Piggy Banks Stand in for Federal Food Bank Cuts
The pigs have returned to Montpelier. If you’ve noticed large, metal, colorfully painted piggy banks throughout downtown Montpelier and wondered what they were about, wonder no more.
Unlike stereotypical porkers, they’re not great eaters. In fact, their job is to provide food for hungry humans. The three structures were created from found materials by local artist Aaron Ingham of Bent Nails Studio. Like traditional piggy banks, they have slots on the top for coins, but also include signs noting that all donations will go to the Food Pantry in Montpelier.
Each pig has a distinctive name. “Mama” hangs out in front of the Rialto Bridge on State Street. “Maisie” smiles at customers as they enter Bear Pond Books near the corner of State and Main streets, and “Mary Jane” stands guard in front of the Aubuchon Ace Hardware store, farther down on Main Street.
The “piggy bank project” was organized by local business owner Lauren Matthews, and the pigs first visited downtown Montpelier last summer.
Now they’re back and they couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
Food banks have been hard hit by cuts in federal spending, especially those that receive money from the USDA. Rick DeAngelis, executive director of Just Basics Inc., which operates the Montpelier Food Pantry, notes “Many of our neighbors are struggling. This project is a wonderful and fun way to do something to help. It demonstrates that we’re all in this together.”
Mama, Maisie, and Mary Jane do add a lot to the Montpelier scene. Tourists want to stop and investigate. Residents smile and toddlers look at them with delight. Most importantly, the piggy banks collect donations that may help to compensate for the stunning loss of federal support.
Not a bad job for a pig.
Mary Cole Mello
Dr. Pelin Kohn Named New State President for League of Women Voters
Dr. Pelin Kohn has assumed the role of state president for the League of Women Voters of Vermont, succeeding outgoing president Sue Racanelli.
Kohn is an educator, writer, and Montpelier city councilor who brings a background in public service and inclusive governance. Kohn is committed to fostering youth engagement, equity in voting access, and bold action in defense of democracy.
“I am honored to follow in Sue’s footsteps and build on the League’s legacy of principled leadership,” said Kohn. “This is a critical time for civic action. Together with our members and partners across Vermont, we will continue to empower voters, protect rights, and ensure that every voice is heard.”
For more information about the League of Women Voters of Vermont and opportunities to get involved, please visit lwvofvt.org.
Free Summer Meals Available
Summer meals are back for all children ages 18 and under through the Summer Food Service Program, according to the Vermont Agency of Education.
In summer 2024, Vermont served over 1 million meals at almost 300 sites across the state. Meals are served at a wide range of locations, such as schools, parks, housing complexes, and libraries. Families can find information on open meal sites by calling 2-1-1, the United Way-run resource hotline, or through the USDA Meals For Kids Site Finder.
To find a location near you, go to Hunger Free Vermont’s website, at hungerfreevt.org/summer-meals
In addition to children 18 and under, those who are over 18 who are mentally or physically disabled and who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program established for the mentally or physically disabled are also eligible to receive summer meals. Meals are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.
Many families will also be receiving Summer EBT benefits this summer. Families are welcome to participate in summer meals even if they also receive Summer EBT. These two summer nutrition programs work together to make sure children have access to nutritious food over the summer months.
Sign Up Now for World Soccer Festival 2025
On Saturday, Aug. 23, Montpelier High School will host the World Soccer Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The World Soccer Festival is an interactive community-building event celebrating the cultural experience inspired by soccer, “the beautiful game,” and the sport that lies at the heart of nations across the world. The event features kids’ 3v3 matches (Grades 2 to 8), an adult international exhibition game, music by Sambatucada: Afro-Brazilian Percussion, an art project, and food. Registration opens July 7. Register by Aug. 9 to reserve your country and team’s flag!
For more information, contact Emmanuel Riby-Williams at ribywilliams@yahoo.com, 802-249-0702, or go to worldsoccerfestival.org
Retail and Grocers Association Awards $15,000 in Scholarships
Two local students were awarded scholarships from the Vermont Retail and Grocers Association’s (VRGA) Scholarship Program, which has awarded $15,000 in all to a total of 10 Vermont students.
Local scholarship awardees are:
Marianna Cleary, a Twinfield Union High School graduate, attending the University of Vermont in Burlington. Cleary is employed by Vermont Retail and Grocers Association member Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier.
Abigail Viens, a graduate of Spaulding High School in Barre, who will be attending Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, Conn. Viens is employed by association member Bailey Road in Montpelier.
Awards and Honors
The following local students have earned a place on the Dean’s List at Saint Anselm College: Emily Swenson, finance major, of Montpelier, and Liam Laidlaw, computer science with math major, of Moretown.
New Legislation: Textured Hair Education Required in Cosmetology Schools
Washington, Vermont, and Maine have recently signed landmark legislation into law requiring the inclusion of textured hair (defined as curly, coily, and wavy hair) education in all cosmetology schools in each respective state, going into effect over the next 12 months.
The new regions join a growing number of states that have passed similar legislation since 2021, including California, Minnesota, Connecticut, Louisiana, and New York. Policymakers who championed the bill include Rep. Melanie Morgan of Washington State, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas of Vermont, and Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross of Maine.
The new laws directly address a gap in representation for the 65% of Americans with textured hair who have historically been left out of cosmetology education and so frequently lack equitable access to professionally trained and licensed stylists. The program also offers a broader scope of skills for beauty professionals, enhancing opportunities for career growth and success as they journey through the industry.
“Every aspiring professional deserves an education that reflects the full spectrum of hair types and textures, and every client deserves access to stylists who are trained to meet their unique needs,” said David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA, President of North America Zone.
These stories were compiled from press releases by Bridge staff unless otherwise noted.
