Dec. 17, 2015 Essex Reporter by Essex Reporter

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DECEMBER 17, 2015

Vol. 35, No. 50

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Parents, students, teachers turn out to protest class consolidation at EHS By Jess WislOsKi For The Essex Reporter

Nearly 70 parents and students packed the Essex High School library on Monday night, many of them prepared to face off with members of the U46 school board about plans to eliminate advanced placement and honors classes. Most of the attendees came out to protest the school’s plan — which was made public only after the leak of an internal memo from a meeting of school leaders last month. U46 board member and meeting facilitator Liz Subin denied at the start of the meeting that the district was planning to fold the higher-level classes into combined classes, and Chittenden Central Supervisory Union Superintendent Judith DeNova has said and written several times that no plan to remove or consolidate any high school honors or AP classes was on the horizon. In a November letter to the district

in response to rumors about the planned consolidation of honors classes, she wrote, “The team shared their vision to move away from leveled courses over a two-year period. This did not include removal of Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) courses… .” However, when that controversial internal memo was shared publicly toward the end of Monday’s meeting, it seemed to contradict DeNova’s earlier denials. “We will explore ways to integrate Honors into existing courses rather than our current standalone Honors courses,” the memo reads. Board member Brian Donohue described notes about the meeting as “internal minutes that were made public through a series of distributions and emails” when he presented them on the projector, and added that the memo was also legally public information. He also framed them as simply part of the beginning of a discussion that should be greeted by curiosity on the community’s

part, not by closed minds. “I’m curious that we’ve had almost a 30 percent increase in our free and reduced lunch population,” he said. “I’m curious what it means to have so many refugees move into our community, like we hadn’t seen before. And I’m most curious if we’re structuring a school for our future and our future learners, that fits them — not that fits us right now. Or our past experiences,” he said. EHS Principal Rob Reardon said the school was in the planning stages and not ready to implement any change to the current curriculum. He noted that the state’s requirements in proficiency-based learning mandate that by 2020 every student who graduates be both college and career-ready, and said that only three subject areas were still leveled at the high school: English, science and math. Currently, student performance is far off the proficiency standards. Of the 2016 class, he said, testing showed only 62 percent

of students were proficient in English, 26 percent proficient in science and 14 percent proficient in math. “We are talking 9 to 12 tonight, but this is a K-to-12 conversation in general,” he said. Several parents and students — including an Essex graduate from 1996 who now has children in the school system — spoke about how the rigor of the existing leveled system had served them or their children well in preparation for college. But other parents spoke to the educational value of having a mixed, unleveled or heterogenous class arrangement. Raj Chawla, who lives in the village, said he didn’t feel diversity was being valued in what he heard from parents. “We don’t want our kids to be challenged by anything but the schoolwork,” he said. “As someone working with medical students, I see students who are 4.0 and

– See EHS on page 2a

State auctions piece of circ land, retains 750 acres

Dear Rudolph

‘We’ve never said it won’t be built’ By JasOn starr The Essex Reporter

The Vermont Agency of Transportation is selling off a small percentage of the land it acquired over a period of decades to build a circumferential highway through Chittenden County. But the agency plans to retain its remaining roughly 750 acres associated with the project, despite the highway’s apparent demise. Gov. Peter Shumlin announced shortly after taking office in 2011 that his administration will not complete the long-planned “circ.” The four-mile stretch in Essex (Route 289) is the only one of three planned legs to be built. The state still controls 364 acres of right-of-way in Essex, Williston and Colchester for the highway, according to the Agency of Transportation. It also owns 393 acres of land outside the right-of-way – including four parcels in Essex, Jericho and Richmond – acquired as mitigation to offset the potential environmental impacts of the highway. Opposition from environmental groups and the Environmental Protection Agency underpinned Shumlin’s decision to abandon the concept. Sporadically, private property owners who sold easements to the state to make way for the highway have queried Agency of Transportation (VTrans) officials about getting their property back, or being allowed to use it in some way, according to VTrans Right of Way Chief Robert White. Colchester’s Ray Wells owns property near Severance Corners that is bisected by the circ right-of-way. Since Shumlin’s abandonment of the project, Wells has pushed the state to return circ land to its original owners, to sell it, or to use it for a public amenity, such as a bike path. “The land is not available to anyone for any purpose,” Wells wrote in a letter to The Colchester Sun earlier this year. “Allowing prime, valuable land to go dormant is to the determent of all the people of Colchester.” Among the circ-associated land the state owns in Essex is a 31-acre parcel at 87 Towers Road. The

he seventh annual Essex Junction Train Hop and Tree Lighting drew record crowds last Friday evening, according to Darby Mayville, the village’s community relations assistant. Mayville said the unseasonably warm weather helped boost the attendance and that about 1,400 people rode the little train this year. The Train Hop has grown since its inception in 2009, from three businesses and community partners to the 19 that participated this year. Mayville praised John Gaworecki, the event’s “train coordinator,” who made sure every venue had a model train to display.

Top: Sawyer Judkins, 7, was so excited to see rudolph at the Library during the holiday event in Essex Friday Evening. right: One of the biggest draws for the kids this year was the train ride. PhOTOS | rOy MErCOn

– See CIRC on page 2a

SPECTAC training facility to open Locals focus on personalized regimens

By cOlin Flanders The Essex Reporter Sam Orfandis and Calvin Sanderson looked around their new 1,000 square foot training space, the sunlight of an unusually warm December morning reflecting off the panel of mirrors behind them. A blue stripe wrapped around the freshly painted white walls, accompanied by a certain stillness — one that the duo hope will soon be replaced with the bustle of quickening pulses and sounds of people getting in shape. Located just past Costco on 948 Hercules Drive Suite 8, SPECTAC, a new Colchester fitness facility, will be hosting a grand opening on Monday, Dec. 21, including an all-day open house and a ribbon cutting planned for 3:30 p.m. The facility then plans to be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, in addition to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Sanderson and Orfandis, both native to Vermont, met at Lyndon State College while studying exercise science. Orfandis, 25, started his career with the Lyndonville Fire Department as an assistant trainer. After his graduation in May 2014,

Underhill Country Store to remain open as co-op By phYl neWBecK For The Essex Reporter

Calvin Sanderson and Sam Orfandis

Orfandis decided to stick with the department and became its head trainer. “They were too much of a fun bunch to let go,” said Orfandis. Sanderson, 23, an Essex High School graduate who obtained his degree in May, said the two had always joked about starting their own company. Yet it wasn’t until Orfandis began getting paid for his training efforts that these early musings became a reality.

– See SPECTAC on page 3a

Originally set to close on Dec. 6, the proprietors of the Underhill Country Store have decided to keep the doors open while they await a change in ownership. After a flurry of meetings, a community group has emerged with a goal of turning the iconic institution into a co-op. Less than a week before the proposed closing date, Kyle Clark of Underhill created a crowd-sourcing website and over the span of a few days, enough money was raised to send a Letter of Intent to the owners. To date, a total of $48,000 has been raised for the co-op, with additional funds for the purchase of the real estate. Although the funds raised are still shy of the $325,000 purchase price, owners Peter and Nancy Davis are keeping the store open while the co-op group continues to raise money and puts together a business plan. Peter Davis is hoping everything can be wrapped up by the end of January, but says he is excited by how quickly things have fallen into place. Even though his

retirement plans have been delayed, he thinks all parties have reached the best possible outcome. “This continues our hard work at the store,” he said. “It hands the baton off to some folks who are really connected to the community and who understand the importance of the store.” At this point, no one is quite sure what form the new venture will take. A survey that was circulated online and at the store showed a number of respondents in favor of turning the business into a bistro or café, while others yearned for a high-quality butcher shop. Clark said he realizes these details will have to be addressed but considers it more important to get everyone on board to make the purchase. The store has been on the market since January, but it was only after the Davises posted their retirement intentions on a local online board that the community sprang into action. Scott Tower of Underhill convened two meetings in November, which were

– See UNDERHILL on page 3a

The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

Why dismantle leveled high school courses?

ehs

from page 1a cannot handle that at all,” he said. “They don’t know how to deal with anybody who’s not just like them.” Learning with other styles of learners, he said, is itself an education. “They need to know how to get the attention of a teacher, how to help another student and how to be a community member,” he said. Another parent, who said her son was in a 100-level class, said she was now worried that he wasn’t being adequately prepared for graduation, especially after he asked her about the special-needs students who are his classmates. She said a mixed grouping would be more likely to lift all of them. Still, Kaley Barcomb, a village resident who has a daughter in middle school, said that her experience with Albert D. Lawton Middle School’s move to differentiated learning — a word sometimes used alongside unleveling — had soured her on the idea of any further restructuring. “Thank God the information that got out, got out. I don’t have a lot of faith it wouldn’t have just been implemented,” she said. Chemistry teacher Joel Lagrow echoed Barcomb’s complaints about the move to consolidate classes being kept secret from parents, and added that it was also being hidden from most teachers. “Teachers were never consulted here, at all,” he said. “Not at all. We have been totally excluded from the decisionmaking here. And this was presented as a decision,” said Lagrow. Parent Matt Demming also said he was glad the memo was shared at the meeting. “I’m glad that came out,” he said. In the same breath, he added that the memo seemed to be well thought out. “It doesn’t feel like a beginning of a discussion, and it doesn’t look like the beginning of a discussion,” Demming said, adding that it reminded him of the way that two new grading systems at ADL had been rolled out. “How can I be assured that there will be transparency going forward?” he asked. The board members did not answer. Instead, Donohue added the comment into a spreadsheet of notes that the board planned to look into and answer at a later date. The entire Dec. 14 meeting’s broadcast will be on RETN.org for viewing.

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By Jess WislOsKi For The Essex Reporter

he move to consolidate classes in secondary schools has come into focus in recent weeks as Essex High School administrators have been discussing how such a plan might work here. Dismantling levels, which is also tied to tracking – or the movement of a student through their academic career on a certain course of same-level classes – is part of a nationwide movement that began rolling out in a visible way last year. Communities from Colorado to Virginia, including a number of towns in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, have begun to integrate high school courses that previously had been taught in sections that correlated to their academic rigor. Following the lead of these the schools was Essex High School’s next step, according to Principal Rob Reardon, who explained to dozens of parents on Monday night why the district had been discussing merging the 100 and 200 level classes with teacher leaders last month. The plan could eventually include the elimination of honors and advanced placement classes as well. “...Schools in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine that were further ahead than where we are in Vermont, have used that strategy. So, for example, what does that mean? Instead of Grade 10 Honors English, they have Grade 10 English,” he said. “And depending on the learning that the student chooses to do, they could earn honors credit, which would then appear on their transcript, or not, in the same class.” “What I don’t have an idea of right now is how that actually works. So what would need to be done is to have a team visit these high schools that have been successful in terms of doing this,” he said.

Across the U.S.

In Charlottesville, Va., English teacher Nicole Carter told a TV station that an unleveled but honors-oriented class that was open to all students “leads to a wider variety of perspectives in class discussion, because the kids are coming from various backgrounds,” according to WVIR, an NBC station. How does that work? It’s taught as an honors class. Students read similarly themed books of different rigor levels, and the teacher breaks down discussions and assignments

together, more as they might do in a middle-level class. In New Hampshire, one superintendent said he considered leveling a form of “segregation” and to continue the practice of doing it in the schools was dated. “We think that leveling and tracking and this academic segregation process will be coming to an end sooner than people are thinking,” Mark Ryan, associate superintendent of curriculum in Manchester School District, told New Hampshire Public Radio. The district was cited by federal civil rights investigators in 2014 for a lack of minority students in honors and advanced placement classes. The reports stated that leveling in freshman classes was a barrier to those students’ success. “In addition, investigators found that the potential barriers to greater participation in higher-level learning opportunities included the assignment of freshman high school students to academic ‘levels’ based largely on performance testing and the fact that changes out of the assigned levels are infrequently made,” according to the U.S. Department of Education report. Manchester, despite some pushback from teachers, has since adopted a plan for collapsing leveled courses, NHPR reported. Essex’s superintendent, Judith DeNova, has acknowledged taking such an approach was going to require a lot of work with teachers. The National Education Association has formally come out against unleveling, and the local union has said they want a voice in the changes. “It’s not easy work that we’re doing, and we want to ensure that our community stays supportive of our work, so they’ll have a basic understand of our forward movement as we change,” DeNova said.

Unleveled in Vt.

Keri Gelanian, principal at the renowned Rivendell Institute, in Orford, N.H., which serves predominantly Vermont students, said teachers are right about the difficulty in teaching unleveled classes. Overcoming that difficulty would be one of the toughest parts of the transition, he said. But his school district’s stated philosophy against leveled classes — it was created just in 2000 — was part of what attracted him to work at Rivendell. “It sets the same expectations for all kids,” he said. “It forces the school to be more accountable to the kids, in terms

circ

from page 1a

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parcel is an exception compared to other circ land in that a house is built on it. The state subdivided 6 acres on which the house sits and attempted to auction it off on Monday. “We didn’t want to become landlords,” VTrans Right-ofWay Acquisition Chief Bruce Melvin said of the two-bedroom home, which has been subject to vandalism and theft since VTrans acquired it in 2010. The auction produced no bids, Melvin said, and the agency reduced the asking price to $200,000. The property is currently on the market. Despite the Shumlin administration’s lack of interest in the circ, VTrans officials are not ready to close the book on the project. According to White, if the state abandons the idea with more finality, it could be on the hook to repay the federal government for federal money used to acquire the right-of-

of their differences in their approaches to learning, their difficulties their strengths, and it puts the onus on the school to respond to the kids and where they are,” he said. All students at Rivendell are expected to take Chemistry, he said, and all students must take Algebra 2, he said as an example. “It’s hard work for the teachers. You’ve got to really think about what you teach and how you teach it, in order to try and reach a full range of kids,” he said. When Gelanian spoke to a Lebanon, N.H. panel of educators about a move to unlevel Lebanon’s schools, he said the resistance was palpable, but predictable. “The infamous achievement gap in education is a socioeconomic issue. It’s not a thinking issue, it’s not a kid issue. It’s economics. And it plays itself out in communities and it play itself out in schools.” Rivendell has kept dual-enrollment college courses, and offers an “honors challenge” for high achievers, but it doesn’t have advanced placement options. At Champlain Valley Union High School, in Hinesburg, which has long been an untracked or unleveled school, the curriculum director said they see it as a value to both students and teachers. “Students set a model for each other, students set expectations for learning, and students who learn together, learn to live together,” wrote Katherine Riley, curriculum director, in an email. She said administrators felt it also helped teachers perfect their craft. “It benefits teachers, as all groups of learners have diverse needs. In a leveled system, it is easier for teachers to falsely assume that all learners are in the same place,” she said. Harwood Union High School, an 800-student secondary school in Moretown, is just starting to rethink how they lead courses, and co-principal Lisa Atwood said their integration of the state’s new proficiency standards are what nudged their work at integrated classes along. “We haven’t done that across classes yet,” she said, but explained that a few honors-level courses being taught at a higher level had adopted a more heterogeneous, or mixed learning styles, approach this school year. The school is planning to integrate all of its humanities, American studies and ninth-grade classes next year. Honors distinctions are something they’re going to offer in 2016 within the heterogeneously organized classes. Grades are no longer weighted, she added, and students are not ranked.

way. “We’ve never said it won’t be built,” White said. “We’re just not working on it.” Dick Mazza, the Colchester senator who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, prefers the state retain circ land and transition it to a different public use. “When you go through all that right-of-way acquisition, you hate to give it up,” Mazza said. “It was going to be a highway, and I would still like to see it benefit the area.” Persistent questions from property owners who sold easements for the road have prompted VTrans to initiate an inventory of and management plan for all of its circ land. The management plan will open the door to potential land sales, public improvements and/or private uses, White said. “We always want to try to put land back on the tax rolls that don’t have mitigation or transportation use,” he said. White estimates the management plan will be complete in 2016.

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

underhill

spectac

from page 1a

The two eventually combined to launch SPECTAC, a fitness and health company specializing in personal and group training as well as training for emergency responders. SPECTAC stands for “Strength, Power, Education, Conditioning, Tactical Training, Attainable goals and Continuity.” It’s this final “C” in which trainer-trainee relationships often struggle, a fact not lost on the company’s co-owners. “The hardest part of training and pulling in clients isn’t the first session. It’s the second session,” Orfandis said. “So our biggest obstacle is trying to maintain coherence and keep the clients coming in. That’s better for us because they’re getting better.” After a year of in-home personal training sessions, the two developed a business plan and obtained the necessary start-up funds to purchase their own space. Sanderson’s main focus is strength and conditioning, while Orfandis specializes in the tactical aspect. “We both work really well together, and the certifications blend well,” Sanderson said. Both highlighted the comfortable and personalized nature of their training styles, believing that this sets their program apart from some of Chittenden County’s other offerings; sessions can be entirely private by request. “When we were coming up we would see a lot of males and females who wouldn’t like working out when there’s a lot of people. So we thought, why not offer a facility that’s just going to be the client and the trainer?” Sanderson said. Group training sessions are also available for those looking to minimize cost and maximize motivation, while free consultations are offered to anyone who walks through the door. “It’s a way for us to gauge where all of our clients are, and it’s easier for us to make the exercise prescription if we know where they’re starting,” Sanderson said. Sanderson added that people often come to them with lofty weight loss goals, a common occurrence in the approaching new year. He said this vague focus can lead to discouragement, for often “the scale is

SPECTAC co-owners Sam Orfandis, left, and Calvin Sanderson spot a weight lifter at their new training facility. Photo | Lindsay Veronneau

subjective.” “We design the goals to be a lot more specific so that people are more comfortable. We add small little checkpoints throughout our client programs so we can see that we are reaching the smaller goals to reach the big ones, such as losing X amount of pounds” Sanderson said. These smaller goals often focus on improving an individual’s overall health — the “resting measures” — such as heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol, Orfandis said. The trainers will often ask clients to highlight certain activities they’d like to participate in but haven’t been able to due to their fitness. One client in particular has his sights set on zip-lining. “Every single time we come in and work with him, he gets on the scale and says ‘Ah, Yes! I’m so close. I’ll be able to do that in a couple months, no problem.’ And that’s fantastic, because people should not have to feel limited,” Sanderson said. For Orfandis, it’s these moments that are the most satisfying. “Money is one thing; that’s great. We didn’t get into this field for money, though,” Orfandis said. “We got into this field to have those photos and texts from all of our clients saying, ‘I feel so much better. I can now get off the couch, get up the stairs while my breathing is normal.’”

90% Oﬀ

Sanderson agreed. “Sam and I have been able to do whatever we wanted through the years. We’ve had that ability and drive. Now it’s time for us to help these individuals accomplish those kind of goals,” Sanderson said. Furthering this mission is SPECTAC’s classification as a low-profit limited liability company (L3C), which is a hybrid business form combining a for-profit business with socially beneficial focus. Orfandis explained that if the company reaches a certain profit for the year, a percentage of the following income is donated to charity. The distinction allows for the company to apply for grants in order to fund some of their tactical training services, as many times the volunteer fire departments they work with have limited funding. In regards to such tactical training, Sanderson said they believe the health of first responders often falls to the wayside as their focus lies on of keeping others safe. “A scary statistic we always talk about with the tactical athlete, especially the firefighters, is that 50 percent of firefighter deaths are cardiac-event related. Those particular diseases are extremely manageable through exercise,” Sanderson said. For more information, visit www.spectachfp.com.

attended by residents hoping to find a way to ensure that the 130-year-old store at the corner of River and Pleasant Valley Roads would remain open. He invited Paul Bruhn of the Preservation Trust of Vermont to the second meeting to discuss other cooperative ventures across the state. It was during that meeting that Clark stepped forward and offered to put together his crowdsourcing website. Clark has divided the fundraising into two entities — one for the purchase of the inventory and equipment and a second for the purchase of the real estate. Individuals were invited to purchase $250 common shares in the co-op or preferred shares which are deemed “impact investments.” The real estate will be held as a partnership and the co-op will lease the building with the right to purchase it if they choose to. Nominations are being sought for co-op members to serve on a sevenperson Board of Directors. Peter Davis continues to have a considerable financial stake in the store, so he has been appointed to a seat, as has Cindy Stotz, who is the primary financier of the real estate purchase. Five additional members will be elected via an online ballot. Once formed, the Board of Directors will ratify a set of bylaws and choose a general manager for their enterprise. The store has already received its Certificate of Incorporation as the Mansfield Community Cooperative, Inc. They are hoping to complete the purchase on January 15, 2016. There’s a lot that is changing, but one thing will stay the same. The name “Underhill Country Store” has been purchased together with the assets. With any luck, the iconic establishment will stick around for another 130 years. Those interested in contributing to the purchase should visit designbook. com/app/investments/185

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

O PINION Perspective The heat in Paris – limiting global warming to under two degrees

Collection

bells

By deb Markowitz The last time I was in Paris, the temperature was unbearable. The country was suffering through a recordsetting heat wave that caused the deaths of over 100 people. Then, our visit to this beautiful and historic city was cut short. But strong memories of the trip stayed with me. Such deadly heat waves, as well as floods, fires and droughts, have become common across the globe. The impacts of climate change are already here, and cities, states and countries are struggling to address the consequences. Last week, there was a different kind of heat in Paris. Tens of thousands of people converged to strengthen our global response as part of the 21st annual United Nations climate conference (called the COP21 — or “Conference of the Parties”). Negotiators worked to establish a new set of commitments to sharply reduce worldwide emissions; commitments well matched to address the degree of risk we face from climate disruption. The energy and hope were palpable. The negotiations at COP21 advanced a process that began in Durban, South Africa, in 2011 to establish a new agreement by the time the Kyoto Protocol (the first international climate treaty) expires in 2020. The new agreement in Paris seeks to reduce emissions to the level needed to hold global warming to an absolute maximum of two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the level at which many scientists agree that impacts will become intolerable. Some remember the Copenhagen Climate Conference in 2009, which fell flat because of resistance to top-down mandates that didn’t account for the particular challenges facing each country. The U.N. learned a valuable lesson that year; countries are now being asked to bring their own individual pledges forward as part of a bottom-up approach that offers more flexibility to developed and developing nations alike. However, it is not yet clear whether the commitments, when combined into one international package, will deliver enough emissions reduction to stay below that critical two degrees threshold. What makes me optimistic is that this was not just a meeting of presidents, prime ministers and their negotiators. Paris was filled with people — young and old and from every continent — who were there to say the time is now, we cannot defer this any longer. Representatives from a diverse group of business and industry were there because they recognize that reducing emissions is a necessity, not only for polar bears, but for our economic security, health and prosperity. They are investing in the technical innovations that will enable us to move off of fossil fuels. Additionally, environmental, public health and international development organizations from around the world were there to share innovative approaches to reducing emissions and building local resilience to the impacts of climate change. I spent time on this trip with Gov. Shumlin and a group of truly energized innovators —state, local and regional leaders. Since Copenhagen, their governments have taken the lead where national governments failed to act. Together we are demonstrating that we can make and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that when we put them into action, new economic opportunities proliferate. (Vermont’s gross state product has grown 57 percent since 1990. During this timeframe, emissions initially grew but now have returned to near 1990 levels, and clean energy jobs grew to 5 percent of all jobs in our state!) At side meetings in Paris, Vermont signed on to a number of sub-national agreements along with more than 80 other state, regional and local governments. They will express our commitment to meet the goal of holding global warming to under two degrees and to build our own resilience as a state. We can show the nations of the world what is possible, and in doing so, make meaningful progress toward ensuring the health of our planet and the safety of humanity’s future. Deb Markowitz is secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.

Essex Junction Lions Club members, from left, Sara Leggett and Fern Henson join Jericho-Underhill Lions Club member Dave Damkot, right, in ringing the Salvation Army collection bells last weekend at Post Office Square in Essex. Below, Essex Junction Lions Wes Briston and Dave LaRose take their turn ringing the bells. PhOTOS COnTribuTEd

A Republican’s view on pot legalization By Joe Benning

Recently WDEV’s Mike Smith asked me an interesting question: “You’re for legalization of marijuana — isn’t that a strange position for a Republican?” Time constraints limited my response to what brought me personally to that position. I missed the opportunity to explain why any Vermont Republican might favor legalization. I concede there are Vermonters who remain opposed to legalization, including many of my Republican colleagues. Some question the moral message it sends, some have law enforcement concerns, and some contend the product is far stronger than it was 30 years ago. These are legitimate concerns. I respond starting with two obvious facts. First, despite expenditure of untold billions, prohibition has not worked. Second, public sentiment is moving in the direction of change. Now let’s shift the discussion. The Vermont Republican Party platform commences with a preamble embracing the principles embedded in the Declaration of Independence and the United States and Vermont constitutions. The concept of individual liberty is the foundation of all three documents. Vermont’s founders

General Manager Suzanne Lynn

editor/co-publisher Maria Archangelo news@essexreporter.com Office Manager Michael McCaffrey michael@essexreporter.com

to continue riding roughshod over the Constitutional rights of those who wish to consume marijuana in ways that do not affect others. Product content concerns are real, but unsafe marijuana is found today because it is produced, sold and purchased in an uncontrolled environment. Controlling that environment with state-monitored production and wholesale and retail establishments would assure two things. First, purchasers would know the product is safe and can be educated on proper use. Second, it would enable us to prevent the product from falling into the wrong hands. Presently we cannot control either situation, which is why people get sick and children too easily obtain it. There is one final point to make. Tax receipts from a regulated environment would give us more funds to combat opiate addiction, arguably the biggest problem facing our society today. At the end of the day, the state’s budget, property taxes, health care and the economy are far higher priorities for our legislature to worry about. But they should not be used as excuses to ignore flawed policy. This Vermont Republican argues it is time for change. Joe Benning is a state Senator representing the Caledonia-Orange district.

An undistracted holiday By Owen smith and James lockridge

It’s been one year since Vermont passed its statewide ban on using handheld mobile devices while driving. But, despite knowing the risks — and the laws — associated with distracted driving, far too many drivers across the state are still using their phones while behind the wheel. Indeed, distracted driving is a common habit — and a tough one to quit. As our worlds become increasingly connected,

REPoRtER THE

adopted that concept, enshrining it with quotations now proudly adorning our statehouse walls. In 1859, just three years after the Republican Party was born, philosopher John Stuart Mill published these words in his seminal essay called “On Liberty”: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. Over himself, over his body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” Marijuana prohibition has never fit well with those Republican principles. That is the moral message we should be acknowledging. So let’s live up to our founders’ expectations and move on to address the remaining issues. Law enforcement concerns center on the lack of a testing device for determining the level of marijuana intoxication in drivers. When I started practicing law in 1984 there was no such thing as a Datamaster test, the device currently used to determine breath/alcohol content. But people were still being prosecuted for drunk driving. Proper police training, signs of erratic driving, evidence of consumption — these tools are still used to obtain convictions for highway infractions. Yes, a testing device would be helpful, but lack of one is no excuse

so does our desire to stay constantly connected with our friends, family and social media channels. But those connections aren’t worth risking our safety on the road. New research from AT&T shows that seven in 10 drivers admit to engaging in some form of smartphone activity while they’re driving — and text messaging is just part of the problem. The study shows drivers are updating their Facebook statuses, checking

ESSEX

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email, taking pictures and even video chatting while their cars are in motion! Clearly, distracted driving is much more than a fleeting behavior; it’s a bad habit — one we all need to work together to break. As we enter this busy holiday travel season, now’s the time to take a close look at our driving habits. There are tools out there that help drivers break their distracted driving habit. AT&T’s DriveMode app senses when your car is in motion and automatically blocks and responds to incoming text messages and phone calls to let those trying to reach you know you are driving and that you’ll respond when you arrive at your destination. But perhaps the best way to combat distracted driving is to help spread the word. AT&T launched its “It Can Wait” campaign more than five years ago to educate drivers — especially young drivers — about distracted driving. Together, AT&T and the Youth Safety Council of Vermont have visited dozens of high schools

across the state to speak directly with students about their driving habits, encouraging thousands of students, parents and teachers to take the pledge to never again use their phones while driving. Every pledge drives awareness, but there is so much more we can do. Over the years, we’ve learned the best way to educate people about the dangers of distracted driving is for them to hear the message from their friends and loved ones. So please, consider talking to your friends and family members about this important issue. Take a moment to visit ItCanWait.com and pledge your commitment to keeping your eyes on the road, not on your phone. The holiday travel season is a perfect time to spread this message. Together, we can build a safer future. Owen Smith is regional vice president of AT&T New England; James Lockridge is executive director of the Youth Safety Council of Vermont

The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

Essex Area Senior Center

Essex Area Senior Center: History in the making

By peGGY pearsOn

Anyone 50 years of age or older is welcome at the Essex Area 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.

appy Holidays! On Dec. 18, why not take a little time off from baking, shopping, wrapping, and decorating, and come relax at the Perfect Blend Café Come meet your friends and enjoy hot beverages, baked goods, and conversation. Donations are appreciated, and all ages are heartily welcome. Our goal is to help build community connections, so come and enjoy yourself. Scones are on the menu, along with fresh baked cinnamon rolls and lots of other delicious treats. The Perfect Blend is open on the third Friday of every month from 9-11 at the Senior Center. On Friday afternoon, we deliver gift baskets for people who are homebound or need a lift. Members donate baked goods, fruit, and other items to fill up gift bags, and volunteers organize, wrap and deliver them. Many thanks to everyone who donated and especially to Gloria Deeley, Donna Harnish, and Renata McGrath, who led the effort. Don’t miss the senior Christmas dinner at Holy Family Dec. 23. Under

the direction of Donna and John Harnish, a terrific group of volunteers prepares and serves a delicious holiday dinner. The meal site board meets at the Center at 10 a.m. on Dec. 29. Enjoy the monthly potluck at Maple Street park on Dec. 30 at noon. Bring a dish to share or pay $4. This week, the Essex Junction Senior Center officially dissolved and joined together with Essex Senior Citizens to form one new corporation — the Essex Area Senior Center. A board of directors was elected yesterday, and results will be announced in next week’s Reporter. The new board will meet soon to elect a chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer. We would not be at this point without the dedication of the advisory committee, which committed itself to serving the community better by developing a wider variety of activities for seniors. My deepest heartfelt thanks go to Brooke Conger, Gloria Deeley, Bernie Haslam, Donna Harnish, Linda Himelstein, Carl

Houghton, Karen Miller, Pat Wiggett and Sandy White. I’m extremely grateful to have worked with such an intelligent, energetic, sensitive and committed group of people. The Essex Area Senior Center would not exist without each and every one of you. Don’t forget to pay your 2016 dues! In the past, the $12 dues were pro-rated at $1 a month, but next year, everyone pays $12 for the year. The guest fee for a one day visit is $1., but members can come to the Center as often as they like for just $12 a year and get reduced fees for some special events, trips, and Jazzercise classes. Members are also welcome at luncheons on Wednesdays, paying only $2 for soup, sandwich and dessert. On New Year’s Day, the Senior Center hosts a potluck lunch at noon. The Senior Van will run if there is enough interest. You may call anytime between now and Dec. 29 to make a reservation. The potluck is always a good way to wrap up the holidays with friends.

Essex Junction Scouts in action

Boy Scouts and Essex High School seniors Sully Martin and Jonathan Compo recently completed community service projects for two noteworthy local organizations in their work toward attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Martin led the construction of a “Reverse Dunk Booth.” The concept is that water falls onto the dunk candidate instead of the candidate falling into a tank. The dunk booth was constructed using raw materials, and many hours of Scout labor. The new booth will be used for fundraiser events for the Vermont Epilepsy Foundation. Compo led much-needed improvements to the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program’s waiting area. The improvements included the construction of new shelving and clothing space, the addition of a LCD monitor for educational presentations, construction of a children’s bookshelf and painting and staining of walls. Jonathan’s project was fully funded by the generous support of Holy Family and St. Lawrence parishioners during his bake sales, in addition to the kind support of the Central Beverage convenience store hosting a bottle deposit drop off. Martin and Compo were helped with their respective projects by past and present Troop 624 and Venture Crew 6689 scouts, as well as many adult leaders and committee members. Both young men have a few more steps in the process before they can achieve the Eagle Scout rank.

Top: boy Scout and EhS senior Jonathan Compo led a team that made improvements to the waiting area at the Vermont refugee resettlement Program as part of his Eagle Scout project. bottom: Sully Martin, an EhS senior and boy Scout, built a reverse dunk tank to by used by the Vermont Epilepsy Foundation for future fundraisers as part of his Eagle Scout project. PhOTOS COnTribuTEd

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or nearly 50 years, the Essex Senior Citizens, with the support of many area churches, have gathered and offered weekly meals, often accompanied with an educational or entertaining program, to the elder adult population in Essex. From this group was born the Essex Junction Senior Center, 30 years in existence, where folks could continue the fellowship formed at the meals, while engaging in activities, games, trips, special events, wellness opportunities, and workshops together. This month, in a historic event, these two groups will dissolve their separate organizations to come together as one, namely, Essex Area Senior Center, Inc. (EASC), with the promise to continue the wonderful services and opportunities for our 50+ population while offering even more programs to accommodate our growing membership. (Membership has grown from 70 in 2013 to 265 in 2015!) The EASC Meal Site will continue to be housed at Maple Street Park for our Wednesday luncheons with special programs. All other activities and events will be held at the Center’s 2 Lincoln St. location at Five Corners. One of the main goals of the new organization is to someday be housed under one roof. To that end, we are in the process of electing our inaugural Board of Directors and applying for a 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The rich history of our predecessors, as well as our future successes, could not be possible without the support of the area churches who sponsor the luncheons, the numerous volunteers who donate their time and talents, and the town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction who provide us with our Coordinator’s salary, our physical locations, the upkeep on our space, utilities, and other support, and the Essex Reporter allowing us space to spread our news to the community. In a small effort to express our gratitude, we invite all who have been involved with these Essex Automotive Services groups in the past 50 InTAkE MAnIfOlD years to please attend a gASkET REPlACEMEnT If your engine runs rough Gratitude Gathering on or overheats, a leaky intake Thursday, Dec. 17, from manifold gasket may be the 1:30-3:30 p.m. Please culprit. The intake manifold is join us for refreshments an aluminum or plastic cover as we acknowledge all attached to the top of the engine by an intake manifold gasket those who have helped to made of plastic and rubber. The lay the foundation for this intake manifold directs the airremarkable organization, fuel mixture in the engine to the and celebrate our bright corresponding cylinder, where future! it is burned to produce power. For more information When expansion, contraction, and heat from the engine lead to about Essex Area Senior gasket failure, coolant passing Center, please contact through the intake manifold to the Lou Ann Pioli at 876-5087 cylinder heads (to reduce engine or visit our website at temperature) will leak. A leaky www.essexvtseniors.org. manifold gasket can also allow

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

Essex Area Religious Directory

C ALENDAR 17 Thursday Community Dinner. American Legion Post

91 will be hosting a community dinner. The menu will include meatloaf, potato, vegetable, salad and desert. American Legion 91, Colchester, 5:30-7 p.m. $10. Information: 872-7622.

DEC.19

M.A.G.I.C.: Masculinity and Gender Identity Conversation. Participants of any

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH- (Fundamental-independent.) 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. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 73 Essex Way, Essex Junction - All Welcome! Sacrament Meeting - Sundays at 10 a.m. Come learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s awesome! Family History Center - Sundays 1 - 3 p.m., Thursday 7 - 9 p.m. Come find your ancestry! The FHC has website resources (such as www. familysearch.org), including free access to ancestry.com, microfiche and microfilm readers, and a staff of capable genealogists. For more info, call 802-879-9142, email essexwardvt@gmail.com, or check out www.mormon.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.

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.

Senior Holiday Dinner. Join the Burlington

Parks and Recreation at the Robert Miller Recreation Center to enjoy a wonderful and festive evening with friends, holiday singing and great food. Sponsored by MVP. There is a limit of 100 for the event so call early to secure your spot. Bus transportation will be provided from senior housing and centers. Donation of a canned good for the COTS organization would be much appreciated. Robert Miller Recreation Center, Oakledge Park, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Reservations: 8640123.

Friday

VISIT SANTA AND HIS ELVES. Santa and his elves will be taking time

out of their busy schedules to visit all the local good boys and girls before having to return to the North Pole to put the ﬁnishing touches on all the presents. Afﬁliated Associates, Essex, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Information: 861-2900.

the role of water in our lives, both as an object of beauty and as an increasingly threatened natural resource. The contributors come from all over the world, but there are four from Vermont: Peggy Reynolds of Essex Junction. The event is free and open to the public. Darkroom Gallery, Essex Junction, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Information: http://www.darkroomgallery.com/ex76

The Perfect Blend Café. The Essex Area Senior Center invites community members of the community to enjoy baked goods, hot beverages, and conversation. All ages’ welcome. Essex Area Senior Center, Essex Junction, Donations accepted.

Photographers’ Reception. Darkroom Gallery

will be hosting a reception to recognize the photographers who were selected for their “H2O” exhibition. “H2O” is a depiction of

Christmas services ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1063 Prim Road, Colchester

Advent 4, Sunday, Dec. 20 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Christmas Story

Christmas Eve Services: Thursday, Dec. 24 5 p.m. Family Service 7 p.m. Christmas Carols 7:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day Service: Friday, Dec. 25 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday after Christmas: Sunday, December 27 9 a.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion

HOLY FAMILY- ST. LAWRENCE 4 Prospect St., Essex Junction

Christmas Eve Mass: Thursday, Dec. 24 Children’s Mass at 4 p.m., St. Michael’s Chapel in Colchester Christmas Vigil Mass at 6 p.m., St. Lawrence Church in Essex Junction Christmas Vigil Mass at 9 p.m., Holy Family Church in Essex Junction

Christmas Day Mass: Friday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day Mass at 9:30 a.m., Holy Family Church in Essex Junction

ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH

95 Allen Road, South Burlington

Christmas Eve: Thursday, Dec. 24 Candlelight service with lessons and carols and blessing of the crèche at 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: Friday, Dec. 25

Worship service with Holy Communion and sermon at 10 a.m.

CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH 1033 Essex Road, Williston

Christmas service on Sunday, Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Service on Thursday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.

Saturday

Author Appearance. Join Lauren K. Stein,

author of “Fresh Made Simple,” for a book signing and meet and greet. Lauren will bring samples of black and white bark, one of the recipes in this beautiful new book. Each of the 75 recipes in “Fresh Made Simple” is a charming full-page illustration showing, rather than telling, how to make the dish described. Phoenix Bookstore, Essex, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Information: www.phoenixbooks.biz or 872-7111.

Adult Coloring. The Dorothy Alling Memorial

Library will be hosting a relaxing adult coloring session. Switch off the phone, computer and TV. Come try the new coloring book trend that is helping adults, beneﬁt from the quiet Zen that a coloring session can bring. Books and color pencils are provided. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Information: 878-4918 or www.williston.lib.vt.us.

Potluck and Pageant. The Grace United Meth-

odist Church will be hosting a potluck, craft, and holiday pageant. The evening will begin with a potluck meal followed by a Christmas crafting opportunity. The evening will ﬁnish with a Christmas pageant performance of “A Shepherd’s Story.” Grace United Methodist Church, Essex Junction, 5:30 p.m. Information: 878-8071.

Tuesday

Writing Salon. Break your writer’s block, ﬁnd

a writing community, and get great writing done. All experience levels welcome. Paula A. Diaco, certiﬁed in Gateless Writing, leads and provides encouraging feedback. Preregister limited to 8 writers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 12:30-2 p.m. Information: 878-4918 or www.williston.lib.vt.us.

Movies at Main Street Landing: “It’s A Wonderful Life.” The Movies at Main

Street Landing series presents the Frank Capra directed, 1946, Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring ﬁlm icons Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations beneﬁt a local charity. Contact: 540-3018 or www.mainstreetlanding.com/movies.

Wednesday

Go for a Goat Challenge. Donna Underwood Owens will bring a goat from Aw Shucks Goat Farm, a place of Magical Zen. Come up with something “goaty” for the goat challenge: Read a book about a goat, dress like a goat, make up a goat song, color a goat picture for the farm, etc. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Information: frontdesk@brownelllibrary.org

Ongoing Sunday

Community Breakfast. Menu consists of eggs

to order, breakfast meats, pancakes, toast, home fries, toast, coffee and orange juice. American Legion Post 91, Colchester, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $8. Information: 8727622.

Sunday Coffee Mix and Mingle. Members

of the LGBTQA community gather to bond over books, coffee, art and more at this casual hangout. Barnes and Noble Bookstore, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Information: 860-7812.

Deep Midwinter: Songs from Winter’s Heart. Social Band, Burlington’s lively band of singers, presents its annual winter concert series unapologetically smack dab in the middle of the holiday hubbub. The concert combines ancient and modern-day songs and carols to honor this season, rich with the contrasts of light and dark, outer cold and inner heat. Social Band, weaves together poetry and song to create a sometimes thoughtful, sometimes joyful, sometimes irreverent hour of choral music. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Burlington, 3 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $15. Tickets are available at the door. Information: www. socialband.org or 355-4216.

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

Monday

Soup Dudes Presents: A Visit From The Soup Dudes With Music By Barbacoa. Soup Dudes and musical friends, Barbacoa will be throwing down in an effort to raise money to support the Vermont Food Bank. This is a ticketed event, and ticket purchase will gain you entrance, two bowls of soup with bread, chance to enter the raffle. Raffle tickets will also be on sale during the event for prizes donated by local businesses. All proceeds from raffle and ticket sales will be donated to the Vermont Food Bank.

Trivia Night. Trivia buffs gather for a meeting

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, ACNSBC 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. Intersti-

tial cystitis (IC) is recurring pelvic pain, 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.

Creative Tuesdays. Artists exercise their

imaginations with recycled crafts. Children

The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

C ALENDAR 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.

Cell Phones For Soldiers. Local residents

can support these collection drives by donating their old cell phones at A. W. Rich Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Essex Junction, or at the American Legion, 3650 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester. Collections accepted 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 849-6261.

Champlain Echoes. A women’s four-part

harmony chorus group seeks additional women to sing in their holiday performances. Meetings are Monday nights. The Pines, Aspen Drive, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Contact: 655-2174.

Community Wellness Day. Practitioners

offer Reiki, Shiatsu, aromatherapy, acupressure, energy work and more to those looking to experience alternative healing. 2 Wolves Holistic Center in Vergennes, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. most Fridays. Sliding-scale donations; preregister the Tuesday prior. Contact: 2wolvescenter@gmail.com or 870-0361.

English As A Second Language Classes. Improve your English conversation skills and meet new people. Wednesdays. Administrative Conference Room: intermediate/advanced. Pickering Room, 2nd Floor: beginners. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact: 8657211.

Family Support Group. Outright Vermont

holds support group meetings for family members of youth going through the process of coming out. One Sunday evening and one Wednesday morning each month at Outright Vermont. Contact: 865-9677.

Italian Conversation Group. Open to all

interested in learning/hearing the Italian language. Room 101, St. Edmunds Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester. Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Contact: 654-2536.

Toy Library Playgroup. Fridays. Ages birth through 5 years. Memorial Hall, Essex, 9:30-11 a.m. Contact Essex Parks and Rec: 878-1342.

VCAM Access Orientation. Free. Ver-

mont Community Access Media, 208 Flynn Ave. 2-G, Burlington. MondayFriday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: 651-9692 or www. vermontcam.org.

Essex Rotary Meeting. Essex Rotary Meet-

ings are held on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. at The Essex. Serving the communities of Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho and Underhill.

Colchester-Milton Rotary meeting. Thurs-

days. Serving the communities of Colchester, Milton and the Champlain Islands. Hampton Inn, Colchester, 12 p.m.

Duplicate Bridge. Wednesdays. Essex Junc-

tion Senior Center, Essex, 1 p.m. Information: 876-5087.

Celebrate Recovery. Thursdays. This conﬁ-

dential 12-step recovery program puts faith in Jesus Christ at the heart of healing. We offer multiple support groups

for both men and women, such as chemical dependency, co-dependency, sexual addiction and pornography, food issues and overcoming abuse. All those 18 and older are welcome. Sorry, no childcare. Essex Alliance Church, Essex. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., sessions begin at 7 p.m. Information: recovery@essexalliance.org or 310-9062.

Mah Jongg. Join other Mah Jongg enthu-

siasts ages 50 and over at the Essex Junction Senior Center at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays. New players are always welcome. Free to members of EJSC, others pay $1 per day. Membership at EJSC is open to anyone 50 years of age and older and is $12 per year. Contact: 876-5087 or Lpioli@essex.org.

Movie Matinees. Colchester Parks and

Recreation offers movie matinees on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Popcorn and coffee will be provided. Movies begin at 1 p.m. Free. 781 Blakely Road, Colchester. Information: 264-5640.

Senior Strength. HammerFit Gym in Essex

offers a 50-minute guided exercise class for anyone over the age of 50. The session begins with a warm up, stretching exercises, then strength training using Hammer Strength equipment with guidance. The class ends with a relaxing stretch and cool down, and participants are welcome to use the cardio machines before or after if they wish. HammerFit Gym, Essex, Mondays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. $5. Information: 878-0444.

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 18

THURSDAY, DEC. 24

songs and stories with Matthew. Matthew Witten performs songs about our world and tells adventurous tales. For all ages. Funded by the Friends of Brownell Library. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m.

Library closed for the Holidays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction.

crafternoon. Come and make a book bag for yourself or to give away. We’ll be sewing them with machines. Adult help needed! For students Grades 4 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:154:15 p.m. Axis and Allies. Play a WW II game of strategy using battleships, air fleets, and submarines to decide the fate of the World. Gr. 6 up. Check out a sped up version of the game here: https://youtu.be/ KW1J-An_icU. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-5 p.m. Family Movie. Free popcorn and drinks. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 21

star wars club. Max Holzman leads the Star Wars Club. This session focuses on favorite weapons. For all ages. Popcorn and drink. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Friends of Brownell Library Meeting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23 Movie: The santa clause. Get in the holiday spirit with this hilarious movie. Popcorn will be served. Essex Free Library, 1 p.m. Go For a Goat challenge. Donna Underwood Owens will bring a goat from Aw Shucks Goat Farm. Come up with something “goaty” for the goat challenge: Read a book about goats, dress like a goat, make up a goat song, color a goat picture for the farm, etc. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 25 Library closed for the Holidays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction.

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

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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.

Events at your

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

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

802.989.5593 / oliver.parini@gmail.com / oliverparini.com 802.989.5593 / oliver.parini@gmail.com / oliverparini.com

The Essex Reporter â&#x20AC;˘ December 17, 2015

Upcoming Events ADULT COLORING. On Dec.19, the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library will be hosting a relaxing adult coloring session. Switch off the phone, computer and TV. Come try the new coloring book trend that is helping adults, benefit from the quiet Zen that a coloring session can bring. Books and color pencils are provided. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Information: 878-4918 or www.williston.lib.vt.us.

Chamber orchestra and chorus to perform Handelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Messiahâ&#x20AC;? at Elley-Long O n Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, the Burlington Chamber Orchestra with the BCO Chorus will be presenting the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Messiah,â&#x20AC;? Handelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved piece of music at the Elley-Long Music Center at 7 p.m. This special concert, which is a fundraiser for the Burlington Chamber Orchestra, will be conducted by Maestro David Neiweem, professor and director of choirs and vocal studies at the University of Vermont. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 students (18 and under) and can be purchased at www.Flynntix.org. A silent auction will be held with proceeds to be benefit the Burlington Chamber Orchestra. Light refreshments will be served following the concert. The Elley-Long Music Center is located at 223 Ethan Allen Boulevard in Colchester. Soloists for this performance will include: Sarah Cullins, soprano; Erin Grainger, mezzo soprano; Bruce Barger, tenor and Benjamin Dickerson, baritone. David Neiweem is one of New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought-after musicians. He has taught at the University of Vermont since 1982, and has served as professor as well as chair of the department. He is director of the choirs, and teaches in the vocal studies and conducting/Music Education areas. He is the University Organist and Carillonneur. Neiweem is also music director of the Pitten (Austria) International Music Festival, and the First Congregational

Church of Burlington. The Messiah is an Englishlanguage oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Commons Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin in April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

baritone benjamin dickerson will perform as a soloist in this weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Messiahâ&#x20AC;? at Elley-Long. bruce barger solos as at tenor for the burlington Chamber Orchestra Chorus. Sarah Cullins, soprano, will perform the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Messiahâ&#x20AC;? this weekend.

The Burlington Chamber Orchestra was founded in the summer of 2007. It is Vermontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own professional chamber orchestra offering the community an opportunity to savor the gift of music and local artistry, cultivate lifelong musical relationships through performance and education. The 27 musicians in the Burlington Chamber Orchestra are talented Vermont performers who are responsible for the music education of hundreds of students in Burlington and the surrounding areas. Dr.Yutaka Kono, serves as artistic director for the Burlington Chamber Orchestra. For more information go to www. bcovt.org or call 802-893-4082. For tickets, go to www.flynntix.org.

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DEEP MIDWINTER: SONGS FROM WINTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEART. On Dec. 20, Social Band, Burlingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lively band of singers, presents its annual winter concert series unapologetically smack dab in the middle of the holiday hubbub. The concert combines ancient and modern-day songs and carols to honor this season, rich with the contrasts of light and dark, outer cold and inner heat. Social Band, weaves together poetry and song to create a sometimes thoughtful, sometimes joyful, sometimes irreverent hour of choral music. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Burlington, 3 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $15. Tickets are available at the door. Information: www.socialband.org or 355-4216. 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. Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mediums, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $75. Information: vtmakeart.com/2015/11/24/creativity-andthe-creative-process-class/

Current Exhibits BLUE PLATE SPECIAL. This kitschy photography exhibit features color reproductions of midcentury food signs, which originally hung in the Woolworthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Church Street. On display through Dec. 31. Red Square, Burlington. Hours: 6 p.m.- 2 a.m. Information: www. redsquarevt.com HARALD AKSDAL: ART OF WORDS. Art of Words is an exhibition of original watercolor and ink illustrations by illustrator, Harald Aksdal including the works he has done for three books as well as his newest landscapes and framed prints. Exhibit runs through Dec. 27. Emile A. Gruppe Gallery, Jericho Center. Gallery Hours: ThursdaySunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 899-3211. THE ARTS UNKNOWN. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Arts Unknownâ&#x20AC;?is a SEABA-curated group exhibition with work including photography, painting, stained glass and drawing by local artists. Exhibit on display through Dec. 31. SEABA, Burlington. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: seaba.com/ COLUMN INCH COLLECTION: MEGAN WINWARD. The Column Inch Collection gallery, located inside the offices of The Essex Reporter and Colchester Sun is excited to be exhibiting work from Essex artist, Megan Winward. Winwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playful abstract works feature a bright color palette with pronounced brush strokes. The work also incorporates collage and texture through Winwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of dried acrylic paint scraps affixed to the canvas. Exhibit on display through Jan. 8. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: Essexreporter.com/CIC 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: vermonthistory.org/visit/vermont-history-museum The Official 2015

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Sports

B Section The Essex Reporter December 17, 2015

Two up, one down for girls’ hockey By JOEL LEHMAN Messenger Sports The Essex girls’ hockey team extended its early-season win streak to three games before falling to Massena 2-0 on Saturday. Prior to the loss, Essex picked up a pair of victories last week, defeating Beekmantown two days after a win over BFA-St. Albans in a rematch of last year’s semifinals. Five minutes into the game agains BFA, the Hornets scored on the man advantage, with co-captain Amanda Sienkiewicz sneaking the puck in with an assist from Bailey Gaskill. The Hornets then went up 2-0 on a bad-bounce goal off a Comet defenseman’s

stick, credited to Francesca Martin from Olivia Miller-Johnson. It was that kind of evening for the Comets, who despite an advantage in possession and shots couldn’t beat Mary Simons, a senior goaltender who sat for three years behind Victoria Gibson, one of the top goalies in the state. “I think we knew this team was going to be different, when you lose Victoria in the net and you lose Melanie (Theriault) and Kathleen (Young) on offense,” Essex coach John Maddalena said following the BFA game about his trio of top seniors lost to graduation. “This team is much deeper. We’re not going to look to one person to score the goals for us. It’s going to be three, four lines that are going to have to all contribute.”

Between two of the pioneering girls hockey programs in the state, it was a night where both team’s depth and youth were on display. “I think all the parts are there,” Maddalena said about defending the Division I title. “Right now a lot of it’s about chemistry; if you can get good chemistry early on and build upon it. I think we’ve got a great opportunity and so far I’m liking the chemistry.” Essex took on South Burlington Wednesday in a game that concluded after the Essex Reporter went to print, and will then host Burlington on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Colin Flanders contributed to this story

Warriors wrestlers go on the road The Essex Warriors wrestling team traveled to North Providence, R.I. on Sunday for its first tournament of the season. Twelve Warriors participated in 35 matches, taking home a total of 16 wins, 19 losses and 10 pins. First-place finishers included Gil Stawinski, Seth Carney and James Danis, while Calvin Leo, William Davis and William Einhorn all recorded second-place finishes.

Photos contributed

Vermont birders encouraged to join annual Christmas Bird Count

• Classifieds

• Food

SPORTS SHORTS Joe Gonillo

e are in the final stretch to Christmas and Christmas vacation with just about one week to until Christmas Day. Some heavy duty sports action happening both before and during the break. Follow your favorite team and be safe during the holidays. Christmas Wish List returns next week. The wrestlers traveled to Springfield, Mass. last weekend to compete in the Cybercat duals. The Hornets wrestled tough but fell 48-36 to Agawam, 3930 to Putnam, and 52-27 to Chicopee. Jack Carney, Alex Rizvanov, and Ben Stewart all went 3-0. They also won a home dual meet during the week 58-24 over Mt. Abe and 60-10 over Randolph. This week the team is in Vergennes and in Cohoes, N.Y.

The JVs stayed in state and participated in the Otter Valley JV Tourney. There were no team scores. Essex Medal Winners were 134 lbs. Michael Barnett 3rd and 138 lbs. Evan Dyke - 3rd. The girls’ basketball team went 2-0 last week to move to 3-0. Essex drubbed MMU 47-16 holding the Cougars to 2 first-quarter points and 1 basket in the first half. Mychaela Harton scored 13, and Taylor Truax added 9. In a 49-33 win over Mt. Anthony over the weekend as Truax and Olivia Duncan notched 14 points apiece with Taylor grabbing 14 rebounds. Harton snared 12 boards in the win. The team played CHS and returns to Keefe Gym Saturday night to play Rutland. They will host U-32 on 12/22. The JVs won as well scoring 40+ points in a win over MMU. Regan Day had 9 and Abby Couture 8 in the win. The crushed the Patriots by 18 or so and are also 3-0. The boys’ hoop team, 1-2, fell 51-49 losing a squeaker to the Rebels. A very strong MAU team defeated Essex 71-37 Saturday. TJ Reed led the Hornets in scoring. This week they play at CHS and travel back to Rutland to play the Raiders at 5 p.m. They play Rice next week. The JVs, 1-2, lost a close one to SB then buried MAU.

The bowlers grabbed first place Saturday with SB 2nd and BHS 3rd. Mike Prim tied the state record for highest individual game rolling a 267. He also scored the second-best series ever (two game total) when he bowled a 215 in his second game for a total of 482. Other EHS scores include Reese Meunier 118, 144; Brian Cookingham 131, 165; Alex Prim 134, 158; Tre Nichols 169, 214; Sabrina Liguori 153, 170; and Reid Kamhi 124, 108. On the jv side Troy Austin 166, 131 – the 166 was his career high in competition; Nate Ertle 100, 102; Andrew Benoit 128, 127; Emily Moehn 89, 124; and Parker Ryan 99, 135.

The frosh boys’ basketball team crushed BFA 52-28 to even their record at 1-1. A 4-game week includes road contests vs. BHS, CHS, MMU, and a home game with SB. The JVB girls’ team is 0-2 after a 43-14 loss up in Enosburg last week. They travel even further to Chelsea Thursday.

in the world,” said Mark LaBarr, conservation program manager for Audubon Vermont, in a press release. “Not only does it provide important data for scientists, but it’s also a great time for folks who participate.” The Christmas Bird Count originated in 1900 with ornithologist Frank Chapman, an officer in the Audubon Society, who updated what had been a traditional Christmas morning bird hunt to include a census of the wintering locations of various bird species. The count started with just 27 observers

and has grown into one of the largest birding events in the world, with tens of thousands of people participating every year. “This is an enjoyable way to spend a winter day and it’s also a great opportunity to see different birds and learn more about them,” Buck said in a press release. “I’d encourage all Vermonters who are looking for a fun way to see wildlife and participate in citizen science this holiday season to grab their binoculars and join in on this year’s annual Christmas Bird Count.”

Alpine skiing

Girls’ basketball

Boys’ hockey

12/18 EHS @ Bolton Slalom – 5 p.m. 12/22 EHS @ Burke Slalom – 9 a.m.

12/19 EHS @ Rutland – 7 p.m. 12/22 EHS vs. U-32 – 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ nordic skiing

Bowling

12/22 EHS @ BFA-Fairfax – 2:30 p.m.

12/19 EHS vs. Lyndon, Winooski and North Country – 9:30 a.m.

12/18 EHS vs. Spaulding (@ St. Albans) – 5:30 p.m. 12/19 EHS vs. Canton (@ St. Albans) – 11:45 a.m. 12/23 EHS vs. BFA-St. Albans – 5 p.m.

12/19 EHS @ Rutland – 5 p.m. 12/22 EHS @ Rice – 7:30 p.m.

• Schools

The boys’ hockey team finally opens up this week up in St. Albans in their annual Doc Tulip Holiday Classic. Their opponents are SHS Friday and Canton, N.Y. Saturday. They will host BFA on Wednesday 12/23.

Sports schedules

Boys’ basketball

• Legal Notices

The girls’ hockey team blitzed archrival BFA St. Albans 4-1. Senors Amanda Sinkewicz and Bailey Gaskins scored a goal and added an assist to lead the girls in a big early-season win. Froshes Frankie Martin and Maddy Young lit the light as well. Olivia (MJ) Miller-Johnson, Hannah Palmer, and Kaitlyn Butkus all notched assists. Vika Simmons made 27 saves as Essex was outshot 28-14 but got the W. They split with a couple of New York teams over the weekend beating Beekmantown 3-1 and losing to Massena 2-0. They are 3-1 with homes games against SB and BCHS – a combo BHS/CHS squad.

Above: William Danis, left, squares off against a wrestler during the Essex Warriors’ tournament on Sunday in North Providence, R.I. Right: Essex’s Jameson Arpey grapples with an opponent during Sunday’s tournament.

This holiday season marks the 116th annual Christmas Bird Count, a favorite tradition among Vermont’s birding community. Birders in the state are encouraged to participate in the count, which begins on Dec. 14 and runs through Jan. 5. Even novice birdwatchers can participate as every event is led by an experienced birder. Organizers and participants include birders and biologists from Audubon Vermont, the North Branch Nature Center, the Northwoods Stewardship Center and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. “The Christmas Bird Count is a great way to join with friends and family to be part of an historic national bird monitoring project that helps provide a snapshot of where birds are wintering from year to year,” said John Buck, wildlife biologist for Vermont Fish and Wildlife, in a press release. “Participating in the count can be especially rewarding during years when there are irruptions, or mass migrations of an unusual species to Vermont, such as redpolls or snowy owls.” In Vermont, more than a dozen count areas and dates are available where birders gather together to conduct the Christmas Bird Count. The dates and contract information for each event are listed on the Vermont eBird website at www.tinyurl.com/XmasBirdVt15. “The Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest-running citizen science projects in the country and possibly

ALSO IN THIS SECTION:

Gymnastics 12/19 EHS @ Middlebury – 1 p.m. 12/23 EHS vs. CVU and U-32 – 6 p.m.

Girls’ hockey 12/19 EHS vs. BCHS – 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ indoor track 12/19 EHS vs. All schools @ UVM – 9 a.m.

Nordic Skiers were in Craftsbury Saturday. The boys placed 8th while the gals were 6th. Peter Feehan’s 25th place led the boys while Annemarie Martell finished 16th for the girls. Sam Feehan was the 1st JVB in. The alpine skiers had their race in Bolton cancelled. They are looking for snow — Tuesday — at Burke Mountain. The Frank Smith Rec Basketball League is back. Evaluation night is Wednesday 12/16. If your last name falls between A-L you are scheduled for 6:307:30. Last names M-Z 7:30-8:30. Sign-up at ejrp.org/ highschool-recball or call 878-1375. Cost is $42 for residents and $47 for non-residents. The Rec Dept. can answer all concerns and questions. Our cheerleaders have been putting in some long practices this winter. Their routines are better than any other group in Vt. Missed some honors last week: Danilo Salgado earned All-State soccer honors, while Alexander Benevento was presented with the EHS Coach’s Award for the boys’ soccer team. This award goes to the player who “embraces the cultural and core values” of the game. He was Honorable Mention all-star as well. Cowboys are done. Carolina is rolling. Pats taking control of the AFC again. Giants ??? Happy Birthday wishes to Lucille McClure, Big Mark Nadeau, Chris Polakowski and Robin Noble. Also Cullen Hathaway, Holly Hathaway, Carol Hathaway, hair-cutress Randy-Kay Lavalley, Belated wishes to all-star Steve Ferreira (aka Jerry Remy) and congrats to Dr. Nick Lavalley. Had an early Christmas celebration last weekend as my son, daughter, and beautiful granddaughter came up for the weekend. Toss in a couple of nieces, a few dinners, a Christmas gift-opening Saturday night, a Gonillo-family brunch Sunday morning, some Christmas music, and some major league hugs to and from Gianna…I enjoyed every moment.

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

TRAIN HOP 2015

Above: Kai hobson, 5, plays with model trains during the festivities at the library Friday evening. right: hundreds of people came to the tree lighting in Essex Junction. PhOTOS | rOy MErCOn

News Briefs Public comment sought on new agricultural rules

The library made its own little tree out of books to celebrate the season.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has released a draft of its new “Required Agricultural Practices” and is accepting public comment through Friday. The draft can be read at www.agriculture.vermont.gov; comments can be submitted via e-mail to agr.rap@vermont.gov or mailed to 116 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05620. After reviewing comments, the agency plans to revise the draft this winter, then begin the formal rulemaking process in the spring. Additional public comment periods will follow both the draft rewrite in January as well as the spring rulemaking period. Hundreds of farmers and citizens have attended public hearings across the state this fall to comment on the proposal. Creation of new rules is part of the Vermont Clean Water Act signed earlier this year. The law amended and enacted multiple requirements related to water quality in the state and re-termed the current

“Accepted Agricultural Practices” to a higher level of accountability as “Required Agricultural Practices.” The law requires that the revised practices include requirements for small farm certification, nutrient storage, soil health, buffer zones, livestock exclusion and nutrient management.

Fair announces Rascal Flatts show

Award-winning country band Rascal Flatts will headline the grandstand at the 2016 Champlain Valley Fair, the Champlain Valley Exposition announced this week. The band is scheduled to perform Saturday, Sept. 3. Tickets go on sale this Friday at www.flynntix.org. The band’s list of hits includes: “These Days,” “Bless the Broken Road,” “What Hurts The Most,” “My Wish,” “Take Me There” and “Here Comes Goodbye.” According to the show announcement, Rascal Flatts has sold more than 22.5 million albums and 28 million digital downloads, since debuting in 2000, and has delivered 15 No. 1 singles. Their appearance in Essex will be presented by 98.9 WOKO radio.

EPA awards $15.6 million to Vermont for water infrastructure projects

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF

IMPROVING FINANCIAL LITERACY IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $15.6 million to the state of Vermont to help finance upgrades to sewage plants and drinking water systems. The funds will go through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, administered by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Bond Bank. The funding will provide low-interest loans for water quality protection and drinking water system improvements, with a particular focus on small and disadvantaged communities. “We appreciate all that EPA and Vermont’s Congressional delegation has done to direct these resources to Vermont communities,” said Alyssa Schuren, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner. ‘‘Water quality and public health will be better protected as these resources are put to work to address Vermont’s serious aging infrastructure challenges and upgrade needs.”

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Improved financial literacy can open the door to possibilities for many in our community. Financial stability leads to greater self-confidence, steady employment, the ability to rent or buy a place to live, owning a car, supporting others, saving for retirement, saving for college, and so much more. OUR INVESTMENT IN FINANCIAL LITERACY WILL HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT— AND WE WILL ALL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS. TO LEARN MORE, GO TO WWW.NSBVT.COM

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015 L I S T I N G S

For your wellbeing! champlain Valley Prostate cancer support Group. Second Tuesdays. 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave., Burlington.

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.

Spirit

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. Ten-visit punch pass is $30 for center members and $35 for non-members. Call or visit the center to register.

VT. RANKED NATION’S SECOND-HEALTHIEST STATE — AGAIN For the third year in a row, Vermont has been ranked the second healthiest state after Hawaii in the 2015 edition of “America’s Health Rankings” from the United Health Foundation.

Cancer During the Holidays

Vermont has the nation’s lowest violent crime rate, second lowest rate of infant mortality, third best percentage of people who have health insurance, third best primary care physician to population ratio, and the fourth lowest rate of children living in poverty. Vermont has the fifth lowest rate of adult obesity, and ranks sixth best for physical activity, and adolescent vaccinations. “By many public health measures, Vermonters fare well,” said Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD. “At the same time we know that Vermonters are not all equally healthy. Closing the health gap between people with higher education and income and people with less education and income is our collective challenge.” Vermont was ranked among the nation’s worst (No. 44) for disparities in health status, measured as the difference in reported health status of people with more education compared to those with less education.

By Kirsten eidsMOe Holiday time may seem like just about the worst time to have cancer in the family. Even the jolliest of traditions lose their luster when you’re worried about your health care needs or those of someone you love. If you or someone close to you has cancer or another serious illness this year, use these tips and resources to help lift your holiday spirits:

• Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings, whether of joy, fear, sadness, or pain. Let yourself laugh or cry. • Take care of yourself: Eat balanced meals and make time for some exercise. Physical activity is a good way to release tension. • Allow yourself simple pleasures — hot baths, naps, favorite foods — that will help lift your mood. • Find distractions like going to a movie, dinner, or a ball game; playing cards with friends; or other activities you enjoy. • Prepare for the holidays. Decide if you want to continue certain traditions or create new ones. Plan in advance how you want to spend your time, with whom, and for how long. • Enlist support for organizing holiday gatherings, meal preparation, and cleanup.

The essex

RepoRteR

• Learn to say no. You don’t have to participate in everything. People will understand if you can’t do certain activities.

Advertise your classes here.

Don’t

• Don’t pressure yourself with unrealistic expectations or try to do everything yourself. • Don’t overindulge in alcohol. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can “bring out” or heighten bad feelings. • Don’t try to force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. • Don’t shop ‘til you drop. Stick to a budget if you are going shopping. Buying things will not make up for any negative feelings you are having. Decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Then stick to your budget. • Don’t try to do too much in one day. Plan ahead, setting aside specific days for specific tasks. • Don’t abandon healthy habits. Eat and drink in moderation. Get plenty of sleep.

If you’re grieving over the holidays

For people who have lost a loved one, the holidays can be even more difficult. Allow yourself to feel pain and whatever other emotions come along, too. Try following some of the tips above, and remember that although working through grief is important, it’s OK to give yourself a break from grieving by distracting yourself with activities you enjoy. Try to use this time to forgive yourself for all the things you did or didn’t say or do. And remember that you don’t have to handle your grief alone. Talk with your family and friends about your loss, or find others who have lost a loved one. The American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can help you find support online, local bereavement groups, and other resources. Call 1-800-227-2345. Originally published on cancer.org

The Health Department’s State Health Improvement Plan 2013-2017 has three priority goals: 1) reduce the prevalence of chronic disease caused by tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, 2) reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and mental illness, and 3) improve childhood vaccination rates. The smoking rate for adults is now 16.4 percent (No. 15 of the states), down from 30.7 percent in 1990, 19 percent of adults are physically inactive (No. 6), 20.6 percent drink excessively No. 41). Vermonters report an average of 3.4 days of poor mental health a year (No. 16), and there are 12.9 drug deaths per 100,000 people (No. 20). At 71.8 percent, immunizations for young children have improved, rising from No. 37 in 2014 to No. 26 in 2015. “Behaviors like smoking, excessive drinking, inactivity and poor nutrition, are by far the greatest contributors to poor health, and the greatest challenge for us all,” said Dr. Chen. “Behavior change is difficult, but we can base our policies and design our environments in such a way as to help make healthy choices the easier choice.” The Health Department is leading Gov. Shumlin’s Health in All Policies Task Force to incorporate health considerations into decision-making across all sectors of state government – from health and human services to transportation to housing and community development to education and energy. Vermont has been ranked as the1healthiest orPM lampRecycle-Vermont-PrintAD-b&w-3.38x7.ai 9/8/2014 2:19:35 second-healthiest state for seven consecutive years. — Staff report

ESSEX YOUTH WRESTLING

Essex Youth Wrestling “The Warriors”

Warriors” JOIN “The THE TEAM! JOIN THE FUN!

JOIN THE TEAM! JOIN THE FUN!

EYW is open to any boy or girl from 2nd through 8th grade…. No experience needed!

Tuesday, January 5th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Essex High School $75.00 for the season includes a T-shirt! EYW is open to boys & girls Grade K-8. No experience needed! Registration For Essex Youth Wrestling: Tuesday, November 10th and Wednesday November, 11th 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Essex High School

$65.00 for the season… includes a T-shirt!

For questions or more information contact

Paul Ravelin @ 363-6227 or Shawn Barber @ 316-2369

For questions or more information contact Cheryl Arpey @ 363-1142

Call us 878-5282

Give The Gift of Fitness Day Passes make great Stocking Stuffers

Other membership, personal training and class pass specials

Family visiting? Kids home from college? Get them a one month pass to the gym for $28! Visit us online at www.hammerfit.com for a complete listing of classes

Did you know you can recycle your used compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes? Not only is it a good idea, it’s the law. In addition to helping keep our environment clean, you’re saving energy too. Because fluorescent bulbs use less—and we think that’s a very bright idea. To find the recycling location near you, go to lamprecycle.org/vermont

21 Essex Way • 802-878-0444 • www.hammerfit.com

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

please contact John @ 238-2087.

SERVICES A burst of color can do wonders for your home this winter. The professionals at Lafayette Painting have been transforming the homes and businesses of Chittenden County since 1977. Call 8635397 and visit LafayettePaintingInc.com

FOR SALE MINI REFRIGERATOR, OFFICIAL Coors Lite NFL. $60. 802-868-9795 SLOW COOKER, BELLA, 5 quart, programmable, like new, never used. $40. firm. Call 802524-3815.

ROOMMATE

WASHER, PORTABLE, DANDY, $125. Call 802-309-6431.

LOOKING FOR PERSON or persons to share the costs of a home in Essex jct. Near Maple Street Park. There are two bedrooms with private full bath, use of the kitchen, use of the washer and dryer, use of a nice back deck. Parking for one car. For the two rooms, full bathroom etc. together. I’m asking $800 plus 1/2 of the utilities. Electric/Gas heat together run aprox. $300. If interested

SAP BUCKETS AND covers (25), for your holiday decorating, or use for sugaring. $4.50 each. Call 802-9336840. DANIELLE STEEL BOOKS, (10), hardcover books. Very clean, excellent condition. $2. each. 802-848-3761 BICYCLE, BOYS, 18 speed, 24”. Excellent condition. $30. or best offer. 802-868-5606

BOOTS, WOMAN’S, BLACK, all leather, by Current, with tassels. Size 11, never worn. $40. OBO. 802-4858266. BOOTS, WOMEN’S, WINTER, Sporto, size 10, never worn. $30. OBO. Call 802485-8266. DRESSES, DRESSY, SIZE 5, and April Cornell jacket, medium. All for $40. OBO. Call 802-4858266. LOUNGER, BODY GARMENT, adult, garment by day, comforter by night. 64” x 78”. New. $35. OBO. Call 802-4858266. DOLL, VINTAGE, BRIDAL, 1960’s, never out of original box. Queen of dolls, two feet. $80. Call 802-485-8266 HORSE, BYERS’ CHOICE, collectable, black horse with pack, never on

display. $100. OBO. Call 802-485-8266. VICTORIAN VILLAGE, 2002 edition. Ten piece, hand painted porcelain. All light up. $75. 802-524-3815 LAPTOP, TOSHIBA, WINDOWS 7, web cam, CD Burner. Asking $100. Call 802-752-9143. CHRISTMAS TREE, ARTIFICIAL, 5’ tall, used one season. All put together, with plastic cover. $25. Call 802-8687067. HAND HELD RADIO set, 2-way, Midland, 32 channels, 30 mile range. Several accessories. New, never used. $15. 802-524-5070 TV, FLAT SCREEN, 32”, with remote, works excellent, $125. Call 802-7529143. TV’S, 19”, (2), RCA color, $20. for both TV’s. 802-582-8992

EXERCISE MACHINE, BUNN Roller. Very good condition. $75. 802-5277891

$25. 802-582-8992 RECLINER, VERY GOOD condition. $60. Call 802-8687975.

SMALL STEP EXERCISER. Very good ROCKER, GREEN, condition. $20. 802FREE. Call 802-524527-7891 2714. FIREWOOD, ROCKING CHAIR HARD, DRY, $325./ AND ottoman, flowcord. Can deered. $25 total for liver. Call: 802-393both. Call 802-5247728 or 802-3932714. 0272 ROCKING CHAIRS, FIREWOOD, SEA(2), with cushions. SONED, ALL hard$20. each. 802-524wood, cut, split, delivered. Highgate, 0788 Swanton. $250./ cord, 2.5 cord loads. Call for price in other areas. Wood lots wanted. 802-868-9225 CHAIR, OVERSTUFFED, GREEN, $15. Call 802-524-2714. DESK, BRAND NEW, doors on bottom, shelves on top. $85. Call 802868-4471. LOVESEAT

SOFA, TAN, OPENS to a double bed. Good condition. $150. Call 802524-2714.

Did you know that 86 MILLION Americans read community newspapers every week? Vermont is home to 60 of the best community newspapers in the country! Vermont Press Association c/o St. Michael’s College Journalism Department (802) 654-2442

SNOWBLOWER, 20” FOR sidewalks. $65. Call 802-8684471.

office. Both for $25. Call 802-848-3336.

$100. OBO. 802485-8266

CHRISTMAS TREE STAND, vintage 1920’s, Poloron Coloramic, beautiful, 20” base. $50. 802485-8266

NUTCRACKER, VINTAGE STEINBACH, 9”, original UPRIGHT VACUUM, box, never on disEUREKA, Boss. play. $100. Call 802$25. 802-849-2424 485-8266. VACUUM, STEAM CLEANER, MCCULLOCH, heavy KIRBY, SELF-PROPELLED, with all duty, 18 accessoattachments. Good ries, used once on tile. Cleans grime, working condicars/trucks/boats, tion. Great buy. garage/workshop. $150. 802-868No chemicals, just 2003 water. $150. 802WOODSTOVE, 485-8266. ENAMEL, CENWINE BOTTLES, TER pipe in back CLEAN, for home of the top. Side or brewing and 2 front loader. $800. racks for storage. $60. 802-849-2424 Call 802-868-3507.

TABLE, PLASTIC TOP, steel legs, 6’, folds in half. $30. Call 802-485-8266

GLASS BOWLS, BEAUTIFUL, with glass Christmas balls, miniature lights for centerpiece or hostess gift. $25. - $30. Call 802-485-8266

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

LIGHTS AND SOUNDS of Christmas. 20 carols in 3 modes, indoor/ outdoor, makes a neighborhood joyful. New in box.

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

Friday at 5 p.m. for display ads

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

Looking to hire?

Marketing/Sales Representative

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

Heavy Truck/Trailer Mechanic Swanton Mill Location

(Essex/Colchester)

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

Call our sales staff to place your ad!

Classifieds

get the job done!

802-878-5282

he Essex Reporter and The Colchester Sun seek a highly motivated individual interested in advertising sales for print and web. Successful sales representative will generate significant sales growth by establishing relationships with prospective clients in achieving their goals and objectives. Looking for a self-starter and a go-getter with the following qualities. • Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor. • Solid verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables. • High degree of comfort with technology, social media and online concepts.

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

c ro s s wo r d

Email resumé and cover letter to maria@essexreporter.com

The ColChesTer sun

RepoRteR THE

CLUES ACROSS 1. Characters in one inch of tape 4. In a hold 9. Jewish mystic 14. A way to souse 15. A small sharp knife 16. Frogs, toads, tree toads 17. Brew 18. Rowdy carouser 20. Poetries 22. __ salts, remedy 23. Expect eagerly 24. Obstructing the view of something 28. Denotes three 29. Expression of uncertainty 30. Greek portico 31. Bureau 33. Electric battery 37. Vapor density 38. Radioactivity unit 39. Strive to equal or match 41. Cologne

42. Carrier’s invention 43. Highest in degree or quality 44. Female horses 46. Serbian 49. Publicity 50. Actress Lupino 51. Supporting structures 55. Jobs 58. Indian founder of Sikhism 59. Capital of Zimbabwe 60. Woman of charm and good looks 64. Order 65. Draft animal in desert regions 66. Unaccented syllable verse 67. Fail to keep pace 68. Sheath or shirtwaist 69. Moss stalks 70. __ Lilly, drug company

CLUES DOWN 1. Exclamation of praise 2. 200 island Pacific nation (alt. sp.) 3. Repeated 4. Hungers 5. School of Business, UCB 6. Bobby __, NHL champ 7. Lease 8. More parched 9. Medieval merchant guild 10. Negative ions 11. Top 12. One of the Gershwins 13. Dekalitre 19. Imitate 21. Gentlemen 24. Dawn 25. A citizen of Chile 26. Bright stars 27. Codfish genus 31. Extremely unrefined 32. Diacritical mark

34. Correspondences 35. Indicates position 36. Small cup 40. 12th Greek letter 41. Capable of being eliminated 45. 12th Jewish month 47. Rechristen 48. In a way, imputes 52. Hydroxyls + 2C 53. Follows sigma 54. Vegetable shrubs 56. South African village 57. Monetary unit of D.R. Congo 59. First Chinese dynasty 60. Divides evenly into (Math) 61. Household god (Roman) 62. Pakistani rupee 63. American time

1. BPI 4. Ahold 9. Hasid 14. Ret 15. Parer 16. Anura 17. Ale 18. Party animal 20. Verses 22. Epsom 23. Await 24. Screening 28. Tri 29. Uh 30. Stoa 31. Chest 33. Nicad 37. VD 38. Rad 39. Emulate 41. Eau 42. AC 43. Super 44. Mares 46. Serb 49. Ad 50. Ida 51. Skeletons 55. Tasks 58. Nanak 59. Harare 60. Glamour puss 64. Ban 65. Camel 66. Arsis 67. Lag 68. Dress 69. Setae 70. Eli

SOLUTIONS ACROSS

Essex Police Report Emergency 911 • Non-emergency 878-8331

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

Dec. 7 – 13, 2015 Monday 0725 Directed Patrol on Main St 0735 Accident on Upper Main St 0754 Suspicious Person on Briar Ln 0834 Welfare Check on Colchester Rd 0937 Juvenile Problem on Founders Rd 0946 Citizens Dispute on Shawns Way 0957 Theft on Educational Dr 1303 Suspicious Circumstance on Pearl St 1619 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1627 Theft on Jericho Rd 1637 Animal Problem on Sydney Dr 1708 Suspicious Person on Dalton Dr 1852 Accident on Pearl St 1921 Agency Assist on Grove St 2323 Assisted Rescue on Greenfield Rd Tuesday 0436 Alarm on Pearl St

0510 Alarm on Pearl St 0725 Directed Patrol on Main St 1000 VIN Verification on Colchester Rd 1131 VIN Verification on Lamoille St 1215 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 1242 Agency Assist on Bixby Hill Rd 1259 Suspicious on Commonwealth Ave 1328 Phone Problem on Pearl St 1336 Agency Assist on Summit St 1344 Animal Problem on Athens Dr 1401 Welfare Check on Main St 1409 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Gauthier Dr 1428 Assisted Rescue on Wrisley St 1433 Animal Problem on Sage Cir 1452 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd 1532 Alarm on Founders Rd 1537 Family Fight on Main St

1554 Citizens Assist on Carmichael St 1617 Accident on Park Ave 1633 Accident on Center Rd 1704 Alarm on Susie Wilson Rd 1839 Theft on South St 1842 Alarm on Discovery Rd 1927 Phone Problem on Pearl St 1940 Vandalism on Tyler Dr 1959 Juvenile Problem on Pine Ct 2029 Agency Assist on Pinecrest Dr 2249 Assisted the Fire Department on Colchester Rd Wednesday 0202 Assisted Rescue on Carmichael St 0532 Assisted Rescue on Countryside Dr 0730 Directed Patrol on Maple St 0923 Alarm on Seneca Ave 0928 Parking Problem on Marion Ave

ESSEX

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Brava 2. Pelew 3. Iterated 4. Appetites 5. Haas 6. Orr 7. Let 8. Dryer 9. Hanse 10. Anions 11. Summit 12. Ira 13. Dal 19. Ape 21. Sirs 24. Sunup 25. Chilean 26. Novae 27. Gadus 31. Crass 32. Hacek 34. Cards 35. At 36. Demitasse 40. Mu 41. Erasable 45. Adar 47. Rename 48. Blames 52. Enols 53. Tau 54. Okras 56. Krall 57. Sengi 59. Hsia 60. GCD 61. Lar 62. Pre 63. UST

0933 Welfare Check on Wrisley St 0943 Juvenile Problem on Educational Dr 1509 Animal Problem on Rustic Dr 1545 Alarm on Sand Hill Rd 1719 Theft on Corporate Dr 1821 Theft on S Hill Dr 1834 Citizens Assist on Central St 1844 Suspicious Circumstance on Greenfield Rd 2022 Accident on I 289 2144 Accident on Center Rd Thursday 0142 Alarm on Park St 0625 Family Fight on Sand Hill Rd 0727 Alarm on Main St 0733 Directed Patrol on Main St 0743 Vandalism on Upper Main St 1015 Agency Assist on Corporate Dr 1125 Welfare Check on Drury Dr 1205 Suspicious on Clems Dr 1218 Suspicious on Essex Way 1259 Citizens Assist on Pinecrest Dr 1423 Untimely on Autumn Pond Way 1437 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Main St 1512 Fraud on Sydney Dr 1528 VIN Verification on Maple St 1531 Citizens Assist on Sand Hill Rd 1600 Trespass Notice Request on Park St 1608 Accident on Browns River Rd

TOWN OF ESSEX ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT PUBLIC HEARING January 7, 2016 @ 6:00 PM

Police Community Room 145 Maple St. Essex Jct., VT 1. Brian Marcotte, d/b/a Pinewood Development- Proposed Variance to reduce the front yard setback requirements from 40’ to 25’ on the remaining lots located in Section H in the R2 Zone. Tax Map 84, Parcels 1-27. 2. Minutes (November 5, 2015) Katherine Sonnick, Chair

TOWN OF ESSEX PUBLIC NOTICE AD HOC GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE The Town of Essex Selectboard and the Village of Essex Junction Trustees are seeking five citizens interested in serving on an ad hoc committee to identify and analyze local voting processes. The purpose of the Ad Hoc Governance Committee is: ➢ To analyze present local voting processes including legal and legislative restraints; ➢ To provide a comparative review of how those voting processes could be restructured within existing and potential new models of local government and school governance to maximize community engagement. The Town of Essex Selectboard and the Village of Essex Junction Trustees are seeking a diverse representation of citizens to serve in this capacity. Individuals interested in serving may submit a letter stating interest to Patrick C. Scheidel, Municipal Manager, 81 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452 by January 13, 2016.

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Saturday 0826 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Woods End Dr 0832 Juvenile Problem on Greenbriar Dr 1152 Citizens Assist on Frederick Rd 1200 Suspicious Circumstance on Old Stage Rd 1247 Agency Assist on Park St 1317 Alarm on River St 1352 Juvenile Problem on Pinecrest Dr 1953 Motor Vehicle Complaint on Main St 2055 Accident on Susie Wilson Rd 2310 Trespass Notice Request on Pearl St Sunday 1302 VIN Verification on Maple St 1440 Trespass Notice Request on South St 1547 Susp Circumstance on Central St 1553 Suspicious Vehicle on Pioneer St 2006 Agency Assist on Bixby Hill Rd 2233 Suspicious Person on Brickyard Rd 2338 Citizens Dispute on Pearl St Tickets Issued: 15 Warnings Issued: 84 Fire/Ems Calls Dispatched: 46

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

S CHOOLS EMS Spanish students at Essex Middle School are lucky to have had many native Spanish speaking visitors from Central and South America this year. Juan Garcia Urbina, from Columbia, came to the students as a long-term substitute teacher during the entire month of September. During his time here, he shared about his culture and experiences as topics came up in class. The students were also exposed to his native accent-many of them picked up on the subtleties of the Colombian accent! Soon after we said goodbye to Juan, at the beginning of October, the 8th grade classes were visited by Roselena Sandoval who is from Mexico (picture with the students at their desks) . She shared information about her life at home in the outskirts of the capital, Mexico City. She shared a video about a traditional food and how it is prepared and served in rural Mexican towns. We used Google Earth to look at different places around Mexico City to see how they compare to cities in the United States. Most recently, one 6th grade class was visited by Maria Harris, a parent of one of our students who is originally from Colombia (picture with the Colombian flag). She talked about what it was like to live in Colombia- the weather, the food, holidays and traditions. We are so thankful for these visitors who came to share their experiences with us! – Jessica Psaros

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EMS students shown are Josh Allaire, Francesca bianchi, Erin Chaffee, William Ferry, Amelia Frisbee, Ella Gibbs, Anna hall and isabella harris. PhOTOS | JESSiCA PSArOS

new Faces at Fleming school: We would like to extend a warm welcome to two new staff members at Fleming School: Alison Chiarelli and Sasha O’Connor. Chiarelli began her position as an Individual Assistant this week, and she will be working one-on-one with one of our fourth-graders. O’Connor has begun her new position as Learning Specialist for the Endeavor team. A big thank you goes out to the individuals within the experienced network of substitutes who helped us fill these positions along the way. A special “thank you” goes out to Mrs. Fisher and Jennifer Stratton, who provided great collaborative coverage of Endeavor Team students during this transition. We are excited to be able to welcome O’Connor and Chiarelli, two qualified and experienced educators, onto the Fleming team. prudential committee Visits Fleming school: On Dec. 7, the Prudential Committee of Essex Junction visited Fleming School for their December meeting. Our school Library Specialist, Sally Madeira, began the meeting with a presentation celebrating the diverse learning opportunities that are available to students and staff in our Learning Center space. Two fifth-grade students presented a maker-space games project they are working on in class (with the assistance of art teacher, Lisa Foley, and fifth-grade classroom teacher Jeff Guilmette). ELL teacher Jennifer Borch and one of her

former students (who now attends ADL) used our green screen technology to introduce a Google-earth PowerPoint presentation of the student’s home country, Nepal. Board members took a tour of Fleming school’s new Annette Vincent Audio-Visual Lab, where David Davidson, Fleming School’s Educational Technology Integration Specialist, modeled the green screen technology used in a previous presentation. The Board endorsed naming our AV Lab after Vincent, a valued former colleague and IT assistant for the district. thank You for joining us: On Dec. 10, the Fleming community came together to celebrate the holiday season and upcoming new year at our annual Holiday Dinner. Parents, guardians, students, and Fleming staff members came together over a holiday meal prepared by CCSU’s Child Nutrition Services team. It was great to have our community come together during this busy season over a delicious meal. Fleming Geo Bee semi-Finals: The top 10 students in both fourth and fifth grade are preparing for the Geo Bee semifinals. All students were invited to test their geographical knowledge in November by taking the Geo Bee quiz, and the top 10 students in each grade moved onto the semifinal competition. The fifthgrade semifinalists will compete on Dec. 21 at 1:45 p.m., and the fourth-grade semifinalists will compete on Dec. 17 at 10:15 a.m. The Fleming School Geo Bee Finals are planned for Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

Summit Scoop Gift card Grab: Get your holiday shopping done and support Summit Street PTO at the same time. There are a variety of gift cards available for purchase in the office (checks payable to Summit Street PTO, or EXACT cash) such as Hannaford, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond, L.L. Bean, Lowe’s, Panera Bread, Shaw’s & Starbucks. These are great gifts or stocking stuffers, or use them for yourself. red Barn & Genevieve ptO Fundraiser: $746 was raised through this fundraiser for the PTO. Thank you to all who took part. holiday dinner: We were so happy to see many family members at Summit’s holiday dinner on Dec. 10. non-Food & Break Box drive: We want to thank all those who contributed to the non-food drive for the Heavenly Pantry Some of the EMS students shown are Jake Crock, Tessa Goodrich, Alice dorfman, Carly riggen, Food Shelf & to the break boxes. Break Maya Asher, noelle Lyon, Chloe daniels, Anthony deCarvahlo, Will Surrat, Trystan Maddalena, boxes afford the opportunity for students Peyton Stephenson, Stephen Saraceno, Seth Carney and Patrick reardon. in need to have the full breakfast and lunch that they normally would receive during the school week and would possibly not get while on holiday from school. Thank you.

school closing information: In the event of school closings, students, families, and employees shall be informed through the following: media (TV, radio) who are members of the Vermont Association of Broadcasters, Connect 5 (our automated notification system), and school websites. School closing information is listed by school name and will be posted as close to 6 a.m. as possible. upcoming events: dec. 21 - Kindergarten Tradition Celebrations from 9-10:30 a.m. dec. 23 through Jan. 1 - No school for students Jan. 12 – PTO/Playground meeting starting at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 – Martin Luther King Assembly featuring Kim Hamilton’s classroom Jan. 15 – Gift Card Grab order forms due in the a.m. Jan. 19 – First grade with travel to the Flynn Theater; bus leaves at 8:45 a.m. All of here at Summit Street School hope you have wonderful holiday season with your family & friends!

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“holidays around the World” Open house On Friday, Dec. 18, the Ford/Gorman Third-Grade Team is expecting a full house of families to listen to our thirdgraders teach about “Holidays Around the World.” During this project the students are incorporating Common Core standards in many areas. Students are creating visual projects, crafts and sometimes digital displays after gaining knowledge and taking notes from reading nonfiction text books and researching safe, school- approved websites. This project is a culminating event for our work on global cultures. We have been learning mapping skills when

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

S CHOOLS EHS

Hiawatha Highlights classroom highlights: Students in Chrissy Hultgren’s second grade class performed their interpretation of Pete Seeger’s “Abiyoyo” for the school last week. With the help and direction of our music teacher, Karen Reed, the children initiated this project by exploring different instruments and choosing the best ones to create sound effects for the play. Then, with the help of our art teacher, Kimberley Desjardins, the students created beautiful scenery and an amazing rendition of the giant himself — Abiyoyo. All in all, it was a huge success. hand-to-hand sale: The first graders at Hiawatha are organizing the annual Hand-to-Hand Sale to be held on Dec. 17. Students in all grades will be able to ‘shop’ for items for their families and self. All items will be 10 cents each. Students are asked to bring in no more than one dollar in dimes. Following the sale the first graders will collect and count all money. They will take the money raised to purchase food items to donate to the Heavenly Pantry food shelf in Essex Junction. Green Mountain sing: The next Green Mountain Sing will be on Dec. 22 at 10:20 a.m. Please join us and enjoy some seasonal singing with instrumental accompaniment from the Hiawatha Staff Band. We will also have a guest speaker from the Heavenly Pantry Food Shelf. We encourage families to please bring a nonperishable food item or toiletry to donate to help make this season enjoyable for some Essex Junction families who might be in need. Thank you. reminders: *December break is from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4 *Chana Martel’s class will perform for senior citizens on Dec. 16 *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.

Chrissy hultgren’s second grade class performing “Abiyoyo.” PhOTO COnTribuTEd

EES First-grade students at Essex Elementary School have been learning all about how plants and animals use their parts to grow and survive within their environment. Cooper found out that rhinos have thick, armor-plated skin that helps protect them, and they have soft foot pads that cushion their weight as they run. People have studied and applied how animals use the structure and function of their parts to solve human needs. For example, athletic shoes have a thick foot cushion, wet suits have properties of insulating blubber and many tools and utensils mimic the way animals use their body parts for grasping, cutting or piercing. Students created posters that show how people solve problems and meet their needs for survival by designing things that work like animal parts. Vivian, Aydon, Cooper and Jack are in Ms. Snedeker’s class and worked with their classmates to share their learning about the structure and parts of plants and animals and what their parts do. – Jenky Snedeker

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hour of code: Essex High School participated in the Hour of Code during flex block on Dec. 10 and 11 as part of the celebration of Computer Science Education Week. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy students participated in the event, which was open to all students who signed up. The students who signed up to participate went to the library computer lab to work on a self-paced tutorial that has been created by the non-profit organization Code.org to expand participation in computer science. The tutorials take about an hour to complete, but our students were able to get the basics and a good introduction in the 30 minutes allowed by our Flex Time. Over 100 million students have participated in the Hour of Code events over the last few years. Lessons blend game-like tutorials with unplugged classroom activities and short video lectures with Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Angry Birds and more. Students are able to learn repeat-loops, conditionals, algorithms and variables. Anyone is welcome to view the tutorials by visiting the following website: http://code.org/ learn scholars’ Bowl: The Essex High School Scholars’ EhS art teacher Julian Bowl team had a fantastic bradshaw shared her night at the Pre-Holiday Academic Tournament at enthusiasm recently regarding South Burlington High this picture painted by student School on Dec. 4, as they Klaryssa roman. PhOTO COnTribuTEd competed with four separate teams in a field of 70 teams overall, representing 32 schools. In the qualifying matches, the varsity teams amassed at 14-1 record, while the novice team went 4-1. The EHS A team made up of Peter Feehan (12), Matt Davis (12), Gita Krishna (12) and Omkar Borse (12) finished fourth overall in the Varsity Division of 48 teams, while the C team of Sam Feehan (10), Nick Norton (10), Alex He (10) and Jeremy Brennan (9) finished sixth. The B team of Reid Kamhi (12), Shanti Boyle (11), Eric Dewitt (11) and Jonathan Campo (12) finished 11th. Incredibly, all three of these teams, by finishing in the top 15% of the overall teams, qualified for national competition. The novice team of Sam Evans (9), Samson Shultz (9), Sam Buell (9) and Zach Preston (10) finished fifth in the 22-team division. Overall, the Essex teams went an impressive 23-9 on the night. All the team and individual results can be found at www.scholarsbowl.org

CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP Residents of the Town and Village will again have the opportunity to recycle their Christmas trees after the holiday season. Residential Christmas trees will be picked up at the curbside starting at 7:30 AM Monday, January 4th, weather permitting by Village and Town Public Works crews and subcontractors. The Chittenden Solid Waste District will make arrangements to have the trees chipped for use as mulch or wood fuel. There will be no charge for this service. If the weather is inclement, requiring the crews to perform snow removal activities, the pickup will start later in the week. Some guidelines are: (1) All tinsel and other decorations must be taken off the tree or crews will not pick it up. Trees with nails or spikes driven into the trunk will not be picked up. The CSWD will only accept clean trees that will not damage their grinder. (2) Place the tree at the curbside, but not before Monday the 4th of January. If you place the tree out earlier, and the tree is buried in a snow bank, it will not be picked up. (3) Wreaths and other items will not be picked up and recycled because of the mixed product (metal & organic material). (4) Be patient regarding the pickup. It generally takes a number of days to collect all the trees. (5) Please make every attempt to leave trees at the curbside on Monday morning. With ongoing winter storms and the number of trees to be picked up, crews cannot go back in subsequent weeks to accommodate those who have forgotten to place their trees at the curb in a timely manner. (6) The tree pickup is planned to end on Friday, the 8th of January, unless delayed by weather. Each year calls are received because the pickup date is either too early or too late for some individuals. If you miss the curbside pickup, or would like to recycle your tree earlier or later, the Chittenden Solid Waste District will accept the trees at their drop-off facility off Rte. 2A during their normal operating hours. There will not be a charge for the drop-off of up to three Christmas Trees from residential customers, but any additional trees may incur a charge. Trees will not be accepted for drop-off at the Highway Garage or the Wastewater Treatment plant. PLEASE REMEMBER: The alternatives for disposal are curbside pickup starting on the 4th of January and ending on the 8th of January or direct delivery by the individual to the CSWD drop-off facility. It would be wise to alert your hauler to the service being provided by the Town and Village, so that the hauler does not accidentally pick up the tree and charge for its removal.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction Public Works Departments

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The Essex Reporter • December 17, 2015

F OOD

Holiday hosting how-to: Party pointers from three of Napa’s premier winemakers

he holiday season is about to hit full swing. This special time of year is synonymous with many things, including gatherings with family and friends. Each year, holiday hosts face the challenge of setting their seasonal soirées apart from all the other parties guests attend between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Such a challenge is nothing three of Napa Valley’s top winemakers haven’t faced before. Each year, Chimney Rock Winery’s Elizabeth Vianna, Markham Vineyard’s Kimberlee Nicholls and Rutherford Hill’s Marisa Taylor play host to family and friends and each have their own unique take on holiday hosting.

Break free from first-time jitters

It’s common to feel pressure when hosting a holiday get-together for the first time. Many families have traditions that date back several decades, so being tasked with carrying on those traditions can

sometimes be daunting. But Taylor, a wine country native and veteran host, notes that honoring family traditions while simultaneously creating a festive and fun atmosphere is nothing to be afraid of. “People are sometimes intimidated by holiday entertaining,” says Taylor, whose Rutherford Hill Merlot has long been a benchmark for Napa Valley varietals. “But the truth is, just a few small touches can create an ambiance that elevates the whole experience. I think it even makes the food and wine taste better!” Taylor incorporates family history with her own unique hosting touches by bringing out vintage family photos and heirlooms that guests can pass around her stylishly decorated dinner table.

Let new traditions take root

Another way for hosts to set their holiday parties apart from the masses is to try something new at the dinner table. Each year, Vianna, who presides

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over the production of the popular Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignons, hosts a special kind of dinner for friends who help her get through the often exhausting harvest season. Dubbed “Friendsgiving,” the celebration takes place at the end of autumn harvest season and includes friends, family and colleagues who contributed to another successful harvest. Vianna even encourages “Friendsgiving” guests to bring a postcard from somewhere around the world to use as a dinner table place card. This simple, yet creative idea inspires interesting conversation at Vianna’s holiday table, and hosts can incorporate their own creative touches to make their parties more memorable and enjoyable. For example, each year, Nicholls, whose awardwinning varietals at Markham include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, assembles a graceful tablescape using marble and wood serving trays, vintage tablecloths and a tiered cake stand to create

an elegant display guests won’t soon forget.

The more the merrier

Family always make the holiday dinner guest list, but Nicholls notes that holiday hosting is about opening our homes to people, whether those people share our last names or not. Inviting some fresh faces can stimulate engaging conversation and lift the spirits of someone who might not be able to make it home for the holidays. “I’ve been known to invite people I meet at Markham winery who might not have anywhere else to go for the holidays,” says Nicholls. “Somehow there’s always enough food.” To enjoy a Napa Valley holiday of your own, Chimney Rock, Markham and Rutherford Hill wineries are offering a chance for two lucky winners to visit Napa Valley complete with airfare, lodging, behind-the-scenes vineyard tours, VIP lunches with scenic views

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