by Ashley Witzenberger
Green Up Day in Montpelier
Saturday, May 7 is Green Up Day! In 2015, Montpelier had a record number of volunteers participate in greening up the Capital City. To volunteer this year, visit the volunteer tent hosted by Montpelier Alive, located on State Street near the top of the Farmers’ Market. Check in to get green up bags, recycling bags and while supplies last, gloves. As a thank you, volunteers will receive a coupon page with free goodies from many generous downtown merchants.
When out greening up, remember a few safety tips:
- Be tick smart
- Report needles and hazardous waste to authorities and do not pick up
- Avoid river banks
- Children should be supervised at all times
- Yard debris is not for Green Up Day
- Have fun!
- Volunteers can leave green bags and clear recycling bags curbside within city limits for pickup on Monday, May 9. If you are a Montpelier resident who would like to start green up early, bags are available in the Clerk’s office in City Hall all week.
Thanks to the volunteers who help to keep Montpelier beautiful!
Montpelier’s First Bike Valet
With so much to do in downtown Montpelier on Saturday, May 7, you might be wondering where your family can park your bikes, jogger or stroller — the answer is Montpelier’s first Bike Valet hosted by the Montpelier Bike Advisory Committee! The Bike Valet will work just like a coat check; you simply drop off your bike and you will receive a claim ticket that you return to redeem your bicycle after enjoying the events. No need to worry about finding space on an overflowing bike rack, or carrying your helmet or other accessories as you will be covered. They will safely store the bikes and bicycle-related equipment while you have all the fun.
The service will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be located on State Street, close to Elm Street and the Farmers’ Market. The best part is that it’s FREE! This is truly VIP service for cyclists in Montpelier.
Help make the first Bike Valet in Montpelier a big success so we can continue to support innovative sustainable transportation. Please note that with the closure of State and Langdon Streets from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be limited automobile parking; having folks ride their bikes will help to alleviate some parking issues, all while being green. So while you are downtown enjoying the Onion River Sports Bike Swap, Green Up Day, opening day of the Capital City Farmers’ Market, Yoga on State Street, shopping and lunch, let the Bike Advisory Committee safely stash your bike for a couple hours.
Folks that do drive downtown, please note that there will be plenty of parking on lower State, Main, East State and Barre Streets, behind City Hall and in the lot behind Aubuchon Hardware.
For more information about events happening during Montpelier Mayfest, Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, visit montpelieralive.org.
The author is the executive director of Montpelier Alive.
