Charles F. Monette is a poet, teacher, playwright, artist, actor, builder, and U.S. Army veteran.
BRATTLEBORO-Recently, I was saddened, heartbroken actually, to learn that the existing bridges between Hinsdale and Brattleboro might be gated or otherwise closed to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
I began researching past plans that would be implemented for repurposing the Charles Dana and Anna Hunt Marsh bridges after the new bridge was completed downriver.
I gazed at my notes. A sudden dawning surprised me when I looked at the words Connecticut River. The first seven letters jumped out: Connect!
Yes, the river connects the communities of Hinsdale and Brattleboro. I'd never thought of it that way. The river is not a divider. Its waters owe allegiance to neither side. The bridges connect our communities. The river connects!
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Connecticut: Appears to be a derivation of the Indian word "Quonoktacut" (also "Quonecktacut"), interpreted by some to mean "river whose water is driven in waves by tides" winds." Other interpretations include "long river," "the long (without end) river," and "long river place." -U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs
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I never realized that the state is named after the river that runs through it from top to bottom before finally emptying into Long Island Sound.
I've lived in the southern Vermont/New Hampshire area for 45 years: my first nine in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, then seven in Dummerston, and 29 in Brattleboro. The last 14 here at Harris Place, where I begin my walks to the river.
As a carpenter, I've built houses and worked on many carpentry projects on both sides of the river. I have friends in all three communities!
I am a combat-wounded veteran of the Vietnam War. In addition to my leg wound, I've suffered from depression and PTSD. PTSD, you know, after-trauma stress.
In years gone by, I've had multiple hospitalizations for both. However, since I started my walks to and across the river, I've been fine. For me, no matter what the weather, it's a place to let go of stress ... to let go, let it flow downriver.
Admittedly, it's not the only factor: diet, support from family and friends, exercise, counseling, support of the VA all contribute to keep me sane. In the past three years, I've developed a love of photography. Most of my photos are of the ever-changing river and surrounds. Taking pictures engages me and lets me see the beauty.
I don't keep the river to myself. I frequently invite friends and relatives to walk with me. I say hello to strangers I encounter on the bridge. They often marvel at the beauty of the river, and at the majestic beauty of Wantastiquet!
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When the new bridge was completed downstream, the Hinsdale-Brattleboro subcommittee was charged with:
1. "Evaluating existing conditions that may have bearing on the future use and management of the existing bridges and island."
2. "Conduct[ing] outreach and engagement activities to understand public sentiment related to the bridges and island."
3. "Develop[ing] an inclusive vision for the island and the bridge area that is informed by a cross-section of community stakeholders."
Let's come together to revisit this study, to build on it, or to start anew. Let's connect Hinsdale and Brattleboro for the well-being and joy of all.
The mission is complicated. But the health and enjoyment benefits for all are worth it!
Dialogue, not division. Vision, not division. Problem solving. I volunteer to join a committee to connect the Connecticut River to both communities.
We can take it to the banks!
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Postscript: There may be problems with homeless people on the island, or drug use, needles, and the like. I don't know the numbers that Hinsdale police have to deal with. I imagine that's it's costly and an annoyance for them.
But we also need to find solutions for housing and addiction in our towns, to reach out to those who are affected. Together, we have a chance!
This Voices Viewpoint was submitted to The Commons.
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