Feb. 25, 2016 Essex Reporter

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essex

FeBRUARY 25, 2016

Vol. 36, No. 8

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Legal pot gets local hearing Legislators to host public forum at EHS

By JaSOn Starr The Essex Reporter Before a bill to legalize marijuana makes it to the House of Representatives, Essex’s five reps want to know what their constituents think.

Next Wednesday, March 2, they are hosting a community forum on the topic in the Essex High School cafeteria from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with the help of the Heart and Soul of Essex group. Kayl Cooper, an Essex High School student and Heart and Soul board member, will moderate the discussion. Laura Subin of the Vermont Coalition to Regulate Marijuana will present the proponent view. Mariah Sanderson of the Vermont chapter

of Smart Approaches to Marijuana will present the opponent view.

Citizen questions and an open microphone will follow. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Chittenden County’s representatives in the Senate, where the bill has moved through committees and is on track for a full Senate vote this week, are also expected to attend.

The bill made it out of a Senate committee this week and was slated to come up for a full Senate vote Wednesday after The Essex Reporter went to press.

“We really wanted to hear from people before it comes to the House,” said Essex Junction Rep. Tim Jerman.

Marijuana Legalization Forum WHEN: Wednesday, March 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Essex High School cafeteria

The legislation would legalize the growing, sale, possession and use of marijuana in a limited market regulated by the Vermont Department of Public Safety.

Essex gymnastics does it again

The Senate judiciary and finance committees passed the bill (S. 241) earlier this month. On Monday, it was passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee by a slim margin of 4 to 3.

The bill has been altered through the course of committee work, with the general trend being a reduction in the number of growers and retailers allowed in the state. As introduced, the bill would have allowed for 84 retail outlets statewide and 42 “lounges.”

The bill was pared in the judiciary and finance committees to allow up to 30 retail stores phased in over two years, with 15 permitted when legalization is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2018, and 15 more permitted

by Jan. 1, 2019. Committee members eliminated the allowance of cannabis “lounges,” which were envisioned as the only public places where use would be permitted.

Chittenden County Sen. David Zuckerman explained that the lounge idea was included to ensure people a place to use marijuana, because the bill allows landlords to prevent renters from using the drug and disallows use in motor vehicles.

Chittenden County Sen. Tim Ashe, chairman of the Finance Committee and member of the Judiciary Committee, said lounges were eliminated and the number of retail outlets pared down to take a

– See Pot on page 2a

Unified school board delays superintendent search Temporary project manager to oversee transition

By COLin FLanDerS The Essex Reporter

The essex gymnastics team poses with the championship trophy after winning its 11th-straight state title Saturday afternoon at essex high School.

Kyle ST. PeTer

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ssex cruised to its 11th-straight gymnastics state title on Saturday while also boasting the tournament’s top-two all-around finishers.

On the grandest stage, Essex recorded its second-highest score of the year (142.35), followed

by South Burlington (136.25) and Champlain Valley (133.925). Abigail Gehsmann and Allison Green dueled for the all-around crown, with Green edging her counterpart 36.625 to 35.425.

Essex dominated the field, posting three firstplace event finishes: Gehsmann on the bars, Anna Charland on the beam and Green on the floor.

“If I had to describe how I feel about this season as whole in one word, it would be ‘proud.’ There is not a day that went by that I was not proud of these kids. Each one of them was an asset to the team and played a role in the team’s success,” said head coach Ashley Godin.

She highlighted team captains Gehsmann and Abbie Evans as cornerstones of the team.

“At the end of the day, with or without a win, [team chemistry] is what ultimately made us successful as a team this year,” Godin said.

2015 strong year for real estate in Essex Realtors say new construction is sign of market health

By Liz CantreLL For The Essex Reporter Like other communities in Chittenden County, Essex experienced a healthy residential real estate market in 2015. According to local agents and industry reports, the market continues to show signs of strong recovery from the 2009 recession and is forecasted to continue growing in 2016.

According to a recently released year-end report

by Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty in Burlington, the median sales price in Essex was $267,000 in 2015, an increase of 4.7 percent from 2014.

In 2015, 318 units were sold and there were 398 new listings.

Median home sales price in Essex in 2015

Up 4.7 percent 318 units sold and 398 new listings Source: Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty year-end report

Nancy Jenkins, co-founder and lead agent at Nancy Jenkins Real Estate in South Burlington, says that new construction in Essex demonstrates a vibrant market.

“When you’re looking at a market increasing, one of the things you need to see happening is new construction,” she explained. “In Essex there is a lot of new construction, so you know that’s a sign the market is in recovery and healthy.”

One example is the ongoing Five Corners project in downtown Essex Junction. And recently, the Champlain Housing Trust Authority announced its $3.9 million purchase of 31 graduate-student Ethan Allen apartments from the University of Vermont.

According to statements from the nonprofit housing authority, 12 units will remain rental apartments, but over the next three years, 19 units will be sold as

affordable homes.

Jenkins, who has been a real estate agent since 1981, described the local real estate market as a series of concentric circles that recover “from the center out of Burlington.” As Burlington becomes a “hotter” market, there are fewer homes to purchase, so prospective buyers look outside the center towards towns in the second-tier “recovery zone,” like Essex.

According to Jenkins, there are 58 single-family homes and condominiums currently available in Essex.

Janice Battaline, an agent at RE/MAX North in Colchester, says that last summer’s successful takeover of IBM by Global Foundries has also eased concerns about the market’s stability.

“I think a lot of people have breathed a sigh of relief with the transfer of IBM to Global Foundries,” she explained. “Some people said ‘well if IBM moves out of Essex, what will happen to the housing?’”

Battaline, who has been a realtor for 33 years, said that Essex appeals to many people for its quality of life, including younger buyers who may want the convenient access to downtown Burlington without the rental prices.

For younger first-time buyers, “the potential tax advantages of home ownership versus renting, especially with interest rates as low as they are, it makes sense to purchase something rather than rent,” she said.

Jenkins agreed. “I see a lot of ‘millennium’ buyers who are very frugal and looking carefully.

There are great condos and they are selling well to younger buyers who are doubling up with a friend or partner,” she explained.

According to Jenkins, the time is now for prospective buyers looking at homes under $400,000.

It remains a buyers’ market for homes under that price point, she said.

“Right now the interest rates are still great and there are special programs for those who are income sensitive,” Jenkins explained, but added that buyers should be prepared to make a strong offer against other buyers at homes prices in the $200,000$250,000 range.

Last June, Gov. Peter Shumlin signed a bill that helps first-time Vermont homebuyers defray the expense of closing costs and down payments by providing up to $5,000 for qualified buyers.

– See rEAL EstAtE on page 3a

The Essex-Westford Unified Union School District will have to wait until at least September before beginning the search for a superintendent, according to Martha Heath, the unified board’s newly elected chairwoman.

At its first meeting as an official entity — held at the Brownell Library in Essex Junction on Feb. 13 — the 10-member board supported a recommendation made by Essex Town School District Superintendent Mark Andrews and Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Superintendent Judy DeNova to contract with a project manager to serve in a temporary position.

The manager will help coordinate the consolidation process leading up to the unified school district’s first day of operation on July 1, 2017. The position will be funded by a transition grant provided by the Vermont Agency of Education.

Heath said that since both

Andrews and DeNova still have to serve in their current capacities as superintendents of the two districts, along with overseeing the transition responsibilities of each, the temporary role made sense.

“It just seemed like the most viable option for making sure the work can get done — in a way that’s as smooth possible — and that we have someone who is working directly with the board to make sure that’s happening,” Heath said.

The project manager will lead communications between two superintendents’ offices and the school board, ensuring the “whole slew” of transition tasks are completed in a timely manner, Heath said. These tasks include contract negotiations as well as combining the two districts’ financial and curriculum systems.

Heath said the timeframe for hiring superintendents usually falls between January and May. Since the board wasn’t officially sworn in until Jan. 26 at its required organizational meeting, beginning a search during this hiring season

– See sChooL on page 3a

High school places boys' hockey coach on leave during investigation

Essex High School boys' hockey head coach Bill O'Neil has been placed on paid administrative leave during an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior between two players, according to Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Superintendent Judith DeNova.

“This is not a disciplinary status and does not reflect any finding of misconduct by the coach,” read a press release sent out by DeNova’s office this week. “It was the judgment of the administration that the action was appropriate while we work to better understand the full scope and nature of the concerning behavior.”

O'Neil is an English teacher at the high school, and will remain in the classroom during the investigation. Coaches at the high school receive a stipend for the season.

In his 43rd year with the team, O'Neil recently received the John Mariucci award, a national honor given annually to the coach who best promotes the spirit of the game and growth of the sport in the United States.

Last week, a player on the team was suspended after “allegations of inappropriate behavior” involving another teammate were reported, according to Principal Rob Reardon.

The incident was reported

to an assistant principal at the high school on Feb. 5, Reardon said. From there, the school made a report to the Department for Children and Families while also notifying Essex Police.

Sgt. Michael Warren, director of the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, a countywide task force that specializes in sexual crimes, confirmed last week that his unit has since taken over the investigation.

Essex played its final game of the regular season at BFA-St. Albans on Feb. 17. A day later, The Essex Reporter received calls from parents concerned that the suspended player had been sitting on the bench with the team during its final game.

"We were made aware and we’ve addressed it,” Reardon said when asked about the concerns.

He declined to comment further, and wouldn't confirm or deny if the decision to place O'Neil on leave was related to the complaints.

Essex, which boasts the second seed in the state tournament, hosted No. 7-ranked South Burlington on Wednesday. The team will be led by assistant coaches Jay Parent, Andrew Roy and Rich Celia and will be joined by lacrosse head coach Dean Corkum.

— Staff report

Summer camps See pages 8-9

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

Tackling economic obstacles

Making a living wage is tough for Vermont women

By Liz Cantrell For The Essex Reporter

W

hat’s the largest economic obstacle for Vermont women? According to Carmen Tall, an Essex woman who was recently named director of the Women’s Small Business Program at Mercy Connections, the answer is simple.

“Making a living wage,” Tall said.

According to a report released last month

by Change The Story VT — an ongoing strategic partnership to improve women’s economic status in Vermont—Tall is right.

The report shows that 43 percent of women who work full time do not earn enough to meet basic expenses as defined by Vermont’s Joint Fiscal Office. Of those, 17 percent make hourly wages of less than $10.10 an hour.

The report explained that women in Vermont are significantly more likely than men to live in poverty or economic insecurity. The group used U.S. Census Bureau Public Use data to determine that 57 percent of Vermont women have incomes that fall below $30,000, while 57 percent of men have incomes above that figure.

Addressing those troubling figures and helping women find financial security is one of Mercy Connections’ primary goals. Mercy Connections is an educational nonprofit seeking to advance Vermont women’s selfsufficiency through education, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community.

Accordingly, the nonprofit sponsors many programs, trainings, and events designed to help women identify and understand their financial situation and make plans for the future.

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and financial experts in the Chittenden County community.

One of Mercy Connections’ signature offerings, The Women’s Small Business Program, has continuously operated since the days of Trinity College in Burlington.

Mercy Connections itself was founded by the Sisters of Mercy as an educational nonprofit after Trinity College closed in 2001.

Self-employment and entrepreneurship can be beneficial to women for several reasons, Tall said, and can help women take control of their work situation.

“Women often have different life goals.

They may appreciate self employment and flexibility that it offers,” she explained, adding “It is also a sense of empowerment when you’re running your own business.”

Yet, the road to self-employment may not be easy for Vermont women. In its 2013 assessment, The Center for Women in Business — a project of the U.S. Chamber of Commerc e— found that Vermont had a lower than average share of full-time selfemployed workers who are female. Vermont ranked 35th out of all 50 states, and its share of female self-employed workers was 35.8 percent.

Mercy Connection’s Women’s Small Business Program aims to change those statistics. Women can enroll in a 15-week “Start Up” course. Students leave the class with a bank-ready business plan that has been reviewed by lenders and financial experts in the Chittenden County community.

These volunteers provide invaluable

POT

from page 1a more deliberate approach than the initial bill outlined.

“We believed that going slowly and making sure we have a workable, cautious ramp-up period was the smart approach,” Ashe said.

It will fall on the Vermont Department of Public Safety to regulate all aspects of legalization, including considering retailer and grower permit applications. The department will aim to distribute retailers throughout the state so all areas are served and no area is over-saturated, according to Ashe. Proponents hope to maintain enough legal competition to keep prices low enough to undercut the black market, Zuckerman said.

The bill also sets up a marijuana advisory board and a cannabis commission to advise the department on whether there is a need for more retailers after 2019 and to study the possibility of allowing people to grow marijuana on their property and of allowing the sale of cannabis-infused edibles.

Municipalities will be allowed to prohibit the permitting of marijuana retailers within their boundaries through the passage of local ordinances or land use regulations.

The Essex Junction Board of Trustees has in recent years attempted to preclude massage parlors suspected of offering illegal sexual services from operating in the village with land use restrictions. Those efforts are on

Carmen Tall was recently named director of the Women’s Small Business Program at Mercy Connections. Photo contributed

feedback for students “before they get in front of the banker,” Tall said. She can testify firsthand to the classes’ effectiveness, since she previously taught many of them and witnessed her student’s successes.

In addition to entrepreneurship, Mercy Connections encourages basic financial literacy, a crucial life skill that many Vermont women are not adequately prepared for.

Last year, Champlain College’s Center for Financial Literacy used national data to compile a “national report card” on state efforts to improve the financial literacy of high school graduates. Vermont received a grade of “D.” Among other things, Vermont schools were not instructed to require personal finance classes for graduation; personal finance topics are often taught in elective courses, if they are taught at all; and how these standards are implemented is left up to the school districts.

At Mercy Connections, women can sign up for seven-week personal finance classes with an optional coaching component, and collaboratively move toward their goals.

“That’s where the coaching comes in,” Tall explained. “It helps women implement and design new habits.”

Mercy also hosts a “resource night,” which Tall describes as “financial speed dating.”

“You go from table to table — insurance, investments, websites — and meet with different representatives from the community. And it’s a wonderful win-win experience.”

Tall stressed that the financial counseling Mercy offers is not crisis management, but rather long-term planning.

“We help you get a global picture. It’s ‘how can we maximize the money you’re making?’” she said Women of all ages have sought Mercy’s resources.

“Every decade has been represented in these classes,” Tall recalled, “from late 20s and up. We have some women who are 50 or older whose children are gone, and maybe they want to take their life skills and make a business out of them.”

Tall, who graduated from Champlain College and Trinity College with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and founded her own mortgage company in Essex Junction, said she wished she had known about these options earlier in her life.

“I had no idea there were all these resources, especially for women owned businesses,” she recalled.

At an individual level, Mercy Connections encourages women to work in industries that they are passionate about and in jobs that display their strengths.

“Maximize your strength and minimize weaknesses— that’s a formula for success,” Tall said. hold, but board member Elaine Sopchak said she is in favor of using those tools to prevent a marijuana store from opening locally.

Sopchak is opposed to legalizing marijuana in Vermont.

“My inclination would be to prevent a store like that from opening in the village,” she said.

Essex Police Chief Brad Larose is also opposed to legalization. He signed on to a statement from the Chittenden County Law Enforcement Executives group that was presented as testimony in the Senate in January. The statement cites detrimental health effects from marijuana use, predicts an increase in impaired driving and expresses doubt that the black market and drug violence would be diminished.

“We feel strongly that this is an issue that will negatively impact citizens and have ripple effects across a broad spectrum of vocations — medicine, education, transportation, regulatory agencies, and policing to name a few,” the statement says.

Zuckerman, one of the leading legalization proponents in the Senate, said advocates are not promoting marijuana use, but rather seeking a better way to manage it statewide.

Legalization will promote more responsible use, he said, and reduce citizen interactions with black market drug dealers who often introduce people to more harmful drugs.

Also, revenue created through legal sales — the bill proposes a 25 percent tax — will be funneled into drug prevention, education and treatment programs, Zuckerman said.

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

News Briefs

Police beat

Essex Elementary holds meeting for parents of incoming kindergartners

The Essex Elementary School welcomes parents who have children who will be 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2016 to a kindergarten information meeting.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 3 from 6-7 p.m. in the school cafeteria, and will start promptly.

Parents attending the meeting will learn about the placement and registration process, along with receiving enrollment information. We kindly ask that children do not attend this parent-only meeting.

Appointments for our kindergarten registration week in April are set up at this meeting. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may pick up enrollment information beginning on Friday, March 4.

Study committee to explore recreation service options

The Essex Board of Trustees and selectboard have decided to move forward with a committee tasked with exploring different ways to provide recreation services to the town and village.

Currently, the village recreation and parks department

Real Estate from page 1a

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency administers the program, but rather than lending money directly to homebuyers, VHFA works with credit unions and community banks. Homebuyers will ultimately pay back the assistance money as a zero interest loan when the home is sold or refinanced. Low- and moderate-income Vermonters who make up to $100,000 qualify for the program.

Battaline said that low interest rates and low homefuel prices mean that buyers can save money and have “great buying power.” At the same time, she cautioned, tight inventory means that sellers can largely expect to see competitive offers on their home.

Forecasting for the year ahead, Jenkins said the November elections may have an impact. Generally, she said,

is regulated by the Prudential Committee, the board that oversees the village school district. When the EssexWestford unified school district begins operation on July 1, 2017, the Prudential Committee will cease to exist, essentially orphaning the village recreation department.

The Prudential Committee joined the trustees and selectboard at the Essex Junction Recreation and Parks building on Feb. 16 to discuss the department’s fate.

The three boards endorsed a 10-member study committee to be made up of two members from the Prudential Committee, one member from both the board of trustees and selectboard (along with an alternate from each), and six residents — three from the town and three from the village.

The committee will explore the options in the next few months before reporting its recommendation to the three boards, aiming for a tentative date in July.

Brad Luck, director of the village recreation and parks department, highlighted some of these options, including the consolidation of the village and town departments into one. Luck resigned from the selectboard on Jan. 26 in anticipation of these discussions, citing a potential conflict of interest.

“an election year is a good year. It’s an enthusiastic year.”

However, the outcome of the election may affect what types of, and how many, first time homebuyers are able to get federal funding, she continued.

Jenkins also cautioned that interest rates are likely to increase and inventory will continue going down, so buyers may want to act fast.

For now, while interest rates are still under 4 percent and the local market is healthy, prospective homebuyers can take several steps to ensure a smooth process.

As for prospective sellers, setting a reasonable sales price at the start will help retain the near full value of the home.

For 2015, the finals sales price was between 97-98 percent of the original listed sales price, Battaline said.

Battaline also indicated that 2015’s positive growth reflects, “the rates we historically see— slow but steady.”

Jenkins agreed, stating the industry is doing well and “there is no big downturn on the horizon.”

School from page 1a

Westford man arrested in DUI

A Westford man was arrested for DUI on Monday after police were searching for him in connection to an incident in Fairfax.

Vermont State Police say they responded to 1030 Osgood Hill Road in Westford, following up on an alleged assault.

That’s when Justin D. Morrill, 25, arrived at the residence. Police say Morrill admitted to have been drinking in Fairfax,

Justin D. Morrill Courtesy of Vermont State Police

and subsequently was found to have a BAC of .112.

Morrill was arrested and taken to the Vermont State Police Barracks in St. Albans for processing.

He was later released on citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court on March 14.

Suspended license leads to arrest

An Underhill man was arrested for driving with a suspended license on Monday evening.

Police say the license of Timothy Young, 37, had been suspended due to DUI convictions and a violation of conditions of release related to a DUI and previous charges of driving with a suspended license.

He was released on citation to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court on March 22.

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Members of the unified school board pose for a picture at Brownwell Library during their first official meeting on Feb. 13.

Photo contributed

wasn’t realistic, Heath said. The board is aiming to have the new superintendent begin work when the unified district officially takes over in 2017.

In addition to adopting the tentative framework for the transition, the board spent some time getting to know each other before receiving an overview of school board responsibilities, presented by Nicole Mace, executive director of the Vermont School Boards Association.

The unified board also elected its officers, who will

serve in the positions for one year. Heath, one of the two Westford residents on the board, was chosen as the board’s chairwoman, while town resident Kim Gleason and village resident Marla Durham were chosen as the vice chair and clerk, respectively.

“It’s going to be a daunting job, but it’s an exciting time as well,” Heath said in regards to her role as chairwoman.

The board plans to meet again sometime in early March.

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

O pinion Perspective Moving past Town Meeting traditions

By Vanessa Phelan Zerillo Town Meeting in Essex, a tradition for Vermont, dates back to the 17th Century. Frank Bryan, political science professor at the University of Vermont and the author of Real Democracy: The New England Town Meeting and How It Works states that “Democracy begins at home and we learn values at face-to-face gatherings.”

I couldn’t agree more with the concept; interpersonal communications are a part of being a civilized community and society. However, although we may bemoan the fact that times have changed, they have. In the Town of Essex (in which Essex Junction voters are included), 308 voters out of 15,017 of those registered participated in the face-to-face Town Meeting in March 2015. That is 2.05 percent. Such a low percentage of registered voters attending our Town Meeting seems unfortunate, doesn’t it? Is it apathy or busy schedules? Likely both – and more, I believe.

We know that Town Meeting in Essex takes place for only a few short hours on one evening. What happens if you are a deployed serviceman or servicewoman? You cannot vote for our municipal budget. How about if there is an unexpected illness of a child or family member that one evening? Sorry, you’re out of luck. Perhaps your work involves out-of-town responsibilities that night? Nope, your vote is not possible.

Maybe you’re a senior and cannot drive, or you are housebound because of your age or disability? Sorry, Town Meeting does not allow for absentee ballots as a ballot election would.

Instead of just complaining about these circumstances, a group of concerned citizens of Essex Town and Essex Junction had their first meeting in February of 2014 to try and problem-solve some possible options to this dilemma.

We did our homework about voting, spoke to the Vermont Secretary of State’s office on several occasions and began to pursue the language of a petition to place the question of “allowing the municipal budget(s) of Essex and Essex Junction to be voted upon by Australian ballot.” We believed that everybody should have the opportunity to vote between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any given election day. We communicated our ongoing thoughts to both the selectboard and the Village Trustees. After several meetings, they offered the option of establishing an independent committee with the assistance of Heart and Soul grant as well as financial support from the selectboard to hire independent facilitators/consultants to support the effort.

Although some on the original petition group were not in favor of this alternative direction and wanted to continue pursuing the petition, the majority thought that such a vehicle would establish greater collaboration and validity to the collective work.

The Essex Governance Group (EGG) was formed and worked throughout the fall of 2014, finishing their work in March 2015. In a nutshell, the recommendation of that group regarding voting was to have an Essex Democracy Day in place of the current Town Meeting in March, where the municipal budget was discussed and final recommendations made – and that those recommendations would then be voted upon by ballot at the same time the school district ballot votes occurred in April. As well, this group also recommended that we have one vote of all budgets on one day to insure that voters better understood what they were voting for. Although verbally supportive of the Essex Governance Group’s efforts, the selectboard and trustees wanted more information and recommended follow-up through two sub-committees.

The Thoughtful Growth in Action (TGIA) committee was then born and worked throughout the fall and just finished its work in January. The Voting Subcommittee is currently in its planning stage and is supposed to begin its efforts soon.

As many with whom we spoke have said, “governments work at a snail’s pace.”

It is undeniable that progress is slow in government, local or otherwise. It is also somewhat understandable that our town fathers and mothers are working hard to investigate merged services and trying to coordinate multiple schedules to make any and all charter changes at one time, especially in light of the Regional Education District (RED) vote that was approved in November to merge the school districts in Essex Town, Essex Junction and Westford. It is now two years since the original group of concerned citizens began their work to give every registered voter in Essex Town and Essex Junction the full opportunity to vote on all budgets.

Many of our veterans, seniors, disabled and those who simply have to work to pay their bills continue to be disenfranchised voters of Essex Town and Essex Junction.

Town Meeting is tradition, but it is simply not the right tradition anymore for all.

Vanessa Phelan Zerillo of Essex was a member of the Thoughtful Growth in Action committee and the Essex Governance Group. She is volunteering on the new Voting Subcommittee.

Letters to the Editor

No return on divestment

Since the 2016 legislative session began, Gov. Peter Shumlin has begun calling for state managed funds to divest from coal companies and ExxonMobil stocks. During my career as a consulting economist, I have often been asked to examine the risk of proposed fiscal policy. While the political benefits of divestment may be appealing to some, unfortunately the economic risks could harm the financial security of Vermont’s retirees.

Divestment entails serious and immediate financial consequences for the $4.02 billion Vermont State Pension Fund and its 50,000 public sector beneficiaries. State Treasurer Beth Pearce understands this and has called for “a real assessment of the cost and benefits” of divestment. When the State Treasury studied divestment in November 2014 it found that costs to the state pension funds would include $10 million per year in lost returns and another $8.5 million in implementation fees. Clearly a well-diversified investment portfolio is better for Vermont’s pension beneficiaries.

The mission statement of the Vermont Pension Investment Committee (VPIC) is to manage investments for the Vermont public pensions “with integrity, prudence and skill to meet or exceed the financial objectives of the beneficiaries of the funds.” Given that mission, it would be imprudent, and violate fiduciary responsibility, to risk millions in returns to make a political point about fossil fuel use. In fact, the very reason the VPIC was set up is so that public funds could be stewarded by an independent body, not susceptible to political pressure and whims.

It’s clear that divestment makes little sense in terms of dollars and fiduciary duty, but it also fails on the environmental front, which is supposedly Shumlin’s motivation.

Selling stock in fossil fuel companies will do nothing to lower greenhouse gas emissions or address climate change.

For starters, the handful of energy specific or company specific equities that would be sold off will be immediately bought by other market participants.

Additionally, the proposal to divest from fossil fuel stocks takes the very limited view that suppliers of these

General Manager Suzanne Lynn

Editor/Co-Publisher Maria Archangelo news@essexreporter.com Office Manager Michael McCaffrey michael@essexreporter.com

Rep. Bob Bancroft Westford

No doubt about Cook I am writing in support of Sue Cook for Essex Selectboard. I have known Sue for 15 years and have every confidence she possesses the skills to provide our community with cautious, thorough evaluation of issues and proposals.

Sue gained her skills working as a project manager for IBM, as well as working for other organizations in our area, including Efficiency Vermont.

Sue has been a vital member of Essex Junction as she raised her two children here. She continues to be a valued member of the community, participating in local board meetings and events. It is not unusual to see Sue talking with people at most local gatherings.

Sue has a great gift to be able to look

From the Statehouse This week at the Statehouse was one that featured two endangered Paul species: The African Rhino Dame and the Vermont small business. We spent about an hour on the House floor this week debating a law that would ban the sale of ivory within our state’s borders.

This is already a federal crime, and we were told that under the Vermont law, if you get a relative to sign something saying the piece of ivory you are selling is an antique and has been in the family since before the federal ban in the 70s, you can escape enforcement — a helpful workaround for criminals, an unfortunate requirement for anyone who inherited an antique before thinking to ask their dying relative to sign an affidavit.

Meanwhile the mandatory paid sick leave bill passed and goes to the governor to sign in to law. Despite attempts in both the House and the Senate to give an exemption to small businesses, advocates for this bill refused to budge.

While we exempt businesses of 50 employees and smaller from mandatory health insurance benefits, giving the same benefit waiver to businesses as small as 10, five or even three employees was out of the question for this bill. I even put forward an amendment to exempt family members of owners — it was also rejected. But luckily for the largest private employer in the state, they have a lobbying team that I’m sure helped to ensure exemptions for their per diem workers. This creates a very peculiar situation for me; my wife is a per diem LNA at the UVM Medical Center, so they do not have to give her paid sick time under the law, but if I were to hire her as a per diem employee to help my small business, I would. I’ve talked to a number of sole proprietors like myself who tell me the same thing — they will turn away new clients before they hire an employee. While this bill may help the people who will keep their jobs after it’s implemented, my concern is for businesses out there who will never hire their first employee due to the current burden on small businesses and the constant concern that every time the Legislature meets they will add something

Reporter The

fuels are to blame for climate change.

But what about all of the companies, and individuals, that buy and use fossil fuels to power their production processes or to light their homes?

By the logic of those calling for divestment, we should also divest from any company that uses fossil fuel.

When pressured to divest, the University of Vermont, my own alma mater, unanimously rejected divestment and made it clear that it is the university’s fiduciary responsibility to serve its faculty and students and that divestment would pose a significant risk to financial returns. As many have pointed out, allowing legislators to insert their political agenda into the state’s retirement fund and use beneficiaries’ dollars to push ulterior motives, whether social or political, sets a bad precedent. Simply put, as Beth Pearce states, legislating divestment and investment decisions is simply not good investment policy. That’s why organizations like the Vermont Troopers’ Association, Vermont Retired State Employees Association, Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the Vermont State Employees Association have all passed resolutions calling for funds to be managed by VPIC in accordance with fiduciary responsibilities, not by the legislature.

For the security and well-being of Vermont’s retirees we need to let our public financial managers do their jobs and not legislate investment decisions.

Essex

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The Essex Reporter makes every effort to be accurate. If you notice an error, please contact us at 878-5282, or by e-mail at news@essexreporter.com.

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at all sides of an issue. She is not rapidly reactive, rather she is deliberate in her process of evaluation and next-step planning. Sue is confident, well-read, and no doubt able to digest the weekly packet for selectboard meetings, review and evaluate its contents, and be ready to participate each and every Monday at meetings.

I admire Sue’s ability to research any issue, debate both sides of the issue, and come to a conclusion based on data. Her cool-headed reasoning skills do not go unnoticed by those who work with her.

I support Sue in her candidacy for selectboard. I encourage you all to vote for Sue Cook and know her skill and expertise will serve all of Essex well.

Wendy A. James Essex Junction

We deserve Wrenner We deserve an Essex Selectboard member who is honest, knowledgeable, caring and works tirelessly on behalf of all of us. I am grateful for the many hours and years of public service that selectboard member Irene Wrenner has dedicated to our town. Therefore, I’m making it a priority to vote for Wrenner for selectboard.

Junko Newman Essex Town

Cook’s commitment apparent I would like to use this opportunity to endorse Sue Cook for the Essex Selectboard. As well as neighbors for many years, Sue and I have worked together on the Essex Energy Committee for the past two years. The energy committee has benefited from Sue’s participation, in which she makes great use of her project management and research background.

Sue has a strong commitment to the Essex community as demonstrated through her participation in the Thoughtful Growth in Action work group in 2015. I believe that Sue will be a terrific member of the Essex Selectboard and encourage all Essex residents to vote for her in the March 1 election.

Reed Parker Essex Town

further. Since the law doesn’t apply to part-time workers, I expect that we’ll see an increase in the number of full-time workers who go to part time for those small businesses who can barely afford to make payroll today. While paid sick leave is an important benefit that every respectable business offers its employees, the problem with mandating it for everyone makes it harder for an entrepreneur to grow a business into one that can afford to offer it. The final vote was 81-64 with a handful of Democrats joining every Republican and every Independent voting against it.

When questions came up on the floor about how many workers were getting exempted among the eight categories of exemptions — no one knew. When questions came up about how the paid time was affected by bonuses, commissions and other forms of compensation — no one knew. When we asked the simple question about when a worker took a sick day would they get paid at the rate they earned the time, or the rate they were being paid the day they took the time — no one knew. How can we expect businesses, or even the Department of Labor to interpret the law when even the Legislature itself does not know what is intended by the legislation we pass? This bill is an example of everything that is wrong in Montpelier; a group of advocates wanting to push legislation forward with little to no consideration of the unintended consequences, reinforcing the fact that Vermont is not business friendly.

On the other hand this week also saw a great example of the legislative process at its best. Last week the Human Services Committee that I serve on passed a bill related to changes to the mandatory reporter laws. Last year, we removed language that allowed mandated reporters to “cause a report to be made” which resulted in reports being made internally — but not to the state. After we fixed it, hospitals have now been filing unnecessary duplicative reports. Even though they had never come in contact with the child, administrators were forced to contact DCF when they learned that a report had been made. So our committee put forward a bill that would require a report to be filed if there were new information, but not require duplicative reports that added no new information. Our committee supported the new bill with a unanimous 11-0 vote, but when it went to the rest of the House, a number of people raised concerns and nearly one-third of the House voted against. Sensing the considerable divide, our committee (led by our chair) decided to postpone action on the bill — even though there were enough votes to push it through — and instead met with those who opposed the bill to work toward a solution that everyone agreed on. A week later, our committee took that input and drafted an amendment that clarified our intent, satisfied all parties, and ended up with unanimous support of the House. It was really an honor to have both Republicans and Democrats commend our committee for taking the time to get it right and work with opponents, even though the majority vote we had the prior week indicated we didn’t have to.

Speaking of hearing from both sides, I want to thank Tim Jerman who has helped to organize a forum on the legalization of marijuana that will do just that — hear from both sides. Wednesday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Essex High Cafeteria. Come listen and speak to both the pros and cons of the issue with all of your Essex and Westford House representatives.

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

Visit us online for more

Current Exhibits & Upcoming Events

www.essexreporter.com/arts-and-entertainment

Pieces of art

Local quilt guild exhibit shines at senior center through March

By Liz CantreLL For The Essex Reporter

quilt, “Starry, Starry Night” pays homage to Van Gogh’s design with swirls of yellow and blue stars above a sleepy village. Harrison put her own touch by encapsulating the peaceful scene in a circle, and adding a tree to the left. She also arranged an arc of 12 golden stars over the scene.

Masenas, the third-place winner, has been with the guild for over 20 years. Her quilt “Starry Night” depicts two hands catching falling stars.

Masenas is also active in making “fidget quilts” for Alzheimer’s patients.

Made of various textures and fabrics, these quilts are designed to soothe patients through the sense of touch.

Masenas is especially fond of “crazy quilts,” a design that emphasizes smaller pieces of fabric, irregular shapes, embellishment, and multiple patterns. Crazy quilts are labor intensive— while she can make six to nine fidget quilts per month, Masenas completes just one crazy quilt per year.

Johnson agreed. Quilting, she said, “takes a lot of patience. And if you’re not patient, you will learn to be!”

For example, a queen size appliquéd quilt Johnson made last year took about 400 hours to complete.

Sewing machines can help speed up the process, but Johnson says much of the fine, detailed work must be done by hand.

Johnson has been quilting since 1984. When she moved to Vermont in 1995, she began volunteering at the Shelburne Museum, documenting and photographing its quilt collection. She gradually met quilters around the state and became a member of the guild in 2005.

Johnson is particularly interested in hexagon patchwork.

She focuses on quilts with honeycomb patterns and bee designs for her quilting business, Vermont Quilt Bee. Johnson does commissions and also presents her work with the guild and other quilting associations.

Quilts of all styles— and stars— will be on display during February and March at the Essex Area Senior Center, where the Champlain Valley Quilt Guild is presenting its annual “challenge quilts” from 2015.

Last year’s “Reach for the Stars” challenge theme invoked achievement and aspiration. Quilters interpreted the theme in a variety of ways, from customary star-block designs, to tributes of famous paintings, to abstract expressions.

“These quilts range from an image of the cosmos to a traditional eight-pointed star pattern,” said guild member Hope Johnson of Shelburne.

Quilters were required to use a star or stars in the design, and the quilt’s perimeter could not exceed 144 inches. Guild members voted for the quilts that best expressed the theme and awarded first, second, and third ribbons.

Marya Lowe won first prize for her “Star Child” quilt.

Essex Junction residents Jeanette Harrison and I Jane Masenas won second e and third places. s Harrison began quilting d in 2002 after she retired e g and moved to Vermont from w Connecticut. A lifelong l lover of fabrics, she went to y a quilting store and met a Dutch woman who worked y there. Harrison, who is also f native Dutch, immediately t sensed an opportunity s when she learned that the e woman was a member of k , the quilt guild. Harrison e has been involved with the e guild ever since.

To Harrison, 2015’s e e “Reach for the Stars” theme g immediately brought to g mind fellow Dutchman n Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic t painting, The Starry Night.

“One of my dinner e plates has The Starry Night n pattern and I thought it d e would be good to put it in o a circle,” Harrison recalled.

Set on simple dark g blue cloth, Harrison’s , e h n e d e e Tuesday, March 8th t Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM e March d Location: Unsworth Law PLC e 26 Railroad Avenue, estate — Essex Jct. — planning k March 10th seMinars Thursday, , Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM t Location: The Best Western d 45 Blush Hill Rd.; Waterbury n d Tuesday, March 15th k Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM e

Location: Unsworth Law PLC

26 Railroad Avenue, k Essex Jct. e m To reserve your seat, call 879-7133 or x register online at unsworthlaw.net d e 26 Railroad Ave. / Essex Jct., VT (802) 879-7133 / unsworthlaw.net

For Johnson, the guild — and all the opportunities it has afforded its members —is indicative of Vermont’s vibrant arts community.

“It’s very entrepreneurial here,” she said. “Vermont is such a great state for the arts.”

Formed in 1979 with about 15 original members, the guild has since grown to about 200 quilters. Its mission is “to promote an interest in the art of quilting both among its members and in the community, to educate members and the community in all aspects of quilting, and to provide encouragement for quilters.”

The guild meets monthly from September through June. Meetings include socializing, business, show and tell, and a featured program, many with nationally known speakers and workshops.

The guild’s activities have evolved to include trips, quilting retreats, and workshops. It also encourages quilters to give back to their communities, such as donating quilts to nursing homes, senior centers, and infant medical centers. For example, in the quilting year 2012-2013, the guild donated 412 “preemie quilts” to the UVM Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Looking ahead, the guild has chosen a new challenge theme for 2016 — “All That Jazz.” Quilts must be based

left to right: hope Johnson of Shelburne created this

on a jazz song and have “Starflower” quilt. a musical element in the Marya lowe won first prize for her “Star Child” quilt. design. The quilts will be on Jeanette harrison won second prize for “Starry, Starry night.”

PhoToS ConTriBuTed display at the Champlain Valley Quilt Guild’s annual show at the Champlain Valley Expo this October.

Johnson also hopes that the guild can attract younger quilters through community exhibits, such as the annual show. Quilting tends to be CALL FOR ARTISTS. The 10th annul Discover the Heart of the a hobby of older people, she Islands: Open Farm and Studio Tour will be taking place this said, because of the time it summer on July 9 and 10 and is looking for local artists to exhibit takes to complete projects.

Additionally, there can be a and demonstrate their work. All artists will be clustered in 14 divide between younger and different locations around South Hero, North Hero, Grand Isle older practitioners in terms and Isle Lamotte. All venues will have an appropriate number of of style. artist spaces for exhibiting and demonstrating work. This event “Unfortunately, people allows people to visit vineyards, farms, gardens, art studios, tend to polarize themselves between traditional and galleries, and farmers’ markets. Meet the artists, agricultural modern rather than producers and their animals living and working within sight of, understanding it’s all good, and sometimes at the edge of Lake Champlain. Registration and there’s inspiration from for artists before Feb. 5 is $50, after this the price increases. all designs,” Johnson said.

Information: http://www.openfarmandstudio.com/ Through the challenge quilts, guild members are finding inspiration and encouragement to branch out.

Harrison said she typically made traditional patterns, but has been inspired to try different things because of NAJAWA: A STORY OF PALESTINE. A 45-foot “street comic” the challenge quilts.

Masenas agreed. Her tells the story of a Palestinian woman’s life, created by local love of quilting is not because artist Michelle Sayles in collaboration with artist and educator of award or recognition, Jen Berger and Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel. she said, but rather “the On display through March 1. Fletcher Free Library Mezzanine creativity and sense of Balcony, Burlington. Gallery open during normal library hours. satisfaction when something Information: http://www.fletcherfree.org/programming.html is finished.”

Upcoming Events

Current Exhibits

The Champlain Valley Quilt Guild’s “Reach for the Stars” exhibit is on display at the Essex Area Senior Center through March.

For more listings visit: www.essexreporter.com/ arts-and-entertainment

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Essex Automotive Services ROTTEN TO THE CORE

Today’s automobile radiators are composed of two plastic tanks that attach to either side of an aluminum core consisting of metal tubes and fins. While the plastic tanks are lightweight, they are also susceptible to cracking and leaking over time. When this problem arises, the engine will overheat and sustain severe damage if the radiator is not immediately replaced. While it may seem possible to repair a plastic radiator tank with epoxy, this fix is usually not recommended. Epoxy may effectively seal a leak in a windshield washer reservoir, but a plastic radiator tank is subjected to great heat and pressure. In addition, the tank’s glass-reinforced nylon structure eventually grows brittle, making another leak likely. Better to replace than repair.

Should you replace your radiator?

We’ll be happy to check it out and give you our recommendation.

At ESSEX AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES, we want to emphasize that keeping up with scheduled maintenance is also the most cost-effective way to keep your vehicle running well over time. We’re located at 141147 Pearl St, Essex Jct., and we service all vehicle makes and models. Call 802.879.1966 today to discuss any vehicle issues—we are here to help! We offer same day service and free customer shuttle. Ask us for details. We are open for Business!

Open 6:59 AM nO AppOintMent needed New Winter Hours: Mon. - Fri. CLOSED SATURDAYS UNTIL APRIL

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

Essex Area Religious Directory

c aLenDar 25 Thursday M.A.G.I.C.: Masculinity and Gender Identity Conversation. Participants of any

FEB. 27

and all gender identities gather for a casual discussion on a wide variety of topics ranging from inequality to language, media and food. Wellness Co-op, Burlington, 2-3 p.m. Free. Information: 370-5369.

VTIFF Film Screenings. The Burlington Film

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH- (Fundamentalindependent.) 61 Main St., Essex Junction, 878-8341.

Pastor James Gangwer. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday evening worship 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday evening youth groups; Awana, Pro-Teens and Prayer meeting 7 p.m.

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH- Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. Wes Pastor, Senior Minister, 8787107, Proclaiming Christ and Him crucified Sundays at 9:30 a.m. www.cmcvermont.org.

DAYBREAK COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester VT. 05446 802-338-9118 www.daybreakvermont.org or brentdaybreak@gmail. com Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Lead Pastor, Brent Devenney.

ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road in Essex Junction. Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Phone: 878-8213. www.essexalliance.org.

ESSEX CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions, and put down spiritual roots. Adult Bible Study at 8:30 a.m. Service at 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided.

We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. 119 Center Rd (Route 15) Essex Center. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. 878-8304.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION, UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Telephone (802) 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org; Email: welcome@fccej.org Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 am.

Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School meets weekly at 10:15 am. Jr. High Youth Group, Sr. High Youth Group every Sunday. 5th/6th Grade Youth Group, 1st Sunday of the month. Heavenly Food Pantry – fourth Thursday of the month, 2-6pm, except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7pm.

Music includes Senior Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Junction. 878-8071. 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / VT. Route 117. Worship Sundays at 9:30 a.m. with concurrent Church School Pre-K to High School. Handicapped-accessible facility.

Adult Study Group Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Adult Choir / Praise Band / Women’s Fellowship / Missionally active.

Korean U.M.C. Worship Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Come explore what God might be offering you!

HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAWRENCE PARISH - Essex Junction, - Mass Schedule, Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm - St. Lawrence, Sunday Morning: 8:00am - St. Lawrence, 11:00am - Holy Family, 7:30pm - Holy Family. For more information visit our web page http://www.hfslvt.org.

LIVING HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - 1037 South Brownell Road, Williston ,VT 05495. A Living Hope.... a Loving God. 862-2108 | Livinghope@aol.com | www. livinghopevt.org 9:00 a.m. Children and Adult Sunday School.

10:00 a.m. Worship and Service.

MT. MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - Visit www.mmuuf.org. Services are held at 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho (the red barn across from Packard Road).

899-2558.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place (off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F) 802-878-4014 www. stjamesvt.org The Rev. Ken Hitch v office@stjamesvt. org 8:15am Holy Eucharist Rite II (no music) 10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) 9:20am Adult Ed: Bible Study 10:15 am Godly Play.

ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex, 878-5997 - Administrator: Rev. Charles Ranges. Masses: Saturday 4:30 pm and Sunday 9:30 am. Confessions: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:00 pm or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.

ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH - 6 Green St., Underhill Center. Father Charles R. Danielson, Parish Priest. Weekend Masses: Saturday-4:30 p.m., Sunday-8:30. Daily Masses: Check with www.stthomasvt. com or call 899-4632.

Society and the Vermont International Film Foundation are pleased to present the Burlington-area theatrical screenings of critically acclaimed, documentary “Welcome to Leith” as well as artist and performer Laurie Anderson’s latest project, “Heart of a Dog.” “Welcome to Leith” will be screened at 6 p.m. followed by a panel discussion. “Heart of a Dog” will screen the same evening at 8:30 p.m. The Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington. $8 general admission; $5 for students; free for members. There is a special price of $12 for both screenings. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.

HAM-CON RADIO AND TECHNOLOGY SHOW 2016. HAM-CON, the

Vermont Radio and Technology Show, features dealers selling communication and electronic equipment. Demonstrations of ham radio. Discussion on topics such as: radio remote control, digital communications, testing of new equipment, kit building and wire antennas. There will also be Q&A forums for beginners. Holiday Inn Convention Center, South Burlington, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is $8. More info: www.ranv.org/hamcon.html or 879-6589.

Dean of the Vermont Campus, Robert Hamilton. Hamilton will present a lecture entitled, “Current and Future Trends in Pharmacy Education and Practice.” Parking and handicap access available. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 2 p.m. $5 at the door. Information: 8643516.

Bingo. The VFW in Essex Junction will be hosting a bingo night, which is open to the public. VFW Post 6689, Essex Junction, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Information: 879-0700

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Trivia Night. Trivia buffs gather for a meeting

Elder Education Enrichment Lecture. The

Elder Education Enrichment group will be offering the next installment of their spring lecture series with the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival’s Artistic Director and New England Conservatory faculty member, Soovin Kim. Kim will present a lecture entitled, “The Renaissance of Classical Music in the 21st Century.” Parking and handicap access available. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 2 p.m. $5 at the door. Information: 8643516.

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of the minds. Hotel Vermont lobby, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free. Contact: 651-5012.

Friday

Saturday

1

HomeShare Informational Meeting.

HomeShare Vermont invites you to use your lunch hour to learn how HomeShare Vermont can help you find the right housemate. Whether looking for housing or have a home to share, HomeShare Vermont can help. Meet with staff that will explain the program and answer your questions. Feel free to bring your lunch.

No application fee and online applications are available. RSVP: home2@sover. net or 863-5625.

Movies at Main Street Landing: “Casablanca.” The Movies at Main Street Landing series presents the Michael Curtiz-directed 1942 romantic drama, “Casablanca,” starring film legends Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid. Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations benefit a local charity.

Contact: 540-3018 or www.mainstreetlanding.com/movies.

Early Birders Morning Walk. Join us for an

early morning ramble in the Birds of Vermont Museum property. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds. Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the museum. Bring binoculars and appropriate footwear. Most fun for adults, older children. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-9 a.m. Donations accepted.

Information: 434-2167 or museum@ birdsofvermont.org.

DNA Tests: Maternal and Paternal Lines.

This second DNA class covers the two tests that are easiest to understand and use to augment your traditional research. Matrilineal lines, which are comprised of your mother and her mother etc., can be investigated with a Mitochondrial DNA test.

Patrilineal lines can be researched with a Y-chromosome DNA test and will follow your father’s surname back in time. This class will discuss the value of each test, the right company to use, and how to interpret the results. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the value of each. Vermont Genealogy Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $5. Information: http://www. vtgenlib.org/ or 310-9285.

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Sunday

2

Wednesday

Open Studio Collage Workshop. Whirled

Tree Arts Studio invited budding artists to take a break from their busy lives to learn how to create beautiful mixed media compositions using paint, paper, fabric and found objects. All creative levels welcome. Whirled Tree Art Studio, Burlington, 12-1:30 p.m. $5-$10 suggested donation. Information: www.whirledtree.org

March for Wheels Kickoff. The Switchback

Brewery will be hosting a kickoff fundraising event for Meals on Wheels and CVAA’s efforts during the month of March to feed senior citizens in need. The price of admission includes a pint of beer, bottomless homemade soup and live music.

Switchback Brewery, Burlington, 5-8 p.m.

Information and tickets: http://www.cvaa. org/march-for-meals-kickoff.html

Freezing and Lovin’ It: Animal Survival in the Earth’s Coldest Places. Against all

odds in winter North America’s wildlife thrive in the planet’s coldest environment. Polar bears, bison, dippers, and ptarmigan all have tricks up their sleeve to endure this annual deep freeze. In this program wildlife photography meets natural history as field guide, Sean Beckett, brings us to North America’s coldest places to meet the animals that call these places home. This program is free and open to the public. The Burnham Library Meeting House, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Information: 878-4132 or gmas@ greenmountainaudubon.org.

Sunday Coffee Mix and Mingle. Members

of the LGBTQA community gather to bond over books, coffee, art and more at this casual hangout. Barnes and Noble Bookstore, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Information: 860-7812.

Balkan Folk Dancing. Taught by Louise Brill.

Easier line and circle dances are taught the first hour, followed by intermediate dances, reviews and open request dancing. Beginners are welcome and no partner required. Wear informal, comfortable clothing. Plenty of parking. Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Burlington, 4-7 p.m. $6 recommended donation and a snack to share at break. Contact Louise: 540-1020 or dance@together.net.

Tuesday

Monday

Shape and share life stories. Prompts trig-

ger real-life experience stories, which are crafted into engaging narrative and shared with the group. Free and open to all adults. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free.

Contact: 878-4918.

Elder Education Enrichment Lecture. The

Elder Education Enrichment group will be offering the next installment of their spring lecture series with the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ Assistant

Divorce Care Support Group. Divorce is

a tough road. Feelings of separation, betrayal, confusion, anger and self-doubt are common. But there is life after divorce.

Led by people who have already walked down that road, we’d like to share with you a safe place and a process that can help make the journey easier. The 13-week Divorce Care Support Group for men and women will be offered on Sunday evenings, 5:30-7:30 pm, Feb. 28 through May 29 at the Essex Alliance Church, , Essex Junction. Register: 989-4081 or emailsandybrisson@gmail. com.

Children’s Breakfast. First and third Satur-

day of each month. The Grace United Methodist Church will be offering a free breakfast for children ages K-5, though all children are welcomed. Crafts, songs, Bible stories and games. No registration needed, and parents can stay and have coffee. Grace United Methodist Church, Essex Junction, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Information: 878-8071 or ejgraceumcsudayschool@gmail.com.

Essex Art League Meetings. Meetings hap-

pen on the first Thursday of the month. The meeting agenda includes a business and social time, and features a guest artist presentation. Essex Junction Congregational Church, Essex Junction, 9-11 a.m.

Information: www.essexartleague.com.

Craft Connection. Come to the Essex Alliance

Church community as women gather for a time of crafts and fellowship. Twice a month, Wednesday evenings. Essex Alliance Church, Essex. Contact Deb: 2382291.

Essex Eats Out Community Meals. Essex

Eats Out seeks to build community connections by providing healthy, free meals in a warm, safe and inclusive atmosphere.

Meals will be served: first Friday at First Congregational Church; second Friday at Holy Family/St. Lawrence Parish Center; third Friday at St. James Church; fourth Friday at Essex United Methodist Church; and fifth Friday when applicable at St. Pius X Church. 5:30-7 p.m. each week.

Transportation is available. Call Dawn Thursday by 9 a.m. to schedule Friday transit: 878-7622. Information: essexeatsout@gmail.com or www.essexeatsout. org.

Champlain Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group. Mary L. Guyette RN, MS, ACNSBC will answer questions about prostate cancer surgical procedures. Plus, general discussion and sharing among survivors and those beginning or rejoining the battle. Second Tuesday of each month.

Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Contact: 274-4990.

Interstitial Cystitis Support Group. Intersti-

tial cystitis (IC) is recurring pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and urinary frequency/ urgency. This is often misdiagnosed and mistreated as a chronic bladder infection.

If you have been diagnosed or have these symptoms, you are not alone. We are building a Vermont-based support group and welcome you to email bladderpainvt@gmail.com or call (802) 899-4151 for more information.

Creative Tuesdays. Artists exercise their

3

Thursday

Community Soup and Bread Supper. The

29

Ongoing

Covenant Community Church will be hosting its monthly soup and bread supper.

Eat in or take-out options available. Stay to eat with family and friends or pick up to take home. There will be a variety of soups, breads and a sweet dessert.

Covenant Community Church, Essex/Jericho line, 4:30-7 p.m. Donations accepted.

Contact Steve: 879-4313.

Mandarin Chinese Class. The Agape Com-

munity Church invites language enthusiasts to practice the Chinese dialect spoken throughout northern and southwestern China. Agape Community Church, South Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Information: www.burlingtonagape.org/

imaginations with recycled crafts. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-5 p.m. Contact: 865-7216.

Burlington Writers Workshop. A free writing

workshop for all Vermonters. Meets every Wednesday in downtown Burlington. Free and open to the public. Participants must register at meetup.com. More info: www. burlingtonwritersworkshop.com.

Cell Phones For Soldiers. Local residents

can support these collection drives by donating their old cell phones at A. W. Rich Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Essex Junction, or at the American Legion, 3650 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester. Collections accepted 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 849-6261.

Champlain Echoes. A women’s four-part

harmony chorus group seeks additional women to sing in their holiday perfor-

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

c aLenDar mances. Meetings are Monday nights. The Pines, Aspen Drive, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Contact: 655-2174.

Community Wellness Day. Practitioners

offer Reiki, Shiatsu, aromatherapy, acupressure, energy work and more to those looking to experience alternative healing. 2 Wolves Holistic Center in Vergennes, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. most Fridays. Sliding-scale donations; preregister the Tuesday prior. Contact: 2wolvescenter@gmail.com or 8700361.

English As A Second Language Classes.

Improve your English conversation skills and meet new people. Wednesdays.

Administrative Conference Room: intermediate/advanced. Pickering Room, 2nd Floor: beginners. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact: 865-7211.

Family Support Group. Outright Vermont

holds support group meetings for family members of youth going through the process of coming out. One Sunday evening and one Wednesday morning each month at Outright Vermont. Contact: 865-9677.

Italian Conversation Group. Open to all

interested in learning/hearing the Italian language. Room 101, St. Edmunds Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester.

Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Contact: 654-2536.

Junction Senior Center, Essex, 1 p.m.

Information: 876-5087.

Celebrate Recovery. Thursdays. This confidential 12-step recovery program puts faith in Jesus Christ at the heart of healing. We offer multiple support Sunday, February 28th, opening at 8:30am groups for both men and women, such Admission: Just $3.00 as chemical dependency, co-dependenSave $1.00 with your WOKO Country Club Card cy, sexual addiction and pornography, Children 13 and under are Free food issues and overcoming abuse. All 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452 those 18 and older are welcome. Sorry, no childcare. Essex Alliance Church, Essex. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., sessions Essex Reporter Ad.indd 1 begin at 7 p.m. Information: recovery@ essexalliance.org or 310-9062.

Toy Library Playgroup. Fridays. Ages birth through 5 years. Memorial Hall, Essex, 9:30-11 a.m. Contact Essex Parks and Rec: 878-1342.

VCAM Access Orientation. Free. Ver-

mont Community Access Media, 208 Flynn Ave. 2-G, Burlington. MondayFriday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 651-9692 or www. vermontcam.org.

Colchester-Milton Rotary meeting.

siasts ages 50 and over at the Essex Junction Senior Center at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays. New players are always welcome. Free to members of EJSC, others pay $1 per day. Membership at EJSC is open to anyone 50 years of age and older and is $12 per year.

Contact: 876-5087 or Lpioli@essex.org.

Essex Rotary Meeting. Essex Rotary Meet-

ings are held on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. at The Essex. Serving the communities of Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho and Underhill.

Duplicate Bridge. Wednesdays. Essex

AARP Free Tax Prep Help. For taxpayers and low and middle incomes, especially those age 60 and older, Tak and Dorothy Ng — AARP foundation certified tax preparers — will offer 45 minute appointments.

Call 878-6955 or drop by the library’s Circ. Desk to schedule an appointment. Available until April 7. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Color a Poster. Using Dover Coloring Books, we will create two posters, each assembled from 12 individual coloring pages. Your choice: “Knights and Dragons” or “Fairy Princesses.” Come color with your friends and decorate the library. For ages 6-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m.

Adult Evening Book Discussion. Join us as we discuss “The Sugar Queen” by Sarah Addison Allen. Copies of the book are available at the main desk. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 26 Dungeons and Dragons. Embark on imaginary adventure. Our Dungeon Master serves as the game’s referee and storyteller. Grades 6 and up.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m.

Maggie’s Fiber Friday for Adults. Maggie Loftus, veteran knitter, will be settled in front of the fireplace in the Main Reading Room. She invites adult knitters and crocheters to join her with their projects and engage in conversation. Bring patterns to share if you’d like. If you wish to contact Maggie: 6maggie2@myfairpoint.net.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 27 “Take Your Child to the Library” Day. Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library” Day with a variety of activities just for you and your child or grandchild.

Activities include puppetry; art and math activities; games and a snack.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-4 p.m.

MONDAY, FEB. 29 AARP Free Tax Prep Help. For taxpayers and low and middle incomes, especially those age 60 and older, Tak and Dorothy Ng — AARP foundation certified tax preparers — will offer 45 minute appointments.

Call 878-6955 or drop by the library’s Circ. Desk to schedule an appointment. Available until April 7. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The Cat in the Hat @ Brownell Library. The Flynn Theater sends “The Cat in the Hat” to Brownell Library to read the famous Dr. Seuss books about

Events at your

To view more ongoing events go to: www.EssexReporter.com/calendar

his escapades. There will be a drawing at the event for a pair of tickets to attend a live performance of “The Cat in the Hat” at the Flynn Theater on March 8. For kids of all ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-2:45 p.m.

Wii Games with Mike. Come join Mike to play Wii games. We have Sports Resort, MarioKart, LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Harry Potter. For kids in Grades 4-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Computer Deconstruction. Take apart some old computers to see what is inside and learn about how all of the parts work together. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 Build, Build, Build. Come build with K’Nex, Legos or cardboard tubes and boxes or build a Skyway with a friend. For Kids 5 years and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Red Clover Group for Homeschooled Students. Each month, students in Grades K-3 read two titles and do activities with one of this year’s Red Clover Award Nominees. Voting takes place in April.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m.

DCF Group for Homeschooled Students. Each month, students in Grades 4-8 hear book talks from this year’s DCF list. Students keep a log and vote for their favorite to win the DCF Book Award in April. Group discussion is encouraged. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m.

Equine & Pet Supplies!

Opening Sept 8th

Hrs: Tues-Sat 10-6pm

Zignature, Eagle, California Natural, Evo, Triumph 4 Kellogg Rd #1, Essex Jct, VT 802-876-4444 * Tonystack.com Winter hours: Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4 4 Kellogg Rd., Essex Jct. 802-876-4444 TonysTack.com

Special event coming up?

Tell Michael! calendar@essexreporter.com VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION PUBLIC NOTICE RECREATION GOVERNANCE STUDY COMMITTEE The Village of Essex Junction Trustees and Town of Essex Selectboard are seeking six citizens interested in serving on a joint committee to study recreation and explore feasible options for potential restructure of the Village and Town recreation departments.

The study committee will include four elected officials and six citizens; three members from the public at large from the town outside the village and three members from the Village of Essex Junction.

Individuals interested in serving may submit a letter stating interest to Patrick C. Scheidel, Municipal Manager, 2 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452 by March 10, 2016.

GMBA Book Discussion for Homeschooled Students. High School GMBA Book Discussion for homeschoolers: Book Talk your favorite GMBA book on video. Voting in May. For Grades 9-12.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m.

1st Wednesday: The Pulitzer Gold Medal for Public Service. In Pulitzer Prizes’ centennial year, author Roy Harris tells stories of the coveted prize awarded annually to a newspaper, and considers the profound contribution great journalism has made and still makes today. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 AARP Free Tax Prep Help. For taxpayers and low and middle incomes, especially those age 60 and older, Tak and Dorothy Ng — AARP foundation certified tax preparers — will offer 45 minute appointments.

Call 878-6955 or drop by the library’s Circ. Desk to schedule an appointment. Available until April 7. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

ONGOING Read to Daisy and Archie, Therapy Dogs.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. Daisy and Archie love to listen to kids read. They are certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is Maddie Nash, a retired school counselor. For all ages. Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, Chair of Brownell Library Trustees. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Come see the seven girls at

To view more ongoing events go to: www.EssexReporter.com/calendar

Local Libraries BROWNELL 6 Lincoln Street LIBRARY Essex Junction 878-6956

1/6/2016 3:

Mah Jongg. Join other Mah Jongg enthu-

Thursdays. Serving the communities of Colchester, Milton and the Champlain Islands. Hampton Inn, Colchester, 12 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 25

www.cvexpo.org

ESSEX FREE 2 Jericho Road LIBRARY Essex 879-0313 essexfreelibrary@essex.org.

Art Deco Platinum 1.17 ct European cut diamond

185 Bank Street, Burlington (802) 862-3042 w TickTockJewelers.com FINE JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR ON THE PREMISES

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

S ummer

campS

Conservation Camp applications available

If you are 12 to 14 years old and want to learn about Vermont’s wildlife and gain outdoor skills, consider attending one of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Green Mountain Conservation Camps this summer.

The one-week camp program is held at two locations: Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury.

Campers participate in hands-on learning experiences about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming, canoeing, fishing and more in an attractive outdoor setting. Natural resource professionals come to the camp during the week to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities.

“Whether kids come alone or with friends, they are guaranteed to meet new people and form new bonds while experiencing Vermont’s natural resources to the fullest,” Fish & Wildlife Education Coordinator Alison Thomas said. “An important take-away message

and common theme during the week is that conserving and managing habitat will help ensure Vermont will have fish and wildlife in the future.”

Vermont’s conservation camp program is unique because it is sponsored and directed by Fish & Wildlife professionals – the same people who manage Vermont’s fish and wildlife resources. Working biologists, foresters, game wardens and conservation educators teach young people about Vermont’s forests, wetlands and wildlife.

The program’s greatest strength is connecting young people to the outdoors.

The camp program is sponsored in part through a grant from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.

Conservation Camps open June 19 and continue until Aug. 19. Tuition is $250 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment.

Check www.vtfishandwildlife.com for information, including scholarship availability.

Conservation Camps open June 19 and continue until Aug. 19.

Tuition is $250 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment.

The long-lasting benefits of camp

Photo | Metro Creative

Camp has become a part of the fabric of America — conjuring special memories of hiking, swimming, friendships, and adventure for generations. When children go to camp, they’ll likely come home gushing about the lifelong friends they’ve made, and the exciting adventures they had. What they probably won’t tell you about are the life lessons camp has given them — those skills that, if nurtured at home after camp, translate into a lasting self-confidence, an awareness of the importance of kindness, and a greater comfort in voicing their opinions.

For more than 150 years, camp has been changing lives — allowing all children to feel successful, especially those who may struggle with traditional educational settings.

Camp is full of fun and excitement, but it is so much more — developing children who are better equipped to lead in the twenty-first century with skills such as independence, empathy, the ability to work as part of a team, and a broader world view.

Camp is a safe and nurturing environment that enhances social skills. Camp is for everyone, so children and youth have the opportunity to meet and interact with peers from outside their school environment.

Camp supplements traditional education.

Camps use intentional programming to create a balance of experiential learning opportunities that are

physical, emotional, and social.

Camp provides experiences that promote self-confidence and future academic growth.

American Camp Association® (ACA) independent research shows that parents and camp staff, as well as the campers themselves, report significant growth in several areas, including leadership, independence, social comfort, and values and decisions.

Camp encourages a respect and love of nature. Children are able to learn about the natural world. Camp also gives them a chance to “unplug.” More and more experts are advocating the value of time spent in nature for children — and camp is a perfect place to do that.

Camp provides the opportunity to stay physically active. Camp is the ultimate outdoor experience with programs that offer physical activities and sports that enhance health and teach self-confidence.

Camp is a natural extension of the classroom. Research indicates that by participating in strategically planned, structured summer experiences, children reduce summer learning loss. Camp challenges children, keeps them engaged, develops creativity and their talents, and expands their horizons.

Reprinted with the permission of the American Camp Association. ©2015 American Camping Association, Inc.

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FOR AGES 4-19 plus adult & teen classes

REGISTER NOW Summer camps and classes start in June, July, and August.

Financial aid is available.

Call 802-446-6100 for full brochure camps-v2-essex-colchester-5.41x5.pdf 1 2/19/2016 2:40:23 PM

a m PS

Registration for summer camps is open! Plus vacation camps available.

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

S ummer

camps

Begin planning kids’ summer recreation now Many families spend winter figuring out how to chase away cabin fever and endure frigid temperatures until spring and summer mercifully return. Parents thinking ahead to swimming pools and days lounging on the beach can put their daydreams to practical use by planning ahead for their youngsters’ summer vacations.

Youth recreational programs and summer camps can bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer. The following are a handful of tips for moms and dads who want their kids to have fun and fulfilling summers.

and art camps may appeal to creative kids.

Also, there are plenty of general-interest camps that offer various activities without narrowing in on any particular one. Parents may need to choose between a sleepaway camp or day camps, depending on which camp experience they want for their children.

• Inquire about camp schedules. While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as afterschool programs. Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours. Speak with camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available.

• Ask for recommendations. Speak with fellow parents and trusted friends about where they send their children. Personal recommendations can be very helpful, providing firsthand insight into a particular camp or program. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget.

Take your son or daughter along so he or she can get a sense of what camp will be like.

• Determine your camp budget. As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost. Government-run camps may be less expensive than those offered by private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Find out if a particular organization subsidizes a portion of camp costs. Scouting programs often have a dedicated camp and may offer affordable options for scouts. Martial arts schools and dance centers frequently offer camp schedules.

• Explore all options. Camps come in more flavors than ever before. Certain camps may be faith-based ministries while others may focus on particular sports. Band camps

If camp seems out of reach, look into local summer recreation programs at parks or schools. Such programs may not be as extensive as those offered by camps, but they

Summer vacation will be here before you know it. Make sure you’re prepared for camp and other recreational programs.

Photo | Metro Creative

can quell kids’ boredom and keep children occupied during the day.

In addition to camp, remember to plan for some free days so children can just enjoy some downtime. Such days can break up the monotony of a routine and provide kids and

families time to relax together.

Summer recreation may be far off, but it is never too early to start making summer plans, including finding camps and other activities for kids.

– Metro Creative

First Time at Camp?

Talking with Your Child

Bob Ditter, L.C.S.W. Sending your child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone for most families, one that is often marked by excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even some anxiety. Though camp is certainly about making friends and having fun, it is also about being on your own and being a part of a community. One of the most important things you as a parent can do to help prepare your child for both these aspects of camp is to talk with your child about it before he/she goes. In fact, it may be better to have several occasional, shorter talks rather than one long conversation as children often absorb more when there is less to think about at one time. I also find that children do better with this sort of conversation if it is part of a more general conversation and if it is part of a pattern of talking, either at the dinner table or while riding in the car doing errands.

The following are some sample topics for discussion that will help prepare your child emotionally for their big adventure:

Friends

Camp is not anything if it is not about making new friends. If you are shy about meeting new kids, then learn to get to know others by being a good listener.

Remember also that not everyone in your cabin, bunk, or group has to be your friend, and you don’t have to be everyone else’s friend. As long as you treat others with respect and they do the same with

you, then having one or two friends at camp is fine. If you have more, then that’s great!

Activities

There are many exciting things to do at camp, many of which you may never have tried before. If your child tends to be a bit homesick or worried about being homesick, remind him/her about the excitement of going to camp: Remember, when you first decided to go to camp, what made you so excited? You may not like all the activities, or you may be better at some than others.

That’s normal. I, however, hope you are willing to try. The more you put into camp, the more you will get out of it!

Cooperating

You, like every other camper there, will be part of a cabin, bunk, or group.

As your parent, I hope you will cooperate with others and help out. That’s part of what makes camp so special — kids helping each other out. Most kids will help you if you are friendly and help them.

Give yourself time. One thing about camp is that almost everything is new — the kids, the activities, the routines, the bed you sleep in, the bathroom. It takes a few days to get adjusted, so be patient with yourself.

Most of the time you will be having so much fun you won’t mind all the changes, but if you do, remember that you will get so used to things that by the time you come home you will miss all those things!

Helping out Camp is about fun, but it also requires that you help out. Clean-up is part of camp. You do it every day!

As your parent, I hope you will cooperate!

Getting help

Everyone has good days and bad days. If you are having a problem, your counselor is there to help you! You don’t have to wait to tell us if you are upset about something.

After all, if your counselor doesn’t know what might be troubling you, he/she can’t help you. Be honest and ask for what you need.

If your counselor doesn’t seem to be concerned or doesn’t help you, then you can go to the unit director, head counselor, etc. Parents should know who these “back-up persons” are and how their child will recognize them if they need to.

Being positive

Talent Development Institute Summer 2016

For advanced students entering grades 4–9 who want to have fun while learning!

Johnson State College June 19–25 & June 26–July 2, 2016 For more info go to tdivermont.com, email lucybogue@yahoo.com, or call 802-658-9941

“TDI has provided an environment where being intelligent is encouraged...

TDI has given me confidence to be myself outside the camp and introduced me to friends I look forward to seeing each year” — Camper

It’s a great thing to

Windswept Farm

remind your first-time camper about his or her strong points. I would focus not just on what they do well, but their positive qualities as well, such as what makes them a good friend or the type of person other kids would want to know. Helping children identify their strengths can help them when they are having a setback — one of those inevitable growing pains all children have from time to time.

Talking with your child about these kinds of issues is a great way to show support as your child gets ready to take this important step on the road to being more resilient and selfreliant. For you as a parent, it can give you more peace of mind as you allow your child to participate safely in a broader world.

To learn more about camp and child development, please visit the American Camp Association’s family-

dedicated Web site: www.

CampParents.org, or call the toll-free number, 1-800428-CAMP (2267).

Bob Ditter is a child and family therapist living in Boston who consults extensively with people who work with children.

Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association; © 2006 American Camping Association, Inc.

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Five Summer Sessions Session 1: Burlington - June22 20-–July July 11 Session 1 June •Horseback Horseback riding riding •• Swimming Swimming •• Session 2: So. Burlington July 5 – July Session 2 July- 6 - July 17 15 Boating • Games • Music Session 3: Session So. Burlington July- 18 – July 3 July -20 July 31 29 Boating • Archery • Music• •Zipline Zipline• • Session 4: Essex - August – August 12 Session 4 Aug1 3 - Aug 14 Crafts • Field trips & more.

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

F OOD

Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association leads battle with FDA for real maple syrup T he Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association was formed in 1893 and one early mission of the organization was to safeguard the quality and tradition of maple syrup in Vermont. In the past this has meant addressing inaccurately labeled maple syrup, whether adulterated with other sweeteners or falsely claiming its origin as Vermont. Today, our challenge has shifted to protect the designation of “maple” on food products.

Consumers are being intentionally deceived by the misbranding of maple in nonmaple containing food products.

Many products are in direct violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and food labeling regulations.

Maple syrup sales have increased as more consumers choose maple for its macronutrient and mineral profile that is far superior to other sugars, its unique flavor, and the heritage associated with sugaring. As a result, more food products are using the word “maple” and connected imagery to convince consumers that their

product has the same authenticity even when they use absolutely no maple syrup.

This dilutes the meaning of maple as it relates to food products and undermines the integrity and growth potential of Vermont’s maple syrup industry. Further, these products deceive consumers who purchase them based on their desire to purchase a product with the unique flavors and qualities of maple syrup.

In a joint statement, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch said, “Every product that is sold with a false or misleading claim of maple on the label deceives the consumer, erodes the well-earned reputation for quality of pure maple syrup, and steals income from maple producers in Vermont and across the Northeast. Consumers seek out pure maple syrup and are willing to pay the fair price for this superb and sustainably produced, highly nutritious and all natural sweetener. The FDA needs to act now to eliminate these misleading labels.”

The Sugar Makers’ Association is proud to stand with maple syrup producers in nine other states as well as the North American Maple Syrup Council and the International Maple Syrup Institute in sending a letter to the FDA requesting enforcement action of food products whose labeling incorrectly indicate the presence of maple syrup on product labels.

Consumer trends show a steadily increasing interest in ingredient awareness and desire for natural and pure ingredients. Consumers are being intentionally deceived by the misbranding of maple in non-maple containing food

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products. Many products are in direct violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and food labeling regulations.

According to the association, these companies are capitalizing on the long established history and marketability of pure maple syrup as a healthier sugar option that also promotes a sustainable preservation of the forest and is built on a tradition of hard-working Vermont farmers producing a superior and natural product. Some of the companies listed in violation include Quaker Oats, Hood Ice

Cream, Nature’s Path and MOM Brands Better Oats. The letter sent to the FDA emphasizes the list is a small sampling of evidence pointing to a broad scope of companies also in violation of the law and stated regulations.

The group urges the FDA to take swift and comprehensive action to protect consumers from the rampant deception of “maple” mislabeling used in marketing food products and ultimately lead to maple syrup added as an actual ingredient to all food products containing the word “maple.”

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B Section The Essex Reporter February 25, 2016

Sports

Essex downs first-place Comets

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SPORTS SHORTS Joe Gonillo

F

Essex goaltender Erik Short makes a save in front of Ethan Bartlett on Feb. 17. The Hornets defeated BFA-St. Albans 2-1.

By JOHN BONNETTE Messenger Sports When the top two teams in Division I face off to end the season, one can expect the game to come down to a bounce or deflection.

On Feb. 17 in St. Albans, Essex had that one break — with less than three minutes remaining — and clipped the Bobwhites 2-1 to end the boys’ hockey regular season.

“It was a great game to the finish,” Essex coach Bill O’Neil said after the game.

“It is playoff hockey and we were just trying to establish where we are.”

BFA-St. Albans and Essex were assured of the top two seeds going into the game, with Essex slated to play South Burlington this Wednesday (the game concluded after The Essex Reporter went to print).

Despite the settled rankings, O’Neil and BFA coach Toby Ducolon welcomed the rivalry game to tune up for the tournament.

“It is always a battle with BFA,” said O’Neil. “I love playing them. I love the competition. It really challenges our kids, because we have to rise to their level and that is a hard thing to do.”

Ducolon said both teams gave their all and that this game, like many playoffs, came

down to the last bounce.

“I thought we played very hard and both teams competed hard for two teams that could not affect their seeding. I thought both teams played very hard. We were happy with our effort and we would have loved another bounce or two, but they played hard and they played well so it definitely prepares you very well for a playoff game. I am happy with it,” Ducolon said.

With the score knotted at one late in the third, Essex senior Henry Adams’ took aim from the left point, his shot rising through a crowd before sailing in the net with 2:49 left in regulation to give the Hornets a 2-1 lead.

“Bounces and turnovers, and I think my kids just working hard,” O’Neil said of the game winner. “There was a lot of chip and shot stuff but we were on the puck and moving it around and that seemed to interfere with their puck control, so we will take it.”

An early break gave BFA the lead just 44 seconds into the game.

Sam Shorey dumped the puck around the boards in the Essex end, where Matt Needleman scooped it up and slid it back to Noah Rouleau at the left point. Rouleau’s low snap shot into a crowd deflected between

Photo | Josh Kaufmann

the goalie’s legs for a quick 1-0 lead.

“Our pass was good and the low to high movement was good, and then it was a good shot by Rouleau,” Ducolon said. “It is one of those things where you get the puck through to their goaltender and you have some traffic, and it worked great.”

Throughout the rest of the first and most of the second period, the Bobwhites controlled play but could not extend the lead before the Hornets finally stung back with 4:02 left in the period.

Nicholas McGovern carried the puck across the BFA blue line, sending a wrist shot that caromed off a defender to even the score at one.

“That was huge. It puts us back in the game and it gives the kids confidence,” O’Neil said. “We really had not been getting close to them, so being able to get a break like that…from then it was pretty even the rest of the way.”

The Bobwhites had a 29-19 edge in shots on goal, with Ben Lovelette making 17 saves for BFA and Eric Short stopping 28 shots to earn the win.

A win on Wednesday will put Essex up against either Colchester or Champlain Valley on March 2.

Girls’ hockey ends regular season on high note

ebruary vacation rates among my top three or four vacations of the school year. It’s in the perfect spot — seven weeks after Christmas, in the middle of winter, high school playoffs and the possibility to get away to warmer or cooler (if you enjoy the snow) destinations. I am a warm weather, beach,T-shirt and shorts person, so that should tell you where my allegiances gravitate. But I have learned to keep an open mind and truly believe that vacations, like politics and religion, are an extremely personal choice. I will thank my parents for all those trips to the Bronx to watch the Yankees. Nothing was better that that growing up. Kudos to my mother-in-law for introducing me to cruising and the Caribbean. There is also something about just having to go to practice or play a game and not have to worry about school for the 11 days we have to enjoy. The postseason is the front and center story right now.

Gymnastics The gymnasts hosted states Saturday and won for the 11th consecutive year.

This talented group of young ladies once again used their home court/gym to their advantage; they have earned the title ever since the Vermont Principals’ Association switched the state meet to the state’s largest high school gym. Scoring 142 points, they out-paced South Burlington, who scored 136. Champlain Vailley was thid with 133. Sophomore Ali Green won the overall all-around title with a score of 36.625. Teammate Abby Gehsmann finished second with 35.425 points.

Lindsey Gleason was eighth, totaling 33.85 points. Green took first in floor, was second on vault and bars and third on beam. Geshman won bars and was eighth on vault and beam. Sophomore Anna Charland won beam as the Hornets’ depth really set them apart. Congratulations coaches and team!

Cheerleading The cheerleaders competed in states Saturday down in Vergennes. The girls finished a strong second to champion Rutland. Here are the team scores: Rutland 208, Essex 187, Poultney 176, Vergennes 171 and BFA-Fairfax 146.5.

The Hornets qualified for the New England’s, which keeps their season alive.

Congrats to Coach Picard and the team!

Boys’ basketball Our boys’ basketball team was ranked 14th in the D I hoop playoffs. They traveled to Rutland to play the No. 3-seeded Raiders. Essex made a first half run but lost 63-44 in the first round playdown game. Eli Baez scored 17 points in defeat. Scott Lyon and Hunter Smith added 7 as the seniors played their final game for the Hornets.

Essex’s Amanda Sinkewicz shields the puck from a BFA-St. Albans defender on Feb. 17. The Hornets won 3-1.

By JOEL LEHMAN Messenger Sports For the third time this season, Essex found a way to get by BFA-St. Albans, breaking a 1-1 tie in the third period en route a 3-1 regular-season finale victory Feb. 17.

The Hornets (15-4-1) locked up the No. 1-seed and a first-round bye in the state tournament with the win.

“I thought we played one of our better games here today, said BFA head coach Luke Cioffi. “We didn’t get the puck in the net, and there are probably a couple goals there that we’d want to get back, but I liked our effort. I like the way we attacked.”

Wednesday marked the Comets’ fifth loss in a row to Essex dating back to last season. All three meetings this year have been similar: One bad bounce, one defensive breakdown, one turnover and the puck is in the back of the net.

That killer instinct has made defending champion Essex the deserved favorites heading into the playoffs next week.

This time, BFA was locked in a draw with the Hornets thanks to captain Aliza Ellis’ second-period tally, coming 58 seconds after Sarah Tobey opened the scoring for Essex with a long wrister that deflected in with 2:13 left in the second.

But a little less than two minutes into the third, a turnover led to sophomore Hannah Palmer’s wrister snapped into the top corner to make it 2-1. And with 9:27 left, Amanda Sinkewicz’s bad-angle shot from the corner somehow snuck in for a two goal-cushion.

“You don’t want to give up a mistake, especially in your defensive zone. We did that tonight a couple times and we got burned for it. Hopefully we’ll look at it and we’ll get a little better for the next time we see them,” Cioffi said.

After two frustrating losses this season down in Essex, the BFA girls came out ready to earn a home win in the first half of a girlsboys BFA-Essex doubleheader. Shots were 12-5 in favor of the Comets after one and they had the two best chances of the frame,

Photo | Josh Kaufmann

including a partial break by Elena Brigham with 2:15 left when she chipped the puck past the defense and raced in alone, stopped by goaltender Lindsay Hallowell (19 saves).

After Tobey’s goal, Ellis, who had been all over the ice Wednesday playing a physical, hard-working game, took the puck off an Essex stick as she swooped around from behind the net in the Hornet end, turning and firing to knot the game at one with 1:15 left in the second.

“I think she took it upon herself to maybe up her game a little bit and play with a little bit more authority and commitment,” Cioffi said.

But the Hornets don’t make many mistakes, and even down two goals, BFA couldn’t generate much, even after getting a power play with 3:08 left in the game.

After receiving a bye in the state tournament bracket, Essex will have a lengthy layoff until its next game as it prepares to face the winner of Rutland and Spaulding on March 2.

Girls’ basketball The girls’ basketball team went 1-1 last week to complete their regular season 13-7. A comeback win over the South Burlington Rebels began the week.

Essex led 4-2 early, then did not grab and maintain the lead until very late in the fourth quarter. That win moved them up to the No. 2 slot in Division I. On Thursday, they played the No. 1 seed and undefeated —in 80-plus games — CVU tough for the first half. Down 7 at the half, the Hornets hit a dry spell in the third quarter that determined the outcome of the game. Seven seniors were honored — Emily Goodrich, Hannah Couture, Erin Murphy, Taylor Truax, Mychaela Harton, Jordan Dumachel and Alexandra Zan Zinger — for their dedication and effort. With the loss, the girls own the No. 3 seed in this week’s playoffs. A home game versus Brattleboro in the playdown round and a possible quarterfinal matchup between the winner of St. Johnsbury and South Burlington may be their next games.

The JVs defeated South Burlington in their penultimate game of the season, then played one of the most exciting games this winter in a 1-point defeat versus the Red Hawks, who broke open a close game late in the third and looked like they were about to bury the Hornets.

Yet all of a sudden, good defense, steals, layups and a bevy of 3’s turned the game around, putting the younger Hornets right back into the game. Fans who showed up early got a treat. Solid job by the two younger JV refs. The varsity officials did a nice job as well.

– See shorts on page 2b

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

S pOrTS ShOrtS from page 1b

BOyS’ hOCkey Our boys’ hockey team keeps on playing a solid game on the ice. In their season finale, they beat the No. 1 ranked BFASt. Albans Bobwhites in a game the team needed for a bit of a confidence builder going into the playoffs. Essex, 13-4-2, also dispatched South Burlington to nail down the No. 2 spot, and is set for a playoff run. They will take on No. 7 South Burlington on Wednesday at 7.

The essex Middle School eagles won the albert d. lawton tournament on Saturday, defeating federick h. Tuttle Middle School 23-15. Top row, from left, Coach Gregg lyon, Maddie Borch, Katie Bryuns, Jessie rose, noelle lyon, izzy Mager, logan Pollard and assistant coach Scott lyon. Bottom row, from left, Christina McKivergan, Cindy Sheeran, allison lyon, amanda lyon and emma Whitney. not shown: Caitlin McGeary, rachel yandow and coach Matt McGeary.

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Essex Warriors host New England Qualifiers

There is a direct correlation between the number of takedowns and wins, according to the Essex Warriors coaches. Typically, they say, the one who takes their opponent down first usually wins.

The Warriors hosted the New England Qualifiers to prove their theory right, taking over Essex High School on the weekend of Feb. 13-14. Over 120 wrestlers from numerous teams around the state attended the tournament. As a team, the Warriors had 39 take downs, 14 pins and 24 wins.

The Warriors boasted six first-place finishers: Jaymeson Arpey, William Einhorn, Gil Stawinski, Wyatt Lamell,

Seth Carney and James Danis.

Taking second place were Jack Arpey, Eli Bonning, Jaden Gilmond and Luke Williams, while Ryan “Little G” Giroux and Calvin Leo came in third.

Members of the team also competed in the junior high state tournament in Barre this past weekend. First-place finishers were Wyatt Lamell, James Danis and Calvin Leo, while Seth Carney and Luke “The Duke” Williams came in second and third, respectively.

The team wishes to thank its coaches and volunteers who helped make the events possible.

GirLS’ hOCkey The girls stopped the BFA Comets in their final tune up before playoffs.

They are 15-4-1 seeding straight into the semi finals to play the winner of the No. 4 and 5 game — Rutland or Spaulding — on Wednesday, March 2 at 6:15 in Essex. It’s playoffs people. Get out there and support the home team.

WreStLinG The wrestlers had JV states last weekend at Spaulding. Results: Essex finished in 14th place out of 20 teams. Individual place winners: Gabe Allen (132 pound) JV state champion; Dagan Thompson (160 pound), sixth place. The varsity team will compete in states next weekend at Mill River. Never been there, so I’m not sure how long that ride is. Good luck. aLBert D. LaWtOn BaSketBaLL tOUrnaMent The ADL Tournament was a beauty. I saw both the girls’ semifinal games on Thursday. Essex Middle School methodically pulled away from Edmunds,

sporting a 6-2 advantage after the first, 11-5 at the half and 22-8 before after three quarters before running away with the win 34-13. They matched up against the Frederick Tuttle Rebels, who defeated host ADL in the second semifinal; a last second bank-shot three pointer to end the half for South Burlington gave them the 12-11 lead and the momentum pushing them to the win. Too bad, as an EMS-ADL final would have been fun to watch.

In the finals, EMS closed out the middle school season winning the ADL Tournament on Saturday by defeating Tuttle 2315 in a battle to the end.

The Eagles took quick command, staying ahead the entire game and leading 17-5 after three quarters. In the final quarter, Tuttle made a strong run, hitting a string of baskets and a threepointer to bring the game within 4 points with less than two minutes to go.

The Eagles’ strong defense was just a bit too much to overcome, however.

Eighth-grader Izzy Mager put the final cap on the game by draining a threepointer with 17 seconds to go, while getting fouled on the shot. She nailed the foul shot as well, putting EMS up by 8 and removing any chance of a Tuttle comeback. She led the team in scoring with a total of 10 points. Defensive player of the game goes to Logan Pollard, who was able to hold Tuttle’s offensive machine Petra Langan to just one basket.

Mager, Emma Whitney and Pollard each received

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SnOWBOarDinG The snowboard team was in action again at a slopestyle meet at Sugarbush last Monday.

Ryan O’Leary finished third in a field of 26 riders, while Tyler Fields was fourth and Henry Newman was eighth. At a halfpipe event in Okemo, O’Leary finished first in a field of 33 riders, while Ben DiGrande was 10th and Newman was 12th.

At a giant slalom meet at Jay Peak, Fields was fifth in a field of 34 riders; DiGrande eighth. The team will compete in the state finals at Okemo on March 2-3.

MiSCeLLaneOUS Tommy Kourebanas was in Dallas and played in a national high school all-star football game a couple of weeks ago. He represented Vermont and Essex High School well, starting at left tackle as one of the four team captains, the only captain that was not a skill position player. His team won 34-3, and he supplied a number of solid run and pass blocks. Kourebanas is looking to expand his horizons in the spring and compete as a thrower on the Hornet track and field team. Smart move, as he can get some serious and specific weightlifting in two-to-three days a week while also learning to heave shot put and discus.

An EHSPN episode was shot live at the last bowling match of the year at Sparetime. Lots of great winter sports action in this one. Really nice camera work by Cam Bushey, Shawn Cimonetti and the rest of the EHSPN crew.

Check it out at www. ehspn.com

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the much-deserved alltournament awards, and it was no surprise when they announced Noelle Lyon the MVP of the tournament. Look out Essex High School, here comes some serious hoop players! Congrats to all.

I have to comment on the hockey situation and last Friday’s move to put hockey coach Bill O’Neil on administrative leave.

Hazing is not condoned by any coach at our high school. No coach allows it and extremely clear statements are made to that point. Kids, athletes and students make decisions — sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Here’s to hoping that the situation and investigation is resolved and over soon, so coach O’Neil is back behind the bench ASAP!

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

By Sarah QUinttUS Society tells us time and time again that the ability to multitask is an admirable skill. If you can check your email while simultaneously watching your son’s baseball game, you are getting ahead. If you can eat lunch at your desk while on a conference call and still work on your computer, you are saving time. If while watching a movie with a loved one, your phone is still in your lap and checking text messages, checking emails and answering calls, you can kill two or three birds with one stone. We all want to get as much done as possible in the shortest amount of time, but where does that leave us and what are we sacrificing to get there?

This means you are never devoting 100 percent of your attention to any one task at any given time and likely, the tasks or relationships at hand are suffering.

Over-multitasking and focusing energy on the next thing

Spirit Health benefits of

meditation M

editation is often trumped as a means to reducing stress and restoring healthy function in the body. While meditation might once have been considered a New Age treatment, in recent years it has developed into a mainstream practice supported by both traditional and alternative medical providers.

The Mayo Clinic says that anyone can practice meditation. A cost-effective treatment that does not require any special equipment or location, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and originally was developed to help people understand the mystical or spiritual forces of life. Although meditation for some may still have religious or spiritual connotations, in a medical sense it is typically used for relaxation and stress reduction.

Various studies show that meditation can be associated with improvement of a variety of issues.

Researchers describe meditationbased changes as ones that actually change the brain. Changes in the circuitry of the brain may affect the way a person responds to specific situations. The following are a few ways to put mindful meditation to use.

• Strengthen cognitive function: Dr. Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, says meditation can help thicken the prefrontal cortex of the brain, helping to reverse the pattern of cognitive function decline as one ages.

• Protect against heart disease: There is some indication that meditation can reduce concentrations of the marker C-reactive protein, which is associated with the development of heart disease.

Meditation is often linked to yoga, but the practice can be done anytime and anywhere on its own.

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• Stimulate the immune system: A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that mindfulness meditation increases electrical activity in the areas of the prefrontal cortex that serve as the command center for the immune system. When these areas are stimulated, the immune system works more effectively.

Body Medicine attribute this to the increase of nitric oxide during meditation. Nitric oxide gas can expand blood vessels and open up blood channels.

Some experts also say that meditation can decrease metabolism and improve breathing. Meditation may be a mind-body way to beat some of the conditions that affect people during daily life. Meditation is not difficult to learn, but it something that requires practice to master.

• Reduce blood pressure: The stress-boosting properties of meditation can help reduce hypertension. Researchers at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind

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can be detrimental to your health and will only hinder your ability to be successful at the tasks at hand. Here are four reasons to start practicing mindfulness today to keep you healthy and happy.

• Mindfulness keeps you in the here and now. When you are constantly in a rush to get to your next destination or move onto the next activity, centering your energy is often a challenge and can leave you feeling scattered and exhausted. Neglecting to focus on the present moment can be harmful to your physical, mental and emotional state.

When you practice mindfulness, you are forced into the present moment and slow down to observe things you may otherwise have missed.

• Mindfulness encourages positivity. Negative feelings and emotions can lead to a state of chronic stress, triggering the release of cortisol at high levels, leading to a wide gamut of health conditions. Mindfulness helps us calmly analyze situations in a realistic manner and helps us differentiate between what we have control over and what we do not.

Once you have isolated the two, you can focus your energy on the things you can control and feel good about those things. Accepting those which you cannot control will help you to feel more calm and at ease.

• Mindfulness helps us be more grateful. In Yogic tradition, it is said that “attachment is the root of all suffering.” By attaching ourselves to material possessions or outcomes that are completely out of our control, we create room for suffering. Gratitude is the simplest form of mindfulness, because there is so much around us to be grateful for all of the time! By focusing our energy on all of the things we do have instead of reaching for all of those which we do not, we move deeper into the present moment.

• Mindfulness improves relationships with those around us.

Every relationship, whether it be with a coworker, spouse, partner, friend, sibling, parent, child or loved one, can become stronger through mindfulness. Throughout your mindfulness practice, you will become a more centered person and will find healthier ways to deal with issues that people face on a daily basis. By focusing your attention and energy inward, you make yourself more available to those around you. You will become a better listener, your ability to resolve conflicts will improve, you will develop more compassion and empathy, and you will trust more.

Here are some simple ways to start practicing mindfulness today. Start a gratitude journal — once a day, write down five things you are grateful for. This attitude of gratitude will pour out of you for the rest of the day and will have a rippling effect on those around you. Practice mindfulness meditation — find a quiet place to sit for as little as five minutes a day and focus on your breath. Notice every sensation in your breath — the cool air entering through your nostrils, your belly and chest expanding as you inhale, your body releasing tension as you exhale. As thoughts arise (which they will!) simply notice and acknowledge them, then allow them to float by and come back to the breath. Practice mindfulness while eating — focus on the joy and the overwhelming sensations that come with each and every bite. Savor every part of the meal and slow the entire process down. Get outside! Go on a walking meditation through the woods and pay attention to every step you take — the crunch of the leaves under your feet, the sound of the snow compressing underneath you, birds chirping, wind howling, rain or snow falling, the feeling of the sun on your skin, notice all of the sounds and sights around you and make them part of your experience.

Start now. Mindfulness is an endless practice that takes endless forms, and one that will keep you healthy and happy for years to come.

Sarah Quinttus is the wellness director at Genavix and is a certified athletic trainer and registered yoga teacher.

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

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Feb. 15-21, 2016

Tuesday 0536 Towed Vehicles due to Winter Parking Ban on Dalton Dr 0632 Found Property on Lincoln St 0824 Citizens Assist on Prospect St 0832 Citizens Assist on Jericho Rd

Wednesday 0948 Welfare Check on Lost Nation Rd 0954 Found Property on Park St

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0901 Theft on Autumn Pond Way 1350 Accident on Autumn Pond Way 1353 Motor Veh Complaint on River Rd 1523 Family Fight on Autumn Pond Way 1646 Juvenile Problem on Fairview Dr 1652 Accident on Center Rd 1737 Agency Assist/Wanted Person on Pinecrest Dr 1740 Theft on Carmichael St 1800 Traffic Hazard on Maple St 1816 Phone Problem on East St 1832 Juvenile Problem on Gardenside Ln 1926 Accident on Park St 2200 Arrest for Assault on Franklin St

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Monday 0135 Alarm on Essex Way 0619 Directed Patrol on Weed Rd 0630 Susp Circumstance on Center Rd 0719 Assisted the Fire Department on Countryside Dr 0828 Assisted the Fire Department on Corporate Dr 0943 Accident on West St 1046 Assisted Rescue on Main St 1301 Accident on Essex Way 1444 Animal Problem on Prospect St 2213 Citizens Dispute on Jericho Rd 2251 Suspicious on Pearl St

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0957 Animal Problem on Main St 1409 Citizens Assist on Pearl St 1601 911 Hang-up on Pearl St 1644 Accident on Essex Way 1648 Alarm on Essex Way 1726 Fraud on Warner Ave 1733 Vandalism on Pearl St 1737 Juvenile Problem on Tyler Dr 1841 Property Damage on Birch Ln 2028 Citizens Assist on Maple St 2034 Directed Patrol on Browns River Rd 2121 Citizens Dispute on Bixby Hill Rd 2232 Alarm on River Rd Thursday 0703 Welfare Check on Jericho Rd 0714 Juvenile Problem on Brigham Hill Rd 0731 Citizens Assist on Foster Rd 0839 Citizens Dispute on

Logwood Circle 0913 Citizens Assist on Maple St 1007 Suspicious on Pearl St 1026 Citizens Assist on Sand Hill Rd 1038 Citizens Assist on Briar Ln 1044 Suspicious on Center Rd 1206 VIN Verification on Colchester Rd 1234 Suspicious on Educational Dr 1340 VIN Verification on Maple St 1452 Threatening on Jackson St 1518 Theft on Pioneer St 1604 Littering on Patricia Pl 1743 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Pearl St 1837 VIN Verification on Maple St 1937 Suspicious on Lincoln St 2100 Citizens Assist on Railroad Ave 2331 911 Hang-up on Taft St Friday 0833 Fraud on Whitetail Ln 1001 Citizens Assist on Old Colchester Rd 1143 Citizens Assist on Railroad St 1237 Motor Vehicle Complaint on South Down Ct 1245 Citizens Assist on S Summit St 1350 Agency Assist in Williston 1501 911 Hang-up on Pearl St 1509 911 Hang-up on Thompson Dr 1527 Motor Veh Complaint on Gentes

Rd 1624 Found Property on Essex Way 1639 Suspicious on Chelsea Rd 1758 Citizens Assist on New England Dr 1854 Suspicious on Main St 1923 Animal Problem on Brigham Hill Rd 2250 Disabled Vehicle on I 289 2326 Juvenile Problem on Founders Rd Saturday 0005 Alarm on Pearl St 0215 Violation of Conditions of Release on Main St 0332 Suspicious on David Dr 0618 Citizens Assist on Main St 0635 Towed Vehicle due to Winter Parking Ban on Hagan Dr 0915 Alarm on Railroad St 1121 Accident on Pearl St 1234 Citizens Assist on Pointe Dr 1326 Animal Problem on Cedar St 1341 911 Hang-up on Pearl St 1448 Accident on Railroad Ave 1628 Motor Vehi Complaint on Essex Way 1653 Agency Assist on Cherokee Ave 1759 Citizens Dispute on Susie Wilson Rd 1849 Citizens Assist on Susie Wilson Rd

1859 Alarm on Educational Dr 2027 Arrest for Assault on a Police Officer & Resisting Arrest on Tyler Dr 2353 Alarm on Ewing Pl Sunday 0239 DUI on Susie Wilson Rd 0436 Arrest for C&N & LSA on Lamore Rd 0632 Family Fight on Pearl St 0919 Vandalism on Beech St 1022 Alarm on Essex Way 1238 Fraud on Athens Dr 1239 Suspicious on Susie Wilson Rd 1248 Motor Vehicle Complaint on I 289 1344 Agency Assist on Lincoln St 1414 Shoplifting on Essex Way 1422 Theft on Corporate Dr 1814 Citizens Assist on Sherwood Sq 1852 Citizens Assist on Vale Dr 1955 Suspicious Person on Essex Way tickets issued: 21 Warnings issued: 94 Fire/eMS Calls Dispatched: 43

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016 CONTACT US

for a free quote or to place an ad PHONE: FAX: EMAIL: MAIL:

802-878-5282 802-651-9635 classifieds@essexreporter.com The Essex Reporter 42 Severance Greene, Unit #108 Colchester VT 05446

DRIVING SCHOOL

524-7141.

TEEN DRIVER ED is being offered by the Right Way Driving School at Essex High from May 3 – June 16. Classes will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6. The cost is $750. To register and for additional information visit www.therightwaydrivingschool. com or call 3724791

DOLL CARRIAGE, ANTIQUE, dark green, thin tires, excellent condition from 1940’s. $125.

Old doll, great condition $25. Call 802524-7141.

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Awesome, updated, spacious 3 bedroom home. Walking to schools. $875./mo. plus utilities. Call/ text 909-744-7199 FOR SALE DIESEL JETTA TDI 2006 for sale. Great condition, maintenance record, new set of summer and winter tires, clean interior, leather heated seats, sunroof, 55mpg highway, 136,000. $6400. 802-3636442 CUISINART MULTIPOT, with glass cover. New in box paid $40 take $30. 802485-8266 FREEZER, UPRIGHT, FREE, 21 cubic feet, 4 shelves. Good working order. You take away. 802-5249480

MIRROR, ANTIQUE, 36”X38”. Good condition. $75. 802868-3691 BATHROBE, NEW, LADIES’ heavy bathrobe with belt.

100% cotton, size M. Black with white designs. $20. 802658-1636 BOOTS, MEN’S, RUBBER, steel toe.

Size 10, Canadian Arctic. Knee-high, insulated, for ice fishing and farming, like new. $50. 802524-7141.

HAT, LADIES’, NEW, light purple, beautiful. Has brim and flaps that cover ears. Size 7 1/4. $10. 802-658-1636 JACKET, MEN’S, NORTH Face dark blue, size XXL machine washable, never worn $30. 802-485-8266 LEVI’S, 2 PAIR, one men’s 505’s and one men’s 550’s.

Both 36x30, never been worn, brand new. $20 each or both pairs for $30. 802-8683269 mornings.

LOUNGER, BODY GARMENT, adult, garment by day, comforter by night.

64” x 78”. New. $35.

OBO. Call 802-4858266.

TOTE, NEW, WITH handles, 21”x13”, beautiful. $10. 802-658-1636 ASIAN DOLL, COLLECTIBLE, beautiful,

by Danbury Mint $75. 802-485-8266 BYERS CHOICE HORSE, collectable, retired, black with pack never on display $100.

OBO. 802-485-8266

VACUUM, CANISTER, SEARS, Kenmore. Takes bags, works well, red in color. Very little use, CERAMIC CAT, have central system. $100. Call 802- BLACK, Vintage collectible with beau524-7141. tiful green eyes.

ARM CHAIR, 14” high 10” wide OAK, antique. Good $30. 802-485-8266 condition. $65. 802CERAMIC CAT, VIN868-3691 TAGE collectible COOKIE JAR, ANMaltese ceramic cat TIQUE slanted glass 15” inches high 12” country store candy, wide very pretty $40. 802-485-8266 $30. 802-485-8266 CRYSTAL DISH, PORCELAIN DOLL, ROUND, beautiVICTORIAN, 12”h. ful antique with light pink satin designs. 10» in dress. In wicker diameter. Handle carriage, 14.5”L X in center. $50. 802- 9.5”w X 4”d X 10”h., 658-1636 lined with satin, decorated with rosDECORATIVE es, bows and pearl SLEIGH, ANbeads. Carriage TIQUE, all wood is musical. Asking with iron runners, $50. 802-848-3336 red and green, for porch. 6› long x 6» TEDDY BEAR, wide. $100. 802WHITE, 36”. Made

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in Vermont at Vermont Teddy Bear Company. New condition, great valentine. Asking $45. 802-524-6254.

SLIDE PROJECTOR $85.

802-868-3691 TV, FLAT SCREEN, Sylvania 32” LCD. Used very little as second TV. 4 years old, like new, not very much wear. $100. Call 802-5247141.

Friday at 5 p.m. for display ads

DEADLINES Friday at 5 p.m. for line ads to run in the following Thursday paper sional frame 31.5 x 20.5 $80. OBO .802485-8266

deliver the essex reporter!

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KNIC KNAC SHELF, 10 shelves.

New. $75. 802-8686364

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MATTRESS COVER, FITTED, for full double bed. Excellent condition. $5. 802658-1636

AvAilAble Routes: Route#1. Lamoille, East, Park Ave ,Arlington ,Waverly , Pleasant.

Route #5. Sherwood, Square Condos, Village Glen Condos ,Brickyard Condos, Brookside Condos , Sugartree Ln , Brickyard Rd. Route #14. Pearl, School, Park, Terrace., Route #16. South Hill, Southview, Redwood ,Greenwood, Cascade Ct. Route #23. Drury, Upland, Maple, Colonial, Park Condos.

Route #25. Mansfield, Mansfield Ext, Birch, Whipple, Maplewood, Mapleton Apartments, Lilla , Shawn.

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PALM TREE, WITH lights, artificial, new. $20. 802782-4125

VCR, 4 HEAD, works great. $20. 802-868- PLANT, LARGE 6364 LILY of the Nile, EXERCISE BIKE, purple blossom EXERPEUTIC Re$50. 802-485-8266 cumbent. New. $100. 802-868-9425 POSTER, LEGEND OF horses King, Leo AK MAGAZINE and Wimpy 18 x 24 $20 $20. 802-485-8266 802-782-0394 AMMO, 1 BOX, 9mm. $15. 802-782-0394 BOOKSHELVES, 2, WITH 5 shelves.

71.5”h X 37”w .

Asking $50. OBO. Call 802-933-6840.

HUTCH, NEW, SHELVES on top, drawer and two doors on front. $100. 802-868-6364

QUILTS, (2), SINGLE and double bed size. $65. 802-8683691 RECTANGULAR CREATIVE TOP with many designs, for kitchen use. $5. 802-658-1636

WALL PICTURES, (2), Mediterraneanstyle, matching set.

PRINT, FRAMED, One is of a Senorita, PHALAENOPSIS or- one is of a matador. chid, very beautiful, Each 14” x 26”. professional frame Excellent condi36 x 24 bring Summer into your house tion. $35. for the $90. OBO 802-485- pair. 802-658-1636 8266 VINTAGE COOKIE SOFA AND RECLIN- JAR, and lid. Bartlett ER, $40. for each or Collins Christmas $70. for both. 802Holly. Indiana glass 868-7975 $30. 802-485-8266 WARDROBE, AUGER, JIFFY, WICKER, 6’ high x 8”, model 30.

3’ wide, medium $100. 802-868blonde stain, 4 drawers on bottom, 7276, leave meslike new condition. sage. $100. Call 802-524JOHNSON WOOL7141.

EN JACKET, size 48 AFGHANS, (4), short. $35. 802VARIOUS colors and sizes. $15.-$35. 802- 782-0394 868-3691 SHANTY, CLAM, POP-UP, new.

AREA RUG $200. 802-8688’X10’, brand new with pad. Burgundy 7276, leave a mesand beige checked sage. design. $85.

STEAM CLEANCall 802-527-5161, ER, MCCULLleave message.

BEDSPREAD, DUAL OCH, heavy duty, 18 accessories, KING, JC Penny, used once on tile.

Wedding Knot patCleans grime from tern, white, blue, yellow, new conboats, garage/ dition, not used workshop. No much, not signed, chemicals. $150. $100. 802-524OBO. 802-4857141.

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BIRD CAGE STAND, ELECTRIC STOVE, vintage with seed DURAFLAME, new, catcher and night covers or stand with heater, adfor a house plant justable heater $45. 802-485-8266 with thermostat and adjustable CREWEL, HAND STITCHED, with flame. Has instrucflowers, framed tion book and box.

19 x 24 very pretty $60. 802-658-1636 $60. OBO. 802-485FUEL OIL, 70 gal8266 lons, in tank, in FRAMED OCEAN cellar. $1. per galFISH print brightly lon. 802-868-7067 crisp colors profes-

SUDOKU

Fun By the numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! here’s how it Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Is seeking a highly motivated person for the position of a:

Heavy Truck/Trailer Mechanic Swanton Mill Location

This full-time position offers excellent pay, health insurance, vacation, 401K, and profit sharing for the appropriate candidate.

Must be willing to work flexible hours.

Please send letter of application and resume to: Poulin Grain Inc. ATTN: John Robillard 24 Depot Street Swanton, VT 05488 Or apply in person at: 24 Depot Street, Swanton Poulin Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Call 878-5282 or email michael@ essexreporter.com VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING MARCH 3, 2016 6:00 P.M. Work Session for Land Development Code Updates ________________________________

This meeting will be held in the conference room of the Essex Junction municipal building at 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., VT. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to the Village, to assure that Village meetings are accessible to all individuals regardless of disability.

Legal ad for 02/25/16, Essex Reporter Any questions re: above please call Robin or Terry Hass – 878-6950

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Essex Reporter Ad - 2.indd 1

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Offering Competitive Wages, Health Insurance, 401K Plan and Much More.

Marketing/Sales Representative (Essex/Colchester)

The world of news is rapidly changing and The Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun are changing and growing with it. We are looking for smart, creative people who love challenge and change and are passionate about improving the quality of life for our communities.

We have an opportunity for a sales consultant who wants to win in the print and digital marketplace and work with energy and passion to provide our clients with excellent results and care.

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Candidates should have prior sales experience with the ability to assess customer needs and make appropriate recommendations in a short timeframe.

To be successful at The Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun, you must be a mature, curious and ambitious person who is excited by challenge and the opportunity to make a difference. If you are passionate about making your customers successful and have proven sales experience, we want you on our team.

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RepoRteR The ColChesTer sun THE

ESSEX

3:1

Conditional Use application for a two story 18,774 s.f. addition to an existing light manufacturing building at Flex-ASeal, 1 Jackson St. in the MCU District, by Krebs & Lansing Consulting Engineers, agent for Hank Slauson, owner.

Conditional Use application for an existing 2 story detached garage which exceeds 50% of the total above grade floor area of the principle structure at 54 Old Colchester Rd. in the R1 District, by Robin Hollwedel, owner. ______________________________ This DRAFT agenda may be amended. This meeting will be held in the conference room of the Essex Junction municipal building at 2 Lincoln St., Essex Junction, VT. Legal ad for 02/25/16, Essex Reporter Any questions re: above please call Robin Pierce or Terry Hass – 878-6950

YATES FAMILY FARM MAPLE SYRUP New from 2016!

Golden with Delicate Taste, Amber with Rich Taste & Dark with Robust Taste. $44 - Gallon $24 - Half Gallon $15 - Quart, $10 - pint Garry’s Barber Shop. 878-4010

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

S cHOOLS ETSD

Fleming Flyer i Love to read and Write Week: The week of Feb. 1519 was “I Love to Read and Write Week” at Fleming School.

In addition to engaging in regular classroom reading and writing, students participated in school-wide literacy activities. Students were challenged to “Drop Everything and Write” and “Drop Everything and Read” sessions, a Fleming “Mystery Reader” started every morning with a passage from a book, students were invited to share their expertise on a research topic of their choice in the “Chair of Knowledge,” and additional time was made for students to read and write during the regular school day. Our students contributed to a school-wide ‘progressive write’ project, where an initial prompt is provided and each classroom takes a turn to add three minutes of writing to the story line. Using a shared Google document, each classroom could watch the story unfold. Visit our website to view the story written by our 243 students. The initial writing prompt was: We descended the secret stairwell and discovered a time machine behind a wall in the Fleming School basement. tropical island day at Fleming School: Last Friday was Tropical Island Spirit Day. We celebrated the coming warm weather by turning our school into a tropical island paradise. Students decorated the halls, wore tropical outfits and listened to tropical music. House teams competed for

the most spirited tropical house. We had so much fun, we almost forgot it was February in Vermont.

Snowshoeing at Smuggs: Recently, Fleming Librarian Dr. Sally Madeira and fifth-grade teacher Jeff Guilmette brought a small group of students to Smugglers’ Notch for a snowshoe adventure. Students learned about outdoor winter survival, and talked about the snow-covered landscape. When they returned they reflected upon and wrote about their winter outdoors learning experience. Head over to our website to see some photos from their outdoor adventure.

Winter Break: We hope the community is enjoying their winter break with your family this week. School will be back in session after Town Meeting Day on March 2. thank you for Joining Us: On behalf of the STREAM of Lights planning team, we would like to thank all of our families, volunteers, administrators, staff members, and students for making the STREAM of Light Parade a great success. Despite the cold, our large community came together in celebration, and without the hard work of many individuals this event would never have been possible. Thank you for being a part of it.

FMS

This Vermont form was done through word cloud and was created by the third-grade researchers in Mrs. Savio’s class using tagul.com

The Vermont Historical Society reached out to Vermont students and invited them to celebrate our state’s 225th birthday with a card shower to be displayed at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. Students from FMS in Melanie Savio’s third grade collaborated with Sara Jablonski (librarian) and Anne Pius (technology) to research Vermont history and create a meaningful birthday card to celebrate the state’s 225th birthday.

Students used resources from The Vermont History Explorer by the Vermont Historical Society to learn about our state’s rich history and what makes Vermont unique today. Next, they collaborated to create a graphic word cloud by contributing the words and phrases that describe what Vermont means to them. The cards will be on display beginning March 4.

Essex Reporter is looking for

newspaper carriers

A great after-school job once a week. Several routes available.

For a full list of current open routes, visit our website at: www.essexreporter.com/jobs/ available-carrier-routes/

For more information, call our office at 802878-5282 and asked to speak to Michael, or email him at Michael@essexreporter.com

300± Vehicles • Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUVs, & MORE! Saturday, February 27 @ 10AM 298 J Brown Drive, Williston, VT

’98 Porsche Boxter ’06 Volvo XC70 ’12 Chevy Cruze ’05 Honda Odyssey ’10 Honda Accord & MANY MORE! ’10 Toyota Prius List subject to change ’09 Infinity FX35 ’08 Ford Crown Vic. ’08 Polaris Ranger ’08 Saturn Astra ’08 Scion xD ’07 Int. Box Truck ’07 Jeep G. Cherokee ’07 Jeep Patriot ’06 Chevy Silverado Coming 3/5 @ 10AM: ’06 Ford Fusion 1929 Ford Model A ’06 VW Touareg Huckster ’06 Volvo V50 Bid Online or Onsite!

THCAuction.com • 800-474-6132 • 802-878-9200

Foreclosure: 3BR Ski House Near Jay Peak

Friday, March 4 @ 3PM 1793 Amidon Road, Montgomery, VT

Pictured from left in the back row are fMS students elliott riggen, Josie Smith, Juna Thornton, Mathew evan, abigale Smith and ellie Weimer.

PhoTo | TySon Valyou

Nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing, or playing an instrument. Despite all of this, many schools are having to eliminate music education programs. However, Bob Stone, who is a trumpet teacher and outstanding performer, offers his free time to help teach kids how to play the trumpet. (It is a fact that students who have early musical develop in their brain will have more creativity, language and more hand/eye coordination.)

In Founders Memorial School, Mr. Stone has started teaching fifth-grade trumpet lessons.

Mr. Stone has always wanted to share his love for the trumpet. He has taught kids and adults from 6 to 65 — about 90 people every school year. Mr. Stone wanted to start to play because it looked fun, and is still playing over 30 years later. Mr. Stone is now teaching students from sixthto-eighth-grade at Essex Middle School and is starting

to teach fifth-graders at Founders Memorial School. Mr. Stone is a great musician. He started playing the trumpet when he was 9 years old, and to help his trumpet career, he was a music teacher, and he had to teach kids their instrument that they wanted to play. Most of them wanted to play trumpet because they know that one day they could be as great as Mr. Stone. From then on, Mr. Stone knew that he was meant to help kids play trumpet.

“It’s really fun to see students discover the world of music and watch them get better and better”, says Mr. Stone. Mr. Stone is a great teacher and role model for kids who are learning trumpet and for all kids in the Essex school district.

Showcase

EHS

of

Homes

EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER Thomas Hirchak Company FROM: Matt Chaney Phone: 800-634-7653 • Fax: 802-888-2211 TO: Wendy Ewing COMPANY: Essex Reporter 1C=1.69; 2C=3.56; 3C=5.41; 4C=7.28

TODAY’S DATE: 2/22 To advertise your OF FILE: 02252016ER listingsNAME contact TO RUN: 2/25 your adDATE(S) rep today!

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Submitted by Josie Smith, FMS fifth-grader and trumpet player

The following appeared in the high school announcements, but for those who might have missed it, February vacation is a good time to get started on looking at opportunities for spring and summer: Eleventh-graders, if you’re interested in legal studies, leadership, or how state government works and you’re up for a free five-day overnight opportunity, check out http:// boysandgirlsstate.org/ and the additional information below. These programs will leave you with new insights and new friends as you immerse yourself in all things legal and political. Pick up application materials in the school counseling office.

Girls’ State (June 18-23): The application packet includes instructions related to arranging an interview time on March 19 at the American Legion post in Colchester. Click here for more info: http://alagmgs.com/ index.html Boys’ State (June 21-26): Please disregard the 5/15 deadline given on the application form. Applicants need to get their forms signed by Principal Reardon and deliver them to the School Counseling Office no later than April 30. The fee for this program is covered by the Colchester American Legion for three EHS students. Click here for more information: http://vtlegion.org/boys_state.cfm Deadlines for many scholarships are approaching, as February vacation is a good time to write essays and research websites. A little bit of time invested can lead to profitable results. Our counseling office is always adding new sources of scholarship money, so make a point of checking them out regularly.

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016

S cHOOLS EES

EMS Sixth-grade students on the Delta Team at EMS are studying problems facing the world and learning what character traits and skills are needed for people to be able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Students began the unit by studying people who’ve made a difference in world.

They read picture books, wrote summaries, and presented what they learned about Mahatma Gandhi, Wangari Matthai, Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, Jr., Alia Mohammed, and Dr. Gordon Sato. With this as inspiration, they began thinking about what they would like to change in the world.

All students have chosen a social issue or problem and are researching both the issue and what people are already doing to solve the problem.

As they research, students are gaining knowledge of social issues and developing ways that they can help to make a difference in the world.

As they learn, students are strengthening their skills in

Second-graders learning math through art

Shown are some of the books that the eMS students researched to learn about people who have made a difference in the world.

PhoTo | aliSon leVy

reading multiple sources of complex informational text, writing to inform readers and writing to persuade readers of the best course forward to make a difference.

Student writing will be presented this spring and will be shared with people most likely to be able to help them to make a difference with their particular issue.

With this spirit of concern for the world and their place

in it, Delta team will kick off its annual Service Learning unit so students can put their learning and skills to work in the community.

The future will be great hands as these young people learn the skills needed to persevere through new learning and apply critical reading and writing skills in order to stand up and make a difference in the world.

ADL Agenda

Charger and Mrs. Charger sit excitedly in anticipation of the adl Basketball Tournament during the Pep rally on feb. 17.

PhoToS ConTriBuTed

From Principal Laurie Singer: As we return from our winter break we will be within weeks of finishing our second trimester. March 21 will be our student-led conference day running from 1-8 p.m., with a dinner break from 4-5 p.m. Conferences can be scheduled via our website at www.ccsuvt.org/adl beginning March 4. Just prior to the conference date, the Jumprope link for second trimester progress reports will be emailed to families, so please be sure we have your most upto-date email addresses in our system. Updates can be made by calling Victoria Cooper at 8577000, extension 6310.

Besides having progress report information for conferences, seventh and eighth students will also be asked to share their personal learning plans and write their second trimester reflections with input from their parents/ guardians.

We look forward to seeing everyone on March 21.

P.S. Please think about joining us for our community forum on March 9.

essex Fine arts Celebration: The annual Essex Fine Arts Celebration will be held on March 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Essex High School.

All schools in Essex, Essex Junction, and Westford will participate. Performances by the choruses, bands, and strings, as well as drama performances, film, and visual arts displays will highlight students’ work from throughout the community. This is an excellent opportunity for students and parents to observe firsthand the creative talents of our students. Please mark your calendars and join us to celebrate “Creative Minds.”

Spelling Bee: Students who participated in the adl Scripps Spelling Bee on feb. 15 pose for a photo. front row, from left: oliver MacGillivray, eli Pay, olivia notowitz and livia Ball. Back row, from left: Tatum Jewell, Sam Porter, Patrick herrin and Phoebe Gammal. The winner who will represent adl at the State finals this spring was Tatum Jewell.

For the second year in a row, second-grade classes at EES are fortunate enough to spend an hour each week exploring math concepts with the wonderful artist and mathematician Nancy Benefore.

Nancy meets with the second-grade team to plan art projects that align with the math units being studied.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the last several weeks of geometry driven art projects.

We started with a “Triangle Party,” noting that the triangle is the most basic polygon.

Students made triangle trees and triangle stacks to explore the ways three lines and three corners can form different triangles. Optical illusions were created to explore regular vs. irregular polygons, flat vs. curved shapes and quadrilaterals.

We made beautiful fraction collages for which students folded and cut halves, thirds and fourths from circles and rectangles.

The fraction collages also introduced different types of symmetry.

Students worked on graph paper Half Art to reinforce the concept that halves must be equal and that different shapes cover can cover equal amounts of area. The culminating project was a very complex, but amazing, folding and drawing project called “Flexigons” that put to use all of the geometric skills from previous projects.

Math Through Art is a treasured time each week and the smiles on the faces of the second-graders is proof that learning math can be a lot of fun!

Top and left: examples created during the Math Through art Class.

Below: Shown are eeS 2nd graders enjoying their once a week Math Through art Class with Brooke robbins.

PhoToS | BrooKe roBBinS

Submitted by Brooke Robbins

Pet of the Week Leslie

6 year old Spayed Female Reason Here: My owner was moving overseas SUMMARY: Lovely Leslie is as cute as they come! She’s a lover of soft blankets, rawhides, and lounging around! Leslie is looking for a new home where she can bask in all there is to love about being a dog. She’d love to go for hikes where she can sniff all the wonderful smells of Vermont and end the day relaxing for a movie!

My thoughts on: Dogs: I’ve lived with a dog and did well.

Cats: I haven’t been around cats.

Children: I haven’t been around children and it takes me some time to warm up.

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

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The Essex Reporter • February 25, 2016