The Burlington Free Press from Burlington, Vermont • Page 23

Ann Landers, Comics, jc Television, 4c Classifieds, sc Saturday. October 25. 1997 Feature Jui SLCTIOSC ivm Inside Are youth plugged into religion? Religion Stephen Mease Testing 1, 2, 3 Vermont Public Radio, ETV try collaboration as they mark anniversaries By Maria Blackburn irt rV Hnw a the surface, Ver mont ETV' and Vermont Public Radio have a great lenmt ETT 'y deal in common. Both teles tsion and radio stations are non-profit, publi-eallv owned broadcasters, with community boards of directors. Both are dedicated to giving audiences a variety of national programs along ith a taste of what makes Vermont unique.

And both are celebrating significant birthdass this scan Vermont ETV is'30; VPR is 20. But until this year, the two organizations rarely worked together. "I'm always grateful that people don't watch TV in their cars." Vermont ETV spokeswoman Ann Curran pointed out ith a laugh. The stations might provide different services, but in the increasingly competitive world of fund-raising, they pursue the same wallets. Three times a year, both public stations take to the airwaves seeking contributions.

"People have finite dollars to give." Vermont ETV president Hope Green said. The stations also compete for your time, she added. That's part of the reason the ETV and VPR boards of directors started meeting this year. "We spent time talking about who we are and the common purpose we share," said Mark Vogelzang, VPR president and Mean Oct. 1 6.

17 Il9.000houhoiatin 1996. up from 62.000 houvhoMt in IVKO. Number contributor member: 40.000 Annual budget for 1997 98: $5 2 million Whom tno moniy comet from: 56 percent from members; 1 1 percent, federal government; 1 1 percent. Mite of er-mont; 7 percent, leaws: 7 percent, businesses; 4 percent, sales and wrv-ices: 3 percent, (rants; I percent, program fuidc advertising. Fund-raiting campaign: March.

August, December. Nel campaign. Nov. JO Dec. 15.

Signature program: "Vermont Tim Week" with Chris GrafT. "In the Public Interest" and "Point Nonh." Stations: VYVTB. Channel 20 in St. Johnshury: WVLR. Channel 28 in Rutland; WET Channel 33 in Burlingion; VTA.

Channel 41 in Windsor, 36 AX. Channel 36 in Manchester. 5 3 AS Channel 53 in Bennington. Web tlte: hup: www.VermonlETV.org Betty Smith wa Vermont Public Radio' first full-time employee. general manager.

"We both have a unique audience in a rural, isolated state where it's a tricky thing to get a signal to people." And funding is a constant concern, though to varying degrees. Vermont Public Radio is unlike Vermont ETV in that it receives no state money and receives a higher percentage of corporate contributions. The radio station's two-year capital campaign to raise $2 million, which ended in 1995. was so successful that it met its goal four days early. In contrast.

ETV found itself in a budget crisis in 1996 when the Senate Appropriations Committee proposed the state cut its funding to SI. After an outpouring of view ers' support. ETV regained some money, but still lost $362,000. or almost half of its state funding: another $100,000 was later added. Green says her station docs not look to public radio as a guide for its financial success.

"I don't think of them as a model, I think of them as a colleague." she said. ETV rooted in service Vermont ETV was born in an era when educational television was sweeping the country. WCAX-TV, Vermont's only television station at the time, showed some educational programming, but people wanted more. The University of Vermont received the license and owned and operated ETV from 1966 to 1989. The station went on the air Oct.

16, 1967. "The idea was to have us as a resource for the schools and as enrichment for adults," Curran said. "The idea was that we would be funded by the state, but not funded as an institution." National programs like "Dance in America" and See BROADCAST, 4C Methodists create simple circle of help The ladies of the First United Methodic Church hate been running the Every Monday Thrift Shop for a decade, but they still can't believe it works as well as it does. Since 1987, more than $77,600 has been raised from simply selling used clothing and household items. The money is then pumped back into local agencies to help Till the funding gaps left by state and federal social sen ice cutbacks.

Every Monday for about sin hours, including a lunch break, the omen of this downtown Burlington church sort through boxes and bags of old sweaters, used dishes, linens, men's suits and baby clothes. The dedicated corps of mostly retired women shifts through the donations from church members looking for resellablc items. Because all this happens in a church, one is tempted to use the word "miraculous to describe the transformation of discarded clothing and household items into money to help sick children and people in need. But calling it a miracle would diminish the devotion and hard work given by people like Janet Sterling of Burlington, ho pushed for the church to start a weekly thrift shop. Or Esther Morey.

ho has been there from that first Monday and oversees the group's accounting chores. Or 10-ycar veterans like Jean McDonald and Bev Spear who have sorted mountains of clothing. Not to mention countless others who have donated their time or clothing to the cause. Oh, the four founders remind, don't forget the faithful customers who are waiting at the door every Monday at 1 0 a.m. to get first crack at the bargains.

"People are so appreciative of our affordable prices. We have really nice customers," Sterling said. Everything is neatly boxed or hanging on racks, and volunteers are constantly straightening piles. Too much of anything brings out the half-price sale signs. There's a "free" box in the hall.

These women are particularly mindful of the needy, especially around the holidays. Like-new items are often boxed and stored until a few days before the holiday to making shopping easier for those with little resources. Twice a year, the shop makes its seasonal changeover, offering half-price bargains on the out-going apparel to make room for the next. Pricing is kept simple and low. All suit jackets, including a nice, blue, wool Pendleton blazer, sell for a dollar.

Same price for a pair of Dockers or an L.L. Bean flannel shirt. Surprisingly, Sterling's original proposal was met with some resistance by some members of the church in 1987, but she persevered. Her original goal was to raise $100 a week, but the shop well surpasses that. Last year the shop was open for 47 Mondays (it's closed on major holidays) and raised $9,300 for charity.

The money's key, but the thrift shop performs many good deeds along the way, Sterling explains. It helps people clean their houses of things they don't need. It gives the needy a place to shop for clothing and household items at rock-bottom prices. It builds a first-name, caring community for the volunteers and shoppers. And quite often, the money spent comes right back around and helps the community through one of the agencies the thrift shop supports.

It's also democratic. Those who do the work decide how to the spend the money. Over the years, the Visiting Nurse Association's Maternal Child Health program has received a lion's share to help with prescriptions or other medical or family needs. Other programs that have benefited include the Family Room at H.O. Wheeler School, the Joint Urban Ministry Program, the Samaritan Connection, Community Health Services, families hit by floods in the Midwest and Vermont, the Baird Center, the Firehouse Family Shelter and others.

"Whatever comes up, we try to do something," Sterling added. "You have to do what you feel in your heart. This has been a great jov for us," Sterling said. The Every Monday Thrift Shop, located in the rear of the First United Methodist Church. 21 Buell celebrates its 10th anniversary from 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m. Monday. A special drawing for customers to receive free flowers or spe-cial discounts will be held. Stephen Mease is a Free Press editor. If you have a comment or story idea, call 660-1863.

Vermont Public tadit Onolr: Aug. 13. 1977 Number ot llitanor: 130.000 in 1997. up from 32.100 in I9R6. Number of member or contributor: 16.200 Annual budget for 1996 97: $2.3 million Where the money comet from: 52 percent from listeners.

35 percent from business support, 1 1 percent from federal support, 2 percent from ol her. Fund-raising campaign: February. July and November. Next campaign begins Wednesday and runs through Nov. 7.

Signature program: "Switchboard" public affairs call-in show, the "Commentary" scries and "Saturday Afternoon at the Opera" with Peter Fox Smith. Station: WVPS 107.9 FM in Burlington; WVPR 89.5 FM in Windsor; WVRT 88.7 FM in Rutland. Web site: wwwvprnct.org I 4 I It aw i i I m.m 1 I I A If I mm vt I i I Aiitlinr cove cool Out And About In Vermontat, the "Night of illusion" Theme dinner casts appetizing spell fU v. ASlMSir 1 On the prowl for Vermont nightlife 1 1U11IU1 JUJk JVVI love in right places By Carla Wheeler Gannett Sews Service The television show "Love, American Style" went out of style 20 years ago. "The Love Boat" set sail and sank.

And "Love Connection" got disconnected. So where can a single woman or man turn for clues on finding love, 1990s style, without kissing too many frogs? First, turn off the television and get out of the house, say relationship experts such as Connie Merritt, author of "Finding Love The Dating Survival Manual for Women Over 30" (BookPartners; "Get Busy," says Merritt, 50, of La-guna Beach, Calif. "The really good men (and women) are out there living their lives. They are not in bars. They are not in clubs." They might be skydiving, playing golf, swimming, surfing, deep sea fishing, drag racing or skiing.

Of course, toads can live active lives, too. But there are ways to spot them. Probe gently about past relationships and then listen carefully, Merritt says. "Warning flags include anger, bitterness and lack of forgiveness. If he hasn't healed, who is going to get the brunt of his anger?" Men want a partner who doesn't drop heavy baggage on their doorstep.

"They hate paying dues for what another guy did," Merritt says. "Men basically want a friend, not a direct competitor," says David Clarke, 46, from San Bernardino, Calif. because they absolutely couldn't catch a clue, even this close. We looked to the ceiling for mirrors. I examined card backs for holograms.

Could Taubman be wearing special contact lenses, to decipher marks? Have electronics invaded this ancient art? The magician snapped back answers off a Seinfeld soundtrack as the performance proceeded without birds, hats, bunnies or scarves. "Whcn's he going to saw the lady in half?" a participant whispered, stagily. Taubman's trademark, we soon realized, was the intentional flub, which he quickly turned into a trick. OK, illusion. I've seen stress addressed with yoga, meditation, medication, brisk walks in the fresh air.

Cuddling a kitty, experts say, may reduce blood pressure. But I never expected a little night magic coupled with a little too much fancy food to leave such a refreshing residue. The combination was, well, magic. Now if only Taubman could make the $47 tab disappear. Debbl Salomon "A KiRht of Illusion with Steve Taubman" continues every Wednesday through S'ov.

19 in a private dining room off Butler's Restaurant at The Inn at Essex. Fixed price of $47 includes a glass wine or champagne, four-course gourmet dinner and performance. Wheelchair accessible. Reservations required. Call 878-1100.

Been there, done mystery dinners, dinner-theater cruises, dinner cabarets, Medieval dinners and dinners themed around Dickens, Shakespeare and Elvis. Just kidding about Elvis. Each event offered good fcod and good entertainment that, like church and state, belonged apart. So, with mixed expectations I arrived at The Inn at Essex for "A Night of Illusion," the pilot of Wednesday dinners planned for Butler's Restaurant beginning Oct. 29 and continuing through the November doldrums.

Fettucine with Rondini it wasn't. Magic, well-known Burlington magician Steve Taubman informed his audience, lies in the perception of the beholder. My perceptions prempted Taubman's patter. I perceived an elegant private dining room, lit only by black candles rising from pewter candelabra. Chamber music filled conversational voids.

Wintry temperatures, traffic on Susie Wilson Road, and office fatigued faded. The long table set for 1 5 was covered in dusky lace. Women wore little black dresses with sparkly earrings and pearl chokers. During the cocktail half-hour, Taubman former chiropractor, full-time magician circulated, wowing with rubber-band tricks. Illusions, I mean.

Taubman's tantalizing snippet was followed by a fixed-priced ($47) din- ner. Been there, eaten that, I thought, perusing menu choices. Boy, was I wrong. The lobster-cod-cake-on-spin-ach was the best seafood appetizer I've ever eaten. Then, apricot sorbet to clear the palate, a plate of fluffy mesclun, seared salmon or beef filet with foie gras butter, infant veggie garnishes and a dessert sampler.

With a flourish, Taubman strode to his velvet podium at the head of the table. He wore black turtleneck, trousers and jacket with sleeves rolled up to suggest nothing was "up" them. Bet his undies weren't so innocent. This is one sophisticated guy. He prefers "close-up magic" for adults to kiddie parties.

Cards were his prop of choice. Been there, seen that. Just not as well. Magic, expertly executed, can be frustrating. I sensed irritation within the well-fed audience.