Jan. 14, 2016 Essex Reporter

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JANUARY 14, 2016

Vol. 36, No. 2

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Local rescue squads see jump in Narcan use In Essex, police do not carry the drug that reverses opioid overdose

By COLIN FLANDERS The Essex Reporter The Burlington Police Department announced last week that its officers would begin carrying Naloxone — deemed the opioid overdose “antidote” — in an effort to combat Vermont’s growing drug problem.

In an overdose, opioids can slow a person’s breathing to the point of death. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication that reverses the effects of a heroin or opioid painkiller overdose by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors, helping to restore normal breathing.

Police in Essex and Colchester do not carry the drug, but each

town’s rescue squads do.

While Narcan previously required an injection, a nasal spray version of the medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2015, making it easier for both citizens and emergency personnel to administer the drug.

The shift has inspired some police agencies throughout the country to start carrying the drug.

The Vermont Intelligence Center, which is part of the Vermont State Police, does not require police agencies to report Narcan usage.

Although it has been around for decades, Narcan has moved to the forefront of national discussion as police and health agencies rush to combat a spike in overdoses.

Fatal drug overdoses killed more than 47,000 Americans in 2014, doubling since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vermont has felt the effects; the Vermont Health Department reported 92 drug-related deaths in 2014.

Fifty-three of these deaths were ruled accidental; heroin played a role in 31 of these cases, while Fentanyl — a painkiller 100 times as powerful as morphine — was present in 17.

In 2010, these two drugs were responsible for two accidental deaths combined.

Unique challenges While Burlington has moved to have its officers start carrying

Narcan, other local police departments are still weighing their options; Essex Police Chief Brad LaRose and Colchester Police Chief Jennifer Morrison said their departments don’t carry it.

They each cited as challenges the drug’s rising costs and relatively short shelf life, as doses of Narcan only last about two years. Each also lamented the drug’s storage difficulties — it must be kept a room temperature, a difficult task in the Vermont winter.

LaRose and Morrison also highlighted the fact that both municipalities have dedicated rescue squads that do carry the drug.

The Essex and Colchester rescue squads purchase Narcan

naloxone, also known by the brand name narcan, is a medication that reverses the effects of a heroin or opioid painkiller overdose.

CoURtESY oF Vt DEPt. oF HEAltH

– See NARCAN on page 2a

New law boosts local enrollment in pre-K, saves parents money

up for grabs

By COLIN FLANDERS The Essex Reporter Vermont families with children attending preschool full time are saving an average of $45 a week compared to last year thanks to Act 166, according to Child Care Resource, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping Chittenden County families find child care.

Child Care Resource collected data from 42 pre-kindergarten programs partnering with Chittenden County school districts to offer full-time programs through Act 166 during the school year.

Passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Peter Shumlin in May 2014, Act 166 provides universal publicly funded prekindergarten education for a minimum of 10 hours per week, 35 weeks annually for all 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children who are not enrolled in kindergarten.

Although Act 166 doesn’t require parents send their children to preschool, it requires districts to offer a statewide tuition rate of $3,000 per child for those enrolled parttime — 10 hours a week, 35 weeks a year — which is paid directly to the prequalified pre-kindergarten provider.

The $3,000 stipend can also be used to offset some of the cost of full-time care beyond 10 hours a week.

The new law is credited with boosting the number of children enrolled in prekindergarten classes locally.

Child Care Resource looked at how Act 166 affected weekly, full-time tuition rates from the 2014-2015 school year to the 20152016 school year. The organization found that these rates increased by an average of $32 per week — from $236 in 2014-15 to $268 in 2015-16.

Despite that increase, families are paying 19 percent less this year — an average price of $191 a week — than they were paying in 2014-15 as a result of the state’s pre-k education funding. Additionally, over half of the programs examined had net tuition rates below $200 per week in the 2015-16 school year.

Essex’s olivia Duncan, left, and Josina munson go for a rebound during monday’s game against BFA-St. Albans in St. Albans. A strong second half surged Essex past BFA 44-38, improving the Hornets to 8-2 on the season.

PHoto | JoSH kAUFmAnn

Shifting guidelines

It’s important to note that Act 166 is focused on tuition, unlike its predecessor, Act 62, which was Vermont’s pre-K funding

program in place during the 2014-15 school year.

The rules under Act 62 were cost-based.

Pre-K programs receiving funding through Act 62 were required to calculate pre-k costs as they related to the funding received from the school districts.

“These costs may not have been included in tuition at all. After costs were covered, the remaining public funds were then applied to tuition discounts for families,” wrote Elizabeth Meyer, executive director of Child Care Resource, in an email.

This method changed under Act 166, as now this pre-K funding — $3,000 per year for each child enrolled — must be applied to the parents’ tuition Meyer explained that this shift resulted in savings despite also forcing an average increase in tuition.

For programs partnered through Act 62, a tuition raise was necessary to cover costs that the public education funding used to cover. And for programs that hadn’t previously partnered through Act 62, a tuition increase was needed to cover the additional cost of complying with the requirements of Act 166.

The $3,000 was then applied directly to these increases, allowing for the savings parents see.

Enrollment increases

While Act 166 went into effect on July 1, 2015, districts had a year before they were forced implement the program. This change was made to allow school districts to figure out how to implement the plan and allocate funds for it in their budgets.

Local school districts, however, decided to implement the plan for the 2015-2016 school year. Essex Junction, Essex Town and Colchester all contracted with local pre-K providers to start the plan this year.

In comparison to 2014-15 under Act 62, Act 166’s impact seems to extend beyond financial gains, appearing to have made an impact on enrollment as well.

The Essex Town School District saw an increase of 68 percent in the number of preschoolers enrolled in partner programs, as of December 2015. Chittenden Central Supervisory Union also reported an increase,

– See NEW LAW on page 2a

Vermont Gas’ southern expansion approval confirmed

By JASON STARR The Essex Reporter

Construction of Vermont Gas’ extension of natural gas service from northwestern Vermont into Addison County can proceed despite cost overruns of roughly 80 percent and relentless environmental opposition, the Vermont Public Service Board ruled last week.

The three-person board is charged with supervising the rates, quality of service and financial management of utilities operating in Vermont. It issued a Certificate of Public Good for the pipeline in 2013. Since then, the company’s cost estimate for the project has increased from $86 million to $153 million. The increase prompted the board to take new testimony to determine whether a reopening of the case is warranted. In its decision Friday, the board, while noting concerns with the increasing cost of the project, reaffirmed its support.

“Although a number of circumstances have changed since our original decision, the most significant of which is the much higher estimated cost of the project, the new evidence does not alter our conclusion that construction of the pipeline promotes the

general good and is in the best interest of the state,” the board wrote.

Vermont Gas completed 11 miles of construction through Chittenden County in 2015, including a connection at Severance Corners in Colchester, pipeline along Route 289 in Essex and an extension under the Winooski River into Williston. The company issued a statement Friday saying that an extension into Addison County is targeted for completion by the end of this year.

“The Addison project will deliver a new clean energy choice to thousands of Vermont families, businesses and institutions,” the South Burlington company — a subsidiary of GazMetro of Quebec — said in a prepared statement Friday. “Today’s decision concludes a thorough regulatory proceeding, and we appreciate the opportunity to keep moving forward … Our team will now be able to turn its full attention to the important planning and preparation necessary for our upcoming construction season.”

The Public Service Board heavily weighted a pledge by Vermont Gas to protect its current rate-payers from the cost increases of the project. The protection is outlined in a “cost recovery cap” the company committed to last year in an

agreement with the Vermont Department of Public Service. The agreement caps any rate increases associated with the project at 12 percent.

A group of opponents to the project include 350Vermont and the Conservation Law Foundation. Both are environmental advocates that urge the state to move away from fossil fuels like natural gas in favor of renewable energy sources and stress the environmental impact of the hydraulic fracturing employed to release the underground gas that will flow through the pipe. Along with other opposition groups, they submitted a petition to the Public Service Board last Wednesday urging the board to rule against the pipeline.

“Moving away from dirty fossil fuels and investing in local clean power is good for the economy, good for our earth and good for Vermonters,” University of Vermont Professor and Gund Institute for Ecological Economics fellow Jon Erickson said in a press release, arguing that investment in fossil fuel infrastructure prevents investments in renewable technologies.

“Energy from wind, solar, biomass, hydro and geothermal systems promote in-state jobs and energy independence. They just make sense.”

The opposition group predicted that

Vermont Gas will eventually abandon the cost recovery cap protection for rate-payers.

“Ratepayers will not be able to enforce the agreement, and we have yet to see (the Department of Public Service) do anything but (Vermont Gas’) bidding since review of this pipeline began four years ago,” opposition groups Toxics Action Center and Just Power said in a joint statement Friday. “Customers are left with continued uncertainty about cost increases that will affect them decades into the future. When (the Department of Public Service) protects the utility rather than the public, the regulatory process as a whole is broken.”

The group’s hinted at an appeal to Vermont Supreme Court.

“With so much at stake for Vermonters’ safety, health and economy, we call on the board to reverse its decision and appoint independent counsel to represent the public immediately,” they said. “Vermonters deserve a fair and thorough review of this large-scale utility project. Under these circumstances, the only way the public good can be served is through effective representation by independent counsel – whether before the board or before the Supreme Court on appeal.”

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The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

Obituary

NARCAN from page 1a

through the University of Vermont Medical Center at around $27 per 2 milligram preloaded syringe — not including the cost of the nasal atomizer required for intra-nasal use, which can run up to $6 a pop.

The price of Narcan has been a topic of discussion lately, most notably in April 2015 when Gov. Peter Shumlin urged Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc. to give the state a break on the drug’s increasing cost. The cost rose from $113 per 10 doses to $183 in just four weeks, Shumlin said.

The challenge seemed to work, as Vermont’s Attorney General Bill Sorrell announced in December that the state had reached a deal with the drug company, which agreed to provide a $6 per dose rebate that would increase to match any rise in the drug’s wholesale price.

Narcan in Essex and Colchester

The Essex and Colchester rescue squads have seen an increasing trend of Narcan usage, although both said there are a few reasons this might be.

Dan Manz, executive director of Essex Rescue, said his department used 11 doses of Narcan in 2013, 17 in 2014, and 20 in 2015.

Manz noted that some people require more than one dosage, so it’s hard to tell how many people were involved in these incidents.

“We may be using the drug a little more as our practices evolve; it’s probably multifactorial,” he said of the increase, highlighting cases where it may be administered as a last-resort attempt to resuscitate a person who may have had a heart attack or other ailment, but is not suspected of overdosing.

“But certainly I think you’ve got to conclude that the rise of opioid abuse is one of the reasons that we’re giving it increasingly,” Manz said.

Colchester Rescue reported a more drastic rise; in 2013, three people were provided Narcan, while four people received the drug in 2014. Last year, however, 12 people received the drug, according to Colchester Rescue Chief Amy Akerlind.

Akerlind agreed with Manz and said the rise could be due to a combination of factors, but she believes the spike has some connection to the recent rise in opioid abuse, especially batches of heroin which have been found to be laced with fentanyl.

The rescue squad is usually not far behind the police in responding to an incident, Akerlind said, while admitting that if the ambulance is heading back from the hospital in Burlington, there may be a slight delay. She couldn’t recall a time when a time when a person may have been treated quicker if the police were able to administer Narcan.

Akerlind noted the importance of arriving quickly to the scene of an overdose.

According to the National Institutes of Health, permanent brain damage occurs after four minutes of oxygen depravity; every second counts.

Manz said he’s spoken with the police on multiple occasions about this issue.

“Neither of us could identify a case where we said ‘Wow, that really might have a made a difference if the police had access to Narcan before EMS had got there,’” Manz said.

Lyman Edward Spinner

Lyman Edward Spinner, 95, passed away on Jan. 7, 2016 at the Vermont Respite House in Williston. He was born on March 28,1920 in Burke, N.Y. to Archie and Rose Spinner.

On Sept. 30, 1943, Lyman married Audrey Wood in Burke, N.Y. He was predeceased

by Audrey in 2001. They were married for 57 years.

Lyman was the eldest of seven children; five have predeceased him. Lyman grew up on his father’s dairy farm in Burke. He worked at Alcoa Aluminum in Massena, N.Y. for four years. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1945 where he served for two years. He proudly served in the Philippines at Clark Air Base during World War II and was the recipient of the WWII Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1947, achieving the rank of Corporal. He had the honor of being the Grand Marshal in the 2008 Essex Junction Memorial Day Parade. Lyman was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6689 and American Legion, Post 91.

After the military, Lyman worked on his father-in-law’s dairy farm for a short time until he started his career with IBM in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. In 1957, he transferred to Essex Junction, and was part of the start up for a new IBM facility. There, he worked as a facilities maintenance technician in gas services. He retired in 1982 after 27 years.

Lyman was a wicked die-hard Red Sox fan. He enjoyed playing cards, vegetable

Essex Junction Senior Center

By PEGGY PEARSON

Anyone 50 years of age or older is welcome at the Essex Junction Senior Center.

Located at the Five Corners between the fire station and the Brownell Library, the Center is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, call 876-5087 or visit essexvtseniors.org. To make a reservation for the Senior Van call 878-6940. To register for any special activity, please contact Lou Ann Pioli, Director, at 876-5087.

NEW LAW from page 1a

with 57 percent in Essex Junction over last year, and a 17 percent increase in Westford, according to the Child Resource Center.

“The increase in our district is a direct result of two factors: the passage of Act 166 and our school districts’ decisions to implement that law earlier than required by statute,” said Erin Maguire, executive director of student support services for Chittenden Central Supervisory Union in a press release. “We are excited to be providing higher quality preschool opportunities to increasing numbers of the children in our community. Our boards have been highly supportive of this endeavor.”

Enrollment trends aren’t as clear in Colchester; the school district didn’t participate in Act 62 during the 2014-15 school year, and therefore has nothing to

compare this year’s enrollment to.

That being said, 65 students are participating in the district’s program at Mallets Bay School, while 170 students are participating in outside pre-k programs.

Child Care Resource hopes these findings will help inform families about their prekindergarten options and provide market information for providers to consider as they set their tuition rates going forward.

Meyer wished to remind families of preschoolers that Child Care Resource is available to all Vermont families who have questions about ACT 166, or simply need help finding a qualified provider.

For more information regarding universal preschool, contact the Child Care Resource’s Williston office at 802-863-3367 or visit www.childcareresource.org.

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gardening, ice fishing, and hunting.

He had a passion for antique cars and enjoyed going to car shows with his good friends Miles Freme and Rich Sutphen.

Survivors include his two children, Gail Hathaway lyman Edward Spinner and her husband Michael, of Milton and Warren Spinner and his wife Marcia, of Essex Junction; his grandchildren, Travis Hathaway and his wife Kim, Bryan Hathaway and his wife Jackie, Kathryn (Spinner) Grieve and her husband Brian, Mindy (Spinner) Normand and her husband Joe, and Paul Spinner; and five great grandchildren. Lyman is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Smith of Calif.; sister-in-law Yvonne Spinner of Burke, N.Y.; sister-in-law Christina Wood of Florida; his brother-inlaw, Hamilton Wood of Chateaugay, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service and celebration of Lyman’s life will be held at the United Church of Milton, 51 Main St., Milton, VT on Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. There will be a reception following the service at the United Church. A committal will take place this spring at East Side Cemetery in Chateaugay, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

G

ot the winter blues? Come to the Perfect Blend Café Friday morning. It’s open at the Center from 9-11 offering homemade baked goods, hot beverages, and lively conversation. The community is invited, and we hope to see you there!

“15-2, 15-4, a pair is six and the right jack is seven.” If you know what that sentence means, join us at a cribbage tournament on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. Cribbage tournaments are open to everyone of any age.

For just $6, spend an afternoon meeting new people while playing 6-8 rounds of cribbage.

Cash prizes go to 1st and 2nd place and high hand. Refreshments are available. Many thanks to Mary Carroll for offering to organize our cribbage tournaments.

For many, the senior center is their lifeline to the community. People use the center to make friends, socialize, stay active, combat loneliness and improve their physical and mental health. Every weekday, the center is there for you.

On Monday and Friday, people enjoy Mah Jongg. Penny Bingo is Tuesday at 12:30.

Bridge and other games are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Seated Yoga is Wednesdays at 10 a.m., followed by a Meal Site luncheon, usually at Maple Street Park. Duplicate bridge starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Jazzercise Lite is on Tuesday and Thursday morning and late Wednesday afternoon. People enjoy cribbage on Thursday and Friday afternoons. The knitting group meets Fridays at 1 p.m. to share ideas and chit chat.

How can you join the senior center? Just fill out a form and pay $12 annual dues.

Forms are available on line at essexvtseniors. org, in the newsletter, or at the Center.

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? Discover how much fun it is to help! If you like to cook, we often need cake, cookies or soup. Do you have a loud voice and a sense of humor? How about calling Bingo?

We’re also looking for volunteer receptionists and people to schedule rides on the senior van, as well as people who like to decorate and people to serve or clean up after meals.

On Jan. 18, we need eight members to work with a small group of teens and chaperones at the center to prepare and enjoy a luncheon for youth and adults working with community service projects on Martin Luther King Day. The Meal Site luncheon at Maple Street Jan. 20 is hosted by the board for $2. The Meal Site Board meets Jan. 26. Jan. 27 is a pot luck and birthday celebration at Maple Street. It’s free if you bring a dish to share, and $4 if not.

To make a reservation on the senior van, call 878-6940 the previous business day between 9 and 11:45 a.m.

The Board of Directors meets Jan. 21 from 9-11 in our conference room.

The Book Club discusses “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. in our library.

Many thanks to January’s bingo callers, Cathy Burke, Donna Harnish, Maddie Lister and Tom McCaffrey.

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The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016 L I S T I N G S

For your wellbeing!

Spirit

DANCE CLASS FOR GIRLS. Fit, Fun, Fierce. HammerFit Gym in Essex presents dance instructor Candice Allembert for a six-week session for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade girls that will focus on endurance, fitness with proper form, gymnastics and dance choreography.

HammerFit Gym, Essex, Tuesdays 4-5 p.m., Jan. 26-March 8 (skip 2/23).

Registration for this class is through Essex Parks & Rec. $60 resident / $65 non-resident. Information: 878-0444.

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Second Tuesdays. 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave., Burlington.

JAZZERCIZE LITE AT THE SENIOR CENTER. For all levels of fitness, Jazzercise Lite combines dance, yoga, Pilates, and strength training for an hour of laughter and health.

Tuesdays from 8 to 9 a.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon with instructor Kit Sayers. Tenvisit punch pass is $30 for center members and $35 for nonmembers. Call or visit the center to register.

THE BUMPY TERRITORY OF ACNE MYTHS Dr. LEWIS FIRST

Three ways to improve indoor air quality all year long mopping after vacuuming can remove any lingering allergens and improve indoor air quality.

-Metro Creative

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CONTROL INDOOR AIR MOISTURE

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3

RESIST SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

s winter wears on, it’s not uncommon for people living in cold weather climates to experience some cabin fever. Winter weather confines many people to their homes, making many antsy to get out once the first signs of spring begin to appear.

In addition to contributing to cabin fever, winter weather can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. While air pollution is something most often associated with densely populated cities, the air inside homes is not immune to pollution, especially during long winters when windows are often closed for months at a time. Though open windows in spring and summer can vastly improve indoor air quality, there are ways to ensure that air stays fresh and healthy regardless of which season it happens to be.

CLEAN THE FLOORS

Dirty floors are one of the chief contributors to poor indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander can accumulate on floors, leading to poor air quality and potentially aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma. When vacuuming, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is a uniquely designed mechanical air filter that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites.

When you finish vacuuming, mop floors to gather any dust or allergens that escaped the vacuum.

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Moist air is great for dust mites and mold, both of which are very bad for humans, so do everything you can to maintain healthy levels of indoor air moisture.

Dehumidifiers can reduce indoor air moisture and control allergens, but it’s important to take additional steps as well. When bathing, try to keep a bathroom window open on a slight crack to prevent mold growth. When preparing meals in the kitchen, make use of your exhaust fan. In addition, don’t overwater houseplants, as they can become breeding grounds for mold.

A home that smells good tends to feel more pleasant, especially during winter months when windows are closed. But synthetic fragrances, such as those found in detergents and air fresheners, may be providing that welcoming scent at a heavy cost to a home’s inhabitants. Such fragrances may be emitting various chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air, affecting indoor air quality and possibly even human health.

When buying laundry products, look for those that are fragrance-free, also choosing home cleaning products that do not include any artificial fragrances.

Indoor air quality tends to suffer in colder months, when windows are closed and doors are open only briefly. But homeowners can take a handful of simple yet effective steps to ensure the air in their homes is healthy all year long.

Recently I’ve come face to face with teenagers eager to ask me what is fact and fiction about acne. Let me see if I can break out with accurate information about some common acne myths.

Acne is the most common skin disease in the US, affecting more than 20 million teens (90 percent) and young adults. What causes it?

A common myth is that chocolate or greasy fried foods, or even stress or dirt on the face causes acne. None of these are true causes. Acne is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin. The oil glands are stimulated by your child’s overactive hormones, which can cause these glands to produce more secretions that can clog a pore and allow bacteria to grow inside the pore. Those bacteria result in what we call the dreaded pimples, otherwise known as acne.

Another myth is that the more you wash your face, the fewer pimples you will have. In fact, aggressive scrubbing or rubbing may inflame your pimples rather than heal them. The best approach is to gently wash your face twice daily with a mild soap and pat dry.

Some teens believe getting a tan helps to cover up acne. In fact, the sun or a tanning booth or bed that provides ultraviolet light can increase the risk of getting dry, cracked, irritated skin, making the acne worse. Some acne medicines actually can make a sunburn worse if worn during sun exposure—so stay out of the sun or use at least a 30 SPF sunscreen.

Of course, there are those who think popping pimples will make them go away faster—another myth! Picking and poking at pimples will only make the lesions last longer and look worse—and may even cause scarring.

One truth about acne is that it doesn’t last forever. It can be cleared up quicker using medications like a benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel available over the counter. Benzoyl peroxide, when used on the entire face and not just the bad pimples, helps to open the plugs that clog up pores and kill bacteria trapped in the plug. An amount the size of a pea should cover the whole face. If your older child or teen’s face becomes too red, they are using too much. It is not true that the more you use, the better it treats acne.

If benzoyl peroxide doesn’t work, then your teen can talk to his or her doctor to get help in selecting the right prescription medication based on the severity of the acne.

Hopefully tips like this will clear up any concerns you have when “zit” comes to breaking down the myths and learning the truth about acne.

Lewis First, M.D., is chief of Pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.

Essex Automotive Services SENSINg SOMETHINg wRONg According to the 2015 CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ report on common check engine-related car repairs, the oxygen sensor remained the most common “check engine light” repair. This is important because a bad oxygen sensor can adversely impact fuel economy by as much as 40 percent. It is the oxygen sensor’s job to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gasses. It then sends a signal to the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust the fuel mixture being delivered to the engine. Symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor include the vehicle running less efficiently, a poor idle, erratic jerking at steady throttle, and hard starting problems. When the checkengine light comes on, it is time to replace the sensor.

Is your check engine light on?

At ESSEX AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES, we are experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of automotive technology and can perform all the necessary repairs and maintenance on your vehicle. If you would like more information or have questions, please come to 141-147 Pearl St, Essex Jct. or call 802.879.1966 today. We feature A.S.E. Technicians. Bring your car in today and let us help you prepare for winter weather conditions.

We are open for Business!

Open 6:59 AM nO AppOintMent needed HINT: A bad oxygen sensor will not only reduce mileage, but it will also likely lead to an increase of pollutants in the exhaust and may even potentially cause catalytic converter damage and engine failure.

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The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

O pinion ‘A gift to the world’

Perspective Legislature can prevent Town Meeting chaos

By Jack Hoffman The Vermont Legislature has an opportunity to show respect to local voters and local school officials by getting two things done before the end of January: Repeal the rigid spending limits that threaten to unnecessarily increase property taxes this year; and set the education tax yields for fiscal 2017 so that voters will know the tax consequences of their school budgets on Town Meeting Day. It’s imperative for the Legislature to act quickly on both of these because school boards — and voters — now are getting contradictory messages.

Act 46, the law passed late last spring, imposes tax penalties to try to force school districts to curb spending increases. In the meantime, the tax commissioner has recommended using a surplus in the Education Fund to cut property taxes this year, making it easier for school boards to increase their spending.

Sen. Ann Cummings, D-Washington, the chair of the Senate Education Committee, had it right when she told Vermont Public Radio earlier this week that the tax penalties imposed by Act 46 should be repealed.

“We have put almost every school in the state into the penalty phase, so property taxes are going up, which was not the idea,” Cummings said. “I think we took a stab at it, it didn’t work, and it’s time to go back to square one.”

Act 46 sets a spending increase limit for each school district in the state. The limits are based on a sliding scale.

The Legislature decided how much education spending should be allowed to increase in fiscal 2017, and then calculated each school’s share of the allowed increase.

Districts that already had relatively high per-pupil spending would be allowed smaller increases than lowerspending districts. But the spending limits ignore the needs or circumstances of individual schools and disregard the role of local voters and what they may want for their children.

Residents of districts that spend beyond the level dictated by the Legislature will be forced to pay a tax penalty.

The spending limits violate a fundamental fairness principle of Vermont’s education funding system: Districts with the same education spending per pupil have the same tax rates. If Town A and Town B both spend $15,000 per pupil, taxpayers in those towns have the same tax rates.

Under Act 46, however, if Town A exceeded its cap by spending $15,000 per pupil but Town B spent $15,000 while staying within its cap, then residents of Town A would pay higher tax rates than Town B even though perpupil spending was the same for both towns.

In addition to being unfair, Act 46, according to the Vermont ACLU, is probably unconstitutional.

Instead of micromanaging school budgets throughout the state, the Legislature could actually help local school boards this year by setting tax rates for fiscal 2017 before the end of January, which is the deadline for printing warnings for Town Meeting.

It’s been 11 years since a bill setting education tax rates was approved by both the House and Senate in time for Town Meeting. That has meant that voters could not be certain of their tax impacts when they approved their school budgets. In recent years, the estimated tax rates provided at Town Meeting were higher or lower than the final rates approved by the Legislature.

There is no reason the Legislature can’t get this work done in January.

Repeal of the tax penalties also can be accomplished in January. In addition to several legislators, Gov. Peter Shumlin has called for repeal. In the meantime, school boards are adopting budgets that they believe meet the needs of their students and are crossing their fingers that the Legislature will somehow rollback the onerous penalties.

Setting fiscal 2017 tax rates and repealing the tax penalties are two simple steps that the Legislature can take in January to avoid the chaos that is otherwise likely to occur come March.

Jack Hoffman is senior policy analyst at the Montpelierbased Public Assets Institute, online at publicassets.org.

Essex Rotary Club speech contestants, from left, Anthony Hastings, Rylee Wrenner, Jake Hertle and Holly Dahlgren stand with Rotarian Amy Jackman after presenting speeches on the subject of: “being a gift to the world.” Wrenner won the judged competition, receiving $100 and the potential to compete at the district level and a $1,000 award.

Photo | Pat Spielman

Trumpeting Bernie... politely A protester at last week’s campaign stop by Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump in Burlington expresses his disdain for Trump and support for Democratic hopeful and former Burlington Mayor Bernie Sanders.

Photo | Michael Snook

From the Statehouse We are back in session!

It is an exciting time. As Debbie we begin this session, we are faced with many Evans challenges. Each committee is tasked with looking at the various agencies in their purview and their associated programs and ask the questions: Why do we do them? And how well are we doing them? This is an opportunity to understand whether activities and programs retain their relevance. Where continued relevance is deemed, prioritization is necessary. With this information, we will have a better idea of what to invest in as to make the most of Vermonters’ precious tax dollars.

I know that I, and members of my committee, Government Operations, have hit the ground running. This is the second year of the biennium, so as usual, we pick up where we left off last year.

We begin each year by inviting various agencies and departments to describe their programs. This year we will ask: What do they do? How well do they do it? And why do they do it We have quite a number of bills assigned to us, and they are quite diverse in nature. We spent the first few days of this week establishing our priorities.

The bills run the gamut of issues related to public safety, liquor control, establishing a council of governance (allowing neighboring towns to come together to form governance policies), Office of Professional Regulation licensing, revisions in vital records, creating a child protection advocate with relation to the Department of Children and Families, creating notary legislation and establishing an ethics commission, to name a few.

After hearing testimony last week from the Secretary of

Reporter The

General Manager Suzanne Lynn

Editor/Co-Publisher Maria Archangelo news@essexreporter.com Office Manager Michael McCaffrey michael@essexreporter.com

Essex

News Editor Jason Starr jason@essexreporter.com

Advertising Manager Wendy Ewing ewing@essexreporter.com

Sports Editor Colin Flanders sports@essexreporter.com

Advertising Sales Michael Snook snook@essexreporter.com

Publisher Lynn Publications Inc.

Published Thursdays Advertising Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

Subscription Rates: $75 full year $38 half-year

Mailing Address: 42 Severance Green Unit #108 Colchester, VT 05446 Phone: 802-878-5282 Fax: 802-651-9635

The Essex Reporter is family owned and operated; it is published by Angelo Lynn and Emerson Lynn of Lynn Publications, Inc. and is a member of the Champlain Valley Newspaper Group.

The Essex Reporter makes every effort to be accurate. If you notice an error, please contact us at 878-5282, or by e-mail at news@essexreporter.com.

Note “correction” in the subject line.

State, we learned that Vermont is one of three states in the United States without an ethics commission.

A focus of this independent commission should include receiving complaints, investigating and enforcing the following conflicts of interest, financial disclosures, campaign finance and potentially deal with open meeting and access and public records laws.

Vermont’s Constitution (Chapter 1, Article 6) states that the power is “derived from the people, therefore, all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and servants; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them.”

The public’s access to open and transparent government is key to our democracy. According to the office of the Secretary of State, the time has come for Vermont to enact a clear law regarding the establishment of this independent commission.

According to testimony, the Secretary of State’s office receives numerous calls regarding allegations of ethical issues. The complaints cross all party lines.

My committee will provide input as to the purview of this commission. More on this as we continue our work.

The Secretary of State’s office has announced the roll out of a new elections management platform. It includes a new statewide voter checklist and other resources and tools to be used by town and city clerks to conduct all of their election related business, from registering voters, to processing absentee ballot requests, to entering election results. A new online voter registration tool allows all eligible Vermonters to submit their voter registration application online anytime and anywhere they can access the internet. A new “my voter page” tool allows every registered voter to login and have access to a unique, voterspecific web page where they can request an absentee ballot, track its status, update their voter registration record, find their polling place, view a sample ballot, and much more.

Secretary of State Jim Condos said: “I am very excited to announce the roll out of Vermont’s first online voter registration system. One of my primary goals as Vermont’s chief election officer is to increase voter participation. I am confident that our new online voter registration system and the ‘my voter page’ tool will increase engagement with the electoral process across the state and make it easier than ever for all eligible Vermonters to participate in our elections.”

The online voter registration page can be found at http://olvr.sec.state.vt.us and the my voter page login can be found at http://mvp.sec.state.vt.us.

It is my pleasure to begin my 12th year representing you in the Legislature. I thank you for your trust in me.

I look forward to hearing from you with questions and/or concerns. I can be reached at devans@leg.state.vt.us or call me at 878-4317.

My best to all of you for a happy and healthy New Year!

Debbie Evans represents Essex Town in the Vermont House of Representatives.

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The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

Upcoming Events CREATIVITY AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS. On Jan. 16, join instructor Barbara Pafume for a day of information, activities and fun designed to discover and enhance your creative thinking skills.

No artistic ability required as this class is open to everyone. Just bring an open, eager and inquiring mind. At the end of the day, you will leave with a folder full of useful information to assist you in achieving whatever goals you decide to set for yourself. Pafume will be talking about creativity as the cornerstone to wellness as well as the foundation of intelligence; how environment can enhance or inhibit creative thought; ways in which we deal with conflict as opportunity in the creative process and some simple things we can do in our everyday lives to encourage and inspire creative thought in ourselves and others. Artists’ Mediums, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $75. Information: http://vtmakeart.com/2015/11/24/creativityand-the-creative-process-class/

Vermont Vaudeville soon to hit Essex

DRAWING PERSPECTIVE. On Jan. 22, Instructor Robert Brunelle will show students how to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface using one- and two-point perspective techniques. A “perspective drawing” is the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. Please sign up by Jan. 15. Materials list available online. Artists’ Mediums, Williston, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $50.

Information or to register: 879-1236.

By COLIN FLANDERS The Essex Reporter

T

he Essex High School stage will be transformed on Jan. 16 as it hosts Vermont Vaudeville, a live entertainment company featuring professional comedians, dancers, circus performers and actors.

The performance is sponsored by the Essex Junction Recreation and Parks department.

While Vermont Vaudeville’s core group — made up of seven native Vermonters — make their living on stages all across the world, they have joined to create a variety show for their home state.

“It’s fun for all ages,” said Brent McCoy, one of Vermont Vaudeville’s founders. “(The audience) can be guaranteed to laugh a lot,” said Brent’s wife, Maya McCoy, who is also a company founder.

“And see things they’ve never seen before,” Brent McCoy said.

Beyond that, the two struggled to summarize what to expect at their Essex show, eventually agreeing that Vaudeville’s performances transcend that which can be defined.

“We really try to make every show different. It’s not just a collection of juggling tricks, or circus acts, or comedy. It’s a well-curated combination of all things,” Brent McCoy said.

Since its establishment in 2009, the company has produced original shows every six months, along with touring Vermont in 2014, selling out venues such as the Flynn Center along the way.

Adding to the show’s fluidity, each newly curated performance features a guest; Vaudeville’s winter guest is Thom Wall, a Brattleboro-based awardwinning juggler who has performed with Cirque du Soleil as well as the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall.

While the Jan. 16 performance will be Vaudeville’s first in Essex, the company is no stranger to the Vermont stage, building a reputation at the Hardwick Townhouse, which the McCoys called Vaudeville’s “home venue.”

In the beginning, the show drew under 200 people to its Hardwick performances, Brent McCoy said.

“Our last production had 1,200 people,” he said.

Hardwick’s population hovers around 3,000 according the 2010 census.

“We draw from people all over the region; once they come once, they return,” Brent McCoy said.

One of those Hardwick attendees was Brian Roy, the assistant director Essex Junction Recreation and Parks.

“It felt like I was part of the show,” Roy said. He added that to be able to bring this type of entertainment to Essex is “amazing.”

“Sharing that experience is something television or the Internet can’t touch,” Brent McCoy said. “We feel that people still want that as an option — even though we’ve lost that a little bit. I think anyone that comes to this show will be really glad they did.”

For more information on Vermont Vaudeville, including how to purchase tickets, visit VermontVaudeville.com.

Current Exhibits NAJAWA: A STORY OF PALESTINE. A 45-foot “street comic” tells the story of a Palestinian woman’s life, created by local artist Michelle Sayles in collaboration with artist and educator Jen Berger and Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel. On display through March 1. Fletcher Free Library Mezzanine Balcony, Burlington.

Gallery open during normal library hours. Information: http://www. fletcherfree.org/programming.html BLUE RIBBONS AND BURLESQUE: THE COUNTRY-FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY OF CHARLES FISH. The black and white photographs of Charles Fish capture nature and nurture, theatrical illusion, the pursuit of excellence, and even the guilty pleasures of fair food. This remarkable exhibit will be included with the admission fee to the museum until July 2016. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: http:// vermonthistory.org/visit/vermont-history-museum For more listings visit: www.essexreporter.com/arts-and-entertainment

Garnet Vermont Vaudeville, the live entertainment company coming to Essex High School on Jan. 16, bids a crowd farewell after a may 2015 show.

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The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

Essex Area Religious Directory

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH- (Fundamentalindependent.) 61 Main St., Essex Junction, 878-8341.

Pastor James Gangwer. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday evening worship 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday evening youth groups; Awana, Pro-Teens and Prayer meeting 7 p.m.

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH- Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. Wes Pastor, Senior Minister, 8787107, Proclaiming Christ and Him crucified Sundays at 9:30 a.m. www.cmcvermont.org.

DAYBREAK COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester VT. 05446 802-338-9118 www.daybreakvermont.org or brentdaybreak@gmail. com Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. Lead Pastor, Brent Devenney.

ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road in Essex Junction. Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Phone: 878-8213. www.essexalliance.org.

ESSEX CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions, and put down spiritual roots. Adult Bible Study at 8:30 a.m. Service at 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided.

We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. 119 Center Rd (Route 15) Essex Center. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. 878-8304.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION, UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. 1 Church Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Telephone (802) 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org ; Email: welcome@fccej.org Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes.

Associate Pastor, Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School meets weekly at 10:15 a.m. Jr. High Youth Group, Sundays 11:30 -1 p.m.

Sr. High Youth Group, Sundays 5 - 7 p.m. 5th/6th Grade Youth Group, 1st Sunday of the month 11:30 - 1 p.m.

Heavenly Food Pantry – fourth Thursday of the month, 2 6 p.m., except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday.

Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Music includes Senior Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Junction. 878-8071. 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / VT. Route 117. Worship Sundays at 9:30 a.m. with concurrent Church School Pre-K to High School. Handicapped-accessible facility.

Adult Study Group Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Adult Choir / Praise Band / Women’s Fellowship / Missionally active.

Korean U.M.C. Worship Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Come explore what God might be offering you!

HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAWRENCE PARISH - Essex Junction, - Mass Schedule, Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm - St. Lawrence, Sunday Morning: 8:00am - St. Lawrence, 11:00am - Holy Family, 7:30pm - Holy Family. For more information visit our web page http://www.hfslvt.org.

LIVING HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - 1037 South Brownell Road, Williston ,VT 05495. A Living Hope.... a Loving God. 862-2108 | Livinghope@aol.com | www. livinghopevt.org 9:00 a.m. Children and Adult Sunday School.

10:00 a.m. Worship and Service.

MT. MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - Visit www.mmuuf.org. Services are held at 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho (the red barn across from Packard Road).

899-2558.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place (off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F) 802-878-4014 www. stjamesvt.org The Rev. Ken Hitch v office@stjamesvt. org 8:15am Holy Eucharist Rite II (no music) 10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) 9:20am Adult Ed: Bible Study 10:15 am Godly Play.

ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex, 878-5997 - Administrator: Rev. Charles Ranges. Masses: Saturday 4:30 pm and Sunday 9:30 am. Confessions: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:00 pm or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.

ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH - 6 Green St., Underhill Center. Father Charles R. Danielson, Parish Priest. Weekend Masses: Saturday-4:30 p.m., Sunday-8:30. Daily Masses: Check with www.stthomasvt. com or call 899-4632.

C ALEnDAR 14 Thursday Book Talk. Phoenix Bookstore invites you to

JAN. 15-17

join author Jeffrey Amestoy for a talk on his new book, “Slavish Shore: The Odyssey of Richard Henry Dana Jr.” “Slavish Shore” reintroduces readers to one of America’s most zealous defenders of freedom and human dignity. Jeffrey L. Amestoy has served as Chief Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court and is a Fellow at the Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School. Admission including a coupon towards the purchase of the featured book. Coupons expire at closing the evening of the event. Seating is limited. Phoenix Bookstore, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $3. Information: www. phoenixbooks.biz or 448-3350.

THE 24TH ANNUAL YANKEE SPORTSMAN’S CLASSIC SHOW.

This annual show brings together 15,000 sportsmen, women and their families from all over to celebrate Vermont’s hunting and fishing heritage. 200 exhibitors and 50 seminars, there is something for everyone. Runs through Jan.17. Robert E. Miller Expo Center, Essex Junction, 12-7 p.m. $11 adults, $5 children. Information: www.yankeeclassic.net

Mandarin Chinese Class. The Agape Com-

munity Church invites language enthusiasts to practice the Chinese dialect spoken throughout northern and southwestern China. Agape Community Church, South Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Information: http://www.burlingtonagape.org/

15

casual hangout. Barnes and Noble Bookstore, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Information: 860-7812.

Friday

Concert. The Westford Music Series presents

All Shook Up Variety Show. The fifth annual

All Shook Up Variety Show, a familyfriendly evening of entertainment while raising scholarships to send children with special needs to Partners In Adventure Camp, a non-profit organization that provides camps and year-round programs designed to enrich the lives of children and young adults with special needs. This year’s show will feature folk, rock and comedy including: The best of folk with Pete Sutherland and Pete’s Posse; Reggae, folk, rock with Linda Bassick; American folk tradition duo Cricket Blue; and Colin Ryan, comedian, storyteller and winner of the Moth Slam in July at the Flynn. There will be free refreshments during intermission.

FlynnSpace, Burlington, 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person / $10 with a student ID. Information: www.flynntix.org

16

Saturday

Celtic Winter Gathering. More than 70 Irish

and Scottish dancers will compete for medals and cash prizes at the 6th annual Dance Competition/Celtic Winter Gathering at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne. Food and beverage, some traditional, can be purchased. The competition runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., join us for A Druid Ceremony for Peace, an evening of exploring our Celtic spiritual roots with Fearn Lickfield and friends from the Green Mountain School of Druidry in Worcester. All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne. Dance competition: $5; Evening Druid Ceremony, $10. http://www. celticheather.com/celtic_gathering.shtml or www.greenmountaindruidorder.org.

17

Sunday

Sunday Coffee Mix and Mingle. Members

of the LGBTQA community gather to bond over books, coffee, art and more at this

The Front Porch Foursome in concert. The start of the New Year for the Westford Music Series will bring the captivating group to the UCW White Church. The talented quartet is represented by Kathy Mulligan, Charlotte Reed, Britni Bigelow, and Nancy Geise who deliver tight harmony with beautiful vocals and a variety of instrumentation. The concert has free admission followed by refreshments and opportunity to meet the performers. UCW White Church, Westford, 4-5 p.m. Information, contact Marge: 879-4028

Chandler Film Society presents “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Join the

Chandler Film Society for a big screen showing of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the gut-splitting farce by the comedic geniuses who dreamed up Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Beverages and popcorn served before and commentary about the film by Rick Winston will follow the screening. Chandler’s Esther Mesh Room, Randolph, 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 at the door, $5 for Members and students (K-12 and VTC). Information: http://www. chandler-arts.org/performances.php

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Movies at Main Street Landing: “Barton Fink.” The Movies at Main Street Land-

ing series presents the Joel Coen-directed, 1991 comedy drama, “Barton Fink,” starring John Turturro, John Goodman and Judy Davis. Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations benefit a local charity. Contact: 540-3018 or www.mainstreetlanding.com/movies.

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ing, communications, social media and related areas brainstorm ideas for a non-profit organization each month. New members welcome. Ireland Building Room 217, Champlain College, Burlington, 7:45 to 9 a.m. Coordinator Jay McKee: 864-4067.

Newcomers’ Club: Birds of a Feather.

Newcomers’ Club welcomes people new to the Burlington area. Meetings take place the third Wednesday of the month and offer programs from museum visits to home concerts to book sharing. This is a good way to meet new friends and to get acquainted with the community.

The club will be visiting the Shelburne Museum to view Birds Of A Feather, an exhibition of rare decoys. Meet at the museum store. Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, 1 p.m. $17. Contact Dana: 864-0766.

Shape and share life stories. Prompts trig-

Auditions. Shelburne Players will be hold-

ing auditions for its spring comedy “The Foreigner” at Shelburne Town Center.

Roles include five males and two females, variety of ages. Copy of script will be available for perusal at Shelburne Pierson Library. Performance dates are April 1523. Auditions continue Tuesday, Jan. 19 with call backs Jan. 21. Shelburne Town Center, Shelburne, 6-9 p.m. Information: www.shelburneplayers.com or djccarpentry@comcast.net.

Wednesday

Kelley Marketing Group Breakfast Meeting. Professionals in marketing, advertis-

Monday

ger real-life experience stories, which are crafted into engaging narrative and shared with the group. Free and open to all adults. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free.

Contact: 878-4918.

Tuesday

Documentary Movie: “Waiting for Superman.” Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim fol-

Trivia Night. Trivia buffs gather for a meeting

lows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth, Guggenheim undertakes an exhaustive review of public education, surveying “drop-out factories” and “academic sinkholes,” methodically dissecting the system and its seemingly intractable problems. Rated PG. Snacks provided. (111 minutes). Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6 p.m. Free.

Information: 878-4918 or www.williston. lib.vt.us.

of the minds. Hotel Vermont lobby, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free. Contact: 651-5012.

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PlEASINg ThE PhARISEES Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. John 12:42-43 “Even of the rulers” – the elite Sanhedrin who made up the Supreme Court of the Jews, even from this number there were many who believed in Jesus. Speculation about whether they actually believed only reflects on the skeptic’s faith, not the rulers’. For God says they believed and for believers, that’s enough. But “they did not confess it,” and herein lies their great sin. It was not so much what they did as what they failed to do. Their faith indicates knowledge. They knew, yet still would not confess and follow Christ. Why? What power, what influence could be so compelling as to cause these believers to turn their backs on Jesus and salvation? We are not left to wonder.

It was “because of the Pharisees.” The One who knows all hearts shows their weakness as loving the glory of men more than the glory of God. To them, getting along with men (gaining their favor and avoiding their disfavor) had priority over pleasing God. These were not men who allowed such things as truth and right to interfere with their religion! While these Pharisees no longer exist as a religious sect, they are still very much in evidence as they represent those whom men strive to please more than God. “Because of the Pharisees” many of all ages have proved themselves to be as these rulers — found wanting at a crucial time; succumbing to pressures and circumstances.

“Because of the Pharisees” Pilate delivered up Christ to be crucified, “wishing to satisfy the multitude” (Mark. 15:15). It was for the same reason that Peter followed Christ “at a distance” and later denied Him saying “I do not know this man....” (Mark 14:54, 66-72). Years later he showed the same weakness in Antioch by withdrawing from the Gentiles, “fearing the party of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:12).

Fear and favor of the “Pharisees” continues to flavor the religion of many. It promotes watered down preaching and encourages the “fear of offending” phobia otherwise known as politically correct preaching. As the rulers, many religious people have learned the way of truth, but “because of the Pharisees” will not embrace it. “Because of the Pharisees” they prefer to stay with “the synagogue” – their Church, rather than to be excluded from it for taking their stand on the word of God – a “thus says the Lord.”

Listen! No “Pharisee” should be allowed to determine where you shall spend eternity! Do not let the approval of men stand in your way to be approved by God “‘COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,’ says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) -- Dan Shipley, adapted and revised by Kieran Murphy The Christians meeting at 59 Middle Rd. in Milton, VT assemble Sundays at 9am for congregational worship and Bible study and on Wednesdays at 7pm for Bible study. Several also meet at 4 pm on Sundays for an informal but lively Bible study. For further info call (802) 893-4825 and/or visit our web site at www.miltonchurchofchrist.com

MLK Community Day returns to ECHO ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, invites the community to join the annual celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m.

ECHO admission and all related programming will be free of charge thanks to longtime event partner, the City of Burlington.

Those needing transportation can catch a shuttle bus from the Old North End, running on a 1520 minute loop from 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m. Stops include the Integrated Arts Academy and Sustainability Academy.

Schedule: 10:30 a.m. - Race to Vermont, a short film by Champlain College student Anna Steely Noon - Musical Celebration with Diversity Rocks and students from the Integrated Arts Academy 1:30 p.m. - Children in the Civil Rights Movement presented by the Peace & Justice Center 3 p.m. - Annual MLK Day Speak Out and Panel presented

by Patrick Brown and guests

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The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

C ALEnDAR 21

Thursday

M.A.G.I.C.: Masculinity and Gender Identity Conversation. Participants of any and all gender identities gather for a casual discussion on a wide variety of topics ranging from inequality to language, media and food. Wellness Co-op, Burlington, 2-3 p.m.

Free. Information: 370-5369.

Ongoing Essex Art League Meetings. Meetings hap-

pen on the first Thursday of the month.

The meeting agenda includes a business and social time, and features a guest artist presentation. Essex Junction Congregational Church, Essex Junction, 9-11 a.m.

Information: www.essexartleague.com.

Craft Connection. Come to the Essex Alliance

Church community as women gather for a time of crafts and fellowship. Twice a month, Wednesday evenings. Essex Alliance Church, Essex. Contact Deb: 2382291.

Essex Eats Out Community Meals. Essex Eats Out seeks to build community connections by providing healthy, free meals in a warm, safe and inclusive atmosphere. Meals will be served: first Friday at First Congregational Church; second Friday at Holy Family/St. Lawrence Parish Center; third Friday at St. James Church; fourth Friday at Essex United Methodist Church; and fifth Friday when applicable at St. Pius X Church. 5:30-7 p.m. each week. Transportation is available. Call Dawn Thursday by 9 a.m. to schedule Friday transit: 878-7622.

Information: essexeatsout@gmail.com or www.essexeatsout.org.

Champlain Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group. Mary L. Guyette RN, MS, ACNS-BC will answer questions about prostate cancer surgical procedures. Plus, general discussion and sharing among survivors and those beginning or rejoining the battle. Second Tuesday of each month. Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Contact: 274-4990.

Interstitial Cystitis Support Group. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is recurring pelvic pain,

Creative Tuesdays. Artists exercise their imaginations with recycled crafts. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-5 p.m. Contact: 865-7216.

Burlington Writers Workshop. A free writing workshop for all Vermonters.

Meets every Wednesday in downtown Burlington. Free and open to the public.

Participants must register at meetup.com.

More info: www.burlingtonwritersworkshop.com.

To view more ongoing events go to: www.EssexReporter.com/calendar

Medicare 101 Information Session. “What happens before I turn 65?” Find the answers to your Medicare questions and learn more about your options with Marge Wilmot of Affiliated Associates.

Essex Free Library, Essex, 6-7 p.m.

Mayhem of the Month Dine and Discuss Series: The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny. Discussion leader, Ed Cashman. The cozy, seemingly idyllic town of Three Pines is thrown into chaos when an impromptu Easter séance turns deadly. In this complex, accomplished mystery, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache must confront a myriad of baffling questions surrounding the case. Copies available at the Adult Circ. desk. Potluck fare: Let the book inspire you. Library provides tableware, decaf and water. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-9 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15

THURSDAY, JAN. 21

THURSDAY, JAN. 14 Lego Fun. Participate in fun and friendly building with LEGOs. For kids entering K and up. (Kids under 5 are welcome to participate with parental supervision). Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m.

TAB. Warm-up with hot chocolate and some active theater games led by TAB member, Sydney.

Then put your skills into a role-playing event.

For Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m.

Adult Evening Book Discussion. Join us as we discuss “The Faith Club” by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner. Copies of the book are available at the main desk. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Family Movie: “Inside Out.” Emotions run wild in the mind of a little girl who is uprooted from her peaceful life in the Midwest and forced to move to San Francisco. (Rated PG, 102 minutes, Walt Disney Pictures c2015) Free popcorn and drink.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

ONGOING

SATURDAY, JAN. 16 Ethiopian Storytime. The Berhanu family and Bridget Stone-Allard lead this story time with books and stories about life in Ethiopia. The story time group will also be introduced to the Amharic alphabet and a few simple Amharic phrases. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 10:30 a.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 18 Library Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day MLK Teen Volunteer Projects. Brownell Library, Essex Teen Center and Essex Senior Center join in a collaborative event for Martin Luther King Day. Teen volunteer opportunities available at the above organizations plus Essex Fire Department.

Middle and High school students sign up at CHIPS or Brownell Library. Event begins at 10 a.m. at CHIPs, volunteer sessions 10:15-11:30 a.m. and lunch at Senior Center 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Various locations.

Friends of Brownell Library Meeting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 19 Teen Advisory Board Meeting. Attention teens in Grades 9-12. Have a voice in your community and share ideas for library programs, book selections, and more. Pizza will be served. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

Library Trustees Meeting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 Baby Storytime. Join us for lap books and finger rhymes, and meet other adults who might be just as sleep deprived! For pre-walkers and their grown-ups. Essex Free Library, Essex Center, 10:30 a.m.

Events at your

Read to Daisy and Archie, Therapy Dogs. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Daisy and Archie love to listen to kids read. They are certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is Maddie Nash, retired school counselor. For all ages. Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, Chair of Brownell Library Trustees. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m.

Story Time for Babies and Toddlers. Tuesdays.

Picture books, songs, rhymes and puppets for babies and toddlers with an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m.

Story Time for 3-5 Year Olds. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets, flannel stories, and early math activities for preschoolers. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m.

Tech Help with Clif. Offering one on one technology help. Bring in your new electronic devices and Clif will sit with you to help you learn more about them. Please call to make an appointment.

Brownell Library, Mondays and Wednesdays, 12-1 p.m.

Tell Michael! calendar@essexreporter.com

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Drop-in Story Time. Mondays. Reading, rhyming and crafts each week. All ages welcome. No registration required. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m.

Lego Club. Mondays. We have thousands of Legos for you to build awesome creations. Essex Free Library, 3:30-5 p.m.

Drop-in Knitting Group. Connect with other knitters and tackle new knitting projects. Both beginner and advanced knitters are welcome.

Essex Free Library, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Creative Writing Club. First Wednesday of each month, for ages 9 and older. Let your imagination soar as you write your own stories and poems using prompts, games and other writing exercises.

Essex Free Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Musical Story Time. Fridays. Rock out and read with books, songs and instruments. All ages. Essex Free Library, 10:30 a.m.

Drop-in Story Time for Kids of All Ages. Twice a month on Fridays. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are welcome to come listen to picture book stories and have fun with finger plays and action rhymes. No registration required. Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m.

Local Libraries BROWNELL 6 Lincoln Street LIBRARY Essex Junction 878-6956

Special event coming up?

pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and urinary frequency/urgency. This is often misdiagnosed and mistreated as a chronic bladder infection. If you have been diagnosed or have these symptoms, you are not alone.

We are building a Vermont-based support group and welcome you to email bladderpainvt@gmail.com or call (802) 899-4151 for more information.

ESSEX FREE 2 Jericho Road LIBRARY Essex 879-0313 essexfreelibrary@essex.org.

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Pet of the Week Lexi - Pronature Pal! 7 year old Spayed Female

Reason Here: My owner was moving to a place I couldn’t go Summary:

Lovely Lexi is an established lady looking for love! This lovey-dovey gal is a lover of all things lavish: treats, walks, toys, and having her belly rubbed! Lexi has a habit of collecting stuffed animals and carrying them around with her, so her new home should have plenty of room for all her stuffies! Do you have an endless supply of all of the above? A truly sweet dog, Lexi is a charming canine that enjoys sunshine and love from her people. Looking for a companion? Lexi could be the one for you!

My thoughts on: Dogs & Cats: No thank you! I need to be the only furry friend in my new home, please.

Children: I haven’t lived with children, but I have enjoyed meeting them here.

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

8a

The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

F OOD Kids and chefs cook for success at The Essex Resort & Spa

F

ollowing the success of the fourth annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner,” a nationwide recipe contest for kids ages 8-12, the winners and renowned chefs are heeding the call to action from First Lady Michelle Obama to “pay-it-forward” with cooking demonstrations in their local communities.

Kid chef Maya Elliott, 11, of Middlesex and Chef Anthony Ploof, director of Cook Academy, gave a cooking demonstration last week at The Essex Resort & Spa. Kids & Chefs Cook for Success brings together the skills and talents of restaurant, school, and local chefs, with the

55 passionate and inspiring young chefs who won this year’s challenge.

In addition to the demonstration at The Essex, additional events will be held at Rumney Memorial School and The Ronald McDonald House. Emphasizing the role cooking plays in a healthy lifestyle, the goal for these events is to inspire and encourage other kids and parents in our community to make healthy food choices and to build basic cooking skills.

The full list of the 2015 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge winners and a free downloadable and printable e-cookbook of the winning recipes is available at pbs.org/ lunchtimechallenge letsmove.gov, usda. gov, and ed.gov.

left: Chef Anthony Ploof, Director of Cook Academy and maya Elliot,11, from middlesex, give a cooking demonstration at the Essex Resort & Spa last week.

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Right: lauren Braunegg, Essex Resort marketing coordinator, maya Elliot and Chef Anthony Ploof, Director of Cook Academy, pose for a photo at the event.

PHotoS ContRiBUtED

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NOFA Vermont’s 34th annual Winter Conference The NOFA Vermont Winter Conference is a highlight of the winter for Vermont’s local food growers and eaters on Feb. 13, 14, and 15, at the University of Vermont in Burlington. It is an annual opportunity to bring together farmers, gardeners, homesteaders and food enthusiasts for three days of shared learning, inspiration, good food, and great conversation.

This year’s conference theme, “Our Soil, Our Health” was developed in recognition of how the quality of our soil affects the quality of our food and its fundamental ability to nourish us. On the heels of the United Nation’s 2015 International Year of Soils, the organizers of the Winter Conference want to elevate the discussion of the linkage between soil health, plant health, ecosystem health, and human health. This theme will be addressed throughout the conference – in our keynote addresses, workshops, and a featured film, “The Symphony of the Soil.”

The conference will feature two keynote speakers from Vermont at the conference this year: Heather Darby, who will address Saturday’s focus on soils, and Guido Masé,

who will address Sunday’s focus on health. Heather is a certified organic farmer from Alburgh and an agronomic and soils specialist at the University of Vermont. Guido Masé is a clinical herbalist, herbal educator at the Vermont Center for Integrative

Herbalism in Montpelier, and garden steward specializing in holistic Western herbalism.

With a total of over 100 workshops, there is something for everyone.

Are you a homesteader or gardener interested in growing figs or hops? A

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food enthusiast interested in learning about fermented foods, or how to make crisper pickles? Are you a commercial grower interested in more energy efficient cold storage or producing sweet potatoes and ginger? Or are you interested in the business and marketing of farming?

If a daylong intensive workshop appeals to you, you can choose workshop intensives on elderberries, bees, agroforestry or vegetable growing.

In addition, there are daily discussion groups and films.

Early registration for the conference is offered at a discounted rate until Feb. 4, with additional discounts for NOFA Vermont members and volunteers.

More information and online registration is at http:// nofavt.org/conference.

There is also a Children’s Conference for the next generation of farmers, gardeners, and foodies which features hands-on workshops, art projects, yoga, outdoor play and much more. The cost for children ages 5-12 is a sliding scale of $0-$30 per day. More information about the Children’s Conference is at http:// nofavt.org/childrensconference.

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Dr. Omar Oyarzabal, the University of Vermont Extension food safety specialist, has created a new international scientific journal and will serve as its first editor-in-chief.

Microbial Risk Analysis will be published by Elsevier, an academic publishing company specializing in scientific and medical publications. The first issue was released in January 2016 and is available for free access on the journal’s website at www.journals. elsevier.com/microbial-riskanalysis.

Articles will present information from various scientific disciplines including environmental, clinical, food and veterinary microbiology and epidemiology.

Oyarzabal has had extensive experience in scientific publishing.

As an extension food safety specialist, he helps commercial food processors implement food safety procedures to comply with food safety laws.

SPORTS

B Section The Essex Reporter January 14, 2016

ALSO IN THIS SECTION: • Legal Notices

• Schools

• Classifieds

• Food

Essex downs BFA after strong second half SPORTS

By ANTHONY LABOR JR. Messenger Sports A late second-half surge by Essex was enough to hand BFA its third straight loss Monday, 44-38, after the Comets led a good portion of the game.

“You hate to lose these games against tough opponents for sure,” said BFA coach Shawn Earl. “But these are the kinds of games we’d rather lose now and learn from them. The girls are hard on themselves because they want to keep getting better and they have certainly shown they are improving over these past few games.”

The Comets’ offense generated a 22-point first half as they held a two-point lead midway through the game. But Essex (8-2) broke through in the second half, outscoring BFA 24-16 to come away with the victory.

A number of untimely turnovers and struggles from the free-throw line cost the Comets. BFA went 6-of-18 from the charity stripe, while the Hornets were 10-of-13, including 9-of-10 in the fourth quarter.

“Second half, the story was free throws and taking care of the ball, simple as that,” said Earl. “We didn’t take care of the ball as well as we did in the first half. So it’s just little things that we need to make sure don’t happen.”

BFA started the night with a strong showing from its outside game, with Hannah Earl and Andi Esenler (10 points) each hitting a 3-pointer and a jump shot.

The Comets started to go to the inside with Kelly Laggis (five points, 10 rebounds) later in the quarter to open things up.

“I was very pleased with how we were able to spread the floor tonight,” said Earl.

“We did a good job with spacing. That’s the type of detail that we need to keep improving on, so that was a great thing to see.”

Both teams battled back and forth in the second quarter with each having a lead. A hook shot by Devin Blodgett with less than 10 seconds left in the half gave the Comets a lead going into halftime.

BFA extended the advantage to four early in the third quarter. Essex then went on a 6-0 run to take the lead until a free throw from BFA's Dawson Blodgett and two hit by Alivia McCarthy gave the hosts the lead going into the fourth.

After Taylor Truax and Mychaela Harton each hit a go-ahead basket early in the quarter, the Hornets’ free-throw shooting took over. They hit nine free throws in the fourth while BFA missed five shots from the charity stripe in the final eight minutes.

Next up for Essex is a road game against Spaulding on Saturday. Tipoff is 12:30 p.m.

SHORTS Joe Gonillo

J

anuary is in full swing. High school sports are rolling along. Exams began Wednesday, and after Dr. Martin Luther King Day on Monday, exams will end on Tuesday with a planned make-up day on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The second semester will start on Thursday, Jan. 21. You may see a slight break in competition for academic reasons.

Wrestling fans, read on as the Mike Baker Classic is this weekend. The NFL playoffs are in full swing, and more games scheduled for this weekend.

Essex's mychaela Harton follows through after a jump shot during monday's game against BFA-St. Albans. the Hornets won 44-38.

PHoto | JoSH kAUFmAnn

OVERTIME GOAL DOWNS ESSEX

The gymnastic team took down Randolph and Harwood last week. The girls scored over 130+ points for the fourth-straight meet to continue their dominant hold on the sport in our state. Allison Green, Abigail Gehshman, Abigail Evans, Lindsey Gleason, and Claire Peterson had had strong meets. The team is off until after exams.

With just under two minutes left in overtime, the boys’ hockey team allowed Saturday’s only goal, falling to Colchester 1-0.

Colchester’s Andrew St. Pierre scored off a rebounded shot from Sam Corman to break the stalemate.

Erik Short had 14 saves on the day, while his Colchester counterpart, Jake Rocheleau, made 23.

Essex, who moved to 5-31 on the season, will look to rebound this Saturday as it travels to Spaulding for a 5:30 p.m. game.

The girls’ basketball team is 7-2. I may have mistyped their record last week. The Hornets ran away from St. J in the second half to win 46-31. They out-played the Hilltoppers in every facet of the game.

Essex fell to BHS 55-44 Friday evening.

Mychaela Harton, Taylor Truax, and frosh Lizzie Goodrich scored 9 points each. They hit the road this week for games against BFA and SHS. The latter is Saturday at noon. The JVs clobbered St. J and BHS and now play to a record of 8-1.

Strong defense and a running offense are a winning way to play.

Essex’s Erik Short looks on as Colchester’s Andrew St. Pierre puts in the rebound to win the game in overtime Saturday afternoon against Essex.

PHoto | kYlE St. PEtER

Essex Warriors make waves in Big Red Northeast Championships The Essex Warriors wrestling team took part in The Big Red Northeast Championships on Saturday in Lowell, Mass., boasting two top-three finishers — Seth Carney and Gil Stawinski — the only Vermont team to do so.

“This travel team is one of the most cohesive teams I have ever seen. They support each other and have become the best of friends. They are true warriors,” said Evan Einhorn, whose son William is in his second year with the team.

The Warriors’ youth wrestling practice kicked off last week, held on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at the high school wrestling practice room. Practice times for K-2 wrestlers is from 6-7 p.m. Practice times for third- to sixth-grade wrestlers will be 6-8 p.m. Those with children interesting in learning how to wrestle should attend one of these and speak with a coach before or after practice.

Alpine skiing

The wrestlers were in N.H. over the weekend competing in the John Stark Duals. The Hornets lost to Haverhill, MA 62-6; fell to St Johns Prep, MA 59-18; beat John Stark, NH 41-11, and defeated St. Johnsbury 39-30. The JVs were in Bristol for the Mt. Abraham JV Tourney. No team scores were recorded. EHS medal winners included 134 lbs - Sophomore Michael Barnet - 3rd Place and 172 lbs.

Freshman Dagan Thompson - 3rd Place.

This week the annual Michael J. Baker Wrestling Classic will take over the Essex gym Friday starting at 3:30. They will wrestle all day Saturday. My advice to fans is to purchase a one price, all-tourney ticket for both days and all sessions.

Seth Carney walks off the mat a victor after a match during the Big Red northeast Championships on Saturday. Carney recorded a second-place finish.

PHoto ContRiBUtED

Sports schedules

1/18 EHS vs. Giant Slalom (@ Cochran) – 10 a.m.

Boys’ basketball 1/15 EHS @ BFA-St. Albans – 7:30 p.m.

1/18 EHS vs. Burlington – 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ basketball 1/16 EHS @ Spaulding – 12:30 p.m.

Bowling 1/16 EHS vs. Hartford, South Burlington – 9 a.m.

Boys’ hockey

Nordic skiing

1/16 EHS @ Spaulding – 5:30 p.m.

1/20 EHS @ South Burlington – 7:25 p.m.

1/16 EHS vs. South Burlington, Burlington (@ Sleepy Hollow) – 12 p.m.

Girls’ hockey

Wrestling

1/16 EHS vs. BFA-St. Albans – 4:30 p.m.

1/20 EHS @ Spaulding – 5:30 p.m.

1/15 EHS vs. Michael J. Baker Wrestling Classic – 3:30 p.m.

1/ 16 EHS vs. Michael J. Baker Wrestling Classic – 10 a.m.

Indoor track 1/16 EHS @ UVM – 9 a.m.

The boys’ basketball team is now 3-7 after a 1-3 week. The boys edged NCUHS 5450, dropped a game to the Cougars 65-55 where they kept coming close yet never led, and fell to Rice on Saturday. The JVs are 5-6, and let me catch up here, beat CVU 45-39. Team effort both offensively and defensively. Robby Meslin was the high scorer with 15. He hit 14-19 from the free throw line. They defeated North Country 55-29 with a great defensive effort, and balanced team scoring led by Meslin’s 13 and Jordan Hines with 9. They lost 46-42 to MMU in a well fought effort. Down 8 at 1/2 the boys clawed back and had a fourth quarter lead but lost it down the stretch.

Meslin had 11, Noah Eaton and Jordan Hines scored 8. On Saturday the Hornets lost to very good Rice 58-42. Eaton had 9 and Grant Robertson 7. This week their game is at BFA on Friday.

The Pink Zone games are coming. Pink Zone is a nationwide fundraising effort that supports breast cancer research and treatment programs across the nation. Friday, Jan. 22 will be the ninth Pink Zone Game hosted by EHS, and this year we are partnering with South Burlington High School. Over the years this event has raised nearly $20,000 for the Breast Care Center at UVM Medical Center. In addition to JV and Varsity games, there will also be a game featuring EMS vs. ADL at 4 p.m. The cheer teams from EHS, EMS and ADL also participate in fundraising effort. We encourage everyone to don their pink and join us for this great community event.

The boys’ hockey team shut out Rice 2-0 behind goals from Nick McGovern and Sean Vanzo. Henry Adams and Dom Lessard notched assists. GK Erik Short made 25 saves. The defense was played solid all night. It was their 3rd straight shutout. CHS upset Essex 1-0 on Saturday. The Hornets are 5-3-1 and play at SHS Saturday.

The girls’ hockey team lost an OT game to Middlebury 3-2 early last week. Olivia Miller Johnson scored two second period goals. Maddy Young had two assists and Piper Desorcie has one. Vika Simons stopped 22 shots. It was the first in-state loss for the team. On Saturday they

– See SHORTS on page 2b

2a 2b

The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

S pORTS

SHORTS from page 1b

Indoor track sweeps meet at UVM

T

he boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams swept a meet at the University of Vermont on Saturday, posting a pair of first-place finishes.

Chike Asanya (55m) and Justin Poulin (1600m) placed first in their races, leading the way for the Hornets’ boys who placed first out of 19 teams. Breyer Sinor added another first place in the weight throw.

The girls had a highly successful day as well, placing first out of 20 teams. They recorded 9 first-place finishers: Katie James, Grace Murphy, Jenna Puleo, Amanda Sinkewicz, Sade Hankey (2), Molly Noel and Madison Stephenson, in addition to the 4x200 relay team of Puleo, Tessa Hastings, Morgan Whitney and Jessica Stowe.

The Hornets will look to repeat their efforts as they head back to UVM on Saturday for a 3 p.m. start.

PHotoS | JoSH kAUFmAnn

dominated Northfield 2-0 to move their record to 8-3. The team hosts BFA Saturday at 4:30.

The track teams competed at UVM Saturday. The 12-7 meet saw a majority of Hornets post seasonal and/or personal bests.

Highlights include Sade Hankey winning the HJ and TJ with Hannah Neddo 2nd in both; Amanda Sinkewicz won the shot put with Hollie Parks 2nd; Molly Noel tossed the Wt throw a PR 35’ 2 for 1st with Parks 2nd; Breyer Sinor won the shot with a PR 40’ 2” and took 1st in the Wt throw; Jackson Baker 2nd HJ; Madison Stephenson and Jenna Puleo were 1st and 2nd in LJ; Puleo and Stephenson then went 1-2 respectively in the 55m HH; Chike Asanya won the 55m dash; Justin Poulin 1st 1600m; Katie James won the 600m and was 2nd 300m; Nate RodrigueHotchkiss 2nd600m and 4th in the 300m; Grace Murphy won the 1000m; Sam Velazquez ran the fastest 55m HH race of his life and was 4th; the girls’ 4 x 200m relay team of Tess Hastings, Puleo, Morgan Whitney, and Jessica Stowe ran 1st.

This week they return to UVM for the final time this winter. St. J girls and SB boys are looking tough.

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The Nordic ski team raced at Cochrans on 1/4. Results as follows: Varsity Boys: 6th scoring 139 pts. Top finisher - Peter Feehan 11th place; Varsity Girls: 6th, 128pts. Top finisher- Emma Farrington 12th place. This week they race BHS and SB at Sleepy Hollow.

The alpine skiers’ contest was cancelled on Saturday.

The bowlers trekked up to Enosburg to roll a few frames and were 1st. LI was 2nd with the Green Hornets 3rd. This week they are home vs. HHS and SB. The girls’ JVB team lost a couple of games last week to U-32 and Rutland.

They hosted Enosburg on Tuesday. The freshman boys went 1-1 last week and are 5-5 this winter.

BHS beat them 5042 Friday evening then they rebounded by defeating Rutland – the next day… ouch to that schedule – 5648. They play at Rice on Thursday.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Essex CHIPS (essexchips. org) needs student board members! If you want to make a difference in your community, grow your leadership skills, and have an impact on activities and programs for youth in Essex, please reply to this message before Monday, Jan. 25 to say why you’re interested. Working on the board of directors of an established and productive organization looks great on a college or job resume!

Participation includes a monthly board meeting and some additional work with events.

Congratulation to Ryan and Katie Brady on the birth of daughter, Madison, last weekend. All are well. Congrats to veteran grandparents Judy and Jay Brady as well.

Happy Birthday to my Uncle Vince who has been semi-retired for years down in Fort Lauderdale. He’s independently wealthy after a career on Wall Street, has been in the Sunshine State for over 30 years, and plays tennis 3-5 times a week like a 50/60-year-old kid.

3b 3a

The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

BUSINESS

SERVICES

NOW OPEN TOOL WIZARD & MORE: Repairs Air, Electric & Gas Tools, Small Engine, Snow Removal Equipment and more. Now located at 3 River Street, #5 Milton (Old Carquest Building). 343-8690

Want a great start to 2016? Have Lafayette Painting give your home a beautiful, refreshed look.

We can transform a room in a day!

Call 863-5397 or visit LafayettePaintingInc.com and have a Happy New Year!

portunity!

Please Text or Call Maureen Wholey (603) 566-3827 YARD SALE

HUGE RENOVATION SALE! SATURDAY JANUARY 16!

We are selling appliances, furniture, dishes, name brand clothing, jewelry and HOME CAREGIVER. much more! The NOW OPEN: We’ve Retired physical sale goes from 8-3 combined businesses therapist, many years at 10 Sugartree Lane and relocated: Tool experience, compas- Unit D5, Essex JuncWizard & more (For- sionate care and tion. merly Milton Copy support to meet your Ship & more): We are needs in your home.

FOR SALE your local headquar- Call 802-356-4451.

MINI REFRIGERAters for Fedex/DHL TOR, OFFICIAL Coors entrepreneurs Shipping, Copying, Lite NFL. $60. 802Faxing, Vinyl Signs/ 868-9795 ENTREPRENEURS Lettering, T-shirts & WANTED! Property SAP BUCKETS more. Now located and Casualty InsurAND covers (25), at 3 River Street ance Agency for Sale. for your holiday #5 Milton ( Former Affiliated with major decorating, or use for Carquest Building). national carrier. sugaring. $4.50 each.

Call 802-933-6840.

Great business op891-6320

SCENT, WHITE SHOULDERS, 4.5 ounce. New, $40.

Asking $15. Call 802849-2218.

BICYCLE, BOYS, 18 speed, 24». Excellent condition. $30. or best offer. 802868-5606 BIKES, GIRLS, TOURING, (2) ten speed, Shimano derailleurs, excellent condition. $25. each. Call 802868-7067.

BOOTS, WOMEN’S, CAROLINA, size 8.

New, $129. Asking $75. OBRO. Call 802849-2218.

DRESS, HOLIDAY, VINTAGE, ladies size 10, red long sleeved with white lace collar and cuffs. Fitted waist, tea length, worn only once. $35. 802-891-6140.

DRESS,HOLIDAY,

LITTLE girls. Black velvet, long sleeved, white lace collar.

Rosebuds and white lace on hem. Size 6X, excellent condition. $5. 802-891-6140.

accessories. New, 9225 never used. $15. 802- CHAIR, OVER524-5070 STUFFED, TV, FLAT SCREEN, GREEN, $15.

32”, with remote, Call 802-524-2714. works excellent, DESK, BRAND $125. Call 802-752NEW, doors on botDRESSES, GIRLS, 9143. tom, shelves on top.

HOLIDAY,-Sizes 10 EXERCISE MACHINE, $85. Call 802-868thru 16. Velvet, excel- BUNN Roller. Very 4471. lent condition $10. good condition.

ROCKER, GREEN, each. Call 802-891$75. 802-527-7891 FREE. Call 802-5246140.

SMALL STEP EXER2714.

LAPTOP, TOSHIBA, CISER. Very good ROCKING CHAIR WINDOWS 7, web condition. $20. 802AND ottoman, flowcam, CD Burner. Ask- 527-7891 ered. $25 total for ing $100. Call 802FIREWOOD, HARD, both. Call 802-524752-9143.

DRY, $325./cord. Can 2714.

CAR SEATS, (2), indeliver. Call: 802-393fants to toddlers.

ROCKING CHAIRS, 7728 or 802-393$25. each. 802-782(2), with cushions.

0272 5000 $20. each. 802-524FIREWOOD, SEA0788 CHRISTMAS TREE, SONED, ALL hardARTIFICIAL, 6.5’ high. wood, cut, split, SOFA, TAN, OPENS to Used twice, like new. delivered. Highgate, a double bed. Good $50. 802-848-3336 condition. $150.

Swanton. $250./ Call 802-524-2714.

HAND HELD RAcord, 2.5 cord loads.

DIO set, 2-way, Mid- Call for price in other CLOTHES RACK, land, 32 channels, 30 areas. Wood lots WOODEN, large, in mile range. Several wanted. 802-868very good shape.

deliver the essex reporter!

EarnSome Extra Cash!

Looking to hire?

Classifieds

AvAilAble Routes:

YATES FAMILY FARM MAPLE SYRUP New from 2015!

Golden with Delicate Taste, Amber with Rich Taste & Dark with Robust Taste. $44 - Gallon $24 - Half Gallon $15 - Quart, $10 - pint

get the job done!

Call our sales staff to place your ad!

802-878-5282

Garry’s Barber Shop. 878-4010

TOWN OF ESSEX ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT PUBLIC HEARING February 4, 2016 - 6:00 PM

Police Community Room, 145 Maple St. Essex Jct., VT 1. Continued Public Hearing from 1/7/16: Brian Marcotte, d/b/a Pinewood Development, is proposing a Variance to reduce the required 40’ front yard setback in order to accommodate varying setbacks up to 25’ on the remaining 29 undeveloped lots connected with Section H in the Pinewood Manor development. The property is located in the Medium Density Residential (R2) Zone. Tax Map 84, Parcels 1-27.

2. Draft 1/7/16 Minutes 3. Other Business Katherine Sonnick, Chair, Zoning Board of Adjustment

Showcase of

Homes

Is seeking a highly motivated person for the position of a:

Heavy Truck/Trailer Mechanic Swanton Mill Location

Must be willing to work flexible hours.

Please send letter of application and resume to: Poulin Grain Inc. ATTN: John Robillard 24 Depot Street Swanton, VT 05488 Or apply in person at: 24 Depot Street, Swanton Poulin Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• • •

Carol Audette | (802) 846-8800 | www.carolaudette.com Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty

• •

TREES, ARTIFICIAL, (2), one is 6’ high, in basket, dark green leaves. The other is 6’ and has green and white leaves. For home or office. Both for $25. Call 802-8483336.

PALM TREE, LIGHTED, 6 1/2 foot. Brand new, just in time for the holidays. Asking $35. OBO. Call 802933-6840.

MULCH HAY, 40 bales, $3. per bale. 802-782-5000 WINE BOTTLES, CLEAN, for home brewing and 2 racks for storage. $60. 802849-2424 BIRD SET-UP, WHOLE, includes two baby finches.

Cage has bottom sliding tray. Must sell

immediately. $60. complete. Call 802582-6973.

TONGUE PICKLES, HOMEMADE, (24), pints, $6. per pint.

They would make a nice holiday gift. 802782-4125 SNOWBLOWER, 20” FOR sidewalks. $65.

Call 802-868-4471.

DRILL AND 6” saw, DeWalt, 18 bolt, 2 batteries, charger in hard case. $125. or best offer. 802-5241329 UPRIGHT VACUUM, EUREKA, Boss. $25. 802-849-2424 VACUUM, KIRBY, SELF-PROPELLED, with all attachments. Good working condition.

Great buy. $150. 802868-2003

Marketing/Sales Representative (Essex/Colchester)

The world of news is rapidly changing and The Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun are changing and growing with it. We are looking for smart, creative people who love challenge and change and are passionate about improving the quality of life for our communities.

We have an opportunity for a sales consultant who wants to win in the print and digital marketplace and work with energy and passion to provide our clients with excellent results and care.

As a sales representative, you will provide clear and concise proposals to customers, providing the product mix that best fits their marketing needs.

Ideally, you present a positive, professional sales approach, are persuasive with strong closing skills and articulate and well spoken.

Candidates should have prior sales experience with the ability to assess customer needs and make appropriate recommendations in a short timeframe.

To be successful at The Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun, you must be a mature, curious and ambitious person who is excited by challenge and the opportunity to make a difference. If you are passionate about making your customers successful and have proven sales experience, we want you on our team.

Email resumé and cover letter to maria@essexreporter.com

The ColChesTer sun

RepoRteR THE

ESSEX

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS STP SDWK(17) & TAP TA13(6) Village of Essex Junction 2 Lincoln Street Essex Junction, VT 05452

Carriers Needed!

Burlington Free Press is searching for early morning newspaper delivery carriers. Essex, Williston, South Burlington and Burlington routes available. Ask about our $150 sign-on bonus! All Independent Contractors.

Call (802) 660-1811 today.

The Village of Essex Junction is soliciting sealed bids for the construction of the Essex Junction STP SDWK(17) & TAP TA13(6) Multi-Use Path Project. Bids are due 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the Village of Essex Junction Municipal office, 2 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

The project consists of a new multi-use path within an existing railroad corridor beginning at the intersection of Grove Street and North Street and continuing within the NECR Railroad ROW approximately 1,200 feet south to Central Street.

All bidders on this project shall be on the Agency of Transportation’s prequalification list under the category of Bike and/or Pedestrian Path or shall have submitted a complete prequalification application to VTrans Contract Administration a minimum of 10 working days prior to the bid opening.

Discover the difference you can make in someone’s life.

We are seeking deeply committed, compassionate health care professionals who seek to grow their career in a place they love.

•

VERY POPULAR WESTBURY PARK

Call 878-5282 or email michael@ essexreporter.com

This full-time position offers excellent pay, health insurance, vacation, 401K, and profit sharing for the appropriate candidate.

To advertise your listings contact your ad rep today!

802-878-5282

Well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home with over 1000 square feet of living space. Eat-in kitchen with oak cabinets, breakfast bar & great counter space. Laundry with washer & dryer included. Front deck, shed & an oversized lot. Community pool, tennis & basketball court. Offered a $58,900.

Route #1. Lamoille, East, Park Ave, Arlington, Waverly, Pleasant.

Route #4. Park St, Silver Bow, Stanton, River, Mill.

Route #5. Sherwood Square Condos, Village Glen Condos, Brickyard Condos, Brookside Condos, Sugartree Ln, Brickyard Rd. Route #14. Pearl, School, Park Terrace.

Route #16. South Hill, Southview, Redwood, Greenwood, Cascade Ct. Route #23. Drury, Upland, Maple, Colonial Park Condos.

Route #25. Mansfield, Mansfield Ext, Birch, Whipple, Maplewood, Mapleton Apartments, Lilla, Shawn.

Route #27. Main St. Route #28. Countryside (even), Beech, Tamarack, Spruce, Locust, Hubbells Falls.

Route #29. Countryside (odd), Beech, Aspen, Walnut, Vale, Chestnut.

Asking $25. Call 802933-6840.

Home Care RN Hospice Nurse Manager Medical Social Worker Make a difference in the new year in a new career in home care Use your skills to improve the lives of people in the comfort of their home.

Give back by helping people recover from surgery or cope with chronic illness at home.

Work as part of a collaborative team in a supportive multidisciplinary environment.

Updated compensation package for RNs Enhanced benefits package for all positions Call or visit our website for details & application.

www.fchha.org | (802) 527-7531 3 Home Health Circle St. Albans, VT 05478

Equal Opportunity Employer

I feel so good when I can make a difference! Join me.

A copy of the Contract Documents and Plans may be examined at the Village of Essex Junction Municipal Office or at the office of VHB. Contract plans (11”x17”) and contract documents (8 ½” x 11”) may be purchased for $60.00 per set from the Village of Essex Junction. Prospective bidders must formally request contract documents and will be included on the list of contractors taking out plans. This list shall be used to distribute addendums or other pertinent information as needed.

See the bid documents for more information regarding bidding requirements, VTrans prequalification requirements, required contract completion dates, how to obtain and/or view plans, and other additional information.

Contact information: Darby Mayville, Village of Essex Junction, 2 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Phone: 802.878.6944; Email: darby@essexjunction.org Questions are due to Darby Mayville via email no later than 2 pm on January 22nd.

This is a VTrans MAB project, with Federal and State grant funding and as such shall follow all applicable VTrans standards, policies and guidelines and Federal and State requirements.

4a 4b

The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

Friday at 5 p.m. for display ads

CONTACT US

for a free quote or to place an ad PHONE: FAX: EMAIL: MAIL:

802-878-5282 802-651-9635 classifieds@essexreporter.com The Essex Reporter 42 Severance Greene, Unit #108 Colchester VT 05446

DEADLINES Friday at 5 p.m. for line ads to run in the following Thursday paper

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING

AUTOMOTIVE

ACCOUNTING

Catamount

Accounting & Tax Services, PLLC Quickbooks Accounting Services Individual & Business Tax Preparation Financial & Tax Planning Business Consulting

Cars, Trucks, RVs, Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Tractors and more

25 Wentworth Drive, Williston, VT 0549505452 67 Center Road / Route 15 Essex Jct, Vermont (802) 662-1214 (802) 662-1215 fax fax (802) 662-1214 ext.•304 • (802) 662-1215 catamountinfo@gmcsvt.com rsinkewicz@gmcsusa.com *www.catamountaccounting.com*

1907 Williston Rd. South Burlington, VT Sales: (802) 881-0511 Service: (802) 863-4343

BARBERSHOP

BOOKKEEPING

Walk-ins welcome.

All men’s haircutting needs and a hot lather, straight razor, neck shave with every haircut!

Just $15.00.

Cash or check only!

Jan. – March Tues-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-12 pm 38 Park St. /Essex Jct

DJ MUSIC SERVICES

Ken Streit Spend your time doing what you do best... and I’ll do Free Introductory Consultation the bookkeeping

(802) 734-5909

EVENT DJ

KenStreit8@gmail.com 802-310-8842

MINI STORAGE

Eric Koval’s

PAINTING

SAXON HILL MINI STORAGE

13 Corporate Drive in Essex Center.

Paved, lighted & fenced facility with key pad gate providing secure 24 / 7 access.

5’ x 10’ and 10’ x 10’ Units available.

Professional Disc Jockies Now Booking Weddings and Parties

Obtain your Unit at www.saxonhillministorage.com

802-878-9897

PLUMBING

REAL ESTATE

VALLEY PAINTING “Living & Working In Essex Junction For Over 30 Years”

INTERIORS STAIRWAYS • TRIMWORK • SHEET ROCK CATHEDRAL CEILINGS • FOYERS • TAPING CUSTOM CARPENTRY • RENOVATIONS Call TJ Valley • 802- 355-0392

REMODELING

Adam’s Plumbing

Remodeling, painting, tile, windows, doors, house lifting, barns

S E R V I C E 878 - 1002

Colchester 15 yrs

The Reliable Local Pro!

Bill Miller 802-355-0313

For all your residential plumbing repairs and installations

ROOFING

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

Authentic Mexican Cuisine IN THE HEART OF ESSEX JUNCTION

Your professional Roofing Contractor

862-1500

Asphalt Roofs

Ask about our FREE upgrade

Low Slope Roofs

www.BlueSkyRoofingvt.com

Standing Seam Metal Slate & Snow Guards

4 Park Street, Essex 802.662.4334 www.ElGatoCantina.com

TREE SERVICES • Tree Removals • Tree Trimming • Ornamental/ fruit tree pruning • Cabling

Maxwell Curtiss Certified Arborist

WINDOW TREATMENTS office: 802.651.9366 cell: 802.355.9970 fax: 802.651.9367

1-888-88-BUDGET

(802) 879-4425 Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more!

maxheartwd@myfairpoint.net / Fully Insured

An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

eSSeX poLICe RepoRt Emergency 911 • Non-emergency 878-8331

81 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452 • www.epdvt.org

Jan. 4 –10, 2016 1734 Suspicious Circumstance on Colchester Rd 1828 Welfare Check on Sand Hill Rd 1924 Animal Problem on Brigham Hill Rd 2051 Accident on Pearl St 2214 Citizens Assist on Upper Main St Tuesday 0755 Alarm on Essex Way 0928 Assault on Educational Dr 0950 Alarm on Steeplebush Rd 1047 Citizens Assist on Jericho Rd 1054 VIN Verification on Colchester Rd 1215 Accident on Essex Way 1458 Alarm on Browns River Rd 1528 Agency Assist on Greenfield Rd 1539 VIN Verification on Maple St 1557 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd 1636 VIN Verification on Brigham

WOODSTOVES

Michael Bombardier Owner

• Stump Grinding • Wood Chip Mulch • Keep your garden weed free!

• Shrub and Hedge Pruning

Heartwood Landscape Services LLC

Monday 0212 Noise Complaint on Heatherbush Rd 0345 Vehicles towed due to Winter Parking Ban on Park, Drury, Upland, Taft, Adams Ct 0506 Accident on Arlington St 0514 Property Damage on Skyline Dr 0552 Alarm on Pearl St 0604 Suspicious Vehicle on Pearl St 0614 Disabled Vehicle on Maple St 0624 Alarm on Pearl St 0730 Directed Patrol on Main St 0823 Animal Prob on Sleepy Hollow Rd 1501 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Commonwealth Ave 1527 Citizens Dispute on Lincoln St 1537 Juvenile Problem on Educational Dr 1538 Juvenile Problem on Educational Dr

NOW- Seamless Gutters

Hill Rd 1802 Accident on Essex Way 1814 Accident on River St 1912 Theft on Gauthier Dr 1915 Agency Assist on Maple St 2009 Theft on Susie Wilson Rd 2026 Accident on Park St Wednesday 0106 DUI on Essex Way 0405 Alarm on Park St 0811 Disabled Vehicle on I 289 0812 Accident on Educational Dr 0812 Citizens Dispute on Baker St 0855 Alarm on Vale Dr 0948 Animal Problem on Old Stage Rd 1407 Found Property on Maple St 1533 Motor Veh Complaint on Lincoln St 1544 Lost Property on Essex Way 1647 Accident on Center Rd 1800 911 Hang-up on Susie Wilson Rd 1854 Disabled Vehicle on Browns

85 PRIM ROAD, Suite 204 Colchester, VT 05446 mbombardier@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com

River Rd 1856 Property Damage on I 289 2222 Untimely on Pearl St 2258 911 Hang-up on Jackson Hts Thursday 0202 Phone Problem on Upper Main St 0418 Alarm on Old Stage Rd 0723 Directed Patrol on Maple St 0809 Traffic Offense on Maple St 0832 Alarm on Saybrook Rd 0856 Citizens Dispute on Pearl St 0900 Found Property on Essex Way 0903 Prop Damage on Susie Wilson Rd 0939 Welfare Check on Pearl St 1033 Phone Problem on S Hill Dr 1057 Found Property on Essex Way 1105 Juvenile Problem on Educational Dr 1235 Suspicious Vehicle on Lamore Rd 1241 Suspicious Circumstance on Susie Wilson Rd 1502 Citizens Assist on Pearl St 1611 VIN Verification on Sand Hill Rd 1705 Accident on Park St 1749 Accident on Pinecrest Dr 1846 Suspicious on I 289 2001 DLS on Center Rd 2025 Citizens Assist on Iroquois Ave 2120 Accident on Jericho Rd 2250 Susp Circumstance on Orchard Terr

Friday 0123 Welfare Check on Jericho Rd 0650 Alarm on Morse Dr 0718 Alarm on Pearl St 0724 Directed Patrol on Main St 0804 Assisted Rescue on Pioneer St 0906 Assisted Rescue on Educational Dr 1028 Citizens Assist on Maple St 1038 Juvenile Problem on Educational Dr 1314 Theft on River St 1406 VIN Verification on Maple St 1505 911 Hang-up on Carmichael St 1517 Suspicious Vehicle on Maple St 1710 Missing Juv (located) on Maple St 1742 Motor Veh Complaint on River Rd 1749 911 Hang-up on Educational Dr 1754 Agency Assist on Sienna Ln 1809 Theft on Old Colchester Rd 1812 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Pearl St 2226 Alarm on River Rd 2245 DUI on Maple St Saturday 0732 Susp Circumstance on Center RD 0831 Accident on Colchester Rd 0843 Agency Assist on Orchard Terr 0947 Citizens Dispute on Old Stage

1025 Assisted Rescue on River Rd 1044 Accident on Colchester Rd 1153 Alarm on Pearl St 1323 Citizens Assist on Abnaki Ave 1416 Suspicious Circumstance on Pearl St 1606 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1855 Found Property on Sugartree Ln 1945 Lost Property on Pearl St 2122 Citizens Assist on Carmichael St Sunday 0352 Assisted the Fire Department on Park St 0700 Agency Assist on Maple St 0830 Citizens Assist on Maple St 0835 Found Property on Educational Dr 1052 Theft on Old Colchester Rd 1113 Citizens Assist on Wilkinson Dr 1309 Property Damage on Pearl St 1340 Citizens Assist on Sienna Ln 1349 Agency Assist on Central St 1441 Alarm on Fox Run Rd Tickets Issued: 15 Warnings Issued: 115 Fire/EMS Calls Dispatched: 48

5b 5a

The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

Predictions for 2016

By JUDITH DENOVA CCSU superintendent With the advent of a new year, many of us are creating resolutions and planning strategies to actualize those resolutions that are important to us as individuals. Did you make a resolution about learning something new this year?

I started wondering about the variety of resolutions our students are making for 2016. I began thinking about a new state mandate requiring students to create Personal Learning Plans (PLPs). This is the first year every student in grades seven and nine, and those in grades 11 and 12 who are dual enrolled, must create a PLP. Electronic systems have been developed to assist students with this task and involve their parents/guardians to support their efforts.

Since the system and structure are relatively new, I began questioning the timing of the review process and how resolutions students make at the beginning of a new year are incorporated into their PLP. Then I started thinking about other systemic changes and began making some predictions for 2016, as an optimistic educator approaching a new year filled with desire for each and every student to realize their hopes and dreams. Perhaps some of these predictions may spark your interest and add a learning resolution to your list (not

listed in any particular order).

Personal Learning Plans will give all students insight into their learning styles, strengths and interests, and provide a goalsetting process to actualize their aspirations.

I predict that students, developing their plans with the help of their parents/guardians and teachers, will take ownership of their learning and will wisely and thoughtfully select pathways to accomplish their goals.

Universal preschool will be available in Vermont this year to all 3- and 4-year-olds at 10 hours a week for 35 weeks. Between our school programs and private partnerships, we currently serve 171 preschool children.

I predict 200 children in the Essex Junction and Westford communities will access preschool in 2016, providing them the opportunities to build language, literacy and numeracy skills, create friendships and socialization skills, and develop consistent and predictable learning routines.

High school students and their parents/ guardians are becoming more aware of the cost savings available to them through the Vermont Early College Program and Dual Enrollment opportunities. I predict the number of students enrolling in college classes while they are in grades 11 and 12 will continue to increase dramatically based on the current enrollment data.

Trends in the job market continue to require students to develop strong integrated

FMS During the first week of December, the students in Erik Acanfora’s classroom had the opportunity to travel to the Flynn Theater to experience a live production of Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief.

This performance was a culmination of literacy block studies on theme, plot, setting, characters (traits), and narrator’s point of view.

Students were able to use their prior knowledge of literature and film from in-class activities to make the most meaningful connections to the live performance as possible.

In addition to having such an amazing experience at the Flynn, students were fortunate enough to have a follow-up companion workshop for the performance right in the classroom. This was a grant-funded opportunity generously funded by the Champlain Valley Educator Development Center (CVEDC). Students were introduced to actor warm up exercises, mood changes in an acting performance, demonstrating emotion, and several modeling scenes directly from the live stage production. Students had a blast.

Founders memorial School students had the opportunity recently to learn acting exercises right in their own classroom.

PHoto | ERik ACAnFoRA

EHS

S CHOOLS

skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and I believe the arts should be included as well. I predict an increase in the number of students who will choose a technical program as a means of exploring a variety of career choices and finding their niche. I further predict that technical schools will need to expand their current program offerings to prepare students for everchanging industry demands. The Center for Technology, Essex (CTE) is in the planning stages of offering a new and exciting program for students that will include lab space for Engineering Design and Production Technology.

As CCSU continues to develop a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for students, we are moving toward implementing a restorative justice model, which empowers students to resolve conflicts on their own and in small groups, to talk, ask questions and air their grievances. I predict having this model in place will help strengthen our school learning environments and reduce bullying and student conflicts, which in turn will result in a reduced number of suspensions and have students feeling safer at school.

Although I’m uncertain who will be elected as the next governor of Vermont, I predict that Secretary of Education Rebecca Holcombe will be reappointed and continue serving in this role due to her deeply held

commitment for equitable opportunities for all students, along with her knowledgeable and contemporary educational leadership skills.

As the schools within Chittenden Central Supervisory Union and Essex Town begin the unification process, I predict the communities will continue to invest in their youth, and together they will broaden a greater and deeper sense of community.

Your involvement in this process will be critically important. How will you support the successful creation and development of this new unified district?

And although this last prediction comes with a bit of trepidation, I predict the weather on the evening of Friday, Feb. 12 to be calm and seasonably warm for the “Across the Universe Stream of Lights Lantern Parade.” This first-time community event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., and students from all schools within CCSU and Essex Town will assemble on the sidewalk in front of EHS and proceed down Educational Drive, Grove Street, North Street and Central Street, looping back to EHS for a bonfire. Art teachers have been planning this spectacular celebration for over a year, so put the date and time in your new 2016 calendar, and bring a warm hat just in case.

Happy New Year to all and best wishes for success with all of your 2016 resolutions!

Essex Town School District The Essex Town School District School Board will be hosting a 2016-2017 budget information meeting on Monday, Jan. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Founders Memorial School library. Citizens are encouraged to attend this informative presentation, which invites participation from the audience.

The presentation will highlight student performance targets outlined in the district’s strategic plan and how the investment of tax dollars are being used to meet student outcomes identified in current school board policy.

The estimated local tax impact of the budget will be discussed based on the state’s funding formula and legislation passed in 2015.

Please join the school board and share your thoughts as the board deliberates before determining the final budget to be brought to voters.

SAT & ACT Test Prep Redesigned SAT coming in March

We’re prepared to get you ready!

802-878-2332 Stern Center for Language and Learning

Williston, VT | www.sterncenter.org the Spanish Honor Society at EHS received a thank you letter shortly before Christmas break, thanking the group for its fundraising efforts on behalf of the Pulsera Project.

PHoto ContRiBUtED

Rotary Speech Contest: Essex High School was proudly represented at the Essex Rotary Club’s speech contest last Wednesday.

Sophomore Anthony Hastings and seniors Jacob Hertle and Holly Dahlgren each competed, writing speeches about the theme: “Be a gift to the world.” Essex homeschooler Rylee Wrenner won first place and $100.

Maybe 2016 is the year for the new SMILE?

6a 6b

The Essex Reporter • January 14, 2016

S CHOOLS Fleming Flyer Holiday Spirit: Jeff Guilmette’s students at Thomas Fleming got into the holiday spirit prior to winter break by developing toys and games for local kids in need. Turning their art room into a makerspace, the students used a variety of materials and tools, integrating art and design with math, engineering and literacy. They presented these finished toys and games to Lori Goldman from the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) on Dec. 18.

The students came up with the idea after viewing a news clip on the butterfly effect with Chris Rosati, an ALS patient who is encouraging students to help make a difference.

Guilmette’s class started brainstorming ideas during a Genius Hour and finally settled on games and toys for kids who may not have a permanent place to live, let alone toys and games to play with. The students were very excited to try and help those in need.

Teacher Recognition: Thomas Fleming physical education and health teacher Kelly McClintock was honored with an Excellence in Education award on Dec. 18 at a special assembly at the school. The Excellence in Education Foundation (EEF) is a group of civic-minded leaders who believe in the power of teachers to change lives. The EEF gives out annual awards to outstanding teachers who have fully demonstrated teaching excellence and exceptional make-a-difference services to students, colleagues and the community.

Teachers who are recommended, and who meet the Educational Excellence criteria established by the foundation, receive an EE pin, a framed award Fleming students turned their certificate and a $5,000 art room into a makerspace honorarium. before winter break to A former CCSU develop toys and games for Outstanding Teacher of the local children in need.

Year for K-8, McClintock is an exceptional educator who started a Fit to Learn before-school fitness program as well as a Fleming Dance Team. She has demonstrated her leadership through her service on school climate and wellness committees, organizing annual events such as National Walk and Bike to School Day and school drug and alcohol awareness weeks.

McClintock’s civic reach extends beyond her position at Fleming, as her stewardship has helped support feeding the hungry in Chittenden County and spending her summers working in schools and orphanages in Africa.

Hiawatha Highlights

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Hiawatha third-grade student council members, along with their counterparts from Fleming School, accept a grant from Berlin City kia on Dec. 10.

Students in Photo: tom Hoffman, Colin Beckett, Chris Davis, Gabby Schimda, Hannah Himes, Ellie Reed, makayla PayneFisher.

PHoto | AnDREW kASPiRin

Parent Highlight: Thank you to Jessica Moos, a Hiawatha parent, who secured a $1,000 grant for Hiawatha.

On Dec. 10, the third-grade student council went to Berlin City Kia to receive the $1,000 “Drive for Education” award to benefit the school and support the Essex Community STREAM of Lights project, which will take place Feb. 12.

The children performed a song, had a pizza lunch and were able to spend some time with students from Fleming school.

PTO: The next PTO Meeting will be held Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Please remember to keep collecting box tops for education and pass them in.

Thank you in advance.

After School Chess Team: One of our parents, Jackie Hooker, will supervise an After School Chess Team. The first meeting of the chess team will be on Jan. 12 from 3-4 p.m. Hooker will provide an after school snack to participating children.

For the first few weeks, we will limit participation to eight children. If you would like your child to participate, please call or email our secretary, Amanda Stevens. Our school phone number is 878-1384, and Amanda’s email address is: amstevens@ccsuvt.org.

Children do not need experience to play, as Hooker will be providing chess sets that support beginning chess players. This is an awesome opportunity, and we thank her for volunteering and for her school service.

Reminders: *Green Mountain Sing is Jan. 15 at 10:10 a.m. *Stream of Lights is Feb. 12. *There is no school on Jan. 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day *For more information on school news, please visit our school website at www. ccsuvt.org/hiawatha or contact Amanda Stevens at 878-1384 or Tom Bochanski at tbochanski@ccsuvt.org.

EES Second-graders in Virginia Yandell’s class have been working hard on their nonfiction writing skills. We’ve been studying various text and visual features of nonfiction in both reading and writing workshops. These include tables of contents, index, glossary headings, subheadings, diagrams, labels, captions and graphs, etc. We’ve also explored the different ways authors of nonfiction texts present their material. Many authors use an “all about” format while others choose to use compare/contrast, question-and-answer, true or false, and how-to.

Students began their writing pieces by brainstorming topics they feel they are an expert in. These are topics they feel very passionate about or that they feel they can deeply explain to someone else. A few favorites are taking care of pets, sports and how to play games. Writers generated subtopics about their topic, which are then developed into sections of their written piece.

Nonfiction writers are careful to do research when needed and to always include important vocabulary words to better explain their topic to their audience. Students then choose the best format for presenting their material, just like our mentor authors do. Come by C-Wing soon to read our nonfiction pieces!

— By Virginia Yandell

Essex Elementary School students in Virginia Yandell’s class work on nonfiction writing skills.

PHoto | ViRGiniA YAnDEll

The Cascade Team had the pleasure of welcoming Jake Magnan, a registered dietitian from Whole Health Nutrition, in to talk to the students. Jake talked to the students about the importance of proper nutrition for their growing bodies and gave examples of healthy eating choices and alternatives they can make. He also talked about the important role nutrition plays in athletic performance and recovery. The nutrition practice of Whole Health Nutrition is based in using the functional and delicious properties of food to support health. Whole Health Nutrition is part of an integrative wellness practice, working collaboratively with Peak Physical Therapy Sports and Performance Center, to help kids and adults reach their goals.

ADL Agenda Dear families, Welcome back to school and happy 2016. Students have transitioned back to school very well, and we are in full swing with our musical production and basketball/ cheerleading seasons. Academically, this is one of most productive times of the year as, with the exception of students having Martin Luther King Day off from school, we have uninterrupted teaching time until our February break starting on Feb. 22.

Many teams have planned interdisciplinary units of study that will both challenge and engage students. All teachers focus on literacy, both reading and writing, in their classes as we intentionally create common practices and strategies to use in our instruction.

Recently, we administered a school-wide, on-demand writing prompt to all students on the same day, and on Jan. 18, all teachers will work together to score the writing. This will not only give us a benchmark data point on writing for all students, but also improve our consistency with how we evaluate student writing across the building. Thus, we will be assured that when a student scores a four or a one on a piece of writing that the same benchmark was used with fidelity. Please be sure to ask your student how they did on their piece of writing when we return to school after Jan. 19.

Laurie Singer, principal Yearbook deadline: The deadline for ordering an ADL Yearbook is fast approaching. If you are interested in ordering one, please pick up an order form in the school office or order online on the ADL website. Orders must be in by March 1.

District III Music Festival: Over 300 students from grades seven and eight around Chittenden County are preparing for the 2016 District III Music Festival, which will be held at Essex Middle School on Jan. 29-30. Included in this festival are 18 students from ADL in the band, chorus and orchestra. Students auditioned in November and were selected based on overall scores in the audition.

Now the students will rehearse the music on their own and will come together for a day and a half of rehearsals as an ensemble before they play a concert for parents and friends. It is an amazing opportunity to meet and work with other students around the county and under the leadership of new directors. The directors this year include Joshua Pauly, former band director at Essex High School, Billy Ray Poli, director of the Burlington High School Chorus, and Anne Decker, director of TURNmusic, based in Waterbury.

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