Heard on the Street

New Bridge Debuts new Cover Design

As part of our effort to update The Bridge for a new generation of readers, we are unveiling in this issue a new front page design. The primary goal is not only to create a more modern feel, but also to include more news “above the fold” to call attention to stories on the inside our bi-monthly community newspaper. Many thanks to Bridge board member Mason Singer of Laughing Bear Associates in Montpelier for creating this new look.

Ski and Skate Sale Set Saturday at MHS

The annual Montpelier Recreation Department Ski and Skate Sale will be held from 9 am to 2 pm October 19 at Montpelier High School. Items for sale may be dropped off on Friday, October 18. Equipment is sold on an 80/20 split with the seller receiving 80 percent and the Recreation Dept. receiving 20 percent. Unsold items that are not picked up by Sunday become property of the Dept.

New Craft Store to Open Friday

Notion Fabric & Craft will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, October 18, during Montpelier’s annual Moonlight Madness celebration. A celebration takes place from 5 to 9 pm at the 68 Main Street location and will include cupcakes and refreshments, giveaways, and a raffl e with a grand prize of an EverSewn sewing machine. Shoppers will also be off ered an exclusive code for a free download of a Blue Sky Fibers knitting pattern with every purchase. Notion, owned by Mary Margaret Groberg, intends to create a welcoming community for area crafters, where fun events and classes and studio passes allow people to craft together.

Barre Opera House Receives $150,000 donation

Th e Barre Opera House, a 120-year-old performing arts venue in downtown Barre, has received a $150,000 donation from the National Life Group Foundation as part of the Opera House’s $1 million Second Century renovation campaign. In honor of National Life’s ongoing commitment, the Opera House announced at its kickoff Celebration Series event that the main stage will now be known as Th e National Life Group Main Stage at the Barre Opera House. Th e Foundation grant will preserve the historic elements of the Opera House’s back stage while bringing the rigging, lighting, and sound systems up to current standards. Th is twenty-fi rst century technology will make the Opera House more attractive to top touring acts, support a broader range of performances, improve safety for performers and stage hands alike, and reduce labor costs for almost every event. Currently, the Opera House has raised over $600,000 toward its $1 million goal, and hopes to complete the campaign and commence construction in Spring 2020.