0001 STORAGE RESERVES THE to undertake a project RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY known as the Moran UNIT FROM THE AUCTION Center Redevelopment, SHOULD CURRENT for the purpose of TENANT BRING HIS OR redeveloping the former HER ACCOUNT CURRENT Moran Plant, located WITH FULL PAYMENT at 475 Lake Street, PRIOR TO THE START OF Burlington, Vermont, THE AUCTION. into a new public facility.

Estimated HUD BEDI

Lovingly cared for, fully renovated 3bd 2ba split level less than a 1 mile to Montpelier, near Morse Farm Sugarworks. Beautiful forest setting, 1.3 acres.

Open format kitchen.

RV parking w/hookups. $325,000, 802-2310957, 300CUMMINGS RD@gmail.com

2

Meeting Password: 1 FSBO-Miceli-052020.indd 045573.

Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Probate Division, Chittenden Unit, PO Box 511, Burlington, VT 05402

List your property here for 2 weeks for only $45!

Contact Katie, 865-1020, ext. 10, fsbo@sevendaysvt.com.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 448-4-20 CNPR In re ESTATE of Edward Olszewski NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the Creditors of Edward David Olszewski, late of Richmond, Vermont 05477. 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: 3/6/20 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ C. Halik Executor/Adminstrator: Christina Halik, Executor, c/o Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC, 26 Railroad Ave, Essex Jct, VT 05452 802-879-7133 carisa@ unsworthlaplante.com Name of Publication: Seven Days

funding is $1,040,000 and the Section 108 Loan funding is $2,091,000. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The City of Burlington has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required.

Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR).

The ERR will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by appointment at the Clerk Treasurers Office at 149 Church St. Burlington VT 05401.

Please contact Christine Curtis at CCurtis@burlingtonvt.gov, or by calling (802) 735-7002 to make necessary arrangements.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Community & Economic Development Office, ATTN: Christine Curtis 149 Church Street, Room 32 – City Hall, Burlington, VT 05401.

All comments received by the close of business on June 11, 2020, will be considered by the City of Burlington prior to

authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION: The City of Burlington certifies to HUD that Miro Weinberger in his capacity as Mayor consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.

HUD’s acceptance of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS: HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Burlington’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Burlington; (b) the City of Burlington has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required

by HUD regulations at 24 CFD Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds

by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD Boston Regional Office at Adam.C.Ploetz@hud.gov or Stephanie.J. Harrington@hud.gov.

Potential objectors should contact HUD Boston Regional Office via email to verify the actual last day of the objection period. This material is available in alternate formats for persons with disabilities.

Miro Weinberger, Mayor City Hall, Burlington, VT 05401. 5/21/20

7spot.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

10/29/19 12:12 PM

57

58 MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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 Commercial Roofers & Laborers

Year round, full time positions.

Good wages & benefits. $16.50 per hour minimum; Pay negotiable with experience.

EOE/M/F/VET/Disability Employer Apply in person at: A.C. Hathorne Co. 252 Avenue C Williston, VT 802-862-6473

Service Technician

2h-ACHathorne030619.indd 1

PCA/COMPANION

SIGN MAKER: Fabrication, painting, installation, graphic design. CNC router and previous sign making knowledge a plus.

Benefits include: Paid holidays, paid time off, health insurance and a fun working atmosphere.

This position is working one-on-one providing companionship and personal care for a young man in his home. Assisting with food prep/ feeding, showering, socializing and personal care while maintaining respect and dignity. If you are ready to make a difference in someone’s life, this may be the job for you. Offering compatible compensation, and sick time. Must be able to pass a background check.

Call or email Lynda, 802-355-3904, bullynda@aol.com

nicole@designsignsvt.com

6/24/191t-DesignSigns052020.indd 6:28 PM 1

Bhakta Farms

5/15/20 2h-LyndaMorgan-Gardiner052720.indd 2:54 PM 1

Immediate full-time opening in Northern Vermont for a Field Service Technician M-F. This position is responsible for all daily activities related to the actual repair of window and door products in customer homes. Utilize trade skills to execute repairs and provide project documentation to main office while demonstrating excellent customer service. Travel is required throughout all of Vermont with the focus primarily in Northern Vermont area. Vehicle and tools are provided.

5/25/20 5:50 PM

is Hiring for Several Positions

Bhakta Farms is hiring across several positions on our 800-acre farm in Shoreham.

Our goals are three-fold: produce exquisite spirits (among other things), restore old farms, and ultimately revive America! We’re weeks away from a series of product launches, and are preparing to split our acreage between orchard, vineyard, grain, and pasture - in short, it’s an exciting time to join a rapidly growing team. Founder Raj Peter Bhakta pioneered the craft whiskey boom with the creation of WhistlePig Whiskey, and now he’s taking the farm-to-bottle spirit to a whole new level.

We have been proactive in implementing the necessary safety measures for COVID-19 and are currently practicing social distancing, cleaning protocols, wearing face masks and following pre-screening guidelines with customers before our visits. Technicians are also provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for added safety.

Positions - all Shoreham-based, unless noted otherwise:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Responsible & accountable for troubleshooting & repairing windows and doors in the customer home • Must be able to work independently and have strong attention to detail • Must have some construction knowledge, mechanical abilities, and basic mathematical skills • Accurately receive and transport product from warehouse to customer location • Coordinate on site with homeowner to meet their expectations while staying within the warranty policy and maintaining daily schedule • Use construction skills to properly install and adjust products for seamless operation and aesthetics • Accurately describe any issues and repairs during the service and communicate that properly to the main office to initiate corrective actions • Maintain product, vehicles, tools and job site in a neat, orderly and safe manner. Maintain a professional appearance at all times.

Must have a strong desire to “go the extra mile” to satisfy customers’ desires. Must work within established safety practices and policies. Able to navigate using maps and directions and must have proficient computer skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: High level of physical activity includes lifting & moving of extremely heavy items. Climbing ladders, scaffolding, working on roofs & decks while simultaneously using power tools and manipulating product.

Send resumes to: HUMANRESOURCES@pellasales.com.

» Full time General Farm Labor (2-3 positions) for general tasks such as farm upkeep and restoration, machine operation, bottling, and product assembly and packaging. Training available; knowledge about farm equipment and livestock is a plus. Will require substantial time outdoors in a range of weather conditions. » Part Time Head of Maintenance to handle in-house repairs and maintenance of our farm equipment (tractors, weed whackers, ATV, etc.). Previous experience required. » Event Planner with party planning and hospitality experience.

Opportunity to be hired on a continual project-by-project basis. » Writers to help with marketing and sales collateral, articles, history pieces, podcasts, and full-length books. If you’ve recently graduated, have a flair for words, and love history, we’d like to hear from you. » Viniculture and Agriculture Interns to help with planting and nurturing of our apple trees and grape vines. » Social Media Manager and Intern with experience in content creation and building and engaging audiences. » Farm Manager based in Vero Beach, Florida to manage our 1000 acre cattle ranch, sugarcane and overall land management.

If you’re interested in any of these positions - or can make a passionate and cogent case for why we should hire you in some other capacity - please get in touch:

info@bhaktafarms.com

6t-Bhakta Farms052720.indd 1

5/25/20 4:00 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

SafeArt Co-Director

T OW N O F J E R I C H O

We are looking for a visionary trauma-informed practitioner to lead creative expression programs, guide organizational development, and facilitate youth groups.

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.

Visit safeart.org/now-hiring.

Apply by 6/5/20.

The starting hourly wage is dependent on qualifications. The Town of Jericho offers excellent2h-SafeArt052020.indd 1 benefits, including health and dental insurance and a retirement plan.

PART TIME

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.

4/24/20 10:59 AM

Help Vermonters pursue their education goals!

Outreach Counselor, Talent Search

Duties include but are not limited to: Evaluate and monitor residents’ health and wellness on a day to day basis. Monitor direct care staff’s medication set up and administration. Supervise transcription, mailing, filing and implementation of physicians’ orders.

Experience in elder care preferred. We offer flexible scheduling and a collaborative working environment.

4t-CraftsburyCommunityCareCenter052020.indd 1

5/20/20 4:38 PM

Want your Weekends Free?

MSI has YOUR Solution!

MSI is HIRING!

GREAT BENEFITS! COMPETITIVE WAGES! $100 SIGN-ON BONUS! CURRENT JOB OPENINGS: • Assemblers, Material Handler/ Forklift Operator (1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts available) • Heavy Equipment Maintenance Tech

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license verified by a Motor Vehicle Record Report, a willingness to travel up to 1,000 miles a month, a properly inspected, registered, and insured motor vehicle for business use, and must provide their own workspace when working away from VSAC offices. Candidate must also successfully complete a criminal background check.

This is a grant funded position that is contingent upon continued grant funds. VSAC offers a dynamic, professional environment with competitive compensation and generous benefits package.

Apply ONLY online at www.vsac.org.

• Cleaners (2nd and 3rd shifts) • Maintenance Technician Located in Beautiful Morrisville, VT Manufacturing Solutions Inc. 153 Stafford Avenue, Morrisville, VT 05661

VERMONT STUDENT ASSISTANCE CORPORATION PO Box 2000, Winooski, VT 05404 • www.VSAC.org

Apply Online at: msivt.com/careers or Email Resume and Cover Letter to: HR@MSIvt.com.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled

9t-VSAC052720.indd 1

5/19/20 11:19 AM

If interested in joining our team, email your letter of interest and resume to gharriscccc@myfairpoint.net or, for, inquiries call 802-586-2414 and ask for Gwyn or Kim.

We’re all about mission at Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). Help us fulfill our mission of providing all Vermont students with information and financial resources to reach their educational goals.

Do you want to change some lives? Are you energized by the enthusiasm of teenagers?

Then apply for a position with VSAC as an Outreach Counselor in our Educational Talent Search program in Lamoille and Franklin Counties. Outreach Counselors provide career and college readiness services to students at middle and high schools. This position could be fulltime or part-time. The target start time is late August.

Ideal candidate is adept at building relationships and making connections, works well independently, and is flexible with an eagerness to learn.

The successful candidate will create a curriculum plan to cover the full spectrum of career and college planning services, meet with students regularly in groups and one-on-one, offer workshops and presentations to students, parents and professionals and develop rapport with middle and high school students, area school staff and faculty, and agency and college personnel.

Experience and qualifications include a Master’s degree in counseling, education or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education in the following: experience working with youth in educational settings, an understanding of the socioeconomic and academic needs of first-generation, modest-income students and families, a working knowledge of adolescent development, career development, post-secondary options and financial aid, and familiarity with public school systems.

If you think you might be a good fit, please apply, even if you don’t meet every criteria listed.

RN OR LPN

Craftsbury Community Care Center is seeking an enthusiastic, caring, resident centered RN or LPN to work 2 days a week, which includes some on call.

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.

5h-TownofJericho042920.indd 1

59 MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

5/21/20 3:56 PM 5v-MSIvt052720.indd 1

5/26/20 12:05 PM

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

60

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

MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

WHERE YOU AND YOUR WORK MATTER...

CARPENTER/ ROOFER Looking for a carpenter with a general knowledge of all phases of construction with roofing experience being a plus. We are a small, but very busy company looking to expand. There is room to advance for the right candidate. Serious inquiries only. We work hard and pay accordingly with holidays, sick days and a 401k available after probationary period.

When you work for the State of Vermont, you and your work matter. A career with the State puts you on a rich and rewarding professional path. You’ll find jobs in dozens of fields – not to mention an outstanding total compensation package.

TO APPLY, EMAIL QUEENCITYBUILDERS@GMAIL.COM

S TATE UNIT ON AGING DIRECTOR – WATERBURY

Are you a leader with knowledge of aging and the service system for older adults? Do you have strong 2v-NBPropertySolutions052720.indd 1 5/20/20 collaboration and communication skills? The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent TOW N OF DU X B U RY Living is seeking a State Unit on Aging Director. This highly visible position provides development, management, and oversight of Older Americans Act (OAA) and related programs that offer services for older Vermonters to remain independent and active contributing members of the community The Town of Duxbury is accepting applications for the position and for caregivers to maintain their essential caregiving role. Preferred experience in aging and/or of Road Foreman. This position is a working supervisor role disability programs or services. For more information contact Colleen Bedard, colleen.bedard@vermont. that plans and oversees all municipal highway operations gov. Reference Job ID #7087 Location: Waterbury. Status: Permanent, Full Time. Application Deadline: in order to advance the safe and effective functioning of the May 31, 2020. highway department, including municipal construction projects The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintenance of municipal roads, vehicles, and equipment.

Learn more at: careers.vermont.gov

5:07 PM

ROAD FOREMAN

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5/22/20 12:09 PM

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: Duxbury Selectboard Town of Duxbury 5421 VT Route 100 Duxbury, VT 05676.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is recruiting for the following positions for the White River Junction, VT VA Medical Center: NURSING SERVICE

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM SERVICE

Nurse Manager OR Asst. Nurse Manager Addiction Treatment Night/Weekend Hospital Nursing Supervisor RN (ED) RN(Med/Surg) RN (OR) RN (Addiction Treatment) RN (Case Mgt) RN (ICU) CRNA Home Telehealth Intermediate Care Technicians Nursing Assistants LPN (Residential Recovery & Dermatology) LPN (Telehealth) WRJ & Burlington Lakeside Clinic NP/PA (Float positions) Health Techs RN (Primary Care)

Housekeeping Aids (Multiple Vacancies-WRJ)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

4t-TownofDuxbury050620.indd 1

5/1/20 GREEN MOUNTAIN TECHNOLOGY & CAREER CENTER is seeking candidates for its Business Administration program. Desired skills and responsibilities of the Business Instructor include the following:

PHARMACY SERVICE Pharmacist (Clinical) Pharmacy Technician

• Bachelor Degree (minimum) in Business or a related field.

MENTAL HEALTH

• Business, Hospitality, or Tourism experience.

Social WorkerBurlington Lakeside Clinic Peer Support SpecialistBurlington Lakeside Clinic

• Desire to teach high school students career and college readiness skills.

• Passion to integrate academic, technical and employability skills into a program.

VARIOUS SERVICE LINES

• A proven ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with community partners.

Advanced Medical Support Assistants Burlington Lakeside Clinic

Qualified candidates will also demonstrate the ability to build strong and supportive relationships with students, and the capacity to create positive and inclusive cultures and environments for all learners.

All positions offer competitive salary rates and excellent benefit packages.

For more information and how to apply for any of the positions above, please go to www.vacareers.va.gov or call Human Resources at 802-295-9363 ext. 5350.

Green Mountain Technology & Career Center (GMTCC) is an accredited, cutting edge career and technical education center, where eligible students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades are prepared for college and career through the acquisition of real-world skills, practical knowledge, hands-on experiences, mentoring, and networking. In addition to earning requirements for high school graduation, students have the opportunity to earn free college credits and may achieve an industry certification in their field.

“Caring for Our Nation's Veterans” For other career opportunities in the VA New England Healthcare System, log onto

www.vacareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer

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12:59 PM

SEND RESUMES TO: EREMMERS@GMTCC.NET 5/26/20 8:20 AM 5v-GreenMountainTechnology&CareerCenter052020.indd 1

5/15/20 2:21 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

Is currently seeking:

Lavoie Dental is

Supported Housing Staff https://bit.ly/2TG01vB

Finance Associate

HIRING! The Vermont Electric Power Company has an opening for a MANAGER, TELECOMMUNICATIONS.

Part Time

https://bit.ly/2yyGXrW

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

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WE’RE HIRING!

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.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 10:00am-9:00pm

Dental Assistant

Please see the Careers section on our website, velco.com, for more information. ai15904173167_4t-MiddNaturalCoop052720.pdf 1 5/25/20 10:35

5/26/202h-VELCO052020.indd 2:30 PM 1

We are seeking a Program Specialist for the Direct Loan Origination Department.

AM

5/18/20 6:33 PM

CAREER

Produce Assistant Manager

S

A retirement has opened up a spot on our team for a hygienist! We are hoping for an experienced hygienist to join our family oriented general practice in Burlington.

APPLY TODAY AT MIDDLEBURY.COOP

Send resumes and indicate which position you are applying for:

OR please contact: careers@credithuman.com Lance Boardman, MH Direct Operations & Systems Manager, Office: (877) 475-6852 x 2604.

lavoiedental@ lavoiedental.com

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2/15/19 11:15 AM

Education and Training Resources (ETR) is seeking to fill the following positions at

NORTHLANDS JOB CORPS FOOD SERVICES

FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Food Services Supervisor (Full Time) – High School Diploma and 2 years' work experience supervising food services

**Custodial Assistant (Full Time) – High School Diploma Required

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Cook (Full Time) – 1 year food prep experience and High School Diploma required.

Independent Living Advisor (Full Time) High School Diploma required.

Cook Assistant (On-Call) – High School Diploma required.

Independent Living Advisor (On-Call) High School Diploma required.

SECURITY, SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION

RECREATION

**Campus Monitor (Full Time) – High School Diploma required Campus Monitors (On-Call) High School Diploma required **Critical needs positions!

Recreation Aide (Full Time) – High School Diploma required Recreation Aide (Part-time) – High School Diploma required Recreation Aide (On-Call) – High School Diploma required

5/20/20 4:58 PM

DIRECTOR OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND USER SUPPORT Full Time; Benefits Eligible; $65K Annually

APPLY TODAY Please submit all applications to our applicant portal at www.etrky.com for all roles in Vergennes, VT. Employment will be at a Federal Department of Labor facility. All applicants will be subject to drug testing and a full background check.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director of IT Infrastructure and User Support of manages day-to-day IT infrastructure operations, monitors performance of networks (LAN, SAN, wireless, etc), and works with the Chief Information Technology Officer on portions of the Strategic IT Plan and Security Policy relating to network improvements. The Director of IT Infrastructure and User Support also schedules and manages end-user support personnel.

For further information please visit: goddard.edu/about-goddard/employmentopportunities.

Goddard College is committed to creating a college representative of a diverse global community and capable of creating change. To that end, we are actively seeking applications from qualified candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our institution for this position.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

100A MacDonough Dr. • Vergennes, VT 05491 • 802-877-0159 ETR/NORTHLANDS JOB CORPS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OF FEMALES AND MINORITIES

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A move south has opened up a spot on our team for a dental assistant! We are hoping for an experienced dental assistant to join our family oriented general practice in Burlington.

Dental Hygienist

Seeking experienced team leader to: Motivate and supervise Produce team Work closely with Manager to achieve fiscal goals Be passionate about local produce!

For full job description go to our website, www.credithuman.com.

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61 MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

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

MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

CARING PEOPLE WANTED

DO WHAT MATTERS.

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 scheduling, currently available. $13-$17.50/hour depending on experience. No heavy lifting.

Apply online at: homeinstead.com/483 Or call: 802.860.4663

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2/24/20

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

Routes available immediately.

$150/DAY TO START

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING & SOCIAL SERVICES COTS seeks a Director of Programming & Social Services to lead a dynamic team of program coordinators who oversee our homeless prevention, rapid re-housing, transitional housing, and shelter services. This position is responsible for activities, operations and evaluation of our programs, including grant compliance. The Director also effectively collaborates with community partners.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this position is a critical and integral part of the leadership team.

Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field required, as well as a minimum of 5 years of experience supervising social service staff 1:02 PM and programs. Demonstrated leadership in program development also required.

This is a full time position with benefits. Critical thinkers, resourceful problem solvers, and results-focused leaders are encouraged to apply.

FINANCE MANAGER

DRIVE FOR

Job security and room to grow. Driving experience preferred but not essential. Must be 21 and have good driving record.

Email name and number to Vermontfedexdriver@ gmail.com

Head Teacher/ School Director Need a blend of knowledge and understanding of early education and state licensing requirements for Act 166 schooling. Applicants should hold a minimum of a Bachelors in ECE or a related field, and and a ECE Certificate.This is a salaried position, compensation based on experience.

Please send letter of interest and resume to accounting@ woodstocknurseryschool.org

TOW N O F W5/15/20 I L L2v-WoodstockNurserySchool052720.indd I11:47 S TO AM N

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FIRE CHIEF

1 5/25/20 10:51 AM

The town seeks a full-time professional to manage the Williston Fire Department and assume command of its delivery of fire suppression and emergency medical services.

The Chief oversees 14 career firefighters, all of whom are certified at the EMT or paramedic levels to respond to medical calls. The Department also utilizes the services of on-call volunteer staff. The Fire Chief serves as the Town’s Director of Emergency Management and 1:02 PM Fire Warden.

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@cotsonline.org to receive best consideration. EOE The Spruce Peak Arts Financial Manager has primary responsibility for the accounting operations of the Spruce Peak 5v-COTS052020.indd 1 5/15/20 Performing Arts Center including entering invoices, making journal A Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or related instruction is required, entries, generating checks, along with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible projecting cash flow, reconciling fire service experience. Candidates must be currently serving bank and general ledger accounts, in a Chief Fire Officer position. The salary range is $68,182 to $97,989. reporting sales tax, producing For more information, including a complete job description and how to month-end and year-end reports, apply visit the town website: town.williston.vt.us. The position is open coordinating year-end review Corse Fuels is looking for a skilled Accounts Payable Clerk until filled but the preferred filing deadline is June 12, 2020. EOE and 990 preparation with CPA to be responsible for processing all invoices received for firm, and assisting the Executive payment in an accurate, efficient and timely manner.

Director with budget development.

This position is part-time, 16 to 20 4t-TownofWilliston052720.indd 1 5/25/20 hours/week, year-round. Working Responsibilities include: remotely is possible 50-75% of the • Accurately review, code and process vendor invoices time depending on the candidate.

• Perform data entry associated with accounts payable

Accounts Payable Clerk

To apply please submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Hope Sullivan, Executive Director, at hsullivan@sprucepeakarts.org.

No phone calls please.

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5/15/20

• File various Vermont state tax reports and ensure on time payment • Provide weekly cash requirements reports; and provide customer service to fuel customers.

Requirements: • Knowledge of general accounting procedure 1:35 PM • Proficient in data entry • Knowledge of MS Office • Knowledge of the fuel industry a plus.

Jack F. Corse, Inc. offers competitive wages, paid time off, 401K and health insurance.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE WORKER 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

Send resumes by June 5th to: lynn@corsefuels.com

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10:49 AM

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5/11/20 12:53 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

63 MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

Wine Sales Rep

BOATYARD HELP Looking for summer boatyard help. Duties include boat assembly, cleaning, rigging, delivery and some heavy lifting. Boating experience helpful. Driver’s license required.

Start immediately. Call 985-5222 or apply in person.

We are looking for a new team member who is as passionate about wine as we are about craft beer. Wine knowledge and wine sales experience necessary. F/T position servicing accounts across the whole state of VT.

Small Boat Exchange 2649 Shelburne Rd. Shelburne.

Full charge bookkeeper

Send resume to indy@vtbeershepherd.com 2h-SmallBoatExchange051519.indd 1

5/13/19 2h-VTBeerShepherd052720.indd 3:49 PM 1

Program Director

Love to Garden?

Join Our Team!

Vermont College of Fine Arts welcomes applications for the director of the MFA in Film Program. The Program Director is a managerial, administrative position reporting to the Academic Dean.

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).

Established construction company looking to hire a full charge bookkeeper/ accountant. Must be detail oriented and technically savvy. Position is full time, working closely with the five team members that make up our in house crew.

The work environment is fast paced and dynamic, with everyone wearing multiple hats. We offer 401k, health, paid vacation, and profit sharing.

If you are looking for a challenging job in an active environment where you are truly part of our communal success, then this might just be the place for you.

Send resumes to: bcherry@nefcvt.com

5/22/20 2:31 PM

Responsibilities include: working closely with the Faculty Chair, faculty, and administration to manage the strategic direction, organization, and operations of the low-residency program; overseeing and directing the admission application review and enrollment process; overseeing student retention and progress through the program; collaborating with the faculty in the process of faculty hiring and retention; strategizing long term program success; collaborating on outreach and marketing; supervising program staff and program office; designing and managing program budget; and planning and overseeing two seven-day residencies each year.

STORE MANAGER (Williston Garden Center) For more information and instructions on how to apply, please The Williston Store Manager (SM) is responsible for all visit our Careers page: https://vcfa.edu/about/jobs-at-vcfa/ operations at our Williston facility. The SM will ensure a dynamic and unique experience for our customers with exceptional service, merchandising and ambiance. As part of the leadership team for the retail division, the SM will 1 5/26/20 8:16 AM 5/21/203v-NewEnglandFloorCovering052720.indd 4:15 PM participate in strategic planning sessions and assist the Retail4t-VTCollegeFineArts052720.indd 1 General Manager in setting the strategic direction for the retail division. Our ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of success leading a multi-departmental or multiCUSTOMER unit retail organization of similar scale/volume; a min of 5 SERVICE yrs experience in leadership/management; and 4 yrs direct REPRESENTATIVES customer service experience. This person will have a proven to support our Call Center record of creating, managing budgets & achieving financial in Williston, VT. goals and have excellent communication skills. Garden Responsibilities include, Center/Nursery experience strongly preferred and ability but are not limited to: to stay organized, focused and calm in a busy and dynamic answer and track incoming environment is a must!”

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 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.

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!

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New, local, scam-free jobs posted every day! jobs.sevendaysvt.com

1 5/26/205v-postings-cmyk.indd 5:34 AM 8:31

calls, conduct phone interviews, collect scripted information, analyze, write reports, and disseminate information received and provide direct assistance as needed, with excellent oral and communication skills. Must have a High School Diploma, with minimum of 3 years of specialized experience in support of a Contact Center, answering and responding to inbound calls. All candidates must be a US Citizen and be able to pass background check.

Multiple openings with attractive compensation and benefits packages – apply directly at careers@e2zintegral.com!

1 6/18/193v-IntegralConsutling021220.indd 1:26 PM

2/10/20 11:56 AM

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 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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RYAN RIDDLE

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A B C O E N D C L A E B E

U B S R I E N A N D S T I R O R P S E S U E O N N Y E R O B S E R A N E N D J E O R E S E R

S O F I A

I N F E R

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F R A U D

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R I E E N Y A D D E N O R T A B E A U L E C S E N T A U M P G A L A G E A N N A I D E S R A T E

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5/26/20 3:41 PM

fun stuff JEN SORENSEN

HARRY BLISS & STEVE MARTIN

“See this shiny part? That’s bling.”

RACHEL LINDSAY

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY REAL MAY 28 -JUNE 3

ences that give you messages akin to those of Tweedledum. If that happens, be like Alice.

GEMINI MAY 21-JUNE 20

I’ve got a message for you, courtesy of poet Lisel Mueller. I think her wisdom can help you thrive in the coming weeks. She writes, “The past pushed away, the future left unimagined, for the sake of the glorious, difficult, passionate present.” Of course, it’s always helpful for us to liberate ourselves from the oppressive thoughts of what once was in the past and what might be in the future.

But it’ll be especially valuable for you to claim that superpower in the coming weeks. To the degree that you do, the present will be more glorious and passionate and not so difficult.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): When Lewis Car-

roll’s fictional heroine Alice visits the exotic underground realm known as Wonderland, she encounters two odd men named Tweedledee and Tweedledum. The latter tells her, “You know very well you’re not real.” He’s implying that Alice is merely a character in the dream of a man who’s sleeping nearby. This upsets her. “I am real!” she protests, and breaks into tears. Tweedledum presses on, insisting she’s just a phantom. Alice summons her courageous wisdom and thinks to herself, “I know they’re talking nonsense, and it’s foolish to cry about it.” I suspect you Cancerians may have to deal with people and influ-

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “The less you fear, the more power you will have,” says the rapper known as 50 Cent. I agree with him. If you can dissolve even, say, 25 percent of your fear, your ability to do what you want will rise significantly, as will your influence and clout. But here’s the major riddle: How exactly can you dissolve your fear? My answers to that question would require far more room than I have in this horoscope. But here’s the really good news, Leo: In the coming weeks, you will naturally have an abundance of good insights to dissolve your own fear.

Trust what your intuition tells you. And be receptive to clues that serendipity brings you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): For his film Parasite, Virgo filmmaker Bong Joon-ho received Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. In his natal horoscope, Joon-ho has Pluto conjunct his sun in Virgo, and during the time Parasite began to score major success, Saturn and Pluto were making a favorable transit to that powerful point in his chart.

I’m expecting the next six months to be a time when you can make significant progress toward your own version of a Joon-ho style achievement. In what part of your life is that most likely to happen? Focus on it. Feed it. Love it.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to seek out, seduce and attract luck. To inspire you in this holy task, I’ll provide a prayer written by Hoodoo conjurer Stephanie Rose Bird: “O sweet luck, I call your name. Luck with force and power to make change, walk with me and talk through me. With your help, all that can and should be will be!” If there are further invocations you’d like to add to hers, Libra, please do. The best way to ensure that good fortune will stream into your life is to have fun as you draw it to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio comedian John Cleese does solo work, but many of his successful films, albums, stage shows and TV programs have arisen from joining forces with other comedians. “When you col-

laborate with someone else on something creative,” he testifies, “you get to places that you would never get to on your own.” I propose you make this your temporary motto, Scorpio. Whatever line of work or play you’re in, the coming weeks will offer opportunities to start getting involved in sterling synergies and symbioses. To overcome the potential limitations of social distancing, make creative use of Zoom and other online video conferencing.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Wherever I am, let me never forget to distinguish want from need,” vows author Barbara Kingsolver. “Let me be a good animal,” she adds. That would be a stirring prayer to keep simmering at the forefront of your awareness in the next six weeks. According to my understanding of the astrological omens, you’ll be getting clear signals about the differences between your wants and needs. You will also discover effective strategies about how to satisfy them both in the post-pandemic world and fine intuitions about which one to prioritize at any particular time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Writing some

Chinese characters can be quite demanding. To make “biáng,” for example, which is used in the name for a certain kind of noodle, you must draw 58 separate strokes. This is a good metaphor for exactly what you should avoid in the coming weeks: spending too much time and devoting too much thought and getting wrapped up in too much complexity about trivial matters. Your focus should instead be on simple, bold approaches that encourage you to be crisp and decisive.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Singer-song-

writer Jill Scott is strongly committed to her creative process. She tells us, “I was once making a burger for myself at my boyfriend’s house and a lyric started pouring out and I had to catch it, so I ran to another room to write it down, but then the kitchen caught fire. His cabinets were charred, and he was furious. But it was worth it for a song.” My perspective: Scott’s level of devotion to the muse is too intense for my tastes.

Personally, I would have taken the burger off the stove before fleeing the scene to record my good idea. What about you, Aquarius? According to my analysis, you’re in a phase when creative

ideas should flow even better than usual. Pay close attention. Be prepared to capture as much of that potentially life-altering stuff as possible.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): To protect our-

selves and others from the pandemic, most of us have been spending more time than usual at home — often engaged in what amounts to enforced relaxation. For some of us, that has been a problem. But I’m going to propose that it will be the opposite of a problem for you in the next three weeks. In my astrological opinion, your words to live by will be this counsel from author and philosopher Mike Dooley: “What if it was your downtime, your loungingin-bed-too-long time, that made possible your greatest achievements? Would they still make you feel guilty? Or would you allow yourself to enjoy them?”

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “The best of my nature reveals itself in play, and play is sacred,” wrote the feisty Aries author Karen Blixen, who sometimes used the pen name Isak Dinesen. The attitude described in that statement helps illuminate the meaning of another one of her famous quotations: “I do not think that I could ever really love a woman who had not, at one time or another, been up on a broomstick.” In my interpretation of this humorous remark, Blixen referred to the fact that she had a strong preference for witchy women with rascally magical ways. I bring this to your attention, Aries, because I’m inviting you to cultivate a Blixen-like streak of sacred play and sly magic in the coming days.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus music legend Willie Nelson has played the same guitar since 1969. He calls it “my horse” and named it after Trigger, a famous horse in Hollywood films. Although Nelson still loves the tones that come from his instrument, it’s neither sleek nor elegant. It’s bruised with multiple stains and has a jagged gash near its sound hole. Some Tauruses want their useful things to be fine and beautiful, but not Willie. Having said that, I wonder if maybe he will finally change guitars sometime soon. For you Bulls, the coming months will be time to consider trading in an old horse for a new one.

CHECK OUT ROB BREZSNY’S EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES & DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES: REALASTROLOGY.COM OR 1-877-873-4888

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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 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 SEEKING OUTDOOR PLAYMATE, FUTURE BFF Fun, flexible and friendly. happyfeet, 62, seeking: M

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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 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 ARE YOU SEARCHING, TOO? Seeking kind, adventurous 60ish man who likes camping, fishing, walks, sunsets and Maine. I would like a partner who can surprise me with “Let’s go...” and off we go. I’m a true Vermont gal who needs adventure. Let’s have fun. BoredCat, 57, 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 FAERY QUEEN Tender heart, sensual lover of earth and water, leader in life looking for strong, grounded, passionate love.

FaeryQueen, 50, seeking: M, l

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

INSIGHTFUL, CREATIVE, ADVENTUROUS Outdoorsy, attractive brunette. Poet, explorer of spirituality and personal growth, lover of nature. I love hiking, paddling, exploring new mountains, towns and ideas with others ... feeling what we’re drawn to along the way, sharing thoughts and impressions.

Fairly flexible and easygoing. Healthy minded; not big into alcohol, not into drugs. Waterpoet, 57, seeking: M, l PREFER BEING OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE Genuine, honest and an active listener.

I like to cook and eat real food that is locally produced/raised. Gardening (veggies, not so much flowers), hiking, biking, running, snowshoeing, eradicating invasive plants — most anything outdoors will do. VTu4ia, 44, seeking: M, l GROUNDED, THOUGHTFUL, OPTIMISTIC, ATHLETIC I’m a newly single professional, petite and athletic, seeking companionship.

Of great value to me and what I seek in others is kindness, thoughtfulness, interesting conversation and spontaneity.

My interests run the gamut of quiet Sunday morning with the newspaper to travel to daylong hikes, bike rides and Nordic skiing. Movies, music and unscripted adventures also top the list. 400river, 57, seeking: M, l HOMESPUN. I LOVE VERMONT! My personality is quiet, introverted, deep. I seek to leave to make a new beginning with a healthy, intelligent man who likes gardening, photography and other wholesome habits. Most men my age are not in good shape. I want someone who appreciates a wise woman. Cinette, 80, seeking: M, l SPECIAL, HANDY, LOVABLE I am self-sufficient. I can play in the mud in the day and dress to the nines at night. I love to give parties but also love to sit by a fire and cuddle. I am a lady and always will be. If you want someone who cares and is intelligent, I am waiting. Starchild, 62, seeking: M, l

MEN seeking...

ACTIVE, AWARE, SMART, SUCCESSFUL, THOUGHTFUL Native Vermonter who lived and worked in NYC for many years, now back in the Green Mountains. Well traveled, curious. Enjoy good food and interesting conversation.

Often listen to music (mainly adult alternative). I have a good sense of humor (Young Frankenstein and Airplane and so on). Avid skier. Enjoy hiking, biking.

Active every day. Also handy; working on my house. DPfromVT, 61, seeking: W, l PURE ADVENTURE Young for my age in so many ways. Let’s enjoy each other’s company and “live this beautiful life.” Sailon, 56, seeking: W, l MELLOW GUY Healthy, safe, sane, drug-free nonsmoker looking for discreet relationship. Rings, 59, seeking: W

OPEN-MINDED, WITTY AND CHARMING Bisexual male looking for a couple to play with. Would be more interested in a longish-term relationship. Want to get with fun, open people and explore everything in a comfortable and fun environment. I enjoy the look, feel, smell and responsiveness of the human body. If you are looking for a switch-hitter to complete the set, ping me. nnuunn, 45, seeking: Cp, l THE LONG VIEW There are people, passages in books and landscapes that speak to my heart.

I can find two out of three by myself.

I love to cook and eat and garden and read and travel. I am warm and reserved, complicated, honest ... and might just stop it here, lest I overthink.

I’m not sure quite how to do all this...

LongView, 61, seeking: W, l WANT TO MEET FUN FRIENDS I’m in a committed (sexless) relationship.

I’m not looking to change that, just want to explore new friends. I’ve had a couple threesomes before (fun) but would like to try with a bi couple. So drop a line.

Thanks. Tryme143, 57, seeking: Cp GENTLE, HUMOROUS, SENSUAL, MUSICAL Seeking a partner who delights in laughter, helping others and living with a curious mind. I am not into drama, drinking or smoking. You know, a nice person, wishing to share myself with another soul. Me, I enjoy going for walks and I consider myself a nature lover; love being outdoors, making fires, sharing life stories, making more together. otterlove63, 63, seeking: W, l 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 JUST TESTING THE WATERS Ask, and I shall tell. Kidd43, 43, seeking: W, Cp, l 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-so-subtle 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

QUIET WHEN NEEDED, PASSIONATE, VERY HONEST Fun-loving, no-drama type of guy.

Animal lover. Looking for same type of woman. LuckyGuy9, 69, 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 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

TRANS WOMEN seeking...

IS THERE ANY HOPE? I’ve been a closeted trans ever since childhood, but just six months into transition now, at 64. So many regrets. Life has not been kind.

Wondering if there’s anyone out there who can love me for who I am, and let me love them for who they are.

I’m legally female now, and never going back. Are you interested?

LaydeeBird, 64, seeking: M, l SUBMISSIVE SEEKING...

Looking to expand my experiences.

I am open to many different scenes and roles. tina1966, 54, seeking: W, TW, Q, NC, NBP, Cp, Gp GENEROUS, OPEN, EASYGOING Warm, giving trans female with an abundance of yum to share (and already sharing it with lovers) seeks ecstatic connection for playtimes, connections, copulations, exploration and generally wonderful occasional times together. Clear communication, a willingness to venture into the whole self of you is wanted. Possibilities are wide-ranging: three, four, explorations, dreaming up an adventure are on the list! DoubleUp, 63, seeking: Cp, 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

i SPY

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

dating.sevendaysvt.com

BERLIN POND DOG CROSSING 7ish. You: blue canoe, fishing pole, Rottweiler, rib tat. I was on my knees on my paddleboard so my dog wouldn’t tip me in the water. You commented that it looked like I had a good companion. I fumbled. Can’t remember the last time someone captivated me like you did. I stood for the rest of the paddle — eff it. When: Thursday, May 21, 2020. Where: Berlin Pond.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915054 JOJO, MONTPELIER RITE-AID It’s been quite a while. A little bird told me you might be looking. I’ve thought of you often. Haven’t met anyone who compares to you. I loved you at first sight and have never stopped loving you. Why don’t we meet up and chat, maybe around the Montpelier Rite-Aid? Drop me a line, please. When: Friday, August 21, 2015. Where: Rite-Aid. You: Man. Me: Man. #915053 RE: AMOR If I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it? I mean, you need to hear this: Love is not just a verb, it’s you looking in the mirror; love is not just a verb, it’s you looking for it, maybe. Call me crazy. When: Friday, March 20, 2020. Where: across the stars. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915052 PRICE CHOPPER/WALGREENS, HINESBURG RD. You: pretty brunette braids and an even more beautiful soul. Me: sitting in my Jeep in the parking lot. You made my day, week — oh hell! — my 2020 just by your simple act of kindness the other day.

Thank you for taking the brief moment you took to tell me I was beautiful! I’m still smiling over it. You rock! When: Thursday, May 14, 2020. Where: Price Chopper parking lot in front of Walgreens.

You: Woman. Me: Woman. #915051

RICHMOND MARKET THIRD TRIP IN We were at Richmond Market and crossed paths a few times. I had to go back twice — the third time for beer for my little sister. You parked two away from me and mentioned it when I came out.

I grabbed some cans from Stone Corral instead. Let’s go for a hike or a mountain bike ride. When: Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Where: Richmond Market.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915050 MATTY Matty, I met you last summer while I was walking with my son on Rose Street. Are you still interested? I am single now and would love to see your big smile again. When: Saturday, June 1, 2019. Where: Rose Street.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915049 HOLD HANDS...

You left ... My heart is broken. Best, what happened?! I’m so sorry. No closure. It hurts. I thought that This Must Be the Place. Now I don’t get you, or a job, or a place to live, or a chance. I hope that you love yourself. I’ll never forget you — the Waffles to my Applesauce. Please come back. —Fresh. When: Monday, March 19, 2018. Where: Higher Ground.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915046 EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES You were by the river skipping stones and cursing Disney damsels. I counted one, two, three ... eight cats! I must know more. Fortune favors the bold? When: Sunday, May 3, 2020. Where: Winooski.

You: Woman. Me: Man. #915045 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

W4W LOVE YOUR SHAVED HEAD You were far away from me, but it felt like you were close. I last saw you in a peach fur trench coat. I was the Chubby Muffin in a black jumpsuit.

You always hold my attention, but I want you to hold more. Even if you don’t write me back, I hope you hang this ad on your fridge. When: Friday, April 24, 2020. Where: on Hood Street in Winooski. You: Gender nonconformist. Me: Woman. #915044

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

FORD MAN, CUMBIES IN RICHMOND Your truck was dead and blocking me in. You had long beautiful hair and the kindest eyes. The two dogs in the front seat were adorable, and you being able to fix your truck in two seconds flat was almost better.

You melted my heart. I hope I run into you again soon. When: Sunday, May 3, 2020. Where: Richmond, Vt. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915043

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

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 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

Ask REVEREND Dear Doublemint Bum, 

Irreverent counsel on life’s conundrums

Dear Reverend,

I have an identical twin brother.

We look exactly alike, but he happens to be wealthier and more outgoing than I am. I’ve been with my girlfriend for about a year, but they haven’t met yet, and I’m not looking forward to introducing them. Should I be worried that she might find him more desirable than me?

Doublemint Bum (MALE, 29)

I don’t have much experience with this subject, so I consulted an expert: my friend who is married to an identical twin. When I asked her whether she found his brother attractive, she answered with a resounding, “No! He’s a totally different person.”

Her brotherin-law might look just like her husband, but he doesn’t possess the qualities that

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

RE: AMOR A hint, please. So many injured hearts out there. When: Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Where: central Vermont.

You: Man. Me: Woman. #915034

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 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 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

made her fall in love with the man she married.

To quote my all-time favorite book, The Little Prince, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

♥

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

You shouldn’t be any more concerned about introducing your girlfriend to your brother than you would be introducing her to a handsome and successful friend. If she were after you for your money, or thought you were a stick in the mud, she probably would have moved on a long time ago.

Of course, I could be wrong.

If she does happen to put the moves on your brother, then you’ll know she wasn’t the one for you in the first place and you should drop her like a bad habit.

Good luck and God bless,

The Reverend What’s your problem?

Send it to asktherev@sevendaysvt.com.

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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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 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 34-y/o simple guy seeking a 30- to 45-y/o male. Good-looking with a good job. Looking for my partner in crime. Must love pets, going out, chilling at home. But have your life in order. Masculine guys preferred. #L1411 59-y/o submissive GM. Looking for someone to enjoy times with. #L1403 I’m a 38-y/o male seeking a 30to 40-y/o female. I’m looking for love before I turn 40 years. Could you be the one? I’m into poetry, music, trying new food and drink, deep conversation, and walks by the lake. I hope you’ll give me the chance to be your man. #1410

I’m a 58-y/o SWM seeking female 50 to 60 years old for companionship and fun! I enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, art and photography, good food and drink. Ideal F would be intelligent, compassionate, able to communicate. #L1409 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 GWM seeking GWM. Into everything except anal. Many interests including railroading and astrology. #L1405

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Interested readers will send you letters in the mail. No internet required!

SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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 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

Internet-Free Dating!

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 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 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 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

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 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. #L13983 I’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

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H IRCH A K B RO TH E RS H O M E INST E A D SE NIO R CA RE H O M E SH A RE VE RM O NT H U M A NE SO CIE TY O F CH IT T E NDE N CO U NTY INT E GRA L CO NSU LTING SE RVICE S, INC. JA CK F. CO U RSE J E F F O L SO N, A DDISO N CO U NT RY RE A L E STAT E K RISTA L A CRO IX , CO L DWE L L B A NK E R H ICKOK & B O A RDM A N RE A LT Y L AVO IE FA M ILY DE NTA L L AWSO N’ S F INE ST L IQ U IDS L IGH T ING H O U SE L U ND LY NDA M O RGA N- GA RDE NE R M IDDL E B U RY NATU RA L F O O DS CO - O P M S WA L K E R M SI VT NB P RO P E RTY SO L U T IO NS NE W E NGL A ND F E DE RA L CRE DIT U NIO N NE W E NGL A ND F L O O R CO VE RING NO FA - VT NO RTH E RN L IGH T S NO RTH L A NDS J O B CO RP O L D SP OK E S H O M E O RT O N FA M ILY F O U NDAT IO N O U TDO O R GE A R E X CH A NGE O VE R TH E WA L L PA PA F RA NK ’ S P E L L A WINDO WS A ND DO O RS P O M E RL E AU RE A L E STAT E RA IL CIT Y M A RK E T RE SO U RCE

RO BBI HAN DY HOLMES, BERKSHI RE H AT HAWAY HOME SERVI CES, VT REALT Y GROU P SA F EART SE VEN T H GEN ERAT I ON SK I RACK SM ALL BOAT EX CHAN GE SP ECT RU M SP RU CE PEAK PERF ORMI N G ART S CEN T ER SA I N T MI CHAEL’S COLLEGE GRAD PROGRAM STAT I CWORX ST ROLLI N G OF T HE HEI F ERS, I N C. SWEDI SH PI T T H E AU T OMAST ER T H E RADI O VERMON T GROU P T O WN OF DU X BU RY T O WN OF JERI CHO T O WN OF WI LLI ST ON U NI VERSI T Y OF VERMON T GROSSMAN SCHOOL OF BU SI N ESS U NI VERSI T Y OF VERMON T MEDI CAL CEN T ER VA N EW EN GL AN D HEALT HCARE SYST EM VCAM VE LCO VSAC VT BEER SHEPHERD VT COLLEGE OF F I N E ART S VT DEPART MEN T OF HU MAN RESOU RCES VT T I RE & SERVI CE, I N C. WINDOWS & DOORS BY BROWN ELL WIR T HWEI N MARKET I N G/WI LLI ST ON PL ACE WOODST OCK N U RSERY SCHOOL

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Contact us today at sales@sevendaysvt.com.

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SEVEN DAYS MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2020

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5/26/20 5:06 PM

Home is now more important than ever.

Enjoy it to its fullest.

Windows & Doors By Brownell is here to make your window journey easy. Whether you are building a new home, an addition or replacing windows, we are here for you every step of the way. We provide all the information you need to make the best decision in regards to your windows and doors.

VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE. Locally Owned & Operated | www.wdbrownell.com 800 Marshall Ave. Williston, VT | (802) 862-4800 Showrooms also in: West Lebanon, NH | Plattsburgh, NY

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“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”

— Jane Austen

5/22/20 12:02 PM