Monday, April 23, 2018

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MONDAY EDITION

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

Vol. 29 No. 52

Middlebury, Vermont

Monday, April 23, 2018

Planner sets new course for herself

• Discount store to open yet another branch along Route 22A. See story on Page 2.

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McFarland tapped to replace Senecal

• These newlyweds will bring Celtic and Québécois music to Bristol’s Walkover Gallery. See Arts Beat on Page 10.

Shoreham OK’s Dollar General

28 Pages

Bristol’s new rec. director eager to lace up her boots

Cello and guitar unite

• Middlebury’s Nancy Malcolm retires after 13 years helping the shire town plan for its future. See story on Page 2.

Rainmakers

BRIDGE SCHOOL STUDENTS James Adams, left, Zachary Dragon and Henry Weston make it rain on the watershed model they built in the sand pit at the Exchange Street school in Middlebury recently. This watershed exploration is part of the Trout in the Classroom project, which gives students a handson way to study science and ecology.

Courtesy photo

By CHRISTOPHER ROSS BRISTOL — Meridith McFarland, who will take charge of the Bristol Recreation Department May 1, keeps a softball glove in her car at all times. “I’m always up for a pickup game,” she said in a recent interview. But 5-town players should beware: She twice competed in the national tournament of the Amateur Softball Association (now USA softball). Beyond the diamond, McFarland brings a breadth of interest and depth of experience to the rec department. She worked for 17 years at Sugarbush Resort, where she started as the children’s snowboard supervisor, switched to adult ski and ride in 2006, then became program coordinator for adult programs. In 2011 she added (See McFarland, Page 28)

Vergennes pastor made everyone feel welcome After three decades in pulpit, Lewis to retire

Mt. Abe, VUHS meet on diamond • On a chilly afternoon the local baseball rivals combined for flurries of runs. Read about a wild game on Page 15.

By ANDY KIRKALDY the board of deacons. VERGENNES — Vergennes Lewis laughed about his calling Congregational Church Pastor the to the ministry. Rev. Gary Lewis, who will retire “It was not a light-bulb moment. on May 6 after almost 29 years Maybe that’s because I’m slow,” shepherding the South he said. “I just grew into Water Street flock, didn’t “I’m not it. And then it was a tug have a sudden revelation going to say to something. I didn’t he should pursue the to anyone even know what the ministry. requirements to become because of Back when Lewis was a minister were. I had in his mid-30s he was their tradition no idea. It wasn’t on my working his third year or lack of radar screen. But I got as a retail manager at the tradition more interested. I felt Weston Country Store, they are ‘less so much more purpose, a stint that followed than.’ They meaning, direction, 11 years at the former however, within the Burlington J.C. Penney are a gift of context of the church.” God from my outlet. Lewis, who grew up in But he felt more perspective.” Connecticut but landed — Rev. Gary in Springfield at the age satisfied at the tiny Lewis of 16, finally talked to his Chester Congregational Church, which he, wife wife (who was his highBetty and daughters Karen and school sweetheart in Springfield) Kelly attended faithfully. He and about his new career goal. To his Betty were involved in the youth surprise she was not surprised, nor ministry, and Gary, although a was his pastor. relative newcomer, had become “So one day I said, ‘Honey, I first a deacon and then chairman of (See Rev. Gary Lewis, Page 19)

THE REV. GARY LEWIS, who is leaving his leadership role at the Vergennes Congregational Church next month, has built his reputation in the county both by word and example.

Independent photo/Andy Kirkaldy


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