Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 by AddisonPress

Happy Holidays ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

Vol. 71 No. 51

Middlebury, Vermont



Thursday, December 21, 2017  46 Pages

Board to consider $29.5M fix for Mt. Abe

ANWSD likely to face $7.6M bond

Facilities update eyed; no tax hike seen By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — The Addison Northwest School District Board will probably propose to voters a $7.6 million bond on Town Meeting Day that would fund a long list of energy efficiency, fire safety and security upgrades at all four district schools. And board members believe that bond can be mostly or even completely paid for without increasing taxes. Board members and ANWSD administrators stressed that financial projections are still in early stages, but one central factor is known:

The timing of new bond payments can closely coincide with the end of payments on the bond that funded the 2000-2001 renovation and expansion of Vergennes Union High School. Tom Borchert, chairperson of the ANWSD board’s facilities committee, said numbers are preliminary, but hopeful. “We’re trying to make it as revenue-neutral as possible in terms of the budgetary impact,” Borchert said. “Essentially what’s happening here is that the payments for the upcoming bond would simply take (See VUHS, Page 15A)

State funding news changes ACSD plan Budget problem ‘shrinks’ to $1.3M

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — Public school officials often lament the unpredictability of Vermont’s education funding system. It is not unusual for state aid information to be released in dribs and drabs, sometimes right up to the point at which school districts must finalize their budgets for Town Meeting Day votes. This year has been no different.

But a batch of state aid information received on Dec. 17 buoyed the spirits of Addison Central School District directors, who learned the Vermont Agency of Education has agreed to increase the ACSD student count by 53. The agency’s new interpretation of the Middlebury area school district’s enrollment — which keys on pre-K children who weren’t counted this (See ACSD, Page 11A)

Government and educators struggle to fund Vt. schools By MICHELLE MONROE St. Albans Messenger NORTHFIELD — How can Vermont provide its students with a quality education at an affordable cost as the number of students across the state continues to decline? That is the question the state has been trying to answer for at least a decade.

It’s a question that is taking on new urgency in the face of a declining workforce, sluggish economic growth and nearly stagnant tax revenues. On Monday, Gov. Phil Scott convened a group of approximately 300 educators from around the state (See Struggles, Page 16A)

Holiday meal

THE BRISTOL RECREATION Department’s annual Breakfast with Santa event drew a big crowd to Holley Hall on Dec. 9.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Taking music to Japan By the way Donna Rose, CVOEO food shelf coordinator, shared a little holiday cheer with us when she let us know about how Anita Nadeau and her joyful band of assistants — 17 in all — recently organized, collected and delivered 1,694 pounds of delicious and nutritious food to the food shelf. Rose and CVOEO/ Addison Community Action offered their sincere gratitude and appreciation. She said the enthusiasm and commitment of all of the volunteers to helping out their neighbors was a wonder to behold. Rose also passed on a special thank you to Nova and Trevor, the youngest members of the crew, who helped deliver (See By the way, Page 15A)

Index Obituaries................................. 6A Classifieds........................ 9B-13B Service Directory........... 10B-11B Entertainment.........Arts + Leisure Community Calendar......... 8A-9A Arts Calendar.........Arts + Leisure Sports................................. 1B-3B

MUHS student performs traditional American tunes in Asia By JOHN FLOWERS CORNWALL — Romy Munkres enjoys marching to her own tune, which last month led her from her native Addison County to the Japanese prefecture of Tottori. There, she and four other Vermont youths spent nine days performing traditional American music for their Japanese peers at a major art festival. The trip was organized by a group called “Young Tradition Vermont,” or YTV — a nonprofit organization that seeks to inspire young musicians to embrace traditional forms of music and dance. Participants are urged to share their artistic gifts with others, which has resulted in YTV members traveling to other nations for performances. Munkres, a 15-year-old Middlebury Union High School student, is tailor-made for YTV. She’s been playing the flute since she was in 5th grade and began playing violin at age 6. The Cornwall resident also studies and performs traditional Irish ROMY MUNKRES, A Middlebury Union High School sophomore, plays with other Vermont youth at a music festival in Japan, right, and poses with a new friend made on her trip, above. Courtesy photos

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dance at the McFadden Academy in Colchester. “I really like using music as a way to communicate with other people who might not speak a common language,” Munkres said. It also doesn’t hurt that her parents play music (with Romy) in the Red Dog Riley ensemble and her brother is also an accomplished musician.

When YTV officials invited Munkres to make the trip to Japan — her first ever to Asia — she accepted without hesitation. Mark Sustic, YTV’s touring group manager, had helped organize the nine-day sojourn through a cultural exchange with the Tottori Prefecture in southwestern Japan. (See Romy, Page 15A)

By JOHN FLOWERS BRISTOL — The Mount Abraham Union High School Board will meet early next month to consider a leaner, $29.5 million budget for an MAUHS renovation plan that would be put to five-town voters on Town Meeting Day in March. Mount Abraham school directors agreed to take that tack on Tuesday after “I definitely receiving new hear from i n f o r m a t i o n the public from the that people M A U H S want Renovation something Committee. That panel to be done, met on Dec. but they 14 to chart the really want next steps in to know getting major what their repairs for the deteriorating, options are. 5 0 - y e a r - o l d Because in high school the end we building off are paying B r i s t o l ’ s for this with Airport Road our tax bill.” that delivers — school secondary board member education Sandy Lee to Addison Northeast Supervisory Union (ANESU) students from Bristol, Lincoln, Monkton, New Haven and Starksboro. ANESU voters on Nov. 2 rejected a $36.6 million renovation plan by a 1,261 to 1,168 tally. It was fivetown residents’ second try at passing a major repair plan for the MAUHS building, which opened in 1968. Encouraged by the close margin of the Nov. 2 vote, a re-energized Renovation Committee went back to the drawing board to consider new, less costly project options. Some members considered it important to get a future request below $30 million, acknowledging feedback (See Mt. Abe, Page 14A)

PAGE 2A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

In a pickle (ball tournament)

THE MIDDLEBURY RECREATION Department hosted its second annual pickleball tournament in the town gym last weekend. Mixed doubles teams, seen here, played double elimination rounds on Saturday. Playing are, clockwise from top. Ken Schoen, Janelle Higdon, Craig Miner, Caroline McBride, Susan Miner, and Bill Kingston.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

City students help Puerto Rico

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — The Vergennes Union High School student Peace One Day Committee and the Northlands Job Corps Student Government Association are jointly donating $2,000 to hurricanestricken schools in Puerto Rico. The VUHS Peace One Day committee stages the school’s annual Sept. 21 celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace. At the event, held this year on the school’s baseball field, the committee engages in fundraising activities with a $1,000 goal, one that it successfully achieved that day.

Representatives of the Northlands Student Government Association also attended the celebration that morning and announced they were matching the VUHS donation with money they were raising on their Macdonough Drive campus. The two committees met at Northlands on Nov. 16 for a lunch catered by Northlands culinary arts students and also attended by VUHS Principal Stephanie Taylor and then Northlands Director Shirma Ferguson. There, students agreed to donate the funds to the Saint John’s School Hurricane Relief Fund, an option researched by the VUHS

students. Northlands business community liaison Logan Barbosa wrote in Northlands quarterly newsletter that the charity would use the entire donation toward rebuilding two Puerto Rican schools, and none toward administrative costs. VUHS faculty advisor Lee Shorey said the two schools that will be fixed were damaged by Hurricane Maria. “The motto we thought of for these funds raised by our two schools in Vergennes during the Sept. 21st Day of Peace is ‘Two Schools helping Two Schools,’” Shorey said.

Theater director injured; dog remains missing MIDDLEBURY — Many people — residents and visitors alike — this week have been looking around Middlebury for a golden retriever named Willie, who belongs to Doug and Debby Anderson of East Middlebury. Doug Anderson, executive director of Town Hall Theater, was walking his beloved dog Willie at around 1:45 p.m. Monday when a vehicle struck and slightly injured him while he negotiated one of the Court Square crosswalks. Fortunately, Anderson sustained only bruises, though he hadn’t seen a doctor as of Wednesday morning

because he and his spouse, Debby, had been spending much of their time searching for their dog, who darted away from the accident scene. Willie was last seen on Water Street, heading toward Middlebury Union High School. The Andersons put out an all points bulletin to friends, colleagues and people they saw on the street to keep an eye out for the light-haired golden. The couple called out several people by name on Debby’s Facebook page for particular thanks as the search continued.

Reports had come in of the dog being seen at various spots around town, and there was even hope that Willie would find his own way home. Debby Anderson’s Facebook page included a message about one friend who had enlisted a psychic, who said she saw the dog in a specific location all tangled up. “Not sure I believe in psychics, but I want to today!” Debby Anderson wrote. “Thanks for all your help and concern. I want him next to me on the couch!” Anyone with information about Willie’s whereabouts should call 388-3345.

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 3A

From our home to yours... Uniformly happy

ON MONDAY NIGHT more than a dozen members or the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes along with a half-dozen club mentors and officials came to the Vergennes Police Department to help city police celebrate Christmas. The gathering sang carols by the department’s outdoor Christmas tree, with Detective Jason Ouellette earning high marks for his performance. Chief George Merkel then read “The Night Before Christmas” while hot chocolate and cookies were shared. Police also offered a tour of the station and answered questions about their work. And they accepted presents of four Christmas tree ornaments from the club members. Word is that Merkel liked the two New York Yankee ornaments more than the two Boston Red Sox ornaments, but appreciated the gifts nonetheless. Photos courtesy of Jeff Fritz

Communal septic system sought for Lindale By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — The Addison County Community Trust (ACCT) is seeking funding for a communal sewage disposal system to serve the 67-unit Lindale Mobile Home Park off Route 116/Case Street in Middlebury. This is a plan that advocates believe will cost-effectively remedy the increasing number of failing, individual septic systems within what is one of the county’s largest affordable housing developments. The Middlebury selectboard earlier this month agreed to support ACCT’s bid to secure a planning grant of around $25,000 through the Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP) that would be used to hire an engineering firm to design a large septic system that would serve all of Lindale’s 67 homes. ACCT owns and operates more than 600 units of permanently affordable housing, including 340 lots in nine mobile home parks throughout Addison County. Elise Shanbacker, executive director of ACCT, explained the Lindale Mobile Home Park is approaching its 50th birthday. The park was developed in two phases, with 48 units installed in 1968 and another 19 put in in 1991. Each unit is currently served by its own septic system. Lindale has provided a vital affordable housing source during its history, but its septic systems are now wearing out — particularly those introduced in 1968, Shanbacker stated in a Dec. 8 memo to the Middlebury selectboard. “ACCT has been replacing systems at a rate of approximately three per year as they fail,” Shanbacker said. “This is putting major pressure on the park’s operating budget. We anticipate this problem to accelerate in the older portion of the park as the systems reach their 50th anniversaries.” And the Lindale rents don’t generate enough funds to keep replacing the failing septic systems, according to Shanbacker. Mary Blacklock Jackman, director of ownership programs for ACCT, said the most troublesome septic systems at the park are related to 11 units on Lindale Circle. She recently told selectboard members that ACCT has invested around $32,000 in repairs to those 11 systems since 2014. To make matters worse, soils in a large portion of the park are made up of impermeable clay, and thus not ideal for accommodating septic systems. With that in mind, Community Trust officials will inquire about the availability of land immediately to the east and southeast of the mobile home park that has more suitable soils to host a

CORRECTION: Our Holiday Worship Services listing incorrectly showed that St. Thomas & Grace Episcopal Church in Brandon was holding a service at the building in Forest Dale that it had sold. We apologize for the error. St. Thomas & Grace Episcopal Church will actually hold its Christmas service on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, at the sanctuary on Route 7 in Brandon village just north of the town center. The service is at 7 p.m.; children should arrive at 6:30 to prepare for their part in the service. Parking is available along Route 7 and behind the house on the corner of Route 7 and Prospect Street. CORRECTION: After we sent the page with the Holiday Worship Services to the printer we learned that our listing of the Christmas Eve service at the Ripton Community Church led by Bill McKibben won’t be at 6:30 p.m., as was listed in section B of this paper, nor will it be at 9 p.m., as it has been in the past. Instead it will be at 7:30 p.m.

Happy Holidays!

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THE ADDISON COUNTY Community Trust is seeking grant money to plan a communal septic system to serve the Lindale mobile home park off Route 116 in Middlebury.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

communal septic system. “We are looking to put the whole community on a septic system so we don’t have to deal with this situation going on down the line when the other ones start to fail,” Jackman said. It’s a solution that won’t come cheap, and will require an infusion of state and federal funds, ACCT officials said. But first, the Community Trust needs an engineer to design and site a potential communal septic system. Tim Ashe is a director of Housing Foundation Inc., a non-profit that manages hundreds of affordable housing units throughout Vermont. Ashe, also a state senator representing Chittenden County, is helping Addison County Community Trust apply for a VCDP planning grant to underwrite the engineering study. “The planning grant will help to determine whether there is a project at all,” Ashe said. The VCDP grant will require the Community Trust to put up a 25-percent match. Shanbacker said her non-profit organization is trying to scrape up the money. But she’s also asking the Middlebury selectboard if that sum could be provided through a municipal revolving loan fund. That fund currently contains $94,000, according to Middlebury Town Manager Kathleen Ramsay. Selectboard members on Dec. 12 voted unanimously to back ACCT’s effort to devise and install a communal septic system at Lindale. The board scheduled a public hearing

for Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m. to further discuss ACCT’s proposal and potentially vote on tapping the revolving loan fund for some — or all — of the 25-percent local match for the planning grant. “It would show the strongest possible support for those who are scoring the (grant) application, because it’s a competitive process,” Ashe said of the potential impact of Middlebury footing all of the local match. Ashe said the VCDP will likely make its funding decisions in

mid-February. That could lead to the hiring of an engineering firm in May or June, with a potential start to septic system work next summer. “It seems like wise planning,” Selectwoman Laura Asermily said of ACCT’s plan for a communal septic system. Selectman Nick Artim agreed. “It seems like an honorable, cost-effective and logical approach,” he said. “I commend you for this effort.” Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.

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PAGE 4A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

A DDIS ON INDE P E NDEN T

Letters

Editorials

to the Editor

A Christmas message

Farmers are good land managers

Editor’s Note: The following Christmas message was addressed “To the American people” by President Calvin Coolidge from the White House on Dec. 25, 1927.

“Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind. To Cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior, and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.”

Calvin Coolidge

Happy holidays from all of us at the Addy Indy!

Front and center

THEA BOGLIOLI BELTS out a song during the Bridge School’s annual “Big Show” last week. Students in the school’s oldest language arts class wrote the original production. Seen behind Boglioli are Zac Dragon, back left, James Adams and Allegra deBoer. For more photos see Page 13A.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Dollar-suitcase yields big dividends When my daughter Heidi was ten, we moved from Cornwall to Middlebury. Our new house needed furniture for its empty rooms and, since we were on a tight budget, we looked for garage sales. One massive sale was on Sperry Road in Cornwall, where the Packs were moving from their large renovated barn house. We had visited the house before and knew the high quality of the furnishings. What we found were a large modern couch with dark floral cushions, twin beds for Heidi’s bedroom, and a solid mahogany coffee table. I was about to pay when I was drawn to a big, grey, plastic-ripple suitcase with peeling trim. I peeked inside to find it filled with clothes. “How much for this?” I asked. “A dollar” came the answer. By Sas Patty Pack added it to the pile. I figCarey ured Heidi might use the clothing for dress-up. As I was cashing out, Patty said, “We had to wear floor-length gowns to meals in boarding school in the fifties. I don’t need them. Well, I couldn’t fit into them now, anyway,” she sighed. When I got home and pulled them out of the suitcase one-by-one, I could see why. The size was extra, extra small. The fitted waist looked to be about doll-size. I had learned about quality clothing early because my grandmother was a seamstress for New York dignitaries. This handmade clothing was gorgeous. There were silk gowns of various colors, light wool suits, cotton dresses, woolen skirts, and rayon tops. I carefully placed everything back into the suitcase and hid it in my closet. As December came, I found some fancy paper,

Ways of Seeing

wrapped the suitcase, and put it under the tree. The other presents were overshadowed by it. I watched my daughter eye it on Christmas Eve with what looked like hope. I couldn’t imagine what she thought it might be. When she ripped the paper off, her eyes lost their sparkle. She stared at the battered suitcase, nodded, and said, “Thanks, Mom,” as she pushed the unopened suitcase aside to make space for the next shiny present. She was looking forward to a monogrammed sweater like her friends, new clothes, or jewelry, I guess. But later on when the hype of opening presents had died down, she went back to the suitcase and touched each soft fabric as she lifted it out. And invited her friends over to play dress-up. She spent many hours on many days over some years with that dollar present. As she got older, she became clothes-conscious and creative. She had her own unique style, which she claimed as early as middle school. In high school when she got invited to the junior prom, the first year she chose a salmon-colored silk gown from the suitcase, which fit perfectly after I made a few alterations. I think she felt like the rich princess she used to write about when she was younger. The next year when she went shopping for a gown, she realized that none of the ones she saw were as beautiful or unique as those in the suitcase. She chose one with a square neckline. She didn’t like the cream color so we dyed it blue. The third year we dyed one purple. And in her senior year, Heidi wore a light peach silk sheath. She never bought a prom dress. Even later, when her (See Ways, Page 5A)

Baking experience takes the cake

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For a while now, I’ve needed a break from reality. Until this month, my entire cake-baking toolkit had Obsessed with the news, I find my moods swinging consisted of two mismatched cake pans, a butter knife between “disgruntled” and “despairing for the future of and — well, that’s about it. So I invested in not only our democracy.” pans, a rotating turntable, a pastry bag and icing tips, I found my escape Saturday, when I baked my but also in cardboard circles and dowels for supporting grandson’s birthday cake, an annual tradition. the weight of multiple tiers. Until my YouTube binge, I Granted, he just turned 2 last week, so it’s not a hadn’t even known such things existed. Cake bakers are longstanding tradition. At this point, it’s more of a full of secrets. coincidence, really. But it’s a start. The decorating would keep my I am not, however, a great cake hands busy, but what about my racing baker. To begin with, our oven isn’t mind? I needed something to act as level, so my cakes typically list to the mental equivalent of a birthday one side. And my aggressive frosting cake — sweet and enjoyable, but technique gives a result that is best devoid of any nutritional value. described as “crumb-flecked” and I knew just the thing. “lumpy.” I generally find the process On Saturday morning, I set my more stressful than satisfying. laptop on the counter and queued up a By Jessie Raymond series of original Christmas movies. I But last week I watched a dozen or so cake-making videos on YouTube. mean the Hallmark or Lifetime kind, I’m an expert now. which are “original” only in the sense The theme of my grandson’s party (because it’s 2017, that they are produced by the network that airs them. and “birthday” is no longer considered adequate) was The typical storyline goes as follows: A pretty, alldinosaurs. My daughter-in-law, half-joking, texted me American interior designer/baker/Christmas tree farmer a typical over-the-top Pinterest picture of a two-tiered, in the northern village of Snowflake Falls/Christmas Crayon-colored, elaborately decorated cake, studded Hollow/Wrapping Paper Junction finds herself with toy dinosaurs and tiny plastic palm trees. It looked inexplicably falling for the handsome but callous/sad/ like a scale model of Jurassic Park (before things went widowed developer/CEO/lawyer who has come the south). week before Christmas to make a hostile takeover of her “Can you make this?” she asked, with a laughing family’s struggling inn/farm/candy cane factory. I-dare-you emoticon. On rare occasions, the setting is urban, and sometimes “Yes, and then some,” I replied, looking for, but not there is a sleigh ride. But in every case, there are finding, an emoticon of an overconfident baker. snowball fights during which the bickering but meantI’d make mine even taller. And I did: on Friday I baked to-be-together love interests end up falling on top of three graduated tiers, six layers in all. (See Raymond, Page 5A)

Around the bend

I have lived and worked in the Champlain Valley my entire life. I have watched many small family farms join to become only a few very large family farms. Most are now multimillion-dollar operations. I have worked for, and am on a first name basis with, many of these farmers. They grow thousands of acres of hay, corn, and beans to feed large numbers of extremely productive dairy animals. In doing so, they create and maintain a landscape that attracts increased tourism dollars. With rare exception, there are no hedgerows where cropland meets highways in the entire Champlain Valley. The roadside areas are clean and neat. This makes for much safer entrance and exit from the fields, as well as showcasing the manicured beauty of Vermont. Ferrisburgh is a perfect example — large family farms — and very few hedgerows. One of the Ferrisburgh farmers told me that, in the past, the highway crew helped in the hedgerow removal. No tree warden input. That farmer and a Ferrisburgh selectman told me they knew of no tree warden activity — ever. If this action is a first, my questions are: Why the change? Why this family farm? Why now? The plain and simple words of Vermont highway statutes give the abutting landowner the right to cut and remove all roadside growth without permission of the town selectboard or state highway department (see Title 19, Section 901). The Ferrisburgh selectboard is aware of this provision in highway law, but it seems to be falling on deaf ears. A town owns no land in a highway right-of-way. Only the right of passage. Perhaps the Ferrisburgh selectboard should review the results of Shelburne’s experience — $451,000 of taxpayer money down a legal rat hole which, from the outset, had a chance of winning that ranged from slim to none. They lost! Unless the Ferrisburgh board changes its ridiculous hardball stance, I believe they will also lose. They have chosen a hard, and expensive, row to hoe. Management of farmland is best left to the farmland owners. We owe much to our remaining farmers and none deserve such shabby treatment. Tom Fisher Addison

On the joys of animal sheltering work

In this season of gratitude, I wanted to share my feelings about working for the humane society. I wrote many years ago about the joys of animal sheltering work but it still rings true! I am grateful to everyone who makes the lives of shelter animals brighter. I purposefully chose to use the word “joys” in connection with animal sheltering work because it is a one-word answer to the question and comment so often directed at animal shelter workers. Kind, compassionate, and well-meaning people who visit our This week’s writer shelter often is Jessica Danyow, leave after executive director thanking us of Homeward for what we Bound, Addison do saying, “I County’s Humane could never Society, in work here, Middlebury. it’s too sad. How can you stand it?” or “I love animals way too much to ever work here. How do you do it?” It’s true that it can be overwhelming sometimes to work with what seems like an endless flow of unwanted and homeless animals, and it’s ironic because all shelter workers’ efforts are ultimately directed at putting themselves out of a job. However, that day is still a long time coming and until then here are some of my thoughts on why we work where we do. I hope (See Forum, Page 5A)

Community

Forum

The many faces of Santa Claus In a season of giving and getting a broad face and a little round belly presents, most of us are looking for- that shakes when he laughs like a ward to what’s going to be under the bowl full of jelly. I saw presents from Santa Claus Christmas tree this coming Monday. The days are ripe with anticipation of this year in many ways. Among gifts from Santa Claus and his elves. them: • The owner of the auto repair But what if I told you that Santa had already arrived and has been giv- shop who left the warmth of his office to grab a gauge and ing out presents all year? air hose, to inflate my Bear with me for a car tires in 15-degree moment as we look back weather and take not a 120 years, to the Sept. nickel in payment. 21, 1897, edition of The • The spaciously New York Sun. On that expanded Middlebury day in The Sun there Co-op that Santa’s helpappeared a letter to the ers completed this year editor and the editor’s — providing an even response. better selection of food “Dear Editor, I am 8 and drink along with years old,” the letter bemore support for local gan. “Some of my little farmers and sustainable friends say there is no agriculture. Santa Claus. Papa says, • The teachers and ‘If you see it in The Sun, staff that make Addison it’s so.’ Please tell me County schools among the truth, is there a Santa the best in Vermont. Claus? (Signed) Virginia O’Hanlon, 115 West by Gregory Dennis Plus the countless hours of effort by volunteer Ninety Fifth Street.” school boards to wrestle The editor replied in with the changing educational landpart: “Virginia, your little friends are scape and ever-tighter budgets. • The many preservation efforts wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. by government and civic groups that They do not believe except they see. include environmentalists, fishermen They think that nothing can be which and many hunters. (We could also is not comprehensible by their little sometimes do better here. We still allow open season on coyotes, for minds… “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa example. And according to VPR, a Claus. He exists as certainly as love recent Island Pond meeting held by and generosity and devotion exist, the state Department of Fish and and you know that they abound and Wildlife to see what could be done to give to your life its highest beau- halt the decline of our moose poputy and joy. Alas! how dreary would lation included servings of cornbread be the world if there were no Santa — and moose chili. What were they Claus! It would be as dreary as if thinking?) • A growing climate of tolerance there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, for diversity. Vermont continues no romance to make tolerable this to welcome immigrants. Marriage equality is now woven into the existence.” “Nobody sees Santa Claus,” the fabric of our communities, and our editor added, “but that is no sign that transgender community is slowly there is no Santa Claus. The most emerging from hiding as accepreal things in the world are those that tance grows. (And yes, we have the occasional setbacks, such as the inneither children nor men can see.” To which I would add: Even tolerant response to the presence of though we may not see these things Charles Murray on the Middlebury directly, the magic of Santa Claus College campus.) • The budding “climate econgives presents every day of the year. These presents usually arrive in the omy” campaign by the Vermont smallest ways. But if we take care to Council on Rural Development. The notice them, they are no less hearten- greater Middlebury area is one of the ing than if they were physically de- two first Vermont communities to livered by a right jolly old elf, with work with VCRD on this. It’s engag-

Between The Lines

ing citizens in a broad effort to grow our local economy so it can survive ongoing climate change — and also thrive by taking advantage of sustainable economic opportunities that arise with climate disruption. • Other kinds of citizen activism that just won’t quit. It began this year with the Women’s March in Montpelier — the counterpart to over 600,000 people massing in Washington, D.C., and a total of over a million nationwide. Among the universal messages: Hope trumps hate when women help to lead the resistance to an anti-woman, anti-environmental president who lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes. Here in Vermont, the Women’s March attracted over 15,000 people to the state capital. So many that they turned Interstate 89 into a parking lot. • The activism animating Vermont society continued throughout the year with abundant efforts to counter climate change, despite the apparent indifference to climate change that’s evinced by the policies of Gov. Phil Scott. Meanwhile, organizations like senior centers, homeless shelters, religious congregations and food banks continued their stalwart support for the economically less fortunate among us. • The postal clerk who braved the cold to come outside with me and grab an envelope that I’d mistakenly dropped in the outside mailbox. It was one of many moments of good cheer from the always-friendly staff at the Middlebury Post Office. I don’t know how they manage to be consistently pleasant, but it sure is a day brightener. Santa Claus “lives and lives forever,” The Sun’s editor concluded. “A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.” And adulthood. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, everyone. Gregory Dennis’s column appears here every other Thursday and is archived on his blog at www.gregdennis.wordpress.com. Email: gregdennisvt@yahoo.com. Twitter: @ greengregdennis.

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 5A

Forum (Continued from Page 4A) these reflections will help everyone to see that our shelter (and every animal shelter and rescue group everywhere) is not always a sad place but very, very often an example of human nature at its best. On an abstract level, I like working in animal shelters. Despite the amount of work it will take to end companion animal overpopulation and make sure animals do not outnumber loving, responsible homes, people are not afraid to donate their time, their skills, their money, and their hearts. They bring us animals, knowing that our shelter is a safe and kind place where animals will be cared for until a loving, responsible and permanent home is found. People come to us for new animal companions, even knowing the “emotional baggage” that can accompany the often traumatized animals who come to us off the streets. People are not afraid to bring their children, either in family groups or

school classes, to learn about us and what we do. In short, people are not afraid of this overwhelming problem and so many do so much to help solve it. It amazes me, brings me hope, and yes, is a joy. On a daily basis, I like working in animal shelters because of the little things I see every day. I see staff members regularly spend their own money to by small treats that will make the lives of our animals more pleasant. I see teenage volunteers giving up whole Saturdays to fold laundry and wash endless piles of dishes. I see weak and hungry kittens sent into foster care come back bright-eyed and healthy. I see scared dogs learning to trust. I see animal control officers working double time to reunite lost animals with out-of-town families. I see children in wheelchairs giggling hysterically at the antics of cats in the cat rooms. I see veterinarians volunteering hours and hours of time to examine and care for homeless animals.

I see high school students choosing to fulfill their community service requirements by scrubbing kennels and scooping poop. I see children who have had birthday parties where the only gift they asked for was donations to the shelter. I see people drive miles out of their way to bring us a cat found in a snow storm. I see adoptions that make old people smile and children gleeful. I see staff wiping away tears as they say farewell to a beloved animal who has finally found a forever home. I see people, clearly grieving their own deceased animals, come in to give us leftover medicine before it expires. I hear guinea pigs squeaking when their favorite volunteer arrives with lettuce and treats. In short, I see people being kind to animals and animals bringing joy to people; and I sometimes see the answer to the question, “How could you work here?” as “For the privilege of seeing what is possible.”

and predictable. And I cry every time. While cake decorating, I watched three of them back to back. Not only did I not think about politics, but I also entered a weird flow state in which — exceeding my normal abilities — I crafted a towering, dinosaur-bedecked, lush tropical paradise of a cake. (Seriously, I think

I won Pinterest.) On Saturday, I lived in a magical world where a T. Rex and a stegosaurus were buddies hanging out by a lagoon of blue frosting, where all improbable romances had a happy ending and where, for over five hours, I forgot to despair for the future of our democracy. It was the best day ever.

Raymond (Continued from Page 4A) each other. Shocked, they lock eyes for a moment in what is considered, for this genre, scandalous physical proximity. The sexual tension would heat up the screen, if only See photos the actors had of the amazmore depth than a ing birthday pair of Barbie and cake that Ken dolls. Jessie actuLater, after a ally made for misunderstanding her grandson that threatens to with this story drive them apart online at forever, their addisoninde- true feelings pendent.com. are revealed, and, under the mistletoe/on the floor of the spared factory/in front of all the kindhearted townspeople, the guy drops to one knee and proposes. The girl, knowing that it must be true love because they only met four days ago, says yes. Yes! These movies are hokey and dumb

THE PERFECT midnight snack

Letters to the Editor Tree cutting was reasonable act I have been following with interest the ongoing disagreement between the Vorsteveld brothers and officials of the town of Ferrisburgh regarding the cutting of trees in the road right-of-way. Although it will be costly to both the brothers and the town I do hope that the basic question can eventually be brought to the Vermont Supreme Court. The basic question being: aside from providing a course for a public road and, with that, addressing any concurrent safety issues, can the use a right-of-way be controlled by town officials for any other purposes? I think not. I have not researched this subject to any great extent but, common sense suggests that when the right-of-way was granted to a town for a roadway, the landowner granting the right-of-way did not envision giving the town carte blanche to do whatever they wished within that area. Town control of trees planted within rights-of-way, and erection

Ways (Continued from Page 4A) glitzy childhood presents were long gone and she got a job at the New York Public Library, I sent her one of those perfect wool suits. Ever since then, I have always thought that there’s a special category of “Thanks Mom” presents. They are the ones that are not showy, requested, or the latest item advertised — the ones that get a mild and unexcited reaction when they are opened. Over the years I have come to learn that “Thanks Mom” presents are the ones that have the most meaning because they have lasting power and are one-of-a-kind. Sas Carey is the founder and director of Nomadicare of Mongolia (nomadicare.org). She has directed three documentaries—“Gobi Women’s Song,” “Ceremony” and “Migration,” and written “Reindeer Herders in My Heart.” She has been given a writing fellowship to work on her memoirs at Vermont Studio Center for the month of January.

(or not) of fences, hedges, signs, etc. is reasonable in those areas where those actions would impact the safety of traffic on the roadway. With a bit of a stretch then, town control of shade trees within densely populated areas could also be considered reasonable. However, the Vorsteveld tree cutting was in a rural area where the provision of shade is not at question and, in fact, given the higher speed of traffic in such an area, it probably provides more safety to any driver that may have the bad fortune to leave the road. If it came to that, I would much rather drive into an open field than a tree. How about you? I think the town of Ferrisburgh should thank the Vorstevelds for enhancing the traffic safety along that road and adding productive farmland to the town. Jim Peabody, Sr Bristol

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PAGE 6A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

ADDISON COUNTY

Obituaries

Edward Allen Jr., 84, East Middlebury EAST MIDDLEBURY — Edward L. Allen, Jr. of East Middlebury, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2017, at his daughter’s home with family at his side in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was a Brattleboro native, born in July 24, 1933, and was a Vermonter through and through who loved the landscape of his home. Ed graduated from Brattleboro Union High School (BUHS) in 1951. As a high school football and baseball player, he was known as “Fast Eddy.” He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Keene Teachers College and later achieved his Master’s degree in Science at the University of Connecticut. Ed spent his 31-year educational career advocating and teaching industrial arts as the director of education at the Connecticut State Prison, a founding teacher of building trades at BUHS, the director of the Hartford Center in White River Junction, and the director of the Addison County Vocational Technical Center in Middlebury. Ed was also named as Vermont’s Vocational Educator of the Year. He retired at 52 years of age and pursued his dream of producing fine wood furniture as the small business owner of Green Mountain Woodworks. He made exceptional Shaker furniture for over 20 years. He was chosen by the Sheldon Museum in Middlebury as one of the best woodworkers in Vermont in the last 50 years. He was an avid cyclist and loved spending time outdoors, hiking, gardening, and walking daily up until

EDWARD LOUIS ALLEN JR. his death. He is survived by his sister Judith Seitzer; daughters Pamela Allen, Melody Allen and Heather Allen Edenhofer; son Blane Allen; four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother Marjorie Allen and father Edward L. Allen, wife Joan Allen, sister Connie Longway, brother Timothy Allen and stepson Chris Bumstead. His family was lucky to have such a loving father, grandfather and friend to many. Ed will be remembered for his robust sense of humor and his positive influence on those whose lives he touched. Services will be held in June 2018 in Brattleboro, Vermont. ◊

Esther Conway, 97, formerly of Middlebury Louis Lee, 78, Orwell ORWELL — Louis L. Lee, 78, of Orwell, VT, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family. Louis was born on July 28, 1939, in Rochester, VT, the son of Willard and Margaret (Gokey) Lee. Louis moved to Orwell in 1945 and attended school at Hough School and Shoreham High School. Louis married Loretta Doane on April 8, 1967. He was predeceased by both his parents, as well as his brothers, Willard and Raymond. Louis worked 32 years in the apple industry in Shoreham, VT. He finished his career in the custodial department at Middlebury College. Oh, how Louis loved the students! Louis was a Cub Scout leader, Little League coach and volunteer firefighter for the Shoreham Fire Department. He also was a member of the 60 Plus Club in Orwell. Louis had an incredible knowledge of plants and animals and spent many hours tending his flower and vegetable gardens. This love of each cactus is evidenced throughout his home. He loved to take a seed pod (even if he shouldn’t be) and make something grow. Louis is survived by his wife and their three children, Lynne (Tim) Butler of Fairlee, VT, Kathleen (Curtis) Parent of Orwell, VT, and Louis (Cindy) Lee Jr. of Benson, VT. Louis and Loretta enjoyed their 6 grandchildren, Jordan LaCroix, BeKah Parent, Thessalie Butler, Dylan Lee, Ryleigh Butler and Trey Lee. He was an avid fan

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Middlebury, Stephen Bougor of the Middle East, Kurt Antonangeli of Lake Wylie, SC; James Conway of Omaha, NE, Brian Conway of Indianapolis, IN; and great-grandchildren Jeremy Bougor, and Isabella, Nicholas and Andrew Antonangeli, and Shandra, Jameson and Alicia Conway. Esther was predeceased by her parents, two brothers and her son-inlaw Anthony Bougor. There will be a memorial later in the spring. ◊

Roy Tucker III, 43, native of Middlebury

LOUIS L. LEE and supporter of all their activities. Calling hours were Tuesday, Dec. 19, in the Mallory Funeral Home in Fair Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Paul’s Church in Orwell, Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753 or Orwell First Response, P.O. Box 124, Orwell, VT 05760. Mallory Funeral Home in Fair Haven is handling the arrangements. On line condolences can be made to www.millerandketchamfuneralhomes.com. ◊

Obituary Guidelines The Independent will publish paid obituaries and free notices of passing. The free notice of passing is up to 100 words, subject to editing by our news department. Paid obituaries cost 25 cents per word and will be published, as submitted, on the date of the family’s

MIDDLEBURY — Esther (Dodge) Conway, 97, of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away Dec. 17, 2017. She was born in South Wyndam, Maine, the daughter of Theron and Reta Dodge. She resided in Middlebury, VT, until four years ago. She is survived by her daughter, Tena (Conway) Bougor of York, SC., and son Kevin Conway and his wife Charlene of Vass, NC; a sister, Ada Eastman of Watertown, TN; and grandchildren Michael Bougor of

choosing. Paid obituaries are marked with ‘◊.’ Photos with either paid obituaries or free notices cost $10 per photo. Obituaries may be emailed to obits@addisonindependent.com, or call 802‑388‑4944 for more information.

Cremation With A Service... A Celebration of Life, for those left behind, helps those family members and friends with closure. Even though your loved one says “I just want to be cremated– no funeral,” they forget the Celebration of Life service is not for them, but for the ones left behind. A service is a healthy way to say good-bye.

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PUTNAM STATION, N.Y. — Roy Thomas Tucker III, 43, of Putnam Station, passed away on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, at his residence. Born July 15, 1974, in Middlebury, Vt., to Roy Thomas Tucker Jr. and Alice “Chickie” (Blood) Tucker. Tommy is survived by his mother Alice “Chickie” Tucker; his brothers, Daniel (Suzanne) Tucker and Joseph Tucker; and his sister Brette Tucker. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Tyler, Alyssa, Gavin, Anthony and Selah; his stepmother Shari Rowinski of Bristol, Vt.; his great-aunts, Belva Blood of Ticonderoga and Pauline Ezzo of Ohio; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his father, Roy Thomas Tucker Jr. on July 9, 2016. Tommy attended Ticonderoga High School, Class of 1992, where he played football beginning in modified and playing up through his high school graduation. Following graduation from high school he attended Hartwick College, playing football while there. He then enlisted in the Marines, wishing to serve his country. He was in the Marines from 1994 to 2001, becoming a Marine Security guard. While in Service he met and made many great and lasting friendships. After leaving the Marine Corps, Tommy began working Private Security. Tommy traveled all over the world while employed in private security — Cuba, Japan, Australia, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Afghanistan, Kenya, Eritrea, Germany, India, Serbia, Montenegro, Italy, Thailand, Belgium, New Zealand, Maldives, Netherlands and Portugal. He was able to see all the sites and things that were on his bucket list. He met many people and was touched by so many and an inspiration to so many. Tommy was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroendocrine cancer in January 2014. Throughout his fight with his “affliction” (as he called it) he was an inspiration to not only his family but to many people he met and talked with

ROY THOMAS TUCKER while never losing his positive outlook, his zest for life and continued to workout and stay in shape. Tommy was the essence of health and fitness. Tommy thrived on inspiring and leading people through his passion of fitness. As Tommy always said, “Be Your Own Hero,” and he was... Relatives and friends may call Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, 11 Algonkin St., Ticonderoga, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Ticonderoga. The Rev. Kevin D. McEwan, Pastor, will officiate. Military Honors will take place, following the Mass. There will be a reception at the Putnam Fire Station following the services. The Rite of Committal will take place in the spring at the family plot of St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery of Ticonderoga. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wilcoxandreganfuneralhome.com. ◊

This New Year, Make Reducing Waste Your Resolution! Whether you are hibernating at home or braving the winter weather, there are lots of things you can do to reduce your impact on the environment and still be of good cheer. It’s easy to warm up to these reduce/reuse/recycle tips! The best things in life aren’t things. Give gifts that don’t require shelf space. Try a gift certificate for a sporting event, movie, play, or concert, or make a charitable donation in someone’s name. Think durable! Consider how long an item will last before you make a purchase. Often, a cheaper item will wear out before a more durable equivalent. Have the Holidays cluttered up your home? Donate your unwanted household items to a local charity or thrift store. It’s easy to do and can help make a difference in someone’s life. Still need more stuff? If you’re heading to the store, try bringing your own shopping bag. You’ll save disposable bags from being discarded, and as a bonus they won’t accumulate in your closet. New Year’s fun? For a low-impact party, put a lid on disposable silverware, dishware, and tablecloths. Use the durable stuff that you can wash and keep around. Cloth napkins add a touch of class to your holiday bash. Always look for items with recycled content. Make gifts. Everyone appreciates a home-cooked meal or baked goodies. Remember, when the holidays are over... Recyclable items include wrapping paper (except foil, mylar and bows), cardboard boxes, Christmas cards, and Christmas trees (through our Merry Mulch program). Check our website for places that collect and reuse packing peanuts and bubble wrap. Call us at 388-2333 for more info on how to reduse, reuse, and recycle, or visit: www.AddisonCountyRecycles.org

Addison County Solid Waste Management District

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 7A

Warm Wishes from Vermont Gas The Holiday Season is a time to say thank you, to reflect on the year ending and to look forward to the promise of the New Year to come. At Vermont Gas, we want to thank our 51,000 customers for your loyalty and trust. To our new communities, Middlebury and Vergennes, and the nearly 1,000 new Vermont families and businesses who chose Vermont Gas in 2017, thank you for welcoming us this year. We’re excited about the future and more committed than ever to delivering a superior customer experience. What that means for you is safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy, easy and convenient service, and efficient ways to save money and reduce emissions. Vermont Gas customers have chosen the most affordable energy service around. Apples-to-apples, customers who choose Vermont Gas service are paying 20% less than their neighbors using heating oil prices, and 50% less than those heating with propane. Our commitment to customer value is much bigger than dollars alone. We all share an environmental imperative to build a clean-energy future, including deep reductions in carbon emissions that cause climate change. Our team is dedicated to giving Vermont families and businesses the tools to help achieve Vermont’s carbon reduction goals. We are proud members of Vermont’s Climate Pledge Coalition and determined to do our part to achieve our nation’s commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Horse power

PAT PALMER PREPARES to guide his horse-drawn wagon through downtown Bristol on Dec. 9.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Letters to Santa

Every Vermont family who chooses Vermont Gas over oil reduces their home carbon emissions by almost 30%. Choosing a high-efficiency gas furnace or boiler can reduce energy use by 20% -- cutting both costs and carbon emissions. Adding a smart thermostat can save 5% more. Our energy experts can identify even more savings through our comprehensive home energy audits. Choosing Vermont Gas to service your gas heating system will also keep those savings coming year after year. EcoGas, our renewable natural gas service, will bring our customers the opportunity to further reduce and even eliminate their home carbon footprint. Completing our extension to Addison County last spring made possible our unique partnership with Vanguard Renewables, Middlebury College and the Goodrich farm to turn farm and food waste into locally produced renewable gas. We’re proud to bring these choices and opportunities to our customers. We’re prouder still of what our customers have achieved – tens of millions in annual cost savings and some 300,000 metric tonnes of carbon avoided every single year, and counting. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that’s carbon avoidance equivalent to more than 70 wind turbines.

Dear Santa, Thank you for last years gifts. I would like a train to share with my brother. Love Jacob Jacob Therrien, 5 years old, Brandon

During this holiday season, we’re also thinking about those who depend on the support of their communities. Strong communities take care of each other in many different ways. Vermont Gas is pleased to offer a low-income discount to qualifying customers, and our employee-led CARE team supported more than 40 community organizations in 2017, donating $96,000 and hundreds of hours of volunteer support.

Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like... 1. ipod touch 7 2. Puppy 3. Nentendo Swich 4. A stuffed animal Pagin (Big) Thank you. Quinn Elizabeth Vachereau, Burlington Dear Santa, It’s Patrick. I would like a dinosaur Lego set with two cars, like from Jurassic Park. I have been bad. Actually I was good! OK, a little good and a little bad. I love you, Santa. Love, Patrick Gibson, age 5, Shoreham

For all of 2017’s achievements, we still have miles to go to make Vermont more affordable and shrink our carbon footprint. Our Vermont Gas mission in 2018 will be to create more choices and opportunities for our customers, new and old, to save more money and cut more carbon. We see a bright future ahead. We are focused on making next year the most successful ever. Enjoy the holidays. Happy New Year.

Don Rendall, President and CEO Merry Christmas 2017 Christmas List Dear Santa, How are you? I can’t wait for your appearance even if I can’t actually see you. I just LOVE that feeling when you wake up on Christmas morning and walk out to the Christmas tree and see all those presents surrounding the tree. But... then you have to wait

for mom to say ok we can start opening the stockings and presents. I can’t wait to see what you stuff my stocking with and what you give me. Here are a few things I want for Christmas. (gymnastics mat, bed canopy and a hachamall) last but not least I would like evry body to have a good Christmas. Halle Michelle Forrest, age 9 grade 3, Lincoln

Happy Holidays from the Wisnowski family and our staff at

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PAGE 8A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

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Find the thrush

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT on New Year’s Day. Join Otter Creek Audubon on their First Day bird walk in Ferrisburgh, Monday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m., at Button Bay State Park. New Year’s Day birding trips are a tradition held by many in the bird-watching world as they begin to fill their annual bird lists. You may spot Vermont’s beloved hermit thrush, like this one, while you’re there.

Dec

THURSDAY

Recital of Advent and Christmas in Middlebury. Thursday, Dec. 21, 12:1512:45 p.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, on the town green. Music with strings, woodwind, and vocalists, accompanied by organ and piano. Free. Moonlight Madness in Brandon. Thursday, Dec. 21, 4-9 p.m., downtown. Stores will be open late for holiday shopping. Winter Solstice Celebration in Bristol. Thursday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m., meet at Waterworks Forest parking lot on Plank Rd. Celebrate the longest night of the year and the promise of growing light in the all-weather snow-or-shine celebration at the picnic area on the Norton Brook Reservoir. Ceremonies commence at 5 p.m. Music by Rick Ceballos and friends. Bring food and drink to share and dress warmly. More info at thewatershedcentervt.org.

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A Grinch-tacular Christmas Eve-eveeve in Middlebury. Friday, Dec. 22, 10:30-11 a.m., Community Meeting Room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. View the classic animated movie with free popcorn, hot chocolate and candy-canes. Decorate a gingerbread house in Brandon for grown-ups. Friday, Dec. 22, 6:30-8 p.m., Compass Music and Art Center, 333 Jones Dr. SoundBite Cafe’s Chef Vicky will provide the houses (or church) and all the decorating (or munching) fixings. Price: $25 (large graham cracker church or homemade gingerbread house) includes light snacks and a choice of festive drinks. Minimum 5 people. More info at 802-247-4295 or info@cmacvt.org. Lumen celebration of fire and lights in Bristol. Friday, Dec. 22, Main St. Experience fire performers Cirque de Fuego on the green, a lighted walk down Main St and fire pits at Tandem and Vermont Tree Goods complete with hot drinks, tasty eats and handmade s’mores kits from Lu.lu. Wrap up the night at Hatch 31 with music and revelry. Part of Bristol’s Cool Yule celebration. Non-denominational Christmas candlelight service in Starksboro. Friday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., Starksboro Village Meeting House, VT Route 116. A program of lessons and carols will be led by Rev. John Burbank. Lois Burbank is the pianist, with Daniel Phillips providing violin accompaniment. Vocalist Joanne Russell will offer a special musical selection. Everyone is welcome.

Dec

SATURDAY

King Pede card party in Ferrisburgh. Saturday, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m., Ferrisburgh Town Hall and Community Center, 3279 Route 7. A sandwich supper and followed by an evening of fun and card games. Free and open to the public.

Dec

SUNDAY

Woodchuck’s Revenge in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 24, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek, 350 Lodge Rd. Come hear this performing group three of friends who have combined their lifelong love of music to offer their audiences an eclectic and refreshing mix of traditional and contemporary folksongs played with spirit and an old time country sensibility. Free, and open to the public and handicap accessible. RSVP to Pat Ryan at 802-388-1220, or pryan@residenceottercreek.com.

Dec

MONDAY

Community Christmas Day dinner in Middlebury. Monday, Dec. 25, 4 p.m., The Commons, 249 Buttolph Dr. Santa’s helpers serve a delicious meal and lead caroling. Reservations appreciated. Transportation offer

for those needing rides. Call Dottie Neuberger at 802-388-7613 or Pat Chase at 802-382-9325.

Dec

TUESDAY

Red Cross Holiday Blood Drive in Middlebury. Tuesday, Dec. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., American Legion, 49 Wilson Rd. More info at redcrossblood.org or 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

Dec

WEDNESDAY

Thank-you card party in Middlebury. Wednesday, Dec. 27, all-day, Reference Room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. Create and write thank-you cards using basic craft supplies and envelopes from the library.

Dec

THURSDAY

“Wonder Woman” on screen in Middlebury. Thursday, Dec. 28, 12:30-3 p.m. Community Meeting Room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. Free. Adults and youth 13 and older independently, 9-12 with adult or adult permission, 8 and under with adult caregiver.

Dec

FRIDAY

Green Mountain Club Spirit in Nature walk or snowshoe in Ripton. Friday, Dec. 29. Easy 2-3 miles; gently rolling terrain at a moderate pace. Wear appropriate clothing; bring water, food and hiking poles if desired. Contact Ruth Penfield for meeting time at 802-388-5407 or ruthpenfield@gmail.com. For more activities visit gmcbreadloaf.org.

Dec

SATURDAY

Green Mountain Club Abbey Pond hike in Middlebury. Saturday, Dec. 30. A moderately difficult hike: about 4.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1160 feet (1000 feet in the first mile). Trail ends at Abbey Pond, a quiet wilderness pond with an unobstructed view across the pond of Robert Frost Mt. Wear appropriate clothing, bring water, food and hiking poles if desired. This is a dog-friendly hike. More info contact Ivor Hughes at brhughes@gmavt.net or 802-453-4412. For more activities visit gmcbreadloaf.org. Tiger Alumni Hockey games in Middlebury. Saturday, Dec. 30, 5:15-10:45 p.m., Memorial Sports Center. The 18th Annual Middlebury Tiger Alumni Hockey Games will feature a competitions for Middlebury Union High School graduates including a women’s game at 5:15 p.m., a “slower” game at 7 p.m. and a “faster” game at 9 p.m. All former MUHS hockey player are welcome to play. $25 recommended donation per player; spectators free. More information from Dan McIntosh at fngdan@ mac.com or 802-388-3444.

Dec

enjoy this community celebration of the New Year ahead. Three venues with music, dancing and children’s activities. $10 before 12/25, $12 at the door, children under 12 and seniors over 75 are free. Information at bestnight.org or 802-453-4613. New Year’s Eve dinner dance in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m., VFW Post 7823, 530 Exchange St. Welcome the new year with cocktails and a prime rib dinner with all the fixings, then dance to the music spun by Triple B D.J. Tickets are $20 per person or $25 at the door. R.S.V.P. at 802-388-9468. New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Ice Skating. Sunday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Middlebury Recreation Field, Mary Hogan Dr. Hot Cocoa hut too. After fireworks, free ice-skating at Memorial Sports Center from 8-9:30 p.m. Rockin’ New Year’s Eve party in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Town Hall Theater, 68 S. Pleasant St. Two local favorites, The Grift and Otter Creek Brewing, team up for this dance party to ring in the New Year with music and Otter Creek brews. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Grift takes the stage at 9 p.m. Free midnight champagne toast. Tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door, and may be purchased at townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office, Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m., and at the door.

Jan

MONDAY

First Day bird walk in Ferrisburgh. Monday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m., Button Bay State Park. New Year’s Day birding trips are a tradition held by many in the bird-watching world as they begin to fill their annual bird lists. Join Otter Creek Audubon as they combine that tradition with the fairly new tradition of First Day Hikes held at State Parks across the country.

Jan

TUESDAY

Blood pressure/foot care clinic in Brandon. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 9:30 a.m., Brandon Senior Center in Forestdale. Sponsored by VNA & Hospice of Southwest

SUNDAY

Countdown to Noon-Year in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m., Community Meeting Room, Ilsley Public Library, 74 Main St. A celebration for kids who won’t be up at midnight. Crafts, stories, face painting, photo booth and fun. Mark LaVoie in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek, 350 Lodge Rd. For more than 30 years Mark Lavoie has been performing for crowds both large and small. His passion for and commitment to music, particularly blues harmonica, is admired by the many musicians who have played with him. Free, and open to the public and handicap accessible. RSVP to Pat Ryan at 802-388-1220, or pryan@residenceottercreek.com. Best Night New Year’s Eve celebration in Bristol. Sunday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m., downtown. Come out to

Animals, live!

AT ITS CHRISTMAS pageant at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec 24, St. Stephen’s will welcome not only community members but animals too, like these two llamas who joined the service in 2015. Independent file photo/Trent Campbell

community community

calendar calendar

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 9A

Region; $10; no appointment necessary. More info: 802-770-1536.

Jan

WEDNESDAY

“In This Here Place”: Race, Nation, and Toni Morrison’s Beloved,” in Middlebury. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m., Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. UVM professor Emily Bernard will discuss the significance of Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Beloved,” exploring how the novel argues that America must reckon with the consequences of our nation’s original sin — slavery.

Jan

SATURDAY

Merry Mulch in Middlebury. Saturday, Jan. 6, begins 8 a.m. Have your Christmas tree at the curb by 8 a.m. free of decorations, tinsel, etc., for Rotary Club of Middlebury to pick up. Night Tree on stage in Ripton. Saturday, Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m., Ripton Community Coffee House, 1305 Rt. 125. Open mic followed by featured performers. $10 general admission/$15 generous admission/$3 kids under 12. Doors open at 7 p.m. Open mic sign-up and info at 802-388-9782 or rcch.org.

Jan

SUNDAY

“California Typewriter” on screen in Middlebury. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m., Town Hall Theater, 68 S. Pleasant St. The MNFF Winter Screening Series presents this documentary directed by Doug Nichol. Jay Craven, MNFF artistic director, will give an introduction and q&a. Watch the trailers, read more about the films and buy tickets at middfilmfest.org. A series pass, covering admission to all six films, is available for $60. Individual tickets to the films are $12. Also available on the THT website, at the THT box office or day of show. Skate with the Panther ice hockey team in Middlebury. Sunday, Jan. 7, 5 p.m., Kenyon Arena. Fans young and old are invited to join Middlebury College men’s hockey team on the ice after their 3 p.m. game vs. Trinity. Team pictures will be provided. The event is sponsored by Friends of Panther Hockey.

LIVEMUSI C Stella Blue Sky in Middlebury. Friday, Dec. 22, 10 p.m., Notte (formerly Two Brothers Tavern). Woodchuck’s Revenge in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 24, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek Double or Nothing in Middlebury. Friday, Dec. 29, 10 p.m., Notte (Two Brothers Tavern). Mark LaVoie in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek, 350 Lodge Rd Best Night in Bristol, with musicians Patrick Fitzsimmons, Greg Ryan, The Insiders, Too Tall String Band, Karen Lueders, Cut, Split and Delivered, Encanto, Richard and Beth Duquette, MAUHS Sweet Transition A Capella Group and more. Sunday, Dec. 31, 5-9:30 p.m. Downtown. New Year’s Eve with The Grift in Middlebury. Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Night Tree in Ripton. Saturday, Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m., Ripton Community Coffee House.

ONGOINGEVENTS By category: Farmers’ Markets, Sports, Clubs & Organizations, Government & Politics, Bingo, Fundraising Sales, Dance, Music, Arts & Education, Health & Parenting, Meals, Art Exhibits & Museums, Library Programs. BINGO American Legion Hall, Middlebury. Wednesday. Doors open 5:30 p.m. with early birds. Jackpot $3,000. Food available. Benefits veterans, scholarships and community programs. 388-9311. Brandon Senior Center, Brandon. First and third Mondays. 6 p.m. Refreshments sold. 247-3121. Brandon American Legion. Tuesday, warm-ups 6:15 p.m., regular games 7 p.m. Food available, complimentary hot tea and coffee. Info: 247-5709. VFW Post 7823, Middlebury. Monday. Doors open 5 p.m., quickies 6:15 p.m., regular bingo 7 p.m. 388-9468. SPORTS Co-ed volleyball in Middlebury. Pick-up games Monday, 7-9 p.m., Middlebury Municipal Gym. Jack Brown, 388-2502; Bruce at Middlebury Recreation Department, 388-8103. Community Rowing Club in Vergennes. Thursdays, 5:15 – 7:30 p.m. June-Aug., Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Info lcmm.org or 802-475-2022. Family tennis court time in Middlebury. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Middlebury Indoor Tennis. Family play drop-in offers families a chance to play together. Equipment is provided. Open to all levels of play. Info: Erin Morrison, emorrison@ acafvt.org. CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS ACT (Addison Central Teens). Drop-in hours during the school years: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 3-7 p.m. Warming Hut, 77 Mary Hogan Drive. Teen drop-in space for kids. Hang out with friends, play pool, watch movies, and eat great food. Info: 388-3910 or addisonteens.com. Addison County Amateur Radio Association. Sunday, 8 p.m. On the air on club repeater 147.36/147.96 MHz, 100 Hz access tone. Non-members and visitors welcome. Addison County Emergency Planning Committee. Last Wednesday, 5 p.m. State Police Barracks. Public invited. Addison County Republican Party. Third Friday, 7 p.m., Ilsley Library, Middlebury. 897-2744. American Legion Auxiliary Post 27. Fourth Monday, 7 p.m. American Legion, Wilson Road, Middlebury. Addison County Council Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Fourth Tuesday, noon-1:30 p.m. Addison County Courthouse in Middlebury. 388-9180. Brandon Lions Club. First and third Tuesday, 7 p.m., Brandon Senior Citizen Center, 1591 Forest Dale Road. 247-3121. Bristol Historical Society. Third Thursday, 7 p.m., Howden Hall, 19 West St., Bristol. Champlain Valley Fiddlers’ Club. Middlebury VFW, 530 Exchange St. Third Sunday (except Easter), noon to 5 p.m. Donation $3. Refreshments available. Looking for fiddlers young and old. Open to public. Info: 342-0079. The Hub Teen Center and Skate Park. 110 Airport Drive, Bristol. School year hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Summer hours 10 a.m. ‘til dark as staff is

Shop Locally

Oohs and aahs

FIREWORKS WILL ONCE again be on display at the Middlebury recreational fields on New Year’s Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31, along with warm cocoa from Middlebury’s Hot Chocolate Hut and free skating at Memorial Sports Center. The events begin at 7:30 p.m.

Relaxed.

Independent file photo/Trent Campbell

available. thehub@gmavt.net. Info: 453-3678 or bristolskatepark.com. LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer). Youth support group meets Monday nights, 4-6 p.m., Turning Point Center, Marble Works, Middlebury. Info: 388-4249. Middlebury Garden Club. Second Tuesday. Location varies. Pat Morrow, 462-3741. Middlebury Lions Club. First and third Monday, 5:30 p.m., Rosie’s Restaurant. Meetings held October through June. NEAT (Northeast Addison Television) Channel 16. Fourth Monday, 5-7 p.m. NEAT studio in Bristol. Bruce Duncan, bduncan@madriver.com. Neshobe Sportsman Club. Second Monday, 6 p.m. potluck; 7 p.m. meeting. 97 Frog Hollow Road in Brandon. Otter Creek Poets. Open poetry workshop held Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Ilsley Library in Middlebury. Poets of all ages are invited to share their poetry for feedback, encouragement and optional weekly assignments. Bring a poem or two to share (plus 20 copies). Led by David Weinstock. Free. Orwell Historical Society. Fourth Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Orwell Free Library. PACT (People of Addison County Together). Third Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vermont state office building on Exchange St. in Middlebury, Health Department conference room. 989-8141. Samaritan’s Cupboard. Assembly of God Christian Center, 1759 Route 7, Vergennes. Third Thursday through October. Vergennes Lions Club. First and third Wednesday, 6:45 p.m., American Legion. Club address: PO Box 94, Vergennes, VT 05491. Info: President Tim Cowan, 877-2382. Vergennes Rotary Club. Tuesday mornings, 7:158:30 a.m., Champlain Valley Christian School, 2 Church St. Breakfast served at 7:15 a.m. FUNDRAISING SALES Bixby Memorial Library Book Sale, Otter Creek Room, 258 Main St., Vergennes. Saturdays, May 6–Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Proceeds support library programs and materials. Brandon Free Public Library Used Book Sale. Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The 2016 season runs May 4 through mid-October. Ilsley Public Library Book Sale. First Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Vermont Room. Ongoing sale in The Last Word during library hours. Info: 388-4095. St. Peter’s Closet in Vergennes. Behind St. Peter’s. Open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two Brothers Tavern’s Charitable Mondays. First Monday. 10 percent of entire day’s proceeds go to designated charity. LIBRARY PROGRAMS Bixby Memorial Library. 258 Main St., Vergennes. 877-2211. Monday, 12:30-7 p.m.; Tuesday, 12:30-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 12:30-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Used book sale 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturdays through October. Preschool multi-age story time Thursday, 10:30 a.m.; “Writing the Marathon” with Jay Dubberly, Mondays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 6-8 p.m., Oct; Writing Workshop with Muir Haman, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.; Monthly table read, last Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. Bridge Workshop, Oct. 12-Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m. Weekly Bridge Mondays, 1-4 p.m. Brandon Free Public Library. Hours: Wednesday, 4-7 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Magic the Gathering Table Top dropin gaming, Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.; Storytime (during school year) Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Fridays, 3:00 p.m.; Friday film on the big screen, Fridays, 1:30 p.m.; Hancock Free Public Library. Wednesday, 1-5 p.m.; Thursday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Books, videos and DVDs. Other items available through interlibrary loan. Ilsley Public Library. 75 Main St., Middlebury, 388-4095. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. October-April,

Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Baby and Toddler Story Time, Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m., Jan. 6-May 12. Preschool Story Time, Thursdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Jan. 8-May 14. Saturday Story Time: 10:30-11 a.m., Jan. 3-May 16. Youth Media Lab, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., for kids in grades 4 and up. The Zone, for grades 4 and up, Wednesdays following the school calendar, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Foodie Friday, Fridays, 3:30-4:30, for kids in grades 4 and up. Storymatters: a monthly story circle, Wednesdays, 4 p.m. For a complete listing of ongoing and special children’s activities, visit ilsleypubliclibrary.org or call the Children’s Room at 388-4097. Lawrence Memorial Library. 40 North St., Bristol, 453-2366 or lawrencelibrary.net. Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free walk-in computer help. Family Fun and Games, second and fourth Fridays, 3:15 p.m. Lego Club, Wednesdays, 3:15-4:30 p.m., for school-age children. Story time Thursdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lincoln Library. 222 W. River Rd., Lincoln, 453-2665. Monday, 2-6 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (additional evening hours on a volunteer basis); Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Chess Afternoon, Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Nov. 17. Story time (age five and under), Friday, 10:30 a.m. Senior program, second Wednesday, 10 a.m. Book discussion group, fourth Wednesday, 7 p.m. New Haven Community Library. Located in the new library/town offices building. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, 1-8 p.m. Thursday, 1-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Story Hour, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. Information on Facebook at New Haven Community Library (Vermont), at the website nhcl.org, or by phone at 453-4015. Orwell Free Library. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.; Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Platt Memorial Library. Shoreham. 897-2647. Monday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Programs on website: plattlib.org. LEGO challenge hour, second Wednesday of every month, 2:45-3:45 p.m. LEGO build night, third Thursday of every month, 5:30-7 p.m. Summer Programs: Reading Program, June 26-Aug. 3. Preschool story time, M & W 11 a.m., Free kids’ lunch, M, W & Th, noon. Youth activities, M, W & Th, 1 p.m. Russell Memorial Library. Monkton. 453-4471. Tuesday and Thursday, 3-7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday Story Hour, second and fourth Friday, 10-11 a.m. Wi-Fi available. Salisbury Free Public Library. 352-4198. Tuesday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, 2-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. Children’s Time, Tuesday 2:30-4 p.m. Info: http:// salisburyfreelibrary.blogspot.com. Story hour, pre-K through grade 4: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., read-aloud book followed by arts and crafts project. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sarah Partridge Community Library. East Middlebury. 388-7588. Ilsley Library cards accepted. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon; Thursday, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. Book sale on Saturdays. Starksboro Public Library. 2827 Route 116, Starksboro (in town hall); 453-3732. Parking behind town offices. Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Story time (ages 3-5) Monday, 10:30 a.m. 453-3732. Whiting Free Library. Main Street opposite the church. 623-7862. Call for hours. Story time with Deb Lendway, 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

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PAGE 10A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

UND

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Everyone invited to Christmas dinner in Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — For the 18th year running, a group of local families will host a Christmas Day dinner for area residents. The event has become a tradition for many in the Middlebury area with scores of guests each year. The meal will be served regardless of the weather conditions. The Community Christmas Day Dinner will be held at The Commons in Middlebury at 4 p.m. on Dec. 25, as usual. The Commons is across the street from the Memorial Sports Center on Buttolph Drive. The dinner is free, and one volunteer noted that “the only cost is a smile.” “We are working with the staff at The Commons to make this a special time,” organizers said. “We have many ‘Santa’s helpers’ to bring food, help serve and lead caroling. Our community support of our Friday dinners has been heart warming and is appreciated by our guests. The Community Christmas Dinner had about 100 attendees last year and organizers are prepared and look forward to 100-plus community members joining in the holiday celebration this year. Reservations are appreciated and transportation will again be offered to those who need it. Reserve a spot of get a ride by calling Dottie Neuberger at 388-7613 or Pat Chase at 382-9325. This Christmas Day Dinner was

Whenever I ask you to turn down your outside speaker, you point to your ears, your trees needing to be sold. Not that I’m against Joy to the World. Yet some afternoons, trying to nap, I’d like to think of joy and the world in the abstract, a place and feeling to contemplate. And not a song repeating over and over. As if the world’s annoyed at whatever joy there is in this season. As if you want to convert me, year after year, to your way of shouting there are still good GUESTS ENJOY THE beautiful setting and generous spread at the Christmas Day Community Dinner at The Commons in 2011.

started in 2000 by Betsy Gleason and by many individuals and businesses. 22, and will be held in Fellowship Hall Dottie Neuberger. Donations of time, Please note that Community of the Middlebury Congregational food and funds have been contributed Suppers will still be on Friday, Dec. Church.

Folklife Center names local Vt. Music awards MIDDLEBURY — The Vermont Folklife Center and Deb Flanders are excited to announce the recipients of the 2017 Flanders Award for Traditional Vermont Music. For its first year the committee has made two awards, to support projects by Jack DesBois of Middlebury and Jasmine (Yasi) Zeichner of Northfield. Debois will focus his time working with the Helen Hartness Flanders Ballad Collection at Middlebury

At the Christmas Tree Farm

College. Zeichner and her siblings plan to work primarily with the Margaret MacArthur Collection at the Vermont Folklife Center. “Archival documents and recordings are an invaluable resource, not only for the preservation of our history as Vermonters, but for the potential to bring to life the culture and traditions that make this state unique,” says Rachel Muse, senior archivist at the Vermont State Archives. “It’s invigorating to see new and non-traditional

scrapbook

researchers uncovering the stories of Vermont’s past, and making use of archival records in fresh ways.” Created by Vermont musician Deb Flanders to honor the work of Helen Hartness Flanders, her great aunt, the Flanders Award for Traditional Vermont Music provides a stipend to Vermont musicians age 15-29 to support the perpetuation and performance of the traditional Yankee and Franco-American musical repertoire of the state.

Award funds are intended to offset the cost of travel to one or more Vermont archives so the recipient can work in person with collections of field recordings, manuscripts and rare books of vocal song or instrumental music rooted in Vermont’s cultural heritage. “I hope that Jack and Jasmine will feel the same excitement as I did exploring the archives,” says Deb Flanders. “There are still so many beautiful songs waiting to be heard.”

trees left in your yard, wrapped in nets, ready to go. As in the old days, when I could tramp in the snow with a hand saw and spend most of the day choosing which one might look best in my living room, would fit on my sled pack in my car. Which branches would hold a world of ornaments, a star of joy.

Gary Margolis Cornwall

ENGAGEMENTS

Charbonneau, Haskins NEW HAVEN — Mr. and Mrs. Roy Charbonneau of New Haven announce the engagement of their daughter Jenna Charbonneau to Jared M. Haskins, son of Michelle Haskins of Pownal, Vt. and Tom Haskins of Bennington, Vt. Ms. Charbonneau is a graduate of Castleton State College and works at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Mr. Haskins is a graduate of Castleton State College and works at Howard Mental Health. A Sept. 22, 2018, wedding is being planned at the Killington Grand Resort.

milestones births

• Hilary (Bedell) and Nathan Thompson of Bridport, Nov. 30, a girl, Penelope Ann Thompson. • Alyssa (Stearns) and Steven Spafford of Cornwall, Dec. 2, a boy, Hugh Daniel Spafford. • Emily (Piper) and Matthew Loomis of Poultney, Dec. 4, a girl, Zoe Rose Loomis. • Catherine Spitzer and James Conway of Bristol, Dec. 7, a boy, Kayden James Conway.

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 11A

ACSD (Continued from Page 1A) year, but will be next year — boosts anticipated state aid and thus reduces pressure on the district’s current budget by $522,000, according to Ruth Hardy, leader of the ACSD’s finance committee. The ACSD 2018-19 spending plan will cover operating Middlebury Union middle and high schools and elementary schools in Bridport, Cornwall, Middlebury, Ripton, Salisbury, Shoreham and Weybridge. On Dec. 18, for the second Monday in a row, around 100 people jammed into the MUHS band room to hear and comment on the ACSD board’s budget deliberations. “When Superintendent Burrows texted me (with the budget update) last night, I said ‘It’s a Hanukkah miracle!’” said Hardy, who at the time was eating a latke, a Jewish potato pancake. “I think it’s good news,” Hardy added. “It’s not everything that everybody might want, but it is a better situation than we were in last week.” Instead of facing $1.9 million in cuts to avoid increases over this year’s ACSD spending, officials are now looking to trim around $1.33 million. District officials are now tentatively restoring some of the cuts that had been proposed last week. That initial round of reductions included 14 teaching positions, 18 paraprofessionals, a principal, a central office worker, and a $98,745 reduction in facilities maintenance, technology, school-based supplies and professional development. Based on the latest state aid info, the district’s finance committee on Monday offered a revised plan that includes elimination of four teaching positions at MUHS and three at MUMS, for a projected savings of $385,000; reduction of eight paraprofessionals (four from Mary Hogan Elementary School, one from Ripton elementary, one from MUMS and two from MUHS), for a savings of $188,000; and cutting half of a position at the ACSD central office, saving $26,500. Officials project more savings by not filling three positions to be vacated by retirees ($255,000) next spring, hiring less expensive candidates to fill six other positions to be vacated by retirees ($208,675), and saving another $233,893 through attrition. Finance committee members are also proposing to defer, until PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING OVER 17 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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fiscal year 2020, plans to reduce the district’s elementary school’s principalships by 1.6 full-time equivalent positions. At the same time, the committee is proposing to add $40,000 back to the proposed budget for professional development and restore $20,000 that had been eyed for cuts in supplies, technology and facilities maintenance. The resulting $1,335,838 in reductions would establish an equalized, per-pupil spending rate of $16,809 for 2018-2019, compared to the $17,215 the district is currently spending, according to Business Manager Josh Quinn. Monday’s revised proposal would keep the ACSD well below the $17,816 per-pupil spending threshold that, per Vermont law, would trigger education tax penalties for the state’s highestspending districts. And it would also keep the ACSD $374,000 below the level-funding scenario (based on perpupil spending) that school directors voted to pursue on Dec. 11. BOARD DEBATE School board members Jason Duquette-Hoffman and Steve Orzech questioned the board’s current budget tack, given the new, $374,000 cushion between it and level funding. “We made a statement as a board about a direction for the budget process,” Duquette-Hoffman said of the board’s Dec. 11 level-funding vow. “The inputs have changed this week. We’re fortunate to be maybe looking to cut less … It feels odd to me that we’re a week in, and dealing with so much change, and yet we’re already talking again about

moving the goalposts about what we’re budgeting, again. Why don’t we continue under our previous motion?” Orzech, a Vergennes Union High School teacher, said the $374,000 cushion could allow the district to restore a few more of the teaching positions targeted for cuts. But a majority of the board voted to continue on the current budgeting path, arguing they could continue to add or subtract from the spending plan until late January, when it must be finalized for a March vote by district residents. And some board members said the more conservative budgeting approach could save future headaches if the district receives a gloomier state aid picture in the future. “These numbers are going to change during the next two weeks,” said board member Nick Custom. Peter Conlon, ACSD board chairman, advised his colleagues to make tough decisions this year to help make future budgeting more sustainable. Not taking that approach, he said, would be “postponing difficult decisions to a future year.” But it’s clear future education budgeting won’t be easy for any school district in Vermont, and especially those that are seeing declining enrollment. ACSD is expected to lose 51 students next year and 110 over the next five years. The district’s enrollment has declined by more than 21 percent since 2000. Most of the state’s districts are seeing a similar decline as Vermont’s population continues to gray. Fewer students in

a district means less state aid. The student-teacher ratio in the district has declined from 9.47-1 during the 2004-2005 academic year, to 8.37-1 during the current school year. Maintaining existing staff (coupled with the loss of 51 students) would further reduce the studentteacher ratio to 8.11-1. Officials said last week that maintaining current ACSD staffing would mean an 18-cent (11.4 percent) increase in the local education property tax rate. Such an increase could add $452 to the property tax bill of a homestead valued at $250,000. The Vermont Agency of Education is projecting a $94.5 million shortfall in the state’s education fund, which would require, on average, a tax rate increase of 9.4 cents to plug, according to the Department of Taxes. MEETING QUESTIONS ACSD employees and students’ parents made up a majority of the crowd at this Monday’s budget meeting. They urged the board to minimize personnel cuts, noting in part that schools are being called to play an increasing role in students’ lives. In addition to providing education, schools are being asked to look out for students’ emotional, behavioral and nutritional welfare, said some at the meeting. Former UD-3 school board chairman Leonard Barrett questioned the board’s decision in creating the budget for the current year to apply $791,720 in fund balance to stabilize this year’s education property taxes. Barrett had urged the board to save that money for future school capital

projects. He said saving that money would have helped reduce the board’s current budget difficulties. “You would be trouble-free, almost, if you didn’t turn that $791,000 back to the taxpayers,” Barrett said. Jennifer Billings is a math teacher at MUMS who works in particular with students who need extra help. “We have so many students in our building that need alternative education,” Billings said. “That population of students is so volatile, because they are adolescents, they are going through puberty, and we’re trying to educate them.” “I can’t even imagine our building with three less teachers, because we are all out straight, every day,” she added. Middlebury resident Maria Graham said she was particularly concerned about the proposed MUMS cuts. “Can’t we decide as a community that we don’t agree with that level of staffing at the middle school?” Graham said. “We talk so much about equity, and the first time our kids get a chance at a truly equitable education is in seventh grade, as a district.” Hardy called MUMS “an incredibly resilient school” possessing some of the district’s best teachers. But she added MUMS is projected to serve 30 fewer students next year and currently has a student-teacher ratio of 8.7 to 1, the third among ACSD schools. “We are trying to look at this holistically,” she said. Others voiced concern that the revised list of potential cuts still includes some paraprofessionals. They argued paraprofessionals are

key in dealing with student classroom behavior issues, thus allowing classes to proceed without distractions. Michael Sassin, a special educator at the Mary Hogan School, said paraprofessionals’ value can’t be underestimated. “When we’re talking about kids and what makes them good citizens later on, it’s not just about learning to write or read an essay, and it’s not just about learning algebra in 7th grade,” Sassin said. “It’s about being socially and emotionally developed, so they can pass on the caring that they’ve received. Unfortunately, we live in a world when the public school is the new hub for mental and behavioral health. That’s the truth, and it costs a lot of money.” MUHS math teacher Colleen Ringquist suggested the board not base teacher cuts exclusively on enrollment numbers. “I think it’s important to recognize that 50 fewer kids doesn’t translate into two nice sections that you just cut,” Ringquist said. “It’s not as nice and neat as it sounds.” Rinquist noted ACSD is transitioning to an International Baccalaureate curriculum. But she added ACSD must also run parallel programs for current students already well into their high school careers. Cutting staff during the transition would be unwise, she said. Addison Central directors will hold another budget meeting at the MUHS band room on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m. The board at that time expects to have more financial news from the state and a detailed draft of a 2018-2019 spending plan.

PAGE 12A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 PAGE 1A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 25, 2009

Middlebury Lions Christmas Memory Tree

Florence Abel James Aldrich Mary Jane Aldrich Dorothy Allen Faith Angier Joyce Bedard Aschoff Steve Ash Brian & Ramona Atherton Donald Atherton B Fredrick Atherton Katherine Atherton Linda T Atkins Hubert Atkins Stanley P Atwood Alan Ayer MD Cleo Bagley Harvey Bagley Zeb Bagley Ann Bagley Rufus Bagley John Baker Ruth E Baker Clarence Baker Bob Baker Florence Banner Frank Banner Megan Louise Barber Megan Barber Paul Bark Raymond Barnes Leon Barnett Leslie “Popper” Barnett Dr Lyndon “Bill” Barnett Ruth “Nana” Barnett Mattie Bartlett Linda Baslow Roger Bassett Ellen Beecher Arthur Benedict Edith Benedict Leonard Bergeron Marie Rose Bergeron Ann Berry Anna Berry Chuck Berry Jim Berry Joseph Bielawski Clifford Bigelow Rose Bigelow Ruth Bigelow Tom Billings Wilfrid Bilodeau Clarence Birchmore Patrick Blair Elsie Blaise George Blaise Sr Eileen Bodette Kay Bodette Lee Bodette Rhea Bodette Alice Boise Annette Boise Charles Boise Grandma Boise Mary Boise Michael Boise Mom & Dad Boise Reginald Boise William Boise Boise Pets Gerald Bolduc Polly Bolduc Ben Booska Larry E Booska Robert E Booska Voila Booska Anna Booska-Botsford Geoffrey Booth Bruce Bourdon Ernest Bourdon Julette Bourdon J Andre Bourdon Jr Michael S Brace Rodney W Brace Charles Brakeley Monsignor Paul Bresnehan Altha Broughton Blandine Broughton Elmer Broughton Geneva Broughton Martin Broughton Oliver Broughton Baby Boy Brouillette Albert Brown Linda Brown Fletcher Brush Richard Bullock Edward Burke John G Burke John Walter Burke Lois Burke Marylou Burke Irene Burns Bernice Bushey Denise Bushey Melvin Bushey Lawrence Butler Ruth Butler Bud Butterfield Dora Butterfield Marie Butterfield Irene Butterfield Edgar Butterfield Sr Mildred Butterworth Barbara Buttolph Hubert T Casey Keith R Casey

Norma Casey Raymona F Casey Cecile Cawley Walter Cawley Guy Chicoine Cheryl Chizmadia Carol Choquette Barbara Chrispin Alexa Cioffi Clancy (dog) Greg Clark Neri Clark Ruth Y Clark Ernest Cloutier John Cloutier Rollande Cloutier Eva Cobb Alice Maud Colburn Luthern Dodge Colburn Jeanette Cole-Rowe Elizabeth R Collins Dr Ray W Collins Douglas Condon Elizabeth Condon Michael Condon Theresa Condon Stephen Condon Jr Alice Condon Quesnel Elizabeth Conley John T Conley Laura Conlon William Conlon Arnold Cooley Elsie Cooley Bette Coons James Coons Jennifer Beth Coons Jim Coons Morton Coons Frederick Cope

Gladys Cope Oliver Cope Sarah Cope Sharon Cope Stephen Cope Theda Myrick Costello Bertha Counter Henry Counter Stanley Counter Dick Coursey May Coursey Albert Cousineau John Cousino Joyce Cousino Ruth Cousino Wayne Cousino Winfred Cousino Clarence Cox Dan Cox Ruth Cox Jeffrey Crossman Christopher Cunningham Phyllis Cunningham William Cunningham Karen M Currier Patti Curtis Dolly Cyr Kate Cyr Leonard D ‘Sonny’ Cyr Leonard P Cyr Mable Cyr Mr & Mrs Pat Cyr Mr & Mrs Philipp Cyr Mr & Mrs Wilber Cyr Doris Cyr-Pelkey Ernest Dahlin Jessie Dahlin James Danyow Lucy Danyow Patricia Danyow Raymond Buck Danyow Ann & Junior Davis Art Davis Bill Davis Della Davis Mary Davis Loretta Degray Steven Degray Lena DeLage Norman Desabrais Moses J Desabrais Julia Desabrais Roger Desabrais Sr John Desforges Leo Desforges Yvette Desforges Bertha Desjadon Walt Desjadon Howard Devoid Rebecca DiPanni

Claudia Dragon Cora E Dragon Ellsy Dragon Mom & Dad Dragon Rhoda Dragon Sandy Dragon Helen Draper Marcel Dubois Michael Dupoise Mrs Theo Lowell Dupoise Mr & Mrs Albert Dupoise Mr & Mrs David Dupoise Mr & Mrs Frank Dupoise Elmer “Bud” Edgerton Marge Edgerton Gram and Gramp Edgerton Ethel Edwards Thomas Edwards Fran Elmore Gene Evans

Delisile Gwala Ruby (Betts) Hanmer Walter F Hanmer Beverly Hansen Alvin Hanson Barbara Hanson

Robert J LaFountain Wilfred LaFountain Sr Annette LaFramboise Carol LaFramboise

“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

Elwin Mitchell Jr Elwin Mitchell Sr Daffidol Monty Napoleon Monty Christopher MorrisonShamburg John Moynihan Marion Moynihan Charles Mraz Letty Mraz Will Mraz Joseph Munson Paul Munson Rena Munson Douglas J Murray Douglas G Murray Douglas Murray Jr James Muzaca F Beatrice Myrick Kenneth W Myrick

The Middlebury Lions Club wishes to recognize those donors who have honored their deceased family and loved ones, to whom this page is dedicated. The thought of each person represented by a single bulb together on one special tree illuminates the air with memories. May their lives be remembered this holiday season. The Middlebury Lions Club, marking their 65th year of service to their community and state, has again this year presented their 39th annual “Christmas Memory Tree.” With the cooperation of the Addison County Independent the names memorialized on the “Tree” are listed on this page. Dedicated though we Lions may be to our particular causes, we can in no way match the dedication, love and esteem shown by these beloved donors who make available this listing of memorialized names. In the face of dedication, we Lions stand in humble awe. The Officers and Members of the Middlebury Lions Club

Rita Fallon Flora Farnsworth Harold Farnsworth Lori Farnsworth Lucien Farnsworth Lynn Farnsworth Elaine Farrell James Farrell David Felion Gerald Felion Sidney Fenson Sr Elizabeth Fiske Jack Fiske Thelma Flachsland William Flachsland Nancy Foote Ralph Foote Kenneth Forbes Lawanes Forbes Ralph Forbes Vida Forbes Janice Forguites Leslie Forguites Francis Forrest Marion Forrest Mary Forrest Mr and Mrs Jean Fortin James Jim Foster James H Foster Jr Howard French Warren Frost Roger Gagnon Lorenzo Gagnon John Gebo Bertha Gemmill Wallace Gemmill Stella Gero Howard Gero Jr Howard Gero Sr Ann Gipson Pete Gipson Ruth Gipson Alfred Gonzalez Joseph Gonzalez Joseph Menendez Gonzalez Mabel Gonzalez Mary S Gonzalez Narcisco J Gonzalez Paul A Gonzalez Penny J Gonzalez Raymond J Gonzalez Raymond N Gonzalez Heather Goodrich Holly Burke Gordon Richard Gowen Donald Graham Lyle Greenwood Robert Guertin Sr

Lynn W Hinman Steve Holdman Kenneth Hopper Susan Hopper Inez Hubbell Louise Hubbell Robert Hubbell Alma Huestis Carole Huestis Jim Huestis Lynn Huestis Meyto Huestis Frederick R Humiston Sidney Humiston Mr & Mrs Walter Hurlburt Charlotte Hurlburt Terri Jackman Jacquanie (White) Jackson Stephen James Robert “Bobbie” Jenkins James Jette Anna Johnson Clayton Johnson Stanley Johnson Harold Kelley Bob Kellogg Jane Kelly Eric Kemp Larry Kemp Paul Kemp Brian E Kerr John T Kerr Truman Kerr Thersa Kerr Darwin Kimball Michele Kimball Philip Kingsbury Ada Kirby Linda Kirby Tasha Kniep Beatrice Laberge Becky LaBerge Carl Laberge Charles Laberge Charlie Laberge Claude Laberge Donald Laberge Ellen Laberge Laura L Laberge Liz Laberge Louis Laberge Marilyn L Laberge Mary Laberge Steven Laberge Robert W Laberge Sr Aline LaFountain John E LaFountain Joseph LaFountain Raymond LaFountain

Let peace come to those of war Unlock the lock, let open the door. Give hope to those who feel despair. May their smiling face forever flare. Let the sun shine warmth amongst their stable Give bread to place upon the hearth Give joy to those who feel the sorrow, Remember their strength that we might borrow, Let us have the courage to climb the hill. Have we the strength to say I will? Give them the grace at your heavenly feast, For rest is theirs with eternal peace. Let us recall their hopes, their dreams, They stood in support like a sturdy beam. Memories of them shall we always cherish, Our love for them shall never perish. Lion Tom Broughton Past International Director

Guy LaFramboise Patricia LaFramboise Donald Lagrow Hugh Lagrow Irene Lagrow Rita Lagrow Robert Lagrow Ruth Lagrow Alicia Lambert Donald Lamothe Harris Larocque Omer Larocque Roger Larocque Yvonne Larocque Lucille LaRose Roy LaRose Charlie Lawyer Henry Leach Guy F LeBel Marti Root LeBel Peter LeBel Raymond LeBel Anita Leggett George Leggett Bobby Leggett Frank Leggett Bradford Seabury Littlefield Steven A Longo Bud Lundrigan Rhodalee Lundrigan Joani Maloy Marriene Malzac Henry Malzac Roch Malzac Simone Malzac Yvonne Many Judy Marshall Facine Martin Ivis Masterson Stuart Masterson Brian P Mayer Ferdinand Mayer Genevieve M Mayer Karen L Mayer Paul E Mayer Sidney McCartney Mac McCarty Sara McCarty Frances McDermott Kevin McFadden Jack McKinley Kenneth McKinley Ron McKinnon Eileen McQuillan Jane D Miller Jean Mitchell Jerry Mitchell

This page is made possible by the generous support of the Addison County Independent

Mr & Mrs Frank Narabone Frances Needham Leonard Needham Janice Neilson Bernard Newton Sandra Nyisalosky Maude O’Dea Ted Okerlund Ed Okoniewski George Okoniewski Joyce Okoniewski Mary O’Kunieski Thomas O’Kunieski Peter D Orvis Rose Ann Orvis Wendel Orvis Glen Oski James Oski Maureen Oski Charles Ouellette Delia Ouellette Lucien Ouellette Margaret Owens Betty Parizo Matthew “Stub” Parizo Beverly Parker Horace I Patterson Lillian Patterson Lyman H Payne Marion H Payne Marvin Payne Stanton F Payne Stella Rachel Payne Supe Peck Archie Pecor Elaine Pecor Karen Pedersen Peder Pedersen John Pelletier Sr Linda Pendress Patrick H Perkins David Peryea Harold Peryea Jean Peryea Jeremiah Ray Peryea Leo Peryea Melvina Peryea Sherry Ann Peryea Tom Peryea Ellen L Peterson Eric Peterson Ellen Phelps John A Phillips III Daniel Pierce Isabella Pierce Robin Pierce Nancy Pietruszkiewicz Brian Piorek

Jane B Porcheron Maud M Porcheron Raymond H Porcheron Patricia Pratt Roscoe Pratt Dick Prebble Neaola Prebble Parker Prebble Susan Love Purdy Allen Quesnel George Quesnel Phyllis Quesnel Matt Quesnel Thomas Quesnel Laura Record Loretta Record Vernon Record Lorraine Record Damon Record Scarlett Record Walter Reed Errnie Reichert Gary Reichert Dave Reising Levi Riley Mary Riley Vernon Riley Sr Carol A Ringey Paul F Ringey Martha Rogers Jim Rooney Millicent Rooney Duncan Rosborough Adele Rounds Lee Rounds Robert Rounds Alan Russett Lynn B Ryalls Mary Sanborn Albert Sanborn Sr

Sarah Sander Rear Admiral Allen G Schnable Jane R Schnable Patricia Schnable Gertrude L Seaburg Harold E Seaburg David Sears Ruth Ann Sears Walter Sears Ron Selleck Jackie Severance Nelson Severance Charles Severy Lorraine Severy Mary Shackett Mike Shackett Joe Shackett Sr Butch Shaw Jourdy Shaw Andrew Sherman Ethel Sherman Robert P Sherman Susan Sherman Frank Shorkey Francis Shorkey Lucy Shorkey Sadie Shorkey Father John Shortill Sibusiso Omer Simard

Rosalie Simard Michael Smith Family Tonya and Spanky Hilda Spaulding Joyce Sperry Winford Sperry Aunt Millie Steele Patricia Stehmeyer Ruth Stewart Dick Stillings Richard Stone Jerry Stout Joyce Stout Sadie Stowe Julia Strong Vernon Strong Roger R Strong Jr Isabelle Swain Michelle Swain Winston Swain William Telgen Sr Thandeka Muriel Toczko Jim Towle Paul Turpin Norma Tyrrell Ralph Tyrrell Susan Vermette David Volkert Bertha K Waite Jean F Waite Willis H Waite Rose Wakefield Hazel M Wallace Howard L Wallace Joseph A Wallace Bernard Warner Catherine Warner Steven Warner Bobby Warren Nicholas Warren Sandra Warren Howard Warren Sr Crystal Wells John Wetmore Barbara Wheelock Donna Wheelock Edward Wheelock Richard White Bertha Whitman Leon Whitman Ernestine Whitney Lizzie B Whitney Marilyn Whitney PDG Win Whitney Russell Whitney Sr Henry Wilcox Henrietta Wilcox Ralph Wilcox Everett R Williams Pauline V Williams Chief Don Williamson Ellen Williamson Barbara Wimett Edward Wimett Helen Wisell James Wisell Leo Wisell Tom Wisell Paul Woods Sophia B Worden Linda L (Payne) Wright Patricia A (Payne) Wright H Kent Wright IV David York Terry York Ellen Young Kyle Young Luke Yustin John Zaluki Lorraine Zaluki Anthony Zawistowski Edward Zawistowski Leo Zawistowski Stephania Zawistowski Robert Zazzali Chuck Zeno Diana Zeno Pepe Zeno

In memory of Lions listed below who started in 1952 and have served unselfishly. Their work will live on as we fellow Lions follow in their foot steps to serve our Middlebury area community. As our toast says,

“Not above you, Not beneath you, But always with you”. “We serve”

Merry Christmas

Lion Forrest Lowell Lion Bert Demarais Lion Harris Thurber Lion Martin Broughton Lion Stan Payne Lion Bob Frett Lion Ray Mason Lion Frank L. Cutler Lion Erie Volkert Lion Stan Lazarus Lion Harry Browe Lion Paul Munson Lion Sid Ward Lion George Saul III

Lion Tom Brown Lion Ron Knef Lion Bill Clark Lion Francis Haggarty Lion Roscoe Pratt Lion Floyd “Supe” Peck Lion Chet Ketcham Lion Dr. Ray Collins Lion Bob Brooks Lion Greg Lyons Lion Irwin Brent Lion Gerald C. DeWitt Lion Roger Desabrais Sr. Lion Maurice Desautels

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 13A

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PAGE 14A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

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(Continued from Page 1A) while other portions of MAUHS are from many local taxpayers that being renovated. The alternative, $36.6 million was too high. according to Dore & Whittier, would Committee members also heard be to rent portable classrooms at an appeals for holding a new bond estimated cost of $1 million. referendum on Town Meeting Day, Reducing the budget to $25 when voter turnout is usually high. million would mean forgoing some Planning for this latest step in of the community’s priority items, the Mount Abe renovation odyssey Dore said. began in earnest earlier this month, Renovation Committee members when some renovation committee voted unanimously (8-0) on Dec. members met with officials at 14 to recommend that the MAUHS Dore & Whittier Architects. The board warn a $29.5 bond proposal group asked Dore & Whittier for for next Town Meeting Day, March two conceptual drawings for a new 6. project — one for $25 million, and Members of the full Mount one for $29 million. Committee Abe board said they’ll need a members asked that both versions special meeting to fully consider include, to the greatest extent the renovation committee’s possible, the community’s top nine recommendation. Members on construction priorities: A second Tuesday could not come to a gym, better lighting, improved air consensus on when that meeting quality, updated science classrooms, will take place; they will decide a renovated and relocated school during the next few days. library, an improved lobby/front Board members will have a lot to office, better tech consider in deciding education space, whether to hold a a refurbished “Part of the third vote on an auditorium, and problem we have MAUHS renovation removal of the in communicating plan. tandem classrooms. Due to the town the bond is that The renovation generally, people meeting warning committee had hoped requirements, they Dore & Whittier could want the same would have precious produce the drawings level of detail as if few weeks to provide by Jan. 8, thereby it were their own detailed information allowing Mount home. We don’t to the public on the Abe officials time to have the ability to project. They’d like review the plans and more time to inform do that.” then meet statutory residents about — school board all aspects of the warning requirements member Allison plan — including for a Town Meeting Sturtevant property tax impacts Day vote. In order to get on the town — before voters go meeting ballot, the bond proposal to the polls. would have to be warned at least 30 “When people vote, there’s a days — and no more than 40 days certain assumption that someone — prior to March 6. must have looked at the details,” Dore & Whittier officials said Board member Tom Darling said. they couldn’t meet the committee’s “We don’t have the details.” Jan. 8 deadline, however, due to He acknowledged the project the upcoming holidays and other details would be ready prior to a commitments. The company March 6 vote, but voiced concern instead asked for a single dollar about whether that information amount that could meet the nine would get to residents prior to their construction priorities. Dore & trek to the ballot boxes. Whittier would then provide the “I’m afraid people won’t be requisite conceptual drawing by positive because they won’t have February, leaving some time to heard the pitch or won’t know inform five-town residents prior to how it’s different, except that it’s a March 6 vote. smaller,” Darling said. BUILDING COMPROMISES Board member Allison Sturtevant Lee Dore of Dore & Whittier said it would be difficult and said he was confident a $29.5 potentially expensive to give people million project would address the all the project minutiae they might community’s priorities — albeit want. with a few concessions, according “Part of the problem we have to minutes from the renovation in communicating the bond is that committee’s Dec. 14 meeting. generally, people want the same For example, Dore said the $29.5 level of detail as if it were their million budget would force a more own home,” Sturtevant said. “We modest “practice” gym (instead of a don’t have the ability to do that, second full gym), likely made from and no major school renovation has pre-engineered steel. Also, fewer the ability to do that — unless the skylights and other glass-related board would be willing to spend a work would be accomplished. couple of hundred thousand dollars “This ($29.5 million) renovation on something that we don’t have a would prepare the school where we guarantee would pass.” wouldn’t be coming back in a few A citizens’ group dedicated to years for something that wasn’t informing people about a new attended to,” renovation committee Mount Abe bond vote is planning leader Kris Pearsall said. a Jan. 6 five-town community Company officials suggested the forum to discuss school needs and new practice gym could initially possible solutions. The forum is serve as temporary classroom space tentatively set to begin at 8:30 a.m.

Salisbury

at the Bristol Elementary School cafeteria. RISING COST Money — and time — are in short supply. And the old adage of “time is money” rings particularly true in the construction industry. As stated in an Addison Northeast flyer sent to residents prior to the Nov. 2 vote, construction pricing is expected to rise by 5 percent each year. That would lead to an increase of more than $1 million annually for a project the size of Mount Abe’s. And Pearsall noted the Federal Reserve raised interest rates 0.25 percent earlier this month, with the potential of further increases in the near future. Mount Abe directors will of course have the ability to reject the renovation committee’s recommendation and set a different budget number, or decide to postpone the next bond vote to a later date. While the renovation committee has now discounted the option of a $25 million renovation budget, MAUHS board member Sandy Lee said it would still be wise and transparent to offer residents information on how such a price tag would translate into property taxes. “I think the community should know,” she said. “I definitely hear from the public that people want something to be done, but they really want to know what their options are. Because in the end we are paying for this with our tax bill, and we clearly have to make something happen.” Lee asked her colleagues to weigh all of the nine project priorities and consider whether they might be willing to sacrifice any for financial reasons. “If (a $29.5 million project) doesn’t pass, we don’t get any of those nine priorities this year, or do we need to consider that maybe some of those priorities need to be dropped off?” Lee said. Monkton resident Jessica Demeritt listened intently to the MAUHS board’s discussion on Tuesday. She commended school directors for their work and said she wanted a renovation bond to pass. But she fears $29.5 million might still be too high to earn majority support from five-town residents, based on a recent online survey of potential voters. “My concern is that going from $35 million to $29.5 million is not enough of a difference to convince them to vote for (the project) again,” Demeritt said. “The reason why people said they wouldn’t vote for it again is because it was too much, and because we need to pay for the ‘needs’ instead of the ‘wants.’” She credited the renovation committee for making a case that the “needs” and “wants” are “really are the same thing,” and urged officials and boosters to “sell” that premise. “I want to help sell the bond, but I feel like I can sell it better if it’s a little lower,” Demeritt said. Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 15A

Romy

VUHS

(Continued from Page 1A) one of the least populated areas of Tottori Prefecture and the state Japan, some of the Japanese students of Vermont have had relations for had never met Americans before. So over a decade, including activities the YTV visitors, and the traditional associated with Middlebury music they performed, provided College and the Shoreham-based “first-ever” experiences for the local nonprofit Green Across the World. students. GATW collaborated with YTV and “They were all really nice and the Tottori government to make generally excited to meet us,” arrangements for this trip. Munkres recalled with a smile. “This The Tottori Prefecture paid is a type of music they have probably for everything except never heard before. But the students’ air they were still able to The governor transportation. Munkres find joy in it.” saved up to help pay her of Tottori They were also Prefecture airfare. intrigued by Sustic’s Munkres and her crew “talked about beard, and ended left Burlington on Nov. how important up nicknaming him 13, stopping in Beijing music is in “Dumbledore” — and Tokyo before the shaggy-chinned connecting arriving in Tottori. headmaster of Hogwarts They had a busy people, when in the Harry Potter book itinerary, replete with there is series. musical performances somewhat of One of the YTV at two Tottori high a language performers had long hair, schools and at a local which earned him the barrier.” festival that celebrates moniker “Justin Bieber,” musical diversity. They — Romy Munkres according to Munkres. also found time to visit “It was kind of an cultural and recreational sites, interesting insight into what part of including some hot springs and our culture is over there,” she said. the region’s most famous tourist They mostly played traditional attraction: The Tottori Sand Dunes. American tunes, along with a Located just outside the main city of mixture of Cape Breton, Scottish Kurayoshi, the dunes span roughly and Irish music. They also sang 10 miles of coast along of the Sea of some songs. Japan and are up to two kilometers “People seemed to really like wide and 160 feet high. them,” Munkres said of the Munkres was impressed with the performances. “Traditional music dunes, as well as the related sand is designed to be very ‘happy.’ And museum and sand sculptures that people seemed happy when we were had been expertly crafted there. playing for them.” Group members were warmly Each high school visit saw the greeted wherever they went — YTV group play a few musical particularly at the high schools, selections — usually to a music Munkres recalled. Since Tottori is class. Then, in the spirit of exchange,

the system works, but also I think the (Continued from Page 1A) the place of the payments for the working and learning conditions have been pretty compromised,” he said. expiring bond.” Other proposed energy upgrades In considering making a plan final at a January meeting, board members include LED lighting district-wide, will also be looking at savings from and removal/replacement of 1970s a number of energy-efficiency rooftop vents and failed, leaky heating pipes at VUHS. upgrades. The heating and ventilation SECURITY AND SAFETY As well as steps to address energy improvements at VUHS and Vergennes Union Elementary School efficiency, the plan the board is would feature new high-efficiency considering would deal with security boilers and better heating controls and safety issues at all four schools: • New kitchen hoods at Ferrisburgh for both, heat pumps at VUHS, better insulation at all four schools (VUHS, Central and VUES. EEI said they VUES, Addison Central School and were unsafe and not code-compliant. Ferrisburgh Central), and a solar array “In order to keep those kitchens on the high school’s main classroom working they need to be installed,” Borchert said. wing. • Installation of sprinklers at Borchert said VUES. the board’s Energy • Exterior Efficient Investments “The HVAC system door alarms at all Inc. (EEI) advisors at the high school schools that would are convinced the is super inefficient sound if doors district would save and fragile.” were propped open roughly $200,000 a — Tom Borchert, for more than two year through these ANWSD facilities minutes. Lack of changes, including committee access control at the about $35,000 through high school factored the net-metered solar into two incidents this fall, school array. “The draft proposal has a little over officials noted. • Card access to all schools’ $200,000 in guaranteed savings,” Borchert said. “That includes the entrances and security cameras at solar. It would be a little bit less exterior drive areas, main hallways and what EEI called “other critical without the solar.” An EEI report describes the VUHS areas.” Borchert said the board heating and ventilation system as “in will strike a balance with camera failure,” and paints a bleak picture of placement. “There would be some ventilation and heating in both the cameras, but there wouldn’t be union schools in the city: “Controls cameras all over the place. We’ve systems at the High School and tried to maintain reasonable privacy VUES have been ‘rigged’ to work with the health and safety issues,” he ‘always on’ because of equipment said. The ANWSD board will next failure. Ventilation to large portion of VUES and High School is shut off meet on Jan. 3, a meeting that will all year because of equipment failures largely be devoted to its district-wide leaving spaces with unregulated heat budget, expected to be a challenge with declining enrollment and the and no ventilation.” Earlier this week in an unrelated news that there is a shortfall in the interview VUHS Principal Stephanie state Education Fund. On the plus Taylor said the temperature in her side, district taxpayers will receive an office barely tops 50 degrees when 8-cent discount on the final school-tax she arrives some winter mornings, rate, courtesy of the district’s 2016 and VUHS teachers and students unification vote. Borchert said in weighing this mention wild temperature swings in bond proposal board members are classrooms. Borchert said the board is looking keeping taxpayers in mind as well as at more than the bottom line in the needs of the buildings and their wanting to improve energy efficiency occupants. “The committee and the board are in ANWSD buildings. “The HVAC system at the high extremely aware of the budgetary and school is super inefficient and fragile. financial impact, and this proposal So there is both the need to make sure ideally hits the sweet spot,” he said.

MIDDLEBURY UNION HIGH School sophomore Romy Munkres recently returned from a trip to Japan during which she and fellow young musicians performed traditional American songs.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

the Japanese students would play a selection for their American guests. At one of the high schools, Vermont group members were invited to play a Japanese instrument called the Koto — a sort of harp. They first heard the Japanese music teacher play the Koto. They were blown away. “It was incredible,” Munkres said. “It was something I had never heard before. It was beautiful.” Munkres and her colleagues also got to play an original classical musical selection with a school orchestra. “It was a song written by a man from Tottori,” Munkres said of the selection, which included choir singers. “It was really cool that they were having us play on this song about their prefecture.” Young Tradition Vermont visitors got a taste of what their Japanese hosts consider to be the flavors of

Vermont. Munkres sampled what their hosts called “Vermont Curry,” consisting of apples and honey. They also met the governor of the Tottori Prefecture. “He talked about how important music is in connecting people, when there is somewhat of a language barrier,” Munkres recalled. “He was very welcoming.” YTV organizes trips each year, and Munkres is eager to continue to be a part of exporting traditional American music to all corners of the globe. Last year, she accompanied the group to Cape Breton in Eastern Canada. She made a recent performance trip to Ireland, and is scheduled to participate in a YTV odyssey in Scotland next April. “It helps youth keep traditional music going,” Munkres said of the group’s efforts. Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.

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Manage Money financial literacy initiative. Eligible financial literacy activities include: basics of banking and asset building, budgeting, homeownership counseling, foreclosure prevention, credit management and repair programs, and financial management for small businesses. Find the application online at citizensbank. com/community/financial-literacy. aspx.

By the way (Continued from Page 1A) and unload the horse trailer on a cold Saturday night. Quoting Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Rose said, “God bless us, everyone.” The Vermont Public Radio board on Dec. 7 elected two nonboard members to serve on a board committee during fiscal year 2018. Pennie Beach of Vergennes is coowner and proprietor of the Basin Harbor Club. She will continue to serve on VPR’s Development and Marketing Committee. Castleton University was crowing recently about one of the graduates of its Graphic Design program — Bridport resident Dustin Dattilio. Dustin’s original artwork will be making its way to post offices and mailboxes nationwide, as his painting was chosen as the 2018 Wild Turkey Stamp by the National Wild Turkey Federation. You may recall the Independent in May

reported that the full-time artist and 2014 Castleton graduate had his painting “Morning Thunder” selected as the 2018 National Wild Turkey Federation Stamp Print of the Year. Each year the federation selects one turkeythemed painting to be featured on the Wild Turkey Stamp Print of the Year, which sells for $5 to raise money for wild turkey habitat management and restoration.

Citizens Bank is accepting applications from nonprofits for financial literacy services that help consumers manage their money better. Through Dec. 29, organizations in Vermont and the other 10 states where the bank operates are invited to submit an application for funding as part of the bank’s Citizens Helping Citizens

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says its 2018 licenses and lawbooks for hunting, fishing and trapping are now available. All licenses, except new permanent licenses, may be purchased online or from license agents throughout the state. A new license gift certificate also is available online. The new Hunting and Trapping Guides and Fishing Guides containing 2018 laws are available free where licenses are sold and from district Fish & Wildlife offices. Digital versions also are on the department’s

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PAGE 16A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

Struggles increase faster than our economy (Continued from Page 1A) — board members, superintendents, grows.” principals and teachers, including “It also bears noting, to put things some from Addison County — for into context, that, on average, per an education summit to examine that pupil education costs — which is very question. how we calculate property tax rates “We must increase the value — have grown faster than even students see from the dollars we healthcare costs over the past 10 spend, while providing relief from years,” he added. And health care, costs that continue to grow faster he noted, unlike education, is seeing than Vermonters can increased utilization. afford to pay,” Scott said Each year the tax in his opening remarks. “Someone that commissioner is The emphasis was leaves high required by law to set a on the rising cost of school unable yield for the education education in Vermont, to contribute to property tax formula. even in the face of a 21st Century The yield is one of three sinking enrollments key components that economy is statewide. The state’s determine tax rates — Education Fund is someone we’ll the others are per pupil projected to raise and be providing for spending and common spend $1.7 billion their whole life.” level of appraisal. This this year to educate — Secretary of year, the yield increase Vermont’s K-12 Education is projected to cause students. Rebecca Holcombe property tax rates to At the same time, rise an average of 9.4 Vermont is losing more cents. than 1,000 students per year, and has That increase, Scott said, will only lost 30,000 students in the last 25 happen if “we do nothing.” years, Scott pointed out. “I believe most of us recognize “The root of the problem is an most Vermonters cannot afford this, education infrastructure that was which adds to the sense of urgency,” built to educate 100,000 students,” said Scott. “But I also know, and I said Scott. But it’s been 20 years since hope you agree, that together we can Vermont had that many students. find solutions.” Every $1 spent to preserve underused EDUCATION NUMBERS schools is money not being spent to The tax commissioner’s projected educate children, Scott added. increase is based on the assumption To free up money to invest in education spending will increase improving education, Vermont’s by 3.52 percent per pupil. That’s an education system must become more increase of $47.5 million. efficient, Scott stated. In contrast, general fund spending is “For nearly two decades we have expected to increase just 2.5 percent, heard the calls from Vermonters said Susanne Young, the Secretary for property tax relief,” said Scott. of Administration. If school boards “And we all watch as you struggle to were to hold per pupil spending to a preserve academic services as class 2.5 percent increase, then the increase sizes get smaller and overhead costs would drop to $23.5 million.

Young pointed out that while the number of students in the state’s K-12 schools fell from 103,000 in 1997 to 76,220 in 2017. At the same time, the number of school employees rose from 14,451 to 18,015. Vermont’s staff ratio has declined from 6.67 per pupil to 4.23 per pupil, with Vermont having more adults per pupil than any other state, noted Young. Vermont has a hybrid education funding system in which budgets are voted on locally, but all education taxes go into the state Education Fund, and all of the schools receive the money they need to operate from the Education Fund (minus other revenues such as grants). Sixty percent of the funding in the Education Fund comes from the property tax and another 20 percent from a transfer from the General Fund to the Education Fund. But the pressures on the General Fund are also increasing. “Every $1 of General Fund that goes into the Education Fund is money that is not being spent on the workings of government,” said Young. Absent additional taxes and fees, which Scott has pledged to avoid, that 2.5 percent increase in General Fund revenues will yield $39 million more in revenue in the next fiscal year. However, the state’s fixed liabilities, such as debt service, pension contributions and the human services caseload are projected to add $42 million to the expense side of the budget, explained Young. In other words, the state is starting from a position of needing to cut $3 million in General Fund spending to balance the budget. Addison Central Superintendent Peter Burrows noted the

GOV. PHIL SCOTT, speaking at his education summit in Northfield Monday, says most Vermonters can’t afford the cost of education if we don’t change the way it is delivered in this state.

Messenger photo/Michelle Monroe

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ADDISON CENTRAL SUPERINTENDENT Peter Burrows speaks about the state education funding system during Monday’s education summit at Norwich University.

Messenger photo/Michelle Monroe

interdependency of Vermont’s age of 65. education funding systems. EDUCATED WORKFORCE “None of us are really local,” he Providing Vermont’s students said. “We are all paying into a budget with the education they need to join that supports everyone.” the workforce is even more critical, Underlying the suggested Secretary discussion of Vermont’s “I believe of Education Rebecca budget woes was one Holcombe, because most of us of the causes of those “we cannot afford to woes — a declining recognize most leave any potential on workforce leading to Vermonters the table.” declining income and cannot afford Businesses are corporate tax revenue. this, which adds reporting a lack of Paralleling a decline to the sense of skilled applicants, said in students is a larger Holcombe, meaning decline in the workforce. urgency.” schools need to get — Gov. Phil Scott better The state loses 1,788 at getting people between the ages students the skills they of 20 and 64 from the workforce each need to enter the workforce. year, according to Young. “Someone that leaves high school Compared to 2000, Vermont now unable to contribute to a 21sthas 25,000 fewer people under the century economy is someone we’ll age of 20 and 60,000 more over the be providing for their whole life,”

said Holcombe. At the same time, income equality has increased, with those who have a post-secondary education seeing income gains. “The return on investment in education is getting greater with each successive generation,” said Holcombe. “We can’t prepare kids exactly for the jobs of tomorrow because we don’t know what they are,” said Holcombe. But what is known is that the jobs that can be done with less education are disappearing, replaced by automation, she added. “We know we have to make change,” Holcombe told the assembled educators. “We have to let go of where we’ve been.” Editor’s note: This is the first of two stories on the education summit. The second, focused on Act 46, will appear next week.

ADDISON COUNTY INDEPENDENT

B Section

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

MATT DICKERSON

SPORTS

ALSO IN THIS SECTION:

• School News • Legal Notices

On Christmas and nature in Narnia and Middle-earth Walking through a quiet forest and spotting a deer or robin or owl, standing waist deep in a river below a misting waterfall while casting clumsily toward a graceful and beautiful brook trout, or gazing out over a wilderness landscape as I stumble backpack-laden up a mountain ridge, after the initial breath of delight at what I have just seen and heard, I often think back on favorite scenes from the stories set in Narnia and Middle-earth. And I try to think, also, of what writers C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien thought when looking at a tree, a fountain, or a high mountain peak. The descriptions and portrayals of nature in the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien convey a wonderful sense of holiness, mystery, and awe. Both scholars and fans of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” have observed that Middleearth is as much of a character in the stories as any hobbit, dwarf, elf, wizard, or human. Something similar could be said of the land of Narnia in “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Those of you who have read the fantastic stories of these authors probably have your favorite scenes or examples. Maybe it is Treebeard the ent strolling through Fangorn Forest, Beorn the were-bear and his bee-hives, Goldberry the daughter of the River, or even Old Man Willow trying to make a meal of some tender hobbits, or a vindictive blizzard on the slopes of Mount Caradhras in Tolkien’s Middle-earth stories. Perhaps it is the naiads and dryads in (See Dickerson, Page 2B)

ScoreBOARD

Sports BRIEFS

Girls hockey falls in Plattsburgh visit EAGLE SENIOR EMMA Carter drives the lane past Otter senior Kathryn Coolidge and scores two of her 27 points in Mount Abraham’s 59-41 win Tuesday night in Brandon.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Eagle girls’ hoop surges past OV

Defense, transition key for Mount Abe By ANDY KIRKALDY BRANDON — Using pressure defense and transition scoring to spark two decisive runs, the veteran Mount Abraham Union High School girls’ basketball team defeated a young and scrappy Otter Valley squad, 5941, in Brandon. Senior forward Emma Carter (27 points) and junior forward Jalen

Schedule

(See Schedule, Page 2B)

Tiger boys skate past Lake Placid

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — The Middlebury Union High School boys’ hockey team opened Tuesday’s second period at Lake Placid with three straight goals on the way to a 5-2 victory over the Bombers. The victory allowed the Tigers to remain unbeaten at 3-0-1 heading into a Saturday evening home game vs. Division I rival U-32. Next up for the Tigers is their annual holiday tournament next Thursday and Friday, when they will host Milton and Lake Placid, respectively. Both games will be played at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Center. On this past Tuesday, LP’s Hunter Wilmot gave the home team an (See Hockey, Page 3B)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Girls’ Hockey 12/18 Plattsburgh vs. MUHS....................6-0 12/20 MUHS at BFA...............................Late Boys’ Hockey 12/19 MUHS vs. Lake Placid....................5-2 Girls’ Basketball 12/19 Mt. Abe vs. OV............................59-41 12/20 Harwood at VUHS........................Late Boys’ Basketball 12/19 Mill River vs. Mt. Abe..................62-41 12/20 Winooski at Mt. Abe......................Late 12/20 MUHS at OV.................................Late 12/20 VUHS at Fair Haven.....................Late

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Girls’ Hockey 12/23 Essex at MUHS.......................... 5 PM 12/28 Mt. Mansfield at MUHS............... 5 PM 12/29 Spaulding at MUHS.................... 5 PM Boys’ Hockey 12/23 U-32 at MUHS............................ 7 PM 12/28 Milton at MUHS.......................... 7 PM 12/29 Lake Placid at MUHS................. 7 PM Girls’ Basketball 12/21 OV at MUHS............................... 7 PM 12/22 Mt. Abe at F. Haven Tourn..... 3:30 PM

• Classifieds • Police Logs

OTTER SENIOR GABRIELA Poalino puts up a jumper Tuesday night in Brandon. Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Cook (17) did most of the finishing for the 2-0 Eagles, but a team-wide effort on the press helped force 26 OV turnovers. And those turnovers figured prominently in an 18-0 Eagle run that spanned the first and second quarters and erased an early 9-5 OV lead, and a decisive 11-0 surge that closed the third quarter. That run made it 46-27 after the 1-1 Otters had climbed back to within eight points after outscoring the Eagles, 9-3 in the first four minute of the second half. Those OV points came courtesy of a sophomore Julia Eastman hoop and her two clever assists to classmate Alia Edmunds under the hoop, and senior Gabby Poalino’s three-pointer. Poalino led OV with 11 points and, as always, rebounded well, while Eastman scored 10. Carter said defense made the difference for the Eagles, and should continue to do so, citing three senior guards as well as Cook for their work on the press. “This year we definitely have the athletes to run the floor, and we can be more active on the top of our press, especially, with Jalen Cook, Abby Mansfield, Emma LaRose, Vanessa (Dykstra), who are all athletic and quick,” Carter said. “I also think when we get steals up top it gets us going.” Coach Connie LaRose said the Eagles are still experimenting with different looks on the press and on defense — they played most of the game in a 1-3-1 zone after sticking (See Basketball, Page 3B)

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PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The Middlebury Union High School girls’ hockey team came up short on Monday, 6-0, at Plattsburgh (N.Y.) High School. MUHS held the hosts to 1-0 after one period, but Plattsburgh scored three times in the second period to pull away. Tiger goalie Abby Hodsden made 25 saves as the Tigers dropped to 1-1. The Tigers faced another tough challenge on Wednesday after the deadline for this edition of the Independent, as they were set to visit Division I title contender BFA-St. Albans. They will host another contender, Essex, on Friday at 5 p.m. MUHS will also host their annual holiday tournament next Thursday and Friday, with a pair of 5 p.m. games, vs. Champlain Valley/Mt. Mansfield on Thursday and Spaulding on Friday.

Three Tiger alumni hockey games set

EAGLE JUNIOR JALEN Cook lays in two of her 17 points against Otter Valley Tuesday night. The Eagles won the game, 59-41.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

MIDDLEBURY — The 18th annual Middlebury Union High School alumni hockey games will be played on Saturday, Dec. 30, and the Friends of Middlebury Hockey group is inviting male and female players alike to participate in one of the three contests at the Memorial Sports Center. The games will kick off with a women’s game from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m., followed by what organizers are calling a “slower game” from 7 to 8:45 p.m. and then by a “faster game” from 9 to 10:45 p.m. Games will be two 30-minute stop-time periods apiece, with ice cleaning between periods. Players may choose which game they compete in, according to organizer Dan McIntosh. The event sponsors are recommending a $25 donation per player, with no charge to spectators. Donations will be collected at the event, with checks payable to Friends of Middlebury Hockey. Those interested may contact McIntosh at 802-388-3444 or fngdan@mac.com.

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PAGE 2B — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

Dickerson (Continued from Page 1B) believe that God who made the whole Lewis’ Narnia tales, or the enchanted universe took on the form — the woods where a lamp perpetually bones and skin, muscles and flesh, burns in a mysterious lamppost. eyes and ears, lungs and heart, and Trees, forests, and even mountains even pain sensors — of human kind come alive with personality. Ents and in the person of a small and helpless birch women walk the First Century Jewish woods shepherding or baby remembered giving voices to trees. If one thinks of a among us today by River and woods have temple or church his Anglicized name spirits — and call as a place where Jesus. This particular out for justice when Incarnation — and not God dwells, wronged. Christmas trees, Santa As I’ve studied and therefore Claus, mistletoe, and written about as holy, then or reindeers, and both of these authors, especially not Black because of The I’ve realized one Friday or Cyber reason for this. Both Incarnation one Monday — is, of Tolkien and Lewis must view all course, the heart of believed in Christmas. of nature as the Christian story of They believed in Christmas. The Incarnation. God’s dwelling That incarnation “Incarnation” is an and therefore as carried great old word adopted holy. significance for from Latin to describe Tolkien and Lewis. It when a god, or a is portrayed explicitly spiritual being, or even an abstract in Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and idea, takes on a real physical bodily the Wardrobe.” Tolkien portrays it form. Capitalized and given a also in a lesser known story, but hints definite article, “The Incarnation” at it many times in his more famous is a very specific and important case works. They both also considered of incarnation, in which Christians the implications. For them it meant

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that all of the earth was holy. Not only was nature created by God as something good and beautiful, to be cared for and delighted in — and not to be exploited — but this natural world then became the very dwelling place of the incarnate God. If one thinks of a temple or church as a place where God dwells, and therefore as holy, then because of The Incarnation one must view all of nature as God’s dwelling and therefore as holy. This is behind that sense of mystery, holiness, and awe in their descriptions. On the flip side, to exploit nature is thus like robbing a temple. For this reason, fouled rivers, wanton deforestation, and big strip mines are portrayed by both Lewis and Tolkien as the evil work of the enemies of God. All because of Christmas. For those who believe in the Christian story of Christmas, it changes everything. Or it ought to. In particular, though we might not often think in these terms, it ought to change the eyes with which we look at the world around us. I have been privileged to stand among 2,000-year-old giant redwoods in northern California and felt that sense of holiness. I should also practice looking at the trees outside my back door in Vermont with the same eyes. Or, as our country considers a whole new level of exploitation of the most fragile landscapes of Alaska’s arctic where herds of wild reindeer still roam, I hope some folk who are making those decisions will think past Santa Claus to the deeper meaning of Christmas, and maybe pause with some similar thoughts. Maybe more people also need to read J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Christmas would be a good time to start.

Schedule (Continued from Page 1B)

12/23 Winooski at VUHS................. 2:30 PM 12/23 Mt. Abe at F. Haven Tourn..... 2:30 PM 12/27 MUHS at Mill River..................... 7 PM 12/28 West Rutland at OV.................... 7 PM 12/30 MUHS at Milton....................11:30 AM 12/30 Montpelier at VUHS............... 2:30 PM 12/30 Mt. Abe at U-32...................... 2:30 PM Boys’ Basketball 12/22 OV at VUHS............................... 7 PM 12/27 OV vs. MRU at Woodstock......... 7 PM 12/22 MUHS at Mill River..................... 7 PM 12/27 Randolph at Mt. Abe................... 7 PM 12/28 VUHS at Harwood...................... 7 PM 12/29 MUHS at S. Burlington.......... 6:30 PM 12/29 OV vs. TBD at Woodstock............TBD Wrestling 12/23 .......................... Mt. Abe at Milton Inv. 12/28&29 ….Mt. Abe/VUHS at MUHS Tourn. 12/30....................................OV Tournament Gymnastics 12/28 St. Johnsbury at MUHS.............. 6 PM COLLEGE SPORTS Men’s Hockey 12/30 St. Michael’s at Midd.................. 1 PM 12/31 Oswego/Neumann at Midd...... 1/4 PM Women’s Basketball 12/29 Midd. at Claremont M-S.............. 8 PM 12/30 Midd. at Pomona-Pitzer.............. 8 PM Men’s Basketball 12/29 Midd. vs. York @ Wash&Lee...... 4 PM 12/30 Midd. vs. TBD @ Wash&Lee........TBD Late events occurred after deadline. Spectators are advised to consult school websites for the latest schedule updates.

On court

OTTER VALLEY UNION High School senior Gabriela Poalino, above, spins to the basket and Eagle senior Emma LaRose, right, puts up a shot from the paint during Tuesday night’s game in Brandon. The Eagles won the game, 59-41.

Independent photos /Trent Campbell

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 3B

Mount Abraham boys’ basketball loses on road to Mill River Union NORTH CLARENDON — Host Mill River used big first and fourth quarters on Tuesday to post a 62-41 victory over the Mount Abraham Union High School boys’ basketball team. The Minutemen outscored the Eagles, 20-7, in the opening period on the way to a 31-16 lead at the half, and then surged in the fourth quarter after Mount Abe cut MRU’s lead to 10 early in the period.

Brian Eaton (16) and Zach Ames (13) led four Minutemen in double figures. Eagle forward Jackson Counter led all scorer with 20 points, and Logan Rodriguez chipped in 10 for Mount Abe, which was set to host Winooski on Wednesday (after the deadline for the Independent) and then Randolph on Dec. 27. Next up for the Eagles after that contest is a visit to Otter Valley on Jan. 3.

Hockey 12:08 with his first varsity goal, from Giorgio and Brian Kiernan. LP’s Tyler Hinckley scored late in the second period to cut the MUHS lead to 4-2, and Giorgio closed out the scoring in the final period with a power-play strike, with assists from Hescock and Krystian Gombosi. Tiger goalie Jeffrey Stearns made 14 saves, and Bomber goalie Anders Stanton stopped 24 shots.

(Continued from Page 1B) early lead, but Tiger senior Wills Huntington made it 1-1 after the first period with an unassisted strike, the first varsity goal of his career. Two minutes into the second period Tyler Giorgio made it 2-1, and at the midway point Devon Kearns made it 3-1, with assists from Kolby Farnsworth and Kamrin Bartlett. Hale Hescock made it 4-1 at

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MOUNT ABRAHAM UNION High School senior Emma Carter sinks two points against Otter Valley Tuesday night. Carter scored a game-high 27 points and also tallied 10 rebounds and five steals. Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Basketball (Continued from Page 1B) points in the period on a variety of with man-to-man in their two-point cuts to the hoop, short jumpers, and opening home win over fellow Divi- transition baskets; she also set up jusion II contender U-32. nior Molly Murray on the break for But she sees some of the tinkering the other two points. beginning to pay off. The Eagles opened the second pe“We had flashes, where it was like, riod with eight unanswered points in oh, wow, we got it now,” LaRose said, the first minute, six from Cook. She adding, “They got the press working drove to the hoop for two, and then right, and when that happens then we stole the ball twice and laid in two can be tough.” more baskets. LaRose made it 23-9 First-year OV Coach Kelly Trayah and completed the 18-0 run with a saw things to like despite layup after senior forward the setback, citing confiEmma Radler’s steal. dent shooting, the effort “We’ve got The Otters found their to get back into the game a lot of kids footing with a transition in the third period, and the who can play hoop from senior Katie fourth quarter, which OV some role Coolidge and a bucket opened with a 12-2 run to somewhere. inside from sophomore force LaRose to restore Livia Bernhardt set up order by reinserting her My goal is by Eastman. Two Poalino we can bring starters. free throws at 1:37 made Trayah noted he started along some it 28-18, but Cook capped only one senior, Poalino, of these kids, her big quarter with a as well as three sopho- the juniors three-pointer and a free mores and a freshman, throw and Mount Abe led who are new Mallory Lufkin, who by 14 at the break. scored six points and to this, help OV’s third-period played credible defense them find their counter-surge cut the on Carter when Edmunds identity in the lead to 35-27 before the (six points) ran into foul heat of battle.” Eagles answered with trouble. And he credited renewed pressure and an — Coach 11-0 run in which Radler the Eagles, who started Connie LaRose and Carter scored four five seniors, for putting the heat on his team. points apiece and Cook “I like what I’ve seen out of my had two points and two assists. younger girls,” Trayah said. “I Eastman scored six points and thought they did great. My starting sophomore Leah Pinkowski hit two five was basically playing toe-to-toe layups, one on a strong Poalino drivewith them. Then when they put that and-dish, as OV cut the lead to 48pressure on the subs that made a dif- 39 with four minutes to go. But the ference. Their pressure is really good. Eagle first string re-entered and took That pressure was really the differ- care of business: Cook hit a three, ence.” Carter went coast-to-coast with a reOV took its early 9-5 lead on hoops bound, and Mansfield fed LaRose on from four Otters; a Poalino drive at the break as Mount Abe pulled away 3:30 created that score. But with the again. Eagles sputtering a bit, Carter took LaRose said she is confident charge, scoring 13 of the Eagles’ 15 more players will contribute as the

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OTTER VALLEY UNION High School sophomore Julia Eastman scored 10 points in the Otters’ loss to Mount Abraham Tuesday night.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

season progresses. “We’ve got a lot of kids who can play some role somewhere,” LaRose said. “My goal is we can bring along some of these kids, the juniors who are new to this, help them find their identity in the heat of battle.” Carter added 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles, and Mansfield added four. LaRose and Cook had four assists each, while Carter (five steals), Cook (four) and Radler and LaRose (three each) led in that department. Afterward Carter talked about the Eagles’ depth and cohesion. “I feel like this year we have a team that works more like a team than I’ve ever been on at Mount Abe,” Carter said. “Everybody can score the ball. Everybody can rebound. Everybody can play defense. So I’m excited about it.”

On the previous Saturday the Otters had outlasted visiting Proctor, 60-53. OV emerged from a back-and-forth first half with a 30-28 lead and maintained an advantage throughout the second half. Three Otters recorded double-doubles: Poalino (22 points, 12 rebounds), Edmunds (11 points, 14 rebounds) and Bernhardt (10 pounds, 12 boards). Mary Kingsley chipped in five assists. Maddie Flanders led Proctor with 25 points. On Tuesday, Trayah had no complaints about how his team competed with the Eagles, who he considers to be at the top in D-II. “With what we have, we’re building. And really, if you look at D-II, I think Mount Abe is the team to beat,” Trayah said. “If I compare that, and we’re right there, we’ve got a season to improve everything.”

BURLINGTON — As the winter weather hit Vermont on Tuesday, the American Red Cross offered 10 steps that people can take to stay safe during the storm. 1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat. 2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water. 3. Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away — things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. 4. Requires supervision — Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed. 5. Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. 6. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen

and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage. 7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst. 8. The kitchen is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. 9. Use generators outside. Never operate an electric generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage. 10. Knowledge is power. Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. For more information on how to stay safe during the cold weather, visit the Red Cross’s winter storm safety website here: https://tinyurl.com/ y9v5xt5o.

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PAGE 4B — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

ADDISON COUNTY

Agricultural News

Dairy farms face labor struggle Foreign-born workers pose unique challenges for farm owners By GAEN MURPHREE supplied a large part of the labor force MIDDLEBURY — The Dec. 2 powering Vermont’s estimated $2.2 visit to Middlebury from the Mexican billion dairy economy. According consulate in Boston gave Mexicans to estimates from Boston’s Mexican laboring on Addison County farms consulate, about 1,500 Mexican an opportunity to get important workers are in Vermont, toiling documents, get informed about legal mostly on farms. rights, exchange ideas and experiIn 2013, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., ences, and access various kinds of was instrumental in getting compresupport. hensive immigration reform legislaIt also brought area farmers tion passed in the U.S. Senate. together with Consul General Emilio “Us farmers thought, ‘This is it. Rabasa to hear the farmer side of the This is going to be it.’ It was good. equation. There was a blue Chief among dairy card option for farmer concerns? “With no immigra- citizenship after a The continued lack period of time. It tion policy in the of federal immiseemed to answer gration policy that future that we can all the problems supports the labor see right now, you that we had been needs of dairy farms. questioning. But it “It doesn’t look might see more just didn’t get out,” like there’s anything farmers going to Connor said. in the future. So Instead that what are the farm- robotics if they legislation was ers supposed to do?” can afford them.” blocked in said meeting orgathe House of — Cheryl Connor Representatives. nizer Cheryl Connor, a Bridport organic Since then immidairy farmer. gration issues While the roundtable itself was have languished in what Leahy closed to journalists, Connor, who staffers have described as a “toxic facilitated the meeting, followed environment.” up with the Independent to share ‘COYOTES’ AND OTHER local farmers’ concerns about their CONCERNS labor force. Along with the farmers, Connor said that at the roundtable Rabasa and Connor, Vermont Farm discussions with Rabasa, farmers Bureau President Joe Tisbert was also voiced other concerns about also at the meeting. their work force. Last month Connor was appointed “What the committee felt and chair of the Vermont Farm Bureau’s farmers felt was that overall the immigration committee. She said the Mexican workers are a good and Middlebury meeting was the first of necessary work force but there were a series of gatherings she plans to some problems that were identified: hold with farmers around the state on no show for work, they just didn’t immigration and farm labor issues. show up; some problems with drinkConnor said that dairy farmers are ing and drug use,” she said. frustrated and discouraged by the lack Language also continues to be of legal pathway to support foreign a challenge for farmers and workworkers, mostly from Mexico and ers alike, especially on small and other Central American countries, medium-size farms, Connor said. who for the past 15 or so years have

Large farms can hire bilingual managers who can speak directly to the workers. Small and medium farmers find themselves using phone apps like iTranslate. Some farmers told Rabasa that they are experiencing high turnover, said Connor. Some workers stay at a farm for years, others leave after a week. The impact is especially adverse on smaller farms. “If the work force doesn’t show up, you have animals that still need to be milked,” Connor said. “It’s not like you have other people you can pull in and you’re going to work a double shift. A lot of the smaller farmers that were at this meeting don’t have any other work force. So that’s part of the problem.” Farmers are also concerned about transporters, informally called “coyotes,” who charge workers to move them from farm to farm. Asked if high turnover could be correlated to poor pay, work environment or living conditions, Connor said that she couldn’t speak to conditions on individual farms. Asked if the wage, work and housing standards recently negotiated with Ben and Jerry’s would have an impact locally, she said that the agreement affects only farmers in the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery (which supplies Ben & Jerry’s), but most Addison County farmers sell to the Agri-Mark/Cabot cooperative or, if they’re organic, to Horizon or Organic Valley. One idea broached at the meeting would be to create an Addison County referral program for workers. Connor said that a group was already forming to put this idea into effect. ROBOTIC MILKING Some farmers are turning to robotic milkers. And directly after Rabasa spoke with area farmers, he toured the Foster Brothers Farm in Middlebury and saw a huge new barn, being built around a robotic milking parlor. This

CONSUL GENERAL EMILIO Rabasa of the Mexican consulate in Boston, left, talks with Middlebury dairy farmer Mark Foster about his farm earlier this month. Foster took Rabasa on a tour of Foster Brothers Farm, including a sneak preview of the nearly completed barn that will house robotic milkers.

Independent photo/Gaen Murphree

change, once fully in place, will cut the dairy’s migrant labor force by half to three-fourths. “This is sort of going to be the trend I see for Vermont farmers who have the capability of putting robotics in place because of the insecurity of the work force,” Connor said. “Farmers are going to the robotics. With no immigration policy in the future that we can see right now, you might see more farmers going to robotics if they can afford them. I don’t know if that’s the answer, but it looks like that may be what farmers are going to be doing.” Some farmers also expressed the belief that robotic milkers might perform vital tasks to a more reliable standard. Connor gave the example of a cow with mastitis. “Farmers are finding that the robotics are going to milk the same way all the time. They’re going to tell us

if there’s any problems, like this cow has mastitis. Check this cow; her front right quarter is infected. Some workers don’t tell you.” And that can have serious consequences. “If you have a cow with mastitis, you might lose her,” Connor continued. “She was milked. But you’re still going to lose her because there was something that wasn’t identified.” LOOKING AHEAD Whether more farmers convert to robotics, Vermont’s migrant work force will continue to be vital to the state’s farms, Connor summed up: “They still are important, because these workers are still the people who are going to help the farmer.” Connor also said that between dairy’s labor problems and the drop in prices for both conventional and organic milk, small farms will continue to be in peril.

“I think farmers are going to go out by the droves if the price of milk doesn’t go up,” she said. “The only ones that are going to be left are the large farms.” Indeed Farm to Plate data shows that statewide, the number of dairy farms continues to decline. This is true specifically for Addison County as well, which is also seeing an increase in the number of farms that are non-dairy. Connor said that she believes the Farm Bureau can help address dairy’s labor concerns as it reaches out to farmers around the state. “We’re trying to do the best we can for the work force and for the farmer,” she said of the Farm Bureau initiative. “We want to keep both groups happy. We want to make sure the work force is kept happy and healthy. And we want to keep this dairy industry in the state of Vermont.”

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 5B

Vt. grants aim to boost local food sales growth

Manure spreading ban in effect until April 1 MONTPELIER — Manure spreading is a common Vermont agricultural practice that enriches the soil for production and helps manage animal waste. Some times, however, are better than others for spreading. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets would like to remind all state farm operations that the 23rd annual winter manure spreading ban is underway. As required by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets’ (VAAFM) Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), between Dec. 15 and April 1, no manure or other agricultural wastes — including compost and spoiled feed — may be spread on Vermont’s agricultural fields. The RAPs require this annual ban as part of VAAFM’s overall strategy to protect water quality, the working landscape and natural resources.

VAAFM works closely with farmers across the state to ensure the RAPs are understood and complied with. The winter manure spreading ban has been in place since 1995. A revision to the RAPs — newly effective one year ago — continues the winter manure spreading ban while expanding the types of farm generated wastes prohibited from application in winter. In addition, the winter spreading ban now includes many floodplain fields from Oct. 16 to April 14. The new RAPs also prohibit the application of manure or agricultural wastes on frozen or snow-covered fields. Since the statewide snowstorm on Dec. 12, manure spreading has been prohibited across Vermont’s farm fields. During the ban, farmers must either have a storage structure that is capable of holding all manure produced between Dec. 15 and April 1 — a

Exemptions for winter manure total of 106 days — or they must be able to stack all manure produced in spreading are available only for emera way that will not lead to adverse gency situations, such as structural failure of a waste storwater quality age facility. If a farmer impacts. The anticipates having an RAPs require During the ban, issue meeting the winter that field farmers must either ban restrictions, they stacking sites should contact VAAFM be located have a long-term for assistance with planat least 200 storage structure, or ning winter manure feet from be able to stack all management. private wells manure produced in Questions about the and 100 feet a way that will not manure spreading ban, from property boundar- lead to adverse water requests for assistance in ies. In addi- quality impacts. the selection of approprition, manure ate manure stacking sites cannot be or requests for an emerstacked within 200 feet of surface gency exemption can be directed to water, 100 feet of a ditch, on land VAAFM at 802-28-2431. For a PDF that is subject to annual overflow booklet explaining RAP’s and the from adjacent waters, or on exposed winter manure spreading ban, visit bedrock. tinyurl.com/ydg8f2op.

4-H students visit Wisconsin for dairy expo MADISON, Wis. — Fifteen outstanding young Vermont 4-H dairy members had an opportunity to participate in the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wis., this year. The event, held in conjunction with the World Dairy Exposition, took place on the University of Wisconsin campus, Oct. 1-4. More than 200 4-H’ers, ages 15 to 18, from throughout the U.S. and Canada attended to learn about the dairy industry and career choices through seminars, keynote

speakers and tours of dairy operations and agricultural businesses. Of those 15 students, four hail from Addison County: Kelsey Cram of Whiting, and Averi Salley and Brianna and Raymond VanderWey, all from Ferrisburgh. Chaperones were Martha Seifert, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H educator; and Brian and Cindy Kayhart of Vergennes. Eligibility was based on overall 4-H dairy achievements including excellent 4-H dairy project record

books and participation in county and statewide UVM Extension 4-H dairy events. Applicants also had to be enrolled for three or more years in the 4-H dairy project. The 4-H’ers learned how to be advocates for dairy and the science behind dairy foods. They also had a choice of several seminars on topics ranging from dairy reproduction, genomics and farm finance to marketing dairy products and new technologies for monitoring herd health, among others.

Aid available for damaged maple orchards MIDDLEBURY — Pam Smith, executive director or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Middlebury, this week announced that Addison County is approved to accept applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages to farmland, notably maple orchards, from high winds. ECP signup has begun and will end Jan. 19, 2018. The Emergency Conservation Program assists agricultural producers with the cost of recovery activities required to restore the agricultural land to pre-disaster conditions. Producers who sustained damage from this disaster event are encouraged to submit their request for assistance prior to beginning reconstructive work. Submitting a request after completing qualified reconstructive work may result in forfeiture of program eligibility. “I realize that there are extenuating circumstances that must be addressed for livestock safety and health reasons, but I strongly

recommend at least calling our office before any action is taken,” Smith said. FSA county committees will complete an evaluation of submitted requests and obligate available funds based on an on-site inspection of the damaged land, taking into consideration the type and extent of the eligible damage. Completion of the on-site inspection does not guarantee that cost-share funding will be allocated.

The use of obligated funds is limited to return the land to the relative pre-disaster condition. Conservation concerns that were present on the land prior to the disaster are not eligible for ECP assistance. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75 percent of the cost of completing the approved restoration activity. For more information on ECP, contact the Addison County FSA office at (802) 388-6748.

ATTENTION FARMERS

Free Disposal of Waste Pesticides Under a grant from the VT Agency of Agriculture, the Addison County Solid Waste Management District collects waste pesticides and herbicides from farmers and growers free of charge at the District HazWaste Center. Call 388-2333 for more information, or to schedule an appointment time.

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They visited several agricultural enterprises including ABS Global, Nasco International, Crave Brothers Farm and Farmstead Cheese and “Hoard’s Dairyman” Magazine and its registered Guernsey farm. In addition, they toured the National Dairy Shrine Museum and attended the World Dairy Expo, an international dairy industry trade show featuring national dairy cattle shows, commercial exhibits and expertled seminars.

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets this week announced the availability of up to $60,000 of funding for Local Food Market Development (LFMD) Grants to assist eligible Vermont farmers, businesses and value-chain facilitators to reach new markets. Agency officials said they are working to support market opportunities with an institutional or other wholesale focus in Vermont. This year the agency has engaged a public/private partnership with philanthropic partners to augment these efforts and match up to $30,000 from the Vermont Legislature for this grant effort. “The strong program similarities between the Agency of Agriculture’s Local Food Development Grant Program and the priorities of philanthropic partners’ farm-toinstitution initiatives, provides an opportunity to grow economic success for Vermont agricultural businesses, while providing quality food to institutions like schools, colleges and hospitals,” Vermont Ag

Secretary Anson Tebbetts said in a press release. The deadline for the FY2018 LFMD grants is Jan. 24, 2018, and all applicants must demonstrate 25 percent of total project cost in matching funds. This year’s grants will be available to projects that have goals to improve quality, efficiency, or food safety; address distribution challenges; and/or mitigate the financial risks associated with scaling up to meet new market demands. Grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 will be available for these efforts. To qualify for funding consideration, applicants must either be a Vermont producer in pursuit of institutional market development, or a value-chain facilitator that will directly support Vermont producers’ access to institutional and wholesale market expansion. For more information on the LFMD grant program, please visit: agriculture.vermont.gov/ producer_partner_resources/funding_opportunities/vaafm_funding/ local_food_market.

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PAGE 6B — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

Police, wardens respond to shots fired

Vergennes Police Log VERGENNES — Vergennes police said they cited three drivers into court for impaired driving this past weekend, two for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and one for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs. On Sunday, Dec. 17, city police cited Melissa Henderson, 43, of Middlebury for DUI-alcohol. Police said they stopped her car for allegedly failing to honor the stop sign at New Haven Road and Route 7, and allege her blood-alcohol level tested at 0.170; the legal limit

for driving is 0.08. On Saturday, Dec. 16, they cited Justin R. Basset, 41, of Vergennes for DUI-alcohol. Police said they pulled over his car for allegedly failing to honor the stop sign at North and Main streets, and allege his blood-alcohol level tested at 0.125. Also on Saturday city police cited Sarah Carr, 38, of Essex for DUI-drugs. Police allege they smelled marijuana and noticed signs of impairment after stopping her vehicle for speeding on Main Street; police said they took a

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2017

blood sample only after obtaining a warrant at Carr’s request. Between Dec. 11 and 17 police also ticketed and ordered towed two cars during last week’s snowstorm for violating the city wintertime ban on overnight parking on city streets. They ticketed four cars during other nights. During those seven days, city police also: • On Dec. 11 looked into an attempted break-in at Kennedy Brothers; police said a back door showed evidence of an attempted forced entry. • On Dec. 11 attempted to serve an abuse-prevention order to a city resident, but could not find him. • On Dec. 12 dealt with a fenderbender in the Vergennes Union High School parking lot. • On Dec. 12 responded to a minor one-car accident at the junction of King and Green streets. • On Dec. 13 began looking into a fraud complaint involving two local banks. • On Dec. 13 helped a motorist get into a locked car on Main Street. • On Dec. 13 while returning from a conference helped out the scene of a major four-vehicle accident on Route 125 in Ripton. • On Dec. 14 checked out a complaint about barking dogs on Battery Hill but found no problem. • On Dec. 15 directed traffic around a disabled truck on Main Street. • On Dec. 16 helped push a disabled car off West Main Street.

BRISTOL — Bristol police cooperated with Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife game wardens with gun incidents twice in two days earlier this month. On Dec. 8 a Bristol police officer responded to a request for assistance looking into a report of shots fired on Plank Road in New Haven. The Bristol officer helped locate the vehicle of interest and a Vermont Fish and Game official conducted an investigation. The next day, Dec. 9, a Bristol police officer discovered a loaded long rifle during the course of a traffic stop and notified the on-duty game warden who responded to the stop for investigation of Fish and Wildlife violations. Between Dec. 4 and 8, Bristol police completed daily foot patrols on Main and Mountain streets, near Bristol Elementary and surrounding areas without incident. On Dec. 7 an officer also patrolled downtown on foot a little before midnight. Between Dec. 4 and 10, a Bristol officer checked security at Mount Abraham Union High School daily except for Dec. 8. Also during that period police completed fingerprint requests three times for people needing them for

Bristol

Police Log

volunteer purposes and once for immigration purposes. In recent activity, Bristol police: • On Dec. 4 received from a citizen a set of Vermont vehicle registration plates that were found on Monkton Road. • On Dec. 5 were advised of damage to a resident’s vehicle in another jurisdiction. The officer made contact with the jurisdiction and ensured a report was filed regarding the incident. • On Dec. 5 attended mandatory first aid and CPR training at the Addison County Sheriff’s Department instructed by a member of the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad. • On Dec. 6 at 2:20 a.m. responded to a Mountain Street residence for a report of a verbal domestic argument; an officer assisted in mediating disagreement. • On Dec. 6 completed 15 minutes of town-contracted patrol and issued one ticket for speeding. • On Dec. 7 monitored traffic at

Man with rope on bridge was just working M I D D L E B U RY danger: The man was — Middlebury police conducting an Otter responded on Dec. 12 Creek water flow to a report of a man survey on behalf of Police Log with rope who had been the U.S. Geological peering over the Cross Street Bridge Survey. railing at around 10:15 a.m. In other action last week, Police learned there was no Middlebury police:

Middlebury

WINTER

Coloring & Decorating Contest 1.

Color and decorate this picture anyway you choose (you can use this one or photocopy it or draw/trace the outline the same size).

Have fun! Be Creative!

Send your entry to: Addison Independent 58 Maple Street Middlebury, VT 05753 or drop them off at our office in the Marble Works in Middlebury.

Entries must be in by: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3RD AT 5PM

Name:

Two winners from each age group will win gift certificates from local businesses. All contestants will receive a prize which will be given when and if entries are picked up. Winners will be announced in the January 8th edition of the Addison Independent. All entries and prizes must be claimed by January 31st at 5 p.m.

Age:

Parent/Guardian’s name: Address: City:

State:

Zip:

ADDISON COUNTY

Phone: Age Group:

under 5

5-6

7-8

9-11

12-15

16-Adult

the intersection of North and West streets for 30 minutes in the afternoon and warned two drivers for red light violations. • On Dec. 7 responded to a local business for an alarm activation. • On Dec. 7 assisted Vermont State Police in reviewing an electronic device related to an active investigation. • On Dec. 8 instructed a training session at the Vermont Police Academy. • On Dec. 8 heard from a community member that a cell phone she had recently purchased was possibly stolen. • On Dec. 9 monitored traffic at the intersection of North and West streets and issued one ticket and two warnings for red light violations. Later that day an officer monitored the same spot, but issued no tickets. • On Dec. 9 at approximately 7:25 p.m. assisted Vermont State Police with a vehicle that had gone off the road and into a field due to icy conditions. • On Dec. 10 received a report of a dog running lose in the area of Lower Notch Road and Vincent Drive. The dog was impounded and later released to the owner without incident.

INDEPENDENT

VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • www.AddisonIndependent.com

• Took to Porter Hospital a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis in the Lindale Circle area on Dec. 11. • Conducted a welfare check on a Water Street resident who had allegedly been drinking heavily on Dec. 11. Police said the woman was OK. • Investigated a reported verbal dispute between two people in Court Square on Dec. 11. • Connected a Middle Union High School student with officials at the Counseling Service of Addison County on Dec. 11. • Issued court diversion paperwork to an MUHS student found to be in possession of marijuana on Dec. 11. • Launched an investigation into an embezzlement complaint filed by an Exchange Street business on Dec. 11. • Assisted a person experiencing a mental health issues in the Munson Road area on Dec. 12. • Investigated a complaint of a snowmobile operating unsafely on Seymour Street on Dec. 12. • Collected a student who had walked away from Middlebury Union Middle School without permission on Dec. 12. • Gave a drunken man a ride to his Route 7 home on Dec. 12. • Helped a local woman who said she was being harassed by her exboyfriend on Dec. 12. • Took into protective custody a drunken woman who was found on Main Street on Dec. 14. Police took the woman to Porter Hospital. • Responded to a Court Street apartment on Dec. 14 to look into a report of an unwanted person. • Investigated a report of a vehicle leaving the scene of an accident on Cross Street on Dec. 14. • Responded to an accident in which a person sustained minor injuries on Washington Street on Dec. 14. • Received a report about a MUHS student having an unexcused absence on Dec. 14. • Investigated a report of a student carrying a knife on a school bus at MUMS on Dec. 14. School officials found and confiscated the knife, according to police. • Received a report on Dec. 15 that a wallet had been stolen from the ladies’ room at TJ Maxx off Court Street Extension. • Were informed of the theft of a bike from Mary Hogan Elementary School on Dec. 15. • Responded to a noise complaint in the North Pleasant Street neighborhood on Dec. 15. • Received a report about a child missing from a South Pleasant Street home on Dec. 15. Police said the child returned a short time after the call. • Issued winter parking ban tickets on College Street on Dec. 16. • Assisted Vermont State Police in the investigation of a single-car crash on Exchange Street on Dec. 16 that culminated in Thomas G. Case, 24, of New Haven being cited for driving under the influence of alcohol. State police alleged that Case had tried to run away from the scene of the Exchange Street accident. After taking Case into custody, state police took him to Porter Hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained in the car crash. • Took a suicidal man to be evaluated at Porter Hospital on Dec. 17. • Served a temporary restraining order on a local man on Dec. 17. • Helped Porter Hospital officials with an uncooperative patient on Dec. 18.

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 7B

Special

Area Religious Events ADDISON COUNTY — A number of Addison County-area churches have set their schedules for special Christmas events and services. BRANDON St. Mary’s Church will hold a Christmas Eve Mass on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Christmas Day Mass on Monday, Dec. 25, will be at 10 a.m. St. Thomas & Grace Episcopal Church (Route 7, Brandon village) will hold a services on Christmas Eve, Dec 24, at 7 p.m. (children should arrive at 6:30 p.m. to prepare for their part in the service). Lifebridge Christian Church will hold its Christmas Eve service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. Brandon United Methodist Church will hold Christmas Eve candlelight service on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. There will be no morning service on that day. BRIDPORT St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church will hold Christmas Eve Mass on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. BRISTOL The First Baptist Church of Bristol will hold its traditional Christmas Eve family candlelighting service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. There will be readings, carols and special music. St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church on will hold a Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Bristol Federated Church will hold its Christmas Eve service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 6:30 p.m. CHARLOTTE

The Charlotte Congregational Church on Sunday, Dec. 24, there will be a morning service, 10 a.m., a family service, 4:30 p.m. and a candlelight service 7 p.m. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church will hold Christmas Eve Masses on Sunday, Dec. 24, in several locations: at 4 p.m. at the Old Lantern, at 7 p.m. at St. Jude in Hinesburg, and at 10 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Christmas Day Mass will be held on Monday, Dec. 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Jude. CORNWALL The First Congregational Church of Cornwall will hold a Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. EAST MIDDLEBURY The East Middlebury United Methodist Church will hold Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. All are welcome. FERRISBURGH The Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church will hold a service of candlelight lessons and carols on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. LEICESTER St. Agnes Church will hold a Christmas Eve Mass on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5:15 p.m. LINCOLN The United Church of Lincoln Christmas Eve services will be held Sunday, Dec. 24 at 9:45 a.m., 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. with carols, readings and Communion. MIDDLEBURY The Middlebury United Methodist Church will hold its Christmas Eve, Sunday Dec. 24, service of carol singing at 10:45 a.m. and a candlelight service of lessons and carols at 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in

Middlebury will hold Christmas Eve Masses on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 4 and 9 p.m. A Christmas Day Mass is on Monday, Dec. 25, at 9 a.m. The Congregational Church of Middlebury UCC will hold Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Grace Baptist Church on Merchant’s Row will have its annual Christmas Eve service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. Memorial Baptist Church in Middlebury will hold a Christmas Eve service of candlelit lessons and carols will be held on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. and a Christmas Day service on Monday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. in a “Come as you are” familyoriented service. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will hold Holy communion-Advent IV will be held Sunday, Dec. 24, 9 a.m., a Christmas Eve pageant at 4 p.m. and a Christmas Eve Communion with choral music at 9 p.m. The Christmas Day service will take place Monday, Dec. 25, at 10 a.m. On Sunday, Dec. 31, a Christmas I Holy Communion will be held at 8 a.m. and a celebration of Christmas in word and music at 10:30 a.m. The Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society will hold two Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24, both ending with candle lighting and the singing of “Silent Night”: at 5 p.m. a Christmas Celebration for all ages, including a no-rehearsal Christmas pageant, with carols and youth choir; and at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Barnaby Feder will give a homily titled “Unsafe and Sound,” Community carol singing will precede the evening service at 7:15 p.m. MONKTON The Monkton Friends Church will

Memorial Baptist Church in Middlebury will hold a Christmas Eve service of candlelit lessons and carols will be held on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. and a Christmas Day service on Monday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. in a “Come as you are” family-oriented service.

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The Congregational Church of Middlebury UCC will hold Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. hold its Christmas Eve service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 8:30 p.m. NEW HAVEN The New Haven Congregational Church will hold its Christmas Eve candlelight service Sunday, Dec. 24, at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. NORTH FERRISBURGH The North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church will offer two Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24 — a 10 a.m. family service and a 7:30 p.m. traditional service with carols, sermon and candle lighting. ORWELL The First Congregational Church of Orwell will conduct a Christmas Eve service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 7:30 p.m. RIPTON Ripton Community Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve service on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m., led by Bill McKibben. Contribution to a seasonal smorgasbord are welcome. SALISBURY The Salisbury Congregational Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24. There will also be an Advent service that same day at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome. SHOREHAM

The Shoreham Congregational Church will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent, Sunday, Dec. 24 at 10 a.m., There will be a traditional Christmas Eve community candlelight service with lessons carols at 5 p.m. A New Year’s Eve service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, and an Epiphany Service on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. STARKSBORO The Starksboro Meeting House will hold a non-denominational Christmas program of lessons and carols on Friday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m.. VERGENNES St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will hold services on Sunday, Dec. 24: there will be an Advent IV Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and at 4 p.m., a Christmas Eve Eucharist with choir and Pageant. There will be a Christmas Day Eucharist on Monday, Dec. 25, at 10 a.m., a St. Stephen’s Day Eucharist on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 10:30 a.m., a St John’s Day morning prayer on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 10:30 a.m. and Holy Innocents’ Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. of Thursday, Dec. 28 St. Peter’s Church will hold a Christmas Eve Mass on Sunday, Dec.

24, at 4 p.m. and a Christmas Day Mass on Monday, Dec. 25, at 9 a.m. Vergennes United Methodist Church will hold a Candlelight Christmas service of lessons and carols on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. Victory Baptist Church Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, there will be an 11 a.m. regular service and a 6 p.m. candlelight service. A New Year’s service will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. The Vergennes Congregational Church Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, there will be a regular service at 9:30 a.m., a family candlelight service with Mel’s marionettes at 4 p.m., and at 7 p.m., a traditional candlelight service. WEYBRIDGE Weybridge Congregational Church will hold its Christmas Eve carol and candlelight service on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. WHITING The Whiting Community Church will hold services on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24,

PAGE 8B — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

As slippery conditions arrive with snow, motor vehicle accidents increase ADDISON COUNTY — Winter weather finally arrived for real last week and one could see the effects of slippery roads in the number of serious motor vehicle crashes in Addison County, particularly on Dec. 12 in the heart of the snowstorm, four of which Vermont State Police handled. On Dec. 12 alone, state police dealt with the following weatherrelated accidents: • On Doolittle Road in Shoreham troopers handled a twocar crash. Police said the driver

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of a Ford Focus lost control and collided with an oncoming pickup truck. Police said no one was hurt, but the Focus was totaled, and the pickup was not operable. • Handled a one-car accident on the Gap Road in Goshen, where a Jeep Renegade heading downhill slid off a snow-covered road and turned on its side in a ditch. The trooper reported the driver was unhurt, but the vehicle, which was towed from the scene, was totaled. • Responded to a one-car accident on North Main Street in Whiting near the Cornwall town line after which the driver was taken to Porter Hospital complaining of chest pain. State police said the driver’s Honda Accord was traveling downhill when he lost control of his vehicle before it crossed the road, went into a ditch and hit multiple trees. The Whiting Fire Department assisted at the scene. • Went to the intersection Route 22A and Doolittle Road in Shoreham to deal with a twocar crash. The trooper said that a Hyundai Elantra was unable to stop before entering the intersection, resulting in a collision with a truck. Police ticketed the 17-yearold driver for unsafely entering an intersection. In other recent action, Vermont

State Police: • On Dec. 9 dealt with a onecar accident on Monkton Road in Ferrisburgh. Police said a Subaru Outback went off the road, with the driver saying she lost control when a car in front of her lost control. Police said the Outback had to be towed, but no one was hurt. Vergennes police helped at the scene. • On Dec. 9 dealt with a two-car crash on Route 116 in Starksboro. State police said a GMC Sierra was following a Chevrolet Cruze too closely to stop in time to avoid a collision when the Cruze stopped; police ticketed the driver of the Sierra. They said the collision caused extensive damage to the Chevrolet. • On Dec. 13 filed additional citations on a case dating to Nov. 25. Police cited John Ryea, 34, of Ripton for driving without the owner’s consent and providing false information to a police officer. Earlier police had cited him for driving with a criminally suspended license after stopping a car he was driving on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh on Nov. 25. • On Dec. 14 handled a

three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 22A and Market Road in Bridport. State police said a car pulled out of Market Road and collided with a car on Route 22A and then struck a parked car. The first vehicle was totaled, a passenger was taken to Porter Hospital with neck pain, and the second and third cars suffered some damage. Police are still investigating this accident and witnesses are asked to call Vermont State Police at 388-4919. Several local rescue services and the Bridport Fire Department helped at the scene. • On Dec. 16 handled a two-car crash at the intersection of Route 7 and South Middlebrook Road in Waltham. Police said the driver of a pickup truck headed northbound on Route 7 at approximately 50 mph told them that the 2016 Toyota in front of him signaled to turn off the highway at the last minute and that he was unable to stop his pickup before striking the Toyota. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the pickup driver swerved left but still struck the Toyota as it made a left turn. Neither driver was hurt, but the Toyota was totaled. State

Vt. State

Police Log

Bridport, VT • 758-2494 tombroughtonauctions.com

MARKET REPORT ADDISON COUNTY COMMISSION SALES

RT. 125 • EAST MIDDLEBURY, VT Sales for December 14 & December 18 BEEF P. Parent Vorsteveld Farm Nop Bros. P. Livingston Defreest Farm Claflin Farm Barnes Bros.

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CALVES R. Allen Quarry Rd. Farm Kayhart Bros. Elysian Field Farm

Lbs. 96 110 91 111

Costs per lb 1.50 1.30 1.20 1.00

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Wellness

police do not believe alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor in the collision. • On Dec. 16 cited Thomas G. Case, 24, of New Haven for driving under the influence of alcohol following a one-car crash on Exchange Street in Middlebury, which state police allege Case fled from on foot. Police cited Case after he was first taken to Porter Hospital and treated for injuries sustained in the crash. State police and Middlebury police had been alerted by a local restaurant about an intoxicated patron who had driven away. • On Dec. 17 cited Trevor Matton, 31, of Ferrisburgh for driving with a criminally suspended license and resisting arrest following a traffic stop on Route 7 in Waltham. • On Dec. 18 followed up on a citizen tip, located Christopher Jerome, 27, of Lincoln on Panton Road in Panton, and cited him for driving with a criminally suspended license. • On Dec. 18 responded to a report of a two-vehicle head-on collision on Big Hollow Road in Starksboro in which both vehicles were totaled. Both drivers were taken to UVM Medical Center for treatment of injuries: police report that Kelsey Roberts, 20, of Starksboro sustained potential chest and neck injuries, and Kasandra Clark, 33, of Williston sustained unknown injuries to her lower extremities. Police said the road was icy and they do not believe alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor in the collision. • On Dec. 18 cited Michael Lockerby, 37, of South Burlington for driving with a criminally suspended license following a traffic stop on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh. • On Dec. 18 cited Pamela Fuller, 51, of Starksboro for driving under the influence, third offense, following a one-car crash on State Prison Hollow Road. Vermont State Police release a daily log of a selection of their activities. In Addison County, those activities included: • Dec. 11, fraud, Monkton Road, Monkton. • Dec. 11, directed patrol, Route 125, Cornwall. • Dec. 11, traffic crash, Route 22A, Panton. • Dec. 11, fraud, West Street, Cornwall. • Dec. 12, suspicious person/ circumstance, Rockydale Road, Bristol. • Dec. 12, accident with damage, described by state police as “just

north of picnic tables” in Goshen. • Dec. 12, accident with damage, Swamp Road at Route 30, Cornwall. • Dec. 12, traffic crash, Lake Dunmore Road, Salisbury. • Dec. 12, citizen assist, Upper Plains Road, Salisbury. • Dec. 12, traffic crash, Route 17W, Addison. • Dec. 13, agency assist, Route 7, New Haven. • Dec. 13, traffic crash, Route 74, Cornwall. • Dec. 13, motor vehicle disturbances, Cider Mill Road and James Road, Cornwall. • Dec. 13, traffic crash, Brookside Drive, Starksboro. • Dec. 13, citizen assist, North Branch Road, Ripton. • Dec. 13, citizen assist, Horton Road, Orwell. • Dec. 14, simple assault, Lotsawater Road, Salisbury. • Dec. 14, agency assist, Dove Lane, Ferrisburgh. • Dec. 14, citizen assist, Route 73, Orwell. • Dec. 15, suspicious person/ circumstance, Mason Hill North Road, Starksboro. • Dec. 15, animal problem, Town Line Road and Grandy Road, Addison. • Dec. 15, citizen assist, Route 7 and Hunt Road, New Haven. • Dec. 15, suspicious person/ circumstance, Route 116 South, Bristol. • Dec. 15, citizen assist, Route 7 and Middlebrook Road, Ferrisburgh. • Dec. 16, suspicious person/ circumstance, South Main Street, Whiting. • Dec. 16, accident with damage, Route 7, Waltham. • Dec. 16, alarm, Southwick Road, New Haven. • Dec. 16, motor vehicle disturbances, Route 7, Ferrisburgh. • Dec. 16, directed patrol, Route 7, New Haven. • Dec. 17, directed patrol, Route 7 and Plank Road, Ferrisburgh. • Dec. 17, traffic crash, Route 22A, Shoreham. • Dec. 17, citizen assist, Elm Lane, Starksboro. • Dec. 17, agency assist, Porter Drive, Middlebury. • Dec. 17, motor vehicle disturbances, Route 7, Waltham. • Dec. 17, citizen assist, Route 7, New Haven. • Dec. 17, citizen assist, Route 116, Bristol. • Dec. 17, directed patrol, Routes 7 and 17, New Haven. • Dec. 17, alarm, Lake Street, Addison.

d i r e c t o r y BETSY SPANNBAUER

Certiﬁed Healing Touch Therapy Practitioner

WELLNESS CENTER

A Center for Independent Health Care Practitioners “Wellness is more than the absence of illness.” 50 Court St • Middlebury, Vt 05753 Jim Condon ................... 388-4880 or 475-2349 SomaWork Caryn Etherington ..................... 388-4882 ext. 3 Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Nancy Tellier, CMT .. 388-4882 ext. 1........................ or 989-7670 Therapeutic Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy®, Soul Lightning Acupressure Donna Belcher, M.A. ............................ 388-3362 Licensed Psychologist - Master, Psychotherapy & Hypnosis Charlotte Bishop ....................... 388-4882 ext. 4 Therapeutic Soft & Deep Tissue ...or 247-8106 JoAnne Kenyon ......................................388-0254 Energy Work. www.joanne.abmp.com Karen Miller-Lane, N.D., L.Ac. .............. 388-6250 Naturopathic Physican, Licensed Acupuncturist, CranioSacral Therapy.

Irene Paquin, CMT 388-4882 ext.1 or 377-5954 Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, OrthoBionomy®

Adults•Couples•Families Adolescents Parenting Consultations New Office – Immediate Openings

Two New Groups for January, 2018: • Mens therapy Group • Mixed Adult Therapy Group Group Therapy is a safe, supportive modality for working on interpersonal relationships, family of origin issues, trauma, & difficult stages in life. Limited to 8 participants. Selected insurances accepted. 2 Frog Hollow Alley • Middlebury, VT 845•706•1767 www.douglasengellcsw.com dougengel07@gmail.com

(802) 377-0865 email: bshealingtouch@aol.com SOLE SOLUTIONS is now accepting new clients for Foot & Nail Care, including thorough exams, nail trimming, corn & callous reduction, fungal management, diabetic foot care, foot health education. Mary B. Wood RN & CFCN (certified foot care nurse) “looks forward to assisting you with your foot care needs.” In-home appointments available by arrangement. Please call for an appointment: 802-355-7649. o l ut le S io

Ron Slabaugh, PhD, MSSW, CBP........ 388-9857 The BodyTalk™ System

Douglas S. Engel, LICSW

MAWOR

Healing Touch is a therapy that helps to restore and balance energy that has been depleted due to stress, illness, injury, grief, medical conditions, surgery or medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. When an individual has pain, the practitioner focuses on removing the energy congestion so that the pain level is reduced. Think of times when you have been stressed and how it affected your body. You may have experienced muscle tightness in your neck and shoulders, developed a headache or had discomfort in other parts of your body. Stress causes congestion in our energy system. Healing Touch techniques help to relieve that congestion.

Foot & Nail Care

14 School Street, Suite 102B Bristol, Vermont

Crystal Rose Healing Center

www.crystalrosehealingcenter.com

If you’d like to be listed in this wellness directory, call the Addison Independent at 388-4944

Michael A. Castelli, M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counselor & Music Therapist (802) 324-1383

www.michaelcastelli.com

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 9B

Addison Independent

CLASSIFIEDS

Public Meetings

Services

ADULT ALL‑ RECOVERY Group Meeting for anyone over 18 who is struggling with addiction disorders. Wednesdays, 3‑4 p.m. at the Turning Point Center (54 Creek Rd). A great place to meet with your peers who are in recovery. Bring a friend in recovery. For info call 802‑388‑4249 or 802‑683‑5569 or visit www. turningpointaddisonvt.org.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ M O U S M I D D L E B U RY M E E T I N G S S AT U R ‑ DAY: Discussion Meeting 9:00‑10:00 AM at the Mid‑ dlebury United Methodist Church. Discussion Meet‑ ing 10:00‑11:00 AM. Begin‑ ners’ Meeting 6:30‑7:30 PM. These two meetings are held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, Middlebury.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ MOUS RIPTON MEET‑ INGS: Monday, As Bill Sees It Meeting 7:15‑8:15 AM. Thursday, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions Meeting 7:15‑8:15 AM. Both held at Ripton Firehouse, Dugway Rd.

NA MEETINGS MIDDLE‑ BURY: Sundays, 3:00 pm, held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd.

OPIATE OVERDOSE RES‑ CUE KITS are distributed on Wednesdays from 9 am until 12 pm at the Turning Point Center of Addison County, 54 Creek Rd, Middlebury, VT. A short training is required. For info call 802‑388‑4249 or 802‑683‑5569 or visit www. turningpointaddisonvt.org.

SPIRITUAL AWAKEN‑ INGS MEETING of Alcohol‑ ics Anonymous, 7:30‑8:30 a.m., Friday, upstairs at St. Stephen’s Church., Middle‑ bury, VT.

CONSTRUCTION: ADDI‑ TIONS, RENOVATIONS, new construction, drywall, carpentry, painting, flooring, roofing, pressure washing, driveway sealing. All aspects of construction, also property maintenance. Steven Fifield 802‑989‑0009.

AL‑ANON FAMILY GROUP ‑ For families and friends of problem drinkers. Anony‑ mous, confidential and free. At the Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, Middlebury. 7:30‑8:30 PM Friday eve‑ nings. AL‑ANON: FOR FAMI‑ LIES and friends affected by someone’s drinking. Members share experience, strength and hope to solve common problems. New‑ comers welcome. Confiden‑ tial. St. Stephen’s Church (use front side door and go to basement) in Middlebury, Sunday nights 7:15‑8:15 pm. ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ MOUS BRANDON MEET‑ INGS: Monday, Discussion Meeting 7:30‑8:30 PM. Wednesday, 12 Step Meet‑ ing 7:00‑8:00 PM. Friday, Big Book Step Meeting 7:00‑8:00 PM. All held at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rte 7 South.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ M O U S M I D D L E B U RY MEETINGS SUNDAY: 12 Step Meeting 9:00‑10:00 AM held at the Middlebury United Methodist Church on N. Pleasant Street. Came to Believe Meeting 1:00‑2:00 PM held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, Middlebury. ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ M O U S M I D D L E B U RY MEETINGS THURSDAY: Big Book Meeting Noon‑1:00 PM at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, Mid‑ dlebury. Speaker Meeting 7:30‑8:30 PM at St. Ste‑ phen’s Church, Main St. (On the Green). ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ M O U S M I D D L E B U RY MEETINGS TUESDAYS: 12 Step Meetings; Noon‑1:00 PM. AND 7:30‑8:30 PM. Both held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, Middlebury.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ MOUS BRISTOL MEET‑ INGS: Sunday, Discussion Meeting 4:00‑5:00 PM. Wednesday, 12 Step Meet‑ ing 7:00‑8:00 PM. Friday, Big Book Meeting, 6:00‑7:00 PM. All held at the Howden Hall, 19 West Street.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ M O U S M I D D L E B U RY MEETINGS WEDNESDAY: Big Book Meeting 7:15‑8:15 AM is held at the Middlebury United Methodist Church on N. Pleasant Street. Discus‑ sion Meeting Noon‑1:00 PM at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ M O U S M I D D L E B U RY MEETINGS FRIDAY: Dis‑ cussion Meeting Noon‑1:00 PM at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, Mid‑ dlebury.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ MOUS NEW HAVEN MEET‑ INGS: Monday, Big Book Meeting 7:30‑8:30 PM at the Congregational Church, New Haven Village Green.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ M O U S M I D D L E B U RY M E E T I N G S M O N D AY: As Bill Sees It Meeting Noon‑1:00 PM. Big Book Meeting 7:30‑8:30 PM. Both held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, Middlebury.

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ MOUS NORTH FER‑ RISBURGH MEETINGS: Sunday, Daily Reflections Meeting 6:00‑7:00 PM, at the United Methodist Church, Old Hollow Rd.

Services

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ MOUS VERGENNES MEETINGS: Sunday, 12 Step Meeting 7:00‑8:00 PM. Friday, Discussion Meeting 8:00‑9:00 PM. Both held at St. Paul’s Church, Park St. Tuesday, Discussion Meeting 7:00‑8:00 PM, at the Congregational Church, Water St. ARE YOU BOTHERED BY SOMEONE’S DRINK‑ ING? Opening Our Hearts Al‑Anon Group meets each Wednesday at 1:30 pm at Middlebury’s St. Stephen’s Church on Main St. (enter side door and follow signs). Anonymous and confiden‑ tial, we share our experi‑ ence, strength and hope to solve our common problems. Babysitting available.

OA (OVEREATERS ANON‑ YMOUS) MEETS on Thurs‑ day’s at 6 PM. Located at the Turning Point Center of Addison County, 54 Creek Road, Middlebury, VT. ( O A ) O V E R E AT E R S ANONYMOUS Saturday’s at 1:00pm. Located at Law‑ rence Memorial Library, 40 North St. in Bristol, VT. OVEREATERS ANONY‑ MOUS (OA) big book meet‑ ing. Thursday’s, 2 pm, held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd.

PARKINSONS SUPPORT GROUP meets on the last Thursday of every month from 10 am to 11:30 am. We meet at The Resi‑ dence at Otter Creek in Middlebury. For info call APDA at 888‑763‑3366 or parkinsoninfo@uvmhealth. org.

WOMEN OF AA Mondays, 5:30 pm, held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd.

C&I DRYWALL. Hanging, taping, skim coat plas‑ tering. Also tile. Call Joe 802‑234‑5545 or Justin 802‑234‑2190.

STOREFRONT LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. In the heart of downtown Middlebury. Approved for seating for 24. Plenty of parking, lots of possibilities. Available September 1. Text only to 802‑373‑6456.

Help Wanted

ALL SHIFTS AVAILABLE FOR FULL & PART TIME We are seeking people with winning personalities and great attitudes to join our team. Full & Part-time positions available with flexible scheduling. Must be willing to work some nights & weekends.

Help Wanted

Full & Part-time Cashiers & Deli Employees needed. Apply in person or pick up an application at: Maplefields –– Shoreham Service Center

Corner of Routes 22A and 74 • Shoreham, VT EOE

MAKING RECOVERY EAS‑ IER (MRE). Wednesdays, 1‑2 p.m. at the Turning Point Center (54 Creek Rd). This will be a facilitated group meeting for those struggling with the decision to attend 12‑Step Programs. It will be limited to explaining and dis‑ cussing our feelings about the 12‑Step Programs to create a better understand‑ ing of how they can help a person in recovery on his/her life’s journey. A certificate will be issued at the end of all the sessions. Please bring a friend in recovery who is also contemplating 12‑Step Programs.

– now –

Searching for someone to complete your team? or

Are you searching for a job?

NA (JUST IN TIME) Wednesdays, 9 am, held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd.

Either way you are on the right track with the

NA MEETINGS MIDDLE‑ BURY: Fridays, 7:30 pm, held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd.

58 Maple Street, Middlebury, VT 05753 addisonindependent.com • 388-4944

Services

Did you know?

Volunteers of any age can contact The United Way of Addison County’s Volunteer Center at www. unitedwayaddisoncounty.org and click on VOLUNTEER!

PROFESSIONAL PAINT‑ ING; interior/exterior, resi‑ dential/commercial, pressure washing. 20 years’ experi‑ ence. Best prices. Refer‑ ences. 802‑989‑5803.

GRIEF ANONYMOUS MEETING every Tuesday @ 6:00 pm at Grace Baptist Church, 52 Merchants Row, Middelbury, Vt. A support group for those grieving the loss of a love one.

Learn more about local volunteer opportunities! If you are 55 and older, contact RSVP @ 388-7044, rsvpaddison@ volunteersinvt.org or visit www.volunteermatch.org.

Help Wanted

Services

Opportunities

Services

RSVP of Addison County offers a free weight and balance training program designed to alleviate and prevent osteoporosis? Weight bearing exercise increases muscle development, stability and posture and not only minimizes bone loss, but also prevents the risk of fracture. Classes are offered twice per week at 20 locations throughout Addison County and participants can join at any time. Classes are a great way to stay healthy and make friends in the new year. For more information on our Bone Builders class schedule, please contact RSVP at 388-7044 or rsvpaddison@volunteersinvt.org.

Looking for a way to give to our community during the holidays? One way to help is to purchase Helping Hands Food Boxes through our local Hannaford Food and Pharmacy. Boxes are $10 and offer a variety of staples including soup, grains, vegetables and fruit. This program is one of the many ongoing initiatives that Hannaford offers to address hunger and build a healthy community. Purchased boxes will be distributed to local food pantries by RSVP of Addison County. For more information on the Helping Hands Program, please contact RSVP at 388-7044 or rsvpaddison@volunteersinvt.org.

HIRING

THE ADDISON INDEPENDENT IS SEEKING A WEB PRODUCER/REPORTER The Addison Independent in Middlebury, Vt., is seeking an energetic multimedia journalist to join the award-winning, twice-a-week newspaper’s staff. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated excellence in reporting and producing stories in text, audio and video formats. This position will feature a mix of classic print media and cutting-edge online news. As such, those applying should have a demonstrated experience in journalism and understanding of news writing and feature writing, as well as be interested and engaged in social media with an eye toward understanding the community and building reader loyalty. Some knowledge and experience with posting multimedia stories and content management systems a big plus. The job will include a lot of hands-on work improving the website, so candidates should bring ideas for doing that. Addisonindependent.com has been named the best news site in Vermont many times — our new hire will be responsible for making sure we continue and improve upon this tradition of excellence. The person we hire will be intelligent, curious, indefatigable and work well as part of a team. Also, the candidate must have a car, as in-person interviews are a must. Send a letter outlining your qualifications, resume and examples of your work to: news@addisonindependent.com. ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • www.AddisonIndependent.com

Addison Independent

CLASSIFIED ORDER FORM

Cash in on our 4-for-3 rates! Pay for 3 issues, get 4th issue free!

www.addisonindependent.com • email: classiﬁeds@addisonindependent.com

PLEASE PRINT YOUR AD...

An ad placed for consecutive issues (Mondays & Thursdays) is run 4th time free! • Special 4 for 3 rates not valid for the following categories: Services, Opportunities, Real Estate, Wood heat, Attn. Farmers, For Rent & Help Wanted

Name: Address: Phone: Email: DEADLINES: Thurs. noon for Mon. paper

RATES

ADDISON INDEPENDENT 58 Maple Street, Middlebury, VT 05753 802-388-4944

Mon. 5 p.m. for Thurs. paper

• 25¢ per word • minimum $2.50 per ad • $2 internet listing for up to 4 issues • minimum 2 insertions

Notices Card of Thanks Personals Services Free** Lost ’N Found** Garage Sales Lawn & Garden Opportunities Adoption ** no charge for these ads

Work Wanted Help Wanted For Sale Public Meetings** For Rent Want to Rent Wood Heat Real Estate Animals Spotlight with large

3$2

Att. Farmers Motorcycles Cars Trucks SUVs Snowmobiles Boats Wanted Real Estate Wanted Vacation Rentals

The Independent assumes no financial responsibility for errors in ads, but will rerun classified ad in which the error occurred. No refunds will be possible. Advertiser will please notify us of any errors which may occur after first publication.

Number of words: Cost: # of runs: Spotlight Charge: Internet Listing: TOTAL:

$2.00

Business&Service

PAGE 10B — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

DIRECTORY

Business Service Renewable Energy Soak Up The Sun! Don’t spend your hard-earned money making the hot water or electricity that you use today– SOLAR IS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN EVER! We’ve been here for you for 43 years – Let us help you with your solar projects today.

• plumbing & heating • renewable energy • roofing • septic & water

LAROSE SURVEYS, P.C.

An EdgE BEyond

Ronald L. LaRose, L.S. • Kevin R. LaRose, L.S.

Sharpen, Restore, Polish

Land Surveying/Septic Design

Anything with a blade!

“We will take you through the permitting process!”

25 West St. • PO Box 388 Bristol, VT 05443 Telephone: 802-453-3818 Fax: 802- 329-2138

Tools

Japanese, Garden Clippers, Pocket-Knives, Scissors, Saws, Axes, Kitchen Knives Circular Saws Ice Skates, too! Mobile Unit - Can travel anywhere in Addison County Professional level sharpening

Go Green with us –

larosesurveys@gmail.com

Tree Service

Dick Moore • (802) 771-8620 AnEdgeBeyond@icloud.com

Roofing

roofing Michael Doran

as seen at Addison County Field Days!

• Standing seam • Standing seam ••Asphalt shingles Asphalt shingles Slate •• Slate

imagine what white space can do for you.

Brett Sargent owner/operator

Marcel Brunet & Sons, Inc. Serving Vermont for over 42 years!

Vergennes, VT

Siding • Windows Additions • Garages • Decks 800-439-2644 • rbrunet1@myfairpoint.net • 877-2640

STORAGE 4 Sizes ~ Self-locking units Hardscrabble Rd., Bristol

mpdoransr@gmail.com

Phone (802) 537-3555

Special Services

Rubbish & Recycling Moose Rubbish

Recyling

802-897-5637 802-377-5006

25 Yrs Experience 60’ bucket truck wood chipper available Fully Insured Free Estimates

made you look.

Windows & Siding

Free estimates estimates •• Fully Fully Insured Insured Free

and

• storage • surveying • tree services • window treatments

Sharpening

Knives

Call for a FREE on-site evaluation

• siding • specialized services • stamps

Randall Orvis

6’x12’ $30 • 8’x12’ $45 10’x12’ $55 • 12’x21’ $75

H. D. Oliver 3025 & 3233 Vt. Rte. 22A, Bridport, VT 05734

802-349-8123

Dangerous Trees Cut & Removed Stumps Removed Trusses Set Trees Trimmed Land Clearing Reasonable Rates • Year-round Service • Fully Insured

•

Repairs & Maintenence Custom Built Trailers & Hitches Transporting Cars & Compact Equipment

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

(802) 453-3351 • Cell (802) 363-5619 24 Hour Emergency Service 453-7014

www.livingstonfarmlandscape.com

AIRPORT AUTO Self Storage • Low Rates

Also a good selection of used vehicles

Brownswelding.com

Dave’s Tree Service Stump Grinding, Trimming, Tree Evaluation, Storm Damage, Firewood & Lot Clearing

44 School House Hill Road, E. Middlebury

FOR SEPTIC TANK PUMPING & DRAIN CLEANING SERVICE,

NDON'S DU

Rely on the professionals.

Plumbing & Heating

PORTABLE RESTROOMS Rt. 22A, Orwell • 948-2082 Rt. 7 So., Middlebury •388-2705

MADE TO ORDER

Short Surveying, inc. Timothy L. Short, L.S. Property Line Surveys • Topographical Surveys FEMA Elevation Certificates 135 S. Pleasant St., Middlebury, VT 388-3511 ssi@sover.net

Available at the Addison Independent in the Marble Works, Middlebury

388-4944 Environmental Consultants – Licensed Designers Steve Revell CPG, LD#178 BW Jeremy Revell LD#611 BW • Tyler Maynard LD#597 B • Water Supply - Location, Development and Permitting • On-Site Wastewater Design • Single & Multiple Lot Subdivision • Property Development & Permitting • State and Local Permitting • Underground Storage Tank Removal & Assessment

Land Surveying - Water & Septic Designs State & Local Permitting Environmental Consulting

Jason Barnard

Michael Gervais

Licensed Designer

Licensed Surveyor

Serving Vermont from offices in Hinesburg and Enosburgh

802-453-4384

www.lagvt.com

Home Projects

802-282-9110 Free Estimates • Fully Insured!!!

Window Treatments

Barnard & Gervais, LLC

Toll-Free: 800-477-4384

Fax 802-453-5399 • Email: jrevell@lagvt.com 163 Revell Drive • Lincoln, VT 05443

Dangerous trees our specialty!!

Serving Addison County Since 1991

Self Inking & Hand Stamps

Celebrating 31 Years

Serving Addison County & Area Lakes

388-0432 • 388-8090

Septic & Water

FREE ESTIMATES FOR TREE SERVICES

WE HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR THE RIGHT JOB – TO GIVE YOU REASONABLE RATES

Monthly prices

Motor Home Specialties, LLC

Stamps

2744 Watch Point Rd • Shoreham, VT 05770 Email: BR213@yahoo.com

BROWN’S TREE & CRANE SERVICE

802-349-8433 802-482-2597 www.barnardandgervais.com

Laundromats

Premium window treatments, retractable screens and awnings. 298 Maple Street Middlebury, VT 802.247.3883 vtshadeandblind@gmail.com VermontShadeandBlind.com

Odd Jobs

Call today to list YOUR ad in our Business & Service Directory

388-4944

Painting

Sawmills

Winter Products & Services

PAGE 12B — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

Addison Independent

Help Wanted

CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

Help Wanted

For Rent ONE BEDROOM UPSTAIRS apartment located in Shore‑ ham village. $700/month plus security deposit. Heat, water and all appliances included. No pets and no smoking. Please call 759‑3119.

Help Wanted

BGS Master Plumber BGS Southwest District Maintenance BGS Master Plumber needed to fill position with great benefits working with the State of Vermont in our Southwest District Buildings and General Services Department! YOU must be a Highly skilled Master Plumber licensed in State of Vermont for plumbing installation and maintenance work for the State of Vermont involving the design, installation, and maintenance of routine and complex plumbing work and oversight of contracted work. In addition to plumbing responsibilities, duties will include general maintenance for other facilities as required.

MIDDLEBURY OFFICE SPACE for rent. 400 sq.ft., second floor. Available Janu‑ ary 1, 2018. Contact Eric at 802‑388‑6054.

Position will be based out of • Middlebury/Mahady courthouse, • Base pay is 20.60 hourly, can be Hired into Range. • Hours are 6:30am to 3:00 pm with a half hour lunch. • Work Travel will be done with a state provided vehicle. If this describes you please go to the website below If you have questions please contact DFM Bill Eroncig at 802-324-5416 or bill.eroncig@vermont.gov

FAMILY LUMBER OPERATION

Seeks To Fill The Following Positions: MACHINERY OPERATOR for skilled lumber mill positions due to employee retirement. You must be in good physical condition, have a desire to learn, be reliable, have a strong safety awareness and work well with others. We will teach you the skills you need to use the technology investments we are putting in place. Mill work has a production bonus. SKILLED FORKLIFT OPERATOR to run large forklifts at our operation in Bristol. Other work includes light construction, planing, lumber stacking. Must be reliable, energetic, work well with others and have good safety awareness. Previous experience operating heavy machinery is a plus but not required, we will teach you the skills you need. Call 802-453-4884 or visit The A. Johnson Co., 995 S 116 Rd, Bristol VT 05443 for an application.

Addy Indy Classifieds are online: addisonindependent.com/classifieds

ELDERCARE DRIVER Eldercare Van Driver Elderly Services (Part-time)

Elderly Services invites applications for Van Driver for Project Independence Adult Day Care Center. Rewarding opportunity for warm, flexible, patient individual who enjoys working with elderly men and women. Shifts include 7:30 - 9:30a.m. and 2 - 4p.m. The Van Driver transports participants to and from our elderly day care center to all parts of Addison County. The driver assists people into their homes, helps with walkers and wheelchairs. Good physical health and ability to assist people with transfers required. Outstanding driving record and skills essential. Please send letter with references and your background to: Paul Vachon Elderly Services, P. O. Box 581 Middlebury, VT 05753 or mail@elderlyservices.org Accepting applications through December 28

Our

Classified Ads Work! Call 388-4944 to place one!

Full-time, part-time and per diem* opportunities Nurses needed for all shifts *$2/hour per diem differential

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC Middlebury, VT Agri-Mark has a full-time immediate opening for a THIRD SHIFT (12am-8am) Maintenance Mechanic. Flexible work schedule required, including rotating weekends, and working scheduled holidays. Mechanical background is a must. There is a wide variety of work to do. Willing to train, must have ambition to learn. Must be able to work both independently and as a team member. Excellent troubleshooting and ability to maintain equipment, and have a strong safety awareness. Position provides 40+ hours per week, paid leave and holidays. Offers a competitive starting wage and excellent benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), pension plan, and much more. Apply in person, by email to ajacobs@agrimark.net or send your resume with cover letter to: Attn: Ashley Jacobs 869 Exchange Street Middlebury, VT 05753 EOE M/F/D/V

NOW HIRING:

SIGN-ON BONUSES Up to $1,000 signing bonus for LNAs Up to $3,000 signing bonus for LPNs

Full- and Part-Time Sales Associates for flexible shifts Nights & Weekends included

For more information and to apply, please visit UVMHealth.org/PMC and click on “Careers.”

Apply in person at:

UVMHealth.org/PMC

Help Wanted

For Rent

BANKRUPTCY: CALL to find out if bankruptcy can help you. Kathleen Walls, Esq. 802‑388‑1156.

U S E D R E S TA U R A N T EQUIPMENT plus chairs, tables and hood systems. 802‑388‑4831.

HOPE IS HIRING‑ HOPE’s growing resale store seeks a 29.5 hour per week retail as‑ sociate. Position requires the ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 pounds, be self‑mo‑ tivated and detail oriented. To apply, send resume and letter of interest to receptionist@ hope‑vt.org. HOPE’S RESALE STORE seeks a 29.5 hour/week ware‑ house assistant. The position requires the ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 pounds, be self‑motivated and detail oriented. To apply, send re‑ sume and letter of interest to receptionist@hope‑vt.org. WHISTLEPIG CURRENTLY HIRING FOR full time bot‑ tler. Eye for detail and ac‑ curacy. Flexible duties and hours Monday‑Friday. Be able to stand on feet for 8 hours a day with unas‑ sisted lifting of 25 pounds. Please send resume and 3 professional references to info@whistlepigrye.com.

Agri-Mark

NOW HIRING AT HELEN PORTER REHABILITATION & NURSING! RNs, LPNs & LNAs!

MIDDLEBURY; 3 BEDROOM apartment available, fully furnished. All inclusive heat, electric and water. $1,800/ mo. 802‑349‑8544.

Benefits available for F/T staff

Maplefields of New Haven Route 7, New Haven, VT Ask for Sherry or pick-up an application EOE

For Sale 1998 DODGE VAN from California. Not rusted and well kept. All Seats. $3,300. Please call and leave mes‑ sage or text 802‑349‑4230. 4 BURNER GE RANGE and oven. Set up for propane, but comes with natural gas con‑ version kit. Perfect working condition and less than two years old. $100 OBO. Call Christy. 349‑4778. 4 WINTER TIRES 215/55 R17. Used maybe 5,000 miles. $200 for all. 388‑7124. ANTIQUE DOUBLE BAR‑ REL ACME Arms Co. 12 gauge. Beautiful vintage firearm. $185. 802‑989‑5803. BLACK GLASS DINNER‑ WARE service for eight. $25. 802‑425‑2462. DOG TEAM ORIGINAL RECIPE Sticky Buns. Call 802‑349‑9473 for order and pickup time. 658 Exchange Street, Middlebury. FORD TRACTOR CIRCA 1950’S Model NAA. Good tires, two speed rear end with 6’ brush hog. Runs like a charm. $4,400. Please call and leave a message or text 802‑349‑4230. SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $4,397. Make & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info/ DVD: NorwoodSawmills.com. 1‑800‑578‑1363, Ext. 300N. HAMMOND SPINET OR‑ GAN with bench. Perfect con‑ dition. Must see to appreciate. 802‑388‑7150.

For Rent 1,800 SQ. FT. WAREHOUSE commercial space. As is or renovate to suit. Creek Road, Middlebury. 802‑558‑6092. 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, 1 mile south of Brandon. $700/mo. plus utilities. Ab‑ solutely no pets or smoking. 802‑352‑6678. 2 CAR GARAGE in Brandon. 24’x24’ with two 7’8”x6’8” high garage doors. Electricity and snow plowing included. $250/ mo. Available immediately. 802‑352‑6678. BRANDON, GARAGE STORAGE. 10’x25’. Dry, secure. 802‑349‑4212. BRIDPORT 1 BEDROOM, 4 room apartment with porch/ lawn. Washer/dryer, heat/ hot water included. No smok‑ ing, no pets. References and credit check. $800/mo. plus security deposit. For more info, Charlie 802‑758‑2218. BRISTOL; 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT, stove, refrig‑ erator, hot water, parking, rubbish removal, security en‑ trance, no pets, no smoking. Reference and security de‑ posit required. 802‑899‑3578. DRY, WINTER/SUMMER STORAGE SPACE in Addi‑ son. Available storage space in my barn for summer/winter storage. The barn is structur‑ ally sound and weather‑tight with electricity. No heat or running water. The barn is also available for lease. The entrance door measurements are 8’ wide by 7’ high. For more info: 802‑363‑3403 or rochon_m@yahoo.com.

For Rent

MIDDLEBURY, VT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT Income Limits Apply. No Utilities Included. Modern apartment, carpet/tile, W/D connections plus onsite laundry facility. Efficient gas heat/hot water. Ample parking and storage. Includes trash, lawn care, snow removal, professional management and 24-hour emergency maintenance. In quiet Middlebury neighborhood. References Required. To request an application, call 802-472-5016 or e-mail pinemeadow@maloneyproperties.com. Equal Housing Opportunity.

OPENING FALL 2017 Newly Constructed Loft, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Apartments in Downtown Middlebury Historic Building | Air Conditioning European Appliances, Quartz Countertops & Washer/Dryer Off-Street Parking | Pet friendly Walk to Middlebury College campus Contact: Christine Golden Nedde Real Estate 802-373-5893 battellllc@gmail.com www.BattellBlock.com

FOR RENT: BRIDPORT, Commercial/retail office. 1,200 Sq. Ft. High traffic visibility. tbrought@middlebury.edu. MIDDLEBURY 2 BEDROOM near downtown. Appliances, off street parking, lease. No pets. Real Net Management Inc. 802‑388‑4994. MIDDLEBURY 3 BEDROOM ranch. Two car attached ga‑ rage with automatic opener. Fully furnished, even beds and bedding. Big screen Sony. Central vacuuming, central air, 2 bathrooms, dish‑ washer, garbage disposal, all appliances, including washer and dryer. Front and back porch. Paved driveway. Nice lot, nice neighborhood. 3 miles or 7 minutes to Middle‑ bury College, or Porter Hospi‑ tal. Lawn mowing, snow, and satellite dish included. $2,000 plus utilities. One month secu‑ rity deposit. (802) 388‑5474.

BATTELL BLOCK MIDDLEBURY OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE Beautiful, historic building located right in downtown Middlebury. Features heat and air conditioning, extra tall ceilings, lots of natural light and a highly customizable space. Walking distance to all downtown amenities. Available January 1st, 2018. $800/ Month gross including electric and heat. Contact Christine cgolden@neddere.com or 802-651-6888 Listed by Nedde Real Estate 747 Pine Street, Suite 501, Burlington, VT 05401 www.NeddeRealEstate.com

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 13B

Addison Independent

WARNING ANNUAL MEETING, FIRE DISTRICT #1 EAST MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

Wood Heat

Att. Farmers

MIDDLEBURY: RETAIL/OF‑ FICE space for rent. 1,303 square feet. Front door park‑ ing. Contact Eric at 388‑6054. (Countryside Carpet and Paint)

FIREWOOD. CUT, SPLIT and delivered. $210/cord seasoned. $185/cord green. 802‑282‑9110.

2016 FIRST CUT HAY, nice quality. If you get 100 bales or more it’s $3 per bale. Otherwise $3.50 per bale. 802‑349‑8891.

SUGARWOOD APART‑ MENTS is currently accept‑ ing applications for 2, 3 and 4 BR apartments in Middlebury. All income/assets must be verified to determine monthly rent, but tenants only pay 30% of their income toward rent. NP/NS. W/D hook‑ups. Call 802‑247‑0165 or visit our website www.summitpmg. com. Equal Housing Oppor‑ tunity. NEW HAVEN VILLAGE APT. Bright, hard wood floors, pos‑ sible home office space. No pets, no smoking. Referenc‑ es, security deposit, lease. $895/month plus utilities. 802‑236‑2040. PROCTOR, VT, AVAILABLE 1/1/18, 2 br. townhouse. Ga‑ rage, washer, dryer, hookup. $900/mo. Includes heat. Call Kathy at 855‑1570 or Tony at 855‑1531. References and criminal background check required. STARKSBORO SMALL HOUSE, 1 bedroom with ex‑ tra room. House on shared owner’s property. $700/mo. plus all utilities. Security de‑ posit, references required. No smoking, no animals. 453‑5526.

NEXT WINTER’S WOOD, cut, split. Truck your own. $200 per cord. 802‑247‑6061. READY ‑2 ‑ BURN™ Sea‑ soned ‑ Everyday low prices; Free delivery ‑ Free kindling ‑ Small orders OK. Click www.MIDDMEN.com or call 1‑855‑MIDDMEN.

Real Estate CORNWALL, VT‑ A BEAU‑ TIFUL building lot for sale. Amazing view. Septic permit in place. Please call between 9a.m‑10a.m 802‑349‑4230. REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Only three lots remain in the Daisy Lane Residential De‑ velopment. One is a beautiful wooded 1 1/4 acre with a small year round stream. Lots are supported with village water and approved for simple in‑ground septic. Located in East Middlebury, just 15‑20 minutes from the Snow Bowl, 2 golf courses and beautiful Lake Dunmore. 802‑388‑2502 or 802‑388‑7350..

FIRST CUT HAY for sale. Small square bales. Call 802‑349‑9281. HAY FOR SALE small first cut, $3.00. Small second cut, $4.00. 802‑377‑5455. WHITNEY’S CUSTOM FARM WORK. Pond agitat‑ ing, liquid manure hauling, drag line aerating. Call for price. 462‑2755, John Whit‑ ney.

Wanted TRUSTED 3RD GEN. VT Antique dealer specializing in jewelry, watches, silver, art, military, antique collect‑ ibles, etc. Visit www.bittne‑ rantiques.com or call Brian at 802‑272‑7527. Consulting/ appraisal services available. House calls made free of charge.

12/21

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ADDISON COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW OF PANTON TOWN PLAN

The Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC) and Panton Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing on Thursday, January 11th, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Panton Town Clerk’s office to review the Panton Town Plan, which was recently adopted by the Selectboard. The Town of Panton has requested that ACRPC grant regional approval of their Town Plan pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 4350(b). The purpose of the review is to determine whether the Panton Town Plan: (1) is consistent with the goals established in 24 V.S.A. § 4302; (2) is compatible with its regional plan; (3) is compatible with approved plans of other municipalities in the region; and (4) contains all the elements included in 24 V.S.A. §4382. The Panton Town Plan encompasses the entire Town of Panton. Copies of the Panton Town Plan can be viewed at the Panton Town office on 3176 Jersey Street in Panton and at ACRPC’s Office at 14 Seminary Street, Middlebury. Adam Lougee, Executive Director Addison County Regional Planning Commission 388-3141 12/21

STATE OF VERMONT DISTRICT OF ADDISON, SS. IN RE THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM J. BARROWS

for the following can be found on this Page 13B. ADDISON COUNTY WARNING

Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. Section 133(3)(a), the taxpayers of the County of Addison are hereby given notice that a public hearing regarding the proposed county budget for 2018-2019 will be held at the Judge Frank Mahady Courthouse in Middlebury on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. This budget is for fiscal year July 1, 2018- June 30, 2019. More information and extra copies of the budget may be obtained at the Addison County Superior Court, Frank Mahady Court House, Middlebury, Vermont. Tel. 802-388-1966 Alice M. George, Assistant Judge & Irene Poole, Assistant Judge 2018-2019 EXPENSES 2018-2019 Proposed (continued) Proposed REVENUE: Sheriffs Department: County Tax $ 182,511.00 Personnel: Estimated 0.042032 Salaries $ 84,850.00 Passports $ 5,000.00 Benefits $ 20,876.00 Interest Earned $ 175.00 Office Expense $ 500.00 Wills for safekeeping $ 5,000.00 Telephone $ 1,500.00 Miscellaneous income $ 15.00 Insurance/Bonds $ 13,000.00 Rent Income – Jail Bldg. $ 22,800.00 Training $ 500.00 TOTAL INCOME $ 215,501.00 Valcor/Spillman $ 3,500.00 Radio $ 750.00 Anticipated Surplus $ 30,000.00 Audit $ 1,750.00 $ 245,501.00 Subtotal $ 127,226.00 EXPENSES: Court/County Personnel Salaries $ Benefits $ Dues & Memberships $ Office Expense $ Advertising-Passport/Budget $ Insurance $ Legal $ Professional Services $ Contracted Services $ Contingency $ Auditor $ Subtotal $

The legal voters of Fire District #1 in the Town of Middlebury are hereby warned and notified to meet at the East Middlebury Community House on Monday, January 8, 2018, at 7:00 PM to transact the following business, to wit: FIRST: To hear, discuss and act upon the reports from the Prudential Committee, the Treasurer/Collector of Water Rents, and the Auditor SECOND: To hear reports from the Fire Department, the Historical Society, the Sarah Partridge Library, and the Town of Middlebury. THIRD: To elect Officers of the District as follows: A Moderator A Clerk A Treasurer/Collector of Water Rents An Auditor A Member of the Prudential Committee to serve for three years FOURTH: To vote a tax on the taxable property within the District sufficient to defray maintenance and other expenses of the Sarah Partridge Community House, the Sarah Partridge Library, the Curtiss Recreation Area, and the Harry Goodro Recreation Area. FIFTH: To see if the voters of the Fire District will give the Prudential Committee authority to borrow money on the credit of the District to make emergency repairs on the water system. SIXTH: To transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting. Dated at East Middlebury, Vermont December 16, 2017 Peggy Jean Peabody, Clerk

PROBATE DIVISION DOCKET NO. 523-12-17 ANPR

Public Notices

45,920.00 4,200.00 2,500.00 3,000.00 2,500.00 2,830.00 550.00 1,400.00 3,600.00 300.00 8,000.00 74,800.00

12/11

Probate Court: Supplies/Equipment Dues Contingency Records Preservation Subtotal

$ $ $ $ $

Jail Building: Utilities Bldg & Grounds Insurance Inspections Custodial Capital Improvements Subtotal

$ 25,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 2,750.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 40,250.00

TOTAL EXPENSE

$ 245,501.00

STATE OF VERMONT ADDISON UNIT, CIVIL DIVISION

400.00 625.00 200.00 2,000.00 3,225.00

NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the creditors of the estate of William J. Barrows late of Salisbury, Vermont. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: December 17, 2017 Lorraine A. Hallock 34 Exchange Street Middlebury, VT 05753 802-349-0782 Name of Publication: Addison Independent Publication Date: December 14, 2017 Address of Probate Court: Addison Probate Court, 7 Mahady Court, Middlebury, VT 05753 12/21

TOWN OF LINCOLN PUBLIC NOTICE

The Town of Lincoln Planning Commission will hold a SKETCH PLAN HEARING for a 2-lot subdivision proposed by Steven Ingbar for Parcel#01120114 located on the Ripton Road. Said hearing will be held JANUARY 4, 2018 at 7:05 PM at the Lincoln Town Office. Information regarding the hearing may be seen at the Town Office during normal office hours. Persons interested in participating at the hearing must be present or express interest in a letter. 12/21

To publish a legal notice in the

Addison Independent, please email information to legals@addisonindependent.com or fax it to (802) 388-3100. VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT DOCKET NO: 8-1-14 ANCV

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, PLAINTIFF V. LINDA OLDENBURG, MITCHELL S. OLDENBURG, CITIFINANCIAL, INC. AND OCCUPANTS RESIDING AT 121 TI VIEW LANE, SHOREHAM, VERMONT, DEFENDANTS NOTICE OF SALE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain mortgage given by Linda Oldenburg and Mitchell S. Oldenburg to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. as nominee for E-Loan, Inc. dated April 20, 2006 and recorded in Volume 65, Page 609, which mortgage was assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not individually but as Trustee for Pretium Mortgage Acquisition Trust by an instrument dated January 8, 2016 and recorded on February 8, 2016 in Volume 83, Page 286 of the Land Records of the Town of Shoreham. Pursuant to the power of sale in the subject mortgage, of which Plaintiff is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purposes of foreclosing the same, the collateral property will be sold at Public Auction at 11:30 A.M. on January 16, 2018, at 121 Ti View Lane, Shoreham, Vermont all and singular the premises described in said mortgage: To Wit: A certain piece or parcel of land in Shoreham in the County of Addison and State of Vermont and more particularly described as follows: Parcel One: Being all and the sale lands and premises conveyed to James A. Oldenburg and Zelda A. Oldenburg, by Warranty Deed of John H. Oldenburg and Grace B. Oldenburg dated 26 January 1968, recorded 31 May 1968 in Book 26, Page 378 of the Shoreham Land Records and more particularly described therein as follows: Terms of Sale: $10,000.00 to be paid in cash or cashier’s check by purchaser at the time of sale, with the balance due at closing. The sale is subject to taxes due and owing to the Town of Shoreham and any liens against the property. The mortgagor is entitled to redeem the premises at any time prior to the sale by paying the full amount due under the mortgage, including the costs and expenses of the sale. Other terms to be announced at the sale or inquire at Grant C. Rees Attorney, PLC, 30 Kimball Avenue, Ste. 307, South Burlington, VT 05403, (802) 660-9000. This sale may be cancelled at any time prior to the scheduled sale date without prior notice. Dated at South Burlington, Vermont this 7th day of December, 2017. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not individually but as Trustee for Pretium Mortgage Acquisition Trust, Grant C. Rees, Esq. Grant C. Rees Attorney, PLC 30 Kimball Ave., Ste. 307 South Burlington, VT 05403 Attorney for Plaintiff 12/21

PROPOSED STATE RULES

PUBLIC NOTICE

By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. The purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. The public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at https://secure.vermont.gov/SOS/ rules/ . The law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members. To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible. To obtain further information concerning any scheduled hearing(s), obtain copies of proposed rule(s) or submit comments regarding proposed rule(s), please call or write the contact person listed below. You may also submit comments in writing to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (802-828-2231). Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont. Vermont Proposed Rule: 17P052 AGENCY: Natural Resources; Forests, Parks & Rec. CONCISE SUMMARY: This is a proposed amendment to state rule 16-037; “Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont.” Effective Date: October 22, 2016. The proposed amendment makes changes to the recently revised rules that clarify technical information regarding permanent stream crossings. The changes consist of: amending three existing definitions and adding two new definitions, amending three of the 26 Acceptable Management Practices (AMPs), and amending Table 2 that deals with minimum sizes for temporary and permanent culverts. The AMPs are intended to prevent discharges of sediment, hazardous materials such as petroleum products, logging slash and logging debris from entering streams or other bodies of water. There are specific AMPs for truck roads, skid trails, stream crossings, stream buffers and log landings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dave Wilcox Agency of Natural Resources 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2 Montpelier, VT 05620 Tel: 802-793-0265 Fax: 802-828-1399 Email: david. wilcox@vermont.gov. URL: http://anr.vermont.gov/forests-parks-rec. FOR COPIES: Meghan Purvee, Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620-3801 Tel: 802279-7870 Fax: 802-828-1399 Email: meghan.purvee@vermont.gov. 12/21

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of Middlebury is/are considering making application to the State of Vermont for a VCDP Planning Grant 2017 under the Vermont Community Development Program. A public hearing will be held at 7:30 PM on 1/9/2018 at 77 Main St. to obtain the views of citizens on community development, to furnish information concerning the amount of funds available and the range of community development activities that may be undertaken under this program, the impact to any historic and archaeological resources that may be affected by the proposed project, and to give affected citizens the opportunity to examine the proposed statement of projected use of these funds. The proposal is to apply for $30,000 in VCDP funds which will be used to accomplish the following activities: Pre-development activities, including planning, design and legal services, associated with the potential construction of a community septic system to serve Lindale Mobile Home Park. Copies of the proposed application are available at Middlebury Town Offices, 77 Main St. and may be viewed during the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Should you require any special accommodations, please contact Kathleen Ramsay at 802-3888100 to ensure appropriate accommodations are made. For the hearing impaired please call (TTY) #1-800-253-0191. Legislative Body for the Town of Middlebury

12/21

Full Passport Service Addison County Courthouse The Addison County Clerk is available to accept passport applications and provide passport photos. SUMMER HOURS Monday – Friday 9am to 1pm Appointments appreciated, but not necessary.

802-388-1966

TOWN OF RIPTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing in the Town Office on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing of application (#17-21) from Richard & Susan Collitt for approval of a boundary adjustment (minor subdivision) of their property located at 1192 Vt.Rte. 125 (Tax Map ID# 10-01-10, 11). The application is available for inspection at the Town Office. Interested parties who wish to appeal or to be heard at the hearing may do so in person, or may be represented by an agent or an attorney. Communications relating to the application may be filed in writing with the Commission either before or during the hearing. N.B.: Participation in the hearing is necessary to establish status as an ‘interested person’ and the right to appeal decisions rendered in that hearing, according to the provisions of 24 V.S.A. 117 §§4465(b) and 4471(a). Participation consists of offering, through oral or written testimony, evidence or a statement of concern directly related to the subject of the hearing. Respectfully submitted, Warren B. King, Chair

STATE OF VERMONT CHITTENDEN UNIT, CIVIL DIVISION

12/21

VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT DOCKET NO: 15-1-17 CNCV

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION v. KEITH M. GONYEAU AND HOLLY J. GONYEAU OCCUPANTS OF: 655 Hawkins Road, Ferrisburgh VT MORTGAGEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER 12 V.S.A. sec 4952 et seq. In accordance with the Judgment Order and Decree of Foreclosure entered May 8, 2017, in the above captioned action brought to foreclose that certain mortgage given by Keith M. Gonyeau and Holly J. Gonyeau to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated February 4, 2009 and recorded in Book 129 Page 424 of the land records of the Town of Ferrisburgh, of which mortgage the Plaintiff is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 655 Hawkins Road, Ferrisburgh, Vermont on January 11, 2017 at 2:00PM all and singular the premises described in said mortgage, To wit: “BEING ALL AND THE SAME LAND AND PREMISES AS CONVEYED TO WILLIAM G. HOUSTON AND CONSTANCE T. HOUSTON BY WARRANTY DEED OF MAURICE J. PAQUETTE AND MILDRED V. PAQUETTE DATED NOVEMBER 22,1996 AND RECORDED AT BOOK 85, PAGE 231 OF THE TOWN OF FERRISBURGH LAND RECORDS. SAID PARCEL BEING FURTHER DESCRIBED THEREIN AS FOLLOWS: “BEING A PORTION OF THE LANDS AND PROMISES CONVEYED TO MAURICE J. PAQUETTE AND MILDRED V. PAQUETTE BY WARRANTY DEED OF ALLEN P. CLARK, ET.AL, DATED NOVEMBER 18,1971, AND RECORDAD IN BOOK 43 AT PAGE 67 OF THE FARRISBURGH LAND RECORDS. THE PORTION CONVEYED HEREIN IS LOT #9 AS SHOWN ON A SURVEY MAP ENTITLED “PLAT OT SURVEY FOR MAURICE J. PAQUETTE AND MILDRED V. PAQUETTE,” PREPARED BY JOHN A. MARSH, DATED DECEMBER 10, 1991, LAST REVISED MARCH 19, 1992, AND OF RECORD IN PLAT BOOK 4 AT PAGE 57 OF THE FERRISBURGH LAND RECORDS. “SAID PROPERLY IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: “BEGINNING AT A POINT WHICH MARKS THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT #9, SAID POINT LYING ON THE WEST, SIDE OF HAWKINS ROAD, SO-CALLED; “THENCE PROCEEDING N 81° 05’ 00” W, A DISTANCE OF 350 FEET TO A POINT MARKED BY A REBAR PIN; “THENCE PROCEEDING N 81° 03’ 00” W, A DISTANCE OF 1410.00 FEET TO A POINT, SAID PAINT MARKING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PROPERTY HEREIN CONVEYED; “THENCE PROCEEDING N 06° 51’ 20” E, A DISTANCE OF 250.00 FEET TO A POINT, WHICH POINT IS THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE PROPERTY HEREIN CONVEYED; THENCE PROCEEDING S 81° 05’ 00” E, A DISTANCE OF 1410,00 FEET TO A POINT MARKED BY A REBAR PIN; “THENCE PROCEEDING S 81° 05’ 00” E, A DISTANCE OF 350 FEET TO A POINT MARKED BY A REBAR SET, WHICH POINT MARKS THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE LOT CONVEYED HEREIN; “THENCE PROCEEDING 06° 06’ 20” W, A DISTANT OF 250 FEET TO THE POINT R PLACE OF BEGINNING. “ANY PROPERTY LYING WITHIN THE RIGHT OF WAY FOR HAWKINS ROAD, SO-CALLED, IS HEREIN CONVEYED BY QUIT CLAIM ONLY. “SAID PROPERTY IS HEREBY CONVEYED SUBJECT TO AND WITH THE BENEFIT OF A COMMON RIGHT OF WAY RUNNING OVER A PORTION OE THE SOUTHEASTERLY PORTION OF LOT #9 AND THE NORTHEASTERLY PORTION OF LOT #8. SAID COMMON RIGHT OF WAY WILL SERVE LOT #9 AND LOT #8. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMON PORTIONS OF SAID COMMON DRIVEWAY SHALL BE SHARED EQUALLY BY THE OWNERS OF LOT #9 AND LOT #8. ALL ANOWPLOWING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE COMMON PORTION OF SAID COMMON DRIVEWAY SERVICING LOT #9 AND LOT #8 #8. “SAID PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO AN OPEN SPACE AGREEMENT DATED JULY 21, 1992, AND RECORDED IN BOOK 76 AT PAGE 3430F THE FERRISBURGH LAND RECORDS. SAID PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FERRISBURGH PLANNING COMMISSION ORDER, DATED MAY 18, 1992. “SAID PROPERTY IS ALSO SUBJECT TO AND HAS THA BENEFIT OF A 50 FOOT DRAINAGE EASEMENT AS DEPICTED ON SAID SURVEY. Being the same property as transferred by Warranty Deed on 08/21/2006 and recorded 08/29/2006 from JEANNE M. SENESAC to KEITH M. GONYEAU and HOLLY J. GONYEAU , Tenants by the Entirety, recorded in Book 120 and Page 301 Reference is hereby made to the above instruments and to the records and references contained therein in further aid of this description. Terms of sale: Said premises will be sold and conveyed subject to all liens, encumbrances, unpaid taxes, tax titles, municipal liens and assessments, if any, which take precedence over the said mortgage above described. TEN THOUSAND ($10,000.00) Dollars of the purchase price must be paid by a certified check, bank treasurer’s or cashier’s check at the time and place of the sale by the purchaser. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid by a certified check, bank treasurer’s or cashier’s check within sixty (60) days after the date of sale. The mortgagor is entitled to redeem the premises at any time prior to the sale by paying the full amount due under the mortgage, including the costs and expenses of the sale. Other terms to be announced at the sale. DATED: November 17, 2017 By: /S/Rachel K. Jones, Esq. sRachel K. Jones, Esq., Esq. Bendett and McHugh, PC 270 Farmington Ave., Ste. 151 Farmington, CT 06032

PAGE 14B â€” Addison Independent, Thursday, December 21, 2017

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ARTS+LEISURE

December 21, 2017

The Addison Independent

Winter brings Muddy Toes and terrariums

inter is officially here. Technically, it arrived Dec. 21, but for many of us garden-lovers, it feels like the frosty weather has been here for weeks. A walk through the garden these days doesn’t yield much — a few perennial stalks and stumps poke out of the snow, some tall grasses whip in the winter wind, branches from bushes and ornamental trees sag and freeze. The only redeeming things in the outside garden now are the twinkle lights that hide the embarrassingly naked branches and the proud evergreens that grow more beautiful with every inch of snow.

BY ELSIE LYNN PARINI

So what is a poor green thumb supposed to do through the long Vermont winter?

Simple. Garden indoors. Susan Goldstein figured that out long ago. Back in the early ’80s she and her former husband John Tomasi founded the Vermont Sprout House in Bristol. They made it their business for 25 years to learn how to grow plants (well, sprouts) indoors. Fast forward to today, and Goldstein (now in her mid-60s) is still making it her business to grow plants indoors. She established Muddy Toes Terrariums in 2015, offering “miniature landscapes with carefully arranged succulents and tropicals in custom-designed glass handblown by local artisans.” SEE TERRARIUMS ON PAGE 3

PAGE 2 — Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017

ART Museum of Art aquires new ‘Master’ piece

he Museum of Art at Middlebury College recently acquired an elegant 17thcentury still-life painting by a newly discovered woman artist who lived and worked in Rome in the mid-1600s.

and can be viewed during the museum’s usual Tuesday through Sunday open hours.

Signed by Anna Stanchi in 1643 and acquired at auction by the college in 2017, the painting represents the museum’s first “Old Master” painting created by a woman. The term refers to the trained artists, or socalled “Old Masters,” who worked in Europe prior to the 1800s and belonged to an artists’ guild. Stanchi’s painting of tulips, irises, daffodils, carnations and hyacinths is currently hanging in the Museum of Art at Middlebury College

“There are not many premodern female artists to begin with, and so it is remarkable that our museum was able to add a beautiful and representative work by a female artist working at the height of the Roman Baroque, and about whom we are just now learning a whole lot more,” explained professor Pieter Broucke, art historian and Middlebury College’s director of the arts. “The painting is an outstanding addition to our teaching collection of Western paintings, and it will allow students to discuss issues of gender and the relationship between Northern and Southern Baroque artists.” There were few women artists working in Europe

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Assistant Professor Carrie Anderson shows a recently acquired 1643 painting by Anna Stanchi at the Middlebury College Museum of Art.

during this time period, said assistant professor Carrie Anderson of the college’s history of art and architecture department. “There was Rachel Ruysch, Maria von Oosterwyck and Giovanna Garzoni. And what is so exciting is that we can now add Anna Stanchi to this list of established women artists.” The artist came from a well-known Roman family of still-life painters, Anderson said, and it is likely that the Stanchis were influenced by the Dutch artists Jan Breughel the Elder and Daniel Seghers, who were frequent visitors to Rome. Anderson, who specializes in 17th-century Dutch art, believes that Stanchi was influenced by her contemporaries from the Netherlands, and it is possible that her artistry had influence on them. “Breughel and Seghers

popularized the flower garland motif, which clearly had an influence on Anna,” Anderson explained. “However, unlike Brueghel’s highly ordered and symmetrical flower vase paintings, Anna Stanchi’s are more irregular, appearing naturalistic, loose and spontaneous in comparison. She presents flowers not just from the front, but also from the side, from a three-quarter view, and sometimes from underneath in what I would call her ‘drooping’ flower.” Stanchi also may have been in contact with a group of Dutch artists called the bentveughels, or birds of a feather, who lived and painted in Rome in the 1640s and 1650s, Anderson believes, and there is the possibility that Stanchi influenced the well-known Dutch painter Willem van Aeslt, who was a member of that group.

“Van Aeslt’s post-Roman still lifes make a decisive break from his earlier works, featuring more spontaneously arranged bouquets and including flowers seen from various vantage points – just as we see with Anna Stanchi’s work,” she said. In van Aeslt’s 1665 painting titled ‘Still Life with Flowers,’ “we even see a nod to Stanchi’s signature drooping flower.” It has taken nearly four centuries for it to happen, but Stanchi is beginning to gain some of the recognition her work deserves. “She was not simply an amateur painter dabbling in a ladylike hobby, but rather a skilled artist who was trying to market her work,” Anderson explained. “She is an emerging figure in the field and Middlebury is fortunate to have one of her few known works of art in its collection.”

Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 3

TERRARIUMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“I woke up one day and needed a change,” she explained, having come from a decade managing the Northeastern territory for a large herb company based in Los Angeles. “I wanted to do small gardens under glass.”

“EVERY TIME I PUT TOGETHER A TERRARIUM I THINK: HOW CAN I DO SOMETHING REALLY UNIQUE?” — Susan Goldstein

And so she did. $45) that are open, to self-contained larger ecosystems ($75-$385). Or if you are really into indoor plants, she can come do a custom piece in your home.

“This is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done,” Goldstein said during an interview at her west-facing home studio in Burlington. “I had to completely start from scratch, there was no infrastructure. I had to figure out the business plan, the creative aspects, the marketing and sales…”

“When you buy a terrarium you are participating in an experience,” she said. And a low maintenance one at that. “I want to have things for everyone.”

And then wait, and hope it worked. “It really was like planting a seed,” Goldstein reflected. “Every time I put together a terrarium I think: how can I do something really unique?” Goldstein started working with a Vermont glass blower to form her containers, until she found a glass blower from the Corning Museum of Glass in New York — now that’s who makes most of her glass containers. For the window box-style terrariums, she has help from John Habersang, a woodworker in Monkton. She crafts her own soil — a secret recipe — and layers the terrariums with stones, charcoal, soil and moss before adding the succulents, tropicals and decor. Each terrarium is one-of-a-kind; decorated with different plants that Goldstein forages herself during the warmer months or buys from local retailers, stones she collects from the shores of Lake Champlain, mandalas, toy animals, shells, or whatever else inspires her. “For me it’s about creating that zen moment,” Goldstein explained, “where you loose yourself in the microcosm just for a moment.” Goldstein’s terrariums range from small glass jars ($18-

The open terrariums made with succulents should last for between three and six months. Goldstein recommends watering sparingly and with a turkey baster — “just at the roots.” Her larger self-contained pieces (anything with a lid) need basically no watering — “maybe once or twice a year.” All they need is good diffused light, preferably east or west. “Some people can have a terrarium for 30 years,” she said. “It’s about finding the right place in your home. Once you find the terrarium’s happy

Susan Goldstein builds her terrariums in her home studio in Burlington. PHOTO / BELTRAMIS

place, then you’re good.” Just sit back and watch the magic happen. “I believe there’s a deep intelligence in plants,” said Goldstein, who spent many years barefoot in her New Haven home’s garden while she raised her two daughters. “I believe when you’re barefoot there’s a grounding — it’s restorative and replenishing.” When she met her husband Steve (about five years ago) he and his autistic son were based in Albany, N.Y.. “It was easier for me to move, so I did for about two years,” said Goldstein, who was just remarried

this past summer. Now she rents the property in Burlington and is slowly working her way back to Addison County. “It’s my dream to move back to the Middlebury area,” said Goldstein, who was born just outside of Boston and came to school at the University of Vermont. “Addison County has my heart.” Editor’s note: Find Muddy Toes Terrariums online at muddytoesterrariums.com, Alchemy Jewelry Arts Gallery in Burlington, Healthy Living in South Burlington, Birdfolk Collective in Winooski or at the Holiday Market in the University Mall in South Burlington.

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PAGE 4 — Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017

OUT OF TOWN Burlington exhibit brings Phish into the North Country

eaded up to Burlington for the holidays? Check out a special exhibit at the Flynn’s Amy E. Tarrant Gallery on Main Street, where Phish and the Flynn Center celebrate the 20th anniversary of the WaterWheel Foundation — the charitable partnership between Phish and their fan community — with a display of posters and show flyers. The exhibit will be on view through December. “Phish in the North Country” is an intimate exhibition of three dozen posters and flyers celebrating the band’s local and regional roots. The exhibition looks at the Vermont

band’s 30-plus year history, starting in bars and nightclubs within blocks of the exhibit and growing through Nectar’s, Hunt’s, the Front, the Flynn, Boston, Albany, Saratoga Springs, and throughout the world. This exhibit focuses on “local” shows spanning the band’s career. In honor of #WaterWheel20, Phish in the North Country includes special edition posters that have accompanied the band’s various charitable events. Many of the band’s signature and lesser known artists will be featured on works as varied as Xerox flyers for telephone poles to highly collectible fine art pieces. The Amy E. Tarrant Gallery is open to the public Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info call (802) 652-4500.

Laugh your way into the New Year Need a change of pace from the normal New Year’s Eve shenanigans? Head south for an evening of belly laughs this year. Paramount Theater in Rutland is hosting First Night of Funny on Dec. 31, at 8-10 p.m. Say goodbye to 2017 with a hilarious night of laughter that everyone will enjoy. First Night of Funny showcases four professional comedians with four unique and hilarious perspectives on the world. With a lineup of comics from Netflix, HBO & Comedy Central, this show provides non-stop laughter. Tickets are $30 until Dec. 24, then $35 through Dec. 30, and $40 day of the show.

Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 5

IN TOWN Lumen celebrates light in Bristol for second year COME SEE FIRE DANCERS, PARADE DOWN MAIN STREET, ENJOY S’MORES AND TREATS AND LIVE MUSIC

ristol CORE and Tandem are teaming up for the 2nd Annual Lumen Celebration of Fire & Light in downtown Bristol this Friday, Dec. 22, 5-9 p.m. Festivities will begin with fire performers from Cirque de Fuego on the town green, then a lighted walk down Bristol’s Main Street to the fire pits at Tandem and Vermont Tree Goods for hot drinks, tasty eats & handmade s’mores kits from Lu Lu. The night will wrap up at Hatch 31 with their usual Friday night Bluegrass Jam and late night revelry. Come an hour early, 4 p.m., to make your own holiday lanterns in a free workshop in Holley Hall. All ages welcome and all supplies provided. Lumen is part of the month-long Cool Yule celebration and is sponsored by Bristol CORE and Tandem. For more information, call (802) 760-6076 or visit discoverbristolvt.com.

Cirque de Fuego performers spin and breathe fire at last year’s Lumen festival in Bristol. They will be back again to kick off this year’s event. BUZZKUHNSPHOTOGRAPHY.SMUGMUG.COM

Cool Yule Saturday, Dec. 23, 1-4 p.m. Bristol Beverage, 21 Prince Ln. Join us for a free wine tasting, with Joerg Klauck of Vermont Wine Merchants. (802) 453-3990 Sunday, Dec. 24, 4-8 p.m. Mary’s at Baldwin Creek, 1868 N. Route 116 Christmas Eve at Baldwin Creek is something special — a bountiful buffet of seasonal food. It’s the perfect way to share the holiday with whomever. $58 adults, $26 children. (802) 453-2432 Sunday, Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. Bristol Federated Church, 37 North Street, Bristol

continues

Christmas Eve Service (802) 453-2321 Saturday, Dec. 30, 5-8 p.m. Tandem, 26 Main Street Authentic Moroccan family-style cuisine; eat in or take out; vegetarian, meat and gluten free options. (802) 734-8698 Sunday, Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. Holley Hall, Walkover Gallery, & Baptist Church Come out to enjoy the Bristol Best Night New Year’s Eve Celebration. Three venues with music, dancing and children’s activities. $10 before Dec. 25, $12 at the door, children under 12 and seniors over 75 are free. (802) 453-4613

PAGE 6 — Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017

CALENDAR

ACTIVE

GREEN MOUNTAIN CLUB SPIRIT IN NATURE WALK OR SNOWSHOE IN RIPTON. Friday, Dec. 29. Easy 2-3 miles; gently rolling terrain at a moderate pace. Wear appropriate clothing; bring water, food and hiking poles if desired. Contact Ruth Penfield for meeting time at 802388-5407 or ruthpenfield@gmail.com. For more activities visit gmcbreadloaf.org. FIRST DAY BIRD WALK IN FERRISBURGH. Monday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m., Button Bay State Park. New Year’s Day birding trips are a tradition held by many in the bird-watching world as they begin to fill their annual bird lists. Join Otter Creek Audubon as they combine that tradition with the fairly new tradition of First Day Hikes held at State Parks across the country.

BOOKS “IN THIS HERE PLACE”: RACE, NATION, AND TONI MORRISON’S

“BELOVED,” IN MIDDLEBURY. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m., Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. UVM professor Emily Bernard will discuss the significance of Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prizewinning novel “Beloved,” exploring how the novel argues that America must reckon with the consequences of our nation’s original sin — slavery.

CRAFTS THANK-YOU CARD PARTY IN MIDDLEBURY. Wednesday, Dec. 27, all-day, Reference Room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. Create and write thank-you cards using basic craft supplies and envelopes from the library.

FILM “WONDER WOMAN” ON SCREEN IN MIDDLEBURY. Thursday, Dec. 28, 12:30-3 p.m. Community Meeting Room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. Free. Adults and youth 13 and older independently, 9-12 with adult or adult permission, 8 and under with adult caregiver.

Holiday Happenings BRANDON MOONLIGHT MADNESS IN BRANDON. Thursday, Dec. 21, 4-9 p.m., downtown. Stores will be open late for holiday shopping.

BRISTOL WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION IN BRISTOL. Thursday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m., meet at Waterworks Forest parking lot on Plank Rd. Celebrate the longest night of the year and the promise of growing light in the all-weather snow-or-shine celebration at the picnic area on the Norton Brook Reservoir. Ceremonies commence at 5 p.m. Music by Rick Ceballos and friends. Bring food and drink to share and dress warmly. More info at thewatershedcentervt.org. DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE IN BRANDON FOR GROWN-UPS. Friday, Dec.

22, 6:30-8 p.m., Compass Music and Art Center, 333 Jones Dr. SoundBite Cafe’s Chef Vicky will provide the houses (or church) and all the decorating (or munching) fixings. Price: $25 (large graham cracker church or homemade gingerbread house) includes light snacks and a choice of festive drinks. Minimum 5 people. More info at 802-2474295 or info@cmacvt.org. LUMEN CELEBRATION OF FIRE AND LIGHTS IN BRISTOL. Friday, Dec. 22, Main St. Experience fire performers Cirque de Fuego on the green, a lighted walk down Main St and fire pits at Tandem and Vermont Tree Goods complete with hot drinks, tasty eats and handmade s’mores kits from Lu.lu. Wrap up the night at Hatch 31 with music and revelry. Part of Bristol’s Cool Yule celebration.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

WHAT YOU WANT TO DO DEC. 21, 2017 - JAN. 10, 2018

“CALIFORNIA TYPEWRITER” ON SCREEN IN MIDDLEBURY. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m., Town Hall Theater, 68 S. Pleasant St. The MNFF Winter Screening Series presents this documentary directed by Doug Nichol. Jay Craven, MNFF artistic director, will give an introduction and q&a. Watch the trailers, read more about the films and buy tickets at middfilmfest.org. A series pass, covering admission to all six films, is available for $60. Individual tickets to the films are $12. Also available on the THT website, at the THT box office or day of show.

MUSIC WOODCHUCK’S REVENGE IN MIDDLEBURY. Sunday, Dec. 24, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek, 350 Lodge Rd. Come hear this performing group of three friends who have combined their lifelong love of music to offer their audiences an eclectic and refreshing mix of traditional and contemporary folksongs played with spirit and an old time country sensibility. Free, and open to the public and handicap accessible. RSVP to Pat Ryan at 802388-1220, or pryan@residenceottercreek.com. MARK LAVOIE IN MIDDLEBURY. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek, 350 Lodge Rd. For more than 30 years Mark Lavoie has been performing for crowds both large and small. His passion for and commitment to music, particularly blues harmonica, is admired CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

MIDDLEBURY RECITAL OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS IN MIDDLEBURY. Thursday, Dec. 21, 12:15-12:45 p.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, on the town green. Music with strings, woodwind, and vocalists, accompanied by organ and piano. Free. A GRINCH-TACULAR CHRISTMAS EVE-EVEEVE IN MIDDLEBURY. Friday, Dec. 22, 10:30-11 a.m., Community Meeting Room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. View the classic animated movie with free popcorn, hot chocolate and candy-canes. COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER IN MIDDLEBURY. Monday, Dec. 25, 4 p.m., The Commons, 249 Buttolph Dr. Santa’s helpers serve a delicious meal and lead caroling.

Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 7

by the many musicians who have played with him. Free, and open to the public and handicap accessible. RSVP to Pat Ryan at 802-388-1220, or pryan@residenceottercreek.com.

top pick

NIGHT TREE ON STAGE IN RIPTON. Saturday, Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m., Ripton Community Coffee House, 1305 Rt. 125. Open mic followed by featured performers. $10 general admission/$15 generous admission/$3 kids under 12. Doors open at 7 p.m. Open mic sign-up and info at 802-388-9782 or rcch.org.

WE HAVE A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR, SO DON’T FORGET TO TAKE THE TIME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO WRITE YOUR THANK YOU CARDS. NEED A LITTLE HELP? SWING BY THE ILSLEY IN MIDDLEBURY ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, THEY’LL HAVE BASIC CRAFT SUPPLIES AND ENVELOPES.

FESTIVAL ON-THE-GREEN ANNUAL MEETING IN MIDDLEBURY. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m., Middlebury Union Middle School, 48 Deerfield Ln. Enthusiastic volunteers needed to help plan Middlebury’s annual summer music event. This will be the Festival’s 40th year. Come to this meeting and find out how you can get involved.

NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN TO NOON-YEAR IN MIDDLEBURY. Sunday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Community Meeting Room, Ilsley Public Library, 74 Main St. A celebration for kids who won’t be up at midnight. Crafts, stories, face painting, photo booth and fun. BEST NIGHT NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION IN BRISTOL. Sunday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m., downtown. Come out to enjoy this community celebration of the New Year ahead. Three venues with music, dancing and children’s activities. $10 before 12/25, $12 at the door, children under 12 and seniors over 75 are free. Information at bestnight.org or 802-453-4613. NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS AND ICE SKATING. Sunday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Middlebury Recreation Field, Mary Hogan Dr. Hot Cocoa hut too. After fireworks, free ice-skating at Memorial

Sports Center from 8-9:30 p.m. ROCKIN’ NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IN MIDDLEBURY. Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Town Hall Theater, 68 S. Pleasant St. Two local favorites, The Grift and Otter Creek Brewing, team up for this dance party to ring in the New Year with music and Otter Creek brews. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Grift takes the stage at 9 p.m. Free midnight champagne toast. Tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door, and may be purchased at townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office, Mon.Sat., noon-5 p.m., and at the door.

Reservations appreciated. Transportation for those needing rides. Call Dottie Neuberger at 802-388-7613 or Pat Chase at 802-382-9325. MERRY MULCH IN MIDDLEBURY. Saturday, Jan. 6, begins 8 a.m. Have your Christmas tree at the curb by 8 a.m. free of decorations, tinsel, etc., for Rotary Club of Middlebury to pick up.

STARKSBORO NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE IN STARKSBORO. Friday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., Starksboro Village Meeting House, VT Route 116. A program of lessons and carols will be led by Rev. John Burbank. Lois Burbank is the pianist, with Daniel Phillips providing violin accompaniment. Vocalist Joanne Russell will offer a special musical selection. Everyone is welcome.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright. — From the Addy Indy crew

A WIDE VARIETY OF

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PAGE 8 — Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017

Meet the chocolatier Blanca Jenne from Middlebury Sweets

is the season for holiday cheer — a time when family and friends come together to celebrate. Sure, there are the usual holiday parties with finger food, egg nog, cozy fireplaces and ugly sweaters, but don’t forget the most important part… the candy.

BY ELSIE LYNN PARINI

What would the holidays be without chocolates, gummies, candy canes, toffees, brittles, caramels, cookies and all the other glorious sweets?

At the back of the store are four chocolate cases layered with cups, creams, clusters, turtles, brittles, toffee, fudge, chocolate-dipped cookies and pretzels, and more. Jenne hand makes all of these, including what she thinks are some of the best maple creams in the state. “They’re made with Vermont maple syrup from right around the corner,” she said, noting that all of her maple products use sugar from Seeley Sugarworks in Middlebury. “I make the chocolates in small batches on purpose, so that everything stays fresh,” said Jenne, who got her start back in the mid ’90s when she had a gift basket service. “I’m entirely self taught.”

Boring, that’s what. Never fear, Blanca Jenne has it covered. She has something for every sweet tooth out there at her shop Middlebury Sweets, just off Route 7 in East Middlebury. After all, it is the largest candy store in Vermont with over 1,300 different candies in the store.

The list went on as Jenne shimmied her way past each case.

“PEOPLE KEPT COMING IN FOR THE CANDY… IT MAKES PEOPLE HAPPY.”

The only thing she doesn’t make in the cases are the truffles, she leaves that to Lake Champlain Chocolates and Birnn Chocolates of Vermont.

— Blanca Jenne

“In our holiday section we have prepackaged Middlebury Sweets products like our handmade peanut butter cups, caramel cups and marshmallows,” she began. “We have nuts and chocolate gift tins; you can pre order fudge boxes; we have chocolate pops and Christmas goodies; all sorts of flavored candy canes from Sour Patch to Red Hots; every Jelly Belly flavor imaginable,” she took a breath and a few more steps. “Then there’s the wall of gummies; a few gifts; oh and these are fun: Can O Poop — they’re chocolate covered nuts, I package them and make the labels. We have all kinds of Pez characters, Wonderballs with candy or toys inside, My M&Ms, Sixlets, taffy, old fashioned candies like Mary Janes or Squirrel Nut Zippers…”

But the store didn’t start out like this. “It’s been a slow progression to where we are now,” she said, remembering back in 2007 when she moved her scrapbooking and candy store into a new part of her husband’s storage unit business. Brad Jenne has been running ABC Self Storage and a U-Haul center from 12 Ossie Road in East Middlebury since 1998. “Then the recession hit and it made the scrapbooking side of the business not fun,” Jenne said. “But people kept coming in for the candy… it makes people happy.” So she switched gears and decided to become the largest candy store in Vermont. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Blanca Jenne makes all the chocolate confections in the back cases at Middlebury chocolate dipped maple cookies (bottom right).

Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 9

did you know? BLANCA JENNE’S FAVORITE SWEETS ARE ANYTHING WITH CHOCOLATE AND MACADAMIA NUTS OR WALNUTS. WHAT ABOUT BLACK LICORICE? NOPE, DON’T EVEN TRY.

Fresh & Sumptuous Thai Cuisine lunch specials • dinner • take out appetizers • soups • thai salads • stir-fries curries • noodles • daily specials no msg added • vegetarian options • gluten free

SUSHI

“This has been 10 years in the making,” said Jenne, a San Francisco native. In her 11th year, the Jennes plan to move the business to the Greystone Motel on Route 7 South. There they will operate the boutique motel’s nine rooms and the candy store, and even have candy-themed rooms — don’t worry they’ll be tasteful. Sure to come along into the new space are all of Blanca Jenne’s collectables.

y Sweets, including vanilla butter creams (bottom left) and dark INDEPENDENT PHOTOS / TRENT CAMPBELL

“I’ve been collecting since 1998,” she said. As you walk around the current candy shop, you can see all the memorabilia on the tops of the candy shelves with little signs saying “Please don’t touch. Not for sale.” “My mom bought the majority of these for me over the years,” said Jenne, who’s mother passed away this summer. “The very first one was this M&M saxophone man… That represents my personality right there — the goofiness of M&M.” What about playing the saxophone? “No, instruments are too complicated,” she said. “Candy is easier.” “It’s ironic I ended up collecting for 19 years and I had no idea I would one day own my own candy shop,” Jenne reflected. “I’m happy as a lark doing what I want to be doing.”

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22 Merchants Row • Middlebury, VT • 989-7376

ARTS+LEISURE The Addison Independent

Irresistible. Look for the sweet stuff in the Arts + Leisure section.

Every Thursday.

PAGE 10 — Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017

T HEATER

OWN HALL

Merchants Row, Middlebury, VT Tickets: 802-382-9222 www.townhalltheater.org Preservation Fee: $1-$2 per ticket

Sun 12/31 8pm Doors/9pm Show $18 Doors/$15 Advance

NEW YEARS EVE WITH THE GRIFT

Middlebury’s favorite band rocks the region’s biggest dance floor for a New Year’s Eve Party with a free champagne toast at midnight (for 21+). Cash Bar on site.

In the Carolyn & Will Jackson Gallery thru 12/31

TENTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW

ORIGINAL WORKS BY LOCAL ARTISTS Original, handmade and hand printed art and fine crafts by talented regional artists comprise THT’s holiday show that has become a tradition – featuring unique and affordable works available for immediate purchase.

Sun 1/7 2pm $12/$60 Series Pass

EXHIBITS AN INSTALLATION OF FOLK, ETHNIC, VINTAGE & CONTEMPORARY ART INSPIRED BY ANDRÉ BRETON’S STUDIO AT THE CENTRE POMPIDOU. On exhibit through Jan. 31, featuring a layered show of sculpture, painting and text, from beautiful African and European objects to the work of BigTown Gallery artists, including three artists new to the Gallery — Lou Fink, Alison Weld and Jason Horwitz. BigTown Gallery, 245 Main St, Vergennes. (802) 349-0979 or bigtowngallery.com. ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN AND EARLY EUROPEAN ART. Ongoing exhibit, highlighting an Egyptian Old Kingdom relief and an early fifteenth-century Italian panel painting. Lower Gallery at the Middlebury College Museum of Art, 72 Porter Field Road, Middlebury. (802) 443-5007. DRAW ME A STORY, TELL ME A TALE. On exhibit June 13-Jan. 13, 2018, featuring original artwork, sketches and more from 17 Vermont children’s book illustrators/authors. Henry Sheldon Museum, 1 Park Street, Middlebury. (802) 388-2117 or henrysheldonmuseum.org. DRIVING THE BACK ROADS: IN SEARCH OF OLD-TIME VERMONTERS. On exhibit, Sept. 23-Jan. 6, featuring photographs and stories by Ethan Hubbard. Vermont Folklife Center, 88 Main St, Middlebury. (802) 388-4964 or vermontfolklifecenter.org.

MNFF WINTER SCREENING SERIES

CALIFORNIA TYPEWRITER

A documentary portrait of artists, writers, and collectors who remain steadfastly loyal to the typewriter. Featuring Tom Hanks, John Mayer, David McCullough, the late Sam Shepard, and more.

Fri, Sat & Mon 1/26, 1/27 & 1/29 @ 7:30pm Sun 1/28 @ 2pm MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE J-TERM MUSICAL

CABARET

Vivacious, wounded cabaret performer Sally Bowles and American writer Cliff fall in love in the looming shadow of Nazi Germany. Tickets are $20/$15 staff/$6 students On Sale 1/10 at 8am online or call 802-382-9222

Sat 1/27 1pm $24/$10 Students MET LIVE IN HD

TOSCA

Sir David McVicar’s ravishing new production offers a splendid backdrop for two extraordinary sopranos sharing the title role of the jealous prima donna: Sonya Yoncheva and Anna Netrebko. A free talk about Tosca will be given at 12:15 – in the studio.

Sat 2/3 2pm $15/$10 Students

THE OPERA HOUSE

The Opera House surveys a remarkable period of the Metropolitan Opera’s rich history and a time of great change for New York. Featuring rarely seen archival footage, stills, recent interviews, and a soundtrack of extraordinary Met performances, the film chronicles the creation of the Met’s storied home.

Thu–Sat 2/8–10 @ 7:30pm; Sun 2/11 @ 2pm $12 Thu/$17 Fri–Sun MIDDLEBURY COMMUNITY PLAYERS

PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

Comedian Steve Martin’s absurd comedy of historical fiction finds Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meeting in a bar in Paris in 1904, the year before Einstein’s theory of relativity and Picasso’s transition into cubism.

FIRE AND LIGHT. The gallery will be open by appointment and on Dec. 22. ARTSight, 6 South St., Bristol. (802) 989-1333. GINGERBREAD HOUSES. On exhibit Dec. 1-Dec. 22, featuring handmade gingerbread houses. Come vote for your favorite. Vermont Folklife Center, 88 Main St. (802) 388-4964 or vermontfolklifecenter.org. HOLIDAY SHOW. On exhibit Nov. 18-Dec. 31, featuring work by 22 area artists in a variety of mediums and genres. Jackson Gallery at Town Hall Theater, Middlebury. (802) 382-9222 or townhalltheater.org. MORE LIGHT. On exhibit Dec. 1-Jan. 28, featuring small works by Anne Cady, Edward Holland, Julia Jensen, Molly Bosley, Pamela Smith & Sobelman Cortapega. Northern Daughters Fine Art Gallery, 221 Main St, Vergennes. (802) 877-2173 or northerndaughters.com. SMALL WORKS. On exhibit for the month of December, featuring small works inspired by the holiday season by a variety of artists. Edgewater Gallery at the Falls, 1 Mill Street, Middlebury. (802) 458-0098 or edgewatergallery-vt.com. STEPHANIE STOUFFER’S “HOLIDAY LEGACY.” On exhibit Nov. 17-Dec. 31, featuring original paintings and commercial products over this Vermont artist’s 35-year career. Compass Music and Arts Center, 333 Jones Dr., Brandon. (802) 247-4295 or cmacvt.org. WINTER IN VERMONT. On exhibit, Nov. 3-Jan. 3, 2018. Featuring an ensemble show by the membership of season-appropriate artwork. The show includes a Christmas tree full of ornaments (for sale). Brandon Artists Guild, 7 Center St, Brandon. (802) 247-4956 or brandonartistsguild.org.

HAVE AN EXHIBIT YOU WANT PUBLISHED?

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know

NEWS@ADDISONINDEPENDENT.COM

Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 11

MUSIC Catch Middlebury’s music scene this weekend

on’t wait for New Year’s Eve to go out and hear some live music. Middlebury has some performances lined up this week.

Friday night, catch Stella Blue Sky at Notte (downstairs Two Brother’s) in Middlebury, Dec. 22, 9 p.m. The Middlebury-based band will cover your favorite tunes from the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and a few others. Stella Blue Sky features Ryan Morrison on guitar and vocals, Bill Shafer on guitar and vocals, John Wallace and Dan Whittemore on drums. Then on Sunday, swing over to The Residence at Otter Creek for an intimate performance by Woodchucks’ Revenge.

The Woodchucks’ repertoire, which has been described as encyclopedic, ranges from New

Woodchucks’ Revenge will take the stage at The Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury on Sunday, at 2 p.m. Take a break from Jingle Bells to listen to this band’s wide range of fiddle, cowboy, bluegrass music and more.

England fiddle tunes to modern cowboy songs, from Irish ballads to ’60s folk, blues and bluegrass. Songs about Vermont, mountains, and life in New England are staple of the group’s performances, along with a healthy dose of humor and a small but growing number of originals.

live music

jingle jokes WHY DOES SANTA GO DOWN THE CHIMNEY ON CHRISTMAS EVE? ANSWER: BECAUSE IT ‘SOOTS’ HIM!

Formed in front of the fire on a winter’s night in 1990, Woodchucks’ Revenge brings together as a performing group three friends (Peter and Kristina Cady and Sandy Morse) who have combined their lifelong love of music to offer their audiences an eclectic and refreshing mix of traditional and contemporary folksongs played with spirit and an old time country sensibility.

STELLA BLUE SKY. Friday, Dec. 22, 9 p.m. Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury. WOODCHUCKS’ REVENGE. Sunday, Dec. 24, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek, Middlebury. MARK LAVOIE. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek, Middlebury. BEST NIGHT IN BRISTOL. Sunday, Dec. 31, 5-9:30 p.m. Downtown Bristol. NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE GRIFT. Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Town Hall Theater, Middlebury.

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let us know

NEWS@ADDISONINDEPENDENT.COM

Original ‘Lessons and Carols’ airs on PBS If the holidays make you nostalgic for days gone by, don’t miss “Christmas in Vermont,” airing on Vermont PBS Sunday, Dec. 24, 4:30 and 11 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 28, 8 p.m. You’ll recognize this concert as the first “Lessons and Carols” originally broadcast back in 1984 with the Middlebury College Choir, featuring the Dynamic Duo of Emory Fanning and Chaplain Charles Scott in Mead Chapel.

PAGE 12 — Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017

the movie WONDER WHEEL — RUNNING TIME: 1:41 — RATING: PG-13 Woody Allen, who has perhaps the longest success streak in entertainment history, can lift characters and plots from eight decades of living in his own dramatic episodes. His manipulation of characters as a reflection of his own reality has become a comic guessing game for audiences. There is ample fodder for all in his latest, “Wonder Wheel.” Allen’s first step is a good one. If he had laid this story of domestic misery in an ordinary town, it would be just another story of family dysfunction. Instead, the whole thing unfolds in Coney Island of the 1950s. The things that some of us love about amusement parks — music, merry-go-rounds, smiling people enjoying a day off — are the very things that initiate misery in the family he has planted there. This is a complicated cast. Humpty (Jim Belushi) has been reduced — in his eyes — to operating the carousel that drives his wife Ginny (Kate Winslet) nearly crazy with its noise. They live just above it in an apartment that delivers the ruckus throughout day and night. Ginny’s son Richie (Jack Gore) is a nutcase who starts fires here, there, and everywhere. When Humpty’s daughter Carolina (Juno Temple) arrives on the run from her gangster husband, she injects danger along with sorrow into the grim home. Stepmother Ginny is having a beneath-the-boardwalk affair with Mickey (Justin Timberlake), the lifeguard on the beach who sees himself as an intellectual researching his future as a successful playwright. Is all this enough of a backdrop for domestic trouble? When Humpty invites his wife Ginny to go fishing and to ball games, you can imagine her reaction as a former actor who hates everything about Coney Island, the place she sees as a last redoubt for losers. She is bitter about nearly everything. And so you have a perfect Woody Allen cast: a tough couple who hates where they live, a young arsonist, a girl scared her gangster husband will

Juno Temple in “Wonder Wheel” (2017).

rub her out, and a pretentious intellectual lifeguard. For Woody Allen fans, the fun of all this may lie in trying to figure out which of these characters were created from people in his own life. Who brings all this to life? Kate Winslet is effective in creating a bitter woman who has failed at everything and harbors one last hope of happiness with Justin Timberlake’s oddly fake aspiring intellectual. She does a fine job of stewing in the failure that surrounds her as she turns forty. Juno Temple begins as a too sweet young thing to have married a gangster but grows into her role as the only pleasant person in the story. Jim Belushi’s Humpty roams from physical and emotional rage to protective dad. In this atmosphere of resentment, abuse, affairs, and hatred of location, your greatest fun may lie in figuring out which parts of Woody Allen’s life produced these odd characters. For me, the only saving grace was the wonderful carousel music they all hate. — Reviewed by Joan Ellis

the book

ARTFUL GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SILENCE: IN THE AGE OF NOISE — BY ERLING KAGGE (Pantheon Books)

This singular book of great heft, both an exploration as well as a contemplation, will be a welcome respite in the hustle and bustle of this year and this time of year. Author Erling Kagge, Norwegian explorer, lawyer, art collector, entrepreneur, politician and publisher, has a decidedly unique perspective. Kagge is the first person to have completed the Three Poles challenge on foot — the North Pole, the South Pole, and the summit of Mount Everest. In the book, Kagge poses three linked questions to himself, regarding silence and its importance, and then records 33 responses to those queries. Walking alone to the South Pole afforded Kagge many opportunities to explore and observe silence. His last act before being dropped off by an airplane at the northern edge of Antarctica was to discard the batteries for the radio the airline company required him to bring along. The book is a meditation, interspersing photographs and works of art with Kagge’s observations and discoveries he made during the course of the South Pole expedition, and reveals the author’s thoughts on mindfulness, spirituality, philosophy and transcendentalism. — Reviewed by Jenny Lyons of The Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury.

The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson Sweet, by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh My Miniature Library, by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini The Art Museum, by Phaidon The Edge of the World, by Outside Magazine Carve, by Melanie Abrantes This Book Is a Planetarium, by Kelli Anderson The Atlas of Beauty, by Mihaela Noroc

Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 13

HOME ideas for making holiday memories Counting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe. Although families likely have several different traditions they anticipate each year, it can be fun to incorporate some new merrymakers into the festivities. Here are 14 new things to try:

1. Annual memento: Have the kids or adults make one new handmade ornament each year. This way the tree is always evolving, and everyone can track milestones. 2. Cookie day: Devote one day to making Christmas cookies. Invite friends or family members over. Distribute some cookies to elderly neighbors. 3. Holiday classic: Spend a night in and watch a classic Christmas flick you’ve never seen before. Streaming movie services often put classics and obscure titles into rotation during the holiday season. 4. Christmas concert: Host a gathering of children where they can sing or perform their favorite tunes for an audience. Take it on the road to a nearby nursing home. 5. Dine out: Take a break from cooking, shopping

and hosting and stop into a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. Keep it local to support nearby businesses. 6. Surprise box: Put a gender and age nonspecific gift into a box. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the person who finds a hidden gift tag under their chair at dinner gets to open the box.. 7. See the sights: Pack the children into the family car to tour nearby areas and look at Christmas lights displays. Bring along cookies and hot chocolate. 8. Trim a tree: Get together with adult friends at a tree-trimming party. Rotate the hosting house each year. 9. Play dress-up: A gentleman can dress up as the man in red and pop into a friend’s holiday gathering. 10. Wilderness walk: Enjoy the crisp air and snow

ARTS+LEISURE The Addison Independent

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and see a local park from a winter perspective. 11. Acts of kindness: Choose any act of kindness and make it happen this Christmas. It can include feeding the hungry or helping a disabled person shop for the season. 12. Kids’ Secret Santa: Spread the joy of giving by having the kids choose a sibling or friend’s name from a hat and purchasing or making a gift for that person. 13. Hand out hot chocolate: Make a big thermos of hot chocolate and give it out to shoppers or workers who have been out in the cold. 14. Scavenger hunt: Plan holiday-themed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find. — MetroCreative

PAGE 14 — Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017

Tips to simplify holiday hosting this season

osting family and friends for the holidays is a tall task. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, during the Christmas/New Year holiday time, the number of long-distance trips (to and from a destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 23 percent compared to the rest of the year. While many of those traveling will stay in hotels, many more will enjoy the hospitality of loved ones. Holiday hosting can make an already hectic time of year that much busier, as hosts must prepare their homes for guests.

Holiday hosting does not have to run hosts ragged in the days leading up to guests’ arrival. Here are a handful of ways to simplify holiday hosting.

FOOD Plan menus well in advance of guests’ arrival. One of the more time-consuming tasks associated with holiday hosting is cooking. Hosts who plan their holiday menus in advance can get started on prep work several weeks before guests arrive. Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance and then frozen, so dishes need only be defrosted and cooked once guests arrive.

HELP Let guests pitch in. Some hosts may

feel obligated to cater to all of their guests’ needs during the holiday season. But many guests want to pitch in any way they can. If guests offer to do some holiday baking or take the family out for dinner during their visits, allow them to do so. This takes a little responsibility away from hosts while also allowing guests to show how much they appreciate the hospitality of their hosts.

GO OUT Plan a night out. Another way to make hosting friends and family for the holidays less taxing is to plan a night out for everyone. In lieu of cooking at home, dine out at an affordable, family-friendly restaurant before taking everyone to a local holiday light display or bazaar. This

gets everyone out of the house and allows hosts to showcase their hometown pride.

SHARE Rotate hosting duties. The holiday season is full of traditions, and some hosts may feel beholden to tradition and offer to host each year. But family traditions are about getting together, not about getting together in a particular place. Families who rotate hosting duties each year can ensure one member of the family does not feel overwhelmed time and time again. And sharing hosting duties means someone new gets to avoid the hectic holiday traveling season each year.

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May you be blessed with the warmth of beloved family and cherished friends this holiday season, and experience many wonderful moments that turn into memories – moments ﬁlled with joy and laughter.

Happy Holidays from

Bill Beck Real Estate

Bill Beck Real Estate 802-388-7983

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or persons receiving public assistance, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-424-8590. For the Washington, DC area please call HUD at 426-3500.

Addison Independent

| ARTS+LEISURE | Thursday, December 21, 2017 — PAGE 15

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FALL 2017 Newly Constructed Loft, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Apartments in Downtown Middlebury Historic Building | Air Conditioning European Appliances, Quartz Countertops & Washer/Dryer Off-Street Parking | Pet friendly Walk to Middlebury College campus

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