Nov. 17, 2016 — A section

Nomadic life

Veteran flag

Top picks

Sas Carey’s film ‘Migration’ will debut at the Town Hall Theater this Friday. See Arts + Leisure.

A flag at the Partridge Library has a star for each East Middlebury soldier from WWII. See Page 10A.

Two MUHS juniors led the 2016 Addison Independent Boys’ Soccer All-Star Team. See Page 1B.

ADDISON COUNTY

Vol. 70 No. 46

INDEPENDENT Middlebury, Vermont

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Thursday, November 17, 2016

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52 Pages

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Vote’s aftermath: ‘Sad, but strong’ Female voters react to election

By EMMA COTTON MIDDLEBURY — Sitting in Middlebury’s Sama’s Cafe on Monday morning, Sujata Moorti sighed deeply.

The Middlebury College professor of Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies had been processing the results of last week’s election. Like many people around her, she believes Presidentelect Donald J. Trump will encourage the “rolling back” of important policies — ones that promote the well-being of women, SUJATA members of the LGBTQ community, people of color and marginalized religious groups, among others.

On the morning after the election, Moorti invited students to the student center, where they could watch Clinton’s concession speech, talk and support each other.

“In those three hours, between 150 and 200 people walked in and

Musical weekend

MIDDLEBURY, MOUNT ABRAHAM and Vergennes union high schools are all presenting musical productions on their stages this weekend.

Middlebury students Hannah Roque, top left, Josie Abbott and Brittany Baker are featured in “The Little Mermaid”; Mount Abraham students Sam Kuhns, right, and Eden Ginsburg have the leads in “Mary Poppins”; and Caitlin Walsh, below center, plays Sandy in the VUHS production of “Grease.” For more photos from the shows see Pages 2A, 13A and 14A.

Independent photos/ Trent Campbell Center photo/Buzz Kuhns

out,” she said. “It was truly stunning to watch as men and women met, and how bereft they felt, and how incomprehensible this whole thing felt.”

In a state that voted almost two-toone in favor of Hillary Clinton over Trump, Moorti’s feelings of sorrow and those of students she sees on campus are one example of devastation that has been felt widely in Vermont amongst voters who hoped for a Democratic administration that might perpetuate progressive values.

In Middlebury, a town in which 78 percent of votes went to Clinton, people have expressed MOORTI despair and anger about election results through protests and public outreach, including a march to the town green on Sunday (see story on Page 11A) and a demonstration on the Middlebury College campus on Wednesday afternoon drew several hundred people.

Several Middlebury students have (See Reactions, Page 11A)

County’s rifle season begins with a bang!

Deer count from first weekend soars

By ANDY KIRKALDY and in 2015 (188).

ADDISON COUNTY — The Between 2011 and 2014, local 2016 deer rifle season in Addison opening weekend totals ranged from County began with easily the most 122 to 154, with that latter total productive opening coming in 2014. weekend since 2005, to Fish “Everyone I’ve & According when the Vermont Wildlife estimates, Department of Fish been talking the state’s deer herd’s & Wildlife banned to has been population stood at shooting two-point seeing deer.

145,000 heading into “spikehorn” bucks They seem to rifle season, which during Vermont’s 16- be out there to began this past Saturday day November rifle and runs until Nov. be shot at.” season.

26, the Sunday after — Greg Boglioli, Thanksgiving.

The county’s weigh Vermont Field stations handled 249 The department Sports manager estimate a year ago after deer, 49 more than the previous best opening harsh winters in 2013 weekend total, 200 in 2013, since the and 2014 stood at 120,000. But this 2005 rule change. past gentler winter allowed a higher The next best opening weekend survival rate and better food sources. totals since then came in 2010 (192) (See Hunters, Page 15A)

New use for wool could boost state’s sheep industry Grant to New Haven farm funds research

By GAEN MURPHREE NEW HAVEN — Since its glory days supplying Union troops with wool blankets and uniforms during the Civil War, the Vermont wool industry has been struggling to regain its footing, just a bit. A new pilot study will take a hard look at the feasibility of using wool as an environmentally friendly building insulation. This use could create a whole new market for the 100,000-someodd pounds of wool that’s sheared each year off the state’s sheep and give a much-needed boost to the state’s sheep industry.

Like most Vermont sheep growers, New Haven farmer Anna Freund sells wool through the Vermont Sheep and Goat Association’s annual wool pool.

“People who have sheep bring their wool, it gets weighed, it gets (See Wool, Page 12A)

By the way Crafters who would like a spot to sell their wares at the Leicester Central School Holiday Craft Fair should call Heather at the school. The fair will be Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the school off Route 7 near the Four Corners. There will be refreshments, crafts, baked goods, maple syrup and more.

The charge for vendors is $15 for an 8-foot space (you must provide (See By the way, Page 12A)

Index Obituaries................................. 6A Classifieds........................ 7B-11B Service Directory............... 8B-9B Entertainment.........Arts + Leisure Community Calendar......... 8A-9A Arts Calendar.........Arts + Leisure Sports................................. 1B-6B

PAGE 2A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

Grease is the word THE MUSICAL “GREASE” opened on Broadway in 1972 and became a smash film in 1978. The Vergennes Union High School production opens Thursday at 7 p.m. with shows on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. Max Ratti-Bicknell and Caitlin Walsh, above, play Danny and Sandy. Emily Steen, top right and center left, plays Marty.

The rest of the cast and crew is rounded out with nearly 100 students.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

Officials to answer bridges filing

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — State and federal transportation authorities are targeting mid-December for their formal response to an 18-page complaint letter filed on Oct. 31 by opponents of the looming downtown Middlebury rail bridges project.

In the meantime, officials promised planning for the estimated $40 million undertaking will proceed.

“The Vermont Agency of Transportation’s position has been that the project is moving forward,” Jim Gish, Middlebury’s community liaison for the project, told the town selectboard on Tuesday. “They take the (complaint) letter seriously. Their legal team and the attorneys (with the Federal Highway Administration) are doing their due diligence on it. But I think from Secretary (Chris) Cole on down, the word is that the project is moving forward.”

Middlebury selectboard Chairman Brian Carpenter echoed that point.

“There’s always the potential for litigation, but (VTrans’) position is that they are moving forward with the project, is what they told us,” Carpenter said.

Bristol attorney Jim Dumont wrote the letter to Cole on behalf of what he said were several downtown property owners. They oppose the current plan to replace the Main Street and Merchants Row rail bridges with a project that would include substantial excavation of the rail bed, a sophisticated drainage system and a temporary access road to the Battell Block parking area.

The project opponents, who are not specifically identified in the letter, contend the plan should have undergone federal environmental, historic preservation and Endangered Species Act reviews and that a more modest replacement of the two spans could be done for around $5 million in three months.

“We are saying their plan is incomplete,” said George Dorsey, one of the complainants, on Wednesday.

“It’s better not to dig the hole until you know what you’re going to put in it,” he added, metaphorically.

Gish said VTrans officials would address the premise of a more modest bridge replacement project at a community forum set for Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater. That meeting will feature a 45-minute presentation (with graphics) by VTrans, followed by a question-and-answer period of more than an hour, according to Gish.

He said VTrans planners will also be prepared to address questions about potential environmental impacts, the minimum vertical clearance mandate of 21 feet for the spans, and duration of construction. The latest VTrans plan calls for work to span four years, but confines the most disruptive, detour-laden construction to a 10-week period from June to August of 2019.

“There are some complicated issues to work through,” Gish acknowledged of the weeks to come.

Work is tentatively slated to begin late next spring.

“We hope to hear from a lot of people whose voices have not yet been heard,” Gish said of the Thursday meeting.

Carpenter said VTrans has pledged to hold additional local meetings to clarify planning and the work schedule and to take feedback from those affected by the project.

“This isn’t a ‘one-and-done’ meeting,” Carpenter said of Thursday’s gathering.

Gish told the selectboard transportation officials have been meeting privately with various downtown stakeholders to talk about right-of-way issues and potential disruption they might face.

As of Tuesday, VTrans had met — or was scheduled to meet with — representatives of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, the National Bank of Middlebury, owners of the Marble Works shopping complex, local fire and emergency response agencies,

Bourdon Insurance, Porter Medical Center, Addison County Transit Resources, Battell Block, Town Hall Theater and the Better Middlebury Partnership.

In other action on Tuesday, the Middlebury selectboard: • Declined a request to rename the section of Water Street — from Cross Street to Charles Avenue — “Charles Avenue.” The request came from Water Street resident Drew Campbell, who argued the current configuration of the roads in the neighborhood is confusing, to the extent that “a lot of people” already think the portion of Water Street in question is actually Charles Avenue.

Several residents of the neighborhood encouraged the board on Tuesday to maintain the status quo, pointing to the expense and logistics of address changes for those affected — including the Mary Johnson Children’s Center.

The board agreed to not pursue the name change, unless affected residents change their minds. In the meantime, the board — with input from Campbell and other neighbors — will consider new signage to better differentiate Charles Avenue and Water Streets.

• Voted unanimously to grant a First Class Liquor License to The Diner restaurant at 66 Merchants Row. • Appointed resident Mark Wilch to a vacancy on the town’s Parks & Recreation Committee. There remains one more committee vacancy to fill.

• Adopted an ordinance to regulate commercial activity on public property. Any sidewalk sale or event, such as a farmer’s market, would need to apply for an assemblage permit if it was not on private property.

• Agreed to buy winter sand from J.P. Carrara at $9.25 per ton, and a new RAM 1500 pickup truck for the Public Works Department from Foster Motors for $30,662.

Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016 — PAGE 3A

Havurah seeking response to hate

By JOHN S. McCRIGHT bury police at 388-3191. Police are MIDDLEBURY — The Jewish prepared to cite the culprit(s) with a Congregation of Addison County is hate crime, among other things, if trying to make a measured response they are caught, Christopher said. after finding two swastikas scrawled The swastika was a symbol of the on the front door of their meeting Nazis, who attempted to extermihouse in Middlebury on Monday nates all Jews in Europe. morning.

Havurah officials reported the “The consensus of the steering graffiti to the Anti-Defamation committee and concerned members League and the Southern Poverty was that this is a hate crime by any Law Center, organizations that have definition and rebeen tracking hate quires a response, but “Incidents like this crimes. that we don’t want to On Monday, a lethave troubled the sensationalize the inter explaining the cident and give the waters of many incident was handperpetrator any more communities … ed out to Hebrew attention than is nec- including our School parents and essary,” read a state- own. We stand emailed to Hebrew ment made to the with our Jewish School families.

Addison Independent Katzew let leadand signed by Em- neighbors and ers of other local ily Joselson and Ken will not tolerate congregations know Wolpin, the top lead- acts of hate in about the incident. ers of the congrega- our community or As news of the tion. incident spread, anywhere else.”

Havurah Director widespread condem— The Rev. Andy of Education Sarit Nagy Benson nation of the grafKatzew arrived at the fiti was heard. Some North Pleasant Street speculated that it house that Havurah calls home was the work of a misguided young Monday to start preparing for He- person, others noted that the fact brew School when she found graffiti it came in the wake of last week’s on the door, which included a small election results made it more disswastika and another mark that turbing. looked like a badly drawn swastika.

The election result was blamed Katzew notified Middlebury po- for another local incident of hate lice and Joselson. speech.

Middlebury Police Sgt. Mike On Nov. 9, two Muslim MidChristopher described the two dlebury College students found Swastikas as being “small and the words “F*** Muslims, ragged,” drawn with a green marker #Trump2016” on a whiteboard outat the bottom of the entry door. Ha- side their room. vurah members wiped off the offenKevin Moss, a professor of Modsive symbols after police examined ern Language & Literature at the the scene. college, posted a Facebook status Christopher said this appears to speaking out against the perpehave been an isolated incident, and trators, which was shared widely on Wednesday police had no sus- among the campus community. The pects. following day, Middlebury College Anyone with information about President Laurie Patton sent out a the incident is asked to call Middle- campus-wide email.

“This community has absolutely zero tolerance for acts of intimidation based on a person’s religious, gender, sexual, disability, ethnic, or racial identity, and we must condemn them,” the email read. “This is not the Middlebury I recognize nor is it the Middlebury we should accept. Such behavior deeply undermines who we are, and who we are meant to be. We reject it entirely.”

The college has taken several measures, such as creating small group discussions facilitated by volunteers, to discuss divisions in the community and prevent further acts of violence and intolerance.

The appearance of the swastikas prompted similar strong denunciations.

The Rev. Andy Nagy Benson, pastor of the Congregational Church of Middlebury, informed his parishioners of the Havurah House incident in an email on Tuesday.

“Incidents like this have troubled the waters of many communities … including our own,” he said. “We stand with our Jewish neighbors and will not tolerate acts of hate in our community or anywhere else.”

Nagy Benson told the Independent that he understood the difficult effort to let people know about this act of hate while being careful not to serve the perpetrator’s purpose by shining too bright a spotlight on it.

“Regardless of anyone’s faith, we all know what that symbol means,” he said. “It’s disturbing.”

Members of the local clergy and faith community are planning to attend Jewish services this weekend.

The Jewish congregation had already scheduled a service for Dec. 3 and in light of this week’s incident is trying to have it lead into an afternoon gathering where others in the community could come and show solidarity.

Reporters John Flowers & Emma Cotton contributed to this report.

New Middebury gym gets mostly thumbs up as polling place

By JOHN FLOWERS MIDDLEBURY — Prior to Nov. 8, some Middlebury residents had raised concerns about how voters would adjust to the new polling place at the town’s recreation facility at 151 Creek Road.

With the General Election now squarely in the rearview mirror, town officials said they have received mostly positive reviews from local voters, who for the first time in many years — perhaps ever — cast ballots in a venue outside of the core village area.

“I have received very good reports all the way around,” Middlebury Town Manager Kathleen Ramsay said of the recreation center’s firsttime use as a polling place.

Town meeting and Australian ballot voting had been held at the former municipal building and gym at 94 Main St. But workers razed those structures this past summer to make way for a public park at what had been Middlebury’s hub for town government since the mid-1950s.

Ramsay reported people were particularly pleased on Election Day to find ample parking and modern amenities at the new recreation facility, where hundreds showed up to weigh in on many races, including for U.S. president, Vermont governor, and the town’s two House representatives.

Overseeing the elections, per usual, was Town Clerk Ann Webster.

“There are always a few little

glitches, but overall, a thumbs-up,” Webster said. “People seemed to move through pretty quickly.”

Still, she acknowledged some logistical challenges in moving the voting to Creek Road.

Webster had to close her office in the new municipal building at 77 Main St. on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 7 and 8, to set up the polling facilities and conduct the election on Creek Road. That meant Friday, Nov. 4, was the last day on which residents could vote early. Webster said because there is no permanent storage for elections equipment in the recreation building that material had to be taken and set up on site.

“The hardest thing about having the election (at the new recreation facility) is that it is disruptive for

several days,” Webster said. “It disrupts the recreation programs.”

The few negative comments Webster heard came mainly from folks surprised by the venue shift.

“They said, ‘You need to advertise where it is,’” said Webster, who did pre-publicize the switch through the Independent, Middlebury Community Television, signs, email blasts and the Middlebury town website.

Getting to the recreation facility to vote was probably more convenient for those in neighborhoods south of downtown and east of Otter Creek.

For others it meant driving across town after years of being able to walk to the polls at 94 Main St. “The new polling place certainly isn’t as convenient as when it was downtown,” said resident Ross Con-

“Working together to give our patients the best experience.”

Did you use all your Dental Insurance Benefits for 2016?

Class offered on digital storytelling MIDDLEBURY — Bryan Alexander of Ripton will lead a class called “Introduction to Digital Storytelling” at Ilsley Library later this month.

The two-hour workshop on Monday, Nov. 28, will introduce participants to the idea of digital storytelling. They will explore the many ways people use digital tools to create and share stories, from images to video, audio to multimedia. No technological skill is required.

Alexander is author of “The New Digital Storytelling,” and a long-time storytelling teacher.

The workshop will begin at 4 p.m. that Monday.

rad. “I had to make a special trip to go and vote. That to me was the biggest downside. This is not a good example of the kind of town planning and growth that is very wise in an age of man-made global destabilization, where we collectively need to figure out how to be more efficient with our transportation choices and reduce our need to travel. Perhaps in future years, Addison County Transit Resources can have a shuttle running out to the recreation center from downtown to make it easier for folks that don’t have ready transportation.”

Ultimately, it will be up to Middlebury’s Board of Civil Authority to set future election venues.

Webster said future presidential general elections are likely to drive the need for a large venue like the

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recreation facility. But she is confident the new municipal building can continue to handle early voting and smaller elections.

Typically, 3,500 to 3,900 Middlebury residents vote in a General Election, according to Webster. A total of 3,721 local residents cast ballots in this year’s contests. But an all-time record of 1,800 residents voted early in this year’s election, doing so at the town office building, Webster noted.

That voting went smoothly, she said,

though some residents complained about a lack of on-site parking.

“It is harder for people to park here in the downtown than it was at the gymnasium,” Webster said.

Meanwhile, Ramsay said the Middlebury Union High School gym is emerging as a leading candidate to host the annual town meeting next March. That, too, will usher in a new era for local residents, who have historically gathered at the old municipal gym at 94 Main St.

PAGE 4A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

A DDIS ON INDE P E NDEN T

Letters

Editorials

to the Editor

Post election: What now?

The morning after this election, the liberal nation was in a daze and even Trump supporters were shocked. The prevailing political wisdom and the polls were off just enough to produce an unexpected result and send President-elect Donald Trump to the White House, with a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate and control of the House. Just 10 days earlier such an outcome seemed inconceivable.

The week after the election, the daze is slowly lifting, allowing more analytical thinking. Two questions must be asked and understood: What happened?

What now?

For Republicans, their task is to examine their primary and ask if Trumplike candidates are the future of their party, and how they can reconcile what has happened to their conservative principles. Moving forward, the party must galvanize an agenda from a campaign that never one that was based on policy.

Rather the Trump campaign was based on marketing tactics: how to sell their candidate, how to tear down the opposing candidate, how to spread false information and how to suppress voter turnout. The one genius of Trump’s campaign was that it focused on telling voters what they wanted to hear, to eliciting a gut reaction that validated their personal beefs, and that tapped into the angry, white middle-class worker who (ironically enough) feels like he’s been given the shaft.

For Democrats, they must first understand what went wrong. Here are a few of many answers: • FBI Director James Comey’s unprecedented release of the emails connected to Hillary Clinton’s aides’ computer 10 days before the election did have an impact. It is not sour grapes to recognize that Comey’s ploy changed the narrative of the campaign from one focused on Trump being unfit for the office, to Clinton’s seemingly endless connection with scandal. Even though, as Comey admitted one day before the election, those emails were inconsequential, it is clear that damage to Clinton was done. That matters because in four swing states, Clinton lost to Trump by less than 1.3 percent of the vote. Trump won Florida, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin by 1.2 percent (49 percent to 47.8 percent in Florida, 48.8 percent to 47.6 percent in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin), and Trump edged Michigan, 47.60 percent to 47.33 percent.

Trump ended with 305 electoral votes to Clinton’s 232. Had Michigan (16 electoral votes) and Florida (29) swung in Clinton’s favor (as predicted before Comey’s bombshell), she would have won the election with 277 electoral votes.

Had she won those four swing states, she would have won 307 electoral votes to Trump’s 231. This is particularly significant in this election because almost 10 percent of the voters were undecided the week before the election, both candidates had high negatives and neither candidate had a solid base of support — that is, they were vulnerable to last minute bombshells that could change the election. Comey knew this, yet released the false accusation against national precedent and his superior’s advice.

The take-away from this point is that while Clinton lost the election by far more than anyone had predicted, it was much closer than the final tally suggests — and Clinton will end up winning the popular vote by about a percentage point or a million votes.

• Clinton neglected the past core strength of the party — the industrial worker whose lives have been upended by the changing nature of the global economy, robotics and automation. And, because of her past association with scandal, she wasn’t able to attack Trump effectively for his numerous shortcomings.

She did focus on women’s rights and minority rights, but she failed to arouse the same support among the blue collar working Democratic base that Sen. Bernie Sanders had tapped into during the primary. She was, in the end, the flawed candidate many of Sanders’ supporters talked about at the start of the Democratic primary.

• Understand also that only one in five eligible Americans voters supported either Clinton or Trump; 19.8 percent voted for Clinton, while 19.5 percent supported Trump. Of the remaining Americans, 2.2 percent voted “other”, 28.6 percent were ineligible to vote (under 18 or other reasons), and 29.9 percent didn’t vote or were disenfranchised.

What, then, is the next step for Democrats?

First, it is to organize into an effective minority party. The party must advocate for the gains made under the Obama administration and, in particular, for policies that recognize the reality of climate change and that reduce our carbon footprint, for income disparity, tax fairness and that the party’s agenda really addresses the needs of middle America.

Second, as hard as it is to want to work with Republicans after six years of an concerted effort to undermine every initiative the Obama administration proposed (to cause him to fail rather than allow the nation to prosper), the party must work with Trump in those areas that benefit the country. The party should not, however, give him the benefit of the doubt. Policies that work against Democratic values should be stringently opposed right from the get-go.

Third, Democrats and progressives have to focus on changing their economic message so that it resonates with middle-America. Anyone who looked at the political map showing the “sea of red” that represented Trump’s victory — covering 80 percent of the country’s land mass — understands it as a rude wake up call. Whatever the Democrat’s message is to those in the nation’s heartland, industrial Mid-west and the deep South, it’s not working at the national or local levels, but the Republican message is. Until Democrats understand how to deliver a message that resonates with that broad swath of the country, the party is not serving itself or the country well.

No tolerance for hate speech The illusion that idyllic Vermont was wrapped in a political bubble away from the hate and racism demonstrated in much of the country was shattered this week when two swastikas were painted on the front door of Havurah, the meeting house for Addison County’s Jewish congregation in Middlebury, and hate speech was scrawled on the dorm room of a female Muslim student at Middlebury College.

Such displays of hate and discrimination rip apart the fabric of our community, just as Trump’s campaign purposely sought to pit Americans against each other, bringing out the worst in ourselves as individuals and as a nation.

We know hate begets hate, and violence begets violence. To prevent either, the community must collectively demonstrate no tolerance for such hurtful actions. Restraint, empathy, understanding of all perspectives is what we must pursue, while emphasizing open arms to all residents and mutual respect for each other’s beliefs.

Angelo S. Lynn

ADDISON COUNTY

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‘Safety pin’ can send message The idea of wearing a safety pin as a political message was first used in the United Kingdom after the recent vote there to leave the European Union. The vote was followed by an increase in hate crimes.

People started wearing a safety pin to show they were “a safe place” — that people need not fear them.

After our presidential election, many people in the U.S. now fear for their safety. So people here are spreading the idea of wearing a safety pin to show solidarity with those who feel threatened.

If a lot of us in Addison County wear them, it may help to remind those of us who feel hate for others that it’s not all right with the rest of us to express that hate. It may be a kind of public proof that the vast majority of us care for each other, wish the best for each other, and relate to each other on the basis of our common humanity — by what we share rather than on how we differ.

Barbara Clearbridge Middlebury

Scheu grateful to local voters

The hills are alive

ELIZABETH VON TRAPP performs with Maiden Vermont during a concert at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury Saturday night.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Challenge issued to Trump voters I stood in front of the Pittsford Town Offices on Veterans Day with almost 100 other people at the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial. A fierce, cold wind whipped dead leaves in all directions, the temperature dropping by the minute. Flags were lowered and then raised above the new slab of marble etched with the words “Lest We Forget.”

We listened to speeches from veterans about how those who have served come in all shapes and sizes, how some veterans returned home to cheers, others to derision. Veterans are as diverse as our nation itself.

They are men, many are women, some are successful business owners, some are homeless. They are white,

By Lee J. they are black, they are Hispanic, Kahrs they are gay, they are straight. They are married, they are single, they are divorced. They are Republicans and they are Democrats. They are all Americans and they are all veterans.

At the end of the ceremony, we all put our hands over our hearts and sang the first four verses of “American the Beautiful.” It was three days after the presidential election, and as I looked around at the crowd gathered on that windy Friday morning, I thought that at least half of those people, probably more considering we are in conservative Rutland County, voted for Donald Trump for president.

Many of those gathered at the Pittsford ceremony were older folks, senior citizens, but there were also families and middle-aged people and children. And as I watched the Boy Scouts salute the flag and I listened to the strains of “God Bless America,” I started thinking that a vote

for Trump may have been a cry for a simpler time. His “Make American Great Again” tagline resonating with people who want some aspects of American life to go back to the way it was 20, 30, 50 years ago. Aging Americans pining for the good old days when they didn’t have to think about using the proper pronouns, or equal rights, or offending minorities by using an archaic word that is now considered a slur. Men were men, women were in the kitchen, and gays were in the closet. It was neat and simple. We’ve come a long way since then. At least we thought we had.

That’s one theory, that Trump’s election was a backlash against too much political correctness, that straight white people in rural areas agree with the president-elect, that it’s OK to belittle minorities, mock the disabled, objectify women and criminalize Muslims.

Another theory is that even if millions of Trump voters didn’t necessarily agree with his rhetoric, he promised something they desperately wanted: change. Trump has promised a shake-up of the status quo in Washington.

Many of his voters, particularly in the swing states of Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania — America’s Rust Belt — voted for Trump because he promised to bring back those manufacturing jobs that region lost at the end of the last century.

But while Clinton supporters are wringing their hands this week and accusing Trump voters of being narrowminded and ignorant, I disagree. I refuse to believe that the 50 million people that voted for Donald Trump are all racist, sexist homophobes. I think millions of peo(See Clippings, Page 7A)

Clippings

Dems could learn a lot from Sanders Here are a few points that illustrate the dilemmas facing the Democratic Party, both here in Vermont and nationally, after last week’s election.

Democrat Sue Minter lost her home town, middle-income Waterbury, to Republican Phil Scott. At the same time, Minter defeated Scott in neighboring Stowe, a town with more affluent voters holding college degrees.

Nationally, there are 18 states, including Vermont, where the percentage of adults with an advanced degree exceeds the national average. Hillary Clinton won all 18 of them. Donald Trump won 29 of the remaining 32 states.

In Vermont, center-left pragmatist Minter did best in those communities with an above-average number of people employed in professional, technical and managerial jobs — cities and towns such as Burlington, Montpelier, Middlebury, Cornwall By Eric L. Davis and Weybridge. These voters are more likely to have household incomes above the statewide median.

David Zuckerman, the Progressive Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, ran almost 7 percent ahead of Minter. He won more cities and towns than Minter.

His strength was more geographically dispersed. Zuckerman won in more of the state’s small towns, especially in northern and central Vermont. In Addison County, Zuckerman won 13 towns, and tied in one, to Minter’s 7.

Nationally, Donald Trump won many communities in which Bernie Sanders defeated Hillary Clinton in last spring’s Democratic primaries. Examples include smalland medium-size towns and cities with many older, white, blue-collar workers in upstate New York, Michi-

Politically Thinking

gan and Wisconsin. Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are three states that Clinton lost by very narrow margins, largely because of the defection of traditional working-class Democratic voters to Trump.

One of the few swing states that Clinton won was Nevada. In Nevada, Latino workers in the casino and other service industries are an important part of the Democratic base. Most of these workers are members of labor unions, so in Nevada much of the political mobilization is carried out by organized labor.

Looking ahead, how can Democrats in both Vermont and the nation put together winning coalitions for future elections? The Vermont Democratic Party is in much better shape than the national Democratic Party — it holds all of the state’s congressional seats, 5 of the 6 statewide offices and large majorities in the Legislature. However, Phil Scott did much better than Sue Minter in reaching voters in smaller communities where household incomes are at or below the statewide median. Democrats need to address this weakness among small-town voters in order to win the governorship in the future.

Scott came across as authentic to many Vermont voters, as someone who could listen to their concerns and do something about them. So too did Sanders, on a national scale, during the Democratic primaries, and so too did Trump — in spite of voters’ serious reservations about his qualifications to be president and distaste for his words and actions.

(See Davis, Page 5A)

Many thanks to all the Middlebury citizens who elected me to represent you in Montpelier. I appreciate your trust in me; it is an honor and a privilege to have your support.

I look forward to representing everyone in Middlebury and working hard for you in the State Legislature.

Thanks again for your support!

Robin Scheu Middlebury

High bailiff gives election thanks I want to thank all of the voters in Addison County for their support in winning the election for Addison County high bailiff. It has been a tremendous honor meeting with you, and hearing your concerns and ideas. I ensure that your trust and vote is not misplaced.

Thank you.

Ron Holmes Middlebury

Bray looks ahead to busy session

Thank you to the people of Addison County for their votes of confidence. I look forward to representing everyone in our county again in the Vermont Senate.

I ran on my record, and I’m proud of my work in farming, food, forestry and clean energy, where I’ve listened to and learned from so many of you — and then worked to help us adapt and grow a stronger local economy in our own best longterm interests. We’ve added jobs, we will add more.

On energy, we’ve not only added jobs, we’ve also helped Vermonters save money and move to clean energy.

Our county and state are facing complex and controversial issues, including ensuring we have clean water, clean air and clean affordable energy. I appreciate the many, many people who have been willing to engage in meaningful, civil discussions to help us figure out how we are going to make progress together.

Sen. Chris Bray New Haven

DNC earns blame for Trump’s win Tuesday’s election was a massive bucket of ice water on our nation and the planet. There has been much blame and questioning however the answer to the astonishing turn of events is obvious. It was not hicks, gun nuts, or goosestepping Nazis who got Trump elected. It was the DNC and their completely out of touch railroading through of a crooked, crony-loving and corrupt Washington insider over an incredibly charismatic breath of fresh air by the name of Bernie Sanders.

The election proved without a doubt that there are two criteria to become president of this country.

Being a Washington outsider and having a pulse. Spongebob would have been elected had he run for either party. Mr. Sanders would have mopped the floor with Mr. Trump but was sacrificed at the altar of the Clintons and their (See Letter, Page 5A)

Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016 — PAGE 5A

Trump, God and pipe bombs

A friend of mine is a longtime over the most powerful job in the cashier at the Middlebury co-op. world — are we all just waiting for She says last Wednesday, Nov. 9, the bomb to explode? was the toughest workday that she On an optimistic note, think for can recall there. a minute about 1972.

The co-op cash register is as Richard Nixon won re-election much a social gathering as a place that year in the midst of spreading for financial transactions. So my the immoral Vietnam war throughfriend’s workday last Wednes- out most of Southeast Asia. His day was filled with a procession Democratic opponent, Sen. George of grieving liberals McGovern, won only dismayed by Donald the state of MassachuTrump’s “victory” in setts. the presidential elecYet less than two tion. years later, Vice PresiI say “victory” bedent Spiro Agnew had cause of course Trump left in disgrace and will come in to office Nixon was facing imas a minority president peachment, exposed who lost the popular as a corrupt criminal. vote. It’s the second He resigned in August time in 16 years that’s 1974, to be replaced happened — a fact of

by Vice President Gerwhich Al Gore, Hillald Ford, a decent and ary Clinton and the well-meaning man. rest of the Democratic In 1976 we elected Party are painfully a president, Jimmy aware.

Carter, who moved John Melanson, the nation toward enowner of the popular by Gregory Dennis ergy conservation and Carol’s Hungry Mind negotiated a peace becafé, says wryly that tween Israel and Egypt the two most frequent comments that lasts to this day. he heard from customers on the In politics as in the rest of life, day after the election were about things can change very quickly. buying land in Canada and darkly But let’s not kid ourselves. It’s humorous requests for whiskey in going to be a miserable four years. their coffee.

Trump & Co. can be counted on Even most Republicans would to ram through legislation and exagree that we’ve just been through ecutive orders that will counteract the worst campaign in the life of much of the Obama legacy. any Baby Boomer.

When Republicans repeal Now we are living with the Obamacare, for example, millions shocking result. More than a week of Americans will probably lose after the election, a lot of people their health insurance and Medare still walking around in a zom- icaid coverage. Here in Vermont, bie-like trance of grief and disbe- innovative efforts to further extend lief. coverage and control healthcare Some lines by the country sing- costs will fade. er-songwriter Jason Isbell come to This election has also reminded mind: us of a few unpleasant facts about You thought God was an archi- human beings. tect Witness the support Trump Now you know received from avowedly racHe’s something like a pipe bomb ist groups — and the installation Ready to blow of Stephen Bannon as the chief So when it comes to American White House strategist. Bannon politics, which is it? headed the odious Breitbart opWill rationality prevail? Or now eration, which has a long history that a temperamental man with no of providing an online home for government experience will take commentary that denigrates wom-

Between The Lines

en, Muslims, African-Americans and other minorities.

In an election where many of us thought women would come out more strongly for Clinton, many women instead voted out of economic, racial and ideological concerns for a man who is a selfconfessed sexual predator.

We’ve also seen that without economic security, many people are willing to overlook flaws that would have previously disqualified a presidential candidate. That insecurity was crucial to Trump’s victories in Pennsylvania and Midwestern states where globalization has swept away blue collar jobs.

On the biggest issue of our time — climate change — Clinton was no leader. But she was coming around to support broader measures that would combat the worst of the melting that will flood our coastlines.

Instead of Clinton, America has elected a man who claims climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese to take American jobs.

Without American leadership, we are inexorably headed toward climate disasters: more destructive weather like hurricanes Irene and Sandy, and many more droughts and crop failures such as those that killed hundreds of thousands of Somalis.

So, yeah: pipe bomb ready to blow.

But there’s hope, too.

Spurred by social media, thousands of people have responded to the hate from the Trump campaign by pinning a safety pin to a piece of clothing.

As a show of support for those minorities who feel threatened in this new environment, The New York Times reports, “groups of people across America are attaching safety pins to their lapels, shirts and dresses to signify that they are linked, willing to stand up for the vulnerable.”

I just put safety pins on two of my jackets.

Gregory Dennis’s column appears here every other Thursday and is archived on his blog at www.gregdennis.wordpress.com.

Twitter: @greengregdennis.

Davis (Continued from Page 4A) If Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden had been the Democratic nominee, either one might well have done better than Hillary Clinton against Trump. The Wikileaks materials make rather clear that the Democratic National Committee had a thumb on the scale for Clinton in the nominating contest with Sanders. Perhaps the DNC did

not believe Trump could end up as the Republican nominee, and did not realize the extent to which there was an enthusiasm and authenticity gap between Clinton and Sanders.

Sanders has been a friend of working people throughout his political career. He has never taken money from corporate-funded PACs, and will never do so. He has never re-

ceived six-figure fees for making speeches to banks. He has never disparaged hard-working Americans in private speeches to affluent donors at fundraisers. Sanders has a lot to teach national Democrats as they seek a way to move forward.

Eric L. Davis is professor emeritus of political science at Middlebury College.

Mr. Trump has the potential to be a disastrous president however his victory may stop the slow asphyxiation of our nation under the pressure of an entrenched and self-serving supreme elite class of both parties. His victory is a wake up call that all Americans regardless of gender, orientation and

background deserve better representation than we have received.

May both parties take the rattle of the saber from their constituents as a serious call for reform and start taking their jobs seriously or suffer the consequences.

Anders Holm MD Hinesburg

Letter (Continued from Page 4A) powerful conspirators.

This election was not about chromosomes or qualifications. It was a complete repudiation of the down spiraling, anarchistic microcosm of Washington elite stuffing their pockets and insulting the intelligence of the American public.

Holiday Hours and Deadlines

Our office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Advertising deadlines will change as follows:

EDITION DEADLINE Thursday, November 24 Arts and Leisure ................................ Wednesday, Nov. 16 Noon A & B Sections .................................. Friday, Nov. 18 5p.m.

Monday, November 28 & Thursday Dec. 1 Arts and Leisure .......... Wednesday, Nov. 23 Noon

Our Nov. 24 edition will be on the stands on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 23 and will be in mailboxes, as usual, on Friday.

Have a safe & enjoyable holiday, taking time to be thankful.

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • www.AddisonIndependent.com

Spinoza essay: Eternal bliss Editor’s note: This is the 13th in from their external objects. We are a series of essays about the Dutch no longer merely victims of their philosopher Benedict Spinoza impact on us, but dispassionate (1632-1677) and his thoughts con- observers of their operations and their causes; we are enabled to recerning nature, God and politics.

Bliss is a state of uninterrupted gard them with indifference, or at calm or tranquility, and if it is eter- the very least to bear with them to a degree that we are free nal it is without beginto act independently of ning or end. We cannot them. possess this state by naWe are empowered. ture, for, like all of naJealousy, envy, resentture’s products, we are ment, craving, or deep finite, we have an end melancholy have beset as well as a beginning, all of us some of the and, therefore, we cantime; they recur and it not possess anything is not likely that any eternally. But, perhaps, of us will ever be alif this state were accestogether free of them; sible, we might enter yet when we inform into it for a time, feel it, ourselves of how they enjoy it, be calmed by it work in ourselves and and even charmed into others, and the stimuli thinking our enjoyment Spinoza on that quicken them, we with it is without limit.

Spinoza thought this Nature, God and are able, in spite of them, to behave ratiowas possible. I will try Politics: nally, responsibly, with to explain.

An essay by tenacity and nobility.

At the outset, we Victor Nuovo What has this to do must remember that Spinoza did not believe Middlebury College with catching glimpses of eternal bliss? To in personal immortalprofessor emeritus begin with, we canity. Mind and soul are of philosophy not truly love our life not immaterial things, without understanding separate from a matewhat life is; without rial body, and therefore able to exist independently and understanding, we merely crave apart from it. Rather, when the body it. And we cannot understand life dies, the soul dies with it, and the without understanding our place in mind ceases to function. That’s all nature. And we cannot understand there is; there isn’t any more. We our place in nature without undershould also be reminded that as long standing what Nature is, that it is a as we live, we are creatures of de- self-generating power encompasssire, beset with passions, and that a ing the whole of being, and that passionate state is just the opposite in creating everything it works according to the necessity of its own of a blissful one.

However, reason is not a passion. nature, according to laws of nature.

And we are also rational animals, Self-understanding is our private capable of understanding many access to the whole of nature, unthings. Using rational methods, we derstanding the whole from our have increased our knowledge of own depths. And deep familiarity is the universe and the forces gov- a necessary condition for love.

Spinoza believed that nature is erning it; we have gained access to its origins and can contemplate its eternal and infinite in expanse, end and much that is in between. which seems a reasonable surmise.

Our knowledge of the natural his- For all we know, this universe is tory of our planet is immense and one of many that like stars in a galstill growing. Spinoza observed that axy flame in and out, or one phase when we discover the cause of a in a cycle of generation and corrupthing, examine it, learn how it op- tion that repeats itself without end erates, such knowledge empowers us, and this power increases as we proceed to discover the causes of causes. The history of technology is abundant proof of this, and of medicine too.

Recall that Spinoza invented the art of psychotherapy, which also involves discovering causes by rational methods. The same methods can be used in self-analysis; and, by using them we can acquire knowledge of ourselves, analyze our passions and identify their causes. Passions are causes, forcing us to do things against our will or better judgment, preventing us to do what we know we ought to do — “The good that I would, I do not; the evil that I would not, that I do … O wretched man that I am!”

(Romans 7: 19, 24).

But passions are also natural events, and can be understood rationally. By transforming our passions into objects of rational enquiry, we disarm them, having diverted them

Letters to the Editor are on Pages 4A, 5A, and 7A

or purpose. An alternative: that this universe is one and unique, that it emerged from absolute nothing to which it will someday return, is perhaps also plausible for all we know, but Spinoza would not have found it acceptable.

So, let us consider the universe or the multiverse as infinite and eternal, and as a natural system, ever productive. Since it is a natural system according to unchanging laws, it is perfectly knowable.

And indeed, Spinoza supposed that inherent in it is an intelligence that comprehends its eternal and infinite becoming. I have been through this before in the fifth essay.

Eternal bliss is a state of calm untroubled cognition. It is a state of knowing that everything is as it must be. Human enquiry as it progresses toward this knowledge glimpses the totality, as from afar, from its finiteness, drawn towards its object by a dispassionate love, “intellectual love,” which is reason fully engaged with the sum of reality; it is an ecstasy, a finite mind reaching beyond its own finite limits; standing outside of itself. Spinoza described it “the standpoint of eternity.”

Philosophers have noted that there are two faces of eternity. In one respect, it is infinite duration, of time without beginning or end.

In another, it is a timeless moment, or as theologians described it, nunc stans, time standing still, an eternal now. This second sort of eternity, I believe, is a quality of thought. Our thoughts do not normally proceed in logical sequence. Logical ordering is an afterthought, a method of critical assessment.

Rather our conscious mind, when it is productive, is a sequence of lucid moments that burst forth, and which we follow after with words.

Much that goes on in thinking probably goes unnoticed. It is these moments, overflowing with lucidity, that have an aspect of eternity; moments of splendid truth, glowing, infused with light. This may explain why philosophers envy poets, and why all great poetry is philosophical.

PAGE 6A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

ADDISON COUNTY

Obituaries

Christopher Bumstead, 59, Brattleboro BRATTLEBORO — Christopher C. Bumstead, 59, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on October 30, 2016 at his home in Brattleboro, four days before scheduled surgery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock for a collapsed lung. He had been ill for several months.

Chris was born in Hartford, Conn. on July 18, 1957. He attended public schools in Connecticut, New York City and Vermont. His family moved to Vermont in 1970. He graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1975 and went on to the University of Vermont for a political science degree. Chris was an exchange student and studied in Strasbourg, France, at a college prep lycee. He continued playing tennis his last two years of high school; he was ranked 7th in the state of Vermont and played in the finals in 1975.

Chris enjoyed vacations on Martha’s Vineyard from age six. He worked there for a full year during college, CLIFTON E. ADAMS SR. learning more carpentry. He was drawn to surf casting for striped bass the Addison County Home Health and bluefish. One year he lost the & Hospice team, especially Ann and yearly Chappaquiddick competition Heather for their wonderful care and support; Project Independence for entertainment and care; Father Yvon Royer, Sister Isoline and Suzanne Widlicka for their love and guidance; Dr. John Matthew for years of quality SHOREHAM — Robert Campbell care, and Dr. Jeffrey Wulfman and the Douglas, Sr., 91, passed away at his Mountain Health Center. Thank you to home in Shoreham on November 10, grandson Art Cyr for a special relation- 2016. ship maintained with his caring visits.

He was born in that same home on For those who wish to make a dona- November 6, 1925, the son of Malcolm tion in Cliff’s memory, donations B. and Adah C. Douglas. may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Bob graduated from Shoreham High Church, 11 School Street, Bristol, VT School in 1943 and owned Douglas 05443 or to Addison County Home Orchards in Shoreham. He also worked Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, as rural mail carrier for many years. Bob Middlebury, VT 05753. served on the business committee of the Shoreham Congregational Church for decades, was a member of the Shoreham Volunteer Fire Department, and the Shoreham Historical Society. He also served the Town in various capacities and was a longtime member of the Lake View Cemetery Association.

Bob married Betty Bohne in 1946.

Bob and Betty celebrated their 15th anniversary by buying a piece of land on Cody Brook in Lincoln. Weekends for several summers were devoted to building a camp with Vermont thrift and lots of help from friends, using salvaged flooring and timbers from other projects.

Trout fishing, games of horseshoes and many picnics and parties were enjoyed there over the years.

Clifton Adams Sr., 89, Bristol BRISTOL — Clifton Adams Sr., 89, of Bristol, VT, passed away on November 13, 2016, at home holding his loving wife Evelyn’s hand.

Cliff was born on February 19, 1927 in East Barre, son of Everett and Rose Adams. He married the love of his life Evelyn Rollins on August 9, 1947.

Cliff lived most of his life in Barre, VT where he and Evelyn built their home and raised three children. They moved to Bristol in 2000 to be closer to their children.

Cliff left high school at age 15 to work and help support his mother and two younger siblings after his father died.

Cliff joined the US Navy on October 10, 1945 and served as a Seaman 1st class on the USS Caloosahatchee.

After returning home from the Navy, he went to work for Whitmoor & Morse Quarries. He was proud to work and earn his GED. Cliff worked as a foreman for Ready Plastic Company in Montpelier. He changed careers and found his passion as a loss control representative for Co-operative Insurance Companies until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the American Legion, member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre, and most recently a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Bristol.

Cliff enjoyed family activities; most of all coaching and watching his sons play baseball in earlier years.

He enjoyed traveling, square dancing, camping, snowmobiling and spending winters in Zephyrhills, Florida. Cliff took up golf later in life and enjoyed it immensely. He was known for regularly trying to pull off impossible golf

shots and occasionally succeeding - to his delight.

Cliff was an honest, hard-working man who loved his family. One of his greatest joys in life was playing cards with family and friends. He had a great poker face, especially when he was playing a bit underhandedly, resulting in one granddaughter saying “That was rude, Grampa!” after one of his plays.

Cliff is survived by the love of his life, his princess Evie, his wife of 69 years, and his 3 children that he was so proud of: Clifton Adams, Jr, partner, Liz Macfarlane ; Steven Adams, wife Mary Lynne Isham; daughter Bonnie, husband Ray Clark and brother Russell Adams.

Cliff was proud of his grandchildren: Tanise, husband John Adams-Wade; Kim Cyr, children Kerry and Cody; Alan Adams, wife Julia Frank, daughters Sage and Jaia; Karyn, husband Brett Wells children Lucas, Hailee and Avery. Cliff also leaves many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Cliff was predeceased by his parents, his sister Evelyn Moran along with sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and two special nieces.

In celebration of Cliff’s life, a Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Bristol on Wednesday, December 7th at 11am. Following the church service, a luncheon will be held downstairs for family and friends. The burial will be held at a later date in the Veteran’s Cemetery, Randolph, VT. The family wishes to thank all of Cliff’s wonderful care-givers for great companionship and care, his main care-givers being Gretchen & Audrey;

Robert Douglas Sr., 91, Shoreham

Rhoda Dragon, 64, East Middlebury EAST MIDDLEBURY — Rhoda Jean Dragon, 64 of East Middlebury, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, November 11, 2016 after a long illness. She was born in Middlebury on December 14, 1951 to Ralph “Mike” and Margaret (Masterson) Dragon.

Rhoda was a member of the East Middlebury Methodist Church. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her children. She loved working in her numerous flower gardens surrounding her home, decorating inside and out for every holiday and feeding the birds.

She also enjoyed home cooked meals, baking, always making enough for everyone there to take some home. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She did more for her family than we could ever ask for.

Rhoda is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Barry Dragon, and

to a woman; his 57-pound fish was a couple ounces short.

Chris considered teaching high school history or going for a law degree. But he was drawn to the problem-solving and design in remodeling and new housing, and he worked in the Brattleboro area for more than 25 years. He was gregarious, talkative, an insatiable reader; he enjoyed deep discussions and debates on any literary, historical and political topic.

Chris is survived by his mother, Joan Bumstead Allen of Middlebury, Vt.; his brother Kevin; his step-father Edward L. Allen. Chris’s birth father died when he was three. He also leaves three step-sisters, Pamela Allen of Phoenix, Ariz.; Melody Allen of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; and Heather Edenhofer of Flagstaff, Ariz. He also leaves two nieces, Laura and Kathryn Clark. He is also survived by three aunts and many CHRISTOPHER BUMSTEAD cousins including a special cousin Holly Nicolle in Huntington, Vt. Chris leaves a close-knit group of college A memorial service will be held on friends who still meet each year for a Saturday, Nov. 19, at 2:30 p.m. at the game of golf, and a large community of Putney Community House, Putney, Vt. friends in the Brattleboro area.

Please no flowers or gifts, just come

her two sons, Tim and Dan; daughter-inlaw Danielle; brother-in-law Leon; and granddaughters Abigail and Emma. Also by her brothers Ralph (Lynn); Danny; Randy (Mary); sister Tammy (Mark); and many nieces and nephews to whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by a sister, Rhonda.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016, at 10 a.m. at the East Middlebury United Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Bob Bushman. A reception for family and friends will be held at Rhoda’s home in East Middlebury following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Addison Home Health & Hospice at PO Box 785, Middlebury, VT 05753 or to St. Jude’s or Shriners Children’s RHODA DRAGON Hospital.

BRISTOL — Larry E. Booska, Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral made at www.sandersonfuneralservice. 58, passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2016 at Porter Medical Service. Online condolences can be com.◊ Center in Middlebury.

He was born on August 31, 1958 in Middlebury, the son of the late Anna Booska of Bristol, Vt. Larry enjoyed being with family a dedicated member of the Masons, and friends and also spending time at DeMolay and the Shriners. He Evergreen. was predeceased by his son, James Larry is survived by his soulmate (Skippy) Buss. and loving wife of 39 years Betty He is survived by his wife of 70 Pierce; a brother Michael Booska of years, Marian; daughters Linda Davis Middlebury, Vt.; son-in-law Shawn and Julie Baerenrodt; eight grandchilBotsford of Poultney, Vt.; and granddren and five great-grandchildren. children Kyle, Tyler, Caleb and Cole Our family wishes to thank Hospice, Booska.

Monroe Community Church, friends He was predeceased by a stepand neighbors for their care, assisdaughter, Robin M. Pierce, and tance and support. daughter Anna Booska-Botsford.

Pop, I hope I told you I loved you Visiting hours will be Friday, enough because now you’ve weighed November 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. at anchor as you’ve done so many times Brown-McClay Funeral Home in before. This time, however, you’ll be Bristol, with a funeral following at 11 in Homeport waiting on us.◊ JAMES BUSS

Bob enjoyed working in his shop, repairing orchard equipment and vehicles and producing toys, furniture, and Adirondack chairs. Sailing on Lake Champlain and bowling in Fair Haven with lunches at the Wheel Inn were favorite pastimes in later years.

He also enjoyed woodcarving and for several retirement years Blood Brothers Carvers met twice a month around the dining table.

Survivors include his wife Betty and three children: daughter Amy and husband Ernest J. Franzgrote; son Robert C. Douglas, Jr. and wife Theresa; and son Scott P. Douglas and wife Susan, all of Shoreham. Bob’s life was enriched by the stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren his children’s spouses each brought to their marriages.

Survivors also include Bob’s brother and sister-in-law Edwin C. and Marjory P. Douglas; his sister Margaret Hall and her husband Edward; and nine nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Esther Foster, his sister Laura Kivlin and his nephew Stephen Kivlin.

The family thanks Addison County

ROBERT C. DOUGLAS, SR. Home Health and Hospice for the fine care and many kindnesses provided to Bob and family members during the past months. At his request, there will be no services. Contribution in Bob’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.◊

Larry Booska, 58, Bristol

Tim Moye 12/14/50-11/17/15

James Buss, 91, formerly of Lincoln MONROE, Maine — James Buss, 91, of Monroe, Maine passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2016. A military funeral will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine at 1 p.m. on Thursday November 17, 2016.

He was born in Chicopee, Mass. on December 31, 1924 to Ruth and Charles Buss and was raised in Lincoln, Vt. He married Marian Burleson Lathrop on June 8, 1945 in Baltimore, Md. “Jim” was a War World II veteran and served in the Navy for 26 years. After retirement he served as an officer at the Maine Maritime Academy. He was

LARRY EVERETT BOOSKA a.m. at the funeral hyome. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be to the family Attn. Betty Booska, 12 South Street Apt. A, Bristol, VT 05443.◊

Miss you so much.

Your loving Family

Leona Kelly, 95, Starksboro Leona A. Kelly, 95, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016 at University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

She was born January 28, 1921 in Pittsfield the daughter of George and Mildred (Gokey) Rogers.

She married Earl on June 7, 1937 and he predeceased her in 1980.

Leona is survived by five children, Beverly Booska, Keith and Grace Pike, Mitchell Kelly, Melvin and Sue Kelly, and Joseph and Sharon Kelly; 13 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and great great great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister Evelyn Payette, two brothers Harold and Myron Rogers; several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by a grandson Mark LEONA A. KELLY Kelly.

Leona wishes were to have the services to be private. In lieu of flowers County Home Health & Hospice, PO contributions may be made to Addison Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.

THE MIDDLEBURY ROTARY CLUB WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE LOCAL MERCHANTS

W H O S PO N S O RED A FL AG AROUND COURT SQUARE

OUS R E N E OUR G

S SOR N O SP

y Compan s a G t n rmo ms ery • Ve te Syste s m a a W e r a l C l Case Cabot ies llege • o C y Propert r e u n b a e l C d Mid ce • e Insuran ouse Tir e R v i • t t a r n e e tors Coop quipm ster Mo o Valley E F n • i a l y r p lebu Cham ld of Midd k n a umn Go B t iry l u a A n • o i t k ee arms Da Na r F C t r n e e t t m onu ce at O Paint • M Residen & t e p r side Ca ation Country h Found t i m S .

T. N Harold

A ND THANKS

TO

Marbleworks Pharmacy • Milne Travel • Nino’s Pizza • Shaw’s Supermarket • #1 Auto Parts • Addison Independent • HTNS Midd Vermont Real Estate • American Legion Post 27 Otter Creek Kitchenware • Beau Ties • VT Natural Ag Products Vermont Book Shop • The Top Floor • Vermont Gas • Laberge Insurance Agency Monument Farms Dairy • PJ Carrara Bourdon Insurance Agency • Cole’s Flowers • Middlebury Dance Center • Randy’s Service Center • In Memory of Carl Peabody • Travel Associates • Adams Electric County Tire • Wild Mountain Thyme • Accent Travel Carol’s Hungry Mind Café • Sabai Sabai • Edgewater Gallery Durosol Systems • American Flatbread • Structural Energy Corp. • Landworks • Autumn Gold • Battell Block • Desabrais Glass • In Memory of Joyce Duclos Green Peppers • Little Pressroom

Please join us in patronizing these merchants.

If you would like to sponsor a flag on court square for your business or in memory of someone, contact Tim Hollander at tim.hollander.1943@gmail.com

Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016 — PAGE 7A

The day after election day

Letters to the Editor Election highlights the need to preserve freedoms “What are we doing here?” These are the despairing words my wife and I have said every so often since midnight on election night.

You see, Ariane is Dutch and I am Mexican-American.

Ariane has but one reason to live in Vermont: me. We married in 2014 and, thanks to the Windsor vs. U.S. Supreme Court decision six months earlier, she received a marriagebased Green Card. Thanks specifically to Justice Kennedy’s notorious swing vote, U.S. federal law now allows U.S. citizens to share their home with their non-citizen samesex spouses. So Ariane sold her house, loaded her belongings into a sea container and, cats in tow, took a one-way trip to Vermont.

Ariane joined me less than two years ago, but I have called Vermont my home for 20 years. I came from Mexico as a Ph.D. student. I taught beginning Spanish while pursuing my coursework at the State University of New York.

Thanks to a teaching assistantship, I paid the outrageous amount of $300 for my Ph.D. For a penniless college graduate like myself that meant the difference between the prospect of becoming a professor with job security and a more than decent income, and cobbling together subsistence wages from several teaching jobs in Mexico.

Meritocracy worked: I was treated fairly and got a job at Middlebury College, where I have thrived professionally and am raising two

happy, healthy children.

I was welcomed in Vermont, yet for a long time I was not whole. It took decades before I could come out. When I finally gave myself the gift of coming out for my 50th birthday I was terrified: would my friends stand by me? Would my kids’ friends come for sleepovers at our house, just as when I had been seen as heterosexual? I am happy to report that, for the most part, my and my kids’ life has not been upended.

But then came Nov. 8. What are we doing here? we asked. Ariane and I have cried several times — those low moments pepper the many others when we stand up and, as President Obama said, we dust ourselves off and get to work.

Since the fateful night I have spoken to three class roomfuls of students about the need to listen deeply, to see others’ point of view and seek common ground no matter how different from our own. Not to hush or walk away — to ask questions and respectfully disagree. To work towards the change we want.

We grieve together. We heal through writing.

But the world is out there, and it is changing fast. I see on TV police assaulting protestors. Swastikas on storefronts. On my own campus hateful, criminal language has appeared graffitied on students’ bulletin boards.

What are we doing here? I ask myself. I go home with a headache.

I have had a headache for the past few days. I look to Ariane for support. She for mine. I want to bury my head in my pillow and close my eyes.

That is when my kids come to the rescue. My son, a sophomore at Bard College, calls a meeting and organizes a protest. He offers free hugs, cookies, and political leadership. The activist groups on his campus are coalescing and organizing meetings and protests in town.

In class, some of my Middlebury College students express their pain.

Others, happy that Trump won, listen with respect. They disagree.

They talk and listen.

And then there is Camila, my 13-year-old. She nips potential harassment in the bud like only she can: Friend: Uhh. You’re Latina, right?

Camila: Yeah, so I’m both a bad hombre and a nasty woman.

Did I say Camila’s nickname at school is General Badass?

With a daily dose from her and the young people around me I can face the world.

She will be fine.

My students will be fine.

We will be fine.

We may occasionally feel terrified, but one thing is certain: We have fought too hard for the freedoms we have gained. We will take care of each other. We will not let anyone strip away our freedoms.

Gloria Estela González Zenteno Middlebury

Those who opposed Trump must be patient, diligent I may live in the fairly progressive state of Vermont, but I have traveled a fair amount the last few years both in the U.S. and abroad. I have sat and talked with numerous Trump supporters and Brexit supporters from the UK on airplanes and in coffee shops.

I have had casual conversations in public spaces from New England to New Mexico, in parking lots and boatyards along the Eastern seaboard, in urban centers, along small town streets, and in the halls of universities with people who viewed the world through very different filters than my own.

These people were not all ideologues, they were not mean-spirited, and for the most part they accepted

the opinions I expressed gracefully and respectfully. I can only hope that all the ugliness and disturbing rhetoric we witnessed in the media and at rallies will now give way to calmer and more gracious speech and productive dialogue.

The success of Trump and Brexit are more symptoms than causes in and of themselves. Even given time, I doubt these choices will yield a cure, but they may help us all to better understand the depth and scope of our problems. Perhaps from there we can move forward with more viable solutions as our nation and other nations navigate a way through these clearly difficult and divisive hours.

For those of us who believe in a social agenda that differs from those

soon to be in power, we will need to be diligent and patient. We need to make sure our voices are not lost in the fog of disappointment. We must speak clearly and often, maintain our dignity, and understand the kind of disregard and deep angst that gave rise to this current political shift.

It would be foolish to say that the actions of those in power will not have real consequences on our lives and the lives of future generations.

But ultimately, we must have faith in the human spirit, in the long term good of democracy, in the power of kindness and mutual respect, and in the endurance of this grand experiment we call America.

Roy Vestrich East Middlebury

are Trump voters who think that I, a gay woman, am somehow less than, that my black neighbor is a secondclass citizen and that a Syrian refugee is a threat to our national security. But there are Democrats who think that way, too.

There are nuances here that need exploring, and there are conversations that need to be had. If the election of Donald Trump accomplishes anything, it will have shaken our country to its core, a core that has been neglected and needs tending.

The trickle down of Trump’s rhetoric is worrisome. Racism, intolerance and prejudice were ongoing issues in this country well before Trump even announced his candidacy. But his election is being interpreted by the bigots and homophobes as permission to act on their prejudices. It’s already started, with pro-white graffiti and hate-crimes spiking across the country just in the week since the election. We have to fight this behavior at every turn, now more than ever.

In our corner of the country, the Rutland County Supervisory Union is reinforcing its bullying and harassment policy in schools across

the district, encouraging parents, students and teachers alike to report and act. A climate committee has been formed at Otter Valley Union High School to combat bullying and harassment by bringing together students from different groups within the school.

We should take a page from that effort.

So I am appealing to the teachers, the parents, the guidance counselors, business and municipal leaders, the role models of our communities, as well as our friends and neighbors who may have voted for Donald Trump — let’s come together and promote human decency, now more than ever. Lest we forget.

Clippings (Continued from Page 4A) ple — good, decent, hardworking people — didn’t agree with Trump’s xenophobia but desperately wanted economic change. Change that Hillary Clinton, who has spent a lifetime in politics and played to both corporate Wall Street interests and to her base, did not offer.

Many Trump voters have spent the last week defending themselves. Many of these people are our friends, neighbors and family members. They say it’s not personal, that they are not bigots and sexists.

I believe you — and now you have to back that up.

More than ever before, it is up to you, Trump voters, to combat bigotry, sexism, racism and homophobia where you see it. I think that “political correctness” has become a socio-political punching bag and that deriding it cheapens the decades of hard work and struggle that women and minorities endured to earn equal treatment and respect under the law.

Respect and equality are not conservative values or liberal values.

That’s not political correctness. It’s basic human decency.

There are lost causes. I know there

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It is a somber, sober day: The clouds hang low on mountainside; The leaves have danced their last ballet; Last night I finally lost my pride.

And in two years, the mid-term vote Will see him say that “I alone Can save us from official bloat!”

Great threats he will to us intone.

Not pride, like hubris, in myself, But pride in country’s wisdom shared.

In shock, like a forgotten elf, I saw the country unprepared:

And so he’ll want some special pow’rs To overcome those in his way, And there will be enough kowtowers To let him have e’en yet more sway.

Unprepared for what’s to come, For foreign martinets to take The states nearby, while we stay mum.

The White House will apply no brake.

Or might some say we’ve had enough?

Our institutions yet will see Us finally arise, rebuff The cult of personality!

The President will blame a group: Elite insiders, or some folk Who can’t defend and can’t recoup, Whose freedoms he will then revoke.

Through history, there have been those Who’ve wanted to o’erthrow the state, And they have done so without blows By claiming to bring back the great!

And if the Congress intervenes And moves to stop the president, Executive commands are means By which he’ll govern sans consent.

We’ve heard enough of that this year!

Let’s prove how great we’ve always been And publicly keep dreams so clear Our actions rise above the din.

Lawrence A. Jones Bristol

Election provides shock to local woman living abroad Editor’s note: The writer is a Vergennes resident living abroad in Malaysia.

While my days are usually bursting with adventure and new experiences during this year of world travel, last Wednesday was filled with sorrow and raw emotions regarding the outcome of this presidential election. It’s hard to write something that fully captures how I feel. Not being in the U.S. during this time has been tough enough, but on Wednesday, watching the electoral votes slowly roll in, was like taking a punch to the gut. How can a campaign based on hate, scapegoating and fear mongering actually succeed in 2016?

This letter may be polarizing to some readers, but I cannot stand idly by and be silent. I’ve taken for granted living in a “blue” state, and, because of this, probably have not been proactive enough in past elections and with causes I believe need support. I’m not sure if Hillary was the best choice for our Democratic candidate, however I do know that she inspired and gave hope to millions of people around the world, not just little girls dreaming of being POTUS one day, and it’s my sincere hope that we can continue what she started.

We will not live in fear of a president who embodies the worst in all of us and, explicitly or implic-

itly, promotes racism, homophobia, xenophobia, sexism or mocks those with disabilities. That is not the America I know and definitely not the one I want to return to in March.

Today was completely shocking for so many and its hard to understand the reasoning behind the outcome — a win for a candidate whose actions and words sought to undermine the legitimacy of our democratic process, while single-handily tearing our nation apart. Here’s to hoping for the best in these years to come. In the meantime, I’ll be sending love to America from Kuala Lumpur.

Abby Benton Vergennes

MUHS football team showed character this season Congratulations, and thank you to the 2016 Middlebury Union High School Varsity Football Team.

The season I watched had many triumphs and challenges, building up in the quarter final game against Essex, and culminating in the semifinal game at Hartford. The growth and resilience this team demonstrated throughout this season was impressive, especially during the final game. The word that comes to mind is character, and it is especially important to me because it is a trait our family has recently focusing on teaching our son Luke.

Luke has worked closely with the Tigers as their ball boy, and is therefore very impressionable by their influence. My husband and I both took the opportunity to discuss the ways in which the Tigers demonstrated such great character both on and off the field last Friday night.

By now you may have seen, heard or read about how they played with

great heart, skill and good clean plays.

What you may not know is after the game they maintained positive attitudes, read acceptance letters to colleges, and recorded themselves singing happy birthday to our younger son Levi who fell asleep and missed what was supposed to be a post-game party with the team.

No, my husband did not ask them to do it, he didn’t even remind them about it — one of the players asked him about it.

Wow was all I could say.

So thank you Tigers, for being such incredible role models for our boys. You have taught Luke the lesson of character that we have been working so hard to get through him. And thank you Tiger parents and families; you have raised some incredible young men.

Lastly, I would also like to thank the Tiger coaching staff — Dennis Smith, Jed Malcolm and John Nu-

ceder — who put in so much time and effort to educate these student athletes. I know to them coaching is more than just winning games; they focus on the entire education and success of each student athlete.

The coaching staff also includes a sideline crew without whom Dennis, Jed and John could not do what they do. So a huge shout out to Leonard Barrett, Peter James, John Rouse, Eric Denu, Adam LaPerle and Wayne Smith.

Best of luck to you all. Go Tigers!

Jennifer Nuceder Salisbury FUNERAL MEMORIAL SERVICE CREMATION PRE-PLANNING SERVICES

BROWN-McCLAY FUNERAL HOMES

Letters to the Editor can be found on Pages 4A, 5A, and 7A.

BRISTOL

453-2301

VERGENNES

877-3321

brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com

PAGE 8A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

HEALTH THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS. Check Out Group Fitness Classes: Introduction to Strength and Wellness Stretch & Relaxation Yoga, Wellness Yoga & Chair Yoga Strength Training F.I.T. (Fitness Interval Training) Interval Mash-ups Intro to Spinning, Spinning & SPIN Circuit Strength & Conditioning Body Pump NIA Dance (Neuromuscular Integrative Action)

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A walk in their shoes: dementia simulation in Middlebury. Thursday, Nov. 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m., The Residence at Otter Creek. Join us for an experience that will help you understand how it feels to manage the many challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Free and open to the public.

Introduction to bridge course in Middlebury. Thursday, Nov. 17, 5:30-7:45 p.m., Ilsley Public Library. Free weekly bridge classes taught by Gisela Palmer.

Suitable for beginners but more experienced players welcome. Classes are free and will follow Audrey Grant’s “Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction.” Seven-week session.

Nov For more info on Group Classes and a full Schedule go to:

www.edgevtwellness.com

COMMIT TO YOUR HEALTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! 14 School Street, Bristol VT • 453-5205

of Vergennes Wine. Info: 877-3850 or www.creativespacegallery.org.

Adult try hockey in Middlebury.

Saturday, Nov. 19, 6:15-7:15 p.m., Memorial Sports Center.

The Middlebury Mystic women’s hockey team is sponsoring an “Adult try hockey for free” for women and men who have never tried hockey, or have little to no skating experience. The minimum equipment needed is a hockey helmet, gloves, shin pads and a stick. Skate rentals will be free. For more information call Sue Staats 352-4589.

Nov THURSDAY

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Nov SUNDAY

FRIDAY

20

All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in Addison.

Saturday, Nov. 20, 7-11 a.m., Addison Fire Station, junction of Routes 17 and 22A. Menu includes plain and blueberry pancakes, sausage, bacon, home fries, coffee, hot chocolate and orange juice. $6 adults; $4 kids under

Veterans benefits and you in Middlebury. Friday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m., The Residence at Otter Creek. Join Amanda Kay Folse, a Veterans service representative, for an informative presentation on Veterans benefits. Free and open to the public.

Caregiver support group in Lincoln.

Friday, Nov. 18, 1-2 p.m., Lincoln Library.

For anyone caring for another person, long distance or close by. By sharing with each other, caregivers find ways to care for themselves.

Ski and winter sports sale in Middlebury. Friday, Nov. 18, 4:30-8 p.m., McCullough Crest Room, Middlebury College. Skis, boots, bindings, poles, snowboards, telemark and cross country ski gear, clothing and accessories, skates, bikes, snowshoes and much more! Benefits the Middlebury College Snow Bowl Ski Patrol. Info: Sean Grzyb, sgrzyb@middlebury.edu.

Table of Grace free meal in Vergennes.

Friday, Nov. 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Vergennes Congregational Church. Meals are held the fourth Friday of the month. This month’s menu: meatloaf, potatoes, gravy, vegetable and dessert.

Nov

19

Lamp

Nov

27

12. Proceeds will benefit the Addison Volunteer Fire Department and will be used to purchase equipment. Info: 759-2237.

Nov MONDAY

21

Auditions for “Good People” in Middlebury. Monday, Nov. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Town Hall Theater will hold auditions for its February 2017 show, “Good People,” directed by Kristen Ginsburg. Info: kgins@comcast.net.

Nov

22

TUESDAY

Auditions for “Good People” in Middlebury. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Town Hall Theater. Town Hall Theater will hold auditions for its February 2017 show, “Good People,” directed by Kristen Ginsburg. Info: kgins@ comcast.net.

Nov

23

WEDNESDAY

Blood drive in Bristol. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Ambrose Church, 11 School St., Bristol. Red Cross blood drive will take place in Bristol.

SUNDAY

Public breakfast in Vergennes.

Sunday, Nov. 27, 7:30-10 a.m., Vergennes Masonic Lodge, 54 School St. All you can eat breakfast including eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, blueberry pancakes, French toast, home fries, waffles, corned beef hash, sausage gravy and biscuits, juice, coffee and tea. Everyone is welcome.

Proceeds support local community needs and organizations. $8 per person.

Cancer organization fundraiser in Middlebury.

Sunday, Nov. 27, 1-4 p.m., Kenyon Arena, Middlebury College. The Middlebury College women’s ice hockey team wills sponsor a fundraiser during the PantherCardinal Classic Tournament to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. No admission, but suggested donation of $5 at the door for PCAN. Memory tree in Brandon. Sunday, Nov. 27, 3:30 p.m., Central Park. Start the holiday season off with this meaningful and enduring tradition of remembrance.

Donations of $1 per name in memory of your loved ones light Brandon’s Memory Tree. Send a check made out to Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), PO Box 267, Brandon VT 05733. Include your name and phone number and the name(s) of loved ones.

Info: www.brandon.org.

STAINED GLASS ARTIST Michael Hart is among the twenty-two regional artists whose work will be displayed at the Jackson Gallery’s ninth annual holiday show.

The opening reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m. Info: 382-9222 or www.townhalltheater.org.

SATURDAY

Hunters/early bird breakfast in South Starksboro.

Saturday, Nov. 19, 7-10 a.m., Jerusalem Schoolhouse. All you can eat breakfast buffet. $9 ages 12 and over; $4 ages 5-11; under 5 free. Info: 453-4573.

Green Mountain Club hike in Middlebury. Saturday, Nov. 19, Trail Around Middlebury. An easy/moderate one-way hike or snowshoe on the Trail Around Middlebury starting at South Street, about 5.5 miles total including climbing Chipman Hill. For information contact Kathy Duclos at 453-2149 or kduclos@ gmavt.net. Info: www.gmcbreadloaf.org.

Holiday bazaar and bake sale in Monkton. Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friends Methodist Church, 78 Monkton Ridge. Handcrafted gifts, delectable home baked items, homemade chocolates, freshly made donuts, hearty soup or chili and sandwich for lunch. For more information, call Marilyn 453-5192.

Ski and winter sports sale in Middlebury. Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., McCullough Crest Room, Middlebury College. Skis, boots, bindings, poles, snowboards, telemark and cross country ski gear, clothing and accessories, skates, bikes, snowshoes and much more! Benefits the Middlebury College Snow Bowl Ski Patrol. Info: Sean Grzyb, sgrzyb@ middlebury.edu.

during the Panther-Cardinal Classic Tournament to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. No admission, but suggested donation of $5 at the door for PCAN. King Pede card parties in Ferrisburgh. Saturday, Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m., Ferrisburgh Grange. King Pede parties at the Ferrisburgh Grange begin at 6:30 p.m. with a sandwich supper and include fun and card games.

Nov

28

MONDAY

“Introduction to digital storytelling” in Middlebury. Monday, Nov. 28, 4 p.m., Ilsley Public Library. In this two hour workshop you’ll be introduced to the idea of digital storytelling. The workshop leader is Bryan Alexander, author of “The New Digital Storytelling.” No technological skills required.

Nov

30

WEDNESDAY

MakerClub in Shoreham. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2:45 p.m., Platt Memorial Library.

Do you like to plan and tinker? Is building with your hands one of your favorite things? At this special MakerClub you can construct a gingerbread house. Work with a friend or by yourself.

Author talk in Middlebury. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Ilsley Public Library. Author Mary Filmore will talk about the 13-year-long creation of “An Address in Amsterdam,” an historical novel about a young Jewish woman who joins the underground.

Warren Miller’s “Here, There and Everywhere” in Middlebury. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Theater. The 67th annual Warren Miller ski film, “Here, There and Everywhere” celebrates everything related to snow sports. $18. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Dec

1

THURSDAY

I Spy Contest in Middlebury. Dec 1-31, downtown Middlebury. Try to find the hidden ornaments designed by artist Ashley Wolff in ten store windows in downtown Middlebury and be entered to win $100 in Middlebury Money. Rules and contest details will be displayed in the window of the Vermont Bookshop starting Dec. 1. Free.

SKI & WINTER SPORTS SALE

FRIDAY SATURDAY 11/19 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. 11/18 4:30 - 8 P.M.

McCULLOUGH CREST ROOM MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE BENEFITS THE MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE SNOW BOWL SKI PATROL CONTACT: SEAN GRZYB, SGRZYB@MIDDLEBURY.EDU

SKIS, BOOTS, BINDINGS, POLES, SNOWBOARDS, TELEMARK, AND CROSS COUNTRY SKI GEAR, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES, SKATES, BIKES, SNOWSHOES AND MUCH MORE!

Unforgettable melodies

THE BLUEGRASS GOSPEL project returns to the Vergennes Opera House on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. with beautiful voices and unforgettable melodies. Tickets and information: www.vergennesoperahouse.org.

TaeKwon Do KICKS in Middlebury. Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Middlebury Union Middle School.

Come watch students ranging in age from toddlers to grandparents from all around Vermont participate in a learning tournament. $2 per person or $5 for a family donated to Derrick Benoit Scholarship Fund. All food proceeds go to Middlebury Union Middle School after school fund. Info: 377-0476 or tkdkicks101@yahoo. com.

Mental illness and recovery workshop in Brandon.

Saturday, Nov. 19, Fellowship Hall, 1 Carver Street.

NAMI Vermont will offer a free workshop that discusses mental illness, coping strategies, and other NAMI programming. Registration is required: 800-639-6480.

Anniversary reception in Vergennes. Saturday, Nov. 19, 5-7:30 p.m., Creative Space Gallery, 214 Main St., Vergennes. Come celebrate eight years of art, learning and community service in downtown Vergennes.

Enjoy new work from gallery artists including jewelry, mixed media and photography. Wine tasting courtesy

Nov

26

SATURDAY

Hunters/early bird breakfast in South Starksboro. Saturday, Nov. 26, 7-10 a.m., Jerusalem Schoolhouse. All you can eat breakfast buffet. $9 ages 12 and over; $4 ages 5-11; under 5 free. Info: 453-4573.

Small business Saturday in Brandon. Saturday, Nov. 26, all day. Small business Saturday is the day to kick start the holiday shopping season.

Small business Saturday in Bristol. Saturday, Nov. 26, all day, downtown Bristol. Small business Saturday is the day to start the holiday shopping season. Stop by the Bristol CORE tent on Main Street to pick up your free #ShopSmall tote bag, balloons for the kids and other goodies!

Cancer organization fundraiser in Middlebury.

Saturday, Nov. 26, 2-7 p.m., Kenyon Arena, Middlebury College. The Middlebury College women’s ice hockey team wills sponsor a fundraiser

Be Your Favorite Christmas Character in Middlebury. Dec. 1-31, downtown Middlebury.

Ever wonder what you’d look like as a snowman?

Or a gingerbread girl? Your family can pose for pictures with an assortment of adorable character cutouts around town, including Santa, a nutcracker, gingerbread siblings and snowmen. Free.

Noonday concert in Middlebury. Thursday, Dec. 1, 12:15-12:45 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 Main St. Organ recital by Adam Schneider, organist of First Baptist Church in Burlington. Event is free. Bring a lunch and enjoy as you listen to the music.

Radical new developments in HIV/AIDS prevention talk in Middlebury. Thursday, Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m., Robert A. Jones ’59 House, Middlebury College. In recognition of World AIDS Day, Assistant Professor of Psychology Robert W. Moeller discusses his research on HIV/AIDS among racial and sexual minorities in the U.S. Free. Info: www.middlebury. edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

community

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Creative Bloc paint and sip in Middlebury.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m., 51 Main. Join Creative Bloc for a fun-filled paint and sip. We will be painting a Christmas scene and all bottles of wine will be 51 percent off. Space is limited. $40. Call Rebecca Manley with questions: 802-758-2444 or 518-572-2666.

Twist O’ Wool Spinning Guild meeting in Middlebury. Thursday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., 49 Wilson Road. There will be a general meeting and show and tell, followed by a Holiday Gift Swap. Info: 453-5960.

Talk and slideshow in Lincoln. Thursday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Lincoln Library. In March of 2016, Alan Kamman of Lincoln started out on one of the most life-changing journeys of his life — walking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Join him as he looks back on his trek and how it influenced his life.

Warren Miller’s “Here, There and Everywhere” in Middlebury. Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall Theater. The 67th annual Warren Miller ski film, “Here, There and Everywhere” celebrates everything related to snow sports. $18. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Dec

2

FRIDAY

Holiday bazaar in Lincoln. Friday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Lincoln Library.

The Lincoln Library will have a small select group of items that are “new with tags” or “new without tags.” Items were donated to the Library for resale. Come and shop for the holidays and save a bundle. Lots of earrings, purses, pins and more.

Great for kids to shop for their moms or grandmas.

There will also be a table of “like new” items for sale.

“Candy cane Christmas” marketplace in Bristol.

Friday, Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m., St. Ambrose Church. The “Candy Cane Christmas” Marketplace will feature crafts, baked goods, doll and linen shop, wonder jars, silent auction, attic treasures and fabulous raffles. Prizes include hand quilted heirloom quilt, theme baskets and a Fuji 24-speed bicycle.

Gingerbread house reception in Middlebury.

Friday, Dec. 2, 4-6 p.m., Vermont Folklife Center.

Opening reception for the 18th annual gingerbread house exhibit and competition. The exhibit will be open Monday through Saturday until Dec. 23. Registration forms available online at www. vermontfolklifecenter.org or in person and are due Nov. 23. “Middlebury Money” prizes will be awarded in each category. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Carol: Revisiting the English Tradition of Ghost Stories During the Holidays.”

Chocolate walk in Bristol. Friday, Dec. 2, 4-10 p.m., downtown Bristol. Come to Bristol’s Chocolate Walk and experience a complimentary treat in downtown businesses. Grab a Chocolate Walk map and travel from store to store, sampling the decadent chocolate offerings, while browsing for gifts. Look for the “Chocolate Stop” signs at participating businesses.

Memory tree lighting in Bristol. Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m., On the Green in Bristol. Come to the Memory Tree Lighting in Bristol, where the names of the honorees will be read. There will be music and refreshments. Purchase a bulb for $5.

Deadline is Nov. 28. Info: 453-5885.

Candy cane hunt in Bristol. Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m., On the Green in Bristol. Santa has hidden candy canes all around the park. Bring your flashlight and help us find them. You may even find a special candy cane with a prize winning ribbon.

“The Nutcracker’s Adventure” in Middlebury.

Friday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Town Hall Theater. “The Nutcracker’s Adventure,” featuring Tchaikovsky’s famous music, will be presented by Middlebury Community Players. Tickets $6. Info: www.townhalltheater.org.

Christmas music night in New Haven. Friday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., New Haven United Reformed Church, Route 7. Come and enjoy Christmas songs, readings and refreshments to celebrate the holiday season. All are welcome. For more information contact Liesbeth at 877-2486.

Fall dance concert in Middlebury. Friday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts, Middlebury College. Night of new dance works by student dance artists. Tickets $12 public; $10 college ID holders; $10 students. Info: www.middlebury. edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

Dec

3

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Santa in Vergennes.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 8-10:30 a.m., Vergennes Union High School cafeteria.

The Commodore Friends of Music invite you to breakfast with Santa, and includes an elf band and chorus, crafts for the kids, and a visit with Santa! $5 kids; $7 adults. All proceeds benefit the VUHS music program.

Christmas bazaar in Hancock and Granville.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Community Church of Hancock and Granville. The Community Church of Hancock and Granville will hold its Christmas bazaar.

Holiday at the Bixby in Vergennes. Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bixby Memorial Library. Gift basket auction from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Santa reads at 10:30 a.m., Jon Gailmor performs at 11 a.m., refreshments served from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and Commodore singers perform at 1 p.m.

Christmas bazaar in Bristol. Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., First Baptist Church. Christmas bazaar will feature silent auction items, homemade baked goods, pickles, fleece mittens, homemade chocolates, bibs, Girl Scout candy, attic treasures, Rada cutlery and many other items. Choose from delicious corn chowder or one of the other soups for lunch along with a sandwich.

Craft fair in Leicester. Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Leicester Central School. Craft fair to benefit the sixth grade end of year class trip. Spaces are available for $15. Contact Heather LaPorte at 377-2363 for information.

Holiday craft fair in Vergennes. Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Vergennes Union Elementary School. 16th annual winter holiday fair to benefit the after school fusion program takes place with over 60 vendors. Entry fee: bring a non-perishable donation of goods for the area food shelf or animal shelter.

Gingerbread house judging in Vergennes. Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., downtown Vergennes. Third annual gingerbread house judging. Enter your own gingerbread house by Nov. 28 or choose your favorites.

Green Mountain Club hike in Ripton. Saturday, Dec. 3, Ripton. A moderate 5.2 mile hike or snowshoe that will take about 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Hike up the ridge on switchbacks for a gradual descent to Skylight Pond and Skyline Lodge. Dog-friendly event. For information contact Mike Greenwood at 349-5653 or mike802vt@ comcast.net. Info: www.gmcbreadloaf.org.

Youth adventurers club in Ripton. Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m., Ripton. Outdoor art and inspiration at Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. While the pace is geared toward younger adventurers (ages 4-8), everyone is welcome. For information contact Lauren Bierman at 349-7498 or laurenbiermanrn@ gmail.com. Info: www.gmcbreadloaf.org.

Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016 — PAGE 9A

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“AMERICAN SUNRISE/SUNSET” will be presented by the Middlebury College Department of Theater and Dance on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., in the Seeler Studio Theatre. The 24-person company explores the American present through song, story and some gymnastics.

Info: www.middlebury.edu/arts or 802-443-3168.

ONGOINGEVENTS SPORTS Co-ed volleyball in Middlebury. Pick-up games Monday, 7-9 p.m., Middlebury Municipal Gym. Jack Brown, 388-2502; Bruce at Middlebury Recreation Department, 388-8103.

Family tennis court time in Middlebury. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Middlebury Indoor Tennis. Family play drop-in offers families a chance to play together.

Equipment is provided. Open to all levels of play.

Info: Erin Morrison, emorrison@acafvt.org.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS ACT (Addison Central Teens). Drop-in hours during the school years: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 3-7 p.m. 94 Main St. (Middlebury Town Office building), below rec. gym.

Teen drop-in space for kids. Hang out with friends, play pool, watch movies, and eat great food. Baking: every Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. Info: 388-3910 or www.addisonteens.com.

Addison County Amateur Radio Association.

Sunday, 8 p.m. On the air on club repeater 147.36/147.96 MHz, 100 Hz access tone.

Nonmembers and visitors welcome.

Addison County Emergency Planning Committee.

Last Wednesday, 5 p.m. State Police Barracks.

Public invited.

Addison County Republican Party. Third Friday, 7 p.m., Ilsley Library, Middlebury. 897-2744.

American Legion Auxiliary Post 27. Fourth Monday, 7 p.m. American Legion, Wilson Road, Middlebury.

Addison County Council Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Fourth Tuesday, noon-1:30 p.m. Addison County Courthouse in Middlebury.

388-9180.

Brandon Lions Club. First and third Tuesday, 7 p.m., Brandon Senior Center.

Brandon Senior Citizen Center. 1591 Forest Dale Road. 247-3121.

Bristol Historical Society. Third Thursday, 7 p.m., Howden Hall, 19 West St., Bristol.

Champlain Valley Fiddlers’ Club. Middlebury VFW, 530 Exchange Street. Third Sunday (except Easter), noon to 5 p.m. Donation $3. Refreshments available. Looking for fiddlers young and old. Open to public. Info: 342-0079.

The Hub Teen Center and Skatepark. 110 Airport Drive, Bristol. Open mike night, first Thursday of the month, 5:30-7:30 p.m., free for all ages; reserve a spot at thehub@gmavt.net. Info: 453-3678 or www.bristolskatepark.com.

LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer).

Youth support group meets Monday nights, 4-6 p.m., Turningpoint Center, Marble Works, Middlebury. Info: 388-4249.

Middlebury Garden Club. Second Tuesday. Location varies. Pat Morrow, 462-3741.

NEAT (Northeast Addison Television) Channel 16.

Fourth Monday, 5-7 p.m. NEAT studio in Bristol. Bruce Duncan, bduncan@madriver.com.

Neshobe Sportsman Club. Second Monday, 6 p.m. potluck; 7 p.m. meeting. 97 Frog Hollow Road in Brandon.

Otter Creek Poets. Open poetry workshop held Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Ilsley Library in Middlebury. Poets of all ages are invited to share their poetry for feedback, encouragement and optional weekly assignments. Bring a poem or two to share (plus 20 copies). Led by David Weinstock.

Free.

Orwell Historical Society. Fourth Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Orwell Free Library.

PACT (People of Addison County Together). Third Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vermont state office building on Exchange St. in Middlebury, Health Department conference room. 989-8141.

Samaritan’s Cupboard. Assembly of God Christian Center, 1759 Route 7, Vergennes. Third Thursday through October.

Vergennes Lions Club. First and third Wednesday, 6:45 p.m., American Legion. Club address: PO Box 94, Vergennes, VT 05491. Info: President Tim Cowan, 877-2382.

Vergennes Rotary Club. Tuesday mornings, 7:158:30 a.m., Champlain Valley Christian School, 2 Church St. Breakfast served at 7:15 a.m.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Addison Peace Coalition. Saturday, 10:30-11 a.m.

Triangle Park in Middlebury.

Citizens for Constitutional Government in Bridport. Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Bridport Community School. Learn about the U.S. and Vermont constitutions and how to defend our rights.

LIVEMUSIC Stuck in the Middle in Middlebury. Thursday, Nov. 17, 7-8 p.m., 51 Main.

Mamajamas in Middlebury. Thursday, Nov. 17, 8:30-9:30 p.m., 51 Main.

Left Eye Jump in Middlebury. Friday, Nov. 18, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main.

The Good Parts Band in Middlebury. Saturday, Nov. 19, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main.

Michelle Fay Band in Middlebury. Friday, Dec. 2, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main.

Jory Nash in Ripton. Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Ripton Community Coffee House.

John LaRouche in Brandon. Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Brandon Music.

The Doughboys in Middlebury. Saturday, Dec. 3, 8-11 p.m., 51 Main.

Mimi Bain and Friends in Middlebury. Thursday, Dec. 8, 7-9 p.m., 51 Main.

Conquer Root in Middlebury. Friday, Dec. 9, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main.

PossumHaw in Lincoln. Saturday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., Burnham Hall, 52 River Road.

Aaron Audet Band in Middlebury. Saturday, Dec. 10, 8-10 p.m., 51 Main.

The Good Medicine Band in Middlebury. Saturday, Dec. 14, 7-9 p.m., 51 Main.

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PAGE 10A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

UND

TOWN AN ORIGINAL EAST Middlebury Veterans Flag dating from World War II was hung in front of the Sarah Partridge Community House in honor of Veterans Day.

East Middlebury flag flies for veterans

SEVENTEEN LOCAL VETERANS were recognized for their service at the Champlain Valley Christian School Veterans Day breakfast on Nov. 11. Left to right, standing: Roy Wilkinson, George Taber, Dirk Smits, John W. DeGraaf, Albert Reynolds, Ron Nimblett, Elywn Flynn, Ted Boelens, Frank Paolini, Richard Huestis and Roger Brouillette; seated: Henry Broughton, Michael Jackman, George Gardner, William Wisell, J. Francis Angier and Walter Kuehn.

Veterans awarded pins at Christian school breakfast VERGENNES — For the past 10 years the Champlain Valley Christian School in Vergennes has held a Veterans Day breakfast and a ceremony thanking our local veterans for their service.

At this year’s breakfast, which took place last Friday, Nov. 11, there was an addition made to the program. Some veterans received a new pin to mark their service.

Salisbury

Have a news tip?

Call Mary Burchard at 352-4541

NEWS

SALISBURY — The Maple Street Bridge has re-opened to traffic. The school bus routes have returned to their regular schedules.

The Salisbury Library’s turkey raffle tickets may be purchased at Maple Meadows, the community school, the library and the landfill. Prizes are a 20 pound turkey, a breakfast basket, a librarian’s choice basket, choice of two home baked pies, and a $30 gift certificate to Paddler’s Pub. Tickets are $3 each or two for $5.

The drawing will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. in the library. You do not need to be present to win.

The school is selling citrus fruit, poinsettias, seed wreaths and suet

through Friday, November 18. Call the school at 352-4291 to order.

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, students at the community school will participate in Book Character Day and come to school dressed as a favorite character from a book. And on Tuesday, Nov. 29, the 4th and 5th grade students will participate in the Town Hall Theater’s production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Students from Cornwall and Beeman Academy will also participate. Performances will be at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.

The town office and the library will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24. Happy Thanksgiving!

milestones BIRTHS • Cholena (Thompson) & Paton Hines, Bristol, Nov. 4, a daughter, Mahalia Ka’tori Hines.

• Yari & Andrew Peet, Waltham, Nov. 5, a daughter, Maisie Isidra Peet.

• Alyshia (Benoit) & Matthew Murphy, Nov. 10, a son, Rowan Evan Murphy.

The Seth Warner — Rhoda Farrand Chapter of the DAR is a Commemorative Partner with the United States of American Vietnam War Commemoration.

Any veteran who served between

Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, is eligible to receive the Vietnam Era lapel pin. Seventeen of the veterans attending the CVCS program last Friday were called forward to receive their pin.

EAST MIDDLEBURY — In honor of Veterans Day, an East Middlebury Veterans flag was displayed on the front of the Sarah Partridge Community House on East Main Street. The flag was hung by Henry Haskell and Toby and Renita Welch.

The original East Middlebury Veterans Flag dates from World War II. A blue star represents each soldier who enlisted from an East Middlebury address. On patriotic occasions, the flag was hung over (East) Main Street along with the American Flag. The last time the original flag was flown was on the 50th anniversary of VE Day. The flag’s design is based on the “Blue Star” or “service” flag that originated during World War I and was popular again during World War II. Each household that had a member or members in the armed services would hang a small flag in a window facing the street. The small flag had a blue

star on it for each household member serving his or her country. In the event of the death of a soldier, the blue star would be replaced by a gold star. That is the origin of the term “Gold Star Mother.” The VFW actively promoted this concept.

The East Middlebury Veterans Flag was made as a large scale replica of one of these household flags, with stars representing each person in the community who had gone to war. Each time a person left, another star would be added by one of the ladies of the community. The flag was a work in progress, which explains the uneven spacing of the stars.

The original flag became fragile as time passed. It is now in the care of the Sheldon Museum in Middlebury.

A replica of this flag was made in 2001 and is hung to celebrate East Middlebury community history, gratitude and pride.

First ‘adult’ Thanksgiving taught valuable lessons

The first Thanksgiving. Not the one with the do spark the appetite — perhaps a carrot stick or a Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony. Not even those tiny pickle, a tiny, crisp cracker with a sliver of cheese. spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, popped into my mouth Others are actually the opposite: high in fat, high in in my infancy. No, the first Thanksgiving for me took calories. They taste great, and if you’re hungry, it’s place my first year out of college. That was the first easy to consume several right off, liberally washed time I was the one sliding the turkey down by the beverage of choice. I into the oven, making the gravy and think it might have been Wild Turkey all the other “trimmings.” That was that day — in honor of the holiday, my first adult Thanksgiving. of course — a type of whiskey that I did not prepare this feast solo. I has an extra high alcohol content. shared an old farmhouse with a few But it might have been some wine or other recent graduates; some close maybe eggnog with a liberal splash friends would join us for the day, of rum. The overall result was the providing an even dozen or so for same, no matter which. dinner. It would be festive!

The turkey was done. As I pulled The preparations began well it from the oven, those Butterball before that Thursday. Gathering juices slopped out of the pan onto the group, we fantasized about our the wooden floor. Setting it quickly favorite dishes, appetizers, desserts, on the counter, we grabbed towels and drinks from all our disparate to sop up the grease. While a couple family traditions, not to mention of people continued to tackle the oil our imaginations. A list was created spill, others turned to the various pots to encompass them all, and a major and kettles, stirring and mashing. shopping trip ensued. Each of us All appeared to be ready, except chipped in our share of the money: for one thing. Sated by our appetizBy Laurie Cox all whims destined to be fulfilled. ers, no one had an appetite. Indeed, a Early on Thanksgiving Day, we couple of our group, settled back into gathered in the kitchen, chopping, mixing and stirring their chairs, were already softly snoring. Those of us up a feast. The pies were baked, the turkey roasting still upright agreed to take a break, a walk, a nap. We and all else as prepared as could be for the moment. were not remotely ready to eat a feast.

As a fire burned in the parlor stove, we pulled up a Hours later, still somewhat lethargic, we reasvariety of armchairs and rockers. It was time for the sembled in the kitchen, reassessed the food. Slowly, drinks and appetizers. we began to put that meal together. It filled the long There are many kinds of appetizers. Some actually table, looking festive and giving off a savory aroma.

Ways of Seeing

We all sat down and ate some of that dinner, but it felt unneeded, superfluous. We picked at the turkey, passed around unwanted pieces of pie and, finally giving up, packed up the piles of leftovers. The food had turned out well; that was not the problem. It was fine, but it wasn’t a feast or, at least, we did not feast upon it. We laughed at our lack of interest — so far from our fantasized meal.

I had a friend at that time who would create events for people. On his business card was the statement: “Excess knows no bounds.” That is pretty much the definition of excess. As kids, we had probably fantasized excess: unlimited access to a cookie jar or box of chocolates; first, second and third dibs on the best pieces of meat off the platter; no one calling a halt as we spooned our favorite whatever into bowl or plate. I don’t think any of us had ever been food deprived. I am equally sure that none of our Depression-reared parents would have put together a feast they would be too full to even tackle. Most of them had learned the pleasure of “just enough.”

I said that this was my first adult Thanksgiving.

Actually, it was probably my last child Thanksgiving.

Fantasizing excess brings a certain amount of pleasure. Actual excess takes away the enjoyment. To truly enjoy a feast, you need to bring more than food to the table; you need to bring hunger.

Laurie Cox is a retired school counselor and long-time Ripton selectboard member. Besides occasional writing, she sings with Maiden Vermont, pursues art, takes long hikes with her dog(s) and seasonally gardens. She also is about to become more actively involved in things political, environmental, and just.

Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016 — PAGE 11A

Reactions (Continued from Page 1A) first presidential ballot for Hillary taken action. Two protests have Clinton. already been staged in a display of “She was so devastated,” Moorti solidarity with other nation-wide said. “So at about four in the protests. On Friday, Jenevra “Nevie” morning, I sent her an email offering Wetmore, a Middlebury College her solace, but also telling her that senior, reached out on a local once we get over the first emotions, electronic bulletin board offering we have to start thinking about to mentor youth from the LGBTQ resistance strategies. Even in the (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, worst conditions, there have always questioning) community. been resistance strategies.”

“I’m a gay girl from Anna Dowdy, Vermont in my senior “I was so a 16-year-old year at Middlebury disappointed.

Middlebury resident College,” her post read. Not disappointed and Middlebury Union “Thinking about the High School student, election results, I worry in an ‘aw, followed the election for young Vermonters, shucks, we lost’ closely. particularly those in kind of way, but “When I found out marginalized groups. disappointed, that Donald Trump I grew up in a space hurt, and was elected president, where queerness wasn’t I honestly felt sick to confused by discussed. I didn’t my stomach,” she said. know any LGBTQ the fact that “I was so disappointed. people who were out, the adults in Not disappointed in and that harmed me as my country had an ‘aw, shucks, we I grew older. lost’ kind of way, but failed me.”

“I don’t know what — Anna Dowdy, disappointed, hurt, and else to do,” the post 16-year-old confused by the fact continued, “other than Middlebury resident that the adults in my offer myself up as country had failed me. someone who would I’m 16, I’m not old be glad to talk to young queer enough to vote, but I have a lot of Vermonters who, perhaps, don’t have opinions.” a large LGBTQ support network.”

Though Dowdy hoped for a Since then, Wetmore said in an Clinton win, her optimism began to interview this week, she’s received fade after tapes of Trump speaking about a dozen responses — not pornographically about women were requesting her mentorship, but released. Worried that Trump might thanking her for her kindness and perpetuate a culture that tolerates productive mindset. sexual assault, she was enraged “The majority of them were that leaders of the Republican Party people who didn’t have anyone seemed dismissive of his words and for me to talk to, but they were actions. Like Moorti, she fears that just really happy to see it, which Trump could retract policies that was really sweet. It made me cry,” have been enacted to benefit women.

Wetmore said. “I don’t typically put “As a young woman, I was really personal information about devastated when I saw my peers myself on the Internet, and I had sharing information on how to get some concerns that I would get some a four-to-10-year IUD as soon as unhappy emails, but I didn’t.” possible,” she said. “I witnessed an Moorti also fears for the younger entire classroom of young women generation — particularly for young and men discuss abortion rights in girls who will grow up at the whims a peaceful manner while the teacher of a culture that may be strongly was out of the room, and while I’m affected by Trump’s leadership. Her always for discussion rather than niece, having turned 18 the Sunday suppression, I was saddened that before the election, eagerly cast her a woman’s right to her own body

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE STUDENTS, faculty and staff gathered outside Old Chapel Wednesday afternoon to protest the deportation threats issued by President-elect Donald Trump.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

was even a discussion that 16- and accountable for sexual assaults within their jurisdictions, and the 17-year-olds needed to be having.” funding of Planned Parenthood.

‘SAD BUT STRONG’ Moorti also acknowledged that She’s also concerned that Trump’s win legitimized a millennials — who, culture that tolerates according to exit “We can act, misogyny, racism, polls, generally voted instead of being Democrat — may feel acted upon. And ableism, homophobia and transphobia. more resilient and But with the energetic following the we may not win outcome of the election election, based on the every stage, but uncontested, she has actions of her students that is the part chosen to be optimistic and family members. of being active “They’re sad, but citizens, that we about the future actions individuals on a they’re strong,” she keep engaging.” of community, statewide said.

— Middlebury and national level.

Fears about College Professor “We have to hold fundamental changes Sujata Moorti our legislators’ feet to policies are running more deeply. to the fire and make Moorti herself worries about the our families feel that we are active resilience of reproductive rights participants in society,” Moorti statutes, laws that hold institutions said. “We can act, instead of being

acted upon. And we may not win every stage, but that is the part of being active citizens, that we keep engaging.

“I think what is happening on the federal level is enough to despair, but we cannot be paralyzed by that,” she continued. “We have to start figuring out where we can make these changes. To teach our children, or families, and my students that we can make small inroads, and every small inroad — that incremental change — will make culture shift at the grassroots.”

Ebony Nyon, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Vermont, agrees that small actions of resilience and support can make a substantial difference.

“It means a lot for people to reach out to various social justice

organizations just to say ‘I’m with you,’” she said. “We’re heading into a time of big unknowns, and we need to know that people out there are with us.”

And Wetmore, a young woman who has already taken a step of kindness, hopes that others will follow with similar actions.

“It’s an awful feeling of helplessness that one gets when something large happens,” she said.

“I just wish that more people would take that helplessness and just do smaller things, like reaching out to people on an individual level.

“I don’t think you need to join a protest or join some large political uprising, I think you just need to reach out on a human level. That makes a difference. That’s all I really know how to do at this point.”

‘Rally Against Hate’ draws more than 130 people in Middlebury

MIDDLEBURY — This past Sunday afternoon, Nov. 13, more than 130 Addison County residents gathered at the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society on Duane Court in Middlebury for a “Rally Against Hate.”

A rowdy parade of citizens, ranging in age from babies in strollers to a very determined 87-year-old, then walked from the church to the Middlebury green by way of Court Street. Supportive motorists honked and waved at signs that said, “We

Love Immigrants,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “Speak Out Against Racism.”

The marchers then gathered around the gazebo, where anyone who wanted to speak was invited to do so.

MORE THAN 130 people marched down Court Street to the gazebo on the Middlebury green Sunday afternoon to show their disapproval for the proposals of President-elect Donald Trump and others who profit from hate.

Photo courtesy of Win Colwell

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Dave Silberman, 40, of Middlebury urged the crowd to stay vigilant, and engage with their elected representatives.

“Our state legislature has the ability to fight back against the expected assault on civil liberties at the national level,” said Silberman, an attorney and pro-bono cannabis legalization advocate. “When you see rights being taken away in Washington, call your state representatives and senators, and demand that they take action in Montpelier.

“For example, when the legislature passed a law last year guaranteeing all Vermonters no-cost access to all approved forms of contraception, many observers thought it was unnecessary, given similar guarantees under Obamacare,” he said.

“But now that the incoming Trump Administration has promised to end the federal contraceptive mandate, Act 120 looks like one of the more important pieces of legislation to pass last year. We must look out for vulnerable individuals right here in Vermont, and pass state laws that aggressively preserve and expand the rights and safety of women, immigrants, communities of color, and our LGBTQ neighbors.”

The rally was organized by Kathy Comstock, 48, of Lincoln and was

sponsored by Showing Up For Racial Justice and Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society.

Along with dozens of other events around the country, the rally was a response to the recent escalations in hate crimes that have occurred since last Tuesday’s election.

Veronica Cambria, 62, of Middlebury reminded those gathered that bigotry, misogyny and xenophobia were not invented by Donald Trump.

“It was just that Donald Trump helped it to find the space it needed to grow and fester more visibly,” Cambria said. “Trump’s election is a call to organize!”

The rally’s organizers expressed hope that Middlebury will continue to come out in the days ahead, by attending other events such as WomenSafe’s Candlelight Vigil for Strength and Courage, which will take place this Friday at the same gazebo, at 6 p.m. Members of Showing Up For Racial Justice also urged those present to join the Facebook group SURJ Middlebury, to stay connected through social media.

Other speakers reminded the crowd that this is a powerful time to come together, to look out for one another and our earth, and to speak up against injustice.

PAGE 12A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

USDA program offers aid to agricultural producers

Wool (Continued from Page 1A) loaded on a truck and then it goes somewhere in the Midwest and then they grade it and then they send you a check. But it’s usually a pretty low price. For us it hasn’t really even covered the cost of shearing,” Freund said.

Anna and spouse Ben Freund raise Dorset-Tunis cross sheep for meat and wool, make maple syrup, raise laying hens and heritage-breed broilers and grow a variety of vegetables. They operate the 180-acre Open View Farm, noticeable for its sweeping pastures on the west side of Route 7, where sheep graze under 2.5 megawatts of solar power.

That now-familiar vista exhibits the kinds of far-reaching thinking about sustainability that is undoubtedly part of why Open View has just been awarded a $30,000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to research wool building insulation.

“The hope is that we can make a Vermont product and in doing so create jobs and contribute more to the agricultural economy,” said Freund.

UVM Extension Grazing Specialist and fellow sheep farmer Kimberly Hagen also wants to find a better answer to the Vermont farmers who have “bags and bags of wool in their barns, with nothing to do, no market for it.”

Hagen is the driving force behind the wool insulation study, and UVM Extension is Open View’s main partner on the project.

The study will investigate both ways to process raw wool into insulation and the potential market for this product. The study will bring Freund and Hagen together with a team of experts across a variety of endeavors, including the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; green building techniques and technologies; and wool fibers processing.

Vermont farmers lack a good market for their wool, Hagen explained, because of the structure of the wool market and the kinds of sheep best suited to Vermont’s climate. Most clothing is made from fine-grade wool, which comes from Merino sheep and their ilk, said Hagen. But Merinos — even though they topped the charts on Vermont’s 1800s wool boom — don’t actually do well in Vermont’s climate.

It’s not the cold, said Hagen, it’s the damp.

S

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Hagen

Merinos originate from Spain, of only one wool insulation prowhere they remained a closely ducer, Montana Green Insulation in guarded state secret for centuries. Malta, Mont. Hagen will be contactAnd being from Spain, they like dry, ing Montana Green as part of the sunny climates and are susceptible to study to see if it’s better to produce parasites and diseases in places like the wool in Vermont or partner with Vermont. an already existing manufacturer.

Damp-hardy sheep, like the SufAccording to Montana Green’s folks, Dorsets, Romneys website, sheep wool has and their assorted mutts “The hope an R-Value of 4.08 per and crosses that do best is that we inch. As a green insulain Vermont, come from tion material, wool is places like England, can make considered desirable beScotland and Norway, a Vermont cause it: • Doesn’t retain moissaid Hagen. All are dual product and ture, unlike cellulose inpurpose, providing both in doing sulation. meat and wool. And all so create • Is naturally fire retarproduce what’s considjobs and dant. ered a mid-grade wool. * Retains its springiMoreover, said Ha- contribute ness over time, so the ingen, grazing and climate more to the sulation doesn’t compact itself affect the fineness agricultural and lose efficacy. of wool fibers, and Ver- economy.” * Is safe to install. mont’s lush vegetation is — Ben Freund • Requires 90 percent too rich a forage to proless energy to manufacduce the finest-grade Merino-type wool, even if those sheep ture than mineral wool insulation. * Acts as an air purifier and filter. could flourish here.

• Insulates sound.

Hagen first learned about wool • Biodegrades naturally. building insulation on a research trip Best for Vermont sheep growers, to France about eight years ago, and said the product is manufactured and it would create a market for a prodused much more widely in Europe, uct that now is largely a cast-off.

Hagen said the study would in batting, rope, and blow-in forms.

In the United States, Hagen knows likely focus on blown-in type in-

AWOR

K

OM

WORKERS BLOW WOOL insulation into an old Vermont farmhouse in a test of how well this natural fiber will keep the cold out and the heat in.

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A Center for Independent Health Care Practitioners “Wellness is more than the absence of illness.”

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sulation, rather than batting because she thought it would be more cost-effective to produce. The study might also look at wool as a component in doors and windows and using wool in upholstery. She also said that the volumes of wool needed to create a wool insulation industry would necessarily have to draw on surrounding states, not just Vermont.

For all the ways that wool insulation could benefit the state’s sheep farmers and the state’s agricultural economy, Hagen also noted that sheep provide a unique benefit to the Vermont landscape, in terms of overall sustainability.

“We have pretty rugged land and thin topsoils, and I just see that sheep are much better. They’re lighter on the land than cattle,” said Hagen. “We have places that are appropriate for cattle and for dairy and beef farms. But the higher up in elevation we go and the thinner the soils and the rockier and ledgier, the sheep can do quite well.

They don’t need high intensity highly nutritious forages. They can provide meat and milk and fiber on weeds basically.”

Reporter Gaen Murphree is reached at gaenm@addisonindependent.com.

VERMONT — The USDA- planning and engineering design,” Natural Resources Conservation she explained. “To increase chances Service (NRCS) in Vermont is of receiving assistance, farmers encouraging farmers, growers should get started on the application and all agricultural producers to process as soon as possible,” she submit applications for financial added. and technical assistance through the EQIP allows farmers to conserve Environmental Quality Incentives natural resources by making Program (EQIP). available financial assistance for a While EQIP is variety of conservation offered through a “To increase activities. Applications continuous signup, must be submitted NRCS makes periodic chances of and approved before funding selections. The receiving implementing last application cutoff assistance, conservation practices. date for farmstead farmers should Last year, VT practices to be funded NRCS allocated $10.4 in 2017 is Feb. 17, get started on million through EQIP the application 2017. directly to farmers Examples of process as soon and forest landowners farmstead conservation in Vermont to help as possible.” practices include plan and implement — Vicky Drew c o n s e r v a t i o n barnyard structural practices such as practices that address manure waste lagoons, heavy use natural resource concerns and areas, manure pits, etc. NRCS State for opportunities to improve soil, Conservationist Vicky Drew said water, plant, animal, air and related farmers should not wait to submit resources on agricultural land and applications. “Structural practices non-industrial private forestland. that can help farmers protect and EQIP can also help Vermont farmers improve soil and water quality meet Federal, State and local require a considerable amount of environmental regulations.

By the way (Continued from Page 1A) your own table. To get a space contact Heather at 802-377-2363 or heatherlaport@gmail.com. Funds raised at the fair will benefit the Leicester Central’s sixth-grade end of year trip.

What is the future of land trusts?

In a luncheon at Middlebury College on Friday, experts will discuss how land trusts across America are engaged in new approaches to land protection, redevelopment and management in service to urban communities, including a Vermont example.

Hear what Vermont Land Trust President Gil Livingston and conservation attorney Jessica Jay have to say and enjoy a locally sourced lunch at Franklin Environmental Center on the campus. The event is 12:15-1:30 p.m.; please RSVP to gogreen@middlebury.edu.

Wanna be on a record? The Bluegrass Gospel Project is re-

cording their concert in Vergennes this weekend for their next album.

The group, which is rich with vocal harmonies, will perform at the Vergennes Opera House on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Using their incredible vocal and musical talent, the band explores and expands the tradition of bluegrass gospel with a wide range of music from U2 to the Stanley Brothers, Sam Cooke to Steve Earle. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

For those struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one or similar tragedy, Grace Baptist Church in Middlebury will soon start a new support group: Grief Anonymous.

Beginning Dec. 1, the group will meet every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 52 Merchants Row, Pastor Bob Henley tells us. Pastor Bob said the group is being started by a woman who lost her son. Anyone who would like more information may call the pastor at 802-453-3003.

wellness

directory

Jim Condon ................... 388-4880 or 475-2349 SomaWork Caryn Etherington ................... 388-4882 ext. 3 Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Nancy Tellier, CMT .. 388-4882 ext. 1... or 989-7670 Therapeutic Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy®, Soul Lightning Acupressure Donna Belcher, M.A. ............................ 388-3362 Licensed Psychologist - Master, Psychotherapy & Hypnosis Charlotte Bishop ....................... 388-4882 ext. 4 Therapeutic Soft & Deep Tissue ...or 247-8106 Neuro Muscular Reprogramming

Georgia Dune, CMT

JoAnne Kenyon ....................................... 388-0254 Energy Work; Relaxing Integrative Massage. www.joanne.abmp.com

Massage Therapy

Karen Miller-Lane, N.D., L.Ac. .............. 388-6250 Naturopathic Physican, Licensed Acupuncturist, CranioSacral Therapy.

Fireless Cupping

Ron Slabaugh, PhD, MSSW, CBP........ 388-9857 The BodyTalk™ System Irene Paquin, CMT 388-4882 ext.1 or 377-5954 Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, OrthoBionomy® Robert Rex................................. (802) 865-4770 Certified Rolfer™, Movement Educator

Robert Rex

In Downtown Middlebury

Foot Reflexology

802-377-2507

georgiadune@gmail.com georgiadune.wix.com/massagetherapy

Do you need a change?

Overcome doubt and fear with life coaching. You will develop clarity of values and intentions, and learn small achievable steps to success. You can further your career, business, health, relationships, retirement, skills or other aspirations using a comfortable workbook and personal coaching.

Call Dr. Charlotte McGray, PSYD at 388-0929 for Coaching or for Psychotherapy.

Certified Rolfer™, Movement Educator

Robert introduced Rolfing® Structural Integration to Middlebury over 8 years ago. Rolfing is a hands-on form of bodywork that softens and re-aligns your connective tissue, allowing for more energy, improved posture, and pain resolution. Rolfing—and Robert’s style of Rolfing in particular—meet your body where it is, instead of overpowering it. Robert works with you and your body to achieve your goals, and specializes in trauma release, chronic pain, movement repatterning, neurofascial mobilizations, and soft tissue spinal and bone adjustments. This approach can lead to profound changes, and provide you with new options to move, play, and live your life.

• • • •

Move the way you used to move!

Perform the way you want to perform!

Age the way you want to age!

Rolfing can be a powerful reset button at any stage of your life.

Robert is also a graduate of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, as well as a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

If you’d like to be listed in this wellness directory, call Pam at 388-4944

Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016 — PAGE 13A

Under the sea

MIDDLEBURY UNION HIGH School’s fall musical is the Disney classic “The Little Mermaid.” The title character is played by Brittany Baker, far right. Also featured are, clockwise from top left, Sabi Ward and Emma Pope McCright; Lydia Alberts, Lauren Turner and Sophie Lefkoe; Hannah Williams, Meigan Clark and Anna Browdy; Baker and Tor Bright; and Kess Moulton, Suzie Klemmer, Lefkoe and Kendra Tatkon-Kent. The show opens in the MUHS auditorium Friday night at 7 p.m. with additional shows on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

Giving Thanks

for Family, Friends & Community.

Happy Thanksgiving

Weybridge, Vermont • 802-545-2119

PAGE 14A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

Practically perfect

MOUNT ABRAHAM UNION High School’s fall musical is the stage version of “Mary Poppins” complete with rooftop dancing and a flying nanny. The show features Sam Kuhns as Bert and Eden Ginsburg as Mary Poppins. The large cast also features Louisa Funk and Evan Jennison as Jane and Michael Banks, top center, with Ginsburg; Noble Westbrook, Mitchell Tierney, Oliver Cole and Liam Davison, left, as bank board members; Audrey Shahan as Miss Andrew, top left, with Funk, Jennison and Ginsburg; and Owein Labarr as Mr. Banks and Patrick Davison as the bank chairman, center left. The show opens Thursday night and runs through Saturday.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell Additional photos by Buzz Kuhns

be seen

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advertise with us.

Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016 — PAGE 15A

Hunters

COLIN JENNINGS SHOT this 189-pound, 8-point buck on Monday morning in Starksboro and brought it to be weighed at Rack ’N Reel in New Haven.

Independent photo/Andy Kirkaldy

(Continued from Page 1A) And hunters and weigh station operators alike reported weighing plenty of big bucks over this past weekend — three tipped the scales at more than 200 pounds, another seven topped 190, and plenty more ranged from the 160s through the 180s.

“I think it’s been a great first weekend,” said Vaneasa Stearns owner of the Lincoln General Store.

“Good numbers and some good weights.”

Vermont Field Sports manager Greg Boglioli credited the milder winter and bigger herd for the fast start and for the slight uptick in Youth Hunting Weekend numbers (see story on Page 1B), which rose from 78 a year ago to 94 on this past Nov. 5 and 6.

MORGAN LAROCHE DISPLAYS the amazing 11-point buck she shot in Salisbury on Saturday. She said the 169-pounder also had two extra points that weren’t legal because they were only three-quarters-of-aninch long.

WYATT CAMERON OF Salisbury had to drag this 190-pound beast two and a half miles out of the woods in Goshen, but now he’ll have a 9-point rack to hang on his wall.

“The increase in deer numbers would show an increase in take,” Boglioli said.

Certainly, fewer hunters than usual are grumbling. Boglioli reported one typical story from a Field Sports regular who hunted in Ripton and passed up shots at two bucks running together because he was confident a better chance would come along.

Fifteen minutes later, he brought down a buck.

“Everyone I’ve been talking to has been seeing deer,” Boglioli said.

“They seem to be out there to be shot at.”

The fast start means the county is well on its way to its best post-2005 rifle season. A year ago when the county’s nine official weigh stations handled 188 bucks during opening weekend the local total finished at 444 deer in the 16-day season.

That final number proved to be the most weighed in Addison County since the 2005 spikehorn ban. The county’s rifle-season average stands at 385 per year over the past seven years, and this season looks ready to shatter last fall’s local record and boost that average.

BIG PICTURE The Independent will wrap up rifle season on the Thursday after its conclusion, and in December will look at bow and muzzleloader season totals and the annual local total of all seasons after they conclude.

During archery, rifle and muzzleloader seasons and Youth Hunting Weekend in 2015, Addison County weigh stations handled 772 deer, the third-lowest total in the past eight years. But the total was depressed because Department of Fish and Wildlife officials in 2015 decided not to issue doe permits to muzzleloader hunters in wildlife zones that included virtually all of Addison County.

Statewide in 2015 12,747 deer were taken among all the seasons, per Fish & Wildlife data, lower than the past three years because of the fewer doe permits. Totals in the past five years have ranged from a low of 12,132 in 2011 to a high of 14,107 in 2013.

With the local bow season off to a strong start as well, it appears that 2016 could push that average higher.

The current statewide numbers do not compare to the roughly 20,000 deer taken in Vermont annually between 1996 and 2000, per state data.

But that number dropped steadily to around 12,000 in 2004, before the 2005 spikehorn ban. Within three years, the annual kill bounced back to between 12,000 and 14,000, and the average weight and rack size of bucks taken during rifle season

improved.

The largest deer taken locally this past weekend was a 220-pound, 6-pointer that James Booska shot in Orwell and had weighed at Buxton’s Store in that town.

Two other deer tipped the scales at more than 200 pounds, both of which were weighed at New Haven’s Rack ’N Reel: Scott Hawkins took down a 215-pound, 8-pointer in Ferrisburgh, and Brian Morin shot a 208-pound, 6-pointer in Addison.

Possibly the best-looking deer of them all was weighed at Vermont Field Sports. Morgan Laroche killed

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a 169-pound buck in Salisbury with a rare 11-point rack, the only deer shot this past weekend with a rack of more than nine points.

“It was one of those deer where you say, ‘Wow,’” Boglioli said.

Laroche, who bagged an 8-point, 174-pounder last year, said conditions this past weekend were “perfect.” She attributed the high success rate of hunters to the fact that the bucks are just going into rut and more likely to be visible.

Hunters who were successful on opening weekend, listed with town of kill, pounds and points, were:

BUXTON’S COUNTRY STORE Glenn Cousino, Orwell, 179-6; Shawn Beeman, Benson, 178-6; David Hanson, Shoreham, 1564; Christopher Davis, Shoreham, 114-3; William Maloy, Sudbury, 144-4; Megan Russell, Orwell, 159-4; Michael Grace, Orwell, 1846; James Booska, Orwell, 220-6; Bruce Potter, Sudbury, 108-5; James Layne, Hubbardton, 171-7; Robert Hunt, West Haven, 140-7; Jeremy Audet, Orwell, 154-4.

Also, Donald Wyman, Hubbardton, 7; Brian Bishop, Cornwall, 167(See Results, Page 16A)

PAGE 16A — Addison Independent, Thursday, November 17, 2016

Results (Continued from Page 15A) 7; Edward Bell, Orwell, 168-4; Chris Hanson, Orwell, 195-7; Glen Hayward, Castleton, 161-7; Bryce Taylor, Fair Haven, 166-8; Elias Hescock, Shoreham, 1304; Jonathan Hescock, Shoreham, 168-4; Kyle Trudo, Orwell, 133-5; Joseph Desabrais, Shoreham, 184-3; and Shirley Bowen, Orwell, 173-4.

Also, Francis Bradish, Sudbury, 127-6; Harold Pouliot, Orwell, 1225; Taylor Booska, Orwell, 176-5; Tim Birchman, Sudbury, 107-4; Hannah Williams, Whiting, 1558; Cory Buxton, 160-7; Michael Matot, Shoreham, 185-7; Tony Quenneville, Whiting, 157-7; Chris Groman, Whiting, 162-8; Paul Parent, Orwell, 195-6; Cassandra Fyles, Shoreham, 144-4; and Jeffrey Williams, Brandon, 156-8.

Also, John Williams, Salisbury, 158-8; Bernard Galipeau, Bridport, 140-3; Phil King, Orwell, 182-6; Dylan Hill-Quintin, Shoreham, 1334; Kevin Stocker, Bridport, 147-3; Benjamin Moffett, Castleton, 1536; Kurt Miller, Hubbardton, 97-4; Jeff Taggart, Castleton, 112-4; Paul Metcalf, Benson, 157-7; Justin Quenneville, Whiting, 156-8; David Stearns, Orwell, 191-4; and Carter Leggett, Bridport, 129-4.

Also, Brady Larocque, Shoreham, 154-8; Michael Shaw, Orwell, 1467; Felicity Dugan, Rutland, 157-7; Jason D’Avignon, Orwell, 165-4; Roger Waterman, Ripton, 1417; John Sullivan, Orwell, 135-4; Mark Young, Orwell, 119-6; Keith Piper, Sudbury, 179-7; Casey Barry, Bridport, 173-6; Emily Huntley, Orwell, 127-3; and Steve Myrick, Shoreham, 170-8.

GREEN MOUNTAIN TRAILS END (BRISTOL) Gabriel Meader, Monkton, 1045; Scott Gustin, Monkton, 111-4; David Patterson, Lincoln, 152-8; Caleb Tucker, Monkton, 160-8; Nolan Whitcomb, Starksboro, 1314; Francis Jennings, Bristol, 115-4; Ryan Whitcomb, Bristol, 123-6; Alexis Lathrop, Middlebury, 145-4; Sarah Briggs, New Haven, 120-3; Martin Landon, Weybridge, 151-5; Matthew Shepard, Bristol, 114-7; Kristin Butler, Bristol, 191-8; and Wilbert Clark, Lincoln, 143-7.

Travis White, Bristol, 119-6; Josh Masterson, Lincoln, 136-4; Matthew Myers, Bristol, 168-6; Jonathan

Jennings, Bristol, 150-7.

JERUSALEM CORNERS COUNTRY STORE (SOUTH STARKSBORO) Duncan Keir, Huntington, 1365; Jesse Larock, Hinesburg, 1548; Scott Bell, Lincoln, 136-4; Eben Clifford, Starksboro, 131-6; Michael Metivier, Huntington, 1807; Daniel Bergeron, Buel’s Gore, 154-6; Sean Hamel, Bolton, 154-3; Tyler Niquette, Huntington, 1748; Michael Chenette, Starksboro, 147-6; Donald Dolliver, Starksboro, 150-5; Justin Lucia, Lincoln, 1396; Jason Berry, Lincoln, 185-5; Austin Lafayette, Lincoln, 135-5; Daniel Faircloth, Starksboro, 185-8; Nathaniel Nolet, Huntington, 135-4; Michael O’Leary, Buel’s Gore, 1808; Victor Atkins, Lincoln, 169-9; and Brian Heffernan, Starksboro, 135-4.

LINCOLN GENERAL STORE Kenneth Mayer, Starksboro, 1366; Michael Jewell, Lincoln, 126-4; John Kelliher, Lincoln, 168-6; John Masterson, Lincoln, 125-4; Thomas Kilbourn, Ferrisburgh, 188-8; Lyle Webb, Ripton, 171-5; Kyle Brooks, Ripton, 183-9; Kurt Naser, Lincoln, 144-6; Craig Desautels, Lincoln, 152-6; Brian Donnelly, Lincoln, 110-7; Debra Bessette, Ferrisburgh, 125-5; Dave Rideout Jr., Lincoln, 130-4; Frank Lossmann, Lincoln, 105-3; Adam Thomas, Lincoln, 1205; Carroll Griggs, Lincoln, 161-8; Dave Cavoretto, Lincoln, 181-5; and Bob Patterson, Lincoln, 127-6.

VERMONT FIELD SPORTS Dylan Racine, Monkton, 135-7; Nick Madison, Shoreham, 159-5; Justin Maheu, Salisbury, 187-8; Daniel Stern, Ferrisburgh, 133-3; Time Butler, Bristol, 147-4; Larry Butler, New Haven, 182-9; Gareld Butler, Bridport, 134-3; Eric Steele, Ripton, 163-6; Jeffrey Galipeau, Weybridge, 113-3; James Reynolds, Salisbury, 170-6; and Bernard Fleury, Ripton, 108-3.

Also, Paul Scaramucci, Middlebury, 138-4; Matthew Stevers, Middlebury, 116-3; Kenneth Bell, Cornwall, 135-6; Morgan Laroche, Salisbury, 169-11; Richard Miller, Middlebury, 118-6; Jordan Broughton, Weybridge, 140-3; Brett Ringey, Cornwall, 158-8; Daniel Wimett, Brandon, 128-4; and Tyler Pockette, Salisbury, 174-7.

(Names of hunters who were successful on Sunday and weighed

at Vermont Field Sports were not available before deadline because they were still in the hands of wildlife officials; they will be published in a later issue. They were included in the overall total reported above.)

NEW HAVEN VILLAGE GREEN MARKET James Meacham, Ferrisburgh, 132-5; Darren Muzzy, Ferrisburgh, 162-3; Brad Sprague, New Haven, 196-6; Eugene Aube, Bristol, 162-7; Leon Demers, New Haven, 172-8; Chris Huston, New Haven, 152-4; Kimberly Berthiaume, Middlebury, 118-3; Frank Stanley, Monkton, 1766; Patrick Paquette, Bristol, 126-3; and Zachary Lavoie, Ferrisburgh, 120-3.

WEST ADDISON GENERAL STORE Adam Loven, New Haven, 1867; Daniel Hebert, Weybridge, 1286; Chelsea Grant, Addison, 1464; Mark Shimel, Bridport, 151-6; Logan Lacompte, Panton, 132-6; Jeff Bishop, Shoreham, 155-4; Charles Bradford, Addison, 167-6; Cory Steady, Ferrisburgh, 128-3; Philip Hardway, Addison, 115-4; Haley Paquette, Addison, 138-4; Michael Johnston, Addison, 146-6; Raymond Cousineau, Addison, 1976; James Towle, Addison, 140-4; and Andrew Nolan, Panton, 130-5.

RACK ’N REEL (NEW HAVEN) Scott Hawkins, Ferrisburgh, 2158; Brian Morin, Addison, 208-6; Brian Jewell, New Haven, 199-6; Mark Mclellan, Bristol, 182-6; Cobi Badger, Monkton, 181-6; Joshua Hurlburt, Monkton, 181-7; Andy Husk, Ferrisburgh, 180-8; Adrian Comeau, Addison, 176-8; Eugene Cousino, New Haven, 176-8; Ambrose Cousino, Monkton, 1757; Oran Lamphere, Panton, 172-4; Justin Borah, Charlotte, 170-6; and Henry Bissonette, Panton, 168-6.

Also, Michelle Brace, Ferrisburgh, 166-8; Eric Jennings, Monkton, 1658; Seth Kittredge, Bristol, 159-5; Isaac Preston, Ferrisburgh, 156-6; Taylor Bessette, New Haven, 1546; Felicia Armell, Addison, 154-4; Bailey Smith, Ferrisburgh, 152-8; Rheal Gevry, Addison, 152-8; Joel Flewelling, Pawlet, 152-8; Charles Paolontonio, Charlotte, 143-6; Cody Barnum, Bristol, 142-4; and Aaron Collette, Addison, 142-4.

Also, Johnathan Matson, Bristol, 141-7; Justin Lalumiere, Ferrisburgh,

141-3; Nicholas Antell, Bristol, 1406; James Danyow, Ferrisburgh, 1394; Kyle Delabruere, Bristol, 133-4; Jay Smits, Bridport, 133-4; Nathan Fleming, Addison, 134-8; Brady West, Bristol, 136-6; Alexander Newton, Waltham, 136-6; Johnathan Hill, New Haven, 136-6; William Robinson, Lincoln, 138-5; and Jennifer Bora, Charlotte, 121-6.

Also, Kris Perlee, New Haven, 107-4; Shawn Robert, Ferrisburgh, 110-6; Leman Bronson, Monkton, 110-4; Casey Huizenga, Monkton, 112-3; Abigail Stearns, Ferrisburgh, 113-6; John Pickering, New Haven, 113-5; Shawn Russell, Monkton, 113-5; Daniel Stearns, Ferrisburgh, 115-3; Zachary Comeau, Addison, 120-3; Adam Gorton, Middlebury, 121-4; Glenn Sheffert, New Haven, 121-5; Marc Choiniere, Bristol, 1223; and Daryl Tribou, Addison, 125-3.

Also, Jessica Laughlin, Ferrisburgh, 126-7; Dean Gilmore, New Haven, 127-5; Dustin Brace, Ferrisburgh, 129-4; Brandon Tierney, Middlebury, 129-6; Shane Coyle, Ferrisburgh, 130-3; Christopher Breen, Starksboro, 130-

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD KEGAN BROWN of Salisbury killed his first buck late on the first day of rifle season while hunting with his grandpa Gary Smith. The buck was an 8 pointer and weighed 165 pounds and was taken in Ripton. Kegan is the son of Stacy and Gary Brown.

9; Adam Flynn, Monkton, 130-4; Cooper Harvey, Charlotte, 131-4; Joseph Szarejko, Monkton, 131-

4; Paul Norris, Starksboro, 131-4; David Huizenga, Monkton, 131-4; and Peter Norris, New Haven, 132-4.