House fire
Ali at THT
Block, party
Around 30 firefighters responded to a blaze at a home off Rt. 116 in Starksboro. See Page 2A.
A multi-media work coming to the theater explores the champ’s life and legacy. See Page 11A.
A key late-game defensive play helped the Tiger girls past visiting Mount Abe. See Sports, Page 1B.
ADDISON COUNTY
Vol. 70 No. 7
INDEPENDENT Middlebury, Vermont
Thursday, February 18, 2016
30 Pages
75¢
Benefits, issues seen as ANwSU merger balloting nears By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — For the third time since 2005, residents of the five communities that make up Addison Northwest Supervisory Union will decide on March 1 if one board, not the current five, should run their four schools. A yes vote on March 1 (Town Meeting Day) in all five towns would create the Addison Northwest Uni-
fied School District and a 12-member board to operate it, effective July 1, 2017, after a year of planning during which the existing ANwSU boards would still call the shots. ANwSU voters will also vote on Town Meeting Day for a dozen directors to serve on the unified board, four each from Vergennes and Ferrisburgh, two from Addison, and one each from Panton and Waltham.
ACSU forum to focus on unification effort
By JOHN FLOWERS dlebury, Ripton, Salisbury, ShoreMIDDLEBURY — The Addison ham and Weybridge will vote on Independent this Sunday, Feb. 21, March 1 on whether to transition to will co-sponsor a forum for candi- the unified board. That Town Meetdates running for a new, 13-member ing Day ballot will also feature the school board that would represent a election of the new panel. All 13 unified Addison Central slots will be elected atThe forum is large, so — for example unified school district. The forum is sched- scheduled — Weybridge voters will uled to run from 2 to 4 to run from not only cast ballots for p.m. in the Middlebury their own representative, 2 to 4 p.m. Union High School audibut also for the canditorium. It will begin with this Sunday dates seeking to fill spots a PowerPoint presenta- in the high representing Bridport, tion by Addison Central school Cornwall, Middlebury, Supervisory Union Char- auditorium. Ripton, Salisbury and ter Committee officials Shoreham. on the proposed transition to the Based on population counts withnew unified district board. That in the ACSU, Middlebury is being 13-member panel would oversee a allotted seven seats on the new single, global spending plan for all board, while the six smaller comseven district elementary schools, munities will have one seat each. as well as Middlebury Union MidSunday’s forum will allow all dle School and Middlebury Union the candidates to introduce themHigh School. selves, discuss their respective Residents of the ACSU-member backgrounds and explain why they towns of Bridport, Cornwall, Mid(See Forum, Page 16A)
There are no contested races for those seats. On July 1 next year, if the consolidation effort passes, the towns’ schools and school property would also transfer to the new unified district, with a provision that real estate be returned, or at least offered back, to the towns if no longer used for education. Existing debt would also be as-
Weybridge
Middlebury
Middlebury: Ruth Hardy (2-year term)
sumed by the greater union, an issue for some in Addison, which owns a school that is debt-free and in good condition. Those provisions are similar to those in previous unification plans, although according to ANwSU officials more tightly worded this time around than in 2010, when unification passed the first time around, but lost in a petitioned revote.
Shoreham
Middlebury: John Rees
Bridport
Middlebury: Victoria Jette (1-year term)
The difference, they say, is that Act 46, the 2015 state law created to promote unification, both offers better incentives to districts that consolidate, and gives the Vermont Board of Education power to force districts to merge that do not do so voluntarily now. ANwSU board chairman Jeffry Glassberg put it this way to the Vergennes City Council last week:
Salisbury
Cornwall
Ripton
Cornwall: Peter Conlon
(1-year term)
(2-year term)
Weybridge: Christopher Eaton (3-year term)
Middlebury: Jason Duquette-Hoffman (2-year term)
Middlebury: Steve Orzech
Addison Central School District Board
(3-year term)
Shoreham: Nick Causton (2-year term)
Salisbury: Jennifer Nuceder (1-year term)
Bridport: * Rick Scott and Suzanne Buck (1-year term)
Middlebury: Lorraine Gonzalez Morse (3-year term)
Middlebury: Josh Quinn (3-year term)
* = contested election for a single seat
Ripton: * Jerry Shedd Bryan Alexander Perry Hanson (3-year term)
State budget features $68M gap
Legislators eye cuts and fee hikes
Winning pike
JASON CHAMBERS HOLDS up the winning 8.81-pound pike caught during this weekend’s fishing derby at Lake Dunmore. See story on Page 3A. Photo courtesy Katherine Dick
By JOHN FLOWERS VERGENNES — State lawmakers and Gov. Peter Shumlin are trying to resolve a $68 million revenue shortfall in the fiscal year 2017 general fund budget. While state politicians agree on the magnitude of the financial problem, it’s clear that there is far from consensus on how to mop up the red ink. Rep. Diane Lanpher, D-Vergennes, provided an update on the fiscal year 2017 budget at Monday’s legislative breakfast in Vergennes. Lanpher is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which considers funding requests for state agencies and programs. While Lanpher and her colleagues would like to see balanced books,
she took some solace in the fact that the current revenue gap is narrower than in recent budget years. And she is optimistic that gap will be closed without a lot of pain to state programs. Lanpher noted that last year lawmakers had to reconcile a $113 million shortfall. Though the financial conundrum is less this year, the main culprit is a familiar one: Medicaid program expenses. Lanpher said 75 percent of the $68 million deficit is related to Medicaid. Lanpher is pleased Shumlin hasn’t recommended raising any broadbased taxes and hasn’t suggested using any one-time funds to shore up the 2017 spending plan. He has instead proposed to trim the spending plan by $38 million and raise $30 million in additional revenue through doubling Vermont’s mutual fund registration fee from the current
$600 to $1,200; and imposing a provider tax on dentists and physicians, according to Lanpher. The provider tax proposal has generated far more controversy than the mutual fund fee hike, lawmakers acknowledged. “I am not sure if there is enough support for (the provider tax), but if we don’t do that, we will have to do something else,” Lanpher said. Rep. Fred Baser, a member of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, said he and his colleagues supported the proposed increase in the mutual fund registration fee. “We feel $1,200 would put us in line with other states — and actually is still a bargain — and it will also not have an impact on Vermonters in the same fashion that raising fees on doctors and other kinds of fees and taxes would have,” Baser said. “This (See Lawmakers, Page 14A)
“There are a few more carrots. And there is a stick, as well.” Glassberg, who has been presenting to area selectboards in recent weeks, also told city council members that ANwSU would be a prime target for the Board of Education for a mandated merger because the district already has “one of the simplest structures that exist” among Vermont (See ANwSU, Page 14A)
Addison County lawmakers pan proposed pot legislation By JOHN FLOWERS VERGENNES — If the Vermont Legislature passes a bill this year legalizing small quantities of marijuana, it will not come with the support of a majority of Addison County lawmakers. Area lawmakers spoke against the current marijuana bill, S.241, during Monday’s legislative breakfast in Vergennes sponsored by Bridport Grange #343 and the Addison County Farm Bureau. The bill proposes to make it legal for adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. It would also establish a system of controlled, licensed marijuana SEN. BRAY cultivation sites, testing facilities, and retail stores for the sale of the product. It would remain illegal to consume marijuana in public or drive under the influence of the drug. Sen. Chris Bray, D-New Haven, said S.241 has already passed through the Senate Government Operations, Judiciary and Finance Committees, en route to Senate Appropriations. Bray believes the pot legalization bill could come up for a full Senate vote as soon as next week. Senate Finance last week recommended placing a 25 percent tax on retail sales of marijuana. The state’s Joint Fiscal Office has tentatively estimated the tax could generate almost $7 million in revenues in 2018. If OK’d by the General Assembly and signed into law, the marijuana measure would take effect on Jan. 2, 2018. But votes could be hard to come by if Monday’s feedback from the Addison County delegation is any indication. (See Pot, Page 15A)
Local builder stars By the way in ‘This Old House’ Young kids can try hockey for free this Saturday at the Memorial Sports Center in Middlebury. The Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association is inviting boys and girls (See By the way, Page 16A)
Index Obituaries................................. 6A Classifieds........................ 7B-11B Service Directory............... 8B-9B Entertainment......................... 12A Community Calendar....... 8A-10A Sports................................. 1B-3B
Connor Homes featured in PBS TV show By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — The long running, popular PBS television show “This Old House” will soon showcase the wares of a Middleburybased business that specializes in construction of new old houses — Connor Homes. Representatives of the show confirmed on Tuesday that Connor Homes will provide a preengineered, 3,000-square-foot home that will be assembled at an Essex, Mass., site for a young family during the course of 10 upcoming episodes of “This Old House” for a project titled, “North Shore Farmhouse.” It’s a show that will give national publicity and therefore a potential major boost to Connor Homes, which has carved out a niche as a
manufacturer of complete, highly detailed, historically accurate homes in kit form. A workforce of around 100 employees designs and manufactures sections of each home at Connor Homes’ 118,000-squarefoot headquarters on Route 7 south. The kits are then shipped to clients throughout the United States and assembled on-site. “Obviously, it’s an honor to be selected for the program, and it’s a great opportunity for us,” said company President Mike Connor, who founded Connor Homes in 1969. Now in its 36th season, “This Old House” is a home improvement TV show with a current viewership of around 2.4 million. Each season, the (See Connor Homes, Page 16A)
MIKE CONNOR, RIGHT, president and founder of Middlebury-based Connor Homes, stands with Bill and April Harb, who recently moved into a preassembled house manufactured at the company’s Route 7 headquarters. Construction and assembly of the home in Essex, Mass., will be chronicled in 10 episodes of “This Old House” on PBS beginning in late March. Courtesy photo
PAGE 2A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
Ferrisburgh plan hearing on tap
New version has focus on Route 7
FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND IN sub-zero temperatures to a house fire on Route 116 in Starksboro Saturday night. There were no injuries at the scene.
Photos by Mark Bouvier
Fire hits Starksboro residence
By JOHN FLOWERS STARKSBORO — A suspected chimney fire on Saturday, Feb. 13, caused some significant damage to the upper floor of a single-family home at Lewis Creek Farm off Route 116 in Starksboro, but the structure was saved during a frigid night thanks to the efforts of firefighters from several area departments. It was at around 6 p.m. that Starksboro firefighters were toned out to the reported fire at 3071 Route 116, according to Chief Tom Estey. Homeowner Hank Bissell reported the fire after noticing smoke in the house, Estey said. Around 30 firefighters from departments in Starksboro, Bristol, Monkton and Hinesburg helped battle the blaze and confine it to the second floor of the abode. Estey said the fire originated around the second-floor section of the chimney, near the roof. With temperatures well below zero, the Route 116 home and others throughout the county were putting their heating systems into
RNeSU teachers OK new deal
heavy use, Estey noted. Firefighters primarily battled the blaze from within the home, which stood up to the damage in large part due to the heavy timbers used in its construction many years ago, according to Estey. The bottom floor sustained some water damage, Estey said. The blaze was under control by 7:30 p.m. and firefighters left the scene at around 10:30 p.m., accord-
ing to Estey. No one was hurt and the occupants of the home are temporarily staying with neighbors, according to Estey. With winter finally taking hold in Addison County, Estey stressed the importance of setting up reliable smoke detectors in homes and businesses. Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.
Ripton man cited for DUI after chase SALISBURY — Vermont State Police on Feb. 12 cited a Ripton teen for driving under the influence, among other offenses, following a chase along Route 7 from East Middlebury to Salisbury. State police Trooper Eden Neary said it was at around 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 that he attempted to stop a driver who had allegedly committed some traffic violations on Ossie Road in East Middlebury. Police said the driver — 19-year-old Brandon Yandow — did not stop and instead took off down Route 7 before finally pulling over on Holman Road in Salisbury. There, Yandow and an unspecified number of passengers got out of the vehicle and took off through a field, according to police. Authorities ultimately tracked down Yandow and his passengers. State police took Yandow into custody and cited him for driving under the influence (second offense); attempting to elude police; driving with a suspended license; careless and negligent driving; and excessive speed.
By ANDY KIRKALDY FERRISBURGH — The Ferrisburgh selectboard will take the town’s next step in what has been a three-year effort to update the Ferrisburgh Town Plan. At 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, the selectboard will hold its first, and possibly only, hearing on the document at town offices, which will focus on how the town should grow along Route 7. “There was some expansion of the Route 7 corridor for mixed uses,” said planning commission chairman Bob Beach, “so there was more opportunity for business growth along Route 7 in a mixed variety.” In reworking language in a town plan that will underpin future zoning laws along Route 7 and elsewhere in Ferrisburgh, Beach said planners took great pains to listen to all points of view, including opponents of recent development along the highway. “I would say that we tried very hard to be inclusive, and this took quite a while to do, more time than we would have hoped,” Beach said. “But we took in surveys from townspeople. We took in comments from the Conservation Commission, and we worked in conjunction with the selectboard, which was given an early draft, so it coincided with the way they were thinking so there would be no surprises by the time it got to the selectboard for their hearing.” The full document may be reviewed at www.ferrisburghvt.org.
The town plan may be found under risburgh working in Ferrisburgh (by) the “Planning Commission” link on promoting small businesses throughthe menu on the left side of the home out the town,” Beach said. page. Beach said an October memoranThe revised town plan also slight- dum from the Addison County Rely extends the commercial district gional Planning Commission on sonorthward near Big Hollow Road, lar arrays was not received in time to Beach said, and clarifies and elimi- include in the town plan. That memo nates some of the language that has provided suggested language on regcaused confusion in the past few ulating solar arrays for towns to add years, such as the outdated provision to their plans. that the Route 7 Highway CommerBut Beach said the selectboard cial district should conhas the option of addsist of “uses typical of “There was ing language based on a 19th-century highway some expansion that memo to the plan. crossroads area.” Senior regional plan“That was reword- of the Route ner Claire Tebbs said 7 corridor for ed,” Beach said. the memo is “really If the town plan is mixed uses, so just a guide,” and that adopted, Beach said there was more local boards are free to planners’ next chal- opportunity for “adopt language that lenge would be to focus in their towns business growth everyone on a zoning rewrite that feels good with.” could allow for new along Route 7 in The memo provides uses along Route 7, a mixed variety.” guidelines for towns to including professional — Bob Beach regulate siting, screenoffices, service busiing and evaluating pronesses and home occupations. posed solar arrays based on recent “There’s been commentary about state law. allowing more mixed uses along the All these issues can be discussed Route 7 corridor,” Beach said. “And on Tuesday, and Beach emphasized there’s been question about whether it is not too late for citizen input. lot sizes along there could be re“I’m hopeful they’ll get a turnduced. So we’ll be revisiting some out,” Beach said. “I would encourof those components.” age people to turn out. There is a The proposed plan and future zon- copy online, and I would encourage ing will also focus on adaptive re-use people to read it and make comments of the town’s older buildings as an- because there is an opportunity to other tactic to encourage economic make changes. Because if people growth. don’t like it, now is their real oppor“There was a lot of discussion tunity to speak up. Hopefully they’ll about a town center, and I think there like it.” was a lot of discussion about trying Andy Kirkaldy may be reached at to allow for a lot of people in Fer- andyk@addisonindependent.com.
Vt. State
Police Log
Yandow is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges in Addison District Court on Feb. 29, according to police. In other action during the past week, the VSP: • Cited Matt K. Hunt, 44, of Bristol for driving under the influence, after receiving an anonymous call about a motorist allegedly drinking while driving on Hardscrabble Road in Bristol on Feb. 9. Police said they measured Hunt’s blood-alcohol content at the scene at 0.087 percent, which is just above the legal limit of 0.08. Hunt is slated to answer to the charge in Addison District Court on Feb. 29, according to police. • Investigated a burglary at Champlain Beverage on Route 7 in Leicester during the evening of Feb. 16. Police believe a lone suspect forced his or her way into the store. State
police did not reveal what was taken from the business. Anyone with information about the case should call state police at 388-4919. • Confirmed DUI charges are pending against a Middlebury woman who was involved in a onevehicle crash on Route 30 in Cornwall on Feb. 16. Police said Tammie Bernier, 49, was traveling south on Route 30 when she allegedly lost control of her vehicle while negotiating a curve. Police said Bernier provided a preliminary sample of her breath that revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.094 percent. Police said they are awaiting the results of a blood test before deciding on a possible DUI citation. • Announced Abdinajib A. Hirsi, 23, of Burlington faces a citation for driving under the influence of drugs, following an investigation of a minor car accident on Route 17 in New Haven on Feb. 13. Police said Hirsi’s vehicle had veered off Route 17. Authorities said Hirsi is suspected to have been driving under the influence of drugs.
By LEE J. KAHRS BRANDON — We have a deal. The Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union and the Otter Valley and Rutland Northeast teachers have agreed in principle to a new one-year contract. The two sides came to an agreement at a Jan. 28 meeting after several often-contentious negotiating sessions. The rather speedy agreement is a refreshing change from the paraeducators’ and bus drivers’ contract dispute with RNeSU last year, which lasted 18 months and nearly resulted in a strike. The two sides came to an agreement last November, just before the teachers and the supervisory union began their negotiations. The new one-year contract includes a 3.5 percent pay increase and an increase from 12.5 percent to 13.25 percent in health care contributions from the teachers. Jim Rademacher, chair of the RNeSU Negotiations Committee, said Tuesday that each side had their stick-
ing points but they are looking ahead. “It’s good news,” he said of the agreement. “The board is certainly appreciative of the teachers and of what they do.” The board stuck to its need for a one-year contract in light of changes under the federal Affordable Care Act to the way health insurance is delivered to Vermont teachers. The ACA is requiring that the Vermont Education Health Initiative, an insurance cooperative that offers health plans to public education employees in Vermont, restructure how those health plans are offered. Rademacher said once RNeSU knows what the changes will be, a multi-year contract is more likely in the future. “(The teachers) wanted a multi-year contract and so do we,” he said, “but with all the uncertainty around the Affordable Care Act, the board couldn’t do that. We’re looking forward to working on what will hopefully be a
multi-year contract next year.” The members of the Otter Valley and Rutland Northeast Teachers’ Association of the Vermont NEA will have to ratify the tentative agreement. Each town’s school board will still have to approve the contract as well. The OV board approved the agreement at a Feb. 3 meeting, Rademacher said. Jamie Gallagher is the chair of the OV and Rutland Northeast Teachers’ Association Negotiating Committee said he is satisfied with the agreement. “It was what we expected,” he said. “It’s a process. It’s not necessarily an easy process, but it requires both sides to give a little bit, which we did, and that’s what a contract is.” Rademacher agreed. “I’d say when we really had a deal, there were smiles on both sides,” he said. “When we look at the numbers, we grit our teeth a little bit, but I guess when both sides feel the same way, that’s pretty good.”
Vermont Gas proposes rate decrease MIDDLEBURY — Vermont Gas is recommending a 3.3-percent rate decrease for its approximately 50,000 customers in Franklin and Chittenden counties, a reduction that — if OK’d by the state’s Public Service Board (PSB) — will also apply to the few hundred Middlebury and Vergennes clients the company hopes to patch into its natural gas network this year via its new pipeline extension into Addison County. Don Rendall, president and CEO of Vermont Gas, said the rate reduction provides evidence that the Addison Natural Gas Project is “on track, on budget and on schedule.” The controversial 41.2-mile pipeline from Colchester to Middlebury and Vergennes is currently estimated at around $134 million. The PSB originally approved the project in
December of 2013, when the projected price tag was $86 million. But the board in March began discussing whether to reopen the permit after cost estimates for the project grew to $154 million — a 78 percent increase. Vermont Gas last October announced a memorandum of understanding with the Vermont Department of Public Service placing a limit of $134 million on the amount it would seek from its ratepayers for expenses related to the Addison RNatural Gas Project. “Lower energy costs is great news for our existing customers in Chittenden and Franklin counties and for our new customers in Addison County,” Rendall said of the latest news. “We made a commitment to keep rates low and stable for customers and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Looking beyond this year, Vermont Gas spokeswoman Beth Parent said the company expects to sign on “more than 900 residential and commercial customers in Addison County” in 2017. Eventually, the company wants to serve clusters of homes, businesses and town/school buildings in such communities as New Haven, Bristol and East Middlebury. Vermont Gas has negotiated easements with 160 landowners along the pipeline route, but remains at an impasse with three landowners. Rendall said those three disputes are currently before the PSB. The proposed rate decrease filing is subject to PSB approval. Vermont Gas officials said they will make a case for lower rates before the board later this year.
Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016 — PAGE 3A
Bill would trigger hospital disclosures
THE “SCOREBOARD” FROM Sunday’s fishing derby displays the winning bass, trout, pike and salmon from the event. A group of 52 anglers braved temperatures close to twenty degrees below zero, along with a stiff northerly wind, for the day’s catch. Photo courtesy Katherine Dick
Fishermen brave the cold at Dunmore Derby
SALISBURY — For local fishermen, Valentine’s Day this weekend brought frigid temps, ice and for a lucky few, some big fish. The Lake Dunmore Ice Fishing Derby, held on the frozen surface of Lake Dunmore, attracted 52 ice fishermen from around the region. Temperatures for the weekend were 6 to 17 degrees below zero, accompanied by a strong northerly wind that sent the wind chill index
plummeting. The fish didn’t seem to mind, however. Lucas Livingston of Salisbury hooked a good-sized bass, taking first for his catch weighing 3.39 pounds, while Thatcher Trudeau of Salisbury took second, catching one at 3.25 pounds. Goshen resident Nathan Clark took third with a 3.12-pound catch. For lake trout, Charles Desjadon
of Brandon claimed first with an 8.07-pound beauty. Andy Piper of Salisbury reeled in a 6.03-pound trout for second place, followed by Rob Gearwar of Brandon, who hooked a 5.62-pound fish. For pike, Jason Chambers took first at 8.81 pounds (the biggest fish of the tourney), followed by Russell Davis at 7.67 pounds and Cullen Hathaway of Middlebury in third at 6.63 pounds.
Rob Gearwar took first place in the salmon division with a 5.68 winner, followed by Andy Piper’s 4.5-pound catch. Russ Davis took third with a 4.5-pounder. In the “other” division, Tim Davis took first with a smaller, 1.5-pound catch, followed by Wyatt Cameron with a 1.05 fish. Cole Cetorneau won the kid’s division with a 4.22-pound northern pike.
Vergennes flagged for sewer overflow By MIKE POLHAMUS, VtDigger MONTPELIER — The cities of Rutland and Vergennes released more than 1 million gallons of untreated wastewater into Lake Champlain tributaries last week, an event that the EPA acknowledges violates federal law. State and local officials say they’re pursuing efforts that will over time eliminate such incidents, but funding for needed improvements in those communities and others is sparse. Legislators are working on a bill that would strengthen reporting requirements for overflows like these, to better notify the public when sewage enters public waterways. The discharges, called combined sewage overflows, happen in communities where sewage and stormwater are sent through the same system of pipes, meaning heavy rain can overwhelm the wastewater treatment plant. “I think most people in Rutland are grossed out by the situation as it is on the ground right now, but we have to pick our battles,” said William Notte, president of the Rutland Board of Aldermen. Rutland residents recently approved a $2.5 million bond for a project to eliminate some stormwater from its sewage stream, but much remains to be done, and residents can’t afford to do it all at once, Notte said. Municipalities are violating federal law when they discharge raw sewage into public waters, said Chris Kilian, Vermont director for the Conservation Law Foundation. The Environmental Protection Agency agrees. “It’s true, in spite of municipal plans, the towns are in violation (of the Clean Water Act) when there is a CSO discharge. It does violate the Clean Water Act,” said Emily Bender, spokesperson for the EPA’s New England office. Advocates like James Ehlers, executive director of Lake Champlain International, said they could sue towns to clean up their effluent. But that would only further impoverish governments that already lack funding for proper infrastructure, Ehlers said.
Kilian says the state should be cilities, Schuren said. This has been taking a greater role. “The state has a process taking place over many been in a very soft posture on en- years, she said, and making the upgrades is expensive. forcement on these issues,” he said. Advocates say many localities “It violates the federal Clean Water Act, and I’d argue it violates the can’t afford the needed wastewater state’s water pollution control act,” system upgrades and that the state he said. “There’s some debate about should chip in. “If they know one of the commuthat, but I think it’s a misimpression of certainly municipalities, but I be- nities in their jurisdiction is finanlieve some within the state as well, cially incapable, they need to step in that discharging raw sewage can be as a state and make sure the pollution authorized. They can’t. It’s always does not continue,” Ehlers said. “There are two guilty parties illegal.” The discharges violate the Clean here,” he added. Kilian said federal law allows orWater Act simply by polluting Vermont’s waterways with untreated hu- ganizations like his and Ehlers’ to man waste; they violate state law by sue the state for failing to use its persisting in doing so, enforcement authorEhlers said. ity over municipalities “If they know “The state is supthat violate the Clean posed to require (mu- one of the Water Act. He said his organization has no nicipalities) to come communities in plans to sue over the up with a plan to their jurisdiction overflows, but he addeliminate (sewage dis- is financially ed that CLF has succharges), and they’ve incapable, they cessfully sued governbasically been getting need to step in ments in the past over a free pass, because the same issue. this is not a new issue,” as a state and He said the probEhlers said. Rutland make sure the alone had more than pollution does not lem is real because 30 such discharges last continue.” the overflows are “far year, he said, and 13 al— James Ehlers more common than ready this year. you might think, unThe state has 68 fortunately.” wastewater systems that are vulnerRutland released raw sewage 13 able to the combined sewage over- times in January, sending more than flows, down from nearly 170 at one 3 million gallons of wastewater time, said Environmental Conserva- downstream toward Lake Chamtion Commissioner Alyssa Schuren. plain, Ehlers said. Other municipalities avoid the Although the city doesn’t plan to problem by sending only sewage to spend more soon on its wastewater their wastewater treatment plants. system to prevent the overflows, When an overflow happens, about it is investing in methods to con95 percent of what’s released is trol wastewater through landscapstormwater, Schuren said. But since ing, Notte said. Slowing the flow of the remainder is raw sewage, these stormwater through towns amelioevents pose a real public health prob- rates many causes and types of pollem, she said. lution, he said, and doing so is often “Our goal is to phase out these more cost-efficient than rebuilding (combined sewage overflows), and infrastructure. we agree that they’re a concern to But uncommonly severe storms public health and the environment,” will become more common as a reshe said. sult of climate change, said Rep. DiThe state is rewriting rules con- ane Lanpher, D-Vergennes, and as a cerning wastewater systems and will result the problems associated with require towns to write long-range this type of wastewater management plans showing how they intend to will too. make necessary upgrades to their faThat is why she’s introduced a bill,
H. 674¸, requiring public notice immediately after combined sewage overflows. “Reporting on it needs to be done faster, and needs to be done in a way people can find out about it,” she said. “Not in a way that, three days later, someone should put a sign up on the dock that says, ‘Three days ago I hope you weren’t here.’” Lanpher said she hopes her notification plan will protect the health of people using public waters and call attention to the issue. Ehlers said he enthusiastically supports the bill. Notifications to the state already occur when sewage overflows into public waters, Ehlers said, but not until it’s too late for members of the public to respond. “Right now there’s a reporting system, but it’s like rearview window watching. By the time the public gets the information it’s of no value, unless you’re plotting stuff on a graph,” he said. “If you’re swimming, or boating, or fishing, you don’t want to know three days later that you’re swimming in a sewage release. You want to know now.” The bill also would require the state to issue public notices when blue-green algae blooms occur, which can be toxic. Kilian said the bill is in service of a worthy aim, but he hopes lawmakers can go beyond just providing notifications. “Investing in infrastructure for our communities is the foundation for successful growth and development of our economy over time,” he said. “In order to have downtowns, in order to have sustainable communities, in order to have development generally, we need infrastructure that can handle it.” Household cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, pathogens and other noxious substances all end up in public waterways when sewage flows into them untreated, he said. “I don’t think you’d find many people in the state of Vermont who’d stand up in defense of dumping raw sewage in lakes and streams,” he said. “There’s a reason it’s illegal.”
By ERIN MANSFIELD, VtDigger MONTPELIER — Two lawmakers from the Burlington area have introduced a bill that would provide consumers and regulators with more information about the market power of health systems. Sens. Tim Ashe, D/P-Chittenden, and Michael Sirotkin, D-Chittenden, have introduced S.245, legislation that would require hospitals to notify state regulators and their patients every time the hospital buys a new independent practice. Ashe told his colleagues in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee last week that the state should “get to the heart” of why hospitals are acquiring so many independent practices and whether the trend increases costs for Vermont’s health care system. “What we’ve seen is practices purchased by hospitals in Vermont and elsewhere, and as a result the price paid by consumers goes up,” Ashe said. “And people scratch their heads and say, ‘What changed other than the letterhead on stationery, or the bills?’” In the current health care system, commercial insurers pay hospitalaffiliated doctors more than they pay independent doctors for the same services. Government payers are charged for additional fees for hospital facilities, even if the practice stays in the same building as it was before the acquisition. According to data compiled by HealthFirst, an organization of independent doctors, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont paid an independent physician $78 for a 15-minute office visit in 2014; a practice affiliated with the University of Vermont Medical Center was paid $177. Under the major provisions of S.245, a hospital or hospital system would be required to send a letter out to patients within 30 days of the purchase. The letter would need to notify patients that the practice has been sold and, among other things, explain that the patient may need to pay more for the same services because of the sale. (An amendment under consideration would move the reporting responsibility from the doctor to the parent hospital system.) Hospitals and hospital systems would also be required to notify both the Vermont Attorney General and the Green Mountain Care Board at least 30 days before they finalize the CORRECTION: Due to a typographical error, one portion of the Independent’s Feb. 11 article on estimated Addison Northwest Supervisory Union residential school tax rates incorrectly characterized the Vergennes rate. As stated else-
purchase of an independent practice. The bill says the notification would help the Attorney General weed out monopolistic behavior. Doctors who belong to hospitalowned practices must tell patients that if they need a referral they are not required to see another hospitalaffiliated doctor. The doctor would also need to provide contact information for the patient’s insurance carrier so the patient could find out how much she would have to pay in out-of-pocket costs to see an affiliated provider. Jill Olson, a vice president of the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, said the bill creates logistical problems in its current form, and some of the new reporting requirements are already required under federal law. “The Green Mountain Care Board already has a formal process in place where we have to notify them when a new practice becomes an employed practice, and that is something we have to do as it’s happening,” Olson said. She said the bill would require a doctor’s office to use an actuarial analysis to figure out what services a patient gets before estimating how much the acquisition would increase the patient’s out-of-pocket costs. Olson said the federal government already requires certain reporting to Medicare. Paul Harrington, director the Vermont Medical Society, which represents most doctors in the state, said the current version of the bill “would add significantly” to administrative burdens that doctors already say get in the way of their jobs. “At some point we’ve got to stop,” Harrington said. “We’ve got to step back and say, ‘How much more time are we going to take from the finite hours available to physicians and other health professionals and adding additional administrative work?’ and instead let them use their extraordinary time and their dedication to providing clinical care to their patients.” Paul Reiss, from HealthFirst, supports the bill. “It’s really about our patients having the knowledge about what the health care system costs, rather than obscuring that, rather than keeping it hidden from them,” he said in an interview. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee plans to hear from the Green Mountain Care Board next week. where in the article, ANwSU officials expect the Vergennes residential school tax rate to decrease by a small amount, seven-hundredths of a cent, if ANwSU voters back all proposed school spending on March 1.
Thank you! After 21 years we are closing Cornwall Orchards Bed and Breakfast and moving down the road. It’s been a good run and we want to thank all those nearby who have helped to make it so; our neighbors who have used us as their Cornwall guest house, our suppliers who have provided us with the materials for our breakfasts, the Co-op, Vermont Coffee Company, Williams Farms for great maple syrup and, recently Seth (gold Yolk) Ross for the most wonderful eggs. We thank, too, those who have helped us keep the house and garden in impeccable condition – Nancy Kemp, Stu Johnson, the wonderful gardeners Karen Hescock and Betsy Cartland, and the excellent painter Mike Boise. We also thank the members of the Heart of Vermont Lodging Association for their support of our collaborative efforts to promote our area industry. Finally, our great thanks to Desabrais Laundry and their always friendly and helpful staff for many years of pristine, neatly folded sheets and towels, and Vermont Soapworks for years of guest-pleasing soap. – Bob and Juliet Gerlin
Keep our community
STRONG.
Let’s brainstorm ideas and actions that we can take together to protect Middlebury’s accessibility, strong sense of community and economic vitality during and beyond the upcoming rail and bridge project. We need your input and creative thoughts!
Sunday, February 21st 3:00-5:00pm (childcare ages 3+) and/or Thursday, February 25th 6:00-8:00pm At St. Stephen’s Church (on the green). neighborstogether@gmail.com
Neighbors, Together is a community action group comprised of: St. Stephen’s Church, Better Middlebury Partnership, Addison County Chamber of Commerce, Middlebury College, Downtown Improvement District Commission, Local Project Management Team, Town Hall Theatre, Addison County Supervisory Union and Middlebury Area Clergy Association
PAGE 4A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
A DDIS ON INDE P E NDEN T
Letters
Editorials
to the Editor
Act 46: To unite or go solo is the thrust of an imperfect bill As voters across Vermont consider the ramifications of Act 46, the bill that is encouraging school districts to consolidate governance, the first point to concede is that the legislation is not perfect. The second concession to realize is that no proposed legislation would ever be. What we are dealing with is the art of the possible, and working toward an improved and viable education system one step at a time. Act 46 has already accomplished much just in the public conversation. School boards, teachers, administrators, students and their parents are talking about real changes in their schools, about being more cost efficient as well as producing better student performance. That’s a welcome change from the annual wringing of hands about how much taxpayers can or cannot afford to spend on our children’s education. Yes, cost is still a core concern, but at least the public conversation these past six months has included improving student outcomes. That is the promise of Act 46. What the bill gets right is the common sense assumption that running small school districts with five to seven elementary school boards, a unified middle school and high school board of directors, and a supervisory union board (9 boards in the Middlebury-based ACSU system with 74 board members) is not effective. It is unwieldy in management and duplicates needless cost. Moreover, it does not allow for the district to take advantage of scale. In that sense, it is useful to view our multi-million dollar school districts in a business-like context. That does not mean, however, that consolidating school governance would or should lead to consolidation of every other aspect of Vermont’s school system. And it certainly does not mean that school districts should be run with a business motive. It should be desirable, however, that we have a system that allows for economic efficiencies while also providing the educational foundation our children need to succeed. One should not preclude the other. Act 46 helps set the stage for improvement in a few key ways: • A consolidated board would be focused on working with an administration to develop a PreK-12 education that is well-coordinated and designed to improve student performance. It allows school professionals to work more directly on the students’ welfare rather than on the administrative tasks of dealing with multiple school boards. • And consolidated districts throughout the state could better share resources, ideas, best practices and career-oriented tracks that fit the needs of Vermont’s students and prepare more Vermont graduates for higher education. These are goals we know we must pursue, but Vermont—with less than 50 percent of its graduates attending higher education—is failing those students. We need to do better. ********** But all is not rosy with the law. Consolidated district boards (as represented in the graphic on Page 1 for the Addison Central Supervisory Union) are comprised of board members from each district town according to a democratic representation based on population. In many districts that may work fine, but not in all. In a recent letter to the editor, Shoreham’s Peter Lynch pointed out that in the proposed ACSU board structure, which is already Middlebury-centric with 7 of 13 board members, Middlebury voters also have influence over the other six members because each representative is voted at large (contrary to how the current supervisory union board is elected, which allows board members from each town to elect a town representative without outside influence.) This has the potential to make the board even more Middleburycentric. That is a subject board members should address with the Department of Education, with the intent on getting an exemption to the at-large clause or some other mechanism that would assure representative democracy for each district town. A more central question of consolidated governance is this: How could one member on the proposed consolidated board possibly represent a small town’s interest—whether that be Ripton, Cornwall, Weybridge or Shoreham—with the same effectiveness as the current system which elects a board devoted to its elementary school plus a member on the ACSU board? The simple answer is that no single person could. But that is the wrong question to ask. The more pertinent question is how can the consolidated district board improve a Ripton student’s education in ways that the current system has not? The answer is in the district’s greater resources. In small schools one of the difficulties is being able to afford enrichment courses like the arts, library sciences, foreign languages, physical education and to provide for essentials such as nursing services and pre-K education. Perhaps taxpayers have made deep sacrifices to this day, but with declining enrollments that may not always be possible. Furthermore, with a consolidated school district, the board and administration can better allocate collective resources to ensure all elementary schools are receiving adequate and equal service in all subjects. Vermont is privileged to have excellent public schools in most of our communities, but advancing the argument that small elementary schools could not benefit from greater resources points to a lack of imagination, while ignoring the advantages of increased opportunity. ********** The carrot the law dangles in front of voters is perhaps the most distasteful part of the bargain. It offers significant tax discounts in the first five years on a declining scale, starting with a discount of 10 cents the first year, eight cents the second, six the third, four the fourth and a two-cent cut in the fifth year. Small school grants are also provided for school districts that pursue governance consolidation—a huge incentive for many small schools. The stick is equally egregious: language suggests the state will force consolidation on any school district that doesn’t comply after four or five years, with a few exceptions granted for those that pass muster with the State Board of Education. Both are distasteful partly because they have been found necessary to change the status quo. Without them, schools and towns have not voluntarily moved to something new on their own. That’s human nature. Change is hard and communities are not prone to change something they know—even if they complain about it daily, and even if the student outcomes are not as good as they should be—for something they don’t know. And we don’t know everything about how governance consolidation will work down the road. We can suppose streamlining the governance system, employing the economics of scale and allowing educational professionals to better focus on our student’s welfare will yield better outcomes, but it is not certain. Rather, it will be a work in progress and all of us—from school administrations to board members, teachers, parents, students and community members—will have to stay connected and committed to a superior public education system. If we stand by that commitment, we’ll be successful. Act 46 may not be perfect, but it does have the potential to move Vermont’s education system out of the status quo that is, at the very least, inefficient, and into a new arena in which more good things are possible. Angelo S. Lynn
ADDISON COUNTY
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Paper’s reporting unprofessional I am writing to express my concern about your reporting on the shooting at the Church of the Nazarene in Leicester. Reporting that bullets were fired at a church is certainly an appropriate news article. It is, however, inappropriate of you to speculate about who fired the bullets based on a similar recent incident. It is more inappropriate for you to name that person and give identifying details. The state police stated that they had not concluded their investigation, although they were looking into whether the two cases are connected. The police acted professionally. I would hope that your newspaper would do the same in the future. Grace McGrath Middlebury
Unknown helper makes life better
Freezing over
ICE BEGINS TO cover the Middlebury River as it bubbles its way through Ripton Monday morning. Independent photo/Trent Campbell
Use your good sense in the kitchen Some say I’ll put just about anything in my mouth, but I do have my limits. Like most people — maybe all people — I hate it when I brew myself a nice mug of steaming tea on a cold winter day, spoon in an extra lump of honey to treat myself and then pour in the milk only to find the whitener immediately coagulating into soft, fatty lumps that bob menacingly at the edge of the cup. Ooooo, I hate that and curse under my breath as I dump the spoiled beverage down the drain. But I’ll admit that on more than one occasion I haven’t noticed the floating lumps (or maybe they simply didn’t float but hid like icebergs just below the surface), put the tea to my lips, pulled a swig and stood a moment or two wondered why the drink tasted so strange. It’s not that I don’t have a discerning palate, I By John just have pretty adventurous palate. McCright So if it takes me a minute or three to recognize that sour taste as milk past its prime, don’t judge me too harshly. I do believe there is some gray area in food safety. No, no, don’t stop reading. I’m not Typhoid Mary, a witless carrier of pestilence who will sicken everyone around me through ignorance, arrogance or carelessness. I always take care to scrape the mold off the cheese before I serve it to my guests (would you like to come over for dinner, dear reader?). The gray area comes about because of the dates labels that come on most foods nowadays. You’ve seen them: “Sell by Feb. 17, 2016.” Many people, myself included, sometimes refer to those labels as proof that a food product has gone bad and should be thrown away. But those “sell-by” dates are referencing food quality,
not food safety. Food-borne illnesses you hear about in the news come from contamination, not through the natural process of food decay. Dana Gunders, a scientist and author of “Waste-free Kitchen Handbook,” says human beings have senses of taste, smell and sight that are well equipped to recognize food decay. There is a growing number of people who say we should use our senses when judging food, so that we don’t throw away perfectly good stuff. The USDA says that Americans throw out 10 cents worth of food for every dollar we spend on it. One calculation puts that at $1,500 of food a year for a family of four. Of course, a lot of that food is tossed for perfectly good reasons — like my cup of tea spoiled by the chunky milk. But if even half of that waste is avoidable, then that’s a lot of wasted money (back of the envelope calculation put it as north of $60 billion a year). So we should be more thoughtful when considering at the “sell-by” dates on our food. Manufacturers love the “sell-by” date. First and foremost, it ensures that consumers will have the best possible experience with their products, which may mean that they buy them again. It also keeps stock moving onto and off of the shelves, and in the low-margin food business turnover is essential to improving the bottom line. Plus, those dates can give the manufacturer a veneer of concern for the consumer safety (even if that is only a veneer cast by consumers’ misinterpretation of what the “sell-by” date means). There’s nothing wrong with any of those goals, the (See Clippings, Page 5A)
Clippings
Clinton may not be more electable Hillary Clinton argues that she is more likely than Bernie Sanders to defeat the eventual Republican presidential nominee. I can offer four reasons to doubt Clinton’s claim. First, Sanders’ “outsider” campaign may do better in the fall than many Washington-based analysts believe, especially if Donald Trump ends up being the Republican nominee. While Sanders’ style and substance are very much the opposite of Trump’s, Sanders could do better than Clinton in appealing to angry voters who believe that political and economic elites have left them behind over the past several decades. The limited evidence from primaries and caucuses so far is that Sanders’ supporters are more enthusiastic than Clinton’s supporters. Sanders could be more successful in increasing turnout in the general election. Clinton’s turnout efforts could end up saying, “You need to vote for me to By Eric L. Davis prevent the election of a Republican you don’t like,” while Sanders’ turnout efforts could end up saying, “Vote for me because you agree with me and you know I stand with you on the issues.” Second, Clinton’s current strategy of sometimes seeming to be running for Obama’s third term could help her win the Democratic nomination, but could turn out to hurt her in the fall among independent voters who are lukewarm toward the president. The electorate seems to want change, and promising continuity may not be an effective strategy for the general election. Third, the New Hampshire exit poll showed that many voters have reservations about Clinton’s honesty and eth-
Politically Thinking
ics. These issues are not going away. Career prosecutors in the Justice Department could recommend that charges be filed against Clinton for misuse of classified information on her private email server. Even if Attorney General Lynch or other political appointees in the Justice Department take no action on those recommendations, news stories about these things have a tendency to leak out. Also, the State Department’s Inspector General is investigating the activities of Huma Abedin, Clinton’s long-time assistant. The investigation apparently involves conflicts of interest from the time in 2012 when Abedin was simultaneously employed by the State Department, the Clinton Foundation, and Teneo, a consulting firm with close ties to Bill and Hillary Clinton. Continued attention to this investigation will not help the Clinton campaign. Fourth, Clinton claims that her “pragmatic progressive” policies would receive a better reception on Capitol Hill than Sanders’ call for a “political revolution.” I believe that both Clinton and Sanders would be equally unsuccessful dealing with Congressional Republicans. Republicans are nearly certain to hold on to a majority of the House of Representatives in the next Congress. The Senate could possibly tip Democratic, if Democratic candidates make a net gain of four seats and hold the tie-breaking vote in the person of the next vice president. Even if Democrats do have the smallest of Senate majorities, the Republican contingent in the Senate will be large enough to sustain filibusters. (See Davis, Page 5A)
I am writing to thank an unknown person who did the sort of kindness that makes living here so good. On Jan. 12 I lost a hubcap on my Prius but didn’t notice the loss until a day later. Reconstructing my moves I realized that I must have lost it in the parking lot at 1330 Exchange St. when I hit a curb exiting a parking space. I returned there and looked for it but couldn’t find it; I asked inside the building in a few offices, but no one knew of a lost hubcap; I gave up on finding it. Then on Feb.11 I went there to make a payment, and when I entered the lobby, behold, there I saw my Toyota hubcap! That pleasant surprise put a big smile on my face and made my day — as it happens I had just been to Toyota the day before and learned what it cost to replace it, but luckily I procrastinated. So — whoever you are who left the hubcap there, thank you: You help make this a great place to live. Jorge Martin Middlebury
Candidates have much to offer We hope Middlebury voters will elect Heather Seeley and Dick Terk to two of the three open seats on the selectboard. Both Seeley and Terk would bring valuable experience and expertise to town government, along with a much-needed fresh perspective. We would like to add some of the reasons we support Heather. Heather has said that she hopes to be part of a more socially and economically diverse selectboard and to give women business owners, mothers and the working class a larger voice in town affairs. This seems an important objective which she is highly qualified to fulfill. She has lived in Middlebury and Cornwall since she was 10, graduating from Middlebury Union High School in 1991 and returning after completing her degree from Colby Sawyer College in 1995. Heather and her husband own and operate two local businesses, Seeley Earthmoving and Seeley Sugarworks, which connect them closely to the community in many ways. They are the parents of a kindergartner and a fourth-grader at Mary Hogan School. In addition to her work (which includes operating the earthmoving equipment as well as the companies’ financial and business management) and volunteering in her children’s classes, Heather serves on the town Public Works Committee and is an alternate on the development review (See Olinick letter, Page 5A)
Town Meeting Letter Policy Town Meeting Day is coming up and the Addison Independent wants to give everyone a chance to have their voices heard in our letters forum. We encourage citizens to discuss and debate issues and candidates on which they will cast ballots come March 3. To ensure that we have room to publish a letter to the editor from any local resident who wants to share their opinion we will limit each individual to one letter of no more than 800 words on a single topic during the six weeks leading up to Town Meeting Day.
Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016 — PAGE 5A
Mary Hogan budget a win-win
Why read Lucretius? Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of essays on Lucretius, an early philospher who provides a link to ‘lost classics’ through his epic poem “On the Nature of Things.”
ues, laws, and institutions, which are truly humane and upon which human happiness depends. All this he presented in the most sublime poetic phrases and images. These excellences alone make This essay begins a new series of Lucretius’ poem worth reading philosophical reflections. Like the not once but many times over. The enjoyment multiplies former, it will focus on each time one revisa classical text, in this its it. Moreover, “De instance one from the Rerum Natura” is a Roman era, “De Reclassic, and shouldn’t rum Natura” (“On the everyone read the Nature of Things”), by Classics? And isn’t Lucretius, or, Titus Luit true that the great cretius Carus, to give moments of European him his full name. It is cultural and intela great epic poem, publectual renewal and lished around the midcreativity, the Renaisdle of the first century sance and the EnlightB.C.E., whose theme, enment, were inspired the most universal of Lucretius: the and given impetus by all, is just everything. Lucretius sets out to nature of things the rediscovery of the literature of antiquity, explain, from a natural An essay by the Classics? standpoint, how worlds “Classic” means a and all they contain Victor Nuovo originate, flourish, and Middlebury College work of surpassing excellence, and therefore cease to be, and the theory on which he based professor emeritus reading the Classics of philosophy is a way of preserving his explanation was as excellence and creativsimple as could be. It ity in our society. Now, rested on a single idea: the generative power of matter. while there is much truth in this, it He also had a moral and political is an exaggeration. What is the truth? In the first purpose. He wanted to show how to live peacefully and contentedly place, in our multicultural world, in a world not made for us, and to we have been made aware that othprescribe a way to determine val- er traditions have produced great
works of art and literature that rival and perhaps even surpass our own. But even our own tradition may mislead us in the classics that have been handed down to us. I will explain. Francis Bacon (1561–1626) surely counts as one of the great figures of the late Renaissance and the early Enlightenment. His writings are modern classics. He knew the ancient Classics well and here is what he said about them. He worried that the writings of Plato and Aristotle were too highly regarded. He observed that the founding of European society followed the barbarian invasions of Europe, which brought an end to the Roman Empire. He likened these invasions to a great flood inundating the land and carrying everything away with it. As is the way with floods, things of great weight and gravity sink to the bottom and are lost, buried under a residue of barbaric silt and mud, whereas lighter things, flotsam and jetsam, survive by floating along the top. He suggested that what we take to be Classics, in particular writings of Plato and Aristotle, are the flotsam and jetsam of the past that survived because they were intellectually light of weight, whereas the works of great gravity, especially the writings of Democritus, were lost. If learning was to renew itself and progress, it was necessary (See Nuovo, Page 7A)
Olinick letter (Continued from Page 4A) board, two positions which make her extremely knowledgeable about the town’s immediate and longer term needs and problems. She understands these issues with their complex priorities and interconnections, and she discusses them clearly and thoughtfully. Heather is very concerned with the details of the major changes and challenges facing the town:
minimizing the length and disruption of the railroad project, proceeding cautiously regarding the so-called EDI property behind the Ilsley Library, and making sure the school district changes will benefit all the area children. Officer Chris Mason’s Middlebury Five-0 interview with Heather, http://pre2016. middleburycommunitytv.org/ Midd50020116HeatherSeeleyfw, provides an accurate impression of
her: a citizen with valuable insights into many aspects of Middlebury life; an articulate, unpretentious, open-minded person; a responsive listener and a very hard worker. We believe that Middlebury will benefit greatly from Heather’s presence on the selectboard. Please join us in voting for her on March 1. Michael and Judy Olinick Middlebury
I’m not saying you need to be that guy who picks a half-eaten éclair off the top of the garbage (though I won’t stop you from doing that unless I thought I deserved the treat more than you). Just think before you throw away food. Here are a couple tips I’ve developed: • If you’re worried that the leavening agents in your old baking mix won’t be effective because it is past the “best by” date, just add a little baking powder to the mix when you whip up a batch of pancakes. • Avoid impulse buying in the grocery store. You’re more likely to eat what you buy if you have a plan for when you will serve it. • Old bakery items can be very stale; even a strong cup of coffee won’t mask their inferior taste and texture. So, if you want to use cheap, past-date bakery items, get old doughnuts and Danishes and use them in a bread pudding. • If you do buy past-date food because it is cheap, serve it that day or the next. If you let it sit on your counter for a week it will only get more stale and less yummy.
What can be done on the macro level? There are a patchwork of state regulations on food labeling that are inconsistent and contradictory, and no federal regulations (except on baby formula). The federal government could step in and mandate a nationwide system that makes it clear when date-labels are about safety (a wrapped sandwich could be labeled “unsafe to eat after …) and when they are about quality (a jar of jelly could be labeled “flavor deteriorates after …). That jelly jar label could also say, “Look out for mold if this jar has been open for more than a month.” But can we expect Congress to step up and rationalize this food dating mess? Hmmm, the Congress that took five years to update the expired Farm Bill, that threatens to shut down government and default on the national debt like a petulant child, that says it won’t even consider a new Supreme Court justice until 11 months after a sitting justice dies? Don’t hold your breath. Mostly, we have to be slightly more thoughtful food consumers — and eaters.
Clippings (Continued from Page 4A) food processors are right to have them. The problem is with us — the consumers. We need to remember that we have concerns beyond what is good for the makers of our boxed cookies and flavored gelatins. Not throwing out perfectly good food and reducing food waste can help save the planet. For one thing, you’ll be putting less food into landfills, which saves the planet in your state or region, and by putting less food into landfills you will probably reduce the amount of methane those landfills emit. Plus, by not creating demand for more food to replace the food that you needlessly discarded, there will be less land required to grow that marginally greater amount of food; less fertilizer and fresh water required to nourish that marginally greater amount of food grown; less fuel to run the machines required to harvest, process and transport to your home that marginally greater amount of food; less electricity to run the refrigerators that cool that marginally greater amount of food; and less packaging wrapping that marginally greater amount of food — packaging, I might add, that will end up in the landfill with the discarded Bisquick mix that sat on your shelf three days past its “Best by” date.
I love to contemplate education fi- a 1.65 percent decrease in relevant nances. I’ve been doing this for much per pupil spending, well below the of my career, and this past year has spending threshold required by been an exciting one in which to fig- state law. The ID-4 per pupil spendure out how school budgets, our tax ing of $14,251 is below the state rates, and most importantly, funding average and the lowest in ACSU, for our students may be affected by yielding a 1.2% decrease in the esthe many moving parts of school fi- timated homestead property tax rate nance in Vermont. for Middlebury. I spent the summer The budget provides building a financial 10 hours per week of model to demonstrate preschool education the consequences of for all 3- to 5-year-old unification on each children who attend apof our eight Addison proved preschool proCentral Supervisory grams, extending our Union school districts. existing partnerships I analyzed enrollment with private providers, trends, staffing levels, Head Start, and ACSU debt service, revenue early essential educastreams, and program tion. This expansion, costs. I wanted to be required by state law, able to give our citizens is a significant driver a clearer picture of the in both the increase in implications of school spending and equaldistrict reorganization. ized pupils outlined in This week’s writer What I found is that is Ruth Hardy, chair the ID-4 budget, and unification will be fi- of the ID-4 school a substantial benefit nancially beneficial board in Middlebury. to young children and for all of our school their families who need districts, albeit some affordable early childmore than others. What I also found hood education. is that Mary Hogan School is in the We have also seen a healthy insweet spot. And thus, so am I. I am crease in K-6 students, which, so lucky to be the Chair of the ID-4 combined with several teacher reMary Hogan School board. tirements, has enabled the board Our board is proud to present a to provide funding to both create a budget that both expands services grades 3-6 Spanish Language Profor all preK-6 students and reduces gram and support a full-time beproperty taxes for our citizens. It havioral interventionist for students is a rare opportunity to be able to most in need of additional support. achieve both. The board has been preparing for six The 2016-2017 budget features years for the right time to commence an 11 percent increase in equalized a world language program, and I am pupils, yet only a 6.7 percent over- thrilled to be able to finally move all increase in expenses, resulting in forward with this essential 21st-cen-
Community
Forum
Letters to the Editor Scalia, Congress paid only lip service to Constitution Scalia was known to be strictly for interpreting the Constitution as it was originally intended. But we have seen that he ignored that rule with bad consequences. Scalia and Supreme Court crew appointed Bush as president. He had no authority under the Constitution to do this and the Constitution has strict rules for making a new president. Scalia has said about this disparity, “We did the right thing and that is all we will say.” He surely hasn’t
said how he and other justices were acting under the Constitution. George W Bush was not legally elected. Still conservatives say that Scalia was a wonderful example of strict observance of the Constitution. Wrong. And now conservatives are worried about replacing Scalia. Will they follow the Constitution? They are talking about some hazy rule about how around 80 years the Constitution hasn’t been followed, so they don’t have to follow it and
let Obama nominate a replacement as the Constitution says. Again, hypocrisy. Talk about strict observance, and the next sentence they do the opposite. As Bernie says, we have to start pushing hard to get Republicans in Congress to follow the Constitution. We also have to work to see that Bernie’s Congress, that will be elected with him, will be more willing to follow the Constitution. Peter Grant Bristol
Unification seen as not benefiting town of Addison I can see no benefits to the town of Addison voting to unification of our school. The school must be closed. I hope not. There is not enough effort to prevent this, just do as you are told and do unification. No. This town asset is worth too much. I want to see a group investigate taking control of the school, teacher and staff hiring, nonunion, to provide education. A topnotch educational system will attract students to our town. We have just a broken education system here in Vermont. The state
Letters can be found on Pages 4A, 5A and 7A.
Davis (Continued from Page 4A) Thus, I do not envision either Clinton or Sanders seeing many of their proposals being enacted by Congress. They would likely die in committee in the House, and would be filibustered in the Senate, if they made it to the floor in that chamber. Republicans would claim the continued presence of a Republican majority in the House, and a large Republican contingent in the Senate, would show that the country is not united behind the new president’s policies. If a Democrat is elected president in November, the pattern of legislative-executive relations of the last four years should continue: a congressional focus on investigations of the executive branch rather than passing legislation. What legislation is enacted will likely be end-ofthe-session omnibus bills tied to the expiration of deadlines on spending and tax policy. Eric L. Davis is professor emeritus of political science at Middlebury College.
tury program. Finally, the budget provides funding for facility needs, including the next phase of energy-efficient window replacements and a building monitoring system that enables offsite access to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. These improvements are largely offset by savings in fuel and utility costs. Our students and taxpayers in Middlebury are fortunate to benefit from our excellent elementary school that provides a quality education to over 450 students. We benefit immensely from our dedicated staff, breadth of programming, diversity of students, supportive families, and that financial sweet spot — economies of scale. I am hopeful voters in all ACSU towns will support the unification of school districts so each student can have access to the opportunities that our students do. The ID-4/Mary Hogan School annual meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 29, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Gym. We will discuss the elementary school budget and ACSU unification proposal immediately before town meeting. Our budget vote will be the following day, March 1, by Australian ballot, along with other local ballot questions and the presidential primary vote. You can find a copy of the ID-4 Annual Report at www.acsu.org/Page/234. We are honored to serve a community that values education and invests in its schools. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions. Thank you for your support of the students and families of the Mary Hogan School. See you on Leap Day!
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Legislature cannot even correct the broken educational system, so I guess we must. Our taxes will go up, not down. Remember, voters, we take on the debts of the towns in the district when our town has no school debt. I want to pay less tax, not more. Once the incentives are gone our taxes will skyrocket. Maybe you can afford that but the seniors on a fixed income and the poor middle class of this town cannot. And the rich are selling all lake property and getting
out or have already left with no new buyers for those vacant properties. Cost per student will be a brief thing. Because we do not have an efficient school board/boards to cut and come into line for the number of students at the school. Close off rooms, turn off the lights, no hiring, no raises, and you pay more for your insurance, as I do not have coverage myself. If we could save $40,000 to $70,000 on administrative savings we should do that regardless. There is no (See Armstrong letter, Page 7A)
PAGE 6A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
ADDISON COUNTY
George Baker Jr., 88, Shoreham
Obituaries
Harvey Smith, 82, Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — Harvey Crocker Smith of Middlebury died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. He was born July 11, 1933, in Boston, Mass. Throughout his life, Harvey pursued a wide range of interests. At an early age, he was introduced to classical music and sailing, and both would remain lifelong passions. At age 12, dressed in formal attire and seated in an elegant box, Harvey experienced his first opera at the Boston Opera House. As his appreciation of music grew, he began collecting vinyl LPs and as an audiophile was thereby motivated to purchase a Heathkit and assemble a hi-fi system from individual components. Harvey learned to sail as a 9-yearold camper at Camp Kabeyun on Lake Winnipesauke in New Hampshire, where from age 9 to 21 were some of his best years. When he became Waterfront Director he marveled at the fact that he was paid for doing what he loved. Harvey was educated in Massachusetts attending Belmont Hill, where he was captain of the soccer team, Williams College and Boston University. He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Livorno, Italy, in 1957, which happily afforded him easy access to La Scala Opera House. Harvey’s favorites were Italian operas, especially those by Puccini. After earning his MBA, he joined the United Fruit Co. in Boston as a financial analyst. His social life at that time revolved around a ski group of like-minded, fun loving friends from Boston. The group rented a ski apartment at the Old Hotel in Hancock, Vt., and these skiers became his closest lifelong friends. In December 1970 Harvey became a full-time resident of Hancock where he had an opportunity to apprentice as a carpenter and found great joy and satisfaction in that work. On Dec. 15, 1972, Harvey was married to Gail Dawson at Our Lady of the Snows, Waitsfield. Eventually the family relocated to Middlebury where he founded Alexander Associates, a construction company that focused on small and large residential, commercial and agricultural projects. During this period, he served on the Planning Commission and the Investment Committee that managed the first ever $1 million gift in lieu of taxes, given to the town by Middlebury College. Both in New Haven and Middlebury, Harvey planned and built beautiful homes for family and his mother, incorporating his love of nature, light and attention to detail, all the while continuing his love of sailing with them in the waters off Gloucester with trips to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, Boston and the Maine coast. He also took great pleasure traveling with his daughter Leslie to warm climates and forming the Boston Garden Club with his son Colin to plan trips to see the Bruins. Harvey seamlessly moved from
HARVEY SMITH construction management to law office management. Again as his professional interests changed he enrolled in UVM’s Masters of Counseling Program with the goal of becoming an Elder Counselor. During the final stage of his degree in 2000, Harvey was diagnosed with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy and then several years later with Parkinson’s disease. From 2000 until his passing Harvey lived life fueled by his generosity of spirit, love of family, wry sense of humor and support of friends. He was deeply nourished by musical performances on the East Coast, West Coast and in between. His network of friends supported him as he moved seasonally from Middlebury to Gloucester, Mass., and Chula Vista, Calif. Harvey’s final years were filled with visits from family, friends, love, music, humor, joy and lots of wonderful meals. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gail Dawson Smith; son Colin Alexander Smith of Middlebury; daughter Leslie Crocker Smith and her husband Robert James Nicholls of New Haven; and his sister Patricia Smith Elvebak of Corte Madera, Calif. He is also survived by sistersin-law Maureen Dawson Messner of Valley Stream, N.Y., Esther Esposito of Farmingdale, N.Y., April Dawson Riley and husband William of Shirley, N.Y., and Jacqueline Dawson Lawless and husband Peter of Elmont, N.Y.; brothers-in-law Douglas Dawson of Valley Stream, N.Y., and Dennis Dawson and wife Wendy of Miami Beach, Fla.; 28 nieces and nephews; and 38 grandnieces and -nephews. A memorial service in celebration of Harvey’s life will be held at Mead Chapel on the Middlebury College Campus on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at noon. A reception will follow. Donations can be made in Harvey’s name to the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, 2 Church ST Suite 3B, Burlington, VT 05401. ◊
Douglas Latreille, 65, Bridport BRIDPORT — Douglas S. Latreille, 65, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Vermont Respite House in Williston. He was born July 21, 1950, in Middlebury, the son of Leonard and Beverly Douglas Latreille. Douglas graduated from Mount Abraham High School in Bristol. He retired from Vermont Army National Guard and was a member of American Legion Post 27 in Middlebury. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. Douglas is survived by his wife, Priscilla Latreille; two stepchildren, Kevin Howland and David Howland; five step-grandchildren; his mother, Beverly Latreille; four brothers, Paul and wife Sheryl, Michel and wife Irene, Raymond and wife Jill, and Sam and wife Tammy; four sisters, Gisele Latreille, Jackie and husband Dan Henry, Estelle and husband Tom Genest, and Claudette and husband Charles Foote; a stepbrother, Mark Douglas; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Leonard Latreille. A gathering for family and friends
DOUGLAS LATREILLE
for a celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 27 in Middlebury on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Town Line First Response, Bridport, VT 05734, or American Legion Post LEICESTER — Almerinda “Rita” 27, 49 Wilson Road, Middlebury, VT Russo, age 90, died Saturday, Feb. 05753. ◊ 13, 2016, at her home in Leicester. Mrs. Russo was born in Jamaica, Long Island, N.Y., on Sept. 17, 1925. She was the daughter of Alfred and Antoinette (Nunziatta) Buonincontro. She graduated from Hempstead (N.Y.) High School, class of 1943. Following graduation she worked for Republic Air Craft in Farmingdale, N.Y. Nov. 20, 1948, she married Vincent “Vince” Russo. They made their home in Hempstead, N.Y., and later in Wantagh, N.Y. They first came to Vermont in 1960, but for work reasons returned to Connecticut in 1964. They returned to Leicester, Vt., in 1989. Mr. Russo predeceased her Nov. 14, 2007. Rita was also know as the “Avon Lady” for 30 years. She belonged to Middlebury American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 27 and was a communicant at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon. Surviving are two daughters, Judith Hanley and her husband Tom of Middlebury and Michele Lee and her husband Jeff of Leicester; three sons, Jon Russo and his wife Debbie FRANCIS HOWLAND of Sarasota, Fla., James Russo Sr. and his fiancée Crystal Sears of 2 p.m., with the Rev. Alan Kittelson Leicester and Maurice Russo and his officiating. Burial will be in Prospect wife Marie of Richmond, N.H.; two Cemetery in the spring. brothers, Salvatore Buonincontro Memorial contributions may be of Hicksville, N.Y., and Ralph directed to Addison County Home Buonincontro of England; and Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, a sister, Cecelia Bishop of West Middlebury, VT 05753, or St. Rutland. Ten grandchildren, nine Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6 Park St., great-grandchildren and several Vergennes, VT 05491. nieces, nephews and cousins also Please visit www.sandersonfu- survive her. neralservice.com for online condo- She was also predeceased by a lences. ◊ brother, Vincent Buonincontro.
Almerinda Russo, 90, Leicester
Francis Howland, 95, New Haven NEW HAVEN — Francis B. Howland, 95, of New Haven, a 50-year Vergennes resident, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Porter Medical Center. He was born in Brandon on Dec. 4, 1920, the youngest son of the late Frank and Bertha (Wisell) Howland. He attended local schools and retired after 20 years of service from Middlebury College in the maintenance department. He was predeceased by his wife, Pauline (Carr) Howland, on March 8, 1998. He is survived by his son, David J. Howland of Tucson, Ariz., and his daughter, Margaret (Howland) Raymond of Shelburne. He will be missed by two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Two sons predeceased him, Robert, who died in infancy, and Dan in 1972, as well as 12 siblings. The family extends special thanks to Alice and Chuck Barnum and family for their special care and also Addison County Home Health and Hospice. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1-2 p.m. at the Sanderson Funeral Home, 117 South Main St., Middlebury, followed by a memorial service at
James D. Conley-Lincoln and Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H. Perry L. DeLorenzo, both of Conley-Lincoln, grade 11, earned 2 p.m. at Saint Peter’s Parish Hall in Middlebury, were named to the honor high honors. DeLorenzo, grade 12, Vergennes. roll for the fall 2015 term at Phillips earned honors. Please join us with a story or two and a dish to share. A memorial Mass will be at 6 p.m. ◊
Phyllis Simmons, 83, formerly of Middlebury
PLAISTOW, N.H./Middlebury, Vt. — Phyllis A. (Keezer) Simmons, 83, a longtime resident of Plaistow and former resident of Middlebury, died on Jan. 26, 2016, in Haverhill. She was born Oct. 3, 1932, in Haverhill and raised in Middlebury, Vt. She graduated in 1950 from Middlebury High School, and in 1954 from Middlebury College with
a BS in biochemistry. She is survived by three children, including son Bradford and Connie Simmons of Whiting. Donations may be made to a scholarship fund that will be established in her name, c/o Timberlane Regional High School, attn: Doreen Vasta, 36 Greenough Road, Plaistow, NH 03865.
Pre-school screenings give kids a developmental starting point BRISTOL — The Addison Northeast Supervisory Union will hold Early Education developmental screenings on Wednesday, March 16, from 1-4:30 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to play in an early childhood classroom using art materials, blocks, puzzles and imaginative play materials. Parents can share about their child and learn more about their child’s communication, social, play
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ALMERINDA ‘RITA’ RUSSO A Mass of Christina burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon. A private graveside committal service and burial will take place at a later date, in the family lot, at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Following the ceremony the family will receive friends at Brandon American Legion Post 55, for a time of remembrance. Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, from 4-7 p.m. A vigil service will be conducted at 6 p.m. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 38 Carver St., Brandon, VT 05733. Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon. ◊
StudentBRIEFS Jefferson’s Monticello is
ADDISON COUNTY
Lorrette Bourgeois celebration of life VERGENNES — A celebration of life for Lorrette T. Bourgeois will be held on the day her story began, her birthday. Sixty-eight years later, her chapter ends on Monday, Feb. 29, at
SHOREHAM — George M. Baker Jr., 88, of Shoreham, passed away after a brief illness on Feb. 7. Mr. Baker was born in Shawnee, Okla., in 1927 and raised there and in Murray, Ky. He was a paratrooper in the Pacific during the Second World War, was in the Army of Occupation in Japan thereafter, and served again during the Korean War. Following his military service, Mr. Baker graduated from the University of Tennessee, then worked in the railroad industry until his retirement in the early 1990s. In 1972, Mr. Baker purchased land in Shoreham and for the next 20 years, planted apple trees on the property while he constructed a house from the frame of an existing barn. With the house complete and the orchard in full production, Mr. GEORGE BAKER Baker and his wife, Mary, moved to Shoreham permanently in 2002. Mr. Baker was predeceased by his years, Mary; sons Shawn, Kevin, son, George Meriwether Baker III. Brady and Patrick; and nine grandHe is survived by his wife of 63 children. ◊
VERGENNES 877-3321
and motor skills. The screening is free and will take about one hour. The screening will be located at Bristol Elementary School in the Early Education classroom. Children 3 years old by Sept. 1 or 4 years old not previously screened are invited to attend. To schedule an appointment or to discuss the developmental screening, call the ANeSU Early Education Program at 453-3674.
examined in talk at Ilsley MIDDLEBURY — Dartmouth College senior lecturer Marlene Heck will discuss Thomas Jefferson’s “essay in architecture,” Monticello, in a talk at Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury on March 2 at 7 p.m. Her talk, “Building Monticello,” is part of the Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays lecture series and is free and open to the public. Thomas Jefferson never knew the Monticello we visit today — in perfect condition, impeccably furnished. Jefferson died so deeply in debt that the house and contents had to be auctioned off. Professor Heck will explain how to understand Jefferson’s lifelong project. Marlene Heck is senior lecturer in Art History and History at Dartmouth College. Her research and writing
focus on the architectural and social history of America in the age of Jefferson. ABOUT FIRST WEDNESDAYS The Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays series is held on the first Wednesday of every month from October through May in nine communities statewide, featuring speakers of national and regional renown. Talks in Middlebury are held at Ilsley Public Library unless otherwise noted. All First Wednesdays talks are free and open to the public. Upcoming talks in Middlebury include “The Legacy of Rachel Carson” with Dartmouth professor Nancy Jay Crumbine on April 6 and “Robert Frost in the World” with Frost biographer Jay Parini on May 4.
Platt Library presents a Syrian story SHOREHAM — Writer/photographer Deborah Harte Felmeth will present “A Storytelling for Syria” on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. at Platt Memorial Library in Shoreham. Felmeth will speak about the people of Syria, the fabric of their culture, her photographs and about the “birth” of her book, “Syria, Remember Me.”’
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The book bears witness in words and images to the strong, dignified, beautiful, and complex lives of the Syrian people — from the fertile Euphrates River Valley to the wideopen expanse of the great Syrian Desert, from the maze of overflowing markets to the spacious interiors of gold-domed mosques. The photographs in this collection were taken
New Obituary Guidelines The Independent will publish paid obituaries and free notices of passing. The free notice of passing is up to 100 words, subject to editing by our news department. Paid obituaries cost 25 cents per word and will be published, as submitted, on the date of the family’s choosing. Paid obituaries are marked with ‘◊.’ Photos with either paid obituaries or free notices cost $10 per photo. Obituaries may be emailed to obits@ addisonindependent.com, or call 802-388-4944 for more information.
between 1991 and 2011, before Syria’s current war. Felmeth visited Damascus in 1991 and fell in love with Syria. From 1996 until Syria’s recent upheaval Felmeth and her husband divided their time equally between the Old City of Damascus and their home in Vermont. Felmeth’s photographs are compassionate and nuanced, chronicling Syria’s social mosaic with beauty and spontaneity. “With the publication of this book I hope to encourage active peace making. Remembering is an act, in this case an act of courage and creation, founded upon seeing, knowing and feeling.” A Q&A will follow the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. This event is co-sponsored by the Shoreham Congregational Church and the library.
Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016 — PAGE 7A
Letters to the Editor
Forums set on rail bridge projects
the trauma caused by an abortion. To terminate life in cases of pregnancy due to an abusive relationship, the woman suffers a second violation to her body and soul. Two wrongs don’t make right. The child is punished for the crime of the abuser. We cannot justify the millions of abortions each year by linking them to abusive situations. Many women who are coerced into an abortion are really not making “their own choice.” To love the woman and the child is the right thing to do. What does the WomenSafe of Middlebury offer to these hurting woman who have been violated by the coercion to abort their child? Pregnancy is not a disease yet treated like one. Since the government supports
the likes of Planned Parenthood there has been an increasing number of sexually transmitted diseases, depression in young people, drugs to numb the senses, abuse, etc. There is much abuse to woman in the guise of “women’s heath,” “reproductive choices” and other sterile-sounding titles. To suggest alternatives to abortion as a healthier “choice” one has to wonder why the outcry for doing just that. It is a shame that in the free society the secular media denies the public of the truth about many of our cultural ills. The political correctness has taken away much of our freedom to speak and a shame to have to pay to express the truth. Heaven help us all. Marie Dion Bristol
Time for state of Vermont to divest from fossil fuels I am writing in support of fossil fuel divestment. I first learned of this years ago in association with universities divesting. Now I’m finding that those keeping their investments away from oil, coal and natural gas interests has grown to more than 500, including universities, philanthropic organizations, faith-based institutions, medical organizations and state governments. And now there’s a movement in Vermont’s state government to divest. None other
than our governor, Peter Shumlin, is actively in support of this. Why is this a big deal? Burning coal has long caused acid rain in Vermont. And as to coal, oil and natural gas companies, not only are they polluting our environment and causing climate change, but they are negatively impacting Vermont’s economy. A recent study indicates that investments in these companies cost Vermont pension holders more than $77 million in foregone returns over the past
three years. Vermont can have an open and fair discussion on the merits of divestment. I urge that the Vermont Pension Investment Committee and Treasurer Beth Pearce make the ultimate decision to divest from fossil fuels. For more information on divesting in Vermont, visit http://350vermont.org/currentcampaigns/divestment. Wayne Michaud Bristol
Nuovo (Continued from Page 5A) that we become archaeologists of the past. Chief among those whose opinions he desired to recover was Democritus, whom he judged to be the greatest natural philosopher of antiquity, and because Bacon believed that the modern renewal of learning depended upon a revival of natural philosophy, or, in our terms, the natural sciences, recovering Democritus was essential. Now the writings of Democritus are lost. We have only fragments and testimonies, quotations and expositions of them by other ancient writers whose works survived. One important source is a work written during the third century of the Common Era. Diogenes Laertius wrote a book titled “The Lives of the Eminent Philosophers,” which has survived, although with some parts missing. It is painful to read over forgotten names and their works, lost perhaps forever, but it is well to be reminded how little we know of the past. Diogenes provides a short biography of Democritus’ long life (he was over 100 when he died), a summary of his teaching, and a long list of his writings. In addition to writings on physics, Democritus also wrote about ethics, music and mathematics. He is credited with having discovered infinitesimal magnitudes, and was one of the first to study conic sections and vorti-
ces, whose motions, he believed, provided a clue to the formation of worlds. Democritus’ writings on physics are not entirely lost to us. Moreover, his theory of nature was appropriated a couple of centuries later by Epicurus, who developed it further with some modifications in a work he entitled, fittingly, “On Nature.” This work is also lost, except for some fragments, but before this happened it was read by Lucretius, who based his poem on it, thereby transforming Epicurus’ plain Greek prose into exquisite Latin poetry. By the way, Diogenes Laertius transcribed three long philosophical letters by Epicurus in his “Lives.” So we have a way of checking Lucretius against his source, and it all checks out. This is why we read Lucretius, because he gives us access to lost Classics, indirectly to the writings of Democritus, and to his philosophy of nature. In his life of Democritus, Diogenes Laertius mentions that Plato deliberately avoided mentioning him in his writings, and comments that he did this “obviously because he (Plato) knew that he would have to match himself against the best of philosophers.” Democritus seems to have been Plato’s overbearing rival, his nemesis. There’s one more reason to read Lucretius. “De Rerum Natura” was
Learn about the plan for sweeping change in Middlebury-area schools! Join the Addison Independent for a forum on school governance consolidation of ACSU. Sunday, Feb. 21 • 2pm to 4pm at the MUHS Auditorium for a discussion on Act 46. Meet each board candidate with the proposed new board and hear their perspectives, including candidates for the contested seats in Ripton and Bridport.
Q&A from audience members will follow. co-sponsored by the
virtually lost during the Middle Ages, until in 1417 an Italian scholar, Poggio Bracciolini, discovered a manuscript of the poem in a monastery while in southern Germany. He had it copied, and before long, it went viral. It provided the new natural philosophers of the 17th century, among them Huygens, Boyle, Locke and Newton, with a scientific text, superior, they believed, to anything found in the writings of Plato and Aristotle, which outlined a theory of the origin of the universe by the random motion of atoms. Lucretius’ poem, then, was instrumental in launching the scientific revolution. Postscript: The story of the discovery of Lucretius by Poggio is well told by Stephen Greenblatt in his entertaining book, “The Swerve: How the World Became Modern.” Note the subtitle. As Greenblatt describes it, the discovery of Lucretius might not have happened, and if not, then where would be now? So much of what is momentous in history, natural and human, is accidental. This, by the way, is a central theme of “De Rerum Natura.” Another postscript: “De Rerum Natura” is available in several modern English translations: Oxford World Classics has a verse translation; and Penguin Classics publishes two English versions, one in verse and the other in prose. Check your local bookstore.
Community
Forum
with solutions. In fact, we NEED to work together to come up with solutions. Neighbors, Together is hosting a second set of forums to brainstorm ideas to address those very things that we want to protect. Ideas beget ideas, and when we work together constructive thoughts and enthusiasm will flow. We take this very seriously, yet we want to have fun. We do not want to wake up and say, “If we only had done such and such, we could have made sure that CCV students were able to get to their classes at the Battell Block.” Or, maybe we come up with an event celebrating “noise” that would bring visitors to the community to show all that we are still open for business. We may come up with creative ways to make sure that the Chili Fest and Very Merry Middlebury Christmas can continue and we can walk through town safely. We are all in this together. Please come with your ideas on Sunday, Feb. 21, from 3-5 p.m. and/or Thursday, Feb. 25, from 6-7 p.m. at St Stephen’s Church. Childcare for children 3 and older will be provided on Sunday. Our goals are protect our community and help it thrive and survive during the rail bridges replacement project. Will you help? We need you.
Armstrong letter (Continued from Page 5A) will to cut cost, just to increase paying teachers and benefits for insurance for those teachers while we go without health insurance, paying the fines or being charged thousands for coverage. Enrollment is declining. Unless we fix this there is no fix but to keep overtaxing us for a minimal education. That does not put your child in a position to succeed in college. No one states what these transitional costs are. No one will tell you your children will be up at sunrise to get on the bus to travel even more miles to get an education, only to be too tired to pay attention in class, to get an education. No one wants our town to have representation on the board with enough representatives to get a fair vote. Outnumbered you lose every time.
WITH THE ADDISON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
In response to the request by Haley Renwick of WomenSafe of Middlebury to open dialogue regarding, in her words, “the retraumatization risk,” I accept the invitation to join in the dialogue. VRTL (Vermont Right to Life) is all about “women safety” … not only the woman but also her unborn child. The pro-life project pamphlet distributed in publications throughout Vermont was not intended to hurt anyone; however, the truth about the preciousness of life and the reality of what abortion is has to be told. Yes, the memory of an abortion is painful, yet there are those who say that to abort a child is no big deal and will rid the woman of responsibility. Not so. The abortion industry is only interested in profit and deny the reality of
DISCOVER & EXPLORE
Pamphlet correct about abortion ‘retraumatization’
There is no doubt about one gate the disruption. thing: The railroad bridges reNeighbors, Together is a complacement project in Middlebury munity action group that first hostis going to happen and it will have ed two forums earlier this month a huge effect on our to engage citizens to entire community. identify values that Especially vulnershould be protected able during the conduring the upcoming struction will be our rail and bridge projdowntown. Downect. The lists were town is the heart of long but the values our social, economic that were identified as and cultural vitality. most critical by those We drive, walk or in attendance were: ride through down• Accessibility (intown to get to work, cluding parking, pedoctors’ appointdestrian and cycling ments and school. access, emergency We meet our friends service access and on the streets and at way-finding signage); the post office. Our • The economic vilibrary is a hub of actality of downtown This week’s writer tivity for all ages. We is Nancy Malcolm and regional busican shop and then of Middlebury, chair nesses; grab a wonderful of the Middlebury • The cultural and meal or cup of cof- Planning social vibrancy and fee. We enjoy walks Commission. strong sense of comby the falls and admunity. mire the architecture There were other of the stately historic buildings. concerns about the integrity of We look forward to a play or the the historic buildings, cleanliness, Warren Miller movie at Town Hall safety, tourism, environmental Theater. Visitors like to stay over- impacts and the overall aesthetic night and enjoy our quaint, yet real qualities of our beautiful town. All town. We will be affected one way important to all of us. or another and we cannot think for So what can we do to help mitia moment that our entire commu- gate the construction impact? We nity will not have to ways to navi- can work together to come up
Bulk purchasing should be done for the school district now. Why not now? Just set it up and do it that way, now, to save. If we have declining populations, raising taxes is not the answer to attracting more students to our area. If we are to “sink or swim” I suggest we swim to save the school, take control, hire our own nonunion teachers and education with the basics. The extras we need can come from volunteers to the school. Some times dumping out all you have in the box and starting over is the answer. Why are we doing this so only a few can benefit? There is no control, the state is taking that away from us. The teachers get the increased pay, we get the increased tax bill and our kids get less of an education. I want better education for these children who are
just not up to standards of those in other states headed for college. By closing and providing sums needed to parents to send their children to a school of their choice, our town children will be better educated, with the extra programs that parents want: languages, music, art, sports, dance, advanced learning, and many other classes not provided. The answer is Internet classrooms to save teacher costs while providing any and all types of education for students with excellence not limited. Vote NO to unification and force your school board to make cuts or reorganize to keep your school. Remember the “one-room” school where we got our education, and went on to get college degrees. Elizabeth Armstrong West Addison
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PAGE 8A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
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INVITATION TO BID TOWN OF MIDDLEBURY
CREEK ROAD SIDEWALK, ROAD RECONSTRUCTION AND DRAINANAGE IMPROVEMENTS STP SRIN (39) (Also included is a Bid Alternate/Addition No. 1 which pertains to fine grading and pavement placement for the parking areas associated with the newly constructed Recreation Center) Sealed bids from pre-qualified contractors for the “Creek Road Sidewalk, Road Reconstruction, and Drainage Improvements STP SRIN (39)” will be accepted at the office of the Town Manager, Town Offices, 94 Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont 05753 until 11:00am on March 4, 2016 and will be publicly opened and read aloud soon thereafter. Bid packet must be obtained from DuBois & King, Inc. 28 North Main Street, Randolph, VT 05060. (802) 7283376. Work for these improvements involves sidewalk construction, curbing, storm water drainage, road base reconstruction and paving. All bidders and sub-bidders must be included on the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s list of approved contractors within the appropriate category. The Town of Middlebury, Vermont reserves the right to waive any informalities in, or reject any and all bids, or to accept any bid deemed to be in the best interest of Town. – Kathleen Ramsay, Town Manager
calendar
in Middlebury. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-noon, Russ Sholes Center. Bring your own basin and towel. Offered by ACHHH. Addison County Beekeepers “Books for Lunch” book discussion in Orwell. Association meeting in Middlebury. Tuesday, Feb. 23, noon, Orwell Free Library. Bring Thursday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8 your lunch and join in on a discussion of “The Glass p.m., Middlebury Ambulance Castle” by Jeanette Walls. Info: 802-948-2041. Community Room, 55 Collins Illustrated lecture on photographer Carrie Mae Drive. Renowned beekeeper Weems at Middlebury College. Tuesday, Feb. Ross Conrad will demonstrated 23, 4:30 p.m., Mahaney Center beehive building and share tips on MIDDLEBURY STUDIO SCHOOL — Adult: Wire Jewelry, for the Arts. Elizabeth Searcy beekeeping equipment. Hands-on. “Carrie Mae Weems’ Weds AM Paint & PM Wheel, Thurs. AM Hand Building, Figure presents Free. Info: www.addisonbeekeepHomecraft: Controlling Images Drawing-Joe Bolger, Book Making, Thurs. PM Drawing, Mon. and African American Families.” ers.org. PM Oils, Pastels. Children: Build your own Tree House, Thurs. Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu or “The Dam Controversy” talk in New Haven. Thursday, Feb. 18, Clay hand building, Mon. Wheel, Weds Young Artists & Clay 802-443-3168. 7 p.m., New Haven Town Hall. chorus rehearsal hand building. Contact Barb at 247-3702, ewaldewald@ Community The New Haven Conservation at Middlebury College. Tuesday, aol.com, middleburystudioschool.org Commission’s Armchair Naturalist Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Mead Chapel. The Speaker Series asks the question Middlebury College Community “Should some Vermont dams be Chorus prepares for its new removed?” Discussion preceded by a screening of new, unified school board representing all the season. Open to all without audition. Info: conducthe award-winning movie “DamNation.” Free. schools in the Addison Central Supervisory Union. tor Jeff Rehbach, 989-7355. Q&A, PowerPoint presentation on the transition Milk & Honey Quilters Guild meeting in Middlebury. from the ACSU’s current nine boards to one, and a Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., American Legion. Kevin chance to meet the candidates. Berno, co-owner of Quilters’ Corner at Middlebury Neighbors, Together community forum in Sew-N-Vac, will present “Preventative Sewing Caregiver Support Group in Lincoln. Middlebury. Sunday, Feb. 21, 3-5 p.m., St. Machine Maintenance.” Brings questions. ShowFriday, Feb. 19, 1-2 p.m., Lincoln Library. Stephen’s Church. This group, which has formed and-tell welcome. Free to guild members, nonFor anyone who is caring for another person, to address how the town can thrive and survive members $5. Info: 948-2420. long distance or close by. Info: 453-2665. during the upcoming railroad bridges construc“Contemplative Computing” talk at Middlebury Lenten fish fry in Bristol. Friday, Feb. 19, 5-7 p.m., tion project, will meet for Forum 2: “Developing an College. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Wilson St. Ambrose Church. Seventeenth annual Lenten Action Plan.” Childcare available for ages 3 and Hall, McCullough Student Center. Alex Soojungfish fry. All-you-can-eat meal includes fried or up. Repeats Feb. 25. Info: neighborstogethervt@ Kim Pang discusses how technology such as baked haddock, French fries, coleslaw, beverage gmail.com. computers and smartphones can be designed to and dessert. Adults $12.50, children 9 and under Heliand Consort in concert at Middlebury College. help people become more focused and mindful, $6, immediate family of five $37. Info: 453-2488. Sunday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m., Mahaney Center for the rather than fractured and distracted. “Pa’s Fiddle: American Music” documentary Arts. The ensemble presents “Distant Mirrors: screening in Lincoln. Friday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Music Between the Wars, 1919-1939.” Free. Info: Lincoln Library. Lincoln resident and musicologist www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Dale Cockrell will introduce the hour-long film and Face Off Against Breast Cancer “Pink the Rink” Mid-winter crafts for kids with Betsy host a Q&A after. The film is of a 2012 concert event at Middlebury College. Sunday, Feb. 21, in Lincoln. Wednesday, Feb. 24, based on the music written about in the “Little 4 p.m., Kenyon Arena. The Middlebury Panthers 3:15-4:15 p.m., Lincoln Library. Make an House” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. and Friends of Panther Hockey encourage hockey oversized snowman or snowflakes from paper. Bria Skonberg Quintet in concert at Middlebury fans to wear pink to the game and to make a donaMaterials provided. Sign up by Feb. 12: 453-2665 College. Friday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m., Mahaney Center tion to the cause. or lincolnlibraryvt@gmail.com. for the Arts. Trumpeter, vocalist and composer Spirit in Nature annual meeting and Eco-Spirit Chemistry demonstration at Middlebury College. Skonberg’s program is an ode to Louis Armstrong, Award presentation. Sunday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, 6:30-8 p.m., McCardell plus a mix of jazz standards and originals. Tickets Ilsley Library. This year’s Eco-Spirit Award recipiBicentennial Hall Room 216. The Department of $20/$15/$6, available at www.middlebury.edu/arts ent is the Middlebury College Sunday Night Group Chemistry and Biochemistry will host a chemical or 802-443-3168. for a decade of student activism. A second award demonstration for area children and adults. Arrive The Matt Flinner Trio in concert in Bristol. Friday, will be made posthumously to Alex Wylie for her early as doors will close when room nears capacity. Feb. 19, 8-10:30 p.m., Walkover Gallery and work in conserving Vermont lands. Refreshments “Meet the Candidates” night in Lincoln. Concert Room. Part of the Walkover’s Cabin Fever served. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Lincoln Library, Adult Series. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tina Packer’s “Women of Will” performance on Reading Area. Mark Mulqueen will host a roundInfo and reservations: 802-453-3188, ext. 2. stage at Middlebury College. Sunday, Feb. 21, table introduction of local folks who are running for 7 p.m., Wright Memorial Theatre. Master actor/ office in Lincoln. Info: 453-2665. dramaturg Tina Packer conjures Shakespeare’s Monthly book discussion in Lincoln. Wednesday, most famous female characters in a funny and Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Lincoln Library, Community Room. fierce show titled “Chaos and Redemption: The GMC cross-country ski outing in This month’s title: “The Thing About December” by Later Plays,” with Nigel Gore. Tickets $20/$15/$6, Goshen, weather permitting. Saturday, Donal Ryan. This was a finalist for the Irish Book available at www.middlebury.edu or 802-443-3168. Feb. 20, time and meeting place TBA. Community chorus rehearsal at Middlebury Awards and was the 2012 Irish Book of the Year. Moderate 1-1/2 to 3-hour event with parts on the Info: 453-2665. College. Sunday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., Mead Chapel. Catamount Trail with rolling terrain and some hills. Recreation committee meeting for young adults in The Middlebury College Community Chorus’ first Contact leader Ann Christie for details: achrisCornwall. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Cornwall Sunday rehearsal for its new season, featuring tie1026@gmail.com or 802-388-4347. More info: Town Hall. The Cornwall Recreation Committee classical works by Vivaldi; lullabies from South gmcbreadloaf.org. invites older teens and young adults to come talk African, Yiddish and American traditions; and new Rummage sale in New Haven. Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 about their interests and what they’d like to see the settings of poems about spring by contemporary a.m.-2 p.m., New Haven Congregational Church. committee offer in terms of activities, sports and American composers. Open to all without audition. Clothing and books for sale. Info: 453-5059. other fun. Snacks and beverages served. Info: Info: conductor Jeff Rehbach, 989-7355. “Shakespeare’s Leading Lady: A Conversation 802-462-2152. with Tina Packer” in Middlebury. Saturday, Feb. “Schooling the World” screening at Middlebury 20, 1-4 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Actor, director College. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Dana and author Tina Packer will talk about her new Auditorium. This film examines the hidden Legislative breakfast in Whiting. book, “Women of Will: Following the Feminine in assumption of cultural superiority behind educaMonday, Feb. 22, 7-8:45 a.m., Whiting Shakespeare’s Plays.” Her talk will be followed tion aid projects, which overtly aim to help chilTown Hall. Breakfast at 7, program at 7:30 at 2:30 by a free acting workshop for the cast dren “escape” to a “better life,” despite mounting a.m. of “Straight Up Shakespeare,” which is being evidence of the costs of our modern consumer performed at Middlebury College. Tickets, $10, “Rest: Why Working Less Gets More Done” talk lifestyles. Part of the Education Studies Program’s at Middlebury College. Monday, Feb. 22, 4:30-6 available at the THT box office, 382-9222, www. spring film series. Free. See http://schoolingthp.m., Library, Room 105A/B. Alex Soojung-Kim townhalltheater.org or at the door. eworld.org. Pang discusses how taking rest seriously can “Try Hockey for Free” event in Middlebury. boost your creativity, increase your productivity Saturday, Feb. 20, 1-2 p.m., Memorial Sports and improve your quality of life. Center. Kids ages 4-9, or older, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn Neighbors, Together community basic skills in a fun, safe environment. Register forum in Middlebury. Thursday, Feb. at www.tryhockeyforfree.com. Info: boothhodde@ 25, 6-8 p.m., St. Stephen’s Church. This yahoo.com or 206-409-3966. Free foot care/blood pressure clinic group, which has formed to address how the town “Much Ado About Nothing” screening at Middlebury College. Saturday, Feb. 20, 3 and 8 p.m., Dana Auditorium. Shakespeare’s classic comedy, given a contemporary spin by director Joss Whedon in 2012. Free. Info: www.middlebury. edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Face Off Against Breast Cancer “Pink the Rink” event at Middlebury College. Saturday, Feb. 20, 4-8 p.m., Kenyon Arena. The Middlebury Panthers and Friends of Panther Hockey encourage hockey fans to wear pink and make a donation to the cause. Games are at 4 and 7 p.m. King Pede party in Ferrisburgh. Saturday, Feb. 20, 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. “The Solo Workshop” dance performance at Middlebury College. Saturday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. An evening of new works exploring what “solo” means to both artist and audience. Tickets $12/$10/$6, available at www. middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Tina Packer’s “Women of Will” performance on stage at Middlebury College. Saturday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m., Wright Memorial Theatre. Master actor/dramaturg Tina Packer conjures Shakespeare’s most famous female characters in a funny and fierce show titled “Force and Heat: The Early Plays,” with Nigel Gore. Tickets $20/$15/$6, available at www.middlebury.edu or 802-443-3168. VPR A-Go-Go Party in Middlebury. Saturday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Joel Najman, host of “My Place” on VPR, will spin tunes from the ’60s, share stories and get everyone on their feet. Sixties-era costumes encouraged. Go-go dancers, club lighting and refreshments. Tickets $15, available at the THT box office, 382-9222 or www. townhalltheater.org.
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• Gentle, Precise Numbing with The Wand® – NO MORE BIG NEEDLES!
• In Network for CBA Blue & Delta Dental
community
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column, “Mistakes can make us stronger.” ASCU unified school district candidates’ forum in Middlebury. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2-4 p.m., Middlebury Union High School auditorium. Come meet the people seeking election to a proposed
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All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in Addison. Sunday, Feb. 21, 7-11 a.m., Addison Fire Station. Plain and blueberry pancakes, sausage, bacon, home fries, coffee, hot chocolate and orange juice. Adults $6, kids under 12 $4. Funds raised will be used to purchase equipment for the Addison Volunteer Fire Department. Info: 759-2237. Champlain Valley Fiddlers meeting in Middlebury. Sunday, Feb. 21, noon-5 p.m., Middlebury VFW. All are welcome. Refreshments available. Ways of Seeing discussion in Middlebury. Sunday, Feb. 21, 1:30-2:30 p.m., EastView at Middlebury library. Addison Independent columnist Johanna Nichols discusses her Feb. 18 Ways of Seeing
Cabin fever cure
THE MATT FLINNER Trio brings bluegrass, jazz and old-time music to the WalkOver Gallery and Concert Room in Bristol on Friday, Feb. 19, at 8 p.m.
community
calendar
Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016 — PAGE 9A
Please cast your vote on March 1st for
HEATHER SEELEY
DEDICATED HARD-WORKING RECEPTIVE HHHHHHHHH Long time Middlebury resident running for a 3 year term on the Middlebury Selectboard paid for by Friends of Heather Seeley, JE Seeley Treasurer
hseeley@nbnworks.net 388-4326
Powers & Powers P.C.
Funny and fierce
MASTER ACTOR/DRAMATURG Tina Packer and costar Nigel Gore perform parts 1 and 2 of Packer’s work “Women of Will,” at Middlebury College on Feb. 20 and 21. Packer deconstructs and conjures William Shakespeare’s most famous female characters in “Force and Heat: The Early Plays” on Feb. 20 and “Chaos and Redemption: The Later Plays” on Feb. 21.
Photo by Kevin Sprague
can thrive and survive during the upcoming railroad bridges construction project, will meet for Forum 2: “Developing an Action Plan.” Info: neighborstogethervt@gmail.com. Black & White Cabaret in Vergennes. Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., Vergennes Union High School middle-school gymnasium. Beautiful music will be performed by student soloists and combos, the Commodore Jazz Ensemble and the Commodore Singers. Desserts and beverages will be served. Suggested donation $5. Proceeds benefit Music Department scholarships. Maiden Vermont guest night in Salisbury. Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Salisbury Community School. The popular women’s barbershop chorus invites women who like to sing, can sing on pitch and can carry a part to meet, mingle and rehearse with the singers. Info: 388-1012 or www.maidenvermont.com. Singer/songwriter Amy Speace in concert in Middlebury. Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Speace, who was discovered by Judy Collins in 2005, has released several albums. Her song series “How to Sleep in a Stormy Boat” won four stars from Mojo magazine and was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Tickets $20, available at the THT box office, 382-9222, www. townhalltheater.org or at the door.
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FRIDAY
“The Opulence of Integrity” dance performance in Middlebury. Friday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Christal Brown’s four-movement, evening-length dance work inspired by Muhammad Ali’s career as a boxer and his life as a social activist, public martyr and human being. Tickets $20 adults, $15 students. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Also on Feb. 27.
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Art sale in Brandon. Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Compass Music and Arts Center. Third annual event. Artists will sell unwanted art supplies, materials and artwork, such as watercolor paper, frames, paint kits, how-to books, and prints and original “seconds,” all at reduced prices. Sellers may reserve a table through Feb. 25 at www.cmacvt.org or 802-247-4295. “Things Come Apart: A Maker Program” in Lincoln. Saturday, Feb. 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Lincoln Library. Bob Lang and Mark Mulqueen will help all ages take apart machines such as remotes, pencil sharpeners, coffee makers and more. Space is limited. To reserve a space or get on the waiting list, call 453-2665 or email lincolnlibraryvt@gmail.com. “Leviathan” screening at Middlebury College. Saturday, Feb. 27, 3 and 8 p.m., `Dana Auditorium. A dispute over land in a remote Russian township casts cataclysmic ripples through a family and a community. In Russian with English subtitles. Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. Prime Rib Dinner in Hancock. Saturday, Feb. 27, 6-7 p.m., Hancock Town Hall, Route 100. Annual event of the Community Church of Hancock and Granville, featuring prime rib, mashed potatoes, vegetable, garden salad, roll and butter, beverage and dessert. To-go available. Adults $24, children 12 or under $12. Reserve by Feb. 14 by calling 767-9157, 767-9034, 767-3742 or 767-3662. “The Opulence of Integrity” dance performance in Middlebury. Saturday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Christal Brown’s four-movement, evening-length dance work inspired by Muhammad Ali’s career as a boxer and his life as a social activist, public martyr and human being. Tickets $20 adults, $15 students. Info: www.middlebury.edu/ arts or 802-443-3168. Zephyr in concert in Brandon. Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., Brandon Music. Addison County-based quartet with harmony-rich, lyric-oriented, roots Americana sound. Tickets $20. Reservations recommended at 802-247-4295 or info@brandonmusic.net.
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Public breakfast in Vergennes. Sunday, Feb. 28, 7:30-10 a.m., Masonic Lodge, 54 School St. Only $8 for eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, blueberry pancakes, waffles, French toast, home fries, corned beef hash, sausage gravy and biscuits, juice, coffee and tea. Proceeds support various local community needs and organizations. Author talk on Syria in Shoreham. Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m., Platt Memorial Library. Deborah Harte Felmeth, author of “Syria, Remember Me,” talks about her book and her experiences in pre-war
Syria, 1991-2011. Selected scenes from “Will,” a new play at Middlebury College. Sunday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. Members of the Vermont Shakespeare Festival perform scenes from “Will,” Jon Glascoe’s new play in which Shakespeare, accused of treason, must revisit key parts of his life, from his humble beginnings in Stratford to the glory of Hamlet. Light refreshments follow. Free. Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168. “Truth” screening in Middlebury. Sunday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Town Hall Theater. “A newsroom drama detailing the 2004 CBS ‘60 Minutes’ report investigating then-President George W. Bush’s military service, and the subsequent firestorm of criticism that cost anchor Dan Rather and producer Mary Mapes their careers.” Starring Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett. One of four films in the 2016 MNFF Winter Screening Series. Tickets, $12 each or $40 for all four films in the series, available at the THT box office, 382-9222 or www.townhalltheater.org. Community chorus rehearsal at Middlebury College. Sunday, Feb 28, 7 p.m., Mead Chapel. The Middlebury College Community Chorus prepares for its new season. Open to all without audition. Info: conductor Jeff Rehbach, 989-7355.
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Legislative breakfast in Bridport. Monday, Feb. 29, 7-8:45 a.m., Bridport Grange Hall. Breakfast at 7, program at 7:30
a.m. Town Meeting Dinner in Lincoln. Monday, Feb. 29, 4:45-5:45 p.m., Burnham Hall. Enjoy a hot homemade supper before town meeting. Bowl of soup, salad and drink: $6. Desserts priced a la carte. Hosted by the Lincoln Library.
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Election Day Bake Sale in Lincoln. Tuesday, March 1, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Burnham Hall. Coffee, tea and a variety of baked goods, quiches and soups-to-go for sale. Hosted by the Lincoln Library. Bakers are needed; stop in at the library or call 453-2665 to volunteer. Free foot care/blood pressure clinic in Vergennes. Tuesday, March 1, 9 a.m.-noon, Armory Lane Senior Housing. For Armory Lane residents 9-10 a.m., open to the public 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your own basin and towel. Offered by ACHHH. Reading series in Vergennes. Tuesday, March 1, 6 p.m., Bixby Library. Participants in the library’s writing workshops, with help from actors and other writers, will read from their works. For this meeting, Carolinne “Nina” Griffin will share her play “Oona,” based on the life of Oona O’Neill, daughter of celebrated playwright Eugene O’Neill. Learn more at bixbylibrary.org/adult-programs. Refreshments served. Free. Info: 802-877-2211, ext. 208, or muir. haman@bixbylibrary.org.
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WEDNESDAY
New facility open house in Middlebury. Wednesday, March 2, 5-9 p.m., Middlebury Recreation Facility, 154 Creek Road. Come see the town’s new rec facility and gymnasium. There will be a Zumba class; unicycling; tot play time; pickleball, tai chi and Bone Builders presentations; swing dance and yoga demonstrations; and more. Snacks and beverages available. “Building Monticello” talk in Middlebury. Wednesday, March 2, 7 p.m., Ilsley Library. Dartmouth College senior lecturer Marlene Heck explains Thomas Jefferson’s lifelong project, Monticello, which he called his “essay in architecture.” A Vermont Humanities Council First Wednesdays event. Info: www.vermonthumanitiescouncil.org or 802-262-2626.
Mar
3
THURSDAY
Twist O’ Wool Spinning Guild meeting in Middlebury. Thursday, March 3, 7 p.m., 49 Wilson Road. General meeting and show-and-tell, followed by a spin-in/knit-in and/or a double-knit study group. Info: 453-5960.
Mar
4
FRIDAY
Senior luncheon with live music in Middlebury. Friday, March 4, 11 a.m., Middlebury VFW. CVAA invites seniors to its monthly First Friday luncheon, this month a noon meal of corned beef, cabbage and carrots, boiled potatoes, macaroni and cheese, dinner roll and St. Patty’s Day cake for dessert. Middlebury’s
own Oh’Anleigh will perform Irish-American music. Bring your own place setting. Suggested donation $4. Reservations required: 1-800-642-5119, ext. 1070. Free transportation with ACTR: 388-1946. Info: www.cvaa.org. Lenten fish fry in Bristol. Friday, March 4, 5-7 p.m., St. Ambrose Church. Seventeenth annual Lenten fish fry. All-you-can-eat meal includes fried or baked haddock, French fries, coleslaw, beverage and dessert. Adults $12.50, children 9 and under $6, immediate family of five $37. Info: 453-2488. “NER Out Loud” live readings at Middlebury College. Friday, March 4, 8 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. Middlebury College student orators will read selections from the New England Review literary magazine. “S’more Readings” reception follows. Free. Info: 802-443-6433 or http:// go.middlebury.edu/arts.
Adam L. Powers
Donald (Tad) Powers
Attorneys at Law Real Estate • Business Wills & Trusts • Mediation
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1205 Three Mile Bridge Road | Middlebury, VT 05753
LIVEMUSIC The Band SuGaR in Middlebury. Friday, Feb. 19, 8:30-10:30 p.m., 51 Main. Bob Gagnon Trio in Middlebury. Saturday, Feb. 20, 8:30-10:30 p.m., 51 Main. Toast in Middlebury. Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 p.m., Two Brothers Tavern. Jeff Salisbury Band in Middlebury. Friday, Feb. 26, 8:30-10:30 p.m., 51 Main. The Band Rowan in Middlebury. Saturday, Feb. 27, 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. 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 drop-in 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 for feedback, encouragement and optional weekly
Be sure to check out the fliers in our paper this week! Great information from:
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PAGE 10A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
community
calendar
ONGOINGEVENTS
(Continued)
(just north of the Middlebury Inn). 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Eat in or take out. Supported by area churches. assignments. Bring a poem or two to share (plus 20 Free Community Supper in Middlebury. Fridays, 5-6:15 p.m. copies). Led by David Weinstock. Free. Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. Meals provided Orwell Historical Society. Fourth Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Orwell by over 35 different groups. Info: 388-7634 or 388-7613. Free Library. CVAA Senior Meals: PACT (People of Addison County Together). Third Thursday, Bridport: Grange Hall Community Room. Noon meal on 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vermont state office building on Monday and Wednesday. Evening meals on second and Exchange St. in Middlebury, Health Department conferfourth Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Reservations: Michelle ence room. 989-8141. Eastman at 1-800-642-5119 x615. Transportation by Salisbury Historical Society. First Saturday, 9:30-10:45 a.m. ACTR: 388-1946. Salisbury Congregational Church. Bristol: American Legion. Noon meal on Wednesday. Barb Samaritan’s Cupboard. Prime, 1-800-642-5119, ext. Assembly of God Christian 603. Free transportation: Center, 1759 Route 7, ACTR, 388-1946. Vergennes. Third Thursday Middlebury: Russ Sholes through October. Senior Center. Noon meal on Vergennes Lions Club. First Tuesday and Friday, except and third Wednesday, 6:45 for the first Friday when a p.m., American Legion. special noon meal is served Club address: PO Box at the VFW on Exchange 94, Vergennes, VT 05491. Street. Tracy Corbett, Info: President Tim Cowan, 1-800-642-5119 Ext. 634. 877-2382. Free transportation: ACTR, Vergennes Rotary Club. 388-1946. Tuesday mornings, 7:15Vergennes: Vergennes 8:30 a.m., Champlain Senior Center. Noon meal Valley Christian School, on Tuesday and Thursday. 2 Church St. Breakfast Michelle Eastman at 1-800served at 7:15 a.m. 642-5119, ext. 615. Free transportation: ACTR, GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 388-1946. Addison Peace Coalition. Bristol Libanus Lodge, F&AM Saturday, 10:30-11 Breakfast. Second Sunday, a.m. Triangle Park in 7:30-10:30 a.m. Eggs, bacon, Middlebury. sausage, pancakes, French Citizens for Constitutional toast, home fries, juice, Government in Bridport. coffee and tea. Buffet. $6. Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Bridport Benefits local charities. Community School. Middlebury Congregational Learn about the U.S. and Church Community Supper. Vermont constitutions and Friday, 5-6:15 p.m. Free. how to defend our rights. 388-7634. Five-Town Area Vigil for CHARLES INGALLS’ FIDDLE music played a prom- Starksboro senior luncheon. Peace. Friday, 5-5:30 p.m. inent role in the classic “Little House” series written Fourth Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Bristol green. All welcome by his daughter, Laura Ingalls Wilder. A one-hour January-October, Starksboro to speak out for world Baptist Church. PBS documentary on this music, titled “Pa’s Fiddle: First peace. 453-6354 or mtgazette@ American Music,” will be screened and discussed at Vermont Department of earthlink.net. the Lincoln Library on Friday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. Motor Vehicles Mobile Vergennes Masonic Lodge Service Van. Second and Breakfast. Last Sunday, 7:30fourth Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Every Thursday, 10 a.m. Pancakes, French toast, home fries, eggs, bacon, 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Addison County Courthouse, in sausage and beverage. All you can eat. Adults $6; chilMiddlebury. The van offers written exams dren $3. Benefits the lodge’s charitable donations. VFW Fish Fry in Middlebury. Third Friday, 4-6 p.m., BINGO Men’s Auxiliary, VFW Post 7823, Exchange Street. $9 American Legion Hall, Middlebury. Wednesday. Doors open per person. Proceeds to benefit the post’s charitable 5:30 p.m. with early birds. Jackpot $3,000. Food availdonations. able. Benefits veterans, scholarships and community VFW Fish Fry in Vergennes. Second Friday, 5-7 p.m., Sons programs. 388-9311. of the American Legion, VFW Post 14, Armory Lane. $10 Brandon Senior Center, Brandon. First and third Mondays. 6 per person. Haddock, fries, coleslaw and cash bar. 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 See an extended calendar and tea and coffee. Info: 247-5709. a full listing of VFW Post 7823, Middlebury. Monday. Doors open 5 p.m., quickies 6:15 p.m., regular bingo 7 p.m. 388-9468.
Pa’s music
ONGOINGEVENTS ONGOING EVENTS
MEALS Bristol senior luncheon. First Thursday, noon, First Baptist Church of Bristol. Suggested donation $4. 453-5276. Free Community Lunch in Middlebury. Summer: MondaysThursdays at the Charter House, 27 North Pleasant St.
calendar SENDITIN:
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HARDWOODS & SOFTWOOD
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Mistakes can make us stronger “I don’t think I should apologize for my mistakes,” wrote Helen M. Luke (“Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On: The Autobiography and Journals of Helen M. Luke”). “These mistakes were given to me in order that I might turn them into poetry.” She was musing on the words of Argentine poet Jorge Luis Borges, who said, at the age of 80: A poet should think of all things as being given to him, even misfortune. Misfortune, defeat, humiliation, failure — these are tools — we are given mistakes, we are given nightmares — and it is our task to turn them into poetry. That may be the task for actual poets. But, what of the rest of us? Luke believed the “poetic spirit” was present in everyone. So, the work, for everyone, is to discover and reveal the meaning in everything that happens — discover that “all experiences, light or dark, are stars in the constellation of wholeness.” Who doesn’t marvel at stars? That our mistakes belong in the constellation of our wholeness is a rich image — symbols being an important tool for Luke, a Jungian writer. It is a comforting image for me. Of all the keepsakes from my mother, I treasure a Hummel figurine of a little girl. It is the only one I kept from my mother’s collection. She is carrying an empty basket over one arm. In the other hand, she is waving a red handkerchief. In my imagination, she is waving goodbye. At some point, the little girl’s hand was broken and repaired in a way that one can see the crack. For me, it is a symbol of my vulnerability, of my beautiful imperfection. I can break and mend things in life, and I can be broken and repaired and still be whole. Sometimes, when I need help
I
falling to sleep, I we can learn. It is play a favorite CD even possible that by Peter Mayer human learning that comforts me necessitates our with a song about making mistakes. a Japanese bowl What would we (“Heaven Below,” learn if we always w w w. b l u e b o a t . made perfect net). Mayer’s lyrics decisions? remind me that I am I know that my worthy, no matter own mistakes how many cracks I make me stronhave: ger. I can accept I’m like one of a mistake I make those Japanese when I don’t bowls that were know what I need made long ago. to know. That’s a I have some learning expericracks in me; they ence. I can forgive have been filled myself for the By Johanna Nichols with gold. mistakes I make That’s what they out of fear or used back then, when they had a resistance as long as I can gain bowl to mend. understanding. But some come It did not hide the cracks. It from pure selfishness, or worse. made them shine They can affect others. They can instead. break trust. Break relationships. Who doesn’t I own them. They are mine to worry about repair, to mend. m a k i n g Peter Mayer sings: mistakes? We So now every old scar shows, are faced with from every time I broke. a plethora of Everyone’s eyes can see I’m choices daily. not what I used to be. Every one is But in a collectors mind, all of an invitation to these jagged lines make a mistake. Make me more beautiful, worth I might make a a much higher price. mistake today Unlike the Japanese bowls that I will never whose cracks are filled with know I’ve made gold, my Hummel figurine is not — it might not valuable to collectors — only to affect me; it me. She reminds me that we can might affect break and be broken, and we can someone else mend. One can see that a profeswho doesn’t sional did not apply her glue, but even know I am the glue has held. Perhaps like a responsible. mended bone, she is stronger at B e n e d i c t i n e that crack. writer Joan It is our work to turn mistakes C h i t t i s t e r into stars — acknowledge them, (“Monastic Way”) points out learn from them, discover their that the decisions we make day- meaning — so they can take their by-day measure our happiness. I place to shine in the constellation am sure that, if we looked at the of our wholeness. trail of our decisions for only one Johanna Nichols is retired from day, we could come to the same the ministry. She enjoys writing conclusion. We can begin the and invites readers to visit her day with the hopeful intention blog: www.riversidemusings. to make good decisions. Even wordpress.com. She will host a throughout the day, we can begin conversation, on this or any other again. topic, open to anyone who would We can be grateful when we like to participate on Sunday, realize our mistakes, as then, we Feb. 21, at 1:30 p.m., in the can discover what they mean. Community Room at EastView at And, in that discovery process, Middlebury, 989-7500.
Ways of Seeing
’m like one of those Japanese bowls that were made long ago. I have some cracks in me; they have been filled with gold.
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Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016 — PAGE 11A
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Goings on
TOWN
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Town Hall Theater brings ‘Opulence of Integrity’
MIDDLEBURY — Boxing’s outspoken superstar Muhammad Ali is many things — a U.S. Olympic gold medal winner, a social activist, a public martyr and a celebrity. On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and 27, Middlebury College Chair of Dance Christal Brown brings Ali’s life and legacy to Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater in an original multimedia ensemble work. The “Opulence of Integrity” features a Broadwaycaliber cast of performers exploring the inner struggle for identity faced by men of color in the United States. The Middlebury performances of “Opulence” are dedicated to Black History/Black Future Month and will be followed by a post-performance discussion with the artists. The “Opulence of Integrity” truly is a multimedia powerhouse. Choreographer Christal Brown deploys her “eclectic movement vernacular” to illustrate the turmoil of a life infused by divinity yet misinterpreted by humanity. A chorus of narrators quote Ali, setting the scene for each movement experience that follows. Projection fills the ENIGMA MACHINE RESEARCHER and collector Tom Perera will give a backdrop with the cultural and social talk on Alan Turing and his efforts to crack Germany’s Enigma code on energy of each time period. Music by Zimbabwean composer Farai Malianga, Thursday, April 28, at the Hancock Town Hall. complements the choreography, while lighting design by Nick Hung allows the audience to watch history through the frames of old tattered photos. Aya
Learn the true story of the Enigma machine in Hancock HANCOCK — Friends of the Hancock Free Public Library present “The Real Story of ‘The Imitation Game’ and the Enigma of Alan Turing” on Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at the Hancock Town Hall. The 2014 movie “The Imitation Game” tells the story of the cracking of the German Navy Enigma code and the extraordinary contributions of mathematician Alan Turing to this endeavor. In order to keep the audience interested and involved, the movie has allowed some inaccuracies and omissions both in the history and in the masterful portrayal of the eccentric mathematician Alan Turing by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Shibahara’s costuming infuses vibrancy and individualism into each character. Brown pours her own experience into the work and dedicates it to her father, brother and uncle who, in her words, “fought but did not win” and to her son “whose battle has not yet begun.” Brown goes on to say, “To be born, branded by history, burdened by responsibility, and inspired towards greatness requires a committed heart and an opulence of integrity.” “The Opulence of Integrity” premiered at the Guggenheim Museum and continues to tour to great acclaim, with audiences across the nation, rural and urban, giving it standing ovations. Performances begin at 7 p.m. “The Opulence of Integrity” is a 55-minute work with no intermission and is suitable for ages 7 and above. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Full details and tickets are available online through www.townhalltheater.org and in person at Town Hall Theater (box office open Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.). “Opulence” is a co-production of Inspirit Dance Company, Town Hall Theater and Middlebury Underground, sponsored by the Middlebury College Dance Department. “THE OPULENCE OF Integrity,” choreographer Christal Brown’s mulFor more information, contact Lisa Mitchell at 802-388-4277 or middle- timedia ensemble work on the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, will be performed at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on Feb. 26 and 27. buryunderground@gmail.com. Photo by Robert Mayer
ADDISON COUNTY
This talk will trace the actual history of the cracking of the Enigma code and attempt to fill in some of the enigmatic aspects of Turing’s personality. Tom Perera is a retired professor of neuroscience who specialized in research on the coding of information in the human brain and nervous system. He has been hunting for, collecting, researching, restoring and selling Enigmas for over 25 years. He located, restored and sold the Enigma that stars in the “Imitation Game.” He provides extensive Enigma information through his Enigma book, his lectures and his website, www.enigmamuseum.com.
StudentBRIEFS
milestones births
• Tarin & Thomas Decker, Hague, N.Y., Feb. 2, a son, James Raymond Decker. • Michelle (Chamberlain) & Mike Steele, Bristol, Feb. 3, a daughter, Emma Olive Steele. • Morgan & Nick Trombley, Pittsford, Feb. 4, a son, Gracen Carter Trombley. • Tanya (Burt) & James Carmichael, Brandon, Feb. 10, a daughter, Raelynn Marie Carmichael.
S
AWOR
K
OM
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
Chuck a duck
CHILDREN LINE UP on the edge of the Middlebury Union High School basketball court and throw rubber ducks onto the court during halftime of Monday’s girls’ basketball game. The fundraiser challenges donors to throw their duck closest to the center of the court. Independent photo/Trent Campbell
Ashley Boise, daughter of Randy and Marie Boise of New Haven, has been named to the provost list for the fall 2015 semester at Southern Vermont College in Bennington. Boise is majoring in radiologic sciences with a minor in business administration. While attending SVC, she has been a member of the women’s basketball team. Boise is a graduate of Mount Abraham Union High School. Allison Haskell of Salisbury was named to the dean’s list for the 2015 fall semester at the University of North Texas. A 2012 grad of Middlebury Union High School, she is a senior at UNT. Allison “Alli” White of Weybridge has been named to Plymouth State University president’s list for the fall 2015 semester. She is a business administration major. Christopher E. Carter and Spencer Elliot Griswold, both of Bristol, have been named presidential scholars for the fall 2015 semester at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. Carter is a freshman majoring in chemical engineering. Griswold is a senior majoring in applied mathematics and statistics & physics.
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.
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PAGE 12A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
Aurora School to fete 20 years
Speak-out winner
VERGENNES UNION HIGH School junior Alyse Beauchemin, left, is the winner of the 2015-2016 Vergennes Lions Club Speak-out competition, held at a recent Vergennes Lions Club meeting. She is pictured with, left to right, Speak-out Chair Kathy Cannon and fellow contestants Emily Martin and Sophia Parker, both VUHS seniors. Beauchemin’s winning speech, on this year’s theme “Dignity, Harmony and Humanity,” qualifies her to compete at the state level in Brandon in March.
Movie Review By Joan Ellis
Hail, Caesar; Running time: 1:46; Rating: PG-13 In their quirky filmmaking, Joel and Ethan Coen have given us moments both inspired and mediocre. Since daring to fail and eccentricity go hand in hand, their fans are prepared to soak up the inspiration and tolerate the missteps. The Coens may have enjoyed making “Hail, Caesar!” more than you will enjoy watching it. That will depend on your own degree of peculiarity. They have created a mockery of Hollywood’s Golden Age when studio bosses had immense power over anyone who worked for them. Those movie moguls controlled the details of the lives of the biggest stars and trapped them in contracts that eliminated personal choice. Audiences in that grand post WWII time knew that almost any movie they saw would be punctured by a full stop that would immediately be filled by some sort of musical event entirely unrelated to the movie itself. “Hail Caesar!” shows us just how that worked. Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is the
go-to guy, the fixer, at Capitol Studios where director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes) is filming a ludicrous costume drama starring Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) as Caesar. The paper-thin plot introduces us to a gaggle of disaffected Communist screenwriters who kidnap movie star Whitlock as ransom for better pay for their under-appreciated efforts. It implies but fails to explain the roots of the episode in the House Un-American Committee hearings of the just pre-McCarthy era. The film opens with a genuinely funny scene of director Laurentz trying to extract just one simple sentence from Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich), a delightfully inept young cowboy, for a scene in a piece of history he has never heard of. After that we get a good send-up of Esther Williams’ water ballets of the late ’40s with mermaid Scarlett Johansson diving from on high into the perfection of a circle of programmed swimmers. When she comes up for air, her Brooklyn accent makes comic mockery of the grace of the ballet. She’s terrific.
And then, that essence of the era: a gang of sailors led by Burt Gurney (Channing Tatum) in a singing/tap dancing routine that is both effective and completely irrelevant to the movie in which it will appear. That’s what these staples were all about in the late ’40s and early ’50s. They were distractions for some, unwelcome interruptions for others. Josh Brolin’s Mannix is quite dull as he snuffs out any brush fires that might slow progress on the set. Watching George Clooney wearing a skirt and silly expressions for 90some minutes adds nothing. Except for the old-fashioned quality of the comic interludes, the movie itself isn’t much fun. When I asked myself whom I cared about in this movie, the answer was clear: no one except that sweet young cowboy who couldn’t rise from his own ineptitude. Now it’s your turn. If you decide to go, you might try to think of the movie as the Coen brothers’ affectionate smile at Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Monkton Boy Scouts plan benefit spaghetti dinner MONKTON — The Monkton Boy Scouts will hold their annual Eric Davis Memorial Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Monkton Central School. The silent auction closes at 6:30 p.m.
The menu includes regular and gluten-free spaghetti with meat, sausage and vegetarian sauces, as well as tossed green salad, freshly made bread products, homemade desserts and beverages. Proceeds from the dinner help pay
for troop events such as “camporees,” Klondike derbies and other activities for the Monkton Scouts. The silent auction funds go directly to the youth that participate in summer camp, national jamborees and other activities that are not fully funded by the troop.
MIDDLEBURY — Two decades ago, Susan Vigne and Molly Reed founded Aurora School in Middlebury. On Sunday afternoon, March 6, Aurora will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a benefit gala at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater. The Grift and Zephyr, as well as other local musicians will play. There will be a delicious food and drink, as well as a silent auction and raffle of items and services from local businesses and community members. This familyfriendly event is open to the public. When Vigne and Reed started Aurora School, their children were young and made up most of the student body — one was even born in their first year of operation. Today, all their children are grown, and some have children of their own. Looking back, Vigne says, “All the hard work and commitment that went into creating Aurora was a dream come true.” Though it has been two decades since Aurora School began, the core values and traditions remain. Aurora is an intentionally small school of about 30 students in grades K-8. At its core is hands-on, thematic, multiage learning. Each year, students embark on independent research projects, present original plays, and go on school-wide field trips to places such as Montreal’s Biodome, New York City, and Mystic Seaport. “There is an exciting spirit of learning each day at Aurora. It’s why my own children attend, and why I’m a part of Aurora,” Associate Director Elaine Anderson said. For gala tickets or more information, visit www.auroraschoolvt.org or call 388-2637.
‘NER Out Loud’ brings poems to the stage MIDDLEBURY — In the tradi- by Henry Reed Stiles; Steven Medition of Public Radio International’s na ’17 reading “At the Tribunals” by “Selected Shorts,” Middlebury Col- Patrick Rosal; August Rosenthal ’17 lege student orators reading from “Eleven will read selections Editors and Girls” by David Ebfrom the New England contributors enbach; and Sally Review (NER) literary Seitz ’17 reading from magazine in this sec- to the student “The Red Painter” by ond annual live perfor- literary magazines Penelope Cray. All of mance of “NER Out Blackbird, Frame, the selections were Loud,” Friday, March MiddGeo and originally published 4, at the Mahaney Cen- Translingual by New England Reter for the Arts. The view in 2015. will also be on event will be followed Editors and conby a “S’more Read- hand at the posttributors to the student ings” reception with show reception literary magazines the readers and NER to discuss their Blackbird, Frame, staff, along with rep- publications MiddGeo and Transresentatives of several and give sample lingual will also be on student literary magahand at the post-show zines. Both events are readings from reception to discuss free and open to the their pages. their publications and public. give sample readings This year’s readers and selections from their pages. Attendees will will include Kathleen Gudas ’16.5 be invited to enjoy s’more-themed reading from “Forty-Two” by Lisa treats while listening to the readings Taddeo; Mariah Levin ’16.5 reading in the lobby. “High School in Suzhou” by Cate NER Out Loud is the result of a Marvin; Jabari Matthew ’17 reading new partnership between the Mahfrom “To Bundle or to Tarry” (1871) aney Center for the Arts, the student
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SALISBURY — Maiden Vermont, central Vermont’s women’s barbershop chorus, is holding its annual Guest Night on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Salisbury elementary school. Women who like to sing, can sing on pitch and can carry their own part are invited to come, make music, and meet and mingle with members of the chorus. The evening begins with light dancing warm-ups. After some vocal warm-ups, the group will rehearse under its energetic director, Lindi Bortney.
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oratory society “Oratory Now,” and the New England Review. Literary arts programs are a growing part of the overall offerings at the Mahaney Center for the Arts, and Middlebury College enjoys a rich tradition of literary prominence, thanks in part to the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English and Writers’ Conference and the New England Review. Vermont is home to more writers per capita than any other state in the country and the Middlebury community boasts many prominent writers, both on- and off-campus. NER Out Loud will take place on Friday, March 4, 2016, at 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Kevin P. Mahaney ’84 Center for the Arts. The reception will take place in the downstairs lobby immediately following the performance. Admission is free and the public is welcome. The Mahaney Center is located at 72 Porter Field Road in Middlebury, just off Route 30 south, on the campus of Middlebury College. Free parking is available. For more information, call (802) 443-MIDD (6433) or go to http://go.middlebury.edu/arts.
Maiden Vermont to hold annual Guest Night Feb. 25
Gift certificates are always available!
Joinmanager Joel Najman as he spins the hits from the 60’s facilities
Applicants for this full-time, year round position should have the ability to maintain and operate Thuall 2/25theatrical 7:30pm $20 systems (lighting, sound, projection), and have experience with set Nashville Singer- Songwriter construction. Other responsibilities include: facilitate load-ins, runs, strikes and turnarounds; provide tech for meetings and receptions; create “A young Lucinda Williams”- NPR internship program in technical theater; maintain building by making repairs or hiring contractors. A janitorialFriservice clean 2/26 and will Sat 2/27 7pm the $20/ $15 students building, but this individual will INSPIRIT Dance make sure that the theater, studio and gallery are ready each day for public use. This historic theater will re-open in July, 2008, so the position will be filled as soon as possible. A multimedia dance piece inspired by boxing’s Limited benefits. Send cover letter superstar, Muhammad Ali and resume to: Douglas Anderson, Executive Director Town Hall Theater PO Box 128 Middlebury VT 05753
AURORA SCHOOL CO-FOUNDER Susan Vigne works with a student outdoors in the sunshine. To mark its 20th anniversary this year, the small, independent school will hold a benefit gala at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury on March 6.
Memorial Sports Center
802-388-1238 info@memorial sportscenter.org www.memorialsportscenter.org
Upcoming Events Friday, February 19 12:30pm Public Skate 2:15pm Puck & Skate
Sunday, February 21 1:45pm Public Skate
Tuesday, February 23 9am Public Skate 10:45am Figure Skate Only 12pm Adult Stick & Puck Hockey Skate Rental: Youth size 8J to Adult 13
All singing ages are welcome; current membership ranges from 20-somethings to grandmothers. Members hail from as far south as Middletown Springs and as far north as Colchester. Maiden Vermont performs music that is barbershop in harmony, but is not limited to “Lida Rose.” From doo-wop to the Beatles to Broadway and beyond — even country — this group will tackle almost anything. Members say they have an enormous amount of fun, and the music they make reflects that and the expert musicianship of their director. For further information, contact Bortney at 388-1012 or visit the website, www.maidenvermont.com.
VUHS Music Dept. to host a cabaret Feb. 25
VERGENNES — The Vergennes Union High School Music Department presents a Black & White Cabaret on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the VUHS middle school gymnasium. Scrumptious desserts and beverages will be served while beautiful music is performed. The musical lineup features student solos, combos, the Commodore Jazz Ensemble and the Commodore Singers There is a $5 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit Music Department scholarships.
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Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016 — PAGE 13A
Leahy announces $15.8M in Vergennes-based contracts VERGENNES — Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced recently that UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS) in Vergennes received $15.8 million in funding for health usage monitors (HUMs) for U.S. Navy helicopters built in Vermont. The HUMs are part of the U.S. military’s ongoing effort to provide more accurate diagnostics of aircraft component conditions, which improves overall readiness while lowering costs. The two contracts are split between the U.S. Navy’s fleet of MH-60 Seahawks and the U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Super Huey and AH-1Z Viper. Leahy announced the contracts while visiting Vergennes Feb. 16 for an update on UTAS’ work there, including on HUMs and the Guidance, Navigation, Control and Targeting (GNC&T) technology under development to turn existing
weapons system like the Navy’s fiveinch gun into smart weapons. Leahy is a leading member of the Defense Department’s budget committee, the Defense Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “These contracts are a continuing testimony to how Vermonters are cutting military costs and improving the condition of our equipment,” Leahy said. “The work that has been done on HUMs in Vergennes has made helicopter maintenance smarter, and the expertise developed here is already being put to work on new technologies that will revolutionize the way our military does business. From the next frontier of HUMs, to the incredible work being done to make ordnance more discriminate, it’s clear that Vergennes is at the forefront of making military operations smarter.”
Vermont Tech to offer two new degree programs Recruiting students in software engineering, entrepreneurship
RANDOLPH — Vermont Technical College is announcing two new degree programs that will start in the fall of 2016. Both programs expand Vermont Tech’s connection to economic development in Vermont. The college’s first-ever master’s degree, the master of science in software engineering, received approval by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges at its fall meeting. Faculty in the college’s business department also designed a new bachelor of science in entrepreneurship program and added it to the college’s curriculum. “We’re excited to be expanding our curriculum and our connection to the Vermont economy,” said Vermont Tech President Dan Smith. “At Vermont Tech, we believe in applied, hands-on higher education that is connected to jobs and enables our students to lead successful careers or start their own enterprise. In addition to our legacy programs in engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and nursing, our new fall 2016 programs offer students widely applicable technical skills that are in demand and richly rewarded.”
In Vermont Tech’s master’s degree in software engineering, not only will graduates have the opportunity to be project leaders in their field, they will also be able to dive into the top level of their careers right from the start. The program was developed in partnership with Vermont Tech’s computer information technology board of advisers, which includes professionals from the state’s top software companies such as MyWebGrocer, Systems and Software, and Green Mountain Software. The two-year master of science curriculum will be offered at the Williston campus. The new bachelor of science in entrepreneurship curriculum is designed to support the interest of the millennial generation. Young people today are increasingly focusing on starting their own enterprises. The evolution of the institution’s business program is a natural progression in a state with a high percentage of small businesses, and in particular for Vermont Tech because of the college population’s entrepreneurial nature. “This college is where Vermont’s legacy of Yankee ingenuity continues to thrive,” said Smith. The four-year bachelor of science program will be offered at the Randolph and Williston campuses. Vermont Tech is now recruiting prospective students for fall enrollment for both new degree programs.
Go Vermont surveys helping local residents save energy ADDISON COUNTY — Monkton, Middlebury and Bristol energy committees have partnered with Go Vermont, the state of Vermont’s resource for people wanting to reduce the cost and environmental impact of driving, to survey their residents about transportation habits, needs and wants. The energy committees and Go Vermont want to gain a better understanding of Addison County’s transportation needs. Topics include finding out where people usually go; what residents think about taking transit, ridesharing (car or vanpooling), biking, walking and electric vehicles; what people need to be less dependent on their cars; and how communities can support each other to reduce singleoccupancy vehicles (SOV, one person, one car) trips. The surveys in each town open this week and close Wednesday, March 16. The Weybridge Energy Committee issued the same survey to its residents last year at this time. The committee has shared survey results with Weybridge residents and is currently designing a community-based neighbor-to-neighbor network to encourage any type of SOV trip reductions. “The average household in Vermont spends between $6,000 and $8,000 per year to keep each car on the road and we have work to do to meet the goals of the state’s Comprehensive Energy Plan,” Ross MacDonald, Go Vermont program manager of VTrans, said. “The Go Vermont program offers free carpool matching and vanpool services, and statewide bus routes, as well as
free Go! Vermont resources to help promote more efficient travel options at work or in people’s towns/neighborhoods. There is a big opportunity, too, at the community level to match the Go Vermont resources with our ‘on the road’ needs and we welcome these types of local partnerships.” Bristol and Middlebury are served by Addison County Transit Services’ shuttle bus routes that connect residents to Burlington, Vergennes and Rutland. Monkton and Weybridge and nearly all the rural towns in Addison County lack bus routes at this time. “We hope these surveys generate some creative thinking and begin to foster neighbor to neighbor mobility solutions,” Nadine Canter Barnicle, Go Vermont’s regional coordinator, said. “We are excited that Monkton, Bristol and Middlebury are willing to get this survey out to their residents to begin discussions that will lead us to deeper conversations around transportation challenges in our rural county.” The questionnaires for each town are available online and on paper. Paper copies are available at each town clerk’s office, town meetings and during voting in each of the three towns. Each town is promoting the online link to its survey via Front Porch Forum, social media and town websites. All nonstudent residents 18 and older in each town are being asked to anonymously share their transportation experiences and opinions. For more information, contact Nadine Canter Barnicle, goaddisoncounty@ gmail.com or at 802-458-5650.
DR. AMANDA YOUNG, director of the Emergency Department at Porter Hospital, stands with Dr. Fred Kniffin in the ED at the Middlebury hospital last week. Dr. Young recently finished a month where she mentored several Middlebury College students who learned first-hand about medicine in a January Term course in the hospital. Kniffin was Young’s J-Term mentor when she was a Middlebury student, and Young holds the journal she kept during that course. Independent photo/John S. McCright
Porter Hospital passes on skills to J-termers By DR. AMANDA YOUNG MIDDLEBURY — I will always be grateful for January. Despite the freezing temperatures, icy sidewalks and early sunsets, I find warmth in its arrival. In my work at Porter Medical Center, it is a time when Middlebury College students taking a J-Term class visit our campus. For four weeks, I get to see through the eyes of my younger self when I was entertaining medicine as a profession and I am always left with a renewed hope for the future of this trade. The students are dispersed to outpatient and hospital-based practices, where they have time to interact with health care providers and patients in a variety of contexts. The program has been successful for decades, and hundreds of students have been witness to the comprehensive and collaborative care that Porter has a history of providing for its community. While Porter is no stranger to the presence of preprofessional students learning the ropes of medicine, the J-Term month with college students brings insightful, thoughtful and reflective energy to the medical center. The students arrive on Porter’s campus with a variety of previous exposures to medicine. Some are already committed to health care as their chosen path, while others have curiosity, but need to know more before committing their college life to organic chemistry. It is a special month for nurses, doctors, therapists, technicians and the entire treatment team. The influx of fresh minds gives us an opportunity to model the “Porter Way” — the ultimate marriage between knowledge and service to community. I am proud to share my hospital with these
students, who inspire self-reflection: I should be. In 1994, during my own J-Term elecI still have my journal from my tive in the Porter Medical Center 1994 J-Term elective month and it Emergency Department, how was I sits on my office shelf next to the textto know where it would lead? books and medical journals that have I grew up as a Cornwall Cougar followed me through my academic and graduated as a life. My mentor at Middlebury Tiger that time was a newfrom MUHS in “I took my turn on to-Porter ER physi1990. Showing the Middlebury cian, and he shared consistency with Volunteer Ambulance with me his passion my obvious love for his profession, Association squad for the big cat as well as his love family, I went on in the days when it for road biking and to be a Panther at was led by “Wedge” long afternoons on Middlebury College Murdoch, and I slept Nordic skis. My after high school. many nights on the journal has short My interest in medi- saggy tweed couch vignettes about the cine was peripheral people I met and at best, and my at the old headquarthe illnesses they studies slanted more ters on Elm Street. had. As I read back toward environ- It was fun, it was through them, the mental causes and terrifying, and it was descriptions are so small animal habitat the beginning of a familiar to my brain preservation. But that it is hard foundation on which now in 1993 I took a to imagine a time class on providing I would build for the in my life when that emergency medi- rest of my life” information was so foreign. It is also cal services in the a gentle reminder wilderness and the of how thankful I am to my current game was over. Medicine won. I took my turn on the Middlebury patients who allow a student in the Volunteer Ambulance Association room during an exam or personal squad in the days when it was led by interview. That is not always an easy “Wedge” Murdoch, and I slept many thing to do, especially given the intinights on the saggy tweed couch at macy of such interactions. However, the old headquarters on Elm Street. learning has to start somewhere. I recommend to the students that It was fun, it was terrifying, and it was the beginning of a foundation on follow me for a day in the ER to wear which I would build for the rest of their running shoes. They are also my life. I look back now and wonder required to put on their game faces how my days would be different had for tough conversations as we delve I stuck with the small mammals, but into topics like cancer, metabolic I don’t wonder long. The pursuit of derangements, and chronic illnesses. the best care I can provide for my And while these topics may be off patients, in collaboration with my putting to the average student, my fellow staff and treatment teams, is goal is to teach them that the indiall the evidence I need. I am where vidual in the room is not defined by
their medical issue. Instead, they are real people with acute needs and they have real fears about what we might find: A broken leg? A kidney infection? Appendicitis? And they also have fear about what we may not find: “We ran tests and I do not know why your stomach hurts today.” I imagine that this is slightly different in the outpatient setting and the conversations with students are orchestrated to different tunes, but the idea is the same. For any student that trails after me for the day, I ask that they approach each patient with an open mind, since rarely can someone travel in another’s shoes. Together we will hustle between rooms to interview patients, inform them of test results, organize dispositions and analyze treatment successes or failures. The student will literally stand (or run) for most of the day as they absorb as much as possible. We will use any down time to discuss the medical topics encountered along the way. It’s a busy day, an exhausting day, and another day when the physicians will have to stay late to finish charting. But, it’s worth it. While I am sure that the reward for these students is far down a line — farther than either of us can see yet — the reward for me is evidenced by the journal sitting on my shelf. I wonder what will become of the students that pass through Porter Medical Center as one of their many college experiences. I am sure some will go on to become healthcare professionals while others will find different life interests. My most sincere hope is that these students will keep a part of their Porter January with them always, wherever their paths may lead.
PAGE 14A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
ANwSU (Continued from Page 1A) supervisory unions. Vergennes Union Elementary School board member Cheryl Brinkman, presenting along with Glassberg, added that Addison Northwest Unified School District — essentially a plan most ANwSU voters have backed twice — is the preference of the district. What the state could impose — even a marriage with a neighboring supervisory union — is uncertain, she said. “Who knows who we would be merging with?” said Brinkman. TAX RATES AND MORE As far as the incentives, Act 46 provides for 10 cents off the otherwise approved local residential school tax rate in the first year after an approved merger, 8 cents in the second year, 6 cents in the third year, 4 cents in the fourth year, and 2 cents in the fifth and final year of that bonus. Glassberg said that does not necessarily mean lower taxes, just a lower rate than would have been the case. “I’m not here to tell you your taxes are going down,” Glassberg said. City Manager Mel Hawley, a member of the ANwSU Act 46 Study Committee that drafted the Articles of Unification on which residents will vote on March 1, said the best way for residents to look at the tax-rate incentive would be as a “discount.” “It’s a discount, and it’s a decreasing discount over five years,” Hawley said. Act 46 also provides for a $150,000 grant to help districts plan the transitions, and allows them to keep Small Schools Grants. Addison Central School currently receives such a grant of about $80,000 a year. Officials also expect up to $70,000 in annual savings from consolidation, citing items such as fewer board insurance policies and audits. Hawley said unification also holds promise for larger future savings. He noted at the council meeting last week that unification would allow consideration of more radical changes, such as making one of the elementary schools kindergarten through third grade only, or sending all sixth-graders to VUHS to create a “true middle school” there. “It’s going to take bold moves to get a handle on per-pupil spending, and those bold moves can only be done under unification,” Hawley said. OTHER ISSUES That flexibility extends to dealing
In Vergennes last week, Glassberg with staff, Glassberg said. Labor costs make up about 80 percent of school also addressed what he called the “hotbudgets, and being able to more eas- button” issue of varying levels of debt. ily move staff from school to school to Ferrisburgh Central School is still paying off a school meet needs, somebond, while VUES thing not possible under the current needs roofing work. system of separate Meanwhile, contracts for each Addison Central school, could help School is debt-free ANwSU officials estimate that control costs as well under unification: and does not need as make best use of • Addison’s school tax rate any immediate reteachers’ abilities as would be 15.2 cents lower in the pair, and some in enrollment contin- 2017-2018 tax year, and savings Addison are relucues to decline. in the following year would be tant to sign on to the “We have to plan 13.3 cents. school sale. for smaller num“That’s a hard pill • Ferrisburgh’s school tax bers,” Glassberg rate would be 14.8 cents lower in to swallow for the said. “We need to be the 2017-2018 tax year, and sav- people in that comin position to use our ings in the following year would munity,” Glassberg talented teachers in a be 12.9 cents. said. more efficient way.” But Glassberg • Panton’s school tax rate Officials also be- would be 5.7 cents lower in the noted that under lieve that one board 2017-2018 tax year, and savings tax-rate projections, can better ensure in the following year would be Addison residents that students in the 3.6 cents. are the biggest largely three ANwSU el• Vergennes’ school tax rate winners, ementary schools would be 4.4 cents lower in the due to the size of have access to simi- 2017-2018 tax year, and savings their school and lar quality programs, in the following year would be the preservation of including foreign 2.3 cents. the Small Schools languages, library • Waltham’s school tax rate Grants. services, physical would be 5.1 cents lower in the “My response is education, nursing 2017-2018 tax year, and savings turn the page, go services, the arts and in the following year would be 3 to per-pupil rates,” pre-K. Glassberg said. cents. Brinkman told the “Vergennes Union In all five communities, the tax city council that stu- rates in the following three years Elementary School dents do not always would be 16.7, 14.9 and 13.0 has the lowest perarrive at Vergennes cents, respectively, lower with pupil rates.” Vergennes AlderUnion High School unification than without, accordman Mark Koenig, on an equal footing. ing to the ANwSU estimates. who is running for “They’re not all the unified district coming with the same skills. They’re not all coming board, also weighed in. “They’re also getting the best bang with the same curriculum,” she said. An article in the Feb. 11 Independent for the buck on the homestead tax looked at property issues in depth. The rate,” Koenig said. Ferrisburgh Central School board Articles of Unification call for towns to convey real and personal property chairman Bill Clark addressed the to the new unified district for $1. The bigger picture of consolidation. new district will assume all debts and “It means that we are collectively operating surpluses, if any. That prop- as a community deciding it is a good erty will be returned to the towns for idea for all of us to pool all of our $1 if it is no longer used for education- educational resources and funds, so al purposes, unless towns choose not that collectively we can do a betto accept the property. In that case, the ter job, and maybe a more equitable unified district would sell it. job, of educating the kids in our comEach school within the unified dis- munity,” Clark said, “and just really trict will remain open for at least four acknowledging we are a community years unless its host town votes to of five towns surrounding the greater close it. After four years, a school can Vergennes area, and that none of us be closed by a majority vote of the uni- is really an island to itself when it fied district board. comes to education.”
Estimated tax per town:
Making moves
THE MIDDLEBURY UNION High School varsity dance team performs during halftime of the Middlebury/ Mount Abraham girls’ basketball game Monday night. The dance team will compete in the state championships at Vergennes Saturday.
Independent photos/Trent Campbell
Lawmakers (Continued from Page 1A) seemed like a pretty reasonable one to do.” But lawmakers at are odds, according to Lanpher, on Shumlin’s proposal to save $5 million by expediting the current legal process through which the state pursues involuntary treatment for mental health patients. “It is not being received well,” Lanpher said of the proposal. “The Legislature wrestled with this issue two years ago… ” The next few months will see legislators in both chambers interview stakeholders and Shumlin administration officials as they sort out fiscal year 2017 budget priorities. Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Bray, DNew Haven, said the size of the budget revenue shortfall should be placed into context. While $68 million is a large sum of money, he said it represents roughly 1 percent of the state’s total $5.5 billion spending plan. “We always have to close that gap, but I just want to remind us all how close we are to meeting (the goal),” he said. “We are already 99 percent on the mark. There is always going to be some gap.” Rep. Fred Baser, D-Bristol, disputed Bray’s contextual representation of the revenue shortfall. He said the $68 million should be reflected as a percentage of the state’s $1.53
billion general fund budget, and not the overall spending plan that includes the education fund, federal aid and other items. “The general fund is the portion of the budget where taxes, primarily, go into,” Baser said. “Solving the problem relates to a 1.5 billion budget, not necessarily the larger number.” Lawmakers on Monday collectively lamented what they agreed is a discouraging trend in state budgeting: Raising program fees. “Fees are not supposed to be profit centers,” Bray said, but rather should be looked upon as money needed to cover the true expenses of the program(s) they are intended to subsidize. Rep. Harvey Smith, R-New Haven, is a veteran member of the House Agriculture Committee. He noted several proposed increases in farmrelated services. “The terminology that was used in our committee by the administration when they came in and presented a fees bill to us was, ‘With the substantial downward pressure on the budget, we have to raise fees in order to cover our costs,’” Smith said. “We actually are using that fees bill as a tax bill. I’m very concerned about that.” Smith noted that passage of last year’s Clean Water Bill required seven new hires with the Vermont
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Agency of Agriculture. Now the agency is seeking fee increases to help bankroll those new positions, some of which were established to further regulate the farming industry, Smith said. Rep. Dave Sharpe, D-Bristol, was a longtime member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and thus spent a lot of time studying the state’s tax laws. He said he shares Smith’s opposition to using fee increases as a form of taxation. “We needlessly fund government with fees, instead of taxes,” said Sharpe, now chairman of the House Education Committee. “But we live in an incredibly anti-tax environment, and there has been a reluctance over the years to pay for government services through general taxes, so the trend in the last administration and this one has been to move toward a fee-based way of funding government, which I disagree with.” Addison resident Paul Boivin warned that increasing fees, combined with high property taxes, could close farms and drive other businesses out of state. He urged lawmakers to refrain from fee hikes to solve short-term budget woes. “Let’s start thinking 15 years down the line, not just covering the budget shortage this year,” Boivin said. Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.
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Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016 — PAGE 15A
Pot wouldn’t cover all the problems it (Continued from Page 1A) Bray said he has heard a lot of tes- creates,” Smith said. “I can’t support timony on the bill as a member of this bill.” Rep. Warren Van Wyck, R-FerSenate Government Operations. In weighing that testimony, Bray said risburgh, said he will not support he has asked himself, “Will this bill legalizing marijuana, citing pot’s reputation as a “gateway drug” as make Vermont a healthier state?” The answer thus far has been “no,” a prime example. He noted Vergennes Police Chief according to Bray. He added the marijua- “I don’t think George Merkel has delivna bill is also unlikely to (legalization) ered a lot of testimony in the Statehouse this year make Vermont safer. would be about how marijuana use “I currently can’t suphas been affecting the port the bill,” Bray con- good for Vermont, teen population. cluded. “He has dealt with so Neither can Rep. Diane and I don’t many users, people who Lanpher, D-Vergennes. think it have had drug overdoses Lanpher worked for many should be and died, and (Merkel) years as a training coordithe Vermont said that in a great manator for the Division of jority of all of the cases, Alcohol and Drug Abuse brand. Let these people have started of the Vermont Depart- Colorado with marijuana,” Van ment of Health, experi- have the Wyck said. “That’s one of ence that has made her Rocky the reasons to be opposed wary of legalization ef- Mountain to it.” forts. Van Wyck added he has Rep. Harvey Smith, R- high at this been urged by representaNew Haven, said he has point.” received a lot of constitu- — Rep. Warren tives of statewide medical Van Wyck associations to keep marient calls on the subject of juana illegal. pot legalization. Vermont lawmakers, in consider“Most of the people who have contacted me are opposed to it, for a ing pot legalization, have been revariety of reasons,” he said. “Health viewing the experience of Colorado, and safety are critical issues that which OK’d possession of small need to be discussed and understood quantities of recreational marijuabefore anything should move for- na back in December of 2013. Van Wyck said research has shown that ward.” Smith also rejected the notion of more Colorado high school students now have access to marijuana, in recreational pot as a “tax panacea.” “I would guess that no matter spite of the fact that the state’s age what we would tax it at, the taxes limit is 21 for possession of recre-
ational pot. “To say that somehow, 21 and over is going to make a difference, it’s just not going to work out,” he said. “I don’t think (legalization) would be good for Vermont, and I don’t think it should be the Vermont brand,” Van Wyck added. “Let Colorado have the Rocky Mountain high at this point.” Rep. Fred Baser, R-Bristol, said the emails he has received thus far have been split 50-50 on the question of pot legalization. But he said he has not found compelling reasons to support the bill. “So far… I don’t see the pluses adding up on how legalization will help Vermont and Vermonters,” he said. Local residents at Monday’s breakfast also weren’t excited about the prospect of legal marijuana. “We don’t need to use marijuana as a way to solve our economic problems,” said Vergennes resident Pat Brooks. “It will only cause more problems for the state of Vermont.” Bristol resident Lynn Dike said her daughters don’t have grandmothers because of smoking and alcohol. She is concerned that marijuana would legitimize an additional harmful habit that could end people’s lives prematurely. “I think if we legalize marijuana to solve an economic problem, then we are totally wrong,” Dike said. Reporter John Flowers is at johnf@addisonindependent.com.
Vt. Community Foundation donated over $16.7 million in 2015 MIDDLEBURY — The Vermont Community Foundation announced that it awarded more than $16.7 million in grants in Vermont and beyond in 2015, one of the highest levels of grantmaking in the foundation’s 30-year history. The great majority of the grants were made by individuals, families, and businesses that work through the community foundation, while more than $1 million of the total was awarded through staff-guided grant programs. Many nonprofit organizations also have some or all of their endowment at the foundation. The grants addressed a broad range of issue areas including the arts, the environment, education, local food, health and human services, economic development, and
“Last year was an exceptional year of giving for our fundholders, and it underscores something that we already know: Vermonters are a generous, caring group.”
— Felipe Rivera
more. “Last year was an exceptional year of giving for our fundholders, and it underscores something that we already know: Vermonters are a generous, caring group,” says Felipe Rivera, interim president
and CEO. “Whether they give to nonprofits, volunteer in their communities, or some combination of the two, it is clear that Vermonters deeply value their connections with one another. The positive trend in giving we saw in 2015 stands as a testament to that love of community.” The high level of grantmaking mirrored a rise in contributions to the charitable funds that are managed by the community foundation. All told, the foundation’s fundholders made $36 million in contributions to both existing funds and a record number of new funds at the foundation. The community foundation currently manages over 700 funds and more than $220 million in charitable assets.
On track
A CROSS-COUNTRY skier attacks a manmade mound of snow at the Rikert Nordic Center in Ripton Monday morning. Independent photo/Trent Campbell
Screening at THT
‘Truth’ pits politics, press against each other MIDDLEBURY — and Blanchett, “Truth” Middlebury New Film- Tense and portrays brilliantly the makers Festival Winter riveting, huge risks involved Screening Series pres- with superb when professional ents the film “Truth,” a performances journalism tangles with true story based on the the highest levels of by its leads book “Truth and Duty: governmental power. The Press, the President, Robert Redford On the morning of and the Privilege of and Cate Sept. 9, 2004, veteran Power” by Mary Mapes. Blanchett, CBS News producer It will be screened Sun- “Truth” portrays Mary Mapes (Cate day, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. brilliantly the Blanchett) believed at Town Hall Theater in she had every reahuge risks Middlebury. son to feel proud of a Starring Robert Red- involved when broadcast journalism ford, Cate Blanchett, professional job well done. By the Dennis Quaid and To- journalism end of the day, Mapes, pher Grace, and directed tangles with the “CBS News,” and by James Vanderbilt, the venerable “CBS highest levels “Truth” boldly delivNews” anchor Dan ers “a newsroom drama of governmental Rather (Robert Reddetailing the 2004 CBS power. ford) would be under ‘60 Minutes’ report inharsh scrutiny. vestigating then-PresiThe evening before, dent George W. Bush’s military ser- “60 Minutes II” had aired an invesvice, and the subsequent firestorm tigative report, produced by Mapes of criticism that cost anchor Dan and reported on-air by Rather, that Rather and producer Mary Mapes purported to reveal new evidence their careers.” proving that President George W. Tense and riveting, with superb Bush had possibly shirked his duty performances by its leads Redford during his service as a Texas Air
National Guard pilot from 1968 to 1974. The piece asserted that George W. Bush had not only exploited family connections and political privilege to avoid the Vietnam War by joining the Texas Air National Guard, but he had failed for many months to fulfill his most basic Guard obligation — showing up on base. But within days after the story broke, George W. Bush’s military service record was no longer the focus of media and public scrutiny. Instead, it was “60 Minutes,” Mapes, and Rather who were under question: The documents supporting their investigation were denounced as forgeries, and the “60 Minutes” staff was accused of shoddy journalism or, perhaps worse, of being duped. Eventually, Mapes would lose her job and reputation. Dan Rather would step down prematurely as “CBS News” anchor. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802-382-9222, at the THT box office, or at the door Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. or one hour before show time.
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PAGE 16A — Addison Independent, Thursday, February 18, 2016
Forum
MIDDLEBURY-BASED CONNOR Homes provided a 3,000-square-foot home that was assembled for a family in Essex, Mass., and will be featured in a 10-part series of the popular PBS television show “This Old House.” Pictured here is an example of Connor Homes’ “Sarah Taylor House” model that was depicted in the series, which will begin airing late next month.
Connor Homes showcases improvement projects (Continued from Page 1A) show’s hosts and work crew renovate involving older homes, producers two different historic homes — saw good potential in a series that one step at a time — using “quality would chart construction of a “new craftsmanship and the latest in home that looked like an old home,” modern technology,” according to the Connor said. It was last year that “This Old “This Old House” website. The show features experts Norm Abram, Tom House” and Connor Homes found the right opportunity to Silva, Richard Trethewey, team up — on a home Roger Cook and host “Obviously, Kevin O’Connor. “This it’s an honor to for clients Bill and Old House” is distributed be selected for April Harb, who have a 10-month-old child. The through WGBH TV the program, (Boston) for public and it’s a great family selected a Connor broadcasting stations opportunity for Homes model known as the “Sarah Taylor throughout the country. us.” The “North Shore — Mike Connor House,” which Connor described as being of a Farmhouse” series is federal farmhouse design. tentatively slated to premier on Thursday, March 24. It includes some architectural details Addison County viewers are of the late 1700s, coupled with encouraged to check their local PBS practical layouts, modern amenities station schedules to confirm dates and and energy0-efficient construction. “Our audience will be drawn in times. Connor said he and representatives by this unique twist,” John Tomlin, of “This Old House” have been senior producer of “This Old chatting informally for several House,” said through a press release. years about collaborating on a “Featuring a new home is a departure show. While the program usually for us at ‘This Old House,’ but it’s
a story that we are very excited to tell. It’s a great opportunity for our viewers to see an historic-style home built from the ground up, using some of today’s most innovative building and engineering techniques.” The TV series will chart the North Shore Farmhouse project from groundbreaking to move-in day for the Harbs. Viewers will also see how components of the home were prebuilt at Connor Homes’ Middlebury headquarters, then assembled at the Essex site in a fraction of the usual time. Connor noted “This Old House” crews visited Middlebury twice to get footage of the construction process. Clearly, “This Old House” will be priority viewing for Connor Homes employees and many of those in the market for a new abode. Connor expects the company phone to jingle a little more frequently during the airing of the 10 episodes. “If you have 2.4 million people looking at your product and you don’t get a spike (in sales), something’s wrong,” Connor said with a chuckle.
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terms; and John Rees and Victoria (Continued from Page 1A) are running. Candidates running in Jette for the two one-year terms. • Ripton: Longtime UD-3 board the only two towns with contested races — Bridport and Ripton — will member Jerry Shedd and fellow be posed some additional questions Ripton residents Perry Hanson and to help them differentiate themselves Bryan Alexander will compete for the town’s single threeand their educational year seat. priorities. • Salisbury: JenniHere is the roster of The ACSU is fer Nuceder has no chalthe candidates for the one of around new Addison Central a dozen super- lengers for Salisbury’s one-year term. unified board and the visory unions • Shoreham: Nick staggered terms for throughout the Causton, Shoreham’s which they are running: UD-3 representative, • Bridport: Current state that is has no challengers for ACSU board Chairman currently purhis town’s two-year Rick Scott and ACSU suing a school term. Charter Committee co- governance • Weybridge: UD-3 Chairwoman Suzanne merger under board member ChristoBuck are vying for BridAct 46. pher Eaton is unopposed port’s one-year term. in his run for Wey• Cornwall: Current UD-3 board Chairman Peter Conlon bridge’s three-year spot on the new is unchallenged for the town’s two- board. Addison Independent senior reyear term on the board. • Middlebury: Josh Quinn, Lor- porter John Flowers will moderate raine Gonzalez Morse and Steve the forum, which will wrap up with Orzech for the three, three-year an informal meet-and-greet with the terms; Ruth Hardy and Jason Du- candidates. Questions will be taken quette-Hoffman for the two two-year from the floor.
The ACSU and Middlebury Community Television are also co-sponsoring the event. The ACSU is one of around a dozen supervisory unions throughout the state that is currently pursuing a school governance merger under Act 46. Addison Northwest (Vergennes union district) will also vote on governance unification on March 1. Meanwhile, in Rutland Northeast, voters in eight Brandon-area towns last month overwhelmingly approved such a proposal. Act 46 is a new law that encourages supervisory unions to consolidate school governance during this period of declining enrollment in Vermont. State lawmakers believe governance consolidation will provide long-term financial stability for public schools by promoting shared teachers and other resources, along with reduced bureaucracy and a greater emphasis on classroom teaching. The Independent next week will offer a comprehensive report on the ACSU’s governance consolidation effort, as a lead-in to Town Meeting Day voting.
By the way (Continued from Page 1A) between the ages of 4 and 9 to try out the sport that day from 1 to 2 p.m. MAHA officials said kids can learn basic hockey skills in a fun, safe environment as part of what will be Hockey Weekend Across America. Those interested may register at www.tryhockeyforfree.com or learn more from MAHA president Booth Hodde at boothhodde@yahoo. com or 206-409-3966. The Cornwall Recreation Committee is looking for input from older teens and young adults about what activities and sports they’d like to see organized in Cornwall. The committee will hold a meeting at the Cornwall Town Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. to give young people a chance to talk about their interests. Snacks and beverages will be served. For more information, call Annie Wilson at 802-462-2152.
Love the Little City? Come to the Vergennes Partnership Social at the Vergennes Opera House next Thursday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Vergennes Partnership Board of Directors invites the community to come hear about its plans for the months ahead and celebrate its accomplishments thus far. The partnership’s mission is to make Vergennes an even better place to live, work, shop, dine and visit. There will be a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. And when that event is over, it will be immediately followed in the city theater by a Downtown-Basin Plan Open House. Residents are invited to hear the comments and information the Vergennes Downtown-Basin Consultant Team has collected. The team has been listening to residents, tourists and the business community and on Thursday will share its latest work,
survey results, and concepts for improving and connecting the city’s downtown and basin areas. Residents will be asked to vote on the ideas they like best as well as see what people have been talking about. That draft plan is online at http://vergennes.org/ draft-report-available/. Chris Fanning of Starksboro is among seven Vermonters who will be receiving an American Red Cross 2016 Everyday Heroes Award at a breakfast ceremony on March 10 in South Burlington. According to the Red Cross, these awards “shine light on selflessness of heart and heroism of character” and are given to recipients in recognition of “the heroic things they do in our community.” Fanning is being honored for “saving another by using lifesaving skills”; on Nov. 4 he rescued a wheelchair-bound 83-year-old Milton woman from her burning home.