April 7 2016

Winners

Caring canine

Bounce-back

See the top entrants in our Spring Coloring and Decorating contest on Page 18A.

A two-year-old pointer is helping students at Brandon’s Neshobe School learn to read. See Page 11A.

Coming off two tough losses, the Panther men’s lax team earned a big win on Saturday. See Page 1B.

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

Vol. 70 No. 14

Middlebury, Vermont

◆

Thursday, April 7, 2016 ◆ 30 Pages

75¢

Towns’ role in solar siting is debated House to consider more local control

Open for business THE CURVED, GLASS-lined lobby in Middlebury’s new municipal building provides an expansive view of the Cross Street/Main Street roundabout. For a full story about the opening of the new building, see Page 3A. Independent photo/Trent Campbell

and the DPS to align goals with the state’s energy plan. It is a process inspired by a current pilot project involving the Bennington County, Two

By JOHN FLOWERS Rivers-Ottauquechee and NorthwestWEYBRIDGE — Many Addi- ern regional planning commissions, son County residents will be closely according to state Sen. Chris Bray, Dwatching the Vermont House as it New Haven. fields a proposed law aimed at giving Bray, chairman of the Senate Natucommunities more input in the siting ral Resources and Energy Commitof solar arrays. tee, is hoping the bill Bill S.230, endorsed gets communities more by the state Senate last “It’s a conflict involved in renewable enThursday by a 22-3 tally, that is diffiergy planning, for which encourages communi- cult to resolve they would be rewarded ties to develop energy with more of a say in how … we want sections within their resuch projects are prospective town plans that renewable en- cessed by the Vermont specify their solar siting ergy, but we Public Service Board. priorities and specific lo- want someone The PSB, a quasi-judicial cations within their bor- else to suffer state panel, has the power ders where renewable the conseto authorize renewable energy projects could be energy projects through a quences.” sited. process that bypasses lo— Rep. Those municipal enercal permitting review.

David Sharpe gy plans would ultimately “The Vermont Departhave to pass muster with ment of Public Service the Vermont Department of Public … will work with regions and ask, Service and be deemed compatible ‘How will your region want to figwith the state’s green energy priorities. ure out what kind of energy projects For example, the state has set a goal of you would do in your region that are deriving 90 percent of its energy from supportive of those overall statewide renewable sources by the year 2050. goals that are in statute?’” Bray said in The bill also instructs regional plan- describing major provisions of S.230. ning commissions to work with towns (See Solar, Page 15A)

United Way needs big leap to make funding goal

Kids’ art highlights importance of preK

By GAEN MURPHREE The Addison County Early ADDISON COUNTY — Pre- Childhood Directors Network orschool art adorning storefronts in ganized posting of the children’s Bristol, Middlebury and Vergennes artwork during April — the Month throughout April encourages resi- of the Young Child — to make dents to think about the importance high-quality programs visible to of educating future people who don’t have members of our society. “I think small children.

“I think preschool “We wanted to bring preschool education is really inquality education and education is visible to a lot of peoquality experiences for ple,” said Kerry Malloy, really invisible kids birth to five more director of the Lincoln to a lot of to the forefront in our Cooperative Preschool people.” communities,” said since 1997. “People — Kerry Malloy Quarry Hill School Dihave a lot of misconceprector Su White, who tions about what prewith Otter Creek Child school education is actually about Center’s Linda January is a key or— ‘Oh, they’re just learning col- ganizer of the month-long displays ors and learning how to play with of children’s art and learning. “So friends’ when there’s just so much we’ve collaborated with many of more than that. the local businesses. There’s art“(Children are) just incredibly work. There’s photographs showintelligent people. And if you teach ing kids making their artwork and them in a fun way, they’re up for showing kids engaged in the work learning basically anything.”

(See Artwork, Page 17A)

By the way Middlebury Safe Routes is organizing a second annual “Kelly Boe Memorial Bike Ride” for Monday, May 2, in honor of Boe, a Middlebury resident who was killed after being struck by a car while cycling in Weybridge on April 14, 2015. The ride will start at 4 p.m. at Middlebury Union High School (See By the way, Page 15A)

Index Obituaries .......................... 6A-7A Classifieds ......................... 5B-9B Service Directory .............. 6B-7B Entertainment ........................ 12A Community Calendar ...... 8A-10A Sports ................................ 1B-4B

PRESCHOOL STUDENTS JULIANA Schwind, left, Alex Sinks, Fiona Glover and Kamille Trayah-Pratt work on an art project at Quarry Hill School in Middlebury recently.

Photo courtesy of Quarry Hill School

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — The United Way of Addison County (UWAC) is hitting the home stretch of its 2015 fund drive needing a major infusion of cash if it is to achieve its goal of raising $700,000.

As of Monday, the United Way had received contributions amounting to $557,000, leaving officials concerned about the resources it will ultimately have at its disposal to distribute amongst the 32 local social service programs that fall under its organizational umbrella.

“We’ll do all we are able to do with what the community allows us to work with,” UWAC Executive Director Kate McGowan said.

Changing county demographics, unimpressive stock market performance and a growing menu (See United Way, Page 14A)

Low snowfall yields savings for area towns Communities bank funds, stockpile extra sand and salt

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — When it comes to the economy, Mother Nature giveth and she taketh away.

The almost snow-free winter of 2015-2016 has cost area ski resorts thousands of dollars in lost revenues, but has saved the state of Vermont and municipal public works departments an avalanche of money that would have been spent on overtime, sand and salt expenses during an average winter.

“We spent a lot less money this year on winter maintenance,” said David Blackmore, manager of the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s District 5, which includes Addison County. “It was one of those unusual years.”

How unusual?

Records show that VTrans spread 122,430 tons of salt and 7,356 cubic yards of sand on the state’s roads between July 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015, and paid out $49,872 in overtime wages to winter maintenance workers during that same period, according to Wayne Gammell, deputy director of maintenance and opera(See Mild winter, Page 14A)

MATT CRAM, THE Middlebury Public Works Department highway crew leader, stands with about 800 tons of salt that the department still has stockpiled after the mild winter. Area communities saved tens of thousands of dollars in winter maintenance costs this year.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

PAGE 2A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

School play MARY HOGAN ELEMENTARY School’s Pegasus Theater troop will present “Cinderella’s Glass Slipper” on the school stage Friday night. Pictured here from a school performance on Tuesday morning are, clockwise from top left, Peter Lynch, Owen Hamilton and Joleigh Bradford; Ella Landis; Ainsleigh Johnson, Kelsey Altemose, Dahlia Harrison, Megan Gemignani and Hannah Cormier; Saskia Gori-Montanelli and Landis; and Megan Balparda, Arianna Graham-Gurland and Camille Maglienti.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

New unified school districts become official as deadline passes

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — Town Meeting Day votes that authorized public school governance unification in both the Addison Central and Addison Northwest supervisory unions are now official, as the statutory deadline by which to challenge those referenda has now passed.

Officials in both supervisory unions confirmed that no one has filed a citizens’ petition calling for reconsideration of the March 1 unification votes. That means the Addison Central School District (ACSD)

and the Addison Northwest School District (ANWSD) are now both official entities, as are each of their governing boards that were elected on Town Meeting Day. The ACSD includes all public schools in Bridport, Cornwall, Middlebury, Ripton, Salisbury, Shoreham and Weybridge.

The ANWSD includes all public schools in Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, Vergennes and Waltham.

Each new school district is represented by a single board and will be financed by a single budget. This

replaces a longstanding system of multiple school boards and separate school budgets within each supervisory union.

Addison Central officials are pleased to see the change become official.

“The entire ACSU community holds incredible hope for what we can accomplish together as Addison Central School District, a single educational district focused on the needs of each and every student in our community,” said ACSU Superintendent Peter Burrows. “Our

boards, staff and community members worked tirelessly to provide the foundation for this historic governance change. I think the election results reflect trust that has been forged over many years across our towns. We are deeply committed to continue to work together, now as one greater community, to provide the best opportunities for our students.”

Middlebury’s Ruth Hardy and Cornwall’s Peter Conlon were among the ACSU leaders who promoted and explained the unification

plan, which proponents believe will lead to more efficient and cost-effective delivery of public education.

“The team of school board members who have worked toward unification over many years is grateful to the voters of our towns for trusting that moving forward together will be better for our students and schools,” Hardy said. “We’re anxious to advance to the next phase of school leadership, and look forward to continuing to work with our communities to create the best school system possible.”

“With the successful vote behind us, now the hard — but exciting — work begins to create a top-quality unified school system that is the envy of schools across the state,” Conlon said. “I am really looking forward to it.”

The new ACSD and ANWSD boards are now waiting for Vermont Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe to announce dates for their first meetings.

Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.

Porter presents options to patients whose physicians are leaving area MIDDLEBURY — Porter Medical Center officials are reaching out to the scores of patients who will be affected by the announced closing of the Porter Internal Medicine (PIM) practice.

Porter Medical Center Interim CEO Dr. Fred Kniffin confirmed the closing at Porter’s annual meeting held on Wednesday, March 30.

He sent a letter this week to PIM patients elaborating on the move.

“I am writing to share with you the news that Dr. Naomi Hodde and Dr. Cynthia Smith will be leaving our

practice to pursue professional opportunities outside of our community in the next few months,” his letter reads. “Dr. Smith will be leaving at the end of this month and Dr. Hodde will be leaving in mid-June.”

The letter goes on to say that: “From May 2 until her final departure on June 13, Dr. Hodde will be available to see patients at our Bristol Internal Medicine practice. At that time, her patients may choose to see another provider in that location or choose another provider within our community — and we will as-

sist you.”

Kniffin added Porter leaders and area providers have been working to identify the best option for the remaining PIM physician, Dr. Brad Armstrong, and his patients.

“In light of these changes and after a very thorough review of all possible near-term options, Dr. Brad Armstrong and I have determined that we will be relocating his medical practice to our Neshobe Family Medicine practice in Brandon as of May 2,” Kniffin said. “Although we explored every possible option for

allowing Dr. Armstrong to remain in the current location, it is simply not feasible to maintain a full-time/ stand-alone medical practice with a single provider.”

Any current patient of Dr. Armstrong’s at the Middlebury practice will be automatically transferred to Dr. Armstrong at Neshobe if they wish to follow him there.

“If at this time you wish to follow Dr. Armstrong to his new practice location at Neshobe, you do not have to do anything,” the letter states.

“Your records will be automatically

transferred to the new practice with no action required on your part.

“If you would prefer to transfer your care to another local office, our office staff will work with you to facilitate a smooth transition,” Kniffin added.

Enclosed in the letter to PIM patients was a list of Porter practices that are currently accepting new clients. The hospital will also assist patients who need help transitioning to a different physician. Patients needing assistance are asked to call 388-8805.

“We understand, appreciate and sincerely apologize for the significant impact these changes will have on you as a patient,” Kniffin said.

“We are committed to working with every PIM patient to ensure that you and your family have the care you need.

“I am confident that one of the offices within Porter Medical Group can continue to provide timely access to appointments and the same level of outstanding patient care that you have come to expect from Porter Internal Medicine,” he added.

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 3A

Middlebury opens new town offices Workers give building rave reviews

By JOHN FLOWERS Dow can conveniently spot visiMIDDLEBURY — Monday ush- tors as they arrive on the second floor ered in a new era for Middlebury of the building via the stairwell. The municipal employees, who began many glass facades within the inteworking in the new, expansive town rior of the structure allow workers office building at 77 Main St. And to see and communicate with each on Tuesday, those workers were still other without having to pick up the pinching themselves as they settled phone. into a facility that was more than a “The differences could not be decade in the making. more stark,” Assistant Town Man“It doesn’t seem real quite yet,” ager Chris English said. “This builda beaming Beth Dow ing is going to be great said from her sumptufor collaboration. It’s ous office on the secvery easy to just drop ond floor of the stately in and speak with a colstructure. league. There is glass Dow, the assistant everywhere, so you to the town manager can see what’s going who spent four deon. In the old building, cades in service to even though you knew Middlebury in the old where everybody was, municipal building at it was twists and turns 94 Main St., joked that to get into dark corners she is still expecting of the facility to have a the whole project to conversation.” dissolve in some kind Dow noted it will MIDDLEBURY TOWN MANAGER Kathleen Ramsay works at the standup desk in her new municipal building office Tuesday morning. The buildof cruel April Fool’s take a while for working opened on Monday. joke: ers to become accliIndependent photo/Trent Campbell “I’m waiting for mated to their new sur- office for 16 years at 94 Main. St. “We love it. We someone to say, ‘It’s roundings.

“The first hour I come in, I’m not time to go back to the love the light, we “It’s going to take sneezing,” Scanlon said of the imlove the efficiency some time before it mediate, positive impact of his new office.’”

It’s no joke, though and we like our feels like home, but it workstation. “The clean air is obvimost everyone sta- new vault.” certainly is a joy,” she ous. The dust, the mold, the dirt, the tioned in the new mu— Town Clerk said. age and everything else that exuded nicipal building is all Asked to name her from the old building is not here. It’s Ann Webster smiles, which looked favorite aspects of her bright, it’s clean, and it’s fresh here.” all the brighter in the glow of the new surroundings, Dow said, “The There is also a small conference natural light cascading through the brightness, the sense of space. It’s room in case a client wants to dis9,400-square-foot structure’s many just surreal. We have to pinch our- cuss an issue in private. weather-tight windows. selves. Things aren’t falling apart.”

He believes the new building will Just outside Town Clerk Ann Perhaps the most impressive area gradually look less institutional and Webster’s quarters on Tuesday a of the new building is the second- more folksy as workers bring in small excavator whirred and clanged floor wing that houses the planning, plants, pictures and other personal while moving soil as part of final zoning and economic development touches. landscaping and sidewalk work be- offices. The wing is fronted by a Scanlon on Tuesday still had sevhind the building. But it was mu- large, open space with gigantic win- eral boxes of files next to his desk. sic to Webster’s ears as she floated dows offering million-dollar views He was waiting for the delivery of around an open, spotless space that of the Main Street roundabout and some new filing cabinets. includes ample room for clerical the Sheldon Museum.

“The work stays the same, but staff, researchers and municipal reThere’s plenty of room for plan- it’s a better environment to do it cords. She proudly showed off the ners to meet with applicants to go in,” Scanlon said. “There are more new vault that will protect vital town over development plans. Tom Scan- smiles on people’s faces. It’s a betrecords for what officials hope will lon, town health officer and assistant ter space. Environment isn’t just a be another 100 years. zoning administrator, has a work physical space, it’s the people workWebster said her new work home area along the edge of the communal ing in it.”

BETH DOW ENJOYS her light-filled office in Middlebury’s new municipal building Tuesday morning. Dow is is light years ahead of the old mu- space. It is a far cry from the gloriReporter John Flowers is at the assistant to the town manager. nicipal building now standing va- fied storage space that served as his johnf@addisonindependent.com.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell cant only a few hundred yards away.

“We love it,” Webster said. “We love the light, we love the efficiency and we like our new vault.”

Along with more modern amenities and fresher air, Webster and her co-workers are enjoying more freedom of movement in their new surroundings. No longer is everything compressed and within arm’s length, as it was at 94 Main St. “As far as space, we have to move around a lot more,” Webster said.

“And actually, at the end of the day, we feel better. In the old place, I felt like I was constantly sitting, stationary.”

Virtually every office within the new building boasts a spectacular view of downtown Middlebury.

Town Manager Kathleen Ramsay enjoys a panoramic view of the Cross Street Bridge and the old municipal building, a site that will soon be transformed into a public park. It’s a front-row seat facing a downtown landscape she is helping to shape as the community’s top administrator.

THE NEW MIDDLEBURY municipal building features a large conference room on the first floor that will host “It’s bright and sunny, with great selectboard meetings. eastern and southern exposure,” Independent photo/Trent Campbell Ramsay said of her new office. “It is a very warm and inviting work environment. It’s nice to have the visibility outside of my office and into the hallway. It is set up like an office.”

She’s also pleased with a climatecontrol system that keeps temperature consistent in the weather-tight, net-zero energy building.

“There are no more weather ex“Working together to give our patients the best experience.” tremes,” she said, briefly harkening back to the former municipal building with its cranky, inefficient boilers.

Dr. Brian Saltzman, DMD “It was a long process, but well worth it,” Ramsay said of the years it took to discuss, plan and finally WE OFFER: build the project.

Digital x-rays • Panorex and 3D Cone

REACH THE COUNTY, PLACE YOUR AD HERE. CALL 388-4944

Middlebury Lions Club Cash Calendar Winners

March 2016 Douglas Yantz Sr., Barry Aldinger, Forth-n-Goal, Susan Johnson, Witney Dragon, Holly Dillon, Brian Glithrope, Randall Orvis, T.J. Dimitteo, Jennifer Sheldrick, Bradley Fallon, Ray Cassin, Debbie Goodrich, Lisa Gaboriault, Harvey Smith, John Kipp, Duncan Rollason, Tim Bradley, Kelly Dragon, Claire Huestis, Justin Quenneville, The Knapp Family, Rael Mayer, MacIntyre Services, Judy Sperry, Pete Breen, Heather Sterns, Tim Bradley, Dennis Sanders MD, Matt & Megan Curran, Pierre Bordeleau

Beam Scans • Bridges, Crowns, Dentures, Extractions and Extraction Site Preservations, Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Health • Inlay/Onlays, Night Guards • Implants • Root Canals & Zoom Whitening Accepting New Patients and Emergencies

388-7045 www.saltzmandental.com $0635 453&&5 r .*%%-&#63: 75

PAGE 4A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

A DDIS ON INDE PE NDEN T

Letters

Editorials

to the Editor

No smoking until you’re 21?

It’s logical, but let’s first define personal responsibility Let’s define adulthood and just what it means in the context of legislative law.

Under most definitions of the law, at 18-years-olds are considered adults. You can legally marry; join the military and go off to war; many banks will allow you to get a loan to buy a house or other major purchases, like buying a car (if you have adequate equity and income); and, at present, you can smoke cigarettes.

A bill going through the Vermont Legislature would change that latter point. House bill, H.93, would require Vermonters to be 21 before legally taking that first puff of a cigarette. You can still go to war, buy a car or a house, and get married, but don’t toke on that ciggy. The House passed the bill by a 75-68 vote, and had its third reading on Wednesday. If it passes the House, it goes to the Senate.

Oh, the long arm of big government.

Such righteousness; such good intent. And such ill will it would engender, if passed. ********** Specifically, the law would phase-in the 21-year-old limit over the next three years. As of January 2019, the legal age would be 21.

The law would also increase the tax per pack of cigarettes by 39-cents to $3.47.

The law’s purpose, of course, is to promote better public health. Physicians across the state and country will tell you that teenagers get hooked on smoking while young, develop an addiction, and have trouble quitting smoking much of their lives; all while suffering the all-too-obvious health affects ranging from compromised lung capacity to lung cancer.

Smoking is, without a doubt, a known killer. Statistics suggest that 31,500 Vermonters under age 18 today will become addicted to tobacco, and of those one-third will die of tobacco-related illnesses.

The logic of the bill makes sense. If one of the roles of the state or federal government is to protect its citizens (and, after all, many Americans adamantly demand that government protect them from terrorist), then is it not OK for the state to protect its citizens from drugs that produce deadly effects when used?

Surely that is so, and laws are in place to prevent use of other drugs, like alcohol, until the age of 21. In truth, from a health perspective and from a common-sense perspective, the law makes sense. And to that point, Hawaii voted to raise the smoking age to 21 last year, and California passed a similar bill earlier this year. Is it the new trend that will sweep the country? ********** It is a legitimate question. But at what point are Vermonters and Americans to be considered adults? When does individual responsibility take hold?

If you are old enough to buy a house or a car, or get married, or go off to war, then surely you are old enough to make your own decision whether or not to buy a pack of cigarettes. But then the same question should apply to buying a pint of beer or glass of wine. Eighteen should be that age.

What this country needs to work on is developing ways that enable America’s and Vermont’s teens to make smarter choices earlier in life.

They need insightful sex education early on to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to limit sexual diseases; they need vocational and academic career paths spelled out earlier in their middle and high school years so graduation from secondary schools have a more defined purpose and career track; they need better education on tobacco, alcohol and other drugs and a social environment that tolerates use in a controlled and socially acceptable way — not with fear, taboo and extreme punishment, but with tolerance, understanding and moderation. In short, we need a less Puritanical approach to life in which the fear of god and punishment is the motivating force on human behavior. Rather, we need a culture in which human behavior is guided by logic and commonsense.

But who’s kidding whom? That probably won’t happen anytime soon, so we’ll have to accept an imperfect system.

We opt for the imperfect world that preaches moderation and good choices through education at an earlier age, not using the long arm of the law to impose unreasonable mandates. If 18 is the right age to be considered an adult, then let’s push for a society and culture that teaches the ills and benefits (if any) of drugs so that 18-year-olds make good choices and learn that personal responsibility has consequences as well as rewards.

Angelo S. Lynn

Notable quote: “The United States after the Cold War... became the equivalent of a very wealthy person, the multibillionaire among nations... Beginning with the 1991 decision of the first Bush administration to intervene in northern Iraq... It left the realm of necessity that it had inhabited during the Cold War and entered the world of choice. It chose to spend some of its vast reserves of power on the geopolitical equivalent of luxury items: the remaking of other countries.”

From the book, “Mission Failure: America and the world in the Post-Cold War Era,” by Michael Mandelbaum, as noted in a Thomas Friedman column, NY Times, April 6.

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 Editor/Publisher: Angelo S. Lynn Assistant Editor: John S. McCright Reporters: John Flowers Andy Kirkaldy Gaen Murphree Photographer: Trent Campbell Bookkeeper: Laurie Wedge Front Office: Vicki Nolette Front Office: Deb Stevens

Laurie Wedge

Advertising Manager: Christine Lynn Advertising Representatives: Pam Dunne Kim Estey Elisa Fitzgerald Advertising Co-Manager: Anna Harrington

Trent Campbell

Kim Estey

Production Manager: Sue Leggett Graphics: Susan Miller Brian King Jennifer Sabourin Calendar Editor/Typesetter: Jessie Raymond Circulation: Lisa Razo Driver: Tom Raymond

Brian King

Anna Harrington

Published every Monday, Thursday by the Addison Press, Inc. Member Vermont Press Association; New England Press Association; National Newspaper Association.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Vermont– 3 Months $26.00, 6 Months $29.00, 9 Months $32.50, 12 Months $40.00: Out of State – 3 Months $31.00, 6 Months $38.50, 9 Months $43.50, 12 Months $52.00. Discounted rate for Senior Citizens, call for details.

802-388-4944 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 which may occur.

The Addison Independent USPS 005-380

Many reasons to label GMO foods I would like to thank Peter Ryersbach for his letter concerning GMO labeling laws, in which he answers a letter from David Van Vleck who feels it is a needless waste of money.

When I first read Van Vleck’s letter I thought he was just a completely uninformed nimrod who had no idea what a GMO was. To find out he is a retired science teacher, who ought to understand the difference between genetic selection and genetic engineering, puts him into a whole new category.

The reasons for labeling GMOs are many — they contain systemic insecticides, the farming techniques used are harmful to the environment, they are just plain different from normal plants, they are killing pollinators, etc. If all farms sprayed their entire fields with Roundup pretty soon nothing else will grow but GMOs. They found Roundup in the poop of day-old infants. And GMOs are outlawed in several countries, ones who don’t have Monsanto lobbyists pouring cash into corrupt politicians’ pockets.

When Vermonters voted to label GMOs the state government performed the will of the majority of their people — how can that be a waste of their salaries?

Edward Amirault Ferrisburgh

Sanders’ victory sign of new era?

Peels of laughter VOLUNTEERS TANYA KURTZ Lehman, left, and Frances McDowell share a laugh while peeling potatoes in the Hannaford Career Center kitchen in Middlebury last week to help prepare potato-onion soup for HOPE’S Just Soup Project.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

International, interconnected in U.S. From the start life has offered me an international perspective.

My dad was born in England of Scottish parents, and I spent my first year on a Royal Air Force base in Yorkshire. That came before my family decided to move to my mom’s native Fall River, Mass. Rumor has it England was not big enough for my mom and my granny.

But that stateside stay didn’t last long. My dad took a job as a doctor in a family medical practice in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, just outside of Halifax. We lived there for three years before he opened up his own practice back in Mass., in Westport, next to Fall River.

During my decade there, we owned imported cars that no one else had or probably even had heard of, like MerBy Andy cury Capris (a collective European efKirkaldy fort), English Triumphs and German Borgwards. My dad always insisted that Borgward only went bankrupt because the cars were made too well and lasted too long — no planned obsolescence, he said.

Finally, I think my mom put her foot down, and they started buying American Fords. My older daughter ended up with the last of that long line, a Focus. The first were a Mustang for my dad and a Fairlane station wagon for my mom.

Eventually, I married into a family that now includes members that can trace their heritage to three different continents. One is a first-generation immigrant and a college professor, making their two children second-generation. My wife’s grandfather came to the U.S. from Ireland, much as my dad did from England, so many of us are relative newcomers.

Over the years, many things have reminded me that we all live in an increasingly multi-cultural, interconnected world.

Most recently, when my wife visited our daughters in Boston for the weekend and I was stuck working back home, I went to pick up takeout at the Indian restaurant in our little Vermont town. The owner sometimes politely urges me to try new dishes, but I tend to order my two or three familiar favorites. I’m probably just a stick-in-themud, but I tell her I’m just trying to be a healthy eater and choosing entrées with vegetables.

That Saturday, Taste of India was a bit busy, and my customary Chicken Jalferezi wasn’t quite ready yet. While waiting I sat in front of a statue of an Indian goddess holding Canadian and U.S. flags. Behind me a table of 10 Middlebury College students, all apparently from Africa, celebrated one of their birthdays, happily, noisily.

At one point, the students all laughed at another’s joke.

Another responded, telling the group, well, that figures, he’s Nigerian. More laughter, and some smiles from other diners.

Also for the past year or so I’ve been playing lunchtime pickup soccer a couple times a week at the college’s new fieldhouse, a game organized by Panther women’s soccer coach Peter Kim. Well, playing might be too kind a word, but at least I have exercised and so far avoided injury.

Participants have included Pedro, Diego, Andres and Mohammed. Last spring, several Mexican farm workers attended; one had his favorite team’s full kit. Andrew hails from Jamaica, and is kind enough to joke with an aging (See Clippings, Page 5A)

Clippings

Trying to keep fit, one step at a time How many steps do I take in a day? them every five minutes to see if you’re meeting your Better question: Why would I care? step quota.

I care because I’m one of those people who get These devices can be worn on your wrist or clipped to caught up in quantifying everything in order to tell how your sleeve or belt. The good ones, however, are quite healthy they are. The trendy metric these days is steps: expensive, and the only thing I ever hear about them You need to take 10,000 of them a day. is how much it costs to replace one after you’ve run it The number is no doubt arbitrary (brought to you by through the washing machine. the same people who decreed that eight 8-ounce glasses Fortunately, I already had an expensive gadget I of water a day was essential to basic could put to work: my iPhone. Need survival). And “healthy,” of course, a pedometer? There’s an app for that. is a vague term. I assume it refers I downloaded a free step counter to your cardiovascular health, but it and tested it out by walking around could mean your skeleto-muscular the house. Thirteen steps to the living health, or your mental health, or even room. Twenty-eight steps to the your dog’s health (since most of the mailbox. At that rate, it was going to walking I do, at least, is for my dog’s take some work to hit 10,000 — and benefit). that I assumed I’d remember to carry By Jessie Raymond At first I was less concerned about my phone at all times. getting 10,000 steps a day than I was After only a few days, I’ve about learning how many steps I discovered that I’m far less active generally take. Am I a lazy 500-step-a-day walker? Or than I thought. Good news: A simple 40-minute walk do I blow past the 10,000 steps and routinely hit 15,000, with the dog gets me nearly halfway to my daily step or even 20,000? A figure like that would not only make goal. Bad news: On a normal day, all of my steps during me doubly healthy, but would also be a statistic I could the remaining 16 waking hours don’t get me the rest of drop into conversation to simultaneously impress and the way. annoy people.

Pathetic.

First, I had to figure out how to log my steps. I tried This new awareness of how little I move over the counting in my head, but, thanks to my short attention course of the day has encouraged me to incorporate span, I lost track after 11. extra steps whenever I can. I’ve started walking to work Then I looked at the various fitness gizmos on the now and then and parking a little farther away from the market that do everything from count your steps to stores when I go shopping. track your heart rate, your calories burned and the I pace the hallway while I’m brushing my teeth, and amortization on your mortgage. The deluxe models go the long way around the kitchen island when I need even monitor how much time you’ve wasted checking (See Raymond, Page 5A)

Around the bend

It was wonderful to see Bernie Sanders get most of the Vermont Democratic primary votes. He is teaching America about the rigged economy, injustice, single-payer healthcare, Wall Street banks, etc.

Unfortunately, many super delegates, such as our three old governors, do not support him.

Socialism is now an accepted debate. Bernie is nothing like Joe Stalin. The Donald is a fascist who wants the nation of immigrants to build an iron curtain.

We can hope that the old professional politicians are on the way out. Both old parties may fall apart.

The new generation of voters will be less ignorant; and we will see progress in spite of our institutional media, education and religion.

Geoffrey Cobden Weybridge

Students need help in logic Kudos to Vergennes Union High School teacher Michael Thomas for winning a Rowland Fellowship.

Hopefully, monies like these will be used to improve logical reasoning skills at local schools, as many of the students I have met as a teacher at the University of Vermont need lots of help.

David Pratt Vergennes

Medicine not a ‘calling’ at Porter I wish that Millard Cox’s March 17 letter to the editor on the failing health care system at Porter Hospital could be published again. Actually, the article should be printed over and over again, until the administration has been chagrined enough to reverse their dangerous actions.

A hospital taking health care benefits away from parttime workers is inhuman, and unbelievable. A hospital doing this to its own staff? Competent, able nurses being laid off also makes no sense in a facility that needs nothing less than qualified workers, and being replaced by others with fewer qualifications and experience for less money. Are we just a source of revenue or are we still people needing medical care?

Are we trying to be cost-effective so we can continue to pay the administration their $400,000 to $500,000 per annum?

Before Porter became corporatethinking, my husband, who had a chronic disease, was treated at Porter Hospital for several years. I am forever grateful to the doctors, nurses and volunteers who took such heartfelt, wonderful care of him. When medicine was still considered a “calling” and not an industry.

I hope we can save Porter Hospital.

Pat Ullom Orwell

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 5A

Legalizing weed and weaning off coal Lucretius: The matter of mind and soul It’s that time of year again, and judicial resources; the unrealwhen things start to get really in- ized economic potential of pot as teresting in Montpelier. a thoughtfully regulated, locally The Legislature that brought the grown, commercial product … nation groundbreaking laws on the tax revenue forgone; and the marriage equality, health insur- simple fact that the pot prohibiance and GMO food labeling will tion has not worked.” (For his decide another highly charged full commentary, see http://bit. question in the next month: ly/1VtyU1m.)

Should Vermont be the first But a majority of our county’s state to legalize marijuana by leg- House members oppose the bill. islation?

(Colorado And if our relatively and Washington legalliberal House delegaized pot by statewide tion can’t get behind plebiscites.) legalization and strict Also on the docket regulation of marijuais a controversial bill na use — plus funding to give towns some for drug education and say in the siting of rehab — it’s one more solar and wind energy sign that pot prohibiprojects. tion may continue to In the halls under be the law of the land the golden dome, in Vermont. state officials are also At least so far, there still wrangling with hasn’t been the type of whether to divest penoverwhelming pression funds from coal sure for legalization companies and Exxthat led to GMO labelonMobil. A separate ing. That’s a surprise effort is pushing for in a state that ranks Vermont to join fraud by Gregory Dennis first or second in per investigations aimed capita marijuana conat Exxon’s long coversumption. up of what it’s long known about ••••• the dangers of climate change.

As for divestment, the state has In the reefer debate, the State come closer than any other (except Senate has already approved a California) to reallocating some of bill, supported by Gov. Peter its investments in fossil fuels.

Shumlin and House Speaker Shap Divestment supporters rightly Smith, to legalize marijuana in note that unmitigated burning of some forms. fossil fuels is harming Vermont’s Addison County’s Sen. Claire ski, maple and tourism industries.

Ayer supported the bill, but Sen. Given that, it’s perverse for state Chris Bray voted against it. Now investments to support these inthat question is in the House of dustries.

Representatives.

Vermont has previously divestThe state has decriminalized the ed from apartheid South Africa, personal use of marijuana, relegat- tobacco companies and war-torn ing violations to a civil matter. But Sudan. without some form of legalization, The House approved a resopeople who grow, transport or sell lution calling on the Vermont marijuana will remain subject to Pension Investment Committee prosecution.

(VPIC) and state Treasurer Beth Middlesex resident (and former Pearce to divest from coal compageneral counsel to the Legislature) nies and Exxon.

Al Boright put it this way: “SellIn a compromise after Senate ing 50 pounds of pot may bring a consideration, Pearce and VPIC penalty of 30 years, which is 10 are now conducting a deeper reyears stiffer than the minimum view of whether the state should levied for second degree murder. take that step.

That’s crazy.”

While Pearce has preached the Boright has compiled a long list gospel of environmentally wise of the other costs if legalization investing, she’s also called divestfails, including: ment of any sort “a meaningless “Dollars funneled to the Mob/ gesture.” So it’s an open question drug cartels; the truly dangerous whether VPIC will decide to didrugs that may become available vest — or will once again fail to through underworld providers act in the face of the climate crisis. … the existing system’s failure ••••• to keep pot out of the hands of There was an interesting twist children … the incongruity in a last week in the debate over siting ‘free’ society of police state-like of solar and wind projects. Green helicopter surveillance … the energy has consistently polled squandering of law enforcement very well with Vermonters. But

Between The Lines

a vocal minority has complained about the visual appearance of some projects — most notably on farmland along the Route 7 corridor through Addison County.

A bill shepherded through the Senate by Sen. Bray would give towns some influence over siting.

But what of the farmers themselves? It’s their land, and shouldn’t they get a voice?

To that question, a coalition of 40 Vermont farmers says, “Hell, yes!”

In a letter to state leaders signed by more than 40 farmers — including at least eight from Addison County — the farmers said their property rights and dedication to the environment deserve more consideration in the siting debate: “We are concerned about policies being developed in Montpelier that could negatively impact our ability to affordably use, and host, solar and other renewable energy projects on our farms,” they wrote. “Vermont farmers have a proud tradition of turning the sun’s energy into productive use. Producing clean renewable energy is an increasingly vital part of Vermont’s modern agricultural economy.” The full letter and signers is at http://bit.ly/1SyDfLO. ••••• Two more quick notes: Lincoln resident Mari Cordes has jumped into the House race for Addison-4, which encompasses Monkton, Starksboro, Bristol and Lincoln. A skilled nurse and well-connected leader of a nurses union, Cordes will make that race an interesting one. It’s a district where Republican Fred Baser captured one of the two district seats in 2014, ousting Rep. Michael Fisher. Rep. David Sharpe, a Democrat, holds the other seat.

And returning briefly to the ExxonMobil fraud investigation, environmentalists are pushing Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell to join the AGs of New York, California and other states.

They’re calling for a fraud investigation, contending Exxon has for decades lied and committed fraud regarding the risks of climate change to the oil company’s business model.

State attorneys general were instrumental in penalizing Big Tobacco for its decades of lying. So this one bears watching.

Editor’s note: Gregory Dennis’s column appears here every other Thursday and is archived on his blog at www.GregDennis.

WordPress.com. E-mail: GregDennisVT@yahoo.com. Twitter: @greengregdennis.

Raymond (Continued from Page 4A) something out of the fridge. The app has also indirectly encouraged me to walk more; even though they don’t get counted, I take at least 1,000 steps a day just looking for my phone.

But sometimes I wonder, as I’m taking a lap or two around the coffee table before sitting down to watch TV: Has it really come to this?

When did walking, one of the most basic human functions, become a novelty rather than an integral part of existence?

Way back when, walking wasn’t a

Editor’s note: This is the seventh is to persuade his readers that mind enters the veins, a man staggers, he in a series of essays on Lucretius, an and soul are robustly physical, yet loses the power of speech, his eyes early philosopher who provides a link like the body and all of its parts, they are unable to focus, his mind grows cloudy, and he loses all control of his to “lost classics” through his epic are also mortal.

The evidences that Lucretius gath- body and all sensibility. But material poem “On the Nature of Things.”

Lucretius supposed that mind and ers in support of this conclusion are, things can affect the mind in a bensoul (in Latin, animus and anima) even after two millennia, just as rel- eficial way also, which also suggests evant and persuasive and that it is a material thing. are parts of the body, are no less worth ponThen and now, it seems, that the and because all bodies, dering. He observes that, mind, “like a sick body, can be healed including the bodies from infancy to old age, and changed by medicine,” which of animals, are matethe mind and the soul’s restores it to sanity, to rationality rial things, they also are vitality go through cycles and sensibility. The theory behind material things. They of growth and decay, just the practice may have changed, but are organs, which is to like all other parts of the the practice is essentially the same. say they do certain sorts body, like all animate How could this be if the mind were of work that are more things, and this implies not a material thing, if there were not or less essential to the that they are mortal like a chemical connection between the body as a living thing, the rest. mind and the medicines that treat the which is suitably called Moreover, like other its maladies? And how could this be, an organism. Hands are parts of the body, the mind unless the mind were a material thing, organs, so is the tongue, Lucretius: the is subject to “foul diseases an organ? the heart. And so are If mind and soul are organic parts mind and soul. nature of things and harsh pain,” to depression, fear, grief, madness, of a mortal body, then they too are Lucretius believed An essay by which, like other diseases mortal. They die when the body dies, that mind and soul perVictor Nuovo of the body, may cause and all that remains is given back to form the most essential work of a living body. Middlebury College death or at least loss of nature. Even more important than The soul, which is dis- professor emeritus self-identity. Often, when this, when the body dies the self is no the body is diseased, mind more. tributed throughout the of philosophy and soul follow suit, sufWhat is the self? It is the consciousbody, is the principle fering dementia, delirium ness we have in our waking moments, of life or vitality, and and extreme lethargy. and perhaps in our dreams also, of of earthly spirituality, And should the patient die, are we being the same person, a sense of the which is emotion infused throughout the body, sometimes calming, some- to suppose that soul and mind do not ownership of our thoughts, and feeltimes exciting, the only spirituality die also, but are set free into the air? ings and actions in the present, the If so, then what is their state? With memory of things past, and expecthat is.

When the soul ceases to function, what means do they travel? Have tations of what will come. Lucretius the body dies. The mind is the instru- they senses and other organs, and if observes that even if, after our death, ment of understanding and will, and not, how do they recognize things or all our physical remains were gathit coordinates its operations with the communicate with them? Besides, ered together, and the body revived soul, which also has other functions the mind has its own diseases that consisting of the very same elements, that don’t normally depend on think- ravage it even when the body seems this would not be the same person, not ourselves. Resurrection is a mere ing and willing, such as respiration. otherwise perfectly healthy.

So, Lucretius argues, if a healthy fantasy.

Their functions are much like those Death is like a dreamless sleep we now attribute to the brain and the body cannot safeguard the welfare and good health of the mind, what from which there is no awakening. It central nervous system.

The account of mind and soul given would happen to the mind if it were is nothing. Should this trouble us? Is in Book III of De Rerum Natura is allowed to float off, ghost-like or this not a matter of much ado about crude but in its essentials notably sim- smoke-like, on its own, unable to nothing? Before I was born, the uniilar to contemporary scientific theory, withstand the buffeting of the wind, verse had existed for an eternity, and in particular, to neuroscience. Lucre- blind and unprotected by the walls so it will continue after I die. If the tius imagined that mind and soul con- of the body, so that it lacks even the former does not trouble me, neither should the latter. sist of the finest of atoms, which was sense of touch?

Furthermore, if mind and soul are “Therefore death is nothing to us,” fitting if the body was to account for the quickness of thought and action, not parts of the body, how do we or to give Lucretius’ Latin its proper for according to the atomic theory he explain drunkenness, which affects emphasis: “Nothing, therefore, is imagined matter not as some gross body, mind and soul? When wine death to us.” and coarse stuff, but as active, vital, subtle and mostly invisible. So, although mind and soul are material, they were not crude lumbering things, but fine and capable.

Whereas soul was spread out to all (Continued from Page 4A) Liam, the college professor’s son, is parts of the body, enabling it to feel defender also named Andrew that now one of many babies that can be and to act, mind was situated in one he finds it difficult to score goals on seen on boxes of Huggies — Little strategic place. Lucretius, followhim. For a while this winter, Diego’s Snugglers for 2-year-olds, to be exact. ing Epicurus, located the mind in the brother-in-law Emiliano, visiting Liam’s great-grandparents grew midsection of the body, rather than from Uruguay, joined us. up about 7,000 miles apart. That is in the head. This was because operaNow, truly, none of this is remark- remarkable, and the country that can tions of mind included in his judgable, nor should it be. That’s really bring together so many people — and ment not only clear refined thoughts, the point. families like ours — can be remarkbut also profound emotions and “gut But, as my favorite late-night talk able, too. feelings,” which find expression in show host says, one more thing. We He’s not just a face of Huggies. thoughts and discourse. recently learned that our nephew He’s a face of America.

The theory of soul and mind fleshed out in De Rerum Natura is an empirical one, based on observation and reasoning. It is not the product of the YOU’RE NOT JUST A NUMBER haunted reflections of a philosopher, alone in his room, like the celebrated René Descartes, whose only discovery was the very tenuous one of his own momentary ghostly existence.

Talk with one of our advisors today.

Here again, the preferred method is of a naturalist, featuring a keen obWe offer professional and diverse investment options to match servation of animals, mostly human any business on Wall Street. Our team will pair its understanding ones, at all stages of life. The method and commitment to your goals. We’re a part of your community is suited to Lucretius’ purpose, which

Clippings

YOU’RE OUR NEIGHBOR

goal; it was a necessity. You can bet when people had to plant their crops by hand and lug their own water 100 yards from the well, their measure of a successful day wasn’t based on how many steps they had taken.

They were more proud of, say, not dying of starvation.

It’s a sad commentary on our modern culture that I am letting a random number on a screen dictate my activity level. But the bottom line is that life these days just doesn’t demand enough of our bodies.

The only way to fight a sedentary lifestyle is to contrive unnecessary

— and, some would say, ridiculous — reasons to keep moving.

It’s a conclusion I reached this afternoon while I was bringing in the mail — one piece at a time.

Hey, you do what you gotta do.

and we know that the success of our neighbors will make us more successful – Let’s thrive together.

Letters can be found on Pages 4A, 5A, 7A. FOOD FROM THE HEART 2016

THANK YOU! Middlebury Lions Club would like to thank the following businesses for allowing us to collect food to be donated to the two local food shelves: Hope and CVOEO. • Shaws of Middlebury • Kinney Drugs of Middlebury • Middlebury Natural Food Co-Op • Pratt’s Store of Bridport

“I really enjoy teaching people in my own age group!”

Professor John Berninghausen, with student Jo Birnbaum

L to R: Kris Pearsall, Registered Representative; Fred Baser, CFP®; Shawn Oxford, AIF®; Matt Igler & Reese in front.

We collected 2000 pounds of food and $700 cash. The Middlebury Lions Club will donate an additional $1000 to each of the two local food shelves.

Thank you to all!

Middlebury Lions Club Food From the Heart Program Email it to:

SPREAD THE WORD news@addisonindependent.com

.BJO 4USFFU #SJTUPM 75 r 802-453-2378 www.bristolfinancial.com Registered Representatives of, and securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SPIC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

PAGE 6A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

ADDISON COUNTY

Obituaries

Ryan Morin, 35, Burlington

John Flickinger, 98, Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — John Hodgdon Flickinger passed away peacefully on March 29 2016. He had celebrated his 98th birthday 10 days earlier with family and friends at the Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury, Vt. A wonderful husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was much beloved by his family and friends, all of whom enjoyed his sense of humor, varied interests, and joy in life.

John was born on March 19, 1918, in Schenectady, N.Y., to John and Maude (Hodgdon) Flickinger. He graduated from Niskayuna High School, N.Y., in 1936 and spent his formative years y ďŹ shing, hunting and skiing. He was the youngest of six children and the only boy, and many of his fondest memories involved the outdoor activities he enjoyed with his father.

John graduated from the University of Michigan in 1940 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a member of the ATO fraternity and manager of the men’s track team, and remained an avid fan of the Wolverines for the rest of his life.

Upon graduation, John began a career with General Electric and met his future wife, Jacqueline (Jackie) Suzanne Foster, at the River Works plant in Lynn, Mass., making jet engines.

Future assignments with GE took him to Philadelphia and Erie, Pa.; Decatur and Fort Wayne, Ind., and Linton, Ind., where he was plant manager. However,

John and Jackie wanted to return East and in 1966 John accepted a position as Manager of Manufacturing with Simmonds Precision Engineering in Vergennes, Vt. Relocating to nearby Middlebury allowed John to expose his family to the outdoor pastimes he had so enjoyed as well as to the cultural beneďŹ ts of a college town.

A few years later, John began a second career as an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.

He enjoyed the personal relationships he developed with his many clients and received satisfaction from seeing the beneďŹ ts of his work. Many of these connections remained with him for the rest of his life.

John was very community minded and an active member of the Middlebury Congregational Church. He was also involved in Rotary for many years, and supported a number of local charitable and environmental groups.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years and three children: Jay (wife Cally) of Shelburne, Vt.; Nancy (husband Jim Witkin) of Tacoma Park, Md.; and Barbara (husband Kim Christiansen) of Larchmont, N.Y. His oldest child, Bob (wife Caryl), of Penn Yan, N.Y., predeceased John in 2012. John enjoyed his nine grandchildren (Bob’s sons Jason, Mark, and Brian Flickinger; Jay’s daughters Kristina Hill and Sarah Flickinger; Nancy’s sons Danny and Matt Witkin; and Barbara’s children Katie and Sam Christiansen). John had ďŹ ve great-grandchildren (Mark’s

JOHN FLICKINGER daughters Finley and Piper; Brian’s daughters Ellie and Reagan; and Kristina’s son Eden). John’s ďŹ ve older sisters (Jean, Ruth, Mary, Kay and Elsie) predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held at the Middlebury Congregational Church on April 23 at 2 pm. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to the Vermont or Adirondack Chapters of the Nature Conservancy, the Adirondack Land Trust, or the Middlebury Congregational Church. The family also wishes to thank Addison County Home Health and Hospice as well as Elderly Services for their support. ◊

BURLINGTON — Ryan A. Morin, 35, passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2016. Born in Burlington, Vt., on Dec. 3, 1980, he was the son of Diane Many and Rick Lincoln.

Ryan was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. He graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1998, NorthďŹ eld Mount Herman (post graduate school) in 1999 and St. Lawrence University in 2004.

Ryan loved to travel and experience other cultures. He spent time living in Trinidad for a semester during college for speech, theatre and global studies, as well as a semester in Thailand teaching English to children.

Ryan worked several jobs during his career and fostered long-lasting friendships with each experience.

Most recently he was a bartender at the Vermont Comedy Club and a tour guide for WhistlePig Whiskey, but the Windjammer Restaurant was his home. His many jobs included being a server, manager, bartender, jokester and friend. He added heart, positive energy and grew to know many, creating long-lasting friendships with both co-workers and customers.

Ryan was charismatic and charming. He had a way of making everyone feel special with his positive energy and genuine love for everyone. If Ryan knew someone, they were his family and he was that guy who always offered to help.

Ryan enjoyed music, from creating

it with his close buddies, to performing and DJ’ing events. He enjoyed running, working out, playing golf with his stepdad, basketball, bowling and going to football games with his father, playing music and snowboarding with his brother, and hanging out with his sister and nephews.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Diane and Darrell Many of Whiting and Rick and Michelle Lincoln of Colchester; his sister, Kristy Many and partner Kyle Lafountain; his brother, Ross Lincoln; nephews Austin Morin and Jonah LaFountain; niece Faith Scarborough; grandparents Yvette Blair, Shirley Trombley and Robert Many; aunts Louise Morin and Patty Lincoln; uncle Todd Ploof; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

He was predeceased by his sister Danielle Morin in 2011.

Ryan left an amazing footprint on all of our hearts. We will remember his beautiful smile, his positive energy and the zest he had to live life to the fullest. Celebrate the memories and remember him as your friend.

In lieu of owers, donations can be made in Ryan’s memory to Camp Dudley and Kiniya, 137 Kiniya Road, Colchester, VT 05446. All who knew him are invited to a Memory Gathering at the Windjammer Restaurant in South Burlington on Sunday, April 10, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. where the Windjammer will be serving Ryan’s favorite meal of lasagna,

RYAN MORIN salad and brownies provided by Camp Dudley and Kiniya and a toast of Ryan’s favorite brew provided by WhistlePig Brewery. Following will be a Celebration of Life to include a collaboration of Ryan’s love of music held at the American Legion, 3650 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, Vt., from 4 to 8 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service, South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. To send online condolences to the family please visit www. readyfuneral.com. â—Š

Andrew McCabe, 54, Annandale-On-Hudson, N.Y. ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. — It is with great sadness that Jane, Shaw and Duncan McCabe announce the sudden passing of their father, Andrew, on April 1, 2016.

Andy, 54, died unexpectedly at his home near Annandale-On-Hudson, where he was employed as the Bard Men’s Soccer Coach and an Assistant Athletic Director since the summer of 2013. Andy’s recent success at Bard had been recognized by being named the Liberty League Coach of the year, and the ECAC Div. III Upstate Coach of the Year.

McCabe had come to Bard from Middlebury College, where he was an assistant men’s soccer coach for eight seasons. During his tenure there, Middlebury won two New England Small College Athletic Conference Championships, made three NCAA Div. III Elite 8 appearances, and won DOUG THERRIEN the NCAA Div. III Men’s National Championship in 2007. In addition of Vermont Cancer Center, OfďŹ ce to his work at Middlebury College, of Development, The Courtyard at McCabe was head of the boys’ Given - 1 South, 89 Beaumont Ave., U17 Team in the Vermont Olympic Development Program, and a coach/ Burlington, VT 05405. â—Š administrator at the Vermont Soccer School.

Andy graduated from Middlebury College in 1983 having grown up in nearby Elizabethtown, N.Y. Upon graduation, Andy accepted a position with the Peace Corps water

Douglas Therrien, 66, Vergennes VERGENNES — Douglas (“Doug�) E. Therrien, 66, of Vergennes passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on Dec. 21, 1949, in Burlington, the son of Arthur L. Therrien and Barbara E. (Demars) Therrien.

Doug graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School in 1967.

He married his lifelong partner Sharon in 1972. He was an extremely hardworking man, spending over 40 years in the construction business, including over 20 years as a heavy equipment operator with S.D. Ireland in Williston. Doug was an avid outdoorsman and he especially enjoyed deer hunting with family. He was also a devoted husband and a loving family man.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sharon A. (Bergeron) Therrien; two children, his son Jesse and wife Erin of Brandon, and his daughter Nicole of Vergennes; as well as the pride and joys of his life

his three grandchildren, Jacob D. and Brayden E. Therrien and Taylor A. Steady.

He is also survived by his brothers Donald and wife Darlene of Charlotte, and Randy and wife Denise of Hinesburg, along with numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Arthur L. Therrien; his mother, Barbara E. (Demars) Therrien; and his brothers Robert A. Therrien and Roy A. Therrien.

We will forever miss his sense of humor and kind heart.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the doctors and nurses at the UVM Medical Center that took such great care of Doug. You helped make him as comfortable as possible and we thank you.

A burial service will be held at Resurrection Park in South Burlington, Vt., on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. All are welcomed to attend. In lieu of owers, contributions may be made to The University

Ronald ‘Von Ron’ Pidgeon, 78, Vergennes VERGENNES — Ronald Edward “Von Ron� Pidgeon, 78, of Vergennes, passed away peacefully at Burlington Health & Rehab on Monday, April 4, 2016, and was met at the pearly gates by his brother, Marcus, and his son, Joseph Edward.

Ron was born at home in North Ferrisburgh, Vt., on May 21, 1937, the son of Edward and Bertha (Quentin) Pidgeon.

Ron attended Cathedral High in Burlington, transferred to Vergennes High School and graduated in 1955. He worked at Simmonds Precision Products after graduation until his retirement in 1993. Over the course of his 37 years of service, Ron held numerous titles, starting as an Assembler and working his

way up to Process Engineer. He was a valued problem solver, which helped him weather the company’s many transitions.

Ron served in the Naval Reserve Service from June 1955 until his honorable discharge in June 1963. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy, on June 30, 1957. He had a gift for all things mechanical and, with his wife’s help, ran Pidgeon’s Motorcycle Sales & Service as a sideline for over 30 years. “Von Ronâ€? was loved by family and friends for his mischievous grin, a ready story (perhaps even true!), his smooth “broadcaster voice,â€? and an ability to ďŹ x darn near anything, preferably with duct tape and WD-40.

Ron leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Dorothy (Sorrell) Pidgeon; his three

children and families, Cynthia Slater and husband James of Middlebury, Vt.; Deborah Whaley, husband Gregory, and their daughters, Hannah and Sarah, of Kernersville, N.C.; and Jeffrey Pidgeon and wife Anita Coulter of Berkeley, Calif. Ron is also survived by two sisters, Elaine Saltus and Gail Swenor, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours including a brief service will be held from 2-4 p.m. at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Sunday, April 10. A celebration of life gathering will follow. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Elderly Services Inc., PO Box 581, Middlebury, VT 05753. ◊

Affordable Cremation & Burial Plans Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home 117 South Main St. Middlebury, VT • 388-2311 sandersonfuneralservice.com

ANDREW MCCABE held at Middlebury Mead Chapel in Middlebury, Vt., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, to celebrate his life and the extraordinary impact he had on all he met.

Please send condolences and/or memories to Monica@middlebury. edu, jmccabe@middlebury.edu, or saward@middlebury.edu.

Letters or cards may be sent c/o Monica Carroll at 5102 Buckingham Road, Boulder, CO 80301. â—Š

Francis Forrest, 93, Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — Francis L. Forrest died March 23, 2016. He was born July 28, 1922, one of 10 children of the late Philip L. and Clara R (Danyew) Forrest of Middlebury. He attended school in Middlebury and then served time in U.S Air Corps in the U.S. and England during WWII, from 1942-1946. He was awarded several decorations and metals.

Francis married Gwyneth Saxby in England and had a daughter, Diane, in 1945. He was discharged in 1946, and returned to the U.S. He later graduated from barber school and electrician school in Boston, Mass. He worked for Walt Calhoun and obtained a master electrician’s license, serving Addison, Rutland, and Chittenden counties during his career.

He was married to Geraldine Ferguson for 25 years, and raised ďŹ ve children. His community ties were strong, belonging to the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion Post 27; and as a lifetime member of VFW Post 7823, having served as their Commander.

In 1972, Francis moved to Randolph and married Mary Loomis, where they resided for 35 years, until her death in 2007.

Peace of mind is knowing your loved one never leaves our care.

• the only on-site crematory in Addison County • locally owned and operated by Walter Ducharme

program and spent a number of years in Washington, D.C., as a political consultant, where he had become a senior adviser to Governor of Kentucky John Y. Brown in his bid for a return to the Statehouse.

A lover of the outdoors and the north country, Andy returned to his roots and became a small business owner and entrepreneur, running successful businesses in Westport, N.Y., and Vergennes and Middlebury, Vt. Many came to know Vergennes Wine, one such venture, widely recognized by connoisseurs as the place to go for top wine selection and advice.

In addition to his beloved children, Andrew is survived by Monica Carroll, mother of their children, and his siblings Geoffrey, Matt, John, Meredith and Jacqueline, as well as several nieces and nephews and countless friends.

All those who knew Andy were charmed by his candor, intelligence and irrepressible sense of humor.

Andy was a lover of arts, culture, politics and sports. He was an avid reader, who delighted in literature and the art of writing, as revealed in his many clever and well-loved wine advertisements. Andrew was an unsurpassed conversationalist who welcomed all.

A Memorial Service will be

Candles & Gifts

40% Liquidation Sale

.85m5 )865 # & /,35R5inn7gogm Äť/,-575 .5gf7k

Francis was an avid gardener, ďŹ sherman and hunter. He enjoyed mowing lawns, cutting wood, plowing snow and watching wrestling, and old westerns like “Bonanzaâ€? and “Gunsmokeâ€? on TV. He was an animal lover and especially loved his many dogs, making them his constant companions.

Francis was predeceased by his son, Gary A. Forrest, and eight of his siblings. Survivors include his former wife, Geraldine Forrest Kingsbury; his children, Diane Ream of England, Patricia Zeno Roberts, David and Robin Forrest, Robert and Julie Forrest, and Kathy and Jeffrey Many; stepson Michael Loomis; a sister, Teresa Churchill and her husband Raymond; eight grandchildren; ďŹ ve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, May 6, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Road, Randolph Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 p.m. at VFW Post 7823 on Exchange Street in Middlebury.

In lieu of owers, contributions can be made in Francis’ memory

FUNERAL MEMORIAL SERVICE CREMATION PRE-PLANNING SERVICES

BROWN-McCLAY FUNERAL HOMES

BRISTOL 453-2301

VERGENNES 877-3321

FRANCIS FORREST to Addison County Home Health & Hospice (AHH&H), POB 754, Middlebury, VT 05753; Middlebury Regional Emergency Medical Services (MREMS), 55 Collins Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753; or Homeward Bound — ACHS, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, VT 05753. ◊

New Obituary Guidelines The Independent will publish paid obituaries and free notices of passing. Paid obituaries cost 25 cents per word and will be published, as submitted, on the date of the family’s choosing. Paid obituaries are marked with a “◊� symbol at the end.

The Independent offers a free notice of passing up to 100 words, subject to editing by our news department. Photos with either paid obituaries or free notices cost $10 per photo. Obituaries may be emailed to obits@addisonindependent.com, or call 802-388-4944 for more information.

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 7A

Ayer, Bray eye leadership post

Letters to the Editor Early musical education important for young children As the director of Middlebury Community Music Center (MCMC), mom of two young girls, and a piano teacher, I am passionate about the importance of early musical education for young children from birth through elementary school. Early musical learning has the power to propel us into a lifetime of music making and arts appreciation, enriching our lives and making us engaged citizens.

Every child is born with musical aptitude. The common myth that some kids are just born gifted misses the fact that everyone has a chance to become musically literate, and to reap the benefits that musical training has to offer. Many children have

minimal exposure to music during the critical early years that are prime for learning.

Singing and moving to music from a very young age awakens two essential pillars of musical learning: pitch and rhythm. These are skills that need practice and reinforcement to become stable “truths” for a young musician. This process of learning shapes our thinking as we grow, and transfers to many other areas of our lives.

A recent report just released from the National Endowment for the Arts shows how critical early arts education is to children’s social-emotional development. For young children, a

strong social-emotional foundation leads to greater success in academics, and instills resourceful problem solving, compassionate listening, and stick-to-itiveness, among many other important attributes.

It is our mission at MCMC to provide enriching programming in music for all the ages in a supportive, community environment. We are grateful to collaborate with the Lets Grow Kids organization to promote the importance of these early childhood experiences, and to help us reach as many people in our community as we can.

Sadie Brightman Lincoln

Anonymous good Samaritans helped elderly driver I want to say thank you to several people who I don’t even know, men who have chosen to remain anonymous, men who went above and beyond to be kind to others.

Thursday morning, March 24, my 84-year-old mom experienced an adverse drug reaction while driving through Middlebury. When she stopped at a red light, two men got out of their car(s) and told Mom she was driving erratically, and that she needs to park her car. They proceeded to phone 911, Mom was taken to ADDISON COUNTY

Porter Hospital, and she recovered.

Had those two angels not taken the time and the effort to care about my Mom (and others on the road), the end result may have been very different. Thank you, gentlemen, for genuinely caring and then acting.

You rendered assistance in the most perfect, kind way.

Also, the previous Sunday, March 20, Mom and I enjoyed breakfast at The Diner in Middlebury, which was nearly full at the time. Toward the end of our meal,

we were told that a gentleman who had just left had paid for everyone’s meal who was eating there at that time. And he wanted to remain anonymous. What a wonderful, generous random act of kindness.

He sure did put a smile on my face and warmed my heart.

This world needs a lot more of these kinds of people, for sure.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I truly appreciate you all.

Lynn Coeby Ripton

Both county senators weighing run for Senate president

By MARK JOHNSON VT Digger.org MONTPELIER — A second state senator plans to run for the top leadership post next year.

Sen. Christopher Bray, D-New Haven, said Tuesday he would seek the position of Senate president pro tempore for the next legislative session. The current Senate president, John Campbell, has said he will not run for re-election to the Senate this fall.

Bray joins Sen. Tim Ashe, D/PChittenden, in saying they will definitely run for the post. Sens. Claire Ayer, D-Addison, and Ann Cummings, D-Washington, have said they are interested in running. Cummings unsuccessfully challenged Campbell for the Senate president job four years ago. The Windsor County Democrat was elected Senate president in 2010.

Bray, chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, said his goal would be to “have a well-organized Senate that’s healthy, productive, respectful and works well together.”

He is in his second term in the Senate and served two terms in the House. He said he feels he has the experience.

Bray said if his peers elect him, he will institute training sessions for senators on topics including

Obituaries

David Flight memorial service MIDDLEBURY — A memorial service and celebration of life in music and words for David Strong Flight, who died Jan. 14, 2016, will be held Saturday, April 16, at 2 p.m. at the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, Middlebury.

Handicap-accessible parking and drop-offs are available at the church; all other parking is at the high school parking lot.

Following the service the family will host a reception at the church.

Robert Kellogg Jr., 47, Lincoln LINCOLN — Robert William Kellogg Jr. died on March 27, 2016, at his home in Lincoln, Vt. Rob was born Jan. 4, 1969, the son of Robert and Patricia (Jackman) Kellogg. He was a graduate of Springfield High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics. Rob studied at the Esalen Institute in California and received his degree from San Francisco School of Massage and Bodywork. He was currently working for the Counseling Service of Addison County.

Rob touched the lives of many people. He spent hours rocking premature babies in the hospital and brought his healing touch to people who were very ill or dying. He also worked with people who sought his expertise to help them with full body wellness. Rob’s training brought him in touch with some of the best practitioners in their fields. He was trained in pediatric, geriatric and end-of-life massage therapy. He also worked at the Arc in San Francisco, sharing his gifts with physically and mentally disabled adults.

Rob was active throughout his life, and as an adult enjoyed swimming miles in either the San Francisco Bay or Lake Champlain. He also loved cycling and his preferred mode of transportation was his bike. Rob practiced yoga and meditation daily

SAVE TIME AND MONEY ON GROCERIES! Fresh Produce, Meat and Eggs 15%-30% CHEAPER than the supermarket!

Learn more at middleburyfoods.com 978-335-3875 • ORDER TODAY!

www.addisonindependent.com

CHECK IT OUT!

ROBERT KELLOGG JR. and lived a quiet, reflective life, enjoying art, writing and photography.

Rob is survived by his parents; his sisters, Deb, Kate and Jenn; his nieces, Devyn, Maya, Maddie and Emma; and his nephew, Nick. He is also survived by many loving cousins, aunts and uncles in both the Kellogg and Jackman families. He was gentle, kind, playful, attentive and was greatly loved by all.

There will be a memorial service for family only. ◊

Money Matters

Smart Financial Moves in Your 50s & 60s What might you think of doing when?

If you had a timeline of ed you can put up with the financial steps you the inevitable volatility. should probably take in Other investment profeslife, what would it look sionals feel that is simlike? ply too risky a decision, Answers to that queseven with some boomers tion will vary, but certain needing much larger retimes of life do call for tirement nest eggs. certain financial moves.

If possible, think about Some should be made (and plan for) an approxout of caution, others out imate retirement date. ® Shawn Oxford, AIF Aim to reduce your debt of opportunity.

Between 50 and 60, you are in the as much as possible by that time or “red zone” before retirement. If earlier. Retiring with multiple major you can, accelerate your retirement debts can be stressful to say the least. saving through greater contribution Lastly, check in with a financial prolevels and/or catch-up contributions fessional to gauge how close you are allowed for many retirement ac- to realizing your long-term financial counts after age 50. You may want objectives. to tolerate less risk in your portfo- Thank you for reading. I hope lio as retirement nears; you may you found this informative, and not. Some investment professionals please look for more helpful tips contend that in this era of low inter- in future editions. est rates and low inflation, it makes Shawn Oxford, AIF® much more sense to tilt a portfo- Registered Representatives of, and securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, lio toward equities than toward member FINRA/SPIC. Cetera is under separate ownership fixed-income investments – provid- from any other named entity.

Bristol Financial Services 36 Main Street, Bristol, VT 05443 802-453-2378 or www.bristolfinancial.com Paid Advertisement

how to be a committee chair, basic law principles and how the rules based on laws are made after they are passed.

He said his style would be collaborative, not top-down.

“I’m much more drawn to creating a space where people’s best work is honored, supported, and they step up and get things done,” Bray said. “I’m much less drawn to models where there’s some big

leader, pulling everyone along.

It seems like that model does not make the most of everyone who participates.”

Campbell is taking over as executive director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs after the Legislature adjourns this year.

He plans to keep his Senate seat until the end of his term in January.

Campbell will make $104,000 annually in his new position.

PAGE 8A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

BRANDON FARMERS MARKET

community

calendar

New Vendors Wanted!

Seasonal veggies, maple syrup, a wide variety of hand-crafted products, fiber products, baked goods, jams & much more!

Friday markets May 27 – Oct. 7, 2016 9am - 2pm on the Brandon Town Green

Call Wendy Cijka at 802-273-2655 for information

I’m looking for the person who bought the old Chevy firetruck in Ludlow to restore. I have some photos of it from better days!

Contact me at hiloyelp@yahoo.com!

WHAT’S ON THE WEB THIS WEEK?

www.addisonindependent.com

Check out our new features and additional content

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING $385

Morgan Blanchard-Bilodeau Community Manager

$12/$10/$6. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/ arts or 802-443-3168. “Inside Outâ€? in Middlebury. Saturday, April 9, 2-4 p.m., Counseling Service of Addison County. Free screening in honor of Autism Awareness Month. Free popcorn and juice boxes, as well as ďŹ ne and gross motor toys to play with in the back of the room. Info: 388-0302, ext. 404. “Mr. Turnerâ€? on screen at Middlebury College.

Saturday, April 9, 3 and 8 p.m., Dana Auditorium. This Mike Leigh ďŹ lm explores the last quarter century of the great, if eccentric, British painter J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

Exhibit opening reception in Middlebury. Saturday, April 9, 3-6 p.m., Edgewater Gallery on the Green.

Celebrating the opening of “Donna Andreychuk: Visual Journey.� Info: 802-989-7419 or zoe@edgewatergallery-vt.com. “Informal, In-Process Sharing� choreography demonstration at Middlebury College. Saturday, April 9, 4 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts, Room 109. Dance artist in residence Michael J. Morris and Maree ReMalia create work together in the dance “Ecosexuality in Performance� talk studio. Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or at Middlebury College. Friday, April 8, 802-443-3168.

10:10-11 a.m., Axinn Center, Room 229.

Roast turkey supper in Vergennes. Saturday, April Dance artist in residence Michael J. Morris will pres9, 5-6:30 p.m., Vergennes United Methodist Church. ent “Ecosexuality in Performanceâ€? in Mez BakerRoast turkey, mashed potatoes, stufďŹ ng, vegetable, MĂŠdard’s Space, Place and Mental Health course. cranberry sauce, dessert and beverage, served Light lunch follows. Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/ buffet style. Adults $9, children $5. Takeout available. arts or 802-443-3168.

Info: 877-3150.

Mars Curiosity rover talk at Roast pork dinner and dance in Middlebury. Saturday, Middlebury College. Friday, April April 9, 5:30 p.m., VFW Post 7823, Exchange Street.

8, 12:30 p.m., Bicentennial Hall, Roast pork dinner with all the ďŹ xings, $12. Cocktails at Room 220. After 3.5 years on Mars, 5:30 followed by dinner and dancing BRANDON ARTISTS GUILD — Mexican Oaxaca Sculpture with Triple B DJ. RSVP: 388-9468. the Curiosity rover has recently reached exposures of sedimentary April 10, Ages 6 to 10, with Todd Houston of Lothrop School. Contradance in Cornwall. Saturday, rocks that are yielding dramatic new 9, 7-9:30 p.m., Cornwall Town Celebrate April with a modern spin to traditional Mexican wood April insights into Martian history. Project Hall. Live music by Red Dog Riley carvings. Create fantastical creatures using paper, clay and (caller TBA). Cost: $5 per person.

Scientist John Grotzinger will give an update and take questions. paint. Cost: $20. At the Granary, 29 Union St. Brandon from Info: 462-3722.

Caregiver Support Group in Lincoln.

1pm – 3:30pm. All supplies and materials included. Register at “Spring Thawâ€? gala and rafe Friday, April 8, 1-2 p.m., Lincoln Middlebury. Saturday, April 9, the Brandon Artists Guild, 7 Center St. Brandon, or by phone, in Library. Support group for anyone 7-10 p.m., Carol’s Hungry Mind 247-4956. www.brandonartistsguild.org. who is caring for another person, CafĂŠ. Second annual fundraiser for long distance or close by. Info: Addison Central Teens, with farmBRANDON ARTISTS GUILD — Soft Pastel Workshop, April to-table hors d’oeuvres; limited 453-2665.

17 Adult class with Middlebury artist Norma Rollet. Enjoy a wonderful free samples of Vermont spirits, Reception for three new exhibits in Middlebury. Friday, April 8, 5-7 p.m., afternoon of pastel painting. Cost: $45. At the Granary, 29 Union St. beers and wines; and live music by Sheldon Museum. Celebrating “Out Brandon from 1pm – 3:30pm. All supplies and materials included. O’hAnleigh. Tickets $25 available at of the Forest: The Woodcarvings Register at the Brandon Artists Guild, 7 Center St. Brandon, or by http://addisonteens.com/spring-thaw. of Chuck Herrmann�; “The Curious “United in Harmony� a cappella phone, 247-4956. www.brandonartistsguild.org.

Cousins of Vermont Outsider Artist competition in Middlebury.

Gayleen Aikenâ€?; and “Addison April 9, 7 p.m., Town Hall TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. is proud to announce our new Toddler Saturday, County in ProďŹ le: Silhouettes Theater. Second annual fundraiser (18m-3yrs), Preschool (3-5yr olds) and Day Classes (3-adults). from the Henry Sheldon Museum for the United Way of Addison Archives.â€? Info: www.henrysheldonVergennes Classes are Tuesdays. At Congregational Church: County. Numerous groups from museum.org or 802-388-2117.

Toddlers 9:15–10:00 and Preschoolers from 10:15 – 11:00. At around the state will come showcase Pizza Bake in Ripton. Friday, April their vocal harmony skills. Tickets Christian Reform Church: Family Style Day/Homeschooler classes $15-$30, available at the THT box 8, 5-6:30 p.m., Ripton Elementary 11:30-12:30. Middlebury Day Classes at VT Sun in Middlebury. ofďŹ ce, 382-9222, or www.townhallSchool. The Friends of Ripton School are offering cheese, pepperoni and Toddlers from 10:00–10:45 and Preschoolers from 11:0011:45 theater.org. harvest special wood-ďŹ red pizzas on Wednesdays. Family Style Day/Homeschooler Classes from Daddy Long Legs in concert in for $12-$15. Pick up and take out.

Lincoln. Saturday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., 11:30 - 12:30. Toddler/Preschool Classes are $5/class. Family Burnham Hall. Part of the 2015-2016 Preorder by 3 p.m. on Friday, April 8: Day/Homeschooler Classes are $10/class (family discounts) Call Burnham Music Series. Doors open 388-2208 or tharrington@acsu.org.

Spring auction in Middlebury. Friday, 802-377-0476, email tkdkicks101@yahoo.com or check out at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30. Admission April 8, 6:30 p.m., Middlebury $8 adults, free for kids and teens. www.tkdkicks.net.

American Legion. “Springtime in See the Burnham Music Series Paris,â€? a French-themed live and MIDDLEBURY STUDIO SCHOOL — Adult: Thurs PM Draw- Facebook page for full schedule of silent auction, includes gift certiďŹ concerts. Info: 388-6863. ing, Mon. PM Oils, Thurs AM Oils, Weds AM Paint, Thurs. PM monthly cates, art, lawn and garden, recre“Stupid F***ing Birdâ€? on stage at Pastels. Children:Weds. after school hand building, NEW- Middlebury College. Saturday, April ation and technology, farm and automotive, maple syrup, jewelry Apr Vacation Clay Hand Building and on the Wheel, Young 9, 7:30 p.m., Mahaney Center for and other items. Tickets $7.50, availArtists on Weds after school, Thurs. Clay hand building, the Arts. An adaptation of Chekhov’s able at Your Turn Resale Shoppe Seagullâ€? by Aaron Posner, Mon. Wheel. Contact Barb at 247-3702, ewaldewald@ “The in Vergennes. BJ’s Farm Supply this contemporary play deals in aol.com, middleburystudioschool.org in Panton, or at the door. Tickets passion and is ďŹ lled with hyperbole.

Tickets $12/$10/$6. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts or Tickets $5. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts 802-443-3168. or 802-443-3168. Also on April 9.

Sarah Blacker in concert in Brandon. Saturday, April “Loud and Proud BeneďŹ t for Conrad F. Bellâ€? in 9, 7:30 p.m., Brandon Music. Award-winning singerVergennes. Friday, April 8, 9 p.m., City Limits Night songwriter Sarah Blacker, with Aaron Katz, plays Club. Addison County bands the Johnny Devil Band new material in preparation for an upcoming album. and Twist of Fate, and Franklin County band Victim Tickets $20. Reservations recommended: 802-247of Metal will play. 50/50 rafe. No cover, but dona4295 or info@brandon-music.net. tions will be taken. All proceeds go to the Conrad F. St. Ambrose Casino Night in Bristol. Saturday, Bell Memorial Trust Fund for Bell’s two daughters.

April 9, 7:30 p.m., St. Ambrose Church. Play craps, Bell was murdered in 2012 in Ferrisburgh. Info: roulette or blackjack. Tickets, $20 per person, include 734-0697. $150 in gaming chips. Door prize: $250 Visa gift “On an Average Day� on stage at Middlebury card. Appetizers and refreshments available. Info: College. Friday, April 8, 10:30 p.m., Hepburn Zoo. A 453-2488. play by John Kolvenbach ’88; senior 700-level work of Tzveta Kassabova and Friends dance performance Zachary Lounsbury. Two brothers, after two decades at Middlebury College. Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m., apart, reunite in the kitchen of their childhood home Mahaney Center for the Arts. Assistant Professor and confront the scars left by their troubled past. of Dance Tzveta Kassabova, joined by Elena Tickets $5. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts Demyanenko and Jennifer Nugent, will transform or 802-443-3168. Also on April 9. the theater using raw dance vocabulary, a fascinating visual landscape and a half-mile of rope. Tickets $20/$15/$6, available at www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-6433. “On an Average Day� on stage at Middlebury Monthly wildlife walk in Middlebury.

College. Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m., Hepburn Zoo. A Saturday, April 9, 8-10 a.m., Otter View play by John Kolvenbach ’88; senior 700-level work of Park and Hurd Grassland. A monthly Zachary Lounsbury. Two brothers, after two decades OCAS-MALT event inviting community apart, reunite in the kitchen of their childhood home members to help survey birds and other wildand confront the scars left by their troubled past. life. Meet at Otter View Park parking area, Tickets $5. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts corner of Weybridge Street and Pulp Mill or 802-443-3168.

Bridge Road. Birders of all ages and abilities welcome. Shorter and longer routes possible. Info: 388-6019 or 388-1007.

Tag sale in Weybridge. Saturday, April Green Mountain Club hike in 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Weybridge Elementary Starksboro. Sunday, April 10, Common School. Wide variety of items includGround Center trails, time TBA. The GMC ing clothes, toys, sports equipment Bread Loaf Section offers a 4-mile round trip on and household goods. Items can be woods roads and trails along the Hogback on the dropped off at the school after April 7.

Common Ground Center’s 700 acres, including Info: 545-2113 or kmason@addisonviews of Bristol Pond. Guided by Emily Gibbs of centralsu.org.

Common Ground. Bring winter boots or snowshoes, “Creating Comics� workshop in depending on conditions, plus water and a snack.

Orwell. Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m., Orwell Info: ceciliaelwert@yahoo.com or 802-453-8447.

Free Library. Cartoonist Laureate of More info: www.gmcbreadloaf.org.

Vermont James Kochalka walks particiFiremen’s pancake breakfast in Salisbury. Sunday, pants through the process of creating April 10, 7:30-11 a.m., Salisbury Community School. characters, generating ideas and drawing Pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, home their own comics. Free. Register at orwellfries, milk, juice and coffee. Adults $10, children 12 freelibrary.org. Info: 802-948-2041. and under $5. “Your Vermont Air National Guard� talk in Family breakfast in Vergennes. Sunday, April 10, Ferrisburgh. Saturday, April 9, 10-10:45 a.m., 8-10 a.m., St. Peter’s Parish. Eggs, omelets to order, Assembly of God Christian Center. Lt. Col. Laura hot cakes, French toast, sausage, bacon and more.

Caputo will give a short history of the Vermont Air Adults $8.50, seniors $7.50, kids 6-12 years $6, National Guard, talk about its missions, and honor kids under 6 free, families of ďŹ ve or more $28. Info: its everyday heroes. Presented by the Seth Warner 877-2367. – Rhoda Farrand Chapter of the DAR. Bingo extravaganza fundraiser in Middlebury.

Gubernatorial candidates’ panel in Middlebury.

Sunday, April 10, 1 p.m., VFW 7823. BeneďŹ t for Saturday, April 9, 10:30 a.m., Champlain Valley a woman who suffered a brain aneurysm last fall.

Unitarian Universalist Society. Featuring Vermont Doors open at 11. Quickies at 12:15 p.m. and regugubernatorial candidates Matt Dunne, Bruce Lisman lar games at 1 p.m. Bucket rafe, auction, pull tabs, and Sue Minter. Free. vendors, bake sale and more. Business donations Prize bingo in Leicester. Saturday, April 9, 1 p.m., GOOGLE VENTURES (GV) founder and welcome at 377-9839.

Senior Center. All are welcome. Refreshments will include dessert bar and beverages. Proceeds beneďŹ t CEO Bill Maris, a 1997 Middlebury College Vocal performance at Middlebury College. Sunday, be served. the Champlain Valley Christian School Capital graduate, reects the career path that April 10, 4 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. Lisa “Stupid F***ing Birdâ€? on stage at Middlebury Campaign Fund.

Info: on 759-2031. took him Community from Vermont to California in a Wooldridge presents “Nightingales: Stories of Love College. Saturday, April 9, 2 p.m., Mahaney Center Middlebury Wind Ensemble spring presentation titled “Vermont, Silicon Valley Through Nature and Songâ€? as part of her senior for the Arts. An adaptation of Chekhov’s “The concert at Middlebury College. Friday, April 8, 7-8 and the Futureâ€? on Monday, April 11, at 7 work. Accompanied by Cynthia Huard and featuring Seagullâ€? by Aaron Posner, this contemporary play p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. A musical journey p.m., at Wilson Hall on the college campus. numerous other musicians. Free. deals in passion and is ďŹ lled with hyperbole. Tickets spanning 400 years and three continents, including

Apr

7

THURSDAY

“Stupid F***ing Birdâ€? on stage at Middlebury College. Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. An adaptation of Chekhov’s “The Seagullâ€? by Aaron Posner, this contemporary play deals in passion and is ďŹ lled with hyperbole. Post-show discussion with the cast and crew April 7 only. Tickets $12/$10/$6. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-4433168. Also on April 8 and 9. “On an Average Dayâ€? on stage at Middlebury College. Thursday, April 7, 8 p.m., Hepburn Zoo. A play by John Kolvenbach ’88; senior 700-level work of Zachary Lounsbury. Two brothers, after two decades apart, reunite in the kitchen of their childhood home and confront the scars left by their troubled past.

Tickets $5. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Also on April 8 and 9.

Apr

8

FRIDAY

works by Percy Grainger, Maurice Ravel and Cole Porter. Free. Sponsored by the Middlebury College Music Department.

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Middlebury. Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Great ďŹ shing ďŹ lms from some of the country’s best independent ďŹ lmmakers.

Open house for vendors at 6 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance from Middlebury Mountaineer or 802-3887245, or $20 at the door. “Stupid F***ing Birdâ€? on stage at Middlebury College. Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. An adaptation of Chekhov’s “The Seagullâ€? by Aaron Posner, this contemporary play deals in passion and is ďŹ lled with hyperbole. Tickets $12/$10/$6. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/ arts or 802-443-3168. Also on April 9.

Tzveta Kassabova and Friends dance performance at Middlebury College. Friday, April 8, 8 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. Assistant Professor of Dance Tzveta Kassabova, joined by Elena Demyanenko and Jennifer Nugent, will transform the theater using raw dance vocabulary, a fascinating visual landscape and a half-mile of rope. Tickets $20/$15/$6, available at www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-6433. Also on April 9. “On an Average Day� on stage at Middlebury College. Friday, April 8, 8 p.m., Hepburn Zoo. A play

by John Kolvenbach ’88; senior 700-level work of Zachary Lounsbury. Two brothers, after two decades apart, reunite in the kitchen of their childhood home and confront the scars left by their troubled past.

Apr

9

AURORA SCHOOL STATE-APPROVED GRADES K-8 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

TUESDAY MORNING PREVIEWS April 12 th, 26 th & May 3 rd, 10 th, 17 th at 10am

FIND OUT WHAT MAKES AURORA SPECIAL! Visit classes, meet teachers, parents & students.

Aurora School provides a challenging, supportive academic environment with an interdisciplinary, thematic curriculum that fosters eagerness to learn, creativity, and personal growth.

Aurora School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Financial Aid is available.

Contact us to RSVP: s AURORAK SCHOOLVT GMAIL COM s AURORASCHOOLVT ORG 0ETERSON 4ERRACE -IDDLEBURY 64

SATURDAY

Apr

10

Go West, young man

SUNDAY

community

calendar

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 9A

Planning for your death or possible disability is NOT as hard as you think.

Residential & Commercial

COUNTRY HOMES CLEANING Maureen Tierney, owner

802-236-5415 Basic to Extensive Cleanings Insured • Years of experience Free quotes • Short-notice cleaning

All in the family WORKS FROM THE exhibit “The Curious Cousins of Vermont Outsider Artist Gayleen Aikenâ€? can be seen at a reception on Friday, April 8, from 5-7 p.m. at the Sheldon Museum in Middlebury. The reception also celebrates two other exhibits at the museum: “Out of the Forest: The Woodcarvings of Chuck Herrmannâ€? and “Addison County in ProďŹ le: Silhouettes from the Henry Sheldon Museum Archives.â€?

maureentierney98@yahoo.com

Independent ďŹ le photo/Trent Campbell

Free community dinner in Bristol. Sunday, April 10, 5-6:30 p.m., St. Ambrose Parish Hall. This month’s menu: home-cooked chili con carne with ground turkey, served with a side of macaroni, corn bread, garden salad and ďŹ xings. Cookies for dessert.

Coffee and other drinks.

Apr

11

MONDAY

Legislative breakfast in Middlebury.

Monday, April 11, 7-8:45 a.m., Middlebury American Legion. Breakfast at 7, program at 7:30 a.m.

Google Ventures CEO Bill Maris at Middlebury College. Monday, April 11, 7 p.m., Wilson Hall. In “Vermont, Silicon Valley and the Future,â€? Maris, a 1997 Middlebury graduate, reects on his career path from Vermont to Silicon Valley and discusses how innovation and entrepreneurs will shape the future.

Apr

12

TUESDAY

Charlie Nardozzi gardening talk in Middlebury. Tuesday, April 12, 1 p.m., Counseling Service of Addison County, 109 Catamount Park. The Middlebury Garden Club welcomes Nardozzi, who will present “Growing Fruit Trees and Berries in Your Garden.� Info: middleburygardenclub.org.

Community Scrabble Day in Middlebury. Tuesday, April 12, 1-4 p.m., the Residence at Otter Creek.

Join friends and neighbors for this timeless word game. Info: cleach@residenceottercreek.com.

Photographer John White at Middlebury College.

Tuesday, April 12, 4:30 p.m., Wilson Hall. White, an award-winning photographer whose career spans more than four decades, presents “In Flight: The Life and Work of Pulitzer Prize-winning Photographer John White.� Reception follows. Info: ray@middlebury.edu or 802-443-5794.

Brain Injury Support Group meeting in Middlebury.

Tuesday, April 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Ilsley Library. “Our Brains and How They Change.� Info: 388-2720.

Spring concert in Salisbury. Tuesday, April 12, 6 p.m., Salisbury Community School. In addition to the concert, the winning tickets will be drawn for the basket rafe. Tickets $1 each, or six for $5, available at the school or Kampersville, or from any sixth-grader. Proceeds fund the grade 5/6 trip to Boston.

Book talk with author Jim Cossaart in Lincoln.

Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m., Lincoln Library. Dentist Jim Cossaart shares his memoir, “A Piece of Kansas Soil.� Info: 453-2665.

Apr

13

WEDNESDAY

Free foot care/blood pressure clinic in Bristol. Wednesday, April 13, 10:30 a.m.-noon, American Legion, 10 Airport Drive. Bring your own basin and towel. Offered by ACHHH. Gallery talk in Middlebury. Wednesday, April 13, noon, Sheldon Museum. Vermont wood historian, educator and self-taught artist Chuck Herrmann will talk about the Sheldon’s exhibit “Out of the Forest: Woodcarvings by Chuck Herrmann.� Free with museum admission. Talks also on April 27 and May 18. Info: 802-388-2117 or www.henrysheldonmuseum.org.

Slide show of Costa Rica in Lincoln. Wednesday, April 13, 1 p.m., Lincoln Library. Dick Nessen shares photos and stories from his January 2016 trip to Costa Rica. Refreshments, coffee and tea served. Info: 453-2665. “Experiments in Teaching Across Disciplines at Harvard Art Museums� talk at Middlebury College. Wednesday, April 13, 4:30 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts Room 125. Jessica Levin Martinez of the Harvard Art Museums talks about new spaces and strategies for teaching and learning at the museums, which reopened in the fall of 2014 after a major renovation and expansion. Free.

Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

Computer Help Hour in Lincoln. Wednesday, April 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Lincoln Library. Email or call to sign up for a time and to tell us the topic you need help with: lincolnlibraryvt@gmail.com or 453-2665.

Historical society meeting in New Haven.

Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m., New Haven Library.

The New Haven Historical Society will hold its annual meeting and election of ofďŹ cers, with a presentation by Kirk Webster, titled “Beekeeping in Middlebury and Bristol circa 1870,â€? and a discussion of how it relates to current beekeeping.

Northwest Passage talk in Middlebury. Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m., Ilsley Library. Tom Perera will talk about the dozens of expeditions, from Viking days to the present, that have attempted to travel through the Arctic from the Atlantic to the PaciďŹ c.

Info: 388-4095.

Book club meeting in Bridport. Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m., Bridport Highway Department conference room. This month’s title: “My Antonia,� by Willa Cather. All interested readers welcome. Info: 758-2858.

Apr

14

THURSDAY Free foot care/blood pressure clinic in Middlebury. Thursday, April 14, 9

a.m.-noon, the Commons, Buttolph Drive. For Commons residents 9-10 a.m., open to the public 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your own basin and towel.

Offered by ACHHH. Drop-in Moving Perspective art installation at Middlebury College. Thursday, April 14, 12:301:30 p.m., Ross Dining Hall. Further movement, video and art installations will take place on Ross Patio. Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

Poetry reading in Middlebury. Thursday, April 14, 1 p.m., Ilsley Library. As part of the library’s National Poetry Month Reading Series, Middlebury College President Laurie Patton will read from her work.

Patton is a poet, author and translator of Hindu scriptures. Info: 388-4095.

Twist O’ Wool Spinning Guild meeting in Middlebury. Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m., 49 Wilson Road. General meeting and show-and-tell, followed by a program on off-loom weaving by Strands, a Twist O’ Wool weaving study group. Info: 453-5960. “The Writer and the Movies� talk by Jay Parini in Middlebury. Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m., Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society. Parini, a widely published poet, novelist, biographer and critic, will discuss his experience with Hollywood.

Free. “Endangered Alphabets, Cultural Erosion and the Future of the Written Word� talk in Bristol.

Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m., Lawrence Memorial Library. Writer/carver/painter Tim Brookes will share his carvings of endangered forms of writing from all over the world, while presenting how the story of a culture can be seen in its writing, even if it is beautiful, utterly unfamiliar and disappearing.

Info: 453-2366 or www.oneworldlibraryproject.org. “She Sings to the Stars� screening in Middlebury.

Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m., Marquis Theater. The award-winning Vermont-produced ďŹ lm is back by popular demand for one last screening. Advance tickets available at the box ofďŹ ce, evenings 5-9 p.m. “The Pitchfork Disneyâ€? on stage at Middlebury College. Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m., Hepburn Zoo. Philip Ridley play in which twin siblings, after the tragic death of their parents, spend a decade locked away in a fantasy world until the door is opened and their worst nightmares invade. Tickets $5. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Also on April 15 and 16.

Apr

15

FRIDAY

Addison County Right to Life annual dinner meeting in Vergennes. Friday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., St. Peter’s Parish Hall.

Roast pork with all the ďŹ xings or macaroni and cheese. Adults $12, ages 6-12 $6, ages 5 and younger free. Reservations requested: Lee and Sandi Comly, 2012 Carlstrom Road, Bristol, VT 05443; 453-6302; or leesandi@gmavt.net.

Board game night in Middlebury. Friday, April 15, 6:30-9 p.m., Ilsley Library. Info: chuck@burkins.net. “The Pitchfork Disney� on stage at Middlebury College. Friday, April 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m., Hepburn Zoo. Philip Ridley play in which twin siblings, after the tragic death of their parents, spend a decade locked away in a fantasy world until the door is opened and their worst nightmares invade. Tickets $5. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Also on April 16.

Apr

16

SATURDAY

Church breakfast in Shoreham.

Saturday, April 16, 8-10 a.m., Shoreham Congregational Church. The Christian Ed youth group will host a Breakfast for Missions, serving French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, sausages, juice, coffee, tea and milk. Adults $5, children $3, families $16.

Economics symposium at Middlebury College.

Saturday, April 16, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Robert A. Jones ’59 House Conference Room. “Economics of Skin Tone, Gender, Ethnicity and Diaspora.�

Includes three sessions throughout the day plus keynote addresses by Solomon W. Polachek and Klaus Zimmermann. More info and schedule: http:// community.middlebury.edu/~wunnava/DKSmith_ Events.htm/. “Ida� on screen at Middlebury College. Saturday, April 16, 3 and 8 p.m., Dana Auditorium. In 1962 Poland, an 18-year-old novitiate nun is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation. Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/ arts or 802-443-3168.

Exhibit opening reception in Middlebury. Saturday, April 16, 4-6 p.m., Edgewater Gallery at the Middlebury Falls. Celebrating the opening of “Jill Matthews: Full Bloom.� On exhibit through April.

Info: 802-989-7419.

King Pede party in Ferrisburgh. Saturday, April 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Ferrisburgh Community Center and Town Hall. Sandwich supper followed by an evening of fun and card games. Come planning to play King Pede or bring your own favorite card game. Requested donation: $2.50.

Classical music concert in Middlebury. Saturday, April 16, 7-8:30 p.m., Residence at Otter Creek.

Middlebury College students Gloria Beck and Junya Iwata, piano students of Diana Fanning, perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann and Tan Dun. Info: cleach@residenceottercreek.com.

“The Pitchfork Disney� on stage at Middlebury College. Saturday, April 16, 7:30 p.m., Hepburn Zoo. Philip Ridley play in which twin siblings, after the tragic death of their parents, spend a decade locked away in a fantasy world until the door is opened and their worst nightmares invade. Tickets $5. Info and tickets: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

#SJTUPM 1BSL %FOUBM 0VUTUBOEJOH 'BNJMZ %FOUJTUSZ

t 'PDVTFE $BSF o 0OF 1BUJFOU BU B 5JNF

Apr

17

SUNDAY

Volunteer Fire Department breakfast in Monkton. Sunday, April 17, 8-10 a.m., Monkton Fire Department. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, egg casserole, juices, milk, coffee, tee and more. Prices to be determined. Info: 877-2442.

Antiques Appraisal Day in Middlebury. Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Courtyard Marriott. Expert appraisers will be on hand to give verbal appraisals of antiques of all kinds. Bring in your art, jewelry, military items, toys, ephemera, furniture and more. Cost: $7 per item or $25 for four. Info: www. henrysheldonmuseum.org or 802-388-2117.

Apr

18

MONDAY Legislative breakfast in Vergennes.

Monday, April 18, 7-8:45 a.m., St. Peter’s Parish Hall. Breakfast at 7, program at 7:30

a.m.

Republican Town Committee Caucus in Bristol.

Monday, April 18, 7 p.m., Howden Hall.

Apr

19

TUESDAY

Free foot care/blood pressure clinic in Middlebury. Tuesday, April 19, 10 a.m.-noon, Middlebury Rec Center, 154 Creek Road. Bring your own basin and towel.

Offered by ACHHH. Senior luncheon and presentation in Middlebury.

Tuesday, April 19, 11 a.m., Middlebury Rec Center.

At 11:15 a.m., Michael Bright will give a free introduction to physical mindfulness training. A CVAAsponsored meal follows at noon, featuring roast pork with sauce and stufďŹ ng, oven browns, broccoli slaw, dinner roll, coconut cream pie and coffee.

Suggested donation $4. Reservations required: 1-800-642-5119, ext. 1070. Free transportation with ACTR: 802-388-1946. “Build a MeArm Robot Arm� workshop in Middlebury. Tuesday, April 19, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Ilsley Library. Learn how to assemble an opensource robot arm. Open to kids and adults (kids younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult). Register at the adult circulation desk. Info: 388-4095. “Kendo: The Way of the Sword� demonstration at Middlebury College. Tuesday, April 19, 4:30 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. Kendo is the art of Japanese fencing. Demonstrated by members of Boston Kendo Kyokai and Boston Shufukai. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

Apr

20

WEDNESDAY

Blood drive at Middlebury College.

Wednesday, April 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., McCullough Hall. Appointments at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-733-2767.

Blues jam in Middlebury. Wednesday, April 20, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main. Dennis Willmott from Left Eye Jump will provide lead guitar, bass and drums if you need backup, or take a break and let you play. Bring your instrument and get ready to jam. Info: www. go51main.com.

Apr

21

THURSDAY

Public forum on Vermont economic future at Middlebury College. Thursday, April 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Kirk Alumni Center. Part of a statewide discussion series regarding the future of Vermont with a goal of enhancing and sustaining a robust and growing economy. The Vermont Futures Project is about balancing three components: the economy, the environment and the social safety net. Free but RSVPs requested at http://addisoncountyedc.org/register/856.

Poetry reading in Middlebury. Thursday, April 21, 1 p.m., Ilsley Library. As part of the library’s National Poetry Month Reading Series, Aneleisa GladdingHinton and Bianca Stone will read. Info: 388-4095.

Gladding-Hinton is a Middlebury College senior and daughter of poet/translators Jody Gladding and David Hinton. Stone is the granddaughter of Ruth Stone.

Art history lecture at Middlebury College.

Thursday, April 21, 4:30 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts, Room 125. Amanda Bock of the Philadelphia Museum of Art presents “Paul Strand’s Problem of Likeness, or, Notes Toward a Theory of Portraiture.� Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

Apr

22

FRIDAY Green Mountain Club hike in Orwell.

Friday, April 22, time TBA. The Bread

t (FOUMF 1SFDJTF /VNCJOH XJUI The WandŽ – /0 .03& #*( /&&%-&4 t $SPXOT #SJEHFT $MFBOJOH &YBNT 'JMMJOHT %FOUVSFT &YUSBDUJPOT t *O /FUXPSL GPS $#" #MVF %FMUB %FOUBM Dr. Jim Cossaart & sta

6 Park Place, Bristol, VT t CSJTUPMQBSLEFOUBM DPN

Reader Comments e’s wh H er

at one reader has to say about

us!

A reader from Wilmette, Illinois writes, “The Addison Independent is a wonderful newspaper!

It highlights the very best of Vermont!�

Quotes are taken from reader comments submitted with subscription renewals.

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

Middlebury Family Health would like to welcome Dr Peter Wilhelm to our team!

Dr. Wilhelm attended UVM Medical School and Family Medicine Residency.

He brings extensive primary care experience from his years as a flight surgeon with the US Naval Air Service. Peter will be joining Middlebury Family Health this summer. We are now scheduling his appointments.

About Middlebury Family Health

Established over 20 years ago, Middlebury Family Health has grown into a diversified independent, ALL PHYSICIAN, MULTI-SPECIALTY practice which includes INTERNAL MEDICINE, FAMILY MEDICINE, and PEDIATRICS. We provide comprehensive quality health care to our patients from birth to elderly.

We are a certified level 3 Medical Home and Meaningful Use Certified with our Electronic Health Record. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be there to guide you through your visit. Come join us today!

We are pleased to announce that all of our doctors are accepting new patients: Dr. Eileen Doherty-Fuller – Family Medicine, Pediatrics Dr Linn Larson – Family Medicine Dr Wendie Puls – Internal Medicine Dr Jean Andersson-Swayze – Family Medicine Dr Katie Miller – Internal Medicine Dr Peter Wilhelm – Family Medicine Please call the office to schedule: 802-388-1500 44 Collins Drive, Suite 201 • Middlebury www.middleburyfamilyhealth.com

community

PAGE 10A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

calendar

Give me the real word for it

Loaf Section will lead a hike at Mt. Independence. Up to 6 miles of easy trails with Lake Champlain views and, weather permitting, Revolutionary War ruins of barracks. Wear layered clothes, hiking poles, water, snack and/or lunch. Dog-friendly hike. Contact leader Jill Vickers at jvickers@ gmavt.net or 802-759-3227 for meeting time. More info: www.gmcbreadloaf.org.

“Off the Wall: Informal Discussions About Art” talk at Middlebury College. Friday, April 22, 12:15 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts, Room 125 and museum. Curatorial intern Madison Hampton presents “Look, Don’t Touch: How Aspen Defies What We’ve Come to Expect as the ‘Art Experience.’” Further conversation over light lunch in the lobby. Suggested lunch donation $5; free to college ID holders. Info: www.middlebury.edu/ arts or 802-443-3168.

Table of Grace free meal in Vergennes. Friday, April 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Vergennes Congregational Church. Meals are held the fourth Friday of the month. This month’s menu: roast pork, potatoes, applesauce, vegetable and dessert.

L I VEMU SI C Marcelo Hanta-Davis Quintet in Middlebury. Thursday, April 7, 7-9 p.m., 51 Main.

Let’s Be Leonard in Middlebury. Friday, April 8, 8:30-10:30 p.m., 51 Main.

Soule Monde in Middlebury. Saturday, April 9, 8-11 p.m., 51 Main.

Laurie Goldsmith Project in Middlebury. Friday, April 15, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main.

Pantet in Middlebury. Thursday, April 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 51 Main.

The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble in Middlebury. Friday, April 22, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main.

Tim Brick in Middlebury. Saturday, April 23, 8:30-10:30 p.m., 51 Main.

Isabel Rosenberg in Middlebury. Thursday, April 28, 7:30-8 p.m., 51 Main.

The Paradiddles in Middlebury. Thursday, April 28, 8-9 p.m., 51 Main.

Glenn Roth in Middlebury. Friday, April 29, 8-10, 51 Main.

Eric Despard in Middlebury. Saturday, April 30, 6-7:30 p.m., 51 Main.

Moose Crossing in Middlebury. Saturday, April 30, 8:30-10:30 p.m., 51 Main.

ONGOINGEVENTS By category: Farmers’ Markets, Sports, Clubs & Organizations, Government & Politics, Bingo, Fundraising Sales, Dance, Music, Arts & Education, Health & Parenting, Meals, Art Exhibits & Museums, Library Programs.

SPORTS Co-ed volleyball in Middlebury. Pick-up games Monday, 7-9 p.m., Middlebury Municipal Gym. Jack Brown, 388-2502; Bruce at Middlebury Recreation Department, 388-8103.

OM

AWOR K

S

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS ACT (Addison Central Teens). Drop-in hours during the school years: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 3-7 p.m.

94 Main St. (Middlebury Town Office building), below rec. gym. Teen dropin space for kids. Hang out with friends, play pool, watch movies, and eat great food. Baking: every Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. Info: 388-3910 or www.addisonteens.com.

Addison County Amateur Radio Association. Sunday, 8 p.m. On the air on club repeater 147.36/147.96 MHz, 100 Hz access tone. Nonmembers and visitors welcome.

Addison County Emergency Planning Committee. Last Wednesday, 5 p.m.

State Police Barracks. Public invited.

Addison County Republican Party. Third Friday, 7 p.m., Ilsley Library, Middlebury. 897-2744.

American Legion Auxiliary Post 27. Fourth Monday, 7 p.m. American Legion, Wilson Road, Middlebury.

Addison County Council Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Fourth Tuesday, noon-1:30 p.m. Addison County Courthouse in Middlebury.

388-9180.

Brandon Lions Club. First and third Tuesday, 7 p.m., Brandon Senior Center.

Brandon Senior Citizen Center. 1591 Forest Dale Road. 247-3121.

Bristol Historical Society. Third Thursday, 7 p.m., Howden Hall, 19 West St., Bristol.

Champlain Valley Fiddlers’ Club. Middlebury VFW, 530 Exchange Street.

Third Sunday (except Easter), noon to 5 p.m. Donation $3. Refreshments available. Looking for fiddlers young and old. Open to public. Info: 342-0079.

The Hub Teen Center and Skatepark. 110 Airport Drive, Bristol. Open mike night, first Thursday of the month, 5:30-7:30 p.m., free for all ages; reserve a spot at thehub@gmavt.net. Info: 453-3678 or www.bristolskatepark.com.

LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer). Youth support group meets Monday nights, 4-6 p.m., Turningpoint Center, Marble Works, Middlebury. Info: 388-4249.

Middlebury Garden Club. Second Tuesday. Location varies. Pat Morrow, 802-462-3741.

NEAT (Northeast Addison Television) Channel 16. Fourth Monday, 5-7 p.m.

NEAT studio in Bristol. Bruce Duncan, bduncan@madriver.com.

Neshobe Sportsman Club. Second Monday, 6 p.m. potluck; 7 p.m. meeting.

97 Frog Hollow Road in Brandon.

Otter Creek Poets. Open poetry workshop held Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Ilsley Library in Middlebury. Poets of all ages are invited to share their poetry

WELLNESS CENTER

A Center for Independent Health Care Practitioners “Wellness is more than the absence of illness.”

50 Court St • Middlebury, Vt 05753 Jim Condon ................... 388-4880 or 475-2349 SomaWork

Burnham Music Series DADDY LONG LEGS brings everything from Celtic and oldtime tunes to 1930s jazz standards and 21st-century folk music to Burnham Hall in Lincoln on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. for feedback, encouragement and optional weekly assignments. Bring a poem or two to share (plus 20 copies). Led by David Weinstock. Free.

Orwell Historical Society. Fourth Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Orwell Free Library.

PACT (People of Addison County Together). Third Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vermont state office building on Exchange St. in Middlebury, Health Department conference room. 989-8141.

Salisbury Historical Society. First Saturday, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Salisbury Congregational Church.

Samaritan’s Cupboard. Assembly of God Christian Center, 1759 Route 7, Vergennes. Third Thursday through October.

Vergennes Lions Club. First and third Wednesday, 6:45 p.m., American Legion. Club address: PO Box 94, Vergennes, VT 05491. Info: President Tim Cowan, 877-2382.

Vergennes Rotary Club. Tuesday mornings, 7:15-8:30 a.m., Champlain Valley Christian School, 2 Church St. Breakfast served at 7:15 a.m.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Addison Peace Coalition. Saturday, 10:30-11 a.m. Triangle Park in Middlebury.

Citizens for Constitutional Government in Bridport. Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Bridport Community School. Learn about the U.S. and Vermont constitutions and how to defend our rights.

Five-Town Area Vigil for Peace. Friday, 5-5:30 p.m. Bristol green. All welcome to speak out for world peace.

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Mobile Service Van. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Addison County Courthouse, in Middlebury. The van offers written exams, customer service and road tests. 828-2000.

BINGO American Legion Hall, Middlebury. Wednesday. Doors open 5:30 p.m. with early birds. Jackpot $3,000. Food available. Benefits veterans, scholarships and community programs. 388-9311.

Brandon Senior Center, Brandon. First and third Mondays. 6 p.m.

Refreshments sold. 247-3121.

Brandon American Legion. Tuesday, warm-ups 6:15 p.m., regular games 7 p.m. Food available, complimentary hot tea and coffee. Info: 247-5709.

VFW Post 7823, Middlebury. Monday. Doors open 5 p.m., quickies 6:15 p.m., regular bingo 7 p.m. 388-9468.

FUNDRAISING SALES Bixby Memorial Library Book Sale, Otter Creek Room, 258 Main St., Vergennes. Starting April 18, 2015: Monday-Friday, 2-4:30 p.m.

(Thursday, 2-6:45 p.m.); and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds support library programs and materials.

Ilsley Public Library Book Sale. First Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Vermont Room. Ongoing sale in The Last Word during library hours. Info: 388-4095.

St. Peter’s Closet in Vergennes. Behind St. Peter’s. Open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two Brothers Tavern’s Charitable Mondays. First Monday. 10 percent of entire day’s proceeds go to designated charity.

See an extended calendar and a full listing of

O NG OI NG E V E EN N TS TS

on the Web at

www.addisonindependent.com

I’ve been thinking lately about euphe- I be scornful? misms, those polite, indirect or vague My pondering has led me to realize that, terms that we substitute for ones consid- in spite of my inclination to bluntness, ered too harsh, blunt, unpleasant or offen- I’ve often practiced speaking euphemissively explicit. tically in my career as an educator, seekMy natural inclination has always been ing only to deal kindly and gently with to be scornful of euphemisms. Perhaps uncomfortable truths. Progress reports because I am not easily offended, I gener- offer teachers many opportunities for ally prefer a blunt or direct term to any kinder, gentler language. “Your child vague beating around the bush. I would is learning to use recess time constructend to choose “died” over “passed away,” tively” may be vague, but I believe it’s “prison” over “correctional facility” and more respectful and hopeful than saying, “fired” over “let go.” I “Your child spends most prefer spicy to bland, of her recess time in colorful to pastel. But the principal’s office the more I have pondered lately.” Or sometimes euphemisms recently, the the professional culture more nuanced my view finds kinder words. In my has become. I think I’ve own elementary school changed my mind. years, Margie Wilson I got started thinking “flunked” second grade; about euphemisms when nowadays she would be I spent two weeks with “retained” for another our previously robust year with Mrs. Goss. The and radiant two-monthlatter is definitely kinder old twin grandsons in on everyone, especially the Pediatric Intensive Margie.

Care Unit at Baystate Still, some eupheChildren’s Hospital in misms deserve our scorn.

Springfield, Mass. There While some are meant to I had plenty of time Ways of Seeing be kind, others mislead to pay attention to the or dodge an ugly truth to

By Abi Sessions language used by the more sinister or self-servICU staff with parents ing ends. Consider, for and grandparents in a state of near panic. example, the euphemisms our governThey never hid the truth that our boys ment uses to distract us from the horrors were very sick with bronchiolitis, caused of war. The Vietnam War gave us the by a respiratory virus, RSV. Beyond sanitized term “body bags” to mean the that, they used gentle and rather vague bodies of dead soldiers — the fathers, language. “There will be ups and downs sons, husbands, brothers and friends on the road to recovery.” “We treat the — shipped home to their families. The symptoms until the virus runs its course.” Gulf War gave us “smart bombs” and Treating the symptoms involved ventila- “surgical strikes.” Genocide is “ethnic tors, intravenous feeding and morphine. cleansing.” Villages burning and untold Tubes, wires and monitors. Alarms. numbers of civilians dying is “collateral Medication for secondary infections. damage.” “Peacekeepers” are nuclear Each tool to treat the symptoms was warheads meant to kill. “Enhanced intercalled by its name and explained to us. rogation” is torture.

This we needed to I feel insulted by these know. words. They are cynical But certain condiand malicious. Their only ome tions or events were intent is to obscure the euphenever called by their truth, to avert our eyes misms name. In 17 days in from the actual hideousthe ICU we never deserve our ness of human suffering. heard the term “respiAnd if you don’t call ratory failure.” Or scorn. While it a war is it still a war? “life support.” Or some are meant President Obama speaks “cardiac arrest.” Or of our “effort” against even “critical condi- to be kind, ISIS, the “fight” and the tion.” Though we others mislead “campaign” in Iraq and witnessed all these, Syria, but we are not at lived with our beloved or dodge an ugly war there. Bombs fallbabies through all truth to more ing on enemy territory these, we did not need (“air strikes”), fightsinister or selfthese blunt moraleers (“advisers”) on the crushing panic-induc- serving ends. ground — does this ing descriptions to sound like war to you? understand the nature So like so many things, of our situation. All we needed to know euphemisms have both power for good was this: “We treat the symptoms until and power for harm. Language that the virus runs its course.” obscures meaning rather than enhancing This, it seems to me, is a fine example it harms our efforts to perceive the truth. of euphemism. This is merciful use of But language that shows kindness and language. This is compassion, and I was even mercy has power to make the world immensely grateful for it. a more compassionate place. I’m all in After experiencing the ICU staff’s use for that. of language as a scared and vulnerable Abi Sessions is a retired educator who person on the receiving end, I’ve changed lives in Cornwall with her husband, Bill. my mind about the value of euphemisms. She has seven grandchildren, including If they offer an opportunity to speak two once-again robust and radiant twin mercifully and compassionately, how can grandsons, now four months old.

S

wellness

directory

Caryn Etherington ................... 388-4882 ext. 3 Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Nancy Tellier, CMT ......................... 388-4882 ext. 1 Therapeutic Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy®, Soul Lightning Acupressure Donna Belcher, M.A. ............................ 388-3362 Licensed Psychologist - Master, Psychotherapy & Hypnosis Charlotte Bishop ....................... 388-4882 ext. 4 Therapeutic Soft & Deep Tissue ...or 247-8106 Neuro Muscular Reprogramming JoAnne Kenyon, NCTMB, LMT(NM)..... 388-0254 Be your best! Energy Balancing: Brennan Healing Science®, Quantum Touch®, Matrix Energetics®. Relaxing Integrative Massage. www.joanne.abmp.com Karen Miller-Lane, N.D., L.Ac. .............. 388-6250 Naturopathic Physican, Licensed Acupuncturist, CranioSacral Therapy.

Ron Slabaugh, PhD, MSSW, CBP........ 388-9857 The BodyTalk™ System Irene Paquin, CMT 377-5954 or 388-4882 ext.1 Integrative Energy Work & Therapeutic Massage. Ortho-Bionomy® & Reiki Master Robert Rex................................. (802) 865-4770 Certified Rolfer™, Movement Educator Gail Rex...................................... (802) 989-1989 Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbal Medicine If you’d like to be listed in this Wellness Directory, call Pam at 388-4944.

Karla Van Vliet Buffalo Dreamers Integrative Dreamwork Karla Van Vliet is an artist and poet and has been a dreamwork practitioner for over 10 years. Integrative Dreamwork is a system of working with dreams for personal and spiritual growth. It is a way of coming home to the wholeness of your being through the experiences brought to you every night. In one-on-one sessions our goal will be to discover the specific and individual material your dream offers you.

Buffalo Dreamers, Integrative Dreamwork Bristol, Vermont – (802) 989-1333

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 11A

ND

AROU

Goings on

TOWN

Something special going on in your send it in! life? Send it in at:

Does your group or organization have something happening that’sAddison appropriateIndependent for the calendar? We want Box 31 please, send to hear about it! If P.O. you have a picture, Middlebury, Vermont 05753 that too. Pictures and text may be emailed to: or email it to: news@addisonindependent.com news@addisonindependent.com

Trained dogs to help students learn to read

Opening Day The plows are out, sanders spreading their salt. I’m sitting next to my radio listening to last year’s broadcast. With all the other shut-ins.

A phrase I’m too old not to use. Although I don’t want to give the impression I’m not able to sit in the stands watching April’s crocus snow. Seeing the tracks a grounds crew truck makes.

Although I see, too, a line of deer prints, the split toes, how quickly they’re made to disappear. The plow’s blade attempting to clear the ground so this Spring’s team can slide and slip out of the dugout. These Spanish, and Japanese, these American men. Rabbits really, when they steal bases, catch their fur on fences. Even our ponderous designated, hitters. We’re promised at the start of a season, are here to make it home.

Bears back to their dens.

A promise, I’m making to myself, to see them as men

not bears, to listen to my radio inside, in my bleacher chair, loving, New Englanders, our snow delay.

Gary Margolis Cornwall

milestones births

• Aili (McGill) & David Jones, Middlebury, March 29, a daughter, Lebie Anais McGill Jones.

By LEE J. KAHRS couldn’t do these visits during work BRANDON — In a quiet corner days,” Adams said of Exterus. of the student support room at the But she said the payoff for all of the Neshobe Elementary School in training and travel is the look on the Brandon, a boy reads and a dog kids’ faces and the connection that is listens. made every time they visit. They also It’s Friday, and third-grader visit senior living residences.

William Burt, 9, is carefully reading “Just the fun of watching the interaloud to Ivan, a two-year-old German action with the kids, and the older shorthaired pointer, and Ivan’s owner, folks, to see their faces going from Kristie Adams. no emotion to huge smiles, it’s just Ivan is a therapy dog, and once a wonderful,” Adams said. month Adams brings him to Neshobe Back in the Neshobe student through a program offered by Caring support room, Jonathan Eno, 9, is Canines Therapy, a nonprofit group reading to Ivan. Math Interventionist based in Massachusetts. He is one Laura O’Brien said the staff looks of three dogs that visit the student forward to the dog’s monthly visits, support room at Neshobe to do just too. that: support.

“They’re therapeutic for all of us,” “We pick kids at she said. “They’re the beginning of very calming.”

“They’re therathe year who can After Adams left use practice read- peutic for all of Neshobe that day, ing,” said Neshobe us. They’re very she made a quick Guidance Counselor stop at Otter Valley Danielle Spaulding. calming.”

Union High School “Reading aloud — Laura O’Brien, with Ivan, and wrote builds fluency and Math Interventionist a follow-up email to confidence.” the Reporter.

And there is no “There was a judgment with dogs. Spaulding said young lady with some serious physistudies show that therapy dogs lower cal disabilities that just fell in love the students’ heart rate, so the kids are with Ivan,” Adams wrote. “She asked calm and at ease as they make their several questions, fed him treats, way from page to page with Ivan at gave commands and fussed over their feet and Adams by their side. him. When it was time to leave, she “It’s a break,” Spaulding said. leaned over — wobbly on her feet, as “A little one-on-one time for the she uses a cane — kissed Ivan gently student.” on the head and said, ‘Ivan, you’ll be Ten kids at Neshobe are currently forever in my heart.’ in the program; each gets a 15-minute “I had all I could do not to cry. So, KRISTIE ADAMS SHOWS off Ivan’s show ribbon from the Westminster slot from among the three therapy when you asked why I do this, THAT Dog Show, as Ivan looks on. dogs that visit the school each month. is why.”

Adams, a Pittsford resident, has been bringing Ivan to Neshobe for about a year, and she says the visits are good for him, too.

“It’s wonderful for the dogs,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to be exposed to new things and practice self-control.”

When he’s not listening to children read, Ivan is a show dog, having just come from the biggest show of all, the American Kennel Club’s Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City in February. Ivan won Reserve Winner’s Dog at the show, while Adams’ other pointer, Filli, won Winner’s Bitch.

Adams said she hopes Filli will be certified as a therapy dog in April.

There are 10 exercises the dogs must perform adequately in order to become a registered therapy dog with Caring Canines. The exercises are designed to demonstrate an even temperament, obedience, patience and intelligence.

By day, Adams works for Exterus Business Furniture selling contract furniture to hospitals and businesses.

She trains Ivan and does the therapy dog work on her own time, with the blessing of her employer.

NESHOBE THIRD-GRADER Jonathan Eno, 9, left, reads aloud as Ivan the therapy dog and his owner Kristie “Without their support and commitment to the community, I Adams listen in the student support room at the Brandon school. Ivan and Adams visit once a month.

Brandon Reporter photos /Lee J. Kahrs

APRIL SHOWERS BRING...

GOOD

morning

GREAT

READING MATERIAL!

Check out our special sections coming your way this month: Spring Car Care 4/11 National Volunteer Week 4/14 Animal Families 4/18 Spring High School Sports Report - 4/21 Spring Agriculture 4/21

Monument Farms Dairy ſ 2107 James Road ſ Weybridge, VT ſ 545-2119

Middlebury Parks & Rec Summer Activity Guide 4/28 ADDISON COUNTY

Would you like to inform our community about an event?

email us:

news@addisonindependent.com

INDEPENDENT

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

PAGE 12A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

Helen Mirren shines in ‘Eye in the Sky’ Eye in the Sky; Running time: Mirren) is the officer in charge of following up on intelligence that 1:40; Rating: R Is there anything Helen Mirren says that No. 4 and No. 5 on the can’t do? With “Eye in the Sky” she terrorist list are arming a suicide does nothing less than show us the bomber in a small house in Kenya.

She is in London; the ways of modern warfare. drone operators are in Las Did you read in your daily Vegas; the pilot with a senewspaper that a top ISIS rious conscience (Aaron operator had been erased?

Paul) is airborne. Their This movie tells you how. arguments unfold through It is a first-rate thriller dea multinational telephone livered by a good cast that hierarchy. Those converstartles audiences with the sations show us the confudetails of control by techsion that attends the deadnology. ly new science and the On one hand, we watch attendant politics. Who that extraordinary techwill take responsibility for nology unfold; on the giving the final go-ahead? other, we are caught up By Joan Ellis We are in the new world in the fictional story built of war. around that new science.

Their mission: Confirm identity, Both are frightening. As new as drone warfare is, there are no rules decide between capture and kill, written or implied to govern it, no obtain legal clearance, and guess precedents to interpret because at civilian casualties and collateral there simply are no precedents. We damage. All of this will unfold in a have never before been able to po- country that is not our enemy and sition a functional camera inside a for which there are no rules of enhouse in the Middle East while con- gagement. The confusion comes to the audience in a high-tension handtrolling it from a base in Nevada.

Col. Katherine Powell (Helen off by actors who convey the unique

Movie Review

challenges of the new warfare. And then the inconceivable new ingredient: If they make the wrong decision will it hand a propaganda victory to the terrorists on YouTube?

The cast does a fine job of grappling with the emotional, political and moral implications of modern warfare. Helen Mirren, ice cold and grand as the colonel, knows what must be done but her eyes show inner conflict. Aaron Paul touches our hearts. Director Gavin Hood implants troubling questions that linger.

Does the new face of war include the right to blow up a building in a country that is not our enemy? Will remote warfare mean fewer casualties for the bombers and the bombed because it can be targeted? Is there no chance at all of finding an alternative for international disputes in an era that promises eventual nuclear annihilation? How long before a terrorist hits us with this kind of a drone bomb? As is our custom, we invented it and used it first, but it will come back at us before long.

This is a gripping thriller that plants the seeds of future trouble.

Antiques Appraisal Day is set for April 17 MIDDLEBURY — Are there treasures in your attic? Come find out at the Sheldon Museum’s Antiques Appraisal Day on Sunday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott in Middlebury. For only $7 per item or $25 for four, visitors can receive professional information about family heirlooms and collectibles and support the museum at the same time. For large objects, photographs will be accepted.

Expert appraisers will offer verbal appraisals of antiques including furniture, art, jewelry, military items, toys and ephemera. Visitors who already know the family story of the objects they bring in can learn more about the age, style, condition and rarity of their treasures. Since all these factors ultimately contribute to the object’s monetary value, good appraisers have a deep knowledge of the areas they specialize in, as well as a hand on the pulse of the current antiques and collectibles market-

place. Every year new trends emerge in collecting, making certain objects “hot.”

The experienced appraisers who are generously donating their services to the museum’s Antiques Appraisal Day share a passion for the work they do and enjoy meeting visitors. Numerous appraisers will be putting their expertise to work that day: • Greg Hamilton, owner of Stone Block Antiques in Vergennes. Hamilton will appraise general antiques, furniture, paintings, silver, glass and china. Photographs of large objects will be accepted.

• Joan Korda, a member of the Vermont Antiques Dealers Association and owner of an antiques shop in Bridport named the best in Addison County. She was designated a Woman of Excellence in 2008 and 2009 in the field of antiques by the National Association of Professional and Executive Women.

Dining and Entertainment

TH E AT E R

OWN HALL

Merchants Row Middlebury, VT Tickets: 802-382-9222

• Ron Marcus, a graduate gemologist trained by The Gemological Institute of America and owner of Freeman Marcus Jewelers in Rutland. Marcus will appraise jewelry of any style, material and age. He will also be happy to identify gems and diamonds and is able to separate them from synthetics.

• Ethan Merrill of Duane Merrill and Co. Merrill was raised in one of Vermont’s premiere antique families. He is a member of the National Auctioneers Association and the Vermont Auctioneers Association and is a 1998 graduate of the Missouri School of Auctioneering.

• Ralph Shepard, who has spent 55 years collecting U.S. military arms and equipment and 40-plus years dealing in antique arms and related equipment. His areas of expertise include military arms and equipment used in North America ca. 1755-1945 including firearms, swords, bayonets, uniforms and buttons, accouterments and appendages.

• Jean Tudhope, owner and proprietor of Back Door Antiques since 1970. She specializes in Vermont and Adirondack antiques and collectibles from the out-of-doors including hunting, fishing and sports memorabilia.

For more information about the Antiques Appraisal Day, visit www. henrysheldonmuseum.org or call the Henry Sheldon Museum at 802-3882117.

THE FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

Photo by R.A. Beattie

Fly fishing film on tap at THT MIDDLEBURY — Town Hall Theater and Middlebury Mountaineer are happy to announce the return of the Fly Fishing Film Tour on Friday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Now entering its 10th year, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) has become the entertainment event of the year for America’s diverse fishing community. In 2015 the film tour screened in over 160 North American cities and provided a venue to showcase some of the country’s best independent outdoor filmmakers.

MIDDLEBURY — Edgewater Gallery at Middlebury Falls announces its April Solo Exhibition Artist: Jill Matthews. An opening reception for “Full Bloom” is on Saturday, April 16, from 4-6 p.m.

Matthews was born and raised in Vermont and studied Fine Art at The University of Vermont. Upon graduating with a B.S. in art education, she moved to San Diego, Calif., where she continued studying painting at the University of California San Diego. After a brief career as a fine art educator, she realized her true passion was being more hands on in creating, and has been painting professionally ever since. Matthews and her family have recently settled back on the East Coast. She says she feels so fortunate to be living and working in the inspiring state of Maine.

This body of work represents the

SPRING CHICKEN Our Red Sauce topped with Baby Spinach, Hickory Smoked Bacon, Chicken Breast, Caramelized Onions and a Blast of Fresh Chopped Garlic.

THE GOAT JAM Our Garlic Oil Base topped with Mozzarella and local Blue Ledge Farm Goat Cheese, baked, then topped with Fresh Basil. Olive Tapenade and a Homemade Tomato Jam.

6pm open house for vendors.

2 Classics BACK AGAIN !

Tickets available at Middlebury Mountaineer at the door, or by calling 802.388.7245

NY $18.00 Sicil ian $19. 50

388-7755 • Delivery daily from 5pm Sat 4/9 7pm $15 Students/$25 General/$35 Generous

UNITED IN HARMONY A CAPELLA CONTEST

The Slice Guy

Luckily for fans of fishing flicks, the guys and gals that make these movies keep raising the bar. With backdrops ranging from Bolivia to Saskatchewan, Montana to Virginia, Patagonia to the Seychelles, these films feature fresh, dynamic stories amongst some of the best fishing footage that has ever been shot. Period.

From the hunt for the world’s largest brook trout to the pursuit of billfish on the fly, gargantuan pike, acrobatic golden dorado, ferocious GTs and herculean BC

steelhead these films showcase remarkable places, larger-thanlife characters and fish that seem utterly unreal.

The goal of F3T is to energize the industry and inspire filmmakers to create new cutting-edge films that both entertain and educate outdoor enthusiasts.

A vendor open house starts at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance for $15 at Middlebury Mountaineer or by calling 802-388-7245, or at the door for $20.

Art exhibition to ‘bloom’ at Edgewater

APRIL PIES OF THE MONTH

www.townhalltheater.org

Fri 4/8 7:30pm Film $15 advance/$20 door

A PIKE GETS a close-up in “Turning Points North 2016,” one of the films featured in this year’s Fly Fishing Film Tour. The independent film tour comes to Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on Friday, April 8.

“PINK BLOSSOMS” IS part of Edgewater Gallery at the Middlebury Falls’ April exhibition, “Full Bloom,” which features works by Jill Matthews. An opening reception is on Saturday, April 16 at 4 p.m.

onset of spring. Energetic brushwork and bold color application symbolize a new season and new life. However, there is also a quiet intimacy to the pieces, a delicate awakening of sorts.

Matthews’ work is based on an initial idea or vision. She uses some references in the process, but her most successful moments in painting happen when she stops trying to focus on replicating things exactly as she sees them and instead let the

work come from within. Through careful composition, she edits as she move through the work, sometimes stripping down details, uncovering strength in the subtlety that remains.

Adding, editing, allowing color interaction to happen, letting the painting take its own direction … that is when she truly emerges as an artist.

For more information on Matthews, call 802-989-7419, email zoe@edgewatergallery-vt.com or visit edgewatergallery-vt.com.

County 4-Hers place at Quiz Bowl BURLINGTON — Several Addison County 4-H members placed in the March 12 Vermont 4-H Quiz Bowl at the University of Vermont.

In the Senior Division, Lauren Hodsden of Bridport took fifth place and Kimberly Gibson of Bristol took ninth.

In the Novice Senior Division, which was open to anyone 14 or older and new to 4-H or the quiz bowl, Jamee Barnum of New Haven finished second.

In the Junior Division (ages 10 and 11), Ryley Dubois of Addison was fourth, and Shyanne Wedge of Shoreham was seventh.

www.ninospizzamiddlebury.com

21 MACINTYRE LANE • MIDDLEBURY

Join THT and the United Way for a pitch-perfect evening!

Sat 4/16 1pm $24/$10 students

MET LIVE IN HD ON THE THT BIG SCREEN

ROBERTO DEVEREAUX Elizabeth I executes Robert Devereaux in this Donizetti masterpiece.

Pre-show talk in the Byers Studio at 12:15 Courtesy of Opera Company of Middlebury.

Thu-Sat 4/21, 22 & 23 @ 7pm & Sat 4/23 @ 2pm $22

SEMINAR

Presented by Middlebury Actors Workshop “Big Laughs! An authentic rush of pleasure.”

– New York Times

Summer Memberships on SALE Now! April – September 21 Individuals: $249 Couples: $425 Students: $149 Seniors: $199 Family memberships also available!

Thu-Sat 4/28, 29 & 30, 5/5, 6 & 7 @ 8pm; Sun 5/1 & Sat 5/7 @ 2pm $15 Thu; $23 adults/$18 students w/ ID for all other shows

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM Middlebury Community Players Don’t miss one of the funniest musicals ever written.

Call 453-5205 for more information 14 School Street, Bristol VT • 453-5205

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 13A

Young thespians TOWN HALL THEATER students took to the stage last Saturday night to present the material they have been working on in classes recently at the Middlebury theater. Pictured along the top row, left to right, are THT Kids Cooper Cannon and Georgia Krause; Juliette Causton and Maxwell Goodfellow; and Cannon. Along the bottom, left to right, are Young Company members Megan Balparda, Ava Almeida and Cathy Dyer; Balparda and Dyer; and Nora Wootten, Dyer and Almeida.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

VUES kindergarten registration ongoing VERGENNES — Registration for kindergarten at Vergennes Union Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year is now taking place. Any child who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016, is eligible to enroll for kindergarten in the fall.

Registration paperwork was mailed home to pre-registered families in March. This paperwork must be returned with your child’s birth certificate and immunization records. Anyone who did not receive registration paperwork in the mail

should call the school office to have a packet mailed. Families will be contacted at a later date to schedule a Visitation Day appointment in June.

For further information, call the school at 877-3761.

REACH THE COUNTY, PLACE YOUR AD HERE. CALL 388-4944

3EYMOUR 3TEET s -IDDLEBURY 64 s INFO COUNTYTIRECENTER COM s - & s 3AT .OON

PAGE 14A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

Mild winter (Continued from Page 1A) tions for the Agency of Transportation.

By comparison, Gammell said VTrans spread 61,614 tons of salt and 2,477 cubic yards of sand during the period of July 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016. And the state paid only $28,254 in overtime for winter maintenance chores during that timeframe, Gammell noted. “A winter like this kind of hurts our employees (due to a lack of overtime), but it allows us to do activities that we haven’t been able to

do,� Gammell said, referring to road patching, guardrail replacement and picking up litter. Those are chores that often have to wait until late spring or summer due to extended winter work, Gammell noted. “The last three winters have really been record winters� that have substantially depleted the VTrans salt and sand piles, Gammell said.

This latest, mild winter should help VTrans beef up its sand and salt stockpiles and reduce the amount to be purchased this year, officials said.

Addison County officials echoed the state’s good news on the winter budget front.

Middlebury has spent a combined total of $16,000 less on sand and salt this year as a result of the scarcity of snow, according to Dan Werner, the town’s director of operations. Meanwhile, winter-related overtime expenses are down $28,000 this fiscal year compared to last, Werner noted, and $11,000 less has been spent on fuel for winter maintenance vehicles.

Middlebury purchases sand and salt in December, to make sure enough is on hand to meet early demand. This year’s infrequent use of salt and sand will translate into beefed up reserves for next year, according to Werner.

Meanwhile, Vergennes kicked off the winter with a sand and salt budget of $45,000, of which $25,562 has been spent, according to city Manager Mel Hawley. And a nice chunk of that $25,562 in sand and salt is still sitting in the city shed. “The savings will show up in next year’s budget because we won’t have to buy as much,� Hawley said.

Vergennes budgeted $25,000 for overtime wages this fiscal year, and 90 percent of that sum usually gets spent on winter maintenance, according to Hawley. At this point, only $8,083 of that $25,000 has been spent, Hawley said.

And there’s more good news: Vergennes has only spent $550 out of the $5,000 it budgeted for winter rental equipment. Also, city vehicles have consumed only $4,587 of the $15,000 fuel budget. “Part of that is (lower) gas prices,�

Hawley acknowledged. But a big part of it is that city snowplows haven’t spent much time on the roads this winter.

Unexpended winter maintenance funds will be added to the city’s fund balance, which is used to offset the municipal tax rate, according to Hawley.

In Bristol, $20,000 has been spent out of a total sand budget of $32,000, according to Town Administrator Therese Kirby. The community still has $10,000 left in its salt budget. And there’s still plenty of salt and sand in the town shed, officials said.

At the same time, Bristol has spent only $10,000 of its overtime allowance of $22,500 for this fiscal year, Kirby noted.

As is the case in Vergennes, unspent winter maintenance funds in Bristol will be used to offset property taxes. “We have one of the best road crews in the state,� Kirby said, giving a special shout-out to road Foreman Peter Bouvier. “It’s nice to give them a little bit of a break after last winter.�

THE UNITED WAY of Addison County has hit the home stretch of its 2015 fund drive. The nonprofit is still more than $100,000 short of its $700,000 goal. Pictured are staff members Lizzy Reed, left, Kate McGowan, Nancy Luke, Susanne Waldren, Lee Bilson and Stephen Williams.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

United Way (Continued from Page 1A) teams will vie for prizes, with UWAC of competing charity options have receiving revenues from the gate. all contributed to UWAC falling Still, it will take a major infusion of short of its fundraising goal each cash for UWAC to hit the $700,000 of the past five years. Recognizing mark. And United Way leaders noted this, the United Way has pared back recent trends have been a little disits annual goal in recent years to set couraging. a more achievable benchmark for “We’ve had some significant losses contributors. in our Robert Front For example, the Society donors,� Luke goal back in 2010 was “Some of those said, referring to a cate(donors) that we gory of individuals who $775,000.

Last year, the UWAC lost were very contribute between received $685,000 to- large ‌ We’ve $1,250 and $9,999 to ward a goal of $720,000. the annual campaign. had a couple McGowan and Nancy UWAC also offers a Luke, UWAC’s man- of large donors “leadership societyâ€? ager of development move out (of category of $1,000 to and marketing, remain Addison County). $1,249, and an “Alexis optimistic the 2015 We have also de Tocqueville Socicampaign will swell a had a couple of etyâ€? category, in which little more before the members agree to books officially close cutbacks due contribute more than on June 30. History has to the (stock) $10,000 annually. shown that an addition- market.â€?

United Way retained — Nancy Luke 136 of its 145 largest al $50,000 could come in from other Vermont donors from last year, United Way offices that have received and has added seven new contributors donations specifically earmarked for to the fold, according to Luke.

UWAC, according to Luke. “But some of those (donors) that “We have no reason to believe it we lost were very large,� Luke lawill be lower (than $50,000),� Mc- mented, to the extent that UWAC Gowan said. “We hope it goes up a could see a loss of around $78,000 little.� through the Robert Frost category for The UWAC has also sent out a “last its 2015 campaign. call for donations� message with its “We’ve had a couple of large dolatest annual report, and will be re- nors move out (of Addison Counceiving some revenues from a final ty),� Luke said. “We have also had a big fundraiser — the second annual couple of cutbacks due to the (stock) “United in Harmony,� an a cappella market.� competition to be held at MiddleThe stock market has been on the bury’s Town Hall Theater beginning rebound of late, and Luke said there at 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 9. Eight is at least one big donor who vowed

Your Summer Fitness Goal... )FBUJOH t 1MVNCJOH t "JS $POEJUJPOJOH 3&4*%&/5*"- $0..&3$*"-

Make your appointment NOW! UP IBWF ZPVS GVSOBODF BOE CPJMFS TFSWJDFE "/% GPS OFX GVSOBODF BOE CPJMFS JOTUBMMBUJPOT

THE

to make a second contribution if that economic recovery is sustained.

It should also be noted that UWAC accepts contributions of any amount, even just a few dollars. And on a positive note, Luke noted the addition of 35 new contributors who have all pledged at least $250.

Luke and McGowan wish they had some better news to report on what has been another major source of donations: The payroll deduction program, which was down by around $7,000 for 2015. This has provided an avenue through which workers at participating businesses can have a small sum deducted from their regular paychecks to give to UWAC. McGowan and her colleagues contacted 38 businesses last year to gauge their interest in the payroll deduction program. Nineteen agreed to participate, including usual stalwarts Middlebury College and Porter Medical Center. And McGowan was pleased to note that UTC Aerospace in Vergennes also embraced the program in a big way this year, boosting its contribution by around $10,000. “Middlebury College (contributions) are down right now, but still a really big part of our campaign,�

McGowan said of the county’s largest employer.

Looking ahead, McGowan and Luke said the United Way would broaden its strategy in an effort to maximize donations. That will mean, among other things, becoming better acquainted with the next generation of contributors and providing a detailed explanation of how the donated dollars are spent. “When we can get in front of folks and tell them our story, the giving goes up,� McGowan said of her firsthand experience.

Plans also call for UWAC to update its presence online and on mobile phones. In the “old� days, people mailed or presented a check to the United Way. Now, people can give in around a dozen different ways — including by texting a donation.

United Way officials and board members will soon turn their attention to making allocations to UWAC’s funded agencies — including WomenSafe, Hospice Volunteer Services, Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects, and the Addison County Community Trust. McGowan hopes UWAC’s grant allocations won’t have to be pared back substantially due to lagging contributions. “(The grantees) get enough cuts from other places, they don’t need to get that from us, too,� McGowan said.

More information about the UWAC fund drive can be found at unitedwayaddisoncounty.org.

You can do it!

TRIATHLON SWIM 600 YARDS

BIKE 14 MILES

JUNE 18 JULY 17 AUGUST 14

RUN 3.1 MILES

1MVNCJOH 4FSWJDFT

5SPVCMF 4IPPU t 4FSWJDF t /FX 1MVNCJOH t )FBUJOH *OTUBMMBUJPOT

t )FBUJOH 4ZTUFN 4FSWJDFT t )PNF 8FBUIFSJ[BUJPO t /BUVSBM (BT 1SPQBOF $FSUJmFE t "JS $POEJUJPOJOH 4FSWJDJOH *OTUBMMBUJPOT M-F 7am - 4pm, Sat 8-noon 24/7 Pager Service

3PVUF 4PVUI t .JEEMFCVSZ 75 t

Lake Dunmore Triathlon 1600 yd. swim, 28 mi. bike, 6.2 mi. run... June 18 & Aug. 14

Vermont Sun Half Marathon 10k, 5k run... September 25

Members recieve a 25% discount on all events

3FHJTUSBUJPO PQFO UP JOEJWJEVBMT BOE UFBNT t WFSNPOUTVO DPN

run & triathlon series

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 15A

By the way

Solar

388-3171

acpcc@sover.net • addisoncountypcc.org

• Community Playgroups • Parent Education Classes • Home Visits • Pregnancy Prevention Programs • Parent Training & Child Center

Helping Young Families Get The Right Start

Asa Baker-Rouse of Middlebury, a student at Mary Hogan School, is currently making his mark on stage in the role of Michael Banks in Lyric Theatre Company’s production of “Mary Poppins” at the Flynn in Burlington. Tickets for the remaining performances, April 7-10, are available at www.flynntix.org or by calling 802-86FLYNN. Congratulations, Asa! Back by popular demand: “She Sings to the Stars.” After playing to big crowds at three screenings at Middlebury’s Marquis Theater in March — including one sold-out night when 40 people were turned away at the door — the award-winning, Vermontproduced movie will get one more

screening on Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m. Don’t miss your chance; tickets are available in advance at the Marquis box office, which is open every evening from 5-9 p.m.

You’ve read their work as columnists on the Addison Independent sports pages, now you can see them in person. Our own Karl Lindholm will be honoring Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 by sharing his research on the history and delights of baseball in a talk that day beginning at 4 p.m. at The Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury. Another of our columnists, Matthew Dickerson, will share fish tales and a slide show from his new book “Trout in the Desert” at the Residence on Friday, April 29, at 3:30 p.m.

From just across Lake Champlain, we hear that “Friends of Crown Point State Historic Site Inc.” will hold its annual business meeting — including the election of trustees and officers — on Monday, April 25. The meeting, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., will be held at the historic site, located at the southwest end of the Lake Champlain Bridge.

The Friends group invites the public to join their nonprofit organization (individual membership is $15 per year, due in April), to attend the business meeting, and to follow them on Facebook.

Got Firewood? We Do! *Dry Wood is heated in our Kilns at 200º until the average moisture is down to 20-25%

Call to Schedule Delivery

Green or Dry (Kiln Processed)*

(802) 453-4884 Certified for Vermont Heat Treatment

THE A. JOHNSON CO., LLC BRISTOL, VT 05443 www.VermontLumber.com

Market Perspective Q1 2016

Stocks Finish Wild Quarter in Positive Territory On February 11, stock markets were down 10% on the year as investors confronted the specter of higher interest rates and lower corporate profits. With the market in turmoil and oil prices continuing to plunge, Janet Yellen testified before Congress. The market initially reacted with disappointment that the Fed didn’t seem all that concerned. A day later investors digested the testimony and focused instead on the suggestion that interest rates may not rise as steeply as previously indicated. This new perspective precipitated a broad reversal in market trends – a strong dollar turned weak, oil prices firmed and stocks rallied. The S&P 500 even eked out a small gain for the quarter.

While the market has reacted to the Fed, the Fed has been forced to react to confounding economic data. On the one hand, job growth remains steady at around 200,000 per month; on the other hand, productivity and wage growth remain subdued. Complicating matters further is the fact that core inflation has risen to 2.3%, above the Fed’s target of 2%. The Fed now faces the prospect of rising inflation accompanied by weak economic growth. A similar patter occurred in 2012 (coincidentally, another election year), only to see GDP growth pick up and inflation subside. Time will tell whether history repeats itself or whether we are headed into a more difficult period for monetary policy.

S&P 500 Daily Price 2100 2050 2000

Yellen Testifies

1950 1900 1850 1800 1750

All of this reminds us why past performance is no predictor of future results and why successful investors don’t chase what’s hot. While investor preferences come and go, tried and true strategies stand the test of time. Prudent investors establish a plan and remain broadly diversified, even when that strategy doesn’t seem to be working. Because in the long run, it does.

3/31

3/24

3/17

3/3

3/10

2/25

2/18

2/4

2/11

1/28

All in all, the first quarter proved to be a testament to the 1700 market’s resilience. At the end of such a turbulent period, even the terror attacks in Brussels failed to roil markets.

This serves as a humbling reminder that, in a never-ending quest for equilibrium, markets tend to stabilize themselves. What’s true for the market overall is also true for individual stocks, sectors, styles and regions; suggesting that what’s hot today may become hated tomorrow, and vice versa.

As proof, the S&P 500’s most loved stocks in 2015, Amazon and Netflix, both lost more than 10% in Q1. With interest rates near all-time lows, investors seemed rather more attracted to dividends, driving double-digit returns in high yield sectors like telecom and utilities. That’s a trend we’ve seen come and go a couple of times over the past five years. Other trend reversals inMarket Returns cluded value stocks outperforming growth, small companies besting large, and emerging markets topping developed ones. Even the most US Large Cap hated region, Latin America, came back into favor. Suffering from weak commodity prices and a strong dollar, Latin American stocks plummeted nearly 60% between September of 2014 and January of US Small Cap this year. If you had written it off by then, you would have missed out on a 40% rally over the final two months of the quarter.

Q1'16 Growth 1/21

$1 each or $5 for six, and will be available before the concert. All proceeds will go to the fifth- and sixthgrades’ trip this spring.

The Salisbury Congregational Church will hold a rummage sale at the end of April and are seeking good, clean items for the sale. Call Nancy at 352-4375 to arrange pick-up or dropoff of items. The sale will be held on Friday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The speed limit around the lake has been set at 30 miles an hour beginning on West Shore Road just north of the village and continuing on to Route 53 across the north end and east side of the lake.

Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce recently announced their ranking of the top 39 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2016, and many of those place are in Addison County.

Among those honored were the Basin Harbor Club of Ferrisburgh, Country Home Products of Vergennes and the Counseling Service of Addison County of Middlebury.

Keep up the good work!

1/7

NEWS

SALISBURY — The Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department is holding its annual Pancake Breakfast at the Salisbury Community School on Sunday, April 10, from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, home fries, milk, juice and coffee will all be available. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Enjoy a great meal and visit with your friends and neighbors while supporting our great fire department.

On Tuesday, April 12, the community school will present its Spring Concert beginning at 6 p.m. Prior to the concert the winning tickets for the basket raffle will be drawn. Tickets are available at the school; they cost

(Continued from Page 1A) and will follow the same route as last year. Registration will be at the event and there is no fee. Donations can be made the day of the ride to Middlebury Safe Routes.

1/14

Salisbury

Have a news tip?

Call Mary Burchard at 352-4541

has been building for the past 40-50 also increase the amount of power it years during which large, centrally lo- purchases from Hydro-Quebec, he cated power stations have given way added. to smaller, scattered hydro, solar and Vermont currently derives 25 perwind energy facilities. And those scat- cent of its electricity from Hydrotered projects are generating some Quebec, according to Bray. It has been aesthetic concerns. as high as 32 percent.

“The state’s energy planning pro“It might make a major contribugram has historically not taken a look tion to the (renewable energy) goal the at land use impacts,” state has set for itself,” Bray said. “That has “The PSB Baser said. “Those set up an unfortunate things might take some conflict between towns basically ran pressure that we have — that for decades over us like a concerning renewable have had the author- steamroller. I was generation here.” ity and obligation to do really offended Rep. Dave Sharpe, land use planning for by that, because D-Bristol, anticipates themselves. When these a passionate debate I feel that there is projects — and what about S.230 in the you hear most about is a steady erosion House. It’s an issue that solar arrays — are being of the rights of touches upon property built, the towns are feel- the people … rights and local control ing like they have too There has to be a — both very important little influence on how stop to it.” to Vermonters. they are being built.”

“It’s clear to me, — Jon Christiano and I think to us in the New Haven resident Craig Zondag said the House, that while there state should place more emphasis on is widespread support for renewthe installation of rooftop solar panels, able energy and there is a belief we as opposed to the more aesthetically need renewables instead of coal-fired displeasing solar arrays. power plants in our energy future — “There’s an awful lot of flat and an- ‘It’s in your town, not mine,’” Sharpe gled rooftops in the state of Vermont said. “So it’s a conflict that is difficult that could be used for solar applica- to resolve, because the goal is simition, where we wouldn’t have to be lar — we want renewable energy, but using agricultural land,” Zondag said. we want someone else to suffer the Salisbury resident Heidi Willis said consequences. The problem is, there she would favor a new law that would is no easy way to keep the lights on require the developers of new build- … There are trade-offs and problems ings to make those new structures re- with every form of generating energy. sponsible for supplying a certain per- So we need to look carefully at how centage of their own energy. we move forward as a state.”

“It would keep us aware of the fact Bray hopes that S.230 will survive that electricity doesn’t just magically the House review with its major proviappear,” Willis said. sions intact.

OTHER RENEWABLES “Who knows what will happen on Rep Fred. Baser, R-Bristol, noted the House side,” Bray said. “There the state has a chance to dramatically may be some change, but I think the enhance its green energy portfolio bill is solid. I hope we pass it, and I am with hydropower, as opposed to so- delighted to see we may have gotten lar array development. Vermont has a ourselves to a situation where we can chance to buy, from TransCanada, nu- plan together and get out of ongoing merous hydroelectric dams along the conflict over the move to renewables.”

Connecticut River. The state balked at Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@ such an offer in 2005. Vermont could addisonindependent.com.

12/31

(Continued from Page 1A) a steamroller,” Christiano said. “I was “Then a region’s plan gets certified by really offended by that, because I feel the state.” that there is a steady erosion of the He was speaking Monday at the rights of the people … There has to be weekly Legislative Breakfast at the a stop to it, in my opinion.”

Weybridge Congregational Church.

Addison resident Peter Briggs, a As it stands, the PSB gives town Republican candidate for one of Adplans “due consideration” when dison County’s two state Senate seats evaluating renewable this fall, challenged energy project appliBray on the perceived cations, according to “There’s an awful merits of S.230. He said Bray. Under S.230, the lot of flat and he agreed with an opPSB would give “sub- angled rooftops ponent’s assessment of stantial deference” to in the state of S.230 as a “do-nothing” towns’ certified energy bill that does not take plans that dovetail with Vermont that away the PSB’s current could be used for the state’s renewable power in approving solar application, or denying renewable energy objectives.

“Many towns have where we energy projects. That’s felt that ‘due’ consid- wouldn’t have because the towns’ eneration was too little ergy plans would be to be using consideration, so we under the jurisdiction needed to knit together agricultural land.” of regional planning — Craig Zondag commissions and/or the energy planning with land use planning,” state of Vermont, he arBray said, “and that’s at the heart of gued. what S.230 does.”

“Ultimately, if (the state) doesn’t Towns and regions that have plans like the plan because it’s going to certified as being supportive of the hamper what they’ve been doing, they state’s overall energy goals, when can just say, ‘You have to change it,’” they go before the PSB, will be given Briggs said. a “special level of influence” in the Bray argues S.230 is not about regPSB’s evaluation of renewable energy ulating the review process. proposals, according to Bray.

“The goal is not to take power away “The town plan will prevail unless from the PSB; the goal was to empowthere is clear and convincing evi- er towns and regions to do planning dence that there is a public good that that is in their own best interest and in surpasses the town plan,” Bray said. such a way that is in concert with the “Lawyers tell me that is a very high state’s plans,” Bray said. threshold for the PSB or an applicant Rep. Harvey Smith, R-New Haven, to ever cross.” also weighed in on the bill. Smith is a Towns denied certification of their lifelong farmer who has served many energy plans would be able to appeal years on the Addison County Regionto a panel of neutral attorneys within al Planning Commission. the Department of Public Service, ac“One of the things that we are cogcording to Bray. That panel’s decision nizant of is the fact the state wants to could be appealed to the Vermont Su- have more and more say in our local preme Court. land use planning,” PUBLIC “The goal is not to Smith said.

PUSHBACK But he stressed that Not everyone is take power away local plans shouldn’t be pleased with S.230. from the PSB; evaluated under identiMost notably, many the goal was to cal guidelines.

New Haven residents empower towns “The needs of Chitand officials had been and regions to tenden County are subhoping for a bill that stantially different than could give communi- do planning that the needs of Addison ties greater power in the is in their own County,” he said. siting of solar arrays. best interest and Bray said state, naNew Haven has had to in such a way tional and global endeal with a large num- that is in concert ergy policy has simply ber of solar array progotten to a point where with the state’s posals during the past it has to involve more plans.” few years. people in order for it to — Sen. Chris Bray work.

New Haven recently passed a town plan that “If the towns want restricts the size of solar arrays, noted to influence how we build out renewresident Jon Christiano at the Legisla- ables, the towns take on some of the tive Breakfast. But that town plan has responsibility for learning how all that not stopped New Haven from being works and doing the planning,” Bray inundated with applications from de- said. “The only way to make somevelopers seeking to build numerous thing reflect your own priorities is to large solar arrays, according to Chris- participate in the planning of it. We tiano. Local residents resent having are really shifting who really needs their local blueprint for growth over- to think about these things, from ‘the ruled by a panel of appointed PSB of- state takes care of it for us,’ to ‘now ficials, Christiano said. we’ll all think about it.’”

“The PSB basically ran over us like It’s a transition that Bray believes

2015 Value Emerging -15%

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

Don Devost and Matt Wootten are investment advisors and principals of Addison Advisors LLC in Middlebury. This is a paid column supplied by Addison Advisors to help educate readers on current market trends.

For more detailed or individualized market information, visit their offices in the Marble Works in Middlebury or online at addisonria.com.

PAGE 16A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

Rokeby Museum is looking for volunteer tour guides

Learn about ‘Endangered Alphabets’ BRISTOL — What does the age bets Project, Brookes is not a linguist, of digital convergence, Facebook and an anthropologist or even a woodglobalization mean for the future of worker by trade. He came upon this the written word? Writer/carver/paint- project in 2009 when he decided to er Tim Brookes will share his remark- carve signs for his friends and famable and thought-provoking perspec- ily as holiday gifts. He used beautitive on this question in the program ful Vermont quilted maple and left “Endangered Alphathe bark attached. bets, Cultural Erosion, Tim Brookes will The process was enand the Future of the share his carvings joyable and the gifts Written Word” at the were a hit. of endangered Lawrence Memorial Brookes continued Library in Bristol on forms of writing by carving a series of Thursday, April 14, at from all over Chinese monograms 7 p.m. The presenta- the world while and found himself tion is hosted by the presenting how the fascinated with the One World Library design aspect of forstory of a culture Project and sponeign script. Seeking sored by the Vermont can be seen in its future subjects, he Humanities Council writing… discovered the webthrough its Speakers site omniglot.com, an Bureau program. online encyclopedia of writing sysBrookes will share his carvings of tems and languages. “It was dedicated endangered forms of writing from all to all the world’s writing systems, past over the world while presenting how and present, extinct and living, real the story of a culture can be seen in and imaginary,” Brookes notes. “ I its writing, even if that writing is (as was stunned, first of all, by how many in these examples) beautiful, utterly of them I’d never heard of.” unfamiliar, and disappearing. At the In fact, Brookes learned that many same time, he will discuss how tech- of these languages are already exnology will help — and always has tinct or unused. Although there are helped — define the nature of com- more than 6,000 world languages — munication. many going extinct as you read this Founder of The Endangered Alpha- article — there are only 100 scripts,

and roughly a third of them are endangered. This loss of language and writing parallels the domination of smaller societies by larger ones.

Brookes points out, “A more powerful nation had overwhelmed weaker ones; majorities had suppressed minorities; and now the global expansion of computing and the Internet had accelerated the process of extinction. These gnarly or magnificent old scripts were being replaced by the beige, rectangular uniformity of the keyboard.”

Brookes became increasingly interested in endangered alphabets, eventually pursuing and carving text written in 30 endangered writing systems.

The mission expanded further when Brookes formed a relationship with Maung Nyeu from the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, a region that is home to a dozen distinct indigenous peoples, each with their own language and culture. Brookes and Maung are currently working together to create educational materials to assure the endangered writing systems of these groups will be passed on to future generations.

For more information on the program, contact the Lawrence Memorial Library at 453-2366 or go to www.

OneWorldLibraryProject.org.

FERRISBURGH — Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh celebrates volunteers every April — National Volunteer Month — with an orientation session for new recruits. Interested volunteers are invited to the museum on Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m. to check out the opportunities. Volunteering at Rokeby offers a unique opportunity for personal education and service rolled into one.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of most nonprofit organizations, including Rokeby, where they handle everything from tour guiding to bookkeeping. Anyone who loves working with people, art and antiques, history and reading other people’s mail, should join Rokeby’s corps of dedicated tour guides.

New guides will complete a brief GRACEFUL TIBETAN CALLIGRAPHY, carved into wood by Tim Brookes, translates as “Everything happens for a reason.”

Brookes will share his carvings of endangered forms of writing, as well as discuss how technology defines the nature of communication, in an April 14 One World Library presentation at Lawrence Memorial Library in Bristol.

training course that introduces them to the remarkable Quaker family that called Rokeby home and the 200 years of history they lived here. Volunteers study historic photographs, documents, art and artifacts from the museum’s extensive collection and then share what they have learned with visitors, working two tour days per month during the season (May 22 to Oct. 30 this year).

Rokeby Museum is a 90-acre historic site and National Historic Landmark designated for its exceptional Underground Railroad history.

It presents a nationally significant Underground Railroad story tucked inside a quintessential Vermont experience.

For more information, email Jane Williamson at rokeby@comcast.net.

Shoreham NEWS

Have a news tip?

Call Sonya Barber at 989-2173

SHOREHAM — The Christian Ed youth of the Shoreham Congregational Church will host a Breakfast for Missions on Saturday, April 16, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the church on 28 School Road in Shoreham.

Start your day in good fellowship

as you support this missions project and enjoy French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, sausages, juice, coffee, tea, and milk. The cost is only $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $16 for families.

lessons available. Visit www.sojotennis.com for information on summer programs, or contact us at (802) 349-7794 or sojotennis@gmail.com to customize a tennis package that fits your schedule. We enjoy working with all ages and abilities!

CHAMPLAIN DISCOVERY AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM Starting on June 20, 10 students from the Champlain Valley ages 1316 will build their own 17-foot sea kayaks and then embark on a 10-day voyage of a lifetime. Participants in the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Champlain Discovery program will paddle from Whitehall, N.Y., transiting Lock no. 12 on the Champlain Canal and paddle to Burlington, Vt. They will experience sites of cultural and natural historical significance as they challenge themselves in new and positive ways. The program culminates when they land in Burlington on the morning of July 25 and are welcomed back to their worlds by family and friends. The Maritime Museum is accepting applications for the Champlain Discovery program. Call 802-475-2022 or email nickp@lcmm.org for information and an application, or check out the website, www.lcmm.org.

MARY JOHNSON CHILDREN’S CENTER School-age summer camps in Bristol, Middlebury and Vergennes will offer a wide range of summer experiences. Relaxing is combined with many inviting choices on a daily basis. The professional staff facilitates a program geared to the needs of this energized 6- to 12-year-old age group. Balancing the kid-friendly individual choices, some “traditions” of Vermont and summer will be honored: swimming, field trips, crafts, sports, theater and camping. Information can be obtained by going to our website at www.mjccvt.org or by calling 802-388-2853, and speaking with School Age Programs Coordinator.

CAMP COMPASS Some children find it challenging to navigate their way through social situations, which can cause some parents to worry about their children’s ability to make friends. Luckily, the Stern Center for Language and Learning is here to help by offering a unique experience for children ages 7-12 who struggle socially.

Camp Compass, now in its 17th year, is four half-days of activities, facilitated by highly qualified staff to promote social learning in a positive and supportive environment. To learn more, please visit www.sterncenter.org.

WILLOWELL FOUNDATION The Willowell land will be full of adventure, movement, cooking and creativity this summer! Located on 230 acres of field and forest, Willowell day camps are sure to get kids outdoors and having fun.

Register today for: Witchcraft and Wizardry (ages 7-11); Jedi Training (6-8 and 9-12); Rooted Youth (12-14); Tai Chi (14-17); Farm to Table Adventure (8-12); Basketball Camp (8-17); and more! Visit us online at www.willowell.org or call 802-453-6195. Scholarships are available.

Summer Camps NIGHT EAGLE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures is a unique primitive summer camp for 40 boys, ages 10-14. We are located on 135 acres in the heart

of Vermont’s Green Mountains. Our program is designed to build a boy’s self-confidence and foster a better understanding of native peoples and their relationship with the earth.

Activities tend to spring from the

natural environment and teach boys to rely on their own ingenuity. Boys at Night Eagle can live in a tipi, canoe, practice archery, throw an atlatl, backpack, carve a bull roarer, craft a birch bark basket, start a fire with flint and steel, and so much more!

We give boys a deep respect for the land, an understanding of the interconnection and value of all life, and the skills to live competently in the wilderness. Through community living and group decision-making, campers learn to live and play together in a spirit of cooperation rather than competition. Accredited by the American Camp Association.

GREEN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES Now in our 18th season, Green

PLAY TENNIS THIS SUMMER! Outdoor tennis camps in Middlebury, East Middlebury and Shoreham. Indoor tennis camps at Middlebury Indoor Tennis. Opportunities for kids and adults, starting at age 4.

Camps and clinics run during June, July and August.

June 20 - July 23

For schedule information, visit www.sojotennis.com (802) 349-7794 sojotennis@gmail.com

MJCC SUMMER CAMPS

Jump into Summer 2016 at camp: Things to try • Music Swimming d Crafts n • Arts an Outdoor Fu • Sports ds ien Fr g Makin

June 20th – August 12th 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM

Bristol, Middlebury & Vergennes Ages 6-12 eligible Flexible schedules Vt State licensed and STAR-rated Tuition subsidy accepted

$

Daily cost $35 165 for five-day week Sibling discount

Enrollment deadline - May 1st For information/to register:

www.mjccvt.org 802-388-2853 ext.23

Mountain Adventures offers a variety of outdoor adventure day camps uniquely designed to safely lead children and young adults (age 6-15) into the vast playground of rocks, rivers and mountains surrounding our central Vermont community.

Participants engage in multi-activity wilderness adventures including canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, geocaching, river tubing, and rock climbing. Each of our camps provides imaginative and unforgettable journeys in some of the most beautiful backcountry wilderness areas in and around the Green Mountains. For all camps, a $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. Day camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up/drop off at Middlebury Mountaineer, 2 Park St., Middlebury, VT 05753. Visit www.mmvt.com for more information or call Steve at the Mountaineer, 802-388-7245.

SOJO TENNIS SoJo Tennis runs summer tennis camps and clinics for children, teens and adults. Weeklong camps run June 20 through mid-August in Middlebury, East Middlebury and Shoreham. Clinics run on set days of the week all summer. Private and group

Green Mountain Adventures Kids Camp 2016 Paddling Rock Climbing Hiking Mountain Biking Geocaching Caving Tubing

Sponsored by

Day Camps & Overnights for kids 6-15 years old

18 years experience bringing kids into the outdoors

For more information call Steve 388-7245 or mmvt.com

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016 — PAGE 17A

Artwork (Continued from Page 1A) and learning that they do in the early education programs where they spend their days.”

The children’s artwork and displays come from 20 large to small preschools, childcare centers and home care providers from Bristol, Middlebury, Vergennes and surrounding towns.

“One thing we really want the community to understand is the importance of the early years,” said Amethyst Peaslee, resource specialist for Mary Johnson Childcare Services. The MJCS (a separate entity from the Mary Johnson Children’s Center) is the Department for Children and Families’ designated Child Care Support Agency for Addison County.

“We now know that 80 percent of a person’s brain is developed before age three; 90 percent is developed by age five,” Peaslee said. “So it’s really essential that we invest in the early years and in early education because that’s when all this brain development is happening.”

Peaslee cited the Vermont Let’s Grow Kids campaign as another effort to raise visibility on the important of quality early care and learning. According to the campaign’s website, 70 percent of Vermont’s children have both

Where to see it Children’s art and learning displays can be viewed In Middlebury • 51 Main • Junebug Mother and Child • National Museum of the Morgan Horse • Rainbow Room • Vermont Book Shop • Ilsley Public Library In Vergennes • J.W. & D.E. Ryan Plumbing & Heating • Linda’s Apparel and Gifts • Luigi’s Italian Specialties • Shear Cuts • Vergennes Wine and Beverage • Your Turn Resale Shoppe • Bixby Memorial Library In Bristol • Bristol Bakery • Enchanted Closet • Kimball Office Services • Vermont Honey Lights • Wallace Realty • Lawrence Memorial Library Not all displays had been installed by press time

parents in the labor force and “more than half of infants and toddlers likely to need child care in Vermont

QUARRY HILL SCHOOL student Josephine Ives, 5, is all smiles as she works on an art project at the Middlebury school recently. Art from area preschoolers is on display around the county as part of the Month of the Young Child celebration.

Photo courtesy of Quarry Hill School

Sponsored by

YOU be the JUDGE!

do not have access to high-quality, affordable programs.”

All early education experts interviewed for this article emphasized that young children learn through play — and that their learning doesn’t necessary look “academic,” nor should it.

Discussing the importance of making art, for example, Peaslee explained how manipulating materials also builds fine motor skills; talking about colors and textures or about what you want to make or paint and why, builds language and literacy skills; being able to make choices, solve problems and express feelings builds a child up socially and emotionally. The importance of curiosity, wonder and creativity — when a child learns that he or she can observe, ask questions and solve problems — was brought up time and again.

“You have to be creative to solve problems,” said Ashley Bessett, director of Evergreen Preschool in Vergennes.

Evergreen Preschool’s display in Vergennes highlights the children’s exploration of spring. At the center is the children’s colorful painting of flowers bursting open in the sun. Around the painting are photographs that highlight the different kinds of learning the children engaged in: exploring the natural world and their community by looking at Otter Creek rushing over the nearby dam on its way to Lake Champlain; working together to paint the flowers; asking questions, such as, What happens when ice melts? (prompted by watching the shallow backyard “skate puddles” turn to slush); developing observation skills by looking at the returning geese or the buds breaking out on trees.

In Middlebury, the Quarry Hill School display shows the same kinds of learning on multiple levels that took place during an exploration of birds.

“We were doing a whole study of birds,” said White. “So we’ve got the art of the birds, but we’ve also got the binoculars that we were looking through in the photographs and the wings that the kids had on their backs out in the play yard. We had a bin of birdseed and some of the birds that we made were playing with the kids in the birdseed. We were working with feathers. We

MIDDLEBURY FARM & GARDEN

For the 3rd annual Addy Indy

Best Pet Photo Contest Don’t have a pet? – Doesn’t matter!

Spend time enjoying ours!

ENTRIES ARE IN and it’s time to vote for your favorite on the Addison Independent Facebook page.

ONLINE VOTING NOW thru APRIL 10TH Having a bummer day? Sitting around waiting for spring?

What’s better than a puppy face to brighten your mood and warm your heart?

Visit our website for a 5-minute break that will put a smile on anyone’s face.

Categories:

PR IZ ES

d for will be awarde each winner… you’ll and of course ble win immeasura ts! bragging righ

Model Shot • Best Pals • Work Companions Action Shot • Funny Faces • Couch Potato

Winners will be chosen by popular vote in each category and will

be featured in the 4/18 Special Animal Families edition of the Addy Indy and on our website.

There will also be Editor’s Picks for each category!

www.AddisonIndependent.com

QUARRY HILL SCHOOL students Reed Allen, left, and Aliza Hurlburt work at the Middlebury school’s art table recently to produce art for a county-wide display celebrating early education.

Photo courtesy of Quarry Hill School

made eggs out of clay. It’s not just the two-dimensional aspect of art.

It’s multidimensional.

“So it’s not only art for art, it’s art and the process of making art and how that carries into how kids operate,” White continued.

The Lincoln Cooperative Preschool’s display in Bristol shows the children’s ABC books and fish paintings and the preschool’s focus on its outdoor classroom and equipment.

The home-based Jennifer Cyr Family Childcare display includes photographs of kids as budding nature scientists, exploring the natural world by touching the bark on trees, getting snow on their tongues, building structures from tree limbs and branches, and good old-fashioned playing in the mud.

To see the art and informational displays, walk Main Street and look for the businesses mentioned in the box in Bristol, Middlebury and Vergennes. The art and displays will be up throughout April.

For more local activities geared around the Month of the Young Child, go to minibury.com.

Reporter Gaen Murphree is at gaenm@addisonindependent.com.

PAGE 18A — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 7, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS! to all the winners of the Addison Count y Independent’s Spring Coloring and Decorating Contest.

Thank you to all the participants in this year’s contest. Many creative and colorful entries brought a cheerful touch of spring to our office. Remember, there’s a prize for each contestant if you pick up your entry by 5PM on Friday, April 22. Here are the grand prize winners:

Lila Smith

Tucker Sheldrick

Edda Twyman

Eva Shay Borah

New Haven • Under 5

Salisbury • Under 5

Bristol • Ages 5-6

Brandon • Ages 5-6

Ben Nop

Madeleine Stroup

Kayden Matis

Lydia Visser

Salisbury • Ages 7-8

Vergennes • Ages 7-8

Bristol • Ages 9-11

Panton • Ages 9-11

Mary Nagy-Benson

Erin Lawrence

Penney Griffin-Kimball

Michelle Hall

Weybridge• Ages 12-15

Addison • Ages 12-15

New Haven • Ages 16-Adult

Lincoln • Ages 16-Adult

Grand prize winners will receive a gift certificate from:

MIDDLEBURY

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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

The Addison Independent in the Marble Works • Open Monday - Friday 8-5