Essex Reporter: July 5, 2018 by Essex Reporter

July 5, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 1

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{ Thursday, July 5, 2018 }

Town responds to Wrenner’s lawsuit By COLIN FLANDERS The town of Essex says documents from its sexual harassment investigation are exempt from public disclosure because the town doesn’t possess them – its attorney does. And even if they were on file at 81 Main St., the town would still deny selectwoman Irene Wrenner access because publicizing her “baseless” claims against a town employee could harm his “reputation and good name.” Those arguments were detailed in a recent court filing from a Rutland-based lawyer the town retained to defend itself

against Wrenner's public records lawsuit. “The use of the Public Records Act and the taxpayers’ resources in this way is not consistent with the legislative intent,” wrote attorney Kaveh S. Shahi, of Cleary, Shahi & Aicher, P.C., in a June 20 response. Wrenner believes the town is improperly withholding those documents and said the response shows more of the same. “Obviously they’re still stonewalling, and that’s unfortunate,” she said. Wrenner’s complaint, which the Reporter broke news of last month, asks for billing records and reports from a 2017 internal inquiry that began after she alleged “gender-based unprofessional conduct” by a

high-level town employee. She’s represented by attorney Pietro Lynn. Vermont law defines public records as “any written or recorded information, regardless of physical form or characteristics” produced or acquired during a public agency’s business. The law includes a breadth of exemptions, however, two of which the town says trump Wrenner’s request. The town characterizes the report as an “attorney-work product,” explaining that a lawyer at a private practice hired the investigator. But it says the report is also shielded by an exemption protecting the privacy of the accused. The town cited both those

exemptions when The Reporter requested the documents, too. Wrenner doesn’t buy it. She said she purposely left out the accused’s name in her complaint despite no longer being bound to the town’s confidentiality policies. And she doesn’t even want the report made public: “I’m not looking to out anyone or have my notes splattered across the front page" of this newspaper, she said. But she felt the town’s denial of private requests left her no option. She added that it’s “curious” to see the investigative process handled so differently within the same town; her allegations See LAWSUIT, page 2

Selectboard impressed by impact of tax sale policy By COLIN FLANDERS Twenty of the 34 accounts that received demand letters last month under the town’s newly revised tax sale policy avoided having their homes sold out from under them, at least for now. Assistant finance director Sarah Macy said of those 20 accounts, one applied for abatement, seven paid in full and 12 entered a payment plan while making at least one payment, all of which has reduced the town’s total delinquencies by about $141,000, or 15 percent. Macy said accounts with active payment plans are expected to bring in about $32,000 more this month. “This is working better than any of us would have guessed,” selectmen Michael Plageman said after Macy updated the selectboard June 18.

"This is working better than any of us would have guessed." Selectman Michael Plageman Macy initially requested the new policy in March after the town’s audit showed the total of taxes more than 60 days overdue exceeded $550,000. She said the goal was to initiate a conversation with delinquent taxpayers. Three months later, the response to the demand letters has been more positive than expected, she said, with some people thanking her for informing them they were behind. In one case, someone didn’t know they owned the land anymore. In another, a homeowner was paying an escrow company that hadn’t forwarded tax payments. A conference call with the two parties cleared that up, Macy said. The 14 remaining accounts were forwarded to the town attorney. They must now pay 50 percent of their balance and get on a monthly payment plan, or else their properties will be sold in an auction-style sale that allows towns to recover owed property taxes. Tax payments are due twice a year and the town sends out quarterly delinquent notices. Late tax payments prompt a one-time 8 See TAX SALE, page 2

Demonstrators fill the sidewalks surrounding Five Corners last Saturday in solidarity with nationwide 'Famlies Belong Together' protests.

PHOTO BY KELLY ADAMS

Demonstrators: 'Families Belong Together' By COLIN FLANDERS

early 200 demonstrators surrounded the Five Corners last Saturday in solidarity with nationwide 'Families Belong Together' marches protesting President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The Trump administration faced recent backlash over its "zero-tolerance" immigration stance that resulted in the seperation of thousands of children from their families at the U.S. border. In response, Trump signed an executive order June 20 that said families and children would be housed together, indefinitely. But the order said nothing about what to do with more than 2,3000 children already seperated from their parents, and activists are calling for the government to reunite those families and show

more compassion to migrant families crossing the border illegally. Organizers on the national level anticipated more than 700 protests in all 50 states, including Vermont, where protestors arrived in Burlington and Montepleier, as well. The Essex Jct. demonstration was organized by Essex Resists, a group started after last year's Women’s March that encourages members to engage in social action. Organizer Kelly Adams said she hoped to create a visual presence that there is "something taking place in our country that should be very alarming to all of us." The group has led similar protests in the Five Corners aimed at Trump's immigration policies, but Adams said this weekend's demostration was the largest she's seen in the village. "That gives me hope about our ability to do the right thing,” she said.

Running a new squad Local paramedic opens new dog-centric business in Essex BY MADELINE CLARK On any given weekday, Amy Akerlind can be found walking along rural roads with a pack of energetic dogs – including her albino Doberman, Sheldon – in tow. Akerlind runs her own dog camp, training, and leash-walking business, Squad Dogs, and is living her dream. “The name was the most challenging thing to come up with,” she reflected. It’s a play on her 13 years as a rescue chief for Colchester Rescue, her prior experience as a veterinarian technician and the “squad” of dogs she now

cares for at the camp. Akerlind started as a volunteer in 2001 and became Colchester’s first paid rescue chief in 2005. But she always knew she wanted to get back to working with animals. “I just knew it was time for me to do something else,” Akerlind said of her decision to step down earlier this year. “It was time for someone new to be in that role [of rescue chief], too.” She now works shorter hours for Colchester and intends to continue work as a paramedic on nights and weeks as her business grows. Dog camp is an off-leash program in which Akerlind picks up her clients’ dogs, takes them on a group walk and brings them back home, exercised and ready to relax. See SQUAD, page 2

COURTESY PHOTO

Two campers explore. Akerlind walks the dogs on private property in Colchester and Essex.

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The Essex Reporter • July 5, 2018

LAWSUIT from page 1 sparked a similar investigation in the village, which obtained an attorney from a private firm in Burlington to investigate. That lawyer shared notes of Wrenner’s testimony before handing in her report. “There’s clearly another way to do this,” Wrenner said. Her complaint details several other concerns with the investigation, too. She says the town refused to provide a female investigator after she felt uncomfortable relaying her experience to Burgess, a male, and questions his qualifications to investigate claims

TAX SALE from page 1 percent penalty and delinquent payers are charged an additional one percent interest per month. Under the new policy, tax sales are trigged whenever the town’s total delinquent taxes, interest, penalties and fees are more than 3 percent of the current year’s budget for property tax revenues. The list of properties included in any sale are those without payment plans that are either delinquent for multiple years or for one year while owning more than $10,000. Sales can also be trigged if one or more accounts without a payment plan have more than $50,000 in delinquent taxes and related fees. As of June 13, delinquencies in town total $811,000, and more than half of that balance comes from 28 accounts on active payment plans and in good standing.

LocaL of this nature. She also points to the “lengthy history of working and socializing” between the accused and Bill Ellis, the longtime town attorney who ruled that even if her allegations were true, the employee’s behavior didn’t violate the town’s sexual harassment policies. Wrenner believes the alleged conduct defies multiple clauses of that policy. She’s said seeking Burgess’ report to understand his process and to ensure he accurately captured her testimony – a request Ellis has called “inappropriate.” The town’s response challenges any suggestion that the process was “less than professional, fair or impartial.”

Last month, the selectboard directed municipal manager Evan Teich to work on the town’s defense during a closed-door session from which Wrenner recused herself. Ellis told The Reporter then he was helping with the town’s response, but Teich wouldn’t say at the time whether Ellis would lead the defense. Reached Monday morning, Teich said Ellis has recused himself from the matter. The manager declined to comment further, saying, “We let our lawyers handle their work and the work tends to speak for itself.” Wrenner said the response to her lawsuit has been different than anticipated. She’s heard supportive comments from several unexpected sources and noted recent

letters to the editor in support of her cause. “People at town hall have been a little careful lately,” she said. “That’s to be expected, I think, when you’ve got someone on the inside who’s suing you.” She alluded to lawsuit’s cost on both parties but said it’s important to ensure the process of investigating sexual harassment claims is as fair and transparent as possible. “In the year 2018, after #MeToo, I don’t think these things are revolutionary,” she said of her requests. “But change is hard, and I want my town to be doing its utmost best by its residents.” “I feel like it’d be wrong of me to just sit by and pretend that it could somehow be fixed without me,” she later added.

Macy said all but one of the 14 stilldelinquent accounts simply ignored the town’s demand letters. The delinquencies for those accounts total $272,000, with an average balance of about $19,500. The oldest dates to 2009 and the highest is over $60,000. The town attorney is now working to identify all lien holders, who are also notified of the delinquency. The town must then post an advertisement in The Reporter three weeks in a row before the sale, which could come as early as this year. The highest bidder wins the title but doesn’t receive it for 366 days, giving homeowners a year to pay back all the delinquent taxes and associated fees. Macy noted recouping back taxes has a positive impact on the towns’ budget-toactual totals, but she said the No. 1 reason for doing it is to hold people accountable. “Once you get behind on your taxes, it’s really hard to get caught up,” she said.

Essex man arrested after early morning crash By COLIN FLANDERS Police arrested an Essex man in the early morning of June 28 after they say he fled the scene of a crash hours after he was involved in a separate domestic incident. Police arrived at the intersection of Main St. and Athens Drive around 12:45 a.m. to find one vehicle had rolled over. One of the drivers approached the officers and said the other had fled the scene on

foot, a news release said. Shortly after, police located and arrested Aaron Walp, who they say was also involved in an incident four hours prior to the crash. Walp was lodged at the Chittenden Regional Correction facility and cited for second degree aggravated domestic assault, unlawful mischief, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and negligent operation.

COURTESY PHOTO

Amy Akerlind is pictured with her albino Doberman, Sheldon.

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SQUAD from page 1 Akerlind builds her pack slowly adding a dog every month or two so the others can socialize and become adjusted to their new squad member. She teaches them commands like sit, stay, and “recall,” which is to follow on command by name. “It’s definitely fun, but it’s not all fun and games,” Akerlind said. She must ensure the safety of the dogs, as well as keep them from becoming too riled up. For Shaunna St. Clair, Akerlind’s camp has been helpful in the care of their two-year-old yellow lab, Kaya, since she and her husband both work long hours. “Kaya has a ton of energy ... and having her stay at home is just really not an option for us,” St. Clair said. “Having dog camp really takes the guilt away from going to work." St. Clair turned to dog camp as an alternative to doggie daycare because of the flexibility the program allows with her work schedule. With doggie daycare, she said, hours usually end between 5-6 p.m.

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"It's just not reasonable for people who don't work a regular 9 to 5 job,” St. Clair explained. Plus, St. Clair likes the unique offerings of dog camp. She said the fact that Kaya gets to be with other dogs and walk in nature – off leash – “[is] like the best-case scenario for her.” St. Clair also noted Akerlind’s professionalism, flexibility and accommodating nature. "It's nice to have somebody who can tire the dog out when you're at work," she said. Akerlind’s business model was inspired by Rhonda Biloudeau’s dog camp, Vermont Dog Pack. Biloudeau helped Akerlind train her dog and showed her the ropes of running a dog camp. For now, Akerlind services towns that border Essex but said her clients will dictate any expansion plans. She said she enjoys watching her campers play and takes pride in taking out dogs whose busy owners might not be able to walk them themselves. “It’s definitely less stress than from my other job,” she said. “It’s dogs … even the bad days are fun."

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July 5, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 3

PHOTO BY AMANDA BROOKS

ABOVE: Shirley Zundell snaps a photo of a butterfly hiding in the bushes at the Indian Brook Reservoir that she would later upload to iNaturalist for identifying. BELOW: Colchester Sun reporter Amanda Brooks spotted a Pickerel Frog while exploring the reservoir with Shirley Zundell. It is currently awaiting a confirmation of identification on the Essex iNaturalist page.

Citizen science project accessible to all By AMANDA BROOKS Shirley Zundell helped create the Essex and Essex Jct. iNaturalist page in April of this year. Now. She urges locals to start participating in the simple but “addictive” citizen science project. iNaturalist is a nature app that allows anyone around the world to record observations of plants and animals in their area. Naturalists from all over the world can view postings and help identify species, creating research-grade data for scientists to use in research projects. “You don’t have to go out somewhere. You can stay right at home and photograph a spider you see in your house,” Zundell explained. “Or if you go outside and notice a weed in your garden, put that on and let somebody know that species is growing in your yard.” Zundell said gathering this data is also important for recording the biodiversity of an area. “It’s great for the town because it’s helping to document everything that’s in the town, all the natural things,” she said. The Essex page she manages is part of a larger project in iNaturalist called the Vermont Atlas of Life. The VAL’s iNaturalist page admits no

one really knows just how many species of plants and animals occur in Vermont. Data that individual observers gather all over the state is helping to create a more detailed map of Vermont’s natural history, the page says. Zundell has logged 397 observations in the Essex iNaturalist page, the most for any observer in the town. But she said that’s nothing. Erika Mitchell from Calais is currently the top iNaturalist observer in Vermont with over 32,000 observations in the state alone. “She just walks the roads and makes observations,” Zundell said, explaining how easy it is for residents to participate. While Zundell only uses the desktop version of iNaturalist, she noted the ease of taking photos and uploading them using the app on a cell phone. Plus, she said, you don’t have to have an education in science to participate. “I have a background in social sciences,” Zundell said. “All this is new to me.” Obviously passionate about the project, Zundell said she goes out exploring all the time to find new species. “It becomes addictive after a while,” she said. “You find something and it’s just nice to be able to identify it.”

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Meet your Guard

Name: Capt. Dan Davis Military Specialty: 67J - Aeromedical Evacuation Officer Years of Service: 12 Unit: C Company, 3 /126 Aviation Regiment (Air Ambulance) Hometown: Columbus, OH Current Town: Essex High School/Graduation Year: 1992 College/Graduation: The University of Dayton (Dayton, OH) 1996 Marathons Completed: 3

By Sgt. Avery Cunningham

Q. Why did you join the National Guard? A. I joined the National Guard because I enjoy serving my country and I believe in the importance of my mission. Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard? A. I kind of have two jobs in the military; my first responsibility is to lead Soldiers in the accomplishment of their mission to safely recover, treat, and transport patients via helicopter ambulances. The other part of my job is to participate in an aircrew as a pilot for the helicopter ambulances. Q. How do you train for marathons? A. Every time I’ve trained for a marathon I had a different goal so I used a different training method. Lately I’ve been interested in maximum recovery training methods which favor a few quality runs per week, using other exercise and rest to prevent injury. Because I’m a busy father of 3, this method also helps me to stay engaged in family life without committing most of my free time to long runs. Q. Why do you run marathons? A. Though I’ve been running since I could join my dad on his morning routine, I’m not the guy driving down the road with a “26.2” sticker on my car. My first marathon was merely a bucket-list item to check; I never thought I would run another. Every time after that, external circumstances encouraged me to run once more. I now have a goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon and running it once. After that, I intend to stick with half marathons. Q. What drew you to running for the National Guard team? A. I hadn’t planned to run a marathon this year, but I heard about the team, discovered that I met the qualifications, and threw my name “in the hat.” A month later I was surprised to find that I was selected as the captain of the team to represent Vermont at the National Guard Time Trials in Lincoln Nebraska. Q. How does it feel to represent the Vermont National Guard while running in the marathon? A. I was honored to be selected and am proud to represent our state at the Lincoln Marathon. Our team has runners with diverse experience and it will be fun to share in this event. Q. Have you finished any other marathons? How

many, where, which ones? A. Yes, I have done 3 before. My first was the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon in Alaska. Many years later I ran the Vermont City Marathon here in Vermont and most recently I completed the Baystate Marathon in Massachusetts. I’ve achieved a personal record each time so I’m expecting that again this year. Q. What do you do for civilian work? A. I’ve worked in health care throughout my career; always finding a new avenue of the discipline to explore. Currently I work for a company named QPID Health, which uses natural language processing software to create innovative solutions to problems in health care. Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard? A. The greatest benefit to me is the purpose. The President has tremendous power to deploy America’s sons and daughters in to dangerous situations. My job is to ensure that when that young American is injured, they get rapid treatment to ensure they will be safely returned to their family. Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job? A. The military has benefited me in my job because it has given me diverse exposure to multiple disciplines of the career field. I frequently use experience and knowledge from my civilian career to assist in my military career, and vice versa. Q. What is your most memorable military moment? A. The military has taken me a lot of places. It’s very difficult to pick one “military moment” that stands out for me but the best days are those when you come home from a mobilization, feeling tired, accomplished, and, most importantly, welcomed home by the family that you missed so much. Q. How long have you lived in Vermont? A. I’ve lived in Vermont since 2000. Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do? A. I love living in a community that values public service, volunteerism, healthy living, and the great outdoors. These values are part of our culture in Vermont and it makes me proud to live here. Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard? A. When my kids were young, I took a break from military service, returning a few years ago. What surprised me on my return was the professionalism; it reached a whole new level while I was away and makes me proud to be a member of this team. Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard? A. My favorite part about serving in the Vermont National Guard, besides the MEDEVAC mission, is the comradery; this is my second family.

Cooling stations opened throughout Vermont amid heatwave

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Montpelier, Vt. – A number of communities have opened public buildings for residents to cool off during Vermont’s current heat wave. The National Weather Service is predicting several more 90-degree days with heat indices in the 100s. Public buildings that can be used for cooling are not limited to the ones listed below, which have been reported to Vermont Emergency Management. Shopping malls, markets, libraries and other municipal buildings are open for business today and available to help you cool down. Call 2-1-1 if you need a place to go. Vermonters should remain vigilant and mindful of their health and the health of those around them during the heat wave. Check in on neighbors, family and friends who may need assistance in this heat. “I want to stress the importance of checking on elderly neighbors, pets and all those who may not be able to care for themselves or seek assistance,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Together, we can help keep all Vermonters safe during these high temperatures.” Be mindful of heat illness; learn the symptoms and how to mitigate them at www.healthvermont.gov/ climate/heat. Muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, headache or lightheadedness can often be treated by

drinking water and resting in a cool place. Call 9-1-1 if symptoms get worse or if someone becomes confused or loses consciousness. Other tips to stay cool and safe: - Drink more water than usual, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. - Stick to cool places like basements or air-conditioned rooms. Find an airconditioned public place like a shopping mall or library if you do not have A/C or a basement. - Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. - Periodically go for a swim, play under a sprinkler, or take a cool shower. - Reduce outdoor work and exercise, and limit it to the cooler parts of the day. - Ask for help if you feel sick. - Stop what you are doing if you feel faint or weak. - Be more cautious if you have a chronic health condition. Here's a few cooling locations: Burlington: Fletcher Free Library, 235 College Street: Monday (July 2) 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Miller Center Community Room, 130 Gosse Ct: Monday (July 2) 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Burlington Police Department, Community Room, 1 North Avenue:

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St. Albans: St. Albans City Hall, Main Street: Monday (July 2) 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday (July 3) 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Montpelier: City Hall Memorial Room, 39 Main Street, first floor: Monday, Tuesday and Friday (July 2, 3 & 6) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Montpelier Senior Center, 58 Barre Street: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (July 2, 3, 5 & 6) 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Capitol Region Visitors Center, 134 State Street: Weekdays 6:00 a.m. 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Vermont State House: Weekdays 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. A full list of cooling stations, including updated locations, will be located here: list will be updated as needed at http://vem.vermont.gov/ content/municipal-cooling-locations: For weather advisories, watches and warnings directly to your email or cell phone, register for a free VT-Alert account at www.vtalert.gov.

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opinion & community LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Postal Workers' food drive again a success Once again, the Essex community came out in full force to help stock the shelves of local food pantries. The Heavenly Pantry would like to thank all those involved in making this year’s Postal Workers’ Union Food Drive on May 12 a tremendous success. More food was gathered and delivered to the pantry than ever before and it has taken quite a while to sort, store and begin distribution of goods

to families in Essex, Essex Junction and Westford. The Postal carriers, who went above and beyond duty delivering this food, should be commended for the determination and selflessness it took to be sure all food made it to the food pantry, some who were still bringing food as late at 6:00 p.m.! Their friendly attitude and selflessness is greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure being a part of this unique community endeavor. A big thank you to residents who

provided this food, which will serve families well into the summer months, when children are out of school and donations tend to decline. Please be assured that those who need food assistance will be well taken care of, thanks to a generous community and determined Postal workers! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Heavenly Food Pantry First Congregational Church Essex Jct.

MESSAGES FROM MONTPELIER ChittEndEn 8-1

ChittEndEn 8-2

ChittEndEn 8-3

lindakmyers@comcast.net 878-3514

Rep. LINDA mYeRS (R)

Rep. BeTSY DUNN (D) betsydunn@comcast.net 878-6628

REP. LINDA MYERS

e are done! The longest legislative session I have experienced in my 17 years in the Vermont House of Representatives ended on Friday, June 29 when Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson brought her gavel down at 11:51 a.m. declaring adjournment. In last week’s Reporter, Rep. Bob Bancroft gave you the report of the final full day of the session on Friday, June 22. The House met for a few hours on Monday, June 25 to reconsider the final vote on H.16, the budget/ tax bill that had caused confusion for most House members on Friday. Two amendments were offered, both were defeated. A final voice vote was called and H.16 passed almost verbatim to the bill unanimously approved by the Senate the previous week. All that was left for the 2017-2018 legislative biennium was the fall of the gavel in the House and Senate on June 29. At that time the Governor had indicated he would let the bill become law without his signature. While I continue to have issues with the $1.58 non-residential property tax rate which is 4.5 cents more than

Rep. DYLAN GIAmBATISTA (D)

Rep. BOB BANCROFT (R)

dylan@vtdylan.com 734-8841

bancroft.vt@gmail.com 879-7386

Rep. LORI HOUGHTON (D)

CHITTeNDeN COUNTY SeNATORS

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houghton.lori@gmail.com 373-0599

the Governor wanted, there are many provisions in H.16 that I wholeheartedly endorse. I am pleased that there is no increase in the residential tax rate of $1.50. Especially important to me is the reduction of all personal income tax rates. Vermonters will keep $30 million by lowering income tax rates to align the state’s income tax structure with federal changes. Vermonters who receive Social Security will see an income tax exemption. Single tax filers with up to $45,000 in adjusted gross income, and married filers earning up to $60,000 will be tax exempt. The education fund will benefit from dedicating 100 percent of sales and use taxes and 25 percent of rooms and meals taxes to the education fund which will replace transfers from the general fund. H. 16 also established the Public School Employee Health Benefits Commission that will create a single state-wide allocation of premium expenses and out of pocket health care costs between public-employees and school districts. The bill included a housing bond that will leverage an additional $100 million in private investment, the single biggest housing investment ever made in Vermont. And, of the most importance to me, H. 16 secured free college tuition to the University of

Vermont and Vermont’s State Colleges for members of the Vermont National Guard and enhanced licensing reciprocity for veterans to help grow the State’s workforce with skilled employees in high-demand workforce sectors. In my opinion, this was an extremely difficult year in the Legislature. I have seen an increase in partisanship greater than in years passed. Legislators worked hard to break an impasse at the end of the session but failed in the last day of the session. A fellow legislator commented recently that “the Legislature is a hard place to work, the hours are long, the demands many, the compensation little.” And that is true. But for me there are rewards in seeing bills that one has championed pass into law and having the opportunity to honor Essex residents with resolutions and honors to praise their accomplishments. It has been my pleasure to serve the Chittenden 8-1 district since 2002, and I hope to continue to do so in the 2019-2020 biennium. Thank you for your emails, letters and phone calls. Your support over the years has been very much appreciated. I will be available throughout the remainder of the year to help you with questions and concerns.

PERSPECTIVE: STATE ISSUES

State vs local: Who controls schools and why By EMERSON LYNN Who controls our schools? Who sets the policy? Who is responsible for correcting the course of our educational system if it goes askew? And who judges if it has gone askew? Who sets the expectations? Who is responsible if the system is found to be in decline? The answers are not as clear as you might expect, given that schools have been around for a century or two. Currently, the questions are gaining currency as we push through the last stages of Act 46, the state’s school consolidation law, and as we struggle to match costs with a student population level that has plummeted in the last 25 years. The questions being asked reflect the source of the questions. School boards want the decisions to be theirs. Teachers have their own priorities, as do principals and superintendents. And our elected leaders - the governor foremost among them - see a role they can’t ignore. The costs of indifference are too high. In Vermont we’ve always deferred to local control as the preferred answer. Those closest to the schools are the ones most capable of shouldering the responsibilities. It’s the voters in a school district who pay the bills, and it’s the parents of the children in the schools who are closest to what happens in the classroom. The further away the center of control, the less fruitful the results. Act 60 changed that reality. For good reasons. The system that existed - local control and all - did not produce a system that provided an equal educational opportunity for all schools. What we had skewed the advantages heavily toward wealthy towns and against poorer ones. The ability to correct that imbalance was something beyond anything local school boards and their voters could do. The cause needed an outside force, something beyond local control. We are in need of that same outside force today, the question is how it’s framed, how this force is applied, for how long, and with what authority. Philosophically, these are questions that typically define the difference between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans shy away from centralized control, adhering to the belief that things are better controlled from the bottom up, not the top down. Democrats take a more global ap-

proach, asking the government to be the actor of change. So it’s an odd position for a Republican governor like Phil Scott to be in the Democrats’ space. It’s his administration that is pushing for statewide goals, and, to his detractors, using statewide control to push the educational system where he thinks it needs to go. He’s picked up where his predecessor, Gov. Peter Shumlin, left off with Act 46. It would be a simple thing for Mr. Scott to step aside and say that the direction of our educational system is something to be decided town by town, school by school. It would be a simple thing to say that no one knows better than local school boards, and the local voters who support their schools and to leave it at that. There is also a lot of value to that simplicity. Generally, the closer we are to the problem the better our answers. Montpelier can’t have Richford’s insight when it comes to managing its affairs. But there are times when the system is faced with challenges that can’t be addressed locally. Act 60 was one example. Act 46 was, and is, another. Act 60 addressed inequity, Act 46 addressed costs and inequity. They were both top down directives. Had we relied on a bottom up approach nothing would have happened. We’re still not where we need to be. We can debate the preferred process when it comes to how our schools are run, and, generally speaking, that should be a process that defers to the community. The closer the control to the subjects being controlled the better. The state’s role is one of breaking inertia. It’s not about taking control. It’s about forcing change. The difference is key. Control is enduring and inflexible. Forcing change without the need to control accomplishes the task and is liberating, it promotes flexibility. We are at that point of inflection in Vermont. The educational system’s century-long inertia is being broken, which is essential. More needs to happen. But the process, and the goals, need to be articulated in a way that explains that need, but also in a way that the end game is understood as something that is best driven from the bottom up, not the top down. Emerson Lynn is co-publisher of The Essex Reporter and the St. Albans Messenger, where this editorial first appeared.

OBITUARy

Priscilla J. “Cilla” Kimberly

Priscilla “Cilla” Kimberly, 64, died Sunday, June 24, in Burlington, Vermont. Born and raised in the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Cilla attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in zoology. She moved to Essex Junction, Vermont, in 1978, first working for the Green Mountain Club maintaining trails on Camel’s Hump, and after a few months she took a position with the University of Vermont Cancer Center. She retired in 2009. Cilla’s volunteer efforts centered around connecting neighborhoods with bike paths, including the Essex Junction Bike Path, and building backcountry ski trails, including the Woodard Mountain Trail. She enjoyed skiing, kayaking, biking the back roads of Vermont, bicycle touring Eu-

rope, hiking in New Zealand and throughout the United States, and gardening. In retirement, Cilla renewed her love for drawing and displayed her art in several Vermont venues. Cilla’s enthusiasm for life was evident to all who met her. She will be greatly missed by many. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lasky; six brothers and sisters throughout the United States; in-laws in California and New York; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be private. Memorial donations in memory of Priscilla J. Kimberly can be made to Vermont Land Trust, 8 Bailey Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602, or on-line. Arrangements are in the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County.

July 5, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 5

INTO THE WOODS WITH ETHAN TAPPER

Town Forests If you live in Vermont, chances are that you live near a town forest. Whether they are called a “Town Forest,” “Natural Area,” “Country Park,” “Conservation Area,” “Community Forest,” or “Municipal Forest,” town forests can be simply defined as a primarily forested property owned by a municipality. In Chittenden County we have about a dozen town forests, and one of my roles as County Forester is help communities manage these amazing resources. Vermont’s first Municipal Forest Bill passed in 1915. This bill, which described town forests as “a tract of land primarily devoted to producing wood products, maintaining wildlife habitat, protecting water supplies, providing forest recreation and conservation education,” gave municipalities the ability to acquire forested land. Town forests were eligible for assistance from the State: as much as half of the cost of their acquisition and reforestation, up to $600 per biennium in 1946. This bill was well-timed, as much of the 75% of Vermont that was deforested in the previous two centuries was beginning to revert back to forest in the early 1900’s. This trend was bolstered by the Great Depression and westward expansion, among other factors, which forced many farmers to move out, give up on farming, and/or give up their land. Some towns capitalized on this trend to acquire future town forests, modeling responsible forest, and public land, management in an increasingly forested landscape. The 840-acre Hinesburg Town Forest, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is an example of this, comprised of tax-derelict hill farms acquired by the town between the 1930’s and 1950’s. As restoration and reforestation projects, town forests (in addition to private land), were widely planted with conifer plantations, particularly red, white and Scotch pine, and Norway spruce. These plantations were established with the European idea of the “regulated forest” in mind, the philosophy that humans should control every variable in a forest to grow timber as efficiently as possible. These plantations sometimes grew timber quickly, but they were generally not what we now understand to be “healthy” forests: forests that are diverse, resilient to disturbance and provide highquality habitat and other ecosystem services. The first generation of town forests in Chittenden County are some of our most iconic. In addition to the Hinesburg Town Forest, the Essex Junction Village Forest, now called “Saxon Hill,” was regarded nationally as an example of a well-managed (plantation) forest. This property, at one time over 800 acres in size, supplied water to Essex Junction beginning in 1905. It was joined by the 501-acre Indian Brook Reservoir property, acquired by Essex Junction in 1955 for the same purpose. The Milton Town Forest, which surrounds Milton Pond, secured Milton’s water supply starting in 1923. New strategies are being used to acquire a new generation of town forests today. The LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest in Hinesburg, Andrews Town Forest in Richmond, Preston Pond Conservation Area in Bolton and Maple Shade Town Forest in Westford are examples of town forests acquired using conservation funds, among other state, federal, and private funding sources. These, and most new town forests, are conserved, meaning they can never be subdivided or developed, ensuring that they will remain a valuable resource for generations to come. Town forests usually support a diverse variety of uses, including recreation (walking and running, sometimes mountain biking, Nordic skiing and horseback riding), hunting, forest management, and education. I am particularly excited about town forests as places to demonstrate responsible forest management and show how this can interact positively with some of these other uses. The coexistence of these uses is not always harmonious; when conflicts inevitably arise it is up to the Town (usually in the form of a Conservation Commission or Town Forest Committee) to chart a path forward. This is done through a combination of management planning, community engagement and tough decision-making, and it is done by those who know the town best – its citizens. While having a say in how State or Federally-owned public lands are managed may be challenging, getting involved in the management of your town forest is usually as simple as showing up to a public meeting at the town hall once a month. Get out and enjoy these public resources, and get involved in their management. The shape that these lands take is, ultimately, up to you. You can find a map of Vermont’s town forests at https://vtcommunityforestry.org/YourVTTownForest . Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester. He can be reached at ethan.tapper@vermont.gov, (802)-5859099, or at his office at 111 West Street, Essex Junction.

THE ESSEX

REPORTER EXECUTIVE EDITOR Courtney A. Lamdin

CO-PUBLISHERS Emerson & Suzanne Lynn

REPORTERS Colin Flanders Madeline Clark Amanda Brooks

GENERAL MANAGER Suzanne Lynn

NEWS & SPORTS CLERK Ben Chiappinelli

69 Main Street P.O. Box 163 Milton, VT 05468

893-2028 news@essexreporter.com www.essexreporter.com

ADVERTISING John Kelley CLASSIFIEDS Gail Wells BUSINESS OFFICE St. Albans Messenger 281 North Main Street St. Albans, VT 05478 524-9771 (office), 527-1948 (fax)

Deadlines: Fridays at 5 p.m. | Published Thursdays Circulation: 8,800 The Essex Reporter is owned by Vermont Publishing Corp Inc. and is a member of the Champlain Valley News Group

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The Essex Reporter • July 5, 2018

EssEx ArEA

Religious Directory

calendar July 6

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 6 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, lead pastor, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Sundays: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., www.cmcvermont.org. COVENANT COMMUNITY CHURCH - 1 Whitcomb Meadows Lane, Essex Jct. 879-4313. Rev. Jeannette Conver, pastor. Adult bible class: 9 a.m., Sunday service: 10 a.m. with fellowship following. Infant through pre-K childcare provided, cccpastorjeannette@gmail.com;

archive phoTo

There will be the first of three summer community swim meets this week at the Maple Street pool. Events may include 25/50 butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 individual medley. The meet is open to all ages, or you can just coma and cheer! See the listing for Friday, July 6 for details.

Facebook page: bit.ly/2rDz4NE

5 Thursday

DAYBREAk COMMUNITY CHURCH - 67 Creek

senior sTrengTh group FiTness

Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Brent Devenney, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., AWANA: Thursdays twice a month, www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@gmail.com ESSEX ALLIANCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 119 Center Rd (Route 15), Essex. 878-8304. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. Service 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. 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 plant spiritual roots. FIRST CONgREgATIONAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUNCTION - 1 Church Street, Essex Jct. 878-5745; Website: www.fccej.org ; Email: welcome@fccej.org Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Mendes, Assoc. Pastor, Rev. Josh Simon. Summer Worship One Service 9 am, June 3 – September 2. Communion: first Sunday of every month. School Year Faith Formation. Jr. & High School Youth Groups. Heavenly Food Pantry – second Monday, 5:30-7:30pm; fourth Thursday, 2-6pm, except for Nov & Dec when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out Community Dinner – 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7pm. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Finally @ First Band, Joyful Noise, Cherub Music, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella and Ladies’ Acapella groups. gRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to grade 6. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you! HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAwRENCE PARISH - St. Lawrence: 158 West St., Essex Jct. 878.5331. Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.; Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. Holy Family: 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., Sundays: 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.hfslvt.org. MT. MANSFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road. 899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf. org. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist, Sundays: 10 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; office@stjamesvt.com. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 878-5997. Rev. Charles Ranges, pastor. Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. & Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.

9:45 a.m., HammerFit Athletic Club, 21 Essex Way, Suite 115, Essex Jct. Classes are appropriate for all abilities instructed by personal trainers who can recommend and demonstrate modifications (due to injury, ailment, etc.) as needed. Ages 45 and up, $5.

Musical Makerspace: Maracas and casTaneTs

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Shake things up and create rhythmic instruments.

read and sip

3 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Sip some juice, make a snack and listen to a story. Ages 5-10.

MilTon FarMers' MarkeT

3:30 - 7 p.m., Hannaford Plaza, Route 7, Milton. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, maple syrup, prepared foods, baked goods, live music and so much more! EBT/ SNAP, Farm to Family coupons and debit cards accepted. Once again, the market will host craft days on the third Thursday of every month and will offer free activities, taste tests, Millie the Bookmobile and coupons for kids at the Power of Produce Club. For more information, visit miltonyouth.org/farmers or contact the market manager at 893-1009 or farmersmarket@ miltonyouth.org.

6 Friday Musical sTory TiMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock ‘n’ read together on Friday mornings with books, songs, and instruments. All ages.

Magic: The gaThering

6 - 8 p.m., Brownell Library. Come play the role of planeswalker: a powerful wizard who fights others for glory, knowledge and conquest. Your deck of cards represents weapons in your arsenal, spells you know and creatures you can summon to fight for you. Grades 6 and up.

coMMuniTy swiM MeeT

7 - 8 p.m., Maple Street Pool. Join Annie Cooper and friends as they offer the opportunity for people of all ages (kids, teens and adults) to hop in the pool for a fun yet competitive swim. You pick your event(s) and how many you want to participate in. We will group swimmers by age and heat as best as we can. Spectators are welcome to come and cheer! Swim ribbons will be given to every participant. Events may include 25/50 butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 individual medley. $7 per swimmer; pre-registration encouraged but not necessary. Visit ejrp.org for more information.

dance dance revoluTion

7 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Come join in and show off your skills while playing Wii DDR Hottest Party 3. Cool drinks and popcorn served at intermission. Ages 10 and up.

7 saTurday weekend sTory TiMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs!

sTory TiMe

11 a.m., Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Each week, we'll choose a new picture book, a classic or a staff favorite to read aloud together. Free; all ages.

8 sunday wildFlowers open sTudio

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Wildflowers Studio, 43 upper Main St., Essex Jct. Time for children to independently explore the four fixed learning areas; tinkering, open ended art, sensory play, and paint exploration. Activities and materials that are appropriate for all ages and abilities. This is a place where children can relish in limitless creativity without concern for MESS! Thus, children should always arrive in “studio clothes.” $15 for one child; $5 additional children.

winooski FarMers' MarkeT

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Champlain Mill Green, 20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski. Managed by the Winooski Community Partnership, the Winooski Farmers' Market brings you Vermont’s finest local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, locally prepared foods, musical entertainment and a fun interactive kid’s program - the Power of Produce Club. The Winooski Farmers' Market, is distributing free meals at the Winooski Farmers Market for anyone under the age of 18.

9 Monday senior sTrengTh group FiTness 9:45 a.m., HammerFit Athletic Club, 21 Essex Way, Suite 115, Essex Jct. (See Thursday, July 5 for complete details)

wildFlowers open sTudio

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Wildflowers Studio, 43 upper Main St., Essex Jct. (See Sunday, July 8 for complete details.)

sTory TiMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Enjoy reading, rhyming and crafts each week! All ages.

Tech help wiTh cliF

Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering oneon-one technology help. Reservation required. Please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.

lego cluB

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Build awesome creations using our collection of LEGOs!

suMMer chess cluB

4 - 5 p.m., Brownell Library. Join other Chess players to learn the game and hone your skills. For ages 4-12.

MusT read Mondays

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Brownell Library. A deeply moving memoir with its share of humor and vividly colorful figures, "Hillbilly Elegy" by J.D. Vance is the story of how upward mobility really feels. And it is an urgent and troubling meditation on the loss of the American dream for a large segment of this

country. Pick up a copy of this book at the main desk and join us for a casual discussion.

verMonT asTronoMical socieTy

7:30 - 9 p.m., Brownell Library. There will be two mini presentations. The first will be "Atmospheric Phenomena, Some Familiar and Some Not" by Mark Moyer, the second will be "Asteroids and Meteors" by Steve Grimsley. Moyer will take us a step further in our knowledge of atmospheric phenomena by introducing lesser known phenomena such as circumzenithal arcs, as well as looking at the science underlying various phenomena to help us understand why these sights appear the way they do and how we can better observe them. Grimsley will review major meteor classifications and there will be nine meteor samples, including two irons, three stony irons and four chondrites to examine and discuss in an open forum. He will also provide a summary of the historical chronology of the early solar system.

10 Tuesday suMMer sTory TiMe

10 - 10:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Picture books, sign language, songs, rhymes, flannel stories and early math activities.

wildFlowers open sTudio

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Wildflowers Studio, 43 upper Main St., Essex Jct. (See Sunday, July 1 for complete details.)

energy rocks!

3 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Award winning environmentalist, master storyteller and author, Michael Caduto, presents a powerful and entertaining program about renewable energy explored through science and the arts. For ages 5-12.

Book launch parTy: "alpaca lunch"

6 p.m., Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Celebrate the launch of the newest Sweet Pea and Friends book,"Alpaca Lunch," with this author appearance! This fourth book

July 5, 2018 • The Essex Reporter • 7

calendar loCal MeetIngs thUrsDay, JUly 5 6 p.m., town Zoning board, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

MonDay, JUly 9 7 p.m., town selectboard, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

tUesDay, JUly 10 6:30 p.m., town Conservation and trails Committee, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

thUrsDay, JUly 12 6:30 p.m., town planning Commission, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

by the authors of the media sensation "The SheepOver" features an adventurous young alpaca who discovers new foods growing around the farm. John Churchman is a photographer, artist, and farmer. Jennifer Churchman is a multimedia artist and writer. They have made their home on a small farm in the beautiful countryside of Essex with their daughter Gabrielle.

UkUlele ClUb

6:30 - 7 p.m., Essex Free Library. Tuesdays become Tunes-days this summer! Learn to play the ukulele and strum some uke tunes with other young musicians! For ages 7 and up; registration required by calling 879-0313.

Drop-In knIttIng ClUb 6:30 - 8 p.m., Essex Free Library. Bring in your current knitting project or start a new one in the company of fellow knitters!

11 WeDnesDay MInt ConDItIonIng for 45+

bookMark stItCh-In eMbroIDery gUIlD

10 a.m.- noon, Brownell Library. Members of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America celebrate the Libraries Rock! theme. Watch them create embroidery using a variety of needlework techniques, then choose an embroidered bookmark to take home! For all ages, kids and adults.

story tIMe

10 a.m., Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Each week, we'll choose a new picture book, a classic or a staff favorite to read aloud together. Free; all ages.

pre-k yoga WIth DanIelle 10:30 - 11 a.m., Essex Free Library. Move and groove with yoga instructor, Danielle Brown!

senIor pICnIC

Noon - 1:30 p.m., Maple Street Park. The recreation staff at EJRP will serve a delicious summer lunch for residents of Essex Junction and Essex Town. Come socialize with your friends and enjoy food and entertainment. Ages 55 and up; registration is required. $5 per person.

teCh help WIth ClIf

Noon - 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.

MUsICal MakerspaCe: DrUMs!

1 - 2 p.m., Essex Free Library. Move to the beat of your own drum! Get rhythmic with everyday materials and build a drum to take home!

knIttIng ClUb

3 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Come learn to knit with needles or looms. All skill levels welcome. For ages 7 and up.

fIve Corners farMers' Market

4 - 7:30 p.m., Five Corners, 3 Main St., Essex Jct. Visit the new location for the return of the farmers' market! Market vendors offer produce, meat, specialty food, agriculture, prepared food, crafts and there will also be a featured community table. The market will also host a wide range of talented musicians. For a full list of vendors and musicians, to learn more and volunteer, please check out our website: 5cornersfarmersmarket. com and facebook.com/ 5CornersFarmersMarket.

Make yoUr oWn heaDphone holDer

7 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Make your own holder for your ear buds.

12 thUrsDay senIor strength groUp fItness 9:45 a.m., HammerFit Athletic Club, 21 Essex Way, Suite 115, Essex Jct. (See Thursday, July 5 for complete details.)

MUsICal pettIng Zoo

2 - 3 p.m., Brownell Library. See and touch different instruments. If you want to bring your own instrument, talk to a librarian. For ages 5-12.

groUp DrUMMIng CIrCle

1 - 1:45 p.m., Essex Free Library. Join musician and drum circle facilitator Saragail Benjamin for this interactive, musical event! Make music with fellow drummers and explore rhythm with various percussion instruments.

13 frIDay MUsIC WIth raph

9:30 - 10 a.m., Brownell Library. Come sing, dance and play with Raph. All ages.

MUsICal story tIMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock ‘n’ read together on Friday mornings with books, songs and instruments. All ages.

larp

3 - 5 p.m., Brownell Library. Live Action Role Play is open to all middle and high school students who want to have adventures in a mythical land.

DUngeons & Dragons

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Embark upon imaginary adventures. Dungeon Master serves as this role playing game’s referee and storyteller. For grades 6 and up.

14 satUrDay WeekenD story tIMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs!

MIster ChrIs In ConCert

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Local kids’ rockstar, Mister Chris visits for a rockin’ summer concert!

story tIMe

11 a.m., Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St., Essex Jct. Each week, we'll choose a new picture book, a classic or a staff favorite to read aloud together. Free; all ages.

See downtownwinooski. org or our Facebook page for details.

lake ChaMplaIn key to lIberty: UnDerWater arChaeology of the aMerICan revolUtIon

2 p.m. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington. Join Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s archaeological director, Chris Sabick, as he shares information on the ongoing and future research efforts related to the Revolutionary War that LCMM is engaged in. Admission free; donations appreciated. 7 p.m. Battery Park, Burlington. Enjoy band music every Sunday including musicals, show tunes, marches, popular selections, jazz tunes, novelty numbers and more. Free.

ongoIng events reaDIng WIthoUt Walls bIngo: sUMMer reaDIng prograM

July and August, Phoenix Books locations. This summer, children entering 4th-8th grade in the fall are invited to take the Reading Without Walls Bingo challenge! National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Gene Luen Yang started the program to celebrate reading and diversity by challenging children nationwide to read a book about a character who doesn’t look or live like them, read a book about a topic they don’t know much about and/or read a book in a format that they don’t normally read for fun. Sign-up begins July 1, but feel free to join throughout July and August. Go to phoenixbooks.biz or call 872-7111 for more information.

frenCh herItage Day CelebratIon

ColChester log sChoolhoUse

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Champlain Mill Green, 20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski. (See Sunday, July 8 for details.)

WIlDfloWers open stUDIo

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Winooski Falls Way, Winooski. There will be a Tourtiere contest along with Franco music and family genealogy. The Mill Museum and the Winooski Historical Society Museum will be open and the Winooski Farmers' Market will be taking place right there in the street. Join the fun! All meat pies must be at the Market Manager’s tent between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Pets of the Week MONA

12 year old Spayed female Arrival Date: 5/9/2018 Breed: Domestic short hair - black & white Reason here: I was not a good fit for my previous home Mona is a sophisticated and beefy beauty! Sure, she has a little extra meat on her bones, but she uses all that cushion for rubbing against your legs and hands while getting all the pets. Mona’s a senior lady (seniors rule!) who would prefer to be the only furry friend in your life. She was afraid of the cats in her previous home. But don’t worry, there will be no animal void in your life because Mona loves to give and receive affection! When you’re all done giving her pets (but she’s not done getting them), she’ll dig her cute black nose under your hand to let you know she wants more. She is a real gem and we know that the right family is just around the corner, we simply need to find them! Come in and see if this Mona is the work of art you’ve been looking for! My thoughts on: Cats & dogs: No thank you! I would prefer to be the only animal in my new home.

Humane Society of Chittenden County 802-862-0135

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WInooskI farMers' Market

Email our editor at news@essexreporter.com

ConCert serIes

All over town through July. Where's Waldo? In Essex, of course. The famous children’s book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting over a dozen local businesses throughout our community this July. Those who spot him can win prizes - and get entered into our grand prize drawing! Find Waldo is a fun summer vacation activity, and a wonderful way for residents and visitors to get to know some great local businesses. Go to phoenixbooks.biz or call 872-7111 for more information.

15 sUnDay

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Fridays - Mondays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Airport Park, Colchester. Since the restoration and public opening of the schoolhouse in 2007, thousands of visitors have stepped through its doors and back in time. If you are interested in volunteering as a host, please call 497-3036. Free parking and admission; donations appreciated.

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8•

The Essex Reporter • July 5, 2018

EMPLOYMENT

classifieds & jobseekers

PAINTING SERVICES

MAPLE SYRUP

FOR SALE

Appliances AIR CONDITIONER, 12,000 BTU’s, for casement window. Comes with remote, manuals. Used very little. $375. OBO. 802752-7138 AIR CONDITIONER, SEARS, fits small window, comes with manual, removable. $25. Call 802-524-9786 ELECTRIC PERCOLATOR, GE, like new. $15. Call 802-8687469. Art/Art Supplies WANTED, CLOTH SCRAPS, must be at least 18” x 24”, used to make dolls for hospitalized children. small print or solid color preffered. Call 802-8647276 Bicycles/Bikes BIKE, SCHWINN, COLLEGIATE, Sport 5, 26”, like new. New tires and tuned up. $150. 802-527-7235, leave a message. Camping Supplies SLEEPING

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PENNY’S, good shape. $15. Call 802868-7469 Clothing & Accessories BOXTON WALLET, MENS new, in great shape. $10. Call 802868-3269

BED, DOUBLE, MAPLE, like new mattress and box spring. $150. 802-272-5445 BED, ROLLAWAY, LIKE new. $40. 802272-5445

BISTRO TABLE, WROUGHT Iron with two chairs. Brand new, still in box. Moving, must sell! 802-5787606 Livestock Feed/ Supplies HAY OR MULCH, $3.50 per bale! Call 802-343-0032

DAY BED, TWIN, attractive, white, iron. CARPENTER JEANS, Barely used mattress. Tools/Accessories MEN’S Lee, sizes Must sell. $85. comAIR TANK, PORTAW34-30 (5), W34-32, plete. 802-524-9043 BLE Mintcraft, 5 galW32-30. $10 each. ROCKER, NEWPORT, lon. Asking $29. Call Call 802-868-3269 WITH matching otto- 802-849-2218 SAFETY BOOTS, man. $50. 802-272- GENERATOR CORD, NEW 35 feet long, WOMEN’S Wolverine, 5445 $150 new. Asking $99. size 8.5. Brand new, SPOOL BED, REFIN- Call 802-849-2218 for worn 2 weeks, paid ISHED, in good shape. more info $130. Selling for $30. $100. Call 802-868- WEED EATER, GAS powered, curved shaft, Call 802-868-3269 7469 comes with manual. Children’s Items TV STAND, BLACK, $25. Call 802-524& Toys excellent condition, 9786 BASSINET, FOR BOY 34”L x 17”W x 26”H, blue, zip up net, great glass front doors, 3 shape, smoke free interior shelves, side home. $20. Call 802- storage shelves, swivel 582-5557 base. $45. Call 802ROCK ‘N PLAY, for 524-1754 boy or girl, great shape, TWO SEAT COUCH, smoke free home. $20. tan velvet, clean with Call 802-582-5557 no pets. $50. Call 802Electronics/ 524-1754 Cameras/Etc. Lawn/Garden GARMIN ETREX GPS, camo, $180 new. Ask- A D I R O N D A C K CHAIRS, (4), white. ing $99. Call 802-849- Brand new, still in box2218 es. Value of one is

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July 5, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ The Essex Reporter â&#x20AC;˘ 9

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Run in the Business & Service Directory in the Milton Independent Emergency: 911 â&#x20AC;˘ Non-emergency: 878-8331 â&#x20AC;˘ 145 Maple St., Essex Jct., VT 05452 â&#x20AC;˘ www.epdvt.org Only or Milton Independent, Colchester Sun & Essex Reporter 6:03 p.m., Trespass Violation on West St. 5:44 p.m., Suspicious on Partridge Dr. thursdAy, June 28 all for these low rates.6:16 p.m., Weapon Law Violation on Sand Hill Rd. 6:18 p.m., Lost/Found Property on Upper Main St. 12:48 p.m., Lost/Found Property on Greenfield Rd. 6:24 p.m., MV Disturbance on Susie Wilson Rd. 6:53 p.m., DLS on River Rd. 1:29 p.m., Suspicious on Pearl St. Arrests 8 weeks MI only $160 / MI, CS & ER 7:33 p.m., MV Disturbance on Old Stage Rd. 8:54$360 p.m., Fireworks on Susie Wilson Rd. 2:17 p.m., Larceny on Pearl St. 1 Unlawful mischief 12 weeks MI only $225 / MI, CS & ER $480 7:45 p.m., Untimely on Indian Brook Reservoir 10:32 p.m., Family Disturbance on Fox Run Rd. 4:18 p.m., Communications Offense on Main St. 1 Dui 6 months MI only $360 / MI, CS & ER $840 7:47 p.m., Suspicious on Carmichael St. 11:32 p.m., Burglary on Railroad St. 4:43 p.m., MV Disturbance on West St. 1 Driving with license suspended 1 year MI only $650 / MI, CS & ER $1500 10:42 p.m., Trespass Violation on Pearl St. 7:06 p.m., DLS on Susie Wilson Bypass

ESSEX POLICE REPORTS June 25 - July 1

MondAy, June 25

WednesdAy, June 27

6:07 a.m., Noise Disturbance on Park St. Minimum of 8 weeks required. 1:41 a.m., Disorderly Conduct on Maple St. Standard size: 3 1/4â&#x20AC;? x 1 5/8â&#x20AC;? 6:52 a.m., Fire on Essex Way 7:56 a.m., LSA onPre-paid, Kellogg Rd. ads run consecutive 9:58 a.m., Lost/Found Property on Maple St. weeks 8:30 a.m., LSA on Kellogg Rd. without change. 11:37 a.m., MV Disturbance on Pearl St. 5:06 p.m., Lost/Found Property on Park St. Noon, Arrest on Warrant on Main St. 5:17 p.m., Lost/Found Property on Park St. 12:55 p.m., Simple Assault on Pearl St. 7:24 p.m., Larceny on Maple St. 1:31 p.m., Animal Problem on East St. 10:00 p.m., Intoxicated Person on Lincoln St. 3:33 p.m., Family Disturbance on Main St. 4:25 p.m., Registration Required on Main St. tuesdAy, June 26 4:32 p.m., Suspicious on Lincoln St. 12:49 a.m., Noise Disturbance on Central St. 4:50 p.m., Larceny on River Rd. 4:38 p.m., MV Complaint on Maple St. 6:11 p.m., Burglary on Main St. 4:53 p.m., Family Disturbance on Brigham Hill Rd. 8:34 p.m., Aggravated Assault on Bixby Hill Rd.

FridAy, June 29

6:28 a.m., Larceny on Franklin St. 7:12 a.m., Burglary on Maple St. 7:27 a.m., Larceny on Fuller Pl 7:51 a.m., Suspicious on Susie Wilson Rd. 11:01 p.m., Suspicious on Bixby Hill Rd.

sAturdAy, June 30

12:28 a.m., DUI on Pearl St. 8:14 a.m., Lost/Found Property on River Rd. 11:48 a.m., Animal Problem on Susie Wilson Rd. 12:26 p.m., DLS on Lincoln St. 2:10 p.m., Animal Problem on Old Stage Rd.

sundAy, July 1

2:59 a.m., Animal Problem on Pearl St. 8:07 a.m., Animal Problem on Center Rd. 8:34 a.m., Animal Problem on Pearl St. 11:20 a.m., Larceny on Pearl St. 4:53 p.m., Animal Problem on Old Stage Rd. 7:33 p.m., Family Disturbance on Lincoln St.

tickets issued: 26 WArnings issued: 21 Fire/eMs cAlls: 52

This log represents a sample of incidents in the date range. For more information, call the non-emergency number: 878-8331

10 •

LOCAL

The Essex Reporter • July 5, 2018

PHOTO BY KYLE ST. PETER

L to R: Dale Tucker and Abby, David Hurne and Gemma, Kevin Moser and Mila each graduated from their service dog training program Sunday at Camp Johnson in Colchester.

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Three Vermont veterans and their loyal companions added a new distinction to their résumés earlier this month: newlyminted grads. The June 16 graduation ceremony at Camp Johnson in Colchester marked the final hoorah for Michelle LeBlanc’s third class to move on from Paws & Boots, a Williston-based program that connects veterans and first responders with rescue dogs. Completely pro bono, programs like LeBlanc’s are welcome news for veterans since post-traumatic stress disorder service dogs aren’t covered by insurance. Pri-

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vate services can charge up nection that coincided with similar message: that it’s to $60,000 for the dog and its his attempt to get sober OK to seek help. “We're hutraining, according to Paws after struggling for years man, we're not robots,” she and Stripes, a nonprofit with alcoholism. said. “What we see affects organization. The program quickly us, and it affects everybody Graduations are a bitbecame a powerful force in differently.” tersweet day for LeBlanc, his pursuit of a sober life That’s why she also acwho spends up to a year and deepened his relationcepts first responders, she training with her students. ship with his “best friend,” said, one of the only in the The payoff is worth it, howGemma, who helped return country to do so. ever. his “sense of awe with life.” LeBlanc believes the “They trust their life “Finding happistigma surrounding mental with me, and that's someness, finding joy in the health among veterans and thing I certainly don't take little things,” he explained, first responders is slowly for granted. It's so hum“which is a big part of my improving: When she was a bling,” LeBlanc said. sobriety.” kid, no one had even heard LeBlanc of the phrase “service said she dog.” Now, people unhas former derstand they’re tools students that help someone who used to live their daily life. stay home or “The world is be attached finally changing and to their realizing that you can spouses. be fixed. You're not Now, they’re broken. We don't just out and throw you away,” she about, like said. “But that stigma one student is there.” who walked LeBlanc founded Michelle LeBlanc down Church the program in 2015 VSP Cpl., founder of Vermont Paws & Boots Street during with the help of the training – a Essex Rotary Club, seemingly which donated money benign act that became Hurne admits he’s not toward vet bills, training difficult for the veteran a huge people person and equipment and food for the after he experienced several explained his PTSD manifirst dog to graduate the bomb explosions in open fests in social anxiety, often program (The Reporter demarket settings during his forcing him to keep to himtailed her first class in 2016, deployment. self. But Gemma provides profiling Essex resident The program also gives a buffer, helping him meet Misha Pemble-Belkin). students something to focus and talk with new people. The Rotary has since on and encourages them to He said that’s especially moved on, but LeBlanc is engage with fellow veterimportant for veterans. looking to continue her ans, said David Hurne, one “Isolation is the biggest program for years to come, of the three to graduate killer,” he said. “That’s starting a Facebook page from the program earlier when substance abuse and and website where she’s this month. suicide happen: when we accepting donations to help Hurne, 47, of Underisolate and feel disconoffset the costs. hill, served in the Marines nected. Programs like this One day, she hopes to for six years, including an reconnect us with other even open a permanent eight-month stint in Iraq. people that uniquely underlocation. He met LeBlanc through a stand our situation where For now, however, she’s Veterans Affairs counselor most people can’t.” focused on making an imand expressed interest in LeBlanc, a Vermont pact in any way she can. going through the program State Police corporal, hopes “One life at a time,” she with his dog, Gemma, a con- her program spreads a said.

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OVATIONS Dean's and President's Lists Spring 2018 Grace Hazen has been named to the President’s List at Johnson State College in Johnson, Vermont, for the spring 2018 semester. The President’s List recognizes those who attained a GPA of 4.0. Sarah Koch of Essex Junction was named to the Dean's List at Anderson University for the spring semester. In order to be named to the Dean's List, a student must maintain a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the semester. Abigail Malle and Anna Singer have been named to the University of Delaware Dean's List for the Spring 2018 semester by maintaining GPAs of 3.33 or above. Tufts University recently announced that Lindsay Pius and Nathan Watts have both made the dean's list for the Spring 2018 semester. Dean's list honors at Tufts University require a semester grade point average of 3.4 or greater. Ethan Benton was named to the Western Connecticut State University Dean’s List for the spring 2018 semester. Malena Meuten, Manu Shrestha, Riley Williams, Joshua Fisher, Bridget Gibbons and Jason Maher were named to the Community College of Vermont Dean’s List, which recognizes full-time students with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.99. Bradley Bissonnette, Emily Collins, Kelly Holmes, Corey Johnson, Virginia Litchfield, Peter Roy, Elaine Sarkisian, Brenna Wagner, Kaileigh White and Alexis Williams of Essex Junction were joined by Kristin Quiet of Westford on the CCV Student Honors List. This honor recognizes part-time students with a 4.0 grade point average. Nicole Seaver was named to the dean’s list at Clarkson University for achieving a minimum 3.25 GPA while carrying at least 14 credit hours. Alec Dorfner has been named to the Siena College President's List for the Spring 2018 semester, which requires a 3.9 GPA or higher. Steven J. Maloney and Kara E. Sheftic were both named to the dean’s list at Boston University for attaining a 3.5 GPA, or being in the top 30 percent of their class, while bearing a full course load. Sara Brooks and Dawn Irwin were named to the dean’s list at Lyndon State College for attaining a GPA of 3.5 - 3.9. Cassidy Reid has been named to the Siena College Dean's List for a GPA between 3.5 and 3.89. SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran recognizes Victoria Bean for earning high honors. President's List recognizes full-time students who achieve a GPA of 3.75 or greater. Laniah Harris of

Westford was named as a member of the Hofstra University Dean’s List for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. Samantha Nolan Gilliam was named to the dean’s list at Simmons College in Boston, Mass. For obtaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher based on 12 or more credit hours. Kalvyn Langford was recently named to the Castleton University President's List. To qualify for this highest academic honor, the student must maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 4.0. Kayleigh Daniels, Jasmina Kokorovic, Hanna McEvoy, Rohin Saini and Liam Welsh were all named to the Castleton University Dean's List for maintaining full-time status and a semester GPA of 3.5. Faith Schumacher was named to President's List at Mississippi College for maintaining a GPA of 4.0 with a full course load. Olivia Malle was named to the dean's list for Coastal Carolina University. Students who make the Dean's List have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher during the semester. Elise C. Hatoum was named to the University of Rhode Island Dean’s List for completing 12 or more credits with a GPA of 3.3 or above. Mackenzie Burnett, Amarah Emerson and Karyn Svarczkopf were joined by Westford’s Joseph Aiken in being named to the Dean’s List for the 2018 spring semester at the University of New England. Dean’s List students have attained a GPA of 3.3 or better. Kristie Bae of Essex Junction, VT, has been named to the 2018 spring semester Dean's List at Ohio Wesleyan University by achieving a GPA of 3.5 or better. Kayla Arena, Samuel Barch, Sage Burns, Matthew Emery, Carolyn Harnois, Taylor Pillsbury, Andersen Pinckney, Christopher Riani, Talia Verro and Tristan Whitaker were all members of the Champlain College Dean's List for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Dominique Cornacchia and Zoe Moss were named to the President’s List for a GPA of 4.0. David Valley was awarded a position on the Trustee’s List for maintaining a GPA of 4.0 for two or more consecutive semesters. Assumption College has announced that Darren Van Dzura is named to the dean's for achieving a GPA of 3.5 for a five-class, 15-credit semester. The Essex-Westford School District was wellrepresented on the University of Vermont Dean’s List. Jordan Appenzeller, Niveditha Badrinarayanan, Skylar Beck, Clara Behrman, Alexander Benevento, Jessica Brideau, Alissa Chiu, Andrew Cimonetti, Shawn Cimonetti, Tyler Conchieri, Holly Dahlgren, Kristen Dahlgren, Christopher

Diehl, Elizabeth Dunford, Alexandra Esposito, Charlotte Evans, Emily Evenson, Zoe Filan, Courtney Gilbert, Emily Goodrich, Lindsay Hallowell (Westford), Mariah Holmes, Adam Hurlburt, Christopher Irish (Westford), Kaelyn Jenny, Benjamin Kagan, Gabrielle Kalinen, Leah Kelleher, Julia Kitonis (Westford), Katarina Krizanac, Eric Lamphere, Mikayla LeBlanc, Jacqueline Littlefield, Kindra Lundie, Connor MacDonald, John Mashrick, Nathan Miles, Marisa Minadeo, Nicholas Minadeo, Brittany Moore, Andrew Morin, Paula Noordewier, Christopher Nuckols, Ella Overfield Lamberti, Adam Petrucci, Charlotte Pratt, Alicia Russotti, Priyanka Santhanakrishnan, Sarah Smith (Westford), Melissa Stewart, Merisah Trisciuzzi, Audrey Wilbur, Nicholas Wosky, Timothy Yandow and Grace Yu. These students all maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better and ranked in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school. Noah Ferris and Lindsey Gleason were recently named to the Dean's List at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., where a full-time degree seeking undergraduate student must take at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.6 quality point average during the semester. Aidan Travers, Benjamin Centracchio and Henry Weith were recently named to the Northeastern University’s Dean’s List for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher with no single grade lower than an C- during the course of their college career. Charles K. Cobb of Westford and Martin T. Deutsch were both named to the dean’s list at Colby College in Waterville, Maine for maintaining a GPA of 3.75 or above. In Boston, Stefani Franklin was named to the Emmanuel College Dean's List for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester. Southern New Hampshire University only recently announced their winter accolades. Chloie Janaro was named to the president’s list for an academic GPA of 3.7 or higher while earning 12 credits and Lauren Pinto was named for a GPA of 3.5 - 3.69. In Searcy, Ar., Sarah Diesing earned a position on the Harding University Dean’s List, thanks to a GPA above 3.65 while taking 12 or more hours with no incompletes. Hannah Couture was named to the dean’s list at Bryant University for maintaining a GPA of 3.4 or better for at least 12 hours of work. In the fall, Couture had made the president’s list with a GPA of 4.0 or above. Eric Dewitt, Ethan Harvey and Keegan Yao were awarded positions on the University of Connecticut Dean’s List for keeping

their grades in the upper 25 percent of the school and not receiving grades below a “C.” Carolyn C. Leccese, Aidan J. Whitney, Allison M. Matthews, Catherine G. Combs, Drake Rivas, James C. Combs, Jasmine A. Powell and Jillian B. Kenny were all awarded positions on the St. Michael’s College Dean’s List for their academic achievements. Peter Huntley Roy, Dip Sharma, Samuel Jose Velasquez and Jessica Helenjane Ballard were awarded spots on the Vermont Technical College President’s List for high academic performance. Securing positions on the dean’s list were Maggie T. O’Brien, Heather Ruth Austin, Tyler B. Couture, Waleed Suwaydir Alrashdi, Sergio A Mendes, Samira Omerovic, Adam Christopher Yandow, Diwas Sharma, Emily Rose Bulger, Tapan Nepal, Nathan W. Jenkins, Abdulkerim Dozic and Noah G. Ranallo.

Academic Honors Two students were honored with awards from the University of Vermont's College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Timothy Yandow received the Civil Engineering SEOY Nominee Award and the Edward H. Phelps (Senior) Prize, which recognizes students for outstanding scholastic achievement and participation in universityrelated activities, and for "exhibiting conspicuous merit in professional studies, and high and noble traits of character," respectively. Jacqueline Littlefield received the Nam Sang Kil Scholarship - Statistics Undergrad Achievement Award, in recognition of the value of education as a path toward betterment of mankind, this scholarship is presented to an outstanding student in honor of Chairman Nam. The UVM Biochemistry Department presented Sebastian Hanna with the Robert Woodworth Award during the College of Arts and Sciences Awards Ceremony. The Robert Woodworth Award for highest academic achievement in biochemistry is named for a native Vermonter who spent his career teaching and mentoring in the Biochemistry Department at UVM and laid the groundwork for the current undergraduate degree in biochemistry. Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington recognized the following Essex students that are members of its student body. Graduates Ann Niekrewicz received the Msgr. Rev. Bernard Bourgeois Excellence in Religious Studies Award and Emily Rachek won the Susan Valley Scholarship. Hannah J. Bovee has been awarded a St. Lawrence University Fellowship for a summer 2018 research project. Bovee received the Betty Buchanan-Dunn University

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Fellowship and Daniel F. '65 and Ann H. Sullivan Endowment for Student/ Faculty Research and will be mentored by Nadia Marano to conduct research titled "Characterization of Amyloid Fibers Formed by Tetracycline Resistant Bacteria." Charlotte Murphy was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Murphy is pursuing a degree in art at Elon University in N.C. Laura Sturm was also recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Sturm was initiated at Ithaca College.

Professional Achievements Vermont Tech’s Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) is proud to announce the hiring of Katherine Barwin as the project manager for green trainings. Her main focus is to work with area businesses and agencies to set up practical, and immediately useable, workforce trainings related to safe and sustainable environments. Prior to joining CEWD full-time, she served in a variety of roles at both local colleges and public schools, predominately in the areas of curriculum design, training development, leadership, and project management. Barwin has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont, an M.Ed from Harvard and a certificate from the Snelling Leadership Institute. Community Bank N.A. is pleased to announce that Erika Baldasaro has been appointed to the national board and Vermont committee for the DREAM Program Inc. As a board member, Baldasaro will provide general oversight of the organization and serve on the finance committee. She has been involved with the DREAM Program for five years. Baldasaro serves as vice president and New England district manager for Community Bank N.A. and has been in the banking industry for 21 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Essex Physical Therapy is excited to announce the arrival of two new physical therapists, Stacy Garcia, DPT and Allison Kaplan, DPT. Garcia received her doctorate of physical therapy from Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. in May of 2017, while Kaplan received the same degree from the University of New England in Portland, Maine. Both therapists will be working out of the Carmichael St. office.

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sports

The Essex Reporter • July 5, 2018

Swim lanes and strike zones

Whether in the water or on the diamond, Essex athletes are keeping busy during the hot, humid days of summer. RIGHT: A swimmer from the Town of Essex Swim Team takes in a breath during their meet against St. Albans on Thursday, June 28. Read the results in Sport Shorts. BELOW: The Essex Town All-Stars played a tough one in the Little League District 3 tournament this weekend at Cioffi Field in St. Albans. BOTTOM LEFT: Gabo Brenneman fires a pitch over the plate. BOTTOM RIGHT: Cooper McCurley prevents a past ball. We have more swim and baseball pictures on our website, essexreporter.com.

School may be out for summer, but that doesn't mean that these athletes are taking time off.

PHOTO BY KYLE ST. PETER

PHOTOS BY JOSH KAUFMANN

SPORT SHORTS TEST kicked off the its summer with two big wins last week over Winooski and St. Albans. TEST practices every weekday morning from after 6 a.m. until 9 a.m. with home meets on specific Tuesdays and Thursdays with Sand Hill Pool closing its doors at 4:15 p.m. to set up. Team warm ups begin at 5 p.m. with the first event at 6 p.m. Here's a quick recap of the meets:

By JOE GONILLO

appy, Fourth of July! The word for the week is HOT. What a thick heat wave! Tough time to be without A.C. I try not to complain about the heat, as we all can remember the frigid temps we encountered right after Christmas - so I'd rather deal with heat instead of bone-chilling, frozen weather. Another all-star team announced, women's soccer league updates, and the first results from our Town of Essex Swim Team (TEST) swimming. World Cup action moved to the knockout round. Enjoy the fireworks!

JunE 26 - TEST (238) vS. WInOOSkI (110) TEST Winners • 8 & under boys- Ethan Shevchik- 25 fly, 25 breast, 25 free • 9-10 girls- Ellie Subin-Billingsley - 25 fly and 25 back • 9-10 boys- Ben Haddock - 25 fly, 25 breast, 25 free; Riley Drury - 25 back • 11/12 girls- Lexi LaFountain - 50 fly, 50 back, 50 breast; Sierra Harris- 50 free • 11/12 boys - Owen Ackerman - 50 breast and 50 free • 13/14 girls - katie Miller-Johnson - 50

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fly, 50 back, 50 free; Saige Harris - 50 breast 13/14 boys- Thomas Denton- 50 fly, 50 back, 50 breast; Luke Austin - 50 free 15-18 boys- Jake McIntyre - 50 back, 50 free; Ross Macy- 50 fly and Oliver Austin - 50 breast

JunE 28 - TEST (342) vS. ST. ALBAnS (128) TEST winners • 8 & under girls- Eva Bulakowski - 25 • Fly, 25 back and 25 breast; Zara Garofano - 25 free • 8 & under boys- Ethan Shevchik 25 fly; Tyler Haddock - 25 breast • 9/10 girls - Ellie Subin-Billingsley - 25 fly • 9/10 boys - Ben Haddock - 25 fly, 25 back and 25 Breast • 11/12 girls- Lexi LaFountain - 50 back, 50 breast, 50 free; Sierra Harris - 50 fly • 11/12 boys - Derek McIntyre- 50 back and 50 breast; Owen Ackerman - 50 fly; Zachary Menz - 50 free • 13/14 girls - katie Miller-Johnson - 50 fly and 50 back; Saige Harris - 50 breast and Ella newman - 50 free • 13/14 boys - Luke Austin - 50 fly; Thomas Denton - 50 back, 50 breast,50 free • 15-18 boys - Ross Macy - 50 fly and 50 back; Oliver Austin - 50 breast Jake Mc - 50 free Good Luck to TEST swimmer Zada Anderson, 18, who left with Team vermont on Saturday making their way to Seattle, Wash. to compete at the Special Olympics games this week. Congrats to the following Hornet GLAX players for being named all-stars: FIRST TEAM: Jenna Puleo, midfield. SECOnD TEAM: Olivia Miller-Johnson, midfield HOnORABLE MEnTIOn: Maya Boyers, attack; Tess Hastings, midfield; Frankie Martin, defense. Mount Mansfield union all-stars were

Ella king, midfield; natalie Mohn, attack; katie Benvenuto, defense; Allison Charland, midfield. Bella Mosca, attack; Emily Zambarano, midfield.Cvu had nine players named while state champ Middlebury had seven. WOMEn’S SOCCER LEAGuE STAnDInGS 1. vt. Energy Legs 4-1-0 2. Shenanigans 3-1-0 3. Huff n’ Puff 3-2-0 4. 802 Cross Fit 3-2-0 5. 2 Sisters 2-1-1 6. ESDI 1-3-0 7. Tha Warriors 0-3-0 8. nE kingdom Warriors 0-0-4 Long-time Commissioner Bill Duval had the foresight and knowledge to cancel and reschedule all Sunday evening games for later in the season. One month remains in the regular season. Check out their website vtwomenssoccer.com for more information. You have to be 18 to play, but I believe each team has an exemption or two in order to have a younger player. The competition is great and the travel is minimal, as is the cost. Played in the Couples' Scramble last Friday for the first time with my wife and Grand Isle brother and sister-in-laws, Don and Carol Hathaway. Sadly only used my ball four or five times. One birdie, two bogies. We had fun, shot a +1 30 and may have finished in the top ten. Have to play again. Watched the Yanks take two of three from the Red Sox. Both teams are tied for first in the East. Sale and Severrino were unhittable. David Price was! Congratulations to Dayna and Ryan Davis on the birth of their second beautiful daughter. Last Friday morning at 6:42 a.m., Marlowe Leigh Davis was born and tipped the scales 7 lbs.,15 oz. and 19.5" tall. Big sister Isla loves her baby sister. Congrats to Grandpa and Gramma Scot and Diane Slocum on grandchild number five!

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