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facing facts
THE LAST WEEK IN REVIEW DECEMBER 14-21, 2011 COMPILED BY CATHY RESMER & TYLER MACHADO
A BRIDGE TOO DEAR?
Oh, Brother
Another scandal at the University of Vermont made national headlines last week, when members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity were accused of circulating a survey asking whom respondents would like to rape. Feminist activist organization Fed Up Vermont drew attention to the rape question, with an online petition demanding that UVM disband its Sig Ep chapter, and calling for the university to “launch an aggressive campaign against sexism and rape culture.” On Thursday, the group held a rally outside the UVM library. The national Sig Ep organization dispatched a staff member to Burlington to conduct an investigation, and help fraternity members handle the public reaction. By Friday, the higher-ups had closed the chapter indefinitely. In a statement posted to the fraternity’s website, executive director Brian Warren tried to sound contrite without actually admitting guilt. “Without suggesting that every member
The Lake Champlain Bridge came in $5.3 million over budget. But hey, the ferry cost $3 million less than anticipated. In the world of public works, that’s a success.
had knowledge of this questionnaire, the questions asked in the document are deplorable and absolutely inconsistent with our values,” he said. An email from interim UVM president John Bramley and provost Jane Knodell, sent last Friday and posted on the school’s website, advised students that the university’s investigation is ongoing, and may take several weeks to conclude. “We will gather all relevant information and examine it to determine whether policies or laws have been violated, and by whom,” it reads ominously. Incidentally, some of the best reporting on the story so far has come from an unlikely national source — USA Today. The Gannett-owned daily had a stringer on the ground when the story broke: UVM senior Natalie DiBlasio, who until mid-December served as the editor-in-chief of the award-winning campus newspaper, the Vermont Cynic. Read more about the Cynic in this week’s story on Vermont’s college journalism programs on page 38.
ASTRO TURF
A St. Mike’s prof’s discovery made Physics World’s list of “Top 10 Breakthroughs for 2011.” Apparently “old gas” — from the Big Bang — is a good thing in some circles.
“SURVIVOR” STATUS Sophie Clarke, 22, of Willsboro, N.Y., won $1 million on “Survivor.” Guess Lake Champlain, and Middlebury College, prepares you for the South Pacific.
SMOKED OUT
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FACING FACTS COMPILED BY SEVEN DAYS EDITORS
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1. “Is Vermont Failing Its Livestock? A Tale of Two Animal-Abuse Cases” by Andy Bromage. Critics claim that state officials aren’t doing enough to help neglected animals. 2. “Burlington Police Chief Mike Schirling Says There’s More Crime, Less Punishment” by Kevin J. Kelley. Statistics point to a rise in crime in Burlington over the past year. What can the city do to turn it around? 3. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: “What’s with the anatomically incorrect bicyclist sign on Route 15?” by Jenny Blair. The figure denoting the bike lane on Route 15 in Winooski doesn’t look like any bicycle rider we’ve ever seen. 4. “Getting Comfortable” by Corin Hirsch. Some fine-dining restaurants in Vermont are ditching the white tablecloths and esoteric dishes in favor of an “elevated” kind of comfort food. 5. Fair Game: “Meet the New Boss” by Shay Totten. The Dems have finally picked their mayoral nominee, but questions remain. Will this be the most expensive Burlington mayoral campaign yet?
tweet of the week: @Winooski What next to outlaw on Church St? How ‘bout white pants after Labor Day? JK. More like sandals after Oktoberfest. #BTV #BTVban FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SEVEN_DAYS OUR TWEEPLE: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/TWITTER
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FEEDback READER REACTION TO RECENT ARTICLES
CAN’T READ THE CALENDAR
We love the service Seven Days provides with listings of the week’s activities — who else but you? But please, please, please, two formatting changes would make it so much more user friendly: First, the dates on the edges of the pages are hardly legible, especially to us 50-plus-year-olds. Could you increase the font so we don’t mix up the current Seven Days with last week’s or last year’s? Also, it is frustrating to be forced to look for a day’s event location and info on a previous date some pages back, in other words, referring the reader to a previous date’s listing for details. Even if an event’s info were repeated over more than one date, it would not cost the newspaper more than an extra page’s worth of listing space. Surely other readers besides us have been frustrated at not having the info printed on the date of the event. I wonder if some people have not attended events because they didn’t know what they were and didn’t have the time or patience to flip back through previous dates to find out. Cecilia Polansky
ESSEX JUNCTION
Seven Days’ creative director responds: We would love to print the compete details of each calendar event, but we unfortunately do not have the space to accommodate this change. We’ve published the calendar in its slightly inconvenient format for the past 16 years and hope that our readers
TIM NEWCOMB
have grown used to the page-flipping routine. The page folios — page number, date — shrunk during our format change a couple years back. If we redesign our templates in the future, we will be sure to beef up the folio for the conscientious and weary eyes of our valued readers.
GENERATING REVENUE
[Re “Occupy Lowell Mountain? Despite Court Order, Opponents Camp Near GMP Blasting Zone,” October 19]: Concerning wind power — making money is the name of the game, right? For instance, on the Lowell Mountain wind turbine project, Green Mountain Power will receive $44 million in federal production tax credits over 10 years. I have two great ideas on how to make more money on the Lowell Mountains Range. First, sell advertising space on balloons or streamer banners (or both) attached to the giant wind turbines. This would give us the ability to see how we’ve made wind produce dollars. (And this would avoid the anti-billboard law.) Think of all those banner streams and balloons waving at you from every corner of the state! My second great idea is to have a dead bird lottery. This would probably only be feasible during the spring and fall migrations. Here’s how it would work: Someone would pick a turbine, and you would bet on how many dead birds will be found at the foot of it in a given week.
wEEk iN rEViEw
To keep the lottery on the up and up, perhaps Green Mountain Power would volunteer to be honorary chairman. That way, it would ensure no underhanded business would be going on. Addison merrick
crafTSbury
tick tESt
In my opinion, the state of Vermont does not have any idea of the actual Lyme exposure to the residents of Vermont [“Lyme Time? A Single Scientist Proves Vermont’s Tick Problem Is Growing,” December 7]. The data reported in this article is for test-positive cases reported to the CDC; the test criteria are very narrow, which produces many false negatives. There have been no tick collection projects by the state of Vermont, which in my opinion is really the first step in knowing what the exposure risk is to the population of the state. Barbara Peck WeSTfOrd
tick tick: A mAttEr of timE
ViVA moNDrAgoN!
I’m all for shopping local, supporting Vermont business, and learning about cool and interesting gifts I can get right here in the Green Mountains, but I’m getting increasingly offended by the stereotypes you’re tiredly following in your holiday Shopper features [November 23 & 30, December 7 & 14]. Dad is outdoorsy and sporty when he’s not at the office, Mom cooks and knits, girls like gossip and fashion, and boys prefer construction sets, rock guitar and skateboarding. Really?! Surely you must know — as I do — women who bike, guys who love baking, girls who grew up in love with their LEGOs and boys who were more fashionable than their sisters. I expect more from your forward-thinking, nonconformist publication. Guess y’all are, sadly, straighter than I thought.
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feedback 7
In talking about Orwell’s “Homage To Catalonia” [Poli Psy: “Is Greed the Enemy,” December 7], Judith Levine concludes that the anarchist commune did not survive — it did! Today the Mondragon worker cooperative federation in the Basque region of Spain is
ShoPPiNg for StErEotYPES?
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This is a very well written article [“Lyme Time? A Single Scientist Proves Vermont’s Tick Problem Is Growing,” December 7], and I applaud Seven Days for continuing to report on Lyme disease, as this is a very serious disease, particularly in its chronic stages. I’ve had this disease for eight years, and can easily attest to how debilitating it is. Lyme tends to be underreported, which is why it is surprising to many people that Lyme cases are skyrocketing in Vermont. If there are so many reported cases of acute Lyme disease in Vermont, imagine how many unreported cases of chronic Lyme disease there are! Your readers may not know this, but doctors following the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the CDC protocol are barred from reporting chronic cases for fear of losing their medical licenses. This is not right, and causes so many sick patients to be left in the lurch — no medical care and no compassion shown.
flourishing. Founded in 1941 on syndicalist (anarchist) principles, it employs 83,859 people in the areas of finance, industry, retail and education, and exercises full democratic process as a worker-owned enterprise. For instance, the compensation for its CEOs is voted on by all workers, not to exceed nine times that of the lowest salaried worker. It is currently at five times that amount, in contrast to the obscene compensation of American corporate gangsters. Also, Mondragon has weathered the EU economic maelstrom in better shape than most companies based on the bottomline-über-alles-capitalist model. I’m not surprised that this extraordinary social-economic construct is not more widely discussed because it fundamentally undermines the lies of the neo-liberal gospel.
12/20/11 4:41 PM
the photography of
MATTHEW THORSEN
VERMONT MUSIC IMAGES 1990-2000
A BIG HEAVY WORLD EXHIBIT PRESENTED BY:
12/19/11 3:00 PM
A touring time capsule that combines photographs with music and audio commentary from the artist.
OPEN FOR BRUNCH
EVERY SUNDAY 9-2PM
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An audio/visual depiction of a dynamic decade through the lens of Seven Days’ photographer Matthew Thorsen.
A showcase of Vermont’s incredible music scene during the 1990s.
Don’t miss your chance to view this landmark exhibit!
starting december 1
the laTchis hotel and theatre
SEVEN DAYS
50 main street, Brattleboro 802.254.6300 • latchis.com prints from the exhibit are available online at www.creativehabitatvt.com.
8
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contents
LOOKING FORWARD
Winter Reading Issue
DECEMBER 21-28, 2011 VOL.17 NO.16
Burlington City Council to Consider Giving Noncitizens the Right to Vote
BY PAUL HEINTZ
16
Is the Use of Formaldehyde on VT Dairy Farms Making People Sick?
BY KEN PICARD
FEATURES
25 The Shopper
Holidays: Giving as good as it gets BY MEGAN JAMES
Burlington Bookstore Saga Continues — Bird by Bird
BY MARGOT HARRISON
19
BY BENJAMIN ROESCH
Winter reading: A roundup of recent Vermont-related sports books
Winter reading: Vermont publishers explain how and why their catalogs are growing BY MARGOT HARRISON & CATHY RESMER
38 Updating the News
Winter reading: At Vermont colleges, journalism is booming — and retooling for the digital age BY ANDY BROMAGE
Food: Concocting local libations for the holidays BY CORIN HIRSCH
BY CORIN HIRSCH & ALICE LEVIT T
59 Soundbites
Music news and views
68 Drawn & Paneled
21 ESSEX WAY, ESSEX JUNCTION, VT WWW.ESSEXSHOPPES.COM | 802.878.2851
BY MELISSA MENDES
83 Mistress Maeve
Your guide to love and lust
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BY MISTRESS MAEVE
STUFF TO DO 11 46 55 58 72 66
TE WIN R’S FORT FOO M C O IT H A LI T T L E I T AL IA D
The Magnificent 7 Calendar Classes Music Movies Art C
UP
N
W
T
M
Y
58 Naughty or Nice? BY DAN BOLLES
C O V E R I M A G E : T H O M A S JA M E S C O V E R D E S I G N : D I A N E S U L L I VA N
VIDEO Four Months After Irene. Multimedia producer Eva Sollberger talks with some of the people she interviewed during the first few weeks after Tropical Storm Irene to find out how they’re faring now.
CY
CMY
K
CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE
BURLINGTON
802.660.9533
BE SMART. EAT WELL. ENJOY YOUR DAY. MAPLE TREE PLACE
WILLISTON
802.857.2200
sevendaysvt.com/multimedia
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CONTENTS 9
C-2 C-2 C-2 C-4 C-5 C-5 C-5 C-6 C-6 C-7 C-7 C-9 C-10
MY
SEVEN DAYS
CLASSIFIEDS
CM
12.21.11-12.28.11
Music: A peek at the holiday wish lists of local musicians
homeworks vehicles housing fsbo, services buy this stuff music crossword commercialworks legals calcoku/sudoku support groups puzzle answers jobs
local organic natural
Novel graphics from the Center for Cartoon Studies
BY ALICE LEVIT T
23 75 76 77 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 81
Special Promotional Information Available at www.essexshoppes.com
Food news
Food: Vermont author shares veggie quirks in a new book
straight dope movie quiz news quirks free will astrology bliss, ted rall lulu eightball the k chronicles this modern world bill the cockroach red meat tiny sepuku american elf personals
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
HT
44 Rootsy Reading
FUN STUFF
c i n e m a
IG
Young Adult; Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
&
ON
72 Movies
s h o p p e s
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
40 Over the River and Into the Glass
66 Art
e s s e x
BY JULIA HOWE
BY DAN BOLLES
34 Book Bonanza
REVIEWS
Heidi Broner, Central Vermont Medical Center
We just had to ask…
BY DAN BOLLES
BY PAMELA POLSTON
Rue Mevlana, Dancing to Keep Warm; Jesse French, His Sign in the Sky
BY SHAY TOT TEN
41 Side Dishes
30 Greatest Hits
BY PAMELA POLSTON
63 Music
Open season on Vermont politics
Winter reading: Short fiction
Vermont’s Cartoon School Gets a New Home
20 Art Comes to “Occupy” Burlington’s City Hall Park
12 Fair Game
22 Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
26 Bloomsbury Heads West
ARTS NEWS 18
COLUMNS
-
14
44
RM
NEWS
26
WA
25
18
MAKING WINTER A WONDERLAND SINCE 1977
Burton Flagship Store Burlington 80 Industrial Parkway Burlington VT, 05401 802 660 3200 facebook.com/BurtonBurlington
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10
SEVEN DAYS
12.21.11-12.28.11
SEVENDAYSvt.com
It's not too late!! Order your gifts for Christmas til 12/23/11
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LOOKING FORWARD
the
MAGNIFICENT
THURSDAY 22 & MONDAY 26
Celestial Season If it is, indeed, a white Christmas, there’s no better way to brave the cold winter wonderland than at Shelburne Farms’ Evening Sleigh Rides. Layer on the woolies for mobile stargazing on a horse-led romp with Pat Palmer of Thornapple Farm.
MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 48
CO MPI L E D BY CAROLYN FOX
THURSDAY 22
SATURDAY 24, MONDAY 26-WEDNESDAY 28
Sweet Surrender Those gingerbread cookies on your dessert plate may be a little less appetizing when you consider the near fate of the two child protagonists of Hansel and Gretel. The Brothers Grimm story bursts to life — turreted candy house and all — in an adaptation by the Metropolitan Opera, rebroadcast to a local cinema as a special holiday encore.
SUNDAY 25
Merry and Bright
Blast From the Past
Community spirit soars at the seventh annual Holiday Dinner for Seniors, a volunteer-driven event that proves you don’t have to literally be at home for the holidays to feel right at home. Seniors come together at a lasagna supper complete with entertainment and gift bags. More than 300 meals were served or delivered last year.
Forget the ghost; it’s easy enough to glimpse Christmas Past by heading to Woodstock. Folks party like it’s 1899 at Billings Farm & Museum’s annual Christmas at the Farm celebration, where old-fashioned revelry ranges from crafting fragrant orange pomanders to dipping candles. SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 51
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 51
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 48
THURSDAY 22
Sound Advice COURTESY OF MATISYAHU
From the contemporary-classical ensemble that regularly chases Gershwin’s first prelude with English alt-rock band Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” comes a Celtic Christmas Extravaganza. Known for their eclectic and cutting-edge repertoire, the Boston String Quartet shake things up at the Barre Opera House. SEE CALENDAR SPOTLIGHT ON PAGE 47
Good Trade
12.21.11-12.28.11
Heidi Broner’s ongoing series of paintings is a labor of love — fitting, since her subjects are laborers themselves. For nearly a decade, the artist has documented people in a variety of professions in “At Work.” Five pieces in her current exhibit at the Central Vermont Medical Center were inspired by its surgeons and other employees. Take a peek through December 30.
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
ONGOING
TUESDAY 27
Keeping Kosher
SEE CLUB DATE ON PAGE 60
everything else... CALENDAR .................. P.46 CLASSES ...................... P.55 MUSIC .......................... P.58 ART ............................... P.66 MOVIES ........................ P.72
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN 11
Likely the only artist ever known to tour with a dreidel-shaped disco ball, Hasidic reggae singer Matisyahu defies convention with his music, too. Backing devotional songs with hip-hop rhythms and beatboxing, he swings by the Higher Ground Ballroom as part of his Festival of Light tour.
SEVEN DAYS
COURTESY OF NICK HEAVICAN / METROPOLITIAN OPERA
SEE ART REVIEW ON PAGE 66
FAIR GAME
Featuring the Work
OPEN SEASON ON VERMONT POLITICS BY SHAY TOTTEN
of over 200 Vermont Artisans!
W
Fight the Power
ith 2011 coming to a close, several major policy questions remain unanswered: Will Vermont Yankee close? Can Vermont launch a singlepayer health care system? Will Gov. PETER SHUMLIN ever visit Dominica again? Scratch that last question; the gov’s on the Caribbean isle of Anguilla as Fair Game goes to print. One unresolved story could have a greater impact on Vermont’s economy and future — and on Shumlin’s legacy — than all of the previous questions combined: the proposed merger of Green Mountain Power and Central Vermont Public Service. Think about it: Federal bureaucrats will determine whether Vermont gets the necessary legal waivers to create a single-payer system; federal judges will ultimately decide Vermont Yankee’s fate. But Team Shumlin could control the 85 Church Street. Burlington. 802-863-6458 outcome of the GMP-CVPS merger, www.froghollow.org provided it can convince the Vermont Public Service Board that the public benefits from the merger. 8v-froghllow122111.indd 1 12/18/11 2:52 PM To recap: GMP, through its Québecbased parent company, Gaz Métro, wants to buy CVPS for more than $700 million. If approved, the new company will control two-thirds of the state’s consumer power market and own the largest single share in Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO), the utility that governs the state’s transmission lines. All of that would position it to acquire any other utilities on the market. (I’m looking at you, Burlington Electric Department, under Mayor KURT WRIGHT.) Vermont has one shot during this first regulatory process to prevent the entire state from becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of a Québec utility. To date, Team Shumlin has been a cheerleader for the deal and a bon ami to Gaz Métro. Shumlin’s administration is clearing the way for Vermont Gas — also owned by Gaz Métro — to expand its pipeline network in Vermont, using money previously set aside for ratepayer refunds to finance the work. If that weren’t enough, the administration also green-lighted GMP’s controversial plan to put almost two dozen 460-foot wind turbines on a Northeast Kingdom ridgeline. It’s ironic that all this utility friendliness is happening on Shumlin’s watch. Why? One of Vermont’s greatest public
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power champions — Gov. GEORGE AIKEN from Putney, Shumlin’s hometown. Shumlin, who considers Aiken his political hero, even has a framed oil painting of the late governor. Aiken built his political career fighting private utilities; Shumlin’s more like their handmaiden. “I always had a little difficulty with utility companies,” said the late governor, after he left office in 1941. “And I think it was warranted in those days, too. They were simply trying to take over everything.” The pol most closely aligned with Aiken as it relates to the GMP-CVPS merger is Sen. VINCE ILLUZZI (R-Essex/ Orleans). — hailed
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Illuzzi wants the Shumlin administration to keep VELCO from falling under Gaz Métro’s control. He’d rather see the state’s homegrown utilities, or the state itself, have veto power over how the electrons flow in Vermont. He fears Vermont could become the cheapest, and quickest, path to southern New England’s energy market. In other words, we get stuck with supersized transmission lines, while our neighbors get cheap power. Illuzzi recently voiced his concerns to Department of Public Service Commissioner LIZ MILLER and her staff. The DPS could indicate as early as this week under what conditions it would support the merger. DPS’ view holds a lot of sway over the PSB, the regulators who make the ultimate yea-or-nay decision. “He and other parties have given us ideas that we are continuing to
evaluate and consider for our filing,” SARAH HOFMANN, DPS deputy commissioner, said of Illuzzi. ”I expect that we’ll find areas of agreement with Sen. Illuzzi as well as with other parties.” Illuzzi and 45 other Vermonters have asked the PSB to appoint a special, independent counsel to vet the merger — largely due to the various conflicts of interest between GMP staff and Team Shumlin. Chief among them: Miller’s husband is a managing partner in the private law firm that represents GMP. “The commissioner has read all of my arguments and seems to understand my concerns, and I think is making an effort to take a position in the proceeding that will not give away the keys to the state’s electric transmission system to Gaz Métro,” Illuzzi told Fair Game. Shumlin may hold the keys, but so far Gaz Métro is doing all the driving.
Put That in Your Pipeline
What does the mega-merger between Vermont’s two largest utilities have to do with Canadian tar sands? More than you may think. Ready to play corporate connect-the-dots? Let’s start from the top: Gaz Métro owns Green Mountain Power and Vermont Gas through a holding company called Northern New England Energy Corporation. Gaz Métro is a wholly owned subsidiary of Noverco, a Québec-based holding company that, in turn, is controlled by two entities: the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and Enbridge. The Caisse owns nearly 62 percent of Noverco; Enbridge controls the remaining 38 percent. But wait: The Caisse also owns a portion of Enbridge. Dizzy yet? Who, or what, is the Caisse? It’s a Montréal-based investment firm that manages money for public and private pension funds and insurance plans, with some $151.7 billion in net assets under its control as of December 31, 2010. Who is Enbridge? Enbridge is one of Canada’s largest pipeline developers and is based in Alberta. It’s heavily invested in tar-sand production and is currently in the process of developing a pipeline from Alberta to Vancouver as a way to ship tar-sand oil to Asia. Enbridge also has ties to a pipeline that crosses Vermont. And that brings us to the Canadian tar sands… In August, Enbridge announced
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decision. wanda Hines, a longtime community activist and former director of the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, is mulling a bid for mayor. Despite working for a Progressive administration, she’d run as an independent. Hines led the food shelf for 12 years. She is currently the director of the city’s Social Equity Investment Project, which serves as a community resource as the city becomes more diverse. “I am the person I am because of my community. They’ve installed the leadership in me that I have, and this will be a great opportunity to give back,” said Hines. “I think there needs to be more choice in this race than just Mr. Wright and Mr. Weinberger, and I’m feeling like, If not, why not? And, why not me?” Hines tells Fair Game she’ll make a final decision after January 1.
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Telecom Humbug
Just in time for Christmas, Burlington Telecom got a lump of coal on Monday when its former financier, Citibank, filed for a preliminary injunction in federal court. Citi wants a federal judge to force BT to de-install all of the municipal telecom’s equipment and infrastructure, return it at the city’s expense, and pay rent for the time it’s used the equipment without permission. Citi is out $33.5 million on account of the telecom’s troubles. What timing! This week, BT is expecting an official partnership offer from an unidentified, out-of-state telephone company. The deal was revealed in a December 15 status report that BT filed with the Vermont Public Service Board. The report provided no specifics about the money, or company, involved. City councilors have been kept abreast of the deal in secret sessions, said city attorney ken scHatz. The public will get to weigh in, too. Imagine that! “There will be a presentation and public discussion before any agreement is finalized with a partner for BT,” Schatz promised. m
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No word yet from City Councilor karen (I-Ward 6) if she plans to challenge Democrat Miro weinBerger and Republican Kurt Wright in Burlington’s mayoral race. Another independent is close to a Paul
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it wanted to revive its “Trailblazer” pipeline, a dormant route that could move oil from its Alberta tar-sand fields east to Montréal. Enbridge scuttled an effort to restart the pipeline several years ago, but with the Alberta-to-Texas Keystone XL pipeline project stalled by Congressional infighting, the company smells oil, er, money. Once in Montréal, some of that Albertan tar-sand oil could move south to Portland, Maine, through the Portland-Montréal Pipe Line. That pipeline crosses through Vermont in the Northeast Kingdom towns of Jay, Troy, Newport, Irasburg, Barton, Sutton, Burke, Victory and Guildhall. The Vermont Natural Resources Council is one of two U.S.-based enviro groups to raise concerns about Trailblazer. “The entire enterprise of digging up Alberta’s boreal forests and mining the oil sands is a massive source of new and dangerous global-warming pollution,” said Jake Brown, a VNRC spokesman. “And then, pumping tar-sand sludge through Vermont in existing, older pipes, exposing our own drinking-water aquifers — which are a public trust resource under state law — to possible oil spills if the pipes crack or corrode? That would be ill advised at best, and catastrophic at worst.” Earlier this month, Canadian regulators said they would weigh in on the project — in the fall of 2012. That gives Vermont some breathing room, but environmentalist Bill MckiBBen said the delays on Keystone and the Trailblazer pipelines are just that — delays. “They’ll push anything they can to get the oil out,” McKibben told Fair Game. “There’s $12 trillion worth up there, so everyone will need to be vigilant.” McKibben worries that tar-sand profits — and not developing new renewable sources of energy — may be what’s driving the decisions of Vermont’s future energy partners. “If we get rid of the liars at Entergy,” noted McKibben, referring to Vermont Yankee’s corporate owners. “It would be a shame to replace them with other unreliable sources.” Word.
Send Shay an old-fashioned email: shay@sevendaysvt.com.
localmatters
Burlington City Council to Consider Giving Noncitizens the Right to Vote b y Paul He i ntz
12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS
According to a legal memo prepared for the city council’s Democratic caucus, an 1863 lawsuit tested the question and found that municipalities could, at the time, carve out separate voting criteria. The case concerned an unnaturalized Irish immigrant named Patrick Duane who was elected to tax-collecting posts in the town of Winhall. When an unhappy taxpayer sued, claiming Duane was ineligible to hold office as a resident alien, the Vermont Supreme Court drew a distinction between state and local voting requirements, ruling that Duane, as a Winhall property owner, was within his rights to vote and hold office. Democratic City Councilor Ed Adrian believes the issue is far from
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number of other municipalities have approved similar laws. Six towns and cities in Maryland allow noncitizens to vote in all local elections, according to Immigrant Voting Project cofounder Ron Hayduk; Chicago allows noncitizens to vote in school elections. Similar movements have found varying degrees of success in Massachusetts, Maine and California, and just last week the mayor of New Haven, Conn., proposed allowing noncitizens to vote in his city’s elections.
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or most of Harka Khadka’s 36 years, political empowerment has meant the right to speak his own language, practice his own religion and live in his own country. These days, Khadka simply wants a say in how Burlington cleans its streets, provides electricity and runs its schools. One of nearly 6000 refugees to resettle in Vermont since 1989, Khadka might soon find himself casting a ballot in Burlington elections — despite the fact that he is not a U.S. citizen. If a proposed change to the city’s charter moves forward, Burlington could become one of only seven cities in the country to allow resident noncitizens to vote in municipal elections. For Khadka, who was expelled from his native Bhutan and lived for 17 years in a Nepalese refugee camp, even the right to weigh in on local zoning matters would represent an important step on a long journey from political repression to civic participation. “To be a member of a community means being able to participate in all different kinds of decision making, like keeping the city clean, about things like parks and recreation. I think this is all very important,” he said. With one child enrolled at Burlington High School and another soon to begin elementary school, Khadka does not want to wait the five years it takes for refugees to apply for citizenship — he has lived in the U.S. since 2008 — before he can have a say in his children’s schools. “Why should noncitizens wait until they acquire citizenship to be able to vote in local elections for school and municipal elections? We know that one vote can make a difference,” he said. “It can change the system.” Progressive City Councilor Vince Brennan, whose Old North End district is home to many of the city’s recent immigrants, plans to bring the issue of alien suffrage before the council on January 9. His resolution would initiate the process of changing the city’s charter to allow those who have lived in Burlington for a year to vote in local elections. Brennan’s resolution would also order a nonbinding referendum in March to gauge popular support for the idea. A second, binding vote would be required, as would approval by the state legislature. “This would be an opportunity to have more people at the table, more people having a voice,” Brennan said. Burlington’s last effort to grant alien suffrage fizzled in 2007 without ever getting to the council. Since then, a
Suelan Selman
Councilor Brennan cites Vermont’s own history of allowing noncitizens to vote as precedent for what might, on its face, seem a radical change. Until 1828, when the Vermont Constitution was amended to require citizenship, the only prerequisites for voting were residency in the state for a year, land ownership and the recitation of the Freeman’s Oath. Whether Vermont’s towns and cities can deviate from the state’s current definition of a voter is a murkier question.
settled. Given the changes in election law since 1863 — most notably the striking down of property ownership as a voting requirement — Adrian argues that Burlington would find itself in court if it expanded its voter base to include noncitizens. “My sense is it’s an unclear issue, and, as you know, we have a lot of lawsuits going on in the city, and we don’t need to manufacture another one,” he said. Adrian further argues that changes in voting criteria ought to be made at the state level, not town by town. “What I would support is the legislature taking this up for the state of Vermont to allow voting throughout the state of Vermont in local elections, but not just for Burlington,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to create separate voting pockets within a sovereign entity.”
Supporters of alien suffrage such as Khadka see the expansion of voting rights in a historical light. “I know for many Americans the idea of noncitizens voting might provoke a sense of outrage because for some people the right to vote distinguishes a citizen from a noncitizen. But it’s important to remember there was a similar sense of outrage about the idea of women and blacks voting. And there was a transformation over time,” he said. Like many Bhutanese immigrants to Burlington, Khadka is a member of the Lhotshampa minority, an ethnic group of Nepalese descent that lived in southern Bhutan until the late 1980s, when the ruling northerners cracked down on local customs and expelled close to 100,000 of Khadka’s people. After leaving the country in 1992, Khadka studied political science and worked as a teacher during the years he lived in a Nepalese refugee camp. Now he hopes that if members of his community can vote in their adopted city, they will develop civic skills and a sense of inclusion in Burlington. “We did not exercise this right in our country. People were not allowed to vote, because Bhutan was an absolute monarchy. Most of our community members, our parents did not go to school. So people in my community don’t have a good sense of political culture,” Khadka said. “It’s very important for people to learn, to acquire a good sense of belonging and political culture and civic sense.” Judy Scott, the director of the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program, which provides placement and support for refugees in Chittenden and Washington counties, agrees. “A crucial part of our role for our clients is to help inform them and educate them about Vermont and about America in general. So something like this is a great opportunity to do just that,” she said. By definition, Scott says, the new Vermonters she works with have very little experience exercising political power. “If you think about the reasons refugees came here, it really has to do with their not having had a voice, with not having been able to have any sort of impact on their basic rights,” she said. “All of our clients are coming from very difficult situations in which their government didn’t choose to or wasn’t able to ensure their safety or to protect their property.” Born in Somalia and raised in Kenya, Ahmed Omar moved to Vermont in 2003 and graduated from Burlington High School. Now a store manager at Brixton
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Halal on North Street and a personal Democratic City Councilor Norman trainer at the YMCA, Omar is in the Blais has a different take on the proposed process of applying for citizenship. He said resolution, which he plans to vote against. he loves living in Vermont, but does not The son of immigrants from Québec, feel he has a voice in his city’s government. Blais watched his mother delay seeking “Nobody’s listening to you. I’ve lived citizenship for years — until he and long years here and have had no one to his brothers turned old enough to vote At our Burlington location, talk to,” he said. “We live in this city, we’re themselves. we're hosting a holiday dinner a part of the people, and we’d be happy to “We just started hounding her,” he vote.” said. “We were going for needy families. Suelan Selman, to the polls, and we who moved to the said she should be U.S. from Trinidad going too.” 20 years ago and Blais believes that HANDMADE IN VERMONT now works as a data the promise of voting coordinator for is an important the Association of force to motivate Colchester Burlington Africans Living in legal noncitizens (Exit 16) (Downtown) Vermont, says that to pursue full 85 South Park Drive Eat D E S I G N S 176 Main Street Local Pizzeria / Take Out gaining the right to citizenship. Pizzeria / Take Out Delivery: 655-5555 Delivery: 862-1234 vote in local elections “I run into folks Casual Fine Dining Tues-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 would provide an who’ve been living Reservations: 655-0000 102 Harbor Road, Shelburne The Bakery: 655-5282 incentive for her in the states with 985-3190 to become more their green card VINCE B REN NAN, BU RLINGTO N www.juniorsvt.com www.matthewtaylordesigns.com informed about her for years and just CITY COU NCILOR community. haven’t taken the Since she knows step yet,” he said. she cannot vote as a noncitizen, she says, “My experience is that we should do8v-MatthewTaylor122111.indd 1 12/16/11 8v-juniors122111.indd 11:35 AM 1 12/19/11 12:21 PM “I kind of don’t pay attention to politics everything we can to encourage people to much really at all. If something major become citizens, and I think if you grant comes up, I’ll have a discussion, but I the right to vote without citizenship, it never get really much into it because I takes away the incentive for people who’ve know that overall my opinion won’t really been living here and who would otherwise be effective.” qualify for citizenship to take that step.”
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THIS WOULD BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE MORE PEOPLE AT THE TABLE,
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ASK THE CANDIDATES: SHOULD NONCITIZENS GET TO VOTE?
12.21.11-12.28.11
What do Burlington’s mayoral candidates think about noncitizens voting in local elections? We asked Republican Kurt Wright and Democrat Miro Weinberger. Neither candidate would commit to a firm position — but nor did they outright reject the idea.
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Kurt Wright: “Frankly I need to hear more about it. Some people are misconstruing this as allowing illegal immigrants to vote when really it’s people living in Burlington who are here legally but they’re not naturalized citizens. I would probably allow it to go on the ballot, depending on whether we’ve already loaded the ballot up with too many things. I get that voting is a right that you get when you are a citizen. But I’m not going to say that I would not consider an advisory question on it.”
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Miro Weinberger: “I’m not able to give you a firm position on it today. It’s an interesting issue. I had one strong supporter who could not vote in the caucus. She’s a business owner in town and she has kids in the schools, is quite invested here, and it did not seem fair that she didn’t get a vote. But there’s some details to this I would like to understand better before taking a firm position: how it’s worked in other communities, if it’s presented any administrative challenges in how ballots are handed out. Does changing the Burlington charter invite a legal challenge? I don’t think it’s responsible to put something on the ballot without understanding these details better.”
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localmatters
Is the Use of Formaldehyde on VT Dairy Farms Making People Sick? B y K e n Pi car d
SEVENDAYSvt.com 12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS 16 LOCAL MATTERS
photos courtesy of Ken Picard
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n Enosburg Falls woman is alleging that the use of formaldehyde on nearby dairy farms is to blame for a series of disturbing, unexplained medical ailments that she and dozens of other Franklin County residents are experiencing. Those complaints appear to be serious enough to warrant investigations by the Vermont Department of Health the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thus far, there’s no proven link between the medical ailments and the use of formaldehyde in local agriculture. The industrial chemical is used as a disinfectant on Vermont dairy farms to control a costly, contagious and potentially devastating bovine disease called papillomatous digital dermatitis. PDD, also known as hairy foot wart, can decrease cows’ fertility, make them lame and reduce their milk output by as much as 50 percent. No one knows how much formaldehyde is being used on Vermont’s dairy farms, as its sale, transport, use and disposal are largely unregulated. But the chemical, which the federal government reclassified in June as a “known human carcinogen,” routinely finds its way into manure pits and, subsequently, onto hay fields and croplands throughout Vermont. State health and ag officials admit they have no idea what the long-term consequences are to public health or the environment. Of particular concern are the estimated 2000 or more undocumented workers employed in Vermont’s dairy industry. Most come from Mexico, speak little or no English and may be at heightened risk from long-term formaldehyde exposure. This is especially problematic if they’re not using protective masks, boots and gloves, and are unable to read safety precautions for handling and applying the chemical. Formaldehyde is a neurotoxin that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. According to an OSHA fact sheet, it can cause severe allergic reactions to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and can even be fatal. The consequences of formaldehyde exposure, including cancer, can occur long after an initial exposure. Amy Cochran of Enosburg Falls says it was her unique combination of education and experience that led her to suspect formaldehyde might explain some unusual ailments in the area. The self-described “formaldehyde queen” is a 58-year-old retired farmer and high school chemistry
AGRICULTURE teacher, a former emergency medical technician, and, until recently, served as the animal control officer for four Franklin County towns. Cochran’s own health problems first surfaced last spring, when she began experiencing rapid weight loss, facial drooping, tingling in her arms and legs, numbness at the base of her neck, difficulty walking, and, she says, “panting like a rat that’s eaten poison.” “This was really scary for me,” she adds, “because usually, I’m as healthy as a horse.” Cochran visited numerous specialists in Vermont, but none could diagnose her. She underwent a battery of tests for various conditions, including mold allergies, lupus, multiple sclerosis and even brain tumors. All came back negative. Despite her condition, Cochran continued working as the animal control officer for the towns of Montgomery, Richford, Enosburg and Berkshire. It was through her travels around Franklin County, she says, that she encountered other residents with unexplained health complaints similar to her own. Suspecting that the problems were all linked to something in the environment, Cochran began mapping when and where people’s symptoms appeared. In all, she compiled 32 names in four towns. According to Cochran, people reported their symptoms were worse on days when local farmers were spreading manure on their fields; those living closest to the fields had the most acute symptoms. Until two months ago, Cochran lived with her husband on a 12-acre farm along the Missisquoi River, directly across from a 1200-cow dairy farm. Cochran says her symptoms coincided with the 2011 manure-spreading season, which ran from April 1 to December 15. The couple temporarily moved out of their house because of her chemical hypersensitivity.
Amy Cochran
On a summertime visit to the operation — owned by Pleasant Valley Farms of Richford — Cochran claims she saw fourteen 55-gallon drums labeled formaldehyde in a utility room. (Pleasant Valley’s owner, Mark St. Pierre, didn’t return phone calls as of press time.) Subsequent air tests conducted in Cochran’s 165-year-old farmhouse showed formaldehyde levels were 10 times higher than what’s considered safe by the federal government. It wasn’t until October that Cochran’s suspicions were confirmed by a doctor at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. His diagnosis: formaldehyde poisoning. Cochran has talked to everyone in state and federal government who would listen to her, including the Vermont Department of Health, the Agency of Agriculture, OSHA, VOSHA, the CDC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Steve Monahan, director of workers’ compensation and safety at the Vermont Department of Labor, confirmed last week that VOSHA has an “open investigation” into one Vermont dairy operation to determine whether its use of formaldehyde conforms with OSHA
regulations. Monahan wouldn’t identify which farm is under investigation or even the county in which it’s located. The state health department has also taken an interest in Cochran’s findings. Bill Irwin is chief of radiological and toxicological sciences at the Vermont Department of Health. In the last few months, his office has received “a number of complaints” about medical problems that may be related to formaldehyde exposure on dairy farms. He’s working with the Agency of Agriculture and VOSHA to evaluate the risk to public, and workers’, health. One challenge, Irwin cautions, is the fact that the chemical is virtually ubiquitous in the environment. Automobiles, woodstoves, small engines, cigarette smoke — even some new products — emit, or off-gas, formaldehyde. Exposure to the toxin was a concern during cleanup efforts related to Tropical Storm Irene, because soggy basements tend to bring it out. Formaldehyde was the culprit in those FEMA-issued trailers that made Hurricane Katrina survivors sick. The health department had planned to start environmental air sampling for formaldehyde in October, but weather conditions were less than optimal, Irwin explains. As a result, the health department has delayed the testing until next spring, when farmers begin spreading manure again. How is this toxic compound finding its way into manure? As a treatment for hairy foot wart. Although its exact cause is unknown, the disease thrives in dark, wet and warm environments, according to Kristen Haas, state veterinarian for the Agency of Agriculture. Cows that stand all day in manure-strewn stalls, such as the kind found on larger dairy operations, are more susceptible than those that graze in pastures. To prevent outbreaks, some farmers walk their cows through formaldehyde footbaths on a weekly, or even daily, basis. The long-term health effects of formaldehyde on the cows themselves are unknown. “[Hairy foot wart] is a pretty contagious disease, and it’s unlikely to affect just one animal or even a minority of animals,” Haas says. “And there’s not a widely recognized, fully agreed-upon, good treatment ... which is why the impact on the dairy industry can be pretty significant.” Hairy foot wart isn’t a new phenomenon, she adds; it first appeared in Vermont about 25 years ago. Agency of Agriculture records indicate dairy farms started using formaldehyde to combat it around 1992.
Got A NEWS tIP? news@sevendaysvt.com Interestingly, one of the more detailed analyses of hairy foot wart in Vermont comes from a 2008 student research project at the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources. That study concluded that there are “no recommended disposal methods” of either formaldehyde or copper sulfate, an equally effective but more expensive treatment for the disease. “The baths are dumped out without regard to environment, human or animal safety,” the UVM study reads. “Due to the harmful effects of acute exposure, the potential exists that the dumping of this chemical waste has serious negative impacts.” Lynn Metcalf, program chief for the Agency of Natural Resources’ hazardous waste management program, confirms that only unused supplies of formaldehyde
Nall had survived a near-fatal car accident in July 2005, but within eight weeks, she was fully recovered and back to work. Repeated brain scans after her seizures began found no injury that would explain them; Nall’s doctors told her they weren’t caused by epilepsy or the accident. Like Cochran, Nall has also experienced severe, unexplained weight loss, dropping from 170 to 117 pounds in a matter of months. She’s only 44 but admits, “I look 60.” Thin, gaunt and pale, Nall had a necrotic gall bladder removed recently and continues to suffer from other digestive ailments that confound her physicians. She claims her seizures began shortly after the start of manurespreading season. Then Tropical Storm Irene hit. Walking through her flooded basement, Nall recalls recognizing a pungent odor
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that was very similar to the smell of her THOROGOOD • BAFFIN • DUNHAM •3:05 KODIAK • HYPARD 1• GORE-TEX • PRO11/9/11 LINE •10:25 AM 1 12/18/118v-windjammer122111.indd PM great-uncle’s funeral home. A FEMA8v-isabean122111.indd worker told her it was formaldehyde. Unlike Cochran, Nall’s doctors haven’t diagnosed her with formaldehyde poisoning. But her three dogs, which occasionally play and roll in the field behind her house after farmers have spread manure, have experienced ongoing Home Owners ■ Contractors ■ Manufacturing irritation on their heads and muzzles. Medical Field ■ Police, Fire, EMT ■ Military Nall’s vet diagnosed their symptoms as High Visibility ■ Flame Resistant ■ Restaurants caused by acute exposure to formaldehyde. Then one of the canines, a previously healthy 3-year-old English mastiff, died suddenly, with a black substance oozing from its orifices. The cause of death could not be determined, according to health records provided by Nall’s veterinarian. Nall’s vet asked not to be identified in this story for fear of losing the business of local farmers. Others who have reported health problems to Cochran also express a reluctance to voice their concerns about farmers’ formaldehyde use. Many don’t want to alienate their neighbors or harm their businesses. But as Nall emphasizes, this isn’t a case of flatlanders moving to Vermont and complaining about the stink of manure. Nall is a sixth-generation Vermonter whose father owns dairy cows. Likewise, Cochran doesn’t believe the any purchase of $30 or more 64 HARVEST LANE, SUITE 20, WILLISTON spreading of manure is the problem. “It’s Not including sale items or other specials. 871-5749 • WILLISTONWORKWEAR.COM not the shit. I’m used to shit. My husband Valid through Jan. 31, 2012. MON-SAT 9-6, CLOSED SUN, EVES BY APPOINTMENT was a dairy farmer for 30 years,” Cochran says. m
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are considered industrial waste and must be disposed of as such. Discarded formaldehyde is “not a hazardous waste and ... is no longer covered under our rules.” Diane Bothfeld, the Agency of Agriculture’s deputy secretary for dairy policy, won’t speculate on the extent to which formaldehyde is used on Vermont dairy farms today. But there’s some anecdotal data: Three years ago, the agency and VOSHA launched a broadbased farm-safety program to train farm owners and managers about a range of workplace hazards, including pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. Of the 15 farms that the agency visited over the last three years, she says, none was using formaldehyde. Bothfeld says she doesn’t think Vermont needs new rules and regulations governing formaldehyde’s use and disposal. “I think that what is in [place] at the federal and state level allows us to do the job we need to do,” she says. “But we’ve been in contact with the FDA to make sure that all their policies around formaldehyde are adequate at this time” to minimize human exposure risks. Amy Cochran isn’t the only Franklin County resident who has gone public with her alleged formaldehyde-related ailments. About eight months after Karen Nall moved from West Jay to Montgomery Center, she started having grand mal seizures that left her in a coma for days.
STATEof THEarts
FILE: MATTHEW
Burlington Bookstore Saga Continues — Bird by Bird
THORSEN
B Y M A R GO T HA R R ISON
18 STATE OF THE ARTS
SEVEN DAYS
12.21.11-12.28.11
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O
n December 13, Slate published a story titled “Don’t Support Your Local Bookseller.” Two days later, Salon countered with a piece called “What Slate Doesn’t Get About Bookstores” — namely, that communities need them, and not just for books. The owners of two local bookstores hope Burlingtonians share the second view. In the wake of last summer’s closing of Borders on Church Street, they’re banking on it. One of those booksellers — KEITH TERWILLEGAR, owner of CROW BOOKSHOP — is already established in an 1800-squarefoot space in downtown Burlington. The others — RENÉE REINER and MICHAEL DESANTO, owners of PHOENIX BOOKS in the Essex Shoppes & Cinema outlet center — have plans to set up shop downtown, as well. They’re negotiating a lease on a nearly 6000-square-foot space near Church Street and are pursuing a “community support” model to raise $400,000 they need to open. At press time, Reiner reports that, in the past month, the couple has received support pledges of $293,000. Question is, with Crow and Phoenix (or a Phoenix chick) sharing downtown, will feathers fly? Or can Burlington, seemingly a quintessential reader’s town, support two independent bookstores? While Reiner and DeSanto collect supporters, Terwillegar is making moves, too. For 16 years, Crow Bookshop, located near the top of Church Street, has been a source for used books, its packed shelves and vintage hardwood floors giving it a classic bookstore vibe. What some locals may not have realized — and Terwillegar hopes they will now — is that Crow stocks about 1500 new volumes. Three years ago, Terwillegar says, he began selling “frontlist” books (published in the past year) because customers requested them. They’d ask, “‘Do you have this? Do you have that?’ It’s silly to say no,” he says. But Borders’ demise changed everything — the shift was “explosive,” says Terwillegar. Last month, new books accounted for a third of Crow’s gross, three times the July figure. “We’re putting all the money we make on these books back into buying more,” he says. Terwillegar carries a mix of carefully selected new backlist titles (The Hunger Games, for instance, in the Young Adult section) and recent hits such as Chad Harbach’s The Art of Fielding, which are displayed prominently, face out, by the entrance. New hardcovers bear discount stickers: 20 percent for adult titles, 15 percent for kids books.
Before he got into the used-book business, Terwillegar worked at frontlist stores. So “I had the skills, but the business has changed a bit,” he says. “The New York Times review used to make or break a book.” The internet changed that. Like Phoenix, Crow belongs to the IndieBound booksellers consortium, which means Crow’s future includes an expanded website “from which you will be able to purchase books online, including Google e-books (if you must),” reads the current home page. North Country Books, the sprawling used-book store that used to share Crow’s block, now exists solely in cyberspace. Physical space is an issue for Crow; a recent reading by Vermont poet laureate SYDNEY LEA attracted more people than the store could accommodate. Terwillegar says he’s currently negotiating a possible upstairs expansion that would double the store’s footprint: “It’s important for us to get bigger if we can,” he says. Meanwhile, he emphasizes the store’s community involvement. This fall, Crow contributed about 140 books to Fletcher Free Library’s Books for Children Gift Campaign. Volumes from local micropublishers, such as Ra Press, Fomite Press and Honeybee Press, have their own shelf in the store. Burlington-area readers, Terwillegar says, are “giving us a chance. Fallout from predatory Amazon stuff has motivated some people to shop local.” Local loyalties are also the linchpin of Reiner and DeSanto’s plans. Reiner notes that their business model, adapted from the popular community-supported agriculture concept with help from attorney Eli Moulton, is similar to one used successfully by Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn. Claire’s Restaurant & Bar in Hardwick is another inspiration. The key is “tiered financial participation.” Right now, the couple is gathering “firm commitments” from people who are prepared to put down at least $10,000 for a subordinated convertible note, says Reiner. That’s a bond at 4 percent interest, payable after five years, that can be converted into shares in the company. Though “the big money at the front end is the first driver,” says Reiner, she’s a “firm believer in grassroots community
Keith Terwillega
r, Crow Bookshop
support.” Phoenix will offer supporters with shallower pockets options such as paying $1000 up front in return for gift certificates in the same amount; or purchasing a $100 membership. (Reiner and DeSanto are still working on the details.) For now, the community can only guess at the store’s likely location. Reiner says the couple is working “fast and furious” on the lease and is “very close” to an announcement. They’d like to have a soft opening in April and a grand opening in May. The Essex store, she assures, will stay open. Besides books, Reiner says the new store will sell “sidelines” such as cards, stationery and writing implements — filling a void left by the closure of Scribbles on Church Street. One thing it will not sell: used books. Reiner admits that there’s “a bit of unfortunate timing” where Phoenix and Crow are concerned. She and DeSanto didn’t know Terwillegar was selling frontlist books until they met with him recently, she says, and had hoped the stores could complement each other instead of compete. With that possibility off the table, Reiner says, “I do believe there is certainly room for both of us.” But how much room is there? In their approaches to supporters, Reiner and DeSanto describe their new store as filling a “vacuum.” “In order to make Burlington happen,” Reiner says, “we’re going to the community to say, ‘Look, we believe Burlington wants its own frontlist bookstore.’”
BOOKS
WITH CROW AND PHOENIX SHARING DOWNTOWN,
WILL FEATHERS FLY?
That language echoes media laments about the demise of bookselling in Burlington, and Terwillegar sees it as a plain denial of Crow’s continued and expanding community presence. “I have strong evidence to support the fact that we actually do exist and that we have been existing for 16 years,” he says. When it comes to the “frontlist” designation, he adds, “I would describe the two dozen copies of the Steve Jobs bio and three dozen Murakami novels I’ve been selling since August as frontlist.” “I certainly mean no disrespect to Keith,” says Reiner. “He’s survived for 16 years on Church Street. That’s a testament.” For Terwillegar, who has “more books coming in the door as we speak,” expanding into the frontlist is the natural next phase in that survival story. “Our community asked us to do something, and we did it,” he says. Can downtown Burlington support two bookstores? Fifteen years ago, the answer would have been a no-brainer. Today, the Salon article suggests, it all depends on whether bookstores can make themselves as indispensable as farmers markets — gathering places that enhance our quality of life. “I would love for there to be full-on competition of a number of independents, the way there was in the old days,” Reiner says. “That would be a dream revisited.” If they build it (or expand it), will we come? In the end, it’s up to the readers.
crowbooks.com; phoenixbooks.biz
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Vermont’s Cartoon School Gets a New Home B Y PAMEL A PO LSTO N
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t’s been a big year for the CENTER FOR CARTOON STUDIES. The nation’s only cartoon school, based in White River Junction, kicked off 2011 with the announcement of Vermont’s first, official cartoonist laureate, the prolific JAMES KOCHALKA of Burlington. (Any cartoonists out there hoping to succeed him, keep your shirts on: It’s a threeyear post.) At the end of August, CCS did battle with Tropical Storm Irene when the White River poured into the build-
has also been a Vermont District Court and a private office building. It’s about to become the cartoon school’s HQ, housing classrooms, faculty space (absent in the current quarters) and the library. Existing tenants in the upper floor will remain, their rent helping to pay the mortage on CCS’ first fully owned building. “There’s so much discussion about the post office now,” notes school cofounder MICHELLE OLLIE. Earlier this
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STATE OF THE ARTS 19
month, the feds targeted WRJ’s mailprocessing facility for closure, a decision that would eliminate 252 jobs; Sen. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT) managed to get it postponed until May. Clearly, that wouldn’t be the first change in the town’s postal functions. The distribution center, built in 1964, supplanted the post office in the town’s historic district. “We’ll be occupying a building that hasn’t been used by the post in decades,” Ollie says. “It’s positive news, a positive reuse. It’s kind of answering a lot of things.”
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ing that housed the school’s CHARLES Students, staff and community members labored through the night to move its contents, and, yep, all the books were saved. This week, CCS announces a very happy culmination to the year: a new building. Well, a new old building. CCS closed Monday on its purchase of the historic post office on South Main Street, which was constructed in 1934 as a WPA project. The colonial-revival-style brick structure (see illustration, by CCS alum
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his summer, Burlington City asked us to “Imagine City Hall Park.” Bolstered by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to “engage the community in a creative planning process that will result in a visionary master plan” for the park, BCA set about surveying local residents for their suggestions. After processing the feedback, the city arts org is supposed to present a master plan for a spiffed-up City Hall Park by next July. But we don’t have to wait for an improvement to the recent home of “occupiers.” When First Night arrives in Burlington, revelers will find a park transformed by art. Specifically, sculpture by Kat Clear and lighting by Jason “liggy” liggett. BCA curator Chris thompson says a few more sculptors may participate, as well. While the plans weren’t entirely solid last week, there’s no doubt that Clear will be setting up a veritable living room, complete with couch — she’s calling her installation “Vermont Winter Pastoral” — and Liggett will be lighting the scene. Clear is known for her metal signs and bike racks around town, as well as for her circus-themed pop-up installation last summer in the former Outdoor arts
Gear Exchange space on Cherry Street. She had already created her couch back in 2005 — it was first exhibited in the “Exposed!” outdoor sculpture show in Stowe. At 11 feet long and four feet wide, the couch will be able to accommodate passersby who feel like hanging out on cold metal in winter. She plans to add a chair and ottoman; the pieces will be sited near the fountain. “I’ve always wanted the couch to be in downtown Burlington,” says Clear, the past winner of BCA’s Barbara Smail Award. “This will be an opportunity for my community to take their pictures with the couch.” She notes that the piece “has been all over the East Coast — mainly at my parents’ house in New Jersey.” Clear concedes that photo ops might be “challenging with the weather,” but is optimistic about public response. And she’s thrilled to be collaborating with Liggy. For his part, Liggett is reluctant to reveal exactly what he plans to do but concedes his lighting scheme will result in “an aurora borealis kind of vibe.” As there is no outdoor power source in the park, he’ll project lights from the windows of BCA onto the trees, Clear’s sculpture and the park at large. And the lights will move. Liggett, who handles
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lighting at Higher Ground and for a number of bands, including Grace Potter anD the nocturnals, says he will program “undulating color, things happening.” But those “things” won’t be so wild that they distract passing drivers. “It’s more like colors changing through the trees, patterns,” he says. “It will be really nice when there is snow on the ground.” BCA itself will be part of the show,
Cartoon School « p.19
burlingtoncityarts.org; katherineclear. com; liggylightingdesign.com
year for three days. Imagine being funny in so many languages. De Radiguès documented his time at CCS in 2009 with a weekly cartoon called “Pendant ce temps à White River Junction” (“Meanwhile, in White...”). Written en français, it was published in France “a few weeks after he would essentially live it and put pen to paper,” says the CCS website. The Center for Cartoon Studies,
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She reveals that the seller of the building, real estate developer (and CCS board member) Bayle DruBel, gave CCS “a price point that is just unbelievable — a couple hundred thousand [dollars] below market value.” And so far, the school has received $93,000 in pledges
says Liggett. “Not only will there be light coming out, but also lights within each floor,” he promises, adding that this part can be turned off when BCA has an event indoors. As of this writing, Liggett says he’s still trying to “wrap his head around” focusing light on Clear’s “living room.” Whatever the two come up with, it will be on view for two months. “From a curator’s point of view,” offers Thompson, “the idea of a sculpture exhibit is hopefully the first of many. This is sort of nudging us into the ‘Imagine’ thing, of looking at different ways to use the park.” m
12.21.11-12.28.11
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which launched in 2005, offers one- and two-year certificates and an MFA in cartooning as well as summer workshops. Students and graduates of the school contribute to a biweekly comics page, Drawn and Paneled, in Seven Days. m
cartoonstudies.org
STATE OF THE ARTS 21
to help pay for its new digs. After renovations, Ollie says, she and fellow founder James sturm expect to greet new students there in fall 2012. In other news, former CCS fellow Max de Radiguès of Belgium was selected to go to the Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême in January. The cartoon fest — referred to simply as “Angoulême” by Americans — takes over the French town of about 40,000 once a
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What’s up with those lights embedded in the lower Church Street sidewalk? BY J uli a H o W e
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12.21.11-12.28.11
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I
f you’ve taken a nighttime stroll down the redesigned block of lower Church Street in Burlington, you’ve probably noticed the strange, multicolored lights speckling the sidewalk. And if you frequent the area, you’ve also most likely noticed that they recently went dark — some of the lights are even covered with pieces of wood. WTF? Who installed the lights in the first place? What are they made of? What makes them work? Why did they stop? We asked Erin Demers, an engineer in the Department of Public Works. She was the project engineer for the lower Church Street renovation and was happy to unravel the mystery. First, to our disappointment, we learned that the lights are not the groundwork for an outdoor dance club. Officially, they’re called Solar LED Paver Lights, and they were placed there to attract more foot traffic to the area, disconnected as it is from the lively Church
When the lights worked…
Street Marketplace. The idea was to “lead people down to the newly improved streetscape, as a ‘trail of bread crumbs,’” Demers said, “so that at night [the lights] are interesting, inviting and jazz up the block.” The project team’s design consultant, Julie Moir Messervy of Saxtons River, Vt., had success installing similar lights at the University of Kansas, where the project reportedly was greeted with excitement. “Most people felt that this would be a unique opportunity to draw positive attention to an up-and-coming downtown block of the city of Burlington,” said Demers. Last summer, the city spent months reconfiguring the street, widening the sidewalks and adding lighting, including the sidewalk LEDs. For $20,000, Don Weston Excavating of Essex Junction was contracted to install the solar pavers. Wait, $20K? “This is a small fraction of cost for an artsy flair,” Demers said. True, the sidewalk lights were a tiny slice of the total streetscape construction costs: more
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than $1.7 million. But were they worth it? Have the lights satisfied the vision of city planners? Did they attract more people to downtown’s southern end? We went into the relatively new Mexican restaurant El Gato Cantina to find out. Had it seen an increase in business since the pavers were installed? “The what?” asked a server, cocking her head to one side. “Oh! The little light things on the sidewalk? Yeah, I guess they’re cool.” Another server, standing nearby, chimed in, “The kids seem to like them during the summer.” We chatted for about 10 minutes, long enough to gather that El Gato’s employees thought the lights had had no impact on business. One of the servers pointed out that the illumination is so soft, you can’t even see the pavers until you’re on the sidewalk. They may look pretty up close, but how are they supposed to draw people from afar? The 29 6-by-6-inch white, blue, green and red squares are powered completely by the sun, and a light sensor indicates
when it’s dark enough for them to turn on automatically. Their protective casings, flush with the sidewalk, are made of glass, aluminum and a strong polycarbonate cover. Apparently, several of the pavers have already cracked. Which would explain why, a few nights ago, we found all the lights covered up with wooden blocks and the area surrounded by orange traffic cones. The cause of damage remains undetermined, but we’ve heard theories. Rumor has it that boozed-up customers staggering out of nearby establishments have been vandalizing the lights. Did city officials really think through their placement just outside the doors of several bars? According to Demers, everything is under control now. The lights’ manufacturer, Meteor, has upgraded the lens material from glass to a more durable plastic compound. This will, she asserted, withstand any further attempts to break them. Are there plans to install LED solar pavers in more Burlington sidewalks? While “the city is always looking for whimsical streetscape improvements and public art displays,” said Demers, there are no such projects at this time. Will the confetti-like lights hold up to a harsh Vermont winter — and sidewalk plows? Because the pavers are flush with the concrete, Demers said, plowing shouldn’t harm them, and the LEDs are also built to survive the cold. The solar pavers, when illuminated, do add unexpected flair to the new sidewalk. Check ’em out and see for yourself. And, if you feel the urge to break into spontaneous dance moves, just know that you’re not alone. m
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Dear cecil, As I was decorating my christmas tree this year I began to wonder if I was putting myself at risk from insects. I don’t like spiders much, and it would be even worse to have a Lymediseased tick bite me. Are christmas trees fumigated, or are we bringing termites, etc, into our homes every holiday season? Doug in LA
h
Species, All Perfectly Harmless, Infest the Trees in Countless Millions and Add Material Beauty to the Ornamentation — Their Habits Discussed by an Expert. Doug, please, put down that kerosene. Listen to what the article says about scale insects, a type of plant lice. Though “exceedingly destructive and harmful,” these bugs have the advantage of looking like white dots. “Think of it,” the above-mentioned expert is quoted as saying, “of buying a Christmas tree already decorated, radiant with hundreds of little shining white specks resembling snowflakes. They should make an ideal Christmas tree.”
Is there something you need to get straight? Cecil adams can deliver the straight dope on any topic. Write Cecil adams at the Chicago reader, 11 e. illinois, Chicago, iL 60611, or cecil@chireader.com.
Ah, Doug, now you’ve done it. It’s going to be hell getting those scorch marks off the ceiling. Let’s try another tack. That 179-page USDA manual. True, it speaks in frank terms of the many insects, fungi, worms and other horrors that can invade Christmas trees. There are aphids, spiders, spider mites, weevils, bark beetles, bagworms, budworms and webworms, not to mention those scale insects. The gypsy moth and its cousins have plagued Christmas trees for more than a hundred years. The manual omits praying mantises, but I happen to know they like to lay their egg cases on Christmas trees, and if the tree stays inside for a few weeks the eggs can hatch, releasing a cannibalistic horde of insects who have to eat each other because there’s no other food … unless … Doug, this house of yours. Is there food in it?
Sorry, I’m going off on a tangent. The point I meant to make is that the USDA manual is mainly meant for Christmas tree growers, not buyers. Most pests can be controlled on the farm. The solution may entail pesticides, fungicides or removal by hand. Trees suffering from a particularly heavy invasion of certain moths, weevils, midges, fungi or what have you may be chipped or burned. Post-harvest fumigation is sometimes required for imported trees, which can mean toxic chemicals and higher cost. Thankfully, drastic measures aren’t needed often. In a typical year, perhaps one tree in 100,000 is bug-ridden. The critters are seldom harmful to humans. One grower’s guide notes that with adelgids, an insect found on white pine trees, you should “educate your buyers that this is a mostly harmless pest that is found everywhere, including
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onestly, Doug, what a question! Don’t we have enough to stress about this time of year? Have some eggnog, sit back in your easy chair and admire that tree. Now that you’re comfortable, here’s something that will answer all your questions. It’s from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s called Christmas Tree Pest Manual. It’s 179 pages long. Now, Doug, if you’re going to shriek, next time wait ’til you finish swallowing the eggnog. You know how the feds exaggerate. Let’s start with something more calming. Here’s an article from the 1905 Washington Post. The headline reads: • LOADED WITH INSECTS Christmas Trees Abound with Invisible Bug Life. FORM PRETTY DECORATION Now there’s a positive mental attitude for you — they’re not vermin, they’re a pretty decoration! The headline continues: • More Than Twenty-five
yard trees.” Let’s face it, though. That kind of advice probably went over better in 1905 than it does today. At any rate, nobody bothered to educate Skip Magic, staff member emeritus of the Straight Dope Message Board, and his wife, Auntie Em. One year they picked out the perfect Christmas tree, carted it home, set it up and decorated it, and went to bed dreaming happy holiday thoughts. The next morning they came downstairs to find their tree covered with hundreds of silver threads, which extended from the tree in the living room to the chandelier in the dining room, and from there to a dining room window. From the threads hung tiny silver beads. Sounds pretty, doesn’t it? You know what’s coming next. The threads were silk, and the tiny silver beads were a brood of baby spiders that had hatched in the warmth of the house. Skip and Em suppressed the urge to put the premises to the torch and instead got out the vacuum cleaner, thereby salvaging the situation, although it’s fair to say if you were a baby spider, your Christmas that year sucked. You can, of course, buy artificial and sidestep such issues, but you can never entirely put out of your mind the knowledge that the classic bristle-and-wire fake tree was originally devised by a manufacturer of toilet-bowl brushes. Thus the eternal dilemma. You can take the antiseptic route and celebrate sterility. Or you can embrace biological reality with the knowledge that every so often you’re going to think: My God, this is gross.
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Shopper Giving as good as it gets
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elcome to the holiday season — and to the Seven Days holiday guide to gifts. Every Wednesday during the holidays, we’ve offered ideas for just about everyone on your list. For greater variety, a different writer has weighed in each week: same set of recipients, unique presents of mind. (Note: Some of these recipients may be figments of our imaginations.) And what do we want this year? Just for you to shop local, please and thank you.
BY MEGA N JA M E S COURTESY OF MEGAN JAMES
Mother:
Mum’s just like me: There’s nothing she likes more than having someone pummel the hell out of her knotty, gnarly muscles. The smooth strokes of a Swedish massage just aren’t gonna cut it for this tough lady; she wants someone to beat her to a pulp. So I’m getting her a sports massage at Waterfalls Day Spa in Middlebury. After 50 minutes of blissful deep-tissue wrangling, she won’t know what hit her. $95. Waterfalls Day Spa, Middlebury, 388-0311. middleburyspa.com
Father:
Teen Sis:
Brother:
Big bro’s a tinkerer. And an insomniac. That’s why I’m reserving him a spot in Burlington artist John Brickels’ next Mad Scientist Workshop. He’ll don a lab coat and join a crew of night owls to craft robots and other menacing machinery out of clay. Did I mention the class takes place between 3 and 6 a.m. and wraps up with pancakes around the horseshoe counter at Handy’s Lunch? $64. Mad Scientist Workshop, Burlington, 825-8214, or email guybarn@usa.net.
Grandparent:
Nanny loves gazing at gorgeous scenery and spending quality time with her grandkids, and I’ve always wanted to hop aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III. Sounds like the perfect opportunity for the Lunch-on-the-Lake cruise. I can fill her in on juicy family gossip while we nibble on morsels from the salad bar and carving station. Nanny’s never had it so good. $23.42. Spirit of Ethan Allen III, Burlington, 862-8300. soea.com
Best Friend:
Now that she works in Killington, one of my BFFs and I have made a habit of meeting at Table 24, downtown Rutland’s purveyor of upscale comfort food. I’m getting her a gift certificate so she can indulge — with or without me — in five-cheese macaroni and cheese, duck fritters made with risotto and goat cheese, and a fat slice of banana cream pie. Table 24, Rutland, 775-2424. table24.net
FEATURE 25
Green Mountain Girls Farm, Northfield, 505-9840. eatstayfarm.com
Humane Society of Chittenden County, South Burlington, 862-0135. chittendenhumane.org
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I used to tease her about her obsession with goats. Now it seems she might really want to pursue a career in farming. Fine with me, as long as I get to reap the delicious benefits someday — and cuddle her future goat kids. I’m treating Sis to an experience at Green Mountain Girls Farm, where she can assist with goat milking and learn to turn that milk into yogurt, cheese, gelato or caramel. Mmm. Prices vary.
Kitty had a rough life before we met. With only one eye and half a tail, she looked a little funny (think goblin in a cheap cat suit) at the humane society several years ago. Still, she stole my heart, big time. Lately, though, she’s been moping around the house, her one eye seemingly begging for one thing: a buddy. The Humane Society of Chittenden County is filled with needy cats looking for a home. One of them might be the perfect match. Merry Christmas, Kitty. You deserve it.
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Mike Daisey performs “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” as part of the Lane Series, February 23 & 24, 8 p.m.; February 25, 2 p.m., at FlynnSpace in Burlington. Info, 863-5966. flynncenter.org
Pet:
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In many ways, Dad’s a Luddite. After several decades as a journalist, he still refuses to use spell-check. It took him years to embrace the iPod and Facebook. But these days, it’s safe to say, he’s obsessed. And so I’m getting him a pair of tickets to Mike Daisey’s “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs.” In the monologue, the “actor, author, commentator, playwright and general layabout” explores the human toll of our infatuation with our devices. I’m sure Dad will complement the experience with a puntastic status update. $30.
Bloomsbury Heads West
Winter Reading Issue
Short fiction
B Y BENJAMI N R OESCH
26 FEATURE
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e found her beneath the old footbridge at the western crook of our farm, diary splayed over one knee, scribbling away as she watched the water. Mute and ecstatic was the way a poet might have described her. Me, I thought she looked kind of dead. Every freckled inch of her was hidden beneath a black dress, the kind I’ve heard some call “Victorian” — lots of pleats and frills and such. I’d never seen this particular one before, but God knew that costume trunk was huge. Clem looked at me. I looked back at Clem. “Christ,” I said, picking cornhusk spears from my overalls, “not again.” “’Fraid so,” Clem said. He ran his hands through what was left of his hair — when I’d first met Clem, the year before he married my only sister, Darla, he’d had a head of hair any man would have been proud to call his own. But now only lonely graying strands remained to hold down the fort. “Better call Dr. Connors.” Darla dipped her quill into a small jar of India ink, then continued writing, enraptured. When she finished, there was a sharp intake of breath; then she clutched the diary to her bosom; moaned, “Of course!” She turned, glowering at us, and said, “Well, if it isn’t my oppressors come to refasten my chains.” “I’ll fire up the pickup,” I said.
C
lem and I squeezed into a burgundy love seat beneath a painted landscape featuring livestock behind a broken fence. I guess it was supposed to look homey, but they didn’t look like any cows I’d ever seen around this part of Vermont. Darla was in a rocking chair next to us, and Connors sat opposite in a brown, slat-backed desk chair with rusty casters. It was right at home with the rest of the secondhand furniture. “Well, here we are again,” Connors said without looking at us, busy upcapping his pen, opening Darla’s file and reading over some things. I couldn’t
say what it was exactly, but I got the feeling every time we were here that the three of us made him nervous. He tapped his foot a lot. Kind of kept his distance, you know? “Why doesn’t someone bring me up to speed?” he asked. “You said when you called that things had … progressed?” I waited for Clem to kick things off, but as usual, he’d clammed up, jammed his pipe into the crook of his mouth and crossed his legs, his muddy boots dropping clumps of dried alfalfa on the floor. Looking flummoxed, Connors shifted his gaze to Darla.
I’m splendid,” Darla said. “And how are you today, Doctor?” Connors looked at me. I looked at Clem. Clem looked at Connors. “Told you,” I said. “Virginia,” Connors said, “your husband and your brother are worried about you. That’s why we’re all here again today. Do you understand that?” “What I understand,” Darla said, “is that my husband and my brother get paid for their work, whereas I do not, though I work just as hard. Such is the soiled lot of my gender, I suppose. What I further understand, Doctor,
“ASIDE FROM BEING HOUSEMAID TO A PAIR OF BARBARIANS, STUCK DOING AN ENDLESS STRING OF MENIAL DOMESTIC TASKS THAT LEAVE MY SPIRIT BARREN AND MY HEART WAILING FOR MERCY, I’M SPLENDID,” DARLA SAID.
“Virginia?” he asked. “Aw, hell,” I interrupted, “don’t call her that! It just makes it worse. It took her four days to come out of it last time. The house was a mess.” “Clem, Robert, I thought we agreed that in this space we are open to all psychological possibilities as a means to pursue healing.” Clem looked like he was about to part ways with his breakfast. He nodded, and Connors kept on. “Virginia? Mrs. Woolf?” Finally Darla stopped writing and looked up. “Yes?” she said. “Is there something I can assist you with? As you can see, I’m rather engrossed in my work.” Clem put a hand over his face. “Virginia,” Connors said, “how are you feeling today?” “Well, now let me see. Aside from being housemaid to a pair of barbarians, stuck doing an endless string of menial domestic tasks that leave my spirit barren and my heart wailing for mercy,
is that I’m forced to cohabitate with selfish Neanderthals who couldn’t wipe their own backsides if I wasn’t there to help them, and as long as I’m forced to continue doing so, I’m one step closer to killing myself!” “Hey now!” Clem began, taking umbrage at something in there, though I couldn’t say what — the Neanderthal comment and the suicide thing both seemed fair game — but now that he’d hoisted himself up and launched one of his fingers into the air, he didn’t seem to know what to say and looked like he’d swallowed a blackfly. Later, after convincing Darla to wait for us in the pickup, Connors pulled out some black-and-white pictures of the actual Virginia Woolf. “I pulled these off the internet and printed them out. Are you online?” I glared at him. “Well, I’ll just let you have a look, then. I think you’ll find the resemblance is rather uncanny.” Clem took a gander first. Then me. I had to admit — they were spot on. It was Darla, all right.
“I shoulda never let her go to that book club,” Clem said. “Stupid, stupid idea!” “What was the book they read again?” Connors asked. “Mrs. Dalloway?” “I don’t know. Something in England a long damn time ago. The hell difference does it make?” Connors went to his desk and took some books out and brought them to us. “Here,” he said, passing them over. They were all by the Woolf woman. “I made a little trip over to the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester on your behalf. In case you get curious. I’ll add them to your bill, of course.” We drove home in bitter silence. “Where in hell you suppose she saw those pictures?” I asked Clem later. We were in the kitchen passing a can of beans and a can of beer back and forth. We’d worked out a system: While one drank, the other ate. Darla had gone to bed in a dither, railing about the feminist uprising, saying something about having a room of her own and something else about the pools and depths where the largest fish slumber, but I didn’t know what the hell any of that meant. “She’s your sister,” Clem said vaguely. He added that the only reason Darla had access to her costumes was because of our dear, deceased mother, to which I replied, “It ain’t my fault Momma liked the theater!” Ten days later, she still hadn’t come out of it. Clem and I were starving. The house was a war zone. Dishes were piled in the sink like bodies. One of us left the freezer open, and all the meat went bad, reconciling us to peanut butter and beans. I blamed Clem. He blamed me. We kept wearing the same clothes day after day until it started to feel like they were wearing us. Darla had always joked — or maybe she hadn’t been joking — about how, if she ever stopped doing all the little things we never noticed, the farm would quickly cave in on itself. I never believed it, myself, but Jesus, look at us now. I tried to reason with her. So did Clem. Tried to bargain and barter. She scoffed at us. I trudged out the old photo album and showed her family snapshots, trying to jog her memory. She said they were very interesting, indeed, but that she recognized no one. Then she added that, for most of history, Anonymous was a woman and that it was harder to kill a phantom than a reality and left us, as usual, scratching our heads. The next day I found Darla in her usual spot out under the old Macourtey footbridge, although this time she was laid out in the grass beside another woman, the two of them looking like they’d been dropped from above, their hair unleashed, clothes loose, their
stefan bumbeck
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“We better get at it ’fore it gets any hotter,” he said as if he hadn’t heard me, and as he walked past, he started whistling. Whistling! When I came in from the fields that afternoon, Vita and, hell, I may as well just call her Virginia, as well as another woman — this one named Dora — were sitting in the front yard at the feet of an older man wearing a dark suit and round spectacles with a beard like a beaver’s tail. He was introduced to me as Lytton, or something, but I’ll be damned if it wasn’t Hugh Rumpley himself. How the devil had old Hugh gotten himself mixed up in all this? He hadn’t shaved in months, but I knew old Hugh when I saw him. Hell, he’s the one taught me to side-dress my corn with nitrogen when bloomsbury heads west
» p.29
FEATURE 27
you don’t mind but Vita will be staying for dinner.” The next morning, Clem and I were drinking coffee in the kitchen. I’d stopped fishing the grounds out of mine days ago. It’s amazing what you can get used to. Clem looked mussed and tossed as wet laundry, but he was grinning slyly, shaking his head as if at something he couldn’t quite believe. “You OK?” “Oh, just dandy,” he said. I heard a pair of women’s voices ambling down the hallway from Clem’s room, followed by the closing of a door and trickles of laughter. I looked again at Clem, who wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Who the hell’s she got in there with her! Is that Hugh Rumpley’s wife? Was she in there all night?”
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dear? — friend, Vita” she said, indicating the other person. We shook hands, and I apologized for dirtying Vita’s, though she didn’t seem to care. Now, Vita looked an awful lot like Hugh Rumpley’s wife, Susannah, to me — they lived a couple miles down the road — but I couldn’t be sure. What I was pretty sure about, though, was that Susannah had been the one who organized that book club Darla went to last winter before all these shenanigans started. “What are ya’ll doing?” I asked. “Well, now, that’s a good question,” said Darla. “What are we doing? We’re … um…” “Conversing!” “Yes, we’re deep in conversation,” Darla said, the both of them washed away by the wave of laughter. “I hope
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fingers touching through the tall grass. Darla’s diary lay at her side like an obedient puppy. I cleared my throat. “Robert!” she cooed, tilting her head and looking at me upside down. “I’d like you to meet my … my…” “Friend,” the other woman finished. Now, she wasn’t what you, or I, or anyone would call pretty. In fact, and I’m just telling it like it is, there was a manliness about her. But she had strong full lips and arresting eyes that sucked you in. “Yes, my friend!” The both of them dissolved into hysterics and shared the kind of glance that made the small hairs on the back of my neck pop up. Darla seemed weirder than ever, but at least she wasn’t yelling for once. She looked pretty happy, actually. “This is my dear, dear, very dear — did I mention she’s
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Bloomsbury « p.27
J
“I shoulda never let her go to that book club,” clem saId.
“Stupid, Stupid idea!”
Where pigs fly.
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FEATURE 29
Benjamin Roesch’s work has appeared in Brilliant Corners and Word Riot, and he was a recent attendee of the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. He lives in Burlington and moonlights as a high school English teacher. benjaminroesch.com
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ust as it peaked, it ended. I couldn’t say exactly what burst the bubble, but something did, and when Darla woke up one morning and exclaimed, “Would you look at this goddamned pigsty!” everything went back to normal. Weeks passed. Months. Our crop was down, but by season’s end we’d rebounded and just broken even for the year. Darla was Darla again. The house gleamed. Our laundry was fresh. Our meals were hot and timely. We celebrated Thanksgiving, then Christmas. Spent long, quiet nights in front of the fire, Darla knitting silently, Clem and I playing cards and smoking our pipes. Conversation was at a minimum, just the way I liked it. Eventually, a year was behind us. One afternoon the following July, I came in from the field for lunch only to find the kitchen empty, the table bare. Clem was leaning against the icebox eating beans from the can with a sly little grin on his face. A 10-minute walk later, we stood at the top of the embankment above the footbridge. Virginia was just visible. I could see the hem of that fancy dress, perceive the flutter of her hand as it wrote. “Well, c’mon,” I said, starting down, “there’s a phone book full of head shrinkers. Connors ain’t the only one.” Clem put a hand on my arm. “Leave her,” he said. “Really? You sure about that, Clem?” He nodded, and we started lazily back toward the house. I found myself whistling as we walked along. I couldn’t deny I was looking forward to seeing Vita and the rest of the gang soon. I think Clem felt about the same. m
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it’s knee high and how to spray right to avoid cutworms. He was talking about some guy named Pascal who I’d never heard of and who up until today I would have bet money Hugh Rumpley’d never heard of neither. They invited me over, but I went on past them into the house without looking over and poured myself a glass of Jack Daniels. I called Dr. Connors. “It’s spreading,” I said and hung up. Clem was sitting in the living room in my mother’s old rocking chair reading one of the Virginia Woolf books Connors had given us. I didn’t catch the title because he hid it away too fast, pretended like he was scratching his foot. “You, too, huh?” I asked and walked on down the hall. I took the coldest shower possible, but goddamn if I didn’t start to feel a little randy in there as I washed myself down. I kept thinking about Vita. Those lips and those eyes. Next thing I knew I was in my bedroom with the door closed. Late that night I heard a ruckus and went downstairs in my nightshirt with a rusty hatchet in hand, only to find a party under way in my living room. Virginia was lying on the sofa with Vita’s head against hers. Lytton (Hugh) was flat on the ground with his shirt off and the girl Dora, also minus her shirt, on top of him. I hadn’t seen a woman’s bare breasts in a long time, and I’ll be damned if I didn’t spring to half-mast at the sight. And, though I couldn’t believe my eyes, there was Clem still sitting in the rocking chair, reading away. Someone pounded at the door, and Vita bounded over, yanked it open, and I about died when I saw Saul and Esther Johnson, who had the next farm down from the Rumpleys’. Vita sang out, “Vanessa! Clive!” and in they came. The door was nearly closed when a foot shot through and Dr. Connors, barefoot in a beige suit and a striped tie, strutted into the room, making eyes at Vanessa (Esther). “Oh, Duncan, I’m terribly sorry; I didn’t see you there! Well, I guess everyone’s here!” Vita said and kissed Connors on both cheeks. I glared at Connors, even considered going over and punching him in his damn nose, but he ignored me completely and wound himself into the party.
I found Clem’s eyes right about the time they found mine. He nodded. I nodded. I walked over, feeling like a country fool in my nightshirt, and sat on the floor by Clem. He handed me another of the books — this one was called Orlando — and I leaned back against the wall and started to read. I don’t mind admitting it was a corker.
12/12/11 12:43 PM
Winter Reading Issue A celebration like no other!
NEW Year’s Eve
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A roundup of recent Vermont-related sports books
wowed by our vt. cheese array.
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Greatest Hits V
ermont is not exactly a major sports hub. Aside from occasional national tournament appearances by our college teams, a Minor League Baseball team and, of course, the winter sports industry, athletics tends to be a secondary pursuit in the Green Mountains. But that doesn’t mean writers from Vermont, or with ties to the state, can’t publish sports books — four of ’em, in fact, have come out since late 2010. Here’s a quick look back at each of those tomes — three of which were previously noted in Seven Days.
WELCOME TO FENWAY PARK
In 2012, Boston’s Fenway Park will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Over that century of baseball, some of the most memorable, and infamous, moments in American sports history have taken place within the friendly confines of the Red Sox’s beloved bandbox: Carlton Fisk waving a game-winning home run fair in Game 5 of the 1975 World Series; Bucky (bleepin’) Dent breaking the hearts of the Fenway faithful in a seasonending tiebreaker game in 1978; David Ortiz’s late-inning heroics in the 2004 American League Championship Series. The list goes on. But it all started a hundred years ago, with one of the great seasons in Boston Red Sox history. In his new book, Fenway 1912: The Birth of a Ballpark, a Championship Season, and Fenway’s Remarkable First Year, Vermont author Glenn Stout (Red Sox Century; Yankees Century; editor, The Best American Sportswriting of the Century) digs into that remarkable season and the story behind Major League Baseball’s oldest ballpark. Covering everything from the blueprint responsible for the park’s bizarre field dimensions to the unlikely team that would bring home the Sox’s second World Series championship — the first of four in six years — Stout brings a golden era of Red Sox baseball to life and sheds a new light on its iconic home, Fenway Park.
30 FEATURE
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Fenway 1912: The Birth of a Ballpark, a Championship Season, and Fenway’s Remarkable First Year by Glenn Stout. HMH Books, 416 pages. $28.
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THE WONDER OF IT ALL
The University of Vermont was once a baseball powerhouse. That might be tough to believe, given that the school cut its hardball program in 2009. And, admittedly, you have to go back a few years. But from 1890 to 1893, the UVM nine were among the greatest college baseball teams to take the field, posting a record of 129-57-4 and nearly winning the very first Intercollegiate Base Ball Tournament in Chicago — we call it the College World Series today. Vermont author and baseball scholar Tom Simon writes about that team in his latest book, The Wonder Team in the White City: U.VM. at the Intercollegiate Base Ball Tournament of 1893, published earlier this year (“The Wonder Years,” Seven Days, April 13, 2011). Using old news clippings and documents from the UVM archives, Simon details the often unseemly behind-the-scenes maneuvering that elevated UVM from baseball also-ran to diamond juggernaut — let’s just say the current crop of NCAA recruiting violations seems almost precious by comparison. Simon then transports us to the tourney in Chicago, where the team had its brush with greatness and, ultimately, embodied a great irony. The Wonder Team in the White City by Tom Simon. GardnerWaterman Press, 131 pages. $15.
CARD TRICKS
Josh Wilker was a weird kid. Born in 1960s New Jersey into a nuclear family but raised in rural Vermont in the 1970s by his free-spirited mother and her lover, Wilker had an upbringing that was anything but conventional. In an attempt to make sense of his unusual childhood, Wilker wrote a memoir, Cardboard Gods: An American Tale, released in paperback in March, that chronicles his formative years in East Randolph (“God Complex,” Seven Days, May 18, 2011). As a child, Wilker was an avid baseball-card collector who sought emotional refuge in his stacks of Topps. A misfit and the frequent target of bullying by schoolmates, he found an
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escape in baseball cards, the way others might lose themselves in books or movies. In his book, Wilker recounts his childhood through the prism of his glossy heroes, identifying and examining defining moments of his life by associating them with specific cards and players. They range from icons such as Reggie Jackson, Jim Palmer and Tom Seaver to long-forgotten players, a motley collection of has-beens and never-weres such as Rudy Meoli and Mike Kekich. Wilker’s critically acclaimed memoir is alternately hilarious and heartbreaking. Through his so-called cardboard gods, he presents a moving, insightful, and, at times uncomfortably honest examination of both his early life and the 1970s generally, in a way that is equal parts Proust, “This Week in Baseball” and “The Wonder Years.”
LUCK OF THE DRAW
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12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS FEATURE 31
Buster Olney is among the country’s preeminent baseball writers. Olney, who grew up in East Randolph, Vt., is a senior writer at ESPN the Magazine and a regular contributor to ESPN.com, ESPN Radio and a number of the sports network’s TV programs. He’s been a beat reporter for the New York Yankees and several other major league clubs. He’s penned a best-selling baseball book, The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty. But Olney’s most recent book, published in late 2010 and covered in Seven Days at the beginning of this year (“Building Character, January 19, 2011), isn’t about baseball. How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer centers on a little-known college basketball coach, but it has less to do with roundball than with personal triumph and the impact one man can make, even in his darkest hour. In September 2008, Meyer, of Lipscomb University in Nashville, was nearly killed in an automobile accident. The crash claimed his left leg. During surgery intended to save his life, doctors discovered that Meyer had terminal cancer. When he retired, Meyer was college basketball’s all-time winningest coach. But, as Olney’s book reveals through gripping stories shared by former players, Meyer’s legacy is defined as much by his actions off the court as by his legendary presence on it. As he does so often in his columns, Olney proves that great sports stories are less about sports than about human drama.
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Book Bonanza
Vermont publishers explain how and why their catalogs are growing
Winter Reading Issue
B Y M AR GOT HA RR ISON & CATHY RE SMER
RESS
FOMIT EP
COURT ESY OF
12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS
we were expecting some do-it-yourself piece of shit.” Since then, they’ve published 15 more volumes and have another eight in the pipeline. Most are novels, short-story collections and books of poetry. The only criterion for acceptance? “I have to like it,” quips Estrin. All of their titles are available through the Fomite website, on Amazon.com or by special order from bookstores; Crow Bookshop in Burlington stocks copies. By the end of the year, Bister and Estrin hope to offer e-books, as well.
keep 80 percent of the profits — or what’s left over after printing costs and distributor fees have been taken out. That can total several dollars per book for a $15 novel. Notes Estrin of his traditionally published novels, “On a $15 paperback, I make 75 cents.” But Estrin says he’s unlikely to publish his own works through Fomite as long as he has another publisher. After all, it’s nice to have someone else approve of your work and shepherd it through the production process. It’s a
Bister, who has a day job overseeing the federal Women, Infants and Children program for the Vermont Department of Health, estimates that they’ve sold a total of 300 books so far — not a huge number, but not bad for a few months’ work. And it hasn’t cost them much. Bister estimates that they can turn a manuscript into a print-ready book for about $75. That doesn’t include Estrin and Bister’s time, which is donated. Each book costs an additional $2 to $4 to produce once it’s ordered. Still, Fomite authors get a good deal. They
service he’s excited to provide to other writers he admires. “I’m trying to find a new paradigm,” Estrin says.
Fomite-ing Revolution Writer Marc Estrin and his wife, Donna Bister, haven’t turned a profit from Fomite Press, their literary publishing venture, and they don’t intend to. The Burlington couple see Fomite as an extension of their political activism. “Occupy publishing,” Estrin calls it. Estrin’s 10 novels and a nonfiction book have all been released by traditional publishers. But he argues that publishers have become too focused on the bottom line. “The whole idea of nourishing American literature is not part of the equation of the MBAs,” he complains. So he and Bister decided to take up the cause themselves. They launched Fomite Press in March 2011. Their first book was The Co-Conspirator’s Tale, a novel by Ron Jacobs. Estrin edited it, and Bister used Amazon’s self-publishing tool, CreateSpace, to design and produce the book. They avoided a pricey print run by using POD. “We got the book back,” remembers Estrin, “and we were so surprised, ’cause it looked like a goddamn real book. And
E PUBLISHING
34 FEATURE
Russell Payne’s novel Cliff Walking. “There is interest and movement in this direction,” says Phoenix co-owner Renée Reiner of the hyperlocal hits. “It’s become easy to print a book. Marketing is sort of the piece that gets a little bit more challenging.” Traditionally, publishers market books and get them on store shelves. What are they doing now? We spoke with owners of three Vermont publishing companies that have launched or greatly expanded their efforts in the last few years. All of them have gotten into the business for different reasons, and some have seen more profit than others. But they all agree that advances in technology — and the decline of traditional publishers — have made it possible for them to experiment with new ways of bringing books into the world.
COURTESY OF WIND RIDG
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ast month, an anonymous poster on reddit.com announced that he was making as much as $1000 a day selling his self-published fiction online. His claim quickly drew hundreds of eager queries — What was his secret? Could he explain his marketing? No one dismissed the story out of hand, because no one really understands electronic publishing yet. It sounds like a get-rich-quick scheme, but a few people have quickly gotten rich. Take the case of Minnesotan Amanda Hocking, who couldn’t get a literary agent but earned $2 million selling her paranormal novels on Amazon.com. If publishing is the Wild West right now, Amazon is the self-appointed sheriff. Ask professionals about the industry and they’ll say they’re troubled by the company’s power. It closed the bookstores (some of them) and now seems to be gunning for the publishers themselves. But the same technology that allowed Amazon to grow into a behemoth also offers new opportunities for small businesses and individuals. Readers and writers are exploring the wild frontier of publishing, and a gold rush is on. Besides the internet, two key innovations have democratized publishing: the electronic reader, which makes it possible to sell books as streams of data readable on various devices (even smartphones); and print on demand (POD), which permits companies to print books as they sell, rather than doing large runs and hoping for the best. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times that, at Phoenix Books in Essex, three of this year’s best sellers were local, self-published or both: Megan Price’s Vermont Wild: Adventures of Vermont Fish and Game Wardens; Beach Conger’s It’s Probably Nothing: More Adventures of a Vermont Country Doctor; and Stephen
Keeping It Local The book division at Wind Ridge Publishing grew out of the Shelburne company’s other activities — publishing the weekly Shelburne News and Charlotte Citizen, as well as a monthly tourist magazine, Destination Vermont. Wind Ridge’s first book, the 2010 Walking Through the Seasons, is a compilation of columns and essays by Shelburne
News columnist Marilyn Webb Neagley. The author, a former president of the nonprofit Shelburne Farms, approached Wind Ridge about producing the collection. “We thought, Oh, that sounds fun,” remembers Wind Ridge owner and publisher Holly Johnson. “We wrote about it in the paper, and people started coming to us. It’s amazing how many people have books inside of them.” OK, maybe not that amazing — the Champlain Valley attracts its share of well-traveled and well-to-do retirees, many of them apparently eager to chronicle their lives. Wind Ridge’s newest releases, for example, include There and Back, commentaries from former ABC News correspondent and courtesy of Wind Ridge Publishing
Lots of Vermonters, in all different ways. Four of them shared their stories — and their sales figures — with us. Author: Rusty DeWees,
Author: Stephen
Books: Scrawlins (2007) and Scrawlins Too (2011), essay and column collections. Format: print only. DeWees works with printers through Sterling Hill Productions, a Waterbury book packager; he designs covers himself. Sales: For Scrawlins Too, DeWees did a print run of 2000 hardbacks. Since August, he’s sold about 1650 at $24.95 each. Scrawlins has sold about 5500 copies total. “I’ve made my money and then some,” DeWees says. Marketing: “I am the product,” says this performer by trade. When we talk, DeWees is on his way to his 15th reading of the fall. Besides visiting local stores, he’s all about “reaching people on the radio, at benefits, at fairs” and even “sitting at Maplefields, selling out of the back of a pickup truck,” he says. Here in Vermont, DeWees notes, “I have a ready-made market. I’m not trying to get my book out across America.”
Book: Cliff Walking (2011), a love story involving a seascape artist and a woman fleeing an abusive spouse, set on the Maine coast. Formats: print (POD through CreateSpace) and Kindle e-book. Sales: In the three months since he published, Payne has sold about 600 paperbacks at $14.95 each and 55 e-books at $4.99 each. The paperback price “leaves very little margin” and may need to rise in the future, he says. A portion of the proceeds goes to Prevent Child Abuse Vermont. Marketing: A careful student of marketing, Payne has used local media, indie booksellers and Facebook to get the word out. “Novels are largely recommended by word of mouth, primarily by women,” he notes. It doesn’t hurt that he has a public profile as a practicing St. Albans surgeon, or that the book carries glowing blurbs from Vermont novelist Howard Frank Mosher and other respected writers.
aka “The Logger”
It’s amazing how many people have
books inside of them.
H o lly J o h ns on , W i nd R i d ge P ub l is h in g
FEATURE 35
— M. H .
SEVEN DAYS
Author: Valerie Gillen Book: A Little Magic, a young-adult fantasy about a stepdancer and a fairy prince, published in October. Formats: E-book only, in Kindle, Nook and other formats. Gillen plans to use CreateSpace to print some copies. Sales: Six downloads at $2.99 each. On Amazon. com, Gillen keeps 70 percent of her sales. Since the cost of producing an e-book is negligible (though she did spring for professional cover design), she has nothing to lose. “One good thing is that the book is up there forever, as long as you don’t take it down,” Gillen says, “so your sales can always increase.” Her friend and mentor, Jeanne Miller of Burlington, has sold slightly more than 100 downloads since her book The Pet Psychic Diaries debuted online last January. Marketing: For fiction writers seeking a national audience, book bloggers are key. Gillen has been visiting blogs and giving away review copies, hoping for sales-boosting Amazon reviews. She’s also considering paid online advertising. Both Gillen and Miller stress that e-book success stories — such as Amanda Hocking’s young-adult romance novels — are exceptional. But Gillen says e-publishing brings a satisfaction that has nothing to do with money. “I felt like I had written a good story,” she says, “and I would rather have it out there, hopefully to be read and enjoyed, than sitting in a drawer gathering dust.”
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Author: Megan Price Books: Vermont Wild: Adventures of Fish & Game Wardens, Vols. 1 (2010) and 2 (2011). Price describes the collections as “Hilarious, true Vermont stories of lovesick moose, hungry bears, rioting raccoons, wily poachers, a goofy tracking dog and the most ingenious dynamite blast you’re ever likely to read.” Formats: Paperback (both) and e-book for Kindle (Vol. 1). Price doesn’t do POD: “The quality is not good enough for me,” she says. Sales: Slightly more than 10,000 copies total (both books) at $19.95 each, with “virtually no sales through Kindle.” Thanks to reports from local booksellers, Vermont Wild has twice been written up as a success story in Publishers Weekly. Marketing: Like DeWees, Price is a one-person marketing campaign. She describes the book’s target demo as “9 to 99” and extols its power to get schoolkids and seniors reading. Besides indie booksellers, Price puts Vermont Wild in “mom-and-pop corner stores” — “The Jiffy Mart in New Haven alone has sold 300 books,” she notes. In other words, whatever she’s doing, it’s working.
Russell Payne
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Charlotte resident Barrie Dunsmore; and 82 Remsen Street, a memoir about growing up in Brooklyn Heights in the 1930s and ’40s by Burlington therapist Alice Davidson Outwater. Wind Ridge uses its ready stable of editors and designers to package its books. “Everybody pretty much multitasks,” says Johnson. The company invests in a print run of 1000 to 1500 copies of each of its titles and distributes them through University Press of New England, then sells the books through local bookstores and on its website, as well as on Amazon.com. Kathy Howard, Wind Ridge’s director of publications, says e-books are on the way in the next few months. There are other outlets, too — Shelburne Farms sold copies of Neagley’s book, for example. Once Wind Ridge has paid off its
Who’s Self-Publishing?
How do you say
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printing expenses, the company donates a portion of the profits to the author’s favorite charity, and shares the rest with the author. Johnson admits that none of the books has sold enough for that arrangement to kick in yet. For now, Wind Ridge’s book division is more of a community service. But both Howard and Johnson are optimistic about creating a sustainable business model. Howard suggests that some authors might be willing to pay Wind Ridge for its publishing services. And she sees an opening for books that showcase Vermont, such as Wind Ridge’s 2011 release Burlington: A Sense of Place, a book of photographs by Shelburne resident Paul O. Boisvert. “We’ve really learned a lot in the past year,” she says.
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FEATURE 37
Neil Raphel, acquisitions editor at Brigantine Media, loves literature and once owned a bookstore. But business is in his blood — his father, Murray Raphel, was a retailer who became a motivational speaker and direct-marketing consultant. He wrote 11 books and founded the marketing firm that owns Brigantine Media. Neil joined New Jersey-based Raphel Marketing in 1989. Ten years later, he and his wife, Janis Raye, moved to St. Johnsbury. Today they provide website design as well as direct-marketing and publishing services in New Jersey and Vermont. Raphel Marketing has been publishing business books for years, but in 2009, Neil Raphel and Raye consolidated the catalog under the imprint Brigantine Media. Brigantine specializes in packaging practical books by CEOs and business leaders. Its catalog includes titles such as Win the Customer, Not the Argument; and A Friendly Life, the autobiography of S. Prestley Blake, founder of Friendly’s restaurants.
Brigantine pays for a print run of 2500 books for these titles. Most of them aren’t sold in stores — they’re available directly from the publisher, at conferences where the authors are speaking, online or as e-books. Raphel encourages authors to generate sales by splitting the profits and the expenses. When Raphel and Raye created Brigantine, they started expanding their catalog, going from publishing a book or two each year to seven books in 2011. They hope to release at least as many in 2012. “We would like to be exclusively book publishing,” says Raphel. “If the economics work out, we’d like to do that.” This year they had an opportunity to publish Power Reading Workshop by Laura Candler, whom Raphel describes as “the Oprah Winfrey of elementary school teachers.” Candler’s book is selling well, he says, because she’s doing email and web marketing to her own list of fans. Brigantine has also started experimenting with fiction. Its 2011 releases include The Secret Room, a young-adult novel by Waterford author and bookseller Beth Kanell; and Nathaniel Purple, a novel by F.D. Reeve, a Wilmington novelist and poet whom Kanell recommended. Raphel and Raye’s daughter, Adrienne, who is currently an MFA student in the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, is their fiction editor. While Raphel calls Nathaniel Purple “a tremendous book,” chances are Brigantine will sell more copies of PKP for President, a new novel by New Hampshire author Beth Hilgartner about a cat that runs for the nation’s highest office. Raphel and Raye are masterminding a social-media campaign for the cat, including a Facebook page. Raphel says they’re hoping that national exposure during the run-up to the New Hampshire primary will “cat”apult the book into the spotlight and spur sales. “We’re having fun with it,” he says.m
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Updating the News
Winter Reading Issue
At Vermont colleges, journalism is booming — and retooling for the digital age B Y A ND Y BROMAGE
SEVENDAYSVT.COM 12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS 38 FEATURE
U
COURTESY OF LYNDON STATE COLLEGE
I
t’s deadline day at the Vermont Cynic, the University of Vermont’s student newspaper, and a crew of editors and designers is putting the finishing touches on the last issue of the fall semester. The edition features a news story on golden parachutes paid to UVM administrators, an arts piece on Irish step dancing and an op-ed commenting on a Victoria’s Secret fashion show. The paper would normally have gone to press already, but the students are holding Page One for a late-breaking story about UVM’s infamous naked bike ride. That’s the semester-finale ritual in which hundreds of undergrads make a boob-and-ball flapping sprint across campus at midnight. Lyndon State College students Editor-in-chief Brent Summers assembled a “team” to cover the highly anticipated streak. A naked bike ride may not be the “We’ve got reporters and photog- hardest-hitting news, but don’t mistake raphers who will go out at midnight the Cynic for an unserious newspaper. and collect everything,” says Summers, In November, the weekly won the most a junior communications major from prestigious prize in its field: a Pacemaker Barrington, R.I. “Then we’ll write, edit award, considered the Pulitzer of college and lay out our front page in the early journalism. Not bad for a school with no morning hours, and go to print by 3 a.m. journalism program. It’s really exciting.” Summers, who took over as the Summers’ enthusiasm for putting out paper’s top editor last month, heaps an old-fashioned newspaper might seem credit for the award on his predecessors, at odds with the decline of the medium student-editors Natalie DiBlasio and over the last decade. But shrinking ad Haylley Johnson, who, with the help revenues, layoffs and anxiety throughout of faculty adviser Chris Evans, helped the mainstream news biz don’t appear to transform the Cynic from an opinionhave deterred student journalists. heavy rag into a credible news source. The Cynic now counts 80 students The following week’s Cynic buried in its core staff, a fourfold increase from news of the paper’s big prize on Page 3. just a few years ago, says Summers. The The cover featured the mock funeral for entire staff can no longer fit in the same the “soul of UVM” staged by unionized room, so each department — news, sales, employees over a contract impasse. design — meets individually. “We felt slightly uncomfortable putWith its teetering stacks of newspa- ting ourselves on the front of the paper,” pers and thrift-store furnishings, the says Summers. “Plus, there was a good Cynic office is just how you’d picture a story that week that was a little more scrappy college newsroom. Tucked in newsworthy.” the basement of the Dudley H. Davis Center, the space has mustard-yellow VM isn’t alone in seeing a walls, a minifridge topped with jars of flood of aspiring journalists. peanut butter and Nutella, and a simNationwide, undergraduate mering pot of the fuel that makes all enrollment in journalism newsrooms run: coffee. and mass-communication programs
increased by 2 percent in 2010, according to the Annual Survey of Journalism & Mass Communication Graduates conducted by Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. Graduate-level enrollment went up last year, too — 13 percent for master’s programs and 6 percent at the doctoral level. Amazingly, the survey found the job market for journalism grads is actually improving. Fifty-nine percent of 2010 graduates surveyed had secured fulltime employment — 3 percent more than in the class of 2009. With social networking and digital gadgets changing how news is produced, delivered and consumed, Vermont colleges are retooling and rebranding decades-old journalism programs to reflect the new news reality. Last year, St. Michael’s College renamed its Department of Journalism and Mass Communication the Department of Media Studies, Journalism and Digital Arts. The program has churned out a few famous journalists, notably Tim Arango, the New York Times Baghdad bureau chief featured in the 2011 documentary film Page One: Inside the New York Times. Professor David Mindich, who chairs
the department, says the name switch was meant to reflect the program’s focus not just on journalism but on multimedia production, the study of media bias and how news influences our lives. For the department’s 130 majors, the curriculum covers wireless/mobile media, film production, digital photography, interactive web design, animation and social networking. Another sign of the times: Beginning this year, work on the St. Michael’s student newspaper, the Defender, is optional for journalism majors — and many apparently have opted out. The number of students signed up to staff the paper next semester is half of what it was last fall. Considering the beating newspapers have taken over the last decade — and the number of jobs lost — who can blame students for taking other paths? “Many students are going into media jobs [that] weren’t even created five years ago,” Mindich says. “Director of social media, for instance. That was a job that no one had five years ago, and now every company has a social media office.” That may be, but the undergrads who staff the Defender are a surprisingly oldschool bunch. A conversation with seven student-editors in the paper’s media lab last week suggested that the prevailing opinion on how today’s youth consumes news — or doesn’t — is a bit overstated. Senior Jim Hughes, the Defender’s online editor, watches “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” religiously because, he says, “It’s right before ‘Jeopardy!’” Senior Kelley Bureau, the paper’s outgoing executive editor, says she’d rather read a print copy of the New York Times than peruse articles online. “The glowing screen hurts my eyes,” says Bureau. “I was born in the wrong era, I guess.” Like St. Michael’s, Lyndon State College has recognized the clout of new media with a name change; last
Many students are going into Media jobs [that] weren’t even created five years ago.
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12/19/11 12:15 PM
FEATURE 39
year, it renamed its television-studies were not lowered to half-staff despite a program the Electronic Journalism notice from the governor’s office,” the Arts Department. Associate professor student anchor read. “Around noon at Tim Lewis explains that the curricu- the municipal building, flags were not lum covers storytelling across multiple at half-staff. The town clerk forgot that platforms, so that graduates will have today was Remembrance Day, and then “enough skills in their toolbox to be suc- lowered the flags. cessful in whatever is going to happen “Across the street at the post office, next.” they were not lowered until reminded,” To that end, LSC student-journalists the anchor continued. “At this time, write, edit and design a hyperlocal news the flags are still not lowered at the fire website called NewsLINC and an online department.” magazine called NewsINK. But their The remainder of the broadcast fealong-standing specialty is broadcasting. tured stories about a cat named Stupid Since 1979, LSC students have pro- that keeps senior citizens company duced a daily, half-hour, live television through the Pets for Life program; and newscast, “News 7,” that broadcasts to an East Haven woman who gives “bio14 towns in the Northeast Kingdom on dynamic cranial sacral” head massages local cable systems. every Tuesday at the St. Johnsbury food For many rural Vermonters in the co-op, among other fare. area, that’s the only local TV news Not exactly watchdog journalism, they get. News crews from Burlington, but Lewis says the program is doing Manchester, N.H., and Montréal rarely something right: Ninety-four percent make it to this quiet corner of Vermont, of last year’s senior class had jobs upon Lewis says, so the stugraduation — at televidents become the de sion stations in Waco, facto reporters coverTexas; Grand Junction, ing school board hearColo.; and elsewhere. ings, car accidents, and At Johnson State everything else that College, the eightbleeds and leads. year-old journalism “We treat them like program will get a pros,” says Lewis, a new name next year — former TV reporter at Communications and WCAX in Burlington. Community Media — “That means they with concentrations in get recognized at the print and web commulocal market, and they nity journalism, photohave to start dealing journalism, and public with the fact that they relations. At present, become a recognized just 16 students major DAViD mi NDich public persona. Which in journalism, but assissuddenly starts them tant professor Tyrone thinking, Gee whiz, I can’t be a crazy col- Shaw hopes the expanded program will lege student in public.” increase that number considerably. News 7 has won numerous awards “This is not putting lipstick on a pig, over the years for its reporting and not that the program is a pig,” assures landed scoops. When a cruise ship Shaw of the name change. “We clearly returned to Boston last year with two need a wider scope, and we’re in a podead bodies on board, News 7 was the sition to do that now.” The website for first to identify one of them because JSC’s student newspaper, Basement he was a former student at the college, Medicine, will be revamped while the Lewis says. program continues to focus heavily on Yet the newscast retains all of the the fundamentals of good reporting and charm you’d expect from a small-town, writing. student-produced show. The December Basement Medicine doesn’t have the 7 broadcast, for instance, led with a flashiest website — readers can’t leave story commemorating the 70th anni- comments or share stories on Facebook, versary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and there’s nary a video to be seen. But — with black-and-white footage of the Shaw says the paper has produced some Japanese bombing raid — before going solid, old-fashioned journalism, parinto a super-earnest local report on gov- ticularly given Vermont’s paltry funding ernment buildings that hadn’t lowered for its state college system. their flags to half-staff. “I wish the mainstream press would “There seemed to be some confu- do as much,” he says. m sion in Lyndonville today, as some flags
food
Over the River and Into the Glass
The Little Libertine
New Year’s Eve usually calls for a glass of bubbly. If you want a change, dress up the flute with a splash of local elderberry cordial — for color and sweetness — and a splash of aromatic St. Germain. 1 teaspoon of Caledonia Spirits Elderberry Cordial Champagne or sparkling wine Splash of St. Germain*
Concocting local libations for the holidays B Y COR IN HIR SCH
I
MATTHEW THORSEN
n the past year, Vermont has seen a tiny explosion of local, artisanal libations — drinks such as an herbinfused apple cider (Orleans); vodka and gin distilled from honey (Barr Hill Vodka and Gin, respectively); a maple-infused rum (Dunc’s Mill Maple Flavored Rum); and an apple brandy (Vermont Ice Apple Crème Liqueur from Boyden Valley). Locally made genever and malt and
The Moscow (Vermont) Mule
At Vergennes’ Bar Antidote, bartender Ian Birkett (also of Square Nail Hops Farm) recently bestowed on my friend and me a zesty Moscow mule and a citrusy sidecar, respectively. The former cocktail has little to do with Moscow, beyond its vodka base. It dates from 1941 as a fusion between the vodka of an East Coast distributor and the ginger beer of a Los Angeles bartender, according to various sources. The drink took off and helped launch Smirnoff Vodka. As I live in Moscow, Vt., my friend and I micro-localized the drink back at my house. Substituting Shelburne Farms’ new Ginger Jack for the ginger beer resulted in a sharp and spicy appleginger cider. A splash of ginger ale added effervescence. Though the drink sounds summery, the ginger gives it a warming kick.
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RAISE A GLASS TO THE GROWING FIELD
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Put elderberry cordial in a chilled champagne flute — more will give a deeper color. Top with champagne and a splash of St. Germain, and serve. *If you don’t want to splurge on a fullsize bottle of the pricey Alpine liqueur, mini-bottles are available.
OF VERMONT DISTILLERS. corn whiskeys are on the horizon. We already benefit from a bounty of local food and beer; now we can count our local-spirits blessings, too. So why not celebrate the season with a homegrown cocktail? These whimsical drinks use one or more Vermont liquors. Some are served warm, most are chilled; some are simple to make, others require hunting down an obscure bottle or two. Many come with a backstory — and none calls for cloves or allspice, thankfully. So raise a glass to the growing field of Vermont distillers. And remember, drinking locally still means drinking responsibly!
Sprig of mint Ice cubes ¼ lime 2 ounces Barr Hill Vodka 2 ounces Shelburne Farms Ginger Jack 1 tablespoon simple syrup Splash of ginger ale or sparkling water 1 lime slice for garnish
40 FOOD
OVER THE RIVER AND INTO THE GLASS
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MaglianerO gOes tO lunch
at the
If your New Year’s resolution is to eat square meals even when you’re parked at a café with your laptop, add lunch at maglIanEro to your list. The hip café at 47 Maple Street in Burlington begins selling grab-and-go lunches on January 6, the first Friday of 2012. Each day, folks from the ChuBBy muFFIn will deliver two varieties of sandwiches and salads and a soup to the South End spot. Café manager FranCEsCa orsInI says options may expand to meet demand. Fans of the Skinny Salad at Chubby Muffin’s sister restaurant, the skInny panCakE, will be able to find it at Maglianero. Other specialties have been created just for the coffee shop. New dishes include a meatloaf sandwich with local cheddar and horseradish mayo on focaccia; an apple and brie sandwich; and gluten-free tabbouleh made with quinoa instead of bulgur. Orsini says she’s especially fond of the organic beet, arugula and blue cheese salad. According to Orsini, the boxed lunches will be available for pick up from around 9 a.m. until Maglianero closes at 5:30 p.m. Looks like the year is getting off to a good start.
Planet Please call for Reservations or Book Online
l “ W h e re t h e
— A .L.
ls oca
D
i
15 Center St., Burlington (just off Church Street)
“You can eat for $15 or $50. Local food doesn’t have to be expensive.”
dailyplanet15.com • 862-9647 Reservations online or by phone
— c .h8v-dailyplanet122111.indd . 1
12/14/11 2:17 PM
Farm to Freezer
city Market intrODuces lOcally grOwn FrOzen veggies
siDe Dishes
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FOOD 41
Frozen vegetables don’t have the most appetizing reputation, but the staff of Burlington’s CIty markEt hopes to change perceptions by selling a new line labeled nEIghBorIng FooD Co-op assoCIatIon. This year’s pilot program includes green beans, corn and broccoli, grown at family farms throughout New England and packaged by the vErmont FooD vEnturE CEntEr in Hardwick and Farm to taBlE Co-paCkErs in Kingston, N.Y. There are also blueberries that sprouted at grEEn mountaIn orCharDs and harlow’s sugar housE, both in Putney. The produce is sold in clear plastic bags so customers can choose it as carefully as they would fresh foods. According to City Market
SEVEN DAYS
with the food rather than overwhelm it — nothing “over the top” or too high in alcohol, Schimoler says. “We’ll have traditional Old World styles, such as Kölsch and lagers. We’d like to honor tradition.” Cocktails will draw on the kitchen’s culinary prowess. In Cleveland, Crop’s libations have such ingredients as rhubarb bitters, coconut foam and fig reduction. “We find ways to get our kitchen philosophy into the bar. I look at it as an extension of the kitchen,” says Schimoler, whose son, Steve, will oversee the bar program. Crop will eventually get a water-conditioning system similar to that of its cousin in Cleveland, which will enable the staff to improve on their well water and possibly replicate the subtle flavor profiles of other waters around the world. That can be a building block for dough and beer, says Schimoler. Schimoler is confident that Stowe’s diverse clientele can support the new establishment, but “You have to earn that trust,” he says, and notes that Crop will offer food at various price points.
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enigmatic on the specifics of the food. They’ll definitely a peek insiDe stOwe’s introduce Crop’s signature sOOn-tO-Open crOp bistrO & brewery popcorns (with such flavorThere will still be a cozy pub, ings as sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic reduction) and a spacious bistro serving undevelop a Crop beef jerky fussy fare and a brewery. But using local supplies, such as inside the footprint of the beef from Vermont Highland restaurant formerly known Cattle Company. as the Shed, the new eatery Schimoler opened Mist set to open in a few weeks is in 1999, long before farm-toaltogether reimagined. table was hot. “Crop is about Inside Stowe’s Crop BIstro food that is local, and that & BrEwEry, at 1859 Mountain has become a given,” he says. Road, the rooms are full “That’s what we were doing of the smells and noises of 15 years ago.” renovation. Its scale speaks “The goal is for Crop to the vision of the collaboraStowe to have its own food tion between tom BIvIns, former executive chef at New identity,” adds Bivins. Diners can choose from a pub menu England Culinary Institute, or a bistro menu served in and stEvEn sChImolEr, one of the more spacious longtime restaurateur and dining rooms, or occasionally a Steven Schimoler “Tour de Crop,” or seven-course tasting menu. As they finalize the fare, the pair have gutted the kitchen. Workers have peeled away the pub floor to reveal wide pine planks. A curved bar adorned with gnarled cypress boughs creates an food scientist. Schimoler is Adirondack Great Camp the former chef-owner of feel in the middle of the Waterbury’s renowned Mist former dining space, and Grill, which closed in 2005. Many new elements, from Vermont photographer Peter Miller’s iconic images will the menu to the décor, will hang throughout. Glass will draw on the template of a expose the brewery, anchornamesake Cleveland restauing a corner of the pub. rant, the 16,000-square-foot A new copper-clad Crop BIstro & Bar. Schimoler brewery is on order from founded it four years ago, in part as a food lab. It has since Germany, and Bivins and Schimoler have already hired won national recognition their head brewer: mark for its inventive approach to EwalD, formerly of Long Trail farm-fresh food. Brewing Company. Ewald is “We’ll capture signaformulating recipes on his ture stuff from Crop in home brewing system, where Cleveland,” says Schimoler, who is on his third restaurant Schimoler says he sampled “one of the best beers I ever launch of 2011 and his 11th had. I like to think he’s an overall. Beyond assurance 11 on a scale of 10. He’s very that diners will find locally accomplished.” grown and wildcrafted Beers will work in tandem morsels, he and Bivins are
NewYear
Delicious Cycle
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cOrin hirsch
New Crop
in the
e”
by cOri n hi rsch & a l i ce l e v i t t
Ring
n
sIDEdishes
Got A fooD tip? food@sevendaysvt.com
11/28/11 7:52 PM
EXP. 1-11-11
EXP. 12-24-11
Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse Japanese steak house sushi bar and Thai cuisine
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12/9/11 3:50 PM
We have it
Our recycling bin
– it’s on our porch!
flew the coop!
Speaking of porch, did you know FPF is now in 60 VT towns?
food Over the River and Into the Glass « P.40 To first make a batch of simple syrup, heat a quarter cup of sugar in a quartercup of water (or any amount with a 1:1 ratio) in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Place mint sprig and ice in a tumbler (or better yet, a traditional copper mug), and squeeze juice from the lime wedge into the glass. Add vodka, Ginger Jack and simple syrup, and stir. Splash ginger ale over the top, garnish with lime and serve.
Green Mountain Flip
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12/16/11 11:45 AM
Chef Joseph and the staff invite you
MATTHEW THORSEN
to a Prix Fixe New Year’s Eve celebration complete with wine pairings and dessert.
Experience the elegance of a bygone era. Reservations: 802-899-2223 30 Rt. 15, Jericho Closed Tuesday 6h-Caroline's122111.indd 1
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Reservations Required. Visit the Menu at CarolinesVt.com
12/17/11 12:43 PM
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42 FOOD
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2 ounces Flag Hill Pomme-de-Vie Apple Brandy, or Calvados 1 ounce bourbon (I used Maker’s Mark) 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon of simple syrup 1½ ounces of light cream A few drops of vanilla Ice cubes Freshly grated nutmeg Add the first six ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy, then strain into a glass. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top. (To make a “cleaner”-tasting alternative, substitute vodka for bourbon, and shave fresh, dark chocolate over the top.)
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Once upon a time, New England was awash in locally made rum (mostly from Massachusetts and Rhode Island), and the egg-based “flip,” as it was called, was sold in taverns everywhere. A concoction of rum, beer, eggs and sugar, the entire thing was brought to a violent froth by plunging a red-hot iron into one’s mug. These days, the flip is still around in simplified form. Here’s a version that treads the line between flip and nog, and goes down like butter. Just be sure to use the best possible egg you can find — you’re drinking it raw, after all.
12/5/11 4:14 PM
This drink comes from Marc Champoux, a veteran mixologist and bartender at Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero. Though his creations can get complex — his recipe for last year’s Sangria Smackdown used star anise and ginger syrup — Champoux calls this warm libation “simple and tasty.” And, as he points
out, ingredients are local, except for the lemon. 8 ounces apple cider (such as Cold Hollow) 1 ounce WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey 3/4 ounce Caledonia Spirits Elderberry Cordial Lemon wedge Heat cider on stove over low heat until warm. Do not boil. In a heat-resistant mug, combine rye and elderberry cordial, then pour warm cider over the top and stir. Add a squeeze of lemon for tartness.
The Peregrine
This cocktail comes via California-based mixologist and landscape architect Cooper Scollan, who already had a bottle of WhistlePig rye on his home bar. He writes in an email, “Notice how the Amaretto ‘softens’ the bold and fiery WhistlePig, and combined with tart sweetness creates a well-balanced mélange of flavors that linger like the smoke of a blown-out candle.”
2 ounces WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey 1 ounce Disaronno Amaretto Ice cubes 3 ounces sweet-and-sour mix 1 Asbach Uralt Brandy Filled Chocolate Cordial Cherry 1 thin-cut lemon wedge for garnish Lightly shake the first three ingredients and serve over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with cherry and lemon wedge.
The Local Buzz
The Inn at Weathersfield in Perkinsville, Vt., serves up consistently hearty, creative cocktails, and in winter you can sip them in front of a crackling fire. This drink recently debuted on the inn’s menu. Co-owner Jane Sandelman writes in an email: “The Barr Hill Gin is key because it is made with raw honey — so the flavors marry up really well!”
More food after the classified section. PAGE 43
more food before the classifieds
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media coordinator ToDD Taylor, supplies of everything but in-demand broccoli are sufficient to last the store at least through midwinter. Taylor says sales in this pilot year will determine whether the store stocks up on more local frozen veggies in winter 2012. HungEr MounTaIn Co-op in Montpelier, also a member of the pilot program, has reported “brisk” sales of the same vegetables. Taylor, for one, is sold. “They’re superb,” he says. “The green beans especially, once you’ve heated them up; they’re almost as fresh as in the summer.” If others share his opinion, they’re sure to be a hit. — A.L.
Crumbs
LeFtOver FOOD news
Vermonters salivating to try the treats at national chain FIvE guys BurgErs anD FrIEs
will have a shorter wait than anticipated. According to franchisee grEg vasEy,
construction went more quickly than he and his team expected. His first Green Mountain location, in the former Blockbuster space on Shelburne Road in South Burlington, will open on January 9. Diners can expect burgers, fries and Hebrew National hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Longtime Sugarbush Resort executive chef Gerry Nooney has been promoted to the post of director of food and beverage. In his five years as executive chef, Nooney, former owner of JoHn Egans BIg WorlD puB & grIll, has amped up the local-food presence at Sugarbush. His efforts earned him the Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s
Shelburne Farms
Got A fooD tip? food@sevendaysvt.com
2009 honor of Vermont Chef of the Year. In his new position, one of Nooney’s first orders of business will be reopening the grIll DoWn unDEr, a once-popular pub located at the sugarBusH Inn. Patrick Brown, of Sugarbush’s public relations team, describes the new menu as “hyperlocal.” Nooney is also revamping the Valley House’s WunDErBar with retro décor and updated comfort fare, including grilled cheese sandwiches flavored with cider marmalade. — A. L.
Less than a year after opening, the dining room of Colchester’s BEvo is closing its doors at the end of December. Owners aaron and KaTHlEEn sTInE will continue to run their catering
days! i l o h r for you
company from the space, as well as host special events.
The annual vErMonT FarM sHoW, which has been at the Barre Civic Center for roughly 60 of its 78 years, On will go down this year at the One-Year Cheddar 1 lb. $10 Sale ½ pint Vermont Maple Syrup $6 Champlain Valley Expo in ! Essex Junction. “This move Available at the Welcome Center for Christmas. Order online for New Years. Other great gifts, too! reflects the fact that the WELCOME CTR. HOURS: 10–5 daily except Christmas. agricultural community in 10–7 Thurs., Dec. 22 1611 Harbor Rd. Vermont continues to thrive www.shelburnefarms.org 802-985-8686 and grow. The farm show has had a great run in Barre over “Best Japanese Dining” 1 12/18/11 3:27 PM the years, but as the show 16t-shelburnefarms122111.indd has expanded and evolved, — Saveur Magazine it has physically outgrown the Civic Center,” writes CHuCK ross, secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The show runs January 24 to 26.
7
San Sai
Local cookbook author
Molly sTEvEns was taped for
an episode of “The Martha Stewart Show” to air locally on the Hallmark Channel on December 22 at 10 a.m.; and the next day at 1 p.m. — c .H .
Japanese Restaurant
112 Lake Street Burlington
862-2777
open seven days from 11 am
Chef-owned and operated. Largest downtown parking lot.
Follow us on twitter for the latest food gossip! corin Hirsch: @latesupper Alice Levitt: @aliceeats
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Put first 4 ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Put cardamom pods in the bottom of a tall mug and crush lightly with a pestle or other blunt kitchen tool. Add butter, ginger, sugar, spices and orange zest. In a separate mug, combine rum and hot water. Pour over spice mixture. Stir
Local mixologist Laura Wade of Misery Loves Co. and photographer Jessica Anderson have created a gorgeous cocktail photoblog called Booze Block, from whence comes this wildly creative drink, which gets its unusual flavor profile from pine needles. “I am thankful that I can clip a few needles from a tree, make a cocktail to sip on, and think of just how lucky we are,” writes Wade. To first make pine-needle syrup, steep a bunch of cleaned, dried pine needles in a simple syrup, and let it cool before serving. 1½ ounces good single-malt Scotch ½ ounce pine-needle syrup ½ ounce absinthe
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Combine ingredients, pour over ice and serve. m
12/16/11 2:31 PM
sevendaysvt.com
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FOOD 43
Made in Barnet with organic cane sugar and distiller Duncan Holaday’s own maple sap, Dunc’s Mill Maple Flavored Rum is subtly sweet and warming all on its own. Blend it in a mug with hot water, sugar and butter, and it doesn’t just warm but seems to melt muscles and
A Walk in the Woods
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Hot (Buttered) Maple Rum
2-3 cardamom pods 1 pat unsalted butter A few slices of peeled, fresh ginger 1 teaspoon light-brown sugar, or more to taste Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick Pinch of orange zest, or an orange twist 2 ounces Dunc’s Mill Maple Flavored Rum Hot water Vanilla (optional)
to dissolve butter and sugar. Add a few drops of vanilla, if desired, and serve.
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2 ounces Barr Hill Gin ½ ounce Cherry Hill Farms’ Just So Vermont black currant with lime juice ½ ounce local raw honey 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice Ice cubes Lemon twist
relax synapses. The small pat of butter makes the drink silky, the comforting spices seem to repel viruses, and the maple rum lends sparkling sweetness.
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ext April 14, on the hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic,, Rebecca Rupp plans to prepare a feast based on the ship’s final menu. “That’s a gruesome party, Beck,” says her husband, biotechnologist Randy Rupp, when she makes this suggestion. “We don’t have to go as far as playing the hymns,” Rebecca answers with a smile. The author of the newly published How Carrots Won the Trojan War: Curious (but True) Stories of Common Vegetables, Rupp is just thinking about the food — and the stories. In her book, facts are packed as densely as kernels on an ear of corn. Each chapter is devoted to a different vegetable or family thereof, with anecdotes about their surprising histories. Many are laugh-out-loud funny. Today, at her Swanton home, Rupp is doing advance prep for her Titanic anniversary festivities by making the soup that was served to third-class passengers as their final meal. It’s an apt starting point for sharing her tales: a hearty combination of vegetables ranging from lowly beans and potatoes to surprisingly luxurious asparagus, stewed together in chicken broth. Rupp doesn’t consider herself a cook, though she keeps a garden each year; the soup is an experiment. “If it’s horrible, all you have to say is it was for the third class,” she suggests. Carrots is the noncook’s first foray into food writing; her background is in science. Armed with a PhD in cell biology and biochemistry, Rupp has proved herself as a nonfiction author with years of science freelancing; she’s also produced children’s books that were nominated for the Dorothy Canfield Fisher award. A lifelong voracious reader, Rupp can’t pinpoint when she started work on Carrots. She attributes much of the knowledge shared in it to a lifetime of eclectic literary choices. These are amply evidenced by the office she and Randy share in their home on Hog Island, with its perimeter of towering bookshelves that puts most libraries to shame. “I really love doing this kind of thing,” says the seasoned researcher about Carrots. “The only thing I worried about was, I wanted to avoid what my kids call my Pliny side. I wanted it to feel more like a fun book to read.” In fact, the ancient Roman’s dry Naturalis historia was one of the scores of botany books, cookbooks and gardening guides Rupp used to research
Rootsy Reading
Vermont author shares veggie quirks in a new book BY AL IC E L E VIT T
Carrots. Other sources varied widely, to one passage in Rupp’s book, ancient from Isabella Beeton’s authoritative 1112- purple carrots were what “Agamemnon’s legendarily munched page Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household soldiers Management, published in 1861, to (presumably quietly) inside the Trojan horse to ‘bind their bowels’” so interviews with the curator of the they wouldn’t need bathroom World Carrot Museum, an breaks. So much for the online resource run by “this powers of roughage. British guy who’s really Next into the hooked on carrots,” as soup are potatoes, Rupp puts it. Carrots are one of Winter Reading Issue peeled and coarsely chopped — one of the first ingredients in the dietary staples of the pot for the author’s third-class passengers Titanic soup. Like the on the Titanic. Just a ill-fated passengers, notes few generations removed Rupp, though much earlier, from the Irish potato famine, those members of the Apiaceae family migrated across the Atlantic. notes Rupp, those passengers may have “Queen Anne’s lace is a carrot escapee,” had a Vermonter to thank for their she says. “It escaped from actual plentiful starchy diet. Albert Bresee gardens; the carrots were brought over of Hubbardton was responsible for by colonists. Same with wild asparagus — cultivating the popular Early Rose potato we’ve got a lot of wild asparagus. It’s not in the 1860s. It begat the Russet Burbank, a native plant. It escaped from colonial the spud we still know and love. Carrots describes the havoc wreaked gardens.” Carrots may be hardy vegetables, in the 19th century by potato shortage: but how do they win wars? According “The 1846-48 potato failures were
blamed on everything from steam locomotives to volcanic eruptions, gases from the newly invented sulfur matches, and elusive ‘aerial taint’ from outer space, wet weather and (from Charles Trevelyan, director of Britain’s famine relief program) God’s will.” The real culprit was Phytophthora infestans infestans, or late blight, which hardy breeds, such as the Early Rose, managed to withstand. But the destructive organism is alive and well, says Rupp as she plops potatoes into the pot; both Russia and the United States considered using blight as a biological weapon during the Cold War. Cans of corn and beans are the next additions to the soup. Followers of Pythagoras would have to eschew this dish, says Rupp: Meat, fish and legumes were all verboten to those ancient Greeks, because the philosopher preached that people could be reborn as animals — or beans. Rupp hypothesizes that Pythagoras’ unusual dietary prohibition may have stemmed from a case of favism, a genetic disease that causes severe, potentially lethal reactions to bean plants. Favism is particularly common in the Mediterranean, making the mathematician a prime candidate. Though beans didn’t kill Pythagoras, their ancient relative, the pea, has been implicated in a murder or two. Peas don’t go in the Titanic soup, but Rupp can’t help but mention them. “Peas were kind of fun, because they were accused of poisoning so many people,” she says. “George Washington almost got poisoned on peas. King John of England — Robin Hood’s King John — one of the rumors was that he died after eating seven bowls of peas.” Rupp pours packaged chicken broth into the pot and sets to snapping the tips off slender asparagus. A quick look at the plant indicates the lascivious bent of most asparagus stories, though Rupp admits most long, lean veggies suffer from similar comparisons. When Muse magazine, Smithsonian’s kids publication, runs selections from her carrot chapter in an upcoming issue, they will be expurgated of penile comparisons. Strangely, says Rupp, cucumbers seem to have escaped such literary winks and nudges. That’s despite the fact that the melon’s odor has been noted to increase blood flow to ladies’ nether regions. With the soup boiling away on the stove, Rupp sits down at her kitchen
food
CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH US! FROM HOW CARROTS WON THE TROJAN WAR:
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FOOD 45
24 Main St, Downtown Winooski: 655-4888
Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm /4:30-9:30 pm Closed Sun
SEVEN DAYS
How Carrots Won the Trojan War: Curious (but True) Stories of Common Vegetables by Rebecca Rupp, Storey Publishing, 384 pages. $14.95.
985-2830 barkeatersrestaurant.com 97 Falls Rd, Shelburne • Open at 11:30 Tu-Su
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table to chat. One wall of the room is the exterior of a log cabin that once belonged to her step-grandmother, who farmed 20,000 turkeys at a time on this property. Rupp and her husband expanded the house in 1993 but kept the historic, country-cute cabin intact. With Carrots out in the world, Rupp is keeping busy with eclectic assignments. She’s currently researching a magazine piece on the history of mirrors. Her new children’s book debuts next summer. Tentatively titled Daniel Anderson’s
Please Either Join Us For Dinner On New Year’s Eve or Brunch On New Year’s Day...Or Better Yet, Both! Our Chef Will Be Preparing Savory Dishes That Are Certain To Satisfy The Most Discriminating Taste Buds As We Welcome In The New Year! HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT BARKEATERS RESTAURANT! (Reservations Strongly Recommended.)
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Peter Rabbit didn’t eat carrots. No, really: he didn’t. Once he wriggled under Mr. MacGregor’s fence, he gorged on lettuces, beans, and radishes; then, feeling sick, he went in search of parsley. At that point he rounded a cucumber frame, encountered the justifiably enraged Mr. MacGregor, and spent the rest of the book running. That evening, still without a carrot in sight, he was put to bed with a dose of chamomile tea. Rabbits will eat carrots, but, frankly, carrots don’t seem to be all that high on the rabbit food list. Their preferred vegetables are peas, beans and beets. People, on the other hand, adore carrots. Each of us now consumes about twelve pounds a year (up from a mere four in 1975), and kids, who routinely turn up their noses at squash and spinach, list carrots among their vegetable favorites. Historically, though, foremost among carrot fans was Henry Ford, whose passion for carrots was second only to his passion for the automobile. Ford was anti-milk (“the cow is the crudest machine in the world”) and antimeat (he touted oatmeal crackers as a substitute for chicken), but he was devoted to the carrot, which — he was convinced — held the secret to longevity. At one point he was the guest of honor at a twelvecourse, all-carrot dinner, which began with carrot soup and continued through carrot ice cream, all washed down with glass after glass of carrot juice. One story held that Ford became interested in the painter Titian when his son Edsel donated a Titian painting (“Judith and the Head of Holofernes”) to the Detroit Institute of Arts. It wasn’t the artist’s work that caught his fancy; it was the fact that Titian had lived to be 99. He wanted to know if Titian ate carrots.
Book of the Dead, the novel deals with a young boy’s grieving process following his brother’s death in the Iraq war. Rupp is also working on a biology textbook — a gig she got from an editor who had read Carrots. Ever the scientist, she’s excited to find new, engaging ways to share her passion. It should come easily; she homeschooled all three of her nowgrown sons, whom she calls “weird but fun.” While she doesn’t spend her days cooking, Rupp is as fascinated with food as most folks are these days. And she’s pleasantly surprised by her hearty soup. The chicken broth imbues the veggies with a salty, rich flavor. The food history presented in Carrots doesn’t always have an agenda, but Rupp nods to contemporary concerns with an introduction about the purposes of gardening in today’s society and a discussion of the locavore movement. She hopes books like hers, which remind readers how food and culture develop in tandem, will contribute to consumer awareness. “All of a sudden, people are really fascinated by cooking, gardening and where food comes from,” Rupp says. “We’re really starting to pay attention to what’s fresh, what’s organic and what was dumped on our food.” And readers who pay attention to the nuances of heirloom carrots and potatoes may just pay for another food book by Rebecca Rupp. She’s banking on it. When she’s not busy with her other projects, Rupp is reading up on fruit — and eager to share what she’s learned. She begins a tale from Martin Van Buren’s presidential campaign, saying, “I’ve got a great story about raspberries...”
calendar D E C E M B E R
WED.21 business
KELLEY MARKETING MEETING: Marketing, advertising, communications, social-media and design professionals brainstorm ideas for local nonprofits over breakfast. Nonprofits seeking help apply online. Room 217, Ireland Building, Champlain College, Burlington, 7:45-9 a.m. Free. Info, 865-6495.
environment
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOP: Colin Sorenson from Local Energy details how homeowners can harness solar-electric, solar-thermal and wind power. Hunger Mountain Co-op, Montpelier, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 2238004, ext. 202, info@hungermountain.com.
film
CATAMOUNT COMMUNITY FILM SERIES: Romantic mix-ups abound in White Christmas, the 1954 holiday classic about song-and-dance duos starring Bing Crosby. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600. COMMUNITY CINEMA: Ellen Spiro and Karen Bernstein’s Troop 1500 documents the monthly interactions between a group of Girl Scouts and their mothers — inmates at Hilltop Prison in Gatesville, Texas. FlynnSpace, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 863-5966.
12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS
CANDY-CANE-MAKING DEMO: Confectioners boil, pull, turn, roll and twist striped seasonal sweets. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 11 a.m. Free to watch; $6 to make your own (preregister). Info, 253-9591.
health & fitness
SERENITY YOGA: Gentle poses foster a sense of peacefulness in a deep-relaxation floor class. Unity Church of Vermont, Essex Junction, 6-7 p.m. $5 suggested donation; bring a pillow and blanket if desired. Info, 881-5210.
holidays
HELPING HANDS GIFT WRAP: Time-crunched shoppers take advantage of quick and pretty packaging while supporting the Burlington Emergency Shelter. University Mall, South Burlington, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Various prices. Info, 862-9879.
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HOLIDAY ARTISANS BAZAAR: More than 50 artists and crafters from Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine exhibit pottery, weaving, glasswork, jewelry, ornaments and other seasonal creations. Chandler Gallery, Randolph, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 431-0204. WINOOSKI HOLIDAY POP-UP ART MARKET: Fine arts, crafts and locally made products fill a vacant space. Entrance to the market is on Main Street, by the top right side of the Winooski circle. 25 Winooski Falls Way, suite 17, noon-8 p.m. Free. Info, 264-4839, info@kasinihouse. com.
kids
ENOSBURGH PLAYGROUP: Children and their adult caregivers immerse themselves in singing activities and more. American Legion, Enosburg Falls, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. MIDDLEBURY BABIES & TODDLERS STORY HOUR: Children develop early-literacy skills through stories, rhymes, songs and crafts. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097. MOVING & GROOVING WITH CHRISTINE: Two- to 5-year-olds jam out to rock-and-roll and world-beat tunes. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. STORY TIME WITH MRS. CLAUS: Cookies and milk enhance Christmas tales read by Santa’s jolly wife. Kids and parents encouraged to come wearing pajamas. JCPenney Court, University Mall, South Burlington, 6:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.
theater
‘ANNIE’: Leapin’ lizards! The famous little orphan graces the stage with heartwarming musical favorites such as “Tomorrow.” See calendar spotlight. Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, 7:30 p.m. $31-70. Info, 296-7000. THE METROPOLITAN OPERA: HOLIDAY ENCORE: ‘THE MAGIC FLUTE’: In order to win the hand of a beautiful princess, our hero Tamino navigates through a stunning supernatural world in Mozart’s classic opera. Palace 9 Cinemas, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $12.50. Info, 660-9300.
THU.22
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LIST YOUR UPCOMING EVENT HERE FOR FREE!
ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR EVENTS TAKING PLACE ON OR AFTER JANUARY 11, 2012, ARE DUE IN WRITING AT NOON ON THE THURSDAY BEFORE PUBLICATION. FIND OUR CONVENIENT FORM AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT. YOU CAN ALSO EMAIL US AT CALENDAR@SEVENDAYSVT.COM. TO BE LISTED, YOU MUST INCLUDE: THE NAME OF EVENT, A BRIEF DESCRIPTION, SPECIFIC LOCATION, TIME, COST AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER.
46 CALENDAR
Stephanie Shohet
CALENDAR EVENTS IN SEVEN DAYS:
LISTINGS AND SPOTLIGHTS ARE WRITTEN BY CAROLYN FOX. SEVEN DAYS EDITS FOR SPACE AND STYLE. DEPENDING ON COST AND OTHER FACTORS, CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS MAY BE LISTED IN EITHER THE CALENDAR OR THE CLASSES SECTION. WHEN APPROPRIATE, CLASS ORGANIZERS MAY BE ASKED TO PURCHASE A CLASS LISTING.
DEC.22 & 29 | SPORT
FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
food & drink
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Swing Blade As December speeds to a close, thoughts typically turn toward New Year’s resolutions, whether you’re getting a jump on 2012 or scrambling to make good on last year’s declarations. If either involve physical fitness, Stephanie Shohet’s, Forza workout for beginners fits the bill. Who doesn’t want to brandish a (wooden) samurai sword? In a routine based on Japanese martial arts, would-be warriors practice basic striking movements in a group class that builds focus and concentration, as well as muscles. And it’s a safe bet that slicing through invisible enemies is a pretty good way to relieve the stress of last-minute Christmas shopping.
FIRST-TIMERS FORZA WORKOUT Thursday, December 22, and Thursday, December 29, 6 to 7 p.m., at Perkins Fitness Consulting and Personal Training Studio in South Burlington. $5. Info, 578-9243. forzavt.com
COURTESY OF THE BOSTON STRING QUARTET
No Strings Attached The Boston String Quartet have always had a clear sense of direction: They’re going anywhere and everywhere. That was made clear from the get-go in their 2007 debut album Spectrum, which leapt from Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” to Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” In a style that the Boston Globe calls “strings gone wild,” a typical concert program might include contemporary-classical interpretations of works by George Gershwin, Michael Jackson and Nickel Creek. The fearless foursome jump genres yet again as they wrap up their Celtic Christmas Extravaganza tour at the Barre Opera House, with a full chorus and vocalist Pan Morigan in tow.
BOSTON STRING QUARTET Thursday, December 22, 7 p.m., at Barre Opera House. $18-25; $65 per family. Info, 4768188. barreoperahouse.org
DEC.22 | MUSIC Double Trouble Circo Comedia has all the expected zany characters of any modern circus: the juggler, the trick cyclist, the acrobat, the burlesque clown, the magician and the bumbling magician’s assistant. But the troupe takes up less room than you’d expect; this Montréal-based tour de force is a party of two. Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté may come from humble beginnings — Saucier once delivered newspapers via unicycle — but, together, they’ve worked impressive gigs with Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Comik and Cirque National des Clowns. Masterfully skirting imminent danger by way of physical comedy, the vaudevillian duo clown around in Stowe next Wednesday.
CIRCO COMEDIA
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
COURTESY OF CIRCO COMEDIA
Wednesday, December 28, 7 p.m., at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort. $25. Info, 760-4634. sprucepeakarts.org
DEC.28 | THEATER Easy Street
12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS
It takes more than a propensity for bursting into song to win over the hearts of a billionaire and President Franklin Roosevelt. It takes a curly red mop of hair, too. Luckily, Little Orphan Annie has both in spades, and her spunky spirit has made her a favorite in the newspaper funnies and on the big stage alike. In fact, White River Junction’s Northern Stage is bringing her back in the first repeat show in the nonprofit professional theater’s 15-season history. The sun will come out tomorrow — as will lovable mutt Sandy and Daddy Warbucks — in this heartwarming musical backed by a five-piece orchestra.
‘ANNIE’
COURTESY OF CHARLIE GLAZER/NORTHERN STAGE
DEC.21-24 & 26-28 | THEATER
CALENDAR 47
Wednesday, December 21, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, December 22, and Friday, December 23, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 24, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, December 28, 7:30 p.m., at Briggs Opera House in White River Junction. Visit website for future dates through January 8. $31-70. Info, 296-7000. northernstage.org
calendar WED.21
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THU.22 crafts
EvEry Woman’s CrafT ConnECTion: Inventive females work on artful projects at a biweekly meet-up. Essex Alliance Church, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, 879-5176.
etc.
CommUniTy BikE sHop nigHT: Steadfast cyclists keep their rides spinning and safe for year-round pedaling. FreeRide Bike Co-op, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 552-3521.
food & drink
gifT WinEs TasTing: Oenophiles sample reds and whites worth sharing with others. Healthy Living, South Burlington, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.
holidays
HElping Hands gifT Wrap: See WED.21, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Holiday spECTaCUlar: More than 100 singers and instrumentalists from the South Burlington Community Chorus, the Young Singers of Vermont, the Mad River Chorale and the Triton Brass supply holiday hits and new works for family audiences. South Burlington High School, 8 p.m. $15; free for ages 18 and under. Info, 846-4108.
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‘sTEam HEaT: a Holiday ExTravaganza’: The Town Hall Theater Young Company Show Choir and students from area elementary schools warm spirits as they revisit classic holiday movies and music. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 382-9222. Winooski Holiday pop-Up arT markET: See WED.21, noon-8 p.m. WinTEr solsTiCE CElEBraTion: Smilie Auditorium fills with dance, drama, music, poetry and comedy at an annual grade school showcase put on by Orchard Valley Waldorf School. Montpelier High School, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 456-7400.
SEVENDAYSVt.com
kids
Early-liTEraCy sTory TimE: Weekly themes educate preschoolers and younger children on basic reading concepts. Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639, westford_pl@vals. state.vt.us.
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flETCHEr playgroUp: Little ones make use of the open gym before snack time. Fletcher Elementary School, Cambridge, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. franklin sTory HoUr: Lovers of the written word perk up for read-aloud tales and adventures with lyrics. Haston Library, Franklin, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
SEVEN DAYS
middlEBUry prEsCHoolErs sTory HoUr: Tiny ones become strong readers through activities with tales, rhymes, songs and crafts. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.
48 CALENDAR
mUsiC WiTH rapHaEl: Preschoolers up to age 5 bust out song and dance moves to traditional and original folk music. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
prEsCHool play: School may be out for the holidays, but the fun doesn’t stop. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
music
BosTon sTring QUarTET: A full chorus and vocalist Pan Morigan join the ensemble in a concert with Celtic flair. See calendar spotlight. Barre Opera House, 7 p.m. $18-25; $65 per family. Info, 476-8188. noonTimE advEnT mUsiC ConCErTs: The lunch crowd gathers to hear organist Lynnette Combs. First Baptist Church, Burlington, 12:1512:45 p.m. Free. Info, 864-6515.
outdoors
EvEning slEigH ridEs: Pat Palmer of Thornapple Farm and a team of Percheron draft horses lead a celestial ride under the winter sky, weather permitting. Shelburne Farms, rides depart at 6 p.m., 6:45 and 7:30. $7-15; free for kids under 3; preregister. Info, 985-8686. slEigH ridEs: Weather permitting, jingling horses trot visitors over the snow and rolling acres. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., rides depart every half hour from the Welcome Center. $6-8; free for kids under 3. Info, 985-8442.
sport
firsT-TimErs forza Class: Participants channel their inner samurai warrior in an intense, sword-laden fitness class. See calendar spotlight. Perkins Fitness Consulting and Personal Training Studio, South Burlington, 6-7 p.m. $5. Info, 578-9243.
theater
‘anniE’: See WED.21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. ‘ooHlala’: Fayston native Ramsey Brown’s witty one-woman show explores how life doesn’t proceed like the eponymous board game. Big Picture Theater & Café, Waitsfield, 7 p.m. $15. Info, 496-8994. THE mETropoliTan opEra: Holiday EnCorE: ‘HansEl and grETEl’: An evil witch threatens to turn these fairy-tale siblings into gingerbread cookies in this English-language version of Humperdinck’s opera. Palace 9 Cinemas, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $12.50. Info, 660-9300.
words
afTErnoon poETry & CrEaTivE WriTing groUp: Scribes come together for an artistic exploration of the inner voice led by lit lover Janie Mardis. Champlain Senior Center, McClure MultiGenerational Center, Burlington, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 658-3585.
fri.23 art
sEnior arT ClassEs: Folks ages 55 and up explore drawing, pastels, oil and acrylic paints, printmaking, collages, and sculpture while discussing basic design concepts such as shape, texture and color. Shelburne Bay Senior Living Community, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $10; preregister. Info, 864-0604.
dance
argEnTinE Tango: Shoulders back, chin up! With or without partners, dancers of all abilities
BRoWSE LocAL EVENtS oN YouR phoNE!
ConneCt to m.SEVENDAYSVt.com on any web-enabled Cellphone for free, up-to-the-minute Calendar eVentS, pluS other nearby reStaurantS, Club dateS, moVie theaterS and more. 4T-SkiRack122111.indd 1
12/19/11 3:23 PM
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strut to bandoneón riffs in a self-guided practice session. Salsalina Studio, Burlington, 7:30-10 p.m. $5. Info, 598-1077.
Famous label off-price
Open 7 days a week, clothing for Men, Women 9am-9pm and Teens…
Ballroom lesson & Dance social: Singles and couples of all levels of experience take a twirl. Jazzercize Studio, Williston, lesson, 7-8 p.m.; open dancing, 8-10 p.m. $14. Info, 862-2269.
PLU
Route 15 Johnson
at Deep, Deep DiscounTs!
international Folk Dancing: Louise Brill and Larry Gordon organize people into choreographed patterns from around the world. No partner necessary. North End Studio B, Burlington, 7-9:30 p.m. $5. Info, 540-1020, dance@together.net.
food & drink
TheForget-M -No e tShopShop The Forget-Me-Not
canDy-cane-making Demo: See WED.21, 11 a.m.
health & fitness
Route 15 • Johnson, Vermont • 802-635-2335
gentle yoga For everyone: Yogis ages 55 and up participate in a mostly seated program presented by Champlain Valley Agency on Aging’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor AmeriCorps program. Winooski Senior Center, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 865-0360, ext. 1049.
BurunDian HoliDay concert: Mukiza Noel offers a devotional concert in four languages. North End Studio A, Burlington, 6 p.m. $10. Info, 355-7484, info@didiworld.com.
santa comes to st. JoHnsBury: Twinkle lights sparkle through town when Father Christmas drops by for storytelling and photos. Various locations, St. Johnsbury, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 748-7121.
Winooski HoliDay pop-up art market: See WED.21, noon-8 p.m.
language
outdoors
sleigH riDes: See THU.22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
theater
sat.24 crafts
Camping, Outdoor Living, TOYS, Footwear, Clothing, Pet & Garden, Equipment Rentals, Appliances, Plumbing, Heating, Paint/Stain, and much much more
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SEVEN DAYS
‘annie’: See WED.21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Keeping it Fun, Keeping it Local
12.21.11-12.28.11
tertulia latina: Latino Americanos and other fluent Spanish speakers converse en español. Radio Bean, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3440.
1442 VT Route 15w Johnson, VT 05656 802-635-7282 www.jhrvt.com
CALENDAR 49
senior craFt classes: Folks ages 55 and up experiment with applied decoration — flower arranging, jewelry making, glass painting and more — while discussing design concepts and color. Shelburne Bay Senior Living Community, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10; preregister. Info, 864-0604. SAT.24
SEVENDAYSVt.com
‘tHe nigHt BeFore tHe nigHt BeFore cHristmas’: The White River Valley Players fashion a holly, jolly evening from winter tales and seasonal music — plus a hot cider and cookie reception. Federated Church, Rochester, 7 p.m. Donations accepted for the Federated Church Community Food Shelf and the Save a Seat! fund. Info, 767-3732, wrvptheater@gmail. com.
Holiday HolidayShopping Shoppingin in
Helping HanDs giFt Wrap: See WED.21, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
JOHNSON
1 1/2 miles West of the Village • Open 7 days a week: 9am-9pm
holidays
HoliDay spectacular: See THU.22., Harwood Union High School, South Duxbury, 7:30 p.m. $12-15; free for children 11 and under. Info, 496-4781.
ZOE
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OPENINGS
G FOR YOUNS! TODDLER
OW CALL N TAILS! FOR DE n only Essex Locatio
KIDS & FITNESS PRESCHOOL
— Give your kids the very best —
Essex • 879-7734 x131 • alexandrad@edgevt.com 3V-VtCollege122111.indd 1
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For a Jolly, Happy soul.
12.21.11-12.28.11
SEVENDAYSvt.com
Cutting Edge Curriculum • Tons of Activities • Tennis • Climbing Wall Swimming • Art Program • Foreign Language • Music
SEVEN DAYS
Hand-made Vermont chocolates for a sweeter holiday season.
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750 PINE ST. & 63 CH U RCH ST. IN BU RLINGTON , RT 100, WATERBU RY CENTER www.LakeChamplainChocolates.com
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Taking Holiday reservations now!
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dance
Ballroom lesson & Dance social: See FRI.23, 7-10 p.m. West african Dance Workshop: Experienced native dancer Chimie Bangoura demonstrates authentic Guinean moves for kids, teens and adults. Burlington Taiko, noon-1 p.m. $12. Info, 377-9721.
holidays
christmas eve With the animals: Dog and cat lovers help fill shelter pets’ stockings with toys, canned food and more. Central Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 476-3811. christmas at the farm: Families celebrate like it’s 1899 with a variety of traditional activities, which may include candle dipping, ornament making, horse-drawn sleigh rides and sledding. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids 2 and under. Info, 457-2355. helping hanDs gift Wrap: See WED.21, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
music
West african DjemBe Workshop: Chimie Bangoura trains kids, teens and adults alike in traditional rhythms and techniques. Burlington Taiko, Burlington, 11 a.m. noon. $15. Info, 377-9721.
outdoors
sleigh riDes: See THU.22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
theater
‘annie’: See WED.21, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.
sUn.25 holidays
gentle gratitUDe yoga: Easy lying, sitting and standing poses improve balance, coordination and flexibility, and encourage an appreciation for life. Unity Church of Vermont, Essex Junction, 10-11:30 a.m. $5 suggested donation; bring a yoga mat. Info, 881-5210.
sleigh riDes: See THU.22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
theater
‘annie’: See WED.21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
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words
marjorie caDy memorial Writers groUp: Budding wordsmiths improve their craft through “homework” assignments, creative exercises and sharing. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 388-2926, cpotter935@comcast.net.
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environment
❆
12/18/11 2:34 PM
❆ ❄ ❆SALE WINTER SOLSTICE ❄ 20% OFF STOREWIDE ❆ SALAAM AND THE MEN’S STORE ❄ ❆ WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY ❄ DECEMBER 21ST AND 22ND ❆ ❆ ❄
green Drinks: Activists and professionals for a cleaner environment raise a glass over networking and discussion. Lake Lobby, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 864-7999.
etc.
30 & 40 State Street, Montpelier | 90 Church Street, Burlington
commUnity Bike shop night: See THU.22, 6-8 p.m.
film
‘ocean’s 11’: A bunch of World War II vets plan to take down five Las Vegas casinos in the original 1960 crime comedy — so no George Clooney. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations accepted for the Lund Family Center. Info, 5403018, mariah@mainstreetlanding.com.
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GIVE A LITTLE PIECE OF VERMONT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Choose from a wide selection of art, pottery, glass and wood products to complete your home decor as well as Vermont specialty foods and gift baskets.
health & fitness
chair yoga & tai chi: Slow, gentle movements aid stress reduction, balance and flexibility. Unity Church of Vermont, Essex Junction, 10-11 a.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 881-5210. tai chi: Easy, intentional poses for intermediates increase chi, or energy flow, in a four-week cycle. Unity Church of Vermont, Essex Junction, 6:30-7:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 881-5210.
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products that Verm best ont the has g in
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Simon Pearce glass
1087 Williston Rd., South Burlington, VT • 802-658-7684 www.vermontgiftbarn.com 8h-VTgiftbarn122111.indd 1
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holidays
christmas at the farm: See SAT.24, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.
kids
SEVEN DAYS
health & fitness
evening sleigh riDes: See THU.22, 6 p.m.
creative tUesDays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled crafts. Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
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improv comeDy: Shelburne natives and current Chicago comedians Andrew Knox and Steve Waltien take an audience-suggested topic and run with it in spontaneous and hilarious theatrics. Proceeds benefit the Mahana Magic Foundation. Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. $10. Info, 318-1706.
outdoors
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comedy
christmas at the farm: See SAT.24, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.
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holiDay Dinner for seniors: Entertainment and good company enhance a festive, nondenominational sit-down lasagna feast. Call for reservations, transportation or a meal delivery. Heineberg Community & Senior Center, Burlington, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 865-0360, handsvt@gmail.org.
ZUmBa golD: Invigorating Latin music fosters a party-like workout atmosphere for baby boomers and active older participants. Champlain Senior Center, McClure MultiGenerational Center, Burlington, 5:15-6 p.m. Free. Info, 658-3585.
Fe
SAT.24
Boarding $30/night. Open 365 days a year!
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BRoWSE LocAL EVENtS oN YouR phoNE!
ConneCt to m.SEVENDAYSVt.com on any web-enabled Cellphone for free, up-to-the-minute Calendar eVentS, pluS other nearby reStaurantS, Club dateS, moVie theaterS and more.
Montpelier
for the Holidays Make Her Smile....
Last Minute Gift Ideas! Gift Certificates Always Fit!
VERMONT TRADING COMPANY
27 State Street, Montpelier, VT 802.229.2367 • adornvt.com Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-6 • Sun 11-4
50 state st. montpelier • 223-2142 • open 7 days
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❆ ❆ Free Parking ❆ ❆ Tree Lighting & NECI Cookie 8h-adorn122111.indd 1
& Main, Dec. 3 Decorating demo at State 24th! through December
Rooted in the garden & reaching for the stars
Happy Holidays!
Now working from our new home studio on Route 2 in East Montpelier 802.223.3413 | pinkshutterflower@gmail.com |Find us on Facebook 12/6/11 3:08 PM
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The Coolest Pet Store In New England . . . And Possibly The World
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❆
❆
Make the Holidays Sparkle with these Bubbles!
Really Cool Dog and Cat Collars, Leashes and Harnesses from Maine, Colorado, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Florida, Idaho, and New York Unusual Dog and Cat Toys from Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Montana, Washington, New York, Wisconsin, and Colorado Dog Blankets from Delaware Raised Feeders from Washington and California Bowls from New York and California Edible Bird Houses and Seed Wreaths from Arkansas Dog Backpacks from Washington
The Quirky Pet • 5 State Street, Montpelier • 229-1211
from the Capital City!
❆
This Season, Why Not Shop American?
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Flowers • Boxwood Trees • Wreaths • Poinsettias
Make your holidays just a little more bubbly with sparkling Champagnes from Hunger Mountain Coop.
Taittinger Domaine Carneros Sale
$23.99
Bolling Special C er uv Gosset Brut Champagn ée e Excellence Sale e gn pa am Ch
$49.9
Gruet Blanc de Noir
$13.99
9 Save $34 Comes with a a d an e tot r ole co er. Get it while you C A N ... champagne stopp The Alchemist Cannery’s Sale $39.99 Save $12
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Let us adorn your home for the holidays!
Dog Beds of All Designs from Florida, Ohio, and California Dog Sweaters from New York and Montpelier Dog Reflective Vests from New York Dog Coats from Oregon, Maine, and California Dog Boots from New York and New Hampshire Paw Salve and Paw Spray from Massachu-setts, Pennsylvania, and Texas Snoutstick for Winter Noses and Toeses from California
rd
First two hours of street parking is FREE!
helping to keep your traditions alive
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Heady Topper
4-pack cans are available at The Coop!
$12.99
Open 8am-8pm everyday 623 Stone Cutters Way Montpelier, VT 223.8000 hungermountain.com 12/19/11 11:57 AM
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Story time for totS: Three- to 5-year-olds savor stories, songs, crafts and company. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 11 a.m. noon. Free. Info, 482-2878.
Montpelier
for the Holidays
language
PauSe Café: French speakers of all levels converse en français. Levity Café, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 864-5088.
music
oPen rehearSalS: Singers lend their voices in preparation for the Green Mountain Mahler Festival’s New Year’s Day performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Elley-Long Music Center, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, 7-10 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 864-0788.
outdoors
Sleigh rideS: See THU.22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
theater
Tapas Menu Ideal for light meals or sharing!
Hats! Scarves! Cowls!
Dave Keller Blues Band @ 9:30PM Watch the fireworks from the deck!
hand woven
Reservations recommended.
chenille Cozy!
Gift Certificates Available 44 Main Street Montpelier 225-6479 Dinner 5pm Wed-Sat Bar & Tapas ’til closing
Wed.28 comedy
health & fitness
Contemporary Vermont Crafts
Authentic Spanish & Mediterranean Cuisine!
‘annie’: See WED.21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
imProv night: Fun-loving participants play “Whose Line Is It Anyway”-style games in an encouraging environment. Spark Arts, Burlington, 8-10 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 373-4703.
ARTISANS HAND
NEW YEAR’S EVE!
Text “blackdoor” to 72727 for deals & updates
/ blackdoorvermont.com
Open until 8, Sunday 10-6 89 Main at City Center, Montpelier
artisanshand.com ~ online gift registry
Serenity yoga: See WED.21, 6-7 p.m.
holidays
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ChriStmaS at the farm: See SAT.24, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. WinooSki holiday PoP-uP art market: See WED.21, noon-8 p.m.
kids
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BaBytime: Crawling tots and their parents convene for playtime and sharing. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free; preregister. Info, 658-3659. moving & grooving With ChriStine: See WED.21, 11-11:30 a.m.
music
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dark green folk With JoSh: Listeners get all folked up with dark, and sometimes funny, original songs and rock covers redone with “green” lyrics. Big Picture Theater & Café, Waitsfield, 7-10 p.m. Free. Info, 223-5844, gryneman@gmail.com. oPen rehearSalS: See TUE.27, 7-10 p.m.
outdoors
Sleigh rideS: See THU.22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
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theater
‘annie’: See WED.21, 7:30 p.m. CirCo Comedia: Daredevilry meets hilarity in stunts by Montréal’s Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté. See calendar spotlight. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, 7 p.m. $25. Info, 760-4634. m
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JANUARY 16–MAY 10 MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
SPRING TERM EDUCATION • Teacher Licensure • Teacher Endorsements • Concentrations in: Reading, Curriculum, Special Education, Arts, School Leadership
TESOL • Licensure in ESL • Endorsement in ESL • Peace Corps Master’s Intl. • Master’s in TESOL • Diploma Program
CLINCAL PSYCHOLOGY Full program for degree students. Applications for fall are now being accepted.
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS
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CLASS PHOTOS + MORE INFO ONLINE SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSES
classes THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS FOR AS LITTLE AS $13.75/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE). SUBMIT YOUR CLASS AD AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS.
acting
THE COMPLETE AUDITION WORKSHOP: Jan. 8-Feb. 26, noon-3 p.m., Weekly on Sun. Cost: $195/8 3-hr. classes. Location: Off Center For The Dramatic Arts, 294 N. Winooski Ave., suite 116C, Burlington (also a class in Waterbury, too!). Info: MOXIE Productions, Monica Callan, 244-4168, moxie@pshift.com, moxieproductions.org. Show your best creative self in the audition room. Practice acting whether in a show or not. Build confidence and have fun! Combining auditioning tools with targeted text and physical techniques provides participants the ability to make a monologue uniquely theirs. Just in time for VATTA auditions and holiday gifting!
burlington city arts
hand-drawn, photographic or borrowed imagery. Learn how to apply photo emulsion, how to use a silk-screen exposure unit, and how to mix and print images using water-based inks.
dance
drumming TAIKO, DJEMBE, CONGAS & BATA!: Location: Burlington Taiko Space, 208 Flynn Ave., suite 3-G, Burlington. Contemporary Dance & Fitness Studio, 18 Langdon St., Montpelier. AllTogetherNow, 170 Cherry Tree Hill Rd., E. Montpelier. Info: Stuart Paton, 9994255, spaton55@gmail.com. Burlington! Beginners Taiko starts Tuesday, January 10, March 13, April 24; kids, 4:30 p.m., $60/6 weeks; adults, 5:30 p.m., $72/6 weeks. Advanced classes start Monday, January 19, March 12, April 23, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Women’s Haitian Drumming starts Friday, January 13, February 3, March 9, 5 p.m., $45/3 weeks. Morning Taiko starts Saturday, January 7, February 4, 9-10:45 a.m., $45/3 weeks. Cuban Bata and house-call classes by request. Montpelier Thursdays! Voudou drums start January 12, February 1, March 22, 1:302:30 p.m., $45/3 weeks. East Montpelier Thursdays! Djembe starts January 12, March 22, 5:30 p.m., $45/3 weeks. Cuban congas start February 2, April 19 $45/3 weeks. Taiko starts January 12, March 22, 7 p.m., $45/3 weeks.
exercise FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE PILATES!: Free Pilates Circut Training classes Dec. 31 at 8:30, 9:45 & 11 a.m. Only 6 spaces per class; sign up by noon, Dec. 30, to reserve your place. Location: Burlington Dances Studio, upstairs in the Chace Mill, 1 Mill St., suite 372, Burlington. Info: Burlington Dances, Lucille Dyer, 863-3369, Lucille@ NaturalBodiesPilates.com, BurlingtonDances.com. Every body loves Pilates! Take class the way Joe Pilates taught for great posture, a positive mood and a clear head. Learn Mat, Cadillac, Reformer and standing weight-bearing and coordination exercises essential for body, mind and heart! Feel the feeling, see the difference and derive pleasure from healthy movement!
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BALANCE, HARMONY, BALLET: Classes return in Jan.: Check the website & sign up. Cost: $13/class (better rates w/ studio class card). Location: Burlington Dances, 1 Mill St., suite 372, Burlington. Info: 863-3369, lucille@naturalbodiespilates. com, NaturalBodiesPilates. com. Love ballet? Release unnecessary tension and connect with your inner dancer to shape, tone and align your body while experiencing elegance, personal growth and grace. Classes include teachings of the masters of movement, Pilates, Delsarte, Balanchine, Vagonova, Laban and Bartenieff, for balance and harmony in the mind, heart and body. DANCE STUDIO SALSALINA: Location: 266 Pine St., Burlington. Info: Victoria, 598-1077, info@salsalina.com. Salsa classes, nightclub-style, on-one and on-two, group and private, four levels. Beginner walk-in classes, Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m. Argentine Tango class and social, Fridays, 7:30 p.m., walk-ins welcome. No dance experience, partner or preregistration required, just the desire to have fun! Drop in any time and prepare for an enjoyable workout! HARMONY IN MOVEMENT: Classes return in Jan.: Check the website & sign up. Cost: $15/class (better rates w/ studio class card). Location: Burlington Dances, Chace Mill, top floor, 1 Mill St., suite 372, Burlington. Info: Burlington Dances, Lucille Dyer, 863-3369, Info@BurlingtonDances. com, BurlingtonDances.com. Lucille Dyer teaches of mastery of movement: Pilates, Delsarte, Laban, Bartenieff and ballet for balance and harmony in the mind, heart and body. Learn about meaning and self-expression. Classes serve as an incubator to inspire the process of self-development, ethical awareness and humanitarianism inherent in this kind of practice. LEARN TO SWING DANCE: Cost: $606-week series ($50 for students/seniors). Location: Champlain Club, 20 Crowley St., Burlington. Info: lindyvermont.com, 860-7501. Great fun, exercise and socializing, with fabulous music. Learn in a welcoming and lighthearted environment. Classes start every six weeks: Tuesdays for beginners; Wednesdays for upper levels. Instructors: Shirley McAdam and Chris Nickl. LEARN TO DANCE W/ A PARTNER!: Cost: $504-week
class. Location: The Champlain Club, 20 Crowley St., Burlington, St. Albans, Colchester. Info: First Step Dance, 598-6757, kevin@firststepdance.com, FirstStepDance.com. Come alone, or come with friends, but come out and learn to dance! Beginning classes repeat each month, but intermediate classes vary from month to month. As with all of our programs, everyone is encouraged to attend, and no partner is necessary. Three locations to choose from!
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necklaces and more, while discovering the art of fine metal craftsmanship. Learn how to use jewelry hand tools to make original finished pieces of wearable art. Students will learn many techniques including sawing, forming, polishing and soldering while working with copper, brass or silver. PAINTING: OIL: Jan. 24-Mar. 27, 6:30-9 p.m., Weekly on Tue. Cost: $245/person, $220.50/BCA member. Location: BCA Center, 3rd floor, Burlington. Learn how to paint with nontoxic, water-soluble oils. Students will learn many painting techniques and will learn how to apply composition, linear aspects, form and color theory to their work. This class includes studio time, group discussion and critique. Materials list will be provided. PHOTO: 2-D ARTWORK: Jan. 31 & Feb. 7, 6-9 p.m. Cost: $95/person, $85.50/BCA member. Location: Burlington City Arts Digital Media Lab, Burlington. Learn techniques for photographing your 2-D artwork in this hands-on, two-day artist professional development workshop. Lighting, use of backdrops, uploading images, and sizing for print and the web will be covered. Bring some pieces to photograph, your digital camera and a Mac-compatible flash drive to the first class. PHOTO: DIGITAL BASICS: Weekly on Tue., Jan. 31-Mar. 13 (no class Mar. 6), 3:305:30 p.m. Cost: $205/person, $194.75/BCA member. Location: Burlington City Arts Digital Media Lab, Burlington. Info: burlingtoncityarts.com. Learn the basics of digital photography. Camera functions and settings, white balance, composition, uploading and organizing images, making basic edits in Photoshop, printing, and much more will be covered. Any digital camera is acceptable! Bring your charged camera with its memory card, cords and manual to the first class. PRINT: EXPERIMENTAL PRINTING: Jan. 26-Mar. 15, 6-8:30 p.m., Weekly on Thu. Cost: $230/person, $207/BCA member. Location: BCA Print Studio, 250 Main St., Print Studio, Burlington. Learn how to do etching and linoleum cuts to create uniquely expressive artwork. Students will also be encouraged to push the limits of print possibilities and challenged to combine them in ways that will further their own artistic visions. Students will also work together on collaborative prints. PRINT: INTRO SILKSCREENING: Jan. 31-Mar. 20, 6-8:30 p.m., Weekly on Tue. Cost: $215/person, $194/ BCA member. Location: BCA Print Studio, 250 Main St., Print Studio, Burlington. Students will learn a variety of techniques for transferring and printing images using
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
CLAY: CERAMIC BUTTONS & BEADS: Jan. 26-Mar. 1, 6-8:30 p.m., Weekly on Thu. Cost: $150/person, $135/BCA member (clay sold separately @ $20/25-lb. bag, glazes & firings incl.). Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Craft Room, Burlington. Students will learn how to make their own wearable ceramic art and other small hand-built forms with a focus on rich surface texture. Students will create clay, plaster and linoleum stamps. Demonstrations will cover the use of slips, oxides and glazes to highlight the texture in our printed designs. CLAY: INTERMEDIATE/ADV. WHEEL: Jan. 26-Mar. 15, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Weekly on Thu. Cost: $260/person, $234/BCA member (clay sold separately @ $20/25-lb. bag, glazes & firings included). Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Wheel Room, Burlington. Students will learn individualized tips and techniques for advancement on the wheel. Demonstrations and
instruction will cover intermediate throwing, trimming, decorating and glazing methods. Class size will be kept small to provide individual attention to personal development. Students should be proficient in centering and throwing basics cups and bowls. CLAY: WHEEL THROWING I: Jan. 26-Mar. 15, 6-8:30 p.m., Weekly on Thu. Cost: $220/ person, $198/BCA member. Clay sold separately at $20/25 lb. bag, glazes and firings incl. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Wheel Room, Burlington. Students will be working primarily on the potter’s wheel, learning basic throwing and forming techniques, while creating functional pieces such as mugs, vases and bowls. Students will also be guided through the various finishing techniques using the studio’s house slips and glazes. DESIGN: ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR: Jan. 30-Mar. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Weekly on Mon. Cost: $185/person, $166.50/BCA member. Location: Burlington City Arts Digital Media Lab, Burlington. Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator, a program used to create interesting graphics, clipart and more! Students will explore a variety of software techniques and will create projects suited to their own interests. Bring a Maccompatible flash drive to the first class. DRAWING: Jan. 25-Mar. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Weekly on Wed. Cost: $185/person, $166.50/BCA member. Location: BCA Center, 3rd floor, Burlington. Learn a variety of drawing techniques including basic perspective, compositional layout, and use of dramatic light and shadow. Students will work mostly from observation. Media include pencil, pen and ink, ink wash, charcoal, conte crayon, and colored pencil. Materials list will be provided. DRAWING: FASHION: Jan. 26-Mar. 22, 6:30-9 p.m., Weekly on Thu. Cost: $185/ person, $166.50/BCA member. Location: BCA Center, 3rd floor, Burlington. Students will draw and paint using gouache, watercolor and more and will be encouraged to render fabrics, illustrate their own designs and experiment with a variety of fashion drawing styes. This is a mixedlevel class that includes figure
drawing with a live fashion model. Materials list will be provided. DROP-IN: ADULT POTTERY: Fri., Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 16, Apr. 20 & May 18. Cost: $12/ participant, $11/BCA member. Location: BCA Clay Studio, Wheel Room, 250 Main St., Burlington. Through demonstrations and individual instruction, students will learn the basics of preparing and centering the clay and making cups, mugs, bowls. Price includes one fired and glazed piece per participant. DROP-IN: FAMILY CLAY: Jan. 13-May 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Weekly on Fri. Cost: $6/participant, $5/BCA members. Location: BCA Clay Studio, Wheel Room, 250 Main St., Burlington. Learn wheel and hand-building techniques at BCA’s clay studio while hanging out with the family. Make bowls, cups and amazing sculptures. Staff will give wheel and hand-building demonstrations throughout the evening. Price includes one fired and glazed piece per participant. All ages. DROP-IN: LIFE DRAWING: Jan. 9-May 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Weekly on Mon. Cost: $8/session, $7/BCA member. Location: BCA Center, 3rd floor, Burlington. This drop-in class is open to all levels and facilitated by a BCA staff member and professional model. Please bring your own drawing materials and paper. No registration necessary. DROP-IN: POLLYWOG PRESCHOOL: Jan. 12-May 24, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Weekly on Thu. Cost: $6/parent/ child pair, $5/BCA member. Location: BCA Center, 3rd floor, Burlington. This popular drop-in program introduces young children to artistic explorations in a multimedia environment that is both creative and social. Participants will work with homemade play dough, paint, yarn, ribbon, paper and more! Parents must accompany their children. All materials provided. No registration necessary. Ages 6 months-5 years. DROP-IN: TADPOLE PRESCHOOL CLAY: Jan. 13-May 25, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Weekly on Fri. Cost: $6/child, $5/BCA member. Location: BCA Clay Studio, Wheel Room & Craft Room, 250 Main St., Burlington. This popular dropin program introduces your child to artistic explorations in a creative and social environment. Young artists will handbuild with clay to create pinch pots, coil cups, sculptures and more! Parents must accompany their children. All materials provided. Price includes one fired and glazed piece per child. Ages 3-5. JEWELRY: JEWELRY/METAL DESIGN: Cost: $230/person, $207/BCA member. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Craft Room, Burlington. Make your own earrings, bracelets,
classes THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS FOR AS LITTLE AS $13.75/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE). SUBMIT YOUR CLASS AD AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS. EXERCISE
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feldenkrais FELDENKRAIS: Tue., 6:30 p.m. Starting Jan. 3. Wed., 9:30 a.m. Starting Jan. 4. Location: Ten Stones Common House, Charlotte. Info: 735-3770. First class is free! New classes are starting in 2012! The Feldenkrais-Method, a form of somatic education, will help you to overcome aches and pains, reduce muscle tension, and increase your self-knowledge, flexibility and awareness of your body. Anyone, young or old, physically challenged or physically fit, can benefit from the FeldenkraisMethod. For more information about Feldenkrais (including testimonials) and complete class schedule and weekend workshops 2012, please visit vermontfeldenkrais.com.
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flynnarts
Register online at flynnarts.org. Call 652-4537 or email flynnarts@flynncenter.org for more info.
WINTER CLASSES ENROLLING NOW!: Location: Flynn Center, Burlington. Acting, Singing, Dance, Standup Comedy, Jazz Music, Parent/Child Music
Making, and more! Children, Teens, & Adults all welcome, scholarships available as needed. AUDITION/APPLY FOR PERFORMANCE GROUPS AT THE FLYNN!: Location: Flynn Center, Burlington. Show Choirs will be filling open spaces in January for grades 4-6 and 7-12 and adults. Jazz Music Combos will be holding placement sessions for grades 5-12 and adults on January 10. Dance exhibition “Open Marley Nights” is accepting applications for dancers who want to share works-in-progress.
gardening MASTER GARDENER 2011 COURSE: Feb. 7-May 1, 6:15-9 p.m., Weekly on Tue. Cost: $385/incl. Sustainable Gardening book. Late fee after Jan. 20. Noncredit course. Location: Various locations, Bennington, Brattleboro, Johnson, Lyndon, Montpelier, Middlebury, Newport, Randolph Ctr., Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, Waterbury, White River Jct. Info: 656-9562, master. gardener@uvm.edu, uvm. edu/mastergardener. Learn the keys to a healthy and sustainable home landscape as University of Vermont faculty and experts focus on gardening in Vermont. This noncredit course covers a wide variety of horticultural topics: fruit and vegetable production, flower gardening, botany basics, plant pests, soil fertility, disease management, healthy lawns, invasive plant
control, introduction to home landscaping, and more! STONE WALL WORKSHOP: 1-day workshops run Jan. through Mar. 2012. Cost: $100/1-day workshop. Location: Red Wagon Plants, 2408 Shelburne Falls Rd., Hinesburg. Info: Queen City Soil & Stone, Charley MacMartin, 318-2411, macmartin@igc.org, queencitysoilandstone.com. Our introductory workshops for homeowners and tradespeople promote the beauty and integrity of stone. The one-day workshop focuses on the basic techniques for creating drylaid stone walls. Workshops are held in warm greenhouses in Hinesburg. The workshops are hands on, working with stone native to Vermont.
healing THE PRESENCE PROCESS BY MICHAEL BROWN: Jan. 17Mar. 13, noon, Weekly on Tue. Location: Cafe at Gardener’s Supply Co., Williston. Info: Kraye, 917-1217, krayegrymonnt@mac.com, thepresenceportal.com. A healing journey into present moment awareness.
herbs WISDOM OF THE HERBS SCHOOL: Winter Ecology Walks w/ George will be announced on our Facebook page or join our email list or call us. Wisdom of the Herbs 2012: Apr. 21-22, May 19-20, Jun. 16-17, Jul. 14-15, Aug. 11-12, Sep. 8-9, Oct. 6-7 & Nov. 3-4, 2012. Wild Edibles Intensive 2012: Spring/ Summer Term: May 27, Jun. 24 & Jul. 22, 2012 & Summer/ Fall Term: Aug. 19, Sep. 16 & Oct. 14, 2012. VSAC nondegree grants avail. to qualifying applicants. Location: Wisdom of the Herbs School, Woodbury. Info: 456-8122, annie@wisdomoftheherbsschool.com, wisdomoftheherbsschool. com. Earth skills for changing times. Experiential programs embracing local wild edible and medicinal plants, food as
first medicine, sustainable living skills, and the inner journey. Annie McCleary, director, and George Lisi, naturalist.
language ANNOUNCING SPANISH CLASSES: Beginning week of Jan. 9 for 10 weeks. Cost: $175/10 1-hr. classes. Location: Spanish in Waterbury Center, Waterbury Ctr. Info: Spanish in Waterbury Center, 585-1025, spanishparavos@gmail.com, spanishwaterburycenter.com. Spanish classes starting in January. Learn from a native speaker via small classes, individual instruction or student tutoring. You’ll always be participating and speaking. Lesson packages for travelers; get ready for your winter trip south. Lessons for children; they love it! See our website or contact us for details.
martial arts AIKIDO: Join now & receive a 3-mo. membership for $190. Special rate incl. free uniform ($50 value) & unlimited classes 7 days/wk. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St. (across from Conant Metal & Light), Burlington. Info: 951-8900, burlingtonaikido.org. Aikido is a dynamic Japanese martial art that promotes physical and mental harmony through the use of breathing exercises, aerobic conditioning, circular movements, and pinning and throwing techniques. We also teach sword/staff arts and knife defense. The Samurai Youth Program provides scholarships for children and teenagers, ages 7-17. We also offer classes for children ages 5-6. Classes are taught by Benjamin Pincus Sensei, Vermont’s only fully certified (Shidoin) Aikido teacher. AIKIDO: Location: Vermont Aikido, 274 N. Winooski Ave. (2nd floor), Burlington. Info: Vermont Aikido, 862-9785, vermontaikido.org. Special holiday opportunity through January 31st! Get 2-for-1
membership for up to three months. Offer also good for children’s classes, January Intro, and winter LGBTQ Intro. Aikido trains body and spirit, promoting physical flexibility with flowing movement, martial awareness with compassionate connection, respect for others and confidence in oneself. MARTIAL WAY SELFDEFENSE CENTER: Please visit website for schedule. Location: Martial Way Self Defense Center, 3 locations, Colchester, Milton, St. Albans. Info: 893-8893, martialwayvt. com. Beginners will find a comfortable and welcoming environment, a courteous staff, and a nontraditional approach that values the beginning student as the most important member of the school. Experienced martial artists will be impressed by our instructors’ knowledge and humility, our realistic approach, and our straightforward and fair tuition and billing policies. We are dedicated to helping every member achieve his or her highest potential in the martial arts. Kempo, JiuJitsu, MMA, Wing Chun, Arnis, Thinksafe Self-Defense. VERMONT BRAZILIAN JIUJITSU: Mon.-Fri., 6-9 p.m., & Sat., 10 a.m. 1st class is free. Location: Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 55 Leroy Rd., Williston. Info: 660-4072, Julio@bjjusa.com, vermontbjj.com. Classes for men, women and children. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enhances strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and cardio-respiratory fitness. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training builds and helps to instill courage and self-confidence. We offer a legitimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial arts program in a friendly, safe and positive environment. Accept no imitations. Learn from one of the world’s best, Julio “Foca” Fernandez, CBJJ and IBJJF certified 6th Degree Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor under Carlson Gracie Sr., teaching in Vermont, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! A 5-time
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Featherweight Champion and 3-time Rio de Janeiro State Champion, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
meditation LEARN TO MEDITATE: Meditation instruction available Sunday mornings, 9 a.m.-noon, or by appointment. The Shambhala Cafe meets the first Saturday of each month for meditation and discussions, 9 a.m.noon. An Open House occurs every third Friday evening of each month, 7-9 p.m., which includes an intro to the center, a short dharma talk and socializing. Location: Burlington Shambhala Center, 187 So. Winooski Ave., Burlington. Info: 658-6795, burlingtonshambhalactr. org. Through the practice of sitting still and following your breath as it goes out and dissolves, you are connecting with your heart. By simply letting yourself be, as you are, you develop genuine sympathy toward yourself. The Burlington Shambhala Center offers meditation as a path to discovering gentleness and wisdom.
pilates ALL WELLNESS: Location: 128 Lakeside Ave., suite 103, Burlington. Info: 863-9900, allwellnessvt.com. We encourage all ages, all bodies and all abilities to discover greater ease and enjoyment in life by integrating physical therapy, Pilates Reformer, Power Pilates mat classes, Vinyasa and Katonah Yoga, and indoor cycling. Come experience our welcoming atmosphere, skillful instructors and beautiful, light-filled studio-your first fitness class is free if you mention this ad! FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE PILATES!: Free Pilates Circut Training classes Sat., Dec. 31 at 9:45 a.m., & 11 a.m., only 6 spaces per class; sign up by noon on Dec. 30 to reserve your place.
Wish You Were Here? IN THE WINTER DO YOU…Want to hibernate?
Feel fatigued and down? Change your sleeping & eating habits? You may be eligible to participate in a research study on seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Diagnostic assessment and treatment consisting of a light therapy box or cognitive-behavioral “talk” therapy will be offered at no charge.
Sterling silver jewelry, fair trade clothing, and ethnic gifts
Eligible participants will be compensated up to $470 for completing study-related questionnaires & interviews.
Volunteers, 18 or over, please call (802) 656-9890
For more information, visit our website at www.uvm.edu/~sadstudy 8h-uvmpsych-SAD-091411.indd 1
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Location: Natural Bodies Pilates, 1 Mill St., suite 372, Burlington. Info: 863-3369, lucille@naturalbodiespilates. com, NaturalBodiesPilates. com. Now you can develop a strong, flexible and beautifully relaxed body in a calm and professional studio setting. Improve your posture and your mood. Be more creative in your career. save on expensive medical bills. Improve the quality of life. Have more enjoyable relationships and derive pleasure from healthy movement!
spirituality Accessing Bliss By TrAnscending The ego: Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $35/class incl. a simple lunch. Location: 55 Clover Lane, Waterbury. Info: 244-7909, reeniesargent@ comcast.net. Practice “living in love” and explore what is accessed on that plane in this experiential workshop focused on transcending the ego to access one’s loving self. limited to 10 participants. led by Reenie sargent, teacher and spiritual healer. inTroducTion To cABAlA: Jan. 11-Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m., Weekly on Wed. Cost: $60/class. Location: 55 Clover Lane, Waterbury. Info: 244-7909. learn about the basics of Jewish mysticism in this experiential workshop; includes readings in the major cabalistic works. led by sue Mehrtens.
tai chi
well-being eAT BeTTer. live BeTTer. feel BeTTer.: Jan. 17-Feb. 15. Cost: $195/person, or $165 if you register with a friend. Location: All Wellness, 128 Lakeside Ave., Burlington. Info: Laura M Savard, 8639900, laura@allwellnessvt. com. eat Better. live Better. Feel Better is a five-week course designed to educate you about the foundations of how to build a healthy lifestyle that works for you. each week will focus on one aspect of real whole foods and how to incorporate them into your life. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What should I eaT?” then this course is for you.
writing vermont center ficTion wriTing w/ The inner PArTner: Jan. 12-Feb. for yoga and 2, 7-9 p.m., Weekly on Thu. New copy for stud ad therapy Cost: $60. Location: 55 Clover
Ln., Waterbury. Info: Sue, 2447909. learn how to dialogue A brilliant Idea with your inner partner and use Jungian concepts to develop plot, character and Now thru New Yearssetting in writing fiction. led by Joe Nusbaum, author, teacher and editor of eltanin Publishing.
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BAlAnced Bodies: A TrAnsiTions lifesTyle sysTeM heAlThy weighT grouP: Jan. 10-Apr. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. Cost: $350/series. Location: Vermont Center for Yoga and Therapy, 364 Dorset St., suite 204, S. Burlington. Info: 658-9440, vtcyt.com. Balanced Bodies, a Transitions lifestyle system, provides a holistic approach to weight that promotes healthy, respectful food choices, realistic movement, stress management, reflective journaling and supportive supplementation. led by Nicole Draper and Kimberly evans. slow yogA & Aging well suPPorT grouP: Jan. 15Apr. 1, 2-4:30 p.m., Weekly on Sun. Cost: $300/12-wk. series. Location: The Vermont Center for Yoga and Therapy, 364 Dorset St., suite 204, S. Burlington. Info: 658-9440, vtcyt.com. This group is for senior women who wish to be alert to possible negative tendencies or habits that emerge as we age and to support each other to develop in positive ways as we move further into this phase of life. experience yoga and sharing and bonding exercises. special guest: Jill Mason.
evoluTion yogA: $14/ class, $130/class card. $5-$10 community classes. Location: Evolution Yoga, Burlington. Info: 864-9642, yoga@evolutionvt.com, evolutionvt.com. evolution’s certified teachers are skilled with students ranging from beginner to advanced. We offer classes in Vinyasa, anusara-inspired, Kripalu and Iyengar yoga. Babies/kids classes also available! Prepare for birth and strengthen postpartum with pre-/postnatal yoga, and check out our thriving massage practice. Participate in our community blog: evolutionvt.com/evoblog. lAughing river yogA: $13 /class, $110/10 classes, $130 monthly unlimited, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. classes sliding scale $5-15. Location: Laughing River Yoga, Chace Mill, suite 126, Burlington. Info: 343-8119, laughingriveryoga.com. Yoga changes the world through transforming individual lives. Transform yours with classes, workshops and retreats taught by experienced and compassionate instructors. We offer Kripalu, Jivamukti, Vinyasa, Yoga Trance Dance, Yin, Restorative, meditation and more. all bodies and abilities welcome. Gift certificates available.
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hwA yu TAi chi/ MonTPelier: Jan. 9-Apr. 30, 5-5:45 p.m., Weekly on Mon. Cost: $135/16-wk. semester; or $72/8 wks. Location: Montpelier Shambhala Center, 64 Main St, 3rd floor, Montpelier. Info: Ellie Hayes, 456-1983, grhayes1956@ comcast.net. Winter-spring semester, beginners welcome. soothe the aches and pains of winter with fluid motion. Grounding and cultivating intrinsic energy has numerous health benefits, not to mention the the simple pleasure of being more mindfully present and at ease. Instructor ellie Hayes has been teaching tai chi since 1974. snAke-sTyle TAi chi chuAn: Beginner classes Sat. mornings & Wed. evenings. Call to view a class. Location: Bao Tak Fai Tai Chi Institute, 100 Church St., Burlington. Info: 864-7902, iptaichi.org. The Yang snake style is a dynamic tai chi method that mobilizes the spine while stretching and strengthening the core body muscles. Practicing this ancient martial art increases strength, flexibility, vitality, peace of mind and martial skill.
yAng-sTyle TAi chi: New 9-week Beginner’s session starts 1/11 and will meet on Wed. at 5:30. $125. All-levels class on Sat., 8:30 a.m. Cost: $16/class. Location: Vermont Tai Chi Academy & Healing Center, 180 Flynn Ave., Burlington. Turn right into driveway immediately after the railroad tracks. Located in the old Magic Hat Brewery building. Info: 318-6238. Tai chi is a slow-moving martial art that combines deep breathing and graceful movements to produce the valuable effects of relaxation, improved concentration, improved balance, a decrease in blood pressure and ease in the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Janet Makaris, instructor.
Naughty or Nice?
music
A peek at the holiday wish lists of local musicians B Y D AN BOL L ES
S
till not sure what to get that favorite local band member, DJ or songwriter on your shopping list? You’re in luck! Seven Days took the liberty of asking what they want for the holidays this year. Here’s what they told us…
Tracie Spencer, comedian
At Christmas I am reminded of how blessed I am. So I’d hate to ask for more. But … the only thing I request is continued health for my family, my comedy career and my houseplants. Oh, sure, it would be great to have a little more free time, money and dark chocolate. And sold-out shows with appreciative and/or slightly buzzed audiences. A drunk-heckler-free 2012 wouldn’t be bad. I guess I’d be sorry if I didn’t ask for at least one girls weekend getaway, since I seem to be the only one in the house who can hang up a wet towel. And Newt Gingrich … are you serious?
Michele Fay,
the Michele Fay Band
Boots made for walkin’ and a “Team Kale” T-shirt.
Knayte Lander, State & Main Records
1. I want the Langdon Street Café back in Mon pelier. I know it’s impossible, but that place was perfect. Every day was Christmas at LSC. I met the most important people in the world there, and I want them back in that damn café for another round, on me. 2. I would like a gift certificate for $85 to the r opened Langdon Street Café.
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
Michael Chorney,
Hadestown Orchestra, viperHouse, Dollar General
Dear Santa, Please bring our president a spine and a pair of Christmas balls. He seemed to have them when he was campaigning but apparently lost them in Washington.
Rebecca Kopycinski,
SEVEN DAYS
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Nuda Veritas
If Santa knows me well, or if I can ply him with enough pints of Guinness, he’ll bring me time. Not “more hours in the day” kind of time, but — please forgive me, employers — “fewer hours spent in gainful employment” kind of time. In lieu of aforementioned spirit-crushing desk work, my wish is to embrace ways of paying bills that have to do with my flaps and folds. Vocal flaps and folds, that is.
Robert J. Resnik,
host of “All the Traditions” on Vermont Public Radio
Still waiting for the fabled machine from the 1980s that was supposed to be able to read LPs using a beam of light!
Rich Price, 58 MUSIC
singer-songwriter, the Sweet Remains
How about a great listening-room music venue, like the kind they have in LA (Hotel Cafe), NYC (Joe’s Pub) and Boston (Club Passim)? I’ve caught a glimpse of the new performance space
at Signal Kitchen, and it looks like my Xmas wish might come true.
Pete Rahn,
Cats Under the Stars, Sweet Hound, Lake Superior, Golden Dome Musicians’ Collective
1. The Black Keys to release an album without the “help” of Danger Mouse. 2. The Black Keys to go back to recording a bums in basements and warehouses. 3. To meet Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney. 4. See wish #1.
Doll Fight!
Lee Anderson,
owner, Radio Bean and ¡Duino! (Duende)
1. Everyone taking a moment to “Occupy” the selves deeply, wholly and humbly, looking at their work, expression and impression … prior, current, onward. 2. A monthly party, each based on a different “end time” scenario: exodus from Earth, all animals united vs. mankind, utopian bliss, etc.... 3. An indoor/outdoor 24/7 public “noise park” for people to play music without city ordinance restriction.
1. A punk-rock bar with extremely conspicuou feminist tendencies and cheap beer. 2. An enthusiastic Girls Rock Vermont donor willing to contribute $100,000 every year forever. 3. A dome over Winooski. 4. A steampunk airship called Madame Bovary to take us on a national tour with coordinated boots and goggles for all of us.
Nathan Hartswick,
Bob Wagner,
Hot Neon Magic
the Bob Wagner
I want to play guitar with Anders Parker Cloud Badge, very loud, outside in a field at dusk to an audience of wild horses. I know you’ll come through this year. Tell Mrs. Claus I send my best.
Ed DuFresne,
talent coordinator musical / event organizer, the Black Door
1. A replacement venue for the now-defunct Langdon Street Café. 2. A resurgence in the Montpelier music scene (see above). 3. A steady crowd that is willing to check ou new acts coming through town, and not just their friends’ bands. 4. A pot of money to pay off defunct-event-r lated debts. 5. Free drinks for me at all Montpelier drinking establishments.
John Powell,
owner, angelica-music.com
1. A necromancer to resurrect Langdon St. Café and Parima. 2. Financial support to the arts. 3. More solar-powered stuff. 4. An entirely vegan bakery on Church Street. 5. Lines of communication between NYC, Bo ton and Burlington to strengthen. 6. Our own PA to host concerts in various bac yards, basements and garages. 7. And we miss the free reggae fests!
Ben Aleshire,
Vermont Joy Parade, the Salon, Renewal Chorus
Let’s declare a corporate hegemony and stop calling it “democracy.” Burn all books. When can I get the new iPhone implant, Santa?
cofounder, VermontComedyClub.com
I want to see a West Side Story-style throw down on Church Street between musicians and comedians; a battle for hipster dominance of the Burlington arts scene. Weapons: tasty licks (them) and witty barbs (us). Interpretive ballet leaps optional. Bring it, band geeks. 1. That no one requests “Love Shack” ever again. 2. The new all-electric DeLorean — complete with gull-wing doors — to roll up to our gigs in style. 3. That no one ever re quests “Love Shack.” Ever, ever again.
Kyle “Fattie B.” Thompson,
local DJ and visual artist/designer
1. To host an X-rated comedy roast of Craig Mitchell, featuring standup by Nancy Grace, Rosanne Barr, Gilbert Gottfried and Burlington’s own Birdman. 2. A signed picture of all of the original membersof the Bangles. 3. A steel-cage match with Skip Bayless. (Heneeds a good beatdown.) 4. More national recognition for the Aztext. They deserve it.
DJ Llu, host,
“Early Warning,” 99.9 the Buzz
1. Naming rights to Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s new baby. How about “Sashova”? Pretty good mashup alter-persona baby name, right? 2. A Burlington moombahton club night. Google that, genre elves. 3. Make Spotify a little less cool, so old-school alt-rock stations don’t totally die in 2012. A DJ’s gotta eat.
5. That whole octave of hearing I lost thanks to that Skrillex show last month. 6. Five minutes in heaven with Blaine Ande son/Darren Criss. (Yes, the dreamboat from “Glee.” Don’t judge.)
Spit Jack
1. Beer/whiskey-resistant guitar pickups. 2. A hot-tub party with all the Derby Dames. 3. Amps that go to 12. Ours already go to 11. 4. Groupies.
James Lockridge,
Big Heavy World, the Vermont Music Library & Shop, the Radiator
I want everyone to wake up on their holiday knowing they’re in a world that loves and values them. I want young people who make decisions about their life and actions to know how much infinite power they have in this world and choose to do the good and right. I want our representative government to truly represent how complex, creative, compassionate and hopeful our community is, and make decisions that do not stultify or demean those who deserve better. I want world leaders to know that the children who are lost to war contribute more to the world through their innocence and trust than those who take them from us with blind violence, no matter how powerful those who lead us to war are. World peace would be nice. World conscience would be better.
undbites
Lights Out
b y Da n bo ll e S
INFO & TIX: WWW.HIGHERGROUNDMUSIC.COM
VANNA
TUE, 12/27 | $12 ADV / $14 DOS | DOORS 6:30, SHOW 7PM
WITHIN THE RUINS, LONGSHOT, ROMEOVERSUSJULIET
FOUR YEAR STRONG THU, 12/29 | $15 ADV / $18 DOS | DOORS 6, SHOW 6:30PM
SET YOUR GOALS, TRANSIT, DIAMOND
THE WARM UP: A PRE-NYE PARTY CRAIG MITCHELL, FIRST ORDER, FRI, 12/30 | $12 ADV / $15 DOS | DOORS 9, SHOW 9:00PM
LAZERDISK PARTY SEX
FRI, 12/30 | $5 ADV / $10 DOS | DOORS 9, SHOW 9:00PM TOP HAT ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS 70’S-TODAY
PRE-NYE DANCE PARTY
Lynguistic Civilians
CREATIVE DRESS ENCOURAGED! SAT, 12/31 | $40 ADV / $45 DOS | DOORS 8, SHOW 9:00PM CHAMPAGNE TOAST & BALLOON DROP!
hadn’t caught the Pavementish quartet live until that night. But I found them as charming and clever in person as I have on record. They’re almost comically shy onstage, so I doubt they’ll win many such battles. But they impressed all the same, as did paRMaga. Holy crap, the lyngusitic civilians are good. I snuck up to Metronome during a break and caught some of their set. Frankly, I was stunned. There’s a reason they took the top prize upstairs. gang oF thieves were fun. I
dR. Ruckus obliged the
college-funk-band portion of the evening and were … well, a solid college funk band. Though, to be honest, bassist BRendan keogh could stand to
The Zack duPont Band. Man. Simply excellent. As I told Zack after the show, had he broken a major city utility, he probably woulda won.
A Christmas Story
Gather ’round, kids. I have a tale to tell of a true Christmas miracle. By now you’ve probably heard the story of Ben haRdy and his guitar. It was big news, locally, for at least a news cycle or two earlier this month. If you missed it, Hardy, a Seven Days freelance music critic, was a victim of the burglary spree in Burlington’s Old North End over Thanksgiving. Among other instruments, musical devices and clothing, the thieves made off with a priceless guitar: a Fender Telecaster signed and given to his late older brother, Josh haRdy, by the members of peaRl JaM in the early 1990s. At the time, 16-year-old Josh was stricken with cancer and SoUnDbITeS
THE GRIPPO FUNK BAND FIRST FRIDAY LET’S WHISPER, DJ’S PRECIOUS & LLU SAT. 12/31 | $20 ADV / $25 DOS | DOORS 9, SHOW 9:30PM
FRI, 1/6 | $5 ADV / $10 DOS | DOORS 7:30, SHOW 8PM | 18+
FRI, 1/13 | $20 ADV / $23 DOS | DOORS 7, SHOW 8:00PM SEATED SHOW
POCO ACOUSTIC TRIO FRI, 1/13 | $12 ADV / $14 DOS | DOORS 6:30, SHOW 7PM ANVIL SOUND PRESENTS
THY WILL BE DONE CAULFIELD, FILTHY MINUTES OF
FAME, COLOSSUS ROT, GROUND ZERO SAT, 1/14 | $40 ADV / $40 DOS | DOORS 7:30, SHOW 8PM A BENEFIT FOR VT MAKE-A-WISH
CREATIVE BLACK TIE THE HITMEN SAT, 1/14 | $8 ADV / $10 DOS | DOORS 8, SHOW 8:30PM THE FIRST ANNUAL
VERMONT MUSICIANS’ SUMMIT REAL ESTATE THE BABIES, WILDLIFE TUE, 1/17 | $12 ADV / $12 DOS | DOORS 7, SHOW 7:30PM
HIGHER GROUND COMEDY BATTLE VIII GREENSKY BLUEGRASS JATOBA SAT, 1/21 | $12 ADV / $15 DOS | DOORS 7:30, SHOW 8PM | 14+
SAT, 1/21 | $10 ADV / $12 DOS | DOORS 8, SHOW 8:30PM
MATT NATHANSON LIGHTS SUN, 1/22 | $20 ADV / $22 DOS | DOORS 7, SHOW 7:30PM
TUE, 1/24 | $13 ADV / $15 DOS | DOORS 7, SHOW 7:30PM
GIFT CERTIFICATES &
VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE AT HG BOX OFFICE (Week of Christmas: Noon-7 • Closed Christmas Eve) or GROWING VERMONT (UVM DAVIS CENTER). ALL SHOWS ALL AGES UNLESS NOTED.
MUSIC 59
follow @DanBolles on Twitter for more music news. Dan blogs on Solid State at sevendaysvt.com/blogs.
» p.61
MARTIN SEXTON NUDAS VERITAS
SEVEN DAYS
had actually judged them in a high school BOTB contest a year or two ago, which they won. They’ve gotten better. Though I still can’t figure out how a group of kids not yet old enough to drink can seem so influenced by the likes of Rage against the Machine and the Red hot chili peppeRs. Did one of your older brothers grow up in the 1990s? And did we hang out?
tone it down a bit, especially during his bandmates’ solos. Sometimes the best notes are the ones you don’t play.
12.21.11-12.28.11
out the door. Spit Jack’s drummer, however, took the opportunity to unleash a solo. I loved it. Security, not so much, as it delayed the exodus outside. Then shit got really crazy. The mass of people gathered on the sidewalk in front of the club discovered that power had gone out for several blocks in either direction on Main Street. Spit Jack, it would seem, had rocked so hard they broke the power grid. After a minor verbal clash between rankled rock fans and police trying to disperse the crowd — including a few tense moments during which one officer looked as though he might arrest Spit Jack’s bassist — it was announced that the show would not go back on. The night was over. And the legend of Spit Jack grows. At this point, you may be wondering, So who won? Glad you asked! And the winner is … toMMy goldMan! (Cue crickets.) I know. I had never heard of him, either. But the singersongwriter took advantage of a new tech-y judging wrinkle in which audience members were asked to text their votes, “American Idol”-style, for their favorites. Goldman packed the house with his own fans during his set and tallied 108 audience votes. By comparison, the Zack dupont Band, a pretty established local act, received just 11 texts. Incidentally, the nextclosest band was Spit Jack, who also brought their own crowd, and nabbed 88 texts despite an abbreviated set. In any event, congrats to Goldman, who scored some studio time and a Thread spread. A few other observations about the night: Indie rock is a tough sell at a BOTB. hello shaRk was a personal favorite. I
BALLROOM • SHOWCASE LOUNGE 1214 WILLISTON RD • SO. BURLINGTON • INFO 652-0777 PHONE ORDERS: TOLL FREE 888-512-SHOW (7469)
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Last week, I wrote about I Make Music, a battle of the bands at Nectar’s and Club Metronome, put together by Broke in Burlington and Thread Magazine. It was a massive, two-floor rock-analia on Wednesday, December 14, featuring more than a dozen acts from all over the genre spectrum. Punk, house, hip-hop, indie rock, singer-songwriter, ’90s funk-metal — you name it. The range and diversity of the local music scene was on full display. The showcase was split roughly along genre lines, with hip-hop and electronic fare upstairs and more traditional rock-centric bands downstairs. Along with a few other scene notables — Rough FRancis, Mike Mckinley from State of Mind, etc. — I was tasked with adjudicating the latter. And we had a blast. For the most part, the bands were all polished and entertaining. And then spit Jack took the stage. I’ve been curious about this newish local punk band since I started hearing the rumors about them getting kicked out of their own shows. That’s just the sort of over-the-top, rock-andfucking-roll shenanigans that warm my snarky critic’s heart. The band exuded ragged, boozy swagger as it tore through two bruising punk anthems. The crowd, a healthy percentage of whom were adorned in Spit Jack trucker caps, went batty. I started wondering how many bonus points I could award if they got booted from this show. Then, just as SJ launched into their third slobbering snarl fest, the lights went out. Like, pitch black. As the emergency lighting came on, security began herding a confused crowd
CoUrTeSy of ben Sarle
s
Got muSic NEwS? dan@sevendaysvt.com
music
cLUB DAtES NA: not availaBlE. AA: all agEs. Nc: no covEr.
Channel 15
WED.21
Channel 16
1/2 LoungE: Rewind with DJ craig mitchell (retro), 10 p.m., Free.
sundaY > 8:30 Pm
CLub MEtronoME: Big Heavy World & the Radiator 105.9 Fm Holiday Bash (rock), 9 p.m., $8/10. 18+.
Channel 17
Franny o's: Karaoke, 9:30 p.m., Free.
VYO ORCHESTRAPALOOZA
REP. BILL ASWAD LAST LIVE SHOW
cOuRTEsY OF mATisYAHu
ADVOCACY, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, & COMMUNITY EVENTS! on demand: vermontCam.org
burlington area
LEunig's bistro & CaFé: cody sargent Trio (jazz), 7 p.m., Free.
WWW.Channel17.org gET MORE INfO OR WATCH ONLINE AT vermont cam.org • retn.org CHANNEL17.ORg
Manhattan Pizza & Pub: Open mic with Andy Lugo, 10 p.m., Free. MonkEy housE: snakefoot, maui, Pete Kower (electro), 9 p.m., Free. nECtar's: Big Heavy World & the
105.9 Fm Holiday Bash w w w1 . s o s - g e e k . c12/16/11 o m3:58 PMRadiator 16t-retn122111.indd (rock), 9 p.m., $8/10. 18+.
on taP bar & griLL: Leno & Young (acoustic), 7 p.m., Free. raDio bEan: Ensemble V (jazz), 7:30 p.m., Free. irish sessions, 9 p.m., Free. rED squarE: Gordon stone (bluegrass), 7 p.m., Free. DJ cre8 (hip-hop), 10 p.m., Free.
central
bagitos: Acoustic Blues Jam, 6 p.m., Free. thE bLaCk Door: swing Night with the Bohemian Blues Quartet, 9:30 p.m., $5. gusto's: Open mic with John Lackard, 9 p.m., Free.
Friendly On-site Computer Support
tUE.27 // mAtiSYAhU [rEggAE]
PurPLE Moon Pub: White Zinfandel (acoustic), 7 p.m., Free.
thE skinny PanCakE: summit school Benefit with Tm mcKenzie, Katie Trautz, Jeremiah mcLane (folk), 10/19/09 6:37:12 PM8 p.m., $10.
16t-rentageek102109.indd 1
champlain valley
51 Main: Blues Jam, 8 p.m., Free.
THURSDAY SEVENDAYSVt.com
DEC.22
THURSDAY
DEC.29
TUESDAY
12.21.11-12.28.11
JAN.3
WEDNESDAY
JAN.4
SEVEN DAYS
THURSDAY
JAN.5
killington, VT
WEDNESDAY
JAN.11
60 music
tWo brothErs tavErn: Trivia Night, 7 p.m., Free.
northern
bEE's knEEs: Live music, 7:30 p.m., Donations. Moog's: Allen church (folk), 8:30 p.m., Free.
regional
MonoPoLE: Open mic, 8 p.m., Free. oLivE riDLEy's: ugly Xmas sweater Party, 10 p.m., Free.
thu.22
on Twitter, causing an uproar among fans who worried he had renounced his Jewish faith. Relax. He didn’t. Nor, as his latest EP, Miracle, reveals, has he abandoned the passion that has made him one of reggae’s most admired and provocative artists. Freshly shorn, Matisyahu takes the stage at
on taP bar & griLL: Jive Attic (rock), 7 p.m., Free.
rí rá irish Pub: Longford Row (irish), 8 p.m., Free.
raDio bEan: Jazz sessions, 6 p.m., Free. shane Hardiman Trio (jazz), 8 p.m., Free. The unbearable Light cabaret (eclectic), 10 p.m., $3. Kat Wright & the indomitable soul Band (soul), 11 p.m., $3.
thE skinny PanCakE: Andrew Parker-Renga (singer-songwriter), 8 p.m., $5-10 donation.
nECtar's: Trivia mania with Top Hat Entertainment, 7 p.m., Free. 14 West (rock), 9 p.m., Free/$5. 18+. o'briEn's irish Pub: DJ Dominic (hip-hop), 9:30 p.m., Free.
12/18/11 3:18 PM
has long stood
the dudes from ZZ Top. However, last week the Hasidic reggae star posted a pic of himself beardless
Franny o's: Karaoke, 9 p.m., Free. LEunig's bistro & CaFé: mike martin & Geoff Kim (gypsy jazz), 7 p.m., Free.
Matisyahu
alongside lushly bristled icons such as Built to Spill’s Doug Martsch, Brian Wilson and, of course,
the Higher Ground Ballroom this Tuesday, December 27.
CLub MEtronoME: Yukon cornelius presents the majestically musical Holiday Holiday mixer (rock), 9 p.m., Free.
MonkEy housE: shay Roselip, Hello shark, sean Hood (indie), 9 p.m., $5.
WWW.PICKLEBARRELNIGHTCLUB.COM
Hair Apparent In the pantheon of great rock beards,
burlington area
LEvity CaFé: Open mic (standup), 8:30 p.m., Free.
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!
8v-picklebarrel122111.indd 1
City LiMits: Karaoke with Let it Rock Entertainment, 9 p.m., Free.
rED squarE: DJ Dakota (hip-hop), 8 p.m., Free. A-Dog Presents (hip-hop), 10 p.m., Free. rED squarE bLuE rooM: DJ cre8 (house), 9 p.m., Free.
vEnuE: Karaoke with steve Leclair, 7 p.m., Free.
central
grEEn Mountain tavErn: Thirsty Thursday Karaoke, 9 p.m., Free.
northern
bEE's knEEs: John Harrington (blues), 7:30 p.m., Donations. broWn's MarkEt bistro: Tritium Well (acoustic), 7 p.m., Free. Moog's: max Weaver (acoustic), 8:30 p.m., Free. riMroCks Mountain tavErn: DJ Two Rivers (hip-hop), 10 p.m., Free.
THu.22
» P.62
S
UNDbites
m
Gift es at Certific
C O NT I NU E D F RO M PA G E 5 9 COURTESY OF SWALE
c
m
Now booking Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve! Romantic Dining q Casual Atmosphere
Swale
And then another funny thing happened. During the local media firestorm, the Associated Press picked up the story, and it went national. A certain grunge band from Seattle heard about it and were none too pleased. Last week, Hardy emailed Seven Days to inform us that a representative for Pearl Jam’s lead guitarist, Mike McCready, had contacted him. “They want to put the signatures back on,” he wrote. And that, friends, is a Christmas miracle. (Incidentally, one of the suspects in the Hardy case faces life imprisonment if convicted. So the lesson is, as always: Don’t fuck with Pearl Jam. Also, don’t have a rap sheet three miles long that includes being an accessory to murder.)
27 Bridge St, Richmond Tues-Sun • 434-3148
BiteTorrent
comedian Jon Eick, who will be the first out-of-towner to headline Vermont’s new/only 12v-toscano121510.indd comedy club. Nifty. Last but not least, who doesn’t love an ugly-sweater party? As has become tradition, Manhattan Pizza hosts its annual Sweater Party this Friday, December 23, with the CHEDDAR BAND, DJs STAY GOLD and JUSCAUS, LAZERDISK PARTY SEX’S DJ ZJ and all five members of BONJOURHI! BTW, a canned-food donation knocks a buck off the cover.
Super-quick BiteTorrent this week to pass along some late-breaking holiday-party news: Bob Wagner is throwing a holiday spectacular at Club Metronome on Thursday, December 22, dubbed Yukon Cornelius Presents the Majestically Musical Holiday Mixer. Among those scheduled to appear are — read this in a Don Pardo voice, please — SWALE, LENDWAY, WHISKEY BULLET, THE EAMES BROTHERS BAND, ANDERS
1
12/13/10 1:15 PM
PARKER CLOUD BADGE, BRETT HUGHES, JOSHUA PANDA, THE WEE FOLKESTRA, LOWELL THOMPSON, SETH YACOVONE and many
more. Levity hosts a special holiday comedy showcase this Friday, December 23, headlined by DC-based
Listening In
12.21.11-12.28.11
COURTESY OF BEN SARLE
Once again, this week’s totally self-indulgent column segment, in which I share a random sampling of what was on my iPod, turntable, CD player, 8-track player, etc., this week.
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
met the band — and many other greats in the Seattle grunge scene at the time — through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Josh Hardy passed away mere months after meeting his idols. Since then, the guitar had remained in the care of Hardy’s parents, until it was given to Ben earlier this year. A few months later, it was stolen. A media blitz ensued. Nearly every local media outlet from TV to newspaper to radio ran some sort of story about the theft. Social media was on fire with posts about the guitar. But after a week, there were still no leads. The chances that Hardy would recover his brother’s guitar grew more remote by the day. Then a funny thing happened. Burlington police phoned Hardy saying they had found his guitar and most of his other stolen possessions. Once again, the Twitterverse and Facebook exploded, this time with joyful noises — or tweets or whatever. But when Hardy went to the station to recover his guitar, he discovered the thieves had sanded off the Pearl Jam signatures. Sometimes douchebaggery knows no bounds.
GOT MUSIC NEWS? DAN@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
Sufjan Stevens, Christmas (yes, still)
MU330, Winter Wonderland
SEVEN DAYS
Bob Rivers, Twisted Christmas
Ella Fitzgerald, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas Hello Shark
MUSIC 61
Dean Martin, Christmas with Dino
Don’t know what to get your loved ones?
music
CLUB DATES NA: NOT AVAILABLE. AA: ALL AGES. NC: NO COVER.
COURTESY OF ANDREW PARKER-RENGA
Celebrate the holidays with BSJ! For every gift certificate purchased, We’ll throw on an additional 10 bucks! THU.22 // ANDREW PARKER-RENGA [SINGER-SONGWRITER] 12V-BatteryStreetJeans122111.indd 1
12/19/11 5:34 PM
CELEBRATE New Year’s Eve
Prodigal Son It wasn’t long ago that
release. APR has since relocated to Boston, where he’s continued to write, record and evolve. Fortunately, Vermont remains near and dear, and Parker-Renga returns frequently. For example, this Thursday, December 22, he plays the Skinny Pancake in Burlington.
« P.60
62 MUSIC
SEVEN DAYS
12.21.11-12.28.11
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
regional
OLIVE RIDLEY'S: Karaoke, 6 p.m., Free.
ON TAP BAR & GRILL: The Growlers (blues), 5 p.m., Free. In Kahootz (rock), 9 p.m., Free.
FRI.23
burlington area
6v-starry122210.indd 1
MONKEY HOUSE: The Proper, Radio Underground, John laVigne (rock), 9 p.m., $5. NECTAR'S: Seth Yacovone (solo acoustic blues), 7 p.m., Free. Miami Cake and Donuts (hip-hop), 9 p.m., $5.
THERAPY: Therapy Thursdays with DJ NYCE (Top 40), 10:30 p.m., Free.
5371 RT.7, NORTH FERRISBURGH, 1/4 MILE SOUTH OF DAKIN FARM 877-6316 WWW.STARRYNIGHTCAFE.COM
8:30 p.m., Free.
MONOPOLE DOWNSTAIRS: Gary Peacock (singer-songwriter), 10 p.m., Free.
TABU CAFÉ & NIGHTCLUB: Karaoke Night with Sassy Entertainment, 5 p.m., Free.
Call for more information and to make reservations
was considered one of Vermont’s brightest young up-and-
coming indie-folk songwriters. His serial album, Portraits, confirmed that notion and revealed significant growth with each successive
THU.22
5-course pre-fixe menu $65 Choices on each course Various seatings 5:30-9:00 p.m.
ANDREW PARKER-RENGA
BACKSTAGE PUB: Karaoke with Steve, 9 p.m., Free.
PARK PLACE TAVERN: Big Boots Deville (rock), 9:30 p.m., Free. RADIO BEAN: Abby & Jason: Christmas Songs for the Whole Family (holiday), 4 p.m., Free. Ian Greenman (singer-songwriter), 7 p.m., Free. Joe Redding (singer-songwriter), 8 p.m., Free. Sarah Stickle (singer-songwriter), 9 p.m., Free. Linda Bassick (singer-songwriter), 10:30 p.m., Free.
CLUB METRONOME: No Diggity: Return to the ’90s (’90s dance party), 9 p.m., $5.
RED SQUARE: Craig Myers (world music), 5 p.m., Free. Mike Pedersen Trio (rock), 8 p.m., $5. Night/Vision with Bonjour-Hi! (house), 11 p.m., $5.
FRANNY O'S: Holter Brothers Band (rock), 9:30 p.m., Free.
RED SQUARE BLUE ROOM: DJ Stavros (house), 10 p.m., $5.
JP'S PUB: Dave Harrison's Starstruck Karaoke, 10 p.m., Free.
RUBEN JAMES: DJ Cre8 (hip-hop), 10:30 p.m., Free.
LEVITY CAFÉ: Friday Night Comedy (standup), 8 p.m., $5. Friday Night Comedy (standup), 10 p.m., $5.
RÍ RÁ IRISH PUB: Supersounds DJ (Top 40), 10 p.m., Free.
LIFT: Ladies Night, 9 p.m., Free/$3. MANHATTAN PIZZA & PUB: The Sweater Party (house, hip-hop), 9 p.m., $8. MARRIOTT HARBOR LOUNGE: Cassarino Family Band (acoustic),
12/16/10 3:43 PM
THE SKINNY PANCAKE: Jesse French (singer-songwriter), 8 p.m., $5-10 donation.
central
THE BLACK DOOR: Solid Gold Sing-a-Long with Jay Ekis (rock), 9:30 p.m., $5.
CHARLIE O'S: Starline Rhythm Boys (rockabilly), 10 p.m., Free. GREEN MOUNTAIN TAVERN: DJ Jonny P (Top 40), 9 p.m., $2. POSITIVE PIE 2: DJ Ben Arsenal (hip-hop), 10:30 p.m., $3. THE RESERVOIR RESTAURANT & TAP ROOM: DJ Slim Pknz All Request Dance Party (Top 40), 10 p.m., Free.
champlain valley
CITY LIMITS: Top Hat Entertainment Dance Party (Top 40), 9 p.m., Free. ON THE RISE BAKERY: Stone Cold Roosters (bluegrass), 8 p.m., Donations. TWO BROTHERS TAVERN: DJ Jam Man (Top 40), 10 p.m., Free.
northern
BEE'S KNEES: Cosa Buena Nueva (Latin jazz), 7:30 p.m., Donations. MATTERHORN: Summit Jam (rock), 9 p.m., $5. MOOG'S: Blue Fox (blues), 9 p.m., Free. PARKER PIE CO.: Ira Friedman & Rubber Belly (acoustic), 8 p.m., Free. RIMROCKS MOUNTAIN TAVERN: Friday Night Frequencies with DJ Rekkon (hip-hop), 10 p.m., Free. THREE MOUNTAIN LODGE: Linda Bassick (singer-songwriter), 6 p.m., Free.
regional
MONOPOLE: Lucid Christmas Show (rock), 10 p.m., Free.
OLIVE RIDLEY'S: Neil Gillespie (acoustic rock), 6 p.m., Free. Glass Onion (rock), 10 p.m., NA. THERAPY: Pulse with DJ Nyce (hip-hop), 10 p.m., $5.
SAT.24 regional
OLIVE RIDLEY'S: Glass Onion (rock), 10 p.m., NA.
SUN.25
burlington area
CLUB METRONOME: MiYard Reggae Night X-Mas Edition (reggae), 10 p.m., Free. NECTAR'S: Jason Corbiere's Blues Christmas, 7 p.m., Free.
MON.26
burlington area
NECTAR'S: Metal Monday: Boil the Whore, Boatman's Lament, Vaporizer, Alive Well (metal), 9 p.m., Free/$5. 18+. ON TAP BAR & GRILL: Open Mic with Wylie, 7 p.m., Free. RADIO BEAN: Open Mic, 8 p.m., Free.
MON.26
» P.64
REVIEW this
Rue Mevlana, Dancing to Keep Warm
(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)
tradition deck the song — and, later, the rest of the EP. But Mevlana gleefully mangle holiday music convention into a bizarre grotesquerie of eerie Christmas tidings. Imagine if Sufjan Stevens had taken a handful of hallucinogens prior to recording his Christmas albums. That propensity to meddle with holiday tradition is most overt on the following cut, a reimagining of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Here, the vocals are sweetly innocent, almost cherublike, over a squishy mélange of squirting synth and electro drums. Rue Mevlana’s bassy version of “Coventry Carol” — a classic madrigal tune — is more Daft Punk than Westminster Choir, though the vocal performances are actually quite good. The EP closes on a “solstice chill mix” of the title track, tying a bow on one of the more unusual little Christmas presents local music fans have seen in a while. Dancing to Keep Warm is not holiday jingles for traditionalists. But it’s uniquely compelling, especially for those with a fetish, naughty or nice, for unusual Christmas music. Dancing to Keep Warm by Rue Mevlana is available on iTunes.
Holiday Gifts With his experience in Ragged Glory, Furniture • Art • Accessories one might expect a bigger Neil Young Gift Certificates Available influence on His Sign. But, really, the only echo of grunge’s godfather on the album are the ways French mines each song for emotional truth. “On the day that I turn 20, I will be swept away from this Earth / To be replaced by someone who’s been following me around since birth,” French sings on the album opener “Dead Languages.” The tune defies a one-word — or, hell, even onesentence — thematic description. Is it a love song? A coming-of-age number? A prophecy? Like much of the songcraft here, it’s probably a little bit of everything. 53 Main St. Burlington But it’s pretty damn deep for someone 540.0008 | anjouVT.com who’s still a college student, even if he is Open Tues - Sat 10-5pm • Sun 11-3pm • Closed Mondays a music major. French writes, sings and performs with a maturity that belies his 12/5/11 12:56 PM “young man” status. The banjo-driven 12v-anjou120711.indd 1 “Standing True” has a weepy, slow groove that could easily be the backdrop for an Ani DiFranco song, while the simple acoustic guitar on “Conservation of Matter” leaves space enough for
Anjou
& the Little Pear
Timothy Grannis – 802.660.2032
DAN BOLLES
Jesse French, His Sign in the Sky (SELF-RELEASED, CD, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)
French to apply fundamental principles of physics to matters of the heart. He plaintively croons, “If conservation of matter is true / Then I’ve got all I want, I can stay here with you.” “I used to listen to him when…” is a phrase reserved for musicians such as French, who are only beginning to discover the depth of their songwriting well. There is a talent at work on His Sign in the Sky that warrants close listening, and close following. This is surely just a taste of what’s to come from Jesse French. French performs a CD release party show at the Skinny Pancake in Burlington on Friday, December 23. BEN HARDY
Connie Coleman – 802.999.3630
Open daily December 5th to 24th, 10–5. www.alchemyjewelryarts.com Corner of Pine and Howard, Burlington
6v-alchemy120711.indd 1
MUSIC 63
IF YOU’RE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST OR BAND MAKING MUSIC IN VT, SEND YOUR CD TO US! DAN BOLLES C/O SEVEN DAYS, 255 SO. CHAMPLAIN ST. STE 5, BURLINGTON, VT 05401
Jane Frank – 802.999.3242
SEVEN DAYS
GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED:
Marie-Josée Lamarche – 802.233.7521
12.21.11-12.28.11
Vermont, meet Jesse French. Yes, some may recognize him from his days behind the microphone as guitarist/ lead singer in the Burlington-based Neil Young tribute band Ragged Glory. Others may know him from his nascent music-playing days in the Charlotteborn outfit Metameric. But on his first full-length album, Jesse French steps out on his own, showcasing not only his growth as a musician but also his talent for songwriting. The 10-track His Sign in the Sky was entirely — and impressively — written, performed and recorded by French alone (with the exception of some guitar contributions by father Ken French and Metameric bandmate John Mills). Bass, drums, guitar — it’s all Jesse. That alone would be an accomplishment. But the parts are played well and the songs themselves, in terms of arrangements and lyrics, are quite good. And that underscores what his followers have probably been preaching for years: Jesse French is a musician to watch.
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
“Holiday music” is not a term one usually associates with “local.” However, in recent years, Vermont artists have released a veritable stocking’s worth of holiday fare, including an EP from Gregory Douglass, a single from Myra Flynn — both released last year — a couple of classic albums from Swale offshoot the Physics Club, and, earlier this month, a twosong quickie from Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. The latest addition to our collective local yuletide mixtape comes by way of Burlington-based electro-pop outfit Rue Mevlana on a four-song EP, Dancing to Keep Warm. The eight-member collective is best known for subversive, lo-fi glam rock. And their sinister, synthy take on holiday classics certainly reflects that aesthetic. You might not pop this EP on the hi-fi while grandpa recites “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” for the fam around the hearth. But once the kids have visions of sugarplums in their heads, Rue Mevlana’s latest would go nicely with a snifter of brandy — and maybe a glow stick or two. The EP opens on the title track, an original Mevlana composition. Over chilly synth and vocal sustains, Marya Vallejos’ viola cuts through a bleak midwinter soundscape, just as a jaunty, Guaraldi-lite piano progression emerges. No lead vocal credits are given, but whoever takes the lead croons in a ghostly, uneasy falsetto like Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon soused on eggnog. Familiar elements of holiday
Antique, Vintage & Modern Furnishings
12/6/11 7:38 AM
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$
music
cLUB DAtES NA: not availaBlE. AA: all agEs. Nc: no covEr.
couRTEsY oF GiRLs Guns AnD GLoRY
O N E D O Z E N C U P CA K E S VALID BOTH LOCATIONS. EXP. 12/31/11. LIMIT 1 PER CUSTOMER.
The perfect little treat for your holiday party! 217 College St., Burlington, 660-9330 or 4 Carmichael St., Essex, 872-7676 mylittlecupcakevt.com
Shelburne Farms
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12/16/11 10:26 AM
days! i l o h r for you
wED.28 // GirLS GUNS AND GLorY [AmEricANA]
On Sale !
One-Year Cheddar 1 lb. $10 ½ pint Vermont Maple Syrup $6
Available at the Welcome Center for Christmas. Order online for New Years. Other great gifts, too! WELCOME CTR. HOURS: 10–5 daily except Christmas. 10–7 Thurs., Dec. 22 1611 Harbor Rd. www.shelburnefarms.org 802-985-8686
7
16t-shelburnefarms122111.indd 1
12/18/11 3:27 PM
Ramblin’ Men On their latest album, Sweet Nothings, Boston-based foursome
giRlS gunS and gloRy deliver an incendiary
mix of honky-tonk heartache and roguish rambling. And they come by it honestly. The two-time Boston Music Award winners — and the first Americana band to win the prestigious WBCN Rumble — are road warriors, touring constantly among roadhouses and juke joints across the country. This Wednesday, December 28, they sidle up to Red Square for a night of cheatin’, lyin’ and drinkin’. And SEVENDAYSVt.com
probably some country music.
mon. 26
www.flaghillfarm.com
12.21.11-12.28.11
Flag Hill Farm Vermont Hard Cyder and Brandy
FREE
SAMPLES 11/28/11
SEVEN DAYS
16t-flaghill-120711.indd 1
monty'S old bRiCk taveRn: open mic, 6 p.m., Free.
Ruben JameS: Why not monday? with Dakota (hip-hop), 10 p.m., Free.
on tap baR & gRill: Trivia with Top Hat Entertainment, 7 p.m., Free.
central
Radio bean: stephen callahan and mike piche (jazz), 6 p.m., Free. Kyle the Rider (country), 8:30 p.m., Free. Honky-Tonk sessions (honky-tonk), 10 p.m., $3.
bagitoS: open mic, 7 p.m., Free.
5:03 PM
northern
moog'S: seth Yacovone (solo acoustic blues), 8 p.m., Free.
Red SquaRe: upsetta international with super K (reggae), 8 p.m., Free. craig mitchell (house), 10 p.m., Free.
tue.27
central
Club metRonome: Bass culture with DJs Jahson & nickel B (dubstep), 9 p.m., Free. HigHeR gRound ballRoom: matisyahu, cris cab (reggae), 8 p.m., $30. AA.
gtghydroponics.com
Great gifts too! 394 VT HWY 15 Underhill, VT 05489
16t-greenthumbgardening121411.indd 1
leunig'S biStRo & Café: Tom cleary and Friends (jazz), 7 p.m., Free.
Red SquaRe: industry night with Robbie J (hip-hop), 11 p.m., Free.
burlington area
1-800-56-HYDRO 64 music
« p.62
HigHeR gRound SHowCaSe lounge: Vanna, Within the Ruins, Longshot (post-hardcore), 7 p.m., $12/14. AA.
12/13/11 2:23 PM
wed.28
tHe Skinny panCake: summit school Benefit with Tm mcKenzie, Katie Trautz, Jeremiah mcLane (folk), 8 p.m., $10.
1/2 lounge: Rewind with DJ craig mitchell (retro), 10 p.m., Free.
champlain valley
burlington area
fRanny o'S: Karaoke, 9:30 p.m., Free. leunig'S biStRo & Café: cody sargent Trio (jazz), 7 p.m., Free. manHattan pizza & pub: open mic with Andy Lugo, 10 p.m., Free. neCtaR'S: Zack dupont Band, DK steal Wool (rock, indie folk), 9 p.m., Free/$5. 18+.
CHaRlie o'S: Karaoke, 10 p.m., Free.
on tap baR & gRill: paydirt (acoustic rock), 7 p.m., Free.
champlain valley
Radio bean: Ensemble V (jazz), 7:30 p.m., Free. irish sessions, 9 p.m., Free.
two bRotHeRS taveRn: Trivia night, 7 p.m., Free. monster Hits Karaoke, 9 p.m., Free.
northern
bee'S kneeS: spider Roulette (acoustic), 7:30 p.m., Donations. moog'S: open mic/Jam night, 8:30 p.m., Free.
Red SquaRe: Girls, Guns and Glory (Americana), 7 p.m., Free. DJ cre8 (hip-hop), 10 p.m., Free.
central
bagitoS: Acoustic Blues Jam, 6 p.m., Free. puRple moon pub: phineas Gage (bluegrass), 9 p.m., Free.
City limitS: Karaoke with Let it Rock Entertainment, 9 p.m., Free. on tHe RiSe bakeRy: open Bluegrass session (bluegrass), 8 p.m., Free.
northern
bee'S kneeS: Alan Greenleaf & the Doctor (blues-folk), 7:30 p.m., Donations. moog'S: sweet and Lowdown (rock), 8 p.m., Free. RuSty nail: consider the source (rock), 9 p.m., $5.
regional
monopole: open mic, 8 p.m., Free. m
venueS.411 burlington area
central
champlain valley
10% Off Gift Certificates
northern
bEE’S kNEES, 82 Lower Main St., Morrisville, 888-7889. thE bLuE AcorN, 84 N. Main St., St. Albans, 527-0699. thE brEWSki, Rt. 108, Jeffersonville, 644-6366. choW! bELLA, 28 N. Main St., St. Albans, 524-1405. cLAirE’S rEStAurANt & bAr, 41 Main St., Hardwick, 472-7053. thE hub PizzEriA & Pub, 21 Lower Main St., Johnson, 635-7626. thE LittLE cAbArEt, 34 Main St., Derby, 293-9000. mAttErhorN, 4969 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-8198. thE mEEtiNghouSE, 4323 Rt. 1085, Smuggler’s Notch, 644-8851. moog’S, Portland St., Morrisville, 851-8225. muSic box, 147 Creek Rd., Craftsbury, 586-7533. oVErtimE SALooN, 38 S. Main St., St. Albans, 524-0357. PArkEr PiE co., 161 County Rd., West Glover, 525-3366. PhAt kAtS tAVErN, 101 Depot St., Lyndonville, 626-3064. PiEcASSo, 899 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4411. rimrockS mouNtAiN tAVErN, 394 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-9593. roADSiDE tAVErN, 216 Rt. 7, Milton, 660-8274. ruStY NAiL bAr & griLLE, 1190 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-6245. thE ShED rEStAurANt & brEWErY, 1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4765. ShootErS SALooN, 30 Kingman St., St. Albans, 527-3777. SNoW ShoE LoDgE & Pub, 13 Main St., Montgomery Center, 326-4456. SWEEt cruNch bAkEShoP, 246 Main St., Hyde Park, 888-4887. tAmArAck griLL At burkE mouNtAiN, 223 Shelburne Lodge Rd., E. Burke, 6267394. thrEE mouNtAiN LoDgE, Rte. 108, Jeffersonville, 644-5736. WAtErShED tAVErN, 31 Center St., Brandon, 247-0100. YE oLDE ENgLAND iNNE, 443 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 2535320.
NEW LOCATION:
<men sroomvt.c om> 106 main s t. 802.864.2088 La d ies in vited
4050 Williston Road, S. Burlington
802-863-3233 • Extended Holiday Hours: M-,Tu & F: 10-6; W & Th: 10-8; Sa: 10-5; Su: 12-5
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Good Works Heidi Broner, Central Vermont Medical Center
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ou don’t have to check in to check out Heidi Broner’s appealing show of paintings at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. The 17 canvases hang in a busy lobby that’s currently accessorized with menorahs and wreaths. It is possible, however, to focus on Broner’s studies of intently concentrating laborers despite the many distractions, including a loop of Christmas Muzak. A hospital is actually an apt venue for Broner’s art, though, for a couple of reasons. It exposes her talents to many Vermonters who otherwise might not encounter the work of this versatile artist, who lives just a few miles away. And five of the 17 pieces depict scenes inside the medical center, whose officials invited Broner to paint personnel as they performed their jobs. These compositions portraying orderlies, nurses and surgeons command the attention of viewers who may be nervously awaiting medical procedures of their own. “Surgical Team” stands out among these works, and not only because it’s larger than the rest. A blue sheet conceals a patient being operated on by three masked figures, while a fourth sits plumply on a stool, his back to both the surgery and the viewer. In Broner’s hands, the square creases of the blue gowns and fabrics make a stronger visual impression than does the narrative, which could involve a matter of life or death. Despite their similarity of subject, “Surgical Team” is quite unlike Thomas Eakins’ dramatically detailed “The Gross Clinic” and “The Agnew Clinic.” In those two large-scale landmarks of American painting, Eakins respectively documents an operation on a man’s femur and a woman’s breast. His raw presentation contrasts with Broner’s discreet treatment, in which not even a drop of blood appears. “Surgical Team” does include motifs characteristic of Broner’s style: a limited palette in which blue and yellow predominate, and an absence of facial features (even though the paintings all
“Surgical Team”
66 ART
SEVEN DAYS
12.21.11-12.28.11
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
REVIEW
THESE COMPOSITIONS PORTRAYING ORDERLIES, NURSES AND SURGEONS COMMAND THE ATTENTION OF VIEWERS WHO MAY BE
NERVOUSLY AWAITING MEDICAL PROCEDURES OF THEIR OWN.
“Connection”
qualify as types of portraits). The austerity of her color choice directs attention to Broner’s subjects and their balletic movements. Her “At Work” series of paintings, which makes up most of the exhibit here, in fact brings to mind Robert Longo’s “Men in the Cities” series, in which young professionals in black business suits strike contorted poses against a stark, white background. But Broner conveys unself-conscious grace, not awkward twists and spasms, in her images of bricklay-
ers, cleaners and parking-garage attendants. In “Winter Crew,” for example, she shows two men in yellow safety vests, one chipping ice with a maul and the other sweeping up the bits with a push broom. They look like casually choreographed figures on a minimalist stage set consisting of a snowbank and a black backdrop. “Burn Site” similarly shows two men working side by side against a brightblue sky. They’re shoveling black ash into white buckets — nothing more, nothing less. One worker wears a baseball cap; the other’s long brown hair is uncovered, but viewers can’t tell what either man looks like. Perhaps Broner’s consistent unwillingness to depict the faces of her subjects stems from a lack of technical confidence, like fellow figurative painter Fairfield Porter. He admitted to having trouble creating convincing representations of sitters’ faces, so he simply avoided head-on poses. With Broner, however, the omission is problematic. Her clear aim is to convey the dignity of human labor in a variety of forms — from surgery to propane delivery — and the absence of individuality undercuts this objective. The show concludes with a wonderfully subtle piece that serves as a clever commentary on all the works that have come before it. Entitled “Water Color,” this 3-by-2-foot canvas shows a man — back to the viewer, again — seated on a pile of stones and engaged in some task that causes him to list to the left. A longer look reveals a paint box balanced on a stone and a small bowl resting in the man’s shadow. Aha — he’s a watercolorist sketching a scene. And he’s a worker like all the others Broner memorably depicts in a show that will reward a holiday visit to the hospital. K EV I N J . K EL L EY
Heidi Broner, “At Work,” Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin. Through December 30.
Art ShowS
AdAm PutnAm: "Magic lantern" installations in which putnam projects architectural interiors on empty gallery walls; drawings of abstracted cathedral-like sculptures; and photos of the 6-foot-8 artist folded into cabinets and bookcases (through February 25); EviE LovEtt: "Rainbow Cattle Co.," photographs documenting the drag queens at a Dummerston gay bar; in collaboration with the Vermont Folklife Center (through March 31). At bCA Center in burlington. info, 865-7166. ALAn ALEjo & toni-LEE SAngAStiAno: watercolors by Alejo; sideshow banners and carnival scenes by sangastiano. Through December 31 at sangastiano studio in burlington. info, 646-415-1212. ALthEA FrEEmAn-miLLEr & nAtAShA BogAr: block prints by Freeman-Miller; paintings by bogar. Through December 31 at nectar's in burlington. info, 658-4771. AnnuAL hoLidAy grouP ExhiBit: A constantly evolving display of juried artisans' holiday-themed creations. Through December 31 at Frog hollow in burlington. info, 863-6458. BrAd PEttingiLL: photographs. Through December 31 at the gallery at Main street landing in burlington. info, 734-7344. 'CELEBrAtE thE SEASon': paintings by Julie A. Davis, betty ball, Carolyn walton, gail bessette, Athenia schinto, susan bull Riley and Charles Townsend; jewelry by Tineke Russell. A portion of proceeds benefit the bentley Davis seifer Memorial Foundation. Through January 30 at luxton-Jones gallery in shelburne. info, 985-8223. dAwn o'ConnELL: "Facing images," portraiture and street photography; 'think out oF thE Box': Artwork and holiday gifts, all under $50, by local artisans. Through December 31 at block gallery in winooski. info, 373-5150. dECEmBEr ExhiBit: work by Annemie Curlin, Charlie hunter, Carolyn enz hack, leah Van Rees, Judy laliberte, Jeff Clarke, steven Chase, Melvin harris and Axel stohlberg. Through December 31 at Maltex building in burlington. info, 865-7166.
dELiA roBinSon: Artwork from AlphaBetaBestiario, a new book of poetry by Antonello borra; also, "Captive," new paintings. Through December 29 at Flynndog in burlington. info, 863-0093. 'FiniSSAgE': selected works by artists featured at seAbA-curated sites over the past year. Through January 31 at seAbA Center in burlington. info, 859-9222.
hEAthEr Enyingi: high-contrast photographs of the human body. Through December 31 at Red square in burlington. info, 318-2438.
hoLidAy Art Show & SALE: work by Matt Thorsen, Mr. Masterpiece, winnie looby, Melissa Knight, and ethan and Jesse Azarian. Through December 31 at Rose street Co-op gallery in burlington. info, 540-0376.
ChAndLEr CALL to ArtiStS: Chandler gallery in Randolph seeks artists for the upcoming exhibit “Art of the Chair: process and possibility,” January 21 through March 6, 2012. The subject is the chair; the concept is beyond the limits of sitting. it is about process, utility, history, sentiment, from representational to the
hoLidAy miniAturE Show: small works by eric Tobin, Charles Movalli, gary eckhart, Katharine Montstream and Mark boedges. Through December 31 at Mark boedges Fine Art gallery in burlington. info, 735-7317. jAmES mArC LEAS: oil paintings that blur the line between landscape and abstraction. Curated by seAbA. Through February 24 at pine street Deli in burlington. info, 862-9614. joLEnE gArAnzhA & dAnA dALE LEE: "loonatic Tales and other happy omens," drypoint etchings by garanzha; oil paintings by lee. Through January 30 at Vintage Jewelers in burlington. info, 862-2233.
hoLidAy Art SALE & FundrAiSEr: Artwork and 11/28/11 2:58 PM gifts — including sugar bowls,16t-darkroomgallery11302011.indd 1 spaceship salt and pepper shakers, martini glasses and more — by MacDonald; Serving leaders with distinction since 1971 20 percent of sales help the burlington American CONSIDER A MASTER’S IN little league fund a EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP player exchange with At UVM you will experience the only the Dominican Republic. researchbased,nationally accredited program wednesday, December 21, in thestate. Students elect a concentration that 3-10 p.m., bruce MacDonald prepares them for positions as leaders in public gallery, burlington. info, 800-639-1868. schools (teacher leaders or principal
endorsement), private schools, nonprofit orhuman service agencies.
mAry hiLL: paintings. Curated by seAbA. Through February 24 at speeder & earl's (pine street) in burlington. info, 658-6016.
nAthAn CAmPBELL: "own and occupy," an interactive video game. Curated by seAbA. Through February 24 at VCAM studio in burlington. info, 651-9692.
kArEn dAwSon: "occupy the wall," drawings, paintings and mixed-media work. Through December 31 at City Market in burlington. info, 861-9700.
PAigE hALSEy wArrEn: "pages," graphic-novelinspired acrylic paintings; LonginA SmoLinSki: Abstract paintings; ChAd FAy: paintings. Through January 2 at The Daily planet in burlington. info, 917-287-9370.
LorrAinE rEynoLdS & LiSA LiLLiBridgE: Mixed-media assemblages by Reynolds; painted and carved wood pieces by lillibridge. Through December 31 at Vintage inspired in burlington. info, 578-8304. mArk ChAnEy: "guiding light," disparate digital photographs blended to create a single image. Through December 31 at Dorothy Alling Memorial library in williston. info, 445-5123.
PAtriCiA Lyon-SurrEy: "Romancing the Art of photography," work full of montage, panning and color play. Through December 31 at Marilyn's in burlington. info, 658-4050. 'PEn & ink': illustrations by nicholas heilig, Anthony green, Kimberley hannaman Taylor and Thomas pearo; 'oCCuPy thE worLd': notes and art from the occupy movement. Through December 31 at the Firefly Collective. info, 559-1795. PEtEr LAngroCk: landscape and still-life paintings; sponsored by langrock sperry & wool. proceeds benefit the college's campaign to renovate a historic portion of its campus. Through January 13 at the gallery at burlington College. info, 923-2350.
gEt Your Art Show liStED hErE!
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if you’re promoting an art exhibit, let us know by posting info and images by thursdays at noon on our form at SEVENDAYSVt.com/poStEVENt or gAllEriES@SEVENDAYSVt.com
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ART 67
art listings and spotlights are written by mEgAN jAmES. listings are restricted to art shows in truly public places; exceptions may be made at the discretion of the editor.
Now accepting applications for Spring semester Website: uvm.edu/~dlds/leadership Email educational.leadership@uvm.edu Phone: 656-2936. TDD: 656-8499.
moLLy dAviES: A retrospective spanning three decades and featuring meditative underwater video works, including a collaboration with composer David Tutor and another starring a swim16t-uvmeducation112311.indd 1 ming polly Motley, the Vermont choreographer. Through December 31 at Amy e. Tarrant gallery, Flynn Center, in burlington. info, 652-4500.
buRlingTon AReA ART shows
ViSuAl Art iN SEVEN DAYS:
12 Main St., Essex Junction
niChoLAS hEiLig: "pop up people," stencil-inspired portraits of icons such as Marilyn Monroe, bob Ross, James bond and Martin luther King Jr. Through January 1 at nunyuns bakery & Café in burlington. info, 861-2067.
LiSA LiLLiBridgE: "hi-Fi Collection," work inspired by thrift shops and album art from the ’60s and ’70s. Through December 31 at barnes & noble in south burlington. info, 238-3485.
fine art photography with new themes every month
tALkS & EvEntS
joyCE CArroLL & Lynn BEACh: "winter wonderland Along the shore — Celebrating the Magic of nature," a seasonal window display. Through January 1 at The green life in burlington. info, 862-4150.
kimBErLEy hAnnAmAn tAyLor: photographs from the banks of the Mississippi River during the new orleans memorial for poppa neutrino. Through January 2 at Computers for Change in burlington. info, 279-1623.
www.DarkroomGallery.com
SEVEN DAYS
hEAthEr grAy: photographs. Through January 3 at salaam in burlington. info, 658-8822.
StorytimE: nArrAtivE, ALLEgory & grAPhiCS: This show is for storytellers and meaning-seekers. spA is looking for installation, video, conceptual pieces, graphic novels, collage and other media — whatever gets us going and asks, “what happened, and why?” show dates: March 6 to April 7. Deadline: January 20. info, studioplacearts.com.
thE humAn Form: Entry CALL: simple yet subtly complex, always present yet hidden. expose your vision. A juried photography exhibit at Darkroom gallery. info, darkroomgallery.com/ex24. Deadline: December 28.
2012: womEn in thE ArtS: Rutland’s Chaffee Art Center is accepting submissions from Vermont women artists interested in being featured during a festival for women in the arts. Deadline: January 1. info, info@chaffeeartcenter.org.
12.21.11-12.28.11
FrAngLAiS: "The Decembering Tide," drawings and paintings created collaboratively and independently by the art duo. Through December 31 at Dostie bros. Frame shop in burlington. info, 660-9005.
Art & CrAFt FAir: Fair at the Central Vermont Chamber in berlin, saturday, February 4, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vendor table, $20/day. Register by calling 431-3540.
SEEking ArtiStS For Show: Vermont fine art festival seeks vendors. May 25 through 28. info, vtartisanfestival.com.
BUY ART
obscure. looking for innovative multimedia submissions (digital, conceptual, 2-D, 3-D). Deadline: December 31. info, 431-0204, qpearlmay@valley. net.
SEVENDAYSVt.com
dECEmBEr FEAturEd ArtiStS: Cut-paper creations by nicole bregant; origami dragons by Dan Flanders; landscape and portrait photography by James gero. Through December 31 at north end studio A in burlington. info, 863-6713.
onoChromAtiC: A juried photography exhibit at the Darkroom gallery, any monochromatic process. info, darkroomgallery/ex25. Deadline: January 25. Juror: Rafal Maleszyk.
nEvEr ForgEt: A multimedia, group exhibit focusing on the challenges and journeys of creative women, past and present, in the united states and overseas. show dates: March 6 to April 7. Deadline: January 20. info, studioplacearts.com
Illadelph
burlington area
CALL to ArtiStS
EXCULUSIVE DEALER OF
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empty walls? need a unique gift? want inspiration?
12/2/11 10:11 AM
Novel graphics from the Center for Cartoon Studies
art
SEVEN DAYS
12.21.11-12.28.11
SEVENDAYSvt.com
drawn+paneled
68 ART
Melissa Mendes graduated with an MFA from the Center for Cartoon
Studies in 2010. She draws these comic strips every day in her studio in western Massachusetts. The main character in these strips, Freddy, is also the subject of her XericAward-winning graphic novel, Freddy Stories. You can buy the book and read more of Melissa’s comics at mmmendes.com.
“Drawn & Paneled” is a collaboration between Seven Days and the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, featuring works by past and present students. These pages are archived at sevendaysvt.com/center-for-cartoon-studies. For more info, visit CCS online at cartoonstudies.org.
Art ShowS
BURLINGTON AREA ART SHOWS
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RobeRt & Julian CaRdinal: Landscape and figurative paintings by father and son; also, paintings by Joe Keiffer, John Olson and Jacob Neagle. Through January 6 at Scarlet Galleries in Burlington. Info, 508-237-0651. Shayne lynn: Large-scale color photographs of Lake Champlain. Through December 31 at Metropolitan Gallery, Burlington City Hall. Info, 865-7166. 'Small WoRkS': Artwork perfectly sized for gift giving; 'Small GiftS': Everything under $50, in the Backspace Gallery. Through January 28 at S.P.A.C.E. Gallery in Burlington. Info, 578-2512. SteWaRt mChenRy: "Fall and Winter Photographs," photographic collages. Through December 30 at Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, in Burlington. Info, 865-7211. SuSan oSmond: Paintings by the Vermont artist. Through December 31 at Alchemy Jewelry Arts Collective in Burlington. Info, 660-2032. SuSannah allen: Gifts from Allen's Vermont Apron Company, as part of Mangione's holiday studio sale. Through January 1 at Jackie Mangione Studio in Burlington. Info, 598-1504. 'the built enviRonment': Photographs of architecture and the manmade world. December 27 through January 20 at Darkroom Gallery in Essex Junction. Info, 777-3686. 'the fall ShoW': Student artwork in a variety of media. Through December 22 at Community College of Vermont in Winooski. Info, 654-0513. 'the holly daze': Artwork that explores the relationship between commercialism and belief. Through January 31 at Union Station in Burlington. Info, 864-1557. 'thRee SenioRS' exhibit': Art Affair by Shearer presents work by Kim, Sylvie and Pogo Senior. Through December 31 at Shearer Chevrolet in South Burlington. Info, 658-1111. tom CullinS: Abstract paintings. Through December 31 at Weller in Burlington. Info, 660-4889. WinooSki holiday PoP-uP aRt maRket: Artists and artisans sell their wares in a vacant storefront on the top right side of the traffic circle. Through December 31 in Winooski. Info, 264-4839.
WinteR ShoW: Paintings by Elizabeth Nelson and many others. Through January 21 at Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery in Shelburne. Info, 985-3848. Women aRtiSt Guild of RiChmond holiday maRket: Work by seven local artists and craftspeople displayed in an old driving range. Through December 22 at 6180 Williston Road in Williston. Info, 238-7994.
'2011 PoRtfolio of PRintS & holiday ShoW': Limited-edition prints by 26 artist members and faculty from Vermont and New Hampshire. Through January 31 at Two Rivers Printmaking Studio in White River Junction. Info, 295-5901.
'bundle of Joy': Artwork and craft on sale for the holidays. Through January 21 at Nuance Gallery in Windsor. Info, 674-9616. 'CelebRate': Three floors of affordable crafts and fine art by local artists. Through December 30 at Studio Place Arts in Barre. Info, 479-7069.
WED 12/28 • 7PM
CIRCO COMEDIA
kaRi meyeR: "Play of Light," contemporary landscapes. Through December 31 at Capitol Grounds in Montpelier. Info, curator@capitolgrounds.com. kathRyn liPke viGeSaa: "Observations From the Edge," photo-based works. Through December 30 at Spotlight Gallery in Montpelier. Info, 644-2821.
THIS IS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS FINEST! DELERIOUSLY FUNNY. FILLED WITH UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
maRie laPRé GRabon: Landscape paintings. Through January 27 at Governor's Office Gallery in Montpelier. Info, 828-0749. neal Rantoul: “Lions, and Tigers, and Bears (Oh My!),” photographs taken in 17 different Cabela’s stores since 2004 by the director of Northeastern University's photography program. Through December 22 at PHOTOSTOP in White River Junction. Info, 698-0320. 'nikon Small WoRld': Award-winning photomicrographs that offer a glimpse into the microscopic natural world. Through January 16 at Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich. Info, 649-2200. Ray bRoWn: New abstract oil paintings and older representational works. Through December 31 at The Drawing Board in Montpelier. Info, 223-2902. RebeCCa beiSSWenGeR-maxfield & maRCella RoSe milne: Paintings by mother and daughter. Through December 31 at the Shoe Horn at Onion River in Montpelier. Info, 223-5454.
THU 12/29 • 8PM WE SING THEM IN THE SHOWER, WE DANCE TO THEM IN BALLROOMS, THIS REVUE PAYS HOMAGE TO THE 20TH CENTURY ICONS OF BROADWAY AND MUSICAL THEATRE.
SabRa field: "Cosmic Geometry Suite," woodblock prints exploring universal order. Through January 30 at Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. Info, 728-1231.
FRI 12/30
champlain valley
AN EVENING WITH ANAIS MITCHELL
'a Child'S deliGht': Antique toys and games, historic photographs and holiday decorations, plus the Midd-Vermont Train Club’s three-level electric train layout. Through January 14 at Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History in Middlebury. Info, 388-2117. GeRi taPeR & Ronald bRaunStein: "Portraits/2," self-portraits and playful “Paul Kleeesque” watercolors by Taper; abstract paintings by her son, ME2/orchestra conductor Braunstein. Through January 13 at WalkOver Gallery & Concert Room in Bristol. Info, 453-3188.
VERMONT’S OWN SINGER/SONGWRITER
UPCOMING EVENTS:
katRa kindaR: "Les Bicyclettes de Paris," watercolor paintings. Through December 24 at rD Studio/Gallery in Vergennes. Info, 985-1014. 'let it SnoW! let it SnoW! let it SnoW!': Original work by member artists offered for $200 or less, plus handcrafted holiday ornaments. Through January 31 at Brandon Artists' Guild. Info, 247-4956. 'PeRSPeCtiveS': Art and fine crafts by 20 juried Champlain Valley artists. Through December 31 at Jackson Gallery, Town Hall Theater, in Middlebury. Info, 382-9222. PhylliS demonG: New oil-on-paper works by the Cornwall nonagenarian; 'ShoRt StoRieS': Small works under $500. Through December 31 at Edgewater Gallery in Middlebury. Info, 458-0098.
CHAMPLAIN VALLEy ART SHOWS
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The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein
12/31: NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE PARTY
1/24: AN EVENING WITH MARC COHN
1/5: BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
1/28: RENEE TAYLOR AND JOE BOLOGNA – IF YOU EVER LEAVE ME... I’M GOING WITH YOU
1/14: DANCE ALIVE — FIRE & ICE: AN OLYMPIAN TRILOGY
Box Office: 802.760.4634 SprucePeakArts.org The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization dedicated and committed to entertaining, educating, and engaging our diverse communities in Stowe and beyond. 2v-sspac122111-2.indd 1
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Cynthia CRaWfoRd: "Creature Kinships and Natural Affinities," photographs and paintings of Upper Valley wildlife and scenery. Through January 18 at Zollikofer Gallery at Hotel Coolidge in White River Junction. Info, 295-3118.
Joy huCkinS-noSS: "The Texture of Light," plein-air paintings. Through December 29 at Vermont Supreme Court Lobby in Montpelier. Info, 828-0749.
SEVEN DAYS
'abStRaCtionS': Work in a variety of media by Frances Holliday Alford, Jim Kardas, Scott J. Morgan, Frieda Post and Harry Rich. Through January 29 at Vermont Institute of Contemporary Arts in Chester. Info, 875-1018.
John & kate PenWaRden: Photographs of post-Irene Rochester; david bumbeCk: Bronze sculpture and intaglio prints; 'the Small GReat aRt Wall': Work under $1000 by gallery artists. Through January 15 at BigTown Gallery in Rochester. Info, 767-9670.
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Box Office: 802.760.4634 SprucePeakArts.org
heidi bRonoR: "At Work," paintings. Through January 2 at Central Vermont Medical Center in Barre. Info, 371-4375.
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'WinteR landSCaPeS': Paintings by Sean Dye, Mary Krause and Tony Conner. Through February 29 at Shelburne Vineyard. Info, 985-8222.
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hal mayfoRth: Paintings that combine abstract signs and symbols with creatures in hobnailed boots. Through January 3 at the Skinny Pancake in Montpelier. Info, 262-2253.
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CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SHOWS
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RUTH HAMILTON: "A Walk Through the Woods and Other Favored Spaces," paintings of England and Vermont. Through February 29 at Brandon Music. Info, 465-4071. SHERI LARSEN: Photographs from Vermont and surrounding states, as well as from Egypt, China and elsewhere. Through January 31 at Charlotte Senior Center. Info, 878-6828.
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'WINTER ALL MEMBERS' EXHIBIT': Work by juried and unjuried artists. Through January 31 at Chaffee Art Center in Rutland. Info, 775-0356.
northern
BARBARA WAGNER: "Something Ventured — Something Gained," abstract works in oil. Through December 31 at Green Mountain Fine Art Gallery in Stowe. Info, 253-1818. BEN BARNES: Paintings of gothic mansions and abandoned trucks in rural landscapes. Through January 9 at Claire's Restaurant & Bar in Hardwick. Info, 472-7053. BETH BARNDT: "Winter," hundreds of collaged postcards that the artist has made and sent out over the past 20 holiday seasons. Through December 31 at Emile A. Gruppe Gallery in Jericho. Info, 899-3211. CAROL BOUCHER: "New Work," oil pastel paintings created from imagination, memory and personal photographs. Through December 23 at River Arts Center in Morrisville. Info, 888-1261. DAVID KEARNS: "Out of the Woods," new paintings. Through January 21 at Vermont Studio Center in Johnson. Info, 510-435-7377. DECEMBER ARTISTS: Work by potter Marcia Hagwood, pen-and-ink artist Harald Aksdal, painter Jim Foote, crocheter and jewelry maker Kelee Maddox, doll maker Alison Dezotelle, and photographer Wayne Tarr. Through December 31 at Artist in Residence Cooperative Gallery in Enosburg Falls. Info, 933-6403. 'FESTIVAL OF TREES & LIGHT' & MEMBERS SHOW: Community-decorated evergreens and Hanukkah lights; artwork by members. Through December 31 at Helen Day Art Center in Stowe. Info, 253-8358. FRED SWAN: Paintings by the Vermont artist. Through December 31 at Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery in St. Albans. Info, 524-3699.
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TAUSHA SYLVER & JOAN MACKENZIE: "Festive & Fanciful," holiday stockings, scarves and pillows by Sylver; animal paintings and prints by MacKenzie. Through December 31 at Art on Main in Bristol. Info, 453-4032. 'THE GOVERNMENT MORGAN': Photographs, paintings, prints and leather tack. Through March 31 at the National Museum of the Morgan Horse in Middlebury. Info, 388-1639.
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ROBERT BLACK: "The Memory Chamber," an architectural installation; 'PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY': An exhibition by photographers of all ages. Through December 23 at Gallery in the Field in Brandon. Info, 247-0125.
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GAYLEEN AIKEN: "Music and Moonlight," work by the Vermont artist. Through December 31 at GRACE in Hardwick. Info, 472-6857.
SEVEN DAYS
'GHETTOGLOSS PRESENTS: DOGTOWN IN STOWE, VERMONT': Original 1970's drawings and handdrawn skateboard decks by artist Wes Humpston presented alongside customized decks by several of his contemporaries, including Shepard Fairey. Through January 10 at Darkside Snowboard Shop in Stowe. Info, 253-0335.
The water cooler just got wetter. 70 ART
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‘Ghettogloss Presents: Dogtown in Stowe, Vermont’
The first time Fiora Boes walked into Stowe’s Darkside Snowboard Shop, she felt compelled to tell the history of the graphic deck. Boes has owned and operated the Los Angeles gallery Ghettogloss for 13 years, but she recently began living part time in Stowe. This month Boes turns the shop into a retrospective of Dogtown Skateboards, where a designer named Wes Humpston first started doodling on decks in the 1970s. His original designs are displayed alongside those of other
HARRIET WOOD: New abstract paintings and works in clay. Through January 2 at Catamount Arts Center in St. Johnsbury. Info, 748-2600.
influential artists in the genre, such as
'HOLIDAY SMALL PICTURE SHOW': Work in a variety of media by Jane Ashley, Peter Barnett, Elisabeth Wooden, Tim Fitzgerald and Lisa Angell. Through January 1 at Vermont Fine Art Gallery in Stowe. Info, 253-9653.
(cofounder of the new-wave band Devo).
Shepard Fairey and Mark Mothersbaugh Through January 10. Pictured: a deck designed by Tommy Chong.
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GIVE BOOKS Robert and Julian Cardinal Cape Cod painter Robert
Cardinal seeks out harmony between the natural and man-made worlds, such as the
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moment the harbor becomes perfectly still, the light at just the right tilt, so three boats are perfectly reflected in water that blends seamlessly up to the sky. Cardinal’s son, Julian, explores the human world, his faceless figures full of movement: some dance, others hold hands, one ecstatic nude hoists a cello. Explore the artistic worlds of father and son at the younger Cardinal’s newly opened Burlington art venue on Bank Street,
'KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS': Artwork and crafts by members. Through December 24 at Memphremagog Arts Collaborative in Newport. Info, 334-1966.
'NATIVE AMERICAN ART AT DARTMOUTH: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HOOD MUSEUM OF ART': More than 100 historical and contemporary works, many on view for the first time, make up an exhibit that explores continuity and change within North American indigenous cultures. Through March 11 at Hood Museum, Dartmouth College, in Hanover, N.H.. Info, 603-646-2808.
'LEND A HELPING HAND': A holiday exhibit of Stephen Huneck's work coinciding with an animal food drive. Through December 23 at Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury. Info, 748-2700. MARY BYROM: Oil paintings from Maine. Through January 9 at Galleria Fine Arte in Stowe. Info, 253-7696. 'SMALL WORKS': Work by gallery artists, including collographs by Sheryl Trainor and colorful miniatures by Lois Eby. Through January 31 at West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park in Stowe. Info, 253-8943.
'MEMBERS' HOLIDAY SALE & EXHIBITION': Work in a variety of media by Vermont and New Hampshire artists. Through December 30 at AVA Gallery and Art Center in Lebanon, N.H. Info, 603-448-3117.
SUE LEZON: "Rubáiyát," photographs by the associate professor of art at SUNY Plattsburgh. Through January 15 at Plattsburgh State Art Museum, N.Y. Info, 518-564-2474.
southern
ALICIA ADAMS HUNSICKER: "Moments of Creation," paintings inspired by the moment in which thought is transformed into matter. Through December 31 at Gallery in the Woods in Brattleboro. Info, 257-4777.
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JEANETTE FOURNIER: "Art of Nature," watercolors depicting creatures in their native surroundings; 'TREES': Paintings, drawings and prints by 65 juried artist members. Through December 23 at Bryan Memorial Gallery in Jeffersonville. Info, 644-5100.
SEVENDAYSVT.COM
Scarlet Galleries, through January 6. Pictured: “Trio” by Robert Cardinal.
LOCAL
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ART 71
Say you saw it in...
9/24/09 3:21:46 PM
movies Young Adult HH
I
n a way it’s fitting that Young Adult is the last film I’ll review this year, because it’s also the last film I’d encourage you to run out and see on the basis of its pedigree. As everyone knows, it’s the work of director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody, who previously collaborated on 2007’s Juno. As everyone who does buy a ticket is likely to discover, to their considerable surprise, it is far less fun — and, in fact, a comedy only in the loosest sense of the word. The problem clearly is on Cody’s end. Reitman is an exceptionally talented filmmaker and makes the most of the material. His career has maintained an upward trajectory, while the writer’s, unfortunately, has more or less nosedived. While he was following up with hits such as Up in the Air, she was following up with misses such as Jennifer’s Body, a Tinseltown punchline of almost Gigli proportions. Her latest is not about to turn things around. I’ve watched it a couple of times now and can’t shake the feeling that Cody undertook the project without a clear vision of where she wanted to go with it. The result is a mostly unsatisfying patchwork of ideas,
styles and tones. Charlize Theron gives a game performance in the role of Mavis Gary, a former small-town Minnesota prom queen and mean girl who now lives in Minneapolis, where she ghostwrites a YA fiction series. The early scenes give the impression that Cody’s plan was for a quirky romantic comedy showcasing her idiosyncratic flair for characters and dialogue. In one scene, for example, Mavis listens in on a conversation between young store clerks about text messages one clerk and her boyfriend sent each other simultaneously. She jots a note on the pad she carries and later, in her apartment, types on her laptop that her novel’s heroine and her true love share “textual chemistry.” Theron’s character is divorced. So what’s the romantic angle? Well, here’s where things get creepy. Mavis receives an emailed baby announcement from her high school beau, Buddy (Patrick Wilson), who still lives back in Mercury with his wife and new daughter. She decides it’s some sort of sign that she’s supposed to return to her hometown and rescue him. “It’s like he’s a hostage,” Mavis tells a skeptical friend. And
prose and cons Theron plays a scheming head case who finds it increasingly difficult to separate reality from fiction.
that’s the movie: Mavis loads up her Mini, checks into a Hampton Inn and shamelessly attempts to insert herself back into Buddy’s quiet, happy life. When she’s not busy trying to break up Buddy’s marriage, she’s usually getting hammered with a pudgy fellow named Matt (Patton Oswalt), who had the locker next to hers all through high school. Naturally, Mavis initially has no memory of him, and,
naturally, he’s always worshipped her. Even though their instant friendship feels utterly contrived, it does make possible the picture’s few believable moments, as Oswalt’s character acts as the audience’s stand-in and voice of reason. He does everything he can to convince her that Buddy is content and she should leave him alone, but Mavis is not to be deterred. In time, it becomes clear she’s both an alcoholic and a delusional to a clinical degree. And that we may have bought a ticket to a comedy, but what we’re watching has little by little morphed into something closer to a psychological thriller, minus the thrills. By the final act, we’re about one boiled bunny away from Fatal Attraction. I’m not sure what the point is here. Cody throws the viewer an occasional comic bone but, ultimately, offers zero reason to care about this troubled, fuzzily sketched character or what becomes of her. It’s one of the year’s most perplexing spectacles — a film about a walking, talking trainwreck that’s nothing short of a trainwreck itself. R i c k Ki s ona k
reviews
72 MOVIES
SEVEN DAYS
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Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows HHH
T
wenty-first-century Americans love misanthropic geniuses, as long as they aren’t running for political office. From Dr. House to Dexter Morgan to Lisbeth Salander, we eagerly follow the adventures of antisocial brainiacs and curmudgeonly crime solvers. So it’s no surprise that Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes — the patron saint of nerds played by the patron saint of nerdy method actors — is back in a sequel. What is a surprise, and not a pleasant one, is that action director Guy Ritchie seems to be turning his franchise into Pirates of the Caribbean. Like its predecessor, A Game of Shadows is long, loud, colorful and chaotic, with none of the methodical deduction that BBC fans might expect. This Sherlock Holmes doesn’t just punch, kick and practice martial arts; he also thinks in snazzy bursts of sped-up or slowed-down footage that convey his power to notice and use everything in his environment. Ritchie wants to take us into the mind of a genius, and the technique might seem clever if it weren’t so familiar from TV procedurals. We’ve reached a point where intelligence is basically just another comic-book superpower. The plot starts more or less where the first Sherlock Holmes left off, with Holmes
mystery Drain Downey and Law continue to play out their Victorian bromance.
on the trail of his newly recognized nemesis, Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris). The academic has a scheme that involves bombing European capitals in hopes of precipitating a global conflict, so Holmes’ pursuit takes him across picturesque terrain and into monuments such as the Paris Opera. Wherever the sleuth goes, he encounters bullet-time and other action-director camera tricks, fighting and explosions. The carnage is leavened with comically bad disguises and snappy banter between Holmes and Watson (Jude Law), who increasingly seems less like his sidekick
than his half-willing hostage. The moments when Ritchie allows the pace to slow and the conversations to play out are the best in the film. Downey and Law still have a likable oddball chemistry, and Stephen Fry is a delight as Holmes’ brother, Mycroft. Kelly Reilly plays Watson’s longsuffering fiancée — who weds him in the film — with amusing aplomb. But Rachel McAdams, as Irene Adler, still acts like a modern heroine in Victorian drag, and Noomi Rapace is wasted in the role of a gypsy with anarchist ties. With her swishing skirts and gimlet
eyes, she mainly seems to be in the film for visual interest. The Holmes movies share a blockbuster template with Pirates: They take a refreshingly weird character played by a beloved actor, surround him with period pastiche and make him the pivot of a plot so relentlessly busy that no one can claim they were bored. If one joke or action set piece or deduction falls flat, another quickly effaces its memory. Nothing has to be remotely plausible: Who cares that the film’s denouement depends on a radical revision of the history of plastic surgery? Or that the wan Moriarty’s motives don’t always add up? It’s all in good fun, and there’s enough stuff in the movie, some of it smart and some of it stupid, for holiday audiences to feel they’re getting their money’s worth. But empty spectacles like this are now so common, they give a critic battle fatigue. This particular franchise aims to make us feel smart without granting us much of a chance to exercise our intelligence — for instance, by following the twists and turns of a genuine mystery. And that’s kind of dumb. Mar g o t Harr i s o n
moViE clipS
new in theaters
tHE ADVENtURES oF tiNtiN: Blistering barnacles! Steven Spielberg directed this motion-capture animation that brings to life Hergé’s graphic novels about a mystery-solving reporter, his booze-loving seaman sidekick and his loyal terrier. This first installment adapts The Secret of the Unicorn. With Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig and Simon Pegg. (107 min, PG. Big Picture, Bijou, Capitol [3-D], Essex [3-D], Majestic [3-D], Palace) tHE DARKESt HoUR: Five young people battle an alien monster in Moscow in this apocalyptic thriller from director Chris (Right at Your Door) Gorak. With Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby and Rachael Taylor. (89 min, PG-13. Starts Sunday at Capitol, Essex [3-D], Majestic [3-D]) tHE GiRl WitH tHE DRAGoN tAttoo: David (The Social Network) Fincher directed the American adaptation of the first book in Stieg Larsson’s best-selling mystery trilogy set in Sweden. A left-wing journalist (Daniel Craig) and a mysterious hacker (Rooney Mara) investigate the cold case of a teen’s disappearance. With Robin Wright, Stellan Skarsgard and Christopher Plummer. (158 min, R. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Palace, Roxy) miSSioN: impoSSiBlE: GHoSt pRotocol: Tom Cruise returns as a secret agent going up against a nuke-happy madman in the fourth installment in the action series, which gives him a new team. Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner and Michael Nyqvist also star. Brad (The Incredibles) Bird directed. (133 min, PG-13. Bijou, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Palace, Paramount, Roxy, Stowe, Welden) mY WEEK WitH mARilYN: Michelle Williams plays a fraying Marilyn Monroe in a drama about the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl in 1956. With Eddie Redmayne, Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh as Laurence Olivier. Simon Curtis directed. (96 min, R. Roxy, Savoy) WAR HoRSE: Steven Spielberg directed this epic drama about a beloved horse sent to serve in World War I, and the lives he touches as he moves through the fray. With Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis and Niels Arestrup. (146 min, PG-13. Starts Sunday at Essex, Majestic, Palace, Roxy) WE BoUGHt A Zoo: Matt Damon plays a family man who takes on a decaying zoo full of exotic animals in this adaptation of Benjamin Mee’s memoir from director Cameron Crowe. With Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church and Elle Fanning. (124 min, PG. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Palace, Stowe)
now playing
tHE DEScENDANtSHHH George Clooney plays a Hawaiian grappling with family transitions after his wife suffers an accident in this comedy-drama from director Alexander (Sideways) Payne. With Beau Bridges and Judy Greer. (115 min, R. Majestic, Palace)
H = refund, please HH = could’ve been worse, but not a lot HHH = has its moments; so-so HHHH = smarter than the average bear HHHHH = as good as it gets
tHE mUppEtSHHH1/2 A threat to their theater reunites Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the other fuzzy folk in this kids’-adventure-slash-Gen-Xnostalgia-fest from Disney and director James Bobin. Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Chris Cooper play the human roles. (98 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Majestic, Marquis, Palace, Welden) NEW YEAR’S EVEH Young, pretty people (and a few token old ones) have lots of love problems on the “most dazzling night of the year” in this ensemble romantic comedy from the folks who brought you Valentine’s Day. With Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Robert DeNiro, Zac Efron, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Heigl, Sarah Jessica Parker, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Lea Michele, Sofia Vergara and so many more. Garry Marshall directed. (117 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Palace, Roxy, Stowe, Welden) pUSS iN BootSHHH The swashbuckling, fearsome feline goes after the goose with the golden eggs in DreamWorks’ animated prequel-slash-spinoff of the Shrek films. With the voices of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis. Chris Miller directed. (90 min, PG. Essex [3-D]; ends 12/23) SHERlocK HolmES: A GAmE oF SHADoWSHH1/2 The sleuth (Robert Downey Jr.) goes up against his arch-enemy, Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), who menaces the crowned heads of Europe, in Guy Ritchie’s sequel to his loud, actiony take on Arthur Conan Doyle. With Jude Law, Stephen Fry and Noomi Rapace, the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. (129 min, PG-13. Big Picture, Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Palace, Roxy, Stowe, Welden) tHE SittERHHH1/2 In this comedy, Jonah Hill plays a college student who finds himself stuck watching the neighbors’ kids on what evolves into a night of wacky adventures, à la Adventures in Babysitting. With Max Records, Ari Graynor and Sam Rockwell. David Gordon (Your Highness) Green directed. (81 min, R. Capitol, Majestic, Palace; ends 12/22) tHE SKiN i liVE iNHHHH A plastic surgeon tries out his radical new techniques on a not-so-willing patient in the latest provocative drama from writer-director Pedro Almodóvar. With Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya and Jan Cornet. (120 min, R. Savoy; ends 12/22)
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tAKE SHEltERHHHH Michael Shannon plays a man driven to extremes by visions of an apocalyptic storm bearing down on his family in this festfavorite drama from writer-director Jeff (Shotgun Stories) Nichols. With Jessica Chastain and Shea Whigham. (120 min, R. Savoy)
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YoUNG ADUltHH Charlize Theron plays a one-time high school queen bee who returns to her hometown to try to reclaim an old flame in this dark comedy from the team behind Juno, director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody. With Patrick Wilson and Patton Oswalt. (94 min, R. Palace)
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MOVIES 73
RATINGS ASSIGNED TO MOVIES NOT REVIEWED BY RicK KiSoNAK OR mARGot HARRiSoN ARE COuRTESY OF METACRITIC.COM, WHICH AVERAGES SCORES GIVEN BY THE COuNTRY’S MOST WIDELY READ MOVIE REVIEWERS.
mElANcHoliAHHHHH Director Lars von Trier goes apocalyptic with this tale of a severely depressed young woman (Kirsten Dunst) who discovers that she can function better than most people when the whole Earth is in danger. With Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland and Alexander Skarsgard. (130 min, R. Roxy, Savoy)
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JAcK AND JillH Movie-goers have voted with their dollars for more Adam Sandler, so Sandler obliged with this holiday comedy in which he plays both the hero and his obnoxious female twin. With Katie Holmes and Al Pacino. Dennis (Grown Ups) Dugan directed. (91 min, PG. Essex; ends 12/23)
Open 10-9 M-F, 10-5 Christmas Eve
12.21.11-12.28.11
ARtHUR cHRiStmASHHH1/2 This family comedyadventure from Aardman Animation (of the Wallace & Gromit films) explores the real story behind Santa’s Yuletide exploits. With the voices of James McAvoy, Bill Nighy and Hugh Laurie. Barry Cook and Sarah Smith directed. (97 min, PG. Majestic [3-D], Palace)
J. EDGARHHH Clint Eastwood directed this biopic exploring the controversial life and career of FBI director J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio). With Naomi Watts, Judi Dench and Armie Hammer. (137 min, R. Marquis; ends 12/26)
LATE SHOPPERS SIMPLY LEAVE THE BEST FOR LAST.
SEVENDAYSVt.com
AlViN AND tHE cHipmUNKS: cHip-WREcKEDH First a “squeakquel,” now a “chip-wreck” on a deserted island. Will those singing animated chipmunks ever cease their cutesy abuse of the English language? Do they and their legions of young fans care what we think? Why should they? With the voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney. Mike (Shrek Forever After) Mitchell directed. (87 min, G. Bijou, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Palace, Paramount, Welden)
HUGoHHHH Martin Scorsese changed pace to direct this fantastical family tale of a mysterious boy who lives in the walls of a Paris train station, based on Brian Selznick’s book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. With Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen and Chloe Moretz. (127 min, PG. Capitol, Essex [3-D], Majestic [3-D], Palace, Roxy)
COLORFUL TABLE LINENS BENNINGTON POTTERY DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES GLASSWARE VT MADE, FAIR TRADE & RECYCLED OPTIONS CANDLES GREETING CARDS BAKEWARE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS FUN STOCKING STUFFERS FURNITURE MUCH MORE
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showtimes
See what you can find from retro to deco and more!
(*) = new this week in vermont times subject to change without notice. for up-to-date times visit sevendaysvt.com/movies.
BIG PIctURE tHEAtER
LANG FARM Antique Center
48 Carroll Rd. (off Rte. 100), Waitsfield, 496-8994, www. bigpicturetheater.info
Route 15 east in essex JunCtion langfaRmantiqueCenteR.Com m-sat 10-5 • sun 12-5 • 802-879-0122
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wednesday 21 — saturday 31 *The Adventures of tintin Wed 21: 4:30, 7. Thu 22: 4:30. Fri 23-Sat 31: 2, 4:30, 7 (except Tue, Thu & Sat). Sherlock Holmes: A Game 12/5/11 4:24 PMof Shadows Wed 21: 5:30, 8:15. Thu 22: 8:15. Fri 23-Sat 31: 3, 6 (Tue, Thu & Sat only), 8:30 (except Tue & Thu). Times change frequently; please check website.
BIJoU cINEPLEX 1-2-3-4 Rte. 100, Morrisville, 8883293, www.bijou4.com
wednesday 21 — thursday 5 *The Adventures of tintin Wed 21 & Thu 22: 6:40. Fri 23: fleece-lined wool sweaters, hats, socks 6:40, 8:30. Sat 24: 1:15, 3:45. and gloves • jewelry and handicrafts Sun 25: 6:40, 8:30. Mon 26Thu 5: 1:15, 3:45, 6:40, 8:30. cotton and rayon batik clothing *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Wed 21 & Thu 22: Across from Sears, next to the Christmas Tree 7. Fri 23: 7, 9:15. Sat 24: 1:15, 3:45. Sun 25: 7, 9:15. Mon 26Thu 5: 1:15, 3:45, 7, 9:15. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip16t-greatnorthernwoolen122111.indd 1 12/14/11 11:50 AM Wrecked Wed 21 & Thu 22: 6:30. Fri 23: 6:30, 8:30. Sat 24: 1:15, 3:45. Sun 25: 6:30, 8:30. Mon 26-Thu 5: 1:15, 3:45, 6:30, 8:30. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Wed 21 & Thu 22: 6:50. Fri 23: 6:50, 9:15. Sat 24: 1:15, 3:45. Sun 25: 6:50, 9:15. Mon 26Thu 5: 1:15, 3:45, 6:50, 9:15.
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12.21.11-12.28.11
7
74 MOVIES
SEVEN DAYS
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93 State St., Montpelier, 2290343, www.fgbtheaters.com
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 *The Adventures of tintin (3D) 6:30, 9. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 7. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 6:15, 9. New Year’s Eve 9. The Sitter 6:30, 9. Hugo 6:30.
12/18/11 3:27 PMfriday 23 — saturday 24
*The Adventures of tintin (3-D) 1:30, 6:30, 9. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 1:15, 7. *We Bought a Zoo 1:30, 6:30, 9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 1:30, 6:15, 9. New Year’s Eve 9. The muppets 1:30. Hugo 6:30.
G Oil 4 Eva
802-660-0055
girlingtongarage.com
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cAPItoL SHoWPLAcE
sunday 25 — thursday 29 *The Adventures of tintin (3-D) 1:30, 6:30, 9. *The Darkest Hour 1:30, 6:30, 9. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 1:15, 7. *We Bought a Zoo 1:30, 6:30, 9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 1:30, 6:15, 9. Closed from 4 p.m. on December 24 to 5:30 p.m. on December 25.
12/8/11 11:57 AM
ESSEX cINEmA
Essex Shoppes & Cinema, Rte. 15 & 289, Essex, 879-6543, www.essexcinemas.com
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 ***Home Alone Thu: 8. *The Adventures of tintin 12:20 (3-D), 2:40 (3-D), 5, 7:20 (3-D), 9:40 (3-D). *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:40, 3:50, 7, 10:10. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 4, 7, 10. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 12:30, 1:15, 2:45, 3:50, 5, 6:30, 7:15, 8:45, 9:20. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:50, 3:45, 6:40, 9:40. New Year’s Eve 1:15, 4, 7 (Wed only), 9:45. Hugo (3-D) 1, 3:45, 6:50, 9:40. The twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 1:15, 4:15, 7. Jack and Jill 3, 9:50. Puss in Boots (3-D) 12:45, 5:15, 7:20. friday 23 *The Adventures of tintin 10:30 a.m., 12:20 (3-D), 2:40 (3-D), 5, 7:20 (3-D), 9:40 (3-D). *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:40, 3:50, 7, 10:10. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 4, 7, 10. *We Bought a Zoo 10:15 a.m., 1, 4, 6:40, 9:30. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 10 a.m., 12:30, 1:15, 2:45, 3:50, 5, 6:30, 7:15, 8:45. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 10 a.m., 12:50, 3:45, 6:40, 9:40. New Year’s Eve 9:30. Hugo (3-D) 10:15 a.m., 1, 3:45, 6:50, 9:40. The twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 1:15, 4:15, 7. Jack and Jill 3, 9:50. Puss in Boots (3-D) 12:45, 5:15, 7:20. saturday 24 *The Adventures of tintin 10:30 a.m., 12:20 (3-D), 2:40 (3-D). *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12, 3:10. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 3:45. *We Bought a Zoo 10:15 a.m., 1, 3:40. Alvin and the chipmunks: chipWrecked 10 a.m., 12:30, 1:15, 2:45, 3:50. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 10 a.m., 12:50, 3:45. Hugo (3-D) 10:15 a.m., 1, 3:45. The twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 1:15, 4. Jack and Jill 3. Puss in Boots (3-D) 12:45. sunday 25 *The Adventures of tintin 2:40 (3-D), 5, 7:20 (3-D), 9:40 (3-D). *The Darkest Hour 3 (3-D), 5:10, 7:30 (3-D), 9:40. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 3:50, 7, 10:10. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 4, 7, 10. *War Horse 3:30, 6:30, 9:30. *We Bought a Zoo 4, 6:40, 9:30. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 2:45, 3:50, 5, 6:30, 7:15, 8:45. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 3:45, 6:40, 9:40. Hugo (3-D) 3:45, 6:50, 9:40. New Year’s Eve 9:30.
monday 26 — thursday 29 *The Adventures of tintin 10:10 a.m., 12:20 (3-D), 2:40 (3-D), 5, 7:20 (3-D), 9:40 (3D). *The Darkest Hour 12:50 (3-D), 3 (3-D), 5:10, 7:30 (3-D), 9:40. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:40, 3:50, 7, 10:10. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 4, 7, 10. *War Horse 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30. *We Bought a Zoo 10:15 a.m., 1, 4, 6:40, 9:30. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 10 a.m., 12:30, 1:15, 2:45, 3:50, 5, 6:30, 7:15, 8:45. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 10 a.m., 12:50, 3:45, 6:40, 9:40. Hugo (3-D) 10:15 a.m., 1, 3:45, 6:50, 9:40. New Year’s Eve 9:30. ***See website for details.
mAJEStIc 10
190 Boxwood St. (Maple Tree Place, Taft Corners), Williston, 878-2010, www.majestic10.com
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 *The Adventures of tintin (3-D) 1, 3:30, 6:35, 7:30, 9:35. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12, 3:15, 6:25, 8:55, 9:40. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12:40, 3:45, 6, 6:45, 8:45, 9:35. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 12, 2, 4, 5, 6:30, 8:45, 9:55. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:45, 3:45, 6:50, 9:10. New Year’s Eve 12:40, 3:20, 6:15. The Sitter 12:30, 2:45. The Descendants 1, 3:55, 6:40, 9:30. Hugo (3-D) 12:35, 3:25, 6:35, 9:25. The muppets 1:05, 3:45. friday 23 *The Adventures of tintin (3-D) 12:30, 3:25, 5:30, 6:25, 8:15, 8:55. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 1, 2:30, 6:20, 9:45. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12, 2:50, 6, 6:40, 8:45, 9:35. *We Bought a Zoo 12:25, 3:10, 6:50, 9:40. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 12:05, 12:30, 2:15, 4:30, 6:50, 9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:20, 3:15, 6:45, 9:35. New Year’s Eve 3, 9:15. The Descendants 12:05, 2:50, 6:15, 9:05. Hugo (3-D) 6:30. The muppets 12:15, 3. saturday 24 *The Adventures of tintin (3-D) 12:30, 3:25. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 1, 2:30. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12, 2:50. *We Bought a Zoo 12:25, 3:10. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 12:05, 12:30, 2:15. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:20, 3:15. New Year’s Eve 3. The Descendants 12:05, 2:50. The muppets 12:15, 3. sunday 25 *The Adventures of tintin (3D) 6:30, 9. *The Darkest Hour (3-D) 8:15, 10:15. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 6:10, 9:30. *mission Impossible:
Ghost Protocol 6:15, 9:15. *War Horse 6:20, 9:40. *We Bought a Zoo 6:25, 9:10. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 6:35, 8:45. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 6:45, 9:35. The Descendants 6:05, 9. Hugo (3-D) 8:35. The muppets 6. Arthur christmas (3-D) 6. monday 26 — thursday 29 *The Adventures of tintin (3-D) 11 a.m., 1:30, 4, 6:45, 9:15. *The Darkest Hour (3-D) 1:25, 3:35, 8, 10. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 11:25 a.m., 2:40, 6:30, 9:50. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12:05, 3, 6:30, 9:25. *War Horse 12, 3, 6:25, 9:35. *We Bought a Zoo 12:20, 3:05, 6:20, 9:05. Alvin and the chipmunks: chipWrecked 11 a.m., 1:10, 3:20, 6:25, 8:30. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12, 2:50, 6:50, 9:40. The Descendants 12:25, 3:15, 6:35, 9:20. Hugo (3-D) 2, 7:15. The muppets 11:30 a.m., 4:45. Arthur christmas (3-D) 11:05 a.m., 5:45. New Year’s Eve 9:55.
mARQUIS tHEAtER Main St., Middlebury, 388-4841.
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 6. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 7. New Year’s Eve 7:30. Hugo (3-D) 7. friday 23 — monday 26 *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 2 (except Sun), 6 & 9 (except Sat). Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 1:30 (except Sun), 6:30 (except Sat). Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 1:30 (except Sun), 6:30 & 9 (except Sat). J. Edgar 3:30 (except Sun), 8:30 (except Sat). The muppets 4 (except Sun). tuesday 27 — thursday 29 *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 7. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 6. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 7.
mERRILL’S RoXY cINEmA
222 College St., Burlington, 8643456, www.merrilltheatres.net
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:20, 3:20, 6:20, 9:15. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 3:40, 6:40, 9:20. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 1, 3:50, 6:40, 9:20. New Year’s Eve 1:15, 3:40, 6:50, 9:10. melancholia 1:25, 4:10, 6:35, 9:05. Hugo 1:05, 3:35, 6:10, 8:40. friday 23 *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:20, 3:20, 6:20, 9:15. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 3:50, 6:40, 9:20. *my Week
Look UP SHoWtImES oN YoUR PHoNE!
With marilyn 1:15, 3:25, 7, 9:25. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 1:10, 4, 6:50, 9:30. melancholia 1:25, 4:10, 6:35, 9:05. Hugo 1:05, 3:35, 6:10, 8:40. saturday 24 *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:20, 3:20. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 3:50. *my Week With marilyn 1:15, 3:25. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 1:10, 4. melancholia 1:25, 4:10. Hugo 1:05, 3:35. sunday 25 *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 6:20, 9:15. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 6:40, 9:20. *my Week With marilyn 7, 9:25. *War Horse 6:30, 9:10. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 6:50, 9:30. melancholia 8:40. Hugo 6:10. monday 26 — thursday 29 *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:20, 3:20, 6:20, 9:15. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1, 3:50, 6:40, 9:20. *my Week With marilyn 1:15, 3:25, 7, 9:25. *War Horse 12:45, 3:40, 6:30, 9:10. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 1:10, 4, 6:50, 9:30. melancholia 8:40. Hugo 1:05, 3:35, 6:10.
PALAcE cINEmA 9
10 Fayette Dr., South Burlington, 864-5610, www.palace9.com
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 ***The met opera Presents ‘The magic Flute’ Wed: 6:30. ***The met opera Presents ‘Hansel and Gretel’ Thu: 6:30. *The Adventures of tintin 1:10, 3:45, 6:45, 9:15. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:45, 4:10, 7:30. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:30. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 10:30 a.m. (Thu only), 12:20, 2:20, 4:25, 6:30, 8:35. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:50, 3:40, 6:35, 9:20. Young Adult 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:05, 9:20. New Year’s Eve 3:35, 6:45 (Wed only). The Sitter 9:25. Arthur christmas 1:20. Hugo 3:25, 8:45. The Descendants 10:30 a.m. (Thu only), 1:15, 3:50, 6:55, 9:30. The muppets 1, 6:25 (Thu only). friday 23 *The Adventures of tintin 1:10, 3:45, 6:45, 9:15. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12:45, 4:10, 7:30. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:30. *We Bought a Zoo 12:40, 3:25, 6:50, 9:25. Alvin and the chipmunks: chipWrecked 12:20, 2:20, 4:25, 6:30, 8:35. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:50, 3:40, 6:35, 9:20. Young Adult 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:05, 9:20. New Year’s Eve 3:35, 8:45. The Descendants 1:15, 3:50, 6:55, 9:30. The muppets 1, 6:25.
connect to m.SEVENDAYSVt.com on any web-enabled cellphone for free, up-to-the-minute movie showtimes, plus other nearby restaurants, club dates, events and more.
Where Love Stands the Test of Time
movies saturday 24 *The Adventures of tintin 1:10, 3:45. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 12, 3:10. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12:30, 3:30. *We Bought a Zoo 12:40, 3:25. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 12:20, 2:20, 4:15. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:50, 3:40. Young Adult 12:15, 2:30. New Year’s Eve 3:35. The Descendants 1:15, 3:50. The muppets 1. sunday 25 *The Adventures of tintin 6:05, 8:45. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 6, 9:10. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 6:25, 9:25. *War Horse 6:10, 9:20. *We Bought a Zoo 6:15, 8:55. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 6:30, 8:30. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 6:35, 9:20. Young Adult 6:45, 9. The Descendants 6:20, 8:50. monday 26 — thursday 29 *The Adventures of tintin 11:05 a.m., 1:35, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15. *The Girl With the Dragon tattoo 11:45 a.m., 3, 6:20, 9:30. *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 12:30, 3:35, 6:40, 9:30. *War Horse 12:10, 3:20, 6:30, 9:35. *We Bought a Zoo 12:40, 3:25, 6:50, 9:25. Alvin and the chipmunks: chipWrecked 11 a.m., 12:55, 2:50, 7:10, 9:10. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12:50,
3:40, 6:35, 9:20. Young Adult 1:40, 4:10, 7:05, 9:20. The Descendants 1:45, 4:20, 7, 9:35. Arthur christmas 11:20 a.m. The muppets 11:15 a.m., 4:45.
PARAmoUNt tWIN cINEmA 241 North Main St., Barre, 4799621, www.fgbtheaters.com
wednesday 21 — thursday 29 *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 1:30 (Fri 23-Thu 29 only), 6:15, 9. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 1:30 (Fri 23-Thu 29 only), 6:30, 8:45. Closed from 4 p.m. on December 24 to 5:30 p.m. on December 25.
tHE SAVoY tHEAtER
StoWE cINEmA 3 PLEX
Fine Estate Jewelry & Custom Design
Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4678.
VINTAGE JEWELERS FULL SERVICE JEWELERS
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 6:45, 9:15. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 7, 9:15. New Year’s Eve 7, 9:10. friday 23 — sunday 1 *We Bought a Zoo Fri 23: 2:30, 4:40, 7, 9:15. Sun 25: 4:40, 7, 9:15. Mon 26-Sun 1: 2:30, 4:40, 7, 9:15. mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Fri 23: 2:30, 6:45, 9:15. Sun 25: 4:15, 6:45, 9:15. Mon 26-Sun 1: 2:30, 6:45, 9:15. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Fri 23: 2:30, 4:40, 7, 9:15. Sun 25: 4:40, 7, 9:15. Mon 26-Sun 1: 2:30, 4:40, 7, 9:15.
125 College Street Burlington • 862-2233 vintagejewelers.net 12H-VintageJewlers122111.indd 1
12/20/11 9:31 AM
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26 Main St., Montpelier, 2290509, www.savoytheater.com
Closed on December 24.
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 melancholia 6, 8:30. The Skin I Live In 6:30, 8:45.
WELDEN tHEAtER
friday 23 — thursday 29 *my Week With marilyn 1 & 3:30 (Sat & Mon only), 6:30, 8:30 (except Sat). take Shelter 1:30 (Sat & Mon only), 6, 8:15 (except Sat & Mon).
wednesday 21 — thursday 22 *mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol 7, 9:15. Alvin and the chipmunks: chip-Wrecked 7. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 7, 9:15. New Year’s Eve 9. The muppets 7, 9.
104 No. Main St., St. Albans, 5277888, www.weldentheatre.com
Vermont Gifts Specialty Foods
Come in and check out other great styles from the same VT company!
Shop Local. Shop Vermont.
Find Us on Facebook
30 Church St., Burlington, 658-6452 Mon–Sat 9am–9pm, Sun 10am–6pm www.applemountain.net
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Stocking Stuffers
Full schedule not available at press time.
Cashmere Scarves for men & women Lambskin Gloves
merrilltheatres.net
place the movie in which this week’s featured performer played each of the characters shown?
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Leather Belts VT Bee Balm for lips and hands Peet Boot Dryers Sheepskin Slippers 100% Cotton Hankies Wool Knit Hats by K.D. Hill
John’s Shoe Shop North Richmond, Vermont • 802-434-5299 • Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6; Sat 9-2 cash, checks and debit glady accepted.
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12/20/11 3:06 PM
LASt WEEk’S ANSWERS: 1. EMMA STONE 2. CAREY MULLIGAN 3. DREW BARRYMORE 4. MICHELLE WILLIAMS 5. JODIE FOSTER 6. KATE WINSLET
12.21.11-12.28.11
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LASt WEEk’S WINNER: C. GANdly
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SEVEN DAYS
For more film fun watch “Screen Time with Rick Kisonak” on Mountain Lake PBS.
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DEADLINE: Noon on Monday. PRIZES: $25 gift certificate to the sponsoring restaurant and a movie for two. In the event of a tie, winner is chosen by lottery. SEND ENtRIES to: Movie Quiz, PO Box 68, Williston, VT 05495 oR EmAIL: filmquiz@sevendaysvt.com. Be sure to include your address. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prizes.
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12/17/11 12:04 PM
Celebrate the Magic of Childhood! 6h-Danforth122111.indd 1
12/18/11 1:38 PM
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Justice for All
Former District of Columbia mayor for life Marion Barry said he wants the DC Council to extend the city’s Human Rights Act to ban employment discrimination against offenders who’ve served their time. Already considered the broadest in the nation, the act offers protection based on “race, color, religion, national age, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income and place of residence or business.” Barry wants to add the words “past arrests and convictions.” The four-term mayor, who now serves on the council, himself served six months in federal prison after a 1990 conviction for misdemeanor drug possession stemming from an undercover videotape of him smoking crack cocaine at a hotel with a woman not his wife when FBI agents rushed into the room, and he famously declared, “Bitch set me up.” (Washington Post) When Matthew Mitchell, 27, came upon the scene of an alcohol-related head-on collision outside Palestine, Texas, that killed one person and injured three others, he tried to drive through the flashing lights of scattered police cruisers and ambulances but collided with a medevac helicopter that had just landed in the middle of the road to transport one of the victims. No one was hurt, but a Department of Public Safety trooper who questioned Mitchell after the incident quoted him as asking, “Why was the helicopter flying so low?” He was promptly charged with driving while intoxicated. (Houston Press)
12.21.11-12.28.11 SEVEN DAYS 76 news quirks
After snatching a woman’s purse at a store in Johnson City, Tenn., Cody S. Smith, 18, fled but was apprehended by some shrubbery planted just outside the door. The victim approached the entangled Smith, who returned the purse and apologized for taking it. Police arrested him anyway after finding him in possession of drug paraphernalia and a stolen driver’s license. (Johnson City Press)
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John K. Rosenbaum, 22, drove from Jacksonville, Fla., to Kingsland, Ga., to illegally purchase a black mamba snake. During the transaction, the venomous snake bit him, he later told Georgia wildlife officials. He was hospitalized and released but faces up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine. (Jacksonville’s Florida Times-Union)
12/19/11 12:07 PM
Biting the Hand That Feeds
Alabama officials ordered all 16,000plus of the state’s sworn law-enforcement officers to undergo special training aimed at clarifying the new, uber-strict immigration law. R. Alan Benefield, head of the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission, explained that the four-hour training sessions are necessary because of the law’s complexity and lingering confusion, which caused two international incidents in November. First, a 46-year-old German manager with Mercedes-Benz, which employs hundreds of workers to build sport-utility vehicles at a large plant in Vance, was arrested for violating the law while driving a rental car on a business trip because he wasn’t carrying a driver’s license and a passport. In the second incident, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, another major employer, said a Japanese worker temporarily assigned to this country was cited under the immigration law at a routine police checkpoint, even though he possessed a valid Japanese passport and an international driver’s license. (Associated Press)
Pumped Up
Florida authorities said Oneal Ron Morris, 30, posed as a doctor and performed illegal cosmetic procedures, notably buttocks augmentation by pumping women’s rear ends with a tire sealant known as Fix-a-Flat. Authorities learned of the operations from a disfigured victim, who waited a year to come forward because she was too embarrassed. She revealed she had hoped to get a job at a nightclub and paid Morris $700 for a series of injections to accentuate her buttocks. According to Detective Michael Dillon, the 30-yearold woman lay flat on her stomach on a table at a Miami Gardens residence while Morris inserted rubber tubing attached to what looked like a cooler into her buttocks. She felt enormous pressure and then pain “to the point that she was screaming,” Dillon said. The victim finally had to stop Morris, who sealed her wounds with Super Glue. She later became seriously ill. After other victims, some of them transsexuals, came forward to accuse Morris of also disfiguring them, Morris appeared on TV’s “Entertainment Tonight” to proclaim her innocence. “They didn’t catch me doing anything,” she declared, accusing the so-called victims of lying and “ruining my life.” Investigators described Morris, who was born a man but identifies as a woman, as herself having a butt “the size of a truck tire.” (Miami Herald, Britain’s Daily Mail)
REAL fRee will astRology by rob brezsny DecembeR 21-28
taURUs
(april 20-May 20): on January 15, 1885, Wilson bentley photographed his first snowflake. over the course of the next 46 years, he captured 5000 more images of what he called “tiny miracles of beauty.” He was the first person to say that no two snowflakes are alike. in 2012, taurus, i suggest that you draw inspiration from his example. The coming months will be prime time for you to lay the foundations for a worthy project that will captivate your imagination for a long time — and perhaps even take you decades to complete.
Sagittarius (nov. 22-Dec. 21)
The Environmental Working Group wrote the Meat Eater’s Guide to Climate Change and Health. It concluded that if every American avoided eating cheese and meat one day a week, emissions would be lowered as much as they would be by removing 7.6 million cars from the roads. This is the kind of incremental shift I urge you to specialize in during 2012, Sagittarius — whether it’s in your contribution to alleviating the environmental crisis or your approach to dealing with more personal problems. Commit yourself to making little changes that will add up to major improvements over the long haul.
gemiNi (May 21-June 20): in her memoir Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef, gabrielle Hamilton suggests my horoscopes were helpful to her as she followed her dream to create her new york City restaurant, Prune. “i killed roaches, poisoned their nests, trapped rats, stuffed their little holes with steel wool and glass shards,” she wrote, “while my girlfriend . . . walked through the place ‘purifying’ it with a burning sage smudge stick and read me my rob brezsny horoscopes in support.” i would love to be of similar service to you in the coming months, gemini, as you cleanse whatever needs to be cleansed in preparation for your next big breakthrough. let the fumigation, purgation and expiation begin! caNceR (June 21-July 22): in 1992, 30,000
21 miles of water conduits. and yet the word “Versailles” means “terrain where the weeds have been pulled.” Prior to it being built up into a luxurious center of power, it was a marsh in the wilderness. i nominate it to be your inspirational image for the coming year, leo: a picture of the transformation you will begin.
ViRgo
(aug. 23-sept. 22): a guy named george reiger is a certifiable Disney freak. He has covered his skin with 2200 tattoos of the franchise’s cartoon characters. if you plan to get anything like that much thematic body decoration in 2012, Virgo, i recommend that you draw your inspiration from cultural sources with more substantial artistry and wisdom than Disney. For example, you could cover your torso with paintings by Matisse, your arms with poems by neruda and your legs with musical scores by Mozart. Why? in the coming months it will be important for you to surround yourself with the highest influences and associate yourself with the most inspiring symbols and identify yourself with the most ennobling creativity.
libRa (sept. 23-oct. 22): in the Classical nahuatl language of the aztecs, the word teocuitlatl literally meant “god poop.” it was used to refer to gold, which was regarded as a divine gift that brought mixed blessings. on the one hand, gold made human beings rich. on the other hand, it could render them greedy, stingy and paranoid. so it was potentially the source of both tremendous bounty and conflict. i suspect that in 2012, libra, you will have to deal with the arrival of a special favor that carries a comparable paradox. you should be fine — harvesting the good part of the gift and not having to struggle mightily with the tough part — as long as you vow to use it with maximum integrity.
caPRicoRN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): suzan-lori
Parks is a celebrated american playwright who has won both a Pulitzer Prize and a Macarthur Foundation “genius” grant. During the time between november 2002 and november 2003, she wrote a new short play every day — a total of 365 plays in 365 days. i think you could be almost as prolific as that in 2012, Capricorn. Whatever your specialty is, i believe you will be filled with originality about how to express it. you’re also likely to have the stamina and persistence and, yes, even the discipline necessary to pull it off.
aQUaRiUs (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pigeons are
blessed with an extraordinary ability to find home, even if they’re hundreds of miles away. They have an internal compass that allows them to read the earth’s magnetic field, and they also create a “map of smells” that gives them crucial clues as they navigate. a team of scientists performed some odd experiments that revealed a quirky aspect to the birds’ talent: if their right nostril is blocked, their innate skill doesn’t work nearly as well. (it’s oK if their left nostril is blocked, though.) What does this have to do with you? Well, aquarius, you’ve been like a homing pigeon with its right nostril blocked, and it’s high time you unblocked it. in the coming months, you can’t afford to be confused about where home is, what your community consists of or where you belong.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): one of alexander the great’s teachers was aristotle, who was tutored by Plato, who himself learned from socrates. in 2012, i’d love to see you draw vital information and fresh wisdom from a lineage as impressive as that, Pisces. in my astrological opinion, you need much more than a steady diet of factoids plucked from the internet and tV. you simply must be hungry for more substantial food for thought than you get from random encounters with unreliable sources. it will be time for you to attend vigorously to the next phase of your lifelong education.
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americans signed a petition asking the governor of Hawaii to change the name of Maui to “gilligan’s island.” Fortunately, the request was turned down, and so one of the most sublime places on the planet is not now named after a silly tV sitcom. i’m urging you to avoid getting swept up in equally fruitless causes during the coming months, Cancerian. you will have a lot of energy to give to social causes and collecaRies (March 21-april 19): in the fictional tive intentions in 2012, but it will be very imworld of the wizard Harry Potter, muggles are portant to choose worthy outlets that deserve people who have no magical powers. because your intelligent passion and that have half a Vintage, New & Custom Lighting ★ Lighting Restoration ★ Custom scoRPio (oct. 23-nov. 21): What spell of their deficiency, certain sights may be chance of succeeding. Metalworking ★ Delightful Home Accessories ★ would you like to be under in 2012? be careful literally invisible to them, and certain places leo (July 23-aug. 22): The Palace of how you answer that; it might be a trick quesinaccessible. i’m going to boldly predict that tion. not because i have any interest in foolVersailles once served as home for French you aries people will lose at least some of your ing you, of course, but rather because i want kings and their royal courts, and was the muggleness in the coming year. a part of your to prepare you for the trickiness that life may hub of the French government. to this day, it life where you’ve been inept or clueless will be expressing in your vicinity. so let me frame remains a symbol of lavish wealth and high begin to wake up. in ways that may feel surthe issue in a different way. Do you really want civilization. set on 26 acres, it has 700 rooms, prisingly easy, you’ll be able to fill a gap in your to be under a spell — of any kind? answer yes 67 staircases, 6000 paintings and 2100 sculpskill set or knowledge base. only if you’re positive that being under a spell tures. The grounds feature 50 fountains and
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time, and I LOVE to be home. I am up for road trips, great food, bonfires, card games, museums, learning, and new ideas_____(what should I try?). SweetD, 32, l, #115307
Women seeking Men
Hello I am a very easygoing and low-key person. I am looking for someone who has similar interests and wants the same things in life as I do. I love to be outside in the summer, at the beach, riding my motorcycle or talking a walk. lilqtone33, 30, #122728 Smart, Creative Native, Funny Too! I’m an intelligent, attractive, educated, creative, passionate, well-traveled, avid gardener, Vermonter. My harmonious mate will be secure about himself as a person and have a positive approach to life and it’s curveballs! Honesty, the ability to communicate and a sense of humor are musts for me. I will respect your personal interests and individual time. Our time is now. Evergreeneyes, 58, l, #109695 Loving, fierce and loyal I’m looking for someone who I can explore Vermont/the world with as we create a genuine bond. Make a comfortable connection. Someone who craves open communication and affection. deep_sunset, 31, l, #122701
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Live Simply, Love Extensively Life has a tendency to reveal to us exactly what we need right when we need it. Love is a gift life brings, and with love, life evolves. We are all destined for a soul mate, but one must be open to enduring the many challenges life faces us with and with another those challenges may seem less simple. When two.hearts.merge.simplicity.begins. like2knowmore, 39, l, #101859
Men seeking Women
You read the Personals too Holy crap. I just wanted to write a quick blurb about myself but had to fill out that crazy checklist first. Reminds me of the first time at a new Dr.’s office. Not looking for too much, won’t accept too little, just hoping to meet some new people, have some conversation, and go from there. Cheers. waitwaitdonttellme, 28, #116340 Truck Man I’m down to earth and enjoy being active. But also like nights in. Looking for real down to earth people, that know what they want in life, also can provide for them selves, as well as be in good shape. After all, there has to be some sort of attraction to one another. jetta8ball, 38, l, #122740 explore, ski, sail, hike Hi, I enjoy living in Burlington and I love to explore by car, train, sail. Snowshoeing, skiing are winter pleasures and camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing are fun in the summer. I would enjoy someone who likes the above and can get away to sail
men seeking WOMen
Mullet poet
Two of my favorite qualities are change and commitment. Picture this: A moose and squirrel doing drive-bys with electric guitars. I’m not sure what these two things have in common, but boy what an image! HeartFullofSoul, 24, l, #114906 FROM HIS ONLINE PROFILE: Two books everyone should read are: A Confederacy of Dunces; Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Really cool guy Looking for whatever happens, friends or really good friends. Let’s see which one works out! Cool just hanging out, or let’s get some dinner. I’m paying! Arealman30, 39, #122735 carribbean parrothead pirate Know what a parrothead is? Than you’ll know alot about what I like. I’m still very active, including playing tennis as often as possible. I’m very generous and easy to get along with. Love to laugh and have fun. So let’s not be sitting home when we could be at Ri Ra’s sitting in front of the fire together having a laugh. waveman, 56, l, #122617 Caring, courageous, chill I know a lot about a lot of different stuff and have had very unique experiences. I wrote and had my autobiography along with my songs/poems/lyrics published. I’m sensitive and affectionate. I like to sing, write, act, bowl, shoot pool, hold hands, cuddle, watch movies and more. I’m just looking for that special someone to share life with. LOYALFUNLOVER, 34, l, #103952 smart compass, smart funny corny Me: 34, athletic, financially and emotionaly stable. Work hard play harder. I am looking for someone to be my partner in life and crime, LOL. Just looking to get the most out of life. Hit me up and I’ll show you an amazing night. Cheers. jbaby77, 28, l, #122724 “C’est la vie” Capable, hard working, outdoor oriented. Woodworker and trail builder. Height/ weight proportionate; brown hair. Adventurous spirit, but looking to begin setting some roots here in VT. Interests include hiking, canoeing, gardening, cooking, spontaneous car rides. Long for thoughtful conversation, but crave humor as well. Enjoy keeping busy, yet appreciate a lazy Sunday afternoon accompanied by good food, good tunes and a woodstove. rooted_n_ramblin, 26, l, #122696
kind, caring, passionate I am a full-time college student that works a lot but likes having fun. Recently been wondering what happened to taking a girl out on a date. I might only be 21, but I feel as though my age doesn’t reflect my maturity. Looking for someone to go on some dates with and actually try to get to know. ccouilla, 21, #122557 Nice Guy Next door I’m the nice guy who lives next door. I like to experience life, whether it’s hiking a mountain or boating on Lake Champlain. I enjoy drives in the country and trips to Boston. I’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places. I’m now making a conscious decision to find the right guy. Could that be you? Dex, 44, #121900 bi now gay later Bi married male seeking other gay or bi men for fun times andfriendship. biguy69, 34, u, l, #117616 Hey All Hi, guys. Looking for NSA winter buddies to play with;relationship, friends cool, too. I’m 42, 5’10, 170, dark hair & eyes, not bad looking with nice package. Looking for guys 18-50 who are height/weight prop. 6”+. Discretion assured - hope to hear from ya! Buster, 42, u, #111080 I only appear normal I’ve been told I’m the best listener. I enjoy my nights out. I also love a good romantic session in front of the TV. I love to dress up to go to upscale restaurants. I like shopping at thrift stores. I’m a movie-aholic. I take care of my body well. Nothing in the world means more to me than making someone’s day happier. Harris12, 23, l, #122727
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personals 81
Seeking a good match... Ideas??? I enjoy a good adventure, discovering new towns or city streets, back roads, music, museums, art galleries, talking with new people, gardening, family
Curious?
Sensitive, trusting and hardworking Currently busy with working and such, but in my time off I would like to meet someone else to spend my time with. Like to see where friendship could lead to. If you meet (or message) me, you will learn more about me. Retrotat2grl, 26, l, #122429
PROFILE of the we ek:
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waking up Grew up in Vermont, moved to Burlington, study at UVM. Now going stir-crazy in the “city.” Looking for someone who appreciates the simple things, is willing to teach and eager to learn, and who will break me out of this city funk. If you like conversation, beers in the woods and having a good time, I would love to meet you. Rosesblue, 20, l, #118835
peaceful laughter I’m an outgoing, physically active, animal-loving, gentle soul. Looking for a cute, fun and interesting lady to spend time with. This is a crazy, wonderful world, let’s have fun and leave it a wee bit better than when we left. summer, 28, l, #122715
Well hello I am looking for women for friendship and conversation. I would be happy meeting someone and talking over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. I am honest, funny and smart. I am looking for the same. Risti, 44, #122543
country guy Hey all, I am a 28 y/o EMT firefighter and dairy farmer. I am an all around fun guy. I am looking to meet someone who likes going out and hanging with friends or just the quiet night in where I’ll make dinner for the both of us. Not into the head games. Anything else you want to know hit me up. kenwood, 28, #122542
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honest, loving, caring, affectionate woman I am a very sincere woman. I want to settle down with a man who can love me for ever and we can get old together. I want a stable man who can offer me a wonderful life with no fincancial worries. I want to be treated like a queen as I have so much love to give him. bobbilady4u, 49, l, #122675
Women seeking Women
emotionally intelligent, attractive, organized Let’s get together. We are worth it. Go for coffee and see if there is any sugar. If not, then we can drink it black. Take a risk and see me. I am here and as real as it gets. If there is a good feeling then we will be on our way to an awesome place. lee, 46, u, #122638
Sweetie Slim, young Asian guy looking for goodhearted folks. Slim4u, 28, l, #122587
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Caring, funny soul tender I am looking for someone who makes me laugh. I want to be able to have an amazing conversation with someone, or be able to say nothing at all. Definitely need a man who is my man and no one else’s. I am not jealous but don’t want to get hurt. Ashmom86, 25, l, #122682
Enthusiastic, energetic, evocative, emerging artist 56 YO DWW looking for a man 50-65 who can easily mesh his life with mine. Someone who is self assured, wise, fiercely compassionate and funny as hell. I hope that he enjoys moving outside under his own power, reading and working with his hands. I am a tall, slim, athletic, health care provider living a rural lifestyle. nextbestfriend, 56, l, #122637
Kind, Sense of Humor, Honest I’m fun and friendly and love a good laugh. I have brown hair, blue eyes and a slender build. My preference is feminine girls. Come out for lunch and a few laughs. We could start a friendship or maybe more. Bixby, 27, #122642
in pursuit I am a 55 yo male, some college, in sales and marketing, average to good looking, caucasian in pursuit of meeting someone 40-55 yo, interested in exploring and creating a long-term relationship. My interests range from reading, cooking, hiking, the arts, being in shape, eating well. I appreciate friendships, family,conversation, nice wine, spontaneity, laughter. My personality is warm, inviting and friendly. inpursuit, 55, l, #102608
Men seeking Men
same reason. A little NSA fun. A discreet connection. And some pretty erotic emails. So say hello. You may find I’m worth it. Moosehead, 31, #122733
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Shy, funny and creative I am looking to meet a lady (butch or femme, does not matter) to start a friendship, with the possibility of a relationship. vttat2bigrl, 26, l, #121924
Women seeking?
sweet and innocent :) I may look sweet and innocent. I am the type of girl you can bring home to mom and dad. But in the bedroom or other places, I can get a little freaky. Looking for some discreet fun, men ages 25 to 40. haileysmommy, 26, #118803
Dessert First? Curious, feeling insatiable. threshold, 48, #122641
Aged to Perfection Like a fine wine, some things just get better with age! I am a mature, sexy woman looking to start over. I was married to my late husband all my life and am looking for new excitement-it’s never too late! Teach me how to, as the kids say, “dougie.” silverfoxx, 63, #121512
Looking for fun! I am 38 years old and looking to meet a female to get to know. I love to have a good time in and out of bed. Let’s chat. TheFunGirl, 38, l, #122741
Mrebecca21 I’m looking for some fun! ;). Mayyggg21, 24, #122633 Takes Orders Well Lonely sub in need of a master. Looking to please you and be rewarded when I do a good job. Love lingerie and high heels, as well as public places. Wanna play? ExtraGirlieSub, 33, #122619
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Good times to be had I’m looking for a casual thing. Sex, sleeping, foreplay, cuddling, oral, movies, drinking, hanging out. One, some or all of the above. Not sure what to expect from this, but message me and we’ll see what happens. c_ullr, 23, l, #122616 Take me for a spin I’m bisexual and looking for a friend with benefits from either gender. I’m relaxed and easy to get along with and looking for someone I can hang out with and fool around with when we feel like it. I’m up for pretty much anything, so hit me up. Must enjoy couples play. <3. TestingTheWaters, 21, #122455
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pleasure that we make for ourselves. mymamadoll, 74, l, #121297
Need more fun I usually don’t do this, but I need a little spice in my life. Tired of the same old stuff every day! I am willing to try new things, so give me a shout! lookn4fun, 23, #118014 Want to Make you Glow I want a woman who loves to play and be played with. I want to watch my man take you the way he takes me: properly. I want you to watch me surrender and inspire you to join me in creating more pleasure we can possibly imagine. happylovers, 46, l, #114918
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SexyandweknowiT Looking for a female friend. Could you be her? Water signs welcome, lol. Venus28, 31, #122692
Men seeking?
Mature satyr
Skin-Deep Passion Freak I’m horny as hell for a hot femme but also need a connection and some emotional grounds to really let myself go. Once the cap is blown.....you’re in for pleasure that will only end when you want it too ;). vtvegan, 33, l, #120509 hungry In a committed relationship with a much less hungry man. He knows I am looking around but, out of respect, discretion is a must. I am looking for a man who wants discreet encounters to leave us breathless and wet. Laughter, playfulness, mutual respect a must. Into light bondage, oral play, etc.; mostly I want to get laid. penobscot, 42, u, #119855
Other seeking?
Kink of the w eek:
What’s your horoscope? Did you know Scorpio is the most sexual of signs? Looking for some NSA summer fun. Don’t be afraid to contact me for a walk on the wild side! sexiscorpio69, 26, l, #121339
You can leave voicemail for any of the kinky folks above by calling:
Scorpio with a Sensual Touch I think all Scorpios are hard-wired for sex. I like teasing a lot. I love kissing and performing oral sex. Oral is probably my biggest fetish. Luckily, I have nice lips! ;) I am turned on by the idea of girlon-girl and would love to do an erotic girl-on-girl photo shoot sometime. I have a weakness for confident women. Luv2Tease, 47, l, #111096
Easygoing guy Easygoing guy exploring possibilities of on-line dating site. Enjoy giving massages. if interested maybe we can discuss possibilities. dick808, 61, l, #122590
Tall, slim 58-year-old professional in a dead relationship, looking for discreet good times with uninhibited lady. Financially secure; prefer fairly intelligent women. Occasional daytime meetings possible. Snowguy145, 57, #115318 FROM HIS ONLINE PROFILE: Great sex calls for lots of... open, explicit discussion before, during and after! Skier seeks take-charge lady WM, tall, thin, looking for open-minded lady into role play and reversals, a skier is a plus, into music as well, all limits respected. VTSkier, 51, l, #105940 Seriously Let’s just do this. I’m a well-groomed, intelligent and humorous male. Searching for a discreet FWB/ NSA relationship. Sophistication, discretion and intelligence a must. deep55, 45, #122674 I love new ideas Have been in a relationship for seven years and wanna experience the exhibitionistic side of me. Have never been told I’m small but have been told it’s a beautifull, perfect specimen. Looking for somone to explore my mind and body. I’m really open. Hit me up. lonelydaddy, 33, #122672 completing a fantasy I am a WMM that would very much like to find a couple to explore sexual ideas with. Discretion is a must. I am very fit and fun loving and have pics available if anyone is interested. I am open to your desires and would love to help you achieve them. VT311, 54, l, #121613 mutual extreme pleasure Playmates/lover. Very passionate, LOVE to please! No pain, extreme hedonist. I think oral is the most intimate sex, but love ALL pleasure. musicman69, 52, #110923 Looking for discreet fun Recently separated, looking for casual encounters. Good-looking, average-built man, mid-thirties. CaligulaCaesar, 34, #122621 Sextacular Hello, I’m looking for some discreet fun. There are a few things I haven’t been able to try and would like to find some interested ladies. Let me know if you’re interested. jonny51, 27, l, #122611
1-520-547-4568
couple in search Husband and wife looking for a female who would like to hang out more than just in the bedroom. We would like to find that female to work with us for what we would like to happen to start with. We are NOT Ken and Barbie. Both are extremely sexual. We are looking forward to hearing from you. couplensearch, 32, #122650 Deliciously Delightful Duo Seeking Lady We are a sexy and spirited couple looking to play with a third lady to fulfill our desire for threesome fun. We are both quite attractive (slender, in shape, tattoos, sex appeal, etc.) and we’re seeking a female of the same caliber. This is our first time posting, and we’re eager to see what fruits this search might “bare.” :). seductiveandspontaneouswithclass, 28, l, #122630 Looking to play I’m bi and he’s a straight transguy, looking to bring another partner into our bed. We’re in a committed relationship; only seeking occasional play. Seeking a woman for me to play with while he watches (and maybe joins a little too) or another FTM for him to share me with. Come play with us, we can host. Meow91, 20, #122578 Massage, Connection, Comfort, Kissing, Orgasms Massage explores pleasure with or without stepping into the sexual. We’d like to massage a woman, man or couple at your level of comfort. Softness of skin, the bliss of massage. We offer nonsexual, sensual massages, or ones that progress to orgasmic bliss. Four-hand massage is an amazingly sensuous path to sensual bliss, or all the way to orgasm. Lascivious, 57, l, #117437
too intense?
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personals-poleskivvies112311.indd 1
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i Spy
If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!
sevendaysvt.com/personals
Bemustached DRINK Waiter Keep the Tom Collins’ coming, and feel free to creep anytime. You have a bespectacled admirer. When: Saturday, December 17, 2011. Where: Drink. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909802 Waitress at Monty’s in Williston You caught my attention as my waitress last week (Sunday 12/11) just as I returned on a red eye flight. You have shorter dark hair and amazing eyes. I was having brunch with my mother and we spoke about the new plans for the Alchemist. I’d like to get to know you better if you aren’t already taken! When: Sunday, December 11, 2011. Where: Monty’s Old Brick Tavern in Williston. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909801 Signal Kitchen Oh hey, Chamberlin! Thanks for a night of sweet tunes on Friday. I dig your footwear, especially those Darn Toughs. When: Friday, December 16, 2011. Where: On stage. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909800 Yes Please Yesterday marked the beginning we have been waiting for. I cannot wait to spend the lifespan of seven Boston Terriers together. When: Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Where: Jesus Christ of Cipis. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909798
never known, a world of unchained devotion, because you were my very own. I had fallen in love with you. When: Saturday, April 1, 2006. Where: Night Shift. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909794 Was that your ball? Not hardly stood up. Hint 3rd date at the batting cage. When: Friday, December 2, 2011. Where: Hot2Trot. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909792
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Looking for Wool Pants! You were looking for pants Thursday night, Dec 8th. I was trying on a crazy sweater, realizing later I must have looked ridiculous! Failed at finding you the pants you needed. I think you are amazingly gorgeous. Are you available? Can we get together sometime? When: Thursday, December 8, 2011. Where: Church Street. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909787 Plaid Hoodie Buying Salad I caught a glimpse of your handsome face Wednesday morning at the Mobil in Waterbury. Looked like you were getting rations for the day: water, salad, etc....I was commenting on the terrible hats. How about lunch with me some day soon? When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011. Where: Mobil in Waterbury. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909786 Fantastical Attitude To the beautiful blond cashier that brightened up my hazy day with something super nice to say: Thanks for the bright and cheery sendoff; it was much appreciated! When: Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Where: City Market. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909785 Trash & Vaudeville boy on Riverside bus I asked you where you got your leather jacket, you recommended T&V in NYC. Alas, I had just returned from there. I never do these I-Spy things, but would you possibly be interested in coffee, or a game of pool? When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011. Where: Riverside bus toward Burlington. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909784 SweetD I love your smile Your smile is bright, beautiful and amazing. I would love to get to know you better. Take a chance, you never know :). When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011. Where: Huntington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909783
be my chubby muffin;) At the Chubby Muffin, I saw you stuffin’ your face with muffins and cuteness. You’re missing some hair, but might have a lovely personality that compensates. Lots of plaid in the morning makes this coolcat a happy lady. Let’s take our dogs for a walk? When: Friday, December 2, 2011. Where: Chubby Muffin. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909778 Gorgeous blonde at Shaws You caught my eye and it really threw me off. You seem to be very nice and definetly very cute. Sorry if I was standoffish. I want to know more about you. Let’s have a drink When: Sunday, December 4, 2011. Where: VT. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909777 Barista(o?) at a Coffee Shop You’re a barista(o?) at a coffee shop I frequent. You: on the shorter side with
glasses. You stare...next time I’m in or next time I see you around town (which happens often) say hi? Or stop staring. One or the other. When: Saturday, December 3, 2011. Where: Church Street. You: Man. Me: Woman. #909776 More than Butterflys and LunaMoths Lighting, earthquakes, fire! Your hand reaching for your belt-intense desire. I adore that you enjoy your wood stove, and I can’t wait to spend a bit of time with you, in your new abode. When: Saturday, December 3, 2011. Where: Blackback-Cork Wine-The Res. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #909775 Mad Hatters in City Market Sombrero, hard hat, lampshade...you madcap adventurers brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Thanks for including my beret, with bubbles! Like to see the photos. When: Friday, December 2, 2011. Where: City Market, Burlington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909774
Your guide to love and lust...
mistress maeve Dear Mistress,
Male in my twenties here. I’m heading back home for Christmas and, as always, I will be getting together with a group of high school friends — including my ex-girlfriend. She and I don’t talk on a regular basis, but it seems we can’t be in the same room without having sex. We have always had this animalistic thing for each other. The problem is, I now have a girlfriend. I’m worried I’m going to cheat. What should I do?
Signed,
Dear Struggling Santa,
Struggling Santa
mm
personals 83
Email me at mistress@sevendaysvt.com or share your own advice on my blog at sevendaysvt.com/blogs
SEVEN DAYS
Need advice?
Ho, Ho, Ho,
12.21.11-12.28.11
What should you do? Here’s an idea: Don’t cheat. Though I’m sure it’s been thrilling to have an old flame light your yule log from time to time, let’s face facts — it didn’t work out with your ex. Why would you jeopardize your new relationship for the same old ride in the sleigh with her? If you’re truly worried that you might cheat, your current relationship might not be up to snuff. If that’s the case, address your issues with integrity — don’t make them worse by meeting your ex under the mistletoe. Regardless of the “animalistic thing” with your ex, keep your junk in your Santa suit until you sort out what you want with your current Mrs. Claus. Cheating is for cowards, not Santas.
SEVENDAYSvt.com
Blonde with friend, Church Street I was standing by the rock near Hotel Hottie Richmond River Runner in Blue Garcia’s when you walked by with To the bellman with the windswept My dog spooked you trail2:39:13 PM 1 on the river 6/14/10 your friend. I noticed you kept looking 1x3-cbhb-personals-alt.indd hair and a fabulous behind: I’ve seen as you were running and rocking out. back with a smile, and I’m sure you your skills in moving bags, and I’d Was nice to see you on the return noticed me smiling back at you. I’d love for you to play with mine ;). and say hello. Hope to cross paths like a chance to see your smile some When: Saturday, October 22, 2011. again. When: Monday, December 12, more. Meet at the same rock at the Where: Courtyard Marriott. You: 2011. Where: River Trail in Richmond. same time, 2:00-2:30, then coffee? Man. Me: Woman. #909782 You: Man. Me: Man. #909791 When: Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Where: Church St., Garcia’s. chuch street biker babe Remember platinum and light You: Woman. Me: Man. #909797 blue? Seen you on Church Street, Tuesday, 11/29/11, aprox. 4:30 p.m. You: sitting I remember platinum days and the Sexy cashier at city market at bench in front of City Hall with a sweet smell of light blue, do you? I Wednesday night. This shout out goes bum. Is he your boyfriend/lover or miss you my Sexy Ram, and so do the to a sexy dark-haired man working friend? Would like to get to know you girls! Those were the best days of my hard behind the register. Every time I over a drink. Maybe play some darts, life and I hope that we can do it again come in you look at me and it drives me or whatever you’d like to do for fun, soon. When: Monday, December crazy. Your 5 o’clock shadow is so damn because you got nice buns. In hopes 12, 2011. Where: In my dreams. hot. I wanna meet you and know what we can get something going that You: Man. Me: Woman. #909790 you’re about. Maybe come snowboard will last. MADCAP When: Tuesday, with me? From your secret admirer. Goodwill, Sunday, Auburn beauty November 29, 2011. Where: Church Have a great day! When: Wednesday, Street. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909781 You: auburn red hair, green shirt, black December 14, 2011. Where: City Market. pants, pink walkie-talkie on the top, You: Man. Me: Woman. #909796 Sunsets_Labs black one on the belt. Doing a return. I You wrote a very nice response to me was tongue-tied. I’d love to take you out Red Hen tuesday afternoon on 11/30. But when I tried to respond, for dinner! When: Sunday, December We exchanged glances and smiles at you had blocked me. I hope that was 11, 2011. Where: Goodwill, Shelburne Red Hen around 3:30 Tuesday aternoon. an accident, as you sounded pretty Road. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909789 You were sitting with your laptop and I cool. When: Wednesday, November was wearing a black hoody and waiting Sweetness at Macy’s 30, 2011. Where: Two to Tango. in line for my coffee. Always up to meet You: Woman. Me: Man. #909780 You: working at Macy’s on a Monday new people and if you’re up for coffee morning. Me: forcing myself to do some I’d be down. When: Tuesday, December Blonde (Gym, South Burlington) Xmas shopping. You have the same 13, 2011. Where: Red Hen Middlesex. Usually walking in around noon-time plaid shirt as me. I like your style and You: Woman. Me: Man. #909795 while I’m finishing up my workout; persona, you seem very sweet. If the always seem to be in a skirt with some timing were different, I would have SUNSHINE? Former Ms. Babcock amazing tall leather boots or very asked if you were single. When: Monday, BAM! sexy heels. I think you’re married. I December 12, 2011. Where: Macy’s. Its been over 12 yrs but GANDALPH is have noticed an ankle bracelet in the You: Woman. Me: Man. #909788 alive! You will be a part of me as you past, and we have definitely shared have been through the ages and lives glances. Does that bracelet mean past, present and future. Inviting what I hope it means? Hope to hear exciting - emotion. With power I had
from you When: Monday, December 5, 2011. Where: Gym, South Burlington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #909779
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