Graduation day
More wisdom ...
Gov. Peter Shumlin speaks to electrical and plumbing graduates.
‘...You’re only a tap of the finger away from wasting time.’
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Serving Addison and Chittenden Counties
May 5, 2012
Orwell sisters win VPT writers contest
Coons memorial remembers man, service to By Ann Curran ORWELL – Headlines of the week: “A tailcommunity less possum finds that love is more important MIDDLEBURY – The community remembered Addison County Sheriff James B. Coons at a special memorial service at Meade Chapel April 30. Coons, 59, died April 16, at his home following a brief illness. A private burial for family and friends will take place at a later date. Family members and friends, as well as coworkers, attended the service. Several spoke publically about Coons and his long and distinguished service to law enforcement in Vermont. Born in Middlebury June 11, 1952, Coons was the son of the late Morton A. and Bette (Galgas) Coons. He was a graduate of Middlebury Union High School, class of 1970 and Champlain College, Burlington. He was a lifelong resident of Middlebury. Coons started a successful career with the Middlebury Police Department in 1972 and served with that force for 10 years including assuming the role of Acting Chief prior to being elected Sheriff in 1982. He started serving his tenure in February 1983 as sheriff and was the longest term sheriff currently serving in that role in the State of Vermont. He was a member of and past president of Vermont Sheriffs Association; a member and Past President of the Vermont Police Association of which he was a lifetime member; a member of the National Sheriffs Association and frequently represented law enforcement in the state legislature for the State of Vermont. Coons was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. See COONS, page 13
than looks”, “Toothpaste Man defeats Plaque Monster in a titanic struggle” and “Kids invent a machine that turns book pages into reality”. That’s just a sampling of the creativity of area youth. With crayons, paint, colored paper and unlimited imagination, 12 creative children in kindergarten, first, second and third grade earned top honors in Vermont Public Television’s “2012 PBS Kids Go Writers Contest”. The educational outreach project encourages youngsters to celebrate the power of writing and illustrating original storybooks. Chuck Pizer, VPT’s community engagement director, and content assistant Judy Gordon organized the event, which had 198 entries. Pizer said, “Children are at the heart of VPT’s mission. We help them get ready to learn when they’re pre-school age, and we’re with them as they grow. This contest has been a signature event for us for 17 years. It’s a treat to honor some of our talented local kids.” VPT provides children, parents and educators with 53 hours a week of PBS programming for kids, along with online and mobile resources, and community activities like the contest. The winners and honorable mentions are: KindergartenWinner: “Tiger Goes to the Moon” by Matthew Smith, Barre, Vt. See TWINS, page 13
Orwell sisters: “Una's April Fool's Day” by Joy Eliza Holzhammer and “Little Husky Flies a Plane” by Faith Evelyn Holzhammer were state winners in VPT’s young writers contest. Photo by Lou Varricchio
Wheelchair basketball is tough, competitive sport The Holy Rollers vs. the Thunder, May 4
By Lou Varricchio
newmarketpress@denpubs.com
Bristol’s Holy Rollers wheelchair basketball team will meet the Green Mt. Thunder, May 4, at Bristol’s First Baptist Church. Photo courtesy of Sandra Comply
BRISTOL – When paralyzed combat soldiers, sailors and airmen returned to the home front following World War II, many faced a future confined to wheelchairs. Anxiety and deep frustration confronted many returning paralyzed veterans who had enjoyed active lives before the war. But even confined to wheelchairs, many of the vets didn't let that fact define the rest of their lives. Thus began a series of wheelchair games which included ping pong and bowling appearing in
BRISTOL
MIDDLEBURY
West Street 453-3617
Route 7 South 388-9500
the late 1940s. Wheelchair basketball began with the first documented game of hoops played by the New England Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America versus the California Chapter in December of the year following war's end. The sport soon spread to Canada and overseas. Today, it's no longer a game just for vets; even women have become key players in the often co-ed match ups. Wheelchair basketball has a long history of Vermont, too, and you can join the fun with family and friends on Friday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Abraham Union High School Gym. Local wheelchair bombers, the Holy Rollers of Bristol, will face off against the Green Mountain See BASKETBALL, page 13
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From Staff & News Reports