February 9, 2017 The Essex Reporter

Reporter

February 9, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •1

THE ESSEX

Vol. 37, No. 6

February 9, 2017

Essex explores regional dispatch center

By COLIN FLANDERS

A

regional dispatch operation could i m p r o v e emergency services in Chittenden County, where there’s an average delay of 90 seconds between a 911 call and the dispatch of units, according to national consulting firm Deltawrx.

The firm presented a study, which involved interviews with over 60 people from nine municipalities, including Essex, during two sessions at the South Burlington city offices last week.

“Our goal in emergency dispatch is to get the right equipment to the right place in the least amount of time,” consultant Don Denning said.

Denning and Deltawrx’s Liz Coyle were joined by Colchester CFO and assistant town manager Aaron Frank, Shelburne town manager Joe Colangelo

and Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission executive director Charlie Baker, who’s spearheading the efforts.

Certain times of day, only one dispatcher is on duty at most Chittenden County dispatching centers, Denning said. Essex police sometimes pulls officers off the road to fill in for scheduling gaps, Chief Brad LaRose said.

The consultants recommend staffing five dispatchers at all times of the day, with one dedicated to Burlington Police due to its high call volumes, they said. This will reduce redundancy in response to major emergencies and allow dispatchers to prioritize incidents by importance.

Additionally, by utilizing a specialized computer program and co-locating dispatching — the coordination of emergency services — with 911 call taking, or answering the public’s See DISPATCH, page 2

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Taking refuge For Somali immigrant, discrimination is nothing new

M

By MICHAELA HALNON

Photo by MICHAELA HALNON Essex resident Madina Haji, 21, emigrated from a Kenyan refugee camp in 2004. The Somali woman vividly remembers her first moments on American soil.

Hiawatha to welcome new principal

By COLIN FLANDERS For the first time in almost two decades, Hiawatha Elementary will have a new face in its principal’s office.

Katherine Grykien, a current assistant principal at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington, will take over July 1, replacing longtime principal Tom Bochanski, who’s served

at the school for 18 years.

“I am absolutely thrilled to accept the position and feel honored to join such a caring community,” Grykien said in a news release from the Essex Westford School District.

Chittenden Central Supervisory Union superintendent Judith DeNova pointed to Grykien’s See PRINCIPAL, page 3

adina Haji remembers the sweltering afternoon of Aug. 21, 2004 in vivid imagery. The Essex woman is 21 now but will never forget biting into a bright yellow banana moments after she stepped off a plane in Burlington as a Somali refugee.

The tropical fruit she was handed looked familiar, Haji recalled more than a decade later, but the first morsel shocked her taste buds.

The then 9-year-old hopped into her host family’s car with her two younger sisters, stomach churning.

She keenly remembers the smell of the vehicle and how quickly it agitated her upset belly. As she opened the door and put her feet on solid ground, she began vomiting everywhere. Concerned, her hosts led See REFUGEE, page 3

Gluten-free treats greet Essex

By KAYLEE SULLIVAN Dense chocolate cupcakes, coated with pink frosting and topped with tasty heart-shaped décor, are set to grace Chittenden County taste buds this Valentine’s Day. Essex’s West Meadow, a bakery founded on a gluten-free diet, is cooking up ideas of what will be on display February

14. Embellished cupcakes, brownies, caramel Bundt cakes, cheesecakes and peanut butter crusted pie are on the list, owner Lois Blaisdell said.

“We’re as gluten-free as they come,” her daughter and fellow employee, Sarah Blaisdell, said.

In its seventh year, the bakery, which is certified with the Gluten See BAKERY, page 14

Photo by COLIN FLANDERS Gov. Phil Scott visits GlobalFoundries on January 31 to present the company with its firstever national environmental award.

Scott presents national award GlobalFoundries

By COLIN FLANDERS

G

ov. Phil Scott visited GlobalFoundries last Tuesday to present the company with its first national environmental award from the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable.

The Most Valuable Pollution Prevention Award recognized developments by a GlobalFoundries team to reduce nitrate use during a process known as chemical-mechanical planarization.

The results demonstrate “we can work together on approaches that support both our environment and our economy,” Scott said.

“It's always encouraging to see businesses such as this who are willing partners and take actions on their own to lessen their environmental footprint,” he added.

See SCOTT, page 4

Photo by COLIN FLANDERS

SLiCing anD DiCing

Rep. Carolyn Branagan (R-Georgia) cuts up food beside Sen. Robert Starr (D-Essex-Orleans) during the annual Capital Cook Off at the Champlain Valley Expo on February 1.

2• The Essex Reporter • February 9, 2017

local dispatch from page 1

calls, emergency response can be faster and more efficient, the consultants said.

Only two of the county’s eight dispatch centers currently provide that model: Shelburne Dispatch and the Vermont State Police Williston Barracks.

When 911 call centers, or public safety answering points, have to contact dispatchers in other areas, delays occur; the National Fire Protection Association recommends 95 percent of calls be processed within 106 seconds.

Though the study addressed how a regional operation would work, questions surrounding governance and funding still remain.

The consultants endorsed forming an execu-

tive board of town and city managers to oversee an advisory committee comprised of police, fire and rescue chiefs.

A joint survey committee, charged with creating an agreement to form a union municipal district, would need to approve that structure. The group would take input to shape the structure of the eventual governance body, Frank said.

For those paying attention, the structure’s name might ring a bell; it’s the same arrangement proposed for the recreation merger that voters failed last December.

Joint municipal manager Pat Scheidel acknowledged this might come up if the proposal were to reach Essex voters but doubted it would play a role in the final decision.

“This is a whole different issue. It’s not confined to just Essex. It’s confined

to the region,” he said, adding UMDs allow any town to pull out at any time.

Chittenden County currently has 45 full time equivalent dispatch positions. In the recommended model, a regional center would have 38 FTEs, including six supervisors and four administrative staff.

Assuming turnover mimics the national standard of about 8 percent, the consultants said natural attrition could lead to reductions over a threeyear period.

Savings would depend on how departments adapt. They’ll need to find staff to perform any nontelecommunications duties currently done by dispatchers. Assuming those could be replaced without any new hires, Coyle said the county could save $412,000.

Conversely, if all six FTEs were replaced, savings would be closer to $50,000.

In Essex, the latter scenario is most likely, LaRose said.

“If we do go down this road, we would have to make some adjustments somewhere or go without,” LaRose said. “And I don’t want to go without.”

That’s because Essex dispatchers not only perform some clerical work and data entry, but they also facilitate communica-

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Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Shelburne town manager Joe Colangelo presents to a crowd of dispatchers, first responders, town officials and residents about the pros of creating a regionalized dispatch center. Shelburne currently hosts one of two PSAP centers in the county.

tions for public works during major storms, he said.

The operations committee, on which LaRose serves, will ask each department to compile a list of these duties. Members met the day after the presentations and plan to meet again next Monday.

“It’s up to you to figure out how to deal with those and what the costs are going to be, and at the end of the day, figure out if you’re in or out,” LaRose said.

For Scheidel, it’s still too early to tell. He’s told both the selectboard and trustees that since Essex

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Burlington, Williston, Colchester and Richmond.

“It was good to get a neutral outside expert in this work to really take a look at the situation here and give us a sense of what the possibilities were, and also to confirm the need and opportunity,” he said.

Baker will now approach the governing bodies of the nine municipalities to share the findings and request they appoint a representative to the joint survey committee.

Scheidel said the selectboard will likely host Baker during its Jan. 20 meeting.

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has invested in its own dispatch center, he’s not ready to jump right in on a regional operation.

Still, he sees no harm in keeping tabs on the process, noting the difficulty of finding highly trained dispatchers for the important work they do.

“This is an area where lives are at stake,” he said.

“We want to make sure we are paying attention to what’s going on.”

Baker was pleased with the consultants’ report, which cost $36,000 and was funded by Essex and eight other towns: Winooski, Milton, South Burlington, Shelburne,

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1:02 a.m., Suspicious on Central St. 1:20 a.m., Citizen Assist on Maple St. 9:14 a.m., Citizen Assist on Autumn Pond Way 9:38 a.m., Found Property on Park St. 1:37 p.m., Lost Property on Maple St. 2:05 p.m., Assault on Maple St. 6:34 p.m., Animal Noise on Bobolink Cir. 10:14 p.m., Juvenile Problem on Susie Wilson Rd.

TickeTs issued: 23 Warnings issued: 35 Fire/eMs calls dispaTched: 51

February 9, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •3

local REFUGEE from page 1

her inside and offered comfort. She requested a glass of milk and was again stunned to find a once-familiar substance completely foreign.

Sitting on her living room couch, Haji can now laugh about her tumultuous first hours on American soil. But her astoundingly specific recollections of the time, forever cemented in her brain, hint at the traumatic transition from Kenyan refugee camp to Vermont.

“It was a huge move, a huge difference,” Haji said. “All of those changes, from leaving to coming back up here, [even] being 9 years old I felt I can’t forget about it.”

It’s also why Haji was flooded with emotions when she learned of President Donald Trump’s recent travel ban, an executive order blocking immigrants from seven majorityMuslim countries, including Somalia. Haji said several of her family members were forced to call off their long-awaited departures to the U.S. “Knowing the life that I had and [thinking about] them trying to get away from that and being stopped from coming to a land that will be safe for them and peaceful, it’s just wrong,” Haji said. “It made me angry and sad and frustrated and confused about the direction America is heading.”

Haji and four of her siblings were born on a Kenyan refugee camp. Like nearly 100,000 others, her mother fled to the country during Somalia’s Civil War. The ongoing conflict started in 1991.

Haji attended school at the camp, enduring the sometimes-brutal beatings of her strict teachers. Often, she and her friends would cut class and head to a nearby neighborhood, avoiding the instructors’ wrath.

It took years for the family to be placed in a welcoming country. After several rounds of interviews, extensive background checks and health examinations, their number was called. Haji remembers learning about the U.S. Constitution and American freedoms and taking medications that made the little ones sick.

“Life will be better over there,” United Nations’ staffers told them.

The group traversed the globe together,

stopping in Nairobi, London and New York before landing at Burlington International Airport. A representative from the Colchester-based Refugee Resettlement Program, translators, other Somali families and hosts Mark and Marybeth Redmond, both Essex residents, made up the welcoming committee.

Haji and her family stayed with the Redmonds for just a week before moving into an apartment in Burlington’s New North End. The rental was cramped, Haji said, and her family experienced their first New England winter both indoors and out: Gaping holes in the door jam let in icy wind, forcing them to wear winter jackets almost constantly.

Haji said the Redmonds learned of the two-bedroom apartment’s condition and unfairly lofty rent during a visit and publicly advocated for the family.

“A bunch of people from the community and even out of state started to help us out,” Haji recalled. Donations poured in, and they moved out a year later.

In Vermont classrooms, Haji was immersed in an environment vastly different from the one she’d fled. Teachers were nurturing and employed more effective methods of instruction. It was in middle school, though, that Haji detected a shift among her peers.

“When I was with a group of girls, they would say things like we smell and that we didn’t belong here,” Haji said. “It was the first time I noticed my skin color and that because of it, I’m being discriminated against.”

Now a senior at the University of Vermont, Haji studies middle-level education and hopes to work with the age group she found most challenging. She plans to stay in Vermont for a short time but hopes to eventually work with English language learners in a more ethnically diverse area.

“I just want to be one of those teachers who is making sure all students are being taught the important things that will affect them as they grow up and be citizens in their community,” Haji said. “To accept people of all races and all backgrounds and all cultures and all religions.”

Haji said more people have asked about her experience as a Muslim and refugee since the election. Many well meaning questioners are shocked to hear of the blatant discrimi-

} You don't look different, and therefore you don't get attacked.

- Madina Haji

nation she’s always endured, she said, in a community they consider accepting. Just last week, a carful of men yelled obscenities at her as she walked into her family home in Essex.

“It’s not a new thing. People always say those kinds of things at school, when I’m on the bus, in the old neighborhood I used to live in … or just walking downtown,” Haji said.

“Everywhere. It was nothing new.

“People who don’t see that in their daily life or who don’t interact with people who are refugees, they hear these things and they think, ‘Oh my god, how? I don’t see it,’” Haji continued. “Yeah, because you’re not me. You don’t look different, and therefore you don’t get attacked because of that.”

Haji said she always points to her host family, the Redmonds, when people ask what they can do to help refugees. They’ve stayed connected for more than a decade now, offering mentorship at every turn.

“Having people like that once you come to America that just help you navigate the systems and how things work, who to talk to and how to demand things, it’s just helpful,” Haji said. “Our life would not have turned out the same way as it did. It was because of them.”

PRINCIPAL from page 1

commitment to strong, meaningful relationships with colleagues, students, parents and the community as a motivation for her hiring.

“She knows that the collaboration with these various groups is truly one of the essential components of student growth and proficiency,” DeNova said in a press release.

Grykien graduated from the University of Georgia before earning her master’s in education from the University of Vermont in 2007. She’s since continued with postgraduate coursework at St. Michael’s College, focusing on school leadership, the news release said.

Prior to her time at Edmunds, Grykien was a teacher at both John F. Kennedy in Winooski and Champlain Elementary in Burlington, at which time she served as the chairwoman of the Champlain Elementary School Leadership Committee and held the role of district literacy coach for one year.

DeNova said faculty, staff, parents and district administrators were all impressed by Grykien’s optimistic personality, effective communication style and listening skills.

“I am confident Katherine is the ‘just right’ leader at this moment in time to serve the Hiawatha school community,” DeNova said.

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4• The Essex Reporter • February 9, 2017

obituaries

local SCOTT from page 1

The efforts also work toward preserving something all Vermonters can agree on: A “love of the landscape,” Scott said, which plays a significant role in attracting tourists who account for about $2.5 billion of the state’s economy.

“We need to invest in economic development opportunities that will produce results, much like what you do,” he told the engineers.

The award-winning project, which also received the Vermont Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional 1 Merit Award, was led by Joshua Dillon, Michael Brigham and Dean Chung.

The CMP process combines a chemically corrosive abrasive with a physical grinding process to remove

a metal or oxide film layer to a targeted thickness.

One of the project’s key environmental benefits is reducing use of nitrates, chemicals that, in high levels, can lead to algae blooms or high concentrations of potentially toxic algae and microscopic organisms on water surfaces. The algae growth can prevent light penetration and oxygen absorption necessary for underwater life.

GlobalFoundries’ CMP process can now use 1,380 pounds less of ferric nitrate per year, while also preventing up to $480,000 worth of scrap wafer, or semiconductor material, losses per year and reducing overall chemical mechanical polish slurry usage by 25,000 gallons.

The “impressive results” have saved the company nearly $800,000 through reduced maintenance costs, Scott said.

“We in state government need

to take a few lessons from you,” he added.

Janette Bombardier, senior location executive at the fab in Essex Jct., thanked Scott for attending the event, and pointed to another visit during the then-lieutenant governor’s “Everyday Jobs” tour, during which he spent a half day at the facility.

"I've been doing this a long time,” Bombardier said. “This is the only public official ... that ever has said, ‘Yeah, I really want to get in there and see what all you people do.’”

Greg Geyer, who serves on the NPPR’s board of directors, was also in attendance. He said while the award is GlobalFoundries’ first national environmental award, the facility, which was previously IBM, has been awarded more NPPR awards than any other location from 2005 to 2015.

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Paul Stanley Winship Paul Stanley Winship, 81, of Lowell, passed away November 25, 2016 at his home. He was born on September 7, 1935 in Fairfax, the only child of Stanley Sylvester Winship and Frances Matilda Cross. His family moved to Essex Jct., where they lived and worked on the Whitcomb Farm for many years. He graduated in 1954 from Essex High School, where he played on the school baseball and basketball teams.

Paul joined the Vermont Air National Guard in 1956, where he served honorably as a full-time technician until 1986.

His 29 years of service included tours in the base supply complex and the motor vehicle section. He also enjoyed an active participation in Vermont Air National Guard volunteer activities. He served as a member of the Technician Recognition Committee and was a member of the Vermont Air National Guard Rifle/Pistol Team, where he won many medals and trophies, of which he was very proud. He was also selected for driver/escort duty for many dignitaries who visited the Guard during his career. Paul retired form the Guard with the rank of Master Sergeant.

In his free time, Paul enjoyed many things including wildlife photography; camping; fishing; hunting; competitive shooting of rifles, pistols

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Charles F. (Chap) Cook Charles F. (Chap) Cook, 75, of Shelburne passed away quickly and quietly Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at his home.

He was born in Hackensack, N.J. to John Cooper Cook and Emily Morse Cook Riley of Abbeville, S.C. He was raised in Bethlehem, Penn., where he met his beloved bride in seventh grade and graduated from Liberty High School in 1959. He has a B.S. in mathematics from Princeton University, Class of 1963, and received an MBA from St. Mary’s University in Texas. He loved numbers and had a long and active career as an actuary and underwriter. To view his professional biography, please visit www.mbaactuaries.com.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing games, traveling, going out to dinner, attending plays and concerts and watching football. In the evenings after dinner, Chap loved to make puzzles and visit. It was his delight to watch his

and bow and arrow; gunsmithing and car restoration and repair. He was a member of the Green Mountain Corvette Club, where he won first and third place trophies for the 1967 Corvette that he bought and fully restored. He participated in and won trophies in many rifle/pistol/bow competitions at various Fish & Game Clubs. His hunting and fishing took him north to Canada and Maine and west to Pennsylvania and Wyoming.

He loved the peacefulness and solitude of the unspoiled great outdoors, which is why he moved to Lowell in 1988, where he bought a deer camp and renovated it to become his home and mountain getaway.

He is survived by his only child, Kathy Brady, and her husband, James C. Brady, of Essex Jct. as well as his five grandchildren, who he enjoyed spending holidays and special occasions with: Dylan, Rory and Danielle Brady of Essex Jct.; Hagen Brady, now living in Washington, and Sahra Brady and her husband, Andres Velasquez, of Los Angeles, Calif. In May of 2015, Paul welcomed his first great-grandson, Matias Velasquez, who came to visit Vermont from California and met his Great Grandpa in October 2015.

A memorial for family and friends is being considered for a date to be announced later. Should friends desire, contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Online condolences may be left at www.curtis-britch.com.

grandchildren perform, whether on the field, in a musical performance or at a recital. An avid theologian, storyteller and sailor, he was a man of integrity, with a wonderful sense of humor and deep seated convictions. He was always telling jokes, weaving stories and debating everything.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Dotter Cook, of 55 years; his brother John Morse Cook (Judie) of Crownsville, Md.; his daughter Melanie (Steve) Tupaj of Essex Jct.; his daughter Cynthia (Todd) Coach of Great Barrington, Mass.; his daughter Tammy Moshier of Woonsocket, R.I.; and by many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. Chap was a beloved brother, father, uncle, grandfather, cousin and friend to all who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.

A special thank you to John Marcoux of the Shelburne PD and to Greg Burton of Christ Memorial Church for their kind care and support.

A celebrations of his life was held February 4 at The Residence at Shelburne Bay in Shelburne and will be held Saturday, Feb. 11 at noon at Montville Reformed Church in Montville, N.J. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Chap’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org).

February 9, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •5

MESSAGES FROM MONTPELIER R E P. L I N D A M Y E R S

opinion

R E P. b O b b A N C R O F T

R E P. b E T S Y D u N N

(R)Chittenden 8-1 l ind a kmye r s @ co m ca s t. ne t 878 - 3514

(d)Chittenden 8-1 bets ydunn@co mcas t. net 878-6628

(R)Chittenden 8-3 bancro f t. vt@gmail. co m 879-7386

R E P. D Y L A N G I A M b AT I S TA

R E P. LO R I H O u G H T O N

Th e le g isla t ive e m a il co n ve n t io n is fir st in it ia l, la s t n a m e @ le g. st a te. v t . u s.

E. g. , lm ye r s@ le g. s t a te. v t . u s

(d)Chittenden 8-2 ho ughto n. l o ri@gmail. co m 373-0599

(d)Chittenden 8-2 dy l a n@ v tdy l a n. co m 734- 8841

By REP. LORI HOUGHTON

A

s you read this, we are in our sixth week. Activity has picked up with 267 House and Senate bills introduced as of the writing of this message. Thus far, four House bills have passed the chamber as well as many resolutions.

In the House Health Care Committee, of which I am a member, we’ve had nine bills introduced.

We will as a group decide the priority of taking up the bills. Of the 11 members on the committee, five are new legislators and one is a transfer from another committee. As a result, we are busy getting up to speed on the intricacies of health care in Vermont, especially when it comes to federal money. Vermont receives $1.1 billion in Medicaid funding from the federal government, which makes it the second largest revenue in the state budget.

Beginning this year, mental health is under the purview of the

committee in order to bring mental health issues on parity with health care. We’ve begun hearing testimony from mental health agencies, advocates and individuals living with mental illness. I look forward to better understanding our mental health issues and needs.

Because of the uncertainty on the federal level of the Affordable Care Act, we cannot predict what will be in store for the coming months except that we will have to be up to speed to adroitly consider the changes that will come to the state level.

Sometimes life takes priority over the role we have as legislators.

This past week, I missed several days to attend funerals in Washington D.C. Fortunately, there are many methods as legislators and as residents to stay connected to the happenings in the State House even when we can’t physically be present.

We can livestream chamber activity on VPR. We can visit the website www.legislature.vermont.gov.

It provides the status of all bills introduced, the agenda for each committee and chambers, the testimony heard and any documentation legislators are provided during witness testimony. For instance, the Education Committee has posted testimony from various agencies on the governor’s proposed budget. Everyone can review committee’s documentation at their leisure to stay abreast of topics of importance. The Essex Reporter is also a source of information through these weekly articles.

Always, you can contact your representatives directly.

Rep. Giambatista and I are holding monthly community conversations. Our next is Monday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Essex Senior Center at 2 Lincoln St. Come to ask questions about a specific topic or listen to your neighbor’s concerns.

Please reach out anytime with questions, concerns or topics of interest. I am honored to serve our community and look forward to hearing from you.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Town consolidation efforts thoughtful I offer a different view on merger and consolidation than William F. Bailey Jr. did in the Jan. 26 Essex Reporter.

In my view, the consolidation efforts undertaken by the village and town have been thoughtful and very much in the open.

Specific municipal government departments or activities are reviewed to determine: Will combining these departments/ activities maintain or increase the level of service currently provided? Will combining save the taxpayers money and/or provide efficiency within the department? Discussions about the consolidations have occurred during both trustee and selectboard open meetings. Some consolidations haven't required a taxpayer vote, such as having one tax bill, but most have been voted on at Town Meeting through the budget vote.

If people don't want the consolidations they can either attend a trustee or selectboard meeting to voice their opinion or vote no at Town Meeting.

As a village resident, I am also concerned by the attitude "the village is fast becoming a welfare community supported by the taxpayers of the town out-

side the village". In fact, for many years, the village taxpayers have paid taxes to the town. Our payments help fund some services we already have (and had first!) in the village: library, fire and recreation – and some of our tax payments help fund services that aren't duplicated such as police and tax assessor. I've talked with many people who live in the town outside the village who have specifically voted no on merger because their taxes would increase since the duplicative payments would be stopped. In recent consolidation efforts the municipal leaders have created efficiency and cost savings in departments while also equalizing the tax rate within our one community.

In my opinion we either need to believe we are one Essex and act as one community (including taxation) or both parties should agree to separate.

With separation, village residents would pay only for their services and town outside the village would pay only for their services.

In this instance, both communities would see their taxes increase, but at least we could stop fighting about it.

Bridget Meyer Essex Jct.

Letter for support for Max Levy Max Levy is willing to share his time, talent and energy if you will “hire” him again to serve on the selectboard. Max participated as the chair of the board for significant time. Under his leadership the board has accomplished consolidation services between the village and town including one municipal manager, consolidated tax billing, tax collecting, stormwater management, highway departments, public works administration, paving, finance and administrative services, working to consolidate one planning commission with two development review boards, purchased the tree farm, built a new police station, remodeled 81 Main St. to be ADA compliant and developed great working relationship with the village trustees to continue to consolidate services with a bottom’s up approach I have served my town, my state and my church over the years. I know the time and dedication it takes. Max has and will continue to serve Essex well.

Tom James

Kudos to Eagle Scouts Seventy-nine young men were recently named to the Vermont Eagle Scout Class of 2016, and five of them were from Essex. The Essex Eagles are Benjamin Centracchio, Daniel Feliciano, Sullivan Martin, Lucas Turunen and Isaac Vance.

The Essex Eagle Scouts, along with the other members of the class will be honored with a resolution by the Vermont House of Representatives on February 10.

I want to offer my congratulations to Benjamin, Daniel, Sullivan, Lucas and Isaac, and I want to salute them for their hard work in completing the requirements of attaining Eagle Scout status.

Rep. Linda Myers Essex Town Misconceptions on selectboard practice As a resident in Essex Town who has attended selectboard meetings and votes using the Essex Town ballot, I would like to correct a couple of misconceptions from the letter of January 26 from Ms. Annie Cooper.

On the rare occasions that the selectboard solicits input from the public, the public must wait until all other business is conducted making it very, very late into the evening, which makes weighing in almost impossible – the elderly fatigue from the uncomfortable seating, and the young must help with homework and get the kids to bed. So I would contend that all sides are not heard by the selectboard.

There is also a problem with the current chairman being more about his

Elect Levy again I am writing in support of Max Levy for another term on the Essex Selectboard. During his tenure, Max has demonstrated his willingness to listen to all sides, to avoid the confrontational rhetoric that sometimes characterizes political discourse and to focus on fact based decision making. Even during those times when not everyone agrees with his position, we can all be comfortable that he leads from a position of integrity and with the best interests of our community. I cannot think of better values to have at the helm of our selectboard at this point in time. Join me in supporting Max Levy.

Tom Torti Essex Jct.

input and less about running the meeting or “bully pulpit syndrome,” as I call it. I guess some would call it filibustering.

There was also a misrepresentation of our voting process for selectboard members. The voters chose the selectboard members, but the selectboard selects its own chairperson. So on the ballot, there is no one running for selectboard chairman. The history of the selectboard is that the chairperson is not the same year to year.

I hope this new information will help, especially new residents, with understanding how our process works and encourage the residents of the town to become more involved with their selectboard meetings!

Patricia J. Kleppinger Essex Jct.

Editorial was unfairly critical I appreciated the advocacy of free speech expressed in your Jan. 19 editorial, but the characterization of the Vermont Right to Life flier as “misleading, hurtful and based on ignorance” was unwarranted. The flier featured facts about human prenatal development and Vermont laws. Harshly criticizing the flier without providing a factual basis for such criticism was unfair.

Sincerely, Richard Wistrom Essex Jct.

FCCEJ celebrates 150 years of service Formation and evolution of Sunday school

By ANN GRAY

T

he foundation of the First Congregational Church of Essex Jct. was the Sunday school, organized and conducted by David H. Macomber in 1859.

This Sunday school was located in the public school on Park Street in the building called Anna Early House – the former home of the Discovery Museum, currently housing the Chittenden County Supervisory Union.

When the First Congregational Society of Essex Jct. was formed in 1867, Mr. Macomber was one of the required signers of the constitution.

His Sunday school was absorbed by the Church, and he remained superintendent until 1909.

For the next 50 years, the Church school continued to be directed by a superintendent, whose job was to choose the curriculum, set the schedules and recruit church members as volunteer teachers. By 1958, the Church had formed an education committee to find these teachers.

By 1963, the committee name was changed to Education Council, and its job expanded to planning the curriculum along with finding teachers.

In 1966, a part-time religious education director was hired. Since then, the school has had both volunteer coordinators and hired staff overseeing its operation at different times. By 1981, the Education Council was branching out into adult education. Today, full-time staff member Laurie Chipman and the Christian Education Committee directs Christian education for our children and families at First Church.

In the beginning, although the Church school was part of First

Church, it was self-supporting, operating under the direction of the Church school superintendent with separate finances from the Church.

In 1960, the Church school financials showed receipts of $1,461.99 and expenses of $1,305.79. In addition, the school had a savings account balance of $873.45. Eventually, the school budget became a part of the overall Church budget.

There has always been a mission component of the Church school’s activities. Review of the school’s financials show $100 went toward missions work in 1955. In 1958, that amount was $124.80.

There was no indication of what the mission was in the 1950s, however, in the 1960s, the school made Thanksgiving baskets for the needy and supported “One Great Hour of Sharing,” a multi-denominational group providing hunger and disaster relief and clean water resources worldwide. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, the school made birthday cards for residents at Woodside, valentines for shut-ins over age 80 and residents at the Respite House, and sent Christmas gifts to a Native American reservation in South Dakota.

This mission tradition continues today.

Students in the Church school, now called Faith Formation, choose one of three organizations to support each year. From 2010-2016, yearly mission collection has ranged from $748-$1,194. The school has supported both local and international groups, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, COTS, Heifer International, King Street Center, Heavenly Food Pantry and the Curtis Bottom Basic School in Jamaica.

Submit your letter to the editor (450 words or fewer) to news@essexreporter.com

Please include your name, address and phone number.

Reporter THE ESSEX

ExEcutivE Editor Courtney A. Lamdin

AssociAtE Editor Abby Ledoux

sports Editor Colin Flanders

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42 Severance Green, Unit #108, Colchester, VT 05446

Email: news@essexreporter.com Website: www.essexreporter.com

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Barbara Brisson

Published Thursdays

Deadlines: News & Advertising – Friday at 5 p.m.

Circulation: 8,800

6• The Essex Reporter • February 9, 2017

EssEx ArEA

Religious Directory

calendar FeB. 12

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: second Monday of the month, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 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 grade 6. Handicapped-accessible facility. Adult choir, praise band, women’s fellowship, missionally active. Korean U.M.C. worship Sundays: 12 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.

phoTo courTeSY oF poSSumhaw

The bluegrass group Possumhaw will complete their band partnership at the Westford Music Series on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 4 - 5 p.m. at the UCW White Church in Westford. Free will donation; refreshments provided. See listing for more information.

9 ThurSdaY Free Tax help

9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. time slots, Brownell Library. Free tax help for taxpayers with an annual gross income less than $60,000, with special attention given to those 60 or over. Volunteer AARP foundation certified tax preparers Tak and Dorothy Ng will help qualified patrons who make a one-hour appointment. Taxpayers should arrive 10 minutes before their appointment and bring all information and documents that apply to their 2016 income taxes.

craFTernoon

3 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Make a valentine for a friend or family member. For all ages.

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.

SiT down wiTh BeTSY

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Sit down and chat with Essex Rep. Betsy Dunn and discuss local issues.

JudY dow viSiT

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Our very own Judy Dow visits to tell us about a GPS program that has amazing surprises.

10 FridaY GRACE UNiTED METhODiST ChURCh

rummage Sale

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St., Essex Jct. Take what you need and pay what you can. For more information, call the church at 878-8071 or Ann at 879-7943.

SongS and STorieS wiTh maTThew

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.

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.

vinTage movie maTinee

Noon, Bayside Activity Center, 2 West Lakeshore Dr., Colchester.

Bring your lunch at noon to meet others, or just come for the movie at 1 p.m. Beverages and popcorn provided. This week's movie is "Made for Each Other," a comedy starring Carole Lombard and James Stewert.

dungeonS and dragonS

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library.

Embark upon imaginary adventures. A Dungeon Master serves as the game’s referee and storyteller. For grades 6 and up.

maggie’S FiBer FridaY For adulTS

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. if you wish to contact Maggie, email 6maggie2@myfairpoint.net.

11 SaTurdaY GRACE UNiTED METhODiST ChURCh

rummage Sale

9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St., Essex Jct. Take what you need and pay what you

can. For more information, call the church at 878-8071 or Ann at 879-7943.

roBoT rockFeST

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Essex high School, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct. The public is invited to watch more than 300 students from high schools across the east coast compete in the Vermont FiRST Tech Challenge Championship. The free Robot Rockfest will test the engineering skills of 32 teams (half of which are from Vermont) as they compete for a chance to advance to the super-regional competition at Scranton University in March. For more information, call 857-7000 ext. 1544 or email jchase@ccsuvt. org.

VT GENEALOGy LiBRARy

perSonal genealogY educaTion planS

10:30 a.m. - noon, 377 hegeman Ave., Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester.

Create your own educational plan according to your budget, time, location, skill level and needs. Professional genealogist Catherine Desmarais will join us to explore all of your exciting options. $5. For more information, visit www.vtgenlib.org or call 310-9285.

weekend STorYTime

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library.

Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs every Saturday morning.

cheSS cluB

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 are funded by the Brownell Library Foundation.

12 SundaY chili cook-oFF

and luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Milton Public Library Community Room, 39 Bombardier Rd., Milton.

A $5 fee includes chili, chili dogs, cornbread, beverages and dessert. if you would like you enter your chili in the contest, call 893-4644.

Free entry. The winner will receive a hannaford gift certificate and their recipe published in the Milton independent.

poSSumhaw concerT

4 - 5 p.m., UCW White Church, 1, White Church Ln., Westford. A couple members of this fabulous bluegrass group are moving out west and are sad but delighted to complete their band partnership at the Westford Music Series.

Free will donation; refreshments provided.

Call 879-4028 for more information.

13 mondaY Free Tax help

9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. time slots, Brownell Library (See Thursday, Feb. 9.)

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.

February 9, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •7

calendar local MeetingS tHurS., feb. 9 6:30 p.m., town planning commission, Town offices, 81 Main St., Essex Jct.

fri., feb. 10

3 - 5:30 p.m., eWSd negotiations, CCSU Central Office conference room, 51 Park St., Essex Jct.

Mon., feb. 13

5:45 - 6:45 p.m., village bike/walk advisory committee, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

lego club

3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Essex Free Library. Build awesome creations using our collection of Legos!

Star WarS club

4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Our library trustee Max Holzman leads the Star Wars Club. For all ages. Popcorn and drink provided.

Public Hearing on governor’S ProPoSed budget

6 - 7 p.m., Community College of Vermont Janice Couture Room, 1 Abenaki Way, Winooski. The Vermont House and Senate Committees on Appropriations are seeking public input on the governor’s proposed state budget for FY18.

For more information about the format of these events or to submit written testimony, call Theresa Utton-Jerman or Rebecca Buck at 8285767.

MuSt read MondayS

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Brownell Library. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a beautiful, stunningly ambitious novel about a blind French girl and German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Pick up a copy of the book at the main desk.

14 tueSday StorytiMe for babieS & 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.

HEInEBERG COMMUnITY AnD SEnIOR CEnTER

valentine’S day luncH

11:45 a.m., 14 Heineberg Rd., Burlington.

Our special Valentine’s Day lunch catered

by Papa Frank's and will include lasagna, baked ziti, salad and our chocolate fountain.

The Heineberg Singing

6:30 - 9 p.m., eWSd school board, Essex High School library, 2 Educational Dr., Essex Jct.

7 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. We will view and reflect upon TED Talk videos around the theme "Different Shades of Humanity." This is a great opportunity to connect with others!

and services available at BTC. The event will include demonstrations, tours of the aviation program at the Burlington Airport and opportunities to talk with teachers and students at the tech center. For more information, visit burlingtontechnicalcenter. com or call 864-8426.

16 tHurSday

dna teSting

tHurS., feb. 16

free tax HelP

tueS., feb. 14

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., village trustees, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

6 - 7:30 p.m., village planning commission, Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct.

Group and pianists will welcome us to lunch with love songs; free swing dance classes will be available after.

To make a reservation, stop by the center or call 863-3982 at least 24 hours in advance.

Suggested donation: $7.

All proceeds go to the Heineberg Community and Senior Center.

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.

15 WedneSday 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 is offering after-school tutoring at the library. Math is the preferred subject, but

others are available.

tedxbroWnell library

9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Brownell Library (See Thursday, Feb. 9.)

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.

funeral Planning WorKSHoP

6:30 p.m., 68 Pinecrest Dr., Essex Jct. Ready Funeral Home hosts a workshop allowing attendees to list all personal wishes, funeral plans and other important information. The funeral director will also be onsite to answer any questions. Give yourself peace of mind and heart and join us for this informal meeting. Light refreshments will be provided.

17 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.

vintage Movie Matinee

noon, Bayside Activity Center, 2 West Lakeshore Dr., Colchester.

Bring your lunch at noon to meet others, or just come for the movie at 1 p.m. Beverages and popcorn provided. This week's movie is "Meet Jane Doe," a film starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck.

live action role Play 3:30 - 5 p.m., Brownell Library. LARP with Sydney is open to all middle and high school students who want to have adventures in a mythical land.

faMily Movie

6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Brownell Library. Free popcorn and drink.

18 Saturday burlington tecHnical center oPen HouSe 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 52 Institute Rd., Burlington.

Students and families are encouraged to come learn about the dynamic range of programs

VT GEnEALOGY LIBRARY

10:30 a.m. - noon, 377 Hegeman Ave., Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester.

Patti Malone has spent 2+ years using the results from FamilyTreeDnA and AncestryDnA to research her family tree and find genetic cousins. How has she done it? What’s involved? Would she do it the same way after all the work, time and energy she’s invested?

Join us for an entertaining and informative look at the world of genetic genealogy. $5.

For more information, visit www.vtgenlib.org or call 310-9285.

WeeKend StorytiMe

10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Essex Free Library.

Start off your weekend with books, rhymes and songs every Saturday morning.

Has depression been a source of stress for your family?

Do you have a child between the ages of 9-15? You and your family can receive support by participating in this 8 week workshop to learn how parental depression effects parenting styles.Learn parenting skills and coping skills as a family.Raising Healthy Children is an evidence based program to reduce the negative effects of depression for everyone in your home This program has been scientifically shown to reduce the considerable risk of your children developing depression,anxiety or any psychological disorder.For more information email: rhccoping@ gmail.com Co-Sponsored with The Community Health Team.

Healthier Living A free series of six classes Are you living with a persistent health condition like arthritis, heart disease or osteoporosis? Learn proven ways to feel better and practice setting small achievable health goals, all in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Take control of your health so it doesn’t control you! Family members and caregivers welcome. All ages welcome. You will receive a free 300-page booklet and relaxation audio CD. Six Thursdays 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm February 16 through March 30 (No class 3/2) Town Meadow Senior Housing - in the Library 22 Carmichael Street, Essex *Space is limited* Please register by February 10th CALL 847-2278 TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE

engineer for a day

1 - 4 p.m., Brownell Library. Johnson State College’s math club members will help students build a miniature trebuchet, a type of siege engine most frequently used in the Middle Ages. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

19 Sunday 11TH AnnUAL

Winter bridal SHoW

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Essex Resort & Spa, 70 Essex Way, Essex Jct. Meet the area’s top wedding professionals, taste amazing appetizers, listen to music and see the latest in bridal fashions by Danielle’s Bridal. Tickets and registration available at burlingtonvtbridalshow. com. For more information, call 459-2897.

etHan allen: PriSoner of War

2 p.m., Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington.

Willard Sterne Randall, Ethan Allen's biographer, will explore Allen's capture, captivity and the 954-day ordeal he endured as a British POW in the Revolution, adding new evidence on the details of his exchange, facilitated

by Alexander Hamilton, and return to Vermont to recover.

Public Auto Auction 300± Repos, Trades, Donations & More!

Sat. February 11 @ 10AM (Register from 8AM) 298 J Brown Dr., Williston • 800-474-6132

Play SUBARU BANDIT Grab for CASH on select Subarus in Lane 2! ’14 Kawasaki Vulcan ’05 Chevy Aveo ’05 Dodge Ram ’05 Ford Escape ’05 Ford Taurus ’05 Honda Accord ’05 Honda Odyssey

’05 Honda Pilot ’05 Jeep GR Cherokee ’05 Mazda 3 ’05 Mercury Sable ’05 Subaru Legacy ’05 Subaru Outback AND MORE!

Late Model Restaurant Equipment

Through Sunday, February 12 (Lots start closing at 6PM) 192 College St., Burlington, VT

ongoing eaSc activitieS

Essex Area Senior Center, 2 Lincoln St., Essex Jct. A full list of activities happening at the EASC can be found at www. essexvtseniors.org. All activities for ages 50+.

Call 876-5087 for more information.

Stoelting Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines; AdvantEDGE 3-Door Reach-In Refrigerator; Advance Tabco SS 3-Bay Pot Sink; Beverage Air 2-Door Refrigerated Prep Station; True Refrigerated Open-Top Cooler; Vivonet POS System; Beverage Air 2-Door Refrigerated Prep Station; Cold Shot Chillers High Pressure Refrigeration Unit; Custom Display Counter; Flatscreen TVs; Tables, Chairs & Stools; Waring Imersion Blender; Summit Countertop Display Cooler; SS Work Table; Advance Tabco SS Pot Sink; Krowne SS Hand Sink; Advance Tabco Drop-In Sink; 4-Door Island w/ Poly Top; Server; Heated Condiment Dispensers; Century Safe; Shelving & MORE! See terms and Proxibid link to bid online at THCAuction.com

Thomas Hirchak Co. • THCAuction.com • 800-634-7653

8• The Essex Reporter • February 9, 2017

Classifieds & JOBSEEKERS

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.

Transportation Position Are you looking for a rewarding experience that helps people be independent and lead a fulfilling life? Champlain Community Services and the Way2Work Program is seeking a part time team member to provide employment transportation to individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. The ideal candidate understands the value of inclusion and has the desire to support their community in an area of great need.

If you are interested in joining our person centered team, please send your resume and cover letter to Michelle Paya at mpaya@ccs-vt.org Shared Living Provider CCS is seeking applicants to provide home supports to a kind, humorous gentleman who enjoys being involved in the community and in social settings. The ideal candidate will be patient, flexible and have strong interpersonal and communication skills. This position includes a generous stipend, ongoing supports, respite and a comprehensive training package. Contact Jennifer Wolcott at 655-0511 x 118 for more information.

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STATE OF VERMONT ESSEX UNIT, CIVIL DIVISION

VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT DOCKET NO: 39-10-14 EXCV

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. v.

JAMES THERRIEN AND CAROLYN THERRIEN A/K/A CAROLYN MESSINA OCCUPANTS OF144 HALL STREAM ROAD, BEECHER FALLS, VT MORTGAGEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER 12 V.S.A. sec 4952 et seq.

In accordance with the Judgment Order and Decree of Foreclosure entered February 23, 2016 n the above captioned action brought to foreclose that certain mortgage given by James Therrien and Carolyn Therrien a/k/a Carolyn Messina to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., dated October 31, 2008 and recorded in Book 56 Page 360 of the land records of the Town of Canaan, of which mortgage the Plaintiff is the present holder, by virtue of an Assignment of Mortgage from (1) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc. to BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP f/k/a Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP dated November 3, 2009 and recorded in Book 57 Page 450 and an Assignment of Mortgage from (2) BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP f/k/a Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP to Bank of America, N.A. dated April 2, 2012 and recorded in Book 60 Page 240 of the land records of the Town of Canaan for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 144 Hall Stream Road, Village of Beecher Falls, Town of Canaan, Vermont on February 17, 2017 at 11:00 am all and singular the premises described in said mortgage, To wit:

Immediate Opening in Business Office at Busy Auction Facility

WILLISTON — We are an automobile auction company with a full-time position in our office for a computer proficient individual with a pleasant demeanor to assist the auto manager and run the office for our busy auctions.

Applicant must be detail oriented, organized, and possess great customer service skills. Cashier experience helpful.

A background check is required. Competitive wages and benefits package including 401(k).

Please forward your resumé and references to HR@THCAuction.com

Director of Nursing The Director of Nursing is responsible for providing overall leadership and management of the health and well being of the residents within the community. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing clinical programs, quality assurance and regulatory compliance, assisting in the recruiting, hiring and training of clinical team members, clinical staff scheduling and daily timekeeping. Responsible for team members’ engagement, performance management and evaluations.

Job Requirements: - Maintains current license as professional Registered Nurse per state regulations - Experienced in assisted living, long term care or home healthcare industries - Demonstrates competence in assessment skills, injections, medication administration, follow up and triage - A minimum of one year nursing management experience including hiring staff, coaching performance, discipline and counseling and daily operations supervision - Ability to handle multiple priorities - Ability to delegate assignments to the appropriate individuals based on their skills Benefits: - Medical and Dental - Growth Opportunities - PTO (Vacation & Sick) - Competitive Wages - Employee Rewards Program - Team Member Referral Bonus Spring Village is a WOODBINE Senior Living Community

TAX ID NUMBER(S): U06005 LAND SITUATED IN THE CITY OF BEECHER FALLS IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX IN THE STATE OF VT

Send resume to: joanne.bowley@springvillageesex.com or 802.872.1700

BEING ALL AND THE SAME LAND AND PREMISES AS CONVEYED TO JAMES THERRIEN AND CAROLYN MESSINA BY WARRANTY DEED OF CHARLES O. STEVENS, II AND SHIRLEY T. STEVENS, HUSBAND AND WIFE DATED 08/16/2005, AND RECORDED 08/17/2005 IN BOOK 51, PAGE 512 OF THE ESSEX LAND RECORDS AND IN SAID DEED DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: A CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, KNOWN AS 144 HALL STREET ROAD, BEECHER FALLS VILLAGE IN THE TOWN OF CANAAN, COUNTY OF ESSEX AND STATE OF VERMONT, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, VIZ: BEING ALL AND THE SAME LANDS AND PREMISES, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, AS CONVEYED TO CHARLES O. STEVENS, II AND SHIRLEY T. STEVENS BY EXECUTOR’S DEED OF PHILIP E. THERRIEN, EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF EDNA M. THERRIEN, DATED FEBRUARY 14, 2000 AND RECORDED IN THE TOWN OF CANAAN LAND RECORDS IN BOOK 44, PAGE 64, SAID LANDS AND PREMISES ARE DESCRIBED THEREIN AS FOLLOWS; “BEING ALL AND THE SAME LANDS AND PREMISES, TOGETHER WITH ALL BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED THEREON, AS CONVEYED TO EMILE THERRIEN AND EDNA THERRIEN AS JOINT TENANTS (EMILE THERRIEN HAVING PREDECEASED EDNA THERRIEN) BY THE WARRANTY DEED OF EDNA GIROUX AND LEON F. GIROUX DATED APRIL 25, 1945 AND RECORDED IN BOOK Q AT PAGE 25 OF THE CANAAN LAND RECORDS. COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 144 HALL STREAM RD, BEECHER FALLS, VT 05902 Reference is hereby made to the above instruments and to the records and references contained therein in further aid of this description.

Terms of sale: Said premises will be sold and conveyed subject to all liens, encumbrances, unpaid taxes, tax titles, municipal liens and assessments, if any, which take precedence over the said mortgage above described.

TEN THOUSAND ($10,000.00) Dollars of the purchase price must be paid by a certified check, bank treasurer’s or cashier’s check at the time and place of the sale by the purchaser. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid by a certified check, bank treasurer’s or cashier’s check within thirty (30) days after the date of sale.

The mortgagor is entitled to redeem the premises at any time prior to the sale by paying the full amount due under the mortgage, including the costs and expenses of the sale.

Other terms to be announced at the sale.

DATED : January 17, 2017

By:

/s/ Rachel K. Jones Rachel K. Jones, Esq. Bendett and McHugh, PC 270 Farmington Ave., Ste. 151 Farmington, CT 06032

NOTICE: THE LAW FIRM OF BENDETT & MCHUGH, PC IS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY WHICH DISCHARGED THIS DEBT, THIS CORRESPONDENCE IS NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, BUT ONLY ENFORCEMENT OF A LIEN AGAINST PROPERTY

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10• The Essex Reporter • February 9, 2017

school HIAWATHA HIGHLIGHTS

S

taff and students alike at Hiawatha are making a healthy start to the New Year. Many staff members are participating in a 10-week PATH-to-Wellness contest and earning points for physical activity and healthy choices. Students can sign up now for the Mini Milers program taking place later this spring. Now in its second year, the program is open to students in grades K-3 and is sponsored by RunVermont. The goal of the program is to promote running as a lifetime activity, while celebrating the athletic spirit and embracing Vermont communities.

Starting on April 6 and ending with a celebration on June 1, the group will meet eight times to run as a community.

We will meet right after school and finish by 4 p.m. Families will need to register online at www.runvermont.org. If you don't have access to a computer, we do have paper forms that can be filled out at the office. There is a $35 registration fee. Any student who wants to participate should not be deterred by the cost; there are scholarships through RunVermont. Please contact Principal Tom Bochanski at 878-1384 for further

FLEMING FLYER

information.

The cost of the program pays for a mile tracker, a T-shirt, incentives along the way, a certificate and medal at the end of the eight weeks. The goal of the program is to complete a full marathon (26.2 miles). This is a terrific program.

Last year, we had 80 students participate. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Laurie Morgan at 734-2946 or by email at lauriegmorgan@myfairpoint.net. We have a great group of parents helping out and would love to welcome you to join us as well. Committee members are Laurie Morgan, Jen and Adam Ashe, Jenn Nolin and Kate Martin.

Our students will also be lacing up their skates with Mr. Rasco on February 6 and 9 and getting in some exercise over at the rink. Parents are welcome to join them. Check with the main office for the schedule.

Many thanks to all who turned out for the third grade sharing night. It was a great program of music, dance, art and choral speaking inspired by an African tale. The arts are alive and well at Hiawatha!

FoUNDERS MEMoRIAL ScHooL

In physical education class at Founders Memorial School, we have been working on an exciting unit for the last three weeks that encompasses many different aspects of fitness related topics. The unit is designed to create a combination of balance, muscular strength, agility and coordination. It also weaves together all five of the national standards for physical education, which are designed to develop physically literate students. Additionally, the students have been following a code

of conduct that emphasizes trying your personal best, using self-discipline, supporting your classmates and challenge by choice.

Through the Ninja Warrior Training, we are jumping, balancing and climbing our way into 21st century physical education. By creating nontraditional workouts such as climbing and parkour, the goal is to demonstrate that being healthy can be fun and enhance the strength of a healthy mind and body. The work being done now by the students is in various stations set up around the gym. The unit will culminate with an event that blends many of the skills and stations into one continuous course. Through their hard work, the students have increased both their physical fitness and their self-confidence.

G

eo bee championship: The top 10 students in both fourth and fifth grades competed in the Fleming Geo Bee Finals on January 18. Congratulations to fifth-grader Nirmal Lamichhane for taking home the title of Fleming School Geo Bee Champion. All of our competitors did a great job preparing for this competition, and Fleming School is very proud of our knowledgeable students. Nirmal took the National Geographic Geo Bee Qualifying Exam last week as a follow-up to his becoming the school’s Geo Bee Champion. Students with the top 100 scores of this qualifying written exam are invited to participate in the Vermont State Geo Bee in April. The Vermont Geo Bee champion will then go to Washington, D.C. and compete in the National Geographic National Geo Bee for a $50,000 college scholarship.

Dance-Off: The annual Fleming Dance-Off took place on February 3.

Each class worked with physical education teacher Kelly McClintock during their gym periods to coordinate and practice a dance routine to compete against other classes in

their grade. The Fleming Dance Team showcased their routines, and the Fleming staff also performed. View photos and videos from the event on our website at: http:// fleming.ccsuvt.org/danceoff-2017/ Skating at the rink: Students and staff took to the ice on January 26 for some skating time at the EHS Rink and had a great time. View photos from the day on our website at: http://fleming.ccsuvt.org/ skating-at-the-rink/ Theater residency in February: In February, artist Trisha Denton will provide an artistin-residence performing arts program involving all fourth and fifth grade students. From February 9-22, Denton will work with students for 10 days to develop a studentgenerated performance of folklore vignettes. Using folktales as inspiration, students will demonstrate their storytelling skills to create performances with their classmates. Students will draw on their literacy lessons as they work to construct characters, themes, storylines, narration and much more.

The evening performance will take place on February 22 at 6:30 p.m., and

ESSEx ELEMENTARY ScHooL

“Listen to this!” “Wow! I didn’t know that!” and “I wonder why that happens?” are exclamations heard and answered every day by the second graders at Essex Elementary School as they become deeply engaged in their nonfiction book clubs.

A club is simply a couple of kids reading and talking about a small collection Photo by ERIC BOWKER of books that go together in some way.

FMS students practice good physical fitness Readers of the same reading level and ingaining balance, strength, coordination and terest are grouped together to read, talk, self-confidence. ponder questions and come up with new thoughts and ideas about their topic.

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build on one another’s ideas and how to ask and answer questions.

An important part of the nonfiction book club unit is for children to not only learn and talk about the big ideas the author is teaching, but to talk about their own thinking and reactions to the information. We call this making inferences.

After the children take time to talk, share and revise their thinking about their topic, they learn how to compare and contrast the information among the books they’ve read.

The nonfiction book club unit is perfect to teach at this time of year when it’s dreary and cold outside. There is so much joy, excitement and enthusiasm in the classroom as our second graders learn to enjoy nonfiction. Just as adults experience in their book clubs, the social aspect of reading and talking about books make reading even more engaging and fun!

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the Fleming community is invited to attend.

Coming up: “I Love to Read and Write Week”: February 13-17 is “I Love to Read and Write Week” at Fleming School. In addition to engaging in regular classroom reading and writing, students will participate in school-wide literacy activities. Students will be challenged to “Drop Everything and Write” and “Drop Everything and Read” sessions, and classes will participate in a school-wide progressive write project, where each classroom will contribute three minutes of writing to one storyline.

Students will be invited to read their favorite folktale in a special designated reader’s chair. The “PopUp Poet” will also pay a visit.

NAEP assessment, February 13: Fleming fourth grade students will participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress on February 13. An explanatory letter has been sent home with students providing details about this literacy or math assessment. Please contact the school office if you have questions about your student’s participation in this testing.

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February 9, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •11

sports SPORT SHORTS

by JOE GONILLO

S

now! A couple of state championships are decided with playoffs looming, while lots of action and activity this week and in the coming weeks. The Pink Zone games are Friday. I hope you can come out and support this important cause. Lazy, scared groundhog may help the skiers.

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day and the ADL Tourney are coming up quick. The Super Bowl was last Sunday. EAC’s Night to Shine (Tim Tebow Foundation) is Friday evening.

Congratulations to the indoor track teams on their state meet performances last weekend. Down in Norwich on Saturday, the girls finished second to St. J, scoring 134 points. The boys placed third with 73 points, behind St. J and SB. BHS was fourth. Individual champions include Katie James (600m in 1:41.80) and Jenna Puleo (long jump - 17’ 0.5”), who both won last year, too. James also ran second in the 1000m and fourth in the 300m, while Puleo finished second in the 55m high hurdles and fifth in the 55m dash and triple jump. Second place: Sade Hankey (55m and high jump), Hannah Brisson (mile and two mile), Breyer Sinor (weight throw), girls 4x400m relay and Sam Velasquez (high jump). Third place: Hankey (triple jump), Hannah Neddo (high jump), Claudia Bearman (weight throw), Guilia Eddy (600m), Jackson Baker (high jump), Michael Baker (polve vault), girls and boys 4x200m and 4x800m relays. Fourth place: Neddo (pole vault), Justin Poulin (1000m), Jamaal Hankey (55m high hurdles), Baker (pole vault).

Fifth place: Hankey (long jump), Maria Campo (shot put and weight throw) and Peter Alden (two mile).

Our girls hockey team is on fire! After dropping their first game, they have 13 straight wins putting away competition left and right. Last week, they beat Northfield 6-3 behind Kaitlyn Butkus' two goals and assist. Olivia Miller-Johnson and Hannah Palmer each added a goal and two assists with Maddy Young scoring as well. Huge games vs. BFA on Wednesday and Spaulding on Saturday.

The Hornet boys hockey team (9-5) is heating up as well after winning two more games last week. They have only one loss in 2017. They beat SB and clubbed Rice 8-2 as Sam Couture and Ryan Young had two goals.

Dylan Jean, Dom Lessard, Jeff Truax and Sam Gibbs scored. They hit the road to play U-32 and SHS. The boys basketball team (4-10) went 0-2 dropping games to BHS and St J. Hunter Smith led the Hornets in scoring versus the Hilltoppers. The JVs (10-4) beat BHS 5047 and slid by St. J by a point. SB and CVU are up this week. The freshmen competed in the BFA tourney. Results next week.

See SHORTS, page 12

BY COLIN FLANDERS

T

he Essex gymnastics squad looks well posed to defend its streak of 11-straight titles.

The Hornets have surged heading into the final stretch, defeating Harwood 137.7 to 101.65 last Saturday, good enough for the team's second-highest score of the season. Myla Dusablon took first in the all-around competition, while Abbey Gleason won the vault event, Kylie Svarczkopf took first on the beam, Abbie Gehsmann won on the bars and Allison Green took first on the floor.

The Hornets then hosted senior night Wednesday, which concluded after the Reporter went to print. With a win against Milton and Montpelier, they'll enter the state championships a perfect 6-0, having topped 130 points in all but one match so far this season.

The championships, which will be at Essex High School, will be the final meet for six Hornets: Eve Contois, Abigail Gehsmann, Lindsey Gleason, Claire Peterson, Kylie Svarczkopf and Lauren Watson.

Clockwise from top: Senior captain Abbie Gehsmann soars over the bar during her routine last Saturday at Essex High School.

The Hornets have one final meet before defending their streak of 11-straight titles on February 18. 2) Sophomore Kaitlyn Farrar balances during her beam routine. 3) Sophomore Abbey Gleason strikes a pose after finishing her floor routine.

Photos by KYLE ST. PETER

12• The Essex Reporter • February 9, 2017

sports Essex hosts annual alpine ski carnival

Courtesy photo The Essex chearleading team runs through a routine at South Burlington earlier this season.

Photos by MEREDITH PAYSON Essex senior Kevin Donley cuts through the snow during the Hornets' annual Alpine Ski Carnival last weekend. The Hornets placed fifth out of nine teams.

Nine teams hit Smuggs last Friday and Saturday for the annual Essex Alpine Ski Carnival. Harwood took the trophy, followed by Mt. Mansfield and BFA. The Hornets placed fifth.

Essex senior co-captain Hannah Danis took sixth in the Giant Slalom on Friday, doubling down to take sixth in the slalom on Saturday as well. The other senior cocaptain, Eric DeWitt, nabbed seventh in the Giant Slalom on Friday.

"Overall, the team on both the girls and the boys side skied well and very consistently," head coach Mike Goodrich said. "They continue to show solid improvement at each race they compete in and this bodes well for the end of the season competitions which begin at the end of the month."

Indeed, Essex has four more races to prepare for the Northern Vermont Athletic Conference Championships, which will be held at Stowe on February 27 and 28.

SHORTS from page 11

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The girls basketball team fell to BFA in a defensive nail biter 35-31 early last week. Their defense is playing very well as playoffs near. The Hornets recovered and beat SB 36-32 with Emmalee Smith leading the way with 15 points — eight in the fourth. At 7-5, they continue to climb in the D-I rankings. The JVs got by the Comets in a blowout and beat SB to stand 11-1 this winter.

This week, Essex hosts CVU and Rice. The latter is the Pink Zone game. The JV B-squad is 12-4 after last week’s win over Winooski. Flynn "Steph Curry" Barcomb led the way as high scorer. Believe they have a game with Mt. Abe left to play.

The wrestlers were busy last week. Over the weekend they faired very well in Jericho and Turner Falls, Mass., winning both matches easily. This week sees them at CVU mid-week then to Hinesburg again for the NVAC Duals. Nice to hear John Stawinski is heading to Cornell!

The alpine skiers hosted the 21st Annual Essex Alpine Ski Carnival at Smuggs last Friday and Saturday. Overall, both girls and boys teams skied well and very consistently. They continue to show solid improvement with each race. This obviously bodes well for the end-of-season competitions, which start at the end of the month.

The Nordic skiers were in action in a prolog 2.6k freestyle (skate) sprint held at CHS last Thursday before a 5.2k freestyle (skate) held at the range on Saturday. The boys were fourth, led by Charles Martell’s seventh place finish. The gals also placed fourth, led bu AnneMarie Martell’s fifth-place finish. The Tour de Chittenden concluded on Monday with the uphill race at Cochran’s. FYI: CMS’ Rowan MacArdle was 18th.

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Cheerleaders take first at NVACs The Essex varsity cheerleading team took first place in the large varsity and metro divisions last Saturday in the Northern Vermont Athletic Conference Cheerleading Championships. The Hornets finished with an overall score of 187.

“This season started 2 weeks later than

usual, and these girls have worked so hard to put together an elite level routine and be successful with it in competition,” head coach Brittany Picard said. “I’m so incredibly proud of them, and cannot wait to see what they bring to our state competition on February 18 in Vergennes.”

As of Sunday morning, the UVM men’s basketball team owns the 61st ranking in D-I. Keep it rolling, Cats. Also glad to hear their trustees giving the go-ahead for funding to build the new athletic area on campus.

The Super Bowl was one heck of a game. Coming from a non-biased fan, we saw the best comeback in the history of the game, plus overtime. WOW! The Pink Zone games are Friday at EHS. Over the years, this event has raised over $20,000 for the Breast Care Center at UVM Medical Center. In addition to JV and varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m., respectively, there will also be a game featuring EMS against ADL at 4:30 p.m. The cheer teams from EHS, EMS and ADL also participate in the fundraising effort. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pink and join us for this great community event. I’ll bet we all have had someone in our lives affected by cancer. I know I have. Come out and help support the cure!

Heard news of a EHS mid-60s class reunion in Clermont, Fla. last week. Judy Hagadorn Granucci and husband Steve hosted an afternoon get-together. Check FB for details.

Sad to hear of the passing of Patrick DeLuca, a college professor in Newburg, N.Y., last week. He was an SMC grad in ‘66 and has family in Essex Jct. and Williston. Condolences. Donations to St. Jude’s Children Hospital can be made at www.stjude.org.

Happy Birthday wishes to Walt Latrell, Cheryl Fitzgerald, Tim Stratford, cousin Ted O’Lear, Kasey Greene, Kristen Rauer Mullen and Becca Olsen Bailey.

This week’s Bring It Back updates isthat the Friends of UVM Baseball and AD Jeff Schulman are going through the process of Collaborate, Cooperate, Communicate, Consummate and Celebrate. They are in the Cooperate/Communicate phase right now. More to come.

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February 9, 2017 • The Essex Reporter •13

food cooks up right in the liquid. It is tasty, satisfying and meat-free!

Photo courtesy of NANCY MOCK This spicy vegetarian chili is reminiscent of classic deli food and promises to be tasty, satisfying and completely meat-free.

Spicy Vegetarian Chili

By NANCY MOCK Hungryenoughtoeatsix.com This chili recipe is based on one served at the gourmet deli I worked at long ago. Made fresh every morning was a thick, spicy, vegetarian chili made with bulgur wheat.

Though I ate that chili for lunch every day that I worked there, I never thought to ask the owner for the recipe. I think this version does it justice, though.

The tomato base is flavored with toasted spices and garlic. It is loaded with not just bulgar but also corn, peppers and beans to give the chili some bite and heft. The bulgur

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KITCHEN CABINETS

ES

APPLIANC

limit one per adult entree

Ingredients • 2 Tbs. olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 Tbs. chili powder • 3 tsp. garlic powder • 2 tsp. onion powder • 2 tsp. cumin • 1 28-oz. can tomato sauce • 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes • 12 oz. dark beer • 1 medium onion, diced • 2 c. corn kernels • 1 large green bell pepper, seeds and veins removed, diced • 1 large red bell pepper, seeds and veins removed, diced • 1 jalapeno, seeds and veins removed, diced • 1 15.5-oz. can red kidney beans • 1 c. bulgur wheat • 1 tsp. salt • Shredded Mexican cheese blend for serving • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish Instructions In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. When hot, add in the minced garlic, chili

1

powder, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin. Stir to saute the garlic and spices for about 2 or 3 minutes. Do not allow the garlic to burn.

2

Add in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and beer.

Stir everything together and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Add in the onion, corn, green pepper, red pepper, jalapeno, kidney beans and bulgur. Stir to thoroughly combine everything and then cover.

3

Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the bulgur is cooked through and tender. Remove the lid and stir in the salt. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes until the chili has thickened.

4

Ladle the chili into serving bowls.

Top each with the shredded cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve it hot.

Nancy Mock is a food blogger from Colchester.

When she's not cooking, Mock works as a paraeducator at Porters Point School.

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14• The Essex Reporter • February 9, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day BAKERY from page 1

Intolerance Group, has seen a lot of growth, Lois Blaisdell said. Originally, the operation ran out of her home kitchen.

The name West Meadow is the nickname of the farmland that hosts her family’s home.

When demand for her glutenfree product outgrew the space, she made the move to Park Street, the owner explained.

Now, the small bakery occupies multiple large ovens and stacked trays of freshly baked goods for wholesale and walk-in retail.

Both diagnosed with celiac disease — an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye — the mother-daughter duo understands the struggles of maintaining a gluten-free diet. So, they put their baking skills to use and brought the joy of gluten-free products to others with and without celiac disease.

When gluten-free customer Isaak Monahan entered the bakery last Monday, he was excited to see an array of muffins, scones, crème puffs, breads, cookies and more.

“I’m in heaven,” he said, grasp-

ing a white paper bag with two treats yet to be devoured.

A New York resident, Monahan said he’d never seen such a large display of gluten-free items.

“I’m coming back tomorrow,” he exclaimed, saying he wanted to try every item on the menu.

While Monahan is gluten-free, not all customers are, the Blaisdells explained. Some customers are part of what the pair referred to as the gluten-free “fad diet,” when people believe it’s healthier to avoid gluten, even if they’re not allergic.

Others may just consume their product because it tastes good even without gluten, the duo said.

The fad, though, hasn’t caused a noticeable change in sales, Lois Blaisdell said.

For her daughter, a psychology graduate from the University of Vermont, West Meadow isn’t the path she saw herself following. Now that she’s full-time with the operation though, she’s excited to bring gluten-free treats to others, especially younger generations.

“Being able to be there to support the next generation of glutenfree kids is always something I’ve sort of wanted to do,” Sarah Blaisdell said. “Because, man, did it suck being in high school and having something that nobody really even

understood.”

West Meadow sells its products — such as pizza dough, bread and pastries — to Champlain and Goddard colleges. The bakers notice an uptick of gluten-free orders when local colleges are in session.

An increased number of diagnoses of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease within the past several years has paralleled with an increase in awareness, the mother-daughter team said.

Working together, Sarah and Lois said their maturity as partners has also grown. The two sometimes have different philosophies on how to steer the company, but as time goes on, they said they’ve honed their decision-making ability.

While learning to manage the family-work relationship, they’ve also “pioneered” part of Vermont’s gluten-free community, they said.

Lois Blaisdell compared her growing business back to life on the farm.

“When the girls were younger, we rode quite a bit, and some horses you just have to always be alert while riding,” she said. “And that’s how it is with the business: You always have to be riding that horse; you can’t sit back and let the reins go.”

Photo by KAYLEE SULLIVAN Lois Blaisdell, owner of West Meadow Farm Bakery in Essex Jct., shows an array of gluten-free cupcakes decorated for Valentine's Day.

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