Reporter
January 5, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •1
THE ESSEX
January 5, 2017
Vol. 37, no. 1
Town to assess water tower restoration Photo by COLIN FLANDERS The Essex Community Historical Society hopes to raise funds to help restore the Fort Ethan Allen water tower, pictured above.
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By COLIN FLANDERS
he past few decades have not been kind to the Fort Ethan Allen water tower. Built in 1893 by Kansas contracting firm Zeigler & Dalton, the tower was once the sole source of water supply for Fort Ethan Allen before its decommission in the late 1960s. Now, its marble-faced walls hide years of deterioration, pigeon poop offering the only sign of life inside. During a recent visit, the selectboard saw first-hand just how bad it
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was. “It was an absolutely terrifying experience for me,” selectboard member Sue Cook said at last month’s meeting. “I felt so unsafe in there.” Bolts connecting both the stairwell to itself and to the surrounding walls are missing. “We really shouldn’t be letting people go up there,” public works director Dennis Lutz said. “I know the board members went up there, and that’s fine, but we probably should have had you sign a waiver." The town has known about the problems since
a 2009 study conducted by McFarland Johnson. Yet after paying for a drone to survey the tower’s roof, the town also learned the tower’s slate roof is failing, with the wood beneath it showing signs of rot. At its Dec. 19 meeting, the selectboard granted the Essex Community Historical Society permission to begin a fundraising effort. “This is a very important part of the town of Essex history,” ECHS treasurer Ann Gray said. “We want to be able to pass on its history for generations to come.” See TOWER, page 2
Starting the conversation CJC, Heart and Soul to hold talks addressing racial oppression By KAYLEE SULLIVAN
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ssex’s Community Justice Center and Heart and Soul group are starting a series of discussions this month on building empathy around racial oppression, organizers said. A predominately white community, Essex didn't experience one particular event to spark the CJC to adapt this three-part series. The growing population of racial minorities, the plethora of officer-involved shootings of African Americans and a presidential election enveloped in tension, did though, Susanna Weller of the CJC said. “We know that for a lot of people, talking about race and racism is really challenging,” she said. “The U.S. has a long history of having a hard time having the conversation in a way that feels respectful and thoughtful and in a way that helps people act instead of just thinking.” See SERIES, page 2
Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Edge member Nicholas Rose uses the bench press at the company’s Essex Jct. location on Gauthier Drive last Thursday evening. Rose is a former athletic trainer with the company.
GYMS NAVIGATE NEW YEAR RUSH By TOM MARBLE With the New Year upon us, fitness centers are not only prepping for the annual influx of new gym-goers, but also trying new ways to curb the inevitable decline in the months to come. For Catherine Manning, manager of Snap Fitness in Milton, the first step to maintaining the gym’s client base is understanding why people join in the first
place. She has new members fill out a fitness survey in which they list their goals, reason for joining and past gym experience, among other things. “I know right off the bat when someone signs up what they want to do, and then I can help them decide what programs and workouts to do,” Manning said. Other area gyms take similar ap-
File photo
Combating brain drain
By COLIN FLANDERS
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Consultants hire ex-IBMers By TOM MARBLE
See LEVY, page 3
See GYM, page 14
Village fixes bridge, for now
Max Levy is pictured last May.
Two years ago, Max Levy noticed a risky trend in Essex. After decades of working in the microelectronics industry at the IBM plant, high-level executives with invaluable experience were retiring and moving away, families in tow. “This is an issue that has been on the table in Essex for decades,” said Greg Morgan, chairman of the town’s economic development commission. Levy decided to harness that talent
proaches. Essex fitness center The Edge also surveys new members, but more casually. “We do it in conversation,” said Deb Languasco, sales and marketing director at The Edge. “We also offer a fitness consultation when they first join, where they can meet with someone in our fitness department and talk more in-depth
Photo by COLIN FLANDERS A temporary bridge sits above the failed pedestrian walkway on Main Street in Essex Jct. The village hopes to secure a state grant to fund a new bridge.
pedestrian bridge in Essex Jct. deemed unsafe by the Vermont Transportation Agency warranted a quick fix from the village public works department last month. The walkway, located alongside the bridge on Main Street over Indian Brook, is separated from the road by a small concrete wall, allowing safe passage along the roadway. “We’ve always known that pedestrian sidewalk wasn’t looking that great, but I don’t think anyone decided to crawl underneath,” public works direc-
tor Dennis Lutz said at the board of trustees’ meeting December 13. After a November inspection by VTrans, the village learned the supporting beams under the sidewalk had failed. That meant besides the concrete connection to the Main St. bridge, nothing was holding the walkway up on either side. VTrans recommended replacing the beams and keeping snow removal equipment off the sidewalk until such repairs are made. Failure to comply with the recommendations could compromise public safety as well as result in additional damage and See BRIDGE, page 14
2• The Essex Reporter • January 5, 2017
local 1763
81 Main St., Essex Jct. 878-1341 | www.essex.org
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Burlington - South Chapel 862-0991 | 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN
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Jill Evans, left, and Susanna Weller of the Essex Community Justice Center sit in the lobby of their Iroquois Ave. office last week after discussing their hopes for a new series they're spearheading on building empathy around racial oppression.
community. “People who are white have a responsibility to know what racism is from page 1 and what our skin color, what kind To learn how to recognize, step of privilege it provides us,” Evans in and address race-related issues, said. the CJC partnered with the Peace Weller recognizes some people and Justice Center of Burlington, think racism doesn't exist here. who will facilitate the series. Through this program, she wants to Weller and the three other white learn how to recognize racism since women who run the CJC will be in it’s not always visible through her attendance as learners. privileged lens. “There's a lot of privilege here,” While the audience will be precenter director Jill Evans said. dominately Caucasian, the PJC will With that, Weller said the CJC provide two facilitators – one white has the power to address tensions and one non-white. over racial oppression; however, This lets audience members like many others, the group wasn’t hear two perspectives and and will sure the best way how. This series, provide first-hand accounts of racset for January 11, 18 and 25 from ism, Siegel said. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Essex's Memorial Through Heart and Soul's work Hall, gives them, along with 21 oth- of talking with close to 1,000 Essex ers, the chance to learn. community members, the non-profBeing in Vermont, Peace & Jus- it identified six values core to the tice Center executive director Ra- town's beliefs. Specifically, valuing chel Siegel said it's normal to have “community connections” is what a largely white audience at these led the CJC to partner with Heart workshops, which it facilitates and Soul in bringing the series to around the state. town, Liz Subin of Heart and Soul “It's a unique challenge pre- said. senting racial justice work to folks In the organization's spring in Vermont,” who sometimes don't 2013 study, 53 people mentioned believe racism exists until her orga- the importance of diversity and culnization points itWomen’s out to them, Siegel tural awareness in town, the fourth Resale Clothing said. most mentioned topic among the Here’saudience Your Chance To Celebrate Siegel hopes members community connections category, leaveSECONDHAND uncomfortable, knowing the the WEEK! report shows. WARDROBE (February that 26th - exists March 3rd) severity of the problem While many of the values outbut more equipped with tools to take lined in Heart and Soul's findings action to combat racism in their were put into action in the last few
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years, its partnership with the centers is its first step in discussing racial oppression and building an empathetic community, Susan McCormack of Heart and Soul said. With an increasingly diverse population, “This is a really good opportunity for the community to start to make some progress on it,” she said. All 25 seats are filled, but there is a waiting list and similar series around the state, Siegel said. Brownell Library hosted the same series last May. The CJC promoted the series by reaching out to local places, including the Islamic Society of Vermont in Colchester. Both representatives from the CJC said they hope that by learning empathy around racial oppression, they'll relate that to other topics, such as religion. “It's very important to have a conversation just about race,” Evans said. “But I think that puts us in a better position to open it up and talk about other differences.” Weller noted the Islamic society’s interfaith gathering last month and the discovery of swastika drawings at local colleges as instances to spark empathy around religion. Both organizations are looking forward to continuing this conversation after the series concludes. “We don't see this as an end to the work, we see this as a beginning,” Weller said.
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from page 1 in the form of his consulting firm, Max Advantage, which hires former IBMers as subcontractors to bridge innovation gaps and lower risk at other businesses, among other services. Although IBM could afford to retain these highly-skilled employees, Levy noticed others could not due to debilitating overhead costs. “So we found a way to collect them, and offer their services on demand to companies that need that expertise but can’t afford to house it themselves,” Levy said. He started the company in 2014. By offering a flexible schedule and the opportunity for specialized part-time work, Levy could to attract the skilled sub-contractors he sought. “Most of these folks want to stay technically active but they certainly don’t want to do it full-time anymore,” Levy said. “So it’s really a win-win proposition for everybody.” Max Advantage currently works with about a dozen sub-contractors, seven of whom have Ph.Ds. In total, they hold a combined
740 patents and average 30 years of experience. “They are all handpicked from here,” Levy said. From Morgan’s standpoint, the approach is unique. “Nobody locally has tried to put their arms around it and see if it was possible to build a cadre of people out of that plant that would be able to work from here,” he said. While Levy began with a sole focus on the microelectronics industry – particularly semiconductors – he and his partner, Walt Lange, who joined the firm last year, have since branched out. They now serve a variety of businesses both domestically and abroad, including a vineyard in Australia. The duo has relied largely on networking and established relationships to grow their firm, downplaying the need for a social media or web presence. Prior to joining Max Advantage, Lange was a consultant for 11 years, during which time he amassed business connections around the globe he can still utilize. “My own contacts extend to huge [venture capital] firms on the east coast to huge firms
on the west coast,” Lange said. While many new businesses are eager to build up their social media accounts as a way to garner new clients, Lange remains skeptical. “Everybody loves Twitter, but that doesn’t mean you generate business,” he said. Aside from keeping retired IBM employees working in the area, Lange and Levy also believe their business has an indirect impact that will allow other businesses in Vermont to prosper. “Some new companies, they have a great idea and they know where they want to get to, but they don’t really know how to get there,” Levy said. “So tapping into this group with brainpower and innovation, we can help them find that path.” Engaged in discussion with a handful of new potential sub-contractors, Levy and Lange have plans to keep growing their firm. “With this stage, with the company the size it is, it doesn’t pull much draw people coming from outside the state to come in, but it certainly allows us to keep people here,” Lange said.
Photo by COLIN FLANDERS A view from the bottom of the water tower located at Fort Ethan Allen in Essex.
TOWeR from page 1
The historical society is meeting later this month to discuss the next steps, Gray said. It will be a major undertaking; Lutz estimates fully restoring the tower will cost about $225,000. He broke down the project into three steps: fixing the roof, repairing the stairwell and re-grouting inside and outside the structure. The first is the most important step since water leakage could cause more dam-
age, he said. Those repairs would run an estimated $65,000, he said. There’s currently about $44,000 earmarked in the capital fund for the project, so if the historical society could secure a state historic preservation grant, which offers up to $20,000, the town could be almost halfway to the necessary amount, he said. Accessing the top of the 96-foot structure may be challenging, however, since it sits close to buildings on its north and east sides, making access via crane difficult. It’s likely some of the repairs would need staging from the tower’s upper windows, Lutz said. That’s why, ideally, the stairwell repairs would happen at the same time to allow for easier maintenance and access to the area that can’t be reached by crane, Lutz wrote. Yet restoring the stairwell would cost an estimated $130,000, Lutz said. He suggested ECHS to target that amount. The historical society also hoped the town would continue to allot funds from its capital tax, which raises about $500,000 each year. Divvying up these funds strikes the balance between preservation and utility, however, Lutz said, pointing to Memorial Hall, which needs a $100,000 roof repair. “Do you add more taxpayers’ money to the capital plan to fix that roof which has a direct use, or do you take that money and add it to preserving the historic tower? “There’s just a lot of stuff out there that needs fixing,” Lutz added. Still, given the tower’s history, Lutz said its restoration is worthwhile. The selectboard will discuss its capital budget during a work session Wednesday. Back in September, the water tower received backing from resident Abe Berman, who moved to Essex five years ago. Citing the tower’s “mythical” status in the area, he said he fully supports the restoration efforts. “It’s on my bucket list to get to the top of that tower one day… it’s a view that you can’t get another way,” he said.
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4• The Essex Reporter • January 5, 2017
local Police hosting two free informative classes on firearms for women
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By COLIN FLANDERS
42 Severance Greeen, Unit #108 Colchester, Vermont 05446 802 • 878 • 5282
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ssex police are hosting two free informative classes for women considering the purchase of a firearm for self defense, according to a news release. The class, instructed by Officer John Ruttenberg, will be held in the Essex Police Department community room on Thursday, Jan. 5 from
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. Police say the class will help novices make an informed decision about whether they need a firearm, guiding their choice to meet their specific needs. Police say classes will review laws about defensive use of firearms as well as capabilities and limitations of different types of common handguns and long guns.
The class will also demonstrate concealed carry methods and use scenarios to explain the decision making process for employing deadly force. “If you have considered the use of a firearm for self defense and are looking for information to help guide your decision, or are looking for more information regarding firearm choices, this is for you,” police said in a press release.
obituaries 2 Lincoln Street / 878-6944 / www.essexjunction.org
SSG William Paul Shine III SSG William "Will" Paul Shine III, 31 of Essex Jct., passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 after a seven-month battle with leukemia. Will proudly served his country as a U.S. Army staff sergeant stationed at Fort Eustis, Va. Will is remembered by his wife, Morgan; his son, William "Liam" Paul Shine IV; his parents William Paul Shine Jr. and Annette K Shine; his brother, Lucas Shine; and his sister, Katherine Shine. Will graduated from Essex High School in 2004. Services were held Monday, Dec. 19 at the Regimental Memorial Chapel at Fort Eustis in Virginia.
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Michael A. Relyea ESSEX JCT. – Michael Abram Relyea, 68, passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in Burlington with his family by his side. Michael fought a brave fight with cancer but simply wanted to be remembered as a husband, Dad and Papa rather than another cancer death. Michael was born in Schenectady, N.Y. on Nov. 3, 1948 the son of the late Melvin and Cecile Maynard Relyea. Michael and Marilyn Miller met in 1965 and were married on April 1, 1967. Devoted to each other from the day they met, they lived in Essex Center for 47 years in the house Michael built for his family. He was a devoted father and always referred to his daughters as “Mike’s Girls.” All his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren called him Papa, and there was deep mutual adoration.
Communication
Michael enjoyed life. He attained his high school diploma at the age of 63 and called it one of his greatest accomplishments. He loved to fish Lake Champlain, where his parents had a camp, which was like a second home to him, at the Sand Dunes in Colchester for several years. He was a hard worker that worked all his life to provide for his family. He worked as an auto mechanic and machinist and retired from the Vermont Agency of Transportation in 2004 where he worked as a fabricator and plow truck operator. He spent recent years taking trips with his wife and daughters and spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them to shoot and fish. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; by his daughters and their spouses: Angela and Matt Amstein, Kathy and David Terry, Mary Jo and Nate Catella, Michelle Relyea and her fiancé, Tim Shover; by eight grandchildren: Christopher Relyea,
to subMit Arrange with your funeral home to send remembrances to news@essexreporter. com by Fridays at 5 p.m of desired week's publication.
Devin Marshall, Tonya Savage, Shane and wife, Meghan Raymond; Elizabeth Raymond and partner, Jason Hammond; Dalton Marshall, Seth Amstein and Jared Amstein. Michael also is survived by nine great-grandchildren: Cody, Skye, Alexis, Emily, Keyra, Lily, Morgan, Leigha and Phoebe; by three brothers and one sister: Henry and Lynn Relyea, Richard Relyea, David and Susan Relyea and Margret and Robert Trayah; by two sisters-in-law: Betty Medlar and Marleen McCoy and by his brother-in-law, Wayne and Marilyn Miller. As per Michael’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Donations may be made in Michael’s memory to Essex Rescue, 1 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452-3172 or the American Cancer Society, VT Chapter, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495-1460. Online condolences may be made at www.minorfh.com.
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January 5, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •5
opinion PERSPECTIVE
Uncertainty won’t sidetrack health care progress By JOHN BRUMSTED, M.D.
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any Vermonters – including health care providers – feel uncertain and concerned about the future of health care in light of the significant political changes the national elections triggered. We want our patients to know that regardless of these developments, the University of Vermont Health Network is committed to improving quality and controlling costs by continuing to work closely with Vermont’s hospitals and providers of all types to keep you healthy, instead of just treating you when you’re sick. Uncertainty is nothing new in health care. Providers in Vermont have continued to make progress despite the unpredictability of our environment by focusing on what’s most important; what is best for our patients and their families. This is what we’ve dedicated our lives to doing, and we know it produces the best results. We believe that a coordinated system of care focused on keeping you healthy, instead of the current fragmented model that financially rewards the quantity of care, is the most effective way to improve quality, maintain access for all Vermonters and control costs - goals we enthusiastically share with state and federal policymakers and the public.
To be sure, providers of all types have worked with each other and state policymakers for decades, and we have excellent quality and good access to care as a result. But it will take even closer collaboration if we expect to improve our current health care system further and especially make care more affordable. The need for closer collaboration began about five years ago when the federal Affordable Care Act encouraged providers to share responsibility for the cost as well as quality of care. In just those few years, we’ve achieved a greater level of cooperation in Vermont’s health care system than ever before, something I believe is worth celebrating. And coordination is working. OneCare Vermont – a network of most of the state’s non-profit hospitals, independent physicians, federally qualified health centers and hundreds of other providers – has achieved positive results in the last several years taking this approach: • Across the network, Medicare quality scores rose 15 percent, reaching 92 percent. • A primary care practice in central Vermont improved management of heart failure patients resulting in a 50 percent decrease in emergency room visits, and a 75 percent drop in hospital admissions. • A team in Chittenden County worked with primary care providers to increase
use of hospice services to improve the quality of life for patients, and saw an average increase of 81 percent. As our focus has shifted to keeping people healthy to avoid costly medical treatments, we are seeking innovative ways to make this happen. It turns out that the most effective approach must include concentrating on access to adequate housing, healthy food and other key needs, as these factors have the greatest impact on one’s health status. For example, the collaboration between the UVM Medical Center and several other local non-profits to provide safe housing for people experiencing homelessness resulted in improved health and a 60 percent drop in the cost of care for those individuals over one year. Our success with a collaborative model led federal health regulators to entrust Vermont with building a statewide system of coordinated care supported by payment reform known as the “all payer model.” It will be run by local health care providers – doctors, nurses, home care providers, social service workers and others – who have come together voluntarily to create an efficient system designed to make sure you have the support you need to be as healthy as possible. Health care decisions will still be made by you working with the providers you choose. To bring about progress on mak-
ing care more affordable, the model is designed to motivate providers to work together to eliminate waste and unnecessary treatment, setting limits on total spending. Requirements to meet rigorous quality measures will guarantee patients do not receive less treatment than they need. It is a big step, but I believe we have an excellent chance to succeed because of the collaborative relationships that have developed within the provider community. While there is uncertainty concerning the direction health care policy will take under a new federal administration, there are also many indications of bipartisan support for continuing on the path of improving quality, coordination and affordability. A wide array of Vermont providers have worked closely over the past several years in a spirit of providing the best possible care for our fellow Vermonters. These relationships – built on trust and the shared belief that working together we can improve people’s lives – will see all of us through the uncertain, but also exciting, times that lay ahead. John Brumsted is president and CEO of the UVM Health Network and CEO of UVM Medical Center.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Media bias doesn't belong in local reporting I take exception to your decision to highlight only lurid aspects of the recent recreation department debates (2016 Year in Review, Dec. 29). By the way, an STD, in addition to being shorthand for “special taxing district” is a venereal disease, not a contraceptive option, as your article stated. The tone of this part of the "biggest headlines" section sounded like sour grapes to me. This was a huge story for much of 2016, yet you devoted a scant four sentences to summing it up, with no quotes or pictures. In contrast, homeless veteran Michael Barney, got much more ink -- a whopping nine sentences -- as did several other topics. Your emphasis on “gimmicks” in the STD debate ignored the antics used by promoters of the rec district and the exorbitant costs in staff and volunteer time. This information, as well as the costs of exploring and promoting the STD, is easily avail-
able with some actual, um, research. For example, the $30,000 spent on this proposal could have been used to provide many additional programs and services to our residents instead! This money, from town, village and EJRP funds, purchased lawn signs, postcard mailings ($1,600) and legal advice ($16,000!) The special election, held at an extremely inconvenient time of the year and with characteristically low turnout, cost $8,000. I find it interesting that, in this still democratic society, the grassroots activists who spoke truth to power were not considered relevant to this story. They, in fact, would have provided a positive lead into your summary of Bernie's populist campaign that followed. Both were people-powered, yet you chose the word "heated" to compare and connect the two efforts. It was small donations from a couple dozen concerned individuals that bought the "Vote NO" flyers and lawn signs, and, by the way, it cost them less than $1,000 to achieve
victory. Your staff missed more than an opportunity to fairly and accurately report all of the details of this story. Frankly, I believe they missed the forest for the trees all year on this issue. I understand town and village and EJRP buy a lot of ads in your paper. But so do quite a few people who voted no. They own businesses in town and even advertise with you, but, because recreation became the "third rail" here in Essex, they couldn't afford to go public with their opposition. I really hope your relationship with such heavy hitters doesn’t have a bearing on the way this story, or any others, was reported. The Reporter staff needs to remember one of the most important tenets of journalism: Unless writing an op-ed piece, you must keep opinions to yourselves, not put them on the front page. Frankly, I expect more reporting and less pandering this year. Dawn McGinnis
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Support Levy this March With two recent elections behind us in November and December, the last thing on anyone’s mind right now is another one in March, but the calendar doesn’t rest. Town Meeting and the town selectboard election are important for everyone who cares about the future of the community, and that includes village residents. There will be two seats contested on March 7. One of those candidates will be Max Levy running for re-election. Max is the chairman of the selectboard and has served this community with distinction for many years. He is fair, considerate, forward-thinking and efficient. His background as a successful engineer with IBM and now with a creative new business niche gives him the skill set to analyze problems carefully and move toward broad-based solutions. I have seen Max work on behalf of us on many occasions, particularly in support of the successful transition of IBM to GlobalFoundries. We are lucky that Max is so dedicated to public service that he has agreed to run again for another three-year term. This bodes well for a continuation of the collaborative work done between town and village to increase efficiencies in local government while reducing redundancies and trying to find the right municipal response to issues created by the recent schools unification. Max works really well with others and should be returned to the selectboard in March. I’m hoping with others to see a really strong turnout for the March election everywhere in Essex! Tim Jerman Essex Jct.
Reporter THE ESSEX
ExEcutivE Editor Courtney A. Lamdin
AssociAtE Editor Abby Ledoux
sports Editor Colin Flanders
rEportErs
co-publishErs
Emerson & Suzanne Lynn
gEnErAl mAnAgEr Suzanne Lynn
AdvErtising mAnAgEr Wendy Ewing
Colin Flanders Michaela Halnon Kaylee Sullivan Tom Marble
AdvErtising sAlEs
42 Severance Green, Unit #108, Colchester, VT 05446
Email: news@essexreporter.com Website: www.essexreporter.com
Phone: 878-5282 Fax: 651-9635
Barbara Brisson
Published Thursdays
Deadlines: News & Advertising – Friday at 5 p.m. Circulation: 8,800
6• The Essex Reporter • January 5, 2017
EssEx ArEA
Religious Directory
calendar Jan. 11
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH - 61 Main St., Essex Jct., 878-8341. James Gangwer, pastor. Sunday School: 10 a.m., Worship Service: 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship: 7 p.m., Wednesday evening youth groups, Adult Bible study and prayer: 7 p.m.; FundamentalIndependent. CITYREACH CHURCH - 159 Pearl St., Essex Jct. Behind Subway, on the back side of the building. Pastor Brent Collins. Sunday worship service: 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. A casual, family-focused and friendly Christian Church with practical teaching, great music, a safe kids program (Nursery-5th grade) and an exciting and empowering church experience, www.essexjunction.cityreachnetwork. org; bcollins@cityreachnetwork.org; facebook: CityReach Church - Essex Junction. CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH - Route 2A, Williston, just north of Industrial Ave. 878-7107. Wes Pastor, senior minister, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified, Sundays: 9:30 a.m., www.cmcvermont.org. DAYBREAk COMMUnITY CHURCH - 67 Creek Farm Plaza, Colchester. 338-9118. Brent Devenney, lead pastor. Sunday service: 10:30 a.m., AWANA: Thursdays twice a month, www.daybreakvermont.org; brentdaybreak@gmail.com ESSEX ALLIAnCE CHURCH - 37 Old Stage Road, Essex Jct. 878-8213. Sunday services: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., www.essexalliance.org. ESSEX CEnTER UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 119 Center Rd (Route 15), Essex. 878-8304. Rev. Mitchell Hay, pastor. Service 10:00 a.m. with Sunday School and childcare provided. We offer a variety of small groups for prayer, Bible study, hands-on ministry, and studying contemporary faith issues. Please join us for worship that combines the best of traditional and contemporary music and spirituality. We are a safe and welcoming space for all people to celebrate, worship, ask questions and plant spiritual roots. FIRST COngREgATIOnAL CHURCH OF ESSEX JUnCTIOn - 1 Church Street, Essex Jct. 878-5745. Rev. Mark Mendes, senior pastor. Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Communion: first Sunday of every month. Sunday School: 5th/6th Grade - 1st Sunday of the month, Jr. & Sr. high youth groups - every Sunday. Heavenly Food Pantry: fourth Thursday of the month, 2-6 p.m. except for Nov. & Dec. when it is the third Thursday. Essex Eats Out community dinner: 1st Friday of the month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Music includes Sanctuary Choir, Praise Band, Junior Choir, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir, Men’s Acapella & Ladies’ Acapella groups. UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, because we are all created by a loving God. www.fccej.org; welcome@fccej.org gRACE UnITED METHODIST CHURCH - 130 Maple Street, Essex Jct., 1 mile south of the Five Corners on Maple Street / Route 117. 878-8071. Worship Sundays: 9:30 a.m., with concurrent church school pre-K to high school. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult study group Sundays: 11:00 a.m; adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12:30 p.m., come explore what God might be offering you! HOLY FAMILY - ST. LAwREnCE PARISH - St. Lawrence: 158 West St., Essex Jct. 878.5331. Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.; Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. Holy Family: 36 Lincoln St., Essex Jct., Sundays: 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.hfslvt.org. MT. MAnSFIELD UnITARIAn UnIVERSALIST FELLOwSHIP - 195 Vermont Route 15, Jericho, the red barn across from Packard Road. 899-2558. Services are held 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from September through June. Visit www.mmuuf. org. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 4 St. James Place, Essex Jct., off Rt. 2A at the Fairgrounds Gate F. 8784014. Rev. Kim Hardy. Holy Eucharist: 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. Adult study: 9:15 a.m. Visit www.stjamesvt.org; stjamesvtoffice@yahoo.com. ST. PIUS X CHURCH - 20 Jericho Road, Essex. 878-5997. Rev. Charles Ranges, pastor. Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. & Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or please call 878-5331 for an appointment.
file photo by Kaylee Sullivan
Attendees of this month's First Wendesday Lecture on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Brownell Library will hear UVM professor Huck Gutman examine some of the most remarkable poems about war ever published by Walt Whitman. See listing for more information.
5 ThurSdaY eSSex arT league MonThlY MeeTing 9 - 11 a.m., Essex Jct. Congregational Church, Route 15. One of the most helpful and interesting meetings of the year: The EAL small group critique. Bring a few pieces of art for gentle help from other members in your small group. The art can be in different stages of completion – midway with help needed, finished with help needed or a satisfied finish for compliments! After the critique, there will be enough time to admire all the works of art in a pop-up art gallery.
read To archie
3:15 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Archie loves to listen to kids read and is certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Archie’s owner is Christine Packard, chair of Brownell Library trustees. For all ages.
children'S STorY TiMe 6 p.m., Rocky's Pizza, 39 Park St., Essex Jct. Mother Goose stories and Aesop's Fables.
Box Brown & JaMeS KochalKa
6:30 p.m., Phoenix Books Burlington, 191 Bank St., Burlington. Join Box Brown and James Kochalka for a talk on their new books, "Tetris" and "Elf Cat in Love." Tickets are $3 per person and include a coupon for $5 off the featured book. Coupons expire at closing the evening of the event. Seating is limited. Visit www.phoenixbooks.biz for more information.
adulT coloring
6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Come join the fun of adult coloring! Bring your own books or choose from a variety of printed pictures supplied by the library. Light refreshments will be served.
Tell iT aT TwiggS
7 p.m., Twiggs American Gastropub, 28 North
Main St., St Albans city. Come hear first person stories told on stage in 6 - 8 minutes. Hosted by Bill Torrey. $5 cover charge benefits The Burrow Project through the St. Albans Community Arts.
6 fridaY all ageS STorYTiMe
10 - 10:30 a.m., Brownell Library. Come listen to picture book stories and have fun with puppets, finger plays and rhymes. For ages birth to 5.
MuSical STorYTiMe
10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Rock out and read on Friday mornings with books, songs and instruments. For all ages.
Teen adviSorY Board
3 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Teens from high school plan programs, hang out and give advice. Come play games and welcome back TAB alumni home on vacation. For high school students.
Magic: The gaThering
6 - 8 p.m., Brownell Library. Whether you know the game or are curious to find out more, come have tons of gaming fun! For grades 6 and up.
7 SaTurdaY whole BooK approach
11 a.m., Phoenix Books, 21 Essex Way, Essex. Calling all kids! Join us for our weekly "Whole Book Approach" story time. The approach explores the ways words, pictures and book design work together to tell a complete story. The adult leads the children through the book rather than reading the book at/to them. We’ll hold story time just about every week. Want to double check on a particular date? Call us at 872-7111.
The SleepwalKer BooK Tour KicK-off
4 p.m. VIP, 5 p.m. general admission, Contois Auditorium, Burlington. Join Chris Bohjalian and Phoenix Books to celebrate the launch of "The Sleepwalker." From The New York Timesbestselling author of "The Guest Room" comes the mesmerizing story of a wife and mother who vanishes from her bed late one night. Vermont’s Chris Bohjalian is the author of 19 books, most of which were New York Times bestsellers. This event is ticketed, and proceeds of the VIP reception will go to the Vermont Foodbank. Visit www.phoenixbooks.biz for more information. THE ESSEx CHILDREN’S CHOIR PRESENTS
30Th TwelfTh nighT celeBraTion
6:30 p.m., The Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel; St. Michael’s College, Colchester. A unique collaboration of musical artistry to close the Twelve Days of Christmas with song, dance, instruments and prose. By donation; no ticket sales. For more information, call 863-9161 or visit www. essexchildrenschoirofvermont.org.
8 SundaY NORTHERN BRONzE HANDBELL ENSEMBLE
BellS MerrilY a’ringing
3 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Pl., Essex Jct. This group of 14 talented musicians offers handbell music of the season to warm hearts during the cold winter month of January. Familiar tunes such as "Carol of the Bells," "Feliz Navidad," "Deck the Halls" and "Parade of the Tin Soldiers" will delight young and old alike. Tickets available at the door; $12 for adults, $8 for children under 12.
weSTford MuSic SerieS preSenTS code 11
4 - 5 p.m., UCW White Church, Westford. This talented group of five musicians has quickly grown in popularity and gathered a loyal following. They are known for their strong range of classic, rock, modern rock and blues favorites. This concert is guaranteed to offer wide appeal to young and old and take the frost off a winter afternoon. Free; refreshments will be served.
9 MondaY SpaniSh MuSical KidS
10:30 - 11:15 a.m., Brownell Library. Join Constancia Gomez, an experienced Spanish teacher, for this interactive Spanish musical class for kids. This class will have activities to keep little ones and parents moving.
STorYTiMe
10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library. Enjoy books, songs and crafts each week! For all ages.
Tech help wiTh clif
Noon & 1 p.m., Brownell Library. Offering one on one technology help. Bring in your new gadget or gizmo and Clif will sit with you to help you learn its ways. Reservation required. Please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.
lego cluB
3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Build awesome creations using our collection of Legos!
MuST read MondaYS
6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Brownell Library. "The Marriage of Opposites" by Alice Hoffman is a work of historical fiction and details a forbidden love story set on the tropical island of St. Thomas. Learn about the extraordinary woman who gave birth to painter Camille Pissarro, the father of impressionism. Pick up a copy of the book at the main desk.
January 5, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •7
calendar
Bus Day Trip to
AKWESASNE MOHAWK CASINO Hogansburg, New York
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6
local meetings mon., Jan. 9
tues., Jan. 10
5:45 - 6:45 p.m., village bike/walk advisory committee, lincoln Hall, 2 lincoln st., essex Jct.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., village trustees, lincoln Hall, 2 lincoln st., essex Jct.
7:30 p.m., town selectboard, town offices, 81 Main St., essex Jct.
6:30 p.m., town planning commission, Town offices, 81 Main st., essex Jct.
tHurs., Jan. 12
with friends, colleagues, family members or anyone who will help continue work beyond the three sessions. the essex community Justice center and Heart and soul of essex are hoping this will kick off much larger conversation over the next couple years regarding issues of race in the essex community. For more information, call 863-2345 ext. 6 or email program@pjcvt. org. register at http:// tiny.cc/0ju5gy. First WeDnesDAy lecture
Vt. AstronomicAl society
How fast are you moving?
7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Brownell library. Have you ever considered how fast you're moving when it seems you are not moving at all? it seems like an easy question, but it’s actually quite complicated and perhaps best answered by another question: “relative to what?” even when you think you are standing still, the earth is moving relative to the sun, which is moving relative to the milky Way, which is - you get the idea! let’s unravel the concepts of absolute and relative speed as we move along.
10 tuesday storytime for BaBies and toddlers
9:10 - 9:30 a.m., Brownell library. Picture books, songs, rhymes and puppets for babies and toddlers with an adult.
storytime for PrescHoolers
10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell library. Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets, flannel stories and early math activities for preschoolers.
vermont genealogy liBrary
3 - 9:30 p.m., 377 Hegeman Ave., Fort ethan Allen, colchester. the Vt. Genealogy library has the resources to help you find those elusive ancestors. For more information, visit www. vtgenlib.org.
read to daisy
3:15 - 4 p.m., Brownell library. Daisy loves to listen to kids read and is certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Daisy’s owner is maddie nash, retired school counselor. For all ages.
Knitting grouP
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., essex Free library. Do you have a knitting project you are working on? come join us and knit in the company of others.
11 wednesday red clover grouP for HomescHooled students
9 - 10 a.m., Brownell library. each month, students in grades K-3 read two titles nominated for the red clover Award and complete activities related to one on the list. Voting takes
place in April.
dorotHy’s list grouP for HomescHooled students
9 - 10 a.m., Brownell library. each month, students in grades 4 - 8 hear book talks from this year’s Dorothy’s list. students keep a log and vote for their favorite to win the Dorothy’s list Book Award in the spring. Group discussion is encouraged.
gmBa BooK discussion for HomescHool students
9 - 10 a.m., Brownell library. Homeschooled high school students gather monthly to discuss books on the Green mountain Book Award list. this session we read "six of crows" by leigh Bardugo. Voting takes place in may. For grades 9 - 12.
tecH time witH traci
10 - 11 a.m., essex Free library. need some tech help? Drop in with your device and your questions.
tecH HelP witH clif
noon & 1 p.m., Brownell library. offering one-on-one technology help! Bring in your new gadget or gizmo and clif will sit with you to help you learn its ways. reservation required; please call 878-6955 at least 24 hours in advance.
essex rotary cluB meeting
12:10 p.m., the essex, 70 essex Way, essex Jct. the rotary club of essex offers a superb lunch, featuring speakers on topics of interest to the community at large. Visitors welcome.
tutoring
3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Brownell library. A high school student offers after-school tutoring at the library. math is the preferred subject, but others are available.
Building emPatHy and addressing racism
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., memorial Hall, essex. this three-part program strives to give community members the opportunity to practice recognizing racism and addressing it. the three sessions focus on self, community and systems/ institutions. it is important to attend all three parts of this workshop. Participants are strongly encouraged to sign up
walt wHitman and tHe civil war
7 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell library. Whitman’s civil War writings give us a dual portrait: First, the war as “a strange, unloosen’d wondrous time,” and second, the emergence of a new Whitman. university of Vermont professor Huck Gutman examines some of the most remarkable poems about war ever published and looks at Whitman’s development.
12 tHursday read to arcHie
3:15 - 4 p.m., Brownell library. Archie loves to listen to kids read and is certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Archie’s owner is christine Packard, chair of Brownell library trustees. For all ages.
sacred HarP
7:30 p.m., contois Auditorium, city Hall; 149 church st., Burlington. A screening of the documentary followed by a Q&A with directors matt and erica Hinton.
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., singing school with matt and erica Hinton, 12:30 p.m., dinner on the grounds/potluck lunch, 1:30 - 4 p.m., singing, contois Auditorium, city Hall, 149 church st., Burlington. songs will be from the 1991 Denson edition of "the sacred Harp." songbooks will be available to borrow and purchase. All are welcome; no singing or musical experience necessary.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m., essex Free library. start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs every saturday morning.
wHole BooK aPProacH
11 a.m., Phoenix Books, 21 essex Way, essex. (see saturday, Jan. 7.)
15 sunday
songs and stories witH mattHew
Join Hands in Peace and friendsHiP
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell library. maggie loftus, veteran knitter, will be settled in front of the fireplace in the main reading room. she invites adult knitters and crocheters to join her with their projects and engage in conversation. Bring patterns to share if you’d like. For more information, email maggie at 6maggie2@ myfairpoint.net.
dungeons and dragons
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell library. embark upon imaginary adventures. our Dungeon master, owen, serves as the game’s referee and storyteller. For grades 6 and up.
awaKe my soul: tHe story of tHe
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13 friday
maggie’s fiBer friday for adults
Meet at Milton Park & Ride Off I89 Exit 17 between 6:35am-6:55am Bus Departs: 7:00am Depart the Casino: 4:30pm
saturday storytime
6 p.m., rocky's Pizza, 39 Park st., essex Jct. mother Goose stories and Aesop's Fables.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m., essex Free library. rock out and read on Friday mornings with books, songs and instruments. For all ages.
[
sacred HarP singing events
cHildren's story time
musical storytime
FREE extras include: $25 FREE Slot Play $11.50 Buffet Coupon Coffee Donuts Bottled Water Movies Aboard
14 saturday
3 - 4 p.m., Brownell library. come play! teen chess players help you discover new moves. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Kids 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. chess sets funded by the Brownell library Foundation.
10 - 10:45 a.m., Brownell library. matthew Witten performs songs about our world and tells adventurous tales. Funded by the Brownell library Foundation. For all ages.
[
$35 PER PERSON
CALL NOW FOR RESERVATIONS!
noon - 6 p.m., Fletcher Free library, 235 college st., Burlington. in celebration of martin luther King Jr. Day, we will have an open craft table where kids can make a "friendship hand" to be joined with others and displayed in the library. let's see how far we can make it go!
ongoing free cHristmas tree PicKuP
Jan. 5 - 6, 7:30 a.m., essex town and Village. residential christmas trees will be picked up at the curbside, weather permitting, by Village and town public works crews and subcontractors. the chittenden solid Waste District will make arrangements to have the trees chipped for use as mulch or wood fuel. there will be no charge for this service. if you miss the curbside pickup or would like to recycle your tree earlier or later, csWD will accept the trees at their dropoff facility off route 2A during their normal operating hours. there will not be a charge for the drop-off of up to three christmas trees from residential customers. see www.essex.org for guidelines.
300± Cars, Trucks, SUVs & MORE!!
Saturday, January 7 @10AM Register from 8AM 298 J Brown Drive, Williston, VT 800-474-6132 • 802-878-9200 ’15 Mitsubishi Lancer ’13 Nissan Rogue ’13 Chevy Cruze ’12 VW Jetta ’12 Chevy Sonic ’12 Chevy Equinox ’11 Nissan Sentra ’11 Kia Sorento ’10 Subaru Outback ’09 Subaru Outback ’09 Pontiac G6 ’09 Nissan Cube
’09 MINI Cooper ’09 Kia Rio ’09 Ford Focus ’09 Chevy Malibu ’09 Chevy Impala ’09 Chevy Cobalt ’08 Toyota Sienna ’08 Honda VTX1300 ’08 Honda Civic ’08 GMC 1500 ’08 Ford Fusion Subject to Change
Automotive Tools & Equipment Complete Dispersal
Onsite & Online: Tues., Jan. 17 @ 10AM 100 Pearl Street, Essex Junction, VT
• Ben Pearson 2-Post Hydraulic Lifts • Ammco Brake Lathe • Globe 2-Post Hydraulic Lifts • John Bean Visualiner Wheel Aligner • Rotunda Specialty Tool Kits • Rotunda Pneumatic 1,250# Engine Jack/Cradle Assembly • Rotunda Air Over Hydraulic Engine Positioner/Lift
• SPX OTC 20-Ton Shop Press • Atlas WB-21 Wheel Balancer • Atlas TC-289 Tire Changer • Procut On-Car Brake Lathe • 300± Volumes Ford Motors Workshop/Service Manuals • Snap-On Wheel Balancer • Snap-On Diagnostic Scanner • Office FF&E & MORE Partial list, subject to change.
Thomas Hirchak Company THCAuction.com • 800-634-7653
8• The Essex Reporter • January 5, 2017
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WANTED Champlain Community Services is a progressive, intimate, developmental services provider agency with a strong emphasis on self-determination values and individual & family relationships. We are currently hiring for the following positions. Case Management: CCS is seeking a Service Coordinator with strong clinical and organizational skills to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a fast-paced, team-oriented position and have demonstrated leadership. This is an excellent opportunity to join a distinguished developmental service provider agency during a time of growth. Send your cover letter and application to Elizabeth Sightler, esightler@ccs-vt.org Community Inclusion Facilitators: Provide one on one inclusion supports to help individuals lead fulfilling lives, reach their goals and be productive members of their community. We currently have several positions with comprehensive benefit packages. Send your application and cover letter to staff@ccs-vt.org Shared Living Provider: Provide residential supports to an individual in your home or theirs. A generous stipend, paid time off (respite) and comprehensive training & supports are provided. We are currently hiring for a variety of situations. Contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118 for more information.
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Reporter THE ESSEX
TOWN OF ESSEX PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA January 26, 2017 - 6:30 P.M. MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE ROOM, 81 MAIN ST., ESSEX JCT., VT 1. Public Comments 2. Sketch Plan - Public Hearing: Bart Frisbee d/b/a Sterling Land Co., LLC: Proposal to construct 4 duplex buildings to create 8 Low Density Residential (R1) Zoning District. Tax Map 10/Parcel 70/Lot 3. 3. Sketch Plan - Public Hearing: Samuel & Jean Shearer – Proposed 3-lot subdivision of a 15.42-acre parcel located at 39 Brigham Hill Road in the Agricultural-Residential (AR) Zoning District. Tax Map 14/Parcel 36/Lot 1. 4. Final Plan - Public Hearing: Allen Brook Development Inc. is proposing a 10-lot industrial subdivision of 51.67+/- acres, including an extension of Thompson Drive and construction of a new public cul-de-sac road off Thompson Drive. The property is located in the Resource Preservation District–Industrial (RPD-I) Zoning District. Tax Map 72, Parcel 8. 5. Minutes: January 12, 2017 6. Other Business: • Town Center Master Plan Update Note: Please visit our website at www.essex.org to view agendas, application materials, and minutes. You may visit the office to review materials or discuss any proposal with staff. We are located at 81 Main Street; second floor (7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Members of the public are encouraged to speak at the meeting when recognized by the chair.
VILLAGE OF ESSEX JUNCTION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 6:30 PM AGENDA PUBLIC HEARING FYE 18 PROPOSED BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROGRAMS This meeting will be held in the meeting room at the Village Municipal Building, 2 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Meetings of the Trustees are accessible to people with disabilities. For information on accessibility and/or this agenda, call the Municipal Manager’s office at 878-6944.
January 5, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •9
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eSSeX pOLIce repOrtS emergency: 911 • non-emergency: 878-8331 81 Main St., essex Jct., Vt 05452 • www.epdvt.org
December 26January 1 MOnDay
2:58 a.m., Agency Assist on Brigham Hill Rd. 9:44 a.m., Agency Assist on Freeman Woods 1:47 p.m., Theft on Essex Way 2:04 p.m., Burglary Alarm on River Rd. 4:17 p.m., Agency Assist on Craftbury Ct. 4:34 p.m., Theft on Pearl St. 4:36 p.m., Trespassing on Pearl St. 5:54 p.m., Family Fight on South St. 6:18 p.m., Traffic Hazard on Old Stage Rd. 7:29 p.m., MV Complaint on Susie Wilson Rd.
tUeSDay
8:40 a.m., Burglary Alarm on Park St.
3:26 p.m., Accident on Susie Wilson Rd. 5:24 p.m., Suspicious on Irene Ave. 5:42 p.m., Burglary Alarm on Sand Hill Rd. 7:19 p.m., Citizen Assist on Maple St. 8:07 p.m., Animal Problem on Tanglewood Dr. 9:49 p.m., Citizen Dispute on Susie Wilson Rd. 10:41 p.m.,Traffic Offence on Main St. 10:52 p.m.,Noise Disturbance on Main St. 11:25 p.m., Suspicious on Central St 11:38 p.m., Traffic Offence on Grove St. 11:50 p.m., Assault on Susie Wilson Rd.
WeDneSDay
2:23 a.m., Disorderly on Susie Wilson St. 8:40 a.m., Citizen Assist on Camp St. 11:01 a.m.,Found Property on Essex Way 12:55 p.m.,Citizen Dispute on Church St. 1:06 p.m., VIN Verify on Colchester Rd. 2:48 p.m., Accident on Stanton Dr. 2:54 p.m., Fraud on Essex Way. 3:15 p.m., Agency Assist on Church St.
3:23 p.m., Agency Assist on Center Rd. 5:07 p.m., Citizen Dispute on Fort Pkwy. 5:48 p.m., Utility Problem on Maple St. 6:42 p.m., Family Fight on Pinecrest Dr. 6:50 p.m., Theft on Perry Dr.
tHUrSDay
1:20 a.m., Noise Disturbance on Aspen Dr. 2:14 a.m., Agency Assist on Pearl St. 9:30 a.m., VIN Verify on Maple St. 9:48 a.m., VIN Verify on Saxon Hill Rd. 1:15 p.m., Accident on Chapin Rd. 1:51 p.m., Animal Problem on Susie Wilson Rd. 2:54 p.m., Accident on River Rd. 3:53 p.m., Accident on Browns River Rd. 3:55 p.m., Accident on Browns River Rd. 4:55 p.m., Agency Assist on South St. 9:14 p.m., 911 Hang up on Essex Way 9:38 p.m., Agency Assist on Indigo Ln.
FrIDay
12:56 a.m., Towed Vehicle on Maple St.
2:16 a.m., Alcohol Offence on Maple St. 11:30 a.m., Citizen Assist on West St. 12:33 p.m., VIN Verify on Brigham Hill Rd. 2:03 p.m., Accident on Essex Way 4:31 p.m., Suspicious on Pearl St. 4:48 p.m., Welfare Check on Susie Wilson Rd. 5:55 p.m., Accident on Center Rd.
SatUrDay
1:52 am., Noise Disturbance on Abnaki Ave. 6:27 a.m., Burglary Alarm on Abare Ave. 7:08 a.m., Burglary Alarm on Pearl St. 9:39 a.m, Burglary Alarm on Railroad St. 2:42 p.m., Suspicious on River Rd. 3:04 p.m., Automobile Theft on Essex Way 11:58 p.m.,Fireworks on South St.
SUnDay
12:12 a.m., Agency Assist on South St. 2:20 a.m., Suspicious on Park St.
10:10 a.m., Citizen Dispute on Susie Wilson Rd. 11:17 a.m., Animal Noise on Main St. 12:29 p.m., Citizen Assist on Maple St. 2:08 p.m., Citizen Assist on Grove St. 2:19 p.m., Burglary Alarm on Educational Dr 5:02 p.m., Citizen Assist on Greenfield Rd. 6:53 p.m., Burglary Alarm on Educational Dr. 7:03 p.m., Suspicious on Park St. 7:41 p.m., Jvn Problem on Browns River Rd. 9:21 p.m., Citizen Assist on Maple St. 10:33 p.m., Accident on Browns River Rd.
tIcketS ISSUeD: 12 WarnInGS ISSUeD: 34 FIre/eMS caLLS DISpatcHeD: 50
10• The Essex Reporter • January 5, 2017
sports
SPORT SHORTS
by JOE GONILLO
H
PHOTOS BY JOSH KAUFMANN Above: Essex sophomore Jonah Janaro fights for space between two BFA-St. Albans players during the Hornets' game December 21. Below: Junior captain Ryan Young readies for a shot.
Boys hockey off to slow start
The Hornets struggled out of the gate, playing to a record of 2-4 through the season's first half dozen games. The Hornets returned from a trip to Union College after splitting a pair of games against New York competition. Essex dominated its first game, cruising past Niskayuna 7-0 behind three Ryan Young goals. Maverick King, Jonah Janaro and Grady Cram each scored, with Jeff Truax adding a goal and an assist. Sam Foster stopped 12 shots on his way to the shut out. Up next for the Hornets was a home contest against South Burlington on Wednesday that concluded after The Reporter went to print. They'll then have two road games against Champlain Valley Union and Rutland before hosting Middlebury on January 21.
Upcoming game schedule Indoor track Jan. 6 @ UVM - 3 p.m.
Wrestling Jan. 6 and 7 @ Peru, N.Y. invitational Jan. 11 @ Middlebury - 6 p.m.
Girls basketball
Jan. 7 @ U-32 - 2:30 p.m.
Bowling
Jan 7. @ Valley Bowl - 1 p.m.
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Girls hockey
Jan. 7 @ Spaulding - 3:30 p.m. Jan. 11 vs. Burr and Burton - 6:15 p.m.
Nordic skiing
Jan. 7 Medley Relay @ Craftsbury - 10 a.m.
appy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holidays, time off, football, family and last week’s column. New year means new challenges and expectations. College football championship is set for Monday. NFL regular season is over with the playoffs kicking off this week. May have forgotten Colchester’s Matt Fraser in the Wish List Column last week. He is the 2016 CrossFit National Champion. Hope he repeats the feat this summer! The girls’ hockey team is 4-1 after winning four straight. They have two big away games this week against BFA (Wednesday) and SHS (Saturday). The boys’ hockey team went 1-1 in a tourney last week at Union College beating Niskayuna 7-0 and dropping a 4-3 decision to Lasalle. They hosted South Burlington on Wednesday and played CVU on Saturday. The boys’ hoop squad is 2-4 after splitting a couple of games over the holidays. They battled CVU this week. The JVs are 4-1 with CVU on the schedule. The freshmen are 3-1 with three home games this week. The girls’ basketball team is 4-1 after two wins over vacation. They travel to U-32 on Saturday. The JVs (40) mirror varsity while the JVb girls own a 3-1 record and play CVU this Monday. Indoor track competed at UVM with some good results including first-place finishes by Jamaal Hankey, Sade Hankey, Jenna Puleo and Breyer Sinor. They are back in action Friday afternoon at UVM. The wrestlers placed fourth in the Hubie Wagner Invite. James Danis placed first and was named Outstanding Wrestler. Calvin Leo was also first with Noah Bonning second and Hayden Beattie fourth. They're home Wednesday against SHS, CVU and Harwood then are off to New York for a weekend invite. The gymnasts are 2-0 and show no signs of slowing down. The weather, not their opponents, actually stopped their meet against U-32 and Montpelier was cancelled last week. No word yet on rescheduled dates. They are strangely off until January 20 – exam week. After waiting a month, the downhill skiers had their opening race cancelled. They were set to race at Smugglers’ Notch on Wednesday. The bowlers travel to South Royalton on Saturday for a four-team match. The Nordic skiers have had a few meets. Still chasing results. They were to have skied Monday and are in Craftsbury on Saturday. Calcutta Night to benefit the varsity basketball programs. If you’re feeling lucky, it's set for January 28 at 3 p.m. at the Catamount Club in Williston. Price is $100 for a ticket to admit two. Dinner and cash bar with prizes for every 10th ball pulled. Grand prize is $2,000. Contact Jeff Greene, Jesse Coutrayer, Shawn Montague or Todd Herrington for tickets. Albert D. Lawton needs two full-time coaches this spring for the two month track season It begins the first week in April and lasts until the first week in June, ending with the county championships at UVM. Practices run from 3-4:30 p.m. daily. The Chargers have eight track meets with about half held at Essex High School. Contact Kevin Barber or Barb Edwards at ADL for more information. Happy birthday wishes rolling out to niece Stacey Davis, Fort Lauderdale’s (Uncle) Vince Martinelli, Alison Duffy, Nancy Clark, former Hornets Brian Shelden, Keith Lamell, Bob Gaskins and Jalen Neverett. Sad to say goodbye to many people, friends, and relatives in 2016 in no specifics order: Gene Wilder, Doris Roberts, Gary Shandling, Garry Marshall, Alan Young of Mr. Ed fame, singers Juan Gabriel, Leon Russell, the Eagles, Glenn Frey, Florence Henderson, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Patty Duke, Bill Shallert, Alan Thicke, Joe Garagila, Craig Sager, Grant Tinker, John McLaughlin, Morley Safer, Elie Wiesel, Harper Lee, Edward Albee, Antonia Scalia, Janet Reno, Shimon Peres, George Martin, Alan Rickman, Charmian Carr, Maurice White, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Noel Neil (Lois Lane), David Bowie, Prince, John Glenn, R2-D2 Kenny Baker, Robert Vaughn, Arnold Palmer, Gordimer Howe, Ron Glass and Abe Vigoda from Barney Miller, Anton Yelchin, Merle Haggard, George Michael, Leonard Cohen, Nancy Reagan, Fidel Castro, Gwen Ifill, Pat Summitt, John Saunders, Muhammad Ali. Sorry if I missed your name last week. Feel free to email or text me.
Submit your sports photos to
sports@essexreporter.com
January 5, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •11
sports Wildlife officials share tips for safe bird feeding
PHOTO BY KYLE ST. PETER
Hornets take third straight Freshman Rachel Botala takes off for a layup during the Hornets game against Colchester on December 22. Essex won 57-41, the first of three straight victories, including wins against Mt. Mansfield and Spaulding. Essex is back in action Saturday, hitting the road to take on U-32 for a 2:30 p.m. tipoff. They'll then travel to Rice a week later.
With winter now taking hold, Vermonters are readying their bird feeders. But before residents put up their avian offerings, Vermont Fish & Wildlife recommends a review of the bird feeding basics. Birds don’t generally need food from backyard feeders to survive, but the activity is a great way for people to interact with nature and if done properly, won’t harm bird populations, according to Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s migratory bird biologist John Buck. Many local hardware stores sell bird feeders and a variety of seed mixes that will appeal to different types of birds. For an allpurpose food, black oil sunflower seeds will attract many native bird species. Nearly half of Vermont’s households feed birds, and the state leads the nation with 39 percent of residents participating in bird watching away from home, according to a 2011 report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bird feeding and watching can be a boon to local businesses too, with an estimated $12.4 million in annual bird seed sales and a total of $65 million in all bird watching supplies sold in Vermont each year. While the Fish & Wildlife Department generally recommends that people only put bird feeders out from December 1 through March 31, variable winter weather can sometimes dictate that birdfeeders should be removed even during this period if the ground becomes uncovered during a thaw. Buck recommends that people only feed birds
during the winter months to avoid attracting bears. Bears are very fond of suet and bird seed, especially black oil sunflower seed. Bringing feeders in at night doesn’t work, because bears will still feed on seed that is spilled on the ground. Bears that are lured by birdfeeders can become unafraid of people, which can result in the bear needing to be put down. “A good rule of thumb is that if it’s generally wintery out for an extended period of time, with consistent snow covering the ground and temperatures at or below freezing, you can put your birdfeeder out,” said Buck. Buck also urges people to clean birdfeeders at least once a month to prevent a buildup of harmful pathogens. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can be spread through dirty feeders and make birds ill. Particularly vulnerable species are common redpolls, pine siskins, sparrows, finches, and cardinals. Buck recommends using a solution of one-part bleach to nine parts hot water to kill bacteria. Hot water with unscented dish detergent also does an excellent job. Bottle brushes work well in tube feeders. He recommends thorough rinsing and drying before refilling feeders, and cleaning up seeds and droppings below the feeder, and checking feed after rain or wet snow to look for clumping or rotting seeds. Feeders are best placed away from larger windows that birds can sometimes crash into, he added.
Nordic skiing hits full stride
PHOTOS BY NEIL HUTCHEON Above: Emma Farrington shows her game face during the Jan. 2 race at Sleepy Hollow. Left: Nick Norton slides into the finish line during the Hornets' race Jan. 2. The girls team placed second out of five teams, while the boys team placed fifth. Notable finishes included Charles Martell (5th), Annemarie Martell (5th) and Farrington (6th). Essex skiiers took first place in both JV races, with Emma Legg leading the way for the girls, and Noah Beckage for the boys. Both teams will travel to Craftsbury for the Medley Relay on Saturday.
12• The Essex Reporter • January 5, 2017
health
Seniors and exercise: Avoid injuries, get healthy
E
xercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise can improve mood, promote an active lifestyle and reduce a person's risk for a host of ailments, including diabetes and heart disease. Despite the importance of exercise, many people live sedentary lifestyles into their golden years. Seniors who want to embrace a healthier way of life and get more physically active should first consult with their physicians before beginning an exercise regimen. Certain medications may limit just how far seniors can push themselves, while preexisting conditions may make specific types of exercise off limits. After discussing their limitations with their physicians and developing a safe exercise routine, seniors can heed the following tips to avoid injury but still get healthy. · Pick a partner. Whether it's a spouse or a friend who is physically active or wants to be, try exercising with a partner, at least initially. Doing so can provide the motivation you need, and partners can serve as safety nets should you need assistance completing an exercise or suffer an injury and require medical attention. Personal trainers can serve as your partner, and many gyms offer discounts to seniors on personal training services. · start slowly. Seniors who have not been physically active for some time should take a gradual approach to exercise. Instead of heading right for the treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine, start
stock photo Regular physical activity is key to staying healthy, but heed this advice to avoid injury.
walking every day. When it rains, find a treadmill you can walk on. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends seniors begin by determining how many steps they can take in a day and then gradually working toward 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day. Utilize step counting apps on your smartphone to track your progress. Apply the same slow approach to strength training exercises, lifting only very light weights at first before gradually increasing weight as your body acclimates to the exercises. · stretch. Bodies that have been inactive for lengthy periods of time are inflexible, and lack of flexibility increases your risk for injury.
The AAOS recommends seniors warm up their bodies before stretching with five to 10 minutes of lowintensity activity such as walking. Then stretch gently, remembering to relax and breathe during each stretch. · switch things up. When strength training, do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. Muscles need time to recover. If you prefer circuit strength training where you exercise various muscle groups in one day, do not strength train on back-to-back days, leaving at least one day in between strength training sessions so muscles have ample time to recover.
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AARP: Brand name drug prices increase 130 times faster than inflation
W
ashington, D.C. — Retail prices for brand name prescription drugs widely used by older Americans rose by an average of 15.5 percent in 2015 – almost 130 times faster than the 0.1 percent general inflation rate – according to a new AARP Public Policy Institute report released last week. AARP’s "Rx Price Watch Report: Trends in Retail Prices of Brand Name Prescription Drugs Widely Used by Older Americans, 2006-2015" shows the average annual cost for one brand name drug used on a chronic basis now exceeds $5,800. For the average older American taking 4.5 prescription drugs per month, this translates into an average annual cost of therapy of $26,000 (reflecting the total costs for specific prescriptions, not necessarily the actual out-ofpocket costs, such as copay, a consumer would pay at the pharmacy). This amount exceeds the median income of $24,150 for Medicare beneficiaries. “This new report once again highlights the high and unrelenting price increases that are shockingly common in the pharmaceutical market,” AARP Chief Public Policy Officer Debra Whitman said. “What’s particularly remarkable is that these incredibly high price increases are still occurring in the face of the intense public and congressional criticism of prescription drug pricing practices.” highlights of the Rx Price Watch Report The average annual retail price increase for widely used brand name prescription drugs was more than two and a half times higher in 2015 (15.5 percent) than in 2006 (5.9 percent). Brand name drug prices increased almost 130 times faster than general inflation in 2015
(15.5 percent vs 0.1 percent). In 2015, the average annual retail cost of one brand name medication used to treat a chronic health condition more than $5,800, compared with nearly $1,800 in 2006. Retail prices increased for 97 percent of the 268 brand name prescription drugs in the study’s market basket. Seven widely used brand name drugs had average annual retail price increases of over 50 percent in 2015. Five of the six drugs with the highest cumulative price increases over the study period were marketed by Valeant Pharmaceuticals. The retail price of Valeant’s anti-anxiety drug, Ativan 1 mg tablets, increased by 2,873 percent between 2006 and 2015. “Prescription drug therapy is not affordable when its cost exceeds the patient’s entire income,” said Leigh Purvis, AARP Public Policy Institute director of Health Services Research and coauthor of the report. “Even if patients are fortunate enough to have good health care coverage, high prescription drug costs translate into higher out-of-pocket costs – especially for those who pay a percentage of drug costs rather than a fixed copayment – as well as higher premiums, deductibles and other forms of cost-sharing.” This report is the latest in the AARP Public Policy Institute’s Rx Price Watch series. Separate reports analyze price changes for widely used generic and specialty drug products. The series also analyzes the price changes for an overall market basket (i.e., brand name, generic and specialty drug products combined) to reflect the overall market impact of drug price changes. The full report can be found at www.aarp. org/rxpricewatch.
January 5, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •13
food By NANCY MOCK, HungryEnoughToEatSix.com A delectable bite-sized sweet, these truffles are best served cold so that the rich chocolate holds its shape and can be gobbled up quickly. The gingersnap crumbs are fine and give a light, velvety touch to the truffles and a gingery bite just before the sweet underneath.
• • •
Ingredients:
2 c. dark chocolate chips 1 c. half and half 15 crisp gingersnap cookies
5
Directions:
1 2
Place the chocolate chips into a medium heatproof bowl.
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as it comes to a boil, remove the pan from the heat and pour the cream over the chocolate chips in the bowl. Allow the chips and cream to sit for five minutes, then stir them together until the chocolate ganache is smooth. Add in two tbs. of the ground gingersnaps and stir to mix them in. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for one hour until it is firm.
Three eco-friendly approaches to buying, eating food
P
rotecting the planet and preserving its resources are goals many people aspire to. Energy-efficient electronics have been around for decades, and advancements continue to be made with regard to eco-friendly building materials that can dramatical-
ly reduce the carbon footprint of the homes and buildings where we live and work. People who want to protect the planet can employ several eco-friendly eating habits that don't require substantial lifestyle changes but can produce substantial, long-lasting and positive effects on the environment. 1. Use reusable cloth bags to transport groceries. According to the nonprofit Earth Policy Institute, more than one trillion plastic bags are used across the globe each
If eating healthy this year is your resolution
year. That's a cause for concern among environmentalists who know that a single plastic bag can take as long as 500 years to degrade. In addition, the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that every square mile of ocean contains approximately 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in it. By opting for reusable cloth bags over plastic bags, consumers can dramatically reduce their carbon footprints and benefit the planet in a myriad of ways. 2. Buy locally grown foods. Locally grown foods
3 4
Meanwhile, pulse the gingersnap cookies in batches in a food processor until they are pulverized into fine crumbs. Set aside. Line a tray or work surface with a sheet of parchment paper. Remove the ganache from the freezer. Using a 2-tsp. sized cookie dough scoop, scoop out balls of ganache. Roll them quickly and gently in your hands to smooth them and then place it on the parchment. Repeat until all of the ganache has been rolled. Have another piece of parchment ready on a tray or plate that will go into the fridge. Gently roll each truffle in the gingersnap crumbs until they are thoroughly coated. Place them on the parchment and continue until all the truffles are coated. Cover the plate or tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate the truffles for at least four hours or overnight. Serve the truffles cold. They will still be a little soft even once thoroughly chilled. Store them covered in the fridge for up to one week.
6
Photo courtesy of NANCY MOCK Left, Nancy Mock's gingersnap rolled chocolate truffles are pictured. The bite-sized treat is best served cold.
do not need to be transported across the globe or across the country, meaning less fuel is consumed to get your dinner from farm-to-table and less emissions are finding their way into the air you breathe. 3. Only buy what you need and finish your meals. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that 28 percent of the world's agricultural area is used annually to produce food that is lost or wasted. In addition, the FAO reports the total volume of water used
each year to produce food that is lost or wasted is three times the volume of Lake Geneva. To reduce food waste, which can release harmful gases into the environment, only buy what you need, preparing adequate portions so you don't end up throwing much of your meal away. The right approach to purchasing and eating food can have a dramatic and positive impact on the planet for decades to come.
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14• The Essex Reporter • January 5, 2017
LOCAL bridGe from page 1
tort liability claims, VTrans said. Village officials looked into closing the walkway but determined that would lead to pedestrians crossing along the road’s bridge, increasing the likelihood of an accident, Lutz said. With 60 days from November 28 to respond, village public works staff erected a temporary fix for about $2,200. Now, a new
bridge comprised of two 28foot beams stretches across the brook with wooden planks above them that town staff will shovel during snowstorms. “It’s plenty strong,” Lutz said, adding the old walkway could fall into the stream without compromising the new bridge. Still, it’s only a temporary fix. The village needs to re-do the entire pedestrian bridge. Lutz said the plan is to separate it from the box culvert and widen the walkway to about 8 to 10
feet. He estimated that project would cost $263,000, much of which could be offset with a VTrans structural grant — up to $175,000 — that the village hasn’t applied for in a while, Lutz said. VTrans indicated the village would be high on the list, he added. It may require some patience, however, since designs can’t begin until after securing a grant, which usually occurs after the legislature adjourn in
May. The village will then need to bid out the project. Lutz estimates it likely won’t be complete for at least a year. Trustee Andrew Brown wondered why it took years to inspect the bridge when the village knows it’s been an issue. “It seems like this problem could have been a lot worse, and we are pretty lucky it got caught when it did,” Brown said. Lutz agreed. He said public works needs to do a better job of interacting with the capital
GYM
from page 1
Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Tiffany Ferrer, a two-year member of Edge Fitness, works out with her personal trainer, Spencer Cloutier at the gym’s Gauthier Drive spot last Thursday night.
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about their goals.” A new wave of gym-goers also means addressing necessary staff adjustments. Unlike at larger gyms, Sam Orfanidis and Calvin Sanderson, co-owners of the personal training business SPECTAC in Colchester, can’t simply add more staff to cover rising enrollment. While they are considering hiring more trainers, the business partners currently lead every individual training session and boot camp class at their facility. “There are some days that Sam and I will be in for about 10 sessions each,” Sanderson said. Manning is in a similar situation, as she is essentially the only staff member at Snap’s 24-hour facility. Instead, she fine-tunes the personal trainer’s and class instructors’ schedules to better suit incoming members. At The Edge, Languasco said staff communication is critical to maintaining a sensible employee to client ratio, especially during busy months like January and February. “Our front desk managers know our busy time of the year, so they’ll say we need to have double coverage at this point,” Languasco said. “And our training staff knows to expect more fitness consultations this time of year.” Being a larger gym, Languasco also said clients often have to use overflow parking during peak gym hours. Although all the three facilities differ slightly in their approach to handling
committee, which ranks projects for funding from the village’s capital plan. “What we’re all getting into is more an awareness of asset management,” Lutz said. Furthering those efforts might require setting aside money to match infrastructure grants, he added. “With the new administration in Washington — good, bad or indifferent — one of the indications is we’re going to put money into infrastructure,” Lutz said.
new clients, they agree that making a personal connection with members is key in ensuring they continue their workout routines. At Snap, Manning uses what she calls an “engager” to let clients know she cares about their progress. She calls, texts, emails or otherwise checks in with them for six weeks. This process, Manning said, allows her to give meaningful feedback and make suggestions as to how members can continue to strive to meet their goals. Although the SPECTAC duo doesn’t experience as big of a drop-off in membership as larger fitness facilities as the year progresses, Sanderson said being personal trainers gives them more opportunity to get to know their clients personally. “Gyms that are based off membership, their business model is designed, for better or worse, to get people in the door,” he said. “We have more touch with our member base, so we have a smaller rate of attrition.” Along those same lines, Manning and Languasco agreed having a personal trainer, which both The Edge and Snap offer, or working out in groups can make members feel more inclined to stick with their workout routines. “To know that you have someone waiting for at the club, it’s really motivating for people,” Languasco said. Manning said Snap is now organizing small group workout classes for five to eight people, which would cost less than one-on-one training. “You’re getting that individual attention but in group setting,” she said.
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