Monday, December 31, 2018

MONDAY EDITION

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

Vol. 30 No. 33

Middlebury, Vermont

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Monday, December 31, 2018

$1.00

Company to wait for outcome of lawsuit

• This popular local singersongwriter returns to the Ripton Coffee House. See Arts Beat on Page 10.

By CHRISTOPHER ROSS BRISTOL — The future of natural gas service in Bristol, which just a few months ago looked like a sure thing, has dimmed in recent weeks. Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) informed the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Dec. 13 that it has paused its permitting efforts for its Bristol distribution line, pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed against the town. “We have suspended the Act 250 application work given the challenge to the town license,” wrote VGS Vice President for Regulatory Affairs Eileen Simollardes. “Whether permitting efforts resume will depend on several factors, including the legal and permitting challenges surrounding the Bristol expansion.” (See Bristol pipeline, Page 28)

Wiles named a golden Girl Scout • A Brandon resident and MUHS grad gets one of Scouting’s highest honors. See Page 7.

Tournament time for Tiger teams

Downtown site sought for farmers market

• MUHS boys’ and girls’ hockey teams held their annual holiday events this weekend. See Sports, Pages 14-15.

That time of day

• This publication stood out among more than three dozen Vermont weeklies. See Page 2.

28 Pages

Vermont Gas puts Bristol plan on hold

Fitzsimmons in the house

Local newspaper cited for excellence

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AT THE END of a hard day of cawing and swooping, crows gather in a Middlebury tree and chew the fat before settling in for the night.

Independent photo/John S. McCright

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — Just two years ago, organizers of the Middlebury Farmers Market were scrambling for a new venue at which to accommodate the more than two dozen vendors who twice each week serve up a diverse menu of fresh veggies, cheeses, fruit, prepared foods and a whole lot more. Temporary parking and traffic problems related to construction on the railroad bridges project downtown prompted the farmers market to look for a new home. Organizers found nice, reliable space at the Middlebury Veterans of (See Farmers market, Page 13)

Cornwall couple combines breeding & bikes Farm raises horses, builds adaptive two-wheelers By ABAGAEL GILES CORNWALL — David Black and Anja Wrede have two passions: facilitating better mobility for people with physical disabilities and raising Dutch Warmblood horses. It was these two sometimescompeting passions that brought them in 2015 to

Cornwall. On Avenir Farm, their 47-acre property off Route 125, the couple now operates their custom adaptive bike-building business, RAD-Innovations, and also raises eight Dutch Warmblood horses. “It actually reminds me a bit of Europe here,”

said Wrede, a native of Germany, of the politics, food culture and sense of community in Addison County. “Living and working on the farm is our reason for being here. I can build a bike for two hours and then work in the garden or go for a hike.” The couple have a backstory that illuminates their current lifestyle. (See Adaptive bicycles, Page 21)

PAGE 2 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

combined effort.� Lynn also praised the work of multimedia maven Megan James, who started managing addisonindependent.com and the publication’s other online venues last spring. He expects that the Independent should place higher in the Outstanding Website category in the coming year. Co-Publisher Christy Lynn called the awards “excellent recognition� for the work of the newspaper and the website. “People who work at the Addison Independent and our sister publications continuously make great efforts to keep the people of Addison County informed about what’s going on in their government, their schools and their broader communities,� she said. Journalists from other states evaluated all of the entries. The contest is open to 11 daily and more than three-dozen non-daily newspapers in Vermont.

THIS TRENT CAMPBELL photo, which ran on the front page of the June 21 Addison Independent, won second place in the General News Photograph category in the Vermont Press Association’s 2017-2018 Newspaper Contest. Shown is Vergennes Union High School Principal Stephanie Taylor smiling as senior Dakota Spear celebrates after receiving his diploma at the commencement ceremony. Independent file photo/Trent Campbell

Independent named top non-daily

Newspaper wins five awards in annual VPA competition MONTPELIER — The Addison Independent was recently recognized by its peers in the Vermont journalism community for the excellence of the twice-a-week publication. The Independent won five awards — including a coveted first place for general excellence — at the annual Vermont Press Association (VPA) convention and awards ceremony held at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier on Dec. 13. Competing in the non-daily category against more than three-dozen other publications

throughout the state, the Independent also won: • Third place for Outstanding Website. • Second place to Trent Campbell for General New Photograph. • First place to Andy Kirkaldy for Sports Writing. • First place to Jessie Raymond for Feature/ Humor Column. • First place to the Addison Independent for General Excellence. Addison Independent editor and publisher

Angelo Lynn congratulated his staff members for their sustained hard work. “We’re honored to have Jessie, Trent and Andy recognized for their outstanding work,� he said. “I have always considered ‘General Excellence’ to be the top award any newspaper can win, as it rewards a

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Ex-MREMS official gets sentenced for embezzlement By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — A former codirector of Middlebury Regional EMS ambulance service has served seven days in jail and will spend the next three years on probation after pleading guilty in October to two felony charges of embezzlement, stemming from allegations that she stole a combined total of $7,802 from the nonprofit over a more than yearlong period to pay for personal items, gifts for friends and her own medical expenses. Documents on file at the Frank Mahady Courthouse detail Lisa Northup’s plea, which she entered on Oct. 1. She originally faced four felony embezzlement charges, but the (See Embezzlement, Page 3)

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 3

Authorities investigate graffiti incident at city skate park VERGENNES — Vergennes police are investigating a Dec. 21 incident of racist, sexist and antiSemitic graffiti at the city’s skate park off East Street. Police Chief George Merkel said a vandal or vandals applied offensive language and images, some of them graphic, to several structures at the park. The park is in the middle of the East Street Vergennes recreation area near Vergennes Union Elementary School and includes the ice-skating rink/tennis courts, basketball hoops and city pool. Merkel said town workers have covered the words and images. Vergennes police are asking anyone with information on the incident to call them at 802-877-1152. In other incidents between Dec. 17 and 23, city police: On Dec. 17:

• Began looking into a onevehicle accident at the intersection of West Main Street and Panton Road in which a vehicle struck and damaged the base of one of the flashing pedestriancrossing lights there. Police would also like anyone who saw anything at that intersection to report what they witnessed. • Advised a man involved in a dispute with an ex over visitation rights to see his children how to appeal that civil issue to Family Court. On Dec. 18: • Helped Department of Motor Vehicles inspect a truck on West Main Street.

Vergennes Police Log

Embezzlement (Continued from Page 2) Addison County State’s Attorney’s office agreed to dismiss two of them. Addison County Superior Court Judge Alison Arms accepted Northup’s plea and pronounced a sentence of one to three years in prison, all suspended except seven days, along with probation, according to court records. Northup served her jail time at the Chittenden Regional Correction Facility, according to court records. Her probation conditions include that she not be employed where she might be directly involved in handling cash or credit cards, and that she not serve as a financial guardian. Resolution of the case ends a long and sad saga for Middlebury Regional EMS, which runs its organization on a tight margin and depends greatly on citizen contributions to run its service. The Middlebury-based nonprofit provides around-the-clock medical, rescue and ambulance services to residents in 10 Addison County communities. The MREMS board issued a statement, through its board Chairman David Pistilli, to sum up its reaction to Northup’s punishment. “This resolves a long-running issue for the organization, and we are pleased that the matter has been resolved,” the statement reads. “We thank the Middlebury Police Department and the office of the Addison County State’s Attorney for their efforts to bring this matter to a conclusion. We are also grateful to the public for their continuing support through this difficult time, and look forward to continuing to provide a much-needed service to the 10 towns we serve in Addison County. Our public can rest assured that MREMS takes its responsibilities to the community seriously and has implemented financial controls to minimize opportunities for abuse in the future, to include the outsourcing of our billing and bookkeeping functions to two separate institutions, as well as the commission of a full

• Heard an allegation from a Ferrisburgh resident that her exboyfriend had assaulted her, a case city police referred to Vermont State Police. • Helped an owner enter a locked vehicle on the Northlands Job Corps campus. On Dec. 20: • Issued a warning for defective equipment during a special trafficcontrol patrol on New Haven Road. • Helped state police at the Route

audit this winter by a third institution. “We feel we have turned a corner with respect to financial management and look forward to putting this incident behind us. “We would further like to thank the men and women of MREMS for their dedicated service, and know they look forward more than anyone to moving forward. We are grateful for their quiet professionalism during a demanding time.” The state’s attorney’s office brought charges against Northup following an exhaustive investigation led by Middlebury Police Detective Kris Bowdish. Her investigation indicated, among other things, that: • Between Nov. 8, 2015, and Jan. 14, 2017, Northup “intentionally and secretly” purchased a combined total of $3,564 worth of items for personal use, using an Amazon account belonging to MREMS. Police allege Northup acquired the approximately 150 items through 53 transactions using an MREMS credit card. • Between Jan. 16-18, 2017, Northrup used the MREMS bank account to pay her personal Overstock.com bill, totaling $545.36. • Between Oct. 16, 2016, and Jan. 10, 2017, Northup paid two of her personal medical bills, totaling $1,022.33, using MREMS funds. • On March 28, 2016, Northup paid herself $2,670.99 from the MREMS bank account “when this money was not due her.” Court documents indicate MREMS officials became aware of problems with the organization’s books back on Jan. 30, 2017, while ordering some new supplies. On another note, MREMS is thanking its donors for what have been three successful years of fundraising that have yielded a new ambulance. The ambulance is among three that MREMS is able to put into service for the benefit of patients throughout its service area, which includes Middlebury, East Middlebury, Salisbury, New Haven, Ripton, Orwell, Shoreham, Whiting, Bridport, Cornwall and Weybridge.

7, Ferrisburgh, scene of a two-car accident. • Checked the welfare of a Hillside Drive apartment resident, who was found to be weak but OK. • Calmed an arguing couple at a South Maple Street residence. • Checked a report to the Addison County Humane Society of neglected cats at a North Maple Street apartment, but found no problem. On Dec. 22: • Ticketed two cars violating the city’s nighttime winter parking ban. • Checked a report of a woman

yelling for help on Green Street, but found no problem. • After a report of erratic driving, stopped a car-carrier truck on West Main Street, but determined the driver was OK. • During a special trafficcontrol patrol on Main Street cited two drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol. Cited were Christopher Castillo, 22, of Vergennes for allegedly driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.124; and Amanda Lee Stearns, for allegedly driving with a BAC of 0.110; the legal limit for driving is 0.08.

PAGE 4 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

A D DIS ON INDE P E NDEN T

Editorials

Bristol’s rocky road with VG When Vermont Gas laid out its plans to extend natural gas service to Middlebury, with offshoots to Vergennes and Bristol, it seemed like the natural order of how things would pan out. The state mandate to Vermont Gas, as a utility with a monopoly on natural gas transmission, is to extend natural gas to as many Vermonters as possible while not sending costs to its customers soaring. Costs to build the pipeline, as we all know, shot up dramatically from the initial estimates; some due to miscalculations in forecasting, and some due to higher-than-expected cost increases in materials and labor that would have been hard to predict. The other part of the story, however, is the growing recognition of the environmental harm caused by the fracking process to extract natural gas and its diminished value as a fuel with a lower carbon footprint. It’s comparable, but not significantly better. Its cost, however, is significantly cheaper than propane and is a bit less expensive than fuel oil; hence the reason some communities are still clamoring for it. The Bristol selectboard was acting on that reasoning when they voted to sign a contract with Vermont Gas to serve the Bristol village. The selectboard, however, made grave errors by limiting the public process, and in voting to ram the permiting process through despite much public opposition.That lawsuits were filed and that Vermont Gas has put any initiative into Bristol on hold is the outcome of those misguided decisions. Of course the Bristol community should have a full-throated discussion of whether they want Vermont Gas to serve the village residents; of course, such a decision should have gone through the Bristol Planning Commission for their review first, and of course the selectboard should not have rushed signing a preliminary permit with Vermont Gas even though Bristol residents were clamoring for more public hearings. The result could be that Bristol residents will no longer be candidates for natural gas service. That will make many happy who place environmental concerns over the benefits of lower costs; and it may make a few businesses and residents less than pleased. Whatever. It won’t be the end of the world for Bristol either way. Currently, there are no large industries in Bristol that would benefit from the lower cost of natural gas to the scale that, for example, AgriMark/Cabot benefits in Middlebury. And it’s unlikely homeowners or other small businesses will move elsewhere just because natural gas is not a fuel option; the savings is just not enough to prompt such a move on its own. Neither is it in Vermont Gas Company’s interest to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in permitting and pipeline construction to a community where a good percentage are against them. Legal costs would be high, the frustration level sends up the blood pressure, and it’s bad public relations for the Vermont Gas brand. Hey, they can expand into areas that want natural gas. If Bristol doesn’t, so be it. And that’s the likely outcome. Still, the Bristol selectboard would do itself and the community a service to include a public discussion of the issue at Town Meeting (set aside 20 minutes or more) and at the end take a straw poll asking who’s in favor of the service and who’s against. That way the town can at least engage in the upcoming legal battles knowing where a majority of town residents stand. Angelo S. Lynn

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT Periodicals Postage Paid at Middlebury, Vt. 05753

Postmaster, send address change to Addison Independent, 58 Maple Street, Middlebury, Vermont • 388-4944 • Fax: 388-3100 • Web: www.addisonindependent.com E-Mail: news@addisonindependent.com • E-Mail Advertising: ads@addisonindependent.com Assistant Editor: John S. McCright Reporters: John Flowers Andy Kirkaldy Christopher Ross Abagael Giles Multimedia: Megan James Photographer: Trent Campbell Front Office: Vicki Nolette Alicia Prime

Editor/Publisher: Angelo S. Lynn

Advertising Manager: Christine Lynn Advertising Representatives: Elisa Fitzgerald Melissa Strong Eric Luster Sales Assistant: Meg Madden Sales and Marketing Coordinator: Alexis Caswell Bookkeeper: Kelly Bolduc

Business Manager: Elsie Lynn Parini Production Manager: Susan Leggett Graphic Designers: Sue Miller Brian King Todd Warnock Copy Editor: Sarah Pope Circulation: Lisa Razo Driver: Dennis Smith

Published every Monday, Thursday by the Addison Press, Inc. Member Vermont Press Association; New England Press Association; National Newspaper Association. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In State – 6 Months $36.00, 1 Year $50.00, 2 years $90.00: Out of State – 6 Months $44.00, 1 Year $60.00, 2 years $110. All print subscriptions include online access. Discounted rate for Senior Citizens, call for details. 802-388-4944. Online Only – 1 Week $3.00, 1 Month $6.00, 6 Months $25.00, 1 Year $44.00 The Independent assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements but will reprint that part of an advertisement in which the typographical error occurred. Advertiser will please notify the management immediately of any errors that may occur. The Addison Independent USPS 005-380

Magical design FIGURE SKATER EMERY Mikula, 11, of Denver and Killington, was captured by a drone camera carving designs in the inch of light snow covering the southern end of Lake Dunmore on Christmas Day. The ice on the southern section of the lake was ideal for skating, at about 5-6 inches thick, while open water was still visible on the northern and wider sections of the lake. With fluctuating temperatures, reaching into the high 40s last Friday, it’s good practice to bore a hole in the ice to determine thickness before venturing out. Photo courtesy of Oliver Parini

Letters to the Editor Avoiding school shootings requires all in community I am sure there will be many letters written in response to news of our community’s near miss: “Police, school officials avert Middlebury middle school shooting,” Dec. 18, 2018. I want to address one line in the article that might otherwise go unnoticed, in which John Flowers writes that this near tragedy is “a lesson for educators to invite more frank discussion from students about safety issues in and out of school.” I do not believe this is a lesson for educators, as this is one case where things worked as they should, i.e. a student spoke to a

trusted adult, and a tragedy was averted. As a former teacher, and spouse of a current teacher at MUMS, I have always believed that our schools are filled with caring adults, and that every child has access to at least one, if not many, trusted and caring adults, whether that be a TA teacher, a bus driver, a paraprofessional, or a principal with whom they play football at recess. I believe the real lesson here is the need for the community to have more frank discussions about mental health, gun rights and responsibilities, and what can

be done to take the burden off our over-worked educators so that they can concentrate on the kids with whom they work. I think we give lip service to the idea that teachers work hard, but I don’t think anyone outside the school buildings truly understands how demanding their jobs are, and how hard they work. I hope we as a community can thank all those who helped avert this tragedy, starting with the student who spoke up and the adults he or she trusted. Kurt Broderson Middlebury

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 5

Salisbury school aided THT effort

Letters to the Editor Border wall an ineffective answer to real problems We can be sure that someone has tried to tell Trump that the biggest entry to the U.S. of drugs and aliens will not be closed by a wall since that entry is right through our customs checking. There are too many trucks coming through our borders for customs officials to check more than a small

percentage. So they guess which ones to check. Trucks that have drugs well hidden and trucks with humans cramped in hot, airless boxes seeking entry to the U.S. It would cost a small percentage of his wall to train more customs agents for our borders. On the other hand, where did

Trump get such horrible ideas about what immigrants are like? Beyond that, why isn’t Trump considering helping people where they live so they don’t feel terrified to stay home and so need to move to a safer place? Peter Grant Bristol

Residents helped Addison Central facilities planning On behalf of the Addison Central School District (ACSD) Board, thank you to everyone who participated in the Community Dialogue Meetings last month and submitted feedback to the board regarding our Facilities Master Planning process. Along with community feedback, our work will be guided by the ACSD Strategic Plan and our transition to becoming an International Baccalaureate World District, so the Facilities Master Plan will ensure that investments in our buildings support student learning objectives. During the Community Dialogue Meetings, we asked participants to consider: Given the context of our enrollment and facilities data, what specific actions do you believe should be considered as we begin the Facilities Master Plan to map the future of our district? We were so pleased to see community members engaged in thoughtful conversations during the forums,

and have received many thoughts, ideas, and concerns to guide us into the next phase of the process. We want to remind the public that the planning document for the Facilities Master Plan and information presented during the Community Dialogue Meetings are currently available on our website at acsdvt.org/domain/897, and are also available in hard copy form at all ACSD Schools, town clerk offices, and public libraries. If you have not yet submitted your feedback during this initial phase of the process, please consider completing an online survey at the link provided above, or sending comments to grandchallenge@ acsdvt.org. Paper copies of surveys can be mailed or delivered to the ACSD Central Office at 49 Charles Ave, in Middlebury. The board will continue to accept public comments until Jan. 4, 2019. Once the comment period has closed, the board’s Planning & Engagement Committee will review

community feedback, facilities data, and other information shared during the Community Dialogue sessions to identify emerging themes and possibilities in the context of the guiding principles outlined in the master planning document. During January and February, the Planning & Engagement Committee will prepare draft recommendations and identify additional questions for the public to consider in the second round of Community Dialogue Meetings. We anticipate hosting these public meetings in March 2019. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s participation in this process and especially value the commitment this community has to ensure that all ACSD students are provided with an outstanding educational experience. Jennifer Nuceder Chair Planning & Engagement Committee ACSD School Board

The Middlebury Elementary School Association (MESA) thanks these businesses and organizations for their generous support of the

2018 Mary Hogan School Read-a-thon

Addison County Educator’s Assoc. Addison Independent Associates in Orthodontics Better Middlebury Partnership Bread Loaf Corporation Clint Bierman Co-operative Insurance County Tire ECHO Aquarium & Science Center Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium Fire & Ice Restaurant Flynn Theater Forth ‘N Goal G. Stone Motors Green Peppers Ilsley Library IPJ Real Estate Kinney Drugs Laframboise Maple Sugaring Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

MacIntyre Services Maple Landmark Marquis Theater Marriott Hotel MCTV Memorial Sports Center Middlebury College Quidditch Club Middlebury College Snow Bowl Middlebury Dental Group Middlebury Fitness Middlebury Parks & Rec Middlebury Sweets Monroe Street Books Montshire Museum of Science National Bank of Middlebury Neat Repeats Nino’s Pizza Olympia Sports OMYA

Otter Creek Used Books Petra Cliffs Rainbow Pediatrics Ralph Myhre Golf Course Residence at Otter Creek Rikert Nordic Center Salamander Construction Shafer’s Market & Deli Shelburne Farms Shelburne Museum Subway Tinker & Smithy Game Store UPS Store Vermont Book Shop VT Institute of Natural Science VT State Parks VT Sun Wells Physical Therapy Wonderfeet Museum

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR KIDS!

www.addisonindependent.com — CHECK IT OUT.

Jane Kimble wrote a beautiful letter to the editor praising our Shakespeare It’s Elementary program. She did not however include the students and teachers from Salisbury Community School. They put in a huge amount of effort and support. The Town Hall Theater

program included over 90 students from Salisbury, Ripton, Cornwall and Shoreham. Lindsay Pontius, Ed.D. Education Director Town Hall Theater Middlebury

Draft dodger deserves no respect Looking back, local Selective Service Boards spread the obligation. The 1960s draft seemed democratic and just. The burden was shared, although class introduced an element of inequity. Along came an eligible lad with millions of dollars in his personal account. He could, as they did in the Civil War, buy his way out. Adjusted for inflation, father Trump made it happen ... a “medical” excuse, while the rest of us, the “others,” dug foxholes and slogged through the leaches and mud. We occupied body bags or considered the odds of shipment home. POTUS in his youth was safe from service, at ease with gaming the system, with cheating and deception. That’s the way the family worked. The Don’s Aryan genes were not designed for risk or discomfort. Perhaps the average Conservative white male veteran equates reality TV with two years in uniform. They give him a pass, or believe in his 1-Y/4-F ailment, a fake exemption,

OPINION?

a status as trustworthy as Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, he would deport my VA doctor, first generation Vietnamese, whose country our country drenched in chemicals. Regardless of their politics, veterans who find this duplicity acceptable have forsaken decency. Leave her family alone, Mr. President. Deport yourself for making up stuff on government forms, for deceiving average vets, who fulfilled their commitment. Every wartime president since Washington has seen a combat zone. Nixon joined the Navy, although “I’m not a crook,” fell short of the truth. Truth, the first casualty of this administration, has gone Absent Without Leave. It was my privilege to serve an exceptional captain. The current commander-in-thief, the selfidentified “very, very great, terrific genius,” is, by comparison, a rank embarrassment. Alexander Lyall Middlebury

Email it to: news@addisonindependent.com

PAGE 6 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

Let it snow

SNOW MAKING WAS in progress up at Rikert Ski Touring Center in Ripton early last week.

ADDISON COUNTY

Obituaries Audrey Thompson, 79, native of Starksboro ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Audrey Thompson, 79, died on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 in Albuquerque, N.M. She was a Starksboro native with family and friends there.

Independent photo/Angelo Lynn

Shortage of funeral directors in Vt. spurs action By ANNE WALLACE ALLEN VTDigger.org VERMONT — Struggling with a nationwide shortage of funeral directors, the industry in Vermont has teamed up with the Community College of Vermont and state officials to streamline the path to the profession. The state’s Office of Professional Regulation has created a proposed path aimed at reducing the time and money now required for funeral director training.

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The path is aimed at young people and at workers who are seeking a career change. Lawmakers are expected to consider the rule change in the coming legislative session. Under existing regulations, would-be funeral directors must earn an associate degree. With the nearest schools of funeral service in Boston and New York, the cost for the degree needed to be a funeral director and embalmer is about $64,000, said Chris Palermo, president of the Vermont Funeral Directors Association. Online, the coursework still costs about $35,000, he said. “Finding people who want to come and work in Vermont after they spent $64,000 is really difficult,” Palermo said. “This would allow home-grow people to become qualified to become a funeral director in Vermont.” The streamlined license would not be recognized outside of Vermont. And it only applies to the practice of being a funeral director, not embalming. “If this proves to be successful,

I’d like to see the embalming piece added to it, but that’s a whole different conversation,” said Palermo, who owns Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury. The proposed state rule would remove the associate degree requirement, but would require would-be funeral home directors to complete college-level coursework in several areas, including the psychology of death and dying, human biology, introductory ethics, comparative religion, financial accounting, conflict resolution or mediation, business law and public speaking. Under the new system, the funeral-directors-in-training would earn online education credits while working in an apprentice-like role with approved and licensed funeral directors, according to the association. The OPR drafted the proposed rule this fall with help from the former Board of Funeral Service, Palermo and others at the Vermont Funeral Directors Association, and with Candace Lewis, an associate academic dean at CCV. Lewis said she knows some people are already enrolled in classes at CCV in anticipation of a certificate program being created, possibly by fall 2019. Some are employees of Vermont funeral homes who had no way of getting a mortuary degree under the old system, she said. “These are people who are rooted in Vermont, they have lives and responsibilities here, and it would be difficult for them to pick up and move for the amount of time it

would take elsewhere out of state,” Lewis said. “This would allow some of the folks (the funeral directors) are already working with to gain the education and experience they need.” The funeral business isn’t unique in suffering a staffing shortage, but it does face some unusual challenges. According to the online publication “Funeral Director Daily,” the rising popularity of cremation has cut into funeral service revenues. Meanwhile, a cultural change has steered many young professionals away from jobs that require on-call or irregular hours, according to the publication. This hits rural areas particularly hard. Adam Goss, who owns Spears Funeral Home in Enosburg and Kidder Memorial Home in Swanton, said he was initially opposed to the rule change, but his views changed after he watched one of his administrative employees learn the funeral director’s job. Goss is vice president of the state funeral directors organization. “My employee … showed me she’s capable of doing what a funeral director does; she just doesn’t have that degree,” he said. He added that he now has two employees who hope to gain licensure through the streamlined process. “They started out as office managers; once they realized really what a funeral director does, they were interested and said, ‘I want to do that,’” said Goss. “Whereas if I went to them and said ‘Do you want to come on as a funeral director?’ they would have said, ‘No way.’”

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 7

CHRISTINA WILES

GIRL SCOUT CHRISTINA Wiles, shown here with officials from Elks Lodge 1535 last spring when she won an award, recently was given the coveted Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. Wiles, a 2018 Middlebury Union High School graduate and resident of Brandon, is flanked by her parents, Brian and Tina Wiles of Brandon. She was honored for creatng and implementing a mentoring program between Mary Hogan Elementary School and MUHS.

Brandon’s Wiles earns top Girl Scout honor By RUSSELL JONES BRANDON — The Girl Scouts began in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first troop of 18 girls in Savannah, Ga. Now, 3.7 million members strong, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America have helped mentor and develop strong female leaders such Lucille Ball, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and astronaut Sally Ride. All of these women worked to change the world and to help their communities become a better place. Last month a local Girl Scout received an honor recognizing her efforts to make her community better. Christina Wiles of Brandon received the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains at the organization’s annual Young Women of Distinction ceremony. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts and fewer than 6 percent of Scouts earn the award. “When I learned that I was going to be receiving the Gold Award, I was proud,” said Wiles, a 2018 Middlebury Union High School graduate. “I’ve earned both of the other highest Girl Scout Awards, so finally reaching my goal and completing any project that makes an impact on my community makes me glad.” Patricia Mellor, CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, said at the Nov. 11 presentation that earning a Gold Award requires girls to demonstrate leadership skills by tackling a community or global issue. “When a Girl Scout earns her Gold

Award, she doesn’t just complete a project,” Mellor said. “She changes the world.” Wiles’s project, called “Arms Open Mentors,” took on bullying in schools by creating a mentoring program between high school and elementary school children. The program is currently working with high school juniors and seniors at MUHS and Mary Hogan Elementary School. Participating mentors volunteer during the school day: reading books, playing games, assisting students struggling in the classroom, and helping to create a healthier atmosphere within the classroom. “My inspiration for this project was my desire to reduce bullying in schools,” Wiles said. “The best way

to do that was to target the source, elementary-age students.” Wiles began the project in the spring of 2017 and it was implemented nine months later — in December of that same year. She developed and published a program manual to be used by other schools; and her project advisor, Brooke Jette, is working with another group in the Middlebury area to develop the program further. Wiles’s manual will serve as a handbook for future mentors and the program envisions a community in which younger children receive community support and one-on-one mentorship that promotes individual resilience, better decision-making, and engagement in the community. Wiles said her plan is to expand

the program into other elementary schools within the Addison Central School District. Girl Scouts who earn the Gold Award are eligible to enter the military one rank higher and Wiles, who serves in the Vermont Army National Guard, advanced two ranks

in recognition of her achievement. Wiles, the daughter of Tina and Brian Wiles, was also nominated to be among the National Young Women of Distinction, of which only 10 Gold Award recipients from the hundreds who earn them each year are honored. “When I found out that I was nominated for the National Young Women of Distinction Award, I was actually surprised,” Wiles said. “All I can say is that Girl Scouts truly does big things for girls and I’m always proud to announce that I am a Girl Scout for life, because without Girl Scouts and my Troop 30649, I wouldn’t have all of the great opportunities I do, nor would I be as successful as I am right now.” Wiles plans on continuing her work with the Girl Scouts and the Vermont National Guard. “I can’t wait to continue serving my community and making a positive impact on other people’s lives,” she said.

PAGE 8 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

communitycalendar

Dec

31

MONDAY

Best Night in Bristol. Monday, Dec. 31, locations across town. Join this Community-wide celebration of the coming New Year, with three music venues, food, activities, and holiday spirit. Michele Fay and Tim Price in Bristol. Monday, Dec. 31, 5-5:40 p.m., Bristol Baptist Church, Park St. Part of Bristol’s Best Night. New Years Eve dinner dance in Middlebury. Monday, Dec. 31 5 p.m.-midnight, VFW Post 7823, 530 Exchange St. Cocktails 5-6 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. of Prime Rib from Pratt’s Store, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, tossed salad, rolls and dessert. Music by Triple B DJ. Tickets $20/person. RSVP 802-388-9468. Advanced sales preferred. Any remaining tickets at the door $25. New Years Eve fireworks in Middlebury. Monday, Dec. 31, 7:30-8 p.m., Middlebury Recreation Park, Mary Hogan Dr. Bundle up for and enjoy the show. Brought to you by the Middlebury American Legion. Free. New Year’s Eve with The Horse Traders in Middlebury. Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Town Hall Theater, 68 S. Pleasant St. Ring in the New Year with The Horse Traders. Doors open at 8 p.m., the band kicks off at 9 p.m. New Years Eve ice-skating in Middlebury. Monday, Dec. 31, 8-9:30 p.m., Memorial Sports Center, 296 Buttolph Dr. Middlebury Parks and Recreation invites you to on the skates and take some turns around the rink. Free, including skate rentals. Bread and Bones in Bristol. Monday, Dec. 31, 8-8:45 p.m., Bristol Baptist Church. Park St. Part of Bristol’s Best Night celebrations.

Jan

1

TUESDAY

First Day bird hike in Ferrisburgh. Tuesday, Jan 1, 9 a.m., Button Bay State Park, 5 Button Bay. 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 when they combine that tradition with the fairly new tradition of First Day Hikes held at State Parks across the country.

Jan

2

BEGINNING SWING DANCE – VERGENNES OPERA HOUSE Dancing keeps both brain & body fit while having a great time! Presenting East Coast Swing in a friendly, easy format. Classes held Thursdays, Jan 3‑31, 6:30‑7:30pm. Partners not necessary. $10 per class or all 5 classes up front for $40. Practice sessions‑ after all classes from 7:30‑8:30pm. Open to the public! $2 donation requested (included if taking the class). Last class includes LC Jazz band dance! Please bring clean, dry, soft soled shoes. Call Jim for more info at 475‑2349 or email jscondon@mac.com. and make new ones. Middlebury Actors Workshop 2019 Season auditions in Middlebury. Thursday, Jan. 3, 6-8 p.m., Byers Studio, Town Hall Theater, 68 S. Pleasant St. All types of actors are encouraged to come to a general audition for MAW, a small professional theater company in residence at Town Hall Theater, for their MainStage season and Cutting Edge play reading series. Prepare two short, contrasting monologues or do a cold reading from sides that MAW will have at the theater. To make an appointment email melissa@middleburyactors.org.

Jan

4

FRIDAY

American Red Cross Blood donation in New Haven. Friday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Addison County Home Health and Hospice, 254 Ethan Allen Highway, (Route 7) Age Well senior luncheon in Middlebury. Friday, Jan. 4, 11 a.m., VFW, 530 Exchange St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Meal

served at noon. Join us for chicken breast, southern cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed beans, wheat dinner roll and blueberry pie. $5 suggested donation. Advanced tickets required by Monday, Dec. 31. Call Michelle at 802-377-1419. Bring your own place setting. Open to anyone age 60 and up and their spouse of any age. Free ride may be provided. Call ACTR at 802-388-2287 to inquire. Tai Chi Under the Dome in Vergennes. Friday, Jan. 4, noon-12:30 p.m., Bixby Library, 258 Main St. Continues on Fridays for the month of January. Vergennes resident Lee Francis will lead half hour lessons in Tai Chi. All levels are welcome. Learn how Tai Chi can help with meditation, strengthening balance, and mindfulness. More info contact Lee Francis at lhfrancis839@ gmail.com

Wear clothes and shoes you will be comfortable moving in. Sign up at the library, or contact Laksamee Putnam at laksamee. putnam@bixbylibrary.org Middlebury Actors Workshop 2019 Season auditions in Middlebury. Friday, Jan. 4, 6-8 p.m., Byers Studio, Town Hall Theater, 68 S. Pleasant St. All types of actors are encouraged to come to a general audition for MAW, a small professional theater company in residence at Town Hall Theater, for their MainStage Season and Cutting Edge play reading series. Prepare two short, contrasting monologues or do a cold reading from sides that MAW will have at the theater. To make an appointment email melissa@middleburyactors.org.

Jan

5

SATURDAY

Green Mountain Club hike/snowshoe in Weybridge/Middlebury. Saturday, Jan. 5, Hamilton Rd. TAM (Trail Around Middlebury) lot. After arranging a “car spot” in Middlebury, we will meet at Hamilton Rd TAM trailhead in Weybridge and hike to South Main St, Middlebury. 4.4 miles. Moderate difficulty. TAM map is available at maltvt.org. More info contact Kathy Duclos, at kduclos@gmavt.net or 802-453-2149. More activities at gmcbreadloaf.org.

WEDNESDAY

Age Well senior luncheon in Middlebury. Wednesday, Jan 2, 11:15 a.m., Middlebury Rec Center, 154 Creek Rd. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Meal served at noon of sweet-n-sour chicken, vegetable rice pilaf, garden vegetables, wheat bread and mandarin oranges. Bring your own place setting. $5 suggested donation. 72 hours advanced notice required. Call Michelle to reserve 802-377-1419. Open to anyone age 60 and up and their spouse of any age. Free ride may be provided. Call ACTR at 802-3882287 to inquire.

Jan

3

THURSDAY

Age Well senior luncheon in Vergennes. Thursday, Jan. 3, 10 a.m., Vergennes Area Seniors Armory Lane Senior, 50 Armory Ln. Doors open at 10 a.m. for bingo and coffee hour. Meal served at noon of beef stroganoff over rotini pasta, Brussels sprouts, wheat bread and seasoned apples. Bring your own place setting. $5 suggested donation. 72 hours advanced notice required. Call Michelle to reserve 802-377-1419. Open to anyone age 60 and up and their spouse of any age. Free ride may be provided. Call ACTR at 802-388-2287 to inquire. Senior meal in Bristol. Thursday, Jan. 3, noon, First Baptist Church of Bristol, Park St. will have their on Jan. Menu includes macaroni and cheese, kidney bean salad, green beans, bread and peanut butter, and lemon fluff. Suggested donation $4. Call 802-453-5276 to be on the list. Come early and talk with friends

Ban the Bags

PLASTIC BAGS ARE one of the most widespread and ubiquitous forms of pollution today. Join other folks who wish to explore a plastic bag ban in Middlebury when they meet on Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 7-8 p.m., in the Community Meeting Room at Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. in Middlebury.

communitycalendar

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 9

King Pede Card party in Ferrisburgh. Saturday, Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m., Ferrisburgh Town Hall and Community Center, Route 7. The evening begins with a sandwich supper and then on to the games. King Pede is a unique game that involves “trick-taking” techniques such as in Hearts and Spades or Pitch. A game of fun and skill. Come prepared to use your strategic thinking. Patrick Fitzsimmons in Ripton. Saturday, Jan. 5, 7:30 p.m., Ripton Community Coffee House, Route 125. Vermont singer/songwriter Patrick Fitzsimmons is a 2011 and 2012 Solarfest national songwriting contest finalist and a three time Ploughshares national songwriting contest finalist. He’ll be performing with Becca Kodis on violin. 7:30-open mic followed by featured performers. $10 general admission/$15 generous admission/$3 kids under 12. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Jan

6

Jan

7

MONDAY

MiddMUG meeting in Middlebury. Monday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m., Conference Room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. Take a tour of the Library’s Digital Media Lab, where patrons can convert VHS movies, cassette tapes, and records into digital formats to play on computers and other devices. If time, there will be a presentation on the new Mojave operating system. More info at MiddMUG2018@mail.com.

Jan

8

TUESDAY

Age Well senior luncheon in Vergennes. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m., Vergennes Area Seniors Armory Lane Senior Housing, 50 Armory Lane, Vergennes. Doors open at 10 a.m. for bingo and coffee hour. VASA monthly meeting at 11:30 a.m. Meal served at noon of chicken stew, broccoli, biscuit and tropical fruit salad. Bring your own place setting. $5 suggested donation. 72 hours advanced notice required. Call Michelle to reserve 802-377-1419. Open to anyone age 60 and up and their spouse of any age. Free ride may be provided. Call ACTR at 802-388-2287 to inquire. American Red Cross Blood donation in Middlebury. Tuesday, Jan 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., American Legion Middlebury, 49 Wilson Rd. Keep Middlebury beautiful: “Banning Plastic Bags” in Middlebury. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 7-8 p.m., Community Meeting room, Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St. Open to the public.

Jan

9

Jan

11

WEDNESDAY

Landscape Re-Imagined: The Autumn Campus on display in Middlebury. Begins Wednesday, Jan. 9, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Johnson Memorial Building, Middlebury College. Come view works created in Professor Jim Butler’s fall class Landscape Re-Imagined: Painting, Drawing, Photography, and Glass — large-scale images of the campus presented in new and surprising ways. Free. More info at 802-443-3168 or middlebury.edu/arts. Show runs through Jan. 15. Age Well senior luncheon in Shoreham. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 11 a.m., Halfway House, Route 22A. Doors open and meal served at 11 a.m. until all are served. Meatloaf, mashed

FRIDAY

New Century/New Voices in Middlebury. Friday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m., Robison Hall, Mahaney Center for the Arts, 72 Porter Field Rd. A new music series hosted by Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Evan Taylor, highlighting the ongoing contributions of women and people of color to the canon of Western art music. Opening night features music by Taylor and his mentors. Free. More info at 802-4433168 or middlebury.edu/arts.

LIVEMUSIC

SUNDAY

Middlebury Shape Note Singers in Middlebury. Sunday, Jan. 6, 1-3 p.m., Mitchell Green Lounge, McCullough Student Center, Old Chapel Rd. Come join this group of shape-note singers as they sing from the Sacred Harp Song Book. Loaner books are available. All are welcome. For more information, see Facebook/ Middlebury Shape Note Singers or contact David Rosenberg at rosenber@middlebury. edu.

Vergennes Congregational Church, 30 South Water St.

Columnist talks

NEW YORK TIMES columnist Frank Bruni will be at Wilson Hall, McCullough Student Center, at Middlebury College, in Middlebury on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. for a wide-ranging conversation on topics including identity politics and its effect on campuses and communities, and the importance of free speech. The talk is part of the Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays series.

Photo courtesy Vermont Humanities Council

potatoes, gravy, vegetable and dessert. 72 hours advanced notice required. Call Michelle to reserve at 802 377-1419. $5 suggested donation does not include gratuity. Open to anyone age 60 and up and their spouse of any age. Free ride may be provided. Call ACTR at 802-388-2287 to inquire. Soup supper in New Haven. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m., New Haven Congregational Church, Town Hill Rd. A variety of soups, bread, crackers, beverages and dessert will be on offer. Tickets $8 adults. More info contact Carol at 802-453-5059. Conversations with Frank Bruni in Middlebury. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m., Wilson Hall, McCullough Student Center, Middlebury College. Join New York Times columnist Frank Bruni for a wide-ranging conversation on topics including identity politics and its effect on campuses and communities, and the importance of free speech. Part of the Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays series.

Jan

10

THURSDAY

Age Well senior luncheon in Vergennes. Thursday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m., Vergennes Area Seniors Armory Lane Senior Housing, 50 Armory Ln. Doors open at 10 a.m. for bingo and coffee hour. Program with Addison County Home Health and Hospice at 11:15 a.m. on your access to available services. Meal served at noon of chicken breast, hot German potato salad, green beans, wheat bread and vanilla yogurt fruit parfait. Bring your own place setting. $5 suggested donation. 72 hours advanced notice required. Call Michelle to reserve at 802-377-1419. Open to anyone age 60 and up and their spouse of any age. Free ride may be provided. Call ACTR at 802-3882287 to inquire. American Red Cross Blood donation in Vergennes. Thursday, Jan. 10, noon-5 p.m.,

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One reader writes: “Great Job!! Helps me feel connected even at a distance.”

Quotes are taken from reader comments submitted with subscription renewals.

Michele Fay and Tim Price in Bristol. Monday, Dec. 31, 5-5:40 p.m., First Baptist Church of Bristol. Bread and Bones in Bristol. Monday, Dec. 31, 8-8:45 p.m., First Baptist Church of Bristol. The Medicine Tribe Trio in Middlebury. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 7 p.m., Notte. The Jim Towel Experience in Middlebury. Friday, Jan. 4, 7-9 p.m., Notte. Patrick Fitzsimmons in Ripton. Saturday, Jan. 5, 7:30 p.m., Ripton Community Coffee House Swing Noire in Brandon. Saturday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., Brandon Music. Phil Henry Acoustic Trio in Lincoln. Saturday, Jan. 12, 7:30-9:15 p.m., Burnham Hall. Del Rue in Middlebury. Saturday, Jan. 12, 9-midnight, Notte. Blues Jam in Bristol. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m., Hatch 31. Tom Van Sant & Glen Goodwin in Middlebury. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7-9 p.m., Notte. Last Train to Zinkov in Brandon. Saturday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., Brandon Music.

See an extended calendar and a full listing of

O N GO I N GE V E N T S

on the Web at www.addisonindependent.com

Shoreham Memory Tree 2018 The following people were remembered on the Shoreham Memory Tree this year: Kenneth Bishop Lawrence Bishop, Jr. Lawrence Bishop, Sr. Maudie Bishop Norman Bishop Esther Bohne Paul & Ethel Bohne Gene Brisson Jerry Brisson Jim Brisson Lauretta Brisson Elizabeth & Eric Causton Tracy Corbett Rita Davis Betty Douglas (2) Edwin Douglas

Malcolm & Adah Douglas Marge Douglas Robert Douglas, Sr. (2) Janet Duffany Rube Duffany Bella Dupre Bill Dupre Ethel Edwards Thomas Edwards Raymond John Fotion III Ernie Franzgrote Fred Landon Helen Landon Daryl Silver Jean Silver Robert Taylor, Jr.

Alma Treadway Don Treadway (5) Irene Treadway (5) Norman Treadway Albert Turpin Edgar Turpin Ernest Turpin Mary Ann Turpin Ruth Turpin James Walker Katherine Walker Joan & Bill Watt John B. Werner Alberta Wood Jada Wood Leslie Wood

Thanks to Vermont Trade Winds Farm in Shoreham for donating the tree.

PAGE 10 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

Listen to live, local music at Ripton’s coffee house and Notte The Ripton Community Coffee House, a nonprofit community concert series, welcomes singersongwriter Patrick Fitzsimmons on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ripton Community House in Ripton. Vermont singer/songwriter Patrick Fitzsimmons has just released his seventh CD, “Bird Tree,” which is currently being played on radio stations all over Vermont and beyond. Fitzsimmons writes songs that have that rare combination of strong lyrics coupled with memorable melodies. A skilled vocalist and musician, he plays acoustic guitar, banjo, ukulele and percussion to add depth and rhythm to his original music. For this concert, he will be accompanied by Becca Kodis on violin. An awardwinning s i n g e r songwriter, Fitzsimmons by Greg Pahl is a 2011 and 2012 Solarfest national songwriting contest finalist and a three-time Ploughshares national songwriting contest finalist. Fitzsimmons has shared the stage with some of the acoustic music scene’s biggest names, including Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, Roger McGuinn, Ellis Paul and Vance Gilbert. Fitzsimmons is a founding member of From Good Homes, a roots rock band signed to RCA Records in the mid to late 90s. He began his solo career in 2001 and continues to tour throughout the northeast building a large and loyal following with his soulful, captivating performances. As always, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with an open mike set, followed by the featured performers. Open mike performers are encouraged to call in advance and reserve one of the four openmike slots. Admission to the coffeehouse is $3 kids (12 and under), $10 general admission, and $15 generous admission. The economically challenged may pay what they can afford. Refreshments available. The coffeehouse is held on the first Saturday of each month, except August. For more information,

arts beat

THE MEDICINE TRIBE Trio, above, will fill Notte Neapolitan Pizza Bar at 86 Main St. in Middlebury with their take on blues, Americana and rock on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. Right, catch the model train display at the Henry Sheldon Museum at 1 Park St. in Middlebury. The elaborate display remains up until Jan. 12, and is open for viewing Tuesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

contact Richard Ruane or Andrea Chesman at 388-9782. HOLIDAY EXHIBITS AT SHELDON MUSEUM If you didn’t manage to find time to visit the holiday exhibits at the Henry Sheldon Museum in Middlebury, you can still catch them this week starting on Wednesday, Jan. 2, through next week (the exhibits ends on Saturday, Jan. 12). The first exhibit, “Ho Ho Historical Holidays to You,” curated by the Sheldon’s archivist Eva Garcelon-Hart and Sheldon trustee and archives volunteer, Lucinda Cockrell, features classic Christmas images, antique postcards, seasonal

cards, written holiday memories and toys from the Sheldon’s extensive collections. The second exhibit, “Over-theTop Holiday,” a glittering holiday display created by several Sheldon trustees (led by Warren Kimble, Liz Markowski, Danielle Rougeau, and Deborah Foster) includes lighted trees, tinsel, silver balls, antique sleds and skates, traditional Santas, paper chains and more. And while you are there, you won’t want to miss the elaborate model train layout. What has become an annual holiday tradition in Middlebury, the Sheldon (See Arts Beat, Page 11)

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 11

Cosmic Forecast For the week of December 31

LOCAL FAVORITE PATRICK Fitzsimmons takes to the Ripton Community House stage on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ripton Community Coffee House, on Route 125 in Ripton Village.

Arts Beat (Continued from Page 10) Museum’s elaborate model train layout is sure to delight all ages. Over the years, the assemblage has grown and now stands three levels high, with two tracks running Lionel O gauge trains and the upper track running HO trains. New this year — an entire remake of the mountain including gondola ski lift, skiers, rock climbers, and tunnels through the mountain to show off the HO train. Two years ago, the Sheldon added Gabe the Lamplighter to the display and he is back this year. Push the button and watch Gabe climb the tower and turn on the lights. The backdrop of the Green Mountains painted by local artist Gayl Braisted adds atmosphere. The train layout is made possible by a team of volunteer engineers who operate the trains through Jan. 12. The trains operate Tuesday-Friday, 1 to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: $5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3 youth 6-18, $12 family. The Henry Sheldon Museum

is located at One Park Street in Middlebury. Museum and store hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays (the museum is also closed on New Year’s Day). LIVE MUSIC AT NOTTE There will be three live musical performances this week at Notte Neapolitan Pizza Bar located downstairs at 86 Main Street in Middlebury. On Wednesday, January 2, at 7 p.m., The Medicine Tribe will offer an evening of blues, Americana, and rock from the heart of the Green Mountain State. They cover music by great artists such as Little Feat, the Neville Brothers, the Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, JJ Cale, Gillian Welch and Ray Charles. Then, at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 4, Notte presents The Jim Towel Experience. Finally, at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Let it Rock Entertainment rounds out the week’s musical offerings. For more information, call 802-388-0002.

Moms invited to work for plastic bag ban MIDDLEBURY — The environmental organization 350Vermont is inviting Addison County parents to join them for a “Mother-Up” meet-up dinner on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at the Middlebury Recreation Center. The dinner will feature a time for discussion about organizing a plastic bag ban in Middlebury. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and is scheduled to run until 7:30 p.m. “Mother Up!: Families Rise Up

for Climate Action” is a project of 350VT bringing together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world. A vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and younger will be provided. The Middlebury Recreation Center is at 154 Creek Road. For more information email motherupmidd@350vt.org.

ARIES: March 21-April 20. Aries, even though you are not prone to worrying, this week some things have you feeling a bit on edge. Concentrate on what you have going right instead of what can go wrong. TAURUS: April 21May 21. Taurus, couch your ego for a little while and let a loved one get his or her way. Concede control in this and you’ll find it benefits you in many different ways. GEMINI: May 22June 21. This is a time for working smart and hard, Gemini. Your hard work will come to fruition and get you where you need to be quickly. Ask for help if the going gets too tough. CANCER: June 22July 22. Cancer, expect to reconnect with a longlost activity or hobby you used to love. Find things that give you pleasure and enjoy some time focusing on fun. LEO: July 23-Aug. 23. Retreating to the privacy and coziness of home may be tempting, Leo. However, you may have to step up and play leader or host or hostess in the days ahead. VIRGO: Aug. 24-Sept. 22. Virgo, even though you may not be a full-fledged clairvoyant, you certainly can tap into people’s thoughts to give them a start. You may need to buffer some insights.

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LIBRA: Sept. 23-Oct. 23. You have a renewed determination to improve your finances right now, Libra. Use any extra money you receive to invest in a portfolio that can keep you earning. SCORPIO: Oct. 24Nov. 22. Trust the process of working through your feelings this week, Scorpio. Many things have been going on and you need to absorb and file things away in your mind. SAGITTARIUS: Nov. 23-Dec 21. You may have more on your mind than you are willing to admit, Sagittarius. But showing vulnerability may make you seem more approachable to others. CAPRICORN: Dec. 22-Jan. 20. Capricorn, be a true friend to someone who can use a little extra love and support. Whether you lend a helping hand or just sit and listen, your efforts will be appreciated. AQUARIUS: Jan. 21Feb 18. Aquarius, you need to push past fear and pursue your desires. Only then can you get ahead at work or in other areas of your life. Stop making excuses and be courageous. PISCES: Feb. 19-March 20. Pisces, if you are in a relationship, use this week to untangle some knots. These can be differences of opinion or financial concerns.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 30 LeBron James, Athlete (34) DECEMBER 31 Val Kilmer, Actor (59) JANUARY 1 Meryl Davis, Skater (32) JANUARY 2

Jilly Anais, Singer (23) JANUARY 3 Eli Manning, Athlete (38) JANUARY 4 Tina Knowles, Designer (65) JANUARY 5 Bradley Cooper, Actor (44)

PAGE 12 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

PUZZLES

Sponsored by:

help keep the mind independent and active throughout life.

This week’s puzzle is rated

Across 1. Early pulpit 5. Group of eight 10. Eye section 14. Wassailer’s song 15. Humpback, e.g. 16. Big name in mapmaking 17. Home of Monument Circle 20. High ball? 21. Indian princess 22. Compact submachine gun 24. Trophy 26. Sailor’s assent 27. Ring bearer, maybe 28. Small amount 30. Saws with the grain 32. Jocks’ antitheses 34. Entreaty 35. Gaudy scarf 36. Fire preceder? 37. Home of Coit Tower 43. Devotee 44. Starfleet Academy grad. 45. Real 46. Put in 49. Black-and-white predator 50. International money 51. Author Harper 52. Nile reptile 54. Little devil 56. Preserve, in a way 57. Certain captives 60. It’s a wrap 62. Home of the Jaguars 66. Long 67. Actor Christopher

68. Headed for overtime

Great American Cities by Myles Mellor Hard

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11. More futile

Start the New Year off by giving someone another chance at life.... 26. Sailor's assent 12. Group of nine p Pay it forward with a BLOOD DONATION!! 27. will Ring ACHHH hostbearer, a Bloodmaybe Drive with the American Red Cross on January 4th, 2019 9:00AM-2:00PM 28. Small amount American Red Cross Donor Coach 254 Ethan Allen Highway-Rte7, New Haven, VT 05472 Refreshments available after donation. Please call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.

Addison County Home Health & Hospice PO Box 754, Route 7N, Middlebury, VT 05753 toll free: (800) 639-1521 • (802) 388-7259

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13. Calculators

18. Epitome of sim

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 13

Neat Repeats grants $21.6K in the county

Farmers market (Continued from Page 1) Foreign Wars Post 7823 headquarters at 530 Exchange St. And work will begin in earnest this spring on the $71 million plan to replace the Main Street and Merchants Row bridges with concrete tunnel, a massive undertaking that will create some challenging conditions for portions of the next three years. But farmers market leaders remain vigilant for a new downtown location that would give the market more walk-by traffic and give an extra boost to merchants in the center of the shire town’s village. They appear to have identified some locations opening up in downtown. As previously reported in the Independent, the town of Middlebury has endorsed a conceptual renovation plan for Triangle Park that incorporates farmers marketfriendly features, such as ample hardscape. Selectboard members have publicly stated they’d like the market to become a fixture in the downtown. And Middlebury College officials confirmed last week they’re also open to inquiries about the market’s use of the institution’s downtown property. “We would be open to a discussion about the best location for the market,” said Bill Burger, the college’s vice president for communications and chief marketing officer.

Middlebury Farmers Market absolutely wonderful,” Sessions organizers in the past have voiced said of the VFW, with which the interest in use of the new college- market has a year-to-year agreement. owned park at 94 Main St. (across “Exchange Street businesses are from Shafers Market), as well happy to have us where we are as the park/play area adjacent to now, but we’re not getting the Twilight Hall. Hannah Sessions, a spontaneous foot traffic.” longtime MFM board Members of the member and co-owner At the Middlebury Middlebury Farmers of Blue Ledge Farm in Farmers Market, Market will hold Salisbury, and some of 27.5 vendors their annual meeting her colleagues have a this February, at participated in few reservations about which they will the use of 94 Main St., Saturday markets undoubtedly make in part because of its and 14.5 on “future location” a topography. It’s steep Wednesdays during main agenda item. in various locations, 2017. That number In the meantime, thus making it hard declined slightly Sessions and her to access for vendor to an average of colleagues are vehicles and customers 25 vendors on working on a survey with disabilities. for both vendors Saturdays and 13 Still, Sessions is on Wednesdays and customers to heartened by the this year. get a sense of their prospect of negotiating respective priorities a downtown site. for a market space. “It never hurts to have options,” Past surveys have yielded some she said. valuable information. For example, The market hasn’t had a downtown a farmers market survey of 63 site since leaving the Marble Works shoppers conducted this past Aug. shopping complex in 2017. Marble 18 revealed the average amount Works officials at the time had asked spent per shopper at the market the organizers to find a new market was $29.24, and 30 percent of those site, as they wanted to maximize surveyed called themselves weekly their parking in anticipation of the regulars. Middlebury rail bridges project. The 2018 summer season included Sessions stressed the market has 26 Saturdays, during which an felt welcomed at the VFW since it estimated 12,610 shoppers stopped relocated there in April of 2017. by. “They’ve been great landlords; Organizers’ research in 2017

MCTV SCHEDULE Channels 15 & 16 MCTV Channel 15 Tuesday, Jan. 1 12 a.m. Vermont Media Exchange 5 a.m. Green Mountain Care Board 8:30 a.m. Energy Week 9:30 a.m. Woodchuck Report 10 a.m. Selectboard 12:30 p.m. Feminist Media Review 1 p.m. Silver Maple Community Housing Project 4 p.m. Congregational Church Service 6 p.m. Bulletin Board 7 p.m. Selectboard 9:30 p.m. Vote for Vermont Wednesday, Jan. 2 12 a.m. Vermont Media Exchange 6:20 a.m. Silver Maple Community Housing Project 7:30 a.m. Memorial Baptist Church Service 9 a.m. Vote for Vermont 10 a.m. Selectboard 1 p.m. Green Mountain Care Board 4:30 p.m. Woodchuck Report 5:30 p.m. Bulletin Board 7 p.m. Selectboard 10 p.m. Feminist Media Review 10:30 p.m. Energy Week, Public Affairs Thursday, Jan. 3 5:30 a.m. Energy Week 6:30 a.m. Woodchuck Report 8 a.m. Congregational Church Service 9:30 a.m. Eckankar 12 p.m. Selectboard 2:15 p.m. Bulletin Board 3 p.m. Feminist Media Review 3:30 p.m. Addiction and Recovery in Central Vermont 4:39 p.m. Governor’s Workforce Equity & Diversity Council 8 p.m. Silver Maple Community Housing Project Friday, Jan. 4 5 a.m. Addiction and Recovery in Central Vt. 6:50 a.m. Selectboard 9 a.m. Vote for Vermont 10 a.m. Selectboard

12:15 p.m. Bulletin Board 12:30 p.m. Green Mountain Care Board 4 p.m. Memorial Baptist Church Service 5:30 p.m. Bulletin Board 7 p.m. Energy Week 9:50 p.m. Addiction and Recovery in Central Vermont Saturday, Jan. 5 12 a.m. Vermont Media Exchange 6 a.m. Energy Week 6:30 a.m. Green Mountain Care Board 10 a.m. Selectboard 12:15 p.m. Bulletin Board 12:30 p.m. Governor’s Workforce Equity & Diversity Council 4 p.m. Memorial Baptist Church Service 6 p.m. Bulletin Board 7 p.m. Catholic Mass 8 p.m. Silver Maple Community Housing Project Sunday, Jan. 6 6 a.m. Energy Week 7:30 a.m. Addiction and Recovery in Central Vermont 9 a.m. Catholic Mass 11 a.m. Memorial Baptist Church Service 1:30 p.m. Silver Maple Community Housing Project 4 p.m. Congregational Church Service 5:30 p.m. Eckankar 6 p.m. Bulletin Board 7 p.m. Catholic Mass 8 p.m. Energy Week 9 p.m. Green Mountain Care Board Monday, Jan. 7 5 a.m. Bulletin Board 5:15 a.m. Vermont Media Exchange 9:30 a.m. Feminist Media Review 10 a.m. Selectboard 12:15 p.m. Bulletin Board 4 p.m. Lifelines 4:30 p.m. Energy Week 5:30 p.m. Eckankar 6 p.m. Bulletin Board 6:30 p.m. Gov’s Workforce Equity & Diversity Council

revealed, among other things, 15,392 shoppers visited the market that summer, with an average of $32.95 spent by customers surveyed on a sample date of Aug. 19, 2017. Sessions added an average of 27.5 vendors participated in Saturday markets and 14.5 on Wednesdays during 2017. That number declined slightly to an average of 25 vendors on Saturdays and 13 on Wednesdays this year. Location and competition from markets in more populated Chittenden County are among potential reasons for the decline, Sessions believes. “It’s mostly a statewide trend,” she said. It’s a trend that Sessions hopes will reverse itself, as she believes the Middlebury Farmers Market is a great asset to shoppers as well as to up-and-coming farmers, artisans and craftspeople. It’s where Sessions’ Blue Ledge Farm, which makes goat’s milk and cow’s milk cheeses, got its start. “I’ve always thought of the farmers market as an incubator for new businesses,” Sessions said. She is looking forward to further planning for a potential downtown site for the market. And she believes the venture, born in 1974, now has some strong allies. “Most importantly, we feel the town of Middlebury is advocating for us now,” Sessions said.

MIDDLEBURY — The directors of Neat Repeats Consignment Shop in Middlebury have announced the Neat Repeats grant awards for fall 2018. A total of $21,647 was awarded as follows: A total of $3,750 went to HOPEHousing Solutions; $3,247 was made in 13 separate grants for family assistance; $2,700 was pledged to scholarships for students at Mount Abraham, Middlebury and Vergennes union high schools; $2,000 went to the HOPE Food Shelf; $1,500 supported the CVOEO Food Shelf; $1,300 funded the Vergennes Food Shelf; $1,000 went to Dinners with Love; $1,000 also went to Bristol’s Have-a-Heart Food Shelf; $900 went to the John Graham Shelter in two grants; $750 funded the Ripton Volunteer Fire Department; $600 went to the Whiting Community Cupboard; $500 was awarded to Addison County Substance Use Program; $500 funded Ferrisburgh Children’s Theater; $400 supported Town Hall Theater Shakespeare in School; $400 helped pay for the Weybridge School artist in residency; $350 was awarded to the MAUHS 7th grade; $250 went to Quarry Hill School; $250 went to the MESA Read-athon; $150 helped out the Bristol Fire Department; and $100 aided the Starksboro Sports Program. All this was made possible by Neat Repeat’s volunteers, donors and shoppers.

MIDDLEBURY COMMUNITY TELEVISION: P.O. Box 785, Middlebury, Vt. 05753

Please see the MCTV website, www.middleburycommunitytv.org, for changes in the schedule; MCTV events, classes and news; and to view many programs online. Submit listings to the above address, or call 388-3062.

MCTV Channel 16 Tuesday, Jan. 1 5 a.m. Vermont Media Exchange 6 a.m. Bird Talk 8 a.m. Yoga 8:30 a.m. Creating Supportive Environments for LBGTQ Teens 9:30 a.m. King Henry IV at THT 12 p.m. Mary Hogan Winter Concert 4:30 p.m. Skateboard Science 5:30 p.m. King Henry IV at THT 7 p.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 4 8 p.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 4 Wednesday, Jan. 2 12 a.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 1 1 a.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 2 2 a.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 3 3 a.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 4 4 a.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 5 5 a.m. Vermont Media Exchange 7 a.m. First Wednesdays: The Wyeths 11 a.m. Mary Hogan Winter Concert 11:50 a.m. Senior Moments-Bach 6 & 7 3 p.m. Yoga for You 5 p.m. King Henry IV at THT 6:15 p.m. Mary Hogan Winter Concert 7:20 p.m. First Wednesdays: The Wyeths 8:30 p.m. The Silk Road Thursday, Jan. 3 5 a.m. Otter Creek Audubon Society - Lynx 6:30 a.m. Yoga for You 7 a.m. Mary Hogan Winter Concert 10:30 a.m. Black Bears 12 p.m. First Wednesdays: The Wyeths 1 p.m. Yoga 1:30 p.m. For the Animals 2 p.m. Festival on the Green 5 p.m. All Things LGBTQ 6 p.m. King Henry IV at THT 8 p.m. Creating Supportive Environments for LBGTQ Teens Friday, Jan. 4 12 a.m. VT State Board of Education

5:30 a.m. First Wednesdays: The Wyeths 11 a.m. Mary Hogan Winter Concert 11:51 a.m. Senior Moments - Bach 6 & 7 4:30 p.m. Yoga for You 5 p.m. All Things LGBTQ 6 p.m. Otter Creek Audubon Society - Lynx 8 p.m. Eastern Old Growth Forests Saturday, Jan. 5 5:30 a.m. Bird Talk 6:30 a.m. For The Animals 7 a.m. Yoga for You 8 a.m. All Things LGBTQ 9 a.m. King Henry IV at THT 12 p.m. Otter Creek Audubon Society - Lynx 1:30 p.m. Creating Supportive Environments for LBGTQ Teens 5 p.m. Mary Hogan Winter Concert 6 p.m. King Henry IV at THT 7:15 p.m. Mary Hogan - Author Talk - Todd Olson 8 p.m. All Things LGBTQ 9 p.m. Middlebury Community Sings “Messiah” Sunday, Jan. 6 6:30 a.m. Yoga 7 a.m. King Henry IV at THT 8:30 a.m. Middlebury Community Sings “Messiah” 3:30 p.m. Mary Hogan Winter Concert 4:30 p.m. All Things LGBTQ 5:30 p.m. King Henry IV at THT 6:45 p.m. Middlebury Community Sings “Messiah” 9 p.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 1 10 p.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 2 11 p.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 3 Monday, Jan. 7 12 a.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 4 1 a.m. No-Till Vegetable Production 5 2 a.m. VT State Board of Education 5:30 a.m. Special Programming 3 p.m. Yoga 3:30 p.m. Middlebury Community Wind Ensemble 5 p.m. Middlebury Community Sings “Messiah” 6:15 p.m. King Henry IV at THT 7 p.m. Special Programming

SPORTS

PAGE 14 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

Score BOARD

MONDAY

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Girls’ Hockey 12/28 MUHS vs. Rutland..........................4-3 12/29 MUHS vs. Spaulding......................2-0 Boys’ Hockey 12/26 MUHS vs. CVU...............................6-1 12/28 MUHS vs. Lake Placid....................5-0 12/29 Stowe vs. MUHS............................3-2 Girls’ Basketball 12/27 Mill River vs. MUHS....................34-28 12/28 West Rutland vs. OV..................44-34 12/29 Milton vs. MUHS.........................43-19 12/29 Mt. Abe vs. U-32.........................48-22 12/29 VUHS vs. Montpelier..................54-36 Boys’ Basketball 12/27 VUHS vs. Harwood.....................54-49 12/27 Randolph vs. Mt. Abe.................63-51 12/27 MUHS vs. Colchester.................62-57 12/27 Mill River vs. OV.........................54-48 12/29 OV vs. Hartford...........................38-28 12/29 S. Burlington vs. MUHS..............72-61 COLLEGE SPORTS Men’s Hockey 12/29 Midd. vs. Johnson & Wales............3-2 12/30 Hobart at Midd..............................Late Women’s Basketball 12/29 Midd. vs. Keene..........................55-40 Men’s Basketball 12/30 Midd. at Swarthmore....................Late

Schedule HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Girls’ Hockey 1/2 Essex at MUHS.............................. 7 PM 1/5 MUHS at Colch/BHS................. 5:50 PM Boys’ Hockey 1/2 MUHS at Rice............................ 8:35 PM 1/5 MUHS at Rutland............................ 7 PM Girls’ Basketball 1/2 Harwood at VUHS.......................... 7 PM 1/2 Mt. Abe at South Burlington............ 7 PM 1/2 Mt. Mansfield at MUHS................... 7 PM 1/2 Mill River at OV............................... 7 PM 1/4 Springfield at OV............................ 7 PM 1/4 Mt. Abe at MUHS............................ 7 PM 1/5 Mt. Mansfield at VUHS.............. 2:30 PM Boys’ Basketball 1/2 OV at Mt. Abe................................. 7 PM 1/4 VUHS at Fairfax......................... 7:30 PM 1/5 Colchester at MUHS....................... 7 PM 1/5 OV at Brattleboro....................... 2:30 PM Gymnastics 1/3 Randolph at MUHS......................... 6 PM COLLEGE SPORTS Men’s Hockey 1/4 Midd. at Wesleyan.......................... 7 PM 1/5 Midd. at Trinity................................ 4 PM Women’s Hockey 1/4 Amherst at Midd.............................. 7 PM 1/5 Amherst at Midd.............................. 3 PM Women’s Basketball 12/31 Midd. at Mt. St. Mary.................. 1 PM 1/4 Midd. at Conn................................. 7 PM 1/5 Midd. at Wesleyan.......................... 3 PM Men’s Basketball 1/2 SUNY Canton at Midd.................... 3 PM 1/4 Conn. at Midd................................. 7 PM 1/5 Wesleyan at Midd........................... 3 PM

MIDDLEBURY FORWARD ALETA Mathers scores on a breakaway to put the Tigers ahead 3-2 in the second period of their 4-3 win over Rutland on Friday. Independent photo/Steve James

Tiger girls claim Holiday Classic crown By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Union High School girls’ hockey team followed up a tense win over rival Rutland on Friday by coasting past Spaulding on Saturday to claim the crown of the Tigers’ own Fletcher “Buster” Brush Holiday Classic, played at the Memorial Sports Center. Vs. the previously undefeated Raiders the Tigers scored twice during a five-minute first-period power play

and hung on for a 4-3 victory over a Division I team that outshot them, 28-16. Sophomore goalie Lydia Deppman’s 25 saves and senior forward Aleta Mathers’ two goals were crucial in that result. On Saturday the D-II Tigers defeated D-III Spaulding by 2-0 on the scoreboard, but the play on the ice told a different story — it looked like a 45-minute power play. The Tigers pelted Tide goalie Amber McGinley

with 52 shots, and she stopped 50 of them. At the other end Deppman was rarely tested; she was officially credited with four stops against the 1-5 Tide. Coach Matt Brush was happy with the results, especially the grit his team showed against the 3-1 Raiders, but said after Saturday’s game the Tigers lacked the edge and efficiency to their play against Spaulding they will need against the better competition ahead.

“We had a really nice win against Rutland, and for us it was an emotional win. We always like to play Rutland. It’s always been a good rivalry, and for us to steal one there a little bit we were really excited,” Brush said. “And we came in a little bit flat for the start of this game. And it felt like at times we weren’t gelling as a team. The passes weren’t getting there, and it just felt a little disconnected.” (See Crown, Page 15)

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Union High School boys’ hockey team picked up two one-side wins this past Wednesday and Friday, but couldn’t hold off Stowe’s late rally in the final of the Tigers’ own Fletcher “Buster” Brush Holiday Classic at the Memorial Sports Center. In that game Stowe won the tournament title with two goals in the final 1:33 to prevail, 3-2. By doing so the Raiders finally solved Tiger junior goalie Zeke Hooper, who after allowing a goal on the first shot he saw had kept the Tigers in the game

with 44 straight saves. MUHS fell to 5-1 with the setback to the 3-1 Raiders. In the tournament’s first round the Tigers dismissed Lake Placid, 5-0, and on Wednesday they coasted over host Champlain Valley, 6-1. But Coach Derek Bartlett said games like those apparently did not prepare his team to face Stowe, which had defeated Brookline, Mass., 5-4, in Friday’s first round. With the exception of the first few minutes of the second period the strong-skating Raiders controlled play throughout and overall launched more than a shot a minute — they outshot the Tigers,

47-11. “We were not ready for the speed. To this point we had played teams where we had time and space to make decisions, make good hockey plays,” Bartlett said. “And tonight we faced a team that took away that time and space, and we couldn’t respond in an effective manner.” Certainly, he said, things had gone well in the Tigers’ five wins before Saturday. “We’re winning the games we should win,” Bartlett said. “Up until this point we’ve been making good decisions. We’ve been getting contributions from multiple lines.

A lot of that has to do with who our opponents are. When we’ve had time and space we’ve made good hockey plays, and we’ve been putting in five, six goals a game.” Stowe posed a tougher challenge, starting with a first period in which the Raiders outshot the Tigers, 19-1, and scored 10 seconds after the opening faceoff: Max Carr backhanded home a Jace Boerger feed from point-blank range. “Credit to them. They play hard,” Bartlett said. “They outraced us to every puck. They won every battle on the boards.” (See Tourney, Page 15)

Boys’ hockey wins two, falls to Stowe in tourney

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 15

Tourney (Continued from Page 14) Hooper held the fort for almost the entire game. Five minutes in he dove headfirst to his right to deny Carr at the right post. Mid-period Hooper stopped Atticus Eiden from close range three times, and at 3:14 he smothered an Eiden one-timer. Hooper got some defensive help from juniors Kamrin Bartlett, a co-captain, and Robbie Bicknell and sophomores Tucker Stearns and Daniel Hodsden, but there was little question who was the Tigers’ star of the night. “Obviously Zeke was a big factor,” Bartlett said. “He kept us in the game.” The Tigers came out for the second period with a little life in their step, with senior co-captain and forward Kolby Farnsworth setting an early tone forechecking. The Tigers’ most effective forward pairing of the night, senior Cooper O’Brien and junior Hale Hescock also went to work. In the first minute they broke in two-on-one, but O’Brien lofted his shot over the crossbar. But at 1:16 Hescock found the net. The Tigers broke up a Stowe rush and O’Brien carried out down the right side. O’Brien sent the puck forward to Hescock at the Raider blue line, and he went around one defender and from near the right faceoff dot found the far corner with a low shot. Forty seconds later the Tigers had the lead. Junior Aaron Larocque won the puck deep and fed classmate Ryan Nadeau about 10 feet off the right post, and Nadeau slid a shot just

inside the post at 1:56. The second period was more even than the first, but two Tiger penalties, one drawn by Carr as Hooper was stopping his breakaway bid, stalled their momentum despite strong penalty killing. The Tigers also earned a late power play, but their best bid, a shot by freshman Joey Niemo, deflected wide off a defender. Shots were fewer for Stowe in the third, at 11, and it looked like the Tigers could hang on. Bartlett made several good defensive plays, and at the other end in the third minute Nadeau split the defense and forced Raider goalie Connor McWeeney (nine saves) to make a stop. Midway in the period McWeeney sticked aside junior Devon Kearns’ spinning backhander from the slot. Then Stowe struck. Carr entered the MUHS end with a head of steam and beat two defenders and then Hooper with a strong move to tie the game at 13:27. Then with just 20 seconds to go Boerger one-timed a behind-the-net pass from Alex Tilgner past a screened Hooper, and Stowe soon afterward celebrated its title. Carr picked up the second assist on the game-winner; it was the 100th point of the senior’s career. Bartlett said the Tigers would work on preparing to play at the faster pace at their upcoming games by focusing in practice on small-space games that will require them to think and react quickly. FRIDAY GAME In Friday’s tournament opener the

Tigers coasted past Lake Placid, 5-0. MUHS had defeated the Bombers, 5-1, on the road earlier in the month. A Larocque goal set up by sophomore Andy Giorgio gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead after on period. The Tigers then broke the game open with three second-period goals, two by Kearns. Kearns completed the hat trick with an unassisted third-period strike. Bartlett scored the other Tiger goal, and also picked up an assist. Farnsworth assisted the Tigers’ first two goals in the second period, and Niemo earned the first assist on Kearns’ second goal. Junior Jeffrey Stearns made 11 saves for the shutout in the Tiger goal, and Lake Placid goalie Anders Stanton made 46 saves. WEDNESDAY GAME In Wednesday’s 6-1 win over CVU the Tigers took the lead with a pair of goals late in the first period and put the game away with three goals in the third. Giorgio, assisted by Bartlett and Larocque, and Kearns, from Farnsworth and Tucker Stearns, scored in the final 1:05 of the first. Kearns, from Niemo, made it 3-1 in the second before Ben Ross answered for the Redhawks. In the third junior Logan PiersonFlagg’s first varsity, goal, set up by Nadeau, made it 4-1, and Larocque, from Nadeau and Bicknell, and Hescock, from O’Brien, added the final goal. Hooper backstopped the win with 15 saves, and CVU goalie Ty Dousevicz made 28 stops.

TIGER JUNIOR DEVON Kearns collides with a Stowe forward in front of the Tigers’ bench in the 3-2 loss on Saturday. Independent photo/Steve James

LOCAL

SPORTS

Trent Campbell

Andy Kirkaldy

Matt Dickerson

Karl Lindholm

WE’VE GOT IT COVERED!

Crown

TIGER FORWARD ALETA Mathers (17) celebrates her go-ahead goal with Meredith Kimble (2) in the second period of the Tigers’ game against Rutland on Friday. MUHS won that game, 4-3, and went on to claim the crown of the Tigers’ own Fletcher “Buster” Brush Holiday Classic, played at the Memorial Sports Center. Independent photo/Steve James

(Continued from Page 14) Brush credited McGinley’s effort, but said more patience and passing on the Tigers’ part could have made her life more difficult. “You’ve got to get a goalie moving, and we were satisfied with taking shots at her that she could see,” he said. “We didn’t have a lot of screening. We didn’t have a lot of tip-ins.” On the other hand Brush praised his forwards and defenders for their relentless work to keep Spaulding pinned in its own end. “I thought our forecheck was pretty organized,” he said. “We kept them hemmed in for extended periods.” Overall, Brush sees progress, and the potential for more. “I think we’re winning the games we’re supposed to win, and I think we’re playing some of the teams that we think are good, we’re playing them tough,” Brush said. “We’re a young team. I think we’re coming together. We have glimpses where things look really nice, and if we keep building and getting better every day, then at the end of the season, who knows?” RUTLAND GAME A pivotal moment in Friday’s firstround game came in the first period, when the Raiders were assessed for a five-minute major for boarding from behind. The Tigers took advantage to score twice with the extra skater, with

Mathers using an assist from freshman forward Avery Gale and junior forward Izzy Pistilli converting a feed from classmate Taylor Moulton, a center. The Raiders came back to knot the score on goals by Breanna Beauchamp later in the first and Alexis Patterson in the second period, but the Tigers closed the second period strong, with strikes from Mathers, assisted by junior Merry Kimble and freshman defender Carlisle Brush. Rutland’s Isabel Crossman scored an unassisted goal in the third to make it 4-3, but Deppman and the Tiger defense locked down the victory. Goalie Amy Howard made 12 saves for the Raiders, who had earlier in December defeated a ColchesterBurlington team that had knocked off the Tigers. TIDE STEMMED The Tigers started peppering McGinley immediately on Saturday, but she denied dangerous bids by Kimble, Mathers, Brush and Gale in the opening minutes. The seemingly inevitable occurred at 7:07, with Pistilli breaking the ice. Moulton won the puck in the left corner, skated behind and just past the net, and fed Pistilli out front. Pistilli slid an eight-foot shot between McGinley’s pads. At 11:27 of the first period Kimble made it 2-0. Off a faceoff win Gale sent the puck to Mathers at the left

point, and she stepped into the high slot and ripped a hard shot at the upper right corner. McGinley gloved it, but could not hold on, and Kimble rapped the loose puck home. The Tide had one good look at goal late in the period. Analie Choquette took a feed from the right side just off the left post, but Deppman (four saves for the shutout) reached out with her stick and disrupted the shot attempt. Choquette also missed wide from the slot in the third period, probably the Tide’s best chance. The rest of the game saw McGinley continue to make saves at a pace of more than one a minute, 20 in the second period and 17 in the third. Among the most frustrated were sophomore defender Audrey Schnoor and Mathers, who saw their breakaway bids denied late in the second and third periods, respectively. Defensively, Schnoor erased several Tide breakouts, 8th-grade defender Hanna Doria hustled back to break up the final — and rare — Spaulding rush in the last minute, and Brush and freshmen Ryley Olson joined them as steady presences in the back and at the offensive blue line. The Tigers next face a tough stretch of four straight D-I games: They host Essex on Wednesday at 7 p.m., and their next three games will be at Colchester-Burlington, South Burlington and Rice.

PAGE 16 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

Spotlight on

Vergennes

Opera House gets new efficient lighting VERGENNES — The board and officers of the non-profit Friends of the Vergennes Opera House recently announced the completion of a $15,000 installation of a new energy efficient lighting system at the Main Street hall. The project consisted of 17 new LED downlights and 14 new LED exit signs. This new LED lighting replaces the halogen lights that were installed more than 20 years ago when the technology was much different. The downlights supply the primary lighting in the facility. The exit lights provide guides to the emergency

exits and generate lighting in the event of an emergency. The new LED downlight fixtures provide a number of advantages over the halogen lights. • Brightness: They deliver light that is approximately 50 percent brighter. • Cost: The new lights cost 25 percent less to run. • Safety: The LED fixtures generate virtually no heat, thus significantly reducing the risk of fire. • Longevity: The LED bulbs are expected to last 50,000 hours as compared to the halogen bulbs that only last about 3,500 hours. That is

THE NEW DOWNLIGHTS, shown before installation, feature LED fixtures and provide the primary lighting in the hall.

a bulb life that is more than 14 times longer. • Maintenance: Since the fixtures are housed in the ceiling of the opera house which is over 30 feet above the floor, changing a bulb requires the use of an electric lift. An extended life span means that the bulbs will need very little maintenance over the years. The new exit signs have advantages in that they also have a longer life span and run at a lower cost than the previous fixtures. Additionally, due to the state-of-the-art technology of the fixtures, they meet the latest fire code requirements and safety standards for the building. This project was facilitated by the all-volunteer team of the Friends of the Vergennes Opera House (FVOH) Board and volunteers. The funds raised through sponsorships, underwriting and revenue from ticket sales MEMBERS OF THE CDP Electric crew take a break during installation is reinvested into the historic theater, of the new lights to see how it lights up the stage. thus making these types of improvePhotos courtesy of Gerianne Smart ments to this 19th-century building possible. Partnering with the FVOH pricing, which significantly reduced completed the installation. were the good folks at Hubbell the cost of the project. Hubbell is a The Vergennes Opera House is a Incorporated, the manufacturers of $5 billion manufacturer of electrical 121-year-old historic theater located the lighting fixtures. They supplied products. in the heart of Vergennes’ downthe fixtures to the FVOH at factory CDP Electric out of Rutland town, on the second floor of the City Hall building. It was a vibrant part of community life until the late 1950s when the new high school was built. After that, the theater space was no longer needed for high school plays and graduations. It fell into disrepair and was essentially shuttered in 1973. In 1997 the theater was reopened to the public after extensive structural and safety improvements taken on by the fledgling Friends of the Vergennes Opera House organization. Over time, the Opera House has received significant cosmetic improvements and it once again holds its place as the center of cultural and artistic life for the region. Visit vergennesoperahouse.org to FOURTEEN NEW “EXIT” signs have a longer life span, cost less to run and meet current fire codes. learn more.

ADDISON COUNTY

Be sure to check out the flyers in our paper this week!

Great information from: • Kinney Drugs ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

StudentBRIEFS Anna Huppuch of Vergennes was recently named to the dean’s list at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y., for the fall 2018 semester. Huppuch is majoring in Communication Science & Disorders. A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean’s list at Nazareth. Read the

Agricultural Pages

every third Thursday in the Addison Independent

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 17

Spotlight on

Vergennes

City planning extending downtown parking limits to one hour By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — Vergennes-area residents and visitors to the city’s downtown should soon have more time to run errands, shop and dine with less worry of finding a paper ticket tucked under their windshield wipers indicating a $10 fine. At the Vergennes City Council’s request, Vergennes City Manager Matt Chabot is preparing an amendment to the city’s parking ordinance that would extend from two hours to three hours the legal daytime limit to remain in a downtown parking space. Neither the current nor expected new limit applies to evenings or Sundays. The council will consider and all but certainly approve that amendment at its Jan. 8 meeting, and the change will officially take effect 60 days afterward. Most downtown streets in Addison County’s other two largest villages, Middlebury and Bristol, have twohour limits during weekdays and Saturdays. The Vergennes council has discussed the two-hour question in the past, especially at the request of shopkeepers who point out that two hours

is a tight timetable for sitting down for a lunch at a city eatery and then stopping at one or more of their stores. Chabot said the topic came up again recently when Police Chief George Merkel toured downtown to remind shopkeepers they should let customers know of the parking time limits, as well as remind merchants and their employees that they should be mindful not to take prime spaces. Chabot said Merkel in turn relayed to Chabot and Mayor Renny Perry a message from downtown business owners, a message that he and Perry then shared with the full council. “He had come back with the feedback that the merchants felt that two hours was not enough,” Chabot said. “The example that was given to me was that if someone came to the Bixby (Library) with their kid to story hour and then went across the street to Vergennes Laundry and got a cocoa, and then wanted to pop up to Linda’s (Apparel and Gifts), the two hours was not a sufficient amount of time.” Merkel mentioned to the Independent that four hours was a

possibility, but Chabot said council members quickly settled on three. “Three hours felt like a good fit for the council,” he said. “There wasn’t a lot of significant conversation about it.” Chabot said the city would put up signs to indicate the new time limits in a district that includes Main Street between East and South Water streets, all of Park Street, and parts of Green and School streets. But, he said, there were no plans to be “chalking tires to see who was there at 10 and is still there at 2 o’clock.” Rather, Chabot said, city officials hope to raise awareness among and seek the cooperation of residents. “It’s very challenging from a staffing perspective to even enforce a parking ordinance. I would prefer that our police officers spend their time elsewhere,” he said. “So what we are asking for is just a larger sense of community and an understanding that it’s easier if everyone participates and is knowledgeable, versus having to enforce the ordinance.” Chabot is confident in that approach. “It’s a small enough community,

and all of our business owners are vested in making sure that there’s adequate parking for patrons,” he said. “And if everyone is looking at if from

that perspective we think it’s easily accomplished.” Andy Kirkaldy may be reached at andyk@addisonindependent.com.

‘Age Well’ will debut tai chi classes Jan. 14 VERGENNES — Age Well is sponsoring tai chi classes in Vergennes beginning Jan. 14 and running through April 10. Tai chi is a discipline that gets you moving, helps reduce stress and hypertension, builds strength, improves balance and promotes mental clarity and mindfulness. Some of the classes will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays: • Beginner Tai Chi for Fall Prevention (Parts 1 and 2): Monday & Wednesday, 10-10:50 a.m., Jan. 14-April 10. Instructor: Dan Bagley. Contact: bagzs@yahoo.com. • Intermediate Tai Chi for Fall Prevention (Part 3): Monday & Wednesday, 11-11:50 a.m., Jan.

14-April 10. Instructors: Beverly Blakeney- beverlyblakeney@gmail: Lee Francis lhfrancis839gmail.com. There will also be Tuesday classes: • Sun Style 73-Long form: Tuesday, 10-11:50 a.m., Jan. 15-April 9. Must have taken Beginner and Intermediate Tai Chi for Fall Prevention or permission of instructor. Instructors: Beverly Blakeney at beverlyblakeney@ gmail.com or Doreen Peterson at doreenvermont@gmail.com. • Advanced/Maintenance Tai Chi for Fall Prevention: Tuesdays, 11-11:50 a.m., Jan. 15-April 9. Instructor Lee Francis: Contact lhfrancis839@gmail.

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PAGE 18 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

Best of Luck in the future to all Addison County Students!

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Students of the Week from area High Schools Middlebury Union High School

Middlebury Union High School is pleased to introduce Parker Beatty, son of Barbara and Martin Beatty, of Middlebury as its Student of the Week. Parker’s brother, Pierson, is a first year student at Hobart William Smith College in New York. Parker has contributed in many positive ways to the life of MUHS during his four years at the school. The teachers at MUHS respect Parker for his dedication to his studies and his focused efforts in a rigorous curriculum. By the time he graduates in June, he will have completed six Advanced Placement classes, including five years of French. Parker is rounding out his senior year with two courses that he has found especially enjoyable, “Memoirs” with Ms. Downer, and “Design” with Mr. Slater. A talented student, Parker’s name regularly appears on the school’s Honor Roll and he is a member of the National Honor Society. He is actively engaged in food drives, community service, planning for winter carnival, and assisting with other school activities.

Parker Beatty Parker has been a key member of the Tigers basketball team for MUHS four years. Basketball has always been a favorite sport and he values the friendships he has made with the other players. Parker played football for the Tigers for two years. During his free time, Parker enjoys reading, listening to music and being with his friends. He is a lifeguard at the town pool in the summer and teaches swim lessons to young children. As a senior, Parker has served as a peer leader, mentoring the entering ninth-graders as they transition from MUMS to high school. His advice to students as they enter high school is simple: “Be patient, fall into the flow, take advantage of the wonderful teachers and enjoy every moment!” The future looks bright for Parker as he looks ahead to college. He plans on pursuing studies in math and science at a mid-size college or university in the Northeast. The faculty and staff at MUHS know that Parker will continue to thrive as he moves on to college and wishes him the best.

Vergennes Union High School

Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Ben Clark as its Student of the Week. Ben lives in Waltham with his dad and mom, Tim and Mimi Clark. His younger sister Claire is in 6th grade at Vergennes Union Elementary School. Ben has been on the honor roll every year of high school. He was inducted to the National Technical Honors Society last year. Ben challenged himself by taking both AP Calculus and AP Literature as a junior, and he took the first semester of AP U.S. History in 10th grade. Ben is also involved in the Vergennes community. He played soccer in his 9th and 10th grade years, and has been a member of the rowing team since his junior year. Ben was the creator of the VUHS Makerspace. Ben also has a musical side. He has been in the Jazz band all four years and a part of the small group of the Commodore Singers since 10th grade. Outside of school Ben has been a counselor at a summer camp the past two years. Last summer Ben volunteered on the Lois McClure canal schooner for a week on the Erie Canal. In 10th grade Ben participated in the school service trip to Costa Rica. Ben Clark Ben also loves to play the guitar, write music, and read about VUHS history. Ben is part of the Young Traditions Vermont Touring Group, which performs traditional music from various Celtic and North American traditions. Last year Ben toured Scotland, and this year he will tour New York and New Jersey. Ben says this about his high school career, “My high school experience has taught me that while it is easy to simply go with the flow, one must be willing to step out of the box in order to succeed. My philosophy is that if things are not how you want them to be, change them. My advice to other students would be to start planning your future early so you know what to do to achieve it, and then you’re not constantly stressed out about it.” Becky Ebel, Ben’s morning meeting teacher, says this about our Student of the Week, “Ben is quiet but influential, he sets a high standard for himself and has a wide variety of interests. From establishing and sustaining a STEM club, discussing the purpose and nature of education, to writing music, Ben brings intellectual curiosity and creative engagement to everything he pursues.” Following graduation from VUHS Ben plans on going to college to major in robotics engineering. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Ben the very best in the future.

Students of the week from all area high schools will receive a gift certificate from Vermont Book Shop, and a gift card from 7 South Sandwiches. Students of the Week are chosen by school teachers and administration.

We’re proud to support all area students and want to say Thanks to those who volunteer with us!

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Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 19

2018

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).

2.

Have fun! Be Creative!

3.

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.

4.

Entries must be in by: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2ND 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 7th edition of the Addison Independent.

Age:

Parent/Guardian’s name: Address: City:

State:

All entries and prizes must be claimed by January 31st at 5 p.m.

Zip:

ADDISON COUNTY

Phone: Age Group:

under 5

5-6

7-8

9-11

12-15

16-Adult

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PAGE 20 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

PETS IN NEED HOMEWARD BOUND

Addison County’s Humane Society Puma. 5 months, Hound mix, female. This sweet little girl was abandon in a trailer park in Georgia, before making her way to Vermont through a St. Hubert’s transport. She is just under 5 months old, and is a playful, inquisitive and gentle puppy! Puma will capture your heart as soon as you meet her.

Cricket. 6 years, mixed breed, spayed female. Cricket is a beautiful 6 year old lady looking for her forever family. Highly affectionate towards people, she’d love nothing more than to be your co-pilot, go for a peaceful hike through the woods and finish out the day with as many hours of snuggling as she can get. Cricket has tried many times to be friends with other dogs or cats, but it just isn’t her thing; she needs a home where she can be the center of attention. For this reason, we are requiring that she be the only animal in the home with no children under the age of 13. Cricket is a gem who deserves every bit of love you have to give! Charcoal. 1.5 years, shorthair black, neutered male. Charcoal and Macee are a lovely bonded pair. Macee is laid back and care-free, while Charcoal can be a bit more high-strung and anxious- they complement each other wonderfully! Both are happy to receive affection or just snuggle up next to you while you read a book or watch TV, but neither will complain about a high-stakes game of catch the feather toy. In fact Charcoal is a much more relaxed kitty when he gets regular exercise. This sweet pair will be happy just to be together and to have a home to call their own! Macee. 5 years, shorthair tiger, spayed female. Charcoal and Macee are a lovely bonded pair. Macee is laid back and carefree, while Charcoal can be a bit more highstrung and anxious- they complement each other wonderfully! Both are happy to receive affection or just snuggle up next to you while you read a book or watch TV, but neither will complain about a high-stakes game of catch the feather toy. In fact Charcoal is a much more relaxed kitty when he gets regular exercise. This sweet pair will be happy just to be together and to have a home to call their own! Misty. 14 years, long hair calico, spayed female. Misty is the Grande Dame of the shelter. She is a gorgeous, long-haired calico who is used to the sweeter things in life. She is a strictly an indoor cat; why would a lovely lady like her want to get her paws muddy or wet? Misty is looking to be an only cat in a quiet home, where she will properly appreciated for her great beauty and great wisdom. And goodness sake, put down your cell phone when speaking to this lovely lady!

Pet Pages Some holiday treats are toxic to pets By ERIN FORBES, DVM The holiday season has arrived and brings celebrations, presents and decorations. For pet owners the season also presents some common pet safety issues. There are many pet hazards to be aware of during the holidays, including specific types of plants, certain foods, and even decorations. Chocolate is abundant during many holiday celebrations. It’s a great treat for humans, but for pets it is a wellknown toxin. If ingested it can cause mild signs, such as vomiting and diarrhea, but can also cause more serious signs such as seizures and or death. The stronger the chocolate, the more serious the ingestion can be — eating baking cocoa is more serious than eating milk chocolate. Keep chocolate away from anywhere your pets may get it and call your veterinarian right away if your pet does eat some. They can generally help determine if the amount eaten will cause issues. Grapes and raisins are used in many holiday recipes and if given to a

pet can cause kidney failure or death. Make sure to not feed your pet any holiday sweets with raisins or grapes in them and remind your guests they are toxic to pets. The specific toxin in grapes has not been identified yet so any ingestion is cause for concern. Tinsel is a common decoration used on many a Christmas tree. This shiny item can cause a problem if ingested, specifically in cats. The long thread type material looks like a toy to a cat and if the cat eats it, it can get stuck in the stomach or intestines, requiring emergency surgery. Xylitol is a sugar alternative found in low-fat sweets, gums, peanut butter, and some recipes. Xylitol can cause an animal’s blood sugar to drop, which may make your pet have a seizure. It can also cause severe damage to the liver. Not all pets survive xylitol ingestion and those that do require intensive care and hospitalization. There are many plants we see during the holidays that can cause issues with pets. Lilies are extremely toxic

You love your pets… We do too

Dog Obedience & Agility

Maple & Louie. 3 & 4 years, English Lop & Lop/American mix, neutered males. Maple and Louie are a pair of bonded male rabbits who are looking for a home together. Both are sweet, enjoy human company, and are potty trained! Louie loves to be held and while Maple doesn’t enjoy being picked up he will settle in for snuggles once he feels secure. Maple is blind and relies on his brother Louie for safety and security, so this duo must be adopted into a home together. All rabbits adopted from Homeward Bound are indoor pets that aren’t suited for life in an outside hutch.

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to cats and cause kidney failure, so keep those out of their reach. Holly and mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in very rare cases, seizures and death. Poinsettias are actually not that toxic, despite the hype, and generally just cause mild GI upset. It is a good idea to keep plants in places where pets cannot get to them and chew them. Some holiday hazards are overlooked, including open flames and electric cords. During the holiday season many people light multiple candles and put them in places pets, especially cats, can reach. If a pet comes into contact with an open flame fur can quickly catch fire, causing burns and potential lung damage. Consider keeping candles in places your pets cannot get to them or using decorative candle shades. Many people will also use decorative lights inside and outside their house, which means there will be electrical cords in many places. Puppies and kittens are curious and may chew on them, which can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs from electric shock. Keep wires taped down and use protective cases when possible. These are just a few of the holiday hazards facing our pets this season. If you have any concerns or questions about your pets and the holidays, please contact your veterinarian. If your pet eats something and you are not sure if it is toxic call your veterinarian office or poison control right away. Erin Forbes, DVM, of Mountain View Animal Hospital, is a member of the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 370 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine.

Your pet wants to be in the Addison INDEPENDENT

If you’d like to include your pet as “Pet of the Week” simply include your pet’s name, gender, approximate age (if you know it), along with comments about the pet’s favorite activities, your favorite activity with the pet, what the pet enjoys eating, and any particular stories or incidents you might like to share concerning your pet. Send the photo and story to the Addison Independent, Pet Page, 58 Maple St., Middlebury, Vt., 05753, or email a high-resolution jpeg to news@ addisonindependent.com.

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 21

Adaptive bicycles (Continued from Page 1) that the company offers. Black, who has worked as an “I think that people like to travel engineer in product development here for fittings,” she said. “Often, since the 1970s, and Wrede, who we work with whole families and you has had a long career developing can see the joy in kids’ faces when and building adaptive bicycles, they get to follow the geese or see started RAD-Innovations in 1999 horses for the first time. The farm is a in Oregon. Around the same time, big part of why we are here.” Black was raising a herd of up to 60 She recalled a recent fitting she Dutch Warmbloods on their farm in did for a teenaged girl from Addison Washington state. He sold the horses County who suffers from cerebral for competition and has bred animals palsy: that competed in the Olympics and in “Once we got her onto her bike, Grand Prix competitions. she took off, racing her dad (from For the last decade, RAD- the barn-turned-bike-shop) to the Innovations each year has built and mailbox. To see a child move like shipped 200 to 300 adaptive tricycles that, knowing they’ve never moved and bikes to customers, Veterans so quickly of their own volition Affairs centers and dealers all over before and to see her laughing with North America. The business, which her father? That was really cool.” Wrede and Black operate together, has For Black, bringing his business two components: Black runs a design to Vermont was a natural move. and consulting operation, in which Before meeting Wrede, Black did a he advises companies that are trying stint in the Green Mountains during to develop new adaptive bicycles on the 1980s, when he lived in the Mad DAVID BLACK AND Anja Wrede demonstrated two of the customizable adaptive tricycles they build for ways to make them operate more River Valley. When he eventually their business, RAD-Innovations, in their milking parlor-turned biked shop in Cornwall. Independent photos/Abagael Giles smoothly for people with disabilities. left in the late 1980s to take a job on He and Wrede helped launch the the west coast, he always thought he in East Africa, where he rode horses. work as an engineer but made regular They decided to team up and formed BerkelBike, an ergonomic hand- and might someday come back. It wasn’t until the late 1980s, when trips to the Netherlands in search of a RAD-Innovations in 1999. They foot-powered tricycle that allows Part of that interest comes from Black was working as an engineer perfect stallion. He ultimately found moved back to Vermont with their people who cannot move their legs his passion for horses and a love of in Orange County that he decided Avenir, a retired Olympic jumper and son Henry in 2015. of their own volition to to start picking up work the namesake of his current farm. CORNWALL HOMESTEAD experience the motion training horses. Black eventually purchased a big Avenir Farm sits off Route 125 of pedaling when they “What I found was old farm in Washington state. It was against a large, forested knoll, on power the bike with their that people would pay during this period that he met Wrede. the uphill slope of in the Lemon Fair hands. $25,000 for a Grand Prix “When I met him in the 1990s, he valley. The 47-acre parcel that houses “Often those folks horse, but many of them had 60 horses,” she recalled. the farm buildings, business and can push from their couldn’t ride at the level Wrede is not a horse person, but farmhouse abuts 500 acres of land quads and even if you the horse demanded. she is a 30-year veteran of the bicycle managed under the Vermont Land aren’t powering the The more I worked as a industry. What brought her and Trust. movement of your legs, trainer and started to learn Black together was a project they “It will never be developed,” Black the motion improves about breeding, the more collaborated on in the late ’90s to build said. “Here, we don’t have to board tone and circulation and I realized that the horses a wheel chair to allow a child with our horses and the land supports the comfort,” says Black. that were winning were physical disabilities to better access herd. Our neighbors look out for us He helped move the the Dutch Warmbloods, sandy southern California beaches. and we for them. It was something project from what Wrede not the quarter horses He was a product development I found in Vermont in the 1970s called a “very expensive and thoroughbreds that consultant for the project and she was and ’80s and never forgot about the Frankenstein bike” everybody thought they working as the project manager for place.” with an office chair seat wanted.” a German company responsible for For Wrede, coming to Vermont was and chrome tubing to In 1993, Black dove providing parts for the device. a natural choice given the lifestyle, DAVID BLACK SHOWS one of his two Dutch Warmblood something that looks stallions that he breeds at Avenir Farms in Cornwall. into the niche he saw for “David is a problem solver,” says and she likes what she’s found in the as sleek and operable more approachable sport Wrede, who does much of the bike people in her neighborhood. as anything you might horses. He moved to building and business administration “I don’t really see my neighbors, encounter in a high-end bike shop old farms he picked up while living Vancouver, where there was a culture for RAD-Innovations. She saw that but I know that if I called, they’d be and is as customizable as a high-end as a young man in Vermont. Black’s of racing Dutch Warmbloods, to learn he had a knack for taking engineering here,” she said. “If they saw too much road bike. It’s also compatible with father was a member of the Foreign about breeding racehorses. Over the projects from a rough idea to smoke coming from my chimney, functional electrical stimulation, Service and he spent his teenage years following 13 years, he continued to something marketable and viable. they’d stop by.” a common medical treatment that “It’s a really special thing about applies small electrical charges farming in Vermont,” Black added, to a paralyzed muscle in order to “this idea that if the neighbor needs stimulate movement. help, you go. No matter the time of Black and Wrede also have a night, you get it done because next guesthouse at their farm where they time it may you who needs the help. host clients overnight for fittings. That sense of reciprocity is part of the Once a client has been fitted, Wrede DNA of this place.” will build a custom bike and tweak it Wrede and Black, together with to fit precisely — just like a perfectly their teenage son Henry, are slowly fitted road bike. Black may deliver restoring barns and buildings around the finished bike in a van or it may their property. The old milking be shipped from their property as parlor is now a warehouse and bike parts if the client lives close to a bike shop. They are currently converting shop equipped to build a custom another barn into a show room for adaptable bike. their prototype bikes. Wrede is half the genius behind the “The Middlebury area is great unique adjustments and adaptations. for us. There is access to affordable She is also a licensed parts dealer shipping, we are a day’s drive to for the German adaptive bicycle New York City, we are close to the company Hase Bikes, where the mountains and yet, we get an extra RAD-Innovations sources many of couple weeks of good growing its parts. She loves people and solving season in on either end of the winter,” mechanical problems to help them AVENIR FARMS SITS on the edge of the Lemon Fair River valley in Cornwall. Since purchasing the property said Wrede, who gardens. meet their needs. And she sees the in 2015, owners Anja Wrede and David Black have refurbished several of the old dairy farm’s historic “Plus,” Black said, “the horse Cornwall farm as part of the package outbuildings. market is stronger here.”

PAGE 22 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

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Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 23

SERVICES DIRECTORY PROPERTY SERVICES

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REAL ESTATE Buying or Selling in Addison County? “Michael was incredibly helpful, attentive, patient, and a pleasure to work with. He knows the area and lots of people in town and was able to make good recommendations.” ~Monica, Vergennes

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PAGE 24 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

Addison Independent

CLASSIFIEDS Public Meetings

Public Meetings

Public Meetings

Public Meetings

Public Meetings

Public Meetings

Public Meetings

ADULT ALL‑ RECOVERY Group Meeting for anyone over 18 who is struggling with addiction disorders. Wednes‑ days, 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 turning‑ pointaddisonvt.org.

AL‑ANON: FOR FAMILIES and friends affected by some‑ one’s drinking. Members share experience, strength and hope to solve common problems. Newcomers wel‑ come. Confidential. St. Ste‑ phen’s Church (use front side door and go to basement) in Middlebury, Sunday nights 7:15‑8:15 pm.

A LC OH OLIC S A N ON Y‑ MOUS, 2 MONDAY. As Bill Sees it Meeting, Ripton, Rip‑ ton Firehouse, Dugway Rd. 7:15‑8:15am. As Bill Sees it Meeting, Middlebury, The Turning Point Ctr, 54 Creek Rd. Noon‑1pm. Women of AA (Step/Speaker), Middle‑ bury, The Turning Point Ctr, 54 Creek Rd, 5:30‑6:30pm. Big Book Meeting, Middle‑ bury, The Turning Point Ctr, 54 Creek Rd. 7:30‑8:30pm. Big Book Meeting, New Ha‑ ven, Congregational Church, Village Green, 7:30‑8:30pm. Discussion Meeting, Brandon, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rte 7 South, 7:30‑8:30am.

A LC OH OLIC S A N ON Y‑ MOUS, 3 TUESDAY. 12 Step Meeting, Middlebury, The Turning Point Ctr. 54 Creek Rd. Noon‑1pm. Daily Reflec‑ tion Meeting, Vergennes, Con‑ gregational Church, Water St. 7‑8pm. 12 Step Meet‑ ing, Middlebury, The Turn‑ ing Point Ctr. 54 Creek Rd. 7:30‑8:30pm. Spiritual Awak‑ ening Meeting, Middlebury, St. Stephen’s Church, Main St. (on the Green) 7:30‑8:30am.

A LC OHOLIC S A N ON Y‑ MOUS, 5 THURSDAY. 12 Steps and Traditions Meet‑ ing, Ripton, Ripton Firehouse, Dugway Rd. 7:15‑8:15am. Big Book Meeting, Middle‑ bury, The Turning Point Ctr. 54 Creek Rd. Noon‑1pm. Alternating Format Meeting, Ferrisburgh, Assembly of God Christian Center. Route 7, 7‑8pm. Speaker Meeting, Middlebury, St. Stephen’s Church, Main St. (on the Green) 7:30‑8:30pm.

A LC OH OLIC S A N ON Y‑ MOUS, 7 SATURDAY. Dis‑ cussion Meeting, Middlebury, United Methodist Church, North Pleasant St. 9‑10am. Discussion Meeting, Middle‑ bury, Beginner’s Meeting, Mid‑ dlebury, The Turning Point Ctr. 54 Creek Rd. 6:30‑7:30pm.

ARE YOU BOTHERED BY SOMEONE’S DRINKING? Opening Our Hearts Al‑Anon Group meets each Wednes‑ day at 1:30 pm at Middlebury’s St. Stephen’s Church on Main St. (enter side door and follow signs). Anonymous and confi‑ dential, we share our experi‑ ence, strength and hope to solve our common problems. Babysitting available.

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.

Services

ALCOHOLICS ANONY‑ MOUS, 1 SUNDAY. 12 Step Meeting, Middlebury, United Methodist Church, North Pleasant St. 9‑10am. Discussion Meeting, Bristol, Howden Hall, 19 West St. 4‑5pm. Women’s Meeting, North Ferrisburgh, United Methodist Church, Old Hol‑ low Rd. 6‑7pm. 12 Step Meet‑ ing, Vergennes, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Park St. 7‑8pm. AA 24‑Hour Hotline 802‑388‑9284, aavt.org.

Services

Services

A LC OH OLIC S A N ON Y‑ MOUS, 4 WEDNESDAY. Big Book Meeting, Middle‑ bury, United Methodist Church, North Pleasant St. 7:15‑8:15am. Discussion Meeting, Middlebury, The Turning Point Ctr. 54 Creek Rd. Noon‑1pm. 12 Step Meet‑ ing, Brandon, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rte 7 South, 7‑8pm. 12 Step Meet‑ ing, Bristol, Howden Hall, 19 West St. 7‑8pm.

A LC OHOLIC S A N ON Y‑ MOUS, 6 FRIDAY. Spiritual Awakening Meeting, Middle‑ bury, St. Stephen’s Church, Main St. (on the Green) 7:30‑8:30am. Discussion Meeting, Middlebury, The Turning Point Ctr. 54 Creek Rd. Noon‑1pm. Big Book Meeting, Bristol, Howden Hall, 19 West St. 6‑7pm. Discus‑ sion Meeting, Vergennes, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Park St. 8‑9pm.

Services

Services

ARE YOU BOTHERED BY SOMEONE’S DRINKING? Opening Our Hearts Al‑Anon Group meets each Wednes‑ day at 1:30 pm at Middlebury’s St. Stephen’s Church on Main St. (enter side door and follow signs). Anonymous and confi‑ dential, we share our experi‑ ence, strength and hope to solve our common problems. Babysitting available.

Services

Want to be involved in your community? Is your 2019 resolution to give back? Always check this space for opportunities to get involved in local organizations. Use your skills to better your community.

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• 25¢ per word • minimum $2.50 per ad • 50¢/issue internet listing • minimum 2 insertions Cash in on our 4-for-3 rates! Pay for 3 issues, get 4th issue free! Example: A 20-word ad is just $5.00. An ad placed for consecutive issues (Mondays & Thursdays) is run 4th time free. Cost is $17.00 for 4 issues includes $2.00 internet charge. (Special 4 for 3 rates not valid for the following categories: Help Wanted Services, Opportunities, Real Estate, Wood heat, Attn. Farmers, & For Rent).

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NA MEETINGS MIDDLE‑ BURY: Sundays, 3:00 pm, held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd. NARCAN KITS are available at the Turning Point Center of Addison County FREE of charge. Narcan (Naloxone) is a nasal spray used to re‑ verse an opioid overdose in progress. These kits are spe‑ cifically intended for public distribution and can be used by anyone to save a life. Easy training is provided at Turn‑ ing Point Center, 54 Creek Rd, and takes approximately 10 minutes. Wednesdays between 9 a.m. ‑ noon, or call for an appointment (802) 388‑4249. PARKINSONS SUPPORT GROUP meets on the last Thursday of every month from 10 am to 11:30 am. We meet at The Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury. For info call APDA at 888‑763‑3366 or parkinsoninfo@uvmhealth. org.

Look here for volunteer opportunities!

CLASSIFIED ORDER FORM

NA (JUST IN TIME) Mondays, 6:30 pm, held at The Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd.

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Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 25

Addison Independent

CLASSIFIEDS

Public Meetings

Opportunities

Help Wanted

REFUGE RECOVERY ‑ TUESDAYS 6‑7 p.m. A non‑theistic, Buddhist‑in‑ spired approach to recovery from addictions of all kinds. Dedicated to the practices of mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, this recovery meeting uses meditation and kindness to heal the pain and suffering that addiction has caused. Turning Point Center, 54 Creek Rd. (802) 388‑4249.

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

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

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Services C&I DRYWALL. Hanging, tap‑ ing, skim coat plastering. Also tile. Call Joe 802‑234‑5545 or Justin 802‑234‑2190. 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.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

BGS Maintenance Mechanic II BGS Southwest District Maintenance BGS Maintenance Mechanic II 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 Maintenance Mechanic for installation and maintenance work within the State of Vermont. Work is involving installation and maintenance of routine and complex maintenance work and oversight of contracted work.

TOWN OF MIDDLEBURY SELECTBOARD

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 7:10 p.m. Town Office Conference Room PUBLIC HEARING and INFORMATION MEETING on PRELIMINARY PROPOSED TOWN GENERAL FUND BUDGET (Includes capital project funds for FY20 July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020). The use of surplus local option tax revenues to offset capital project and other expenses will be a focus of discussion at the hearing. Your comments, suggestions and input are important and appreciated. If you can’t make the meeting on the 15th, we invite you to submit your input via e-mail, kramsay@ townofmiddlebury.org, or mail, 77 Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont 05753. Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained from the Town’s website, www.townofmiddlebury.org, at the Town Manager’s office, 77 Main Street, or by calling 802-4588000. If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the Town Manager’s Office as early as possible. 12/31, 01/03

In addition to maintenance responsibilities, duties will include general maintenance for other facilities as required. Work travel will be done with a state provided vehicle. Position will be based out of Middlebury/Mahady courthouse, • Base pay is 16.66 hourly, may 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

Help Wanted EASTVIEW AT MIDDLE‑ BURY seeks enthusiastic and experienced caregivers to pro‑ vide hands‑on care in our dy‑ namic retirement community. Openings: full‑time evenings, part‑time weekends. Email acoyle@eastviewmiddlebury. com or call 989‑7502.

ALYSSUM, INC. Rochester VT. House Manager Posi‑ tion. Looking for an individual who: has lived experience of trauma or mental health chal‑ lenges and recovery as well as experience of providing peer support. Is dynamic, re‑ sponsible and self motivated. Has excellent self awareness and personal boundaries. Has excellent communication skills and has the ability to work collaboratively in a flat man‑ agement program. Has office management and computer skills. Visit us at: alyssum. org/jobs for more information about the job and our pro‑ gram. This salaried position is for 32 hours per week and includes benefits. Submit your cover letter (which addresses your lived experience and your reasons for applying for this job) and your resume to: Gloria@Alyssum.org. HELP WANTED FOR a 24 year old quadriplegic in Ben‑ son VT. Part‑Time. $12‑15 and hour depending on experi‑ ence. He requires day to day care and trach suctioning. Will Train. Must be dependable and show up when scheduled. Will require some transporta‑ tion, so must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check. Contact Lia at 802‑558‑8240 for more info.

Searching for someone to complete your team? or

Are you searching for a job? Either way, you are on the right track with the

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

HOPE HAS AN opening for a 15 hour a week retail as‑ sociate. Applicants should have excellent customer ser‑ vice and cash register skills. We also have an anticipated opening for a 29.5 hour a week materials handler in our warehouse. Customer ser‑ vice and communication skills required, mechanical ability helpful, valid drivers’ license required. Email resume and letter of interest to reception‑ ist@hope‑vt.org or mail to 282 Boardman Street, Suite 1A, Middlebury. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer. PART TIME REGISTER clerk needed for busy family owned convenience store. Set sched‑ ule Sundays 5am ‑ 1pm. Prior work related experience with references preferred. Appli‑ cant should be a morning person who enjoys a fast pace work environment. Apply in person at Small City Market in Vergennes or call Cory at 802‑349‑7101.

PAGE 26 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

Addison Independent

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

For Rent

Please visit www.whistlepigwhiskey.com/ work-with-us/ for a list of current openings and how to apply.

No phone calls please.

Maples Senior Living Community is seeking an established catering company to operate rent free from its furnished commercial kitchen. For more details contact John Hunt at 802-846-5430. ext 3110 Maples Senior Living Community 5 General Wing Road Rutland, Vermont 05701

Help Wanted

For Rent

VERMONT’S LARGEST cleaning service is looking for a full time position im‑ mediately. Must have reliable transportation. Background check required. Must have ex‑ perience. $16/hr. Monday‑Fri‑ day, weekends available but not mandatory. Please call 802‑355‑6500 or email vtbest‑ cleaners@gmail.com.

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 AVAILABLE JAN.,1 Middle‑ bury office space. 250 sq. ft. Single room with own bathroom on Court St./Rte. 7, ground level with ample parking and own entrance. Use of conference room. All utilities including internet for $400 per month. Call Kathy 352‑4302 or email cometovt@ gmail.com.

BRANDON: PARK VILLAGE is now accepting applications for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apart‑ ments. Rents starting at $700, includes heat and trash. No pets. Laundry on site. Income restrictions apply. Call Summit Property Management Group at 802‑247‑0165 or visit our website, summitpmg.com.

NEW HAVEN ‑ 2 bedroom apartment. Next to the town green. $900 monthly. Sunny, hardwood floors, dishwash‑ er, gas stove, 15 minutes to Middlebury. 35 minutes to Bur‑ lington. Utilities not included. Security deposit and refer‑ ences. Call 802‑249‑1328.

SMALL OFFICE SPACE, 656 Exchange Street, Middlebury. $500/month. 802‑388‑4831. S T O R E F R O N T AVA I L ‑ ABLE. 1,000 sq.ft., 616 Ex‑ change Street, Middlebury. 802‑388‑4831. BRISTOL VILLAGE, HIGHLY Visible Retail/Office street lev‑ el space on the Main Street. Approx. 1,800 SF plus base‑ ment storage. Available March 1, 2019. $1,370 mo. Call Tom at Wallace Realty 453‑4670 or Tom@WallaceRE.com. BRISTOL; 3 BEDROOM available. Utilities included are: Heat, hot water, lawn care, snow removal, garbage and parking. Tenant pays elec‑ tric. Small storage space in‑ cluded. 802‑453‑2566.

Business Opportunity

MIDDLEBURY, 2,600 SQ FT office space. Court St., cen‑ tral location, parking. Can be subdivided. Real‑Net Manage‑ ment Inc. 802‑388‑4994.

NEW HAVEN‑1 BEDROOM fully furnished apartment. All utilities and heat included. Washer/dryer. $1,075/month. 802‑453‑3870.

We’re thrilled you’re interested in working for the finest whiskey company in the world.

All applicants may submit a resumé with 3 professional references to jobs@whistlepigrye.com.

For Rent

CORNWALL QUIET COUN‑ TRY APARTMENT 5 miles from Middlebury. 2nd sto‑ ry, 2 bedroom, 1 full bath with washer/dryer hookup. Includes everything plus satellite, storage included. $1,250 per month. 1st and last month’s rent and security deposit. No pets, no smok‑ ing. Available immediately. 802‑462‑2924. MIDDLEBURY 1 BEDROOM, fully furnished apartment, all inclusive, W/D. $1,250/month. 802‑349‑8544. MIDDLEBURY 2 BEDROOM near downtown. Appliances, off street parking, lease. No pets. Real Net Management Inc. 802‑388‑4994. MIDDLEBURY 2 BEDROOM second floor apartment with deck and parking, in the center of town. $1,400/mo. includes heat. No pets. 802‑349‑8544.

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

Real Estate EAST MIDDLEBURY, DAISY Lane Lot #11. Beautiful, level 1/2 acre building lot with good southern exposure on a pri‑ vate lane. Town water, power and cable hookups at curb‑ side. Site approved for four bedroom home with conven‑ tional (no mound necessary) septic system. $68,000. Call Jack Brown 388‑7350.

Att. Farmers HAY FOR SALE Small square bales. First cut and mulch. Call 802‑349‑9281. HAY FOR SALE. 1st, 2nd and 3rd cut. Small squares $2.‑$4.; 4’ rounds $30.‑$50. Mike Quinn, Middlebury. 802‑388‑7828. WHITNEY’S CUSTOM FARM WORK. Pond agitating, liquid manure hauling, drag line aer‑ ating. Call for price. 462‑2755, John Whitney.

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

Public Notices Index

Public notices for the following can be found in this

ADDISON INDEPENDENT on this Page 26.

Addison Northwest School District (1) Middlebury (1) To publish a legal notice in the Addison Independent please email information to legals@addisonindependent.com or fax it to (802) 388-3100.

TOWN OF MIDDLEBURY SELECTBOARD

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 7:10 p.m. Town Office Conference Room PUBLIC HEARING and INFORMATION MEETING on PRELIMINARY PROPOSED TOWN GENERAL FUND BUDGET (Includes capital project funds for FY20 July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020). The use of surplus local option tax revenues to offset capital project and other expenses will be a focus of discussion at the hearing. Your comments, suggestions and input are important and appreciated. If you can’t make the meeting on the 15th, we invite you to submit your input via e-mail, kramsay@townofmiddlebury.org, or mail, 77 Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont 05753. Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained from the Town’s website, www. townofmiddlebury.org/, at the Town Manager’s office, 77 Main Street, or by calling 802-458-8000. If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the Town Manager’s Office as early as possible. 12/31, 01/03

ADDISON NORTHWEST SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS The following schedule of the Board of School Directors’ meetings is announced for the month of January, 2019. Friday, January 4 7:30 AM Facilities Committee Meeting at ANWSD Office Thursday, January 10 3:00 PM Negotiations Committee Meeting at VUHS 4:00 PM Negotiations Committee Mtg. w/ANTA at VUHS Library Monday, January 14 6:00 PM ANWSD Board Regular Meeting at VUHS Library Tuesday, January 15 4:00 PM Negotiations Committee Meeting at VUES 5:00 PM Negotiations Committee Mtg. w/ANSSA at VUES Library Thursday, January 17 5:30 PM Community Engagement Committee Mtg. Bixby Library Wednesday, January 23 6:00 PM ANWSD Board Regular Meeting at VUHS Library Thursday, January 24 4:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting at ANWSD Office Tuesday, January 29 4:00 PM Negotiations Committee Meeting at VUHS 5:00 PM Negotiations Committee Mtg. w/ANTA at VUHS Library Thursday, January 31 3:00 PM Negotiations Committee Meeting at VUES 4:00 PM Negotiations Committee Mtg. w/ANSSA at VUES Library 12/31, 01/03

TIRED OF

WAITING AROUND? Seek out your next opportunity in the Addy Indy Classifieds

It’s against the law to discriminate when advertising housing

Let us help you sift through the complexities of the Fair Housing Law. Stay legal. Stay on the right side of the nation’s Fair Housing Law. Call the Addison Independent at (802) 388-4944. Talk to our sales professionals.

Published in every edition in Print & Online addisonindependent.com

Mountain Ash: a giant shrub?

By LAURIE D. MORRISSEY There’s a giant living in northern Coös County, N.H. It’s a 61-foot tall tree, the country’s largest known American mountain ash. At last measurement, it stood at a height of 61 feet and had a circumference of 70 inches. That’s outstanding for a tree that’s described by most sources, including my old dendrology textbook, as “a small tree or shrub.” This tree is a champion — but the species as a whole has a lot going for it. I love the mountain ash for the beauty of its white flower clusters and red berries. More importantly, though, it fills an important spot on the menu for birds and mammals, especially in winter. Despite its common name, the American mountain ash is not an ash, but a member of the rose family, along with black cherry, hawthorn, and shadbush. The confusion is due to its leaves, which bear a resemblance to those of the white ash. The two are easy to differentiate, however. The compound, toothed leaves of the mountain ash are alternate, not opposite, meaning the leaves or buds do not appear directly across from one another on the twig. Mountain ash grows throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, extending south to the mountains of Georgia. In New England, I see it growing on high ridges and steep, rocky hillsides. They prefer moist, slightly acidic soil and grow best in full sun. They thrive in open areas such as hilltops, roadsides, and the edges of swamps, and quickly regenerate a cutover area or storm blowdown. Starting in late May, the mountain ash stands out in the forest because of

The

its creamy-white flowers. In the fall, the foliage turns yellow and the flowers are replaced by small red berries. These berries hang on during the winter, which is why it’s an important food source for birds such as robins, waxwings, and ruffed grouse. Dave Govatski, a forester and birder who lives in Jefferson, N.H., samples locations in the White Mountains and the Northeast Kingdom as a volunteer on a winter finch survey. By reporting the berry and cone crop in August, he contributes data to a winter finch forecast that is released every September. “Birds just love those berries,” he said. “We don’t get a good berry crop every year, but when we do, we’ll see pine grosbeaks, Bohemian waxwings, and American robins feeding on them all winter. Some winters I’ve seen robins singing away like it’s summer at 4,000 feet on Mount Clinton. This isn’t a good winter for a bumper berry crop, but maybe next winter will be better.” Mountain ash is also preferred by moose, which snack on the foliage, twigs, bark and buds. It also provides forage for white-tailed deer, marten, snowshoe hare, squirrels and other rodents. Thanks to its value to wildlife, mountain ash sometimes gains an advantage, according to Brendan Prusik, who measured Coos County’s champion. Before joining the UNH Cooperative Extension Service, he worked for a paper company. It was not uncommon to promote mountain ash, he notes. “When we came upon one, we’d open that area up, retaining the tree at the cost of spruce and fir, to maintain the

Outside Stor y

Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018 — PAGE 27

Monday Puzzles

See today’s

diversity of the forest and because of its wildlife value.” Besides its important role in the forest ecosystem, the mountain ash holds a prominent place in folklore and mythology. My interest in the mountain ash was sparked by “The Golden Bough,” a classic study of folklore, religion, and magic by the Scottish social historian Sir James Frazer. The book devotes an entire chapter to trees. Greek and Norse mythology contain references to the mysterious power of the American mountain ash’s European relative, known as the rowan tree. In the British Isles, the rowan tree warded off witchcraft and enchantment. It’s possible that the belief in its power is due to the pentagram marking on the bottom of the berry. Some of these practices and superstitions crossed the ocean to the New World. (One of its common names is witchwood). But whether or not you can ward off hexes with a cross of mountain ash wood, there is much to enjoy and appreciate in Sorbus americana. If you want one in your yard, they are usually available through the New Hampshire State Forest Nursery (nhnursery.com/). Laurie D. Morrissey is a writer in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. The illustration for this column was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by “Northern Woodlands” magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: wellborn@nhcf.org.

on Page 12

DECEMBER 31 Puzzle Solutions

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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.

PAGE 28 — Addison Independent, Monday, December 31, 2018

In Vergennes & Brandon

Rain nets wastewater overflows Bristol pipeline By ELIZABETH GRIBKOFF VTDigger.org VERGENNES — Unseasonable rain that fell in Vermont during the weekend before Christmas led to the release of more than 2 million gallons of untreated and partially treated wastewater into rivers around the state. Brandon, Montpelier, Rutland, St. Albans and Vergennes all reported combined sewer overflows to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. St. Albans also released more than a half million gallons of partially treated wastewater and stormwater. By law, Vermont municipalities are now required to submit public alerts of untreated releases. State officials could not be reached for comment on the discharges. In Vermont, 14 cities and towns have combined sewer systems that treat both wastewater and stormwater. Combined sewer systems have relief valves that open during periods of high rain to prevent wastewater from backing up into homes and streets. The untreated water, which is 95 percent stormwater, spews out from outfall pipes into rivers and

lakes, leading to levels of bacteria in nearby waters that stay elevated for 48 hours. Those releases, called “combined sewer overflows,” are not a large source of phosphorus pollution. Wastewater treatment systems around the country are required to have permits that regulate their releases into streams or lakes. The state has been working with municipalities to reduce combined sewer overflows, and the total number of outfall points around the state has been reduced from 178 to 53. Vermont adopted a new combined sewer overflow rule in 2016 that said regulators must require municipalities to submit plans to eliminate or treat overflows when they issue new permits. The wastewater treatment upgrades needed to reduce combined sewer overflows and meet other water quality requirements are expensive and will take years to complete. During a legislative committee meeting this September, public works directors from Burlington and Rutland said that completely eliminating the combined sewer overflows is financially impossible.

(Continued from Page 1) Town officials and some residents have battled over whether to support an extension of a natural gas pipeline into Bristol since Vermont Gas build its main transmission line to Middlebury a few years ago. Tensions rose in 2018. In April, after months of public debate over the pipeline proposal, more than 200 Bristol residents — well beyond the required 5 percent of the town’s registered voters — signed a petition requesting a townwide vote on the matter. After signaling it would consider it (the vote would have been nonbinding anyway), the selectboard abruptly rejected the request, then abandoned its plan to collaborate with the Bristol Energy Committee to conduct a survey of local residents. On July 17 Bristol attorney James Dumont, on behalf of four residents, submitted a letter to the selectboard requesting compliance with a state statute that governs rights-of-way under town-owned highways. After consulting with the town’s attorney, the Bristol selectboard dismissed Dumont’s letter. On July 23 the Bristol selectboard voted to execute a license agreement

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with VGS that would bring natural distribution line. The motion, dated Nov. 20, gas service to the town. The move won applause from residents and asks the PUC to investigate issues raised by a report business owners the National hoping to reduce Tran s portation fuel costs, but to “Whether permitting Safety Board pipeline opponents efforts resume will (NTSB) issued who felt the depend on several during its selectboard had factors, including investigation into deflected their the legal and the series of natural environmental and safety concerns, it permitting challenges gas explosions that rocked Lawrence, felt like a slap in the surrounding the Mass., and nearby face. Bristol expansion.” Three weeks later — Vermont Gas Vice towns on Sept. 13. One person died pipeline opponents President Eileen and at least 21 sued the town. Simollardes others were injured Represented by in those explosions, Dumont, 37 Bristol residents filed a complaint with the including two firefighters. At least Addison Superior Court on Aug. 9, five homes were destroyed and 131 alleging that the VGS agreement structures damaged, according to the Nov. 14 NTSB report. violated Vermont law. Dumont cited that report and “The Vermont legislature adopted a law forbidding any selectboard from its recommendations in a Dec. 18 entering into this type of agreement follow-up document filed with the without first formally issuing a PUC. “The (NTSB) concluded that the notice to the public of their right to petition for a binding vote,” Dumont death, personal injury and property explained in a subsequent press damage caused by the Lawrence release. “After being notified of this natural gas explosion would have duty, the selectboard instead chose to been avoided if the pipeline company had commenced gas pipeline immediately sign with VGS.” In a letter published by the construction only after a Licensed Independent in September, Bristol Professional Engineer had assumed resident and outspoken Vermont responsibility for the entire project.” Available evidence suggests, Gas critic Sally Burrell laid out her according to Dumont’s PUC filing, reasons for joining the suit: “The citizens of Bristol have that not only did Vermont Gas fail to obtain approval been denied our from a Licensed legal right and Professional opportunity to vote “Obviously we don’t Engineer for on a significant want to go through Colchesterproject that affects the time and expense its Middlebury us all, whether or transmission line, not we choose to of the permitting but the company purchase natural process until (the “misrepresented to gas. The intent of lawsuit against the the PUC in 2013 our legal action town) is resolved.” is to uphold our — ­ Beth Parent, that a licensed rights.” Vermont Gas p r o f e s s i o n a l engineer was Elsewhere in part of the team the letter Burrell alleged that the selectboard also preparing revised plans.” Vermont Gas believed the failed to honor language set forth in the Energy Section of Bristol’s current PUC investigation was Town Plan, which was adopted in already broad enough to address the concerns of Dumont’s clients, March 2017. “The selectboard never company spokesperson Beth Parent consulted with the Bristol Planning told VTDigger earlier this month. Commission, the Energy Committee BRISTOL’S FUTURE In its Dec. 13 letter to the PUC, or the Conservation Commission regarding the decision to bring Vermont Gas pointed out that its natural gas to our town,” she wrote. “obligation to extend natural gas In October Vermont Gas filed a service to Bristol,” was “predicated motion to dismiss the case, claiming on receipt of all necessary permits that the statute in question does and approvals.” For now, the company will not not apply to its Bristol license agreement. The court is still seek those permits. “Obviously we don’t want to go considering the case. through the time and expense of the PIPELINE INVESTIGATION As the plaintiffs and the town await permitting process until (the lawsuit a decision from Addison Superior against the town) is resolved,” Court, the PUC is considering Parent told the Independent. Even if Bristol’s disputed license a request, filed by Dumont in November on behalf of clients in agreement with Vermont Gas is Hinesburg and Monkton, to broaden redeemed in court, prospective the scope of an investigation into Vermont Gas customers in the town the methods and practices used to face a long wait for gas service construct the Addison Natural Gas while the company goes through the Pipeline, a 43-mile transmission line Act 250 process, Dumont noted. “It’s difficult to see how anything from Colchester to Middlebury that would have fed the proposed Bristol could happen within three years.”