Summer Paving Planned
MONTPELIER — The following streets are scheduled for paving this summer: Grandview Terrace, Spring Hollow Lane, Prospect Street, National Life Drive, Main Street from the Inn at Montpelier to the roundabout, and Towne Hill Road from Murray Road to Bliss Road. The precise schedule will be published after finalization of contracts, most likely early next month. The work is expected to be done by the middle of September.
Nutty Steph Invites All to Her Marshfield Campground
MIDDLESEX — Upon picking up a chocolatey donation to the Bridge Mania fundraiser at Nutty Steph’s chocolate/granola/spirits shop in Middlesex, The Bridge was waited on by Nutty Steph herself. Nutty Steph, formally named Stephanie Jaquelyn Rieke, The Bridge learned, is a lifelong entrepreneur. “By the time I was seven I had a jewelry stand at the local churches,” she said. Then, at nine, she wanted to start a summer day camp, but her mother made her wait until she was 10. “I had a bread business in college,” she said, describing how she delivered bread around the Carleton College town of Northfield, Minnesota wearing rollerblades. And today, ever the trendsetter, she sells bacon, chocolate and booze: an inspired combination.
Another amazing thing about Rieke is that she performed for the first time in front of a crowd bigger than a dozen in the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival on June 9 with her band, “Thomasas Rum Bath.”
This summer she is moving on to the grounds of another one of her businesses, Onion River Campground, in Marshfield, which is open June through October. She is inviting the public to enjoy the grounds for free during the day to swim, fish and explore the trails. In addition, anyone and everyone is invited to join the bonfire on Saturday nights to play instruments and have fun. There is a charge to camp overnight. For more information, call 426-3233.
VCFA Gets Green Light for ADA Renovations
MONTPELIER — Vermont College of Fine Arts, located on College Hill in Montpelier has been given the go ahead to renovate a ramp in front of Alumni Hall, 45 College St., and to install an elevator in Schulmaier Hall, 32 College St., to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. More information can be found by calling Karen Lynch at 802-828-6044.Notice appeared in a local paper June 12.
Historic Universalist Church Hosts Special Summer Program
WASHINGTON — Once again the tiny Washington Unitarian Universalist Church will open its doors to the larger community for Sunday morning 10 a.m. summer church services, starting on June 21. This simple, historic church dating back to its construction in 1843, has a most unique and beautiful interior that is a sight to behold and holds a great history.
Visiting and part-time preachers fill the pulpit and child care is provided. Open to all, attendees are encouraged to bring food to share and join others for coffee and conversation in this delightful small town setting. Located just southeast of East Barre on Route 118, carpooling is encouraged from Barre and Montpelier. For more information contact Mary Alice Bisbee at 223-8140 or check out the church website at: www.washingtonvtuu.org.
Thunder Road Roars Open
BARRE — The cars and stars of Thunder Road Speedbowl hosted the first Thursday night event of the season on June 11 with Harvest Equipment Night. The event marked the 56th opener at the race track, where summer Thursday night stock car racing has been a tradition since Thunder Road opened in 1960.
John Donahue used a late charge to score his 15th career late model victory. The Graniteville veteran was fourth on the race’s final restart on lap 37 of the 50-lap event, but shot up the outside to take the lead from Cody Blake with 10 laps remaining. Donahue then held on during the final sprint to take the first win of 2015 after starting 17th in the 27-car field.
“When we got up on the outside when we had to restart there, the car felt pretty good,” Donahue said. “We stayed out there, and the harder I went, the more bite I got … the car was really good today. A win is so hard to come by now, because everything is so equal,” he added. Thunder Road will be back in action on Thursday, June 18, with Casella Waste Management Night, featuring all weekly divisions plus the New England Antique Racers. For more information, contact244-6963 ,media@acttour.com or visit www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.
