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Thursday, September 5 • 2019
LIGHTS OUT
NEIL ZAWICKI, Independent Staff The Milton Yellowjacket and BFA Fairfax boys’ soccer team clashed in a nighttime match under the lights on Thursday, August 29.
> Read all the sports action from the pitch on page 14
District goes ahead with new administrative building Bid awarded, timeline set By NEIL ZAWICKI
T
he Milton Town School District on Aug. 26 awarded a bid to Essex-based KJ Construction to build its new administrative office building, to be located at 12 Bradley Street, just South of Milton Elementary and Middle School. The firm beat out five other contractors with a price tag of $899,790. Funding for the project came from a $1.3 million bond the voters approved on Town Meeting Day. The bid award comes after months of discussion, dating back to January, on how best to add space to the growing district. Specifically, there was a need for more classroom space at the elementary school, which also housed the district offices. In order to convert Discussions centered on whether to build a detached modular office space to make way for new classroom additions, or to invest in a traditional building. The district ultimately opted for a new building, but by temporarily moving the district offices to the high school was able to hire KJ Construction and Colchester-based Architect Weinmann Lamphere to design and build the new elementary classrooms before the start of this school year for a
SUBMITTED PHOTO A basic rendering of the planned Milton Town School District administrative office building. The facility is expected to be completed by mid January.
> See BID on page 8
2 • MILTON INDEPENDENT
Thursday, September 5, 2019
UPBEAT NEWS Lord judges 4-H Poultry Show F
ormer Florida 4-H member and current Vermont 4-H volunteer leader Bonnie Lord of Milton served as the judge for the recent 4-H Poultry Show at the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction. Judging was by the Danish system, where each exhibitor is evaluated against a set standard for that specific competition and not against the other participants. Entries judged excellent receive blue ribbons with red ribbons for very good and white for good. In the advance beginners category, Miranda Gallagher of Faifax took home a blue ribbon in both fitting and showmanship and conformation with her Golden Laced Wyandote, Aphrodite. She also received a red ribbon in both general knowledge and judging. Also in the advance beginners category, Adaline Ploof of Westford took home a blue ribbon in fitting and showmanship and a red ribbon in conformation with her Orpington, Honey. She also took home a white ribbon in general knowledge and a blue ribbon in judging.
Basin Program seeking requests for lake projects By INDEPENDENT STAFF he Lake Champlain Basin Program T (LCBP), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),
is soliciting Letters of Request for watershed restoration projects. The Lake Champlain Watershed Environmental Assistance Program awards design and construction services provided by the New York District of the Corps. Letters of Request may be submitted at any time for determination of a project’s eligibility, and projects are reviewed periodically throughout the year by the LCBP. The goal of the Lake Champlain Watershed Environmental Assistance Program is to provide assistance with planning, designing and implementation of projects that protect and enhance water quality, water supply, ecosystem integrity, and other water related issues within the watershed. Any municipal entity, state or interstate agency, Native American nation, or qualifying non-profit organization within the Lake Champlain Watershed is eligible. The emphasis of the Invitation for Letters of Request is on water quality protection for projects too large to be funded at the local municipal or state level. If a project is deemed eligible, a project summary will be developed by the applicant in conjunction with the Corps. The project summary will be submitted to the LCBP for
technical review and ranking. Upon ranking, approval, and subject to the availability of funds, projects will be selected for implementation. The award consists of services provided by the Corps equal to 65 percent of the total project cost, not cash, for the projects. The local sponsor must provide a match of 35 percent in non-federal funds, through cash or in-kind services. A pre-application workshop will be held on Sept. 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the Westport Town Hall, 22 Champlain Avenue, Westport, NY. This workshop is free of charge and representatives from any eligible organization are encouraged to attend. USACE and LCBP staff will be available to review the application process, types of projects that are typically successful under the Section 542 program, and the typical timeline. Please RSVP for the workshop to Kathy Jarvis at kjarvis@lcbp.org. The assistance program is administered in accordance with the Lake Champlain General Management Plan authorized under Section 542 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. Selected projects will help to further the goals of the Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action. The Invitation for Letters of Request is available from the LCBP website, or by calling the LCBP office at (802) 372-3213 or toll free at (800) 468LCBP.
PHOTO BY ROSE GARRITANO/UVM EXTENSION 4-H 4-H’ers (left to right) Miriam Lawson, Cambridge; Liam Gallagher, Fairfax; William Lawson, Cambridge; and Timothy Torraca, Fairfax; line up with their chickens for the beginner division competitions at the 4-H Poultry Show, Aug. 25, at the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction. Judging the show was Bonnie Lord of Milton (right).
History Q&A How well do you know your town? Find out with our weekly quiz.
Q: What accolade did the Milton Selectboard receive, and from whom, on March 5, 1991? Hint: “Stay the course,” “This will not stand.” Answer see page 7 Milton History Challenge is brought to you with the help of the Milton Historical Society.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Quarter Page Magazine(4.25”x5.5”) Quarter PageMILTON Magazine(4.25”x5.5”) INDEPENDENT • 3
Waxing entrepreneurial
Milton couple warms to candle making By NEIL ZAWICKI
J
oy Spencer has always loved scented candles. In fact, she’s just fine with saying she’s obsessed with them. But when she discovered the paraffin wax candles she was using were giving her headaches, she looked for a better product, and then began making her own candles out of soy wax, a material that burns slower and cleaner than parafin. That project led her and her husband Travis to create a new business. Called Blue Sunflower Aromas, the new venture went live in November, with the Spencers selling their new products at farmers markets and craft fairs. Getting into the hand-crafted candle business was not an immediate thing for the them. Both have other jobs: Joy is a medical coder and Travis sells insurance. In their new venture, Joy makes > See CANDLES on page 8
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NEIL ZAWICKI, Independent Staff Milton residents Joy and Travis Spencer make and sell soy wax candles through their new venture, Blue Sunflower Aromas.
ACCURACY WATCH I
n the Aug. 29 article, “On Shift” we incorrectly characterized Officer Matthew McQueen’s qualifications as a law enforcement officer. His lack of a sense of smell does not bar him from drug recognition or alcohol detection work. Officers can use a collection of other indicators, regardless of smell, to determine if a suspect is intoxicated. Further, Milton Police Sgt. Paul Locke, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, assists all officers when establishing cause in a drug or alcohol related case. Also in the edition of Aug. 29, the story “Milton High School to fly BLM flag” mischaracterized a small group of friends who support the flying of the flag as an organization, “Concerned Citizens Standing Up.” They are not a formal organization, but simply friends and advocates who describe themselves as “concerned citizens standing up.”
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4 • MILTON INDEPENDENT
Thursday, September 5, 2019
OBITUARIES
Scott R. White
E
ssex Jct. – Scott R. White, 55, died unexpectedly in Alburgh on Sunday, August 25, 2019. Scott was born on December 14, 1963 in Burlington, the son of Paul and Marjorie (Hamelin) White. He graduated from Essex Junction High School in 1982 and was selfemployed as a finish carpenter. He attended culinary school while in high school. Scott loved building construction, working on cars, shopping, music, cooking and fishing. His main love was his children and grandchildren who survive him.
Phyllis W. Philbrick
M
ilton – Phyllis W. Philbrick, 92, died peacefully on Sunday August 25, 2019 at the Gazebo Senior Living Center in So. Burlington. Phyllis was born on April 12, 1927 in Westmanland, Maine, the daughter of Ernest and Mildred (Anderson) Lindberg.
In addition to his mother Marjorie White of Milton, Scott is survived by his daughters, Betsy White and her fiancé, and Scott’s best friend, Nathan Giroux of St. Albans, Anna Rock and her husband Brian of St. Albans, Victoria White of Winooski and Rebecca White of Winooski. His girlfriend Tracey Houle of Alburgh. He is also survived by his grandchildren Nicholas, Jacoby, Braelyn and Auroriana, his brothers and sisters Helene Gosling and her husband Phil of Vancouver, Wash., Patricia Farr and her husband Ron of Zephyrhills, Fla., Bruce Hill and his wife Sandra of New Bern, N.C., Richard Hill and his wife Maggie of Essex Jct., Jill Duell of Colchester and Jack White of Milton and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Paul White. Visiting hours were held on Thursday August 29, 2019 at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. For those who wish, online condolences may be made to www. minorfh.com
She was married to James Philbrick on June 27, 1953 in Leeds, Maine. James died on December 31, 1988. Phyllis worked for Richmond Office Equipment for over 25 years. She is survived by her daughters Sheila Palermo of Milton, Valerie Philbrick Dineen and her husband Michael of Yulee, Fla., by her grandchildren Toby and Keith Potvin and Cormick Dineen, her great grandchildren Justin and Jordan Potvin. She is also survived by her sisters Loreena and Helen. Phyllis was predeceased by her sister Mavis Schoel and her brother Charles Lindberg. Visiting hours were held on Tuesday September 3, 2019 at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. A Funeral Service will be on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery in Richmond. For those who wish, online condolences may be made to www. minorfh.com
Obituary policy
The Milton Independent prints obituaries up to 600 words for free, including a photo. Every word after 600 costs 25 cents, and additional photos are $5. Please send them through a funeral service, or email to news@miltonindependent.com by 8 a.m. Tuesdays.
R.F. Glenn Ravdin
S
o. Hero – R.F. Glenn Ravdin, 67, died peacefully Monday evening, August 26, 2019, of cholangiocarcinoma. He was surrounded by his loving family at his home on Lake Champlain. Glenn was born in Philadelphia, Penn. on August 19, 1952, the son of William and Mary (Herndon) Ravdin. After growing up in Cuba and Brazil, he graduated from Temple University in 1977 and began his career as a strategic consultant for businesses and the state of Vermont. In 2005, he formed his own branding consultant firm, 2Ns Inc. Glenn married Kimberly Simonds on September 2, 1979 in the Lady
David Swaine Campbell
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olchester – David Swaine Campbell, 77, died Tuesday evening, Aug. 20, 2019 at the St. Albans Health and Rehabilitation Center following a long illness. David was born in Winthrop, MA on November 24, 1941, the son of Ralph and Eleanor (Swaine) Campbell. He graduated from the Lynn English High School and the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Alaska and eventually on the Radar Base in St. Albans. While stationed in VT, he fell in love with the State. He met his wife of 48 years, Judy Sweeney. David and Judy built a home on her parent’s farm and began their family. David
Chapel on Grand Isle. Driven by a strong social conscience and Quaker ethic, he was very involved in his community and worked as a Guardian Ad Litem. He had strong ecological principles and a great love for Lake Champlain and the Islands. He also enjoyed traveling, sailing, Vermont beer, and fine woodworking. Glenn is survived by his loving wife Kim of South Hero, by their son Dylan Ravdin and his wife Briana and daughter Marel Ravdin, all of New York City. He is also survived by his sisters Anne Taylor and her husband Richard of Swanton and Susan Ravdin and her husband Wilfrid de Freitas of Montreal, his mother- and father-in-law Elsie and Sy Simonds of South Burlington, his brothers-in-law Geoff Simonds and his wife Pam of W.V., and Derek Simonds and his wife Beth of Alburgh, and by myriad nieces, nephews and cousins. Gifts in Glenn’s memory can be made to the Vermont Foodbank (vtfoodbank.org). A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those who wish, online condolences can be offered through www.minorfh.com.
worked at IBM for 33 years, retiring in 2001. He enjoyed his Scottish heritage and was an active member of the Clan Campbell Society and the St. Andrew’s Society. He was a Lt. Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. He was an active member of Seneca Lodge # 40 in Milton. David volunteered at the Camp Johnson Museum, he loved history, genealogy and talking about Vermont. In addition to Judy, David is survived by his son Travis Campbell of Milton and daughter Kathy Campbell of Milton, by his sisters Nancy Milburn and her husband Richard, Linda Knowlton and her husband Bruce and his brother Paul Campbell and his wife Melody, all of NH and by Sister in Law Sharon St. Onge and her husband Andre of Trois Rivieres, QC and by several nieces and nephews. For those who wish, memorials in David’s memory may be made to either the American Diabetes Assoc., P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or the VT Kidney Association, P.O. Box 244, Burlington, VT 05402. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday August 25, 2019 from 1-4pm with a Masonic Service at 3:30pm in the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday August 26, 2019 at 11am in the Minor Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.minorfh.com
MILTON INDEPENDENT • 5
Thursday, September 5, 2019
OBITUARIES
James Michael Gabaree
Bob Sheridan
B
URLINGTON – Robert E. Sheridan III died on August 21, 2019 at Birchwood Terrace Healthcare Facility in Burlington, Vermont, ten days after his 84th birthday. Born in Morristown, N.J. on August 11, 1935, Bob was the first-born son to Robert E. Sheridan II and Rosalie Averill Monahan Sheridan. He grew up on his grandmother Monahan’s dairy farm with an extended family in Mt. Fern, New Jersey, where - despite the fact that his early childhood encompassed the lean, great-depression years - he described a home filled with warmth, affectionate banter, hijinks, and a crowd around the dinner table. He lived on the farm until his high school years with his parents, four sisters, a younger brother, his paternal grandfather, two grandmothers, and the seemingly-ever-present visiting uncles and aunts. At age 16, Bob was badly burned in a fire causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns over much of his body, nearly costing him his life, and delaying high school graduation. Very soon after enrolling in Seton Hall University, he answered a spiritual calling, entering a Carmelite seminary in Niagara Falls, Ontario. After five years, he decided that, while most aspects of the life fulfilled him, celibacy did not.
M
ilton – James Michael Gabaree, 52, died peacefully on Monday August 26, 2019 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Jim was born in St. Albans on October 21, 1966, the son of James Jr. and Rose (St. Pierre) Gabaree. He graduated from BFA Fairfax in 1985 and Champlain College with a degree in Business Management. Jim was employed by IBM for over 16 years, retiring as a manager. He loved the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, camping and canoeing.
He was very fun loving and enjoyed being with friends and family, especially his son Tyler and his dogs, Rouge and Kloey, and his cat, Havic. Surviving James is his son Tyler Gabaree of N.Y., his sister Jennie Gingras of Fairfax, his partner Leon Wallace of Milton and his nephews Michael Gingras of Fairfax, Josh Blouin of St. Albans, Kyle Gabaree of Mass, Treston Holeness of Conn, his nieces Renae Masse of Sheldon and Chantel Blouin of St. Albans, his great nephews and nieces Austin and Dylan Masse, Riley Thomas and Noah Gingras. He was prede-
ceased by his parents and his sister Debbie. Special thanks to Myra Brainard who has been a great motherly support to the family. Memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., VT Chapter 1 Kennedy Drive L8, So. Burlington, VT 05403 Visiting hours were held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. For those who wish, online condolences may be made to www. minorfh.com.
He returned to Seton Hall completing a BA in history. In 1967, he received his M.Ed. in Personnel and Guidance, from Seton Hall University. During the 1960’s Bob taught high school history, elementary school, and served as a guidance counselor in New Jersey. In 1969 Bob was recruited to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Orange East Supervisory Union in Bradford, VT. During the next 30 years he served as Superintendent of Schools in Orange East and Chittenden Central Supervisory Unions, Coordinator of Extension Services at Johnson State College, where he also taught graduate courses in Education Administration, Director of Guidance and then Principal at Milton Junior-Senior High School, and guidance counselor at Bakersfield and Berkshire Elementary Schools. He retired in 1997 as Principal of Bakersfield Elementary School. An admirable leader, Bob possessed those qualities that earned the enduring respect of students, teachers, and colleagues. Kind and generous, when things went well, he shared the credit; when mistakes were made, he graciously shouldered the blame. He delighted in praising individuals in the presence of others, and helping people actualize their talents. Bob was mentor to many. He had an entertaining sense of humor with the ability to laugh at himself. He had a strong sense of justice, keen perception, and understanding of human behavior. Bob held himself to high moral standards and strove - each and every day---to perform ethically in all situations. He expected the same from students, staff, and superiors alike. He was courageous, took risks, and did not hesitate to speak truth to power. Bob believed in the value of the arts in childhood development, and advocated for their funding even in times of austere budgets. In1978 he received the Vermont Council on the
Arts “Award of Merit for Distinguished Services to the Arts,” and in 1979, a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the Vermont Alliance for Arts Education. Most of all, he cherished the admiration he received from students. The Milton High School Senior Class of 1989, dedicated its yearbook to Bob with the inscription: “You are an inspiration to us and when we look back at our senior high school years, you’ll be the one we remember. Thank you for making our years something to be proud of !!” Bob enjoyed his retirement years in the Mount Mansfield area. If Bob was not abroad visiting his wife, who was still working in Russia until 2005, he could usually be found engaged in some form of social interaction. It might simply be smiling and chatting with neighbors as he walked one of his adored Scottish Deerhounds, or helping friends remove ice dams, or wielding a pruning saw to save an injured maple tree. Although he had many intellectual pursuits--reading about the cosmos or trying to comprehend Steven Hawking or Einstein’s theories---he was rarely at home for long unless he was executing one of his massive landscaping projects or entertaining friends. He delighted in treating friends at local restaurants, never forgetting to compliment the chef or leave a large tip. Above all, Bob was a “people person.” With child-like innocence, he simply loved people - old/young, rich/poor - it mattered not. He always had good wishes or a sincere compliment for acquaintances and strangers alike. Bob was loved in return and will be missed by many. Bob leaves his wife of more than 39 years, Doreen J. (Boyle) Sheridan, a daughter and son from his first
marriage, Lauretta Sheridan of South Burlington, and Robert E. Sheridan IV of Hinesburg, three grandchildren: Robert E. Sheridan V, of Hinesburg, Gerald Sheridan of St. Albans, Angela Simpson of Atlanta, Ga., and one granddaughter, Nevaeh Sheridan of St. Albans. He is also survived by his siblings: sister Rosalie Guest, of Torrington, Conn., brother David Sheridan, sister-in-law Karen Sheridan of Somerville, N.J., sister Judy Meyer, brother-in-law James Meyer, of Raleigh, N.C. and brotherin-law, Dennis J. Boyle of Orchard Park, N.Y. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie Drew of Clermont, Fla. His eldest sister, Jeanne Knowles of Bushnell, Fla, passed away on August 23rd, two days after Bob’s passing. He also leaves a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, as well as many cousins. His wife would like to thank his caregiver, Monica Morano, for the loving care she provided Bob, throughout his illness. Doreen would also like to express her gratitude to the devoted family of caregivers at Birchwood Terrace for the joy and comfort given Bob during the past seven months. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Birchwood Terrace Residents’ Activities Fund at 43 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, VT 05401. Friends and family will be invited to share memories at a celebration of Bob’s life to be announced at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Lavignefuneralhome.com, where an expanded obituary is posted.
Obituaries posted online at miltonindependent.com
6 • MILTON INDEPENDENT
Editorial
by EMERSON LYNN
GMCB’s letter to governor expands burden of Vt.’s health care future
T
he letter sent to Gov. Phil Scott from Green Mountain Care Board [GMCB] chairman Kevin Mullin last week may be the best representation of penny-wise pound-foolish that Vermonters will ever see. If not picked apart, and understood, and responded to, it may also mark the beginning of the end for Vermont’s experiment to flip from our traditional fee-for-service to one based on health care outcomes. His letter was short, and pointed. He told the governor if the state did not increase its Medicaid funding Vermonters would continue to see double-digit increases in health insurance costs, and that our hospitals’ struggles would intensify. We are where we are because, as Mr. Mullin explains in his letter, 45 percent of the health care delivery in Vermont deals with Medicaid and Medicare patients. The programs do not come close to matching a hospital’s costs, which results in a cost shift, meaning, from the state’s perspective, that the unmet Medicaid costs are made up by those not on Medicaid, or the commercial market. That cost shift for FY 2019 is being estimated at $493 million with Medicaid constituting $217 million of that cost-shift total. The in-between-the-lines message is that the GMCB can’t be held
solely responsible for the hospitals’ misery; the governor and the Legislature are also part of what is arguably the most complicated, time-sensitive, and far-ranging challenge the state faces. But the cost shift itself isn’t news. Nor is its size. It’s been recognized and talked about by Mr. Mullin and his board before. Why the drama now, right in the midst of the board’s interrogation of the state’s hospitals and their proposed budgets? Perhaps because this is the only time of the year the state’s attention is focused on the issues most relevant to the GMCB, which is the health of the state’s hospitals as they prepare for the move to a new payment reform system. What Mr. Mullin and his board did was to shift some of that burden on the governor. If Mr. Scott agrees and ups the state’s Medicaid payment, then some of the pressure is off the GMCB and the state’s health care system. The way forward is a little easier. Here is the telling paragraph from Mr. Mullin’s letter: “We understand that limited revenue, tight budgets and limits on investment funds make it challenging to choose to invest Medicaid funds in health care reform at this time. Without Medicaid support, however, the investment in health
Thursday, September 5, 2019 care reform falls disproportionately on hospitals, Vermonters and employers in the commercial market, and those who self-pay. We urge you to consider these impacts and to prioritize affordability and health care reform by considering increasing your investment in Medicaid and DSR [delivery system reform.].” So now, it’s an issue of how much of a Medicaid increase, which becomes an issue of all the various encumbrances when it comes to additional spending, state limits on borrowing, federal requirements, etc. To eliminate the cost-shift would require additional spending of over $200 million, which, obviously, isn’t going to happen. But, as Mr. Mullin noted, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS] have made federal matching funds available, but the state’s leaders, including those in the Legislature, have not agreed to the match, which is nuts. Over $56 million remains available over 2020 and 2021. Why is this money being left on the table if it’s matched federally and if used would soften the cost-shift, which prompts part of the increase in health insurance rates? Why is all this such an unexplainable mess? It’s a mess for several reasons; It’s almost unbearably complicated to explain because it’s so transformative, it’s enormously expensive, which makes it easy to demagogue,
and there are players in the process who fervently believe the only way forward is a single payer [Medicare for All] system, and any other “reform” subtracts from that effort. It’s an instance where the administration’s natural reluctance to spend money lines up with the progressive’s opposition to anything other than getting rid of the health care system as we know it, replacing it with a single payer system. That puts the state’s health care system in a precarious position going forward. Almost half the state’s hospitals are operating in the red. All of them struggle with the prospect of filling empty positions. And almost no one understands the details of moving from a fee for service system to one based on health care outcomes. Mr. Mullin may not have intended such, but his letter to the governor should be seen for the clarion call that it is to Vermont: We are in a transition period that is not being adequately supported or understood, which is ridiculous considering our health care system is the one thing that affects every single Vermonter and a force that constitutes 20 percent of the state’s economy. Anyone who believes this uncertainty is contributing positively to Vermont’s well being and to its reputation beyond our borders is shopping in the wrong aisle.
FROM THE Desk of the Superintendent By AMY REX Superintendent, Milton Town School District
Restorative Practice in the MTSD
If you have a child in school, then you may know about Morning Meeting or Teacher Advisory (TA). These practices are designed to build community, promote positive relationships, and support student achievement; they are essential to a school culture and climate that is equitable, safe and inclusive. More recently, you may have heard about Restorative Practice (RP) and you may be wondering what this is and why, as a district, we are blending it into our programming. This article is the first in a series to provide the Milton community with an understanding of ‘The What’, ‘The Why’ and the ‘MTSD Implementation of Restorative Practice’.
Restorative Practice (RP): A Belief, a Practice, and A Response
RP is an approach that begins with a mindset; the belief that if we are intentional about dedicating time and creating space to foster a community where members know and understand one another, then there will be a greater level of trust, empathy and positive interaction. It is the belief that if we build a community where all members have a voice in developing and being part of it in a meaningful way, then this will promote active responsibility. Finally, it is the belief that when
mistakes are made or rules are broken then responses that engage individuals in taking personal responsibility and repairing the harm are more productive and contribute to strengthening the community. RP is a practice that has multiple levels and each level has a unique set of responses to meet the needs of students. The foundational practice - or Tier I, is for all students. It is designed to build a community by fostering social, emotional and academic skill development. These skills may include: active listening and speaking, problem-solving, and awareness of self and others - empathy and respect. This is often done through circles that may range from check-in and check-outs, celebrations, and community building to learning and reflecting on academic content. The next level of practice is called Tier II and this is used when ‘low’ level harm has been done. Responses at this level may include conferencing or mediation by a trained facilitator who can guide the individual in identifying what happened, the actions necessary to make things better, and what should be done differently in the future. The last level of practice is Tier III or reintegration. This is only for students who need intensive support in order to feel a sense of belonging in their community. This is necessary when a student has been out of the classroom or school for a ‘high’ level harm or if special circumstances like a medical condition or a move has isolated the student from the community for
a long period of time. The response is a wider circle, inclusive of family, external partners and experts is required in order to collaboratively create a plan to adequately support the needs of the student. If you are interested in learning more about ‘the what’ of RP, an excellent resource is The Whole-School Restorative Approach Resource Guide located on the Vermont Agency of Education website - education.vermont.gov
MILTON INDEPENDENT • 7
Thursday, September 5, 2019
REMEMBERING Letters to the by Lorinda Henry
Ragtime
I
came in on a discussion the other day about goldenrod, which is beautifully plentiful this year. One friend blamed it for her allergies, and another said it was a bum rap to blame them on goldenrod when the real culprit was probably ragweed which blossoms this time of year. It is not nearly as spectacular as the plumes of deep yellow that abound so it can sneak around unnoticed and let goldenrod take the rap. I was interested because I had been thinking, while uprooting ragweed along my path, that I don’t hear much about ragweed any more. Obviously I can’t keep up with everything, but I am sure that there was more concern about ripping it out when I was a kid. Does anyone remember health books? They were kind of a forerunner of science books, which also seem to have disappeared, at least for elementary ages. During my first three years of school in a comparatively large two-room school we had health books by third grade. There is not a lot that I can remember about them. The photos, which were all in black and white, showed children doing various healthful things – getting exercise, eating right (there were seven food groups at the time and we had to remember them), washing hands before meals and so on. We were enlisted as little troopers in the hopes of healthier communities, and encouraged to educate our younger siblings and so on. One idea that I recall is that one should use a sweeping compound to keep down the dust while helping out at home. If that wasn’t available, you should use finely torn up damp newspaper and sprinkle it around the floor. Maybe the book was left over from the Dust Bowl days, but I have never actually seen anyone do that. It probably came out of some home ec curriculum from a state college somewhere, I don’t know. Anyway I brought the suggestion home but Mom was not too keen on a bunch of wet newspaper gluing the dust to the floor. I was not too keen on sweeping, so the idea never caught on at my home. I’m guessing it didn’t catch on much in any home, but I could be wrong. Sweeping mud was an idea whose time had either passed or had never come, but the book had other ideas on how children could be useful to their home environments. The one that really stuck with me is the idea of uprooting ragweed every summer and protecting your pollen-sensitive neighbors from its ravages. There was a very good photo of what ragweed looks like, and it’s image has not faded away. I am still a good trooper, and whenever I am walking I still have a thing about pulling up ragweed. I don’t always do it, depending on place and time, but I am aware that I have shirked my job! I think pulling ragweed was my first quiet way of doing something for my village that was raising me. I don’t think kids do much of that any more. I’m not even suggesting it – the world is so changed you might be sending your kids out to find used syringes where we only worried about them picking up cigarette butts. A few years ago I approached the health center, where they have beautiful plantings in season. To each side of the path were matching tall green plants. When I signed in I said, “I don’t know who does your landscaping, but you might want to call them. Those two beautifully matched plants out there are ragweed!” When I came out later there was a crew busily replacing the weeds with flowers. I guess I am still on the job!
Editor
281 North Main St. St. Albans, Vt. 05478
PROJECT GRADUATION
W
ith the start of the 2019-2020 school year, the parents of the Milton High School Class of 2020 are beginning our year-long journey toward Project Graduation 2020! Project Graduation is an annual all-night, drug and alcohol-free event that is held in the evening following graduation ceremonies. The night features live entertainment, contests, a prize auction, lots of food, games and much more. The purpose is to keep our graduates safe and off the roads while enjoying their graduation night with friends. Providing this kind of event requires a great deal of financial support. Parents and guardians of the senior students raise money throughout the year through concession sales at fall and winter sports, wreath sales, a spring Calcutta, Spirit Night, and myriads of other great events. All parents or guardians of a MHS 2020 graduate are welcome! Our meetings are generally the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30pm at the MHS Library (next one is September 10th). Our Facebook group is “Milton High School Class of 2020 Parents”, and you may contact Rick Dooley at rickdooley5@ gmail.com to be added to our email distribution list for upcoming meeting and event information. Even if you are unable to make the meetings, we need lots of volunteers and donated supplies for the events – there is plenty that you can do to help! Senior year is an exciting time – come join us as we start the countdown to MHS Project Graduation 2020! Rick Dooley Chair, MHS Project Graduation 2020
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(802)524-9771 Jim O’Rourke Publisher jorourke@samessenger.com Michelle Monroe Executive Editor michelle@miltonindependent.com Neil Zawicki Reporter neil.zawicki@miltonindependent. com COMiNg eVeNtS, letteRS, NewS: news@samessenger.com ObituARieS obituaries@samessenger.com (802)524-9771 x. 109 ClASSifiedS ANd legAlS Ben Letourneau ben.letourneau@samessenger.com (802)524-9771 x. 122 AdVeRtiSiNg George Berno george@samessenger.com
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History Q&A continued from page 2
Answer: The board got a signed letter from President George Herbert Walker Bush, who wrote on a White House letterhead to thank the board for its recent “message about the United States efforts to liberate Kuwait,” through the first Gulf War, known as Operation Desert Storm. “This was not a war we wanted,” wrote Bush, “but there are times when we confront principles worth fighting for; this was one such time.”
8 • MILTON INDEPENDENT
Bid
Continued from page 1 total cost of $235,395. District Facilities Director Bruce Cheeseman, in asking the board to choose KJ Construction for the project, wrote that the firm was not only the lowest bidder, but committed to completing the project within 20 weeks. Further, Cheeseman said the contractor has an established relationship with the district. Cheeseman and District Superintendent Amy Rex met Aug. 29 with representatives from KJ Construction and Weinmann Lamphere to finalize plans. From that meeting, Rex said the contractor is expected to begin work Sept. 9. What that means, according to KJ Construction Project Manager Doug Brigante, is setting up fences and beginning to prepare the site. “It’ll basically be a slow start on that day,” he said. Brigante said the district handled the permitting fees and submission ahead of the bid award in order to streamline the process. Rex said that the projected finish date is for mid January, “ff everything syncs.” “Of course, with any construction project, weather, sub-contractor timing and availability all play a role in the timeline,” wrote Rex in an email response. She also said some slight modifications are being made “to align with the district’s budget.” These modifications include sizing of windows, door frames and flooring materials.
Candles
Continued from page 3 the candles and Travis works on the sales end. Getting to a level where they were comfortable with their product took considerable research and development, and both laugh out loud when asked how that process went. “At one point we had three candles with different wick sizes burning in three different rooms of the house with the doors closed,” said Travis. “And we would go in and check how they were burning and how the room smelled every hour or so.” When it comes do making the candles, Joy is the perfectionist, according to Travis, and he attributes that to her background in marine biology. To get the candles just right, Joy said she “researched and researched,” trying different combinations, learning to “temper” the wax, going so far as to notice the wax would crater in the glass container. To solve that problem, she learned to tamp the wax down once it warmed up during the manufacturing process. “Soy behaves very different than paraffin wax,” she explained. Travis laughs when he talks about Joy’s efforts to create the perfect candle. “I would bring the rejected candles into work and the women in the office would look at them as say, ‘What’s the problem?” he said. But it was those almost imperceptible flaws that bothered Joy.
“It’s like putting a piece of yourself out there,” she said. Beyond the candle making, both Joy and Travis got to wade into the world of online marketing and sales. Travis bought Joy a book on social media marketing, and they started listening to podcasts on the subject. But before that, the enterprise was a family affair. For their first round, Joy and Travis sold their candles to family members during the holiday season, which was fine, but they both agree the real value came when they were selling at the markets. “The biggest thrill for us was when we sold a product to someone we didn’t know,” said Joy. Travis added that seeing people come back to their booth was confirmation they were doing something right. He estimates they’ve made at least 500 candles so far, or rather Joy has. “Sundays are her candle making day,” he said. “And when she’s making the candles, nobody can use any part of the kitchen at all.” This season will mark their first foray into the craft fair arena, and they’re signed up for seven of those. They both agree they’re ready. “Once you get past the first set up and display it’s so much easier,” said Joy. Travis says sales have been better than expected, and as revenue grows, they plan to expand. Along with the scented candles, Joy has created a scented yoga mat spray.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Consolidating accounts leads to clear financial strategy Submitted by AARON GLOSSER
Special to the Independent
N
one of us can completely control all the things that happen to us. Yet, when it comes to achieving your long-term financial goals, including a comfortable retirement, you do have a great deal of power – as long as you follow a clear, well-defined financial strategy. And one way to help build and maintain such a strategy is by consolidating your financial accounts. Over the course of their lives, many people pick up a variety of financial accounts from multiple sources. They might have a few IRAs from different providers, a couple of old 401(k) plans from past employers, an insurance policy (or two) purchased many years ago, and a scattershot of stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit and other investments. If this picture describes your situation, you may want to think about consolidating. For one thing, having a variety of accounts can run up a lot of fees. Furthermore, you’ll have lots of paperwork to keep track of all your accounts, including several different tax statements. Plus, just by having so many accounts, you risk forgetting about some of them – and if you don’t think you’d ever forget about your own money, consider this: Well over $40 billion in unclaimed cash and property, including 401(k)s, pensions and IRAs, is awaiting return to the rightful owners, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. But beyond reducing your possible fees, paperwork and potential for lost assets, consolidating your accounts with one provider can give you a centralized, unifying investment strategy, one that can help you in the following ways: Diversification – If you own several different financial accounts, including IRAs, 401(k)s and online accounts, you might have many similar investments within them. You might even own a cash-value insurance policy containing investments that closely track the ones you have in the other accounts. This type of duplication can be harmful, because if a market downturn primarily affects one type of asset, and your portfolio is dominated by that asset or similar ones, you could take a big hit. But if you have all your investments in the same place, a financial professional can review your holdings and recommend appropriate ways to diversify your investment dollars. (Be aware, though, that while diversification can reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses. Staying on track – With all your accounts in one place, you’ll find it easier to keep the big picture in mind and make the moves necessary to help you progress toward your financial goals. Two main actions include buying or selling investments and adjusting your portfolio to make it more aggressive or conservative, depending on your situation. Avoiding mistakes – If you own several separate accounts, you could see a loss in one or more of them and overreact by selling investments that could still be valuable to you. But with a consolidated investment platform, you can see more clearly that the impact of a loss may be small, relative to the rest of your holdings. As we’ve seen, consolidating your investment accounts with a single provider can have several advantages. So think carefully about bringing everything together – you may find that there’s strength in unity. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Planner.
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MILTON INDEPENDENT • 9
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Community Calendar 5 THURSDAY
Rotary Meeting Noon, the Hampton Inn, Colchester. Contact 651-1690 or vt210@earthlink.net. Farmers Market 3:30 - 7 p.m. 212-222 US-7, Milton. fireFighter Association Bingo 5 p.m. dinner; 6:30 p.m. warmups, Arrowhead Senior Ctr. Dinner will be served for a modest price. Contact 3097710 with questions. Boy Scout Troop #603 Meeting 7 - 8:30 p.m., United Church of Milton. Go to milton603.mytroop. us or Facebook.com/ troop603vt for more information.
7 Saturday
Genealogy Open House 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Vt. Genealogy Library, Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester. Join us for 30-minute demonstrations of Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com and the basics of DNA Testing. Take in demonstrations of the Internet resources we offer. Volunteers will be on hand to give tours of our library with its many resources. There will be many genealogy books for sale and free refreshments. This event is free. Come check us out and bring a friend! Please visit our website http:// www.vtgenlib.org/ or call 802-310-9285 for more info.
RE
Library Offerings
9 Monday
Classic Country Music 6 p.m., Arrowhead Senior Center. Enjoy the music with a 50/50 raffle, coffee and snacks. For information, call 891-6391.
Library Hours
Monday - Thurday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
EVENTS
Saturday, September 7 • 10 - 10:30 a.m. Early Literacy Story Time for all ages.
Al-Anon Group 6 p.m., Cornerstone Community Church. Support group for friends and relatives of alcoholics.
Monday, September 9 • 9:30 - 11 a.m. MFCC Playgroup in library community room. • 3:30 - 5 p.m. Teen Space.
10 TUESDAY
Tuesday, September 10 • 9:30 - 10 a.m. Infant Early Literacy Story Time for infants birth to 18 months. • 1 - 3 p.m. Mah Jongg, all levels welcome. • 5 - 7:45 p.m. Strategy Board Games, for ages 13 – adult. Learn and play a variety of strategy board games.
11 WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, September 11 • 10 - 11 a.m. Rhythm & Movement Early Literacy Story Time for kids 18 months to 3 years. • 1 - 3 p.m. Bridge, all levels welcome. • 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Adult Coloring Club.
fireFighter Association Bingo 5 p.m. dinner; 6:30 p.m. warmups, Arrowhead Senior Ctr. (See Thursday, Aug. 8) Groovy Lunch Bunch Noon, Arrowhead Senior Center. Reservations 24 hours in advance to Shirley Bunnell at 893-1619.
Thursday, September 12 • 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. MFCC Playgroup in library community room. • 2 - 3 p.m. Daytime Book Group discussion of “The Wailing Wind” by Tony Hillerman
Boy Scout Troop #631 Meeting 7 p.m., Cornerstone Community Church. Visit milton631. mytroop.us or our FB page under “Boy Scout Troop 631 Milton, Vt.
*registration required; call (802) 893-4644 or visit miltonlibraryvt.org for more information on these, and any other programs
Ongoing Events Boy Scout Troop #631 Bottle Drop Cornerstone Community Church, 26 Bombardier Rd., Milton.
yahoo.com and find us on Facebook.
Milton Historical Society Museum The museum is open every Saturday from 10-2 pm from MayOctober, and yearround by appointment. For information, call 893-1604, email miltonhistorical@
Champlain Valley Horseshoe Club Mondays & Tuesdays – May through September, 6 - 8 p.m., Horseshoe pits at Bombardier Park East Contacts: David Trayah, 893-6586 or Bob Gordon 893-7023.
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More information and pre-registration at miltonvt.gov/recregister Email: recreation@miltonvt.gov Phone: 802-893-4922 Kym Duchesneau, Recreation Coordinator Ben Nappi, Assistant Recreation Coordinator
Zumba
It’s the perfect combo of fun and fitness. Ditch the workout and Join the dance party! Ages 14+ Instructor: Katherine Rowe; Certified Zumba instructor Dates: Tue, Sept. 10, 17, 24 Oct. 1, 8 & 15 Time: 6:45 – 7:45pm Location: Milton High School Cafeteria A Fee: $39/six-week session, $49/punch card to attend any 6 Zumba classes, or $10 to try a class (register at miltonvt.gov/recregister)
Walk with the Town Manager
Gather friends and family for weekly walk in Milton! This new Walking Club, led by Town Manager Don Turner, Jr., features a different route each week and encourages participants to walk at their own pace for fitness and fun! All ages and abilities are welcome however; an adult must accompany children. Additional dates and info can be found at miltonvt.gov/recregister. Dates and Meeting Locations: Sept. 10: Milton Elementary School parking lot B Sept. 17: Milton Town Forest Sept. 24: River St Park Time: Meet at 5:30pm each Tuesday Fee: Free Kids climb inside and touch really BIG TRUCKS! Fire truck, police cruiser, ambulance, dump trucks, bucket loader, excavators, tractor-trailer, tree service truck and more! Date: Sat, Sept. 14 Time: 9am – Noon (no horns 9 - 10am) Location: Bombardier Park West Fee: Free
Zumbini Afternoons
LOCAL MEETINGS Mon., Sep. 9
SHEILA FORTIN TARA JARVIS FORMERLY OF GARRY’S BARBER SHOP
Wed., Sep. 11
Historic brick building - In front of Park Place Tavern Monday - Fri 9-5:30, Saturday 9 -1, Sunday closed 2019 YATES MAPLE SYRUP IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Milton Recreation Department
Touch a Truck
6 p.m. School Board Milton Elementary and Middle School
878-4010 • 38c Park Street, Essex Junction, VT
Recreation Information
6 p.m. Recreation Commission Milton Municipal Building
Ages 0-4 with Caregiver. Come join the fun with your little one in one of the first Zumbini® classes in the state! Created by Zumba® and BabyFirst for children ages 0-4, the Zumbini® program combines music, dance and educational tools for 45 minutes of can’t-stop, won’t-stop bonding, learning, and fun. Facilitator: Christine Baker, licensed Zumbini instructor Dates: Try-it out! Sat, Sept 14. Six-week session: Sat, Sept. 21, 28 Oct, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Time: 1:30 – 2:15pm Location: Community Room in Milton Municipal Building Fee: Try it out date: $6/child. Six-week session: $78/child and caregiver; $36 each additional child in family
10 • MILTON INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Health & Wellness Connecting through community gardens
By Kate Robinson NMC Wellness Specialist “…in gardens large and small we have begun to grow a healthier nation.” – Michelle Obama
S
T. ALBANS – You may have noticed a significant rise in the “grow your own” movement in this state and nationwide. The words “community” and “garden” have always gone hand in hand for me, synonymous really. The same holds true for “food” and “family”. Maybe it’s from the years I spent watching my neighborhood farmers and gardeners help supply the local farm to table restaurant I worked at with fresh, tasty, hyperlocal treats. Or maybe it was the opportunity to help design and maintain the chef’s garden there. It all truly started for me way before that with 32 acres of open cow pasture that my family and I would eventually turn into a home, a haven for my brother and I to explore and try new things. That field is where I first fell in love with
growing things. It was in the restaurant, that I first thought “how can I make or eat great food if I do not have any connection to the people growing it and don’t participate in the process?” Plants and nature are where I feel most at home. I am more aware, and my senses are more engaged. In those spaces I have met my best colleagues, closest friends and people I love most. The garden is a place for learning and sharing. Growing a garden is a give and take relationship with the land. It is a welcoming place. “Everyone has a place in a garden.” Witnessing the entire journey of the food we eat from soil to plate is a powerful learning experience. The lessons last a lifetime. I am a testament to that. My life got infinitely better when I started growing things, especially my food. My mental health as well as my physical health (especially nutrition and exercise) improved. The garden creates space for me to try and fail, to
dream and plan and achieve. The mind-body connection is most powerful me in nature. I frequently take time to pause and explore all my senses. It is my personal mission to help people access plants every day and nourish themselves through growing and eating the fruits and veggies of their labor. When you can see up close the hard work that goes into growing your food from the ground to putting it on the table you gain a new appreciation for the food you eat. My favorite experience teaching people how to grow and create healthy food was last summer when I worked with 50 elementary age children from Addison Northwest Supervisory Union to harvest basil and kale from their school garden and make pesto. There were a couple kids with nut and dairy allergies, so we adapted making two batches, one with and one without dairy, both without nuts. I have never seen so many children engaged and excited about the food they put into their bodies. After they ran to their parents (some quite literally) to share their experiences and offer their parents a taste. Each student brought home a tiny jar of pesto and the recipe. The director approached me the next day; she had never seen so many students, parents and faculty so excited and grateful for an activity offered. Farmers Markets are another incredible form of community gardening and one of my personal favorite outings. The market is a space to come together to experience new things – produce, recipes, etc. and to support your neighbors and establish relationships with the people who grow your food. What I have come to realize is that everyone can play a role in planting, growing, harvesting, preparing
and consuming their food. You don’t have to have 32 acres or an inkling of where to begin. You just have to try…and be patient, with yourself, the plants and the process. Whether your garden is a single pot on your windowsill, a home kitchen garden, a community garden plot, the edible plantings around St. Albans or the St. Albans farmers market, you are part of a community garden. You make a difference. If there is one thing you take away from reading this, take with you this: wherever you find your peace, your heart’s home, spend as much time there as you can. Tune in and listen to the places that call you in the people, activities and foods that make you feel whole. That is my lifestyle medicine. If you are interested in establishing or strengthening healthier lifestyle and incorporating growing and preparing your own food, please come meet with me in the NMC Lifestyle Medicine Clinic.
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MILTON INDEPENDENT • 11
Thursday, September 5, 2019
A garage in need of repair
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MICHAEL FRETT, Messenger Staff Georgia highway foreman and road commissioner Todd Cadieux points out a few of the structural issues in Georgia’s town garage, where deferred maintenance has led to safety and other functional concerns the town is now looking to address.
Georgia looks to address failing building By MICHAEL FRETT
A
t the Georgia Town Garage, home to the highway department’s staff of four and their fleet of vehicles and plows, the walls have settled so much that they’ve pinched emergency doors shut and are ripping at their seams. “You can see where it’s cracking,” Georgia road commissioner and highway foreman Todd Cadieux said, pointing to one stretch of wall where the silicone holding together some of the bricks in the wall appeared to be pulling apart. Cadieux, a longtime member of the highway department and its foreman for three years, toured the garage with the Messenger last week, highlighting some of the ways the building had sunk into disrepair since it was initially built at the end of the 1970s. The roof, 25-years-old and past its projected lifespan, leaked during the winter, and wiring running along the garage’s back wall hung loose. Cadieux pointed toward an outlet where, if one looked closely, they could see the outlet hanging out of its slot in the brick. Many of the problems Cadiuex would note for the Messenger were also highlighted in a buildings study conducted last year, where contractors from VIS Constructing Consultants identified the town garage as one of the most challenged buildings maintained by Georgia’s government. “The building is in need of repair in nearly all component parts,” VIS wrote in their report. “The evident pattern of deferred maintenance will
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12 • MILTON INDEPENDENT
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Classifieds
Contact us to get a free quote or place an ad!
802.524.9771 x117 or 122
classifieds@samessenger.com www.samessenger.com fax: 802.527.1948 281 North Main Street, St. Albans VT 05478
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MILTON INDEPENDENT • 13
Thursday, September 5, 2019
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Sports Jackets shut down Fairfax 8-nil By NEIL ZAWICKI
T
here wasn’t much action near the Milton goal at the Under the Lights season opener Aug. 29 at Milton High School, but when there was, Yellowjackets Coach Glen Button got nervous. “They are way too nonchalant out there,” Button was overheard to say as Jackets keeper Sam Dooley squared up to stop a drive that ultimately wouldn’t come. Button’s boys were up 6 nil at that point, but he was noticeably antsy when the ball moved near Dooley. When Milton cleared the danger and scored its seventh goal, Button was flat. No celebration, only focus. That was the story for all 90 minutes of the match, which everyone on the field agreed was a lopsided one. “It’s gonna get worse before it gets better,” muttered Milton High Athletic director Marcel Choquette at the end of the first half. “This is a bad match up.” In the end, none of that mattered. Bullets coach Jake Hubbard, new this season, told his team he was proud of them, and he’s looking toward the rest of the season, where his team will compete in the Mountain Division, where the scores will be decidedly more balanced. “Milton is one of the top four teams in the state,” he said. “Maybe even top two. But we’re all positive. We’re not going to take the negatives.” “He’s gonna be fine,” remarked Button after the match, referring to Hubbard and his team. But Button is optimistic for the season, noting the fact he has a young team, with four sophomores starting, and eight on the team “Our scrimmages have been even more lopsided,” he said. Button also said he’s happy with the way his team possesses the ball. “We’re going to be a possession oriented team,” he said. “Our attack with Nick Desouza, Zach Logan, and Kyle Brown has been fantastic,” Button also said he’s excited to watch his back four, which consists of Ryan Cannon, Caden Button, Brandon Monihan And Zach St. Amour. “We’re defending incredibly well with that back four,” he said. While he’s happy with an 8-nil outcome, Button allows the next match, against Hartford High School, will be a different story. “Hartford will give us a better test,” he said. Asked for a prediction on that game, Button laughed, and then offered one. “Three-nil,” he declared.
NEIL ZAWICKI, Independent Staff TOP: Yellowjacket Zac St. Amour (#5) breaks up a Fairfax play. MIDDLE: Cooper Goodrich leans against the goalpost and listens to a pep talk from the coaching staff. BOTTOM: The Milton Yellowjackets and BFA Fairfax Bullets soccer teams are lit up by the sunset during Milton’s commanding victory on Thursday, August 29.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
MILTON INDEPENDENT • 15
YELLOWJACKETS CROSS-COUNTRY BFA CLASS RACE RESULTS August 27 Milton Boys’ Jr./Sr. Results
Place Grade
4 12 14 16 30 33 35
11 11 11 11 11 11 11
Name
Michael McNeil Carson Cowhig Ethan Roussin Henry Kenyon Sam Armstrong Isaiah Williams Barath Selvaraj
Time
15:55.90 17:14.50 17:48.40 18:15.40 20:32.70 21:28.70 26:19.80
Milton Girls’ Jr./Sr. Results
Place Grade
8 12 11 11 17 12
Name
Time
Morgan Ambrose 21:11.50 Brooke Stankiewicz 22:26.30 Evelyn Stearns 23:48.70
Milton Boys’ Fr./So. Results
Place Grade
33 10
Name
Time
Dominic Douglas 21:48.40
Milton Girls’ Fr./So. Results
Place Grade
11 10 15 10
Name
Time
Sophia Troland 22:20.30 Kira MacDonald 23:16.20
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16 • MILTON INDEPENDENT
Garage
Continued from page 11 lead to rapid decline in the condition unless time and money are allocated to stabilize and improve the facility.” In many ways, Cadieux echoed VIS’s report during his tour, relaying much of the information already documented in that public report. He pointed out the building’s vents the town had covered in order to preserve heat and make the building more energy efficient. In doing so, the garage’s only ventilation was cut off, a possible safety hazard in a garage where vehicles are sometimes left idling and where welding can kick fumes into the air. “We were told we were losing too much heat,” Cadieux said. “So now we have no way to ventilate.” Cadieux had carbon monoxide detectors installed since the vents were covered, and recalled at least one time when those detectors triggered and people in the garage evacuated. One of the three gas-powered furnaces hung over the garage was now out of code, according to Cadieux, because its exhaust stretches through the length of the building before being ultimately emptying out its south wall. The garage’s other heating source, a woodpowered furnace, outright failed earlier this year and has since been unplugged and retired from the garage. Outside the garage, there are scrapes along its garage bay doors and chunks of concrete chipped out of the cement frame above. Those nicks and dings, Cadieux said, were the result of bay doors that were just too small to accommodate the highway department’s modern equipment. Inside, a mezzanine now used for storage
Thursday, September 5, 2019
looks out over the garage’s western bay. Its stairs were cited by VIS as a likely violation under Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) codes, and other safety concerns – its proximity to the ceiling – have led Cadieux to concentrate its storage use close to the mezzanine’s stairs. “We try not to use it as much as possible,” Cadieux said. As far as use, Cadieux said he could fit the highway department’s vehicles into the garage without leaving any vehicles out in the cold, though it could limit the space in the garage for town employees and narrow possible exit routes should they have to evacuate. It’s cramped enough that, according to Cadieux, vehicles would have to be moved outside if any kind of maintenance was needed for a vehicle. With their wood-fired boiler failing, Cadieux said the current shed housing the boiler could also be transitioned to cold storage, freeing up a little more space. There were also a few aesthetic kinks highlighted in the VIS report that Cadieux noted. Most
MICHAEL FRETT, Messenger Staff A recent report found significant issues with the garage’s electric systems, including exposed wiring hanging out of the garage’s back wall.
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of the garage’s windows were broken, and VIS had recommended that the chipped paint and rust on the garage’s exit doors likely warranted a new paint job. Since receiving VIS’s report last year, the Georgia selectboard has prioritized maintaining the town garage and, ultimately, possibly replacing it. Already, voters approved the purchase of a 5.4-acre plot behind the town garage – otherwise known as the Gilmond property – that Georgia is looking to develop as the site of a new garage, and the selectboard’s approved several major expenditures for the maintenance of the current town garage. Last week, the board approved recommended electrical work in the town garage using both municipal and grant funding, and, earlier this year, the selectboard also approved spending around $50,000 to replace the garage’s leaking roof. They’ve also since tasked Cadieux with looking into a new heating system to address their current system, which would need to replace the old wood-fired boiler and rearrange the garage’s furnaces so that they’re up to code. Should the town agree to a new garage, the current town garage would likely transition to cold storage, with enough heating pumped into the garage to keep its vehicles from freezing. “For the most part, the old board here was very left in the dark about the town garage, so they never put any money into this building,” said Cadieux of the deferred maintenance issues at the town garage. “The board now seems really proactive and really wants to make the building safe.” Currently, the town is waiting on a wastewater permit from the state before finalizing its purchase of the Gilmond property.
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